A/N: Thanx for reviewing so fast!! Luv you guys! *hugs* Sorry this took so long to get up, but I had to get the battle *just* right!
Hey, I was wonderin' well, do you guys think you could draw what you think the characters looks like? I'd love to get pics of Kae or Amber or Kira or Hunter or Perrin or anyone, for that matter! ^_^ PLEASE, fanart!!! *begs*
Ok, final battle!! *takes deep breath* PROCEED!
Alenya: FOREWARD MARCH!!!!!
Amber: HEY! THIS IS MY STORY!
Bernard: Your story? Uh-huh no
Alenya: I think CrystalHorse72 is a little hyper
All: *nod*
Still, I would REALLY APPRECIATE ANY FANART!!!!!!!! PLEASE, I'M BEGGING YOU ALL!!!!!! I'D LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!!!!
Ok, also remember to review at the end. I need five!!!
In The End
chapter 8
In The End - Linkin Park
One thing
I don't know why,
Doesn't even matter how,
Hard you try.
Keep that in mind,
I designed this rhyme,
To explain,
In due time.
All I know
Time is a,
Valuable thing,
Watch it fly by,
As the pendulum swings.
Watch it count down,
To the end of the day,
The clock ticks,
Life away.
Its so unreal
Didn't look,
Down below,
Watch the time flow,
Right out the window,
Tryin' to hold on,
Didn't even know,
I wasted it all just to,
Watch you go
I kept everything,
Inside,
And even though,
I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me,
Will eventually be,
A memory of a time,
When
I tried to hard,
And got so far
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter.
I had to fall,
To lose it all
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter
One thing,
I don't know why,
Doesn't even matter,
How hard you try.
Keep that in mind,
I designed this rhyme,
To remind,
Myself how
I tried so hard
In spite of the way,
You were mockin' me,
Actin' like I was,
Part of your property.
Remembering all the,
Times you faught,
With me,
I'm surprised it
Got so far
Things aren't,
The way they were before,
You wouldn't even,
Recognize me anymore.
Not that you,
Knew me back then,
But it all comes back,
To me
In the end
What it meant to me,
Will eventually be,
A memory of a time,
When
I tried to hard,
And got so far
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter.
I had to fall,
To lose it all
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter
I put my trust,
In you,
Pushed as far as I,
Can go.
For all this,
There's only,
One thing,
You should know
I put my trust,
In you,
Pushed as far as I,
Can go.
For all this,
There's only,
One thing,
You should know
I tried to hard,
And got so far
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter.
I had to fall,
To lose it all
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter
~*~
I should've told her Bernard burried his face in his left elbow, sobbing, as Kae bandaged his right one.
You're lucky. She only caught the side. I'm not sure she even hit muscle, tears ran plainly down her face as if her body understood, yet her mind would not submit to the truth.
Kae, we have to find her! Bernard blurted out, fury dancing like flames in his eyes.
I know, Bernard, Kae sighed softly, and though there was no change in her facial expression, the tears began to run faster.
Bernard was suddenly caught in awe. Kae this was the Kae he had known so long ago. She tried to be strong she tried so hard to be unbreakable. Oh, how she tried
Yet even mighty Kae, whether a shadow of the past or a being of the present, could not bear this pain.
And as he pulled her into an embrace, it was as if reality finally set in, and they cried together. Together, they pulled on coats and boots. Together, they let fall drops of pain, regret, and anger. Together, they set out to find their daughter
To find their daughter, and to explain.
~*~
Hunter screamed, hands cupped around his mouth. He had finally reached her house, calling her name as he walked through the doorway. He opened his mouth to shout her name again, but quickly cut himself off because of a strange noise he heard.
Moments later, it registered in his head that it was Amber screaming.
Before Hunter was even aware of what he was doing, he was racing up the stairs and towards the room he presumed Amber was in. It was the large, double doors that belonged to her parents, and after several attempts, he concluded that they were locked.
he shouted, banging his fist on the door, but the sudden sound of glass breaking made him jump. He then proceeded with even more vigorance. AMBER, YOU HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR! IT'S ME, HUNTER! His only answer was Amber crying out in fury and again, glass breaking.
Hunter knew he had no choice. Instead, he backed up and tried his best to concentrate. Holding his hands apart, palms facing each other, he pictured them as a channel, and then pictured water flowing through that channel. When he snapped his eyes back open, a sphere of rushing water was between his hands. Then, with all he strength he had, he pulled it behind his head and then rammed it into the doors.
Wood splintered and cracked immediately, throwing the doors open, and Hunter felt a moment of triumph.
That feeling, however, quickly faded when he saw Amber sitting on the floor. What was in front of her, Hunter couldn't tell, only that it contained shattered glass. He saw the tears running down Amber's face in an impossible stream, and then the blood that ran just as freely from her hand. He watched her raise it again, light dancing off the deep crimson staining it, ready to bury even more of the sharp slivers within her
he grabbed her wrist and yanked her to her feet, pulling her away. He put his arms around her, pulling her close to him, and Amber leaned into him with a sob. He made soft noises, rocking her back and forth, and from the way her shoulders shaking was tearing his heart apart, there wasn't a doubt in his mind how miserable she felt.
Hunter turned his head to look at the broken glass on the floor. Immediately, his breath caught in his chest, and he could feel his entire body freeze. The cause of her screaming the reason of her misery the thing she'd been smashing
Was a picture of her family. Bernard, Kae, and her. Together
Yet ruined.
They really were hiding something, Hunter she whispered into his shoulder.
simply saying her name sent her into a new wave of tears, but Hunter had to know. He set his hands on her shoulders and pushed the girl to arm's length, trying to block out the misery and pain written so clearly on her face and in her eyes.
my parents you're parents she tried to speak between sobs, but failed horribly, and instead hung her head again. A new wave of sobbing took hold, and Hunter swallowed hard.
What, Amber? What about them? he persisted. But when she raised her head, finally opening her blue eyes to meet his, he knew that he didn't want to hear the answer.
They're Dark Elves, Hunter.
Hunter suddenly felt the ground beneath his feet slip away. Everything became blurry, and his head became light. Visions danced in his eyes he thought they were memories Jacey and Perrin, his own mom and dad
I'm so sorry, Hunter! he heard Amber's voice, but it sounded so far away he felt her arms around him as she burried her face in his shoulder, yet at the same time, he seemed to feel it in a body that he no longer belonged to. It didn't make sense his parents her parents the people they'd laughed with so many times they people who'd always been there
I'm so sorry!
And before Hunter even realized what was happening, he was crying with Amber as she explained everything she had found.
~*~
Two, young pairs of legs ran through the snow, determination in their very strides. At first glance, someone might've believed it was Kae and Perrin back in the days when so much had depended on them, but second glance would tell them far differently.
It was Amber and Hunter.
They burst through the doors of the North Pole, and everyone simply stared after them in confusion, too startled to say anything. Amber led Hunter through the maze of tunnels until finally, they skidded to a halt in front of the doors of the most important man in all the North Pole.
Santa.
Both elves sucked in one, last breath of deep air, exchanged watery, unsteady glances, and then slowly pushed open the doors.
~*~
They're nowhere to be found, Bernard! Kae spun around to scream it at him, the tears still falling, yet the anger still in her eyes.
I know, Kae! Bernard growled, yet the way he hung his head held an aura of defeat.
Defeat, and regret.
they both turned their heads to see Perrin and Kira sprinting towards the elf.
COME ON! WE GOTTA GO! AEGIS NEEDS US! Perrin widened his eyes to try and stress just how important this truly was to his friend.
Aegis can wait, Perrin. My daughter knows, and I'm going to find her, Bernard replied with a strange sort of calm, yet there was an edge in his voice that would make many an elf cringe away. Kira, however, did not cringe away, but instead jumped forward and grabbed his wrist.
Bernard, they're HERE! THEY are HERE! she persisted, shaking his arm to try and prove her point. It's THEM!
Kira, I don't care if the fucking Muffin Man is here- Bernard suddenly cut off, the anger fading from his face, as a sudden realization fell upon him. Perrin his gaze danced between the two of them, Do you mean to say
Yes, Bernard! Kira spoke softly, but with the force of a yell. And it hit Bernard with just as much force.
PERRIN! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH ALL THIS SECRECY! Jacey suddenly burst into their group. Look, Kae and I KNOW you guys are hiding something, so there's no use in denying it now!
Kae, with a slight snigger, thought back to the day they had denied it. It had been the day when Jacey had come over, and the two of them had talked of their own Dark Elves, and of how their families were hiding something
Yet when they had asked, the rest had denied. They had claimed there was nothing to hide. And when Kae had tried to persist, Kira had cut her off and instead propossed that they all sneak into the kitchens.
Not this time, though.
Bernard, what the hell is it that you're hiding?! I'M YOUR WIFE! I HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW! she shouted at him, but Bernard hardly seemed to hear her, still staring straight ahead.
I can't tell you, he spoke without feeling or emotion, just a blank, flat voice, hollow of anything. We have to go
Bernard, you will tell me NOW! Kae demanded, grabbing his arm as he tried to walk away.
Yeah, Perrin! What in the name of Christmas are you hiding?! Jacey growled, stepping in his path, hands on her hips.
THERE ISN'T TIME! DON'T YOU SEE?! WE HAVE TO GO! Kira grabbed both of the older elves and dragged them away, and immediately, they all broke into a sprint, leaving Kae and Jacey to simply wonder.
We are getting some answers here! Kae growled moments later, and Jacey nodded, but just as both of them started to take a step, a voice stopped them.
KAE! JACEY! Curtis ran up to them, panting and out of breath. For a couple moments, he couldn't even talk, instead leaning with his hands on his knees and gasping for air.
going on hiding something he breathed, but Kae and Jacey cut him off, shouting in unison:
WE KNOW!
It was only a matter of minutes before the three of them knew exactly the information the others knew, and were marching in line towards the workshop.
~*~
I'm sorry Bernard, Perrin. It's just no use. We can't reach your children in time. We have to start the battle. The Dark Elves are dangerously close within moments, they will be here, and only you can stop them, Aegis said as they all stood in the underground room that had been their practicing place for so long.
But the practice was over. The battle was there. It was all real, and they couldn't escape it. There was no backing out. There was no turning back.
~*~
Kae, Jacey, and Curtis stalked around the North Pole for the third time, yet they could not find the three elves, who were so conveniently missing-in-action.
Where's Bernard?! Kae snapped at a passing elf, stepping into his path. He leaned away from her, a look of pure terror on his face.
I d-d-dunno ma'am he stuttered, eyes wide, and with a groan, Kae turned around and stopped another elf.
WHERE IS BERNARD?! the new elf had the same reaction, nearly dropping her basket of cookies.
N-n-no id-d-dea ma'am she stammered, and Kae growled loudly.
DOESN'T ANYONE KNOW WHERE THEY'RE FRIGGIN' HEAD ELF IS?! she opened her mouth to shout something more, but Jacey's hand on her arm stopped her.
I think you're scaring them Kae, as if suddenly brought back to the real world, opened her eyes and looked around to see every elf backing as far away from her as possible. She laughed nervously, nodding.
maybe you're right hey, I said MAYBE! she crossed her arms defiantely, and Jacey and Curtis exchanged glances that said the exact same thing:
Kae was impossible.
All elves are to drop what they are doing and report to the main hall immediately, Carol's voice sounded over the loudspeakers, and every elf immediately froze. The loudspeakers were never used unless it was a dire emergency
Oh crud Curtis groaned as that fact dawned on him. He immediately jumped up on one of the tables, hoping to catch them before any of them screamed. PLEASE, EVERYONE, DO NOT PANIC! YOU WILL ALL BE FINE! JUST PROCEED TO THE MAIN HALL AND AWAIT INSTRUCTIONS! DON'T PANIC!
Luckily, the worst that happened was a murmur of confusion that spread among the elves like wildfire, but they obeyed none-the-less. Curtis made sure that every one of them was heading towards the main hall before he got off his table and motioned that Kae and Jacey should probably follow as well.
What do you think is going on? Jacey whispered excitedly. Curtis turned to whisper back with the same enthusiasm, neither of them noticing Kae suddenly looking around.
or maybe it has something to do with all the attacks! Jacey replied to Curtis's suggestion, and then they both turned to Kae. What do you think it is?
I dunno, but can you shut up for a second? she replied almost automatically, straining to hear something. Jacey and Curtis exchanged puzzled glances, but seconds later, they both heard it too, and also tried to listen.
Very faintly, they could make out a woman's voice coming from the opposite direction they were headed. None of them doubted that was why they were all being led away.
It sounds like Lady Laurrine! Jacey gasped, and they all nodded to eachother. C'mon! It's coming from the main entrance!
Soon, they were all running towards it, and the sound of Lady Laurrine's voice was getting clearer. Kae stopped them not far away, and as soon as they saw what it was in the entrance, turning back was not an option, and each of their jaws dropped.
Sure enough, Lady Laurrine was talking, pacing back and forth in front of three people, each in strange attire that was completely unrecognizable.
Who do you think they are? Jacey whispered to the two others.
I dunno, but let's go over there, Curtis pointed to a tall plant by the Grand Doors, through which they might be able to identify the three mystery people. Each of them dashed across the side seperately, and thankfully, none of the four noticed them. Then, together, they sat up and peered through the leaves.
Holy Christmas Curtis gasped, but couldn't say any more. Suddenly, it made sense the three people were none other than Bernard, Perrin, and Kira.
Jacey started to get up with every intention of storming over and demanding what was going on, but Kae immediately pulled her back down.
No! Not yet! Kae hissed at her, glaring.
Oh fine, Jacey growled, knowing she was stuck.
Kae Curtis whispered, still staring straight ahead.
the asked in unison.
my dream I saw it when Judy was taking care of me it's real he started trembling as the two she-elves looked at each other, each asking the other for an answer.
Curtis, what are you- he cut Kae off.
he pointed at Lady Laurrine.
hope you all understand just how proud I am that you've come this far. I'm sorry about Amber and Hunter, and I will try to find them, but I cannot promise. We must, however, start the battle without them. Now, I also hope you know that I cannot tell you what to expect out there. I do not know the dangers that lie ahead of you, but for the safety of the North Pole, I must ask you to please fight this evil, she had stopped pacing and was now smiling at them with a strange sort of pride in her eyes.
Aegis, I think I speak for all of us when I say, in the words of an old friend, you'd have to tie us to a chair with three guards around us and seven at each exit to keep us from fighting, he and Perrin grinned at eachother, and Kae heard Jacey gasp lightly, remembering when she'd said that so long ago
But Kae was confused as well. What were they talking about? Why did they always seem to call Lady Laurrine Aegis? What was going on?
Now, as I believe we are missing two Warders, I will have to leave you. Good luck to you, Children of the Forces, she bowed to then quickly left the room, not daring to look back.
Alright guys, without Hunter or Amber, we're going to have to go with plan C and backup G try to improvise, too! Kira explaied to them before smiling grimmly. Now, whaddaya say we go kick some Dark Elf butt?!
And together, with smiles of friendship and determination, they each materialized a weapon, Bernard and Perrin with swords and Kira with a staff. Then, with a loud whooping, they raised their weapons in the air and clinking them together as if they were three friends with beers and had just proposed a toast.
Kae watched the determination that danced in their eyes, yet the unmistakeable bond of friendship between them. She watched as those who meant so much to her walked past the three, not even noticing them, defiance written in their faces as they threw open the doors of the workshop and let them bang shut behind them.
In an instant, they were each on their feet, crawling over eachother to get out from behind the plant. Curtis was first to reach the door, placing his hand on the large doorknob
A flash of white blinded him for a split second, and then, he saw it. He saw the ranks of Dark Elves marching together. He saw the three elves splitting up, showing no fear. He saw the wind swirling around Kira as she seemed to guide it with her fingertips. He watched Perrin, the power of ice at his hands. He invisioned Bernard, light growing around him with the mastery he seemed to preform every task with
Oh my god! he gasped, staggering away from the door knob, then leaning forward as if to stare at it.
What's wrong, Curtis? Curtis turned to his red-headed friend, no expression in his eyes.
They Dark Elves. They're here.
~*~
Santa, they'll destroy the North Pole! Amber cried, standing up abruptly and smashing her hands onto his desk.
Now Amber, if you'll just listen a moment- Hunter cut him off.
Our parents are Dark Elves, Santa! They could be the end of everything here! he shouted, desperation in his eyes.
WILL YOU BOTH SIT DOWN?! the large man boomed, rising to his feet in anger and the two elves both fell back into their seats. Thank you, he sat back down, folding his hands on his desk. Now, if you'll allow me to explain: You're parents do not want to destroy the North Pole. They became Dark Elves to save it. Both elves exchanged looks of dismay. Yes, hard to believe, isn't it? You see, though they were what was known as Grey Elves. They were spies, in other words. Amber, both your parents were assasins, and your father was actually the one who prevented almost every attack on the North Pole. Without him, I doubt we'd exist.
Hunter, your father stole information and tortured people for it. Your mother, who was last to join, was actually very rebellious and I don't believe she quite fufilled her duties as an assasin he smiled softly.
not Dark Elves Amber was staring straight ahead, images flashing through her mind. Images of the horror in her mother's eyes, and the pleading look on her father's face the knife she'd used to put it out to make it go away
No, they are not. They were only spies, and they all saved the North Pole. Not to mention the fact that Bernard was the one who truly killed the Dark One, he smiled at Amber, who was simply shaking in fear, trying to take everything in. She could barely comprehend anything, and her head was swimming.
They aren't not them innocent defeat pain was building inside her head, clouding her vision and blurring her thoughts.
She looked to Hunter for help, but he sat riggid in his chair, gripping the arms till his knuckles were white, staring straight ahead with wide eyes.
His parents don't know he found out she thought to herself, and she could feel the hot tears pooling in the bottom of her eyes. He didn't stab his own father
A sob escaped her lips, making Hunter snap his head around with concern in his eyes. He saw Amber burry her face in her hands, and moments later, she completely broke down.
Amber, it's alright come on! We'll find your parents find Aegis find the rest of the Warders he tried to sooth her, but Scott Calvin cut him off.
You'll find them all together they're all preparing. The Dark Elves are here, he hung his head. Immediately, Amber's sobs stopped, and her eyes became wide.
The battle it's here she looked up to Hunter, desperation hanging in it. We have to go, Hunter! They need us! We can't she began to trail off, choking back tears, and when she continued, her voice was small. We can't let them fight on their own
I can't let my father die without seeing him one last time he can't die like this!
I'm afraid that it has already started, they both turned back to Santa, the look in their eyes almost like a plea a plea for him to say he was joking. He, however, was not. You are too late only if they can hold off the Dark Elves for this long can you help them. But it has already begun.
Nothing but somber silence filled the room, but even that was better than the horrible tears that broke it only moments later.
~*~
Kira felt the wonderful surge of power around her, whipping her hair about her face and lifting her off the ground. She rose high into the air, a cool breeze about her, eyes glittering in amazement. Had someone of seen her, they might have believed her to be a normal elf, caught in the majesy of the North Pole.
But as she tightened her grip on her staff and narrowed her eyes in determination, that image was shattered. She was there to fight, and fight she would.
this is for you.
~*~
Perrin was on the opposite side of the North Pole, sword held at the ready. His eyes, however, were closed in concentration. He was building force beneath the snow, and daggers of ice were collecting around him.
Come when you're ready he hissed into the air, a familiar grin toying his face. Cause I sure as hell am!
Bernard was on the other, far end of the North Pole, closing the triangle of defense they had created.
Matching my gift of light against the Dark Elves, he closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath of air, forcing himself not to think of Amber. Yet she was the light of his life, so how could the light not bring her to his mind? No. I won't lose this because of her. I'll win it for her I'll win this so that she can know the truth. He clenchd his fists in the resolution, then raised his palms high in the air. I WILL WIN THIS!
His powers of light coursed through his veins, then poured through his palms. A solid wall built all the way between him and Perrin, who also raised his palms to recieve it on one side. On the other, he sent a wall of ice to Kira, who finished the traingle with a wall of wind.
THESE FUCKERS ARE TOAST! she screamed, and two cheers accompanied her. But then, she spoke softly to herself, Hunter, you promised we'd do this together. You promised she bowed her head, letting a tear slip down her soft cheek. So where are you?
The howling wind was her only reply.
And the wind was also the only noise. Kira felt surrounded by a strange sort of silence, for the wind seemed only in her mind. She became desperate for something anything! Anything to break the sound of only the wind
~*~
Bernard snapped his head up as a strange sound came to his ears. For a moment, he thought it was the chants of Dark Elves but moments later, he recognized it as singing.
And it was coming from Kira's direction.
She was singing Carol of the Bells', which Bernard easily recognized, despite the fact that over the noise of the wind, all he could hear was the tune. For a moment, he started to wonder if she was crazy
The song, however, began to flow through him, and before he knew what he was doing, he was singing along as well, and he could hear on his opposite side that Perrin was as well.
And so, the three Warders stood together, singing together, joined together through the words all elves rejoiced in:
Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells,
All seem to say, "Throw cares away."
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer,
To young and old, meek and the bold.
Ding, dong, ding, dong,
That is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling,
One seems to hear words of good cheer,
From everywhere, filling the air.
Oh how happy are their tones,
Gaily they ring, while people sing,
Songs of good cheer, Christmas is here,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas,
Merry, Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas.
On, on they send on without end,
Their joyful tone to every home.
On, on they send on without end,
Their joyful tone to every home,
Ding, dong, ding, dong,
Ding, dong, ding, dong.
Bernard, however, did not stop when the song was over, but began again. The others seemed to have no intention of stopping either, and together, they sang and through the song, the poured their love for the holiday they were defending. They sang on and on, together and without end
~*~
Elves, it is my duty to bring to you the news of recent events. Outside, Dark Elves are marching towards the North Pole. Warders, a group of elves destined to fight with powers granted to them, await the arrival of the enemy. However, any elves who wish to fight and are over seven hundred years old may Carol eyed the room. No one moved.
W-who are the Yarders, exactly? an elf piped up after about thirty seconds of silence.
It's Warders, dear, and they are Bernard, Perrin, Kira, Amber, and Hunter. Amber and Hunter, however, are no where to be found, so only Bernard, Perrin, and Kira remian out there. Noise burst through the room as every began talking at once.
No one had yet noticed Jacey and Kae standing by the exit, but when Kae stepped forward and began to shout, their presence immediately brought silence upon the room.
EVERYBODY! LISTEN UP! WE CAN'T LEAVE THEM TO DEFEND THE NORTH POLE ALONE, BERNARD LEAST OF ALL! HE'S YOUR HEAD ELF, AND HE DEFEATED THE DARK ONE AND THE DARK ELVES FIRST TIME AROUND! WE HAVE TO HELP FIGHT TO SAVE OUR HOME AND EVERYTHING WE BELIEVE IN! NOW WHO'S WITH ME?!
Tears sprung to Carol's eyes as nearly every elf raised their fists in the air, cries of agreement echoing through the bright room. Elves too young to fight ran about frantically, looking for things to aid those old enough. Any of them over seven hundred years marched together, Kae and Jacey leading them, towards the doors, none of them even looking back.
No one was afraid to fight for the North Pole.
~*~
As the elves burst through the doors, they were greeted by a truly amazing sight. A giant wall a wall of their powers, holding out to try and block the Dark Elves. Hardly anyone could take their eyes off of it.
Kae was the first to hear the strange, eerie humming noise. She and everyone else immediately recognized it as Carol of the Bells', and the song filled them all with hope. It was a song every elf cherished, and it sent a wave of courage throughout the entire army.
For a moment, you would have almost thought they were at peace.
That moment, however, dissolved, and along with it went the wall built of three of the elements. The first few lines of Dark Elves fell dead as soon as they hit the wall, but others simply marched over them, showing no sympathy towards their dead.
The three Warders, however, were ready. One by one, they released their greatest powers. Daggers of ice flew from Perrin, bullets of light from Bernard, and Kira had the power to mix them within her own element and release a combination of all three.
Every elf new magic to some degree. Jets of light flew from their tiny palms, determination in everyone's faces. They were all fighting for the same cause, and there was no holding them back.
Kae could not believe the chaos, light streaming from both sides, and she had to duck attacks from friend and foe.
Then again, considering her past, either could be considered friend or foe. Not to mention she was fighting with Dark Elf Magic
A sudden image of Bernard flashed through her mind. She knew he was out there, somewhere
And she had to find him.
She dodged curses left and right, and the power of her own magic swirled beneath her palms. She'd always found that she could use spells involving fire, and she found it rather amusing in the current crisis. In the midst of all the hatred, it could make any elf smile to see a Dark Elf, completely cloaked in black, running around like a chicken with its head cut off except instead, their heads were on fire. They looked slightly like elves running around with black, plastic bags over their heads, and it was all Kae could do to keep from laughing.
With the fire that managed to warm the hearts of some, Kae fought her way towards the one she loved. And seventeen ignited Dark Elves and god-knows how many enemy-broken limbs later, she found him.
He was desperately trying to fight off two Dark Elves, each with an amazing amount of grace. Bernard stabbed again and again, a long, dagger of light in each hand. He could never catch anything more than their robes, though
What Bernard didn't know, though, was that a third elf was sneaking up behind him.
Kae screamed, lurching herself towards him, despite that he was over twenty yards away. A dark elf grabbed her arm and yanked her back.
Where the hell do you think your goin'? he sneered.
TO SAVE MY HUSBAND! Kae screamed, and moments later, he was roaring in flames and immediately let her go. It took her a moment to find Bernard, and aparently, the third Dark Elf was having just as much trouble getting to him. Kae, still dodging jets of light, tried to reach him
You don't know what it's like living in the real world, you pathetic Light Elf! a Dark Elf stepped in her path. Elves like you have destroyed the meaning in our lives!
Really? You know, I'd cry blood for you if I had the time really, I would but I don't, now OUT OF MY WAY! Kae sent her fist thundering in to his head, and before he could make a move, she was sprinting over him.
But the third elf was upon Bernard, raising his hands. Kae saw the sparks dancing in his palms, and she saw the elf she loved turn around. I'm too late she thought. She saw the Head Elf's eyes widen in fear, and realized he knew the same thing she did.
Bernard was going to die.
Kae screamed, lunging at him despite the many yards between them one last time. She wanted to be in his arms she wanted to be with him, away from the chaos. She wanted to be away from the battle, lying in the grass with her head on his stomach, staring into the sky. She wanted to be with him alive
And suddenly, even through the blur of her tears, she saw it. A figure flew through the air, its foot smashing into the back of the Dark Elf. Had Kae been closer, she would have heard the sickening crack it made, and she would have known that when the elf fell, it was never to get up again.
Yet even if she had known, it probably wouldn't have mattered to her. All she saw was the daggers of light burry themselves into the two elves attacking Bernard earlier. All she could comprehend was that the attackers were gone. And all that mattered was that within moments, she had launched herself into Bernard's arms.
Kae! You're out here! he cried, holding her close as if too scared to let her go.
Always fighting the Dark Elves together, one way or another, right? she leaned back and grinned up at him, tears slipping down both their cheeks.
Kae, however, suddenly remembered the elf that had saved Bernard's life. Slowly, she turned to face the hero, Bernard following. And with a slight fear, both of them looked to the face of the young elf
Kae gasped, the look on her face filled with more gratitude than could be expressed with words.
Not gonna leave you all out here alone! she grinned at them.
We were the Grey Elves at some point in time and we fight the Dark Elves together. All of us, Bernard saw Perrin standing there, grinning.
WE CAN'T ALL BE OVER HERE! PERRIN, WE GOTTA FIGHT! Bernard tried to sound scolding, but he couldn't keep the laughter from his voice.
We'll spread out, then, but we're still fighting together, Jacey smiled, a warmth in her face that filled them all.
You better believe it! Kae cried before turning and sending a wave of fire at a bunch of Dark Elves. Jacey also turned and ran. She'd found she could somehow use the land itself to fight
And so, with a new determination, they all returned to fight the Dark Elves.
~*~
Amber skidded to a halt in the snow, having driven herself all the way through the chaos. It was unbelievable, but she refused to let it distract her. She had a mission, and she drove all other thoughts from her mind.
Instead, she raised her palms to the heavens. Within seconds, it began to swirl with black clouds. She turned her head to see Hunter, and they exchanged a nod. He, too, raised his palms and from them, water began to stream into the air. From the black above, lightning fell and mixed with Hunter's water spout to create a terrible disaster with nature's own forces.
Moments later, it was hurdling at the Dark Elves, and it was unstoppable.
Please Daddy Amber begged closing her eyes as she continued to let the lightning mix with the water. see this and realize I'm allright, and that I forgive you. Please see this and know that I'm here. Know that I've come to help you fight the Dark Elves.
Hunter had also shut his eyes, and was also praying.
I promised you I'd be here, and I am. Just look over and see my element I kept my promise. I did, and I have to find you. You have to know that I love you, Kira!
They both snapped their eyes open at the same time, determination dancing like a flame in both, and they poured not only their powers, but every emotion in them into their greatest attack.
They had to win this.
~*~
The battle continued. The concept of time was lost; no one would have guessed that nearly three hours had passed. It had been three hours since Bernard had released the very first element
And now, he faught with all his might. The exhaustion was almost overwhelming
Almost.
His light jetted from his right palm and straight through one of the Dark Elves, and the second he clenched his fist, he had swooped it around and beheaded another. The Dark Elves, he found, were constantly backing away from him, and he had to keep taking steps forward. Now was another one of those times.
A sudden glimpse at the sky above the North Pole stopped him, though. Kira had her arms crossed, a bubble of wind around her, but he could see the jets of light dancing of of it. He knew she was in trouble.
Before he knew what he was doing, he was charging towards the ground below where she was. The battle was almost over they had almost won
He wasn't going to let her fade away before that happened. He wasn't going to let Kira die.
~*~
Cylus ducked a spell from a tall elf with curly, black hair. Then, he raised yet another spell to the skies, where he could see Kira. He knew it wouldn't be much longer until it was over for her
And as soon as she was dead, he'd take care of the pesky elf who was desperately trying to stop them.
~*~
Amber fought with every power she had inside of her. She was fighting with everything she had but she was becoming dizzy with exhaustion. How much longer could she handle this?
Come on the battle's almost over she told herself. When a sudden flash of red sparks thundered towards her. She barely ducked it, and moments later, she had to dodge another one. The Dark Elf stood over her, and as she missed another of its attacks, it instead lunged out and kicked her over the head, knocking her to the ground.
This is it she thought, tears running from her face and into the snow. mommy please know that I was here please
GET BACK! she heard the scream, and she thought she recognized it. She was braced for death, but for some reason, it wasn't coming. She felt she was going to vomit, and nothing was making sense in her mind. She had no idea what was going on
She did regonized the voice. It was Hunter at her side, pulling her into his lap, hugging her.
thirsty she rasped, barely aware of anything except the burning in her throat. Moments later, she felt the cool drip of water down it, and she smiled. Her vision was coming back, and she could see the elven boy.
he turned his head, and immediately was tackled by his mother. Oh Hunter, you're alright! Jacey sobbed, rocking him back and forth.
the red-head was then tackled by Perrin, and in seconds, they were all knocked into the snow as Kae hurdled into them, falling into an impossible heap.
Mommy, I'm so sorry! I didn't know! Amber cried.
I know, I know! Kae sobbed back, all of them lying on top of one another in the snow, yet all of them embracing at the same time. They were crying, laughing, sobbing, smiling
Together, in a moment of happiness. Amber knew then the battle, for them, was over. If a few Dark Elves remained, they were for the rest to finish off. But for the people she was with, it was over. They were alive
A scream shattered their happiness. Kae and Jacey gained looks of confusion, but the three Warders exchanged looks of identical horror.
Seconds later, Amber, Hunter, and Perrin were sprinting to the back of the Workshop, where it had come from. Kae and Jacey got to their feet uncertainly, neither knowing what to do. Instead, they just watched where the three elves had dissapeared
Amber suddenly reappeared, collapsing into the snow, and vomitted. When she sat up, she lifted her head as if hearing something, and then turned it away, sobbing. She then got to her feet, knees knocking together as she stumbled back out of sight.
Amber, Perrin, and Hunter soon walked into view, the aura of pain, unmessurable misery and defeat hanging on their shouldrs And suddenly, Kae and Jacey understood what was happening.
In their arms, they were carrying the limp bodies of Bernard and Kira.
~*~
One thing
I don't know why,
Doesn't even matter how,
Hard you try.
Keep that in mind,
I designed this rhyme,
To explain,
In due time.
All I know
Time is a,
Valuable thing,
Watch it fly by,
As the pendulum swings.
Watch it count down,
To the end of the day,
The clock ticks,
Life away.
Its so unreal
Didn't look,
Down below,
Watch the time flow,
Right out the window,
Tryin' to hold on,
Didn't even know,
I wasted it all just to,
Watch you go
I kept everything,
Inside,
And even though,
I tried
It all fell apart
What it meant to me,
Will eventually be,
A memory of a time,
When
I tried to hard,
And got so far
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter.
I had to fall,
To lose it all
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter
One thing,
I don't know why,
Doesn't even matter,
How hard you try.
Keep that in mind,
I designed this rhyme,
To remind,
Myself how
I tried so hard
In spite of the way,
You were mockin' me,
Actin' like I was,
Part of your property.
Remembering all the,
Times you faught,
With me,
I'm surprised it
Got so far
Things aren't,
The way they were before,
You wouldn't even,
Recognize me anymore.
Not that you,
Knew me back then,
But it all comes back,
To me
In the end
What it meant to me,
Will eventually be,
A memory of a time,
When
I tried to hard,
And got so far
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter.
I had to fall,
To lose it all
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter
I put my trust,
In you,
Pushed as far as I,
Can go.
For all this,
There's only,
One thing,
You should know
I put my trust,
In you,
Pushed as far as I,
Can go.
For all this,
There's only,
One thing,
You should know
I tried to hard,
And got so far
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter.
I had to fall,
To lose it all
But in the end,
It doesn't even matter
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A/N: Five reviews