Sa'vere awoke a little while later, the last traces of her exhaustion gone. She sighed and stared up at the cave's ceiling silently.

"What are you thinking of?" Azder asked.

"Nothing really..." She murmured.

Sakura wakes up again and feeling better. She notices Sa'vere seems to be sad. "Sa'vere did you rest well?"

Azder looks a little guilty.

"I rested just fine. We should head out as soon as we can." She said, sitting up.

I agree... Kehtale padded into the cave, nobody had seen him leave, but in his jaws he held a pot of water. But first to refresh ourselves...

Sakura nods at that. How do we do that? Sakura sits up and still feels the bite mark on her neck slowly healing over.

We've got some cold stew sitting in the corner- I went back to the fort to get it, and I've assured that it is safe to eat. I've got drinking water here, and whatever is left can be used to at least wash our faces. Kehtale said, sitting down the pot.

Sakura nods at that but lets everyone go ahead of her.

Azder waits as well. "You need your strength." He told her.

Sa'vere deftly spooned soup into two bowls and walked over to Azder and Sakura, holding them out to the two, "Here."

Azder turned down his bowl. "I can't....."

"Eat, we all need to keep up our strength." She said firmly.

"It's not that I don't want to.....it's because I can't...."

"But why can't you?" She gave him a confused look.

Sakura is only able to eat a small percent of it. Man I guess there are limitations. Wow it doesn't taste the same

"I am slightly more vampire now after........" He broke off not knowing if he should continue.

Sakura lets out a sigh. "He had to bite me to save my life. Mastudo tried to kill me through his family link. I also have a bit more of the vampire now." Sakura looks down feeling really guilty.

"Oh... I see." Sa'vere said, before brightening up, "But I'm glad that you're okay!"

Azder looked even more guilty. "You aren't.....angry?" He asked looking at the others, in surprise.

Sakura offers a gentle smile at Sa'vere. Sakura washes her face a little. "I hope you are not as sad as you were eariler. Or else I will have to tease Guard-dog to get you to smile."

"Angry... why in the world would I be angry?" She offered a confused look.

"My...turning Sakura has a double meaning..."

"...I know, I've seen it done several times. I am not a fool." She said simply, going back over to the pot, and without any of the others seeing she poured the bowl of stew back in silently.

Azder looked away with a guilty look on his face. "My father may try to kill me now...."

Sakura feels more guilty now. She not only had her villages blood on her mind but now Azder and everyone else was in more danger. was it worth it Sakura tries to mask her guilt trying to tease. "Well I think we can leave a sore on your father.She knows that was a poor attempt. So she picks up her herbs, small number of arrows and staff and heads outside.

"Sakura, what are you doing?" Sa'vere set her empty bowl down and followed.

Azder hurried after them. *I made my choice. Don't feel guilty about my actions.*

Sakura sits down on a rock not far from the fort. She sees some herbs and some dull arrow heads she can use. She sharpens them. They may have been your actions but if I had an effective way to defend myself and if I had not sounded so foolish before the attack...I made clear errors. She sees them running toward her so she just waits.

"Sakura, why did you leave?" Sa'vere asked, stopping beside her.

"I need to clear my head. I am feeling a lot of emotions at once. The one that sticks out is guilt." Sakura places herbs in her pouch and work on sharping the arrow heads.

"But why do you feel guilt? There honestly should be no reason for it." Sa'vere said.

"I feel a guilty for surviving all this time. I also feel guilty for putting all of you in more danger." It should not have come to this.

"Believe me, if anyone should be feeling guilt, it's me." Sa'vere said, "Because of what I am there will always be attacks on our group. You shouldn't feel guilty for surviving. You should feel desire to survive... to grow strong and protect that which is most dear to you."

"I have held on to the will that my village won't be forgotten. I only feel guilty over the price it cost. Also the fact that Azder saved me."

"You should destroy that guilt. It will only hold you back, you know." Sa'vere said, "It will keep you from ever feeling true happiness."

Sakura lets out a sigh. "You're right. I just have to let it go. It's never easy finding the truth and facing it. Thank you Sa'vere."

"It's not a problem. I can't just let one of my friends feel such guilt. It's hard to bear, you know?"

"Yes. I know." Sakura smiles and keeps sharpining the arrow.

"I have this feeling that I'm not too far off from completing what I was born to do... After that- you and Azder can live happily doing as you please."

"Um I don't know if it will be that easy. I still have an uncle to deal with. I may have other enemies that I am not aware of. I still have complications to face." Sakura keeps sharpinning the arrow heads.

"I'm sure things will turn out well." Sa'vere said, nodding to herself.

"I want you to be happy too. I don't want you to feel sad. We will be with you everystep. Besides Guard-dog still needs someone to keep him line. I have not figured out how to do that yet." Sakura laughs lightly.

Sa'vere laughed softly, "I'll be happy when the sun lights the earth once more..."

Sakura nods and finishes her arrows. "Your heart all ready shines."

"Does it?" She said simply, "We should be getting back. I don't have a good feeling about staying in that cave for much longer."

Sakura nods but hears something rustling in the bushes behind her. I guess my natural sense have heightened.

"Then lets head back, I know that Azder followed me at least partway, but he must have turned back or something..."

Sakura nods and grabs all her items she had brought with her. "We better keep our guard up."

"Mmkay." Sa'vere nodded, "Do you want some help carrying your stuff?"

"Yes. I would like you to hold my pouch." An arrow hit the tree that was located just infront of Sakura. It grazes Sakura's arm.

Sa'vere took an involuntary step backwards in surprise as the arrow hit the tree before leaping into action, "Sakura, are you okay?" She asked.

Sakura feels the blood leaving her arm. She hears a bow being pulled back. Instantly she grabbed Sa'vere and pull her to the ground before the arrows starts to shoot all at once. "I think your feeling may be right. I don't know who they are shooting at."

Sa'vere was silent as she lay, watching the arrows fly overhead. "This isn't good... We can't remain out in the open like this with all those arrows being shot, we're more than likely to get hit if we just stay here..."

Sakura feels the ground and sees a safe place. "There's is a series of bushes and a hole we can duck into about a few feet from here." Sakura leads the way crawling with her items on her back.

Sa'vere nodded and followed her silently into the bushes, ducking her head farther to avoid getting snagged in the brush.

Sakura opens the way to the hole as the sound of arrows shooting in the air echos. "We are safe for now. I hope the others will be all right."

"I'm sure they will," Sa'vere said, "I wonder what's going on in all actuality..."

"Wish I knew. I can feel two sets of people shooting arrows. I don't know what they are aiming at." Sakura ponders out loud.

Sa'vere sighed, "How long do you suppose we'll have to remain in hiding?"

"They will have to rest or run out of arrows. I am guessing about maybe 20 minuets."

"20 minutes..." Savere repeated, "I hate just lying around like this..."

Sakura nods in agreement she was not fond of being idle either. "I know but we have little choice in the matter."

"I know, I know... Hopefully we don't get mistakenly involved in this..."

"Or be their target for that manner." Sakura looks at her arm and realizes that the arrows were coated with something to hurt vampires.

"Is something wrong?" Sa'vere looked sideways at her.

"My arm is burning and the wound is not healing." Sakura shows Sa'vere her wound.

"There's something weird around the wound." Sa'vere said, "You need to clean it immediately, there must be something in the arrows that are made specifically for vampires or something like that..."

Sakura sighs and feels it burn more. "OH NO IT'S A SKIN BURNING AGENT! There's no water to clean it with. The arrow has been covered with little skin eating agents for vampires." I hope Azder does not try to come here.

"Then I'll go get some if there's nothing else we can do." Sa'vere said.

An arrow is shot direcly over our heads. "Um I don't think that it is a good time to get water."

"Maybe, but what'll happen if I don't?" She countered.

"I believe I will be all right. I can't afford you getting hurt."

"And what if that injury is somehow fatal? I can't just sit here, especially not if that is the case..."

Sakura can not help but smile at Sa'vere. The worry of the arrows still rages on. Another arrow sings through the bushes and nearly got my other arm. "Um something tells me they are really close."

"Apparently..." Sa'vere said, "Something tells me that this place isn't that safe from arrows..."

"Yeah well they have moved.I guess we have to find a way around them." Sakura cringes in pain.

"First we have to find water." Sa'vere pressed, "Kehtale brought some to the cave, and considering that it was still quite cool I am certain that there is a stream nearby."

Sakura nods and has to dodge another arrow but she hears. THE VAMPIRE IS GOING TO HURT THAT GIRL KILL IT! "Great I am the target."

"Wait- you're the target, why?" Sa'vere blinked in confusion.

"They apparently think I'm going to hurt you or change you." Sakura cringes again. Footsteps are now in auidble range.

"Then we'll just have to change their minds, now won't we?" Sa'vere grabbed Sakura's wrist and forced her way through the brush path, leaving the other girl in the entrance of the brush, "Listen here, I don't know who you are out there, but stop shooting your arrows at us!"

They voice yells. " I WAS HIRED TO KILL A FEMALE VAMPIRE! SHE IS DANGEROUS GIRL GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

"Sakura is not dangerous! She is my friend, and there's no way I'd let you kill her!"

The man growls. "Listen my family is starving and this guy offered 20 pieces of gold for me to kill a vampire by the name of Sakura. She has brown hair, and brown eyes. I need the money. My children have not eaten in months."

"I... I have food! Can you really kill an innocent woman? I'll give you what food we have left if you'll just leave her be."

Sakura comes out and walks infront of the man. She reaches in her pocket and gives him 30 pieces of silver and one gold. "If that is not enough then kill me."

Man goes to get another arrow but hesitates.

"Does she honestly seem evil?" Sa'vere moved to Sakura's side and scrounged in her pocket, pulling out only two silver, "I'll even give you what I've got- my life savings, but know this, if you dare injure her any more than you have I will not hesitate to kill you."

Man sighs and puts his arrow down. "No it's good enough. Thank you. The man who hired me described her as a blood thirsty killer."

"Well as you can see, she is not. And if you ask me, the man was probably the bloodthirsty killer." Sa'vere said.

Sakua smiles and shakes her head. "Sa'vere calm down. Did the man have a cloack and cold blue eyes?"

Man gasps and nods at Sakura's question. "He seemed really passionate to want you dead."

"I don't understand you people..." Sa'vere sighed and shook her head, "Does anyone happen to have water on them?"

Man gets out his water. "Why do you need it? That arrow was a plan arrow."

Sa'vere simply grabbed Sakura's arm and showed the wound.

Man looks in horror and hands them the water. "It wasn't suppose to have anything on it."

"Never trust a strange man who offers you a job to kill somebody." Sa'vere said simply, crossing her arms.

Sakura smiles at the man. "Sa'vere please don't be so harsh. He is trying to provide for his family. True it was an extreme measure but you can't fault a man trying to put food on his families table." Sakra winces as the water hits the wound and she cleans it.

Man looks sympathically at Sakura.

"Well I'm sorry, I really don't mean to be..." Sa'vere sighed, "But I mean... why not just hunt or something?"

Man sighs and looks sad. "My family live into the dark lords domain. We are not allowed to leave the city unless we have a job to kill someone."

"Well... that officially sucks. But no worries..." She said the last part secretively, though said no more.

Sakura smiles and Sa'vere. "Fear not the time of suffering wil soon end."

Man is not sure why but he believes these young women. "Thank you both. I will go now." With a bow he rushes off in the woods.

Sakura smiles but still winces in pain over her wound. I'm glad Mr. Protective wasn't here. He would not have shown any mercy.

"Good luck to you and your family!" Sa'vere called after him.

"Well that was interesting."

"Yeah... it was." Sa'vere agreed.

"I guess we better head back before my dear uncle tries something."

"Agreed." Sa'vere said, looking over at her, "How's your arm now?"

"It still hurts but I don't feel my skin getting burned." Sakura picks up all her items.

"That's good," She said, "Now I can actually carry some of the stuff." She held out her hands.

Sakura hands Sa'vere some of her items. "How am I going to explain this to Mr. Protective without him going in rage?"

"I'd rather not tell him, but if that wound doesn't heal by the time we get there we may have no choice." Sa'vere said.

Sakura sighs and looks at the wound. "I don't think it will. I'll need to combine some of my herbs to help me heal. Maybe I can hide it until I can get it healed."

"That works, or hopefully it will, anyway." Sa'vere said.

Sakura tears a piece of fabric and wraps it around the wound. "If he asks I'll just say I ran into a rock."

Sa'vere laughed softly, "Interesting..." She said simply, "Now come on!"

Sakura follows Sa'vere back to the cave.

Azder snarls from behind them. "WHO THE HELL WAS THAT?! WHY DID HE ATTACK?!'

Sakura cringes and sighs. "I WILL NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION UNLESS YOU CALM DOWN AZDER!" WHY DO YOU ALWAYS SNEAK UP ON PEOPLE! MR. PROTECTIVE!

"Don't worry, Azder!" Sa'vere said, "We've already taken care of the situation, besides."

"You weren't going to tell!" He accused

"This is why I wasn't I knew you'd react like this. I would have told you after my wound as healed." Sakura shakes her head. "Besides we handled it peacefully."

Sa'vere nodded, "You're acting just as predicted..."

Azder looks furious and disgusted. "You don't trust me." He turns and marches off into the woods.

Sakura shakes her head. "This is the problem we face Sa'vere we are still opposites of each other." Suddenly the cut gets bigger and cuts through the fabric.

"Sakura!" Sa'vere said, "What's going on with your arm, I thought that by cleaning it it was supposed to get better!?!"

Sakura hisses in pain. "I think I know. It doesn't have anything to do with the arrow. I upsetAzder, we are tied together. If I inflict pain on him I get it back. It will heal but I have to deal with Azder's disgust."

"Then go after him." Sa'vere said.

Sakura nods and goes into the woods. Not knowing her uncle was following the blood trail behind her.

Sa'vere sighed and turned, walking aimlessly about.

Sakura locates Azder but only stays at a distance. "Azder you are right it was wrong of me to try to conceal that fact. The reason I did was I did not want to upset you more. I didn't know how to tell you without you overreacting. I do trust you but I have yet to trust myself." Sakura begins to feel lightheaded.

Mastudo waits in the shadow with a wicked grin on his face.

I don't want to bring down anyone's happiness... Sa'vere thought to herself, But I can't keep making such close friends. If I really am to die to resurrect the sun... I don't want to burden anybody with sorrow. She felt something wet on her cheeks, and when she touched them she realized that she was crying.

Azder looked at her and looked at her arm. He ran over and poured a vile of healing water on it. "I am sorry....I did over react...I can't stand the thought of losing any one!" looks ashamed of his actions. Suddenly he stills and shoves her behind him.
"MASTUDO!"

Mastudo sighs in annoyance. "Honestly Azder why do you wish on protect my weakling of a niece? WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DISGRACE THE VAMPIRE ART MORE BY TURNING MY WEAKLING OF A NIECE!" Mastudo places a cold glare on Sakura. "I will only make all of your friends suffer Sakura. Allow me to kill you and I will resign my position after I get the money.

Azder draws his sword. "Over my dead body!"

Mastudo shows the vase of the plaque. "Foolish boy you think mere force will stop me. The choice is your Sakura your life or your dear friend Sa'vere's? Oh wait this plaque will attack you both. So the option is your life or both?"

Azder vanishes and appears near Mastudo taking the Plague from him and vanishing. "Now what are you to do?" His voice taunted.

Mastudo smirks and stabs Sakura with the blade that had hints Plaque on it. "Does this answer your question? How ironic this is the very knief I killed my brother and his family with. I even used this blade to cut your arm. How delicious!"

Sakura lets out a pained gasp but she stabs Mastudo with an arrow.


Azder snarls and strikes Mastudo with lightning.

Mastudo grunts and gasps but he then transfers the shock to Sakura. "WH.....HA...HA Thank you for aiding me boy."

Sakura falls on the ground gaspsing.

Azder teleports her to where he is and quickly starts to heal her. *Don't die!*

Please I am not willing to give up yet. Sa'vere still needs our aid. Sakura manages to stand up after Azder heals her but Mastudo is gone.

Mastudo shouts. "Azder you will regret helping my niece. SHE WILL DIE BEFORE THE SUN RETURNS!"

Azder picks up the plague carefully. "What should we do about this?"

I shouldn't cry... She'd found a stream and was now splashing her face viciously with icy water.

"We need a place to make sure it will never escape." Sakura feels Sa'vere's sadness. Sa'vere it's ok to cry. On journeys like these they are strength.

I'm not sad! She thought simply, shivering as her hands grew numb in the water. She stared down at them as the water raced over them. Silently she blocked off her thoughts to the others, and simply continued to watch her reflection.


Azder looked at Kahtale. *Got any ideas?"

Ideas for what? Kehtale, who had been following glanced at him sideways.

This plaque is a slow killer. Do you have any idea of where a remote area to contain it and insure that it does not spread to the public.

The only place is the alter at the edge of the world- where we must journey to in order to ressurect the sun.

I see so we still have a ways to go then.

Azder looked at the jar uneasily. "I see. So I will have to protect this..."

Sakura glares at Azder. "You mean we will right? The jar is not contaminated on the outside. I may be able to find away to seal it more."

Her arms began to tingle as the numbness spread, but suddenly the ground around the stream was turning green with new growth. She watched as a small flower bloomed right before her eyes and smile softly at it. Is this what it'll look like when the sun rises?

Azder looks at it with interest.

Sakura growls and stomps out of the woods. "MEN ARE IMPOSSIBLE AND HARD HEADED!"

Azder hands the jar to Kahtale and hurries after her. "What now?"

Sakura just shakes her head. "We are complete opposites. I just wished he gave me an indication that he heard a word I said." Sakura just keeps walking. She is also curious about Sa'vere.

"If we are complete opposites then perhaps we are ment only to be friends." Azder said.

Sakura shakes her head and stops while looking at Azder. "I guess you really don't observe a lot of relationships. Being opposite does not necessarily mean bad. I mean our personalities are different. But if you just want to be my friend then I will accept that. I'm sorry I haven't been good at communication." Sakura looks in his eyes and knows why she fell for him. However if he only wished to be her friend then she would accept it.

"Your not the only one with communication problems....I don't know how to talk to you...perhaps it is best for us to be friends longer, before we get more involved." He said sadly.

Sakura laughs as she remembers one of her friends relationships. "Well perhaps we need to just slow down. I can still tease you and you can do the same. One of my friends relationships was similar to this one, she fell in love with a vampire. Her mother forbided her seeing him but they always got into arguments. I remember asking her do you love him? She looks at me and says he is a stubborn, impossible, hard headed man but I find that I would not have him any other way. We just have to slow down and work on communication. She got married to him and had a child." Sakura's eyes shine at the memory of her friend and sees the lesson.

Azder nods uneasily. "Yes..."

Sakura looks at Azder with a gentle smile. "Is something wrong? Azder?"

"I....didn't hurt you?"

"No...why did you think that Azder?" Sakura notices her arm is starting to heal completely now. I see so I had to comfront his fears. This connection is strong. We both have a lot to learn. We do need to slow down the pace.

"I....have hurt people in the past..."

Sakura walks up to Azder and hugs him. When she does her arm heals completely. "I'm sorry that I had not noticed this sooner. I would know if I was hurt, I've been hurt by many in my village. Mostly males but despite the fact knowing you are the son of a dark lord. I don't feel afraid of you. I did not in the beginning either. I was more hurt at the fact someone would link me to an evil plot."

Sighs sadly.

Sakura lets him go and still has a smile. "Cheer up Guard-dog. Sighing sadly will cause wrinkles. " Sakura walks on to find Sa'vere.

Azder sits on a boulder in thought.

Sakura was humming an old song her parents would hum to each other. She doesn't see Sa'vere. "Where is that girl?" Suddenly Sakura slips and falls into something. She tried to scream but it silenced her and block her thoughts. She slides on this dark hall. WHAHAHA NOW YOU'RE GOING TO GET IT NIECE!

Azder sensed her trouble and ran after her. *Sakura!*

Sa'vere still sat on the bank of the stream, becoming slightly dizzy. Something void of true feeling wrapped around her torso, and when she looked up she saw the shadow with her face grinning down at her. "Master Satul will be pleased with me for finding you." She said cheerily, vanishing with Sa'vere in tow. Her plight went unnoticed to all else.

Sakura lands in a strange looking room. The cold air around her cuts like a knief. Everything about this place was so dark. "Where am I?"

Mastudo wears the cloak but has the hood down. He walks into the light. "Hello Dear Niece. How nice to see you vulnernable and alone. The dark lord is highly upset because of you and his son. Very rarely does he show in person but he is here to help me with you." Mastudo indicates the tall and dark man waiting in the corner.

Azder appears and cringes at the sight of his father. "No..."

Sakura although frigtened she sent cold glares at her uncle. "WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DESTORY EVERYTHING THAT WAS DEAR TO ME! You've left me with nearly nothing why is my death so important." Sakura hoped that Azder was not here. A chil goes up her spine as she has a feeling Sa'vere is not safe either.

Mastudo glares at his niece. She had her fathers tongue but looks like her mother who he wanted for himself. "I OWE YOU NO EXPLANATION CHILD!" Mastudo smacks Sakura across her face.

Azder growled and struck him away from her. He could feel the chill his father was emitting, but he was to angry to fear.

Oh no Azder is here. BLAST THAT GUARD DOG! He was not suppose to follow me here. I don't even know how I got here. "Azder? WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU HERE!" Sakura still feels the cold. She knew his father was here for one reason, to dispose of the one who tainted his son further.

"To save you!" Azder shot back.

Mastdo sneers at the two. "How cute their having a tiff, STOP WITH THE ROMANCE AZDER COME TO YOUR SENSES BOY SHE IS WEAK!"
He punches Azder once to get him off.

Sakura shakes her head knowing she can't win this. She turns to her uncle."AZDER CAN CHOOSE WHAT KIND OF LIFE HE WANTS! HE DOES NOT HAVE TO LOVE ME AT ALL! What's it to you if we are having a tif? I'M TIRED OF THAT LABLE PLACED ON ME!"

Azder snarls back at Mastudo.

"Azderias." The cold voice of the dark man spoke out finally.

Sakura remembers her father telling the family his story about this dark lord. His voice was exactly what father had described like sheer ice. Sakura is suddenly tackled by her uncle and he ties her to a table.

Azder freezes unable to help his eyes glued to his father as he struggles to be releaesd. "What?" Looks panicked.

"I have heard many stories of your adventures with the humans. They disturb me greatly." He said boredly, his black eyes flashing as he hit Azder with dark energy.

Azder gasped as he fought to regain his breath, being brought to his knees. "I.....did what I thouight was right."

"You, as the Prince of this Dark Kingdom do not lower yourself to the level of mere humans. You especially don't aid the container, and change a weak girl into a vampire."

Azder trembled in fury and pain. "SHE IS NOT WEAK!"

"She was human, humans are weak, why do you think we've enslaved their race? Why do you think the container herself was the slave of my brother for so many years?" He glared at Azder, attacking him again.

Azder gasped and fought it off. "No.....I can't let you kill them!"

"You're a fool. One is here and the other..." He smirked and didn't continue.

"If.....I return will you spair them?" Azder begged.

"Azderias, you know I can't spare 'the light.'" He replied simply.

"Azder. He has detained Sa'vere also. She is about a few miles from here... I didn't know I was considered 'the light.'STOP IT!...if you don't harm azder then I will allow myself to be killed." Sakura looks at Azder with tears in her eyes. I can't let you suffer anymore. I love you too much.

"Sa'vere as you call her, will be mine if you understand, Azderias." He smirked at his son, "And this girl, who has seemingly weakened you, will die. You yourself will be left in the dungeons and tortured until you submit to the will of our cause once more."

Mastudo has a crule look in his eyes. "My lord if I may make a suggestion. Force Azdrias to make the first injury of my dear niece. Then drag him to the dungon and allow him to hear Sakura's pain as she is being killed."

Sakura looks at her uncle. "NO! Azder does not need be tortured like that..."

Mastudo smacks his niece again. "SILENCE CHILD! YOUR IMPUDENCE IS THE REASON HE IS IN THIS POSITION! IF YOU HAD JUST SURRENDERED TO DEATH! THE DARK LORDS WORDS ARE LAW!"

Sakura tries to cut herself free but her uncle smacks away her arrows.

"For now Azderias will be taken to the dungeons. When he has submitted he will kill the girl with his own hands."

"NO! i WILL NEVER GIVE IN!" Azder rushes forward takling Mastudo, he tries to stab him with his dagger.

"Azderias!" He held out his fingers and instead of just a minor attack he sent the other across the room with his magic.

Azder gasped in pain as his wound reopened. "YOU KILLED MY MOTHER!" He snaps at his father.

"Do not speak of that vile woman before me." He barked at his son.

"Your THE VILE ONE! BASTARD!!!" He fights the tears of hurt and anger.

"You are weak to allow such trifle emotions to rule you." He replied simply.

"She trusted you. Bastard." Azder said deadly.

"She performed her duties for me." He said simply.

Azder growled and launched himself at his father two daggers in hand.

He merely laughed, "You should learn your place." He growled, backhanding Azder as he ran at him.

Azder growled as he was knocked to the floor, blood ran down his face. "Bastard!"
He quickly turned around and grabbed sakura. *I have enough energy to help you at least...help Sa'vere!* He quickly teleported Sakura out of the place and away from them.

Sakura feels sad for Azder but goes to find Sa'vere with an exteremly angry expression on her face and a deadly flame in her eyes. "Don't worry Sa'vere even if I have to move the planets I will help you."

Azder turned to face them knowing he was introuble now.

Mastudo manages to get up and his eyes shows ice. "AZDER! WHY? WHAT IS SO SPEICAL ABOUT MY NIECE!?"

"I love her!" He faces Mastudo a smile of triumph on his face.

Mastudo laughs coldly at that. "Love? My patheic niece. YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO FEEL ANYTHING LIKE THAT ESPECIALLY TOWARDS A HUMAN/VAMPIRE!"

Azder laughs. "Why? Becouse you don't see that they will take over once more?"

Mastudo growls at that but smirks. "You want to know why I destoried that patheic village. Too bad if you don't your father will deal with you. They were an outlaying village, had this strange system of equality. Some humans even married to vampires and demons. IT WAS SO WRONG! MY BROTHER WAS A FOOL! I repored the Isinse village to your father and he was disturbe by that too. He made an offer I could not refuse. So I killed my brother and offered to spare Sakura's mother but she refused." Mastudo seems to sound sad at the last part.

Looks disgusted. "You sold out your own family! Are you the one who was hired to kill my mother?"

Mastudo smirks at the question. "I was only interested in destorying that village. I had no qualms with your mother. Although your father paid me extra to help him with that task. That's why he was willing to help me." Mastudo closes his eyes and sees his niece with the unyeilding determined look in her eyes.

Azder slashes him across the face drawing blood. "Bastards!"

Mastudo laughs at Azders outburst as his face heals. "So you love Sakura.It is ashame she won't see another day." Mastudo takes a knief and cuts his arm.

Azder hisses more in anger then pain. He slashes out and stabs Mastudo in the chest.

Mastudo grins and allows the blade to go in. "OH DESTRUCTIVE GUARDIAN KILL THE ONE WHO HOLDS A SIMILAR TASTE OF MY BLOOD!"

Azder pulled back before it went in deep. "If I hurt you Sakura suffers?" He looks horrified. "You monster!"

Mastudo laughs wickidly. "She is still related to me through blood and sense you helped me to get enough blood. The forbidden guardian of her village will rise and kill Sakura. A pity you will not see her again." 

"NO! I will see her! I will find a way to kill you without harm to her!"Growls in anger.

Mastudo looks at Azder curiosly. "I am a loyal servent to your father. How will he feel about you killing me? Oh that's right you don't care. If only you had found someone other then my niece. Remember this boy blood is thicker then water."

"I don't give a damn about you or him! You are both evil!" Azder snarled in anger and frustration.

Mastudo smiles at this. "If you kill me chance are Sakura will either die from my hatred or the guardian. I don't see why you love her. It's not too late to recant your love for her."

Azder growled. "Since when did you become my father's speaker?"

Mastudo just shurgs at that. "Foolish boy I am merely giving you the facts. You are your fathers concern. Sakura is my concern."

"Did Kahtale do this?" Azder said realizing they hadn't menioned him.

Mastudo sighs in annoyance at Azder's question. "I do not know everything your father has set in motion. I am only wanting Sakura's life to end. Even if the sun returns I would give my life to end Sakura's."

"Why? If you trully cared for her mother then you would spare her!" Azder argued.

"NO! She has too much of her father. Her mother was gentle. BOY DON'T BE BRING HER MOTHER INTO THIS CONVERSATION!" Mastudo's eyes shows anger.

"She is gentle like her mother. Would her mother want you to kill her daughter? I don't think her mother would be pleased if she saw what you were doing.
She would be disgusted and ahamed of you. If Sakura's mother was still alive it would break her heart to see you wanting her daughter who looks like her dead." Azder said trying to make him think of Sakura's mother. He knew he may have gone too far though.

Mastudo throws a blade and hits Azder on the arm. "BOY HOW WOULD YOU KNOW SAKURA LOOKS LIKE HER MOTHER! HER MOTHER DETESTED ME! SHE CHOOSE MY BROTHER OVER ME!"

Azder pulled the blade out hidding the pain. "I have talked to Sakura. Her mother loved you as a brother in law. She would be ashamed of your actions. She had her heart broken the day you killed her village. She had trusted you and you killed all but Sakura.
You even had a chance to kill her..what stoped you? The resemblance? Or where you regretting the deal?.
Snears at him.

"Azderias, you have spoken enough." His father said, striking him.

"Off to see Master Satul!~" She said in a singsong voice.

"No, I refuse to go any further than this!" Sa'vere managed to pull her knife out and strike the shadows that held her. The other girl hissed in pain as the shadow vanished, and Sa'vere tumbled painfully to the ground below. Her right arm was still numb with cold, but her left had regained it's feeling.

"You'll regret that move, you will!" She said angrily, sending shadow spikes at Sa'vere. She was struck in the lower abdomen and shoulder, the others missed.

Suddenly fire comes whistling through the air and a woman with determined features walks in. "You will pay for that."

azder hissed angerly. "Are you afraid?"He taunts his father.

Mastudo's eyes were wild. "Since you know so much. Then why is it my niece can't seem to communicate with you effectively Azder. Perhaps the two of you are ment to be enemies of each other.

She avoided the flames, extracting her shadows from Sa'vere. Sa'vere took a stumbled step backwards, but forced herself to right her body and take on a fighting stance. "You shouldn't have interfered!" The other pouted angrily.

"Fear?" He laughed loudly, "I have no fears from you or your 'friends'. I am merely disgusted and embarrassed by the actions of my own son. I should have killed you, or tortured you when you first showed signs of weakness."

"Weakness? A life without love, and friends is a pathetic life. I think you fear to love. Oh yes. You are a coward. You fear love and happines becouse you are afraid they will be taken from you. Coward." Azder said seriously, not even showing anger. "I pity you father."

He sneered at his son and struck him several more times, "Get this loud-mouth out of my face."

Azder gasped nearly loosing conciousness "I love you but pity you father...you lead such an empty life."

Mastudo picks him up and takes him to the dungon. His head still spinning but shakes his head at those silly thoughts.
"Foolish boy."

Sakura uses the same arrow again to pin the girl. "You should not have stolen my friend."

Azder breaks out of the grip. "Father I PITY AND LOVE YOU. I WISH YOU FIND HAPPINESS AND MAY IT NOT BE AT THE COST OF OTHERS. I WISH YOU TO FAIL IN HARMING OTHERS!"

Mastudo growls at his impudence.

Azder turns to Mastudo. "I hope you realize the truth and learn to love Sakura. Her mother would be ashamed with you right now. But you have a chance to renew yourself by protecting her daughter."

Mastudo growls at Azder again."STOP MENTIONING ALANA! SAKURA IS NOTHING LIKE HER MOTHER! I did cut Sakura's wrists. Even if I did I can stop the guardian it will hunt Sakura. My task will be done."

"Sakura is a lot like her mother Alana.
Alana would be sick if she saw you and what you were doing." Azder casts a minor spell to show Alana's face to Mastudo.
"See they do look alike."

Mastudo growls in frustration. "LISTEN BOY I CAN'T BACK OUT OF THE DEAL! I'm in it straight up to my neck. Should I betray him then..."

Sakura feels a cold presence behind her. OH NO NOT HIM I CAN'T DIE! I MUST HELP SA'VERE! Azder I hope you are all right. Sakura hears the footsteps getting closer.

*You know your heart* azder sent him, imprenting the image into Mastudo's mind. (Now if he harms Sakura he will see her mother)

Mastudo sees him attack but strangely sees Alan not Sakura. "WHAT IS THIS! ALANA! BUT HOW YOU...HAVE BEEN DEAD FOR A YEAR!"

Azder tries to set up a protection for Sakura.

Mastudo's face turns pale at this. "ALANA! WHY ARE YOU BACK HERE!"

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose as though he had a headache, "Children..." He muttered.

"Why you little!" She said to Sakura, "Messing with Master's plans does not make me happy!" She sent out her shadow to attack.

Azder turned to his father triumph evident on his face. "I mean what I said."

He merely turned and stalked away in disgust.

Sakura vanishes and appears beside the girl. Suddenly something hits the girl and she can't see what happened. "Sorry it's my specality." Sakura doges another punch of the guardian. This is just great I have two enemies to worry about.

Mastudo still looks pale at the scene but the voice didn't match.

Azder watched his father weary that he may strike out in frustration.

Mastudo glares at Adzer. "BOY WHAT KIND OF TRICK ARE YOU PULLING ON ME!"

"Sakura, I thought you were with Azder?" Sa'vere looked at her questioningly as her shadow disappeared in frustration, perhaps to go tattle to Satul. She moved as quickly as she could to aid Sakura in her other battle.

Azder looked at his father ignoring Mastudo. "I am sorry if you find me a dissapointment."

Sakura sees the guardian near Sa'vere. Sakura pushes her out of the way but gets hit hard in the back. Sakura then coughs up blood.

"Sakura!" Sa'vere regained her balance and struck the guardian with her blade.

"I blame the blood of your mother for such weakness." He sighed and left Azder to Mastudo.

Azder stared after him more hurt then he cared to admit. He turned to Mastudo in disgust. "That is someone you may want to help if you ever want to live with yourself again."

Mastudo glowers at that. "I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LIVE WITH MYSELF BOY! WHY DID YOU BRING ALAN BACK TO MIND!"

Sakura gets up and moves Sa'vere out of the way. "A single blade is not going to destroy it. Only the summoner can get rid of it by sacrificing his life...Sa'vere your heart is bright...thank you for all you have done for me."

"Alana wanted me to help...shesaid you can save yourself by helping Sakura. She wanted to give you the chance. If you trully love Alana then help Sakura!"

Mastudo's eyes cloud over. "Alana...oh fine my life is not worth living anyway." Mastudo vanishes to the Guardian and allows his life to be taken. "I...am...free...I'm sorry Alana." He dissappears but a few tear drops are left behind.

Sakura stares in disbelief as the tears fall down at her feet. "Mastudo...uncle...rest in peace."

Azder sits in the dark room. "Thank you...Mastudo..."He collapses, feeling his life blood flow from his wound.

Azder was it worth loving me? Was I worth the pain. Sakura coughs again with blood coming up. "I still have one more challenge to face. I have to stay alive for a little while."

"I...am so tired.....so cold...."Azder whispered.

Sakura smiles sadly. I'm sorry you had to get hurt Azder... Sakura vanishes and appears beside Azder hugging him only going to stay for as long he needs her. She turns away and coughs violently.

"You....should heal..."Tears rim his eyes.

"I..can't...I'm slowly dieing..." Sakura coughs. "I was crused from the beginning...my guilt is what kept me alive...now it is slowly fading...I will stay alive long enough to help Sa'vere..I'm so sorry you had to suffer Azder...maybe I should've just left..." Sakua has tears in her eyes because she knows the end is coming for Azder too.

"Drink....my blood...it will save you.."

Sakura shakes her head. "It will only...delay...my end...I...love...you...Maybe it would've been....better...if...you had not meet me guard dog...."

Azder shoves his hand to her mouth forcing her to drink. "My..life would be....in vain.....if I lost you....drink."

Sakura does as instructed as tears fill her eyes. Azder...I...love you...I wish things would have turned out differently...for...you. Sakura fills the pain lifting only enough for her to do what she needs to do.

She feels her wounds heal as the pain subsides. An over powering hunger surges through her making her want more blood.

Sakura takes more still tears misting her eyes. I...wish...you...had a actual life. You have saved Sa'vere and had a semi decent friend...I destoried it all.

Azder's eyes begin to glaze over. *I...don't blame you....I love yo...u.......*

Sakura stops and kisses him on the lips one last time before all color was gone. Rest...in peace my love...I won't be too long in this world...thank you...

Though she didn't know it he was still alive. He had placed himself in a comatose state to save his life. He knew before that it would save her though.

Sakura leaves with a heavy heart. She is back with Sa'vere and determined to protect her. She is ready for the attack that would show what the fates have instore.

Sa'vere stumbled and sat heavily, blood merely seeping through the wounds in her shoulder and stomach. When she caught sight of Sakura she felt that something was wrong, "Sakura... where is Azder?" She asked, her heart clenching.

Sakura walks over and heals Sa'veres wounds with the herbs she has in her pocket. "He...is....gone..." Sakura gets her arrows ready but still feels really guilty. I will do what I can to help Sa'vere. I told her the truth.

"What do you mean he's gone?" Sa'vere asked, feeling her heart sinking, she knew what Sakura was talking about.

"He...give me his blood for me to be still standing here...he faced his father...he is dead.." Sakura sounds distant but also like she is on autopolit.

"I... how can something like that happen?" She supressed her sorrow, "He was just here with us!"

Sakura doesn't answer Sa'vere because she has no idea how to answer. She goes into a meditative state.

Sa'vere, Sakura! Kehtale was panting heavily as he came across them.

"Kehtale, where have you been?" Sa'vere asked, blinking.

I was waiting at the cave for a while, but when I felt all three of your presences vanish I couldn't help but panic. I'm so glad to have found you.

Sakura smiles at Kehtale. "Well we got a long battle ahead for us."

Meanwhile Azder's uncle had found him. "Stuborn Boy! Brother your son still lives. What shall we do with him?"

"It is time that he learns his place in the world." He replied smugly, "Take him to the dungeons, we'll deal with him later."

He smiles wickedly. dragging Azder away.

Sakura feels a chill go down her back Why would they put Azder's body in the dungeons...unless...OH NO! I'M AN IDOIT! "Sa'vere I was wrong it is possible Azder is still alive...I imagine we are going to be facing more battles soon."

Sa'vere had felt a strange chill as well, she frowned, "If he is alive then we must help him!" She said.

"No. Sa'vere the dark lord wants you. It is better we keep you away from his grasp. We can't go into the lair yet. If we do he will snag you and then he will most likely kill me and Kehtale."

"Then what are we going to do?" Sa'vere said, worry in her tone, "If Azder is alive we can't just leave him... what if they in all actuality kill him?"

Sakura is right, Sa'vere. Kehtale murmured, First you must complete your mission.

Azder woke, feeling light headed, and thirsty.

Sakura knows what Sa'vere is feeling. "Sa'vere you know as well as I do. Azder would want you away from his father. He wanted me to protect you. I know that's hard to hear but I will do that.Besides he is a stubborn guard dog what can you expect." Until the very end I will help you. After that has a teasing smile.

"... Finish my mission first?" Her gaze grew distant. But then I most likely will not be around to help him... Was the private afterthought.

Azder shivered as he realized where he was. "Father?"

Sakura notices the hesitation. "Sa'vere...I will try to find away to allow us to aid him. But right now is not the time."

"I see you've awakened," A hunched figure stepped forward, rubbing it's hands together gleefully, "I've been given the task of taking care of you."

Azder growls. "Taking care of me?"

He snickered, "I've been set to the task of 'righting' you."

Growls. "Righting me? You have it all wrong. You should right yourself."

Suddenly something is shot and it cuts the back of Sakura's neck slightly as it wizzes by. Blood? Sakura feels the back of her neck and feels it seeping out.

"Sakura!" Sa'vere quickly looked around, her body tense.

"Which would you prefer first?" He ignored Azder's comment and indicated the two machines behind him, each of which provided its own source of torture.

Azder growled straining against the enchanted chains. "NONE!" *Sakura!*

Sakura is able to hear someone breathing and a sound of loading something. She grabs Sa'vere and shoves her out of the way but the shoot hits Sakura again. "This is not good."

"Sakura, do not just push me aside and take whatever injuries yourself." Sa'vere stated, "If anything, protect yourself as well." Silently she moved in the direction that the shot had come from, she'd managed to follow it's path with her eyes and now she was going to either give someone a good beating, or a good talking to...

"Sorry it's part of my nature besides the shots are a small." Sakura heres a strange click from somewhere.

Azder's struggles merely resulted in the injury of his right arm.

"You are a fool, Azderias. To have risen against the most powerful being in this world. I'm highly disappointed in you." He tsked, dragging Azder over to the machine on the left.

Sakura hears the click again and then feels numb all over.

"Sakura, are you alright?" Sa'vere asked, still advancing in the same direction.

Sakura just nods slightly.

Kehtale growled as several figures, not including the shooter, sauntered into their view.

"Well hi guys what's your pleasure death and destruction right?" Sakura notices a line start to form around her.

"Ah! These guys!" Sa'vere exclaimed in recognition.

"Um why can't I move?"

"What do you mean you can't move?" Sa'vere asked nervously as the group grew closer to the trio.

Sakura tries to take a step but the string gets tighter. "KEHTALE GET SA'VERE OUT OF HERE!"

"Don't you dare listen to her!" Sa'vere said to Kehtale, who had taken a step towards her, "We escape together or not at all!" She drew her knife, "Let's see these jerks pull their same stunt again as last time..." She growled.

"Um...I don't think these are average soliders...they have the black crest on them."

The group ran forward as one, breaking into two groups to attack Sa'vere and Kehtale. Sa'vere managed to defend herself fairly easily compared to the previous time.

Sakura struggles with the thread and it cuts into her skin but she manages to shoot arrows at a good number of the soliders but the thread cuts more. "AGHHH!"

"Sakura, don't strain your body." Sa'vere said grimly, concentrating on her fight, "This time I'll save you."

I don't understand why are they tieing my up and attacking Sa'vere and Kehtale

Sa'vere struck with her knife, and lashed out also with her body, kicking one in the chin before managing to sink her blade deep into his chest. He gurgled and collapsed backwards, beginning to fade from existance. "That was for biting me." She growled at him.

Sakura smiles at Sa'vere but is annoyed by the fact she is tied up.

Kehtale struck two of them, giving them deep wounds in their torsos. The two leapt backwards weakly as Sa'vere continued her own battle.

Sakura feels the line beginning to tigten slightly.

After several minutes of struggle, the remaining fighters fled to tend to their injuries. Sa'vere ran quickly to Sakura's side to help her.

Sakura suddenly gets pulled somewhere. The line tigtens to where it leads a blood trail.

"Sakura!" Sa'vere and Kehtale ran quickly after her.

Sakura is tied on this stone. That has an energy around it and a black figure is near by with an ax.

"Get away from her!" Sa'vere shouted, putting on an extra burst of speed.

"SA'VERE PLEASE DON'T DO SOMETHING FOOLISH! THE FIGURE HAS NOT MOVED!"

"Well I'm not just going to leave you tied there! And a guy with an ax near a girl tied to a stone isn't a very good thing!"

Azder meanwhile struggled viciously to be free, he bit down hard on his captor's hand drawing blood.

"Sa'vere don't worry about me. I will be all right." I think there is going to be a shift. All though this line is tight around me...they are waiting for something but what?

Azder could feel the trouble his friends were in. *Sakura..use your vampire abilities!* He pushed as much energy he could spare through there link. He then colapsed unconcious.

GUARD DOG YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO USE YOUR ENERGY LIKE THAT! THIS ROPE IS MADE FOR VAMPIRES! IT'S...drawn to your blood trace....the blood you gave me to help me... Sakura bits on the rope but it draws more blood from her. Realization hits Sakura like a ton of bricks this line is not only drawn by Azder's blood but the fact that he has claimed her too. It is slowly taking her fighting energy until Azder gets brainwashed to kill her.

Azder moaned unable to open his eyes. *Don't...die..*

Azder...you will be expected to kill me....by your own two hands...they will brainwash you...that's why I am tied to stone....

Azder's eyes snapped open at that. *NEVER!*

Azder...calm down...they are using the line that has us tied...they will keep torturing you till you give in...I'm not the sun Sa'vere is the sun...I wouldn't mind you killing me...should it come to that.

*NO! I can't nor will I ever harm you!*

One can only take so much torture Azder....you won't be doing it by your will....they don't want to kill me yet...Sa'vere really wants to save you...

*I can take the torture..I can't take losing you.*

Azder...did you love me when you had to heal me that day?...I'm curious sorry but its better then talking about death.

*I wish could say yes....but no I hated humans at the time..*

So my gut was right...after I was healed I couldn't really see you but I felt you were distant...laying next to me was my friend who was only married to her vampire husband for 3 years with her baby in her arms. Her husband was away.

*I had nothing to do with their deaths.*

I know but I'm curious about where her husband ended up..his name was Valdens.

*Valden?* Sounds angry

Let me guess he became friends with your father right?

*He was my mother's brother.*

Oh so you did have a tie to the village...but you don't like him apparaently.

*He tried to kill me.*

That is a good reason. He was interesting with my friend she always wanted me to come along on her romantic nights with him. He was annoyed but tolerated me until she got comfortable on her own.

*He tried to kill me when I was really little too*

I can probably guess he was the jealous type right?

*I don't know. My mother kept me away from him after the first attempt.*

Yes my friend had to work with some control issues with him...but he changed for her...that look in his eyes was the same as yours when Mulan was crying he was so gentle to her. He even helped her do some things.

*I don't want to be compared to him!*

I'm only comparing the look not you directly. I wonder if he is still alive?

*I hope not. Odds are if he is then he would help in "Correcting" me*

Sense your guard out and see. He probably is there. Maybe he has forgotten about Mulan if he is alive.

*This guy is to short. I don't have the energy to do more than talk to you now.*

Valden was not tall in fact he was Mulans size and she was a little shorter then me.

*When I saw him last he was tall. Besides they sound different*

Well mention Mulan and see what happens. I'm curious. Why did you jump to the claiming proclamation when we first met? I'm sure you didn't do that to Sa'vere.

*I don't know...afraid...and I recognized you.* "So how is Malun these days?" He asked of his tormentor

Hmm well maybe I was mistaken then. Afraid of what?

*Afraid you would join my father...*

Azder notices the tormentor murmur the name again. WHAT! ok look I had lost my village I didn't go far from where it was destoried. I doubt he would even have hired me if I did want to join him which I didn't.

Azder turned his attention to his captor. "You haven't responded, how is Mulan?"

Tormentor punches you. "DON'T MENTION THAT NAME AGAIN BOY!"

"Mulan, Mulan, Mulan!"

GUARD DOG! THAT IS NOT THE RIGHT PATH TO GO!

Tormentor shocks you with a rod. "HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT BOY!"

Azder gasps in pain. "Well.....hello uncle.."

Tormenter grunts and sits down. "WHO TOLD YOU ABOUT MULAN!"

Azder gazed at him with loathing. "Mulan did."

He laughs and shakes his head. "No I believe it was your weak girlfriend that told you about her."

"Tell me uncle. Would Mulan want this?"

He doesn't reply to that.

"They killed her and your child, and your helping them. Would Mulan want that?"

His eyes turn cold. "What do you mean they killed them?" He has been told they were alive but in hiding.

"Mulan and your child....my cousin...are dead. My father ordered it."

He was silent for a few minuets. "DEAD! What prof do you have of this? The dark lord promise me they were safe."

*I saw there bodies...search my memories if you want."

He does and his face turns white. "MULAN!" He sinks to the floor. "I thought...you and our son was safe...Mulan...Mosest..."

Azder watched him actually feeling bad for him. "You could help me get revenge."

He just stays there on the floor. "Why is Sakura alive? Did you save her despite your hatred? The Iseinse Village does something to powerful men it was a place of equality..but it did have it's downfall."

"To be honest uncle...I don't know."

He smiles which is something rare. "I think those women knew more spells then they would let on. They draw you in by there innocence then captivate you with their courage and melt your heart at their strong but gentle ways."

"Perhaps.....tell me. Why did you try to kill me when I was nine?"

"I was afriad your mother would have forgotten me like our parents did of us. It was wrong that village humbled me a great deal."

"You were jelious of me? Becouse I was my mother's son?"

"Yes...I know how pette that is now. I left not too long after that...and ended up in Sakura's village."

Azder Looks confused.

He lets out a sigh."I was ignored as a child but your mom took care of me. When you were born I thought I was losing the one that matter the most in my life..but now I see I was actually gaining...I'm sorry nephew but your fathers brother is the worst.I lost size and a great deal of power when I entered Sakura's village to prove I was not there to kill anyone."

Sa'vere was tackled from behind and her arms were pinned behind her back. A blade pressed itself to her throat then, and she had no choice but to settle her struggle. Why am I always so completely useless to those I wish to aid? She thought, masking her thoughts from the others.

Sakura looks over at Sa'vere with worried eyes. Sa'vere you have given us so much more then you will ever know. Your love is very useful.

Azder looked at his uncle. "My mother was upest with you attacking me. She said she was scarred you had turned away from her teachings. My father wanted revenge...Maybe that is why he had them killed."

He just nods and stays in the corner.

Sakura lets out a sigh and smiles are evident on the soliders faces.

Kehtale growled deep in his throat. "Kehtale, honestly, why do you insist upon staying in that form?" One asked with an exasperated sight.

It doesn't matter to you. He growled, leaping forward and attacking with his claws extended.

One smirks and uses a chain on Kehtale. "Soon the problem will die by the hands of the demon prince...then the sun will be ours."

You will not succeed. Kehtale snarled, biting the chain as it hit him and yanking on it.

"Really how unusual for that to come out of our genreals mouth." One of them smirks.

Shut up! Kehtale's ears lowered and his tail switched back and forth in agitation.

Sakura hates the feeling of being useless. The thread pulls tighter and she feels herself losing more strength.

"Sakura!" Sa'vere called, pounding her fist into the ground in frustration. How did we end up letting something like this happen?

Sa'vere don't despair I am alright. They are wanting Azder to kill me. I have faith it won't happen. Please stay clam.

It's just that I don't... I don't like to watch others getting hurt. Sa'vere replied.

I know don't worry I won't die. I still have to smack guard-dog properly upside the head.

You're right... Right now we just need to come up with some kind of plan to escape from these guys...

Sakura just allows herself to rest. She needs to quiet her human senses for a bit.

Sa'vere grew silent as well, her facial expression becoming thoughtful as she tried to come up with a way to allow them both to safely escape.

Azder: "Could you release me please?"

Valden looks thoughtful. "No...I have a better idea...you can go through with the killing but not actually kill Sakura get my drift?"

Kehtale still fought against those around him. I'll protect and rescue them both... He thought firmly.

Kehtale please don't exhaust yourself we have a series of major battles to go through.

I am not exhausting myself. He assured, This in itself does not take much energy...

Maybe there is away around this. They want me dead. That's the whole point of this. Maybe there is a way for me to fake death.

"I see. Than let's do it." Azder said.

Valden smiles and got out the knief from the Isinses village. He prepares the mixture which is easy to make. "You need to make it convincing to your father that you have been. "Corrected" you must make the appearence that you want Sakura's blood spilt. Can you manage that nephew?"

wid- chapter 8