DESTINY(4)the full one

[RyanEX2000]

(Darkness and Light)

Several shadowy figures gathered round a shimmering pool of water.Of differing sizes and shapes they all nonetheless radiated considerable,while at the same time similar powers

"So Dermail failed?!"the central and largest shadow spoke first.

"He did capture her my Lord.Unfortunately He of Two Fates led a rescue.His power is quite formidable."

"Exscuses,"one sneered."Cin's pet project is typical of his race.Unable to do anything right.A failed species to begin with."

"That same failed species all but wiped out your Kraykin,if memory serves me right,Sann,"Cin hissed back.

Flames ignited in Sann's palms,"Are you challenging me,'little brother'?!"

"Maybe I am!!"Cin's eyes glowed a bright crimson.

They were both suddenly enveloped by a smoky green cone of energy,which completely immobilized them.

"Truly Sire,this boorish behaviour is so unliken to those such as we."

"Release them Vatoren,these petty squabbles must end."

"As you command Sire."

The two shadpws shot the larger Vatoren looks of pure venom even as another spoke.

"Despite Dermails' failure,all is not yet lost.Observe,"a feminine hand was waved over the pool.Like a mirror,it shimmered,displaying a rapidly moving figure."This is the Hunter.Even now he seeks the princess Meiran at the behest of his master."

"And how does this help us,"Sann demanded."If the Hunter meets up with them we'll just have another problem to deal with."

"If he meets them at the designated time and place........."

"What do you mean,Vara?"Cin asked,his posture interested.

"If we arrange a premature meeting,it's possible that we can sow dissenssion among the prophecys' warriors."

"A most intriguing plan,Vara."

"So do I have your blessing Sire?"

At the nod Vara faded into the darkness.Sann slammed his palm against the pools' edge."Why her?My Kraykin are restless.Just give me leave Sire and my pets'll exterminate them before they even become a threat."

"We'll try it Vara's way first,Sann,"the massive shadow rumbled."Unlike the rest of you,she's never failed me."A massive cape rustled as the the shadow moved away.

*****

The Hunter moved rapidly,his feet hardely seeming to touch the wet grass,his eyes flickering across the trail his mind sorting through the scant indications of his preys' trail.He skated to a stop,a faint scream catching his ears.With an uncomfortabley familiar voice.Hesitating,he adjusted his course,moving in the direction of the scream.

At a small grove he found a fairly common sight.A bandit group had ambushed a caravan and was laying waste to it's defenders.Many were dead qnd only three were left,fighting desperately.Two men covered in pale grey cloaks and a silvery haired young woman fighting off five bandits,while three were ransaking the wagons.It was this woman that caused his throat to tighten.<Midii>.

Without pausing to consider,he leapt forward wrenching his katana from it's sheath,his first slash cutting clean through a bandit wielding a woodcutters axe.Startled by the sudden back attack two others feel beaneath the swords of the womans' companions,leaving only five.One more fell to his blade before the rest scattered to the forest.Sheathing his sword,he turned to the wagoneers.The silver-haired woman moved forward,"I'm Kala Tomarr.And I thank you for your help."

*****

"I see,your sister,"Kala's voice was sympathetic.

"Yes,have you seen any strange parties moving through these woods?"

"Let me think,"she paused for a moment.

<Gods>he thought to himself<she even acts like her>

"There was a group that passed us about a day ago.They were moving rapidly.We offered to care for the sick girl but the Sanq knight wouldn't......."

"A SANQ knight?????Are you sure?"

"Yes,"she seemed startled by his sudden vehemence."He was wearing a cape with sword in shield motif."

"So one still lives,"he muttered."I thought they were wiped out."He rose rapidly.

"Wait,"Kala spoke quickly.She dug through a pack in a wagon."Take this."

"What is it?"He turned over what looked like a simple fox tail in his hand.

"It's a foxtail cut from a fox youkai.It can help it's owner find his hearts desire."

"Something so valuable......."he glanced at her."Are you sure I should take this?"

"I have no need for it,so you may take it.Just one thing........."she hesitated.

"Yes?"

"May I ask your name?"

"...........call me Nanashi."

*****

"Wasn't that a bit overdone,mistress."

"It doesn't matter.Now that he has the foxtail he should catch them before they reach the Eastern Sea."Kala replied depreciatingly."Father will be so pleased.

*****

"Can't you get it off?"Sally was feeling quite put out.The necklace around Meiran's neck stopped the girl from assuming her natural powerful form,which her body desired,causing her power to backlash on her every few hours.

Both Quatre and Dorothy were circling the the pale girl.Hilde squatted near Sally,while Heero and Noin sat at the fire.Heero's face had a look of profound irritation combined with embaressment,while Noins' elven face was a bright red and of what peeked through the towel she wore indicated that her body was probably the same rosy hue.Their little bathing incident was a source of continued mirth for their cmpanions.

"Whoever place the spell on this necklace was quite powerful.We won't be able to break it,"Dorothy declared.

"But we can do something about your episodes princess,"Quatre continued kindly.

"What?"Meirans' eyes had a haunted look from lack of sleep.

"We can put you in a sleep.Deep and dreamless.It'll allow you to recover,and allow us to move a bit more speedily,"Dorothy replied."would you like us to try."

Meiran glanced over at Sally who nodded slowly.She sucked in a breathe and did similarly.Quatre and Dorothy then linked hands putting her between them.They chanted slowly their voice slowly rising,reaching a crescendo a small ball of light exploded at Meirans' head.The girl dropped like pole-axed steer,who Sally barely managed to catch.She pressed her fingers to the princess's throat and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Didn't trust us,"Dorothy raised an eyebrow.

"For the princess's sake,I trust no one,"Sally retorted.

*****

"We are here,"Sally pointed on the map,"If we take this route we can be in Port Wurth within a week.

"What about here?"Hilde asked pointing at a road that cut to the east."This road appears as if it would save us at least two days."

"That road passes through the Shimmering Glade.No sane human tempts the spirits that reside there."Quatre replied

"But not all of us are human,"Hilde pointed out.Noin and I could try to commune with the fa......spirits there and get us passage."

"Why ARE you still with us?"Dorothy asked as she sauntered towards them.

"Where's Quatre?"

Smiling wickedly,Dorothy jerked her thumb in the direction of their sleeping bags."I don't think he'll be moving for a while."

Giving her a disapproving look,Sally turned her attention to the younger elf,"She does raise a valid point.Both you and your sisters'part in this are over.So why haven't you returned to your woods.I'm sure a priestess there can return your soul's essence from the crystal back to your bodies."

"I don't think Noin's soul is what I should be worried about."Hilde replied soberly.

They glanced over at where Heero was trying to explain to rudiments of swordplay to the taller elf.His arms were wrapped around her torso as he moved her hands to the proper position to get the best grip.Their movements were awkward as they both appeared uneasy at the intimate contact.

Dorothy's eyebrows raised sardonically,"interesting."

Sally's thoughts however were more detrimental<this could be a problem.>


TBC
________________________________

[Kuno-baby]

Getting good here! The plot is off the hook excellant. I'm biting nails now for more.

[Kiyoko]

Yay another chapter! This story just keeps on getting more interesting by the minute! I can't wait for the next chapter... I want more!!!! ::wines::