Title: A Flesh and Blood Hero

Author: Lady Knight (aka: pinkdoom)

Fandom: Sorcerous Stabber Orphen

Pairing: Hartia x Cleao Everlasting

Theme: #16 - invincible; unrivaled

Rating: PG-13... for implied almost and tiny action

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Action... sorta

Summary: Instead of the Black Tiger, Hartia is needed.

Disclaimer: The only Orphen I own is my season 1 and 2 box sets. Get it? If not seek professional help.

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A scream woke the red-head from his sound sleep. He flung back the covers of his bedroll and assessed the camp sight. His amber orbs widened as he took in the sight. His blonde companion was missing and her deep dragon cub bound to a nearby tree. He quickly untied the animal and searched him for injuries. Finding none, the sorcerer quickly put on his shoes. "Leki, can you locate where they took her?"

The blue furred pup growled in affirmative.

"Then let's go." With time being of the essence, the red-head grabbed only his scythe and took off after the wolf-like creature.

Less than fifteen minutes later, the two caught up with the kidnappers. Cleao was on the ground, surrounded by five male figures. Her skin was covered in scratches from being dragged through the woods. Her arms and legs sported dirt smudges from her struggles. Her dress was ripped and most likely only good for rags after this. But what enraged him the most was the blood at the corner of her mouth and the bruise that started to form on her left cheek.

"Let her go," the sorcerer said in a low, dangerous tone.

Cleao's blue eyes went wide as the men turned to look at him. One of them snorted. "What are you going to do about it, shrimp?"

His crimson eyes narrowed. "Whatever I have to."

"Let's get him."

With a few rapid swings of his scythe, he defeated his foes. He wiped the blade clean, and then pocketed the used cloth, while Leki went to his Mistress's side. Slowly, using his weapon as a walking stick, he made his way towards the young woman. He held out his hand to help her up."It's all right Cleao. I'm here."

Instead, she launched herself into his arms and buried her face into his chest. He stroked her quivering back with his free hand as she cried. When she calmed, he pulled back. He pressed a kiss to her temple and wiped away her tears. "I will protect you." He smiled down at her. "After all, I am a 'super hero'."

Her arms tightened around his waist. "Yes you are, Hartia."

She smiled back and he felt invincible.

-End-