And you will die.

Ethstar sat at the edge of the water, staring absentmindedly into the crystal clear liquids. His mind was in another place and time, pondering the two dreams he had just recently had. Not really nightmares, yet certianly not good dreams. They always woke him up at the same spot, and always managed to put a sense of fear within his heart. Dreams where someone unseen had known everything about him, had known that he was a Fallen, had known that he was being hunted. They had known how to frustrate him, and how to anger him. At first, he had just thought it was his own mind playing some kind of dark trick on him. His own thoughts turning around to haunt him. Sighing, he recalled the first dream, his eyes staring into the water with intensity that was aimed at his own thoughts. After a moment, he had made his mind up. Flinging himself backwards on the grass, he laid himself out by the edge of the lake, and tried to get to sleep. It felt like he sat there for an eternity, but in the end... he was dreaming once again, getting caught up within the world of his mind. Except this time, he was watching.

Muttering something under his breath that sounded like a curse, Ethstar stared at the surroundings. His cursing had gotten alot worse as of late, his temper on a high rise. He couldn't find any blasted towns, and the only thing that he COULD find was blasted trees, deserts, and now, somehow a crystal cave. Why did the Gods curse him with this blasted bad luck? Growling yet another rabid curse, he stalked his way over to a large purple crystal that was shaped somewhat like a tree trunk, and sat down. For a second, he briefly wondered why the oddly shaped crystal was missing its tip, but then he went back to his bitter thoughts of before. Why him, of all people? A castaway, one who was hunted, and fate decided to get him lost time after time? Growling his third curse in less then two minutes, he started to survey his surroundings a bit more closely. Large cystal pillars surrounded him from all sides, the only opening being the cave door he had come through before. The ceiling had simple crystals hanging from it as well, quite idenitical to the ones on the ground. Sighing, Ethstar shook his head and stood up. There was nothing here, so he might as well get a move on.

Normal. But this is where it took a turn for the worse. Ethstar remembered. He watched on, simply eyes in the dream, simply the seer for a vision.

The angels aren't the only ones hunting you.

Ethstar blinked, and performed a full spin, his longsword out of its sheath in mere moments. "Who is there?" His eyes had wildly changed, from a normal look, to extremely dilated pupils and a thin ring that was the color. The orbs shot around, scanning his surroundings once more, longsword ready to dart into an attack. Automatically, he went into a stance, spreading his boots slightly and bending a little at the knees. Yet no one came. No one stepped out of hiding, no one revealed themselves. Quickly, he tried to use his telepathy to see if he could pick up any stray thoughts from the unknown speaker. Nothing.

He had been so edgy. That voice had pried deep into his mind, and found a way to get him on guard. Although, he was usually like that to people who snuck up on him, or he couldn't see. Instantly on guard, and wondering what they would do.

He will come.

"SHOW yourself!" With the shout, Ethstar let loose with a vicious chop to his left, the length of his blade slamming a few inches into rough crystal. He let it remain for a few seconds, his face reflecting the anger and frustration he felt. And for some reason, a fear like no other. With the same viciousness that he had slashed with, he jerked the blade out and took another swing at a crystal on his right. The blade bit deep, and he let out another angry shout. "NOW!"

Ethstar blinked, watching as he went insane on the crystals. Why had the voice managed to bite so deeply into his emotions? For a moment, he considered trying to go and calm himself. But that would be like catching the wind. Impossible, and useless.

And you will die.

With a loud shout, he was up and awake, snapping up from his sleep to take hurried glances around. He had actually watched this time, not actually been the main character. He had seen himself, and he had seen how he had been acting. Sighing, he pulled a hand out from under his cloak to wipe his black strands away from his eyes, trying to clear of some of the sweat that had gathered. It was so confusing to his mind. Ethstar was a beautiful Fallen Angel, handsome and in good shape. His wings were hidden at the moment, shapeshifted into his back to hide what he truly was. An Angel wouldn't be taken to very well on the Material plane. Or, even if it was, word would spread. He was sure of this. And he could not have that happen. Sighing, he picked himself up from his sitting position, unfolding himself to stand at his tall height of 6'3.

The water seemed ever helpful to always offer its condolences towards any who happened across it. The soft ripples that occaisionally were strewn about it's surface only seemed to hypnotize those who were so easily seduced by its smooth grace. As soft waves ran across it, the moon shone its lunar beams across reflecting on the edge of a wave and casting an eerie glow on objects situated around the lake. Hazy clouds ran softly across the night sky, pushed by an unseen hand. Occaisionally they drifted through the path of the moonbeams and only patches of its pale glow shone through. No breeze granced the landscape at this time, yet if one truly waited patiently enough, they could swear that something could be felt. Though the night was seemingly a perfect one for sleeping out underneath the stars, most seemed to be inside their homes. The few that chose to embrace this moment were spread out finely for what were the odds that one and another would meet. Obviously, they were greater than Meera had anticipated.

Meera sat facing the lake with her legs pulled up softly into her chest. One arm rested around them, holding it lightly up. The other hand was up on her face, softly caressing the mark that she knew was there. On her temple was a mark that she had had for some time now. It was a soft blue crescent moon with a small diamond inside of it. This tatoo was not to enhance her image, but obtained to show that she was more than met the eye. Since the night air was not particularly cold, her striking white wings were not tightly clasped around her like a blanket. They instead were folded neatly on her shoulder blades. Their long ends crossed eachother and lay on the ground making a small heart shape. Meera's golden green eyes stared intensively ahead as if scrutinizing something that was not visible. In fact, she had only checked to see wether any aquatic beings had intentions of joining her. Much to her dismay, the fish seemed to be off sleeping and in no mood to accompany her. All other beings had much to do. Giving a dissatisfied half smile, Meera let out a sigh and flopped herself down on the soft sand that outlined the glowing lake. Her hands flopped onto the sand as well as she let her body completely go. Slowly, she began to run the grains of sand through her hands boredly.

With a shivver, she suddenly felt more alone then she had in a long time. Usually, she had an animal companion with her, which indeed was the truth now. They all were back further though. Akira, Marqee, Kalani, and Dusan had gone out hunting while Venorik and Sayuri explored along the way. Enzo, being a fire horse, disliked the water greatly, and rested in a clearing not too far from here. Ciaran did not accompany her as usual. He was off doing whatever he pleased. Finally bored with the sand, she rubbed her hands together and patted the extra peices that just stubbornly wouldn't go away. Sitting up again, she patted her hands on her legs then stood staring dismally back out across the lake again. After thinking for a few seconds, Meera wondered how acurate her instincts were. It certainly felt like she was very alone...who knew though? Quickly, she brought her hands up to her eyes and cast the spell Ebon eyes. Sometimes she felt horrible using it, for it was a dark spell, but normally she was able to convince herself that she was not hurthing anyone so it was not therefore "evil". Just dark. A slow scan of the lake told her that she indeed was not alone. Upset that she could no longer trust her first instincts, Meera didn't even think about what to do with the figure. When she finally realized that she would just have to learn to listen to her heart, she was able to think about other things.

Returning her attention to across the lake, she noticed that the man seemed to be in a slumber. Her eyes watched him steadily for a few moments, before she was surprised suddenly as he sat straight up. Had he noticed her, or had he simply had a nightmare? Who knew? Maybe he had heard something. Now worried that he was in need of help, she decided upon going over there with the side note that she promised herself she would come back soon because she didn't wnat her companions to get worried if they came back during her absense. After a moments more of hesitation, she stood up and strode purposefully towards the man. Placing a cheery smile on her face, she quickly detected his alignment. Neutral. Well, she would just have to go with her instincts. Immedietly that sinking feeling settled in her stomach. Oh well, it would just be good practice for her. She shrugged to herself as she started moving once again. Finally, she saw the man a couple yards away. Sitting down where she was, she said quietly, "beautiful night huh?" Only turning to look at him for a little while, she returned her attention back onto the night sky as her head craned backwards to look at the stars.

Staring up into the clouds, he sighed deeply as the dream haunted his thoughts. He really shouldn't obsess over these things, along with his memories and worries. He had other times to do things like that. But even during those times, he shouldn't remain in the past. It was his time to look toward the future, and live in the present. Memories of a life that once was would never help his mind, only drive it slowly down the path of insanity. As if he hadn't already been there and back. With a hollow laugh, his gaze grew empty, the faded blue eyes now staring at something that no eye would ever be able to see. He had already promised himself not to delve within the memories of the past, but here he was, drifting away into the world of history. Distant eyes recalled a distant plane, and times of pain and agony. They recalled the words that now defined his world. Words of a helper, words of a traitor, but in the end, words of his closest friend.

Ethstar sighed as he remembered the words of that particular Fallen. Or actually, at the time, that man had been a Celestial. But now, after aiding Ethstar with his hasty escape... he was probably to be considered a Fallen, just as the rest who had veered from the defined path. Ethstar still believed he was good, but he also believed he had his own evil. Right now, he didn't really claim to be one or the other. Some might not think it was possible, but he claimed himself as both. For truly, one is nonexistent without the other. It was useless to consider yourself pure, in either extreme. For it was impossible, and if it ever happened... then at the same time, nothing would ever happen. Nothing would ever define you. Ethstar would not waver in his believe. For this WAS his belief.

Wô Bú MÌ... I shall not waver.

Snapping from his thoughts, he noted the figure coming toward him. Or, actually, the sound of crunching grass beneath purposeful feet alerted him. His eyes slowly drifted down to light upon the now-sitting figure, wings and all lit in the eerie light of the full moon. Wings. Only a brief study was allowed before the light of the moon was cut off once again, a dark cloud drifting in front of the lunar ray. But the damage had already been done. Almost immediately, the man’s eyes snapped into a drastic change. Perhaps not seen by the lady, pupils thinned to pinpricks, while the color of the eyes sharpened to a mere ring. A barely seeable ring. Hostile thoughts raced through the mind of the Fallen Angel, his eyes glaring in her direction. Was she part of the Legion? Had they sent her for him? He had only seen a few women in his time on the Celestial plane, and all of them had been adorned in battle-armor and weapons. This one didn’t have any of that, nor did she have the dangerous look of the one he had met in the Tavern. Ethstar nearly smirked, clearly remembering the Celestial. Lightning had coursed the length of his body, and not effected him. That was power.

His voice came out grim and cold, yet his alignment stayed as neutral as ever. He didn’t even answer the question. Even if she didn’t appear hostile, he wasn’t about going to take chances. Even though she appeared to be free of hostility toward him, and even if she had simply sat down instead of attacking him... his stubborn mind would not accept that Angel’s were still friendly. He hated them all. This one was included. “Did they send you to kill me?” All thoughts of hiding what he was had been thrown from his mind. She was an angel, and he had no worries about her finding out he was as well. Slowly but gracefully standing from his defenseless position, he rose to his full height of 6’3. His eyes glittered at her dangerously, awaiting some kind of answer. Under the folds of the veiling cloak, his right hand slowly slid over to his left hip to grasp the hilt of a blade. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill her if she was hunting him.

Curiously, Meera's face swung back around to check and see if he had heard her. Her soft brown hair sat on her shoulders flinging into her face as her head turned. Her golden emerald eyes scanned him as she wondered what he was thinking right now. It always intrigued her...the fact that so many minds could be at the same place, looking at the same thing, and be thinking totally different thoughts. She guessed it depended on many things, but it always made her wonder. Some warned that her inquisitive mind would be her downfall one day, but she payed them no heed. So be it. She wondered things and wanted answers. It would just help her to be prepared. After appraising him for a few more seconds, she decided to give him more time and turned her head back towards the lake. Its crystalline waters still danced softly and lapped at the shore teasingly. Meera longed to slip into the water's comforting embrace, but knew how odd it would seem in front of this man. She would wait until another warm night when she was alone and wouldn't have to worry about others thinking many things of her. With a sigh, she was about to say something to the man, then she heard him speak. The voice that came out of him alarmed her. It did not sound just like the simple stargazer she had expected. Somehow it sounded cold and assuming.

Upon first instinct, she flapped her wings softly to help herself arise back onto her feet. Concerned, Meera's eyes scanned his features once again. What had she done to alarm him? Why had he just assumed that she was hunting him. This man had obviously not had a normal life. There was no doubt about the fact that there was something altering his thoughts. Like she had wondered before, what was he thinking. It had to have been past experiences that were causing him to think this way. Why else? She had done nothing aggressively, nor hinted that she had malicious intent. Was it something about who she was? Possibly he hadn't the best run-ins with women. Or maybe her elven heritage. There were so many things to consider and Meera didn't have time to just stand here and rule them out one by one. Her eyes sharply noted his slow hand movement towards his sword. Though she might appear a dreamy, emotional woman, she was no beginner when it came to the art of combat. Years of experience had made her wise to the first signs that a battle may arise. He appeared to be more on the defensive side though, hesitant to draw his sword just yet. Meera's first instinct would have been to rest her hand on the hilt of her own sword, but somehow that did not seem right. If it was true that past experiences had alterred his first impression of her, then she did not want to make him feel that it was true.

Instead, in an attempt to convince him of her innocence, she held out her empty hands towards him showing that she had no weapons on hand right now. She knew that she always had her spells, but she did not want to use them until the moment called for extreme measures. Feeling a bit sorry for him, yet she still did not know why, she calmly said, "Nice to meet you too, I'm Meera. And no, I don't know who 'they' are, so therefore 'they' did not send me to kill you. I'm sorry to alarm you." She tried to incorporate a bit of humor into it, but she didn't know wether he would appreciate her light-heartedness. It was worth a try. When he stood, he was a good 5 inches taller than her. She was not intimidated though. Still trying to look at him seriously, she stared defiantly into his eyes. There was still a small twinkle that always dwelled in her eyes though. It would not leave. She was a naturally happy person and the twinkle seemed to be permanent. Still not knowing wether he would advance upon her with sword out, she offered one last chance at proving to him that she didn't intend to harm him. The corner of her mouth twitched up into a small half smile.

His eyes shot toward her outstretched hands, flicking to them for a mere second, then darting back to her gaze. His fingers tightened momentarily on the leather hilt, then loosened. He still kept a light grip on the blade though, his eyes matching her gaze with an equal amount of defiance. She seemed harmless enough, but he was still filled with too many doubts. Too much had happened in the past to make him trust someone this easily. Words would not have much of an effect on him, although the fact that she had no visible weapon did ease his mind somewhat. Once again, his intimidating gaze would snap to her fingers, as if trying to spot some kind of trick. For longer then he had the first time, he simply stared at the outstretched hands, as if he was trying to make sense of it all. After a few more moments of this silent observation, his eyes would return back to her face. The wary look had not left, but was now filled with a slow growing anger. He could feel his rage rising within his body, and he made no effort to stop it. He hated the Angels, the Celestials. If by some burst of fiery anger he attacked her, there would not be an ounce of regret in his body.

For a second, it looked as if he was going to draw the blade, his face and gaze steadily getting fiercer and fiercer. Staring into her eyes, he allowed random, violent thoughts to flood his mind. One slash, one stab, that was all that it would take. He clearly remembered the words of the woman in the swamp, her seductive voice slashing through his memories to poke at his heart. She had harbored the same hatred toward the Celestial Beings as he had, each of them finding something in common through that black hatred. Raenawen. Was that her name? Something of the sort. His fingers tightened even more as he began to slowly pull the sword from scabbard, slightly pushing aside his cloak as he did so. He had saw her gaze dart toward where the sword was hidden, as if her eyes could pierce the black cloak. He was sure she knew where it was now, so he might as well get himself ready for any attacks. He still didn't believe her. His answer was addressing her motion to show him that she was indeed unarmed, and harmless. "Lies. Don't tease me, Celestial. You have your cursed mag-" Blinking, his words were cut off as he caught the twinkling glimmer in her eyes. Was she mocking him?

Or was that actually happiness and peace? Never finishing his sentence, the angry look in his vicious eyes suddenly changed. The pupils and color would return to normal, and the emotion now displayed would be uncertainty. The last time he had seen those eyes, it had been when his one and only Angelic friend had smiled at him. That same glimmer of happiness. Now staring at her, he noted the slight upturning of her mouth, and he wondered yet again if she was mocking him. Or was that another sign that she was indeed telling the truth, and meant him no harm? The blade at his side was drawn only about an inch, and no other motion with it was taken. If one looked closely enough, they would note that the steel was a light blue color, and a magical aura seemed to bound from it. Quite the handy weapon.

In the end, his hatred for the Angelic race and the proof that she had wings overcame his uncertainty. His eyes snapped back to the ferocious anger, glaring at her through strands of black hair. For a moment, he called upon the magics within the blade, and a slight draft of wind hit him in the face. The strands of silk jumped up out of his eyes, only staying up in the air for a short moment before drifting down again. Never once did he blink, nor did the eyes change. His voice came out again, showing no signs of the earlier uncertainty, but a sarcastic and suspicious tone. "So if you are not here to kill me, Angel... Then why are you here?" Not advancing at all, but keeping aware of the blade she had, he waited silently for an answer.

Meera studied him in silence. She was still wary of the fact that he was wielding a very menacing blade and appeared to have every intention of using it if the situation called. In her heart, she did not wish to hurt someone who was only evil by deception. As usual though, she valued her own safety over kindness though. If he progressed agressively towards her, she would not hesitate to defend herself. Still though, she decisively held her arms out in front of her. If he didn't seem to have any intention, she would not bring it upon herself to cause him to distrust her. Moving her green eyes downwards she watche as his grip tightened and loosened on the blade repeatedly. It was obvious that an internal battle was going on within him. She still couldn't understand what it was about her that set him on the defensive. After listening for a few more seconds though as he spoke, it was clear. Closing her eyes at the realization, Meera wondered how to convince him. It was obvious that she seemed like a celestial. Many assumed she was one because of her wings. Wanting to laugh, the corners of her mouth began to tug up into a smile, but as she looked at him, she realized he did not seem to find her partial smile amusing.

Now concerned that she wasn't getting through to him, the smile washed off her face. It appeared he was angered with her for some reason. She had not made one move since she realized he was intimidated. How would she convince him that not all celestials were bad? How would she show him that she was only partially celestial? It was true she was infused with one, but it did not change her demeanor in the slightest. It was because of that same demeanor that she was chosen to be able to be infused with a celestial. It was an honor that she felt very proud of. Looking at celestials from a good point of view only allowed her to see the many benefits they possessed. Maybe he had seen something that caused him to dislike them forever? Who knew, with people like this, it wasn't right to just straight up ask them. At the slight wind he had obviously called, she embraced it. As her hair flowed wildly for a moment, she basked in the slight wind. Though the moment was serious, she always seemed to find some fun. Nothing could deprive her of her light-hearted nature. Returning her attention to him, her eyes glowed with slightly renewed energy. Sadly though, the same cold and angry gaze rested within his eyes. Concerned that she would never be able to convince him of her goodness, Meera decided she had no choice.

Slashing both her hands outwards, she whispered the words to the spell Sanctuary. It would at least prevent violence for a little while. She hopefully could deter him from taking out his sword when the spell ended. Exasperated at his ever present suspiciousness, she became slightly annoyed. Trying to keep her tone even though, she said while shaking her head, "does one need a better excuse than to just look at the stars? Can you truly see suspicion in me for trying to be friendly? If you prefer to lone it, I will gladly go away. As I have said before, I have no intention to hurt you. Deny that my words are true all that you like, but I can only offer you my own standing that I speak the truth. Wether or not that you trust me, is up to you." Satisfied that she had exhausted all his questions for the moment, she brought her hands in and set them on her hip. Looking at him with a raised brow, her eyes betrayed the feiry feelings that she had suddenly brought up. She had given him no direct reason to mistrust her. Brushing her hair back, she waited for his answer. It was true, she would leave if he asked, she had simply liked to meet new people.

Watching as she eyed the blade, a victorious thought rose within the back of his mind. As long as he kept her on her guard, perhaps he could push his intimidation tactics even further then they had already progressed. His threatening eyes holding onto her own orbs, his mind raced behind the fury. She actually looked fairly calm, returning all of his anger with serenity. This fact, the truth that his intimidation was not, and maybe never would, work... it made him angrier. His eyes weren't actually what he was using, he wasn't aware of the changes the orbs could go through. But with hot words and staying on the attack, he was hoping to scare her off, or perhaps create an opening to attack with. As she closed her eyes, yet kept her hands out in front of her... his gaze managed to waver again, switching between anger and confusion. Part of his heart wanted to accept what she was saying, that she was not actually here to kill him. For a moment, his eyes pleaded with hers, as if begging that she be telling all of the truth, and nothing but that truth. Then they would snap back, glaring at her with nothing but mistrust and anger.

When the smile slid from her face, he took a step forward, taking it as a sign of her finally realizing he wasn't buying the lies she was spitting at him. As she took control of some of his own wind, basking in the light breeze, he took another step forward. At this moment, he was fully ready to attack her, now somehow convincing himself with his own twisted logic, that she was indeed here to kill him, and nothing else. She was an Angel. They all wanted to kill him, and he would never accept anything else. Growling another curse out loud this time, he made a light jerk on his blade, fully intending to draw it from the sheath. And it wouldn't budge. Nearly letting out another hateful curse, he gave another jerk. Nothing. What kind of magic was she using on him? Resigning to the fact that he would not be able to draw the blade, he tried to act as if he wasn't bothered by the spell. Still keeping his hand upon the hilt, he decided to keep on pressing her with his endless questions.

"Sure, no one needs a reason to look upon the stars." Another step was taken, and his eyes kept steady with her gaze, which was slowly growing more annoyed it seemed. Not that he cared. His own gaze was starting to go to annoyance as well. "But. A Celestial on the Material plane? What are you doing so far from the Celestial planes? THAT in itself is a reason to be suspicious." After the cold words, he simply waited for her own reply. His eyes now ignored her sword, trying to act as if he wasn't worried that he could attack, and that seemingly she could. His mind was harboring on worry though, hoping she wasn't too skilled with the blade, or with any of her magics. He still fairly sure she was here to attack him, so the thought didn't even cross his mind that she wouldn't attack. Her outstretched hands were ignored as well, his ears and eyes waiting for the answer to his sensible question.

Meera's eyes grew restless and her mentality grew tired with his incessant denial that she could quite possibly be telling the truth despite what he obviously thought. Her smile still was washed away. It was doing nothing to help her case. It even seemed to make it worse. She could not quite understand what was wrong with him. Her own frustratedness bubbled up from within her, but with great ease, she was able to supress it. Long since had she been able to learn how to control her feelings. It had not taken a while to figure out that if one truly showed or spoke what was on their raw mind, it could cause trouble. Only when Meera truly felt like she wanted to or was prepared for a fight would she blalently speak whatever she felt was right. In this moment, she didn't want to fight. Her day had gone perfectly and this would only ruin it. For a few seconds, she brazenly stared into his face. She hoped to show him that she would not back down. If it was what he wanted, she would be the bigger person to walk away without starting a fight for nothing at all except a foolish belief. Breaking the contact, she rolled her eyes upwards now assured that he would not physically be able to draw his sword or harm her in any way. Indeed the stars were beautiful. Why did he have to choose this night?

This wasn't the first time that someone had mistaken her for an angel. For all Meera knew, these wings were simply won from a raffle. She knew not of her actual angelic heritage. No one had told her of her grandmother. She simply thought she was a regular half-elven woman whom everyone mistook for an angel simply because she had large white wings. Was it the denial that there was some celestial heritage in her family, or was it just that she carelessly dismissed the idea because no one had told her? Someday she might find out, but not from any of her family members. They were long gone and Meera had been too young and the event to sudden for her to even think of questions that she quite possibly needed the answer to before they left this world. Maybe one day she would find a way to contact the dead. That was certainly not now, nor did she even bother to think about how. Right now her attention rested on trying to convince this stubborn man that she was not a celestial nor did she have any intention to kill or hurt him. This truly was quickly becoming a frustrating and stressful night. Her mind reeled at the stupidity of some people who weren't willing to accept anything that seemed so foreign to them. Quickly, she hoped that she wasn't like that without realizing it. Her friends surely would have told her....wouldn't they?

After the mans words, she couldn't contain all of her frustration anymore. Jerking her eyes back downwards again, she brought her hands up to her head and just held it while saying to him, "For the last time, I am not, nor ever will be in the near future, a celestial! With that said, I have also never lived and made my residence on the celestial plane. I don't know where you are getting this ideas but just try to think for a second that what I'm saying might be true! Or are you still to immature to do that?" She was now not holding back anything. Though she had good intentions, sometimes you had to get harsh to get through to someone. There was a different way for everyone. Some reacted to criticism, some praise. It was just the way things were. Meera hoped this would work for she was quickly losing control of her anger and was wondering wether she would have to walk away to cool her head off. Never before had she been so intense in a situation like this. A certain topic had never caused her so much mental distress. It was not something that she was accustomed to. Would he ever pause and consider her words?

Ethstar nearly growled, her constant denial fraying his already worn nerves. He was not as talented as her on hiding his emotions, so the frustration he was feeling was clearly shown on his face. He could see the stubborn look in her eyes, the flashing brazenness that told him she was not going to back down from the story she was feeding him. Finally letting out the growl, the low and threatening sound rumbled through his lips and body with little effort. He was almost sure it would do nothing to intimidate her, but that wasn’t really the purpose. It was his own way of letting his anger flow out, for too much of the hot rage was building in him. Suddenly, in that moment of released anger, his eyes went distant, his mind taking to him a place farther away. Down a road of memories, down the road of pain and betrayal. The light blue orbs now focused away from the girl before him, looking at something over her shoulder.

Ethstar. You have done well, that makes it… what? One hundred some kills?"

Blinking, a strange type of look settled upon his faraway face, his features softening for a moment. He was completely gone, the sight of the winged one before him being too much. Memories were flooding up like wildfire, triggered by the sight of the girl that stood in protest of his accusations.

The Celestial smiled, his flaming eyes looking down upon Ethstar’s bowed self. White hot eyes watched him, somewhat prideful while being holy at the same time. A confliction of emotions, contained within the Being’s gaze. “I have one more job for you. Arise.” Ethstar slowly stood, pulling himself gracefully from his knelt position. Dilated pupils stared coldly at the Grand Celestial before him, a few strands of black hair partially obscuring his view. Ethstar’s face was somewhat… hard.

He could remember all too well. He had been so cold, so tainted by all of the spilt blood. He had basically left all of his emotions behind, so that he could complete what assignments were given to him with maximum efficiency. The gaze he had now, in the present, it itself was slowly growing cold, that particular reaction triggered by that particular memory. It was almost as if he had forgotten the girl in front of him, is was as if she didn’t exist to him anymore. Her frustrated questions would fall upon listening ears, but they would not be addressed. Not just yet.

“What is the task, milord?” The Celestial kept the broad smile upon his face, staring intensely at Ethstar. For a moment, silence reigned over whatever meeting the two people were having, slowly defining the moment. Finally, the Celestial spoke, his voice deep and rich. “I want you to kill Dane.” At those words, an actual emotion triggered on Ethstar’s face. Flickers of surprise danced across his handsome features, and his lips released questioning words before he could manage to stop them. “…Dane? But…” The Celestial’s face hardened, angry words now spurting out in response to Ethstar’s hesitation. “He is a traitor, Ethstar. He is Fallen. You do not need to know WHAT he did, you just need to punish him. I am your Commander, designated so in the name of the Light. You will do as I order.” The Celestial’s eyes spit darts of fire, as if daring Ethstar to struggle against his commandment. For a few more moments, surprise and confusion reigned supreme upon Ethstar’s face… but in yet just another one of those moments… it was gone. Replaced by the cold, dead look of before. And the deadly eyes of before. “I hear, and I obey. For the Legion. For the Celestials. For the Light.”

In the present, Ethstar’s eyes managed to clear, and they now snapped down to regard the Winged one. Pure and unhidden rage exploded across his features, his eyes flaring with the sudden outburst. It was nothing like the expressions of before, but a release of every single moment of anger he had been harboring since the fall. She was too much. She was driving him slowly insane, taunting him with the fact that he could not attack, toying with his emotions until every single string in his mind snapped from her strain. Moving in jerky movements, he snapped a hand up to the clasp of his cloak, and released it to the ground. With a great snarl, he released the magic he had upon himself. With a sickening ripping sound, actual wings flared out from his back, spreading wide in their majestic display. They were beautiful objects, much like hers. Yet they seemed to be slightly smaller for some reason, the fact being that it was a side effect of the curse. Bandages hung from several different places, wrapped around areas, simply draped over the feathers in some spots. He had no care that she saw his wings, the accursed Celestial already knew he had them. With rough and jagged tones, he spat his words at her furiously. “Immature? You holy beings ripped everything away from me. You used me, then tossed me aside. You destroyed everything I loved, and for what? I was of no use anymore?” His eyes flashed with pain for a brief second, a hugely intense burst of sadness echoing out before fading away into the anger. “I don’t really care WHY anymore. I am through being your plaything.” His hand visibly struggled with hilt of his blade, desperately trying to yank it from its rest. “Run, follower of the Light. Run as far as you can. Because before I am through, I will kill every last one of you righteous beings. And you... you and your wretched games with my mind will be the very first to go.” He was being reckless, he knew. But he had also lost all control. No rhyme or reason was left within his body, he was only a pinnacle of complete and utter anger.

Meera watched curiously his ever changing features. She only could wonder what was going on through his mind right now. It appeared as if something paining was coming back. Instantly, she felt a surge of empathy for the man. She wanted to walk right up to him and offer her condolences and/or assistance, but it pained her that she could not trust this man to not hurt her. She could feel her spell wearing and knew it would not be too long before it completely fell out on her. Frantically she waited until the man spoke to her again. What she was greeted with did not diminish any of her fears, it only scared her more. Meera watched helplessly as his face filled with more rage than she had witnessed from him before. Her eyes grew wide and she simply stood. His words suddenly made her realize what he had been feeling this whole time. That was the deal. He still assumed that since she had the wings, she was a celestial. His words, she could tell, did not even begin to explain to her the immense hurt he had gone through. She could do nothing more to convince him. Obviously, her trying to have him realize that he was acting assuming and stupid, was not working. It only succeeded in making him filled with more rage. She stood unblinkingly while soaking in all that he had said. She didn't know what to say. He definitely had intention to kill her or hurt her greatly.

Biting her lip, Meera stood once more in a state of confusion. She didn't know what to do. It would help to prepare for the battle that she did not want to come, but she didn't dare draw her sword for fear that she would cancel the spell before its complete time elapsed. Her voice now shaky, she finally found the words to say, "....I'm sorry you feel that I have done this attrocity to you...". Her eyes cast downwards while she tried to complete her thought and find the words that would fit right. His words would not make her run, nothing could. She was a stubborn being and what she felt usually stuck with her no matter what. Sometime it would bring her downfall, but it had not yet, so be it. Looking up again at him, she said "I truly do not wish to draw blade against you. I have already expressed my intentions of peace not violence. I know I cannot make you believe what I say, but I just wish you to know that I will act upon defending myself. If you so choose to fight me, then that decision was made. I will fight. Just know beforehand that it was because of your whim, and not mine." Shaking her head, she bit her lip and looked into his rage-filled eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was fight against a lie-blinded person, but if she had to, she would.

Slowly, Meera felt the spell dissapating in front of her. It would not be long before he advanced upon her. So she would be ready when the spell broke, she placed a hand steadily on the hilt of her sword. She had tried to convince him. Tried with all her might, yet nothing could take away the obvious pain he felt. With a cautious eye, she surveyed his wings. They were beautiful and had been even moreso once. She could see that. For some reason though, they were smaller. That she could not figure out. Now was not the time though. Taking a deep breath, she looked the man in the eyes again while gritting her teeth. She was ready. Let him come.

He stood there, his eyes flashing with all of the anger she had sensed. In this moment in time, he was a scar on the face of the earth, and he knew it, and felt it with all of his soul. He was a Fallen Angel, something the world had denied a long time ago, and had marked as a mistake. That was all he was, both to this world, and to the world he left. A mere mistake. His hand was shaking on the hilt of his blade now, still trying to jerk it out with all of his strength. It was as if he couldn't convince himself that he was not able to pull the blade, or it was as if he thought he could break her spell with a mere display of willpower. Not that he had a commendably strong will. Yet he did have almost obsessive rage, some kind of emotion that went way past the idea of rage. There he stood, a mistake, a pillar of anger, a stubborn and closed shell to her words. He stood here as a Fallen Angel.

As her words were spoken, some hope might be seen. He would visibly relax as she finished her sentence. It was surprising really. All of his features softened, the rage seeming to drain from him in a mere second. His eyes returned to normal, staring at her silently, innocently. But his words did not reflect this strange calm that had seemed to fill his body. His words reflected a cold burst of ice. "You will never be ready for me." As if he could read her mind. He could. His telepathy had come to him not long ago, in a burst of agony back at Taras. If only Kli could see him now, or Amy. How would they consider him? What would they think of him now? "For... Who can really be ready for a man..." His words seem to drift into reality, then back out. His eyes were distant once more, his emotions obviously scattered all over the place. His mind wasn't reacting well to her. He had react with pure rage against the other Celestial. But this one was different. This one was driving him insane.

"Who can be ready for a man..." His words seemed sad now, strangely enough. He refocused his eyes back on her, and a beautiful smile unexpectedly crossed his face. Haunting and filled with sorrow, yet so beautiful anyway. He regarded her own beautiful wings, surveying them like they were pieces of delicate art. It didn't last long though. In a mere moment, his eyes snapped back to the intense look, and the rage started to fill his being once again. "Who can be ready for a man who once loved you... but now stands here to kill you?" With those confusing words, he suddenly leapt high into the air toward her, his hand once more frantically jerking at his hilt. In a magical display, a suddenly and rough gust of wind slapped her in the face, a mere breeze being turned into a lethal lash of air. If anything, he was hoping it caused her to blink, or at least turn her face away.

He assumed that since she had told him to come at her, she had released the spell. Indeed she had, for the blade was now out and held tall at his right. About halfway of the way through his jump, at the highest point of the leap and when he was starting to head down, he let loose a great flap of his wings. In an amazing burst of speed, he shot toward her like an arrow released. At the downward angle, his head was aimed dead at her, his body straight out in a diagonally shape. His sword was ready to slap aside an attack, particularly at his head, the Celestial being obviously used to adjusting and fighting at such fast speeds. Yet it did not come without a price, for when his teachers had instructed him never to try and fly with his cursed wings... they had spoken wise words.

A slash. It just appeared like magic, a deep cut biting into his back. He let loose a roar of agony as he hurtled toward the woman, feeling the skin part between the wings. In the air, blood spurted up to embrace the night air. Each flap of those wings would bring him closer to death, and he knew it. Yet his bloodthirsty mind accepted it. He didn't know how long his magical gust of wind would keep her vision askew, if it even had in the first place. But it had been a small piece of strategy, one that he hoped to prove useful. If anything, if the wind had distracted her long enough, he would head butt her powerfully in the chest, the first hit of the evening.

Meera knew that the words he spoke were what he hoped to happen. She would be ready. Though she could not prevent what was going to happen, she did know it would happen and could think ahead. The wind that hit her was unexpected, but she retaliated quickly. She turned her head to the side to protect her eyesight. At the same time, she countered his spell with the same one that was her own. Quickly she shouted the words to her own version of control winds nulling them both. While her head whirled she had cast out her wings protectively. They now were flung out wide to her side. The wind still stung on her cheek, but she now was able to face the fallen's first attempt at an attack. Though Meera had said she would act in self defense, she still didn't want to hurt him. This small feeling could just be helping him, but it didn't matter. Despite what he believed, the celestial within her still believed he was a person and counted as an innocent. Not wanting to hurt him seriously, she instead flapped her powerful winter wings, sending a gust towards him. It normally could knock a standing man down to the ground. She wasn't quite sure what it would do to him flying, but she was sure it would slow him down at least a little bit. Not waiting to see if it would help too much, she cast another spell, drown. Pointing to the man, a bit of water appeared in his throat.

She hoped that all the things she did would at least cause him to rethink his tactics. Maybe she would still have a chance to persuade him not to attack. Just about now she had almost given up all hope, but nothing could completely take it away. Through her spell and her gust with her wings, she still did not know wether his intended hit would strike her. He was coming quickly and she didn't have much time to dodge. Instead of bracing herself for the hit though, she flopped her body and made it flexible to absorb it. She would roll with the hit and hopefully be able to get back up very quickly. There was no avoiding this fight. Within a second though, Meera heard a thrid set of wings flapping powerfully towards her. Quickly, she tilted her head upwards to witness Kalani furiously flying in talons out. Meera barely had time to yell out a strong "NO!" Before Kalani would have struck the man on the back, a lethal blow. She had no intention to kill this man. Kalani, hearing Meera's commanding voice had hesitated and in that second missed her chance, circling around again. Her gryphon eyes were furious, wanting to hurt this man badly and protect Meera. Meera's word was law though, and no matter what Kalani wanted, she respected her decision. With determined eyes, Meera prepared for the impact.

He couldn't take it. She was driving him insane, and he couldn't understand it. So many emotions were slamming through the length of his mind, calling out to him and telling him so many different things. Telling him to obey her cries, telling him to believe her, telling him to kill her, telling him to completely and utterly wipe her existance from this wretched plane. He couldn't take it all, and now he was trying to channel all of his confused and twisted emotions into a single orb of blazing anger. That was the only thing he could do to keep from breaking apart, to keep something of a composure up during the fight. He had also noticed her shout to someone above him, and that had only added on to the confusion. He had thought she was yelling at him at first, but then he had saw her eyes staring at something above his back. She had focused her attention away from it later, so it hadn't been a threat to herself. It couldn't have been a threat to him either, or at least that is what his rage told him. Why would she command away something that would help her kill him? But then what else could it be…?

Voices in his mind. So many. Memories, so many emotions. You are now part of the Legion my friend. Pride. We welcome you within our ranks brother. Acceptance. You shall be rewarded for this. Joy.

We shall kill you. Utter and unending pain.

The blast from her wings would do a good job, smashing against Ethstar with terrifying force. Instead of pushing him back though, his body would be squeezed between the force of her gust, and the force of his own previous take-off. It would be as if he paused in mid-air for a moment, her gust freezing him in place. Yet with a growl, a quick motion of his hand at about the same time she motioned for her own spell, he would set off another Control Gust spell, reversing the direction of the wind torrent she had aimed at him. Then he felt the water appear in his throat. Blinking with surprise, he let out a loud and ragged gasp for air, completely taken off-guard by this new and strange attack. Forcing himself to calm down, he refocused his mind. Panic bordered on the edge of his emotions, but his outrage overcame that. He was intent on getting to her, if it killed him or not. Then he felt the water appear in his throat. Blinking with surprise, he let out a loud and ragged gasp for air, completely taken off-guard by this new and strange attack. He was hurtling toward her, and he was now enraged and suffocating. With a few seconds wasted, he bent his head down to his chest while he gasped for air, his mind not yet thinking of swallowing, and slammed directly into her.

Meera's eyes closed softly at his impact. The breath was pressed immedietly from her lungs as his much larger body slammed with still great force into her. She had no choice but to roll with the blow. Somewhat gracefully, her back arched as she tumbled backwards over the ground. She landed with a thud on the dirt where once more, air forcefully left her lungs. Her first reaction to the blow was to take in a sharp breath as well as gasp in pain. She didn't think that anything was broken, but it certainly was blinding her for the moment with pain shooting up and down her spinal cord. Eyes watering, Meera began to scramble to pull herself up. She didn't want to give the man an advantage by just laying on the ground. As she stood, her steps faltered underneath her for a few moments as her mind dizzied. Blinking rapidly she regained her sense of mind and was able to focus on the man again. Sometimes her small stature did not help at all in a fight. His typical larger male body obtained more momentum and was harder to slow down, let alone stop. Besides that fact though, she was pretty small already and easier to take down. Grimmacing, Meera clasped her hand tightly around the handle of her blade as she drew it from its sheath. She had been stupid to try and just stop him. Dodging his every attack was never going to work. Luckily though, her drown spell had worked.

A more aggressive person might have taken this opportunity while he was choking to go in and do as much damage as possible. That was not Meera's goal though. Instead, she stood there, watching and waiting to see if he would stand up. While she was just standing there, she was not completly disfocused on the battle, she was searching through her memory to bring forth the spells that she knew would hurt, but not kill him if she needed to. Right now, there was no need for them, so she kept the knowledge to herself. Appraising him with cool eyes, she began to wonder once more what caused his rage to have the ability to blind him so much. He didn't appear to be thinking rationally at all. Maybe there was some mental problem going on with him....she doubted that though. Pacing now, Meera absentmindedly ran her hand over the golden bracelet that rested on her wrist. It was a simple one, yet it meant the world to her. It had been a gift from Kli, one of Meera's good friends. Recently, she had just met up with her again through a long absense when Kli left. The bracelet was a small comfort that Meera relied on to keep her mind sane. It was a simple reminder that she was not so alone in this world. There always people who had her back. With a smile she also remembered the cloak she had recieved from another friend. She wasn't wearing it now, for it was far to nice for a simple day out traveling, but the memory of it was always with her.

Unintentionally, she found herself smiling. This man in front of her Meera did not think would ever believe her, let alone become friends with her. Whatever he had against celestials was obviously extreme and not something that her simply being nice to him could change. Whatever caused his view to turn bad in the first place was the only thing that could possibly right the wrong. Meera's eyes had cooled from when anger bubbled up within her from his hit, but the pain in her back and lungs still lingered along with still some anger. So much for a night just stretching out and stargazing. It was then that she remembered Kalani. Frantically, her eyes flashed to the giant gryphon. With a hiss through gritted teeth, Meera directed her to go away. This time though, the gryphon did exactly the opposite. She went and stood directly beside Meera. Eyes flashing in newfound anger at her companion. Speaking frantically, she said "go now! I'm fine" Kalani did not even look at her, instead keeping her eyes steadily on the man that had just hit Meera.

As Ethstar slammed into her, a searing pain went down the length of his back. He could clearly feel the bloody cut, and was even more aware of the stream of red liquid flowing down the length of his back. He didn't know how long he could go on with his blood draining like this, and the only fear that the thought presented was the possiblity that he would not be able to kill her before he himself fainted. It was too deep to give him much time. As she pulled away from him in a roll and quickly stood, he would be kneeling on the ground, on all fours. At the shift in positioning, the single blood river turned into several dark streams, a red spiderweb now crossing his back. His eyes were still filled with the unlimited anger, and he had indeed lost all forms of reason. A few hacking gasps could be hurt coming from the bowed head, the chest area heaving voilently. With one last and sudden gasp, a small amount of water would spew from out of his mouth, his body forcefully rejecting the liquid. It would splatter on the ground with a small splashing sound, mixed with random stomach fluids and blood. He was in worse shape then her, which was completely and utterly degrading. The rough slam into the girl, and the rough landing... it had spurted out even more blood, only another small factor that was pushing against him.

With a growl of defiance, he slowly staggered to his feet, his strength slowly draining with his blood. Ruby red drops now started to fall from his back, like a slow drizzle of rain. Small streams could be seen coming off of the edges of the beautiful wings, steadily flowing down. He slowly hefted his blade up with both hands, and shifted his eyes to glare at the two of them once more. At the small smile on her face, the look of rage twisted around once again, marring his features considerably. Yet as he stood, a few sane thoughts were running through his mind. Ethstar glared at her angrily, but his mind steadily raced. I cannot die. He hefted the blade higher, and with the left hand raised the hilt so it was in equal hilt to his height. Amy. I promised her. A look of defiance started to cross his face, mixed with the twisted rage. He was trying to overcome the steadily growing pain in his body, trying to deny the fact that he was loosing blood much too quickly. He shifted his gaze to the griffon, giving it the equal amount of anger his master had recieved. For a few moments, he simply glared at the animal, not knowing what it was, and not caring. After a few moments of this, he returned his eyes to the girl. I have to thank Kli. She had helped him in understanding these humans, and had been the first person he had truly understood, even if it had only been a small part. I will not leave. Not now. With another growl of defiance, he pulled his sword back over his shoulder, then flung it forward with all of his remaining strength.

The blade would lance through the air dead at the head of Meera, spinning in quite a deadly arc. He briefly considered giving it an extra push with a gust of wind, but for some reason, his hand wasn't wanting to move in the motion. Still not accepting what this might mean, he pushed his leg forward in another step. Almost hesitantly, it managed to lift and go forward in a step. Then, suddenly, he was falling. Without a sound, he toppled forward and landed with a thud onto the ground. Another spurt of blood would rise high in the air, his back and his wings completely covered in random trickles of the crimson liquid. Closing his eyes as he hit the floor, anger still reigned on his face. For a few moments, he would simply lay there, then a defying shout could be heard. "I am not done... not yet...!" He would struggle. It would be quite obvious, the Fallen angel's arm muscles tightening as he tried to lift himself up off the ground. He couldn't tell if his opponent had moved yet or not, but he knew he must get up. He was a sitting duck. The slash wasn't that fatal, or so it seemed. But for some strange reason, blood was pouring from it like his whole back had been ripped open. The teacher had been all too right in telling him never to fly.

A grimmace flashed over Meera's face as sharp pangs of pain lanced through her body. Like a reflex, her hand flew to her ribs bending forwards as if that would help end the pain. Clamping her eyes shut they wrinkled along with her forehead. There was no possible way that she had avoided damage from that attack. She had been stupid to think so naively that she remained unharmed. It only hinted at nerve damage the amount of time it took for her to finally feel the pain of the slam and impact. The pain transferred throughout her whole body thanks to the spinal cord that she had hit into the ground so hard. Eyes glazed with pain, she opened them quickly to see how he was faring. Sweat began to bead at her, helping the blood run down her face. It was not her blood, it was from the man as he was injured and the blood splashed upon her. Keeping one hand tightly on her ribs, she reached the other up to whipe away the liquids dripping down her face. Now her hand was covered in his blood, but she was not squeimish, nor was she in the physical condition to care right now. For a moment, the two of them attempted to deal with their own pain. Meera's eyes slowly began to actually see what he actually looked like now. He looked horrible. Though he had been the one to cause all this pain on her, she still was wracked with concern at how he appeared. Her instincts wanted to go help him, but still, her body would not allow her to move just yet.

Clenching her jaw together, she fared another wave of pain that her spinal cord sent out in ripples. A soft flow of curse words flared out of her mouth as she attempted to deal with it. Breathing heavily now, she still watched the man with a steady gaze, yet her mind was not concentrating on him. As soon as the pain had subsided from a blinding one to an immobilizing one for the moment, she was able to focus on him. He seemed to be getting ready to throw something at her. What was it? Narrowing her eyes and her beaded brow, she took one second until the realization hit her. Right then though, another ripple of pain wracked her body. Letting out only a small groan, she attempted to conceal the pain. Bowing her head she willed it to go away so she could react to what the man was about to do. As soon as it allowed her mind to concentrate again, she was ready. She released the first spell that she could think of to help her, as well as the newest she had learned. Sweeping one hand out in a pushing motion, she grunted the words to the spell Ice Wall. It failed at first but as Meera cried out in fear, it built itself up just in time in front of her. The sword cut through the thick wall going further and further. Her eyes quivvered in fear as it slowed. The tip just barely jutted out of the wall slicing her lip down the center. Crying out in fear of what might have been, Meera stumbled backwards still clasping at her ribs.

She didn't know if any other words could escape her lips for the moment. There would indefinitely be a scar on their soft exterior forever. This man, she could now never forget. Crumpling to the ground, she sobbed in fright. What would have happened if she hadn't cast that wall. Could that have been the end of her life? To just leave the world like that? Without any goodbyes? Killed by a man when she meant no harm towards him herself? Still though, Meera cared for the innocent fallen. With the little strength she had left, she was able to call off her ice wall and walk over to the man. His sword fell to the ground with a thump. Her voice quiverring a little, she asked "are you happy now?" Blood ran down her chin and into her mouth from the cut that he had given her. Just then another bout of pain wracked her. Pressing her jaw together, she tried to conceal it though. The hand gripping her ribs tightened whitening her knuckles, but other than thats, she tried to show no sighn that intense pain was limiting her motions right now.

He struggled agaisnt his fate, trying his best to get up and pull himself to a stranding position. His legs trembled underneath him as he managed to retain somewhat of a crouching kneel, it obviously taking all of his muscle as well as tons of willpower just to keep him up that high. The pain in his back had slowly spread throughout his body, the curse doing quite an effiecient job of keeping him from doing any kind of flying manuevers. Uttering a string of curses, he tried his best to thrust aside the physical injuries that were keeping him from killing the Celestial, but he was failing quite horribly. He felt a few steady streams of blood that were beginning to run down the inside of his shirt, making small trails down the length of his solid arm muscles. For some strange reason, the liquid felt oddly cool against the slowly rising temptature of his skin. As if someone had taken a mug of ice water and splashed it all over his aching body, trying to bring him at least the slightest form of relief. Maybe he should just rest, and let more of the cooling flow engulf his tired senses. That would be so very nice, and it would finally free him from this agonized moment in his wretched life. A slight sigh of pleasure escaped his lips at this thought, his rage forgotten for a very short moment.

It was soon back though as he felt the presence of the girl come closer. His last attack must have failed, for she was still alive and standing, sadly enough. He tried to lift his head to eye her approach, but was not able to muster the strength, for some strange reason. It was a simple task really, why wouldn't his body just agree and go along with his wishes? With that thought, suddenly every last ounce of strength that remained in his legs gave out. Slumping to the ground, he was driven to his knees, and then he fell face-foward into the grassy earth. A light thud would be heard, and yet even more of crimson rain would splash upon the girl who had approached him. In one last desperation move, he tried to flap his wings. He knew it would be the end of him if he did, but then maybe he would be able to take the girl down to Hell with him. The objects would not move however, they simply decided to stay limp in their dark bath of blood. Rumbling out a curse that would make demonspawn wince, he clenched his fists in the dirt. His fingers clamped around and into the earth, securing a small clump of the green and brown within his hand. He almost instantly released it though, his hands now falling out of his control completely. Every part of his body was slowly going limp, and he was slowly loosing the battle with his bloodloss.

At the sound of her voice, his eyes slid in her direction, but could not see her. Since he was facedown on the ground, he was quite limited in his vision. His teeth clenched tightly however, his face perhaps the only part of his body that he was able to move efficiently. He once again tried to work the other parts of his body, once again tried to move by rolling himself over. Nothing was accomplished however, and he was simply left to rot. Out came his voice, weak, yet still shaking with rage. "I... I hate... your kind, Celestial... What you did... It can't be... I can never..." And with those weak words, he fainted. It would perhaps be seen by the slumping of his body, by every single muscle in his frame going completely and utterly slack. Whatever the case, he hadn’t noticed that she was in a lot of pain. The one curious thing to him was that she was not finishing him off right then and there, but that could be credited to the belief that she was simply toying with him. No matter. He went into his sleep, convinced he was to die. He also went into his sleep, convinced that he would return, somehow rising from the ranks of the dead.

Meera's lip quivered and her entire body shook with every ounce of self control on not betraying any of the pain that was wracking her body. She didn't think that any healing magic she had could help this. Besides, her head was much too dizzied to think through all that right now. Her glazed over eyes could only watch the man shakingly right now. As he fell, she did too. Her own shaking legs felt comfort in the fact that since he was now down she could as well. Kneeling she swayed shakingly but was able to collapse back and rest on her heels. Just then another rack of pain raced throughout her body. Arching her back at the sudden sharpness, a gasp was pressed out of her. As soon as the bout was over though, she was left panting heavily and still dizzy. She watched silently with unshed tears from pain glittering her eyes as the man lost control of his own body and fell forwards. A surge of compassion for him rushed forwards in Meera's mind. What compelled her to help every living thing even confused her sometimes. Leaning forwards, her arms were clasped around her ribs trying somehow to prevent more pain from coming. It was invetible though and her attempts useless as another wrack caused her to roll over and sweat to slide profusely down her face. When it was gone though, she wasted no time. This man was obviously on his deathbed. She couldn't tell instantly when he had fainted for his body was unmoving anyways. Hesitantly, she reached out a hand and touched his head. Just then, he whispered his last words. When he didn't finish, that was only conformation that he was out.

Inching forwards on her knees, she was able to use the man shoulders to pull him back down the other way so his head was up. Then, Meera next moved his legs out from underneath him. As soon as those actions were done though, another sharp spasm of pain arced through her and she shook for a few moments, containing the sharp cry that she wanted so badly to yell out. As soon as the pain had subsided a bit, she was barely able to pull herself up into a standing position on her shaky legs. Nearly laughing in hysteria, she reached down for the man's arms. She was able to pull him towards the lake a few steps before more pain hit her. It was becoming closer and closer. The pain was lessening the gap between each one. Twisting around in the short agony, she lost a bit of control of herself. When it was over though, she felt like running. Knowing what she had to do though, she tugged the man the last few steps to the shore of the lake. Jumping in herself, she instantly felt the least bit renewed as the water clensed the blood off of her. She had stupidly forgotten about what she would do in the water with the disabling pain though. It hit her like a silent snake though as she sunk into the water floundering a bit. Luckily though, when the pain left, she was slowly abe to regain control o fher limbs and swim up to the surface. Gasping for breath, the water no longer felt comforting. Swimming back towards the shallow water, she grabbed the sandy beach greedily. Splashing the man with water, she hoped to cleanse him and get the blood off. Realizing that cleaning him only wasn't going to do any good, she decided to use the last of her spellcasting strength to heal him. Casting 'Greater Heal' quickly, she didn't know what it would do for him but she hoped it would help.

She was only able to pull herself up onto the shore partially before the pain hit her even stronger than before. She spasmed for a bit and was left with only a partially conscious mind. Blinking wasn't clearing the closing in black haze any longer. Struggling though, she didn't trust the man to leave her alone if she blacked out and he woke up. Her last strength was used to weakly call Kalani over and give her last directions, "Don't hurt the man....Protect me.." THat was all she got out before the last bit of pain wracked her. She cried out once more in agony as her back arched upwards again and she fell down out of the pain and lost consciousness.

Her healing powers worked wonderful. It was a mere slash upon his back, but that slash was bleeding incredibly. With her magic, the cut healed as if it had never been there. For a moment, it would look as if a scar was upon the skin, and dozens of others. But in the blink of an eye, the marks would vanish, replaced by muscles and tan, smooth skin. With a jerk, he awoke, his mind still believing that he was under attack and had to do something to defend himself. He was up in a mere eyeblink, but the moment he got to his feet, he nearly fell over again. He was incredibly weak from the blood loss, and it was only the magic from the spell she had cast on him that he was even awake. His face was already filled with rage as it rested upon the griffin, then shot around to try and locate the master. He had told her he would kill her. And somehow, he had managed to survive the painful curse that activated everytime he flapped these blasted wings. Letting out an angry snarl, he finally located the girl.

She was out like a light.

Another snarl crossed his face as he realized this was his change to finally do away with the annoying woman. Blinking rapidly to try and clear the blackness that kept threatening to overtake him once again, he searched for his sword. And it was that moment when his eyes pulled away that his common sense barely managed to kick in. He wasn't a God. He was not able to heal profuse bleeding, especially when he was knocked out. The fact that rage and willpower was the only thing holding him up was also something else that proved his mortality. He blinked once again, the look of rage slowly draining from his face to be one of pure confusion. His puzzled gaze automatically shot back to the fainted girl, the blue hue and pupils returning to their normal size. She... it couldn't be. He simply stood there, keeping part of his mind steady to fight the oncoming darkness, and part of his mind focused on examining her face. She was a Celestial. Why hadn't she just killed him when he had been out? And why... had she healed him? His eyes widened at this realization, and then increased their intense inspection of her face. He slowly walked toward her, giving the griffin a glance and trying to make sure the thing wouldn't attack him. "Don't worry, I am not going to do anything." As soon as he got to her, he knelt to his knees, and started to clear her wet strands of hair from her pretty face. As soon as the wet strands of silk were moved, he started to fully examine her face, looking for any clues that she may have spoke the truth. That was when he saw her pointed ears.

With a strangled cry, he realized how much of a mistake he had made. Almost instantly, his hands were cupping her cheeks, and sending all of his minor healing magic pulsing through her body as fast as he possibly could. His face had now drastically changed, all the weakness in his body forgotten as he realized his deathly error in judgement. Rage always blinds, even the wise. He simply sat there for a few moments as he poured all of his magic into her, trying his best to heal whatever was ailing her. After a few more moments, he pulled his hands away, wobbling on his feet. He wouldn't last much longer. Growling defiance, he hurriedly pulled the clasp away that held his cloak on his body, and then arranged the black material over her wet body like a blanket. He had barely gotten the material over her limp frame when the waves of blackness crashed over him again. He was sent staggering as he faught the wave of weakness, his mind still not letting him fall. His muscled felt like water, but he must.. he had to make up for the wrong. Letting out a growl of defiance as he continued to fight, his eyes took in the fateful sleep of the girl. "I... am... sorry..." With that, he fell over beside of her, flat on his back. Closing his eyes, he let himself drift away into sleep, hopefully sleep that would replinish his strength. He looked so very peaceful, so very gentle. Completely different from the man of before, who had been filled with so much rage.

(OOC: Sorry, I am extremely tired...)

The world that Meera slipped into when she fell unconscious was by no means an unpeaceful one. She was kept unknowingly semi-conscious. Her sensitive ears picked up the sounds that her body could hear and they were interpreted in her mind. Where the translation was lost was in her mind. When the man woke up and spoke the words "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything," it triggered a memory. Meera was walking away from her home a long time ago when a man passed her. She had seen him in town a few times ago, but never had the chance to meet him. Wondering why he was here, she asked something like a why. He answered her with "Don't worry, I'm not going to do anything." The mistake she always blamed herself for was not wondering further. What she came home to was exactly the opposite of what he had said. Utter destruction met her eyes as she was forced to end her own parent's agony. That was the day she finally became tough. Death took on a whole new meaning within her eyes. Wanting to sob, Meera did mentally but nothing happened to her pained composure back on Imythess. The next memory came with a relieving wash. It went back even further to when she was little and sick with a fever. As his hands cupped her cheeks, she felt her mothers tough, yet comforting ones. She had coursed her own magics throughout Meera to heal her just in time to go out and learn with her tutor. It was then that the memory slipped away. Wanting to keep the happy time, Meera grasped blindly for it but found nothing but blackness. Then suddenly, she felt her senses as well as the pain coming back.

Now back into the world, she felt pain once again. This time though, it was not nearly as sharp and binding as it had been before. What had done that though? What had brought her back? What had brought on all of those memories? She still couldn't quite think straight though due to the massive headache she was experiencing though. Panting as if she had just run a great distance, Meera attempted to regain her composure. Since the spinal cord pain had faded away, she could now feel almost what exactly was hurting. Definitely her ribs, as she breathed in and out she could feel the pain. The only other problems she felt she might have were a big headache and bruises. Those, she could live with. Only now did she feel that she was ready to reopen her eyes. When she did, she was surprised where she found herself. On top of her was a cloak unfarmilliar and beside her was the man himself. She certainly could recall that it was not where she left him. Instantly all the events made sense. Shoulders relaxing, she tilted her head back down to the ground. What a night...was all she could think. With a sigh, she realized that she had to see what extent her injury was to. Hesitantly, she began to curl her body upwards into a sitting position. Feeling the pain after just a little, she realized that wouldn't work. For now, she have to find a way to do it without bending her torso. Letting herself fall back onto the ground, she thought of another way. Rolling over onto her stomach, she walked her legs up as far as she could while keeping her back straight, then stood up. Sheesh, so much trouble just to stand.

Once her own travails were over, she looked down at the man. He had helped her, yet before he seemed so adamant to defeat her. What had he seen that made him change his mind? She could never find out while he was asleep. At least that's what he appeared to be. Assuming that he was asleep, Meera contemplated her options again. She could leave and never see this man again, hoping he was able to get well, or she could stay and help him out while risking the fact that she could die if he still believed as before. Choosing the second, Meera managed a weak smile then turned to Kalani. She whispered out softly, "Food". The giant bird nodded, trusting her, and went into the woods. Just standing there, Meera felt akward. She had to sit. She was so tired. Besides, she knew how to get up now, it just took a little time. Rolling her eyes, she plopped onto the ground again, forgetting how much her bottom hurt. Meera let out an involuntary yelp at the surprise pain when she landed on her butt. Clasping her hands over her mouth, she hoped not to wake the man. Looking over at him cautiously, she waited to see if he would wake up. Once looking at him, she realized that he didn't seem very comfortable. Glancing around her a bit, Meera spied a rock. Using her telekinesis, she pulled it towards him. Reaching out, she lifted his head up and slid the rock underneath it. Once setting his head back down gently, Meera felt able to relax. She tried to lean back, yet whenever she did, she seemed to land on one bruise after another. Giving up, she tried now to inch herself closer to the water without hurting herself. Now that was a task. On her first slide, she hit a rock and yet out another gasp of pain, this time able to hold it in a bit. She still clasped her hand over her mouth though. This time, she hoped he wouldn't wake up either.

Another dream. All over again, just like he had pulled a dream out from the darkness of his sleep in the first moments of this whole ordeal. He slept, and he watched, as he could see the prophecies of the dream from a bird's viewpoint.

Taren stared at the frozen body of his opponent, fully ready for the kid to pop back up and come at him again. His mind was racing with ideas, calculating the possibilities that may or may not be achieved. His body was loose and ready, fists or feet ready to snap up at any given sign that the man was still alive. The shadows in the realm seemed to radiate this emotion and readiness, slowly swaying in the air like snakes. Ready to strike with fangs at any sign of movement. Only three of them, directly in front of Taren... but three was enough to gore through a heart. They were about three inches thick apiece, black as night. Yet no normal eyes would be able to pick them out, for they matched the surrounding darkness perfectly. Yes. They were deadly.

But they would not be used for Ominous.

He killed him, you fool. He will come for you. Do not go to the Shadow Plane.

Ethstar blinked, or his dream-self blinked. He was asleep, he knew that. But he blinked. Not in the real world though, in the dream. He let out a growl as this confusing thought tried to cross his mind, and tried to make him understand it, tried to force him to comprehende it. He couldn't. And he wasn't planning on going to the Shadow Plane. What was the voice blabbering about?

Oh. You will go. He will find you there. And you WILL die.

With a loud cry, Ethstar snapped out of his slumber to sit straight up. The motion caused a lance of pain to go smashing through his back, and a wave of dizziness to overcome him. He nearly fell over again, pain still flashing throughout the muscles that made up his body. He simply sat there for a moment, his eyes focused on the forest line so far away, and his mind still pondering the nightmares as of late. They terrified him. He wouldn't admit it, and his body would hardly ever register it... but now that he was thinking about this fact of fear, it was true. He was terrified by that man, the one who always had something to do with shadows, and who pulsed energy like a beacon. He was a terrifying man. Yet he seemed so oddly familar.

Blinking stars away that were trying to overcome his vision, he turned his head to try and find the girl he had so hatefully attacked. That he had commited a horrible crime agaisnt. He soon saw her, struggling to reach the water it seemed, looking like she was still in pain from the damage he had inflicted on her. Still blinking quite rapidly, he staggered up from his painful position, noting that the girl had put a rock under his head. She was still being so kind to him, after all of the crimes he had pulled agaisnt her good will. Using all of the strength he had managed to gain in his few moments of sleep, he slowly made his way over to the girl, and offered her a hand. His light blue eyes shone with a dark and deep sorrow, sharing the pain she was feeling within his own body. He did not speak a single word yet, but his face spoke so much of the sorrow he felt with her, and the sorrow he felt for attacking her so recklessly. His wings were not seeable, they seemed to have either folded themselves once more behind his back, or been shape-shifted into his skin. The hand he was offering would be his silent way of helping make up the wrong he had commited. His words finally came out though, the very essance that soft and gentle things were made from.

"I am truly sorry. I know I cannot offer any words that will make you trust me, but at the moment, I am at your service." He flexed the fingers of the hand he was outstretching, indicating that it was the thing he was talking about. "It is the least I can do. I owe my life to you, and on what honor I may have, I will pay back that debt." He glanced toward the softly rippling lake, then back down to her face, his eyes still strangely empathic with the pain running through her own emotions. It was as if in that moment, he was back in his once glorious Angelic nature, the beings that were supposed to be the most understanding, loving, and gentle beings of all time, and of all history. One may have their doubts though, for with Meera's actions of today... she was giving them quite a good competion.

When Meera finally made it to the water, it was worth the throes. Putting her feet in first, she rubbed of the mud that had caked on. It was a mystery to her how it got underneath her boot, but it had. Rolling up her pants, she washed the mud off her legs first. Next came getting the man's blood off of her clothes. There was no way she could do this with them on. Maybe she'd just have to wait for later. If only she could get her stuff from the other side of the lake. Just then, she remembered that she could. Using her telekinesis once more, she called her stuff over to her. Just then, the man woke up and let out a cry of pain. Losing her concentration, her stuff crashed into the lake below. Letting out a moan, she felt like throwing something. Now she would have to go down there and find them. Putting her head in her hands for a second, she tried to calm herself down. The frustration was beginning to get to her. She was on the verge of crying. Nothing seemed to be going her way. In last desperation, she tried to summon a swarm of fish so that they could possibly bring her stuff back up. Sadly they only gathered at her feet. Though they were only fish, they had a small comforting aire about them. She let a small smile slip through her frustration for a moment. Just then a larger fish brought her bag up to the shore. A slightly bigger smile lit up her face as she reached down to take the bag from the fish. Her boots were still at the bottom though.

A sound by her side made Meera turn though. There was the man, offering his hand to her. For a moment, she eyed it with many thoughts running through her head. He had given her no good reason to trust him. All he had done was injure her. Meera could only suspect that he had tried to heal her. She didn't know it for sure. Finally though, she saw more good reason to give him another chance and reached her arm up to clasp his hand. Using his weight and leverage, she pulled herself back up to her feet. It was far easier to get up this way. Gazing distantly back out at the lake, she called upon that large fish again. Gesuring towards her feet, she tried to explain to him that she was missing her boots. As he flipped back down into the lake with a flash of his fin, she could only hope that he understood and was able to get her boots for her. With that, she turned back to the man and let him speak to her. It was true, he still gave no reason for her to trust him, but yet she did. It was in her nature. Shaking her head though, what he said was nice, but not what she wanted. She never wanted anyone to ever be in her debt. It made her feel horrible. If it was what they wanted, so be it. She did not ever want to have to call upon them to repay it though. Speaking softly, she said "Don't feel as if you owe me anything." With that she attempted to give him a weary smile.

The sound of the fish resurfacing returned Meera's attention to her lost items. Turning quickly, she jerked her skin tight around her ribs. Wincing, she clasped one hand to them, but heer excitement at the returning of the fish kept her from closing her eyes. Indeed, he came up with both of her boots held in his mouth by the strings. Though Meera was unable to bend down and take the boots from him, the fish pushed them up far enough so she could get them when she needed them. Though her stuff had returned, she was still a bit irritated. Running a hand through her hair, she let out one last tired sigh and slapped a smile on her face. "Hungry?" She asked as she turned back to the man. As if on cue, Kalani came back with two rabits in her powerful beak. Meera walked over to the griffon and took them graciously with a pat. Already, she had gathered some sticks and promptly set them on fire with a quick pushing gesture and short word. Now came the part that would be hard, skinning the rabits. It was much easier when sitting, but Meera was in no mood to go through more trouble to get back up. Making up for it, she leaned on Kalani and took out her knife to begin skinning. Once she was done, she skewered them and put them to roast on the fire. Turning back to the man, she didn't even bother to put on a smile anymore. Sighing, she leaned back on Kalani and closed her eyes. As soon as this night was over, she'd be happy. Through all her frustration, she had given up washing the blood off her clothes. It could wait for morning.

He eyed her with this look of caution mixed with worry on his face, not speaking a word as she took his hand and quietly used it for leverage. His eyes remained steady on her face as she went about her business, not even responding to any form of speech. After a few moments of this studious gaze, he pulled his eyes away to observe the clear skies. Scanning his blue orbs over the beautiful spectical of nature, he tried to pinpoint the brightest star and let his mind drift away to it. He had seen the mysteries... when...? Drifting back to his earliest memories on this plane, the first thing that involved the stars was when he had asked Amy about them. He had once read that the diamonds of the sky could be used for magics, he had forgotten the name the books had called it. But he had always been interested in learning new forms of the Arcane arts, and this night sky had easily been a welcome addition to the puzzles of this earth, with easily clouded his mind. He could faintly hear Meera moving around close to him, but he took no notice, simply tried to let his mind clear. Yet he picked up her thoughts through his telepathy skills, and he responded likewise, not once moving his eyes from the glittering star he had managed to focus on. Her mental words drifted across his mind like they had been pushed by a gentle breeze, soft and cool in the heated turmoil of his own dark thoughts.

"You don't like people to be in your debt? Milady, it is not a choice. It is a responsibility." He didn't move once, he actually looked like a stone statue. The slight rising of his chest could be seen though, which was odd, considering the amount of damage he had gone through. Truly, his body was in all kinds of weakness. With focusing on the stars, came focusing on something else besides the fact that he may very well collapse. It was a pretty interesting feat that he was even standing as it was. "I am sorry for preaching to you." He turned finally, and gave her a beautiful smile, one that was there to try and help her listen to his pleas. "But I nearly killed you. And you healed me, if I am correct. I am in your debt, and there is nothing you can do about it." For the slightest of moments, there was a hint of humor in his voice, but it soon vanished as he turned to regard the skies once more. His mind was rushing around with intense thoughts of sorrow and worry, and of different ideals of what he was supposed to do now. He was in one of the strangest positions he had ever been in, and what he could possibly do to right his wrong was not coming clear to him at the moment. He figured it was mostly because some of the hate he had toward the Celestial kind was still lingering in the back of his thoughts, and who can really make a serious attempt at righting wrongs when they are currently filled with dark hate? Not many, that was for sure. With a dark and deep sigh, he ripped his gaze away from that single star he had been watching.

Without a word, he went to the magical Longsword he had left laying on the ground, and wrapped his fingers around the hilt. Hefting it up, his eyes turned to the winged elf, and it may very well look like he was planning on attacking her again. Still not speaking, he flung it at her, the blade coming to a neat landing with it's tip in the ground a few feet in front of her, next to the fire. "Once again. I am sorry." He did not say any more then that, did not even address her question if he was hungry. He turned, and he walked. As he went, the wings on his back cruelly shifted INTO his back muscles, changing to look like just another human body. A wince of pain accompanied this, but he did not show it. He simply left her with his promise of debt, and walked away into the night. He didn't know how far he could make it, but he did know he could not face her. Too many dark thoughts were flying in his head, and the one thing he had been able to do was to give her the weapon he had used to harm her, and let her decide it's fate. It was a good blade, and a rare one... but he could do without. He was sure of it. Another slight breeze picked up, slashing across his body with cold fingers. He didn't react, simply kept going.

Without a single look back.