Shiane to CD: Well, you’re just gonna have to be patient now won’t you? Don’t worry that one is introduced VERY son. In this chap actually.

Shiane to BL: That’s okay, and very I’m obsessed with elves. What gave you that idea? As to the scenes, yeah, I know that’s one of the things that I need to work on, but thank you for reminding me. I keep forgetting.

Do you WANT a list of all the characters in the bar? I can post it with chap 14 when I finish that one.

Chapter 13

Xero had thought he was doing decently well. He was able to parry and defend himself well enough with his sword, even getting in an attack or two himself. But then he was totally caught off guard and confused when his opponent, who still had not revealed theirself, threw seemingly harmless red-black colored magic at him. It made him pause for only a moment and in that moment he heard his adversary whisper words that sounded fluid and smooth, full of vowels…just like the language Moonlight and May had used. “It must be elven.” He thought.

But before he could get any further in his thoughts his opponent charged at him again. He met with a block at the last minute, and was jarred from the impact. The mysterious figure drew back and then saluted him with their blade. That just made Xero all the more confused. He shook his head and then went forward in a thrust, with power behind it. He had added a touch of his magic, trying to find out what could work against this person.

Moonlight watched closely and then bolted from her chair. Xero had been attacking, but then he just suddenly stopped. His body froze and looked like a statue. But his head still moved and he looked beyond bewildered, a little fear now in his eyes.

Moonlight’s friends all dragged their gazes away from the fight and looked up at the elf.

“What is it?” May asked.

Moonlight locked down her emotions under a blank face, but her eyes revealed her anger.

“Fertecarra Lomada,” Moonlight hissed.

May’s eyes widened as she translated, for the elf had used her native language, “Forbidden Magics, but Moonlight, that would mean…” she trailed off.

“Yes. A Dark Elf is going against the treaty of our peoples.” Moonlight said, her eyes still on the screen. She watched as Xero moved, but jerky, as if controlled by other means. The concentration on his face showed that he tried to overcome what was happening, but the fear in his eyes showed that he didn’t know what to do.

The two men remained silent, not wanting to say anything that would spark the elf to turn on them.

“Where’s Akito?” Moonlight’s eyes did not leave the match.

May looked around, but it was Mystic who tugged on the witch’s sleeve and pointed across the room. She looked and found that the Council Member had placed himself behind the bar once again.

“He’s at the bar Moonlight. Go now while there’s still time to do something,” May said, genuine concern in her voice. She was worried about Xero, but did not let on how concerned she was or what her true thoughts were about what was happening.

Moonlight briskly nodded and finally pulled her gaze away from the match and with her elven agility made her way through the crowd up to the bartender.

“Akito.”

Just that one word made the battlemage turn his entire attention to the elf.

“Is there any possible way that I could speak to the fighters in the field?” she asked seriously.

He blinked and then asked, “Why?”

“An Elf is Xero’s opponent and is breaking a treaty between our peoples.”

“What treaty?” he asked. When she just stared at him he said, “I’ve gotta know if I’m going to go against my own regulations.”

Moonlight heaved the tiniest of sighs and said, “The treaty says that Dark Elves cannot use the Forbidden Magics in a fight on a mortal without telling them. I know this elf and she will not tell. So, is there any way I can “legally” tell him?”

At that moment Longwater stepped up behind Moonlight. “Forbidden Magics is being used. It either needs to stop or the mortal be told.”

Akito blinked again and bowed his head. “Very well.” He looked up, his brown eyes going to the screen. A hand raised, glowing red and he twisted it as if turning something. All of a sudden they could hear what was going between the two fighters and many looked curiously around before spotting Akito. Then they returned their attention to whatever they had been doing previously.

Akito also spun a ball of red energy and had it float over to the elf woman. “Speak into that. Everyone will hear, though not just Xero and his opponent.”

Moonlight nodded and began pitching her words towards the orb, “Xero, Xero, it’s Moonlight.”

She watched the screen and saw Xero turn his head this way and that, trying to find the source of the voice. He knew it was Moonlight, and not because she had said so; her voice was easy to identify despite only having met her a few hours ago. His body was being made to take jerky steps towards his adversary but stopped the instant Moonlight’s voice could be heard.

“Reveal thyself, Darkstar,” Moonlight demanded. Longwater placed a hand on Moonlight’s shoulder, his face set to impassive as he watched what was unfolded before everyone.

The cloaked figure saluted with their rapier and then threw off the black cloak…and revealed a Dark Elf woman.

She gave a mock bow towards the door leading to the bar.

“Greetings Light. I had wondered how long it would take you to spot me out. Usually it doesn’t take you so long, Moonlight,” she drew out the Light Elf’s name.

“As I had wondered how long you would be able to restrain yourself from your usual openness with using that branch of magic. You know it’s technically forbidden.” Moonlight replied.

“And well you know that it is not, within my people.” Darkstar retorted. Piercing blue almond shaped eyes glanced over at Xero, amusement and impatience within them. She wanted to continue with the match, but this interlude was also very amusing.

Moonlight shook her head and turned her attention back to why she had asked Akito for this communication. “Xero, to break this spell put your will against it. Fight totally with your willpower. This, as you have discovered, is a spell of controlling. Just use your willpower and it will break.” She said, then added something more in elven to Darkstar.

In turn the Dark Elf said in Common, “I think not. You may try, but you will not likely succeed.”

Moonlight’s face was still impassive, but emotions stormed in her eyes. The orb flowed back into Akito as he also twisted his hand in the opposite direction that he had to begin with. The audience could now no longer hear what was going on within the fighting area. Akito then sighed and returned to his business.

Moonlight turned around to face Longwater, “Thank you for aiding me. I don’t think Akito would have totally believed my words had you not added yours.” She said.

“I would do anything for you Moonlight.” He replied and then added, “I also was paying attention and I knew what was occurring.”

Moonlight nodded and then went back to her table.

“Moonlight! Why did you say that last bit? You know it could never pass.” May said instantly upon the elf’s return.

Moonlight grabbed her bottle of vodka and took a drink as she slid down into her chair. She swallowed and lowered the bottle before answering, “Because my connections may be able to help get it known.”

“What are you two talking about?” Mystic asked, breaking the two off from saying any more. The two looked at him and Moonlight said, “At the end I told Darkstar that I could take her to the Light Court, but I am finding out I wouldn’t make it very far.” She ended with a sigh.

May snorted and turned her eyes back to the match. The other three did as well, but the elf only half-paid attention. She did her duty and knew that despite Darkstar was a Dark Elf, she would at least not use the Forbidden Magics during the rest of the match with Xero.

“Even with that reprieve, it didn’t help Xero much.” Mystic said casually.

“At least he was able to break the spell and fight for himself.” Moonlight retorted.

“He’ll go down with dignity.” Nicholas commented. Moonlight grinned at him as the other two just stared.

“Whose side are you on?” Mystic said with a smirk on his own lips.

“No one’s.” the ninja replied, still grinning.

But then May drew their attention to the screen. “Moonlight this match will very soon be over.”

The three looked and had to do a doubletake. Instead of an elf and battlemage fighting, there were two identical battlemages, though one held a broadsword (Xero) and the other held a rapier. Even the clothes were the same, which meant that very precise illusion spells were used.

“Darkstar can shapeshift?” Mystic asked, eyebrows raised.

“It’s within her family.” Moonlight said quietly.

“That’s what May said about you,” the young man remarked softly.

Moonlight glanced at Mystic and then over at May, her expression unreadable. She returned her gaze to the mortal and nodded silently.

“She’s mocking him.” Nicholas pointed out, drawing the two back to the screen.

Darkstar, though in the guise of her opponent, circled around Xero and lightly tapped him in any opening that presented itself to her. So far he was bleeding from various, but small wounds. He was still able to fully move around with only a few minor details inhibiting him. And Xero hadn’t even touched Darkstar.

“She’s doing it because I spoiled her fun earlier.” Moonlight said sourly. May just nodded.

Within minutes Akito announced, “This match goes to Darkstar. Third round will begin in thirty minutes.” Then he went out to see Xero and the Dark Elf.

May left the table, swiftly making her way out to the field to Xero.

Nicholas turned to look at the elf and said, “So, still gonna try to do something about Darkstar?”

Moonlight met his eyes and shook her head. “What’s the point? It wouldn’t really get anything done.” She replied.

He looked thoughtful and the tree lapsed into silence until May and Xero joined them.

“Thank you Moonlight,” Xero said before taking a chair.

Moonlight inclined her head, “Anytime.”

Then their attention was drawn to Darkstar who had come in and called out to Moonlight.

“Yes?” Moonlight politely called back.

“I challenge you to a future duel.” Darkstar’s voice rang clear across the room. Everyone who was curious was silent and turned to watch as they waited for the reply.

Moonlight blinked, but she had been expecting something like this. “Then I accept on the behalf that it takes place after the Tournament has passed and a sufficient amount of time has put us both at full strength.” She said. When answering or even issuing a challenge, you always specify a time and exact requirements. Especially with Dark Elves, lest you want them to twist what they had said and act on the challenge when it was most inconvenient for the challenged.

Darkstar smiled, but it wasn’t friendly, “Very well.” Then she turned and went back to her own table.

“This will be very interesting.” Nicholas said, amused.

Moonlight turned to face him, an eyebrow raised, “And who said you would be there to witness this duel? As I recall I never asked anybody to accompany May and I.”

He stared at her, the amusement still in his face and eyes. “Who said you wouldn’t be gathering companions on your travels anyway?” he retorted, lifting an eyebrow of his own.

“He has a point,” Mystic said listening with interest. The other two were paying attention as well.

“Xero had already said he was coming with us Moonlight. It won’t hurt to have the ninja come along as well.” May said softly.

“I’m coming too. Might as well,” Mystic added with a slight shrug. Xero grinned at him.

Moonlight sighed, “I guess I have no further say in this,” she said.

“Might as well get used to us. You’re stuck for awhile.” Xero said.

Moonlight turned away, muttering, “And I’m trying to determine if that’s going to be a good thing or bad thing.”

TBC