Author's Note: Agh! I'm so sorry for not updating in ages. Just a note to all, my updates will be quite late, but I am doing my best to keep this story moving :cries: So please don't kill me.

I'd like to thank of the following:

StrifeValentine: Oh, you're always a great help. :hugs: Thanks for reviewing, really.. :hugs and dances:

AquaJogger: Thank you for the comment. :bows: I worship you. Truly, if anything, I look forward to seeing constructive critiques. That would help me oh so much.. Once again, thank you for reviewing, and reading this one's unworthy piece! I shall make an utmost effort to fix this. :raises fist triumphantly: Even though it's a treacherous and addicting habit, I will try to put it to it's end! I'm extremely thrilled that it is, if at all, in character. Heh.. Rath is a difficult one. XD Thank you, once again:Throws Rath at Aqua just for the heck of it:

Spectrum118: Oh, thank you so much.. Dragon Knights really is something, isn't it? In any case, thank you for reviewing, and I'm truly flattered.. I do not have any grace in my writing, whatsoever, but.. Truly, that is something that this one does not hear every day. :grins: Thank you!

SilverBluenchantress: Thank you for the eagerness of my future update.. ; Well, here it is, as you wished! Once again, a million apologies for not having this up earlier, but I was quite busy for the past few days. Please tell me what you think.

The Shadowess:smirks: Yes, tis mysterious.. :waves hands around in curved, odd motions and grins: Thank you for the review, and poor Rath wishes to abuse his existence by cutting his life. ; So sad. O.o; You DARE touch my beautiful Rath? Heh, just kidding.. I'm so sorry for kicking you:falls over and plasters a band-aid on your face: Hope it feels better soon! 0 ;

Rath:sweat drops:

Melody:just throws Rath to Shadowess: Eh, you reviewed. Here is your.. Temporary reward.. Until he gets thrown out on stage again! 0

And last but not least!

Kruz: Thank you for the review. Oh, I'm truly flattered XX; I've never had someone tell me that I'm a great writer, only mediocre. I apologize for the delay, once again, to all.

Disclaimer:

(Unfortunately) I DO NOT OWN DRAGON KNIGHTS. This is Mineko Ohkami's work and hers only. :Bows: She is an incredible being at that, and if you do not feel the way I do about her work, then you shouldn't be reading this, my fellow reader.

Heh, I'm too lazy to start another disclaimer.

Rath: You're too lazy to do anything!

Me: Wanna say that again:gets out a huge mallet:

Rath: Nope! O.O;;

Me: - Merci. :grins: On with the story:shoves Rath out there, but before doing so, cuddles him:

Rath: X.x;; EAH!

The young dragon knight's eyes slowly began to open, everything a blur. Gradually, but yet very slowly, everything started to come into focus from the carelessly shaped blobs of aimless colors which took refuge within his vision. He noted that he had been brought to a room of some sorts, from the bitter cold alley that he treaded, when he was last conscious. With a pathetic attempt to sit up, he winced in pain, for however long he had remained still and inactive had stiffened his frame greatly, and any small movement caused the most of pain. A soft gasp emanated from the boy's mouth, as he fell back into the sheets of the bed that he was laid in.

His eyes wandered aimlessly around the room, studying every intricate design engraved within the cold and plain looking walls which seemed to give a simple elegancy, all the same. His lips curled into a barely visible smile as he retreated submissively into the ocean of blankets. It was quite warm, and he had made himself comfortably within the preservative of heat. Despite the dangers that could come, who had brought him here, why he was here.. And all these questions that he knew that would be useless to ask, for no one would answer them at the moment- Savoring this moment of sheer carefree nature and an enlightened spirit was all that he desired.

This temporary moment of false happiness was shattered as the door creeked open, piercing through the silence, as a figure approached the bed where the young boy lay. The Knight's eyes were soon consumed with fear and instantly his reaction to this sudden intrusion was to grip his sheets close to him, so that his knuckles paled in comparison to their original tone of color. The new-comer smirked lightly, his eyes a mix of emotions, mostly filled with sadness. His facial features now shown more clearly, settled on the bed next to the Knight, smiling up at him.

'You sleep deeply.' He chuckled softly, his loose garments lazily sprawled over his slim figure. '..It's been far too long since I've seen your face..' The new-comer brought his hand up to the Knight's face, caressing it.

'..You do know who I am, yes?'

The knight remained silent, swimming in regret of the memories that still lingered. Yes, he knew who he was.. But he would never let him know that. He shook his head numbly, gaze locked onto the floor.

'Well, now, isn't that horrid?' He chuckled darkly and smiled 'Since you shall be staying here for as long as I can recall.. I suppose it's only the manner to introduce oneself.' The hand slowly retreated back to the owner's lap. 'I am Kharl. The Renkin Wizard. Whatever you wish to call me. Preferably Kharl though…'

The Alchemist leaned in towards the knight, their faces extremely close, noses almost touching.

The boy grimaced, scowling slightly.

'Whoever you are does not trigger my interest.' He stated coldly. 'Why am I here?' The Alchemist smiled sadly and lifted the Knight's chin, and spoke 'That is for you to figure, my Dear Rath.. Yes, why would I bring you here? Why would I bring you when you had finally sought freedom, broke free of the chains of the Dragon Tribe which bound you.. Brought you here to stay..?'

The boy's eyes narrowed, now dulling a murderous crimson, giving a flat and emotionless glare to the Alchemist.

'I will not stay. It may be your wish and intention for me to stay, which of a reason that remains anonymous to me.. But I will escape and depart from this place.' He stated coldly, and added, with a slight hiss. 'No, I wish not to waste my energy in mentally scheming how to escape.. You, good sir, will let me go free.'

The Alchemist nodded, unimpressed, but slightly taken aback. With a smile, he responded,

'Such a demanding one.. Well, that will not do..' He smiled deviously. 'So, my Dear Rath, would you care to explain why I shall let you free, much less, what you will do if I reject your order?'

'I will kill you.' Was the simple statement in return.

The Alchemist, now quite annoyed, managed a smile. 'Is that so? Is that so, Rath?' He crossed his arms, and pouted slightly, bottom lip sticking out innocently. He sighed hesitantly and continued,

'Very well, Rath, I'd like to see you try to escape. Oh, I have no intention of letting you go free. You, my friend, will have to carry your own weight.'

The knight scowled, glaring at the Alchemist. 'Oh, I will escape.. Kharl..'

'I look forward to it.' Kharl grinned and slid off the surface of the bed, and started for the door. He stopped, and kept his gaze focused onto the exit of the room.

'..You shan't do such a foolish thing, my Dear Rath…. You will remain here as long as I wish for you to.' With that, the Alchemist walked out, slamming the door shut.

The knight closed his eyes and sighed heavily. How in God's name was he to escape? If ever he was to escape, it would not be soon, for he had the lack of recovery, and before settling on doing anything at all, had to respect common sense. Common sense wasn't a crime, just one thing that he truly despised. He pondered on how he could escape. There was no way, no possibility that he would end up staying here.

The alchemist walked through the empty, huge hallway, sighing heavily.

Such a stubborn one, you are, Rath.. Truly, you are, and willing to do almost anything to receive what you desire: What you, and you alone wish for. But you shall know soon that, things will not go your way here. So all you can do is adjust and adapt. Face reality for once, my Dear Rath..