[h1][center][b]Collab for Sasha and Lazarus[/b][/center][/h1]

Sasha was tired, and sad, her anger long gone now as she tried to figure out the next step. She knew she was taking a huge risk, and yet, how could she not? There was the chance that Liana here was nothing like the Edolas Liana, and yet...from what she had seen in Edolas, there was just enough of their Earthland counterparts in them.

So she had to try. She couldn't let Lazarus simply be judged by people who already considered it a slam dunk. She sighed, foguring that it was too late to g bug the queen, and instead said "Master Jamie has safe havens all over Fiore, remember? We can find one of the inns that will protect us if need be. We need rest and food" her voice was weary, and indeed it looked like she might just fall over there.

She tried to remember, but to no result. Perhaps Jarvis was listening, or just figured that they needed help, for he sent through the communication Lacrima the information they needed. Gratefully, Sasha headed to the closest inn, knowing it would be better to get out of the open as soon as possible. She didn't say anything else to Lazarus, not knowing what to say anymore, hurting more then she ever had. She took whatever room was avaliable, but the inn keeper have them the room Jamie would have been given, quite large which was good. She stared at the steps, wondering if she had the energy to climb them

Lazarus didn't say anything for a while. "Yeah... Jamie was that kind of leader." He smiled a little, thinking to himself, before returning to his glum posture. They made it inside an inn, where they would wait until morning. He had been solent for quite some time, until they came to some steps and stopped. "Chances are, Liana wont be like the one we met in Edolas. You know that right? I've heard rumours... that instead of jailing wizards, those that confess have a chance to prove themselves at the grande magic games for their guild. I have no idea what kind of monarch would allow that, but it doesn't like the Liana we know." He sighed, and nudged Sasha onto the first step. He was quiet again, but only briefly. Off topic, he blurted out, "You said you loved me." He paused, not knowing what to say. "Do you feel the same way, even knowing about the things I have done, the people I have hurt?" He rushed to ask. "It's important."

"I know, I know that chances are she's not like the Liana we know. It was the only thing I could think of. He would have killed you, and said it was an accident. She rubbed her eyes like a little kid, stepping onto the step when Lazarus nudged her.

She blinked as he changed the topic, saying that she had said she loved him. She bit her lip, and felt her cheeks redden with a blush. She didn't know how to respond. It wasn't just that she was tired, but that it was difficult to put what she felt into words.

"yes" She said softly, "I do. I can't say why, or anything, but...i do." She said, glancing to him

He looked sideways, awkward. "I dont have the right to say such things to you. I barely have the right to look you in the eye right now." He quivered. "When I has hit with that spell back in the guild, I heard them. All of them begging for mercy, their dying emotions screeched through my blood. The pain was... it was unbearable." He paused. "I am a dangerous man Sasha... I will not beg Liana for forgiveness, but I do promise I will accept whatever sentence I am given, whether it be locked away, or be pardoned." He felt cold. "I owe you that." He placed his hands on her hips and nudged her up the next step, before letting go. "I am exhausted."

Sasha sighed, looking up the steps, thinking. But she was so tired. She leaned against the wall. "Why is it that Men think killing people on battle is more honorable then just killing people? Do you imagine people that have been in wars feel guilty? Probably not, because they think it's what they were told to do. You're already better then them. You feel guilt, and remorse." She was silent for another moment, "everyone can be dangerous, in the right circumstances. I imagine if you had been given support, rather than critism, then you wouldn't have done those things.

We all have evil in our hearts. But we also have goodness. You chose a different path. You joined Phoenix Wing. You trusted Jamie to believe in you, and I doubt that she regretted that. The different between being evil and not being evil is regret, guilt, remorse. You know their pain, and that, I think, is punishment enough."

She pushed off from the wall, and continued up the steps, stumbling somewhat. "I don't need words. I don't need a declaration of love. I just know that every single time you nearly lost control with your God slaying magic...you didn't, because you reacted to me." She pushed on the door to the room they had been given. "You're a good person, Lazarus."

He had to make sure she understood. "It wasn't criticism Sasha. I was young, reckless. I wanted more power than I could get learning their basic magic. I was a black heart, cruel man back then." He listened to what else she had to say, but it didn't relieve him of his pain. He still bore the lives of all those people on his shoulders. He simply replied with. "...Yeah." He waited for her to open to door and followed her in. The room was big, but it wasn't a twin room. "I'll take the chair." He pointed to a small armchair in the corner, giving her the double bed to herself. He slumped down, exhausted.

Sasha sighed heavily, too weary to continue on this talk. "And you are not know. That's all that matters, for now" she shut the door, and then just slid down it, to rest on the floor for a time. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back, shaking with the exertion, and with a complete lack of energy.

She had to hope no one would find them, because she doubtes she's be able to get up of the floor. After a moment, she bowed her head, dropping it into her hands. She didn't know what she would do, if this risk proved to be too much. If Loana imprisoned Lazarus.

She didn't want to think on it, and yet, she couldn't stop herself. She sighed, knowing she probably wouldn't sleep, too many thoughts and feelings swarming her. She made no move to get up, just stayed where she was.

A few hours had passed, and neither of them had said a word. He lifted his head lazily. "Hey... wake up." She probably wasn't asleep, but he wanted her attention. "Get in the bed before I carry you there myself." He grunted. Just because his history had come out, it didnt change what kind of a man Lazarus had become, nor had it changed his feelings towards Sasha. He forced his legs to work and pushed himself to a stand. "You aren't sleeping on the floor. Now get up you fool." He slowly walked over, her saying nothing. He tighened his core, before bending down and lifting her from the floor, cradling her. His legs shook from exhaustion, but her turned, and walked her to the bed, gently laying her down. "now... don't go getting daft on me girl." He sighed, before his legs buckled. "It seems this is as far as im going today. He sat beside the bed, and let his head rest against the side of the mattress. 

Sasha gave a squeak as Lazarus picked her up, she would have just been happy by the door. She doubted she would have slept, and although the bed was comfy and inviting, she hadn't minded being by the door, paranoid.

She clutched at Lazarus, and only reluctantly let go when he put her down. She shifted, to the end of the bed, curling up by Lazarus, she still didn't sleep. It wasn't that she didn't need sleep, she knew she did. She just didn't want to sleep. She sighed softly, glancing at the window, as the sky darkened and lightened. When it was early enough, she rose, darting downstairs to grab some food, and returning in moments, putting it all on a table.

"We should eat, and then head out" She said softly, running her fingers through her hair, to get rid of any tangles, as she tried to think on what to do. 

Lazarus had slept somewhat that night, only it was in and out, and not very pleasant. He woke to the chirping of the birds. Life was beautiful. He hated himself for the things he had done. Zeref. Why did he ever read those passages? A life where Zeref existed was a life without the beauty in the world. Sasha had come running back to the room with food, startling him a little, before he rubbed his eyes and woke himself properly. He had managed to dream during his small amount of sleep and it had told him everything he needed to do. "Hey... come here." He beckoned her to come closer, and when she was close enough, he flicked her forehead. "That's for not sleeping last night. I heard you shuffling the whole time." He paused, before pulling her onto him in a straddle. He kissed her passionately. "And that... is for having my back yesterday." He let her go, and allowed her to get off if she wanted. The little sleep he had gotten really had helped. He could feel magic flowing into him.

Sasha went over to Lazarus when he called her over, and gave a "hey!" when he flicked her, saying it was for not sleeping. She grumbled, making to head back to the table giving an "ayk!" as he pulled her into his lap, and then all thought was gone as he kissed her. She sighed softly as he let go, but she leaned against him for a moment. as if collecting the strength to get up.

She rose slowly, refusing to let any distressing thoughts entering her mind. "What are team mates for, if to not have each others backs?" She said, managing a smile, as she went over to the table, and the food, ravenous.

"lets eat"

She got up, as if unsatisfied by their kiss. He sighed too. "Yeah... lets." He forced himself up, and grabbed some bread, munching on it. "You know... I had a dream... and it was enlightening." He swallowed. "Regardless of the Queen's decision on me when we speak with her... I will not go to prison. I wont leave you alone." He clenched his free hand. "I'll beat up anyone who tries to take me... because... no matter how much guilt I feel for my past... I can't be alone again... I wont be without you... My team mate... my friend.... my love." He said it.

Sasha shifted the Apple she had taken from hand to hand, as Lazarus spoke, letting him speak, she stayed silent, but her dark eyes watched him, with an almost burning intensity.

She thought on briefly, the family she had at the guild. She would never be alone, she knew that. But there was a difference between being alone, and being lonely.

She smiled, and said "good then. We're on the same page, then. Whatever happens, we will figure it out. We always do" she wasn't afraid now, and she bit into the apple enthusiastically, "If we go soon, we should be one of the first to seek an audience with the queen, and hopefully avoid too much trouble"

Lazarus finished his bread roll. "Yeah... we should..." He glowed white. "I'm ready. Innocent or guilty. I'm leaving this capital... with you." He smiled. They left the inn, and made their way to the palace.

Sasha continually looked about, but whether Shujin hadn't arrived her or no one was looking for Lazarus, there didn't seem to be anyone about that look suspicious. As they reached the castle, and were allowed in, She took a deep breath, wondering just exactly what to say or do.

"just why are Phoenix Wing wizards doing here?" someone asked, a Royal guard. Sasha stopped, and narrowed her eyes "probably the same reason everyone else is here for. To talk and present our case to Queen Liana."

She gave a shrug, and continued in. There wasn't many people about, Something Sasha was greatful for. But when they were called forth, she didn't know where to start, and thus looked to Lazarus

Lazarus stood forward, before getting down on one knee and bowing his head. "My queen. I have come to make a confession, before I was brought here by force." He paused, and began to tremble. He was frightened. What if he was said to be guilty, and he could not escape? No... this was the right thing to do. "You... may have heard about an incident which took place in Beaumalt village 5 years ago. I'm sure you would be able to get the files on it from your rune knights. It involved the use of dark and illegal magic, to murder 63 people, and destroy the majority of structures in the village." His legs stopped trembling and his voice deepened. "It was me. I Lazarus Rex confess to the murders of 63 of my brethren, and the destruction of my home, all for the sake of Zeref." He paused, allowing the queen to think. "I've been running all this time, trying to atone. The only way I can truly atone is by confessing... and here I am... I dont need forgiveness... Just the opportunity to do the right thing for once in my life." He kept his head bowed, shaking, waiting for judgement to be cast upon him, ready for whatever it might be.

There was a shocked silence, and Lianas expression was shocked as well. "Zeref's magic? But...Zeref hasn't been heard on in nearly 100 years!" clearly she thought he was making it up.

Sasha hesitated, and said "that's true. But neither has Dragon Slayer
Magic. Or God slayer magic. And yet, both had returned To the world" was it possible someone would see this threat, withoit her having to explain it? Maybe. She could hope. "but that's not what's in discussion here at the moment. It's lazarus. Lazarus...we have all done things in our past. I'm not saying kts right, the death of so many. But...Lazarus has done so much good. And maybe, if he'd been given support, instead os suspicion, then things would be different. Maybe not. I know Phoenix wing probably isn't in good standing at the moment. But our intentions have always been good, and always been for the best of fiore. If you imprison Lazarus...that will damage us. And we would stop at nothing to get him back in anycase"

Well. She would. She finished speaking, waiting for a response. Sometimes Sasha wondered if her words had any impact at all. Sometimes she wondered if they had too much impact.

f]"you  are right in that this cannot be ignored. It also isn't for m to judge, nor anyone, I do not think. A task therefore shall be given, and if I can see that the appropriate...completing of the task is made, then a pardon shall be given, in the understanding that one wrong move will result in immediate inprisonment, as well as the fact that you may not raise to any status of wizard saint, nor, no matter how unlikely it might be, guild master status." Liana said, worry in her expression.

Sasha imagined that ruling was no easy task. But she turned to Lazarus, immense relief flowing through her "you won't know when the task is, nor what it is. I could keep you on your toes for years, and that is its own kind of repayment"

Lazarus knew that there would be some kind of deal which would go down. He raised his head, and stood up. "No matter what the task... I will complete it without fault, your highness. I can never undo what has been done, but I will try to atone for it." He turned his back on the queen. "Thank you, your highness. I'll do my best, and face the consequences should I not succeed." He gestured his his head to Sasha that they should leave. "I assume you'll send someone for me when the time is right?" He called back whilst walking towards the double exit doors.

"no. You shall never know when this task will be done, nor when it will be completed. So you shall wonder for the rest of your life if you have failed or passed the task." Liana sounded almost amused at that, but by then, Sasha didn't care.

She hurried them out the hall, and outside, smiling, "let's i home, shall we?" she wanted the safety of the guild, more than anything now

The queen's voice rang through his mind. It was essentially an eternal punishment. He chuckled to himself, even though he was distress. "In the flesh, I am a free man. But emotionally, she has shackled me to a post." He sighed. "Right! I'll just have to live for the moment!" He grinned, clenching everything. "Yeah... lets go home." He smiled a little for a change.

Sasha used a transformation Lacrima to take them back to the guild.