Sorry this chapter took me so long to post… The joys of writing a research paper for Neurobiology, eh? College is soooooo much fun let me tell you. The next chapter will get up quicker, I promise. -bows-

I know I have already revealed Soran as the Dragon Lord, but I will continue to refer to him as Soran, just for continuity's sake. Hai?

Also. If anyone cares to read it… I wrote a song/death fic called lullaby. It does have its sad elements, but I think its good. Please, if you do read it, please tell me what you think, hai? Arigatou!

The Lo—'Soran' remained behind in the bushes, for he was gone even before Kiari arose herself, though Rune crept back up the slope, looking around wearily for Kiari, not wanting to alert her to his disappearance. Peering over the top of the ridge back at camp, he scanned the campsite and the surrounding areas before making his move: racing over to Thatz and attempting to wake him.

"Thatz!" he hissed, grabbing his shoulder and shaking him harder than would a nine on the Richter scale (AN: for those who don't know that's a very strong earthquake). "Thatz!" he said a bit louder, still trying to rouse him, though to no avail. Thatz just kept on snoring with that crazy little smile on his lips.

A hand dropped on his shoulder before Thatz even started to wake, causing Rune to jump clear out of his skin and turn to stare straight into a pair of crystal green eyes contorted in curiosity. "Rune?" the eye's owner asked.

Gathering himself, Rune smiled, and stopped shaking Thatz. "Hey! I was just—uh—coming to look for you."

She gave him a suspicious stare, cocking her eyebrows as her eyes focused on them, almost as though she could peer straight through him. "Why were you shaking Thatz then?"

"I—uh—wanted him to stay awake and watch for you. I—In case you got back before I found you."

She blinked and studied him carefully, but soon must have decided his story was genuine, as she shrugged and turned away, headed back the fire now resting between the beds. "You should get some rest then, Rune. Early day tomorrow."

She left him staring after her in silence, relieved that his lie seemed to have passed her inspection.

Short Chappie I know! Don't kill me ;; I just got over writer's block.

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Haku Kitsune – Oo Slap Rath? I duhn think I could have them do that… lol! Just cause I don't think Rune nor Lykouleon could do that… And I couldn't kill Kharl! He's just… one of the sexy bishounen! Oo… :ninja: shhh! I'm trying to do that too…. :ninja:

XxDKGurlxx – no worries, hai? I had updated very quickly that last chapter, so I wasn't expecting that many reviews. Sounds like a really fun weekend though… Next time take me please? -make Puss-In-Boots eyes- And Rath, she can tell me to update as many times as she pleases hai?

FireyFlames – just you wait… she ain't even started yet… :ninja:

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Now that you've read this installment…. RR&R!