Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Knights, Mineko Ohkami does.

Ch.2. Plans Of Escape

Knock, knock, came the sound at a door in the Dragon Castle. The door opened, and a long-haired, red-headed member of the Dragon tribe poked his head in.

" Rath?" came the inquiring question.

"Hey, Ruwalk," came a small, bored voice.

Yellow Dragon Officer Ruwalk entered the room and walked over to where the black-haired child lay on a large red pillow, his head resting on Crewgar's side, while Fire sat nearby.

"Cerozurna said you didn't touch your supper. Is anything wrong?" Ruwalk asked worriedly.

" Well, when Alfeegi said that I'd be grounded inside the palace, I didn't think he meant one room," came the sullen rply.

"Ah, yes, well," Ruwalk said," I think you're in here because you get into too much trouble when you're loose somewhere else."

"But it's boring," Rath said looking at Ruwalk for sympathy," There's no one to talk to. I get so lonely." The child's voice quavered on the last note.

: What about us: Fire held up his sign. He was knocked backwards by Rath's elbow. The boy was clearly working on the Dragon Officer's emotions.

"Can't I go out for a little while?" Rath pleaded, putting on his wide-eyed act again.

Ruwalk wavered, hesitantly. He was about to agree with the child's request, when an image of Alfeegi on a warpath striking him down with lightening popped into his mind.

"No!" burst the quick reply.

Rath jumped, startled.

Ruwalk composed himself and said more demurely,"No."

"But-"

"I'm sorry, Rath, but Alfeegi is right. It's too dangerous for me to let you out. I mean-! It's too dangerous for you to be loose. You have to learn to be responsible. And cutting off Alfeegi's hair-" Ruwalk smothered a laugh-"However amusing that may seem is not responsible. So, being grounded is like teaching you a lesson. Therefore, I can't let you out."

"So, when will I be?"

"Ah…that's up to Alfeegi."

"I'm gonna be stuck here forever," Rath sulked.

"Now, now," Ruwalk chided, trying to lift the child's spirits,"I'm sure it won't be that long."

At least until his hair grows back, he thought.

"So," the Dragon Officer said,"Do you want a second chance at dinner?"

"No," Rath pouted, turning his back to Ruwalk.

Ruwalk sighed,"Alright. Well, goodnight,Rath."

The black-haired boy didn't answer. He didn't turn around until he heard the door close behind him.

Sighing, he propped himself up on his elbows and glared at Fire.

"This is all your fault," he said.

: You had it coming: his sign read.

" It's still your fault," he said," I could be outside if it weren't for you."

: In your dreams: the next sign read: They watch you all the time:

" You're right!" Rath exclaimed, sitting up indignantly,"They never let me do anything!"

Then the black-haired boy stopped and a sly, mischievous grin spread slowly across his face.

" Crewgar," he breathed softly, taking the demon-dog's face in his hands,"Why don't we run away?"

Crewgar whined deep in his throat, as if saying that wasn't a good idea.

: Definitely not a good idea: Fire's sign read.

" Who asked you, lizard-breath?" Rath cried, not wanting anyone to voice their opinion that his plan wasn't a great one,"I'm going to run away!" he announced standing up,"Whether you two like it or not!"

Fire looked oover at Crewgar and they both nodded. It was up to them to keep Rath safe.

: If you run away, I'll tell: the dragon stated, brandishing his new sign .

"You won't have a chance," Rath grinned evilly. Bending over, he reached under his pillow and pulled out-

: NOOOOOOOOO: Fire's sign fluttered to the ground as he flew up to the ceiling in terror: DON'T PUT ME IN THE SWORD:

"Then you better keep your mouth shut," the black-haired child threatened," Or else I'll-" he waved the sword up at him.

: O.K.! O.K.: two more signs fluttered to the floor.

"Yay!" Rath smiled happily again," Now we can all run away together!"

Crewgar whined and wagged his tail, as if saying even if he didn't like the idea, he'd go along.

"ALRIGHT!" Rath exclaimed, pointing his sword skyward, "IT'S DEMON-HUNTING TIME!"

A/N: Please share your fav parts, thanx!