A/N: Well, here's the second chapter. Thanks to all of my reviewers. Read,
Enjoy and Review
~Rei's thoughts~ *Kai's thoughts*
"NO! I refuse. Never will I unite with Hiwatari. That bastard has been nothing but a boil on my ass. I will not give my only heir to that. thing." Halen patiently waited out his partner's temper knowing that it would only be a matter of seconds before the man wore himself out. "Kozue, you must. If not, Rahee will wipe your tribe off the planet. Please, for your heir."
Kozue slid to the floor, running his hand through black and grey hair. He turned anguished eyes to his partner. "Fine. Bring Rei to me." Halen disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Kozue sighed, very near to tears. He had lost his beloved wife not two months ago and now he was being asked to give up his son. Halen had hit on his one weak spot. He was devoted to his son.
*****
Rei was in his tent reading head pillowed against the flank of his guardian. His ebony hair was bound, looking much like his guardian's tail. Golden eyes were fixed on the book in his lap, unheeding of the goings on around him. He was dragged back to reality when his 'pillow' gave a low growl, informing him of his guest. Rei looked up from the book and smiled fangs peeking out. "Halen. Let me guess. My father wishes to see me?" At the panther's nod Rei stood and set his book to one side before leaving the tent.
Green eyes turned on the panther as five hundred pounds of sleek muscle wrapped in green and white fur stretched, revealing four-inch fangs. A long tail flicked against the ground, providing a counter point for the rising and falling chest. "Halen, what is so important." The tiger's voice was like the sound of silk sliding over marble with a hint of a growl in the background.
Halen shook his head, trying to suppress the trembling that seemed to be running through his body. "There's nothing Driger. Kozue just wanted to see Rei." He made a move to leave, only to be pinned to the ground by the upset tiger. Driger was by far one of the biggest guardians, outweighing the panther by a good two hundred pounds. "Halen, I suggest you tell me what is going on. I know it has something to do with my partner and I have every right to know." The tiger's fangs were dangerously close to the sable fur.
Halen finally gave in, more worried about his skin then giving up his secret. "Rahee has commanded that our tribes unite. Rei is to marry Hiwatari." Green eyes blazed with anger and he moved back, letting the panther up. Green smoke swirled around his feet and slowly his form faded. "Driger, where are you going?" The smoke faded, leaving only his voice. "To see Hiwatari's guardian."
*****
"I'm glad you find this funny Tala." Kai Hiwatari, head of the Drista Tribe, the biggest tribe of shapeshifters was seriously considering exiling his friend from the tribe. The redhead was sprawled on the floor of Kai's tent, finding great humor in his friend's predicament. Kai stood up and moved to the tent door. He pinned the door back; sunlight flooded the tent, lighting the dark corners. "Tala, start getting everyone packed. We leave tomorrow." Tala got to his feet, brushing off his tan pants. "And where are you going?" Kai turned his skin starting to redden. "Out." Within seconds a full-grown blood red phoenix, with mahogany eyes stood where Kai had been. He took to the sky and was lost among the clouds.
*****
When Rei returned to his tent, Driger was gone, leaving the tent with a feeling of abandonment. He crawled into the bed and curled up, drawing the blankets up to his chin. ~Well that was unexpected.~ He started laughing, the laughter mutating into hysterical sobbing. A weight settled on the bed next to him, causing him to roll against the tiger. Driger curled around the distraught teenager, velvet fur catching the tears fall from golden eyes. Rei's breathing slowly evened out and the tears stopped.
White and green fur glistened with crystal tears, making the tiger look diamond studded. Golden eyes were half-open, exhaustion, evident. "Where were you?" Driger yawned and lay his head on paws, green eyes closed. "I went to see your future mate's guardian." Rei perked up at this information, wanting to hear about the infamous Kai Hiwatari who was rumored to be a cold, heartless bastard. Driger, not in the mood to share his information started purring, the sound lulling his partner to sleep. Emerald eyes opened, intently focused on the air next to the bed. He sniffed deeply, nose catching a scent much like fire. "You might as well let me see you."
Slowly a form of a huge bird appeared red plumage seeming to burn with an inner fire. Brown eyes swept over the sleeping teen. "What are you doing here, Dranzer?" A green and white tail flicked idly, giving of an aura of uncaring. "I think that I have a right to see my partner's mate." The tiger let out a heavy sigh, warm breath ruffling Rei's raven hair. "Fine." Driger closed his eyes again, trusting the phoenix enough to fall asleep in his presence.
*****
"Don't worry Rei, everything will be okay." Kozue watched his son braid his hair, tying the ebony strands with a strip of red fabric. Rei whirled to face his father, hair lashing out behind him, fangs bared, eyes slitting in anger. "Everything will be fine? You're giving me to a tribe that hates me with nobody but Driger for companionship. Oh yes, things will be fine!" Kozue stared at his heir in shock before taking another swallow of his drink. He had been drinking since this morning, trying to drown out his son's accusing gold eyes. Rei looked so much like his mother that it hurt. He was minutes from giving away the last link to his wife and it was tearing him apart. Kozue got to his feet, weaving slightly. He pushed the tent door open, harsh sunlight beating down. "Come Son. You must meet your future."
*****
Kai watched in disgust as members of the White Tiger Tribe filed into the tent, almost all of them drunk. Not that his contingent was any better. He, Tala and a high-ranking blonde named Max were the only people that could stand up straight. A shaman from either tribe stood in front of him, waiting for his future mate. Tala, who was standing slightly behind him, was having a great time watching the drunken men glare at each other. Blue eyes swept over the group, before stopping on the door to the tent. He nudged his friend, drawing mahogany eyes to the shadow in the doorway.
Rei stepped into the tent, golden eyes sweeping over the occupants. There were twenty men in the tent, a large open space dividing the two tribes. His father was at the head of his men, black eyes burning with hate, focused on the young leader of the Drista Tribe, standing next to a slightly shorter redhead. The figure was paying no attention to his father. Instead, his eyes were fastened on Rei, raking over the teen's lithe body. Grey hair stuck up at angles, contrasting with the darker hair that was barely visible. Blue triangles adorned pale cheeks, emitting an aura of untouchable. Dark eyes were cold, hard and filled with a deep knowledge of the horrors of the world.
Rei walked up to the front of the tent, head held high; eyes focused on the fabric of the tent. He stopped in front of the shamans, inclining his head slightly in a sign of respect. One of the shamans took an ornate dagger from his robe sleeve, showing the dagger to the men in the tent. The second shaman grabbed Rei's hand, holding his wrist tightly. Golden eyes widened as the shining steel neared his hand. He bit his lip as the blade was dragged across his palm, red slowly welling from between the skin.
Seconds later, a warm, pale hand was pressed against his, fingers twining together of their own violation. A white silken cord bound their wrists together; pressing the wounds together, forcing blood back into the cuts. Mixed blood dropped to the ground, staining the grass black. The shamans started chanting, the eerie wailing filling the tent. Rei looked to his left, frigid mahogany eyes catching and holding his gaze. So caught in the cold gaze was he that only the last words of the ritual caught his ears. "Forever bound are you two in the eyes of Rahee."
Kai untied the cord, eyes never leaving his new mate. He handed the cord to one of the shamans gesturing with the second hand to his friend. "Tala, take him to my tent, then join me in the meeting tent. I have a few small matters to hammer out with his father." Kai turned and left, cloak swirling behind his lean form.
Tala turned to Rei and gave a slight half bow, mocking the younger teen. Kai's tent was on the far side of the encampment, standing alone at the edge. The redhead preceded Rei into the tent, holding the door open. "Don't leave here." His voice was cold, showing the immense dislike he held for the raven-haired teen. He turned on heel, leaving Rei alone in the empty tent.
Once Rei was certain he was alone he broke into tears, collapsing to the carpet covered ground. The luxury of the tent was lost on him as he cried, crystal tears slowly slipping down tanned cheeks. Warm fur brushed against his hand and he looked up to see sad emerald eyes looking down on him. Driger lay down next to his partner, silently comforting.
*****
Kai rubbed a hand over his eyes, trying to ignore the headache that was pounding against his temples. He pushed the door to his tent open, stopping in shock. Curled near the edge of his tent were two tigers. One was a huge specimen, green and white fur silky. A smaller black and white cat was slumped against the bigger cat, chest rising and falling in a steady motion. One emerald eye opened, focused on him with burning intensity. The eye contact was less then a second between them before the giant tiger disappeared. Kai stripped off his shirt, head whirling with thought.
The fact that Rei's guardian had allowed himself to be seen was amazing. Seeing someone else's guardian was a sign of trust. Kai got into his bed, one hand slipping under his pillow to finger the dagger there. His eyes slid shut, blacking out the world around him.
*****
When Kai woke, the tent was empty. He got out of the bed and threw on clean clothes, thoughts of his mate escaping flashing through his mind. The morning was cold, it being only a fortnight until the end of fall. Most of the rest of the camp was still asleep or at least staying inside the warm tents. He looked around the tents, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rei.
Rei looked out over the plain, the camp behind him in a small dip. A chill wind sprang up, causing the grass to bow low. He closed his eyes, calling to mind the picture of his favorite bird. He shivered as feathers appeared.
Kai finally found Rei, standing on the top of the rise behind camp. He watched as the teen started to shift. A small plains falcon took to the air, riding the winds with expert timing. "Shit." He mumbled starting to shift himself, watching the falcon move further away from the camp. He took to the air, red wings slicing through the air with ease. Slowly he gained altitude, getting above his errant mate. He managed to get over the falcon; mahogany eyes focused on the grey back below him. He folded his wings, talons out stretched, wrapping around a smaller body.
He twisted the last second before impact, putting his larger mass between the ground and Rei. Red became pale skin again, the phoenix body lengthening into a human. Kai got to his feet, falcon cradled against his chest. He found himself with an arm full of furious teenager, golden eyes flashing with anger. Rei drew back one hand, fully intending to hit Kai. Pale fingers encircled his wrist, applying just enough pressure to cause pain. "What the hell were you doing?" Kai's voice wad cold and emotionless, grip tightening as the raven-haired teen continued to struggle.
Rei's eyes were narrow with pain and anger. "Which time. When I was flying or when I tried to hit my bastard of a mate?" Kai pulled Rei close, free arm wrapping around the lithe teen's waist. Rei stopped struggling, all to aware of the warm body pressed against him. His hands were trapped between their bodies, effectively preventing him from getting free. Warm fingers brushed over his chin, tilting his head back to meet mahogany. "I expect more cooperation from you Rei. You may go flying as long as Max and Tyson accompany you. Their tent is the yellow and blue one on the far side of the camp." Kai let go and stepped back, body instantly going cold from the loss of heat. He turned back towards the camp, smirking.
*Well, that was interesting. It seems Rei isn't one to push around. He'll make an excellent leader. * He slipped into the darkened tent, eyes focused on the figure on the bed. "Shit! You bastard! What the hell was that for?" Tala sat upright, glaring at the slate-haired teen at the foot of his bed. "Come on. We have to finish getting everything organized for tomorrow." The redhead got to his feet and started rooting through his chest, pulling out various articles of clothing. He pulled a shirt on and turned, smirk playing across his face. "And how was your night?" Kai sank to the ground, rubbing his right temple. "Oh just stellar. Damn neko-jins."
*****
Kai pushed open the door, stopping to stare at the sight in front of him. Rei had his hair unbound, the ebony strands brushing his ankles. A silver backed brush slid through the strands, dragging out snarls and rats. Kai felt like he was intruding on a secret ritual of some kind but he couldn't tear his eyes away from the rhythmic movement of the brush and the shining black silk. He stepped further into the tent, boots rustling against something on the floor. Rei turned at the sound, white and black ears appearing from the mass of raven. "Would you not do that?" Kai smirked moving further into the tent. Golden eyes watched warily as he moved around the tent, packing a small bag. Rei was the first one to break the silence. "Where are you going?" Kai looked back at Rei who was still looking at him, ears still changed. He moved over to the teen, lightly brushing one finger over the white and black ears, drawing a shiver from the slim body. "I'm going to Nahzir with some of the others. We'll be back in three days at most. Don't get in any trouble."
~Rei's thoughts~ *Kai's thoughts*
"NO! I refuse. Never will I unite with Hiwatari. That bastard has been nothing but a boil on my ass. I will not give my only heir to that. thing." Halen patiently waited out his partner's temper knowing that it would only be a matter of seconds before the man wore himself out. "Kozue, you must. If not, Rahee will wipe your tribe off the planet. Please, for your heir."
Kozue slid to the floor, running his hand through black and grey hair. He turned anguished eyes to his partner. "Fine. Bring Rei to me." Halen disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Kozue sighed, very near to tears. He had lost his beloved wife not two months ago and now he was being asked to give up his son. Halen had hit on his one weak spot. He was devoted to his son.
*****
Rei was in his tent reading head pillowed against the flank of his guardian. His ebony hair was bound, looking much like his guardian's tail. Golden eyes were fixed on the book in his lap, unheeding of the goings on around him. He was dragged back to reality when his 'pillow' gave a low growl, informing him of his guest. Rei looked up from the book and smiled fangs peeking out. "Halen. Let me guess. My father wishes to see me?" At the panther's nod Rei stood and set his book to one side before leaving the tent.
Green eyes turned on the panther as five hundred pounds of sleek muscle wrapped in green and white fur stretched, revealing four-inch fangs. A long tail flicked against the ground, providing a counter point for the rising and falling chest. "Halen, what is so important." The tiger's voice was like the sound of silk sliding over marble with a hint of a growl in the background.
Halen shook his head, trying to suppress the trembling that seemed to be running through his body. "There's nothing Driger. Kozue just wanted to see Rei." He made a move to leave, only to be pinned to the ground by the upset tiger. Driger was by far one of the biggest guardians, outweighing the panther by a good two hundred pounds. "Halen, I suggest you tell me what is going on. I know it has something to do with my partner and I have every right to know." The tiger's fangs were dangerously close to the sable fur.
Halen finally gave in, more worried about his skin then giving up his secret. "Rahee has commanded that our tribes unite. Rei is to marry Hiwatari." Green eyes blazed with anger and he moved back, letting the panther up. Green smoke swirled around his feet and slowly his form faded. "Driger, where are you going?" The smoke faded, leaving only his voice. "To see Hiwatari's guardian."
*****
"I'm glad you find this funny Tala." Kai Hiwatari, head of the Drista Tribe, the biggest tribe of shapeshifters was seriously considering exiling his friend from the tribe. The redhead was sprawled on the floor of Kai's tent, finding great humor in his friend's predicament. Kai stood up and moved to the tent door. He pinned the door back; sunlight flooded the tent, lighting the dark corners. "Tala, start getting everyone packed. We leave tomorrow." Tala got to his feet, brushing off his tan pants. "And where are you going?" Kai turned his skin starting to redden. "Out." Within seconds a full-grown blood red phoenix, with mahogany eyes stood where Kai had been. He took to the sky and was lost among the clouds.
*****
When Rei returned to his tent, Driger was gone, leaving the tent with a feeling of abandonment. He crawled into the bed and curled up, drawing the blankets up to his chin. ~Well that was unexpected.~ He started laughing, the laughter mutating into hysterical sobbing. A weight settled on the bed next to him, causing him to roll against the tiger. Driger curled around the distraught teenager, velvet fur catching the tears fall from golden eyes. Rei's breathing slowly evened out and the tears stopped.
White and green fur glistened with crystal tears, making the tiger look diamond studded. Golden eyes were half-open, exhaustion, evident. "Where were you?" Driger yawned and lay his head on paws, green eyes closed. "I went to see your future mate's guardian." Rei perked up at this information, wanting to hear about the infamous Kai Hiwatari who was rumored to be a cold, heartless bastard. Driger, not in the mood to share his information started purring, the sound lulling his partner to sleep. Emerald eyes opened, intently focused on the air next to the bed. He sniffed deeply, nose catching a scent much like fire. "You might as well let me see you."
Slowly a form of a huge bird appeared red plumage seeming to burn with an inner fire. Brown eyes swept over the sleeping teen. "What are you doing here, Dranzer?" A green and white tail flicked idly, giving of an aura of uncaring. "I think that I have a right to see my partner's mate." The tiger let out a heavy sigh, warm breath ruffling Rei's raven hair. "Fine." Driger closed his eyes again, trusting the phoenix enough to fall asleep in his presence.
*****
"Don't worry Rei, everything will be okay." Kozue watched his son braid his hair, tying the ebony strands with a strip of red fabric. Rei whirled to face his father, hair lashing out behind him, fangs bared, eyes slitting in anger. "Everything will be fine? You're giving me to a tribe that hates me with nobody but Driger for companionship. Oh yes, things will be fine!" Kozue stared at his heir in shock before taking another swallow of his drink. He had been drinking since this morning, trying to drown out his son's accusing gold eyes. Rei looked so much like his mother that it hurt. He was minutes from giving away the last link to his wife and it was tearing him apart. Kozue got to his feet, weaving slightly. He pushed the tent door open, harsh sunlight beating down. "Come Son. You must meet your future."
*****
Kai watched in disgust as members of the White Tiger Tribe filed into the tent, almost all of them drunk. Not that his contingent was any better. He, Tala and a high-ranking blonde named Max were the only people that could stand up straight. A shaman from either tribe stood in front of him, waiting for his future mate. Tala, who was standing slightly behind him, was having a great time watching the drunken men glare at each other. Blue eyes swept over the group, before stopping on the door to the tent. He nudged his friend, drawing mahogany eyes to the shadow in the doorway.
Rei stepped into the tent, golden eyes sweeping over the occupants. There were twenty men in the tent, a large open space dividing the two tribes. His father was at the head of his men, black eyes burning with hate, focused on the young leader of the Drista Tribe, standing next to a slightly shorter redhead. The figure was paying no attention to his father. Instead, his eyes were fastened on Rei, raking over the teen's lithe body. Grey hair stuck up at angles, contrasting with the darker hair that was barely visible. Blue triangles adorned pale cheeks, emitting an aura of untouchable. Dark eyes were cold, hard and filled with a deep knowledge of the horrors of the world.
Rei walked up to the front of the tent, head held high; eyes focused on the fabric of the tent. He stopped in front of the shamans, inclining his head slightly in a sign of respect. One of the shamans took an ornate dagger from his robe sleeve, showing the dagger to the men in the tent. The second shaman grabbed Rei's hand, holding his wrist tightly. Golden eyes widened as the shining steel neared his hand. He bit his lip as the blade was dragged across his palm, red slowly welling from between the skin.
Seconds later, a warm, pale hand was pressed against his, fingers twining together of their own violation. A white silken cord bound their wrists together; pressing the wounds together, forcing blood back into the cuts. Mixed blood dropped to the ground, staining the grass black. The shamans started chanting, the eerie wailing filling the tent. Rei looked to his left, frigid mahogany eyes catching and holding his gaze. So caught in the cold gaze was he that only the last words of the ritual caught his ears. "Forever bound are you two in the eyes of Rahee."
Kai untied the cord, eyes never leaving his new mate. He handed the cord to one of the shamans gesturing with the second hand to his friend. "Tala, take him to my tent, then join me in the meeting tent. I have a few small matters to hammer out with his father." Kai turned and left, cloak swirling behind his lean form.
Tala turned to Rei and gave a slight half bow, mocking the younger teen. Kai's tent was on the far side of the encampment, standing alone at the edge. The redhead preceded Rei into the tent, holding the door open. "Don't leave here." His voice was cold, showing the immense dislike he held for the raven-haired teen. He turned on heel, leaving Rei alone in the empty tent.
Once Rei was certain he was alone he broke into tears, collapsing to the carpet covered ground. The luxury of the tent was lost on him as he cried, crystal tears slowly slipping down tanned cheeks. Warm fur brushed against his hand and he looked up to see sad emerald eyes looking down on him. Driger lay down next to his partner, silently comforting.
*****
Kai rubbed a hand over his eyes, trying to ignore the headache that was pounding against his temples. He pushed the door to his tent open, stopping in shock. Curled near the edge of his tent were two tigers. One was a huge specimen, green and white fur silky. A smaller black and white cat was slumped against the bigger cat, chest rising and falling in a steady motion. One emerald eye opened, focused on him with burning intensity. The eye contact was less then a second between them before the giant tiger disappeared. Kai stripped off his shirt, head whirling with thought.
The fact that Rei's guardian had allowed himself to be seen was amazing. Seeing someone else's guardian was a sign of trust. Kai got into his bed, one hand slipping under his pillow to finger the dagger there. His eyes slid shut, blacking out the world around him.
*****
When Kai woke, the tent was empty. He got out of the bed and threw on clean clothes, thoughts of his mate escaping flashing through his mind. The morning was cold, it being only a fortnight until the end of fall. Most of the rest of the camp was still asleep or at least staying inside the warm tents. He looked around the tents, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rei.
Rei looked out over the plain, the camp behind him in a small dip. A chill wind sprang up, causing the grass to bow low. He closed his eyes, calling to mind the picture of his favorite bird. He shivered as feathers appeared.
Kai finally found Rei, standing on the top of the rise behind camp. He watched as the teen started to shift. A small plains falcon took to the air, riding the winds with expert timing. "Shit." He mumbled starting to shift himself, watching the falcon move further away from the camp. He took to the air, red wings slicing through the air with ease. Slowly he gained altitude, getting above his errant mate. He managed to get over the falcon; mahogany eyes focused on the grey back below him. He folded his wings, talons out stretched, wrapping around a smaller body.
He twisted the last second before impact, putting his larger mass between the ground and Rei. Red became pale skin again, the phoenix body lengthening into a human. Kai got to his feet, falcon cradled against his chest. He found himself with an arm full of furious teenager, golden eyes flashing with anger. Rei drew back one hand, fully intending to hit Kai. Pale fingers encircled his wrist, applying just enough pressure to cause pain. "What the hell were you doing?" Kai's voice wad cold and emotionless, grip tightening as the raven-haired teen continued to struggle.
Rei's eyes were narrow with pain and anger. "Which time. When I was flying or when I tried to hit my bastard of a mate?" Kai pulled Rei close, free arm wrapping around the lithe teen's waist. Rei stopped struggling, all to aware of the warm body pressed against him. His hands were trapped between their bodies, effectively preventing him from getting free. Warm fingers brushed over his chin, tilting his head back to meet mahogany. "I expect more cooperation from you Rei. You may go flying as long as Max and Tyson accompany you. Their tent is the yellow and blue one on the far side of the camp." Kai let go and stepped back, body instantly going cold from the loss of heat. He turned back towards the camp, smirking.
*Well, that was interesting. It seems Rei isn't one to push around. He'll make an excellent leader. * He slipped into the darkened tent, eyes focused on the figure on the bed. "Shit! You bastard! What the hell was that for?" Tala sat upright, glaring at the slate-haired teen at the foot of his bed. "Come on. We have to finish getting everything organized for tomorrow." The redhead got to his feet and started rooting through his chest, pulling out various articles of clothing. He pulled a shirt on and turned, smirk playing across his face. "And how was your night?" Kai sank to the ground, rubbing his right temple. "Oh just stellar. Damn neko-jins."
*****
Kai pushed open the door, stopping to stare at the sight in front of him. Rei had his hair unbound, the ebony strands brushing his ankles. A silver backed brush slid through the strands, dragging out snarls and rats. Kai felt like he was intruding on a secret ritual of some kind but he couldn't tear his eyes away from the rhythmic movement of the brush and the shining black silk. He stepped further into the tent, boots rustling against something on the floor. Rei turned at the sound, white and black ears appearing from the mass of raven. "Would you not do that?" Kai smirked moving further into the tent. Golden eyes watched warily as he moved around the tent, packing a small bag. Rei was the first one to break the silence. "Where are you going?" Kai looked back at Rei who was still looking at him, ears still changed. He moved over to the teen, lightly brushing one finger over the white and black ears, drawing a shiver from the slim body. "I'm going to Nahzir with some of the others. We'll be back in three days at most. Don't get in any trouble."