[Xanth]

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Nymphadora walked into the busy city. She hadn't been here long, but already she wasn't fond of the cold cement world. The stench of smog was almost enough to make her gag. She looked around, and thought about using her wings to fly to search for Cantral Park. But the street was too crouded, and she didn't want to expose herself as an "Other".

She sighed as yet another human pushed past her, nearly knocking her down. She turned around just early enough to slam right into someone, spilling their hot coffee all down her shirt. "Forget this!" Nymphadora exclaimed, and shoved past a few people and onto the street. All of a sudden she heard a screeching of tires. She turned around and saw a bright yellow taxi cab heading stright for her.

Forgetting where she was, Nymphadora's defensive instincts kicked in. She jumped quickly to the side, her grey wings giving her a little extra thrust. She landed on the ground, skidding backwards, her left wing scrapeing on the hard gravel. Groaning, she got up, and looked toward where the cab was. She wasnt suprised when the yellow monster wasn't there, but speeding off down the street.

Looking around her, a croud had started to form. Not knowing if she was exposed, she quickly tucked her wings close to her body, hidden by her clothes. She didn't know if anyone had seen them, but she didnt want to leave them out for open viewing. Slowly, she got to her feet, and stubled away from the road. Peering over her shoulder, she saw the croud that had formed had dispenced just as quickly.

She walked quickly, holding her injured wing. She pulled her hand from behind her and looked at it. There was quite a bit of blood, but not so much she needed to worry. Not hearing the useual busstle of the city, she looked up and noticed she had wandered into a park. Nymphadora scanned the scenery, and almost instantly found Central Park. She made her way over, and sliped through the density.

Hidden from human eyes, she peeled off her jacket and let it fall to the floor. Closing her eyes, she focused her attention to her wings, and she slowly tried expand them to full length. About a quarter of the way out, a sharp pain periced her wing and traveled to her shoulder. She winced, and slowly let them fall limp. Carefully, she pulled her left wing close to her, and around to her stomache. She looked at the wound, and was nearly sick with what she saw.

All her feathers had been torn off, and quite a huge layer of skin. She was only thankful it was in an area not crucial for flight. But it still needed to be tended to. Sucking in her breath, she tucked her wing back in close, and winced through the pain. Nymphadora then grabed her jacket, and put it on. She needed to find the catnip for Sylpoe. Ignoring the pain in her wing, she started toward where she had last seen it.

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Perched on a large branch in one of the thick trees of the park Naava watched the slight altercation with nothingness going on below. Spying the edge of a grey wing on the fallen girl she was disgusted. "What a disgrace to Angel-kind." She thought. Her oppinion was that angels were the prefect creatures. Her goal was to be like Dazadi, the Dark Angel.

Watching the girl come further into the forest her face twisted into even more disgust as she recognized the girl. "Nymphadora, little miss perfect, figures." It was none other than her twin sister. Though not identical, simply paternal, and Naava barely admit to that. Although she was self concious around other higher angels, around her sister, and around non-angels, she put that all away and became quite a demon.

"Fall again Nympha-dumma?" She called out snoodily to her sister.

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"Fall again Nympha-dumma?"

Nymphadora spun around at the sound of her sisters voice. It took her a second, but she located Naava, sitting on the branch of a tree like a bird. She wrinkled her face in disgust.

Continuing on her way, she passed right underneith her hurtful sister. "Go away Naava."

Nymphadora held her wing closer to her, trying to pretend nothing was wrong. She didn't intend to pay more attention to her sister than she had to. It would just turn into another arguement over their genetics, and family's misfortuine. She was tired of hating her sister. And tired of hating herself.

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"Go away Naava."

"hmmm, is that fear? Let's see if I can have some more fun with her." Naava thought with a twisted smile forming on her face. Jumping down a branch so she could get closer to her "sister". Oh how she loved tormenting her. It wasn't Naava's fault that she was more beautiful, and had better wings.

"But where would be the fun in that?" Naava playfully called to her sister. "Still working on getting your puny white wings?" She said with fake sympathy.

It was no secret that Dora hated Naava for wanting to be a more powerful Dark Angel. It was all because thier father was a light angel. "Pah, he was weak. That's why he's gone." Naava thought, trying to hide her true emotions.

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"Still working on getting your puny white wings?"

Nymphadora stoped and turned to face her sister. She looked into her eyes, and saw her laughing inside. "First of all, that's none of your buisness. Second of all... you know what? Never mind. Your not worth it."

Nymphadora started to walk away from her sister. She shook her head, disgusted that Naava would soil their fathers good name by becoming something he fought so hard to destroy. It didn't matter though. As soon as she got her white wings, and earned her place amung the other angels, she would try and use her powers to convince Naava to follow the path of light.

Sometimes it didn't seem fair that the one sister who was garanteed a chance to become a great light angel, didn't care at all about the family. She hated her for that.

Lost in thought, Nymphadora didn't realize that she actually hadn't moved away from her sister. She also didnt realize that tears had escaped from her eyes.

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Seeing her 'sister' crying Naava felt disgusted. "She's weak, just like our dad was. But mom was strong..." Naava didn't think it quite fair that her sister was a Nymph, but didn't want to be. Naava didn't want to be an angel , but she made the best of it. "It's always the weak who complain." She thought, her look hardening.

"You only say I'm not worth it 'cause you're jealous. You want so badly to be me. But, you can't take the fact that dad was weak. You've idealized him into this strong master angel. But he wasn't. He was just as weak as you are." Naava said, the anger towards her sister growing.

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Nymphadora turned on her sister with fire in her eyes.

"Dont you EVER talk about my father like that! You will NEVER be HALF the Angel he was." She spat angrily. Her hatred for her sister never felt as strong as it did at that moment. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"You know what i think Naava. Its you who is jealous. Your jealous that Dad always liked me best. He favored me. And after mom died, it was ME who he took and taught the way of a light angel." Nymphadora stared into her sisters eyes with triumph. She could almost feel a slap coming, but she held her ground. If she ever wanted to be a light angel, she couldnt let people walk all over her like she did. Least of all her ungreatful sister.

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Enjoying the enduced rage she'd given her sister Naava smiled through all she said, until one thing.
"...after mom died..."

Naava raised her hand and whipped it acrossed her twin's face. "Mom died protecting our family, like dad should've been. He was a coward, and senseless too. Teaching you the way of the angel was pointless! You'll never be accepted to the angels. You're nymph blood is to thick." Naava spat her words out like fire to oil. She watched the anger build higher on Dora's face.

"You want proof?" Naava said running towards a clearing. "Catch me if you can, that is, unless you still can't fly." And with that she flew off, straight towards the sky.

*g-mod with permission*

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Nymphadora's jaw droped as she held her cheek after Navva slapped her. Although she had been expecting it, it still stung. Whatever pride she might have felt in angering her sister soon vanished as Navva attacked their father's loyality yet again. She could feel her face getting red with anger as Navva spat off about their father's teachings. It wasn until Navva started in on Nymphadora's own loyality that she could feel her heart turn cold toward her sister.

Naava knew how hard she worked, and was still working to gain her white wings and finally have the status of an angel. Nymphadora never had worked on anything so hard in her life. Her sucess as an angel is what Nymphadora knew would prove to her father that she was indeed worthy. And to have Naava flat out tell her her... her nymph blood was too strong, that was like ripping out her heart, and then spitting on it.

Before she could respond, Naava took off in a run, challanging her to a race in the sky. Nymphadora clenched her teeth. Unless i still can't fly? Where the heck have you been Naava? You stupied little... Cutting off her thoughts, she yanked off her jacket and threw it on the ground. She, unlike her sister no doubt, had been exercising her wings to help with sudden flight. You never know when you'll need to just take off.

Thinking of what she'd do to Naava once she flew over her, she smirked, then extended her wings out quickly. All of a sudden a sharp pain bolted through her wing and into her shoulder. What the... oh no... Peering over her shoulder at her wing, she remembered the wound that had been inflicted by the taxi eariler. She had been so caught up in her fight with Naava that it compleatly slipped her mind. She looked ahead as Naava was raising into the sky.

Nymphadora felt defeated. After all this time... she finaly had the chance to show Naava what a real angel could do, and she had to be wounded by a stupied ugly cab. She shook her head, and closed her eyes, a tear escaping. After what seemed like a few moments, she looked up, her eyes fixed on Naava. She extended her wings, wincing slightly as the pain rocketed through her shoulder. She then took a running start, and hoisted herself of the ground. Beating her wings as hard as she could, she slowly started to gain on Naava.

[Xanth]

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"What!? Dora is following me!?" Naava nearly shrieked when she realised this. Naava just wanted to intimidate Dora, not actually compete with her. Quickly sighing Naava tried to regain her arogant composure. She only slightly suceeded in it though, still slightly timid about fighting her sister in the air.

Constantly flapping her wings, trying to go higher, she started to gasp slightly as the air got thinner. "Come on Dora, we aren't that high." She siad, tanting her sister.

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Nymphadora was finding it harder than she thought to keep up with Naava. Although she had exercised her wings, it didn't make up for the fact thae she unfourtunatly was indeed mostly nymph. Her flying distance and time couldnt compare to that of Naava's. So if she wanted to teach her sister what it ment to be an angel, she'd have to do it quickly.

Pumping her wings harder then she'd ever done before, Nymphadora propelled herself forward. The pain in her left wing intensified, and he cried out in pain. Hard as it was, she pushed her injury out of her mind and focused on catching her sister.

After what seemed like forever, Nymphadora seemed to be in range of touching Naava. She gave her wings one last final beat and attempted to grab Naava's ankle and tug her backwards. To give herself more of an advantage, Nymphadora moved her body and wings positioning herelf to slow down, hoping this would cause Navva to be thrown off her path.

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The pull did more than toss Naava off balance, it made her wings lose the air that was underneathe them. Naava started falling, head first towards the ground. Her doom was emminant.

But thankfully she'd fallen like this before, she quickly folded, and the un foled her wings, letting the air push them up and open. Riding the breeze for a moment Naava started pumping her wings again. The left one ached for some reason, but she was still able to fly, so she ignored it and kept flying towards Dora. Once she got close enough she'd aim a punch to her stomach with her strong right arm. "That'll teach her to mess with her older sister."She thought, ity didn't matter they were only a few moments apart, Naava still saw herself as older.

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Nymphadora was shocked when she saw her sister start to fall toward the ground. She was mad and upset at her sister, but she didnt want her to get seriously hurt. As Naava fell, Nymphadora moved to reach for her hand to save her. No matter how much she hated her sister right now, she wasn't going to let her die. But before she even took a few beats of her wings, she saw her sister elegantly catch herself, and regain flight.

Nymphadoras temporary releif vanished off her face, and was replaced with fear, as Navva swiftly bolted back. Before Nymphadora could react, Naava's puch landed right in her gut, making her side burn in pain. She hunched over holding her stomache. Gaging, she tasted blood in her mouth. Glaring up at her sister, she spit it out.

Without a word, Nymphadora thrust her wings and forced herself forward. She then shifted her wings for a sudden stop, and let her body continue in an attempt to kick Naava with her entire body weight.

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Walking through Central Park was one of Alieh's favorite thinks to do, she loved the sight of the trees and occasional flower.

She happened to look up and glance to figured high in the sky. She recognised one as Dora, the other she did't recongise.

When her eyes re-focoused she saw they were fighting. ot a friendly fight, but a real brutal fight. They really hate each other She watched for a minute God, this is really dangerous she thought when she the other angel fall from the sk and only catch herself in the nick of time.

Deciding to try and end it she yelled up to them What on Earth are you two idiots doing?!?! You're going to kill each other!!

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Dora's kick landed hard, and Naava started to fall fast yet again. Whipping up sooner than last time, Naava felt the ache in her left wing increase. Being unable to fly as fast Naava knew she was starting to lose control of her wings. "I can'ty let her get away with this." She pumped her wings as hard and fast as she could, not noticing the tear on her wing's base, or the trickle of blood that steadily fell.

Naava flew a few feet higher than her sister, and then folded her wings *It's just like skydiving." She told herself as her feet headed towards her sister's stomache, followed by her whole body weight.

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After Nymphadora landed her kick, she heard a call out from below. She looked down to see the female shapeshifter she had seen in the cave. She didn't know her name, but she shouldn't be here. Turning from Naava, Nymphadora yelled down at the young girl. Get out of here. If you don't, you might just be the one to get killed! With that warning, nymphadora turned back toward her sister just in time to brace herself to the swift kick in the stomache.

The impact made her double over, and loose control over her wings. As she started to fall, she remembered how Naava had corrected herself. She unfolded and folded her wings, and was able to regain flight. Although it wasn't nearly as graceful as her twin sister, she still managed not to die.

Naavas kick had landed hard, and the sharp pain in Nymphadoras side continued to grow as she mad her way toward her sister. Beating her wings hard, she few at Naava, in an attempt to collide with her, grabing her stomache, and hopefully flinging her toward the ground.

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After her kick collided, Naava stuggled to stay in the air. Her wings got weaker by the pump. When Dora dove towards her, Naava couldn't move fast enough and was headed towards the ground again. "This is really starting to get old." She thought while folding her wings. But as she folded her left wing in she felt and heard a slight snap at the base of the wind. Paying it no mind she barrel rolled until she was facing towards the ground. Unfolding her wings an imediate snap was heard and her left wing went limg, going upwards do to the increased speed off her fall. "Oh :potty: !!!!!" She screamed as she fell.

When she hit the ground there was a sickening thud.

She hit the ground.

I did not delete your own version, just made it small enough that only those with a heartier stomach might choose to view it. It is nothing too nasty but it occurs to me our younger Elysians may be upset by it.

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When Nymphadora collided with Naava, she pumped her wings hard pushing her backfirst toward the ground. Wrapping her arms around her stomache so she couldnt get free, she held on tight and barreled toward the ground. She soon realized if she didn't pull up, they'd both hit the ground, and either death or sirerious injry would finish this fight. Nymphadora started to let go of Naava and brace herself for a hard pull of her wings to lift her. When she noticed that Naava wasnt doing the same, panic over run her. She automaticly reached out to grab a hold of her sister, to prevent something terrible to happen to her.

But the ground was coming to fast, and Nymphadora pulled away to early. Barly missing her sisters hand, she turned away, not wanting to see what was about to happen. Her eyes flodded with tears, as she looked back down at her unconcious sister. She can't be dead. She cant... Beating her wings, she fly to where Naava lay. When she got close enough, she let her wings fall limp, and she landed with a thud next to her sister.

She reashed over and pulled her sister onto her lab, struggling with her weight. Her tears poured freely from her eyes, bluring her vision. Why didn't you pull up Naava, you stupied idiot? Nymphadora took her fingers and held them at Naava's neck. She felt a pulse, but it was weak. Nymphadora looked around, in hopes to find someone to help her. There was no way she could carry Naava back to the market. She had no strength left. She couldnt even fly to get help. She had used every last ounce of energy with her fight. Why did I have to fight her? Why didn't I just leave it alone like I always do?

Nymphadora sat there cradling her sister. She didn't know what else to do... Oh Xanth, please, please help me.

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Myrth had been strolling in Central Park for about ten minutes now. She appreicated nature in the city, and took pleasure in the flowers, trees, and lake. She was bending down to inspect a certain flower, when a horrible thump reached her ear. That's nauseating. She quickened her pace and followed the sound, curious, when she stumbled upon an angel crying about ten yards away.

"Oh Xanth, please, please help me."

She looked at the person the girl was hugging. It resembled her a lot, but wasn't her twin. Must be her sister. Is she....dead? Myrth tried not to stare in shock. It's not my place to interfere, but only Xanth (and her deities) can work miracles. She tried to say, "What happened to her?" but it came out as a slightly hoarse whisper.

[Xanth]

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Hearing somone near her, Nymphadora swung her head to see who it was. Her heart skiped a beat, praying it was Xanth who answered her call. Instead she saw a female dragon. Nymphadora's heart nearly broke as she silently bowed her head, and sobed, cradling her sister.

As she sat there, ignoring the dragon, she reached for Naavas hand to hold. She clasped it tightly, and watched as her tears fell on Navvas face. She couldn't believe this was happening. She lost her mother, and her father... she couldn't loose her sister too. Through all the fights and arguements they had, she still felt love for her sister. It never used to be like this.

Looking over at Naava's wing, Nymphadora picked it up and moved it closer to her sister body. She noticed it was broken, and choked out a sob when she saw it. Covering her mouth with her hand, she sobbed harder, and bent down hugging her sister tight. She could hear Naavas soft heartbeat in her chest. But she knew if her prayers wernt answered... she'd loose her sister forever.

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Naava's eyes slowly cracked open as her sister's tears fell. She managed a weak laugh. "Crying over me?" She tried manage a half sympathetic smile to her sister, but she cringed in pain as her wings moved. "Dora, there's nothing you can do. I can feel almost everydone in my body shattered. But don't blame yourself. I was too caught up in my anger and my pride to stop when I should've." Naava tried to move her arm to touch her sister's face, but it was no use, se couldn't move. Her spine was broken and she was now paralyzed. She wouldn't let Dora try to keep her alive like this. Without her mobility it wasn't life. Naava shed a few tears. "Don't forget me, ok." She paused closed and her eyes. Slowly opening them she continued. She tried to nudge the necklace around her neck. "Take that locket, it was mom's. I think she'd want you to have it." As the pain grew more, Naava knew it was time. "Bye Lil' sis. I'll be watching you. Call Keanu if you ever need someone." Naava exhaled, closed her eyes, and her body went limp.

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Xanth approached the two half-Angels silently. She had heard the prayer but knew already it was too late. She could not heal death. Destruction could not be taken back.

She could have ignored the prayer and simply allowed Naava to die but some people, when dying, clung enough to life that they intrigued her. This one had both given up on life and clung to it. She knew she was dying, and accepted it, but still wished to live. And so Xanth had appeared, to give her a choice.

As Nymphadora wept over the broken body, Xanth kneeled, invisible, beside Naava, and touched the girl's forehead, drawing her soul out until Naava, also invisible, stood beside herself.

You have two choices, Naava, Xanth told her calmly. Hysterics never did anything except panic a person into a true and early grave. You may die completely... or you may become a Shade.

Be warned, if you choose the first, you will be completely gone. If you choose the second... you will do my bidding with haste and without question. No matter what I tell you to do. Understood?

You have little time to choose. I can only keep you here for a few minutes. If you choose the second, and then decide you wish to die, I will put you Challenge you to prove that wish.

Whatever your choice, make it now.

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Nymphadora looked at her sister as she spoke to her. Her words were so kind. The kindest she have ever heard from Naava. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. It was too horrific to be true. She almost didn't believe it until Naava spoke those heartwrenching words.

"Don't forget me, ok."

Rolling her eyes back, Nymphadora let out a huge sob, shaking her entire body. THrough her tears, she managed to mutter a responce. No...Naava, no. Don't leave me. Please... don't leave me. She held her sister tight, not even aware she might be hurting her more.

When Naava started on about her necklace, and mom, Nymphadora couldn't handle it anymore. She couldn't even hear her sister anymore, she was crying to hard. Then all of a sudden, Navvas body went limp, and she was gone. No no no no no... oh Xanth, NO! Nymphadora shook her sister, trying to will her to live. But she soon grew weak, and just colapsed on Navva's chest. After a few moments, she stoped crying, and looked over at her hand clasping the necklace thier mother had give Naava. Carefully, she took it off, and held it in her hand, looking at it speachless. Sniffing, and trying to breathe, she just glared at the necklace in her hand.

If I had been full angel, i would have been able to catch her. If i had been full angel, we wouldn't have been fighting in the first place. Deep within her thoughts, Nymphadora didn't notice she had been squeezing the necklace so hard, she drew blood. As if numb to any pain, she let it drop to the ground by Naavas body. Reaching over to her sister, she wiped the tears from her face, and brushed her hair from her eyes. She grabed her hand, and just sat there with her... just... waiting.

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Naava was stuck in her decision to Xanth. "A servant?! pah! I don't think so." She thought. But then she looked down at her crying sister. It was Naava's fault Dora was crying. Naava hadn't been the sister she should've been. But maybe, maybe now she could make ammends.

"Can I have a request? I'll be your 'Shade' if... If you make my sister's wings white. Or... Can I at least talk to her when I want to? Just her...."

She spat the words like they word stinging her tongue and then flinched. Would Xanth do it? If she didn't Naava would end up as... nothing.

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Oooh, a bargain. It had been a long time since anyone tried to barter with their own soul. Well, Xanth did want a new Shade... but not desperately enough to grant the cheeky Angel all her wishes.

I will allow you to speak to your sister. Your sister only. But I will not give her white wings. She must earn those as she pleases.

Now, make your choice and be done.

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"Fine. I'll do it." Naava said in a wince. She wasn't sure what was involved in becoming a shade, but she was quite sure that it would be painful. Preparing for her shade-dom, was that even a word?, Naava placed her ethereal hand on her sister's head. Even if she wasn't alive, at least she could semi-comfort her sister.

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Xanth was a little surprised that Naava had chosen to become a Shade but she did not hesitate, nor did she prepare the girl. Plunging her hand into the spirit's chest, she twisted violently before yanking her hand back out, still clenched in a fist. Your first task is to ensure your sister gets home safely.

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Feeling her body being jerked about, and her insides being switched and moved around, Naava was surprised it was actually quite painless.

"I guess it's cuz I'm dead." She thought, wondering if she'd ever feel pain or pleasure again.

"Get her home? How am I supposed to do that?" She thought out loud. Then realising something she turned to Xanth.

"Can you explain this to her? I would, but she might think she's insane."

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How you go about getting her home is your business, Xanth told the Angel, not unkindly. However, I will tell her you are not an illusion. Bending slightly, she pressed her hand to the weeping girl's head. Speech was such a long-winded affair and the recently bereaved had a nasty habit of denying the truth. Better to just plant the information and be done with it. What happened next was up to Naava and her sister.

Before Naava could ask more questions, she poofed away, leaving the two girls to sort themselves out.

[Xanth]

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Nymphadora was still holding Navva's hand when something happened. THere was a slight feeling of... something. She couldnt quite place it. But she felt something. It was... something good. Thats all she knew. Suddenly Navva's body before her started to fade. Nymphadora felt her hand loose contact, even though it still held Naava's. Before she could think about it, Navva's body was compleatly gone. Left where Navva had lay, was a perfectly shaped, dark purple rose.

Nymphadora reached out her finger and gently stroked a petal. She knew Xanth had done what needed to be done, and was greatful. But actually not having Navva here to see was unbarable. Nymphadora let out another sob, retracting her hand from the rose. When she heard Naava's voice, Nymphadora looked up into her sisters eyes. Without a second thought, she choked back a sob and through her tears, he spoke to her sister. I am so sorry.

Nymphadora knew that her sister had decided to become a Shade. She didn't know how she knew, but she knew. After all their years of hateful comments, and all their angry fights, Navva decided to stay a Shade, just so Nymphadora could feel better about herself. She didn't know weather this was good or bad. She just sat there, looking at her ethereal sister, and let the tears pour down. She wanted so badly to run to her and hug her. But she just sat there, still clutching the necklace in her hand.

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As Dora appologized Naava's heart broke. "No, it was my fault. I'm sorry." naava leaned forward to give her sister a hug, but went right through her. Naava looked down at her hands, what had she become? A ghost? A creature doomed to nothingness for eternity? She wasn't sure, but at least she could talk to her sister.

"Xanth said I have to get you home. So let's get going before I get zapped or something." She said, trying to lighten the dark mood.

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Nymphadora let out a tear filled laugh at Naava's attempt to lighten the mood. She glanced around, not really knowing what to do. Naava suggested they go home, but Nymphadora just shook her head. She looked at the purple rose in front of her. Half of her wanted to take it, but the other half wanted to leave it. She looked at it longingly, and gently stood up. It's a sign of Xanth. And a rememberance of Naava. It belongs here.

Breathing in deeply, her voice barly came out in a whisper, and was hoarse from crying. I n-need... catnip. Umm-m... Sylope needs it to h-heal... I think. I-I don't know where s-some is. Nymphadora's breathing skiped making her sentance broken. She didn't hide that she was still upset. It was hard to let go that her sister was dead. Even though Naava was a Shade, that too was also hard to accept. She looked at her siter, and tried to give her a smile.

After all this time, it took Naava dieing for them to actually be friendly to eachother. As unbelievable as that was, the fact she was able to see her was even more remarkable. Xanth only allowed Shades access to limited things. Talking with "Others" wasn't one of them. Unless they were an Aide or the Deity herself. She feelt privladged that Xanth allowed this to happen. With Nymphadora's mind clearing, and her body calming down, she realized she'd been away from Ryana's house for far to long. She looked around, trying to remember where she had seen catnip. After what Xanth had done for her, the least she could do is help save her Aide.

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"Catnip!?" Nava thought, ready to snap at her sister. Calming down, Naave thought for a second.

"Can't you just get some from a pet store? I'm not sure we'll find any here." She said, trying to find an alternate solution. Naava didn't feel like searching everywhere for a tiny piece of a cat treat.

"well, it's your choice. We can go to a pet store, or look here." She said, raising from the ground. It was strange to stand now, walking felt ever stranger though, she'd have to get used to it.

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Nymphadora didn't see her sister's first reaction, which was a good thing. The last thing they needed was temperment right after what had happened. Turning at Naava's words, Nymphadora replied to her. I don't know. Castalia said there was some here... she needs it for Sylope. I really don know, i was just comeing her to get it when... well... when i ran into you. Feeling ashamed, she turned away from her sister. Either luck, or by fate, she noticed a small plant not a few feet from her. It was catnip.

Squinting her eyes at it, she couldn't beline how she'd just run across it. It was eirie. Bending over, Nymphadora plucked the plant. She turned to her sister, and held out her hand so Naava could see. Umm.. i found it. Still feeling odd, Nymphadora walked toward Naava. I think we should head back toward Ryana's. I need to get this back to Castalia.

Talking to her sister like she wasn't dead felt like a knife in the gut. It wasn't right. Even though Naava stood only a foot away from her, Nymphadora still felt like she hadn't mourned long enough. Her emotions were totally out of wack. Looking down at the catnip, she headed toward Ryana's house. She needed to help. She couldn't let someone else die because of her.

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Naava sighed, it seemed like Dora was still upset. Looking down at the tiny plant, it looked like a weed rather than an herb. "OK, let's go then." Naava wondered if she could still fly. Flying would be faster than walk... hovering. But then Naava spied the gash on her sister's wing. The very reason why she had started taunting her.

Looking away from it, Naava turned her mind to other things. "Who were Ryana, Castalia and Sylope?" Naava had never met any of them, and she hadn't been here long enough to here about any of them. Time would tell.

[Nymphadora]

Nymphadora walked out of Central Park, with her sister following close behind. Her mind was racing, but at the same time blank. She walked with a numbness. The events of the day stained on her skin. Keeping her head down, she walked through the park. It wasn't until she nearly ran into a human, that she was jolted form her trance. She glanced around, and realized it was still the middle of the day, and her wings were quite exposed. Taking her jacket, she put it on, covering her beaten wings. It wasn't long before they both reached the portal, and headed toward Ryana's apartment.

[Usagi]

Usagi sniffed the air. It smelt mostly of humans but there was also the stench of blood. There must've been a fight recently, she thought.

Usagi ducked behind a tree as a human child skipped past, closely followed by his parents. Usagi knew a wolf would look out of place in a public park and the humans would surely catch her and lock her away.

Usagi spotted a human wandering towards the park gates. She clamped her hands onto her jacket and winced in pain. She was staring into the distance, looking thoughtful. Usagi assumed she was talking to a Shade, though it was unlikely. It was then she realised it wasn't a human she was looking at; Usagi only saw greys through her eyes but this creature was giviing off a dull white glow. Usagi guessed it was either a nymph or an angel, or perhaps even a vampire, though she doubted it.

Usagi lay down and rested her snout on her paws. She sighed deeply; she had only been in Elysia for a few days and she was already lost. There was lots for her to learn and lots of questions to be answered.

"I need a friend." She said to herself, sighing.

[Faith]

Faith walked into Central Park with her head down, trying not to catch anyone's eye. Wouldn't want to alarm anyone... and these :potty: teeth would be a sure-fire way of starting a panic. She blushed, all too aware of a fang poking out from under her upper lip. She poked the tooth tentatively, wincing as it pierces the skin of her finger, drawing a droplet of blood. She hurried onwards, stopping to rest on bench when she reached the edge of the park, where she could watch people come and go through the gate. Observing was one of her favourate past times, one which she was quite good at - of course, it used to come in handy for her old... job. Now it was a useless trait. She sighed and looked up at the blinding sun. "Thank Xanth for the purple veil; I'd be a pile of ash if it weren't for its shelter."

Settled and relaxed on the bench, she let her lank hair hang forward over her face, hiding the fangs. She closed her eyes for a moment, enjoying the moment of peaceful tranquillity, then snapped her eyes open lest she fell asleep. She looked around warily for a while, till her gaze settled on a dog-like bulk behind a nearby tree. Curious, she got up and walked over - as she got nearer she realised the being was not quite a dog. A wolf! Faith thought in surprise. Probably a shifter! How interesting! It must be great to be able to have the freedom of both human and animal forms... Should she have had the choice, she probably would have chosen to become a shapeshifter - but fate had taken the choice from her, that night she was ambushed by the rogue vampire... Faith shuddered at the memory of her past life, shaking it from her head. It does not do to dwell on the past! She scolded herself, as she approached the 'shifter.

"Hey." She ventured, figuring it couldn't help to try and make some friends - besides, she had an affinity for 'shifters. "My name is Faith. Mind if I join you?" She gestured at the grass beside the wolf. "I've got nothing much to do, and you look like you'd like some company." At least, I think she wants company... Xanth help me if I'm wrong. She thought as she waited nervously for an answer - her anxiety hidden behind a "tough" exterior as always.

[Usagi]

Usagi looked up. To her surprise, a human was standing next to her. Usagi jumped up into a fighting position and bared her teeth. How dare a human get so close to me. She thought. But as she looked closely, she saw two small pointy fangs sticking out from her upper lip.

"A vampire?" She said, trying not to laugh.

Usagi lay down again. She looked at the vampire. Usagi had never seen a vampire before, but she knew too well what they could do. Usagi, however, wasn't afraid of vampires like most people; she was fascinated by the blood-suckers and had always wanted to meet one. This one looked friendly anyway.

"Sure, sit down. I do need company. Are you need in Elysia too?" She said.

[Faith]

Instictively, Faith jumped back and assumed a fighting stance (crouching, hands forming firm fists and held defensively in a cross shape in front of her neck) as the 'shifter suddenly bared it's teeth and looked as if to attack. A sharp thrill surfaced within Faith, just like in the old days whenever she fought - before she dismissed it, reminding herself that (being a weak fledgling vampire) she was in no state to take on a wolf, of all things.

"A Vampire?" The shifter backed down; Faith's sigh of relief was alomst audible. She had a niggling feeling that the shifter had been laughing at her, but she let it slide. That was uncharacteristic of me...She registered, blinking. How odd. Maybe my sense is presiding over my temper for once.

"Sure, sit down. I do need company. Are you need in Elysia too?" Faith sat down next to the shifter, chancing a quick grin, her fangs shining in the light. Then again, she thought, here I am, talking to what appears to be talking wolf - what's the point in hiding my fangs? Besides, we should be well enough hidden behind this tree. Relaxing a little, she lounged on the grass, before answering the question.

"Thanks. Yeah, I'm new. I was turned just a couple of days ago..." She frowned, then continued. "It's all a little confusing at first, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's surprising just how many Elysians there are, even in places such as these. I used to come here all the time; every day... I wonder how many Elysians I encountered without realising it... My name's Faith, by the way. Faith Sae." She held out a hand for the 'shifter to shake, but decided it was too formal and proper for her tastes and settled for what she hoped was a friendly smile. Wow, look at me. Actually being social for once. What is it with me today?. She asked herself.

[Usagi]

"My name's Faith by the way. Faith Sae."

"Nice to meet you Faith. My name's U-"

Usagi's fur began to tingle and she knew she's stayed in her 'shifter form for too long. Usagi groaned and hid herself behind another tree. Slowly her fur turned to skin and her paws to hands and feet.

Once she had shifted. she pulled her hood over her head and held it tightly to cover her face. She sat down again beside Faith.

"My name's Usagi." She said.

[Faith]

"Nice to meet you Faith. My name's U-"
Faith raised her eyebrows as the 'shifter groaned, then disappeared behind a tree. Odd. She thought. What's up with her? She understood as the 'shifter re-emerged, this time in human form. Oh... she shifted back. Wonder why? Faith didn't understand much about shifting; she was still rather ignorant of the various species of Others.

"My name's Usagi." Faith looked closer at Usagi - she had a hood held tightly over her head, covering her face. That's strange... she doesn't have to hide in her human form...

Ignoring her ever inquisitive mind, Faith smiled at Usagi: "Nice to meet you, too Usagi." She was silent for a monet, then chose to voice what was on her mind. "So... I take it you prefer being in wolf form, then? You don't look all too happy at being human."

[Usagi]

"So... I take it you prefer being in wolf form, then? You don't look all too happy at being human."

"I hate being a human." Usagi mumbled.

Usagi sighed and rested her head on the tree. She closed her eyes and listened to the birds singing for a while. Instantly she was bought back to her forest home, where she had grown up.

She could see the other cubs in her pack playing and jumping on top of each other. The mothers of the pack sighing and growling when their cubs got dirty the moment she finished cleaning them.

Usagi opened her eyes and saw the vampire looking at her.

"I don't suppose vampires have human forms aswell? It must be incredibly hard having to hide those fangs all the time."

[Faith]

Faith looked on curiously as Usagi leaned back against the tree, her eyes closed. There was silence for a moment, then Usagi asked: "I don't suppose vampires have human forms aswell? It must be incredibly hard having to hide those fangs all the time."

Faith leaned forward, plucking handfuls of blades from the grass in an agitated motion. She sighed, then replied: "No, there's no escape from these damned fangs." The thought 'no escaping my fate as a vampire...' lurked at the back of her mind, unsaid. "It would be very useful though, to be able to revert back to human form. At least as a human I didn't suffer from this :potty: thirst for blood all the time, and hiding the fangs is a pain. I can't even open my mouth if I'm in sight of a non-elysian."

Faith leaned back again, her arms stretched out behind her as support. "I suppose you know all about that, though - having to hide and be on your guard all the time; from the non-elysians I mean." She felt a question; "Why do you hate being a human so much?", spring to her lips, but she left it unsaid. Best not to go digging around in her personal life... Still, she was curious.

[Usagi]

"I suppose you know all about that, though - having to hide and be on your guard all the time; from the non-elysians I mean."

"Do I ever. I always go around the city in wolf cub form, and you know what Humans are like; they screech at the sight of a wild dog, let alone a wolf." Usagi replied.

Usagi sighed again. She stroked the grass with her free hand and began humming a song her mother taught her, remembering the final day she spent with her.

* * *

"Mother, why did you call me Usagi?" The cub asked.

"Because the moon is beautiful and so are you, my child." Her mother replied.

"The moon? What does the moon have to do with it?"

"Usagi means moon in a sacred language." Her mother began to sing, so softly it sounded like a lullaby.

"Don't let the stars get iny our eyes,
Don't let the moon break your heart.
Love blooms at night in daylight it dies
Don't let the stars get in your eyes."

"I like that song, Mother. Will you teach it to me?"

"Of course."

* * *

A tear rolled down Usagi's cheek. She wiped them away and turned to Faith.

"I suppose you're wondering why I hate humans so much."

[Faith]

"Do I ever. I always go around the city in wolf cub form, and you know what Humans are like; they screech at the sight of a wild dog, let alone a wolf." Faith nodded, understanding all too well. She found herself remembering a time when she used to have a faithful, loving young pup - but its wolf-life appearance and aggression towards certain people (whom Faith later learned were vampires) frightened her neighbours, and she had had to send him away to live with a friend in the countryside, where he ran away. She allowed herself a moment to relive the memories, and is only shaken from her reverie by the sound of humming.

Startled, Faith realises that it is Usagi who is humming the tune. It sounds beautiful, she thinks, and is about to say as much when, to her surprise, she spots a tear rolling down Usagi's face. The 'shifter wipes it away, then turns to Faith.

"I suppose you're wondering why I hate humans so much." The statement shocks Faith - she hadn't expected Usagi to want to share her feelings. Faith felt uneasy with indecision - Should I let her go on? I don't want her to cry, or feel like she has to tell me... but then again, she might want to share her tale, to easen the burden or something. Coming to a decision, Faith nodded silently in response to Usagi's comment.

[Usagi]

Faith nodded. Usagi sighed.

"It happened a month ago. My mother was giving me my morning wash like always, that day I was in an incredibly foul mood becayse Synnove, my brother, had bitten my ear and it hurt alot.

"So, my mother was washing me and I bit her and told her to leave me alone. I stalked off and sulked in a hole I'd dug myself. That was when I heard guns go off. When I peaked, I could see humans pointing guns at my mother.

"Usagi! Run! The others have gone all ready!" She shouted.

"I didn't want to leave her, I knew I couldn't. I tried to help her but the gun went off and before I knew it, she was sprawled on the grass, blood dripping from her side.

"I ran over to lick her fur, just like she did when I got hurt but it didn't work. She just told me to leave her and run before they came back. I knew she was trying to protect me but I just couldn't run away.

"I heard the humans coming back and clung onto mother. She grabbed me by the ruff and flung me into the forest.

"Run, Usagi! I'll be fine, I promise!" She yelled.

"I tried to run back but the humans had already bound her with ropes and began taking her away.

"Please come back mother, you promised you'd be alright." I whispered.

After that, I ran and ran, I didn't stop running for days. Then, one day I was too weak to run on and fainted. When I woke again, I was in the Sanctuary. That's how I ended up in Elysia."

This time Usagi couldn't help herself. Tears began pouring out of her eyes.

"Excuse me." She managed to croak.

She got up and ran.

[Synnove]

Synnove grumbled as he wandered past the trees. He hated being in hman surroundings, even if there weren't any humans about.

"Elysia sucks." He muttered.

Ever since coming to Elysia, he had yet to make a single friend. He prefered being at home with his family, even with Usagi about. He could hear voices. He kept low and peered over a bush. To his horror, Usagi was in her human form and talking to a human.

Synnove lept out and growled at the human.

"Get away from my sister." He yelled "Usagi, what do you think youre doing talking to a human!"

[Faith]

Faith looked on in horror as Usagi started crying. Oh :X , oh :X , oh :X . What should I do? Feeling incredibly awkward, Faith moved to put her arm around the crying girl, but didn't get a chance to attempt to console her - Usagi croaked "Excuse me" and ran off.

Faith only had to deliberate for a moment as to whether she would follow her or not; I may be rubbish at helping people, but I should at least try. She got up swiftly, and was about to run after Usagi when she was confronted by a growling wolf - another shifter. Faith felt her blood boiling as she heard him say: "Get away from my sister", and then, directed at Usagi: "Usagi, what do you think you're doing talking to a human!".

Now you've done it.She thought before she let rip at the offensive shifter.
"Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like that?! If you had bothered to look before going into aggressive, over-protective brother mode you would have seen that I..." She let her voice level drop to a hiss, in case anyone overheard. "You would have seen that I am not a human, I am in fact a vampire. And keep your voice down, you might as well have got a megaphone and announced 'I am a talking wolf, a shapeshifter actually, come take me away and lock me up', you idiot!" She stopped with a gasp, realising that what she said could be taken as completely insensitive considering what Usagi had just told her. Damn. Way to go, Faith. Letting your temper run ahead of your sense again.

She faltered, then decided to go after Usagi, hoping she hadn't heard her and if she had that she wouldn't be upset about it. Though its your own damn fault if she is, you fool! She scolded herself. "Usagi!" She called, ignoring the rude shifter and looking for his sister.

[Usagi]

Before Usagi could go any further, a wolf cub jumped out and growled at her.

"Usagi, what do you think you're doing talking to a human!"

"Synnove? W-what are you doing here?" She stammered.

Before she could get a reply, she felt tears prickling behind her eyes. She wiped them and ran off again, tugging her hood right across her face so no one could see her tears.

She could hear Faith shouting at Synnove and calling her. She ignored Faith and ran on. She came to a wooded area and dived in, hoping she was well hidden. She shifted back into a wolf cub again and ran deeper into the wood.

"Just leave me alone." Usagi whispered.

[Faith]

Faith couldn't see Usagi anywhere, despite her usually keen eyes. Dammit she thought, still angry - not just at Synnove, but at herself as well. Not only have I scuppered any chances of making friends with her but I've made her upset, too. And her brother is probably really :X at me right now. Best to just leave. Eyes blazing she stormed off to the park exit, not bothering to hide her fangs as she muttered under her breath, cursing at herself, at the whole situation and just in general.