SS-Hi everyone. Hope you've all been well. I know this is incredibly late, and I offer my biggest apologies, I'm so sorry for the long-put-off-ness!
Tym-*ahem* Story…?
SS-I know. Thank you everyone for your nice reviews! I'll skip the individual thanks since this chapter has been put way back, but next time I'll start with it. Cookies for everyone as part of my sorries! I don't know how long I'll make this chappie, so enjoy the munchies.
Tym-Yea…that also means we're beginning.
~*~*~*~
Loving Legends
Chapter 7 – Glimpses of yellow
Disclaimer: See prologue or the previous chapter please!
#notes#
(+) Remember this is Grypholyion (+)
~This is Dragoon…yup, he's back~
Here's a new one, sorry if it's too much to keep track of…they aren't extremely important, they just help differentiate between all the characters
~*~*~*~
Rei thought it over, thinking about the consequences of his action. It took him a few minutes before he looked up at Kai again, an answer in his mind.
"So, are we going Rei?" The raven-haired boy met his gaze and then turned away, jumping into the water without a word. Kai cursed rather loudly, causing Dranzer to jump.
{Master Kai?}
"Damn that half-"
"What did you say Kai?" Glancing down, the bluenette noticed Rei hadn't crossed over yet. He was wading in the lake, waiting patiently.
"Why are you still here?" Rei gave him a funny expression.
"I'm waiting for you to follow me. Unless you want Draciel to crush as you cross that is." He turned around. "Hurry up, I want to have a good ten minutes with Grypholyion before Robert comes back. He should be here soon." With that, he went under, swimming towards the hole in the mountain. Smirking, Kai lifted his arm up, telling Dranzer to get off him. He whistled a string of notes.
"Meet you on the other side Dranz." She chirped, and began flapping her wings a little harder, ascending the large mountain. Kai dove in, catching up to Rei so that the turtle wouldn't try to harm him again. Once he surfaced, he spotted Rei on land already, quickly shaking the water of off him. The bluenette had to admit, he did look different when his hair was matted down and his normally loose clothes clung to his body. Although the thought never actually registered in his mind, it was a good different.
"Better get out of there Kai. Draciel is coming in." Out of the corner of his eye, Kai did notice the giant turtle making its way over to the lake, so he lifted himself out of the cool water and shook his head. Dranzer came down shortly after, landing beside the bluenette.
"Looks like Dranzer is ready, lets go." Brushing his bangs away, Kai held his hand out to Dranzer, who happily complied and hopped onto the boy's wrist. He followed Rei, keeping his eyes open for any new creature or anything interesting.
This side of the mountain was pretty similar to his side, except that it was completely untouched by human hands. There were definitely more trees, aside from the clearing by the lake, it seemed like they were walking through a see of green. Kai was aware that they were taking a more secluded route, as the deeper they went, the fewer animals he saw.
'He probably doesn't want to draw any attention to me.' He didn't know just how vicious the animals on this side of the mountain were, but if Rei was indeed truthful, he shouldn't wander off to find out. However, Dranzer was with him, and Kai's natural sense of wonder drove him to go against the raven-haired boy's warnings.
'I'll have to do it later, when he's talking to the griffin. Then I can really look around.' Turning his eyes back to the road, Kai looked up to see a rather large ledge protruding out of the side of the mountain. He wasn't sure, but the bluenette had a feeling that a cave was there. After a few more seconds, Rei stopped and glanced over at him.
"This is where you hide." He jumped up to a branch of a tree and from there crossed over to a small ledge, which seemed to lead to the cave. "If you go any closer I'm sure Grypholyion will smell you. If Robert comes you better get out of sight." He scanned the area. "Um…I don't think he'll search the forest, so as long as you are invisible to him, you should be alright." With that done, Rei skillfully ran across the ledge over to the mouth of the cave. Once completely out of sight, Kai smirked and began walking off.
"Come Dranzer, lets see what this side of the Umber Wood has to offer." She merely hopped over to his shoulder and chirped. There wasn't much she could do except stay alert, because even though she couldn't under stand Kai, Dranzer knew he was going to explore. This was her old home, and the other animals her old comrades, if they were the same as before, she'd have to be vigilant.
~*~
Peering into the mouth of the cave, Rei cautiously walked into the increasing darkness. Though the griffin would be able to identify him by his scent, the boy didn't want to make too much noise incase he was sleeping. He kept his hand on the cave wall, not wanting to accidentally bump into the massive creature. Grypholyion always slept in the middle of the cave, and even though he could see pretty well in the dark, Rei really didn't want to take chances…especially since he was asking the griffin for a favor.
'Wow, I didn't think Grypholyion would be this far back.' Glancing over his shoulder Rei sighed as the light from outside grew smaller and smaller. 'Kai won't be able to hear anything, not to mention he can't even understand what we're saying. Brining him in here was probably one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made. So why did I?'
(+) Rei, what are you doing in here? (+) The boy stopped and gasped. Scanning the area ahead of him, he squinted into the darkness.
"Uh…Grypholyion?"
(+) I'm on the right. (+) Yup, there he was. The creature was laying a little off to the right, just a few yards from Rei. (+) What are you doing in here? (+) It came as more of a command, but a gentle one from the tone of voice. Rei slowly made his way over and sat down in front of him, patting one of the griffin's large claws.
"I just wanted to ask you something." He nodded.
(+) What would that be? (+) Stalling or anything of the sort wouldn't be very helpful, so he went straight to the point.
"I wanted to know when I started talking to other mythical creatures." Since it was rather dark, Rei couldn't tell what expression crossed Grypholyion's face so he continued. "It's…purely out of curiosity. I was talking to Wolborg earlier and the thought popped into my head. I don't think Max would know and Robert isn't here, so I wanted to know if you knew. I mean, you did watch over me when I was younger." There was a pause, and for a moment Rei thought that he wasn't going to answer.
(+) The exact date doesn't come to my mind young one, but I believe it was the day when I brought you to see the unicorns on the far mountain. (+) Rei looked up to him…or where he thought the beast's head was.
"You mean the first creature I talked to was a unicorn? I thought the first creature I talked to was you."
(+) You spoke to me, but I didn't know what you were saying. We didn't have a connection like the one I have with Robert, so all I heard was mumbling. I don't believe you realized your gift until you saw the unicorns. (+)
"So until I actually knew about my gift I couldn't use it?"
(+) It was many years ago Rei, you were just a little thing. Your ability probably should have remained dormant in you for much longer had it not been for the powers of the unicorns. (+) Rei thought about that and tried to connect the dots.
"Like how Driger has power over earth and Draciel controls water?" He wasn't sure, but the boy assumed Grypholyion nodded. "So the unicorns have control over…speech?"
(+) I'd guess they are more like amplifiers, awakening and nurturing one's own unique abilities. You do know that like anything else, your gift for communicating has grown and improved over time don't you? (+) Rei nodded. (+) So bringing you into close contact with the unicorns must have brought about your speech. Yes, it was one of the leading unicorns that did it. What was her name…uh…Unicolyion. That's right, it was Unicolyion. I remember now, I corresponded with her prior to the war, one of my acquaintances. Yes, she came to greet me and that's when you jumped off my back and ran over to her. Taking to you quickly, you must have been fascinated by her spiral horn and touched it. That contact and Unicolyion's natural aura of magic probably sparked your power and caused you to speak. (+) Rei took it all in slowly, racking his brain for any memory of Unicolyion…or any unicorn for that matter.
"And then I…talked to her, right? That's when you noticed that I talked to creatures isn't it?"
(+) Actually, I didn't know what you were doing since you were in that mumbling stage. Unicolyion alerted me to your ability and that's when I knew. On the way back you wouldn't shut your mouth. You must have been amazed by this new aptitude and milked it for all its worth as if it was going to disappear the next day. Now that I think about it…I don't know if that was a good day or a bad one. (+) Rei hit the griffin's claw playfully and smiled.
"So that's how it started. It was because of Unicolyion…"
(+) I'm sure your gift would have come later on had I not brought you there. (+)
"I know, it's just nice to know how it all began." Glad that he had gathered the information he needed, Rei thought about going back to Kai. Hm…now that he thought about it, this information wouldn't help much. According to Grypholyion, Unicolyion awakened this ability. Even though Kai probably has the capability of speaking to creatures, what could he do about it, bring him to a unicorn? No, this wouldn't work at all. The visit was a dead end.
It wouldn't take too long to get to the unicorns' home if Grypholyion flew them, but that was an obvious no. Max wasn't strong enough to do it either, and Rei didn't know the way to the far mountain where the unicorns lived.
(+) Rei, are you all right? (+) Feeling the tap on his shoulder, Rei nodded and lightly drummed his fingers on Grypholyion's claw.
"I'm fine. Just thinking." He got up and brushed his clothes off, turning towards the exit. "Thank you for telling me all of this Grypholyion, I really appreciate it." The mighty griffin shook his head and got up as well, stretching his neck.
(+) The enjoyment was mutual. Reminiscing is pleasing, especially to that period of time. A time when you weren't quite as mischievous. (+) They began walking towards the bright light, Rei keeping his hand on the griffin's soft coat to make sure he didn't lose him.
"I'm sure they were boring days. Say, you didn't have to walk me out. I think I could have managed."
(+) The world doesn't revolve around you young one. Robert is returning soon. I can sense him. (+) Rei retained a gasp, though his words expressed his emotion.
"You mean he's here already?!"
(+) No, I believe he's on his way. He is probably walking into the forest on the other side of our mountain. (+) Thoughts raced through Rei's head as he tried to order everything.
'I got to get Kai out, I have to find a way to signal Max so that he can get back in…or at least stay out of Robert's sight until I can get him. Now I need a messenger. Driger? No, I can't let him go to the other side. Draciel can't fit through the hole in the lake…Wolborg; uh…I can't ask another favor already can I? Damn, I couldn't anyway; he's at Falborg's nest. Who does that leave?' A gentle breeze blew past them as the two reached the end of the cave, now walking out onto the ledge.
(+) You should get Max; remember that Robert has something important to tell you two. (+) Rei nodded, not fully comprehending what he was just told to do.
'Ok, think! Dranzer? No, that'll take too long. By the time I find where Kai's hiding and tell Dranzer to warn Max, Robert might have seen him. Who does that leave?' Another gust blew his bangs into his eyes. He growled slightly as he brushed them away and then smiled with relief as he gazed up.
"Dragoon!"
~*~ (Back track…after Rei had entered the cave…)
Kai glanced around; so far he hadn't seen anything besides trees. The trail Rei had taken must have been more secluded than he originally thought. 'I wonder if Dranzer recognizes any of this. We must be somewhere near her home since there are so many loose red feathers on the ground.' Looking up for signs of other phoenixes, he sighed. 'Or maybe not.' Dranzer was getting restless too; she could feel the presence of other birds but was torn between going off to find them and staying with Kai. She let out a screech, hoping someone would answer her call. Kai stroked her folded wings.
"Just a bit further Dranz, then we'll go back." Suddenly a low pitch call reached the phoenix. She turned towards the direction of the call.
{Can it be?} Hopping off Kai's shoulder, Dranzer took flight, cutting through the trees as if they weren't even there. He snapped his head towards the same direction, a confused expression on his face.
"Dranzer!?" In an instant the bluenette ran after her; she never left him without a warning or command and this behavior worried him slightly.
{Is that you?!} She kept chirping, gaining some height as she flew. The responding screeches were getting louder, so she increased her speed. A small clearing was coming up, and it did seem vaguely familiar. It was probably an old meeting area. When she was about five feet away, Dranzer shot up, hovering before the spot. It was just an old tree, tall and barely greening. No one or thing was there.
{Hello?} She scanned the land, it looked like some birds were just here, but where did they go? {Ah!} Feeling something hit her left wing, Dranzer dropped and flew away, coming back up two or three yards later to see who had attacked her. {Who's there?!} Appearing from the cover of the neighboring trees was a rather large eagle. Goldenrod in color and slightly bigger than the phoenix he flapped his wings slowly, as if analyzing her.
…Dranzer? Spitting out some fire, she flew over to him and starred him down.
{Who the hell are you, and why did you hit me?!} She asked indignantly. He bypassed her and landed on one of the limbs of the tree. He motioned for her to join him, but she merely closed the distance.
It's been a long time. You still have that attitude, but your vigilance has dropped some. She huffed, torn between anger from the insult and confusion from the partially welcoming manner.
{You are in no position to judge me. I don't even know who you are.} The male looked slightly hurt.
It's me you firefly, Trygle. Dranzer blinked once, then twice and the name finally registered in her mind.
{Trygle…} She echoed. With a light chirp she rammed him playfully and nodded. {Now I remember! We always sparred here in the afternoons when the other birds left to eat.} Now that her memory had returned, the eagle got off the branch and flew up, glad that she followed him.
I was beginning to worry about you. After all those years of training and you forget me after a year or two?
{I'm afraid it's been longer than one or two years. And I'm sorry, but when I left it was like I left some of my memories behind.} She glanced at the tree and its surrounding area. {This place was only familiar to me until I remembered you. Now everything is coming back.}
Living on the other side of the mountain does that to you I suppose. She nodded. I still can't believe you were caught. When Amphilyion told me I thought he was joking, but when I couldn't find you… He batted her gently. You actually made me worry. And you know I never worry.
{Sorry.} He shook his head.
Ah it's ok. None of that matters anymore anyway. You escaped! I knew you would. I just didn't think it would take this long. That human must have kept you on some leash. She lost some altitude and landed on one of the top branches. Trygle tilted his head and perched next to her. Hey, I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. Don't worry; if we stick together and you stay on this side of the mountain, no human will ever get within ten feet of you ever again. Dranzer tossed her head and looked down, remembering that she had left Kai behind.
{About that…}
Uh huh?
{I never left him…} He starred at her.
What?! He asked incredulously.
"Dranzer!" Turning her attention to the floor, a spot of blue caught her eye.
{Master Kai.} Trygle almost fell off the branch.
Master?! Dranzer please tell me he followed you because you escaped. Glancing at him with an apologetic smile, the phoenix dove down to the boy, closely followed by the shocked eagle.
"Dranzer, there you are." Upon seeing his companion, he held out his arm, letting her land on it. "Why did you rush off like that?" Before she could give a chirp, Trygle was on him, screeching and knocking him with his wings as best he could without hitting his friend. "What the hell?!"
{Trygle stop!} Flying off Kai's hand, Dranzer rammed Trygle towards the tree, holding him back with her talons. {Stop! Please stop!} As Dranzer tried to ease him, Kai went for the more direct approach, reaching for the rope and net that hung on his belt. Quickly tying one end of the rope to the net, he walked up to the two cautiously, intent on capturing the golden eagle.
Dranzer stop it! We're not sparring!
{I need to explain it to you, stop fighting me and I'll stop!} Hearing Kai whistle to her, she glanced over her shoulder. He was going to net Trygle. Unfortunately she was confused between talking to Trygle and listening to Kai's orders that she forgot to move away, and the mesh was thrown.
Man you're reflexes are gone Dranzer! Knocking her out of the way, the webbing fell on top of him. The metal weights on the corners pulled him down, and he was trapped. Damn it! Biting against the bitter rope, Trygle struggled to break through the collapsing cage, failing miserably.
"Got you." Pulling on the string that was tied to the net, Kai was going to reel him in, until Dranzer bit the line, snapping the rope. "Dranzer, what are you doing?!" She went straight to her friend, deaf to the bluenette's orders.
{Hold still this might get hot.} To the best of his abilities, Trygle held still as the phoenix nipped a part of the net and tugged at it. She knew exactly how the trap worked and how to break it down. Intense heat or a very strong blade were the only ways to open it, so she blew flames on it as she pulled against it, letting the heat travel to the other strands of rope.
"Dranzer stop now!" Flapping rapidly, the phoenix gave the net one last wrench, tearing a hole large enough for Trygle to work with. Now that there was a gap, he was able to squeeze through and get out, soaring high into the air with a loud screech. Meeting the phoenix he acknowledged the help.
Thanks Dranzer. Looks like you still got it. She spit out the piece of net that she had torn off and chirped.
{It'll take more than a new home to drive the skill out of me Trygle.} Glancing down, she saw Kai pick up the net and stare up at her. His cold, mahogany eyes drilled into her. The joy she felt quickly disappeared. Her friend patted her.
Come on; let's get out of here before he pulls out a gun or something. Nipping at his thick feathers, she stopped him as he began to fly away.
{Wait. I told you I'd explain something to you, and it's about Master Kai.} The eagle looked at her dejectedly.
Master? So I guess you're still caged.
{Not as much as you would think.} She flew down a little, waiting for him to follow. {Trygle…} Grudgingly, he trailed her, hovering near Kai as she perched on his shoulder.
"I'd like to know what just happened here Dranz. Hopefully I won't forget to ask Rei to talk to you about it." He eyed the golden eagle suspiciously. It followed his gaze and every movement. "I assume this is…a friend?" Dranzer chirped. "Hn." With nothing more than a second glance, Kai began walking back to the cave. Trygle followed at a distance; he wasn't about to let his sparring partner go off with a human.
~*~
~Man, Rei you make me do everything… ~ Dragoon whined. Rei had asked another favor of him and the blue dragon was hesitant about it.
"But Max is with humans…it's your job to protect him." The creature shook his head as he hovered in the air.
~No, my job is to protect my section of the Umber Woods from humans. It's not my problem if your friend wanders off with the wrong crowd.~ The raven-haired boy shook his head and sighed. He was just thankful that Grypholyion had gone back in the cave and couldn't hear their little discussion. Not that he could, they were speaking dragon, but he couldn't be too sure.
"It's not like there's much to protect right now! All I want you to do is tell Max to come back. He's a small yellow puff from your bird's eye view, I'm sure you can find him in no time." Dragoon tilted his head, his resolve breaking.
~Un…I don't know…~
"Please? This will be the last favor, I swear!" Dragoon listened intently, the boy did sound sincere. He let his shoulders slump.
~Fine…~ Rei smiled and bowed his head in gratitude.
"Thank you Dragoon…thanks."
~Yeah, yeah…let me go before I change my mind. ~ The blue dragoon flew up and headed for the other side of the mountain, a little slow in flight, but he was going all the same. Rei ran a hand through his hair and started down the side of the cliff, heading back to the spot where he had left Kai. He was a bit disappointed in himself, not only had he failed to get the information that he needed, but he had brought Kai in as well.
'At least we're making good time.' By the time he made it to the tree he had used earlier, his golden eyes scanned the area for the bluenette. He wasn't there. Rei hopped to the ground and flicked his tail while his ears twitched. 'Why am I not entirely surprised?.' Picking up the sound of footsteps coming from his right, Rei turned and crossed his arms, an annoyed expression crossing his face. Kai was coming; taking his time even though he could tell the half-breed was thoroughly pissed at his absence.
'He should have known I wouldn't pass up the chance to explore, I am a hunter after all.' When Kai was a few feet from Rei, he stopped and glanced at the cave.
"So, what did you learn from your little chat?" Keeping his cool, Rei tilted his head away from his slightly. Of course he was angry, what if Robert had come back and found him? He wasn't sure what the older half-breed would have done to Kai, but he would be stuck in the cave for a long time with Grypholyion as his keeper. Rei's efforts to keep his appearance neutral of emotions failed though. He didn't say anything, but his ears twitched, his claws began to show, and his incisors were showing. And those weren't signs of jubilance.
"A bit ticked off are we?" Turning away from him completely, Rei began leading him back to the waterfall.
"If I ever offer to bring you in here again, just do me a favor and hit me…hard." Kai smirked.
"I'll remember that." That comment sparked something in his head. "Rei, can you talk to Dranz for me?" He glanced over his shoulder.
"Why?" Once they arrived at the clearing Kai began to explain.
"When you were talking with your friend, Dranzer flew off into the forest. When I found her, I found this," He motioned to the golden eagle that was still flying near him. "This was with her. So can you translate the situation for me?" Finally noticing the tag-a-long. He blinked.
"Trygle?" He flew over and rested on Rei's shoulder. "What are you doing here?" His gaze moved from him to Dranzer. "You two know each other?"
She's my sparring partner. At least she was until that human captured her. That was interesting to know.
"Oh, and you sensed her when she was nearby, right?" He nodded.
Her scent is pretty unique…to me anyway. She said that she's not as caged as I think and I don't get what she means. Rei narrowed his eyes in thought.
"Not as caged as you think?" Since they were talking about her, Dranzer flew from Kai and landed on Rei's other shoulder. The boy suddenly felt very crowded.
{What are you guys saying about me?}
"Nothing. Trygle is just wondering what you meant by 'not as caged as you think'. Care to enlighten us?" He tried to shift his weight to his other foot, but the two birds were beginning to get really heavy.
{I merely meant that unlike Master Kai's other-}
Hmph…master… She smacked him with the end of her long tail and continued.
{Unlike Master Kai's other captures, I'm allowed to come and go as I please.}
…So?
{So, there's nothing holding me back. I could leave anytime I wanted and never come back.}
Then why don't you? By now, Rei's knees were beginning to give out. As the two discussed her 'freedom', they pretty much had forgotten all about him.
{Because I don't want to! I like being with Master Kai!}
What's so great about humans? Rei forgot his ache for a second.
"Hey! Trygle watch what you say, I am half human after all." He seemed to ignore the boy's comment.
{I don't want to argue with you Trygle. You don't have to stay with Master Kai; after all, you live here.} The aching feeling returned to his knees and legs, and the raven-haired boy began to fall from the weight.
Well the only kind of fighting I like doing with you is sparring so don't think this is a picnic for me either. I just think that you should reconsider staying with the human. A bit lower.
{Even if you're looking out for me, I don't need you too. I'm staying with…huh?} Before she could finish, she and Trygle noticed that their elevation had dropped. Their combined weight had brought Rei to the floor. Dranzer hopped off, a tinge of blush rising to her face. {I'm sorry Rei-neko, I almost forgot about you.} Trygle got off his shoulder as well, making his way to Dranzer's side.
Oh, sorry Rei. I thought you'd be able to hold us. The boy sighed and rubbed his shoulder.
"It's ok, I'm used to being a perch." At that point Kai walked over and glanced down at him.
"So what's the story?" Rei tilted his head towards the two.
"Seems Trygle and Dranzer were sparring partners and good friends before you captured her and brought her to your side of the Umber Woods. When you started wandering off, he recognized her scent and called to her. Then you showed up…and well, you know what happened after that."
"Ok, and now he wants her to stay?" He nodded.
"Basically that's what he's trying to convince her to do right now." Kai did notice that his phoenix was chirping or communicating with the eagle, but it didn't seem like she was backing down.
"Guess I have nothing to worry about then." He held out his hand to Rei, who eyed it. "Do you want my help or do you intend to stay on the ground?" The half-breed accepted the bluenette's help, reluctantly though. He was still getting used to the 'new start' concept. Oddly enough, once he was on his feet again, Rei didn't let go right away.
'We started over, that's why he's being nice. That's the only reason.'
Hey Rei, don't tell me you're taking a liking to humans now too? The raven-haired boy turned to Trygle, who was referring to their clasped hands. As a light blush spread across his cheeks, Rei let go of Kai's gloved hand.
"Trygle, do you realize that I'm half human?! How can I not like humans?" The eagle shrugged, if it were possible.
I don't know. There are some really annoying falcons and hawks that I don't like. And your tail makes me forget about your human part.
"Try looking at my face then." Rei then returned his attention to Kai; getting back to the original reason why the bluenette was even here. "Sorry that this was a dead end. Grypholyion didn't have what I was looking for." The bluenette didn't respond. "Kai?" He nudged him until his ruby eyes locked onto Rei's golden ones. "Are you listening?"
"I'm…" His gaze tore from the half-breed and landed on Trygle, who stared at him. "He…he thinks you like me? Uh, humans I mean…" Rei shifted his gaze to the ground and swung his furry tail side to side.
"Yeah, apparently holding hands to him means that I-wait…how did you…?" Kai shook his head.
"I don't know. It was a little faint, but I'm certain that I understood what that pigeon said." Rei rubbed his shoulder and sighed.
"But you've never even met Trygle. And you've known Dranzer for a long time, how can you understand him and not her?"
~*~ Meanwhile…
"How about a distant cousin?"
"No, she doesn't look anything like you."
"A cousin twice-removed?"
"What's that mean?"
"A good friend who just came into town?"
"How would that explain the wings and everything?"
"…Darn it…" Tyson, Kenny, Max and Dizzi were sitting in a small circle near the waterfall. When Max started comparing his wings to hers about ten minutes ago, it reminded Kenny that they had to come up with a story for her. Most of the ideas they thought of were good, but none would explain her fairy accessories.
Max leaned on his palm. "Can't you use your magic to make them and the markings on your skin disappear?" She shook her head.
"They are reminders of who we are. Elle made them permanent after the war so that nobody would mistake each other for a human." Tyson took off his hat and fanned himself with it.
"Then why don't we go back to Elle and tell her to take them away for us?"
"I don't know if she'll approve of that. She was already a bit hesitant to let me leave you know. I don't think she'll be too happy if I become really human and lose my fairy markings." Kenny went back to his laptop, typing in everything she said for future reference.
"Well we can't go back without thinking of something. I know Emily is going to suspect something if I bring a girl home without an alibi." Tyson agreed. That girl didn't let anything go unquestioned, especially if it was something out of the ordinary, which was basically everything in this village.
"Um…how about a cousin who has tattoos and likes the Umber Woods so much that she dresses up like a fairy?" The three stared at Tyson with that 'you must be crazy' look and quickly dismissed the idea.
"She could stay with me and Rei and Robert and wait until you come to visit during the day." The blonde suggested, but Kenny didn't like it.
"If that was ok then we wouldn't have had to go through all the trouble with Elle. Uh, there must be something…"
~Little wing human!~ Everyone blinked and started looking around. The sound caught their ears for a second, and then vanished.
"Everyone heard that, right?"
"I think so Tyson, but what was it?" Max flew up with Dizzi.
"It sounded like a mythical creature. Do you know which Dizzi?" Her confused expression was answer enough.
"No clue."
"Must be a flying one-ah! Dizzi!!" Two claws dug into his shirt and began pulling Max away.
"Max!" The fairy quickly helped him and grabbed the frantic boy's hands. "Hang on! Tyson, Kenny, It's a dragon!" The two boys quickly gazed up and spotted a blue dragon trying to haul Max away as he and Dizzi beated their wings desperately.
~Kid, stop it! Your feathers are gonna make me sneeze!~ Sure enough, the soft feathers brushing against Dragoon's nose caused him to scrunch up his snout and breath in until he couldn't hold it in anymore. ~Ah…ah…ahcoo!!!!~ He lost his grip and both Max and Dizzi flew back, falling into the canopy of the Umber Woods. Tyson's eyes widened.
"Maxie! Dizzi!" Their friends rushed over to them, trying to find where they landed.
"Dizzi! Max, where are you guys?!" They checked the branches and in the thick leaves for any signs of blue or yellow.
"Ugh…over here Tyson…" Turning to his left the blue-haired boy let a sigh of relief as he spotted them…followed by fits of laughter.
"Th-There you guys…there you guys are…hahaha!" A stray tree branch had caught the flying duo in its stiff embrace. Dizzi was leaning against the trunk rubbing the back of her head while making sure her dress wasn't torn and open. Spots of leaves adorned her face and stuck out of her now messy hair as well. Max was on his stomach, his hands and legs hanging freely over the side of the branch. It didn't look comfortable at all. His wings were still up, with pieces of greenery turning them a light shade of olive.
Seeing as Tyson was too busy in his humor, Kenny asked if they were hurt. "Are you two all right?" Blowing some of his hair out of his eyes, Max groaned.
"I guess…" The brunette then questioned his fairy friend, who was picking the leaves from her hair.
"You ok Dizzi?" She sighed.
"I've definitely been better Chief." He nodded, glad that they weren't injured from the force of the fall or the impact of the harsh landing. The little angel took a deep breath and carefully sat up on the branch, checking for any wounds.
"I wonder why that dragon was trying to pull me back to the other side." Max asked. Dizzi shrugged and began removing the green pieces from the boy's wings.
"Don't know, do you know him by chance?" Max thought back, he did look a little familiar.
"Well, I don't know that many dragons. Oh! It might have been the same one that caused the small explosion a while ago. Still…why would it want me?" Another shrug.
"I wish I knew. The little dragon seemed very determined." Finally recovering from his laughter, Tyson smirked and motioned them to come down.
"If you guys are ok then come back down already! Kenny and I will help clean you two up!" The blonde glanced down at them.
"Ok we're coming." Flapping his wings experimentally, Max smiled when everything seemed fine. 'Good, they weren't damaged.' He jumped from the branch and slowly came down, that is, until he spotted a smidge of purple from the corner of his eye. 'What? No, it couldn't be…' The dot grew bigger and he gasped, his eyes widening considerably. "I got to go guys, hurry, get back to the village, but don't let him see you!" With that, he took off in the direction they had come from, towards the waterfall. He drove himself faster, if Robert caught him now he and Rei would get in a lot of trouble. He hardly noticed anything near him as he started up the mountain, but a bright flash caught his eye. Normally he'd stop and check to see what it was, but he ignored it this time and continued his ascent.
Tyson and Kenny watched their blonde friend disappear. "Maxie, where are going?!" The brunette yanked his shirt. "What?!"
"Someone's coming! Let's go!" Tyson, Kenny, and Dizzi hid behind some nearby bushes as they waited for the person to pass.
"Chief, why are we hiding? It's probably just some hunter from the village." He whispered.
"Max told us not to let him see us, and if he's afraid of this person, don't you think we should be too?" Tyson shrugged.
"I don't know." Dizzi shushed them both.
"Quiet boys, he's coming!" They sunk lower, the sound of the footsteps becoming louder, and then disappearing in a matter of seconds. Tyson was the first to look.
"Who do you think that was?" Once the coast was clear, Kenny and Dizzi poked their heads out too.
"Think that was Robert?" The name rung a bell.
"Robert as in that person that works at the university you and Emily always go to?"
"I think so Dizzi." They all got out from their hiding place and began walking back to the village.
"Wait a minute, didn't Max say he was a half-breed too?"
"Yeah, and…?"
"I thought Maxie said that he could fly too. So why wasn't he?" Dizzi answered for him.
"I can fly too Tyson, but I'm not right now. Just because we have wings doesn't mean that we have to fly all the time." He thought about it and though it made sense, he countered it with an effective:
"…I would."
~*~
While Kai and Rei thought about the bluenette's sudden ability a rough wind descended upon them. Everyone (Including the two birds) covered their eyes, waiting for the sand to blow away.
"Who's there?!" Kai called out. Rei instantly covered his mouth, what if it was Robert?! The older boy pushed his hand away and stared at him. "What was that for-" Before he knew it, Rei was pushing him to the lake until… *Splash*
"Rei what the hell do you-" Kai was surprised again when the raven-haired boy joined him and forced him down until his nose was barely above the water.
"Keep quiet…" The sand and dust had finally settled down, and Rei scanned for signs of Robert. 'Now where is he?'
~Rei!~
"What?" Looking straight ahead of him, Rei was eye to eye with an angry dragon. "Dragoon…" He let out the breath he was holding. "It's just you…hold on." Wrapping his arm around Kai's, he helped the boy up. They stood in the lake, Rei with a sheepish grin on his face, and Kai with a look of impatience. "I'm…very, very sorry Kai. I thought it was Robert." He let go of the older boy's arm and lowered his head; even his ears were turned down. Kai shook the excess water from his body and glanced at the apologetic half-breed. Though he was drenched, he had to admit, Rei looked quite cute like that.
~Hey Rei! Stop bowing to the human and pay attention!~ Kai's ruby eyes landed on the irritated dragon. He didn't understand, nothing the creature just said made any sense. Was it just a fluke before?
"Oh…uh right." Rei turned his attention to Dragoon. "What were you saying?"
~Max was resisting and then I sneezed and well, he's somewhere in the forest.~ Rei's calm appearance shattered as realization of what he heard registered in his mind and he slammed his hands onto the land by the dragon's feet.
"WHAT?! You have to get him! Robert will be here any minute!" Dragoon flinched from the sudden uproar.
"More like right now!" When Rei found the source of that statement his tension released and he smiled. Max was coming down the side of the mountain, his wings outstretched to slow his descent. "Robert is coming, I saw him walking this way!" He made a graceful landing next to Dragoon and gasped when he spotted Kai in the lake. "Wh-What is he doing on this side of the mountain?!" Rei blinked.
"Oh, well…I'll explain that later." He motioned for Dranzer. "You better go, you can settle your argument with Trygle later." She nodded and waited for Kai's command before she left.
"I'll meet you on the other side Dranz." Two whistles, and she took off. Before he left, Kai locked gazes with Rei. "And we'll figure out my little…incident tomorrow." Rei nodded and he dove under just as Robert appeared above the mountaintop. The raven-haired boy quickly jumped out of the lake and shook off some of the clinging water from his clothes.
"Went for a swim, Rei?" Said boy grinned.
"Just a little one." Robert hovered in front of them, making eye contact with each person there.
"Dragoon, Trygle, what are they doing here?" The question was directed to Rei, since he could speak to animals.
"Uh…they're just here…just because." Robert stared at him questionably. "Just because…you know, they're our friends." He and Max smiled and nodded. "Nothing wrong with a little friendly gathering, right?" Since he couldn't speak with any creature aside from Grypholyion, Robert took Rei's excuse and began flying towards his cave.
"Follow me." The two complied, Max taking the lead so that Rei could talk with the two creatures.
"Thanks Dragoon, sorry for the trouble. As I promised, that's the last favor I'll ever ask of you." The blue dragoon shook his head.
~It's ok Rei; I was bored anyway. Just…think twice about who you ask before you ask a favor.~ He flew off, back to the Dragon's den undoubtedly, which left him with the golden eagle.
"I know you want Dranzer to stay here, but you got to respect her wishes." He looked away, but was listening.
Yeah, yeah…
"Well, if you want, I could take you with me when I go meet up with Kai tomorrow. Dranzer will be there." There was a slight pause, and then his gray (1) answer came.
Mm…I'll think about it. With that, Trygle took off, and Rei sprinted to catch up with Max and Robert.
~*~
'Maybe it was just a fluke. Or was it something about that golden eagle?' Dranzer stayed perched on her master's shoulder until they reached their home. Kai was taking his time, unlike Tyson, Kenny, and Dizzi, who had rushed past him a few minutes ago. Kai didn't worry about them however; he was still pondering what had happened earlier.
When he got inside, Tyson wasn't there. Kai figured he was with Kenny and Dizzi, thinking of an alibi for the fairy. That was fine for him. Although Kai could tolerate his presence, he much preferred solitude when given a choice.
As always, he locked his door and let Dranzer fly to her perch once he got to his own room. She began preening, while Kai changed into dry clothes.
*Ring*
"Hn?"
*Ring Ring* He hastily slipped on a t-shirt and dashed around his bed to the phone on his nightstand. Picking it up before the next ring, Kai pushed the button and held it up to his ear.
"Hello?" A slightly amused voice came through.
"You sound a bit rushed, am I catching you at a bad time?" The bluenette sighed and walked to his balcony.
"No, I was just changing."
"I see, that is a tough job for all of us."
"Tala, what do you want?" A light chuckle was heard from the other end.
"I'm just checking up on you. How goes the hunt?" Kai ran a hand through his slightly damp hair.
"I'm making progress, but I do have some news for you."
"Good or bad?"
"Good for me, not so good for you. It seems one of the two creatures you asked for is unattainable." There was a pause, though Kai knew the redhead was relaying the message to his partner.
"Why is it inaccessible? I thought you were the best Kai."
"I am. However, when I was examining the area where they lived, I found that taking two would hurt the ecosystem." He racked his brains, recalling what Kenny had told him a while back about that side of the mountains. "I'm not exactly sure how many creatures like these live there, but I'm positive that the number is small. It's too much of a risk to take both." He waited for Tala's reaction and was a bit surprised when it came right away.
"So taking one wouldn't make a difference?" It wasn't what Kai was hoping for; it was a gray answer. But at least his client was considering what he had told him; and it wasn't a direct 'no you must take both'.
"One shouldn't cause a problem, but two is gambling. We don't even know if these creatures possess powers, I wouldn't want someone to get hurt." Although Kai knew full well that Rei's only weapons were his claws, Tala didn't. For all he knew, these creatures could shoot laser beams.
"All right, so which are you taking?" Kai smirked, like all his other captures; the redhead had taken his bait.
"The one you tried to take a picture of."
"Which is…?" His grin grew.
"You'll have to wait if you don't remember." He stated as he leaned against the rail of the balcony.
"At the rate you seem to be going I'll have forgotten about this creature completely before you bring it to me."
"If you want to take the deal off the table, you better do it now." That could turn to his advantage; it would certainly make things easier on him if he didn't have to bring Rei in anymore.
"I'm not letting you go that easily Kai." There was some mumbling on the other end of the line. "You contact me next time. I don't want to baby-sit you on this." He hung up; apparently the conversation was over for Tala. Kai clicked the phone and cursed.
'Guess I'll have to bring Rei to him.' It took him about a minute to realize that he was a bit saddened by this revelation, and when he noticed he stood up abruptly. 'So why am I getting upset about it? This is my job, this is what I do, I shouldn't have any second thoughts about it.' He turned swiftly and went back inside, sliding the door behind him roughly. The sudden noise alerted Dranzer, and she eyed the bluenette worriedly.
{Master Kai?} He faced her, but shook his head.
"It's no use Dranz, I don't understand you." She hopped off her wooden perch and nipped his glove, flapping her wings and trying to pull it off. "What are you doing?" He let the phoenix take it; after all, it was wet too. Tossing it aside, she then prodded at his bandaged hand. "Oh, I need to take that off." It was the cloth that Rei had wrapped his hand in when he had scratched him that day. Untying the material he rubbed his hand, it was healed.
'Why would Dranzer point this out?' He sat down on the end of the bed and felt her nudge him. The slightly bloodied cloth was held loosely in her beak. It came to him with a sigh.
"Dranzer…how do you sense things like this?" He stroked her silky plumage lazily. "I have to. It's my job Dranz, I can't back out of the deal now." Her chirps echoed in the room, but he shook his head. "I'm trying, you know that. I'm doing what I can." The loud slamming of the door downstairs snapped Kai out of his moment with Dranzer and caused hi to narrow his ruby eyes. "…Tyson…" A few more thumps told him that the boy was coming up to his room, which is precisely why he locked the door.
"Kai!" The deafeningly sound of his knocking was enough to make Kai send Dranzer out to burn him. "Hey Kai, you got a request from someone!" Weighing his options, the bluenette got up and walked towards the sound. Unlocking the door, Tyson stood in front of him, waving the letter in his hand. "I don't know who it's from or what he wants, but it must be something big since you closed your box at the office." Nodding, Kai took the letter and shut the door. Tyson huffed. "You're welcome!"
{A request? I thought Master Kai wasn't taking anymore since he got that one from Mr. Tala.} Dranzer eyed the letter curiously as Kai tore it open. There wasn't any name or address, it was hand delivered.
'Who would ask something of me now?' Kai was very curious given his current working situation. In the apartment above the post office, there was a man who ran a special business. The people in town called him Mr. Black. He knew most of the bounty hunters in town, or at least the ones good enough to call upon, and acted as the messenger for clients. Requests would come to him and he would send them out, for a small fee of course. He also sorted out the requests that came in. If it didn't seem important enough, he wouldn't send it out to his hunters. And when one of them didn't want to accept any more requests for a time, he'd close off their box, like he had done for Kai.
Kai hardly got letters from anyone aside from Mr. Black. His name wasn't even registered in the phone book, as far as most people knew; only Tyson lived here. As he unfolded the letter and read over the neatly written text, he had to wonder just who had the gall to send him a request at his house?
Mr. Hiwatari,
I've been told that your box is closed; however, I have a special offer for you. It has come to my attention (By an anonymous source) that a very unique creature is lurking in the Umber Woods. My source tells me that this creature appears human but has a few, interesting qualities. Heavenly ones if you will. I would like you to seek out this creature for me. I will pay you a generous amount, and I have even enclosed a photograph for you to help you in your search. If you agree to this, leave a reply at the Yuki shrine by dusk. It would be in your best interests to accept this Mr. Hiwatari, think wisely.
It wasn't signed. Kai reread the last line of the letter, it sounded like a threat to him. And Kai didn't take too kindly to threats of any kind. 'Leave a reply by dusk huh?' He glanced out the window; the sun was still pretty high; he had plenty of time to figure out who had sent this. 'I could get Kenny to do a search, but that might take a while.' Before he crinkled the letter up, he remembered the picture and pulled it out of the envelope. He cursed as he recognized the slightly blurry figure in the shot. It was Rei's little friend, the half-breed named Max.
~*~*~*~
(1) Gray answers or replies are what my friends and I call a response that isn't very clear. In other words, they are in between a yes and a no such as 'maybe', or 'I don't know'.
SS-Another little twist. Man, this story seemed so much simpler when I originally thought it out. I need to think carefully as I type out the next few chapters.
Tym-That would be a good idea. Guess we'll leave her to her thinking, please review, bye bye!
