Bloodlines of Hate

Chapter 4: Summoning

Caged, the feeling of being held from whatever was out side was frightening. The wind was never caged, that feeling was useless to the wind, yet, that was the feeling that stormed Takao, He was completely surrounded in darkness, trapped in whatever hell this was. As hard as he fought for control, this body would not move. He did not like this feeling, this sickly feeling of being confound to this blackness.

A silent scream rang in his ears, though he knew he had not opened his mouth, he knew he had not actually made the noise, it still burned. A funny thought that was, burning. The more and more the word floated in his unconsciousness, the hotter the area got.

A small glow from far off resembled the light of a flame the one thing that all his people feared. It danced mockingly at him, growing brighter and brighter. The heat started at his feet and slowly made it's way over his body. He wished to scream, and even in the silence, he could hear what should have been. The crackling of flame, the words of his unspoken pleadings for it to stop.

Takao knew not how long it took for it to consume his body, but afterwards, the heat died down to a soft warmth. Though the flames still danced over his floating body, it hurt no more. But that did not calm the Heir of Dragoon, fear seemed to race though his veins instead of blood.

Flames, they brought death, they destroyed all things precious to him. Flames of blood red, laughing, mocking, showing him what he wished not to see. A giant bird, Dranzer, the god of Flame and Warmth.

Murderer! Takao's mind screamed. Stay away from me!

A ghost of a laugh, licking flames, and mockery. These things made the Dragon heir mentally growl, thrashing with his mind to get away. He hated this thing, the murderer of his parents, the corrupter of hearts, the one who started everything wrong with his life.

With that thought, something within Takao growled, a feral growl of anger that shocked the Prince. For the growl was not towards the Flame God, but at himself. He was mentally shaken, the Wind God was mad at him, but why?

He then sensed as the growl subsided and sounded more comforting and apologetic, but the warning was there. He could feel something of a mental brush with the God of Fire and the God of Wind, something he didn't understand, like an intimate touch of sorts, something that did not happen between enemies.

To say he was confused would have been the understatement of the year, as the brief contact broke. Takao's mind raced, something was nagging at him. What was he supposed to remember? Something very important that he had forgotten while in fear of the flame and the cage of darkness. Something that had ruled his entire life until that moment of doubt.

"I want you to always love all people, no matter who they are, or what they've done. I want you to care for everything."

The voice of his mother, rang through his mind, coaxing him into a relaxed state of mind, despite the Flames, the darkness and the two gods, whom seemed to watch the boy closely. "I promise." The words where spoken this time, and whatever bonds that had held him tied to the darkness disappeared.

Takao couldn't help but laugh at his foolishness. He'd be speaking both words for a very long time, and he would not forget next time. He opened his arms and embraced the fire this time. "I promise!"

There was a sudden jolt and what felt like ice filled his throat as he took a breath, eyes wide to the world around him. Concerned eyes looked down upon him, and he realized he was on the floor of the gathering hall with Max, Hitoshi, and Tetsuo above him.

No one moved, or breathed as he stood up, until Max that is. "TAKAO! You scared the shit out of us!" The blonde clung to the older teen, causing them to nearly topple over. "You looked dead for a while! Then your body burned like you had a fever! It was the weirdest thing ever! I've never seen anything like it! I mean-!"

Takao let out a soft laugh that cut Max off from his nervous babbling. "I'm fine… I was… summoned… so stop hyper ventilating." That was about as best he could describe what had happened. The God of Fire had summoned him. That thought made him shudder.

"Dragoon picks the oddest times to summon people…" Max commented before smiling softly.

Hitoshi merely scoffed, giving the two a look of disdain, for it was known that the eldest envied the two. Takao pretended not to see the look on his brothers face. "I wish to speak with you privately in the matter later Max," he spoke softly before turning to the crowed that was unnervingly silent, "Dragoon blesses his people!" And a cheer broke forth from the people.

He then turned to Tetsuo, smiling softly. "Enjoy the festivities."

Takao lounged on his couch, wearing just a soft blue robe as he looked over the study. It was late, and the only light in the room was that of the moon. Books, papers, pens and other miscellaneous things lay on the desk hidden in the far corner of the room, while a dragoon decorated rug that sat on the floor glowed. It was supposed to be the God of the Skies, though, it was more snake then dragon.

Takao leaned back on the arm of the couch, a finger running over the soft black silk fabric that covered the piece of furniture. He'd spent many days of his youth laying on this very couch, and many had dubbed him 'lazy' because of it. He'd just lay there and think about random things, and many times, he slept. But, what people never realized was, sleeping was the only way he could be with Dragoon, his very first and closest companion, even if he was a God.

This was also where, at the age of 15, he'd kissed his first boy. Takao mentally laughed, thinking of how Ozuma, a son of a neighboring duke, had blushed. They had been close for a while, even if Ozuma's parents where not for the use of Gods in battle. Ozuma had been Takao's first boy friend, even if the relationship had been short lived.

Ozuma's parents sent him off to travel and it was reported that their ship had capsized. Takao had used Dragoon to fly over the Kuro Sea, while Max had used Draciel to search the waters. All the bodies had been found, and sadly, Takao had been the one to find Ozuma's, clinging onto a log.

Takao could still remember Ozuma's piercing green eyes, that of which would shine with determination and bravery at the ghost of death. He knew Ozuma had not given' up, but had just merely lost the battle of life and death.

Or, that's how he liked to think of it, how Dragoon had also agreed when he'd spoken it to the Dragon. He sighed, Dragoon could not speak directly, but give feelings and sounds that his Dragon throat where made to give off. Even if the God had the ability to change into human form, for Takao had seen him do it when he was young and lost, Dragoon refused to speak directly. And oddly, Takao was content with that.

Takao was interrupted from his musings as the door opened, and the unmistakable figure known as Max walked in, looking far less energetic then he had earlier that night. The Dragoon heir had to bite his lip to keep from smiling at the disgruntled Max, whom clearly wish he was asleep.

"Hey," The blond managed to whisper before walking to the couch and plopping on the floor in front of the reclined Takao. Both prince's stared at one another for a long time, clearly just enjoying the brief silence. Max was the first to look anyway, turning his head and letting it fall onto Takao's stomach.

"You said you'd been summoned. What happened?" The sleepy heir of Draciel mumbled, closing his eyes.

And so Takao explained, telling of the darkness, the flames, Dranzer, Dragoon, everything. He recounted what he'd heard, the touch between the two Gods, and the understanding of it all. Max was the only one Takao would trust with this information, the only one he truly would talk too about anything.

Not just because they where both prince's, or because they both where Heir's to the great Gods themselves, but because it had always been that way. Max was his deepest, truest friend. The bond between them had always been there, since either could remember.

Their love for one another had no limits. It was not the romantic love, or even brotherly love. It was love for your other half, the part that made you whole. The love given between two pure souls. They where not sexually attracted to one another, nor did they seek anything the other was not willing to give. It was the kind of love that neither had to say a word and both would know what the other was feeling. It was something that could not be given or taken away, it just was.

As Takao finished, Max tilted his head towards the other, "I had Drigger speak with Draciel a week ago, that is why I came. I think something's going on," grumbled the now slightly more alert prince.

Takao nodded, something was wrong, Dranzer and Drigger had never contacted either of them before. What was happening?

Dragoon let off a soft sound in his mind, causing the Prince to close his eyes and relax. "You should probably go back to your room, we can worry about this in the morning… And you need your sleep." He ruffled the blonds hair before making himself comfortable on the couch. He listened as the sound of footsteps receded from where he lay, and the sound of a door closing. Sleep seemed like the best idea, and he did not wish to walk back to his room. He let himself drift into the nothingness of his mind.

Takao's eyes shot open as he felt warm breath on his hand, only to find Shiva in the room, her pale fur glowing in the soft light of dawn. Unconsciously he gripped at his now fast racing heart. "Oh man! Don't scare me like that missy! You nearly gave me a heart attack!" He playfully swatted at her, only to have the wolf pounce and lick his face.

"Ewwww! Wolf germs! I'm going to die of rabies!" He squealed in an unman like way. This only made Shiva like him more. "Ugh! I give up!" And with a dramatic sigh, he just lay there as Shiva seemed to laugh at him with her knowing eyes. She jumped off him and sat waiting by the couch.

Takao pouted, "I was just violated! Bad snow princess!" He stuck out his tongue and sat up, stretching. Then a sudden thought struck him. "Wait… how did you get in here!" The young prince jumped off the couch, crashing into a figure and causing both to fall over.

Instantly, Takao jumped back onto his feet, moving into the traditional Dragon fighting stance. He nearly fell on his face once again as he watched a shirtless, not to mention good looking, and ruffled haired Tetsuo stand up. "Dragoon's eggs! You scared the blue out of my hair!"

Tetsuo looked at him oddly, something akin to amusement in his normally dead eyes. "Dragoon's Eggs?" Takao rolled his eyes, then looked at his guard for a moment, actually looked at him. Tetsuo's state of dress told that the older boy had been sleeping, for his hair was tossed haphazardly, and he wore nothing but a pair of pants. That's when the young prince's eyes came to the others well toned muscle and his soft sun kissed skin.

After a few seconds of silence, the young prince realized that he himself was only wearing a robe that probably showed more then was proper for a price and his guard. That led to stray thoughts and he could swear he heard Dragoon chuckle.

The elder boy shook his head before seeming to regain his composure. "Lord Hitoshi requested your presence…But when you weren't in your room, I let the wolf find you."

Dragoon's heir visibly flinched at his brother's 'request'. It was probably more of a demand then that, but Takao was in no mood for Hitoshi. He had awoken nicely, and the day looked promising, I was not going to let his brother ruin that.

Takao turned and stared out the window, "How about we decline my brothers 'request' and go to town instead?" The prince gave his personal guard a bright smile, not waiting for a reply, and racing Shiva out the door.

Today was going to be his day, a day to himself. He was going to spend the day with his people, let Dragoon watch through his eyes. And nothing was going to change that, not even his older brother.

I decided to write more! I finally got time to actually work on one of my stories! Hopefully you guys don't hate me…AND NO! MAX AND TYSON/TAKAO ARE NOT GOING OUT! I just kinda felt like explaining their relationship a bit better… it's really kinda complicated, but nothing happens between the but the cling/hug fest! Tell me what you think and also, Whom should Hitoshi's lover be? Cuse I'm at a loss… Review please!

Love,
Aiko