m: 'Any Other Way' belong to Theory of a Deadman.

shadow0015: In Vicky's world that's true love. And she's gonna pissed when she learns of my big plans for this fic series. (evil grin)

MagicmanSmokegirl: Saronax, Vicky, Jaheira, Jan, Aerie, Yoshimo, and Minsc. (I don't care if that's 7 people. The six system thing can go screw itself. ;) )

Chapter Eleven

Several months had passed since Viconia and Saronax broke apart. During that time they exchanged few words, even less when Irenicus took Saronax's soul. The change in the fighter was obvious. He had become even surlier than usual and his eyes had turned from ice blue to deep purple. At first the group thought it was because of Adalon's spell to disguise them as drow but he had retained his violet orbs before the spell was placed on him.

Viconia glanced at Saronax as they trudged away from the city of Ust Natha. He was walking alone except for Zake, who was strangely silent. Saronax's violet gaze flicked over the landscape, looking for signs of danger.

When blue is mixed with red it becomes purple, Viconia thought. For some reason, this fact unnerved her. She didn't have time to continue her thoughts as Soluafien came into view. The drow approached Saronax. "Good, you are here. I was beginning to wonder how long I would have to remain waiting amongst these forsaken rocks before you showed up." He ignored the glare that Saronax shot at him and continued. "Your timing could not be better. I sense that the illithids will be approaching, be in range, soon, and so I shall attempt to pull them from the astral plane so we may commence our rescue." He stared for a moment at Saronax. "You have a question, Veldrin? Make it quick; we have little time to waste."

"I have no questions." Saronax growled.

"I sense the illithids' approach. Wait and I shall bring them out of the astral plane when they come close." Soluafien commanded.

Saronax nodded and went into a fighting position. A few minutes later, several mind flayers and a drow female appeared. Saronax roared a war cry and attacked the mind flayers. The fight progressed quickly. Viconia stole several quick glances at Saronax. Every time she looked at him, intense rage guided his movements, each mind flayer suffering each time that Zake bit into them. A savage grin played across Saronax's lips as he did so. Cold dread filled Viconia's veins. What if he turns into the slayer?

She breathed a sigh of relief when the fight ended. Soluafien looked at the drow female. "Greetings Phaere, daughter of Ardulace. I trust you are not hurt?" he said, almost grudgingly.

"Solaufein?" Phaere smiled maliciously. "The matron mother bade you to rescue me? How that must gall you, placing your life in danger to save mine… there is a wonderful irony here."

"I did my duty, as I was commanded." The drow male growled icily.

"Yes, you did, as any male should. You performed adequately, I suppose, even if it was with… assistance. Who is this male who fights at your side?" she asked, turning to face Saronax.

"His name is-" Soluafien began.

"I am sure that he can speak for himself male," Phaere snapped, "Am I correct? You have a tongue, yes? Who might you be?"

Saronax's temper flared. "You have a lot of nerve, woman! We just saved your sorry ass from the mind flayers and all you can do is insult us?" He cried.

Viconia's eyes widened at his foolish actions. "Shu." She said under her breath.

To everyone's relief, Phaere chuckled. "Ahhh, we have a fairly feisty lesser male, do we? We shall have to discuss this attitude when we are back in Ust Natha."

"You can take your discussion and shove it up your-" Saronax was cut off by Imoen pressing her hand to his mouth.

Phaere turned to address all of them. "I shall head back to the city on my own and inform the Matron Mother of your… successful service, male. You have proven useful. You should be grateful."

Solaufein gaped at her. "You are going to return on your own? I will not allow that! What if you encounter danger once again? I shall not be responsible for –"

"I appreciate your touching 'concern', but I can handle myself, Solaufein," she interrupted. "And it is my command, so you have no choice. Farewell." She turned and starting walking in the direction of the city.

As soon as she was out of sight, Solaufien snarled, "Blasted, arrogant wench! May the Spider Queen bite at her black heart!" He shook his head. "I shall follow her, to ensure her over-confidence does not endanger us all. Return to the city on your own, Veldrin. I shall meet you when I hear of your return… feel no need to hurry."

After he left, Viconia rapidly approached Saronax. "Fool! What were you thinking, yelling at a drow female? She could have killed you for merely looking her in the eyes, imbecile!"

"Keep your thoughts to yourself, Ms. Devir" Saronax said icily and walked ahead.

Viconia glared at his retreating back. Bastard.

XXXXX

"So Veldrin arrives at last to greet the female that he rescued so valiantly from the clutches of the filthy devourers!" Phaere cried the next day as Saronax approached her at the tavern.

Soluafien rolled his eyes. "Ah. I must have been invisible and uninvolved during that encounter, I see."

I was speaking to Veldrin, Solaufein. When I speak to you, it shall be to command you to lick my boot. Keep your bitterness silent or lose your tongue," she snapped at the warrior. Phare turned back to Saronax "Now, ignore your emasculated commander's outburst, Veldrin, and consider this a time for reward and enjoyment. Mother Ardulace was pleased by your performance. Soluafien's abilities are known to her, but she was delighted to hear that you are such a powerful fighter. Ust Natha could use such as you, Veldrin."

She leaned in closer towards her. Saronax could smell an exotic perfume radiating from her as she spoke, "Amongst the drow, only the strong survive…You could have slaves at your beck and call, rewards at your fingertips…the favor of Lolth. How does this sound?"

Saronax glanced at Viconia. He could tell that she was listening to every word. A smile played across Saronax's lips as thoughts of revenge entered his mind. This was his opportunity to make Viconia suffer the pain of envy, just as he had. "I believe I'd rather have you." Saronax said casually.

Saronax smirked as Viconia involuntarily twitched at these words. Phaere chuckled. "Ah, is that so? Perhaps I may just show you the carnal delights of which only I am capable, male… but only if you prove yourself worthy of that honor."

Soluafien snorted. If you knew what was good for you, Veldrin, you would begin running in the other direction as soon as the spider shows its fangs."

Phaere presented him with a cold glare. "A pity some cannot comprehend the exquisite pleasure of being bitten, Soluafien. Perhaps some are hardy enough to withstand my poison and shudder with ecstasy." She addressed Saronax once more. "Seeing as you are so capable, Veldrin, you and Soluafien have been given another task to complete for the greater glory of Lolth. You will meet me on the city platform, away from curious ears. But not right away…rest and amuse yourselves for a time. I shall be here awhile." She stood up. "After I leave take no longer than a few days before you meet with me on the platform. This is as the Matron Mother commands, so it shall be." Phaere gave Saronax a seductive smile and gracefully slipped out of the tavern.

Viconia immediately pulled Saronax aside and away from eavesdropping ears. "Are you mad?Just what are you planning with such overtures?You are nothing to such as she... a moment's distraction that costs her nothing and may cost you much!"

Saronax smirked. "Are you jealous, Ms. Devir?"

"Do not make me laugh.In this place, you toy with not only your own life by inviting such intimate scrutiny.Endanger us all, by all means, if you cannot resist the witch's flesh." She hissed.

Saronax rolled his violet eyes. "Calm down... it's a ploy and nothing more."

"Drow learn this game from an early age and play it far better than you could imagine.Avoid such contact with Phaere, I warn you... nothing but ill will come from it."

"Don't worry, Ms. Devir, after all I've been through with you I should be handle anything a drow female throws at me." Saronax spat and walked away.

Viconia gritted her teeth in frustration. The soulless fool will get all of us killed.

XXXXX

Several days later, after completing many quests, Saronax stood in front of the door to Phaere's room. Endanger us all, by all means, if you cannot resist the witch's flesh. Viconia's words rang in his ears but he pushed them aside. This was his chance for the ultimate revenge against Viconia, to make her suffer as much as he had faced when pursuing her.

Phaere opened the door and motioned for him to enter. Saronax walked into the room and threw Soluafien's cloak on the ground. "He is dead. Have I proved myself yet?"

Phaere smiled and walked over to Saronax. She pressed a kiss to Saronax's lips. Saronax returned the kiss, every nerve in his body ablaze as the act continued. It was when Phaere began loosening the ties to his armor that Saronax had a sudden flashback.

"I'm afraid to trust you."

"I understand that. I was raised on the proverb 'trust is for the foolish'. I'm every bit as frightened as you, Saronax. I'm willing try however, and I wish you would as well."

Saronax let out a deep sigh. "I suppose I could try…"

Viconia smiled. "That's good enough for the present." She stood up and walked over to Saronax, leaning down and pressing a long, sweet kiss to his lips. He returned the kiss, threading his fingers in her silver hair as he gave into his passion. They both stood up in unspoken agreement and walked towards Saronax's room.

Something finally broke through to his soulless heart. What am I doing? This is wrong. Viconia put her trust in me. I can't throw it away for a single night with a woman who doesn't even love me. Soulless or not, I will not take revenge on someone I love.

He broke away from the drow. "No. I can't."

She gaped at him. "What do you mean you 'can't'?"

"I belong to another. One that you don't know about. And I fear the consequences of disobeying her more than I fear you." I am sick of lying.

Phaere was silent for a few seconds, obviously livid. She sighed when she had gotten her temper under control. "We shall have to solve this problem... but I have no time now.I thought you were more of a male than this, Veldrin.Bah!No matter. Go now and return to your party."

XXXXX

Viconia scowled as she brooded. The fool will get us all killed. He'll get himself killed. Damn him. In an attempt to distract herself, Viconia cast a magical stone spell. She began using her magic to make it levitate. Unfortunately, she put too much force into it and the pebble crashed into the door. Viconia tried to get it out but it was embedded in the door. She frowned. "Damn it."

The sound of a doorknob being turned pierced the silence of the room. Viconia spun around. Saronax walked into the room.

Viconia arched an eyebrow. "That was quite odd, Saronax.I was sure that Phaere intended to seduce you.How did you squirm from her grasp?"

"I told her there was another. One she didn't know about."

"Oh really? How did she respond to that?"

"She kicked me out."

"I see. I am glad however, that you heeded my words."

"Viconia?"

Viconia blinked, a bit surprised. For the last several months he had referred to her only as 'Ms. Devir'. "Yes, Saronax?"

He stepped forward and grabbed her hand. "How much more must I prove to you? I love you, Vicky. I want us to be together."

"You know that I love you as well…in my own way, but now is not the time to discuss such matters. We still have a mission to complete after all."

"We always have a quest to complete. When is the right time? I'm beginning to doubt that you'll ever speak to me about this."

"Saronax-"

"Don't interrupt me. You will discuss this with me. Maybe not now, but I promise that we will have a discussion about this." His violet eyes were burning with determination as he said this.

"I am not ready. You know this."

"I realize that. Your doubts will not save you from our conversation, however." He let go of her hand. "I'm going to leave now. But before I go," Before Viconia could react; Saronax bent down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "Goodbye, Viconia." He left the room.

Viconia let out a weary sigh. "Why must he do this?"

XXXXX

Saronax rapidly walked towards him room. I will get her back. I don't care if I have to face all of the Hells themselves, she will be mine. I love her and its going to stay that way.

You've tried to open your mouth but only shit would come out
I always wondered where you got it from
You haven't heard a damn word I've said,
you never believed in anything I did
I don't care what you're doing, do what you want to,
look where it got you

You can't help yourself
I know you'll never change
You say you don't need anyone
And wouldn't have it any other way

Just try to open your eyes and try my life on for size
I always wondered who you're hiding from
You haven't heard a damn word I've said,
you never believed in anything I did
I don't care who you're doing, do who you want to,
look what it got you

Well you can't help yourself
I know you'll never change
You say you don't need anyone
And wouldn't have it any other way

Oh you made a big mistake, and won't admit it
You say you don't need anyone
Oh you made a big mistake, so don't forget it
I know you'll never change
and wouldn't have it any other way

You can't help yourself
I know you'll never change
You say you don't need anyone
You say you don't need anyone
You say you don't need anyone

You've tried to open your mind and leave your last life behind
I always wondered what you're running from

Oh you made a big mistake, and won't admit it
You say you don't need anyone
Oh you made a big mistake, so don't forget it
I know you'll never change
and wouldn't have it any other way
You say you don't need anyone, anyway
You say you don't need anyone
and wouldn't have it any other way
You say you don't need anyone, anyway
You say you don't need anyone
and wouldn't have it any other way

Arrow Maker: And that's the end. I will write the sequel as soon as I find the lines to TOB Vicky romance.