Hey everyone!! I hope you all are well. First, I must apologize again for a late update. (sighs this is becoming a real cliché). Anyhow, this is what you've all been waiting for: WAR!!!!!! Well okay maybe you haven't but here it is anyways, most likely a two part thing. Hold your breath for the next part. (The way I update, you'd probably be dead already. :))

WAR

part I

Zephon and Regina awoke early the following morning to get a headstart on preparations. Regina was forced to pack only clothing and feminine items, a brush especially. Zephon had explained to her that all the luxury would be provided at its best in Raziel's domain. He was of course the most taken care of by Kain. At least that's how it was in Zephon's mind. The Spider lord new quite well that Raziel, with his noticeable kindness and hospitality would make Regina feel welcomed. He was by far the wealthiest in the family, aside from their lord.

The journey to Raziel's territory was a silent one. Neither Zephon nor Regina spoke. Perhaps it was just the simple fact that a conversation could be nerve racking when separation was inevitable. If Regina had to say goodbye to Zephon now, tears would form and flow forever. As stubborn as he was, Zephon knew that somewhere in the pit of his heart, he wanted to cry. He was like a growing child who whined for his teddy bear when it was taken away. But even so, he would not show it.

Raziel's boundaries were now surrounding the carriage, providing proof that their destination had been reached. An ache had formed in the pit of Zephon's stomach, reminding him that his visit would not be long, but short and quick. Razielim stood outside the gates that reavealed the path to the front entrance of their home, opening them when their master's brother had arrived.

The carriage pulled up to the entrance and made a stop. Raziel stood on the front steps, hands behind his back, hair flowing in the breeze, exposing his natural silky shine for all to see. His attire consisted of the unmistakable leather trousers,(which seemed to be the only bottoms that vampires possessed), and a long sleeved, threaded black shirt. No footwear of any kind was present. That was a bit strange to Regina. She had never really got a good look at another vampire's feet before, except Zephon's. But Raziel's feet were abit larger than that of Zephon's. Did that mean that Raziel was larger...

Zephon hesitated to step out of the carriage. He was afraid. He knew that once Regina was taken care of, he'd be on his way to Hell. The spider somehow wanted to stay with Raziel, to cry to him in despair. He wanted to tell Raziel that "no I do not wish to go to war, tell Kain to jump of a cliff." He wished he'd didn't have to do this alone.

A boy, no older than ten, opened the doors for them. Zephon stepped out first and beat the boy of his intention to help Regina out of the carriage. Raziel approached them slowly and either met half way. Soldiers were scattered in various parts surrounding the royal siblings, keeping a close eye on anything out of the ordinary. Zephon was known most for causing chaos and often repeated dilemmas.

"Ah, here you are at last. Only this time with thy lady." Raziel flashed one of his charming smiles Regina's way. She slightly blushed in return. Zephon cleared his throat in annoyance of his older brother's teasing. The first born turned his attention to Zephon. "So...how did your journey fair?"

Zephon smirked. "It's a bloody carriage ride, Raziel. How much more exciting can that get?"

Raziel shrugged his shoulders. "I just asked is all. There's no need to get frisky now, brother." The atmosphere seemed quite dangerous now. If the two were not careful, a fight could erupt.

"Well, maybe you should ask how other things are going rather than something pointless," Zephon challenged. "You don't hear me asking you how your journey faired do you?"

"Actually, I don't mind telling you about my ride last month, along the borders of-"

"Pathetic bastard, Raziel. You think you're so funny don't you?" Zephon grasped his fingers together as if he were holding a tissue, then expelling them outwards. "Why, Raziel? Why? What drives you to do stupid, childish things? Hm? Ar-are you trying to impress people by doing a comedy act? Or are you perhaps trying to raise yourself up higher on the pedestal that you reside on, when you have already reached your limit? What are you trying to pull?" he growled.

Raziel bared his fangs. "You'd be wise to stand down, Zephon. I'm sorry if my personality disgusts you in anyway, but that is the way I am. Perhaps you should complain to Lord Kain and tell him that you don't like the way I behave. Maybe he can help you."

Zephon chuckled. "You see, even in a disagreement with your sibling you act as though the world revolves around you." The spider shook his head is amazement. "Telling Kain would be meaningless, anyhow. You know damn well that if anybody told him anything about you, the only punishment you would receive would be a slap on the wrist, if that," he spat.

"Then I guess you must suffer with me, won't you," he grinned. His eyes quickly darted from Regina to Zephon.

Zephon caught this.

"Stop looking at her, Raziel! She is not yours," he roared. He stepped infront of Regina to face Raziel. "Tell me, Raziel, what else would you like to take from me? Huh? You've taken just about everything that I earned so far. Everything that I struggled to get; everything that I worked so hard to achieve. And here you are...standing tall and proud, awaiting to see what else you can steal from my grasp. Does that comfort you, knowing that you can have anything you want, all you have to do is take it?" Raziel made no reply.

"Does it comfort you?" Raziel inhaled deeply but still no reply. He was getting angry.

"Answer me!" Zephon's voice echoed throughout the courtyard, birds flying away at the sound of the roar, all eyes were on the two.

Regina grabbed Zephon's arm and squeezed it. "Zephon, please calm down." Zephon made no attempt to obey and glared deeply at Raziel. "Zephon...please." The spider lord looked at, both Raziel and Regina, eyes darting back and forth between the two. In spite of Regina, Zephon sighed in defeat.

"No, Zephon," Raziel said finally, "it does not comfort me in the least to know that I do those things to you. I did not realize I had such an impact on you..." Raziel's voice trailed off. Regina could hear the sympathy in his voice, but only just. "But... this is a conversation for another time, hm?"

Zephon could only nod with the sanity that was still left in him. Not only had he embarrassed Regina, he had embarrassed himself. And for that he knew Raziel was to be respected.

"Now I give you my final warning, brother. Do what you must now, then see your way out. Do not make me lose my temper. You have a war to see to and the enemy will not wait on you or your foolish behavior."

Zephon's eyes shot up to meet Raziel's. An burning ember arose in the firstborn's eyes, exposing the pure hatred that dwelled in him so dimly. "Heed my warning, Zephon and do not test my patience." At moments pass, Zephon smirked. "I knew there was some evil vampire in you after all. And to think I worried that you were all bark and no bite." Raziel turned his head slightly and adressed one of his soldiers, giving his brother some time alone.

"Well," Zephon began, "I suppose this is goodbye for now...I'm going to miss you dearly." Zephon's claw gently caressed his beloveds face, Regina giving into the touch.

"And I you, Zephon." He smiled and closed his eyes momentarily. "But it really isn't goodbye, it's see you later. I know you are coming back to get me...it's just a matter of time." Zephon opened his eyes again, a bright smile upon his face.

"Of course...see you later. Hm. Forgive me for any trouble that I've caused you, it's just-"

"I understand, Zephon. You value me and wish to protect me. I am grateful for that."

Zephon sighed. "Regina, you must promise me that you'll becareful and make good judgements while I'm gone. Do not do anything you don't feel comfortable with. I swear if he even lays a hand on you I'll-"

"Please, Zephon." Regina ran a hand through his hair, grasping ebony locks as she went. "Do not worry so much for me. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Zephon nuzzled her neck. "That's what I'm afraid of," he whispered. "Promise me, now. Promise me that you'll becareful."

"I promise," she replied. With those final words, Zephon kissed Regina on the lips, knowing that his return was uncertain. A quick nod was the final communication between the two, Zephon retreating to his carriage. Raziel noticed Zephon's retreating figure and followed. As he passed Regina, he quickly said: "I'll be right back, my lady," and continued to trail Zephon. The two siblings met together for the last time, Raziel assuring that his love would be in his care. The first born placed his arm on the door and leaned in.

"Regina will be in great care, brother. Fear not, for I will put my life in danger before hers."

Zephon's stare remained on the floor of the carriage. "Somehow this does not surprise me, Raziel. You always seem to put your life before others..." Zephon sighed, "maybe that's why I envy you so." Their gazes met. Zephon smiled. "May you go in peace, Raziel. At least...until I return."

Raziel grinned. "Aye, and God be with ye."

A smirk came from the fifth born. "Please leave God out of this, Raziel. This is a battle I must fight alone. If I wanted his aid, he would have allowed my brothers to fight beside me." The two remained silent for a while. Raziel could not understand why Zephon would blame God for his solo mission. Perhaps he hated the fact that everything he did was solo. And for this he despised everything. Raziel understood now. This why he was always in such a foul mood or had something bad to say about someone or something. It was because he was alone. Zephon had somehow helped everyone out one way or another. But the favors were never returned, though he never asked for them. He did not wish to hold someone in debt for something that was not worth the trouble. Maybe that was why he detested his oldest brother. Raziel had never asked for help, but always received it when in doubt. Zephon could ask every vampire in Nosgoth for aid and only a handful would agree to help, if without bribery. The mystery began to unfold, the pieces had come together. Raziel now knew what Zephon wanted the most: He wanted to be loved. He wanted to be cared for and nurtured, just like his high born brother.

"Well, I must depart, Raziel. As you said the enemy will not wait for me, so...see you later...my brother." Raziel looked surprised in the least, wondering why Zephon had addressed him as brother and not something foul. The firstborn grinned.

"Okay then, Zephon. I'll be waiting for you...see you later." Zephon nodded in agreement.

"I'll be back to reclaim what is mine. Farewell." Raziel smiled and watched Zephon depart, almost wishing he could speak with the man just a little longer. His jealousy was growing rather annoying, wishing it would just disappear and never return. But somehow...it seemed that their bonds were getting closer. And in eachother's minds they knew they missed eachother dearly when they had to leave. That was the irony of it all. The more they despised eachother, the more they cared for eachother.

Raziel made his way towards Regina, where his servants bowed in respect as their lord neared. Regina smiled brightly and bowed as well. Now he could see why Zephon would remain so possessive about Regina. And to think, Zephon would believe Raziel would have no control over his lust. He was older, respectful, wiser, he was Raziel. He would never try and win another woman's favor if she did not belong to him...would he?

Okay so the war starts on the next chapter FOR REALS!! I just wanted to get your hopes up, but sorry you have to Wait now!!! HA HA HA. Just kidding. But yeah I hope this chapter wasn't bad, I tried to get some love in their with a little realization between Raziel and Zephon and why they both seem so distant to eachother. So much drama, but I love them both. Oooh I just thought of the next couple chapters!!! Just wait, you'll all hate me. Guess if you dare. Please review. Let me know what you think. -Lil V.