I have recently discovered a startling fact... I write Soap Operas... that is all, Please Enjoy and let me know what you think

Ja, Chi

Powdered Sugre 54

Full House

part 1: Aftermath

Leon sat down with a sigh watching as Ryo and Dee spoke with the doctor. Count D was in the room with Bikky taking stock of his injuries. The nurse was in the room as well tying D's hands when he wanted to attempt working on the boy. He did not have his father's delicate touch, but perhaps he could do some good. "Dee,"Bikky worked to get his eyes to open. "Ryo... No more drugs."

"Your fathers are out with the doctor now," Count D placed a restraining hand on Bikky. "Is there anything that I can do to help you?"

"Take this out," Bikky held up his arm with the IV in it. "I can't think like this."

"Try not to think," Count D chuckled a little. "You are supposed to be resting."

"Take this out," Bikky said again this time raising his other hand to try to remove it himself.

"Are you uncomfortable?" The nurse asked pushing D aside. Bikky stared amazed that Count D let her. "I can call the doctor to see if he will increase the dosage."

"No," Bikky shook his head. "No more," Bikky again tried to escape the needle in his arm. "Not like this. Not like my mom."

"He's babbling, it must be the effects of the medication." Count D said quickly. "Maybe you should lower the dosage."

The nurse gasped. She looked between Bikky and Count D, then hurried from the room to find the doctor. "Thank you," Bikky whispered closing his eyes when the room began to spin. "Where's Rain?"

"I sent him out with George," Count D said placing a hand on Bikky's wound. "Try to relax," Count D closed his eyes and Bikky smiled. His senses were overwhelmed with the scent of sakura blossoms. Though the wound was far from healing, Bikky felt less pain.

"D Please tell me that is you, cause I don't want anymore drugs," Bikky sighed relaxing further into the stiff bedding of the hospital. "Can I go home soon?"

"I am afraid not," Count D explained he gave Bikky a look so full of meaning that the boy grew dejected.

"Should have done away with him when he first attacked George on his birthday, or at Lyo's birthday party," Bikky frowned now thinking back over their many encounters with Jon. The last one infuriating him.

"Life is precious," Count D smoothed Bikky's brow with his fingers a gentle touch that caused Bikky to smile. "You are young, yet, to be contemplating the taking of one."

"I was not contemplating it," Bikky grumbled. "I was regretting not doing it."

"I stand corrected," Count D offered his small smile and Bikky knew he had displeased the Count. "Be that as it may, it is still not your place."

"But it is yours?" Bikky asked recalling the various pets that had been sold from the shop.

"I but give them the means to destroy themselves. They have the opportunity to make better choices," D's eyes narrowed. "Am I to blame when they cause their own dooms."

"Yes," Bikky sighed. "Because you did not offer Jon a pet when you had the chance. He would have doomed himself into a grave by now. Rain would not be upset, I would not be shot and George would not have been nearly raped."

"So you are blaming me?" Count D gasped. "The man never even set foot in my shop."

"But you always know," Bikky closed his eyes when he felt tears threaten. "You do, but you didn't and now..." Bikky deflated. "I'm sorry, I know it's not your fault. I'm just lashing out." Bikky understood with a flash of clarity that he attributed to the dragon sage.

"Such is to be expected from a strong willed teenager," Count D was calm as he replaced his hand to Bikky's side hoping to alleviate his pain as he had diminished the drugs effect.

"I hope you are this calm when your own are throwing heated words at you," Count D looked up to see that Laton and Torcha were entering the room. Laton laughed and continued. "Now, Page," Laton called him by his new title as he entered training to become a knight. "You should not harass the younger D. He is doing his best."

"I know, I already apologized," Bikky answered. He tried to keep his eyes open, but soon he lost the fight. The doctor poked his head in and shooed them all from the room.

Laton placed a hand on Ryo's shoulder. "How was he?" Dee asked, for Ryo had simply closed his eyes fighting back tears.

"Sleeping now," Count D explained. "The wound is bad. I did what I could, but with Doctors and witnesses, I am afraid he will be off his feet for a few weeks. I will try to make sure that he heals completely and can play sports again next year."

"Thank you,"Ryo spoke once he was able to swallow. "While he rests," Dee nodded as Ryo inclined his head to where Rain sat with his head down staring at his hands. "Ame-Chan," Ryo's voice was soft. Ryo heard a sniffle. "Come on Rain," Ryo sat beside Rain draping an arm around his thin shoulders.

"My hands," Rain said his voice soft through the tears. "His blood is on my hands." Rain held his hands out and Ryo gasped at the dried blood that covered them.

"Then you did a good job keeping what you could inside of him," Ryo gentled his voice even more. "Come on, Lyo is at the shop waiting for us."

"You go ahead," Rain shook his head. "I'm not leaving him here."

"It's not forever," Ryo chuckled. "Besides, Dee is staying with him. As soon as his condition stabilizes we are taking him to Arcadia."

"Why won't they just take him now?" Rain looked up hopeful at the thought that Princess Clarisande would be able to look after him.

"He is not up to a plane trip at the moment," Ryo explained. Rain looked confused as he thought that they could just take him to the consulate and open a door from there.

"Humans," Rain spat the words as if it were a curse. "Without them witnessing Bikky could have been damned near healed."

"That is right, now please," Ryo tapped Rain's nose. "Watch your mouth and I'll tell you all about your sister. After you wash your hands."

"A girl!" Rain's voice was filled with wonder. "I always wanted a sister," Rain blushed before he hurried to clean his hands. "Bet she's pretty," He called over his shoulder.

"Kind of like a peach," Ryo smiled glad that the boy had not sunk into despair. There were still shadows lingering in Rain's eyes, but he hoped that they would go with time.

Break

It took all of his effort, but Jhaymes managed to convince George to remain at the consulate with Torcha while he went to the precinct with Leon and Jill. JJ met them at the door with a grim expression. "How is he?" Jhaymes asked with a sigh.

"We had to restrain him," JJ explained as he led them down the hall to the holding cell where Jon was strapped to a padded wall. Leon gasped as he got a look at the much smaller man that was bruised and trickling blood.

"Why?" Jhaymes asked looking horrified at the black eye and split lip. "Look how small he is, he could not have offered much threat to these trained officers... human or not." The last was added as a whisper. "Who did this to him?"

"He did," JJ explained. "It's why we restrained him. He was screaming for George and banging his head to the table, the chair, the floor and the wall. When I tried to calm him down he threw a chair at me."

"I will not have my partner injured," Miaka spoke appearing behind JJ. She seemed tiny surrounded by the large men. "I have just left the office of commissioner Rose. We have permission to keep him this way until he is remanded into the custody of the Arcadian knights for transportation."

"We'll take him in the morning." JJ told Jhaymes. "I assume you have put George on the first plane back to Arcadia."

"He is home, yes," Jhaymes nodded glad that George was safe.

"George," Jon whimpered. "You took him away from me." He wept as he glared at Jhaymes.

"I did not take him," Jhaymes was calm in the face of Jon's obvious madness. " After you threw him away..." Jhaymes paused as his eyes filled. He recalled the condition that George's heart had been in when he first arrived. He sighed, thinking of the warmth he felt as George had reached out to him. Not just in body, but in mind and heart. "He came to me. We mean so much to each other." Jhaymes sighed. "You had him, he was devoted to you despite all you did and you still threw him aside. You should not begrudge him happiness now. This is your own fault."

"He wears your ring!" Jon surged against the metal cuffs. "Don't you dare stand there and talk to me like you know. You don't know. How bad I want him..." Jon gasped his eyes glazed and Jhaymes stepped back. Now he did know, he saw it clearly. This human was so far gone under the influence of supernatural powers as to not be recognizable.

"Do you understand that you will be made to stand trial before the king of the eastern fire dragon court with King Zarro, of the white Lion court to stand as witness?" Jhaymes asked standing to his full height and speaking with authority.

"Will I get to see Georgie after?" Jon asked his voice small.

"Perhaps, but first, we have to free you from your bonds," Jhaymes sighed. He ignored the metal chains on the human and looked to his heart. "When you waken from this, you will long for your wife." Jhaymes heated his hands as he pressed them against Jon. Jon's world became a surge of heated green energy. He thrashed against the handcuffs crying out when he could see nothing but a need to possess George. The more Jhaymes searched for the cause, the more he met with determined lust. "It is too deep, this penetration. It went on for too long. I can not free him." Jhaymes shook his head as Jon slumped his mind blank of all but his need to hold George, to have him. "Perhaps Clarisande will be better able."

"We can only hope the princess is able," Miaka sighed then offered a deep stare at Jhaymes. "How are you?"

"What?" Jhaymes shook his head, unable to meet her gaze.

"When you are ready, you will talk," Miaka smiled and for a moment her pointed ears poked through her dark hair. "But it will not be to me." Miaka looked sad for a moment her eyes no longer resembling a humans in their jewel toned intensity. "Take care with your sweetheart, he is more delicate than you think."

"I don't understand," Jhaymes looked confused, but Miaka was already leaving the room. Jhaymes took one more look at Jon before he and JJ followed her.

Break

Julie held on to Ryan's arm as they braved the gathered crowd of cameras and fans, onlookers and screaming outside the hospital. Several people approached and she hid her face in her brother's jacket as they made it to the door. She breathed a sigh of relief to make it to the line of Salamander and Basilisk soldiers that stood guard for the wounded prince of Arcadia. The camera flashes died away and soon quiet reigned. Ryan paused tucking her hand in his as they rounded the corner. "Rain," Julie's voice was soft. She saw him sitting with his elbows on his knees and his head lowered so that his hair fell forward nearing his lap. She had not seen him in almost a week. Not since Bikky had been shot. " I came by to see how you were doing." Rain looked up and Julie gasped to see his eyes, not only ringed with red, but leaking. He sniffled as Bikky slept his arm still connected to the IV.

"He said he didn't want anymore drugs, but as soon as we went home..." Rain said looking at Bikky, his blond hair covered in sweat. "Ryo and Dee are yelling at the doctors now. They even left guards with him, but they still increased his dosage. The guards can protect him physically, but the doctors are trying to help."

"He'll be alright man," Ryan reached to place a hand on Bikky's little brother feeling fond of him. He and Bikky had been friends for a long time, since Bikky had first come to LA and joined the basketball team. When Rain had first come to live with them, Bikky had slowed down with practice, preferring to stay home and even had gone so far as to stop having friends over for a while. When Ryan had first met Rain, he thought it adorable how the small boy had effectively hid himself behind Bikky. Rain tensed when Ryan's hand neared him and Ryan drew back. "Aren't you guys like training to be bad-assed knights?"

"He is," Rain began. "Well not officially, not yet. He is a page to king Laton, but his training is just barely begun. I'm not old enough yet."

"Gotta be sixteen," Ryan looked up to see that Dee had entered the room. "Ryo is getting the final signatures. As soon as Bikky wakes up, we can get him on a plane to Arcadia, where the doctors there will look after him." Rain heaved a deep sigh his relief so great he thought he might faint. Ryo walked into the room with the doctor a cold expression on his face. Dee could see annoyance with the man and pulled Ryo into the circle of his arms restraining his hands.

The doctor, looking at them, frowned. "I know that things are a little relaxed where you are all concerned." He spoke in a crisp voice. "But this is still the children's wing of the hospital. I know your son's room is private, but right now the door is open and any impressionable child or a parent could walk by. I personally have no problem with your... lifestyle,"Dee held in a chuckle at the sniff that made his words a lie. "But I will not have my facilities questioned."

"After all you just said..." Dee did chuckle this time. "You don't want me to let him go right now, or they will be putting you in a bed in your precious hospital. Don't worry doc, we'll be taking our impressionable youth home today."

"I still think the boy needs to rest here for a while more, but if you think your son will survive a lengthy plane ride, then be my guest," The doctor said his eyes wide as he took a step back. "As I stated earlier, if his condition worsens, we at Mercy General are not responsible."

"What we hold you responsible for is repeatedly increasing his dosage of morphine even after he and I and Dee told you not to. We posted guards to prevent that from happening and you called police to guard your staff while they drugged my son! Their cell phones were not allowed in use in the hospital, by the time they reached us, you already had the drugs in his IV. Are you trying to cause an international skirmish with his guards and the local police? That is the only reason my men held back from dealing with the issue." Ryo complained, "If I were less reasonable, I could make this an assault case on a royal house of Arcadia, involving the American government and the kings of Arcadia. You even had police from a different jurisdiction come in because you knew the ones from our precinct would have no part of this. I should have their badges as an ashtray for Dee, but I am willing to take my child and leave your facilities."

"You better leave now, before he starts speaking Japanese," Bikky said his voice low and dry. "Then he really will follow through. As long as he remembers English you're safe, but man, watch out when he forgets..."

"Bikky!" Rain was at his side. "We got here this morning and you looked dead. We could not wake you. Ryo read the chart and saw what they did... I knew I should have stayed here last night."

"What could you do?" Bikky smiled holding up his arm to look at the offending IV. "Punch out the nurse?"

"Yes!" Bikky stopped laughing when he saw that Rain was serious. "You always protect me," Rain shook his head. "Someone needs to protect you."

"I'm alright," Bikky shook his head.

"There's a hole in your side," Ryan looked at the bandages where they were revealed under Bikky's t-shirt when Dee helped him to sit up so that he could go to the bathroom. Bikky offered him a dour look his eyes going to Rain. "But you look good man." Julie rolled her eyes at her brother's obvious blunder. She knew all about Rain's nerves, and the fact that such occurrences could trigger a panic attack.

"Oh yeah," Bikky muttered taking Dee's arm. "Sexy grease-ball," He ran his hand through his limp blond locks.

"I hear girls like grease-balls," Julie nodded encouragement to Bikky on his new look. "I don't but there are some who would find the grungy look attractive." Julie smiled wrapping her arms around Rain as Dee shut the door to the bathroom. "You'll be gone for a while?"

"Hoping to be back at the end of the month," Ryo said when Rain looked to him for an answer. "Bikky won't be back in school until next month though, you think you and your friends might be able to get notes and homework for him?" Julie and Ryan nodded. " Take it to the consulate of Arcadia and they will fax it to the palace."

"Wow," Julie said when she was left alone with Rain while the adults saw to getting Bikky ready to leave. "It is so hard to think of you living in other countries and in palaces to boot."

"You fancy being a princess?" Rain asked sitting with her at his side.

"Oh, Rain, that's not what I meant, I just," Julie bit her lip hoping he did not think her after his money or crown. She truly did love him. Julie gasped when his lips met hers. He pulled away when he heard foot steps and looked up to see the irate doctor smiling.

"You don't have to say it," Rain turned away. "Impressionable children could see a random kiss or two and think naughty thoughts." The doctor said nothing his smile confounding Rain. "Oh I get it... at least she's a girl." Rain shook his head. "Don't make me have to plead diplomatic immunity, get away from me." Rain took Julie and marched away before the doctor could speak.

"Foolish boy," The doctor grumbled. "At least he is still normal, don't know how long that will last though, living in that house." His nurse simply nodded watching the door to Bikky's room open. Bikky sat in his wheelchair a frown on his face for the doctors and nurses that had ignored his pleas for less morphine. He felt he now understood what his mother felt each time she shot herself with the filthy poison, and George, how could he take such horrid things as drugs. The feeling left him nauseas. Ryo and Dee never had to worry about him taking anything...EVER! Bikky glowered holding on to the little red bear that Carol had brought him his second night here.

Camera flashes and microphones met them outside the hospital. Rain ran ahead waving to the Salamander and Basilisk guards. The Basilisks all stood in front while the Salamanders all stood in two rows. They raised their arms holding their coats out as an effective shield while Bikky was placed into an ambulance that would take him to the airport. The plane would lift off, but inside, Bikky would be ushered right to his room at the Obsidian Palace.

"Are you alright?" Ryo asked allowing Bikky to lay his head in his lap. Bikky nodded closing his eyes to the throbbing pain in his side. "We'll have you with a D and lady Clarisande in no time." Rain kissed Julie once more before he got in. He looked at the pain on his brother's face and folded his arms in the seat his face grim as they pulled away.

Break

"This is Macy, your eye on the street in the sky cam watching as young Bikky MaClean is placed into an ambulance that will take him to the airport. I am not sure if the doctors are agreeing to a cross country flight in his condition, but he is leaving the hospital and American soil. An insider has revealed that the police were called to the hospital last night, whether for a breach in security, or unrelated causes, we are unsure. I will keep you up to date as more details become available. What we do know, from the security videos at the high school is that Bikky was injured while protecting his brother. Such a noble and brave young man. His parents must be proud. On to you Jerry," Macy looked over at Jeremy who sighed wondering if his cousin would ever come clean about the strange kingdom of Arcadia. He worried about JJ, more and more as time went by and no more information on the land's location was forthcoming. But he knew that JJ went there frequently with Lord D. And the children, where had those boys come from? JJ smiled relating more information about the Royale and pending release of their latest album.

In a mansion not too far away, Dae tuned off his television and smiled.

Break

Sofu gazed at Lord D where he was curled over holding his stomach. He breathed in small pants his body trembling. Lord D gasped and Sofu was near to weeping at the frail creature his son had become. Looking at the imprint under his elaborate cheongsam, was a skin wrapped skeleton with a slightly rounding tummy. JJ stood at his side arriving to find his love laying in misery. "I begin to wish I did not love him so much." JJ blinked away the tears that fell from his eyes. He wiped them with the sleeve of his jacket.

"Such words merely affirm your caring for my son," Sofu D shook his head. JJ looked over and slightly down at the ancient Kami and saw that he was smiling.

"Can you help him?" JJ whispered when he saw that Lord D had closed his eyes. JJ hoped that he was getting some rest.

"I can not cure him of his malaise, but," Sofu began when it seemed as if JJ would crumble into remorse before him. "He does not have to suffer it anymore."

"If you can not cure it, what will you do?" JJ asked as Sofu walked to his son. Lord D gasped when his father's hands pulled him up into his arms.

"Think before you act," Sofu D heard the words from his eldest brother. With a grim smile, he ignored them. "As I have told you before, your children are spoiled. He will survive this. There is no reason for you to do anything."

"Think you, I can watch this child, whom I love, suffer so?" Sofu D asked his brother in silence.

Across the world in a palace in Jerusalem, Soofu A closed his eyes. "When next we meet, we will further discuss this." Sofu D ignored his brother and reached deep inside his son. When Lord D next opened his eyes, he was no longer suffering heaving stomach pains. In fact, he was ravenous. The weakness of limbs he felt before was gone leaving behind a level of strength and energy he had not felt since the conception of his unborn child.

"ChiChiUe?" Lord D sat up. Sofu met his son's gaze with a weary smile.

"Go now, see to your children," Sofu D held still as Lord D waved. JJ watched his father in law a moment more. His stillness seemed unnatural. With a shake of his head, JJ followed after Lord D. Lady Aurora found her husband vomiting in their bedroom. "I am alright...I will survive this," Sofu said to her with a wry grin.

Break

"Leon," Leon paused at the door he turned back to see D leaning on an elbow gazing at him.

"You shameless tease," Leon laughed when Count D made no move to hide his nudity with the sheet that lay tossed aside at his dainty feet. Count D sighed before he rolled over on to his back. Leon's eyes went to his feet first, where D stretched. His legs, long, pale and lean, with a suppleness that begged Leon's finger's to tease. Leon's eyes halted for a moment at the apex of those legs before going over his flat stomach, slender chest with it's sweet, cherry red peaks. D's neck still bore signs of the mornings loving, but then Leon looked up. Past the swollen and reddened lips past the indent of his cheeks and crashed into those mis-matched eyes thoroughly mesmerized. Leon was at the bed sitting beside D. "Yes, dear."D chuckled sitting up when Leon's hand roamed his back settling when D was sitting in his hand. "If you did not want me to go to work today, all you had to do was say so. I can stay here all day with you," Leon squeezed thrilled when he felt D tremble in his hand.

"I just wanted to ask if you would mind leaving the shop closed for a while," Count D said catching Leon's fingers from caressing his chest.

"Your place," Leon shrugged. "How long did you have in mind?"

"I wish to return to Arcadia for a while," Leon wondered what D was not saying to him.

"You want to go to your father," Leon lifted his face. "You know, it's funny," Leon shook his head. "When we first met him, I wanted to shoot him. Thought about it actually. Had even planned where I would leave him." At D's horrified look Leon laughed. "He beat you... but now that I understand what he was going through, now that I know him, his gentleness, he may as well have beat himself. He did in fact, because you were still under his protection." Leon shook his head again. "But now that I know him. I am worried about him too. He was so sick the last time we saw him."

"He would have gone to Bikky in his condition if grandfather had not stopped him," Count D agreed.

"He can not even sit up."Leon sighed truly concerned for the delicate Kami he had come to know and care about. "I think it would not be a good idea for us to leave. Chris still has school, we could close the shop and live at the consulate, but then too much coming and going from there would arouse questions, especially since there is not pressing reason for us to live there. How about opening a door in one of the gardens here?" Count D sighed at the logic in Leon's words. Sometimes, he could wish that his husband were not so level headed. At times Leon was like a time bomb, and D had to work to keep him from exploding and making rash decisions that he would later regret, but now, lately, since the birth of their children, Leon had been more mature. "Father hood does that to a man," Sofu D had told him with a smile. Count D sighed leaning his head against Leon's shoulder the tiny expulsion of air skittered across Leon's skin through the thin material of his shirt. "Alright, that's it," Leon pushed D back onto the bed. "I am not going in this morning."

Count D laughed when his head connected with the pillow. Leon's lips hovered above his. "Mr. Detective," D cooed sliding his long nailed finger over Leon's face. "My love," Leon lowered his head nibbling the lips that opened pliant beneath his ministrations. Leon placed his tongue into the sweet mouth licking along the soft, slick opening. D moaned low in his throat wrapping his arms around Leon's neck. "Leon..." D sighed as Leon pulled back for air.

The neck, Leon nuzzled, it always carried the most scent, well not the most, but enough to drive him mad. He licked the neck near the bruise he had left earlier. "You always smell so good, and taste," Leon sucked a new bruise into place. "You taste so good." Count D arched into the deep feeling of contentment holding his love closer. Leon's fingers found the reddened tips of his chest and stroked them lightly. D moaned again, and Leon pinched them.

"Ooh," Count D gasped pushing Leon's head down to his chest. "Leon," Count D moaned as Leon's tongue snaked out.

"Right here?" Leon whispered blowing over the now moist flesh.

"Mmmm,"Count D trembled when his nipple was pulled into Leon's mouth and sucked. Leon showed no mercy to the delicate nub. He pinched the other until it was redder as well. He switched positions sucking the other while his fingers tormented the wet on. "Oh, Leon," Count D lifted his legs twining them around his waist. D raised his hips rubbing his hardening length against Leon's trousers. "Better take those off," D reached down to undo the pants. Leon smiled sitting to shrug from the garment, he tossed them aside peeling from his shirt and tossing it as well. As he covered D again, D's mouth was at his chest. Leon gasped shivering at the talented tongue that lapped at his nipples.

"D...Baby," Leon lifted his face devouring D's mouth pushing him to the bed. Leon propped pillows behind D, lifting him. D sat, watching as Leon stroked him. "So hard... You're dripping." Leon dipped his head down using his tongue to steal the drop of sweet moisture glistening at the top. "So tasty, my baby." Leon swallowed the licked again, stroking up, then down. As he came up again he squeezed smiling when more moisture gathered. "All for me? You're too generous." Count D gasped his hips lifting as the tip of his manhood disappeared into Leon's mouth. Leon drank the leaking pleasure from D.

"Unh... Mmmm," D could no longer speak his entire being awash in delicious sensations. "Leon..."Leon pulled his mouth off licking D fully. He flattened his tongue trailing it over D. He lowered his head taking the heavy globes behind into his mouth. D gasped his fingers tangling into the wild golden mane. Leon licked further, his tongue tickling the ridged opening. D shuddered his knees locked over Leon's shoulders. Leon placed his hands under D's bottom lifting him up higher so that his mouth could further explore the hidden terrain of D's inner sanctum. "Ah..." D gasped at the finger that invaded along with the wet tongue. "Oh...sugoi..."

"D," Leon shifted position placing his mouth above the turgid hardness his own straining for attention. Leon sucked him in deep pushing his fingers past the tight opening as D relaxed, wanting, needing to be filled. The fingers were not enough, only Leon could fill him to capacity. His body was not his own, it fit Leon's, and only Leon's. Where Leon curved, his body curved to match fitting like a custom made glove. Leon pushed his fingers in further finding the spot of the most pleasure for D and pressing while he sucked long and hard, just as knew D liked it. D gasped, crying out as his body spilled, releasing the sweetness of his climax into Leon's waiting, hungry mouth. Leon sucked each drop free taking all D had to give. Leon continued sucking long after the last convulsion left D panting and sweating upon the bed as if he were begging D's body for more.

With Leon's fingers inside of him, D remained hard. He reached for the lubrication sitting and watching the golden head still in his lap. "Leon, Koibito," D tugged the hair until Leon sat up. D gasped as his lips were captured. He could taste the sweetness of his own release and it drove him mad coming from Leon's lips. D pushed Leon back further taking the throbbing member of his lover in hand he stroked it once, twice. "Oh, Leon," D lowered his head taking Leon into his mouth.

"D...lift up here," Leon shifted to the side, so that D's mouth still had access to him. But it left his hands free to spread lubrication. D gasped around his mouthful relaxing into the in and out motion of Leon's hands. "Baby, I can't take anymore," Leon lifted D's face and gasped at the beauty of pale skin and eyes dark with desire. D's lips were bright red, moist with Leon's copious leaking. Leon kissed him and the mingled taste of their flesh in each other's mouth spurred them to frenzy. Leon sat on his bottom pulling to his knees over him. "Like this, I want to watch you." D smiled taking Leon in his slim hands, his fingers aiming him at his entrance. D lowered himself, Leon's hands at his hips securing his weight.

"Hai... Oh Leon," Count D cried out pushing past the tight ring of muscled that clenched around Leon in pure joy. "Oh... Shite, onegaishimasu,"Count D wriggled his hips settling down until he felt Leon's sac at his bottom. D curled into Leon his knees up as he held on tight. His body shuddered as he threw his head back. Leon latched onto D's ear sucking, then going down his neck. D arched more, sitting in Leon's lap he leaned back further and Leon sucked his chest, his nipples sent jolts of electric arousal strait to his loins. He was so hard, he dribbled over Leon's stomach.

"Inside you... so good. Oh, baby," Leon gripped D's hips he lifted the slight Kami in his arms before he lowered him. D gasped his head snapped up and pulled Leon's mouth to his. D shifted in Leon's lap circling his hips and grinding hard into the fullness inside of him. "Damn D," Leon lifted his hips pushing up into D.

"Ummm," D wept at the beauty of emotions unleashed into him each time they were together like this. Leon looked down into the red cheeks of his love. D's hair fell over his face damp and silky. Leon moved the strands aside kissing D deeply. Leon leaned back lifting up. Intertwining their fingers, D lifted and lowered. He moaned and circled his hips again his mouth glued to Leon's. "Yes," Leon broke away as D sped up riding him hard his desperation building to a feverish peak. "Hai, oh Leon," Count D gasped his body going rigid atop Leon. Leon groaned loud holding D close as his body released against his stomach. The contractions of his climax massaging Leon until he too exploded filling D to capacity. As D lowered himself in relaxed joy, Leon could feel the excess of his own pleasure drip onto his thighs from D's body. While still holding him, Leon dipped his fingers into the cooling cream on his stomach and licked them clean. D laughed softly as drowsiness began to set in.

"Bath?" Leon asked kissing D's cheek. As he lifted D from him, D gasped his body tightening in reflex of the gentle movement squeezing a few more drops from him. Leon shuddered his hands gripping D. "I love you." Leon crushed their lips together. Before D could say a word, Leon lay him on his back and lifted his legs pushing in again. D held on gripping the sheets as Leon continued the sensual dance of love.

Break

Jhaymes entered the room with a cautious glance. George sat at his vanity with a silver backed brush going through his hair. Jhaymes ducked when the brush bounced off the wall near his head. "I was right," Jhaymes dodged the crystal bowl cringing when it shattered. "You are cranky."

"Cranky?" George's tone could have frozen the queen's pond.

"I know I have been a bit busy lately, and this past week I have been unable to come home often..." Jhaymes gasped jumping away from the bottle of cologne that smashed against the floor. "Okay, that's not it," Jhaymes whispered glad that George was too busy looking for missiles to hear him. "I know I never got around to fully apologizing about insisting you gain weight..." Jhaymes had to move fast or have a jar of night cream in his face. It just nicked his ear. "Aim's improving, that's not it either. Worried about Jon's trial? As soon as he is rational we will schedule it. Clarisande is working even now to..." Jhaymes jumped away from a glass bottle of soda. "Alright! How about you tell me why you're mad at me, then I will stand still."

"What?" George looked at the mess he was making of their bedroom. He looked down to the spot of blue sitting with her arms folded on his powder puff. Ponchi nodded and George sat down earning a frown from Jhaymes that he was taking advice from his fairy who did not even speak to him in a language he could understand.

Jhaymes walked over to the vanity and blew a warm breath over the little creature. "Leave."

"Don't you bully her," George picked up his friend cradling her in his hands. He checked her over for any sign of injury.

"Please, you don't know what that is,"Jhaymes pointed at the glowering spot of fairy dripping dust onto George's hands. "Believe me, she does not need your protection. In fact, I'd say the reason she is pissed off right now is because she couldn't protect you."

"She's the size of a bug, no offense..." George did not get to finish his apology as Ponchi burst into tears and flew off down the hall. "That was uncalled for." George turned his back to Jhaymes and tensed when strong arms wrapped snug around him. George held in a shiver of pleasure as lips nibbled along his ear and neck.

"You tell me why you are mad later, love me now," George gasped when those lean fingers found their way under his top. George shoved away from Jhaymes and turned to frown at him. "Okay, so tell me now. I'm listening."

George sighed, blinking several times. Jhaymes panicked at the thought that whatever he had done would bring George to tears. "You don't trust me," George looked down at the ring on his finger.

"What? You are privy to secrets about Arcadian society, my missions. I tell you these things so you will not worry knowing that if you tell the wrong person, my very life would be in danger."

"That's not what I mean," George shook his head. He sat on their bed. "When you leave me alone for days at a time, you never worry that I will sleep around do you?"

"Of course not, I trust you, do you worry about me?" Jhaymes laughed shaking his head. "Sweetheart," Jhaymes felt the oompf of a pillow hitting his head.

"Of course you trust me... now! As long as I wear this ring, you don't have to worry about anyone else successfully touching me."

"Wait, you mean, you want to be with another?" Jhaymes could feel it. Right now, in this moment, his heart was breaking.

"No, I don't. I just want you to believe that I am faithful by choice," George sniffled.

"I know that you are. You were mine before I gave you that," Jhaymes sat beside George. He had promised to hold still for a battering once he knew what had upset George, he would stick by his word. "Besides, if you really wanted to betray me, all you have to do is take the ring off. I wouldn't even know."

"I don't want to... what?" George looked down at his hand.

"The ring did not recognize the person trying to penetrate you, so it put a protective barrier around you, if you take it off, it will not be able to do that." Jhaymes told him. "I have to trust that you will not take that off." Jhaymes brought George's hand to his lips and kissed it. "Still want to pummel me?"

"Yes," George admitted pushing Jhaymes back onto the bed and climbing on top of him. Jhaymes smiled. "Hold still now, you promised." Jhaymes gasped as George's hands went underneath his shirt. Jhaymes tensed feeling the warm fingers that caressed his muscles. George loved Jhaymes' chest. It was so strong. George took the shirt up baring Jhaymes to his hungry eyes. Jhaymes breath caught as George lightly ran his nails over the stiffening peaks of his chest. Jhaymes was ready to pull George under him, but held himself still. George leaned down licking the chest he enjoyed the larger man underneath him at his mercy. George decided then, that he had none. He clamped his lips down sucking the hardened tip into his mouth. Jhaymes gasped his hands clenching sweat beading on his brow.

"Sweetheart..." Jhaymes whispered closing his eyes. Maybe if he did not see the face, so beautiful, hovering over him as his body felt such tormenting pleasure, he would be alright. No, Jhaymes' eyes snapped open. Lack of sight had simply made his other senses come more alive.

"Ha," George shook his head. "Did you like that?" Jhaymes could not speak as George's words were spoken near his ear. Warm breath blew over him. "Maybe we should try blindfolds."

"Oh...uh," Jhaymes swallowed audibly George laughed shifting his weight to get more comfortable in his perch atop Jhaymes. When he straddled his hips more fully wiggling his bottom over Jhaymes lap he watched in fascination as Jhaymes balled his hands into fist. George leaned over and trailed his tongue over Jhaymes lips coaxing his mouth open. George explored him and gasped, it was so hot inside his mouth. Hot and delicious Jhaymes met his tongue, unable to do otherwise drinking in George as if he were a dying man at a spring. Gasping, George sat up on top of Jhaymes moving his hips in slow, sensual circles feeling the length harden.

"You're pants are making a tent," George laughed a little pulling the pants from Jhaymes watching him spring up. "Such an amorous salute," George leaned down to place a kiss at the tip. Just a kiss. "Hello there." Jhaymes entire body strained as he poured sweat. George looked up at the muscles taut and trembling with need. George frowned thinking that Jhaymes would never last this long during foreplay. Even though he was stronger, could over power George and have his way, he was keeping his promise. George's heart filled with tenderness and he soothed his hands over the corded muscles in Jhaymes' arms. "Jhaymes, touch me, I need you to touch me."

Jhaymes had never heard sweeter words. He sat up holding George tight kissing him so deeply that George lost his breath and had to pull back. Jhaymes gasped when he felt George moving back and a hand on his chest. "Did I hurt you?" Jhaymes his hands gripping George's bottom through the layers of clothing George was still wearing even though Jhaymes was nude. The contrast was stimulating feeling the soft fabric rubbing against his overheated skin. George smiled then shifted his hips again. "You must be getting hot in there." Jhaymes said sliding his hands into George's jacket and divesting him of the garment. George shivered at the feel of Jhaymes hands under his tops. In one swift movement they were soon tossed aside Jhaymes mouth latched onto his chest sucking and nibbling the swelling peaks. George was lifted and lay gently on the bed. "I want you so badly," Jhaymes voice shook with the admission.

"Then take me," George whispered smiling. Jhaymes eyes never left the red lips as the three small words were uttered. He lowered his head kissing those lips, so red, so perfect, so his. George opened to him eagerly sighing in rapture at the claiming of his lips. Without lifting his mouth Jhaymes pulled George's pants and underwear off, George lay still allowing Jhaymes to look his fill. "See anything you like?" George asked when Jhaymes simply stared at him.

"Yes, you," Jhaymes answered with a smile. "I see you."

"See anything you want?" George spread his legs.

"Yes, you," George gasped the effect those words had on him. "Will you, I mean..." Jhaymes turned red then shook his head.

"What?" George leaned up on his elbows. He saw Jhaymes flush then wipe the back of his hand over his brow. "Come on, fess up." Jhaymes shook his head leaning up to kiss George. "You should know by now that won't shut my mouth forever, you have to breathe sometimes." George said when Jhaymes backed away gasping for air. "What is it you want me to do?"

"Could you," Jhaymes blushed lowering his eyes. "Get on your knees, like you did before."

"Oh?" George raised his brows. Sliding along the bed he settled a steamed look on Jhaymes before he rolled over. Jhaymes feared he would spill himself then and there at the languid stretching before George lifted up onto his knees. George looked back over his shoulder at Jhaymes smiling. "You're drooling." George giggled as Jhaymes licked his lips not even bothering to bring his hand up. Jhaymes fingers twitched with the need to touch. He reached out and palmed the fleshy globes of George's behind flexing his fingers in a deep massage. "Mmm," George closed his eyes tucking his bottom lip between his teeth.

Jhaymes felt his mouth salivate again and leaned forward. He licked George gently, then kissed each cheek. George shivered as that talented tongue probed in between the cheeks. Jhaymes pushed the pale peach delicacies apart and was greeted with a soft, sweet bud. George gasped at the wet invasion. His hands buckled underneath him and he fell over onto his elbows lowering his head to the pillow. "So good," Jhaymes' tongue delved inside laving George deeply. George groaned loud gripping the sheets as his body seemed to heat.

"Jhaymes," George looked back and sighed at the look of ecstasy on Jhaymes face as he tasted him. He recalled Jhaymes stating that the taste of human was highly addictive. Jhaymes spread him further shoving his entire face into him licking and kissing, sucking and stabbing his tongue in. Jhaymes hand slid between George's legs cupping him gently before he began to stroke him. George trembled in surrender on the bed as Jhaymes fingers entered him. "Now, Jhaymes. Now!"

"But," Jhaymes lifted his head. "The water based lub..."

"Oh do shut up," George reached back pulling Jhaymes to him. He reached back holding Jhaymes in his hand rubbing him against his entrance. "See, you're wet enough, and you've been licking me... Just..." George pushed back against Jhaymes. Jhaymes gripped his hips trying to still him. Not wanting to hurt him he lost his hold as George pushed back more and he sank in fully. Jhaymes and George both sighed melting into each other. "Yes, darling, yes," George whimpered shaking his head when his cloud of hair covered his face. When he could again see Jhaymes he was enraptured by the look of exquisite joy on his face. "Oh, my love," George sat up in Jhaymes arms turning his head to kiss him.

"Georgie, sweetheart," Jhaymes said against his lips. "I love you, I treasure you." Jhaymes rocked his hips so deep inside of George he felt faint with the sensations of moist enclosure, so tight, so delicious. "You have my heart," Jhaymes whispered the words licking the tattoo on George's neck.

"And you have mine," George completed the phrase wrapping his arms around Jhaymes' arms. "Now, Jhaymes, now," George leaned forward arching his back and taking Jhaymes deeper inside. Jhaymes could not hold back anymore. He pushed in, sliding all the way in, then pulling out to go in deeper again. "Yes, oh, Jhaymes just like that." George cried out as he was massaged from within. "So deep."

"You are marvelous," Jhaymes cooed slowing his hips, wanting to drive into George, but forcing himself to go slow in deference to their lack of lubrication. He would love George slow and thoroughly. George melted further into the bed, lost on a sea of pleasure as Jhaymes made love to him.

Break

"Rain," Bikky said his smile in place as he looked at his brother. "You're hovering."

"Hovering?" Rain looked down at the ground to make sure he was still standing. There was no current of air keeping him up. Realizing that he had just adjusted Bikky's pillow for the fourth time in less than five minutes Rain laughed in understanding and sat down in Ryo's vacated chair. "Sorry, was I annoying you?"

"You were doing no more than exhausting yourself," Bikky leaned back. "But the pillows are perfect. I am glad you made sure. As soon as the Royale are done detoxing Jon, they will be able to take care of me."

"Let him suffer, they should help you first." Rain grumbled.

"That is rather uncharitable of you," Rain looked up prepared to apologize to Count D but gasped as Lord D entered the room. His robe hung loose about his body, evidence of a loss of weight, but his skin was no longer sallow, in fact, he seemed to glow with health and happiness. Rain's eyes went to his tummy. "We are doing very well now, thanks to my father." Lord D brushed his hair aside. " I have been told that even after I work on you, you must stay here in seclusion so that the rest of the world will not question the legitimacy of Arcadia."

"How long?" Rain stood at Lord D's elbow as he moved Bikky's bandages aside. Rain gasped his face loosing all color as he saw the angry wound stitched into his brother's side. Tears fell unheeded from his eyes.

"Please, Rain, will you go find your bed? You look exhausted," Lord D pushed the agitated young man towards the door.

"But..." Rain began peering around him at Bikky who lay back on the bed his fists clenched in pain and his eyes closed.

"Shh," Rain looked up at Ryo and Dee. "Come on, you can meet Angelina before bed and tell Bikky all about it in the morning." Ryo said ushering Rain out. He winked at Lord D offering a silent thanks as the Kami turned to his son.

"I am sorry for the wait, young MaClean," Lord D said pulling his sleeves back and securing them with a satin ribbon a match for the one in his hair. "My father was afraid that he would not be able to do as well a job as I would. Not that he is not skilled, my father, he is." Lord D smiled warming his hands he placed them on the angry wound. "My son as well, even though he is untrained."

"But neither have your touch," Bikky smiled relaxing at the extreme lack of pain that almost seemed like pleasure. He shivered as Lord D slipped into a trance the room going golden, then deep purple that seemed like he could reach out and touch it. There, Lord D thought. There it was, the torn muscles, the ripped tendons, frayed skin the tattered edges held together by the skillful application of a doctor's needle.

"I am going to remove your stitches, let me know if it hurts," Lord D said looking down to see Bikky completely ensconced in the blankets. Lord D smiled then went back to work, his hands moving even though his eyes were closed. Bikky breathed a deep sigh of relief as each stitch was removed. "You should be able to return home in a couple of weeks." Lord D finished working. "Rest now, and stay under your blankets... you will feel slightly chilled for a while." Bikky smiled his eyes already closing in slumber as Lord D shut his door.

Break

Alicia pulled her nightgown in place when she heard the door opening. "Alicia, are you up?" Ryo's voice was soft.

"Yes, come on in, she is still awake," Alicia said smiling. "Our little glutton. You are just in time to work a burp free." Alicia looked over smiling when she saw Rain. "How is Bikky?" She asked after Ryo had settled himself next to Dee holding their baby.

"He is going to be fine, probably already is," Dee grinned.

"Sofu?" Alicia asked wrinkling her nose. "She smells," Alicia reached for the baby.

"No, I've got it," Ryo stood up and Dee was quick to hand him the diaper and wipe. "It's my first time changing such a small bottom... Where is Lyo?" Ryo asked having left the boy in the room with his mother several hours ago. Alicia held a finger to her lips and moved her blanket back to show the child asleep at her side. "He's not hurting you?"

"I had her a week ago Ryo, I'm fine." Alicia giggled a little. "She's got the cutest little birthmark, right on her left cheek." Ryo laughed as he carefully peeled the diaper free. He wiped then gasped looking at her bottom. "What's wrong?" Alicia said as Ryo did no more than stare.

"You've got to be kidding me," Ryo looked at the child closer. Her features resembled his, she smelled like his and yet... "Dee, she has your birthmark, in the exact same place."

"Are you sure?" Dee hurried to his feet Rain leaned back to avoid being stepped on all the while wondering if by some mistake in the heat of the moment, Dee's sperm had mixed in with Ryo's.

"I see your naked butt every day, I do believe I know what your birthmark looks like." Ryo said with a laugh. "My grandparents are going to have a cow."

"For dinner maybe," Ryo looked up at Torcha as she waltzed into the room smiling. "There is no problem Snap Dragon. Hello Wind Rider," Torcha patted Rain's shoulder. "You look in need of rest. You will greet your sister, then to bed with you." Rain nodded waiting for Ryo to finish drying the royal bottom. He brought the infant over to her great grand mother. "You are just the most beautiful little darling aren't you?" Torcha cooed before attempting to hand the baby to Rain who backed away in fear.

"You hold her, I can see her from here." Rain nodded with a panicked glint to his eyes. "When she is larger, I can hold her."

Torcha laughed and sat in Ryo's vacant spot as he sat on Dee to make room for her. "Laton and I have not had time to explain things to you yet," Torcha began holding the peach skinned child over for Rain to peruse.

"She is beautiful," Rain grinned his green eyes bright with joy.

"You see Snap Dragon," Ryo looked up when Torcha began to speak again. His fingers intertwined with Dee's. Torcha saw them cuddled together and she smiled. Ryo seemed so slight sitting in Dee's lap. "You two were making love when you supplied the..." Rain got to his feet with an obviously contrived yawn.

"Man you guys were right, I am beat," Rain leaned over to kiss the tiny forehead careful to keep his hair back.

Torcha giggled before speaking again. "You see," She said when Rain had beat a hasty retreat. "When you supplied your sperm, Dee was the one who got it from you." Ryo nodded his face bright red. "Dee was the one who gave it to the doctor afterward." Ryo lowered his eyes having passed out after such a thorough loving by Dee. Dee nodded holding Ryo closer recalling the passionate cries that had rang in his ears for a while even as he crawled into bed with Ryo still asleep. "All during the pregnancy, the two of you came to her together. You are so close. Dee helped to steady your hand as the cord was cut, it was the final piece put into place."

"I don't understand," Ryo looked up his face still red.

"Don't you?" Torcha smiled kindly handing the baby to her father. Ryo held the tiny girl close. "Arcadia is built upon love. How can a Kami male bear a child? Love. Your love created this treasure, so it is that she has three biological parents. As long as your blood is in the mix Snap Dragon, we are happy." Torcha grinned stretching to her full shape quietly so as not to disturb her sleeping giblet. She passed a warm breath over Lyo before she left via the large window in the room her wings glowing deep green in the light of the moon.

"That's impossible," Dee said looking again at the little girl that was one third his.

"Say that again after you realize that a large dragon just flew out of the window and that she is the biological grandmother of your husband," Alicia with a smile and yawn. "It's late, give me our baby and get out so I can sleep." Alicia said with a kind chuckle. Ryo and Dee both nodded kissing her cheeks before leaving the room.

Break

Rain sat with Wyld Wynd sipping a morning cup of hot chocolate while he finished his breakfast. "You are troubled, Wind Rider." Rain looked up at the comment. "The burdened heart can not soar the skies. It falls like lead into a pool sinking to the depths with nary a ripple to mark it's passing."

"Have you ever felt helpless?" Rain asked looking into fathomless eyes.

"I have always been free, I have always been the wind," Wyld Wynd shook his head. "I do not understand."

"No," Rain got to his feet. "You wouldn't." Rain nodded that he would continue his training at a later time. Walking the black halls of the obsidian palace he sighed. The walls were polished to such an extent that he could see his own reflection as he walked by his mind deeper and deeper in thought. Until the trial, George and Jhaymes had been given a guest room. Every day, Jhaymes would leave to assist Clarisande. This morning, he lay in bed watching as George applied his makeup.

"Have you had a moment alone with Rain?" Jhaymes asked amazed at the grace with which the mascara was applied. George shook his head. "He is avoiding me as well," Jhaymes admitted.

"I have noted something about Rain," George said sitting his applicator brush down on the glass vanity. "When he is ready to work out his problem, he will work it out."

"He is a smart boy," Jhaymes stood and stretched. He took longer than needed when he felt George's eyes roam his form. "I better take a bath, or we'll never leave this room." Jhaymes laughed when George threw a small pillow at him. "Has Ponchi come back?" Jhaymes asked looking at the small object that he had caught. George shook his head with a sigh. Jhaymes leaned over to kiss him. "She is upset now, not at you," Jhaymes was quick to say when he saw the look of sadness in George's eyes. "At herself, she wants to protect you."

"But she's too small," George said pushing Jhaymes into the bathing room. "I'll be fine." George pulled a scarf to tie his braided and beaded hair back. He was unaware of the small spot of blue that watched from the window. With a sigh, Ponchi knew what she had to do. Shifting to full butterfly, she flew quickly to earth. Her intention, the pet shop. She had to talk to Count D.

Break

Rain walked into the practice room to see Laton standing in human form wearing loose fitting trousers. "Hello, Wind Rider," Laton greeted. "I have news from the Lion Palace, it seems that Jon will be done with his possession soon. Clarisande is working everyday to free him. As soon as he is able, I want you to speak in court, humans call it a testimony."

"I understand." Rain nodded his head. He heard footsteps coming down the hall. He tensed recognizing the tread. It was a light step, full of energy and passion. Laton stood aside as Jhaymes entered the rooms. Jhaymes bowed first to Laton then turned a smile to Rain that was not returned. In fact the boy glared at him.

"I intend to visit with my newest kin this morning, so I must be off," Laton laughed with delight at the thought of the darling girl. "So beautiful, my Snap Dragon did well."

"Alicia did good too," Rain waved the king off with a frown he turned to face Jhaymes. "Good morning," Rain made to leave the room but Jhaymes grabbed his arm. Rain shoved him back with a deft movement that sent him back with a stinging wrist. "Rooms all yours, I'm done working out."

"Rain, you seem upset, do you want to talk about it?" Jhaymes tried to reach out to the boy.

"You would not like what I have to say," Rain refused to turn around.

"Yet I would hear it." Jhaymes sighed thinking of George worrying about the young man. "We are friends, you and I. I would like to think that if you have a problem, you would tell me about it."

"Friends?" Rain turned and Jhaymes was shocked at the barely contained rage. "Now do I know why Laton calls you a feather head. You are a bleeding idiot!"

"Rain?" George gasped coming into the room full of mats and practice weapons. "Why would you say that?"

"It's true, Georgie, he is," Rain pointed an accusing finger at Jhaymes. "He just sat there, he just sat there while Jon had you. Lucky the ring has more sense or you would have been violated by that fool in the thrall of a demon."

"If I had moved he would have shot you as well," Jhaymes said shaking his head. "Bikky's wound was not fatal as long as we applied pressure."

"In that moment, survival was all that mattered. You, Bikky, Jhaymes," George shook his head. "Jon was not trying to hurt me. Our, Jhaymes and I, our relationship is strong, we would have made it past that."

"Can you say that honestly?" Rain asked Jhaymes. "Can you say that you would not look at him a week later knowing that he had sex with Jon and still treasure him?Can you!?"

"Of course!" Jhaymes protested. "I love him."

"Feather head! That's not it, that's not good enough, you should have fought for him," Rain walked forward and shoved Jhaymes. "You had the power to help, you could have stopped it. I could have stopped it and instead of helping him, you held me back."

"Do you want to challenge me Rain?" Jhaymes asked as Rain hit him again and again. Jhaymes grabbed his wrist.

"No!" George dashed to his husband and his friend.

"Yes!" Rain snatched away. "Yes, I challenge you." Rain closed his eyes refusing to weep. His mind was awash in turmoil. Anger and despair clawed at him leaving him open and vulnerable to past fears and old wounds that never really healed. Nothing made sense to him, he wanted to shut it all away, but it would not go away. "It's your fault!"

"Things go wrong Rain," George reached out to him. "No one is to blame, bad things happen. That doesn't change who you are."

"The challenge stands," Rain was gentle as he took George's hands and moved the sturdier frame aside. George gasped at the young man's strength.

"No..." George shook his head tears streaming down his face. "Rain." Jhaymes offered George a look of apology before he ran weeping from the room. Rain glared after him then turned his frown on Jhaymes placing the blame for those tears on him as well.

"Rain we don't have to do this. I know you are upset," Jhaymes tried, but only had time to block before Rain's foot would have made contact with his head.

Break

Bikky wrapped a towel around his waist then stood in front of the mirror. He turned left, then right, looking. It really was gone. No scar, no blemish, nothing to evince that he had been shot last week. He took another towel and rubbed his hair until it ceased to drip on him. He flexed his muscles in the mirror then laughed at himself. He left the bathing room to dress for the day. He had to go pick on Rain. Laton told him the boy had been sulking and angry this past week. Bikky would have to talk to his brother. Ryo and Dee did not know how to get it out of him. They would coddle him. Dee less than Ryo, but Ryo's answer to upset was hugs and cookie's. Or cocoa in his case. Bikky thought back with a nostalgic smile.

The room was cool with the windows open, the drapes blew onto the polished stone floors. While the Arcadian palace was pristine and airy with it's varying shades of pastel, the Obsidian claimed a strength that was honed from the very mountains themselves. Carved many millennium ago. Bikky stretched long and wide looking out into the gorgeous peaks with forests below decorated in fall colors. The chill to the wind was bracing, but not uncomfortable. He was just tying his shoes when he heard footfalls running fast down the hall.

George ran blindly, looking for someone, anyone who could stop Rain and Jhaymes. He did not want to disturb the newborn and her parents. Lyo was just a baby himself. Ponchi... George had reached for the fairy that rested in his hair, but she was gone. She could not be sent to the other palace and fetch Andy or Nestoir. Daphnus or Angel, someone who could reach Rain. Someone who could calm him down. Talk to him, make him see reason. George stumbled as he crashed into Bikky. "Oh m'gosh, I am so sorry, are you alright? What are you doing out of bed?"

"George calm down, it's okay," Bikky laughed his damp hair falling around his face making his bright blue eyes seem to stand out more against his dark skin. "Lord D was here last night."

"Right," George heaved a sigh of relief. "Right... Oh Rain,"

"Rain?" Bikky looked around the hall. He sniffed the air in the same way Laton would when searching. "Where is Rain?"

"Bikky, you have to stop him!" George blurted out. "Rain challenged Jhaymes, they're fighting."

"Oh no," Bikky grabbed George's wrist and ran down the hall. As they ran he pulled his cell phone out. "Ryo, you and Dee need to get to the work out room, Rain challenged Jhaymes." Bikky hung up before Ryo could answer trusting that they would come help to calm the emotional teenager.

"Stop it Rain," Jhaymes called out as George and Bikky dashed around the corner. "It's okay."

"It's not okay. I am so useless, so helpless when needed," Rain pounded his fists into Jhaymes chest leaving marks on the muscular form. "But you," Rain's voice shook with fury. "You are not powerless. You did nothing, when you could have ended it all."

"Arcadian's don't murder," Jhaymes tossed Rain back wiping his bleeding lip.

"Eating someone is not considered murder?!"Rain shook his head. "You bend the rules to cover your own faults."

"I am not queen of the bloody dragons, I can not go around eating people that displease me,"Jhaymes shouted not realizing that he had picked up one of George's epithets. "As you may recall," Jhaymes lifted his leg to catch Rain's foot and used the leverage to take the smaller opponent to the floor. "Torcha was in a bit of trouble for the business of eating human."

"Rain," Bikky gasped when he saw his brother pound his fist on the floor before he got up glaring murderous daggers at Jhaymes. "No, Rain," Bikky ran forward when Rain would have continued his attack. Rain jumped and gasped as he was caught around the middle and held firm in strong arms. Rain reached to shove the hands away only to be turned and embraced. "It's okay, Rain," Bikky almost sobbed at the turmoil he could see on his little brother's face. "It's okay."

"It's not okay," Rain sobbed hugging Bikky tight.

"You're not mad at Jhaymes... Are you?" Bikky asked holding Rain still in case he decided to break free and attack Jhaymes again.

"I'm the one who's useless," Rain deflated holding Bikky in his arms. "It's me..." Rain sobbed not hearing the commotion at the door as Ryo and Dee came thundering into the room. "It's the same as before. My mom tried to save me, but he killed her. I could not even stand to help her when Bill started beating her. When I grabbed his arm, he just threw me aside. She was alive when he dragged me out, but I couldn't help her. You got shot trying to help me, and I couldn't stop it. I couldn't stop him from hurting George before, he almost killed him. He stuck him with a..." Rain hiccuped, "He... gave him heroine and I couldn't protect him. What the hell are Count D and Angel training me for? I'm useless." George brought a hand to his mouth to quell the sobs that worked their way out as tears streamed down his face. "Even when he was under the influence of drugs George still tried to protect me. He told me to run. Anyone who tries to help me ends up dead or nearly so. Just leave me..."Rain sobbed holding Bikky tight. "Don't help me, just leave me. I'm useless."

"You're not useless Rain," Bikky said sitting on the floor still holding him. "You held him off long enough. Long enough for us to get there. No one can do anything alone. You did good. And before, with your mom, you were only thirteen. And tiny. Damn Rain, you were almost the same size as Chris. You had a little height on him. He still outweighed you though. You were hurt, he hurt you. You could not stand. I am sure that if you were in peak condition, you would have damaged him enough to get your mom out." Bikky stroked Rain's hair as he wept. "It's okay Rain. George is okay, I'm fine, not even a scar." Bikky ripped his shirt off. "See." Rain looked down at Bikky's side he pressed his hand there and Bikky laughed. "Come on now," Bikky moved the hand. "I'm ticklish, you know that."

Rain took a deep breath before he leaned back away from Bikky. He looked up to see Ryo and George weeping. Ryo held on to Dee while George wiped a cloth over Jhaymes bleeding lip. "Sorry," Rain muttered getting to his feet he dropped into a formal bow before Jhaymes. "Are you alright?"

Jhaymes began to shrug off any hurt then he sighed. "I think you cracked a few ribs, my wrist might be sprained and I have several bruises on my legs and..." Jhaymes frowned lifting Rain's face to meet his eyes. "I won't be kissing Georgie for a while with this split lip..." Rain gasped when Jhaymes turned to his parents. "Teach your son some restraint, good thing I am a phoenix warrior and a knight of Arcadia. A normal human would be hospitalized by now." Dee smirked at Jhaymes silently thanking him. Rain was still smaller than all of them, even though he had grown taller and filled out. Chris, the youngest, surpassed him in height. Ryo patted Jhaymes shoulder before he limped from the room headed to see Lord D. George remained behind his eyes on Rain.

"Come on, you bully," Dee pulled Rain from the room. "Let's get you a shower and see about some food. You must be hungry."

"I hope Count D teaches you some discipline," Ryo complained with his arms folded. "I will have to have a word with him about this penchant you are developing for attacking people."

"Sorry Ryo. Am I grounded?" Rain said holding his arm where Jhaymes had thrown him several times. Rain felt awful, even amidst all of his attacking, Jhaymes had simply fended him off. He had not once attacked.

"No, but it is close," Ryo said and winked at George. " We are taking George and Bikky to see Angelina, you go bathe and we will talk about this later." Rain nodded heading down the hall. Perhaps he was stronger now, but it was not enough. He would concentrate on his studies, and his training. When he became a knight, he would be ranked among the best. He promised himself this.

To Be Continued

Author's notes: Yeah, sorry, but the series is still in early November...