It was about nine in the morning. Everyone else had gone to breakfast, but Ashlynn had been looking for Quan Chi for the past twenty minutes. She couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, she spotted Rain wandering down one of the halls. He turned, hearing her approach.
"Have you seen Quan Chi?" she asked.
He nodded, "My Master is out near the shore."
Ashlynn nodded and kept walking, wondering what he was doing all the way out there. During her first six years at the fortress, the ocean had been her only real escape. She made her way out the back of the fortress, down along the path to the shore of the Lost Sea. It was still chilly in mid spring, and she absently wished she had grabbed a jacket. She spotted the sorcerer near the water's edge, he hadn't seen her. As she approached, he didn't turn. She thought it was strange, he must have had something one his mind. He was staring out over the water, arms crossed.
"Hey," she said quietly.
He blinked, but didn't look at her.
"What do you want?" he asked.
He sounded angry, but she had no idea why.
"I um...needed to ask you something," Ashlynn said, unsure if this was a wise idea. He still hadn't glanced at her.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice flat.
She was beginning to reconsider.
"Actually," she said, "Maybe this isn't the best time. I guess it can wait..."
She turned to leave, then realized something.
"It was you," she said, "Wasn't it?"
The sorcerer was still staring at the ocean, "Hmm?"
"Last night," she continued, "In the courtyard. You were listening to us."
He was silent for a moment.
"Yes," he said finally, "It was me."
"Why are you angry?" Ashlynn asked, rubbing her arms to fend off the chill.
"Who said I was angry?" he asked distantly.
Ashlynn shrugged, "Well since you won't even look at me-
He turned so abruptly that she jumped and took a step back.
"Satisfied?" he asked sharply.
She shook her head, "I don't understand what you're so upset about-
"No," he said, turning back toward the ocean, "You do not understand, you never have."
"Then stop being so damn cryptic and maybe I would," Ashlynn said, frustrated.
He looked at her again, his temper rising.
"Are you so thickheaded that you cannot figure it out for yourself!"
She could only stare are him, hurt. She turned to leave, and was surprised to be pulled backward.
"I am talking to you," Quan Chi said, "You cannot keep walking away from me."
She snatched her arm away, "You're right, I still haven't asked my question."
The sorcerer sighed, "What is it Ashlynn?"
"Cherin and Stryker are getting married."
Quan Chi's face remained blank, "And I am sure they are meant for eachother, but what does that have to do with me?"
"They don't have enough money for a wedding," Ashlynn said, keeping her gaze level with his, "I told Cherin I would ask you to help, although I'm starting to think that was a bad idea..."
"How could you possibly think I would help them?" he laughed.
Ashlynn bit her lip.
"Exactly what I thought," she said quietly, "This wedding means a lot to Cherin and to me, I thought maybe that would be enough..."
He glared at her for a few seconds, noting the triumphant smile that was taking over her face.
"All right," he said finally.
Her anger vanished, "Thank you!"
She was so excited that Cherin's wedding was going to work out, and so caught up in her happiness, that she hugged him. As if he were Amilee or Jax. Quickly she pulled away. He was staring at her, wide eyed.
"Uh," she said uncomfortably, "So...thanks again."
Without another word, she walked as fast as she could back to the fortress. The sorcerer remained there after she'd gone, unsure of what to think.
One month later, near the home of Cherin and Stryker...
The wedding had been planned perfectly. A small, white arch stood in front of a row of seats, decorated with roses. The sun was shining, and the weather was absolutely perfect. It was a simple wedding, but gorgeous all the same. Ashlynn and Amilee were inside the house, helping Cherin get ready. She was dressed in a flowing white gown, embedded with tiny white pearls that caught the light when she moved. Amilee had drawn her hair up into a swirl, leaving a few strands near her face. She was beautiful.
"I'm so happy for you," Amilee said, finishing up her makeup while Ashlynn buttoned the back of the dress. Cherin only giggled. There was a knock, and the door opened slightly.
"Come on," Sarah said, peeking inside, "We're ready."
Amilee and Ashlynn left the room, heading outside to their seats. Sarah was singing, while Cherin made her way toward the arch, where Stryker stood, awestruck. The rest of the ceremony went smoothly, with Maria even crying at one point. Afterward, Ashlynn had been talking with Sarah, when she noticed Quan Chi standing near the house. He had decided to come only because it was his money that had paid all of this. He had been standing by, watching the wedding with no apparent interest. Ashlynn approached him, not sure if he was still mad about...whatever he'd been mad about in the first place. He had never told her what it was.
"So you like weddings too huh?" she laughed.
He glanced at her, shaking his head.
"I was kidding," she said, "Lighten up."
He crossed his arms, leaning against the side of the house.
"I only wanted to see what my money has bought," he replied, "and from the looks of this, it is not much."
Ashlynn looked at Cherin, standing near the wedding arch, laughing. For a moment she was jealous of their happiness, but she shook it off.
"I think it's beautiful," she said.
Suddenly the arch exploded in a burst of black fire. Cherin screamed, jumping out of the way just in time. Ashlynn let out a grunt of frustration, Delphine was standing where the arch had been, laughing wildly.
"Such a lovely wedding," the Siren said, seeing Ashlynn approach, "I really do hate to interrupt."
"What do you want?" Ashlynn asked, her voice low and deadly.
"As I have told you," Delphine said, walking closer, "I need the assistance of the sorcerer."
"And as I have told you," Ashlynn said, "He will not help you."
Delphine snorted, the smile wiped from her face.
"You ignorant fool," she spat, "You are a mere child compared to me. What makes you think you can stop me? You are nothing."
"I killed you before," Ashlynn said, "I can do it again."
Delphine laughed, a sound that scratched at Ashlynn's brain like nails on a chalkboard.
"Such strong words," the Siren said, "From such a weak girl. You should watch what you say, your mouth could get you into trouble some day."
Quan Chi was standing beside Ashlynn now, the others crowded around them.
"You know what the wise choice is here sorcerer," Delphine said, focusing her eyes on him, "Join me, and you will have ultimate power."
The sorcerer's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Ashlynn turned to him, worry in her eyes.
"Don't," she said.
Slowly, he moved his eyes from the Siren to the woman standing next to him.
"Well?" Delphine demanded impatiently.
"No," he said finally, "I will not help you."
The Siren looked as if she'd been slapped.
"This is not possible," she said, placing a hand on her forehead, furious at being denied a second time, "You will join me sorcerer! You will see! You cannot resist me for long!"
Once again, she vanished, leaving all their moods darker. Ashlynn rubbed her eyes, then looked down, feeling a hand on her arm.
"It's okay Mom," Arilayn said.
Ashlynn nodded.
"I know Ari," she said, then turned to Quan Chi, "Can I ask you for a favor?"
"I have already payed for this cursed wedding," he said testily, "What else could you possibly want?"
"Nothing like that," she assured him, "Just swear to me you won't let her get to you...please."
"Ashlynn," he said, smiling slightly, despite the fact that he was still angry with her, "What makes you think I would ever join forces with that witch?"
Ashlynn nodded, sitting down in one of the chairs.
The next day...
It was early morning, and everyone was preparing to head back home. Ashlynn was sad to see them go, but they all promised they would keep in touch. Meanwhile, while the others were together, Quan Chi was sitting alone in the dining room. He looked up when Arilayn entered the room, expecting her to go away, but she didn't. The little redhead sighed.
"Um, I...I mean me and Rhapsody...we wanted to ask you something..."
Inside, she was still angry at her sister. They had both wanted to ask this question for a long time, but she had lost the bet, and now she was the one who had to ask him.
"Well?" he asked.
Arilayn sat down in the chair next to him, "We were wondering...why you look um...the way you do..."
She cringed, afraid they he would be offended or angry, but surprisingly he smiled.
"I am of an ancient race," the sorcerer began, "Most of us have been gone for millennia now. We existed before man's recorded history, before the Elder Gods had created portals to connect the realms."
"Were you from Outworld?" Arilayn asked, interested now.
He nodded, "Yes, but my race was not the only one living here. There was another, more barbaric race. There were many battles between the two...it seemed as if neither would ever win, until our enemies attacked our village. They burned it to the ground, leaving no one alive..."
"Wait," Arilayn interrupted, "If they didn't leave anyone alive then how are you here?"
His eyes were cloudy with the memory.
"I had been sent on a mission to the village of our rivals, to retrieve a sacred item they had stolen from us. I accomplished my task and returned, only to find my village destroyed. I searched for any sign of life, any survivors, but our enemies had been proficient."
"Did you have a family?" Arilayn asked softly.
"Yes," he said, after a moment of silence, "Though I can no longer remember them clearly."
"What did you do then?"
"I was furious," he said, "But there was nothing I could do, I was the last of my race. After a while, I befriended Raiden but..."
He paused.
"But what?" Arilayn asked, insistent that he go on with the story.
"I was weak," he said quietly, "I gave in the the lure of power, and turned my back on him. I was already skilled in the art of sorcery, so I decided to see what more it could do for me. Everything that happened after does not matter now...I do my best to forget it."
Arilayn, realizing that he was unwilling to go on, nodded and left the room.
Ashlynn had been standing on the other side of the dining room door, listening intently to the story, when the door opened, hitting her in the knee.
"Sorry Mom!" Arilayn gasped.
Ashlynn waved a hand at her, "It's okay Ari..."
She waited until her daughter had gone before walking into the dining room. Quan Chi was sitting at the table, head in his hands, eyes closed. Quietly, she sat down next to him. After a while he opened his eyes and looked at her. He seemed angry, but for a reason that was still unknown to her.
"May I help you?" he asked bitterly.
"I heard what you said to Arilayn," Ashlynn said softly.
"And?" he shrugged.
"You've never told me anything about your past," she said, "What made you talk to her like that?"
He paused, considering.
"She is a child," he said finally, "It seemed like a simple question."
"You said you had a family," Ashlynn said, "You don't remember them at all?"
There was another pause.
"No," he said, "It has been too long."
"I'm sorry," Ashlynn said sincerely.
"Save your pity," he snapped suddenly, turning away from her, "I have no need of it."
Ashlynn shook her head, "You have to stop doing that."
He didn't look at her, "Doing what?"
"Blocking everyone out," she said, "You can tell your life's story to a ten year old, but you can't tell me?"
Finally, he turned his head, staring hard at her.
"A ten year old does not judge," he said.
"You think I'll judge you?" Ashlynn asked, "Is that why you never tell me anything? I'm not that kind of person I-
The sorcerer stood suddenly, sending the chair crashing onto the marble floor behind him.
"You are not that kind of person!" he shouted, "Really! You should work on your self delusions Ashlynn, they are your worst flaw!"
Ashlynn stood, angry as well now.
"See? You're doing it again!" she yelled.
"Doing what!" Quan Chi demanded furiously.
"Saying only part of what you really want to," she said, quieting down a little, "You once said I didn't understand, but if you would just tell me everything you mean to say, then maybe I would. You can't keep leaving me in the dark."
Outside the room, the others were listening to the argument. They had been on their way to say goodbye to Ashlynn, when they heard the yelling. They listened, silent.
"I would tell you everything if you were not so judgmental!" Quan Chi said.
Ashlynn ran a hand through her hair.
"I'm not judgmental!" she argued, "Why do you keep saying that?"
"If you are not the type of person to judge then why do you detest me so?"
There was a pause. Quan Chi cursed himself inwardly, he was tired of accidentally saying things that were better kept to himself.
"I don't..." Ashlynn said, staring blankly at him.
"No?" Quan Chi asked, "Then why are you keeping yourself from me!"
He stopped, he had done it again.
"Is that what I'm supposed to understand?" Ashlynn asked gently, "What are you really trying to say?"
Outside, the others glanced at eachother.
"You think he'll say it?" Amilee whispered.
"Sadly," Sarah said, "I don't think he knows how."
Back in the dining room...
Ashlynn kept staring at him, waiting for him to reply, but he remained silent.
"Well?" she asked.
Quan Chi had no idea what to say. Never in his life had he been forced to deal with something like this.
"You know what," Ashlynn sighed, turning back toward the door, "Forget it."
Her hand had barely touched the knob, when she heard it. Something she had never expected to hear, especially not from him.
"I love you..."
She stopped, her hand still on the doorknob. Now it was her turn to be at a loss for words.
Outside...
"I knew he'd say it," Amilee said, "Jax you owe me five bucks."
"Damn..."
"What's going on?" Maria asked, "I can't hear anything."
Ashlynn pulled her hand away from the doorknob, taking her time. She took a breath, then turned around. He was staring uncertainly at her, his face blank.
"Say something Ashlynn," he said.
He already felt like an idiot, and her silence wasn't helping.
"Do...do you mean that?" she asked finally.
"Duh Ashlynn," Amilee whispered, "I told you."
"Shhh," Cherin warned her.
"Yes," the sorcerer said slowly, "Of course I do. You could not tell? You did not believe Amilee when she told you?"
Ashlynn thought back to standing in the Chamber of Memory, almost a year ago. She and Quan Chi had been arguing over the instructions on an ancient scroll.
"Haven't you ever lost someone you cared about?" Ashlynn asked, "Oh yeah that's right, you've never cared about anyone!"
"You should watch what you say," Quan Chi said, his eyes were blood red now, "Your loose tongue will get you killed one day."
Ashlynn snorted, "And I suppose you'll be the one to kill me?"
Amilee couldn't take it anymore.
"Don't you get it Ashlynn?" she asked.
Ashlynn's eyes did not move from the sorcerer.
"Get what!"
"After all this time," Amilee chuckled, "Haven't you figured it out?"
Ashlynn looked at her, the irritation was evident in her face.
"What are you talking about?"
Amilee paused, unsure if she should say it.
"Ashlynn," she said finally, "He loves you."
"I heard her but...I...I didn't know what to believe," Ashlynn said.
Outside...
Amilee turned just as Arilayn and Rhapsody came running up to the door.
"What's going on?" Arilayn asked, 'Why were they yelling?"
"Shhh!" Amilee said, although she knew it was too late.
Quan Chi was about to reply,when they heard a voice outside the door.
"What's going on? Why were they yelling?"
Ashlynn turned away from Quan Chi, who mumbled something under his breath, frustrated with her. She ignored him and opened the door to find every one of her friends, all crowded together, smiling uncertainly at her.
"Tell me you didn't hear any of that," she said.
"You really gotta work on your drama issues girl," Jax said, shaking his head.
"We just came to uh...say bye and everything," Cherin said, "So...bye."
"Oh bye!" Ashlynn said, smiling, "I'll miss you all! Keep in touch!"
She put on a happy face, but inside she was still completely shaken. They said their goodbyes, and left, but Arilayn and Rhapsody remained. Rhapsody was smiling, but Arilayn had a strange look on her face. Then suddenly, her eyes filled with tears, and she took off running down the hall.
"Arilayn!" Ashlynn called, running after her, Rhapsody close behind her. Quan Chi was growing more irritated by the second.