Author's note: Had everybody freaked, didn't I? Hee-hee! Thanks for reviewing Biowolf and Aries of Attitude! You guys are the greatest and your reviews mean a lot to me! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Thomas: No, you don't, Shelly! You're not doing this to Karl again!

Shelly: You again? Who let you in here?

Thomas: Your cat did.

Shelly: *grumbling* She must be trying to get back at me for leaving her alone to go to the beach. Thomas, there's nothing to worry about. Everything will be explained soon if you'll just read.

Thomas: No! I'm tired of you doing this to my brother! And look what you did to me! You let Van have Fiona when it's me she's in love with!

Shelly: Keep your shirt on! Aries of Attitude has someone in mind for you.

Thomas: *dreamy look in his eye* Really? I hope she looks just like Fiona...

Shelly: Oh, brother...

Dragonflame by Shelly

CHAPTER TWELVE


Tania's heart beat wildly within her chest when she felt his breath caress her cheek, telling her that his lips weren't far away from hers as she closed her eyes. But then an image flashed across her mind, of fiery eyes that promised destruction of everything and everyone she knew, and she drew back from him with a cry of surprise. She felt a hand grab her arm with a pressure that was painful, and she looked at Raven to see his eyes filled with the same promise. Gone was the man who had promised her everything she could ever want, now he had only one purpose and that was to destroy her.

She fought against his grip, kicking at him and scratching anything she could to get away from him while his laughter rang harshly in her ears. Finally succumbing to her fear, she ceased her struggles and sat there, calling out silently with her thoughts for Silver to help her, although she knew it was futile to do so as he was compromised as well. But then she saw a bright flash burst through the door to surround her and speed her to safety.

Raven saw this and wasn't the least bit surprised as he knew it would happen. Stepping outside, he saw Shadow waiting for orders. "Leave them be, Shadow. She's made her decision and she'll soon pay for it."



Tania had no way of knowing how long or far they had traveled, but she trusted in Silver's instincts to keep her safe. When she emerged from the organoid, she fell to the ground, exhausted and shaking like a leaf from the fear that still had its hold on her. She heard voices around her and looked up to see strangers coming to stand around her, curious to see who it was that had appeared just as night was falling.

Silver stayed by her side, his presence giving her a small amount of comfort as she sat up to look around at her new surroundings. It was a village that had large, various colored tents lining a wide path which led to an even larger tent that was elaborately designed. Torches lined the pathway, the flames guttering in the night breeze, and she could hear the roar of the sea in the crashing of waves against rocks.

She saw a hand offered to her, and she accepted the strength it offered to pull her to her feet. Looking at the owner, she saw a surprisingly young man about her own age with the same hair color as hers which hung far down his back in a silver cascade. His eyes were a startling blue, so bright she thought she saw the endless depths of the sky in them.

"Who are you?" she asked, noticing that he wore a long, flowing white robe, and around his neck hung a necklace holding a symbol, the same one that marked her forehead.

He smiled in welcome, his face open and guileless. "I am Kiran, the priest of this village," he replied and reached up to lift her hair from her forehead. "So you are the one we have waited for for so long."

She started to ask a question, but Silver roared and promptly shot off in a flash of light. "Silver--" she called, but Kiran's hand on her shoulder stopped her from continuing.

"Do not worry. He'll be back. He's just going to find those who came here with you."

She looked back at him, amazed at how calm his voice was, causing a peacefulness to settle within her soul when she looked into his eyes once more. "I am confused, Kiran," she said.

He laughed. "I imagine so. You are tired and have so many questions that need answering." He placed his hand on her back to guide her towards the large tent. "Please, make yourself at home at the temple. You will be safe here."

Tania sighed and allowed herself to be led in that direction, noticing that those that had come out to watch had gone back inside their tents. Walking up the pathway, she saw a large fountain that stood in front of the temple, water cascading down its three levels. At the top was a statue of a dragon, wings spread and head thrown back in victory, the water shooting out of its mouth.

"It's beautiful," she said in admiration.

"Isn't it? It's been here for centuries ever since the last battle against the Death Dragon," he replied.

She didn't say anything more as she figured she would find that out soon enough. He led her into the tent which had several rooms sectioned off by fabrics of a strong silken material, and gestured for her to step inside one of them. A soft pallet waited for her, and she sank down onto it with an audible sigh of relief.

Kiran knelt down on the floor beside her. "I know you have many questions, but I would advise getting some rest tonight and I will answer any questions you have tomorrow." Then he smiled, a smile which put her at rest and eased all her fears and doubts. "Please forgive me as I never asked you your name."

She couldn't help but smile in return. "It's Tania."

"A beautiful name for an equally beautiful woman," he said.

Her smile faltered a bit as she blushed slightly. "Thank you," she replied. "I'm sorry, but I'm really tired, Kiran."

"Of course," he said as he rose to his feet. "How inconsiderate of me. I'll see you in the morning then." He disappeared from the room without a sound, leaving her to think how strange everything had become to her so quickly.

Settling into a comfortable position, she hoped that wherever Karl and the others were, they were all right.



Karl gazed up into the star-filled sky, his thoughts echoing those of his beloved's as he walked back inside the wreckage. They had made camp in one of the rooms of the Whale King which was still intact in case a storm brewed overnight, and he had volunteered to take first watch to make sure nothing surprised them. It was almost time for Thomas' watch to begin, and he stopped as he looked upon the sleeping forms of his friends and brother, seeing the couples nestled against each other making him long for Tania's presence even more.

He was worried about her as she had never showed up the entire day, and come morning he meant to try and find her no matter how long it took. He crouched down by Thomas and gently shook him awake, helping him to his feet as they walked back outside together.

"See anything?" Thomas asked.

Karl shook his head. "Nothing can be seen in this pitch black darkness. But I haven't heard anything either."

The younger brother heard the desperation in the older brother's voice and laid his hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. She's fine, I know she is. And we'll find her soon. That organoid of hers wouldn't let anything happen to her."

Karl sighed. "I know. I just miss being apart from her. It hurts not having her here."

Thomas was touched that Karl was opening up to him like this. It had been so long since they had shared a conversation together. But then a noise out in the darkness quieted them both as they held their breaths, raising their guard after they heard it again. Starlight flashed off of something shiny, giving away its position, and Thomas gestured to Karl that he was going out to investigate, taking out his flashlight to light his way.

Not long after, the beam shone upon a feline face that turned away from the bright light, and Thomas let out an undignified shriek as the flashlight was knocked from his hand and a dark figure loomed over him.

"Thomas!" Karl shouted and made his way over to his brother using his own flashlight, his alarm turning to amusement when he saw Silver sitting on top of Thomas, his mouth open in a wide grin. "You okay, Thomas?" he asked, trying his best not to laugh.

"Somebody get this thing off of me!"

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Poor Thomas! I love picking on him! ^.^ Next chapter: Tania finally finds answers to her questions! Hope you didn't mind me mentioning you, Aries! ^.~ C-ya!