*Setting is a large clearing of woods east of Reningard, City of Planet Mur 'Eth*

In a dense copse of trees a Tsorovan sat, motionless and heavy with perspiration, on a small flat rock four paces wide and three paces long. This was his sanctuary. This was his place of peace. Here, he could speak with his brothers. Eyes closed and breathing deep, he concentrated on the image of his brothers. *Flicker* a glimpse of one stalking through the dense forest, no doubt on the hunt for his family's supper tonight. *Flicker* one lying in a grassy field, sunning with his mate and little ones. *Flicker* an image of a man sitting on a rock. The man seemed to be unaware of his brother sneaking up on him. His brother moved silently among the brush and dead leaves; a hunter with much experience. Tsorovan's heart began to beat harder with the anticipation of the ambush. Closer his brother closed on the sitting man, until he was within four paces; close enough for a lunge. Tsorovan opened his eyes and reached out with his mind. His mind found it's target.

"How many times must I tell you brother" You breathe too loudly to sneak up on me!"

He dove to the left, off his rock, just in time to see a streak of gray fur whip past his right. The wolf, expecting to land on his target, instead went sprawling in the loose leaves on the ground in front of where Tsorovan had been sitting. The wolf turned and growled at him and Tsorovan smiled. A thought drifted into his head.

"Sometimes it is not fair that you "Brothers of The Teeth' can see through our eyes. It makes it impossible to stalk you."

Tsorovan let out a chuckle. He and "Long Tooth' enjoyed these games. Each experience with Mind Shifting seemed to sharpen his senses. Each time it became easier to locate his brothers. He could do this with other animals, of course, but wolves were very different from other animals. They were intelligent enough to reply back.

A slight breeze picked up, which ruffled the leaves and Tsorovan's long red hair. It smelled of sweet flowers, various animals, and something else; something out of place. He contemplated the smell for only a few seconds before realizing what he smelled. Smoke. Smoke from the east! That was the direction of his village! Reaching up to one of the limbs on a nearby tree he grabbed his belt and chakram. Stepping from the copse he started at a sprint toward the village. Long Tooth, smelling the mood, ran beside him.

The village was only a couple miles away, so it took no time getting there. They stopped dead in their tracks when they entered the gate. Every thatched roof in the village was ablaze. Food carts were overturned and livestock were either run through with spears or scattered in every direction. Some animals were on fire, but that wasn't what made Tsorovan's blood turn suddenly cold. It was the terrible smell of what mingled with the other fires throughout the village, the smell of burning flesh, and it wasn't animal flesh he smelled burning. In the center of the village, where the elders held council meetings, was the source of his fears. Bodies of villagers were stacked on top of one another.

"This is impossible.? he though to himself. He suddenly felt sick and emptied his stomach. After nothing in his stomach remained he went to his hut. She had to be there. She just had to be! His hut was on the edge of the village and managed to escape the fires. He drew his belt knife, ready to meet an attacker, and stepped inside. Nothing. She was not here. He didn't remember seeing her body in the pile either.

Relief started to creep in. Maybe she escaped what happened here. Water fell on his cheek. He wiped it away with his fingers. Another drop hit him. After wiping away the second drop he looked at his fingers. They were bloody. The cold fear found him again as he looked up. Her cold, dead eyes stared back as his worst nightmare gave birth to itself.

*Several Days after the destruction of his village*



Tsorovan's eyes popped open and he sat up strait on his makeshift pallet on the ground. He had been troubled by fitful dreams ever since he lost his entire tribe and his beloved. Most dreams were about his wife still fixed to the rafters of his hut. Her ankles bound together and arms fixed outstretched, resembling the shape of a cross. Each waking brought more tears of grief. He had lost everything. Looking around his small camp under the trees, his eyes laid upon a small grey mound, and then another. Wolves. The animals of the forest were all he had now. They were his family. Tomorrow he would go back to the village. He had to find out what had happened, and more importantly, why. He could see no reason why an army would come and raze a village of peaceful druids. An army was what it had to be judging by all the horse tracks and the speed at which they must have taken the village. Something wasn't right about the whole thing. Why was everyone killed" Even the children" Livestock was left behind. They had to be after something. But what" He laid back on his pallet, but could not go to sleep. What was it they were after that they killed an entire village in the process. What could have been so important. A cool breeze grazed his face as he lay there thinking. Dawn came quicker than he expected. The wolves began to stir and stretch their legs and back. Long Tooth came over to him. The wolves thoughts drifted into his.

"What shall we do today Tooth Brother?"

"I am going back to the village today. I want to find out more of what happened. Will you and your pack search woods around the village" Try to find a trail left by the attackers. A group that large shouldn't be hard to find."

"It shall be done Brother. Many of us would like to sink our teach into those that killed your den brothers and your mate. We will not rest until we find their path."

"Thank you Long Tooth."

With that, the wolves parted, a few in each direction around the village. Tsorovan gathered his pallet together and grabbed his knife belt, then started for the village gate. Stepping through the gate was like stepping back to the day his life changed forever. The memories were still fresh in his mind, though all of the villagers had been buried. Checking the villagers" huts proved to be futile. An army wouldn't be interested in a simple man's belongings. That left the Council Hut and the Village Temple. The Council Hut seem relatively untouched, save a few things here and there that were knocked over. All of the village archives were still on the Head Council's desk. Nothing seemed to be amiss. That left the Temple. The Temple doors stood wide open and half on their hinges. A strange thought prickled in the back of his mind. Where were all the Druid Priests" There were five priests in all. One for each element, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth, and one head priest. But none were in the pile of bodies he found in the village center that day. He proceeded further back into the recesses of the Temple. Many rooms lay to either side, most containing some part of the village history, or family histories of the druids. To the back, there was another door, which only the priests were ever allowed to use. Stepping through he felt something? strange. Not quite strange, yet unfamiliar at the same time. It was like a resonance. But what? He could feel the presence of elemental forces, but they were very faint. Passing a table in the middle of the room he noticed a wooden door in the dirt floor. A door in the dirt' He pulled the door back and immediately felt the presence of water element. Someone was down there using Water and a little fire mixed with it. He drew his belt knife and stepped down the earthen stairs. It was dark but he could see, an unexpected benefit from developing an affinity for wolves. The stairs ended on a corridor seemingly carved smooth from the dirt. It stretched some distance before making a corner. Approaching the corner, he arched onto the balls of his feet. He would not be taken by surprise. He carefully peered around the corner. He could barely comprehend what he saw.

*Excerpt: Sworn to Secrecy.*

"You who reads this are a trusted member of the great druid clans. As druid priest you are required to protect the sacred article of or ancestors. No one is to know the truth of the power of the Stone of Sources. The stone has been granted to us by the Gods, and is never to fall into the hands of outsiders who would abuse its power. The Stone of Sources is the root of the power of the druids. The druids are connected to the Stone of Sources as it is connected to all living things."

"Stone of Sources" Powerful" I though it was just an old rock in a story. I didn't think it really existed!"

He read further.

"Only in a time of great need should the Stone be brought into the world. Should there be a need, the Keepers of the Five Elements, Air, Fire, Water, Earth must release their seals into the final element seal, Spirit. This is for the greater good. Your sacrifices will mean the safety and survival of their kind."

"Five Elements. Why were we never told about the fifth' So many questions I need answered."

Tsorovan closed the book and tucked it under his arm. He would have to read later. There was still much to investigate. He made his way down off the Dias and moved toward the back of the cave. There was a small bookcase with a few books and scrolls strewn about, and there was a small covered table with a few books laid haphazardly on it. This section seemed to be untouched as there was still a fine layer of dust on everything.

"These books will be useful for answering my questions I suppose."

He gathered the books and placed them on the covered table. Drawing the ends together to make a sack the carried the books out of the cave. Stepping out into the sun made him realize just how long he was in the cave. It was getting close to the end of the day. Maybe only a few hours remained, and he still had to catch his dinner and head to his camp.

"Maybe after dinner some of these books will provide some answers!"

Her senses led her back to the Inn. It had been a while since she'd last seen the place and the familiar sights and sounds warmed her heart. This was yet another place she'd felt welcome. Once entering the establishment Lillyan instantly spotted Icer, her lady dragon friend. Smiling brightly she made her way over. "Hello again Lady Dragon," she sat on the couch next to her. "It has been a long time since we last spoke. I hope you fare well."

"Yes it has been a while hasn't it' I'm better this week than last," she replied.

Lillyan and Icer chatted idly until Lillyan felt something...a pull, a tug on her heart, her senses, and her eyes. She slowly in her conversation with Icer and kept an intent gaze on the door. Her breath quickened and her pulse raced causing her palms to become clammy. She could hardly hear Icer asking her what was wrong, and Lillyan wasn't capable of answering her in complete sentences. She just knew that something was coming, something strong, something she'd felt before and had been looking for.

The door opened and there he stood. Just like in her dream with the street lights behind him his features were all darkened. She stared for what felt like hours and then suddenly realized she was holding her breath. She sucked in a deep breath of air and looked away. She tried to make sense of what she was feeling, what she sensed now.

Through her eyes she spoke to him, he could hear her thoughts and feel a great pull from her. Confusion built in the back of Tsorovan's mind. "You seem to know more about me than I do of you," he smiled at her with a slightly toothy grin.

A blink broke the contact. "Only from dreams but still...it is not much more."

"I will answer all that you ask as best as I can."

"Wolves," she whispered partly to herself.

Trying to decide the meaning to her words Tsorovan asked, "Can you sense them' The wolves I mean."

She blinked and looked up to him, had she said that out loud" "They are powerful within you. I can feel them." She nodded, again staring at his face, so handsome. "I can also feel the elements in you...," she squinted and seemed to be concentrating. "Fire the most...Air is also strong." She slid her hand to the brand on her neck, all the element symbols combined to make one, s un with five wavering lines around it. She ran her fingers over it idly, sensing so much more from him, more pain than anything.

"I have trained many years with the elements, it is interesting you can sense the within me. I have not heard of others who could."

She'd not trained many years, only a couple, Ahalla had said she was a natural. A smile and a laugh escaped her, the light dancing about her emerald eyes with his comment. "I am unlike any other you have met before."

He noticed a mark on her neck. He could only see a portion though behind her hand. "Aye. You are. Most must train from child to adult before they become strong enough to sense the elements," his eyes moved from hers to the mark partially covered by her hand.

She nodded. "I know...much less be able to master all four elements in that time." Her voice was soft, soothing, somehow casting a spell of ease over him. What ever his pain was from he'd locked it up so tight she was unable to see it. In her dream he was in so much need, yet here he was so refined. She lowered her hand to the table and sighed slowly.

Tsorovan's eyes widened as he saw the mark on her neck clearly; it was a small circle with five wavering lines radiating from it. "The Fifth...," he leaned back in shock. "Can it be possible?"

Lillyan's eyes slowly rose to his. "What did you say?" Her heart beat in her throat, her eyes full of something, fear, shock...no, something stronger, more passionate.

"You have the mark. I have seen that mark in the tomes of my ancestors. That was the mark used to represent...," he stopped suddenly and began looking around.

She followed his gaze then looked back to him. "Represent what?" She was so eager to learn more about him and what he knew of her.

He lowered his voice to a whisper. "That is the mark of the Stone of Sources.?

Confusion renewed itself. "No. You cannot be blamed for the actions of others. Those who are responsible will be held accountable. That is my blood oath to my kin. He raised his hand to reveal a long puckered cut along the palm of his hand. "This represents my oath."

Lillyan raised a finger and traced along the cut. "True I did not have a hand in the attack...but," then she slowly raised a hand to his cheek. "It happened so you could help me and I am so sorry. I think that is why I feel the pain you do and just a strong." She let her hand slide over his cheek.

He could feel her sadness for him. He cupped her cheek in his hand. "What has happened is in the past and cannot be changed. We can only go forward with the time we have left." There was something comforting in her touch. Somehow soothing the hurts of his memories.

As her eyes roamed the long darkened face of her dreams she wondered what caused her to feel so strongly for this man. A man she did not know, a man who was pulled to her by invisible power. The scent of lilies became almost overwhelming as she stood their, touching him and staring into his eyes.

His heart began to beat faster...What was drawing him so strongly to this woman' "I feel...," he hesitated before going on. "I feel a connection with you. I cannot explain it. Like I have known you since I was old enough to have memories."

"And I you," she whispered. The breeze picked up casting her hair over her neck and shoulders.

He noticed the smell of flowers in the air....Very strong, yet soothing.

"Yet...I do not remember anything," her whispers were breathless. "Just that...," she wanted to scream it, but could only manage another whisper. "Just that I need you."

He placed his other hand on her other cheek. "I am here now," he whispered as nervousness crept in.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as he put his other hand on her cheek. She closed her eyes, his touch brought so many feelings, images, and so much she didn't understand.

A rumble of thunder rolls outside. His emotions were growing stronger with every moment he was with her. The wind picked up to a slight breeze. Tsorovan stood there holding her in his hands. Her beauty was intoxicating.

She wasn't sure if she was causing the storm or not, she'd never met another who could, but she knew she had never felt like this before. The breeze became stronger, and rain was heard against the doors, she took one slow breath after the other.

His emotions were flaring to the point of lost control. He couldn't think straight. His breathing quickened. The lights dimmed slightly and he felt the prickle of electricity raising the hairs on his neck.

Feeling as if time had stopped and the room was spinning slowly around them, her eyes still closed she managed a thought. *What is this"* The beating of hail against the doors got louder, more thunder was heard and light flashed through the windows as lightening crashed to the ground.

The day was still new, though the sun was already bright and warm, Tsorovan hadn't given her a time to meet him here and she had nothing else to do so she'd decided to wait. Lying on her back on a blanket she brought, she stared up at the sky, and twirled a daisy or two between her fingers. Watching the clouds pass and feeling the earth calming somewhat she felt at ease and the scent of lilies was carried on the breeze throughout the large garden.

So many questions had plagued her after he'd left last night, and she tried to hard to concentrate on the essence Mother Earth was sending to her. She'd not slept much, thinking only of what Ahalla had told her of the man she would meet, had met, and what he'd been through to get to her.

Scanning side to side, he wasn't sure she would be here at first, but he could sense her, and besides, he could smell lilies in the air. He spotted her there, lying on a blanket in all white. The brown trim of her dress seemed to give her earthliness as she lay there watching the sky. "May I sit with you?"

Lillyan smiled, wondering if he had intended to startle her. "I saw in your mind something you once said..."You breathe too loudly to sneak up on me." She tilted her head to the side smiling warmly up to him. "Please do, I would like the company thank you."

Takes a seat next to her. "I know last night was a lot to take in. Did you sleep well"

"Of course," she lied. She'd hardly slept at all, and had missed him, his touch desperately. "And you? How was your night?" She looked to him again. He appeared so rough and gruff on the outside, it made her chuckle to remember how gentle he'd been with his kiss, and how his words were soft and caring. He was someone that shouldn't be judged on appearances.

"I had little trouble sleeping." Untruth. More like sleeplessness! All he could do was think of Lillyan. "It's almost as though I could sense you from my room. Ever since we linked minds, I have felt you stronger than ever."

"Sorry to hear you didn't sleep well. If I had have been there I would have...," she trailed off hearing his words. She was going to say she would have started a soft rain, with a light breeze and she would have filled it with any scent he'd chosen. She thought that silly since he could probably do just the same. "I have felt you near me as well." She tried to hide her smile as she thought it was more like couldn't stop thinking about him. "Something...something connected us last night."

She decided to stay laid down. Knowing she had an excuse not to look at him, she could watch the sky still, she knew one look into his eyes, or one brush of his skin against hers and an awful storm would break out, and they would be to occupied to take cover.

He turned looking down squarely to face her. "Lilly, there is something important I need to discuss with you. It is about you and why you can do what you do with the elements." After hesitating he started again, "Its also about...your father."

Startled he looked back at Ahalla. *You know the meaning. Not many speak the old tongue of the druids.*

He senses Lillyan becoming weaker and weaker, but the old lady seems to be unconcerned, taking her time in her explanations. *In your mother's last minutes she told me I was with child. Her wolf like yellow eyes told me everything I would need to know to raise my daughter. Your mother knew your destiny.* They slowly made their way to stand in front of Lillyan.

What is happening to her" He thought. She feels like she's....dying. *Daughter"* He looks back to Lillyan. *You mean her" Please tell me what is happening to her. I can feel her fading!*

Again she ignored his requests. *Lillyan is my daughter, her father...the head druid sent her way when she was only a few days old.* She took his hand. *When she was old enough I came for her, taught her everything. I knew the old druid prophecy was true when she mastered the old ways in less than a month. All four elements in one being.*

Still worried he licked his lips. *So then she is the fabled Stone of Sources like I thought, isn't she" She is the Fifth Element"*

*When the murder of the priests came to be I knew it was her time. Then the dreams started and she saw you. You are the one Tsorovan...Battle Leader of the Storms. You know not yet what is coming but she has fighting, and has been since the day of her birth. Yes...she's the Fifth Element*

*I am the one" What do I mean to her"*

*As it is told...the Stone will be tried greatly and grow weary.* She nodded to Lillyan as if indicating now. *Without the 'Leader' of the storms to guide her fight she will fail.* Ahalla laid a hand on his temple and suddenly Tsorovan was feeling the storm around him in the forest. *You mean life to her. She needs your strength.* It seemed she was shouting over the roar of the wind. *And your love.*

*I am to be with her"*His mind was shouting to be heard over the wailing winds of the storm. *Will she accept me"*

Ahalla slid his hand into the orb surrounding Lillyan and it pulled him in. The look on Lillyan's face changed to exhaustion. "Tsorovan,? her voice came weakly and she started to collapse.

He saw her life failing. He grabbed her before she could collapse. *Lillyan, I am here for you. Please don't leave me.* Tears began to well in his eyes. *Everyone has left me.....not you too!* He kneeled laying her head in his arms. *Lilly...I need you. I feel you need me too. Please accept me...* He cut off his words and paused to gather his thoughts. *Lilly...I...I love you. Please Lilly...Accept me. My love and support are all I have to offer you.*

Staring back into those color-shifting eyes, he hesitated. His heart was in his throat. His breath quickened. "She said you needed me to....to guide you...and...to...to love you." The last came out in a rush.

With his last words she saw the last of the vision Ahalla had shown him. He begged her to accept him, and never to leave him, he'd told her he loved her. "You are here to save me," she said almost as a question, but it was a statement. "The ones...the ones from the village are coming." She stared into his eyes. "They...they were looking for me. Her eyes wavered and stared out into nothing behind him. "I've seen through their eyes."

He rose to his knees in alarm. "Here"! Now"!"

She blinked and looked to him again, realizing she'd startled him she reached out and touch his arm. "No not now."

Relief crept in but he was still on guard. Nothing would harm her while he was alive. "You can sense them too?"

"I feel them gaining on me. They are looking for me and they are getting stronger."

"How close are they?"

"I can not tell," her voice was soft. "I feel something closing in around me." She raised her eyes to his. "Except for when you are here I feel," she shook her head. "I feel...strong and secure. And not so...so helpless."

Tsorovan cups his hand to her cheek. "If you ask it of me, I will never leave your side. I love you too much to leave you...ever."

She closed her eyes at his touch. "Love me" You just met me." Even though she felt the same she was...yes she was afraid, a new feeling for her. "I would ask it of you yes...but," she opened her eyes and was staring directly into his. Tears began to well.

"Lilly. I...," he cut off his words. Unsure of what to say he put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to embrace her.

She tried to still her quivering chin in order to speak. "What if I am not strong enough' What if I can not do this?" She let out a sob but buried herself against his chest. "And my...my weakness gets you," she thought of a better word than killed. "Hurt."

"I am sorry...this is all too sudden for you." He lightly kissed her forehead. "You are stronger than me Lilly, maybe not in elements, but in conviction. You are much stronger than you give yourself credit for," he hugged her. "I would die for you Lilly. As many times as I had too if needed."

She smiled and took her eyes from his briefly in embarrassment. "Yes...I am," she whispered.

"I am sorry to have laid so much on you so soon. I know it must be a lot to take in."

"Do you remember anything from the druids' books" Anything about a...a Battle...a Leader of Storms" And it combining with the Fifth Element' With the Stone."

Grabbing at his memories for anything. "Yes....I think I remember reading about A Storm Leader and The Stone."

"I heard that the Storm Leader is to be the foundation of The Stone...they have to become one...embraces destiny," she tried to recall all the words. "How do we find the Storm Leader?" She looked down to him. "And how am I to become one with it?" She trailed her fingers down his hand and arm.

"The Storm leader is me. Ahalla told me this," his words trailed off. "Lilly...I am destined to be your other half."

She froze, her eyes on her hand that froze on his arm, slowly she looked to him. You" You are The Storm Leader?"

He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Yes, I am the Battle Leader who Brings the Storms."

She blinked a couple of times and remembered something Ahalla had said. "Ahalla told me once...she said"in the end all I would have to do is create the storm. She said," her voice softened. "That there would be someone who would guide them."

"And I plan to be there when it counts, and every time until then!" He caressed her arm. Her skin was smooth as silk.

On an impulse she lowered her mouth to his.

He saw her moving closer and embraced her as he pressed his lips to hers. His blood heated and his heart wanted to burst from his chest. Emotions became an ice storm in the middle of summer.

Both hands now on his cheeks. "I do want you with me"always," she whispered against his lips. "I do love you." She tilted her head to deepen the kiss. Black clouds instantly showed on the horizon and the wind began to blow ferociously, thunder clashing and lightening striking not far from them.

Lightning cracks overhead as the passionate kiss continues. He pulled away to speak. "I love you Lilly and will be by your side forever." He turns her on her side so she is facing him. Places a hand on her cheek and kisses her deeply.

Lillyan stared into his eyes as he spoke, nodding in agreement. She rolled onto her side with him, and the kisses continued, her hands moving through his hair. The minutes felt like hours as he melted into her touch. She made him feel so alive. Her wanted to drink her in...she was life to him.

"I have needed you for so long," she said breathlessly. The storm began raging out of control, trees being uproots, and hit with lightening.

Despite the storm surrounding them, together they were peaceful. He gently moved her to her back and ran his hand along the curves of her body, savoring it's luscious shape. He kissed her as deep as he dared.

She welcomed him passionately, breathing in his scent, the taste of his lips, she knew he would save her.

He trailed kisses from her lips, across her cheek to her ear, nibbling on her earlobe. Then proceeded to trail kisses along her neckline.

She sighed dreamy like. "Tsorovan," his name came breathlessly. She opened her eyes and stared in awe at what she saw. Time had slowed and the world was spinning around them, trees and rain were swirling about in the winds above them.

Her moans at his kisses only heated the fire of his heart to a blazing inferno. All time seemed to stand still for them. He moved his hand to her thigh, gliding it slowly over her curves, up her waist to her full curvaceous bosom, while kissing her deeply. The taste of her was simply exhilarating!

She clung to him like he was her life force threatening to fade. "Let me help you," she whispered, taking his face in her hands, staring into his eyes. "Give me your pain...let me take it away." She kissed him softly and then deeper.

As the voice had said and as prophecy had been written; they became one. The Stone lost herself in The Storm.

"Because now is the right time!" The yellow eyed man replied. He shouted and pointed to Lillyan. "The Stone has been made known! Call me what you will!" He glared. "Your wife didn't complain when I took her," he said with a sneer, "and neither will she." Nodding to Lillyan. Lillyan was struggling to gain control of her senses, despite the drug.

"YOU! YOU DID THAT?" Tsorovan screamed. "You killed everyone! You took my life from me".EVERYTHING!!!"

Lillyan concentrated everything she had on the foreign element in her body, she pulled it all to the center and forced it to move up her body, and finally she fell to her hands and knees and vomited out the remaining drug. She coughed, and then glanced to the two men who were yelling. She felt like crying when she felt Tsorovan's pain return.

"Oh but brother," he spoke so sarcastically sweet. "You have our dear Stone to love now. I promise to give you what is left of her when I'm done." He crossed his arms and laughed defiantly while staring at his brother, enjoying the rage he could cause.

Anger like nothing Tsorovan had ever felt began to flood into him like a thousand oceans. His eyes turned from blue to yellow. "You...will...pay Blaeric!!!" His eyes were no longer yellow now. They were glowing brightly, producing their own light; deep amber color. "I will make you pay!" That last came out like an angry animal. His voice was changing...more feral. Suddenly Tsorovan's head whipped back and he began to convulse.

Lillyan watched and felt something about him changing drastically, something stronger, and something wild pulled at Lillyan. "Tsorovan," she whispered, and fed off of his emotions.

Blaeric stepped back with a disgusted look. "He's going mad," he seemed to say with a chuckle to the rest of the men.

Tsorovan screamed as his body began to change form. Muscles ripped and reformed. Bones reset themselves. His hair fell out and was replaced by a coat of white fur. His body was growing longer. A muzzle appeared where his mouth and nose were. A deep growl resonated in his throat. He reared his head back and howled! The ropes on his hand snapped under the pressure of giant muscles.

Feeling the effects of the drug weaken Lillyan moved to a corner of the cage and watched in horror as Tsorovan...changed. She held on to a bar with each hand and braced herself, she felt it coming. Like a force pooling in her that was feeding off of Tsorovan, she felt frantic, she couldn't control it and couldn't stop it.

Blaeric watched in awe, even with a smirk smeared over his face, "This is...unbelievable." He looked over to Lillyan and sighed. Something had to be done to her to stop whatever catastrophe she was calling up.

Lillyan's eyes and hands were glowing white, the ground starting shaking and the men around them started grumbling when lightening flashed in the distance and revealed tornados on the horizon

Blaeric motioned to the men to set down the cage and unlock it; they were going in after Lillyan and who knew what they would do to her. Ahalla had said Lillyan was strong all around, but she was still a fragile creature.

Tsorovan's mind was hazy; he was a bystander in the mind of this animal. He could feel the lust for blood and carnage. It wanted to be free. To feed. Tsorovan grabbed the rails of the cage and began to shake them violently. His hands produce five knife-like claws on each and he began ripping and tearing at the bottom of the cage. It was wooded, and wouldn't hold out long. The bottom exploded in a spray of wood and splinters. He was free. It was time for the bloodlust to begin.

Blaeric ran to Lillyan's cage and pushed past the men to get inside, he grabbed Lilly by the hair and held her back against him, putting her between him and the werewolf. He pulled a knife and held it to her throat. "Why do you push me" Why have you always pushed me!" Call off the storm!" He shouted at Lillyan and shook her hard.

Lilly stared at the creature before her, not sure if he was a wild blood craving beast, or if he had reason, and Tsorovan's mind. She reached out to the beast with her mind. *Can...can you understand me"* she called to it.

Blaeric shook her again. "Don't talk to him!" He could sense her telepathy. "Call of the storm!" He growled as he pressed the knife against her skin.

"I can't!" She closed her eyes and screamed. "It's feeding off of him," she said sadly and looked to the werewolf.

Tsorovan could see everything happening before him, but he couldn't make his body obey. The situation was getting bad. Lilly was going to die if he didn't do something.....A wolf appeared next to him in his mind. It called to him. "Tsorovan I am you and you are me. I am all that is animal in you. I feel your need and will lend you my strength." Tsorovan looked at the wolf. "She is my love, I will not lose her!" The wolf bowed its head and disappeared. He heard a voice across the void. *Can you understand me"* Lilly's voice was afraid. *I hear you love,* he sent to her.

Lillyan snapped her mind to his, but kept her eyes from him. To muffle the thoughts she sent him, she called to the thunder and it rolled when she spoke. *They will not kill me.* It was starting. She was sure now more than ever, she had conjured the storm and it was feeding from Tsorovan, he was keeping it alive as she had added more power . Now she couldn't stop it. She knew Blaeric wouldn't kill her. He needed her for something; but she wasn't so sure about Tsorovan. Would Blaeric hurt him' *Try to calm down,* the thunder pounded.

His blood was boiling. His brother had taken everything from him. Tsorovan tried to focus his mind. He had to eliminate the threat. But how" *He took them Lilly. He took my very life from me. I will not let him take you too!*

It is a very nice story, very descriptive. And Inspiring as well. Very well done, I enjoyed reading it. Keep it up.

Lillyan nodded. She appeared strong but her voice cracked, "I know you won't." She could feel his pain, his anger, more of his rage. She just hoped it would remain under control. If he were to change again and attack one of these men, they would surely kill him. "Why are they taking us here?"

"I am not sure." His thoughts were still scattered and his worry for Lilly overwhelmed everything else. "There has to be some reaso?" He stopped as the answer hit him like a ton of wet earth. A memory drifted to the surface; a prophecy that was mentioned as often as the prophecy of Tthe Stone of Sources. A voice was heard. *Beware the power of The Stone. For it will draw out the true evil of the greedy heart. One who has the uncontrollable lust for power will seek The Stone. He will try to gain Power by ritual sacrifice. This must not happen or all is lost. Only The Battle Leader of The Storms can alter this course should its path be chosen by fate. Humanity's fate will rest on the shoulders of The Storm Leader. Take heed of these words.* The voice faded at the last words.

Lillyan's face went blank as she heard the voice, she stared at Tsorovan. He saw the shock of what was to happen take control of her. "I," she started. They would kill her, and if she fought they would hurt Tsorovan. She didn't know which was worse, she knew he wouldn't stand by and watch, and if he fought they'd hurt him too. "What do I do?" Her mouth moved but no sound escaped, her mind swirled with questions and horrible visions.

"Lilly. I know you don't want harm to befall me, but I can't stand by and watch them kill you." He smoothed her bruised cheek gently, as to not cause her discomfort. "I will do whatever is necessary' Please understand this. Without you I am dead anyway."

A sob escaped with his last words. He not only protected her by fate, but he truly loved her. Was she to stand by and let the man she loved die for her" Tears fell in plenty down her cheeks. She closed her eyes and lowered her head, shaking it she whispered. "Ahalla I need you." Lightening crashed in the background.

*They will kill him.* Lillyan said to Ahalla. *My Lilly, he is strong for you. He will not perish. Your worry needs to be for yourself right now. They will kill you.* Lillyan's face whitened. She didn't even get to say goodbye to Tsorovan, didn't get feel his lips on hers a last time, or tell him she loved him. She only nodded. Leaving Ahalla she walked up the steps that appeared before her and stood at the top, a violent storm surrounded her.

The men opened the cage and all of them attacked Tsorovan, binding him tightly and dragging him to the steps of the Dais. Then Blaeric scooped up Lilly who glowed even brighter. He ascended the steps and placed her on the stone pallet. Looking around smiling that all of this power would soon be his. Oh how long he'd waited, his first act as The Fifth Element would be to destroy his brother. He glanced down to Tsorovan. Blaeric raised Lilly's hands above her head, chaining them down, then one about her waist, then he chained her feet. He pulled a book from a satchel laid next to him, and skimmed the pages, looking to Lilly to make sure every thing was set up as it should be. Then with one push of a knob the stone table shifted upright, hanging Lilly by the chains. There was a crevasse in the floor for the blood to be carried through the stone structure.

Tsorovan wakes to find himself bound tightly. Chains instead of rope this time. He lifts his head to see Lilly hanging limp from the Altar. Blaeric stood to her side, knife in hand, chanting something in the Old Tongue. A storm was swirling everywhere around them. His focus went to the knife in his brother's hand. "NNNOOOOOO!!!!" Tsorovan yanked as hard as he could but could not pull free of the chains.

Blaeric raised the knife. "Watch me now brother," a malicious grin on his face that pulled his scar into a white puckering patch. "Watch as I become a God!" Everything happened in slow motion. Blaeric sent the knife home and Lilly's body convulsed with a jerk. Red quickly began to stain the front of her dress.

Lightning was crashing from all directions now. The wind howled and suddenly Lilly appeared next to her body, a blue glowing orb surrounding her. It was just like the vision in the garden that day. Suddenly he began chanting something"it was the old tongue" He didn't know what they meant but he felt their purpose. An amber glow enveloped his body and grew quick with intensity. The lights intensity beat in time with the storms fury. The Stone and The Storm called to each other. Chains melted and he drifted across the Dais to her. Blue and amber met and the full fury of the storm enveloped them.

Tsorovan's eyes filled with tears. The Stone was a part of Lillyan. She was The Stone. As he felt her pass through his body he could feel her every emotion. Those feelings were the reason for his tears. He could always feel how she felt for him, but never did he imagine just how strong her feelings were. Her love was so strong it hurt. It was a hurt that he was grateful for. It made him feel alive! He smiled and looked to Lillyan's eyes expectantly. Lillyan's eyes began to glow behind the closed lids. Slowly her body was lifted from his lap into the air. She spun, suspended in the air before being turned upright. Her eyes flew open and beams of light shot from them; the voice of The Stone was heard again as it spoke from its host. "Let it begin," the voice echoed through the air. The fire roared stretching towards the sky; the wind cried and threatened to uproot everything.

Blaeric, surrounded in the blood stained glow, faced The Stone. "Prepare to have everything stripped from you!" He shouted and threw his hands into the air. He raised from the ground and floated in the air across the length of the ring of fire. "I call upon the elements to assist me and destroy my enemy. Keep her from restraining you as you are wild and meant to be free. Do as you were meant to do, bring destruction.

Aside from the voice, Tsorovan felt a presence in his head. Like The Stone was still in him, guiding him as he was to guide the storms. He raised his hands to the sky. "I will not allow you to defeat me. I control the elements! I will be the Leader of the Storms!" Blaeric's twisted sneer contorted the scar on his face.

"I will smite you brother!" The winds swept everything else away as the clouds swirled closer and tighter. A ring of clouds. A hurricane!

Tsorovan closed his eyes and began a prayer to the elements, asking for their help. "Oh great powers of Nature, I ask for your help in a time of great need. I do not ask to control you for my own purpose; I only ask you let me guide you in this battle against the evil that wishes to claim you for his own. I beseech you great Elemental Forces, lend me your strength as I will lend you mine."

The stormed raged, but Lillyan did nothing. She kept staring forward the glow in her eyes never wavering. She drew power from the storm and called to it. Her hands fanned out and her head flew back, a glow shot from her mouth as it flew open, but didn't move when she spoke. "You can not defeat The Stone and The Storm Leader when they combine to fight against you.? The dark clouds swirled ferociously overhead, loud deep thunder was heard just above them, Lillyan's body jerked once and lightening struck near Blaeric.

A forceful wind appeared to be in Lillyan's orb that whipped her clothes and hair around. The glow from her was almost blinding and her body began to shake as if she were cold; the power was building within her. It grew stronger and stronger and the orb around her grew. Something began pulling Tsorovan to her, and he was sucked inside Lillyan's orb.

He heard loud humming and fierce drum beatings he'd not heard earlier. He sensed the toll this absorption of power was taking on Lilly and then he heard Ahalla's voice. *She needs your strength* Tsorovan noticed that there in Lilly's orb, was a storm all its own.

The storm inside was as monstrous as the winds outside. Lilly vibrated with power. He could sense her need of him. She could not do this by herself. He took her hands and entwined his fingers with hers. *Lilly I am here. Let us do this together. Release into me and let us share this burden of power*

Her touch sent electricity through his body and her skin was so hot it blistered his hands. *I can't.* She said. But what couldn't she do' Release into him' Continue? She couldn't fight'

Lillyan wanted to let go as she slowly came back into her body as The Stone slowly took its complete hold on her. *I don't want to hurt you.*

*Do not worry for me. This is why I was born. I am Tsorovan t' Baijan M'Hael; Battle Leader of the Storms. I was meant to guide The Stone, to guide you Lillyan. Anything that happens is destined to happen. I will guide you.*

His head fell back and his eyes and mouth threw amber light in all directions. The light came from everywhere. Rays of amber luminescence beamed from his fingertips, swirling, coating his body. He was engulfed in the reddish light. He stepped forward and placed a hand on Lilly's arm. The power was still surging from her, but he remained unharmed. The amber light around him was like the dawn of the morning sun.

A voice rumbled within the sphere of light. *And so shall the full potential of The Storm Leader be released, as he brings the New Dawn. The Stone and The Storm will unite to destroy the manifestations of Evil. So it has been said and so shall it be written as the Prophecy of the New Dawn.* The voice echoed as it faded into the torrents of the storm.

She knew he was right but she still feared what the power would do to him. Lillyan tried to slowly let go, and slowly release the build up of power, the electricity tingled through his fingers and then unsteadily began filling his body. The release of pressure felt good, but draining at the same time. Her energy jolted his body, and as she grew weaker she clung to Tsorovan. She knew she couldn't stop, she had to go on. She held back as much power as she could still able to wield it herself.

Blaeric watched in contempt as his brother and The Stone embraced each other. The Stone looked as if she were growing weary. "As I thought, you two are too weak to fight with me. I will enjoy killing you brother!" He stretched his arms out to the side and slowly drew them in together. He pushed forward and the swirling ball of wind that Tsorovan threw at him dissipated and faded away. He threw his arms out to the sides again and the molten boulders scattered in all directions. His fists and eyes began to burn like red hot coals and he reached for the sky. The clouds in the center of the storm began swirl and a funnel protruded from the bottom. The funnel widened and elongated to the ground. It was going to drop right on top of them.

He was not going to give up. He would die for her. It was not she that was to die for him. He closed his eyes and began to chant in the Old Tongue of the druids. "Haame del stole, reco dein jesttuso brunstesckko." (Keepers of the Dead, I come for one you have claimed.) All went black.

He could see a faint light in front of him. He willed himself toward it. The form took shape of a woman. Beautiful fair skin, hair the color of damp soil, eyes closed but he knew they were hers. Her white gown was shining like a beacon in the dark. He reached for her but was pulled short. A cloaked figure appeared between him and his love. "Why do you come here to the Realm of the Dead" It is not your time."

Tsorovan replied in light but determined tones. "Nor is it her time yet. She still has much left to do for the world of the living. I have come to take her back."

The cloaked figure was silent for sometime before speaking again. "If I am to release her to you, you must give something in return."

Tsorovan nodded. "Very well, when her time is up I will release her back to you, and I will also offer myself as well. I am nothing without her and will have no need of the world of the living once she is gone. But for now, I need her; the living world still needs her. This is the bargain I offer."

The cloaked figure nodded within the dark cowl of his cloak. "It is agreed."

Darkness became light, and Tsorovan opened his eyes to stare down at the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.

Staring into his eyes Lillyan smiled relieved. "Tsorovan?" She whispered as if she'd not seen him in so long and had to confirm he was real. "I thought I was...I saw...," tears welled in her eyes. "You. You came for me," she weakly raised her hand and slid it over his cheek. "I do not know what to say," she whispered.

She watched him for a moment, as her senses returned to normal and she felt her strength return slowly, she whispered, "Is it over??

He nodded, with a warm smile on his face. "Yes love....It is over. We did it."

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes sighing heavily.