A/N: Sheisha peeps!!!! TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH TO GET ME 5!!!!!!!!!!! I wrote the next 3 chapters during that time... Anyhoodlydoodle, this is going to be angsty...... damn angsty.... *grins evily* I have a feeling a few of you will be trying to kill me at the end...

BTW, for once, the song is NOT Bernard's POV... it's Hunter's POV and it's about Kira... you'll get it if you read it, SO GO READ IT!!!!!

Jumper
chapter 4

Jumper - Third Eye Blind

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you've been living in.

And...
If you do not want to see me again,
I would understand...
I would understand...

The angry boy,
A bit too insane,
Icing over,
In secret pain...

You know you don't belong.

You're the first to fight,
You're way too loud,
You're a flash of light,
On a burial shroud.

I know something's wrong.

Well everyone I know,
Has got a reson,
To say...
Put the past away!

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you've been living in.

And...
If you do not want to see me again,
I would understand...
I would understand...

Well he's on the table,
And he's gone to code,
And I do not think,
Anyone knows...

What they're doing here...

And your friends have left you,
You've been dismissed,
I never thought,
It would come to this...

And I... I want you to know...

Everyone's got to,
Face down the demons,
Maybe today...
We can put the past away!

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you've been living in.

And...
If you do not want to see me again,
I would understand...
I would understand...

I would understand...
I would understand...
I would understand...
Understand...

Can you put the past away?

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
(I would understand...)
I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
(I would understand...)

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
And I would understand...

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
I would understand...
I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
And I would understand...

~*~

Who is he?

Why the hell is he dressed like that?

He's a freak...

If he was my dad, I'd commit suicide!

Bernard could hear the voices behind him perfectly well as a group of girls burst into a fit of giggles. He laughed to himself before turning around, a smirk on his face. The four girls froze instantly.

Girls, if you're going to talk behind my back... the point is to do it QUIETLY... he sneered at them before turning around, crossing his arms and legs. For a moment, the girls just sat in shock, before one of them leaned over and began to talk again.

God, what a jerk...

I can still hear you, Bernard said without turning around.

Ugh, why'd we get stuck behind this jackass...

I can still hear you, he had to supress a laugh as he said it again.

CHEESE AND RICE, WE'RE TALKING AS QUIETLY AS WE CAN! one of them shouted. Bernard turned around and raised an eyebrow, and she blushed before sitting down.

And how the hell can you hear us? We're whispering! one of them glared, and Bernard sighed before turning so that they could see his ear. He snickered at the four gasps. You-you're Amber's dad, aren't you?

Yes... and she hasn't commited suicide yet, Angela, she doesn't think I'm a freak Christine, she does not mind how I dress Lisa, and you've already answered your own question Bonnie, he grinned at them.

H-how did you know our names? Lisa asked after a few seconds, all of their jaws dropped.

He's psycic, a voice said to their side, and they all jumped before turning to see a pale, scrawny, dark-haired man grinning at Bernard.

Perrin! You guys made it! he imediately shuffled over three seats for Jacey, Perrin, and Kae.

Thank god, he moved... Angela whispered, and to their utter disbelief, all four of them turned around.

We can all hear you, spitwads, Kae growled, pushing her hair back to reveal her pointy ear.

Jacey scolded, though she was laughing.

Well sorry, but I am personally not in favor of preps... well, at least the oh look at me, I'm so perfect that everyone has to do everything for me or I'll break a nail!' ones, she replied, making the three other Grey Elves sigh.

How many did you kill? Perrin groaned at her, and she grinned.

Oh, I didn't KILL any of them... just a few broken noses and limbs, black eyes, bloody noses...

A few? Bernard raised an eyebrow.

Yeah... a few... hundred... Kae smiled innocently. The others just stared at her before shaking their heads.

Someone shoot me... Bernard groaned, hanging his head before directing his attention back to the front for the spelling bee.

Amber has a freakish dad and a gothic mom... no wonder she's so wierd! Christine whispered as quietly as she possibly could. Jacey sighed and turned around.

You might wanna shut up, or Kae's gonna have a field day, she warned.

And it isn't goth... it's PUNK, Kae turned back around in a huff. And I already am gonna have a field day... Amber gave me a list of names, and... yup, Angela, Lisa, Christie, and Bonnie are all on it, she smiled, and the four behind them began to slink down in their chairs as far as they could.

~*~

Amber, that was awesome! Emer cried, bouncing up and down as they left the auditorium. They all laughed.

Ok, calm down honey, Holly patted Emer on the shoulder with a It's gonna be okay, we'll find you a mental hospital shortly' look. Emer sneered at her before bouncing after Kalina and Amber.

she spun around imediately, which resulted in Emer bouncing right into her... they both crashed to the ground, laughing uncontrollably. Holly and Kalina exchanged glances before staring at their friends.

You guys are hopeless, Kalina finally announced, rolling her eyes before leaning down, grabbing Amber's wrist, and yanking her back to her feet. The attempt proved useless as the young elf ended up just flying from her back into the upright position, and then falling forward on her stomach.

she suddenly remembered that someone had been shouting her name before (as that was what resulted into Emer's bouncing into her) and looked up. Her face lit up like a child's on Christmas morning.

she flew to her feet and embraced Bernard, who laughed and hugged her back. Where's Mom? Did she make it here?

Yeah... she did... Bernard replied sheepishly, pointing behind Amber and the four friends turned around. Three jaws dropped and Amber burst out laughing.

Great school... lots of hiding places... wonderful to ambush preps... Kae was wandering around, nodding her head in approval.

That's your mom?! Holly cried (she meant it as a compliment), spinning back around.

Yeah, Amber's got a gothic slut for a mother! Angela called as she, Lisa, Bonnie, and Christine walked by. They turned around... and each smashed into someone... four, snarling, growling, angry Grey Elves.

You might wanna talk about me AFTER I leave... Kae growled, lifting Angela off the ground by her collar.

the grey elves immediately jumped away as the math teacher (who had been there so long that she often seemed to rule the Middle School, as many students noted) came into view. I HEARD THAT, AND IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE! MIDDLE SCHOOL OFFICE, NOW! The color drained from all their faces before they slowly began to walk forward.

Kae sneered, waving. Angela turned around to glare at her, but in result, she tripped over the small step where the grass met the sidewalk. She fell flat on her face, which resulted in a sickening crack and the back of her skirt flew up. Every guy started cheering, and as she stood up, she was bright red and clutching her nose.

I love you, Mum, Amber laughed, putting her arm around Kae's shoulder.

Man, I miss doing that... she smiled, and the Grey Elves all rolled their eyes.

You definately have the coolest mom... Holly nodded, and Kae turned around to bow.

Just tell Amber if anyone's every buggin' ya... I can take care of them for you! Kae had a mischevious glint in her eye, and Amber hugged her again.

I'll get them on the Naughty Lis-OW! Bernard shut his mouth when Perrin whacked him over the back of his head.

NOT THAT AGAIN! he cried, rubbing his head. Perrin and Kae just grinned at each other.

~*~

Hope you had a good time, darling, Cylus snarled, and Kira shivered as he held her upper arm. Suddenly, he yanked her off her feet and planted a kiss on her lips before dropping her into the snow. The cold flakes spilled down her shirt and covered her face, a horrible coldness that burned her skin as Kira sobbed into the ground. Good-bye, Kira.

She felt the presense behind her vanish and she slowly got to her feet. The wind blew hard on Kira's sweet face, twisted as she sobbed into the air, her lips slightly blue. Clutching her arms to herself, she began to walk forward. Down the hill, she could barely see the North Pole through the blanket of snow, but she walked towards it all the same, teeth chattering and shoulders shaking, but determined all the same.

She wouldn't let him break her. Ever.

~*~

Hunter shouted as he jumped out from underneath the blanket, which resulted in Amber shrieking and jumping a clear foot in the air. She spun around, glared, and then whacked him upside the head.

YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO HIDE, YOU SENSELESS BANANA! she cried, which made Hunter laugh. You know... that would make sense as the game is called hide and seek!

Alright alright... I'll hide again! Hunter gave in and Amber grinned in triumph before turning around and counting into the wall. Hunter stalked off, blanket still wrapped around his shoulders, muttering to himself. How old am I again... too old to be playing hide and go seek... He shook his head before an image popped into his head. He imagined himself drinking cocoa, kicking back, nice and warm, relaxing while Amber hunted around for him.

He grinned before dashing out the door, trying to make as little noise as possible, holding the blanket to keep warm. He'd just hide in the workshop... a brilliant plan! He looked both ways upon instinct, planning on hiding behind building after building till he got to the workshop.

Yet in looking both directions, his eye caught something up on the mountain. He saw... a person, it looked like. Someone with golden hair, slowly making their way down, and they didn't look propperly dressed at all. And suddenly, the thing collapsed in a cloud of snow, and he saw them struggle to get back up.

Without second thought, Hunter sprinted forward, the blanket trailing behind him like a cloak. Somehow, he knew who it was... somehow, he recognized them, even from this far away.

he shouted once at the base. The young girl lifted her head to look at him, shivering violently, teeth chattering and lips blue. Tears ran down her face and snowflakes clung to her hair. For a moment, she just stared at him.

Hunter... oh Hunter... and then, she collapsed.

In an instant, the young elf was sprinting forward. He fell into the snow next to Kira and lifted her up, taking the blanket off him and wrapping Kira in it. He put his arms around her, propping her head up and shaking her gently.

Kira... Kira... he whispered frantically. He felt somehow... out of place, holding the girl in his arms. They hated each other, yet he was holding her... but he forced that hatred to the back of his mind. She'd proven to be far more than he had thought before...

She opened her eyes slowly, and they were unfocused.

Hunter... why does he hurt me? What did I do to make him hate me so much? she whispered, and tears began to trickle down her face again. It was then his eyes caught something... the bruise around her eye, the blood stains on her clothes, the bruises all over her, the bit of blood under her nose... Hunter's eyes widened as he saw her tormented body, and he turned his frightened eyes back to her face as she stared into the space by his shoulder.

Kira, who hurt you? he demanded, trying to keep the worry out of his voice. Even she didn't deserve that... not at all! I'll make whoever it is pay dearly... he thought to himself, and was astounded at the thought, wondering where in the name of Christmas it had come from. Kira's frail voice, however, soon broke his thoughts.

My... father... he hurts me... beats me... laughs when I'm in pain... and then, her eyes closed. For a moment, Hunter could only sit there, staring at her. And suddenly, his eyes narrowed in determination. He clutched Kira like a small child and got to his feet before running, a new respect for Kira growing.

~*~

HOW COULD SOMEONE DO THAT?! Amber cried in a frantic whisper, Bernard placing a hand on her shoulder as Hunter shook his head. For a moment, the four grey elves and two younger elves stood there, staring at the ground, a silence passing between them. All of their thoughts were disturbed by Kira's small cough, and immediately, they all rushed in.

Amber asked hopefully, and the young girl's eyes opened. She lay on a ledge right next to the window that had been turned into a couch, a thick blanket over her and the heater blowing hot air right above her. Her shivering had stopped and her lips were slowly returning to their normal color. On the ground next to her, Mika sat protectively, and Kira's hand rested on the dog's back.

Here... drink this, Hunter handed her a cup of hot cocoa. She lifted her head and for a moment, she just stared at him, her look making him want to back away though it was not angry. Then, slowly, the corners of her mouth turned up and she accepted the steaming mug.

Kira... we need to know what happened, Bernard fell to his knees next to her, startling Mika so that she jumped away before laying down. Kira also seemed startled by him and jumped a bit in fright, but then she seemed to recognize him and lay back down. Amber put her hand on her friend's encouragingly, and Kira gave her small smile again. It soon faded, though, and she looked down, eyes flickering as if she were trying to find the right words. She inhaled deeply, and then finally released the secret that had been locked inside her for so long.

I have always hated my father... he and Mum are divorced, and I know why. I remember the day I walked into the kitchen to find her huddled on the floor, her cheek bruising and her nose bleeding though her fingers as she held it. When she saw me, she burst into tears and hugged me. I told her it would be alright, and she smiled before telling me that it would, because we were leaving.

They divorced, and for awhile, I lived with Mum till he found us. When he did, he forced us to go to court and said he wanted me to visit him. Since it had been awhile, and I have a feeling he had planned this, we had no proof that he had hurt us. The bruises on my arm where he had grabbed it had faded, as had the one on Mum's cheek.

I came to work here, hoping I could find peace, hoping he'd stay away. It didn't work, and he made me come visit him. It was always horrible... he'd curse at me and strike me when I did wrong. If I made something that wasn't exactly to his liking, he would slap me, or punch me, or kick me... with no Mum there, he had nothing to hold him back... she lowered her head sadly, letting tears spill down her pale cheeks.

Kira... you never told anyone? Bernard asked, putting one arm around her shoulder as she shook her head in a tustle of golden curls. Mika let out a soft whine as if she, too, understood.

I was too afraid. And... I suppose I had grown almost used to it. He always hit me, always hurt me, always lashed out at me... she shook her head again. I've come home far worse than this before...

She's kept it inside her all this time... I always thought she'd be some princess living in a castle with parents that spoiled her rotten... Hunter suddenly realized how foolish he had been. Really, what had made him hate her before... how she was always happy and so hard to make angry... how she seemed so happy in her life and made it seem so perfect... she had been covering up an abusive father the whole time?

Kira, if you show up to courts now- she cut Bernard off.

He could blame it on you or something... and then, they'd make me leave the North Pole. And even if he somehow lost, he'd probably kidnap me. It wouldn't make a difference to him... she shook her head. I can deal with him. When my Warder powers improve, I can defend myself.

Honey, you shouldn't have to live like this! Bernard protested, fear dancing in his eyes. Kira was his daughter's best friend... she was almost like his own daughter, for she was always around, and he cared for her very much. He couldn't understand how anyone could hurt her so much. Kira, why don't you stay here? Come stay with us... at least for a little while. Next time this Cylus shows up, as long as Kae's around, he'll be lucky to get out alive.

He will die slowly... Kae growled, clenching and unclenching her fists. If he gets out, he'll run home crying like a baby, screaming for his mommy!

I don't know, Kae, Kira shook her head. She seemed frightened, almost unwilling to continue... Mika rose to her feet and nudged Kira's hand, which made the she-elf smile, and it was probably that that gave her the will to continue. He's... different. He never allowed anyone to see him without a shirt for some reason, but one day I saw it... he had this strange burn on it, and just looking at it made me frightened... Kae and Bernard exchanged fearful glances, each of them knowing just what it was. He can catch me if I try to run. These red sparks come out of his hand and drag me back... he's warned me that they can do more...

She's seen Dark Elf Magic... Jacey mouthed, pain in her eyes, and Bernard's eyes filled with sympathy.

I don't understand why he hates me so much... Kira suddenly broke down, shoulders shaking in silent sobs. In an instant, Bernard was on his feet. He lifted her gently and sat down, putting the girl on his lap and setting her head against his chest, rocking her back and forth as Mika sat at their feet, her wagging tail thumping against the wall in rythm. She was truly a part of the family... to all of them.

Shhh... it will be alright... shhh.... he soothed her, and Jacey smiled in affection. Suddenly, Bernard stopped and smiled before bringing his head next to her ear. I have something that I bet will cheer you up...

Kira asked, sitting back. Bernard grinned.

Look. You made Kae cry, they all spun around to see that she indeed had a tear rolling down her face. She jumped suddenly and wiped it away.

I WAS NOT CRYING! I... uh... a bug flew in it! she cried, and even Kira had to laugh, although she had a sudden coughing fit.

S'pose she caught a cold out there? Perrin suggested.

No, really? Hunter cocked an eyebrow, and Perrin narrowed his eyes, making them all laugh.

Kira... please, stay here awhile, Bernard offered again, and they all found it slightly humorous that he took off his beret and dried her tears with it. Kira, however, smiled gratefully.

Thank you, she fell forward into him, hugging Bernard, who sat in shock for a moment before hugging her back.

I'll go get your stuff... Mum, Hunter, you're coming too! Amber volunteered.

Why me? Hunter squinched his nose, in no mood to be going through Kira's personal stuff.

Because you get to bring Niko over! at the mention of the other dog's name, Mika's ears perked up and her tail began wagging again. Kira chuckled softly, realizing just how lucky she was to have these friends.

~*~

Well, hello! Judy greeted Amber, Kira, and Hunter before inviting them in. Can I get any of you anything... cocoa, tea, jack daniel's... they all laughed.

No, we're good... actually, we came here to ask you something, the normal cheer in Amber's voice faded slightly.

Ask away... I can't promise an answer, but ask away! Judy smiled warmly at them.

Well... it's just... well... we sorta need... a knock on the voice silenced Kira and Curtis suddenly came.

Aha! Just the elf we were looking for! Hunter grinned, and Curtis turned slightly paler.

Hunter... you know I'm your friend, right...? they laughed at the elf.

No, he doesn't want to push you off the roof this time, Curtis, Amber laughed, each of them amused by Curtis's sigh of relief.

Well, m'dears, what was it you had to ask? Judy wondered, beckoning them all to sit down, which they did.

We... we have a question about our parents, Hunter said a bit worridly, and Amber nodded.

Well, I don't really know Kira's parents... Judy began, but they cut her off.

It's sorta the same thing... don't worry about it, Kira smiled cheerily, though she winced at the bruise on her face.

Well, we're wondering... you see they keep talking about something, Amber explained, and both elves nodded. They keep saying stuff about... well... we can never really hear because they only talk about it when they think we're not around, but we have a feeling it has something to do with the strange burn on their chests. Do you know what it is? Judy and Curtis exchanged worried glances, sweat forming on their brows, and Judy laughed nervously as she turned back.

Uh... I don't really know... she forced a grin, and the three younger elves sighed.

Oh... well, thanks for your help anyway... they got to their feet before letting themselves out.

Bernard's being a fool not telling them, Curtis announced as soon as they door closed.

Nice work Sherlock, Judy replied, going back to her knitting. Curtis sighed before laying his head back. Judy was surprised to find that only moments later, he was fast asleep.

~*~

Kira, mail call! Bernard shouted, and soon, the young girl came bounding in with Niko at her heels. She took the letter gratefully from Bernard before running back upstairs and flopping down on her bed in the room they had lent her. She had just been dropping off to sleep after dinner, but she was excited for a letter nonetheless.

Dear Kira,

I'm so sorry! If I had known, I would have done something... oh god Kira, I'm so sorry!

On a much lighter note, the puppies were born over a week ago and are growing quickly. They've even become used to me... so now, we have seven little husky puppies running around. They will be just adorable when you come to visit! And you aren't alone in hoping Amber will join us!

I miss you so much... all the dogs are great, but its just so damn lonely without you! Well, I'm going to go make a pie or something... goodbye, my love!

Love,
Mum

PS: Screw Perrin and Hunter... KILL YOUR FATHER!!!!!!'

Kira found herself smiling, just like she always was when she finished one of her mother's letters. She allowed a happy memory to drift back into her head...

...and suddenly, all these toy soliders burst into the room! Kira had cried, making Kaylee laugh.

Careful with the crust, honey, she laughed, which had made Kira remember the pie she was working on, but she had continued with the story.

Well, you see, started telling us how he'd give the whole world coal when suddenly, Bernard shouted to all of us that he wasn't really Santa! And they placed him under house arrest! Kira almost knocked the pie crust off the countertop and had quickly caught it.

Bernard under house arrest... that doesn't sound right... Kaylee shook her head, chuckling softly. Well... then what happened?

Well, the fake Santa turned out to be a clone of the real one... Curtis had been trying to help, and because of the desantification process...-

Remind me what that is again? Kaylee interupted.

Well, Bernard told me that it was Santa turning back into a normal person as Christmas got closer and closer... so he wouldn't look like Santa anymore, Kira had explained patiently, her mother nodding in satisfaction. So anyway, they locked everyone up... and I mean EVERYONE! Curtis somehow escaped, though, so he used a jet pack and flew to get Scott. So he came back and freed all the elves, and then they got in this giant fight with the soldiers! And they got EVERY SINGLE ONE!

Kira, who was a very enthusiastic story-teller, even if she hadn't been there herself, chose to express this with her hands. The end result was flour flying in every direction, winding up in both their hair. Kaylee eyed her hair in an annoyed fashion.

Thanks Kira! Because of you, my hair's completely skipping the grey stage and turning WHITE! they had both burst out laughing till tears came to their eyes, the pie forgotten.

Kira smiled again at the memory before laying down on her bed. She was thinking about what to write back when she accidently dropped off to sleep, dreaming up many more memories.

~*~

Curtis was dreaming again... just like his dream with Kira. This time, however, he saw a woman standing in her kitchen. He found it odd that at that hour of the night, she was making a pie...

Suddenly, he saw someone enter the room. Aparently, the woman didn't notice, as her back was turned to him. The figure was cloaked, and as he lifted his palms, Curtis was horrified to see red sparks dancing in his hands.

The woman seemed to have heard him and turned around with a start. Terror swirled in her eyes before the red consumed her and she soon slumped to the ground, no life within her. As the cloaked figure fled, several huskies, adults and pups, were at her side, nudging her and whining, before one lay down on top of her protectively and the rest curled up against her body as it slowly became cold...

Curtis opened his eyes, once again panting heavily. Fear had tied his stomach into a tight knot... for the last time he had had a dream like this, it had come true...

~*~

...nd we always have the BEST time together... we stay up late, watching chick flicks, having pillow fights, paint balling Jonathan's window... oh, its SO much fun! Kira couldn't stop talking about her mom. Amber, instead of being annoyed, listened patiently. She was sure that if she didn't live with her Mom, she'd probably get just as excited and the more the thought about it, she realized Kira was actually being pretty good about it.

I hope I get to meet her... she seems awesome! Amber replied enthusiastically, and the way Kira's face lit up in pride warmed her heart.

Yeah... she and Kae would probably get along great! they both giggled like schoolgirls as they walked around the workshop. I've told her all about your Mom and she thinks Kae's cool...

Maybe Mum could come visit with me! Amber's face lit up as she announced the idea, and Kira's face soon mirrored her's.

That would be SO cool! the both giggled again.

Neither of them were aware of Curtis's eyes on them, or Judy's watchful gaze as it switched back between the girls and Curtis.

Honey... it was probably just a dream... she tried to reassure him, but Curtis shook his head.

I don't know, Judy... slowly, he replayed his next dream, the one he had after he fell back asleep... the one he hadn't told Judy about...

He had seen Kira walking with Amber through the workshop when Bernard suddenly appeared, telling Kira she was needed in Santa's office. She obeyed, following him down the hall with a skip, a strange excitement on her face...

Curtis shook the thought away before he could relive the rest and he turned away from the railing.

I'm sure you're right, Judy, he told her, and Judy smiled warmly at him, touching his arm thoughtfully.

But Curtis's smile faded when he saw Bernard walk by and down the stairs towards where Kira and Amber were, horror swimming in his eyes...

~*~

Kira asked as she knocked on the door, and there was no reply. He turned back to Bernard, a bit nervous as she had never been called into his office before...

Go on, Bernard recognized her anxiety and smiled. I'll wait for you down the hall... tell me how it goes! He winked at her before turning and going down the hall. Kira smiled, feeling reassured by Bernard's words before she turned back around and gently opening the door.

Ah, Kira, come in... Kira noticed with slight fear that the normal twinkle wasn't in his eye, and his cheeks looked not quite as rosy as they normally were...

Is something wrong, sir? she asked, tilting her head sideways.

No... well... actually, yes, something is wrong... he put his elbows on his desk and rest his head in his hands, rubbing his forehead. Kira, dear... you might want to sit down...

No thank you... I'll stand, the merry note in her voice had left, and she dreaded what was coming, part of her not wanting to know.

It's alright... whatever happens, I'll be with Mom this summer, and then I can forget about it, just like I forget about Dad... the thought of her Mom brought her reassurement as she waited for Santa to speak.

Kira... well... there's no way to get around this... he sighed heavily again before lifting his head, staring her dead in the eye. You see, there are two categories of elves... Light Elves and Dark Elves. Dark Elves are filled with hatred and hate all things of innocence and light, murdering and stealing as they please.

Yes, Aegis told us about how they hate Christmas because they know certain truths... yes, those are what we Warders are fighting, Kira nodded, happy with herself for remembering.

Yes, well... there was a murder this morning, Santa sighed again, regretting deeply what he had to say next. He tried to think of a way to put it... anything to make this easier on the girl. He didn't know how. Instead, with yet another sigh, he pulled the letter from his desk and handed it to her. Kira stared at it a minute before looking up.

What is this? she asked as she took it, staring at it quizzically.

It's a letter for you. Kira... it was your mother.

The letter dropped from the young elf's hands and she fell into her chair. The world around her slowly began to dissapear, fading from her mind as she stared blankly ahead, no emotion in her eyes or on her face. She felt suddenly... empty... numb...

I'm sorry, Kira. You'll be leaving tomorrow for her funeral. I understand if you would like to go home... Santa felt his heart breaking as he stared at the young elf.

No, that's okay, she mumbled, her voice flat, a simple drone. It seemed like she didn't even know what she was saying... and in truth, she didn't. She wasn't in Santa's office... she wasn't in the Workshop... she wasn't even in the North Pole.

A memory flooded her mind... a memory of long ago. She remembered when she had first told her mother what her father had been doing to her... she remembered sitting in Kaylee's lap as her mother rocked her back and forth, cooing in her ear as Kira sobbed. She had felt so safe... so warm... so protected. From that moment, she always felt that no matter what happened, she could cry on her mother's lap as Kaylee rocked back and forth. Whatever happened, her mother would understand, and would make it better.

Kira's feet carried her down the hall like a robot. Her brain was numb. She felt nothing.

I don't remember leaving Santa's office... she realized. She didn't remember picking up the letter, which was now in her hands, or even what she had said to him. I don't remember being in the hall... She was too lost in her thoughts... but what were her thoughts? It was something... something horrible... wasn't it?

Whatever it is, I'll write to Mom... she thought to herself, and suddenly, tears began to run down her face as if a different part of her mind understood.

And just as she rounded the corner to where Bernard was standing, the truth hit her. She couldn't write to her mother... her mother couldn't make it better... couldn't hold her if she cried...

She was gone. She was truly gone, forever dead. She wouldn't be there to shelter Kira, or hold her and make her crying stop, or protect her from the rest of the world. There would be no more lemonades on hot summer days, or pig parties in the living room, or pillow fights late at night, or ambushes on Ian...

No more laughter... no more smiles... no more pies made together in love... no more adventures to be told... no summer spent together... no meeting Amber or Kae... no nothing... no one to love her...

And as reality set into her, tears began to spill down her face.

Kira... Kira, what is it...? she was vaugely aware of the voice, and without even thinking, her mind completely numb, she handed the letter to Bernard. He looked it over quickly before his face twisted in shock. He looked back up at Kira, who was staring straight ahead, completely unmoving, the only sign of life being the tears running down her face.

Oh Kira... he stepped forward and embraced her, and it was then that Kira finally broke down, burrying herself into Bernard's shirt and crying, wringing the soft velvet in her fists.

Suddenly, she realized she was in Bernard's arms. She realized he was rocking her back and forth, cooing softly in her ear. Just like her mother... the one who was gone. But Bernard's hold provided not the warmth Kaylee's had, nor the sense of protection. Her mother had been everything... and now, everything was nothing.

She's gone, Bernard... Kira sobbed. She's really gone... forever...

And she cried, the pain leaking out her eyes as the rest of the world crashed down around her, her spirit falling with it and shattering on the floor, never to be whole again.

~*~

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you've been living in.

And...
If you do not want to see me again,
I would understand...
I would understand...

The angry boy,
A bit too insane,
Icing over,
In secret pain...

You know you don't belong.

You're the first to fight,
You're way too loud,
You're a flash of light,
On a burial shroud.

I know something's wrong.

Well everyone I know,
Has got a reson,
To say...
Put the past away!

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you've been living in.

And...
If you do not want to see me again,
I would understand...
I would understand...

Well he's on the table,
And he's gone to code,
And I do not think,
Anyone knows...

What they're doing here...

And your friends have left you,
You've been dismissed,
I never thought,
It would come to this...

And I... I want you to know...

Everyone's got to,
Face down the demons,
Maybe today...
We can put the past away!

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
You could cut ties with all the lies,
That you've been living in.

And...
If you do not want to see me again,
I would understand...
I would understand...

I would understand...
I would understand...
I would understand...
Understand...

Can you put the past away?

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
(I would understand...)
I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
(I would understand...)

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
And I would understand...

I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
I would understand...
I wish you would step back,
From that ledge my friend,
And I would understand...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Wasn't that just horrible of me? Well, the Dark One did take something of each of their's... now, he's taken Kira's, too. I know, I'm horrible, but I don't have enough angst in this one... ^_^ Anyhoo, I have the official webpage of the Grey Elf Trilogy, as I've decided to call it, up and running!

http://www.angelfire.com/realm2/fanfiction_bernard/NtR.html

Well, you can see almost every character... Bernard, Jacey, Kae, Perrin, Amber, Curtis, Judy, and Kira in the image gallery as well as a couple Warder outfits. I should have Aegis and Hunter's pictures up late tommorow!!

Alrightly peeps, you know the drill!! 5 reviews!!!!!! I am stubborn and refuse to post untill I have 5 reviews!!!!! I mean... how hard is it to click the little button and maybe type three words or so... huh? I don't care if it's one word... just please review!!!! Thank you much ^_^

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