A/N: Just taking a short bit of time here to announce, that this story is now officially dedicated to BlooDY-MaY, my inspiration for this story and one of my best reviewers : ) I owe you big time. This story wouldn't exist without ya. So, here it is, specially for you! Enjoy: )

Those who dance with Darkness

Chapter I

A summoner.

Someone who protects the defenceless with powers given from the heavens. Only a chosen few are born to be summoners, and only people of the most noble families are given such a rare opportunity.

Shuichi was a summoner.

The Shindou family were a noble family of their own right. They were well known throughout the land as people who sought to protect any and all who asked for help, by using their magic to heal those injured and send those whose souls were still attached to the world after death on forward, deep into the other world.

But they were also cowards. Cowards who were hiding, trying to protect themselves by the force of Eiri Uesugi's attack.

Shuichi couldn't stand them. They were his own family, turning their back on their own people.

They disgusted him.

If he had the power to summon great beasts of the sea, sky and earth to his whim, he wanted to use them to help him defeat the darkness. To banish it for life. To free the world of its evil spell.

He wasn't about to sit by and watch them die.

He put a hand to the forest floor where he was sitting, under a tree to shelter from the coming storm. Forests were really the only safe place to be right now. The trees would allow none who came to spread darkness pass through their forest… their home.

But the forest was dying.

He could feel the little life it had left slipping away. And soon it would be no more. It's spirit would die and pass on, just as so many spirits in this world did.

After all, the world was not made to last forever. Everything had its time to die.

But it made his heart ache to think that this once magnificent forest would die soon. He knew it would die fighting… fighting for the light. But he also knew it was useless.

He'd been on his quest for two years and not even come close to destroying the one known as Eiri Uesugi.

Every day Eiri's followers grew in number and his troops grew stronger and stronger.

He was beginning to loose hope.

But somewhere out there in the grey sky he saw a light flicker, as if calling to him. He pulled himself to his feet.

He'd defeat Eiri, or die trying but he'd never submit to the darkness.

"Report!" yelled the green haired teen who was watching the massacre from the castle of Anaeria. The solider in front of him saluted to his superior and spoke up.

"General Uesugi is far too strong! We have already lost a hundred men to him!"

The green haired teen sighed in frustration. This was simply and completely impossible. In less than ten minutes, Eiri Uesugi had completely destroyed their troops and was now heading for the castle to complete the road of destruction.

"Captain!"

The teen's eyes shot up to see the ferocious red head come running through the door at top speed, his sword still drawn.

"Nakano, please give me the full report on the status of the battlefield," the green haired teen commanded. The red head nodded.

"Fujisaki, the battlefield is a complete wreck. They've obliterated our forces in mere moments. I don't think we can hold on for long,"

Fujisaki put a hand to his chin, "It can't be helped then," and he roared out over the battlefield,

"Men! Withdraw! Retreat!"

Nakano stared on at the battlefield.

It was useless.

Eiri Uesugi had won this battle.

Darkness reigned once again.

Eiri Uesugi watched the troops run and try to flee. He smirked. It was completely useless.

No one would escape him.

And soon they'd all feel his full wrath.

With those thoughts in mind he chuckled to himself

¤¤¤

His brother and sister watched him from behind, their hearts doubtful. They had not submitted to the darkness like their brother, however they were forced to pretend they believed that darkness was the only way.

Mika cast her eyes skywards and prayed that the words of the Seer were true.

Tatsuha cast his eyes downwards and wished the madness would end.

They both waited for a signal that their wishes and prayers were heard…

… but none came.

It seemed darkness truly did conquer all.

A/N: A few notes on a few things here. Even though you're bound to find out sooner of later, a Seer is someone who sees things in visions or dreams before they happen. If you're read the Abhorsen trilogy, you'll know them as the Clayr, a group of people born of a special nature who can see the future (or parts of it at least) on their own by their dreams or visions and, when assembled in large groups, can usually see a much clearer vision.

Hmm… don'tcha just want to find out who the Seer is? I know, but I'm not saying! ; )

Before anyone asks, yes this place is a fantasy world. No, no such place as Anaeria exists in our world. The name was the name of a place from one of my friend's stories, and it just fit so nicely here I had to add it in (hope you don't mind Chris: D).

Well, that's it. You want to find out more you'll have to review!

- Hikari-kun -