...

Nope, because I choose not to. I have maybe 2 close friends outside of family. I'm tired of letting people in and being hurt. Life is full of risks, and I've taken my fair share, and for once in my life, I'm taking a back seat to my sociality. Right or wrong, this works for me for now. I'm tired of being used, and I'm completely fed up with false sincerities. So I'll wait until people around me grow up, and can understand what "trust" is, or what "friendships" REALLY are.

Several.. in fact... past tense people Let's see... there was an idiot, let's just call him Moron Number 1... this guy would follow me everywhere around school just to annoy me. And he succeeded, but not before I let him know he did. I was at my lockers, it was during lunch, but absolutely no one was around. I got my stuff from my locker and Moron number 1 comes right behind me and puts his hands under my shirt and proceeded to breath down my neck, mind you he had no permission, or any "leading" from my part... he truly was a perve. The freak got slapped pretty hard, and I screamed at him for that. He was completely scared at the reaction, and because this moron was part of the damn football team, he started a vicious rumor of me being a lesbian. God I hated school. In 8th grade, I hung out with some friends at school, they weren't part of the "popular" crowd, but we were a pretty big group. A lot of cool people. There was this one guy, he was a great friend.. seriously, a good FRIEND... that's all we were... anyways, he tried something after school one day, and that ended our friendship... Did I hate him beyond reason? Not at that point, but when I lost all of my "friends" because of him and his stupid twistings of stories, yes... I can honestly say that being in his presence made me insane. That was just a couple... there are a lot more... more than I'd like to get into, lol.

Sarah looked at the pill. She nodded, but didn't take it. She refused to take the easy way out of her pain. She wanted more than anything just to feel right for once, but she couldn't. But taking pills wasn't the answer. Alex was a nice girl, but completely different from her. She picked at her food and just sat there. She wasn't really wanting to be around [i]people.[/i] She smiled for a second. It was brief, and it felt nice to smile about something... but it didn't last long... good memories became her worst memories in the next second. "Come on, you really will feel better afterwards." For once in her life she was tempted. She knew she was falling. She smiled, and handed the pill back to her. She proceeded to put on a front. "I'm fine, really... just tired I guess from all the traveling." "Okay." she said as she went on talking with the gentlemen next to her. Sarah looked at the Master of Games. He was... smiling... it creeped her out. She turned back to her food and ate, which was really good in fact. She sighed. She didn't give a damn about what other people thought of her... she only cared about not feeling completely okay herself. But she could live with it. No need to make others around her uncomfortable.

Name: Sarah Withers Gender: Female Age: 21 Weight: 132 Height: 5'7" Appearance: Her dark brown hair is her greatest feature. Her hair reaches her waist, and is vibrant, and thick, with a small wave to it. But because she is a slave girl, her hair is usually pulled back... Slender body, with green eyes. Her beauty is not extravagant, but a simple beauty that makes her eye catching. Personality: While Sarah is kind... she is not the kind of person who sits and does nothing. Eager to work, but even more eager to take charge. She's looked up to by others, and has an assurance about her that makes people count on her. Never worried about her appearance, and she is not a people pleaser. She does her work, no questions asked, and is her own person. BIO: Sarah grew up on her own. Her mother and father died of a disease, and had no money to cure themsleves. Knowing that the disease was contagious, they took their daughter and gave her to a blacksmith who they had only seen a few times. They gave her to him, and he raised her, not as his child as they had hoped for, but as a slave to his own household. She was on his every call and whim, and learned not to care about what was demanded of her. She would do the work, no questions asked, without throwing pity on herself... while he tried desperately to break her, he never succeeded. She grew up to be a fine woman, one who could smile despite all the hurt she had lived with. He grew tired of her since he found no more pleasure in causing her pain, he sent her to the King, hoping to gain some prestige and honor in the gift. He tried to ordain her, and make her look more desireable, but Sarah didn't care for such measures. After he sent her away, she pulled off all the ridiculous jewelery and went as herself. She wasn't interested in her King... nor was she looking to find love. She did her work, no questions asked. But she would not do this... something beneath her... she would never throw herself at a King... and for this, she knew she would be beaten when returned to the blacksmith. She came to the Kings household as a slave, but as the days went by, she slowly began seeing Damion... and not the cold heartless Bastard he tried making everyone else see him as. He freed her, allowing her to live her life the way she wanted to. But she realized there was no other place she wanted to be, but with him. Occupation: Peasant woman. No money, but stays in the Kings house as a guest now instead of a slave.

Damion woke up and saw Sarah by his bed side. She smiled warmly at him, but his head was spinning. He tried getting up, but Sarah stopped him. "You need your rest Damion... you gave everyone a scare today." "I didn't realize what kind of shape I was in..." he said. "You exerted yourself too much for one day... just get some rest." He stared at her and closed his eyes. "Why did you come back?" he said softly. Sarah shrugged her shoulders. "Nowhere else to go I guess." she said. She looked at him as he nodded and turned away. She knew it wasn't the answer he had hoped for... and she knew it wasn't the truth. "Actually... to tell you the truth I'm a little confused that I did come back..." she said, as she shifted in her chair. He looked at her and saw her trembling. He knew she was afraid.... but he wasn't sure if she was afraid of [i]him[/i] .... or afraid of what she was feeling inside. "I didn't know where to go... that is the truth..." she stopped for a while, and looked into his eyes. "While I never considered myself as a slave, I never considered myself [i]free[/i] either." He took her hand and for once, she let him... without hesitating. She smiled at him and touched his face with her hands. "I'm glad I did though... I don't want to be anywhere else..." she whispered. He smiled and kissed her hand. "Thank you.." OOC: Sorry for the shortness, Making dinner!

Sarah wasn't in the mood for talking, but she smiled anyways and sat up. "I'm sure it'll be soon... maybe an hour or so." she said. Alex sat next to her and nodded. There was a very long awkward silence between them, and Alex smiled at her. Sarah hated this... she was never the conversationalist, and it made everyone hate to be around her... she hated talking... the only time she opened up was when there was something to either complain about, or if she thought for a second someone may be interested in something... but there was nothing unique about her. Sarah often thought it was her own low self esteem that did this to her. But she had no idea how to change... there was a time, where she felt wanted, and she could talk just about anything... but her depression frayed away all feelings... all senses of being... interesting. She looked at Alex again, and she was still smiling. "Are you always this quiet?" "If you got a problem with it, I'm not forcing you to stay." Sarah replied. "Hey, no need to get bitchy on me. I'm just asking a simple question." "Well I just gave you a simple answer. I'm not talkative, nor will I ever be." Sarah said softly. Alex looked at her, and Sarah just stared at the sunset. She wasn't smiling... but she wasn't frowning either. "Did something happen to you?" she asked. Sarah turned and looked at her. "I'm just not one for conversations..." Sarah said. "It seems like there's a lot more wrong than just not being talkative." Sarah stood up. "I think I'll get going now." "Are you that much of a coward?" Alex said challengingly as she stood up as well. Sarah turned around and stared at her. "I'm not afraid of you." she said sharply. Alex smiled. "Prove it. Do you play pool?" Sarah cocked her head to the side and folded her arms. "Depends, you?" "I play." "Fine... what are the stakes?" "Each pocket earned deserves a question in turn. Up for the game?" Alex said smiling. Sarah smiled. "I'm up for it." she said as they made their way toward the game room.

Sarah rode back to the castle. She was a little surprised to see so many servants coming her way. Getting off her horse, someone quickly took her horse and put her in the stables. Another servant made their way toward Sarah with a note. She smiled, but the servant just walked away. She was confused, had word spread already that she was freed? She read the note and smiled... no one had ever been so kind to her... not once in her life... had anyone cared so much. She walked over to the Castle, and realized that she was entering, no longer a slave... it was a weird thought, but in her mind, she had never considered herself as one in the first place. She always considered her and others as equals. She looked at her clothes and frowned... she was still in a simple shirt and trousers. It would have to do... she never really enjoyed dressing up anyway. The Blacksmith would try to make her dress up in order to please the guests, but she never cooperated. She walked in and saw Damion sitting, with Ashrel at the table. She had no clue Ashrel would be there... she put on her brightest smile and walked in. Damion stood and smiled, and not to her surprise, Ashrel just stared her down. Dinner started, and the three were in for an interesting night... but Sarah vowed not to do anything that would provoke Ashrel... she had no desire to make the woman jealous... for once... she truly just wanted peace.... and to spend time with Damion.

Brunette, and never dying. :) I'm the girl who's never needed her hair colored because I have those natural highlights. Very rich dark brown, but like most brunette's, looks almost red in sunlight. :) Simple, but I like it.

OOC: I just thought I would mention that Heero [i]IS[/i] coming back.... :) Nothing would keep him away from his stories. He's dealing with family situations right now, and he may be gone for a while. Keep his character alive though Guys ;) Heero's not gone Sam cut the demons in half, not noticing Jun going after the destroyer. It wasn't until Lyon called Jun's name when she saw him fighting Zack. His hatred was controlling him... but she saw no signs of his demon breaking through. This was Jun's hatred... and Jun's alone. Several demons laid between them and she fought them off desperately in order to get to Jun. Jun threw fire at Zack, as Zack's lightning destroyed the fire and pummled into Jun. Sam watched in horror as Jun fell back, but not until his rage let out a huge firey fury toward Zack. She cut the rest and went to Jun as Zack began burning, unable to control the fire. Lyon wasn't too far behind Sam as they tried to revive him. Sam looked frantically for Kane, but he was helping Kala and Jack as they attacked the rest of the demons. Sam stared at Jun trying to make him open his eyes. "Lyon, what's Zack doing?" Lyon looked behind him and smiled. "He's out... I'm going to go finish the job." he said as he took out his sword and walked over to Zack. Sam stared at Jun. Her hands were on his head, blood dripped from his head and lips. "Damn you Jun, don't die on me now!!" she said. They had been through hell together, and she wasn't about to leave him for dead. She wasn't going to lose him too. Memories of everyone she had loved and lost because she wasn't powerful enough, swept across her mind. Her brother and sister... her parents... she had mourned over the loss of Zack, but now the bastard was tearing apart her life... taking the last one that meant anything to her away. His breathing shortened, and she paniked. "Jun I'll NEVER forgive you if you leave me now..." she said. She closed her eyes as she put her entire strength into him, giving everything she had to offer to him... hoping he would respond. She used her powers to heal the wounds in his body, and concetrated on the pain. She felt another presence in her... it was strange, but she finally realized that she was feeling the demon inside of him. Her mind was completely in tune with Jun's... and she felt his thoughts... his pain. She shuddered for a second at all the pain, and slowly, she smiled. "You will not take him" she said softly. The pain screamed inside of him, and Jun twisted under her. She knew the demon was fighting for this oppurtunity... she knew he was coming for control. Osiris touched her shoulder and she felt another strength... the strength from friends. She smiled again. "You will not take him... too many people love him... die Lucifer... die slowly..." she said as she held onto Jun. Jun writhed around and finally stopped moving all together. For a brief moment, the pain inside of him drew out all of his senses, leaving an empty shell. She held onto him... from the inside, not letting him forget the ones that mean something to him... not letting him throw away the ones that mattered to him now. For a moment, she felt his emptyness... and waited to hear Jun again. Osiris looked behind him and saw Lyon fighting a now strong Zack. If angels could curse, Osiris would be cursing up a storm. He squeezed Sam's shoulder and went to help Lyon. Sam felt him leave, but she smiled still... she felt him coming back to her... remembering those that he cared for... and not turning his back on them... he was strong... and now he was even stronger. Lucifer was dying inside... suddenly Jun opened his eyes and Sam looked at him. A smile came to her lips. But just at that moment, she felt a scream in his mind as well as her own. She was completely in sync with Jun, and she felt Lucifer fighting against his own demise. Suddenly, a large shadow engulfed the both of them, as Lucifer tried to take over Sam's body. She fought against it, and felt Lucifer leave Jun and enter the body of another demon that was behind her. Jun screamed and fell back in agony. She felt the pain, but not as intense... she felt him leave Jun's body like a ripping of one's soul. She stared at Jun and he was in so much pain... but slowly a relief swept across his face. "Damn you Jun... you left me in dormant for 5 years... bastard, I'll make you scream." Lucifer said as he was about to throw an intense firey fury his way. Sam screamed and jumped in front of it. She was completely weak, and the fire penetrated through her, burning her inside. She struggled for control as the pain felt as if it was eating her alive. She opened the earth with her last bit of energy swallowing Lucifer, and burying him deep within the earth, down to the fires of hell where he belonged. Jun was slowly recovering and looked at Sam who was dying. He screamed for Osiris who was still helping Lyon fight Zack. He stared at her and she fought for control... she fought to calm the fire insideof her... to stop it before it killed her. She looked at Jun and smiled briefly. "I love you Jun... and I promised never to leave you... and I don't plan on breaking that promise." Jun just stared at her as she closed her eyes and fought that coming darkness. She held on for as long as she could... she held on for Jun... she held on for Kane and Kala... for Lyon... her powers with the earth were strong... and the earth helped her live... helped her go on and live.... helped her fight whatever obstacle was in her way... she held onto the hope of things getting better... being happy... living with the one she loved for all of her days... she shut her eyes tightly and screamed in agony as she fought for these things. She would try to live.... for the sake of living...

OOC: Since Heero isn't back yet, I hope he doesn't mind us all including his character in the story... he should be back soon. Sarah walked out of the house. It was about an hour before dinner. She wasn't really wanting to go, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. She saw a man not too far in the distance. He was just standing by himself, not really talking to anyone. A lot of people were conversing in the main halls, but she wasn't in the talking mood... not until she knew exactly, what was going on. She was curious as to why he was standing alone. She smiled to herself when the thought crossed her mind that he could be sleeping. She laughed as she turned around and went into the courtyard. She wasn't always this way... for a brief moment in her life, she desired friends... but now that desire was gone. Something in her died, and she still wasn't sure what it was. But she longed to feel complete again... hopefully, that wouldn't involve her putting herself out there and letting someone inside. She didn't want to be that close to another person again. Or so she thought. She really wasn't sure WHAT she was looking for... something to make her feel whole again... those words were the only words that made any sense to her. She just wanted to feel complete.... without the holes in her heart. She was never an open person... and she didn't want to be open either. She rather be content with just one person. She didn't need or WANT a field of friends... just someone she could share her life with, and trust completely... someone... who would be there for her no matter what. She sat on the grass cross legged and leaned back on her hands. She was afraid... of wanting those things again... she wasn't sure how much more rejection she could take. OOC: Sorry for the short post. Not enough time in the day :)

OOC: Well I can't imagine Jun [i]crying[/i] over Sam... I can picture him getting angry, but that's just about it... call me weird, but I'm sure Heero would agree ;) Sam felt her wind pipes closing as he clutched her neck with his gloved hands. She hated him... she hated him for trying to ruin their lives... for letting his anger get the better of him... she had mourned this man's life for 5 years, and he used each year just to become even stronger. He was evil... and she hated him. She lost consciousness not too long after that. She woke up in a small room, one very much alike to the room Kelthor had her in. It was completely dark, with no doors or windows... just a chair. Sam smiled and laughed out loud. "Zack, you can only live in the past." she said. She sat on the floor and concentrated her on her powers. She smiled as she lifted the chair using her powers, and slowly, lit it on fire. The light shown in the room brilliantly as she searched for a crease in the walls. Something that would give her a clue as to an opening. And then she found it. With the wave of her hand, she used a small burst of water to wash the flame away... she had the powers of the earth... and everything with it. Though her powers in those areas was not strong, she still had access to those powers. Her thoughts went to Jun... how she missed him... she only hoped that he thought of her as well... and hoped she wasn't asking too much for that. She focused on the wall and spread the seams apart and revealed an opening. She was no longer weak. She looked around and saw Zack talking with someone.... she listened to their plans and smiled... "He won't be sending a horde once I'm done with this." she said. She slipped past them, undetected, and ran to the bottom floor where she came across thousands of demons on the earth's surface. She smiled... the idiot put the demons into her hands. She laid her hands on the ground and closed her eyes. Silently, the horde was swallowed up by the earth, leaving a few demons fleeing for their lives. She drew out her swords and ran toward them... she vowed never to be captive again. She smiled as they took notice of her. She would destroy the rest of the demons, and take out anymore that came after her.

She stared at him as if asking what this was all about. He just smiled. "Don't worry, I'm not going to try anything." he said smiling at her. She looked at him for a while and took his hand. He helped her up the hill and brought her to a small ledge behind him. She didn't say anything... she was still confused with everything. Why was he showing her this? What was it that made him kind to her? "Can I ask you something...?" she said, staring at the ground. "What is it?" "I'm... confused... Lady Ashrel... she works so closely with you... and she's beautiful, and she respects you more than anything... have you two ever been in love?" "I've never been in love... as for Lady Ashrel, she does what she's told... her job demands it of her... as my right hand, she has to do everything I tell her to, along with respecting my wishes..." he said. "As for love, there has never been anything... why do you ask?" "She's.... very possessive of her King... Your Highness." "I asked you to call me Damion." "And I don't understand why..." Sarah said standing up. She folded her arms as she stared at the sunset. "Why are you doing this... why are you doing this to me?" she said. Her voice was one in desperation, she wanted answers. "I guess... I don't really know..." he said. She turned sharply toward him, and he could see tears in her eyes. "I won't be broken... you won't break me." she said. "I don't want to break you Sarah..." he said standing up. "No? Everyone wants to break me..." she said angrily. "I have no desire, nor the reason to." he said. "I can't... fall for you... I can't be another slave girl for you to use and discard... when you're finished!!" she said. He walked over to her and she flinched when he touched her shoulders. "I do not... know what is happening... but I wouldn't use [i]you...[/i]" he said. She stared at him, puzzled as to what to say... what to think... what to feel. "I don't want to trust you..." she whispered. "Trust can only be earned..." he said as he touched her cheek. "Damn you...." she said as she closed her eyes. She was shaking at his touch. She didn't want to feel this... she tried fighting it... but she had never felt this way, and had no clue how to stop such feelings... she just waited... hoping that this feeling.... would never go away... and leave her with nothing.

Sarah stood there as all the people around her were talking amongst themselves. She was never good with people. She didn't even find her own life interesting, why bore others with it? She smiled to herself. Then she walked past them all and quickly made her way to her own room. Each room had their names on the door, and she found hers on the end of the hall. She was... surprised... at it's location. How much did this man actually know about her? It was weirding her out just thinking about it. She walked in and noticed her bed was facing the window... just how she always liked it arranged... where she could look at the moon at night... when she supposed to be sleeping. She sat on her bed and looked out the window... it looked over the garden... and the garden was beautiful. Sarah grew up with a wonderful family... they weren't rich, in the least.. they were an average family to start with... until bad times came and they went under... living on welfare was never easy for a family of 7 with a newborn on the way. But her father and mother always made sure the family stayed in one piece... they were always strong... Such a house... reminded her of all the things she and her family never got to see... A house, with MORE than three rooms... it was all so much for her to take in. Not once had she ever imagined living in a place like this... she hoped... that her dreams would come true... because she desired her mother... and her father to one day live in a house as beautiful as this. They both worked so hard... never seeing anything for it. She picked up her suitcase and started unpacking. She wanted to get a good look at the house before dinner. She stumbled on her way out of her room and cursed as she fell against the wall. She wasn't used to such lush carpeting... she felt inadequate to be there... she was wondering if she should change for dinner... it was probably something formal. She laughed out loud as she brushed herself off. She didn't OWN anything formal. Another person came up the stairs at that moment. She scratched her head as she walked past him. She didn't really feel like talking... again, she wasn't a people person... she never had friends growing up, and she rarely made them now. "Hey," he said looking at her as she walked past. She walked quickly down the stairs pretending not to hear him. She didn't want to talk to people... she messed up every relationship she was ever in... ruining friendships because of her nature, ruining relationships because she wasn't enough... [i]she[/i] was the one with the problem... and there was no sense in screwing up someone else's life along with her own... the pain was too near to be forgotten... she made the mistake once... and she was not about to make it again.

?Let her go?? Sarah said angrily. He turned back and saw her staring at him. He dropped the young girl and she ran away. Sarah did not turn her eyes. ?I didn?t?? he began. He was confused as to why he was making excuses for himself. ?You disgust me.? She said turning around and walking away. He looked at her, and anger flashed through him. He followed her and spun her around. ?What I do, is my business, I do not have to ask for your permission." ?And yet, it seems I must ask for yours? Is that fair?? she said with her arms folded. ?Do I have to remind you that I am your King?? he said staring at her. She walked over to him and stared at him, face to face. ?If you want people? to remember? and to REALIZE that you are King? you need to show them that you?re a good King. And not just a tyrant of a DICTATOR!? she said. ?I do not have to listen to this.? ?You?re right, and the people do not have to listen to you. If you cannot rule this Kingdom with dignity, and honor, why should people be forced to show you that same dignity and honor, you seem to be lacking?? He turned and stared at her. She was? defiant, and yet he still couldn?t bring himself to strike her. He found it rather annoying. Sarah looked down and stared at her hands. ?You don?t have to listen to a word I say. I?m just a slave woman.? She said, as she folded her arms, still looking down. He looked at her and was puzzled. ?But if you? want others? such as me? to respect you? you need to show others the respect they deserve as well.? She said softly. Her tone wasn?t one in anger? It was one? with a sense of pleading in her voice. She rubbed her arms as the wind blew and walked away.

OOC: Thanks... lol, but who knows, rescue may not be necessary... Sam saw Dawn smile at her as he brought her to the Destroyer.... she refused to think of him as Zack. "My master has longed to talk with you for a while now." he said with a smile. She walked into the chambers and saw the Destroyer as he sat in his chair. The mask was no longer a necessary addition. "Sam... it's been far too long." he said with a smile. "Damn you for even trying to be coordial with me." she said pushing Dawn away from her. "Sam.... you've missed me.... in fact, you even blamed yourself for my death." he said, in a pitying tone. She hated the sound of his voice... "You're a damned fool if you think I would ever remember you as an ally." she said clutching her daggers. "And you'd be a fool not to join me... with my powers joined with yours, don't you see? The world would crumble at our feet... you control the earth, Sam... it moves because you tell it to." he said, as he stood up and walked toward her. "I can't believe you've allowed yourself to fall so low." "You think I've fallen? No my dear Sam, I've only just begun. With my last encounter with Kelthor, I realized what powers I have... and how using them in those ways were only hindering my progress..." Sam turned away and went to walk out of the doors she came from, but he closed them in front of her with just a wave of the hand. She stared at him... his powers were stronger... she grew disgusted with the man. "You're no better than Kelthor... power destroyed him as well." "Yes, those who hunger for power are consumed by their own. I've heard it before. But the difference my dear... I hunger for destruction." he said smiling. "I wish for the destruction of all the Elementalists... save you of course... you were always easy to persuade." Sam laughed. "If you think I'm still the same person you once knew, you're sadly mistaken... I'm a lot stronger than before." "Yes... I see." he said, still smiling. She hated his smile. "Damn you Zack.... you will pay for the deaths you have caused." "Starting with your love..." he said as he stared at the new image appearing before him. It was a ghostly image of Lyon and Jun. They were fighting among all the demons. "Say goodbye to your strength, my dear..." Sam screamed as she used her powers and threw Zack into the wall. Her anger engulfed her as she relentlessly tried crushing Zack, and the image broke away. Zack yelled in anger, and freed himself as he stared at Sam. "Damn you woman... do you really think you're that strong?" "I'm strong enough to protect those I love." she said breathlessly as he walked toward her. He back handed her, and gripped her neck. "You will die then... soon, they will lose [I]their [/I] strength." he said, as he strangled her. OOC: No rescues yet, I'll come back in a different post and finish what I started...

Sarah cleaned the wound on her shoulder and stared at it in the mirror. SHe hated Ashrel with a passion... she wanted the woman dead for what humiliation she put her through. She thought about what she said... about Damion taking an interest in her... she was surprised... by the statement. The fact that Lady Ashrel thought anything of her, whether it be competition or the intense hatred she showed... one thing was for certain... she wanted the woman to hate her even more. She smiled at the thought of Damion thinking of her. She gathered from Lady Ashrel's tone that he thought favorably about her. But she would never smile around him. She was afraid he'd get the wrong idea... or... was it the right idea, just something she had never thought would happen for her? Could she possibly be falling for her King? "No." she said aloud as she left her room. She walked around until she reached outside. She wouldn't be another woman for him... just to fill his needs and then be discarded like the rest. She'd die before that happened. Just then, two horses rode to the entrance. She looked and saw a young woman who looked less than happy, and Damion on the other. His head was bleeding. SHe hid her concern and went to listen to what was going on. "If you would just let me look at it, I'm sure I can help you my lord." she said. "Get away from me girl!" he said harshly as he got of his horse and walked toward the stables. Sarah was standing against them with her arms folded as he came into view. "Is that how you talk to all your slaves?" she said staring at him. He was holding his head and was startled by her standing there. "What are you doing out here?" he asked. "Am I forbidden to walk?" she said. "No... no, I just asked a question." "I felt like going for a walk. What are you doing with a gash in your head." He stared at her and then smiled. "I felt like making my head bleed." he said. Sarah tried not to smile, but his remark ammused her. She turned away quickly and walked over to the rest of the horses. Sarah loved horses. The Blacksmith would always have them around. She loved brushing their hair... and just petting their noses. She didn't know that Damion was still watching her.

Sarah stared at the note in front of her... she was a little surprised to recieve such a letter. She turned away, without thinking and went back to her business. "What have you got to lose?" she told herself. She looked back at the note and read it over... again... and again... she was searching for happiness... how could he possibly promise to give her what she wanted? How could he give her what she wanted? She wanted a reality where she felt needed... wanted... loved. She had just gotten out of something that had felt real to her... she had loved him with all her heart... and he gave a damn about her.... she wanted to hate him... she wanted to hate him with everything she had now.... the emptyness... he made her live in... how he made her feel worthless... everything she had done... felt worthless now... but why couldn't she hate him? She sat there and began her reply... she had nothing more to lose... she already was dead... what else could go wrong? [i]Dear Game Master, After reading your letter, I wasn't exactly sure what to make of it. I... threw it away at first... how could you possibly promise to give me what I desire? I desire a life with Love... where I won't be let down... where I won't give my heart and for it to be taken and thrown back at me... I want a life where I can live and be safe from all pain.... does such a life exist? I'm putting you to the test... I'm taking you up on this offer, and by God... if I am let down... heaven help you now. I've been broken too many times... Sincerely, Sarah Ghent[/i] Sarah sent it off... she wasn't sure that she was doing the right thing... she was still in love with him... he hurt her... but she couldn't bring herself to want to be with anyone else... it had been 2 years... and she still hoped to hear from him... a sorry... a request to try again... but nothing came... She walked away from her computer and began packing her things... the letter said they would come to pick her up in two days... She took her small suitcase from the closet and packed a few shirts, some pants... she wasn't a big packer. She was the worlds biggest Tomboy... she frowned... maybe that was what made it hard for her to find true love... maybe something [i]was[/i] wrong with her. She packed all her toiletry items and sat on her bed. She decided not to call her family... they would be worried... but the letter said for her not to tell anyone... she laid back on the bed and stared at the ceiling... her thoughts were always with him... and she fought the tears.... she missed him.... but at some point... she knew she had to get on with her life... he had hurt her.... and he wasn't coming back to her... ever.

Sarah sat in her room staring out the window. She had no desire to wander through the castle... but she did want to go outside... her heart was always with the water... the trees in the forest. She was no Snow White, but she definetely had an eye for land and nature. Her heart was always amazed by the beauty that surrounded her... A soft knock came to her door and she went to answer it. She was a little taken a back to see Damion there... oddly enough, he seemed Gentlemen like... his back was to the door, and his arms were folded across his chest. "I had heard you decided to take up residence in one of the rooms." he said. She nodded. She stared at him for awhile, wondering if that was all he was coming to say. She smiled a little, and then quickly wiped that smile away... she didn't really want him to know that she was slowly finding him tollerable. "Thank you... for the clothes... that damned second to command must have it out for me or something..." she said. Damion laughed slightly. "Ashrael only means to impress her Kings orders among all the help around here." "Is that all they are to you? Help?" Sarah said looking at him. "No... and yes... they work for me... that's their job, besides... incase you haven't noticed, rebels run freely in my kingdom." "Yes I have noticed, and I can't say whether I would join them or fight them." "Now why do you say that?" he said looking at her. She stared at him... he was actually giving her a chance to speak freely... she was taken aback by this. "You are not the kindest of Kings, Your Highness." "Call me Damion..." he said. She bit her lip... she was again, startled... "You bully the people into listening to you... one who has authority, should earn the respect of his people, not demand it." "Yes, but a King who lets the people do the ruling, is no King at all..." "Yes, but he is respected, and counted on by his people, to keep a balance in place... if the King cannot do that, what respect and honor can a King gain?" "I see..." he said. She wasn't convinced that he took what she said to heart... but for once in her life, she was allowed to speak without being reprimanded... it wasn't the most normal of situations... "You'll do what you have to do in the end..." she said softly. He was looking at her oddly again. She was puzzled by the interest he seemed to have in her. It was like he cared about what she had to say... "I should get back to..." "Right... I'll leave then." he said as he turned around briskly and left. She watched him as he walked away, and slowly closed the door. She was extremely conflicted with everything she felt inside. She decided not to think anymore about it and went back to sorting through her new acquired clothes.

[quote=ArunueShekamari]He didn't draw it. He only coloured it. I love the job you did. could you possibly supply the uncoloured picture? It would make critisizing alot easier.[/quote] No prob, here it is, and lol, FYI, this [i]he[/i] is actually a [i]SHE[/i] LOL, thanks for the comments guys, and I will work on the shading!

They all fought the creatures before them, some with rage... some with a deep sadness... some with guilt... regardless of their reasons, they fought hard and finally defeated the infestation before them. Sam looked at Jack, Kane and Kala... along with the others. She put a hand on Kane's shoulder. "Who was that?" he said staring at her. "The last elementalist... another one that was lost in the last war." she looked at Lyon... and then Jun. He was standing there without much to say... Zack was a friend... a friend that was now lost to them. "I don't understand... why would he do this to you?" Kala said. Sam stepped over with Lyon and Jun and just stared at the wall. She was... surprised. "I didn't know... he was alive... I should have known..." Lyon said, looking at Jun. Jun still was angered by what happened. He tried to make him kill the others... he used his weakness and tried to take over Jun... and he once called that man his friend... his ally!!! "It doesn't matter." Sam said putting her swords away. The pain was still there, but there was a new determination that burned through her... half with anger... half with disappointment. "That man is no longer Zack." she said staring at Lyon for a long time, and then Jun. He slowly nodded. She continued. "That man killed... many innocents... he knows each of our weaknesses... and he will stop at nothing... he has proven that. He has to be stopped... and he will be shown as much mercy... as he has shown everyone he has killed." Anger flashed through her eyes... hurt... pain... but those things were not blinding her from her own morals... her own... feelings. Zack had been their friend... but now, for whatever reason, he has turned. "Sam..." Kane said softly. He could see she was hurt... she smiled at him. He probably thought she was overtaken by hurt... or whatever. The fact was, all she could think about was the families... the children... the life they buried. "Nothing... will bring those people back that he killed... he has to answer for that... he must. Or their lives were in vain. And I will NOT let that happen." she said. She walked out of the throne room and out of the Temple. Jun caught up with her and they all walked out, searching for the portal back. "Are you okay?" he said. His voice was one of duty, and masking whatever feelings he was feeling. She nodded. "That man... wasn't Zack... he was counting on that, Jun... he wants us to be conflicted for the end... and I won't let them toy with my mind anymore..." she said. She looked at him as they walked and he just stared ahead. She put her arm around his. "He used you, Jun... but your broke free... keep fighting him, and you will win. I'll always be here for you... and I won't give up on you... just as I know you would never give up on me..." Just as they found the portal, their old nemesis' came out... Sam stared at her demon that was standing right in front of her. "It's been a long time Samantha." she said with a smile. She looked at Jun and smiled. "Ah, Lucifer... I've been searching for you." she gave him a wink, and Jun struggled as the demon inside of him tried to break free. Osiris touched his shoulder, giving him the insurance he needed to calm himself. Poseidon was there as well.... all but Zack's demon... Sam smiled at Gayle. "You still think you can beat me?" she said, pulling out her swords. "I was always able to beat you... you're weak Sam." she said smugly. Sam laughed and looked at Kane. The portal was only a few feet away. She needed them to get out of there... including Jun... he couldn't stay in this realm for very long. Sam lunged at Gayle, as Lyon attacked Poseidon. Jun fought Gayle with Sam as the rest helped Lyon. Poseidon smiled. "You're a pathetic angel indeed, Lyon... you actually think that a mortal merging with his Angel, makes the Angel mightier?? You're a fool... you only became a weaker being." Lyon wouldn't respond... he was too busy attacking, and protecting the other elementalists that tried to help him. Finally, Lyon pushed the three of them into the portal... he would fight his demon alone. The three elementalists disappeared as the portal itself disappeared. Lyon fought hard along with Sam and Jun... they would have to find another way out... with the help of Osiris, they backed Posiedon into a corner, where Poseidon screamed in frustration and vanished, along with Gayle. Jun struggled to compose himself... their demons were stronger in this realm... they would have to get out fast. "I hop Kane is alright..." Sam said staring at the area the portal had once come from. Lyon smiled. "Right now, we should worry about ourselves..." Sam nodded and looked at Jun. His demon, too, was stronger... and he was fighting for control. Sam took his hand and gave him a squeeze. "I'll always be here for you... no matter where you are... I'll always be there for you..." she whispered. He nodded once more and they all searched for a new portal.

They all stood in the throne room. It was dark, with the occasional sconce on the wall with the fires lit. The room itself was enormous, with Jun at the front of the room with his back to the throne... he wouldn't sit in it. He stood by the window, with Lyon in the entrance of the grand doors, and Osiris at his side. Sam stood in the middle of the room, a few feet behind Jun. Sam watched Jun as he stared out the window. There wasn't much to see... barren land with nothing but death as far as the eye could see. She could feel Jun fall into place. It wasn't that he liked the place... but Lucifer was inside of him... and he was definetely trying to break free. Osiris was leaning on the wall next to the window that Jun stared out of. Lyon stood in the doorway. "I don't need angels watching my every move." he said annoyed. "We're not watching you... we're supporting you." Lyon said. Jun laughed wickedly. "Right..." he said. Sam looked at Lyon and Osiris, and neither of them knew what to do. "He lured you out here for a reason... we shouldn't stay long." Osiris said. Jun turned around and stared at Osiris. "You think I want to stay??" he said. "Stop this... it's not helping anything..." Sam said. She walked over to Osiris and pulled his arm. "What are you doing?" he said. "The one thing he needs less of, is Angels at his back... just make sure the grounds are safe." Osiris stared at her and walked out with Lyon. Sam closed the huge doors and stared at them for a while. "You're afraid of me." Jun said with his back to hers. Sam turned around and looked at him. "You're afraid of yourself, Jun..." she said. This angered him... "I can handle this demon!" he snapped. Sam nodded and walked over to his side. She leaned against the window and stared outside, just as he did. She looked at him and put her hand to his face and smiled slightly. "You're not alone Jun... everyone is here... draw on the strength of others." "They think I'll betray them..." he said. His arms were folded across his chest. "Be honest with yourself, Jun... that's [i]you[/i] talking... that's not what they feel..." He looked at her for a while and shook his head. "I can feel him getting stronger... this place... gives him energy..." "We'll leave... once we find a way... there's no need to stay." she said. He nodded and turned his head, and she put both her hands on his face and carressed him. "I'm staying by your side Jun... for better... or for worse... you turn... and I'll stay... but I will... bring you back... I won't leave you for destruction... I won't let them rip away the Jun I know and love..." tears were in her eyes. She was determined never to leave his side. And no one... not even Jun, will ever push her away.

Sarah sat on her cot. She laughed to herself "Right Sarah. You REALLY showed him who's boss." she said. She was... thankful he brought the clothes to her... surprised... but... thankful. SHe thought he, out of everyone would have dragged it out as long as possible... but... [i]he[/i] brought her clothes... she frowned... she was confused... he even gave her [i]PRIVACY[/i] .... something she didn't expect in the least... "Sarah?" Amaya's voice was heard from beyond the door. Sarah stood up and smiled as she came down the dungeon steps. "King Damion allowed me to check on you..." Sarah smiled. "Thanks... I take it you told him about the clothes..." "Well not exactly, but he did see me hurry to my quarters... he got angry that I was walking around, and grounded me. Then he came for the clothes..." "Hmm..." Sarah said walking away from the door. "He asked if you would like a room... or you can stay the night..." Sarah smiled. "A room would be great" she said. Amaya got her out and showed her to her room. OOC: Sorry for it's shortness... have to go..

I also had a question... If a task you send to us, has to do with another RPGer... what if we can't accomplish the task because that other RPGer is not cooperating? Will we be punished?

"Oh right." she said rolling her eyes. She walked away, keeping the sheet close to her. She sat on the cot and sighed. "What's wrong?" he said. "Oh nothing. Nothing at all. I'm sure you're a "kind hearted" snob, right?" she said. "What are you talking about?" "Look, I am not going to bed with you, and I refuse to be "forever in your debt." I'm not looking for a Hero, I'm looking for my salvation. And you, sir, are not my salvation." she said staring at him. She turned her head. "And I'm nobody's slave." she said, clutching the sheet around her. "I never was asking for repayment, I simply wanted to help..." he said. He was being completely honest with her, but she couldn't risk it... she had no clothes, and she was safer behind those bars, then traveling out of the Castle with a man she didn't even know. "Thank you for your charity, but I don't accept pity." she said. "Alright." he said folding his arms. He knew she was just being careful. "I heard you cursing Lady Asrael." "She's not the first on my hate list you know." Sarah said hanging her head down. Her hair fell over her shoulders, and it shined in the shadows. "Who else then?" he asked. "What? Are you trying to get information on my personal life now?" "No... I'm confused... why does the king treat the women in this place like this?" "Well duh, because he can. Whenever someone has any power, it's innevitable that they'd abuse it. It just happens. No one knows why. And worse yet, he has no one to keep him in check... a reason or a cause for a balance." "They are people in this Kingdom who more than likely wish to stop him." "Yeah? And what would come of that? We'd have a glimmer of hope for a few years, and then the cycle of power would corrupt whatever new power took hold of this kingdom." she spoke with wisdom... but it was a kind of wisdom that no one could see... or understand... it was one without a tainting from either side... a wisdom, not about the Kingdom they live in, but for all around the world. "Power corrupts even the men with the best intentions..." she said. "Because mankind... is imperfect." she said. The guards opened the last doors, and she saw the panic on Rion's face. She walked over to him and took his arm. "Leave... don't let them find you... people who so much have a traitorous thought to the king will be imprisoned." she said. He looked at her and saw the strength and conviction in her eyes. "Are you going to be alright?" he asked. Sarah laughed. "Believe it or not, I believe I'm doing pretty well for myself. Now GO." she said. He nodded and left as the guards came her way.

"No... I'm not..." Sarah said. She stared at the wall, ashamed of herself... she felt humiliated. "I'm sorry...." she said. "It's not your fault.. it's that damned Ashrael! Who in the HELL does she think she is???" Sarah said. "You talk like a noble woman... don't you know you can get in more trouble for that?" "What? Speaking my mind?" "Yes... it's... dangerous... I don't want anything to happen to you..." she said. Sarah looked at her and smiled. "Thank you... it means a lot..." she said. "But the fact is... I'm a living, breathing, human female, and a mind that doesn't need to be hindered. I gave no one permission to rule my life, why in the hell would I subject myself to their authority??" "Don't... you fear for your life, Sarah?" Amaya said. Sarah knew this girl was strong... she too, hated the treatment in the castle. But... she had let herself be broken... this was evident. "I fear to be hindered... to be broken, and weighed down into THINKING that this kind of life... is normal... and expected of me. I'm not about to roll over and let someone have their way with me, JUST because I'm [i]told[/i] to.... I never bargained for this life... and I'll be damned, if I allow myself to get used to it." she said. She wrapped the sheet around her and stared out of the cell. "Amaya?" "Yes?" she said softly. "Can you... get me some clothes?" Sarah said with a small smile. "I'll see what I can do... in the mean time... try to get some rest..." Amaya said. Sarah nodded as Amaya left the cells.