CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Cerri heard a heart stopping scream and ran in that direction, arriving just in time to see her parents die. Letting out a shriek of anger and sadness, she lunged for Kane, attacking him with everything she could.

Her form shifted to that of the Demoness, her talons ripping into him. It was a futile gesture but she didn't care. She would kill him for this!

"Die!" She rasped, her fangs descending as the horns peeked out of her hair, tilting her head towards him, hoping to catch him on one.

Kane merely laughed evilly at her, no remorse shining in his eyes, grabbing her by the throat, his power overtaking her instantly. "You will surrender to me or I shall kill you as well, Fae." He threatened, holding a ball of fire in his hand, and growled angrily when his shoulder suddenly seared with pain. He whipped around, releasing her, and stared into the intense, angry green eyes of his brother. "Impossible!"

"No Kane, it IS possible. Let's end this right now."

Cerri watched as Kane gripped his shoulder, lunging out of his grasp. She spared no glance at Mark, just latched onto that shoulder, ripping at the muscle. She let out a rough gasp of pain when she flew backwards, shifting in the process and landed on a blistering hot bed of obsidian. Her wings now melted to her body, she rolled away, trying not to cry in pain as she watched the brothers battle.

Everything around her faded in and out, the pain so terrible it was making her black out. Unconsciousness was creeping in, she could feel it. She managed to open her eyes one last time, seeing Kane and Mark battling just over her.

***

Memories, memories

Memories, memories

In this world you tried

Not leaving me alone behind

There's no other way

I prayed to the Gods, let her stay

The memories ease the pain inside

Now I know why

Mark stared down at the Fae, his green eyes devoid of any emotion. After literally tearing Kane limb from limb -and placing said limbs in each corner of 'Hell'- he had returned to the Human realm, with Cerriwyn.

Or what was left of Cerriwyn.

The obsidian had rendered her unconscious and then Kane had blasted her with one last ball of iron, getting her heart.

What remained before Mark was a crystallized Fae with hardened wings, no life stirred in this body.

All of my memories keep you near

In silent memories, imagine you'd be here

All of my memories keep you near

Your silent whispers, silent tears

Made me promise I'd try

To find my way back in this life

I hope there is a way

To give me a sign you're okay

Remind me again it's worth it all

So I can go home

He had laid her out on the bed and sat watch. Being Fae she didn't decompose. He had no idea how dead Fae were laid to rest. He had thought of burying her but like the Dwarves from Snow White, he couldn't bring himself to bury this beautiful creature.

The beautiful, innocent Fae he had come to love.

Memories of Cerriwyn washed over him…

She had been so naïve… unknowing of the sins and troubles of Mortals. Aware of evil but blissfully sheltered from it.

She had been Innocence personified.

All of my memories keep you near

In silent moments, imaged you'd be here

All my memories keep you near

Your silent whispers, silent tears

On the third night, Cerriwyn's body had vanished, nothing but a pillow sized; purple crystal left where she had been.

Tears of blood in his eyes but yet to be shed, Mark rose from the chair he had slept in, approaching the bed. He could only stare down at the crystal, trying to crush the hope that somehow she was inside it -alive- that flared in his heart.

The crystal cracked.

Peering down, he watched as the pieces fell open.

In it was a tiny Pixlet with pale pink hair and wet, pink wings. The baby Fae uncurled, delicate hands opening and closing, a small mouth letting out a tiny yawn.

It rolled onto it's back, blinking and staring up at him out of wide, pale pink eyes.

It was a girl.

Together in all these memories

I see your smile

All the memories I hold dear

Darling, you know I'll love you till the end of time

Mark reached down, picking up the infant sized yet all to lithe and frail Pix, able to cup her in just one large hand.

She blinked again, watching him curiously before smiling sleepily.

He tentatively smiled back, not questioning this miracle. This wasn't Cerriwyn… but it was her daughter. He nestled the infant to him, listening to her sigh contentedly and glanced out towards the full moon. He walked over to the open window, swearing he could hear Cerri's musical laughter echoing around him, and decided right then on a name for the Fae in his arms.

"Innocentia…"

All of my memories keep you near

In silent moments, imaged you'd be here

All my memories keep you near

Your silent whispers, silent tears

THE END

Song is 'Memories' by Within Temptation.