A/N: Thanx for the reviews you guys!!! *hugs* I was starting to think no one liked this story anymore... well, to thank you all, decided to bit a bit more angst than originally planned in this chappy... ^_^

Going Under
chapter 7

Going Under - Evanescence


Now I will tell you what I've done for you,
50 thousand tears I've cried,
Screaming, deceiving, and bleeding for you,
And you still won't hear me

I'm going under

Don't want your hand this time, I'll save myself,
Maybe I'll wake up for once,
Not tormented daily, defeated by you,
Just when I thought I'd reached the bottom.

I'm
Dying
Again

I'm going under

Drowning in you,
I'm falling forever,
I've got to break through,
I'm going under

Blurring and stirring the truth and the lies,
So I don't know what's real and what's not,
Always confusing the thoughts in my head,
So I can't trust myself anymore.

I'm
Dying
Again

I'm going under

Drowning in you,
I'm falling forever,
I've got to break through,
I'm

So go on and scream,
Scream at me, I'm so far away,
I won't be broken again!

I've got to breathe,
I can't keep going under

I'm
Dying
Again

I'm going under

Drowning in you,
I'm falling forever,
I've got to break through,
I'm going under

I'm going under

Drowning in you

I'm going under

~*~

No Amber! There is no way in HELL you're staying here! Bernard shouted, eyes ablaze. Amber, however, stared back with a look just as fierce and menacing. It was Monday morning, and Amber wanted to stay with her father at the North Pole. He, however, had deemed it safer for her at school.

WHY NOT?! I'M A WARDER TOO, DAMNIT-

Don't you curse at me young lady!



WHATEVER! YOU AREN'T STAYING HERE!

AND WHY NOT?! HUH?! What're you so afraid of?! Bernard opened his mouth to shout back a reply, but closed it again as he began to think about the question. Finally, he sighed and hung his head, making Amber cross her arms triumphantly and smirk at him.

It's because I worry about you, Amber. Besides I don't want you falling behind in your studies. It isn't safe here if there was an attack, you'd hear about it immediately and we'd come get you. If you were up here and there was an attack there's no predicting where it'd be, and if you were killed he trailed off, and Amber's smile faded. When she spoke again, her voice was small and quiet.

I suppose your right. All I want to do is protect the North Pole. Maybe the best way to do that would be to get out of here until I'm needed they raised their gazes to eachother and smiled.

Well, I suppose we both better go get dressed, Bernard turned, pulling his pajama shirt off as he walked away. He immediately froze in his tracks, however, when he caught sight of himself in a hallway mirror.

The Kurai was as clear as it had been in his Grey Elf days.

what is that? Amber asked timidly from behind him, her voice rich with fear.

N-nothing, Amber Bernard tried to smile, but the anger that filled Amber's eyes was enough to make his blood run cold.

Oh, nothing, right! Just like you have nothing to hide, right?! and with that, she stormed off, but the impact of her words wouldn't leave Bernard. He listened to her dying footsteps, and he could feel himself shaking. How long till she figured it out?

Try to explain, Bernard, he spun around to face Kae, leaning on the doorframe, compassion in her eyes.

Tell her? But Kae, we can't-

Not everything, Bernard! Kae rolled her eyes as if it were the most obvious thing in the world before grinning at him. Just tell her you have things that should stay hidden. Tell her you've suffered a lot to keep the family safe. Tell her a little, and maybe she won't be so curious anymore. She smiled warmly again.

~*~

Bernard opened her door softly to find her standing in front of her mirror, hair brush in hand.

she replied, paying little attention.

Amber, I need to talk to you. I need to tell you some things Bernard lowered his head as he said it, but jerked it back up as Amber's brush clattered to the floor. She spun around to face him, a look in her eyes as if she hardly dared to believe it. Bernard sighed.

Well, here goes nothing he thought before sucking in a deep breath of air. Amber, there are a lot of things that happened in my past things that I will take to the grave. Before I was married to your mother, a lot of obstacles stood between us. When we fell inlove, we had to keep it secret, or it could have meant the death of both of us. He looked up to see amazement swirling in Amber's eyes. She swallowed hard before commanding:

Go on.

for your mother and even though I didn't know it, for you too there is so much I have done and sacrificed, and you mother for me he paused, memories passing through his mind, trying to choose his words carefully.

Like what? Amber didn't mean it non-believingly, just curious.

Bled, decieved, screamed I was even even he shook his mass of black curls, deciding against telling his daughter about the torture, before raising his head again. My spirit was broken, and I'd reached the bottom. There was many a time when I wished I was dead, and I almost was more than once. If you've ever wondered why Curtis grew up older than Judy, even though they both whitnessed Dark Elf Magic to the same degree it's because he was there when I when I he shook his head again, but left it hanging this time. Amber took a cautious step forward.

When you what, Daddy? When was Curtis there? Amber felt her stomach tightning on itself, but she had to know. Yet she couldn't help herself from trembling when her father raised his gaze to meet hers, tear streaks down his face and a look of angry regret in his eyes.

The night I tried to kill myself.

~*~

Amber's head was swirling and she could barely remember where she was going, despite the fact that her short walk from behind the science building to the seventh grade lockers was a route she'd taken every day for five years. She felt she would hurl at any moment and her vision was blurry. She wouldn't have been surprised if she had passed out.

Her father had tried to kill himself? It couldn't be true! Bernard? The Bernard that every elf loved? The one they all looked up to? Her own father?

Had tried to end his life? It couldn't be true!

Yet Amber knew she hadn't gotten the whole story. The mark on his chest was so clear now there was something he wasn't telling her. She had already told Hunter everything, and he had suggested doing some more research. That was exactly what she planned to do.

she was startled back to reality when Holly came racing towards her. She skidded to a halt, out of breath breath, yet her eyes were wide with surprise. WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY PERSUADED YOU TO WEAR THAT?!

I must look wierd Amber thought to herself, looking down. Having half transformed into her Warder outfit just in case, she wore a skin tight, sleeve-less, turtle-necked, long-legged, very dark green leather battle suit. Over it, she'd thrown on a cahki trench coat, falling just at her knees and unbuttoned. From underneath the sleeves, her hands were covered in dark green, fingerless gloves. She had metal armour over her knees and the red, loose cloth hung about her shins, folding slightly over her ankle length black boots.

From behind Holly, Hunter waved at Amber, laughing and shaking his head. Amber could only grin back.

I dunno. I was out of clothes, Amber shrugged, and Holly groaned loudly.

AMBER! FOR THE LOVE OF CHEESE, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?! Emer suddenly cried from the lockers, running up to them. Holly and Amber exchanged glances before they burst out laughing.

That's ALMOST exactly what I said! Holly grinned. However, their laughing was cut short when a deep rumble was heard over head. Near-silence descended over the middle school as everyone looked up.

it hasn't rained in forever! Holly grinned as the school burst into excited babble. Amber, however, closed her eyes for a moment and prayed for the North Pole. Something didn't feel quite right

Moments later, an idea flickered through her. After moving herself and her friends under shelter, she snapped her fingers behind her back and then faced her palms upward, her Warder powers coursing through her. And before anyone could even take a step towards shelter, the rain came pouring down hard enough to drench anyone in ten seconds flat. Amber could only grin as she looked around. She met Hunter's gaze, for he knew it was her doing. Amber smiled devilishly at him before a giant bolt of lightning split the sky, making many of the younger girls scream bloody murderer. Most people's attention was suddenly directed to Amber and Hunter as both collapsed on the floor laughing.

She's lost it Holly shook her head and Emer nodded.

~*~

The rain had stopped and everyone stood on the softball field for P.E. Amber had faked cramps and the teacher had allowed her to sit in the dugout as everyone else played softball. Normally, she would've loved to play

But she might have had a few people questioning her when she had to magic out of her outfit to put on her P.E. clothes.

The guys had even joined their class, seeing as the lower fields were too wet to play on. Amber watched the teams, guys split up on both sides, day dreaming to pass the time. She tried not to think of her father it was of little use, though. Rising, she intwined her fingers with the wire fence that was the wall of the dugout. She tried to cheer on her team, who was up to bat, but it seemed her stomach was gone, and there was no place to raise her voice from. Sighing in failure, she raised her head to the skies.

And froze.

Something was wrong. She could feel it within herself. Something was coming

Dark elves, she growled to herself.

What Amber? Holly asked from the bench, but Amber didn't hear. She reacted almost without thinking. Immediately, the young elf jumped up, grabbed the horizontal pole above the doorway and swung herself all the way around, flipping mid-air and landing crouched on the roof of the dugout. She couldn't help but smile at the gaps from those watching, but she didn't have long to snicker.

EVERYBODY, OFF THE FIELD! NOW! she screamed, but everyone just stared at her, a couple people sniggering to their friends. Growling, Amber stood to her full height.

FINE! I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE WHEN ALL OF YOUR ASSES GET BLOWN TO HELL! the young elf leapt into the sky, smashing her palms downwards. Lightning flew from them and the bottoms of her boots, rocketing her upwards.

Impressive, Child of the Storm, a voice made her stop, spinning midair, standing as if on the ground yet supported only by the lightning beneath her feet.

What do you want here?! she cried, not at all fearing his wicked smile.

Wouldn't you know a Dark Elf's only purpose here would be to kill you?

~*~

Hunter watched Amber rocket into the sky, followed by a wave of estonishment from the grade. He knew what he had to do.

EVERYONE, GET OFF THE FIELD! NOW! this time, everyone was willing to obey, rushing to the sides, most hopping the fence.

What's going on? Kalina asked as she and the rest of their group stood by the fence, watching their friend. She had stopped mid-air, but they also saw something dark in front of her.

And for a few moments, they watched Amber and the dark figure. Not much longer, ball of light appeared in Amber's hands, which she raised over her head as if to strike.

BURN IN HELL! she screamed, and as she smashed her hands downward, they were all blinded by a flash of light. Screams of terror filled the air as everyone dropped to the ground, huddling with those close, hands covering their heads.

When the light died down and they opened their eyes again, everyone expressed their shock in some way or another, for the sight in front of them was not anything they'd normally see.

They watched as a lifeless, cloaked body fell the the ground, sizzling as if burned, and they were all thankful that the black covered everything of it. Amber landed crouched behind it, then rose to her full height, her back to everyone.

WHO ARE YOU?! Holly screamed, jumping to her feet, yet tears falling from her eyes for reasons even she didn't understand. Everyone slowly rose as Amber hung her head, then spun around. Her fists were clenched in determination and her eyes narrowed. Her hair tie had ripped her hair fell about her face, whipping defiantly in the wind.

I am Amber, daughter of Bernard and Kae. They are courageous elves, as I am, and bled for what they believed in. Now, I bleed for the safety of all those I love, she replied simply before jerking her head to meet gazes with someone in the crowd. Come on, Hunter! We're going! she growled. Everyone gasped as he hopped the fence and walked to meet her. Then, with a final look at their classmates, the two turned and walked away. No one had the guts the chase after them, but only stood staring, some crying, as the rain began to fall around them.

~*~

Amber knew her parents would worry if she was home early, so she decided to stay in the library, researching upon the strange symbol her father and mother bore.

Elven scriptures', Elf Runes', Ancient Elf Languages', aha! Here it is: Elven Symbols of Significant Meaning'! she flopped onto one of the comfy couches and opened the book in her lap, flipping through it. She traced her finger down the page, searching.

just gotta find it maybe it's called

~*~

The Kurai, Bernard began as Kae watched him, is getting clearer. It burns every now and then I don't understand, Kae!

Oh come on, you dolt! You think I know any more than you do?! she growled. Mine's acting the same way you ain't alone, but I don't have any answers! She sat down in a huff, mumbling irritably to herself. For a moment, Bernard could only stare at her, a small smile creeping to his face.

It seemed almost like old times. Back before they had a daughter to worry about. Before they had so many secrets. When they had had so many different secrets. He couldn't deny that he missed the adventure every day brought. Deep inside himself, he was bored by his everyday life, for nothing ever changed anymore. Life wasn't exactly a struggle any longer

What was he talking about?! Dark Elves were attacking the North Pole! His daughter knew he was hiding something, yet he couldn't tell her! Everyone was in danger it was exactly the same as it had been all those years ago, only now, he wasn't a spy. He didn't live in the very heart of the danger. He didn't have to wake up every morning relieved to see Kae alive and breathing, not tortured to death for being a traitor to the Dark One. Things were just different, yet the same.

I kinda miss being a Grey Elf, Kae's voice startled him from his thoughts. She met his gaze with a coy smile. All the danger, all the excitement She sighed and let her gaze drop. All those years ago, I was so carefree these days, it's like I lead a boring life, even though it would seem amazing to most others. I almost wish things were back to the way they were

I know what you mean, Bernard smiled at her, sitting down. As he spoke, he began to realize how much more fortunate he was than Kae. He was a Warder, which was something to amuse him. Kae was stuck in the house day after day, pulling off chores like a normal house wife. He realized how trapped she must feel

I better go to Judy's. She said Curtis was having nightmares and when he awoke, he was so scared that he'd run up a fever, she laughed lightly, and it hurt Bernard a bit. Kae had changed so much years ago, she would've snorted the laugh and then come up with some rude comment about Curtis. She'd mellowed, not the rebellious Kae she'd been so long ago. He missed the elf she once was.

Yet he himself had changed, and he knew it. It was why he couldn't blame her when she smiled sweetly at him before leaving the house, so unlike those many years ago

Oh, how so much had changed!

~*~

You feeling any better? Judy asked, handing Curtis some hot cocoa. He nodded, sitting up slightly, but they both knew it was a bold-faced lie.

Images were reeling through Curtis' head, making his vision swim and his head felt like it was on fire.

Just dreams strange dreams he sighed and sipped his cocoa.

Like what? Judy asked, concern in her eyes.

Strange images I saw Dark Elves marching, then I saw Amber screaming at her parents I saw her smashing a picture of her family, and Hunter holding her as she cried. I saw them with Santa, yet at the same time, I saw Dark Elves entering the North Pole while Bernard, Perrin, and Kira marched against them so strange! He gasped, and had Judy grabbed his cocoa to keep it from falling as he clapped his hands to his head, shaking in pain. It felt as if white-hot balls of flame were exploding inside his head, making him tremble. He could hear Judy's voice faraway, but when he opened his eyes, it wasn't her he saw. Instead, another image flashed through his head, making shock thunder through his body.

coming moments after the words had left his lips, he collapsed into his pillow, leaving Judy to stare in wonder. Then, rememberance hit her, making her gasp and nearly drop the cup she held.

isn't that Kira's father?

JUDY! YOU HOME?! Kae's voice rang through the house. She was greeted by a crash and immediately ran upstairs. Judy whirled around to face her, shattered glass and running cocoa on the floor.

Cylus is coming, she whimpered. Kae's body went rigid before her eyes narrowed in determination.

We have to go back to my house. I'll tell Bernard, you take Kira to your house. Or maybe you should all go stay with Perrin and Jacey We can't let him take her again, she bared her teeth. Not this time.

~*~

Something wrong, 838? a voice asked, making Cylus raise his shadowed face to his group leader.

Nothing. I am only upset by the fact that my defiant daughter stands on the opposing side, he growled back, bowing.

I thought you killed her mother.

I did, but it seemed not to weaken her. She didn't realize the grief I could bring upon her.

But she will soon, he knew the leader was grinning beneath his hood.



Excuse me?

She won't know grief. She won't survive he pounded one fist into his other palm, glaring straight ahead. I'll make sure she's dead before this is over. Forget about suffering mentally. I'll make sure her last moments are bloodier and more painful than anything she's every experienced before.

You're a fine Dark Elf, 838. The Master, praise his name, would have been pleased, the leader told him before gliding away, leaving Cylus to seethe with rage in solitude.

~*~

Imbitionary, no. Jelintine, no, Amber's finger skimmed down the page of symbols, searching for one she recognized. Ugh, this is taking forever! Jellistrofy, no. Jello, no Jello?! What the hell she groaned, hanging her head, then flipped the page. Kartisca, nope. Kolinate, definately not. Kuwashion, don't think so. Kurai, no- wait a second she peered at it a moment, then grinned in satisfaction. She then read the page aloud to herself, a strange joy taking hold of her.

The Kurai is a cursed symbol, known to few. Anyone bearing the sign is considered damned, having sold their soul to Lord Agurakki, otherwise known as the Dark One.

The Dark One was the feared leader of the Dark Elves. He hated Elves of the Light, found at the North Pole and few other places. They represented innocence and happiness, which preserved their childish appearences. Elves in the real world who had seen its horrors grew old like a normal human, and most despised Light Elves. Banding together, they formed the organization Dark Elves, their sole purpose to murder St. Nick and all Light Elves.

An elf had to prove theirself to the Dark One before they became a Dark Elf themself. Proving included training to use Dark Elf Magic, which is what Dark Elves use to preform their cruelties and crimes. Should any Light Elf preform or witness the magic, they will age slightly older, depending on what they saw and how much they saw. The more intense and the more they see it, the older they become.

The night of joining, they would undergo a short session of torture, and were left with a burn on their chest. The burn is what's known as the Kurai. Elves were then appointed jobs. Certain jobs included assasins, thieves, henchmen, and so on. When their services were needed, the Dark One would summon them with a sharp pain to the Kurai.

When the Dark One fell from power, the Dark Elves dissapeared. Some believe that they died, but most believe they are in hiding, waiting to avenge their beloved leader. Their Kurais faded, said to become barely distinguishable, unless they used their Dark Elf Magic. Some have been found to have married a close worker, pretending to love so as to hide themselves. It has been found that Dark Elves are forbidden to love and many claim they lose capability of it when they are joined. By marrying, Dark Elves are able to stay together while in hiding, waiting for the day-'

Amber didn't finish. She'd read enough. Tears blurred her eyes and her stomach was in knots. She wanted to throw up, yet at the same time, she wanted to curl into a tiny ball and cry till the heavens fell. Her body began to go numb, everything fading from her vision. A sob escaped her lips as she began to loose focus.

Her loving parents? It couldn't be true! Her whole life her whole being her family everything

Was a lie.

Her parents, whom she'd always envied for their love, were simply together because of their worship for the Dark One. Her parents had tried to kill all the elves at the Pole she'd always known how rebellious her mother was, but this? How could she?! Kae, the elf she'd always looked up to, was a lying, murdering bitch.

And her father, the Head Elf?

That traitor! she gritted her teeth, tears of rage yet an immesurable depth of sorrow burning down her face. He probably passed information to the Dark One all the time! But he's a Warder! Oh god, he's the reason we were attacked! That bastard!

A memory darted through her mind. She saw herself standing in front of the Dark Elf, and she remembered the strange fear she had felt. And then, she remembered how she had felt that same fear when her father had yelled at her.

They'll kills us all sinking dread descended upon the young elf. This can't be happening! Am I the only one that knows? I have to warn someone oh, why was I the one who had to find out? Why couldn't Hunter be here?!

And suddenly, more than anything, she wanted to be in Hunter's arms. He wanted to feel his warm embrace, hear him whisper that he was there and that it was all over that it was all going to be alright. Whisper that he was there for her, that he'd help her, that he'd stay with her

She was awakened to reality as a tear slipped from her cheek and fell, hitting the open book like a shattering crystal. They way they fell, she felt, was much the same as the way her faith was crumbling away. She didn't know who to trust anymore Jacey and Perrin were Dark Elves as well! Hunter would know what it was like then! He could help her

Cruel realization hit her for the second time. Hunter wouldn't be there for her. He loved Kira. Not her.

He'll never love me yet why does that matter to me? Not long ago, he was just a friend so why does he matter so much to me now? Is this what love truly feels like? her eyes became cold and she glared at the floor. No, this isn't what love feels like. This is what being alone feels like. I am alone so alone

She wanted to run oh, she wanted to run! But she couldn't. There's nowhere to run, she thought miserably, tears streaming down her face as she hung her head.

Little did she know that her mother had thought those same thoughts so many years before, back in the days when there truly was nowhere to run.

Back in the days when they still had to pretend they had nothing to hide.

~*~

Bernard and Kae sat on opposite sides of the room, talking as they so often did.

-nd when he comes, I swear Bernard's eyes narrowed, and Kae sighed.

Whatever you do to the bastard, no sticking him in the blender till I get my hands on him, Kae grinned devilishly.

Don't worry. I know how much 4041 must be bothering you, seeing as I'm plagued by 712 so often. It'll be amazing to let those powers loose again on someone he shook his head. What the hell am I saying... ARGH! Kae snorted.

Don't worry, I know whacha mean! 4041-

Your Dark Elf code?

Yeah, right, so anyway- Kae stopped abruptly, the color fading from her face. Terror clutched her heart as she and Bernard met gazes. Then, slowly, they both turned to the doorway.

Both would've rather been dead that see what they did.

Amber stood in the doorway, fists clenched in rage, tears streaks down her face, but a look of absolute hate and rage burned in her eyes and she trembled with fury.

Nothing to hide, right guys? So what about 712 and 4041? Your Dark Elves, right?! RIGHT?!

Amber, if you'd just listen

We can explain

NO! SHUT UP! Amber silenced them both, more tears spilling down her cheeks. You've lied to me all this time, haven't you?! MY WHOLE DAMNED LIFE IS A LIE, ISN'T IT?! You two are sick! You enjoyed murdering all of them, didn't you?! YOU WANTED TO MURDER THE ENTIRE NORTH POLE, YOU TRAITORS! All those innocent elves

Amber, we didn't want to hurt anybody- her father tried, taking a step towards her, but was cut off.

NO! STAY BACK! the she-elf cried, jerking one of her fists up and they both saw that she held a knife.

AMBER, WOULD YOU JUST LISTEN?! Bernard didn't relent, but her only reply was that she spat at the ground by his feet.

I'm tired of listening! she screamed back.

Do you really think we'd kill people just for the fun of it?! she jerked her head to meet her mother's gaze. Kae had gotten to her feet, her own fists clenched, an angry look in her eyes. You parents, Amber! THINK ABOUT IT! Do we seem quite the type to just go out and kill everyone?! Do you think we want to hurt the elves up here?! DO YOU?!

Amber, listen to your mother, she whipped her head back around to meet Bernard's gaze. He started to step forward. We're just trying to protect-

He cut off abruptly, his words replaced by his screams moments later. Amber, for a moment, didn't realize what she'd done, but she soon let go of the hilt of the knife as if it were some poisonous creature, jumping away in fear. Kae gasped, hands fluttering to her mouth to stifle a gasp. Even Amber began trembling in slight fear, but soon caught herself and forced her gaze to become cold and uncaring.

The hilt of the knife was protruding from Bernard's arm, blood pouring from it, and he'd fallen to the floor in pain.

So now you know what it felt like to all those innocents! she spat on him and he raised his trembling gaze to hers.

As she met his gaze, though, everything seemed to melt away. Images began dancing through Amber's head her father laughing as he tossed her in the air, her mother smiling from the doorway. She saw her father waiting for her behind the science building, smiling and asking how her day was. She remembered how he'd tried so hard to make things better after she'd lost her best friends.

He's probably the one who told the Dark Elves to kill them!

No! He couldn't

He saw his smiling face, felt his warm embrace, heard his reassuring words

And it was more than she could bear.

NO! STAY AWAY FROM ME! she screamed before she turned and fled, leaving her parents behind, Bernard reaching out for her before falling back.

It's too late, Bernard, Kae knealt beside him and drew him into a hug.

Too late he repeated, and with horrible terror, he realized it was true.

The Dark Elves were coming, and his daughter was gone. Tears beside those of pain filled his eyes and he bowed his head to let them fall, wondering what no father should ever have to wonder.

Would he have to face battle without her knowing? Would she ever find out what truly happened, or would he slip from existence before he got the chance to tell her he loved her one last time?

~*~

Hello, Jacey, Kira greeted the red-headed elf, who immediately pulled her into a hug. Judy curtsied and was greeted with a nod.

I better get back to Curtis. Take care of her, she then scuttled away.

Hey kid, Perrin said timidly, as he was still not completely comfortable with Kira.

Kira! What're you doing here?! Hunter cried, making her spin around.

Need to talk to you, she widened her eyes to show how truly urgent it was, for he would never tell from the tone of her voice. For a moment, Hunter just stood there, then realization lit up his eyes.

Oh, about that broken thing! Yeah, Dad, we need your help his dad stared quizically a moment as well, then realization also seemed to hit him.

I'll only be a minute, he told Jacey before hurrying after the two younger elves.

Curtis saw images of Dark Elves coming. My father was with them, she told the two once they were out of earshot.

Dark elves are coming? Perrin groaned and hung his head.

I don't know how long it'll be til they reach here, but I don't think we have much time, Hunter clenched his fists.

You two, find Aegis and warm up. I'm going to go find Amber, he turned away, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him, and he turned back around to meet Kira's eyes.

Be careful, Hunter, she said softly. Then, she pushed herself up onto her toes and planted a soft kiss on his lips.

I'll wait outside for you, Perrin winked at Kira before slinking from the room. Kira turned back to Hunter and took his hands in hers.

I'm scared she admitted, leaning forward and letting her head rest on his chest. Hunter became aware of how close their bodies were, and how vulnerable Kira was. He looked down into her beautiful face, such a mirror of innocence. Her eyes, such a sparkling blue that took his breath away. So wonderful so pure so innocent

Yet this was the elf he was going to march into war with.

It'll be alright, he told her softly. We'll stay together. I promise.

Thank you, she stepped away. Then, she smiled at him before and walking away. She paused at the doorway, turning back to face him. Good luck. He opened his mouth with every intention to tell her that he loved her, but a sudden image of Amber flashed through his mind.

You too, she smiled at him again before dissappearing. Hunter watched the doorway were she had been moments before, and he could feel an eerie regret creeping into his heart. Why hadn't he told her he loved her?

Why am I thinking of her now?! Hunter didn't understand. could I still love Amber? He shook the thought away. Even if I do, I love Kira as well, whether it's the same love or just our friendship. And I'll tell her that as soon as I see her again. He clenched his fists, but the longing to have told her while she was still there didn't leave him, for it was indeed true that he should have told her. And had he known, he would've told her in an instant. If he'd of known, he would have run after her, making sure she heard him and knew. If only he'd known

Known that would be the last time he'd ever see Kira.

~*~

Now I will tell you what I've done for you,
50 thousand tears I've cried,
Screaming, deceiving, and bleeding for you,
And you still won't hear me

I'm going under

Don't want your hand this time, I'll save myself,
Maybe I'll wake up for once,
Not tormented daily, defeated by you,
Just when I thought I'd reached the bottom.

I'm
Dying
Again

I'm going under

Drowning in you,
I'm falling forever,
I've got to break through,
I'm going under

Blurring and stirring the truth and the lies,
So I don't know what's real and what's not,
Always confusing the thoughts in my head,
So I can't trust myself anymore.

I'm
Dying
Again

I'm going under

Drowning in you,
I'm falling forever,
I've got to break through,
I'm

So go on and scream,
Scream at me, I'm so far away,
I won't be broken again!

I've got to breathe,
I can't keep going under

I'm
Dying
Again

I'm going under

Drowning in you,
I'm falling forever,
I've got to break through,
I'm going under

I'm going under

Drowning in you

I'm going under

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Hope I packed enough angst in there for you...

Now, I will remind you that I am very stubborn. The next chapter is the final battle between Dark Elves and Light Elves. You want it? Review! FIVE REVIEWS, OR NO NEW CHAPTER!!!!!

REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!REVIEW!!!!!!!