A/N: In Danger 2 will be re-posted after I have edited it. The quality was poor, and I apologize, it will be fixed, and the plot will be enhanced. Until then, have another.

Wings

The temple had seemed a safe enough risk. Until the Sphinx, that is. Until the demons outside looked tame and inviting. Until the one challenge no on prepares for looked them in the eye.

What are you?

Unsaid, the question lingering on the air wrapped around the tired limbs of any traveler foolish enough to seek asylum withing the ornate walls. The five it trapped now fought, psyches writhing against its soft, smothering grasp until its master and lady padded forward.

Regal with her ornate, golden visage, the Sphinx loomed over her intrepid guests, then leaned forward. "Tell me. What do you know of my kind?"

Moments passed as voices muted by her spells battled the thick atmosphere. At last, Fai gasped out, "You riddle for entertainment."

"Correct. Can you answer my question? More importantly, dare you approach?"

Sayoran approached first, struggling, first upright, then on his knees, determined to defeat this enemy and her cruel sense of humor. Kneeling before the stone paws, he spoke towards the floor, "Ask lady, and I will answer to the fullest extent."

Mica lips curved upwards, glittering in the torchlight. "Yes, I expect you will," The Sphinx's voice rolled like honey and cream, rich, captivating, and terrifying, "So I ask the question you have know since the moment you entered my domain: What are you?"

Sayoran paused before answering, hesitating to define his life and its purpose, then raised his head and declared, "I, my lady, am a crusader."

"Why?"

"Because I fight for a cause that appears hopeless out of nothing more and nothing less than undying loyalty, to my country and to my princess."

"You words ring true, pass, or wait to see your friends answers."

Rising swiftly, no longer burdened by the heavy silence, Sayoran stepped to the side and waited. The Sphinx watched him for a moment, smiling while he chose as she knew he would.

"Next," the Sphinx's voice rang clear, like hard metals struck together, as she turned back to the four before her.

"My turn." Sakura raised her head, mouth set into a grim line. She made almost the entire walk on her hands and knees, but kept her head raised, chin up.

"Come and tell me: What are you?"

"I...am a thread." Sakura spoke softly, yet the certainty in her voice resounded. She had obviously thought her decision through

"What?"

"I am the thread that holds these people together. For my sake the traveled, and they remained together for me. I am a thread, a fragile bridge between past and present."

"This I can accept. Go. Stand with your crusader. Next."

"Mokona's turn!"

"Very well little one. What are you?" The budding smile in the Sphinx's voice was scarcely concealed.

"Mokona is a hero. I rescue the others when they cannot escape on their own."

The Sphinx blinked and opened her mouth, only to close it once more. When she finally spoke, her voice retained its surprised texture, "A hero you are indeed. Pass on. Next."

"Try me." Kurogane stood and stalked forward, shaking from the strain of remaining upright, but unwilling to kneel before this creature.

The Sphinx paused and for the first time appeared impressed. "Very well: What are you?"

"I am a demon. So long did I hunt them and so many did I kill along the path, guilty or otherwise, that I became the very thing I detested. I cannot feel true regret for protecting my princess, but all the good in the world will never wash my hands free of the blood tainting them." Kurogane, too, looked her in the eye as he spoke and when he finished, she turned her cold, stone features from him.

"Your answer stings in its candid tones, but the truth is plain. Walk on, and redeem yourself."

Fai rose slowly, standing alone now. He walked forward with languid strides, upright but unhurried. When he reached the Sphinx he raised his eyes to hers and commanded, 'Ask."

"What are you?"

"I am an angel, fallen from grace."

"Why fallen?"

"What is an angel, without their wings?"

"Well, where are you wings?"

"I tore them off with my own two hands the day I fell from heaven's gates." Her expression morphed from curious to thunderstruck, and he turned his head downwards and reflected upon the truth in the words. That day at Yukko's, that day he flung himself so far from home, he had given her his wings. Without them, he was no more useful than an angel without pinions.

An eternity later, she smoothed her expression and said, "You know who you are, and you know what you wish for. Come take the feather you sought and begone."

Take the feather they did, straight from her gilded headdress; and as Mokona happily played "hero," they sat in silence, wondering at their true natures, and the natures of one another. In silence, the crusader defended the fine thread bridge, as the demon with his bloody hands stood beside the angel flying with broken, bloodied wings.

A/N: Yes, it is another introspective piece of crap, but the plot bunny bit me, hard. It could probably be better done, but I actually kind of liked it. Please R&R.

P.S: Sorry for the lack of For da' Reviewers, but that chapter is being redone.