Well kiddies, been a while ain't it? Lol. Well here's the next chapter, sorry it took so long! Read and review. Oh b.t.w. ages are around…19 for Sora and "L'inconnu" and Daisuke is around 16.

"Hmm, where do you live?"

"The Cathedral of the Angels. Mother Eva took me and Sor in when we were young… when it all began…"

"The Cathedral of Angels huh? Perfect place for someone like her." He nodded down at the sleeping girl's form. She really did remind him of an angel. Daisuke smiled in response before pulling up his hood, the stranger followed suit, before they both crossed the eyes of the Saint's guardians, the grisly looking gargoyles guarding the exit, and entering back into the darkened back alley of the baker's shop.

A voice hissed out from beneath the shadowed lips of the man holding the mirror:

"So at last I've found you, my dearest bride to be."

Chapitre cinq- cauchemars et vérités d'abri

No echoes reverberated around the invisible walls of the hidden cell that held her. The silence was deafening. Darkness. That was all she could see. Shrouded around her, everywhere she turned, everywhere she ran. She screamed out, but it made no difference. The darkness smothered everything, every sound. And yet she still found herself screaming out a word, a name. She screamed it out through choked sobs, tears constantly cascading down her cheeks. But no answer came. As she came to a halt, she felt her legs give way, dropping to her knees. As she looked at her hands, she noticed her attire. White silk dress, a white corset dressed with lace which had her standard sized breasts hoisted up leaving them looking less than average. She had elbow high silk gloves, a veil and… was that…make up? She had make up on, a lot of it. Oh gods, what was happening? She felt herself screaming again, sobbing. This time a voice answered, but for some reason not the one she wanted. The voice was close, a whisper in her ear. A pair of arms wound around her as a pair of hands grabbed her breasts. She tried to fight but she felt weakened, like this person was choking the energy out of her. A white energy, a bright light emerged from her fingertips in wispy tendrils, and wound their way to the pair of attacking hands. The power however seemed to fade, as if dying. It was trying to help her but as it faded, she felt herself enter a weakened state of consciousness. The voice kept taunting, whispering and breathing into her ear. A tongue slithered against her earlobe before moving to the nape of her neck, she couldn't fight, she couldn't even curse or scream. All she could do was weep. She meekly called out that name, only to be answered by the attacker.

"He can't here you. He's not coming. He can't save you, and why would anyone else want to? It's not like your dying or anything my dear. You're entering a new stage of life, darling. As my wife, my queen, my power source…my slave. Just a worthless little gypsy, my little gypsy." As the voice spoke she continued to call the name out, getting louder and louder till she was screaming it out. The dark world around her spun, swirling with the hissing voice mixed with the sounds of her own heavy sobs and screaming… "Taichi!"

The girl writhed and struggled within the strangers arms, as he trod the cobbled streets, holding her firmly as not to let her slip through his arms in her trance-like state. He entered a darkened alleyway, a younger boy sticking closely to his side.

"Sora! Sora, wake up! It's just a dream Sor. Shit. Sora come on… not again." The younger of the two shook the struggling girl, trying to wake her from her nightmare.

"Again? You mean this has happened before?" the taller man asked as he lay the writhing girl down on the cobbled floor.

"It's been happening quite often lately. For about a month or so. Sora's never been a great sleeper. Ever since we were little, she's had trouble sleeping. Sometimes she was just too excited to sleep, which was fine really, a little annoying though, especially when she started talking about what she was gonna do the next day, what Gennai might teach her…"

"Gennai?"

"You'll learn about him later on. Anyway as I was saying, sometimes it was that she was just too excited to sleep. But the other times where horrific. She'd have nightmares, terrible ones…true ones. It was mainly just one dream that haunted her…the dream about her mother…my aunt. Except, it wasn't a dream, it was a memory. I was far too young to remember any of the details…or much of that event to be exact. But Sora…Sora remembered everything. The memory haunted her for years…only recently it's changed…to the one she's having now." Both figures looked down at the girl…tears cascaded down her face as she called out as if in a trance. The calls grew louder, till eventually the name became audible.

"Taichi. Taichi! Taichi! TAICHI!" She screamed the name out in a shrill blood curdling voice. It was like she was being tortured. The stranger's eyes widened at the sound of the name. Taichi. That name. I've gone so long without hearing that name. Not another soul has ever uttered that name, then she…she screams it out in pain…in a nightmare? Special is not an appropriate word for this woman anymore.

"Sora! Sora! Come on Sor, you're shouting that name again. You gotta snap out of it!" Daisuke was now frantically trying to awaken the screeching girl.

"Here, let me try." The stranger gently pushed Dai to side and picked up the girl in his arms. He shook her a few times, tried giving her gentle slaps on her face…nothing. Still she writhed on. So it had come to this? He removed one of his thick leather gloves, revealing his bare hand. Smooth skinned in places, with calloused palms, the sign of a true labour man. His hand blazed with a fiery light, which danced across his palms like a small creature. It seemed to flare with life, happy almost, as if enjoying being out in the light. He went to touch Sora's face with this hand, only to be stopped by Dai;

"What are you doing?! You'll burn her! I may not be as powerful or well trained as you, but I know that is 'le Feu Démonique'. And strong stuff at that!"

"Let me assure you Dai, I won't harm her. I may possess 'le Feu Démonique', but I'd never let it burn those who are innocent." And with that, he gently stroked the girl's face. His touch warmed her, soothing the cold feeling that had taken hold of her body and consciousness. Her cries quietened and her face calmed at his touch, the pained expression leaving her face. The tears stopped as her crimson eyes fluttered open.

She had been screaming out a word, a name. She was terrified, smothered by the mystery voice and his cruel arms that had held her like ropes. His voice was the hiss of a snake, and the tongue of one to match. And through it all, that name had never left her lips. And then, it came. Like a light in the dark, or a warm front after the winter, she felt it. Like reassurance to a fearful child, that dawn has come. Or the sign to a bud to open, spring is upon us. A touch, a simple stroke of the face, and it all seemed to melt away. Her eyesight was blurred for a minute or so, as she adjusted to the dim light of the alleyway. They focused upon a face, shadowed by the hood of cloak, realising who had awakened her. She shuddered, thinking back to the nightmare she had been caught up in merely minutes ago in her slumber. It felt so…so real.

"Are you okay now?" he spoke in a low, husky voice that sent a shiver down her spine. She nodded mutely, gulping back that sickening feeling that overcomes you when you've been crying. She never cried, and here she was…crying for the third time today, in front of a man she had met merely a couple of hours ago.

"Good." A smile graced his lips, the rest of his face hidden beneath the recesses of that cloak. He turned to face the younger boy behind him.

"You see. I told I knew what I was doing. Does she look burned to you?" he questioned the boy in a smug voice. A confused Sora was about to ask him what on earth he was on about, when she noticed what sat in the palm of his hand. A small, apple sized flame, crackled gleefully. It fluttered slightly at the slight breeze that flowed through the cobbled passageway. Her eyes widened in fear, her mind flashed with images of her past, of vicious flames curling their claws around the charred remains of a caravan, screams filling the air.

"Le Feu Démonique!" She managed to gasp out, cowering from the flames.

Fire. As much as it fascinated the girl, it filled her mind with such pain. Memories of a distant past. Such beautiful memories, which ended so horribly. The stranger noticed the change in her mood, noticing her eyes as they watched the flames dancing in her eyes. Whatever happened in her past, obviously involved demonic fire. He felt a pang of sympathy rise in his chest for this girl, something that rarely ever happened. Sympathy was an alien concept to him. He sat himself down next to the redheaded girl, and began to speak.

"My mother was as pure as you; it was my father that carried the demonic blood. I was born a demon and I'll die one, but I was not raised as one. Do not compare me to the dark one. He was conceived, born and raised a demon. I am only a demon through blood. Not choice. I chose not to embrace the darkness; I lived a life of any young peasant boy. I only noticed a difference in me, when I hit 15. It was as if I had no emotions. I felt pain like any other human, but I didn't feel things like sadness, sympathy, pleasure and certainly not love. I only could feel hate, anger and this…well…almost animalistic need to survive. I felt for no-one but me, mother and my younger sister. As my powers got stronger, I got less stable. I became more of a danger as I was volatile, I was angered easily. My father took me away from them, I had to train and learn to control my powers. While all other boys my age were labouring or courting, I was training, kept away from everyone else. I trained day, and sometimes night, just to gain control. I was fighting with myself." The stranger gave out a sigh as he let all the memories all flood back. "Eventually, my father's elusive past caught up with him. The royal guard came after him, they hunted him down like a dog. And naturally as his son, I too became hunted. The son of one of the strongest demons to walk the earth…a great risk to 'his majesty's crown' non? Especially when they discovered who I truly was…they weren't too thrilled to learn I was 'L'inconnu'. They killed my father…in front of my face. I couldn't take it. I snapped. Have you ever heard of 'le Terre de Diable?'"

Sora and Dai both nodded, trying to think of exactly how this came into the conversation.

"THAT, is my doing."

"Y…you did that?!" Daisuke managed to splutter out. He had seen that landscape before, whilst accompanying a new orphan to the Cathedral of the Angels. It was his duty to see that all orphans of the dark one's destruction arrived at the great cathedral that served as a home and refuge for them all. Dai instantly remembered his thoughts as he travelled through the barren and charred wasteland, with the six year old child clinging to him through sheer terror. A crater of black ash, dry sand littered with scorched bones and charred ground stretched out for at least a mile. He remembered thinking 'what on this earth could have caused this?' There were many urban myths surrounding that patch of desert, but none compared to what the stranger was telling them now.

"Every ounce of control was gone at that point, everything I'd learnt, meant nothing at that point. All I remember was an inferno. Flames, dust clouds and the ground cracked and splintered. I remember their screams, their cries for mercy, and yet…I felt nothing. No remorse, no regret. I saw their bodies burn, their bones split from their skin, their blood boil and the metal of their swords melt and twist, withering away like a dead flower, and yet nothing. Just anger. I travelled for days after that, their voices still taunting me. From their threats and taunts…to their cries for mercy. Then, I met an old man. Strange old man he was, stir fry CRAZY. But kind, and really wise. He knew everything about me…my family, my past, my powers and…my duty. He told me to travel north, to the City of Angels, to find you…Sora. Though he didn't tell me your name…or exact details for that matter, only; 'She of the sky. Eyes of the dawn, hair of the flames you wield. Heart of gold and will of steel, the spirit of a warrior burning within. She is the key. Your object of great treasure and possession of great power. Protect her with your life, soul and most of all your heart.'" His chocolate eyes stared into her crimson ones, searing through to her soul, a great jolt of passion rising from her stomach. If those weren't the words of an old man, I'd have sworn he was a poet.

"You've had a pretty tough life. I can't imagine watching such awful things, never mind doing them." The girl's head dropped slowly, so that she stared at the cobbled floor under her feet. She felt ashamed that she had judged him so quickly and in such a bad way. He had been through so much.

"I'm not the only one." The young man lifted her chin with his finger, turning her head as he did so that she stared him right in the face.

"You cannot compare my life, to that of yours. Mine is nothing special." She tried to avert her eyes, but found it impossible to tear away from him.

"Liar. Are you ashamed of your past?" his voice was barely above a whisper, but loud and clear enough for her to hear.

"No! But I'm not proud of it either! I saw three generations of my family perish in the space of a minute! And for what? So some prince can have a bride?" tears flowed freely now, as memories flashed in front of her. The screams, the flames…her mother, standing in front of her, protecting her.

'SORA TAKE DAI AND RUN!' 'But moma…' 'DO IT NOW SORA, RUN, SAVE TWO LIVES INSTEAD OF NONE!' 'MOMA!' 'GO!' picking up the small bawling two year old, she fled. Running as fast as possible for a five year old. Tears soaking her dress, she turned looking up the bank where their string of caravans was. Horses had broken free, galloping from the wreckage of burning wagons, their thundering hooves rattling the ground. She saw the figure of her mother standing, arms outstretched as another, larger darker figure arrived. 'MOMA!' 'SORA…RUN!' The girl ran, only turning again once at a badly timed moment. The sword engulfed with tendrils of darkness, rose above the figure's head, as her mother whispered out her final speech 'Run Sora. Be free in who you love. Protect your cousin. Lay your heart in the hands of the one you truly belong with. May the demon brought to light protect you from the fallen Prince. I love you Sora…my beloved child.' The sword crashed down upon the girl's beloved mother, a final gasp of air emitted as she fell to the charred earth. 'MOMA' The figure turned toward the direction of the scream. But found nothing. That night no survivors were found. A small child hid, cradling another amongst the thorns of a wild rose bush, silent sobs going unnoticed.

After gulping down some much needed air, Sora eventually came back to her senses. Repressing the unwanted memories, she thought it best not to dwell on the past and to concentrate on the future, therefore…change of subject.

"Well I guess we should show you were we live. You must be exhausted. You can stay with us…if you want to that is."

Dai and the stranger both noticed this change in subject by Sora, but decided it was best not for her to dwell.

"Who am I to pass up free lodgings? I'd love to stay with you two." Plus it'll be easier to protect you if I'm in the same building.

Without a word the three set off through the cobbled alleys.

After a few minutes, Dai began to feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. Something was following them. He was sure he could here hoof beats, but he dreaded turning around.

Eventually, he plucked up the courage and spun on his heel swiftly, only to face a rather large muzzle. The snout was deep velvety black and quivered slightly as the nostrils on either side gave out a breath.

"HOLY SON OVA B…"

"Dai! What the hell are you…oh my goodness!"

There, standing before Daisuke in a proud and dominant stance, was a huge black stallion. His coat gleamed with a mix of sweat and obvious good condition, his hooves were large and hardy, and he had a mane of jet black hair that fell past his neck. He was a lean and yet, solidly built horse, clearly built for speed and stamina, a steed for a warrior of some sort. Dai dropped to the ground onto his buttocks in shock, whilst the horse seemed to look down his long nose at the boy's antics, in a bored way. The horse obviously belonged to someone, as he wore a black bridle decorated with gold designs, and a strong bit clenched between his teeth. On his back was a deep black saddle, once again embellished with the same designs and stirrups that matched the bit. Saddle bags were attached, laden with supplies, and a blanket was rolled up behind the saddle.

"So I see you finally decided to show up huh?" the stranger strode towards the horse, giving the stallion a hefty pat on the neck. The horse roughly rubbed his head up against the stranger in an almost affectionate way (though it could be perceived as the horse scratching his head upon the stranger.)

"That horse….is he…is he yours?" Daisuke managed to splutter out.

"Well of course! You don't think I'd be travelling the country astride some donkey or half knackered steed. This…is Diablo, my faithful, if not a little stubborn steed."

"He's…BIG." Daisuke was still a little stunned at the sudden encounter with the ferocious looking horse, as he struggled for words. Sora however, found no such problems…

"He's magnificent!" the stranger smirked at the young woman's comment, but his face fell to a grimace as the girl stepped up to the stallion. As her hand reached up to stroke the horse he felt his heart almost stop. Diablo will savage her if she touches him! But instead of the sound of angry squeals and surprised screeches, he was met with the sound of… cooing? There…his maniac horse (that tried to kill anyone who wasn't his master when they attempted to touch him) stood as patiently as a merchant's carthorse, allowing this woman to stroke him. To put it into context…he was milking the attention.

A great black mass moved through the southern region of the Great Nation. A long snake like trail that wound its way through the many fields and tracks. Eyes. Hundreds, thousands…millions of soulless eyes glared out from the great black mass as it marched on, feet tramping the already tormented earth. Soundless. Marching.

"So this? This is where you live?" the stranger's voice echoed around the sculpted ceilings of the cathedral. It was stunning. The faces of saints carved into the stone walls, the tiled floors played out scenes. Candles illuminated every alcove, pillars rose from the floor, stretching upwards to form arches which the roof of the cathedral rested upon. Every inch of the ceiling was carved out with either figures, animals or plants. It was the most spectacular sight he'd ever seen.

"This place is…it's beautiful! And…you two live here?"

"Yes. Us and sixteen others." Sora smiled at the stranger.

"Sixteen!"

"Mother Eva is guardian to eighteen orphans. I'm the oldest, followed by Dai, Takeru, Ailsa, Sophia, Cody, Mathieu, Samuel, Elodie, Lily, Melody, Frederic, George, Henry, Cornelia, Constance, Alexander and little Marie is the youngest is only a year old."

"Me and Sora were the first orphans Mother Eva took in." Dai grinned.

"So…were are they? If there's sixteen more kids in here where…."

"SORA, DAISUKE!" A chorus of screams and squeals erupted from the other end of the cathedral. An army of kids rushed from behind a large oak door. Chatter spilled fourth from their mouths as they surrounded the two young adults.

"Sora look what I made…" "I learnt how…" "Samuel pulled my hair!" "Did not!" "Yeah you did Sam…I saw you." "Dai can you show me that move again…"

So many kids, and they're talking so much. How do Dai and Sor cope with this…EVERY DAY! The stranger's head reeled as he watched the frenzy of children.

"They've been like this ALL day. You two were lucky to be out of range of the constant noise." A tall blonde boy walked through the throng of chattering kids. He had a kind face and a lean build.

"Glad to hear you coped with it Takeru." Sora giggled at the blonde boy, before turning towards the stranger.

"This is Takeru."

"Pleasure to meet you." The stranger stretched his hand out to the blonde boy. He took it and began to shake it as Sora introduced the stranger.

"Takeru…this is L'inconnu" she smiled as the boy's jaw dropped, his periwinkle blue eyes staring into the chocolate brown orbs of "L'inconnu".

"Oh my."

"And so you've finally arrived my dear boy. You finally came for her." An old voice croaked out from the same oak door that the kids had came from. Standing in the threshold of the door was an old woman. She had soft expressive features and her eyes had much wisdom within them. Her face was fairly wrinkled and her hair was hidden by her habit. She walked forward, relying quite a lot on her walking stick, her other hand playing with her rosary beads.

"This…is Mother Eva."

Well there we are my dears. I finally got it done. Woot!!!! Hope you enjoy it. Any French words you don't know, ask me and I'll happily translate.

Please read and review my little chick-ah-dee's! love you all.

Kisses for all mwwahh x x x x x