Dim, fill with drunken banter yet warm from the fireside. A lithesome figure slipped from the rain into the cheery atmosphere with not so much as a swish of the cloak. The form peered out timidly from its seclusion under a maroon hood. As it moved, the cloak wrapped around its shoulders billowed out revealing a portion of their body. The figure quickly pulled it back to cover itself ones more. Looking around nervously, the form took a step forward through to the bar. Sitting, the form pulled the hood down from its face cautiously. Beneath was someone unexpected. She had burgundy eyes, slightly tinged with gold, and strangely shaped deep red lips. They almost resembled those of a geisha. Her hair was pulled back in a high ‘ninja style’ pony tail. She turned her head nervously, loose maroon tresses falling to frame her face. She observed the usual tavern sorts. Travelers roaring with drunken laughter, ail swishing out of their mugs. And of course the loners sitting secluded in their little corners. One of them was sitting, hood covering his eyes with a mug full of dark liquid close at hand. (Authors note: Okay, this is WAY Aragorn! Except this guys drunk. This is you Orion)
She was startled back to earth when the man behind a bar put down the mug he was wiping out and looked at her, " May I help you misses?"
Before she could answer a man sitting beside her laughed, " Come for a drink? Err a place to sleep?"
She looked at the man and hid her insecurity with a lift of her chin, " What business is it of yours?"
He chuckled deeply, turning away from her again to continue drowning himself in liquor.
After observing her tired, thin face he asked, " Are you hungry?" The bartender asked as she turned back to him.
She nodded but then looked worried. Somehow, by the way the reflections were dancing on her eyes, the bartender could see that she was engaged in an inner monologue. He waited until she looked decided and then said, " Is there something wrong?"
" I-I… nothing." She said shortly.
He stared for a bit longer, sizing her up, until gesturing to a menu written on parchment on the wall. Tsuzuku frowned as she considered it.
" Well?"
She looked at him, troubled, " Uhm…"
" How about today’s special?" He said helpfully.
She nodded slowly, glad to be out of pressure. The bartender turned to the back counter where he began stirring something in a pan. Tsuzuku sat, thinking until the man placed a plate in front of her, " Here you are miss, enjoy!"
She ate as politely as she could manage, feeling quite relieved to have something in her stomach other than searing hunger pains. When she fnished she sat, debating. The man smiled, picked up her dishes and asked, " Do you want to stay the night? If you do please pay now."
A look of slight astonishment crept into her eyes as she moved her mouth, " I- uhm…" Something inside her seemed to click and she looked up, " Can’t pay it…"
" What?" He asked trying still to sound polite.
" I said… I don’t have anything."
The bartender turned cold, grabbed her by the wrist and glared, " You’re going to work for it than!"
She sat frowning, unsure whether to run or to simply keep out of trouble.
He glowered, " I’ll let you go after you wash tonight’s dishes."
" But I-"

" But I-"(said by Rei) I think you should leave this girl alone for now to think about the money she has to pay you! But if you do not take this offer (draws sword) I will kill you right now! I am not some one to be messed with not after you try to take people as your slaves! (silence) by now the whole bar was up and they all had one thing in mind that’s kill this guy and stop his stupid nonsense. I don’t want to fight you but if you give me no other idea soooo we’ll fight! Now the bar is in an out rage but before they can start the bars doors slam open and there’s a person standing in the door way by now the bars back in order and the first thing he asks is what did I miss. Nothing much but I’d be more then happy to kill you along with every one in this bar for trying to kill me! (Stranger A.K.A Eagos) come on I just arrived and I didn’t even do any thing yet you can’t kill me with ever one else in this bar! So I’m just going to sit in the back and watch the fun from back there and id also like a drink bartender. If you stay then I’ll just wait until you leave to start killing come girl you don’t have to be afraid I will not kill you. (whispers) here take this money to pay your tab then go I do not want you to get into any more trouble now go.

Incense, Consent and Decent

Tsuzuku stared at the man, and stared at the money in his outstretched hand. She backed away slowly shaking her head, " I cant excep-" A blast seemed to shake the walls, as a long bass note boomed from all directions. The Tro-ease! As a reflex Tsuzuku slipped to the floor covering her head. She noticed that neither Eagos or Orion had even flinched. The bartender was ducked on the other side of the bar, and she heard him grumbling. There was another blast and a booming note. Suddenly her eyes snapped open and her face filled with fear. She stood breathing and then darted towards the door, slipping out without a sound. Another note, she looked behind her and saw a cloud of dust from many feet, coming quickly towards the town. Sprinting, she reached the forest and ploughed forward, ignoring the sharp branches as they cut her face adn slashed her cloths. It seemed like forever that she ran, but her fear was too great to even stop and pull the thorns from her neck. A temple... She saw a temple ahead of her, it was along in a small clearing. A temple...

The doors burst open at the tavern, and two men stepped in holding flags with the Tro-ease crest. Then another man, broad shouldered and dark entered the now silent pub. His uniform showed that he had prestige in the Tro-ease. The bartender blanched; because he knew they were here looking for someone, " If you're looking for people, half of them just left. you really shouldn't blow that horn and scare all my customers away..." He said sadly.
The man stared at the bartender honorably and replied, " We're looking for a thief, traitor and murderer."
" Who?"
The mans eyes narrowed, " She-"

Kazuya’s legs drooped over the side of the rotting, stinking oak rafters in this tavern. His eyes, blood red and full of serene peace, looked down at those below him. His black cloak, hung from his right shoulder, draped at his side, provided some cover for him. The bartender looked up at him and with his great baritone voice, called out "Mihashi, I have told you before, get outta my bar." Well Kazuya thought I think he just posed a challenge to me. With a large grin spreading over his face, he flipped down from the rafters, landing on soft, leather boot. To the bartender he called "Roku I do not believe we want to do this again, do we?" at this Kazuya drew from its scabbard his katana, light but powerful, and held it at arms length. The bartender laughed a great rumbling laugh and pulled a nine-millimeter from behind the bar. "I thought you would never ask…" and in the blink of an eye, the tension that had been gathering since Kazuya’s arrival, had finally broke into a fight. With god-like speed and agility, Kazuya ran at his foe with every intention to finish this little skirmish. Roku fired round after round, tearing through Kazuya’s silken cloak, but missing his vital points. As Kazuya reached Roku, his weapon found the stomach of his enemy, blood seeping through the wound and onto the amethyst blade, painting it from a dull purple, to a deathly red. Roku’s face faded from its healthy pale peach, to a faded, grayed white. "Now," Kazuya said "Go to hell, you’ll feel better." He then spun and with not half his strength, easily sliced of the palled head that had been on Roku’s shoulders. After he was finished, he slid his tongue up his sword, licking off the blood covering it, then glided it down the edge of the scabbard, and sheathed it underneath his cloak once again. To the others in the room, he gave a fleeting bow, and went through the steel door and on to search.

Streaming streaks of brilliant white lite passed the hurtling ship. Solar systems bounced by like yoyos and old galaxies imploded to leave swirling blackness behind them. InochiWa stared at the black screen, her eyes lazily scanned the series of ore listings, then glinted emerald as she looked out the window. The pilot beside her pressed the holograms on the window with his hands, telling the ship to avoid this and duck under that, doing a job that was only for those with experience. The dissimulate door behind him dissolved and then returned as Katukai entered. The half metal (mechalus) woman in front of her console turned and nodded a little at him through her blank stare. The large beastlike man stood on two solid feet, his body covered with bearlike hair and grizzly scars. He was tall and the race of a weren. Two long front teeth lifted out of his mouth from the bottom and caused his bottom jaw to protrue. Even as harsh as he looked, Katukai, a trained brawler somehow got along perfectly with the blank and seemingly emotionless Mechalus. Her skin was strange black with a metallic shine to it. Her hair was composed of cable filaments and her whole body reinforced with metal to strengthen her durability. Mechalus' began as humans who received cybernetic implants, but then a way to make those with the implants fertile caused a new race to be born.

InochiWa turned back to the monitor typed a binary command to the system at 'warp speed' and then rose to her feet. Katukai now spoke in a deep gruff yet strangely warm way, " Inochi, Do imagine we're getting close?

The pilot grunted for them to come over, he pointed at something up ahead, " I believe this is the place, its coordinates are 0,1."

InochiWa looked at it nobly and then said, " Seems like the beginning of time to me; but that means there will be ore everywhere. If no-one knows it's there, no-one knows to mine it."

Katukai scowled in pleasure, " This ship'll be weighted down with it in no time."

A swirl of clouds floated in the atmosphere of the planet, they hovered before it before the pilot let the ship fall, " Noda! Did you check the-" InochiWa stood by casually, " Yes." Gazing out the window, the pilot observed and narrated a sea of green trees flying up to meet them. The ship shifted several times as it adjusted t the climate and pressure of the new planet. Digital meters spun silently and the pilot turned to them as the shipp was safely landed, " The air here is nearly pure oxugen!" He said, gazing out at the trees surrounding them. Katukai pulled tought the cloth wrappers on his wrists and adjusted his loincloth respectively. The pilot looked at the two in turn before bidding them goodbye, " I'm gonna go 'park this thing in the clouds'," He said winking. InochiWa did not react but Katukai looked back at the pilot before walking through the holograph of a door.

Meanwhile, in the forest, Shinzuo ran through the woods, happily holding stuff she had "picked up" on the way. "Hm? A temple? It wouldn't possibly have any valuables in there would it? fu fu fu... $_$". Shinzou was by far convinced. She jumped up onto the roof so very gracefully when her foot slipped. <Boom!> She fell flat on her rear end. The poor idiot... -_-... "Hey! Sometimes I may just SLIP ok?!" ahem, sorry, anyway, Shinzou carefully drilled a hole in the roof of the temple and she jumped down. <OWCHIE!> "Uh-oh.." shinzou thought. She had landed on a "thing" which appeared to be some guy. Shinzou opened her mouth to apologize but she had already knocked him out K_O. "Whoops", she thought. "Hm.. fu fu fu.(evil laughter)... maybe he has some valuables...". Shinzou checked his pockets, " taku.. (geez)... This guy is far from being my sugar daddy...", she thought. Shinzou then ran back into the woods heading for the city. A girl could be spotted running through the woods. Shinzou was also by some chance, running in that same area. Suddenly, she smashed face first into a girl. "Ouch! Watch where you're going!" The girl said. "Can't you see I'm in a,!" She suddenly looked past Shinzou and behind her. "EEEEPS!" she said. "Come on!, this way!" The girl yelled. "Mmmmm ! wha?" Shinzou was still kinda dazed. The girl dissapeared into the forest, dragging Shinzou along with her.

Out of breath and feeling overly hopeless, Tsuzuku turned to the magnificent building aside her. She again ran, not stopping to pull out the barb like thorns that drew out her blood and reached the doorway. Before dissapearing inside she perked an ear to listen for the horn; it did not come. She closed her eyes for a second, but then continued inside. It struck her that the entrance she had taken was not the main, as before her lay a welcoming sixteen tatami mat room that appeared to be a monks quarters. She wasn't sure, Tsuzuku just wasn't religious. Around the room were books and books, all about history and clans of the futal era. She walked forward slowly, listening again for a voice. There was nothing. Stumbling, she worked her way across the room to the other door. As soon as she reached the rooms center however, a weakness came over her that disturbed her inner most emotions. The wall inside her was beginning to wear and soon would crumble and fall. No longer able to stand, she let her trembling legs fold beneath her and tried desperately to reflect the pain her body and mind were feeling. She reached to her neck to try and seize one of the sharp objects that was digging into her veins. But her shaking fingers only drove it in further. A gasp of pain, and she made the decision to let go. A floating voice came to her, maybe offering a salutation, but she cared not to answer. As she drifted away, she found she didn't even care what would happen if someone found her there. If the Tro-Ease discovered her on the floor of the temple. If anything she wanted it, but something inside her whispered that it wouldn't be so just yet, and she closed minds eye almost resignedly .

This is a fictitious work, set in an imaginary world. Any resemblance to any

person[s], place[s], or thing[s], living or dead, is strictly coincidental

Scene: It is dawn.

Laitoste: (Softly) "Hello…"

Laitoste: (Shrugs) "Odd…"

Antares: "No, no, my dear-no time for that, either! Destiny does not tarry on such trivial matters-and it is the very same which now comes into play."

Antares: "There is a Quest, Laitoste, in which the fates of both you and many others shall become entwined in the chronicles of history within this great land forever. Your path in this life is to be revealed-your time has come! Now, onward you go-fear not, it shall all be explained to you in time, have patience!-and north to the nearest town of Men! They’re waiting for you there, it would not be wise to doom the group to missing a number of their own!"

Laitoste: (Staring at the Wizard before her once again: she has just recently regained enough of her wit to remember to shut her gaping jaw. It seems madness, all of it-and yet, there is something else, a spell to the ramblings of the old one that holds a grain of truth…)

(Swallows hard) "…All…all right, then. Wh-where am I to go?"

Antares: "To the town, to the town! To the village of Men, the great outpost that lies upon the outskirts of these woods. They await you there-make haste! We have tarried long here, pray we are not too late!"

Laitoste: "Wait a minute-"they"? Who is-"

Antares: "All in good time, my dear Elf! Now, give me just a moment, here…"

Antares: "Take a pinch of it between the fingers now-that’s right! Now, hold it up close-when I blow upon it, it shall fall upon you, and you will travel directly to the nearest northern town." (Quickly looks about him) "Yes, you are facing to the North-can’t have you reeling off in the wrong direction, all of my difficult preparation for naught!"

Antares: (Leaning in and whispering to Laitoste) "I shall see you again sometime, I think-we may well meet again! You are the chosen one, amongst all your fair kind-have no fear, for many blessings are upon you."

"Best of luck to you!"

Scene: A bright sun has long since risen over the horizon as Laitoste groggily lifts her head. The trip to the town had not been an unpleasant one; the landing, however, was a far different matter.

Laitoste: (Wrinkling her nose) "It smells here-badly." (Sighs, remembering the soft fragrance of fallen pine in the Haven) "Ah, well-I must see if any here know about the ‘Quest’ the old wizard spoke of."

A bit naïve to the outside world, Laitoste decides to try the tavern for any such sign of promise-it does seem the most crowded place on this early afternoon. She sets off upon a small, dusty road that seems to run straight through the middle of the town, and within a few short minutes has spied out her destination. Approaching the grand doors of the smoky structure, the Wood Elf warily walks in…

[Here the legend is born…]

Kazuya stood up slowly, his head becoming a mat for a mysterious person to frolic upon. He put his hand to his head and rubbed it slightly, it having turned from a pale white to a cherry red. "Filthy people, I AM NO WELCOME MAT!" his annoyance with this person would have to wait, for he was starving. Sniffing the air with his high, but not overly bulbous nose, and after only a moment he caught the scent of wonderful, intoxicating blood. His once ruby eyes, now dulled gray searched for the source, and then, with little trouble, spied the source of it, a young girl, unable to stand. Hmmm, he wondered, what do we have here? Trying to slow his motions to a "normal" pace, he carefully stepped over to his girl. He looked over her, she seemed to have had some ordeal, or so it seemed. Lifting her to her feet, and giving a gracious smile, hiding his fangs and katana. "Are you okay, madam" he asked and waited for a reply

Little lights floated before her eyes, forming a little world as one with the shadows. She watched them dance, swirl and wiggle in a way that was almost waggish. The turned from dark red to light red, like a reflection on waves of water. Again she heard a voice, and felt her body lift. Something was pulling her up, fighting with gravity. Her muscles, she realized were obeying, without her consent, and they allowed her to use the vocals source as a crutch. She heard words, if they were kind she did not know, hostile she knew not either. She was unable to discern the speakers face, for she would not will her eyes to open; the lights were doing a sort of waltz. Somehow though, her eyes too opened, and her mouth as well. She only saw a dark blur; Tsuzuku did not understand why her body would not listen. Her brain was shouting commands at it but it didn’t respond to them. Then she had the strange thought that maybe, her body was listening to her brain. But that her mind… her mind, was disconnected from it all. Was, was her mind her soul? Suddenly, that thought scared her and she heard something escape from her lips, " The red sea- it’s boiling…" She said with a shiver. Her eyes focused and she took in the result. She felt a flinch of pain when she saw the strange reflection in his blood red eyes, " The red sea," she said again and looked up at him questioningly. At the look on his strangely familiar face, Tsuzuku realized with sudden surprise, that he was assisting her stance. She pulled away immediately and adjusted her cloak around her. As she pulled at the collar, she noticed something wet on her fingers. Peering at it, she found it was blood, her blood. Then she remembered the thorns and the whip-like branches she’d encountered on her escape. Her lightheadedness was no doubt a sign that she’d lost a little too much blood. As she recounted the events that had occurred, she remembered the man, and turned to face him. Her face was cold, but her eyes showed the truth in her naiveté and truly open disposition. They posed as a window, she realized into her soul. But, they too were red, " What- do you want?" She asked, her back to the man.

The man in the door of the bar turned from the building after directing his men to post several wanted posters. One of the patrons of that night directed them off in the direction they had arrived from. This particular patron was not aware how this steered them astray. On his way out, the Tro-Ease leader/rep. saw a female entering the bar; he noticed among her nobility a pointed ear sticking from her flowing hair. He felt this strange, however simply gave her a curt nod of recognition and was off on his way.

Vampire Bait

What- do you want?" She asked, her back to the man. (said by rei) His hand went to her shoulder, and with his must reassuring voice, he said "Young lady, you cut me to the quick, I mean no harm, you were lying on the ground, and looked as if you had been through some struggle." He smiled, and moved so she could see him, his eyes still dull. He smiled once again, hiding his fangs from her view. Setting his hat down, letting the untamed jet black hair be let into view, he sat down, moving back some. Now, he though, I might just be able to replenish myself. He shook his head lightly, his hair flailing left and right a bit as he did. But he would be cautious; he would not want her to find any others to assist her. He slowly drew back his cloak, unlatching it from his right shoulder, and revealing his katana, which he removed as well, setting them to his side

She watched as he disarmed himself, noticed the long and menacing katana. Her eyes narrowed at the smiling man, but the look on her face was no glower; but one deep in thought. She reached into her belt where she pulled a freshly sharpened surigam, its points shining viciously. Having it in her hand made confronting this man much more comfortable. She breathed careful; each time she inhaled her neck seared. Before she spoke she seemed to decide on taking the sarcastic approach. She rolled her eyes, " So good of you to notice; I’m bleeding!" Inside she frowned at herself So rude! She decided to add something reassuring, " Thanks for noticing, but I’ll be fine." She said and rose her surigam to show him the proof. Before she could walk off, she was overwhelmed with curiosity, " By the way… Who are you?"

" By the way… Who are you?" (said by Tsuzuku) Kazuya smiled at this, his plan would come into shape, but he would just wing it. " I am Kazuya Mihashi, a wonderer of sorts." He said this with tact, making sure to keep his pearl fangs enclosed. Eyes now dull gray eyes. He noticed the suirgam in her hand and smiled a bit, "now, now, now," He told her " I do not believe that that is necessary." He smiled once again, and asked with a little glint in his eye, "Might I ask your name, M’lady?" And looked her in her eyes

" You may," She said to him, but then seemed reluctant, " It's... Yuono, Tsuzuku." She told him, traditionally placing her family name first. Though he remarked on the weapon in her hand she still gripped it tight. It was okay for him to say that! He was a lot taller than her, and with a katana like that- She stared around at her and then looked back at him, " Well, nice meeting you, I think I ought to be on my way." She said and hurried toward the door.

InochiWa and Katukai stepped off the ship into the little clearing in the forest looking alert. Katukai directed the metal chest of supplies to hover after them. Katukai turned to his companion, " Looks peaceful enough. Maybe it isn't inhabited! That'd take care of any legalities." He chuckled and waited for a reply her knew wouldn’t come. InochiWa shook a wiry hair back into place as she knelt, staring at the soil. She took a pinch of dirt in her fingers, " This is dirt." She said. Katukai looked surprised and knelt near her. She shook her head disbelieving " There are no metal filaments to reinforce it or anything." She said.

Katukai looked around to see anything else strange. He noticed the trees, " Is that- that’s a tre-e-e, right?" She nodded. He looked at it strangely, " I’ve only seen those in the museums." InochiWa shrugged, " They used to cover our planet, but they were proved inefficient. They’re only grow commercially now."

After a time of confusion and awe at the unfamiliarity of this planet, inochiwa gestured for him to follow her. Ahead of them was a strange building (the temple), but when Katukai went to look at it, he came back saying he could not find the keypad to open the door. She simply shrugged and guided him a few yards away from the building. She let a metal rod drop into the ground and smiled as it sank in firmly, " Looks like there are many mineral deposits in the water table here." She said looking at the dials and meters on the rod, " We should dig here."

Katukai smiled, this was his part.

As she begins to leave, Kazuya looks to her once again, watching her go. He thinks to himself that he has lost his pray yet again. His dead eyes look about the place once more, and he gets up once more. He straps his katana to his side, and fastens his cloak over his right shoulder. He heads for the door, rather nonchalantly, and head once again into the forest. Fog wrapping the forest in a roughly invisible state, he steps forth, watching for the vines that would snag his elbow, or some such. His journey takes him through the forest once more, the trees once again looked darkened by the nights shadow. But being tired of wandering around the forest, he leaps into the air and catches the upper branch of the tallest tree he can find. He looks out for any sign of living breathing anything. In the distance, he spies a town, quaint and tiny. "Well," he said to himself and anyone who might be eavesdropping, "might as well head there." Using his legs to leap from tree to tree, braking some branches along the way, he headed for this distant town, for there were people there, and people had life giving blood. As he neared his destination, he began to wonder about that girl he had meet. Had she seen through him, nah, no on has and no one will.

As Kazuya’s weary legs stood before the town, and the nothingness that seemed to inhabit it, his hopes had begun to ware thin. Growling with inhuman roar, he decided to return to the trees. Jumping up once again, he began his trek back to the shrine. But as he reached his destination, he noticed that more company had arrived. From afar he decided he would look upon these two. His eyes slowly closed as he looked upon them, breathing deeply through his nostrils, trying to catch the perfume of their blood. For the first few minutes, nothing. Then as the wind began to glow, the scent he had waited for had floated to his nostrils. He was stunned, never had he encountered blood such as this. His eyes began to take there color once again, the smell of this was intoxicating, the smell of this new blood. He though for a moment ‘Well, I have been wanting something new for a change.’ A smile broke apart his lips as he quietly jumped down from the greenery. He approached the temple once more and looked over those he saw there. His leather boots carried him into their view and with a calm collected voice he said "Greetings-"

"owwwwch" Shinzou said as she rubbed her head. The blurriness in her vision began to fade as she could see a silouette of a little girl come into view. "Its about time you got up. Idiot.. If I weren't here to help you, you would be demon chow by now." The girl said bluntly. "What was that?!" Shinzou yelled while she looked like she was about to choke the girl's neck. "Don't worry.." the girl said " Don't be so tense. My name's Kazuo."

Shinzou looked at the girl. She hadn't really noticed before but the girl was about her age with long black hair tied loosely in the back and she had beautiful deep brown eyes. She also carried a bow and arrow with her.

"What did you drag me out here for anyway? You could have left me with the cops you know." Shinzou said. The girl looked back at Shinzou with a serious expression. "When I first ran into you, you looked like you were pretty strong. So I thought that you could accompany me on something."
"And what is this something?" Shinzou asked. "Well, I needed to get an item from Mt. Hakurai." Kazuo said.

"What kind of item?" Shinzou asked. "Ummm..... Well, an item is not really what I would call it now that I think about it." Kazuo said. She cast her eyes downward for a second and then spoke up again. "I heard that there is this boy in that mountain. Its only a legend but I think its true." Kazuo continued, " It is said that, that boy in the mountain was put to eternal slumber and that he is trapped in a pure crystal which has never been broken. No one dares to go into that mountain. They say that they are full of undefeatable demons that guard it." Kazuo looked back at Shinzou.

" That kid in the mountain, " she started " well, it is said that he has power so great, that he can destroy over a hundred demon with one blow. Maybe thats why he was put away in that mountain. .... You don't believe me do you?.." Kazuo said dissappointed. "No, its not that," Shinzou said. "Its just that I was thinking why you would want to go to find that boy anyway." "Well," Kazuo started, "I thought that If I found that boy, he would be able to help me. I have heard that he is a powerful magic user."

"And what exactly do you need help with?" Shinzou asked suspiciously. " I have some memory loss." said Kazuo. " I want to remember about my past."
"Oh, I see... " Shinzou said thoughtfully. "So, are we going up that mountain or not?" Kazuo asked. Shinzou looked up with a confident expression. "Well then! Lets go!"

Tsuzuku wandered through the forest, wondering where to go next. Two voices floated over to her and she perked an ear to pick up their words, " So, are we going up that mountain or not?" As the two made their way into the mountains, Tsuzuku went into a panic, " Wait!" She yelled and ran after them, " You cant go up there!" She said panting. After catching her breath she looked at them seriously, " There's a very good reason that boy's locked up." She saw that both of them shrugged it off, " Than, let me accompany you at least."

"So... Who are you anyway?" Shinzou asked. "My name is Tsuzuku. I overheard your conversation. Please, let me accompany both of you on your quest." replied tsuzuku. "Sure!" said Kazuo quickly. "The more the merrier!"

So, Shinzou, Kazuo, and Tsuzuku traveled along the path to Mt. Hakurai. "This path is more strenuous than I imagined!" said Shinzou panting. The three had been traveling through many mountain ranges already when they finally saw a huge mountain. "Do you all feel it? This energy. Only humans are allowed to enter. Well, at least anyone with human blood. Full blooded demons cannot enter this place. Demons that are inside of the mountain are only there probably, also because the pure energy of this mountain will not let them out." explained Kazuo.

"You sure know a lot about this mountain..." replied Tsuzuku. "Well, I somehow have many memories of this mountain." said Kazuo. The three then entered the mountain. Inside, it was very dark. Thankfully, Shinzou carried many knicknacks with her so she had a lamp. "Geeeez.... This place is creepy....." said Shinzou who seemed very disturbed.

Suddenly, a huge demon came out of the darkness and attacked! Luckily, Tsuzuku was fast to react and she destroyed the demon in a blink of an eye. "Wow! You are really strong! That was amazing!" squealed Kazuo. "Make sure to watch your back in this place.... I'm getting wierd vibes as we are heading further in.." said Tsuzuku with a concerned expression.

They finally entered a rather dimly lighted area after fighting off many high level demon. The place was full of beautiful white flowers that seemed to sparkle under the dim light.

Shinzou then looked up and gasped. Above her, she saw a boy with flawless pale skin and whiteish hair. It seemed like it matched the color of the flowers glowering below him.

Shinzou was so entranced by the sight of him as she started walking closer toward the crystal that he lay in. Tsuzuku and Kazuo were busy marveling at the beautiful flowers. "Such a beautiful crystal... Fu fu fu fu.... Its probably worth some real big bucks, heheh." Shinzou smirked. But she still had some compassion for the kid. "Man... It must suck being you.. Just staying in the same place all day and night... Not even being able to go to new places... " Shinzou thought.

She reached up to touch the glimmering crystal. Energy started to crackle around the crystal. Shinzou shuddered back as she was hoisted into the air. Something started to materialize in front of her as she saw that it was some kind of staff. "This energy... Its so stong..." Said shinzou weakly as she tried to loosen herself from the energy's grasp.

The staff had by then completely materialized and was pointing at Shinzou. As the energy in the staff started to form, Shinzou grabbed the staff and pointed it towards the crystal. "Forget the crystal!" shouted Shinzou. "Kid, say hello to your new life with US!"

The staff blasted the crystal open. The boy then fell out. Tsuzuku and Kazuo then noticed this and they grabbed the both fainted boy, and Shinzou. The mountain was collapsing. Tsuzuku and Kazuo were helplessly dodging the falling rocks. They finally saw the entrance to the cave and jumped out.

Tsuzuku and Kazuo were at a dead end and they had no choice but to jump off of the cliff. "I think there is a river down there. Its not that bad of a fall. I think we can make it." shouted Tsuzuku. "You think?!" replied Kazuo shocked as she was grabbed by the hand and led off of the cliff.

"Ugggggh..." said Shinzou while waking up. "So you're finally awake." said Kazuo. "W, What? What happened?! Where's the kid?" said shinzou worried. " Calm down, calm down.. He's right here. Thanks to you that is.." replied Tsuzuku thoughtfully.

The boy was starting to wake. "uuugh..." he said as he stirred in his sleep. "Hey! Kid! Wake up!" said Shinzou impatientlly. He slowly opened his eyes. They were a beautiful violet color which somehow matched his hair. "Air?... Light?... Who are you people?" he asked still lying down. "Oh, I'm sorry.. I'm Shinzou, this is Kazuo, and right here is our new friend Tsuzuku. She saved you." replied Shinzou. "Well, you are the one who awakened him out of his long slumber." said Tsuzuku with a smile. "You?" said the boy as he sat up. "But,..... How could you? How could you break the spell when you are a greedy theif?"

"What was that?!" shinzou growled. "Just who are you anyway? I've been meaning to ask you that for a long time." "Well," started the boy "My name is Souma. I am a sorcerer." "So,.. Would you be able to tell me about my past?" Kazuo asked hopefully. "I am sorry but.. I cannot read the pasts of people.. Only the present.. I have not obtained that power yet." said souma, sadly replying.

"Oh... I see..." said kazuo sadly. "So, please, tell us of your whereabouts." said Tsuzuku. "Well," started Souma "I used to be a great sorcerer and I had decided to protect people with that power. But then, bad things started to happen in the village that I was in and the people became suspicious. They framed me for all of the wrong doings because they had no one else to blame. And so they seiled me up.

Tsuzuku had decided to head off on her own after Shinzou and the others were heading for the village. "I guess I'll split here." Tsuzuku had said as she dashed off further into the forest.

Katukai drove a stake in the exact spot with only his fists. He then siezed a pair of metal goggles from Inochiwa. She gestured for him to move back. From the large metal chest she drew one of her treasured guns. It was half as tall as her, yet very light. She lifted it to her shoulder and pointed it directly at the stake. As soon as the gun homed in on the target it fired, a laser beam melted the stake and burned a deep whole in the ground. She smiled at this, and threw an ore sensor down, " I think I just saw someone." Katukai said.

Katukai gestured lazilly into the forest, " I sware I just saw a man in there." InochiWa looked, her eyes gleamed. He had a katana a his side and looked very mysterious to her. Katukai looked thoughtful, " I wonder if he speaks a language you understand." He cupped his large hands and called to the man in the gruff voice.

Katukai peered at the man, " What did he say?" He asked InochiWa.
She shrugged, " It was probably a different language."

" Well can you translate it?"
InochiWa thought hard for a second and then shook her head. She began to stride toward the figure and offered a mutual greeting of a nod of acknoledgement. He must understand that. As she came near, the htree of them stood confused. The alien man had a cape and a large and primitive sword. On the other hand, from the mans point of view it must have been like some weird sci-fi movie. :-P There was a huge beast aside a woman who looked quite frankly, weird. She was a carring a huge metal thing (her gun) and behind them floated a metal box.
he looks over these two, his eyes swirling with red and gray. He nods in return and wonders if they speack not the tounge he had learned. the hilt of his katana was visable, and knowing the way people were anymore, he removed it from his waist and thrust it into the ground. looking once again over these to strange looking people, he decided to try and brake this barrier of silence. "I am Kazuya Mihashi." he said taking a bow. "Might i ask your name?-"

Katukai peered at the man, " What did he say?" He asked InochiWa.
She shrugged, " It was probably a different language."
" Well can you translate it?"
InochiWa thought hard for a second and then shook her head. She began to stride toward the figure and offered a mutual greeting of a nod of acknoledgement. He must understand that. As she came near, the htree of them stood confused. The alien man had a cape and a large and primitive sword. On the other hand, from the mans point of view it must have been like some weird sci-fi movie. :-P There was a huge beast aside a woman who looked quite frankly, weird. She was a carring a huge metal thing (her gun) and behind them floated a metal box.

He looks over these two, his eyes swirling with red and gray. He nods in return and wonders if they speak not the tongue he had learned. the hilt of his katana was visible, and knowing the way people were anymore, he removed it from his waist and thrust it into the ground. looking once again over these to strange looking people, he decided to try and brake this barrier of silence. "I am Kazuya Mihashi." he said taking a bow. "Might I ask your name?-"

After he spoke, Katukai turned to InochiWa (who stood cooly) and shrugged at her, " What does that mean?"
She stood, silent for a moment and then raised her head, " I dont know if I know it-"
" Well maybe he knows more than one language."
InochiWa nodded, " True." she faced the man and attempted greetings in several different languages of their home planet. He didn't respond positively to any of them, " I dont know..." She said.
Then a knew voice broke into their bafflement, " Oh its you again," the female voice said, but it was warm this time. Tsuzuku stepped out from the trees and approached Kazuya and the two strangers. She stopped when she realized how very strange they were and skirted the forests edge to stand beside Kazuya. The two were conversing in a very alien tongue, and she noticed that the man with the katana was looking at them with interest, " Kazuya, I wanted to apologize for my previous coldness but..." She trailed off and took a deep breath, getting ready to say the words she so deeply despised, " I really need your help."
Before Kazuya could reply InochiWa spoke. Though they could not yet understand it, she gestured in a way they could. She gestured for Kazuya and Katukai to be silent and pointed at Tsuzuku to speak again. Tsuzku turned to Kazuya puzzled, " What do I say?" InochiWa nodded and pointed again gesturing for her to speak more.
" Uhm... Hello? What is it?"
The strange woman continued to entice her into speech and then gestured for her to stop for a second. She turned to Katukai and in their strange tongue said, " I think I can analyze her voice."
" What do you mean?"
She pulled the floating metal chest close to her and opened it carefully, rumaging through the inside. She immerged triumphant with a little metal orb. " I mean, that I can decipher their language but only if its spoken by a female."
" Why?"
InochiWa shrugged as she pulled a pin from the orb and let it go, " Maybe because I'm female." The orb spun and whirred in midair, and InochiWa gestured at the girl to speak again. This time Tuzuku figured, it didn't matter what she said and decided to tell Kazuya what she needed, " Anyway... I need help- if it isn't a hassle. I can give you something in return but, not much. I have no money."
InochiWa put up her hand to stop her from speaking. She then snapped the orb from the air and pressed a few buttons on its exterior. The little device made a small whirring again and then repeated Tsuzuku had just said, but seperated by syllabul. InochiWa smiled coolly at Katukai who was amazed at her electronic knowledge. Then again he was just a brawler, so he didn't know much about that anyway. InochiWa tapped the orb and then pointed again at Tsuzuku, but this time it seemed she wanted her to say something specific.
Kazuya, with his keen sense and abilities understood what the woman must have been trying to do, " Tsuzuku, I think she wants you to recite the alphabet."
She nodded slowly and then began for her. After she was done, InochiWa had her do it one more time. She then recited what must have been theres, which was full of strange long sounds. She pressed another button on it and then spoke into it slowly. After she finished she let it float before Kazuya and Tsuzuku.
The orb glowed slowly as it said in very accented English, " Greeting."
Tsuzuku smiled, " Greeting."
Katukai smiled and said in a low voice, " Good job InochiWa," You broke the language barrior."
She shrugged indiferently but looking quite satisfied and complacent, " They can probably tell us where to find ore anyway." She said.
Tsuzuku looked at Kazuya then, as she noticed his dim gray eyes which were drooping strangely. He looked drained and wilted in a way Tsuzuku could not describe, " Kazuya, are you alright?" She asked with worry in her voice.

His dimming eyes looked over Tsuzuku, and his voice called out "I will be fine." He looked over to the other two and began to wonder who they were. Shaking his head slowly he returned to Tsuzuku and asked "What was it you needed me to do?" he then sat down in the cool grass. Hands moving to his face quickly, he smacked himself on the head and reached to his cloak. The sound of glass rubbing agenst glass was calling out as a thin tube was pulled from it. uncorking it quickly he put the vile to his lips and let the icy cold, crimson slide into his mouth, and then down his throat. His once dulled and grayed eyes came alive again, the color returning. shaking his head and with a smile on his face he asked again, for a reason he did not know at the time "What was it you needed me to do?-"

Tsuzuku watched Kazuya apprehensively and then looked at the two strangers trying to understand their sudden unfortold appearance. Looking back to Kazuya she noticed he looked miraculously better; he was smiling, " You dont have to help me out," She said slowly, " But I'm kind of..."
She looked around carefully and then sank to her knees beside him, " I'm kind of in trouble." She said quietly. It wasn't like the other two would understand even if they heard but Tsuzuku didn't want to take any chances, " I cant tell you why right now. I just need someone I can trust to accompany me to uhm-" She stopped, looking a bit worried of his reaction, " Rauko." She said slowly.
Rauko... The home of the wickedest of demons. 'Chupacabras' or day vampires would suck you as dry as the parched desert. And on your way to Rauko you had to cross none other than the infamous Nuru desert. Tsuzuku frowned adn then said, " I know its asking a lot, but whatever it is your looking for maybe you'll find the answers there. I'm going to need someone skilled like you," She said looking at his steeply leveled katana, " I will do whatever it takes to have you on my side." She gritted her teeth at this, these words were like poison, staining her cold and introverted exterior, but she had to shed the act sometime and why not now.

He closed his eyes for a moment, still tasting what was left of that liquid he had drunk. He licked his lips once and opened his eyes, with their new life. and he said, with a calm voice "I will help you, i have no where to be." he chuckled a bit and said "Chupacarba.....my they give trouble?" he then looked her over once more. He then noticed that her wounds had not been treated. "You asked me if I was ok...now i must do the same. If you wish i shale heal you, for i do not believe you will last the night." his voice then trailed under his breath. He was going to heal her if she liked it or not. his right hand began to glow and with a few words echoing into the night's fog a bright white light came over Tsuzuku, her injuries healing.-

The man in the door of the bar turned from the building after directing his men to post several wanted posters. One of the patrons of that night directed them off in the direction they had arrived from. This particular patron was not aware how this steered them astray. On his way out, the Tro-Ease leader/rep. saw a female entering the bar; he noticed among her nobility a pointed ear sticking from her flowing hair. He felt this strange, however simply gave her a curt nod of recognition and was off on his way.

Author’s Note: Within this scene, Laitoste confronts two mysterious tavern figures that are standing by a doorway on the far side of the room-they are Orion [who has his sword drawn for reference] and Eagos, whose dual presence comes into play…

(With all due respects to the writers of these wonderful characters-thank you!)

*

Scene: Gently closing the great oak doors behind her, Laitoste enters the comfortable tavern. It is considerably warmer in here than it had been in the outside world, yet recovering from the chill of the previous night’s rain. Looking about, the Wood Elf notes that this sudden bout of heat shelters source in the foundations of a roaring fireplace, situated within a far corner of the room.

Laitoste: "…Excuse me…"

Bartender: "Hello, m’lady, what may I get for you?"

Laitoste: (Pausing for a moment, then considering the posted menu located behind the counter) "Well…if I may have a light soup, please. Along with a little water."

Bartender: (Nods) "Coming right up."

Laitoste: (Sighs, then mutters softly) "Of all the places that wizard could have chosen…"

Bartender: (Hustling back to Laitoste with a steaming porcelain bowl in one hand and an engraved pewter mug in the other) "There y’are-enjoy!"

Laitoste: (Smiling) "Thank you-I will."

Bartender: (Nodding at Laitoste’s considerably untouched bowl) "Not hungry, dear?"

Laitoste: (Shaking her head gently) "No…I don’t believe I am. Thank you, though."

Bartender: (Sighing) "That’ll be 10 Rupees total."

Laitoste: (Blushing) "Well, sir…you see…that’s a difficult matter for me at the moment…"

Bartender: (Glaring down) "You mean to say you don’t have the money?"

Laitoste: (Nods, shaking visibly) "I’m terribly sorry, sir…"

Laitoste: (Turning towards the hooded man, who has now sheathed his sword and is offering her his hand) "Thank you…"

[Continuation]

In the village, the people were talking about the collapsed mountain. "All of this information sure gets out fast." exclaimed Kazuo.

"I think that we should all rest and camp out for the night. It would be safer for Souma." said Shinzou. "I'm going to buy some supplies first." said Kazuo. "I ran out while we were in the mountain." Shinzou and Souma headed into the forest.

"Do you remember your parents?" Souma suddenly asked. "No.... not really... I was an orphen of a group organization and never really got to meet them.." replied Shinzou. "I see.... Its the same with me though.." said Souma, "I only remember that I was always alone. I traveled a lot.. Just helping people here and there."

The two got to a clearing. "This is a good place to set up camp. I'll go and collect some firewood." said Shinzou. Souma just sat silently. (What is this strange feeling?) Souma thought. (It hurts...)

Shinzou came back to a empty camp sight. "Oh, just great! Where would he run off to at a time like this?!"
Souma was running toward the village. (Is it Kazuo?!) Souma thought as he continued rushing along. Souma had reached the village. He saw no sight of Kazuo. At that time, Shinzou had appeared at he village as well. "You idiot!!! Next time you run off like that, you tell me! Geeeez.... You had me getting a heart attack!" "My apologies." said Souma. "But I can't find Kazuo!"

"What?! Now she is gone?! What is wrong with this picture?!?!?" said Shinzou histerically. "I can sense her presence that way." Souma said pointing north. They both headed toward the lake.

The fog swirled around Gul’s head. The fog was thick enough for him to sink into to avoid detection. All the better if the Quasit ever caught up to him. He was running again. Always running. With nowhere left to go, not since his town was destroyed those many years ago. But the image was still burnt into his mind like it was still happening. The image of all his friends and family fighting for freedom form their demon oppressors.

Suddenly he noticed a flash of white light. Instinctively he jaunted into Etherealness and slid into the brush, his body as hazy as the fog surrounding it. Scanning the surroundings he realized that he wasn’t under attack. It must have been someone using magic. He heard the mumble of people talking form where the light came form. Lifting himself out of the brush he returned to material being. And crept toward the scene.

At the edge of the trees he could see a building, a temple or sum such as he could tell. Near it there were four people. One was clouded in darkness the other three-looked humanoid. As quietly as he could he pulled out his whip. Searching for a strong enough branch he idly fingered the sharp shards of obsidian running along the whip. There were no good branches for him to climb into.

Then something one of the people said caught his ear. The land of Rauko. The name rang a bell but he couldn’t tell what it meant. Gul sat back a minute to think. If he went with them he could find out what was so familiar about this ‘Rauko’ and he might be able to gain some allies for when he finally found Offahelm. His painful reckoning would come.

Oh well he, thought, I might as well throw caution to the wind and find out what this place is at least. Sticking his Whip back into his trench coat he stud up. Resuming Etherealness he slowly walked out of the fog and into the clearing. Fog un-naturally swirling around his still coat. He walked closer. "Greetings" he said.

KAZUYA

kazuya turned to the voice and gave a small greeting. He was not human, he know this much from the skin. he had never meet someone like this person. inhailing a bit he tryed to catch a scent. nothing. This worried him. It seemed as if this person came from the shadows. "Greetings" his voice carried his worry and wonder. " I mean not to sound rude, but i have seen not one of your kind before. Might i ask who you are?-"

GUL

"Hmmm…. Who am I. Good question. You can call me Gul, Gul Z’hin. Nice to meet you." Gul said. "And who are you, might I ask?"

"Who am I…who am I you ask. Well to answer that question I would say that I am Kazuya Mihashi." Here he smiled, a flash of his fangs shinning through at him only. "I believe that you are not human, are you?" he asked with wonder.

Great, Gul thought, a vampire just what I need. "No, actually, I’m not completely human. To be exact not much of anything anymore. But I am partly human." Let him chew on that.

"Partly human eh? What is the other part then?" Said Kazuya.

Well I kinda figured that they would wonder about me. At least I didn’t tell them my real name… "Well I’m also part Drow, which is the race of evil subterranean elves. It’s a really long story."

(authers note, when an indent appears, the person speaking changes)

KAZUYA

he looked over Gul, and nodded a bit. his head turned to Tsuzuku and his voice called "We need to be off. I believe a saw a nice dark spot over that way." as he said this he gestured south, into the thinkening fog of the forest. He moved toward the forest and gave a goodbye to the...strange people he had meet and at the edge of the forest, he looked back and waited for Tsuzuku to catch up.

KIT

Tsuzuku stood, half between Kazuya and the other three, she smoothed her hair with one hand, puzzled, " Uhm..." She looked to InochiWa who was clearly equally confused, " But what about them." She said, " I thought we said they could accompany us. And of Gul?"
Kazuya shrugged wearily and she invited the rest to join them.
The moonlight shone faintly over the strange fellowships diverse faces. Tsuzuku had protested against lighting a campfire lest it give hint to her pursuers of her where abouts.
Tsuzuku sat, shivering slightly, with all of her many weapons spread around her. She sharpened each in turn, from the little daggers to the surigams and ninja stars. She had no weapons bigger than a short sword, but she had many low damage inflictors, and she had her speed.
InochiWa was tinkering with another orb no doubt attempting to fix it so they could all communicate efficiently. Katukai helped her by provided his low voice as a guide.
Her stomach grumbled angirlly; there was no food-Tsuzuku realized-but she also reasoned that even if she had food, there was no fire. She began to finish her last surigam, carefully avoiding the needle sharp edges. It was late and she wanted nothing more than to lay down without worry. Her thoughts were scattered until a sharp cut brought her back to earth. She frowned at it bad temperately and quickly finished by wiping her fresh blood off the surigam. She was feeling a little too tired to touch anything pointy, she reasoned, and thus had an excuse to finally rest.

Eagos & Dragos: Glinting gleaming glimmering gems.
Alluna
" I would like an ale thank you." Eagos said to the bartender.
She turned from the table of men she was entertaining with a little shine in her lite blue eyes. That voice... Dragos and Eagos; the oldest and most familiar of bar patrons. They were well aquainted with her father, but that didn't exactly mean they had a good relation. In fact on the contrary, the bartender absolutely hated them except for their frequent and highly profitable orders. She excused herself from the company of drunkards and made her way over to the two loners. Dragos, was sitting casually backwards on a bar stool, his back to the counter and elbows propped upon it. He was clearly sober; his eyes were still alert in their keen way, but not for long. Eagos on the other hand was speaking to a woman. A woman who she noted, was immensely beautiful with a green cloak and golden tresses framing her face. The woman looked cautious as she conversed with Eagos, who had just placed his two daggers onto the counter. She felt a stab of jealousy that he was speaking to this, this woman- one who she knew was more beautiful than she- but furthermore that he didn't greet her as she strode to the bar. But she let the redness drain out of her cheeks as she excepted her inevitable fate of being the barkeepers daughter. Her life would include serving drinks, cleaning up after over-drunks, and as her money hungry father demanded entertaining the rich male patrons, " Alluna-Shuin!" She heard her father call impatiently. She sighed, and closed her eyes to keep back the tears, moving behind the counter to answer him, " Yes?"
He pulled her roughly to the side, " We've been losing money dramatically; I thought I told you to 'speak' with them." He said gesturing to Eagos and Dragos. Alluna moaned, " Please father-" He glared at her and shoved a drink into her hands, " GO and give this to Dragos, its on the house; I'm expecting 100 gold from him tonite." He said pointedly and then went back to cleaning.

Alluna cautiously approached Dragos (Err... Orion?) and smiling when she caught his eye, " Hello Dragos." She said sweetly and presented him with the drink. He nodded a greeting and accepted it.
" Your room is ready for you, and it is dark. Let me take you up there." She said, and lead him up the polished wooden stairs. She then lead him to a room on the right and smiled as he removed his cape and sat down. Inside however she was terrified, how could her father do this to her? She was practically his slave; all she wanted was to get away for a while. But she knew what would happen if she didn't follow through and with that resolve she strode to him, " You're all alone. Would you like some company?" She asked calmly, but her mind was racing.

ORION

No! But I now what you want. You want to get away from your father for a while. Here take this money give it to your dad and come back up to see me. If he asks tell him just wants to see me and ill be back down in the morning now go and remember come back and ill take you with me.

ALLUNA

With Orions words Alluna’s eyes filled with tears and she could not stop herself from wrapping her arms around the man in a hug of appreciation. She sniffed and sobbed into his chest and tried shakily to thank him, but her voice would not obey. Alluna felt that he did not seem to comfortable with her and she slowly willed herself to let go. Finally when her voice returned, Alluna said," Thank you so much Orion. I-" She wiped her eyes on a blue sleeve, " I don’t know how to repay you." Orion shrugged at this and she continued, " You and Eagos have been my only friends even though I figure you never cared much; all the other men treat me with no respect, and that includes my father." She sad this bitterly, clenching her fists, " The only thing is… I don’t want to get in the way. I kow that you and your firned are great warriors, and the only thing I can do is cook and clean… I always wanted to learn to use magic."
She said, but then noticed Orions face was blank and uncaring, " Sorry, I have said too much. I will be back." She said and hurried down the stairs to her father. He turned to her looking angry, " Well? Why are you back down here?"
Alluna presented her father the money Orion had given her, " Here you are father."
He cocked an eyebrow as he routed through the bag of gold. She turned to leave, but he gripped her arm, " Come back here, what about Eagos?"
Alluna’s mouth drooped, " Orion told me to come right back."
The bartender leaned back; shifted his weight to his left leg and crossed his arms, " Is he your father or am I?"
She grimaced at this, " Father, he wanted me to stay until morning."
He thought this through for a moment, " Then he owes me three times this much! He’ll pay first; I wont have that man sneaking out and stiffing the bill. Get back up there, now." He nearly shouted.
Alluna threw her father an exasperated look but bowed obediently. She returned to Orions room wiping away tears of stress, pain and sorrow. He was sitting casually on the bed polishing his swords. Alluna sighed and sank to the floor, she was immensely tired though she was also relieved by Orions kind offer. The floor was hard and cold and though it was spread with only a thin rug, Alluna felt that she could sleep there for years. She was so tired that she even forgot to tell Orion of her fathers angry response, but it didn’t matter anyway. Eagos had his own plans in mind.

EAGOS

as eagos sat there lokking at the girl across from him he realized somthing she wasnt human but elven like his mother and eagos then realized he had to find his mom who had been kidnapped long ago and he felt sad and angry.He also realized that dragos being taken away some where else a backroom by the bartender what the hell are they doing (eagos stands up)ill be right back he tells the elf so dont leave ass he said these words his eyes turned completly blue. as he walks towards the place where his friend had disepeared as he was walking he was stoped by the father of the bartender (father draws war hammer)leave them he tells eagos (eagos draws a knife)eagos isnt happy by now egos sees the elf had gotten to her feet stay back he tells her if this fool wants to die let him die at these words eagos mutters 3 words and the bartenders father is a frozen block of ice hmmmm i kinda enjoyed that eagos says

SHINZOU

Shinzou and Kazuo arrived at the Lake. It was pretty much deserted. Shinzou bent over and looked into the lake. "Hmmmmmm.... This water is unusually clear.. What do you think Souma?, Souma?" Shinzou looked up and saw him talking with Kazuo. "Where have you been all this time?" asked Souma. "I'm sorry, but I got carried off and came to this lake. It was so beautiful and crystal clear...." Kazuo said with a smile.

Shinzou came running over "So there you are! You worried us sick you know that?" Shinzou said relieved. "Please forgive me Shinzou.. I only came here because a bartender told me about this Cerulean Lake." I thought that it would be so beautiful to see and I was going to come and bring both of you with me but... It was already getting dark you see." replied Kazuo.

"Oh well... We might as well get back to camp then.." said Shinzou. The three of them walked back to the camp site. Souma was intently looking at Kazuo. (What is this odd energy? Where is it's source?) Souma thought as they continued walking down the forest path. (I guess I'll keep a close eye...) They continued on their way.

YARAUKO

Yarauko jeered in a cynical yet delighted sort of way as she watched her men drag two whimpering prisoners to their feet. The prisoners pled for their lives and cried out as they were whipped incesantly. Ontoro stood beside her obediantly, though he clearly looked grim and saddened by the prisoners creul fate.
The two were pushed to the edge of the boiling red lake; crimson like blood and then pushed in. They sank to the bottom slowly, bubbles rising frantically to the surface until they were eaten alive by the terrible mutant fish of the lake. Yarauko reveled in this, this was her hobby. She turned to Ontoro and smiled an evil smile, " The stew of souls is rising in its pot."

ORION

Poor kid I’ll have to carry her out of here. Dang she’s so light why is this. (Opens door) Eagos what the hell are you doing you froze the poor kids father. (Eagos) I know I kind of enjoyed that to. Damn it Eagos now I’ll have to melt the ice (sheets hand on frozen head) he’ll be fine in an hour so see ya Eagos and elf lady. I have to hurry if I want make to the forest but I can’t walk so I have one other choices that’s flying so ill fly (outspreads wings) I hope the kid doesn’t wake up ah there’s the beginning to the forest maze (hits ground) I guess we can camp here tonight (voices deep in orions head) NO you must go on to the end of the forest ha ha ha you know who I am the demon in side you if you want revenge for your dead mother hen go though the forest and find your way to the end of this long journey ha ha ha I guess its right for ounce I have to get to the end (Eagos)DRAGOS! Hey we found you great so are you going in to the froest hey whats wronge? Yes im going in (lifhts Allune) poor kid is still asleep I may need her healing powers at the the end of thisa forest.

EAGOS

Eagos was telling dragos that he would stay for a little bit with the others but then he would follow behind without orion knowing it but hey orion could be shot down if he flew which he usually does which is very stupid hmmmm it would be funny if orion got shot down somewhere but not here oh well i've been with orion as long as i can remember my dad's dead my captured what else could go wrong well I could let dragos go by himself but then he might get killed maybe I’ll light a fire (lights a fire)there that’s done im cold I guess I should be knowing what the trees think about us.

ALLUNA

Alluna huddle to the fire, warming her hands. She was alone with the elf now, where Eagos and Orion had gone she was not sure. She decided top initiate a conversation, as polite as she could manage in her tired state, " Wh-where did they go?" She asked.

KAZUYA

Kazuya’s hand slipped under his cloak, and he felt the rough edges of his amulet, protecting him from the suns harm. He looked around, the others simply resting. Silently and unnoticed, he crept away and found a not so dense part of the forest. He looked back at the "camp" and began to dig. His hands sunk into the cold, damp ground and pulled it away, slowly making his resting place for the time being. As his pulled the last bit of earth away from this hole. He stepped inside, but as he lied down for his dirt nap, he noticed something, like someone watching him from the shadows before him-.

GUL

What was that weird ass vampire doing? Digging a hole? Strange. A flicker in Kazuya’s eye gave away that he had been seen. Stepping out of the shadow he leaned back on the tree. "So why are you here in the middle of nowhere?" he asked. "And are you gonna share that ale?" "I knew someone had been watching me, although I did not think it would be you. Well I am setting for myself a place to rest for the time being. And as for my ale, I do not think you would enjoy this particular brand, so to speak." "Umm… all right if you say so. So where exactly are ‘we’ going. I heard something about the Land of Rauko. I know I’ve heard it before but, I can’t remember what it is." "Well to tell the truth, I have no idea what the hell it is." As Kazuya said this he tipped back the bottle, ale sliding down his throat. "You and me are quite a lot alike. But as for traveling at night, I don’t know. The Quasit that was chasing me probably wouldn’t travel by day anyway. And with the fact that I’m not traveling alone he might catch up with us soon." Kazuya laughed a bit, and with a bit of a gleam in his eye he said, "Well what is the trouble with that, I do not think he, or she, or it will have much of a chance against the lot of us." "He might not stand a chance against us but if he manages to find me and escape, he will bring an army of demons to dispose of ‘us’." "Well then we will just have to make sure he does not escape."

TSUZUKU

Tsuzuku lay down, but could not sleep. She was listening to InochiWa speak to Katukai, but finally, InochiWa stood and said she was looking for Kazuya. Something about sleeping in her Airship...

KAZUYA

With the completion of this conversation with Gul, Kazuya remember the others still didn’t know about him. Hmmm he thought should I reveal myself, or stay hidden? For the moment he would remain hidden, but he would reveal himself, over time. He stepped out of the pit he had dug for himself, and began wondering through the woods. With a silent step he would rejoin the others and think of the best way to show himself. Through trunk and branch he let himself stride. And after all hope of finding them had been lost, searching for an hour or so with a trace not found, he stumbled onto them once again. "Hello again." He said to them, sounding a bit tired and worn. He looked them over and he then sat down, his back against a tree, legs outstretched rather nonchalantly. "If I were to assume we are to make this journey with some ease, we should travel by night, make it harder for people to find us." He said this not with his usual cheery voice he use around humans and others that did not know of him, but instead he used his real voice, deep and scowling, with hatred hidden deep inside. Flashes of the past came to him, but he wiped them away, not even wanting the past anylonger.

KAZUYA

Upon finishing the conversation with Kazuya, Gul pulled his whip out of his trench coat. Looking up the tree he was standing by he found the largest branch he could, only 12 feet up. Then he latched the dagger point of the whip above it. Climbing up the tree was no problem at all he was use to it. When he reached the branch he put his whip away and pulled out one of his smaller axes. Then quickly skimmed off all the smaller branches around him. He lay back on the tree. The Quasit was coming he knew it. The demons wouldn’t stop coming after him just because he had made some friends. But who knew what drove demons. But for now he was safe. He returned to the shadow realm, just to make sure he didn’t fall out of the tree. And went to sleep.

SHINZOU

Shinzou and the others arrived at the camp. "We should all get some shut eye." said Shinzou. The three all settled down to get to sleep. "The stars are rather bright tonight aren't they?" said Souma. Kazuo looked up at the sky with mysty eyes. "Yes.... The fifth alignment... How I've waited for this..."

"Are you alright Kazuo?" asked Shinzou nervously. "Oh!, of course! I was just marveling at the stars.." replied Kazuo. Later that evening, all three of them were fast asleep. All but Kazuo that is. She carefully looked around to see if anyone was looking before she slipped away. Kazuo walked alongside the lake. Quietly, she bent down by the clear water. "It is quite a shame that you fell into my little trap...." Said Kazuo. But then, her beautiful ebony hair turned into a more murky blueish color and her eyes changed to a orangeish tint. She was not Kazuo at all! She looked more like some type of water demon. "No one can escape the spell of this Umijin." She said with a sneer laugh.

Umijin looked venegefully at the water's surface. Below was Kazuo. (I can't get out of this!) she thought as she continued banging onto the under surface of the water. (Curse this.. witch!) Souma looked up from his bedding. "Kazuo is gone....." he said looking at the empty bed site. (Could it be?)

"Now that I have finally escaped the underside of this damn lake, I can finally rome free on this earth!" said Umijin with an evil laugh. Kazuo looked up helplessly from below the surface of the water. "Hahahahaha! It is a shame... That a person as young as you must be forced to continue living your life, trapped beneath the surface of this lake..." Umijin said cruelly. "Now I will finally take my share of enough souls to bring back my dear siblings... And also for my lord Yarauko...".

"Shinzou! Wake up! Its about Kazuo!" Said Souma forcefully, trying to wake up the lead weight Shinzou. "Mmmmmmmng... Its ok.... My donkey will step on him for you.. Heheheh..." said Shinzou drooling. "Uhmmmm...." Said Souma who was rather confused. (A donkey? Who would talk about a donkey in their sleep? Oh! I almost forgot!) "Shinzou! Wake Uppppppp!"

"Hm? Wha? Wheres the donkey? Ah? Oh, Its only you Souma. Damn you! You just woke me up from a good dream! My wish had finally come true!!!" Souma looked serious. "Never mind your dream now! The Kazuo that we were with was not the real Kazuo!"

"Huh?! What do you mean, not the real Kazuo?" asked Shinzuo histerically. "What I mean is, the Kazuo that we were with was actually an Aqua Lamia and the real Kazuo is somewhere else!" Said Souma.

LAITOSTE

Scene: Laitoste, visibly shaken after her near-confrontation with the irate bartender of the tavern, converses quietly with her ‘savior’: a hooded loner who, along with his partner, seems dangerously prepared to bring the town to his bidding should the need arise.

The Wood Elf is somewhat frightened of the threat posed by the two men; however, she is also fairly intrigued by their statute, and begins to wonder whether she has found those of whom the wizard Antares spoke-members of a motley Quest who were said to reside in the tavern. Nevertheless, she hides her curiosity and thanks the stranger for his offered aid…

Stranger: (Nodding curtly) "You’re welcome." (Pauses, then continues in a slight rush) "It wasn’t much-I guess I know the bartender, and he knows about me..."

Laitoste nods in return, then recoils slightly as the stranger draws a pair of twin daggers from hidden sheaths within the folds of his dark cloak.

Stranger: (Setting the daggers in service upon their table before continuing with his tale) "You see, I’m not like the other people here: I was sent to find and help a Wood Elf in this bar."

Laitoste: (Reflecting upon what Antares has told her in surprise) "I-I see…"

This is certainly a revelation for Laitoste. Perhaps her journey has not been in vain, after all-not in the least to mention the prospect of a proposed Quest. The Wood Elf begins to wonder whether or not this hooded stranger shall reveal any more about the matter.

Stranger: "I can morph, cast spells, and use daggers." (Pauses once more) "I’m not a human, though…"

The Wood Elf conceals a gasp as the stranger throws back his hood to reveal his shadowed features. She knows not what to expect; however, it is certainly not what now confronts her…

Stranger: (Smiling grimly) "I’m a cat. Very effective, if you ask me."

Laitoste: (Nods mutely as she stares into a pair of brilliant eyes, all the while casting a quick glance over the slightly scruffy fur that covers the stranger’s face.) "…Yes…I imagine so…"

Stranger: (Procuring a small leather bag from the seemingly limitless folds of his cloak and handing it to Laitoste) "Use these to pay your debt. I will help you if you need it-both my friend Dragos and I, you two have met already I think…"

He glances at Laitoste, who merely nods. Idly fingering her silver dragon amulet, she realizes cannot recall any particular meeting with the other man, who is now sitting placidly at the bar counter; however, the name sounds oddly familiar…

Stranger: "I do tend to wander ahead of the group and watch for unwanted travelers…" (Turns to Laitoste once more) "If need be, I kill them-and take their possessions."

Laitoste: (Staring open-mouthed) "…"

Stranger: (Nods, explanation seemingly completed, then turns to the nearby bartender) "I would like an ale, thank you."

As the stranger moves slowly towards the bar, the Wood Elf remains obligingly at the table, at a loss as to what ought to be said in return. Her eyes wander about the bar, and she notes the unflinching gaze of another sudden patron-one whom she has failed to notice before-pass over the table. It is a young woman, the only other female visible within the tavern. Further reflection reveals anger contorting the fair face before Laitoste’s gaze, and a fiery determination that yet seems undermined by hidden doubts. The Wood Elf watches warily as the young woman approaches the bar counter, and is startled by a sudden cry of "Alluna-Shuin!" that arises from behind. Shifting slightly, she watches as the bartender walks over to the woman and converses quietly with her. The barmaiden’s expression quickly changes to one of distinct horror, which is nevertheless quickly subdued. Nodding in absolute submission, the fear of the unknown situation nevertheless palpable nearly halfway across the bar, the young lady in turn strides swiftly towards the man-cat’s table table, a foaming mug of ale now in her trembling hand.

The Wood Elf watches as she turns slightly, pausing to converse in whispered tones with Dragos, her savior’s hooded companion. After the passage of a brief moment, the two disappear through a back door that appears to lead to the upper levels of the tavern. Diverting her curious attention, Laitoste turns once more to the stranger before her, suddenly realizing he has received his beer and has since been watching her the entire time. He gazes intently for a moment as a flicker of sorrow shines through his eyes. Startled, Laitoste begins to speak; however, before she can question him further on the matter, he suddenly turns towards the back door. The tear-stricken young lady who earlier passed it by has now returned; after conversing once more with the bartender, she returns to the upper stories. Laitoste’s companion diverts his own attention towards the bar seat now vacated by his friend, and-placing the scene together-takes command…

Stranger: "I’ll be right back, so don’t leave."

Laitoste: (Following him heedlessly) "Where are you-"

Ignoring Laitoste whilst striding towards the back door his companion has disappeared through earlier, the stranger suddenly stops, daggers outdrawn. The Wood Elf freezes in her tracks before realizing these daggers aren’t meant for her…

Bartender: (Blocking the doorway) "Well, well-if it isn’t Eagos. Where do you think you’re going, my half-breed friend?"

Eagos: (Nodding coolly towards Laitoste) "Stay back." (Turns to the bartender, daggers poised) "If this fool wants to die, let him die."

The tavern has suddenly gone very quiet. Before any other move can be made, Eagos mutters a trio of words under his breath, his cat-like eyes pierced upon the stricken bartender in a spell. Without another word, the proprietor is encased in a block of solid ice.

Eagos: (Admiring his work) "I kind of enjoyed that…"

Laitoste: (Regaining her composure) "What in the name of-"

A sudden rush from the back door once again catches the attention of all within the pub. Two figures speedily emerge: Dragos and the woman he left with, who is now lying faint in his arms. Pausing in his tracks to regard the scene before him, Eagos’ friend curses under his breath.

Dragos: "Eagos, what the hell are you doing?!" (Gestures to the woman in his arms) "You froze the poor kid’s father!"

Eagos: (Nods, grinning) "I know. I kind of enjoyed it, too."

Dragos: (Shaking his head in apparent disgust) "Damn it Eagos, now I’ll have to melt the ice…"

The remaining patrons of the bar watch in amazement as-very gingerly-Dragos shifts the weight of the young woman in his arms and lays his free hand over the bartender’s frozen features. A slight burst of warmth emanates from this touch, engulfing the solid man in needed heat. Satisfied, the hooded youth returns his gaze to Laitoste and Eagos.

Dragos: "He’ll be fine in an hour." (Nodding at the silent pair, seemingly ignoring the fact that Eagos looks disappointed at this prospect) "I’ll see you Eagos…and you, Elf."

He turns away at once, heading quickly towards the door.

Dragos: (Pausing in contemplation) "I have to hurry if I want to make it to the forest…"

Much to the unabashed surprise of those with enough wits left to comprehend what is taking place, Eagos’ friend spreads a pair of magnificent wings from beneath the folds of his cloak and rises off into the early evening sky.

Laitoste: (Pondering Dragos’ words) "Did he mention the forest?"

Eagos: (Halting for a moment in comprehension of the Wood Elf’s exclamation) "Yes…I believe he did…"

Laitoste: "Then there’s no time to waste. The old wizard was right, I have to get out of here…"

Eagos: "What are you-"

Laitoste: (Grabbing him by the arm and dragging him past the stupefied citizens who now linger at the counter) "No time to explain! Here, come with me-I’ll tell you later, when I understand it a little more fully myself."

The two rush out of the tavern, their feet pounding the crude dirt road as the little town fades into the deepening mists behind them. All is silent, Eagos keeping pace easily with the Wood Elf as the pair hurry away from the town Laitoste has only just entered this prior morning.

As the last small cluster of orphaned buildings fall away behind them, the edge of the forest comes slowly into sight…

Laitoste: "There-there it is! Hurry, we’ve nearly reached it!"

Eagos: (Stopping suddenly in his tracks, then rushing towards a dim light at the edge of the great wood) "DRAGOS!"

The Wood Elf hurries behind as Eagos approaches a small fire under the boughs of a great fir. Here, his friend is tending to the unconscious young barmaiden.

Eagos: "We found you! Great!" (Pausing, then looking around) "So, are you going into the forest? What’s wrong?"

Dragos: (Nodding slowly) "Yes, I’m going in…" (Ignoring the second question, he lifts the woman beside him, looking down) "Poor kid is still asleep-I may need her healing powers at the end of this forest…"

Laitoste: (Coming up to stand beside Eagos) "If I may be of help…I know a little bit about the healing properties of these woods, myself…"

ORION

Eagos I need you to take care of the kid here at camp. Dragos where are you going? I’m going to meet you guys at the end of the forest. (Voice deep in Dragos head) You know you go faster with me on the outside don’t you. Yes you do know ha ha ha. Dragos what’s wrong? Nothing I’m leaving the kid with you if she asks where I am …….. you tell her i'm away and will meet you at the end now I must go (flames surround Dragos) And his inner body is reveled as a demon. Dragos come baaaaack. No I must leave we will meet again I promise. (Near the end of the forest) What’s that shape up ahead holy shit its a dragon! I may have to fight this ting so I’ll land now. Who comes before me? Another human? First I’m not a human I’m a demon right now. Hey Dragos, was up? Eagos? What are you doing here
I followed you why? I thought you where watching the kid. I was but I left so now i’m here.

SHINZOU

Shinzou and Souma continued running through the forest. "I'm sure that Kazuo is somewhere in that lake. I could feel her presense there." Said Souma. The two continued their way to the lake.

Shinzou reached down to touch the water. "She couldn't be under the water, could she?" She looked up at Souma. "I'm not sure... We could try and find out." Souma stepped into the water. "Hey! Wait for me!" said Shinzuo rushing forward.

A few seconds later the two were completely under the water. "Souuuuumaaaaaaa.. I cannnn'ttt breaaatheeee!!!" Gurgled Shinzuo while following Souma under the water. Souma nodded. He lifted his staff and an air bubble formed around the two. "Haaaaaaa! Geeeez! Maybe you could have done that before we just jumped into this lake?!" coughed shinzou.

"This lake is bigger than I thought." said Souma. The light from the air bubble shone around the reefs and cliffs in the dark lake. Shinzou and Souma headed deeper into the depths of the underwater cliffs. As they went deeper, they could see many small caves, maybe thousands.

"We should start searching." said Shinzou. Souma looked concerened. "Are you sure it's safe to split up? Something could happen." Shinzou looked back at Souma. "We could stick together. But we might need to be able to move freely."

"I'll split up the air bubble. We will move at our own will." replied Souma. He lifted his staff and split the bubble in two. "Lets see... Where will we start Souma? There are so many..." gasped Shinzou. "All the bad energy is coming from that cave." Souma said pointing toward a cave with a small light coming out of it. They both swam towards the cave.

Shinzou resurfaced inside of the cave. "Wow! A real underwater cave... I've never been inside of one of these before.." said Shinzou while marvelling the rock walls. Both got out of the water and started exploring the cave.

UMIJI

Umiji cackled as she flead as quick as the rapids of a river. 'Her master would be pleased with her' she thought. And relished the great rewards she might recieve.

TSUZUKU

The red lights were floating before her again. And the ocean of them was no longer rippling like the surface of a placid lake. This time, the waves of the water jostled violent as if they were on a camp fire, simmering. Beneath the surface the shadows of slithering things were seen. Tsuzuku saw the lights dancing at her, like she had dreamt so often. The only thing is... this time the lights seemed to be angry.
Tsuzuku jolted upright, the dream had disturbed her, no matter how many times she saw it, it still would send a shiver right down to her soul.

KAZUYA

With drooping eyes and a weary soul, Kazuya lied down, nuzzling himself along the side of the dry, hard tree. Closing his blood red eyes, he slipped into a deep sleep. A bright flash and a blare of fire and death, he lied on the battlefield. His life’s blood pumping from his would, and his mortal green eyes fading with his life. He called for his family, but nothing. He called again, but nothing. And as hope was lost, and life faded, he wondered why they did not come. He sat up quickly. A dream he thought aloud, it was but a dream. "no" he had come to his senses" it was the past."

SHINZOU

Shinzou was talking to an old man in the village while Kazuo and Souma sat on the side listening. They were thinking about where they should head to next. They had all decided to go to the nearest place where there was the most action. All of them were bored anyway and had nothing to do.

Shinzou looked across to the valley south of the village. "So you’re saying that there may be some type of manslayer down in that valley?"

"Yes, they say that it is some kind of demon. When people go down there, they never come back." The old villager looked grim.

"Well, thanks. I’ll head off now." She ran back to the clearing where Kazuo and Souma sat. The two were both by the spring in the clearing filling up their bamboo canteens. Souma held up his canteen from the water and fastened the lid back on. "There. That should last us for at least a day or two."

"There is gossip in the village that some type of demon lies in a place called Crimson Valley. It is south from here. You can see it." Shinzou checked her pockets and belt for extra supplies. "It seems that I have a weeks worth. You guys want to go check it out?"

Souma got up and picked up his staff. "We’ll head out then." He started south to the valley. Shinzou and Kazuo followed.

YARAUKO

Sacrificial and beneficial

The land was barren and the sky dark, Yarauko sat supinely with one leg elegantly draped over the opposite. She looked content in her cool malign environment, the dark room with the wall sized windows. Beside her in the shadows was Ontoro, who was breathing abnormally, in a jagged sort of way. She didn’t care to ask why, what use would compassion do? Then the familiar sound she so deeply disliked came again; a knock at the door. She gritted her teeth but finally managed to call, " What!?"
" M’lady, another sacrifice is ready to use at your discretion."
" Prepare the sacrifice than."
" Right away." She heard the owner of the voice turn to hurry from the door, lest she feel the impulse to slaughter him for disrupting her.
She rose to her feet, strode to the door, of course finding Ontoro there to open it. He bowed her out and led her down the steps outside. From the gate of the tower, they passed the stables, where nameless dark beasts dwelled. They reached the lake and the sacrifice awaiting them there. Its wrists here tied and its ankles as well, the ropes were so tight that trickled of blood trailed down the blue skin. As Yarauko approached she observed the creatures face. As soon as the blue skinned creature saw her, it recoiled wailing, " How- How could you do this lord Yarauko?" Its voice was an squeaky soprano, " I have been nothing but faithful! I have waited under that ice for centuries. It was only until the fifth alignment that-"
Yarauko held up her hand, Ontoro slashed the babbling Umiji across the belly, with one quick stroke. Then she too was shoved into the sea of red.
Yarauko sneered in pleasure as the Umiji clawed worthlessly at the bonds on her body, " You were destined to die- And if you really were loyal you would see that the sacrifice of your insignificant life, is an honor."
Ontoro followed Yarauko’s movements with cold eyes. " The fifth alignment will free all demons of your command from whatever restrains them and cause their return."
"Indeed, and the blood of the incompetent ones will serve as direct sustenance for our project."
The servants that had bound Umiji opened their mouths wide, " But she had just returned to receive orders my lord." One of the men said.
" Who said you could question me? I will decide what I decide." She said and with that thrust him as well into the boiling wetness. She strode past Ontoro, her many servants parting as they observed her insane rage; or was it power?

KIT

InochiWa leaned nonchalantly against a tree, her arms crossed in a cool, uncaring way. Tsuzuku sat at her feet, rubbing her temples with trembling fingers as she tried to calm down from the nightmare of the previous night. When a voice came from near to her she opened her eyes to see Katukai as he started to speak.

KAZUYA

Kazuya rose again, relieving himself of his place at the tree’s hard trunk. Walking slowly, beginning to feel his ale from earlier course through him, making him stagger every couple of steps. He looked at InochiWa, then to Tsuzuku, and finally to Katukai before lowering his head, bringing his view to the ground in front of him.
"There is something I must tell you all, if you are willing to listen, it is better I tell you now then later." With his voice, beginning to reform from its old and worn tone form earlier, now sounded like a younger man does, not old but youthful and full of the breath of life. "I ask but one thing if you will listen…do not judge me by what you hear me tell you, I do not wish to frighten you all." His eyes, now seeming more youthful themselves over the puzzled looks they gave him.
"Where to begin…" He thought for a bit, wondering where the best place to start this tale, not seeing any objections to his offer. "Well, it is best to begin at the beginning I suppose. In the land of my birth, a place very far from here, called Gahimanhai, I lived with my family, Father and my brothers, my mother had died only a few years after having me. They were peaceful times; we owned a large piece of land, about 3 acres. My father employed many of our neighbors, to work on our crops. Many a year my brothers, Cassius, Marcus, and Daminus, and myself would go out to the spacious fields and simply look down at all the people working our land." He trailed of with a distant look, his eyes seeming to cloud and a smile broke his lips.
"All was well there, no one really had a reason to complain…wages were high, hunger, homelessness, poverty were practically nonexistent. But 16 years after my birth, a new family had moved to the land. Asking employment from my father, to find some way to pay for there daughter’s food and the home they had set up on the land of our lord, who’s name I shale not mention. Reluctantly, he took the to his employment. Days had past and I first saw the daughter of this family. She was gorgeous. Long flowing black hair and full red lips." Here he stopped. Not wanting to keep them in suspense, he continued, "She had told me her name, but I do not remember it. It was with my kindness I took her to my own home, a large mansion north of the fields. She there met my brothers, who took the same shine I had. Not to go into the details, let me just say she played the whore very well, not leaving one of us to complain. Let us now jump a head a few years. Civil war had broken out, a group trying to overthrow our lord and master from his place. As my brothers had done, I joined the fight to protect him, and his kindness. Only one battle did I see, and that was the last one of this terrible bloodshed. At the keep we fought and my…limited experience would cost me. A wound through my heart and a night spent in darkness ended my life, but this seems to be a lie does in not…for if I was dead how could I be telling you of this tale. There is one little piece of information I had forgot to tell, my tale begins 345 years ago." Finishing his tale, and looking at their faces, he said in his voice he had shone for a brief moment, filled with hatred "I am nosferatu. I am a merciful death for those who have none…I am a vampire." With an ending to this sentence, he opened his mouth up and his fangs, long protruding fangs, white as death, and sharp as the blade of his katana, shone like they held the sun withen them.

GUL

Gul’s body returned to the material plane. Waking from his short slumber, Gul looked down at the ground where Kazuya had been. No one was there. Great, he thought sarcastically, they left me all alone to wither and die. Climbing up the tree with his whip as a lead rope he scanned the surrounding forest. Not seeing anybody he jumped down from the top of the tree. Landing with a loud thump and the clang of all his weapons in his jacket he once again scanned the area, still no one. Well I better go find them before they get too far away, he thought. Jaunting back into the plane of shadow he surged forward at speeds of which no human could mach. Speeding form tree to tree he finally spotted the party. He melded into the shadow behind the tree the one called InochiWa was leaning against he listened. It took him no time at all to figure out what was happening, Kazuya was exposing himself to the rest of them. This could be fun, Gul thought. He slid up the tree trunk and out onto a branch and waited. "…I am a vampire." Kazuya said. Gul counted to 3 in his head then jumped out of the tree and the shadow plane Shouting "BOO!!!!!"...

KAZUYA

Feeling a slight sense of relief knowing they all knew of him, but not sure the whole truth was something they could handle. Looking to Gul with eyes of fire, he said, his voice becoming somewhat normal to the ears of those around him, but in a language that was mysterious "Vendui Gul...Inbal dos tlus gaer verve? Xor xunus dos fridj valm udossa?" (Translation: Hello Gul...Have you been there long? Or did you just join us?) He looked at Gul, wondering just how many weapons the guy needed to have, a whip he had seen, but with the clanking and crashing of his movements had told him there were more.

GUL

"I just found you guys" Gul said. "What have I missed so far?" Great, he thought, this guy knows undercommon. But then again I wouldent put it past him. Flourishing a knife from up his sleeve he said, "so whats the plan guys?"

KIT

As Kazuya finished his story, InochiWa moved her head to one side and adjusted her body posture to reflect more assertively her uncaring nature. However, her usually emotionless eyes slitted slightly in clear calculating disapproval as she examined him.
Tsuzuku, breathed deeply, having found Kazuya’s story quite odd but strangely familiar. Suddenly her jaw dropped and her chest began to rise and fall in a hurried rhythm. Her eyes flashed with realization, " Mihashi… You’re name is Mihashi." She said her brain racing to reach the importance of this fact. Then she realized, her head snapped upward and their eyes met. Hers were wide and amazed, " I cant believe it.." She said whispering. The rest of her thoughts she struggled to conceal as her inner monologue continued to rage back and forth between ideas. Gahimanhai! The Kingdom of Misery… It all makes since now. She thought to herself. Finally the broken pieces of her memory and history were coming together and she was beginning to understand. Much of it was still foggy but at least now she had a starting place. She now understood again who were her real foes.
Katukai looked to Kazuya seeing that the reactions of the two women beside him did not fall well, " We should spend today preparing for the arduous journey ahead of us. Our airship wont return for quite a while; the pilot contacted us in the night and told us that it was experiencing trouble with the stardrive. When he does manage to come back however, we will have the means to travel much faster than on foot."
Gul crossed his arms, " Wait a second- don’t you guys have any high-tech gizmo or somethin’ that could tote us around?" (Sorry! Not so great with portraying others characters, you can change this.)
Katukai shook his head, " Even in our time it is expensive to even rent a hover board lest own one. And we are but simple merchants." He then turned to where Tsuzuku sat to ask her, " Where do you suppose we sh-" He noticed then, that she was gone, long gone. He strode over to the placid and cool InochiWa, " Did you see where she went?"
" Was she taken off by that vampire?" She said the last word with notable distaste. " At least in our era woman aren’t used for lecherous pleasures." She said, slinging one of her many guns over a shoulder and striding away in her cool tempered way.

Yaurako strode with Ontoro to the stables, " You shall go by stead, as fast as you can to the village. I don’t care how you do it, but you will." She said stiffly, " Don’t let me down Ontoro or I will take your head." He could tell by her steely tone and by experience that she really meant this. Ontoro nodded obediently as he mounted the fastest of the black horses, " You have no reason to doubt me Yaurako, I have never let you down before." He sped off, his long black hair and cloak whirling in the wind behind him.

Swirling green surrounded her as she darted through the forest. Her face was wet with tears and her tired legs sore with the effort it took to tread the rough terrain. She ran until no longer her legs would obey and forced her to drop to the ground. She sat there, weeping, her hands over her face. She had gone as quietly and quickly from the camp, it was with deep pride that she refused to show her soft underbelly. Of course she had a weak emotional side, who didn’t? But lately, it seemed to be fighting hard to break through, to show. She shook her head, hugging herself as sobs racked her body. A cold solid hand clenched to her shoulder, causing her to struggle away in consternation. All around her were men in uniforms. A proud yet dangerous man addressed her as she was bound and gagged, " Justice is not a game, girl. No longer can you run." He said and raised a gloved hand to a heavily armed man behind her. She felt something collide with her head and then, she knew no more.

Ontoro slowed his horse, tethered it to the pole outside the mansion and strode to the gate. Inside was the estate of the villages’ mayor, containing along with the garden, pond and other necessities, the sheriffs quarters. He smiled and strode to this building. Once inside he smiled at the man before him who bowed and showed him down the hall to the jail cells, " Ontoro sir, I got word of your arrival a week prior, and we have indeed fulfilled your request." He said quickly. They passed several flags on the wall, one bearing a crest and another embroidered with the word, ‘Tro-Ease’ across its spread.

She noticed now, around her it was dark, it was cold. She could not see through the blackness but she knew she was inside. She squinted until she saw that above was a small window with a narrow slant of light entering. She heard the sound of keys in a lock and felt a hand gently grip her arm, " Tsuzuku," The voice said gently and she suddenly felt her body lifted. The owner of the voice pulled her into a kind hug, shushing her sobs, " Its okay Tsuzuku, its all right." The owner of the voice placed his hands on the back of her head, tangling in her hair. She choked a strangled sentence out between sobs, " Who… are you?"
The voice chuckled, " Who am I? But you must remember. It has not been that long has it?"
She was now fully confused, the voice was in no way familiar, " I- I don’t remember."
The man placed a finger beneath her chin, pulling her sweet face to his. He felt her jagged, scared breath on his chin and then locked lips with her. She breathed heavily as she felt their faces meet. Her eyes opened and she saw from the light of the small window, one long strand of black hair.

Alluna sat in the grass. On one weary fist rested her chin, while the other played absentmindedly with the grass. Laitoste was near by, staring around at the greenery in a sort of meditation. Alluna was amazed that Laitoste could simply sit still in the midst of nature and not get bored, " So they’ve gone through the forest without us?" She rubbed her eyes morosely, " I suppose I can see that, I would have simply been a hindrance." She frowned at this truth, " But why did they leave you here? You surely could have been of some assistance."

Tsuzuku drew away from the man, pulling her arms tight around her in a solitary way. The man laughed lightly, " I’ve gone and made you uncomfortable haven’t I?" He said, and stood, " You never seemed to mind before. In fact you used to flirt furiously with me."
It was true that Tsuzuku hid a lot of things inside of her, but this was not one of them. She could not remember ever meeting this man and she certainly could not remember flirting with him. Or for that matter with anyone. Tsuzuku had resolved that she would never lower herself to fluttering her eyelashes at a man like a pretty little idiot. He put out a sturdy hand, but she shook away, helping herself up. She brushed off herself, then realizing what was absent. Her cloak was missing, and her equipment. No one of her weapons was left on her body, she checked her hair and inner thigh. Not one was left, the clever bastards had stripped her of everything. She was left in an uncomfortably tight garment that bound her hips so fast that she could barely move. She backed to the wall from him, " Who are you."
He laughed again, she decided she didn’t much like the sound of it, " You know who I am, just think a second." A sound from outside cuaght his attention, " but no time for that, we’ve got to get you out of here." He hurried to the metal door and turned the key in the lock. She shook her head, backing farther into a corner. The hay beneath her naked feet reminded her that she was stripped of any defense.
" Don’t be silly, how do you expect to get out without my help."
" I won’t escape if it means having anything to do with you." She said, her proud cold side taking over once more. She remembered what her grandmother had once told her; ‘A woman is expected to be weak, never show you’re underside to the enemy until you’ve cut their throat.’
At this he seemed to since where she was coming from, " Look, if you don’t escape now, you’ll be excecuted. You’ve been tried and found guilty for theft, evading law inforcement and… hmm what was the other one? Murder?"
" I never-!"
He looked at her pointedly, " It doesn’t matter if you did or not, the mayor has no care for pleading!"
She shook her head her mouth open, " I didn’t…"
" According to him you did, and that’s all that matters right now." He breathed impatiently, " The excecution is this evening, now do you want my help or not?"
Tsuzuku shut her eyes, jaw clenched. There was no way to avoid his assistance, she finally realized, " Please." She said. He smiled again gripped her hand and pulled her to the hallway. The light outside the door made Tsuzuku’s head throb with dull thuds and she remember the blow she had received yesterday. The man pulled her to the end of the hall. He told her to stay there, and he turned to enter a door nearby. She heard voices inside, and could tell they were friendly. He returned with a bag in one hand. The contents of the bag sounded as thought they were of cloth and of metal for Tsuzuku could define a muffled clanking emanating from it. Again he took her out into the bright sun. She looked at him amazed at his calm sureness, " Aren’t you worried we’ll be caught?"
" No." He said, taking her through the gardens to a tethered horse outside of the gate. She examined his long black hair and dark dark eyes, realizing with a slight shiver that his cool sharp cut features were oddly handsome. " Who are you?" She asked a third time. He lifted her gently onto it and then mounted as well, " Just your long lost." He said in a voice that clearly meant he had no care to go any further. She refused to grip him but he forced her hands to at least hold tight the second set of reigns, " You’ll regret it if you don’t." And he was right, the horse started off in a thunder of hooves, moving like lightning across the land.

InochiWa strode over to Gul who was sitting leaned against a tree, his arms behind his neck. She gesture for him to follow her. He shrugged and complied. They walked for a small time through a recently created path through the bushes until she stopped, " What do you think of that?" She asked, pointing to the small clearing that had clearly been made by the trample of many feet.
Gul knelt looking at them knowingly, " These are Tsuzuku’s footfalls." And he pointed to a larger more depressed patch of grass, " These belong to men. And none of our group."
InochiWa nodded satisfied having proved her point, " That explains her absence no doubt, kidnapped."
Gul nodded at this and wandered to the place where the many large footprints led away, " They seem to go out of the forest judging by their direction."
InochiWa gripped an orb and whispered into it, " Katukai," she said, " Leave Kazuya to guard our camp. You come south through the trees." She left it at that and leaned against a tree, " We’ll find her."

They reached the forests edge and the man finally spoke again, " Tsuzuku."
" What?" She said morosely.
" What makes you so cold all of a sudden?"
" You must not know me as well as you say then."
" No, you are simply suffering from amnesia." He said laughing, " Or else you would remember the man you professed your undying love to."
Tsuzuku rolled her eyes at this, " Whatever." She said under her breath. The horse slowed and the entered the forest. Suddenly it stopped, there were people there on the ground, the man unmounted, " Who are you?"
One of the women looked up, " Oh hello sir, my name is-" the other clamped her hand over her mouth and whispered, " Alluna! Keep your teeth tight together." She then straightened, " But simple travelers we are."
" Indeed." He brought out his long slender blade and played with it between his fingers, " Then would you like to accompany us?"
" They have no business with us." Tsuzuku said from behind, " Leave them." She said dangerously.
The man nodded slowly and turned from them, " There are enough souls in the lake already I suppose."

As they mounted the horse again, and sped off through the trees they heard the sound of others. Suddenly from the trees came three figures. The man suddenly took Tsuzukus hands and bound them with the reigns, " Don’t dare to jump." He said perilously. One of the figures before them Tsuzuku recognized was Katukai, " InochiWa!" The man shook his head, grabbing her wrists tight to his waist and heeled the horse to trot faster. Katukai stood before ithis huge figure attempted to block their passage, but the man on the horse swung his blade and caught the slow beast across his shoulder. Katukai swore as his blood stained the ground. InochiWa at this narrowed her eyes and aimed at the man. Her speed was lagging as she was encumbered by the huge gun but still she homed in on the target and fired. A swirling ball of plasma shot from the sleak metal guns barrel. The man on the horse gripped tight to Tsuzuku and continued to coax the steed forward as InochiWa’s ammo hit him. It collided with his left leg, causing the horse to whiny in sheer terror.
The equestrian for a second closed his eyes, he lifted his hand high in the air. In his palm InochiWa saw an orb of shadow, but before she could even question what it was the man yelled, " Soul steal!" And the black circle shot towards her. Gul who was before her, dodged it nimbly, but InochiWa with her pitiful agility was purely lucky. The aim of the spell missed her by inches.
The bag was now threatening to loosen from the fasten it had on the horses side and Tsuzuku reached to it. Before she could grasp it the bag fell to the blurred ground. InochiWa slowed, there was no way she could keep up with the horse, though its course was a wide and confused circle. She lowered her gun, and hurried to Katukai, unmasked worry in her eyes. Gul however darted forward, fastening his whip to a tree he flew from one branch to the next until finally, he had a clear shot at the horse. A well flung dagger landed in the beasts’ side, causing its eyes to roll. Tsuzuku fought the speed and wind, freed a hand from the crazy horseriders grasp and pulled the knife from his side. She cut the reigns from her wrists and without hesitation the restricting clothes that bound her. Now she took a deep breath and worked to summon the courage that would steady her shaking hand. She must free her other arm. She lifted one fist ready to strike, the knife in it and shut her eyes. The man before her however seemed to since his danger and spoke, " Do not kill me, you will regret it." He said and let go of her other hand allowing her to slip from the horse.

Tsuzuku fell, realizing his words suggested the undying love she had supposedly before professed. But there was no time for that now, she was falling. Hitting the ground hard, Tsuzuku fell unconcious.

At the sound of battle, Alluna flew to her feet.