Disclaimer: I do not own Big Time Rush.
Warning: The story will at some point contain graphic violence, and explicit sexual content.
So here's part 4. Don't be expecting this many updates this close together. I already have the first six chapters written, so I'm pretty sure I'm spoiling you guys! Be sure to subscribe and favorite this story!
Playing Games
Kendall sat on the rickety bed in the small cabin. The room was pitch-black, and he held a now sleeping Camille in his arms. Almost an hour had passed with silence in the next room, since Camille had unknowingly walked right into his kidnapping. She told Kendall, she had been so upset when Katie made it back to the palace and explained what happened, that she sought out Logan for comfort, not knowing what else she could do. She had no clue the young man she had been seeing for the past month was a member of the Brotherhood. She had sobbed the story for several minutes.
Kendall had been furious when Canis, or he now knew his real name James, had thrown her into the room. The Prince had to quickly overcome the shock of seeing his kidnappers face. The perfect hazel eyes that had him entranced before, complimented James' beautiful face. Kendall couldn't remember having seen something that was so… perfect, and wonderful. If that face wasn't attached to a terrifying human being, Kendall was sure poets would write sonnets about him.
As happy as the Prince had been to finally learn the identities of his kidnappers, a new fear developed. Anonymity was crucial to the crime, and it was now shattered. Surely, he wouldn't make it out of this alive. He and Camille were probably going to be killed. He held his best friend closer, as she whimpered in her sleep. A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at the young woman's face resting on his chest. He loved her as much as he did Katie, and he would do anything to keep her safe as well.
Suddenly, James entered the dark room followed closely by Carlos, and a sheepish looking Logan all without their masks. Kendall could see Logan's red puffy eyes. For a moment, silence filled the room.
"If you're going to kill us," Kendall spoke quietly, "please do it quickly."
"We aren't going to kill you," James said with a soft voice.
"Then, what are you going to do?"
"For right now, we're taking you somewhere hidden. Somewhere safe. That's all you need to know for the time being."
Kendall looked at the three young men standing before him assessing if what James had said was true. Then, he gently shook Camille awake, and her eyes shot open wide with fear. Her eyes fell on the three Brotherhood members, and clung tighter to Kendall.
"Shh, it's okay. They're moving us somewhere."
Kendall saw Camille's eyes dart to Logan, who was staring at the ground. The black-haired boy shifted his weight from his left to his right, doing all he could to avoid Camille's gaze.
"On your feet," James ordered, pulling out a pair of blindfolds from his pocket and tossing one to Carlos who stepped toward Camille.
Within moments, the small group went out into the dead of night, with Kendall and Camille stumbling with their hands bound in front of them and blindfolded. Depending on their kidnappers to guide them. Kendall felt himself being hoisted onto a horse, then felt a firm body follow him up and pressed their bodies close together that he could only assume was James.
"Logan, take Camille on your horse," Kendall heard James' voice close to his ear, "Carlos, ride ahead of us to make sure the path is clear."
Kendall felt James take hold of the reins with his arms on either side of him, holding the Prince in place. At James' order the horse started out at a trot before breaking into a gallop.
The night continued to wear on, and all Kendall was aware of was the blackness from his blindfold, the sound of the horses' hooves on the dirt path, and the warmth of James' body against his back. Kendall tried to gain a sense of direction. Last he remembered they were travelling north, and they seemed to be continuing in that direction, but he couldn't be sure. This area of the kingdom was quite unknown to him. Therefore, the only thing he could focus on was staying upright on the horse despite his fatigue. Hours passed and he felt their pace slow and eventually come to an easy walking pace.
When Kendall felt his feet on solid ground, he let out a nervous breath, and wondered where they could be. He felt James remove his blind fold and untie his hands. The Prince hissed in pain and rubbed his wrists. The raw skin bled around his wrists, making Kendall wish for bandages to dress them. He was brought out of his thoughts, when James took hold of his hands examining the young Prince's wounds.
Kendall inspected the hazel eyes carefully. They seemed to hold a look of concern. He found it strange that his attractive kidnapper was worried about his physical harm. Suddenly, Kendall's eyes grew wide as he saw James' hands emitting a white glow that moved to touch his wrists. A cooling sensation spread from Kendall's wrists to his fingertips and up his arm. Before his very eyes, Kendall saw the red cuts close not leaving any trace on his pale skin. He looked up at James' stone face with disbelief.
"Y-you're a – you, are you a," the Prince stuttered out in surprise.
"Wizard? All three of us are," his face showing no emotion, clearing trying to hide any reaction from the Prince,
"Follow me. Logan, bring the girl," James spoke in a straight authoritative tone, not leaving Kendall any option to object. He followed, stumbling over the roots on the forest floor and took the opportunity to examine his surroundings. The hilly terrain and thick trees prevented free movement, and encumbered his sight lines any further than a few meters. He assessed they must be close to the mountains, which, if he had been correct about the direction they travelled, put them in the middle of the Thieves' Forest.
Camille followed close behind him. Kendall sensed her nerves were calmed slightly, but only a little. He hoped he would think of something to get them out of this mess. He saw that Logan followed closely to Camille, and when she tripped over a stone in their path he rushed and caught her wrapping his arms around her.
"Are you okay?" Logan asked softly.
Kendall saw the pain in both their eyes. Camille's eyes looked at Logan's briefly before tearing them away. "Let go of me," her voice as cold as ice, as she freed herself from his arms. She stepped to Kendall's side and took his hand.
Kendall saw a flash of jealousy and hurt cross the eyes of the dark-haired boy, before continuing on their way. He rubbed the back of Camille's hand with his thumb. He wanted to grant her any sort of comfort he could. He had seen how much she had fallen for Logan. She always lived passionately, and when she gave her heart, she did so completely. The five of them soon stepped into a small clearing, and Kendall gasped.
Nestled secretly in these woods was a three tiered waterfall that fed into a pool of clear water. He looked up and saw two tree houses built sturdily in the trees, both with rope ladders that led up to them. Kendall couldn't help but think that if the circumstances were different he might be delighted to find this spot.
"Alright, Logan, you and Camille will be in one and Carlos and Kendall in the other. I'll keep watch," James said kneeling to start a fire.
"I'm not leaving her alone with him!" Kendall objected immediately.
"I would never hurt her," Logan insisted to the Prince.
Camille stood sheepishly by. Kendall glared into Logan's eyes and said, "You already have."
Logan looked like a kicked puppy while he stared at the ground, his face contorting in guilt. Kendall didn't feel sorry. He was supposed to care about Camille and he allowed his friends to hold her hostage.
"Enough!" James rose assuming his authority, "I'm keeping you two separate, and that's final! Logan, get her up there, now!"
Logan carefully took Camille's arm, and led her toward the nearest rope ladder. Camille exchanged a sad look with Kendall before beginning her ascent. Kendall turned in the dark night and saw Carlos holding the other ladder steady.
"After you, your highness," he smirked.
Kendall glared at him. He looked to James, but felt weak under the stare of those hazel eyes. They seemed to dance in the golden light of the freshly lit fire. Everything about him was hypnotizing, and it drove Kendall absolutely mad. In an angry huff, he raced up the shaking rope ladder. Who the hell did James think he was? Kendall was still royalty, and had authority. When he stepped on the surprisingly solid floor of the tree house, he examined his surroundings.
It was a small circular area, with personal items, chests, and book cases scattered about. On opposite ends of the area that measured about five meters across, were two cots. They didn't seem exactly comfortable, but Kendall assessed they would keep them warm tonight. He stepped forward to examine a small book case in front of him. The contents surprised him. On it were a few books he had seen in Wizard Bitters' private library: books on Alchemy, Divination, Conjuration, Illusions, and a particular book caught his eye that he wasn't familiar with. Convertus Animalas.
"You study Trans-morphing?"
Carlos look up from a chest that he was pulling blankets from and smiled, "Yeah, we do. Since we were kids actually."
Kendall was in awe, "Even Wizard Bitters doesn't understand that!" He fingered the spine of the book gently.
"It's hard. We've each only been able to successfully transform once," Carlos said closing the lid of the chest. Kendall turned in surprise.
"You mean you've actually transformed into an animal before?"
Carlos smiled at the Prince's excitement, "Yeah, once, like I said."
Kendall realized he was acting like a child excited over the power of these strangers.
Of course, magic had always fascinated him. That was one of the few subjects he actually paid attention to. Although, he didn't have the gift, he was fascinated by the formulas and elements that went into casting a perfect spell. Bitters always explained it wasn't as simple as waving your hand and magic happening. There were formulas to consider and one had to take in the elements surrounding them and release the magic from within. Magic had to work in harmony with the energy in the world surrounding it. Otherwise, the destruction of a spell gone wrong could be very serious.
The Prince swallowed, and asked slowly, trying not to sound too curious, "What animals?"
Carlos handed him a blanket, and a pair of leather pants and a cotton tunic, "Logan can turn into a falcon. I've turned into a fox and James a wolf."
Kendall stared into space, "Falco, Volpes, Canis… makes sense now."
Carlos smirked, "Exactly!"
"So what's your story?" Kendall asked suddenly curious about the tanned young man.
"My story?" Carlos asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, why you do what you do? How did you end up here?"
"Pretty much - James." Carlos let out a soft laugh, and Kendall felt something stir within him.
It wasn't jealousy, no, definitely not jealousy.
Carlos continued, "The three of us have always been friends, but James held us together. We had pretty normal lives, until our powers surfaced. We had been unaware. Only James' master knew about it at first."
"His master?"
Carlos paused, eying the Prince, "Yeah, his parents died when he was little. He was put in an orphanage, before the people who raised him took him in. Nice couple, the man took him as an apprentice."
"How did his parents die?"
"James never mentioned it. I decided it was better not to ask, besides, you know too much already," Carlos said ending that train of conversation. Kendall got the feeling he might have been asking too many questions. Perhaps it was best not to know any more about his kidnappers. The less he knew, the better chance he had of making it home in one piece.
"You should get some sleep, your Highness. Dawn is only a few hours away."
Kendall quieted himself, before turning to the cot that had been laid out for him. He removed his clothes to put on the warmer leather pants and cotton shirt, Carlos had provided him. The night had grown cold, and a bitter wind blew outside. He laid back in the darkness, and his eyes flickered the opening in the tree house.
Kendall could still see the soft glow of the fire below them. Before long sleep took him, and his final thoughts were of a pair of intense hazel eyes boring into his soul.
James stretched from his spot resting against the tree. Managing to stay awake the rest of the night had proven a challenge. He knew, however, the dangers that were in these woods. Not only did they have to be aware of other bandits taking refuge in the forest, but they needed to be wary of the beasts that roamed about. There had been rumors of a dragon being spotted in the northern region they were in, but he knew if a dragon attacked they wouldn't stand much chance.
The sun was in a soft glow yet the light barely broke through the trees to their small clearing. The water poured from the rocks above into the crystalline pool. James observed the movement of the water before rising to his feet. He had grown tired and needed something to wake him up. Finally, he settled on the idea of taking a swim. He removed his vest and boots when the sound of leaves rustling behind made him turn.
"Good morning" Logan muttered.
"Still upset with me I see..."
"No, just with myself," Logan said through a sigh.
"There's no way you could've known she would have come looking for you... I mean we're pretty much screwed but,"
"James, what are we going to do?"
The leader sighed before walking forward to place his hand behind his best friends head, forcing Logan's eyes to his, "We'll think of something."
"... Please don't make me hurt her."
"I would never ask that of you, Logie. I still think the potion is our best bet. It'll take a long time to prepare, but it's the safest option."
James dropped his hands. This whole thing was killing Logan. It was obvious. His eyes usually carried a light of hopefulness and life, but now they were full of fear and pain. James looked into the soft embers from the fire. He was dealing with his own emotions on this. The feeling that he had led his friends into something so dangerous was excruciating. To add even more complications to the plan James knew his feeling were growing for the young prince. Kendall had stared at him with wonder when he healed his wounds. A significant improvement over the looks of disdain, and it made his heart swell with joy.
The prince's good name and compassion were known all over. Everyone eagerly waited for the day he became of age and would take the throne. James admired every bit of the prince: his willingness to sacrifice himself for his sister, his strength, his tenderness for his friend, and those stunning green eyes weren't helping matters.
"You going for a swim?" Logan shifted the topic.
"Yeah, I didn't expect anyone to be awake yet."
"I'll go find us some breakfast," Logan said grabbing the bow and quiver of arrows propped against the tree. "Happy hunting, and be careful! We don't know who else could be around."
Logan nodded with a small smile before heading out between the thick trees. Once he was out of sight James removed his pants and stepped into the water, then immersed completely. The cold water coating his naked body. He felt his skin rise from the cold before taking a deep breath and dunking his head under.
The water did the trick in waking him up. He took the short moment floating on his back. The sky peeked through the thick trees, and he breathed content. James remained blissfully unaware, however, that he was being watched.
Kendall inhaled sharply at the sight before him. He knew he shouldn't be watching, but he didn't want to tear his eyes away. From the moment Logan had gone off hunting, Kendall had been silently praying to see James on his own, but before he could climb down to speak with him, James dove into the water completely naked. Kendall found his face growing hot and his heart beating rapidly.
Surely Kendall could fight this. It wouldn't be that hard. After all James was just a man. An incredibly chiseled, sexy, perfect… Kendall pressed his back against the wall inside of the tree house near the door, averting his gaze away from James. Thankfully Carlos still slept heavily. He struggled to regain control of his breathing and the uncomfortable sensation in his pants. This was completely improper. He was royalty for goodness sake, he shouldn't be spying. Breathing heavily his felt his pants tighten at the thought of a naked James. The thought of their bodies pressed against each other in heated passion.
Kendall lowered his hand to palm his hardening erection over his pants. No. This was wrong. He shouldn't be thinking of James this way. No reservations. The two of them losing control to one another. He stood silent for a few minutes before peeking once more from his high perch, and was filled with a mixed sense of relief and objection to see James was fully clothed.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, he climbed down the rope ladder making sure he was seen. Kendall reached the leaf covered ground and looked up to see James standing by the fire.
"Sleep well?" he heard James ask, he tilted his head to see James giving a cocky smile. Kendall stuttered for a moment. He didn't know he had been watching, did he?
"Fine, thank-you," Kendall stepped to the side avoiding being too close to James and took a seat next to the fire. Much to his displeasure, James sat next to him. "There are a few rules we need to discuss," he said stoking the fire.
"Oh?" Kendall raised a brow looking at James, his wet hair dangling above his eyes.
"Number one. If Logan, Carlos, or I tell you to do something, you do it. Number two. Don't try to run. For your own protection," James locked eyes with him giving him a deadly serious look, "we are not the worst people you will find in these woods. There are murderers, rapists and much worse lurking about. We are days away from any town. You will die in these woods before you find your way back on your own."
The intent of the warning was quite cold and somber. "As long as you follow those rules, and stay in my good graces, you and Camille will stay safe. Do that, and I won't tie you up," James spoke with finality.
Kendall shifted nervously under his gaze. James had made every effort to make Kendall afraid to be anywhere else, but his presence. He wasn't sure that was a good thing, but he knew that for now he needed to stay with Camille, until he could figure out a way to get them home.
"Thank-you by the way," Kendall showed his wrists, dying for a change in conversation, "for healing me last night."
James smiled brightly at him, and Kendall felt his heart flip. "My pleasure," James' voice rang in one of the most seductive tones he had ever heard. This might complicate things, he thought.
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