SS-Hope everyone's been well, I've been peachy.

Tym-I could go for some peaches…

SS-You can get those while I start this then.

Tym-Yums for me! I'll bring one back for you. *runs away*

SS-One…isn't that sweet…speaking of which, thank you for the reviews #^^# They pushed me to get this out faster. Actually, they're the reasons why I keep going! Thank you everyone!

*xXxCeRuLeAn-x'SxXx – I'm doing my best. I'm pretty sure everything is going according to plan. ^^ Thanks for the support!

*Platinum Rei – This'll make 2 updates in one month…that sounds utterly pathetic, but at least I'm updating! I would have made Rei the only one, but being able to communicate with Dranzer will help develop his character later on.

*Nekowingzero – Yea, I don't like school either (note the disclaimer)…but without it I wouldn't see my friends or get to learn Japanese (or better English, but that's beside the point).

*MadMaddie – Rest assured, more 'sweet Kai/Rei moments' are coming…very soon actually *hint hint* ^_^ Enjoy the chapter!

*the tigris - *blushes* Thanks, it sounds weird hearing that my story is good ^^ much appreciation for the praise!

*Syaoran-Lover – I'm extremely grateful. Your review helped me fix up this chapter and modify future ones. Don't worry; some of your suggestions will be used in the next ones. They have not been forgotten!

[]Devlinn Reiko-sama[], ~Shaka Dragomir Nocturnus~, ::Dark Willow (aka: Admiral2::Sarcasmcat, //The Asakura gang\\, #devilburns#  Lots of cookies to you guys too! Your words are very much cherished and valued! ^^ Have fun with this installment; hope it's to your liking.

~*~*~*~

Loving Legends

Chapter 8 – A connection

Disclaimer: I do not own Beyblade or its characters. I'm just borrowing them for the purpose of this and my other stories. No money is made from this (I've checked), and I write solely to entertain others and to escape school life and its meany accomplices.

#notes#

I wanted to let the curious reader know that I'm going to be focusing on Rei and Kai's situation for the next chapter or so, which means less of Tyson, Max, and Kenny. Don't worry though, I'll add bits here and there and make up for it later…hopefully ^^;; And I apologize in advance if anyone slips into OOC mode, I'm working on it.

~*~*~*~

"Did you send him the letter?"

            "Yes."

            "Are you positive he read it?"

            "I am certain. His roommate brought it to him."

            "Good." The sun was dropping slowly, but for the most part, it was still lighting up the whole town from their view. "Then hopefully we shall hear from Mr. Hiwatari in a few hours."

~*~

            After seeing Trygle off, Rei quickly caught up with Max, who eyed him curiously upon his arrival. "So, would you mind filling me in on why Trygle was just here, or am I going to have to guess?" He whispered.

            "Later, I promise." The blonde nodded and flew Rei up to Robert's cliff. The violet haired youth was speaking to Grypholyion, though neither boy could hear them. When Max let go of Rei, Robert faced them, a serious expression on his face.

            'Oh no, don't tell me Grypholyion told him…then again…there isn't anything suspicious about me talking to him, so maybe we're in the clear.' It looked like he was waiting for something as he just stood there, glancing from the confused angel to the equally perplexed Rei. Being the curious person he was, Max spoke up.

            "Uh…Robert…what did you want to talk to us about? Are we in trouble?" A question he had asked many a time. However, it didn't seem like they would be punished today.

            "No Max, both of you are fine. I'm just thinking about how to word this." The two boys hurriedly exchanged looks before returning their gazes to the older half-breed. "You see, the class I am assisting at the university is rapidly improving. It's an engineering course, and soon they will have the chance of shadowing professionals to see what the work is really like." Both boys nodded, not quite sure where this was going, or how it would affect them.

            "The other professors and I are planning on taking a selected few earlier since they have an advanced aptitude for the career. We'll be accompanying them to the next town for three days while they learn about the occupation, so that means that you two will be on your own." Max and Rei didn't exchange glances; that would only give away their true happiness. Instead, they held it for the time being.

            "Of course, Grypholyion will be here, but I still want you boys to be careful. I really don't want either of you leaving this side of the mountain for any reason." His tone had grown very serious, and for good cause. He had never left the two alone for such a long period of time before.

            "I know you two like exploring the other side, and I've let it slide before, but that's only because I was close by. The town that we're going to is a good ten miles from here, even if I flew, I'd be too late if there was an emergency and you two had gotten into trouble." He walked up to them, towering over both boys. "For the next three days, I expect both of you to be innocent little boys. Under no circumstances will either of you venture beyond this mountain, am I understood?" By the older boy's powerful tenor and stern attitude, his request came out as a not-to-be-questioned command. They were even a bit frightened by his sudden change of personality. Sure, Robert had been strict before, but this was getting scary.

            Rei was the first to speak up, seeing as he sensed Max's reluctance. "Don't worry about us Robert. We promise not to leave this side of the mountain. Besides, it's only three days, I'm sure we can manage even if Grypholyion wasn't here."

            "Grypholyion will be here, Rei. I wouldn't have considered leaving unless I knew someone I trusted was here to watch over you boys. And I know you are giving me your promise, but I need your word. Don't think I've been blind to your adventures to the other side, young Rei. I knew, but I never wanted to dampen your spirits, especially since you never caused…too much trouble. However, this time I'm not giving you any slack. If you so much as set your tail on the other side of this mountain, I will put you in the den (1)." He then turned to Max. "The same goes for you, little Max. I won't hesitate to clip your wings if you try to fly to town." The blonde nodded quickly.

Both were quite certain Robert wasn't going to go back on his word now, especially since he called them by their childhood names. He only attached 'young' and 'little' to their name when he was serious. They would have to be careful during the next three days. Their hopeful vacation seemed to be turning into their dreaded imprisonment. Robert could tell his words had affected them too. Though he was usually a bit lenient with them, when he wanted to be, the older boy could be harsh.

He sighed and brought his hand up to his forehead. "I know I'm being a tad callous about this, but I don't want either of you to get hurt. There has been some unusual activity in town lately. The hunters are getting restless since captures have become rare. I'm guessing the creatures of the Umber Woods are beginning to return to this side of the mountain. While that's good for their safety, it worries me. The hunters may try setting more inhumane traps and might even come closer to the mountain." He gently gripped Rei's shoulder.

"Whatever you have planned, and believe me, I know you have some idea in mind, just put it aside for a while. Even with Grypholyion here, I don't want to risk losing you or Max. I need you to give me your word, Rei. Do not cross over until I've returned. Am I clear?" It was asked in a softer tone, which quite possibly had more of an effect on Rei than before. Summoning a small smile to his lips, Rei sighed and nodded.

"You can rest assured Robert, my schemes won't start until you've returned." Turning to Max, the older boy questioned him.

"And you, little Max? Do I need to clip your wings?" Laughing, he shook his head.

"You don't have to, Robert. I'll just fly around in here if it'll make you feel better." His face grew less serious as he patted the blonde's fluffy tufts of hair.

"It will. Knowing that you two will stay here will take a load off of my mind. Don't worry, I'll try and come back sooner." Rei waved away his uncertainties.

"Robert, there's no need for that. We already gave you our word that we won't go to the other side. Just take your time."

"I suppose so. Well, since that's settled, you two can go. I will call you to the waterfall before I leave tomorrow morning." They nodded and prepared to leave. "Oh, and Max," The youngest half-breed glanced back at him.

"Yeah?"

"To make up for all of this, I promise that we'll go…stargazing on your birthday, ok?" His clear blue eyes practically lit up when he caught his connotation.

"Really?!" He asked incredulously.

"If you want to." The hyper blonde turned and kicked his wings into high gear, virtually ramming into the older boy's chest.

"Eh…Max…" Rei shook his head. In his excitement, the angel had nearly knocked Robert over. He would have fallen if Grypholyion hadn't been behind him for support.

"Yes, yes I want to go! You can't break your promise Robert, we have to go for my birthday!" Doing his best to calm him down, Robert shushed him.

"I won't if you don't cross over. If Grypholyion tells me that you and Rei have behaved, then yes, we'll go stargazing the night of your birthday. But only if you've kept your end of the deal." He bounced up and nodded enthusiastically.

"You won't be disappointed!" Max ran over to Rei and wrapped around his arm. "We'll be perfect, won't we, Rei?" Too shocked and surprised to do anything else, he agreed.

"Uh huh, perfect…" Rubbing his side lightly, Robert ushered them off.

"Then you two may go." Max smiled and flapped his wings.

"We're going! Come on, Rei!" Without much warning, he took off, dragging the raven-haired boy with him.

~*~

            "Do you really think this is going to work, Kenny?" He shrugged and continued walking towards his house.

            "I hope so Dizzi. None of Tyson's suggestions were that good. It's this or nothing." She absentmindedly rubbed her arm.

            "But Emily is fairly smart, I'd guess that she could tell if you were lying or not."

            "Would you stop looking at the glass half-empty? Let's just try. If it doesn't work…well, we'll worry about it later." Dizzi sighed and nodded.

            "Whatever you say, Chief." They reached his house soon enough and he paused as his hand found the doorknob. Dizzi glanced at him. "Kenny?" He shook his head and turned the handle, as if shaking of the last bits of doubt in his mind. Pushing the door open, both stepped inside.

            "Emily?" He called out. "Emily, are you home?" Since he didn't hear anything, Kenny sighed and smiled. "Guess she's out somewhere with Mariah. That's good news for us." Dizzi walked in and looked around, though she had been in here many times, it seemed different now that she could see everything.

            "Geez, Chief, you sound like a frantic husband." She walked around, her eyes glittering with delight now that she didn't need to view things through a camera anymore.

            "Can you blame me, Dizzi? I mean, why don't you try facing Em-Emily?!" As he went to close the door, the brunette came face to face with the very girl he had called out to before.

            "Kenny, what's wrong with you?" She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "Hm?" It was then that her eyes landed on Dizzi. She adjusted her glasses a little and walked up to her. "…Hello." She quickly glanced at the guest, narrowing her gaze with each unique feature she saw. 'Wings? Markings? Who is this girl?' Dizzi observed the orange-haired girl as well. Sure, she knew who it was, but never had she seen her like this.

            'I didn't realize she was so short. She's only a little taller than Kenny. And her hair really is that orange after all…'

Kenny timidly walked up to both of them, laughing nervously. "Well, um…yea…Emily, I thought you were out…"

"I was, but I decided to come back a little early. Kenny, who is this friend of yours?" Emily asked right away. She didn't recognize her from the university, and she had never seen her with Kenny before.

"She's…she's my new friend…from the university." Emily switched her gaze from the girl to Kenny, who cowered slightly.

"Really? I've never seen her before." He adjusted his grip on his laptop and tried to calm himself down.

"I just met her the other day…at the fair…" Dizzi stared at him. How could he say that they had only just met? They've known each other for ages!

"What class is she in at the university? It couldn't be the engineering one that we're in."

"Of course not. She's in…the environmental studies course. The outdoor one that's learning about the Umber Woods and its creatures." He silently prayed that she was buying this. "That's why she's wearing these clothes. It's all apart of the course. Dressing up like an Umber Wood creature helps them to imagine what it's like to be one. And with their adaptations, they can observe how the creatures live life everyday." A stretch of silence covered the room. Either she was going to believe it…or she was going to start with more questions.

"…And which creature are you?" Skipping over Kenny, Dizzi answered herself.

"A Chishiki, an aether sprite." She held out her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Emily." She reluctantly accepted, as it wasn't good manners if she didn't.

"It's nice to meet you too. I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name." Kenny stiffened.

"Oh, uh…"

"My name's Deliah. Kenny has told me a lot about you, Emily." Again Dizzi had come up with an answer. It came a little too quickly and smoothly though…had she thought of a name earlier?

"Good things I hope." Emily turned to Kenny. "You should have told me you were bringing someone over, this place it a mess." Dizzi smiled as the two began talking about the house.

'They do act like a married couple.' She sighed. 'And to think I've missed all the arguments just because I've been locked away in that laptop.'

~*~

            "So…what are you going to do about Kai, Rei?" The raven-haired boy glanced at him from his spot against the tree. After Max had flown them off, it had taken Rei a good ten minutes to calm him down and get him to land. Now he was adjusting his wind-blown clothes.

            "What about Kai?" Max took a seat next to him.

            "I mean meeting him tomorrow. You promised Robert that you weren't going to cross over, and you always meet him the other side of the waterfall. What are you going to do?" Rei blinked and cursed under his breath. He had completely forgotten about the lessons.

            "That's a good question…"

            "Oh wait, you also told me that you were going to explain why he was on our side earlier." Rei stared at him.

            "One thing at a time Maxie. Give me a minute…" The blonde tugged at his shirt.

            "I can help you with the first one if you tell me about the second first." Rei tilted his head. Did that even make sense?

            "All right. Remember when I told you I had made a deal with Kai?" He nodded. "And then I told you that I had to teach Kai how to speak to mythical creatures, right?" Another nod. "Well, I…couldn't do it. So, after we helped free Dizzi, I decided to ask Grypholyion how I learned how to talk to creatures. But Kai got to me before I crossed over, so--"

            "You brought him to Grypholyion?!" Rei shook his head furiously.

            "Of course not! I'm not that stupid. I just brought him to our side. He said that he wanted to try and understand." Rei sighed. "But then Kai went off on his own (big surprise) and then they ran into Trygle. Apparently he and Dranzer used to be good friends. However, when she tried to go back with Kai, he got upset and…well, that's pretty much when you came." Max scratched his cheek as he took all of the information in.

            "So that's what happened…"

            "Basically."

            "Then…if you had never brought Kai over, none of this would have happened, right?" Rei groaned.

            "You don't have to point it out, Max. I figured that out as soon as I found Trygle bickering with Dranzer." Letting his shoulders slump against the tree trunk, he got back on track. "Now that you're caught up, can you help me think of what to do about tomorrow?" Max flopped onto his stomach and stretched his wings out.

            "…Um…can't you tell Kai to cancel the next three lessons?" Rei shook his head immediately.

            "Knowing Kai, he isn't going to take that. I suppose we can meet somewhere else, but with my promise, it would have to be somewhere on this side of the mountain."

            "And since Grypholyion will be on high alert, there's no chance he'll miss Kai if he came." Max frowned as he realized something else. "Guess that means I'm not going to see Tyson or Kenny anytime soon." Rei rubbed the boy's back.

            "Don't worry Maxie, after the three days are up, Robert's going to take us stargazing. That's sure to make up for a few days without the guys." The blonde grinned. The older boy always knew how to cheer him up.

            "Yeah, you're right." He rested his chin on his hands. "But if Kai isn't coming here, and you're not going there, how are you going to meet?" Rei let his breath brush past his lips as he shrugged.

            "I don't know. And even if I did figure something out, how am I going to tell him? I can't call for Dranzer from here, and I'm sure Kai isn't going to send her."

            "Why don't you send Trygle?" Max suggested.

            "I doubt he'd go to Kai, even if Dranzer was there to greet him, they'd only end up arguing if I'm not there to mediate." The blonde kicked his feet against the ground.

            "All right, seeing as this isn't getting us anywhere, let's see what we know and try to work backwards from there." He began to tick off his fingers with each statement. "Kai is going to come tomorrow around…ten, right?"

            "Um hm. He'll go to the cave."

            "You can't leave this side of the mountain."

            "Right."

            "Which means he'll end up waiting in the cave."

            "I suppose."

            "Will he do anything? I mean, by then he'll send Dranzer for you. Maybe you can relay the message that you can't come." Rei began playing with his tail, obviously getting frustrated.

            "She can't talk to him yet, there would be no use. And this isn't getting us anywhere either." Max leaned on his elbows.

            "I'm just trying to help." Rei nodded.

            "I know. But the facts remain the same. I can't go anywhere, Kai will be there waiting, and I'm screwed." The younger of the two rolled onto his back and looked up to Rei.

            "If only you could get to the cave without leaving this side of the mountain…" As soon as the thought registered in Rei's mind, he bolted up and smiled.

            "You're brilliant Maxie! An absolute genius!" The boy sat up and stared at him questioningly.

            "Uh…not that I don't appreciate the praise, but what are you talking about?" Rei kneeled down and laid it out for him.

            "It's exactly what you said. I don't need to leave this side of the mountain to get to Kai. I just need to make the connection from Robert's cliff to the meeting place." Max's blue eyes lit up. "We both know that they're right across from each other, all I need to do is find the weak spot in the rocks and tunnel there." Both of them stood up.

            "Wow, I really am I genius, aren't I?" Rei ruffled his puffy hair affectionately.

            "No one can deny it, Max! Now the only thing left to do is find a way to distract Grypholyion while Trygle and I make the connection."

            "Hm? Why Trygle?" Max asked curiously.

            "He wanted to see Dranzer again, so I told him that he could come along the next time I went to see her, so he can help me tunnel since he'll be there." He nodded in understanding.

            "All right, then let's start planning, partner." Max gazed up at the sky. It was slowly getting dark as the sun began to set. "It's getting late, but I guess we can pull an all-nighter."

            "Took the words right out of my mouth, Max."

~*~

            The sun had nearly vanished behind the mountains, which qualified as dusk to the figure approaching the Yuki shrine. It was a small, wooden, pagoda-shaped temple with a set of bells hanging down the center, clearly marked off by two pillars on opposite sides of it. A unicorn was carved into each one, as a sign of remembrance. Not too many people came to it, but occasionally a child would come and ring the bells and make a wish.

            The figure stepped up to the main shrine and bowed in respect. Eyeing the plain envelope laid out on the small alter, he smiled and picked it up. Opening it quickly, he unfolded the paper and scanned over the neat handwriting.

            Sir or madam,

            It may not be clear to you, but if Mr. Black has closed off my box, it means that I will not, under any circumstances, accept any more requests at the moment. In other words, your demand has been declined. Not only are you wasting my time, but also you are clearly out of your mind. The photograph you have sent me was obviously altered, as no such creature exists in the Umber Woods. I suggest you seek out mental help as oppose than a hunter's.

                                                                                                K. Hiwatari         

            Also, I do not take too kindly to threats of any kind. If I find another letter addressed to my house with you as the sender, I will personally take care of you myself.

            The man furiously scrunched the reply in his hand and stuffed it into his coat pocket. Whipping around, he walked off in the opposite direction of the town, his footsteps crunching into the gravel road as he went.

~*~

            Kai stared out into the forest from his spot on the balcony. He had just returned from his trip to the Yuki shrine, where he was instructed to leave his reply. Dranzer was sitting patiently on his shoulder, nipping at the berries Rei had given them a while ago. Kai guessed the requester had gotten his reply by now and he smirked trying to imagine the look on the person's face.

            'It serves him right for trying to coerce me into accepting his request.' He narrowed his gaze. 'I hope I gave him a little migraine.' He had purposely written that no such creature existed to his knowledge to try and throw the man off. After all, there was no doubt in the bluenette's mind that the man would have gotten someone else to carry out his request since he declined. That would only give Kai more trouble. At least now this person would question his own thoughts about such a creature.

            {Master Kai?} Dranzer nudged his head softly, driving him from his thoughts. He glanced at her.

            "What is it?" She bent her head down and picked up the now empty bag that used to hold the berries and gave it to him. He eyed it and then looked to his phoenix again. "Still hungry?" She chirped. "Well I'm not going to Rei at this hour to ask for more berries." He turned around and headed back inside. "You'll just have to settle for what we've got in the kitchen…if there's anything left." He closed the door to the balcony as he left. "Hopefully Tyson hasn't devoured everything."

~*~*~*~            (Don't worry, I'm not stopping yet #^^# But it is now the next morning)

            It seemed as if Robert had called them to the waterfall a minute after the sun had risen. They were slowly trudging to the site to see him off, yawning and stretching as they went. Rei didn't want to wake Driger and ask for a ride, and Max was sure his wings would give out on him if he tried to fly, so they settled for a sluggish march.

            (+) Hurry young ones; we don't want to keep Robert waiting. (+) Grypholyion was flying alongside them, making sure that they got there in time. However, notice how he didn't bother to give them a ride over there…

            Max yawned again as he practically leaned on Rei's back. "Why does he have to go so early? I don't think the university is even open yet."

            (+) Robert and the other professors accompanying the students are gathering early to discuss the trip and plan out some last minute details. (+) Max tugged at Rei's tail.

            "What did he say?" Opening his eyes to make sure he wasn't going to crash into anything, Rei translated for him.

            "…Because…" If he had been more awake, the blonde would have wanted more detail, but for now, it seemed sufficient.

            "Oh, ok." It took a few more minutes and a couple more pushes from Grypholyion before the two reached the waterfall. Once there, they collapsed onto the ground in front of Robert. He didn't bother to lecture them about manners at the time, since he was running a bit late. That and he understood that they never did wake up so early before.

            He did cough to get their attention though. Seeing how they were barely keeping their eyes open, he kneeled down to their level. "All right you two, I'll be back in three days. Grypholyion will be keeping an eye on you, but I expect both of you to stay true to your word." Rei and Max nodded.

            "Don't worry about us Robert," Rei covered his mouth as he yawned. "We'll be good." Too tired to speak, Max merely gave him a thumbs-up. Shaking his head, Robert stood up and grabbed his stuff. He really didn't expect any more from them, not at this hour anyway.

            "You two should go back to sleep then. In fact, sleep the whole three days if you want, it'll keep you out of harm's way." The younger half-breeds managed a smile. "Be safe." He turned to Grypholyion and stroked his coat affectionately. "Take care of them."

            (+) Of course. (+) With that, he took off, giving his wings a few beats to get started, and then disappearing beyond the mountain cliff. (+) Enjoy your trip, Robert. (+) The great beast then turned to the boys, who were almost asleep. He tilted his head. (+) Since you young ones are so tired, I'll leave you be here, is that all right? (+) There was some mumbling, and he took it as a yes. Nodding, Grypholyion flapped his wings and took off.  (+) I will come check on you later, have a good rest little ones. (+)

            Rei fell over, curling up in the slowly descending sunlight. Max on the other hand, drew up his wings in an attempt to block the bright rays, he would probably be the first to wake up.

~*~

            Kai checked his hand for any new scratches before putting on his gloves. It was rather hot that day, but he kept them on anyway just in case. Dranzer was still resting on her perch, a little aggravated by the heat. The bluenette found that rather amusing at first, a phoenix bothered by heat. He guessed that it was because of the number of hot red berries she ate last night. Without the need for extra heat, it was overwhelming her, and he was slightly worried.

            After slipping on his tank top and securing his belt, he walked over to Dranzer and held his hand out to her. She hopped on and extended her neck a little. Taking the hint, he rubbed it gently, hoping he was helping her a little.

            "Maybe Rei can give you some ice berries when we get there." She spat out some fire, clearly not in the mood for any kind of humorous tone.

            {I don't know what you said Master Kai, but it sounded too funny…maybe the heat has gotten to you too.} He didn't respond to her chirps. Picking up the bag that the berries were in before, he stuffed it into his pocket and left for his lesson.

~*~

            "Are you ready Max?" The blonde glanced around and nodded. Rei smiled. "Ok, then go!" While Max tried to get Grypholyion's attention, Rei started his climb to Robert's cave, with a friend close behind.

            You sure this is going to work? The raven-haired boy shushed the eagle as the great beast noticed Max and flew down to him.

            "It better. You keep bragging about your skills Trygle, I hope you can back it up." The eagle flew up and waited for him at the mouth of the cave.

            Yeah, well, I never thought you'd ask me to drill through a section of Robert's cave. When the boy made it, he ushered Trygle into the dark den.

            "Well didn't you pick the right time to tell me…" He stated sarcastically.

They kept going until they hit the wall. Then Rei grabbed one of Trygle's talons and guided him to the side, where there was a small tunnel leading to what he hoped was the cave Kai met him in. Giving the side a little push, Rei noticed that it gave a little, but was still fairly solid.

            "Ok, I think this is it. If we hit it right here, we can make an opening big enough to fit through and will be able to cover it up with the fallen rocks." He turned and nudged Trygle. "You ready?"

            Well it's not like I have much of a choice, now do I?

            "Not really."

            Fine, here goes… Firelight strike! (2) His rapid attacks hurtled at the mountain, ripping bits and pieces of stone off the side. It echoed off the other sides and Rei began to worry that Grypholyion might hear it.

            He shielded himself and his sensitive ears with his hands as the eagle's continuous assaults tore away at the mountain. "Good job Trygle, just a bit more…" The eagle poured it on, flapping his wings for more effect. Soon the mountain gave way, and it neared the breaking point. "That's good, you can stop now." Rei tugged on his tail in an attempt to get him to halt. Turns out, the raven-haired boy had jerked him a bit harder than he expected and Trygle fell against him.

            You didn't have to yank my chain! Rei helped him up and brushed the pun aside as he went to inspect the wall. Carefully avoiding the shattered bits of rock littered across the floor, he pushed against it, smiling when it began crumbling. 

            "Great. I guess you weren't just bragging." The raven-haired boy drew out his claws and began slashing at the wall. Trygle reveled in the compliment.

            Expect nothing less Rei, nothing less. He flew over to him, keeping at a safe distance so that the flying bits and Rei's claws didn't hit him. Need help? He volunteered, more than ready to show his skills again. Rei shook his head and pushed his bangs aside.

            "No, I think I can manage." He stood back and whipped his tail around to smash through the wall, delivering the final strike, and finally creating a hole in the mountain big enough for him to walk through.

            Hey, we actually did it. Rei smiled and glanced at him.

            "You doubted yourself?" Trygle landed on his shoulder as he stepped through.

            Not really, I just thought the hole would cause the mountain to cave in on itself or something. Halfway through, both nervously looked up. Rei laughed a bit and playfully hit the eagle.

            "Knock on wood, Trygle! Don't jinx us!"

            I wasn't trying to-huh? He tilted his head up and flew off of Rei's shoulder.

            "…What is it?" He headed towards the mouth of the cave and dove down a bit. Curious, the half-breed followed him, looking over the side to see…

            "Kai." The bluenette was a few feet from the ledge, doing his best not to lose his grip on the mountainside.

            "Rei, how long have you been here? I didn't see you on my way over." Smiling, he shrugged innocently.

            "Just a minute or so." Turning his attention to Trygle, Rei noticed he was flying with Dranzer and talking to her. He didn't catch all of it, but he heard something about Dranzer burning herself. 'How could a phoenix burn herself?' He wondered.

            "Hey, do you mind?" Golden eyes peered over the cliff to meet mahogany ones. Kai was asking for a little assistance.

            "Oh! Yeah, sure." He reached down and grabbed Kai's gloved hand and began to pull him up slowly. "Sorry, I wasn't really paying attention."

            "That's ok, just concentrate now and don't drop me." He nodded, a playful light filling his golden eyes.

            "Right."

            Hey, Rei, we need your help. Both boys turned to the eagle.

            "What is it?" He motioned to Dranzer, who had landed nearby already.

            Dranzer says that she's getting really hot. She tried water, but it didn't help. At that, Kai spoke up.

            "He's right. Dranzer was a little overheated this morning, and it isn't because of the weather." Rei helped him into the cave as he finished explaining. "I think it's because of those berries you gave her a while back. You said that they would help her get better, but just like regular medicine, you shouldn't take it unless you're ill. I have a feeling she ate too many." Now that he was in the cave, Rei helped him up, hands still clasped.

            I hate to admit it, but the human is making sense. Rei, do you have a remedy? A little stunned at the exchange, he began thinking. Letting go of Kai's hand, he went over to Dranzer and stroked her plumage. She did feel unusually hot.

            "I think some mint leaves will help cool her down." He turned to Trygle. "Can you get some? They're near my summit, by the lake. They are a darker shade of green than the rest, don't worry, you'll be able to tell." Trygle nodded. "Get two branches just in case." He lifted himself into the air and glided to the exit.

            Don't worry Dranz; I'll be right back. Assuring her, he flew out of the cave and shot up the mountainside. Meanwhile, Rei tended to her.

            "How do you feel?" He asked. She shook her head.

            {All right, just hot.} Kai walked over to her and brushed the underside of her neck again.

            "You'll be fine Dranzer. Just relax until that pigeon gets back." She chirped in an effort to make him feel better and leaned against him. Kai's eyes dimmed. "She will be fine, right?"

            "Of course. It isn't too serious, but I do hope Trygle gets back quickly. The sooner the better, but her life isn't in danger or anything." The bluenette sat down and continued to comfort his phoenix, Rei's contradicting answer wasn't easing his mind too much.

            "Hn." He glanced at Rei, who was gazing into the forest, lost in thought. "What are you thinking about? You had that same look on your face when the pigeon was telling us about Dranzer." Right then, Rei turned to face him, confusion clouding his golden eyes.

            "That's just it. When he told us about Dranzer." The raven-haired boy sat across from them, his ears twitching a little. "You understood him again. More than that, Trygle understood you too. I just don't get it. How is this working?" Kai just realized it too. At that moment, he had heard every word clearly, and later, when he was safely in the cave, it was nothing but chirps.

            "Is there anything special about that pigeon?" Rei shook his head, not bothering to correct him about what species his friend was.

            "Not really. I mean…he's golden, but that's just a color."

            "Your eyes are golden, think that's a connection?" Rei smirked.

            "I doubt it, Kai. No, it must be something you're doing." The bluenette couldn't think of anything. Nothing made sense. He began looking around, wondering if it was something about their surroundings that brought about his ability. His eyes landed on the new hole in the side of the mountain.

            "What did you do?" Rei glanced at him.

            "Hm?" Kai urged him to follow his eyes since he didn't want to move his hands in fear of disturbing Dranzer. Rei turned and smiled when he saw what he was talking about. "Oh, that. Well, I needed a new way of getting here without crossing over and that was the best I could think of." Kai raised an eyebrow.

            "You couldn't have thought of anything else?" The half-breed huffed and moved next to him.

            "Why don't you try?" He dared him. "Aside from the waterfall, there isn't any other way I could get here in time. And I knew you wouldn't like it if I skipped out on the lesson, so I had to do something." That brought up another question.

            "Why couldn't you cross over the way you usually do?" A bit surprised, Rei blinked and shifted his position, backing away.

            "Oh…uh…" He couldn't tell him that Robert had left, who knows what the older boy would do with that information. "I just…I couldn't." A thought just popped into Rei's mind. What if Kai used the hole to get to his side of the mountain at night? What would Grypholyion do if he saw Kai in Robert's cave?!

            Scared out of his mind, he grabbed Kai's arm. "Kai, you cannot use that hole for any purpose, ok? Just leave it alone or I will stop teaching you!" That was a bit of a shock, Rei had never come in such close contact with him before unless forced. Kai tried to calm himself down as he felt a strange fluttering sensation grow inside of him.

            "Stop teaching me? You've barely done any instructing yet." Rei leaned in closer.

            "I'm not going to do any if you go near that hole, am I clear?!" It was weird, in that instant, Rei felt a bit of Robert's commanding tone course through him. The new tenor didn't affect Kai though; it was the pleading look and determination in Rei's eyes that got him to slowly nod.

            "Fine, I won't. I doubt I could fit through that small opening anyway." Happy with his answer, Rei smiled and brought his head down onto Kai's shoulder as he sighed in relief. He had no idea his action had made the older boy shiver; Rei just liked the warmth and feel of his skin.

            …Wait a minute…shiver…warmth…?

            Almost instantly, both boys grasped what had happened and tensed. Rei pulled away and Kai turned his gaze to his overheated phoenix. The raven-haired boy scratched his ear in confusion.

            'What just happened there? I actually…liked that?' He furiously shook his head, his tail hitting the ground every now and then. 'I just went overboard on the hole (Or whole, either works in this situation) thing, that's all. I was worried about what could have happened, and I over did it.' He glanced over his shoulder. 'Then why the heck am I still blushing?! Stop blushing! Stop blushing!!'

            Kai was thinking along the same terms. He didn't know why he had felt what he did. 'It was nothing. I shiver when cold water hits me, or when a cool breeze brushes past me, so why not his warm, gentle, breath-stop it!' He concentrated on Dranzer, who he was still patting lightly. 'I did not shiver because of him…why would I? He was just relieved when I agreed to stay away from the hole and didn't know that his soft, silky bangs were brushing over my arm.' There was another pause and he mentally kicked himself. 'Why am I thinking about it?! It was nothing…nothing…'

            After a few minutes had passed, and Rei was sure he wasn't red anymore, he turned around. "Um…Kai?" Willing himself to stop thinking about their contact, the bluenette glanced at him. Rei didn't know why, but now even his gaze was making him blush. 'Stupid heat…it must be the weather…' The younger boy motioned to the phoenix. "Is she still hot?"

            "Hn." It was all he could manage at the point. Kai didn't trust his voice. He wasn't sure if his words would come out correctly.

            "Well…" His attempt at conversation was cut short when the eagle descended into the cave.

            Found them! Sorry I took so long. Actually grateful for Trygle's appearance, Kai got up and walked over to him, holding Dranzer in his arms.

            "Geez, think you got enough? When I said two branches, I meant two small ones, not a whole kindling." It was true, it looked like he had somehow snapped off an entire branch and carried it back with his talons. Though appreciative, Rei hoped that Grypholyion hadn't noticed. He picked off a few leaves and held them out to Dranzer.

            "Just eat a few, it'll make you feel a lot better." She reluctantly took one in her mouth, devouring it pretty quickly after the soothing mint taste cooled her mouth. Rei motioned for Kai to sit so that the process would be easier. He then handed him a few leaves so that he could give them to her.

            Trygle observed this and hopped over to the half-breed's side. She's going to be ok, right? Glancing at the phoenix, Rei nodded.

            "She should be fine. Once they get into her system, she'll cool down considerably." Thinking that Rei was speaking to him, Kai looked up.

            "Good, I'd hate to have to leave her here again. I don't want to be left alone with Tyson another time." The raven-haired boy smiled, but turned to the branch and started picking off a few more leaves since he felt his blush growing.

            Trygle tilted his head. Maybe you should eat a few of those Rei, you're getting red too. Rei quickly turned and grabbed the eagle's beak. Then he checked to see if Kai had caught and understood him. Extremely glad that he hadn't noticed, he sighed in relief. Trygle wasn't too pleased though, and began flapping wildly until Rei let go.

            What was that for?! Hearing the uproar, Kai glanced questionably at Rei, who merely waved away his curiosity.

            "Nothing…it was nothing." Eyeing the eagle again, he emphasized the word. "It was nothing, ok?" Trygle nodded, though confused; he went along with him.

~*~

            About fifteen minutes had passed since Dranzer had eaten the mint leaves, and she was now relieved of her fever. The phoenix was still eating the greens though, for good measure. Trygle was next to her, watching the two boys talk about…something. He didn't quite understand, but by their tone, it didn't sound like anything happy.

            "It couldn't have been a fluke if it happened twice. You must have done something." Rei suggested.

            "I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. How do you know it wasn't something you did?" Their arguing went in a circle, always starting and ending in the same way. The two birds couldn't tell what was more surprising, that they weren't fighting, or the fact that they hadn't thought of fighting each other yet.

            "It couldn't have been something I did since you're the one who's being affected. I've always been able to talk to creatures, but you haven't." Kai crossed his arms in frustration.

            "I already know that." Rei narrowed his gaze on him, his tail flicking back and forth.

            "Then it can't be something I'm doing. Whatever is causing you to gain the ability must be out of your own power."

            "I'm not doing anything that I haven't done before! And you said I didn't have any powers." The raven-haired boy moved his arm swiftly through the air as he walked closer.

            "That's not what I meant, and you know it!" Kai grabbed Rei's wrist, thinking that the next swung it out; it would be aimed at him.

            "If you want me to understand, you should clarify, and say what you mean!"

            {Rei-neko, master Kai, please stop arguing!} Both boys turned to look at Dranzer, who was obviously fed up with their fighting. True, she could only hear Rei's side, but it was getting annoying.

            "We're not arguing Dranzer, I'm just telling him that he's not thinking hard enough." Rei stated as he pulled his hand away from Kai's grip. "If you just took your time, maybe you'd realize that you're doing something different." It didn't seem like the bluenette heard him. The anger that once clouded his eyes disappeared when he stared at Rei.

            "…Rei-neko?" He repeated the name Dranzer had called him.

            "What?" Kai shook his head.

            "What is the deal with that name?" Rei sighed.

            "It's just something that Dranzer calls me sometimes." Clearly Rei hadn't realized what had happened yet. It wasn't like Kai gave him time to figure it out though. He took hold of the younger boy's arm and turned to his faithful phoenix.

            "Dranzer?" She returned the gaze.

            {…Master Kai? What is it?} Suddenly, Rei began tugging at him.

            "Kai, what are you doing?" A blush began surfacing on his cheeks, he had no idea what Kai was doing.

            "Rei, tell Dranzer to ask something." He stopped struggling.

            "What?"

            "Anything, tell her to say anything, but make it a question." The half-breed guessed that he wasn't going to let go of him until he did what he asked…so he complied. Actually, part of him told him not to do anything, but that side of him was quickly hushed.

            "Dranzer, ask Kai a question." She eyed his curiously, but his returning gaze told her that he didn't know what this was about either.

            {Master Kai, can we bring some of these leaves back with us?} Kai grinned.

            "Yes. We can bring as much as you want." He then let go of Rei's arm and shook his head. "I can't believe I didn't notice it before. It was so simple…" The confused raven-haired boy confronted him.

            "Kai, what in the world are you talking about?"

            "It's you." Rei pointed to himself.

            "Me? What about me?"

            "You have been the connection all this time." Still completely in the dark, Kai elaborated. "Do you remember the first time I heard Trygle? I was helping you up and then he asked if you liked humans because you were holding my hand?"

            "…Yeah. What about it?"

            "Think about it, Rei. When you were helping me up the cliff earlier I understood what that pigeon said about Dranzer, didn't I?" The younger boy's eyes suddenly lit up in comprehension. "And just a minute ago Dranzer told us to stop arguing right after--"

            "Right after you grabbed my hand…" Kai snapped his fingers after Rei finished his sentence; finally aware of the pattern he had laid out.

            Rei groaned and rubbed his temple. "So every time you want to talk to, or understand Dranzer you have to come into contact with me?" Kai smirked and nodded his head while Rei's ears fell. "What does that make me then, you're translating tape?!"

            "Not exactly…" He sauntered over to him and lifted his ear up into a pointy position. "I think you're more like training wheels." Rei wasn't very amused.

            "That's not funny, Kai."

            "It's true though. At first, the words were very foggy and still had some animal sounds, but now, it's getting more apparent. I think I just need your help until whatever power I have sets in for good." Rei sat down and crossed his arms.

            "Well that doesn't seem too fair to me. You make it sound like I'm just a machine for you to use until you're ready to fly on your own." Kai kneeled down and tentatively tapped his ears.

            "If you were a machine, you wouldn't be so stubborn, and I wouldn't have had so much trouble. And besides, I don't want you thinking you're a machine. You can still teach me, and I probably won't actually use you unless I really want to speak to Dranzer." Rei glanced at him.     
            "Why not?"

            "Because I don't like having things handed to me on a silver platter. I've earned everything I have, and taking the easy way isn't any fun." The raven-haired boy smiled.

            "You have fun? And here I thought you were a stick in the mud." Before the bluenette got up, he flicked the younger boy's ears.

            "Watch it kitty-cat, don't push me." Rei rubbed his sensitive ears and got up after him.

            "I won't push you if you leave me ears alone." Kai thought about it and then nodded.

            "Fine, it's a deal." Rei sighed.

            "Can't you leave deals out of this? Soon I'm going to lose track." He motioned for Trygle to come to him as his ears picked up something. "We can continue this tomorrow. You got to go now." The older boy turned around.

            "Why?"

            "Because time's up, and I think Grypholyion is coming." Rei headed for the newly made hole in the wall. "Take as many leaves as you want, I doubt they'll affect her if she eats too many."

            "Hold on." Just when he was about to step through, Kai walked up to him.

            "Yeah?" His hand rested on Rei's shoulder ad he called out to the phoenix.

            "Dranzer." She flew up and hovered above the leaves.

            {Yes, Master Kai?} He smiled.

            "Meet me at the bottom, I'll get the leaves for you." She chirped and began descending down the mountainside. Rei stared at him curiously.

            "You couldn't have told her that with whistles?"

            "I probably could have, but it's nice hearing her voice." The younger boy couldn't help but smile, this new side of Kai was truly a wonder to behold. He glanced at the hand that still held his shoulder in a light grip, and then gazed into his crimson eyes.

            "Same time tomorrow?" He nodded and went to collect the leaves, the spot on the half-breed's shoulder now cold from the loss.

            "Don't be late. And I wouldn't make any more holes in the mountain, it might collapse." Just like before, Rei glanced nervously at the ceiling.

            "I'll remember that. See you, Kai."

            "Hn." He stepped through and began piling up the rocks to close the gap.

            "Next time I should get Dranzer to melt the rocks together like a door. Then I can just slide it shut instead of doing this." Trygle nodded.

            Not a bad idea…training wheels. Rei glared at him.

            "I swear, if you make that a habit I'm going to sell you off to the highest bidder." The eagle hopped off his shoulder and flew near him.

            You wouldn't. No response. Rei? You…you wouldn't, would you? He put up the last rock and began walking away. Rei? He followed him out, a small fear nagging in his mind. Rei?!

~*~*~*~

(1) Putting Rei in the den is like time-out. Though Rei is 15, punishing him with childish tactics is part of the penalty. He'd be stuck in the cave for a certain amount of time with Grypholyion as his keeper.

(2) Argh…I never saw an episode where Trygle actually attacks. I know it's some fastball attack, but I have no clue what element it is exactly. Since he resembles Dranzer, I made it a fire/light attack (since he's golden…though that shouldn't make a difference). Don't take my word on this; it's just me using my writer's license.

SS-Wow, that was kind of long. Not as big as the last one, but still up to my usual updating quota. Hope everyone liked it. Things are beginning to go somewhere, and now you all know why Kai could only understand Trygle at first. Did any of you figure it out before I explained it? I would have cut it off right after Kai figured it out, but since I'm rather sketchy about updating, I added more so none of you had to wait. ^^;;

Tym-Sketchy, huh? That's a new way of describing your updating pattern. But I suppose it fits.

SS-At least I didn't leave this one on a cliff! Please review, it keeps me going as a writer. See you all next time!

Tym-Ashes!