Mai ran the sound of twigs and leaves breaking under her feet. She wasn't sure how far from the village she had ran but her legs were starting to burn and her breathing was erratic. There was no way she would chance stopping for a break, they'd be on her in a second if she wasn't careful. She weaved through the trees and surrounding bushes. A ripping sound rang out. Looking down Mai saw that her skirt had snagged on a nearby tree ripping it to where most of her thigh was showing. Heavy footsteps were coming closer as she used the last of her energy to speed up to put her at a greater distance.

"Stop girl, we know you can't run forever!"

The voice was only a few steps behind her and Mai could feel the man's breath brush her shoulder.

They're going to catch me. I wasn't fast enough this time. My eyes stung but I wouldn't let them get the satisfaction of see my tears. I felt a large arm wrap around my waist as I was pulled back and forced to the ground. I tried to push myself up thinking the man would need time to recover himself. However once I had gotten to my knees a hand grabbed the fabric of my dress at the small of my back and forced me back down to the ground. Roughly my left shoulder was shoved and I was pinned on my back. I kicks and punched the man trying to get away but there was no use. He grabbed my wrist tightly and pinned them to each side of my head. I glared in to the man's eyes as he smirked down at me.

"I told you girl, running wouldn't stop us from getting you. Now look at all the trouble you caused us. If it weren't for the king wanting you alive I would have killed you the moment you turned to run."

I finally noticed that the other two men had caught up and were silently standing a few feet away from us. Their faces twisted in to sickening smiles as they looked at me. My body stiffened as my eyes returned to the man who was still holding me down.

"Don't worry little miss we'll take very good care of you like we do the other women." He smiled darkly

"Ha, like the women in the village covered in bruises and cuts?" I spout out at him with venom in my voice.

It wasn't anything new. Everyone in the village knew what the kings men did to pretty girls they found or stole off of the streets. Some were even foolish enough to think being with one of the kings men would win them favor and would receive special treatment among the others. However these men were cruel and barbaric. Many of the women ended up dead after a while. Mai herself had been lucky to find a job at a local pub and wasn't begging on the streets like the other orphans. She had always been eye candy to these sick men. A young 18 year old girl working in a pub with a cute face and an innocent aura made her a target. Not to mention rumors had it that she had been able to see the future and escaped from a village that the king had attacked and eventually taken over. Mai was the sole survivor of the attack of raven creek. So no one could confirm or deny the rumors and the girl herself wouldn't speak on the matter.

"Hey Boss, how about we have some fun with this girl first. In the kings letter it said to bring her to him alive but not untouched." He said it with a slight laugh as the man standing next to him and added on.

"Yeah and look at that she made it easy for us" he said pointing a hand at Mai

Mai's pov

I followed the direction to where he was pointing only to be horrified at what I finally noticed. The rip in my skirt now rested on my hip leaving me exposed and in a highly compromising position. I began to struggle again once the panic had set in.

"Oh now, now don't start that again. You might enjoy yourself. Having us experienced men help you learn how it's done. But if you're good I'll keep you to myself and tell those animals to leave you be. If you didn't know I've been appointed leader of this territory by the king himself. "He said still grinning

Then he forced my hands above my head and holding them down with only his left hand this time. And reached for something behind his back with he's right. He pulled out a dagger and brought it close to my neck as the tip slowly dragged across my collarbone.

"Oh what do we have here a necklace?"

The blade went flat against my skin and slide under the chain pulling it up so he could take a better look.

"You leave it alone. I won't let you take it from me!" I hiss

"Awwww the little girl wants her necklace how cute"

"Hey Boss its silver isn't it? We could sell it for a drink at the pub"

"That might not be such a bad idea Claude, unless this girl's got something she's willing to tread for it" he said

Looking down at me he moved closer to my face. The rage in me was building up and I had, had enough of them taunting me.

"I won't tread you a God damn thing!"

I spit in his face catching him off guard as I managed to get one hand free. I sat up and swung with all my strength making contact with his nose. Blood dripped on my dress and the man let out a groan. But I was too busy glaring at him with a grin to stop him from swinging his hand and slapping me across the face. The force of it had been so strong I slammed back against the ground. My face was on fire and I tasted metal in my mouth.

"I'll show you, I'll show you what happens when you cross me little girl!"

Mai was grabbed by the hair then violently slammed against the ground. The world around her became somewhat fuzzy but she fought the urge to pass out. The dagger was now pointing at her chest and working its way between two buttons on the front of her dress. No one had noticed the two dark hooded figures watching not far away. The shorter of the two pulled a sword from its holster gripping it tightly as he walked towards the group of men and the poor girl.

Mai's pov

I wasn't sure what was happening really. I felt the blade on me one minute but then the hand that had held me down let go. I heard shouts and the sound of metal hitting metal but I couldn't see yet my eyes were blurry and my jaw hurt. I heard foot steps behind me but they soon became distant. Had they gone? I heard a man's voice and hoped it was Monk or John who had come to save me.

"Monk...?"

"Sorry miss... I'm not a monk."

I forced my vision to focus and saw a pair of deep blue eyes looking at me through the opening of the hood. I got to my feet and stumbled a little. I heard a sound behind me and got scared as a very tall man with black hair stared at me. I don't know why but I took a step back and ran as fast as I could. He looked very angry at me and I wasn't sure who either of them were. For all I Knew king urado had sent his best men to fetch me.

"WAIT!" a man's voice called after me.

Back in the village

"Takigawa!"

A red haired women crashed through swinging doors of the pub. Her face looked distressed and was panting as if she had ran here from somewhere far away. A tall man with his brown hair tied in a ponytail turned around after taking down a chair from on top of the pine wood bar. He smiled at the panting women.

"Aww Ayako, I know I'm good looking but running so much might throw out your back. Next time just rid your broom here" he laughed

"This isn't the time for your stupid jokes you worthless monk. Mai's gone..."

This seemed to get his attention as his face became serious and he rushed up to the panting women giving her a shake.

"What do you mean she's gone!?"

Back in the woods

Mai kept running but she had slowed down a great deal. Her mind was foggy again and nothing she saw made sense. Why was she running? Where was she trying to go? She could hear heavy footsteps running at some distance behind her. They were getting close and a voice was calling but Mai couldn't hear what it was saying. Suddenly her body gave out from exhaustion and she fell limp to the cold ground. Her eyes felt heavy and they closed slowly as darkness surrounded her.

"NOLL! Why are we helping this girl, she has nothing to do with our mission"

"Yes Lin I'm aware of that. What did you want me to do just let those men have their way with her?"

"No of course not, But we also need to stay focused. If anyone finds out who you are we could put that girl in worse danger along with us."

Noll's pov

Lin and I had stopped running after seeing the girl fall to the ground. I knelt down and turned her over looking for injuries. Luckily she only seemed to have a swelling cheek. But I noticed a trial of blood coming from the corner of her lip. Those monsters had chased down some poor girl and roughed her up in the middle of the woods, some men they are hiding under the cover of the forest so their crime could go unseen. I ran my fingers over her cheek to see if anything was broken and I saw her eyes tighten in pain. Withdrawing my hand I turned to Lin who was standing off to the side watch.

"Go get the horses."

Lin walked away in the direction we had come. I placed my arm under the girls back and was going to do the same with her knees when I noticed the slit in the skirt. I wonder if those man had done it. From what I knew the guy who had been on top of her was named Kaname. He was one of urados closes allies and had been named the overlord of the area. I looked at the girls face again before moving away from her and removing my hooded cape. I put it around her and lifted her into my arms. Once I heard the sound of horses approaching I walked in their direction finding Lin holding the reins of my black steed. I climbed on adjusting the sleeping girl so she'd be sitting sidesaddle. Her head resting against my chest. I could feel her breath on my neck. I took the reins from Lin and we were off back to our campsite in the mountains.

Back at the pub

After finally getting Takigawa to stop shaking her Ayako had told him what had happened when she arrived at Mai's house. The redhead had gone over to bring Mai some medicine for a fever she had the night before. However when walking up the steps a neighbor of Mai's had stopped her in a haste. She was told by the elderly women that three men had approached Mai as she was leaving for work. All she managed to overhear was something regarding a king's decree, that's when the young girl had bolted down the street and to the road leaving town.

"Damn it how could this have happened? What would they want with Mai anyway?" Said monk as he paced back and forth

"I don't know but we need to fine her. I'm worried about what could happen to her. Mai's strong but against three men and unarmed she can't do much" said Ayako as she chewed on her nails.

"Your right lets go get John, the three of us can look for her. And who knows she might have looked for safety at the church."

They both left the pub and rust down the busy streets of the market place. Venders lined the sidewalks with everything from food, clothes to the more expensive things like jewels and weapons. By the time they had reached the church midday mass had ended and Father Brown was standing outside saying farewell to all those who had attended and watching the orphans playing tag.

"Hello Ayako, Takigawa it's good to see you." He waved and gave them a bright smile

Once they had come up the steps John could see something was wrong. They both had stony faces and Ayako looked as if she'd cry at any moment.

"What's wrong?" he asked with concern in his eyes

"Hey John, is Mai here with you?"

"No I haven't seen her all day. Why, is there something wrong with Mai?"

Monk gave a quick at Ayako who hadn't said anything yet. He faced John again

"The kings men have taken Mai…John could you help us… look for her."

Takigawa shook with frustration. He had always looked after Mai and had convinced the pub owner to hire her and a waitress when they first met. The girl always seemed to have a smile on her face and was sweet. You couldn't tell she was an orphan by just looking at her, she didn't hold resentments or grudges on life just because it was hard for her. She'd fine happiness and joy where she could and would hold on to it gently like nursing an injured bird.

Noll's pov

The sun had already gone down for the night. The girl in my arms hadn't woken up once during our five hour travel. The air had gotten colder but I stayed relatively warm due to the girl's body heat. Lin hadn't spoken to me since we had fought off the king's bottom feeders. I understood perfectly well that interfering would blow our cover but I couldn't allow a crime to occur. I watched this small girl punch a tyrant square in the face and smile in victory. No matter how small of a victory it was. I shook the thoughts from my mind as I focused back on the path ahead. The cave that was our campsite was coming in view and I tightened my grip on the girl as I felt her sway backwards.

"Noll, I'll make dinner you keep an eye on her." Lin walked further into the cave to build a fire

I jumped down from my horse and tied it to a tree nearby. Then carefully slid the sleeping girl off and carried her over to my bed. I laid her gently down on to the thin mat. Then left to get some water from small stream for the horses. It was a good thing that it was cold tonight, I could use the water to ice down the girl's cheek. I walked silently and listened to the crickets chirping. Once at the steam I knelt down letting my hands rest in the cool water. Then bring some water to my lips as I drank and then washed my face. It had been a long day.

"Gene you idiot where are you? You cause me so much trouble." I said while looking up into the stary sky

I carried the full bucket of water back to the cave and filled a little bowl with water. I left the bucket for the horses and walked over the sleeping girl. Who was she? The king wouldn't want her if she wasn't important in some way. I thought out all the possibilities in my head as I folded a rag and soaked it in the bowl of water, ringing it out and gently holding it against the swollen cheek.

Mai's pov

My eyes were still closed as I felt something cold on my face. The burning from earlier had mostly gone away but the soreness hadn't.

"Ayako?"

I held on to the hand that held the rag to me face. But is wasn't Ayako's. It was larger and felt like a man's hand. Maybe Monk or John had found me.

"Are you awake now miss?"

I bolted up right and regretted it a second later as I had made myself dizzy. And laid back down. I let out a moan as I opened my eyes again and turned my head to the man that was sitting beside me.

"Next time don't sit up so fast dummy."

I would have said something in return for his insult but he had a point and I wasn't feeling well enough to be auguring with a stranger. So I just stared at him. He looked to be my age with deep blue eyes but in the dim light they almost looked purple. I have to admit he was quite handsome. He was dressed in all black which made his skin look paler in the glow of the fire. He was looking at me as well and he gave me a bright smile. Yes it did make him look even more handsome and charming than a moment ago but I felt like it wasn't a genuine smile. The emotion on his face didn't match the one I saw in his eyes so I at up looked down at my hand for a while feeling somewhat unsure of the situation.

"What's you name." He asked

"My name … My name is Mai sir."

"Nice to meet you Mai, I'm Kazuya Shibuya"

The conversation was cut short as Lin remerged from the depths of the cave. The glow of the camp fire illuminated the surrounding walls.

"So I see she's awake. Maybe it would be best if she left now."

"Lin she can't leave now it's the middle of the night. It would cause us more trouble it those men from earlier found us. We'll wait until morning as take her to the next village with us."

Lin didn't say anything after that but he didn't look pleased. Noll watched as the older man walked to the campfire and laid down on his makeshift bed. His gaze went back to Mai who had seen the whole exchange. She was grateful that they had helped her but she didn't want on be a burden on them either.

An hour earlier just outside the village

Monk's pov

We had been searching for four hours now but still no signs of Mai. Well not herself anyway. About an hour ago John and I had been looking along a bunch of trees and bushes while Ayako was taking a break nearby. She had tired herself out by running around the woods screaming at the top of her lungs for Mai. Sign… what the hell was she thinking doing something like that. Anyway John and I had spotted a piece of fabric on one of the trees. It was Mai's… the fabric was from a simple white summer dress with a few ruffles at the hem. I had bought her this dress after seeing her staring at it one day when we had been walking around the market place. I'd never seen her eyes so big in surprise when I gave it to her the next day. I smiled a sad smile at the thought. We hadn't told Ayako about finding the fabric. She would have panicked and right now it was hard enough for me to keep myself calm.

*sobs*

"Ayako please don't cry….. We'll find Mai." John said as he walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder

"John's right. Let's call it a night and who knows maybe she's back at the village waiting for us." Monk said as he walked over and bent down to take her hand

They walked quietly back towards the village. Only stopping when Ayako became too tired to walk anymore. Takigawa scoped her in to his arms at this point and carried her the rest of the way. Ayako hadn't expected him to do such a thing but didn't fight with him over it. Somehow it had reminded her of the time he had carried Mai home after she had falling asleep at work. John had been thinking, if they found part of Mai's dress that far out the girl must have ran a distance of three miles at least. The next village would be 10 to 15 miles from their own. But it was a village that was ruled under the Davis family, the only ones to oppose Urado when he came to power. From what he know the Davis role family they were magic users of some kind. They had been protected from direct invasions do to the landscape that surrounded their country. Tall mountain peaks and narrow valleys made it difficult to attack unnoticed.

Present time at the cave

"Excuse me but what village is it that your taking me too?" Mai asked somewhat unsure just how far from her own village they were

"It called Shadows point, it's a town ruled under the Davis family. You should be safe there from Urados men"

"I'm sorry but I can't go there. I need to get back home and tell my friends that I'm ok. They'll be worried if I don't." Mai said as she stared deeply in to Noll's eyes

"Mai I'm not going anywhere you don't have to stare so hard, unless you're trying to burn my face in to your memories."

"What!?"She gasped

"This isn't anything new. Many girls fine me attractive and try to get my attention. Just remember Mai you're the only girl here so no need to work so hard." He said as he stood up and began walking to his bag.

"You know what! You may be handsome but it doesn't give you the right to assume what I'm thinking."

"Ah.. So you think I'm handsome? So tell me again how I was wrong about assuming what you were thinking? When what I was thinking was that you found me attractive"

"Shut up! You're such a narcissist." Mai said as she stood up

"Say what you will but I've already proven my point." He said smugly as he pulled an apple from his bag

"Yeah keep thinking that Naru, your ego will just make your brain explode one day." She shouted in frustration

Naru dropped the bag to the floor leaving the apple forgotten on the dirt and quickly glared at Mai. He walked over to her and was only a foot away from her.

"What did you just call me?" He said in a deep voice that sent chills down Mai's spin

Naru's pov

I wasn't expecting that. Did she know who I was? I walked over to her suspicious of who she was. When I asked her what she had just called me her eyes got big and she look at the ground. I put my index finger under her chin and forced her to look up at me. The look in her eyes showed fear and worry. Who was this girl? Did she work for Urado?

"You mean you've been called Naru before because you're a narcissist?"

I quickly retracted my hand just having realized she had come up with the name on the spot and was clueless to who I really was. It made sense, if she knew I was Prince Oliver Davis she'd be trying to win my affection but she hasn't. All she's done is try to insult me back and failed miserably. It was too late at night to deal with anymore talking so I grabbed a spare blanket off of my horse and laid down.

"So I assume that's a yes then Naru?" she said smiling at me

"Go to bed Mai it's been a long day." That was the last thing I said all night as I fell soundly asleep