Recalling the Spirit 37

I do not own any of Miyazaki's characters, or settings. But mostly everything in this story I now do own. Hey, for those who are interested, I'll be basically using this premises for a real story that will be completely of my own creation. Well, okay, it will be different, but very cool all the same. I'm planning on publishing it. Of course, I have to get started on it.

Replies to Reviews

MSK: Thank you for agreeing with me. I think I'm going to keep my story chapters pretty much at the same length they are now, maybe a little less.

And yes I have quite a busy life outside of FF. Net so that's why I take so long to update.

I loved your review: it made me very happy. Don't worry; Chihiro and Haku are coming into this chapter a little. Thanks for your always amazing reviews!

LadyRainStarDragon: Good thing it wasn't a rattlesnake, then. Thanks for reviewing!

Demdova: Ah, well, I live to make your life difficult, as you should well know, so they're staying long (not as long as the last one but pretty long) You were the 400th review!

Taiy-chan:…wahhh! Made me sad. Lol, 'member? "If I can't be beautiful, I see no point in living anymore." Thanks for your review! Skools OUT!

Sakura-Blossom-Cilla-85: Because they can't. No, they're a better reason. To turn the world into the way he sees it, Kyu needs more people then just himself, and since he has such a large Elemental force, Akira needed to get an army also. Never mind the fact that all this was preordained. You may note that this has an almost mythical quality to it.

Sweetdreamer: Tamiko has joined Kyu's side. Sorry. I made that a little bit vague. You may remember that Tamiko went into Caitlyn's mind to find out about her (and hence Akira's) past. In doing so, she almost died, and something inside her changed, which we later learned was her dragon side subduing her mortal half. This was only reflected in her eyes changing into dragon eyes, however. Then Akira and her had a huge fight, she saw what she THOUGHT was him cheating with Pauline (though he was only trying to comfort her by patting her back) and she, frightened, bewildered, angry and sad, went to join Kyu. Get it?

Thank you for reading!

ShadowDarknessDragon: Thank you so much for your review. Believe me, I do not take offence, in fact I quite love it. Yes, I was a pretty immature writer (not telling you my age, but I'm matured a lot) and so much practice on my writing has improved it a ton.

Michelle: Hey! Glad you reviewed! And yes, a person named AFTER you got a bit of mention.

Lady Moon Dragon: Yes, I really enjoy Nausciaa. Thanks for reading!

burningfate: Yes, you are right in the fact that they are twins and they don't give a hang for each other, but do you really think if you found out a complete stranger was your twin, would you really establish a family bond? Considering that he would be acting in a way you found cruel and heartless? So no, they don't really care for one another at this point in time.

I had been planning the whole 'choose your own side' ever since I had introduced the group of elementals.

KatsyKat: Thank you very much for agreeing with me with the chapter length, and I really loved your review.

Ahara Musica: Yes, the story takes a really interesting point here on in.

Annatheitako: Satsuki and Canta were just referred too, a little bit of an addition for anyone who has actually seen My Neighbour Totoro. They do not play a big part in Recalling the Spirit, or in fact, any part at all, once again, save a reference or two that might come later. As for Mei…? You will have to read and find out!

Whitedragonlady: Thank you for your review!

Well, now that that is over, let the real story begin!

RECALLING THE SPIRIT #37

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

"Taiy, where are you taking me?"

"You'll see."

"Oh, c'mon, tell! You know you've never been able to keep secrets from me for long!" She punched him playfully on the arm.

"I said: you'll see!" He replied jovially. But something seemed wrong. He was not his normal, upbeat, flamboyant self. He seemed out of it.

"Hey, are you ok?" She asked, lightly touching his arm.

"Hmm? Yeah."

He's so distracted. I wonder why? She thought, peering into his face.

They were on summer vacation, their eleventh year of high school over. Herself, Taiy, Morgaine, Caitlyn and Linda had decided to rent a cottage…Taiy said he knew the perfect place.

Right by the lake, they had all been eating breakfast in the early morning sun, when Taiy had asked her to accompany him somewhere.

To her surprise, they had not stopped at the beach, but had gone right past it. It seemed he was headed for the hill made of one giant rock, by the Smith cottage.

She reached down to itch a mosquito bite on her ankle, wincing when she accidently scratched a burn.

"Taiy…"

"We'll get there."

She reached out and grasped his hand. He smiled down at her, and they continued walking. With her free hand she tucked her long black hair behind her ear, wishing she had pulled it back before they had left. It was hot out!

Finally they reached the summit, and she sat herself down on the ground, letting the hot summer sun beat down on her head. Letting out a contented sigh…you could see the lake and the forest beyond from up here… she looked up at him fondly. "So…what did you want to talk to me about?"

He met her gaze then looked away. "Stand up." He said, then helped her to her feet.

She smiled. "Now what?" She asked softly.

He opened his mouth to say something, and closed it again. He was distraught.

With a cry, she realized her feet and hands were encased in rock. "Taiy what are you doing?" She screeched, bewildered.

He backed away from her, his eyes shining with an emotion she could not name.

"You want her, Taiy? Or can I have her?" Came a gruff voice from the trees. Several men emerged from the bush, all looking at her hungrily. They all glowed with a strange light. Elementals. Pauline thoughts. But I've never seen so many in one place before! She saw their faces, saw what they planned to do to her…

"Taiy! Help me!" She screamed, realizing the men's intentions. Instead he backed away. "You can have her." He said offhandedly. "I have to go see Kyu and tell him we've got an Elemental for him to kill. He said he wanted to do the honours himself. So keep her alive." And with that he was gone.

She opened her mouth to scream again but one man covered her mouth. "Now be a good girl and don't scream." He whispered. The other two laughed. "No one's gonna come help you, sweetheart." Another added. Pauline bit the man's hand who held her. He swore and hit her across the face. She brought her rock covered hand around and hit him back. He staggered away. Another man approached, knife drawn. "You bitch!" he shouted, and slashed at her wildly, not aiming. The blade caught her across her cheek and chest, leaving deep, bleeding wounds. She sagged. Unable to move, her feet fastened to the rock hill, there was nothing she could do.

"That's better. Good girl." The man said, and reached for her, licking his lips. She squeezed her eyes shut…

"Pauline!"

Heads whirled to see Caitlyn, panting slightly from running, come over the brink of the rock. "I heard you scream and…" Anger sparked to life in her eyes at the scene before her as Linda and Morgaine climbed up beside her, both gulping air.

"Don't you dare touch her!" Caitlyn cried, lifting a hand to blast fire at them, but Morgaine grabbed her wrist. "What are you doing? Let go!" The fire elemental shouted.

"You'll hurt Pauline!" replied Morgaine. "We've got to separate them from her before we do anything!" She frowned in thought for a split second before realization dawned. She stood. "Cyclone!" She cried, and wind blasted from her hand to smash into the attackers, lifting them into the air and throwing them a couple feet away. The rock that kept Pauline from running also kept her fastened to the ground, as Morgaine knew they would.

"You go take care of them! I'll get Pauline!" Caitlyn yelled, and dashed towards her friend. Morgaine nodded, and both she and Linda ran after the men.

The Elemental of Fire knelt by Pauline. "Are you all right?" She asked. Pauline nodded dumbly. Caitlyn focused her attention on Pauline's hands and feet, melting away the rock from her skin. A bubbling stream of water appearing from nowhere submerged Pauline's feet, and water whirled around her hands , cooling them so the molten rock did not burn

Finished, Caitlyn looked up just in time to see Pauline collapse to her knees, sobbing wildly.

"Taiy…Taiy…he did this…" she cried, tears streaking down her cheeks. She was trembling.

Morgaine ran up to them. "Linda is just hiding the bodies in the bushes." She caught Caitlyn's look and added. "They're unconscious, not dead. We have to get out of here. People will come to investigate the sudden fire, the cyclone and the trees moving soon, and we were so close to getting caught last time that I'm kind of paranoid that this time we might get…" a lecture on the experiments that mankind would do to them if they found out about their powers was stopped as Morgaine caught sight of Pauline. She let out a gasp, her hands coming up to cover her mouth. "You're hurt!"

She quickly crouched down, and hovered her hands over Pauline. "Heal." She whispered. A gentle wind surrounded the girls, and Pauline's wounds slowly sealed, wiped away like marker on a whiteboard. Morgaine's head suddenly shot up, and she almost fell back, catching her balance at the last moment.

Caitlyn stared at her. "Did you know you could do that?" Her copper haired friend shrugged, looking suddenly exhausted and spent, and when she replied, her voice was weak. "Nope."

Voices coming up the hill shocked them. "Hey did you see that fire? And that tornado! Gods, what could be up here?"

"Probably just some teenagers playing around."

"I want to go check it out! Maybe it's magic."

"Oh, please. Grow up. You're such a freak, Emily."

"Hey, shut up Alexandra.".

Caitlyn and Morgaine traded horror filled gazes. Without a word they each grabbed one of Pauline's arms.

"Run!" Caitlyn screamed. They began to dash as fast as they could, supporting Pauline, towards the cottage, Linda meeting up with them as they went. Once inside they slammed the door behind them and locked it, panting.

"Pauline…" Linda said quietly.

"Kyu did this. He's betrayed us." Caitlyn said bluntly, her voice angry. "Betrayed her."


Pauline shook her head, the memory cascading over her. I've got to focus. I've got to find Caitlyn.

She was running through the forest and bathhouse area, looking for Caitlyn. Trees and groves went past her in a flash.

"Caitlyn!" She called out. "Caitlyn!"

The war's started! I'd better watch myself…but what if she's in trouble? I've got to find her…the sooner the better…just to make sure she's safe.

Linda tapped her foot. Where're Pauline, Caitlyn and Morgaine? They left me all alone with Akira! Talk about uncomfortable silences!

She and the elemental of fire had been sitting at the table for little over half an hour. Neither spoke, and both focused on something else, anything from saving them from talking. Linda seemed to have found a sudden interest in her nails, whereas Akira seemed intent on thinking of war plans, sketching out ideas on a sheet of paper he had found.

Linda let out a sigh. Boooooring.

Without excusing herself, she stood from the table, went to the open door, peered out, and took a couple steps into the dirt road, looking left and right for her friends. She was angry that they had left her, and was ready and eager to lecture them upon their return.

She spotted someone, but not who she expected. "Ferio?" she blurted, bewildered. And indeed, it was the tall green haired man, cradling a wounded, shivering, unconscious Morgaine. Her eyes narrowed. "What have you done to her, demon?" She hissed.

Exasperation flickered across the man's features, and for a moment his gaze suddenly turned steely and cold. But the next second it was gone, and Linda thought she had only imagined it.

"Look, it's a long story, but I'm on your side now. So if you'll excuse me…" He went past her and into the abandoned café. Linda's mouth opened and closed like a bewildered fish.

Akira stared at him as he entered. "Wha…what are you doing here?" He stuttered, then noticed the girl in his arms. He was filled with a white-hot anger and he stood, slamming his fists into the desk. "Son of the devil, what have you done to her!"

Ferio closed his eyes, asking for patience. He opened them and said pointedly. "The war's started. I got to choose my side. I chose here. Morgaine was hurt in a fight with Kyu. She collapsed on the way here. Caitlyn's missing. Pauline's gone to look for her."

Akira blinked several times, letting this all sink in.

"Caitlyn's missing?"

Linda was clutching the doorframe, her eyes wide, the light from outside framing her body, throwing a shadow into the dusky gloom of the old shop.

Her horrified gaze rose and met Akira's. "We have to go find her!" she cried.

Akira looked hesitant, looking first at the doorframe, then at Ferio.

"I swear. This might looks suspicious but it's the truth. Look, she's out there, and she needs help! Doesn't her life matter to you?"

An echo of the past reverberated in Akira's mind.

"Maybe your plan is the best course of action. But I thought that life meant more to you then that. I thought that you were kind and warm-hearted. I was wrong, brother. You're more like Kyu then I realized."

Caitlyn. I've got to help her. She's my sister. But what about Ferio? He looked at the green haired teen, and the emotion he spotted in the golden eyes as Ferio looked at the girl in his arms decided him.

"Right. Linda, get ready. We've got to go." Linda dashed out the door.

'Hey, wait!" He called out. "Wait! Hold on!" He too ran for the door, turned around and said to Ferio, nodding at Morgaine. "Take care of her."

And he was off.

Ferio gently lay Morgaine down on one of the sleeping bags he had spotted when he had entered, stood, and began rummaging through her bag. He made an exasperated noise when he realized how much she had packed. Finally he found what he was looking for. He pulled out the medical kit, opened it, and began to examine her wounds. He wrapped her arm, and dabbed away blood from the cut over her eye. He went to the sink, which still had a couple of dirty, dusty plates and bowls, filled a cup with warm water and submerged her frostbitten hand in it. Satisfied after a couple of minutes, Ferio deftly removed the glass, carefully towel dried her hand, and rested it on her stomach. She began to shiver, her teeth chattering. His face softened, and he softly brushed her bangs out of her eyes. He pulled a blanket that he had found in her pack over her up to her chin, then bent over and put his ear to her mouth, listening to her breathing. It was a little irregular and rasping, but that was only to be expected after she had inhaled Artic temperature water. He sat back, having done all he could, and made himself comfortable. He did not plan to leave her side until she woke up…if she woke up.

Stop it! He cursed himself. She'll be all right.

She's got to be all right.


Caitlyn struggled furiously. She was secured to an oak with a length of rough rope; her feet tied together her hands bound behind her back, on the other side of the tree.

Lantis approached her from the far side of the shadowed glade where he had been sitting on a log, and commented calmly. "Stop struggling. It won't do you any good. Your friends are more worried about your other friend at the moment. What's her name? Morgaine. She'll be dead by now."

Caitlyn stared at him, shocked. He's lying. He has to be. She was weakened, but she's tough. She could hold her own. Her mind explained. She believed it. She had to believe it. What she had been told had to be a trick. Her eyes flicked over his face, searching for a hint, a shift of the eyes, anything, to show that he was lying.

Seeing the disbelief in her eyes, Lantis continued. "The Elemental of Light down at the beach was a trap. Kyu found her, captured her, and used her for bait to lure one of you goodie goods into his hands. It was an added bonus it was the weakened, hurt and exhausted Elemental of Wind. He would've finished her like a shot."

Caitlyn slumped; the cords wrapped around her torso and the tree the only thing from stopping her collapsing to the ground. It's true. She was far too weak. I shouldn't have sent her off on her own. She's dead and it's all my fault. She's dead…

"You knew." She whispered, her voice hoarse. It was not a question.

"Yes. I did."

"You knew how weak she was. You didn't stop me sending her away."

"No, I did not."

Slowly her head rose, and Lantis took involuntarily took a step back. Her eyes, narrowed to slits burned with a raging fire.

Behind her back, flames burst from her hands, burning through the cords that tied her hands together. A low growl emitted from her snarling mouth.

Lantis took another step away. She's like an animal! One of those rabid wolves…

With a roar, Caitlyn launched herself forward at him, realizing too late that her feet were still tied to the tree. Instead, she swung her hand around and blasted a funnel of flame at her kidnapper.

Lantis cringed, blinked, and looked up when he realized he wasn't burnt to a crisp.

A shimmering shield constructed of light had formed a bubble around him, absorbing the fire. Both he and Caitlyn looked, shocked, to find a teenage girl with long flowing blond hair and a once white silk dress leaning against a tree casually, one arm outstretched. She snapped her fingers and the shield dissipated.

"Now, we can't have any of that, can we?" She asked sweetly, fluttering her eyelashes. She looked over at the confused Elemental of Dream.

"You must be Lantis." She said, giving him a winning smile. "Kyu told me all about you. But who is this?" She added pursing her lips as she looked over at Caitlyn.

Caitlyn ground her teeth together in a snarl.

The blonde haired girl raised one perfect eyebrow inquiringly at Lantis.

"She's Caitlyn. The Elemental of Fire."

The teen's mouth formed into an O. "The one that's Kyu's main opponent?"

Lantis nodded.

Some small part of Caitlyn's brain that was not submerged in a pool of anger and sadness registered what they had just said. They don't know about Akira. So I can act in his stead, as I plan to do.

Lantis finally seemed to fight past his bewilderment and speak. "But…you…you're the Elemental of Light. Why are you here? Alive?"

Caitlyn's eyes widened in shock. The Elemental of Light?

A sly, self-satisfied smile slid across the blonde haired teen's face. "I chose to join Kyu, and this side. I am here to speak on his behalf."

In response to Lantis' expression, she said. "He was slightly wounded in the battle between him and the Elemental of Wind." Anger flickered across her features. "I was there."

Caitlyn straightened. "Then you saw Morgaine die." She whispered, her voice croaking. I cannot blame it on Lantis. It was my fault.

Guenivere didn't skip a beat. "Yes, I did." She smiled grimly. "It served her right too, the stupid little witch." The Elemental of Light lied, her face convincing. She thought to herself: for all I know, she probably is dead, or dying, anyway. There is no way anyone could survive what she went through. Wasting away…she didn't deserve a clean death. Justice will be served.

"Did you know her?" She added, curiously. She had been told to use her judgement on the prisoner. A few moments ago, she was willing just to imprison this girl here…but now...

Caitlyn's head hung, unaware that her life or death depended on this answer. "Yes. She was my friend."

"Aww, poor baby. Little girl lost."

Jake detached from the shadows, emerging into view. Lightning sparkled over his figure.

He looked hungrily at Caitlyn. "Do you want her Lantis? Or can I have her."

Lantis shrugged.

"Do whatever you want with her." Guenivere said suddenly, shrilly. Anger radiated from her and her eyes had narrowed into cold slits. Her fists were clenched, her manicured nails digging into her palms. She swallowed, hard. "And then kill her." She whirled around and retreated out of sight.

Jake licked his lips. "You heard her."

Lantis, without a word, turned and left. "I want no part in this." He said.

"Your loss." Jake called after his retreating back.

He turned back to the bound Caitlyn, walked up to her, and stroked her cheek. "Now be a good girl…" He said softly. She turned her head away, disgusted, but somehow uncaring. She'd given up. One of my friends is dead. Morgaine...I'm so sorry.

"Caitlyn!"

Both Jake and Caitlyn's heads snapped around.

Pauline stood at the edge of the grove, horrified and angry. For a moment she just absorbed the scene. It was a reflection of the past. Back then it was her tied there, rooted to the spot, and Caitlyn had been the one to rescue her. Bile rose in her mouth.

"Leave her alone, you jerk!" She screeched, lifting a hand and sending a wave of water crashing into him. Jake flew, carried by the frothing water until he was forcibly stopped by the nearest solid object, which just happened to be a rock.

The wave buoyed the unconscious blond a little farther away, but Pauline paid no heed. She ran up to her friend and hurriedly untied the ropes confining her. A completely drenched Caitlyn collapsed onto the ground, not even trying to keep herself upright.

Pauline pulled at her arm. "Caitlyn. Caitlyn come on. We've got to get out of here!" She panicked when her friend did not move. "Caitlyn!" Pleading entered her voice. "Please."

Woodenly Caitlyn stood, and the pair walked away from the terrible scene and began their way back to the bathhouse camp.

Each step was slow and steady, and the female Elemental of Fire was emotionless. Pauline kept trying to talk to her, console her, speaking to that blank face was like conversing with a brick wall.

Three quarters of the way there, Caitlyn tumbled and fell, hitting the ground hard. Pauline knelt beside her.

"Caitlyn. You okay?"

Caitlyn dully lifted her hands. Brown dirt was smeared across them, like her face, and specks of blood began to bubble, presumably where she had fallen on small pebbles or rocks. She continued to stare at her palms, unmoving.

Pauline began to worry, her friend's antics frightening her. "Caitlyn. Hey. Come on." She touched her friend lightly on the shoulder.

As if that was a trigger, Caitlyn's eyes suddenly filled with tears. "…gone…" she whispered hoarsely, her voice scraping like sandpaper.

"What?"

"…she's…gone…" and with that, she put her grubby hands to her face and began to cry, her shoulders shaking.

"Who? Who's gone?"

Caitlyn just continued to weep.

Pauline heaved her friend up, and began half walking, half tugging her friend, who stumbled behind her, crying, the tears making tracks through her dirt stained face.

"Pauline! You found her!"

Linda and Akira came trotting up beside them. Linda was shocked, curious, and worried.

"What happened to her? Was she attacked?"

Pauline looked up at her, bewilderment filling her gaze. "I…don't know."

Rain began to spatter down on them.


The solemn, wet group entered the abandoned café where they were staying. A sizzling fire was burning in the fireplace, giving a warm cozy feeling to the place. Akira came through the doorway first, dark, weary circles under his eyes. All the responsibilities he had were taking their toll on him. The tight expression he wore was however softened by what he saw.

"Well, there's a nice sight, anyway." He smiled, his Irish accent thick and pronounced.

"Welcome back!" said Linda happily.

"Feeling better?" Pauline wanted to know.

Caitlyn was the last to enter, still being dragged and supported by Pauline. But what she saw affected her more then anyone else.

"Morgaine?" She finally whispered, hardly daring to believe it. This is it. I've tipped into madness.

But, sure enough, the Elemental of Wind was sitting up in her makeshift medical bed, looking worse for the wear but conscious. Bandages were wrapped around various parts of her body, and a nasty bruise had spread over one cheekbone, but she was smiling. Ferio was sitting beside her, looking exhausted but elated.

Caitlyn ran forward to hug her friend, crying again, but this time tears of happiness. "You're alive!"

"You idiot!" Morgaine said harshly, before Caitlyn could reach her. The words struck Caitlyn like a whiplash. She took a step back, hurt.

Pauline and Linda exchanged glances. Both ran outside, knowing that they would prefer the rain to what would happen indoors. The latter ducked back in, snatched Akira's arm, and dragged him out with them.

"What are you doing?" Akira demanded.

"Morgaine's really angry. Trust me. You don't wanna be in there." Pauline gestured at the scene through the window.

"It's scary." Linda added. "Let's go visit some of the other elementals."

"Good idea." The three walked off in the rain.


"Wha…what?" Caitlyn stuttered, confused and unsure.

"What on EARTH made you think you could run off alone? With Lantis! How stupid do you have to be?"

"I…"

"You could've been killed! Or is that it?" Morgaine's voice softened dangerously. "You want to die. You are so willing to throw your life away, first your stupid suicide plan, and now this. What is it? Are you tired of having Elemental powers, of being different? Or is it just that you've had enough with not having any real parents."

Caitlyn let out a breath of air like she had been punched in the stomach. "That's…unfair…"

"No it's not. You deserve every little bit of what I'm saying. Is that why you're so affected? Because it's the truth? Poor little Caiti, without her dear Mum and Dad. For gods sake! Can't you even realize…" Morgaine began to screech, cruelly. "That your friends don't want you to die? That we are your family? I thought not! You only care about yourself and your precious little parents! Get it into your head! They don't care about you! That's why they abandoned you!"

That comment struck Caitlyn harder then any other she had ever gotten. But she tried to mask her pain, and forced herself to say calmly, anger lacing the words: "Morgaine…you're a cold hearted bitch, who can never be herself around people, and has never once had fun in her life. Besides, you're too busy reading and writing and having no life. What makes you think you know me?"

"Because I THOUGHT you were one of my best friends! Evidently I was wrong. You're so simple minded! You don't care about us. You just want to die, to escape. From us. From your life. From everything!"

"That's not true!" Caitlyn yelled back, her anger finally sparking.

"Oh, yeah? Tell me then, oh mighty fire bringer, willing to sacrifice herself for all Elemental-kind, what is it?" Morgaine demanded, her voice roaring in the sudden silence. Ferio stood behind her supporting her. Her pale cheeks were flushed from screaming, and she began to look a little dizzy, but she continued fighting.

"I don't want you all to die!" Caitlyn screamed, and then, quieter. "I don't want to lose you all. All of my friends."

"So you would willingly die. Kill yourself. Don't you realize that that would be like death to your friends, for you to die!"

Caitlyn bent her head, shocked and saddened as Morgaine's harsh words hit her again and again, barbs striking deeply under her armour.

"Get out of my sight, you idiotic little fool." The Elemental of Wind finally whispered, her voice more hurting then any off her screeches and cries. "Go bugger off and kill yourself, since that's what you most desire!"

A huge gust of wind rattled the shutters, causing the rain to hammer against the roof.

"I see." Caitlyn quietly left the building, sitting down and leaning against the outside wall. She shut her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to calm her anger and frustration and sadness.

Her head shot upwhen she heard the sound of muffled sobbing. Standing abruptly, she peeked into the large window that graced their abode.

Morgaine was lying face down in her mattress, her whole body shaking, her face pushed into the pillow. She was crying.

Caitlyn bit her lip to stop crying herself. I should have known she was masking how she really felt.

Ferio…that little demon. What's he doing here anyway…stroked her hair gently. Morgaine pushed herself up, and Caitlyn glimpsed her tearstained face and swollen eyes.

"I don't want her to die!" Morgaine said shakily, her voice emotion-filled. "Ferio, I don't want her to kill herself, even if it is to save us!"

Ferio cupped a hand to her cheek, and she collapsed into his open arms, sobbing into his shoulder while he rocked her back and forth gently.

Caitlyn put her hands to her mouth, tears dripping down her own face. Morgaine…I'm so sorry…I'm sorry…

She watched until Morgaine drifted off to sleep. Ferio carefully lay her down in her bed and covered her with the blanket. His head then raised and, to Caitlyn's shock, looked straight at her. Then he stood and came outside.

He stood beside her, arms crossed, leaning against the outer wall, looking out at the rain. His hair turned a dark emerald, almost black in the water.

Finally, he spoke, not looking away from the rain. "It's much warmer inside. We've got a fire going. It doesn't do you any good staying out here."

Caitlyn shrugged. "Why are you here?" she questioned.

"Well, when a Mummy and a Daddy…"

"No, why are you here?"

He winked at her. "I was only teasing. I don't know about you, but I am getting very wet. I'll explain if we go inside and sit by the fire."

Caitlyn thought this over.

"Hey." He added. "Isn't water fire's weakness?"

"I don't have a weakness." She said imperiously, and then giggled. "Fine. I'll go in."

They both ducked into the restaurant. Ferio took out his ponytail, shook himself like a wet dog, and went to go check on Morgaine, with Caitlyn tagging along behind.

Ferio knelt and hovered his hand over Morgaine's mouth. He stayed there for a moment, and then smiled. "She's breathing normally. Well, there's a blessing at least."

Caitlyn winced when she saw how bad her friend's condition was. "What happened to her?"

"She got into a fight with Kyu. She was frostbitten, cut, and nearly drowned, in addition to that nasty cut on her arm. Then she used up what little energy she had left in healing someone."

"Healing wipes her out."

"Yeah."

Satisfied, Ferio gravitated towards the crackling fire, plopped himself down on a chair, and inhaled deeply.

Caitlyn chose to sit on the floor, and yelped when she did. Made of rock, the ground was colder then ice! She threw herself into a chair, much to Ferio's amusement.

When she was comfortable she looked over at him. His unbound hair was about shoulder length and straight. His golden eyes in the light of the fire flickered like molten lava.

"I like your hair. When did you dye it?"

"A couple weeks before this all started happening." Ferio replied, not letting a flash of emotion show in his face to prove he was lying. He didn't have to bother. Caitlyn wasn't very good at reading his real emotions or seeing through his lies. In fact, she was terrible.

"It's cool. Different."

"Thanks."

It's always occurred to me that if I dyed my hair life would be a whole lot easier. I could hide who I am…

But I shouldn't have to.

"So, Ferio, why are you here?" She still harboured doubts about this man, but they were quickly evaporating. Against her better judgement she was beginning to like him, despite the fact that he was half devil.

He rolled his eyes, weary of explaining this. "It turned out we could choose our sides. Guenivere chose Kyu. That left me free to come here." Another half-lie. He made it sound as if he had to come here. His mask was in place, his façade up and running.


"No! No, honey, you take seventh!"

"No I don't! I keep going down the highway till we get to Corchburn Ave."

"Turn! Turn! Haku! You missed the turn!"

"That was seventh. I don't turn onto seventh!"

"Great. Now we're lost. Good going, dear."

"Here's our turn right here!" Haku wrenched the wheel around and took the off ramp to Corchburn Ave., the silver Saturn glinting in the afternoon light.

"You're wrong I tell you. Wrong!"

The car rumbled down the dirt and stone pathway.

"There. See Chihiro? There's the stone marker right there!"

"Oh shut up."

Haku brought the car to a gradual stop, took the key out of the ignition and hopped out.

Chihiro came up to him. "Will it be hard for you?" She asked tenderly, laying a hand on his arm.

"I've never gone back since I lost my spirit-hood…"

"I know."

"I'm completely mortal now. I can't even speak to the dragons anymore." He croaked.

"I'm so sorry."

He grasped her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Stop that." He told her sternly. "I've told you before and I'll tell you again. I made my choice. I would never have been able to live without you."

She gave him a small smile. "Right. Let's go."

Hand in hand they walked through the portal.


Ferio stared into the fire. Caitlyn had left, presumably to go and fetch Pauline, Linda and Akira. He had changed into dry clothes, hanging his wet things out on a line in the corner to dry. He didn't notice the things however, as he sorted through his own thoughts.

What's happening to me? I'm going against everything I've always believed in. What I promised Mother. The memory echoed in his confused mind.

"Promise me that you won't listen to people who say that you are the devil's child. I am your mother, and you are my son, and that's all that matters. Just because you don't know your father…" and here she had seemed to choke on her words. "Doesn't mean you're the son of a devil. From now on, I don't want you to trust anyone, because no matter what, they will let you down. When you feel emotions, don't let them show on your face, or else people will use you for whatever reason they please. You are smarter, cleverer, than they will ever be. Use them instead for your own devices. Hide your true self sweetheart, and then you will never get hurt."

"Do I have to hide myself from you?

The woman smiled sadly. "No, Ferio. You can always trust me. Just…no one else, all right? Just me. I don't want to see you getting hurt." She had held him close to her, rocking him back and forth. Tears had begun to streak down her face.

"Only you Mama. Don't worry, I'll remember. I love you." Ferio had replied.

I promised myself never to let my guard down. I always distanced myself away from people. Used them. Manipulated them. It didn't matter who they were, or what they looked like. They were in my power. It didn't matter that I didn't have any friends, or loved ones, or, in fact, people that knew me at all. No one else mattered but myself. Who cared if a couple people got upset, as long as I got out all right. The first and only person I had to protect and help was myself.

He looked over at Morgaine, lying as straight as a board, hands folded in her lap, sleeping peacefully.

And now my priorities have changed.

I'm changing. I'm not the same cold person I was when I first came here. But…is change such a bad thing?

Mother, I kept my promise to you, and look where it got me. Is this really what you wished for me? No friends, no family, no loved ones? For me to be completely alone all of my life? You were afraid that people would hate me, fear me, and that is why I will always be cautious, and not show my true self unwisely. But what if I had a chance to belong. What if I found a person who accepted me…knew me for who and what I am, and didn't turn away?

Another scene from a far more recent memory reverberated in his mind.

"Morgaine, listen to me. I betrayed you! I used you to get information. I'm a cold-hearted sneak! And even if you were willing to accept me after that, I'm half-Devil! I've got corrupted blood running though my veins. I'm a freak! I've got green hair and yellow eyes! AND I don't know the full extent of my power. I don't know if the Devil in me will take over. On top of that…Oh God, why am I explaining? The label should be enough for you! I'm HALF-DEVIL, all right? I'm the Devil's son!"

"That doesn't matter to me!"

Time had seemed to freeze back then, and Ferio remembered staring at the Elemental of Wind's face, as if seeing her for the first time. Her eyes, always so veiled, showed raw emotion, radiating like a beacon. And…

"You're crying?" He had whispered, unable to believe it. She always hid her emotions, like himself. Why was she crying? He still felt the bewilderment he had then.

Morgaine had wiped at the tears that rolled down her cheeks, but made no effort to stop them. "Now, you listen to me. I don't care if you're half-devil! You're still the person you are, no matter who your parents were. And you betrayed us with good reason. I'm still furious at you for that, but I understand. And…" She swallowed hard, tears still streaking down her face. "You're not a cold-hearted sneak. Sometimes you pretend to be, but you're not. Maybe it was stupid of me to trust you at first, because at the beginning you were using me for your own means, but then you changed. You're a caring, kind, selfless person, and I ca-"

So now what do I do, Mum? Do I keep your death wish? Or do I follow my mind, heart and soul? I turned her…and the rest of them away once, because I thought it was necessary. I won't get a second chance. If I spurn them away now, there will be no coming back.

I feel like I have to do this. It feels so right…but there is always my promise to you, overshadowing everything. I have to make a choice.

Mother, what would you do?

A light touch on his shoulder startled him. He jumped.

"Oh, did I scare you?"

He turned in his seat. Morgaine stood behind him, a blanket draped over her shoulders. She was shivering a little.

"Morgaine, you shouldn't be out of bed." He said, his face impassive.

"So emotionless?" She questioned him, her voice soft and mild. Without waiting for an answer, she continued. "Do you mind if I sit?"

"No. Go ahead." He said in level tones.

She pulled up a plush blue velvet armchair and couldn't stifle or disguise the sigh that emitted from her mouth when she lowered herself into it, the relief and comfort it gave her almost overwhelming. She winced, and forcibly minimized her shivering, so he wouldn't send her back to lie down.

After a moment's silence, she asked. "Did I interrupt your thoughts?"

"No, don't worry about it."

"About earlier…"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry about crying in front of you. I couldn't help it"

He shrugged. "No big deal. Besides, it's not every day a chick cries in a guy's shoulder."

She blushed, then grinned, seeing the mischievous look in his eyes. "I think I soaked your shirt, though. Is that why it's hanging out to dry?"

He chuckled.

The tension between them eased.

She's acting a lot more relaxed then she used to. Ferio realized. Why? Is she just more comfortable with the environment now, or…?

"Hey."

"Yeah?" He replied.

"Thanks for being there. For me." When I needed you. She added silently.

He gave a small smile, hearing the sincerity in her word, though she made them sound offhand. He marvelled in the seriousness of the tone, before he broke it.

"That's what dreamy hunks like me are for, right?"

She punched him in the arm, snorting. "You, dreamy?"

"You don't think I'm dreamy, Morgaine?"

She was caught off guard. She tried to formulate an answer in her churning mind, to stutter something out. Her turmoil lasted only a few seconds, but it seemed like forever.

Ferio grinned at her. "Oh it hurts. I think I might waste away, without you thinking I'm good looking."

She wrinkled her nose at his antics, and then reached out to pat his shoulder. "Don't despair. I'm sure there's gotta be someone out there who finds you attractive that you'll end up caring for."

"Yeah…" There was something in his voice… He seemed distant, buried in his own thoughts. "There is."

Morgaine drew her hand away. He looked up and took hold of it. It was shaking.

"You cold?" He asked, his eyes boring into hers.

She looked away. "A little. But I'm fine."

He stood, retrieved another blanket from her makeshift bed, and put it over her shoulders.

"Thank you." She whispered.

He smiled warmly at her, then his eyebrows furrowed when he heard a knocking at the door. He went to go answer it.

Pauline and Caitlyn stood inside the doorway. "Let us in." Pauline demanded. "We're soaking wet, and that's no fun."

"What's the magic word?" Ferio said solemnly.

"Ferio!" Caitlyn cried.

"It's our hut! We came here first!" replied Pauline.

"Pauline!" exclaimed Caitlyn.

"Tut tut. Where are your manners?" Ferio put his hand to his cheek, as if in thought.

"She doesn't have any. Ferio, please?" Caitlyn added.

Ferio opened the door completely and moved to allow them entrance. Both girls wrung out their hair, making noises of complaint referring to the weather.

"Oh. Ferio, Akira wants to talk to you. Just about your battle plans and any information you might have gathered while being on the other side. He said it's urgent." Caitlyn remembered.

Ferio sighed. "Very well. Where is he?"

"In the old tempura shop. It's five doors down to your left. It's got a big blue neon sign. You can't miss it."

He nodded, and with only one glance back at the figure by the fire, he left.

Both Pauline and Caitlyn walked up to Morgaine. She was looking at the ground, embarrassed, ashamed and frightened. She looked so lost…

Pauline proffered a large, white mug she held in her hands. "It's chamomile tea, mixed with a bit of honey. I created the water so it would be completely pure, and Caitlyn boiled it. It'll make you feel better."

Morgaine turned her head away.

"Morgaine, come on. You look terrible. I know how you love tea when you're ill." Pauline coaxed. "And you look really cold. Do you have a fever?" She reached out to touch her head, and yanked her head away. "You're burning up!"

Morgaine did not speak.

"Please?" Caitlyn said quietly.

Morgaine looked up at the Elemental of Fire, and there were unshed tears threatening to spill over in her eyes. "I'm…so sorry."

Caitlyn bit her tongue to stop herself crying. "Me too."

"What I said was so mean, and so cruel. I didn't mean any of it. I understand…" She stifled a sob, and started again. "I understand if you can't forgive me. If you don't want to be friends anymore. If you can't stand the sight of me. I'll never forgive myself for what I've done."

Caitlyn drew a shaky breath. "No, Morgaine, no! Of course I forgive you!" Tears spilled down her cheeks. "If you forgive me."

"Caitlyn, you did nothing wrong. It was all me. I'm so sorry. I'm just…so sorry. For everything."

"So, we're still friends then?" Caitlyn asked timidly, after an awkward silence.

Morgaine sniffed, and gave her a watery smile. "If you'll have such a terrible person as one."

Caitlyn stumbled forward and hugged the Elemental of Wind, who hugged back. "Of course I will. And you're not a terrible person! Let's just forget it ever happened."

"Now." She ordered. "Drink your tea like a good girl."

Morgaine stuck out her tongue. "Yes, Mommy. You're too forgiving." She accepted the cup from Pauline.

Pauline looked a little lost. "I have no idea what's going on." She exclaimed, when Caitlyn questioned her as to why she was so perturbed. She was told to forget about it.

"Grab a seat." Morgaine gestured at the chairs. Caitlyn and Pauline pulled over two cushioned, wooden, rickety chairs beside her.

The three of them slowly began to relax and unwind. Three friends, together by themselves, for the first time since…they couldn't even remember the last time it had been just them. The tension dissipated, and they begun chatting. About little things. Insignificant things. Their way of finding a little bit of sanctuary, pretending all of this wasn't important, or even as if it wasn't happening. Pauline spoke first.

"So, how are you feeling Morgaine?"

"Much better already. My fever will probably break overnight and then the tomorrow or the day after I'll be pretty much healed."

"That's good."

Pauline nodded, and then looked downcast. "Did you here about Akira and Tamiko?"

"Huh? Aside from the general knowledge, nope."

"I heard that every day, he talks to her in his mind. He's still planning to rescue her."

"That poor man." Morgaine murmured.

"I hope I feel that strongly about someone someday." Caitlyn put in dreamily. She saw Pauline flinch. "Oh my gosh, Pauline, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring back memories…"

"That's okay." Pauline flashed her a wide grin. "I miss him, is all. Don't worry about it!"

Caitlyn smiled apologetically. "Hey, what about that Ferio, eh?"

"What about him?" Morgaine replied defensively. "He's not evil. He's on our side."

"If you say so. What happened?"

She told them everything that she wished to share.

At the end, Caitlyn was agape. "He rescued you from drowning? You were drowning?"

Morgaine nodded affirmation.

"I'm so sorry I made you go off alone!"

"It's okay. By the way, I heard about what happened to you and Lantis."

Caitlyn didn't speak.

"Are you okay?"

Caitlyn smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. It could have been a lot worse if Pauline hadn't been there. But, about Ferio…I think he likes you!"

"What?" Morgaine exploded, before she could stop herself. The reaction threw into a fit of hacking coughs. Both of her friends winced. When she finally stopped, she took a gulp of the herbal tea. Her cheeks were flaming red, whether from coughing or the proposition they weren't sure.

"That didn't sound too healthy." Pauline commented dryly. Caitlyn laughed at the understatement.

Morgaine set her tea down calmly, and said in an unruffled voice, as though her previous outburst hadn't happened: "That's ridicules. He flirts like that with everyone."

"The demon boy?" Pauline asked Caitlyn, surprised. "And her?"

"Stop calling him that." Morgaine flared, and then became collected once more. "This is crazy. Absolute madness."

"You're trembling." Pauline teased her. "And you're blushing."

"I'm trembling because I am cold, and I am not blushing, I'm flushed. If you haven't noticed yet, I'm sick and feverish." Morgaine replied levelly, taking another sip of her tea.

"He saved your life twice…no three times, carried you back here, took care of you, changed sides because of you, stayed by your side the whole time you were ill and sleeping…"

Morgaine raised both eyebrows. "He changed sides because we represent what he believes in. Not because he feels anything for me. Besides." She looked down at herself. "What is there to like?"

"Oh, don't give me that crap." Caitlyn said sharply. "You're very pretty, and smart, and funny. And, you're a lot like him, in the way that you hide your true feelings. You're a bit of a challenge to get to know, and to gain your trust. And you're mysterious, mature…"

"You mean I act like an old lady…"

"Mature." Caitlyn interrupted firmly. "You don't go crazy hyper and make a fool of yourself like the rest of us. You're really intelligent, so you and him can talk about really philosophical things that the rest of us don't get…"

"Hey!" exclaimed Pauline.

Morgaine raised an eyebrow. "If you say so. But still, he doesn't like me."

"Believe what you want. Do you like him?"

Her mouth dropped open, she was startledby the attack from behind.Suddenly, a huge gust of wind from the evening storm outside slammed open the wooden door, and rain began to pour in.

"I'll get it!" Morgaine cried out to cover her embarrassment and confusion. She stood hurriedly, sagged back into the chair, and began to cough, covering her mouth with both of her hands, and drawing the blankets around her.

"You stay where you are. We'll get it." Caitlyn ordered, and she and Pauline both sprung from their seats.

It took both of them pushing on the wooden slat with all their body weight to shut the door again. It closed with a resounding thud, the drumming rain making a pounding noise on the pine.

The two throughout soaked girls sat down again, only to have the door fly open once more. With cries of frustration, Pauline and Caitlyn leapt up.

"Don't worry. It's just us." Akira came through the door, followed by Ferio and a rather timid looking Linda.

"Is it all over?" Linda asked, almost as if she was afraid of the answer.

Pauline nodded.

"Yay!" Linda smiled happily. She skipped over to the fire, and gave Morgaine a hug around the shoulders. "And how is Doeby feeling?"

"You're very wet Linda." Morgaine said evenly. Linda didn't let go. "Very wet."

Linda began chatting animatedly to Pauline.

Morgaine finally gave up on subtlety. "Linda?"

"Yep?"

"Let go. You're dripping water all over me."

"Oh, sorry." Linda relinquished her hold, only to curl up in front of the fire like a contented cat.

Meanwhile, Akira and Ferio had grabbed seats and pulled them up next to the fire, and chuckled while they watched the whole exchange.

"How are you feeling?" Ferio asked Morgaine.

"Fine, thanks." Pink tinged her cheeks as Pauline and Caitlyn started giggling, but no one could see her flush in the firelight.

"What's your problem?" Akira asked them.

"Nothing. We just thought of something funny." Caitlyn said before Pauline could talk.

Ferio narrowed his eyes at the Elemental of Wind. "You're lying. How was she when I was gone?" He asked of Caitlyn and Pauline.

"She was coughing a lot. And she has a high fever." Caitlyn managed to say in all seriousness before she began to laugh again. Pauline had dissolved into tears of mirth.

"You should really rest, Morgaine." Akira put in. "We're running out of time. I have a war council tomorrow with Kyu and Guenivere. It's conceivable that the war will begin the day after, or possibly even tomorrow afternoon."

Morgaine tapped her foot, obviously displeased. "I don't need mothering. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, I'm not tired. And even if I was I wouldn't be able to sleep with these two hyper." She stopped short when Linda started full out laughing. "And what's your problem?" Morgaine demanded.

"I just felt like laughing!" Linda said breathlessly, before bursting out again.

Morgaine pinched the bridge of her nose. "I present you with…my friends. Crazy, hyper, and stark raving mad. Any moment now, and they'll start singing."

There was a moment of silence as Linda, Pauline and Caitlyn exchanged mischievous looks, the idea just occurring to them.

"No. No singing." Morgaine put in hurriedly. "Please."

"Sorry, Mummy."

"Why do you call me that?"

Something seemed to occur to Caitlyn, and she sobered immediately, unnoticed by everyone else. Pauline launched into one of her many comical stories, and everyone laughed.

Finally Caitlyn couldn't take it any more.

"What is wrong with everyone?" She cried out. "How can you be so light-hearted? Hasn't it occurred to you all that this could be the last time we could all be together? The war is coming, and people will die! And it's almost certain that some of those casualties will be us! We might not all be here tomorrow! Look at us. I was in a position today where I could've been killed, Ferio would've been dead now if it weren't for Morgaine's healing magic, and Morgaine herself almost died twice today! Can't you see it?"

A dead silence settled over the group like a heavy blanket.

Finally Morgaine spoke, gently, consolingly. "Caitlyn, they are light hearted because they wish to put those thoughts out of their minds. Yes, we might die tomorrow. So shouldn't we enjoy our last night together, instead of sitting in the corner, afraid and depressed? Here and now, we are warm, safe and content, with our friends around us. Here and now, let us focus on what we have gained in our time together, not what we might lose."

Caitlyn nodded dully.

Pauline clapped. "Yay! That was the most serious, cheesy speech I have heard in a long time."

Morgaine wrinkled her nose at her.

"She's right though." Akira added. Caitlyn snarled at him and turned away. She's still angry at me then.

So they stayed up, telling stories, playing games and singing songs. Pauline lead a verse of Flavour of The Week, Caitlyn started a charades game, which created masses of hysterics, especially when Linda did one of Pauline. Then, slowly, as the night wore on, the tone went more serious, and they sat back in their chairs. Just talking. The rain outside stopped, and a soft, caressing breeze blew through the window, comforting, carrying the scent of damp earth. The powerful scent seemed to loosen tongues.

Caitlyn seemed to be turning over something in her mind. She said, calmly, out of the blue. "Is anyone else here frightened?"

"Me." Pauline stuck her hand in the air and waved it around. "Definitely."

Linda sat up from where she had been lying on the ground. "I'm scared witless."

"I am." Akira put forward.

Both Ferio and Morgaine said nothing, but the man's curled fists spoke for him, as did Morgaine's lips, pressed so hard together they were turning white.

Caitlyn let out a shaky breath she was holding. "So I'm not alone then."

Akira let out a laugh like a bark. "On this night? In this place? The feeling is boiling in the heart of every Elemental."

Linda, Pauline and Ferio all agreed, interrupting each other to get their statements out there.

"And yet…" The quiet voice was Morgaine's. Her tone was hushed, but everyone heard, stopping his or her conversation to listen to what she had to say.. Her head was down, and she was looking at her fair skinned hands, folded in her lap. "And yet…" She looked up, smiling softly. "I'm glad I'm here."

She averted her gaze from the stares of the rest of those present. "I know I sound crazy. It's just…this whole experience. I've met new people, learned new things and I've changed. What I've gained here I would never give up." She grinned crookedly. "Maybe I am crazy."

"Are you kidding me? You're mad, Morgaine. Raving! But…you make a lot of sense." Pauline said, frowning slightly.

Ferio grinned. "Yeah. I mean, back home I wouldn't be sitting around a fire with three chicks." He leaned back in his chair, looking completely content, hands behind his head, eyes closed. Then he bolted up, and turned to Akira. 'I hope you didn't think that that included you."

Pauline laughed so hard she burst into tears, once again.

A deep breathing could be heard as an undercurrent to their talking. Morgaine was asleep, weariness finally overcoming her willingness to stay awake. She had curled up in the massive armchair, the blankets she had been covered with sliding off her shoulders and down to a useless pile of cloth behind her back. Her arms were wrapped around her bent knees, one hand intertwined with another. The frostbite on her body was already fading, and the various cuts and bruises were already healed. Her head rested on her shoulder.

"We had probably all get to bed now, to be fresh for tomorrow morning." Akira said. He spoke not as he had moments before, but in the commanding tones of a leader. As everyone got up and stretched, Pauline raised the question of whether they should just leave Morgaine in the chair, or if someone would pick her up and put her back into her bed. Wordlessly, Ferio walked over to the Elemental of Wind, put one arm under her knees and the other behind her back and lifted her easily.

Walking to her bed, he carefully lowered her in it, putting his hand under her head to make sure it didn't hit the floor. Linda brought over the scrunched up blankets from the armchair, and covered her with them. She stirred, then settled.

"Goodnight everyone." Pauline said jovially, climbing under her own covers. Caitlyn put out the fireplace with a bucket of water Pauline had filled earlier. It was impossible to see now that the glow of the fire was gone.

"Goodnight Pauline" Replied a voice from the darkness, as everyone found their way to their own beds.

"Who was that?" She questioned.

"Akira."

"Oh. Caitlyn?"

"Yeah?"

"Goodnight."

"Night."

"Linda?" Pauline furthered.

"Hmm?"

"Good Night."

"G'night."

"Morgaine?" Silence. Again. "Morgaine?"

'She's asleep, dolt."

"Oh well. Good night anyway. Ferio? Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

"Akira?" It took a moment for them all to realize Pauline had started again. Akira himself clued in first.

"Pauline, shut up and go to sleep."

"Fine! No goodnight for you."

"I already got one."

Pauline muttered something, and then went to sleep.

One by one they drifted off.


Tamiko sat on the edge of the beach, running her fingers through the water. A little farther up the white sands, illuminated only by the moonlight, hundreds of elementals were readying for war. Fire pits burned all along the beach. There would be no war council, as she well knew. Guenivere would meet Akira halfway up the beach, supposedly to talk about where and when they would be fighting. Kyu's warriors would be hidden in the trees, ready to massacre him and the five Elementals he was allowed to bring with him. And then they would storm their camp, wiping out the rest of Akira's side.

She bit her lip, feeling the dragon in her writhing to fight, to attack, to kill.

This is wrong. I shouldn't be here. I still love Akira. Her human side surfaced for a moment, bringing up the thought. Her mind was a rolling mass of turmoil, and it quickly submerged the thought again.

I cannot run, even if I cared to. I would be killed before I got off this beach. Kyu does not let people go lightly.

"Tamiko. Tamiko." She turned at the sound of her name, feeling once again as though she was in a dream. Guenivere stood behind her, her platinum blond hair turned to molten copper in the reflection of the firelight. "It's time to get ready."

"Very well." Tamiko replied. Guenivere recoiled. The Oriental girl's eyes were not human, and her fangs…she swallowed her panic and grasped Tamiko's clawed hand. "Come on!"

Tamiko numbly followed the Elemental of Light up to the bustling crowds around the flames, thinking to herself. I have a choice to make. Shall I remain a human, or shall I embrace my spirit side, and become a dragon?

Mortal or immortal?


Morgaine awoke with a cry. She sat up in bed, wrapping her arms around herself to clutch at her back.

The moon, three quarters full, shone a pale, white light through the window and onto her bed, illuminating everything in its soft glow.

She bent over in pain, letting out a strangled sob, not bothering to hide it because everyone was asleep. Her breathing was harsh as she squeezed her eyes shut tight against the hurt.

"Are you all right?" The voice was warm, and male. She opened her eyes to find Ferio crouching next to her. He had been obviously awakened by her cry.

"I'm fine." She said. "A bad dream." She turned her face away, so he would not see the tears rolling down her face, shining silver in the moonlight.

He put his forefinger under her chin and wiped away her tears with his thumb. "You wouldn't be crying from a bad dream."

She could have throttled him. Since when did he know so much about her? "It's my back." She admitted, gritting her teeth against another wave of pain. "My shoulder blades to be precise."

He lightly ran a hand down her spine "You have really large shoulder blades." He commented. She shivered at his touch, then looked up and cocked an eyebrow. "No I don't, they're barely…" She stopped short as he brushed his fingers against them. They stuck out like angel's wings. "What's wrong with me?" She whispered, her voice hoarse. She began to tremble, frightened. "What's happening to me?"

"Shh." He rubbed her back, comforting her. "I don't know, but why don't we ask Akira tomorrow. He's more experienced with the spirit world then either of us." It hurt him to see her so helpless, and he was unable to do anything about it.

Be careful Ferio. You haven't yet decided whether or not to break your promise to your Mother. Don't get too close to Morgaine before you decide tomorrow what you will do.

She nodded. She tried to hide what she felt from him, but she was to upset to do it well. "Okay. Thank you Ferio." She kept her voice level.

He stroked her hair. "I know you're frightened, but we'll see if we can do something about it tomorrow."

There. The little flicker in her eyes to show that his knowing how she felt surprised her.

"Now, just go to sleep."

She lay back down, and he continued to stroke her bangs from her brow as she faded away. In a small, tired voice, she asked. "Why are you always with me, taking care of me, saving my life, talking to me? Why do you care about me? The others are far more interesting."

He opened his mouth to reply, but stopped when he realized her breathing was deep and slow. She had just gone to sleep.

He stood, crossing over to the window and looking out at the slumbering houses. So many people will die tomorrow, on both sides.

I pray that we five are not some of them.


Well! There's chapter…thirty seven I think. Sorry about the fluff and the mush, but it's the build-up right before the war, so there's got to be the calm before the battle.

Don't worry, the next chapter will be the all out massacre/war/battle/blood fest. Action filled! The climax of the story is just ahead folks! Some great plot twists and surprises coming up!

Thank you all so much for your reviews! 400! That's amazing!

As you may note, I have changed my pen name, since I find myself no longer liking anime as much as I used to. Miyazaki films are still the greatest of all time, and I'll still watch Takahashi. But I've pretty much one over that phase of my life.

Howl's Moving Castle was AMAZING...except for the last five minutes. I mean..."I am the prince from the neighbouring land and love's true kiss woke me up but I can see you do not love me so I will hop away on my stick." For goodness's sakes!

All my readers….you rock!

Elemental of Wind