SORRY, I actually have done the next chapter but I decided not to update and see if I get more reviews due to withdrawal symptoms. Obviously this did not work and I should have clued my reviewers in on it anyway, *dodges the objects and shouts of outrage hurled at authoress* Okay again I am updating ridiculously fast (for me), but I'm sure you all appreciate that I use this story as an excuse to NOT do revision for the exams that are supposed to shape my future career. Who cares bout that right? The story is way more important! Thanx for the new reviews, I am working on the stuff I have to do here is my list:
Re-do summary Do bio for myself so people know a bit about me Keep writing for my loyal and faithful reviewers, and try to figure out a way to make this story go a little faster DO REVISION!!!See! My revision is at the bottom of the list! U people have corrupted me! Oh what we do 4 praise!
Doughnuts…mmm: Sorry bout the bold thing, wasn't intentional! One thing about yr reviews, they always make me laugh, or at least smile a lot! Glad u like the stuff goin on between Dain an Dahlia, there is gonna b more but b4 they can actually get it 2gether, somthin happens…I'll leave you to imagine what it could be. And again I am quick on the update, guess what it is yr inspiration that makes me review so quick (aww aint that sentimental *fake tear*) so more of yr reviews mean more of this story! I'm gonna do a bio, soon, as soon as poss. So watch out 4 it. For a little info here my name is Dani and I'm 15, have a younger sis of 13 and brother of 4 (he's sooo cute!) and I'm doin my GCSE's at the mo. I'm into most music 'cept heavy metal (hate it) and I love to read. I wish I could get an apartment of me own but sadly I am broke, skint and without a penny. So there's not a lot of chance of that. I need a job. When I'm 16 that is.
Back to the story, Dahlia is gonna be really powerful but not yet, first she has to figure out a few things. And there's going to be some action so keep reading.
P.S nope no bf coz yr right they all suck (apart from my brother who is the cutest male on earth until he gets older which I hope will never happen) bye Alicia review this chap! L
Baked beans: Yeah I've been trying to work on making my story move on to the action, but it's kinda hard when I like to write about detail so that the reader gets a clear picture. Some fics I read don't have enough description so I can never actually picture the character. But yeah this story is kinda slow; I'll try to do somtin bout it okay? Keep reviewing though coz it makes me happy, and a happy author wants to update!
Nissa: Yes here's a slightly later chapter update, again sorry. I'm taking Geography, French, Music and Latin for my GCSE's, yeah yeah I know I must have been crazy to even think of doing Latin. Don't worry; I have finally seen the light that Latin is NOT fun, sadly not before I have to take an exam in it. *Stops for a moment resisting the urge to grab Virgil book and attack it with keyboard screaming DIE YOU LOUSY POET DIE!! * Breathing sigh of self-composure, apologise for my rude behaviour to a great poet. I just hate having to learn his works (all 20 pages of it) off by heart. Music is cool though, like composing, and you get to listen to other music from other countries, which is fun. Anyway, hope u like this chapter long or short it's here! Review!!!!
Ploy and Lyra (aka my sister and her loony friend): Guys although I do like reviews, I like them even better if they're sincere so darling sister dear, I would like you to stop sending me your reviews, when you haven't read the story and just wish to annoy me. (That goes doubly for your friend Radford).
Kay here is chapter 12, enjoy and review!!!!!
Dahlia was sitting in her bed looking blindly out her window. The sky was dark and it was a cloudy night without stars. The only light was from the eerie glow of the moon, casting a shadow over her face. Her features were half illuminated and half in obscurity.
Dahlia listened to the night sounds and thought of the day's events. She couldn't sleep with so much on her mind, nothing to do with training but everything to do with Dain.
She didn't understand the feelings between them, but she refused to just drop it. She needed to know. He had said that they were connected by a soulmate link. His words were echoing in her thoughts we're meant to spend eternity together…in love. That was the problem of course. Druids did not attach themselves. If they were to fully bond with their powers they could not have any room for distraction.
Then a thought occurred to her, she wasn't a normal druid. She never would be. No matter how hard she tried it was pointless. Of course she would go as far as she could but nothing could change what she was. Just like…just like nothing could change what she felt for Dain. And nothing could change what they were meant to become. They were soulmates.
She felt an odd sense of peace, a feeling she had only ever managed through meditation and druid craft. And the thought of Dain was making her feel the way she wanted to felt for the rest of her life. I guess I'll just have to resign myself to the fact that we're stuck together; and the funny thing about that is…I'm really happy about it. But there are other things that I'm not so happy about.
Her thoughts led to her weakness now that she was committed to someone. He could hurt her so easily, but he wouldn't. That thought had come so quickly with such certainty that she believed it.
Another problem, unrelated to Dain, was her powers. She was making slow progress with her adaptation of Vampire and witch skills, not nearly as fast as with druid training. Perhaps this is my challenge. All druids usually have a challenge to face in their lives. I've had my training so easy up until the last month. Now I have a chance to really work hard and achieve what I know I deserve. I won't give up on this and…I won't be alone.
She felt so happy. Sleep was utterly impossible now; and she lay on her side and stared at the night sky clearing of cloud, and let her thoughts roam to Dain. She was in love.
*******
The next day she woke up before dawn to practise her skills. She would try for something slightly more challenging as she was feeling euphoric and ready for anything. Sustaining transformation was important. Her brunette hair wore off after a few hours, but she would make sure that this next transformation would be sustained for an entire day of 12 hours. She would start with an object changing in perception and tomorrow she would go for something even harder, a living organism, birds maybe, into a different shape. For now she would settle for a bracelet given to her by Faye last Yimboliec into a ring. She focussed her mind on it and concentrated. Gradually the shape of the bracelet reduced and formed a tight and compact ring. Sliding it onto her finger Dahlia shaped the ring to fit snugly before ordering it to remain in that form for the required time. It sounds strange to order the object to do something, but she was really ordering her power, uncontrolled and undefined to continue with the deception. She hoped it would stay. It didn't take much effort now, but by the end of the day she would be tired.
She dressed and went downstairs with her books and bag. Meeting Samoya in the hall she greeted her,
'Hey are you feeling better today Sam?' she asked lightly
Samoya nodded and waved before moving towards the dining table. Dahlia thought her behaviour a little strange but dwelled no more on it, turning herself to more cheerful thoughts, like Dain. She spotted him sitting next to the tall willowy girl called Isla. Pretty name, but what is she doing talking to my –' Dahlia cut her thought off when she realised she was…jealous?
He has more of an effect on me than I thought. I can accept love, and attachment and pride and inadequacy but I will mot tolerate jealousy.
With great effort she fought to keep her face impassive and her emotions controlled. She would not be jealous or if she was, she would not show it. Throughout breakfast she made an effort not to speak, holding a tight leash on her thoughts and excused herself afterwards.
She would have to be more careful if he made her control dissolve and her hormones swing wildly everywhere. She may love him but she would keep control at all costs.
Dahlia saw him walking towards her and composed herself admirably for a girl who's heart was beating a thousand times a minute. He stopped in front of her and seemed to be at a loss for words. Opening his mouth he was about to say something when a deep voice made them turn.
'I hear you are struggling with the translation of the ancient texts Dahlia. I had hoped you were improved to teach this young man here, but I will have to show you myself. You will attend sessions every weekend, as both your weeks are very full. Saturday and Sunday mornings in the library and I will instruct you better.'
Dahlia and Dain bowed reverently and Master Yuri walked away towards the rest of the Elders. Master Nagini however had a few things to say to Dahlia for he was now walking toward them.
'Dahlia may I speak with you for a moment?' he glanced at Dain, his meaning clear.
'Of course, Master Nagini,' She replied as she followed him out of the hall, resisting the urge to look back to Dain.
'I have been meaning to have a word with you about the Rejuvenation Ceremony.'
Dahlia waited for his next words, this was not what she had expected and she was slightly confused.
'The Elders and myself have decided to push the ceremony forward to next month, due to unforeseen circumstances. I am making you aware of this because you will have to master your skill by this time.'
Dahlia was stunned and hid it well replying calmly, 'I had thought the time was in five months for this particular ceremony.'
'Yes but there are certain…details that you may not be aware of concerning this time. When the time comes I will make things known to you, but until then, you must work hard to hone your power for this will be your last chance. You may seize it or not, but one month is the deadline. I am sorry.' And with a bow he turned back into the hall to join Master Takeno.
Dahlia stood still processing the information. It did not make sense. This particular ceremony there was no flexibility. It had always been the most resolute rule of etiquette. None of the elders attended this ceremony and it was for ninjas alone. All druids would retire to meditate, and there would be a 7-day celebration of life. The ninjas had control and usually Sensei Vadim, the second Ninja master next to Master Nagini who was also a druid, would take charge, as the rest f the elders departed.
So she had less time than she thought. Well she would have to make the best of it and work as hard as possible. It would be tough, but it would be worth it. Coming to her senses, she abruptly turned to the grand clock in the corridor realising she was late!
Rushing to school she arrived in her first class 10 minutes late. She knocked on the door and apologised to the teacher as she inquired after her health. The teacher knew that Dahlia wasn't usually so late for school. Then again she had been acting rather strangely the past few weeks, so she picked up her textbook to page 20 and bid Dahlia to do the same.
******
Training that day was rigorous. Master Nagini was pushing her hard, but she always met his demands. They were training in the sacred Kata dance style. Nagini was requesting different Katas and Dahlia accomplished them effortlessly.
Moving liquidly with grace and poise, she moved to the rhythm of her breathing, controlling her heart and her movements alike so she was completely focussed. She recited the movements as easily as reading from a book, and finally Nagini ordered her to stop.
Dahlia grabbed a towel and dried the sweat off her face, she picked up her bag of weapons, and was in the middle of bowing when Nagini said, 'I was talking to our new apprentice yesterday.'
Dahlia froze and straightened, waiting for him t go on. Nagini looked straight at Dahlia and was silent for a moment.
'He seemed particularly interested in Night world history. The ancient prophecies especially.'
Dahlia decided to chance a bluff, holding a strong shield around her mind so he would not discover her. She had never lied to her mentor before.
'Master Nagini? Is there something I need to know that I do not already?'
He scrutinised her shrewdly then looked away. 'I would like you to understand that there is a choice, and you must always find for yourself what the right path is. Perhaps you have already chosen but ask the question, is your duty or your personal requirement more important? Do not make the choice for others but for what you know to be right from your teachings and your knowledge, for knowledge is nothing if you cannot make use of it. Now you may retire.' He bowed and turned away before Dahlia had even formed a reply.
She bowed to his back and on the way to her room contemplated his words. What did he mean by that? Did he know about Dain? Maybe he's not getting involved and letting me figure it out by myself. He used to do that when I was younger. And there must be a reason why the ceremony was advanced, and it has something to do with me or he wouln't have told me. There is always a reason for his words, I just need to figure it out.
Dahlia walked into her room and closed the door. She was about to close the curtains when she sensed someone next to the bed behind her. She didn't have to turn to know who it was. All thoughts of Nagini flew out of her mind and she spoke without looking,
'What are you doing here? It is forbidden to enter a fellow student's bedroom without permission, especially a girl's.'
Dahlia then moved to face him but his head was down and he didn't meet her eyes. He remained silent for a while before she prompted, 'Well?'
'I just…had to see you. I don't know why I came; I – never mind I'll leave. Sorry.' He spoke haltingly and then moved around Dahlia to go to the door. She blocked him, and he tried to get past her, but she moved to block him again. He looked at her questioningly.
She cleared her throat and said, 'I've been meaning to see you anyway. I want you to tell me what you said about…us, the other day. I wasn't really listening and I would like to hear it please.'
Dain stared at her in amazement. He started to speak, 'we were meant to have a link between each other, which is why we recognised each other when we touched and –'
'You mean like this?' Dahlia interrupted by reaching out to touch his cheek. There were no sparks this time, only a warm bubbling feeling threatening to spill over. He stopped talking and kept very still, as if he couldn't believe this was happening.
'Yes,' he managed quietly. Dahlia moved closer feeling more euphoric than she had ever felt before. She had closed her eyes and one hand was buried in his dark hair. It was damp; she supposed he had just had a shower.
Dain didn't know what was happening. He thought this would never happen because she wouldn't let it. He was scared to believe that she wanted him the way he did her. But as her lips touched his all doubts were swept away and Dahlia made her choice.
This was her duty, no matter what Master Nagini said. This was her duty to her heart and to Dain. This was for the best. She lost herself in his mind and their kiss.
Kay? What did you think?? Did you like it??? If the answer is yes, press SUBMIT REVIEW if the answer is No press SUBMIT REVIEW and tell me Y you didn't like it. If the answer is maybe, press SUBMIT REVIEW, if the answer is Okay…fine you get the idea. At least I hope you get the idea but I better emphasise it anyway.
REVIEW NO MATTER WHAT YOUR OPINION IS BECAUSE I LIVE FOR YOUR REACTION!!!!!! THEREFORE I MUST KNOW!!!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! :) :) ^–^
Oh and wish me luck coz today I tackle the dreaded cosine rule!!!! Can never tell the difference between the sine and cosine rule.
IMPORTANT AUTHORS NOTE: I will not be updating for the next 3 weeks due to revision and exams so do not tell me off 4 not updating. I will give you the next chapter as soon as that is over. Sorry! Written 21/04/03 (Apologies and sorries all round) :(