Memories, orbs, Accidents and

Memories, Orbs, Accidents and Paladins

Nythera woke to the scent of cooking. The purple dragon mage magicked some clothes on. The normal fishnet stockings, studded purple boots, purple corset-cocktail dress and purple and yellow ribbons were securely in place.
She smiled and did a spin causing the violet tail, wings and horns to materialize. She smiled, Lords, She was special!
The "special" purple mage hopped the railing and gracefully floated to the floor below. She walked calmly into the kitchen. Saya was up and dressed. She wore a white apron--stained with various food ingredients-- over a white long sleeved tunic with a purple trim. The sleeves were rolled up as she worked over the food. She had on a pair of form fitting black leggings and a pair of black boots. She hummed slightly. Her midnight-raven locks pulled into a loose ponytail.
"Mornin' Princess," Nythera laughed as she took her seat at the table. "Special Occasion?"
"Don't call me that," Saya snapped but smiled. "No occasion, can't I make brekkie for my roomies?"
Nythera chuckled further. "You never make me breakfast."
"Well, I am today." She smiled as she flipped a pancake.
"So, you and the Old man, eh?"
"Yes." She blushed. "Why do you sound so surprised?"
"Because, I never expected him to listen to me."
Saya frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I know what you're thinking and I didn't mean it that way," Nythera templed her fingers. "You are only the sec-third girl Warlic has ever loved and given a chance. He usually doesn't let them get so close."
"Wh-why not? Is it because of Jaania?"
"Jaania was the first. She is to this day trapped in crystal. Her body guarded by Xan--"
"XAN!" Saya snapped. "What do you mean Xan?"
"its fine, hero," Nythera said falling into an old speech pattern used when dealing with troublesome people. "He is able to guard her with his sanity restored."
"His sanity restored? How?"
"The second love of Warlic's life cured him." She explained.
"Oh. What happened to her?"
"For lack of explanation, she no longer exists..."
"She's dead?"
"No, It's that she died but we can't find any trace of her. It's like she never existed but we can all remember her." Nythera sighed. "I'll tell you more later. Make sure the bacon is crispy without being too crispy!"
"Jeez, you wanna cook it?" Saya replied playfully.
"No, you do it," She replied back in Nythera-style. They both smiled.
Nythera smiled further as Warlic swept silently into the room. He was wearing his normal cloak and was looking quite happy.
Nythera raised an eyebrow and he gave her a mischievous smile as he raised his index finger to his lips. He was ordering her silent to not warn Saya. She nodded.
Warlic snuck up behind the vampire and as she set down her spatula he grabbed her around the waist and hugged her hard crushing her back to his chest. She shrieked in surprise. He kissed the tip of her ear gently and whispered "Good morning, my dearest."
She panted from the surge of adrenaline as he released her and took his seat. She moved Over to him and leaned down to kiss him back. "Morning Dear one," She smiled as she placed his plate in front of him. Before he could divert his attention she grabbed his scarf and tugged him close. "You're the only one I'll ever let sneak up on me or make me scream like that. Be glad."
He kissed her suddenly. She kissed back placing her hands on his face. He cupped her cheek with one hand and the other hand went to the small of her back; dragging her closer.
"I am."
"Saya," Nythera was sitting across from the two with her chin resting on her hand.  Her eyes sparkled with mischief and her lips turned up in mischief. "I could honestly watch you two be sweet and gushy all day but I'm hungry. Please feed me."
Saya blushed and untangled herself from her archmage.

"A-ah...right..." She blushed red and went back to portioning the food. Warlic looked annoyed. He sent a mini-glare at Nythera.

"I'm hungry! Be flirty on your own time." She snapped.
The archmage rolled his eyes.
Saya set a plate in front of the hungry dragoness and one to her right. She went back and returned with a plate as she seated herself at the archmage's right. They shared a brief peck before Warlic's eyes narrowed and he cautiously drank his tea before asking.
"Who is that for?" The females exchanged glances. Nythera smirked and Saya frowned.
"He arrived late last night. He said he really needed to talk to you and we let him stay in the guest room." Saya explained cautiously. "He said it was important. He'll probably be up soon."
A loud explosion echoed fro the higher levels.
Warlic's eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me!"
"BATTLEOOOOON!!!!!" A green flash landed with a loud crash outside the room. The newcomer picked himself up and began to dust himself of. In his wake laundry golems and sock monkeys made noise from the upper levels; streaming into the kitchen like obedient dogs, waiting to be fed. The mage blew his messy brown bangs out of his eyes and sauntered in taking a seat to Warlic's left.
He began cautiously eating his bacon before looking up and saying through the food. "'Eya, Warlig,"
"What. Is. Cysero. Doing. In. My. HOUSE?" He growled through clenched teeth.
Saya looked away and Nythera smirked as the ceiling shook from further explosions.
"You, I can forgive for not knowing about the rules against him being in my house," He told Saya calmly. He turned on Nythera. "But you have NO excuse! Why's he here?"
"I don't know why he's here but I do know that it amuses me to see you two fight." She smiled.
"I'm sorry," Saya muttered in the cutest most moe voice ever.
Warlic blush madly. "A-ah….It's not your fault, dear one," He kissed her head. She smiled and wrapped him in a hug. He tilted her chin up and brought his lips to her gently. This continued on for a bit until...
"ehehehehe…." Warlic turned slowly—almost jerkingly—toward the sound of the Mad Weapon smith's barely contained laughter.
"Oh, no, Don't stop on my account." The mage grinned. "Glad to see you're playing the field, again, finally." He paused: a finger pressed to his lips. "Though she really seems to be like the last one. You think reincarnation or clone? If its a reincarnation, we know what to expect but if it's my clone then I proved that spell can work!"
In the next instant the table was almost overturned as the Archmage grabbed his former roommate by the collar, Smashed him against the wall and held him a inches in the air.
"I'm sorry." He said raising his hands in defense. "I didn't mean that to sound half as offensive as it did. I just was curious."
"You're the same as ever." Warlic hissed. "In my house, blowing up my things, eating my food, probably making me pay your bills somehow, those beasts are everywhere and you're insulting me and everyone here. Where do you get off?"
"I'm guessing you were up late thinking 'should I or shouldn't' I all night?"
Warlic was quiet and his grip slackened.
"The last one, the Saya of then… you spent four days locked in your room. You were afraid to let her in, to let her see you vulnerable and to see how dangerous you truly are. You were afraid of hurting her or not being able to protect her. Even though she was a dragonlord, she died. You let her go, Warlic. Let what happens, happen. You need to move on and take a chance. I know that was a really dick move of me," he admitted. "But I didn't mean it like that. Weren't you the one who said I talk without tasting my words? Anyway, just do what you have to do. You know I support you 100%. Well….unless you go CRAZY EBIL and take over the world…then I'm going to go hide on my starship—erm…" he sent a glance at Saya and Nythera. "Er…I mean in my fort… anyway, just simmer down. It's ok. I also know you're ticked because of when I tried to bring Sayano back with Human Transmutation and it failed and there was an army of evil Saya's running all over lore…" he blushed. "And I know I shouldn't have sad that. I'm really sorry."
Warlic's expression softened and he adjust his hold so Cysero could stand on his own.
"Ok, I forgive you this time…I forgot how annoying you are…"
"Cools! Also, you better let me go." Cysero frowned.
"What? Oh, right. Sorry, personal space right?" he released the mage and stepped back.
"No it's not that it's …too late…" he shrugged.
"What do you mean—" Warlic did not get to finish his statement as he was thrown bodily out the window onto the street along with Saya, Nythera, Cysero and very charred, very angry Sock monkeys and Laundry golems.
The Bacon had detonated.

"CYSERO!!!!!!"

~!~

After magically cleaning and rebuilding the shop. The four returned to the first floor. Nythera manned the store while the other three waited in Warlic's experiment room behind the curtain.
"So," He steepled his fingers and gazed at the sooty green mage across from him who was rocking his head as if listening to some music. "So...what do you need?"
Saya was sitting beside her master. She was slowly magicking the soot out of her hair. Her outfit was completely ruined and half of Cysero's entourage was destroyed. Saya listened as Cysero began his tale. There wasn't much to it.
"Someone broke in and stole the pyronomicon." He stated and returned to head-banging.
"Someone... stole the... pyronomicon?" Warlic asked. He looked terribly pale but is eyes held a dire fury. "I told you I should protect it."
"And I told you that would have been too obvious." Cysero shook his head. "Only I can understand my system...well, me and Saya!" he smiled wolfishly and Saya moved closer to Warlic. She looped her arm through his as to show her devotion. He kissed her on her forehead lightly before returning his attention to the Mad weapon smith.
"Also, Teally told me the Eggnogonomicon is missing."
"Teally?" Saya asked quietly. "Who is that and what's this Eggnogonomicon?"
"Gesundheit." Cysero smiled.
"Teally is a moglin who was charged to guard the Eggnogonomicon. Remember what I taught you about 'nomicons'?"
"If it has '-nomicon' in it it's a book of power, I know. That's why I didn't ask about the pyronomicon. That's obviously fire." She shook her head. "The eggy one?"
"Ice," Warlic shrugged. "I didn't name it. Anyway, they're very dangerous when combined."
"So I have to get it back?" she asked.
"No." he replied.
"W-what? What do you mean NO?"
"NO." He shook his head. "For all that I trouble and tease him, Cysero is powerful and capable, and if it was stolen from him then they are above even your caliber."
"I am a level 60 rated mage." She ground out. She rose from her seat, her hands clenched into fits and she hissed at them both.
"I never said you weren't powerful. Please Saya; leave this to the level 100+ mages, ok?" He begged. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you."
She relaxed and sat down. All of the anger flowed out of her with his words.
"Chikuso, Warli-kun," She sighed. "You're turning me into a cliché."
"You'll stay here?"
"No, I just won't go after it," She smiled. "I still have my living to make after all. Good Questing. Battleon!" She stood. "I'll prepare a satchel of weapons and potions for you master."
"Saya-chan," He stood and grabbed her wrist pulling him to her. "Don't take it like that."
"I'm being very grown up about this." She replied coldly. then she smiled. "I will do what I can for you and at the first hint of trouble; I shall be at your side. No matter what you say. I cannot lose you either."
"Saya..." he whispered as he leaned down.
"Oh, be careful," She leaned up. Cysero smirked and leaned his head against his hands and watched.
Their lips locked carefully. every kiss had meaning. Words were exchanged that only they could hear. He kissed her firmly but didn't dare try to deepen the kiss. If her aura was anything to go by--and the thoughts even more so--the least he could hope for from trying was his tongue getting bitten clean off.
She read this thought and the near imperceptible shiver going down his spine and nipped his lower lip in agitation.
"You're a pervert..." she purred. "Such naughty thoughts you think...what am I to do?"
"Naughty thoughts, yourself, Damphir," he chuckled softly. "You're the one thinking about Aspar and Tomix all the time..."
"really? You're going to bring that up?" she set her hands on her hips and smirked up at him. "Must I tell Artix who you really think Robina should be with?"
Warlic paled.
"Or better Yet, King Alteon?"
"I'll tell Cysero about the drawings under your bed." he replied.
She sucked in a hiss of breath. Cysero raised an eyebrow in interest.
"I'll tell Nythera about how you tried to marry her off to--mmmrrrph!" She was silenced with a kiss.
"Go pack the bag. Please, it is no longer fun to fight you. It has become to dangerous." He nodded. "You win."
"YAY!" She did a little victory dance and dashed out of the room.
Cysero chuckled softly. And Warlic glared half-heartedly. "Tell anyone and die." he cast a spell of silence and a spell to keep everyone out. "Now... tell me what really happened."

~!~

Saya sat beside Nythera as the Dragoness ate her lunch. Saya was packing her own bag. She had changed into a red and black corset top over a black lacy sleeveless turtleneck. She wore black leggings with red boots with black trim. Warlic and Cysero were long gone.
"So...are you going to continue you're story?" she grunted as she moved the spell scrolls to a different compartment to have room for more potions.
"Yeah," Nythera sat back. maybe it's best if I use the illusion spell. It's so little used anymore. You're going to see everything from Saya's perspective."
"Wait... her name was Saya as well?"
"Yes. Among other things." Nythera nodded. "Get ready."
Saya nodded as a warm feeling washed over her head and down her body. She felt herself falling and the world spun into black.

~~!!|!!~~

The girl sat up in the grass. The whole world felt more vibrant. The wind dragged her midnight black hair from her face. The girl wandered a few feet to a pool of water under a waterfall. Her reflection showed a girl of about seventeen with waist length midnight black hair with a fringe of bangs, moon pale skin and blood-red eyes.
'I look the same...' Saya thought. Except her clothes, she wore a full length white robe like an acolyte. 'Or an Archmage...' she thought.
It was trimmed with plum purple and had a worn leather bag belted to her waist. She wore a long cloak with a symbol like an eye on it. The Runehawk insignia. But why?
In her hand was a staff with rotating rubies at the head.
Vendetta. It was called Vendetta. It was made by the villagers of Lymcrest for her and imbued with power by Warlic. A bubbling sound attracted her attention.
Inside the waterfall, a being stepped out of the cave. It was an elemental made of water.
"Here, Miss Saya," She smiled and offered a deep blue staff. "Tell your Master Warlic to use it well. The Water Elementals thank him for all his help. And your services as a Dragonlord. Thank you both."
"No thanks are necessary, Aqui," She felt herself say. "It is our duty to one another. She grasped the staff as it was handed to her. The elemental bowed and returned to the water from whence it came. She examined the staff. The handle was made of a smooth stone that was a deep blue and reflected the light.  the head was a pearl flanked on either side by pieces of coral and held in place by silver.

The staff of Neso Lvl 99
This staff is used only the strongest of water elementals and archmages in their worship and protection of her Ladyship Neso, Goddess of Water. Treat it with the respect that is due.</i>

She felt something heat under her robe. She scrambled to remove a golden Draconic looking medallion. A name came unbidden to her lips. "HARUKA!" She called out. Before long, a golden dragon had appeared before her. He was massive. His scales were golden and his eyes were ruby red. He had pure white horns that sprouted from his head through his messy golden mane. His wings were pure white and feathered like a griffin's. This was the dragon of destruction.
He rumbled a greeting in Draconic. "Greetings Mistress."
"Greetings Haruka," She held the staff for his inspection. "I have The staff of Neso for Warlic. "
"We must return then. It is a long walk; I assume I'm here to fly you over?"
"Yes, Haruharu," She petted his snout and he leaned toward the touch.
"Climb on."
She clambered onto his back; seating herself just above his wings. He leapt from the ground and forced his wings down in the same heartbeat. The wind from this action caused the trees to sway and vaulted them high in the air.
He soared on the air currents as his Saya sat back and watched the scenery go by. The forest was massive and beautiful under them. She saw the water elementals' waterfall, the Earth elementals' cave and the floating mountain that was the domain of the wind elementals and to the far east was the lava domain of the fire elementals. The fiery mountain spewed flames high into the air. To the right of it, lava exploded from Xan's citadel.

"Haruka, we need to get back." Saya said as the agitation she had felt transferred to Sayano of the present.
"Yes, Mistress." The dragon rumbled as he doubled his speed before setting them down in a glade.
"Warlic!" Saya yelled as she vaulted off the draconic beast. Running across the plain was said Archmage. He was ethereally beautiful. He was openly ethereally beautiful. He looked like the image Saya saw under the illusion he wore.
"Did you get it Saya?" He asked quietly. Nythera watched from a little way away.
"Yes! But I fear Xan has a dark plan for today!"
"I will hide this in the tower." He grasped the staff which was teleported away.
"WARLIC!" cackle crackle crackle hiss.
"Xan," He replied calmly as the inferno elemental army advanced across the plain towards them. They burned through everything in their path.
"Xan!" Saya snarled. Behind her Haruka let out a loud roar and seared a line in the land with a blast of Light.
"Hello Saya! Hello Warlic!" The insane pyromancer crackled.
"What do you want Xan?" Warlic rolled his eyes. As if he didn't already know.
"I've come to kill you!"
"I've told you Xan, We need to work--"
"Shut up!" The pyromancer screeched. "I'm going to kill you and use your powers to bring Jaania back!"
"Xan!" Warlic argued. The pyromancer would not listen and the fight began anew.
Warlic and Saya made quick work of the elementals, Bassaults and lava globs that attacked. Haruka crushed them with powerful attacks. Soon it was down to the three of them. Saya, Warlic and Xan were all that was left. Nythera had collapsed in an exhausted heap after defeating a magman and was being watched over by Haruka.
Saya could tell the battle was taking its toll on Warlic. The creatures had been no match for him but his mana was steadily increasing. If they didn't end this soon, he'd succumb to mana overload.
Saya felt frustration and anger building in her core. How dare Xan, how dare he after all the hard work and turmoil and all the problems he had to solve; how dare Xan attack Warlic!
Saya was then off and running; her feet bringing her ever closer to the insane pyromancer.
"Saya! No!" Warlic shouted. She felt as her dragon roared and obstructed the archmage's path. Shock waves made the ground under her unsteady but she kept running.
She dodged the fireballs that were hurled at her. Lave erupted from the ground and she swerved around them as best as she could. She vaulted through the air the last five feet to Xan and plunged her hands into the fire surrounding his skull. He shrieked in terror. Even as she felt her skin blister and her blood literally boil, she made no move until she screamed at him.
"Enough! I am so sick of you! I will end this once and for all!" Her fingers wrapped onto his skull; her thumbs digging into empty sockets. She let out a primal scream as light energy, dark energy and something silver welled in her chest and spread to her limbs. This mixed energy spread to her shoulders and poured from her finger tips. Slowly the flames died. Xan's screaming only became louder.
"SAYA STOP!" Warlic screamed. "YOU'RE KILLING HIM!!!"
Saya continued heedless of him The silver energy had wrapped around his skull and began layering itself. It gathered in orb shapes in his sockets. her hands moved instead of digging into the charred bone they now cupped his face in the way a concerned friend or relative might.Xan's screaming still hadn't ceased.
Warlic continued yelling for her to stop; fascination and Haruka holding him immobile. Nythera stirred weakly she said, "Which Creatioux is here?"
"What?" Warlic turned his attention to his charge.
"I sense...the void energy.... of creation.... who?" she replied weakly.
Warlic's head flicked back to Saya. The silver energy was now coating Xan all over. The next part was nothing short of miraculous.

~!~

Meanwhile, Nythera stared in horror as gold light energy, silver creation energy and black dark energy began flowing from Saya.
"Saya, wake up!" She shouted as she tried to end the spell. Something had gone horribly wrong. As Nythera stretched out her hand to touch Saya's arm a spark jumped between the two and Nythera's hand was burned. She leapt back, cradling the limb against her chest. "What do I do now?"

~!~

Saya was now glowing. Her mana levels were reaching limits they never had before. The energy coating Xan began to sink into his bone, through his clothes and into what was left of him. The exposed bone turned ivory white. Skin began blooming in healthy pink patches.
Warlic's eyes widened.
"The whites of eyes appeared. A pink tongue was in the screaming mouth framed by rosy lips. His voice no longer was one of fire. His voice a deep baritone was still shrieking in pain.

~!~

Bowls of Water, Mirrors, potions, even a "telephone booth" were gathered in the room. Nythera activated every single one.
"WARLIC! WARLIC! HELP ME!" Nythera shrieked into every conceivable way to contact the archmage. She even sent out a telepathic scream. For miles, Psychics got terrible headaches because of her.
"WARLIC! IT'S SAYA! SHE'S IN TROUBLE! COME HOME!"
A portal ripped open in the hall. A pair of Amethyst eyes regarded her seriously. A pair of brown eyes ringed with hazed and green also looked grimly at her.

~!~

The skin on Saya's arms and hands was healing as well. The burnt flesh was peeling away in strips as the power tore through them.
Next came the pupils and the irises. Warlic almost cried as familiar Red-brown irises came into being. Flame red hair sprouted at the scalp falling messily in his eyes and sticking up every which way.

~!~

"What happened?" Warlic shouted to be heard over the vortex of energy that had gathered around Saya. She was floating in the middle with her wings spread and her hands at her sides. Her mouth was open in a silent scream and silver energy was blinding her.
"I don't know! I only used an illusion spell!" Nythera shook her head. "She asked about Xan so I showed her! How did this happen!"
"I don't know." Warlic admitted as he allowed his guise to fall. Ethereal Warlic stepped forward to save her.
Cysero's normally goofy grin was replaced by a grim frown. "It's just like when Xan was healed."
"You think I don't know that!" Warlic snapped as he levitated and attempted to get close to her.
"I'm so sorry!" Nythera covered her mouth and hung her head shamefully. She was the purple mage! She was one of the most powerful beings on lore! It hurt to knowingly mess up this bad.
Knowing she actually meant it Warlic replied, "You are forgiven.." He couldn't say it's not your fault, because it was all her fault.
He reached his hand out. his fingers wrapped around her wrist.
"SAYA WAKE UP!"

~!~

Xan's screams finally died and he fell forward with a bodily thump against the exhausted Saya who caught him momentarily before toppling backwards to sprawl on the grass with the newly restored Pyromancer laying on her chest.
"She did it..." Warlic whispered breathlessly. Suddenly, almost idiotically, for the whole thing had been beyond his comprehension and hopes, he ran forward to the two. He was praying beyond hope they were both still alive. He rolled the pyromancer off his apprentice/assistant.
Xan's breathing was strong and his heart--his heart!--was beating powerfully in his chest.
Saya's breathing was incredibly labored but her heart was strong and she was just barely conscious.
"I have no way to thank you for doing this," Warlic whispered as he gathered her in his arms.
"I only want for your happiness," She whispered. "I need no thanks. I just hope this isn't the end of me....I feel fried..."
Saya truly did. Everything was burning energy and pain and stiffness. In the back of her conscious mind she felt like a wind was roaring in her ears. It made it feel like fire and hail was being hurled all across her skin.

~!~

Suddenly Warlic's face was in her mind and frantic. "SAYA WAKE UP!"

But...I am awake... Warlic, my master...
she thought for a moment.
no wait...this is an illusion... so why are you so worried? I don't ....
Suddenly she was aware she was back in Warlic's shop in Battleon. The wind was whipping around her and the burning feeling was suddenly a thousand times more intense. Warlic had his hand curled around her wrist and was yelling to be heard over the surging power.
Suddenly she felt tired. She felt drained and weak like after that Saya had changed Xan. The power and winds died down and she was falling into Warlic's arms.
"Saya..." He cradled her lovingly to his chest. "Can you hear me my love?"
"Warlic," she whispered. "Hi...sweetie..." She coughed. He moved back to the ground and cradled her Bridal style against his chest.
"You scared me," he told her. "I thought I was going to lose you."
"I'm still alive," she smiled and laughed weakly. "Barely..."
She realized her wings her out, they were folded against her back. Her corset top was ripped along the back where her wings tore through and along the side. Several other parts of her clothing were ripped without explanation and her hair was over six inches longer.
"What...what happened?" She asked drowsily.
"I'll tell you later, Saya, You need to rest now." Warlic replied as he swept past the other mages. Nythera looked mournful and Cysero was biting his lip as he concentrated on something, the bangs hid the determined look in his eyes.
Warlic carried the vampire to his room. She pressed her face into his shoulder.

He brought her to his room. Laying her on the bed he used the spell to switch her into her pajamas before carefully and lovingly tucking her in.
She smiled weakly at him. Holding his hand in her small, pale one.
"I know you guys are busy, but stay 'til I fall asleep?" she asked quietly.
"Of course," he replied kissing her gently.

~~!!|!!~~

Saya awoke within the tower. A gold trimmed blue comforter covered her. It was Warlic's comforter… and his meticulously neat room. Saya was in her normal plum trimmed white robes. She was bandaged under them. Pale strong hands pressed her down into the bed.
"Rest." It was an order. The archmage returned to his seat beside her bed.
"Warlic…sama…" She moaned. He brushed the hair from her eyes. "What happened?"
"You saved Xan. That nearly killed you but you're safe now," He replied quietly. "I shall owe you for all eternity for this. Thank you."
She chuckled weakly. "It's my job."
"No," He shook his head. "What you did went above and beyond the call of duty for a dragonlord or lady."
"It was nothing." She shrugged.
"Saya, we need to talk." He steepled his fingers. "That's entirely the problem… what you did was beyond my abilities… I don't even know what you did and Nythera said you were outputting energy of creation. Those blessed by Lorothia, the Creatioux and Void Dragons… they're the only ones but you easily wielded it. Do you have any idea what you did?"
"I regressed him." She replied.
"What?" he looked bewildered.
"I regressed him. I rewinded the damage so that it never happened. Then I used creation energy to recreate his skin and organs. They were made to fit the age he should appear to be, early to mid twenties like you." She shrugged. A look crossed his face. He realized just what this could mean for him and Xan.
"Saya, do you think you could do that again?" he whispered near reverently.
"No,"
"No? You don't know how to do it or you don't have the energy."
"It was instinct before. Im surprised I'm here now. It puts as much stress on my body as mana overload puts on yours. And then some!" she stated. "I can do it again. But It will kill me."
His eyes showed shock, sadness, fear, disappointment and then resignation.
"I'm sorry I asked." Warlic whispered. "As much as I want you to….I won't be responsible for your death."
"You want me to save Jaania? Is that it?"
"Yes."
"I couldn't if I wanted to…" She whispered. "And I do want to. I only want for you to be happy… I can't that isn't in my abilities."
"Then all hope is lost." He whispered. "at least… for that endeavor."
"She will not be trapped for more than ten more years to this day…" she whispered as sleep began to overtake her.
"W-what do you mean by that? Saya? SAYA!" but the world slipped into grey.

~!~

Saya opened here eyes to find herself floating a white void. "Am I dead? But no… this is not death. I have died before what is this."
"This is my domain dear sister."
Saya turned and saw a girl who looked very much like an older version of herself. Letting out a delighted squeal, she hugged the girl and latched on to her neck. "Saraneth!"
"Hail, sister." Saraneth smiled. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't let that dream continue. You have more important things to worry about… like the devourer." She stated grimly. "The time will come—soon—for you to remember… but until then, sleep on sister. Sleep in your living dream."
"What's that's supposed to mean?" Saya whined.
"If I told you it wouldn't be mysterious now would it?"
"I guess not."
"Now go sister. Tell all our family that I love them."
"I will, but…. Visit Uldor ok? He misses you…" She added quietly. "Your daughter too…"
"And I miss them…. Now go!"

~!~

Saya awoke in her pajamas under the same blue comforter from her dream. Only, she knew this was Battleon and that she was in Warlic's shop not his tower.
She also knew that it was the Purple dragon mage sitting beside her and not her love.
"Im so sorry," Nythera whispered upon seeing Saya awake.
"I forgive you…" Saya coughed out.
"What happened?"
"I don't know."
"Did Warlic leave?"
"Yes."
Saya sat up further. "Well, no sense lazing about. I have a dark orb to gain." A momentary image of an Elven girl with short purple hair and bat wings flashed through her mind along with a beaten but happy Artix, a battle field littered with undead remains and her own family arming against some unknown enemy.
"I have to go."
"You're not well!" Nythera argued.
"I'm the hero, I have to go."
"At least take me with you!"
"Dragon child, your place is here. Mine is there. I will see you soon. Please don't worry. I can handle it."
"Saya."
"Nythera, do you really care?"
Nythera frowned then smirked. "Of course not! If you want to get your inferior behind kicked that's your problem." She threw Saya's bag on the bed and stalked out. Saya and Nythera both knew how bad that lie actually was.

~!~

Saya staggered as she crossed deeper and deeper into her mother's territory. How she hoped E wouldn't find her. He was still mad about that Frostval party. Constantin and Wolfwing would be equally disasterous. She wouldn't begin to list what that rabid Dracopyre (What was his name again?) would do. She finally stumbled and leaned against a tree panting. She should have listened to Nythera.
The tree groaned and creaked. The Damphir princess looked up. This was an undead tree.
She fell to her knees. This was the end.

The thing attacked but the branches never found Saya.
"BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTLEEE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!!" Several flashes of light and crashes of steel later, the blasted thing was dead.
Saya felt herself being lifted and cradled gently by armored arms.
"Here now… drink this… atta girl, swallow it all…" Saya felt better. She opened her eyes and stared at a gentle pair of brown eyes.
"Artix…" She groaned.
"You shouldn't be out here." He chastised. "Not alone. Not in this condition. Where is Warlic? He couldn't have approved this."
"On a," She licked her lips and he held the vial to her lips so she could drink more. "On a quest of Dire importance… he doesn't know I'm out here…Artix I have to keep moving."
"I'm coming with you." He said. This was a statement of fact. No force of good or Ebil would stop him now.
"Artix," She replied. "I'm going to see my… mother…"
"I'm still coming. I'll not let you go alone." He stood and carried her bridal style. He hugged her. "You're my friend. I will protect you."
She relaxed in his arms.

~~!!|!!~~

Saya dashed through the halls of GEARS Academy. Her heels clicked every step of the way.
"Excuse me! Coming through!" The red eyes girl shouted in her wake.
"Saya?" A voice stopped her. It was Jaania.
"Oh hello!" Saya greeted. "I can't talk, I'm meeting Artemis!"
The blue haired girl crossed her arms. "You mean that thrice blasted Wolfblade boy!"
"For the last time, I know for a fact it was that Vayle girl in Mystraven who but that radioactive undead glob under your bed."
"I still don't like him."
"Whatever!" Saya yelled as she ran off. "Don't wait up! And tell Headmaster Warlic that Sys-zero was looking for him! Something about an Exploded Starship!"
Saya's heels clicked loudly as she followed less crowded corridors to her boy friend. She soon saw him sitting at the fountain waiting for him. At first, she wasn't too thrilled about the boy that her mother had arranged for her to marry. But as se learned more about the star captain (and still in school!) she had come to dearly like him and even maybe love him. He was so sweet. He was chivalrous and noble and had been the one to save her when there was that zombie outbreak on the war torn planet of Necros.
He looked up at her. Warm hazel-brown eyes regarded her almost adoringly. Artemis (though in love with the Princess Victoria) had come to love this woman as well.

Even if she was half-vampyre.

She reached out and brushed the messy brown bangs off his face. Her hand strayed to cup his cheek. He laid on hand on top of hers before pulling her into a chaste kiss. She sat beside him once this kiss ended and wrapped him in a hug.
"Hello, Dear Saya." He whispered.
"Hello Artemis." She replied. "How are you?"
"I am fine." He replied. "I may be heading to the front lines soon."
She frowned and pressed her face into his shoulder.
"You better not get killed." She told him. "I will never forgive you if you do."
He laughed. "I won't. I'm faster than you aren't I? They won't know what hit them."
"Better not…"
He kissed her anyway.

~~!!|!!~~

Saya was suddenly aware of those brown eyes gazing at her worriedly.
But this was the Paladin Artix von Kreiger. This was not some star captain (whatever that was) at some G.E.A.R.S. academy (wherever that was.)
"Saya?" he whispered. "We're here."
"Oh…ok…" he set her down and she led him into the castle.
'this is no time to be daydreaming! It doesn't matter what my past holds. Whatever happens lies ahead.'
Soon they were infront of magnificent deep black doors etched with gold.
Saya pushed them open with artixes help.
The first thing she noticed (besides how empty the rest of the castle was) was her entire family in Armor. Constantin and Wolfwing were also present.
"Hello mother," She said. "What is happening?"
"We have formed an alliance, I will help you, daughter, to find the darkness orb."
"We all will," Constantin rumbled.
"So sister," the eldest brother (Sirius) smirked. "How are you?"
"Yes," The second eldest (Romulus) smiled. "How has fate treated you?"
That reminded her. "Saraneth sends her love." A look flashed across the faces of all present.
"What did I say?"
"This isn't good," Sirius frowned.
"what?" Saya asked.
"Very not good." Romulus folded his arms.
Divina and Rainea exchanged looks. Ninara shifted her weight from foot to foot.
Saphiria and Constantin exchanged looks.
Wolfwing stepped forward. "It was a code word. It means we have much less time than we thought. We must go now."
Saya nodded.
"We'll split up." Saphiria announced. "I'll go with Constantin and Wolfwing to the north." She made and *ugh* face.
"Sirius, Romulus and Ninara take to the west. Divina and Raine take to the south." The the two groups nodded. "That will buy time for the Paladin to get Saya to the Necropolis and the Darkness Orb." Artix nodded.
"Lorothia go with you," Artix said grimly. The others responded in kind. Then they scattered.

~~!!|^|!!~~ (skipping this you know how it goes to get the orb… let's just say… the battle was too epic for words)

Artix and Saya returned to town well over three days later. The first ones to greet them were Warlic and Robina who swiftly chewed them out then ushered them to their respective homes to care for the battle-damaged two.
"Honestly, what were you thinking? In your shape you could have been killed!" Warlic groaned as he finished bandaging her left arm.
"I know that. But it's my duty. I have to do this Warlic! There is no one else!"
"There are plenty of other heroes!"
"None of them are as strong as I am! At least …as strong as I should be," Warlic sighed.
"Please be careful, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you," he glared. "You seem to have worked your way in and now have me thoroughly wrapped around your little pinkie. Are you happy about that?"
"Yes." She stated simply. This caused him to sigh heavily before leaning I and kissing her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him ever closer.
He nipped at her lower lip in agitation as she had not three days before.
She responded by opening her mouth willingly. He seemed surprised but took advantage and deepened the kiss.
She whimpered as his hand wandered up and down her side, often touching sore spots.
She responded by fisting a hand into his beautiful silver hair.
"Warlic," she cried out as he pulled away then began placing feather light kisses to her neck. "Warlic…what if someone sees us?"
He made no response other than to look at her with a "no one will" look and kiss her again.
"Hey Warlic, I was wondering if…" The voice trailed off. Warlic pulled away from Saya and both parties glared at Robina who was standing in the doorway with an injured Artix. The Ranger and Paladin had their mouths wide open in shock.
"Great…" Saya pouted crossing her arms. "Just great."
Warlic growled and glared furiously at the two. A broad grin crossed Artix face and he ran from the shop screaming "HEY EVERYONE! WARLIC'S GOT A GIRLFRIEND!"
Needless to say, Warlic was not far behind trying to unmake him.

~!~