Damn I have far too many reviews to answer, WOOO HOOO! I'm not complaining though! Wow! 82 so far! I think I will give the 100th reviewer a token part in the story! It makes me feel great coming home to a large inbox of reviewer comments!!! Anyway, here are your replies!
Monkey_girl (the second): Yeah this is rather a long story, and the major problem is, it's not even a 10th of the way through yet, there is so much more to go. This is my trouble, choosing detail over plot. I have the plot all ready; it just seems to take so long getting through. Anyway, I've updated for you, hope you like it and I'm pleased you like my style of writing. Chapter 16 may take as long as Chapter 15, I'm in the middle of exams, AHHHHHH!!! (Pre-exam stress I apologise). Good news is Music is OVER!! No more listening to the most boring piece of music by Steve Reich with Minimalism! YES!! Ok getting carried away, read and review if you like this chapter!!! *Smile*
Ice Dragon (aka Kim): Hey Kim, finally updated for you. AHHH still got some exams coming up, can't wait to get rid of the French Reading, no more French after that. Finito! You've reviewed so many damn times, (thank you!) I'm not going to bother giving you multiple replies though! I've posted this chapter to you early, hope u have time to check it, good luck for all your exams, and I'll try to update after Exams! But I'm going on Holiday, fun filled weeks of NO WORK!!! Then I'm hit with AS levels! Life is NOT FAIR!! Ok, back to the story, I need your help developing this separate part of the story; I'll talk to you about it later at school. Anyway, enuff writing read and review!!! Luv Dani! (Oh have u read the Night World Series yet? Likey? No Likey, your thoughts please!) oh and also, (p.s do you realise u have reviewed 4 times in the past 2 weeks!)
Isilwen-Telpefion: Hey, I did like your story, but like I said, you need to write more so I can give more detailed comments. *Accepts praise over maths grade with minimal gloating and loadsa grace* Good for you on the French thing. I never get more than a B in French, I totally hate the written, though we r able to do coursework in writing now! Ain't that just grand! Yeah, maybe Dain's a little flirty, but no he's too much of a gentleman to be all over Dahlia. He's a nice boy, damn if there were only more of his kind out there in the real world, *sigh* oh well. Anyway, on wit the story, and u got to update too. If I can do it during GCSE's you can too. R&R :)
Nissa: Yeah I updated even when I said I wouldn't! Gee I just can't ignore the cry of pleading fans! Also I read the story, I just have the urge to write more. Yup more sparks between Dain and Dahlia, umm a celeb they look like? Well actually I always pictured Dahlia as a Jessica Alba type profile, which is why I was surprised when you mentioned Dark Angel, I loved that show in the first season, but the second season kinda bums me. Like Alec though, he's cute and funny! So yeah, picture Dahlia like Max, 'cept wit longer hair and less pout on her lips (Alba's lips are plain weird, enviable, but weird!). Er… celeb for Dain, I dunno, I just pictured him as the typical tall dark handsome hunk, but a little deeper than that underneath, seeing as Dahlia couldn't be soul mates with someone who isn't just as determined to succeed as she is; can u think of a celeb like that? U like the new summary! Hooray, fourth intriguing and appealing summary I will get new reviewers. Let it not be said however that I am not faithful to my first reviewers, especially since you write lovely long reviews! Love 'em! Music woz okay, you can never really tell coz there are so many different ways of answering the questions they give u. Thanks for asking and let me take this opportunity to say, I NEVER HAVE TO LISTEN TO MINIMALISM AGAIN!!! OR ANALYSE OTHER MUSIC!!! Music is there to listen to and enjoy, not to write about and interpret the techniques used to make it an effective piece, do you not agree? On a less enthusiastic note, I HAVE A MATHS EXAM ON WED! heeeeeeeeelllllllllllp!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the support, means a lot considering I am working my ass off to update and revise at the same time. But don't get all guilty, it's my choice. Anyway although I agree with you Maths IS a waste of time effort and paper, I AM taking it for A level. (okay you have permission to burst into hysterical laughter then finally as your mirth diminishes and you realise I'm serious, you have the right to appear shocked, horrified and look at me like I have grown a tail, while opening and closing your mouth like a stunned goldfish). Okay I don't particularly enjoy the subject but I get B's and if I work hard I may get an A and I need it to get into Cambridge or Edinburgh and study medicine. Tell me if you think I'm crazy! I guess I could take Physics… moving on and getting back to the story, I seem to have drifted a little. Hope u enjoy the update, read review and wish me more luck coz I need it!!!!
Doughnuts…mmm: Hey, this chappie ain't so quick due to the horrendous looming of PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS *loud cackling in the distance followed by eerie music and a scream in the night* Ahh, I'm scaring myself! Can't believe u reviewed before going to yr mothers wedding, family additions usually take priority, but hey I'm thrilled you took time to review in a rush, although I've been wondering where that promised long review went. This my friend is the reason for lack of multiple reviews; or perhaps the fact that I'm too mentally exhausted from revision to bother. How'd the wedding go out of interest? Anyway, I'll update as soon as I can, read and review this chapter if you like it! Loadsa luv Dani!
Ferris: Hey, thanx for rebelling against the oppression that is parenting, but it is generally best to obey the 'rents, remember they are the source of cash! Sorry no spoilers, I know the story is painfully slow, but I'm working on it!
Janie: Yeah I'm totally wit u on the kick ass thing, GIRLS ROCK! (Meant in totally non-lesbian way!), and also more D/D fun, there's more in this chap so enjoy, the action is coming soon so enjoy the romance while you can! *smile coz u don't have exams*
Yodel: Hey, yup I am faithfully loyal to all my lovely reviewers! U take the time to review, I write and reply! Ain't I great? Well… I could give you a preview into the plot, but it would kinda ruin it! I know the story is still going at rather a slow pace but patience is a virtue, and I think you'll like the ending, (if I ever get there!) trouble is, it is not even a 10th of the way through he plot I've worked out yet, so there is a LOT more to come, read and enjoy chap15! Oh and review! ;)
Jackass: Here's your update, enjoy! ;)
Graffiti: hey TJ, whassup? EXAMS EXAMS EXAMS!!! My brain is frying in anxious anticipation! (calm down Dani, take deep breaths!) I knew I shouldn't have eaten ½ of those lucozade energy tablets! Almost as bad as caffeine! K I'm babbling, hope u like Chapter 15, R&R (only if you like it!) don't if ya don't want to! :):):):):) *hugs*
Chocolaterocks: here's the update, hope u like, enjoy and review!
Chalk Buster: Here ya go, no need to cry, the story is not worth crying over, but I you like it you can review or email me and I'll help you with your emotional problems! (just kidding) *smile*
Melissa Skyes: I'm pleased you enjoyed my story, but you'll have a long time to wait for the end, it's taking ages to even get to the quarter way point! ;)
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Chapter 15After several attempts, Dahlia gave up, exasperated. 'Look it's not going to happen today, I will practise summoning water tomorrow after Takeno helps us with translation.'
Dain sighed in acquiescence saying, 'Yeah you've done enough, you should get some rest. I'm going to stay and practise my Katas further.' Dahlia was too tired to talk much and so bowed her head before retiring to her room.
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It was late afternoon at around six o clock. In the study with master Takeno, Dahlia was sitting going through the ancient texts. She did not sit next to Dain, in case Takeno noticed the link between them. She was listening to Dain translate a passage describing the druid beliefs about life and death.
Now I need to work out a way to bring Karonis into the picture so that Master Takeno can translate it for me. I'm sure I've heard it somewhere. Dahlia thought to herself, switching back to the conversation between Dain and Takeno.
'Yes I think you have an extensive vocabulary, but your tenses need working on. 'The druids have never experienced life after death' is not the same, as 'the druids will never experience life after death.'
Dahlia decided to interrupt now, if she had more time she would try her hand at subtlety, but Master Takeno had informed Dain and herself, that he would not be able to give them a full session. He was to be called away in a few minutes, so now was the time to ask.
'Master Takeno, I was reading an olden text a few days ago and it contained a word I did not understand, it looked like Karonis, what does this mean?'
Takeno looked bewildered for a few moments then composed himself. 'Where have you read this word Dahlia?'
Dahlia decided to bluff, she could feel Takeno probing her mind but she held fast against him, her barriers strengthening all the time.
'I cannot remember exactly where I read it, but it was in a strange context of–'
'Enough. Dahlia I will not speak of this with you. I must leave now; translate the remainder of this passage for tomorrow when I will check what you have done. We will talk later about how you obtained this information,' with those last words Takeno rose gracefully and swept out of the room.
Dahlia repressed the sigh that flew to her throat. Dain was looking at her as if her wanted to say something, but something stopped him. Dahlia nodded her head getting to her feet, and subsequently Dain followed her out the door. They didn't speak until they had reached an empty training room.
'Well, that didn't go well. What now?' Dain asked
'I don't know. I know I've seen or heard that word before, I just can't remember where. I'm not sure if I should look it up in Master Nagini's private library. I have access to it, but if I do, he will know and that will lead to questions we don't want to answer.'
Dain remained silent. Dahlia paced for while then stopped.
'I need to think. I can't concentrate. I'm supposed to be meditating now anyway, so I'll try to figure out a way of finding the meaning of Karonis, during that time.
Dahlia seated herself in the far corner of the room and closed her eyes. She calmed her nerves and controlled her breathing. In, out in, out. The breaths came slowly now, and were more drawn out. She had control of her inner self and her mind. She was about to mull the various things that had been bothering her lately, over in her head. She wanted answers, and logic was the only way to find them. First she would think about what Master Nagini said about–'
Dahlia, are you sure you want to do this now?
Dahlia felt her concentration slip, she lost balance; she was no longer in the calm state of nothingness. Annoyed she entered Dain's mind and rebuked him,
Dain! I was mediating!
Sorry Dahlia I just thought that maybe you should let this thing go for a while. It'll come to you, if you let it.
Yeah but what if it comes too late Dain? I only have a month, less than that!
Look, just take one day off, one day with me. Please?
And what, exactly, do you intend to do with me all day Dain?
It's a surprise.
That got Dahlia stumped. She didn't like surprises, and she told him so.
You'll like this one, I promise. Dain broke contact and pulled Dahlia to her feet. 'C'mon, take a chance and live a little. Surely you wouldn't rather meditate, than spend some time with me?'
Dahlia considered, one hand she had important things to think about, things that couldn't really wait, on the other, she had the curiosity of a cat and she couldn't help but wonder where he wanted to take her. Finally, as usually does, her curiosity won the battle with her conscience. 'Okay, but it better not take too long, it's getting dark.'
Dain grinned immorally; it made Dahlia's heart flip, until she
ordered herself to exorcise control. Aww don't worry about it Dahlia, it's my fault; I'm irresistible!
Dahlia punched him lightly on the arm, 'Don't be a prat!' she muttered, while thinking surreptitiously, that he had really nice arms. Dain merely chuckled good-humouredly.
'So where are we going anyway?' Dahlia asked casually.
Nuh uh, you have to wait. I've noticed that while you may be very controlled in your feelings and actions, underneath you don't have a lot of patience. You should work on that.
'Dain I don't need you to tell me stuff like that, Master Nagini has been telling me that for the past three years. I've been trying to work at it, but it takes time to build up patience.'
Yeah, I know. I just think that if we're both going to become druids, we should help each other.
'I have a temper too, have you noticed that?'
Dain refrained from comment and continued down the hall stopping outside a door. Dahlia stopped beside him staring at the door.
'Dain, this is the surprise? It's my room.' Dain gave Dahlia a infuriating smile replying, 'Nope, I just think you should change your clothes.'
Dahlia looked down at the loose garments she was wearing. Dain was right; they weren't exactly outgoing material. Then she had an idea, resorting to no-verbal communication she said, 'Let's make this an exercise for me okay? I'm going to see how well I can sustain an image of different clothes, without altering my body shape. We'd better go inside, we don't want people to see us,' she continued as sliding in through the door followed by Dain. As she heard the door click behind her she positioned herself in front of the mirror and focussed. No distraction Dain she warned him.
Concentrating on a set of clothes that were nowhere in existence in her sparse wardrobe, Dahlia imagined them onto her body. It took less than a few seconds to change her clothes and alter them to fit her, and even less effort. She was dressed in jeans and a black clingy t-shirt that emphasised her sleek figure.
Dahlia opened her eyes and smiled,
'I may never need clothes again, that was easy. I think it just changes perception but requires no sustenance on my part. I didn't even need to manipulate the matter. Perhaps I should alter my body a bit to make it harder for myself.'
Dain shook his head, 'No don't do that, this is not really supposed to be an exercise, this is meant to be fun.' Dahlia grinned turning away from him towards the mirror, which still showed her in the loose robes, Ah that may pose a problem, she thought. 'Uh Dain look at me in the mirror, see anything different?'
Dain grimaced lightly, 'Ah yes, apparently you can't alter the mirror's discernment. Why don't you just avoid mirrors when we're out?' Dahlia looked at him inscrutably Dain you know me better than that. I'm not going to let a mirror ruin my disguise.
Don't I know it! But make it quick we have to go. Dahlia concentrated on the mirror and changed the amount of light rays forming the image of herself in robes, altering the light slightly changed her appearance. She now appeared in the mirror, the same way she looked visible in reality. Dahlia smiled smugly, and followed Dain out the room and through the corridors. Grey walls adorned with nothing but dust. They walked out into the night sky pinpricked with lights clearly perceptible with Dahlia's vampire vision.
Dain looked sideways at Dahlia as they walked through the night. Her shape was barely shown in a vague silhouette against the darkness, as there was no moon in the sky that night. Dahlia felt his gaze on her. What are you looking at? She touched his arm gently, not wanting to break the silent atmosphere with words. Dain grinned and whispered in her left ear, 'the most beautiful thing in the world.' Dahlia knew that the words were cliché and nothing but idle flattery, but she couldn't help but enjoy his attention. She had to restrain her face from forming a blush, this was getting repetitive; so she ignored his compliment replying instead, 'Where are you taking me? It's already dark. Master Nagini–'
Dain interrupted. 'Master Nagini trusts you, he would not notice if you left. You are almost a druid now, you make you own choices Dahlia.' To which, Dahlia could not help muttering, 'almost being the key word there.'
Dain paused in his steps. 'Dahlia I'm not going to get into this kind of conversation with you. Nagini trusts you, I trust you and I'm sure your friends all trust you to become what you've always wanted to become. Now I'm going to take you out to have some fun, so forget about this and lets go, we're there.' Dahlia didn't reply but Dain could feel her self-doubt. She looked up however, intrigued at where they were going.
It was a nightclub.
DAIN!! What do you think you're playing at?? This is a night world club, owned by some very dangerous vampires! Dahlia spoke intently, clutching Dain's hand. Dain's calm reply came without fear or distress, Dahlia I didn't actually know this was a night world club, I just wanted you to come dancing with me. Anyway, we can blend. Time to put your skills to the test. Make yourself look older…about 18, and try to make me look, y'know more ethereal. Vampire like.
Dain you know I couldn't sustain it for long! And without a mirror it's going to be difficult to hold both my changes and yours also.
Dahlia you can do this, and hurry, the werewolf guards are looking over.
Dahlia concentrated hard on her features. She made her cheekbones more prominent and imagined her height increasing. She emphasised her hips and chest, which would help with the werewolves. She finished by turning her hair a deep auburn colour and straightening out her haphazard curls for sleek strands of hair. She glanced at Dain as she finished her transformation. Well? Is this okay? She was almost as tall as him now and watched his reaction.
You look…wow. But one of your cheekbones is higher than the other the left one is lower. Dahlia used the reflection of her face in Dain's eyes to correct her mistake. Dain spoke quietly, 'My turn,' as Dahlia put up an image in her head of vampire Dain. She turned his dark eyes midnight blue mixed with a tint of silver light. Dahlia made his features more pronounced, and altered his face shape to be striking and delicate. Dahlia finished then looked at Dain, he was gorgeous.
'You look amazing, if I do say so myself,' Dahlia whispered. She felt so pleased that she was able to make such a fast and detailed transformation in so little time, under pressure. It was almost as hard as before, yet more concentrated to specific areas, such as the body and lower limbs. Dain grinned as he scanned the werewolf guards. He strode up towards them, on hand around Dahlia's waist.
The wolf with shaggy blond hair looked Dahlia up and down, taking in her appearance. Dain tensed but kept control. They were admitted into the club. Dahlia was suddenly hit with the full force of what they were doing, we're going into a club full of vampires and murderers, she frantically told Dain. She could feel her control slipping and with it their 'masks' were sliding. Dain gripped her arm and whispered in her ear, 'Dahlia we are here to have a good time and that's exactly what is going to happen. Now calm down.' Dain's commanding voice forced Dahlia to regain control and she breathed deeply taking in her surroundings. The club was packed full of people, dancing close together; red circles of light were dotted on the walls, and there was smoke on the floor. There were a few people at the bar but most were dancing to a slow song sung by a witch on the stage. All in all, the whole atmosphere was hot and sexy. Like hell Dahlia thought. Dain, holding Dahlia's hand, moved through the moving bodies to a corner in the room. We're going to dance now Dahlia, he said in her mind. Dahlia looked at him, her features gleaming in the glow of the red light.
Dain, I don't dance.
Dain grinned and said you do now.
He started moving to the music. Dahlia felt awkward and strange in this setting. She was used to calm blue sky and peace and quiet. Not the steamy atmosphere of this club filled with hidden dangers and killers. Dahlia hung against Dain's body limply. Dain was determined to help her understand the beauty of music. It was intoxicating and she would dance to it when she realised that.
'Let yourself go, close your eyes and move to the music,' he whispered in her ear. The slow song ended and a fast beat was taken up. The music filled Dahlia with a strange feeling. She felt connected in some way. She moved more loosely now, with freedom and ease.
After about an hour Dahlia was laughing. She never laughed in public. Dain was amazed at the change in her. She showed her emotions blatantly on her face, it was dangerous, he should stop it but he was as swept away in the rhythmic base beat as she was. Dahlia was having the time of her life, she had never felt so much freedom, and it was fun. She wasn't thinking about her blood, or her inadequacies or her inhibitions for the ceremony, she was just, herself; and that was okay.
'They're planning an attack on Salix…' Dahlia's ears pricked as she caught the name of her parents' murderer in conversation. She opened her eyes and looked around surreptitiously. She saw a dark haired man with a short stocky build. He was definitely a vampire but an unusually unattractive one. He was talking to a tall red haired girl. She had a sparkling halter-top and mini skirt which didn't leave much to the imagination. The vampire seemed inebriated under the influence of this girl. She was obviously extracting information.
Dain noticed the change in Dahlia, from wild freedom, her face unusually expressive, she closed her thoughts off from public view and her concentration no longer was centred on him and the music. She was looking around at a vampire dancing with a girl almost twice his height. Dahlia what is it? He asked concerned.
Dahlia didn't reply, just moved closer to the couple. Dain listened in to their conversation.
'Yeah there seems to be a threat growing from these people but Salix has a hold on it. I'm his brother you know,' the man smiled at her languidly as the girl indulged him with a mocking false smile. Dahlia listened more intently and waited for them to say more but suddenly two large men, strong vampires came to pull the short man off the dance floor. He was dragged into a side door while he said rather loudly, 'Hey boys what's going on? Kill anyone lately?'
Dahlia looked back to the red head but she was already slipping through the throng of couples dancing. Dahlia made a move to follow her, tugging on Dain's sleeve to come. By the time they reached the door she had vanished. Dahlia looked around and the werewolf guard was looking at her intently.
'I don't remember letting you in here, or your human friend. I'm afraid we'll have to kill you. We don't tolerate vermin around here.'
Dahlia realised their guises must have slipped inside the club. Dain looked at her meaningfully. We can take them on, and then we should leave Dain. He merely made a short nod before adjusting his position for a fighting stance. Dahlia concentrated hard on the guard's hair. Muttering the words softly she summoned flames and his head burst into fire. He was unwitting of the danger at first then alerted by his partner he proceeded to panic, screaming loudly. Dahlia had to shut him up. She moved forward, sidestepping the other wolf, and knocked him down by stabbing pressure points on his neck, heart and knees causing them to lock and his body immobilised. Dain was kicking the other guard repeatedly until the wolf fell, spent, to the ground. Dahlia heard others coming out but by the time they reached the door, there was no one there, but the two guards lying face down in the dirt.
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I was going to write more, but as I said before I've got killer exams. As soon as they are over I'm going to celebrate by going on holiday and coming back refreshed and ready to write. Until then you'll just have to bear with me. I'll try to update in two weeks coz that's when all but one of my exams are set.
Thanx for being so considerate read and review! Luv Dani!