The crystal blue sky seemed endless to Laurel as he wings flew her higher and higher into the clouds. The sun's heavenly light shimmered down upon her beautiful wings as she soared among the birds.

"Oh, it's such a beautiful day," She said to herself, "I wish Raya was here."

Raya, the elder of the two angel sisters had left to spend a day horseback riding in the Elven forests with Reed, her boyfriend. In all truth, Laurel had a crush on Reed, but was not even close to the idea of crushing her beloved sister's happiness.

"Well." She thought to herself, "Maybe one day, I find.... someone." She sniffled a little, but dried her eyes. In all truth, knowing her sister was in love made her happy.

"Raya does deserve the best." She thought, remembering how brightly her sister had smiled when Reed had kissed her at the Elven Spring Festival.

"And Shady-Sama deserves the best too.... certainly not that Elven girl at the fair!" Remembering how one of the Elven girls who owned a Carnival stand had tried to hit on Reed.

She felt a something soft brush up against the side of her face and forgot about her anger. She looked around. A flock of beautiful little birds with tiny wings fluttered around her. Birds loved to be around angels. They felt comforted by their presence. They fluttered around and sang their little songs, some even came close to her. One little one came up to Laurel's shoulder.

"Oh, you sweetie." She said gently, taking the little bird from her shoulder and holding it in her hands. The bird twittered gently as Laurel stroked the downey feathers behind it's head.

"What a little darling." She said, giving the big a tiny kiss on the beak.

"Oh stop! Anymore of this and I'm gonna be sick!"

Laurel spun around as the birds flew off in fright. She could already sense something bad was going to be there, for she already knew that voice.

"Aysis!" She snapped, turing around to see the sexy succubus behind her.

Aysis was a succubus who had a long history of connections on the demon black market. She was known for kidnapping angels and selling them to the highest bidder at various demon ports. She was a sexy woman with long purple hair and the same color eyes. She had sharp horns coming from her head and long pointed fangs like a vampire. Unlike Laurel's long angel wings, Aysis had the wings of a bat, indicating her demon status. She wore all leather and gave Laurel a sassy smile.

"Why are you here?!" Laurel said, trying to keep her cool.

"I'm here on business." She said with a wave of her hand. "A few new bidders are coming into port tonight and I was looking for a good catch to start out the show."

"You are despicably evil." Laurel said, holding out her hand and allowing her Holy Halberd of Might to appear.

"Tell me something I don't know." Aysis rolled her eyes, "Now, are you gonna come with me like a good girl or am I gonna have to use force?"

"What?" Laurel looked confused. Aysis just smiled.

"I told you before, I need a good catch for tonight's bidding, and I found it right here in front  of me." She waved her hands and two long daggers appeared in them.

"NEVER!" Laurel snapped flying at her opponent and razing her Halberd. Aysis flew at her as well, making sure her daggers were in proper position. Laurel moved fast to swipe at Aysis, but Aysis quickly dogged the attack. Aysis let out a laugh.

"You really think that stick can do any damage to me?" She laughed, "I've seen butter knifes with more power."

"Oh?" Laurel asked, "Can a butter knife do this?" She shouted, flying up high and throwing her Halberd like a boomerang. It missed Aysis by a mile. The demon began to role with laughter.

"You are such a bad shot! YOu miss me by-" Aysis was cut off by something hard slamming into her back. The Halberd had began to come back to it's master when it slammed into Aysis back, the blade barely missing her skin.

"Ah!" Laurel smiled as the Halberd returned to her, "I'll bet that's gonna hurt in the morning."

Aysis angrily tried to shake off the throbbing pain in her back.

"When I get my hands on you..." She muttered under her breath. She spread her wings into an attacking position and allowed herself to fly straight at Laurel.

Laurel saw the attack and used her Halbert to block a direct blow to the stomach.

"You won't get me that easily demon!" She said, getting ready to attack again, when she realized her target had vanished before her eyes.

"Where did she-" She wasn't able to finish as something heavy slammed into her head, sending her into total darkness.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Come on! Wake up, I got a schedule to keep."

Laurel woke to find herself on hot ground. Flame and smoke seemed to be everywhere around her. She had a throbbing headache the size of India and found it hard to breath.

That was partly because she had a huge gag in her mouth!

Her eyes snapped open in shock as she looked around.

SHE WAS IN THE DEMON WORLD!!!!

She tried to scramble to her feet, but tripped over the chains that held her feet. Aysis laughed.

"Not gonna get out of this one so easily dear. Take a look."

Laurel whimpered and looked down at her body. Her body was held tightly with a tight leather body restraint. Every inch of her was held tightly back with leather and chains. Even her wings were held back with leather so there was no way she could fly. She tried desperately to move her wings, but they pulled painfully on her back and she out a muffled cry. It was muffled due to the horse bit-like gag in her mouth. Aysis snickered.

"Gonna be hard to get saved from this one, eh?" She asked, picking up the chain that was connected to a metal collar around Laurel's neck. "Now come on! There's an auction block with your name on it and a spa reservation with mine." She gave a sharp tug on the collar around Laurel's throat and Laurel began to walk uneasily over the hot ground, trying to keep her wings from getting burnt.

"By the way." She said, looking over her shoulder at the captive angel, "This is nothing personal. Just business you know."

Laurel could do nothing but give a muffled cry. She tried desperately to move her arms and wings, but the leather held her back so much, it hurt to even breath.

"Oh, don't be such a baby!" Aysis snapped, "It won't hurt that much.... at least the auction won't."

Laurel shivered. The thought of being up on that block, on display for all the demon world to see frightened her beyond belief. There was another sharp tug on the chain and Laurel felt head snap back slightly.

"Move it angel wings!" Aysis snapped, "We're at the port."

Laurel looked ahead and she felt her blood run cold. The Demon Trade Port.

The Port was surrounded by a wall of flames and smoke and was dominated by   architecture that resembled  several huge castles in Spain. Laurel had never seen these, but she knew enough about them to knew the port also resembled and functioned as a harem. Angels, Elves and even some demons were kidnapped on a daily basis and sold to this  area. There, humans, demons and some very wealthy wizards could bid on whatever was brought in.

"Come on!" Aysis snapped as she pulled the chain again and forced Laurel to walk into the port.

On a regular basis, the port was guarded by dragons in attempt to keep anyone from escaping, but today, two demons were standing guard. One caught sight of Aysis and smiled.

"So... what's a pretty girl like you doing in a port-"

"Finish that sentence and I will snap your neck," Aysis snapped at them, sick of being it on by losers and jerks. "I'm here on business."

"With whom?" The Other guard asked, "Cause, you know... I could be your business if you-"

"I wasn't kidding when I said I'd snap your neck." Aysis commented, "And does SHE answer your question?"

She gestured over her shoulder and both demons looked to see a beautiful angel tied up in leather. They're mouths dropped at once! not many people could bring back a full grown angel... let alone one of the Songweavers.

"Now, are you gonna let me though or stare all day like the asses you are?" Aysis groaned, "I am kinda late on time here, I need an answer this year!"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah!" One of the guards came to his senses, "Come on in."

Aysis pulled on Laurel;s chain again and they entered. Everywhere she looked, Laurel could see men and women bickering over slave girls. Touching them, caressing them, making them dress in horrible clothes. She was shocked to see how young some of these girls were. Maybe only 15! They stared at her with tear soaked frightened eyes.

"Those poor children." Laurel thought to herself, "How can they be so cruel?" She turned her head to look forward and saw that they were walking towards a small, yet regal tent. Laurel felt another tug on her chain and they entered.

The tent was dark inside, but it smelled of candles and incense.

"Who is it?"

"Sanos!" Aysis snapped, "It's Aysis. Turn some damn lights on, I can barely see!"

A couple of candles flickered on and Laurel found herself looking at a handsome man sitting in a comfortable leather chair. Two young servant girls were beside him. One held a plate of fruit, another a goblet of wine. The man outwardly appeared to be in this mid thirties. He had long blonde hair with fell down to his waist and was pulled back with a ribbon. His eyes were blood red and seemed to glow like a fire rising to power. His skin was deathly pale and the only color he had seemed to be in his cheeks. He dressed in deep earth green robes and his hands were covered in black gloves.

"Ah, Aysis." He said in a voice that was accented by a British tone, "You have returned." He went to pat her on the head, but she slapped his hand away.

"You know I don't take that crap." She snapped, "I brought you a good catch, no just pay me and I'll be on my way."

"Well, well, well," The man approached the bound Laurel and looked her over from head to toe. "An Angel! You did better than I expected." He reached over and fingered a lock of Laurel's golden hair, "And she is beautiful. She will fetch a fine price for me."

"Yeah, yeah, all in good!" Aysis groaned, "Listen, I'm kinda in a hurry and I'd like to get paid. I was thinking... $30,000."

The man gave her a wicked smile, "$21,000."

"That wouldn't pay for her ear!" Aysis snapped, "$25,000."

The man gave her another smile and Laurel could tell he was thinking about something, "$23,000... plus, 35% of whatever I get for her."

Aysis scratched her chin, it was a tempting offer and the angel would go for a high mark. "Fine, but I want my twenty-three grand up front."

"Done." He nodded, "My servants." He looked at the two girls. "Remove this angels bonds and get her ready for the block. Some very high bidders are coming in and I want to sell her tonight."

The girls nodded and dragged Laurel away as Sanos and Aysis went to get her money.

Laurel was take out back by the two girls and the leather straps that held her were removed. Her wings were tied together and placed with chains so she could not fly away and her wrists and ankles were placed in cuffs. They removed the gag from her mouth and Laurel gasped for air. She tried to speak, but her voice and mouth were in so much pain, it was impossible. Also, she figured if she did cry for help, that Sanos man would be after her in a moments notice.

The servants stripped her of the clothes she had come in and walked her naked over to another tent where a bath was waiting. The servants have her a warm, perfumed bath and washed her hair with differed shampoos and oils. Finally, they dried her off and brought her back to another tent were new clothes were waiting for her.

Laurel was dressed in a blue shoulder-less top that wrapped around her breasts, but left her stomach bare. The top had long flowing sleeves of the same material which made her look like a water spirit. The top was covered in intricately woven sequence had shimmered slightly whenever she moved. Her skirt was also of the same ocean blue silk material and flowed behind her like a wedding gown. The waist of the skirt hung low around her hips and was sequenced with sliver stars surrounded by the changing waves. It really did make her look like an angel of the Prussian waters. Her ankles were adored with sliver anklets decorated with loops, bells and hearts. A beautiful design of diamonds and sapphires were stuck in an intricate design around her navel. A sapphires circlet was placed around her head and sliver cuffs were placed and her wrists and ankles. Finally, they wrapped a piece of silk around her mouth to keep her from talking and covered her mouth in a sliver vial.

Just then, Sanos entered and looked at the work his servants had prepared for him. "Ah, my darlings, you never cease to amaze me in whatever you do." He circled Laurel several times, looking over every detail... letting his hand play over her naked shoulder.

"Simply perfect." He whispered in her ear, "You, little angel, will fetch me a very fine price." He waved his hand and Laurel felt the tears well up in her eyes as he had just cast a spell to make her wings vanish. They would not appear again for Twenty-four hours. An evil wizard named Gale had done this to her once before.

"Now come." He said, placing a sliver chain around her neck, "The bidding is about to begin.

Laurel was led from the tent in her new clothes and taken over to what looked like a stage with four platforms sticking out from several sides. Laurel knew what it was. Often times, three of four slaves would be put on the block to bid on at once.

Already, what seemed like hundreds of men and women had gathered for this event. Many of them dressed in long rich robes, already having bought two or three slaves at earlier events. Now the main show was about to start.

Laurel watched in fear as an Elven princess was brought to the platform and someone was already offering $45,000 for her. Sanos went up to the master of ceremonies and told him about his catch. The master nodded eagerly and Laurel was pulled up on stage. She watched sadly as the princess was sold for $286,000 dollars.

"Ladies and Gentlemen." The MC announced, "Next up for bid...."

He held the tension as Laurel was chained onto a large wooden pole that would serve as her display case. She was chained in at the ankles and wrists as the man spoke again.

"An angel of the Songweaver family!"

The audience whispered in marvel at the beautiful creature shown before them. They talked about the attire she was placed in and how she didn't have a single mark on her body. Both Sanos and the MC smiled, "Shall we start the bidding at-"

"Two million dollars."

Everyone in the audience went silent, even Laurel as they turned to the back. There stood a man, his body draped in black and wide-rimmed fedora covering his face. Long brown locks seemed to spread out over his shoulders as the tall and lean man walked forward. He spoke in a voice with an accent that was hard to place.

"I said, I will pay two million dollars for that angel."

Everyone looked at him in shock. No angel ever went for more than $900,000. But Two MILLION.

Everyone in the audience was still. No one was even going to dream of matching that bid.

“Sir....” The MC whispered, ‘You want to bid... Two million dollars on her? Are you certain? That’s quite a bit-”

“If my money is not good here, I will pack up and leave!” He snapped at them, not about to take it.

For fear of loosing a hugh paying customer, the MC smacked his gavel on the podium. The bidding was over before it had even begun.

"Sold. For tw... two mi... million dollars to the man in the back."

The man approached the stage and whistled. Everyone looked back to see a beautiful true black horse walking through the crowd. His eyes were a wise brown and his hooves struck the ground like lightning. The horse stopped beside his master and allowed his master to pet him gently before untying a huge bag from his saddle. The man threw it onto the stage before Sanos and The MC.

"Two Million dollars in cash." He said his tone unnerving, "Give me the angel."

Sanos looked at the bag of money before him and then at his slaves girls.

"Wh.. what are you waiting for!?!" He snapped, "Unchain her!"

The girls did not have to be told twice as they unlocked the chains that held Laurel and wrapped her wrists and ankles in thick cord. The man came forward and lifted her into his arms. Laurel was amazed at how big and warm his arms were.

"I thank you for your time." He said gently, talking Laurel over to his horse and placing her on the saddle, before he jumped up behind her and placed one arm around her to hold her as he nudged his horse into walking. The horse gave a nod of his proud head and they began to walk out of the city. Laurel whimpered. Just then, she felt warm breath on her ear.

"Whatever you do." The man whispered, "Do not look back."

Laurel didn't understand. Why would he care if she looked back or not. She heard the MC announcing that soon a sorceress would be up for bid, but she did not turn back.

"Just relax." She heard the man say again, feeling a warm hand touch hers, "We are almost out of here."

They crossed the gate that was guarded by the two demons and started down the long winding trail of smoke and ash. Amazingly, the mans horse was not at all bothered by smoke and flame. Soon, they came to a strange wooden door, filled with ancient carvings unknown to Laurel. The man dismounted his horse and pulled what looked like a sliver crucifix from his pocket.

"In the name of God and the earth." he said, pointing the sliver object at the door before them, "Open the door."

A shimmering crystal light came from the object and shot at the wooden  carvings on the wall. The door lit up brilliantly and opened before them. Instead of getting back on his steed, the man took the reigns in his hand and led the horse through the bright light before them. It was so bright Laurel had to close her eyes.

But when she did open them... she gasped in amazement.

Before he stood a beautiful field of flowers! The sky was crystal blue above them and in the distance, she could hear water trickling in a stream.

"I'm back home." She thought. She saw the man moving out of the corner of her eye and watched as he returned to the door, which had closed, and placed the crucifix to it. Within an instant, the door shattered into a thousand pieces which blew away in the wind.

"They won't be able to come through there anymore." He said as he walked up to Laurel and helped her off his horse. He pulled a knife from his cloak and cut the binds that held her wrists and ankles. He also removed the vial and silk covering her mouth.

"There you go." He said pleasantly, "I'll bet that feels better, doesn't it."

Laurel stared at the tall man in shock, not even knowing what to say. He had just paid two million dollars for her and now he was letting her go? She felt dizzy.

"Th.. thank you, sir." She whispered, "If I may ask... who are you?"

Laurel could just barely see the man smirking under his hat, "My identity is not well know or is it of good nature to some. It is perhaps better you know me as your rescuer and that's all."

"But..." Laurel whispered, "Why did you-"

"I'm a hunter." He said, giving her another smile, though she could not see his eyes, "I was assigned to find the demon slave port. When I return with the information I have, my group will be able to attack and close the port."

Laurel nodded, "That's wonderful.... but... why did you-"

"Save you?" He asked. He smiled and removed his fedora. Laurel gasped.

The man who stood before he had the face of a Seraphim. His eyes were too a wise brown and his face was unshaven and careworn, "Let's just say I have a gut feeling about these things."

Laurel didn't know what to say, she felt as though her whole word had been turned upside down.

"Oh, by the way." He said, walking towards her, "Here." He pulled some sort of amulet out of his cloak and placed it to her back. Within an instant, her wings reappeared."

Laurel was speechless, "What... how did you....?"

The man gave her a kind smile, "I think you know you are not the only one with holy powers." He smiled and turned back to his steed, "It was wonderful to meet you, Miss. Laurel." He said to her.

"What!" He turned around to see Laurel beside him.

"Will I see you again?"

The man looked at her, smiled gently, leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. Laurel had never been kissed.... but she was amazed at how it felt. Warm and full of life. This man was a good soul.
He pulled away and looked her in the eyes.

"I hope so." He said, before mounting his steed and giving him a gentle kick.
"Farewell, Laurel." He said as he rode off into the sunset. Laurel found herself just staring at him until he became nothing but a tiny shadow in the sunlight.

"LAUREL!" A familiar voice called. Laurel spun around and looked up in joy to see her sister, Raya flying towards her.

"Raya!" she cried and flew up to her sister, hugging her tightly.

"Where have you been?!" Raya asked in panic as she hugged her sister, "We have been looking all over for you! What happened to you."

Laurel thought about telling her sister about the slave port and the handsome man who had saved her...

"Oh." She said, giving her sister another big hug and kiss on the cheek, "Nothing new."