The Demon Inside.
By; Dark Cyrin

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ATTENTION: This story revolves around Rath and Thatz . . . other characters mentioned only receive minimal time . . . sorry Cesia, Rune, Kai- stern and Tetheus, I love you all!

Warning: A little RathxThatz innuendo later on. Nothing big, nothing to be offended about. Just a demon havin' a good time . . .

So here it is . . . enjoy!

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"Rath?" Cesia called out the Dragon Knight's name as she wandered the empty hallways of the castle.

"Something's not right . . ." Rath had been conveniently avoiding everyone ever since Bierrez had shown up a few days ago. When asked, Lord Lykouleon said he was always like that, Ruwalk was too busy to reply, Alfeegi was seething in anger over something Ruwalk had done, Kai- stern was gone, the Queen said she saw him keeping to himself, and Tetheus, well, Tetheus was Tetheus. He just glanced at her, nodded toward the castle and went back to training the group of Dragon Fighters that been following him like injured puppies all day.

Deep in thought she turned the next corner and went headfirst into someone else. She stumbled backwards and almost fell on her butt had it not been for the person reaching out to grab her hand. She took it thankfully and steadied herself.

"You really should watch out when walking around corners. You could have bumped into Thatz and really hurt yourself." The person stated with a slight chuckle in his voice.

Cesia looked up and was greeted by a pair of clear blue eyes framed by long golden hair.

"Sorry 'bout that Rune, " she said letting go of his hand and straightening her skirt, "I was just thinking to hard about something."

"Like what, if you don't mind my asking?"

She looked up at the Knight of Water and debated whether or not to tell him that she was worried about Rath. It seemed kind of stupid now. 'Maybe I'm just being paranoid and he is always like this at the castle.'

"Cesia?"

"Oh, I'm just thinking . . . about, Rath . . ."

"Rath?"

"He just seems a bit . . . reclusive, that's all." She quickly smiled when she saw a worried look on Rune's face, "but I think maybe I just notice too many things. I tend to jump to conclusions too quickly anyway."

"No." A voice stated from behind them, "You notice just the right amount."

Rune looked up and Cesia whipped around so fast it made her dizzy. She hadn't heard anyone a moment ago.

"I've noticed it too." Thatz stated, walking up to them.

"Rath's always a little reclusive, even with us," Rune told them with a confused look on his face, "That's just his personality."

"Yeah, but it's been more than usual, haven't you noticed?" Thatz crossed his bared arms over his chest, "Oh, that's right. You've just been mediating, or whatever you call it, all day, every day."

"Meditating."

"Whatever . . ."

"Wait!" Cesia interrupted. "You guys are telling me that Rath, isn't always like this?"

"No."

"Yeah."

The yokai threw her hands in the air. This was hopeless. It was one against the other, and neither new what was up with Rath. "I'm going to go get something to eat, since I see we're not getting anywhere with this." With that she walked off, leaving behind the two bickering knights.

"He's not being himself!"

"How would you know when he's being himself?! You're always stuffing your face and busy trying to talk him into treasure hunting with you!"

"You haven't noticed it because you're too busy to be around us!"

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Down the hallway Rath leaned against the wall. He let out a growl and pushed away with his shoulders. A moment ago he had almost walked into a conversation about him.

*He just seems a bit . . . reclusive, that's all.*

The red head felt a smile tug at his lips as he began walking in the opposite direction. *Not myself, huh?* His smile grew.

*Since when have I ever been myself?*

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So, tell me, what did ja' think? Honestly?

Thank you to all those who reviewed, I love you. You guys are the reason I wanted to improve. I write for you!