They got up and walked away from the cherry tree. Her thoughts on the wolves. Kuroko knew them, fought by their side. And her actions were regaled. And all she had to do was asked and they'd kick Samantha's ass. A sly blush crossed her cheeks as well as the thought of Samantha flying through the air. She sighed like a shy lover as a slow smile slipped across her face. Maybe the next time she had vacation. She and Honoka could come to the Island and visit a certain village nestled deep in the wilderness.

As the air was beginning to cool and the sky was become dimmer. The lights of old style Japanese lanterns grew brighter as night began to fall. The crowds growing and becoming louder as they walked down the ever shrinking street. moments passed and like the city's reputation of changing on a dime...the quiet streets became less quiet.

The cool air warmed, turning hot even. Hung around them like a thick blanket, getting heavier and moist. beads of perspiration rose across her neck, trickled to her collar. She brought her hand up, gently lifted her long hair, fanned her neck. A vain attempt to cool down.

What the hell? raised on the tips of her boots to see. And all she saw was a sea of undulating heads. It was becoming harder to move, as people pushed and receded. The heat becoming unbearable as she felt her hand slick with sweat as she rubbed the back of her neck. Someone bumped against her, unapologetic they passed by. Kuroko tightened her grip on the bag of gifts. Why is it so…? She felt her anger beginning to boil. she cinched her jaw and tightened her fist.

Hey! Samantha yelled, reached out and snatched her wrist, do your thing, and get us out of the traffic jam. Too many humans around. Annoyance and the thrill of what might happened glimmered in her eyes. Makes one a little excitable if you know what I mean…

Kuroko looked over her shoulder, Samantha was being bumped around by the crowd. and kuroko knew she was getting on edge. Her annoyance was etched in the lines across her brow.

Right…turning her hand over and taking Samantha hand, we're outta here…

And they teleported.

They landed in the front of a side street a few meters away. The crowd moving steadily, never noticed. Hmmm…Samantha took a breath, usually doesnt get this crowded. Even during the weekend. Her brow tensed, Odd…dontcha think..

You're the one who'd know. Kuroko answered, the urge faded, no longer feeling claustrophobic. She let out a long breath, breathing in the cool air, letting her frustration drain. let's use the side streets. She motioned with her head, looking down the empty street.

Samantha gazed past her looking down the dark side street. looked a little worried and curious. But didn't say anything. And followed.

You know I kept trying to get your attention, but you seemed a little lost…

I just….well…I mean…it was a little crowded so…i..

Then why didn't….you…Samantha thinned her eyes, twitched her ears, and sniffed. Her senses beginning to tingle.

The side street was quiet and barely lit. and empty. There was no one. The lights of the buildings were off…a few here and there, dully lit, barely gave off enough light for a normal human to see. but to her, a vampire, the slit like shape of her iris allowed her to control the amount of light entering her eyes. just like a cat. giving her better night vision. She looked over her shoulder and the crowded image of the street was getting farther and farther away.

Kuroko…

Hmmm….

Samantha slowed her pace. Kuroko walked a few steps and turned around. What?

Isn't it a little odd.

What is?

Samantha's eyes darted left to right. Kuroko fretted her brow, tilted her head.

We are only a few maybe twenty steps from the street…and theres no sound. Completely unnaturally quiet and even though this is a side street…it seems a little too abandoned right now.

Kuroko took a few steps towards Samantha shaking her head, I don't think...Pain exploded across her right cheek, she stumbled, nearly falling, bringing her hand to her hot cheek, she screamed. what the hell did you do that for…..bitch! her eyes burned, her whole face burned from the strike. Why did you?!…..she stopped. And listened. You know what….Samantha.

What? looking innocent, the pint size vampire looked up at Kuroko. she raised her chin and….

SMACK! filled the area around them and quickly faded.

Samantha stumbled to her right, her long blond hair flew, covering her face. Bitch, why did you?

Because you couldn't think of a better way to tell me…that's why…kuroko still rubbing her cheek with her other hand.

Samantha's body shook as she laughed, lifting her long hair out of her eyes, her left cheek burning red, matching the color of her eyes. She smiled that smiled showing her fangs. I'm really glad you didn't hold back, licking the blood off her mouth.

Kuroko dropped her eyelids, thinned her lips, how do you know I didn't hold back. her free hand dropped to her hips, the tips of her fingers caressed the steel spikes around her thighs.

A fucking spell…. Samantha, not moving her mouth, whispered.

A trap…kuroko answered under her breath.

It made sense. She felt frustrated, claustrophobic in the crowd. the crowd itself must have been part of the spell…she'd read about spells like that. To herd others into confined areas, to misdirect their target to a more suitable area. Away from witnesses. This was the work of a caster, or a mage.

We need to look for signs….she said. and get rid of them…..

too late Samantha answered. Besides…..She crouched slowly, Kuroko readied herself, behind me…Samantha told her, Kuroko shook her head, you're a guest….it's my job…so….

Fine…..she huffed. But if they kill you…..then it's my turn…

I love you too…Samantha sniffed the air. Her nose twitching like a rabbit. Come out, come out where every you are….she smiled another smile like a serpents homing into her prey….there you are little rabbit…setting her eyes on a small unlit shop directly across from them.

there was nothing important about the shop. nothing to set it apart from the other small stores around it. the only thing was the sense of ominous dread radiated from it. Pale yellowish light struggling to pierce through the small window. Negative energy pulsed from behind its small wooden door. She crouched, her muscle taut and readied. Slowly, she readied to pounce. but...

The windows and the front wall of the shop exploded, quickly becoming quiet as a result of the spell, sending sharp shards of glass and splinters of wood like daggers across the road. Samantha and kuroko jumped to the side to avoid them. A large black shadow with hints of purple and dark blues streaked among the confusion.