After about an hour of walking, Sa'vere turned to go back to the small cottage. What she hadn't accounted for was that the path behind her had completely changed, it wasn't the same that she'd walked just seconds before. She puzzled over the sight as a twig snapped behind her, and she turned to be face to face with several tharashile. Several drooling tharashile. She pulled her staff forward and held it out defensively, "Go away!" She said in the strongest tone that she could muster as they leapt at her and she began swinging. A few hours of fighting them off found her panting heavily and her blows having less and less affects on the hungry beasts.

Suddenly and arrow appears hitting the beast near the heart..."BLAST MY AIM WAS OFF!" A woman shouts in a tree. She jumps down and wears an interesting looking over gown looking like a village girl but the design is different.

Sa'vere gave the new arrival a grateful look and proceeded to beat the writhing tharashile senseless- or more rather to the point that all it did was twitch, before swinging at the next one tiredly, nearly missing her target.

The young woman hits the Tharashile with the staff knocking it off of this girl. She notices this poor girl is tired so she smacks the beast one good time, and a long groan is heard. The woman turns to the girl... "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, just a bit... tired." She sat heavily, heaving a sigh, "Thank you for your aid- ... What is your name anyway?"

can't very well just leave behind..."

Sakura simply nods and looks around. "Then I will get you back safely and I will be on my way once I am sure you are safe in the care of your commrads. Is there anything that looks fimilar before you left the cottage?"

"There was..." She began screwing up her face thoughtfully, "an outcropping of rocks in the shape of a woman." She said at last, "I really don't know how I got lost... I mean, it's as if the path itself shifted and became something else."

Sa'vere nodded silently and began to follow Sakura. She crossed her fingers that they were still at the cottage and closed her eyes, focusing her senses as Azder had taught her the previous night, maybe she could find something that way... She focused on the sounds of her feet, pacing herself with Sakura before going deeper into sound's painful grasp until she could distantly feel, though through strange distortions, her comrades.

"I see." Sakura looks really thoughtfull as she places the staff on the ground, closes eyes and says two words. Then opens her eyes and says, "The path has been altered...some evil magic is taking place. I will make sure you get back safely."

"Evil magic, huh?" Sa'vere sighed and stood up, brushing herself off, "I have rested enough." She said simply, "I cannot ask you to aid me, or you will become entangled within this mess of a destiny I've been thrown into..."

"I have no home and my life is not much worth...it would help me to know I managed to help another person...even after I lost everything I knew. Please just allow me to aid you. Once I am sure you are safe then I will be gone." Sakura looks at Sa'vere with determined but sad eyes.

"But-" She sighed, realizing that the other woman would not back down and gave a simple nod, "I'd rather you didn't, but if you so insist I haven't the right to say no." She said, ducking her head slightly.

Sakura places a hand on Sa'vere shoulder. "Please do not worry. I do not have much to lose and maybe I will actually find a friend before my life is done. I can fight many enemies." Sakura offers a small smile trying to ease Sa'vere's worry.

"I'm sorry that I cannot help but to worry," Sa'vere said, "It's how I've always been, and as the saying goes, 'old habits die hard.' I hope that Azder and Kehtale are still at the cottage, waiting. I'd hate to miss them because we're on different searches..." Sa'vere gave a weak smile.

"Then we better get going." Sakura picks up the staff and allows it to show her the way. "Have faith Sa'vere I'm sure we can make it in time." The staff lights the way. Motions Sa'vere to follow her.

Sa'vere nodded and followed the woman silently, taking a slow, deep breath to calm her nerves. She closed her eyes and focused on her senses as Azder had shown her the night before. She sank into the grasp of sound and focused on Sakura's footsteps first, aligning her own with the woman's before sinking deeper into it's hold, hoping to feel the sounds of her comrades. Faintly she felt the familiar sounds, distorted by the strange magic that had made her lose her way.

Sakura notices the change and shoots an arrow at a near-by rock and hits the place three times. It helps but it still does not do a lot for the place. *I make a promise and I intend on keeping it.*

Sa'vere's eyes snapped open when Sakura had shot her arrows at the rock and stumbled in her surprise, just barely managing to keep her balance, "What did you do that for?" She asked.

Sakura lets out an annoyed sigh but calms herslef. "I noticed that the magic has a hold here. ONe way to break through is find a weak point of the magic...I'm sorry to surprise you." Sakura looks at Sa'vere sympathically.

"Sa'vere! There you are I have been looking all over for you!" Azder said running up. He skids to a stop as he sees Sakura, and tightens his hold on his weapon, his eyes glow a faint red.

"I mean no harm. It would seem my services are done. I am sure you are safe now Sa'vere, I bid you farewell." Sakura offers a respectful bow and turns to leave.

"Waite. You helped Sa'vere?" Looks a little more at ease, as Azder looks at Sakura.

Sakura stops for a few moments. "I owe you no explanation. I'm sure a bright man like you can just look at Sa'vere and know I have not harmed her. My promise is fullfilled and now I will leave you to take care of this young lady." *I am still not a team player like I once was..besides Sa'vere does not want me involved so I will leave*

Azder growls and grabs Sakura. "What promise, and why help her?!"

Sakura lets out a growl. "BECAUSE SHE WAS BEING ATTACKED BY A CREATURE! I AM NOT HEARTLESS! I LOST EVERYTHING AND I JUST WANTED TO HELP ANOTHER PERSON!" *Now I know why I refused to get close to men. What he thinks I'm in league with something evil..HE JUST NEEDS TO LET ME LEAVE!*

"I....am sorry. We haven't been shown much kindness. Please forgive me. Where will you go?" Looks away in shame.

Sakura shakes her head because she is not too sure herself but she does not want Sa'vere to worry about her life. She is use to being alone for about a year wondering from different towns. "I don't know but I told Sa'vere once I got her to safety I would leave."

"We are not exactly safe. And...the woods are changing, so are the scents. I don't know where back is. And I was a top tracker." Looks at the two ladies as he says this.

"Where is Kehtale?" Sa'vere asked, "Was he behind you?" She looked around uncertainly.

Kehtale, meanwhile, was racing towards four slumbering figures at full speed, panting heavily as he strained his body. Guerniv hy nier! He exclaimed, putting a protective spell over himself, Damn, I need to hurry or they will be lost to this realm forever! He thought, putting on an extra burst of speed.

Sakura hears the bell she was trained to hear when the plane was about to change..Sakura shoves both Sa'vere and this man who tracked her down before it changed but Sakura got stuck in the change.

"I don't know where the lazy beast is! You ran so I tried to follow, this place isn't natural though. The scents are ever changing as is the scenery, and even the sky looks wrong." Azder said looking around in confusion. "I think our enemies followed us and did this to confuse us.... trap us."

Sakura manages to shoot an arrow to get our of the trap. "You are right but their traps are not so strong to my attacks."

"At least we won't get seperated that way then," Sa'vere sighed in relief. Something in the scene was strangely out of place, though she couldn't quite pinpoint it.

Hit that shrub with your staff, Sa'vere! It's the origin of the spell, hit the shrub!

Sa'vere jumped, but released a sigh when she recognized Keh'tale's voice and finally noticed the shrub, "Well... I suppose that is the oddity..." She murmured, raising her staff and striking it... and striking it again until it was nothing but a pile of crushed stems and leaves.

Sakura looks amused and offers a smile. "Well you have some powerful friends."

"heheh..." Sa'vere grinned for a moment before grimacing as a shock raced up her arms violently, and she disappeared quickly. The other two began to fade slower.

Sakura begins to feel unworthy of such friendship with these people. So she only focuses on her promise and that's all.

"W....hat is happening?!" Azder growls.

She sat up then, gasping for breath and blinking until she could focus on the white form of Kehtale, "W-why am I laying down?"

The illusion was not a waking thing, it caused sleep to overtake you and was slowing your heart slowly... Kehtale murmured.

Azder looks at Sa'vere in worry.

"Calm down guard-dog she will be alright." *Must fullfill promise*

"I'm f-fine anyway," Sa'vere said, standing up and swaying for a moment, "That shock just... muddled my senses a bit."

"Now it is my turn to tell you to take it easy." Azder said laying a steadying hand on Sa'vere's shoulder, as he looked into her eyes. *What are we going to do about Sakura? It is obvious she has no place to go, and I believe we can trust her.*

"You need not concern yourself about me. Once my promise is fullfilled I will leave." *This way my past will not catch up and hurt these people. I don't deserve real friendship anyway.*

"No!" Sa'vere blinked at her own outburst, "I mean... you don't have to go off on your own..."

Sakura offers a smile. "I appriciate your concern but you were worried about me getting too involved in what fate had in store. Besides you have two very capable men..you don't need me."

"How about I claim you and now you have to do as I say?" Azder said, using his birth right to try to do this.

Sakura has fire in her eyes. "WHAT! NOW HOLD ON GUARD-DOG THAT WOULD NOT BE WISE! I AM NOT UNDER THIS LANDS JURISDICTION!"

"The world must do as we say, and I am doing this becouse you are to stupid to accept our help." Azder said.

"Azder, now hold on a minute! She has the freedom of choice, if... if Sakura doesn't want to come she doesn't have to."

"HOW DARE YOU GUARD-DOG I AM NOT TOO STUPID FOR ANYTHING! THERE IS A REASON WHY I WILL NOT KEEP MY SERVICES LONGER THEN NECESSARY! I HAVE SPENT A YEAR BY MYSELF MAKING A LIVING OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE'S SYMPATHY! I WILL NOT USE ANYONE...like my village was used." Sakura allows tears to fall out of shame and sadness.

Azder looks uncaring at her sadness. "Stop calling me guard dog..."

"Sakura, we're not using you, and I'm not asking you to come out of sympathy," Sa'vere stated.

"I know you are not using me I volunteered to help you...Forgive me I have grown accoustomed to be looked down upon...will you truly need me?" Sakura is still unsure how to deal with a situation like this.

"You're good at fighting- so you'd be a great asset." Sa'vere nodded, lowering her head, "besides... I know what it is like to be used..." She murmured.

Are we going back to the cottage? Kehtale asked, cocking his head.

"Very well I will go with you...just make sure ruffus behind you don't try the claiming procalmation again." Sakura gives an innocent look.

Sa'vere stood up and her staff immediately slipped from the fingers of her hand, which fell limply to her side as she grasped the staff with her other hand, "Oops... that was a bit clumsy of me..." She said, grinning.

"Call me an animal again and you become feed!" Azder growled yes going a deep red, almost a black.

"All right calm down I'm sorry...I did not realize you'd take a strange females teasing to heart." *I don't even know why I'm teasing him like I am*

Azder looks ashamed. "I....I......" Takes off running.

Sakura lets out a frustrated sigh. "I did not think I was that horrible...I reallly need to work on my people skills." Much to her annoyance a light blush appears on her face.

"Azder, where are you going?" Sa'vere took off running after him, worried.

Sakura sighs and follows Sa'vere but staying far behind.

Azder could feel the presence of a chillingly familiar being, he hid in a small out cropping hoping the others would stay away. *I may die tonight* He thought, and found for the first time in his life that it bothered him.

"Azder! Now where did he get to..." She stopped and glanced around, searching for him.

Sakura somehow understands Azder's fear and she sees him but does not say anything to Sa'vere. *Why does it feel like we are not so different?*

*Take Sa'vere and go! There is.......a danger you can't face here.* Azder commanded through his mind.

Sakura quirks her eye...*One problem I have no idea where to take her....WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME THIS! Don't you have another person to tell.*

*Just do it! Take her to Kahtale.....he is more trust worthy then I am.....*

*YOU ARE BEING RIDICLUS! WHY NOT CALL HIM YOURSELF! I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO FIND HIM!*

*Go back the way you came!* Sounds panicked.

"Sakura, what... are you doing?" Sa'vere asked, cocking her head at the other woman curiously.

"Sa'vere I think he went back to...Kehtale go out to him and you will see him...now hurry...I have some plants to gether here."

*You have to go too!* Azder commands.

*LOOK YOU I CAN DO WHAT I PLEASE! YOU CAN NOT COMMAND ME!*

*HE WILL KILL YOU!*

*AS I TOLD SA'VERE MY LIFE IS NOT MUCH! I DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING REALLY TO LOSE!*

Sa'vere gave her a funny look before walking back a little bit and making her way around an outcropping of rocks when she noted that Azder wasn't anywhere near the sitting form of Kehtale.

*Please go, you are in danger!*

Sakura picks some much needed herbs. *Why do you care Sa'vere is out of harms way basically? Why should it matter if I am willing to die helping another?*

Sa'vere sat cross-legged behind an outcropping of rocks and closed her eyes, focusing on her senses as she sought out Azder, and the reason behind Sakura's odd behavior.

*Because I care.*

*You did not earlier. I'm going to stay...I'm sure Sa'vere is not going to be happy about what she will see..you didn't answer my first question why? Do you...no you couldn't*

*because she is the one that saved me.*

*She also saved me but I will not go because you say someone is going to kill me. I got to at least try and I have very little to lose.*

With a small frown of concentration lining her lips, Sa'vere sank deeper into her senses, clutching at her legs in preperation for the consiquences of such deep focus.

Sakura frowns because not only is this Azder fool is willing to give up so easily, but she knows Sa'vere will be demanding answers and will go to lengths to get it. What annoyes her the most is she can not stop Sa'vere. *YOU KNOW I SHOULD JUST KNOCK YOU OUT AND DRAG YOUR SORRY SELF OUT OF THERE!* Sakura still feels confused on why she is treating a man like this, she had not cared about a man before.

Kehtale finally stood up, realizing that something unpleasant was near. His fur bristled, and silently he allowed his form to morph into a humanoid figure. He stretched his stiff muscles and took off at a light run towards the source of the unpleasantness.

*If you want to be sore you can try. This thing only I can fight. He is one of the elite!*

*thank you. I'M NOT STUPID BY THE WAY ADZER! You are not dealing with a fullflieged green horn.* Gets a few things ready and does a meditiative excersise her father would tell her was necessary.

*You are stupid if you think you can fight him. Only someone of my race can! He will tear others apart, he is a full fledged Demon!*

*And your stupid for not allowing others to help. I AM NOT HERE TO GET IN THE WAY I'M ONLY AN AID! For a smart man you really are cluesless on what gives people strength...and if I'm so stupid then why are you caring about my stupid life?*

*Becouse the more he kills the stronger he gets! I don't care about your stupid life!* Azder shot back angerly, trying to get her to leave.

*LOOK YOUR CHARGE IS SAFE! Right you don't care then why are still wanting me to leave? I have not been slaughtered as of yet and I doubt I have any strength to give him...he may have killed the elite of my village.* Sakura finishes her state and notices they will recieve aid from Sa'vere's other companion.

*Stupid girl!* Azder snarls and vanishes, intending on faceing the demon himself.

*ARROGANT GUARD DOG! YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS AN ELITE TRACKING YOU AND I DOUBT YOU'LL FIGHT IT ALONE!* Sakura takes the plants and mutters "stupid men" as she walks out of the woods toward Sa'vere. *I know she is going to demand answers...so I will give them to her. I just hope her feelings won't be that hurt.*

Sa'vere finally found Azder through her senses, he'd gotten a bit further away than she'd thought, but she was determined to find him. Azder was injured and should have still been resting. Running off like that definately wasn't good for the stitches... She'd be surprised if they hadn't already broken from the strain.


"Sa'vere I do not think we can just run after him...apparently he is facing a dangerous force. I think it is best until we get a energy reading before we go running after his grouchy, bossy, arrogant self." Sakura still wants to knock him upside the head just one good time.

Sa'vere stood up when the other woman addressed her, "I can't very well just leave him to his own devices out here- he's hurt, I stitched up his side myself, really nasty wound which I'm sure he's reopened. Besides... I can feel him, he's that way." She pointed northeast.

"Well if you are really sure...um can I knock him on the head just one good time? He called me stupid and he is too stubborn for his own good." Messes with her plants and shows a slightly angry look.

"No, you can't hit him... He's just got strange ways of showing his affections." Sa'vere said, "And he is injured enough as it is. Anyway, come on. I can't just leave him to do as he pleases..."

"Ok I won't knock him in the head until he is better. He is affectionate towards you...I doubt he'll see me as anything other then the stupid girl...but oh well his opinion." Sakura finishes her preparation and is ready to follow.

Sa'vere shrugged, "I haven't known him for very long, but he's saved my life already, I can't just leave him go without repaying him..." She sighed and began to walk.

Sakura just smiles and walks along *It's strange why would he care for someone he has no idea about...Sa'vere I can understand but why was he trying so hard to get me to leave? SAKURA HE JUST WAS BEING NICE NOW STOP PONDERING!* "You known him longer then me. Even if he is a pain I'm willing to help too. I am sure we can help him in some way."

Meanwhile Azder was watching his tracker. He was not surprised when he saw it was his uncle. But it was not comforting, he was the best tracker aside from himself.
Azder's side burned as he could feel the wound reopen, he cursed his luck but remained silent, knowing the danger he faced, and the fact that he would soon be sensed by his uncle.

"He's not too much further from here, but there's somebody else nearby," Sa'vere said, her tone slightly troubled, "We'll have to keep hidden from this point on, I've got a bad feeling..."

"I agree maybe this is what Adzer was talking about." Sakura uses her survival skills to find a place to hide.

"I don't care if it's what he was talking about, I don't care how strong whoever this person is, if they hurt Azder while he's injured I'll kill them..."

"Calm down. Going into battle with rage in mind will not make it effective for you. I agree with you truly but one must enter combat with a clear head." Sakura has a stern look on her face.

"My head is clear," Sa'vere said, "I was only saying that I'd rather Azder come out of this without anymore injuries..."

"That would be the ideal situation but I do not think it will be that neat...we just need to be ready to aid him." Sakura just shakes her head as she remembers his stubborn words.

"I know..." Sa'vere said, nodding slightly, Azder... be careful. Was the silent afterthought.

Azder's uncle began to chant softly. As he finished he smiled.
"Ah. Hello Azderias." he said looking to where Azder was hidden.

Azder slowly stood, tightening his grip on his weapon.

Sa'vere moved quickly, she had always been skilled at keeping hidden, especially when it was necessary. Without realizing it she left Sakura a good distance behind her as she drew closer to Azder and the strange newcomer.

"your father is looking for you. Azderias." The newcomer said.

"Tell him I am busy.I haven't the time to go home." Azder replied.

"You have been absent for over a month, and someone informed us that you are aiding the humans. Is this true? You have acted strangely since your mother's death." The newcomer replied.

"I....have been busy... and I am well aware of my absence. What reason would I have for helping the humans?" Azder replied.

Sa'vere soon caught sight of two figures distantly, they were still a little ways ahead of her, but she was catching up.

"I don't know. Perhaps because you tire of the dark. Did you know the light will kill you?" Vazerdian replied.

"What do you really want? if he wanted a messenger he could have sent one. I don't know why you are here." Azder said.

She was soon close enough to recognize Azder, and now she quieted her steps further.

"I am curious "dear" nephew. I heard of the escape of a human girl, that your father wanted to see. From the reports, a man fitting your unusual description helped her." The newcomer said as he studied azder's features carefully.

Azder kept his features blank. "They are mistaken." He replied.

Who is that man? She wondered as she stopped just outside range of hearing their conversation to massage her left arm, which was beginning to get the feeling back after the shock earlier.

"Some how I find it hard to believe you. Your father believes you may be a traitor. You know how much he hates traitors. But from the reports, the criminal had a deep wound on his left side. If you are unwounded then you are in the clear, but if you are wounded...........You are smart you can make the connection. So let's see your side, and no tricks!" vazerdias said getting a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Uncle. What are you talking about?" Azder asked trying not to panic, and trying to stall for time.

Uh-oh, what's with that panicked look on Azder's face? Sa'vere krept closer so she could hear and tightened her grip on the staff.

"Azderias. You are looking very pale, at the moment." Vazerdian said with a wicked smile. "Show me your side." He added.


"Uncle. Why are you doing anothers job?" He Azder asked hiding his expressions.

Uncle?... Sa'vere frowned, this guy did resemble Azder slightly, why was he asking to see Azder's side? She paled, the wound!

"Azderias you are stalling. I hate that, show me your damn side!" Vazerian snarled as he began to lose his temper.

Azder looked into his uncles eyes. *If I do he will find out I helped them, but he may forget them tell we return, it may give them time to escape.*

What to do... what to do... if I just jump out Azder will be found out, but if I don't something could go wrong. She took several deep breaths to calm herself.

"What if I told you I was injured by another. I am no traitor." Azder said not wishing Sa'vere to show her self. He could sense her real close.

"Prove it Azderias!" His uncle replied,taking a baby from under his cloak. The baby cried in protest. "If you are no traitor, then kill this baby." Vazerdian said as he placed the baby down at Azder's feet.

Azder tried not to panic, as he looked from his uncle to the little baby.

This man is horrible! Sa'vere thought, holding herself back from rushing out, she couldn't do something stupid...

"I......can't. My wound hurts to much." azder said, as he picked the baby up. "I....am the one you want..." Azder said teliporting the baby over to Sa'vere.

"I knew it." Vazerdian said as he grabbed Azder. "You should never have become a traitor Azderias!" He pushed Azder forward to make him walk, Azder showed no indication of even trying to struggle. "I am not afraid of death." He whispered.
"Death? I didn't say death, your father will punish you, and you will regret your betrayal!"

Sa'vere set the baby down, she couldn't let anything happen to Azder! Taking a deep breath she stood, planting her feet firmly on the ground, "You leave him alone!" she said in the fiercest voice she could muster.

Azder stiffened. *Sa'vere don't! He does not shy at the idea of killing!*

Vazerdian looked around. "Ah. So the girl is protecting you now? Come out girl. I will find you anyway!"

I'm sorry, Azder, I can't just let him have you... She thought apologetically.

Wid- Chapter 4