Enemy of My Enemy...

[Tsukiko]

(Closed to nightspoison)

Tsukiko panted heavily as she leaned on the wall outside the tavern. It was just a silly bet but that fight was hard and she almost broke the wooden sword that she was given. Her opponent was on the ground smiling and softly laughing. "I thought it would be an easy win." The man laughed as he got up and groaned from the bruise on his belly, leg and chest. "Guess it was you that got the easy win."

"It wasn't easy at all." Tsukiko smiled back. "You're a really tough fighter, I thought I had it when you countered my counter, that almost knocked me cold." The man smiled back as he tossed a bag of gold to the fox girl. "Thank you!" Tsu smiled as she caught the bag then bowed.

Many of the spectators were dumbfounded by the girl winning but a few did bet on the girl and they smiled widely as money exchanged hands in the dusty street. But amongst the crowd there was a pair of dark figures that wore the same black cloak as the man she faced. All of them had fancy clothes and when they whispered they were too quiet for even Tsukiko to listen in but then the two figures and the swordsman went to Tsukiko and offered a hand to shake. The vixen accepted the offer and wagged her tail as she felt the tight squeeze of the swordsman's grasp. "Hey girl, you're quite the expert." Tsukiko blushed as she heard the complement. "If you need to make some gold and help out the town's farmers could you hear me out. Let's go find a place to sit down." They led her into the tavern that was just there and led her into a room made for meeting.

Tsukiko was rather impressed by the room, it had a table of fine polished wood and the seats had soft cushions that made her rather comfortable even if her tail felt best in between her legs but the men weren't going to look down there. "So what would you like me to do?" Tsukiko asked she was curious which caused her tail to tickle herself from it's twitching.

"I'm afraid the outlying farms of this land are having dragon troubles. There's a dragon stealing from the farmers and their villages. He's taking cows and even maidens when he feels like a treat."

Tsukiko frowned as she looked between them. "Dragons don't steal. They're guardian creatures that protect people and the land. They don't eat cows or humans; they eat fish and vegetables."

The men looked dumbfounded and thought the girl stupid and were about to throw her out but then the swordsman spoke. "These aren't the dragons of your homeland. These are Corone dragons. Great and powerful barbaric lizards that exist only for their own greed. This one is out of control and he has to be stopped before he gets even more gall and attack the city. We need a warrior like you stop this thing, you beat me so you're strong and cunning. You might be the only one who can do this."

The other dark figure noticed the nervous ear twitch on Tsukiko's fox ear. "Don't worry, you'll have help, we hired another to help you out. She should be here anytime."

[Nightspoison]

The lights were dim in Mizami manor, the fire had been lit in the large marble hearth that accented the family parlor. A plush leather couch that was touched up with blue velveteen pillows, the air of the room was quiet. A thrall, her slender figure dressed up in a pretty black and white maid outfit was serving a beautiful red haired woman a glass of tea in a porcelain mug. She then bowed and left the room as a dark figure appeared. The woman looked up with shining blue eyes as she asked softly "What is it daddy? You look troubled?"

Raoul's imposing figure was a contrast to Rianna's delicate beauty, his hair was a deep luminous black, and his eyes were like shining green gems. His lips which normally were set in an arrogant smirk, were this time set in a thin line as he said sternly "My darling girl...haven't I told you to stop with this assassin business? I only gave you one job, to kill your horrible half-sister. I DID NOT tell my little sweet heart to go and sell herself out to any agency that was looking for a killer!"

Ri's smile was glimmering as she said coyly "But daddy, you told me not to be a goody two shoes like Sivi! Wouldn't that involve me being the exact opposite from her?"

Raoul's full lips pursued as he considered his daughter's words, a thin smile then graced his lips as he said shortly "True, but matters aside you have a caller. Go greet him in the foyer my dear girl."

It took the lithe vampiress a few moments to rise from her snuggled position. First she had to swing her legs forward, nearly hitting the expensive crystal and marble coffee table that matched the couch. After that she had to plant her little feet on the plush blue carpet that decorated the family living area. She then had to pad her way through the exquisite room, to the simple foyer.

The foyer was only decorated with a marble bust of the first ancestor of the Mizami family. The man's dark eyes and strong bearing were apparent in her father. She knew from the brief tussles she had with her sister, that her sister shared some of her family heritage, but her beliefs were completely different from the rest of the family. As Rianna frowned upon a picture that showed her father with his first wife and her half-sister. She could see the reason why her father had abandoned his first child, and had gotten rid of his first wife.

Weak is what they were, poor in strength is what Sivi is now. If her sister had been any different, she would also be living in the lap of luxury. Giggling a bit as Rianna watched a brown haired thrall take a man's black trench coat and disappear. Walking up to him shortly after the thrall left she asked "My father said you had business with me?"

"Yes ma'am" came a smooth voice as a top hat was removed to reveal strong yellow eyes. The body was hidden beneath a snug black shirt and matching black pants. He defiantly appeared dressed for business. Frowning as she realized this was way different from her normal agencies. Looking into his alluring eyes she asked "What is your business here?"

"I apoligize for visiting you all the way in Haidia, but you much come with me to Corone. There is a dragon running a muck and a heavy price will be paid to you if you help slay it m'lady." he then took Rianna's delicate hand and softly kissed it, his lips however lingered there far longer then what would be considered polite.

Ri blinked due to his charming manner, a laugh then bubbled out as she purred "You must really want me to come if your flirting."

The man's deep laugh rumbled across the manor foyer as the man said "Aye my dear lady. My group, Roaming Shadows only hires the best. We heard you as heir to the Mizami name was the best." he then moved to open the door for Rianna and said charmingly "After you sweet lady." he then took her hand and led her out the door, his other arm resting snugly on the small of her back.

The seductress did not respond as she let him lead her gently down the row of steps, she let him get a full view of her as they soon were out in the courtyard to Mizami manor. The night air was crisp and clear in Haidia as the two made their way out of Mizami manor's property. Nothing was said between the foxy vixen, nor her escortee.

Soon though they had reached the portal that led to Corone. Amazingly enough, not one demon, nor other vampire had come to see what they were up to. As she saw the swirling red and black vortex come to life, Ri couldn't help but ask "Just who are you? Human? Or other?"

The man chuckled lowly as he said jokingly "You think my agency would send a human to demon world? No babe, I'm like you, a vampire. Though we do have our share of humans and anthros in the agency. My pay is blood, slaves, that is why I work for them."

Licking her lips, Ri winked and said saucily "I thought so, otherwise you would have fallen for my charms already!"

The man smile was faint as he said plainly "Cocky as i heard Rianna Mizami. Your name has been whispered around dark alleys. The feud between you and your half-sister is well known." he then pulled her towards him, a suave smile on his lips as he moved his lips towards hers.

Ri's smile faded as she said arrogantly "Don't spoil my good mood." she then held up a hand as she replied tightly "Don't kiss me either if you speak of my sister."

The vampire's yellow eyes twinkled merrily as he changed the subject easily "Diam Foxwater"

"Excuse me?" Rianna said, her eyes blinking in confusion.

"That is my name babe." Diam said, a laugh in his voice.

"Oh..." Rianna said as the two begin to make their way down Corone's quiet cobble stone streets. All the shops were closed, not even the jewelry shop was open. The moon's pale blue light illuminated the pair as they made their way into a dim back alley. Soon sounds of life could be heard as the black market area was a buzz with life. Goods, better left sold in the dark of night were being exchanged in secret shops. Dark items, like poisons and enhanced weapons were being carted in shops hidden in shadowy alleys. Ri knew this business all to well as she followed Diam to a dark ware house that had the label seventeen on it.

Blinking as Diam led her inside, he then parted ways from her as she saw him go to a man in a dark red robe. Other burly guys were seated on various soft chairs around a fighting ring. It seemed this ware house was both a place to bet on a fights and a place of business for assasains and other hard jobs. A sigh passed through Rianna's lips as she saw an eager young female vulpine wagging her tail in one of the comfy looking chairs.

Frowning as she watched Diam saunter back to her she asked "Who is the peach?"

Diam smiled a bit as he said "Your partner, your job is to kill a dragon. Up for it?"

Rianna's jaw dropped as she simply said stunned "What?"

[Tsukiko]

Tsukiko had waited patiently for her partner and she was delighted to see the woman. It was going to be nice to work with another girl. The vixen smiled widely for a bit even as she heard herself being refereed to as a “Peach.” Peach wasn’t so bad to Tsu and all she could think of was a reference to youthful beauty. The vixen had stood up was ready for a greeting but the woman’s reply to her being partner stunned the fox girl.

This woman wasn’t at all happy and Tsukiko felt alone in the meeting room. The new girl fit in with this crowd and Tsukiko was feeling alien amongst the comfy chairs and fine clothes. Nervously the swordswoman straitened her kimono and bowed, her tail shivering a tad. “I’m Doji Tsukiko. I was chosen to be your partner because I was able to beat one of their best men in single combat and proved myself worthy.” The fox girl hoped and prayed that her partner would accept her reason for it was the truth.

Sure it was going to be a hard job to kill the dragon but Tsukiko was sure that she could do it or at least she wanted to see the dragon before backing down. If the dragon was really a guardian spirit then Tsu would refuse. But things were in order and she was sure she could help.

There was no way she was going to let some monster run amok.

When Tsu looked up, she looked into the woman’s face in hopes to see it light up. The woman was very beautiful and cold looking. She seemed like the kind that men would fall over for in a moment’s notice. She also seemed to have some strange qualities and she had a different scent from the others. Tsu’s nose wasn’t very good for a kitsune but she could tell that the woman smelled different and so did the man that brought her here.

“I’m really sure we will be able to take down the dragon. I’m a very good swordswoman even though I may not look it.” Tsukiko wagged her tail anxiously, she wasn’t lying but she really didn’t like to brag about her skills but she wanted the woman to trust her and not be so upset with the partnership.

[Nightspoison]

This little fox looks better suited in a fashion show. Even if she said that she beat one of Roaming Shadows best men, how can I be sure she can slay a dragon? From the books I read, those creatures are nigh impossible to slay. Rianna thought this as her shining blue eyes roamed over Tsukiko's kimono clad body. The peach was built well for an anthro, her hair was pulled back in a shining ponytail, her hair color highlighted by the pale dim lights that lit the ware house building. Despite her nervous look, Rianna could see strength in the girl's eyes. It reminded her of Sivi's strength, a groan came from her lips as she thought Great...since when do assassin agencies hire goody-two-shoes?

Choosing to ignore Tsu's plea for Rianna to trust her, the foxy vixen instead turned to Diam. Tapping a finger to her lips she asked "When do we move out Diam hun? I'd like to leave soon, you know day break will bring us trouble."

Diam's eyes were coy as he considered Rianna with a saucy smile. He saw the way the Mizami heir had considered her partner, her noble purity for their heritage showed clearly in the way that she had brushed the fox girl off. Moving to take her into his arms, he stroked her long red locks and said smoothly "Soon my dear. Master Ryu is now gathering us supplies. After all we don't want to find ourselves short on anything when we travel."

Rianna started to pout, her alluring blue eyes turned sad as she purred "But honey, we can find our own supplies! We don't-"'

Diam pressed a finger against her smooth lips, his eyes were dark as he said strictly "Miss Mizami do not show disrespect for my agency. You should know the law with our kind, you work for us, we provide supplies. Don't let that cockiness of yours get you in a tight pinch m'lady."

Taken aback by his change in attitude the seductress gingerly removed herself from Diam's soft hold. She then fell silent. Her arms crossed moodily over her breasts as she thought [I[ I should have brought my thrall with me...at least that way, I'd have something to entertain myself with....[/I] But no, she hadn't she had left her precious toy back at Mizami manor. Now she wished that she had taken the thought to summon him, but no she had been so fixated on Diam's beauty, that she had paid no thought to any other comforts she could have divulged herself in. Now she was stuck with a handsome man who struck her interest and a little peach fox girl who was eager to go and slay a dragon. A sigh finally came from her lips as she uncrossed her arms. In a curt voice she said "Fine Diam, we'll play by your rules...."

Diam's stern face turned light as he moved to pat her soft hair, a grin came quick to his face as he cooed "Good girl."

Ri wasn't quite Mollies, but she did relent. A grin came to her face as she replied softly "You sound like my father....I'm not a kid you know..."

Diam moved to kiss Ri's cheek as he said kindly "I know darling. Your a full grown woman, your body displays that quite prudently."

A small mousy woman then came up to him, a large rucksack was in her tiny hands, pushing it into the taller man's free hand she squeaked "Here are your supplies Master Diam! Everything you requested is in there!" her frightened brown eyes then turned to Rianna, a squeal came from her as she scurried off quickly.

Smiling as he moved his arms into the straps, Diam said "Seems like she knows you...."

Rianna just smiled secretly as she said "I might've run into her, but now that we have the supplies we can start leaving." She then moved to head towards the warehouse exit as she finally responded to Tsukiko "Just don't get in my way peach. You may say your capable, but you have yet to prove that to me..."

[Tsukiko]

Tsu hardly could believe the sight before her. Was this girl for real? She ignored the kitsune only to wrap up in the arms of Diam. What was with those two? The fox girl was glaring at the pair with utter disgust. She was nervous at first when trying to explain herself but this was silly.

They were going to kill a dragon, not go on a moonlit stroll. The ronin vixen’s tail whipped back and forth as she looked away and the swordsman looked at her. “Don’t let it get to you. They’ll be serious when the chips are down. Both are the best.”

The vixen shook her head as if to get water off of it. There was a part of her heart that was jealous of them. Tsu wished there was someone around as well, though not to bicker like that. Was the assassin girl in heat? The vixen sniffed the air but while there was perhaps a twinge of pheromones but she wasn’t sure. Humans didn’t have strong smells.

Then once the pair stopped the silliness, another woman came in. She was small and average looking girl came with bags and Rianna turned again to Tsukiko with a nasty message. The fire tailed vixen was shocked and puffed up her tail. She had gone from nervous to annoyed to somewhat angry. “I won’t get in your way. I’m taking this job seriously.” Her tone was edged with anger but she wouldn’t accuse the woman out right but Diam stared at her.

“I won’t have such behavior on my watch. You can carry the bags.” The dark man said as he looked right into her eyes. Tsukiko was petrified by the glare and her fox half wanted to run away but her warrior side just had her stay. But she didn’t argue and just took the bags.

The night sky was pretty though Tsu was stewing too much to enjoy it. “So where does this village lie?” The fox asked hoping that she’d get there soon as she can. Hopefully there will be a rest before attacking the dragon.

[Nightspoison]

Diam had a wry smile on his handsome face. As the trio left the warehouse, they used the cover of shadows to make their way out of the black market area of Corone. He knew just where they needed to go, first they needed to pick up a trio of horses that Roaming Shadows had hired for the mercenary fox girl and the dark vampire assassin. The only reason he had agreed to come a long, was due to his master's request. As he looked up into the bright blue moon, he recalled just what his leader had told him.

Flashback from just 10 minutes ago

"My dear Diam, you know the Mizami heritage, they think anyone that is not of their race is below them. Hence is why I sent you to pick up the arrogant little brat. Furthermore, I'd like you to go a long with them, as a buffer to make sure that Miss Mizami does not sink her teeth or claws into the comely fox." the red robed man said removing his robe briefly to show a pale pointed face with dominating cold gray eyes. His power was slightly evident as he stared at his handsome associate's face.

Diam had a cocky smile on his face as he boasted "Not a problem Master! I already have the dark flower addicted to me! You can bet that I will make sure those two fix the problem!"

The powerful Master shook his head as he said pointedly "Why did I pair you with her? Don't let your cocky attitude mix with hers Diam. Otherwise trouble might occur."

Diam smirked as he said airily "Don't worry. I'll behave!" He then sauntered back from his master, though he did agree that his master was right. If the two did not have an escort, then they'd probably end up killing each other.

The dark vampire's body felt good, it had been a long while since he had been out of the agency's secret hide out for his kind. The night air smelled crisp, the smell of the humans was tantalizing to his senses, but he knew that the mousy little scaredy cat had packed blood packets to satisfy both Rianna's and his hungar. He knew very well that none of the authorities or hunters should be alerted to their presence, otherwise their mission would be in jeopardy.

A sultry voice interrupted Diam's inner thoughts as she said whining "Diam honey! How much further? We've been traveling for a while now!"

Diam sighed as he said succinctly "It has just been ten minutes Ri hun." he then turned to look at the fox girl, whom he had forced the bags on to shut her up. In a coy voice he asked "What about you Tsu honey? How you holding up?"

"DIAM!" Ri said her voice hot with anger as she pulled him possessively towards her, "Don't talk to the fox! She-" a finger was pressed to her lips as the handsome vampire gave her stern eyes. A groan escaped her as she mimicked like a parrot "Fine, I'll be a good girl!" she then fell silent as the trio entered a pristine kept stable.

A youth with strawberry-blonde hair came up to the three. His eyes roamed over both beauties and then turned to the man. In a voice caught between puberty and childhood he asked "What can I do ya for?"

Diam answered easily, his soft eyes merry as he said quickly "Horses, they were booked beforehand."

"Very well sir." the youth said as he led the three to three already saddled horses. Pointing at each he recited "The black stallion is for you sir, the gentle eyed chestnut is for the fox-girl and for you madam the black bay with the pretty eyes."

Rianna smiled wide at the boy, her shiny red hair glistened beneath the dim candle light, moving to her horses she said jovially 'Thanks kid." She then mounted her mare and cooed her onward rubbing the mare's mane.

Diam then mounted his stallion who whinnyed confidently as he reared up and galloped out of the barn.

The three then quickly exited from the well-kept stable. Leaving the smells of horses and hay behind them, they traveled over the cobble-stone roads and into farm territory.

A large brown barn was prominent on the horizon, surrounded by corn fields that looked to be struggling. Frowning as Rianna approached, her eyes turned to look up at the moon, it appeared to slowly be disappearing. A frown graced her face as she whispered "We may have to take shelter, night seems to be disappearing." she then reigned her bay mare towards the barn, her intentions to take shelter there clear.

Diam nodded as he murmured "Agreed, though Tsu." he gave the vulpine a warm smile as he asked "Can you scout a head for us? We need information on the dragon's habits so we can best formulate a strategy to attack it." he then galloped after Ri and her horse, hoping that the foxy vixen would follow his orders.

[Tsukiko]

Tsukiko thought she would hate traveling but actually it wasn’t so bad even if she had to carry the bags. Tsukiko was rather surprised that the small women that gave them could carry them herself since it wasn’t super easy to carry them. But there was one thing that made the trip easier, with the fact that Diam was actually caring for the vixen instead of leaking venom like Ri.

“Um I’m all right. The bags aren’t too heavy.” Tsu answered after the Rianna and Diam had an altercation. It was good that he was the leader for if she was then Tsu had more to worry about than carrying the luggage.

It was good to see him take a stand for the vixen’s benefit and it kept the journey pleasant. And the horse she got was just wonderful. Tsu petted the lovely equine as it seemed to go with only minor coaxing and Tsu did well with the good-natured beast on her first time. Normally Tsukiko was fine with walking and if she needed to go quicker she had ways that would out speed the horse.

The country side was nice in the early morning even though it was quite dark. When the world started to show signs of day light, her partners started to get uneasy. They said something about seeking shelter and sending the kitsune to scout.

“Umm Ok. I’ll see if I can find the dragon. I’m not really sure if he’ll show his self. I’m going to need a bit of sleep before we move too.” Doji waved goodbye as she started to head off toward the village. She didn’t mind at all since the early morning was the best time of day. The way the sun broke the hills and glowed everything in red and how the sun warms the skin in the cool air was one of the best feelings. It did make her a little homesick. She was missing the morning spent in the hot springs with her mother.

Tsu kept going across the green fields. Everything looked pristine until she crested a small hill. The horse seemed to have gotten the scent of something and the horse hesitated. Thankfully it didn’t try to throw the kitsune. Some of the grass was burnt by fire. The dragon probably was the cause. Tsu went further and could see the village as it went about its peaceful life.

But as Tsu got closer they seemed hectic. She was starting to worry as they started to run around like something was on fire. Even with her large fox ears she could not make out the words. But something was wrong. Tsu went forward to check it out.

“I’m not sure I like this.” Tsu said to her horse who seemed to have become her friend. “Do you think that dragon’s around, little horsey?” Then her fears were proven true as a great beastly scream echoing from the sky.

Tsu saw the great lizard circling above as it watched the peasants run around like headless chickens. The great beast laughed at the show of them and Tsu was petrified for a moment. “No Tsu, don’t stay still.” She hopped off her horse and got low. “Stay safe horsy.” She said as she watched the creature terrorize the farmers.

[Nightspoison]

The barn's interior was large and spacious, inside their was an expanse of abandoned horse stalls. It seemed that only a couple days ago this place had been in use. The remains of hay were left in the stalls, a pitchfork, bright silver and almost new was stacked against a wall near the double doors. The smell of horse oil and horses was still strong in the air. Reins were still stacked on metal hooks in a pegged board near the first stall. There was also the remains of water bottles strewn by a simple, pock marked worn table. Paper plates, the remaining crumbs of food on them were thrown on the table. It appeared that whoever had lived here had left in a great hurry.

This concerned the sly seductress as she and her escort entered the simple barn. Wrinkling her noise as the acrid smell of something burnt also reached her nostrils, she turned to Diam her shining blue eyes wide as she whined "Diam! It stinks in here...I thought you said that this place was safe? You told me the lay out of this area briefly on our walk here from Haidia! But, you did not mention that this place would stink like fire!"

The coy vampire's dark eyes were concerned as he begin to rummage through one of the stale piles of hay. Coming up with what appeared to be a half burnt shoe, he sighed as he said blandly, "The beast must have attacked this place. It appears that he is going after more then just farm animals now..."

Rianna groaned audibly as she firmly crossed her arms over her pert breasts, glaring at the assassin before her she said curtly "You did not tell me that this beast might go after us!"

Diam gave her a dull look as he said hoarsely "Babe...I had no idea either! The reports my master gave me said it was feeding off live stock and fish! It never gave any clue that this foul creature was feeding off human flesh!"

Rianna smirked at Diam's plea, in a hollow voice she scoffed "Honey! I don't care about the human life! They are just cattle, what I worry about is my life!"

Taking the scared vixen into his strong arms he whimpered "What am I? Chopped liver?"

The night beauty then looked up at her protector, leaning into plant her lips on his she cooed 'Aww baby, your not. I'm just frightened...I," looking up at him with watery blue orbs she whimpered "Just don't know if I can fight."

Diam sighed as he stroked her hair to calm her, in a soothing voice he cooed "I got your back babe, just do your thing. I'll be right behind you!" he then locked his lips warmly with her own sweet ones.

As the two were illuminated by the dull artifical lights that were installed on the roof of the barn, sounds and smells from outside filtered in through the closed barn doors. Human voices whispering quietly could be heard. One was audible as the words "The wind smells funny. That crazed beast might be near." could easily be heard. However, despite the fear that was in the wind, the two vampires ignored the human's pleas. Much as Diam said that he did not know that the mystical dragon was feeding on humans, he like Rianna did not care much.

Humans to them were cattle, food much like the dragon was using them for. If it wasn't for the fact that the two seductive vampires were getting paid to slaughter this dragon, they probably would have ignored the plight of the farmers.

Giving a sniffle for good measure, Ri said in a soft whisper "Alright sweetie. If you have my back, I can fight..." in her head she thought Perfect. This way he can do all the work...and I'll get the credit for it!

[Tsukiko]

The horse had fled in terror but Tsu stayed laying on her belly. The feeling of soft earth and grass would have been comforting if the fox girl wasn’t watching a massacre. The dragon was on the ground daring any to come at him and fall to fiery breath or claws the size of swords. One scene was truly gruesome the dragon had taken a quick flight to land near a woman and picked her up in his claws and then moved her to his mouth.

Tsu closed her eyes but she could still hear the screams that didn’t end. The woman kept screaming and the vixen could almost see in her mind the torture of being eaten alive. “I have to stop him.” Tsu steeled herself as she rose to her feet and took her bow in hand. She took an arrow in hand. The range was rather long but the target was big, easily the broad side of the barn and she could hit that at this range. She notched the arrow and aimed. It was far and it was more luck than skill so Tsu was quick as she fired.

The arrow sailed and hit the dragon as it licked the blood from its jaws. The missile harmlessly bounced away but the dragon’s eyes shot to the fox girl’s position. “Oh little archer! You made a terrible Mistake!” The creature howled with mirth as it took flight toward the fox girl.

“Damn, that’s not what I want.” Tsu fell to the dirt and warped the light around her. The dragon landed nearby with a thud. “Where are you, little archer?” The voice thundered and gave Tsu a headache. The vixen laid still as she could but she shivered slightly. The magic held and the dragon looked around and saw the horse. “Oh You’re a quick one.” The dragon was in the air again and came down on the horse.

The magic failed as the vixen sat up and opened her mouth but held back a scream. The horse didn’t deserve that. It was such a nice animal and didn’t deserve to be eaten like that. Tsukiko blamed herself but she couldn’t do anything the equine was dead. But Tsu had her chance to get away. The dragon was distracted and she could reach into her power. The vixen glowed silver as her body shrank down, her skin was covering itself in feathers and her arms became wings as her clothing emptied itself into the void. There stood a little hawk, something the dragon wouldn’t notice or care about. The shape changer took to the sky and looked for the barn.

The burnt up building showed in the distance and Ki darted down to it before landing and changing back. She would have enjoyed flying but she was too scared and even then her heart was beating faster than it should. The fox girl loped into the shelter with her tail dragging only to see the other wrapped in each other’s arms.

Things weren’t looking up for the woman at all. With Diam so close to Ri, Tsu didn’t have a chance. She had no ally now only a woman that hated her and the closest one to a friend was lying with that woman. “I, I’m sorry. I saw the dragon but I didn’t learn anything and he ate the horse.” Tsu confessed as she felt her legs go weak. She was going to get it now. Maybe she should run from the two and away from the dragon to another nation, maybe back home. No, there was no escaping the punishment no matter how unfair it was. Tsu was the one that risked her tail while they rested in peace. She at least did something but life wasn’t fair.

[Nightspoison]

For a few more brief moments the barn was quiet, outside the two vampires could still hear the fretful whispers of the villagers. Their voices growing more and more agitated as their fear of the dragon increased. But, soon those fear-filled voices turned into screams of panic. Within minutes of the screams came the smell of sulfur and hot fire. It seemed that the dragon had appeared searching for its next meal.

As its loud majestic roars could be heard in the barn's still air, the two occupants of the barn turned to stare at the sunlit crack in the barn. Fear was plastered on the pale female's face as she literally clutched to her male partner's arm. The fear was there not because people were dying outside, but because she was scared because she did not want to die.

As much as Rianna put up a tough front for people, as much as she liked to appear the cocky little assassin, when it came to her own life. She was nothing more then a scared little rat looking for the nearest and safest mouse whole to hide in.

Now her teeth were chattering inaudibly as her arm clung to Diam's well-muscled arm. In her heart she wanted him to go out there, to slay the dragon valiantly and come back and sweep her off her feet. However, her more rational side told her 'No' not to do that. The reason being; it would make her just like her soft as butter half-sister.

The sexy seductress knew the reason why her father hated Sivienna, why his first wife had not been deemed 'perfect' it was their gentle hearts. He hated anyone who showed mercy, or who asked for it in return. He preferred woman who were hard, cold and sexy, who only valued themselves, and who thought anyone who was not their kind was beneath them.

A sigh escaped barely noticeable, but Diam released her, his dark deep eyes looking at her. In a soft voice he was about to ask her what was wrong, but they were interrupted when the door swung open. Bringing in a bathe of hot killing sunlight and the silhouette of the fox vixen they had sent to scout. Hearing the roars and tauts of the dragon clearly now. The strong vampire groaned as he and Ri barely poked their heads out of the hay they had dove in for cover.

His voice was harsh as he said "Tsuskiko! What have you done? We did not ask you to bring the dragon TO US!"

Rianna's voice was even more biting as she screamed "Stupid childish fool! Your going to kill us with these antics!" gritting her fangs, she chose to drive the knife deeper into the kit's heart by finishing "Your no warrior! A warrior would not bring death to her door!"

[Tsukiko]

Tsukiko had thought she had lost the dragon but her face went pale as she was scolded by her partners. “I, I did my best to lose him.” The vixen stammered before the scream of the dragon made her legs quiver and fail. The fox girl sat there for a few moments. “I’m sorry . . . ” She whispered, not sure what else to do.

She had failed and it was over, the three were trapped in a barn with a fire breathing dragon at the door. Some tears of shame ran down the girl’s cheek. It was such a simple task and she failed. Rianna was right; Tsu was no warrior. The vixen wished that she was at home now and safe. But then reality came back as a claw reached for her and Tsukiko dove behind some old pitchforks away from the entrance.

“Come out little Archer. I know you’re in there.” The dragon laughed as brought his head down to peer into the barn. “I’ll just burn you out and that’s no fun.”

Tsukiko shivered and then Diam yelled out to the vixen. “Hey, grab that tarp and give it here. Me and Ri need cover to escape.” The vampire ordered to send Tsu into action.

The vixen wondered what the tarp was for since there was no protection from dragon fire from it. But still it was an order and Tsu scampered to the tarp and brought it to the vampires. The dragon laughed. “Stop wasting time, girl. Bring your friends out so we can have some fun.”

Tsu felt a chill run down her spine. There seemed nothing she could do. The pair couldn’t get very far running away while wrapped up in canvas. She had to do something.

The dragon was getting impatient so it roared and let lose a small stream of fire to ignite the barn to force them out. Tsu had to do something she had to run a distraction. The fox girl fled out of the barn and saw the dragon grin and swipe at her. It wasn’t hard for the girl to dodge by jumping over but she had to run for cover as a jet of flame came at her and singed her tail. She was almost roasted alive.

Tsu’s heart raced as she grabbed her bow. It got her into this mess and it was going to get her out. There was one chance and she was close so it might work. The dragon stared at her hard with its piercing gaze. “I smell your fear archer. I can’t wait to taste you as I devour you. Such a sweet scent, little virgin.”

Tsu was surprised that the dragon knew that, was it by her scent? Still she found her bravery fading as she saw the great yellow eye locked on her. She had only a split second to shoot or it wouldn’t work. The warrior fox slowed her breathing and grabbed her bow again and aimed for the eye and shot without thought. The dragon screamed as blood spurted out of the eye.

The dragon let out a Geyser of flame strait up. “Run!” Tsu yelled as she herself ran from the dragon. The great monster was breathing fire blindly wanting to burn everything and thankfully the vixen had got out of harms way. There was no way she could do any more harm to the dragon now as flames kept jetting out. Hopefully when they regrouped it would be a place where she could get some rest.