OK, wow, this has taken forever to get too, now hasn't it? Sorry, guys, my muse decided to take a nearly three month long vacation before returning. But she did return, so here's the next part...hope it's worth the wait...and if it make you feel any better, the story's not over yet...I've got a ways to go and so far I've been able to write on a regular basis. knocks on wood So, without further delay, it's time for reviewer replies...and hang in there...there's a lot of them:

wiccabitch2721: Well, thanks. I know I've suceeded when I make a reader cry...and yeah...everyone needs a good cry sometimes. -) And as I said before...the end is a ways off.

ncrimsontearsifly: Here's the next part to ease the insanity. -)

Lady of the Wood: Wow...one of the best stories you've evver read...holy cow...ok...now I really gotta keep my ego in check. ;-)

ablia: Thanks for your review

Dancing princess: Love your name.

Alexandra3: Glad you think my story is intriguing....wait...how do you spell that word? -)

Petra: Thanks for your reviews...you're the coolest!

The Mad Dragon : You're just boosting my ego...if you aren't careful...my head might get too big. ;-)

kaitins: Thanks!

oicheban: And noooo, there was no sarcasm in my reply...only thanks

Crimson Amber: Well....you'll just have to wait to see.

A/N: This part has yet to be beta'd so all mistakes are my own. Now enjoy!

Chapter 23:
Every now and then,
Softest breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And it's like you haven't been
gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time were holding you and me: Diamond Rio I Believe

As my senses return, I have two sensations: The cold deck plating through my thin shirt and a soft touch on my cheek. I can hear a voice...but it's only a whisper.

Wake up....I...need...you.

I know that voice. I'd know that voice anywhere. It can't be. I tell myself as I can feel the hot tears forming again as the whisper grows.

I still feel the sensation of fingers on my cheek. A touch I know anywhere, but only truly felt briefly.

My eyes snap open as I gasp.

I don't get up. I can't get up. It's not that my body won't allow me...it's just that my won't. My eyes slowly look around. I'm looking for someone I know can't be there. I don't know what hurts worse, knowing Harper's gone or knowing it's my fault.

I clinch my eyes shut again. What was I looking for anyway. The man I love is gone...and now only my guilt remains. It's there to drive me insane. How else can I explain the voice, the touch....seeing Harper.

A chill runs down my spine as the image of a dead Harper flashes through my memory...those cold dead eyes. I can escape them. I close my eyes, they're there; I open my eyes, still they remain, staring...burning a hole in my soul.

I clench my eyes shut once more and cover my ears, trying to block the haunting voice....the reminder of my failure. I felt something soft brushing against my temple. I'm still clinging onto Harper's rabbit's foot, the soft fur lying on the side of my head.

It's so dark. I'm lost, Trance. I need you.

That catches my attention. Instead of the voice being haunting and ghostly, I can now hear fear. If this voice is there to taunt me, why is there fear in the voice?

Trance, where are you!

Now the voice sounds frantic. I slowly open my eyes and sit up. Looking around, I see that still I'm alone. Where is this voice coming from? Why am I hearing him, when every memory I have keeps reminding me that he's gone? My thoughts are interrupted by frantic bangining.

Trance! Trance, answer me!

It's Morrighan. I sit there for a few more seconds waiting to hear the voice again, it's been silent for nearly three minutes. Maybe...maybe it wasn't real and it is just my guilt...but why can I still feel him? Exasperated, I run a hand down my face and sigh.

I stand, brushing myself off. I notice a dull pain in the back of my head. I reach back, feeling a slight bump from the fall. The knocking continues.

Well, that would explain the voice. It's from the bump I took, nothing more. I say trying to reassure myslef of my sanity.

Trance please open the door! You're starting to worry me.

I head for the door. Have I been out long enough to worry her? Then I start to wonder if she's been knocking the entire time I've been awake, yet I only noticed it a few minutes ago. I don't even remember locking it. Right as I reach the door pad, I feel a warm breath on my neck.

I spin around, breathing hard. I know I felt a breath on my neck. I couldn't be the wind; I'm closed in on all sides, not to mention that I'm pretty sure I'm in space. Another chill runs down my spine. I'm starting to get spooked.

I turn back toward the door pad and once again try to reassure myself, Harper's gone. Face it, Trance, he's not coming back and you can't lose it because the others will need you. Harper's gone

I stop dead, my hand only inches away from the door pad. I close my eyes and slowly turn around chanting, Not real, not real, not real.

Then I open my eyes. Standing in front of me, blue eyes sparkling, with that same half grin that I love so much, looking very much alive, is Harper. He's standing next to my bed.

I shake my head, disbelief taking over. No real, you can't be real.Well, babe, I wouldn't be so sure about that.

TBC

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