Looks tearful Why did I only get one review? What did I do wrong? Well I'm updating because I love this fic so much…and because I finally got a review for chapter 2. THANK YOU HIKARU HAYASHI Hugs you're the best!Also, I would like to apologise in advance for any grammatical, spelling or any other errors.

Disclaimer: Je ne le possède pas.

Thoughts

Flashbacks

Scene/time changes

"We must follow the trail!"

"What trail?"

"The trail that we blaze…that trail that we blaze!"

He stood, looking out of his window with a thoughtful expression upon his hardened features. His plan seemed to be unfolding well, once Miguel's doubts to his tale had faded. Miguel certainly seemed to believe that he was a member of the crew and was a good worker. Too bad Cortes' latest plan could possibly end his life as well as Tulio's and the lives of the citizens of El Dorado. Not that Cortes cared. As far as he was concerned, it was two less thieves and a city less of savages in the world. Who cared, as long as he and King Charles V got gold?

Cortes smiled. Gold. Just the thought of it banished the worries of his latest scheme. With the amount of gold El Dorado was said to posses, he could become the richest and the most powerful man in Spain. A knock at the door broke him from his fantasies. "Enter!"

A balding sailor with a limp entered Cotes' cabin. "Shall I man the boats, Captain?"

"No Delano, send Miguel up here." The first mate frowned at this response but stayed silent. He saluted and left, it was best not to question the Captain when he had a plan.

Cortes sat behind his desk and smiled in satisfaction. He may not have the map but the boy would be able to find his friend and the City of Gold. Once inside the city he would kill the two thieves and anyone who stood in his way, he would be the wealthiest man in Spain. Cortes looked up as Miguel entered, followed by his ever-faithful dog. Cortes placed a smile on his face, it wouldn't do to have Miguel question him this far into the plan.

"Good morning Miguel." He waved his hand at one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Take a seat." He said kindly, smiling reassuringly as Miguel did so. "I have called you here to go over the plan again. Now, you are to go ashore with Orion and track the thief down. This shouldn't prove to be much of a problem as he stole my horse and I'm sure your dog could pick up his scent." Miguel nodded to show that he understood. "Once you have found him, bring him to me. It is important that you should arouse no suspicion so take your time." He clasped his hands together on the table in front of him. "Do not fail me." Sensing dismissal, Miguel nodded and turned to leave.

"I will not fail you, Captain." He beckoned for Orion to follow and left for provisions.

Cortes smirked as he watched Miguel leave the room. The gold would be his soon, it was only a matter of time.

Miguel dumped his bag into the longboat and turned to say goodbye. With the exception of Delano, he was on good terms with the crew and it seemed that they were sorry to see him go.

"Now you take care o' yerself, lad. Yer don't know what's in them woods." Cautioned Arlo, who had become like a father to Miguel with his kindness and words of wisdom.

"Tell us all 'bout your adventures when you get back." Said Diego, looking wistfully at the longboat. "Wish I could go with you."

Miguel laughed and patted Diego's shoulder. "To get eaten alive by bugs? Wish I was staying onboard, but the Captain's orders are law." He climbed into the longboat. "I'll see you soon." Miguel lowered the boat into the water, picked up the oars and started rowing toward land.

Miguel whistled happily as his drew closer, secretly relieved to be away from Cortes and his First Mate. Delano did everything in his power to make Miguel's life a misery but with the support of the rest of the crew, life was anything but a misery. Indeed, if they had a different Captain and First Mate, life onboard 'The Adria' would be pleasant. Miguel's thoughts drifted to his unknown past and this man, Tulio. I wonder what he looks like. How will I know it's him when I get there? He wondered what was so important about Tulio that Cortes wanted him. I could easily lead them to El Dorado assuming I get there. What does Cortes want with him? Orion barked as the boat bumped onto the beach. Miguel watched in amusement as she ran up and down the beach. He sighed and shook his head. "Come on Orion." He picked up his bag of provisions and a scrap of material from Tulio's shirt. "Come on girl we've got places to go, people to find and errands to run." He held out the scrap of material to her and she sniffed it eagerly before sniffing the ground. Miguel frowned as she chased to and fro, searching fro the scent. Then something caught his eye at the other end of the beach. He shielded his eyes against the sun with his hand. "Orion, this way girl."

Orion followed him, panting in the heat. Miguel inspected the seaweed covered object before him. It looks like a boat. A sharp bark broke him from his musings, Orion had found the trail and it led into the jungle. Miguel groaned. Great! I'm going to get eaten alive by insects. They'll find me weeks later, dead of starvation and half eaten by wild beasts. He shook his head in attempt to drive his pessimistic thoughts away and followed Orion into the unknown.

El Dorado

The sun had risen a few hours ago casting its warming glow over the golden city, another battle won with the forces of Darkness, much to the relief of the towns folk. Another day to do with as they pleased.

High above the city in one of its temple, slept a dark haired young Spaniard, oblivious to the bustling activity in the city below. Before him sat a native woman reluctant to do her duty in waking him. She watched his face, devoid of all his waking worries. He looked so peaceful, you wouldn't know of the loneliness he faced when he was awake. She knew she'd have to wake him soon, the priest wanted an audience with him and it was foolish not to turn up, God or no.

"He does look peaceful when he sleeps, doesn't he?" Chel whipped round only to come face to face with Chief Tannabok. He smiled gently. "Don't' worry, Chel. I won't tell him you that watch him while he sleeps." He sat down beside her and regarded Tulio in concern.

"He really misses Miguel, the only time he doesn't look unhappy is when he's distracted." She sighed. "I know I haven't known him long, but it hurts to see him this way."

"He is not alone. We'll help him through this difficult time." A movement in the corner of his eye caught the Chief's attention. He looked up to see one of his guards hovering in the doorway. He patted Chel's shoulder in comfort and made his way outside to see what the problem was that would warrant a visit from a member of his elite.

Chel watched her Chief go with a lighter heart. If Chief Tani thought that there was hope then she wouldn't give up on Tulio yet, she only preyed that Tulio was strong enough. Although he'd only been here a short while, she knew that she had fallen in love with him and she didn't know what she would do if she were to loose him.

Outside El Dorado.

Miguel picked himself up off the ground. The footprints were that of a barefooted person, a horse and someone wearing Spanish shoes. He followed their path to a waterfall where they disappeared. Miguel looked doubtfully at the waterfall and then at Orion, who was sitting patiently awaiting his decision. "I don't know, Orion, what if there's a deep pool or a rock face behind it?"

Orion stood up, gave a bark and plunged in. "ORION!" Miguel chased in after her and fell into a waist deep river. He resurfaced and was met by his companion's green eyes, which he could swear were regarding him in amusement. He glared at Orion and flicked some water at her causing her to jump back with a yelp. Grumbling, Miguel pulled himself onto a narrow pathway at one side of the tunnel where Orion was currently shaking herself.

"Oh quit being such a puppy, it was just a splash of water! Besides, you could do with a bath." He chose to ignore the threatening growl at the mention of the word 'bath'.

Miguel put a cautious foot forward. Relief flooded him when he didn't fall. With his back to the wall, he put his left hand on the wall and felt his way along the tunnel with Orion following cautiously behind, ready to bark if her human fell in. They had been travelling for a while and Miguel had begun to debate with himself whether or not this was the right way in when a small broke the surrounding darkness. The end of the tunnel!

"Nearly there, just a little further." He said to reassure himself as much as the dog behind him.

They emerged, a short while later, blinking in a heavenly-lit city of gold. Orion jumped onto the bank, grateful to have solid ground beneath her feet. Miguel snorted and followed her up under the awed gaze of the citizens of El Dorado. They parted as he walked towards one of the temples, watching him walk in a silence that Miguel found quite eerie. A native, with his black hair pulled tightly back from his face, greeted him enthusiastically at the steps of the middle temple.

"My Lord." He gave a low bow. Miguel exchanged a 'what the hell?' look with Orion. "We have been anxiously awaiting your arrival…"

"Welcome to El Dorado." He was interrupted by a large, but friendly looking, Native. "I am Chief Tannabok." He extended his hand in the typical western greeting that Tulio had taught him.

Miguel smiled and shook the Chief's hand. "I'm Miguel and the dog is Orion."

"You must be tired after your long journey, my Lord." Said Tzekel-Kan, not wanting Chief Tannabok to gain the God's favour. "Allow me to show you to your rooms."

He started up the stairs followed reluctantly by Miguel, who had decided that he preferred the Chief to the scary, butt-kissing guy in front. He turned to the Chief. "Who is he?" he asked, pointing at Tzekel-Kan.

"He is the priest of El Dorado, Tzekel-Kan."

"And he knew that I was coming?" asked Miguel incredulously.

Chief Tannabok smiled at the disbelieving Spaniard at his side. "Your coming was predicted many centuries ago. One stranger appeared and he assumed that another one would follow."

Miguel was silent for a moment. So Tulio is here. He turned back to the Chief. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the stone in front of the waterfall, would it?"

Chief Tannabok's smile widened, he defiantly liked this one. "It would indeed, Lord Miguel."

Miguel grinned. "Call me Miguel, you're starting to sound like Tzekel-Kan."

The Chief laughed. "Then call me Chief Tani."

They fell into a companionable silence and followed the straight-backed priest up the stairs.

How many more steps? Thought Miguel, too out of breath to speak. He glanced at Orion, who was panting heavily. It better not be any further, I don't want to carry the dog up.

"Nearly there, Miguel. I must day, you're holding up better than Tulio."

Miguel smiled but didn't speak. Air was precious. He was so focused on trying not to suffocate that he nearly walked into the back of Tzekel-Kan.

Tzekel-Kan swept back the curtain and bowed the out of breath Miguel inside. "I hope it is to your liking, My Lord. If you are in need of anything, please don't hesitate to call."

Miguel plastered a smiled onto his face. "Of course, I'll remember to call…" Tzekel-Kan smiled and bowed before leaving. "…Someone other than you." He added after the priest left, earning him a chuckle from Chief Tani, who followed Tzekel-Kan out.

"Miguel?" whispered a shocked voice. Miguel turned around and came face to face with a tall, black haired, blue-eyed man. Before he knew what was happening, Miguel found himself in a bone-crushing hug. He awkwardly returned it. "I thought you were dead, that Cortes must've thrown you overboard or something." He pulled back and looked at Miguel closely. "Miguel, are you alright?"

Miguel smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine! I just…didn't expect to see you here! I should be asking if you're alright." He took in Tulio's appearance. "You look like death warmed up."

Tulio laughed. "You had me worried sick! Don't do that to me again!" He jumped as something wet touched his bare foot. Looking down he met the gaze of a brown Labrador.

"Ah, that's Orion. Orion, Tulio. Tulio, Orion."

Tulio scratched Orion behind the ears. "Oh, that reminds me. Your horse will want to see you!"

Chel watched from the shadows as Tulio led Miguel to the other side of the temple where Altivo stayed. She frowned thoughtfully, something about Miguel didn't add up. He didn't act excited at being reunited with Tulio. From what Tulio's told me, they're as close as brothers. So why didn't Miguel greet him in the same way that Tulio did? She narrowed her eye and left the two friend's together, she'd corner Miguel and question him later.

Ahhh, the plot thickens and guess what? Nooka actually knows where this fic is going! Go me!

Well I hope this chapter is ok, feed back is welcome! So don't be shy, press the little purple button labelled GO and leave Nooka a message. Shakes tin Pleeease review generously.

Also, big thank you to Hikaru Hayashi for the Chief's name. I was wondering what it was.

Read and Review,

Nooka.