A/N: Can you believe it? This is the last chapter (if you don't count the epilouge)!! I can finally say I don't believe you will kill me for the ending... well, it being the last chapter and all, I don't really think I can leave it a cliffie, do you?? ^_^ Well, here is my last chapter, and I hope you all enjoy... by the way, if you have the Good Charlotte CD, I recommend listening to Movin' On', the last song on the CD because it definately sumarizes what they're feeling... actually, it will put you in the wrong mood for the beginning of the chapter, so I'll insert a little note for ya'! ^_^ Well, enjoy the last chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Movin' On
chapter 6
Good Charlotte - Movin' On
When I think about my life,
I wonder if I will survive,
To live to see 25,
Or will I just fall?
Like all my friends,
They just keep dying,
People round me always crying,
In this place that I like to call my home.
But not everybody knows,
That everybody goes,
To a better place.
And not everybody knows,
That everybody could be living,
Their last days.
But the hard times will come,
And we'll keep movin' on,
We're movin' up,
Keep movin' on...
Life, hope, truth, trust, faith, pride, love, lust,
On without the things we've lost,
The things we've gained we'll take with us...
And all I've got are these two hands,
To make myself a better man,
I wonder if I'll ever see,
The end of this.
With all this rain, it just keeps falling,
On my head and now I'm calling,
Out to someone else to help me,
Make it through...
But not everybody knows,
That everybody goes,
To a better place.
And not everybody knows,
That everybody could be living,
Their last days.
But the hard times will come,
And we'll keep movin' on,
We're movin' up,
Keep movin' on...
Life, hope, truth, trust, faith, pride, love, lust,
Pain, hate, lies, guilt, laugh, cry, live, die,
Some friends become enemies,
Some friends become you family,
Make the best with what you're given,
This ain't dying, this is living!
Said we're movin' on,
And we've got nothing to prove,
To anyone,
Cause we'll get through,
We're movin' on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and On and on and on and on and on and on and on...
Keep movin' on...
Life, hope, truth, trush, faith, pride, love, lust,
Pain, hate, lies, guilt, laugh, cry, live, die,
Some friends become enemies,
Some friends become you family,
Make the best of what you're given,
This ain't dying, this is living!
~*~
In his hands Bernard held a picture. It was a simple picture that would have no meaning to anyone... except him, that is. Yet another tear fell from his cheek and onto the glass covering it, where he let it stay.
The picture was of him as the Head Elf. It was taken on the staircase in front of the North Pole, with him and Santa in the very center, Curtis smiling at his side and Judy and Abbey on the other side of Santa, as well as every elf spread out across the stairs. Confetti littered the ground, and everyone was smiling, including him. He was truly smiling.
It had been taken before he became a Dark Elf, back in the days when he was still innocent... to some degree. Now, more than ever, he wished that things were like this again... smiling, happy, and full of life. He wished he had never learned of the Dark Elves, never thrown his whole life away, never plunged into a world of darkness. It would have meant he had never met Jacey, Perrin, and Kae, but then again, wouldn't that mean he wouldn't be feeling this horrible pain? He wouldn't feel his heart torn in two as he set the picture down next to one of him, Kae, Jacey and Perrin on a Thursday night when they had gotten particularily drunk. He looked at Kae's smiling face... no, she couldn't be gone... how could one, simple person drown her out? How could the light inside her be shut out? He pulled the picture close to him, hugging it to his chest and silently sobbing as tears spilled onto the floor. He had nowhere to run now... Kae wouldn't be there for him. Jacey and Perrin were just as grieved as he. The North Pole hated him... there was no place he could go. Nothing he could do. Nowhere he could run.
Nowhere to run.
~*~
Jacey sat curled up next to Perrin, crying into his chest as he held her close, his bright blue eyes dull in his pain. Jacey let a sob escape and he pulled her closer. For a week, they had waited, waiting for some sign of life from Kae. Yet after a week, Jacey had had a dream. She had seen Kae thrown to the ground, pain pressing down all around her, blood running from her body. She had seen the fierce determination in her eyes, fighting for everything she was, everything she had, and everything she could be...
And it wasn't enough.
She had seen Kae blown backwards off her feet again. And then, as she slowly got to her feet, her eyes widened in fear. Jacey had woken up screaming just before the red had consumed her.
Somehow, she knew it was true. As she had described the dream to Perrin, he had seen it in his head, sparked by her words and was able to tell her details that she had left out. She had written to Bernard, and he had sent no reply. Who would expect him to?
She's gone, Perrin, she muttered softly into his chest, and he set his head down on her shoulder, both of them sobbing, holding each other for fear of losing the other if they let go.
~*~
that voice... it was haunting, seeming almost hollow, yet comforting at the same time. Slowly, he lifted his tear-stained face to meet the speaker's eyes.
And there she was. Kae... her body was white and she was hovering off the ground, but there she was, her face inches from him.
Bernard started, but pain filled him at her name. Are you... are you...?
A ghost? she laughed. No, I'm just an image...
An image, Bernard's eyes brightened in hope, making Kae laugh.
Yes. Bernard... he has not conquered me yet. I bestowed the image of our fight upon Jacey, hoping she would realize, but she misunderstood. I gifted it to Perrin, but he took it the same way. No, the Dark One did not kill me, Bernard, unbelievable joy spread through Bernard, tears springing to his eyes, when suddenly he realized what it had to mean.
Yes, Bernard, Kae nodded. He is holding me prisoner. Bernard... be careful! He is using me as a trap to lure you back, because he wants to kill you. More than anyone, he wants you dead.
Then why not track me? Bernard asked, and Kae laughed lightly.
He wishes pain upon the one who defied him. You stood up to him the way no one else did... you told him of how you broke every law he laid down and how you resisted the magic the Kurai will usually give off, a kind of magic that would make loving impossible. He hates you for it, and he sees you as one who could appose him. That's why he wants you to come to him so that he can kill you in front of me... he knows about us, Bernard. He knows it will grieve you to know you were murdered in front of me... and thats why he wants you to come to him, Kae's words somehow made sense to Bernard now. Yet at the same time, he realized how horrible this really was. He couldn't wait any longer, for the Dark One might decide to greet him instead with Kae's dead body. No... he had to go quickly. He'd get Perrin to bring reinforcements... yes, that's what he would do! And he'd hurry...
Kae, I will come, he told her, and Kae seemed to swallow back the urge to cry.
Just don't get yourself killed, Bernard! she ordered, trying to look her fierce self but failing pitifully. Bernard just laughed and reached out towards her. Kae slowly lifted her hand, reaching to touch her fingertips to his.
Of course, she was only an image, so neither of them felt it physically, but as their hands hovered together in midair, they felt like they were together again.
Suddenly, Kae's face twisted in horror and pain. She seemed as if she were trying to stay, but something was pulling her back and up.
Bernard cried as she reached out towards him, but she was slipping backwards.
Bernard, the Dark One took something else of yours! He took- but in that conveinent moment, Kae dissapeared.
~*~
Bernard sat straight up, breathing heavily. He looked down to see he had fallen asleep on the table he had placed his pictures on, and in his hands he still held the picture of him and the other three grey elves. He wiped away the tears that had been real in both life and dream, determination taking their place. He set the picture down next to the one of him at the North Pole before getting to his feet and dissapearing.
~*~
Jacey lifted her head from Perrin's chest, a bit surprised that he hadn't appeared outside her door and knocked like he usually did. However, when she and Perrin saw the look in his eyes, they quickly forgave him.
What is it? Perrin asked, getting to his feet.
Kae is alive, his reply was short and simple, but the other two elves cringed back and hung their heads.
Bernard, we saw the Dark One kill her...
No you didn't! Bernard shouted back at them. Listen to me... she spoke to me in a dream. That wasn't the Dark One killing her... he was taking her captive! He wants me to come rescue her so that he can kill me... she sent you those images in hopes that you would realize she was being held, but you both took it as her being dead, so she came to me. Jacey and Perrin exchanged glances, not sure whether to be overjoyed or deep in sorrow. Perrin, however, quickly realized what Bernard meant and smiled affectionately at him.
Yes, I'll go to HQ and get the elves. You just go rescue your princess, Jacey giggled a bit at Perrin's words before standing up suddenly.
OH! You don't know where his knew lair is...
You know?!
Yes! I got a summon last night!
A few minutes later, they all dissapeared, each of them knowing that whoever won and whoever was killed would change their lives forever.
~*~
Bernard found himself in a dark, dreary cave. It was haunting, and as he proceeded down the dark tunnel, he often spun around to make sure no one was following him. Man times he had to fight the urge to turn around and run, but thinking of Kae kept him going. When he finally came to the room, nothing could have prepared him for what he saw.
The room was extremely large with stone stairs leading up to a platform in the back of the room, a couple hundred feet up. Kae was in chains held against the dark, back stone wall, anger flickering in her eyes. But what really hit him was that there was another chained up against the wall, tears running down his face, blood smeared all over him... Kae's words drifted through his head:
Bernard, the Dark One took something else of yours! He took-
Bernard cried, causing two heads to look up and the Dark One to spin around.
Kae cried, chest heaving, torn between relief and fear, tears falling from the corners of her eyes. The Dark One didn't seem quite as happy to see Bernard.
Well well well... if its isn't 712, how nice of you to join us! Really, you've come just in time to see the death of your best friend here, he gestured at Curtis, who's eyes widened. Though Bernard didn't know it, they weren't widening at the thought of his own death. Best friend? What was the Dark One talking about?!
I won't let you touch him, Bernard seethed, his fists clenching, red sparks dancing in them, though this time, red didn't cloud his eyes. They shone brilliantly, for he was not 712. No... he was Bernard, and he always would be. He almost laughed, though, when he saw how utterly shocked Curtis seemed.
You know, I often wonder why someone with as much promise as you would throw it all away, the Dark One's wicked sneer became visible.
I didn't throw it all away. I've been working for the Light the whole time! Bernard retorted and he heard Curtis let out a strangled gasp.
Oh really... the sneer grew even wider. Suddenly, he heard Kae scream.
BERNARD! LOOK OUT! he dove to the side as the Dark One's hands came out from behind his back and red struck the air where he had been only moments before.
HA! You missed that one, but now you're helpless on the floor, the Dark One cackled. But I won't let you die that painlessly. No... I have a better idea... Bernard, by this time had gotten to his feet. However, his Kurai suddenly burned like hell, making him cry out and clench his hands as it seemed to explode in fire. Then, as quickly as it had come, the pain vanished and when he opened his eyes, he saw that instead of red sparks, he held a red sword in his right hand. He looked up to see the Dark One holding one much larger than his own, glowing black with red around the edges.
Well... aren't you going to fight me? he asked. Bernard snapped.
With a cry of fury, he ran forward and up the steps. Using all his might, he leapt up into the air, which was rather high considering he was a nimble elf. As he came down towards the Dark One, his opponent simply held up his sword and met Bernards. Sparks flew everywhere as their magic met and Bernard tried to hold out against the Dark One.
Suddenly, he was blown backwards. He flew through the air at an amazing speed, screaming in pain. He crashed down onto the floor where he lay still, dust rising into the air around him.
Kae screamed, tears streaming down her face, yet he still didn't move.
Curtis mumbled silently, and found that he too was crying. The Dark One just laughed. He started walking forward and dissapeared before reappearing not far from where Bernard lay. He flicked his sword and suddenly, red energy enveloped Bernard, causing him to scream in pain as he was snapped awake.
Kae screamed as the energy faded and Bernard slumped back down onto the floor. Slowly and painfully, he opened his eyes, trying hard to sit up.
Woudln't it be a shame for the one you love to see you die? he cackled. Suddenly, Bernard launched at him again, but with another flick of his wrist, the Dark One sent Bernard's sword flying away from him. Bernard tried to make another one, but suddenly, he realized something:
When his Kurai had burned, that had been the Dark One transforming his magic so all of it was contained in that little sword that now lay on the other side of the room. That was all of his Dark Elf Magic...
Bernard barely had time to duck as the sword thundered past him, but the sheer power of it sent him flying backwards despite the fact that it had missed and he once again lay on the ground. Pathetic... and I thought you would be the one to follow in my place one day.
Why do you do this? Bernard groaned, once again trying to sit up, blood dribbling from the corner of his mouth.
Why do you think I do this? his eyes darkened and as he shouted, he raised his sword to strike Bernard down for good, I want an end to the Light Elves! Bernard simply stared up at him, shaking from the strain, though anger flickered in his eyes.
A sudden scream behind them made them both snap their heads up.
Kae's scream was that of anger and fear. Suddenly, in a flash, the entire room was enveloped in blue light, the brightest of it being the aura around the small elf. The chains binding her shattered away and she lowered her fists so that they were clenched at her sides, tears streaming down her face and teeth clenched in rage. I won't let you hurt Bernard!
What is this power? the Dark One snarled.
A power that you do not possess, he spun around to see Bernard on his feet, glaring at him and fists clenched at his sides, eyes narrowed darkly.
Lord Agurakki, I'm warning you! The Dark One seemed thoroughly surprised at being adressed by his real name. MOVE AWAY FROM BERNARD!
What will you do? Agurakki sneered back. Kae let out a loud growl and snapped her hands out in front of her, holding them an inch apart. Suddenly, the blue around them started swirling, all drawn towards her hands and forming a glowing, blue ball. She snapped her hands out and suddenly, it came thundering forward. Agurakki had no time to dodge it and it hit him square in the face. He snapped his hands to his face and bent over, screaming in pain. Kae stood for only a moment, the blue around her fading to the normal color of the room before she slumped to the ground.
Bernard was sprinting up the steps in no time, falling to his knees beside her and drawing her onto his lap. He heard a small pop behind him and saw Curtis falling to his knees, the chains gone, eyes wide.
Curtis had tears of disbelief brimming in his eyes, but Bernard only smiled at him.
I am a Grey Elf... I was never a Dark Elf, Bernard reassured him before turning to Kae, who was struggling to open her eyes.
You did it Kae! he told her, beads of joy running down his face.
Kae managed to get it out in a strangled gasp, causing Bernard's smile to fade. She opened her blue eyes, though they were only slits, and looked extremely distressed.
What do you mean- a sudden explosion from below made all three jerk their heads around. Agurakki's face shattered as if it had been only a mask, white pieces falling into all directions, his body becoming nothing but swirling black. Slowly, it began to form, taking shape. A long head pulled out with two, blood red slits of eyes and a long mouth opened to reveal rows of long, sharp fangs. He watched as the rest of Agurakki took shape until down below stood a giant, black dragon, spreading wide wings and growling menacingly.
You must... fight him Bernard... Kae told him.
How?! The sword... Bernard cried as he turned back to Kae. Agurakki was looking at his long, clawed front feet, clenching and unclenching his fingers in a sense of power.
Don't rely on Dark Magic...! Kae told him, and a small smile played her lips. Use your own power...
But you...
Don't worry about me, Kae tried to smile at him again. I already told you... I'm not going to die, because I have to be a mother, she lifted a hand and placed it on her stomach, which Bernard stared at with glassy eyes, but he smiled back at her and took her hand in his.
And I'm going to be a father, he replied. Kae's smile spread just a bit before her eyes shut and her body became limp. Bernard set her gently down before turning to Curtis, who's eyes were still shedding tears, but he was smiling slightly.
Watch over her, Bernard told him, smiling back, before turning and getting to his feet, fists clenched at his sides. He dissapeared and reappeared in front of the giant dragon. Agurakki snapped his head up to face Bernard, baring his teeth.
Fool! You dare to stand against the power of the Dark One?! he snarled.
You at one time were nothing more than an ordinary elf with infanite hatred, Bernard replied.
Curtis looked down to see Kae slowly sitting up, and he stabled her before both of them watched, worry in their eyes.
I'm not afraid of you, Bernard seethed. That did it.
I WILL PAINT MY WALLS WITH YOUR BLOOD! he cried before red light shot forward from his hands, smashing into Bernard and all around him. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Bernard's calm eyes widened in surprise, and then everything exploded. Smoke covered the area and Agurakki laughed, horrible and cruel.
Curtis screamed, reaching out but Kae grabbed his hand and held it tightly in her's, so he burried his face in her shoulder.
Now, for you two... Agurakki turned to them, but suddenly, he saw something out of the corner of his eye and twisted his long neck back around to see what it was. WHAT?! HOW CAN THAT BE?! As the smoke cleared, Bernard was visible standing there, a barrier of light around him. He held his hands out and slowly, the barrier began to swirl into his hands, making the same type of ball that Kae's did. He suddenly clenched his fists and a sword formed, though one of light instead of darkness.
In my hands I hold the power of the light, and light will always beat the dark, Bernard said with strange calmness, and Curtis snapped his head up to stare at the one he had thought was dead, the very tears on his face freezing in place.
THE LIGHT WILL NEVER WIN! Agurakki shouted before smashing his hands into the ground. Suddenly, black vines with thorns all around them broke out of the walls and ground, making Bernard leap into the air. Shimmering white magic surrounded him, allowing him to move through the air, never hitting the ground, dodging the strikes at him.
Kae screamed in fear, but the only thing Bernard's eyes held was determination. He dodged one last swipe from a thorny vine before putting his foot down on a vine's bare spot and launching himself into the air, sword held over his head. Slowly, he came down towards Agurakki, ready to stab. Time seemed to slow and as Bernard fell, and instead of seeing himself falling towards a dragon, he saw a young elven boy, head turned to the side and eyes closed. As Bernard fell through the air, he slowly opened his eyes, turning himself to face Bernard, a look of fear in his eyes.
And then Bernard's sword slashed straight down the middle of the dragon. Instead of blood, light sprayed in all directions. As his sword hit the flesh, an image flashed through Bernard's head. He saw a small, crying boy in a corner, drenched in the rain, abandoned and lonely.
You never had anyone...? Bernard asked, shocked and for once, feeling slight pity.
I guess I'll forever remain alone in the darknes... a small boy's voice sobbed, light consuming his face. And as light exploded from the dark body, darkness fading into nothing, a loud scream filled the room before fading away.
The Dark One had been defeated.
~*~
(A/N: If you have the Good Charlotte Cd, listen to the last song on there, called Movin On')
An auditorium in the North Pole was filled with tiny elves, all chattering away to each other. It was at the HQ as the Grey Elves knew it, but to everyone else, the police block. The main man came up and tapped the microphone.
Hello, everyone, and thank you for coming! he said, which otherwise meant Hi, now shut up, sit down and listen! Everyone immediately quieted and all eyes turned to him. I must say this doesn't happen very often. Very few of you know who I am, but I am Mr. Rollow, the head of Head Quarters. Everyone exchanged confused glances at the words Head Quarters', but he only laughed. As you all know, Lord Agurakki, the Dark One, has been defeated.
The room exploded in wild cheers and whistling. From where Carol and Scott sat near the back, the cheering was the loudest.
This ceremony has been called, as some of you may know, to thank those who helped in his defeat and honor those who gave their lives in the attempt, Mr. Rollow continued. Curtis flipped through the program before shutting it angrily. As Head Elf, he was going to have a word with Mr. Rollow afterwards, because he didn't see the words Grey Elves' in the entire thing. Still, he contented himself to sit back and listen.
Of course, the Clauses were thanked, and they smiled and waved to everyone. Everyone gave a moment of silence for those killed, most of which they didn't know, but especially for Abbey. Curtis blushed bright red when his name was announced, and Judy's name was mentioned as well though no one really knew for what.
Good job, Curtis laughed, putting his arm around her and she giggled, scooting closer to him. Many more names were announced, and every cheered loudly. Finally, the last awards on the program were handed out, and as the applause died down, some started to get up.
Wait a minute, folks! Mr. Rollow called, causing them to exchange puzzled glances but sit down all the same. I have a few more people announce, and I will be giving them medals of honor. Everyone looked at each other and began talking at once, but Mr. Rollow quieted them with a single, raised hand.
Well, before that, I would like to ask if any of you know what a Grey Elf is? everyone looked at each other and shook their heads. Curtis grinned, because though he really didn't know what a Grey Elf was, he knew what was coming. Also, he was hoping for an explanation, which he did indeed get.
Grey Elves was an organization of elves who gave up their whole lives for this cause. You see, they all joined as Dark Elves, which forever cursed them. They were forced to give information to the Dark One and murder for him, but they did it anyway simply in hopes that they could somehow beat the Dark One. Firstly, I would like to mention three who were killed just recently. They were the elves Christy Felling, Ron Gansburg, and Ian Jordan, everyone clapped, but from somewhere came wild cheering, though none could figure out who was doing it. Though there are more Grey Elves, I will not mention them all. However, I have several I want to award medals, he grinned, and everyone waited expectantly. Firstly, I would like to award a young elf who joined last November. She had not even a year of training, which was why it was extremely hard for her, but she pulled through much easier than any of us had expected. I award this medal of honor to Grey Elf 4039, Jacey Hemmings! Everyone clapped politely, but again from somewhere in the shadows came wild cheering. Jacey emerged from the shadows and walked onto the stage.
This is ridiculous! We're sitting here seeing some elves get awarded because the have a Kurai but claim they aren't on his side! Judy growled.
Curtis exploded, causing her to jump. They did not! They prevented many attacks and they had to murder and lose their closest friends in return! They diserve your respect! Though he had just been yelling at Judy, the whole room had head and Jacey was blushing bright red. Mr. Rollow laughed.
Yes, that's correct Curtis. I hope none of you are mistaken the way she was, for they did not just tell us one thing or prevent one attack. They risked their lives and actually, though you may not know, prevented three assasinations of Scott Calvin this year alone, everyone gasped and Scott looked slightly paler, making Mr. Rollow laugh. You see, ladies and gentlemen, I have reason to believe that without these Grey Elves, the North Pole would have been destroyed years ago. Now, I would like you to truly applaud this young lady!
This time, the whole room exploded in clapping and loud whistles, making Jacey turn even redder as Mr. Rollow placed the medal over her head. She started to walk off stage but he held out his hand.
No, Jacey, I'd like you to stay up here. You see, there were three others just like her. They were four of the closest friends I've ever seen, always there for each other, sharing each other's pain... thats why I'd like for you, Jacey, and the rest I call up to remain standing up here so you can be seen together, for you have worked together and gotten through this together, Mr. Rollow smiled at her and she beamed back at him, tears running down her face. Noticing this, Jacey turned (if possible) even redder and wiped them away.
So much for a strong-minded Grey Elf! she groaned, making everyone laugh lightly as she rubbed her eyes and then stood, smiling and proud.
Next, I would like to award someone very close to Jacey. This boy joined over five years ago. His mother died during his birth and his father was killed by Dark Elf Magic. He was raised by his Aunt and Uncle, both of which were Dark Elves. That was when he decided he wanted to be a Grey Elf. He came to us and trained for three years, so he has truly been a Grey elf for over eight years. For his services and several times being the one who prevented Scott Calvin's assasination, I award this medal of honor to Grey Elf 971, Perrin Alwney! the entire room was silent a minute except for, once again, the wild cheering in the shadows and Perrin emerged from them. Of course, no one had clapped sense they were all stunned that Perrin had done this, but upon hearing the wild cheers, they soon joined in, making Perrin laugh.
He walked up next to Jacey as smiled at her. The medal was placed around his neck and everyone broke into wild cheering again, and the two clasped hands.
Next, I would like to thank someone who touched the lives of all that knew her. She grew up on the streets where everyone she knew became Dark Elves, yet she resisted. She trained for two, solid years and then became a Dark Elf last New Years. She has the power to make any of us laugh yet keeps a firm grip on reality, always ready to help. For what is soon to be three years of service, I award this medal of honor to Grey Elf 4041, Kae Karison, everyone cheered wildly for her as she, too, emerged from the shadows and jumped up on stage, completely ignoring the stairs. She stood next to Perrin and as the medal was placed over her head, everyone cheered.
Oh, she is such a wonderful girl! Carol whispered to her husband, who saw the tears in her eyes and laughed (and recieved an elbow in the ribs). Holding up the last medal, Mr. Rollow stepped back up to the mike.
Lastly, I would like to thank an elf who has made a difference in all of our lives. He has shown devotion beyond anything I've ever seen or imagined. He juggled two of the hardest jobs and accomplished them both wonderfully. I was amazed by how much he has accomplished, for he was the first Grey Elf to work directly with the Dark One. In the beginning, he had neither Jacey, Kae, or Perrin to comfort him... only himself. And he couldn't tell anyone because it would endanger both his lives and the lives of those around him. He trained for two years and has been a Dark Elf for over eight years. Also, as if that wasn't enough, he was the one who truly destroyed the Dark One using not Dark Elf Magic, but Light Elf Magic, something that can only be awoken in the most purest of hearts, every elf broke into applause here, wondering who it would be, for Mr. Rollow had said they all knew him.
For his ten years of service, utmost devotion, and outstanding courage, I would like to award this medal of honor to a certain elf, though before I tell you who, he asked me to please tell you all something, he waited for dead silence, which greeted him quickly. A small smile played his lips. He wanted me to tell you all that he was forced to say certain things so as not to give away his identity, for that would have ended with him dead. He was forced to lie to you all about something that deeply grieved him. Quoting him exactly, he says, I never, and nor would I if the Dark One had told me to pick between it and death, hurt Abbey. I am not the Dark Elf who killed her.' Ladies and Gentemen, I present the former Head Elf and Second Assasin 712, Bernard Almsberry!
Curtis jumped to his feet, cheering as loud as he could. Perrin, Jacey, and Kae screamed as loud as they could, clapping like mad. Everyone else sat completely still in utter shock as Bernard emerged from the shadows. He stopped once he was in the light and raised an eyebrow.
Come on, ten years of torture and I don't even get an applause? he shouted with a laugh. Everyone exchanged glances, and suddenly, the entire room exploded. Elves were jumping up on their seats and whistling, screaming at the top of their lungs, and many of the she-elves had tears streaming down their faces.
Carol stared at her husband with so much joy in her eyes that he had to laugh. Bernard... Bernard... he isn't... Scott just laughed harder.
Charlie shouted from next to them. Alright, I get up here to here my life-long idol is a murderer and now... he is but he isn't? He stared quizically at his parents, who exchanged glances before they burst out laughing and then resumed their cheering.
Speech! Speech! Speech! soon, the whole room was chanting, and Bernard groaned and stepped up to the microphone. Everyone immediately quieted down.
Well... basically, all I really have to say is that I'm sorry I lied to you guys. However, I have a feeling this explains a lot... yes, being Second Assasin and Head Elf was enough to turn my hair grey...
Which is why he wears that beret! Kae shouted, making them all laugh and he glared at her before continuing.
Yes, well you see, that was why I handed the position over to Curtis. Of course, it didn't really work, because then the Dark One became suspicious about me and asked me to murder Ian, Ron, and Christy, the three Dark Elves named earlier. Though I didn't know it, it was a test, and of course I couldn't kill them. Instead, other Dark Elves emerged from the shadows, killed those three and took me to the Dark One. He tortured me for hours... I was able to rest every now and then when he snapped orders at other Dark Elves. Now that I think about it, I remember him telling someone to murder any of the North Pole elves they could find as a way to repay my being a traitor. I suppose that was why Abbey was killed... he let the statement hang in the air a moment before continuing.
Well, on a happier note, I'd like to thank a couple people. Of course, I have to thank the Clauses, and yes Charlie, I consider you a Clause, he smiled at the three in the back and everyone clapped. Also, I'd like to thank all the North Pole elves... I never grew used to murders, but seeing all of your smiling faces day after day gave me strength and reminded me why I was doing this, everyone screamed at the top of their lungs in approval, to which Bernard smiled, starting up again once the noise died down. I'd like to thank Curtis and Judy, who have been there for me even when they didn't know what was wrong. They have been my best friends for a long time, and they are what kept me going, more cheering as well as two elves turning bright red. And lastly, I'd like to thank the three elves who were always people I could turn to for help. They understood and shared my pain and have been the greatest friends I've ever had and now, they seem like a family to me, everyone applauded loudly again as Bernard smiled at his best friends, and Jacey was absolutely wailing.
To conclude this speech, I would like to say four words, he turned to face his friends as dead silence hung over the room. Suddenly, as if he had been trying to keep a straight face and had failed, he smiled at them with amazing joy in his eyes. Guys, we did it!
Once again, the room exploded in absolute love, wonder, and pride of the one they had believed a traitor. Bernard had given up his whole life for them and never asked anything in return. They had all hated him, yet he still returned and still beamed at them.
And they all loved him for it.
As Bernard looked out into the sea of smiling faces, he recieved a sudden pang of sorrow. For a moment, he imagined his life before this all... before he had been forced to murder for the one he hated. He imagined himself just simply the Head Elf, watching in jealousy as Judy and Curtis's love grew, whether they realized it or not, forever hating Perrin with Curtis, never knowing his good side, never meeting Jacey or Kae, or learning what life truly meant. He imagined how his life had been just ten years before. He laughed out loud.
Or not.
~*~
When I think about my life,
I wonder if I will survive,
To live to see 25,
Or will I just fall?
Like all my friends,
They just keep dying,
People round me always crying,
In this place that I like to call my home.
But not everybody knows,
That everybody goes,
To a better place.
And not everybody knows,
That everybody could be living,
Their last days.
But the hard times will come,
And we'll keep movin' on,
We're movin' up,
Keep movin' on...
Life, hope, truth, trust, faith, pride, love, lust,
On without the things we've lost,
The things we've gained we'll take with us...
And all I've got are these two hands,
To make myself a better man,
I wonder if I'll ever see,
The end of this.
With all this rain, it just keeps falling,
On my head and now I'm calling,
Out to someone else to help me,
Make it through...
But not everybody knows,
That everybody goes,
To a better place.
And not everybody knows,
That everybody could be living,
Their last days.
But the hard times will come,
And we'll keep movin' on,
We're movin' up,
Keep movin' on...
Life, hope, truth, trust, faith, pride, love, lust,
Pain, hate, lies, guilt, laugh, cry, live, die,
Some friends become enemies,
Some friends become you family,
Make the best with what you're given,
This ain't dying, this is living!
Said we're movin' on,
And we've got nothing to prove,
To anyone,
Cause we'll get through,
We're movin' on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on and On and on and on and on and on and on and on...
Keep movin' on...
Life, hope, truth, trush, faith, pride, love, lust,
Pain, hate, lies, guilt, laugh, cry, live, die,
Some friends become enemies,
Some friends become you family,
Make the best of what you're given,
This ain't dying, this is living!
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A/N: Well, how was that for an ending chapter? Come on... I actually wrote something happy! Give me some credit! ^_~ Man, I can't believe how much this song fits the end of the chapter! If you don't get it, I will explain: Everyone around hims dying and all of them are usually crying, and no one knew when their friends would be dying. Yet at the same time, no matter how many hardships he went through, he and the Grey Elves just kept moving on. While most would be slowly dying from these things, this was Bernard's life. Quite simply, this is how you sumarize his life: Life, hope, truth, trust, faith, pride, love, lust, pain, hate, lies, guilt, laugh, cry, live, die. See what I mean? OOOOOOH I love this song!
Well guys, it ain't over yet... 5 reviews and I'll post the epilouge and I've already started the sequel... well, if you call writing the A/N and saving it on my desktop starting, yup, I have! Of course, your reviews are what have kept me going, so the more reviews, the faster I'm liable to write!!! 5 reviews and I'll post the epilouge, so...:
REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!