"What's this sensation?"

by Shelly Webster

Disclaimer: I own this plot. I think. I've sure never read anything like it. I own...well, in this story, I own nothing, at least not yet.

A/N: I had to force my muses to save this chapter until they wrote more of the next chapter of Determined Protector. There were whips, bruises, and many beatings involved – not a pretty sight. They wanted me to get this and the next chapter out immediately after the last one. Thanks once again to my D. Sorry to traumatize her with where this plot heads. I think ambiguity is my new best friend. It made this chapter write itself! But sometimes it is so hard to be vague...Oh, I want reviews if people want the next chapter. Keep in mind, it is ready to post at a moment's notice, already betaed.

Shouts-outs:

Infinitis: Do you know of anywhere to find good C/D fics? hopes against hope I didn't want him hurt (my best and most used character is a doctor that things of Dil as a son) but he just tells me what happens.

Sakura Shinguji-Albatou: I never thought of Dil as the self-mutilating type – too vain and determined to be flawless. Yeah, you'll see where this goes. I don't know why no one uses the term mollycoddle. It's so useful, especially for fics like this.

Chapter 4

The Truth Behind Emotion

They stood, quietly discussing the results of their first attempt.

"He is gone again."

"But he is likely to come back."

"Perhaps."

"If he permits himself to."

"He might not wish to."

They paused, then switched the topic, somehow all understanding this was going on.

"This was nothing like last time."

"But last time involved the two."

"This is true."

"Sometimes it is best to only involve one. Fewer risks."

"If one understands the parties involved."

"Which we do."

The five all knew this, but sometimes it was best to state anyhow.

"And the environment was greatly differing last time."

"There was less anger."

"There was a weaker relationship at that time."

The cloaked men remained there, pondering what was said.

"And the girl?"

"Unaffected as of now, to the best of our knowledge."

"Unaffected by this, anyhow."

"Is it best that way?"

"Perhaps."

"Perhaps not."

"What should be done?"

They gave this question deep contemplation, as well as the level of interference they would pursue with the young pair.

"Perhaps we ought to wait."

"Wait?"

"Yes..."

"It is too soon to tell where this will go."

"Or where we wish this to go."

"Perhaps that is best..."

The mute one nodded after a few tense moments. It was decided – they would wait.

"How long ought we wait?"

"Several moons. Perhaps with him injured she will interfere."

"She might interfere positively or negatively..."

"She knows she is stuck with him either way."

"This is true."

"She is more aware."

"She can sense that we bound them together."

"Yes."

"We shall see what she does."

"And if she does nothing?"

"She will not do nothing."

"We cannot know that as of yet."

"She will take action."

"She must."

"She will if only for the change."

"Yes."

"She is idle too much."

"But there is no alternative."

"She grows stronger."

"Not strong enough yet."

"She does not know her strength."

"She cannot."

"Unless he tells her."

"He won't."

"Unless he feels he failed."

"This is very unlike the previous time."

"When the Strategos was involved."

"The last time they were both already attracted."

"But their reactions this time..."

"The other Schezar was better mannered."

"The other Schezar does not live with him."

"Yes."

"The other experiment."

"The one that lived."

"He has done well..."

"...But it needed more."

"It always does."

They all nodded. Some experiments seemed to have no end.

"Even with this new experiment on him, something seems wrong."

"Perhaps not wrong. Just...not right."

"There is a factor...we had not seen."

"That we still have not seen."

The mute member of their collective listened. He seemed to have no comment on this.

"Will this still work?"

"It should."

"Just give it time."

"Time is our best tool."

"It has failed us in the past."

"It still is best, at least in this."

The silent one nodded as he had earlier. They were of accord.

"The injury will show us what we must do."

"Perhaps she will find sympathy."

"Or perhaps she will spit in his face. She has gained some of his temperament."

"...But her nature is gentle."

"We shall see."

They all nodded in agreement.

"She did not resist the kiss."

"She did not know what was happening."

"He did not resist either."

"He could not."

"We had control."

"Seven moons, then we shall see what needs to be done."

They nodded once more, then the madoushi returned to another experiment.

A/N: Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about Dil or his injury.