Sakura Dieriean's Story

I apologize for the double post

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So Sakura appears unarmed and he threatens her life, but the creature with a unsheathed blade has her in his hands, and suddenly the death threats cease. Ashen eyebrows knitted and she drilled a side-long gaze into the side of Raze's head. If the situation was any less dangerous, she'd have a lecture lined up and ready to pass along to him. She would think that with two and a half centuries on her, that he'd at least be consistant, but it didn't seem to be the case. It was a lecture she'd save for later, once she was absolutely sure this Drakaani meant no threat.

Until that time however, the sharpened stakes hovered menacing above her head, keeping a careful ward for anything that might be construed as hostile. She was not going to take any chances with Sakura in the creature's large arms. Fortunately, it seemed as if the man recognized their inconsistent leader, and it sounded as if the pair were on reasonably friendly terms. However, it wasn't until Nahv, as Raze had called him, handed Sakura's care over to them that she finally lowered the stakes to the ground. Raze vouching for the man had also helped alleviate some of her fears, and she was comfortable enough to ease her stance around him.

With Sakura in her hands, Willow watched as Raze walked off to set up her tent-- and as an afterthought Willow willed the stakes she had created to follow him. With their initial purpose settled without bloodshed, they could be used for another in anchoring the tent to the ground. Willow was not a creature of waste, and she intended to use everything she created, for one purpose or another. With still an air of caution resting on her shoulders she looked to Nahv as Raze worked on the tent. "I apologize for my initial aggression. Friends are so rarely found so far out, more than likely you find enemies instead. Surely you understand?" She said, allowing a weak smile to creep into lips.

Once Raze had erected the tent, Willow entered and set Sakura upon a bedroll and inspected her for any lasting injuries. A quick search with her magic revealed nothing out of the ordinary physically, so Willow assumed she simply collapsed from fear. Nodding in satisfaction with her mental diagnosis, she drew a blanked over the girl and took her leave. As she exited the tent, her crystal bauble resumed it's orbit over her head, though it's arc was noticeably lazy.

Outside the tent, she was met with a gentle fire crackling not too far off. Willow was relieved to see the flame, for it meant that she didn't have to create it herself. Making her way to where Raze stood, she massaged her shoulder where she was struck by the lightning bolt and winced at it's touch. It was still tender, but it wasn't fatal at least. Nothing a day or so wouldn't heal up. The garment would take a bit more effort than that-- but that could wait until tomorrow, she hadn't the energy to play tailor at the moment.

She kept her silence until Raze was finished speak, and then she had her own say. "You speak as if we all asked to keep her like she was a lost puppy," Willow chided gently, "She asked if she could accompany us, and we simply agreed, Raze," Still inconsistent as ever she saw, "It was by her own wish and choice that she became a part of our group, and it's by her wish that she still remains." The last part was more of the benefit for the Drakaani than it was for Raze, but her next words were unmistakeably for Nahv. "And it's only by her wish that she will go with you. Nothing more," She punctuated her sentence with a firm finality about it, and it's meaning was clear. The girl's choice was her own, and no others, and Willow would see to it that the girl's wishes were respected.

Though the man towered over the woman, Willow was not the type to intimidate easily, especially when it came to those she called her friends. And though Sakura was a new member of their group, she was a member, and like they protected Shyc, they would protect her as well.

[So... I totally failed with my last couple of posts *facepalm* stupid places drop down -.- I got it this time though!! XD]

Palace of Duun...

Damn that Drakaani the thought was bitter and filled with vile acid. His golden eyes narrowed in concentration. Being a Shade gave him many abilities, one of which to replicate his original body and send it out to do his bidding. The problem with this process was its taxing nature and the fact that whatever happened to the replica, was felt by the original. So, when the body was torn asunder from the shoulder down almost, the Shade had lost consciousness.

Everything had been going smoothly up until the lizard showed up and ruined his scheme. The mercenaries had worked rather well, though had the idiotic boy not left the others as he did, things wouldn't have gone as smoothly. Even so, the Shade had had multiple plans for almost every incident. All except for the one.

The Drakaani showing up.

He ground his teeth as he reconstructed his replica that lay before him. Once it was put back together, he commanded it to rejoin with his original body. As the replica melded with him, a harsh rap on the door to his chambers broke the still silence. The flames of the candles that lit his room flickered as he turned his sharp gaze over to the door in annoyance. With a wave of his hand, the handle turned and the door opened up for the one wanting his attention.

"Well?" the husky voice demanded. The King of Duun was a short man who couldn't quite control his body temperature and thus was seemingly sweating at all times no matter the emotion he was fuming.

"A complication," the Shade answered, his raspy tone grating as he growled out the words.

"Well figure it out. I need that girl. I won't allow anyone to get in my way either. It's the reason I hired you, Shade. You told me you could get her easily," the man snapped, huffing as he strode forward to face off with the golden eyed magician, "She's the only thing that'll bring the Kingdoms crumbling to the ground and my salvation from this disgusting, rodent infested boiling piss pot!"

The Shade turned to regard the King coldly. The shadows seemed to swirl around the black clad figure as he glowered down at the shorter man, "You're a man who sure likes to test his fate, aren't you?"

The King of Duun took a small step back, his lips turning into an ugly frown as he watched the Shade carefully, "Do what you need to, just give her to me."

"Just as soon as the ones in my way are drowned in this swampy hell," the Shade answered as he took a step backwards into the darkness of his room. The candles burnt out leaving the King in absolute darkness.






Sakura's breathing was deep and slow, indicating that she'd fallen back asleep. Shyc, on the other hand, couldn't go back to sleep at all. Having rested for a short while, he was feeling energetic again... as per usual. Pushing the woolen blanket off, he stretched upwards and then got to his feet off the bed roll. Quietly he left the tent to come closer to the voices that had been speaking around the fire.

The new comer was being questioned all around just about. The only one whose voice Shyc hadn't heard was Dinan's. Not that it was unusual for the one winged angel to be quiet. He just didn't speak unless he felt it was needed. Certainly something Shyc could use some training in he was sure. He tended to get himself into more trouble by talking too much than not.

"You speak as if we all asked to keep her like she was a lost puppy. She asked if she could accompany us, and we simply agreed, Raze. It was by her own wish and choice that she became a part of our group, and it's by her wish that she still remains. And it's only by her wish that she will go with you. Nothing more," Willow was saying.

Though Shyc hadn't really caught the first portion of the conversation, he couldn't help but chime in, "Well, I'm pretty sure she wants to stay with us. I mean, she was rather adamant about it when we first caught her sneaking in the cart a few days ago. I highly doubt she'd just want to leave with someone she's just met. Er... well... not that that's a great argument or anything... I mean she did leave with us," Shyc blushed a bit as he scratched at his cheek. He was sure he wasn't really helping the situation, but he didn't like this talk of her leaving with anyone really. Besides, he was pretty sure what it was that kept her with the group and his eyes flicked over to Raze for a mere moment before he continued.

"The point is, she seems attached. You can't expect her to just up and leave now can you?" Shyc stretched a bit as he spoke, reaching up to run his fingers through his hair.

"Besides, we're far too entertaining to have her just leave, he grinned as he strode over and sat down near the fire. Stretching out across the slightly damp forest floor, he propped his head up as he looked down to the fire then up to the group. Raze was right across from him, Willow next to him and Dinan just to the side of Shyc. He tried hard not to look over at the angel, (though it honestly didn't work) hoping that the man hadn't heard a word from the tent just a little bit ago. The conversation replayed in his mind and he bit his lip for a moment.

Turning his head enough to look over to the lizard-man named Nahvariik. He didn't offer any other questions, just his statement. He had more to say, but for the sake of not being annoying -for once- he kept it to himself and instead waited to see what the Drakaani's answer would be to everyone's thoughts.

The pros and cons of any situation could be myriad and insulting simple, and often both at the exact time. And that was exactly what was Dinan's thoughts ran to as the others engaged in the verbal sparring so common to those who felt the need to speak as often as an child new to everything. The one winged angel after hearing the Drakaani's defense had rapidly lost interest in the lizard. Beyond a uncomplicated feeling of thankfulness that their newest member as it were was safe due to his actions. After all the reptile had singlehandedly ensured Sakura's safety with, if the bodies were anything to go by, extreme prejudice.

Beyond that he tuned out in large part the goings on of the little meet and greet, social niceties simply beyond this proud and at the moment confused Kamael. Not only were there the considerations of exactly why anyone would commit manpower and resources to attacking them there was also Shyc. More specifically the glances that the thief threw his way. Dinan while openly glad his fellow mercenary had survived with little more then exhaustion the serious wounds magic had scored him with did not know what further to think.

Certainly the human was easy enough on the eyes, and even by Kamael standards was good looking. But the differences between them seemed vast to this five hundred year old soldier. Not simply racial in origin but also of mind and attitude. Though the winged warrior was willing to admit the fact such things could perhaps add the spice of variety to his life.

Though following the conversation between his comrades only here and there Dinan was more concerned with the attack. The presence of the Drakaani was only the tip of the ice berg in his mind. Why had so much been risked for the sake of capturing a single girl. Her noble blood hardly seemed reason enough to launch such a methodically planned ambush in the Kamael's mind. Unless the Lady had some secret she wasn't telling it made no sense, was she running from a jilted lover that ill took rejection?

Lost in such thoughts Dinan only vaguely remembered tasks he preformed, the motions automatic and unthinking. His only real link to the world his warrior's sixth sense. Briefly drumming the fingers of his left hand upon the hilt of Soulbreaker he called upon it's spirit.

As the weapon was forged from a fragment of his soul the spirt appeared in the depths of his mind as a dark mirror image of Dinan. The armour it wore was black and white, it's scrollwork picked out in glowing red lines. And were Dinan wore neutrality as his facade Soulbreaker wore disdain and pride in equal measure.

So once again you've seen fit to speak to me. To what do I owe the pleasure. Soulbreaker sneered in the cold tone only steel could, in the disdain a weapon had for warm flesh. The darkness of his subconscious echoed with the blade's will, a brief bit of sulk.

The girl. was all Dinan answered with.

She's reeks of something that's for sure. And by the sweet kiss of Mystria it seems worth dying for if our enemies are anything to go by.

Letting go of his hold upon Soulbreaker the angel considered the weapon's remark. Though the Kamael understood seeking to die in battle Dinan knew the humans he had killed did not subscribe to Mystria's teachings. Few non-kamael did and now was no exception.

So lost in thought was he that winged warrior was somewhat surprised to find himself staring into the depths of a fire around which the group had found itself. And sitting next to him was the other half of his thoughts.

Shyc, he honestly did not understand that either. He had run off like a green fighter new to battle after the thief's scream had echoed through Duun's gods forsaken terrian. He had left behind centuries of combat experience simply because of the pain in that scream. Truthfully the winged warrior was not sure he cared for that particular effect a single human had on him.

Still he looked back at this young human did Dinan, seemingly as unable to look away as Shyc seemed to as well. Quickly composing himself the one winged angel reached for the flask of Skyil he kept and took a long swallow. A traditional alcohol of his people Skyil was distilled from herbs that could only grow in the thin air reaches of Silver Storm Peak. It's flavor was however was open to debate as no two batches ever tasted exactly the same.

More to the point the booze lent his system the shock it needed to focus on something on then the proximity of Shyc...though perhaps a second shot was in order.

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While the elf had been busy setting up the tent and the few others that were around were busy with a proper fire, Nahvariik had spotted himself a tree to lean on so he wouldn't be in the way of the other mercenaries, yet allowing him to keep a trained eye on the unconscious woman as well as the surrounding area. But a minute or so in, his mind slightly began to wander...

The last time he had seen the young elf was similar to how it was now, him in charge of a band of adventurers and soldiers, with the Drakaani serving as their guide. He had encountered them while they were touring his Motherland. What he would do to see his much missed lands once again-

The mage from earlier had approached him, in a more relaxed stance, her words snapping the fighter away from the past.

"I apologize for my initial aggression. Friends are so rarely found so far out, more than likely you find enemies instead. Surely you understand?" The words of an apology formed from her mouth, and Nahvariik had noticed a smile forming on her lips. It was weak, but it was there nonetheless.

Nahvariik recognized the apology for what it was, and accepted it in silence, a quick, but sure, nod being the only acknowledgement given.

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A good amount of time had passed, the elf finished with setting up the tent and the mage had laid their injured to rest. A small fire was lighting up the area as a ward to fend off most of the swamp's inhabitants, its warmth resonating an aura of safety for the mercenaries. Nahvariik never had to depend on such a light source for safety when he was a youngblood, and the same applied to him here as well.

Razeluxe commented on the Drakaani's fierce protection over their young member, making it somewhat into a joke. "Aye, and you would be correct on that." The fighter replied as such, before being asked to explain on why he wanted her to leave. "You probably misunderstood, I approve of her staying with your group. She's in good hands with you." Nahvariik paused for a moment to gather the correct words to avoid another possible misunderstanding. "If she goes somewhere, I'll be there to keep her out of trouble."

The mage had finally spoken up, chiding the elf which had pulled a silent chuckle from the fighter, then her words focused upon him. "Well, aren't you a feisty one, so full of... spunk. Raze, who is this mage that you picked, up? I like her." The Drakaani called out in an upbeat, friendly voice, directing a quick wink towards the mage.

The fact that, in essence, they had switched 'roles' compared to the 'dilemma' of whether or not Sakura should stay with them did not pass by without Raze's notice. It was an admittedly comical situation he found himself in, but as subject now was not for jests, he treated it more maturely as he should. His heightened sensitivity to the fact helped him decipher the look that Willow gave him, and he was sure that this would not pass over until she had given him quite the earful at another time. If he were a more laidback person, this trait would probably have evoked a sigh, followed by, "Fine, mother".

As that problem could be postponed for the moment, he paid his attention to the matter with Nahv, who was beginning to answer the questions he was throwing at the Drakaani. "If she goes somewhere, I'll be there to keep her out of trouble." was the part of his answer that Raze took the most interest in. It sounded like he was contradicting himself, in a way. On one hand, he'd denied any attraction to her, and even said she was in good hands, but on the other, he needed to watch over her? Maybe he really was crushing on her.

"I'm aware of your abilities as a soldier and I do not personally have any problem with you joining along so long as Sakura remains with us, both if you're willing and if the others do not have objections." Razeluxe proposed. After all, if the guy was bent on protecting her, it'd be much less weird to do so as part of the group than as a stalker. A giant, lizard-man stalker who can literally tear people's arms off without much difficulty. Plus, as stated by Raze himself, he had seen exactly what this Drakaani in particular was capable of, and if it involved combat - as any mercenary's job would - he was very probable to excel at it. Plus, it would be good to have someone designated to assist Sakura should circumstances repeat themselves. Yan must have had an episode or whatever it may be, since he was so out of it. Unfortunately, that could not be risked again, otherwise he might not only cause his own death, but the death of Sakura or another member as well. Speaking of Yan... Razeluxe began thinking it would be best to check on the guy to see if he was back to normal after everything was settled. Maybe tearing off limbs before him was a bit too much?

"You speak as if we all asked to keep her like she was a lost puppy. She asked if she could accompany us, and we simply agreed, Raze." a tone much like the one a mother tiredly gave to her child when scolding escaped from Willow's lips as she referred back to the meeting with Sakura. Apparently, the whole 'as well as herself' part that he spoke earlier was lost to her, or at least the meaning. His way of speech might have brought about a misunderstanding on the matter, but then again, it was not unlike he did not believe using an analogy about a dog to be perfectly fitting for how Sakura came to be in the group.

"You must remember her arrival much differently than I do, Willow." This was the sole comment Razeluxe made on the matter.

Luckily (for Raze), Willow turned herself back to the Drakaani instead of the hybrid, ensuring by her tone that what she said was not considering anything less than a statement of what would happened. Here is where Razeluxe would have to agree. Because he agreed to let her join, it should be by her choice that she would leave them, but that was unlikely, in Raze's opinion. It was not required for Raze to repeat what Willow had spoke, he simply nodded as she spoke so as to show his mutual feelings on the matter and waited for Nahv's response.

"Well, aren't you a feisty one, so full of... spunk. Raze, who is this mage that you picked, up? I like her." Nahv asked, his tone becoming more playful than before. Somehow, what he said did irritate Razeluxe, but never did this come to light to anybody but himself.

"I don't care much to surround myself with unlikable characters" Razeluxe began. "It makes it fairly hard to stand out if I do. But if you really wish to know, I'm sure Willow would have a much easier time introducing herself than I would. I was under the assumption you two had done so while I was busy earlier."

[OOC: I'm posting this while about to fall asleep. I kinda just remembered after finishing it that Shyc was relavent too, but again, I'm tired as balls. Maybe I'll mention him somewhere in an edit if there's no other posts by the time I get up and whatnot. Sorry!]

Sakura had decided not to go along with the other three that had left to find a woman that Willow had tied up to a tree. She cringed inwardly, unable to really imagine being sunken into a tree as she'd overheard. So, she stayed at the campsite and inside the tent where she was currently folding up the blanket and bed roll she'd used the night before. Shyc's was already done up. It seemed a morning ritual for him as it was the very first thing he'd done before leaving. The princess hummed lightly to herself as she worked the bed roll into... well, a roll. It wasn't really cooperating with her though. She sighed a bit as she sat back and stared at it with a small frown.

In great contrast to the 'peaceful' setting that Sakura was in but moments ago, Razeluxe decided to crash that as soon as he entered the tent, as abrupt as his entrance in. With the subtely of a honeybadger tearing a cobra apart, he made his way into the tent, along with a particularly apprehensive expression plastered on his face. "It doesn't look like I can keep my focus on other things at the moment, so I'll be more blunt than normal, Sakura." the young man was of course directing his gaze at the only other person in the tent, and his tone was more serious than normal. He crossed his arms and then simply said, "What are you?

Her heart lurched in her chest as the sound of the tent flap being ripped back filled the air, breaking her humming into a small squeak of surprise. Whirling around on her knees, she laid eyes upon Raze whose facial expression was of stone as usual. Except his voice was much more serious and cold. Her face paled from the words, her heart thrumming hard at the shock and a slight pain starting to brew there. Clenching her small fingers, she willed it to go away.

"Raze!" she breathed in shock. Her mouth opened and closed for a moment as she tried to comprehend his question, "W-what am I? I... I don't know what you mean, Raze. What are you talking about?" her color returned then, dusting a faint blush across her cheeks and nose.

His eyes narrowed a bit, indicating the response he got only irritated him to a degree. He'd have to be more clear, it would seem, and since he knew she was hiding something (and at this point, he was unlikely to be wrong about what that 'something' was), he really was not in the mood for any games. "I've respected your privacy up until now, and I would have much preferred it if it could remain that way, but that is no longer the case, Sakura. You need to explain to me why you're being targeted by mercenaries, and you need to do so now".

Sakura's gaze widened in shock. His narrowed eyes and sharp tone told her that she'd irritated him in a way that wasn't very good. She reached up, her fingers curling tightly over her chest. Unable to meet his hard gaze, she looked down at the floor of the tent. Clenching her teeth she tried to think of what to say. Nothing came to mind. The princess had been stupid to think that they wouldn't ever find out about her origin's. The moment they found out, they would haul her back to the castle and there'd be nothing for it. The thought alone trigged a cold, haunting feeling. When she spoke her voice was hollowed and soft.

"I'm sorry, Raze. I'm Sakura Dieriean," she said knowing that the last name alone was enough to tell him who she was alone. Taking a shaking deep breath she continued only for a moment longer, "I left because my mother had always locked me in the castle, in my room. I'd never been allowed out because of my condition. She's afraid that I'll die from this... heart disease I have... what ever that means," she whispered the last part. She could already feel the dull pain aching there. The emotions weren't quite strong enough yet. She couldn't bear to look at him.

Razeluxe had never once claimed he was someone who had never experienced the emotion of fear. Contrary to popular belief, the mostly stoic man had oftentimes felt this both on and off the battlefield, with the most common cause being the 'what if' of the possibility that someone from his group were to perish in battle. He was too prideful to admit it, obviously, but that never changed the fact that he did indeed exhibit such emotions on an almost daily basis. However, it had been quite the while since he had ever openly displayed fright, and were any of the other members of the mercenary group here at this moment, they may or may not have thought this to be a dream. You see, Razeluxe took his hands and ran them through his hair before sighing... audibly. His expression more or less turned pale as a ghost and he took a few deep breaths inwards as he attempted to calm himself down.

He had essentially just committed a crime so big it would have an entire country after not only him, but the people he considered family. Even if he were to attempt to explain the situation to the country, it was very unlikely they'd even give him the few moments of life to spare it, as he was likely just considered a group of mercenaries by them. After all, that's exactly what they were, but the added title of 'kidnapping' could not be argued before they were executed. And if he ever claimed to want something less than pissing a country off, he was surely lying.

But he had lived quite a long time, compared to a normal human being. He had much knowledge and wisdom, right? There had to be some way out of this without the death of him or anyone else. He thought long and hard, but at the moment, nothing would come. "Right... right..." being 'stumped' for a plan wasn't a situation he often found himself in. But neither was finding out your newest member was actually royalty who had ran away. Nonexistant royaty, mind you. If he knew about the daughter before, he'd have suspected her almost immediately. "...So you're royalty and we've been keeping you in a peasant's tent. That's likely not going to imrpess anyone...." What was with him? No, he couldn't say anything of significance right now. There was just a dreadful feeling and image of him being beheaded. It replayed over and over and over and over in his mind. While he was thankful thoughts of the others weren't apparent, it was still nothing to laugh at.

"What... why would you stay with us, then?" he managed to ask as his composure returned to him.

His heavy sigh made her wince and she chanced a quick glance upwards. His face had lost all color and that scared her. She wasn't sure what it was he was thinking but it obviously wasn't good. His long silence was driving her crazy and her heart was seemingly seizing up as she knelt there. Eventually his voice filled the tent again and she jumped yet again, flinching openly as he spoke. She'd looked down again as he mused out loud about keeping her in a peasants tent. Not that she had ever minded, she'd enjoyed it actually. It was far better than her bedroom back at the castle. However, she couldn't get the words to come free from her lips, frozen in shock and fear.

Her voice hiccuped a moment, a shaking breath that filled her lungs before she answered his question, "Because. I... I really like it here. Its so much better than being stuck in that room, everyday. Everyday! Raze. I was never allowed out of that room! I never say my mother, and I never saw my father. He died without my knowing it until weeks later! Is that anyway someone should be living? I can't..." she choked a bit, "I won't go back. I know that my staying with you will probably make my mother angry. But I can tell her that I left on my own will. If it helps you, I can just leave. But I'm not going back. You can just... pretend I was never here and you won't have to say anything to my mother.".

"It is too late for that."

The king of Duun was already aware of who she was staying with, and it could be at any time that this information leaked to her mother. All they would really be doing was 'dumping her and running', which would look worse from a noble's viewpoint. The fact of the matter was that it was neigh impossible for them to rid themselves of her and get off scotch-free. Besides, the others had grown attached to her, no, they had grown attached to her. She was now a member of their family, even if she was royalty. Simply ditching her to save himself would leave Razeluxe with a very nasty taste in his mouth. Like he was betraying her, and he would never do that to a friend. She wouldn't be going away from them, not if she wasn't headed towards her mother, and with her determined tone, that was unlikely to happen anytime soon, if she had any say in it.

He was not oblivious to the girl's pleas. From how she described it, she might as well have been dead if she were to remain locked in her room. That kind of life - isn't. "Now that I've thought about it..." he began, stroking his chin a bit. "We might not be dead just yet, but you're going to have to go home --- at least long enough to help explain something to the Queen. I've my doubts she's informed about where you are as of yet, considering we haven't any royal guards or men pursuing us. Would this be fine?" he'd ditched his panicked self for the more usual, calm one he typically wore. It was how every leader should act, he had just been a fool for a moment. Emotions like fear were, as aforementioned, fatal to have.

Sakura's breathing quickened rapidly. Too late... she could feel warm tears edging their way to her eyes. Then he continued after a long while. Looking up at him, she listened quietly though she didn't like it all that much. Biting back her quick disagreement to the plan, slowly she nodded. He wanted her to explain to her mother that she had left on her own, but was her mother really going to listen to her? Sakura knew the answer to that already. She could already hear the cage doors slamming shut, but she didn't say anything more. The princess knew that if she fought anymore, she'd be a burden to them and more importantly, they'd had to deal with her mother who wasn't an easy woman to confront to begin with. The least she could do for their kindness of allowing her to go with them was to go back and talk with the Queen. Sakura could return the hospitality to them by keeping them out of trouble with the royal guard.

Curling her arms around her waist, she closed her eyes, "Alright." she whispered back.

"It's likely to ease matters if you're there when we explain to her that the King of Duun was plotting to kidnap you." He uncrossed his arms and his gaze reverted back to its norm. As far as he was concerned, this information alone was enough to satisfy the original request made by her Highness. Since she wished to discover Duun's intentions, this would prove hostility more than movement within the army of Duun. For them to know where a nonexistant Princess was before even her own mother meant that they had to have had an eye on her since before she even ventured away from the castle. If they hoped that capturing her would somehow give them an edge in the war or something, it was beyond anything Razeluxe could comprehend with the information present.

"Sakura," he began after a brief moment of silence. "I'm not willing to just let you off without a fight. I hope you're aware of this. Willow'd have my head even if your mother if I didn't, were I to do such. Plus, I'd never hear the end of it from Shyc."

Looking up sharply, she watched him for a long while, "Duun's King... wants me?" she breathed. She looked down at the floor again, not entirely sure how to take that information. It was silent for a while before he spoke again. This time her heart skipped a beat not from fear or anything like that. Sakura took a deep breath, raising her head again she watched him carefully. Her cheeks flared a darker red this time, "You... want me to stay? Really? Can I truly stay with you?"

"I am not the kind of man who goes back on his word." the hybrid responded, this time so much as allowing a small, reassuring smile on his face to appear. And he had grown quite attached to her since the few days ago that she had first arrived. She was brimming with energy, but spent it asking meaningful questions rather than annoying him as Shyc did often. And while that was endearing in a way, Sakura's childish curiousity was also a refreshing change from him. He did not dislike Shyc, but he DID need a break every now and then.

Shyc pulled back as Willow had insisted. Slowly he let the blade fall back into the sheath as Raze announced his leave. The half-elf turned on his heel and headed back to the camp rather quickly. The thief's gaze watched him go for a moment before his attention was pulled back to the woman still tied to the tree. Her words sent a kind of dread pulsing through him that he hadn't felt in a long while. A Shade? he thought, eyes wide.

Willow offered one last warning to the woman before freeing her. The mage dropped down to her feet and glowered at them both as she slowly backed away into the forest. Once she was gone, Shyc frowned as he tapped the hilt of his blade before going back to the camp with Willow. He was curious as to what Raze was doing and why he'd left so quickly, but figured he would find out later. What had him worried was the mention of the Shade.

As they reentered the camp, Raze wasn't in sight. With a slight shrug he went to the campfire and stirred up the coals to bring more heat to the small area. The forest was damp after all, and a slight chill was settling in, even in the morning hours. Shyc wasn't really fond of the cold. He sighed and right after the sound left his lips the cracking of twigs filled the area. Straightening, he turned to see a dark figure seemingly come out of the shadows of the trees. Behind him was a contingent of men looking well armed and with ill intent.

The thief slowly reached down for his swords, his fingers curling around both of the weapons this time instead of just one. He eyed the group that came to the edge of their campsite. The man that led them had strikingly golden eyes that seemed to flicker with a kind of rage that chilled Shyc's blood. He was covered head to foot in black, with only his eyes visible. That... that's the Shade he thought slowly.

"My, what a pleasure it is to find you all still here," the voice was raspy, like gravel.

Shyc's gaze narrowed, his heart rate sky rocketing as he stood there, shifting his body to a better stance, "I don't suppose you're just dropping by for a chat," Shyc commented as he flicked his gaze to the other men behind the Shade.

A hollow laugh followed his words, "Don't think you'll keep me from what I want, boy," the man's gaze left Shyc to take in the rest of the group. His eyes narrowed at Nahvariik before settling on Dinan for a mere moment and then to Willow behind them, "What an interesting group. Though I'm most surprised to see a Kamael with you. Have you lost your pride, little angel? To dwell among those who walk beneath you?" the Shade scoffed, "Pity really... And to join with such creatures as humans... You've gone and disgraced yourself," The Shade looked over to the lizard-man, his golden gaze narrowing dangerously, "And I have you to thank for tearing off an arm earlier, I'll be sure to repay you for that," he growled.

Shyc, on the other hand, had different plans. Both blades rang free from their sheaths, gaining the attention of the Shade fully. His face was flushed with rage, teeth gritting together tightly. He couldn't think properly and launched himself at the man. All simply for the fact that the black clad figure had insulted those closest to him. At the back of his mind he reprimanded himself for losing it so easily, but also knew there was nothing for it.

As he attacked, there was nothing of his usual grace during a fight. It was all brute force now, his only intent to was to drive his swords through the Shade that opposed him. Steel ground against steel as Shyc slammed his weapons down into the short sword the Shade held. Pulling back only for a second, he threw himself into a whirlwind of twists and slashes, each only ever landing on the damnable sword the golden eyed man wielded.

He was only concentrated on the Shade and didn't notice that his sudden lung at the Shade hadn't triggered the large army behind the Shade to do anything. It probably should have been the first thing to tip him off, but Shyc was too far from thinking clearly to notice anything right then. He duck a slash at his throat and thrust his own swords forward. He just barely cut into the man's flesh then. Again, he slashed outwards wildly, only to gain a few more very minor cuts. Then he did something he normally wouldn't have if he'd been calmer.

He got to close.

The short sword stuck hard, throwing aside one arm before coming back and sinking into his chest, going rather deep before Shyc got his own weapon up against the hilt to stop it from going further. His weapon shook violently against the hilt of the short sword. The Shade's hand shot out and gripped his throat tightly. Slashing out again, Shyc attempted to cut through the man's arm to release him. As his blade cut into the shoulder, the thief's other sword holding the Shade's at bay slipped. The steel slid through him.

Blood bubbled up into his throat and spilled from his lips. His eyes were wide as his numbed fingers released his hold on both swords. The Shade pulled him closer, dragging the short sword from Shyc's chest in one slow pull. One arm wrapped around his waist, holding him upright while the other reached up and pulled down the cloth that covered the Shade's face. Blackened skin met the thief who coughed on his gasp of shock. The skin looked to be like nothing but webbing, hardly even kept together at all.

Fingers gripped the back of his hair, dragging his head back as the Shade looked him over, "A waste, really. A strong, young life such as your own. I'll be taking it," he said as he dipped down towards Shyc's face.

Just as a strange pull was beginning to course though him, the thief felt his conscious fading away into something else entirely. No... no, not... again, he thought in vain as his breath left him and everything became dark.

The Shade pulled back immediately, his golden gaze widening in shock for a moment before narrowing in anger as he quickly released Shyc and stepped back hastily. The boy's body stumbled backwards before dropping down to one knee. Blood poured out onto the forest floor from the wound for a moment before it stopped suddenly. His fingers stretched outwards almost as if testing them.

Shyc's lips twisted up into a very cruel, sadistic smile, flashing a set of fangs that hadn't been there before. His gaze opened, revealing a much darker color than their usual vibrant green. They were almost black. Around his fingers, a silver colored fire began to burn, reaching up to his elbows. His swords shuddered on the ground and in the next instant shot to his hands where he gripped them tightly.

Rising up, Shyc tilted his head off to the side as he released a heavy sigh, his tongue running across his lips. Humming a bit, he gazed at the Shade who looked shaken, "That hurt, bastard," he grinned, a soft laugh escaping him, "But I suppose I could thank you too.... It's been far too long," his laugh was cold, hollow even.

Shifting his body very slowly, he turned the blades so the razor edges were pointed outwards. His smile grew as he stood there and in the next instant he faded away from sight. The Shade, visibly jumping, stepped back before he too disappeared in a wisp of black smoke. Just in time as well, for Shyc reappeared with his blades covered in silver fire swinging outwards from the spot the man had originally been standing in.

Clicking his tongue, Shyc stood up straight and located the Shade some ways away, behind the majority of his men, "Kill them! Leave the girl," he ordered. Only then did they lung forward in an attempt to fight off the mercenary group.

Shyc's gaze brightened to that of utter pleasure and he lunged forward. On his own, the thief kill almost half of the army that had come. Blood coated his frame just about from head to foot. It was very clear, he was not himself and he was enjoying killing.




Sakura's energy seemed to return as she looked up to Raze. Her heart fluttered as she listened to him. He wasn't going to let her go. He wasn't going to let her be caged again. For a mere moment her smile faltered as she thought about it. Could he really keep her there? Was that even possible? Sure, he would do as he said, and do all that he could in his power, but in the end... this was her Mother they were talking about. The woman was like ice and never was one to be swayed in her decisions.

Even so, Sakura pushed aside the depressing thoughts and smiled brightly, "Thank you, Raze. Thank you!" she was almost inclined to hug him, but bit her lip as the thought passed through her mind. It was hard enough as it was with him just standing in front of her, both alone in the tent. She bit her lip as she blushed again and turned away, hoping he wouldn't notice.

It was about that time that she heard steel clashing together. Lifting her head, she gasped a bit. What's going on!? she thought. Then she remembered Raze's words about the King of Duun wanting her. Her heart clenched tightly and she winced openly now, flinching as she pulled her hand back to her chest. Slowly she got up to her feet and made to peek out of the ten to see what was happening. That's when she saw Shyc, a sword poking through his back. Her heart seized up then.

"Shyc!" her scream was hoarse and she started from the tent. She wasn't sure what she was going to do, but she had to do something. She wasn't a fighter yet, but she couldn't just stand there. Sakura had barely gotten three steps from the tent when she couldn't move anymore. Her chest was on fire. Something was wrong, much more than the normal pains she'd felt before. She dropped to the forest floor, shuddering.

"What... is this?" she wondered aloud, the words barely a breath from her lips.

As she lay there, she heard a sound at her head and she looked up, wincing slightly as her fingers curled tightly over her chest. Standing over her was a familiar face and her face lost all color as she gasped, eyes wide. The golden eyes gazed down at her as he reached up and covered up the lower half of his horrendous facial features. The blackened skin made her semi-sick to her stomach and she looked back down at the forest floor, feeling bile at the back of her throat.

He bent over, fingers wrapping around her upper arm and hauling her upwards. She had no strength, thanks to the pulsing pain in her chest and so she screamed instead, calling out the first name that came to mind, "Raze!" her voice was sharp as it pierced the trees. Finally she managed to start twisting and squirming in his grip. The man pulled her tightly against him.

"Stop moving, woman. Make this easy," he hissed.

Sakura did the exact opposite as she struggled in his grip. Kicking and flailing, she landed a few hits on the Shade that held her tight. Her struggling did nothing to ease the growing pain and slowly her fighting back was starting to grow weak. I hate this... I hate this so much, she thought to herself realizing that she was weak as she was. She couldn't just depend on the others all the time. Sakura needed to get stronger, to defend herself. In frustration, she let out another scream, but with no words.

---

"Ah, finally some well earned relaxation and some peace and quiet," Nahvariik told himself, his voice loud enough to be heard by any passing traveler, as he laid back to enjoy the soothing and cleansing waters of a nearby hotsprings that he had stumbled upon during the night.

Most of his armor was removed and was laying neatly in a pile just at the ledge above him, but the Drakaani wasn't worried about being caught unarmored, for he was Drakaani, and such a mighty Drakaani as he wouldn't be so easily defeated. He had few worries on his mind, as it was far too early in the day for the band of mercenaries to pack up and ride off without him hearing them.

They make too much noise.

He had recognized the fact that the group had a kamael with them, but he wasn't too fond about it. Both races were often at odds with each other, both looking down on the other. Despite this, Nahvariik had dropped the subject of why there was such a being in the group, thinking as to why his former employer's daughter was with them. He had never seen the Queen's daughter, even when he served as the kingdom's Master at Arms, and it was usually for good reason.

---

Some time or so passed, and Nahvariik returned the majority of his armor to their rightful place, holding onto the breastplate to don back at the campsite. As he approached the camp, the other members of his old-new "family" were returning to the campsite as well, each coming back from... whatever they were doing.

However, a certain chill burned through trees, and Nahvariik looked onwards, noticing a familiar man in black leading a small number of men towards them. When the man approached, the fighter recognized the golden eyes as the very ones that belonged to the man from the day before. He had some words to pass out with each of the mercenaries, starting with the thief, then moving onto the kamael before settling his eyes on the drakaani himself.

"And I have you to thank for tearing off an arm earlier, I'll be sure to repay you for that." The man's voice was coarse, as if he was threatening the fighter.

"Well, I assume you want another class in getting your ass whooped. I am one person you don't want to threaten, little man."

The foolish thief of theirs had rushed off into the group of men, and within minutes after his steel clashing with that of his enemies, had ended with a blade sticking through him, the man in black nowhere in sight. The first instinct that ran through the drakaani's mind was protecting the young female that was "placed" under his care, pushing him into the direction of the tent that she was occupying.

He had heard her call out for Raze a moment later, and sprinting to where the girl was, he captured an unsightly glimpse: The shade had a grip on the girl as she weakly laid on the forest floor. "Do you ever listen? I think you enjoy getting manhandled!" Nahvariik yelled out, about to charge shoulder first into the shade, aiming to break his grip from the girl...

---

---

"Thank you, Raze. Thank you!"

Words Razeluxe almost never really heard left Sakura's lips and lightened the man's mood. The thanks sounded so genuine compared to most others, who would half-heartedly speak them out of courtesy rather than it being a part of their character. For whatever reason, Sakura soon reddened up in her cheeks, shying her head away likely in embarrassment, though Razeluxe was not sure what she'd have to be embarrassed about. But before any query could be made about the subject, the roar of a battle outside the tent claimed their attention. Razeluxe was quite quick to respond, but even so, Sakura beat him out of the tent.

Razeluxe was not far behind at all. About a second after the girl, he departed from the tent and quickly observed the situation. Much like Sakura, he escaped the tent just in time to witness what should have been Shyc's death from being impaled through the torso. A great rage and overwhelming sorrow hit the leader of the group both at once, stabbing at his heart, in a way. He kept his calm mask, but deep inside he would have sworn to gut every last one of these attackers himself had it not been for well... Shyc not dying when he most certainly should have. Instead, the young boy began as if he had a second wind of sorts, only Raze could certainly tell by his expression that there was something wrong with him. He dove into battle with the intruders in a state that gave the illusion that he was in a fit of ecstasy from fighting. But he was outnumbered, and Razeluxe wasn't one to simply roll the dice and hope for anything if he did not need to.

"Hey!" he shouted towards everyone in general, "You shouldn't need an invitation to protect yourselves!"

Before he could manage to jump to Shyc's side, Sakura's cry for help reached his ears, and as he turned his attention towards her, he spotted the figure looming over her. He made the assumption that the shade was not likely to have any friendly reasons for grasping her, so that made him a hostile who was now manhandling one of his friends. A mistake nobody had the tendency to survive to repeat. The elf did not make any battle cries or taunts as he began to the two, unlike his scaly friend who apparently had the same idea. Were Raze someone to be intimidated by size, he might have thought twice about seeing who would reach the shade between him and Nah, who certainly towered over him, but that was not the case here, and because he was but a few feet from Sakura and the Shade, he reached them first.

Razeluxe gripped the handle of his sword and raised it into the air, before smashing the hilt right down on the back of the shade's skull, with the end result being much like one would expect: He dropped like a sack of rocks, as well as releasing the grip on Sakura.

Glancing upwards, he grinned at Nah. "She's my ship, turbonerd."

With presumably the rest of the group engaged in combat, he couldn't pretend like knocking this guy out was the end of the battle, but he managed to justify sparing the time to be concerned about Sakura by saying anything less than perfect condition when she returned would cost him his head later on. "Sakura, are you alright?" he kneeled down and offered her a hand. Shortly after, he did manage to glance upwards at Nah, whose prey he had technically just stolen. "I'll bet he's happier I reached him first."giving a small grin before returning his attention back to Sakura.

((SHITTY POST IS SHIT SORRY :CCCCCCCC Also hope knocking that nerd out was alright C:))

Sakura gasped a bit as someone came up behind them and slammed their weapon into the back of the man's skull that was holding her tightly. The Shade dropped and with him, Sakura went. Her heart pounded hard in her chest as she was on the ground propped up only by one arm, the other clenched over her chest as she tried to calm herself enough to get the intense pain to go away. Panting a bit, she winced, one eye close as the other lifted upwards to look at Raze who was offering his hand to her.

"Sakura, are you alright?" he asked as he knelt next to her.

The princess knew she wasn't going to be able to stand for quite a while and so she just nodded a bit, "Yes, I'm alright..." she panted slightly. Bowing her head forward, she took deep breathes.

The sounds of fighting still filled the air as Shyc was very much engrossed in his decimating everything. Looking over to the army that was slowly faltering under his attacks, she watched with a bit of horror on her face. There was something wrong with him, and she didn't like what she was seeing. Shyc wasn't like this... he was caring and sweet, funny and clumsy... everything but this insane thirst for killing that he was exhibiting right then.

She trembled a bit as she sat there on the ground, "Raze... Shyc! What's wrong with him?!" her voice trembled a bit as she looked back over to the elf. Shaking her head a bit she reached out to his arm and gripped him tightly, "Help him! I'm alright, I promise! Please, go help him!" Sakura was sure she didn't really need to say anything of the sort to Raze, but she wanted him to know that she was fine and to go after his youngest member in the group. She would have done so herself already if not for the state she was in. Sakura could hardly stand at the moment and it drove her insane with the knowledge that she was so weak right then. I will grow stronger, I have to! she promised herself, her determination showing through as she urged Raze to go assist the young boy.




The sound of steel sliding through flesh was the most pleasant musical sound to his ears. It was bloody as well, not clean at all like his normal self. Shyc was covered head to foot in the hot, crimson liquid. Each blade dripped the dark color down onto the forest floor as he weaved in and out of the trees to his next target. His body would disappear every so often to go a short distance behind his next target to run them through in the most brutal way possible, or to decapitate them or whatever he felt like at that moment.

Shyc had taken care of many of the armed men on his own, but by now the rest of them were either organizing to go up against him in a detailed assault while a handful had turned to run away from the monster that had just awakened. Running his tongue across his lips, his dark gaze glittered with an insane fire for more destruction. The wicked grin had remained throughout the entirety of his fight. After some time, he finally stopped, halting in his steps as he slowly glanced around himself.

So, they think they can surround me, he thought to himself with a slight chuckle. Shyc waited, standing absolutely still with both swords down at either side. The silver fire still wrung itself around his hands up to his elbows. The blades had even taken some of the fire, burning slightly as he stood there. Letting his head fall back, he released a long breath, eyes closing. Relishing the feel of the thick liquid that coated his lithe frame, he heard the first steps of the enemies advancement onto him.

His fingers twitched ever so slightly as he forced himself to wait a bit longer, drawing in the group to think that they had the advantage on him. Shyc counted to himself slowly, matching the steps equally. Finally he moved, striking outwards to his left so quickly that the man never saw it coming. There was a gasp of shock, then choking. Rolling his head to the left, he opened his darkened gaze and smiled at the man who clenched his throat in a vain attempt to stop from drowning in his own blood.

"That's a good look you have there. How about you entertain me for a while, hu?" he asked as he turned his attention to the rest of them.

He shot to the one to his right, taking the man off guard as he shoved both blades straight through the man's chest, coming up on him with such force that the weapons slide through the thick leather armor like butter. Wrenching free with a hard twist to each of his swords, Shyc whirled around with a sharp kick that threw the man to the ground. Facing the next opponent he slashed outwards in rapid succession, one blade after the other as he essentially turned the man before him into nothing but ribbons with deep gashes streaking all across his body.

Shyc killed six of them, one right after the other before he stopped and tilted his head off to the side, waiting for the next round of men from Duun's army. He flipped his blades around, sending blood splattering the undergrowth around him, "Who's next?"

Nahvariik quickly picked up speed, charging for second helpings into his prey. As he lunged, vaulting his 350-pound frame into the air, he realized that he was a tad bit too late, as the half elf had reached the robed figure - and Sakura - first.

Soaring over the two, with the now unconscious robed figure sprawled across the ground beside them, the Drakaani displayed a comical scene of vainly attempting to control his flight path back towards the ground. Unlike the stories that had depicted the reptilian race as "flying," the air had never been their field of expertise, and most Drakaani would agree to stay on the ground as much as possible. Observing that his current path was directed into a tree, and knowing fully well that there isn't going to be a desired outcome from this, Nahvariik braced himself by trying to place both arms forward as to shield himself from the impact, but that was too late for the burly beast.

Nahvariik had successfully landed himself into a tree, smashing arm - and head - first into the supportive trunk of the plant, a audible crack snapping out as a result from the impact. Sliding headfirst into the ground, his back breaking off chunks of bark from the now weakened tree, before positioning himself feet-down once more. "I'll bet he's happier I reached him first."

"I suppose so, but what to do about your friend?"

As he glanced towards the ringing sounds of combat, he realized that two members of their party had simply vanished, the Kamael and the mage. "And where has those other two disappear off to now?"

---

---

Razeluxe was relieved that Sakura only really appeared to be exhausted. She did not appear to be in any mortal danger, so at the very least, he could tend to other matters without worrying about her dying without medical attention. The young-ish warrior sight as he gripped his blade properly in his hand before giving a glance over towards the unconscious form of the assailant. Perhaps he'd be yet another person for them to interrogate. So many people already wanted the princess, and he'd only just heard of her existence a short while ago. Something was certainly up.

He did not have enough time to muse on the subject. Whatever happened to Shyc was obviously worrying the rest of the group, two of which had seemingly disappeared, perhaps fighting alongside the young man. Shyc appeared berserk in a way, but not simply that. There was a cocky look about him that did not seem like his usual self. From where he was, away from his proximity, Razeluxe could not see any of his features aside. Whatever was happening, he was certain to make a mistake sometime, and even though his fights with the numerous soldiers was apparently going his way, Raze could not leave the young man alone.

Besides, Sakura asked him to assist.

"And where has those other two disappear off to now?"

"They're capable on their own. I suggest we worry about the young one." the elf then retrieved his shield and started off towards the battlefield to help the berserk young man out, simply nodding to Sakura before he did so.

By the time he drew nearer to the conflict, he'd already had to step over the carnage that was left behind in Shyc's wake. Shyc was certainly no fool when it came to swordplay and the like, but this much death was certainly not something he was capable of, as far as Razeluxe had known. However, this did not cause the leader of the mercenaries to faulter - nothing would. He had the sole job of making sure to scold this young fool for recklessly charging into battle.... and surviving fatal wounds. It would probably be another subject to bring up once this battle had subsided.

*CLANG*

Raze's shield came up to block the blow sent towards him immediately, and he followed through with a simple thrust to the attacker's chest, killing him almost instantly. This was around the time that the new challenger had appeared to face Shyc, who was intimidating the rest of the men with his pure bloodlust and thirst for death. Despite this, the men showed no signs of fear towards Razeluxe, and decided to turn their attention to him, perhaps assuming that this new guy could fend for himself in the face of a butcher of sorts.

Damnit, I need to get to him!

Compared to yesterday, this was nothing. Some of these men were exhausted from the skirmish just before with Shyc and their blows were laughable at best. Some attackers would find themselves gutted after a well-timed parry, the others would simply be unable to react to a quick slash amongst their throats. Either way, they proved to be nothing but a means to slow down Razeluxe's advance as he desperately tried to forge onwards to his ally. However, it was enough. By the time Razeluxe reached Shyc, the blood covering him was not just his foe's.

"This won't be the last time we meet. Next time I'll put my blade through you."

Those were Shyc's last words before he stumbled back against a tree, his expression contrasting greatly to what his was prior. However, Razeluxe noted that this seemed much more like Shyc than whatever he was doing earlier did. Was he under the influence of something, perhaps? That did not matter at the time. What did was that his foe still stood and he did not. The man whom had challenged Shyc did not seem mortally wounded, if at all. His expression was calm, cold; the expression of an assassin who had killed many times before.

That worried him.

The man was not showing any signs of triumph, like you might expect from the typical canon fodder. He did not cheer nor shout about his supposed victory either. All Raze saw was a blank slate, a man doing his job and nothing else. People like that were some of the biggest threats. He had yet to have taken Shyc's life, and out here, Raze doubted that a good match would lead to him sparing his foe - people just weren't that generous. It left very few conclusions for the elf to make as to why he hadn't plunged his blade through the weakened Shyc.

If he really is poisoned, we need help quick.

He went under this assumption due to the aforementioned reason above, and was hoping to whatever deity really existed that he was wrong. Raze could deal with physical damage that was non-fatal easy. And he did have a slight knowledge about some healing magics to ease pain, but poison was something he was certainly not familiar with. Perhaps Willow could tend to him, but with no way to know how long it'd take for this poison to do its job, he wasn't really comfortable waiting. Then again, there was not much he could do in the situation. Besides, the men who had yet to have been slain by Raze, Shyc, or Nahv (who was probably having his way with some canon-fodder booty right about now) were starting to crowd him, perhaps gaining confidence now that one of them had been downed. As they drew nearer to the terrified Shyc, Razeluxe stepped in front of the weakened Shyc.

"All right, that's enough. Ugly people stand aside. Anyone who wishes to keep their lives should retreat now, before it's too late." Razeluxe declared with his sword and shield at the ready. What people might mistake as a false confidence was the entirety of his tone. "You can all leave with your lives or perish here. Your choice."

Though he would not neglect to assess his surroundings (particularly now that he had the full attention of plenty of armed men), his glare was focused towards the man who had defeated Shyc, as if his threats were directed towards him instead of the entire group. Even if this man was not the on-site leader of these troops, he could probably be their voice regardless. Not a single one of these men aside from him could have matched blades with one of Raze's mercenaries. It was fairly likely Raze or Shyc had already executed who was supposed to be their commander. A part of Razeluxe wanted to cross blades with this man, the childish, competitive part. But if that were avoidable in these circumstances, it was preferable. If Shyc was really poisoned, then he might not have too long left to live.

"And where has those other two disappear off to now?"

"They're capable on their own. I suggest we worry about the young one."

Glancing out to the fight between the trees, Sakura noted that Dinan and Willow were indeed missing from their original spots. Perhaps the fighting had taken them to a different part of the forest area around them? Anything was possible, she was sure. But as Raze had suggested, they were fine on their own. Even Sakura knew that by the way they'd all carried themselves the past three days. She could tell they were all very strong in their own ways. Raze gave her a short nod before he turned and rushed off to help the young thief.

Sakura's body finally seemed to relax as Raze left to assist Shyc in the fight. She watched him as he fought to get to the boy's side. Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, she nibbled on it nervously as she watched. After a moment, she lost sight of first Shyc, then Raze. Her heart lurched, but she quickly calmed herself. She'd definitely had enough negative emotions for one day. It was draining her of her strength and she was sure to need more of that later when they started the journey back to Iverien. Sakura was fairly sure they would start that journey sometime that day seeing as it was still early morning.

Pushing herself upwards, she got to her feet as the sounds of steel clashing against each other slowly faded away. The echos remained, but new sounds of fighting didn't start up. She swayed a bit on her feet, but managed to stay standing for the most part. Sakura, ignoring that she was probably going to get scolded, went after Raze. Following the path he'd gone and where she'd last seen him, she weaved through the trees until she stumbled upon both him and Shyc as well as someone else that she'd never seen before.

Behind this newcomer, were more men, but they were edging away before turning around completely and running. They'd obviously lost the will to fight and by the way it looked, Raze was in no mood for messing around. Sakura swallowed dryly. She'd never seen him like that before, and it was slightly terrifying. That was when she laid eyes on the young thief. Sakura gasped, loudly, and ran to him. He was covered head to foot in blood that she thought was his own.

"Shyc! Oh... Gods, are you alright? What happened, where are -"

She didn't get within two feet of him when he flinched and shoved himself away from her. His breathing was shallow and quick, his green gaze horror filled as he snapped at her, "Don't!"

Sakura stopped, and her legs gave out from underneath her. Dropping down to her knees wearily, she lifted one hand to press against her temple briefly before looking back up to Shyc who was slightly worried, but still scared. The princess couldn't comprehend what it was that made him snap at her like that, almost as if he was afraid of something. Why would he be so scared? It couldn't be her, could it? No. That was silly.

"Shyc... what's wrong?"

He shook his head, brows curling upwards as his gaze filled with tears slightly, "I...I'm so sorry," he muttered the last part. He grit his teeth, his head turning off to the side and his stained hair falling forward to cover his eyes from her view. She slid forward on hands and knees, an eyebrow coming down in confusion. She didn't understand his demeanor at all. This wasn't really like him, not at all.

The young mercenaries voice called out to Raze a moment later, "Don't... don't hurt him, Raze. I - That has never happened before. No one has ever brought me back before."

"'Brought you back?'" Sakura repeated softly. She shifted her gaze to Raze, then to the new comer in robes, and finally back to Shyc. The boy was trembling as he clenched his fist, head still turned from all of them.

"... Sorry... sorry I didn't tell you," he muttered again.

"Shyc. There's nothing to be sorry about," Sakura said softly, smiling at him as she edged closer to him again. He didn't move, that or maybe he didn't notice that she'd gotten close to him, "It's fine now. You're fine, we all are. Now we can head back to Iverien. Okay?"

He didn't answer, nor did he make any gesture that he had heard or was going to move. Sakura's gaze widened a bit as she watched him almost desperately. She turned to Raze. She didn't say anything, but only shook her head a bit. The princess was at a loss. She couldn't think of anything and whatever was tormenting Shyc... he wasn't about to say it outright. At least not without some coaxing and that she wasn't very good at.

---

---

About three things Raze was absolutely positive: First, this man was testing him. Second, there was a part of him–and he didn’t know how dominant that part might be–that was taunting Raze. And third, Razeluxe was unconditionally and irrevocably chagrined at Sakura's appearance into the fray.

But Twilight references aside....

The young elf could not tell you which was worse at the moment: the man ignoring his warning and stepping forth, or the princess these men were likely after stepping into the scene and likely drawing their attention. Had this been a moment where he could afford to remove his attention from his foes, then he'd certainly have gone off on Sakura right then and there, however, this was not the case and doing so would probably give this man enough time to decapitate or otherwise end the elf's life.

Razeluxe raised his voice at the man this time. "Do not take another step." he warned.

He wasn't sure what this man was thinking. Raze was unaware he gave off a friendly air when he had his sword drawn and his stance locked. Unlike the two behind him who were having a nice little chat, Razeluxe was very unapproachable in this situation, or so he'd like to think. There wasn't much more he could do to declare his intentions, he heavily implied he'd kill anyone who tried something, and he could certainly follow up on that as long as they were still in the midst of the trees.

"Don't... don't hurt him, Raze. I - That has never happened before. No one has ever brought me back before."

As he held his ground, Shyc's voice came from behind him, pleading to spare the man. Whatever 'brought me back' meant, it certainly wasn't worth letting his guard down against someone who had just tried to murder him, regardless of what he accomplished. That was simply foolish. Scarily so. But it sounded like Shyc was actually aware of what happened, so when things settled down, Raze could get some answers out of him. Deciding to save that later and keeping his eyes on the man, Raze sighed before answering with his irritation betrayed by his tone.

"Whether or not we fight is up to him. He's been given a choice already." this statement was of course directed towards the man just as much as Shyc, at least the volume with which it was said suggested as much. He wondered if Shyc realized that these men were't here to play with them. Raze wasn't one to kill people unless he had to, so asking him not to harm someone did not make much sense. If the man attacked then Raze would retaliate, simple as that. Otherwise, he's free to retreat and live another day, just like his men. It wasn't that Razeluxe felt he was the strongest person in the world and this man would be hard-pressed to match him, it was just that with two people he needed to protect, he'd never faulter or fail.

Besides...

Razeluxe wasn't alone. Even if Shyc and Sakura weren't able to fight now, and the others had disappeared, he still had Nahv and the residents of the forest to make up for it.

Shyc hardly moved as he felt hands grasp the collar of his shirt and haul him up to his feet. He didn't put up a fight, nor did he really stand on his own either. It probably made it hard to hold him up, but he really didn't care. At first, Shyc thought that it was Raze who had picked him up, but when he hit the tree, and his arm was lifted up and inspected, he realized that this was not the case. Raze wouldn't have known where he'd been injured just a moment before. The boy was covered in blood head to foot and to know a specific place of a wound would be impossible.

Unless you were the one who gave the wound.

Shyc turned his head slightly and looked into the gaze of the man who'd stopped the daemon part of him from running rampant and destroying everything he held closely. Had he not stepped in to the fight, Shyc most certainly would have killed his 'family'. Shyc reached up with one hand slowly and gripped the other's arm that held him up against the tree. He could feel his own trembling as he wrapped his fingers around the forearm that was still as stone.

"You want to know," Shyc said softly, his voice shaking slightly. The burn of tears hadn't gone away and as he blinked slowly, a small stream of the salty liquid streaked down the side of his dirt and blood stained face. A short laugh and a very small smile followed as his grip tightened a bit on the arm.

"I'm not human."

A small gasp filled the air as Sakura's voice followed after his. He didn't look over to her, too caught up in his own darkened thoughts. Lifting his head up, he rested it against the tree though his bright green eyes still watched the man holding him. Overhead, what little of the sky that could be seen had turned dark and a crack of thunder followed soon after. The breeze turned icy, carrying the smell of heavy rains.

"Shyc..." Sakura breathed. She was probably far too shocked to think of anything else. Shyc didn't blame her. He wasn't going to blame any of them really. He shouldn't have stayed as long as he had with them. Hell, he shouldn't have even joined up with the group to begin with. Shyc knew that he was dangerous to those around him.

"Why don't you finish it? You probably could, couldn't you? Whatever was on your blade stopped him, that means you could stop both of us. Doesn't it? Maybe you can end this nightmare of mine," as he spoke he shifted his gaze to Raze, more tears gathering and falling. He couldn't stop, and his babbling was sure to do the trick, wasn't it. Make them fear me, make them hate me, make them wish I wasn't here, it's worked in the past. Should work again... right? He was trying to convince himself, but it wasn't working very well.

"Living in fear every day that I might turn on them for no reason at all. Something happens and I lose control. It's so easy to lose control sometimes. It's so hard to keep it a secret and I just can't keep doing this anymore. Please, would you end it?"

"Shyc! No one's blaming you for anything. It's alright if it was a secret. I've kept a secret from you all as well." Sakura said, trying to calm him, but instead doing the opposite.

"I'm part Daemon!!" he screamed, "Doesn't that tell you anything! I'm a monster! I'm a killer! Murderer! I've massacred thousands of people! And I enjoyed it! This is nothing close to your secrets that you keep. I could kill you, all of you and I wouldn't care. That's what I am. Don't you understand?"

"But... you're crying... That means you do care, Shyc," she said, the sadness in her voice very clear.

He ground his teeth, but didn't say anything else. The only thing he could hope for is the man in front of him to do as he'd asked. Shyc wouldn't fight back, or hinder him in anyway. Even so, as he thought about welcoming a dark and lonely death, his gaze shot over to Raze. Maybe... maybe I'll get lucky.

It hadn't been long for the half-elf and the princess to dash off towards the continuing battle that Shyc was occupied with, leaving the drakaani alone with the Shade. "Oh, come on! How come I have to be the one to babysit this girly man?" Nahvariik called out towards the two, however his words had landed on deaf ears as the words blended away from the clashing of steel.

Looking down at the unconscious fellow, he knew that he couldn't just beat the man with his arm again, even though that was quite fun, since he was self-cleaning and/or magical. Nahvariik also knew that he just couldn't leave him there because of the chance of the Shade running off back to wherever he came from if he regained his responsiveness to the surrounding area.

But the crazy dragon-man had an idea. Why not bring him along?

However, Nahavriik wasn't up for the idea of carrying the man on a shoulder, or dragging him around. Oh, that would be unlike him...

With a sly smile escapping from his maw, and as crafty as he could be, he made his actions like a surgeon. A barbaric sort of surgeon. With a pull here and a twist there, Nahvariik had accomplished something that no sane man would ever stumble across in their minds.

But Nahvariik was no sane man, for he was not a regular, humpty dumpty, run-of-the-mill human man. He was a Man, a Dragon-Man...

The Shade was now in the form of a backpack, his legs and arms "surgically" broken and knotted up to make straps for Nahvariik to wear him as such, the pansy wizard's head facing away from the drakaani's neck.

---

After having his little fun-time with the shade, Nahvariik had entered the edge of the battlefield, his breastplate and swords not on his body, and observed Shyc standing, somehow unhurt from his injuries. Nahvariik had watched him get a sword go through him, so why was he not dead? However, instead of Duun soldiers that he had anticipated, there was only one other fighter on the field, a man with such cold demeanor that held around him like a wet towel.

It was only seconds later that Shyc had fell to this one man's blade, and Raze and the girl were forming a defensive position next to their comrade, and Raze had already skipped the pleasantries and spitting out death threats, though they didn't do much since the stranger had the balls to walk past Raze and pull the young roguish man to his feet.

They were mostly too busy arguing among themselves to notice Nahvariik approaching them, and as an attempt of good measure to make sure they know of his presence, the drakaani reached towards the lowest branch of the nearest tree, and snapping it from the main trunk with an explosive crack once his hands closed around one that he liked.

With a strong bellow, his voice deepened with seriousness, Nahvariik called out towards them, officially announcing his arrival. "You, whoever you are, take a step away from the idiot. If you don't identify yourself, or you even think about hurting him, I will personally shove this branch so far up your ass that you might as well call yourself Johnny Appleseed. Raze, if you even think about trying to attack him before I get answers, then you might be the one who gets manhandled," before pausing in his statement for a second or two. "You have two options. One, you provide answers and we be civilized folk, or Two, you get a stick rammed up your ass. Your choice, stranger."

---

Shyc felt the heavy arm remove itself, lowering him slightly back on his feet though he was still up against the tree. The cold air bit at his skin that wasn't covered by his clothes, it also seemed to freeze the stains that covered him head to foot. He breathed out heavily, watching in an almost shocked face as the man just walked away. Shyc ground his teeth slightly, but then realized that now he had someone else to deal with.

Raze.

And he hadn't looked at all happy about the situation. Not to mention the cold, deadly, glare he'd received not but a few moments ago. The memory sent a shiver down his spine. He almost couldn't bare to look at the elf, so he stood stock still, with his gaze on the dark forest floor.

Despite his rude exit from the 'stage', the man's leave was quite welcome to the half-breed, who, although a bit agitated at the man, was not particularly fond of the idea of having the rest of those men behind them get the guts to engage again. With the strongest warrior of theirs backing off, it wasn't surprising the man-pack was terrifying the other men, who pretended like the Shade wasn't familiar to them and only gave scared glances at it's backpack form. Razeluxe had to admit that when it came to intimidation, Nahv was second to none.

But he had a more important target to fixate his attention on. One that, despite the time and trust Razeluxe himself had placed on the young man, did not do the same. Shyc was casting his glance downwards in shame, and this only upset the leader of their group furthermore. He took two quick steps to close the distance between himself and Shyc, and immediately gave the man a light slap. It probably wasn't the most pleasant feeling, what with Raze's reliance on his arms in fights, but it certainly didn't knock the young man out.

"A Daemon?! Part Daemon?! And why the hell haven't you told us about this, Shyc?!" his words were about as cold as his glare, and if anyone had seen Raze this upset before, it had definitely been quite a while. Needless to say, he wasn't particularly happy at the moment.

Shock pulsed through his frame as the hand landed across his cheek, tossing his head off to the side a bit. With eyes wide and his breath hitched in his throat, he couldn't quite comprehend what had happened. Then Raze's voice came, following after the slap across the theifs face. It wasn't until the elf had yelled at him that the boy finally met his angry gaze.

"I... I'm sorry, Raze," he looked away again but shook his head and tried not to avoid eye contact as best he could, "I didn't- I wasn't sure. It wasn't really something that I could just say to you. It's not like it would have ever come up in conversation. I... suppose I was afraid," he muttered the last part.

"What'd you think was going to happen if you told us?" Razeluxe questioned, but gave no room to answer. "Have I not appeared as though I'm trustworthy or accepting?" the soldier sighed dramatically and clentched both of his fists.

"Do you take me for someone who can discriminate, Shyc?"

Slowly he shook his head. His chest was tight, guilt holding tightly to his lungs and making it hard to breathe, "No," he answered to all of the questions given, shaking his head at the same time, "No. You're not someone to do that, I know that. I couldn't help it though."

He took a deep breath, "What can I do? Will you forgive me, for not telling you?"

Razeluxe took a moment to glance over Shyc. Although that task was very difficult considering the boy was covered in about 3 people's worth of blood, from head to toe. However, with his expert eye (and probably moreso because the boy didn't seem to act injured), he deduced that the boy wasn't in life-threatening danger. When he was sure of this, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"You don't need to ask me to forgive you, you need to apologize to all of these others who were concerned when you had a blade thrust through your stomach." he replied with the edge of his tone dulling considerably. He then added, "But if you do something like that again, I'll have to mimic Nahv here and wear you as a backpack for a couple of days."

He probably wasn't kidding about that either.

"Now hurry up and cheer up. You're supposed to be the happy-go-lucky one of the bunch, but all I've seen lately is anger or depression." Finally, the half-elf placed his hand on Shyc's head and ruffled his hair as a show that he wasn't going to keep a grudge over this.

His face turned red as he listened to Raze explain how he was supposed to make it up to the others. Shyc had forgotten that he'd taken a sword through his body, the start of this whole thing. Bitting his lip he flicked his gaze over to Sakura who was still on her knees watching them with an interested expression on her face. Yeah, that's sure to put people on edge he thought to himself.

Then the threat came and he glanced over to Nahv who had somehow managed to get the Shade on his back. Shyc's face paled then and he stuttered a bit, "R-Raze..." A hand fell on his head right after, playing with his hair and he jumped just a bit, one eye closing. Finally he smiled, a small laugh coming from him.

"Alright, I will."

Sakura smiled at him from where she sat, "You don't have to apologize to me. You're alright now," she said and Shyc nodded slightly. That left the others to deal with. Would Nahv even need an apology? He didn't seem like one to really worry about others, but Shyc supposed he would anyway.

"What now? Duun's King kinda did start a fight with us," he muttered softly, glancing around the forest.

Sakura stood then, moving to where they were talking, "We head back to Iverien," her gaze shifted over to Raze where it stayed as she talked, "My mother will want to see me."

"M-mother?!" Shyc replied, his voice sharp. Is this what I missed earlier?

"Yes, sorry Shyc. I'm Princess Sakura Dieriean. And the best course of action right now is to return to Iverien where I can talk to my mother," she offered a small smile.

Shyc sighed, running a hand through his dirty hair, "And I thought I was trouble..."

---

Three days later: Kindom of Iverien



The closer they'd gotten to Iverien, the quieter Sakura became. She knew what was waiting for her there and though Raze had assured her that he would fight for her, she already knew the outcome. There was no getting out of being locked away again, there just wasn't. No matter how much he fought or anyone else fought, it would only make things worse. Her smiles and laughter faded away completely as they entered the forest that was just outside of the city. Sakura trudged along with them, her eyes focused on the ground before her and before she knew it, they'd passed through the city gates.

The guards there were either stupid or not paying attention for they didn't notice her. Then again, not many guards or people knew about her existence to begin with. Her mother had made sure of that. The only thing that would give her away was the mark on her forehead which was currently covered by her long tresses of black, silky hair. Sakura hardly lifted her gaze at all as they passed through the streets. She didn't do anything really, until they entered the palace courtyard.

Then chaos erupted.

"Princess!" A shout rang out across the yard and the double doors flew open as her Mother came striding out in haste a few minutes afterwards. Looking up, she saw the rage on the Queen's pale features as her gaze landed on Raze and the others behind him. Sakura could feel the tension, could feel the order before it was even issued and she whirled around to face Raze as her Mother's sharp voice snapped out.

"Seize them!"

Guards rushed forward and took hold of Nahv, Raze and Shyc. All three were dropped down to their knees, arms held up by two men on either side. Sakura rushed forward to the Queen.

"Mother! Let them go, they didn-"

A hard slap crossed her face, knocking her down to the cobblestones and out of the way of the woman who was dressed in vibrant golds and greens. A coppery taste filled her mouth as she could feel her skin had been split open by the rings that were on her Mother's fingers. Stunned as well as shocked, Sakura couldn't move for a moment. Her breath wheezed in and out of her lungs as she struggled to comprehend how she'd ended up on the ground like that.

"My lady, there's another in the cart!" a guards voice shouted out.

"Bring them as well," she growled back as she reached over to one of the guards and drew their sword from the sheath on their hip.

The ringing steel brought Sakura to her senses. Turning over she saw the Queen hovering right over Raze with the blade pointed down at him. Sakura's heart lurched to her throat, making it hard to breathe. She hardly made out her Mother's words as she scrambled to her feet.

"You have guts to return here with my daughter in tow you filthy mercenary! What do you take me for, an idiot? I hired you to do your job without question, not threaten me by abducting my one and only daughter!"

Sakura moved quickly, rushing over to them as her Mother's arm drew the sword back in preparation to plunge the steel down into the elf's chest, "You should be hanged for this, be grateful I'm giving you a quick death, half-elf," the Queen hissed.

Shyc screamed, pulling against those that held him down but he couldn't get free and Sakura feared that she wouldn't make it. The princess lunged forward, her arms wrapping around Raze's neck as she came to a crashing halt on top of him, her voice screaming at her Mother.

"Don't!"

Cold steel halted against the back of her shoulder, tearing through the cloth and scratching the surface of her skin as the Queen pulled back so as not to run through her daughter.

"Move, Sakura, her Mother's voice was hard as stone.

"No," Sakura shifted, turning herself around so that she faced her mother but she still stayed in front of Raze, one hand on his leg the other griping his side as she knelt there in front of him. She was shaking but she wasn't going to move, no matter what. She bit her lip as she faced the woman who seemed to seethe even more from her defiance.

"Move!"

"They saved me!" Sakura shouted back, putting as much force into her voice as she could.

The Queen looked shocked, "Saved you? From what?"

"From the King of Duun... he... His men were after me. They..." turning, Sakura glanced back at Raze hoping that he would go along with what she was about to do, "They abducted me and brought me to Duun. Then, these mercenaries saved me from the King. If it weren't for them... I..."

The sound of steel hitting cobble stones rang through the air as the Queen stumbled backwards in shock. A single guard came up behind her to keep her steady on her feet. Sakura watched her Mother quietly as well as fearfully. Finally the woman seemed to regain her senses. Reaching up she ran her hands through her dark hair and sighed heavily. Looking over to the one that the guards dragged from the cart, Sakura eyed the Shade who was still unconscious, no doubt from having been turned into a sort of pack by Nahv.

"H-He was with Duun, he was the one who abducted me and tried to take me to the King," Sakura knew her lies may not be too solid, but there was some truth to the words.

The Queen eyed the unconscious Shade before jerking her head to the palace, "Lock him up, question him later," the woman settled her gaze on her daughter who was still gripping Raze tightly, "Take her to her bedroom, don't leave that room no matter what. She's not to come out for anything!"

Sakura sucked in a sharp breath as she could feel her nerves sky rocketing. A slight pain was beginning to fill her chest again and she winced slightly, "Mother... please I don't-" she stopped herself as the guards shifted. They released the mercenaries and two of them now hovered around her. One reached down to grip her upper arm gently but firmly.

"Don't argue. You'll hurt yourself. Go on now, we have some things to discuss," Sakura's Mother turned her attention to Raze as the princess was taken towards the castle.