"Elfling Part Two" by Rachel N. LeBeane

Chapter two

We reached MuddleDung just before night fall, and we went to the inn. Kalen found some gold somewhere and bought three rooms. Cassandra and I were to share. Smokey and Kalen got their own. " But it's not fair!" I said. Kalen got that look that meant he was trying hard to not yell at me.

"Rydia, I must change back soon. If I wear this form to long, I will be trapped. Smokey dislikes watching me change, so I'll need my own room to recover in." He said as we walked up the stairs.

I sighed and went into my room. Lexi jumped down and started to zip about." He'll be alright, Rydia. Kalen Deathwind is a very powerful demon, from all I've heard." Cassandra said, sitting on the bed farthest from the door.

"I wish the change didn't hurt him.' I whispered. Cassandra patted my hand and sat me down beside her. "Its not right, is it? That a good person like Kalen must suffer to do what comes naturally to his kind."

"The only reason it hurts is because he is pure, inside and out. Shape shifting is dark magic, no matter what type of creature you are, and multiple forms is the darkest. The dark collides in Kalen, and he must fight it, and so the clash becomes the pain he feels when he changes. And it is the price he pays for being what he is." Cassandra explained.

"So... Kahn, Karn and Karsh won't hurt when they change?" I asked slowly. Cassandra nodded.

"It is assumed that they feel no pain, and can switch between forms at will. They don't have to call upon it like Kalen does. But don't worry. I believe that Kalen willing suffers the pain as a kind of self punishment." Cassandra said, freeing my tangle of auburn hair and trying to tame it.

"Punishment? What fo---oh. Selena's death and the destruction of the Summoners. But that wasn't his fault!" I argued." He made the mistake of letting those he loved fool him. Anyone could've made that mistake."

'True, but does he see it that way?" She asked. I sat quietly and thought about it. Kalen rarely talked about that night, and I barely remembered it. I was very young, and Kalen said I'd blocked that night from my mind so I didn't have to deal with it.

Someone knocked at the door. I opened it, and smiled at Smokey." Let's go eat. That fight with Karn's left me hungry." He said. He turned and slowly started down the hall, an unaccustomed awkwardness in his moves. He'd gotten hurt in the battle!

"Smokey! You got hurt, are you alright?" I asked, rushing to his side. He sighed." Smokey, tell me, or I'll let the Healer loose on you." I warned.

He growled playfully and turned, lowering the robe he worn on one side to show his shoulder and chest. It was burnt all the way across and down his back, with several deep gashed in his flesh." Oh, poor Smokey..." I whispered.

"I'll be fine. Not much can kill a dragon. As a matter of fact, only Dragons Bane can kill one, and old age. I will heal as soon as I take a nice bath tonight. Now, can we eat?" He asked, throwing an arm around my shoulder and leading me to the tavern downstairs.

Cassandra came down with us, and looked around with an air of disdain. " Don't look so worried, Healer. I'll have to face Kalen's wrath if anything happens to Rydia, and trust me, anything is better than that. He may be a great friend and a reformed demon, but facing him angry is dangerous and terrifying." Smokey said, sitting us at a table in the very back, where nobody could hear us.

"And you know this how? I know for a fact that Kalen's only used his full power once, and that was to defend the towns on the coast from his teacher forty thousand years ago." Cassandra said.

'I was alive then, my dear Healer. As a water dragon, I frequently swam to the coast to visit the temples there. I was there when Melkin attacked. Never saw a more frightening and awe-inspiring thing in my long life." He said softly.

A waitress came up and took our order. She flirted with Smokey outrageously, making me gag. Cassandra leaned over as soon as the girl was gone and scolded him." I expect better behavior from a dragon around a young elf." She hissed. I snorted.

"I'm older than you, Cassandra, but thanks. And Smokey is being good. All dragons are flirtatious. Only the very old ones adhere to that whole stuffy code of honor thing and respect people who worship them."I explained.
' Well, isn't...Smokey, is it... a rather old dragon?" She asked, smiling sweetly at him. He leaned over and kissed her hand.

"If you were but a few years younger, I'd keep you as my slave. In answer to your question, yes, I'm old. One of the oldest. But I don't like stuffy. Besides, my father is stuffy enough for a whole flock of dragons." He said. I perked up, since this was the first time I'd heard him mention his family to me. He saw and grinned.

"And who is your father, Smokey? Is he really really old? Older than Kalen?" I asked. He laughed and pushed me lightly. I giggled and poked him" Tell me!"

"Alright. My father is Dur Ra Karashinana, also known as the King of the Dur Ra clan of dragons, the strongest and most respected of all dragon clans. That also happens to be the ruling clan, so you could call him the King of Dargons." He said. My jaw dropped and about hit the floor. The waitress brought out drinks out, but didn't even look at Smokey this time."And, Rydia? Please refrain from using his name in a Summons. He's rather cranky."

"You must lie! The son of a dragon that revered wouldn't be flying around in the wilds with a demon like Kalen. He'd be in the Dragon palace, being pampered." Cassandra said. Smokey fixed his blue eyes on her and she squirmed.

" I don't lie to friends, Lady Cassandra. I was pampered for a long time. Then I grew sick of it and left. Plus, my father is a fire dragon, and rather hard to live with. The waitress forgot my drink, Rydia. I'm going up to soak and heal myself up. Would you bring it to me?" He asked standing.

"Sure. Take your plate up with you, alright? I'll be right up." I said. He took his plate and left. Cassandra finished her food and sighed.

'I'm going to go pray to the Goddess. Then I'm going to bed. After you take the dragon his drink, I suggest you do the same. You've had a hard day." She said, kissing my cheek before heading up.

I left my unfinished food and went into the kitchen. The only person in there was a stunning woman with long red hair. She was leaning over the drinks, doing something." Excuse me? I need a whiskey for Tristan Dur'Ra?" I asked.

The woman turned and smiled at me. I felt a chill go down my spine, but couldn't say why. She handed me the drink." Have a good night, Miss Juliet. If you get...disturbed... during the night, just... scream." She advised, sweeping out into the busy tavern. Something about her was off, but... no. I'm just paranoid.

I carried the drink upstairs and knocked on Smokey's door." Come on in!" He shouted. I pushed the door open and looked around." Just leave it on the table there." He called from the bathroom I set it down and went back to my room.

Cassandra was kneeling in the moonlight, her white hair down and face serene. A soft glow surrounded her. " Goddess, guide me threw these hard times. Help me convince the demon and the dragon that Rydia's help is needed to destroy the demons. They love her so much, they won't risk her. I don't know what words to say, Goddess. Grant them to me.' She prayed softly. I felt like I was intruding and closed the door without a sound.

Deciding to check up on Kalen, I walked to his room and knocked." Yes?" He called threw the door.

"Its me. Can I come in? I don't want to disturb Cassandra: She's praying." I asked. The door opened, but I didn't see Kalen until I'd gone in and shut the door. Then He stepped out of the bathroom, his wings, horns and claws back.

"How are you feeling?" I asked, walking over and checking his head for fever. He was a bit warm, but not overly so, so I dropped my hand to my side again." Smokey can fix up by soaking in water, but I doubt that that will do you any good." He laughed and held me away from him. He looked tired. Bone tired, and his face was haggard.

"I'm worn out, Rydia. Sending my brother away was harder than it should've been. I just need to rest, that's all. You know I can't get illnesses. Now you...you've had almost every illness I've ever heard of." He said, leading me to his bed and sitting with me.

"I did no---did you hear that?" I asked as a soft crash came from the room next door. It was Smokey's room. Kalen frowned and went to the wall. He had superb hearing. His face went white and he rushed from the room.

I followed him and stood in the doorway of Smokey's room. A glass lay broken on the floor and Smokey was crumpled on the floor. He was making horrid choking noises and slowly turning blue. Kalen started to rush forward only to pause as the pretty red head from downstairs walked out.

"Kahn!" Kalen growled. The woman shimmered, then a handsome red headed man stood there, smirking at Kalen. His horns were covered in what looked like rust, but was really blood.

"Whats the matter, little brother? Wear yourself out sending Karn on his way and don't have the power to shove me away too?" Kahn taunted.. He bent and easily hefted Smokey over one shoulder." I'll be taking the prince here. Once His father hears how he was captured, I doubt you'll get any safety in Mystiva."

"Let Smokey go!" I shouted form the doorway. Kahn turned his blood red eyes on me and smiled slowly." I mean it." I warned softly, lifting my hands.

"This girl isn't yours, is she? Nah! Much too pretty for that! He he he... Reminds me of old Queen Lassandra. Won't Karsh be happy to hear that. Oh, and Melkin sends his regards." Kahn said, leaping out the window, taking Smokey with him. Kalen stared after him, looking like somebody had slapped him hard.

" Dur Ra Karashinana. I summon you here. Your son is in danger, life or death, and the culprit is still near!" I shouted. Power crackled around me and I thought I heard Kalen swear. Then a small boom sounded and a red headed version of Smokey stood there, golden eyes blazing.

"I'd thought my son had lied. Where is he?" Karashinana demanded. I gulped and stood in front of Kalen

" Kahn poisoned him with Dragon's Bane and is taking him away. We need help to get him, 'cause Kalen used all his energy sending Karn away earlier." I explained, keeping my voice submissive. Karashinana's eyes narrowed and he glared at Kalen, who stepped around me and bowed to Karashinana.

"Majesty." Kalen said. "I regret that Akorishanrana has gotten injured around me, but I assure you, I'll do everything in my power to get him back."

"You'll do nothing, demon. It's bad enough that Akorishanrana likes you enough to live with you, but to know that you are raising the elf with him? Its unheard of! We shall be taking full custody of Rydia De'Yalorn as soon as my son is found." Karashinana snapped. I gasped.

"No! I stay with Kalen!" I cried, grabbing his arm and pulling him back so I could see Smokey's dad." He's been my protector for years, and you can argue later! Smokey needs help as soon as possible!" I said.

"Later, then, your fate shall be determined. Kahn has taken Akorishanrana. you said? His new hide out is high in the mountains to the north. I shall accompany you there." Karashinana said, striding past Kalen and grabbing me." And the elf stays with me at all times."

"I summoned you, I can very easily send you back if you don't behave. Let go of me." I growled. He laughed softly and released me. Kalen pulled me back against him

"I can see why Akorishanrana likes you, Rydia. Few will back talk a dragon, even others dragons. We leave as soon as possible. I'll be waiting in the forest to carry you to Kahn. Be quick." Karashinana said, leaving. I blew out air.

"Well, he's about twenty times worse than Smokey, and I never thought I'd say that." I muttered. Kalen laughed and kissed the top of my head before releasing me. He grabbed his pack and nodded towards the door. I rubbed the spot he kissed and pressed the hand to my heart.

"Go tell Cassandra to pack. Karashinana doesn't like being kept waiting." He said, throwing things into the pack. Feeling oddly light headed, I did as he asked.

~*~

As soon as Rydia left, I whirled around and slammed my fist threw the wall. No one was taking her from me, but if I wanted her safe, I may not have a choice. The dragons could teach her more than I could about Summoning, and they could keep her safer. But she'd grown up with me. That has to count for something.

And what had Kahn meant with the mentioning of Melkin? My old master was dead, killed by me many years ago... I hope nobody has allowed his corruption into them.

"Just pack, Kalen. Worry about the future tomorrow." I muttered, tossing the last of my stuff into the bag and closing it. I patched up the wall, feeling very stupid for hitting an inanimate object in the first place. It wasn't going to help Smokey.

" We're ready, Kalen" Cassandra said from the door. I turned and nodded, startling to go down the stairs. She caught my hand and pointed to my horns.

"I don't have time to spare on being polite for the sake of it. They'll get over their shock soon enough. Besides, if my brothers are loose, they'll get used to it sooner." I said, running down the stairs.

When I stepped into the tavern, silence fell. I didn't look at anybody and kept going towards the door. Then an old man spoke." You're not one of those demon brothers that have been killing so many lately, are you?" He asked softly.

"I am, but learn to recognize us. My brothers won't give you the time to ask. They'll just kill you." I said." We all have the same type of body, just different coloring and attitudes."

"I've heard tales that one of ye ain't so bad." A person called from a far table."That he took in a little girl and kept her safe."

"They're not tales." Rydia said, stepping into the room and coming to my side. Lexi peeked out and sniffed, nose quivering. "Kalen raised me, is still raising me. He's a nice man, its just his family you've gotta watch out for."She said, causing a few folks to chuckle." If you could warn the other towns about the threat, and how to recognize them, we'd be very grateful."

Many people called out a happy response. She curtsied and left. Shaking my head, I followed her outside and herded her towards the forest."You are most definitely Lassandra's daughter. She always had a way with her people. She could make them do as she asked simply by being her. So could Selena." I said.

"I don't remember much about either of them. I remember that Mother was always very kind to me, and she told me little secrets about the palace. Sissy was always playing with me, but a few times, I remember her leaving me for a few moments and coming back all flushed." Rydia looked at me, eyes narrowed." It was always when you were there."

"Your sister was always happy to see me."I said, turning away and struggling to hold the emotions back." Lassandra was the only one at court who approved of my relationship with Selena. I thought you didn't remember much about them? " I asked, doing a quick subject change.

"I don't, but it doesn't bug me as much as it used to. You and Smokey have raised me well. I've never wished that that night had never happened." she said, taking my hand. She hadn't done that for many years, but I guess she needed reassured. I gave her hand a squeeze.

"Then you're the only one. I have wished that it had never happened every night since."I said. Before she could come up with a response, we walked into the clearing and Karashinana was waiting.,

"Took you long enough. I was getting ready to leave without you." He growled. Light shimmered around him, and then a fifty foot red dragon towered over us. Rydia squeaked." Get on, women in the front, demons flying solo." He rumbled. I rolled my eyes.

"Cassandra." I said, stepping behind her." This won't hurt." She clutched at my arms as I lept into the air and hovered over Karashinana's back. I held her steady as she got off, then swooped back down to pick up Rydia.

"He's not being very nice. You DO have a name." She muttered as I shot towards Karashinana's back. I snorted and lowered her gently. Then I flew up high and waited for the great dragon to get his butt moving.

Karashinana sure took his time, even when his only son and heirs life was in danger. I was just wondering what I could do to get him moving when he lept into the air and flapped off towards the distant mountains.

I flew along side him." What are you planing to do to get inside Kahn's fortress? He only lets the lesser demons in." Karashinana asked as we flew off. I frowned and ran a hand threw my hair. I hadn't braided it before heading out, and wished I had.

"I've no idea." I answered truthfully. Karashinana snorted and I dodged a flicker of flame that shot towards me. It was most certainly intentional. Rydia, bless her heart, slapped the great dragon on his horn.

"Leave him alone! Now is not the time to be trying to kill a friend! We need to get Smokey back." She scolded him. I laughed and glided over.

"Easy, Elfling. I doubt Karashinana and I will ever get alone well. But you are right. Smokey must be safe before we can straighten anything out." I said. Cassandra nodded sedately. I was starting to wonder if anything ruffled her. Bandits, demons, dragons... the gods.... she takes it in stride.

"Seems to me the elf has strong feelings for my son." Karashinana said, smugly. For some reason, I felt jealousy rise inside me. I pushed it back. Why should I care if Rydia liked Smokey? If I was to choose someone for her, he'd be like my friend.

"I love Smokey." Rydia said."But only as a friend. An older brother." She said. I blew out the breath I'd been holding and smiled at her.

"Wait till he hears. His heart shall weep"I teased. She stuck her tounge out at me and lifted a hand to Lexi. The little familiar stuck her nose out of Rydia's pack and sniffed the air.

"Stinky ,like sulfur." She complained, ducking back inside the safety of the pack." Demon's are nearby. They don't take baths like Kalen, and magic smells like sulfur." She squeaked from inside.

"The fox has a good nose. We're right over Kahn's fortress. I'll land in the clearing nearby and we shall sneak to the entrance. If anyone has a plan, nows the time to use it." Karashinana said, starting to descend

I dove and landed first. When Karashinana landed, I helped Cassandra and Rydia off his back, giving him room to change. Rydia watched with interest.

"Smokey said it hurts if he's not near water. Kalen's transformation hurts him, too. Why doesn't yours hurt?" She asked once he was done. He looked at her with appreciation in his golden eyes.

"Kalen cannot transform without pain because of who and what he is. A demon with a heart cannot use death magic freely. His cost is pain and weariness. As for my sons pain... my son is special, even amongst our kind. Akorishanrana is not like other dragons. his power is great, but comes at a cost, like anything else. It makes transformation painful unless he can draw strength from water." Karashinana said softly.

"I knew that stuff about Kalen and his brothers." Rydia muttered crossly. I tugged gently on her curly chestnut hair and studied the fortress in the valley below us.

" Kalen, how are we to get into that place? It is to well guarded to simply charge in, magic flying." Cassandra asked. I rubbed my head and thought hard. Rydia tapped on my arm. I looked down at her. She had that thoughtful look on her face, the one that meant she had an idea.

"Does Kahn like women? 'Cause I see an awful lot of them down there, but no men. They look human, too." She said, pointing. I looked, and sure enough, they were many women running around. I grinned.

"You." I said, kissing her cheek." Are." I kissed her other cheek." Brilliant." I swiftly kissed her mouth, then ran off to find a place to transform.

~*~

I pressed a hand to my lips and watched as Kalen disappeared. "He just kissed me." I muttered, hardly believing it. " Great Goddess..." I couldn't seem to make my brain function. Cassandra came and knelt beside me.

"Rydia.... do you have feelings for Kalen?" She asked softly, turning my face to hers. I caught sight of Karashinana over her shoulder and pushed away." Rydia!"

"Not now, not until Smokey is safe." I said. Leaning closer to her, I whispered," And not where Karashinana can hear. He doesn't like Kalen." Cassandra nodded and we waited for Kalen to come back.

"Karashinana, you'll have to stay. Cassandra too. Rydia, as much as I hate it, is the only woman here young enough to pass as a loose woman." I whirled at the sound of that light, female voice and stared.

"Kalen?" I squeaked. The woman with the long cascade of black hair and a figure more generous than I could ever hope for looked up at me, annoyance flashing over her face as she fiddled with..." Thats my dress!"

"Do you think I travel around with a dress? It fits well enough, I suppose." He...she said. I started laughing and then couldn't stop. " Rydia, please...this is bad enough without the....Cassandra!"

The Priestess was leaning against me, clutching her stomach as she laughed. Karashinana was studying Kalen with some interest." No wonder you choose to be male. You couldn't walk anywhere like that and avoid attention." He finally said.

"I get that anywhere I go. This form just gets more attention. Rydia, think up a good name for me." He asked. Cassandra and I were still laughing to hard, so Lexi spoke up.

"How about Kayla?" she suggested. I nodded. It was perfect. Close enough to his real name not to trip me up, but still feminine.

" Alright, but how, exactly, are we going to get to where ever Kahn's holding Smokey?" I asked. Kalen scrunched up his face like I do when thinking really hard. On me, it was stupid. When he did it, it was cute.

"I know my brother likes his women with dark hair, and a tad on the slim side. We'll just pretend to be his newest girls and get lost. Flirting up the first guard we come across will likely give us the location of Smokey's cell." He finally said. I nodded.

"Here." Cassandra said, pulling a necklace from her neck and handing it to me." The protection of the Goddess." She said. I put it on, then looked at Kalen.

"Doesn't Kalen get one?" I asked. Kalen gave a sad smile and patted my hair." Well, why not? If the Goddess wants his help, shouldn't she make sure he's alive!" I demanded.

"I cannot wear anything like that, Rydia, because of the blood that flows threw my veins. Besides, the Gods work in mysterious ways. They often want us to work our scrawny butts of to please them." He said. I giggled in spite of myself. Kalen smiled and tugged on my hand." Let's go."

"Demon." Karashinana said, his deep voice stopping us. His gold eyes blazed." Get my son back to me, or you shall wish you'd died in your fight with Melkin." He warned softly. Kalen curtsied and off we went.

"He could try to be nicer." I grumbled. Kalen snorted as we made our way towards the gate." He could. The only reason he doesn't is because he is a grumpy old dragon. Or maybe he's just that way naturally."

Kalen didn't answer, as we'd reached the gate. The impish figure guarding the gate looked us up and down, then licked his lips." Are you ladies claimed?" He asked. Kalen smiled coyly and waved a graceful hand airily about. Dang, he does girl better than I do, and I really am a girl!

"Master Kahn has claimed us." He said, making his new voice husky and soft. The guard cursed softly and let us in." Where can we find him?" Kalen asked.

` "He's with the dragon prince right now...north tower, I believe." the guard said, waving us threw. I smiled as we went in and he reached out and pinched my bottom. I squealed and ran slightly ahead of Kalen. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back to his side.

"Easy, Rydia. I'll try to take most of the attention, but you'll get a few demons that will grope you. I'm sorry.' He said, true regret in his voice."Just stay behind me and most won't even notice you."

"Kal..uh,Kayla. Won't Kahn recognize you?" I asked under my breath. Kalen's grin was very wicked.

" I only knew who he was because I'm a Dark Priest. His power isn't like mine, so he won't sense the demon blood in me like I could with him."He explained. He always teaches me. And the Dragons want to take me away? Ain't happenin'.

"What are Kahn's powers? Karn is obviously a Dark Priest like you." I said. Kalen gave me a proud look.

"I'm surprised you caught that. Karn is a Dark Priest, but much weaker than I am. He never got fully trained. Even if he was, I'd always be more powerful. I was chosen by the magic, not him. And Kahn... well, he's a Shadow Walker." Kalen said as we sedately hurried up the stairs of the North Tower.

"Whats a Shadow Walker?" I asked, dodging a demon and keeping pace with Kalen's longer strides. He slowed for me and sighed.

"He's an assassin. He kills for the Dark Priest and Prince of Darkness. He's not...sane." Kalen said. We walked on in silence while I absorbed this. "If we must confront him, I want you to run." he added.

Before I could argue, we came upon another guard. This one looked at us with suspicion. "We're lost! Master Kahn sent for us, and we can't find him! The man at the gate told us he was up here, but we haven't seen him!"Kalen wailed, laying a dramatic hand on his brow.

I had to fight to keep the grin off my face. I'd used this trick many times on Smokey to get a free ride into town. I decided to add my own tears to the mix to really freak the poor guy out.

"Oh, Kayla! We've been traveling all day! First the bandits, then the horrible Innkeeper, and now we can't find the Master!" I wailed. The guy was now sweating. Two upset females does that to guys, human or otherwise.

"Relax, Ladies! He's right in here, interrogating the Dragon Prince. Just...head on in." He said, opening the door and shoving us into a dimly lit room. Kalen and I share a triumphant look, then a scream tore threw the room.

I jumped as recognized it. " Smokey." I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. Kalen pressed a hand to my face and shook his head. I nodded and took a deep breath." Stay here. Kahn knows you. If you can, find a quick way out. Once I get Smokey free, he'll head straight for you." Kalen whispered, fading into the shadows only to appear momenta later in the dim light.

"Okay..." I breathed, starting around the edge of the room, careful to keep in the shadows. I found a small window that wasn't to high off the ground and pulled myself onto the ledge. From my vantage point, I could see Smokey stretched out on the table, bleeding heavily from several slashes in his flesh.

Kalen walked into the scene, his arm draped over Kahn's. Smokey jerked visibly, but Kahn took it the wrong way and shoved Kalen closer. Kalen pretended to be frightened, but quickly loosened the bindings on Smokey.

"Isn't this woman just beautiful, Prince?" Kahn said, running his hands up Kalen's arms. I gagged. Poor guy. Smokey shifted, then froze. His eyes closed and a growl started in his chest. Kahn smiled. "Yes, I think you think she is. Watching me scar her should be suitable punishment for hanging around with that pitiful excuse of a brother Kalen."

Kalen jerked and tried to pull away, distracting Kahn. Smokey swiftly pulled himself free and ran lightly away. Kahn didn't even notice, so engrossed in wrestling Kalen to the ground was he. Smokey ran right to me and snarled.

"What are you doing here, Rydia!? Kalen would hang me for bringing you here." He snarled. I patted his cheek.

"Making sure your father gets his son back so Kalen doesn't die. I Summoned him. Sorry." I said quickly, eyes glued on Kalen." Shouldn't he be coming now?" I asked. Smoker snorted.

"Elfling, Kalen had no intention of leaving unless Kahn was killed." He said. My eyes went wide and I would've run to Kalen if Smokey hadn't caught me." I haven't be able to figure out who is more protective of the other. You, or Kalen." He muttered.

"Let me go! Kalen needs me." I whispered. Smokey held me tightly, keeping me from him." Smokey, please!" I begged.

"Kalen has great need of you...alive. I won't let you get yourself killed, and he'd kill me if I let you." Smokey snapped in my ear. So we sat in the window and watched as Kalen fought with his brother. I felt tears run down my face.

"Smokey...He can't die." I Whispered. He rubbed my arms and held me closer.

"I know, Elfling, I know. But Kalen is the only one who can win this fight. We must let him." He said. I swallowed hard and glued my eyes to the wrestling figures on the floor.

"Hang on, Kalen."

~*~

"You're a wild one."Kahn whispered hotly in my ear. Smokey had to be with Rydia know. I heaved and tossed Kahn across the room. Then I called the change in as fast as I could. It whipped threw my body, but I was standing there in my normal form almost as quickly as Kahn.

"Kalen." He hissed, hands curling into fists." What a surprise!Won't Melkin be happy to hear that your dead." I warily circled him.

"Melkin is dead, Kahn. Even your crazy mind should know that." I said softly, every muscle taunt and ready to go at a moments notice." Besides, you can't kill me."

"Oh, I can't? Its my job, to kill. I live for it, just like you live for magic. I think I can kill you" Kahn said, lunging at me. I sidestepped and gave him a quick kick as he flew by.

"Killing someone whose smarter and aware is much harder, Kahn. Who set you free from the Underworld?"I demanded. He started to laugh, a bone chilling crackle of insanity.

"Free free, to rule the world! Karsh has wonderfully big plans for this pathetic place you protect. Melkin let us out, who else?" Kahn said, eyes crazy. He'd always been a bit off, but now he really was insane.

"Melkin's dead, Kahn! I killed him." I snapped, loosing my patience. He jumped for me again and I gave him another swift kick. He whirled and managed to clip my jaw with his hand.

"No no, you just thought you'd killed him. Melkin's alive, very much so. He's been so angry, planning his revenge and training your replacement." Kahn said.

I stilled, things clicking together in my brain. Karn was strong enough to resist me for a long time. That meant he'd gotten advanced training, and the only person who could teach him that other than me was Melkin. My choice of heart had been a blow my master wouldn't have easily forgotten.

"Karn...is being trained?" I asked softly. Kahn nodded and lunged again, this time managing to catch me. We fell onto the floor and all conversation stopped as we started an all out brawl. I clawed at him and he clawed at me.

I brought my legs up and threw him off. He crashed into the table and fell to the floor, bleeding badly. He coughed up blood, but struggled up. His eyes blazed red. "You'll die!" He shrieked, grabbing a knife and charging.

We met in the middle and fell. I tried to pry the knife from him ,but he refused to let go. I reared my hand back as far as it could go, fingers bunched together to back my claws a deadly point. Then I slammed my hand forward into his heart, stilling its beats almost instantly.

But Kahn didn't die right away. With insanity lighting his eyes, he raised the dagger high and rammed it into my heart, again and again. Then he collapsed against me, not to move again. I gasped for breath, and felt a numbness spread across my chest. Darkness started to creep over my vision.

"Kalen!" Rydia knelt over me, her face pale and tear stained. I tried to raise my hand to reassure her, but couldn't find the strength to do so." You can't die. You can't. I won't let you." She whispered, cupping my face in her cool hands." I love you, so you can't die."

My hearing must be going out, because she wouldn't have said that other wise. I tried to smile, then fell into darkness.