I Came, I Saw, I Conquered
by Corycian Muse

I have no idea if this chapter took me a long or short time, because I've completely lost track of time! Haha. Weeell, I really like this chapter. A lot. Hmm, I'm back at school being whipped and tortured and I'm not really enjoying it. In fact, school sucks. I think I'll burn ours down. The good point about it is that I'm getting back into routine, and that means with this story as well.
Note: I have a feeling this chapter might be bordering on the M -Rating, so beware (although personally, I don't think it's too bad).

Xanda: lol, yeah, Sheba and Garet don't get on too well here either. Mmmm, bacon sarnies... daddie's sauce (starts drooling). Thanks for the review!

SpasticDjinn: Heh, thank you for your usual insane review! And thanks to Boulder my history class is even better (sweatdrops). You know, he made me say that. I forgot to put it into my review for Garet Potter, but sure you can add me on msn - my address is on my profile, so go add it! Thanks for your review.

Meneil: You know, because of you bringing up Agatio, it affected the plot of this chapter (for the better, I mean)! So thank you for that! (you'll see what I mean). Good ol' Garet. I'm liking him in this chappy, yes indeed. Thank you for the review!

S.P.Q.T: I like the good stuff. lol, I'll go change that to something else when I edit the whole story. I promise you everything Menardi hasn't died. Umm, I don't know if I'll ever do a sequel to this story - I don't know if I'll be able to considering the ending I'm planning. I suppose it's possible... And no! I would never create a Mary Sue! Oh, the horrors! Thank you for the review.

Gingy Mittens: Ooh, I'm not sure who Alex likes in this story, if anyone. My first request! I'll definately think about writing an AlexJenna one-shot. It's something different for me. Thanks for the review!

blackarrow92: I hope this chapter is just as good. Thank you for your review!

Master of Reality: Don't feel bad! No matter! Et non, non, non monsieur Mastere, I am jealous of you. You want to make an argument of this jealousy stuff? Let's take it outside! Eh... lol. Personally I like your rambling (lol), but I won't force you into it. Thanks for the review!

Berserker1: Thank you! And it's good to know about the Piers/Mia thing, because I always assumed Romance wasn't one of my better points. And thank you also for adding it to your favs! And thanks for the review! lol

Please Read, and Please Review, and Please Enjoy! .. !..!
Chapter Twelve: Rain Of Tears

"She'll probably be over there, to the west – near the shores."

"What do you mean by 'probably'?" Isaac hissed. "Are you saying you're not entirely sure?"

The Proxian, who remained nameless, glared at him. "Of course I'm not sure. I don't keep tags on prisoners – it's not my job. All I know is that's where Saturos' camp is and she'll likely be close to him."

"And what about Alex?" Piers asked from the other side of Nameless.

"That – that…" he clenched his teeth. "Who can ever know where that bastard is? He comes and goes as he likes, stirring trouble, manipulating…" he trailed off, grumbling under his breath.

Piers turned to Isaac. "I think I have an idea what Alex may be up to," he said in a hushed voice. "And another point I need to get across, is that the three of us may be too many."

Isaac furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you saying…?" he said slowly.

"You can handle him by yourself – we both know it," Piers nodded in the Proxian's direction. "I have to get across to the other side of the camp if I'm to get anywhere with Alex. I need to find out what he's up to." He glanced at the horizon. "And," he continued. "The Sun will be rising soon."

Isaac did not take his eyes from the Lemurian. He bit his lower lip, deep in thought, and then glanced at the Proxian now waiting expectantly. "What will I do with him?" Isaac finally asked.

Piers heaved a sigh. "Perhaps we should kill him now."

A chilly silence crept through the air.

"Piers…" Isaac murmured, staring at him sideways.

Suddenly, a look of astonishment passed over the Lemurian's face, before he frowned. "What am I saying?" Abruptly, he grabbed the collar of the Proxian's armour, and turned him round. "We'll take you back to where you found us," he said in a soft, almost gentle voice. "Please come without making any trouble."

The Proxian stared wildly at the both of them. "You're insane," he mumbled.

When they had returned to the small camp they had set up, Piers swiftly took some lighter rope from the ship, and returned to where Isaac and the Proxian were waiting. "We'll come back to release you once we've completed what we came here for," Piers said quietly, as he threw the rope around the trunk of a tree and then tied it back, around the Proxian.

"Here," Isaac mumbled, handing the Lemurian a torn piece of cloth to gag Nameless. Piers took it, pulled it taughtly around the Proxian's head, and stood back. "Whatever you're doing," Isaac said with unease. "Be quick. Once I've got Jenna, it will be a race to escape."

Piers nodded, his bandana billowing gently in the breeze.

"We'll return to meet here," Isaac finished.

The Lemurian looked at him. He held within his golden eyes an eternal sadness, one that could never escape. "We know what we must do," he said.

Isaac shivered. Why did he get the feeling there was a greater meaning hidden in those words? "Right," he said offhandedly, quietly sheathing his sword. He was about to leave, contemplation lining his expression, when a hand rested on his arm to hold him back.

"Good luck," Piers murmured.

The air caught in Isaac's throat. He gulped. "You too," he mumbled, pulling away uneasily.

His face held no emotion. His heart was calm, and longing, and ready.

Snow fell serenely over the hills, coating the conifers, softening the sounds…

He ran one long, slender finger along the sharp edge of the tainted sword's blade. It pulsed with a dark, foreboding energy – sharp spasms plunging into his veins, clouding his mind momentarily. He gazed out over the camps, and the flickering dots of fires burning merrily, over the glittering night seas, out into the horizon.

There were footsteps in the snow, and I followed them…

The Proxians wanted to prevent it from happening, in order to save their own land…

The prints were uneven, the falling snow began to fade; the red stains dissolving in the white softness led me onwards…

The Proxians wanted to take the amulet away to be protected…

My step quickened; I no longer followed the footsteps, but the bloody trail accompanying them. The trees leaned over me, the dying sky was grey, but the clear horizon was turning red. It blinded me. I froze.

Plp plp plp… plp, plp… plp…

Alex however, wanted it for revenge.

Crimson eyes flashing at me, murdering swords held low, bright with their victim's life dripping, drip, drip, drip to the blood-soaked snow. Crimson blood creeping, soaking across the pure whiteness towards my feet. Painted splatters chaotic – everywhere, dripping from the trees…

Plp, plp… plp…plp, plp, plp…

Horror.

Involuntarily he pressed his finger down and nicked it on the razor edge. Eye twitching, Alex glanced down to see the trickle bleed over his skin.

Their faces were frozen in terror, and pain. Twisted and contorted, the limbs stretched out in agonizing positions. Mauled, and torn, mother and father…

The black sword clinked satisfyingly as Alex slid it into his belt. Swiftly he turned on his heal and made his way down over the rough terrain. Rocks protruded, hidden by early morning shadows, and the grasses were long and stiff. With difficulty, he managed it to the lower lands of the island, not taking his eyes from the looming buildings ahead.

I ran, far from those murderous crimson eyes…

Cerulean hair flowing over his shoulders, azure eyes intent. Alex stood in the shadow, staring at the inscriptions cut into the stone. He ran one hand over the lines of symbols, feeling their indents, wondering at their meanings. As he continued along the temple-like building, the golden-touched walls reared inwards into a small alcove.

I tripped, and fell into the snow, lost…

"And here, I may enter," Alex murmured, drawing the sword. How fortunate for Piers to turn up in the village, bringing with him the very key to unlock all alchemic power. How fortunate that he, Alex had discovered the secret so many years ago between the pages of an old, dusty book.

He stared at the black, narrow slot in the wall. It was centred in a pentagonal star, alchemic symbols at each point, other unworldly inscriptions surrounding that too.

Everyone is ultimately alone…

Alex brought the sword back, using both hands. The first of the Sun's rays glinted upon its twisted blade. Immediately he felt a surge of hot pain run up his arms and burn through his body, and he hissed through is clenched teeth in quiet agony.

Why didn't that Proxian follow me? Why didn't he kill me too? Why did I have to continue to live, to suffer…?

Silence.

Alex thrust the sword into the wall.

Piers narrowed his eyes. So he did have the sword, he thought knowingly.

With one glance behind him, he stepped over the shrubbery, and moved carefully down the hillside.

Isaac's mind was in a blur. Something did not feel right, and he could not pin it down. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. If I'm going to get Jenna back, I need to concentrate, he thought.

The Proxian had told him she would be near the shores – to the west of this island. The lightening horizon led him on. The Sun's rising rays rose up above the sea, and glittered upon the gentle, lapping waves.

But if Isaac were to face the truth, he would know he was searching into the unknown. Jenna could be guarded, and even worse, she may not even be there.

Crouched low, like a shadow, he moved silently through the thick, moor-like vegetation. A tree stood silhouetted ahead, and he made for it. Pressing his back against its ridged and knotted trunk, Isaac sighed relief. Then, he peered out over his shoulder.

Nothing.

Sounds of camp life in the distance reached him, but this part was deserted.

Frowning, Isaac slowly, warily stepped out, bending forwards slightly – one hand on the hilt of his sword.

Something's not right.

Two tents loomed up either side of him, as an unnerving sensation continued to grow in his chest. Nervously, Isaac glanced all around him while despairing. The camp was huge – how would he ever fine Jenna…?

A tent flap twitched, and then opened.

Isaac bolted to the left, and froze stiffly behind the tent. There was no where close enough to hide, and he was completely vulnerable. His heart thumped too loudly – what if they can hear it – no… don't be stupid.

There were voices. More than one.

I mustn't draw my sword yet – they'll hear it, or see it glinting. I'll have to wait. I hope I don't even have to use it… Thoughts tumbled through Isaac's mind.

The tent flap fell back. Pursing his lips, Isaac softly edged around the tent, and noticed at the same time that the voices had stopped. He too, stopped in his tracks.

Jenna.

It was Jenna.

After so long… I'm so sorry…

She was staring up at the sky, deep in thought. That's unlike her, Isaac thought dryly.

He hissed through his teeth – what else could he do? When she didn't hear, he reached down and grabbed two pebbles, before tapping them together.

Tp, tp, tp, tp – she glanced quizzically in Isaac's direction.

The air caught in her throat. "Isaac," she whispered, eyes wide with disbelief. "You can't come here – go away!" she hissed, completely taking him by surprise.

What the hell is she saying? Isaac thought, miffed. He stepped forward pleadingly, but Jenna drew back, waving her hands at him.

"Get away – quick! You idiot!"

"Jenna," Isaac whispered, his voice touched by irritation and confusion. "I'm sorry about the incident on the beach, it really wasn't -"

"- That doesn't matter!" Jenna interrupted, sounding infuriated. "Listen to me – and leave!" Suddenly, she froze. Her eyes widened even more, and she mumbled some inaudible words. She wasn't looking at Isaac.

"Jenna…?" Isaac murmured slowly.

A heavy hand fell down on his shoulder, surprising him, before its strong fingers dug into his skin, under his bone. Isaac yelled out in pain, as he was twisted around. He could only just make out Jenna's voice shouting his name.

Falling to his knees, Isaac gazed up over a massive abdomen, to crimson eyes staring back down at him. A massive fist swung out, and connected with the left side of his face.

Crack…

Darkness, pulsing, light to focus, dark again, flashing eyes? Red, more red, crimson irises, darkness surging, unable to see, dreams, comforting black, then light, more light, hard ground underneath, cold breezes, pain, so much pain…

"You think you weren't expected? You son of a bitch…"

Don't speak, too loud, agonising pain, darkness again…

"Isaac! Wake up!" Jenna screeched, as two Proxians dragged her in front of his limp form. The massive Proxian was pulling Isaac along by one arm, dragging him along the ground. Dazed, Isaac's eyes flickered open at the sound of her voice, and the pulsing agony surged once more down his temple. His left eye was closed. I can't do anything to help you…

He was still awake. He hadn't lost consciousness. Anger bubbled inside Jenna, a new surge of emotion – maybe something more. Snarling, she kicked out harder, trying to pull her arms free from the grasps of the two Proxians pulling her away.

It didn't work.

She stared at Isaac's dragging body and was almost overcome by despair, when she had an idea.

She lifted her feet from the ground so for a moment she was being held in the air. Then, with one swift motion, she swung her legs back and around the two Proxian's legs.

They tripped, their hold on her weakening as the stumbled forward, cursing, and Jenna pulled free.

"Get her – quick!" someone yelled. Jenna dodged the grabbing hands.

And then stopped in her tracks.

The huge Proxian was watching her with blank eyes, and she stared back up into them. Jenna was suddenly aware that he too was thinking the same thoughts as her. What could she do next?

Isaac slowly turned his head, catching the attention of the both of them. With a nauseous look in his eye, he blinked at Jenna as if he were trying to work out who she was. Jenna's eyes flickered to the sword in his side, before she stared back up at the waiting Proxian.

"So what are you going to do now, bitch?" he asked.

Jenna narrowed her eyes, buying time. "I don't know," she said, slightly too pompous. "What were your orders, and I'll work round them."

The Proxian's free arm twitched, as did his jaw muscle. He did not take his eyes from her. "Insolent little -" He took a hefty step forward and lunged for her.

Gasping, Jenna jumped out of the way. He reached out, grasped her hair, and pulled her back as if she were a rag doll. Jenna screamed out in pain, her eyes watering as she fell back.

"I'll tell you my orders after I'm done with you – you won't be going anywhere -"

"Get off her, Agatio," a voice came from the background. The Proxian's head snapped up.

"Shut it," he growled, his upper lip curling back. His face was so close to Jenna's; she smelt the repulsive stench of his breath, smelt his body odour, but it was nothing compared to the pain she was trying to endure.

His narrowed gaze returned to her. "You won't ever be leaving this place. You'll stay here and I'll tell Saturos of your insolence, and you'll be my little whoring bitch. Got it?" He shoved Jenna's head back, as spittle flecked her skin.

She did not answer him; only bit her lip, eyes tight shut.

"Look at me!" the Proxian snarled, enraged. "I said, have you got it!" He pulled hard on her hair, making her moan out. The Proxian stared at her, frowning. His jaw twitched again. He let go of Isaac, and drew his hand back to strike her.

The early Sun's rays glinted upon metal.

The sound of ripping flesh and clothing was heard by all who were close. Agatio's back arched as his dark blood rained out. He let go of Jenna, who fell forwards onto the dusty ground, and she coughed, wiping her face with the back of her hand.

When she looked up, she saw Isaac's sword lying not far from her, stained with the Proxian's life. When she looked further, Isaac was bent over, clutching the side of his head. "Isaac," she whispered, immediately anxious.

Jenna pushed herself to her feet, sidestepping the Proxian who was reaching round to clutch his slashed, bleeding back. "Isaac!" She reached out for him.

"Jenna," he mumbled, and in the early morning light Jenna could see his bruised and torn face. "I'm so sorry… on the beach – wasn't – it wasn't -"

"It doesn't matter," Jenna interrupted. "I know… I know…" A hand grabbed her around the neck, pulling her away from him. It forced her onto the ground, and once more, the Proxian was there, above her. She thrashed at him, clawing at his arm, desperate for air while mentally screaming Isaac's name.

"You think you can get away like that?" he wheezed, his face contorting, his eyes ablaze. "You scum! You're as worthless as everything else around here! It's my land that needs protecting! I'll kill you first, and you're friend here will be next! Do you think anyone needs you -"

In one second, a shadow flew above him, and he let go of her throat in surprise.

Jenna screamed.

"We have been travelling all night!"

"And we'll be reaching there tomorrow, is that correct Mia?"

She nodded gravely.

The further north they travelled the more bitter the air became. Ignoring Sheba's frustrated expression, Felix tugged the thick cloak tighter around himself, and adjusted his gloves before continuing up the hill.

"He's a man of few words," Garet said matter-of-factly, nodding his head while folding his arms. Sheba glared at him as she shoved the blankets onto his arms, before following Mia onwards.

"You carry them," she said, not looking back at him.

Garet nodded his head again, throwing the blankets over his shoulder. "She's a woman of few words," he mused good naturedly.

Unexpectedly, Feizhi spoke up. "She's not a woman," she murmured from beside him. "She's a girl." Garet frowned at her thoughtfully. Eventually, he shrugged.

"Well, it's not important. Shall we continue?" he smiled at her. "This-a way."

Feizhi continued, stepping over the rocks, and through the low brush that covered the landscape where trees did not grow. She did not take her eyes from Sheba.

"You know," Garet started, just behind her. "With this dull flat sky, I wouldn't mind betting that it will snow sometime soon. It's been a long time since I've seen snow – well, not since the winter seasons… which weren't actually that long ago…"

"I've only ever seen snow once," Feizhi answered. She could almost hear Garet's surprised expression behind her.

"Once?" he said incredulously. "Lady – where do you come from?"

"The south."

"Oh… well, I'm guessing it doesn't snow much there then. Well, I mean of course it doesn't, if you've only seen it once."

It was no surprise to Garet when the air became still and gentle, and just as the ground began to rise higher and a great forest rose up just ahead, white flecks of snow indeed began to fall.

"I told you!" Garet exclaimed cheerfully to the other four. "It's snowing, just like a said it would!"

Felix raised one arching eyebrow, while Sheba frowned at him speculatively. "When did you say that Garet?" she asked, shivering slightly.

"Back down the hill," he answered, staring up at the sky.

"I think we should rest once we reach the shelter of the trees," Mia spoke up. "We've been travelling on-going for a long time now, with only short stops. It's for the best." Her voice was distant. Her mind was obviously in other places.

Piers…

"Come on," Felix turned. Sensing Sheba's annoyance, he added, "It's not far now."

"Yeah, it better not be," she grumbled from behind. "My legs are killing me, and my feet are going numb. And Garet's giving me a headache." Sheba suddenly turned to him. "Why did Ivan say you should come anyway?"

Garet looked hurt. "Because Ivan said I would be needed," he retorted.

Sheba was about to return an answer, when she was cut short. "Don't start an argument now – you're just exhausted," Felix told her, disgruntled.

"Of course I'm exhausted," Sheba answered, annoyed. "And it was you who wanted to continue through the night without any rest. It's not a race to get there, you know."

Felix didn't reply.

"We're travelling to Mia's past, aren't we?" Feizhi suddenly spoke up as they continued towards the forest.

Mia looked at her warily. "That's true," she answered cautiously. "Why did you want to know that?"

"Well," Feizhi started nonchalantly. "We're going there to find out what Alex is trying to achieve, but we're not even sure where he is. For all we know, it could be a race with time."

For the second time, Felix stopped. He turned at looked at her assertively. "What are you trying to say?"

"What I'm trying to say," Feizhi started. "Is that Alex has a very nice, gleaming black sword, and he can unlock so much more with it."

The ground echoed with every step, reverberating down through hallways, and caverns, and underground halls. There was one light in the far ahead that twinkled like a distant dying star.

Alex's footsteps were light. He trailed one hand along the unseen wall to his left, feeling the constant inscriptions, sometimes feeling the emptiness of a path leading off to somewhere else before the wall reappeared moments later.

The Proxians would be likely to turn up soon, but there was every possibility they were being held up by the two fools - whoever they were - who had come to rescue Jenna. Everything was going according to plan then.

And there was no doubt it would be just as easy to hijack one of the Proxian's smaller ships to return to the mainland. If not, it was not difficult to worm his way back into Saturos' good books and then get back to where he needed to be. Terra Umbrarum.

But first, he needed the amulet.

The walls either side of him started widen, and the ground beneath him ceased to echo as eroded sand, and dust covered its surface. Then, moments later, the walls narrowed once more and formed into an arching doorway. The stone was worn, and the arch was high above Alex's head, and he stepped through with bubbling anticipation.

The octagonal room was glowing with the light from the centrepiece. Every wall was cut by symbols and ancient pictures of people, and animals, and forgotten wars. Mythological creatures flew through the skies, and cities were alight with a ravenous fire. The ground was marred with crevasses and fissures. It was all intricately cut out of the rock by a simple peasant's chisel.

The air itself smelt dusty and old.

Where the centrepiece met the floor of the magnificent room, the same five-pointed star encircled it, surrounded by the same unfamiliar symbols. However, Alex's clear, hungry eyes were drawn only to the object that withdrew from itself the power he so selfishly needed.

It was the Kaze Amulet. The stone of the wind. It lit up the room, as it lit up Alex's face, and he fervently stepped towards it.

He reached his fingers out to enclose them around the beautiful orb of light.

He never touched it.

"You see, Alex, not all is as it seems." Alex whirled around, and his mortified eyes fell on Piers, leaning against the arch. Once seeing he had Alex's attention, Piers stood up straight. "And it seems you never considered there to be two amulets."

"What do you mean?" Alex murmured fearfully, angrily, disbelievingly.

Piers stretched out his hand, and opened it. "This."

OO; The cliffhangers! Please Review! Little button, bottom left! You know where it is! (oo, that was an oxymoron. I think.)