Chapter 4: Witch of the Barron

The winds were harsh and bitter. It seemed as if whatever warming charms had deteriorated in the presence of an all moving force. The moment the portkey had landed them in the middle of the North Pole, Diana knew it would be a long day. It seemed that no matter how tightly she wrapped her fur cloak around her the coldness would not escape her bones. She shivered before feeling slightly better in a drastic increase in temperature, she turned to her mother giving her a thankful nod but still feeling as if though she were to speak the words would freeze in her throat. I'm going to get phenomena at this rate.

So against her desire she spoke the question, already eager to leave. "H-how long do y-you think it'll ta-take to find he-er." Her teeth would not stop chattering causing her to stutter an embarrassing amount.

Her mother on the other hand seemed completely unfazed by the uninhabitable environment. She was holding a little brown wooden compass in her white gloved hands. Her mother, unlike Diana, had worn all white from her fur coat to the unshowing belt underneath. Diana had worn brown, green, and black almost seeming as if she had thrown her outfit together at a moments notice. In her defense it truly had been a late announcement.

She had been getting her outfit ready for a different sort of meeting, one she couldn't say if she was looking forward to or detesting, even still she was easily excited at the prospect of talking to her, to simply see her. Visenya, Mikkail's twin had definitely taken after their mother. She had gotten her fathers sharp distinct face but just like all her siblings they had gotten their mothers silver hair and violet eyes. Visenya had also gotten their mothers demeanor. She was cold, looming tall in both height and in the way she carried herself. She like Mikkail was someone who naturally attracted attention but unlike him who one could be friendly and casual with at times, Visenya was always like an unmoving statue. Diana looked up to this exterior she projected and wondered after their first and only meeting if she had a deeper side to her. She wanted to know her desires, her dreams, aspirations, fears, and her knowledge. She seemed to have known more then Mikkail of her circumstances, Diana could tell because of the way she had looked at her. There was suspicion, callousness and she'd even say dislike. Diana didn't know why but their initial meeting had her wanting for more, yet she wanted Visenya to like her because being the one to like another more always made her uncomfortable and most of all, vulnerable.

So she had spent all morning trying to find an outfit after hearing from the Keeper of Visenyas soon arrival. But unexpectedly her mother had made a surprise visit first. She had collected a favor in the form of a compass to the Witch of the Barren but one that would stop tracking after 24 hours. And so when her mother arrived, they left instantly.

Now after 3 hours they were in the middle of a desolate barren ice land, from as far as her eyes could see all she saw was pure blinding white.

"Could be minutes or hours but we won't know till we get near. Stay close I'm going to be putting a shield around us it should keep away the harsh environment and anything volatile."

Diana said nothing but simply got close as instructed. Despite being here on a mission for her wand Diana could not keep thoughts of Visenya out. She wanted to hate her but at the same time she wanted to be liked by her. There was no denying she admired Visenya. She wanted to be close to the woman that seemed to hold all the cards, it wasn't a bad thing. The only problem is she didn't quite know how. She suspected Visenya didn't like Diana because of her circumstances which made her unusual, a manic, a lunatic if she did truly know more that is. If she wanted to be liked by her she had to be seen as normal, she needed to be able to wield a conduit just like they could but she also needed space in order to approach her. On that note Diana thought of a perfect idea. She can train me. A simple request to her mother or the Keeper and she knew her sister would oblige. It would get them alone, privacy to try and pick at her head some more and show off the attributes she wanted her to see. From all she learned from others, Visenya liked efficiency and effectiveness all for the sake of the Creed. She seemed sure of her power which wasn't a surprise. If she was Mikkails twin that connection alone garnered respect and expected situations such as the second standing of succession. Yet, it was one the Keeper and Mikkail were now contesting, one Diana would now be deemed a threat, not just an outsider. She would see her as an infiltrator. Someone overstepping and needing to be put in their place. Suddenly Diana realized this would be a lot tougher than expected. Even when she had no real reasons to dislike her she still did which meant she was in for hell. Visenya must have her own standing aside from her brothers. Diana hadn't heard much from her other sisters which said their standing wasn't as influential. Mikkail wasn't that involved with the succession due to his unatested status which gave her reason to believe Visenya must be keeping them on a tight leash. The problem with Diana was that she was an unknown that was out of her hands and influence. Diana would have hated a situation like this to happen to her.

It was lost in her thoughts that Diana came to bump into her mother. She looked up, startled by the unmoving figure of the Kaisen. It wasn't till she followed her gaze off in the distance of the snow filled wasteland that she saw a lump in the distance. When she squinted she was able to vaguely make out distinct features of a hut. From her moms reaction she was able to deduce whose the home that belonged to. Diana wasn't sure how long they had been walking but it was long enough for her feet to ache and the coldness to numb her once freezing limbs.

Diana knew this was it. They had finally made it to the home of the Witch of the Barren and for the first time since their small journey began Diana realized how much the meeting truly meant. She hadn't been told much of the witch. All she knew was that she wasn't an ordinary witch she actually wasn't even a witch but a Faye. The last one on earth and the only one that had chosen to stay. The Barren of her name didn't come because it resided in Antarctica but because she resided on earth whose magic was once abundant and pure but after the departure of the Faye it began to dwindle. Earth was the land of the Barren. It was a complicated history and one she only came to know because of the Keeper. The magic of the land was dying and earth would follow soon after. It was inevitable but Diana didn't think much on it as did Leo they both held an unspoken understanding that everything has an end and all belong to Death. Leo himself knew wasn't truly immortal that one day his time would come and his old friend would come back for him. He seemed at peace when he told her this and Diana did not mourn at the knowledge of time coming to an end instead she felt relief. Relief his torture would end. Leo wasn't happy she knew that even if he himself didn't know it.

Her circumstances with Leo still made Diana uncomfortable but she was able to hide it behind a caring smile and empty sweet words. It scared her how easy it was, almost as if she had been faking her entire life. She never thought much of it now; she was only eager to leave. She knew she was better when she was with him but she also knew she had to learn to be strong. No matter how hard she tried, she always seemed to make mistakes and always the root of tears. So Diana knew that this meeting was the start of her future. She would get a wand and she'd be able to leave Obsidian. It wasn't the departure she wanted but it was still one nonetheless. So to say she was nervous was an understatement.

When they were finally at the huts wooden frozen over door it was her mother that knocked thrice. Loud echoes that seemed to shake her bones. The women that opened the door was not what she expected. In place of the old wrinkly ancient being she expected to see was a beautiful young woman. Her hair was a mess and what she could tell was once beautiful shining blonde locks was now dull, almost dead. She was covered in gold necklaces with amethyst wrapping her body like a snake. She wore thick gold bracelets on her wrists with one large hoop earring and a crooked golden band on her head. The blonde woman wore a silk burgundy dress that fell off her shoulders. Despite looking expensive she was a direct contrast with her surroundings. The home was stuffy with the smell of dead wood in the air mixed with odd fumes. The room was littered with indistinguishable items and half rotting furniture. After looking around Diana turned back to the woman who was staring at the pair with owl eyes. Her sight startled Diana as she had no pupils in their stead were all milky orbs. Even still Diana knew she was staring at her.

"Visitors." Unlike the young woman before her the voice of an old hag rang out. Diana could not help but think of a saying she had heard once before. Today she was young and too soon she'd be old.

"Greetings, Ancient one. I am Evita and this is my youngest Diana Perséfone." Her mother cordially introduced them.

The witch's eyes narrowed as she spat out their unspoken name, "Zoldycks."

"Yes."

"It's been ages since I met a dragon." Her voice had an airy tone to it that matched her person.

"We are of the Darkøn clan but we are not dragons." Her mother clarified, there was something to her tone that Diana couldn't place.

"Ahh I see they have finally died out. A pity." Despite the mournful response the woman didn't seem to care all that much. She instantly brightened before eagerly rambling, "So visitors. You must be in need of something to come all this way. Tell me are you in need of a youth potion I'm afraid I sold my last one a century ago and the earth is no longer viable enough to make more. A vital ingredient has gone extinct. Have you heard of Rosetta's Crescent? Can't seem to find anymore I'm afraid. I've managed to make something similar to it but it's more of a long painful death I say."

"We are not in need of that. We are actually here for a wand."

"A wand you say. Are you sure they're aren't any dragons left? I've only ever made two wands for Zoldyck Dragons before."

"Im not a dragon."

"Ah so the wands for you little girl." Instantly she got close to Diana, her face only centimeters away. The high scrutiny made her uncomfortable but she remained still staring at her head on. She cracked out a smile, her teeth were yellow with one missing in the back.

"Tell me why is it that no wand seems to want you."

"I'm not sure. I've never had a wand yet they all seem to die whenever I hold them."

"How?"

"They either combust, disintegrate, melt, splinter, or become gray and dead."

"Hmmm odd. You're just witch you say."

"Yes. I . . ."

"She was a mundane, her magic too little and unstable until a year ago. She awakened as a witch when-"

"Mother." Diana couldn't hear more of it. Didn't want this random woman to know.

"Her twin flame died."

"Tragic but not reason enough."

"Diana was sickly and so a bonding had to be performed with her twin flame so each month a Curo Genus ritual was performed."

"Blood magic for life force transfusion. They were outlawed five centuries ago." The older woman jabbed.

"Yes."

"But of course Zoldycks only listen to their own law."

"The Creed Principles."

"I met your creator once. Vile woman, she is." The hag spat.

"Do you have a wand or not?" Her mother impatiently asked.

"Of course I do. We will see." The woman turned around leaving them as she went behind a small wall. Diana could hear rummaging as things clattered.

Diana couldn't bear to look at her mother. So she turned away from her looking at where the witch was hidden behind. She knew she wanted to be angry but hearing it like that, Diana felt numb.

She watched everything like a bystander. She didn't feel there. Diana held every wand passed to her and watched disattachely as they all withered and died. Each one felt either scorching hot like coal in her hand which would combust turning to ash or would stick to her skin like wet dry ice before cracking like ice. She failed to notice the deeper frown forming on the Faye's face as the color and light began to disappear from her face and the room. It wasn't till she held out her hand that remained empty that she looked up at the faces around her.

"You are no witch." The woman's face was icy like stone. Diana was unable to say more of what she could be thinking but her once friendly disposition was now closed off.

"I am."

"Do not lie to me. These hands have made wands capable of being wielded by the most powerful demons and ethereal beings. A witch with thy oddity should have been of no concern. Even then it's strange for witches to come to me."

"She's a witch. I am witch and her father a mundane."

"Lies." The witch spat while staring at Diana's mother with snarled lips.

Diana, knowing this was turning bad, hastily grabbed the hem of the Faye's dress before pleading, "One more. Please, your most powerful one and I will wield it. I just know it."

She stared at her with the same milky eyes that seemed to behold more than what others could see. Finally she nodded.

Diana let out a sigh she didn't know she'd be holding. The witch opened the slit of her dress putting her hand there before pulling out a white shining wand. It was beautiful with wood so white Diana could not name it, it seemed to illuminate the room, and instantly Diana wanted to hold it. It seemed to allure her beckoning her to hold it.

"What is it made of?"

"You will know if it picks you." She spoke before handing out the wand. Diana eagerly grabed a hold of it.

It felt different in her hand. It wasn't hot or freezing like the others, it was warm and welcoming, that is at first. It seemed to grow brighter and brighter till its light filled every corner of the room. Diana was happy for a moment thinking this was it. This is my wand. The though did not last. With a loud shrill screech the wand splintered becoming ash in her hand. When the light was gone all that was left was the horrified face of the Faye before her.

"I'm sorry." Was all Diana could muster.

The room was silent for so long Diana thought the silence would never end. Finally it was the witch who broke the false peace. Her words horrifying, Diana.

"I have made wands for Divine and Unholy beings and you, girl, are an abomination. A bringer of Apocalypse that I will have nothing to do with. Leave!"

"No please! I don't know what happened!" Her pleas fell on deaf ears and Diana herself did not know what she was pleading for.

"Get out!" The witch began to usher them out, her mother remaining silent through it all. In the woman's rage and fear her face seemed to shift what was once a beautiful woman began to change to being not human at all. She skin seemed dead and her face sunk in, her eyes hollow.

Her mother began pulling Diana towards the door but Diana fought against her hold attempting to reach the Faye. "Please I don't understand! You have to help me! What am I?"

"Don't listen to her, Diana. You are a witch." Her mother spoke to her through clenched teeth.

"Lies!" The Faye yelled pointing her finger at Diana, "You are no human!"

"Shut it you hag!" Her own mother yelled out pulling Diana out the opened door. She continued to protest trying to pry her mothers hands off. Diana couldn't understand what was happening, refusing to believe this powerful being feared her. She almost felt possessed her only desire was for the truth. Am I human? Of course I am but what's wrong with me? That was the question she needed answers to. Not knowing what else to do she yelled out once more knowing pleas would not work.

"If you don't tell me I will end you!"

At this fury fueled proclamation the yelling Faye fell silent. And in the moment that all was heard was the harsh winds of the outside cold and the heavy breathing of them all, the Faye spoke. Her tone was different from what was used but the spite and fear were clearly evident.

"Thy is something never seen before by thou ancient eyes. The first and quite possibly the last to walk this earth. What thy is thou knows not but pray caution for others will."

"Diana as your Kaisen I command you to step outside." Her mother spoke, her voice not urging but like steel. Diana complied. She had no more to say or hear.

Her mother stayed. After Diana walked out the hut door slammed behind her. She stood against it not moving. Standing there numb like a statue. She was able to hear what was going on inside and so unwilling to be in her head she listened. Listened to the furious voice of her mother.

"You may be the only Faye which gives you respect but I do not fear you and if you think you can speak to my daughter like that I will bring the fury of the Zoldyck Creed upon you. Leave. Because if I find you I will see through my daughter's promise."

Her eyes were burning but not from the cold but because of the pain she felt in her chest. Diana let out a shaky breath rubbing her eyes as she heard the door behind her open.

"Come we are leaving." Her mother spoke in the same commanding tone holding onto Diana gently. Diana let herself melt into mother arm. She put her head to her chest needing to ground herself.

"Ma." At her daughter's soft broken call, Evita felt herself break. She began walking them away from the terrible monster's home, her daughter burying herself to her side. She had never seen her like this before. Never held her like this. Evita had not been able to have any moments like this with her young one. She had gotten deathly ill when she was just six years old, then she got busy trying to find a way to save her. Then her position got busy and Elena was born with the gift. Elena needed attention and she wasn't able to take care of Diana anymore. Even as a child Diana had been strong for her fathers sake. But her father was not here anymore and Evita was watching everything break her.

"Don't take weight to her words. She's never met Omma. The Faye has gone mad, being disconnected from her land has done that. You saw her, her body and mind have been deteriorating for ages. She tries to cover the smell of decay with fumes and gold but nothing can reverse her death. They say she stayed in this land to help keep the magic alive but I think she was sentenced to death when they closed the Gate."

"It must be. I would have never chosen this land." This cursed place that seemed to only know the greedy hands of those eager to take. A stranger to giveness.

In their silent retreat Diana felt absent. She did not feel the crunch of ice under her feet or the wild wind against her face. She only thought of one thing, it was the way the woman had looked at her. She had seen the way of the woman's stare, the fear in her eyes, the stopping shock of her. She had seen that look before but she had forgotten. It wasn't till she saw it again she remembered. The fear in the boy's face, a face that had been distorted in hate and full of power hunger. It was only fear left when he had seen her. She didn't know what he had seen but his face was forever engraved. His face as it burned infront of her and the hate she felt and fury of not making him suffer longer. She had wanted to forget, had forgotten it because of the girl that laid in her arms that day.

Despite being numb, the moment they got back to Obisdian there was shift within as it's leeching tentacles reached out towards her. She wanted to laugh. The suition seemed so ludicrous, that she let out a scoff. Luckily she was alone by now for her mother would have surely been concerned. She was gonna kill the old bitch.

She could not think much of it as her thought process was cut off. She was standing in the Gates Parlor, a connection between several entry ways around the globe, when one of the ivory doors opened. She turned around to see the figure of someone she had forgotten about. She was tall and lean with a bright red cloak scarf draped around her front chest towards her back. There was a golden long chain from her neck to her wrist holding it up. She wore a black dress to mid calf with tights blending into her black red heels. Her beautiful silver hair was left down reaching past her back, almost as if it were a cape. Her head was held high, showcasing her high cheekbones and sharp features. Her eyes instantly narrowed when they landed on Diana.

"Visenya." Diana greeted.

Visenya simply stared at her before walking out the room leaving Diana alone once more.

Visenya knew the girl would be here yet to be greeted by her doe like eyes instantly upon arriving was irritating. A favored child the Creeders had been whispering. All Visenya saw was a leech, a random usurper that had everyone fooled. Visenya was no such fool; she had read the document on the girl her mother had left on her desk. A fire, they had confounded the mundanes into thinking it had been a gas leak that had taken all those children but Visenya knew the truth. This little girl playing the lost lamb was a fox in disguise. One that she knew would cause problems for the Creed. Yes they were in need of manpower and even greater magic but a weapon too unstable needs to be put down. Of course she couldn't voice these thoughts. The girl had the Keeper on her side and now Mikkail who was a devoted follower of Omma. How she managed to wrap them around her finger was beyond her but one thing that was certain was that she couldn't be trusted. She just hoped this summon had nothing to do with the girl.

Diana didn't know how to react to that. Oh so their standing was more unstable than she initially thought. Dianna wondered how she would take to the request she had given their mother just a moment ago. The laughter that was threatening to come out died when the dawning suspicion set in. It couldn't be. They wouldn't have told her. She felt her blood go cold at the prospect of Visenya truly knowing about what happened in California. The thing was that the scope was so large she couldn't think of what it was that she knew. All possible things were not good. A light chuckle escaped from the girl's lips. So what if she knew. Diana knew that her family wouldn't let her go even if it got out to the Creed her entire past. Let her do what she will with her information. Diana disagreed with all the reasons she could be mad at her. She was curious and she wanted to see what would happen when the realization hit Visenya. Because there was nothing she could do and that was the funny part. Despite working so hard to gain her influence it would always be insignificant against just three people Diana had on her side. It was a shame she wouldn't get a chance to see such a private moment.

She sighed before venturing on the long walk to her chambers. It was mid-way through this walk that Diana was sent a summon in the shape of a golden red koi fish swimming around the room in mid-air. The fish dispersed into fluttering gold to form golden letters on parchment. A message. Hereby Decree Domina Diana Perséfone Zoldyck is to accept her summon to the Kaisen Sanctum upon notice.

That had been sooner than expected. Diana smugly thought. She could only imagine Visenyas rage at the prospect of her training Diana. Without the need of activating words Diana was transported, she felt the world go from under her feet and for a second she felt like she was floating before it quickly changed into a falling sensation. The sudden weight of her body returning to the floor made her knees buckle and give out from under her. Diana's knees hit the floor but the full force of her fall was halted by the warm arms holding her up. She looked up startled, seeing the milky exposed skin of his throat. Shocked, she stood up on shaky knees grabbing him by the throat slowly reaching down with her other hand and taking hold of the dagger from her back, striking him through the heart. At least that's what seeing his neck made her want to do, she had to hold herself back from reaching out and sinking her teeth into his delicate skin. She hastily stepped away from the Keeper. Diana didn't know where all this sudden bloodlust came from but she made sure to keep it under tight wraps.

"Diana are you alright." He spoke with concern.

"Yes. I'm m still not used to it." At her low spoken words Diana heard a scoff. She didn't have to look at them to know it came from Visenya.

She knew she couldn't say anything but she could annoy her further. Don't do it. Just let it go. You'll get nothing out of this. She stumbled grabbing onto her head and wincing, instantly Leo was by her side, hand on her back steadying her. "I should have brought you myself." He spoke remorsefully.

"Don't. It's nothing, it'll pass." She gave him a tight smile grabbing onto his forearm giving it a small squeeze. Diana gazed intently at his shining silver grey eyes that were watching her strangely. She didn't like that. She withdrew her hand and started to feel a bit awkward. Luckily Visenya's sly remark won out, "Does she always get sick with magical travel? At her age?"

"Yes. She does and she can hear you." Diana replied, sending her sister a sweet smile.

Visenya watched her stoically, her gaze hard. "Does she always have such a smart mouth." Visenya questioned, facing the Kaisen who was standing behind her desk.

"Unfortunately she does." Diana answered again.

At last Visenya turned to Diana, facing the shorter girl through narrowed eyes, "When did I ask you?"

"When all your questions were about me, sister." Diana replied.

"You are not my sister, semis," The older woman spat out her venomous words. Semis, a word for half-breed though in this context she knew it was meant to be derogatory it wasn't actually a derogatory term.

"Visenya! Thats enough from both of you." The Kaisen shot out, her booming voice resonating through both of them.

Diana had to keep from laughing when both the girls responded, " Yes, mother."

To be frank, Visenya's words did not hurt her. What did shock her was her open hostility towards her, especially in the presence of their mother and the Keeper. It would work in Diana's favor in the end. She just had to play the hurt little sister. "I just want to say something." She softy spoke, turning to face her sister with downcast hesitant eyes, "I'm sorry Visenya. I'm not sure what I did wrong but I'll do whatever it takes to remedy it."

Visenya said nothing and simply stared at her, analyzing before at last speaking. "You have nothing to remedy. I spoke ill, the stress of war is much to endure. Forgive me." Her tone was the perfect amount of remorseful for it to be believable with the perfect hint of embarrassment but not over the top as it being too personal, it was detached. Fitting for her. So she wasn't a fool. Diana happily thought.

A soft smile gracing her face, Diana showed a beaming but bashful look her way. A glance past Visenya showed her the surprised and happy expression of their mother.

"I am sure you know why I summoned you here today, Diana." Her mother spoke out, readily redirecting the conversation back to topic. "Both the Keeper and I have requested that your sister, Bellator Visenya be your next instructor now that we believe Mikkail has taught you all he was designated to. She has accepted but on the condition that we give her free reign on your teachings. Domina Diana do you accept Bellator Visenya as your mentor?"

"Of course, I will gladly accept Bellator Visenya's teachings." Diana accepted bowing her head towards her new mentor.

"Bellator Visenya do you accept, Domina Diana as your student?"

"I accept."

"Then we will leave you both to get to everything sorted. I have business to attend with the Degurechaffs, in the Russi Federation. Keeper of Obisdian as I take my leave." Without a moment to spare her mother was gone, leaving her daughters in the presence of the Keeper. Diana expected him to depart just as quickly but he was slower. He turned to both of them scruitnizing each of them under his gaze.

"Visenya, I have watched you grow into the woman you are today. I know your mind, your heart, and you soul. So I will tell you this keep your promise and treat Diana as you'd treat any other, fail to do so and you will answer to me. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Keeper."

He nodded his head before disappearing as their mother had.

There was silence between them for a while, Diana unable to move her eyes from where Leo just stood. She couldnt understand why his words had made her lip quiver. No one had looked out for her as he had but that shouldnt mean anything to her she knew getting close to others would hurt her in the end. So why was his care for her so painful to endure already. It shocked her to realize that she hadnt wanted him to leave. Yet he was gone and all that was left was the memory of where he stood.

"Are you even listening to me?"

"Oh I'm sorry. You were saying?"

She gave her an irritated look, her lips turned downwards. "Lets make something clear Domina. I am not Mikkail. If I am to train you. You will do exactly as I say without question. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Child play is over, I will not be holding your hand as I can see all your mentors have."

"I wouldnt ask it any other way." The younger girl firmly replied, conviction clearly displayed.

Visenya's tall frame walked closer to her till she stood right in front of her. "He taught you how to fight to subdue, now I will teach you how to fight to kill."

These words excited Diana. She could feel her bones tremble with anticipation, eager to start. Apparently her lessons commenced sooner than expected. She felt the cutting of air as she instinctively moved her head back avoiding the kick to her face.

What the fuck.

This was the only thought in her head as Diana continually dodged the powerful woman's attacks. One after the other they were in such quick successions that Diana couldn't even think of counterattacking. She went low, she went high, she moved to the sides yet at every change Visenya was already there eager to land. Diana could feel there dance drawing to its end as her body began to slow no longer matching the warnings of her reflexes. She knew the only way to keep going was to try and attack yet she was left without an opening every time. Finally a punch to her face that barely missed her by a hair was the opening she needed. As she dodged it her own hand was reaching out to grab her opponent's forearm. With the added momentum of Visenyas attack Diana was able to use her force against her, twisting her arm and throwing the much larger woman over her shoulder and onto the ground. Her little victory did not last as Visenya swiftly landed on her feet after jumping off from her hand. This time Diana had no time to move from her kick. She felt the air leave her lungs as she landed on her back. The sharp ache ran through her front to her back and rung through her head. She had heard the loud bang of her head against the marble floor, her skull shaking from the impact. Unable to get up from the floor Diana reached to grab her head while curling her legs to her chest. She felt her hand go wet, the warm liquid seeping into her hair and down her back. She felt the room move around her as the ringing in her ears only grew. The last thing she saw was her hand covered in a beautiful red before squeezing her eyes shut in pain. She could hear muffled words and feel hands on her back and arm. After what felt forever the pain faded until it turned into a dull ache. Visenya had healed her, at least closed the wound and stopped the internal bleeding. But much to Diana's grief there was nothing she could do about a concussion and they both knew Visenya wouldn't go out of her way to get a potion for her. Diana felt in a haze the walk back to her room, half leaning against the taller lean woman.

"You didn't have to try to kill me." Diana slurred out as Visenya laid her in bed.

"I said fight to kill. Did I not."

"You was fur real about that shit?"

"Don't be an idiot and get some sleep."

"Fur sure."