Camdiere

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!]

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"I remember you threatening the poor girl," Willow said with an easy smile, a bit of teasing tugging at one of the corners of her mouth, "Yet, I do not remember begging you to take her on," She said raising an eyebrow in response. "Strange, isn't it? Either way, she is with us, and will be with us unless she decides otherwise, which I doubt will be anytime in her near future. She seems attached," She said, nodding.

Then she chuckled at Nahv's response, explaining it was just a misunderstanding in his words. "No harm done, Mister Nahv, everything is clear now. However, perhaps in the future you will choose your words more carefully to avoid any unfortunate implications?" She said, that familiar chiding tone making a reappearance. Oddly enough, it was the same tone she'd used with Raze on a few occasions. Upon Nahv's inquiry about herself Willow shook her head and simply smiled. She'd not been fiesty nor possessed and spunk since she was a young girl. She was a hellion back in those days, far more so than she was currently. She could only wonder what he would have said had he met that Willow.

"I suppose introductions were placed by the wayside in lieu of attempting to kill each other. Once more I apologize for that. My name is Willow, and I am an Elementalist," She said, and afterward made a show of curtsying. With her part of the introduction done, she spoke again, "And I believe must apologize again, for I believe it is time for me to take my leave for tonight. I am tired after such an eventful day, and if I'm to be any use tomorrow, I must get my rest. Raze. Mister Nahv. I bid you both good night," And with that, she left to find her own bedroll, and to rest her aching bones.

---

Willow picked her way back through the forest, returning to where they had fought the other mercenaries the day before. They had questions that needed answers, and Willow knew of such a individual that could shed some light on a few of their mysteries. Upon reaching the place of battle, Willow winced at the sight of the devastation. At her very heart, she was of the peaceful sort, and would never begin a fight of her own volition. It was only when her hand was forced that she fought-- and had she allowed the mage to slip away the day before, then no doubt she would have caused them trouble later in the battle.

Striding to where she'd left the mage, she dared not peer at the corpses the rest of her companions saw fit to leave littered around the area. She could not fault their methods, they only did what they were taught, and she'd be foolish and selfish if she attempted to force her morals on another. Everyone had a choice, no matter what, and she would not deny them the choice. However, if that choice involved harming her friends, then it was hers to see to it that they were stopped as she had done to the mage.

She stopped in front of the mage in exactly the same way she'd left her, within the inescapable caress of a strong oak. The woman was asleep, and bruises were beginning to form on her wrists and mouth-- a sure sign that she had been struggling against her bonds. Sighing, Willow took a step toward the tree and tapped the piece of bark that wrapped around her mouth, willing it to recede and allow unimpeded conversation. Willow gave an even look to the woman, silent at first, but soon spoke as her bauble hovered into her hand.

"Water?"

The woman gave a cold glare at the other mage who stood in front of her. Scoffing at the offer, she twisted her head off to the side as best she could despite being confined very well, "Come to finish the job?" she hissed between clenched teeth. Her gaze shifted over the woman's face before quickly flicking to the rest of the group. Her eyes narrowed to thin slits as she waited.

Behind Willow, Shyc stood with his arms crossed over his chest having followed after the woman. He had certainly wanted to know what this mage woman was going to say. Maybe it had something to do with their task to spy on the Kingdom of Duun, or more specifically it's King. Wouldn't that make it easy? He grinned a bit as he scratched at his cheek absentmindedly.

A look of disappointment crossed her face, but Willow allowed the bauble to resume it's flight anyway. "No, I have not." Willow said simply, tilting her head to the side. Why would she come all the way back, much less offer the woman water if she was just going to finish the job. If Willow was a lesser person, then it would have been far easier to just leave her there and push any memory of her out of her mind. But she wasn't about to point out the logical fallacies and continued to speak. "I was hoping to maybe set you free, after a few questions if you wouldn't mind?" Willow said, her mouth a steady line as she spoke. "Questions such as who you are and why are you here?"

She looked back over to the mage woman, a slight bit of astonishment on her face before she covered it swiftly with a cruel grin, "Set me free? Well, aren't you just all sorts of naive. It's a wonder you've made it this far in a world like this one," she shot back. Her clipped voice and cold tone caused Shyc to frown and tighten his fingers into fists. He didn't appreciate the way this woman was speaking to Willow. Then again, it wasn't really the first time they'd encountered such a person, so he bit his tongue lest he get them in more trouble and no where with this woman.

It was around this time that the figure of the hybrid appeared just behind Shyc and Willow, his expression more or less just blank as was common. Unlike Shyc, who was 'courteous' enough to remain quiet despite the insult to the most respected member of the group they had, Razeluxe was not so mature about the matter. "If you want, you can simply just die when we're done with you." To say he 'spat' this would be both correct and incorrect. The venom in his tone was nowhere to be found, but the meaning itself was still there. "You've been given the opportunity to survive an encounter your friends did not. I suggest you take it."

Her eyebrows knit together as she shifted her head enough to glance over at the elf that addressed her. A dryness coated the back of her throat. His threat didn't go unheard. She ground her teeth a bit as she thought through her options. There was virtually no getting out of the tree that she'd been sucked into by the mage woman's power, and refusing to cooperate wasn't going to end well either. The woman gave a soft growl, "We were sent here to look for someone. When we found her, we were to distract anyone that was with her. Draw the attention and allow our other member to take this woman," she grinned a bit, "I'm sure she's enjoying her time well spent with the King of Duun right now."

"What the hell does that mean!?" Shyc snapped, moving forward from his spot. He couldn't quite keep quiet now, "What woman? What do you want with her?"

"Just some bitch that was described to us, idiot kid. Who knows what that man wants with her. We just do as we're told and get paid for it," she snapped back.

Shyc reached down for his swords, his intention rather clear as he stepped forward, starting to draw the weapon.

He was met with only a firm hand and gentle words. "Calm yourself, Shyc. They are merely words, and nothing more. Do not allow them to stoke your anger," Though the tone she spoke with was a tired inclination, and she was acutely aware that she may have been the only one with her senses about her. What did this woman really expect to gain in speaking to her captors like that-- Captors that expressed their desire to free her for only the information she had.

"Foolish woman," Willow said, rubbing her head as she did. "You are mistaken if you believe Sakura is currently with the King of Duun. She is still safely with us, and that is where she will remain." Her tone darkened as she reached the end of her sentence, but the meaning was clear. If she still possess any notions of attacking them again, then she would be dealt with once more. Willow leaned forward and spoke again, the darkness in her tone still lingering. "I would watch my words far more carefully. You forget. Your life is in our hands."

Things... began clicking with Razeluxe. Things he desperately hoping were not true now had more viability than before, and in honesty, this terrified him. He hoped that everything about Sakura was just coincidence, that nothing about her was special besides the fact she was a noble, but as the evidence was piling up in the form of attacks on their group and Nahv's instant attraction to her, things no longer looked that way. He was denying it, truly. If he had the will, he'd have made the connection much sooner. What a fool he was.

"It seems as though you have this under control." Razeluxe turned towards their camp and started off. "I'll leave the rest to you, then." and with that, he left to go see Sakura, who had some explaining to do. The warrior did not pause to greet anybody, had he passed them by on his way to the tent he had lent her during the stay.

Her eyes were wide the girl was still with them?! she thought frantically. Her heart rate elevated as she eyed them all, impossible! That Shade... failed? Once she'd composed herself, she glowered at them, "Doesn't matter. I doubt even you all would stand a chance against a Shade. He'll be coming for her and this time, you won't win. That I can promise you," she hissed, "Now free me, damnit! I want to be rid of this god forsaken forest!".

Willow replied with an empty smile and a sluggish nod, "Thank you for the warning," She said, but the words rang hollow. This woman wore on her nerves and her sharp tongue dulled her senses. Though she would not say it, she would be glad to be rid of the woman too, so with a certain amount of haste, Willow commanded the branches of vines of the tree to untangle themselves from the mage, and allowed her to go free. "Before you make your escape, I do suggest that we not run into one another again," She said with a shake of her head. Next time she may leave the bark wrapped around her mouth indefinitely.

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?"

---

---

Thanks very much to Meow for helping out with this collab :D It was loads of fun!! ^.^

He no sooner called out the words of 'who's next' and they all but bolted away from him. Having seen their companions decimated within seconds, it was no wonder none wanted to stay. Shyc's smirk slowly fell down into a frown as he glowered at those that turned and ran. The frown didn't last long though as some unfortunate soul decided that he would try his luck against the daemon.

Smiling once again, he flipped his swords around, the wrists of each hand rolling to complete the movement. Silver fire burst along the length of each blade as he tilted his head off to the side, blood soaked hair falling to one side as he did so, "You?" he asked, breathing the word briefly before leaning forward a bit. He liked the look this one had, almost void of any emotion. A solid being stood before him. Perhaps this person would give him more than the others had.

Shyc lunged forward, moving rather quickly to cover the distance between them. Both swords were held down until the last second and Shyc raised both weapons quickly to knock the single sword from the man's grip.

Kenji acknowledged the crazed man's smile. Cocky bastard. Kenji thought to himself as he watched his opponent flip his swords. He watched intently as the blades burst into shiny silver flames. It was something he had never seen before. Well this makes it interesting... Kenji tried to plan what he was to do in this battle, he had to make sure that he keep away from the flames as he wasn't sure what damage they could inflict.

"You? The mysterious man questioned.

Kenji faintly nodded, his expression remaining the same. He was always calm and collected during a battle. Suddenly his opponent made the first move. Kenji remained put as the man and his swords came barreling towards him. Then out of nowhere their swords came into contact. Oboro stood strong against the unknown swords that had attacked. Don't think it'll be that easy. Kenji used his strength to push the two swords away and then he returned with a swing towards the mans left side.

Both his weapons flew upwards as the man tossed him backwards. Failing to disarm him, Shyc's grin turned into a snarl as he grit his teeth. Turning the blade on his left, he just barely caught the strike. Now holding his weapon backwards to deflect the incoming slash, he turned his body sideways to help alleviate the pressure there that both swords invoked as he pushed against the other.

"My my, someone who might pose as a challenge," Shyc grinned again, "Now then, why don't you show me you're serious?"

Pulling back, he did a complete circle, pivoting on his foot and slashing outwards with his blade aimed towards the man's right side.

Kenji furrowed his brow as his blade came to a halt. That rarely happened unless his blade was tearing through flesh. He made eye contact with his opponent, trying to search for his weakness. Then the man made yet another comment, and mid battle, something Kenji despised.

"My my, someone who might pose as a challenge. Now then, why don't you show me you're serious?" Kenji would do anything he could to wipe the grin off the blood soaked face that was before him.

In a matter of seconds his opponent's blade came racing towards Kenji's right. He quickly gripped Oboro with two hands and swung downwards on the opposing blade, enough to stop it but not enough to hold it down. Then as instinct he jumped backwards keeping away from the skilled swordsman. I need to surprise him, otherwise this will just keep happening. Kenji was at a loss, this was the first time he was up against a worthy opponent. Then he remembered he had a trick up his sleeve. He dropped his left arm to his side and in doing so his dagger slowly slid down his wrist and landed in his hand. Thankfully the sleeves of his kimono were long enough to conceal the movement.

Shyc watched as his target moved backwards swiftly. His sword had been caught, dropped down from it's original course and then hit nothing as the daemon tried to readjust and still hit the man that he'd now deemed as a highly worthy being. It had been so long since someone could stand against him to this degree. Shyc was almost shivering in excitement. Both eyes were dilated with the ecstasy that was coursing through him via the fight.

The daemon was so lost in his excitement that he failed to notice the important details of the fight. He was getting carried away. Shyc wanted to see more of what this man could do, how long would he last, would Shyc manage to inflict a wound on him? Or would it simply be a dance of clanging steel forever. He wanted to know, he had to find out. So many decades of blood lust and wanting something to be worth his time... finally it had come.

"Don't run," he cooed, "We've just gotten started," when he finished those words he lunged forward again, one blade held just to the side of him while the other was down again, the tip barely dragging against the soft soil of the swampy forest floor. The moment he was close, he lifted the one that dragged on the ground to snap the blade from his opponents hand while the other made ready to cut through him.

"Don't run. We've just gotten started."

Kenji barely had time to process the man's words before he went for another attack. As he was running towards him, Kenji noticed that he positioned each one of his blades on either side of him. He's trying to corner me. Kenji barely had time to think before he reacted. He planted his feet firm in the soft ground and prepared himself to take the blow. I've got you now.

Kenji tightly gripped Oboro and swung his right arm across his body to block the blade targeting his left side, and while doing this he crossed his left arm to his right side, dagger in hand, and aimed upwards towards the arm swinging his opponents other blade. Kenji's right arm almost buckled as his blade came into contact with his enemies, but all he was focusing on was the same red tint that covered his small silver dagger, the one that was about to stab his opponents arm.

Shyc felt the blades collide, the vibration ran up his arm to his shoulder. His enemy had done something that he wasn't expecting and didn't have time to adjust for. His grin turned into a frown again, his eyes watching as the smaller dagger shot to his unprotected arm. Too close to get his other sword up, Shyc twisted his body to attempt to get out of the way. He failed in doing so, too slow in realizing that the man had another weapon to begin with and his forward momentum having an opposite effect on what he wanted to do.

The blade cut deep into the soft tissue of the muscle just outside his shoulder. Hissing in pain, he shoved his body forward, tumbling to the ground. Shyc could care less if the man followed him to the ground or not. He was more worried about the feeling that was coursing through him. Glowering at the ground, he pushed himself upwards, stumbling onto his feet and gave an icy stare at the man.

"You, you've done something," he hissed between clenched teeth. He could feel a strange numbness flooding his body rather quickly, too quickly for comfort. Narrowing his gaze, he ground his teeth, "This won't be the last time we meet. Next time I'll put my blade through you."

The daemon closed his eyes and started a soft incantation to himself. When he finished, it seemed the blood drained from Shyc's face, paling his skin more than it already was. His eyes fluttered open to reveal their normal brilliant green color and the fangs were gone from his teeth. Taking a deep breath he seemed to regain himself... at least, until he looked around. A gasp filled his lungs and he looked down at the blades in his hands. Both covered in thick crimson liquid as was his entire frame.

The young thief began to shake, his breathing erratic as he released the weapons, stumbling backwards until he hit a tree and slowly slid down it to sit on the moist ground. He looked terrified.

Kenji watched his opponent struggle as the unprepared man realized Kenji had gotten the upper hand on him. He could feel his dagger tear through his enemies flesh, and he knew, he had won. Kenji was pleased to hear the man in pain, so much that he almost cracked a smile. He wasn't really expecting the force that made him fall on his ass though. His opponent was strong, he had to give him that.

Luckily his enemy had pushed himself to the ground as well, so Kenji couldn't feel too embarrassed, well if he did feel anything. Kenji then watched as the man stood up and glowered at him.

"You, you've done something." Kenji could see by the mans expression that the poison was taking effect. "This won't be the last time we meet. Next time I'll put my blade through you."

Kenji was confused as he watched the man whisper to himself, he was also questioning the last thing he said to him. What was it supposed to mean? Then as the man before him started to change, he began to understand. Kenji had heard of things like this. He must have been possessed by something.

As the real person started to gain consciousness, he lost it. If Kenji had a heart, he would almost feel bad for him, but instead he just stood up, unfazed by the whole situation. He sheathed Oboro and walked over to a nearby plant to rub the blood that covered his dagger off. I'll wash you later. He then returned it under his left sleeve and crossed his arms as he awaited for the young man to die of heart failure.

---

---

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.

---

---

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."

---

---

Despite his many many years of military experience, he had never once came across someone so foolish as to neglect the threats of someone so easily. Razeluxe couldn't entirely comprehend what was happening, even if the very event was simple. Was he not threatening in the least to this man? Surely someone was not that foolish as to believe that he could do whatever he so pleased without consequence. This man apparently thought he was joking. His skills with the blade, no matter how good, were meaningless if he was an idiot. Razeluxe was not going to waste even a moment to execute this bold man.

Well, that was the plan at least.

The heavy steps of non other than Nahv caught Razeluxe's attention, and he could not help but turn his head to see what the guy had been up to recently. As Nahv approached them, Raze raised his eyebrow at whatever it was wrapped around him. Upon further inspection, however, he recognized exactly what it was. Maybe if this situation was not serious, he might've given a small chuckle and a 'had to transport him someway' to the appearance, but now was not such a time. Of course, this was when Nahv was still a decent distance away, so instead of relying on the beast to assist him, he'd do away with this cocky foe in one swipe. Like you would expect from the soldier, he was not kidding around and was not intending to delay the strike, but because he wasn't some brute, the conversation brought up caught his interest, and his blade was not immediately set to use. Razeluxe listened, his sword ready to plunge into the man's abdomen as soon as he so wished it, as Shyc began to break down. From the glances he was getting from the young boy, he'd been hiding this on the assumption Razeluxe might've done something drastic like kill him or kick him from the group. Razeluxe realized he did not tell people the specifics of his past, or actively give out his likes and dislikes or his pet-peeves, but from the time they spent together, he should have known better. Of everything about this situation, the only thing that Shyc had done to piss Raze off was not have any trust in him.

As Shyc finished and glanced once more to his leader, he received a glare. At the moment, Razeluxe did not particularly mind if he was to misinterpret what it meant, he'd at least punish the punk that much. But for now, the man holding Shyc against the tree had signed his death warrant. He was given more than enough chances to retreat while he had the ability, and he decided to outright ignore this. The pain that the man felt as his back was pierced by the blade was likely sharp......

...or so it should have been.

*CRACK*

As Nahv dismembered a rather large branch from a nearby tree, Razeluxe managed to halt. The huge man approached them with the branch equipped and a voice booming. "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,"

To this, Raze couldn't help but scowl and cluck his tongue. The utter lack of respect to an opponent determined that this man was fated to die, now, but apparently Nahv wanted to be more civil, regardless of the apparent meaningless of such an approach. However, perhaps due to the man-pack that Nahv was wearing, the young elf figured backing off for now was a wise choice. Razeluxe took a quick step backwards, away from this unknown man to give them some space, obviously displeased at his chance being taken from him, but clearly showing his willingness to at least wait.

---

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.

---

---

As he had originally feared, the Queen took absolutely no time in misunderstanding the situation and not only Raze, but Shyc and Nahv were also threatened with execution. As you would expect from one of nobility, she left no room for defense on their side, and the couple times he attempted to speak, he was kneeded by one of either guards restraining him. Raze strained to look upwards at the queen as he held her blade to him. He always thought he would end up dying on the battlefield, not trying to explain a dire situation to his client, who happened to be royalty. If this proved anything, it was that life was unpredictable. You could be as healthy as you wanted and still die so suddenly. Well, at the very least, Sakura wouldn't have to worry about a dangerous lifestyle. Although, being a caged bird wasn't much better. If only he were able to even get a word in....

"You should be hanged for this, be grateful I'm giving you a quick death, half-elf,"

Razeluxe simply accepted his cruel fate wordless, knowing it was his choice to chance something like this. Things simply seemed to slow down, and in the long time it appeared to take, Razeluxe dropped his head as he waited for the strike to end him.

"Don't!" screamed a voice.

Dane felt a welcome warmth as he expected the blow to pierce him. He glanced upwards, almost stunned to see that the voice he instantly recognized as Sakura's, was actually Sakura's. It was not as if he thought Sakura did not like him, but going against her mother's wishes --- the Queen's wishes was something very, very bold to do, even for her own daughter. Yet, with her insistence and refusal to let him die, the Queen eventually relented as Sakura started up what Raze'd call a 'little white lie'. Though, then again, while the story that she was kidnapped was a false claim, they did technically rescue her but a few days ago. But most importantly, without a doubt, Raze wasn't willing to let the truth cost him his life. A little lie in the face of his survival was nothing. He almost eagerly nodded to show that this was the 'truth' when the Queen looked down upon him with... doubtful eyes. Either way, Sakura managed to sound just convincing enough for her to decide that it may not be best to execute Razeluxe anymore. That was more than enough.

When he was released, Razeluxe did not stand up, but instead rose to only one knee, bowing before the Queen. Respect here would hopefully keep her in a happy enough mood to not take his life, or the lives of either of his other companions. "Queen Dieriean, I must express my gratitude for sparing myself and my subordinates of your wrath." he began. He really wished he could word his concern about Sakura returning to her room at the moment, but reporting Duun's intentions at the moment was of greater importance, and likely the topic she'd be less likely to get upset about. Not that it was that great a topic either. "We've returned to inform you of possible covert plans against this kingdom by none other than the King of Duun."

Queen Dieriean watched as the guard took Sakura to the palace before turning her attention to the elf kneeling before her. Her lips were pursed in a deep frown as she glowered at him. Though Sakura had tempered her hand from running the blade through him, she was still irate. Slowly, the woman turned to face him fully and crossed her arms where one finger tapped against her upper arm as she listened to him.

“Your life is indebted to Sakura, who just so happened to manage to keep me from killing the lot of you,” the Lady Dieriean snapped at him then continued, “The King of Duun has always been doing something covert. I asked you to find out what it was this time that he was planning. It seems he wanted my daughter for some reason."

She began to pace, three steps at a time before turning to face the other direction again. She stopped suddenly, her gaze dropping down to Razeluxe again, “Tell me Razeluxe, is it true that he’d stolen her away? What did he want with her? How did you manage to get her back? Do be precise in the details,” she all but hissed between clenched teeth. It was hard to tell if she was angry at him, or angry at the fact that Duun’s King had managed to get their hands on the princess.

So she was not entirely convinced, it seemed. Upon reflection, leading a nation as large as this one would not be a task some fool could do properly, so expecting a lie such as that one to be seen through should've been obvious. However, making it believable was something Razeluxe could easily do, he'd had enough experience with this before. It was time to come up with some mother fucking truth. Aww yiss.

"I am afraid we're still unaware as to why they kidnapped her." Razeluxe explained. They still really did not obtain much from anyone they did manage to interrogate. Maybe the shade could have told them, but Nahv may have won an award for most inhumane way to carry a hostage, so he never really recovered enough to speak before now. "As far as I can say, we were simply lucky to stumble upon the party that had seized her at some point. As we set up camp in Hyrule Forest (OH GOD THE ORIGINALITY. ITS SO GREAT GOD I SHOULD WRITE BOOKS OR SOMETHING), a member of ours ran into their camp when searching for firewood, and a fight erupted from there. We weren't even aware that the woman we saved was of nobility until she decided to tell us."

“You stumbled upon her?” Lady Dieriean repeated his words slowly. She fell silent for a little while as she gazed at him, “You were attacked that night when one of your own went for firewood?”

“Yes,” Shyc’s voice cut in and she turned her icy gaze on him. The boy froze for a second before continuing as it seemed she was waiting, “I-I had gone. It was a group of mercenaries that attacked me. Said we were ‘too close’. We managed to fight back, despite being taken by surprise. Then we found her, right after they threatened us with Duun’s army killing all of us.”

“I see,” she mused, “So three days after you left here, you found my daughter. Exactly the same time that she went missing. Her nurse maid couldn’t find her that day, after you had left, Shyc Regailia.”

“I-“

Lady Dieriean turned away, pacing again, “It was chaotic that day, many things were going on. Did I slip somewhere,” she sounded to be talking to herself, “Who could have slipped in? You didn’t let anyone in with that cart of yours did you?” Her glare came back down to Raze again.

"I would think that confirming the loyalty of everyone in your palace more important at the moment than accusing us of the kidnapping, my Queen." Despite his harsh wording, he still kept a fairly polite tone, perhaps to irritate her more, but when it came to people he cared about rather than himself, he was a bit more unforgiving. "You could ask yourself what we would have to gain by what you're implying and find that because we have not demanded ransom and we ourselves have returned your daughter to you, you'll find we've only done things to your benefit." it was a bit of an aggressive approach, but letting her lead this conversation would only end with them being discovered. Not that they actually kidnapped her, but their story was... a little less believable, despite it being the truth.

Besides, they'd already lied to her. Turning back now was not going to end well, or so Raze figured (with good reason, considering his life was almost ended earlier).

"Like I had mentioned earlier, the fact we found her was merely luck. She was not even a full day away from the King's clutch's, where she was obviously headed."

The Queen ground her teeth visibly as he spoke. She caught the underlying tone. Razeluxe was no fool though, and covered it easily enough with his well spoken words. The Queen almost retrieved the fallen sword as he told her to look at her own palace rather than try to accuse them. The audacity she thought angrily.

Then he spoke of what they would gain from kidnapping her daughter and she stopped in the middle of her rant. She’d been about to strike him, taking a sharp step forward even, before halting. What would they gain? Nothing. She paid them already, a handsome amount as it was, what else could they possibly want. With the money she gave them, they could easily stay in the city, but they did not.

She retreated the step she’d taken forward, eyebrows drawn down with her eyes closed. Finally she relented, “You’ve made your point,” she said though her tone was still heavy with anger. Opening her gaze she looked to the three of them, “I don’t have any new orders for you at the moment,” she said as she reached over to one of the guards. With a simple motion of her fingers, he produced for her a small bag of coins, “For now, take this since you’ve done your job. I will send more later. You’re free to go back to your camp. Wait for your next orders, like usual.”

"As you wish."

Accepting the bag of coins, Razeluxe remained bowed until the Queen and her guards left, presumbably to go do Queen and Queen guard things. When they were out of sight, he finally stood up, his knee now tingling as he tried to wake it up. "Well," he began, glancing both at Shyc and Nahv. "We survived. That was perhaps a bit too close for comfort, but I was confident something good would happen." That, of course, was a blantant lie. He was definitely sure he was going to be beheaded a few minutes ago. Oh well. "Come on, lets leave for now. We've lucked out enough as it is." the ending of that particular statement was directed towards Shyc, whom he knew was worried about Sakura. Sadly, there was not much they could do about her just yet, but Raze wasn't about to break the promise he made. Hopefully she would wait for them to figure something out.

"It's a shame Willow and the others aren't here to enjoy the reward. Hopefully they'll appear sooner or later."

---

---

She was leaning against the wall, a fair distance from both the queen and the adviser. She suspected she had arrived a little early. The two women were still conversing with one another, however, it didn't look like her wait was going to be overly long. The adviser, a woman that the elemental would compare to a shade, was donned in black attire. Quite the contrast from the queen, who was adorned in more colorful hues. She watched the two of them with limited interest. Creatures on the material plane were so bizarre. Using their lips and tongues to communicate. This "common" that most of these fleshlings used was something she had picked up with some resentment as it wasn't nearly as beautiful as her native tongue.

Still, she had been summoned for a purpose. Not too long ago, she had actually been on her way out of the palace to retrieve the missing princess. Before she had a chance to leave, her task had been completed for her when the princess arrived in the hands of a mercenary group. She hadn't gotten a close look at any of the individuals but hadn't really cared to. What ensued afterwards had exploded into needless complication. She was one for quiet observation but she had learned from experience that humans picked the most squabbles with each other than any other race she had encountered. Suffice to say, she wasn't inclined to involve herself in the debacle.

As it stood, she had waited till all the activity had dimmed down before returning to attend to the queen. Were those two woman still talking? The adviser looked to be pushing something on the queen, something that was making the woman look nervous. Hm. Whatever it was, she couldn't lip-read or anything so she was left to deduce things from their body language. Hm... flailing arms meant someone was on fire. So. Crossed arms meant someone was drenched with water. So maybe the adviser wanted to drench someone with water. Yes. That was a distressing thought indeed. She shared in the queen's apprehension.

The conversation went on for a few more moments before the woman in black bowed, leaving the room. There was no reason to wait anymore so she pushed herself off of the wall, walking towards the queen. Training had taught her that royals were particular about... something... She was supposed to do something when addressing the queen. Oh right, prostrate herself. These traditions never existed back home. She mimicked the adviser and bowed, bringing her eyes up to meet the queen's.

"Fotiá," the woman's voice was slightly strained as if she were still debating about something, "I need you to do something for me," she wrung her wrists as she sat there for a moment. Finally she sighed heavily and straightened in her throne. She dropped her gaze down to the woman before her before frowning a bit.

"I know I hired you to retrieve my daughter, but now that she's here that is null and void. I have a new need for you. Sakura was diagnosed with a disease when she was very young. It affects her heart and should she ever encounter anything strenous or... as the doctor said 'negative emotions', she'll be risking her life."

The Queen stopped for a moment as she gazed off to the side of Fotiá's shoulder, "There's a... cure I suppose. It's in Truell and I was advised to send Sakura there with those mercenaries who brought her home. As much as I'm opposed to letting her out of the safety of this castle, I don't have a choice. I need you to take her there. Protect her with your life. Make sure those mercenaries know exactly who it is they're handling too. I'll write a letter for you to take to their leader, his name is Razeluxe. You can't miss him, he's the half elf."

Hm, no mention of the water. It must've been too traumatizing for the queen to even consider. Perfectly logical, she would be frightened too if such a suggestion was given to her. Fotiá narrowed her eyes a bit, trying to recall where Truell was located. Maybe it didn't matter, even if she couldn't recall, she was sure that this... mercenary leader would be able to direct the group properly. The mission seemed simple enough. Exert presence, protect the princess, and don't light any trees on fire. The last objective was a mental note to herself. She had never encountered trees before coming here and they were a bit too easily inflamed.

She nodded, watching as the queen called over an assistant to jot down the letter. Once the letter had been properly signed and sealed, Fotiá reached over, taking it from the assistant. "You have my word." This was usually the part that she had to do something that resembled... happiness. How did that go again? She lifted up the corners of her mouth in a strained smile. Well, it was better than a grimace... Hopefully she didn't scare anyone in the nearby vicinity. (Unknown to the elemental, a servant who had witnessed the smile shuddered and promptly walked in the other direction)

She pushed the letter into one of her pockets, almost forgetting (thankfully not though) to bow on her way out. All of these customs really had her mind confused, more so than it already was to begin with. Why did royalty insist on everyone prostrating themselves like fools? Elementals didn't have royalty. They only existed. And fire was comfort known to all. None of this petty arguing over food or shelter, or whatever else creatures of flesh found important to have debates over. (Land was another huge thing she didn't even remotely understand. How did one... label land in their name?)

As she walked out into the halls, her gaze was brought to the large windows. It was approaching sunset. One of the few emotions she did understand was starting to bubble up: excitement. Night had become her playground here on the material plane and she was just about ready to shed this human skin for her real form. But first... she had matters to attend to. From what she could garner from passing servants, she was able to figure out her way to the princess' chambers without too much difficulty.

The elemental nodded to the guards posted outside of the door, knocking on the wood once she had been allowed to pass. She let herself in without waiting for a reply, peering into the room with mild curiosity. "Princess Sakura?" She voiced, not coming in much farther beyond the entrance. She was a bit anxious to be outside and didn't want to enter too far into the room and invite prolonged conversation.

Sakura was half on the floor, half on her bed, her head tucked into the crook of her arm. After the intense display of her mother just about running Raze through with a sword, she'd felt shaken and scared. After that, she'd been ordered to her room, just as she knew it would be. Even though Raze had told her he would fight for her and have her travel with them, Sakura knew it was futile. There wasn't anything that could be said to her mother to allow her to leave that castle, much less her own small room that she'd been confined in for twenty years.

So she was feeling a bit broken and distant. Tears edged their way down her face as she knelt there against her cold bed sheets. Depression was setting in and she couldn't get a hold of her emotions. The pain had been a dull ache for quite some time now, but at this point she really didn't care if the 'disease' killed her or not.

Then the knock came on the door. Half startled, she sniffled and looked up from her place as a woman walked in. Sakura didn't know her, but had to wonder why she was there. Usually the nurse maids were the only ones allowed in the room, but this woman was definitely not a nurse maid.

"Yes?" she asked, her voice shaking a bit, "And, Sakura is just fine," she said as she settled against the bed again, her voice becoming muffled a bit, "I hate titles."

Fotiá wasn't sure what the social protocol was for someone that was crying. All she could focus on was the fact that humans... could produce... water. Revolting. "Your... mother wishes for you to be escorted out of the castle. I'm to make sure no harm comes to you during the journey to Truell." The princess looked... kind of hideous actually, when she did the crying thing. But it wasn't the elemental's place to tell her that puffy eyes and a red nose were un-befitting aesthetically. "We'll be accompanied by the mercenaries so... take what you need since I suppose we're leaving soon."

Sakura gasped. Her head flew up again as she whirled around to look at the woman. Was it true? Had her mother seriously sent this woman to travel with her to Truell? It was impossible, right? Her mother wouldn't actually say that she was allowed to leave the palace, would she? It was almost too good to be true and honestly Sakura was waiting for the woman to say that she was 'joking' and that she was actually there for something else.

However as the silence stretched between them and the woman said nothing more, Sakura felt her heart elevating in pace. Not because she was scared or nervous. No, she was happy. Genuine happiness pulsed through her as her lips spread into a bright smile and new tears edged onto her eyes. This woman was serious about the situation, Sakura could tell by her straight face.

"Really? I can... I can go with them? But.. why to Truell? Wait, that doesn't matter. I can go! I can finally leave. Oh my God, Raze will be happy. I think. Maybe. Will he be? I don't know," by this point Sakura had all but forgotten the woman in her room as she bounced up onto her feet and quickly grabbed a few things from her room. The first time she'd left, she left with just the clothes on her back. It was much the same this time, except she was taking a few small mementos.

Her father's earring that he'd made for her out of the crown he used to wear. A brush for her hair and a long white ribbon. The ribbon was simple and in fact was for Raze. Tradition was to give a ribbon to someone that was courting you so that they could wear it to show they were interested in the person that gave it to them. Sakura wasn't quite sure she was ready to give it yet, but just the thought of being able to see him again when originally she wasn't going to at all... well it made her think of telling him that she'd grown fond of him. Especially if something were to happen and she'd not be able to see him again.

Tucking away these small items, she fixed the earring to her right lobe, than grabbed another ribbon with which she tied up her hair in. Once that was done she looked over to the woman who was her escort, "Alright. Lets go. What's your name?"

Fotiá fought the instinct to groan. She just wanted to be out of the room. And in a sense, she was going to be out but with the princess in tow. Her freedom was going to have to wait longer than she would've wanted. Her duty was to the princess... who had suddenly stopped depositing water on the floor and now had the upturned expression she had come to associate with a "smile". Assuming that the situation called for it, the elemental smiled back at the other. "Fotiá. I need to bring this letter down to the mercenary leader so if that's all you'll be needing..." She trailed off, already turning on her heel to leave the room.

Oh wait... she was supposed to be watching the princess. Which meant she couldn't move far ahead of the woman. Sighing, the elemental paused, watching as the princess exited the room before following suit. She picked up stride next to her charge, glancing out of a nearby window with some longing. Just a little more...

In the end, she ended up following the princess through the various hallways, right through the entrance of the palace. Huh. The mercenaries weren't being kept in the dungeon? Surprised and feeling a bit pleased with this turn of events, Fotiá felt her lips turn upwards as they began walking towards the woods. The elemental wasn't aware of it but she was smiling genuinely. Ahh. Soon she would be herself at last.

---

Even though the Drakaani had quite a stubborn personality about being dropped to his knees, Nahvariik knew when to be humble, and this was the time for such. When the bitch of a queen threatened to execute the three, he forced himself to bite his tongue, to deny himself the chance to rip apart these pathetic excuses of a royal guard, the Queen included. It wasn't that he couldn't it was out of respect of the late king that he wouldn't do such things.

Don't expect that I'll bend my knee for any kingdom for long.

After harsh words have been said, from both sides, and the Queen decided against her previous judgment of execution after the princess intervened, Nahvariik and the others were released. The elf remarked about them surviving, though it had only solicited a growl from the warrior. Once he refitted his armor, the Drakaani turned his back on the two in silence, taking his time as he moved towards the castle entrance.

He had been quiet and grim during the return trip to the castle, uncomfortable in being back in a place where he had previously turned his back on after the death of the king, and for good reason. Unknown to most, he was (largely) responsible for the death of the late king, having been the previous Master at Arms. It tore at his insides, however the deed was already done, a burden that he was forced to carry as a secret.

One of the royal guards had approached the Drakaani, the warrior's weapons in his possession. After retrieving and sheathing his weapons, the guard escorted Nahvariik outside to the castle grounds, ignoring most of the guards who were training against motionless targets. "You know, you'll get better if your practice targets were real opponents," Nahvariik coughed out a remark, earning a few glares from some of the nearby soldiers as he marched past the gates and largely into the forest towards the campsite the other mercenaries were staying.

However, deep down, he felt a bitter taste that something big, and that something bad, is going to happen within the next couple of days.

"As you wish."

The words that Raze spoke were like daggers to Shyc's chest as he stared down at the cobblestones from where he knelt. He couldn't believe they were giving up on Sakura!!

Shyc made to stand and ask after the Queen as she marched back to the palace, but Razeluxe beat him to it as he stood up and faced them.

"Well, we survived. That was perhaps a bit too close for comfort, but I was confident something good would happen. Come on, lets leave for now. We've lucked out enough as it is."

Shyc's gaze fell down to the street, his teeth clenching as his fists curled tightly, the edges of his fingernails biting into his skin. He hated being so useless. Not to mention the princess didn't look at all happy when she was quite literally dragged back into the castle. It also hadn't escaped his notice that she'd gotten rather silent two days before they entered the city. Taking a deep, shaking breath, the half-daemon calmed himself.

"It's a shame Willow and the others aren't here to enjoy the reward. Hopefully they'll appear sooner or later."

His lips twisted into a deeper frown then. Thoughts of Dinan rushed through his mind before he tried to forget them. It was bad enough he'd probably caused the man quite a fright with his suddenly getting run through by a sword and then changing into something he was not. Quickly, Shyc shook his head to forget the terrible event. He was just happy that Raze, Nahv and Sakura didn't treat him any differently, as he should have expected anyway.

With that, he followed the other two out of the city and back into the forest where they were ordered to stay until further notice. Even so, the young boy couldn't help but pace rapidly as he tried to think of something they could do to help Sakura. He knew that Raze wasn't about to just leave her there either, but as it stood right then, Shyc wasn't sure what exactly they could do to get her out.

At the camp, he paced between the tree's, running his fingers through his hair often as he wracked his brain for something, "I could sneak in and take her back! Wait no... that would be bad and then that would mean we've actually kidnapped her this time. I can't do that. I could... sneak in and distract the guards so she could leave! Oh... wait, no that wouldn't work either... that would be the same thing really. Umm... I could.... sneak in and send her a note telling her how to get out and how to get here... Damn it. No, that's the same too."

This went on for quite some time as the forest grew ever darker and Shyc continued to mutter to himself. He wasn't entirely sure if he could be heard by Raze or Nahv, but he was unconsciously sure he was driving the half elf crazy with his pacing. Raze wasn't one to pace.

Finally, he stopped and reached up with both hands and rubbed his head roughly as he gave a sort of growling cry of frustration, "Ahh!! I can't think of anything. This is just ridiculous! Raze!" he turned on his heel and faced their leader, who had taken to his usual spot in his hammock, with a somewhat pitiful expression, "What are we going to do?

"How about do nothing?"

Turning around, Shyc frowned deeply at the voice that had cut into his thoughts, "I can't do that! We're not just leaving her there, that would be cruel and breaking a promise isn't in our vocabulary," he answered without thinking.

Her laugh came next as the princess stepped forth and Shyc gasped, "You don't have to. You're not going to break a promise either," she said brightly.

Shyc gave a soft cry as he lunged forward and grabbed her tightly, "Sakura! You came! Wait..." he pushed her out gently at arms length and gazed at her curiously "Why are you here?"

"Mothers orders," she grinned and held out an envelope.



"Where's Raze?" Sakura asked, her heart nearly jumping to her throat. She'd been looking forward to surprising the elf, but with Shyc's cry of her name, she was sure the surprise was over with. Even so, she wasn't going to hold back either. She wanted to see him desperately.

Shyc pulled back as he grinned, looking to be more like himself again since the day they left Duun. Pointing his thumb over his shoulder, he motioned over to a pair of trees where a hammock was tied up to, "Over there."

Sakura wasted no time then, completely forgetting about her new guardian as she rushed past Shyc and ran to the half elf. In her haste, she didn't really process the dangerous possibility of her next actions as she was more thinking about how she wanted to hug him and tell him that she was back (amongst other things). So, as she burst past the young thief who shouted at her in shock, she didn't stop.

The princess threw herself at the elf, wrapping her arms around him as best she could as she smiled brightly, tears edging into her eyes, "Raze!!"

"Be careful! The hammock isn't made for that!" Shyc cried as he attempted to follow, but was far too late in reading Sakura's intentions.

Still, the princess didn't care. All she was worried about was being in the safety of the small group that she'd come to think of as her new family. Here she was herself, and here she was truly free.

---

---

Despite leaving with his head still intact, Razeluxe couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat as the returned to their campsite in the woods not too far away from the palace. As it stood, they had lost most of their group until further notice, giving the place a feeling of emptiness that, although fairly quiet, was unwelcome currently. The worst part is, even though he promised to keep her from being locked up in her room like she had apparently been for quite some time before they met, Razeluxe still hadn't the slightest idea as how to keep that promise. Simply kidnapping her would probably be near impossible - she was likely to be guarded more closely now - and even if they were successful in that regard, they'd be the first ones the Queen would suspect. And Razeluxe was trying his hardest not to have the Queen lust for their demise.

The rest of the day seemed to chug along by, with nothing Raze could say was 'notable' occurring as far as he was concerned. So, like any other time he was able to rest, he did so by laying down on his hammock, his one-stop place for anything the soldier needed not related to combat: comfort. But it was nearly impossible to not have his mind wander over to the events earlier. After all, he nearly lost his head in a literal sense, and even more surprising was that Nahv never busted free of his lacking restraints and went on a rampage. The Queen really did not have any men who could actually keep such a beast of a guy down, at least not for long. Then again, perhaps Nahv would have freed himself if a blade was pointed at him. Considering it never go to that point, one couldn't be sure, but Nahv wasn't likely to let himself go down without a fight. Raze would say the same about himself, but under those circumstances, he hadn't the ability to break free of the cold grasps on his shoulders. He was only human after all... well, part so. And the other part did not give him physical strength required to break free of his imprisonment.

Very soon, the skylight grew dimmer and dimmer until the sun nearly ceased to hang in the sky. He was still relaxed and laying in his hammock, not even half-listening to Shyc, who had been on quite a streak of insane plans that even Shyc himself could see were foolish. Raze was attentive at first, but immediately lost interest when he suggested that Raze dress in a woman's clothing and pretended to be some long lost relative. So, he continued his minimal sway, back and fourth with his arm resting over his eyes and his consciousness slowly fading by the second as Shyc continued on and on. Hell, he was practically about to fall prey to sleep when Shyc finally grew fed up with his lack of plans and called out to him, which he did not even really hear.

Hmm, since Willow's gone, I guess I'll have to make breakfast everyday from now on. Ah... what a pain. I'm sure Shyc'll get bored of leftovers fairly quickly, but there's no way I'm eating some of his poison. Unless... I wonder what Nahv can make? Don't think I ever caught his diet, maybe I can learn something that isn't combat-related from him. Guess we'll see tomorro------

"GYaghua!"

The pain that shot through his stomach was as though he was targeted by a meteor that descended from the heavens specifically to knock the breath right out of him. Then, he found himself quickly being constrained around the body as he was recovering. Was this some sort of attack? What a fool he was for letting his guard down. He had to react fast!

"Raze!!"

Instantly recognizing the voice as belonging to Sakura, whom they had just departed with earlier in the day, his confusion only grew, replacing any threatened feelings immediately. Razeluxe removed his arm that was blocking his view and looked down. Lo and behold, Sakura was embracing him and beginning to tear up. Heartwarming as it was, the half-elf couldn't help but feel awkward. He certainly wasn't one who preferred contact like this, a certain member of his had the habit and it never really was something he got used to. N-not that he hated it or anything, b-baka! "Sakura?" he didn't hide his disbelief as he spoke her name. "It's good to see you again but.... don't tell me you ran away again?" He wouldn't say that he felt happy, but he felt happy that she was back. Worried that he'd be see the Queen's guard behind her any minute now, but happy.

Speaking of....

"And who is that...?" he asked, having caught sight of his soon-to-be harem girl #2 the woman who had come with Sakura.