Whoa, it's been awhile since I've updated this. Sorry, but I completely forgot about this fic. Anyways, I'm updating now and I hope I haven't lost all my reviewers. Oh, and also, in the last chapter I said there would be only two chapters left, well that's not true. I changed the plot at the end somewhat so there will be plenty more chapters to read.

Don't own DK

Cage Bird in Death

Chapter 6

It had been five years since Rune had resurrected Alfeegi and Kai-Stern, and the now six year old was already being trained to become Lykouleon's hire. It had been wonderful to watch Rune grow up, and Thatz and Rath having to chance after him, keeping him out of trouble. Most people were surprised that the little elf had become such a troublemaker, but to Lykouleon it was a welcomed relief.

The dragon lord walked into the library and saw Rune sitting there surrounded by stacks of books. The water knight looked as if he was about to fall asleep as he tried to stay awake and continue reading the book in his hands at the same time.

"Come on, Rune," Lykouleon said softly as he walked passed the books and picked up his young hire.

"No, I'm suppose to read..." Rune muttered before his strength finally gave out and he fell asleep.

"Alfeegi's working you too hard," Lykouleon whispered to himself as he tucked Rune into bed. Water landed gently on Rune's pillow and curled up beside his master's head. Lykouleon smiled slightly at the cute sight. "Look after him, Water," he said softly before closing the door.

Water's head suddenly snapped up, his senses fully alert. There was something in the room, something that wished to harm his young master.

"Water, what is it?" Rune asked sleepily as he sat up and looked at the small dragon. Water didn't answer, just continued to look around the room, trying to find the source of what was causing his discomfort.

A curl laughter echoed around the room as Drift stepped out of the shadows. "Did you really think that you had seen the last of me, little dragon prince?"

Lykouleon sat up suddenly. Grabbing his sword he quickly ran out of his room and down the halls of the dragon castle. He had this horrible feeling that Rune was in trouble, and that he could very well lose his hire once more. 'I can't let that happen,' he thought determinedly. 'I have to save him this time no matter what happens.'

Rune stared at the spirit with horror in his eyes. Water had morphed into his larger form and stood between Rune and Drift.

Drift laughed at the water dragon. "Do you really think that you can stop me that way, dragon?" Drift laughed once more and walked through the dragon toward Rune.

Water froze. When Drift had walked through him and agonizing cold had gripped his body. He couldn't move, though he knew behind him that Drift was going to kill Rune. 'No!' he thought fiercely. 'I won't fail him this time!' Water roared turned his body just enough to snap at Drift. He growled in annoyance when his jaws closed around air.

"Did you really think you could defeat me that way, dragon?" Drift asked smiling. "I'm already dead, there's nothing you can do to kill me," then turning to Rune he added, "you on the other hand are not dead, therefore you are completely at my mercy."

With those words his hands wrapped around Rune's neck, though his hands didn't pass through him. Rune began to struggle and kick as his airway was cut off. Water roared again and snapped at Drift once more though it did no good.

"DRIFT, GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF HIM!" Lykouleon yelled as he ran into the room.

"Didn't anyone teach you how to knock?" Drift growled in annoyance.

Lykouleon ignored him and raised his sword. "Get your hands off my hire," he growled.

A faint light surrounded Rune though Drift, Water, and Lykouleon didn't seem to notice. Rune kicked out at Drift once more and sent the spirit flying off of him. Rune, wasting no time ran over to Lykouleon and clung to his uncle's cloak. Water flew over to them and landed beside the two.

"Water, get Rune out of here," Lykouleon ordered. Water nodded and moved so that Rune could get on his back. Rune just looked at the water dragon with sad eyes and shook his head.

"I can't leave."

"Rune, you have to get out of here," Lykouleon said in a stern voice, though his eyes never left Drift. "Drift's trying to kill you and I'm not going to let that happen."

"But you can't find him!" Rune yelled at him. "I can."

"Yes, little one, you can," Drift said standing once more. "For now I will leave, but be warned prince of the dragons, I will kill you." And with that Drift disappeared.

Lykouleon sighed and let his sword drop somewhat once he was sure Drift was truly gone. Rune let go of his uncle's cloak and Water morphed back to his smaller form. Lykouleon knelt down and pulled Rune into a hug. (Remember people, Rune is six years old and Lykouleon nephew, nothing more than that. Ok, do we all understand cough Cosmos cough.)

"Are you all right?" Lykouleon asked looking Rune over for any injuries. The only damage that had been done though was the bruises on Rune's neck.

Water flew onto his master's shoulder and whinned slightly as he rub his young master's cheek with his own. Rune petted Water softly and nodded to Lykouleon.

"Alright then," the dragon lord said standing up, "let's get you into a different room for the night."

Rune nodded once more and Lykouleon lead him to Rath's room. Knocking on the door he waited for a reply and when he received one he entered.

"Don't you know that some people sleep, Lykouleon?" Rath asked when he saw the dragon lord. He then spotted Rune behind Lykouleon and cheered up immediately. "Hey, Rune!" he said cheerful and very un Rath like.

Rune smiled and waved at the fire knight. "Rath, Drift attacked Rune tonight," Lykouleon said sternly.

"What?" Rath asked looking back up at the dragon lord. "Are you sure it was him?" Lykouleon nodded.

"Rune's room is a total mess right now, would you mind sharing a room with him for the rest of the night?"

"Not at all," Rath answered as Rune ran over to him. Lykouleon smiled gently and left the room.

"Um, Rath?" Rune asked after Lykouleon had left.

"Yeah?"

"Who is Drift?"

Rune doesn't remember who Drift is! Next chapter will hopefully be up soon. I hoped you all liked this one.