Life Crusades

by Windseeker2305

Sequel to Life Agendas. Harry, Draco and Co. head to the Ukatae realm where they plan to take back what is rightfully theirs. Nothing is ever easy, is it? But in the realm things are definitely never dull. Very AU and OC's within.

21. Doubting

Life Crusades

Chapter Twenty-One

Doubting

"You will not bite me," Tom ordered lowly, never taking his eyes off Charan. The demon boy hadn't move at all except to continuously lick his lips. "Hermione!"

"Dragon meat is scrumptious, you know," Charan stated as he pulled himself to his feet and took a step forward. "And the blood. It's delicious and flows hot and stinging down the throat."

"I am not a dragon. Obviously. Bloody hell—HERMIONE, where are you?—stop!" he shouted and jumped out of the way when the little demon brat pounced his way with an insane laugh.

"Tom, what…" Hermione trailed off as she came in from the hall.

Charan turned towards her and Tom jumped across the room to land in front of Hermione. He held his hands out, prepared to send a wave of spells if the child didn't behave himself.

"Where were you?" Tom demanded.

Hermione stood on her toes to peer over her brother's shoulder. "I was with Mila and Dagon. Dagon was being completely inappropriate and you're always yelling about something, so I ignored you. Who's this?"

Charan had just unsheathed claws and took another swipe at Tom, who jumped back with an exasperated shout. Still clinging to his back, Hermione laughed. "Oh! You must be Luna's son." She turned her Tom. "He's adorable. Did Luna send him to you? Did you speak to her?"

"Adorable? How is this helping?" Tom snapped to himself, his outstretched palm following Charan's movements. "She dropped him on me a moment ago. Said she wanted us to bond. Luna said he wouldn't eat me, but he's clearly trying to eat me!"

The demon child stopped suddenly and peered at them closely.

"And she—the nerve, Hermione! She just dropped him at my feet and left!"

"She is the Mother, Tom. I'm sure she's busy."

"She didn't look very busy."

Hermione and Tom quickly became distracted when Charan suddenly broke into tears and started wailing at the top of his lungs.

"I can't eat you! I can't eat you! It's not fair!"

Tom raised his hands higher in defense as if he thought the child's tears were a physical attack. Hermione quickly reached out and shoved his hands down before any spells could be completed.

"Honestly, Tom."

"It's crying," Tom hissed. "Make it stop."

"He's not an it. He's a little boy…demon… thi-god child," she emphasized when Tom turned and smirked at her a little.

The moment was broken with another loud wail. "Oh quiet down!" Tom shouted. "Stop crying this instant!"

Charan sniffed and ran a hand across his snotty nose. "But I can't eat you."

"The realm isn't exactly void of dragons. Eat one of them."

"Tom!"

Tom turned to Hermione with a raised brow. "At least then he wouldn't be eating me."

"This looks nice and powerful. Or it will be once it's been recharged…"

The two turned back to find the demon child looked perfectly composed. No tears in sight. He was currently walking towards the bed, hand outstretched towards Tom's sword, which was still faintly calling him. Tom was across the room and in front of the sword in an instant. "You must have figured out who I am since you stopped trying to eat me, therefore you know you will do whatever I tell you."

"I will do whatever you say, mate of my mother," Charan answered with a nod as he tried leaning sideways to see the sword.

Tom shifted. "I don't believe a word."

Charan flashed him a child's grin and tried to reach around Tom in order to touch the sword. And since Tom wouldn't stand for the little thing touching it, he went to grab Charan's wrist. Charan made an excited growl, his slit eyes alight, and had Tom's wrist clamped between his teeth in an instant.

Tom hissed in pain, rage, and disbelief and tried to wrench his hand free. Only the demon had a very good hold on Tom and wouldn't let go. Hermione had jumped in instantly, throwing a hand out and sending out a spell net to capture Charan. The spell was meant to calm him till he felt like his bones were goo. Unfortunately and to Hermione's shock, her spell had no effect on Charan.

"Hermione!"

"It didn't work!" She replied in shock after trying another spell.

Tom growled in fury and raised his hand, planted it over Charan's face and blew a very strong shock spell at him. It got Charan off but it was probably the wrong type of spell to use. Charan convulsed from the power of the shock and his jaw flinched, digging teeth deeper into Tom's wrist. Tom heard the crunch of bone just before a white hot wave of pain exploded from his wrist.

The convulsions stopped and Charan went limp. Tom freed his wrist before drawing back and watching Charan slump to the floor. Tom, holding up his bleeding and broken wrist against his heaving chest, panted out harsh breaths and stared down at the demon child through narrowed eyes.

Charan looked up with a pout. "That hurt."

"Hermione, stun him."

Charan's brows drew down in confusion. "But it was an accident. I'm sorry! I couldn't help myself! I love dragons… yum," he hummed, rubbing his stomach. "They're so tasty…. It's been a long time!"

Tom watched him for a moment more, gave a sharp angry nod, and turned back to his sister. "Hermione, go on. Stun him."

Hermione glared at him. "He apologized. It was probably instinct. I'm sure he'll try harder not to take a bite…"

"Thank you," Tom said dryly. "Now if you wouldn't mind, stun him and then I will explain."

"But-"

"It was an accident!" Charan cried.

"Hermione."

"I see no reason to-"

A stunning spell came from beside her and hit Charan in the chest. Nothing happened.

Hermione spun around and glared at Severus. "Why did you do that?" she demanded.

"It was only a stun," Severus replied. He then stepped around her, studying Charan who was slowly climbing to his feet. He quickly assessed the situation, noting the horns and the long red hair. "Tom needed assistance. I provided as you seemed reluctant to do so."

Tom was now glaring hard at Charan, who seemed for the first time, unnerved by him.

Finally the Dark Lord turned to them and balled his uninjured hand into a fist. "It would seem my magic is the only thing that can affect him here."

"That's one way to get you two to bond."

"She did this on purpose."

Severus nodded. "Of course she did."

"I do not appreciate your amusement."

Severus smirked. Hermione sighed and moved forward so she could study Tom's bleeding wrist. "What's your name?" she asked the god child just as she managed to bully Tom into sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"Charan."

"It's nice to meet you, Charan."

Charan grinned. "You won't say that this time tomorrow."

"You will behave," Tom growled. "And you will not bite me, my sister, or my friends. Do you understand?"

"Yes mate of my mother."

Tom grimaced. "You will call me my lord," he ground out.

Charan mouthed the two words before he burst into hysterical laughter. Hermione managed not to snicker in her brother's enraged face.

Tom scowled at Charan before turning to Hermione and Severus. "She did tell me some things before dropping this nightmare upon me." He paused and studied his sword. Recharged, Charan had said. "And now I believe I know what plagues the East."

---

"I'm almost done."

Draco craned his neck to watch. Harry was bent over at his side, messing with some clasps to his body armor. "Why don't you do it with magic?"

Harry peaked up at him from beneath his fringe. "I suppose I could."

"No," Draco hurried to say when Harry began pulling his nimble fingers away from the clasps. "You don't have to stop. I was only wondering."

Harry moved back in, smiling in amusement at him. Draco smirked before returning his attention to the front.

"When it comes to anything in regards to battle," Harry softly began, "magic has become an afterthought since it isn't supposed to be used in battle. I've told you the exceptions already; about weapons and sneaky tricks, and us being new blood using it under dire circumstances, especially if it involves Demai'Tah… So you'll see magic more outside of battle situations and legion activities."

"This is stiff."

"You'll get used to it. You've hardly needed to wear this armor before. I've worn mine frequently, which is why it's not so stiff to move around in. At least its only the mail and leather armor now instead of the plate armor."

"Why can't we spell this softer?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "You could, but then that might affect the spells already woven into it. Now shut up and stop complaining," he murmured as he dropped to his knees to work on his mate's leg gear.

Draco frowned and would have responded, but his attention was quickly caught by the sleek black snake slithering towards them from the front of the tent. "Keep your snake off me."

Harry's snicker was the only indication that he'd heard, and he kept on with the thigh guards, ignoring both Draco and Lovely. Narrowed silver eyes followed the quick and deadly reptile as it slithered right up to Harry. She slithered up onto Harry's knee and went on up his leg before slithering up his chest and over to his arm. Lovely continued to go on up, disappearing beneath the leather shoulder pad and then reappear to quickly wrap around Harry's neck.

A moment later, Harry climbed to his feet, smiling at the blond. "All done. Ready?"

"I'd be much more prepared if I had my memory back," Draco muttered. He really hated not remembering. And though everyone else might think it was funny, it was very worrying to him. It added stress that he did not need and it made him constantly doubtful.

"It'll come back soon…" Harry drifted off and lifted a hand to his neck where there was a simple thin rope hanging around his neck, just barely visible from the armor protecting Harry's neck. Lovely shifted out of the way only slightly, flicking a forked tongue at part of the chord as it moved beneath her. Harry made a sort of soothing sound as he grabbed the chord, tugged it up, and produced a small cloth bag. Quickly he had the small pouch open and was rummaging in it with his thumb and finger. In a moment he pulled out a shrunken communication orb. The small orb glowing off and on.

Harry placed the marble into his palm and returned it to its natural size. Immediately Severus' face appeared. He was smirking, which made Harry grin because Severus looked severely amused. Draco came to stand behind him, looking over his shoulder to see Severus' face.

"Hello Uncle Sev."

"Harry, Draco," Severus greeted. He paused a moment and then began speaking again. It was quite clear he was trying to speak without that amusement coloring his tone. "There are several things you should be aware of. First, Mila is doing fine and will remain that way. Hopefully. It's doubtful now since apparently Dagon is her mate."

He stopped there for a moment, waiting for the reaction. Draco wouldn't react because he couldn't remember. But Harry knew all and understood the significance. His eyes widened and his mouth parted in shock. Severus nodded. "Also… Tom has been contacted by Luna, finally. Though I'm sure he wishes she hadn't."

"Why is that?"

"Luna has decided she wants Tom to babysit her son. She literally dropped the little demon onto his head and then disappeared again. We now have Charan the god/demon child in our custody. He's already bitten Tom three times. The first time he broke Tom's wrist. And apparently only Tom's magic will work on Charan. Tom is not happy."

Harry started laughing. "No, I imagine he isn't."

"Can you ask that child to unblock my memories?" Draco demanded.

"We've already inquired about that, Draco. Apparently he can't do anything more. Your memory will return on its own."

"Brill," Draco murmured dryly.

"Moving on. Luna did give us some clues as to what's happening here. Tom's sword as well. The magic here is almost nonexistent. This is what's causing the drought and lethargy. The magic is being sapped. Luna told Tom she couldn't join us because it felt wrong here. That it would make her sick. And Tom's sword lacks the energy level it had before we came here."

Harry abruptly stopped smiling. "You should not be there. Eventually it will start to affect you."

Severus nodded. "You are right, but we can't go, Harry. We must find why this is happening and stop it. Reverse it if possible."

"But if it's not Demai'Tah-"

"We don't know that. It could be him. It could be an experiment. It might spread, Harry. We don't know and you know we cannot leave until we've solved this."

Severus was right, of course. But Harry wouldn't be relieved until his uncle and siblings had either fixed the problem quickly or left the East.

"We're being careful, Harry." The brunet nodded. "Or at least I am," Severus went on with a snide tone.

Harry's worried frown lifted a bit and he snickered. Severus turned away and Harry clearly heard Hermione in the background, along with Tom. Though the two weren't bickering.

"Who are you speaking to, Severus?" asked Hermione from out of sight.

"Your brothers."

"Oh! Put them on the wall! Please?"

In moments Harry and Draco were seeing the entire room where Severus was within the orb. Harry moved and set up his orb in a similar fashion. He focused on Hermione, who was looking at Draco with uncertainty. Harry discreetly nudged Draco in the ribs. Say something.

What should I say?

Say Hello.

"Err…hello, Hermione."

She blasted him with a bright smile. One that made Draco want to hunch over and hide his face against the back of Harry's neck. And then Severus moved over and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Yeah, look," Draco managed to say and motioned between the two. "No one has explained that to me. It's really inconceivable. Almost as inconceivable as the Dark Lord being in love with Loony Lovegood."

"Should everyone have to conform with your reality, baby Malfoy?" Tom snapped from near the doorway.

Draco turned to him and glared. "I'm the Emperor, aren't I?"

Tom stalked forward until he was an inch away from the wall. "Such a wonderful Emperor that he can't even protect his mind from a demon child. I've seen him." He lifted a hand, pinching his thumb and finger together and sneered at his brother. "He's this big, Draco. A bloody child incapacitated you."

Draco's nostrils flared and he moved around Harry to stand as close to the wall as Tom was; until it looked like they were literally nose to nose. "Who broke your wrist again?"

As they started going at it, Harry turned back to Severus and Hermione, smiling as they were. It was good to have Draco acting as he always had with their brother.

"How's Mila really?"

"She's recovering well enough," Severus replied. "A day more of rest and potions, and she'll be in top form. Thank Merlin. If Tom hadn't found her when he did…" he trailed off, no more needed to be said on that.

Hermione's eyes narrowed in displeasure. "But Dagon! Dagon was being completely inappropriate, Harry! All while she was laid up in bed unconscious. I caught him looking under her blanket and he wasn't sorry at all. But that's when he said, and I quote, 'Mila's mine, blast Her, so I may do as I please.' Really!"

"That explains a lot," Harry returned. "Like why he followed the twins, Mila, and Similae around the mortal world. And why he went after her when she left Borsteria…"

"I worry about Mila," confessed Hermione. "I don't think Dagon knows how to be a mate."

"It's not the disaster you seem to think it is," Severus murmured. "He only needs to learn how to be more than one. I think their travels together have helped with that. I think he cares for her, no matter the face he puts on for her and for us."

"And Mila can take care of herself," Harry said. "She won't let him push her around." He lifted a hand, tapping a finger against his bottom lip. "Perhaps… tell Dagon we wish for him and Mila to travel with you. Help with this East thing. The more help you have, the faster you can solve the problem. And Dagon is very intelligent, even if it's easy to forget that under his murderous appetite."

Severus nodded. "I was going to ask you about that. I hate to say it, but Dagon's knowledge will be invaluable right now. Also, when Luna visited with Tom she indicated she wanted Dagon to go out and inspect the raiders that had attacked Mila. She implied we would find something significant."

"Hopefully Demai'Tah's whereabouts," Harry muttered, not really believing they would get that lucky, but Severus was nodding.

"Perhaps. She said this has gone on too long. It was time to end."

Harry's heart started to beat faster. If they found Demai'Tah's location… "Keep us posted then."

"Harry, please please be careful in the jungle," Hermione pleaded. "And make sure to take care of Draco since he's still not himself. Disabled."

"Excuse me?" Draco drawled suddenly beside Harry. "Disabled? Did you call me disabled?"

"Well you're not completely right, Draco, are you? You can't remember the last year."

"There's no need to call me disabled though."

"Fine. Mentally impaired."

Tom snorted, Severus' lips quirked, and Harry snickered.

"MENTALLY IMPAIRED?"

Hermione continued to smile at him and Harry grinned because everything seemed normal. "Okay. We should get going. Make sure you report to Falde about everything if you haven't already."

"I was about to make a report after this," Severus replied.

There was a few more things said, a few reminders and goodbyes, and then the connection was broken. Harry took up the orb and shrunk it before slipping it back into the pouch hanging from his neck. He sincerely hoped Dagon found something that would lead them to Demai'Tah's location.

"Do we really need to go to a jungle which contains mad killing plants?" Draco asked, following Harry to the front of the tent.

Harry turned around, cupped the back of Draco's neck, and pulled his mate down for a kiss; pressing against his mate until Draco moaned. Pulling back, he nodded. "Yes."

Draco nodded, no longer really caring, and quickly took Harry's lips again. He pressed a hand to the small of Harry's back, making sure the idiot Gryffindor couldn't pull away again. Despite the fact they were to leave at any moment, Harry didn't seem at all concerned with leaving the tent and joining the soldiers. And Draco was just content to stand there and let his hands have free reign, mapping out every defined contour of Harry's back, his sides, and rock hard thighs his armor hugged.

Smelling the leather; feeling it and the chain mail was really more arousing than Draco expected it to be. As well as his mate's arse, squeezed into padded leather… the armor left nothing for the imagination, and it was just as well that Harry was wearing a long cape, otherwise Draco would have been too distracted making sure none of the soldiers were checking his mate's arse out. It was so fine. It was so fine and it really was a shame they were heading out for a mission in a matter of minutes.

Harry laughed lowly against his mouth, pressing closer and Draco smirked before resuming the very enjoyable activity of dominating Harry's mouth. The door suddenly twitched to the side and Brumek's large form charged in with Ozemir hot on his heels.

"Are we ready?" Ozemir cried out cheerfully before Brumek could growl an order at them. "It looks like you're ready."

"Looks like they have too much time on their hands. We'll need to rectify that."

Draco reluctantly pulled away from Harry and glared at Brumek from over his mate's head. "I cannot conceive why I would ever make you Caellum's godfather."

Ozemir walked passed his mate where Brumek had stopped, and as he did, he lifted a hand and lovingly brushed his fingers over his warrior mate's cheek. "He grows on you."

"Is that how he got you?" Draco asked with a little disbelieving frown. "By growing on you?"

The Scholar laughed. "No, Draco. He got me like an arrow in the heart. One moment was all it took."

The Emperors were surprised when Brumek didn't react as he usually would to such sappy comments. He returned his mate's gaze; intense slate eyes boring into Ozemir's happy violet eyes. The corner of the warrior's mouth lifted and he gave an almost imperceptible nod before he turned and headed back out. "Bring them."

Ozemir turned back to the young ones once his mate was gone, and his smile widened further. Harry smirked. "That was positively cheerful for him."

Ozemir laughed. "We played a game last night. To see how many daggers he could find on my person while wrestling around. He was very satisfied by the end."

Harry snickered. "I bet," he said as they began to leave. "How many did he find-"

"Can you not give me five minutes? Five minutes, Vendyl!"

Harry paused in surprise just inside the tent, recognizing Hoihm's voice. Draco and Ozemir doing the same. Hoihm's voice was raised in clear annoyance and frustration. It was more surprising because clearly he was speaking to his captain.

"You are very close to being insubordinate," Vendyl growled.

"Five minutes is all I ask!"

"You do not have five minutes."

"I did as I was told, standing guard all night without complaint. Are you really going to deny me five minutes to say goodbye to him? Are you going to be a hypocrite, Vendyl? If Kaego were here-"

Ozemir hurried out of the tent, motioning for Harry and Draco to remain where they were, knowing full well someone would need to intervene. The last thing they needed was discord between the two Saen. And Hoihm was correct. Vendyl was being unfair. Ozemir stepped out just in time to slip between the two as Vendyl had made a step towards his second in clear hostility.

"Enough," the Scholar announced coldly and then turned to Hoihm. "You may go and say goodbye to my brother, whom has probably been up all night waiting for you. His excitement would have kept him from sleep."

Vendyl hissed behind him, but Ozemir ignored his cousin and waited for Hoihm to do as he said. But Hoihm shook his head slightly and remained where he was. Ozemir sighed and turned to Vendyl. Even if he were angry and frustrated with his captain, Hoihm would never go against orders. Ozemir lifted a brow at his cousin.

Vendyl's jaw flexed before he finally responded. "Go." Hoihm immediately did an about face and stalked off quickly through the camp. Vendyl glowered at his cousin. "You have no right to undermine my authority in regards to my soldiers."

"Were you really going to make him leave here without saying goodbye to Aerin? When you know they are probably mates? Why would you be so cruel?"

"We don't have time for distractions. Aerin will be a distraction for him. The less he sees of Aerin until after the mission, the better."

Ozemir gave him a look of disgust. "I'm telling Kaego on you."

Vendyl's eyes widened. "You will not."

"I am! I'm going to do it right now! You are being completely heartless!"

"But he won't reward me when we return!"

Ozemir had to try really hard to keep from laughing at that. "That's too bad." He moved forward, intent on going back into the tent to borrow Falde's orb from Harry.

"Ozemir! Little cousin, don't!" Vendyl hissed desperately, grabbing at his arm. "Do not get him worked up! Think of the baby! We don't know what the stress might do."

Ozemir paused, glancing at him from over his shoulder. He noticed with alarm at how terrified Vendyl looked. And Ozemir immediately knew it had nothing to do with Kaego not rewarding him. It was all worry for his mate. Fear. Ozemir closed his eyes on a sigh. Perhaps now knowing why Vendyl was acting this way. Being mean. He himself was already very distracted. His mate was with child, their first, and he would be away for who knew how long. And Vendyl's mother had died giving birth to him...

The Scholar's face softened in understanding. "I won't bother him then. This time. Vendyl… Kaego will be fine."

Vendyl turned is face away. "Shouldn't you collect the Emperors now? The scouts have already gone ahead."

"Kaego is-"

"Don't," Vendyl hissed, eyes suddenly on him. "Do not give me that empty promise. Don't tell me my mate will be fine. Don't tell that just because he's healthy now means he'll live through the birth. Father always said Mother was as healthy as they come and still the healers could not save her. So do not try and tell me what is not true."

"Kaego is one of the best healers in the realm. And because it is his body, he will know exactly what to do to save himself should a complication arise. He saved me, didn't he? With a lesser healer, I would not be here right now, cousin." When Vendyl said nothing, Ozemir placed a hand on his arm. "Have you spoken with him yet? You should speak with him before we leave for Taeneen. Go take a few minutes and speak with him."

"Impossible. I will not leave my post. I refuse leave the Emperors without a guard on duty."

A hand appeared from within the tent, grabbed Vendyl's arm, and jerked him back inside. Ozemir followed with a little laugh, but he was surprised to see it had been Draco to drag Vendyl in. He'd assumed it would have been Harry, but Harry was already at the wall with an orb connected, speaking to Falde and asking the Commander to retrieve Kaego immediately.

Vendyl scowled when Falde saw him and immediately demanded to know what was wrong. The Saen rounded on the Scholar and growled at him, making it quite clear he was very displeased with this interference.

Ozemir grinned at him. "This is what you get for being unreasonable to Hoihm."

"Vendyl, come," Falde called, waving his brother to the wall. "Kaego will be here shortly."

Vendyl snarled and grabbed a chair as he headed over. He planted the chair and rigidly sat down, glaring at his big brother. Falde smirked at his expression. "Are you going to tell me what bothers you?"

"No." Vendyl then stood when the door behind Falde opened, revealing not only Kaego, who was showing quite clearly now, but also Falde's mate. The two were laughing and Fred was holding something out to his mate.

"I can tell you're hungry, Kaego. Your stomach's growling."

Kaego laughed and accepted the chocolate the young one was holding out to him. "Well of course it's not just me. It's not my appetite that's crying out right now." He snapped off a piece and brought the piece of chocolate to his mouth with a nod of thanks.

Two voices rang out in unison. "Don't eat that!"

Both Kaego and Fred paused. Kaego looking amused at the brothers while Fred stared at Falde. First with incredulity and then with hurt. "Bye, Kaego," he muttered and the hastily left the office.

It was apparent Falde had every intention of going after his mate, but just as he got to the door, a messenger appeared and quickly handed a sealed scroll to the Commander. Falde muttered under his breath as he broke the seal and quickly scanned over the contents. Falde then bit out a curse and strode to his desk, placing his hand over the orb sitting upon it. Falde then turned to the healer. "An emergency has arisen. I must leave Borsteria, now."

Kaego nodded in understanding. "I will go find and speak with your mate."

"I don't know when I'll be returning."

"He will understand."

"Not likely," Falde muttered, heading back for the door. "He's already upset with me."

"And for good reason," Kaego replied with a frown. The Commander could only nod before he disappeared from the room.

Kaego turned to his mate with the same frown. "As if he would give me anything at this point that could harm me or our offspring. Now you've gone and hurt the young one's feelings," he ended as he came to stand in front of the wall.

"He is not my concern," Vendyl replied tightly.

"He is your brother's mate! He's family! Fred certainly is your concern!"

The Saen looked at the ground in shame and it was quite clear he was grinding his teeth. "Yes, you're right," he muttered.

Kaego lifted a brow. "You're in a mood. What's the matter?" when his mate didn't answer and continued to glare at the ground, a small smile appeared on Kaego's face. "I discovered the sex this morning," he said softly, rubbing a hand over his slightly swollen stomach. "Would you like to know before leaving on your mission?"

Vendyl's head snapped up. He shook his head quickly. And then he nodded. When Kaego opened his mouth, Vendyl shook his head again. Kaego laughed at him.

"Well? Which is it? Yes or no?"

Vendyl took in a deep breath and stared at Kaego's stomach. "You're bigger than you should be at this time. I thought so yesterday…"

Kaego lifted a hand and placed it on the wall. His smile was gone. "You're starting to worry me now, Vendyl."

"You're not telling me something," Vendyl returned.

"That's true. I was going to tell you when I tell you the sex… but it seems you don't want to know. Vendyl, why did you call for me? We saw each other yesterday. Do you miss me so much already?" he questioned, trying to put a smile on his face. What was wrong with his mate?

"My mother died giving birth to me," Vendyl murmured finally.

Understanding dawned in the healer's eyes and he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against the wall. He wished he could reach out and touch his mate. To reassure and sooth away his worry. "We'll be fine, Vendyl. I haven't said this to anyone, but the Mother touched me once when I was in the process of healing Ozemir. Ever since then… my healing abilities have grown. I can and will take care of any complication that may arise."

Vendyl blew out a breath. "That's what Ozemir said."

Kaego laughed and it made Vendyl smile, finally. "Yes. He's usually right. You should know this by now."

Vendyl nodded and then looked at him, leaning forward to also press his forehead against the wall. "Do you resent this? Me?"

"Vendyl, you are a Saen. I am proud to have a Saen as a mate. No. I do not resent your profession. When you leave it always gives me something to look forward to. Your return. Now… whom did you get into a fight with this time?"

Kaego grinned when Vendyl flushed in shame and looked back at the ground. "Hoihm."

"Vendyl!"

"He was being insubordinate!"

"How?"

"He raised his voice to me after I told him he couldn't see Aerin before we left."

"Well then of course you deserved it. Hypocrite." Vendyl snarled and Kaego laughed delightedly. "He pointed that out, did he?"

"Tell me the sex," the Saen snapped.

Kaego straightened, and his smile widened. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"It's a boy." Vendyl's annoyance instantly vanished and his eyes widened in pleasure. Kaego smiled softly. "It's a girl."

The pleasure in Vendyl's eyes turned to confusion. "Which is it? A boy or a girl? Come now, don't play with me."

Kaego laughed lightly, though it was clear he was slightly nervous. "We are having a boy and a girl, Vendyl. Twins. This is why I'm bigger than usual."

Vendyl stepped back and reclaimed the chair he'd pulled up before. He stared at Kaego's stomach with wide eyes. And then in a flash he was back up at the wall, hands planted there. "Have you told Falde? Have you told my father? Kaego, you should do it at once!"

Kaego laughed. "Shall I boast to the entire realm?"

"Yes! Hirsha, yes! Right now! Alert the human world even! Twins, Kaego!"

Vendyl's extreme pleasure, exuberance, and pride over this news filled Kaego with such pleasure and joy, he flushed with it and his smile grew and grew until his face started to hurt. "I am so very happy you are pleased," he whispered. Vendyl didn't hear him. The captain of the Saen was already briskly walking across the tent and disappeared outside. He returned only moments later, dragging Ozemir along with him; the Emperors trailing behind them in bemusement.

"Twins," Vendyl announced breathlessly when they were all in front of the wall again. Ozemir gasped in delight and covered his mouth with his hands, though even that didn't cover his wide grin. He started bouncing on his toes in excitement. The Emperors went about congratulating Vendyl and Kaego.

"Let's go!" Brumek barked from the front of the tent, glaring at all of them. "What in Hirsha's name do you think this is? This is not a social gathering! The scouts have already gone—we should have left by now!"

Harry snickered, along with Ozemir, and strode out of the tent with him and Draco, leaving Vendyl and Kaego alone again. By the time Vendyl and Kaego had said their goodbyes and the Saen emerged, Hoihm had already returned; licking his lips and scowling at nothing in particular until he saw Aerin sitting on one of the extra anvils placed outside of his shop. The young bladesmith smiled widely with kiss swollen lips and waved at him, his flushed cheeks standing out against the paleness of his face.

"I apologize. You were right. I was being a hypocrite."

Hoihm tore his gaze away from Aerin and turned to the elf suddenly standing beside him in surprise. Of course he knew Vendyl had been in the wrong. He just never expected to be apologized to for it.

"You can hit me if you want," Vendyl went on.

Hoihm smiled. It was only a brief twitch of the lips. "You would hit me back. You wouldn't be able to help yourself."

---

Mila's eyes fluttered open and she sighed when she noticed her breathing wasn't as labored as it had been the last time she'd been awake. And the ache in her stomach and her back wasn't so sharp either.

"You need to eat."

She turned her head fractionally to find Dagon sitting in that same seat, as if he hadn't moved once from beside her. Mila smiled at him. "Do you have food for me then?"

Dagon stood and then stretched his arms up, twisted his torso this way and that until his back popped. Mila watched him; watched the muscles of his stomach flex. Her mouth slightly parted and a blush appeared on her face. More changes seemed to have occurred since they split last time. She hadn't noticed before, but, he was taller and no longer on the thinnish side. Instead of being invisible, his muscles were now clearly visible, even under his clothing. Though he wasn't anything near bulky… actually he looked damn near perfect to her. And, she realized as an innocent warmth spread though her, he must have been sleeping in that chair, sitting there and watching over her. She quickly turned away, closing her eyes and hiding her blush when he glanced at her as he walked to the table.

"How do you feel?"

"Very well, thank you," she answered primly. "Just a dull ache now."

Dagon said nothing to that. He grabbed the tray sitting on the table and brought it to her, perching it on her lap. "Foolish girl," he muttered as he backed away. The words weren't spoken as they usually were so Mila could only smile.

"You're right. This time," Mila replied as she slowly sat up. "I let you distract me and didn't pay attention to where I was going."

Dagon snorted. "This will not happen again. You go nowhere without me," he stated firmly.

"You're the one who keeps disappearing on me," Mila reminded lightly, looking at the tray and finding a meal and two potions to take. She immediately went for the potions first. Dagon remained silent. Standing by the table and watched her take the potions. He only moved when she began to eat her food.

"Where are you going?" she asked quickly when he headed for the door.

"I need to check those raiders. Stay in bed until I return," he ordered and then was out of the room before she could complain about that. She didn't want to stay in bed.

Mila remained in bed until she'd finished her breakfast, then she set the tray down at the end of the bed before carefully moving her legs to the side. It was only then she realized what she was wearing, or lack thereof. A tiny squeak escaped her as her hand flew to her chest and her eyes flashed across the room to the doorway. Her face, as usual, was a bright red. In relief she blew out a breath, seeing no one there. Though the blush didn't diminish. He must have seen at some point. She knew well enough he would have checked her injury out himself.

She gathered the sheet and blanket around her and stood on shaky legs, looking all about. In frustration, she didn't find her clothes in the room. Or any clothes for that matter. But, she conceded, her clothes were probably ruined. And thinking about it further, she didn't want those clothes back. She'd almost died in them. It was a time of foolishness and she had no wish to be reminded.

Moving slowly across the room and out into the hall, Mila cocked her head, listening. Soon she heard the low murmuring of voices and followed. Though she ended up skipping that room when she listened outside of the door for a minute. Severus and Hermione were in there, talking about the sapping of magic, but as they talked it was quite clear to Mila's sensitive ears that they were doing something else while talking about it.

Two rooms down she found the door open. She also found the Dark Lord sitting in a chair and glaring murderously to where there was a small being pinned to the wall. The little horned boy was pouting and glaring at the floor as he struggled fruitlessly from the invisible bonds keeping him stuck to the wall.

"You're mean," he mumbled, to which Tom grinned maliciously.

"if you behave we won't have any more problems."

"How can you be so mean? Even my father wasn't this mean!"

For some reason, this seemed to please Tom even more. "Clearly your father was a fool and deserved the demise that befell him. And if it had been my decision, I would have destroyed you for your betrayal of your mother, instead of only putting you in 'time out'," he hissed, clearly meaning every word. The boy flinched.

"But I love my mommy," he whispered in a small voice.

"Funny way of showing it."

"I wanted horns!" the boy shouted.

Tom cocked his head. "Your mother is not the same as she once was," he stated, his voice low and threatening. Mila was quite sure what that threat contained.

"She's different and the same," the boy whimpered. "And I don't care! I love my mamma! No matter how she is! You love her! You love her even though she's…"

"Odd."

The little boy lost his pout and giggled, nodding. "She's always been odd… and scary."

"We agree. For the most part." Tom lifted his hand, stretching it out towards the boy. He curled his fingers and then yanked back. And when he did, the boy dropped to the floor, no longer pinned to the wall.

Mila finally stepped in and cleared her throat, though she was quite sure the Dark Lord had already sensed her presence long ago. "Forgive me for intruding," she began when Tom gaze turned to her, and as she thought, he didn't look surprised by her presence. "But… I don't know where my clothes are."

A little smirk crossed his face. "Dagon destroyed them."

Mila gasped in outrage.

"Mommy?"

Mila turned to the boy to find him crouched on the floor near her, his head cocked as he studied her.

"She is not your mother."

"But she's got-" the horned boy waved at her, indicating something.

"Your mother has golden hair now."

Mila studied the boy, and perhaps knew what he was thinking. Their hair was almost the same shade of red. And since she'd heard enough, she knew this was the demon/god child of Hirsha. And Hirsha, before being reborn, had had blood red hair as well.

"Hello. I'm Mila," she introduced herself.

"Charan," the child muttered before turning back to Tom. "I want my mommy."

"You will see her as soon as we discover what is sapping the magic and can fix it." He turned back to Mila. "Hermione was supposed to supply you with more clothes. You should ask her."

"I would but she and her mate are…busy."

Tom scowled. "They are supposed to be researching."

"Well they sounded like they were doing both."

Surprisingly the Dark Lord snickered. He quickly recovered however and stood, looking her over. "Have you eaten yet? Taken your potions?"

"Yes. Dagon had food ready for me."

"Hmm," the Dark Lord replied noncommittally as he turned around, eyes furrowed. "Clothing… I'm sure we can find you something to wear within these rooms."

"I can wait, I suppose," Mila said, tightening the blanket around herself.

Tom snorted. "Yes. I can see Dagon being pleased to return and find you aren't dressed yet."

"It's not as if he would care."

He turned to look back at her, and he definitely looked amused now. "On the contrary, Mila. He would be very displeased to come back and find you walking about with only a blanket wrapped around yourself."

Mila huffed. "I concede I'm not pretty, but surely I'm not that bad."

Tom blinked in confusion before his eyes widened. "Who said you weren't pretty?" he asked, flummoxed that she actually thought such a thing. Sure, she wasn't exotic looking; wasn't ethereal as some of their kind were, but she had a classic beauty about her, just as Luna did, and that along with her personality was very attractive. He couldn't understand why she thought this way.

"Dagon has implied-"

"Oh." Tom barked out a laugh. "The demon hides behind lies. Pay no attention to his negative remarks. I assure you, Mila, you are very pretty."

This had her blushing.

"You have another demon here?" Charan asked from where he continued to sit on the floor. He looked quite comfortable there. "I didn't sense this."

"He's not really a demon," Mila replied. "Not anymore."

"I suppose I'll have to summon the clothes for you from Hermione's room. Excuse me," he murmured, walking past her to the door. He shot a warning look over his shoulder and Luna's child.

"I'll be good!" Charan promised, nodding firmly. Mila crossed the room and sat in a chair and smiled at the small demon.

Soon Tom returned and handed her a pile of folded clothing as well as her boots. She sighed in relief at seeing them, glad Dagon hadn't destroyed those. She'd had those boots for so long. Tom noticed her reaction to the boots. "Those are muggle," he indicated the black leather boots with the five silver buckles up the front and the three inch heels. "Why do you keep them? You could have gotten new realm made boots in Borsteria."

Mila shrugged. "I've had them forever it seems. I like them. The style…" she smiled when she studied the dress she'd been given. Hermione had chosen something that was within her liking and didn't clash with her boots. It was a thoughtful thing to do.

"Hmm… we'll leave for a moment and give you privacy," Tom said, leaning down to grab the back of Charan's collar and hauling the little demon to his feet.

"I can go back to my room…"

"You're fine," he answered and was out of the room with Charan. She would have argued further had Charan not distracted her as Tom shut the door.

"Daddy, I'm hungry. Feed me."

Mila quite clearly heard Tom sputter. Whether it was from outrage or surprise, she didn't know. Probably both. And by the giggles she heard, she imagined Charan had addressed Tom like that on purpose to get a rise from the Dark Lord. Mila snickered as she dropped the blanket and started to dress. As she did, she wondered if Dagon had found anything significant.

Dagon hadn't found anything yet, but he was only a quarter of the way through inspecting each of the dead bodies and he still had to back track and look around in the area the raiders had claimed as their camp. The camp was gone now. No doubt those who had escaped the dragon hadn't wanted to leave anything behind, just for this reason, but Dagon thought there was a chance the panicking raiders may have been unwise and forgot something.

His expressionless face morphed into a snarl when he came upon the area where the scent of Mila's blood still lingered; when he came upon the raider with a missing head. Having heard the story from Hermione, he knew this was the one who managed to harm her. He was lucky to be dead already. Kneeling down, Dagon was barely able to keep from tearing the raider's body into shreds. As he rummaged through the raider's clothing, Dagon found a folded piece of parchment. It had a particular scent that tugged at his memory. Opening it, he found it only to be a list of the Royal family; names and pictures. He tapped the paper and watched as the names and pictures shifted upwards to reveal more names and faces. The entire Royal family. And yes, Mila's name and picture were printed.

He bared his teeth. Where had they gotten a picture of Mila? She'd been out of the realm for years before coming back and then she'd rarely left the palace before going on her journey. It wasn't like she'd been at the Ball, so who had known what she looked like? It was more than likely there was a traitor within the palace. One giving out light information with no plans to actually physically harm the Royals. That was the only way a traitor could reside within the city. Falde needed to hear about this immediately.

He tucked the paper away in his pocket and went on with his inspection. He stood and kicked the dead raider onto his stomach. It was then he saw silver encrusted with blood. Immediately he crouched. "Bastard," he growled and snatched Mila's claws off the ground. He stood back up and spent a few minutes standing there using his magic to polish the claws until they were bright gleaming silver again.

Dagon moved on and found a few more 'Dead or Alive, Preferably Alive' lists and he kept all of them. Beyond that he found nothing helpful so when he'd finished searching through the dead bodies, he moved on to where the camp had been located. At first glance, one wouldn't even have known a camp had ever been there. There was just the scorched earth and dried brush sparsely spread about. On a closer look, Dagon was able to uncover where they'd had a fire. He snorted. They hadn't covered that up very well. Kicking dirt over the area wasn't an effective way of erasing tracks. In fact, that was just laziness.

Soon Dagon located the borders of the camp and went on to trace every step within. It wasn't long before he found something. A tuft of fur caught on some of the brambles. Dagon plucked it up and stared at it. Fox fur. He wouldn't have thought anything of it since there were foxes in this region, but it was the fact the fur was connected to a small piece of hide. Hide that had clearly been cleaned and dyed. Not to mention…. Dagon brought the fur to his nose and inhaled. It had the unmistakable scent of elf, but also something else. Immediately a fur coat popped into mind. If not a coat then it was an article of clothing meant for warmth. What was it doing here in the naturally warm East?

And that's when he figured it out. He pulled out one of the papers he'd found and brought it to his nose. It smelled like the sea, just like the bit of fur. Ripping a corner of the parchment, he then placed it on the tip of his tongue. Letting it sit there for half a minute before spitting it out. He chuckled darkly as a salty taste lingered in his mouth. There were many types of salt in the realm, but the salt from the South Sea was unmistakable. It was used for a number of things, and not just for cooking. Paper making, for instance. And it also had a zing that other salts did not.

Dagon pulled in an exalted breath. He tipped his head back, exposing his neck to the elements and grinned sharply up at the night sky. "Found you."

---

It went without saying the journey to the Cavern of Silence would be a tedious and frustrating affair. Partly due to the fact that they couldn't Shadow or Circle to certain points within the jungle, as there was a possibility they would miss something that way. And because of this, the Emperors and warriors would need to trek through Taeneen on foot. Their first and only solid plan was to journey to the ancient temples Ozemir knew were within the jungle. And so, after sending out the scouts- the warriors who were birds and wolves- the rest of the party left the rebel camp and headed for the jungle, which was only a league from where they left Bill's camp.

The first day passed by uneventful. Just a lot of fast walking and sometimes flying in the winged elves cases- Harry was happy to note they made good time- and they'd discovered two temples on the way. To everyone's great frustration, neither of the temples held so much as a clue as to where the path to the Cavern might be.

Towards the end of the first day of their march, Harry paused in his mental conversation with Draco when something strange caught his attention. Again. He'd been having this feeling for half of the day, but he'd always brushed it off as nothing. It wasn't an elf so perhaps an animal. They were in the jungle after all and he thought he wouldn't waste his energy worrying until something actually attacked them. But this time when something clearly brushed the edge of his vision, he halted his steps. "Did you see that?" he asked his husband softly, looking off to where he thought he saw a soft glowing blue light hovering yards away; it was so soft it blended in with the mist around them. Harry frowned. Maybe it was just part of the mist and he was seeing things not there.

Draco instantly tensed, as did those who were directly around them and had heard. Before Harry could get out of raising every one's defenses even more with his overactive imagination, Taera had already raised her hand and gave out silent hand signals; several warriors fanned out in every direction.

"It's probably nothing," he muttered in embarrassment; sure that that was true. If there really was something out there, someone else would have sensed it as well. Ozemir surely would have. As well as the Saen. But he was the only one, which made Harry believe it was nothing.

"Better to be safe than sorry," Taera told him when they stopped for the night. The warriors hadn't found anything, just like Harry expected they wouldn't.

The next day, pacing behind Taera and Ozemir, Harry listened to them talking as he and Draco walked side by side, with their gazes roaming about the jungle they were trudging through. Harry had a small grin on his face as he heard Ozemir speak in barely restrained impatience. The Scholar had wanted to broach a certain subject with Taera ever since they'd left the rebel camp, but had restrained from doing so. Probably to not upset his sister. But Harry also knew Ozemir's curiosity and annoyance with her would win out in the end. And soon.

Just as another temple came into view up ahead, Harry thought he saw something again. But this time he kept his mouth shut, not wanting to say anything unless he was absolutely sure it was something to worry about. From the corner of his eye he could see the soft light far off, but it was blurry and hovering. And then it was moving farther back and at the same time lengthening, thinning like a sapling and Harry rubbed his eyes.

"I can't believe you left without saying anything to him!" Ozemir finally exploded, effectively ensnaring Harry's entire attention and brushing off the whole 'there might be something out there' thing.

Taera cleared her throat and looked away. She wasn't even going to pretend to not know who her brother was referring to. "What was there to say?"

Ozemir shook his head. "He looked very disappointed."

"Nonsense."

"Taera, even though we've known each other for only a short amount of time, I am very aware of how you go about doing things. Under normal circumstances you would have thanked him for his hospitality. You would have thanked him for watching out for Aerin, for training our little brother. But you didn't so much as look at him this time."

"I think Hoihm had a word with him about Aerin before we left. My words were not needed."

Ozemir tsked. "Stubborn," he muttered and Harry grinned to himself. Ozemir was correct. Taera was the type of person to give thanks to anyone who was helpful to her or to those she knew. She'd done it before. Why was she suddenly going to ignore Bill now?

When they finally stopped at the temple, Harry frowned in annoyance. No evil plants, no towering hairy three haired monsters that Harry was desperate to finally see, no incidences with Shadow hounds, and no raiders or Mindless. Harry was very disappointed by this. Draco rolled his eyes and muttered "idiot" when he heard that thought.

"I just don't understand it," Ozemir went on after the soldiers settled down for lunch and a brief rest. "It's as if you'd gone shy in Bill's presence. You, the High Lieutenant."

"I am not shy. That is Aerin's forte."

Ozemir scoffed before tuning and walking away to study the temple, Draco going with him since he was always interested in listening to Ozemir's teachings as they went about studying the temples. Once he was gone, Harry moved to take Ozemir's place. He looked at Taera's tense profile before looking off, studying the jungle. He liked it here. Despite the dangers all around them, Harry liked it. Everything was bigger. The trees and the plants. They towered over the elves like giants. This was an ancient jungle and it was strange, but Harry liked that it make him feel like an ant. Made him feel insignificant. Perhaps he liked it because it was a very real reminder that there was no way anyone could be in complete control of everything. Harry also liked that everything was so so green. And there seemed to be a perpetual mist around that made everything more ethereal. It was fascinating and scary and humbling.

Finally he pulled his gaze around from the surrounding foliage to look at Taera, and found her studying her strong hands; rubbing the fingers of one hand along the palm of the other, caressing the sword made calluses there. She looked deep in thought. Harry thought she must have been in deep thought to have not noticed his scrutiny of her. It was confirmed when she dropped her hands and then lifted one to touch her hair hesitantly, a look of regret and almost anger on her face.

"Taera?"

It was a moment before she answered, and when she did, it was in a sort of absent manner, as if she were still trapped in her thoughts. "It probably doesn't come as a surprise to you, but my whole life has been about the legions and my little brother. I know nothing else. I've never regretted… never found myself lacking in any way before…"

"What's wrong with you?" Harry asked, seeking for more as he was totally confused. Taera was perfect in his eyes.

"Perhaps I'm too rough," she whispered, staring at her callused hands. "I've never wished to be softer before. In any way…"

Harry's lips parted slightly in comprehension. "Oh, but Taera! No!"

At his exclamation, Taera started. She then shook her head and finally looked at him, her eyes going wide. Her face flushed in embarrassment for a moment before that look with replaced by a blank canvass. Gracefully the warrior climbed to her feet and gave him a shallow bow. "Forgive me, Highness. I was being silly."

Harry frowned, but before he could say anything, the High Lieutenant was already walking away. He huffed as he watched her depart. "Well that explains that then," he muttered, figuring out why she'd avoided Bill. She did like the rebel leader. To the point where she was questioning herself when she'd never done such a thing before. Harry was unsure, but he thought maybe he should talk to Taera about Talyn.

Hours later they had stopped again, this time for the night, a six hour rest. They had finally run into an obstacle, or rather many. After leaving the temple, and Ozemir finding no clue as to the location of the path leading to the Cavern, the warrior expedition had been attacked by Shadow hounds. The first time only about twenty attacked, which didn't seem very intelligent for the beasts because they were clearly outnumbered. But Draco was slightly relieved. The lesser numbers gave him a chance to ease into fighting something that wasn't one of his guardians or Harry. Though the first time, there really wasn't anything to ease in to. They were Shadow hounds. Easily killed. And then as the day wore on, they were attacked several more times by the hounds, each time the numbers of hounds growing, and yet still it really wasn't a challenge and Draco had gotten annoyed. He was ready for a bigger threat.

"That was… well that was rather tiresome after the first time," Draco announced that night. He looked down at the neck he currently had in his hand. Harry had taken up his usual spot sitting on the floor between his knees, and the blond automatically started kneading the Gryffindor's neck. When he finally realized what he was doing, Draco didn't stop even though Harry wasn't tense at all. However, his mate had pressed half his face against his knee, wrapped an arm around his thigh, and was making lovely soft purring noises. "Will it get better?"

Brumek answered before Harry did. "There are other beings who call Taeneen home. The arthus, for example. They never venture out of the forest, but they do take exception to elves moving too close to their settlements. And eventually we're likely to run into Mindless. Taeneen is dangerous, but it is not uninhabitable. We've long since suspected Demai'Tah has camps somewhere here."

"If he does they are well hidden," said Ozemir; his violet eyes dark and intense on the fire they sat around.

"And if we come across any of these camps?" Draco questioned. It wasn't like he was scared of the thought. It was the opposite actually. But this is where he always had problems with the amnesia. How things were run. How he had run things.

"We have enough soldiers and supplies to attack a camp twice the size of this one, Highness," answered Taera, who was seated across from him next to her brother.

"Brilliant."

Ozemir blinked out of his fire staring and sent a pleased goofy grin at him. Brumek gave him a sharp nod and Taera's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Bloodthirsty, he realized. They were all bloodthirsty. Even himself. Draco waited for Harry to make some comment over this mental statement, but there was nothing from his mate. Only the continuous soft purring.

"You two should retire," Ozemir said, staring at them. His eyes sparkling in amusement. Draco rose a brow in question. "Clearly one of you is exhausted and you will need energy when it is your turn to take watch in a couple of hours."

"Hmm?"

Ozemir motioned at Harry, that soft fond smile never leaving his face. Draco kind of hunched over and leaned to the side in order to see Harry's face. He snorted when he found his mate looked to be sleeping. "Harry," he said, gently tugging on his mate's hair. After a moment it was determined Harry really was asleep.

"You should take him to bed now," Taera suggested softly.

"For sleep," Brumek elaborated with a narrowed look. "We leave at sunrise."

Draco glared back. "Do you think I have any energy to do anything else?"

Taera and Ozemir laughed. "Yes," they answered. "Always."

"Well…" Draco cleared his throat and then smirked. "Clearly my mate does not."

It wasn't long after that when Harry awoke with a start, shivering mildly from the cold caressing his bare chest. He sat up and blearily looked around his tent. He noticed the lack of warmth from his side and turned to look for Draco, who was always pressed against him when they slept. Harry's eyes widened and he became immediately awake when he saw Draco looked transparent, like a ghost.

Heart beating rapidly, Harry moved a hand towards his mate's shoulder. "Draco?" he sucked in a frightened breath when his hand passed right through his beloved. "Draco!"

"Hush, young one. There is nothing wrong." Harry pulled his eyes away from Draco at the sound of the familiar female voice. But he saw nothing but the empty tent around him. He went back to looking worriedly at his mate. "You are in the dream world," the voice went on. "Your mate is still with you in the waking world."

Harry watched as Draco stirred and moved closer, arm tightening around what Harry assumed was himself. It looked weird because he was now sitting up, but Draco was snuggling air. The blond murmured something in sleep and pressed his lips against something and Harry sighed and shivered pleasantly when he felt that kiss on his own shoulder. Realizing his mate was fine, Harry turned back to the tent, and finally he saw her standing at the end of the bed, smiling a pouty smile at him.

"Talyn," he breathed.

"Hello, Harry."

Harry scrambled off the bed and raced towards her. This was a vision, he knew, and he didn't know if he would actually be able to touch her. But he would try anyway. When he reached her, Harry threw his arms around her and was so relieved to feel her warm and firm. He squeezed her, burying his face against her neck. When her arms encircled him, when a hand found its way into his hair and she was hugging back just as tightly, Harry burst into tears.

"Shh. Shh, now, young one. Hush. It's alright."

"No! No, it isn't. You're gone! We've missed you so much. It isn't fair! It isn't fair that that bastard took you from us!"

"I am not a bastard."

Harry's head popped away from Talyn to find Yelni standing a few feet behind her. Harry snarled and charged at him; fangs bared and claws extended. He was only a foot away when an arm circled his waist and jerked him away.

"BASTARD! You bloody bastard!" Harry screamed. "You should be rotting in Hades!"

"Yelni! I told you not to follow!" Talyn hissed. "Go. Now! You are upsetting the young one!"

"How dare you show your face to me!" Harry's screams were now broken by sobs as he tried struggling out of Talyn's strong arms. "How dare you come anywhere near her! How dare you!"

Yelni watched the young one with sad eyes. He didn't look upset with Harry; only sad, haunted. "I was poisoned, young one. The Kibosh poisoned me. I have always loved her. I am sorry I took her from you."

"I hate you!" Harry sobbed. "We hate you! We loved her and you took her!"

Yelni faded away as Talyn struggled with Harry. Getting him to turn around so she could cradle him against her chest again, hugging him tightly. She watched over the young one's head as Draco, sensing the turmoil his mate was in, shifted again on the bed. This time moving until he was practically on top of his sleeping mate. Throwing an arm and leg over Harry's sleeping body and tucking his face against Harry's neck.

She smiled when within her arms, Harry calmed down with a sigh. He sank against her, hands balled against the fabric at her back.

"He took you…"

Talyn smiled sadly and dropped a kiss to his disorderly black locks. "Yes. But he speaks the truth. The Kibosh had poisoned his mind, young one. Nothing like Ozemir and Dagon. Nothing like other assassins. He hadn't been in the Kibosh long, Harry. Demai'Tah took different measures with Yelni. Warping his mind, making him forget all he'd known and loved until you destroyed the Kibosh. It was why he so welcomed Kaego's blade. He did and still loves me, Harry. He would never have done that without Demai'Tah's poison."

"This is why you don't seem mad at him?" Harry whispered.

"I never gave up hope… even after we fought all those years ago. I knew he still loved me. I still had hope we would have been mates if not for Hirsha's revenge. Knowing what I do now, I could not stay away from him in the afterlife." Then she smirked. "Though I did make him come find me. I made him grovel for so very long. Even still… Don't look sad, little one. I've been rejoined with my family. With my love. Life in the afterlife is good. And one day I will live again," she ended with a sweet smile.

Harry brightened, immediately understanding and looked forward to the day they would meet again. He pulled away from her to sit on the end of the bed so that he could face her when she sat in the chair in front of him. "Kaego misses you. He hasn't been the same since it all happened. He's better, but life for him just isn't as exuberant. It pains me to think of what he would be like without Vendyl."

"Kaego, my brother in all but blood," Talyn said softly, smiling sadly. "I will visit him tomorrow night."

"Will you visit Tom too, please? He… he misses you. More than he will let anyone know."

Talyn smiled widely at this knowledge and nodded, leaning forward to caress his cheek. "I had planned to. The time draws near where I won't have enough spirit left to travel to this plane. But I shall make a few more dream visits. I will visit with you and Draco, also. One last time." She straightened then. "Now, for the reason of this visit. Young one, I know you have been taught better. You should have picked up the signs already."

"What signs?"

"The obvious sign of my trying to lead you and your troops to where you need to go. Tomorrow you will see and you had better follow me this time, young one or I will not be pleased."

Harry's eyes widened. "I thought… I thought I had seen… or something, but then I thought it was only my imagination."

"Trust your instincts a little bit better, Harry. You've learned your instincts are one of your most powerful weapons."

"But why did no one else see you?"

"You See, young one. And because of that you are more in tune with those with the energy to cross planes. In dreams others can see me, but in the living plane, those who can See have the ability to see what others cannot."

Harry nodded at her explanation and Talyn stood. Harry quickly followed, knowing this was the end of this visit. Talyn's warm hands pressed against his cheeks and she stared intently into his eyes. "I am so very proud of you. Of all of you. Never forget that."

"We love you."

Talyn leaned down to press a kiss against his forehead and then she enfolded him in her strong warrior's embrace. "Oh, young one," she whispered, her voice hitching. "I love you too. All of you. I promise to come visit one more time."

Harry nodded even as the feel of her lips faded from his brow, even as her firm grip around him disappeared. Even when he was left there in his dream, alone. Numbly Harry moved back until the back of his knees hit the bed and he slowly sank down on the edge, mind racing over what had just happened. This not being the first of his Seer events, Harry knew just what to do to get away from it; to get back to his body and to actual sleeping. But once he was back in his body, he made himself wake up. He couldn't possibly sleep properly after what had just happened. However, he remained in bed, pressed against Draco's warm and possessive form and thought about what had just happened and slowly a smile formed. Talyn would lead them to the Cavern of Silence. He finally had hope that they would get there before it was too late.

---

"Draco? Draco! You're going to be late if you don't get up now!"

Draco bolted up into a sitting position, pulling in a breath before releasing it with a groan. He rubbed a hand over his closed eyes and hissed with displeasure. "Harry, if you've woken me before we actually need to be up…"

"Harry?"

Draco's eyes popped open and immediately he sucked in a breath. He was drenched in darkness. Could hardly see anything. Alarm bells were going off. He couldn't see in the dark. And that voice… "Blaise?"

"Uh, yeah. Who else would dare wake you, aside from Pansy?"

Draco started shaking his head. "You're supposed to be with the Armada."

"Huh?"

Draco swallowed thickly as a horrible feeling washed over him. As his stomach churned and bile rose into his throat. He quickly looked around, hands out groping the bed beside him, all around him. Searching. He was quite alone. His bed was cold save for where his body had been laying. "Harry?" he whispered. "Where's Harry?"

Draco reached out and wrenched back the curtains keeping him in darkness. Blaise stood on the other side, already dressed in his school uniform, staring down at him with an arched brow. A quick look around told Draco they were the only ones in the room. A quick look around confirmed his awful suspicions. He was in his bed within the Slytherin dormitory.

"Harry?" questioned Blaise. "As in Potter?"

Draco turned away from him and dropped his eyes to his lap. He started pulling in desperate gulps of air as panic washed over him. It can't have been. It can't have all been a dream. No. He refused to believe it.

"Hey. Drake, calm down, mate. I already knew you fancied the pants off him. It's just me here. I won't tell. Haven't yet, have I?"

Draco wasn't hearing him. The blond could only hear the buzzing in his ears as he stared down at his hands. As he studied his ring finger. It was bare. There was no wedding ring. No indention or ring tan. No indication that there had ever been a ring there at all. No. No, no, no. This can't be happening.

In a daze, Draco allowed Blaise to bully him out of bed and to the showers. His actions were automatic and without thought as he readied for the day... for whatever day it was. He didn't know and he really didn't care. All he cared about was that apparently his life as a Ukatae had all been a dream. It had all been a sadistic dream.

"It can't have been," he whispered hoarsely as he followed Blaise out of the common room, ignoring the concerned looks Blaise was throwing his way. "I…I refuse to believe it. I c-can't."

Blaise grabbed his shoulder and twisted him to face him just as they entered the corridor. His best friend looked more than worried now. Before Blaise could demand to know what was wrong, he was interrupted by another voice calling from a little ways down the corridor.

"Where have you two been?" Pansy demanded the moment she saw them enter the hall. Without waiting for an answer, she marched over to them, grabbed their arms, and began dragging them down the hall. "I enjoy being late, but even I know it's not a good way to start off the year. Honestly, Draco! You can't have gotten worse with the time you take to preen in front of the mirror!"

"You aren't elves," Draco whispered hoarsely once they'd come up from the dungeon and neared the Great Hall, and he growled then because neither was he and the thought sickened him. He didn't want to be human. It-he felt wrong.

Blaise paused just at the bottom of the stairs that would lead further up into the castle. "Pansy, I'm taking Draco to the infirmary. He seems to be…sick. You should go and get Professor Snape."

Sick with heartbreak, Draco thought with a mental moan as his eyes wheeled around, taking in the students entering the Hall for breakfast. The utter disappointment crashing into him seemed to be caving his chest in as he spotted Hermione going in, shooting the Slytherins a suspicious narrowed eyed look as she did so. Hermione was still human. His sister. He'd gotten used to thinking of her as his sister. It hadn't taken him all that long to get excited by the idea. To get excited and overjoyed to have her and Tom and definitely the little triplets as siblings. And Caellum. His little Caellum who was brilliant in all ways. But now… he gritted his teeth and dropped his eyes to the floor. It had all been a fucking dream.

He pulled away from Blaise and took a step back. "I'm fine."

He lifted his chin, tried to school his features and calm his furiously beating heart and strode for the Great Hall.

"What's wrong with Draco?" he heard Pansy whisper none too softly to Blaise.

Draco strode into the hall, eyes sweeping across it but not really seeing anything. He especially kept from looking at the Gryffindor table. He didn't know what he would do if Harry were already there. Actually he had an inkling of what he would do, and it did not bode well for his reputation as the Ice Prince of Slytherin. His motions were automatic since he'd purposely let his mind go blank. Because if he started to let his mind race with the realizations, with everything he knew, Draco knew he'd go mad in seconds.

After a few minutes he was sitting between his two best mates, with Theo, Greg, and Vincent across from them and Draco finally looked up at the Professors table. Severus was there. His godfather looked as sour as he remembered, and… Bloody Dumbledore was sitting in the Headmaster's chair. Eyes twinkling brightly as usual as they passed over the student body below. Draco gritted his teeth when he felt his body consumed with such a violent loathing and he had to wrench his eyes away from the old fool and in doing so, his gaze finally landed on the Gryffindor table.

Immediately he noted the absence of one particular Gryffindor. And immediately he was wary and worried. Hermione and Weasley were there. Weasley going on and on about something to Hermione; she seemed only half interested. But there was no tension in her body language to indicate she found anything wrong with him.

As breakfast wore on, it was apparent this was the beginning of his seventh year. Where had his summer gone? And then a thought struck him. "Who's Head Boy?" he demanded because he didn't have the Head Boy badge as he was supposed to. As he had expected to get at the end of last year. He'd earned it.

Those around him winced. Pansy then sighed. "We've been over this, Draco. That Ravenclaw prat, Boot."

Draco gasped in outrage. "My marks are far better than his!"

"As we've said before, did you honestly expect Dumbledore to allow a Slytherin to become Head Boy?"

"Bastard!"

Blaise gave him a strange look again. "Draco… really, I think you should let Madam Pomfrey have a look at you. Did someone hit you with a confundus charm? You're going around acting as if you don't know where you are."

Unfortunately, Draco knew exactly where he was. He was where he didn't want to be. He was in the real world again. Severus soon came by to drop off their schedules. Blaise looked at Draco, and then at their Head of House and opened his mouth. Draco slammed the heel of his boot onto his mate's foot and gave him a frigid stare. Blaise snapped his mouth shut.

Their first class was Charms and it was predictably with the Gryffindors. Harry never appeared at breakfast, nor did he appear in class. A subtle eavesdropping spell aimed in the Gryffindors direction enabled Draco to pick up a bit of gossip and he heard Neville and Thomas muttering about Harry being in the Infirmary. Draco narrowed his eyes when he caught Weasley's eye roll when this was said. Hermione didn't see this, nor did it look like she was paying attention to her classmates and was instead focused solely on Professor Flitwick.

As soon as class was over Draco raced to the Infirmary, unable to help himself. His next class was double Potions. He might get berated but he also knew Severus wouldn't cause him too much problems for missing some of the class. When he got to the Infirmary, he found Harry wasn't there. He left right after so as not to upset Pomfrey, or have to explain his sudden appearance or the anxious look on his face.

Where was Harry?

As the day wore on, Draco's control began slipping. The fact that he wasn't an elf. The fact he wasn't in the war torn Ukatae realm- where he would rather be, fighting for his people and his land- and the fact that he hadn't seen Harry all day. Harry. His mate. He still felt it. His little mate was missing. He hadn't seen him. It was so wrong. Even if this was the real world, he still felt it deep down to his very bones. Harry was his! His! "Mine," he growled lowly as he and his friends escaped DADA, taught by some nancy who clearly didn't know a thing about Defense. Where did Dumbledore find these incompetents?

He had to be dreaming, right? This had to be the dream because he still felt, knew, Harry was his. His soul mate. His life. This couldn't be the real world if he still felt that. Even if everything around him appeared to be real. And that was the problem. It didn't feel like a dream, but… All he had to do was find Harry and the little idiot would tell him everything was alright. Harry would smile that gorgeous smile and throw his arms around him and kiss him and tell him to stop being such a paranoid freak. He would compare him to their brother, and then Draco would growl and shove his mate against the wall and proceed to snog that playful smirk right off his beautiful face.

It wasn't until the evening, when he was made to socialize within the Slytherin common room, that he finally snapped. All the panic, fear, depression, and desperation finally broke through his well trained barriers, turning him nearly mindless with his need to find Harry. He'd finally had a glance of the Gryffindor when he'd been leaving his last class, but by the time he'd pushed by all the students, Harry had disappeared. At least he knew Harry hadn't been in the infirmary for a serious injury if he were already walking about and attending the afternoon classes.

But now he couldn't take it anymore. He wrenched away from Pansy's hold on him and bolted to his feet. He ignored the calls from his friends as he practically tore out of the common room and soon he was racing through the school. He was just coming up to the library when the doors opened to reveal Hermione, Weasley, and Neville. The Slytherin slowed his steps, hoping they didn't hear him trailing them. Maybe they would lead him to Harry.

"Honestly, Hermione. It's the first night back. Why'd we have to start these stupid studying groups already?"

"NEWTs year," was all she said.

"Well how come you let Harry go early?" Weasley demanded.

"It wasn't really earlier," Hermione said with a glare. "He only left five minutes before us."

"Where'd he go? He didn't go back to the common room, did he?" Neville questioned with some certainty. Draco paused when the others did and he quickly hid behind a stone statue.

"He said something about the Room of Requirement. He needs some time alone," Hermione murmured. "He had a bad summer I think. Wouldn't know though since he never talks about it."

Neville frowned and shifted on his feet. "I don't think that's such a good idea. Leaving him alone."

"And why not?" Weasley demanded.

Neville shook his head. "You're not very observant, are you? Either of you."

Hermione looked at him strangely while Weasley shrugged. "At least he's taking his tortured angsty hero complex somewhere away from us," Weasley said. "Besides, Harry likes brooding alone."

Neville straightened and glared. "You've become a real arsehole, Ron," the boy said before moving around him and striding down the hall. Hermione turned and glared at Weasley.

"What?" Weasley exclaimed, looking entirely shocked and confused. "It's true. He likes being alone. I don't see why everyone jumps down my throat! Personally I think time alone does him good!"

"Haven't you learned tact by now, Ronald?"

Draco tuned the bickering couple out and turned away, racing back the way he'd come. He knew a short cut to the seventh floor. From what he'd gathered, Harry hadn't left the library that long before them, so maybe he could catch the Gryffindor before he disappeared into the room. He ran; he sprinted the entire way there, because something in the way Neville spoke, something in his eyes had Draco's panic rising. Neville had been afraid too. There had been fear in his eyes when he said Harry shouldn't be left alone. Why?

When he finally made it, he despaired at not seeing Harry anywhere down the corridor. But then he blew out a relieved and surprised breath to find the door was still there. Harry hadn't had time to think about making it disappear yet. Not losing his chance, Draco sprinted for the door, grabbed the door knob and slowly and quietly opened the door. What he walked into was a smallish room. It was made up of all stone and mostly dark. There was no furniture, but strangely there was a window with a window seat and this is where he saw Harry. The Gryffindor was sitting there quietly, sitting sideways so that Draco could see his profile.

Harry didn't notice he was there. He was too consumed with staring out of the window, but his face was awash with moonlight created by the room from outside. Draco's hand lifted to clutch at his aching chest when he saw there were tear streaks running down Harry's cheek. The tears were gone now, but the evidence was clear.

He'd just opened his mouth to speak when Harry moved; dropping a hand into the pocket of the robe he'd thrown onto the bench in front of him. First he pulled out his wand and set it aside, and then he pulled out a second object that had all of Draco freezing. He was so shocked that he stood there and watched as Harry picked up his wand and murmured an incantation, which would make the object in his hand incredibly sharp. Sharper than it already was. It was one of the knives they frequently used in Potions.

Harry sighed and rested the side of his head against the window. He dropped his wand and then raised his wrist in clear view. He looked completely calm as he brought that sharpened knife towards his wrist. The way he held the point just under his palm and prepared to go in a downward motion made it quite clear he wasn't just about to cut himself for the pain only. He meant serious and permanent business. And now Neville's words and expression made sense.

The blond made some unintelligible sound of distress, unable to do anything else, and the Gryffindor visibly jumped at the sound. To Draco's great relief, he dropped the dagger onto the cushioned bench. "Who's there?" he demanded, grabbing his wand and casting lumos in Draco's direction. "Malfoy?"

"What were you about to do?" Draco asked softly, horror filling his entire being, making him unable to raise his voice as he really wanted to.

Harry went from expressionless to scowling in a second. He grabbed up his robe, left the knife on the bench, and ran across the room. He didn't even look at Draco as he passed him and instead made haste to escape the room. Whether he was trying to escape Draco's presence or trying to escape from his actions, escape the fact he'd about to take his own life, Draco wasn't sure. He spent only a couple of seconds staring at that knife before spinning around and racing after Harry. There was no way he would let the Gryffindor out of his sight after this.

"Harry!" he shouted, racing down the corridor after his mate.

"Leave me alone!"

"Harry, stop!"

Surprisingly he did. "What do you want?"

Draco didn't speak until he'd caught up. "What the fuck were you about to do?" he finally shouted.

"What do you care?" Harry spat back.

Draco didn't like the hostility in those eyes. That hostility was all for him. "You are my mate. What you do is my business."

"Mate? Funny," he remarked dryly. "Again, it has nothing to do with you," Harry finished as he backed away from the Slytherin. "I don't know what you're playing at, but you can stop right now. Leave. Me. Alone."

"Harry-"

The Gryffindor hissed in annoyance. "We aren't friends, Malfoy. You haven't been given permission to use my name."

"You can talk to me," Draco tried, taking a step closer, slowly. "About anything. You don't have to be alone. Your pain-"

Harry's eyes flashed; a cold fire filling them. Draco instantly knew he'd said the wrong thing. "Stop. Talking. To. Me," he whispered harshly, "as if you know me, Malfoy. I swear I'll blast you into the wall if you don't leave me alone." Every word had dripped acid; his entire body trembled with fury and Draco had never been looked at so coldly before.

Draco started shaking his head. This wasn't right. Harry wasn't acting like he was supposed to. He wasn't telling him this was some elaborate joke. Harry was staring at him as if he hated him. This wasn't right. Draco's mentality descended further into panic induced madness, finally realizing this was the real world, and it made him angry and desperate. So much so that he reached out and grabbed Harry's shoulders, shaking him.

"You promised!" he shouted in Harry's face. "You fucking promised me!"

"Let go, maniac!" Harry yelped, trying to scramble back away from the grabby and wild eyed Malfoy.

"Why won't you listen?" Draco shouted, desperately trying to grasp the horrified looking Gryffindor's hands. "You swore it wasn't a dream! You promised it was all real! Please, Harry!"

"You've gone completely fucking mental, Malfoy! Let me go!"

"Harry! Oh, Gods-Harry, please don't do this!"

Harry's face contorted in disgust at the absolute pain and despair on Draco's face, in his voice. "What kind of sick joke are you playing at? Stop touching me!" Harry jerked away and brought his wand up to Draco's face.

Draco backed away only slightly, raising his hands a little, seeing the absolute determination, the fire in Harry's eyes. He was one breath away from cursing him. "You're mine. Harry, say you're mine. Y-you promised," he whispered, voice breaking from the hate he saw shining from Harry's green eyes.

"I d-don't even know what you're talking about!" Harry shouted, his voice shaking also. Draco stared at the shaking hand that was raised, holding a wand at his chest. "Is this some other crack pot scheme Voldemort came up with? Finally a Death Eater, Malfoy? If your task is to bring me to that bastard, all you had to do was ask nicely," the Gryffindor sneered in sarcasm. "Since clearly I don't mind dying."

"YOU THINK THAT'S FUNNY?" Draco bellowed, pushing down his desperation to make way for the fury that careless remark caused.

"Fuck off!" Harry spat before spinning around, clearly intent on ending this and going on his way. But Draco was having none of that. He needed his mate. He needed his Harry.

It was not the most intelligent of moves, but at the moment he wasn't thinking clearly, and Draco lunged forward, grabbing at Harry's arm roughly to get him to stop and face him again. Harry gasped at his tight grip and as he was spun around, the Gryffindor leveled his wand back at Draco and snarled, "stupefy!"

---

Draco slowly swam back to consciousness. After a minute, he realized he must have been allowed to awaken on his own. He also suspected he was being held in the infirmary. He groaned and sat up, surprised that he wasn't actually spelled immobile since he had kind of attacked another student. And Harry Potter at that. Truthfully, Draco would have much preferred to never have awoken. He had no wish whatsoever to face reality anymore.

He dropped back down and threw an arm over his eyes. It didn't take long at all before he began to notice things. Like the sound of several voices nearby- but not in the same room. He could also hear the crack and snapping of flames somewhere close. He heard the far far away sound of wolves howling, of birds chirping, and running water. But it sounded more like a rushing river rather than a tap in the bathroom.

And then scents hit him. He ignored most of it and instead concentrated on the one scent that was stronger than any other. It was powerful and enthralling and coiled around him like a warm blanket, and it made his breath hitch and his heart skip beats, and it made him want to smile widely but he didn't. Not this time. Instead he gritted his teeth as he sat up again, wondering if he was destined to be mentally tortured. He wondered if this was Voldemort's doing. Wondered if this was how the Dark Lord was getting back at him for turning his Mark down.

Which was real, he wondered as he turned to find Harry stretched out next to him, halfway on his stomach with his black wings covering most of his upper body. Which was the real reality? Was this the dream or had the other been? Was he dreaming now? He honestly didn't know.

Upon his moving the second time, Harry murmured something and threw an arm over Draco's middle before scooting closer and pressing his face against the blond's side, rubbing his nose against Draco's sensitive side before going motionless once again.

Draco wrenched away from him before he could succumb to temptation and he quickly left the bed. He strode away without looking back and went to his trunk, quickly pulling out his clothes and donning them and then leaving the tent altogether.

Lover? Where are you going so fast?

Draco ignored the soft voice in his head and threw up his mental shields. He couldn't believe anything here, in case it wasn't real. As much as he wanted it to be real, what happens if it wasn't? He couldn't leave his mind open like that anymore. He had to be especially careful. If this was an attack from Voldemort, he wouldn't let the dark sadistic bastard break him. He would just have to go on, pretend everyone was normal and wait for his feet to be swept out from underneath him again. And however much he didn't want to he would also keep his distance from Harry too. If this was a dream, his distance wouldn't hurt the beautiful prat any. As far as he was concerned, he was the only one being tortured here.

---

A/N: Yes, I'm still alive, and yes I'm still writing. I've gotten many pm's asking if I had stopped writing. The answer is no, clearly. If I do intend to stop writing, I would either put it on my profile or add one of those annoying Author note chapters declaring my intent to discontinue, which i have no plans to do. Like I've said before, unfortunately RL has to come first so updates will be slower, but there will still be updates.

Thanks to everyone who's been patient. Hope you enjoyed this chap. Have a great day :D