Disclaimer: Sakura and all the characters that I have not invented all belong to their respective companies. I gain nothing from this except satisfaction :D.

"_" Speech

'_' Though

Pant. Pant. Pant.

We rushed through the bush-ridden dirt road. Sharp branches scratched at our clothes and skin as ran past them. Rocks jutted out, hidden by small patches of grass. I looked back at the burning house and then to my guide. His calloused hands held mine firmly, tugging it, urging me to go even faster.

I didn't know whether fleeing was useless, if the Federation even bothered to give chase. Nonetheless, better safe than sorry right? After we've covered a significant distance, we finally stopped, giving a brief respite though rest was wholly unneeded. Both of our bodies were in prime condition, surely a result of harsh military training.

I looked around. We were deep inside the forest, in a clearing that looked like a recently used camp-site. There was still some ash left from a fire that looked like it burned just yesterday and a short log sitting right beside it. Surrounding the clearing was a dense concentration of trees that would provide privacy to those who chose to make camp here. It was a perfect place to lay low and hide from the Federation foot soldiers.

Seemingly still fresh and relaxed, as if running a couple of miles was nothing but a mere jog, my companion took a seat on the log. He smiled a gentle smile at me and gestured for me to sit with him.

I arch an eyebrow, I was still cautious of the man. He was once an assassin, the infamous Black Blade of the Federation. He was a man who could slay a platoon without breaking a sweat and without a tinge of remorse. In a blink of an eye he could break my-

"Rest easy, Princess. I won't kill you"

A far-off look washed over his eyes as if it was not the ashes of the spent fire he was looking at.

'I'm done with killing.' He silently added

A cold hard mask was automatically placed above my face.

"You dare address me with such impertinence. Know your station commoner!"

He chuckled, and with a shrug, "Suit yourself, milady. I'd just like to inform her ladyship that we'll move at daybreak and may I suggest that her ladyship might use this time for some sleep."

I clenched my teeth in annoyance and indignation. No matter how polite the words he says, it still comes out as insults oozing with sarcasm.

"By Clow! You shut that insolent mouth of yours or I'll cut it off for you!"

My voice seethed with frustration and annoyance. Why oh why did it have to be this arrogant bastard.

I turned around, looking for a spot to rest. From time to time, I glance at my companion, making sure there was a significant amount of distance between us. Instinctively, I realized the familiar weight of my weapons was present. I fingered Purge, a beautifully crafted saber with the wings of the mother goddess as its hilt. I wrapped my fingers around it, drawing from its scabbard. I stared at its blade, shining with the light of the stars and the two moons. There I see my sisters; both comrade and friends, die at the hands of that… that… that monstrosity. My hands shake, as I see scene by painful scene of that… massacre.

End of Prologue