FIGHT THE DEMONS

WHEN PEOPLE TRAVELLED TO THE Fade it was with their spirit form. For Sin it was not like that. She did not leave her body in the waking world. Cut her and her body would bleed. Kill her and her body would remain in the Fade, to the living world she would have simply vanished. The Fade was like a blurry distant echo to most people who travelled it, but for Sinniralin and the demons it was all crystal clear. Sin sometimes felt sorry for those who travelled and never saw the blood-red skies which faded into a blue-pink, beautiful sky. It would be like being in the presence of your lover never close enough to touch. A lot of the things about the Fade were beautiful and as she sat perched on a tall statue she thought that under different circumstances this would have been quite enjoyable however seeing all the companions scattered across the Fade she sighed. It was going to be a long day.

"Out of my way." Sin shoved the bearded man aside. He frowned angrily at her as the blonde warden stared in confusion at them.

"You've had your fun demon, now be gone."

"But the child is content here. With the Grey Wardens, now that the blight is over."

"Ugh. Just leave us be." She snarled irritably.

The demon's eyes gleamed. "No. She's ours."

"Fine, have it your way." Sin huffed before jabbing a dagger through the bearded man's chin, piercing his skull.

"You ok?" She asked turning towards Deanna who looked as is she had just woken up.

"Yes… but…" Deanna shut her eyes rubbing her temples as she groaned. "Where are we?" This place was all new to her. It was so… different and she felt like her head was filled with cotton.

"The Fade and we better get you guys out of here. You shouldn't be here for too long." Sin said stalking over to the strange looking pedestal.

Travelling the Fade was a simple task for any demon, and especially for Sin. She could go anywhere she wished with a mere thought, for mortals however it was different. The Fade was like a maze and the mortals had to follow the paths laid before them. These paths were full of dangers and traps, but were the ones one had to follow nonetheless. With the rest of the companion's scattered out all across the Fade Sin could only draw one conclusion as to what had happened to them. The Sloth Demon, a tricky demon who would use his victims' dreams to fool them into staying in the Fade. Sometimes of things the Sloth Demon could sense the mortal longed for, other times he used fragments of dreams, hopes, wishes, or memories.

As soon as they had stepped into the large ward in the tower Sin had felt its presence taint the whole room. It had been easy to tell from the reeking smell of decay and rot still she hadn't been able to stop the others from entering the room and before she knew it the members of their small group slumped on to the cold stone floor.

"What is that?" Deanna asked as she walked up to Sin looking weary.

"This is your way out of this place, sort of, but we need to make a few stops on the way I'm afraid."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we have to pick up the rest of us. Now stop asking questions and come here." Sin said motioning for the warden to stand next to the pedestal.

"So what do we do now?"

"You use the portals to travel, just touch it and meet me on the other end."

Turning her head towards the pedestal Deanna looked at it suspiciously before placing her hand on it. There was a soft sound reminding Sin of pooling water then the teryness vanished into thin air. Sin smiled before following closely. Perhaps this would be easier than what she thought.

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"This was fun!" Sin shouted with glee as she ran along side the large golem thundering down the narrow hallways. Every now and then she would wallrun and flip onto Deanna's stony shoulder before leaping into the air, the shadowcloak imploding, and appear several steps ahead of the giant golem.

"We should have done this back in the days." Deanna joked in her heavily distorted voice.

Sin laughed. "I must say this form actually suits you."

"Oh, shut up Sin." Deanna growled before bursting out in rumbling loud laugh.

All forms had been collected and there was only one thing left to do.

Find the others.

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Unlike the rest of the companions Leliana truly had not recognized Deanna when she first showed up. Sin found it strange, all the others had done so after a while, but the bard remained certain of that she did not know this woman. Then the strangest thing had happened. When Sin approached them the bard looked up and saw her, eyes locking with her own, she felt a strange feeling ensue her. It drew her towards the bard.

"I do not know this person." The Leliana said stubbornly though her eyes flickered at the sight of Sin.

"Stop being a blasted fool Leliana, and snap out of it. Does this really look like a good time for prayers?" Sin sniped at her watching the recognition fill the bard's eyes before she nodded, chewing her bottom lip.

"Who is this?" The demon disguised as the revered mother asked in irritation.

"It's my wife." Leliana said looking at Sin with the same expression lovers throughout history had worn when gazing lovingly at each other.

Sin felt her jaw drop, as she fumbled for words. "I… I…uh ok…"

Deanna's head snapped towards her hurt blazing from her eyes before she turned towards the bard. "We must go." She said coldly.

Leliana stuck her hand into Sin's as if it was the most natural thing, holding it gently before the demon shrieked, then charged itself at the bard. Sin and Deanna reacted simultaneously lashing out with their weapons.

"So predictable." Sin muttered.

"And it's starting to get really annoying." Deanna filled in looking weary in.

"Are we going yet?" Leliana inquired before starting to fade. "Wait, what's happening to me?"

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Sin fiddled her charm where she sat by her own next to the campfire in the quiet night. It wasn't so strange that the sloth demon had played tricks on Leliana's mind. What was ridiculous was Sin's reaction to it. She hardly knew this Orlesian bard, yet… there was something about her that seemed to feel familiar and safe.

Staring at the bard's tent she silently pondered the strange connection between them. At the same time as her presence stirred something dangerous inside of her, it also felt like they… belonged. Sin snorted. That was ridiculous! Leliana made her scream in agony, there was nothing remotely safe or warm about that, but then in the Fade, when Leliana had put her hand in Sin's…

The elf sighed, remembering the feel of the bard's soft hand in hers. It was an illusion. The bard had only been there in mere spirit, that's why it hadn't hurt. They didn't belong in any way, yet she was mulling over the possibilities and the strange sensations she'd felt when the bard had placed her hand in hers. Looking at her hand she could still feel the softness, the warmth from Leliana's hand pressing it gently. She screwed her face up and sighed, this was all the sloth demons fault, best thing do to was not to think of it so she turned her thoughts to much more productive things such as to what she should do about her torn cloak. I wonder what she looks like… NO! Firewood we need firewood…

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Leliana rolled over in her bedroll waking from her reoccurring nightmare. She groaned as she tried to find a comfortable position. There had been too many dreams lately, or visions. Whatever one called them, they were unpleasant, mixed with past and present, and sometimes – the bard believed– the future. Now they mixed and mingled with the horrible experience they had all had in the circle of magi. Every one of them save Sinniralin had fallen asleep, trapped by the Sloth demon in whichever illusion it had created for them. She opened her eyes slowly, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she remembered what had happened in the Fade. It had been so stupid, so silly, an illusion about the Chantry. Was that really all she wanted? Was the Chantry the one thing to make her feel safe and content, if so then what was she doing out here on the road with Sinniralin – no, the Grey Wardens! Journeying, trying to stop the blight made her feel closer to the Maker than just staying in the Chantry and she knew it. She knew she only tried to fool herself when thinking the Chantry invoked her with a sense of peace. Perhaps once, in what felt like another lifetime it did, but when she searched herself for answers… she knew that she was lying to herself. The Chantry enabled her to hide from… her past.

She thought back to how Deanna had found her in the Fade and how she hadn't recognized her, how she told the warden, she did not know who she was. Then Sin had appeared and she felt a strange sensation tug in her chest and stomach. The elf had been outrageously rude to her and as much as she wanted to turn away from the elf using such appalling language she found herself feeling safe near the elf. She knew she knew this person, belonged with her. Images flashed before her mind, just like her visions did and she saw how they belonged together. Remembered their life together and before she could stop herself she uttered the words; "She's my wife."

Gritting her teeth in embarrassment as she rolled onto her back and covered her face with her pillow she felt the same strong sensation run through her body. She couldn't explain it, for once the bard found herself short of words still… there it was, intense, and overwhelming, completely undeniable. How could she feel like that? How could she belong to someone she hardly even knew and in what sense did they belong? She rolled over again. No matter how she argued or questioned it – the feeling still remained, and the little voice telling her it was right kept gnawing at her. She sighed, opening her eyes slowly. She sucked in air into her lungs, holding it untill her chest burned then exhaled again before deciding she was past going to sleep and rolled out of her bedrolls.

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The elf was sitting by herself, looking at the fire while fingering the silver charm absentmindedly. Little Thug, the intimidating Harpia sat next to her, his beady darting back and forth. Sin was wearing just a thin linen shift barely covering her well-toned thighs, and leather boots. She looked tired. Leliana supposed the elf must have exerted herself helping them all out of the Fade, and then there had been the battle with Uldred. It had been gruesome and… Her eyes fell on the elf. Leliana swallowed thickly remembering the horrifying battle against Uldred. It wasn't that they had underestimated him, they just hadn't expected the monstrosity he had transformed into. Deanna had none of her four forms left to help them but had used Niall's litany on Wynne's command.

The fight had been a mess of abominations swarming them from every flank, and the remaining mages from the Circle being used as pawns by Uldred to attack them. Leliana had found herself dodging and defending more than attacking. She was by no means any better than Wynne or Morrigan, but they had less armour to defend themselves against the oncoming attackers and Leliana found herself darting between the two of them to keep them out of the line of fire as they assaulted Uldred with their powerful spells.

The suave Antivan was the first one to fall, his otherwise so appreciative eyes staring blankly up at her. It was a sickening feeling to see him lying lifeless, so discarded until Wynne had forced him back to life with one of her spells. Alistair was in the heat of the battle along with Deanna and Sten, slashing at Uldred's legs, slamming his shield at the gnarled legs in an effort to force him away from their healer and spellcaster. It was something they had all learned along the journey through the tower, keep the spellcasters alive and they'll keep you alive. Sin had been everywhere, bouncing from one abomination to another when one of Uldred's gnarled arms caught Deanna in the chest hurling her across the room. She crashed into the wall and slumped onto the floor, heavy silverite armour clanging loudly.

"Stop pussyfooting Allycat!" Sinniralin shouted angrily as she pulled the unconscious warden aside grabbing the litany before dashing towards Uldred.

"Sten!" She shouted and the big quanari turned around, kneeling as if her could read her thoughts, clasped his hands together and held them out for her like a springboard. Sin stepped hard on his hands and he pushed her up with all his might sending her spinning through the air.

Sten was back on his feet charging at the abominations once again, his huge frame ploughing through the swarming enemies. Sin landed gracefully on the monster's twisted and spiky shoulder and sprinted towards its head. Leliana could see the elf's daggers flash before Sin rammed the blades into Uldred's neck wedging them stuck before leaping off, landing in a crouch. Leliana wasn't sure what had happened after that. She had run up to Sin to give the elf her spare daggers and as she put her hand on Sin's shoulder a feeling of pain shoot through her arm. It was an intense pain, as if one of Morrigan's spells had hit her full force, then the pain subsided and was replaced by a stinging feeling. The elf spun around looking at her in terror, black veins criss-crossing her face. Neither one had time to react to the sharp, twig-like arm that came swooping towards them.

"Watch out!" The mage had cried out, but the otherwise so fast elf stood like frozen, looking as if she was to fall to the floor. Leliana had tried to remove her hand, but found she couldn't, and then Uldred's massive limb hit the elf full force. Sin was thrown towards her taking the bard with her in the intense blow. The collision was ear shattering and she felt herself fly across the room, Sin's body pressed tight against hers, the elf's strong arms wrapped protectively around her. They slammed into one of the chambers round stone pillars, Sin's body softening their fall. The elf cried out as they tumbled to the floor then everything went black.

She woke from Uldred's fall shaking the whole chamber. She was lying on her stomach and as she turned her head sideways she saw the companions standing in a circle around his corpse, breathing heavily, staring at the monstrous thing which lay dead on the floor in front of them. Deanna was back on her feet resting against Alistair's shoulder, Sin's arms were still holding her protectively, though limply, and she forced herself to turn around.

"Sin?" She shook the elf lightly. Sin groaned as she lifted her hands to her head rubbing it. "Sin, are you alright?" The bard inquired as she saw the black veins covering the whole of Sin's face and hands. The elf must have been poisoned by Uldred's spikes.

"Just go away…" The elf moaned.

"W-what?"

The elf shook violently, trying to crawl away from her. "Please…" She whispered weakly.

"Let me help you Sin, you've been poisoned!" She exclaimed reaching for the elf when something happened. The elf's arms shot towards her shoving her away with such force she slid across the floor.

"Stay away from her Sàbhailiche!" Sin hissed in an unnatural, horrifying voice, her eyes pitch-black, mouth full of sharp fangs. Leliana stared at her trying to understand what was going on. Sin seemed to shake her head and when she looked back at the bard it was with the peculiar, blue eyes again. She blinked in confusion as she tried to stand up, but fell to her knees again.

"Dear child!" Wynne had called out when she saw the elf struggling, her side covered in dark blood. "Sit down at once." She demanded the elf that obliged without much protest.

"I'm fine." She muttered.

"Nonsense." Wynne replied as she parted the tassels of Sin's cloak.

Uldred's arm had shredded the elf's left side to an inferno of flesh and clothes. Dark and thick blood poured from the wound. Sin was growing paler and her skin clammy and sweaty as she grimaced. The bard stared in shock at the badly torn side, the elf's flesh left hanging from Uldred's deadly blow. No one could possibly survive such a wound! Leliana realized where she stood, still shaken by their short flight. Wynne frowned as she mended the worst with her magic, applying salve on the newly stitched wound.

"By Andraste's ashes, you should not have survived this." She stated as she looked at the swollen wound.

"I shouldn't have survived a lot of things, now hand me your goodies." Sin said looking fatigued.

"My what?"

"Lyrium. I know you have it. Now give it to me or I shall simply take it."

"A simple 'please' would have sufficed." Wynne scoffed as she handed her a large vial of Lyrium.

"Thank you Wynne." Sin said genuinely as she seemed to calm.

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Leliana approached the elf slowly. "Hey you…" She cooed softly, earning herself a tired smile from the elf.

"Well, hello…"

"So… how are you feeling?" Leliana asked as she placed herself opposite Sin, studying her face apprehensively.

"I'm fine. I… am sorry."

"What for?"

"Earlier today, I…" Sin trailed off.

"It's ok, you weren't yourself, and you'd been poisoned."

"Like you have no idea." Sin chuckled.

"Wynne said no one should have survived your wounds…" Leliana said as casually as she could peeling the bark off a twig she found lying nearby.

"It's all the children I've been eating." Sin winked at the bard who smiled despite herself, shaking her head.

""Are you always such a charmer when you don't want to answer a question?"

"So you think I'm charming, do you now?"

"You're changing the subject."

"I am. You're a clever one you are."

"And now you're making fun of me."

"I would never."

"I will figure you out one day." Leliana persisted.

"I am looking much forward to it, but until then tell me about yourself."

"Why?" Leliana scowled. "You don't tell me anything."

"Don't be coy now. They call you a sister, but I've been watching you. You're not just some innocent sister."

"What makes you say that?" The thought of the elf watching her made her feel slightly uncomfortable, it reminded her of what Marjolaine used to tell her. I can see you my bard, I'm always watching.

"Someone like you just isn't."

"Someone like me?" Leliana found herself chuckling at the elf's remark.

"Ah Leliana, I know that walk of yours, sensual enough for one to want more, but not seductive enough to make you cheap." Sin's eyes lingered slightly at the bard before trailing off lazily.

"It seems you have figured me all out." Leliana said smiling slyly.

"I don't think I have. See, what I want to know is what you were doing hiding in a Chantry."

"I wasn't hiding! I stayed with the Chantry because I sought refuge from the outside world, and to contemplate life and the Chant. Not that it's any of your concern." She answered defensively.

"Touchy subject. You are quite the feisty type. I like a girl like you."

Leliana flushed at the compliment, as her come back failed her miserably. Sin caught onto it and fired of a coy smile before returning her attention to the campfire.

"I think I would have liked to meet you before you became a lay sister."

Leliana smiled a sad mood settling as she thought of her time in Orlais, working as a bard alongside Tug and Sketch under Marjolaine's command. She remembered that night, when Marjolaine had used her as her pawn, betrayed her and she felt herself shrug involuntary in an attempt to shake off the memories.

"Did I say something wrong?" Sin's voice brought her back to reality, winter's breath blue eyes searching hers. "I… Sometimes forget to filter what I say."

The bard smiled – this time snickering. Sin was so very peculiar and mysterious, self-confident, and strong, yet suddenly she displayed a timid and endearing side the bard hadn't expected her to have.

"No, no you didn't. I just think... the old me is…"

"Still in there, just a little wounded and hurt."

The bard tilted her head. Was she really that easy to read? Or was it Sin who was a very attentive person? Marjolaine had always seemed to be able to read her just like that, finding someone else who could was slightly disturbing. It unnerved Leliana to think that perhaps another could read her that well and use her again for their personal gain.

"Yes, I think that's how I could best describe it." She replied honestly.

Sin dug into the pouch tied to her waist and pulled out pieces of dried meat, flicking one into her mouth before tossing a bit to the bard. "So tell me then."

"Tell you what?" She asked taking a bit off the dried meat, chewing it slowly, savouring the salty taste.

"Well, why are you here? You're not a Grey Warden, are you?"

"No, I'm not." Leliana squirmed uncomfortably. She didn't know if she should tell Sin. She might think she was crazy… the others looked at her that way when they spoke of her, she didn't care, she let them talk and look, but for some strange reason she couldn't bare the thought of Sin looking at her like that.

"The maker sent me, I had a vision…" she said bracing herself, expecting Sin to laugh at her. Her sensual laughter, but laugh at her nonetheless, so she was more than surprised to see Sin's eyes widen in surprise and recognition. Something in her eyes could be mirroring the bard's own eyes.

"The Maker sent you?" She asked genuinely.

"Yes… I had a vision."

"And how did this vision appear? Like a dream or images?"

Leliana narrowed her eyes. Sin seemed to genuinely believe her and it puzzled her. "They come to me in dreams, but… you believe me then?" She asked curiously.

"yes, why wouldn't I?" Sin knit her brows together in confusion.

"Well… most people think I'm crazy…"

"You're not. Well, not when it comes to this at least, the other things you do I really can't explain." A sly wink was fired off her way causing the bard to laugh.

"So you believe in the Maker? You really believe he exists…" Leliana said in amazement.

"I don't think he exists. I know so, and we have a score to settle." Sin said the darkness that followed her settling once again and the bard felt a chill creep down her spine.

TO BE CONTINUED…

A.N: Wow, have I been out for a while? ;) I'm very sorry for the delay in updating the story, but IRL has demanded my attention lately. Hopefully I'll be able to post mor regularly from now on.

Big thank you to all of you who are still hanging in there, reading this story, and reviewing it. And a thank you to all of you who has subscribed, faved as well!

Ok, so some of the reviewers are not members here which means I can't reply through e-mail so here goes:

izzy thank you, it always makes me happy to get a review. not only does it help me write, but it also makes my day! :D x

little shadow girl thank you so much for your review. i'm very happy you like the story and i hope you keep liking it! :) as you know, your review made my day. :D x

Ok, till next time everyone.

Enjoy!

~Elm