I sighed, he did not have to keep me so late. At least my parents would never worry again. My sister would be scared with me returning home so late. Rini was nice to her though and she enjoyed her company.

I looked around, I hated this feeling. Someone was watching me. There was no other explanation, he had been following and had decided to close in. I must be going insane to be able to know this, I always knew who was around. He was hiding himself well. I stopped, about to turn and demand he show himself, my hand near my pocket where my trusty pocket knife was kept, a needle entered my neck. Pain shot through my neck and my head pounded as everything went dark.

I looked around the room where I was kept. It was dark. There was

nothing there. I did not know how I had ended up in this room, but I knew I

wanted to get out. I stretched slightly, noticing my long black hair was

down, waiting for my eyes to be accustomed to the dark. Soon I saw faint

outlines... Intricate designs... Where was I?

Standing, my legs wobbling from the lack of use, and stumbled over

to what looked like a piano. Surely enough it was. Sliding on to the bench, I

rested my hand on the cover. I should have been looking for a way out, but

the piano had not been played for centuries and was begging me to play. My

hand tightened around the cover and threw it off to the side, before running

my fingers over the keys I could barely see in the dark cell. Never had I

heard a piano so beautifully tuned, not one that had this rich tone. My

fingers started a song that I liked but had never managed to play right. The

music drifted over everything. It was a beautiful piece, but I succeeded to

destroy it every time I played. This piano made it more beautiful it more

lovely than anything I had heard before.

Behind the glass, a boy stared at the half closed-soft red eyes that

glowed in the dark. "Red eyes. They seem so gentle," he spoke to himself.

"Red eyes... for once they're not evil." The music from the piano floated

through the surroundings of the room. "She's the one..." he whispered to the

dark. "She'll be the one."

Red eyes...

Crimson eyes...

Blood-red eyes...

That was the color of the eyes that were half closed as music floated through the room, from a piano that no sound had come from in over a century. The song changed slightly. The tune originally was familiar tune played hauntingly through the piano. Now the girl was changing it to fit herself and the piano.

Her black hair glimmered in the slight light, like moonlight, that had no source. It matched with her crimson eyes... haunted eyes that were being lulled to peacefulness by the music. The raging fire of blood-color calmed and became a soft light though her eyes were no less prominent in color.

He watched her, his amber eyes never leaving hers, though she could not see him. Suddenly the music stopped, her eyes became a raging inferno, no longer calmed by the soft music. She stared at the long mirror in front of her, he stepped back. She stood, pulling the dusty cover that originally covered the mahogony piano.

She stood, listening, he was suddenly afraid that she knew where he was. She moved to the side, examining the artifacts again. He let out a sigh of relief, she did not know where he was. She ran her fingers lightly over each object in the room, drawing back from a few, before gathering her courage and touching them. Her soft touch was nothing similar to her eyes.

They burned with fire. Memories haunted them, they raged within them. He was captured by the pure innocence in them all the same. All light seemed to go out when her eyes were blocked from his view. She came to the mirror, rather a window disguised as a mirror. Her hand came up to rest on the edge, slowly her eyes turned and watched him closely.

He stood like a caught deer, there was such innocence in those eyes, along with so much rage and painful memories. She shook her head and gave a crazy little smile. He watched her mouth move, 'Must be going crazy...'

She backed away from the mirror, she went back to her corner where she had first woken up, rubbing her head. He felt a flame of anger arise at Aaron. He did not have to be so harsh with her. He refused to pay attention to the voice, that Aaron was the gentlest of them all. He would not have been not nearly so gentle, he still would not be though he would never hurt her.

She curled up, her black hair falling over her shoulders. Her head lowered and rested on her arms. He started disappearing, only to reappear on the other side of the mirror. His balck cape floated slightly on the air as he walked forward, his black boots making no send on the floor since he did not wish them too. He stood in front of her, suddenly her head snapped up. She scrambled away, quickly, tripping to her feet.

"What?" she snapped, her eyes were narrowed in distrust and hostility.

He laughed, "Do not think to challenge me. You have something we want."

She shifted under his gaze, "I'm not food," she muttered.

"I tend to disagree with that statement." He smiled down at her, he was shoulder and head taller than her. She glared up at him. He held out his hand, she stared at it as if it was cursed. Not far from the truth actually, but his hand was not what was cursed, he was. Sighing he grabbed her arm and started to dematerialize, she yelped and struggled against his hold. His hold was relentless.

They re-materialized in a stone hall. He let her go, as she yanked at her arm. She sprawled across the floor. He grinned down at her as she muttered curses under her breath. Suddenly she froze, his grin disappeared. "What are you?"

"Surely you can guess," his amber eyes glowed in the dark and the shadows in the room seemed to lengthen. "You must have some intelligence with such alive... blood."

She stood, brushing herself off, the shadows seemed to go abck to normal. Moonlight from the windows curved around her figure and white gown. "So do you have a name, Vampire?"

He seemed to hesitate, finally, "Syaoran."

"My name's Mizu," she said happily. He glanced at her as she came to stand beside her. "What?" He said nothing, merely continued on his way. She did not move, then ran to catch up to him. "Wait up! I feel like there's no strangth left in me, and my head is pounding."

"You're lucky it was Aaron and no one else," Syaoran commented. "Anyone would have fed for much longer."

Mizu pale face turned paler. "Nani?"

"We have to feed three to five times a week, depending on our strength," Syaoran said shortly. "Be happy that you're able to walk around not to mention that you're up now. Anyone else and you would have been asleep for three days at the least."

"I hoped he wasn't to hungry and held back only because you seem to need me for some reason," she said after a moment.

Syaoran glanced down at the girl in front of him, she seemed genuinly concerned about him being hungry. She stopped. Syaoran halted and looked back at her annoyed, "What?"

"A- are you hungry?" she stuttered softly.

"Yes," he stated calmly. "Are you offering?"

He had eaten four days ago. While he was one of painfully few vampires that had enough strength that could eat only once a week, he generally ate three times a week. She seemed nervous, moving from foot to foot, "Well it won't kill me, right? I'm not a sadist or anything..."

Suddenly she found amber eyes, centimeters, a hand placed on her shoulder near her neck. Something pierced her neck, her knees turned week as pain lanced through her neck, an arm wrapped around her middle keeping her up, as a hand came and cradled her head. This time, she did not fall unconsious.

He pulled away, slowly after a couple minutes of drinking slowly. He had never tasted anything so good and it took all his will power to stop, he licked her neck, not missing an ounce of blood. "Delicious," his voice tickled her neck, she giggled despite herself at the feeling, her neck was the most sensitive part of her body. "Happy?" She did not answer. She pushed away, and stood on wobling legs. She still seemed hesitant, "I'm full."

"So where are we going again?" he voice was weak.

He sighed and held out his hand again, "I'm a fool." Mizu took ahold of it warily. Syaoran dematerialized again, taking her with him.

Mizu stumbled as gravity returned to her, her hand tightened around Syaoran's hand as she regained her balance, she let go. She looked around and found herself in a stone room. A tapestry of a wolf howling at the moon, while sitting atop of a waterfall seemed to glisten.

She fingered the end of it, "What thread is this?" For a tapestry it seemed so real. No answer, she turned and found herself alone. She explored the rest of the room, it was roomy, cozy, and tiny all at the same time. Her fingers brushed against brocade fabric, her fingers tightened around it and pulled it aside. A mall balcony spread around the whole room. She looked out and saw extensive grounds. Nothing but forest and valleys, the moon shown softly.

She leaned against the edge before returning inside not bothering to pull the curtains shut. She notcied the mahogony dresser before falling onto the the king sized bed. Deep brocade sheets hung from the canopy. Within moments she was asleep, the throbbing in her head subsided as darkness claimed her, screams echoeing in nightmares.

Mizu woke in a cold sweat as she usually di of late, she sighed a rubbed her head trying to will the shaking to go away. It subsided and she fell back. Why was she so tired? Events flashed through her head, Oh yeah.

She sat up carefully again, ignoring her spinning head. She spotted someone lounging on the wall, "Syaoran?"

"Rini sent her regards and that," Syaoran nodded towards the end of the bed, where a chest sat. Acroos it laid a scarlet dress with a hair brush.

"Wai, it's beautiful fabric," Mizu exclaimed. "Wait Rini?"

"She said your sister is safe and she'll continue to watch her." Syaoran nodded his head towards the side of the room. Mizu nodded.

"Kokari likes her enough," Mizu gathered the objects into her arms and went into the room that Syaoran had pointed too.

She walked out tugging at the short skirt, "Rini picked this out alright." Syaoran allowed his eyes to drift over her, discreetly and quickly. Her dress matched her eyes, the glittered as she glared down at the offending item, her hair falling into her eyes. It reached just above her knees, giving her a childish air, but it commented her figure gracefully at the same time. "Stupid, she didn't send me a hair thing." She glanced up at him, "You wouldn't happen to have a ribbon or hair tie?"

"No."

Mizu sighed. She pulled her hair back and braided it, letting it fall down her back coming undone slightly. She slipped in the fuzzy satin slippers and walked out onto the balcony again. She leaned on the side, her hair becoming looser.

"Let's go," Syaoran said.

He walked out of the room by another intricate door, deep mohagony as everything else in the room. Mizu ran after him, skirt flying behind.

"Where are we going?" Syaoran did not answer.

Mizu fell silent as Syaoran seemed to be averse to talking. After ten minutes, she seemed to be becoming slightly annoyed. Finally they stopped in front of a stone wall. Mizu had her mouth open ready to demand what was going on, when a door appeared.

"Come in," a voice called.

The door swung open by itself. Syaoran entered, Mizu followed somewhat more cautiously. She seemed intranced by the oak wood. "My what a pretty girl, I hope you haven't had any problems as of late."

"No, thank you. I'm wondering why I'm here though?"

"Well I'm glad of that. I hope Aaron was not to... rough with you?"

"I'm fine-"

"Syaoran here will be able to get you anything you need."

"Um... thanks but-"

"Anything, just call he will be able to hear you... won't you?"

Syaoran grunted.

"Ah I'm don't want to be a burden but-"

"That's an adorable dress."

"Why am I here!"

The man's eyes opened. They were black, with matching black hair that fell in strands over his face. "I see that you won't be distracted."

"Well?"

He stood and walked over to her, a hand was on her head, "You are here to be you." His eyes were somber.

He smiled and removed his hand. His eyes were laughing, and they closed slightly.

Mizu was ready to question his cryptic message, "I hope you will find everything to your liking." he said.

Mizu knew they were dismissed and decided to hold her questions to a later date. Syaoran walked out, after he bowed his head slightly. Mizu followed, on a second thought she looked back, "Yes?"

"I was wondering what I should call you?"

"You can call me Serius. Now run along."

She nodded and shut the door after her. Serius smiled at her childlike manner. "Just be yourself is all that I ask." The door disappeared and Serius went back to his work.

“How can you tell any of these passages apart?”

“I can.”

“Oh.”

There was silence again.

“So… where are we going now?”

“Back to the room.”

“Oh.”

“Is that all you say?”

“No.”

Mizu talked some more asking questions but Syaoran had stopped replying.

“Are you going to answer me?”

Silence.

“Grr, blast it answer me!”

Silence.

Silence was returned.

They reached a door that looked familiar. Mizu recognized as the room from earlier. She brushed past Syaoran and went in. Syaoran followed leaning against the wall in the room as Mizu walked out on to the balcony.

“There’s nothing to do here,” Mizu growled under her breath. Syaoran heard her when regular people would not. “Not even a blasted book…”

She heard a door open, she looked behind her and found Syaoran starting to leave. “Come with me.”

“Where are we going?” Syaoran was gone. Mizu looked down the hall. Syaoran was heading around the corner. Mizu debated for half-a-second before running after him, “Wait up!” She finally caught up to Syaoran. “Where are we going?” she asked again.

“You like reading.”

“Huh? Yeah, why?”

“We have a library here.”

“How far away is it?”

“Usually only a minute or two…”

“Good, it took forever to get to Serius’s room.”

“…at your pace it will take fifteen or so minutes.”

“Nani? My pace?”

“Humans are slow.”

“Oh.”

“Can we run or something, fifteen minutes walking will drive me insane.” Syaoran glanced back at her. Finally he held out his hand, Mizu glared at it. “Last time I was really sick.”

“You had also lost a lot of blood. You won’t be as dizzy this time.”

Mizu took it hesitating, they dissolved into air like smoke almost. Mizu stumbled as gravity returned to her, Syaoran unconsciously tightened his grip as Mizu regained her balance. “It was actually kinda fun this time.” She drew her hand away as she looked around. “Wai! So many books!”

Syaoran was almost ready to grin, though his face never changed once. She hurried to the shelves. One-by-one she pulled out books and placed them back. Finally she found one she seemed to like, she looked around and spotted a forest green comfy chair by a fire.

She walked over and a fire started in the fireplace, she jerked back, startled. Slowly she sat into the chair. The fire stayed steady and she opened the book and started reading. Syaoran disappeared.

‘Vampires are evil creatures.’

…

‘‘They have un-human speed and while they can be hurt just as any human, they bleed as well. Nonetheless their blood is stolen. Depending on the vampire and the seriousness of the wound they may heal faster or slower than a human.’

…

‘Their hearing is super-sensitive.’

So that’s how he knew that she had been bored. She could not talk to herself anymore.

‘While we are not sure of all their abilities we know for certain that they are extremely fast, strong, and their five senses are heightened to tall extent.’

Great they could see better, smell better probably than a dog, hear better too and their taste buds were more heightened also.

…

‘While they can feed from anywhere they bite, they tend to mainly only bite the neck. When feeding they can keep a person conscious, or make it so they fall unconscious. They make the victim’s energy fade faster or slow it slightly though not altogether. In most cases Vampire’s have disposition’s taking to torturing their victims and playing with them before killing them. Most Vampires are cruel and will readily toy with someone only to see their anguish.’

…

Mizu’s breath caught in her throat, but she continued reading.

…

‘Through the bite they can also control one’s actions though they retain their own consciousness. Depending on the strength of the vampire and their own power, different things may happen and their abilities fluctuate.’

‘They also have the ability to hide easily and disappear, though they don’t become invisible merely are masters at hiding in the shadows.’

Mizu closed the book. She had read enough. The rest she would find out by herself on her own times but the friends she would hopefully make.

She returned the book to the shelf. She wondered if Syaoran was still around. She looked around, sighing she looked through the books again. She found a good fantasy adventure with a lost princess. She was skeptic at first but it turned out to be a good story. She settled in the chair again, quite comfortable. She lost all track of the time and the shadows were as long as ever.

She almost fell asleep in the chair, the warmth from the fire made her drowsy. She had finished two-hundred pages of the book, two-hundred more to go. Half-way through…

“I knew you were here,” a voice purred.

No answer. Syaoran had obviously replied, Mizu could not hear him though, she wished she had better ears…

“Ah is that any way to meet me?” There was growl in return to the purring voice. “Ah… you’re no fun. You need to lighten up…” her voice trailed off.

“Get off,” Syaoran growled.

Mizu stood up, leaving the book on the chair she had occupied. Tugging at the skirt still feeling it was to short, she followed the voices.

"We have a visitor," the voice purred again. Mizu rounded the corner to find Syaoran, looking as calm as ever but something seemed off. A woman stood near him. Mizu was shocked at how tall she was, Serius and Syaoran were tall, that was true, but she did not expect a girl to rival them. Mizu hated her outfit all the same. She was a Brunett with a long black dress on, a slit running up the side. Mizzu just tried ignoring the dress and gave a small smile.

"Hello," Mizu said. "My name's Mizu what's yours?"

"My it knows manners, I didn't think it did." Mizu's smile faltered and anger filled her thoughts. IT!

"I'm a she actually," Mizu corrected her, her tone slightly harder than before.

"You're whatever I tell you you are."

"The before you start I get first goes, you're a fat miss priggy the pig."

Mizu blinked when she could no longer see Syaoran, she did not dare take her eyes off the girl to see where he had gone.

The brunett was calm, it scared Mizu. Her voice said differently though, "How dare you speak to me that way!"

"Well you said 'You're whatever I tell you you are,' I figured I'd return the curtesy." Mizu pointed out. The logic in it made the brunett all the more angrier, but her face was pleasant. Soon a small smile crossed her lips. Mizu wondered what exactly she had done.

"Your name is Mizu, My name Kriemhilda. Curtesy for surtesy." She was walking towards her, her hips moving from side to side and Mizu realized just how high that slit was. She was standing in front of Mizu now and Mizu had to look almost straight up to look at her face. "Now for the other curtesy, you are an appetizer."

Mizu froze, the word idiot rang through her mind. Sure anger a vampire in their own castle. Mizu's hand curled up into fist. She doubt she could win, but at least she could get in a good punch, she had beat up enough bullies at home.

Mizu glared as that mouth came closer, still smiling. "You have such life in your veins, I'm sure you'll be delicious." Mizu's fist flashed. What she had not taken into account was their speed. The blowmerely rapt on her cheek and shin as she moved away gracefully. Mizu was pleased though when she saw a red bruise sart to form. "Why you-!"

Mizu had no clue what hapened next, one minute she was looking at an angry kriemhild, who suddenly disappeared into a blur coming towards her, than she was atop of a bookcase, being held she guessed. "You forget."

Kriemhild looked up, Mizu smothered a gasp, her black eyes were red. She looked up and found Syaoran, his eyes were a deep glowing yellow. "When you are no longer in need of her, I will have my way." Kriemhild disappeared. I stared at where she had stood. Mizu remembered that they could not turn invisible merely were excellent at hiding in the shadows.

I tugged my skirt back down, realizing how high it had risen up. Something trickled on my neck, my hand reached up and touched I brought it away. There was a drop of blood on it. I looked up at Syaoran, who was not watching me. His eyes darted from place to place, his grip on me tight.

"Leave."

There was a hiss from the shadows. A door slammed shut. Syaoran relaeased me and I found myself standing on the top of a tall bookshelf. I had not realize these things even had a top. "Thank-you," I said shortly. I still hated having to be saved, but I would feel awful if I had not thanked him.

"Are you always like this?"

"Um... Yeah."

"Be more careful, I wasn't ready." His hand was on my shoulder near my neck, he seemed to be glaring at it. His hand dropped away, "You had better clean that up, we'll have twenty vampires here if you don't."

I started that, sensitive noses, I had not though t about that. I nodded, placing my hand over it. Obviously Syaoran was having a hard time himself at the sight of fresh blood, I wondered how it smelt to them, him. "How do I get down?"

Syaoran lookd back at me hesitating. Finally he put an arm around my waist and jumped. I almost screamed, but bit my tongue stubbornly. We landed on the ground and he walked away. I only now noticed how taunt his jawline was and that he had walked around me so my blood was not in his sight. I felt bad. I hurried after him, keeping my hand on my neck.

We passed where I had been reading. I picked up the book, "Can I take this back with me?"

Syaoran nodded. I followed him and we walked back to my room in silence. He did not enter my room this time.

When I entered, I found that a pitcher full of warm water and a baisin was in the room where I had changed. There was also a red strip of fabric, almost like a ribbon. I pored some water into the delicate baisin and wet the cloth and wiped some of the blood away. Normally I would not care at all, this scratch was so tiny, but it seems vampires had a hard time controlling themsleves at the sight and smell of frech blood. I picked up the red bandage and found it matched my dress.

I tied it around my neck, it covered the scratch which Kriemhild's teeth had inflicted. I looked down at the cloth that was slightly wet with a little blood on it. I dipped it in the water baisin and cleaned it to the best of my ability. Pleased I took it out and found no blood on it what so ever. Debating on what to do with the water, I took it out onto the balcony. Looking down I squinted to see the floor. Satisfied that there was no one down there, I dumped the water over the edge. I placed it back in the small room and went out to where I had placed my book.

Grabbing a pillow and on second thought satin blanket went out onto the balcony. I curled up against the wall, pillow at my back, blanket wrapped around my legs. I was still angry at Rini for such a dress. She had better send me my regular clothes tomorrow! I finished the book and time seemed to be infinite here. Near the end of the book a slightly uneasy feeling came over me.

After, what I guess, was several hours, which drove me near insanity, it disappeared and I felt safe once again. I fell asleep watching the moon, which was beautiful.

I awoke feeling warm. "Don't wanna get up..." I mumbled, barely noticing the sylables were barely words, and pulling the blankets over her head and turning over. "Don't wanna go learn..."

I sighed, but a nagging feeling insode of her told me I must get up. I hated that feeling yet would feel guilty when ever I did not listen. I sat up rubbing her eyes. I froze, this was not home.

Then I saw Syaoran and remebered. Was it going to be like this every morning? He seemed amused about something, but I was not sure, more of a feeling for his eyes wer somber amber and there was no change in his facial expression. I threw the covers to the side, and realized that evil skirt had ridden up. Fighting to keep a blush off my cheks I tugged it down and stood up.

"G'morning," I yawned.

Syaoran watched as Mizu yawned. "Good morning," he answered. He was fairly amazed. Most humans lost complete track of the time and never realized it was morning.

"It is morning, right?" Syaoran nodded in answer to the girl. "I thought so," she sighed, "Early morning right?"

Syaoran nodded again. She seemed to become more frustrated. He was almost looking forward to see her reaction next. "Rini sent more clothes."

Mizu did not move. Finally she said, "Was she happy when she gave them to you?" Syaoran nodded. " 'm gonna kill 'er." Rini muttered. She walked around the edge of the bed to where the clothes were laid across the chest. Mizu groaned. This time it was a deep green dress that looked to go about half-way down her shins. It was nothing like the red or white she had on. She dreaded to see the full effect. There was also a ribbon like the one she had around her neck now.

Syaoran watched as she reached up to her neck. "Where'd the ribbon go?" Syaoran shrugged.

"Stupid, she was here wasn't she?"

Syaoran nodded.

"And she took the ribbon so I wouldn't have two so I could tie up my hair." She now noticed that Syaoran was watching her neck under his toffee bangs. He did not offer an answer. Sighing she gathered up the brush from the day before and the things that Rini had sent.

Mizu emerged stomping out of the small room. The green dress was perfect for her dark tan. Her eyes matched the red embroidery thread, her dark hair falling in sleek satin sheets down her back. It hugged her perfect figure, especially for such a young age, falling to a couple inches below her knees. He guessed what she was most annoyed about was the fact of the sleeves. It crawled up her torso and the sleeves would not stay on Mizu's arms. It was lower then the other dress and Mizu kept pulling up the sleeves, but they refused to stay up. The green ribbon had a small pendant waying it down slightly though it still covered the scratch.

"Wake me if she comes

again while I'm sleeping," Mizu growled. "This has got to stop, they get better than worse." Syaoran nodded, but Mizu had a feeling he would not. "You won't will you." Syaoran shook his head. "Grr, I give up!"

Mizu ranted out loud and not of word of it, curses, swears, blessings did not seem to reach Syaoran's ears. Finally she stopped and fell silent. "Is Rini a vampire?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"I've never seen her fangs, and she has green eyes."

Syaoran looked at her. "When I was little, my... father told me a little about vampires. I don't remember much, but he told me vampires usually had black eyes. Only extra-special ones had brown eyes or may be hazel, but never green or any other color. He also said vampires' eyes glow red when there angry using unique talents by focsuing on them. Yours glow yellow, I'm guessing that's because you have amber eyes... Rini has clear dark green eyes, in no way shape or form hazel. How can she be a vampire?"

"What else did your dad tell you?"

"Um... you guys have special abilities and go crazy at the sight or smell of fresh blood. You can eat regular food but does barely anything to help them or sustain them. There favorite... food is blood though they seem to like red wine. He told me other things but I don't remember. Now stop avoiding my question about Rini."

"She's part vampire."

"Huh?"

"Every once in a while, a human mother and vampire father manage to somehow have a child. Never a human father and vampire mother though, Rini is descended from a half-breed as we call them. But the vampire blood in her is barely a drop. For her great-great-great grandfather way back almost several hundred years now, was a half-breed. He lived among the humans, who scorned him but it was better than living with vampires."

"So?"

"Surprisingly he married a human, they moved across the seas. No one new that he was a half-breed. The children had fangs," Syaoran's own showed while he talked. "After a while the only thing that was left was a drop of vampire... DNA, since you can't really say blood. Rini likes the taste of blood and has heightened senses. She is one who has shown a drop of... magic in several generations."

"Oh. So basically she's had a drop of vampire DNA in her?"

"Basically."

"What kind of magic?"

Mizu could swear Syaoran smirked but when she looked closer she saw his expression and it was as blank as ever. "She seems to have a... special talent with cloths."

"Cloths! You mean she like works with these things!" Mizu had the skirt bunched up in her hands. She moved the sleeves up again, they fell. "The other one was short, but at least it's better then this. I'm putting it back on."

Mizu stomped into the small room. "Oh my gosh..." the voice came from the room. She came charging out. "Please, please tell me she can't do that! Please tell me she can't- can't summon cloth!"

"Only cloth she has worked with. Sometimes I've seen her summon cloth that she has touched but it is much harder for her."

"She can easily summon the clothes she makes?"

"Yes."

"She probably makes all these doesn't she?" Syaoran did not answer. "She does and... Oh I'm gonna get her!"

Syaoran did not answer. Mizu went out into the balcony. Looking out she saw the moonlit field. “Hey Syaoran, can we go outside?”

“Nn,” was his only reply. Mizu ran off the balcony.

“Com on.” Mizu sensed a sense of acceptance about him. Not thinking a thing of it, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him out of the door. She pulled him down the hall and down the stairs that led to her tower room. She took slight notice that he offered no resistance. Finally she stopped, not letting go of his wrist. “Um, which way is out?”

Syaoran sighed and headed the opposite direction, their grips switched. Syaoran was now holding onto Mizu’s wrist as she was being dragged. They reached large double doors of dark rich wood. Mizu stared up at them in amazement. “How do we get out? Those things have got to be to heavy to move.” As of to demonstrate she pulled and pushed on the doors. “And they’re not opening up with magic.”

Syaoran took a hold of the handles, and pulled. They opened with out a sound. Mizu seemed surprised and Syaoran was ready for her to start treating him different after this display of strength. Instead she swallowed and stepped outside. The moon shined through the hair, as she suddenly giggled spontaneously. She looked back at Syaoran who stood in the door way.

“Coming?” she called. Syaoran stepped out pulling the door shut behind him. He stood stiffly outside, she giggled at his expression. Running over to him she grabbed his hand with both of hers. Her chest heaved in the fresh air, her cheeks already rosy at being outdoors, eyes sparkling. “Come on!” she ran off, fingers intertwined with Syaoran’s. She dragged him along, he offered no resistance. They ran straight for about ten minutes and the castle was a good ways off. Mizu let go of Syaoran’s hand and fell into her back, her dress spread out around her as her hair splayed over the grass behind her head the moonlight reflecting off of it, giving an un-earthly blue glow.

“The moon is beautiful tonight,” Mizu said. There was no answer. Mizu looked up, Syaoran was gone. “Sorry for dragging you, if that’s why you disappeared.” Mizu called out. No answer. “Fine.” Mizu growled to the empty outdoors. She looked around and found she had made it to some forest. She flopped back on the soft grass looking up at the waning moon.

After she caught her breath she sat up. Kicking off the green satin ballet-like slippers, she sat up. She stood up relishing the feeling of being barefoot on the grass. She looked around, a smile lit up her face. She was going to enjoy this. She broke through the first line of trees. Several minutes later she came upon a clearing with the most beautiful flowers. Blue roses, but not fake, the color of her hair in the moonlight. She went to pick one up, “Owwy,” She stared down at her hand, it had dozen of small bleeding holes on her hand, a headache started to form. She looked down and saw several very sharp thorns. She coughed slightly trying to get something out of her throat. Mizu brought her bleeding hand towards her mouth, to lick off the blood.

She found it being held as she looked up into amber eyes that were tinted yellow. “What?"

"What happened?" Syaoran asked.

"Hmm? I just went to pick a flower, didn't realize they had thorns." Mizu coughed.

"Those flowers?" he snapped.

Mizu was a little shocked at his reaction. "Yeah," her voice was softer than usual.

He seemed worried and angry as he looked down at her hand. "This might hurt," was his only comment.

Mizu was to shocked to do anything but stare as he brought her hand to his mouth. He licked away the blood, Mizu's hand cringed slightly as the holes in her hand burned. "Do you want to sleep?" came the question. Mizu stared at him wandering what he was talking about before realizing he meant if it was hurting to much he could take the pain away by making her unconcious with a bruise to the head. Mizu shook her head. Syaoran drew her wrist towards her mouth.

Pain shot up her arm as his fangs embedded themselves in her wrist. She bit her lip to keep a sound from excaping. The pressure in her throat eased slightly, the thorns must have been poisonous, she realized with a jolt. Syaoran was trying to rid her blood of the poison. Her hand still burned but it lessened. Slowly her headache faded slightly too.

Syaoran drew away licking a few small drops of blood from where his fangs had been. Mizu drew her hand back to her when he let it go. He stood up and Mizu did likewise. Her head swam from the loss of blood and the pain, from his fangs and the poison. She coughed slightly.

"How do you feel?"

"Better," was her short answer.

She braced her legs as she stood straight, her muscles shaking with the effort. Syaoran looked at her and seemed to be evaluating her. She coughed. He held out his hand. "Do you have enough strength?"

"I have enough to transport us back," he said simply.

"Are you sure?" Mizu coughed. Syaoran did not answer but his hand did not move either. Mizu took his hand. Gravity disappeared and she found herself in a red space once again. Gravity came back, Mizu was finally becoming more use to this and regained better control over them quicker.

She was barely able to gain a firm position on the ground before something large fell on top of her. She managed to hold them both upright and found out it was Syaoran. She helped him to the bed where he collapsed.

“Are you okay? Wait dumb question. What’s wrong?” Mizu asked. Syaoran did not answer, only tried to sit up. Mizu stopped him, expecting him to overpower her. Surprisingly, he fell back. “The poison…” realization dawned on Mizu as her headache faded altogether. “You idiot!” Mizu growled, “I would have been fine!”

“Yeah right,” Syaoran replied.

“What do I do?”

Syaoran did not answer.

Mizu glared down at him as she paced next to the bed. “How do I get Rini here?” Syaoran did not answer, only coughed. Mizu gripped the skirt of the dress. “Rini! Get over here or I’ll rip it!” No answer. Mizu untied the ribbon, her scratch mostly healed, she bit at one of the edges. She managed to fray the edges, “Rini!”

“Hey that really good satin! The poor baby is crying.”

“Ha!”

“Yes I’m here, but that dress won’t let you kill me, it likes me too much and satin is a picky material. Now cotton likes everyone, wool has never liked anyone truly that I know of.”

“Shut-up…”

“Now that satin was helping heal that scratch. Kriemhild sure did get close. You’re lucky you’re alive.”

“Rini,” Mizu sighed.

“Yes, yes, Kokari is fine she forever wants to know where her Onee-chan is though.”

“Rini! Syaoran’s hurt!”

“Hmm? Oh stop pulling my leg. That’s near impossible Syaoran’s is-” Syaoran coughed and Rini whirled. “I didn’t notice you were there.”

Mizu knocked Rini’s head with her fist. “He got poison from my blood.”

“Tsk, tsk. Snacks are going to make you fat. Why Mizu, she’s defenseless against you.” Rini scolded, “I hope you don’t take advantage of her.”

“Rini.” Mizu growled warningly as Syaoran worked to sit up. “They were blue roses, in the forest.”

“Moon roses? Yue roses? Japanese roses? German roses? Luna roses?”

“Huh?”

“Shut-up.” Mizu looked in surprise at the bed. Syaoran was sitting on the bed, his head in his hands.

“Exactly how did you get poisoned?”

“Tried picking a rose,” Mizu held out her hand where the burning had finally subsided about a dozen little pockmarks were still there. “I got these for my pain.”

“Oh my… You idiot! Did Syaoran not mention they had deadly flowers here?” Rini turned on Mizu, “Your sister would have lost yet another…”

“Rini, Syaoran needs help, I think.”

Rini was already next to Syaoran, “I know that. I’m still not done with my lecture.” Syaoran was pressed back on the bed by Rini. He growled. Mizu stared at him, it was completely unlike the Syaoran she knew. “Yes I know, you’re perfectly fine, but I want to play doctor, unless of course you want me to get Tohru to do it for you?”

“Don’t you dare,” Syaoran growled.

“Tohru?” Mizu asked.

“A very concerning vampire, made one by Akito,” Rini answered. “You’re a blasted fool, you haven’t eaten in forever and the only way you’re not going to shrivel and disappear is if I get that out of you."

"He hate a couple a days ago," Mizu answered.

"Syaoran, I thought you were suppose to be protecting her?" Rini turned her towards Mizu, "He merely got a small snack. You're not dead, right? Didn't go unconcious?" Mizu shook her head no. "Well at least you have some sense," Rini turned back to Mizu, "Meaning he maybe took a couple pints of blood, nothing too damaging to you, but barely a snack for him. There's a reason most of vampire's victims die. A full-grown human, with no blood-loss, is a regular to small meal for a vampire."

"Oh."

"Stop saying that," Syaoran muttered.

"What?"

"That 'Oh' anytime someone answers a question or gives you information, that you had no clue about." He coughed.

"Oh." Mizu said smugly.

"Now, Now," Rini scolded.

"He started it," Mizu pouted.

"Child."

"Syaoran, don't be a child as well."

The only answer was a rough cough. "Do vampires even have functioning lungs?"

"Believe it or not, Mizu, they are human. The main difference is their 'abilities' and the fact that it'll take a whole lot more and longer to kill them.

"Oh."

Syaoran broke out in a fit of coughing. "Miz-chin stop interupting me..."

" 'kay."

Rini tried a few different things, nothing seemed to work, "I have to call Tohru all the same, sorry Syaoran."

Syaoran's groan was lost in coughs. Rini drew out a piece of fabric, Mizu watched as sweat appeared across Mizu's forehead. A few minutes later a girl's voice was heard.

"Up here?"the voice was light and girlish. Rini's concetration faded as she stumbled, Mizu caught her.

"I'm fine, just give me a minute," Rini panted. Mizu nodded,a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Mizu called as she helped Rini sit at the edge of the bed.

The door opened slightly, "Oh Rini, I'm sorry. I wasn't wearing one of the outfits you made me today."

Rini laughed, "It's wearing off already. I called you here to help Syaoran. Moon poisoned blood. Usually I wouldn't worry, but I believe he hasn't eaten in the past weak, unless you count a small snack," Rini gestured at Mizu, "as you can see, barely a snack. So it's been a week I'm guessing. He doesn't have enough strength to fight off the poison, and there were-" Rini held out Mizu's hand, "-several injections."

"Oh dear," said Tohru. "I don't know what I'll be able to do though, I've... fed recently and have been growing stronger, I should be fine, still..."

"I can only help so much," Rini said softly.

"We can't take him out now, or after. Your blood would only help so much since your blood is... partial we should say, plus you can't replenish it so easily."

"What are you talking about?" Mizu asked annoyed.

"Don't cough ask." Syaoran growled.

"You're not in any position to tell me what to do," Mizu said happily and smugly. She glared at Tohru, "Now what are you talking about?"

"Well if I take his blood, he'll need more to survive."

"Tohru-u-u," Rini groaned.

"Huh?"

"Oh."

"Don't even think about it," Rini growled as she stood up.

"I doubt he'll even go for you," Tohru said. "He'll smell the death about you, meaning we need to get Rini out of here."

"Let him," Mizu said softly.

"Mizu-" Rini started warningly

"No dear, I'm sorry I could never live with myself if that happened." Tohru laid a hand on Mizu's shoulder.

"Can you stop him?"

"Mizu-"

"We might be able too." Tohru said, Rini sighed. "After he feeds some he might be easier to pull away, hopefully the poison won't take to much of a toll on me and Rini is slightly stronger than the average human. It'a too risky all the same."

"That's my desicion..." Mizu said softly.

"Get her out of here," Syaoran growled.

"I'm not leaving,"

"Mizu-"

"Try me."

"Tohru, we can't do anything. Might as well help Syaoran now."

Syaoran erupted in a fit of coughing, it did not wear off this time. It pained Mizu to see someone in so much pain.

Tohru leaned down and fangs appeared, they sunk into his neck. Syaoran gasped as his eyes glazed over, Rini tried his hardest to hold Syaoran down. In the end Rini recieved several bad bruises, Tohru pulled away quickly, the glaze receeded from Syaoran's eyes. Rini moved away. Mizu had a really bad feeling about this.

Syaoran was standing by the bed, staring at Rini, who was closer. He sniffed the air once, before turning towards Mizu. Mizu gasped. His normal brown eyes were pure yellow and glowing in the darkness of the room. Mizu blinked Syaoran was in front of her.

"Syaoran-"

Mizu's words died in her throat, as she felt Syaoran's lips against her collar-bone. "Syao-" Mizu;s voice died in her throat as she felt a feathery kissed placed between her neck and shoulder. Syaoran slwly worked his way to her ear, where he teased it with hsi fangs. Mizu was flustered, a drop of blood fell from her ear. Syaoran caught it on his tongue, suddenly she found herself pressed against him, his arm wrapped around her. Her arms which had come up, were pressed against his firm chest. His free hand was in her hair, bushing it back. A butterfly passed through her stomach as his nose tickled her neck, when it did not stop she giggled. Shock passed through her, when his lips brushed against her throat all thoughts of giggles fled. She was surprised, then there was only pain. Yet for some strange reason she stayed concious.

Dimly she saw Rini and Tohru come forward but the only things her mind seemed to be able to focus on, was the pain shooting through her neck, her head was exploding into pieces, her body felt sluggish and ached all over. Then she could feel Syaoran's lips against her neck, his tongue near his fangs, licking any blood that slipped by his fangs.

Soon everything dimmed, the only thing she knew was Syaoran and blackness closed in around her eyes. Nothingness clouded her senses, suddenly the pain in her neck receeded dimly she felt someone licking her neck and opened her eyes to find black ones. Then everything faded.

Tohru licked away any leftover blood, not being able to resist. Mizu's blood smelled so good. She pulled away disgusted with herself, catching Mizu as she collapsed. Truly vampire's were evil creatures, nothing but the devil's spawn and she hated to be one.

She looked back at Rini, who was holding Syaoran's arm. His eyes were their normal rich brown again, a deep chocolate, though soncumed with hunger. He seemed just as disgusted with himself as he licked away the blood near his mouth. Tohru felt weak from the poison, yet she manged to lift Rini. The girl was pathetically light, even with her strength.

"She'll be out for a few days," Tohru told them as she placed the girl on the bed. Tohru sat down after pulling a chair from the desk. She would need to sleep soon and eat sooner than normal but she would be fine. "Why have you not fed in so long?"

Syaoran was still captive by Rini's firm grip. "I think he has been watching our little one, that is why." Rini answered since it was clear he would not.

"Well don't do it again," Tohru snapped, her voice soft. "I need rest, I'll come to see how she is in several hours. Go feed Syaoran, someone will watch the precious one."

"I have to get back to Kokari," Rini disappeared into folds of cloth.

"She risked much for you," Tohru told him, before heading out the door, not daring to try and transport herself.

Syaoran did not answer, merely leaned against the wall and watch the pale face. If he could not here her small breaths he would believe her dead. What had he done?

Yet he could not help but remember the taste, there was something strange in it and it seemed to fill him up though, while he had drained alot of her blood and what might endanger her life, it had been only a snack for him. Yet he was no where near as hungry as he should be.

The hunger for blood that had coursed through him, it scared him, his hunger had never been that bad. The thoughts of torture.... he quickly blocked that line of thought. They were all cursed. They were true evil. He only hoped someone could save them.

This girl might be the one...

Yet he had almost destroyed her...

There was nothing to do but wait and hope she could recover from the blood-loss.

Tohru awoke feeling a shock of surprise from Syaoran, he had let it wake her. She wondered what he was so shcked about. Worry overtook the shock. Tohru quickly hopped out of her bed and ran towards the door ignoring Akito who asked where she was going.

She opened the mahogony door in the tower, panting slightly, from running with some poison left in the blood. Syaoran was holding down a screaming Mizu.

"It burns, stop!"

Syaoran winced as Mizu's nails dug into the hands restraining them. Syaoran did not look back, "Help me," he growled.

Tohru came over she grabbed one of Mizu's arms from Syaoran they had the girl pinned aginst the bed between them. She screamed and quicked some more. Tohru was surprised at her strength, it almost was not human...

The girl finally stopped screaming and seemed to fall back into a fitful slumber, but still. She whimpered in her sleep.

"What was that?" Tohru asked Syaoran.

"I have no clue." Syaoran answered, "She suddenly sat straight up, mumbling something about being hot. The she started clawing at her back, that's when I grabbed her hands. She started screaming that it burned."

Tohru listened to it all, "Come hold her up."

Syaoran glanced at her warily, but did as he was ordered. Tohru moved the long black hair to the side, nothing could be seen. She moved the back of the dress, and something was on her back. Without another thought, Tohru's nails grew into claws and cut the back of the dress away. Two dark butterfly wings seemed burned onto her back, right near her shoulder blades.

The two vampires stared in disbelief. They were intricate, perfect to every little detail. They were outlined in black, but the designs seemed to shift everytime they tried to pin it down, with colors were rich with scarlet, crimson, and red, and a deep rare forest green, but still much black.

Syaoran let the unconsious girl rest on the bed once again. "You have to tell Serius about this," was Tohru's only comment.

She left the room.

Syaoran agreed, though he did not want to be the one to do it. Once again her screams echoed through his head. Such anguish... What were they?

He snapped his fingers, soon he felt another precense. "Alert me if she wakes," Syaoran strode out of the room, dark cape firling out behind him.

Mizu blinked. Smells seemed clearer. There was silence. Quicker than normal the sleepiness faded from her head. She noticed an ache that was steadily becoming worse on her back. She sat up and froze. Syaoran was gone. An ucomfortable feeling crept down her back, someone was watching her and she did not know who. She shivered and slipped out of bed. There was no new clothes placed out for her, instead she found the red dress from before. Something seemed wrong with the back of this one, so she changed in the small room.

She winced as she pulled off the green dress. It burned as it shifted offher back. The red dress was no better. The burning still there she held up the green dress as she walked out of the room. The dress was ripped. She doubted much could be done with it now. She studied it closer, it looked as if it had been ripped by claws of some sort.

She sighed and threw it over the chest and fell across the length of the bed. She groaned and rolled onto her stomach. What was wrong with her back, more specifically her shoulders. How long had she been out?

I groaned and put my hands over my head. I think I heard them saying a should be out for days. How many days had it been? The pounding in my head became worse the harder I started to think. Finally I opened my eyes and sat up, looking around, something was shuffling around. The light from the moon seemed so bright. Growling under her breath, she climbed back under the covers, head first. She curled her feet under the blankets and soon became warmer.

She relaxed more as she felt the differet presence leave. She felt safer now, though still uneasy. She crawled out of the covers and stuck her head up. She found Serius and Syaoran standing conversing in low tones. Mizu could make out most of the words. They stopped abruptly.

"Ah my little waterfall, something has interrupted your sleep it seems," Serius said as he came to sit on the bed. Mizu stood.

Mizu winced, "Can you please talk a little quieter, I feel like I have the thing people call a hangover..."

Serius chuckled but talked more softly, Mizu still cringed his voice was so loud, however soft he made it. "I heard you had an adventure with Syaoran."

Mizu glanced at Syaoran. She could not catch his eye, clearly he was avoiding her. She felt something warm and comfortable placed on her head. Turning her head she found Serius, smiling softly. Her headache receded.

"Thanks," Mizu muttered. The burning on her back flared without warning. She yelled and arched her back collapsing. She expected to feel the floor, but she never did. Instead she writhed in pain, the headache returned, though not at full strength like before as the fierce burning in her back receded, to what it had been before. She felt cold and clammy and shivered as if all heat had been sucked out of her. She groaned, not comprehending much but the pain.

Warmth slowly penetrated the coldness, and she felt comfortable, she tried moving towards the source, but did not get far. She had no strength whatsoever. Slowly she opened her eyes, colors and odd shapes swam into view. She found worried amber eyes close to her own.

"Syaoran," she tried saying.

"Lay her on the bed," she heard someone else say. She felt the softness of the bed, and the slight source of warmth receed. She whimpered.

"She reacted to the magic," Serius said.

"She's colder than ice."

Everything faded out.

Syaoran’s amber eyes glowed in the dark room like the small fire near the bed. The girl on the bed was pale white, such a contrast to her dark surroundings. Was this all his fault? He did not know. He felt as if it was. His eyes were shaded once again by amber bangs.

There was a rustle of cloth, “I heard what happened.” Syaoran looked up to see the green dress Mizu was wearing folding into her hands. “I only can stay for a short while, Kokari will be looking for me soon.” Rini laid a dress on the chest at the end of the bed, along with some short ribbons. She disappeared into folds of fabrics.

Syaoran barely took notice of Rini leaving. Instead his eyes still burned like the fire. Once again the sight of her closed eyes, and pale skin, so pale it was almost white, her shoulders now covered by navy blue cotton, seemed such a contrast with the brocade covers around her. Once again his gaze was hidden by his bangs and so he stayed.

Syaoran’s head snapped up at the sound of change in Mizu’s breathing. He watched as black eyelashes lifted to give way to dazed crimson. She sat up slowly, wincing. The covers fell away as she put her hand to her head revealing a dark blue gown, silk ribbon forming a triangle around her stomach, long flowing sleeves kept her arms warm. She shivered, “What happened?” She pushed away the covers, her feet touched the cold floor. She looked around and found matching blue slippers, her skirt reached the floor elegantly. “And what am I wearing?”

“I’d like to know the same thing,” Syaoran replied.

“You have a better idea than me,” Rini scowled.

“You reacted to Serius’s magic, after waking up about two days earlier than you should have.” Syaoran told her. “I don’t know,” he finally muttered.

“Huh?”

“I don’t know what’s wrong.”

“Oh.”

Syaoran sighed, that oh again!

“Now why are you angry?” Syaoran gave up and fell silent. She tapped her foot impatiently. Finally she threw up her hands in disgust. “Fine, I’m going back to bed, wake me if the sun comes up.” With that she crawled back under the covers, her skin still white, not even bothering to take off the slippers without hesitation she curled up and fell asleep almost immediately.

Syaoran watched as the blankets rise and fell in rithm with her breathing, his ears picking up on her heartbeat.

Mizu woke periodically, for short amount of times alway going back to sleep within the hour. This went on for about a week. It was the night with no moon, when Rini stayed up all day. The last silver slip of the moon faded, Rini watched from the balcony in 'her' room. The moon disppeared, she did not notice Syaoran slip back into the room, behind the curtains.

A bright light lit up the sky. Rini stared at it in wonder, it had been a month since she had seen the sun. A month since she had seen the sunrise. "Syaoran, look the sun!" she cried gleefully.

There was no answer.

She twirled, searching for Syaoran. He was not to be seen. She now noticed the bright color fo her dress, the color of sunset. She laughed at Rini's unique qway of telling her that it was the one day during a moon cycle that the sun came about. The color was not her color, but Rini had found a shade of it that worked okay with her skin tone.

The back of the dress covered the 'tattoo' on her back. The butterfly wings, the black butterfly wings, that would pass as a birds at the same time, probably a eagles' or hawks'. Strange colored patterns lined the wings in shifting circling and curving patterns.

They no longer burned uncontrollably, though they became uncomfortably hot from time to time. She walked out of the rising sun and into her dark room, where she found Syaoran. "If I promise to stay in view of a window and promise to stay away from anything and everything but the grass and not go near anything else without your permission, can I go outside?" she asked in one breath.

Syaoran nodded after a minute. He had fed last night. He could stand the sun for a while. He opened the gigantic doors and walked with Rini to a patch of wild land. He pointed to a window. "Stay in view of that. Nothing here is poisonous. Stay away from the trees and all water." He disappeared as Mizu nodded.

She looked around her, the sun was almost in the sky and there was barely a cloud in sight. She giggled as she let the sun hit her face, feeling so happy. She was no night creature, though she was often thought one. Her skin was naturally a delicate porclein, only a tan because she spent so much in the sun. Her dark hair and dark eyes. Her skin was a shade lighter, closer to the pale color it usually was. Her eyes sparkled as she fell back onto the grass.

She laughed giggled, skipped, picked some wild flowers. After a couple hours of just sitting, she fell asleep, dozing as the sun made her skin dark once again, looking natural all the same. Something flared in warning, she shot straight up almost impaling herself on a large claw. The 'tattoo's' on her back burned in warning. She scrambled backward emitting a scream. She stumbled, falling flat on her back. She watched as silver claws descended towards her, reading to skewer her.

Her body froze, as her mind screamed instructions and called her weak-kneed fool. Her eyes closed involuntarily as the claws came closer. She felt something wrap around her wrist and yank. Her eyes flew open as she was pulled to her feet. Syaoran was standing next to her.

"Are you alright?" he asked, Mizu finding traces of worry in the tones.

"Yes," she replied evenly. He spared her a quick glance to double check, her dress was slightly crumpled, but that was all. He seemed in discomfort. "Are you alright?"

He did not reply. Instead his arm wrapped around her waist, leaping backwards. A claw landed where they had been. "What is that?" Rini asked. She wondered why he did not just transport them. He dodged again, eacht time bringing them closer to the castle, never heading straight towards it.

He never answered one of her rushed questions as she babbled. The sun blinded her, suddenly it dawned on her. The sun. It was sapping his energy, that's why he was not transporting. he was using all his energy dodging and keeping the majority of the sun off him. The beast finally became tired of swinging 'about endlessly. Syaoran's half closed eyes stared up at the beast trying to figure out if they could run or if it would attack at them again. His eyes widened, his arm dropped away from Mizu as he collapsed to his knees.

He let off a soft moan, "Get... away...!" he grit out between clenched teeth.

"Syaoran?" Mizu asked hesitantling, scared.

A scream split the air, startling Mizu out of her wits. Syaoran's mouth was wide in a horrible scream, his eyes closed tightly in pain. His tongue changed ever so slightly. His teeth became visibly sharper, long fangs growing long, teeth shifting into a slightly different set up. His hair seemed to sway on a non-existant wind, becoming more vibrant. His hands became more heavily muscled, nails growing into claws. His eyes shot open, Rini gasped. They were a pure yellow, a deep amber, vicious and cruel.

He let out an un-human growl. Mizu felt the immenent danger, and no one would be able to help her this time. Syaoran lunged for the beast, who caught him in one large hand. It was the sun. It held Syaoran up, exposing him completely to the sun, as before, he had been managing to stay partly in Mizu's shadow and whenever safely possible, the beast's shadow. His unearthly scream echoed in Mizu's ears.

She clutched at them her back erupting into pain. She gasped and fell to the ground writhing in pain. The beast let out a gutteral sounding bark, that was supposed to be a bark. Syaoran gritted his teethand sunk his claws into the great hand, his animal mind taking over. He was not much better than the beast he was now trying to fight.

Mizu gritted her teeth as the burnign became worse, she felt as if her skin was being torn off. Her eyes widened and she almost fell unconcious as pain ripped through her back. She felt as if something was trying to claw their way out. She screamed in anguish, attracting the attention of the beast and Syaoran. They both watched as the back of her drss tore, black feathered wings erupting.

They looked like eagles' wings and at the same time butterfly wings. The color of black mathced her hair perfectly. The swirling design of colors matching everything about her perfectly. Slowly she rose into the air, her wings beating ever so softly.

Syaoran's mind barely registered what happened. He knew that the sun was bad and he needed to escape to shade. He tunred ready to claw his way out of the bright light, when something strange happened

Pain tore through his body, he screamed. Slowly his mind became under his control once again, he knew somehow that the beast was long gone. Blackness consumed him.

Syaoran awoke, something like a tent over him. His eyes easily adjusted to the dark, seeing as well as a human would in light. He only saw blackness. There where swirling colors as well. Something caught his attention by moving. His head shot sideways. He found Mizu. She was laying face down on the ground. He dimly remebered what happened. He had lost all control. The main thing he remeber was pain. Then there was Mizu's scream, the wings and more pain. He sat up, the wing protesting the movement somewhat.

The sun was still out. It seared his flesh, gritting his teeth he set a barrier around him with the last of his strength. He stood, careful not to bend the wing the wrong way. He took her shoulders and managed to have her sit up, not easy when you have the sun looking for away to burn you an large wings. He threw her over his shoulder the wings giving him shade.

He would have been dead... well dead for a vampire, if the wings had not been covering him. He still was not sure how they made it into the castle or how he moved her to her room. She laid on her stmach on the bed, wings spreading off the bed, filling part of the room. Syaoran yanked the brocade curtains shut, relishing in the dark. He soon fell unconcious while trying to replenish his energy, leaning against the wall. He would need to eat sooner than he thought...

Mizu awoke. She seemed so tired but something screamed urgency in her head. She sat up, her back feeling heavy and tired. Muscles she was not aware she had contracted and shifted. She looked around, seeing farily well in the darkness, surprisingly. She suddenly realized why she had prbably woken up. Looking back at Syaoran she slipped out the curtains, sure enought the sun was setting. She was exhausted, but she wanted to see this so much.

The colors shifted, changed became softer. Slowly the sunset and twilight began as the last of the light colors faded from the sky. She sighed and decided to check on Syaoran, then she figured she would go back to sleep.

She slipped back into the room, trying not to let in anymore light then necasary remebering how Syaoran had reacted to it just earlier that day. She spotted him, slouched against the wall. "Syaoran," she called softly. He did not stir. Mizu moved closer. She touched his arm carefully. Growing slightly bolder she shook his arm slightly. He stirred, barely. He fell forward. Mizu managed to catch him, her legs buckled and folded under her. The new muscles shifted slightly.

She sighed once more and realized how tired he must be. She did not know how, but the new muscles in her back seemed to help in some way, she managed to stand and move Syaoran to the bed. Mizu pulled the covers around him, feeling a little silly.

Her throat was parched. Looking around, she saw nothing she could drink. She decided to check in the small room off to the side, with the full length mirror. She looked around and saw a pitcher with a small glass nearby. She thanked whoever did this silently in her head and she ruched over. The water was cool and a blassing to her burning throat. She poured another glass trying to ignore the strange feeling on her back. Her dress seemed ripped as well.

She turned to lean against the wall as she finished her drink. The cup froze hafl-way to her lips, it slipped from her fingers falling to the floor. She did not hear it shatter. She walked forward numb to the pain in her feet were some glass shards cut deeply. She stood in front of the full length mirror her eyes wide.

Behind her, folded neatly and conveniently, were black wings matching her silky hair. Strange colors out-lined them, but she liked the colors all the same. She stared as she tried shifting them. That was the knew muscles. They shifted with almost every move, she could not completely spread the in this room. She left, after a few minutes, feeling weariness overcome even the surprise, plus there was no one she could complain too.

She saw Syaoran where she left him. She sat on the floor, and laid back. She rolled to her side, one wing protecting her from the hard floor, the other acting as a blanket and veil from the world. She fell asleep a black cocoon on the floor.

The wings were so soft...

Mizu awoke feeling something tugging on her arm. No that was not her arm… The wings! She sat straight up, the wing over her unfurling. She winced as the other wing tugged slightly at her back. She stood up slowly, stretching her arms and ruffling her wings.

She found Syaoran staring at her strangely. “What?” he was not happy. “You were asleep or rather unconscious, I slept fine on these… these… wings, everyone’s happy.”

“Where did they come from?”

“How am I suppose to know?”

She tugged back the brocade curtains keeping out the cooler air. A slip of silver was in the sky once again. Mizu seemed almost depressed knowing she would have to wait for a month for the sun come out again. Finally she looked back at Syaoran who was standing in the ‘doorway’ to the balcony.

“Is there a village we can go to?”

Syaoran stared pointedly at her back.

“I can hide them under a cloak.”

Syaoran snorted at the unlikely idea.

“Watch,” Mizu replied hotly. She folded them close to her figure, the edges barely touching the floor. The peaked slightly above her shoulders. “See, I’ll hunch and throw a cape over them,, no one will be any the wiser.”

Syaoran still seemed hesitant, Mizu ruffled the wings and pleaded with her eyes. He sighed and unhooked his own dark green cape. He let it fall over Mizu, surprised at how well it went with the Aqua dress, Rini had left for her.

“Let’s go!” Mizu cried, taking his hand and dragging him out of the tower and down the hall and part of another. “Dang I always get lost…” she muttered. Syaoran chuckled. He wrapped his hand around her upper-arm, again Mizu felt the disappearance of gravity. She managed to stay better on her feet this time around as they gravity returned in a forest.

Syaoran let go of her arm and she balanced slightly better than before, wings shifting out. Mizu stood straight pulling them back. She hunch her shoulders and let her hair fall obscuring her eyes. Syaoran realized why, her eyes must have brought all types of trouble for her. Through the courtesy, of one of Rini’s shorter dresses, he had seen scars decorating the one side of her knee, that was why she always had so much trouble with it.

“Let’s go,” Mizu said starting to walk towards the edge of the town that lay a hundred feet from the forest’s edge. Syaoran followed silently.

They attracted attention in the moonlit village. A slouching, limping black haired girl whose face no one saw much of and her guardian. Tall, regal, standing straight, no one met his eyes, though they saw that they were a rich brown.

Mizu stopped at one of the very few street vendors as Syaoran wondered off slightly. She spoke in quiet tones to the keeper. He showed her a great many pretty baubles. She picked a red silk ribbon with tiny beads on the end. She bartered with him and handed over some money. Syaoran wondered where she had come by it and he realized Rini had probably told her about the villages, he felt a smug smile try to edge its way out. Rini probably never bargained on Mizu buying a hair tie. Mizu grinned and waved her ribbon at him as she walked over.

“Rini didn’t count on this I bet…” she muttered under her breath forgetting how good Syaoran’s ears were. Syaoran shook his head in surprise. Her wings moved slightly and Mizu winced. She seemingly had an idea. “Syaoran I’ll be right back!” she ran off quickly. Syaoran followed discreetly. He found her in an alley with a narrow opening. She had followed that till she reached the outskirts of town. Her wings were unfurled to their full length, a good six to ten feet, she bit her lip, hair shoved back from her face. Her eyes were alight with her own fire again, and Syaoran wondered if she did not have magic.

The wings glowed softly, become smaller and smaller and smaller finally they disappeared with a slight increase of light. She smiled triumphantly up at him. She took a step towards him, she stumbled and fell. Her eyes closed slightly as her hands went out to stop her fall. Instead she felt some pressure disperse from her back. “No,” she cried.

It stopped. She lowered slowly to the ground. Syaoran was astonished. Her wings were small, not even reaching the sides of her back. They slowed the decent before they disappeared. Mizu sat back, after several minutes of resting she stood. This time, she did not fall and walked easily towards Syaoran, though her left knee was bent ever so slightly.

She went to unhook his cloak, “Don’t bother, that dress will attract almost as much attention as the wings. Keep it covered.” Syaoran led the way back to the village, Mizu unsure of which turns she had taken. When they reached the main street, Syaoran stopped, Mizu looking up her hair in her face. Syaoran wanted her to push it away and let everyone see her regal eyes, but knew it would only cause trouble.

“I have to go somewhere,” Syaoran told her quietly. She opened her mouth to question it, “No I don’t want you there. Stay within the area of this street and scream loudly if you get into any trouble. I’ll be able to hear you.” He disappeared- no that was not the right word, faded into the shadows and she lost sight of him.

She huffed at the nerve, but decided to take his advice. Wrapping the cloak more tightly around her, enjoying the safe feeling that enveloped her. Without another thought she skipped off to look at the sweets vendor.

Syaoran’s ears were alert as he entered the smoky pub, he opened his mouth slightly so as to breath through it instead of his oversensitive nose. His smarting eyes spotted the figure he was looking for. Walking over he sat down, “It is you, how nice to see you.” the voice said happily quiet though it was.

Syaoran growled a warning. “What’s going on?”

Mizu finished the chocolate she had bought. She wondered what to do know. She did not need anything, and she was not all that found of shopping. Boys ran past her shouting and shoving, in the middle of them all was a girl with long hair high in a pony-tail, shoving and pushing along with them. A smile floated across Mizu’s lips as she was reminded of herself.

Pushing her hair away from her face she continued on her way, the moon lighting her hair making look a black blue. She only noticed on group of followers she attracted. Finally she stopped at a sweets vendor once again buying a bag of chocolate drops.

Thanking the seller she turned and smiled at the group of children that were following her. She pushed the cape off her arms, freeing her arms. Most of them were girls and she figured it was the dress that had caught their attention. “Like some chocolate?” she asked. They seemed frightened but one of the very few boys stepped forward after a push from another girl.

He muttered a thank-you before tentavily reaching a hand out. He popped the chocolate drop in his mouth and his face lit up immediately, he took another. He waved for the other children to come forward, soon they were all surrounding her and the chocolate candies were long gone.

The girls reached out to stroke her dress, as the boys examined her cape. Mizu took off the cape and the boys took turns parading around the girls in it, Mizu was hard pressed not to burst out laughing. It was several feet to long on all of them. The girls giggled when she twirled on her feet, making the skirt flare. One of the slightly older girls took the ribbon from her and French-braided her hair.

Soon the children were called one by one away by laughing mothers and fathers. Soon there were only two children left. The girl who had French-braided her and a boy about the same age.

“Come on shorty, missy will be worried if we don’t show up soon.”

He received a lump from her fist. “Shurrup!”

They ran off.

Mizu laughed as she watched them bicker as they ran. They must be orphans that the village cared for. She turned to walk away replacing the cloak about her shoulders. The darkness seemed chillier and Mizu figured that it would be close to sunset, if the sun was out. She sighed and pulled the cloak closer to ward off chills. Still not noticing her followers.

Mizu walked around, wondering what exactly Syaoran was doing. She sighed before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned a smile on her face thinking it was Syaoran. Her face froze, “Can I help you?” she managed to ask politely.

Three men stood behind her, liquor on their breath. “Sure can lady, we’re looking for a good time,” one said his voice slurred. Her back burned in warning. This could not be good.

“I’m sorry I can’t help you there,” she turned to go, only to find the other two blocking most paths.

“Aw, don’t be that way,” said the dark haired man.

“It might hurt for a minute but that’s it,” said the dirty blond.

One of them grabbed her shoulders. She yanked out of his grasp only to be caught by another. She growled ferociously, opening her mouth to scream a hand covered it.

“Now, now, no need for that,” said the tow-head. She bit his hand clamping hard with her teeth. She felt bile blood fill her mouth, the hand was jerked away. Mizu spat trying to rid her mouth of the nasty taste.

“Little bitch!” he screamed backhanding her viciously.

Mizu’s head was thrown backwards, her neck straining. Her wings tried to escape from their cages. She focused on not letting them escape, that would not be good. She became slightly lax, all of her focus on her burning back. She felt a hand on her leg, under her skirt. Her wings almost escaped then. She kicked out and landed a hard kick on the dark head’s stomach. A fist connected with her stomach.

The burning flared before returning to a steady pain. They wanted to take her to safety in the sky, Mizu would not let them, she wanted to return to the village without staring eyes and mother’s ushering away their children. Most of her focus went back to her back, the pain spreading across her stomach was not helping her focus at all.

The men had enough of her fighting back, her arms were painfully held behind her back as they tore away Syaoran’s cloak. She growled and snapped, twisting and kicking as there hands roamed, they never to quite managed to claim her lips, she somehow managed to avoid that. They abused her as well. Hurting her legs, stomach, someone did something to upset her knee. She was going to have a hard time moving after this. If she could not get away soon, she would let her wings out, but she had a feeling that if she did that, they would die, she did not want to be the cause of death for anyone.

She it someone’s finger and tasted vile blood once again. Her teeth were almost yanked out as the pulled away their hand. Mizu opened her mouth. They conversed among themselves. She caught the words: pub, inn, room. Her blood turned cold about to scream she was thrown towards a door. She hit it with a sickening thud. She slid down, her head dazed, her wings stopped fighting to escape no doubt stunned as well. The door opened. She felt some thing grab the front of her dress, feeling her chest as well, she was lifted, punched again, and thrown backwards. She had the feeling they were angry about the bite.

She waited for the floor. It never came. She opened her eyes and found Syaoran’s strong jaw line above her. The crowd was roaring all mainly drunk. Her molesters were saying something. She could not quite make out what, someone appeared beside Syaoran talking softly and quickly. He ushered him out of the inn, making sure no one got killed.

Mizu dimly felt someone checking her for injuries, her head would not stop spinning. Slowly everything became steady. “I’m fine, can set me down,” she murmured, tripping over her own words.

Syaoran doubted her clearly, but heeded her request all the same. She could not find the center of gravity and clutched at Syaoran’s arm. Slowly her mind cleared, leaving behind a massive headache a sore mouth and aching stomach and collar-bone area.

“I’m fine…” she murmured again, this time much her voice was much clearer.

She looked around when a strange voice answered, “I’m glad.”

She met laughing blue eyes, that were worried. “Who are you?” He was clearly no vampire with auburn hair and blue eyes.

“A friend of Syaoran’s, name‘s Joe. Your friends from before came looking for you. Syaoran decided to dispose of them.” Seeing the worried look on her face he hastened to reassure her, “I’m sure he won’t kill them, might harm them, but not kill them. Syaoran has never killed anyone I don’t believe though he has come close to it.”

Mizu was slightly relived. Her back burned once more. Syaoran returned, his eyes glowed with fury in the darkness.

“You’re not hurt?”

Mizu shook her head, though It did not help her head. She winced as it protested the movement. She saw Syaoran stiffen ever so slightly.

I felt rather then see Joe become slightly smug. “Your bleeding,” he told me softly.

“Wha?” I felt some blood trickle out of my mouth, it must have been from when they punched me.

The smell of fresh blood seemed to overwhelm Syaoran’s sense of smell. I found hot air tickling my lips as an arm wrapped around my waist. Syaoran’s tongue licked away the blood, his tongue touching the corner of my lips. It felt so good… Being held by him… I cut off that line of thought fast.

I squirmed, “Syaoran,” I protested, scared of the feeling that welled up in my chest. I almost fell, Syaoran moved away so quickly and the wings escaping from my back, steadying me before I hit the ground, finishing the wear and tear on the back of the dress. I sighed as Joe’s amazement coursed through me. My wings seemed to enhance that particular gift… Syaoran was rather embarrassed and flustered, as well as annoyed with himself.

“A story, oh story, this will be great.” I heard Joe murmur.

I folded them close to my back, “Let’s just get out of here.” They became slightly smaller, though refused to become tiny or be drawn back into my back. My head spun way to much for me to even try. I managed to have them become small enough that the covered only my back falling to the small of my back. Joe pulled off his black cover, revealing a green shirt.

He offered it to me, I smiled my thanks and drew it over my head. It worked well. We exited the village in this way, Syaoran growling at anyone who try and approach us.

Outside of the gate, I returned Joe’s cover. “I’m sorry,” I muttered feeling slightly ridiculous for apologizing.

Surprise coursed through Syaoran though none could be seen in his expression. “Why?”

“Your cloak… It was ruined,” I said as if stating the obvious. I felt anger ripple through him once more, before becoming soothed.

“So any other hidden secrets?” Joe broke the awkward silence. I started in surprise having forgotten he was there.

“Well it’s not exactly a secret, more of a fact.” I said as if departing a large amount of information, “Her name is Rini, she loves to torture people. I hate dresses but she manages to find some way to make it so I never am able to wear anything else.”

Laughter coursed through Joe. Soon he was wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. Mizu seemed proud of the fact that she made Joe laugh. Mizu started laughing as well, she flinched slightly and settled with a bright but small smile. Joe noticed as did Syaoran.

Worry rippled through Syaoran, Joe chuckled a little before stopping. “Syaoran you really should do something about that lip and cheek.” Joe said lazily.

“Huh?” Mizu said smartly.

“One of Syaoran’s special talents,” Joe said as if stating the obvious.

“Healing?”

“Yes,” Joe replied. Syaoran seemed hesitant and Joe noticed. “Syaoran, she’s the one in pain not you. We’re waiting?”

Syaoran glared at him, anger once more coursing through him. Mizu felt something else well up inside of him, he held up a glowing hand. “If you want to try?”

Joe saw that Mizu was about to protest. “Syaoran, why are stalling!”

Syaoran growled at him, animalistic like. Syaoran’s hand, unusually warm for a vampire, touched her face gently. Her wings unfurled to their full length, quivering as Syaoran’s magic coursed through her body. Her back flared with heat in warning. She scowled, and forced it away. She knew Syaoran. She became slightly uncomfortable as she felt his magic move through the rest of her body. He leaned against her for support hand falling to her shoulder. The throbbing in her head and back receded. Her stomach calmed. Bruises that were forming around her wrists and on her legs stopped aching. She felt his magic enter her knee. She broke contact then, he did not want him trying to fix something like that, especially if he could see why it was wounded.

Her hands flashed out as he fell, catching him. She staggered under his weight. Joe came to help. “You were royally beaten, weren’t you now?” He lifted Syaoran’s arm over his head.

Syaoran stared at her, as he pushed off of Joe’s shoulder. His eyes flashed amber before returning to their deep amber brown, lighting slightly. Her black hair fell over her shoulder. He looked so weak. It scared her.

His eyes never left her, focusing on her eyes or neck. “What happened to your knee?”

“Probably fell on it the wrong way, it’ll be fine.” Mizu snapped, her cheerful demeanor gone.

“That knee is anything but fine,” Syaoran growled.

Cruel eyes, pale blue, almost translucent.

“Forget it,” snapped Mizu.

His eyes were amber. He was antsy as the walked, eyes glowing in the dark. Joe watched him closely. “What’s his problem?” Mizu asked.

Joe gave her a grim smile, “He used more energy than I thought he would have. He’s… hungry. His energy store is depleted.”

“Oh.”

A slight growl came from Syaoran. “Well… We should make camp,” Joe said.

“Why?” Mizu asked.

“I don’t go to the castle and Syaoran’s and mine… discussion was cut short. Would you care to return to the castle first?” Joe explained.

“No,” Mizu said.

“Okay then, I’m going to get some wood. It seems to be getting chilly.” Joe left, just like that. Mizu was left alone with a glowing-eyed Syaoran.

“Are you.. Hungry?” Mizu finally asked.

“Are you offering, again?”

Mizu almost shivered, when he was hungry he was always so different, “Will you be able to stop?”

He met her eyes, “I always manage at some point.”

“Well we’re not near any medical houses, so I can’t be rushed in. Can you stop in time?”

“Yes,” Syaoran said, his voice a dangerous rumble.

“Fine,” Mizu mumbled. “You can eat.”

Mizu found herself being drawn up from where she had sat down. “Syaoran,” she mumbled. Butterflies went through her stomach and chest. His nose was nuzzled against the nape of her neck. Suddenly she found her wrists gripped, they were raised above her head, against some tree that she had been backed up against, her wings drooping slightly on either side of the tree. She bit her lip as the grip around her wrists tightened. Teeth sunk into her neck, she groaned as her knees gave out.

She found herself pressed against the tree being supported only by Syaoran. Her mind could not think straight. Syaoran pulled away suddenly, violently almost. “Sorry,” he muttered. This seemed to be happening a lot…

Mizu accepted his apology silently. Her hand raised slightly and covered the blood on her neck, she wiped it away. Joe returned with an armful of wood, Mizu felt satisfaction in him. “Anything interesting happen?”

Cloth rustled, Rini appeared. “Well done Syaoran, You have the whole castle in an uproar. No I don’t blame you Mizu, but thanks to the irresponsibility of Syaoran I had to leave Kokari. What happened to your dress, wait just a second are those wings.” Rini circled Mizu like a vulture. Syaoran and Mizu gave up trying to calm her down. “They are, I love the design, the black feathers suit you hair so well… Well when did this happen? I wonder if there is dye that is the same quality as these-”

“Hello Rini,” Rini stiffened immediately. She whirled cloak ends falling into her hands as her cloak tightened around her, as if a protective shield.

“Joe,” she greeted curtly. He smiled lazily at her. Mizu felt anger course through both of them, not something to tease them on either.

“Rini.”

“If you’ll excuse me Mizu,” Rini said with a small smile. Her cloak wrapped around her and disappeared in flourish of cloth. Her voice echoed on the wind. “A new outfit will be waiting for you…”

Mizu reaction was a slight kink in her eye. Instead she focused in on Joe. “What just happened?”

Joe met her eyes as he leaned back lazily, he toyed with a small dagger, Mizu had not seen is appear into his hands. “Worried for your friend?” Mizu’s only answer was a glare. He stood up, form stiff. “She doesn’t like me. End of Story.”

Mizu glared up at the taller boy, his eyes met her in a dangerous motion. Mizu found herself being pulled away, “I allow a lot from you, leave her out of this.” Syaoran’s icy voice was a warning flick of a whip through the air.

Joe sat back down next to the fire, his lazy smile returning, he leaned back on his arms. “Of course.”

“Do you think I could fly?” Mizu asked randomly. Syaoran snorted from his spot where he was leaning against the wall. “What,” Mizu snapped feeling impatience course through him, something to do with childishness. “I’m gonna try it anyways.”

Syaoran heard the rustle of her full blown skirt. He looked up just in time to see her wings spread from the opposite side of the railing.

Syaoran sped to grab her, his fingers brushed against the overly soft tips of her wings. She plummeted towards the ground.

Mizu bit her lip to keep a scream from escaping. She managed to regain control of her freaking out mind and opened her wings. The wind caught them harshly almost yanking them out of her back, a short exclamation of pain escaped from her lips. She hovered for a little bit to catch her breath.

Her wings moved and she moved upwards. Maneuvering through the sky she flipped and somersaulted after gaining more courage. She giggled and spread her wings to full length, letting them completely emerge from her back.

She looked down at the castle, directly below her. She saw Syaoran nervous and edgy.