The Flame And The Dragon Chapter 36

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 28

Chapter 28: The Letter

Blood smeared the knuckles when they made contact with the thick wood of the thickest tree trunk. The Sorcerer hissed and hollered as he banged his hands furiously against the tree. His entire body shook with rage at the evidence his newest spy brought him. He waited too long. He pulled himself away from the free and covered his face with his hand. Now it was only a matter of time before Kai gave into Cole's seduction. He banged the tree again, then composed himself and pulled the hood of his cloak over his raven hair.

He watched the cut of his hand swell and bubble until perfectly healed skin was revealed.

He waited too long. The second he suspected the teen had Occulti blood he should have acted! His growl morphed into a roar.

"Damn to the depths of my lust and pride!" He bellowed. He had known he had taken a heavy gamble when he decided to change his strategy, but it was too difficult to resist such a tempting specimen, especially since if his seduction proved a success it would devastate the Dragon Lord more than a thousand of the most vicious monsters. Now, his miscalculation had caused him a major setback. It was worse when it became clear exactly who this mysterious specimen was.

It had been easy to ignore the first instance as merely a single occurrence.

It wasn't uncommon for humans to discover untapped abilities in traumatic or near-death situations. Many people held biological connections to magical ancestors. The religions might have changed, but the blood certainly didn't, he himself was proof of that. Still, many lines had become so thinned by mundane human blood any inherited power could only be tapped through stress or shock and usually only once. But the skills used to defeat his monsters and the premonitions were too much to be a coincidence.

That Occulti whore was dead and she continued to be a thorn in his side.

A wicked smile curled across his lips as he approached the road. The raven sat immobile like a statue on his shoulder awaiting instructions. It didn't matter now. She failed then and she will fail now.

"I'm running out of time, and I'll be damned if I let some Occulti whore destroy over one hundred years of patience and hard work!" He thundered and looked to the crow. It shot up and waited for orders. "Watch them, if they do anything together, inform me immediately; I don't have much time to carry out the next stage of my plan." He commanded. The crow bowed its head and flapped away into the night. The Sorcerer's grin widened as he chuckled then burst out laughing when he came to the main road.

He turned around taking one last look at the castle in the distance.

"Enjoy your concubine while it lasts, prince." He smirked recalling the conversations his spies had recorded. Episodes of the life the boy had forsaken to appease the dragon's wishes. Memories of a high-ranking man who fancied him. Of the childhood instances experienced in Ignacia. Of the siblings he had sacrificed himself for, who were no doubt still terrified for their brother's safety. He may have feelings for the dragon, but Kai was like any other human when it came to sacrificing.

As the Sorcerer walked along the forgotten path, he noticed a cold stream still flowing and an evil idea formed in his mind.

He dunked his hands into the freezing liquid and used his magic to create a small ball of water.

"Enough talking, time for some screaming." He cackled as he blew into the bubble turning it into an ice ball. He then shook the ball violently before throwing it into the air. He smirked as it broke apart and a grey, shimmering mist blew through the wind towards the castle. That should buy him some time...

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Nya hollered and roared in rage as she slamming the door to her house shut. It screamed in protest as it suffered the force of his anger. The only thing the village idiots were good for was gossip and apparently, Morro's dismissal of Kai's fate had spread faster than an infectious plague. So much now even other towns were mocking them. No matter where she went to who she begged to help her, she was simply laughed at. One of them even suggested she join her brothers and started to believe in children's stories.

A frustrated hand ripped at Nya's raven bangs.

The only one who seemed remotely worried was the librarian, Dr. Saunders, but he was just one old man. As much as he wanted to, he couldn't go wandering through the dark forest, let alone take on a dragon-hybrid monster. She stormed into the kitchen, her angry steps echoing loudly in the empty room. Nya growled and started grabbing whatever her furious mind thought she would need and stuffed them into a bag she already had set up on the kitchen table.

If no one will help her, she would find that castle and get him back herself.

She stuffed the bag with food, maps, and anything else. She strapped it tight and threw it over her shoulders, donned her thickest coat to keep out the freezing winter air, her cloak, and her heaviest boots. Once she was secure, she turned to the staircase.

"Lloyd, I spoke with Mrs. Grumbmiller, you're gonna stay with her until I get back, is that alright?" She called loudly. Her words echoed through the house, and she braced herself for her younger brother's protests. Instead, she found only silence and she started to panic. She quickly realizing Lloyd hadn't run downstairs when she came inside. He didn't come crying and begging to know if anyone would help them like he had done every time she came home over the last two months.

When their previous attempts had failed.

After two months of trying, Nya and Lloyd returned home only to discover the town was debating what to do with their house and shop now that they were gone. It was only because of Nya's fury that the town would act so irresponsibly. Nya refused to leave their home unattended. Despite Lloyd's protest, Nya left him behind to protect the shop under Mrs. Grumbmiller's care during the lonely nights. Panic started to rush through Nya's entire being.

She bolted from the stairs, checking each room on the ground floor, painstakingly for her younger brother.

When her search failed she thundered up the old steps. Her eyes scanned every room, meticulously for any sign of the young boy. Nya's eyes widened when she entered her own room. Lloyd had been known to sleep there some nights when his worry became too much. Again she found it all empty, even missing a few things. The realization made her sick as she bolted upstairs, heading straight towards Lloyd's bedroom. She panicked and threw the door open but her heart sank into her stomach.

The room was empty, but dressers were left open, empty of clothes.

Her thick winter cloak was missing from the hanger as well as Lloyd's thickest pair of boots. The only evidence that the boy had been there at all was a note left on the bed. She grabbed it with haste and read it as fast as she could. Her eyes bulged with horror and fear as she read over each word, filled with tears.

Nya,

If you're reading this then I'm already gone. I'm sorry I didn't wait until you came back but no one is going to help us, I know that now. I can't leave our big brother to suffer in that horrible place. He's only there to protect me, so I've decided I'm going to go back to that castle, and no matter what I must do I will free our big brother. No matter what. I've already taken more than enough remedy so I won't choke, so don't worry about me.

Please don't come after me, Nya.

I know you and what you're planning. You'll try and switch places with Kai and I can't let that happen. That dumb duke is right about one thing, you two have sacrificed everything for me, now it's my turn to help you.

I love you, Ny-Ny.

Nya screamed and cursed, crushing the little note in her hand, cursing her baby brother's foolishness. Her hands clenched the window as she looked outside. Though Winter was fading quickly, new frost still encased the ground. Winter was still dangerous and it was the most hazardous time of year for someone with Lloyd's condition. She could also swear that those dark clouds rolling in were the signs of an incoming blizzard. A bad one at that.

Snow was already falling and getting heavier with every passing second.

She screeched as she tied on her boots and hopped down the hall, before finally falling over and stormed out the front door. If Lloyd died, she was going to murder him. As soon as she was ready, Nya bolted down the street and towards the woods for any sign of Lloyd as she vanished into the night. She was in such as rush that she didn't notice or hearing the hammer of footsteps approaching the now-empty home. The snow-covered any evidence of her footprints within seconds, masking her trail in the process.

Seconds after Nya left, Morro and Bansha arrived with Noble's collection wagon.

"Nya! Lloyd! Kai!" Morro hollered as he shoved the door to the dark house open, not even bothering with chivalry as Bansha stepped inside behind him. As soon as they entered, they saw that the house was vacant of light and life. The lamps had burnt out, the doors were locked, and no sound echoed through the rooms.

"Where are they? I thought Nya would be back by now!" The duke screeched like an angry owl.

"They're not here, Morro." She quirked, not wishing to be on the wrong side of the Duke's anger.

"This is ridiculous! How long do they plan on being gone? It's been four months!" He bellowed throughout the house. He hissed in a furious rage when no one answered him.

"Morro, you don't think... maybe..." Bansha trailed off nervously. She nervously rubbed her arms and flinched and looked at the floor when Morro's heated glare turned to her.

"If you are going to say what I think you're going to say, I don't want to hear it! There is no such thing as dragons or castles or any of this nonsense! It was a lie! A trick of their little minds!"

"But Morro, think of it!" She protested. "Kai's been gone for almost four months, and ever since his disappearance Nya has been going around town and asking anyone to help her, and Lloyd's been doing the same thing, swearing on their lives that he's been kidnapped and taken hostage by this dragon; they've even gone so far as to seek help from other towns! Why would they keep this story of a 'dragon' kidnapping Kai going if it wasn't true? What if Kai really was kidnapped?"

Morro glared at the girl and opened his mouth to protest but found he could not.

Instead, he stormed back through the door scowling.

"Alright, say this 'dragon' does exist and their story is true? Why would Kai stay with such a monstrosity?" He chuckled darkly.

"Well as you said, Morro, he would do anything to protect his family correct? Maybe, he was forced?" She suggested.

"Excuse me, duke." A smooth voice interrupted Morro as he was about to scream again. The two of them turned around and saw a tall man dressed in vibrant red and purple colors that made him glow in the darkness of the storm approached them. His hood shadowed his face and eyes and only pale streaks of black hair were visible.

"Forgive my forward intrusion, but I'm afraid I couldn't help but overhearing your plight, the plight of your town, and I think I may know what has befallen this unfortunate family." He said with the best fake saddest look he could muster. The pair exchanged equal bewildered glances until Morro's gaze hardened and he returned his glare to the man.

"And who are you?"

"My name of no importance to one of such caliber as yourself, sir." He bowed respectfully. Morro soaked the flattery up like a sponge, but Bansha shivered, catching the sinister smile crossing the man's face.

"Know only that I wish to aid you, I have traveled much in my lifetime, seeking wisdom and the destruction of injustice; if this creature is who I fear we must act quickly or I fear this boy, your fiancé's fate, may already be sealed."

"What are you talking about? What will happen to my Kai?" Morro demanded.

"My entire life, my lady, has been devoted to the destruction of a terrible beast who is responsible for the downfall of my ancestors." The man began. "A hundred years ago they ruled these lands until they were brutally betrayed by this creature, as punishment he was cursed to become a dragon and since then I have hunted him down in hopes of avenging my family's senseless destruction and it seems I have finally found him." He spoke with the passion of a tragic hero but remained focused on their reactions.

He could see they were both skeptical but there was fear evident in their eyes.

Fear that he knew was the perfect fuel for creating an angry mob or a rebellion or an army to obey one's will if it would promise the return of their safety.

"What does your personal crusade have to do with my fiancé?" Morro demanded again as Bansha's hands found his arm and squeezed it tightly, shivering at the frightening presence the man radiated.

"As I said, sir, the dragon is a monster." He spat. "He seeks an end to his curse, and unfortunately, that freedom includes the seduction of a beautiful and talented mortal, and apparently he's settled for this boy you've fallen for, so just you watch; he will descend his destruction on the entire town if given the chance!" The man spoke, emphasizing the destruction of the town and the word seduction.

"No!" Morro screamed and thrashed in fury and rage. "Kill him! Destroy him! Slice off his head!"

"Calm yourself, my lord." The stranger soothed in a sophisticated voice that commanded obedience. "There is still time to save the boy and his family, but I need your help, yours and this town's if you are willing to help me?" He asked as his eyes were soft and his voice pleading. "My only request is that you let me kill the monster, all I ask is to avenge my family, your land shall be yours once more and whatever riches are in the castle, I'm wealthy enough that I do not need such trivial things, all I seek is to avenge my family."

"Of course," Morro announced, throwing his cloak over his shoulder and howling in his delight. "We must get to the town hall immediately! Bansha, go and gather my council, tell them to rally the people, we have to rescue my fiancé!" He ordered, leaving no room for argument. Bansha shivered and nodded mutely, before rushing down the street desperate to get away from the man.

"By the way, who should I say you are when I explain you to the city?" The duke turned to the man as he hauled after his maid. He was shocked, however, to find the man had vanished into thin air. The only difference to before was the thundering of the incoming snowstorm clouds...

Life of a High School Vampire One-Shots 8 Babysitting

SUMMARY: A little girl gets a clarification on monsters in the closet when Kai is the babysitter...

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Kelly Dillon was already dreading tonight. She couldn't help but think that this wasn't fair to the twelve-year-old girl. All her friends were out having fun while she was stuck in her house alone because her parents decided to go to a friend's costume party and she was grounded. It wasn't her fault the school toilets were easy to clog up. Kelly shuddered at the memory of her mother showing her the costume she planned on wearing. Her mother was dressing up like Brittany Spears like she was in that 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' video.

It was very awkward for her daughter to see something like that.

Kelly just didn't like seeing her mother in that type of clothing. It was very uncomfortable. Her father's costume wasn't so bad since he was dressing up as a simple pirate. But to make things even worse was the fact her parents hired a babysitter to watch her until the morning like she was a baby. Kelly might not have minded having a babysitter to hang out with tonight if the guy they hired wasn't super creepy. This Kai person was a new friend or something with her distant cousin Jay and they were roommates.

Or so she had been told by her parents. Kelly seriously doubted that Jay would ever associate with anyone as weird as Kai.

She had only met him once, briefly, but Kelly could already tell something was very wrong with this man. Just the way he stared at her and his smirk creeped her out. Once she could swear she saw a red glow in his eyes and the flash of fangs in his grinning mouth.

"Kelly! The babysitter's here!" Her father called, but there was no way in hell she was going down to greet that creature.

"I'm upstairs!" She exclaimed from her room. She heard her mother sigh in frustration and went to answer the door for her daughter.

"Hello again, Mr. Smith! Why don't you come in?" Her mother smiled at the brunette teen, moving aside to let him in. It took all of Kelly's courage to make her legs move her from her room to hide behind the corner to the stairs. Cautiously, she poked her head around and saw Kai talking with her parents, who were both already in the costumes and about to leave.

"We'll be back by one in the morning at the latest; emergency numbers are on the fridge, I have a casserole for you both ready in the oven, Kelly must be in bed by ten at the latest." Her mother reminded the teen sternly.

"I understand, don't worry, Kelly's safe with me," Kai promised and while this seemed to satisfy her parents, it caused a shiver of fear to run down Kelly's spine.

"Alright then, you two have fun!" Her father smiled before he and his wife left for their party. As soon as the front door closed, Kai whipped around to face Kelly so suddenly to almost caused the girl to scream. Instead, as soon as their eyes made contact, Kelly scrambled away from the stairs and back into her bedroom. Back downstairs, Kai chuckled lightly as he licked his fangs in anticipation. He could already tell this was going to be a fun night...

****************

It had been over an hour since Kai had arrived at her home and her parents left and Kelly knew that there was something more strange about this babysitter than she first suspected. Earlier, while he was finishing the casserole her mother had left, Kelly could hear him calling the blood bank a few blocks down the road and asking if they delivered. To make things even worse, Kelly had just seen him walk by the mirror in the hallway, but she didn't see his reflection.

It didn't take a genius to connect the dots about who, or more accurately what, this new babysitter was.

It didn't help when Kelly had nowhere to run, not with that thing downstairs waiting for her. Once she was certain of her theory about Kai, Kelly locked her bedroom door and opened up her laptop for some last-minute research. Everybody knew they come to suck a human dry of blood. They could also hypnotize her with their eyes. Kelly had seen the Twilight movies, and you better believe that they had left an impression.

"Kelly! Dinner's ready!" Kai called up to her from the kitchen and Kelly felt her insides turn to ice. Reluctantly, Kelly slowly descended the stairs and found Kai waiting for her in the dining room. The casserole was finished and the table was set for two people. Swallowing the heavy lump in her throat, Kelly took her seat opposite of Kai and began to eat, her eyes staying focused on the brunette. Kai also kept his gaze on the young girl, allowing her to get a good, detailed look at him.

His fingernails were sharp as kitchen knives and his teeth were pointed too.

Those sharp fangs kept flashing tauntingly at her across the dinner table as Kai smirked at her. He made no move to eat, but Kelly felt like she could see the hunger in his eyes. Her parents left her alone with him and now she didn't know what she was going to do. The babysitter was a vampire and he was looking at her like she was dinner. Kelly was going to need a wooden stake and a garlic milkshake to keep herself alive...

****************

As soon as she had finished dinner, even though she hardly touched the food, Kelly quickly excused herself and all but ran up the stairs and locked herself in the bathroom. But she knew she couldn't stay in there forever. The next few hours were sort of like a game between Kelly and Kai. A game of cat and mouse. Of predator and prey. Kelly would sneak as quietly and quickly into a room as she could, hide for about ten minutes, and hear Kai go into a room not too close to her.

Then when it was quiet she would sneak into the next room and repeat the process.

Honestly, Kelly could have kept that up all night. While she wanted nothing more than to put a stake in that monster's chest, she preferred to live to see another day. What she didn't know was that Kai was having the time of his life. It was fun messing with the kid but he knew that if he didn't get her to bed soon there would be trouble. Her parents would be home soon and if they saw their daughter still awake and hysterical about the brunette being a vampire he wouldn't get paid.

Then this would all be for nothing and he would go home empty-handed.

"It's getting late Kelly, time for you to go to bed now." Kai suddenly called out to her in a very playful tone. It was almost as if to him they were merely playing a little game of hide-and-seek. Not life and death like it felt for her. But Kelly had other plans than dying tonight. She was thinking it was time to call it a night and that Kai could put a stake in his heart instead. Kelly wasn't just hiding, she had grabbed a small log next to the basket by her parents' fireplace and knife from the kitchen.

While she was hiding she had been sharpened the log into a makeshift stake.

She was onto Kai. She knew why his tanned skin was as cold as ice and why he stared like she was a piece of medium-rare meat. Kelly was certain he was ready to take a bite out of her neck and drain her dry like she was a bloody smoothie. People might think she was paranoid but everybody knew that vampires come to suck innocent people's blood. They could hypnotize people with their glowing eyes so their prey had nowhere to run or escape their fates.

Despite being certain that she was right about this, Kelly knew her parents would never believe her now unless she got some proof.

But when their daughter was flying around the house with fangs they would know it was true. From now on she was wearing turtle necks made of silver and carrying a water gun loaded with a garlic milkshake. Kelly prayed to every God she could think of that she made it through the night and did not end up a vampire snack. She was now huddled in her closet, clutching the stake, the knife, and a few cloves of garlic. She thought about trying to call her parents, or the police, or pest control, but the problem was that the house phone was down the creaky stairs and next to the locked front door.

Even if Kelly did manage to call someone, that vampire would hear her and kill her.

"Kelly... Oh, Kelly..." A terrifying voice suddenly echoed from the corners of her mind.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" She screeched as she desperately covered her ears to block out the voices, but that just made them louder.

"I want to suck your blood..."

"I KNOW! GETAWAY YOU BLOOD-SUCKING FREAK!" She cried as scared tears welled up in her eyes, wishing for her parents to come home. Just then Kelly was almost overwhelmed by the sudden feeling that she needed to look up. Listening to her gut, Kelly slowly looked up and all her blood turned to ice. Painted across the roof was a pitch-black shadow. The only features she could make out were a pair of glowing blood-red eyes and razor-sharp fangs.

Kelly didn't even get a chance to scream before the shadow lunged at her...

****************

By the time Mr. and Mrs. Dillon arrived back at their home, it was just after midnight. They were both a little tipsy after the party but not drunk enough to get arrested if a cop pulled them over. When they got home they found Kai sitting on the couch reading a magazine he had found on the coffee table. Kelly wasn't anywhere in sight and they couldn't hear anything so they both assumed she was in bed asleep. But her mother made a mental note to check in on her when they went to bed.

As the couple looked around the downstairs of their home they were surprised by how clean everything was except for a few dirty dishes in the sink.

They had been worried that leaving a kid and a teenager alone would all but destroy the house. Or at least some empty chip wrappers scattered around the living room. When Kai saw them he gave them a warm smile as he stood up and tossed the magazine back where he found it.

"I trust everything went well?" Kelly's father asked as he gave Kai a once over.

"Yeah, I gave her some of that casserole but she only picked at it and then went to bed; I think she was feeling a bit sick." He explained with a sympathetic wince.

"Was the food cooked right?" Mrs. Dillon asked in worry that her food had made her daughter.

"Yeah, I ate a whole plate of the casserole and I feel completely fine," Kai reassured her and that did ease her worry. That had been a lie, but he couldn't tell them that he burnt the casserole to ash.

"Are you sure that Kelly is alright?" Her father asked suspiciously.

"Well, I checked on her about... an hour ago and she was falling asleep while watching Twilight." The brunette shrugged.

"What happened to your hand, lad?" Mr. Dillon asked when he noticed the long, thing cut on Kai's left palm, and the brunette mentally cursed when he saw it. That little brat had managed to catch him with the stake when he scared her before he put her to sleep. Kai knew he would be picking splinters out of his hand for a week, even though he did kinda deserve it. He gave them some half-baked excuse about an accident when he was cutting up the casserole.

They bought it and dropped the subject after Mrs. Dillon made Kai put on a plaster.

After a few more minutes of the small talk Mr. Dillon handed Kai the cash he was owed and his wife went to check on Kelly. She peeked into her daughter's room and smiled when she saw Kelly fast asleep and snoring lightly, the menu from the Twilight DVD lighting up the room. After Kai had taken his cash and flown off into the night, the couple had gotten into their pajamas and headed to bed, falling asleep. Neither of them noticed their daughter's growing nightmare.

Nor did they realize their own when they would see how much the therapy bills would cost them over the next few years...

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Passionate Fornication

!SEXUAL CONTENT IN THIS CHAPTER! !YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

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Kai felt his blood run cold. Unsure whether to feel upset or grateful, he, instead, felt baffled and numb. Like he had been told everything he knew about himself was a lie and there was a huge pit in his stomach, he couldn't fathom how it got there. He didn't understand. Cole gave him a small smile but his eyes were sad.

"I'm releasing you, you are no longer my prisoner, nor do you have to stay here if you choose not to." He repeated and the words made Kai's heart sink.

"I don't understand; you just told me how happy I make you, and then you turn right around and say I don't have to live here anymore?" He asked as he looked at the ground with wide eyes, uncertain what to say or what to think. "What are you saying, Cole? Do you want me to leave?"

"What? No!" Cole cried as he shot up, instantly concerned.

"Then explain it to me, Cole!" Kai demanded, his hands shook at his sides, and his gaze fixated on the ground.

"I don't want you to stay here against your will!" Cole said louder than he intended, causing Kai to shoot up, immediately confused. Panic flooded Cole at Kai's stare. Quickly, he opened his mouth to speak but only choked gasps escaped. His heart race picked up when he saw Kai's gaze return to the ground, his spikey bangs darkening his grim face.

"I never felt like a prisoner, Cole," Kai said, softly. "Maybe at first I did, but I can't remember when I stopped feeling like that." He reluctantly admitted, and before Cole could say a word, Kai leaned forward and kissed his cheek. "This has been the happiest time of my life, as well." He said as he pulled away with a small, sad smile. When Kai turned to leave, Cole, acting on instinct, grabbed Kai's hand gently, and forced words out of his strangled throat.

"Kai, please!" He begged, even though Kai still wouldn't turn around. "I know you're not a prisoner! I haven't thought of you like that for a long time, but as I said the fact still remains, and if you stayed here and things continued as they are, I would still feel like I'm keeping you here, or that you're only here because you're obligated to, and I don't want that; I don't want you to stay because you have to or because I want you too, but because you want to!" He explained, a hint of desperation in his voice.

Cole suddenly froze when Kai went rigid and shot up, but he still refused to turn around.

His heart sank when he felt Kai's hand slip away from his.

"What?" Kai asked with shaky hands. He didn't move in case his ears were playing tricks on him. He couldn't let his pounding heart override his rationality, no matter how much he wanted it to. Cole's eyes bulged when he realized what it was Kai meant. He mentally kicked himself for his idiotic babbling. This wasn't how he planned it, but then again by now he should have figured things in life hardly ever went as he planned. Regaining his focus, Cole straightened his posture, took a breath in an attempt to ease his rapid heart, and straightened his arms with his hands at his sides.

Regardless of the situation, he wanted to ask Kai, and he was going to, now or never.

He opened his mouth to speak but found himself stuttering. He cleared his throat and turned his gaze to the ground, not wanting to see Kai's face if he was rejected.

"Kai... will you stay with me?" He asked in a whisper, but Kai still heard it and the brunette was certain he felt his heart temporarily stop.

"Will you stay here with me, with everyone, at this castle, not as a captive or a prisoner, or as a servant or even a companion or guest, but because you want to stay here?" Cole stuttered unable to control the words pouring through his shaking lips. Kai still didn't turn around, but that was enough to freeze Cole's tongue. Kai soon looked up trying to keep his own voice steady.

"Do you want me to stay?"

"What?" Cole blinked.

"Just tell me, yes or no, do you want me to stay with you?" Kai asked as he whirled around and choked back a worried gasp, but failed to conceal the panic in his eyes. Cole looked at Kai like he was asking him why the sky was blue. Carefully, the dragon took Kai's shoulders and pulled him close so their eyes met. Cole's sharp emerald eyes burst with so much emotion it made Kai's own amber eyes bulge.

"Of course, I want you to stay, Kai! I want that more than anything!" He exclaimed with words that were loud and passionate but faded off as he looked towards the ground, his shaky hands loosely hanging off Kai's shoulders. "But, I don't want you to stay because you're obligated to by a rule or a debt, or even because I request it, I want you to stay only if it's what you want, you deserve the chance to make your own decision." He told the tanned teen.

Cole then carefully lifted himself up and looked into Kai's eyes, silently praying the younger understood what he was trying to say.

"I want you to stay, I want that more than I've ever wanted anything else, I want you to be mine." He finally said. It wasn't in the way he planned, but he no longer cared. He just wanted to know Kai's response. At first, Kai couldn't speak. His mind swam like a sea as his heart hammered so excitedly against his ribs Kai thought it was dancing. His entire body felt heavy and incredibly light at once. He felt tears in his eyes as his mouth unconsciously curved into a wide smile.

"Yes."

"What?" Cole gasped as he looked up only to find Kai smiling despite the small tears glittering in his eyes. Instead of answering, Kai wrapped his arms tightly around Cole's neck. The action too sudden for the Dragon Lord to prepare and he was almost thrown backward. Kai rested his chin on Cole's shoulder, happy tears streaked his cheeks, and he smiled when he felt Cole wrap his arms around him. Kai pulled back to face Cole, no doubt or hesitation marred his face or voice.

"Yes, Cole, I will stay with you, I want... I want you to be mine, as well." Kai blushed as he leaned forward and kissed Cole's lips. The dragon responded by wrapping one arm around Kai's waist and taking Kai's arm in the other, pulling him level with him and deepening their kiss. It was different from their other kisses. It was stronger, fiercer, and more forceful. Both of them pouring all of their emotions into a single kiss. Kai's arms subconsciously wrapped around Cole's neck and pulled himself closer against him.

Cole leaned down and pressed his lips deeper against Kai's, his claws wrapped around the back of Kai's head, kissing him harder.

When both their lips parted, their tongues coasted the others out of hiding. They tasted the other for the first time, but their kiss never lost an ounce of its gentleness. They moved against each other like they were one being, neither willing to break away unless they sensed the other about to do so, also. Cole's hands began to roam Kai's body while his tongue continued to explore Kai's inviting mouth. His tail slithered up Kai's leg, sending a delicious shiver up the brunette's spine.

The action caused Kai's grip on Cole to falter and his own hands began to explore the warm skin buried beneath the many layers of his clothing.

Kai's mind was spinning as feelings and instincts he had never felt before spiraled inside him creating a dangerous heat. Heavy pants and moans escaped him with each of Cole's touches. Each one made his body burn and feel more alive than ever. Cole wanted him more than anything. That thought alone made his rational thoughts dance away and his natural desires began engulfing his mind. He wanted Cole. He needed to feel those cool claws against his skin, and that contrasting body of flesh and scales pressed against his own.

The desire becoming too much to resist any longer, and Kai knew he didn't want to resist.

The sounds Kai made drove Cole mad with desire. His rationality vanished the second Kai kissed him. He could feel his restraint melting away and he no longer wanted to control it. All he knew was that he wanted Kai. He wanted to hold him, touch him, feel him, love him. He needed to feel Kai's skin under his claws, the tanned body arching beneath his. Cole wanted him like a drowning man wanted air to breathe, and Kai wanted him in return.

Cole used the last of his control to break the kiss, causing Kai to collapse into his arms.

Cole smirked at the look of bliss on his little flame's face. It felt wonderful to finally be able to say it.

"Don't tell me one little kiss blew you away?" He teased. Kai glared at him for a moment then flashed a smirk so devious it didn't belong on Kai's face. Kai grabbed the collar of Cole's jacket, pulled him down, and kissed him with so much force that Cole's eyes flew open completely caught off guard by the dominance. When Kai released him, Cole stumbled a bit. Kai's smirk curled at the corners.

"It'll take a lot more than that to wear me out," Kai boasted, deviously. He grabbed Cole's collar again, only gentler, and leaned up to Cole's ears. At first, Cole thought Kai was going to kiss him again, but instead, Kai whispered in his ear.

"Let's go somewhere right now, just you and me." He whispered seductively and Cole swore his heart just exploded with joy. His mind formed a devious plan in a matter of seconds. His grin matched Kai, and his tail uncoiled from Kai's leg and slipped Kai's feet from under him. Before Kai could even gasp, Cole had him tightly wrapped in his arms, carrying him like a bride. One arm tightly wound around his knees to keep Kai from kicking, the other pinned Kai's upper arms to his chest and against Cole's torso.

Kai growled when he found himself immobile.

"Cole! Put me down! You know I hate being carried!" Kai whined.

"That's exactly why I do it, now shut up and enjoy it." Cole teased, moving back towards the balcony doors. Kai flushed and instantly started to panic, scared to go back inside because everyone would see them. Cole laughed, only just able to resist teasing him. His room was the closest, but that would require him to carry Kai all the way back through the ballroom and up the stairs to his room, and Cole couldn't guarantee no one would see them.

Cole playfully taunted the brunette by turning to walk to the ballroom, purposely avoiding Kai's horrified face.

If Kai could die from embarrassment, he would have done so at that moment.

"Of course, I could always leap off this balcony and fly back to your room instead? If you prefer." Cole suggested, playfully spinning around and making Kai's body jerk.

"Do it!" Kai cried hastily. With a grin, Cole leaped elegantly onto the balcony railing. Kai tightened his grip on Cole's clothes. Once both were certain they were secure, Cole jumped into the air and flapped his wings, taking Kai into the air and above and over the castle. Beneath them, they could see the stained glass ceiling of the ballroom before Cole dove down and glided around the castle. Down below, the staff looked confused when a shadow crossed over the ballroom before disappearing.

Some of them recognized the shape and started to smirk.

When the rest turned to the balcony to see where their Master and his guest had disappeared to, all they found was Ronin leaning against the wall by the balcony with the giddiest smile on his face. Finally, he could no longer contain himself and burst out laughing. Even as everyone stared at him.

"Mission accomplished." The troll smirked when he finally stopped, whipping tears from his eyes. The second the words left his lips the entire room burst into cheers, excitement, and laughter.

"Now we can celebrate!" Jay announced grabbing another glass of wine...

****************

Kai was bewildered when the balcony Cole landed on had heavy, familiar curtains covering the glass doors. Kai's suspicions were confirmed when Cole open the lock with his tail and brushed the curtains away. The room they entered contained a familiar carpet, dark walls, and an inviting four-poster canopy bed with an iron frame, surrounded by mesh veils, in the center of the room against the wall.

"Wait, I thought we were going to my room?" Kai asked, suddenly becoming very nervous, though he wasn't sure why.

"Now why are you making such a fuss? Everyone knows I accompany you where ever you go; I doubt anyone would be surprised if they found you here, but to answer your question, I realized we'd probably have more privacy if we stayed here." Cole grinned as Kai looked surprised and confused at once. Cole could only find the look cute.

"Wasn't it you who suggested we go somewhere else, just you and me?" He grinned mischievously. However, there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes when they met Kai's that made him uncertain. "I won't stop you if you're uncertain, but I do want us both to accept what is between us." He added as his emerald eyes locked with Kai's amber ones, then turned towards the bed. Kai's eyes followed him and the teen gulped. He wasn't as naïve as people thought sometimes.

He knew exactly what was going to happen, and he also understood what Cole meant.

He was giving Kai the chance to decline now if he wanted to. It was a warning. It would have to be now or never, otherwise, he knew the prince could do little to control himself if Kai suddenly got cold feet. But was he truly ready for this big step? All his fears and insecurities, every conversation he had with his friends, everything he had been so afraid to voice to the Dragon King came back to him like a thick wad of blackness. The kind and understanding look in Cole's eyes quashed it, however.

The prince hadn't said a word.

He was waiting for confirmation. It was clear from the lust and desire Kai recognized that Cole knew what he wanted, but it was restricted. He refused to let the damn break. That alone made Kai smile, but was he really ready to surrender that much control to another person? Did he trust Cole enough to give him everything? Even if he already knew Cole would surrender it to him in a heartbeat? Kai said nothing as he shifted his position so Cole was holding him in one arm.

He wrapped his arms tightly around Cole's neck and kissed it in a form of confirmation.

Cole was stunned by the sudden kiss. His heart almost gave out when he realized Kai was giving him permission. He grinned like a cat and he leaped towards the bed and pulled the curtains away with his tail, feeling Kai burying himself deeper into the croak of his neck. Gently, Cole lay the beautiful brunette on the bed, but Kai was reluctant to let go of Cole's arms. He was determined to capture as much of the warmth and comfort Cole provided as possible.

Kai's heart thundered in his chest as his stomach suddenly felt like it was doing backflips and every inch of his body felt tender.

The slightest touch sent shivers up his skin. When Cole finally let him go, his knees bunched at his side, and his hands fell level with his head when he was propped against the thick pillows. Cole knelt over him, slightly, and offered him a kind smile.

"I know what you've given up for me." He said as he met Kai's worried eyes and rubbed his cheek delicately with his cool claws. "I know I've taken a lot from you, and what you've given up for me, to stay with me, and now I'm about to take something else from you, but I promise I will do everything within my power to make up for those losses." He promised Kai with a smile. He then kissed Kai's forehead and carefully maneuvered his body so he was kneeling above Kai's frame.

Kai moaned, meeting Cole with half-lidded eyes.

No words were spoken between them. Cole lay down next to him and pulled the brunette into his arms. Cole's wings lay limply at his side, content with just holding the smaller man and twirling his brown locks between his claws. Kai rolled onto his side, welcoming the embrace, and traced his fingers over Cole's chest and wings. Cole purred at the contact. The sensitive touches sent a shrill of desire through his being as he felt his animal instincts awakening.

He pulled Kai closer and maneuvered them so the teen was lying directly beneath him and kissed him roughly, which Kai returned.

Their hands roamed and petted determined to gain purchase of the other. Kai's arms wrapped around Cole, pulling him closer and turning the kiss more passionate. They broke away only slightly then kissed again, Cole unwilling to let their time apart be any longer than it had to. Despite how gentle they actually were, Cole's kisses were by far the most intense Kai had ever experienced. He finally broke the kiss himself and lay limp, panting heavily.

He didn't have much time to recover.

Cole replaced Kai's lips by kissing his jawline, his neck, his collar, and down to the patch of his upper chest exposed by his dress. Cole stopped to admire the choker. He smirked then proceeded to kiss and nip every inch of skin available to him while his hands ghosted up Kai's sides. Kai hissed at the contact, feeling Cole's claws dance along the skin exposed by the dress and his fangs grazing his chest. His head turned to the side and his fingers gripped the bed sheets tightly.

His breathing heavy and uneven and his heart thundered in his chest, lightning and pleasure flooded his veins.

He didn't notice Cole's claws undoing the ribbons of his dress, or Cole's tail removing his heels until the extra appendage discarded the unwanted shoes to the side. The dragon growled in frustration as he failed to remove the dress and decided to leave it until later. Kai then bunched his knees, trapping Cole between them. Kai looked up and saw Cole's eyes burning brightly with desire and want, but they hadn't lost a drop of their promise. Without taking his eyes off Kai, Cole moved towards Kai's dress.

He paused and growled in frustration, unsure how to remove it.

Sensing his annoyance, Kai pulled himself up with a smirk of his own and started removing the formal outfit with ease. Taking advantage of Cole's surprise, Kai kneeled up and started pushing Cole's coat off until they came to the hands. Cole pulled the coat off and threw it to the ground then pushed Kai back down beneath him. Kai leaned on his elbows and blushed, watching Cole pull his vest over his head and off his wings, revealing his bare upper body.

Kai had seen Cole topless before, but he had never fully been able to appreciate the man's form.

Now that he could, it made his face flush with awe and his body burn with desire. The dragon prince looked like a god. Subconsciously, Kai's fingers graced the delicious black and orange scales, licking his lips. He smoothed his hands up and down Cole's arms, massaging his biceps, loving the feel of the smooth, cool scales beneath his warm fingers. Cole blinked, surprised by the action. He stared at Kai with concerned green eyes.

"Are you sure, Kai?" He asked gravely. His claws clicked together, dangerously with a sharp screech that sounded like sharpening knives. "Even if I keep complete control, I could still hurt you, without even realizing it." He whimpered fearfully, but Kai suddenly covered his mouth with his warm hand. Cole blinked at the action, but couldn't help but think Kai's scowl looked more like a pout.

"I know what you're thinking, Cole, and don't you dare doubt yourself now! I want you to touch me!" He snapped, trying to think of some way to convince Cole that he wouldn't hurt him. His body was screaming to be touched and he had no idea how to stop it. Cole froze and stared at the teen beneath him, stunned by what he just heard. Beneath him, Kai fought in vain to hide the red spreading across his face once he realized what he'd just said.

He hesitated and looked down embarrassed.

"I think that came out wrong." He muttered in shame, but to his surprise, Cole smirked and pounced on him, kissing him roughly and pinning him to the mattress. Kai forgot to breathe and found himself falling into a limp mess when the kiss broke away, desperately trying to regain his breath. Moans and gasps escaped him as Cole's claws moved up his bare sides. He suddenly grabbed Kai's gloves and slid them down his arms, being sure to touch every inch of skin available to him.

Kai shuddered as he felt those claws dance up and down his heated skin.

Each touch made him shiver in delight. Cole smirked watching Kai wither and moan at even the slightest touches. Kai was a virgin so Cole wasn't surprised that he was extremely sensitive to even the lightest of touches. The dragon enjoyed taking advantage of that. When the gloves came off Kai's arms, he wove his claws and Kai's fingers together He pinned them level with Kai's head and feathered kisses on Kai's lips and collar. Kai arched and writhed under the touch.

He tried to move, but Cole kept him pinned in place.

His tail started to undo the buckle of his own belt. He ghosted the back of his sharp claws over the junction of Kai's thighs and pelvis making him release a loud sound akin to a squeak. Realizing what he just did, Kai's hand flew to cover his mouth, his eyes wide in mortified horror and he prayed Cole hadn't heard him. His hopes were dashed, however, when Cole looked at him puzzled then snorted.

"Kai, did you just squeak?" He asked in amusement. Kai flushed deeply at the amused tone.

"Maybe," He said with as much dignity as he could muster and Cole chuckled.

"I had no idea you were so vocal." He teased. Kai flushed at the comment and looked away, biting his lip.

"I never said that was a bad thing, now I'm curious to see what other sounds I can get you to make." Cole smiled and gently nuzzled the boy's cheek. Kai rolled his eyes then half screamed half squeaked when his dress suddenly ripped off, revealing his chest. His face went straight to crimson and his eyes expanded in horror and he clutched the garment to his chest. Cole burst out laughing at the site. He then gently pulled Kai's wrists out of their death grip, his tail throwing the dress to the floor with the rest of their clothing.

"I thought you weren't bashful about your body?" He teased, licking his lips as he scrutinized the chest, toned with small muscles and lovely tanned skin. Cole's smirk curled at the corners, revealing his fangs. His eyes suddenly became insanely brighter, burning with hunger. Kai was truly a beautiful human being. Kai blushed harder under Cole's intense eyes and worriedly laughed. He had never been afraid of anyone seeing him naked before, but now it sent a shiver he couldn't explain through him.

Cole chuckled, his claws climbing up Kai's chest until they came to his choker.

He had to admit, Kai was a sight in nothing but gold and rubies.

"I didn't know you're ears were pierced?" He hummed as he tilted his head mischievously, brushing Kai's ears, as Kai blushed again.

"Yeah, well, on one of our trips Nya got them done and convinced me to do it too, they looked cool so I agreed, but it hurt like hell; Mom wasn't exactly happy, though, so let's leave it at that." He explained, laughing lightly. Cole nodded and carefully removed the jewelry Kai wore and set it on the bedside table. Kai went to remove the choker but Cole stopped him.

"Leave it," He ordered as he braced himself on one arm and traced his own choker with his claws. "Do you know what these symbolize?" Cole asked, mischievously.

"No idea, but I have a feeling you're going to tell me," Kai smirked playfully and his eyes lighting up at the game.

"These were a birthday gift from my father who said I was to keep one, and the other I was to give to someone else; someone who is my soulmate in mind, soul, and body," Cole smirked as he winked at him. Kai blushed redder until he was certain it had to be hazardous to his health. Cole tilted Kai's chin to the side and kissed his neck, surprising the smaller youth. He then proceeded to nip and kiss every inch of Kai's neck and collar, not bothering with the choker.

Kai bit his lip but couldn't stop the strangled moans from escaping.

"Now when did you become so quiet?" He teased and Kai growled when he felt his face heat up. "We'll have to change that." He smirked as his fangs suddenly sank into the junction of Kai's neck and shoulders, sucking possessively. Kai cried out and arched his back. Two strong arms caught him and continued to suck on that spot leaving a lover's mark. Cole licked his lips, capturing as much of Kai's taste as he could, before returning to Kai's naked chest and littered it with kisses and nips.

His strong hands massaged the curves of Kai's frame as he cried out under the touches.

His arms wrapped around Cole's shoulders, pulling him closer while not disturbing his work. His trembling hands stroked Cole's back focusing on the junction between his wings, where he felt smooth scaled bumps along Cole's spine. Cole purred and growled at the touch, causing his own touches to become fiercer and his kisses rougher, making Kai mewl in delight. Cole's paws moved to Kai's back and started stroking his spine, making Kai arch into his touch.

The stroking of his back and the kisses against his front, soon became too much and Kai released his hold on Cole, but the dragon was quick to catch him and laid him back down with himself on top of Kai.

His tail hooked around Kai's waist and started squirming beneath the hems of his underpants. Kai's breath suddenly caught in his throat. He blushed and hissed when he felt Cole's tail stroking the sensitive junction of his thighs and pelvis, transforming his moan into a scream. Cole's claws stroked Kai's clothed hips, stroking his inner thighs and smoothing up his legs. Kai's hands flew to grab them, but Cole's tail ensnared them like a tentacle and pinned them above his head.

He was puzzled by his new position and tried to pull his wrists free.

Cole tutted and waved his finger teasingly, like a parent scolding a naughty child. Kai glared at him and hissed when Cole stroked his inner thighs up to his sensitive junction and teased the bare skin of his hips. Cole rose an eyebrow teasingly and used his tail to pull off his underwear. Kai screamed the cool air suddenly hitting his body. When he realized he was now naked before Cole, his whole body blushed and he tried to bunch his knees, but Cole was quick to stop him and kneeled beneath his thighs.

"None of that, my flame." Cole playfully scolded, releasing Kai's wrists and getting up from the bed. Kai looked confused and watched the prince dart over his dressers, his claws ghosting over various jars and vials until he came to one vial filled with an amber liquid. Cole smirked and returned to the bed. He set the vial down and moved to remove his own pants. They slide down his scales and off his legs with ease. He grabbed the vial with his tail and moved so he was lying over Kai with his lower half between his nervous lover's legs.

"I use this stuff to keep my scales from drying out, but I just thought of a better use for it." Cole smiled as he undid the cap with his tail and allowed the contents to spill over it. Kai gulped and lay still. Sensing his nervousness, Cole gently petted Kai's hair and kissed his forehead. "Don't be nervous, I won't hurt you." He soothed, lying flush against Kai's body, pinning his hands to the pillows with his claws again. Cole's mouth distracted Kai with kisses on his neck and chest.

He trapped Kai's lips in a simple but loving kiss, relishing in the intoxicating taste of his lover, and willed his tail down past Kai's sides and towards his entrance, massaging the ring of muscles.

Kai's eyes shut tightly and his legs shifted at the unusual feeling, but Cole kissed him again, willing his lover to lay still. Hoping to distract him from his discomfort, Cole let go of Kai's hands and instead pinned his hips to the bed. Kai panted heavily with his arms lying at his sides. His legs shifted to remove the foreign invader. Cole began nipping his chest, leaving a trail of butterfly kisses on the brunette's stomach, making Kai giggle, but it didn't ease the pressure he felt flickering uncomfortably around his entrance.

Cole's tongue suddenly slipped into his naval as one of his cool claws wrapped around his shaft, and Cole's tail began to push inside of him.

Kai screamed loudly as he tried to arch his back and buck his hips but Cole's claw kept his hip pinned in place. His mouth continued to tease his stomach and naval in a vain effort to calm the brunette down. Kai's hands flew up to grab something but all he could do was grab the comforter. He pulled tightly when Cole's cool claws clenched and unclenched his soft member, rendering him completely immobile. Kai tried to prevent the tail from moving but it did little good.

Every time he tried to move, Cole massaged his length causing him to fall back and throw his head to the side.

Cole's knees eased Kai's thighs further apart opening him up even more. He felt little pain, as Cole's tale was smooth and slicked with oil but the scaly object crashing against his sensitive insides felt foreign. Kai's hands flew to cover his head and face, his upper body curling in on itself. Cole did his best to distract Kai from the discomfort of his tail pushing deep inside his body in an effort to prepare him. He hated seeing Kai so torn between pleasure and discomfort, but long before they began he knew using his claws was out of the question.

The sharp objects were fine for teasing but preparation with them would only hurt him and Cole refused to let that happen.

Cole tried to soothe him but Kai refused to open his eyes. Kai shook his head and pulled himself tighter against his own body, desperate for anything to make the foreign object inside him go away. He couldn't shake the fact that it was Cole's tail. Then he felt it moving, not just pushing. A loud gasp was torn from his throat causing him to unwind himself and roll over so he was lying flat against the bed. Cole smirked when he found it. He let go of Kai's member and pinned the teen's hips to the bed, using his free paw to pin Kai's hand in place.

His actions proved correct when Kai jolted and cried out as his tail pushed hard against something incredibly sensitive deep inside his body, again and again.

Kai's scream shook the entire room. He collapsed onto the bed reduced to a mass of pleasure. That reduced his mind and body to a boneless mess. Cole smirked as he kept Kai pinned in place while his tail twisted and squirmed deeper and deeper into Kai's body, stretching the brunette's entrance by curling and circling it while the tip of his tail clenched and unclenched his most sensitive nerve. All Kai could do was scream in pleasure, and cry out as he was stretched to his limits.

His mind was completely blown to bits and his lower half-burned with heat.

Kai threw his head back, his pelvis jutting up on its own, despite Cole's claws, as the pleasure mounted more and more. It was becoming too much. Kai tried in vain to move, but Cole held him firmly but gently down. He didn't get to move as the object inside him twisted and turned and thrust powerfully just once. White light exploded behind Kai's eyes and he felt his entire body implode with the loudest scream he could muster. As it ended, Kai collapsed limply.

He hissed and squirmed, still feeling Cole's tail inside him, still twist and turn.

He hissed loudly when he felt it begin to withdraw with a strange sound. Cole swelled with pride at the sight of Kai's flushed, panting, boneless form. He then reached over to the nightstand and grabbed a cloth to clean the mess Kai's climax made from the teen's stomach. Kai moaned at the treatment on his stomach. His lungs desperately tried to regain some much-needed oxygen. His body felt heavy and spent, the foreign discomfort replaced by the pure pleasure that made his entire body feel like liquid and he was unsure if his bones would ever solidify.

He wasn't sure if he cared.

He did, however, notice the lack of warmth and attention paid to his unaccustomed body. He whimpered at the loss. He wanted Cole's warmth back. He wanted to hold it and never let it go. He panted unable to think or speak clearly. Cole smirked as he dropped the cloth to the floor and pulling his precious Kai into his arms. He laid Kai against the pillow with himself on top of him. Kai was positive his heart just exploded. Cole took the bottle off the bed and started pulling the blankets, sheets, and comforters over the two of them so only their hips and torsos were exposed in case anyone made the mistake of coming in uninvited.

"I'm going to make you mine and no one else's." He smirked and before Kai could question Cole further, the prince kissed him roughly, his claw releasing his hip and weaving with Kai's other hand pinning both his wrists level with his head. He would keep the gentleness for the actual act if he could control himself. With each passing second, Cole felt his control slipping more and more. His instincts were becoming stronger and stronger, threatening to control him and take the beautiful being beneath him as his own.

Cole pulled away, surprising Kai, and forced himself to calm down.

It was becoming even more impossible to control himself around Kai, but he had to be careful. He wanted his flame to know pleasure and love, not just wild passion and uncontrolled ecstasy.

"C-Cole?" Kai asked concerned like he had done something wrong but was unsure what. Cole ran a hand through his spiky hair and smiled as he kissed Kai's forehead.

"I don't think I can control myself much longer, Kai." He warned. Kai's eyes widened, for a second he swore he felt his heart stop beating. It finally hit him with the force of a tidal wave that after this, he would completely belong to Cole. Anything before now was just preparation and the only thing that mattered was what happened in this single moment. There would be no going back. Once they became one, he couldn't undo it. That realization exhilarated him and terrified him at the same time.

Kai's eyes wandered down the rest of Cole's form, realizing this was the first time he had actually seen Cole naked.

Kai flushed and gulped, unable to remove himself from the site of his prince's glorious naked form until he felt cool claws dancing under his chin forcing him to look up. His blush darkened when he came to face to face with Cole's boastful smirk.

"Like what you see?" He teased lightly. Kai's blush darkened but he said nothing, his eyes unyielding. He then grinned in a way Cole found irresistible rather than intimidating, his legs spread nicely and submissively. Cole smirked, pinning Kai to the bed again. Kai fell back, his wrists pinned to the bed by Cole's claws. Cole's tail uncorked the bottle from earlier and poured the rest of its contents on his length, hissing with delight and anticipation.

His gaze never left Kai's.

His eyes became bright with animalistic desire. Kai started shaking when he felt a blunt pressure touch his ring, sending all his senses on high alert. He whimpered nervously, just as a blunt pressure came into contact with his sensitive entrance. His lower body arched, but Cole kept him pinned firmly in place, staring at him with warm eyes.

"Don't worry, Kai, I'll be gentle," Cole promised and kissed his forehead. A cry of raw pain tore itself violently from Kai's throat. He threw his head back and screamed as something large and thick slowly thrust into his body, stretching him painfully beyond his limits to accommodate Cole's much larger size. Pain coursed through his veins as he was completely filled. It made him shudder violently as he felt the dick press against his gut, sticking out slightly against his skin.

His eyes shut as he screamed against the pain.

Tears glittered on his thick lashes. His hands fought against Cole's claws, seeking something to grab and hold onto but Cole kept him firmly pinned in place. This was different from Cole's tail. His dick was thicker, fuller, and hotter. So hot it made his insides blaze, Kai didn't think he could stand the burning heat much longer. It made him throb and sting and pant and shudder. Cole was completely sheathed inside and it finally hit him that this was it.

Cole was truly inside him, filling him, mating him, making love to him.

The sensation sent a thrill of raw pain and pure pleasure through him, but he couldn't tell which was which. He released a loud sob and tilted his head to the side. He struggled against his bonds, panting and something, anything, to latch onto. Cole released one of his wrists to pin his hip in place and Kai instantly pulled himself up and latched onto Cole's chest and buried his face in his collar. Cole's other hand wrapped around Kai's waist allowing the teen's now free hand to fall limply at his side.

He hissed and panted as the action made his pain worse, but he desperately needed the comfort.

A loud hiss erupted from deep in Cole's throat when he felt the tight, unbearable heat of his flame surrounding him. His wings flexed to their full length and fluttered lightly in their master's delight as his tail twitched at his side. He groaned at the sensation, relief filling his body once the impossible tightness consumed him. His instincts blazed to life, shattering any control he might have had, all but commanding him to throw caution to the wind and claim the delightful treasure beneath him as his own.

However, Kai's heart-wrenching screams were enough to shake Cole free from those animal senses and hold relentlessly onto the last of control he still had.

He wrapped his arms around Kai's waist, letting the brunette pull him closer, and gently stroked Kai's back with his claws. He felt Kai shudder at the touch and dig deeper into the crook of his neck. Again Cole forced his instincts into submission. He wanted him to know only pleasure and love. A kiss was placed on Kai's lips, the backs of gentle claws rubbed circles around his hips and up his sides, coaxing him to relax. Cole soothed the brunette as he kissed Kai's forehead and tried to soothe him by kissing his neck and face.

The taste of Kai's skin made his body shake, and he prayed his precious flame was ready.

He could feel the last sliver of his control slipping away and his instincts taking over. Kai held onto Cole tightly, panting against the pain, extremely grateful Cole had held still. But he could tell by the restlessness in his eyes and the shuddering of Cole's body, he wouldn't be able to hold himself back much longer. His tail and wings flicked with desire and his eyes burned with an uncontainable yearning for him. The realization sent a shiver of delight and pride through him, and he gave a small smirk.

He fell back against the pillows just as Cole pinned him roughly to the bed.

Kai opened his mouth to protest the position but instead released a surprised and pleasured gasp when he felt the invader inside him shift. Then he screamed when he was suddenly thrust into once again. The action caused his entire body to lurch forward, his arms pinned by Cole's hand and tail, his hips held firmly in place, his free hand gripping the comforter tightly until he heard the seams rip. He suddenly realized Cole had done this on purpose to keep him still.

He panted loudly, unable to comprehend the sudden rush that suddenly filled him.

Kai used his free hand to stubbornly direct Cole's face towards his and kissed the other's returned the kiss, gently pushing against Kai so their bodies were against each other, causing his hips to move. Kai hissed at the contact. Cole's dick gently massaged his tender insides, making him pant, and gasp and moan at the foreign but pleasant feelings suddenly electrifying his senses to life. Cole smirked and rolled his hips. He continued the same action, delighting in the sight of Kai writhing under the simplest of moments, and relishing in the sweet sounds he was making.

Every touch made the teen arch and press closer against him, every movement of Cole's hips and dick left him screaming and writhing for more.

Pants exploded from Cole's mouth, his eyes became dreamy under the torturous delight. He barely felt it when he felt Cole pull his hips back until he felt the other abandoning him. He whimpered loudly at the loss. Kai did, however, feel it when Cole thrust back in, deeper and harsher than before hitting something that made Kai's entire body spasm. His back formed a permeate arch and his mouth opened wide as a scream of pleasure and pain erupted from his mouth.

Pleasure quickly overcame the pain as Cole arched forwards and retreated from inside him.

A combination of a moan and a scream burst free from Kai's throat as the movement continued. His hips thrusting against Cole's claws every time he felt Cole pull out, determined to recapture the warmth. Tears of bliss and delight formed in his lustful amber eyes. Kai released his loudest scream yet as something familiar was finally struck making him go blind in his bliss. Cole's tail left his wrist to wrap around his neglected dick, squeezing it tightly in time with Cole's rhythm.

Kai's hands shot forward, latching tightly onto Cole's shoulders.

He pulled the other tighter against him even as Cole pinned him down again with his body, and began moving faster and stronger than before. The action made Kai scream louder and louder every time Cole moved. The noirette held painfully tight on Kai's hips, his claws almost pricking the tender flesh, but Kai only shuddered at the action. The teen's moans of his name and screams of pleasure were music to Cole's ears. Each time he removed his dick, a quick snap of his hips put him deeper inside the teen, making Kai arch further against him and scream even louder.

His flame was so vocal and sensitive.

Kai's insides clenching and unclenching around him drove Cole wild. Any and all caution he felt earlier vanished allowing his instincts to take control. Feeling Kai arch and writhe against him fueled him to drive deeper and deeper into the body. Before long they simply moved against each other harshly with no set rhythm, simply determined to recapture the warmth the other provided. Each time, Cole felt Kai clenched and unclench around him, perfectly massaging him, like the smaller had been created solely for him.

His wings roared loudly at his sides summoning gusts of air around him, and allowing him to drive deeper into Kai.

With every scream of his name, Cole's tail squeezed Kai's weeping member tighter, making him writhe evermore. Kai continued to scream as pleasure coursed through his entire body. He screamed until he felt horse, and even then, he continued to push himself against Cole. His eyes flew open and he pulled Cole close to him, kissing him. Their kiss as wild as their lovemaking. Finally, Cole's own pleasure exploded driving into Kai the furthest he had.

With a roar of satisfaction, he released his essence, claiming Kai for himself.

This caused Kai to release his loudest moan and scream of the night. The feeling of Cole's tight tail coiling around his member combined with his essences coating Kai's core with warmth proved too much for the teen. He released his own pent-up passion all over their stomachs before collapsing limply beneath his dragon king. He hissed in discomfort when Cole pulled out of him and collapsed on top of him. Cole apologized, rolling off Kai and onto his side, his tail pulling the comforter up to their chests and twirled the locks of Kai's hair between his claws.

Kai turned to his side and tried to catch his breath, content with just having Cole next to him for the moment.

"You are so beautiful, and I'm so happy that you're mine." Cole complimented, kissing Kai chastely on the lips and forehead. Kai smirked at that comment. His nerves were still burning with energy, and though he was tired, he could feel his strength returning, and the site of his precious prince so close to him, so beautifully relaxed and all his, made him shiver with possessiveness.

"And you're mine, right?" Kai asked with a cute tilt of his head, like a kitten scrutinizing a mouse.

"Of course," Cole smiled, assuringly.

"You're going to be extremely sore, my flame," Cole grinned the warning. "You might not know it since this is your first time, but I do; I can tell you right now, after all this and with your slender figure, you'll be lucky if you can move come noon."

"I don't care," Kai said grabbing Cole's shoulders and kissed him boldly.

"My mischievous little imp, I hope you don't plan on doing that again, you've completely drained me." Cole teased lightly, wrapping his tail around Kai's waist and stroking Kai's side with his wing. Kai chuckled hoarsely, his voice rough from so much pleasure.

"No, I can't go again, as much as I'd like to, I can barely move as it is," Kai admitted with a blush, and pulled the comforter to him, hissing when he moved his lower back. Cole smiled and pulled Kai against his chest, then pulled the comforter up to his shoulders, covering them both in the thick materials.

"You should sleep." He said as he stroked one of Kai's bangs out of his face, watching as Kai yawned cutely and snuggled against the pillows. "I doubt either of us will be moving any time soon." He added with a smirk. Kai chuckled and rolled over in Cole's arms. His attention turned to the starlit sky outside the glass of Cole's balcony wall. His eyes faintly wandered to the candle in the corner. He couldn't believe this. If anyone told him, the first time he saw that object he would be here now asleep in the Dragon Lord's arms, after a night of love-making, he would have been angered by the very idea.

So much had changed in his life.

He hummed to himself, snuggling deeper into Cole's warmth. A small frown marred his face. He had chosen to stay, but he knew that decision wasn't an easy one, nor was it over. There was still much he had to do, and a lot he had to consider before he could fully comprehend what it was he had decided, but he knew he couldn't regret his decision. He turned around and felt his heartstrings tug at the sight of the Dragon Lord's peacefully sleeping face.

He knew then that he would never regret this decision.

Content, he yawned and finally gave into his exhausted body's demands and fell asleep. Next to him, Cole peeked an eye open and smiled at the peaceful site of his lover at sleep. Gently, he petted Kai's hair and kisses his forehead.

"I love you, Kai, I love you so much, I never thought I could, but I do; I don't know how or why, but everything about you makes me feel whole again," Cole spoke his own cherished secret then followed his slumbering lover's example, not seeing Kai smile in his sleep. However, while the two lovers slept, peacefully content in the aftermath of their lovemaking and the rest of the castle rejoiced, a furious cry of pure and absolute rage and disgust echoed from the dark depths of the forest...

Past Lives Chapter 1

Kai growled in frustration as he faced the Mechanic as best as he could alone. The Mechanic had recently escaped from prison and had rounded up some other escapees to go on a robbing spree of dozens of tech stores all around Ninjago. It didn't take Nya and Zane too long to figure out that the Mechanic was attempting to construct a type of bomb that was sold very highly on the black market. After almost six weeks of none stop chasing, the Ninja managed to track the Mechanic to an abandoned warehouse at the docks.

Unfortunately, the Mechanic wasn't alone.

All the fugitives he had recruited were there as well to ensure their boss wasn't disturbed while finishing the bomb. While his team fought against the criminals, Kai had somehow managed to sneak past them all. He considered staying to help the others but a look from Lloyd told him what to do and he ran through the docks and into the warehouse. He found the Mechanic alone with a half-constructed bomb, surrounded by hundreds of boxes containing many different things.

As soon as he saw the red ninja, he smirked and armed his blaster's arm.

"Well well well, we meet again Fire Ninja." He cackled as they faced off. The Mechanic blasted a big fire blast while Kai blasted his own fire blasts. They were at a stalemate. Kai was still weak from the ordeal but he had to think of something fast. His eyes caught sight of boxes full of old fireworks. He suddenly had an idea but it was very, very risky, but he was ready for anything. He stood up and put his hands in front of him. He let all his fire gather and blasted it all to the dozens of boxes full of fireworks.

The Mechanic's eyes widened when he saw what Kai just did.

He tried to shoot the red ninja, but it was too late. The Mechanic immediately ran and jumped out the nearest window, but Kai was too far away from any nearby exits to escape the incoming flames.

"I'm sorry guys." The brunette said out loud as his fire hit the boxes. It was enough to get to destroy the device and the warehouse.

"No! I was so close!" The Mechanic shouted as a massive explosion occurred while he stood at a safe distance. It was enough to cloud the entire docks. The rest of the Ninja saw the big explosion and they hoped everyone was alright. Eventually, the smoke cleared and they saw everything clearly.

"You did it, Kai," Lloyd said, proud of his unofficial big brother. All the Ninjas started looking around for their hotheaded brother but they couldn't find him. Lloyd was starting to grow worried. He looked around more and he started growing more worried. He eventually found Kai laying on the ground. "Kai!" He shouted as he ran up to the brunette. His amber eyes were closed. Lloyd tried to shake him awake but when he touched his shoulder, he drew back sharply.

He gasped as he felt that Kai's skin was very cold.

Because Kai was the Master of Fire, he was almost always like a human furnace so the fact that he was so cold sent alarm bells ringing loudly in Lloyd's mind.

"Kai?" He started calling Kai as if in a trance. "No Kai, don't do this." He pleaded as he picked up Kai's head but he still received no movement. Lloyd's eyes started to water and he held back the urge to cry. Maybe Kai was overly exhausted or something. Lloyd's eyes started overflowing with tears. "No Kai, please don't leave!" He shouted. Still nothing. Lloyd started crying, then he realized something else. Kai didn't have a pulse. Lloyd stared in shock, then his tears grew more forcefully as Kai's tanned skin began to grow grey and his lips turned blue.

"KAI, NO! NO!" He screamed as if Kai could hear his voice. He held on to Kai as if that would re-start his heart. Lloyd's body became racked with sobs. He started sobbing uncontrollably and hysterically as he was shouting to the sky. "KAI, PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE!" He shouted to the heavens hoping someone would hear his cry, but nothing happened. He continued to sob both uncontrollably and hysterically on the ground as the others found him.

As soon as they realized what had happened, they all broke down.

Nya was the worst. She fell to the ground, with only Jay holding her up, as she howled and sobbed louder than anyone believed she could be. But no amount of crying and begging would undo this. Kai Ash Smith was dead...

This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Align

All souls are on a quest to connect.

‘There would be no galaxies, no suns, no planets, no life without collisions of heavenly bodies. 

Back to our amoeba. It engulfs a bacterium with unique powers, and…voila. Earth’s first photosynthesis-enables organism. Maybe it was chance. 

Maybe it was inevitable. This one changed amoeba becomes the ancestor of every living plant on Earth, which in turn floods the planet with oxygen…paving the way for every other form of life we know…leading to more souls, more connections, and therefore more new worlds branching outward from the first. 

These forces of nature, when they converge, be they astronomical collisions, biological unions, demonstrate the infinite potential of our connections. This truth also extends to the human heart.’

-Maniac

ANTI-CAPITALIST AFFIRMATIONS

i am allowed to spend my time creating things, even if they are not beautiful.

there is no such thing as a "real job." all forms of work are real and valid.

there is nothing that i need to accomplish to be worthy. i am already worthy.

doing nothing is good for my soul.

i am not defined by what i produce.

my worth cannot be measured by my paycheck, my job title, or a list of professional or academic achievements.

i do not need to monetize my hobbies, it is enough to spend time doing something i love.

i will not let society decide what success looks like. i can define what successful life looks like for me.

Guilty Pleasures Chapter 1

SUMMARY: A demon Kai and an angel Zane, longtime acquaintances who, having grown accustomed to life on Earth as representatives of Heaven and Hell, seek to prevent the coming of the Armageddon...

****************

Current theories on the creation of the universe stated that if it were created at all and didn't just start it came into being about fourteen billion years ago. The Earth was generally supposed to be about four and a half billion years old. These dates were incorrect. Some medieval scholars put the date of the creation at 3760 BC while others put creation as far back as 5508 BC. But these were also incorrect. Archbishop James Ussher claimed that Heaven and the Earth were created on Sunday, the twenty-first of October, 4004 BC, at nine in the morning.

This too was incorrect, by almost a quarter of an hour.

It was created at 9:13 in the morning. The whole business with the fossilized dinosaur skeletons was a joke that paleontologists haven't seen yet. This proved that God did not play dice with the universe. He played an ineffable game of his own devising. For everyone else, it was like playing poker in a pitch-dark room, for infinite stakes, with a dealer who won't tell you the rules, and who smiled all the time. To understand the true significance of what that means, we need to begin earlier.

A little more than 6,000 years earlier, to be precise.

Just after the beginning. It started, as it will end, with a garden, in this case, the Garden of Eden, and with an apple. It was a nice day, but all the days had been nice. There had been rather more than seven of them so far, and rain hadn't been invented yet. But the storm clouds gathering east of Eden suggested that the first thunderstorm was on its way, and it was going to be a big one...

****************

Zane fretted as he stood near the lip of the stone ledge, his shining robes shining in the light along with the white, almost glowing, feathers of his large wings. The first two humans off in the distance, Adam and Eve, had barely made their way out into the new world and they were both already in danger. A large male lion made a beeline from nowhere toward them and was now intending on making them extinct. The young angel didn't think this was going to go well.

Thank goodness they weren't unarmed, the angel consoled himself.

Before they left, he gave Eve his shurikens of ice gifted to him by the high angels. He was surprised to see Adam wielding a sword of fire, a weapon not of Heaven, but considering what had happened, he wasn't too concerned about it. Knowing that they had means of protection helped Zane's mind rest, but only a little. The weather was fair, aside from the rapidly building clouds. At least that was a comfort to know. A kind, warm breeze fluttered his clean robe around in a playful way.

It felt wonderful to the angel, but even better how it ran through his unsheathed white wings.

He flexed them out to get a better feel. It felt good to have them free from their confines. He had been practicing getting used to having them put away for his assignment on this new planet. They had warned him upstairs that he couldn't afford to be seen by 'God's Little Projects' down here. Those were their words, not his own. Before Zane embarked, God himself told him they wouldn't be able to handle it due to now learning 'jealousy', whatever that meant.

When he asked him what it was, he said the young angel would find out in time, plus all the other ones.

He still didn't know why God didn't tell him, but God had always worked in mysterious ways. Don't interfere too much. That was the rule all angels lived by. Be ever watchful, a mentor if needed, provide guidance if asked, but that was it. Not too difficult, or so they kept telling him, and already he broke the rule. Now he had more trouble on the mind. There was only so much to do when watching over the birth of a new species. To be so limited to what needs to be done simply wasn't fair.

Not that he condoned rules should be broken.

But this was not going to be easy. His toes curled on the hard surface when he felt that other presence approach closer. It was a sort of tugging sensation that came from deep inside him. He thought it was curious. That never happened before, except when that thing first showed up. He knew it was nearby anyway. At times it felt as though it was hovering just out of sight, watching. But he had hoped it would leave. It felt different than anything he had ever known, and he didn't like it one bit.

Not when everything was so new.

So he promptly chose to ignore it. It was just a lowly serpent demon anyway. Granted, that filthy Hell beast was most likely the reason he had a chance of being fired before he could do his job. Perhaps everyone would understand. They were angels, after all, forgiveness and compassion were at the very root of their cores. Zane rubbed his temple. He had only one job. He hadn't even been here for very long and already he morally mucked it up.

He would be the laughing stock upstairs.

The only other thing he could possibly get wrong now is if Eden caught fire. Then he would officially be out of a job. Zane started wondering if he should have been more aggressive about it and really told that serpent what for. He never was very good at this soldier of Heaven thing or asserting himself in general. Zane truly believed that someone else would be better suited for this than he.

"What do you make of it?" A voice suddenly asked, shattering the silence. Zane jumped, the voice startling him from his own musings. He hadn't noticed he was no longer alone. He was shocked that the creature had yet to attack him, wondering if they were friendly, but that would be outlandish because the very thought is preposterous, blasphemous even. Their kind would never mingle with his. Not without bloodshed, anyway. It simply wasn't done.

The angel turned to his left and couldn't help but do a double-take to the creature next to him.

It was male, dressed in dark red robes, with amber snake-like eyes, beautiful tanned skin, a toned body, and brown hair shaped in a way that reminded Zane of fire. The back of the demon's hands and up his arms were dusted with dark red snake scales. His finger and toenails were incredibly sharp and black. Zane couldn't take his eyes off it, completely transfixed. He almost didn't believe that that was the serpent. He didn't know it had a vessel, let alone a silky pair of feathered, crimson wings with black tips.

When Zane saw the wings he realized that this was not just some ordinary demon.

It was one of the Fallen. That was fascinating to Zane, as he had never met one of them. In fact, if Zane was entirely honest with himself, this dark one was a mixture of striking, exotic, and becharming. Now it was staring at him with those amber serpent eyes. For some reason, they didn't repulse the angel. It was then that Zane remembered that the snake had asked him something and it was probably best to respond. He should also stop thinking of it as an 'it'.

That demon was evidently much more than that and Zane suddenly felt like he was being rude, even if the demon couldn't read minds.

Zane smiled awkwardly, then concluded he had no idea what the creature said.

"Sorry, what?" Zane asked and the brunette pointed out towards the humans.

"That, right there, the whole tiger thing." He clarified and Zane followed the demon's finger.

"That's a lion." Zane corrected.

"Whatever, don't you think it's a bit much? I mean, they just got out, are finding their footing, and the first thing they come across on this big round planet is this aggressive beast?"

"No one said it would be easy," Zane said, even if the other had a point.

"It's trying to eat them!" The demon gawked at him.

"Look, I don't like it any more than you do, uh...?" Zane trailed off when he realized he hadn't gotten the demon's name if it had one. The brunette quickly caught on to why Zane paused and smiled faintly.

"Kai." He answered the unasked question.

"Kai, thank you, but these things are not our decisions to make."

"You're not about to sprout some Holier-Than-Thou jibberish at me are you?" Kai asked as he gave him a peculiar look. Zane wasn't sure how to answer that. That was all anyone ever talked about upstairs. The very idea that someone wouldn't want to, let alone calling it jibberish, preach about it and discuss its many glorious wonders was unheard of. When the angel didn't answer, the dark one rolled his eyes.

"You were, weren't you?"

"There's nothing wrong with that." Zane countered.

"No no, of course not." Kai mocked. "You're within your right to justify a reason as to why God's human race failed at the get-go."

"I'm not trying to do any such thing!" Zane said, growing flustered. "B-Besides, look! The male seems to be fending its adversary off brilliantly on his own! They're obviously capable of taking care of themselves; I only hope that this will be the worst of it, at least for today." He frowned in concern as a roll of thunder broke in, causing them both to look around for the source. Detecting it was from the sky, they exchange looks then went back to watching the battle for survival in front of them.

They stood in oddly comfortable silence before Kai broke it.

"Wait, so that's a lion?" He gasped, almost in awe.

"Yes, It is."

"Never seen one of them before."

"Sorry?" Zane blinked in confusion.

"I said, I've never seen one of those before."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I've never seen a lion before, so I would never have known they looked like that." He shrugged and Zane could only stare. "What?" Kai asked in a rather prickly manner.

"Nothing," The angel squeaked as he turned away, a slight blush framing the tips of his ears. He didn't realize he was ogling again. "Just, find it surprising that one dead animal isn't familiar with an equally dangerous one."

"It's not like I was there when they were created, was a little bit busy with another matter at that time, as you well know." Kai returned as another boom of thunder rumbled closer over their heads. Only this time it had been accompanied by a shocking bright snap of light that streaked across the sky. Both of their sets of wings flinched outward and lightly fluffed at the surprise of it. Zane let out an embarrassed chuckle and willed his feathers to settle down.

He could see out of the corner of his eye the other trying to do the same.

He cleared his throat and thought it best to continue where they left off.

"So, therefore, am I left to understand that, based on what you've said, you've never witnessed a tiger as well?" He asked and Kai immediately clammed up.

"Why do you ask?"

"It's a simple question."

"I don't know about that."

"Really? Do tell, I'd love to hear it."

"Has it gotten a bit stuffy out here?"

"No, I find it quite pleasing in all truthfulness."

"More cloudy things are building up."

"Stop trying to change the subject, please." Zane all but begged and Kai eyed him carefully.

"Why do I get the feeling I'm being ridiculed?"

"I would never," He said with all honesty. Kai looked around as if someone might hear, grimaced, and leaned in.

"Promise you won't tell?"

"Oh, may the Lord himself strike me down if I should ever utter a syllable to another living soul," Zane promised and he clasped his hands as if in prayer. Kai gave him a doubtful look, but eventually relented and grumbled with an obnoxious huff.

"No, are you satisfied now?! I've never seen a tiger, a lion, or fucking whale!" The demon cried as he closed his eyes and flinched again when more thunder rumbled closer. The sky was turning all below it several shades darker, growing ever so closer to swallowing the bright sun. The angel was oblivious to this, however.

"If it makes you feel any better, I've never seen a whale either." Zane smiled. It took a moment, but Zane noticed the smirk flit across that surprisingly pretty face.

"It doesn't," Kai replied as he glanced at him all the same with those gemstone eyes and once again they slipped into a pleasant silence. Zane suddenly had a thought. If Kai didn't seem to know about other animals, did he know about himself?

"Now Uhm, don't take this the wrong way but, you do know what you are, correct?" He asked carefully.

"You mean besides an angel-turned-demon who's damned for all eternity?" Kai said in a sarcastic tone.

"Yes."

"Then, of course, I know."

"Excellent! Care to say it out loud?"

"I already told you; my name's Kai," The demon grinned. He felt his heart miss a beat, and not in a good way. The thump was alarmingly prominent like his vessel-body was trying to alert him to take note of what this creature was saying. There was no possible way this demon could be this naive. Something else was amiss.

"Yes, I know your name, but I'm asking if you know what you are; do you know what you are?" He asked again and Kai's expression gradually changed from enjoyment to being perplexed. His brow furrowed as he stared off, eyes flicking around as if searching for something but simply grew more confused.

"What am I?" Kai finally asked, getting annoyed by the question.

"A serpent, dear," Zane replied for the demon. Evidently, Kai's face fell back to puzzlement once more and Zane's mouth fell open. It was evident that word meant nothing to the demon. "You don't know what a serpent is, do you?" He asked, almost sadly, Kai shrugged it off.

"What of it?"

"That's what you are!"

"So? What's so important with needing to know the ins and outs of a serpent? Why do you care if I know or not?" Kai snapped, experimenting with the new word in his mouth.

"No need to get upset, I was only trying to help," Zane said as he raised his arms in defense to try to quickly diffuse the tension. He watched Kai focus on the humans again, and it was clear something he had said or done bothered the demon immensely. He felt terrible, and then suddenly that scent came back. Only recently Zane had caught this aroma in the air. It comes and goes with the wind, but the longer he had been here the less deniable it had become.

Never had it been invasive or overbearing, but the angel noticed he could pick it out no matter what kind of stronger scents surrounded it.

Right now, this very moment, it was hitting him stronger than it ever had before.

"Looks like the lion's down," Kai added, noting how successful the humans were doing so far. Another rumble of thunder accompanied by that bright flash pushed ever closer. Perhaps Kai had caught a whiff of the scent?

"Do you smell that?" The angel asked, sniffing the air.

"What?" Kai asked and Zane realized he had made a poor judgment.

"Never mind." The angel shrugged off awkwardly, but thankfully the demon didn't push it. They stood there in silence for a short while, before Kai glanced over at Zane, and his snake eyes suddenly narrowed.

"Wait, where are your shurikens anyway? I thought you had a pair that froze anything they touched?" He asked and Zane froze in fear. "Did you have one, or didn't you? Because now I'm confused."

"How do you mean?" The angel asked as he began to feel uneasy.

"Well, your presence here no longer makes sense, so what are you doing here Snowflake?"

"I'm-"

"Are you lost?"

"No, I'm... you're trying to confuse me." Zane accused as his heart started to race,

"I'm trying to confuse you?" Kai almost laughed, and this made Zane even more defensive.

"Yes! That's what your kind do and I will not be swayed into it!" He stated in the strongest voice he could muster at that moment, his chest puffing out slightly as he did. Zane knew he was being cornered. He knew this whole thing was a setup to get him to lose ground or faith or doubt himself in his duties for the choices he'd made and how thanks to him everything was ruined. But that wasn't what upset Zane. He was upset that he fell for it.

He had failed again.

God must have been testing him early and he has failed another one. Or perhaps not? He may have caught it in time, he could still redeem himself if he stayed strong.

"You're the one who's doing the confusing here," Kai lectured. "You're supposed to have some freezing shurikens, which I could've sworn you had, and that would make sense for a Cherub to have in order to guard the Garden of Eden, but let's face it, you're terrible at guarding, and you don't have your shurikens so I ask you again; what are you doing here?" He scowled and a boom of thunder emphasized the demon's point. Zane took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, eyes closed.

All he had to do was be honest, true, and stop being distracted by the alluring visage before him.

"I...I gave them away."

"You gave them away?!"

"Shh! Not so loud!" He panicked, already forgetting the pep-talk he gave himself. "I don't want the head office to hear! Besides, they're not lost or anything; they're right there, see? The humans have it now." The angel explained and pointed to the humans slowly fading in the distance with a pair of remarkably bright-looking objects in the hands of one of them. Kai looked back to the tiny figures, then to the angel. Then back to the figures, and once again to the angel.

Then suddenly, what Zane could only describe as a ridiculously big stupid grin spread over the demon's face, the creature did an unexplainable thing.

He started to laugh, laugh, and laugh some more. It became so severe they turned into fits, gripping his stomach. That damned thing lost its balance and fell to the floor. He rolled around, it wracking his body to near spasm levels, and during it all, he had the utter nerve to speak to the angel at the same time.

"Oh, I would love to be there for your first report! Glad to know I'm not the only one who interfered." He cackled, and his grin grew when he saw the confusion on Zane's face. "What? Where did you think Adam got that flaming sword from?" He laughed and Zane gasped at the realization that Kai had been the one to give Adam the sword, a weapon of Hell. "I hope it doesn't turn out that they aren't too bright yet when it comes to violent weaponry and the use of fire and ice so they somehow kill themselves!"

Zane's paled, even more, when Kai's words sank in.

The angel finally realized that he could get in a great deal of trouble for this. Everything Kai pointed out was more than plausibly true and may happen once the humans were out of sight. This was serious. Even so, he couldn't stop a giggle bubble up to the surface. Watching Kai, he found out, was contagious. It started small but soon grew to a level that was painful to hold in. He tried to stifle it, tried to bite it back with his teeth against his tongue, but it was hopeless.

Zane covered his mouth and did his best to hide it from the cackling demon.

"That's not funny, I beseech you, stop laughing!" He tried to say normally but cracked on the last word. He clenched a fist and nearly begged the other to spare him. Kai rolled to face him and Zane was almost lost again when he saw tears running down his cheeks. He had no choice but to turn away and fisted his hands tightly by his sides. "No! No, I refuse to believe in your trickery! This isn't a joke!" The angel yelled, not caring what he said so long as this lark would end.

Within time, Kai calmed down, breathing heavily.

"They're going to be fine, Snowflake, I'm only teasing you," He said while a chuckle or two still found its way out. "Look how well they have handled themselves against their first threat, and they've only just set foot out there; if I hadn't given them that sword and you hadn't given them the shurikens they would be torn to pieces by now, we saved them." Zane heard from behind him a tired sigh. The loudest thunder roll cracked out, the very appearance of the clouds above threatening their next level to come soon.

The flutter from inside Zane's chest came back.

But, somehow it was stronger this time around. He turned back to face the other being and took notice of how Kai laid there. Wings relaxed, hands resting on the stomach, one leg bent. He was comfortable. Kai, an evil enemy, was content to lay there in his presence. Zane could easily smite him. He would technically be within reason, for what Kai had done concerning the apple. It would be simple, quick, and clean. But that never even crossed his pure mind.

He strode over to the brunette and reached down a hand with a winning smile of his own.

"My name is Zane; it's nice to meet you." He introduced and Kai's eyes widened. He wasn't expecting that. He stared at the hand as if he had never seen its kind before. He appeared unsure of what step to take next. Zane gave him time, not pulling away yet. Soon enough, Kai eventually smiled.

"Hello, Zane, it's nice to meet you, too," He replied and reached up with his own hand, clasped the inviting one, and was hoisted up. Zane nearly dropped the demon, however. Once they touched, the contact was not at all what he was expecting. He cried out, yanking his hand away, and jumped back. His other hand clasped it around the wrist and pulled it close. Zane stared from his hand to Kai in either astonishment or fear. He couldn't decide which it was.

Kai just raised an eyebrow at him, perplexed as to what had happened.

"Oh! Forgive me but, you're so hot! To the touch, I mean!" He stammered as he did his best to explain but not offend.

"Naturally." Kai shrugged. Zane shook his head, confused.

"This is a normal occurrence?"

"Of course," The demon said casually, amused by the reaction from the angel. He crossed his arms, took a deep, over-exaggerated breath. "Being a fallen angel, or more accurate, a demon from the fiery pits of Hell now, so to answer your question; being boiling hot is normal for demons like me," He smiled. The next boom of thunder rumbled on for some time. It was as if the sky was growling its impatience for being ignored.

"Is that all?"

"Yep," Kai replied, but he didn't seem to care. The brunette then opened his mouth and exhaled. The air in front of it appeared to ripple several inches outward. Zane walked up to it, mesmerized, and like a baby who was still testing out the world for the first time, he reached out a hand and ran it through it. It was warm, heated air coming out. It wasn't painful in the slightest. The angel beamed as he wiggled his fingers around it. He kept it up until Kai closed his mouth, grinning at Zane's blush.

Zane was about to agree, then stopped himself and wondered why this was brought up in the first place.

"Anywho, going back to your shuriken conversation with His Almighty, if you can't find humor even in the direst situations, then what's the point of it?" He asked and Zane visibly shook his wings at the way Kai mockingly talked about the Lord. Ignoring that, however, Zaen wasn't sure what he thought of that advice, but he secretly tucked it away in the back of his mind all the same.

"You'll be alright, he loves all of you unquestionably," Kai added and Zane paused. Did he hear that right? Had a fallen angel, a being who willfully rebelled against God just casually admit the Lord adored all of them? Without a second thought about it? What was going on here? Zane turned his head and glanced at the demon. The brunette was rigid stiff. Amber eyes hard, staring intently straight ahead. Jaw clenched. He could see the dark one's fingers turning white from how hard he was gripping his own arms.

So it was a mistake.

He didn't mean to say it. Now at least something about this villain makes sense to him.

"I wonder how far up we are?" Kai suddenly blurted out with a jerk of his head, and then just took off, running over and standing right on the edge of the wall cliff. His red and black wings thrusting out just so as to counter the body weight from tumbling over. Zane gasped and ran after but stayed himself some steps later. For a split moment, he chastised himself for the idea of wanting to save the enemy. But most of the time he was too busy worrying about the brunette disappearing suddenly from his sight.

The wind had picked up some, and was a tad rougher on Kai's clothes and hair, yanking and blowing it around like a dare to take another step.

The demon suddenly moaned, but Zane couldn't tell what he meant. The angel moved fast and was standing next to them once the groan had been uttered.

"Are you alright?" He panicked.

"I don't like heights," The demon mumbled. The eyes were closed and they appeared to be swaying.

"Then get away from the edge, you silly thing!" Zane shouted, grasping the other and guiding him down to safety. When he unclosed his eyes, he got defensive.

"I just wanted to see how far down it was!" He hissed angrily, but Zane just rolled his eyes and neither of them said anything more on the subject. Water from the skies began to fall. When it hit them they shied away from it on the first drops. Zane figured it out quicker than the other one did. Kai seemed a little lost to this experience, unsure of what to do or how to react to it. Kai must have sensed eyes on him, for he turned to catch the angel's icy orbs.

Zane, at this point he stopped trying to reason it, opened an arm, lifted a wing, and beckoned the other in.

To say he was surprised the demon actually moved closer was a hardball to juggle. So many unusual and unexpected things happened in such as short time. He wasn't even sure how he felt. He didn't seem the least bit repulsed when Kai stood so close they nearly touched shoulders, and he could feel the heat of the other's temperature radiating onto him. The demon kept glancing at him, shifting on his bare feet. Eventually, he opened his mouth and asked what seemed to be on his mind.

"No hard feelings between us, yes? After all; I was only doing what I was so ordered to, on pain of repercussion, and all that." He said, looking a little nervous. This made the pale angel go quiet. Unsure of whether to trust what this thing was saying or if he was lying to him and this was planned the whole time. Whichever it was, he hadn't the heart to be cruel.

"No, I daresay, no hard feelings; it's too early for that yet." He replied and another silence surrounded them. Every once in a while, they would both stick their hands out to catch the water droplets on their palms then bring them in under the protection of the angel's wing. Even if they both refused to admit it, Kai and Zane felt at peace at that moment. Where it was just the two of them, huddled together as they experienced the first rainfall with the young planet Earth...

for spy kai au: maybe kai getting the tattoo or recovering from it? actually did he even have time to fully recover from the tattoo before the tournament

Ignore the Anacondrai cultist's arm, its a little wonky hgkdfh

Anywho, I drew Kai getting his tattoo and the aftermath of it 😌

As for your question, I've been imagining that he was recruited 1-3 weeks before the tournament started (might stick with 3 weeks for his back's sake), so the scabs that would've formed after he got his tattoo are long gone.

Although, 3 weeks probably isn't enough time for the residual pain to go away with a tattoo that big, so he's probably still really sore.

Anyways Kai probably suffers a lot more than he did in canon during the roller derby with the amount of times he falls onto his back.

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The Awakening

Cole woke up groggily, unsure if he had even slept at all. The previous night had been rougher than he thought. He froze when he felt an abrupt shift from the body next to him. The brush of bare skin made him groan until he shifted his position to get a good look at the condition of his sleeping partner. Kai was still unconscious, but his eyes weren't shut as tightly. His breathing wasn't as raspy and heavy as it had been the previous night. A small smile graced his lips in between breathing, but the flush of fever still danced across his face.

Carefully, Cole leaned over and pressed his lips to Kai's forehead while the back of his claws ran down the boy's chest and stomach.

He frowned slightly at the warmth of his forehead but smiled when the frosty touch of the boy's skin had faded back to its core temperature. Cole expelled a breath of relief and fished around for a robe or something to quickly throw on. He refused to embarrass his staff when Neuro or someone else returned to check on Kai's health. He found a large, black robe with two slits in the back sitting on the dresser with a note from Harumi. He donned it, making a mental note to thank the seamstress later, and lied down on the bed pulling Kai's shivering form closer to him.

He didn't have long to wait before Neuro and a satyr named Bolobo arrived.

Without a word, Cole let his precious flame go and let them work.

"His core temperature is back up, but it's too early to relax just yet," Bolobo explained feeling Kai's forehead, his chest, and torso and moving outwards his arms and legs. "My prime concern is that fever." He added as her hard brown eyes fell on the heavy red staining Kai's face when he rolled the boy onto his back.

"Is there anything you can give him?" Cole asked the satyr, crossing his arms tightly, his wings twitched with nervous impatience. Neuro looked from Kai to his basket and bit his lip.

"It's too dangerous to give him something while he's unconscious, but I might be able to make something external to reduce the fever." He replied as he dug through his basket and pulled out a corked bottle of pale pinkish-yellow fluid. He carefully uncorked the bottle, filling the room with a thick, woody odor. He set the basket on the floor, poured a few drops on his palm and fingers. He pulled the blankets down with his free hand flinching when Kai started to shiver again and gently rubbed the oil over Kai's chest in smooth circles.

The teen started to inhale deeply then started to calm down.

Neuro repeated the process once more when Kai's skin absorbed the oil, then wiped his hand on a washcloth and recorked the bottle.

"Any more is too risky," He answered before Cole could ask. "Bolobo and Shade will brew up a tonic for when he wakes up, but for now I think it's best to keep him warm and keep getting his body temperature up, he still has the chill in him."

"How long?" Cole asked with grave eyes. Bolobo and Neuro exchanged soulful glances then sighed.

"I'd give him another day or two, but if the hypothermia isn't out of him by then, then there isn't much else we can do," Bolobo replied. Cole nodded and bowed his head back to his slumbering captive. The two left without another word, leaving the two men alone. Kai's breathing was still a bit heavy and his face still flushed but the chill of hypothermia made itself clear each time he shivered. Worry clouded his eyes. Kai had been fine before so why was he shivering now?

Obviousness smacked him in the head like a blunt object.

Kai had his warmth then, being away from it for so long had caused him to relapse. Cole growled and without a second thought began removing his robe. He slid back under the thick blankets and began piling them over Kai's bare arms and shoulders. His wings wrapped around the teen and he pulled Kai closer. He gently rubbed his back in hopes of soothing him. The paste Neuro had used left a sharp, pungent stench in Cole's nostrils, but the aroma seemed to calm Kai a little.

A deeper sigh left Cole when Kai's shivering started to lessen and finally stop.

He smiled graciously when he felt Kai snuggle deeper into his warmth and felt him smile against his skin. He placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Still too warm, but at least his body wasn't as cold. Shifting closer to the body, he gently stroked Kai's cheek taking in the sweet smile and the faint rosy color in his cheeks. His claws tenderly brushed over the soft, warm lips and traced the sloping curves of Kai's cheekbone. He jumped suddenly when he felt Kai burrow deeper into his warmth.

He couldn't help but chuckle.

Kai was the last person he would expect to be a cuddly person, but Cole wasn't one to complain. He gently brushed the spikey brown hair with his claws, smiling as the silk strands wove around his claws. His tail carefully moved under the blankets and coiled over Kai's hip and side like a snake. Anything to draw life back into Kai's body. For the first time in his life, he was grateful for this dragon body. The cursed form he had always hated was now the prime thing keeping Kai alive.

Even now he could feel his body heating up to combat the cold it felt when Kai pressed against it, and he held him tighter to force the warmth back to its source.

Never before did Cole not feel like a monster. Despite his staff's encouragement and Kai all but forcing him to see the truth, a small sliver of doubt kept a leech-like grip on his heart. The reminder that no matter how much Kai cared for him, Cole could never have such a precious gem in his arms as his own. The fact that he was, physically, still a monster was more than enough to shatter the fragile hope he had been building. Never did he consider himself more than what he was.

A man imprisoned in the form of a dragon.

Neither one nor the other but something dismal in between. He never dared to see the beauty of his form. He never thought to experience the gift of flying blessed upon a winged creature. Or realize the effortlessness it took to save another's life or the possibility that his form could do more than hurt, let alone give life. Yet somehow, Kai did. He never looked at Cole with fear or disgust. It was strange, to say the least. Even stranger to daring to hope that the emotions stirring within him were more than simple care.

That maybe, just maybe, the walls be built around himself had faded without his knowledge and that he had begun to do the one thing he knew was impossible, fall in love.

How or why or even when it happened no longer mattered. Cole had found the one person in the world who could understand him. He was sure of that now. However, the danger still remained. Even now, in Cole's arms, Kai was far from safe. Even if his flame woke up, did he admit his feelings? What if these emotions were simply concern or gratification? Would they vanish once Kai regained his health? No, he couldn't take such a risk. Not unless he was positive of himself as well as his heart.

Kai deserved that, at least.

That way, even if Kai didn't feel the same, Cole could die knowing he had found the one thing he desired most. Again, he kissed Kai's forehead and settled back into the comforting embrace of his presence, memorizing as much of the peaceful moment as he could, and believing, for once, that it would last...

****************

Kai hummed as he dreamed of his sanctuary. He found himself lying in a field of sparkling roses, glowing like jewels against the thick, lush, comfy grass. Above him, he could make out the castle. It shimmered against the clear sky as the stained glass windows sparkled like jewels. In the field, he could see Jay chasing Echo across the field with Nelson not too far behind, under the watchful eye of Zane. Ronin and Tox leaned against Bolobo under the shade of a tree.

Shade and Neuro sat on a picnic blanket making daisy chains.

On another blanket, Harumi laid with her head on her wife's lap while Ultra Violet twirled her bangs around her fingers, and Griffin laughed. Kai watched from the hillside, where he lied back against the roses. Except that he wasn't alone this time. Kai wove his fingers with his dream lover's claws, feeling a cool tingle running through them. For a moment they just lied there among the roses, their hands intertwined. Their heads turned and bright amber eyes met brilliant green.

Kai didn't need to see to know who his savior was.

His dream lover. His Dragon Lord. How could he have missed it before? It all made such perfect sense in retrospect. But none of that mattered. All that mattered was what was happening now.

"Come to me, my Flame..." He purred and Kai's eyes widened when his lover began to sing the words of his mother's lullaby in a deep soothing chime. Kai had almost forgotten about it. Even though he had sung the words himself for Lloyd and sometimes Nya when she got too stressed, they sounded so familiar, yet so different. Kai rolled onto his side met his lover's warm eyes with a smile and answered.

"I'm already here, exactly where I want to be." He smiled as he leaned closer so he and his Dragon Lord were only a few inches apart. He hummed when the Dragon Lord began stroking his hair. His eyes fluttered closed, soothed by the tender touch and the crystal chimes in the air. Words filled his mind as the music hummed in his ears.

"Come to me, my Flame..." The dragon repeated. Kai chuckled to himself and leaned a bit closer into his lover's embrace so his head was resting on his folded hands. He heard a low rush of wind then felt cool shade wrap over him.

"I told you, I'm already here." He sighed and his Dragon Lord chuckled, lightly.

"That wasn't what I meant." He spoke in a rich voice with a sultry rasp. Then he began to sing again. Kai could hear him move, and when he opened his eyes, he found his Dragon Lord leaning over him. Kai blinked in surprise and couldn't help but flush at the fact he was sprawled out beneath the Dragon Lord, but his savior just gave him a small smile and whispered.

"Will you be my key, Kai? Will you set me free?" he asked softly. At first, he couldn't answer. The concept sounded foreign but familiar all at once. When he did remember he mentally slapped himself for forgetting. The key to breaking the Dragon Lord's curse. The key to freeing his lover and all the people been nothing but kind to him. Kai smiled at the prince, no doubt or hesitation cloud his voice.

"Yes, Cole, I want to be your key." He promised as he leaned up to meet his lover's lips. Outside his dream world, Kai smiled in his sleep. But his lover didn't kiss him back. Instead, he turned his head, as if startled by a strange noise. Kai blinked and looked at his companion bewildered, even more so when his companion stood up hastily. His eyes focused on something foreign in the distance. Before Kai could ask what was wrong his savior broke into a run.

"Wait! Come back!" Kai called and chased after him, determined not to lose him. The hillside vanished and before he knew it he was chasing the Dragon Lord through a field covered in long grass and speckled in flowers that curled and blackened as they died. He wasn't sure how long they continued to run, but Kai refused to let the distance between them increase. Finally, his Dragon Lord leaped off the hill and vanished behind it. Kai could see his wings and head peeking over the greenery.

The Dragon Lord had stopped in a small clearing, his back still towards Kai, but his wings had fallen limp behind him.

Kai felt a surge of relief when he made it to the hillside and made to call to Cole, but the words were quickly replaced by a scream. At the base of the small hill lied the corpses of all the members of the castle. Red splotched their bodies and their glassy eyes were all frozen open. Thorny rose vines with withered, blackened blooms contorted around their spread arms and bodies. The corpses of roses and vines littered the area like thorny green skeletons speckled with blood shining like scattered rubies against the black ground.

In the center, where the ring of thorns and dead roses died was a circle of scorched earth, vacant of vegetation.

It was as if life knew better than to dare accumulate in that circle. That was where he found his Dragon Lord shaking and collapsed to his knees as if every movement hurt him. His beautiful wings, reduced to tattered strips of bleached leather, his clothes ripped to shreds and blood speckling the visible skin and scales. He turned to Kai with sad, pleading eyes, as if begging him for help. He was either forbidden to speak or didn't have the strength to.

It was then he heard a laugh like ice cracking on a frozen lake.

Kai's blood froze in his veins. He knew that laugh he followed the crackling sound to the man standing in front of his weakened lover.

"Get away from him!" Kai yelled, entering the clearing. There, he saw the same wine and amethyst-colored clothing and soulless eyes of the man who tried to kill him. Rage boiled in his blood as he suddenly recognized who he was. "You're behind all this!" Kai screamed in fury. The man said nothing. He just smiled a curled, mocking smile that set Kai's blood ablaze. His natural protective instincts and anger took over. Sparks crackled to life in his hands forming flames around his fists.

"Ah, so you've discovered your power, too bad it won't do you any good," He mocked the teenager and Kai saw red.

"I said get away from him!" He screamed throwing his hands forward, palms open and bright hot flames burst from his hands, roaring at their victim. But the man didn't flinch. His smile never faltered. Then he threw back his cape and raised a hand, sending a blast of purple fire back at Kai. The flames collided and he blocked the attack with ease. Kai's eyes bulged out of his skull and the man just laughed. When he brought his hand down again the flames and sparks retracted, forming a giant spell that bounced back towards its source.

Kai barely had time to scream before he was thrown backward with such force he skidded against the ground.

He coughed and groaned, aching from the force of his own attack.

"You can't save them!" The man's voice echoed dramatically around from everywhere. Kai shot up and turned to the closest corpse. Echo was lying only a few inches from Jay with their fingers just shy of touching. He got to his feet and crawled over to the boy's body and gently reached to touch it. He retracted his hand when Cole screamed, falling over and clawing at the ground until his wails transformed into a dragon's cry of agony. Lights clustered together above the victims spiraling into single orbs then blazed through the air all spiraling towards a single center.

Above the screaming and writhing Dragon Lord.

His limbs and back contorted. His spine cracked and the scales of his arms, legs, and back began to spread until they covered his entire form. He was no longer a man, but a dragon. Kai rushed to him, but streaming lights stopped him. The Sorcerer crackled like a madman, his laughter increased in volume as all of the lights came together in his hand. Around him Kai could see the ghost of each victim kneeling over their own corpses, weeping bitterly.

Some of them shrieked from despair, others just looked at him with dead, glassy eyes vacant of all emotion.

"I told you, boy, you can't save them," The Sorcerer chided, mockingly. When the lights died away it revealed the object in his hand. A crimson red wax candle with a bright, flickering purple flame. Kai's heart stopped in his chest when he saw it. His eyes fell on the dragon, writing on the ground. He groaned as he moved until their eyes met. The Dragon Lord's eyes were the only thing that was still human. They pleaded for him to run and save himself.

"He'll never be yours, you know." The Sorcerer said as he walked towards him. Kai took a shaky step away from him suddenly overcome by a nameless fear. The Sorcerer's smirk widened as he stepped closer, his intent naked in his eyes. Kai took another step back and stumbled over his own feet and landed on his butt but he continued to back away from the man. The Sorcerer laughed at his efforts and leaned closer so his eyes burned straight into Kai's.

"Even if you give him your mind and body and soul, he can give you his heart, he can give you his body." He smirked as he gestured with his arm to the ring of corpses, his grip on the candle dangerously tight. "But his soul and theirs belong to me!" He roared and suddenly crushed the candle in his hand...

****************

Electric fear shocked his heart and mind to life and Kai shot up panting. Only when he confirmed he was back in his room, and that the contents of his subconscious experience hadn't actually happened did he calm down. He concluded that it was a dream, running a nervous hand through his damp bangs. Or was it a disturbing premonition? He prayed it was the former and not the latter. Just the thought of it coming true sent a shiver of horror through his spine.

However, when he shivered again, he realized it was from cold.

His hands immediately flew to his shoulders and began rubbing his chest, hoping to bring warmth back to his form. He felt nothing between himself and the blankets confirming his suspicions that he was naked. A jolt of alert brought his senses into focus when he felt something wrapped around his torso and a leathery texture pressed against his back and sides. He had never been modest, but the sudden lover-like embrace sent a blush of embarrassment and fear surging through him.

He couldn't remember how he had to be gotten there.

He knew he had been sick, he still felt the weakness in his limbs and his weary body was abnormally pale. Unfortunately, his last clear memory was falling through the ice when he had been skating with the others, the rest were hazy recollections. He heard a light purring next to him, reminding him that he wasn't alone in the bed. Fear of what he might have done compelled him to simply slip away, but the desire to know compelled him to accept his actions.

Slowly, unwillingly, he turned around and looked down and found himself wrapped in the arms and wings of the slumbering Dragon Lord.

Unable to contain himself any longer, a loud, mortified shriek tore itself from his lungs. The sudden scream zapped Cole to life. He tried to take a battle stance but found the bed he was in too small for his massive form and instead he stumbled and collapsed in a mass on the floor. He swore as he got up, forgetting his lack of dress. He yelped and leaped into the air when his upper back and head were attacked. He whirled around and braced himself for a fight only to discover his assailant was a pillow.

Confused, he followed the source and resisted the urge to laugh when he found Kai bunched up, back pressed against the headboard on the other side of the bed.

He clutched the remaining comforter in his fist and held it to his chest like he was trying to merge the cloth with his skin. His free hand clutched braced himself against the mattress, clutching the sheets so tightly they started to rip. His eyes were narrow in embarrassed rage, his jaw twisted to grit and his face was bright scarlet from shame.

"What the hell are you doing here!" He demanded turning redder when the comforter shifted, revealing some of his skin. He used his free hand to cover it up, still blushing glaring. "Why am I naked? Or a better question is why are you naked? And in my room? In my bed!" Kai shrieked, positive he had a permanent blush on his face by now. Cole didn't answer. He had a blank look on his face, like was he momentarily stunned.

"What?" He questioned then looked down at himself. He grimaced at his own stupidity, scooped his robe off the floor, slid his wings through the slits, and clumsily tied it closed as he walked. It did little to cover him. Kai's heart rate doubled in speed watching the near-naked dragon came closer. Questions that needed answers swam in his mind like fish trapped in a net and Cole's silence only increased his panic. Instinctively, he inched away as the Dragon Lord came closer.

Finally, he backed up too far and he fell straight off his bed and landed on his back, only adding to his humiliation.

Cole paused, waiting for him to get up. When he saw this, Kai scampered to his feet as he took the comforter with him and backed away. He cursed when his back hit the wall. He stuttered an order and pointed at his assailant.

"What are you doing?" He demanded but Cole still didn't answer. His face was still vacant of emotion except for shock. He leaned closer and gently grabbed one of Kai's arms and held him steady despite Kai's yelps and stammering protests. "W-W-Wait! Stop!" He cried as he closed his eyes tightly, and struggled in the prince's grip until he felt the gentle touch of lips against his forehead. His eyes flew open and a small blush dusted his cheeks, but for a different reason.

Before he could question the action, Cole removed his lips and replaced them with the back of his hand.

"Your fever's gone." Cole breathed, still in shock. He double-checked, taking into consideration the temperature differences between them. "You're still a bit warm, but it's definitely gone." He added as the realization suddenly brought another concern to light. "You're awake!" Cole exclaimed as he jumped for joy. Kai's eye twitched in frustration.

"Of course, I'm awake! Why wouldn't I be? Now for the last time, Cole what the hell is going on?!" He growled but once again he never got an answer. Cole suddenly grasped his shoulders and pulling him into a tight, loving embrace like Kai would disappear if Cole loosened his grip. Kai was even more confused now. Cole released him and smiled at the confused boy. "What's going on?" Kai asked again, bewilderment all over his face. Cole stared at him like he was insane.

"You... you don't remember?" He frowned, then he pinched the top of his nose. "Of course, Kai, what's the last thing you remember?" He asked but Kai struggled to remember.

"I was skating with the boys and the ice broke, I think I fell in and, then it was all a blur; I remember a shadow, a light, music, and something... a voice calling out to me, but... I don't know if that was real or if I was dreaming... what does this have to do with anything?"

"Kai, you had hypothermia, you've been asleep for three days." Cole sighed with a grave look. Kai was glad Cole was holding him since if he hadn't been Kai was sure he would have collapsed from shock. "You were unconscious and freezing; everyone was worried sick, but thankfully, my body heat managed to get your core temperature back up." He smiled weakly but one look from Kai cut him off.

"Cole, what happened?" He asked. The sharpness in the boy's eyes and the gravity in his voice demanded the truth. Cole frowned but didn't look away. His face was conflicted. As if it was torn between two decisions that both promised a negative end.

"I dove in to save you, but I thought you were trying to leave so I threw you in the dungeon." He admitted in shame and Kai's eyes widened. "But after reading your gift, I realized how stupid I was and freed you but..."

"But what?" Kai asked, but Cole was hesitant.

"Nothing." He muttered, but Kai wasn't stupid.

"Cole, you saw him, didn't you? The man with the red cloak?" He asked, but it was clearly a statement.

"How do- How do you know?" He stuttered in disbelief.

"The night I... ran away, he... well, he made it obvious what he wanted, when I escaped him he sent that beast on me, didn't he? That's why you came to save me, wasn't it? You knew it was him? He did something again, didn't he? With that monster in the lake?" He explained with a frown like he had been keeping a terrible secret and had no choice but to reveal it to prevent devastation. Cole's hands fell limp at his sides and stumbled backward until he was sitting on the mattress.

He opened his mouth to speak but no sound would come out.

The words died in his throat. Kai's expression hadn't changed. Instead, he leaned over and put a hand on Cole's knee so they were face to face.

"Cole, I need to ask you something, and I need you to tell me the truth alright?" He said as the gravity in his voice was rivaled only his. Cole nodded. He said nothing but his eyes promised Kai the world. "That night, you and I saved each other, tell me... did I kill that monster with fire magic?"

"Yes, you did," Cole answered, sensing the desperation in his plea. Kai didn't look surprised. Instead, he fell to his knees, his arms at his sides, allowing the comforter to pull around his hips. His hair shadowed his eyes, but Cole caught the smile on his face. Cole knelt down in front of him, his wings braced to comfort him, but Kai just chuckled darkly. "So it did happen, that explains it."

"Explains what?" Cole asked confused, gently tilting Kai's chin so their eyes were even. He gasped in surprise when he saw the tears glistening at the base of Kai's lashes, but his twisted smile hadn't faltered.

"Everything," He retorted but regretted it when he saw the worry on the prince's eyes. Kai pulled away from him and pulled himself back so he was leaning against the wall. Feeling cold returning, he pulled the comforter up and wrapped it around his shoulders.

"It was you, Cole, I'd been dreaming about you." He growled as his hands started shaking and he looked at the floor, unable to look Cole in the eye. "After I arrived here, they started becoming clearer and clearer; now... now, I'm convinced somehow they're real, my dreams, my magic," He muttered as he looked at his shaking hands, remembering how it felt when sparks flew between them. "Now, I'm convinced something terrible will happen, and the worst part is that I don't think I can stop it."

Cole couldn't take anymore and rushed to the teen's side.

He gently ceased Kai's shoulders and pulled him closer. He hadn't failed to notice the tears abandoning his face.

"Kai, shush, don't worry about that, they're just dreams." He soothed, stroking Kai's bangs away from his face and gently running the smooth backs of his claws over his cheek to brush away the tears. Kai shook his head and whipped his eyes with his arms, angry at himself for his lack of control, but the tears of fear and sheer helplessness refused to stop.

"They're not dreams, Cole! I was naïve to think they were!" He shouted. The volume and intensity, caused Cole to fall back from shock. Kai's fist shook in rage next to him and his wild eyes were bright with unrivaled certainty. "I know about the curse, Cole," He whispered, trying to look away, but found he couldn't. "I pretended not to because no one likes to talk about it, but I know, and I know him... that man, sorcerer, whoever he is he's behind it, isn't he? If you don't break the curse by spring he's going to take your soul, right!? Tell me!"

Cole said nothing, but his neutral mask spoke more than a thousand words.

"I know no one can reveal the details of the curse or how to break it, even you, but that doesn't matter, I'll find a way." He promised as he shifted his position so he and Cole were face to face. Tears glittered on Kai's eyelashes, but he was smiling, happily, making Cole more confused. "Cole, I don't regret coming here, or choosing to stay; being here with you, the boys, everyone... I've never been happier than I am when I'm here, everyone here is so wonderful; no one's treated me like an outcast."

He paused for a moment, but no doubt or hesitation clouded his voice when he spoke next.

"Whenever I'm with you, I can't explain it but... I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life." Kai smiled brightly, gently whipping aside a joyful tear. Reading the bewildered and almost blank look on Cole's face the entire time he spoke, Kai didn't know how Cole would react to his declaration. The moment Kai finished his sentence Cole pulled him into his arms and rested his chin on Kai's shoulder. At first, the sudden embrace surprised him, but Kai could feel the warmth and the passion behind it radiating against their bare skin.

"Cole?" Kai questioned, but it was more a statement of happiness than a voice of concern.

"I don't care about that stupid curse," He whispered against Kai's skin. He blinked and gently pulled away, confused. Cole just smiled at him and wrapped his arm around Kai's still covered waist and stroked his cheek. "I mean it, even if I lose my soul; even if I spend the rest of eternity in hell, I don't care! That bastard can do whatever he wants to me, it won't change anything, and do you know why?" He asked, but Kai didn't and Cole smiled again.

"Because I'll always be able to take this with me." He declared and Kai's widened at what the man was implying and a slight pink color rose in his cheeks. Cole chuckled and hugged him tighter. "You've made me happier too, Kai, happier than I'd ever thought possible, I'd given up hope that I'd ever been happy again." He said as he pulled away to look Kai in the eye and pressed their foreheads together. "I'm not going to lose that or throw it away for anything so I promise you, no matter what gets thrown in my way or who stands in front of me, I promise I'll protect you with every fiber of my being, nothing is going to take you away from me, my flame."

Kai didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Tears burst from his eyes and laughter exploded from his mouth.

He threw his arms around Cole's neck and hugged him with such force he was taken off guard and his scaled spine and wings crashed against the bed frame. They both laughed at the action, but when their eyes opened and locked once more, they wasted no time and closed the distance between them. Lips molded perfectly over the other, Kai's arms wrapped tightly around Cole's neck and shoulders. Cole's wrapped around Kai's waist pressing the blanket still wrapped around Kai's hips and torso, closer to his flesh.

One hand stroked up Kai's upper back as his tail twitched at his side.

The kiss slowly turned deeper. His body moving on its own, Cole kept one arm around Kai's waist and the other clutched the bed and hoisted himself up. His arm repositioned Kai so he was holding him bridal style with one arm. Kai's arms tightened their hold on Cole, not wanting to break away just yet. They finally paused to breathe when they fell back against the mattress. Cole took notice at how lovely Kai looked sprawled out beneath him on the bed.

Face flush, one arm level with his head the other at his side, eyes half-lidded with passion, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath.

Seeing that the dragon hybrid above him wasn't moving, Kai leaned forward and kissed Cole passionately. He pulled him closer against him, urging him to move, and Cole obeyed. His body was now flush against Kai's as their arms wrapped around the other. The loose knot of his robe had come undone long ago. The comforter, the only thing separating them, slipped further down Kai's waist until it finally settled just above his hips.

"Rise and Shine you too! Shade made tea!" Neuro suddenly shouted as he burst through the door, balancing a tray with a large steaming teapot and several teacups in one hand and used the other to pry Echo, Nelson, and Jay off his waist. Harumi suddenly shoved the articles she had been holding into Ronin's arms and tried to help pry the servants off Neuro. The sudden commotion brought the two men back to reality. Their eyes flew to the spectacle, which froze the instant it turned its attention to the two on the bed.

All of their eyes flew open at the sight of their Master, robe opened and sprawled on top of their guest, who was in nothing but a bedsheet.

Amber and emerald eyes widened in horror. The servants just stared, too shocked to do anything else. Suddenly, the entire East Wing erupted in eight different, horrifying screams. No one noticed the red eyes peeking through the crack in the curtains...

The Flame and the Dragon Ch 7

Chapter 7: The Master

"What the hell were you thinking!" A voice rang in Nya's head as she felt herself slowly regaining consciousness. She tried to shake the weariness from her mind and focus on the different voices echoing around her.

"Well, we weren't leaving them to freeze to death out in the rain all night." A soft voice argued.

"Yeah, and it's hard to ignore two people who suddenly dropped on your doorstep." A third voice with a laid back, casual tone to it added. The first voice shrieked in frustration.

"I don't care! I understand you guys wanted to help the poor things, really I do, but think about home! What do you think he's gonna do when he comes downstairs, finds us taking care of two strangers who are currently sitting on his favorite couch, after having trespassed! He isn't going to consider you're good deed!"

"Then don't tell him, Zane." A fourth, female voice entered, heavy with a hissing sound.

"Don't encourage them, Tox!" The first voice, Zane, scolded the woman, Tox.

"Come on Zane, we can't just leave them out in the storm? I mean we could just..." The soft voice argued timidly, pausing as if to ponder his options. "Just let them stay here the night and let them leave before he wakes up? The Master will never know."

"Jay..." Zane addressed the boy to who the diffident voice belonged too. "Look me in the eye and tell me you actually believe that will work?"

"Oh for FSM's sake, Zane." The unidentified voice howled, followed a stomping foot. "What do you suggest we do?" He challenged. Silence soon followed, allowing Nya time to recover and force her eyes to open. Haziness filled her vision as lights suddenly filled them but she blinked them away and sat up. Relieved to find Lloyd next to her. He was fast asleep, breathing normally, and wrapped in a warm blanket, and his clothes, hair, and skin bone dry.

She couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked sleeping.

She looked down at herself, not only to find she was no longer on the cobblestone path but a soft leather couch, covered by a thick fur blanket. The rainwater has been stripped to the last drop from her clothes, hair, and skin, much to her shock, though she refused to complain. Nya shook away the last waves of sleep and turned to thank their caretakers. But when she turned to the source of the voices she found not people, but four creatures standing in a circle.

One was a troll, one was a white yeti, and one was a green naga.

The last was a creature she didn't recognize. Its body was composed of lightning and with the form of a white and blue fox. Lloyd stirred awake, cutely rubbing his eyes, and shook his head adjusting to the light. The blue fox gently strolled over to Lloyd. It started climbing up the couch like a cat and perched itself on the headrest before cutely holding out a small paw for the boy to shake.

"Hi there, I'm Jay." It smiled and Lloyd's reaction was that of a wound-up spring. The small boy screamed and jumped and fell backward all in one motion, his hand missing the couch and fell into nothing causing him to crash to the floor in a heap. His eyes bulged out of his skull when the furry creature looked over the edge of the couch.

"You okay?" Jay asked.

"A talking fox?" Lloyd muttered from the floor, his voice speaking automatically, shaking. Nya was clearly frozen from shock.

"I'm not a talking fox! I'm a raijū!" Jay stomped his foot, rising to his feet insulted. He growled when he heard the troll and naga snickering, threatening to burst into laughter. Lloyd repositioned himself onto his knees just in time to meet toxic green eyes. The green naga smiled brightly.

"Hey! Name's Tox, what's yours? And before you ask, I'm a naga."

"I'm... Lloyd." He replied, momentarily forgetting to breathe, but answered nonetheless, before turning his he'd to his sister. She was frozen on the couch, with Jay floating around her head on a ball of electricity, waving his blue paws in front of her face.

"Hello? Is she mute?"

"She's in shock, you idiot!" The troll howled. "I'm Ronin, by the way."

"So who are you?" Lloyd smiled at the quiet yeti.

"I am Zane, a yeti with the power to control the element of ice," Zane explained, holding out a clawed hand to Lloyd. Lloyd shook the yeti's claw.

"I'm Lloyd and that's my big sister Nya." She smiled at his elder sibling. Though shock was evident all over her face, Nya held up a hand and waved.

"Oh for the love of FSM." Ronin smacked his forehead before a brilliant glow surrounded his body. A second later, the troll vanished and the light expanded until a tall human man stood in its place. He had wavy brown hair, dark brown eyes with the beginning of a beard on his face. He wore a dark cyan jumper with light brown pants and a large red hat. His arms crossed over his chest as he turned to the siblings.

"Is this better?" He asked but Nya fell out of her seat, still in shock.

"Perhaps this will help?" Zane suggested and a flash of turquoise and in place of the slender, white yeti stood a tall, strongly-built boy, around Ronin's height. He had platinum blonde, almost snowy white, hair that stood up straight in something like a crew cut and bright icy blue eyes. He wore white pants and shoes with a long-sleeved, cyan blue shirt under a navy blue knitted vest. The newly turned man offered a hand to the youngest Smith who was still on the floor.

Lloyd took it without thinking unable to take his eyes off the white-haired man standing before him.

Lloyd's eyes darted to Zane, then Jay, then Ronin and Tox. Tox and Jay looked at the other and smiled, before answering his unasked question. Jay landed on the floor, bathed in a navy blue light, before the blue fox he once was transformed into his true form. He was a young man with reddish-brown curly hair with brown eyebrows and light freckles. He usually wore a blue jacket with a white stripe over a white t-shirt and blue pants with an orange wooly scarf.

Despite his mature features his large, dark blue eyes and mischievous smile radiated innocence and youth.

They all looked to the naga. Tox smiled and a light green flash was the only warning anyone had before in the green naga's place stood a small, petite, almost delicate girl who was around Nya's age. She had long green hair tied back into a ponytail similar to Nya's with sickly, pale, yellowish skin and bright green eyes. Around her neck was a black, studded choker. She was wearing a ripped green tank top that was cut short to reveal her stomach and black, torn-up jeans.

Even though all of them were in human form they still had a few tell-tale signs that they weren't fully human.

Tox still had snake eyes and Ronin's ears were pointed and he had fangs poking out of his mouth. Zane still had a cold air around him and every time he exhaled the siblings could see his breath. Jay's limbs occasionally twitched with electricity.

"I'm sorry if I sound rude, but you three know they can't stay here! It's bad enough you even brought them inside!" Zane suddenly glared, dragged them back to the issue at hand.

"We didn't mean to intrude," Nya explained, "I just needed to find Lloyd shelter from the storm, we'll leave in the morning."

"Hell no!" Jay cut him off. "You're not intruding at all! Zane is just worried about the Master that's all, but he's asleep, just let us warn him quickly that you're here, and then—"

Suddenly an earth-shattering roar echoed through the castle shaking everyone within it to their knees. A tremor ran through Nya's body and Lloyd threw himself in his sister's arms, shaking in fear. The master was awake, and he was furious with the four creatures. A sharp gust of wind roared through the castle, silencing all the candles and shrouding everything in darkness. Despite the fear wracking their bodies the four creatures moved to hide their guests as best they could.

It was a vain attempt to hold their master's anger.

All four of them shook in fear. They knew full well the Master would never harm them, but just his presence alone was intimidating.

"Nya, I'm scared." Lloyd trembled as he tried to hide in his sister's coat.

"Shh, it'll be alright, I've got you." Nya soothed in a vain attempt to calm him down. But she screamed when suddenly a loud gust of wind like the beat of giant wings followed by the loud thump of someone landing behind him before the siblings or the creature could react, and then suddenly she came face to face with two blazing green eyes with black slits, not human, almost like a dragon's. Kai stories flashed in Nya's mind like old photographs.

Stunned mystification caused her eyes to bulge.

"That's not possible," She muttered as her mind began spinning and her body felt faint, but she stood her ground. She couldn't show fear with Lloyd in her arms. The master glared at her, those impossibly green eyes bore into her terrified ocean eyes like piercing arrows. Then he chuckled, a low callous laugh.

"Is that all you can do?" He spoke in a dark, humorous hiss. His green eyes aligned with the fire of hurt and rage that seemed so much older and deeper than his youth. "Stare at me, like I'm some kind of monster."

"It's our fault, not theirs! We're the ones who brought them here!" Jay, who had always been outspoken, tried in vain to defend them but the master's loud growl soon silenced him. Even Zane, who was one of the few who could speak to the master freely, shivered at his temper.

"We mean no harm," Nya replied. "My brother and I just needed shelter from the storm." She explained. The eyes left her and the moment they did, Nya felt as if some enchantment upon her had broken, until she realized the master has not even noticed Lloyd until that point. Before she could speak another world, Lloyd's screamed pierced the night, followed by Nya's when she felt Lloyd ripped from her arms. Something cold and metallic, wrap around her arm, prying them apart harshly.

"Please don't hurt my brother!" She screamed, without thinking. The master's eyes bulged in both horror and confusion before bitterness and humor once again filled them. Harsh laughter spilled from the master's lips shaking everyone to the core.

"Of course that would be your first assumption, too bad; I was going to be lenient, but since it seems you don't know how to hold your tongue, I suppose you'll need a harsher lesson." The master spoke arrogantly, in a tone that froze Nya's core, she couldn't see Lloyd in the darkness but could hear his tears and trembling. Each one ripped another piece of her apart.

"Zane, put them to bed, now." He ordered, glaring at Ronin, Jay, and Tox. Zane reluctantly nodded and obeyed. Eyes wide, the trio moved to flee, but Zane caught them before they could escape. In a flash of light, the boys and Tox human forms vanished and the three creatures fell to the floor. Again they attempted to make a dash for the nearest door, but the Zane caught them in ice before they could escape. They struggled if only to help their new friends.

The master simply snorted at their efforts.

"That's all they'll ever see me as." He muttered in a harsh voice, ceased all of their strugglings. The tone he said it in made it impossible to tell if he was speaking to the siblings or the other four creatures. "They'll only see me as a... a monster" He hissed in a voice of rage and bitterness, before scolding harshly at the trio's loud protests.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" He commanded before flying away dragging his thrashing and screaming prisoners with him, towards the tower. Guilt and remorse poisoned the four creatures. Even Jay could no longer struggle as Zane brought them upstairs to the room they shared for as long as they could remember. The guilt and harshness of their master's tone hurt more than the extremely light punishment ever could. Even worse were Lloyd's screams of terror echoing through the castle until the loud clang of the tower door slamming shut replaced it.

A gloom once again settled over the castle as their master retreated brokenly to his only sanctuary.

A silent shiver of hope was tearing thread by thread that they would ever be free. Or the master's true love would ever come to free their prince from the undeserving and unspeakable fate that was sure to come the following spring...