A/N Sorry Sorry for making your life a living hell, that wasn't me that was Alter Ego (anyone who can tell me what that is a quote from will get a reward). I seriously didn't mean to leave you hanging like that, but there were exams, then just summer stuff (translate as being very lazy). But half of you don't even check FF.net during the summer so I shouldn't be in too much trouble. Right?! Well my life has been interesting, I will be 18 soon, that is so weird. This story is almost done, 1 or 2 chappies to go. I'm sorry this is a really short one, but this is where it wanted to end. There is a lot in it too. Hey since I last updated I've been to TWO Rooney concerts (not that any of you really care) but I do because I met all of the Rooney boys but Louie (I have to meet him, I'm told he is a total sweetie), and got 2 yes TWO guitar picks from the absolutely amazingly talented Taylor Locke. Ok on with thanks.

Lona: I can't tell you that (yet). I like Falkin much better than Jasson too, but who I like doesn't really matter, hehe. Jasson's growing on me though. In chappie 32 he became an actual character. Thanks for the review.

Orange: I hope I haven't lost you, but I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm sorry it has taken me forever and a day.

Sudha: Ooo this really isn't updating fast. I'm sorry. I'm glad you liked Jasson in that last chappie, I did much much more.

Rymira Sedai: The battle gets very fierce in this chappie, and I hope it is interesting.

Balloonfuzz: She wasn't thinking the "don't be upset with Jasson" part, that was my little author's note at the bottom.

IvyDragon: Yay! No grammar mistakes in the last chappie *glances dubiously at the new one* I don't know about this one.

Fairy Asphodel: You're back! You'll see what will happen, hehe.

Dragonwing5: Zira didn't have time to really tell Jasson anything, and as much as Jasson was being an idiot so was Zira. But some of your questions will be answered in this chappie.

Alia: Ya I'm prone to leaving people on cliffs. I'm sorry. I hope you enjoy the new chappie.

Everyone Read Review and Enjoy!

Chapter XXXIII: Blood and Rain

Falkin's mind was a blur; he looked around, seeing faces of friends on both sides. His teeth ground together. Only one side mattered, only one side mattered. He swung his sword heavily, and it met the shield of a young Tortallian soldier with a crash. Their eyes met for a moment, then Falkin's sword moved again, and his opposer collapsed. Falkin didn't have time to think about what he had done another soldier in silver and blue stood before him. It was life or death, no honor here. He raised his shield to block the sword's blow. Sweat poured down his face. Why was it so hot? He couldn't think, and that was a mercy. His body knew what to do. He left his brain behind. The mass of soldiers surrounding him spun, and twirled in a dangerous dance.

The bite of a sword into his side woke him. Everything was painfully clear. Both sides dying. He found himself looking into a pair of eyes that he knew. They were full of blood rage, but he would never have mistaken them. William of Ikor, the boy he had sponsored as a page, was raising his broadsword. Falkin knew him. Knew his fears, and joys, his weaknesses, and his strengths. They had been friends. The sword came down hard, bruising his shoulder, but the chain mail held firm. The blow galvanized Falkin into action. William was going for the kill, he did not know who his opponent was, nor did he care. Falkin moved swiftly, his sword snaked out catching the mail in the right place so that it divided creating a hole just wide enough for death. As the eyes clouded over and the blood rage left them recognition filled William's face. He fell to the ground.

Falkin felt sick, he looked around at the sea of bodies. Who was right? He didn't care anymore. Suddenly his eyes rested on a sight he did not want to see. Tobit, his shield flashing in the sun, was struggling with an Antithean footsoldier. The Antithean whirled, and Falkin saw the young determined face of Kiké.

~*~

Tobit was equally matched by the Antithean before him. Each blow was blocked, and each parry was followed by another strike. He lashed out cutting deeply into the Antithean's arm. At the same moment a searing pain went up his left side, and he saw a bloody knife in the young soldier's hand. Tobit grasped his side, and his sword moved again crashing down on his opponent's helmet.

Kiké winced, but her knife moved quickly. It met the Tortallian knight's cheek. She had to keep from dying, and the only way that could be accomplished was to kill. She hated this knight just as she hated all Tortallians. The world would be a better place without him. He parried her strike, and she hissed as his sword met her leg. Sword and knife moved together, and she cut through the leather straps holding his armor, opening a way in. This was her chance. Her sword flew towards him, and she felt it meet flesh. The body went rigid under her blade, and tumbled to the ground. She looked down at the straight black hair and staring sapphire eyes, and then up at the Tortallian commander still standing stunned. She looked again at the body she had killed; the royal emblem was embroidered in silver on his tunic.

Tobit screamed at the Antithean in fury. He lashed out, but the soldier nimbly leapt back, and became one with the tumult of bodies. He looked down at the solid form of Liam, and at the deep wound that hadn't been meant for the young prince.

~*~

The Dominion Jewel glowed with an eerie amber light. The spell was growing but slowly, sluggishly. The Jewel did not want to fight. The three powerful mages bent lower, strengthening the spell. The door flew open, shattering in a burst of amber fire. A small jellicle cat stood there trembling. It grew, limbs lengthening, into the frail graceful shape of Zira. Three jaws dropped, and the mages let go of their spell in surprise.

Zira walked to the table and took the Jewel in her hands. No one tried to stop her. She stared at It. It pulsed with magic. Lives ebbing away, rejoining Eimar, all because of this lump of stone. She could turn the tide of the battle with It. She was the most powerful being in the world. Victory was hers. But suddenly she knew what she was meant to do with It. It grew cold in her hands, freezing far colder than the Roof of the World where Alanna had found It, far colder than anything in existence. Each atom ceased its movement, until all was still. She held it like that for a moment, then she poured into It all her anger, her hate, her love, her passion, the Jewel shattered, breaking apart until all that was left was a heap of fine dust in her hands. As if in a trance she walked to the window, and hands outstretched let the wind take It. Then she turned slowly.

"It is over," she said.

~*~

It flew high on the winds, falling down as rain where ever it went. Traveling as an amber cloud it swiftly crossed Tortall heading towards the land of its birth. Below a battle raged, but as the cool rain fell onto the chain mail, faces turned upwards, and weapons dropped.

Kiké felt the rain hit her tanned face, and she smiled. Tearing off her helmet she lifted her face to the sky, and opened her mouth to drink the raindrops coming down thickly on top of her. All around she saw soldiers on both sides follow suit. A cry was raised.

"The drought is over, we will have food, Eimar be praised, Amane!" chanting over and over, then suddenly laughter was heard, and both armies began to chant, stamping their feet, and dance. It was not the deadly dance that they had been engaged in before. It was a dance of pure joy. The war that had lasted for eight long years was over.

Everyone be sure to watch Pirates of the Caribbean if you haven't already. It is amazing!