Flame of Darkness
By: Starlight – x1

Chapter 4: First Clash

Come to me Dorothy. It is time for you to stop avoiding me. We are meant to be together. The words were endless. Dorothy stumbled for a moment and then stood still, swaying slightly. Cala looked over at her. "Make it stop." Dorothy mumbled. Her strength of will was rapidly slipping away. They were meant to be; there was nothing she could do. Malak wasn't so bad, really….

"DOROTHY!!" Cala slapped her sharply across the cheek, effectively snapping her out of her daze. "Put your amulet on now."

Dorothy fumbled for her spell warder, slipping it over her head. Immediately the voices ceased.

In the underbrush Malak cursed silently as his persuasion spell was broken and Dorothy came back to herself.

"Malak!" Dorothy called out. "I know you can hear me. Come out in the open and face me." Her left hand gripped her sword handle firmly, drawing the blade from its sheath.

Malak watched the two courtesans out of narrowed eyes. Though he hadn't expected Dorothy to bring along a companion he still hadn't expected any trouble from her. He'd been wrong. The little redhead was turning out to be a nuisance already. First things first, he would have to deal with that annoying girl.

Dorothy and Cala kept a watchful eye on their surroundings as they moved out of the woods. Suddenly Cala cried out as she went flying through the air as if swatted aside by a giant's invisible hand. She rammed into a tree and went limp.

"Cala!!" Dorothy started towards her friend.

"So annoying to have others here for such an intimate moment. Wouldn't you agree my dear?"

Dorothy turned slowly towards the speaker, retribution promised in her cold gaze. "You miserable scum." She rushed him, sword raised.

He evaded her attack. "Such enthusiasm. I can hardly wait to bed you."

Dorothy growled in anger. "You'll not get that pleasure ever."

"I think I will." Almost indolently he pointed a finger at her and Dorothy felt her body seized in an uncontrollable spasm. Dorothy fell to one knee when the spell released her.

"Electric Bolt, quite effective if I do say so myself." Malak continued in a conversational tone.

Dorothy ignored him, concentrating on calming her raging emotions. "Askar help me." She prayed under her breath. Suddenly she shot straight up, leaping high above the ground and startling her opponent as she descended toward him, blade flashing in the sunlight.

The blow meant to sever his head from his body only grazed his cheek as the sorcerer nimbly catapulted himself backwards.

Malak ran one finger over his bloody cheek, a satisfied smile on his face. Dorothy lunged again and the battle continued.

''''''

Cala stirred slowly. Her entire upper body hurt and she stifled a small moan. Her vision blurred and she blinked to clear it. Dorothy and Malak were still engaged in fighting each other. Cala frowned. Dorothy was beginning to tire, her movements lagging. Sweat dropped from her forehead.

Cala's frown deepened as she realized that Malak was only toying with her friend. From the set look on Dorothy's face she knew the Head Courtesan had realized it as well. Then the sorcerer began his attack. Cala watched in dismay as Dorothy was barely able to keep her defenses up.

The sorcerer was facing away from where she lay, his full attention on Dorothy. Now was time for her to help. Cala pushed herself up, biting her lower lip to keep from crying out in pain as she moved. Her chest hurt, several of her ribs were probably broken, or at the least badly bruised. She could still move though. Cala picked up her weapon and advanced on the unsuspecting Malak.

Dorothy had fallen to her knees, her sword tip drooping as she struggled to clear her vision from the last spell Malak had thrown at her. His face was too close for her liking, a triumphant smile plastered there.

Suddenly he staggered, his mouth opened, but no words came out. Malak looked down to see the blade of a sword protruding from the front of his torso. That interfering courtesan had snuck up and thrust her sword into his unprotected back. In shock his hands grasped at the blade. It was slippery with his own blood as the liquid life continued to pour from his body. "No!" The word was a whispered denial.

"Askar triumphs." The young courtesan whispered.

Her words seemed to come from far away. Black edged his vision and the ground rushed to meet his face. As the world faded to nothingness he could hear the laughter of the goddess echo in his ears.

Cala had collapsed to a sitting position, both arms cradling her ribs as tears of pain welled in her eyes. Dorothy dropped her sword and crawled around Malak's body to her. Her own body felt battered and sore, but she had sustained no life threatening injuries.

"Let me see little sister." Gently Dorothy probed Cala's rib cage, ignoring the whimpers the young courtesan attempted to bite back. Finally she gave her a tired smile. "You're lucky Cala. It appears you only suffered slight fractures." She handed her a small bottle she pulled from her belt pouch. "Drink this. It's a potion to dull pain, the high priestess gave it to me."

Cala downed the potion and found the pain did indeed lessen. Meanwhile Dorothy found some cloth and proceeded to wrap Cala's ribs securely. "That should do until we return to the temple." She paused and then added quietly. "Thank you Cala."

Cala stood and walked over to the body. She placed her right foot on the small of his back and tugged, releasing her sword. Dorothy noticed that Cala seemed a bit pale as she knelt to wipe the length of her blade on the grass. "That's what I came along for." She looked back at the body. "Shouldn't we bury him?"

"No." Disgust filled Dorothy's voice. "Let him lie like the refuse he is."

''''''

It was dark. The thought was fleeting followed by a question. Where am I?

"You are a fool." The voice seemed to boom out of the darkness. Malak looked around, trying to pinpoint the source of the voice. It was impossible. The darkness was impenetrable.

"Do you know how much trouble you have caused me?" A figure was slowly coming into focus. Malak squinted, straining to see who it was. "I sent you to Askar's temple to watch in case the goddess decided to move against me."

A feeling of deep-seated terror began to churn Malak's stomach. "Ha-a'derka-aath!"

"Your continued pursuit of that woman aroused Askar enough that she asked me why one of my followers was bothering one of her courtesans. In order to appease her, I allowed your death."

Malak swallowed hard. He was dead?

"Yes, you foolish mortal. I should throw you into the hell of eternal torture for the stupidity of your actions. Fortunately for you I still need you, but you shall not be allowed to continue in my service as weak as you were in your former life."

The figured approached and Malak found himself curling into a ball, pleading for mercy. Hands as cold as ice, yet burning like fire gripped him and he screamed until he could scream no more.

''''''

"We should be back at the temple in a few days." Dorothy poked at the fire and watched the sparks that flew upward.

"You don't have to slow down for my sake."

Dorothy raised an eyebrow at Cala's statement. "Whatever you say."

Cala caught her look and laughed before grimacing and cradling her ribs. She looked up and gave Dorothy a game smile. "Why don't you try and sleep first. I don't think I could sleep much with my ribs bothering me and besides I think you need it more then I do. You won't have to worry about Malak visiting your dreams."

"I think I will." Dorothy finally let loose the yawn she had been suppressing, covering it casually with one hand. "Thank Askar the man is dead."

"Dead? Yes, I suppose he is dead my sweet, but not totally."

Both courtesans looked in surprise at the figure who slowly stepped into the circle of light thrown by their fire.

"But I killed you." Cala's voice was full of disbelief.

"Yes you did." Malak walked closer.

In a sudden move Cala whipped her sword out of its sheath and into the approaching sorcerer's chest.

He gave a mocking laugh. "Think to kill me again the way you killed me before? No matter. I'm here to return the favor." Malak gripped Cala's head and with a sudden vicious twist snapped her neck.

"NOOO!!" Dorothy let loose a cry of utter agony.

Malak dropped his victim and jerked her sword out of his chest. Effortlessly he broke the blade in pieces, dropping the now useless weapon around the dead body. Turning he melted back into the darkness.

Dorothy stared at the unmoving form of her bond sister. She took a few steps forward before whirling around and retching. When she finished she wiped her mouth and spat several times. Cautiously she approached the younger courtesan.

Cala lay in crumpled heap, head lolling at an awkward angle. Her eyes were open in a look of scared disbelief. Tears blurred her own vision as Dorothy reached out and gently closed Cala's eyes. "I will avenge you Cala. On Askar's sword I swear it. I will kill Malak." Pulling a small knife she carefully cut one of Cala's red curls.

Standing she held the curl above her head in her right hand. "Do you hear me Askar!? I claim blood right for my sister's death."

"Blood right you have been granted child, but unprepared you are to face your opponent." A voice cracked with age startled the grieving courtesan. Turning she saw an old woman, wrinkled hands clutching at an gnarled stick used to support her bent frame. She shuffled forward until she stood over Cala's corpse. Closing her eyes she mumbled something that seemed to be a prayer. When she finished she looked up at Dorothy. "She has found peace, but I fear that is something that eludes your spirit."

"I shall fulfill my blood right and my oath." Dorothy carefully tucked the curl of hair into her belt pouch.

"I see." The woman seemed almost pleased. "But first you shall sleep." An old hand reached up and touched Dorothy's forehead firmly. The courtesan felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her. "Sleep," The old woman continued. "Be free of dreams and care. Be refreshed, follower of Askar, in the goddess' blessing."

As Dorothy slumped beside the fire the old woman seated herself comfortably and prepared to watch the remainder of the night.

''''''

"Why am I doing this again?" Duo mumbled to his floating instructor.

"Because you need to learn how to defend against all sorts of attacks. Especially the unexpected and elves can be notorious for the unexpected." Quatre replied patiently. "I will talk you through some of the battle but you need to let your defense flow naturally. You have the sense within you, now you just need to let it out."

Duo turned to face his opponent. Zechs looked relaxed and ready as he stood waiting for the signal to begin.

"Begin." At the signal Zechs moved forward as smoothly as flowing water. Duo felt a twinge of jealousy as he blocked the elf lord's first attack. It soon disappeared in the flurry of blows that followed.

Good. Now get ready. Quatre's voice seemed to be echoing inside his head. He's going to attack from behind you next.

Duo let out a grunt as he engaged Zechs' blade with his own. There was no possible way the elf could free himself and attack behind him.

The next instant he felt the flat of Zechs blade rap him sharply in the back and send him stumbling.

What did I tell you about the unexpected? Quatre's voice was full of patience.

Duo picked himself off the ground slowly. This was going to be a long day.

''''''

When Dorothy awoke the next morning she was surprised to see the old woman still there.

"You will not be able to fulfill your oath with the sword you now possess." The woman looked straight ahead. "Your enemy is now immune to the attack of a regular weapon. You must seek out a holy sword."

Dorothy listened as the woman gave her instructions on where to find such a sword. "Do not worry about your friend." The old woman continued as Dorothy's eyes strayed toward Cala. "I will return your friend's body to the temple of Askar where she will receive the proper burial rites. Go now or you will soon find your resolve failing."

"My resolve shall stay the same forever until he is dead." Dorothy turned and left the campsite.

As the courtesan disappeared into the distance the form of the old woman changed. "Yes I know." Agnialla sighed. She touched Cala's red hair. "So much pain and suffering. But more will come, much more, if Ha'derkaath is not stopped. This is only the beginning." Picking up the body she breathed a word and disappeared in a swirl of silver light.

''''''

"I want you to go to Eleanon."

Catherine looked up sharply. "Why? I thought you wanted me to continue watching Ha'derkaath."

"No." Trowa didn't turn around from his usual place watching the sky. "He has become confident. The wind will bear me tidings of him. But the group at Eleanon, they are the ones who I am most interested in."

"You wish me safe." Her voice was soft.

"Always." Trowa turned and looked into her eyes. "My solitary existence has been made bearable by your presence. But even more so, I trust you. Ha'derkaath can not tame the wind, nor cloud your vision. You will see clearly and report accurately. Until such a time as the gods act I will continue to watch with your help. Go now my hawk, go to Eleanon."

Catherine rose and approached him. For moment she looked deeply into his eyes. Then she transformed, taking on her hawk form.

Trowa watched as she flew from the cave. She circled, letting out a screech of farewell. Then she wheeled around and flew away.

''''''

Duo lay down with a groan. His entire body ached. Quatre was a most demanding teacher and he suspected that Zechs wasn't pulling any punches either whenever they sparred.

"Tired?"

He opened his eyes to see Hilde standing over him, a sympathetic grin on her face.

Duo allowed his eyes to drift shut again. "Do I even need to answer that?"

There was a rustle of grass as Hilde settled herself next to him. "I guess not." There was silence, then... "You've been training really hard."

"It's that Quatre person." Duo mumbled. "He's really a perfectionist."

"You are getting better."

"Not fast enough. Sometimes I think he was Askar's personal sparring partner." Duo let out another groan. "I don't think I'll ever be able to keep up with Zechs."

"Of course not, he's an elf."

Duo's eyes shot open at the matter-of-fact tone in Hilde's voice. The Fire Maiden was looking at the stars and didn't catch his look at first. Then she glanced over at him. A grin crept over her face. "You DO know that Elves are faster then humans."

"More agile anyway. But I think I can eventually beat him."

"Maybe." Hilde hugged her knees to her chest and returned to looking at the stars.

Duo pushed himself up on his forearms. "Do you think we can really beat Ha'derkaath?"

"What?" Hilde looked at him puzzled at the sudden change in conversation. "Why do you even ask?"

"I don't know?" Duo shrugged and lay back down on his back. "Maybe because I'm human and I'm tired. Maybe because I lost my damn powers. Maybe a lot of reasons." He closed his eyes again.

"We will." There was a desperate confidence in her voice. "We have to. There's no other choice for us anymore. Maybe Ha'derkaath's too strong for us, but I'd rather die fighting against him then wait passively for him to come and kill me."

"You're right. I'm just tired I guess. And I'm confused. I keep getting this feeling that there's something my swordmaster isn't telling me. He can be really strange sometimes." Duo's voice trailed off and his breathing deepened.

Hilde looked down at him with a fond smile. The human swordsman had really started to grow on her. There was a fire that drew her to him. Something unexpected and unexplainable. Cautiously she touched his cheek before moving her hand to smooth away strands of hair from his forehead. "Sleep in tranquility this night, warrior, for the battle draws nigh."

"Whaa.." Duo's eyelids fluttered for a moment and he yawned deeply. "Hilde..."

"Sleep Duo." Hilde touched his cheek again before rising. "Just sleep."

''''''

Agnialla watched as the flames from Cala's funeral pyre lit up the night sky. The young courtesan had been awarded full rites as her bond sisters celebrated and mourned her entrance into the halls of Askar. Agnialla crossed her arms with a sigh. There was still so much to do. A slight smile worked its way across her face as her thoughts turned to Dorothy. The Head Courtesan was very strong willed and determined. She would be the perfect traveling partner for him. Of course neither would be pleased but it couldn't be helped. They would just have to get over it.

After a moment the lady melted into the darkness.