Neo had only a breath of time to glimpse the everlasting sapphire in Amaro's eyes before the power inside him burst out of any restraint that had ever bared it.
It screamed with freedom, becoming a torrent that Neo could only feel, watch . . . he couldn't even point to which direction the tempest should go.
And it was still growing.
He couldn't form a single thought. The power was eating him alive.
:Hold on, Neoka!: Amaro's voice rang purely over the deafening rush, :think of Vannasa! Think only of her!:
Neo didn't understand why Amaro wanted him to do it, but he did it anyway.
Flashes of images, sparks of feelings, everything that connected him to Vannasa, he grasped with a strength that rivaled the storm inside him.
And as soon as he did, the power whirled down the small, taught bond between him and his sister. It burnt him with its speed, but he held on still.
And right beside him, oddly, was Amaro, grasping the same thread.
Somehow, that heartened him.
And then, somewhere outside himself, he heard a scream. No, he heard screams. Wherever the power was going, it was causing that pain.
:Not pain, Neoka,: Amaro whispered sympathetically, but honestly, :death.:
An image inserted itself between the memories of his sister.
An innocent Hardornian farmer, struck down by Neo's carelessness. Yet again, death was being dealt by Neo's own hand.
Franticly, desperately, Neo dropped the channel. But the damage was done. Whoever had been on the other side of the bond was gone. The power storm had left nothing.
And yet, there was still power left in him.
Not as much as there had been before. The raging tempest had calmed somewhat, due to an outlet for it's fury.
Neo could think clearly again.
It was more of a curse than anything he could ever have imagined.
Vannasa . . .
There was no answer. The small glow that had been his sister moments before had disintegrated. There was nothing left.
Neo opened his eyes, not aware of when he had closed them. He immediately searched for his sister.
But there was nothing in front of him. No Mage. No Vannasa.
"What . . ." his voice was barely a breath, but somehow Amaro heard it.
The Companion had come up beside him, looking at the empty space before them in silence.
:They're gone,: Amaro said softly, after a moment, :we've defeated them. It was the only way . . .:
"De . . . defeated?" Neo couldn't understand. And then, quite suddenly, he did, "Van . . . nasa? Vannasa?!"
:It was the only way, Neoka,: Amaro said, as calmly as he had before, :the only way to save Hardorn and Valdemar.:
"Who cares about Valdemar?!" Neo screeched, stumbling a few steps forward, "Vannasa . . ."
:You do not mean that,: Amaro said firmly, :you are distraught, I understand, but - :
"Be quiet," Neo's voice was unexpectedly weak, exhausted, "just . . . just go away, Amaro . . . just leave me alone for a minute . . ."
Amaro stayed where he was for a moment, before turning around and walking a short distance away.
Neo collapsed to his knees in the spot where Vannasa should have been, silent in his disbelieving grief, tears rolling down his cheeks unchecked, shoulders just beginning their soon-to-be bone-shattering trembling.
Vannasa . . .
***
Amaro gave the boy the space he asked for. Neoka needed it. They both needed to be alone for the moment.
He sighed deeply as the quiet sobs reached his ears, muted as they were; he felt them in his heart.
Chosen . . .
So, it was true. He had Chosen Neoka.
Qualms darted across his mind like the crows against the hoary sky above him. Had he done the right thing? Would Neoka make a good Herald?
The bond that had been forged between them was deep and strong; Neoka's power had somehow seen to that. So if Amaro were to Repudiate the boy now, one or both of them would die. That was a certainty.
To save Valdemar . . . that was his reason for Choosing. That was why Neoka was a Herald. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision. If Amaro had been able to turn back time, he wouldn't have changed a thing.
Neoka would get over his loss. Herald Menith would teach the boy to Shield. Valdemar would have a priceless Gift in their hands.
No, he wouldn't have changed a thing.
He looked over his shoulder at the slumped form of his Herald.
You will see that someday, Neoka . . . until then, you will need this bond to keep you alive . . .
Until then, they would be together.
Amaro released a near-silent snort of ill-humor.
From Blue to White . . ., he glanced sorrowfully over his shoulder at the sobbing boy he had Chosen, and the transition is to be drowned in red . . .
To be Continued . . .
*boo hiss hiss boo* end it now I say! *hiss boo hiss*
Authors note: *blinks* that's it? That's the end? I'm done?
*is tackled from behind by hoard of SH kits* ah yes, I did say something about a sequel, didn't I? Don't worry, the angsty little side kick to this fic is in the works. I'm just about past the stage of character and plot development. *sniffs* and really, it all goes downhill from here, folks. Good news, though . . . there's loads of Tayledras and all that yummy Pelagir stuff rolled up in it, so look for it soon on a computer hear you! ^^
*cough cough* and yes, I am aware that questions went unanswered in this fic. Trust me, please. The sequel will take care of them . . . or at least . . . I think it will. Also, I'll re-write that horrible blemish of a previous chapter before I post the new story.
Anywho, before I get to the personal thank you's, I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone who had a part in this fic, whether it be the wonderful reviewers, who took time out of their busy schedule to drop me a line and tell me what they thought of my writing, or the equally wonderful on-line friends who were always standing behind the curtains with a bat and threatening lots of pain if I didn't write ^^
You know who you are, so give yourself a pat on the back and know that I wish you the most interesting of lives ^^
Ola: yeah, I wanted that vibe in the story, but, as I said before, I completely bit the dust while trying. Sorry if you were confused, but yes, Amaro was supposed to feel forced into the bond. It'll be a major plot-chew-toy for me to work on in the sequel ^^
Kierseth: *wails* I know! I know, I know! And I completely hate myself for not writing it correctly for you, Sethi.
Etcetera-cat: Now now, Cat. You said you'd be honest, and then you completely skirt the issue. This is the review that would be honest: "Well, that frankly sucked. Please take it down and burn it. My eyes are bleeding." ^^ but I must say I liked your kindness much better.
Fireblade K'Chona: ^^ awfully cheerful, you are.
Faeborn2930: well, this didn't take too long. But the Choosing must have a bit more angst to it before I'm content, I'm afraid ^^. You didn't think I'd let Amaro be happy any time soon did you? *evil laugh* dear me, this fox is not a saint! No, no . . . much more angst for Amaro and Neo to come. Sit back and enjoy ^^
Swiftshadows: Soon soon, here it is, soon as I could make it . . . well, perhaps not. I teetered between wanting to add a little Menith at the end, but it would have just ran on and on after that. Short and to the point, I would call it *grimaces at chapter*
Silver Dragonfly: *grins* about time, yes. Now, wave goodbye to B2W! *happily shoves fic off cliff and dusts hands*
Herald Mistyleena: it was a true Choice, yes. It was supposed to be all dramatic like, with Amaro feeling like he was saving Valdemar and that was the only reason why he was Choosing. But when I started typing, it's like my fingers just went to the bathroom on the keyboard . . . *sigh*
Evandi and Hyreli: *ducks and runs away screaming* no more whacks! I've got sensitive ears! *stops and returns hugs* but thank you for being so kind. This fic never would have been what it is without you, 'Vandi . . . *grimaces* gah . . . sappy fox-mood.
Delphine Pryde: you were, were you? Well, I hope it wasn't a disappointment ^^
Silvervine: *blinks* flattery. For that chapter? *blushes* go explore my friends' fics, then come back and see if you still think the same ^^
Dragonsdaughter1: Ah, the first scene with Amaro did have a bit of Choosing in it, didn't it? Well, whether or not Neo and Amaro were destined is beyond me. ^^ guess I'll have to answer that in the second fic.
Darkfyre: you wanted Vannasa to live, then? *blinks and considers* well, where would all my angst go?
Mavan: I hope you didn't wait too long. And I hope this ending is all right with you ^^
Desertangel21: *winces* yeah, the battle-scene was what really picked at me. I promise I'll rewrite it, though.
Blood Aura: ^^ riveted, were you? Well, you didn't have quiet so long to wait this time around.
Crydwyn: *grins* but tenterhooks can be fun to hang on! *glances up at last chapter* this one isn't as long as any of the others. Hope that's alright.
Emerald Flame: ^^ you're welcome. I couldn't very well disappoint my Liz-kit, could I?
Lady Silver Dragon I: hum *savors* yes! Honesty! I hope this chapter isn't as bad as the previous one. *grimaces* really, I think that's impossible . . .
A Watcher: nope, my evil-maniacal side would have nothing less than Vannasa blood on my hands. Sorry! ^^
Watcher Tale Neith: T_T oh well. But though the theory is a sound, good one, it doesn't apply to this fic. I'll clear it up in the sequel, though you're under no obligation to read that.
Miste: ^^ thank you! And *quells under glare* here! An update!
EvilGenius92389: *blushes and smiles* though I really loved to read that, you must read my friends' fics. You'll rightly change your mind then ^^
Jinxlett: *nervous smile* rather . . . mad, are you? Well, thank you for the review.
Aggy_Head: *laughs* yeah, one of the things that came to my mind as well. ^^ well, I hope you've enjoyed the fic!
*takes a deep breath and smothers snivels* and now! Adieu my fellow Lackey-fans! Until we meet again in the sequel, or the odd little one-shots I might tinker with in-between! Thank you for reading!