I'm sooooo sorry I haven't updated or even reviewed for absolutely ages!!!!! The good news is: I've updated now, AND I only have ONE MORE exam left. So after Tuesday 17th June, my physics exam will be over, and I will have the whole summer to update maniacally. To make up for these two weeks without an update, I will try to update every 4 days, seeing as I have the entire summer free, apart from a brief holiday at the end of July, but that's ages away!!! Get ready for fast updates!!!

Oh and reviewers here are my replies from both chapter 15 and 16!!! Love you all!!! I have 119 REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!

Jackass: Here's your update I hope you enjoy. It's short, but I will be updating faster so the story won't be stopped for long!! Keep reading!!

Doughnuts…mmm: I've sent you an email with spoilers for the end of the first part of the story; I hope you wanted that much detail. I still think perhaps you might have wanted to wait, for me to actually write the story, but I figured seeing as I didn't update OR reply to your review, AND you were the 100th reviewer, you deserved a detailed spoiler. Feel free to tell me what you think or give me advice about my plans fort he story.

I'm pleased the wedding went well, it's not a proper wedding if the bride doesn't fall for the groom's brother/ father/ stepson/ step brother/ uncle or long lost twin, then the groom turns out to be homosexual anyway.

New York!!! Damn you, lucky gurl!!! I was going to New York, (actually La) but my uncle had to get divorced!!! After 15 years of marriage they get divorced when I'm coming over to visit!!!! What are the odds?? Anyway, lucky you, I hear they have great shops, don't fail to take advantage of them!!!

Phobias… um nope not really, though I'm not too fond of moths, but that doesn't really count as a phobia. I just have to get someone to get the moth out before I go back into that room…maybe that is. I don't mind butterflies, just moths.

Anyway apologies again for the lack of response I've given over the last couple of weeks. Your token part in the story has been explained in the email I sent you, along with spoilers. Really sorry I didn't reply faster but exams are over now…I'm freeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Luv Dani!

Janie: Yup get ready for some big happenings. Nothing with Salix in this chapter, but it's coming!!! Plot is opening up all right, I just hope you like it when I get to the climax!

Keep reading!!! *smile*

Ice dragon: Hey Kim! Here's you update!! Hope you like it, rather short, but I'm not too busy to update fast anymore, so that doesn't matter much, anyway you like short chapters! The plots getting busy so get ready for some more action. Sorry for the short review, but I'm kinda tired. See you on Tuesday for Physics!!!

Eminem: Glad u liked my story, and I'm honoured to be on yr fav authors list!! You reviewed almost every chapter!!! I like reviews and I'm flattered you bothered, but you don't need to. Well on yr recommendation, I'm not going to change chapter 14. Hope you like this update, it's short, but there's going to be more, fast! Luv Dani! ;)

Halle: seeing as you've never reviewed before, I didn't even know you existed. Maybe if you'd bothered to review when you first read the story, and told me what you didn't like, I could have put a few more light hearted scenes in. if you don't tell me what you like and don't like, I can't change anything, but yeah you're right this is a deep story, and that's okay if that's not your preference. You probably won't see this anyway, but thanx for reviewing. P.s I can't find your story. Dani ;p

Alien-lifeforce-seeker: welcome new reviewer! Yeah your intuitous feeling is prophetic, something big is coming up, so get ready for action! What's scary in chap16? Pleased u like it! Luv Dani ;D

Yodel: I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear, my last exam is on tue and so I will finally 'GET OFF MY ARSE AND STOP STUDYING' and 'UPDATE' in the words of the reviewer! So I hope that is makes you happy that someone has actually taken your advice seriously. Glad to know I've been stricken off your homicide list coz I'm still useful…here's your update and remember patience is a virtue!! Though you won't have to exorcise it in the next few months coz it's the SUMMER and I'm free for TWO WHOLE MONTHS!!!! *Breathes deeply*. So read and review!!!!! Dani :p

Monkey gurl (the second): yeah finally the action is kicking in. sorry I have to take the time to set the scene, but big stuff is gonna happen in subsequent chapters so get ready!! I'm sorry I left the story at a cliffie, hope you did well in economics and I'm grateful you didn't sue! Review if you like this chappie!!

Sharmeen: Dahlia has gotten more relaxed under Dain's influence. Perhaps too relaxed…anyway thanks for the reviews, and keep reading!! More's a comin! ;)

Isilwen-Telphefion: Kinda obsessed with Vamps at the mo aren't we? Yeah Dahlia's gonna get into big trouble…if she gets caught, which she wont! She's far too sneaky. But what is she gonna do? Read to find out, and review to make me happy!! :)

Graffiti: yeah updated! Something U should do!!! I need more on that story with Tomoya, Tai Chi and Tsyshi and Harukai and Yuki…etc!!! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!! So update!!!

Ice maiden: sorry, I hadn't read your review when I wrote the replies! I have limited Internet access. I'm glad you liked the nightclub scene; I thought it was a little strange while I was writing it but it turned out okay. Hope you enjoy this chappie, review if ya do!!! (Gee that rhymes!!)

Jackie: Yah I remember my entire reviewers. Okay fine I had to check at the beginning for your review but I didn't forget you!! I'm pleased you liked the progression of the story, here's the next chappie, do ya like it??

Okay replies done with…here's your update have fun!!!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 17!

Dain stood in Takeno's private study, facing the man he had come to respect, talking to him as if he were a child. For the past few minutes he had been listening to Takeno lecture him on the duties of a Druid and how he could uphold his honour. He spent most of it looking at the interesting books adorning his shelves, written in the ancient language.

'…So you see how this cannot be possible. Dahlia is a respected member of the brotherhood. It is not right. Do you understand?'

Dain nodded dumbly, he did not hesitate. Something was obviously going on that was far too big for him to confront alone. He needed Dahlia to help him so for the moment he acted compliant. Takeno bowed, he seemed satisfied that Dain was telling the truth to the casual observer, but he knew that this kind of attachment was not easy to let go. I will have to be vigilant as this could ruin everything. The boy must be watched. Dain was unconscious of Takeno's scrutiny, only one thought on his mind, how to find his soul mate.

Takeno left quickly, resolving to find Nagini and the elders. This must approached with caution. He had a feeling that the elders had underestimated Dahlia's determination. Takeno knew she would not let this insult to her go without reprisal. If they believed they were soul mates, Takeno was resolute to make sure this did not end in tragedy like Destria and Alex. Dahlia had worked too hard to throw it away now. Why did they have to choose the worst moment possible to disobey rules? Takeno projected his mind out to search for Nagini, who responded with:

Takeno what is it?

Where are you?

I am in the great hall with the elders. We are dismissing the students to prepare for the ceremony. Have the ninja's been informed?

No not yet, we will wait until after the ceremony, I am coming, I must speak with you.

Very well.

Takeno broke the connection and headed down another intricate corridor.

************

Dain was still worrying about Dahlia. He wasn't able to feel her very strongly; she must be in a transformation. He could wait. Suddenly his ears pricked to the sound of footsteps outside the door. Dain stood waiting. The door opened to admit Nagini in his long black robes trimmed with red. Dain bowed respectfully but Nagini barely took notice of him, locking the door behind him with a spell. Dain was stunned when he heard Nagini speak,

'I want you to search for anything to do with rebirth of a druid and Karonis, search Takeno's desk.'

Dain blinked, he had just heard Nagini speak with Dahlia's voice. 'Dahlia?' he questioned tentatively, 'that is you isn't it?' Dahlia waved off his question by going straight to Takeno's desk herself,

'Of course it's me! I can't change my voice no matter what form I'm in, c'mon help me. We don't have much time the ceremony is going to begin in less than two hours.'

Dain watched her rifle through his desk for a moment before going to the bookshelf and picking out random books, attempting to translate them roughly. 'What are you looking for exactly?'

Dahlia was in the middle of the pile of transcripts on Takeno's side desk, 'I just need something connected to Salix. I think it has something to do with him. I just need to have a proper lead before we can put it to the council.'

Dain continued searching through books, careful to remember where each on was originally placed. 'What do you expect to find? I know you have some idea of what's going on, why don't you just fill me in?'

Dahlia paused for a moment looking intently at a small square sheet of paper. It looked like it had been ripped out of a book. Dahlia put it to one side and then continued probing the depths of Takeno's drawers. 'Don't you think it's weird how they have re-arranged the ceremony? Just for us I mean. You would think that years of lore would come before the problem of two druid trainees. I think that the ceremony can be put at any time. I think that it involves some sort of…I don't know I can't put it into words. Do you know what I mean?'

Dain looked at her bemused, 'don't have a clue. But hopefully you can explain it when you find what you are looking for. How long have you been… like that?'

Dahlia frowned 'Not long, it's amazing how people don't question me or even notice I'm there. It's like I'm invisible or something. Nagini has more influence than I thought. Wait a minute I think I've found something…' she pulled out an envelope with the sign of a black flower, a dahlia on it. Opening it she found a letter to Takeno and the brotherhood from a man called Llinos Tanner. Who's he? Dain asked in Dahlia's mind. 'I don't know. Perhaps he works for Salix. I don't know why, but I have a strong feeling that he is involved somehow. The letter is on behalf of the night world council asking for a meeting with the brotherhood. Llinos and Salix have to be working together. We have to tell Master Nagini.' Dain placed a hand on her shoulder, halting her movement towards the door. It was quite a feat as she was the height of Nagini.

'Dahlia wait, you have nothing to go on. You have a letter that Nagini himself has probably already seen. What have you got that links to Salix? You have nothing to say that this meeting is a trap.'

Dahlia paused; then slipped off the guise of Nagini, and appeared in her natural exterior. Dain I have to try, I have a bad feeling. And I'm not just basing this on my own instincts; Faye has been having bad dreams as well. She knows something bad is coming; I've talked to her. I must inform the council, even if they don't believe me. Dahlia turned around and walked quickly out the door

Dain stared at the door for a moment, sighed, and then followed.

************

 Takeno entered the main Hall, it was empty, a rare sight. Nagini and the other masters were standing in a circle around a smaller circle made of fire. They stood, eyes closed and the fire began to take shape as if it were alive. There was however a break in both circles. Takeno came forward to take his place, and the fire rose up surrounding them before changing into water. The water swirled around, moving to an unknown beat as it returned back to a circle inside the masters. The transformation went through all the 5 elements before disintegrating completely.

Nagini stepped out to break the circle, and in the centre of the hall was a dark black ring set into the wooden floor. This was where the cleansing of the soul would take place. This was where Dahlia would achieve her destiny. The other masters' left, led by Master Yuri, to prepare for the ceremony. Takeno and Nagini were left alone. Nagini turned to face Takeno but did not speak; they opened a link from their minds. Takeno started,

Do you think this ceremony will work?

I believe Dahlia is strong enough.

I think Nagini, that you are blinded by your affection for Dahlia. You have a… bond with her because of Destria. You do not see what she really is. And what she has done.

Dahlia has been training with you for the last 10 years. Explain to me why you don't think that she is ready Takeno.

There was a pause while Takeno calmed himself,

Dahlia is a most apt student. And she would have been great, had she been human or witch. You must accept the fact Nagini that she is her father's daughter also. You don't know what could happen. Are you willing to let Dahlia's life hang on your dream to see her initiated?

Takeno, I am only doing what I believe to be right. I wish to-

Nagini you are being selfish. Dahlia has a special talent, one that may not be found in time to train them, but you cannot risk what may happen.

Nagini remained silent, Takeno pressed on,

And what of Llinos? What have you proposed to the council? Is the attack still going ahead?

You know is it Takeno.

Again there was silence. Takeno tore his mind away and the link was severed. It was a while before Nagini spoke,

'Takeno, this is going ahead. I know Dahlia is ready. And the attack is departing as planned; I have already sent the message back with my most trusted student. If you doubt my judgement, then perhaps you should argue your case to the council, I will not–'

The sudden entrance of Dahlia, who was closely followed by Dain, rudely interrupted Nagini.

Dahlia burst in, her green robes billowing behind her as she rushed towards Nagini. She reached the circle but could not enter, stopped by an intangible barrier. She stopped, regaining her breath before launching into speech.

'Master, I have something important to tell you it cannot wait! I must–'

Nagini held up his hand to halt her words. Dahlia tried to fight his calming influence but could not he was far too powerful. Dain stood watching Dahlia sink into a state of calm.

Nagini waved his hand and spoke clearly, 'I will hear what you have to say after the ceremony. It is time for cleansing before the initiation.'

Dahlia made one last attempt to fight, 'It's important, Nagini…' but his force of influence was far too strong, subduing her haphazard state of mind.

Dain moved forward to lace up her ties behind her robe, that she had failed to fasten, and the cleansing began. Takeno spoke the words in the ancient language, and Dahlia replied in the language of Druids and Ninjas; the collective voice of the blessed people.

In the ancient tongue, Nagini asked the designated questions and Dahlia replied from her knowledge of ancient scriptures. The processes was long and tedious but at the same time enlightening and peaceful.

Dahlia spoke in a monotone, the passages of the old ones she had memorised by heart,

'The ancient masters of the council of Druids

Had subtle marvellous mystic penetration
a depth that cannot be known.
It is exactly because that they are unknowable,
that we are forced to pay attention to their appearance.
Hesitant, like one crossing an ice-covered river.
Ready, like one afraid of his neighbours on all sides.
Dignified, like a guest.
Loose, like ice about to melt.
Straightforward, like an un-carved block of wood.
Open, like a valley.
Obscure, like muddy water.

Who can be muddled, and use clarity to gradually become lucid?
Who can be calm, and use constant application for eventual success?

The one who holds to this path does not crave fulfilment.
Precisely because he does not crave fulfilment
He can be shattered
And do without quick restitution.

Effect emptiness to the extreme.
Keep stillness whole.
Myriad things act in concert.
I therefore watch their return.
All things flourish and each returns to its root.

Returning to the root is called quietude.
Quietude is called returning to life.
Return to life is called constant.
Knowing this constant is called illumination.
Acting arbitrarily without knowing the constant is harmful.
Knowing the constant is receptivity, which is impartial.

Impartiality is kingship.
Kingship is Heaven.
Heaven is Druidery
Druidery is eternal.

Though you lose the body, you do not die…'

And so it went on, Dahlia's voice grew hoarse as she came to the end of the first passage that she had learnt. There were in total more than a hundred different passages to be learnt, but an apprentice was only questioned on one. It would take too long to recite all of them, a lifetime and more. 5 hours had passed and she came to the last teaching of Druid lore. She hesitated before her recital of this final teaching. Nagini prompted her to go on,

Accept disgrace as a surprise.
Value great misfortune in your own self.

What do I mean by "Accept disgrace as a surprise"?
When you are humble
Attainment is a surprise
And so is loss.
That's why I say, "Accept disgrace as a surprise."

What do I mean by "Value great misfortune in your own self"?

If I have no self, how could I experience misfortune?

Therefore, if you dedicate your life for the benefit of the world,
You can rely on the world.
If you love dedicating yourself in this way,
You can be entrusted with the world.

Dahlia stopped. Nagini released her from the state of nothingness and she stumbled forward into the black circle. Dahlia opened her eyes and looked around as if waking from a dream. Nagini left and she lay there in the middle of the circle, exhausted. Dain stayed in the corner of the hall, waiting for the Masters and Druids to emerge.

Through the door, each of the elders came, dressed in white robes and hoods covering their heads and obscuring their faces. The five members of the council moved around the circle. Sensei Vadim's voice was heard reciting ancient lore of renewal in the language derived from a mixture of Egyptian, Chinese and Arabic.

People who manipulate
turn love into bitterness.
They are like a scourge
for they destroy compassion
and leave only destruction.

The restless spirit,
immersed
in the rush of life,
will never find peace
but only distress.

The spirit frightened of life,
escaping
into emptiness,
will never find tranquillity
but only despair.

Dwelling
in emptiness
yet living life to the full
is
true peace.

(I couldn't use Arabic, Chinese or Egyptian characters in this format, sorry!)

As the ritual finished, each of the elders glowed, with a bright light. Dahlia felt a surge of power flow into her and out. It felt, like touching a wound that was still healing, painful but liberating also.

There was a long silence following the closure of the ceremony. The druids lifted back their cloaks and Dahlia saw Master Nagini smile, for the first time in a long while. Each of the Druids seems happy, carefree. They looked as if ten years of burden had been lifted off their shoulders. Dahlia felt like that also. She wanted to burst into song and dance. It was like a feeling of utter peace and joy that threatened to explode within her. Dahlia also realised one other thing…she had no power. She had no magic or any control over any elements. Instead of feeling horror and dismay, she felt lightened and free. Dahlia didn't think about it anymore, but rushed to master Nagini who was laughing with Master Takeno.

Dahlia rose to her feet, slightly dizzy, and moved forward to speak to him; she didn't step out of the circle, but went to the edge. 'Master Nagini?' She asked as he turned towards her. 'What is this? What has happened?'

Nagini smiled a broad smile showing white teeth, 'this is the concept of renewal. A druids power is derived from natural forces, the elements, what is around us. Every year, the druid must give back that power to the earth in order to sustain their power. Throughout the week, your power will be slowly removed from your body. A week's re-birth, without power or cares. You will feel weak for a day or so, but then you will have no ailments. It's like a holiday.'

Dahlia smiled back at Nagini, while he was like this, he was very vulnerable. No wonder none of the students were told of this. Takeno was performing handstands with Sensei Yuri, if they saw that sight, Dahlia thought; they would loos all respect for them as masters. Dahlia looked around, her eyes locking with one other pair across the room. She smiled again and moved out of the circle towards Dain.

As she walked towards, him she felt a tugging at her heart, she stumbled onto the ground as pain ripped through her body. Dain rushed forward to grab her as she fell to the ground. As his fingers grasped hers, Dahlia felt a searing bolt of power flow from her palm to his, as fire shot out of her hands. Dain reeled back in pain, but continued to grasp her in his concern. Dahlia's head was spinning; her mind couldn't focus on any clear images. Dain's figure blurred before her eyes, but she saw angry red burns covering his palms. She could hear Nagini rapping out orders to remove her before she hurt anyone else. The last thing she saw before she blacked out was Dain's face, a picture of pain and anguish. He was trying to reach her but someone was carrying her away, then everything went black.

******************************

Ooooh what's happened???? What WILL happen??? Will Dahlia ever recover??? Is Dain seriously hurt??? And what of Salix and Llinos??? Find out in the next episode of Fallen Star!!!!!

So? What do you all think??? Good??? No-good??? Suggestions????

Well I'm open to ideas, compliments, criticisms and suggestions so just put 'em in a review and I'll update soon!!!

Loadsaluv Dani!!