AN: Hello everyone I am proud to bring you the next instalment of 'Ice and Snow'. I'm sorry it took so long, but at least this time it's three months instead of four, XD. Fair warning the first half of this chapter is utter lovey doveiness, so be forwarned. After that though it's not so bad. If any of you are fans of Sleeping Beauty I swear I'll get to it sometime soon. Sorry...

I don't own Rayearth, or DNAngel or the orgianl fairy tale of Ice and Snow or Ice and Dark, seriously are there any of you left who think I do?

15. Ice and Dark

Fairytales and legends that are handed down often have messages, usually warnings. In this 'enlightened' world it seems nearly impossible to find the grain of truth among these tales, watered down and revised into nice safe stories to fit our modern view that everyone's story deserves a happy conclusion…

But the truth is…

not all stories have a happy ending.

Eagle took a deep breath of the crisp night air. It was growing colder so a moment earlier he had taken his cloak and pulled it over Umi's slight frame. She was curled up by his side, the long folds of her dress strewn around him like ripples in a pool.

They had made themselves comfortable beneath a large willow like tree some time ago, it's weeping branches hung low and danced in the cool wind. Neither of them had much of a desire to rejoin the others, at least for the time being.

Gazing down he tenderly stroked her cheek. Her eyes were closed, her head resting on his shoulder and a gentle smile lingered on her lips. He trailed fingers down her arm as his lips found the soft skin behind her ear. His lips smiled against her skin as he heard her let out a girlish giggle. He felt the cool wind raise goose bumps on her skin and pulled his cloak completely off his shoulders and over hers.

The weather really had become strange of late, as if the seasons were turning backwards, it should be well into mid-spring by now, but it felt more like winter was trying to claw back and sink her icy nails in.

He pulled up taking another deep breath, it fogged in front of his lips as he tilted his head towards the heavens, one hand absently caressed Umi's pale shoulder, his thumb moving in a gentle circular motion. Patches of clear night sky showed though the branches and cloud cover that was beginning to form. It looked like it might try to snow.

'Snow…' he pondered, 'like in my dream.'

Umi's head rose with his chest at the deep breath and she shifted to look up at him, "Are you tired?"

"Hum?" He looked down at her, "Oh no, I'm fine…just thinking."

"About what?" she inquired.

"A variety of things" he grinned at her and then added, "Lately, I've been having this dream, it changes slightly, but its always full of snow, sometimes red snow, and this terrible feeling…" he seemed to unconsciously tighten his arm around her, as if the thought were uncomfortable. "Just such a heavy feeling…" he buried his farce into the hair at the base of her neck once again, trying to replace the uncomfortable feeling with her strong aura.

Taking another deep breath he relished her scent, her hair had a light floral aroma to it, but her natural scent was more like water on parched ground. It was nearly intoxicating. He traveled down her neck, his lips just barely above her skin. The hair on the back of her neck stood up as he exhaled; the rush of hot breath across her skin sent a shutter down her body.

She felt him chuckle and blushed, burying her face into the fabric of his shirt, "Must you laugh at me?" she sounded somewhere between embarrassed and miffed. This was all new to her; during her brief attempt at a relationship with Ascot he'd never been so…sensual. Yes, that was the right word, at the time she would have been lucky to hold Ascot's hand without him fainting or going into a panic.

"I'm sorry," Eagle repressed another chuckle, kissing her forehead. "I couldn't help myself." He sifted his fingers though her hair, "So what were we talking about now?" he changed the subject in an effort to pacify her.

It seemed to work, "Your dream?" she settled back into his arms her head nestled in the crook of his neck.

"Humm," he murmured, "I'm not sure what the meaning of it is, or why it's always full of snow. Each time I have the dream it's easier to remember what's in it. The last time I heard someone say, "No more time…" " he sighed; it seemed his lack of understanding of the subject vexed him greatly.

"No more time…?" she repeated softly. "Time for what?"

"I don't know, but for some reason it reminds me of that story you told me before I woke from my coma." Eagle mused. He suddenly felt Umi stiffen, "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing…it's just…it does sound a lot like that story I told you, at least the snow and time part…" she went silent after that.

"Perhaps my imagination has gotten the better of me and my dreams are showing it" he joked halfheartedly. Eagle glanced down at her, her fair skin was wrinkled between her eyebrows, she was deep in thought. "What are you thinking about?"

"You know…about that story, it's really a lie." She answered softly.

"Excuse me?" he blinked in confusion, "You mean it's not a real story?"

"Well no, do you remember I told you that it had two different versions?" He nodded and she continued, "You see the story I know as "Ice and Snow" is a revision, a watering down you could say, of the original tale. The original tale is much harsher, and isn't even called "Ice and Snow."

"It's harsher…?" Eagle didn't want to think of what could be more tragic than what she'd already told him.

"Yes, for the true title of "Ice and Snow" is…"Ice and Dark."

A story full of ice…

…and darkness."

ooo

There was a rustle of fabric as Camry shifted his weight, he leaned over to grab his boots after buckling his belt and began to pull them on his feet. Solara shifted and rolled over, her pale skin barely visible in the muted light of the single magical candle in the room. "Leaving so soon?" she rested her head in one hand her elbow on the coverlet.

"Well, I've been gone awhile I suspect they're beginning to wonder what became of me, I'm sure your sister will begin looking for you as well." He pulled on and buckled up his other boot.

Solara sighed and slid up behind him wrapping her cool arms around his neck and rested her head on his bare shoulder. Her blond hair fell over his chest, like silk spun from gold. "Typical man, you get what you want and leave…"

"Oww…" Camry put his hand to his chest in mock pain, "That was a low blow." He chuckled twining his fingers in her hair and turned over his shoulder to kiss her lightly. "Alas even you and I can not be out of place for too long, hopefully we will soon be able to end this little game of ours." He seemed to enjoy the idea, "I would pay good money to see the look on your sister's face…"

"Camry…" she sighed and rolled her eyes, "You enjoy riling my sister far too much." Reaching over the edge of her bed she grabbed his shirt and handed it to him with one hand, the other arm was wrapped around her chest holding the fabric to her skin.

"Aren't you suppose to be the older sister?" he teased and took his shirt, pulling it over his head his pale white hair falling into his face.

Solara reached up and combed his locks back into place with her fingers, "Think of me while you're gone and stay out of trouble for at least a while, please?"

Reaching up he held her face, "Always" he answered her first question and kissed her quickly, softly and then parted from her tossing his cloak over his shoulders. "Trouble, me? You know me better than that."

"That's what worries me…" she gave him a glare.

He chuckled and bowed to her as he disappeared into the shadows, "Until we meet again love."

Solara gave a worried sigh after he left curling up into her blankets where his scent still lingered. 'If only such simple joys could last forever.' Sighing once more she rose and began to dress herself.

ooo

Umi gazed up at Eagle for a long moment and then took a deep breath and began her telling of the original story…

The original story of 'Ice and Dark' is much more tragic than its weak revision, 'Ice and Snow.'

In truth there were three friends, Freedert and her two best friends since childhood…

…Elliot and Kyle.

Elliot was the Duke's son and of a completely different class than Freedert and Kyle, but that didn't stop them from becoming good friends.

But eventually Freedert and Elliot were drawn to each other more and more.

Perhaps they weren't even sure when their love began, few are, but it was very real.

But then the Wars began…and Elliot was sent into battle.

Death lies in wait for all warriors on the battlefield so Elliot asked his best friend Kyle to take care of Freedert should anything happen to him.

"Of course, I'll take care of her, Elliot. I'll protect her, no matter what happens."

After hearing his promise Elliot left…

But Kyle…his own feelings for Freedert drove him mad with jealousy…until he felt only hate for his former best friend.

Even if Elliot and Freedert lived happily ever after, he would never be free of these feelings. So he went to the village's sacred guardian and protector, the Toki no Byoushin or the Second Hand of Time.

And he prayed for something…

Evil…

"Please! Take away Elliot's time! I know it's wrong, but I can't just let him have her! If he dies in battle it will be a hero's death! And Freedert…if only there were no Elliot, maybe…"

His wish was granted.

During battle, Elliot was struck by an arrow…and killed.

But the arrow didn't belong to an enemy…or an ally. Those who saw it claimed it was a giant iron spear the looked like the second hand of a clock.

When she heard of Elliot's death Freedert begged the Toki no Byoushin to take her life instead. She prayed saying, "Please, give all my time to him."

Kyle never ever considered that his beloved Freedert would give up her life for Elliot's sake.

When Elliot, restored to life by Freedert's wish, finally returned, the town had fallen into ruins. The townspeople had all vanished and Freedert, who had given her own life to save his, was breathing her last.

"If my life is continuing by her light…then I return it all back to her." Taking the sword Freedert had given him when he left for the war, Elliot thrust it though his own heart.

But…

While the Toki no Byoushin could exchange their time…

It couldn't create more.

It couldn't restart time that had stopped.

As Elliot lay dying his sword began to glow strangely in his hand…

Umi stopped then.

"Is that the end?" Eagle asked perplexed.

She nodded gently.

'It ends just like that, but somehow it feels more real than the other version, no pretty ending all tied up with a bow, life rarely ends so nicely. But what the girl said in the story…"Please, give all my time to him."…the same as my dream' he pondered a moment but then sighed and looked back at her. "Umi you really shouldn't think about such sad stories too often, or it'll only get worse" he smiled leaning down closer to her.

"What will get worse?" her eyebrows scrunched together at her confusion.

A part of Eagle must have been feeling suicidal or perhaps he wasn't completely healed and it was messing with his head as he uttered the last words a man should ever say to a woman, "The wrinkles between your eyes" he grinned as if purposely tempting fate.

A rather large vein ticked on Umi's forehead, "Eagle, I was being serious!!" she smacked his shoulder and he laughed scrambling to get to his feet, trying to avoid her wrath.

He stood smiling, his golden eyes filled with boyish mirth, "I was only teasing, I just don't like seeing such a sad look on your face." His face softened as he lent down and easily lifted her off her feet.

"Oh!" Umi said her arms landing on his strong chest. She automatically latched onto his shoulders to steady herself, bracing herself against him. Her wide blue eyes gazed down at him; she flicked her head to the side trying to rein in her wild blue hair.

Now it was Eagle's turn to feel a little embarrassed, being around her was such a exhilarating and yet sometimes awkward experience, a strange feeling for him indeed, but he never wanted this feeling to go away, he wanted this feeling to last forever. It was thrilling.

"Eagle?" Umi asked, wondering about the strange expression that crossed his face.

"Oh, nothing…" Eagle set her on her feet, smoothing his uniform out. He smiled reaching up to slide some of hear hair back, "Umi?"

"Yes?" she craned her head up a bit to meet his eyes.

"Do you believe that some things can last forever?" he asked and she surprised him, answering rather quickly.

"You mean like eternal love? No." She smiled.

A pale blond eyebrow rose in surprise, "Really…why not?"

"Eternal love is something that stays the same always, it doesn't change, and that wouldn't be nearly as wonderful as this feeling is now. I don't want that. I want this to only grow stronger. So no, I don't want my love to be eternal."

Eagle thought about her words for a moment, he'd never thought of something eternal as a boring thing. Perhaps she was right though, something that never changed would become tiresome, although he didn't consider that the same a something lasting forever.

He smiled, "Something that doesn't change wouldn't be nearly as fun, but still…" he brushed the back of his fingers along her cheek, leaning forward so his words were very soft, "that will not keep me from trying to make this last forever." He was so close she felt the heat radiating from his skin.

She flushed in pleasure, "I think I would like that."

He kissed her cheek, "As would I." Offering her his arm he spoke again, "Let's go find the others, they'll be worried if we're gone too long."

ooo

Meanwhile, back inside the palace the party was winding down. All of the representatives from Autozam had retired for the night except for Geo and a slightly intoxicated Zazu, who was snoozing in a chair. The others were starting to gather together in a small group.

Fuu enjoyed herself thoroughly, dancing with Feiro until the Prince claimed exhaustion and they joined the others after getting a drink.

Hikaru spent most of her time with Lantis, Presea and the Master Mage, discussing some of the resent events at first but the atmosphere of the party got to them and their conversations had slowly turned to lighter topics, especially after the others began to join them.

Geo sat down in an empty chair across from Lantis leaving Zazu snoring in his chair. He found it somewhat peculiar and amusing that Eagle and the Water Knight were still no where to be found, some two hours after they had disappeared together into the outer gardens.

The brown haired man sighed, of all the things he'd expected of his friend while he was in Cephiro falling in love was not one of them, but he smiled. He couldn't wait until Eagle had to explain this one to his father. There were some political ramifications if their relationship became public, which it most likely would, but knowing Eagle, Geo doubted he would care much.

Eagle had always had an adept understanding of politics, a natural thing for the son of a president. Eagle had once told him he found it rather bothersome and preferred the strait forward military life. Geo scratched his head; perhaps Eagle had finally had enough of battle, not that he would blame him. Maybe, after this current threat to Cephiro had been dealt with, they could all find a little peace. After reaching his conclusion Geo pulled from his reflections into the current conversation.

"I still wish we knew what happened to Camry, I hope he's alright," Hikaru sighed, "it's been almost a week since we came back."

"He ran back down the hall to hold them back while we jumped though that water mirror, I don't know how well he fared after that…" Fuu added as she sipped at her drink.

"Oh I'm quite fine thank you, despite my age I'm more resilient than I look." Came a voice from behind Hikaru.

The redhead looked up to see the ever elusive Camry leaning over her slightly from behind her chair, his elbows resting on its back. Cat ears popped out as the girl 'meeped' in surprise and launched herself, fluffy pink dress and all, at Lantis.

The slightly bewildered Cail caught her before she ended up on the floor in a rather unladylike position.

"Cam…Camry?" she stammered out.

"My apologies," the elder man chuckled, "that probably wasn't the best thing for me to do, given the times." He walked around Hikaru's chair, the soft hiss of fabric was the only sound he made as he passed by Lantis, his footfalls were completely silent.

Hikaru overcame her initial surprise and hopped away from Lantis and threw her arms around Camry's waist. "You're ok! I'm so glad; I thought something bad might have happened to you!"

Lantis found Camry's expression as he looked down at Hikaru perplexing; there was an interesting mix of surprise and something else at her concern over him that Lantis couldn't place. Camry smiled, but somehow Lantis thought the smile seemed painful. There was something about his gaze that always seemed sad when he looked at Hikaru, Lantis wondered why.

"Thank you Hikaru but you needn't worry." Camry patted her head.

"We were worried about what happened to you after we left; we thought you'd return not long after us." Fuu commented.

"Well…" Camry rubbed the back of his head as he sat down in a chair Clef had just created, "I guess you could say I was a little busy…"

Fuu had a hard time telling, but she could have sworn he flushed for just an instant.

"So I hope everyone is well, how did the commander fair?" Camry asked.

"Oh he's much better and Umi is too." Hikaru chirped and went back to her seat.

Presea handed her a cup of tea and started to pour more glasses for the others.

"That's good to hear." Camry glanced about, "I see you've been having a party while I was gone."

"Yes and no" Fuu spoke, "we also addressed the other countries on the situation here and they've agreed to send reinforcements should the need arise. Oh yes, this is Geo, a friend of Eagle's and second in command from Autozam." She gestured to Geo.

Camry's red eyes flicked over to Geo.

"This is Camry; he's the person we were talking about before that's been helping us. He's from Cephiro…err well Cephiro a long time ago anyways." Hikaru added.

"So you're Camry, your reputation proceeds you I see." Geo nodded.

"I'm really nothing special." Camry grinned.

Geo blinked, for just a moment Camry reminded him of Eagle.

"I'm going to go get more tea." Presea set the empty tea kettle down.

"It would be unwise for you to go alone." Camry called after her. "It's impossible to know when the others could cross over again."

"I'll come with ya!" Caldina hopped up and followed Presea.

"Well Clef did put up a barrier to keep anyone from getting in unless he let them." Hikaru wondered aloud.

"That is correct." Clef nodded.

"So then how was Camry able to cross though?" Fuu questioned.

"Ah, the good Guru was kind enough to add recognition magic to the barrier, so it allowed me though." Camry rested his head in one hand. "Now what was the business you were talking about, with Autozam sending reinforcements?"

"Oh, well we spoke Chizeta and Fahren as well. If things should take a turn for the bad they've agreed to send aide along with Autozam." Fuu answered.

Camry nodded, "I see" was his only comment.

Fuu and Hikaru exchanged glances but said nothing, assuming Camry would tell them if they needed to know something, on his own time, as he seemed to work that way.

ooo

Sentra grit her teeth in aggravation. She was kneeling before Impreza, "I'm sorry milady we were unable to capture Camry. He escaped into the snow and has most likely crossed over."

Impreza remained silent, her pale face creased with a deep frown, "It is most unfortunate," she finally commented almost speaking to just herself, "that the Autozoman commander escaped. Perhaps we underestimated his will if he was able to release himself from the influence of the Ko I had Elantra place in him…" she tapped her fingers upon her throne's armrest, her long nails clicking out a deadly melody. "Most unfortunate indeed…"

Her frown deepened, "You are dismissed" she spoke to Sentra this time. Her face seemed drawn in contemplation as if pondering her next move and then she smiled reaching a conclusion, "Oh yes one more thing."

"Yes, milady?" Sentra paused in the doorway.

"Please send your sister to me. I have something of much importance to discuss with her."

"Milady." Sentra bowed and left to seek her sister.

Moments later Solara stepped though her lady's door.

"Lady?" she questioned.

"Yes, yes my dear, come, come. I have something to ask of you." Impreza stood and walked over to the table where her armor and weapons still lay. Her back to Solara she ran her hand over the hilt of her sword. "Tell me something, how long did you think you could hide it from me?"

Solara saw the flash of metal but couldn't react in time and in that instant she knew that Impreza had seen them. "Camry…" she whispered with a guttural gasp and the word dropped into the silence around her.

ooo

Part way down the hall from the throne room Presea and Caldina caught sight of Umi and Eagle coming back from the outer gardens.

"Aw, ain't they cute?" Caldina whispered and elbowed Presea.

Presea sighed and rolled her eyes to the heavens muttering something under her breath, but she smiled. She had been a little worried about Umi and was relieved when her sprits began to lift after spending time with the commander. Which reminded her…

Caldina bounded forward to meet the two, swinging an arm over Umi's shoulder and squeezing the girl to her chest, "Ya'll missed all the fun!" The dancer winked and said so only Umi could hear, "but I bet you had some fun of your own, hum?"

Umi turned beet red and twitched embarrassingly. "N…n…no not anything like that Caldina!" the water knight hissed back.

"I'm sure everyone had a great time without us." Eagle said and wondered just what the Chizetan woman had said to make Umi turn such a deep shade of red, though it was amusing whatever the reason. "So what was so important that we missed?"

"That guy, you know, like that guy who looks kinda like you, Camry showed up. Scared us all half to death, poor Hikaru jumped clean out of her skin." Caldina laughed.

"Camry's back?!" Umi exclaimed, "So he's alright!"

"Yes, he's with the others now. I'm going to get more tea from the kitchens; he recommended that I not go alone." Presea handed her trey to Caldina, "Would you go get it with Umi, Caldina?" The master smith glanced at Eagle. "I need to speak to you about something" she directed her speech towards him.

Umi seemed slightly confused but followed after Caldina glancing back once to Eagle.

"What seems to be the problem Presea?" Eagle questioned after Umi and Caldina disappeared out of sight.

"Not a problem really, just something that needs to be addressed. When you were captured your weapon was destroyed wasn't it?"

"Yes, she crushed the components in my arm module that housed my weapons, why?" 'and broke my wrist while she was at it…' Eagle added silently.

"Well, while Geo brought plenty of things for you from Autozam…" Presea raised her arms and in a swirl of magic released a sword. "I've had this in my keeping since the girls brought you back." The broad sword was finely made, but simple and elegant in its design. Embedded in the pummel was a stone a deep green color, so dark that in the dim light of the hall it almost looked black. The sword they'd given him to use on the other side.

Eagle frowned, "Why did you keep that?"

"Even if I wanted to I have not the ability to destroy it." The pharle continued, "This sword is made of Kusto, one of the strongest minerals in Cephiro, it's second only to Escudo. Lantis' sword is made of Kusto for example. I suppose one of the Magic Knight's swords would be strong enough to break this sword…but I can't."

"I have no desire to ever use that sword again, no offence to you Presea." Eagle's eyes hardened glancing at the weapon.

"None taken, I don't mind keeping the sword, but it is useless like this. This sword was made for you, by a master pharle by the look of it. In Cephiro weapons are made for one user and one alone, no one else may ever wield this sword."

Eagle gazed unsure at the weapon, he wasn't certain if he wanted to use a sword he'd almost killed two of his dear friends with.

Presea saw his hesitation, "Whatever the reason behind a weapons creation it will follow the will of its master not of the one who forged it. Take this weapon and use it against them, make them regret having forged it for you." She offered the sword hilt first to him and he took it.

She smiled, "Here's a glove gem for it, I made it myself, you've been in Cephiro long enough I'm sure you have the magic to use it."

Eagle grasped the glove and studied the orb like ornamentation on it for a moment and then slid it over his fingers, his sword immediately sucked into the core of the hazel-green stone. "Hum, these are particularly handy…I'm sure they'd make good trade with Autozam." He smiled and tapped the stone.

Presea chuckled as Umi and Caldina returned with the tea and snack cakes.

Eagle slid over towards Umi to snag a cake, but she caught him.

"Geez Eagle not yet, can't you wait until we sit down?" She teased and moved the trey out of his reach, "That much sugar is bad for you."

Caldina was about to comment on how cute this all was when the palace floor rocked beneath them.

Cups and saucers shatter on the floor as everyone tried to steady themselves from the shaking, but it kept coming, over and over again in an almost rhythmic beat.

"What's go'in on?" Caldina hollered over the rumbling.

Eagle gazed up for a moment analyzing the feeling of the barrier around the castle. "Someone's trying to breech the barrier to the castle."

"What? Then we have to get back to the others, they maybe in danger!" Umi dashed forward as quickly as she could in her dress with Eagle, Presea and Caldina not far behind.

ooo

"I wonder where Umi and Eagle are; do you think they're still in the garden?" Hikaru questioned.

"I don't know they have been gone quite awhile…" Fuu answered, her hand slid up to push back her blond hair behind her ear.

"Oh I sure they're fine." Camry grinned, "Actually on my way here I saw…" he suddenly stopped mid-sentence, his eyes looked away and glazed over.

"Camry?" Hikaru who was sitting next to him asked puzzled, "Is something wrong? Camry?" She reached forward and waved her hand in front of his eyes, he didn't blink. "What's wrong with him?" she looked to Lantis.

Lantis gazed at Clef and the mater mage nodded. "You said once before he seemed to stop time during your previous battle, yes?" Hikaru nodded yes and Clef continued, "Those who have the ability to manipulate time often also have the ability to glimpse the future. Which I can only assume is what he is seeing now. It's been a long time since I've met someone with such a power, it doesn't happen often in Cephiro, not even the Pillar had such ability."

'Though if the commander remains with us much longer he too maybe able see as well…' Clef added to himself.

Suddenly Camry shook from his trance and stood quickly, "I'm sorry I have to leave now." By the look on his face they could tell whatever he had seen had not been pleasant.

"Is there anything we can do to help Camry?" Hikaru stood.

"I…" Before Camry could answer the palace shivered with the impact of something powerful against its barrier.

"What's happening?" Geo braced himself in his seat as Hikaru grabbed at Lantis' arm to steady herself as the palace braced itself against another impact.

Zazu woke startled and nearly fell out of his chair. "What's going on?!"

Clef winced as he tried to keep the barrier up around the castle, "Someone is trying to breach the barrier I placed around the castle."

"What?!" Feiro and Fuu said in unison.

"Do you know who?" Fuu questioned.

"One of the women from before, I've felt her aura once before when you were attacked in the garden." Clef raised his staff to strength the magical field.

"Let her though." The words sliced though the chaos like a knife. Camry's voice was sharp as he spoke. He wasn't even looking to them, his eyes were to the shadows, "Let her though Guru" he wasn't asking Clef he was telling him.

"Are you serious, she's one of those women from before who knows what she would do if we let her though!" Feiro protested.

"I beg of you, let her though!" Camry whirled on them, looking every bit like he was about to draw sword, "I will not ask you again, let her though!" Red eyes sharply stared down the master mage and there was something terribly chilling about his voice when Camry spoke again, "Open it, now."

Clef was about to contradict him and Lantis was moving to place himself between the mage and Camry when Umi and the others burst though the doors.

"Do as he says Guru!" Eagle called as they rushed into the group, "It's Solara, she's been helping Camry and she helped me before. It's alright, let her though."

Suddenly Hikaru recalled what Camry had told her before, 'Well, I can't tell you. Unfortunately. Because it would put my friend in even more danger than they already are if someone besides yourself or your friends found out about them.' She gasped, "He's right Clef let her though!"

Clef relented to their demands and released the barrier. A shadow gather and the blond hair of Solara became visible as she crossed over from the other side. "Camry…" it was more a guttural plead than anything else.

Camry rushed forward and caught her before she fell to the floor. Blood began to pool immediately beneath them spreading out around them in a halo of brilliant red. "Solara…"

"I'm so sorry Camry…I couldn't…I just couldn't…" she wheezed and with a sickening realization the others realized why Solara had risked the crossing. The gaping stab wound in her stomach gushed more blood as she gasped for every breath she took.

"Solara, why didn't you call me sooner?" Camry begged of her gently placing a hand over her stomach to slow the bleeding.

Her hand reached up to his face, "I just didn't expect…she knows Camry…." Blood came up with her words, "She knows Camry…"

"Who knows what?" Geo asked.

With sad eyes Umi made the disheartening realization. She knew now also, she knew what those sad icy blue eyes hid so well, what that fleeting glance in the garden between the two of them had meant. "They're lovers…" she said softly.

"What?!" Feiro exclaimed, "Then why did she attack Fuu?"

"Because she's a double agent, pretending to be on one side to help the other. Is the right?" Fuu asked and moved forward.

"Yes, she has been helping me." Camry nodded gently.

Fuu kneeled down next to them; "Healing…" a pale cold hand reached up and stopped her.

"I thank you little one, but it will do me little good. Though I wonder at how easily you forgive me for such a cruel thing that we did and for that I am sorry, and you too Eagle…" Solara turned her eyes to him for a moment, "For leaving you behind to suffer at Elantra's whim."

Eagle shook his head, "It's alright, I know you couldn't do anything for me. You're hands were tied."

"Why can't my healing magic help you? I know I can't heal sickness but wounds I can." Fuu green eyes looked desperate.

Solara's eyes grew darker and she gasped faintly, "Impreza's sword is made from Mal…"

Presea took in a sharp intake a breath, "But that's forbidden!"

"Aye, but she cares little." Camry answered.

"What's forbidden?" Umi questioned.

"Mal is a poisonous mineral, wounds made by it can not be healed by magic of any means, so if the wound is fatal…" Presea said softly.

"Then there isn't anything we can do?" Hikaru asked quietly.

Solara turned her gaze from the others to Camry, "Please, I need you to do something…" she struggled for breath, her hands clawing and grasping at the fabric of his shirt, as if trying to catch the life leaving her. "Please don't let my…" The rest of her words were lost to the others save Camry who leaned forward to hear her.

"Please…promise me that. Please?" She gagged on the blood pooling in her throat.

"I promise." Camry nodded gently.

She seemed to relax then, some of the strain faded from her lovely features. "Come now, such sad faces don't become you…" she glanced at the others and then back to Camry.

"You're not afraid?" Umi asked quietly.

Solara swallowed hard trying to find her voice one last time, her hand clutched at Camry's chest and he tightened his hold on her, trying to make her more comfortable. She managed a soft gasp, "I do not want that to be…" she swallowed her blood back down, "the last thing I ever feel…"

That was too much for Camry and his head dropped to her shoulder, he gently eased her head up so he could say something to just her. She smiled, her eyes darkening, "Always…" and she exhaled, her breath making a soft hiss as it left her and her life left her. Her arm slid away from his chest and hit the cool floor with a soft thump. She didn't move again.

No one stirred for a long, long time, until only Hikaru found the courage, with hot tears on her cheeks, to go to them. She kneeled and closed Solara's eyes and said nothing for a long moment but reached forward and embraced the man in front of her, "I'm so sorry Camry."

And then there was only silence.

An: Hello again, and yes I know I'm evil. Poor Camry I never give him a break it seems...I've been planning on killing her for a while now, poor guy never had a chance. Oh yes, the mineral Mal is a play off of the french, spanish and potoguese word for 'bad' its also where we get the english word malicious. An interesting note there was a time at the very begining of this story that I considered following the orgainl story of Ice and Dark very literally, aren't you glad I changed my mind? I'm on campus right now at my univirsity right now so I need to update this and run to my algerbra class, so you'll have to live with out a preview of the next chapter for now. Thank you for reading.

Over and out, VKiera