Disclaimer: I own nothing of the 10th Kingdom, just my own characters.

-----------


Snow White's Forest

Connor ran, as fast eh could with Fiona in his arms, through the woods. Fiona was bleeding fast and heavily. It wasn't much of a deep cut but knowing Doyle Darko, he would've either enchanted his dagger or put something on it to make Fiona worst for wear. Connor vowed he would hunt down and strangle the pale neck of his. He glanced down for only a second, staring at Fiona's face. It was deathly pale and he could barely see green veins popping up grace her precious face.

Her hand reached and clutched his shoulder with littler strength she had. "Mommy...Don't go...Stop..."she whimpered in whatever dreamless state she was in.

He came to a halt, bringing up one hand he brush a strand of hair from her face. Connor let out a sighed and looked up to the heavens.

"Oh, blessed Mother Nature, please help me deliver your child into safe keep. Give her the gift of life and let her be blessed with your being. Please, mother of all mothers, keep this woman alive so she may get her brother back. If needed, let my life be forfeit for hers." he prayed

A small chirp was his only answer. He turn his head and saw a small blue jay sitting on a branch just above him. The small creature looked at the two with curios eyes before leaping off the branch and flew in the sky. It flew in circles above Connor before landing on his shoulder.

"Are you to lead us to safety, gentle creature of the sky?" he asked, another chirp for another answer.

The blue jay lifted itself from his shoulder and flutter in mid air before flying off. Connor tighten his grip on Fiona and took off with great speed.

Connor had to leap over several fallen trees and stumps. It seem he ran for over an hour but finally the small blue jay stopped and landed on another branch. Connor saw before him a cave. It wasn't too deep or too wide, just enough for one night. He nodded his thanks to the bird, only to see it was gone and all it left was a single blue feather.

After taking the feather, Connor carried Fiona into the cave. He placed her against the wall. He placed her duffle bag, which he remember to get, next to her. He never seen something like this bag before, of course he never seen a person like Fiona.

She was different from the girls back home. The other girls he knew, or care not to know, were stuck up and bossy. So prim and proper, if you can call it that! They were ugly, some inside and some out. They always thought everyone but them were beneath them. God, how he hated when he had to watch them throw themselves in front of the newest handsome knight. Connor was glad he manage to get into the Fourth Kingdom and live his life the way he wanted.

Fiona, she was truly different. She carry herself with dignity and could easily with calmness, figure out a difficult situation. A soft ice shell did surround her but it could be easily broken by those around her and shine out through the cracks. She seem knowledgeable and didn't boast about it. She would make a fine man very lucky indeed.

Connor was startle from his wandering thoughts when Fiona began to stir. He felt foolish when he forgot about her, well her condition at least. He sat on his knees beside her and began to take off his cloak. Underneath was a simple white tunic and brown trousers, with a matching vest over his shirt.

Fiona had lifted a hand to her face, holding her head as if she had an headache. She open her mouth to speak but nothing came out. After a few moments, her attempts were futile.

"W-Where am I?" she asked caustically

He ease her hand down, "Please relax, Fiona. You have lost a lot of blood and any sudden movements could tear your wound wider. You have suffer a lot, with Andy--"he was cut off by Fiona.

Her eyes wide with fear and shock, "A-Andy, where is he? If he gets hurts, if he gets scared...of God!" she choked as tears were bluiding up, "What if he is dead! I have go and get him back! If he dies because of me, mom with never forgive me!"

Fiona moved to get up but Connor caught on what she was trying to do and stopped her by placing his hands around her wrists, holiding her down.

"Listen,"he began, his voice was serious, "You may listen to what I have to say. You are in a dangerous and unfamiliar place that you are surely use to. If you go out there, especially with that wound, will you never survive an hour! I would think Andy wouldn't like to see his big sister running around frantically just for him. If have to sit still and let me treat you or will never see morrow's rise of the sun!" he exclaimed

Fiona calm down instantly after Connor said this. She first thought he was a nice, caring, a little naive kind of guy but she barely scratched the surface of the real Connor. If she tried anything else, that wasn't good for his standers, she would probably be dealt with punishment. She winced slightly when his grip on her wrist began to hurt. Connor took this as a sign to let go, mumbling an apology.

Connor fished around in his cloaks pockets, looking for several potions eh could use. One healing potion and a few others for minor illness. He glanced at Fiona, her face still deathly pale but sporting green veins. He let out a puff of air, he didn't have any potion for whatever curse or poison Darko put on his blade. Always leave it to Doyle Darko to never play fair, always cheating his way out of things like a stinky little weasel.

Connor placed the healing potion on the ground and reached in his cloak again, this time pulling out a small dagger. He didn't see the worried and confused look Fiona was giving him. He took a deep breath and blew out a moment later, his heart speeding up like a jack rabbit. He truly, deeply, didn't want to do what he was about to do but with Fiona in her current situation, he had no choice but to do it. An act so foul to his family and people, Connor would receive much punishment later on. But damn them to hell! He was free of them and could do whatever the hell he wanted. Still, he couldn't help feel scared and antsy.

He placed the edge of the dagger to his left wrist. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes tightly. Without flinching, he drew away the dagger, cutting his wrist deeply. Deep crimson blood flowed like a river out of his wound. He placed the dagger down and turn to Fiona, who was starring at the blood that was now dripping onto the floor. She pushed herself deeper into the wall, wanting to get as far away from that blood. Connor knelt before her and used his free hand to move her bloody shirt upward, the wound on her belly showing out.

"What are you doing?" she asked

He answer and instead pushed his wound forward to hers. Fiona slapped his hand away from her stomach, causing droplets of blood to stain the ground.

"What the freaking hell do you think you doing? Get that bloody wound near me and I will pop you one! Do you know what unsafe blood transfusions can do to-"

Fiona was cut off by Connor pressing his lips to hers. She was taken back from his kiss but something told her that she shouldn't stop him. The kiss was soft at first but soon turn into a deeper one. She slipped her tongue into Connor's mouth and soon was fighting for dominance there. During their sweet but sensual kiss, Conner eased his dripping wrist to her stomach. Pressing softly to it, he let his blood flowed into hers. Just as fast as the kiss started, it was soon over when Connor finally pulled away, breathless. He let out a smile as he saw how breathless and flushed Fiona was.

"I thought you didn't like red-heads." he commented

Fiona smiled as well, "I can change my mind if I want to, Demitri. I happen to hate one certain red-head, it does not mean I hate them all," her smile faded and turn serious, "Care to explain why you did it? Not the kiss, I like that part."

He let out a sigh and fell back and sat in front of her. He uncorked the healing potion and handed it to Fiona to drink. Once she swallowed it, the wound on her belly disappear. Connor took out a white strip of cloth and wrapped his wound up. After that was done, he began to explain.

"In order to dismissed any poison or any curse that Doyle might have placed on the dagger he stabbed you with. I..I have a rare type of blood that is magical bond and can be spilled in order to heal myself or others. I could be very punish for doing this with my family's consent but it was worth it." he smiled at her.

Fiona wanted to ask him more about it but it seem Connor was only giving out information he could give. She was about to ask him something else but as soon as she open her mouth, her belly let out a large rumble. Connor chuckled and stood up.

"I bet your hungry, right?" she nodded, "I will be back soon, I'm going to get us some dinner."

Fiona watch Connor picking up his cloak and walking out of the cave. As soon as he was gone, she felt the stickiness of the dried blood against her stick. She frowned, looking at her now stain shirt, and this was one of her favorite shirts. She got up and open her duffle bag and looked around for a shirt. She pulled out a blue and white shirt and was about to zip her bag again when she notice something familiar in there. There, resting on her personal items was a small stuffed toy dog she knew from first glance. Fleas. With a piece of ear piece, thankfully was sewn up, and the initials A. L., it was Andy's. She sniffed and pulled out the stuffed toy and pushed it against her chest, her head bowed.

"Don't worry, Andy, I promise to get you back home safe and sound." she promised out loud

-----------
Later

Fiona sat across from Connor, a lit fire pit in between them. She couldn't believe he actually lit a fire in a cave, without the risk of smoke building up. Of course the cave look like it was carved out and didn't have many stalactites and stalagmites, and thankfully no signs of life (rats, spiders, or even bats). It looked to have been formed by magic. She mentally shook her head, there was no such thing of magic. Only magic was found was in movies, TV shows, and even books. But, what had happen over the course of the last few hours, she was starting to believe.

She lazily picked at the piece of meat with a stick stabbed through it. Fiona didn't bother to ask Connor what it was, and by the way he was eating it, it must be tasty. She brought the stick to her nose and took a big sniff of it. She almost gagged on the smell. It smelled like garlic wrapped in wet dog hair and placed in an old gym sock. Fiona put the small meal by the fire and glanced at the mouth of the cave. She didn't have a clue as to what time it was here. Back home it had to be early in the morning now but here it seemed just a few hours before midnight.

She bit her lip, turning back to Connor, she needed something that had been on her mind since they came her. She cleared her throat and tore Connor away from his dinner.

"Um, Connor, can I ask you something? It's really important and it's bugging me lately." she said

Connor seemed interested and set his food down and got up and sat next to her. "Sure, I'm listening."

She took a deep breath and looked at Connor. She hoped he wouldn't get too mad for letting her ask this. "What is the deal with you and Doyle Darko? It seemed like you dislike each other."

He let out a shaky sigh, it seem Fiona had struck an unwelcome cord. He had his head lowers and his eyes closed, deep in thought. By his hunched shoulders, it seem that Doyle did quite a number on him. Finally, after what seem like an eternity, he spoke.

"Doyle Myers, he changed his last name to Darko just to look big, used to be my partner. See, I come from a place called 4th Kingdom, I know not the most clever name but we have to live with it. For the past twenty years, our king, King Wendell has ruled his kingdom with justice and peace. I'm under his rule, meaning I serve him with my life. It's not as unpleasant as others might believe, I enjoyed it. Doyle," he sighed, "Used to be partner on missions like I have right now. We were on the top of our game, we were well known throughout the kingdoms, and were proud for being each other."

Fiona looked confused at him, "Were? It sounds like this was in the past..."

He nodded, "It was. Doyle drew corrupt with the power and high he was getting by every kill we had to do. I never liked killing people but Doyle...he loved it. He turn dark and soon, Darko took over. The Doyle I knew had changed, he was truly Dark. When he couldn't take it anymore, he lost control and turned into a ravenous beast. He slaughtered a whole town of people. Men, women, children, the whole lot. Of course, he wasn't alone, he had followers. They were men from all over the kingdoms, mostly from the Fourth. The men you saw today were some of the several men under his control. Of course, Darko has some dignity and pride. He is now a merchanary, he only kills and do other tasks when someone offers the right amount of money. He betrayed me in more ways then one. If only I could've seen it coming, I would do everything in my power to stop it." Connor finished, feeling some weight going off his chest from telling his tale.

Fiona leaned to him and bended her neck until her face, well faced his. She lean in closer and placed a soft kiss on his lips. She drew back, with a small grin. Sitting back next to him again, she held his hand in hers. She stared into his eyes, full of compassion and a hint of pity.

"No one could've predicted that would happen. Don't blame yourself, Connor, it's not worth it. Even if you used all your power, Doyle would've turn out the way he did in some point in time. Please, don't give in and keep blaming yourself or you might wind up just like him. Let it go and you can overcome it." she said

Connor rested his head on top of hers, nearly to the point of tears, "Thank you." he whispered

-----------

The Next Day

Fiona felt the warm sun's rays gently touching her skin. She turn in her half-sleep state, wanting to get a few more minutes of peacefully sleep. She was surprised the alarm didn't even sound yet. Maybe she was ahead of the loud little thing, funny when the alarm woke her up during a good dream. Fiona reached out to grab the small digital clock, to check the time, only to find her hand hitting ground. Cold and rough ground.

Fiona quickly sat up in a sudden jerk. She looked around wildly, bewilder. She was in a cave of some sorts, and by the mouth of the said cave was a patch of forest. Where was she? Her hand brushed against a blanket of sorts, that was over her legs. No, it wasn't a blanket but a cloak. As she began to wonder who it belong to, memories flashed through her mind.

Andy finding a strange, yet beautiful object. Getting blown off her feet and hitting a table. Meeting Connor. Having knowledge of what Andy had, something called an Eversio. Being taken into the woods with Connor and going trough a weird portal. Winding up in a forest at night. Meting Doyle Darko, having kissed him, and stabbed by him. Andy...being taken away. And kissing Connor.

She let her head hang downwards, a sad look on her face. She had wish when she went to sleep, she would appear back in her warm and soft bed with Andy across the hall and letting this all be a dream. But, her wish didn't come true after all.

"Good morning, sleepy head."

Connor was walking towards her from the front of the cave. Once he got close to her, he offered his hand to her. She took it and was brought up to solid ground in a second. She glanced down at his wrist, the one she knew was cut last night. There was no signs of a dirty cloth wrapped around it, and by the angle she could tell there was no signs of a cut even be there. Fiona didn't have much medical knowledge but there should've been a scar or something there.

He cocked his head to the side, "You okay, Fiona?" he asked

Fiona snapped out of it and shook her head away from any wandering thoughts. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Connor nodded, taking that as a good answer. He reached behind her and grabbed his cloak and her duffle bag. He handed them both to her.

"We really need to get going now. Just put it on and we can head out before it turns dark."

"Why? Don't you need it?" she asked

Connor chuckled, "It wouldn't be very gentlemanly like if I didn't give a lovely lady a cloak to protect her from the harsh sun or cold. Besides," he smiled, "I don't need it in this place. The sun is safe for me."

Fiona deeply wonder what he meant by that but she wouldn't ask just yet. She clasped the cloak around her and grabbed her duffle bag. Without talking, they walked out of the cave together.

Fiona flinched when the sun's ray hit her in the eyes. Mornings back in New York weren't that bright. Of course, the sun had to deal with tall buildings to get through. She finally recovered and followed Connor. She had just walked a few feet before stopping, her back stiffen. She turn her head cautiously around. It felt like someone was watching them from above.

Connor notice wasn't with him any long and turned around, "Come on, Fiona, we need to hurry up."

Fiona let out a small sigh. It was probably nothing but a small, curious wild animal. She turn back and rushed up to catch with Connor. If she stayed there for a moment longer, she would have seen a figure coming out of the shadows. The dark figure jumped out of the tree and out of sight.

-----------
Snow White's Forest--Noon

Fiona kicked the pebble in front of her, stuffing her hands in her pockets. For countless hours now, Connor and herself had been walking around in the woods, to God knows where. To Fiona, maybe for a fact, that they were going in circles. Connor had yet told her where they were going, only that they were meeting up with someone. Common man style. Tell someone only the smallest details and expect everyone it figure it out. Fiona let out a sigh, she didn't need to be cranky and angry at a guy that saved her life and was kind of cute.

She froze in fear as she heard a loud roar sound coming near by. By the way it sound, it didn't sound good. Connor quickly turned around, drawing a dagger from his belt. The roar was heard again but now this time, louder. Connor looked cautious and moved towards Fiona.

Fiona looked around scared, "Where is it coming from, Connor?" she asked

"I don't know, it could be coming from anywhere. This forest...get's tricky from time to time," he replied, looking for any signs of movement in the tress above, "It's probably wanting for us to stagger from exhaustion so it can attack, but by judging by the sound, it couldn't wait."

The sound was heard again but was much closer. Before Connor could get an edge-wise as to where it was coming from, Fiona's face turn a deep scarlet.

She bit her lip, "I think I know what it is..."

Connor looked a bit surprise that Fiona found it before he did. "What is it?"

Fiona smile weakly and pointed it to her stomach. When the roar came again, Connor like a small 'oh', finally figuring it out.

"Well, in my defense, you or I haven't eaten thing since last night. As a word of advice, I don't do well when I'm hungry, I can turn total chaos girl." she warned

Connor looked around for any one around and turn back to Fiona. "It seems safe for now. I have some pieces of hard bread in my cloak. We can take a few minutes and eat but, we must hurry. If we linger for long, we can easily be side-tracked."he said

He led her to a small patch of rocks. Fiona sat on the largest rock, which only rose from the earth with four feet, while Connor sat a slightly smaller rock next to her. Once they were settle in, Connor reached in his claok's pocket and pulled out a loaf of bread. He broke it into two and handed one to Fiona and the kept the other to himself.

They ate in compelte silence, only sounds that were heard was the sound of ripping and chew of the bread and birds flying above them. Fiona turn her mind to thoughts of Andy. Was he safe? Is he being fed and clean? Was he scared? Suddenly, her thoughts turn to her father. What about their dad? Did he know where they were? How was he holding up without them? She sighed and popped a piece of bread in her mouth. It didn't help anyone at all if she worried all the time.

Breaking the silence, a large growling was heard. Fiona watched as Connor stood up suddenly, his piece of bread falling to the ground.

She rolled her eyes, "Relax, Connor, it's probably your stomach protesting still from the lack of food."she said in a bored tone, chewing her own piece of bread.

He shook his head, "No, I don't think that was me..."

Fiona sighed and got up and walked towards Connor. "Here,"she lifted the last piece of bread to him, "Since you are so paranoid that you drop your food, you can have the last of mine."

Before Connor could reach for it, some zoomed in between them and knocked it down. They both looked down and saw an arrow sticking out of the piece of bread. They turn their heads up when they heard the sound of foot steps and rustling. Out came the bushes was two men with light brown skin and black hair, dressed in rough-beaten clothes and some blood stains of them that was not their own. Following them was a black and gray wolf, going into attack mood and growling at Fiona and Connor.

"Okay, maybe that wasn't your stomach growling..."Fiona said weakly

One of the men lifted a bow, placing a new arrow on the string. He drew it back and pointed at Fiona. Just he let go, Connor pulled her forward, the arrow just missing her by an hair.

He took hold of her wrist, "Come on, we have to get out of here!" he ordered

"But...but..."

Connor pulled harder, "No buts! We have to run!"

Fiona was taken by surprise as Connor pulled them into a run, away from the two men. One of the mocha skin men glance at one another, nodding their heads before gesturing their wolf companion. The wolf sniffed the air before prancing off after Connor and Fiona, the men following the beast.

-----------

Fiona never ran this fast in her life, of course she was force into this run. Connor was almost pulling her arm out of it's socket, and his grip around her wrist was just as painful. By the look on his face, he was both scared and determined to get away from those men back there. She stumbled over a rock but Connor still pulled her along, not looking back to expect an damage.

Enough was enough.

She used all of her strength and pulled on Connor to a stop. He whipped around wildly, looking at her like she was insane. Insane, no; ticked off, yes. She ripped her arm away from his grasp and placed both of her hands on her hips.

"You listen to me, and you listen good," she started, "You are going to tell me why we are running like crazed monkeys with their fingers cut off, or I will not move from this spot! Who were those men back there and why are you so scared of them?" she demanded

Connor sighed, "Fine, have it your way then. Those men are rouge gypsies, probably hunters. They would probably catch us and sells us as slaves. Happy now?"

Fiona gulped and took his hand, "Okay, we can run now," her voiced squeaked, "I don't want to be sold."

Connor tighten his grip on her hand and began to run again, but only slightly less faster so Fiona wouldn't be dragged behind. They didn't bother to look behind them to see if the men and their wolf were following them, but both Connor and Fiona knew they were just behind them. Fiona felt a ping of pain jabbed at her side, all from the over exciting her body by running so fast. Her hand was becoming wet from sweat and it didn't help her from keeping her grip on Connor.

Fiona stumbled over something, her hand slipped out from Connor's, and fell forward. Connor turn back and rush over to her. Fiona looked down, looking at what had tripped her. Around her foot was thick piece of rope, it was hidden under the leaves, judging by the dry leaves that covered it. The rope wasn't all covered, instead some of it lead upwards.

Creek!

Crack!

Snap!

Fiona and Connor were both taken by surprise when they found themselves hanging above the ground in a giant net. Connor was piled over Fiona as they swung back and forth. They had walked in a trap and now stuck in a net hanging off a tree. The gypsy men finally caught up with them. They smirked proudly at their work. There was no way for those two to escape now.

-----------

Gypsy Campsite--Night

If someone told Fiona that one day she would be chased down in the woods by a large wolf and two gypsy men, she would never believe them. But, now here she was, in a gypsy campsite ( rather small one) and tied up to a wooden pole. Just next her was Connor, tied with rope in the same fashion. They were station to the ground, sitting on the dry leaves and dirt. Connor had his eyes train on the two men as they talked together in a foreign language while they went through Fiona's duffle bag. Fiona, on the other hand was trying to stay calm and not get her and Connor in more trouble by telling them that it was rude to look through a lady's personal things. Which is true.

The large wolf sat just a few feet away from them, his black beady eyes on them, just in case one of them tried anything. Every so often, the wolf would take his eyes off of Fiona and Connor and chew on an animal bone that still have bits of meat on it.

She took in her surroundings as she tried to keep her mind of worrying about their fates soon. There in the middle was a large fire pit in the middle, a small caravan opposite of the tents, a lone horse tied up to a pole (unlike them) eating grass, and few scary looking cages that were large enough to fit a lion or worst...a human.

It seem her duffle bag wasn't at any importance to the two men and soon gave up on trying to find anything to sell. It was just clothes, a stuffed toy, and few funny looking bottles. One of them, spoke quickly to his companion and made his way to their two potential merchandise. He was taller and much well built then the other one, who was short and kind of fat. He stood in front of them, his arms crossed.

"Well, it didn't seem like you carry any gold, silver, or anything worth selling. By the way you two were in that cave, I would've guessed you were hiding something precious from others. Or maybe it was just a romantic escape for the both of you. Let Wendell's men be soft around a woman." he said coldly

Connor's tolerance of people bad mouthing his king went over board. He could tolerate Doyle's words because he was use to it but this man had no idea who his king really was.

He let out a smirk, "I'm guessing you never really went soft on a woman, have you? Or is he," he nodded his head to the other gypsy, "The only one that knows if you have gone soft?" he asked

The man let out a growl and kneeled down in front of Connor, grabbing his collar to face him. His face was contorted in anger. "Your working on my last nerve, pixie boy! First, we had to watch you all last night just in case. Then, we chased you down because we thought you had something that we could sell. And now you dare mock me? One more word out of you and I'll show a little gypsy magic and not the good kind. Or next time, I will feed your woman to my wolf," he warned before his face turn into a smirk, "Or let her see how it's like to be with a real man."

Once he stood back on his feet, he smirk at them one last time. "Enjoy your last night together, love birds. For tomorrow morning shall be the last one you will have in peace. You may even get to be servants a troll couple."

With that, he turn on his heel and him and the other gypsy made their way to their caravan, their wolf following them inside, taking Fiona's bag with them. Connor watch as the two went inside the caravan and slam the door shut, with a loud 'click', when they locked the door. The lights inside dimmed down and then completely turn dark. He waited until all movements and sounds from inside were gone. He shifted and turn to look at Fiona the best eh could.

"Listen," he began in a whisper, "I know both us don't want to be sold as slaves to anyone, so we need to think of plan to get out of here and quick. Are you ready?" she nodded, "The first thing we have to is get out these ropes. Do you have any ideas?" he asked

"How about your daggers? Can you reach them to cut loose the ropes?"

He shook his head, "No. I have tried to reach them before but every time I pull at the ropes, they get tighter. Damn gypsy magic." Connor cursed

Fiona felt bad for Connor when he slumped forward into the ground, his head hung low. His face was gray, probably thinking of both of their fates when they were sold. He had given up hope for good. Fiona let out a low sigh, also sinking into the ground. It would take a miracle to save them now. Her eyes widen in surprise when she felt something hard press against one of her bottom cheeks. It couldn't be a stick, it was too hard. It was possible that it was a rock but why was it in her pocket. Fiona pushed herself up and back to the pole. Curios, she shifted her tied hands, trying to reach inside her back pocket. She grabbed the tip of something in her pocket and pulled it out. Once it was in her hands, she felt it around, unable to look behind her well it enough. It was cold, hard, and square. She let out a gasp when she finally figure out what it was. Her dad's lighter!

She remember after the party, she had his lighter in her purse. She was going to give it back to her dad when he came home and put it in her pocket for safe keeping. Even though was Andy was smart enough, he still didn't need a lighter in her hands. A sudden idea popped in her mind, making her glad she didn't put the lighter someplace else.

She turn her head, "Psst, Connor," she caught his attention," I think I have an idea. I don't know if it will work but trust me on this."

When he nodded, Fiona let down a gulp and prayed that her idea would work. Flicking open the lighter and flicking her thumb against the knob. Once she heard the light sound of gas, she moved the lighter to the ropes. She held it under one of pieces of rope. A piece of rope was slowly turning black and smaller. For over five minutes, Fiona did this. Flicking down the lid of the lighter, she let out one more pray and pulled at the ropes.

SNAP!

Fiona pulled her hands in front of her, the rope sliding off her wrist. She almost couldn't believe that worked! Connor looked stunned and in awe at her accomplishment. She was truly something else. Fiona crawl behind Connor and lit the lighter under the rope. She rested herself on her knees, moving the lighter back and forth, doing the same thing as she did before.

"H-How did you do that? I never seen such magic done that could out do gypsy magic nor not be said without a spell." Connor said in amazement.

Fiona fought the urge to smirk, "It's not magic, Connor. It's a little invention called the 'lighter'. It's sorta like matches but easier and portable. Nothing magical about it." she answered

Once the rope was pure black, she pulled on it, snapping it. Connor rubbed his sore wrist and stood up on weak legs. After sitting for several hours made it hard to stand. Fiona stood up as well, brushed off some dry leaves and placing the lighter in her pocket.

"Come on, we need to get out of here now." urged Connor, reaching to grab her wrist.

She pulled away, "No. Not without my bag."

Connor frowned. The gypsy men could out at any time and see them free.

"Forget about that. It's with them, Fiona. If we don't hurry, we might not get out of here."

Fiona looked angry and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I'm still not leaving without it. I don't what world I am in but that's the only tie I have with my world. Without it...,"her voice turn weak, "Without it, I'll loose everything I brought here."

Connor let out a curse, "Fine. We will get your bag but, after that, we need to go. Got it?"

Fiona nodded with a small smile. She stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek, turning them light pink.

"It's in the caravan so we have to be quick. Your much more lighter, you could easily get inside without much noise. I will stand guard and come if something happens. But we don't get it before we're are spotted, we are dead meat." he said

He reached in her belt and pulled out a small dagger and handed it to Fiona. "Here, just keep this on you. Just in case something happens when I'm not around." he said, rather weakly.

Fiona seem to understand. Once that was settle, they made their way to the caravan, as quiet as they could. Connor, who was in front of Fiona, made it to the door first. He waved his hand over the door knob, whisper a small spell. The gypsies wouldn't set up a alarm in this place, the woods was full of magic. When the door 'clicked' , Connor pushed the door open. He signaled to Fiona to go inside.

Fiona slowly made her way in, her stomach in nervous knots. It was a bit dark in there, but there was a small lit candle that eliminated the caravan. Against the wall was two hammocks, on top of each other. The two bodies of the men laid sleeping soundly. Near the door was the wolf, sleep as well. There was small table and few chairs in the middle. On the other three walls were strange trophies and other weird objects.

She scanned the room, looking for the duffle bag. She spotted it in no time, she could just grabbed it and get out here. But, her small victory was short lived when she saw it was above the top hammock, resting on a shelf. The shelf itself was resting just a few inches below the ceiling. It was way too high for her, even if she stand on her tip-toes. Instead of getting up or trying her best on her hand, she used some help. Fiona picked up one of the chairs at the table and dragged it over to the twin hammocks. She slowly climb up on the wooden object. She almost lost her balance when the chair wobble, she didn't need to look down to know one of the legs were shorter then the other.

Fiona's head reached the top of the caravan when she stood on the chair. Lowering herself a few inches, she was at right height to get the bag. On the shelf, next to the bag, was several jars of what looked to be human eyeballs. Next to that was some jar of tongues, teeth, and what looked to be fingers. She willed herself away from staring at those gross things and kept her original goal in mind.

Even though she couldn't risk unzipping her bag and looking inside, she knew everything was still inside. Not unless one of those guys like wearing a medium size pair of jeans and putting in some fruity shampoo, they didn't have any reason to take her stuff. Just as she had one of the handles in her hand, she heard a soft rustling

She felt her heart stop for a brief moment, as she glanced down. The fat gypsy shifted in his sleep and turn on his side, facing her. Fiona's stomach drop when she thought he was going to wake him and see her. Any second now and she will have HER own body parts in those jars above.

A loud snore was her safe haven. She almost let a sigh of relief but force it down. Taking her bag, she pulled it towards her. While she was occupied, the man below her open his mouth and, instead of a snore coming out of his mouth, a loud burp erupted from his mouth. The awful odor travel upwards and filled Fiona's nostrils and mouth. She gagged on the smell. It smelled and sadly, tasted, like rotten meat dipped in year old milk! She was too busy trying not to faint from the horrid smell, one of the straps on her bags spilled and knocked over a jar of persevered human limbs. The glass jar rolled off the shelf and fell to the floor with a crash.

It wasn't the dragging of the chair, and her gagging, it was the broken jar that woke the fat gypsy up. His eyes open up in surprise, looking what had made the jar crash, but his eyes were filled with anger when he saw Fiona hovering over him.

Fiona, on the other hand, her eyes were filled with fear. "Oh, crap." she muttered before taking her bag fully.

Fiona jumped off the chair and made a dash towards the door. Before she could reach safety, she was pulled back into her nightmare. The other man, the tall one, had his arm wrapped around her middle, and pulled her towards him. With his other hand, he placed a bronze dagger to her neck, pressing enough for blood to spill out.

"Well, well, look what we have here. I thought I tied you and your little friend up. How could a girl like you get out?" he asked

Fiona gulped softly, "Like I will ever tell you."she replied, without sounding scared.

He chuckled, "Not the right answer, girl. Now, tell me where your little friend is..."He pressed the dagger in further.

The door to the caravan's door was ripped off it's hinges and disappear in the darkness. Everyone inside, including the wolf, stood still as a dark figure moved through the doorway. For a brief second, it looked like the shadow had red eyes. Once the figure stepped forward, the candle showed it's true form. Connor. He had his eyes narrowed and a dagger in his grasp. He turn his eyes towards Fiona and black hair man.

Connor let out a growl, "Let her go."

The other man smirked, and turn Fiona around until he and her faced Connor. The red head eye's saw the blood slowly dripping down her throat. The gyspy's smirk widen, seeing the worry in Connor's eyes.

"One more step, White's dog, and she,"he pressed the dagger in deeper, causing Fiona to winced, "And she will have her prescious blood spilled for nothing. Now, put down your weapon and maybe we can work something out."

Connor slowly bend down and dropped his dagger. Once satisfied, the dark traveller ease the dagger away from Fiona, still keeping a firm grip on her.

"Good."he said. He turn his head to the other gyspy, "Cedrick, take the red head outside. We need to make sure, they don't escape again."

The one named Cedrick nodded. He grabbed both of Connor's arms in his chubby hands. Cedrick shoved Connor out of the caravan, with Fiona and the other gyspy following, their pet wolf at their tail.

They walked together back outside. Connor glanced over Cedrick's shoulder to see Fiona, his eyes full of concern. He wished she didn't have to suffer through this. She had been physical and mental injured ever since she got here. He blamed himself for bringing her here in the first place. If he had just taken the Eversio and leave the siblings in peace and let them live without having the past tragedies to happen.

Rising his foot, he brought it down hard. Cedrick let out a yelp when Connor's stepped on his foot, he loosen his grip in order to tend to his injure foot. Connor manage to get loose from his grip. Fiona saw what he did and an idea struck her. She swung her bag and hit her capture right in the face. She ran forward and broke his grip. Both gypsies were taken back, it had happen all too sudden.

Connor took Fiona's hand and dragged her and him into a run. They fled the camp area and disappear in the darkness of the trees.

"Fucking fairies," the tall one cursed, rubbing his cheek. Boy, the girl hit hard.

Cedrick let go on his foot and humble over to his buddy. "What are we going to do, Dion? We can't let another piece of merchandise go again." he complained

Dion looked at Cedrick like he was an total idiot. In truth, he was at times.

"We go out and re-catch them," he snapped, "And this time, we may have to use extreme force."

-----------

This was the second time Fiona had to run as fast as she could. She wasn't a star athletic nor a heavy set woman with a breathing condition but she was getting sick and extremely tired, bother mentally and physically, of running all the time. But, this time they were really running for their life. It was only chance and their poor luck they were capture last time. If those two men capture them again, Fiona and Connor might have their fingers and eyeballs in a couple of jars.

With the hand that wasn't in a fist grip with Connor, Fiona raised her hand and touched her neck. It hurt a bit but the blade didn't go deep enough to do some real damage. Her cut was like a cut a man would get when they shaved. At best, all she needed was some anti-bacterial medicine and a small band aid. She was worried at all by that. She was more worried about their lives at stake and Connor. That and Connor's presence in the caravan.

Fiona was more then happy that Connor came to help her, but when he first came in there, it was frightening. She remember looking at those red, no, blood red color eyes and feeling cold and scared then she ever felt every before. Though, deep within those eyes, she felt an odd sense of comfort. It was like she could embrace person with those eyes and didn't care if they were falling to the pits of Hell itself.

Fiona knew those eyes, if only for a brief moment, belonged to Connor. Gone was the mental image of the smiling, friendly, gray eyed man that helped her some many times and replaced by a angry, inhumanly strong, red eyed monster!

She slipped her hand from his grasp, coming to a stop. Connor continue to run for several steps until he felt the absence feel of Fiona's hand. Turning around, he stared in wonder on why she chose to stop.

"Fiona?"

She glanced down the ground below her, "Connor...Who or what was that before? In the caravan?" she asked meekly

"We don't have time for that! We need to get out of here now!" he argued

Fiona brought her head up, "No! I'm sick of running! I'm sick of being taken by the hand all the time! Enough is enough, Demitir!" she snapped back, her hands clutched at her sides. "What was that...that thing back there? I know my mind wasn't playing tricks on me but I clearly saw red eyes where you stood. Normal people don't have red, fucking eyes!"

Connor was taken back from her words. Glancing around, looking for any signs of those men. It was clear at the moment but he better be fast in his explanation. Fiona looked as though no force in the world would make her move.

Walking up to her, he took in a deep breath to calm the adrenaline rushing through his veins. Placing both hands on her shoulder, he made sure their eyes were connected.

He spoke in a serious tone, "Fiona, you must understand that this world, the world I foolishly brought you in, is not the world you know. All that you have seen here is only a bitter taste of it. It's different. I'm different. I may looked like a normal man on the outside," he pressed a hand over his heart, "I'm not someone that people would like to be in company with. I...I can't tell you more then that. This is nor the place or time for such times." he concluded

Fiona was satisfied for his answer. Nodding her thanks, she shifted her bag until the straps rested on her shoulder.

Stilling not letting go of her shoulders, "There will be more time for further explanation. But, right now we need to-"he voice dropped

His back stiffen and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He heard an all too familiar sound, coming from right behind Fiona. It wasn't a sound of an animal, foot steps or even the sound of wind blowing through the trees. It was a sound of...

Without warning, he turn himself and Fiona around. He stood in Fiona's former place. Before Fiona could open her mouth, before a leaf could fall to the ground, before anything there was a loud THUCK!

Connor's grip of Fiona loosen and within seconds, his hands disappear and he slid to the ground on his knees. Fiona let out a startled scream when she saw a arrow sticking out of Connor's back! Falling to her knees as well, she grabbed hold of Connor with tears pouring out of her eyes. Fiona grabbed the arrow and preceded to pulled it from it's resting place.

"No. Don't." Connor's voice stopped her

Fiona looked at the back of his head, seeing it was bent down. "We have to get this out of you! Your injured! If we keep this in, you...you will be dead!" she protested through a stream of tears.

He chuckled, which proceeded with a cough of blood from his mouth. "It went through the heart, Fiona. It does not matter if you pulled it out now or later. Cripes," he hissed," it does sting a lot! I always thought I would die of poison slipped in my drink by my neglected wife." he joked

Fiona didn't bother to wipe away the tears from her face, "Don't make jokes like that, Connor. Come on," she tried to pulled him up, "Get up and we can go kick Doyle's ass."

Connor placed a hand on her arm, stopping her movements. He turn his head, his eyes and face looking dimmed, staring once again at Fiona. Connor let out a smile as a trail of blood traveled down the corner.

"Fiona, you have made my life. I'm happy I got to meet you and your brother, Andy, before this day. You may think I'm foolish and rushing into things, maybe I am, but I love you. I never felt anything like I feel when I'm near you. Your different then anyone I've got the chance to meet. I wouldn't change this moment and I'm happy I got a chance to save your life." he said weakly.

Fiona never heard those words from a man before. Sure, her dad and brother loved her, but Connor spoke with such certainly and tenderness. Her heart stood still but felt like it was running a marathon all at once.

"Connor, I..."

Her words were cut short when the sound of rustling bushes brought her into reality. There now stood her chaser and their pet wolf. The tall one lowered his crossbow with a satisfied smirk.

"Sheep should never tread far from their pens." he smirked before glancing down at Connor and 'tsk'ed, "So much for this guy. Too bad though, he could've be used as an excellent arena fighter, but he was took down by a simple arrow. A real pity." he turn his eyes to Fiona who was glaring daggers at him, "But, we can't let go of you girl. Now, with your lover dead, we can make a good profit with you. No doubt, some rich troll and take pity on you and make you his own plaything, of your lucky enough. If not, you can always be a good wench!"

Before Fiona could open her mouth, she felt movement in her arms. Connor sat up the best way he could.

He didn't looked at Dion, "I'm not dead, you slimy piece of shit!" Withdrawing a dagger, he flicked his wrist and the dagger zoomed out of his hand.

Dion let out a piercing scream when the dagger right through his right shoulder, dropping his only means of weapon. Connor picked himself up and stood on wobble legs, Fiona supporting him at his side. He turn around and face the two men. With his left hand, he reached behind him and grabbed the annoying arrow. With a snap, he pulled out the offending weapon. Once it was freed, he throw it to the ground.

"Never, ever insult a woman in front of me!" he bellowed

The gypsy's wolf charged and jumped at Connor. Before the dirty canine could sink it's teeth into the red head, he swung his arm and the wolf went flying. It banged against a tree and fell to the ground with a single yelp. Connor turn his head and cock it the side.

"Anyway time you want to apologize, by all mean, do." he said in a cold voice.

Cedrick turn a worry eye to his friend and his beloved pet before turning his black eyes to Connor, glaring daggers at him. He lifted his own crossbow and aimed it at Connor. Pulling the trigger, the metal tip zoomed forward, aiming for Connor's head. It didn't reach it's destination for Connor caught it mid-air. His smirk could make the Devil himself proud. Connor indicated a small ball of light in his hand. He swung his arm and the ball of light zoomed forward. It landed in between the two gypsies and with a loud boom, they were taken off their feet and went downwards.

With that done, Connor turn to Fiona who was starring in amazement on what had transpired there. Without a warning, Connor grabbed her face and pulled her to him. He placed his lips on her. if only for a brief moment, it told her what she meant to him. Pulling back, "Go. Run as far as you can and don't look back. Thank you for everything, Fiona Lewis." he whispered

Fiona wanted to say something but she knew she couldn't convince Connor. Backing away, she glanced at Connor for the final time. Turning, she ran as fast as she could. Once Connor knew that Fiona had safely escaped, he glanced up at the heavens.

"Thank you, Mother Earth, for bringing her in my life. If only for a brief moments. Please keep her safe and happy." he prayed

Turning around, he saw the two men getting back up. Forming another ball of light, he stood his ground.

"Let's do this fast, boys, before the day breaks."

-----------

Fiona ran blindly in the woods, the cloak Connor gave her blew behind her like a pair of wings. Tears ran down her cheeks but she didn't sob or weep. Her heart was beating but it was broken down the middle. Her throat was dry but she did not desire water. Her feet were sore but running but she didn't stop to rest. All she could was honor Connor's last wish and run.

Fiona stumbled and tripped over a twig. She fell to her knees, her breath coming in short rasps. She was tired and scared but she had to move on. She pushed herself up, using a tree for support. Regaining her feet, she continue to go forward. Her stomach was tightening from both the strain of over running and worry for Connor. She knew a arrow went right into his back but there was a small chance that it missed his heart. He looked strong and ready to fight. She hoped Connor would following right behind her and take her away and tell her everything was going to be okay.

She began to turn around and run back and help Connor but she heard a noise, a loud 'THUCK!'. Just as the sound penetrate the silence of the forest, the few birds in the trees flew out of their resting place. The wind blew differently. Fiona felt a sharp pang in her chest, almost like her heart was literally breaking. The feeling broke her and she slammed a hand over her mouth as a rack of sobs broke out. She wasn't sure but something told her that Connor was dead.

Fiona froze in place when she heard voices.

"Fucking troll monogler! It would've been safe if he just gave up." one voice complained

"Enough wasting your energy on him Cedrick, we have other important matters to deal with. Find the girl and we can forget about this ordeal!" the other snapped

Turning on a heel, Fiona wasted no time to meet up with her former captures, and ran with all her might. It seem like the two gypsy men heard her movement and followed after her. Fiona barely paid attention to what was going on behind her and kept looking forward. She needed to get out there! She needed to find Andy! She needed to find safety! She needed to find safety!

She skidded to stop when she found two paths in front of her. The one to her right led to another new path into the forest. The other was connected to a side of a mountain, a big gapping hole in the middle on it, it was a cave. Tired of running all the time, she made her choice, running towards the cave. The cave had a steep slide at the opening so Fiona rushed, and like any baseball player running towards home plate, slid on her side towards the bottom of the cave.

The cave itself was much different then the one she was in last time. There were stalactites and stalagmites all over. Moss grew in any place it could. She heard the faint chirping of bats in the back but they paid no heed to her. Wasting no time, Fiona ran over to a large rock and hid behind it.

Fiona heard the sound of foot steps echoing against the cave, the sound nearing the mouth of the cave. Her back stiffen but she didn't look back and see who it was.

"She couldn't gone far. There is no way she could've out run us."

"Come on, let's see if she went the other way. If we hurry, we might 'rescue' her from some wild beasts." the voices laugh before the sound of retreating foot steps was heard.

Fiona pulled her knees to her chest and laid her head on top of her knees. She wiped away her tears with her sleeve and sniffed. Closing her eyes, she took in deep breaths. Opening them, she stared blankly at the darkness of the cave.

"Mom, dad...Connor...I'm sorry. Please help me, I can't do this all alone. Please help me through this so I can get Andy away from madness like this." she said softly

Without excepting an answer, a new wave of tears crushed on her. Without bothering to wipe away her tears, she let them fall. She cried until she couldn't cry anymore and fell into a deep slumber.

-----------

Author's Note: Wow, don't you like long chapters? I sure do but they are a pain to write! Yeah, Connor's dead now. I wish he wasn't killed but he died protecting our heroine (not the drugs!) and shall always be remember. He will still be a character but he wouldn't be returning back the dead. Anyway, please review! Reviews gives me power to conquer the world! MUHAHAHAHAHA! -Ahem- Just review!