The redhead reached out to grasp a glass in one elegant hand. With one long breath he extinguished the flames so he could begin to sip his drink. It was delicious, but the tangy taste did nothing to sate his thirst. Not truly. With a shake of his head, Regan was about to make a comment about the drink when the scent of vampiric blood filled his nostrils.

After Vex was done speaking, he tried to nudge her away from the pair. "Feeding upon your own kind, and in such a way. You should be ashamed of yourself." He was old, this child who was no such thing. Regan moved forward and held out a hand. The other vampire looked too weak to be feeding another of his kind in such a way, and if the dark haired monster needed blood, then Regan himself would give it up, if only to give the silver haired man a break.

"I think you've taken enough from him. Here, you can have some of mine if you must have the blood of your kind." Though Regan was fairly certain the child was not of the same kind of vampire as he. Regan had been born a vampire, one of many from a line of people descended from a mage who'd been trying to cure his blood of a sickness.

What nerve that human had, to speak to him. Aoshi ignored her, she wasn't important. Just a weak human, a trivial creature of no consequence. He didn't even glance at her as she spoke, those cold eyes were on Alistair's face. Until the red headed vampire spoke. Blue eyes flickered from Alistair's face to look at the other vampire with clear disdain. How rude. Aoshi wasn't interfering in that youngster's business, so what right did he have to interfere in Aoshi's business? He released Alistair's wrist and licked at the puncture wounds as they healed. His eyes turned from Regan to Alistair, looking at the silver haired man expectantly.


Alistair frowned deeply when the woman said something to Aoshi. He expected the old vampire to do one of two things. Kill the woman immediately or ignore her, it seemed he would ignore her. Then the other vampire was interfering. Offering his own blood, when Aoshi released him, he looked at the eternal child for a moment. Alistair lifted his head and looked from Aoshi to the red head. "Lord Del'Hart does not speak to lesser beings, nor does he drink the blood of the impure. You are not of our kind, you are different. Also my lord wishes for you to mind your own business like any polite vampire should, he has been polite and not intruded on your own business and only wishes to be shown the same respect." Alistair's voice was calm and gentle. He was a complete opposite of Aoshi, that was probably why the child vampire was so attached to him.

When Alistair was done speaking, Aoshi bit into his wrist again. "Lord Del'Hart especially hates when someone disturbs his feeding." Alistair sounded more tired than weak. He was tired. Tired of all of Aoshi's games, but there was little he could do about any of it. If he behaved for awhile, eventually Aoshi would release him for a long while. Alistair treasured that freedom more than anyone would ever know.

Regan's eyes flashed at the presumption of this creature. Of course, being brash as he sometimes was, the vampire paid no mind to what the silver haired man said. Not as much as he should have anyway. "Lord Del'Hart should know that feeding in public is quite impolite, even he should know that. I doubt he even deserves his title. A true lord cares for his people and does not use them as he apparently uses you." Barely restrained anger flickered trough his voice as the vampire reached out to place his strong slender hands upon the child vampire's jaw in an attempt to pry him from the silver haired vampire.

Harming Alistair was the furthest thing from his mind. Though he sensed that perhaps the dark haired one was older then he seemed, Regan didn't care at the moment. The redhead had a strong protective drive, which had been awakened by Loki and Vex's friendship. Since then, he had jumped into dangerous situations to aid others, and this was no different.

"Ew Regan," Vex said when he offered his own blood. She realized, too that the other man was also vampire. "You guys can feed on your own kind? Isn't that like cannibalism or something? It's sick." Vex shrugged when Alistair quit speaking.

Whatever, it really wasn't her business, she'd just turn the other way. She began to turn away when Regan started speaking. Was there going to be a vampire fight here? She couldn't be sure, but if anyone tried harming her dear friend Regan, she'd surely stake them. Not that she would admit that out loud. She poured herself up another flaming shot to ease her own unnoticeable tension.



((I didn't really need to post, lol but I'm bored, so it's short. ^^))

Alistair was quite surprised by the red heads words. Was this vampire so young or so different that he did not realize when he was in the presence of an Ancient being? "Lord Del'Hart has earned his title. He is a true lord among vampires, please do not speak of things you do not understand it will only anger him." There was a hint of warning in Alistair's tone, but he was just trying to warn the red head for his own safety.

There was no telling what Aoshi would do to that man, even though the man was only trying to help. "Lord Del'Hart follows the old ways. There is nothing impolite about what he is doing, I am willing, he is not being loud or messy. Again, I ask you not to speak of things that you do not understand." There was a bit of pleading in Alistair's eyes as he said that, but it was gone quickly, he didn't need Aoshi to see that. Still Alistair knew there was nothing he could do, this man had touched Aoshi.


Aoshi ignored them while he drank from Alistair again. Ignored them while his pet spoke for him. Alistair had been a prince in his human life, but human hierarchy and vampire hierarchy were different. Titles were earned, not given over or born into. It was the same with demons, a title must be earned and kept. Aoshi had earned his title and no one could take it from him, those that could were already lords themselves. Aoshi would have done nothing, but the impure vampire touched him. Aoshi's skin was deathly cold, colder than a vampire's skin should be. But most ancients were like that.

Aoshi had been content to let Alistair talk for him, but not anymore. It would be impossible for the red head to pry Aoshi away, but Aoshi pulled away slowly, as if to prove that point. His tongue flicked over the bite marks and nodded slightly to Alistair. He was done for now, this red head had soured his appetite anyway. "Do you really wish to challenge me, fledgling?" Those cold, dead eyes were on Regan. His gaze was intense.

She appears around 18 and stands at 5'7". She appears, smells, and seems human... yet if one were to see her aura they would see there is more to her then that. The only thing that belies this is her eyes change color. She has been a slave to a demon for more years then she can count. He gave her the name cherry, she can not remember her true name. He had been feeding her his blood so that she was so tightly bound to him she would forget all her life before him and her body would do whatever he ordered her against her will. It would also protect her from age, scaring, and disease so she would be his little pet forever or until he grew bored and killed her as he had her predecessors. What he did not realize was this feeding eventually awoke an innate psychic ability of the human girl. Due to that ability she has killed him and escaped... only to run into another trap, albeit the more pleasant one of the Inn

Cherry, named by the demon for the color of her blood he always seemed so fascinated with, ran without looking back. She knew there would be many of the demons underlings after her... wanting to kill her slowly for taking the life of their master. She hadn't even really meant to do so, she had just wanted the pain to end and the power had struck out against the demon. Yet the fear had not ended, it had only increased. Even the birds seemed to scare her as they called out above her head, for she did not recognize the sound. So she ran, ran even as her feet bleed and the sound of demonic howls faded behind her.

She wouldn't stop, part of her thought she would never stop. The shadows seemed to shift and quiver around her, as if threatening to allow demons to burst forth from them and take her back. She didn't know if they really moved as no demons came or if it was just fear but it kept her moving all the same. She didn't even feel the magic as she burst into the woods around the Inn, so trapped by her own fear.

She didn't stop until a few feet before she reached the tree line and only then because she tripped on a tree root and fell to the ground. She made no sound, too afraid that she might be heard but the staff she'd stolen from the demon in her escape did as it clattered against a rock. She winced as the sharp sound sent a few birds in the tree nearest her flying, her whole body trembling. She closed her eyes as if expecting an immediate attack but there was nothing.

Slowly those currently jade orbs opened to peer up at the building before her, a lively inn. She panted, so exhausted it was hard to move but too afraid to go in and ask for help. She had been told that her fellow humans were bad, that they had sold her to him because they thought she was evil, disgusting, and deserved to die. He also told her no angel or the like had come to her aid because her soul was so twisted and ugly it didn't deserve it. While part of her resisted his teachings a part of her was too afraid they were true to really trust anyone.... yet.... she needed food and she needed rest. She gripped the staff below her hand and bit her lip a moment... just... staring at the building.

Jack made a face as everyone left the building, "I'll leave you two alone," Jack squealed and ran out the door. "Hello, everybody!" he yelled excitedly. A brown haired girl was on the ground. The feathery boy glided over to her and looked down at her. "Why hello, why are you on the ground?" he giggled and extended a hand. "Rise up fair maiden!" He smiled to her, extremely happily.

~(^_^)~

Miya was extremely confused. She didn't know how to respond to that boy's excitement. Miya was thirsty from her singing, it always dried her throat out. She set the feather down on the bar and set her guitar next to it and went around the back to find drinks. She found some water and took that, she began to drink it feeling tons better already.

"Thank you for your applause," she bowed her head. A small smile played on her lips and she sat back down on the stool next to her guitar.

OOC: Sorry it's so short. ;-;'''

She sat up quickly as he approached her and gripped the staff to her chest much like someone might a teddy bear. She had never understood why it was important... only that the demon had desired no one but a demon to have it and she knew him well enough to know that meant that no demon should. She turned her tear streaked face towards him, her eyes a slightly deeper green as they tapped even deeper into the forest and plant energy around her. She seemed ready to strike out at the raven, or beg him to leave her alone until he spoke. He was not a demon though he reminded her of some her former master had often used as spies.

"I...I fell" She said in a quiet, timid voice. She stared at his eyes and face for a moment, long enough it seemed she probably wouldn't take his hand. Still she did put one trembling hand in his as her other hand continued to hug the staff to her chest. Her eyes watched him as if expecting him to hurt her as she pulled herself to her feet. She would release his hand quickly and lean against the tree she'd ironically tripped over. She bit her lip nervously as she hugged the staff with both arms again, though perhaps she more wished to hug herself.

"What is that place?" She asked timidly as she indicated the inn with her head. She didn't respond to him calling her fair maiden... thinking the compliment more a trap then a genuine reference to her. The demon always told her that he was the only one who could find such a thing as her beautiful... telling her she should be grateful he didn't just kill her but 'played' with her instead. The bruises that hadn't healed yet showed what kind of 'play' he liked.

Jack looked behind himself at the inn, it was a simple bungalow looking place. Wood and what not, windows, simple. "That?" he asked like he couldn't believe she was asking the question. "Just some inn run by some old hag." Just by saying that made him feel better and it threw him into hysterics. Jack guffawed and slapped his leg, his arm holding his side. "Oh, oh..." He was finally calming down.

He stepped over this giant root and swung up onto a branch. He reached up and grabbed his favorite fruit, he tossed one of the bright colored slightly "spikey" fruit to the girl. He wasn't sure if she would catch it or not, but if she didn't, he'd die of laughter. If she did he'd just giggle, the boy hung upside down and took a bite of the tangy fruit. "Mmmm," he said. It melted in his mouth.

He ate about half of it when an idea struck him! He swung around the branch then jumped down landing on his feet with his wings slightly spread. He stood, dusted himself off, took a bite and laughed. "Would you like to go to the roof tops? A tree? I know some really nice places to see nice sights!" Jack grinned happily. He chomped another bite.

Ren only grinned when the bird boy ran out the door. What a weird guy. He turned his attention back to Daralis. "How 'bout that swim?" He figured she'd probably want to change or do some other girly stuff, but he was cool with just headin' out in his shorts. Heck, if he wasn't such a gentleman, he'd be cool with just strippin' down to his nudies and swimming that way. It was so much more comfortable for the werewolf.

When two more patrons entered, followed by the blonde and the red head. Ren cast a glance to Biti. She really sucked at taking care of guests. He shook his head. Well, it wasn't really his problem either. If someone asked for help, he'd hop up without question, but if not, well, it wasn't his tavern.

Ren looked to the males who had entered to offer them his large welcoming grin. Immediately his grin faded as his eyes swept over the child. His grin almost never faded. The hairs on the back of his neck stood and he held back a growl. He could sense a vampire easily, not that they really bothered him, but this one was different.

As he began feeding on one of his own kind, Ren let out a retching sound. It really was like cannibalism, in his eyes anyway. He glanced around at the other patrons, it didn't seem like anyone was very pleased to see this, but it really wasn't his business. As the other vampire approached them, all Ren could think about was getting Daralis out of the tavern in case a fight erupted. Vampires were dangerous, quick and strong.

Without thinking, Ren grabbed onto Daralis' hand giving it a little squeeze as if to say, "Let's get out of here." He tugged her very gently towards the back door, in case she decided to protest, he certainly wasn't forcing her anywhere, but he hoped she'd take him up on that swim and get out of there before something crazy happened.

When Ren grabbed her hand she would probably notice how much warmer his body temperature was than most people, as well as his strength that he had a very hard time judging, although he was getting much better about it.

~~~*~~~*~~~

When the bird boy ran out the door, Biti pouted. All she wanted was to play a little prank and now her target had run away. Bright golden eyes found Miya again. She should probably ask if the girl needed anything, but that just wasn't her thang. Instead, she moved to stand across from the girl.

"The kitchen is self serve. You'll find everything you need in there to make whatever your heart desires. The bar is also self serve." She smiled. Wait, wait, wait. "Where did you say you came from again?" Really, it didn't matter. Biti was sure the tavern brought her here, that happened from time to time.

"Anyway," she said as a key appeared in front of the girl, "you'll be needing it," she added. Biti knew that none of the people here would be leaving any time soon. It was impossible. Well, it wasn't. But it was very hard. She didn't care, this was her home, and the company made her not so bored.

When the pair of vampires entered and sat at the bar, Biti didn't pay them much attention. The boy was frightening and she didn't want to talk to it at all. When he pulled himself onto the counter and began to feed off of the other, Biti stuck her tongue out. "Gross!"

She pointed her finger at them to create a curtain around them when Regan stepped in to try and pry the boy's mouth off the man's wrist. Biti sat there now in her own thoughts. [i]Well I could make the curtain around all three of them. But the two older vampires are so easy on the eyes, and Ren ran off. I could just turn them all into little bunnies. Little bunnies are so cute, and they couldn't do any damage in bunny form, right?[/i]

Biti was giggling to herself now and completely forgot what she was even thinking about in the first place as she imagined the three vampire bunnies hopping around the tavern.

A smile of relief dawned across her features as the bird boy left the building. She'd dealt with all manner of people of course, but when they teased her about her age Daralis tended to try and avoid them. At the mention of the swim, she began to nod quietly until her eyes caught sight of Aoshi. A shiver ran down her spine as the two entered and the elder of the two, though younger seeming, began to feast upon his blood.

It was such a disgusting sight that for once Daralis felt anger rising within her heart. Luckily a warm hand took hold of her own, bringing the purple haired woman back to the present. Her mind had wandered to some of the more unsavory things she'd seen in her years, but now wasn't the time to remember that. She allowed herself to be guided to the back door with a relieved sigh.

Did Ren mean to hold her hand with such strength? Once outside, Daralis glanced around while trying to see where that pond might be. Unconsciously she tightened her hold on Ren's hand, for some reason finding herself inexplicably loathe to lose that small contact. It was strange, and alien really, this wanting to stay near someone else like this.

"The old ways must make way for the new, as the world is always changing, and society along with it. In today's world, what the old one is doing, is considered impolite and quite disgusting. Feeding upon one's own kind is frowned upon , and doing so in public only aggravates the matter." His eyes moved challengingly to Aoshi's as a smirk played across his features. It seemed like Loki had rubbed off on him, so much so that he was actually going out to look for a fight. This was a battle he wasn't sure he could win, why it might even lead to his death.

That didn't bother him so much, not now when things were falling apart over his ears. "Of course I am, child. For you are a child in an ageless body, aren't you? An arrogant one who needs to be taught a lesson." Of course, Regan was quite certain that he might be the one who ended up bloody and beaten after the upcoming battle.

For a moment she stared at the Inn as if trying to remember what that was. Oh yes... there had been a demon who ran one once. He had talked to her master about it and how he made money at it and such. She needed a place to stay but she had no money or anything of value. Well, except for the staff but she wasn't giving that to anyone until she knew what it was. She was an intelligent creature despite how much the demon had worked to try and keep her uneducated. She had even managed to learn to read a little behind his back.

She was so deep in thought she almost didn't notice the fruit and when she did she stepped back as if afraid he was throwing something at her. She only realized it was a fruit when he ate it. She bent down to pick it up and wiped it clean on her skirt after she hooked the staff into a loop on her cloth belt so she could use both hands. She was afraid to put it away but she couldn't clean the fruit at the same time. For a moment she questioned it but she hadn't eaten for so long... she couldn't help but take a bite. It tasted pretty good she decided and soon had eaten the fruit away quickly. She ate so quickly in fact that a spot of the fruit was left by the corner of her mouth and it took a moment for her to notice. She was about to wipe it away when he spoke.

"Inn's cost money....... and I don't have any so I guess... maybe you could show me somewhere I can sleep safely? Some of the things in the forest were scary..." She finally answered. She had half avoided the question of being taken somewhere for a view and the reasons were simple. She was afraid he'd take her up somewhere and then leave her there. She didn't think she could fly.... she had only really received her powers a short time ago...

Alistair's body tensed visibly when the red head called Aoshi a child. "The Ancients up hold the old ways, most teach the old ways to the younger generations. Times change, but the old ways remain and will always remain." He glanced at Aoshi, for a moment and stood. Without another word Alistair made his way back outside of the building, to stand on the porch and leaning against one of the railings.

"The old ways are the only ways." Aoshi's dead eyes had flashed dangerously with cold murderous intent when Regan called him a child. "We will do this outside, so the building does not get destroyed." He stood on the bar top and then literally floated down from it's surface. His feet touching the floor very lightly, Aoshi glanced over his shoulder before making his way out of the building, on the porch he smiled almost sweetly at Alistair and then continued making his way off the porch and into the grass out in front of the building. He turned to watch for his opponent.

Ren tugged Daralis towards the large lake directly ahead. There was a long wooden dock jetting out over it and a stream to the left of that that flowed into the lake. Ren was already shirtless, so he let got of Daralis' hand to shimmy out of his comfy old jeans. He remained in his boxers, which he rarely wore, so he got lucky today deciding on this loud pair of bright green and orange striped underpants.

He frowned down at them for a moment before giving Daralis a shrug. "Don't judge me," he said with a wide grin. With that, he turned away to give her some privacy and headed out onto the dock. The air was warm and there was a slight breeze from time to time. The sun was high with loads of big puffy cotton ball clouds floating over the world. When Ren reached the end of the dock he dove in without a second of hesitation.

((I can't help it XD the timing's too perfect considering what she just said.))

Just as she said the word scary she saw two people exiting the tavern. She shivered as the child exited. It seemed like their were scary things in the tavern as well. She bit her lip and hugged herself slightly as she watched the child. She stepped back to press into the tree she'd been. She forgot the piece of fruit on her face next to her lip completely and it slowly began to slip down. She could only stare at the child and tremble. His cold dead eyes reminded her of her former master a little too well. She whimpered slightly and bit her lip. The trees around her swayed slightly as if in reaction to her fear.

Regan nodded silently and followed the others after a moment. His grin was reckless and dangerous, something that boded none too well for the coming battle. Once outside, the vampire sent a polite look Alistair's way before finding a large expanse of clear ground for the battle, facing Aoshi. Trees would only impede their way. He bowed slightly, then lifted his head to beckon and taunt the strange being before him.

The purple haired woman raised an eyebrow at the bright colors adorning the werewolf's hips. She giggled lightly, then shimmied out of her own clothing until only blue lacy undergarments adorned her body. With a happy yell Daralis ran forward to jump into the lake. She swam about happily, diving under the water now and then, with a smile.

It had been quite a while since she'd had company to go out for a swim. "Reeeen, can we play a game?" Daralis could think of a few, but wanted to know if the man had any ideas of his own. He seemed like a playful, fun loving, type of guy. It was probably why she found herself enjoying his company so much.

After all, most people in the marketplace were very serious indeed. Then there were the children, who always adored hearing the woman's stories. They were the ones she missed the most, though even if she hadn't left Daralis knew they would grow out of their childhoods and no longer want to listen to her tales.

Vex raised an eyebrow as the vampires exited the tavern. She poured herself another shot, tossed it back quickly and hurried out the door behind them. She kept a fairly safe distance, though probably not, but there was no way she was going to miss an awesome vampire fight. Plus, she wanted to be sure Regan would be okay, not that she would say to anyone.

~~~*~~~*~~~

Ren was floating on his back, looking up at the big blue sky and finding shapes in the clouds when Daralis asked him if he wanted to play a game. Games were his favorite! He loved games, OF COURSE he wanted to play a game! He moved to wade in the water and grinned excitedly.

"You wanna play marco polo? Ooo, or we could race to the other side of the lake! Let's race to the other side of the lake!" Ren was a good swimmer, but not great, he was after all part wolf, and while they could swim, they weren't dolphins.

((Sorry they're short. Lol Vex isn't really involved and Ren, well Ren is like a child and I probably shouldn't type about how he's peeing his loud shorts and picturing Daralis in her nudies. :ninja:))

Alistair gripped the porch railing tightly, but he was silent. He was afraid for the red head's life. Aoshi could so easily kill that other vampire, didn't the red head realize he was just being played with? He was nothing but a new toy for Aoshi, Alistair grit his teeth. He didn't want to watch, but would anyway.


Aoshi watched his opponent with those cold dead eyes. He didn't respond to that beckoning or taunting if that's what it was supposed to be. "I am Lord Aoshi Del'Hart, I am an Ancient, born of the old world and old ways. Older than you could possibly imagine. The rules of combat are simple, no mercy, no outsider interference." As he said that last, he shot a warning glare towards Alistair. He knew exactly how his pet's mind worked, and he expected the silver haired being to interfere at some point. Those eyes shifted back to his opponent expectantly. Aoshi expected Regan to introduce himself and state if he found these terms acceptable or not. Only then would the fight begin.

She didn't know what marco polo was, but racing was right down her alley. "Race you!" With that she was off, slicing trough the water easily. Daralis didn't even give Ren a chance as she kicked with all her might to try and reach the other shore before her opponent. It was nice, having someone around to race with. Ren would make a wonderfully good friend ... If only he wasn't a human. They didn't live nearly long enough.

The thought saddened her, making Daralis slow and make a face as she swallowed water. It was then that something snacked up from the depths below to wrap around her ankles. A yell escaped her lips just before water closed over her head. Her pink eyes widened as she struggled to free herself from the current of water wrapping around her, trapping her beneath the surface.

Regan bowed his head in acknowledgement of Aoshi's introduction before launching into his own. "I am clan leader Regan Delaire, of a vampiric race born of magic. I accept your rules." With one more bow, he launched himself forward. It would be a faint, nothing more, as he rolled forward and pretended to attack the child directly. He couldn't let appearances fool him, not when a battle such as this was taking place.

One of his hands snaked to his hip where a collapsible sword rested comfortably. The sound of metal sliding against itself rang out as the vampire extended it, and thrust quickly towards his opponent's heart. Quickly, it went from there to aim down to his knee, a part far closer to Regan then the heart.

Aoshi nodded in silent acceptance of Regan's introduction. Such a pity, this vampire wasn't even a lord, only a clan leader. Aoshi hadn't really expected one so young to be a lord, but stranger things had happened before. The eternal child merely stood there as Regan launched the first attack. It was amusing, that this vampire thought he could actually lay a hand or sword on Aoshi. When the sword was impossibly close and seemed like it would make contact, Aoshi vanished. He was behind Regan quicker than the blink of an eye.

He had moved so fast, that for a moment it looked as if he were standing in both places. In front and behind the red head, but he was only behind the vampire. A cold, dead giggle left Aoshi's lips. There was no joy in the sound, and just tiniest hint of amusement. Mostly it was just a dead sound. Cold and empty. "You are just a baby, it is impossible for you to win against me." Aoshi didn't launch a counter attack, he just waited for Regan to turn and attack him again. For now the game was still amusing, but he would grow bored soon enough and put the red head out of his misery.

Vex leaned against the railing of the porch silently rooting Regan on. He had this, no doubt in her mind. She sent a sideways glance to Alistair and wondered if he had any valuables she could con away from him. For the moment, she decided against trying to find out. She actually felt bad for him for having to hang out with that creepy kid all the time. She'd never been a fan of children.

~~~*~~~*~~~

"Hey!" Ren exclaimed as Daralis took off with a head start. "Cheater!" he yelled behind her as he laughed like a giddy school girl. He was trying his best to keep up with her, but he was way more dense than she and she was definitely quicker. He was grinning to himself as he thought about catching her. He really enjoyed her company, she was so much fun, just his type.

The thought caused his heart to flutter. He wasn't falling for this girl right? No, he couldn't be. Ren didn't fall for people, people fell for Ren. There had been one person he allowed himself to develop a small attachment to after a very short amount of time. The man's name had been, Loki.

He pushed those thoughts aside now though, the man had been loony, placing blame on him for his actions. The thought angered Ren. He thought again of Daralis. He couldn't let himself fall into things like that, people only got hurt in the end. "Hey slow dow-", where had she gone too?

He was so busy in his own thoughts that he hadn't seen her go under. He waded in the water, spinning around. She was no where to be seen. Ren laughed. She really was a jokester, just like him. At any moment she'd be grabbing onto his legs, he knew. He laughed again in anticipation, continuing to search for her to try and see her coming.

When more moments passed than he thought reasonable for the prank, his grin faded. Something was wrong. Ren's heart skipped and beat and he took a deep breath and dove below the surface. She didn't go up, so she must have gone down. He rubbed his eyes and let them focus. They had been over what looked to be an abyss.

He turned around searching for her everywhere when finally her purple hair caught his eye. She was being dragged into the abyss! Ren swam towards her. Damn his shitty swimming skills! He made his way closer and closer to her avoiding weeds and other things he could become tangled in. Finally he was close, he reached his hand out for hers.

((I thought I'd leave it there so you could decide if she lost consciousness or not. ))

Cherry trembled as she watched the two vampires begin to fight. No... No more fight, no more. She didn't want to see blood, no more blood, no more pain. She hugged herself as she trembled and felt her heart begin to pound. She shook her head, unable to take it. On instinct she forced herself to run forward and put a hand on each man's shoulder since one was standing behind the other. She had tears coming down her cheeks, not seeming to know what they were or care. She just wanted it to stop.

"Please... stop this. No more bloodshed, please." She begged, her voice heart wrenching. She trembled and her hands held little strength but she hoped that one of them would see reason. This was all she could do... She was still too uncertain of her powers and they felt strong. Still even the one who seemed so much like her master she didn't want to see in pain... No more... she wanted no more. The staff in her belt seemed to flicker ever so slightly, as if the sunshine was glittering off it. The staff resonated with her pure intentions it seemed...

Her consciousness faded slowly. The world bled black as it faded in and out strangely. Dizziness filled Daralis, making it impossible for her to think straight. Just when things looked to be at their most hopeless, Ren appeared before her as in a dream. She tried to talk, tried to reach out and catch his hand with her own, but she just couldn't.

Instead one of her fingers brushed his before she was dragged down even further. He was trying to save her, wasn't that just the sweetest thing? Emotions clogged up her throat, or was it water, just as she finally slipped into oblivion.

Daralis's pink eyes closed and her body finally became completely limp. Without anymore resistance, the invisible force began pulling her down even faster.

The redhead nearly fell to the ground when Aoshi vanished from his sight. He turned around quickly, sword coming up. A calculating look crossed his features. It was then the woman came forward, asking them to stop this battle. Sadness flickered trough his features, but Regan shook his head.

"It's best if you don't interfere, lady." Gently he tried to push her aside, though he knew his kindness would seem as a weakness to Aoshi. This was who he was, and changing wasn't in the plan. Once she was safely out of the way, Regan smirked slightly and allowed his magical senses to expand. He wasn't as powerful, as fast or as experienced as the other vampire, but that didn't mean he couldn't win if he wasn't intelligent about it.

Aoshi's eyes flashed dangerously when the female touched him. He didn't look at her though, he didn't need to look at her. His eyes were on Regan, watching his opponent closely even though he could have already won this fight, already killed the red head vampire. Aoshi had been enjoying the game. Briefly Aoshi considered pulling the girl between him and Regan's sword, using her as a shield. It would be a fitting punishment for both touching him and interfering. Regan tried to gently push the woman aside, but Aoshi's hand came up fast and hard, backing the woman's face with enough force to send her spinning and to the ground. "There will be no interference. This fight will continue."

"No." Alistair vaulted over the porch railing and was at the woman's side in a moment. He caught her before she could hit the ground, steadying her on her feet before releasing her and moving between Regan and Aoshi. He faced Aoshi. "This is enough, Aoshi. There isn't a need for you to kill any of the people here." Alistair knew he would suffer for this, but he was tired of standing and watching. Besides, he knew Aoshi had expected this eventually, Alistair was in a lot of trouble. Before he could even blink, Aoshi had moved. A knee in his gut Alistair found himself on his knees in moments.

Aoshi growled, he was so angry. He had kneed Alistair in the gut and now he moved to punch the vampire repeatedly in the chest. His movements were a blur and all Alistair could do was take it. As suddenly as they had started, the blows stopped and Alistair hesitated to look at Aoshi. Though the scent of a familiar friend filled his nose. Angel stood behind the child vampire, with a hand around the back of Aoshi's neck. He was squeezing it. "Lord Del'Hart. The council is looking for you, again. Not to mention, we have unfinished business, as usual. Shall we settle our business with a fight, one as unevenly matched as this one?" Angel was much older than Aoshi and so much stronger. Power rippled and radiated off of him in uncontrollable waves, but they were subtle waves.

"My Lord Eran Leander. A pleasure as always to see you."Aoshi sounded very irritated, very annoyed. "This is becoming a bad habit of yours, always interrupting my fun. I was only teaching that fledgling respect for the old ways, and teaching my pet the value of obedience."

Angel had grimaced at use of his real name, but such things did not matter right now. "Lord Del'Hart, take your old ways and shove them down someone elses throat." His grip around Aoshi's throat tightened and effortlessly he flung the child vampire off to the side some distance away.

Aoshi grunted, his body hitting against a tree. Slowly he stood, dusted himself off. "Tch. I was growing bored anyway." Aoshi sneered and turned from them, within moments he was gone.

Cherry started to speak in response to Regan when she found herself backhanded. She shivered as she was hit again but her former master had made her durable. It would bruise but not break her jaw as it might have a normal human. She closed her eyes as she expected to hit the ground but found herself caught by a silver haired man instead. She looked at him with sheer wonder in her eyes, as if having never expected anyone to save her. Wouldn't the vampire hurt him for interfering with her 'punishment'? He was enough like her master she knew he would.

No... No he wouldn't be hurt because of her. She shivered and trembled all over with fear but looked right at Aoshi as the staff began to glow brighter. All the creatures of the dark, such as vampires, would feel the holy power of it. It was a strong ancient holy power older then the earth itself as if the staff was made by god himself and was a living thing. She seemed unaware of the glow as she simply shouted two words helplessly.

"Stop please!" Even as she shouted, however, the new vampire had appeared and saved Alistair. She bit her lip as she watched and the staff returned to a mere piece of metal in appearance as her heart no longer cried out to protect another. She gasped for breath as it made her feel strangely weak herself... She shook off the thought and ran to the man who had helped her, Alistair. She would kneel next to him.

"A...are you alright?" She whispered, not wanting him to be hurt because of her. She glanced towards angel a moment, fear and gratitude mixed in her gaze. She was still afraid... so afraid of being captured as a slave or hurt once more. She didn't know what Angel intended. Did he mean to save Alistair or was it just coincidence and he had simply done this due to whatever business he was talking about?