Title: Murderer's Touch

Author: I_nv_u50

Rating: PG13

Disclaimer/Claimer: Do I really have to say it again?

Warning: Slash!! Whee!!

Author's Notes: Ack! Sorry it's late!! I got detention yesterday T.T All because I laughed at something someone said. I wasn't even listening to them, honest. I was laughing at my dumb muses, who smirked at me all the way through detention . Damn them XD

The Golden Dragon  ~  Mwahahaha!! Actually, yea, I was planning to draw that :D with chibi!Kylan to resigned!Brynn. XD 'cept I have to make out what they look like first O.o; oh well.. that should be easier :D I'll put up a link to it when I get it done then we can all laugh at Brynn along with Kylan :D 'cept we might not be forgiven as easily. Being a lifebond has to have some advantages ^~ Kylan's gonna start working all right (smirks) Don't be offended O.o; I can honestly say that I follow Stef's rules for eating :D Good ol' Stef… loved him too O.o; An' don't worry ^^ varekai should come out soon!! ^^;;;

ola  ~  Heh.. Devoni was overproblem-atizing the fact that Taver wanted to see kylan :D then, of course, there's the fact that the herald's know. Pity. I couldn't shut davin up in time O.o; it's those stooped bards, ya know XD MWAHAHAHA!!! … er.. technically this story's a freak with the numerous and quick updates. I really should work on my other stories . we can procrastinate together :D glad it made sense. Was worried that it was a stupid thing to put in O.o; though kylan likes being weird like that. Wait for more pranks from kylan and brynn's revenge XD

Sorry it's a day late. I'll try and get the next chapter up by Tuesday, or maybe tomorrow, but I think we're going camping tomorrow so… er… we'll see, I guess O.o; stooped camping . it's too cold .

Btw, I'm sorry if shaelin seems a bit unrealistic. But she has her reasons. And it also makes no sense for the companion to mourn too much when they all know they're going to be reborn or meet again in Haven (Bermuda XD) anyway. So there's my reasoning ^^….

Enjoy the chapter, and please review!! ^^

Kylan watched, interested, as Brynn stopped talking before he actually said something. It was quite strange. He had been about to talk, that was obvious enough, with a smirk that let Kylan know that it would have been something light hearted.

Then his face had closed off.

Kylan watched curiously, waiting for Brynn to come back to reality and examining his own high good humor while he waited.

He couldn't remember feeling so frivolous, ever. Last time had been when Carlen had still been alive, and that had been years back, almost before he could remember. Kylan switched the memories off before they could come back fully, and decided it was Brynn's company that made him feel so carefree.

The moment he came to that decision, he realized it was the truth, and sat in shock, staring blankly at the older man across the table. When had that happened?

Brynn snapped back to attention, his expression suddenly grim. "Kylan, we need to leave. Now."
Kylan blinked at him. "Why?"

Brynn sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, sounding incredibly tired all of a sudden, and Kylan felt a flash of guilt that he didn't deny, because it probably was his fault.

"Two things. Taver wants to see you, and the Heralds know."

Kylan gaped at him. "But… how? Who told them?"

"The Bards, apparently," Brynn scowled. "But we need to see Taver before anything."

"Who's Taver?" Kylan asked, sure he had heard the name before but not remembering whom it belonged to. "Does he want to kill me too?" A sudden sweep of bitterness made him push back his chair in frustration.

Brynn regarded him silently, and Kylan soon grew uncomfortable with the unwavering stare. "What?" he snapped, and Brynn shrugged, standing up as well.

"Taver is the Astral's Companion, a Grove Born. He's the head of the herd, basically, or so Devoni tells me."

Kylan blinked, the confusion covering the bitterness. "And he wants to see me? How will I know what he wants?"

Brynn shrugged, and smiled reassuringly at Kylan, a smile that only half worked because there was still a frown lurking in the back of the Herald's eyes. "Devoni says he'll get his message through."

Kylan suspected he wouldn't like this meeting very much, but he wasn't being given much of a choice. Brynn was waving him to the door. "Devoni will meet you outside. Don't leave his side no matter what."

"Where will you be?" Kylan asked suspiciously, trying to hide his nervousness.

Brynn gave that reassuring smile again. "I'm gonna take a quick bath, and I'll be with you in half a candlemark. All right?"

Kylan nodded his extremely reluctant acceptance. There wasn't much he could do against that. He pondered the idea of waiting for Brynn, and then promptly told himself to stop being such a baby. He was acting stupidly. He didn't need the Herald holding his hand whenever he went outside.

A small traitorous thought reflected that that might actually be quite nice, but Kylan squashed it down and opened the garden door with out saying goodbye to the Herald.

Devoni was indeed waiting for him outside, and nickered a greeting, bobbing his head.

Kylan studied the Companion. "I'm in trouble, aren't I."

Devoni bobbed his head.

"Damn." Kylan sighed, then after a quick glance over his shoulder towards the safety of the suite, he sighed and stepped onto the grass. "All right then. Just… Just don't leave me alone, ok?" He hated the way his voice sounded so unsteady, but it was too late now.

Devoni bobbed his head again, snorting agreement. Kylan was perfectly all right with the idea that it was only for Brynn's sake that the Companion was guarding him. He didn't mind it in the least. From what he'd seen of Companions so far, they were only a bother. Kylan scowled, and rubbed the shoulder where Jesalis had bit him the previous night. It didn't hurt anymore, but there had been the smallest bruise there that morning.

Kylan hid a grin of amusement aimed at himself. Here he was, getting upset over a small bruise. It was illogical, given that he had usually acquired a whole lot more when he had lived in the streets.

Another Companion was approaching them, who had her ears pricked up and was walking spiritedly, sidling and prancing every few steps. Devoni whinnied a greeting, and Kylan groaned. The Companion halted in front of them, plainly waiting for him to say something.

Kylan did. He glowered up at her. "Oh, it's you. I got a bruise from your bite last night, you know," he told her accusingly.

Jesalis whickered a laugh as Devoni snorted and then tried to pretend he hadn't.

Kylan stared angrily at nothing, and Jesalis nudged him with her nose, a mocking apology burning in her eyes. Kylan stared at her. "Fine. But don't do it again," he warned, and then he continued walking. He didn't have to look to know that Devoni and her were exchanging amused looks before they followed him.

After a few steps though, Kylan realized he didn't know where he was going, and he paused, looking around for the two slow Companions. "Are you coming or not?"

Devoni lifted his head and pricked his ears at Kylan, the message plain.

Kylan sighed in annoyance at having to admit it. "No, I don't know where to go. Happy now?"

Devoni pranced towards him, shaking his head with every step, and stopped in front of the blonde. Kylan stared up, suddenly confused for some reason. Devoni fixed a sympathetic eye on him, and Kylan sighed, turning away and shrugging wordlessly.

He didn't know how to describe it. For a moment there he had thought that maybe Devoni could explain why it had to be him that lifebonded to Brynn when it was plainly so wrong for the Herald's life. It should have been someone better.

But he didn't ask. He didn't want to know, quite frankly, because however much he grumbled to himself about it, he still felt lucky about having it. He only had to remember that morning, with the silly prank, to remind himself of why he wanted to stay. He only had to remember the memories that had surged back when Brynn asked him about the ritual to remind himself of why he couldn't stay.

It wasn't fair, but his life had never been fair. He'd just have to put up with it when it got worse. It inevitably was going to, because now there was another Companion stallion walking towards them, one who just looked so much more imposing than any of the others Kylan had seen, that he knew it had to be Taver.

And he wasn't looking friendly.

Kylan retreated behind a sullen expression; not at all willing to show how unexpectedly afraid he was by the other Companion's arrival. He resisted the urge to cringe back between Jesalis and Devoni, because only cowards didn't face what they were afraid of.

Taver paused in front of them, looking seriously towards Jesalis. Jesalis twitched her hide and shook her head.

Taver snorted and turned to Kylan, who stared back, trying not to show his fear.

:First of all, I need to know if you plan on killing any more Heralds.:

Kylan jumped in shock, and looked around instinctively for the disembodied, unrecognizable voice. It felt weird.

:It was me, boy. Answer the question.:

Kylan withheld the desire to glare at the annoyed Companion. He answered instead, hating the slightest quiver in his voice. "No, I'm not planning anything."

:Do you mean to though? Will any other Heralds die because of you?:

Kylan hesitated. He knew he'd probably never kill another Herald again, if only for Brynn's sake, but he couldn't be positive that he wouldn't get another Herald killed. A Herald's obsession for duty was well known, even in the less popular areas, and if any of them desired to protect him against them… Then they probably would die. And it'd be his fault.

"I… I don't know…" Kylan spoke aloud uncertainly. "I won't kill anymore, but…"

He judged by the sudden alert expressions in the blue eyes surrounding him that he had said something interesting. He wondered if they could be trusted to keep a secret, then decided not to chance it. After all, he had killed a Herald. They weren't going to adore him straight away, if ever.

:What do you mean, boy?:

"Nothing," Kylan replied quickly. Taver gave him an expressively dubious look, and Kylan looked away first.

:Second… Shaelin wants to see you.: Now the Companion looked concerned and angry at the same time. Kylan had the distinct feeling that Taver wasn't concerned about him.

Devoni and Jesalis beside him also looked serious all of a sudden, and Kylan felt something sinister and foreboding enter the air surrounding them.

"Who is Shaelin?" he asked carefully, not wanting to make them angrier than they already appeared. He had heard tales of what Companions could do.

Taver stared at him, studying him, seeing far more of Kylan than Kylan felt comfortable with. He didn't want anyone to delve that deeply into him, not even Brynn. Maybe with his permission, but not before then. He scowled at the Companion when he answered.

:Shaelin is… was… Akseli's Companion. The Herald you killed, whose death will kill her in a few days.:

Kylan felt a flash of guilt. "I'm sorry," he whispered softly, and to his surprise, he found that he was. Before he had time to ponder the revelation though, Taver snorted, and turned away.

:Come on then.:

Kylan followed, his mind whirling, his thoughts conflicting, his face confused. He didn't understand this world at all.

Even less did he understand what it was doing to him, and he didn't like. Or rather, he wasn't sure how he felt about it, and that was a good enough reason to mistrust it.

You only got hurt when you trusted too easily.

The Companion was idling around the fence near one of the back areas of the Companion's Field, her head low, her eyes dark blue, almost black with sorrow and anguish.

Kylan immediately felt worse. He hung back as Taver approached the mare, and only took a surprised step forward when Jesalis roughly pushed him forward.

He glared at her over his shoulder and turned again to face Shaelin, his expression dropping into one of mournful regret. He hadn't meant to kill her as well.

"I'm sorry…" he whispered, almost inaudibly.

She stared at him, looking too upset to be angry, then turned to face Taver again. Taver listened for a while, then bobbed his head in agreement and walked off, taking Jesalis and a hesitant Devoni with him, leaving Kylan alone with Shaelin.

Kylan looked at the leaving companions. "I'm sorry."

:Tell me why, boy.:

It was a distinctly female voice this time, mellow with misery.

Kylan stared into the so sad eyes, and found himself telling the truth. "I had to."

She didn't look surprised at that, just sighed gustily, and nudged him half-heartedly. :Walk with me a bit, boy.:

"All right," Kylan replied helplessly, not sure why he was agreeing to her suggestion so easily. He didn't stop himself though, and they walked off slowly, in a silence that wasn't companionable, but it wasn't terribly awkward either.

Kylan was slightly more than shocked. He had expected her to be just about ready to kill him, and here she was walking amiably by his side.

He stopped after about half a candlemark, and put a hand on her neck hesitantly to stop her as well. She turned her head to stare at him, but he didn't remove the hand.

"Why don't you want to kill me? You have every right, I know that… why are you being so… polite?"

:I miss my Chosen, boy.: Shaelin answered softly, her voice the barest whisper in his mind. :But I know I'll be with him again once I die. I mourn him now, but he's gone. It's pointless to kill you, and kill another two of my friends when I die.:

Kylan blinked at her. "So it was true?"

She looked at him quizzically.

Kylan elaborated. "Brynn said that if I die or if he dies then the other will as well."

:You really don't know anything about us, do you?: Astonishingly, there was a hint of dry amusement now, not as mocking as Jesalis' usual expression. :Yes, you will die if Brynn dies, Kylan. You will long for death more than anything, whether or not you consciously love him or not. It's to your best interests to stay alive, or to keep Devoni alive, because without one or the other, Brynn will die, and the one remaining will be quick to follow.:

"But why?" wailed Kylan quietly, rubbing his face in frustration, completely forgetting who he was talking to. "I didn't ask for it! Why me? Why him? I don't want to be in love with anyone!"

Shaelin nuzzled him, startling him out of his bout of self-pity. Amazingly, she looked sympathetically understanding.

Kylan stared at her in bewilderment, seeing something that was so simple and rare in her eyes: forgiveness.

:I know it's confusing, Kylan.: she crooned into his mind. :But I know you don't really mean that. I know you'll grow used to it in time, and I'm sure Brynn will be lucky to have you, just as you are lucky to have him. Our world isn't really as hard as it seems to you right now. It will get better.:

Kylan stared into the steadily lighter blue eyes in wonder, shocked and unspeakably grateful for the information. It soothed him, and he clung to that easy emotion as Shaelin lifted her head carefully. She sounded pleasantly surprised when she spoke again.

:You are not as I expected you to be. Maybe you will come see me again…?: She continued before Kylan had enough time to do more than nod eagerly. :Good. You're lifebound comes now, he is approaching with Devoni and Taver. You will go see Taver's Chosen now, he wants to clear something up with the Heralds. Visit me soon…:

She nuzzled Kylan's cheek one last time, and walked off slowly, her head not so low as it had been before.

Brynn was indeed approaching, his eyes confused and bewildered. "Was that Shaelin?"

Kylan nodded wordlessly, uncomfortable with the scrutinizing stare directed at him from all three of them.

Brynn smiled slightly. "I hope she feels better. It wouldn't be nice at all if she spent her last days on earth being utterly miserable."

Kylan got ready to glare at Brynn, but Brynn's hand hesitantly touched his shoulder and rested there.

Kylan stared at it, surprised, then blinked up at Brynn when the Herald spoke again. "Are you all right?"

Kylan pondered his answer. Aside from nearly everybody on the grounds wanting to kill him, he felt unexpectedly good. He smiled shyly, and lifted up one of his own hands to dislodge Brynn's.

Brynn looked momentarily hurt and resigned, but the expression was quickly replaced by pleasant surprise as Kylan intertwined their fingers together.

Kylan stared down at their fingers for a brief moment, then looked up and smiled genuinely at Brynn. "I'm fine," he said simply.

Brynn smiled back, looking as if he thought Kylan meant it.

Which was good, Kylan reflected, as Brynn gently started to lead him towards the Palace, the two Companions following behind them silently.

Because, Kylan thought, unable to hold his grin in, he might have meant it.

And when Brynn grinned back down at him honestly, and Kylan felt a half acknowledged trust surge up in him, Kylan knew that the answer had been the right one.