FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Disclaimer: I do not own in any shape or form of any "Warriors of Virtue" franchise. I will not be profiting from this story in any way. However, every character not mentioned in either the movies or the books (yes there are books) are mine.

I do not have any rights to the music that is used.

I do not have the rights to the movie I borrowed from.

A/N: I do apologize for the grammar and spelling. Usually, after reading it several times I miss items and end up editing later. If you want to help please let me know where I might have missed something to help further our relationship together on this journey. If not then just enjoy the imagination.

If you have not figured out how I write by now too, I will give you clues. Sometimes my coma's mean pausing when people speak. Other times my three periods are longer pauses people thinking. It is up to you to guess what they might be thinking. I give you all the clues and you can pretty much guess by then. I almost write it like a script, but not quite. Because I love Theatre and Film this type of writing just bleed into it and I have my own way of doing it.

I do also hope you enjoying writing it and then listen to the music as you go along. Sometimes the songs do get cut short and other times you have to put it on loop, but they still fit the mood how I want you guys to feel within the scenes, and I hope it works.

**Fair WARNINGS**

Explicit scenes of death and implied rape in this chapter. If you do not wish to read this kind of stories you have the choice to not read them. Thank you. Be warned, again, in this chapter things will get a little intense.

Chapter 11

Stolen

---

The night before Sarah and Lai were going to head to his village Sarah just couldn't seem to get any sleep. She figured it might have been around three am because of how dark it still was. She never knew the actual time there, only paid attention to how the villagers behaved at certain hours since they knew their own clocks. They knew their schedule when to eat, when to take a break, when getting up and take rest on a hot day. But, it was common sense that everyone was asleep at this hour of the night. She got up from her floor mat and just needed to take a stroll and try to go back to sleep. Try to wear her body out to want to go to sleep.

She walked over to a red bridge which was not too far from the LifeSpring, that had the Torii-like Arch. The forest was dark but serene with glowing little insects dodging around each other. She then thought those might actually be the fearies instead coming out at night when no one was awake to see them at these hours, so they didn't have fear of being caught. It made sense.

The moon was shining down upon the pools creating the deepest creatures bioluminescent. In which it all reflected back onto her face as blue light neon waves echoed shadows onto her features. Everything was so quiet and peaceful around her that it should have helped and made her fall asleep to the sounds of the cool waters, but she was still wide awake and her ears wide open not really listening to anything specific, and her mind spaced out not really thinking about anything.

"Well, well, those wings become you!"

She jumped and looked around her. No one was there. The water still flowed, but nothing was out of place. The voice was deep but also rich with an almost familiar accent. Could she have just heard things? She waited, but still, nothing moved or made any other sound while she was alert. She thought then maybe it would just be best to go back and just try to fall back asleep. She listened again quietly to see if anything would show one last time. Her eyes darted around looking at bridges, open doors, or even the waters, however, still nothing. But, the moment she started to slowly turn back around to walk back to her hut direction she rams right into someone. "Ouff," was the sound Sarah made hitting his chest.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."

But, she didn't quite finish what she was going to say because the moment she looked up she saw his unearthly smooth face that just couldn't be real. She could not stop staring at him. His slim tall muscular figure focused right back at her. Dark raven hairs almost falling over his eyes which sparkled pools of greens and blues, and at times shimmered differently giving different colored eyes at once. What was completely off about his eyes was that there were no pupils. Or none she could see clearly because it was so milky like a blind person's eyes. As her eyes followed upwards more she noticed those dark tannish red swirling horns that curved backwards. They rise above his head then curl back down almost touching his ears. And, his ears....They had such sharp points to them like dark elves. Each held golden cuffs on the tip under folds.

They were still just standing there after awhile. He was watching her as well and seems to slowly smirk the longer she could not pull away. He followed her eyes that seemed to want to look everywhere on his body. That pleased him very much.

"Who are you?" She finally asked in a daze.

"A demon," He simply supplied.

"A demon?" That seemed to have snapped her out of it.

"Exactly what I said," seemingly a little bored by that repeat.

"What kind of a demon?"

She may have thought a different kind of Warmblood, but she had not seen his type before yet he feels so familiar to her and again in a different way she just could not quite explain.

"Yours!" He smirked knowing his effect on her with his unanswered answer of how.

Well, that still did the trick and confused her greatly.

"Wait, what? Mine? But why? What do you mean?" Almost sounding a little angry.

"Do you need to repeat everything I say? I'm just that, I am Your demon." Now he was getting annoyed with this game already but his eyes were still focused intensely on her.

"I thought you were bright enough to figure this out by now."

"I just don't understand. What kind of a demon are you?"

"Yours!"

"No," she takes a deep intake and gives it some thought, "are you a specific demon?"

"Yours!" She balls up her fists.

"Are you a certain breed?"

She was now trying to tactically pull answers by changing up the questions at a faster pace. A tactic like 20 questions to finally get the true answer.

He looks at her annoyed catching on to what she was doing already. With his eyebrow raised, he expressed what was on his mind but did not say anything.

"Ok. Like, are you one of the seven sins kind of demon or something like Mephistopheles?"

"They wish!" He rolled his eyes as he tilting head.

"They exist?" She said surprisingly and interested.

"Of course they do," he slowly walked closer to her purring when he saw the opportunity. "But they are not rooted to anyone in particular. They are whores." He explained very little knowing very well that was not going to satisfy her appetite.

"So there are demons in this world?" She said still not noticing his advances. "guess I shouldn't be surprised. But, I still don't understand. Why are you "my" demon? This still doesn't make sense. The Manuscript never said anything about this"

"Everyone has a demon." He slowly looked at her up and down.

"Everyone?"

"Of course."

"So you are saying you are my personal demon? But, for what?"

"Yes." Purring even deeper lowering his head.

As he said it she finally noticed that he was very much near her and reaching out touching her hair. Her eyes showed she was beginning to panic inside. She could not move away because she was already up against the rails and his other arm was blocking her other path. He somehow trapped her without her noticing it until now. Her heart was beating so quickly. What was going on here? Where was a Roo when she needed them?

"But, why are you "my" demon? Are you anyone else's too?"

"No" he seemed to be offended and angered by that.

"How? This doesn't make sense."

"This is a land where anything is possible, is it not?"

No matter the ups and downs of his moods in this short conversation his hands seemed to remain the same; tenderly caressing every thread of hair between his fingers.

After gripping on the rail she automatically puts up a hand to his chest to push him away. There she could feel his muscular front. He seemed relaxed, but he was all solid.

"You are playing games with me too much."

"Oh my dear, not enough. Not quietly nearly enough." He leans in even more. "Knowing you, I can play for the rest of your life." His eyes seemed to have glowed brighter for just a second as he thought of the many different playgrounds he had in mind.

"Great," saying quietly sarcastically after noticing that quick glow and tried to push him even more away. "Just what I needed. A demon harassing me when I already have enough on my plate at the moment."

"Hmm," he seemed to purr around her ear and almost gnawing on it but just gently grazing it which made her jump. She tried pushing him away after that surprise, but his body didn't seem to move at all.

"Why take the appetizers when you can have dessert?"

"What? Get off me!" She tried pushing him again, but he somehow snaked his way behind her back and pulled her into him.

"You are mine!" Almost licking her ear saying it.

Wherever he touched her red marks like bright lava trailed from his tips and disappeared as quickly as they appeared on her body. Shivers ran down her spine. Just as he pressed her closer to his lower abdomen she felt pressure into her lower region as well. Just as she realized this she pushed with all her might and as she was breaking away she bolted right up from her mat. She was at her hut again. Her body was shaking so much looking around her almost not recognizing where she was for a moment. Did she really not go anywhere? It was still night, but....her body was shaking so much, and her heart was racing so quickly. Her hand automatically went to her chest grabbing it like it was having a heart attack. She really needed to get sleep now and calm down. She didn't feel like going out and chancing it to only have it repeated or worse...him trying different tactics.

She lays back down and puts her hand on her forehead, "Was that really just a dream?"

* * *

Sarah woke up extra early that morning. In fact, she didn't get much sleep, but just laid down with her eyes closed, and never really went back to bed. She decided to go to the Training grounds and maybe practice some more with her wings, but thought maybe practice breathing instead to calm down would be better. She got a running start to the edge of the docks, pushed off and then glided her way down across bridges to the spot. It was nice she got a hut close to the Training grounds. She had a little peace and quiet from the busy villagers in the morning, but still close enough to be within safe range for protection.

Some of the early risers watched in amazement as she passed them by.

She didn't feel like eating breakfast so she just went right into clearing her mind. She could have gone to her spot by the waterfall, but today she felt like open space that was close by was best.

She began her opening stance with a slow Tai Chi breathing. Inhaling and exhaling when needed while listening to her music. For awhile she practiced alone in silence and did not mind it because her mind was still running on that dream last night trying to breaking things down.

Was there meaning to it?

From the top levels, a Roo was about to walk around the corner for his morning supper but had been stopped by the soundless noise of movement. He followed his ears finally noticing Sarah's contemplative ways right away. One moment she was paused in the air with her foot out, then she twirls around with a high kick. As she lands she just stays there for several moments again as if waiting for something. He decided to hop his way down to intervene.

"Is everything alright?" Chi said as he was jumped into the ring.

She jumped at the suddenness from the corner of her eyes when she didn't hear him from the loud music. She pulled out her headphones and looked over. After realizing who it was she then went back into her stance with such force but didn't put the headphones back on.

"Yeah..." She thought for a moment. "Just...wondering if everyone had a demon here."

"We all have demons." He watched her.

"Physical ones?" She didn't turn to look. Still trying to concentrate as her hands and legs slowly moved into 'snake creep through grass' gestures.

"Hmm, yes and no. Depending which one you are talking about."

"I don't mean the philosophical ones." She thought again about it getting lower to the ground. "Or the bullying type. More like the actual demons. The mythical ones from stories."

She begins to rise up again slowly.

"Mythical demons?" He says as he folds his arms in front.

"Yes, like with horns, evil, mind manipulators kind of thing."

"Hmm..." This time he seemed to think about it. "No. No, those are legends from long ago like the painting you found with Yun. There has not been a sighting of any Demons for many decades."

She looks over her shoulder, "but you are still saying that they were here at one point?" she turned her head back as she thrusted forward and forced motion upwards.

"Yeah, that is correct."

She was silent for a while again slowly moving her arms in shapes of a ying-yang symbol now, but they held such tension instead of relaxed flow movements.

Chi observed her carefully. What ever was on her mind about these demons subject wasn't helping her energy control flow.

"You seem to be fueled with fire."

"What?" as she said in mid-press sit back posture still not looking.

"Your energy. Your moves are not helping are they?"

She hesitated to answer.

"I am trying."

"That is because you need to burn that fire correctly in order to cool down."

She stopped. Dropped her arms, stood up straight and faced Chi.

"Alright," she exhaled, and waved her hand at Chi to say 'show her.'

Walking over to Sarah he positioned himself in a Choy Lee Fut 'Horse' stance posture, to begin with. She looked at him up and down to analyze and reflected his posture. Step by step he showed her the moves, and she noticed the force she was allowed to release; not realizing she was holding so much tension. Soon they were moving the steps even faster, and she was catching on quite fast as well. The moves felt natural. Her wings did not seem to bother her. They were far from her mind even if they did open. Chi and Sarah seemed to be practicing for hours straight and neither seemed to be slowing down.

The other Roos seemed to have gathered around at different corners watching and not wanting to break their concentration. They quietly observed the two and seeing how much Sarah catch on. Moving in such fire learning for the first time, and yet it was almost as if she studied Martial Arts all her life like the rest of the Roo's. They did not using any elements, but the power and will of their own bodies. Each others strength was great and matching each other. Sarah with her burning tension and Chi with his fluid force that was second nature. They were almost equally matched, but Sarah was still running on a chaotic mind and it was only time before Chi found an opening for her to falter.

Even Longwei in the distance in mid-chore watched as well. He was memorized by her once more. Such fire seemed to be illuminated about her. Being a Sea Dragon he seemed to have noticed something different, as well, about Sarah. Her eyes.

Her eyes...

had slightly...

changed.

* * *

As the time ticked on by a couple of children decided to run off back to their playground that Chi and Sarah safely built for them. They were full of energy early in the day. The children didn't have many chores to do that day, so some smaller ones and older siblings watched over them as they played. After a while running, laughing, and jumping off of the fun steps in the area, one of the older children noticed the stillness of the forest. There was this unnatural quiet stillness. Even the surrounding animals were silent. Others then began to notice too. The children's faces were confused and a little circumspection. One older child tried to listen carefully surrounding them, but there did not seem like anything was out of place. He could not quite explain it, but it just didn't feel right. After while it seemed like it was just a false alarm.

Then bushes rattled in front of him. The boy that was already pre-cautious stepped closer. His heart beats raced. It continued to rattle more from the brushes. He gulped down his fear and hoped his virtue was protecting him. Just as he was getting closer it stopped moving and things were quiet again for the moment. Nothing happened and the boy did not want to go any further.

Until, they heard a villager screaming in the distance from the opposite end. The boy turned to see where it was coming from and was about to see the situation himself until a couple of the other children near him screamed too. He turned back around to see several dark hideous shapes emerging from the brushes. All the children began screaming and cowering together trying to get away from it as soon as possible. Many of the children were too afraid to run away in time and others just tripped scratching their knees to hurt to move anymore.

* * *

Chi was already introducing weapons into the mix now. He was teaching fast and they were moving fast.

"Don't be so tense. Relax!" Chi instructed.

She took in a deep breath and slowly released it. She has been trying. Her mind had been slowly moving away from her personal issues on her mind. Chi was still helping Sarah practice his martial arts style. The Roo's were still around as well, watching patiently from the outside lines, quietly, and not making a sound for any distractions. Just when Chi was about to make his move he was stopped in mid motion. The first scream was heard from one side of the village by all Roo's as their ears twitched. Yun, Lai, and Yee's attention were hyped first, seeing as their ears turned into the direction it came from they took off without saying anything more. Tsun and Chi followed behind jumping into that direction after them as well. Sarah waited to see where they were going to run after them and follow with a few other Humans. But, then the second scream was heard. She stopped midway up the stairs. She tried to listen carefully for its direction. This time it was in the direction of the playground and a much more higher-pitched scratch that sounded like...

"The Children!"

Then Sarah turned around and ran in the opposite direction of the stairs. A few others did so as well running with Sarah. She knew exactly where she was going and could run the corners blindfolded the speed she was going. However, she felt like she was going fast enough. Something didn't feel right to her. Almost like instinct her wings opened up, pumped out, and lifted her off the ground right away. She was beating faster than she thought she could ever go flying right over to the children with such force. She got there before anyone else.

What she saw made her heart skip a beat. It was the Rats again, and they were after the children once again. She then screwdrivered downward towards one of them and pushed several of them at once off of one of the children. Landing roughly she then grabbed the strongest stick she found in short time and ran to another Rat. She tried fighting as many as she could trying to save the children. Swinging left and right with such force all the fire came back from this morning.

However, in a distance Keitto, a little girl she got to adore was roughly being bitten on the shoulder, swinging her around like a ragdoll as a wild animal would, and half trying to drag her away. Just as she was slashing at an angle and swinging around Sarah's eyes caught the sight of Keitto and her rage flared. She pushed off the ground with her wings and feet like a rocket. She was pointing the stick right at the Rat like a rapier in a thrust movement heading straight at it. Just as she got closer she swings the stick around and thwacked it with such a powerful blow to the face you could hear crunches from the jaw. It let go of the child with no effort, but the deed was already done. She took the stick like a baseball bat and swung low. It went flying back into the forest and out of her sight. Most of the other Rats were being scared off with by other villagers after Sarah had knocked some deep pain into them, so Sarah's focus was all on the one she just saved.

She dropped the thick stick from her shaking hands and then dropped to her knees. She slowly and carefully held her in her arms.

(Sarah's iPod: Nadama & Shastro - Moondrops)

Keitto, was slowly slipping away. She was badly bruised all over, mixed with dirt, and the bleeding hadn't stopped. It was such a wide wound she didn't think applying pressure would help either. The situation was out of her control with no medical supplies in this world and she only did what she could, holding carefully onto her body. Keitto's body was covered in her own dripping blood from her mouth and shoulder. The shoulder shown torn up muscles where the Rat's teeth ripped right into her flesh and bone. It puncture her lungs and heart making her insides bleed into each other. She was suffering. Keitto was trying to breathe but was struggling for even the slightest of air. The look on her face was in complete confusion and pain. Sarah tries to keep the child calm and her own self. She tried humming and rocking back and forth like a mother would to a child going to bed, but things were already too late for Keitto. Sarah's hand tried desperately to closing the wound, but there was no way she could stop the bleeding. Sarah couldn't stop crying as the child suffered in her arms. Tears flowed uncontrollably. Soon she noticed other parts on the child began to morph near the open wound. It seemed like rat furs and hideous arm parts popping out causing, even more, pain. However, it was an unsuccessful morph as she died with her last breathe. Her body was already badly damaged and the pain was too great for a little child to hold onto life she goes limp. Sarah watches Keitto in silence.

The Roo's were also unsuccessful on the other side of rescuing a few of the villagers. There were more being taken than usual since last time and at different sights like a tactical diversion. So, a few more children and adults had gotten taken by the Rats and the Roo's could not chase after them when there weren't any traces this time. Their scents or trails all disappeared. Very subtle things were changing about the Rats too. Sarah was not focused on that at the moment, though.

More tears begin to silently fall as she began pulling Keitto's body closer to her own holding tightly and wishing with all her might that she could have changed things so this would have never happened. Yee and Lai still tried to look around on the other side of the village for anything, and Yun and Chi jumped over to the opposite side of the village after hearing they had came over there too. When they arrived they saw Longwei looking down at the ground standing just enough away from Sarah and she was sitting on the floor with someone in her arms. When Yun and Chi got closer to see what was going on their ears flopped down and their eyes looked shocked in horror. Even though her tears have stopped now her eyes were red, swollen, and had this far away look in them while still looking down at the lifeless bloodied body. Sarah wanted to go kick the locked up Rat they still had for research, but she knew it was not going to do anything to help the situation. Her emotions were so enraged, numb, deeply cut, and so badly hurt she really needed to get out before she regretted doing something. She slowly arose from the ground picking up Keitto's body so gently as if it was going to break. With her wings almost spreading out, as she was getting up, the villagers could envision her looking like an Angelic bloodborn taking an innocents soul to rest. She turned to Yun and Chi with an unreadable expression and did not say another word as she passed them by. She walks off one foot after the other to the Center of Master Chung's LifeSpring. Everyone that saw them did not say a word either. Some bowed their heads, others turned to cry, and still no one stopped her.

(Sarah's iPod: Deuter - Illumination of the Heart)

When she finally got to the LifeSpring's clearwater shores she began walking into the waters while still holding onto Keitto. The galaxy seemed to be reflexing on the LifeSpring surfaces and depths. It had gotten dark fast in the skies and made it easier to see all the glowing life underneath moving at such a calm pace. It gave off a very beautiful and alien like life form that reminded Sarah of the 'Abyss' movie scene near the end. When she was far enough into the deep waters and able to float she watched Keitto and her little dress ripple gently in the waters. She whipped away the blood that was staining the child's face with the zubrium water and it sparkled over her like magic. When she was clean enough she looked up at everyone around her watching everything in silence. Some were on the bridges, others standing on the deck's edges, and all was in agreement with what she was doing. There was nothing else they could do anyway. She looked back down at the child's face one last time and then gently pushed the body down into the waters to slowly sink away. As Keitto sunk downward her little dress slowly danced in the waters. The underwater lights gave off of little glow to her figure and almost seemed like she was back to being her old little self that was full of life and innocences and not been torn to death. She looked at peace once more. Soon the dark depths was engulfing around her to the bottom slowly.

"I will miss you little one," Sarah whispered as she continued to float in the waters by her wings.

When her body reached the darkest part of the waters and could not be seen any longer Sarah turned back to the shores to get out. Glitter stuck to her as well and trailed after her getting out. It was beautiful and so very heartbreaking.

(Sarah's iPod: Dawn - Tomas Walker)

Sarah feels lost inside and alone. She walked back into the forest to be alone because she does not want to cause a scene. She didn't care about the Rats as much with her only for the safety of others. The pain inside was so great to bare she needed to find a place to just let it all out. Hearing nothing but the forest surroundings and away from the village she begins to let it

All

Out

and cries until her eyes were swollen. Her chest burned so much and her body wanted to give away after shaking immensely.

"Why," she says in such raspy pain. "Why did she have to lose her life? Why did I have to hold her?"

Heavier tears began to fall.

"I don't want this life anymore," she whispered. "I Don't Want This Life Anymore," she screams to the sky. "I was ok with my stupid boring life. No one that I cared so much was dying in my arms."

Then her body loses its energy and flops to the ground landing on her knees, and her arms hang to the side like limp useless parts.

"I don't want this pain. I have no one to lean on of this burden."

She covers her face with her hands to hide from the world. Just moments go by and she is ready to give up on everything.

"You do have someone to lean on."

Caught off guard Sarah peeked up from the once blood stained hands. The voice that spoke stood right in front of her. Eyes so glazed over she almost didn't see who it was. It was the distinct colors worn that helped her knew who she was talking with.

"You are never alone."

Tears continue to slowly fall down her face. "What are you doing here?"

He sighed before he answered. "The Roo's were....I. was. Worried."

She looked down again. "I didn't mean to worry anyone, I just needed some air, but how did you know where I was?" sounding slightly upset.

"I...saw you leave in a state that was concerning and followed you."

"Oh, so now every time I leave the village for some personal time I will be followed? Is that how it's going to be? "

She forgets the dangers around her when she is angry or just didn't care, neither which were not good. Still teary eyed, but now feels a bit more upset and gets up from the ground to stand and ready to dispute her mind.

She looks up. "So I guess I will never be able to get some peace and quiet around here? You know I thought you Roo's would have been more respectful of one's privacy! But noooo you had to...."

Before she could utter another word she was grabbed by the shoulder sides and was kissed. And holding the kiss there for a little bit. Sarah was so much in shock all her thought process was abrupted. Yun's strong hands gently held her head in place. After a while, he pulled back from the kiss, but still held her sides with care. He looked down at her reaction. His ears then folded down and backward as he had this look of concern now reflecting on what he did and how she was reacting to it.

"Sarah?"

His voice brought back some of her consciousness and focus a little on the event at hand.

"Yun..." her voice was a whisper.

For a few moments, neither said anything, but continued to look at each other until Sarah moved first. And, this time Yun was surprised. His own reaction was of surprise, shown by his ears as they went up so quickly, and then slowly started to relax. She was kissing him back, but tears still were being released.

Yun had to pull away even though this felt very pleasing. He knew it was the worst timing to try that but didn't know how to shake her out of the blackness he saw she was falling into. He was beginning to see it in her eyes. Her pure light blue was turning darker. He needed to pull her back.

"Sarah..."

She had her eyes closed, almost like she was trying not to look at Yun. She shakes her head and bites her lower lip as if answering an unspoken question.

"I didn't know whether to slap you or..." she finally spoke but mostly to herself.

"I know I couldn't save her, but I wish I had the power to have. To have stopped it all." she softly spoke.

He placed one soft paw to her cheeks try to whip away from tears. "It's not your fault, none of that was," watching her carefully.

"I know, but my heart aches wishing I could. And..."

She opens her eyes, and he looks deep into them and sees all the pain. He reached down with both hands to wipe the trailing tears away from her face. She closed her eyes once more, leaning her face into his gentle paws and holding one with her own hands to keep it there.

(Sarah's iPod: Illumination - The Blue Cliff Ensemble)

"This is too weird. Why did I have to fall in love with you?"

Then his ears went straight flat, and he froze in place for just a second.

"You have? Sarah?"

She tries to hide her blushing face by turning downwards farther into his hands.

"The moment I came here you had always been there, have been the most helpful here, and the most wonderful person in my lifetime really. I didn't want to say anything because I was afraid it would not..."

"Sarah, the moment I saved you I knew I wanted to know more about you. Not as a newcomer, but something about you was pulling me towards you."

He tries tilting her head back up touching her chin gently.

"The more I got to know you the more I knew why." He looks deeply at her.

"Sarah, there is nothing more I want to do then to show you my affections, but I never want anyone to feel as if they are being forced into one. When I asked you to stay I meant it. But, I wanted you to make your own choice."

"Yun, I. Have fallin' in love with you."

She grabs his face gently and looks deeply into his eyes to let him know how serious she was.

"The only thing I fear is if I am no longer needed in Tao and not allowed to stay."

"Sarah, Tao welcomes anyone if they wish it."

(Sarah' iPod: Tao - Ron Allen)

They slowly touch each others faces exploring the corners and curves of the neck, and shoulders. They just smiled at each other a little, and once in awhile have a brief moment of a laughter. Was this truly happening? God, please let this part not be a dream. Her heart flutters deeply and wondered if Yun's was doing the same. This is all so weird. Stories like this do not happen in her world or even thought possible to happen. He isn't' human, but that didn't seem to matter here. Could she leave Yun behind or could she actually stay? Too many emotions were running around at this moment still. She needed to calm down before she was going to regret something. Big time. It was all happening so fast all at once.

(Sarah's iPod: Brian Crain piano massage - Northern Sky)

She bites her lower lip again and stepped back a little, "Yun, we are leaving tomorrow night."

"I know."

"I have to get going. We need new information against these Rats more than ever. I don't think I can see another child die."

He did not debate, just nodded his head, lightly touched her face one more time. She closed her eyes for a moment touching his soft paw as well, and then they walked back hand in hand with Yun in the lead to Sarah's hut to rest.

(Sarah's iPod: Gary Stroutsos, Will Clipman, & William Eaton - Xiao Messenger at Midnight )

Just a few trees away by a thick trunk. Longwei was leaning against its dark surface. His head looking in defeat up at the sky. He heard everything. His red eyes moving back and forth, and then he leaned forward with a more serious look and got off the tree. His head tilting a little to the side as his eyes began to move quicker. He needed a new plan. He was not giving up. And then he was off again back into the LifeSprings village without anyone noticing he was gone.

* * *

Sarah changed in her attire and slept soundlessly on her mat.

Passed out cold because of so many emotions that exhausted her. She didn't have any issues falling asleep that night.

The village was quiet, and not many were up at this hour but a few of the Roo's, Warmbloods and the strongest villagers took rotated duties watching over everyone. The Roo's and Warmbloods around the village were so stiff and cautious they almost seemed like Gargoyles guarding their territory and the humans like renaissance knights with their weapons and torches ready.

(Sarah's iPod: Nine Inch Nails - The Mark HandMade)

Without a sound, a pale figure emerges from the shadows within Sarah's hut. His long light blue hair flowed loosely almost covering his face looking down at the sleeping maiden. His salacious red eyes shimmered as they were inspecting her form. Her wings effortlessly moved ever so slightly with every rise and fall of her breathing giving life of flawlessness. He was mesmerized by them and by her. He was the sea and she was the air. With such stillness, crouching from his knees he knelt down to her wings and reached out his arm just above the white fluff. His complex skin seemed darker compared to her bright white wings even with some slight gold tips in them. The temptation within him increased the longer he waited. He then stretched out both arms and transformed his body halfway. His broad, but thin, shoulders rippled aqua colored scales all the way down to his hands. It would have appeared transforming halfway increased his muscle mass all over. From shoulders, arms, chest, and even legs. He became a well shaped physical structure. The underbelly of the arms was similar to chickens legs and came out to sharp nail claws. His kimono at the top was loosened. While still remaining eyes contact on her he gracefully laid down next to her wings, spooning with feathers between.

Seeing just a little bit of her shoulder he wanted to gently glide his claws over her bare nubile flesh to make her shiver, but he turned his attention back to her wings. Looking them up and down he raised his hand again and then tenderly feeling for certain spots. She stirred just a little passing over a few, and he was craving for more for she did not awake yet. The moment he found the spot she jolted like a quick seizure, but still did not awake. His sharp mouth curled like a Cheshire cat, and he began his playful pawing with her wings in that particular spot again. Her breathing became faster, and so she still did not wake. His other hand then snakes its way to the top of the wings and begins softly stroking and playing with her feathers like one would with a lover's hair. Her breathing became even heavier and quicker.

Finally, Sarah's eyes began to open groggily. Her body was sending shivers down her spine that forced her awake, but as she was becoming more aware of her surroundings she leisurely was trying to figure out what was happening to cause her to wake. However, she was finding it difficult to functionally move properly. Her arm that was not pinned to her body twitched and was stiff in place, and yet still she could not command it to move in the direction she wanted it to. She then noticed most of the waves causing her paralyzing like state was vibrating from her wings. She tried turning over or at least turn her head and look behind her to see what was going on. Was she going to need to call for help? Was something happening to her she couldn't explain? However, seeing as she could only turn her head, just enough, she saw Longwei moving his claws touching her wings up and down.

"What are you...? What's going on?" She stuttered.

Why was he disturbing her wings leaving her to be immobile? He seemed to know what he was doing and only increased his motions the moment he saw her awake and acknowledging what he was doing. It excited him greatly seeing she could not stop it.

"Loo......we...i," she tried to say, but the waves were making it harder to form words. "Pleee..umm...sse....sst...sst...aaah," she tried speaking again before a small shock ran through her body. "Aaah...Sst...stooo...p"

And, yet he said nothing and continued with his motions. Even though his attention was all on her, every word ran on deaf ears. His interest was only on her reactions to his touches. The more shocks that ran down her spine the more it seemed to excite him. Soon his claws were rubbing all up and down her wings deeply and soon touching the area where the wings connected to her back. The closer he got to the core of the wings the greater the feeling that throbbed all over her.

The moment he hit the sweet spot her body began to heat up at a fast rate. Her breathing became even faster, and in shorter intakes of air as her body began to convulse. The longer this went on the Sea Serpents eyes became a much brighter bloody red watching everything.

"Sst...sss....," she tried to say but could not quite finish her words as the shakes increased violently.

Just as she thought she was going to go crazy after so much build up she had then gotten her ear playfully licked by his serpent tongue which then sent her in uncontrollable explosive shocks that ran all up and down her body. Just as she thought she was about to blackout suddenly an uproar was heard from Sarah's doorway. The Sea Serpent was then yanked from Sarah's powerless body. Her body was drained of any energy and could not turn to see her rescuer. She could barely open her eyes too to see who was around her, let alone focus on hearing them.

"Get off her! Monster." Which almost sounded like Chi.

"What are you doing?" Sounded more like Yun, but deeper.

"We would have finished the connection if you haven't interrupted," as Longwei said with such frustrated energy that didn't get released.

He tried pulling away from locked arms, but they only seemed to hold him down tighter the more he struggled.

"Did you even ask for her constant?"

Not a sound but glares furiously.

"How chivalrous of you!" Was said with such anger.

The Sea Serpent did not say anything, but only continued to watch her and be fueled with dissatisfaction as Sarah remained on the floor while 'want' was still burning in his eyes. He was being taken farther away from her by strong arms. They did not get to finish the connection of becoming one, was what his erratic mind was thinking about. His emotions were being starved and he wanted more. Yun saw that lust drooling in his eyes.

"Put him up in the tall catcher's cage near the Rat."

"You know what she is Yun. Her energy grows stronger. I know you can sense it too." With such bright burning eyes, he tries to fight back desperately at the Roo's holding him as he spoke directly to Yun. "I am just surprised you've lasted this long being so close to her."

He glares at the Sea Serpent with so much anger out of disgust. He wasn't thinking straight and only seemed to think of her as an object for one's own power.

"Her mythical scent is just too intoxicating." Sounding more like a hungry wolf.

Yun steps forward blocking the Serpents view. "You stay away from her."

"She is a mythical Beast just like me, Yun, and I will make her my bride complete." He grins maliciously.

"Not when I'm around."

"We will see. You won't be able to stop it, Yun." He yells as they take him away.

Sarah was still breathless and uncontrollably shaking on the floor barely conscious. As Yun turned to look at Sarah's condition. He could see a small glow begin to fade from her skin and wings. He was deeply concerned about her well-being. He knelt down slowly and was about to gently sooth her shoulder, but he seemed to stop just an inch above her skin. Held it there for a few seconds which seemed like forever, his heart was raising, and then pulled away instead.

"If you can get up, Sarah, you will be staying with Tsun for the night."

She barely could open her eyes or make any kind of response that she heard it. Then she was still getting up slowly the best she could still shaking. Tsun ran over and was then right by her side helping her up gently as Yun stepped aside. But, the moment Sarah was about to stand on her own, even with Tsun by her side, she falls down without warning and blacks out. Yun was watching her carefully and ended up saving Sarah again before she hit the ground. Tsun had also reached out to save Sarah.

Tsun looked up at Yun, "Yun, take her." Her eyes spoke all the words she needed to really say to him.

He nodded his head. Carefully he cradled Sarah into his arms. Her wings limp and hanging. Her head supported by his shoulders, one arm holding her back, and the other on the backside of the knees. Tsun lead the way to her place ever so checking behind her making sure they were there and still ok. Yun had this deep sadness in his eyes and Tsun saw it all.

After a few more bridges they finally get to Tsun's hut. As Yun lays her down Tsun had already grabbed the extra blankets and head support for Sarah. She tucked her in making sure she was fully supported. Before Yun began leaving Tsun grabbed his shoulder and looks at him with deep concern.

Yun knew there is something else that was going very wrong. He was putting some pieces together, but he still didn't have all the information to make it conclusion yet.

"I know you can feel it too. We need to find more about the Rat's location soon. It may be what is causing this disturbing feeling all around."

"I know."

"It would seem this energy may be the cause of Sarah's physical form instead of a trial as you might have thought earlier, but that is only a theory."

"I believe you are right."

He looked back down at Sarah for one more time that night and then left without saying another word. It was very possible what Tsun said. Usually, a change happened with the entire body and not partial. Ryan and Mudlap were examples of that looking just like a Warmblood.

Tsun seemed very worried, and they still could not read the Manuscript to help either. She sat next to Sarah on her knees and brushed her hair gently away from her face as she rested. Her shacks seemed to have calmed down, however, Tsun knew better. The feelings were going to remain when she awoke.

The memory.

It's slow effects. She had seen it before.

She wished she could help ease those feelings of trauma. The timing couldn't be any more perfect for Sarah to get away from Master Chung's LifeSpring for awhile and away from Longwei. He tried bonding to her that was very unhealthy and without consent. He was getting too dangerous to be around her and needed distances between them and hoping that will clear his mind. Sarah was his drug and he needed to be detoxed.

* * *

Yun went to go check back up with Sarah that morning. He saw she was still passed out. He felt guilty he wasn't there to protect her in time. He would have never thought someone from the inside would be the cause of a bad situation.

He thought over what the Sea Serpent had said last night and he was partially right. He did notice this arara. This glow around Sarah lately. It was very much intoxicating. It was so attracting sometimes, even when back at his LifeSpring, it was hard to be around her and keep himself under control at times.

Because he knew about this situation he could not put faith in many hands with being around her. He knew he could at least fight this urge, but he didn't know how others could restrain themselves. The rest of the Warriors did not seem to affected by her either. So, as she slept he did his best to watch over her until she awoke. However, the Sea Serpent was wrong about a couple of things. She wasn't a mythical "Beast" like Longwei. She was something more. A Legendary Blood. Master Chung had told a story about them. It was connected with the image they found in the cave.

Not long after the sun rises she then awoke alone and within Tsun's sleeping quarters. It was very elegant and warming. She was such a nurturing soul it reflected in everything she had in her little place. And, yet that morning for her she felt so numb. She sat up looking around a little but ended up pulling her legs to her chest and bowing her head down.

More Rat attacks.

Keitto was gone.

Yun actually confessed to Sarah and Longwei was obsessed over her.

Her mood was neither happy nor sad, and very expressionless. She almost felt a little empty inside. She guessed it was due to pouring out so many emotions yesterday. She really did need this next travel then. Breathing in the fresh air, getting away from the chaos, and hopefully get some more information.

* * *

Yun was looking over the training grounds in silence.

"Yun," Tsun voice slowly walked up from behind him. "Is something bothering you?"

For awhile he just looks out and then he turns to face Tsun.

"I asked Sarah to stay and then I told her how I felt about her."

She was silent for a little being surprised.

"How did she respond?"

"She said she needed time to think about it, but she had also shared feelings."

"She is very wise not to jump so quickly. She is very vulnerable right now, Yun. Why did you ask such a vast question, and asking so much from her?"

"I know. And I had thought about it before I asked her."

"Maybe this separation will be good for the both of you to think these thoughts and feelings over."

"Yes, I do believe you are right. We need to keep clear mind of our tasks first."

"Yun, I know that you have some feelings for her, but I also want to make sure you are making the right decision for her and yourself."

"Thank you, Tsun."

"You know I am here for you."

She puts her hand over his shoulder softly. Tsun was a very loyal friend, and Yun is very grateful for her then and now. She was there for him even when he left the group for awhile.

"For the moment you are the only one to relate what I am going through."

"Yes." She sighed.

She looked out as well. Took in a deep breath.

"That was such a long time ago. I haven't forgotten him either,"

"Ming, wasn't it?"

"Yes." They were quiet for awhile. "He had completed his metamorphosis here. It was time he needed to grow in his own world."

Yun nodded in agreement.

"We all must go through our own paths."

A small breeze cooled the morning air. Tsun and Yun silently welcomed it all.

"So, for now, what are we going to do? The Rat in the cage isn't causing much of a problem, but Longwei is too intelligent and cunning to be left alone."

"You are right. We need to find a way so he does can not escape. He is far too dangerous to be under regular supervision."

For awhile Yun and Tsun exchanged thoughts of the situation.

What was going on in their world?

Was it a new threat from Sarah's world like Komodo, or was the problem birthed here creating monsters?

Sarah was then slowly approaching them from around and down a hallway nearby. She simply followed the familiar voices to where they were. She had put on the clothes that Tsun supplied to her. The outfit was similar to the one she started on the journey with Yun, but only slight color differences and trims.

"How are you feeling?" Tsun asked

"I'm ok," as she got closer, but her focus wasn't looking up.

She heard Tsun, but she was still thinking and yet not thinking too much. It was like thinking of standing in a milky white space and just a blue sky with no clouds, however, there was nothing standing in that place but herself. It was a look of emptiness and deep thought all at once.

"Lai and Chi are getting everything ready and soon you will be traveling to Lai's village," Yun informed.

However, the moment she got close enough to them and just slightly looking up, Tsun reached out her hand to Sarah with unsettling and shocking behavior.

"Sarah?"

But, she couldn't quite ask her what she wanted to say. Her Roo eyes just looked at Sarah with deep concern. Sarah was very confused watching Tsun. She then looked at Yun and he was also perplexed. Sarah then thought she changed again, and it was visible on her face this time. She started to get worried and tried to find something that was reflective nearby. Nothing was, and then she remembered her iPod had a camera. She barely used the camera part so it was not the first thing she thought about. Reaching for her small bag with the Runes, also still inside, she quickly pulled it out and flipped the screen over. There it was. Her eyes were discovered to have a little bit of red ring around her blue that was very noticeable. Her hair also seemed to have turned a darker shade. What was happening to her? This was all happening way too much way too fast.

"What is happening to me," she said shockingly in a low voice.

"We can try the Manuscript..."

Before Tsun could finish Sarah interrupted and looks up with such a stern look. "No. I can't be worried about this right now. We have to leave and fix this Rat issue first. I, myself, am not in any harm. That I know of. Yet. So, Lai and I will only check for the Rat information, and I will worry about the Manuscript later. If I have to I will stay in Tao for as long as I need in order to find who Master Chung was referring to after this crisis, so be it."

Both were caught off guard of how direct she was being.

"Are you sure, Sarah? That is a big responsibility to take on, especially if you don't go home for awhile." Tsun said very concernedly of her well being.

"I would rather save lives first, and worry about Chung's replacement later. Because the Manuscript is being cryptic so much it is making it much more difficult than it should be to figure things out." She looked at both of them.

"Well, Sarah, let us then meet up with Lai and Chi to see if they have gotten ready."

"Chi?"

"He will be companying you as well," Yun told.

"What for, Lai is a very safe Roo."

"I understand that, but as you can tell the Rats are getting more dangerous for just the two of you. It is for your safety and for the Warriors to protect each other."

She looked too serious for such a resting face. "Alright then, I can't complain."

All three then made their way to the edge of the Green going down bridge ways. Chi and Lai were all set just standing there waiting. They had gotten some food and other supplies packed and waited on Sarah as Yun had said.

"You ready to start the journey, young fire?" Chi called out.

"Ready as I will every be."

"Chi has the Manuscript, and a few other supplies. We need to travel there as fast as possible, so I will have the honor of taking you with me." Lai had said.

That surprised Sarah.

"What about my wings? I can try to fly as you guys jump."

"Chi had come up with an idea that should save us time and so no one gets separated."

Chi then was holding up two thick leather belt like ropes. Something just clicks on Chi's face and caught his eye. He then got closer to look at Sarah when she looked at him. He too then noticed Sarah's change. Walking right up to Sarah observing her way too close for comfort.

"Sarah, I thought I was the only one messing with fire."

Sarah pushed Chi away 'acting' all offended.

"I am not. I woke up looking like this. I feel perfectly fine thanks for asking."

Lai then folds his arms, "We can not afford to jeopardize this mission."

"Lai, my appearance might have changed a little, but it has not affected my well being."

"Are you sure?"

She twirled around showing nothing was damaged and lifted her arms out like an open book.

Lai looked at her with narrowed eyes and then, "I will hold you accountable if we are put in danger."

She folders her arms now with a stern look right back at him.

"Lai, you might be a stubborn fool, but I know damn well enough you won't and you know I won't harm anyone even if I did turn into a monster."

Chi then puts his arm around Sarah's shoulders so casually.

"Sarah is not turning into a monster. Come on we have to get going." He then stands in front of Sarah's face, "Alright, arms up."

She did as she was told. The first belt was wrapped underneath her arms, over the wings, and then came back to the front. The second was just resting on her hips the same way being over the wings. Between the belts, a net-like material rested on her wings holding the center feathers down. Simple, but seemed to do the trick.

"This should hold the wings down and not open to catch much in the wind when we jump around."

Sarah tried flexing her wings a little or seeing if there was a slight chance it was going to open.

"You really are clever at making stuff aren't you?"

Chi smiled so broadly.

"When we start heading to my village you will see an even bigger invention I like to use for long distances."

"Why aren't we using that then?"

Chi leans in to whisper into her ear with a hand blocking the sound a little.

"Because he's afraid of heights." He thumbs towards Lai.

"I can still hear you, you know!" Lai grumbled out.

Soon they got ready and they were off to Lai's Emerald LifeSpring. That had awhile to travel to reach the other end of the forest Chi was explaining in between jumps.

"So why are we jumping again?" Sarah asked

"Is this not an urgent matter?" Lai responded.

"Yes but, I mean I am sure you would be able to move faster if I was flying."

"Do you know where you are going?"

"No but..."

"How good is your eyesight through trees?"

She saw where that was going and looked disappointed.

"I can't see through trees."

"So, then how else were you going to follow us?"

"Look, I am just trying to help. I know I am heavy to carry and we need to get there as soon as possible."

"Sarah, I know you mean well, but we have also thought about what is best for getting there faster for us," Lai tried reassuring her. "Once we get the the forest's edge we will be riding wild buffalo."

"Well, that sounds interesting." Sarah thought for a moment. "How far is the Emerald LifeSpring again?"

"A hundred miles."

"Oh geez."

The Roo's could not run and jump for that long. They did need help sometimes, Sarah thought. She could walk for miles, but she would pass out after running two miles straight.

She climbed on to Lai's back, and they were all over again rushing through the green. Yun watched them go and wished them safety.

As they were getting closer to a different side of the forest's edge the leaves seemed to have grown thicker like elephant ears. The way seemed to be going downhill. It really wasn't too long getting there. Half of the day almost.

When they got to the place they were looking for they came to a halt and crouched near brushes.

A few dozen large, black thick horned animals grunted in a distance. Looking like cows on steroids being so huge. Some were chewing on long, green grass while standing knee-deep in a stream near by, and others resting in the sun.

The biggest one turned their way with such sad brown eyes chewing away on his meal. His nose was big and black, and his face was flat as a frying pan. The beast looked to weigh about two tons. Munching away on his grass he did not seem to mind them, if they were actually seen. He looked very old though and tired.

"That is not a buffalo!"

"It's a water buffalo." The Lai whispered. "Your world may have other kinds."

"Hmm," she thought about that. It did seem animals here and her world did have completely different kinds of "animals."

"Wait, these are the wild buffaloes you were talking about?" she said surprisingly.

He nods.

"This is crazy and really dangerous."

"Then let us," pointing to Chi and himself, "make sure nobody gets hurt. " He smiles and pats her on the back as he slowly gets up. "Sarah, it will be ok."

They gazed on the wild beef for a while calculating their strategies.

"Chi do you think.."

Lai was beginning to say, but before he could finish talking about his strategy move, out of nowhere a much younger blood spotted them and was already charging at them. No others seemed to be bothered, though.

(Sarah's iPod: KickStart My Heart - Motley Crue)

"Run" Lai got up quickly as possible pushing Sarah out of the way.

Sarah scrambled to get out of the way further, after being pushed, as the two Roo's jumped in different directions. The big beefy animal ran right into their brushes they were just at. Any more seconds there and they would have been pancakes. Finding no one was there to run into the young bull tried stopping himself which ended up kicking a lot of dirt like a race car doing a harsh turn with its tires. The creature looked around trying to find its target.

After seeing Lai it started charging towards him snorting in rage.

"Lai, behind you," Sarah screamed from the ground.

Lai slowed down right next to a thick tree and just when it looked like he was about to get hit he leaped deftly out of the way moving to the side like a bullfighter. As the buffalo tried to come to a complete stop again to whirl around only to found Lai was waving his staff as he grinned.

The huge black beast stretched the ground and once again started charging towards Lai. Just as it was close enough he vaulted over the animal whacking its head on his way over and down landing safely. Almost doing a superhero landing, Sarah thought. But, what happened next Lai didn't predict. Lai's ears twitched the moment he saw the two tons of muscles looking at Sarah and pushing full speed her way. Lai tried running after it, but the buffalo was faster.

"Sarah, lookout," Chi yelled.

She was still on the ground after trying to get out of the way the first time it steamed its way in. Her eyes became enlarged and frozen in place seeing it head her way. She didn't have much time to react and get out of the way. Her heart pounded so loudly as her body tensed up. But, just before it got any closer to her as she put up her arms and her wings burst through the belts with such force spreading out wide open. Mystified, the buffalo tried stopping just inches away. A ploom of dust circled Sarah and the buffalo making it difficult for anyone to see if anyone survived. Chi and Lai could not see where either was until everything settled. Then they saw it. The buffalo was just standing there with his head bowed, panting hard. Giant white bird wings could be seen as the dust cleared. When completely gone Sarah was still on the ground with her arms up and still were covering her face as if still anticipating the impact to happen. When she noticed nothing was happening for awhile she peeked up through. She didn't know what she was expecting to see, but not a scene where the creature was right in front of her bowing and catching its breath.

"A very noble beast indeed," Lai said holding his bo staff in one hand.

Chi and Lai slowly approached Sarah and the Buffalo. The buffalo was not bothered anymore by them. He was calm and sitting watching Sarah. He snorts and grunts and Lai seemed to have strangely groaned back understanding everything.

"This is Trane. The old one out there that has not moved is Risbo. He is the elder male of this pack. Trane has now taken over a smaller herd to watch after. The older male had gotten too old, injured and he was looking to merge the herds. You have grown up my friend." He patted the buffalo.

"Oh! Well then. What a big responsibility he has." That seemed to make the buffalo puff up looking more bolder understanding what she said. The buffalo seemed to be talking some more and Lai replies back. Chi walks over to help Sarah up grabbing arms.

Lai translates more of the big buffalo's grunts. "He needs to take some of his herd back near the Skull LifeSpring and would be more than happy to take us most of the distance to our destination."

"Does he know what is happening?" Chi asked.

"Unfortunately no, but he says we may find more what we are looking for near Emerald LifeSpring. He had also heard these strange happenings going around, but stays away."

"So it is happening other than here. Let's not waste any more time then," Chi pushed.

As buffalo's we're collecting themselves and as they were waiting for their rides Sarah asked Lai somethings to pass the time.

"By the way, Lai. What was that fighting style you were doing earlier again?"

"Shaolin." The Roo leaps into the air, pushes off of the buffalo Trane, and lashed out with both feet, knocking some leaves off a branch ten feet away. "You must be relaxed and have good balance," said Lai.

"Kind of like Tai Chi"

"In a way. Every Martial Arts Kung has similarities in some way, but focus on certain aspects."

The buffaloes were ready and they were off again. Everyone got to ride their own buffalo. Trane wanted the honor to carrying Sarah on his back.

"Aaah..."

She didn't know how to respond to that, but Lai said it was safe and just wanted to apologize about his charge in at us earlier. She guessed it was ok. She trusted Lai's judgment. Trane seemed to be a good leader of his small herd and took care of their safe travels.

They had already reached the edge of the forest where the small herd was by the meadows, so they did not need to go any farther before they started to see the landscapes changing. Through the lush golden meadows, over rocky hilled badlands, and finally reaching the desert. They were traveling quite quickly even though it seemed like slow advances to their destinations. They really didn't need to stop for anything. However, Sarah discovered Trane seemed to be strutting a little around others and couldn't stop herself from grinning too much when Chi was making fun of him silently with face expressions. Trane seemed to be peacocking in his own animal ways and it amused them all on the long hot journey.

"Last time I traveled to my village a young Newcomer by the name of Toby was on the journey. Trane here was also a part of the journey." Lai seemed to start talking about. "We had also come across the Hoggarth.."

"Oh no. Not him again." Chi said annoyingly.

Lai continued as if not interrupted "...that was passing through all the Roo's journeys. But, we have not seen him in quite some time now."

"I think I remember you told me about it. Should we be worried?"

"It depends on how he feels. When he is around it likes to create havoc in his wake whether he is hungry or just to announce he is there," Lai answered.

"Sounds like an awful creature."

Sarah did not sound surprised. She just could not think such a creature being real, so it was hard for her to imagine it. The intelligence that it knows that it was producing chaos, you could say almost evil. But, even here in Tao everyone had a purpose and wasn't totally evil. If they were was given the chance to change their ways. Sometimes angry people were only that way because they were not given a chance. Showing that one does there more people were acceptable to living together; that's why Komodo was given a chance and was prevailing at turning a new leaf living with healthier people for him. But, this Hoggarth was like a nasty family member who takes pleasure in only pleasing himself even if it hurts

"He almost tore a hole in my air balloon at one time," yelled over Chi.

"Was he trying to protect something," she tried to find a purpose to its chaos.

"No. He had no purpose of attacking. He claimed I was in his sky territory. And no one owns the sky," Chi answered.

"He relishes in disorder," Lai told.

On the way, Lai explained more about how 'order' is within his village as they were getting closer.

"Everyone has a place in the world including that bird-beak. However, he likes to strike fear to get respect. But, he is creating false respect."

For awhile they traveled in silence. Sarah dwelled on Keitto. Still fresh on her mind. Sarah did not notice that she was fidgeting in her small bag at the Runes. Touching all the surfaces as she thought. She didn't feel like crying, but instead, her heart began to pump out of anger of the memory. How could such creatures do that? They did not seem to be feeding on people. Or, if they were they brought them back to their shelter, wherever that was, to finish them off. What she didn't notice was her eyes began pulsing red within her blues. The more she thought the more the colors pulsed with her heart beats. It pushed more and more towards the center trying to engulf her blue hues.

"Sarah...." a soft whispered passed her ears.

After a delay in reaction, she looked around her. Everyone was focused on the journey before them, all quiet. Lai and Chi were not close enough to whisper either.

"Sarah..."

She heard once more. Her head was already up and looking around again, even looking at the buffalo carrying her. Nothing. Was she hearing things? Was the desert heat already getting to her?

Suddenly she felt this soft brush against her neck and almost like it was right next to her.

"Sarah," spoken with such heat directly by her ear.

She flinched and shivered from that experience. Shaking her head and moving her hands as if trying to hit an annoying fly. Chi noticed we sudden reaction.

"You alright over there?"

She didn't seem to hear him as she looked around still trying to find the source.

"Sarah?" He tried to shout more.

She then turned to face Chi with a confused annoying look on her face.

"What?"

"You alright?"

Her eyes seemed to dart around looking for something and her head slightly following the direction. "Yeah. I'm fine. I just think....I have a fly around me."

Chi watched her in concerned and then just went back to focusing on the scenery again, but still kept an eye on her.

"Alright."

What he did notice was some of the red pulsing before was fading away. It was bright enough to see at his distance, and he was beginning to think that was not supposed to happen.

The sands took most of the day to travel through and almost all night. They slept on the animals the whole time as they traveled non-stop. But, soon they reached Emerald Forest. What was suppose to be a three-day travel, only took two full days, and got there by the second night.

"It is a good thing we are not traveling to resolve the Headhunters anymore," Lai spoke.

"Headhunters? You didn't say anything about them before."

"Well, they shouldn't be a concern now."

"I hope so too. Headhunters doesn't sound like a fun title."

"It isn't, trust me," Lai said. "I believe in order. I don't like headhunters because taking people's head is very disorderly."

"I would think that's outright atrocious."

"However, my last travel here we resolved the situation and brought back peace to the neighboring villages." He reassured. "We should be seeing a beautiful harmony and order when we get there."

"I hope so, or someone else's heads will be hunted." She smirked.

Joking along Chi managed to run a soft leaf across Lai's back neck. The moment it touched fur Lai smacked Chi over the head with his staff without blinking. That made Sarah laugh a little.

After a while, the buffaloes dropped their passengers off near a stream. This was where they were going to part ways. Lai and Chi bowed and thanked their company for the ride. Sarah gave Trane a little head scratch for a thank you and a pat. But, as she was moving away Trane turned his head towards her grunting a little and licked her wings. That surprised her with such wide eyes giving shivers up and down her spine. Turning around with such a shocked look she found Trane trying to be a womanizer with a puppy dog face as best as a buffalo could pull off. She guessed he appreciated the gift for the ride exchange so she smiled and scratched him once more before heading over to the Roo's.

"Trane says your welcome," Lai said as she was getting closer to them.

"I figured, thanks."

"Come on, it's not far from here."

The forest was thick in these parts similar to the trees in Oregon. It was still dark out and getting hard to see for Sarah. It was even hard to even see where the Roos were walking.

As they were getting closer Sarah recognized a few things. Small hives of fireflies were lighting the way. Still so magical last time she saw them for a short time.

She almost ran right into Lai when he stopped abruptly. He and Chi were looking up and around. Ears attuned to all the sounds around them listening to something Sarah could not. A few moments go by.

An arrow zoomed right past Lai's face just missing him.

They did not meet the welcome Lai was expecting.

---

Reference Notes:

• Mephistopheles- Goethe's Faust by Johann Wolfgang and Christopher Marlowe
• Tai Chi Movement - Snake Creeps through Grass
• Choy Lee Fut - Horse Stance
• Abyss (1989)
• Gargoyles - Show (1994) or statue's

---

A/N: For those of you who has seen the movie, did you get those Easter eggs? 9_9

I'm so bad. Actually, there are Easter eggs all over the place for different things and from different things. I wonder if you guys can get them? Hmm. I'm trying to be subtle.

Well, I hope you guys got what the title meant for this chapter too. It meant everything. An Innocence life is gone. Sarah's normal "life" was being stolen. The love she was begging to have with the people was stolen from her. Everything she kept dear...stolen. It's not fair isn't' it?

Write what you know. Most of the time I find myself writing what I am going through or experiencing and they turn into stories. Most of you would know this if we talked more. That's how imaginary friends form. I never had one because I was a very logical thinker when I was little, and yet I loved the feary world. I am a weird person I know, but we develop in so many ways at different times. I believed in God, yet I still never saw him or heard him. But, I felt the excitement of believing in something.