A/N: Hey there everyone, I'm slowly getting better at the update thing, slowly :). I'm going to put off the little before the chapter thingy for this chapter, simply because I really just got a new case of writer's block, or in this case blank. Lol :)

Warning there is swearing in this chapter!

Summery: Ok, up until now Siren's been lead into a dark room and left there by Michelle and Josh has now acquired the Stone. Kel was poisoned by Josh, Joren has admitted he like her to her while she was asleep. Cori is in Josh's dungeon and Phoenix marches towards Josh's palace with and army at her back.

Disclaimer: I own the crazy gods and wacky characters with the messed up back grounds, we all know whose Tammy's and whose mine, need I really say it.

ISCK: Ch 21 - Whatever Happened to Our Love-Hate Relationship?

The door closed behind him as he left the room. Kel lay asleep behind that door. She had tried to act like she wasn't tired. He had been forced into finding a reason to leave so that she would sleep. She'll never do what's good for her…  Joren walked by the doctor and out the door into the cool breeze. Lately it had grown increasingly colder, that was never a good sign.

 Joren shivered slightly, crossing his arms over his chest he began to walk in no particular direction. I wonder how Siren's faring. Just my luck to get mixed up in all this, why didn't I just admit to my feelings and leave it at that? Because I couldn't, I still can't, not really, but then how could I? How do I admit to my lump that she's become an affectionate thorn in my side? I could just see it now…"Hi Kel, did I mention that I like you?" then would come the blank your-joking look and after that I'd probably end up arguing over her lack of feminine attire. Joren sighed, he had come to the edge of the village.

Off in a corner Sara and Cade played a game of hopscotch. I haven't seen that game in age's… Joren watched, thinking of the childhood he never really had.  I always tried to be older, because it wasn't manly enough for my father if I played games so I never did. I wasn't allowed to be a kid. This is just great…now I'm putting my life into perspective. I never had a problem with my life before. He shook his head, but continued to watch as the boy and girl danced about. The children laughed and skipped over lines soaked into the hard packed dirt.  Slowly he walked over, trying not to interrupt their game. When they say him they both stopped, "Hi, Sir Joren. How's Kel doing?" Sara stared up at him with rather wide innocent eyes and Cade had bowed his head, like he was ashamed to be playing while Kel was hurt. Joren smiled at the children, something he didn't do often if ever, "She'll be fine, might I ask how you knew she was hurt?" the children both laughed at him like he had just asked the stupidest question.  "We're Elves." They both shrugged and laughed, Joren mouthed an oh and smiled, all the time thinking, I guess that's suppose to explain it all?  He waved to them as he began walking back to the doctor's house.  When he reached it the doctor was shaking his head and laughing at something.

When he saw Joren enter he smiled and said, "That girl sure is stubborn." Joren lifted his eyebrows, this can't be good…  "What has she done?" Doctor Magnus laughed, "Not what she's done precisely, more like what she won't do. She refused to stay in bed after her brief nap, she's insisting that she has to go save the world instead of rest." The doctor sighed, somehow Kel reminded him a little too much of a certain red headed princess that he had cured on several occasions. "Where is she?" Joren sounded worried, the doctor looked at him then directed him to the sick room where she had been laying.

Joren walked down the hall and opened the door to find Kel standing over a pack arranging things to fit better. "What on earth do you think your doing?" Joren stared open mouthed at her, I can't believe she's doing this! She's nuts!  Kel turned around to face him, her blank Yamani face on. "Joren? I'm getting ready to leave. You should be too." Joren stood there, gawking at her.  "I thought we agreed you'd wait till you were better before you tried to run off and save the world?" Kel glared at him, "That was before I knew that it would be a week before I was completely healed. Joren, we don't have that kind of time. Siren's in trouble and I'm not about to sit here and get well while she's getting her powers drained by Josh." Kel crossed her arms over her chest to show that she meant it.

 Joren walked forward, till he was standing right in front of her, "Are you crazy? Are you trying to get yourself killed? Because that's what will happen if you go, you'll get us both killed!" Kel's eyes had taken on a hint of anger, "You don't have to come if you don't want to Stone Mountain, but I'm going. It shouldn't matter to you if I die anyway."  Joren, much to his disgust, looked really worried, "I won't let you. You're not going anywhere." Kel looked outright mad at that statement. "Get out of my way Stone Mountain." Heat and anger radiated off of her, she tried to brush past him but was caught. Joren grabbed her and pulled her to him, "Your right Kel, I shouldn't care, Gods know that would make my life easier, but I do." With that said he closed the gap between them, catching her up in a kiss.

It had caught her quite off guard, not just the kiss, but the caring too. Since when did Joren start to care about me? Joren adjusted his hold on her, wrapping his arms protectively around her, she was still suffering the affects of shock.

 Kel closed her eyes, I won't surrender to him, this is probably some ploy to get me to do what he wants, but at the same time her mind kept thinking about the warmth of his body against hers. He's a really good kisser, ok I think it's time to stop! I know something's wrong when I like the way Joren kisses. I can't believe I even thought that in the same sentence. She tried to pull away but he wasn't going to let her go, and she really didn't want to fight him on the matter. Well at least he is a good kisser… Joren's tongue found her lips and slowly he began to prod his way into her mouth, her heart was racing.  She was sure that she might explode if this went any further.

She tried again to free herself from his grasp, but it did no good. His tongue touched hers and she let out a slight moan. I can't believe I just did that! This has to stop! Now!  She broke away from his embrace and backed up.  

Panting, she looked at him, "What in Mithros name was that!?" Joren's arms were still out in front of him, where she had been. "I…Kel I ..." Joren stumbled over his words, a first for him, he rubbed the back of his neck, still a little breathless he said, "I think I'd better come clean," Joren dropped both his hands to his sides. "About what!?" Kel could almost be described as hysterical. Joren flinched at her tone, "Kel, I… well the thing is Kel, I like you. A lot." He stopped talking and fell silent. Kel's face went a little pale, she gulped, and shook her head, "Did… did you just? Did you just say you liked me? Our we on the same planet? ... Joren, are you feeling alright?" she looked concerned when she said that.

Joren looked hurt, "ok I guess you have no reason to trust me, fine, but gods Kel is it that unbelievable?" he looked sincerely hurt, Kel raised her eyebrows at him, "Gods, Joren, this isn't funny, Why in the Gods name would you like me? Was I the only one present when you were beating on me? Are you trying to tell me that all those years, all that time, you really liked me? Does that not seem just a little far fetched, Joren?" Kel had to take a deep breath for fear that she might start hyperventilating.  This can't be happening, not happening, I'm dreaming, no having a nightmare, that must be it, the poison has made me delusional. Joren took a step forward, "Kel… I know I haven't been…decent to you…but you have to understand that I didn't want to acknowledge that I liked you, I was taught that girl's shouldn't fight, and well…you're a girl and you fight. Ever think that maybe I was trying to get you to go home so I COULD like you, with out being ashamed of myself." His lips moved like he had more to say, but nothing came out. Finally he closed his mouth and Kel just stood there staring at him.

Kel's thoughts swam over all the times he had tried to get her to go home. All the times he had told her to go home because that's where women should be. Not all that long ago she remembered meeting him on the wall, and him mentioning something about how she might make an ok court lady if she quite now.  She gasped slightly, realizing something she really didn't want to realize. She stared at Joren open mouthed, "all this time?... you put me through all that crap because you had a crush on me!?" at the moment she wasn't sure if she wanted to kill him or not.

She was disgusted to find that she did think him attractive, Dark God take my soul! "I think I need some time to deal with this…" she shook her head, "I'm still going to go, with or without you." Joren breathed out air that had been pent up in his lungs. "Fine, but if you get yourself killed Dark Gods help me I will track down your soul and stuff it back in your body."  Joren picked up the bag he had dropped on the floor the moment he had first brought her in, and with it followed Kel out the door.

***

The darkness was cold, and silent. Siren stood in the center of the room, or at least it seemed like the center. She really couldn't tell, the dark made it impossible.  Out of the depths of the dark came a voice, one all too familiar to her.

One she hated.

 Josh spoke in a cultured manor, "Siren, Siren, Siren, what am I going to do with you? You really haven't been a very good girl." She heard him sigh, "You could have made this easier on both of us you know.  I would have been happy to just have you as my wife. But you had to fight me, you had to deny me my right." His voice had taken on a tight clipped note, then suddenly he went back to being courtly, "None of that matter now. I have you, and this time Courtland won't interrupt my plans." His laughter echoed off the deep cavernous walls.  Siren had no way to tell what direction he was in.

 I won't let him get to me. That's what he wants. There has to be a way out of here…think Siren…come on…. damn it!  The silence that followed his laugh almost scared her more then his laugh. Siren could hear herself breathing.  I really don't want to know what's out there, but it's better to face your enemy head on, with her had out stretched she envisioned a red flame engulfing her hand.

 She felt a slight heat, but it was more of a tingly sensation, and then a red flame burst forth on her hand, plunging the area around her into light. The ground was made of grey granite. There was nothing more to be seen in the little circle of light that was made visible by the hand-torch.

 Her foot falls could be heard clearly as she walked deeper into the darkness. She stopped suddenly when she heard a noise, what the? It sounded like…like thunder. Out of the darkness came a sudden clash of light, Siren stood, very much in awe, as a big clear ball filled with a purple light and streaked with lightning lit the room.  Siren gasped, what is that!? I don' want to know, forget I even thought that.  She looked uneasily at the glowing orb.

Behind it, up on a throne sat Josh. "Welcome to MY throne room Princess. Care to come closer?" in his hand he held the Stone.

 The God Stone.

Aw…fuck. This is not good.  Siren stared in horror at the Stone that might ultimately mean her down fall.

***

Phoenix had never liked her sister's ability to get into unthinkable trouble and then get out again, but this time she was praying her sister's luck would hold true and she would stumble on a way out of Josh's lair.

Rey trotted up beside her on his black horse, matching her pace, Phoenix looked at Rey and smiled, "I'm sure their both alright. Your brother would never let Siren come to any harm, and Siren would kill anyone who harmed Cori. They'll be fine…" she said it more for herself then for him.

Rey's white blue hair was tied back in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He was adorned with Elfin armor, and a long bow was held on his back by a special clip. A few stray strand of his silky hair were being tossed in the gentle breeze. His eye's made the blue sky look dark and dull, and his full lips were a perfect rosy-pink. His pointy ears made him stand out as an Elf like a sore thumb amongst the army of humans and Elves. He was not a fighter but he could use a bow as good as any elf.

Phoenix glanced over at Rey, he was looking off into the distance, his eyes trained on the surroundings. Phoenix was a mage, as was Rey. They seemed to have a lot of things in common.

Hotheaded siblings, a love of books, and healing talents.

How did I end up the one with the most healing power when Siren's always the one who needs it? Her own hair matched his. The same shade of blue blond. Hers was tied into a high ponytail, and it fell straight and short. She, too, wore armor, hers was of the finest chain mail.

 They rode on, intent on reaching King Josh's Palace before it was too late.

***

Tayo and Tain stood in the main Hall, in the Palace of the gods. Tain would finally see his mother again, but that wasn't why he was here, he was here to find out how to destroy the Gods Stone. Once he knew how he would track it down and destroy it so that it could never be used on anyone again. Tayo was here to guide him.

***

Joren and Kel hadn't really talked since there discussion earlier. Kel rode in front of Joren now, taking the lead, Joren didn't mind, he stayed back and watched her. Smooth Joren, very smooth, maybe you'd like to ask her to marry you too? I'm sure she'd love that one. Kel was very obviously still angry with him.

Kel sighed, how did I manage to do this, the guys I like don't know I exist and the one I don't like have crushes on me. This is great…who next? Maybe josh will tell me he like's me too? She sighed again and allowed herself to slow down, Joren came up next to her, "There's a clearing over there that would be great for a rest stop." She was to into her thoughts to argue with him and so they moved off the road and into a little patch of grass surrounded by a little clearing.

After making sure the horses were looked after Kel and Joren both moved over to the center of the clearing and began to build a small fire.

Joren took over the cooking as Kel drifted over to the small stream at the edge of the clearing to wash up.  Joren watched her walk off wondering how he managed to mess this up worse then it had been.

 She walked back over to the fire and sat down across from him. Usually silence didn't bother him, but right now it was driving him nuts. "So?..." he would be glad to have any conversation going about know.  I wonder what she's thinking? Kel looked up to meet his eyes, she really didn't know what t say, whether to insult him or complement his cooking skills.

There was nothing more then silence, Joren finished cooking and then they both began to clear away all remains, anything that showed they were here.

 Just as they had finished packing up they heard horse cantering up into the clearing. They both grabbed their swords and stood ready, intent on finding out who their guest was.

As the sound grew closer the group came into view, at the head was Phoenix with a strange man riding beside her.

 Kel and Joren relaxed there grips on their swords as the troupe approached. Phoenix saw Kel and smiled, "Hey Kel. Hello Joren." She rode up to them and slide off her horse. "Fancy meeting you here?" Kel took the women's hand in a firm grasp, "we're on our way to josh castle, where are you headed?" Kel said this while staring at the huge army behind Phoenix. "The same." The strange blond man came up to stand beside Phoenix and Kel smiled at him, Phoenix offered an interduction, "Kel, Joren this is Cori's younger brother, Reynold, or Rey. Rey this is Keladry of Mindelan and Joren of Stone Mountain." Joren nodded at Rey, turning to Phoenix he cut strait to the chase, "Since were all going to the same place we might as well all go together." He looked at Kel and she nodded her agreement. Phoenix smiled, "it would be great to have you both along for the ride." Kel was happy to hear that, she wouldn't have to spend anymore time alone with Joren, "then it's settled."

Later after the big group had finished there own cooking Kel and Phoenix sat by the stream.  They had been sitting silent for a few moments when Kel said, "I don't get him." Phoenix looked at her, it was obvious who the 'him' was. Kel had been staring at him all afternoon. Phoenix laughed, "You sound just like Siren. I think it would be impossible to try and understand him, but that's not always what matters. The proper question is do you have feeling for him? Because then there would be no need to 'understand' him, not in that sense anyway." She looked at Kel. Kel sat with her chin on her knees and her arms wrapped around her legs. She was looking off in the direction of Joren, he was practicing hand-to-hand combat with Rey.

Kel didn't know how she felt about Joren. She didn't hate him, but then again she didn't think she liked him. Great…another wonderful mystery for me to solve. She watched the two men battle it out, Joren was currently on the defense. He isn't all that bad I suppose, at least not lately. She found herself smiling as she thought about some of there most recent quarrels. All this time…who would have guessed? She really didn't know how to handle it.

As the last soldier finished cleaning up, they were all ready to leave. Phoenix turned to Kel, "looks like we're in for a hard nights ride if we're going to get there soon." With that the group began its ride toward the castle, and the battle.

A/N: well? What did you think?

About the flame I got last chapter, no worries that person was obviously just being a jack ass. I still have all of you who like my writing, or at least put up with it, lol :)

Ok thanx to…

The Dark Goddess: My friends aren't wacky enough to fight over Orlando blooms favorite color but they might fight over a picture of him, lol. I didn't get it either but it doesn't matter anyway, I mean that's one bad review out of something like 13 good ones. :) Thanx for the wonderful review :) till later, -Siren

Mystic Moon Empress: Hope you like this chapter, I like this chapter, but then again I'm a softy (oh and I did write it so I'm bound to like it …lol) thanx for reviewing, till later, -Siren

Intuition: hope you like this one! Till later then, thanx for the review, -Siren

Free2BMe: Thank you! Thank you! Hope you like this chapter (I know I got kinda mushy) thanx so much for the review, till later then, -Siren

Evilstrawberry: Josh is rather evil, lol I haven't decided if I want to kill him yet (that alternative would be torturing him *grins*) don't worry he'll get what's coming to him. :) well thanx for the review, till later, -Siren

Fangboy: I have no clue what the 'evil reviewer' was thinking. Kel is really clueless, but well she was given a wake up call this chapter. Thanx for reviewing, I love getting reviews (I'm a sap what can I say, lol) till later then, -Siren

Twitch: I did I did, I did up date. Lol :) well this chapter…I don't know what happened I just started typing and well look what happened. Lol . but there was kissing and relationship stuff in this chapter :) Josh is really a creepy jerk isn't he? Lol he served his purpose. Thanx for the review till later then, -Siren

Peachblossemluver:  don't worry that's not the end, I'm just really slow at updating, lol. Sorry bout that. Well thanx for the review, till later then,-Siren

Cytosine: yeah the person didn't leave a name, now that's a dirty crying shame, I could have had a lot of fun with that. Lol :) Yay you like it :) thanx so much, till later then, -Siren

Mandas: I made someone like Joren, *get's up and dances around* YAY :) thanx for the review, YAY :) well till next chapter, -Siren

Jynessea Greenleaf: yeah, that review was just plain stupid (evil mean people *growls*) lol thanx for loving the story, and always reading, and reviewing, lol till later then, -Siren

Keita: yeah, tasteful sappiness, I think I'm slowly getting better at this thing. :)  I don't mind the darkness but I hate being alone in the dark. *shudder* well Siren's not in the dark anymore, but I'm not sure the alternative is better. Thanx for the review, till later, -Siren

Lady Me: Joren is stubborn, and look what happened when he told her, but the good news is that she didn't say that she didn't like him, just that she wasn't ready to deal with that thought. (Poor Joren) thanx for the review, till later then, -Siren

Tbiris: thanx for the review, and for agreeing to the challenge :) till later then, -Siren

Angel of the Storms: I think hell broke lose, lol I'm sorry it took so long. *grovels* forgive me? Please? Lol :) thanx for the review till later then, -Siren

A/N:  thanx to everyone, just about everyone was willing to take the 'evil reviewer' up on it's (he/she? Whatever!) Challenge.

I'm still accepting people on to my mailing list so feel free to let me know in a review or you can email me at Siren_porter@hotmail.com

And if you look on my profile I have a web site that should be working and I'd love to have more people sign my guest book. I update it as often as I can.

On the above note I was thinking of putting a picture of me up but I didn't know if anyone would want to see it. Let me know what you think. Oh and there are some ruff pictures that I've done there to. :)