Disclaimer: I do not own BB, just the OCs. Hiraikotsu is Sango's weapon... borrowing...

Summary: The war between two empires has gone on long enough. Now the Emperors pass down their grudge to their grandchildren. But what happens when they find themselves escaping their worlds, and finding love between one another? Pairings

Key:

"Talking"

"Thoughts"

:: Communicating with Sacred Animals ::

Twilight

Chapter 9- Fishing

Three days had passed since leaving that little merchant village far behind, Kai leading the way with Mika on her new mount just behind. She carefully patted his shoulder as she nudged him on. Beo walked beside the ookami girl, watching over her protectively. Behind them were Kai, Takao, Hiromi, and Dranzer on their respected mounts.

:: How are you fairing, Mika?::

:: I'm fine, Beo. You don't have to worry about me.:: Mika had already grown tiresome of everyone always worrying about her. She had tried to do her fair share when it came to work. Though, she didn't know much. It wasn't her fault she led a rather sheltered life. She never felt like she was pulling her own weight in this.

Silence was their friend about now. What was there to say between mortal enemies anyhow? Two knew it, while the other two were in the dark.

Kai's emotions continued to internally pull on him. He couldn't get Mika out of his head. And when he saw that man back in the stables strike at her with such a force, something inside of him burst aflame. A strange heat grew inside his body and his mind...

He couldn't explain it, but it was like someone or something was taking over him. He felt himself lose all his self-awareness. There was no black and white, no good and bad. What ever was inside him wanted out and wanted some sort of revenge. He could sense Takao next to him at the stables, but he did not know if he lose all his self-awareness. There was no black and white, no good and bad. What ever was inside him wanted out and wanted some sort of revenge. He could sense Takao next to him at the stables, but he did not know if he was friend or foe. All he could see was Mika on the floor and some stranger over powering her. It was more than he could endure.

What was even stranger, as he felt this inner flame, he also felt warmth around him. It was like he was more sensitive to the heat of the sun, like he could feel the fire of the nearby blacksmith, the cooks in the inn. He could feel it all, ever source of heat had tingled his senses, and it felt so natural, so unexplainable.

Suddenly a grumbling was heard between them. Kai halted his horse and turned around. Mika shrugged and they all looked over to see Takao's face blush and beckon in a sheepish smile.

"I guess I didn't eat enough prior," he smiled. Hiromi had to put her hand over her mouth to keep herself from laughing. Mika did the same as well. Takao turned a brilliant shade of red. Kai shook his side to side and let out a sigh.

"I guess we'd better eat then," suggested Mika with a grin. "Takao's stomach could probably alert the Houou army of our location."

Takao hopped off his horse and handed his reins over to Hiromi, who still rested on the animal's back. The dragon searched through his saddlebags and came out with some rope.

"And what are you doing with that?" questioned Kai, eying the dragon's hands. Beo picked up his head and cocked it to the side curiously.

"Pardon my abruptness, but I did have a life before the palace. I use to live in the Dragon Lands before the Empire crushed them. I would travel with my brother and hunt for our food," replied Takao.

:: What in this world is he doing, Mika?::

::I think he is attempted to catch some sort of food with that rope,:: inquired Mika, still curious at Takao's plan.

:: Would you rather Dranzer and I hunt enough to feed you as well?::

:: That probably won't be necessary, Beo. I want to see what has he has planned.::

"This will be entertaining," thought Kai as Takao departed from them.

:: You have no faith in him, child?:: Kai looked around with his eyes, wondering who was communicating with him. It was a feminine voice, so he looked over towards Mika and Hiromi, who gave him quizzical looks.

"You think he's OK?" whispered Mika, moving her mount over next to Hiromi's.

"He has been acting strange since the episode in the barn," declared Hiromi softly.

:: Child.:: There it was again, but the girls were whispering to one another. He felt Dranzer's claws squeeze his shoulder tighter as she was resting on his shoulder as a perch. Crimson eyes jazzed upon the firebird.

"Dranzer?"

::Yes. I am sorry this comes to a shock to you, young Kai, but I could not communicate with you back in the Empire. That sorcerer, Boris, was too close at hand. He would have discovered my secret.::

::You talk?::

:: More or less, little phoenix. Beo and I will go out and hunt. Just incase the little dragon does not fair well. It would be best if you set up camp for a bit. I sense no disturbances here.::

With that, Dranzer too to her wings and soared up into the lofting wind, weaving through the trees to find her own food. The white ookami ran off from them, on his own.

"We'd best set up camp here," parroted Kai, dismounting and leading his horse over to the nearest low branch. The girls followed and did as he did. Mika and Hiromi went in search of firewood as Kai made a clearing and unpacked the blankets and such from the horses.

With their arms filled with dead branches, twigs, and kindling, they made a pile to organize all the extra materials. Kai had gathered stones and set them in a circle where he placed some of the wood in. Hiromi attempted to lit the fire with the flint stone in their disposable, but the fire would not arise. Kai took the flint from her, and immediately the fire sparked, set ablaze. Hiromi looked at him, but Kai was just as confused.

Mika took the horses one by one to a stream near by so they could drink, while Hiromi and Kai were setting up their little makeshift tents. Mika sighed, she felt so useless, like she was the fifth wheel, no point or purpose there.

---

Takao came back a bit after Dranzer and Beo did, whose stomachs were filled. On his back was a rather large, rather dead, boar. They all looked at Takao and his catch, their mouths dropped dumbfounded. Takao smirked and dumped the creature on to the ground. Even Beo and Dranzer couldn't believe their own eyes.

"And you all showed doubt in me," he snickered, gazing over their faces. Everyone was filled by the time drowsiness and the cool night air hit him or her. Mika and Hiromi took over the first shift of sleeping, leaving the boys to attend to the fire. The each grabbed a blanket and headed into the tent. Beo curled up underneath Mika's head.

Takao leaned back against a tree trunk, leaving Kai at the fire, finding it rather fascinating. They way the flames danced drew him in. He couldn't figure it out, his enthrallment to the inferno. Dranzer's eyes never left her boy, watching him discovering things she had kept silent all these years....

---

Kai awoke in the darkness, the fire was out and no one was around. He was confused. Calling for Dranzer, he held his arm out for him. But she did not appear. He used his mind like before, but still she did not respond. Where was everyone? Kai stood up and walked around, the world seeming to toddle and title, swaying like the flames he had been drawn to by the campfire. He could sense something just ahead of him. It was calling to him, beckoning him to come forward.

He obeyed that command, and let his instincts and lust carry him forward. The calling was strong, powerful.

Making his way slowly through the woods, he noticed a red glare just ahead of him. Everything went black, and then he saw the woods ablaze.

Flame and fire consumed all. Destruction was clear and Kai couldn't help but like the heat emitted from this setting. He wanted more of the warmth, he lusted for it. A cry was released inside of the fire. It was not a human's voice; it was that of a familiar sound, ticking away in the back of his mind since he could remember.

"Welcome to your true nature, Kai," echoed a voice. "Your true self has awakened..." Crimson eyes glared from within the fire.

---

Kai jumped up from his spot on the ground. He was sweating and panting hard. It was a dream, he came to the conclusion as he looked around and heard the soft snorting of the horses just over yonder. It was a nightmare. His true nature? What was meant by that? Who was that voice anyway?

"You OK," asked Mika walking over and kneeling next to him, face to face. "You look like you had an awful dream."

"I guess you could say that," he stated, rubbing his morning face.

"You sure nothing is troubling you? The elders back home always said dreams were reflections of your deepest thoughts," she said, standing up. "Maybe you atalked to someone, you won't be plagued with such dreams..." Mika noticed Takao walking away from the camp and rushed over to him leaving Kai on the ground.

"Morning, Michi," stated Takao gathering a few things into his arms. "You fair well last night?"

"Yes," she stated, twiddling her thumbs behind her back, one of her nervous habits. "May I asked where you are going?"

"I am going to fish," declared Takao. "I noticed a stream last night. The same one you took the horses to for a refreshment."

"I was wondering if you could teach me..."

"To fish? Hunt?" asked Takao.

"Both," she whispered, trying to keep both hers and Takao's voices down. Her face turned red with embarrassment. "I...I was never taught." Takao smiled and nodded his head, motioned for her to follow him.

"Sure, come with me!" Kai heard this and smirked, forgetting about his dream and followed them, wanting to witness this act.

---

Hiromi and the two sacred animals followed the trio to the stream, Hiromi claiming she wanted to learn as well while Kai never declared his motives. Mika's faced continued to grow more and more red with each passing second. She couldn't believe either would want to watch Mika make a fool of herself. Takao led them over to the little stream, and stopped just before the bank.

"Here," he said, dumping the rope onto the ground. "There are a few ways I was taught to fish, but seeing as we do not have netting or spears, I'll teach you the more primitive style." Kai held in a laugh. Takao looked up at the Prince as he took off his foot ware and rolled dup his pant leggings and sleeves.

"This will be very interesting," thought Kai.

Mika followed Takao and barefoot, and she removed her cloak. She rolled up her leggings and sleeves and followed Takao into wading into the water. Hiromi sat at the edge of the water to watch, Beo at her side, just as interested in his mistresses' actions. Kai climbed up one tree that had a sturdy limb reaching over the water. He sat up there, gazing down, Dranzer rested right next to him.

"First of all," started Takao, making his way halfway into the stream, which was halfway up his calves at water level. "You want o be aware of what you grab. You don't want to pick up a water snake!" Mika stood next to him and eyed the dragon.

"Grab? Water snake?"

"Precisely! Now, you have to slowly lower your hands and arms into the water so not to frighten the fish." Takao did as he was saying and Mika followed his example. A few fish scattered around her intruding fingers. Kai watched this was much utterly amusing scene. Mika looked like a fish out of water.

"Next, you need patients and hand-eye coordination," declared Takao. "You know how to use your Hiraikotsu?" Mika nodded. "You need hand-eye coordination then too. Same here-"

"You want me to imagine I'm going to slay a fish with my Hiraikotsu?" interrupted Mika. Kai let out a chuckle, which both Mika and Takao took to ignore.

"Um. Not really, but anyway, when one gets close...in...your...rage...HA!" Takao flung a fish out of the water, landing behind the shrieking Hiromi. The fish flopped around and around on the floor. "Now, you try." Mika nodded and looked back in the water. One took a bit to get in her "range".

"HA...ah!" Mika flung her arms and only splashed the water, spraying it in Hiromi's direction, who was retreating immediately along with Beo. She lost her balance and fell into the water on her butt with a splash, sparing a laughing Takao. Kai and Hiromi broke into laughter as well, while Mika only huffed and stood up, setting herself again for attempt number two.

"This time, secure yourself by standing with a bracing leg," explained Takao helping her fix her feet. Kai couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy filling him. That burning flame inside started to flicker inside of Kai, but he ignored it. "It needs to get closer, Michi. Try again."

Mika did. And again, and again, and again. Each time she failed, but always came back for another try. She wasn't going to give up, but she was also providing some comical relief for the group. Takao ended up soaking wet from all the splashing Mika directed. She too herself was drenched, but unable to give up. Finally she flung a fish out of the water, it landing on the ground and tried to flop back into the water, but Beo put his paw on it, and flipped it farther onto the land.

"I did it!" she chanted, feeling the sigh of relief of her frustration.

"It did take the lady long enough," declared Kai. Mika turned her head up towards him and put her hands on her hips.

"If you think I took too long, I challenge you to do the same. Come down here and catch ONE fish," she stated. Kai shook her away. "Oh, I see, the Prince is scared that I will prove him wrong. Well if you want it like that..." Kai swung down from the limb after sending his shoes flying over towards the land, and rolling up his pants. Kai landed in a soft splash in the water, and rolled up his own sleeves.

"Well, 'Duchess of Maranchi'," he stated, emphasizing his words. Kai leaned forward and waited for a fish to come close. "There!" He swung his cupped hands under the fish, but the creature got away, and Kai threw water at Hiromi, who protested and moved once again.

"Not so easy is it, my Lord," she snickered. Kai growled. He wasn't going to be shown up by this ookami. Kai attempted again, but not success. Mika laughed at him, watching Kai almost fall flat on his face into the water.

"What's so funny?" he questioned. "You are more water logged than I am!" Mika wrinkled her nose at him.

"But I thought you were going to prove me wrong, good Sir," she laughed. Kai growled.

"I'll show you..." Kai spun and flung water directly at Mika, who shrieked and tried to shield herself with her arms.

"Why you!" She leaned down to splash Kai, but caught a mouthful of water herself. Kai stood up laughing at the drenched ookami, but soon found himself attacked with an onslaught of splashed from Mika. Takao rushed around them and was laughing. He made his way out of the water to gather up the few fish they had caught. Kai and Mika continued their water fight with each other, Mika laughing he whole entire time.

"Would you mind helping me cook these fish, as it appears those two are rather occupied," asked Takao to Hiromi, pointing out Kai and Mika. Hiromi nodded her head, wringing out her dress from the water that seemed to be attracted to her. Beo too was soaked as he had been right where the water always landed. The ookami shook the excess water off of his fur. "You can come too if you wish to, Beo." The ookami barked lightly and started off back towards the camp.

"I see his mind is made up," laughed Hiromi, watching her kami run off. "I guess I would have to accompany you as well. I prefer to stay dry." Takao and Hiromi left, not bothering to call out to the two in the stream. Dranzer stayed on her perch above the two, ruffling her feathers as stray water jumped up and hit her. She squawked in annoyance at the two, who didn't notice her cry or the departure of the trio.

They continued to hit each other with the water, finding different styles to maneuver the water. Mika skimmed the top of the water while Kai just kicked some at her. Mika was laughing so hard her stomach hurt, while Kai continued to splash her. She held her hands up, halting Kai's attack.

"This is a change of scene," she laughed, catching her breath. Kai stood up straight and raised his brow at her in curiosity.

"'Change of scene'?"

Mika nodded. "Ever since the day I met you, you were always stoic," she declared. "And even in all this tension with your army on our trail, you are acting like a giddy child!" Kai smirked and walked over towards the ookami, splashing in the water.

"A 'giddy child'? I'll show you a 'giddy child'!" Mika squeaked and spun on her heel in the mud; she ran down the stream as fast as she could in the mud and water. Kai was right on back. "You're not getting away that easy calling me that!"

Kai reached out and snagged her wrist in his hand. Pulling her to a stop, Mika spun around to look into his crimson eyes. She pulled her arm up to her face, pulling Kai's hand with her. But as she spun, Mika lost her balance and her feet slipped from under her, causing her to fall backwards into the water. Kai didn't get a chance to release her wrist and he was pulled down as well.

Mika landed on her back, spraying the water away from her. Kai managed to stop himself from crushing onto her. He stood on all fours on top of Mika, his hands on either side of her head. The ookami let out a chorus of laughter, raising her head from he water and mud. Her body was submerged and her backside buried in the mud. Her laughter was mellifluous as Kai couldn't help but join her.

Mika opened her eyes and looked into the crimson eyes of the Prince. She noticed how they softened as they were locked into her gray eyes. They were stuck into each other's calm glance. A smile appeared on Kai's slightly dirty face from the mud dots caused by the fall. Mika raised her hand and whipped away the mud covering his blue-shark-finned cheeks.

Kai watched as Mika's hand move towards his face. He pulled away slightly, but when she touched his skin, the tension in his body subsided instantaneously. Mika ride him of the mud, but continued to keep her hand attached to his face.

"You have a nice smile," she stated. "You should try and smile more often."

They couldn't let go of each other's eyes, and Kai felt himself lowering his head towards her head, parting his lips. Mika watched as Kai came closer, and closed her eyes, her lips trembling slightly. Her stomach muscles tightened as her body became ridged. His lips connected with hers, lightly brushing over Mika's until he pressed harder.

His tongue slid along her bottom lip and Mika opened her mouth willingly. Kai slipped his tongue into her mouth, stroking her tongue with his and then exploring the rest of her cavern. Mika started to battle with him a bit for her chance at dominance, but the stubborn phoenix had none of it as he feverishly kissed her. Mika gave up and kissed him back with as much passion as he poured into this kiss.

Their air had run out, and so they pulled away slightly, panting into each other. Their noses were touching lightly as Mika stroked her hand through Kai's wild, light blue bangs, pushing them out of his face. Kai lowered his head back down, and started to plant light butterfly kisses on the corners of her lips. Then he traced her jaw line with light kisses.

"Michi..." he mumbled in-between his kisses. Mika's eyes shot open wide, and tears started to flood her eyes. It was a lie, everything was a lie. Mika couldn't stand it anymore. It was wrong. She didn't want to hurt him. She had to stop this before anything became of it.

Mika slid from under him, as Kai leaned forwards for another kiss; he felt nothing beneath him. Losing his balance, Kai face planted into the water and into the mud. Mika heard the splash and turned to see the Imperial Prince jerk out of the water, and scramble for air. She winced, and Dranzer ruffled her feathers.

Kai gasped for air and wiped away some of the mud with his hand. Now able to see, he looked around and noticed the bushes shake and stir. Mika was nowhere to be seen. Panting lightly, Kai waded out of the stream utterly confused. Dranzer swooped down and landed on his shoulder.

:: I don't understand, Dranzer. What happened? What went wrong? Did I do something?:: Dranzer nudged the Prince's cheek.

:: You did nothing, child. Give her time, little one. She has her reasons for acting in her manner. Just as you have your own motives. Let her have some time. She will reveal all she will care to give to you.::

Kai sighed and walked off back towards the camp, recalling what had happened in the stream.

---

Back at the camp site, Takao had speared the fish with long stick and was cooking the food over an open fire. Hiromi was searching through one of the saddlebags, and Beo was lying next to the fire, his eyes narrow and set onto the approaching Kai.

::What has that creature done to my child?::

::Nothing she didn't commit to, Beo. Don't be so rash,:: scolded Dranzer to the white ookami. Beo looked away, but his inner expression never changed. Takao looked up from the fire.

"I see you had an entertaining time, Sir," smirked Takao, looking at the drenched and muddy Prince.

"You can clean up when Mi-Michi and I return," declared Hiromi. "We don't want either of you to catch a cold." Hiromi walked off with clothing in her arms and hair solution in her hand. Kai sighed and sat down next to Takao, Dranzer flying up and over to Beo, landing on his shoulders.

"So what happened between you two?" asked Takao checking on the food. Kai ran his hand through his muddy hair. "Michi came back rather upset."