Disclaimer: Don't own it.
A/N: Sorry this took so long. I stupidly took eight classes this year, so my writing has been placed in the back. Also I've been trying to get a second part to Moonlight Contemplation out.
This chapter is dedicated to my friend Kat. I don't know what I would do with out her.
A page dressed in red and black bowed to Kai before taking Altair's reins, leading the black stallion to the stables. Several servants walked by, lowering their heads at the sight of Kai. "Ah Lord Hiwatari, welcome back." Kai and Rei turned to find a short, round man waddling towards them as fast as possible. Rei moved closer to the knight. Something about the man was ruffling against his nerves. The man bowed to the knight before straightening up. His black eyes moved to the neko-jin before returning to Kai. "Vernados, you call me Lord Hiwatari again, I'm going to replace you. That was my Grandfathers title." Kai's mahogany eyes were frigid, causing the steward to fidget. The steward bowed a second time. "I'm sorry Lord. I didn't mean to upset you."
Kai moved past the steward, Rei close behind to enter the main doors. Several stairs led down to the hall of the great floor. A fireplace took up one wall, containing nothing but coals. A smaller table sat on a dais across from the fire. A huge black and red serpent tapestry covered the wall behind the high table.
Halfway across the room, the knight and the neko-jin were stopped by a slight female in green wool. Her dirty blonde hair was braided and pinned in coils around her head. Blue eyes were set to close in a mouse like face. She curtsied to the knight, taking no notice of Rei. "Good Morning Lord Hiwatari. I'm Lady Adiel; you're mother's cousin's aunt's daughter. I journeyed here to see you, only to find you were at court."
"You came to see me?" She jumped at the sound of Kai's deep voice, a blush spreading across her face. She nodded, blue eyes bright with joy. "Yes. I came to marry you." Rei's golden eyes widened in shock, body starting to tremble at the thought. A single, aristocratic slate eyebrow rose, mahogany eyes revealing nothing. "Really?" She nodded again, her slight body straightening with anticipation. "Then someone must have misinformed you. I have no need for a wife." Kai's voice and face were totally impassive.
The neko-jin let out a sigh of relief that was missed by all but the knight. He turned to look at the neko-jin, who was sporting a blush across the bridge of his nose. The knight gave Rei a slight smile before turning to the steward who still stood at his left. "Verandos, I want my grandfathers room sealed. Nobody is to enter."
Verandos shifted from foot to foot and tugged on his tunic before meeting Kai's eyes. "Well you see my Lord, our house mage died not long after your grandfather. No one here can seal the room." Kai resisted the urge to slam his hand into the nearest wall. * This castle is full of incompetent people. It's a wonder it's still standing. * Kai was about to speak when a soft voice cut through.
"Kai, I can seal the room. I just need more power." All three turned to look at the neko-jin. The steward and Adiel both looked shocked at the way Rei addressed Kai. The knight would have had a talk with anyone who wrongfully addressed him, but Kai seemed to let it slid with the neko-jin. He slipped Dranzer's belt over his head, wrapping it around the scabbard. He handed the sword to Rei. "Use him. And if he doesn't help.." a smirk appeared on his face and he waved a page over "feel free to dump him in the well. Show Rei to Voltaire's room."
The page led him up a flight of stairs to a room at the top of the north tower. The door to the room was at least ten feet tall, black in color with iron bands. Rei unsheathed Dranzer, handing the scabbard and belt to the page. He held the blade in his left hand, tip almost touching the ground. He raised his right hand, green power glowing around the slender digits. The green light flowed to the door, running around the door jam before slowly starting to close over the door. The green flow slowly tinted with red as Rei's magic drained to be replaced by Dranzer's. The neko-jin wrote a finally binding rune in the air. He slumped down, only the sword keeping him from falling. One golden eye fixed itself on the possessed blade.
"Dranzer, could you give a little magic up?" He didn't expect a reply and was surprised when a blood red flash spread through out the landing. He leaned back against the wall, sword across his lap. "Thanks. I'm not sure I would have made it down the stairs." The ruby glowed briefly before going back to its original color. Rei braced himself against the wall, slowly getting to his feet. The magic Dranzer had supplied him with helped, but he wouldn't be totally steady for another couple of days.
The page was still at the top of the stairs, blue eyes wide with shock and a slight amount of fear. He watched Rei weave on his feet and hurried to his side. "Sir, are you okay?" He nodded and took the sheath from the page, slipping Dranzer into his resting-place. He slipped the belt over his head. The sword hung a little low on his back, one of the side effects of not having handled a sword for his entire life. "Could you show me to the kitchen?" The page nodded and took off down the stairs like a shot, leaving Rei to make his way down alone.
The kitchen was full of activity. People were running back and forth stirring things and taking things out of the ovens. An old lady stood in the middle of the kitchen, waving a wooden spoon around and shouting orders to the horde of kitchen workers. Her face had several streaks of flour and her dress was covered in various stains. The page darted through the crowd and tugged at the cook's skirt. He could see the old lady's eyes focus on him and he watched in amazement as the various kitchen workers moved out of her way. She ran her eyes over him, resting her eyes on the sword before meeting his eyes. She leaned down to the page and whispered something before straightening up. She pointed the spoon at him and gestured to a chair. "You're far to skinny. Sit and eat." The page reappeared with a bowl of stew and a small loaf of bread. He set the bowl in front of the neko- jin, which earned him a small piece of crystallized fruit from the cook. She watched him go, a smile smoothing out the wrinkles of her face.
"He's my grandson. I'm glad that he has a place to stay." She turned back to Rei, eyes on Dranzer. "Is there any particular reason you have Lord Kai's sword? He usually doesn't let anybody lay their hands on it, let alone take it out of his sight." Rei shook his head and took a bite of the stew. "Are you trying to fatten my neko-jin Lettie?" Kai's voice easily cut through the noise of the kitchen. Rei suppressed a shiver at the sound of Kai's voice, especially the way he'd said my. Lettie stood on tiptoes and kissed Kai on the cheek before handing him a piece of crystallized fruit. The knight took the fruit and hopped up on the table next to Rei's bowl.
"I see you didn't toss him in the well. I was hoping that you would so I could find a less bossy sword." The ruby flashed before going dark. Kai grabbed Rei's goblet and took a drink before looking at it strangely. He tipped the goblet at Lettie, one eyebrow raised in question. "Water?" She pointed at Rei, who's face was red. Kai cocked his head to one side; mahogany eyes focused on the blushing neko-jin. "Kai, I've lived in a tower for twenty years. Do you really think I've had access to wine?" Kai nodded and ate the rest of his crystallized apple before getting off the table. He pulled Dranzer over Rei's head; hand brushing the raven strands, sending chills through the slim body. Kai settled the blade back in place, hilt protruding over his left shoulder.
"You got the door sealed?" Rei got to his feet before the world started spinning. He felt himself falling only to be stopped by a pair of strong, pale arms. He started shivering, not as violently as the first time but enough to throw his balance off. He felt Kai lift him up and he snuggled against the warm, broad chest. He looked up with hooded eyes, golden color barely visible. "Does that answer your question? Nobody with out magic can break the seal. You could because Dranzer's magic is part of it." His shivering returned with a vengeance, wracking his slim form. Kai set him down briefly, pushing a door open before picking him back up. Rei sunk down into the bed, watching as Kai pulled off his shoes followed by the knight's boots. Rei clambered under the blankets, pulling them up around his chin.
The room was circular, with a single heavily curtained window facing out over the river. The floor was covered in thick rugs and the walls were draped in tapestries to keep the chill down. An ornately carved chest sat at the foot of the bed. A huge fireplace dominated one wall, fire burning cheerfully in it. The tapestries on the walls depicted battles of human against human and human against mythical creature. He felt the bed shift, before warm hands slid under his shirt. The white fabric blocked his vision and he watched as it landed on the chest. He was pulled back against a very warm, bare chest. A hand slid down and rested on his stomach. The slim fingers spread to their full width, the pale standing out against his darker skin. He picked the hand up and turned it over, running his fingers along the lines.
A ridge of skin caught his eye and he ran a finger over it, eliciting a shiver from the knight, which he felt. "How did you get this?" Kai leaned over, pressing against Rei's back. "I got that when I broke the ward on the door." Rei turned as much as possible to face the knight, golden eyes wide. "You used blood? I'm sorry." The neko-jin wrapped his arms around the knight's slim waist, eyes filling with tears. Kai didn't answer but instead pulled the Rei closer, trying to keep him from crying. He could deal with things trying to kill him, but give him somebody that was emotional upset and he was at a total loss of what to do. * I'm such a bastard. That's the second time he's started crying because of something I've done. * He just let Rei cry, staying silent, but at the same time trying to be supportive. The whimpers became less frequent before disappearing altogether. His breathing evened out and deepened, a sure signal he was asleep.
He brushed a feather light kiss across Rei's temple before untangling himself from the neko-jin's tight grip. He pulled his boots back on, followed by an ugly brown long sleeved shirt. He unrolled his armor from its oiled leather cover and pulled it one. Dranzer took his customary spot across his back. A smirk spread across his face as he closed the door behind him. * Let's see if my guards are any better then my management. *
*****
The sound of clinking penetrated his sleep-fogged mind, forcing him to open his eyes. He lay there for several seconds blinking owlishly before his eyes focused. Kai was sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, running his fingers over his armor. The sun was high in the sky, casting its light into the room. Kai's hair looked to be silver in the light and his pale skin held an ethereal glow. "What time is it?" Kai looked over at the bed, a small smile curving his lips. The only thing visible of the neko- jin was raven locks, standing out against the linen sheets and two sleep hazed golden eyes. "Shortly after noon. Lunch is on the table." Rei sat up and moved to the edge of the bed, stretching to reach his shirt. He could feel Kai's eyes on his back and was glad that his back was to the knight. He pulled his shirt on and went to the table.
Lunch consisted of a platter of cheese, bread and apples. A small goblet and flask sat next to the plate. He looked at it before looking at the knight, a puzzled look on his face. Kai didn't bother looking up from his armor. He had found a small hole and was running a piece of wire through to fix it. "Its cherry liqueur. Lettie makes it herself. Go easy on it, it's potent." Rei uncorked the flask and poured some of the scarlet liquid into the goblet. The scent of cherries permeated the air around him, reminding him of the cherries he got at the tower. He hesitantly lifted the goblet to his lips, letting some of the scarlet liquid pass. It tasted faintly of the red fruit along and was extremely sweet. Rei drained the goblet before pouring a second goblet full.
Kai wrapped his strong arms around the neko-jin, who started with faint surprise. Rei turned and found himself staring deeply into the mahogany eyes. Kai could smell the warm sweet scent of cherries wafting up from Rei's mouth. They were only a fingernail's width away from his. Rei took the initiative and kissed Kai full on the mouth, marveling over how soft, such a hard knight's lips could be. Kai slid his tongue into Rei's mouth, tasting the sweet cordial and the neko-jin's own unique taste. A knocking on the door pulled them apart, Rei flushing a brilliant crimson. Kai smiled the first genuine smile in along time. He laid his forehead against the neko-jin's; umber eyes meeting passion hazed gold. "You taste like cherries." The knight opened the door to reveal Lettie's grandson. "Rei this is Arthur. He'll show you around the castle and show you you're room." He winked, leaving the neko-jin to blush again.
*****
Dinner was a trying affair, leading Rei to develop a headache. The guards were overly loud, filling the hall with the sounds of happy men and clattering plates. The high table was silent. Any attempts at conversation would have been lost in the uproar. Lady Adiel's gown plunged perilously low, an obvious attempt to snare Kai. Even after the embarrassing rebuke today she still was hell bent on getting the rich noble. The neko-jin slipped from the hall up to his room, the noise proving too much for him. The only person to notice his disappearance was Kai.
*****
Kai was certain that he had gone to bed alone last night. That however failed to explain the extra body in his bed or the warmth on his chest. He looked down and his gaze was met with a mass of raven silk. Rei's head was pillowed on his chest, braid behind him, standing out against the linen sheets. He stretched and yawned, revealing his fangs. Sleep hazed gold met mahogany. "Morning Kai." Warm breath ghosted across his skin, causing muscles to tighten in response. He wrapped an arm around the neko-jin, pulling the lithe body as close as possible.
"Care to tell me why you're in my bed?" Rei closed his eyes, curling against the warm body. "I had a nightmare." A slate eyebrow rose, silently questioning. Golden eyes remained closed hiding the pain. "I woke up and you weren't there. So, I found my way here and crawled in with you." Kai was surprised that Rei had made it to his room. He knew from experience that Rei's sense of direction was slightly skewed.
The neko-jin, as though reading Kai's mind answered. "I followed your scent." The knight's eyebrow rose higher, eyes puzzled. "And pray tell, what do I smell like?" Rei opened his eyes, golden depths dancing with happiness. He stretched up, nose against Kai's neck. He pulled back slightly, lips grazing pale skin. "You smell like," he paused in thought "outside, spicy, free." He yawned again, light catching his fangs.
"Go back to sleep. Its still shortly before dawn." Rei snuggled back down into the bed until all that remained visible was his hair. Kai got out from the bed and opened the chest at the foot of the bed. He set aside a piece of red and black fabric, revealing the contents of the chest. The clothing in the chest was all black. He pulled out a pair of fine linen pants, a black silk shirt and a cloth bundle. He changed out of his sleeping pants and pulled his boots on, when knocking at the door broke the silence. The knight opened the door to reveal his steward. Verandos bowed before meeting the cold mahogany orbs. "My Lord, your entourage is ready." Without acknowledging the man, Kai closed the door, almost wishing to be back at court.
A low, thrumming sound filled the room. Kai looked around, searching the room. Mahogany eyes settled on Rei, who was propped up against the headboard, golden depths riveted on the knight. "You purr?" The neko-jin ducked his head, a blush spreading across the bridge of his nose. "Only when I'm content. And I'm content." He raised his head, golden eyes smoldering with desire. Eyes raked over the lithe body, lingering on the flat stomach, strong chest and toned arms. Rei knew that most fighters developed bulky muscles after years of training. Kai seemed to have avoided that fate. His muscles were finely chiseled and lean adding to the slim look that hung around him. He watched in rapt fascination as Kai pulled his shirt on, muscles moving smoothly under velvet skin. The knight unrolled the cloth bundle, black leather and metal revealed. He pulled one on, fastening the strap just below his elbow. A second strap fit at the base of his middle finger, preventing the guard from slipping down. The metal framed his elbow, a small piece on either side of his elbow with a longer piece covering the joint.
He pulled on the second guard before settling Dranzer in his customary place. His cloak was draped over the back of a chair, reminding the neko- jin of the cloak clasp in his belt pouch. He jumped up from the bed and opened the door, bounding out of the room with feline grace. The knight looked at the open door, at a loss for words. Rei was back several minutes later fully dressed, hair bound. Kai stood still as the neko-jin swung the black cloak around his shoulders, fastening the cloak clasp just below the hollow of the knight's throat.
Rei stood back, breath hitching in his throat. Kai looked the epitome of a barbarian god. He was dressed entirely in black and silver, the only colors the mahogany of his eyes and the blue marks. The only evidence of a weapon was the belt that looped over his chest, before disappearing into the darkness of his cloak. The black silk, sleeveless shirt clung to his torso like a second skin, not hiding the hard muscle. The knight ran a hand through his hair, brushing the more unruly strands back in place.
*****
Altair shifted slightly, hoofs rustling the grass. Kai touched his hand to the stallion's neck, the great horse quieting. *What the hell is taking so long? I don't have all goddamned day. * He could here the guards behind him shifting, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Thurians. The meeting had been for shortly after dawn but the nomads had yet to show up. At this rate he could have gone back to sleep with Rei and the two of them would be comfortably curled up, oblivious to the world around them.
The neko-jin was currently back with the guards, out of the way of any possible betrayal. And Kai was sorely missing his presence. Sitting on a horse for two hours with no company was not high on his list of fun things to do.
Whispers ran through his soldiers, indicating the arrival of the Thurians. There were at least twenty of them all mounted on sturdy mountain ponies. The leader was an old man. White hair framed his wrinkled face, making his eyes looker deeper set then they actually were. There was something about the man that reminded Kai of his own grandfather. It may have been the dark eyes, cunning showing through the thin layer of respect. The old man dismounted and Kai followed suit, towering over the wizened man. A woman in mage robes and a heavily veiled figure stood to the left and behind the old man.
"Lord Hiwatari." The man's reedy voice broke the silence, contempt audible in his every syllable. Kai showed no sign that he heard the man, mahogany eyes focused on the mage and veiled figure. He nodded to the mage, ready to end the conference. His deep voice carried to his soldiers and the Thurians. "This Mage of the Thurian Nation will cast a truth spell, so that we may determine the true Hiwatari heir." The mage nodded her assent, power gathering around her short figure. The magic flowed from the mage to the knight, coloring the air around him an orangish color.
The whole basis behind the spell was that if the person under the spell lied, the color would change. She nodded, straining to keep the spell in place. "This marks," he touched an index finger to one of the blue triangles, "mark the Hiwatari heir. A spell was placed on me at birth. If I were the true heir, at the time of my first birthday these marks would appear. Obviously it worked." Not once did the color change. Kai turned to the old man, mahogany eyes cold. "I want you off my land within a fortnight. If you're not gone, I will have every last man killed." The knight remounted, motioning for his soldiers to follow.
*****
The rain was still falling, so fine that it looked to be silver in the dim sunlight. Rei was leaning against the headboard, piece of charcoal in one hand, smooth board across his lap with a piece on paper; eyes focused on the knight. Kai seated next to the window, slim fingers running over Dranzer's blade, weak sunlight making them both glow. The neko-jin's golden eyes darted back down to the paper, charcoal stick moving across the paper. The only sounds in the room were the slight scratching of charcoal on paper and the crackling of the small fire. Rei took on final look at the knight before finishing the picture. He placed his name at the bottom of the picture, hidden among the stones.
"Kai, it's stopped raining." Kai looked up from Dranzer, straight into the golden eyes of the resident neko-jin He slipped the sword back into its sheath and set it to one side before stretching. Rei's eyes sparkled with hope and the knight sighed, unable to resist the look. "Go put some old clothes on." The raven-haired neko disappeared out of the room, footsteps oddly absent. Kai stripped his silk shirt off and tossed it on the bed before pulling on a plain black shirt followed by black cotton pants. He placed a knife in his boot, having decided not to take Dranzer. The blade had given him hell before deciding that Kai needed alone time with Rei. He tossed Dranzer on the bed, when Rei's piece of paper caught his eyes.
He picked it up eyes widening in surprise. It was a picture of him sitting in the window, Dranzer resting across his legs. Every detail was perfect from his clothing to the rocks of the window. He lay the picture back on the bed, and left the room locking the door behind him.
*****
"You know, if this keeps happening I'm not going to ride again." Rei looked up at the overcast sky, not trying to free himself from his sticky prison. He and Kai had gone out riding after it had stopped raining. Somehow they had ended up in the middle of an empty, barren muddy field. Things had been just fine until something had come up under Altair's hooves, causing the horse to start, which in turn ended with Rei thrown from behind Kai to land in mud.
"Are you planning on getting up or are you just going to lay there all day?" Kai's head appeared above the neko-jin, smiling at Rei. He held one hand up, trying his best to ignore the fluttering in his stomach when pale fingers wrapped around his wrist, easily pulling him to his feet. The knight turned his back on the neko-jin, walking back to Altair. Rei bent down and scooped up a handful of mud, golden eyes focused on the knight
~I must have a death wish. ~ He threw the mad ball, stifling a laugh as Kai stopped walking, mud clinging to his back. Rei plastered an innocent smile on his face; sharp eyes catching ire mixed with humor in mahogany eyes. Kai knelt down eyes never leaving the neko-jin as he gathered mud. "You really want to die, don't you?" He asked voice calm. The knight stood, eyes locked on the figure in front of him. Rei shifted slightly to his right foot, ready to make a dash for it if need be. Kai watched Rei and noticing the tensing in his muscles tossed the mud to one side, before tackling him.
They went down in a mass of limbs, Rei on the bottom struggling to get out from underneath the knight. Kai braced himself on his forearms, laughing to hard to actually manage to get all of his weight off the startled neko-jin. Rei was acutely aware of the warm body hovering only inches above him, the warmth comforting. Gold met mahogany and Rei smiled, eyes filled with humor and some other deeper emotion. He wriggled slightly; cloth covered skin brushing against each other. "This is actually comfortable. I could get used to this."
Rei smiled at the stunned look on Kai's face at his comment. The smile rapidly disappeared when a pale hand rubbed mud into his hair. "What the hell was that for?" Kai got to his feet, pulling the angry neko-jin up with him. He shrugged, a smirk spreading across his face. "Nothing." He remounted Altair, offering a hand to Rei. Rei took the hand, stepping on the stirrup that contained Kai's foot, not offering an apology.
*****
Rei shivered, wrapping his arms around himself in an effort to keep warm. The wind blew from the north, carrying the chill of the eternally snow capped mountains. He berated himself for not having grabbed his cloak or even a second cloak. At the present he had on warm pants and one of Kai's long sleeved shirts, which was soaked through because of his hair. As soon as they had gotten back from their ride he had gone straight to the bathhouse. It had taken him two hours to clean all of the mud from his hair. When he had gone to the room it was empty, with the exception of Dranzer. The ruby flashed once in welcome before going dark. So Rei had ended up on the castle wall, looking out over the vast Hiwatari lands.
Warm, strong arms wrapped around his waist, drawing him back against a warmer body, black fabric draping around him. Kai rested his head on Rei's shoulder, looking out over the orange stained mountains in the distance. The silence between them was comfortable, like that of long time friends or lovers. Guards on wall duty passed them with smiles, glad that the lord of the castle was content for once in his life.
"Why weren't you at dinner?" Rei leaned back, letting the knight support him. "I ate in the kitchen. Eating in the hall gives me headaches. You're not mad are you?" Kai shook his head, slate hair brushing against the neko- jin. He brushed his lips over the tip of Rei's pointed ear, feeling Rei shiver against him. "Come on. We leave in the morning." Kai took Rei's hand, leading him back to the castle
*****
The sound of a lock clicking drove through Rei's sleep hazed mind, jolting him back to the waking world. He was about to whisper when warm fingers pressed against his lips, effectively silencing him. Although there was little light in the room, his neko-jin heritage allowed him to see almost as well as if it was daylight. The door to the room slowly opened hinges squeaking slightly. Candlelight spilled on the foot of the bed and glinted off a dagger blade.
A/N: Sorry this took so long. I stupidly took eight classes this year, so my writing has been placed in the back. Also I've been trying to get a second part to Moonlight Contemplation out.
This chapter is dedicated to my friend Kat. I don't know what I would do with out her.
A page dressed in red and black bowed to Kai before taking Altair's reins, leading the black stallion to the stables. Several servants walked by, lowering their heads at the sight of Kai. "Ah Lord Hiwatari, welcome back." Kai and Rei turned to find a short, round man waddling towards them as fast as possible. Rei moved closer to the knight. Something about the man was ruffling against his nerves. The man bowed to the knight before straightening up. His black eyes moved to the neko-jin before returning to Kai. "Vernados, you call me Lord Hiwatari again, I'm going to replace you. That was my Grandfathers title." Kai's mahogany eyes were frigid, causing the steward to fidget. The steward bowed a second time. "I'm sorry Lord. I didn't mean to upset you."
Kai moved past the steward, Rei close behind to enter the main doors. Several stairs led down to the hall of the great floor. A fireplace took up one wall, containing nothing but coals. A smaller table sat on a dais across from the fire. A huge black and red serpent tapestry covered the wall behind the high table.
Halfway across the room, the knight and the neko-jin were stopped by a slight female in green wool. Her dirty blonde hair was braided and pinned in coils around her head. Blue eyes were set to close in a mouse like face. She curtsied to the knight, taking no notice of Rei. "Good Morning Lord Hiwatari. I'm Lady Adiel; you're mother's cousin's aunt's daughter. I journeyed here to see you, only to find you were at court."
"You came to see me?" She jumped at the sound of Kai's deep voice, a blush spreading across her face. She nodded, blue eyes bright with joy. "Yes. I came to marry you." Rei's golden eyes widened in shock, body starting to tremble at the thought. A single, aristocratic slate eyebrow rose, mahogany eyes revealing nothing. "Really?" She nodded again, her slight body straightening with anticipation. "Then someone must have misinformed you. I have no need for a wife." Kai's voice and face were totally impassive.
The neko-jin let out a sigh of relief that was missed by all but the knight. He turned to look at the neko-jin, who was sporting a blush across the bridge of his nose. The knight gave Rei a slight smile before turning to the steward who still stood at his left. "Verandos, I want my grandfathers room sealed. Nobody is to enter."
Verandos shifted from foot to foot and tugged on his tunic before meeting Kai's eyes. "Well you see my Lord, our house mage died not long after your grandfather. No one here can seal the room." Kai resisted the urge to slam his hand into the nearest wall. * This castle is full of incompetent people. It's a wonder it's still standing. * Kai was about to speak when a soft voice cut through.
"Kai, I can seal the room. I just need more power." All three turned to look at the neko-jin. The steward and Adiel both looked shocked at the way Rei addressed Kai. The knight would have had a talk with anyone who wrongfully addressed him, but Kai seemed to let it slid with the neko-jin. He slipped Dranzer's belt over his head, wrapping it around the scabbard. He handed the sword to Rei. "Use him. And if he doesn't help.." a smirk appeared on his face and he waved a page over "feel free to dump him in the well. Show Rei to Voltaire's room."
The page led him up a flight of stairs to a room at the top of the north tower. The door to the room was at least ten feet tall, black in color with iron bands. Rei unsheathed Dranzer, handing the scabbard and belt to the page. He held the blade in his left hand, tip almost touching the ground. He raised his right hand, green power glowing around the slender digits. The green light flowed to the door, running around the door jam before slowly starting to close over the door. The green flow slowly tinted with red as Rei's magic drained to be replaced by Dranzer's. The neko-jin wrote a finally binding rune in the air. He slumped down, only the sword keeping him from falling. One golden eye fixed itself on the possessed blade.
"Dranzer, could you give a little magic up?" He didn't expect a reply and was surprised when a blood red flash spread through out the landing. He leaned back against the wall, sword across his lap. "Thanks. I'm not sure I would have made it down the stairs." The ruby glowed briefly before going back to its original color. Rei braced himself against the wall, slowly getting to his feet. The magic Dranzer had supplied him with helped, but he wouldn't be totally steady for another couple of days.
The page was still at the top of the stairs, blue eyes wide with shock and a slight amount of fear. He watched Rei weave on his feet and hurried to his side. "Sir, are you okay?" He nodded and took the sheath from the page, slipping Dranzer into his resting-place. He slipped the belt over his head. The sword hung a little low on his back, one of the side effects of not having handled a sword for his entire life. "Could you show me to the kitchen?" The page nodded and took off down the stairs like a shot, leaving Rei to make his way down alone.
The kitchen was full of activity. People were running back and forth stirring things and taking things out of the ovens. An old lady stood in the middle of the kitchen, waving a wooden spoon around and shouting orders to the horde of kitchen workers. Her face had several streaks of flour and her dress was covered in various stains. The page darted through the crowd and tugged at the cook's skirt. He could see the old lady's eyes focus on him and he watched in amazement as the various kitchen workers moved out of her way. She ran her eyes over him, resting her eyes on the sword before meeting his eyes. She leaned down to the page and whispered something before straightening up. She pointed the spoon at him and gestured to a chair. "You're far to skinny. Sit and eat." The page reappeared with a bowl of stew and a small loaf of bread. He set the bowl in front of the neko- jin, which earned him a small piece of crystallized fruit from the cook. She watched him go, a smile smoothing out the wrinkles of her face.
"He's my grandson. I'm glad that he has a place to stay." She turned back to Rei, eyes on Dranzer. "Is there any particular reason you have Lord Kai's sword? He usually doesn't let anybody lay their hands on it, let alone take it out of his sight." Rei shook his head and took a bite of the stew. "Are you trying to fatten my neko-jin Lettie?" Kai's voice easily cut through the noise of the kitchen. Rei suppressed a shiver at the sound of Kai's voice, especially the way he'd said my. Lettie stood on tiptoes and kissed Kai on the cheek before handing him a piece of crystallized fruit. The knight took the fruit and hopped up on the table next to Rei's bowl.
"I see you didn't toss him in the well. I was hoping that you would so I could find a less bossy sword." The ruby flashed before going dark. Kai grabbed Rei's goblet and took a drink before looking at it strangely. He tipped the goblet at Lettie, one eyebrow raised in question. "Water?" She pointed at Rei, who's face was red. Kai cocked his head to one side; mahogany eyes focused on the blushing neko-jin. "Kai, I've lived in a tower for twenty years. Do you really think I've had access to wine?" Kai nodded and ate the rest of his crystallized apple before getting off the table. He pulled Dranzer over Rei's head; hand brushing the raven strands, sending chills through the slim body. Kai settled the blade back in place, hilt protruding over his left shoulder.
"You got the door sealed?" Rei got to his feet before the world started spinning. He felt himself falling only to be stopped by a pair of strong, pale arms. He started shivering, not as violently as the first time but enough to throw his balance off. He felt Kai lift him up and he snuggled against the warm, broad chest. He looked up with hooded eyes, golden color barely visible. "Does that answer your question? Nobody with out magic can break the seal. You could because Dranzer's magic is part of it." His shivering returned with a vengeance, wracking his slim form. Kai set him down briefly, pushing a door open before picking him back up. Rei sunk down into the bed, watching as Kai pulled off his shoes followed by the knight's boots. Rei clambered under the blankets, pulling them up around his chin.
The room was circular, with a single heavily curtained window facing out over the river. The floor was covered in thick rugs and the walls were draped in tapestries to keep the chill down. An ornately carved chest sat at the foot of the bed. A huge fireplace dominated one wall, fire burning cheerfully in it. The tapestries on the walls depicted battles of human against human and human against mythical creature. He felt the bed shift, before warm hands slid under his shirt. The white fabric blocked his vision and he watched as it landed on the chest. He was pulled back against a very warm, bare chest. A hand slid down and rested on his stomach. The slim fingers spread to their full width, the pale standing out against his darker skin. He picked the hand up and turned it over, running his fingers along the lines.
A ridge of skin caught his eye and he ran a finger over it, eliciting a shiver from the knight, which he felt. "How did you get this?" Kai leaned over, pressing against Rei's back. "I got that when I broke the ward on the door." Rei turned as much as possible to face the knight, golden eyes wide. "You used blood? I'm sorry." The neko-jin wrapped his arms around the knight's slim waist, eyes filling with tears. Kai didn't answer but instead pulled the Rei closer, trying to keep him from crying. He could deal with things trying to kill him, but give him somebody that was emotional upset and he was at a total loss of what to do. * I'm such a bastard. That's the second time he's started crying because of something I've done. * He just let Rei cry, staying silent, but at the same time trying to be supportive. The whimpers became less frequent before disappearing altogether. His breathing evened out and deepened, a sure signal he was asleep.
He brushed a feather light kiss across Rei's temple before untangling himself from the neko-jin's tight grip. He pulled his boots back on, followed by an ugly brown long sleeved shirt. He unrolled his armor from its oiled leather cover and pulled it one. Dranzer took his customary spot across his back. A smirk spread across his face as he closed the door behind him. * Let's see if my guards are any better then my management. *
*****
The sound of clinking penetrated his sleep-fogged mind, forcing him to open his eyes. He lay there for several seconds blinking owlishly before his eyes focused. Kai was sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, running his fingers over his armor. The sun was high in the sky, casting its light into the room. Kai's hair looked to be silver in the light and his pale skin held an ethereal glow. "What time is it?" Kai looked over at the bed, a small smile curving his lips. The only thing visible of the neko- jin was raven locks, standing out against the linen sheets and two sleep hazed golden eyes. "Shortly after noon. Lunch is on the table." Rei sat up and moved to the edge of the bed, stretching to reach his shirt. He could feel Kai's eyes on his back and was glad that his back was to the knight. He pulled his shirt on and went to the table.
Lunch consisted of a platter of cheese, bread and apples. A small goblet and flask sat next to the plate. He looked at it before looking at the knight, a puzzled look on his face. Kai didn't bother looking up from his armor. He had found a small hole and was running a piece of wire through to fix it. "Its cherry liqueur. Lettie makes it herself. Go easy on it, it's potent." Rei uncorked the flask and poured some of the scarlet liquid into the goblet. The scent of cherries permeated the air around him, reminding him of the cherries he got at the tower. He hesitantly lifted the goblet to his lips, letting some of the scarlet liquid pass. It tasted faintly of the red fruit along and was extremely sweet. Rei drained the goblet before pouring a second goblet full.
Kai wrapped his strong arms around the neko-jin, who started with faint surprise. Rei turned and found himself staring deeply into the mahogany eyes. Kai could smell the warm sweet scent of cherries wafting up from Rei's mouth. They were only a fingernail's width away from his. Rei took the initiative and kissed Kai full on the mouth, marveling over how soft, such a hard knight's lips could be. Kai slid his tongue into Rei's mouth, tasting the sweet cordial and the neko-jin's own unique taste. A knocking on the door pulled them apart, Rei flushing a brilliant crimson. Kai smiled the first genuine smile in along time. He laid his forehead against the neko-jin's; umber eyes meeting passion hazed gold. "You taste like cherries." The knight opened the door to reveal Lettie's grandson. "Rei this is Arthur. He'll show you around the castle and show you you're room." He winked, leaving the neko-jin to blush again.
*****
Dinner was a trying affair, leading Rei to develop a headache. The guards were overly loud, filling the hall with the sounds of happy men and clattering plates. The high table was silent. Any attempts at conversation would have been lost in the uproar. Lady Adiel's gown plunged perilously low, an obvious attempt to snare Kai. Even after the embarrassing rebuke today she still was hell bent on getting the rich noble. The neko-jin slipped from the hall up to his room, the noise proving too much for him. The only person to notice his disappearance was Kai.
*****
Kai was certain that he had gone to bed alone last night. That however failed to explain the extra body in his bed or the warmth on his chest. He looked down and his gaze was met with a mass of raven silk. Rei's head was pillowed on his chest, braid behind him, standing out against the linen sheets. He stretched and yawned, revealing his fangs. Sleep hazed gold met mahogany. "Morning Kai." Warm breath ghosted across his skin, causing muscles to tighten in response. He wrapped an arm around the neko-jin, pulling the lithe body as close as possible.
"Care to tell me why you're in my bed?" Rei closed his eyes, curling against the warm body. "I had a nightmare." A slate eyebrow rose, silently questioning. Golden eyes remained closed hiding the pain. "I woke up and you weren't there. So, I found my way here and crawled in with you." Kai was surprised that Rei had made it to his room. He knew from experience that Rei's sense of direction was slightly skewed.
The neko-jin, as though reading Kai's mind answered. "I followed your scent." The knight's eyebrow rose higher, eyes puzzled. "And pray tell, what do I smell like?" Rei opened his eyes, golden depths dancing with happiness. He stretched up, nose against Kai's neck. He pulled back slightly, lips grazing pale skin. "You smell like," he paused in thought "outside, spicy, free." He yawned again, light catching his fangs.
"Go back to sleep. Its still shortly before dawn." Rei snuggled back down into the bed until all that remained visible was his hair. Kai got out from the bed and opened the chest at the foot of the bed. He set aside a piece of red and black fabric, revealing the contents of the chest. The clothing in the chest was all black. He pulled out a pair of fine linen pants, a black silk shirt and a cloth bundle. He changed out of his sleeping pants and pulled his boots on, when knocking at the door broke the silence. The knight opened the door to reveal his steward. Verandos bowed before meeting the cold mahogany orbs. "My Lord, your entourage is ready." Without acknowledging the man, Kai closed the door, almost wishing to be back at court.
A low, thrumming sound filled the room. Kai looked around, searching the room. Mahogany eyes settled on Rei, who was propped up against the headboard, golden depths riveted on the knight. "You purr?" The neko-jin ducked his head, a blush spreading across the bridge of his nose. "Only when I'm content. And I'm content." He raised his head, golden eyes smoldering with desire. Eyes raked over the lithe body, lingering on the flat stomach, strong chest and toned arms. Rei knew that most fighters developed bulky muscles after years of training. Kai seemed to have avoided that fate. His muscles were finely chiseled and lean adding to the slim look that hung around him. He watched in rapt fascination as Kai pulled his shirt on, muscles moving smoothly under velvet skin. The knight unrolled the cloth bundle, black leather and metal revealed. He pulled one on, fastening the strap just below his elbow. A second strap fit at the base of his middle finger, preventing the guard from slipping down. The metal framed his elbow, a small piece on either side of his elbow with a longer piece covering the joint.
He pulled on the second guard before settling Dranzer in his customary place. His cloak was draped over the back of a chair, reminding the neko- jin of the cloak clasp in his belt pouch. He jumped up from the bed and opened the door, bounding out of the room with feline grace. The knight looked at the open door, at a loss for words. Rei was back several minutes later fully dressed, hair bound. Kai stood still as the neko-jin swung the black cloak around his shoulders, fastening the cloak clasp just below the hollow of the knight's throat.
Rei stood back, breath hitching in his throat. Kai looked the epitome of a barbarian god. He was dressed entirely in black and silver, the only colors the mahogany of his eyes and the blue marks. The only evidence of a weapon was the belt that looped over his chest, before disappearing into the darkness of his cloak. The black silk, sleeveless shirt clung to his torso like a second skin, not hiding the hard muscle. The knight ran a hand through his hair, brushing the more unruly strands back in place.
*****
Altair shifted slightly, hoofs rustling the grass. Kai touched his hand to the stallion's neck, the great horse quieting. *What the hell is taking so long? I don't have all goddamned day. * He could here the guards behind him shifting, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Thurians. The meeting had been for shortly after dawn but the nomads had yet to show up. At this rate he could have gone back to sleep with Rei and the two of them would be comfortably curled up, oblivious to the world around them.
The neko-jin was currently back with the guards, out of the way of any possible betrayal. And Kai was sorely missing his presence. Sitting on a horse for two hours with no company was not high on his list of fun things to do.
Whispers ran through his soldiers, indicating the arrival of the Thurians. There were at least twenty of them all mounted on sturdy mountain ponies. The leader was an old man. White hair framed his wrinkled face, making his eyes looker deeper set then they actually were. There was something about the man that reminded Kai of his own grandfather. It may have been the dark eyes, cunning showing through the thin layer of respect. The old man dismounted and Kai followed suit, towering over the wizened man. A woman in mage robes and a heavily veiled figure stood to the left and behind the old man.
"Lord Hiwatari." The man's reedy voice broke the silence, contempt audible in his every syllable. Kai showed no sign that he heard the man, mahogany eyes focused on the mage and veiled figure. He nodded to the mage, ready to end the conference. His deep voice carried to his soldiers and the Thurians. "This Mage of the Thurian Nation will cast a truth spell, so that we may determine the true Hiwatari heir." The mage nodded her assent, power gathering around her short figure. The magic flowed from the mage to the knight, coloring the air around him an orangish color.
The whole basis behind the spell was that if the person under the spell lied, the color would change. She nodded, straining to keep the spell in place. "This marks," he touched an index finger to one of the blue triangles, "mark the Hiwatari heir. A spell was placed on me at birth. If I were the true heir, at the time of my first birthday these marks would appear. Obviously it worked." Not once did the color change. Kai turned to the old man, mahogany eyes cold. "I want you off my land within a fortnight. If you're not gone, I will have every last man killed." The knight remounted, motioning for his soldiers to follow.
*****
The rain was still falling, so fine that it looked to be silver in the dim sunlight. Rei was leaning against the headboard, piece of charcoal in one hand, smooth board across his lap with a piece on paper; eyes focused on the knight. Kai seated next to the window, slim fingers running over Dranzer's blade, weak sunlight making them both glow. The neko-jin's golden eyes darted back down to the paper, charcoal stick moving across the paper. The only sounds in the room were the slight scratching of charcoal on paper and the crackling of the small fire. Rei took on final look at the knight before finishing the picture. He placed his name at the bottom of the picture, hidden among the stones.
"Kai, it's stopped raining." Kai looked up from Dranzer, straight into the golden eyes of the resident neko-jin He slipped the sword back into its sheath and set it to one side before stretching. Rei's eyes sparkled with hope and the knight sighed, unable to resist the look. "Go put some old clothes on." The raven-haired neko disappeared out of the room, footsteps oddly absent. Kai stripped his silk shirt off and tossed it on the bed before pulling on a plain black shirt followed by black cotton pants. He placed a knife in his boot, having decided not to take Dranzer. The blade had given him hell before deciding that Kai needed alone time with Rei. He tossed Dranzer on the bed, when Rei's piece of paper caught his eyes.
He picked it up eyes widening in surprise. It was a picture of him sitting in the window, Dranzer resting across his legs. Every detail was perfect from his clothing to the rocks of the window. He lay the picture back on the bed, and left the room locking the door behind him.
*****
"You know, if this keeps happening I'm not going to ride again." Rei looked up at the overcast sky, not trying to free himself from his sticky prison. He and Kai had gone out riding after it had stopped raining. Somehow they had ended up in the middle of an empty, barren muddy field. Things had been just fine until something had come up under Altair's hooves, causing the horse to start, which in turn ended with Rei thrown from behind Kai to land in mud.
"Are you planning on getting up or are you just going to lay there all day?" Kai's head appeared above the neko-jin, smiling at Rei. He held one hand up, trying his best to ignore the fluttering in his stomach when pale fingers wrapped around his wrist, easily pulling him to his feet. The knight turned his back on the neko-jin, walking back to Altair. Rei bent down and scooped up a handful of mud, golden eyes focused on the knight
~I must have a death wish. ~ He threw the mad ball, stifling a laugh as Kai stopped walking, mud clinging to his back. Rei plastered an innocent smile on his face; sharp eyes catching ire mixed with humor in mahogany eyes. Kai knelt down eyes never leaving the neko-jin as he gathered mud. "You really want to die, don't you?" He asked voice calm. The knight stood, eyes locked on the figure in front of him. Rei shifted slightly to his right foot, ready to make a dash for it if need be. Kai watched Rei and noticing the tensing in his muscles tossed the mud to one side, before tackling him.
They went down in a mass of limbs, Rei on the bottom struggling to get out from underneath the knight. Kai braced himself on his forearms, laughing to hard to actually manage to get all of his weight off the startled neko-jin. Rei was acutely aware of the warm body hovering only inches above him, the warmth comforting. Gold met mahogany and Rei smiled, eyes filled with humor and some other deeper emotion. He wriggled slightly; cloth covered skin brushing against each other. "This is actually comfortable. I could get used to this."
Rei smiled at the stunned look on Kai's face at his comment. The smile rapidly disappeared when a pale hand rubbed mud into his hair. "What the hell was that for?" Kai got to his feet, pulling the angry neko-jin up with him. He shrugged, a smirk spreading across his face. "Nothing." He remounted Altair, offering a hand to Rei. Rei took the hand, stepping on the stirrup that contained Kai's foot, not offering an apology.
*****
Rei shivered, wrapping his arms around himself in an effort to keep warm. The wind blew from the north, carrying the chill of the eternally snow capped mountains. He berated himself for not having grabbed his cloak or even a second cloak. At the present he had on warm pants and one of Kai's long sleeved shirts, which was soaked through because of his hair. As soon as they had gotten back from their ride he had gone straight to the bathhouse. It had taken him two hours to clean all of the mud from his hair. When he had gone to the room it was empty, with the exception of Dranzer. The ruby flashed once in welcome before going dark. So Rei had ended up on the castle wall, looking out over the vast Hiwatari lands.
Warm, strong arms wrapped around his waist, drawing him back against a warmer body, black fabric draping around him. Kai rested his head on Rei's shoulder, looking out over the orange stained mountains in the distance. The silence between them was comfortable, like that of long time friends or lovers. Guards on wall duty passed them with smiles, glad that the lord of the castle was content for once in his life.
"Why weren't you at dinner?" Rei leaned back, letting the knight support him. "I ate in the kitchen. Eating in the hall gives me headaches. You're not mad are you?" Kai shook his head, slate hair brushing against the neko- jin. He brushed his lips over the tip of Rei's pointed ear, feeling Rei shiver against him. "Come on. We leave in the morning." Kai took Rei's hand, leading him back to the castle
*****
The sound of a lock clicking drove through Rei's sleep hazed mind, jolting him back to the waking world. He was about to whisper when warm fingers pressed against his lips, effectively silencing him. Although there was little light in the room, his neko-jin heritage allowed him to see almost as well as if it was daylight. The door to the room slowly opened hinges squeaking slightly. Candlelight spilled on the foot of the bed and glinted off a dagger blade.