*she nods as the man glances at li as he comes up, he tips his hat and smiles gently as he walks up to Yorda taking her arm and yanking her somewhat, fear fills her eyes as she covers her mouth from screaming* ...no...~you...haven't been playing along young lady...~ *she gasps as tears well up in her eyes*...I'm sorry...please...

*Li spun around at the muffled cries of Yorda. Seeing the scene he spun two daggers into his hands.* Unhand her!! Unhand her this instant of pay the penalty with your life!

*looks over at li pushing Yorda behind him, she cups her mouth tightly and lowers her head* ~...now now...no need for violence young man...everything is fine here...right dear...~ *smiles as he tilts his head back to her, she nods her head as tears fall, she shakes somewhat*

"THAT'S IT!!!" John said as he ran up and tackled the guy. "Leave her alone, she didn't do anything to you ya sick fuck!!"

*He glowers at the man in the hat.* I have seen abusive husbans, pimp thugs, blackmailing rapists and more. Which category do you fall under? Because I can see most clearly by the tears in her eyes that nothing is fine. You must be some sort of foul serville scum or else she would not act as such. *He points a dagger at the man* Now unhand her or I will show you what the dueling schools of Tokyo teach.

*looks up at them man that just takled him* ~...now now...that was a foolish mistake...~ *yorda gasps and grabs at john, tears falling more than ever* ...no!...please forgive them...they do not know...*the man smiles upon yorda sending a chill up her spin* ~...you'd protect such fools?~

That's it! *Li charged and sunk one of his daggers deep into the mans arm that was holding onto Yorda and grabbed her. He continued on his charge, Yorda in tow, straight on down a side street.*

"Hey wait for me!" John said, catching up. "And why was some sort of rapist, person, thing after you?" he asked.

*the man in the suit smiles and chuckles somewhat, taking the dagger out and placing it in his pocket. His wound heals but no blood falls. He smiles as he stroles after them, Yorda grips close to li* no! ...you don't understand...you can't! he'll kill you!!! *she cries franticly*

*she lowers her head* ...he's not one...he's...he's just a man...oh, don't worry! Just let me go, he'll hurt you both!!! please!!!

Well it's better than just standing aside and letting another tradgedy happen! *He runs across a bridge and takes a turn down a side street. If only I had my rapier I might stand a chance! * Why is he after you anyway?

*tries to yank her hand away* ...please!!! I'm begging you!!! ...he's...he's my finance!!!

*Li stops dead.* Your fiance? A creep like that? What inspired you to say yes? Please say it was the money or the wine or something because quite frankly I didn't really consider evil thugs your type.

*looks down and starts to cry harder*...it wasn't me that chose...I had no choice...but really, it's a long story...please, I don't want you to get hurt on my behalf!!! *her knees give way*

I won't just leave you here with this creep! *Li ran back and picked her up then turned and sprinted down another street. He found himself next to one of the hundreds of canals of Venice. He looked down at her.* Hold tight, we're going for a swim. *And with that he jumped into the frigid water.*

*she gasps and screams, but it as if her voice breaks, as if it vanishes, she grips at him freezing and teeth chattering, soaking wet all she can do is cling to him. The man stops at the edge of the river* ~...till then...my friend...~ *commenting to li, glares and walks off, Yorda stares up at him blankly, that he would just let her go with ease*...h-e...h-e's go-ne...*teeth still chattering*

*Li stared dumbly at where he had been standing for a while then turned and climbed up over the side and helped Yorda do the same.* I'm just as amazed as you are... Do you think it'd be safe for you to stay in your hotel for the night?

*rubs her arms franticly to bring warmth to them*...he's...p-probably...g-oing...b..back th-ere...n-now...*looks at the ground as little drops of water fall from her hair*

"You two need a ride?" John said, riding up in a gondola. "I guess I just lucked out with this thing," he said as they looked up at him.

Fine then, you can stay at my place. All the apartments are probably taken up what with the masquerade and all. I have a house not too far away. C'mon. Oh and you should probably take my cloak. It's drenched but it'll serve. It's partially water resistant. *He lays the cloak over her shoulders and begins leading lazy off towards his house.*

*she follows unsure -...your going to kill them...fool...why me?-*

*As they pulled up to Cor's house in the gondola cor jumped nimbly to the side and turned to help Yorda.* Well this is my little estate. *He gestured to a large mansion in front of them. He fumbled around for something then produced a small black box. He pointed it at the doors and pushed a button. They swung open. He lead them inside* So what do you think?

"Well at least it's got a couch," he said as he went over and sat down.

*she cups her mouth and gasps, taking a step back* ...oh no...I couldn't...I just couldn't ask to stay....here...I'm so sorry..*turns to walk back out the gate*

*He clicks the button again and the gates swing shut.* And why not? Honestly this is the last place he'll look for us. I'm usually in Tokyo on business or such. This house is supposedly deserted. Anyway it's as good as any other place. A roof, a bed, and architecture by da vinci. Please stay, if only for the night. I can't stand to think that, that horrible excuse of a man could possibly get his hands on you. *He gently set his hands on her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes.* Please?

*she shivers and can't help but stare up at him -...this is wrong...he'll have his head..- she looks down and whips at her eyes, a lump growing in her throat. She shivers and nods her head yes*...ok...

Ok then now that that's settled I'll show you to your rooms. Lazy yours is just up the hall over there. *He indicated a hall immediately to his left.* Yorda, you'll be staying in my room, I won't be sleeping any. I want to make sure that nothing happens so If I do sleep any it'll be on a couch or something by accident. *He leads her up the one set of stairs and around two or three bends to a set of elaborate doors.* Here it is. Have a good sleep.

*she nods to him and hands him back his cloak, then silently she tip toes to the bed, running her hands across the fabric. She sighs at how lovely it is as she rips a loose string from her gown to place up her hair, and the wet strands out of her face*...I can't...be a burden...*whispers*...dear lord...protect my heart...*tears slowly begin to fall*