Welcome to Gaia! ::

Sakura couldn't help but giggle to her companion's reaction. 'So he has a sweet tooth, eh? I wonder if the cook would let me use the kitchen to bake my pumpkin pies...' She made a mental note to ask just that later that evening, grinning as Rina greeted them happily.

A bouquet of flowers and an iced mocha and several baked goods later, they left the cafe. Sakura carefully sipped the cold liquid, savoring the joy of chocolate and coffee mixed together. "Shall we head back to the mansion to enjoy our goods, or is there somewhere we might be able to enjoy them here?" The words had hardly left her mouth when she felt a familiar prickle of fear, the fear of being watched. "Twi, I don't think we're alone..."

Sakura felt the hair on her neck tingle as she too scanned the area with her eyes and other Senses. 'Charming, just what we needed.', she thought dryly as she realized they were quite outnumbered at the time. She was a bit stunned when Twi suggested heading to Village Greens, but she figured it would be the best move they could make. The citizens of Barton were nice enough but the tensions between the dark elves and vampires could still be felt. There was still much distrust, and with good reason. Not only that, but it would be foolish and downright cruel to get innocent bystanders involved, even the Barton Guards.

She looked down at her rings, grateful she never took them off and grateful she had the sense to equip Taunt and several healing rings along with her Mantis and Solar Rays. She suddenly smiled, her fangs barely showing. 'I can't believe my luck.', she thought almost elatedly as she saw a ring she rarely used. 'With this, it is possible we could even out-run them, but I wonder which of us they want.' Her eyes flicked from her Fleet Feet ring to Twilight and back down to her ring. An idea formed in her head and though she knew it was very risky, and they both might get caught, it was one she was willing to take. 'I refuse to let anyone else get hurt, if at all possible.', she thought stubbornly, her neon pink eyes turning cold and stubborn.

Raising her head slightly and catching Twi's attention she barely whispered, "I have Fleet Feet. It could get us to Village Greens quick enough we could then lure a great deal of our 'friends' to meet these guys and gals." Her gaze behind her shades was stern and stubborn, no trace of the pure terror that was flowing through her. She was grateful she had enough rage to boost the effects of the ring.
Charging up her Fleet Feet, Sakura aimed it at Twi. "When the ring's power hits you, run as fast as you can to the Greens or somewhere safer. I'll be on your heels." Her voice was grim and held traces of doubt and concern, but she kept her face stoic. 'Oh sweet Gaia, please let this work.', she prayed as she felt the ring's powers transfer to her companion.

Sakura watched as Twi began his sprint, and her eyes widened as she saw the mercenaries chasing him also gain speed. 'Crap, I should have thought about that.' She thought as she watched them all pass through the gate. She quickly focused on her next move. She was going to have to move quickly and her Fleet Feet was still recharging.

Placing her hand on her sword, she headed towards the gate with determination in her eyes. She had almost passed through when someone stepped in front of her, causing her to skid and run into them. "Apologies, I…" Her voice trailed off and she nearly hissed as Franco smirked down at her. "My my, little Rosebud, imagine seeing you here in the daylight." His knowing smirk sent waves of anger through her but she remained calm outwardly. "Ah yes, such a pity I had to run into some unsavory characters while out and about." Her face was emotionless, her tone as well. Her hand gripped her sword, unwilling to draw it, lest the attention she could receive might be used against her. Franco saw her very small movement and quickly grabbed her hands. As he did, an idea formed in her head and she activated her Solar Rays ring in his face. It was enough light to blind him temporarily, so she quickly shoved him away from her, ran past a few gawking Gaians, and sprinted through the gate. "Hang in there, Twi." she muttered as she passed through, a few remaining mercenaries following her.

As she came out on the other side, she ran to her right, luring as many animated as she could before turning to head back to Twi. There was only one problem, she had to deal with those chasing her. Blinking suddenly, she pulled her earring free and opened it, blowing the powder in their direction. Thankfully there was only one innocent bystander nearby and she grabbed him and pulled him away as the mercenaries fell into slumber. Leaving him where only flamingoes were, she quickly lured all the animated towards the Null Crystal. As she got closer, she watched in horror as the two remaining enemies approached her friend. Running as fast as she could, she realized the animated had gone back to where she gathered them. Nearly swearing, she quickly pulled a bottle out of her trench coat pocket, uncapped it, and threw it towards the human who blinked in surprise. As the bottle shattered, the human turned rather pale then fell to the ground. Sakura quickly stood in front of Twi and looked at their remaining enemy, her face impassive as a plan formed. "So, it seems Don Kuro is getting desperate." She took a slow step forward, eyes flicking to the Null Crystal and the dark elf, her fangs showing as she grinned. "Perhaps you should tell him it takes more than a few lackeys to catch us." As she spoke she lunged at their remaining enemy and shoved him into the Null Crystal,

She turned her attention to Twilight, knowing they had precious seconds before their enemy reappeared. "I don't think reinforcements will get here until we safely reach your portal. Are you in good enough shape to make another dash?"

Sakura could only stare in shocked horror as she saw the bit of smoke. 'This situation is dire, indeed.', she thought with a suppressed shudder. She watched as Twi once more sprinted, this time out the gate and past the Barton Regulars. She was ready to apply Fleet Feet and follow her friend until she looked up. She nearly let out a snarl of frustration as she saw members of the Kuro Gang standing at each gate. She quickly murmured to the Regulars Twi had passed, "Our apologies, we are merely trying to get out of the sunlight." She smiled and her fangs gleamed, making her point quite clear. Clara nodded silently, her face emotionless, but Sakura could sense the tiniest bit of fear from the poor human. Avoiding other Gaians, Sakura hid behind a nearby barn and tried to think of a plan. A tingle in her hands turned her gaze downward. She saw the beginnings of a crystal and smiled slightly. As she focused all her intent on the crystal orb, she began to speak. "Twilight, my hope is you have now reached the Lake and are safe." She took a shaky breath, focusing back on the orb and her plan with determination. "I am going to surrender myself and hopefully create a ruse so believable, you will be free to head directly to your home without further interruption. I do suggest staying away from the towns for a few weeks, however. I sincerely wish you the best of luck, my friend." With those parting words, she allowed the crystal to float off her palm and as she focused, she sent the orb towards the wooded area she hoped her friend would be at.

She then steeled herself for what she was abut to do. Oh she was very sure of the consequences, but it would be worth it, if her plan worked properly. As she stepped out from behind the tree, she slowly and purposefully walked towards the North Gate. As her luck would have it, her former co-worker/ex-boyfriend was with the group of hired help. As the group noticed her, a couple dark elves started to move, only to have Franco stop them. He turned to Sakura, the usual smirk on his face. "So you have finally decided to turn yourself in and spare yourself any further hardships, little Rosebud? After that little stunt you pulled earlier, I have a hard time believing you are surrendering. Also, what of the other traitor? I thought the both of you would be headed off into the sunset by now." Her eyes widened but she was able to keep the rest of her face and posture the same, until he mentioned Twilight. She then trembled slightly and as she spoke, her tone was one of sorrow. "As we were headed out of Village Greens, his skin began to smoke. Before I knew what was happening…" she shook her head, praying silently that her lie would work.

She blinked as Franco placed a hand on her shoulder firmly, yet with the very faintest squeeze. "You mean to tell me the sunlight claimed him?" She nodded slowly, her voice soft, "Yes, Franco, it did.". He nodded and quickly pulled a cell phone from his pocket, nodding to the mercenaries, he began making calls. They surrounded Sakura so she could not escape and though they didn't say a word, she knew their thoughts. She was more interested in Franco's calls however, and nearly sighed in relief when she heard him give orders to leave only two guards in each area and for the rest to head back to headquarters. That relief was short lived as he hung up, placed the phone back in his pocket, and gripped Sakura's other shoulder, slowly moving her towards a path she knew would take them to headquarters quicker even that the nearby manholes. "Now that has been taken care of, Rosebud, it is time we took you to the Don and Nyx. You see they are quite eager to interrogate you." She swallowed and could only nod as his smirk spread just a touch. 'This is not going to end well.', she thought bitterly.

The walk to the Kuro Gang's headquarters felt like it took days. The silence was nearly maddening, and the glares from the dark elves both angered and set her on edge. One of them could easily break protocol and run her through with their sword. Of course, they wouldn't dare. For all his arrogance, Franco was swift and one not to be disobeyed, but it was still rather unnerving. As they neared the entrance to the headquarters, she felt her composure and resolve slipping. As they passed the guards on duty and headed into the building, Franco dismissed the others. "You all did your jobs well, but now I must take this traitor to Don Kuro for further questioning." Some bowed, while others simply nodded, all of them leaving the two alone.

Franco's grip loosened considerably, and his voice became softer. "Sakura, why did you turn against the Don, against us? I understand why you hid your secret, that alone would have been enough to set the Don off. But surely you knew one day it would be uncovered." She blinked as he used her real name, not the pet name he had given her so long ago. And his tone seemed sincere, still, he was guiding her, albeit slowly, to the Don's office. She sighed softly and shook her head, "You know as well as I do that if it had been found out when I was still working here, we wouldn't be having this conversation." She winced slightly then continued, "I saw my chance to escape and I willingly took it, knowing full well the consequences of my actions." She looked down as they began to descend the stone stairs leading to the lowest levels of the base. After walking a little in silence, Franco's grip tightened slightly on her shoulders as he stopped in front of the door leading to the Don's office. Upon knocking, They were bidden to enter. Franco squeezed Sakura's shoulder very slightly as he opened the door, both of them entering the once cheery room.

Sakura nearly jumped as the Don spoke, "Ah Franco, excellent work, indeed. As you know, Nyx and I have special plans for this traitor, so you are excused. Please return to the post and keep me updated on any suspicious activity." Franco bowed politely, "Of course, Don Kuro.", he murmured as he left. Sakura could only stand there, her jacket and sunglasses having been removed, her earring remained as did the hat Twilight had given her. She was brought out of her thoughts by the Don's sadistic smile, his voice cold and cruel, "So, Miss Agnew, it seems you have kept quite the secret from me." His smile grew as his next words hit her like a ton of bricks, "You know what happens to those deemed traitor. But before that, I believe both Nyx and I have some questions for you. Answer them truthfully, and we might go easier on you." She couldn't move and had a feeling she wouldn't be able to for quite a while. "What is it you wish to know, Don Kuro?" His smirk scared her, "For starters, where is the base of the other traitor, Valthier?" Her vibrant pink eyes suddenly narrowed, then briefly flashed with what one would call vacancy. Her voice became nearly monotone as she clearly and unflinchingly gazed upon the Don and Nyx. "I will never divulge that information, and you will never be able to retrieve it from me." She knew that her decision was going to cost her dearly, but she stood firm. She would make darn sure nobody else would end up like her family, if she could help it. It took all of her willpower not to show her intense fear as the Don spoke. "You know what happens to those who betray us. Perhaps it's time to remind you why both Nyx and I are feared." She couldn't suppress a very soft whimper as both Nyx and the Don stood and the room began to darken. She clenched her fists, preparing for the worst.

Sakura felt a wave of dread wash over her and figured her fate was not going to be kind, when she suddenly felt a new presence in the room. Her eyes widened as the newcomer spoke. He held a childlike appearance at first, but she could sense there was more to him than met the eye.
Sakura nearly gasped as his appearance changed to that of a very intimidating angel with chains around and through his wings, long black hair, and razor sharp claws being the most defining physical characteristics. 'Oh crap, out of the frying pan into the fire.'

Her eyes glanced over to where Don Kuro and Nyx had been. The small dark elf was out cold, probably from fright. Sakura couldn't blame him, she was petrified. However, after listening to his words, she figured he was a vigilante angel. However, her Intuition said there was much more to him than she could guess.

Sakura tilted her head to the side, grateful to be able to move again. Her voice was soft, inquisitive, yet authoritative as she spoke. "You have incredible power, yet you use it against evils." She took a very small step forward. "Who are you?"

as night was falling, and Nashi came to Twi to lick his wounds, the Vampire stirred and rose. at first he simply sat up straight, knocking the poor boy down. Twi looked around before noticing the little godling on the ground.

"Nashi." he muttered, a bit surprised. "I'm glad you're here. we have to find my friend. have you hunted recently?" he asked as he began to get up and checked his weapons.

he was hoping they wouldn't have to stop for food. the Durem Underground was far away, and getting into the Kuro Stronghold would be hard enough on it's own, let alone surviving the infiltration.

"good." Twi grunted, as he got everything ready and walked out of the cave. it was late, but he knew he could reach Durem easier from the Null Chamber. he beckoned Nashi to follow him, as they took the trail up to the lake by Logan's tackle shop. he briefly considered buying some supplies, but decided he didn't have time.

around the back of the shop was the giant purple crystal. it glowed like a beacon in the night, and Twi knew he had to be careful. he shrouded Nashi and himself in a magic field, to divert attention away from them rather than to make them completely invisible. he wasn't sure how well this trick would work inside the Kuro compound, however...

"ready to jump?" he asked Nashi before grabbing onto the stone. he could feel himself being whisked through time and space, and directed himself towards Durem. he could feel the calming presence of the Zen Gardens and traced the mental path to that crystal. he found himself standing under the cherry tree pavilion next to the Null Crystal. Katsumi was sweeping and lighting paper lanterns.