Disclaimer: I do not own the Avalon: Web of Magic/Quest for Magic series or the song Cloud Nine, the belong to Rachel Roberts and Evanescence respectively.

If you want to live, let live

If you want to go, let go

Not afraid to dream-- to sleep, sleep forever

I don't need to touch the sky

I just want to feel that high

And you refuse to lift me

Emily and Marlin walked alongside the beach together. Aquatania really is beautiful, she thought to herself, watching the sun set just beyond the ocean.

"Niva's just over here," Marlin said, pointing in the direction of the sea dragon. Niva's bluish-green head broke the surface, her eyes glittering.

"Emily," She greeted.

"Hi. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. It was only a cold, and it's passed already. I don't need you two fawning over me like I'm an infant." Niva's words were a little bitter, but her tone was light and playful.

"Well... I guess she's alright..." Marlin looked down. Emily resisted the urge to giggle, and began to walk the length of the shore again. Marlin quickly caught up. When neither of the teens were looking at her, she gave them a knowing look and sank underneath the surface once again.

Guess it wasn't real after all

Guess it wasn't real all along

If I fall and all is lost, it's where I belong

Emily sat down, looking at the stars and Aldenmor's twin moons that had taken the place of the sun temporarily.

"It's gorgeous," She said as Marlin joined her, her eyes never leaving the heavens.

"Yeah..." Marlin agreed. Emily turned soft hazel eyes on him and smiled. He smiled back shyly. Suddenly, he leaned in and kissed her. Emily was surprised, but then she kissed him back.

After a few seconds, Marlin pulled away, confusion in his eyes. "I-I'm sorry..."

"No, Marlin, don't be," Emily pleaded.

"No, it's not that, it's just..."

"Just what?"

"My father, he wants me to start dating... To find a wife. And you live in Earth, and I live on Aldenmor, and you're only fourteen and that's too young of an age to get married on your world."

"Whoa, wait. Marriage? Marlin, he can't force you to get married... Can he?"

"He can."

If you want to live, let live

If you want to go, let go

Never gonna be your sweet, sweet surrender

Guess it wasn't real after all

Guess it wasn't real all along

Adriane counted again. The answer was the same. Fifteen. Fifteen cuts on her arm. Fifteen cuts on her arm that she had made. And it had only been two weeks since she had started. Pierre and Lily were beginning to get unbearable, and the hospital hadn't sent any news about Gran. Well, no news that she ever got to hear, anyway. Maybe her parents knew something, or Pierre and Lily did and they just weren't telling her.

So far, Adriane was able to escape to her room before Pierre got too drunk on cheap beer and whiskey to realize that she was still there. Lily was usually out-- somewhere-- and didn't get home till seven-thirty, nine o'clock at the latest. Adriane thought she was out shopping or with Beasley Windor. The two had become good friends. How fitting.

Adriane was trying to get through the task at hand-- finishing her homework-- when a name entered her mind.

Janelle.

Who was she? Why had Willow mentioned her name, but didn't care to explain who she was before hanging up?

Adriane looked down at her math paper, and realized that she still had ten problems left. Finding out who Janelle was would have to wait.

If I fall and all is lost

No light to lead the way

Remember that all alone is where I belong

"Adriane!"

The warrior heard Pierre call her name from downstairs. His speech was slurred already, and it was only six forty-five. Maybe if I just stay in here, he'll forget about me, Adriane hoped. She went over to her door and locked it, listening for sounds of Pierre climbing the steps. Instead, she heard him crashing around downstairs. She breathed a sigh of relief, but wished she had something sharp in her room. She wondered if she had any scissors, but she wracked her brain and went through a few drawers and came up with nothing. Her razor was down the hall in the bathroom, of course, and she didn't want to come out and risk running into Pierre.

Adriane heard Lily open and slam the front door.

"Pierre? Pierre, dear, I need to talk to you."

"What is it..?"

"I'm inviting a few friends over for a dinner party tomorrow. I need you to be in nice clothes and on your best behavior by seven-thirty. And no alcohol! Now, do you know where your niece is?"

"I dunno. She didn't answer when I called 'er."

Lily came up the steps and knocked on Adriane's door. The warrior unlocked it and faced her aunt.

"You heard what I said downstairs, right?"

Adriane nodded.

"I need you to do the same. Let me see your closet. I don't even know if you own any nice clothes. You only ever wear black."

Adriane rolled her eyes ever so slightly and led Lily to the wooden-doored closet. Lily sifted through the band T-shirts and the long-sleeved shirts, all in dark colors. The skeleton bit her lower lip in exasperation, until she found a sheer black and silver blouse.

"Here!" She exclaimed, pulling out the blouse. She went though the long-sleeves again until she found a black and white one, and a pair of nice black slacks. She handed the combination to Adriane. "This is what you'll wear," Lily said firmly when her niece crinkled her nose.

In a dream

Will you give your love to me?

Beg my broken heart to beat

Save my life

Change my mind

Adriane watched with emotionless eyes as Lily's guests entered the cottage. This house that had for so long been her home no longer held any comfort. Lily and Pierre has destroyed it, and now they treated it like it was their house, and Adriane was the intruder. Her comfort now wasn't curling up on the couch with a mug of tea and watching TV, but a razorblade gripped in her hand, her arm bleeding over the sink. She had made two cuts a half an hour ago to get her through this dinner.

"Smile," Lily muttered to the dark-haired girl, and she forced a cheesy smile on her face. Then Beasley Windor walked through the door and her smile disappeared. Mrs. Windor noticed this and she scowled, but when she saw Lily she brightened.

Oh, God, Adriane thought. This is going to be a long night.

If I fall and all is lost

No light to lead the way

Remember that all alone is where I belong

This wasn't the most interesting chapter ever, but constructive criticism is appreciated!

--Krista