Author's Note: :sweatdrop: Another long time before I updated… :sobz: I really don't know what I've been doing around here, I just can't find time to write. I'm almost finished my first semester and have registered for university and stuff, hopefully I'll get in. I think…my average for my first semester will be around 97-98 percentso that's pretty good. Anyways, I'll try, try, try to update more frequently even though it's not exactly working – but the best way to contact me right now is via deviantART because I'm trying to be more active there. (besides, I'll be posting up some drawings some characters from my fics there too :wink: I've already got a couple up of Carly) The link's in my profilein case anyone's interested, if any of you have DA, let me know because I like browsing when I have a goal in mind. :sweat: But I can guarantee that I will never abandon this fic even if it takes me forever to update…

Anyways, on with the fic, I think…sanity's beginning to drop there and everyone's trying to hurt each other or something. O.o Next chapter will definitely be a battle chapter and should actually be up faster because it's already halfway written! Happy reading!

Chapter 17: Being Cruel To Be Kind

"Your Majesty, there is a noble accompanying them," the guard said with a courteous bow towards Carly, "Shall I let them pass?"

"A noble, you say?" Carly said, drumming her fingers thoughtfully on her longbow, "Strip him of his weapons, if there are any, and let them in." She waited for a few moments before the doors reopened and she was greeted with Enrique's scowling face, Aquana's worried one, and a stream of protests from the newcomer – not exactly the ideal reunion she was hoping for.

"Silence!" Carly ordered loudly. This wasn't the way she would have chosen to greet her friends; however, she needed to make an impression of authority while a stranger was about. Too many people had become delighted at the fact that they were dealing with a female and attempt to take advantage of the situation. Carly's method of dealing with tricksters weren't always appropriate, even Father Nomin admitted that, so now she was trying to deal with potential problems effectively because they actually evolved into actual problems.

"Carly –" Aquana started.

Carly silenced her with a wave of her hand and fixed her emerald eyes on the visitor, "Identify yourself."

"Tristan Falmar III of Lanthir," Tristan said, scowling at the guard who had seized his weapon, "I demand to know the meaning of this – I have sworn my honour upon my weapon and you simply take them away from me? I understand that being cautious is necessary but this is crossing the line! Lanthir –"

"Forgive me, Lord Tristan of Lanthir," Carly replied steadily, "Each kingdom has its own customs – you would do well to follow Ithildin's. Your weapon will be returned to you once I've confirmed you are not a potential enemy, if you have any problems with that, you may leave. The door, I believe, is directly behind you."

Tristan fumed silently, but stayed quiet. Aquana sighed and wrung her hands nervously while Enrique smirked, looking slightly happier than he previously did.

"Do you have any proof that you're from Lanthir?" Carly asked again, feeling extremely bored with the interrogation already, "Or am I simply supposed to take your word for it? Emblem? Seal?"

Tristan didn't look any more patient than Carly did. He puffed up indignantly as if insulted that Carly failed to recognize him as an important official from Lanthir, "Begging your pardon, your Majesty, but the flood destroyed everything –"

"Except you – unfortunately," Enrique muttered, loud enough for everyone around him to hear. Aquana frowned while Tristan glowered; Carly merely ignored the blond knight.

"Like I said, it destroyed everything, I was too busy trying to survive than to hold onto my valuables," Tristan finished.

"Carly – call me Carly. Fair enough, I'll trust Aquana's judgment on it then," Carly said, nodding at the guard, "Give him back his weapon. We'll find some place for you to stay and something for you to eat." She motioned to the nearby maid, "Excuse me, could you please prepare a room for him and show him the kitchen as well? Thank you."

"Thank you," Tristan said grudgingly, sheathing his weapon.

Carly followed Enrique back up to his room and sat down on his bed, observing silently as the blond knight tossed his armour in a corner of his room bad-temperedly. "My my, and I thought that you would've been in a better mood when you come back."

"I don't want to talk about it!" Enrique snapped, throwing down his chest plate with a clang, "Leave me alone!"

Carly made a face, "You're in an even worse mood than you were when you left!" She was secretly disappointed though; she had wanted to ask Enrique about the Dragon Flute…and Kane, one more time, but now didn't seem to be a very good time to do some questioning.

"What happened?"

Carly blinked up at Enrique in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I'm not in the mood for silly games, princess!" Enrique scowled, his hazel eyes smouldering, "What happened to the burnt village?"

"Oh…that," Carly muttered. She had momentarily forgotten about the NondaKanoste's previous attack and thinking about it sent shivers up her spine. Whatever Enrique was steaming about, it must have really been bad because he even failed to address her normally.

"Well?" Enrique demanded.

"We were attacked that's all," Carly grumbled. She had forbidden Michael to breathe a word about this to Enrique or Flora and the navy-eyed warrior had willingly agreed. The last thing she needed was for her oldest friends to flip out over the fact that she was almost killed again. "It was fine – Michael and I took care of things."

"Michael and I," Enrique mimicked, bitterness ringing in his voice.

"Do not do that Enrique," Carly warned, her emerald eyes blazing now, "And stop jeering at Michael every chance you get – it's really starting to set me off."

"When is he going to leave?" Enrique demanded, "I'm getting rather sick of seeing him every day."

"You –" Carly began, but was interrupted by a soft knock on the door.

"Um…hi," Aquana said weakly, peering into the room nervously, "Sorry for interrupting, but Carly, could I talk to Enrique alone for a minute?"

"Sure thing," Carly said, standing up and stretching, "I'll go and see if I can catch a glimpse of Flora coming back. She and Tala should be back soon, that is if Tala didn't try anything sneaky."

"Enrique," Aquana said softly as Carly started out, "I –"

Enrique flopped himself on his bed, staring at the ceiling blankly, "Get out."

Carly paused outside, looking back at the blond knight in concern, "What the –. What did you just say?"

"Enrique, please just hear me out," Aquana pleaded, "Can you just forget about that –"

"I said get out!"

"But I –"

Enrique jumped out and shoved her out of his room forcefully, slamming the door furiously, "I don't want to talk to you!"

"What – is this all about?" Carly asked slowly, staring at the closed door and Aquana's stricken face, "Did I miss something?"

"It's all my fault," Aquana murmured, her voice trembling, "I messed up big time – I thought, at least, he'd give me a chance to explain…"

"You guys have got to stop talking like I know what you're talking about," Carly declared, tapping her foot impatiently, "Because I haven't the faintest clue what's going on."

"Enrique didn't tell you?"

Carly snorted, "No. And I didn't ask. I know better than to provoke a lion when it's already angry. Are you going to tell me? Or do I have to playing guessing games all day?"

"Tristan…" Aquana whispered.

"What about him?"

"He's…he's my…my fiancé," Aquana confessed in a barely audible voice, her turquoise eyes flickering in pain and sadness.

"You're kidding." Carly said flatly, raising her eyebrows, "Fiancé? Him?"

Aquana shook her head.

"Oh. I see the problem," Carly said with a groan, "Oh boy…" She sighed and patted Aquana, "You can't really blame him for being angry though – you should've told him."

"I know," Aquana said, taking several deep breaths to prevent tears from slipping down her face, "But I thought Tristan was dead…and I…"

"Aquana, do you love him?" Carly asked suddenly.

"Who? Tristan or Enrique?"

Carly flashed a wicked smile, "Tristan, of course. You don't even know Enrique all that well, if you would forgive me for saying so. I wouldn't think that love is an appropriate word – yet."

Aquana winced, "I wouldn't say I love him…I don't mind him –"

"Honestly, not 'minding' him isn't exactly the most appealing thought for marriage," Carly snorted, "Think about it – marriage entitled you to spend the rest of your life with this man. Not that I'm saying that Tristan's awful or something, he can't be as bad as William I tell you, but still…"

"It was an arranged marriage."

Carly made gagging noises, "Ugh! Can't you feel pain in that?"

Aquana smiled slightly, "It was made with my consent, Carly."

"Well, mine definitely wasn't made with my consent!" Carly growled, "It was made with anything but my consent and I should have the right to take it back anytime!"

"I just wish that Enrique would talk to me…" Aquana whispered, "I really didn't know that Tristan survived."

"Enrique will get over it – eventually," Carly assured her, "I still think he's a little shaky on relationships right now. But…honestly, are you still planning to go ahead with your wedding plans?"

"I…don't know…" Aquana muttered, "It would depend on what Tristan wants…"

"Why can't it depend on what you want?" Carly demanded, "It ain't like men are supposed to rule our lives or anything. The only advice I can give you right now is to hurry up and decide what you want, because once that ring's on your finger, there's no looking back and no room for regrets."

"Go away!" Enrique snapped through the thick barrier of the wooden door, "I told you to get lost! So beat it!"

"Enrique, at least come for dinner," Aquana pleaded, knocking on the door repeatedly, "Please? Let's talk – you really have to understand –"

"Don't make me go out there and force you away!"

"Enrique, would you just listen to what I have to say!" Aquana exclaimed, stamping her foot in frustration while anger started to spark from her cerulean eyes.

"I told you that I don't want to!"

"Please?"

"NO!"

"Why are you being so difficult?"

"Get lost!"

Aquana finally lost her temper, slamming her hand furiously against Enrique's wooden door, not caring that the action made her hand sting in pain. "Would you stop being such a child and come out! Would it kill you to listen to me for a few minutes?"

There was a painstakingly long stretch of silence before the door slowly creaked open and Enrique stood with his hand on the metal knob, his brown eyes glittering malevolently. "What part of 'go away' do you not understand? I don't want to listen to your stupid excuses –"

"Being unreasonable isn't going to get us anywhere –" Aquana began.

"We weren't getting anywhere to begin with!" Enrique yelled, banging his fist against the wall loudly.

Aquana took a couple steps back numbly, "I didn't know –"

Enrique smiled bitterly, "And I didn't know that it would affect me so much either."

"Please Enrique…" Aquana's voice trembled, "I don't want to –"

"I don't care what you want or what you don't want," Enrique interrupted harshly, "I just don't want to see you again. Make it easier for the both of us and stay away from me."

"But Enrique –"

"I don't care!" Enrique shouted, his voice rising again, "I hope you'll live happily ever after with that loser!"

"Why do you have to act so immature?" Aquana demanded, her voice level increasing to match that of Enrique's, "We're not five year-olds, can't we talk like rational human beings?"

"I'm through with talking to you!"

"What do I have to do to prove that I didn't know Tristan was still alive!" Aquana cried.

"That's not the point; he's alive now, isn't he? And you're engaged," Enrique spat out, saying the word as if it was something incredibly distasteful. "Why are you even here, don't you have wedding plans to work on?"

"Enrique!" Aquana practically screamed, "Even if I was to get married tomorrow or something, does that mean that you'll never talk to me again? That there can only be interaction between us if I'm not engaged?"

"Who are you to be giving me a lecture?" Enrique snapped, "I get one everyday – from Flora, from Carly, even from Father Nomin! And no, thank you, I don't need anymore!"

"Why are you being so difficult?" Aquana demanded again, losing her temper rapidly, "It wasn't as if there had been anything going on between us in the first place!"

"That's exactly my point!" Enrique retorted, "You're the one who's getting all worked up because I decided to ignore you. Well, get this straight, don't expect me to solve your problems for you! And don't think that I'm upset because I actually liked you or something, there's way more to life than that!" He slammed door harshly.

Aquana rattled on his knob angrily, tears slipping down her face, "Enrique! Open the door! Please! You don't understand! Enrique!"

Enrique clenched his fists angrily and covered his ears forcefully, muttering as he leaned against his door miserably, "Go away…go away…leave me alone…"

Running back to her room, Aquana slammed her door shut so hard that she took out one of the hinges unintentionally. Collapsing on her bed, she burst into tears and sobbed.

"There must be some way I can help," Michael said thoughtfully to himself, staring outside at the moon-lit sky. The moon was rapidly fading, less than a quarter now, it would very soon be another night of the Dark Moon – not that it mattered much to Michael. Moon or moon-less, it didn't make anything different. "Must've been a very old flute…never seen such exquisite designs quite like it before – the carvings look pretty much ancient. But Carly looked so determined to figure out how to play it, maybe I could teach her –"

Suddenly, there was a strange sound and Michael whirled around quickly, "What the heck…? Weird…I thought I heard something…" He sighed and shook his head before turning back around.

No sooner after he did, there was an awful pain in his ribs as if someone had just slammed into him and moments later, Michael found himself slumped against the wall with a familiar crooked dagger poised by his neck. He gulped quietly and stared up into turquoise blue eyes, "T-Tala…?"

"Correct." Malicious sapphire eyes glittered down at him, "Long time no see."

"Tala…" Michael said carefully, not taking his eyes off the potentially dangerous dagger point, "What are you doing…?" Sweat trickled down his face, not only was he at risk of being killed, but his ribs were starting to ache badly as well.

"Why don't you tell me what you've been doing?" Tala hissed viciously, "Are you plotting to kill me or something?"

"N-No…never," Michael stammered, "Why would you ever think that?"

"I'm going to give you one more chance to tell me things that perhaps I should know," Tala warned.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Michael retorted.

"Don't you?" Tala snarled, "Think very carefully Michael – I mean it. I'm in no apparent mood for games."

"How did you get in?" Michael asked, biting his lip nervously, "When did you get back?"

"A short while ago," Tala spat, "Not that it's important. Besides, Michael, you know I'm an assassin, breaking into people's homes and killing them is my specialty."

Michael was too preoccupied with staring at the shiny blade to reply, his navy blue eyes flickering with anxiety.

"I'm running out of patience Michael!" Tala growled, "You have some nerve – lying to me again and again –"

"I didn't lie to you about anything!" Michael protested, "I have no clue what you're talking about!"

"No?" Tala inquired, clucking his tongue disapprovingly, "Don't tell me that your memory's failing you as well? Let me give you a little hint, tell any interesting stories to Flora lately?"

"I haven't even talked to Flora the whole time we're here!" Michael shot back, clenching his fists, "She's too busy fawning over you!"

"Don't lie to me," Tala warned malevolently, "You're only digging yourself deeper into the hole – if you come out and tell me to truth right now I might let you off easier."

"What does Flora know that you don't?" Michael demanded, his mind spinning violently. His ribs were really starting to hurt, so much that he felt like throwing up.

"Everything," Tala replied coldly, gauging Michael's reactions carefully with perplexity. He was usually a horrible liar and Tala could nearly always tell when he was hiding something, but he didn't seem to be trying to fool him this time. However, Flora had said Michael when she was under the Spirit Slayer's spell and the Spirit Slayer doesn't lie. "About the Imperium Gem. If you want to specifics, I lured Flora away from the castle so I could get a chance to use my Spirit Slayer on her."

Michael was finding it increasingly difficult to breathe, his navy eyes wide with shock, "Tala…you didn't…it could've killed her…"

Tala rolled his eyes, "Yeah, well, I took that chance."

"Tala…how could you…you know how much she lo-"

"That's enough!" Tala snapped, "I highly doubted that the Spirit Slayer would've killed her, that's why I did it. The Spirit Slayer is only able to drain the life of those who are weak-minded and Flora is an experienced healer; I did not doubt her abilities to rejuvenate herself."

"It was still risky…" Michael said weakly.

"None of your business," Tala retorted, "If I hadn't done it, I wouldn't have found out that she knows roughly the entire history of the Imperium Gem. And guess what? When I asked her who told her all that, who did you think she said?"

"But…I didn't…" Michael protested, his voice trailing off faintly. He didn't remember telling Flora anything, unless…

"Michael! I don't what you and Tala to leave!" Flora cried, "Why do you have to leave? Why?"

"It'll be okay," Michael soothed, putting his hands on Flora's shoulders, "I can promise you that we'll be back. Think of it as a lengthy vacation or something."

Flora sniffed, "It's because Tala's changing, isn't it? His parents are worried that he might become a killer or something."

Michael's navy eyes were troubled, "Tala is changing. I barely recognize him sometimes and I think he even frightens his parents at times. He hasn't taken the death very well. Sometimes I hear him muttering in his sleep, saying how he would steal the Imperium Gem and use its powers to cast a reincarnation spell."

Flora paled, "You're…not serious…are you?"

Michael nodded grimly, "Yes, I am. That's why his parents are taking him far away from here; they think it'll help him forget about the whole accident. Since my parents are deceased, I have to go with them; I'm subjected to loyalty anyways. But…"

"But what?" Flora inquired.

Michael sighed and straightened up, "Tala's changing, and that's a fact. We all know it. The cold look in his eyes becomes colder with each passing day. You and I both know that Tala is capable of killing anyone he wants to. You're as close to him as I am since we're both his childhood friends, I know that he'll stop at nothing to get the Imperium Gem if it's what he really wants. I'm hoping he'll wake up from this nightmare before it overtakes him, but if he doesn't, he must not get his hands on the Imperium Gem."

"But you know where it is…" Flora whispered, "And you know how to use it. I've seen you study with your parents…"

"That's right. I know. I'm the only one that knows," Michael said, "And Tala knows that I know. But he won't suspect you of knowing, which is why I'm going to tell you the whole story right now. You must never ever tell anyone because if the information falls into the wrong hands, the results could be disastrous."

Flora backed away, shaking her head, "No no, don't tell me, I don't want to know."

"I don't have a choice," Michael protested, "I fear…that Tala will kill me soon."

Flora glared at him, hitting him angrily on the shoulder, "That's horribly mean! Tala may be really angry right now, but he wouldn't kill you – you're his best friend!"

Michael shook his head, "I have certain obligations that I must fulfill. I will not tell Tala anything about the Imperium Gem and for that I can easily be killed. However, I can't let the legend just die; I have to pass it on to someone and you must pass it onto someone else worthy when your time is up. Do you understand Flora?"

"I-I…" Flora stammered.

"Flora, promise me!" Michael insisted, "I don't have much time left."

"But I –"

"Promise me! Please!"

"A-all right…" Flora gave in, stumbling back, "You can stop shaking me now…"

Michael sighed in satisfaction, "Thank you. Listen very carefully and remember it. Never breathe a word to Tala – ever. Never tell anyone who will not use it for the good of all mankind, but only for his own selfish reasons. A long time ago…"

"What the hell are you thinking about?" Tala snapped, back in reality, "Hello? I'm asking you a question here! The faster you answer, the sooner you can ease that pain!"

"I – I…" Michael stammered. He knew that there was no reason to lie now, Tala knew and no denial was going to save him. "I'm sorry…"

"Sorry isn't good enough," Tala hissed, "Do you know how long it took me to figure out secrets of the Imperium Gem? When I asked you to tell me, you wouldn't. You told me that you were bound by a spell. A spell of blood. I believed you and I did not want to spill your blood, but I never thought that you were just trying to prevent me from finding out."

Michael's eyes were downcast and he didn't say anything.

"If you were really my childhood friend, you would've told me," Tala seethed.

"How can you even say that?" Michael demanded, "How can you expect me to help you do the very thing that Heaven condemns? How can you even expect to me to help you seize power for your own greed when that kind of power is best left in its dormant state?"

"I just want to bring him back," Tala said tightly, his cerulean eyes glittering spitefully, "Is that so wrong?"

"It is wrong to bring back something's that already dead!" Michael argued.

"How come?"

"Because it is not the way Heaven intends it! Reincarnation could be disastrous."

"I'm not going to reincarnate him, Michael," Tala corrected, shaking his head with a wry smile, "I'm going to make him rise from the very pits of Hell…"

"Tala!" Michael exclaimed, shocked.

"What?" Tala's eyes narrowed, "More objections?"

"Have you gone insane?" Michael demanded, "That's even worse than reincarnation! He'll be soulless. Pitiless. Ruthless. He'll kill anyone without reason –"

Tala's eyes were empty, "He won't kill me. He'll obey me – like he's always have. The only reason he killed was because they were threatening him – they wanted him dead. They've always wanted him dead – you…my parents…you guys all wished that he was dead. But I didn't, I took care of him – he trusted me, he believed in me and I didn't betray him."

"You're losing control of yourself, Tala!" Michael said desperately, "You don't even know what you're doing anymore! You're so misguided that you're doing everything without thinking of the consequences! You're hurting people around you –"

"Give me a break, Michael," Tala scoffed, "I don't care about the people around me – as long as I get what I want, I'm good."

"What about your parents? You didn't care about your parents at all?"

"What about my parents?"

"Tala, you killed your parents!" Michael exclaimed, "You sent your own parents to their deaths –"

"Enough!" Tala snapped, "I don't want to hear anymore. My parents were fools; they were the ones accountable for what I've become. They were responsible. I despise them to no end. They betrayed their own son to the authorities."

"They were trying to protect you –" Michael started.

"That's what you think," Tala sneered, "If they had wanted to protect me, they would've listened to me. Who else knows? Besides Flora!"

"No one," Michael replied miserably.

"No one?" Tala raised his eyebrows, "Not even the princess?"

"No," Michael shot back heatedly, navy eyes glittering, "Why do you always look at me like that when you mention Carly?"

"You tell me – it's useless pretending that you don't like her, I know you do Michael. You're always around her, always smiling and laughing in her presence – does being around her give you the happiness that you haven't felt in such a long time? Regardless, just drop the cute little act already – she is royalty and you don't even come close."

"I don't!"

"At any rate," Tala said dismissively, "I'm not in the mood to stand here gossiping with you like some old village maid with nothing better to do all day. I'm warning you Michael, this is your absolute last chance. Stay. Away. From. The. Princess."

"Why?" Michael asked weakly, "She hasn't done anything –"

"Quiet," Tala hissed menacingly, pressing his dagger against Michael's neck, "She's a nuisance. And a distraction to you. Her ideologies are different and to tell you the truth – even I recognize her to be dangerous. You will stay away from her – otherwise I will slit her throat while she's sleeping on some dark, eerie night."

"No…Tala…please don't…" Michael pleaded, his voice breaking, "You can't…you can't kill anymore people than you've already had…"

"I can. And I will. You know I can eliminate anyone who gets in my way."

"Okay, okay," Michael said quickly, gasping as the dagger crept ever so closer, "I'll stay away from her, I promise. Just don't hurt her."

"Good," Tala said, slipping his dagger back into his pouch. "I'll take your word for it then." He fingered a little drawstring pouch behind his back casually.

Michael sank down against the wall, sighing in relief as he could breathe freely without a dagger pointed at his throat. His ribs were really aching now; he couldn't wait until Tala left so he could go lie down.

"But…you did disobey me," Tala said in a sinister way, "And you know I don't tolerant defiance – so I'm afraid I'll have to punish you." Quick as a flash, the contents of the leather pouch spilled out and poured over Michael.

The last thing Michael remembered was seeing speckles of golden dust fly before his eyes before he blacked out, his body numb with pain.

Tala tugged the string tight, closing the pouch and slipping it back in his pocket. Staring down at the unconscious male, Tala murmured, "You carved your own fate Michael. I didn't have to do this, but you kept on challenging me – so I had no other choice. Only with pain comes obedience." With that, the blue-eyed assassin swept out, his cape fluttering in the air.

Enrique sighed impatiently as Carly entered the dining room, "There you are. Hurry up and sit down so we can have breakfast already, I'm getting sick of sitting here and staring at the same faces all morning."

Carly was looking around with a frown on her face, concentrating so hard that she didn't notice the discourteous tone of the blond haired knight, "I can't find Michael."

"Who cares?" Enrique snarled.

This time his tone pricked Carly, causing the princess to cast her steely glare at him, "I do. I knocked on his room, but there was no answer."

Enrique blew out in exasperation, "Carly!"

"Maybe he's still sleeping," Flora suggested, folding her napkin neatly on her lap, "Let's not disturb him."

"Tala?" Carly demanded, "Have you seen Michael?"

Tala shook his head, "No. I didn't even see him last night."

"Carly!" Enrique beckoned again.

"All right!" Carly snapped as she sat down, "You don't have to wait for me to eat you know. Just go right ahead!"

"Oh dear…" Flora muttered to herself, "Everyone's in such a bad mood so early in the morning…I sure hope it doesn't get -"

"Enrique," Carly said briskly, putting down her fork as if she had something extremely important to say and couldn't wait a second longer.

"What?" Enrique grumbled, stuffing the food into his mouth as fast as possible.

"I know that I've asked you before, but are you sure you don't remember anything about Kane –"

At the sound of that name, Enrique spluttered and nearly spat out his food, "Carly Tariena Aiglos!"

"What!" Carly demanded crossly. She hated it when people called her by her full name and the amused look on Tala's face didn't help either.

"I told you before; don't mention his name in front of me. I don't remember anything and I don't want to remember anything, all right?"

"Well, do your best friend a favour and try to remember something, all right?" Carly scowled, "It's extremely important!"

"You're better off not remembering him as well!"

"Excuse me?" Tala asked quietly, "May I ask whom you're talking about?"

"My old friend Kane," Carly replied, with a mouthful of food.

"He wasn't a friend," Enrique snapped, "He was most probably a menace." He slammed his plate down bad-temperedly and stormed outside just as Tristan entered, looking appalled as Enrique passed him, hitting him on the shoulder purposely.

"Well, good morning to you all too," Tristan said slowly, shaking his black hair out of his eyes, "I suppose that I've come at the wrong time?"

"No, everything's fine," Carly said, "I'm done. We probably do things a bit differently than you're used to, make yourself at home. We don't have all the formalities you guys have at Lanthir, I don't have time for that kind of stuff. We eat, sleep, do and go as we please, if I need to talk to you, I have my ways of finding you. If you need anything, anyone around the castle will help you with it – do yourself a favour and don't go asking Enrique for anything. Since we're living in dark times here, if you hear a battle horn –"

"Excuse me," Tristan interrupted, "But I'm not much of a warrior, my weapon is only symbolic –"

"Yes, I can tell," Carly said, shooting him a glare, "I would appreciate it, however, if you didn't interrupt me while I'm in the middle of talking. I'm not asking you to go out in the front lines and risk your life, all right? This isn't your kingdom, it is not expected that you will fight for it – nor do I expect it. Nevertheless, it is expected that you will aid the children and elderly around you should battle commerce – that is the duty for all citizens, farmers, priests, blacksmiths, and nobles alike."

"Point taken," Tristan replied as Carly took her leave promptly after.

"Hmmm…" Tala murmured to himself, "Kane…where have I heard that name before? I am entirely positive that it's familiar, but I just can't recall where. Anyways…the time is ripe – I have to commence my operation if I want to get the Imperium Gem before it's too late…"

Michael shivered underneath his covers, pulling them around him with trembling hands. His head ached horribly along with every part of his body. He woke up and found himself sprawled on the ground, his whole body cold and rigid. Then he practically had to drag himself up on the bed, not being able to stand because his legs were shaking as well. He didn't know how long he had been like this, but it was like every joint had rusted and left him immobile. Every time he attempted to stand up, his legs would give away and send him stumbling down and even worse he couldn't feel any part of his body.

"Paralysis…" Michael whispered to himself as he remembered the light golden dust, partially wishing that he was unconscious again because the pain was overwhelming, "I've been paralyzed, thanks a whole lot Tala…"

"Michael?" Carly called from outside, knocking on his door persistently, "Are you still in there? Michael? Aren't you hungry?"

"Carly." Michael murmured, "I can't let her see me like this, she'll definitely suspect that something's wrong." He rustled restlessly under his sheets, growing more and more uncomfortable, "Besides, I promised Tala that I'd stay away from her, I couldn't forgive myself if something happened to her because of me."

"Michael!" Carly said loudly, "Are you sick or something?"

Michael squeezed his eyes shut, "Go away…go away…leave me alone…" He pulled his sheets over his head miserably, "Who am I kidding? Why do I even pretend I can take charge of my own destiny? I know my fate is sealed, my future is in Tala's hands and it's not looking too bright right now; there's nothing I can do about it. I could defy Tala and get killed, but I can't die yet, there are still things that I have to do."

Carly raised her fist to knock again but thought of the better of it, "Fine then. Lock yourself inside all day Michael, you could at least answer me."

"I'm sorry Carly, but you're essential for the battle against evil. I can't run any risk of Tala hurting you so soon, Ithildin cannot afford to lose you as a fighter so it's best if we keep our distance – like Tala wants us to."

"Fun, fun, fun day…" Carly muttered as she strolled into town on her weekly runs. Being a princess wasn't exactly all glamour and no work like everyone else thought, especially now that they were in the midst of a world-ending war. The people were frightened, some were ill, some were poor and it was up to her to pay regular visits to her people in order for them to maintain their confidence in the royal family. It wasn't as if she didn't like the job; in fact, she looked forward to meeting the people and chatting with her subjects. However, going alone wasn't what she had in mind.

"Enrique Giancarlo, you deserter," she grumbled, "I thought you were coming with me today." Enrique knew about her weekly runs and he usually accompanied her throughout her route, but today he was nowhere to be found. As much as Carly hated to admit, she could see a slow erosion of her relationship with Enrique – they used to be extremely close, but lately they've been drifting further and further apart. Between all the confusion of Aquana, Tristan, Michael, and Kane, she could hardly sit down and speak with Enrique without either one of them blowing up in the end. Nevertheless, Enrique was her very best friend ever since she was born and it was safe to say that the ever-expanding distance between them was starting to make her miserable and lonely.

"Good day, princess!" a merchant called, "You're all alone today?"

"I feel like I'm all alone everyday," Carly thought bitterly, but she forced a smile. "Aye, how are sales lately?"

"The usual," the merchant laughed, "Our spirits are higher when you come and visit though."

"Many thanks," Carly replied swiftly, "I try my best, but with all the hectic stuff that's been happenin' lately, I feel as if I've been torn into various pieces." She continued on her way, waving and nodding at the people who noticed her. Sometimes Flora came along with her as well, in case any of the sick needed care and medicine, but lately all she seemed to care about was Tala. Carly was extremely annoyed that she still couldn't figure out Tala's objectives even though she felt a prick of uneasiness every time she stared into his cold turquoise eyes. Additionally, she had completely given up trying to wheedle information out of Flora because the healer immediately became defensive when she hinted anything sneaky.

"Good morning, your Majesty," a young boy said from behind her with a shy smile, "Are you visiting today?"

Carly instantly broke into a warm smile, "Hans! I had hoped to see you around today."

"Thank you, your Majesty," Hans replied bashfully, hugging a bag of groceries close to his chest, "My father and brother were asking if you had received the embroidery they've sent over."

"Aye, absolutely!" Carly answered enthusiastically, "They've totally gorgeous, the largest one is hanging in the main hall right this minute. Your father, how is he? Better I hope? I'd like to pay your family a visit if you don't mind."

"Sure! Follow me!" Hans said, beaming, "Father's all healthy again, thanks to your medicine. And from the gold we were able to buy herbs and other medicine to strengthen his body. And my older brother is looking after the business very well, so everything's going very well, thank you!"

Carly trailed after the twelve-year old, glad for some company and offering to help him carry some of his bags, much to his embarrassment. Aquana had reported that she would be escorting Tristan around town for a while even though she seemed reluctant to do so. Carly couldn't help wondering what exactly was going through Aquana's mind right now, she seemed to be genuinely upset that Enrique was ignoring her, but she made no indication that she was unhappy with her arranged marriage either. Furthermore, there was the problem of Michael, who she hadn't seen for three days straight. She had knocked on his door numerous times but had gotten no response and she was positive that he hadn't come out for food or anything at all.

"Father! Father, the princess came home with me!" Hans cried when he entered his house and tossed his groceries on the table.

Carly smiled when an elderly man and young man who seemed about five years older than her came out with surprised looks on their faces, "Good day, I just wanted to thank you personally for sending the embroidery to the castle with such speed. The handiwork is magnificent and I feel obliged to add more to your payment."

"Oh no!" Hans' brother exclaimed, looking shocked, but extremely pleased at the compliment, "We're just glad you liked it, your Majesty!"

"Indeed," Hans' father said softly, "We can't thank you enough for your generous payment, princess, and not to mention the medicine you gave me to cure my illness. Please, sit down."

"Well, what kind of ruler would I be if I didn't look after my own people?" Carly said with a grin as she pulled out the wooden chair to sit down for a hearty conversation.

"Explain yourself!" Daeloth thundered, his massive voice shaking the whole fortress, "NOW Knight! RIGHT NOW!"

Johnny winced with an impatient snort, "Explain what?"

"Why did you not kill the princess last time when you had the chance and taken the Imperium Gem right then and there!" Daeloth yelled, slamming his fists down against his stone chair.

"Is that what this temper is all about?" Johnny asked with a laugh.

Daeloth narrowed his eyes angrily, "Do not mock me knight, do you forget who controls the power you desire? Answer me this instant!"

"You told me that I could terrorize Ithildin," Johnny pointed out, "Way back then, you said that I could terrorize Ithildin five times before I actually got the gem for you and I intend to do so."

Daeloth snarled angrily, "Well, can't you do it faster so I can get the Imperium Gem!"

"My my," Johnny clucked his tongue disapprovingly, "Where would the fun be if I tortured quickly? What's your hurry? It's not like the Imperium Gem is going to disappear or something, why don't you come out for little torture session of your own? I was thinking that the Dark Moon would be an ideal time to attack –"

"ARE YOU CRAZY!" Daeloth boomed, "I never leave my fortress, EVER! You do your silly play; I'll wait until you get the gem before I waste my time!"

"All right, all right," Johnny muttered, sweeping his cape behind him as he disappeared outside, "What the hell is his freakin' problem? The Dark Moon is within close range, I'll have to plan a good attack…hmm…just wait and see what I have in store for you Tariena. Would Ithildin like to meet the same unfortunate end as Lanthir, I wonder… Just you wait."

"Bye bye princess!" Hans shouted, jumping up and down when she exited the house, "Come and visit us again if you have time!"

Carly couldn't help but smile as she waved to the family, "Count on it, Hans! Take care of yourselves, if there's anything I can help with, let me know!" She strolled down the roads, ready to head on back to the castle as the sun was setting and the sky was gradually dimming. Just as she was about to turn the corner, she heard a familiar voice, "Hey…that sounds like Enrique."

Peeking around the bend, she saw Enrique escorting a pretty courtier girl down the road and from what she could see; they were arm-in-arm and pretty close. Frowning, she tried get a little closer to hear what they were saying, "Can't believe he ditched me for this!"

The girl was fluttering her eyelashes seductively, "Oh Enrique, you're so brave – was it scary fighting those monsters?"

Enrique smiled nonchalantly and answered breezily, "Nah…they were pretty strong, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Besides, it's my duty to protect the kingdom and especially beautiful ladies like you."

The girl was leaning so close that it almost seemed like they were going to kiss, "Oh, you're so good with flattery, aren't you Enrique? Ithildin will always be safe as long as we have brave knights like you protecting us."

"Good Lord, gag me!" Carly thought in disgust, withdrawing to her place behind the wall but not before she saw the girl practically squeeze his arm. Rolling her eyes, she almost wished that she didn't hear or see them – it definitely wasn't worth losing her dinner over. However, it still raised the curious question of what in the name of Ithildin Enrique was doing. Jerking her arms back casually behind her head, she started to continue on her way, muttering, "Stinkin' knight. If you wanted to play, you could've told me so beforehand…"

As she passed the nearest stall, she noticed Tristan bending over a vender, looking, with interest, at the clothes in display. Watching as he picked up a piece of silky black garment, Carly's eyes flickered around to see if Aquana was around like she had said she would be. Sure enough, Aquana was sitting by the side bench with her hands clenched into fists on her lap, not noticing Carly. The princess followed her gaze and her eyes landed upon Enrique and the girl again.

Suddenly realization dawned Carly as she watched Enrique laughing a distance away and the bitterly tearful look in Aquana's eyes, "He's…doing this on purpose…" She observed silently as Aquana briskly wiped her eyes with her sleeve, the look of cynical resentment still evident in her turquoise eyes. Aquana then stood up gracefully and whirled around to leave, tossing her golden hair carelessly over her shoulders.

"Oh, just great…" Carly thought, shaking her head as she continued on her way back to the castle, "Things aren't going to get any warmer between them…definitely not now. I really don't know what either of them are thinking, if Aquana likes him, then why doesn't she just come out and say so? And if Enrique still likes her, why does he have to purposely flirt with other girls in her face? I'm never ever going to understand this silly love relationship. At this rate, everybody's going to be insane, I can't wait till Michael comes out and feeds me with a dose of true sanity, reason, and sensibility."

She entered the castle gates with a yawn, gazing sleepily at the orange-red skies and purplish clouds, "Boy…am I ready to lie down…"

"Princess!" William exclaimed, appearing suddenly from behind the castle gates, "You have finally returned! Can you ever settle down so we can discuss our wedding conception?"

"I told you before, we're not getting married!" Carly snapped, "It's amazing that you haven't gotten the message yet even though I continuously bombard you with insults. How dense can you be!"

"Regardless of whether you like it or not," William said triumphantly, "We will be getting married and there will be no escape."

"Why you little rat," Carly growled, "You're going to regret ever messing around with me, I'll make your life a living hell once I figure out how to get out of this screwed up mess!" Stretching her neck, she suddenly caught sight of a figure tossing a spear on the vast castle fields. Carly immediately brightened when she saw that it was Michael, recognizing his familiar stance and choice of weapon. Hurrying towards him, Carly waved cheerfully, "Hey! Michael!"

"Wait!" William protested, "It's absolutely horrible to be flirting with another man in the presence of your future husband! How disrespectful!"

The figure paused and then bent down to retrieve the spear before straightening up wordlessly, watching as the princess approached with shadowed eyes.

"Feels like I haven't seen you in ages!" Carly bubbled happily as she reached him, "Have you suddenly decided to hibernate or something? I must've knocked on your door a gazillion times –"

"I know," Michael interrupted quietly just as William caught up, panting profoundly.

"Well, you could've answered," Carly said, swatting his shoulder playfully, "You're like the only person left in this castle who has a single ounce of sanity!"

Michael flinched slightly at the contact even though Carly neglected to notice.

"Hey!" William complained, "Princess, do you have to be so cruel? Our marriage is within range –"

"We're not getting married!" Carly snapped, "Go away!" She smiled at Michael, grabbing his arm, "Come on, I really, really need to ask you something!" She looked confused when Michael made no action of movement and tugged at his arm again, "Hey Michael? Come on!"

Michael wordlessly gripped Carly's wrist and wrestled her grip off him, roughly shoving her arm away from him.

"Ow!" Carly winced, massaging her sore wrist ruefully as William protested loudly in the background about Michael's "mistreatment of his beloved princess". She frowned up at him, finally taking note of his shadowed eyes, "What did you do that for?"

Michael finally lifted his head so his clear navy eyes were visible, but his voice was flat and empty, "I'm afraid I'm busy right now. I have to take my leave, your Majesty, you should go schedule your wedding plans like you're supposed to – good day."

Carly was so shocked that she could only watch in astonishment as he walked out of sight, "M-Michael…? What's…going on?" She was so completely in disbelief that she didn't even hear the outraged rants of William from behind her about Michael's "complete rudeness and lack of courtesy around the higher class" even though it seemed like Michael was being too stiffly polite for her liking. Disheartened, Carly slowly trudged back to the castle, a sinking feeling boiling in the pits of her stomach and emotional injury tugging at her heart.

"What's going on here? Why is everyone acting like this? Is there no one I can talk to anymore?" Looking back at the castle gates, she noticed Tala standing against the wall with his eyes closed and arms crossed.

Feeling a surge of anger above all hurt, betrayal, fury, and confusion, Carly was just about to demand to Tala as to why he was there when his icy eyes fluttered open and answered the question silently. Within them was a spark of cold triumph and unquestionable amusement while the corners of his mouth tugged into a smug smirk of satisfaction.

StarBlizzard I get your point. :sweat: You hate Flora, but she's really not that bad when you get to know her.

Absolute-Darkness: Yes, it is kind of Michael/Carly right now, but it will ultimately be Johnny/Carly – I suppose it quite confusing with the little mix going on between my fics. I'll try to get some nice parts in for you even though I'll have to gradually coax feelings out. :winks:

Keri: Oh, really? Everyone's eager about the Dark Moon part? Then I had better start getting my rear into gear, huh? Thanks for the warning, I know it's been long and I've been so totally busy it's not even funny. Thx!

Debbi Aura: Thanks for reviewing, yeah I love problems! XD

Mental Monkey: Yup! Problems galore for everyone, just the way I like it! I try to relax, but it's totally hard, man – with all my schoolwork, I might as well be buried alive in it, lol!

Fatal Effects: Lol, a little too dramatic? Well, Tala has his reasons for being the way he is right now – more will be revealed soon!

Silver Eyez: YAY:glompz: I love long reviews, thank you sweetie! Lol, you basically named all my reasons for not bringing Enrique and Aquana together right this instant – but I love them together too! Hey, you're right, it did sound like Michael and Tala switched personalities when they were young…I didn't even notice that until you mentioned it!

Wolf of the snow: Thank you!

x1nfernal: Yeah, it's a Johnny/Carly fic, glad you like it so far!

Saffron:wide-eyed innocence: But the fiancés are interesting – actually Tristan isn't as bad as William is…I think. Less annoying. Tala is such an evil person. TT

moonlight scout: Thank you! And don't worry, Enrique and Aquana will work things out somehow!

Magical Soul:hugz: I'm sorry for making you wait so long again. Hope you'll like this chapter! I just keep adding more questions :sweat: I should really get around answering those questions…

Evezzz Thank you! You're actually pretty close to Aquana's situation, but I'll keep you guessing:wink: