Disclaimer: I do not own BB, just the OCs.

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

Chapter 13

Home

"Het einde! (Stop)" The strangers did, surprised to hear their language from this stranger. Riding towards them was a large man with light blue hair, warrior panting on his face and a sacred mask over his eyes. Following him was a rather small storm dragon, eying them all.

"What is the meaning of this? Cross into our refuge and bare a sword?" demanded the man halting his black horse aside of Takao. The Dragon's face expressed a growing smile as his eyes locked onto the storm dragon.

"We weren't aware these lands were sacred...Dragoon?" The little dragon seemed to spark when he saw Takao. Worming passed the man, the light blue storm dragon coiled himself around Takao. "I am one of you...or I was... I was kidnapped by the Enpaiahouou soldiers during the seige ten years ago. I was called Takao Kinomiya..." The man's harsh eyes softened at the mention of his name.

"Ta…Takao?" repeated the man removing his mask. Takao's eyes popped wide open as he looked into the other Dragon's eyes. Through the war paint and weather beaten skin he saw the face of a memory. Dragoon purred loudly in his face. Kai, Mika, and Hiromi were filled with the utmost confusion.

"Hitoshi?"

The man Takao called "Hitoshi" dismounted and walked slowly over towards the Dragon who had the smoky blue storm dragon on his shoulders. The two just gazed into each other's matching crimson eyes, sizing one another up. Mika held tightly onto her Hiraikotsu until Beo took one glanced towards her. Hiromi was still extremely nervous as she watched the two. Kai remained observant, every once in a while eyeing the rest of the renegades surrounding them. Dranzer remained calm on Kai's shoulder, pleased to see the sacred Dragon God, and his people.

Takao and Hitoshi stood in a dead lock, their figures not nudging an inch, then tension around everyone was skin crawling. There were no voices, no noises, just the eerie silence. Dragoon started to feel impatient as the two brothers only continued to remain as statues.

:: If one of you don't say something…:: warned Dragoon. Takao was shocked to hear the dragon speak to him. Kai and Mika both were quick to note the change of Takao and Dragoon's eyes. It was the same way Rei's eye would change when he would to talk to Driger.

With that, the taller man lunged at Takao, grasping him into a monstrously strong hug, barely allowing his little brother the gift of air. Mika smiled and immediately felt herself missing her cousin. Brooklyn might have seemed like an arrogant bastard (and he was), but he was one of the people she missed most of all.

"I…I thought you died," said Hitoshi in his own tongue. Takao hugged his long-lost brother back with as much strength as Hitoshi.

"No, Kai… he's taken care of me… he saved me…" said Takao. Mika and Hiromi turned to see Kai with his stern face. Hitoshi looked up and over to Kai, his lips immediately pressed into a frown. It was clear Hitoshi understood the common language and who Kai was instantly.

"Houou…" The dragon warriors surrounding them raised their arms and were ready to rush out and attack. Kai glared at him, feeling a burning sensation within. Takao jumped back and in front of his group of friends. Dragoon soared next to Hitoshi, a harsh aura emitting from the Sacred Dragon. Dranzer flew and landed on Takao's shoulder as Beo moved to stand next to the boy.

:: What is the meaning of this Dragoon? Kai hasn't done harm to you.:: declared Dranzer in a fury.

:: You see the men surrounding us? They are all my people left. There a few more: woman, children, and elders. All else were slaughtered by your emperor… And you dare tell me that your monster has caused me no harm! ::

:: I am facing the same as you did once, Dragoon.:: said Beo, daring to step nearer to the irate dragon and his clan. :: But you see that girl next to the Houou? That is my Mika…my heir…:: Dragoon narrowed his eyes to see this truth.

"Listen, Hitoshi. They were going to kill me, but Kai, he rescued me. And I've been repaying him since. Dont hurt him, please..." Hitoshi continued to glare at them until a grumbling sound came. Takao blushed as Mika and Hiromi buried their faces in their hands. Hitoshi's mood changed instantly as he started laughing.

"You haven't changed, little brother," he laughed remounting his patiently waiting horse. "Come, our camp is just over this way. We shall talk and then feast." Takao gave him a brotherly smile as he turned back and walked over towards Hiromi and his horse. Dranzer accompanied Kai once again. Takao mounted up behind Hiromi and took the reins back from her tense hands. Luckily, the horse was calm enough to be upset with the grip that was on his mouth.

"What is going on?" asked Kai. Takao nudged his horse forward.

"That is my brother, Kai. He's offering us food. Follow him." Takao started off and Mika and Kai were rather confused, but they followed anyway.

Hitoshi led the way with Takao and Hiromi next to him. Dragoon rested on Hitoshi's shoulder, keeping his eye between Takao and Kai, still wary about Voltaire's grandson. Kai sighed; he was never going to catch a break! Mika rode her horse close, causing their knees to bump. Kai snapped his head up and saw his love smiling back at him. Then again, maybe he did have one break.

The Dragon Clan's camp took a few minutes to ride to. There were some little kids running around, chasing a few dogs; women were handing up washing while the other were tending the roasting boars and chickens. The elders were wandering around coughing up dreams of the past and when they were younger, serving the deceased Dragon Lord. A few of the children ran over to greet Hitoshi and the others. Kai, Hiromi, and Mika had no clue what they were saying, but Hitoshi continued to speak to them in a soft tone.

"What is he saying, Takao?" asked Hiromi after her long silence, but still she was upset. Sensing this, Dragoon floated over to her, and rested in her lap. Takao was happy his God was giving Hiromi a sense of stability just touching her. Dragons always were good healers, and it seemed Dragoon was living up to that.

"The children are asking who we are. And Hitoshi told them I was a lost dragon and you are my friends."

Mika had to laugh while the children turned their attention to the Sacred Ookami. Little hands continued to poke and prod at him, a few grabbing for his tail, while others wants to yank on his ears. Dragoon saw the annoyance in Beo's ruby eye, and so he told Hitoshi, who told the children, to scatter. The gray ookami couldn't have been anymore relived.

Hitoshi halted his horse at the entrance to one tent and motioned for Takao to follow him. "Tell your friends I have arrangements being set up for a stay. Those tents have necessities and are located there." Hitoshi pointed over to two tents about 100 feet from Hitoshi's own.

"Guys, my brother says those tents over there are ours. I'll be over soon," said Takao. "I have some necessary catching up to do." Kai nodded and the girls followed him over to the tents. Tying their horses up, Kai and Mika went into one tent together, while Hiromi took the other alone. Takao smirked, knowing something had happened between the Prince and the ookami, just as he personally felt different with Hiromi.

Stepping into the tent in front of him, Takao walked over across from his brother. Just behind Hitoshi was a padded bed and lying on it was a rather large woman. Hitoshi shook her gently out of her slumber, and Takao immediately remember her to be the High Priest's niece, Cybil Mikari. She opened her eyes and Hitoshi pointed over towards Takao. Cybil's eyes lit up as she saw one she took to be dead time and again. Jumping up as fast as she could, with Hitoshi's help , and Takao walked the rest of the way to meet her in a hug.

"Oh Takao, I thought you perished. After your father cleared the Palace, we were separated…" she said pulling herself away to look get a better look of him.

"You…" said Takao, his eyes falling on the stomach of the woman. Cybil blushed and placed her hand over her round girth. Hitoshi stood behind her, and placed his hand over top of hers. Takao knew instantly… "Sit down." Cybil nodded and with Hitoshi's help once again was back down on her mattress.

"Now. I want to know all that happened," said Hitoshi. "Every detail…" Takao smiled warmly as he started his tale. Dragoon slipped into the tent just in time to hear all that Takao had to say.

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Settling into their own tent, Mika started to rearrange the beds for them while Kai went out to gather their blankets and such. As he was undoing the saddle bags, the phoenix was able to see Hiromi resting in her own tenting, sitting on her bed, idly scratching Beo behind his ears. Dranzer was perched on a branch just above their tents.

:: She is not a fighter…:: said Kai, looking up to his guardian. Dranzer nodded, lightly ruffling her feathers.

:: Not all are. Yours has a stronger will that her. Hiromi is naturally meeker than her friend.::

:: I know, I've known that since our first encounter.::

:: And in that, Hiromi is a healer. She cannot take, only give…:: Kai sighed and looked back in to the tent. ::Beo will comfort her. It will just take time…::

Kai entered his tent with the last of their things and let the curtain fall shut behind them. With that, Mika lurched at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting light kisses over his lips. Stepping back to regain his balance, Kai swiftly picked her up bridal-style, dropping everything that was in his arms.

Kai gently placed his girl on her back upon the jointed feathered, leather hide beds. Mika grinned between kisses as she placed her hands over his tattooed cheeks Kai placed his hands on either side of her head as he straddled over her. Taking over, Kai nibbled upon her swelling lips as he grazed his tongue underneath her bottom lip. Mika responded as Kai slid his tongue into her mouth, exploring her once again.

They broke only when oxygen was needed and the ookami ran her fingers through his wild bangs, brushing them from his face. Kai leaned lower and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, and started tracing her jaw line.

"GUYS!" cried Takao bursting into the tent. Caught by total surprise, Kai fell down next to Mika's side, as she leaped up and to her feet. Mika's face was entirely flushed a bright red. Takao's face fell slightly at the sight he had barged in to see. Then a devious smirk grew on his face. Ear to ear grew his smile. The two tried to organize themselves, but it was too late.

"Uh…" started Mika, trying to think of an explanation for her and Kai's… err… behavior. But no words would tumble out of her mouth. Takao knew.

"Come on, Michi," said Takao motioning to the outside. "And bring your lover with you, but try and be respectful of him brother and his people. It is time to eat." Kai glared at Takao, giving the dragon a warning that was understood instantaneously.

---------------------------------

The entire camp had gathered around to celebrate the feast and return of the Dragon Lord's lost son, rest his soul. Hitoshi had invited the four and their two guardians to join him, Cybil, and a few of the last high officials, when there were only three. The women served out the portions for each person. They passed Mika Kai's portion, not nearing the Houou heir. Dranzer, Beo, and Dragoon each received their own portion and started to fill themselves up.

Hitoshi was talking in his Dragon language to a shrimp, red head Kai figured to be named Daichi. Hiromi wouldn't eat much of the food, and Takao and Mika continued to insist she ate more.

"Takao, is she your woman? Or are you still soul searching?" asked Hitoshi with a smirk, his eyes wandering quickly to Hiromi. Cybil looked at the littlest with a hopeful smile. Takao shrugged at the comment, earning himself two very confused dragons.

"I've never really thought of her as my woman. I never would stake a claim over her like that," said Takao, looking his brother in the eyes.

"W…Why…you no …eat?" asked Cybil towards Hiromi trying to speak the common language. Many of the Dragon folk had forgotten the tongue. Hiromi blushed light and placed a hand on her Sacred ookami's head. Beo had yet to leave her side.

"Hiromi killed a man, Cybil," said Takao for her. "And she hadn't taken to the burden to put it passed her." Hitoshi and Cybil both nodded and slowly Cybil rose to stride over to Hiromi. They all were curious on what the pregnant woman was planning to do. She knelt in front of Hiromi and placed her hands to cup Hiromi's face.

"Past… place trouble in the past…" Cybil couldn't remember much of the common language anymore, and struggled to try and communicate with Hiromi.

"Thank you," said Mika, all but Hiromi were surprised to hear 'Michi' speaking another language. Takao eyed her as he took a sip of his drink. "I am the ookami heir, I am grateful for this hospitality."

Takao spat out his drink. Everyone jumped at the young dragon's abrupt action and that was when Mika recognized the major mistake she had just made. Beo's eyes snapped over to Dragoon.

:: Silence the boy immediately, Dragoon. Dranzer's child doe not know. We can't let him know either. The rumor is true…::

:: Takao, mind yourself and keep quiet. Talk to her on your own, later.:: Listening to his guardian, Takao wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Are you OK, Takao?" asked Hiromi, placing her hand on his shoulder. Takao kept looking at Mika, who seemed to be silently pleading to him. Kai looked between Takao and Mika, anticipating something, but he couldn't speak or understand the dragon language.

"I am fine Hiromi. Just… the liquid when down to the wrong location…" Hitoshi noted his brother's actions, catching Mika's short sigh…

------

The humans and their Sacred animals remained in their seats near the fire until each one of them started to feel the drowsiness of the night affecting them. Hitoshi helped his wife up and bid them a farewell for then evening.

"You are permitted to stay as long as you please," he said before leading Cybil off and back into their own tent. Mika yawned loudly as did Beo at the same time, causing Hiromi to chuckle lightly. Both Kai and Takao smiled at the ookami girl who seemed a little more like her old self. They all rose and Kai and Mika headed for their tent, fingers intertwined. Takao quickly caught up with them, placing his hand on Mika's shoulder, bringing them both to a halt.

"Do you mind if I talk to you alone for a second, Michi?" asked Takao. Mika felt her pulse race slightly as she nodded her head. Kai's brow knitted together in thought to himself. They let go of their bands and Takao led her down and into the wooded surrounding.

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Takao led the ookami a little into the thick forest, eyes continuously gazing to the sky, an then to the ground. Mika was nervous; her oji-san had told her it would have been beneficial for her to learn the foreign languages. But people mostly fell into the common language. The brunette had temporarily forgotten that Takao didn't know who she really was.

"Michi… You are hiding something from us," said Takao, finally breaking the silence. "A normal slave girl would not be fluid with another tongue. You weren't a slave before being brought to Kai…were you?" Mika stopped, biting her nails. "Michi I want the truth. What are you keeping from us?"

"I'll tell you, so long as you promise me one thing… you must never tell Kai of what I am about to reveal to you. You can't allude to it either. You promise?" asked Mika, rubbed her wrist anxiously over top of the leather strap.

"Why can't Kai know? Isn't he your-"

"For one, I am not prepare to tell him myself yet. I will one day. Also, I…I don't want him to leave me," she replied, lowering her voice with each word. Takao stopped; turning to stand in front of her, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Gazing down into her eyes, he smiled softly.

"Now, listen to me. Kai is never going to leave you. The way he looks at you declares it. He's looked at you the same way since we first met," smiled Takao warmly. Mika's eyes flooded lightly with tears and she choked on a laugh. She slowly started to remove the leather from around her arm, in order to reveal the nobility tattoo of Beo. The dragon's jaw dropped when he saw it, and he started to stutter on the words in his throat.

"My name's Mika, as I said to your brother and his wife. I am the heir to the Ookamikei throne," she said starting to rewrap her arm.

"But… how, my Lady? You were suppose to be wedded to Rei of the Torabuzo…"

"That is correct. But Rei is more like a brother to me, and I did not wish to be his wife," replied Mika matter-as-a-factly. "And he shares the same feelings. I managed to flee to the Temple of Beo, but that was when Tala came and took Hiromi and I to be mere servants to the High Priest." Takao nodded, absorbing all this information. "You understand why I didn't tell you or Kai. Why I can't tell him?"

"I understand. I shall keep your secret, Mika. As long as you promise to tell him," said Takao. "It won't be honorable if you lead him astray for so long."

"I will, Takao. But until then, I am 'Michi'," she said.

----

Kai, Mika, Hiromi, and Takao found their stay with Dragoon and his people to be quite extended. Being around the dragon folk brought security to Hiromi, who felt herself flush each time Takao would look her way. Kai and Mika kept themselves entertained during their stay. Kai and Takao would aid the dragons in their hunts and repairs to the necessities.

Takao had been praised as a heroic figure in the eyes of the dragons for surviving against all odds and loss of hope. The children wanted stories from him, stories of how he survived the attack, where his father and grandfather perished. They wanted stories of his travels and where/what he had been doing after he was captured. The dragon seemed to take the storyteller role well, as he refurbished the stories, adding and subtracting from the truth.

And a few young women in the village were taking to the return of one of their own. They would converse about him behind backs, causing Hiromi to be a little irate and feel discomfort. But Takao was loving all the attention, and also how Hiromi was jealous every time one of the girls would want some "alone" time with him.

Meanwhile, Kai started to earn the trust of the people extremely slowly. The first week worth of hunts, the men would not allow him to join in the activities. And while Takao was hunting, Mika and Hiromi were tending to Cybil and her brand new baby boy. Kai found himself alone, with only Dranzer being the only one who would be within a ten foot radius of the Houou. But with Dranzer and Takao's insistence, Dragoon allowed him to join the hunts, proving to be rather helpful than anticipated. He detected prey that the other men had missed.

Over the following three weeks stay, the people became more open to the phoenix. The children kept crying that they wanted to play with the "pretty bird". Dranzer slowly opened to them as well. The group of six found themselves mingling with the dragons rather easily. The war seemed distant now, and the grandfathers were forgotten, thrones pushed aside.

They spent two months at the small village, becoming a part of the folk. All were a family now, and a feeling of stability and security came over them. They were brothers to all, sisters to all. Even the Gods found themselves acting out of character.

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Kai rolled onto his side, slowly opening his waking eyes to the morning light. Mika was still resting comfortably aside of him, covered in the blanket. Smiling down at her, Kai kissed her bare shoulder gently. Stirring, Mika stretched out, mumbling something incoherent to the Prince. The princess took the blanket and pulled it up and over her head, stating her position rather clearly.

"Wake up, beautiful," said Kai, gently shaking her. Mika just tossed her hand around, barely missing Kai's nose as he pulled back just in time.

"More… sleep…"

"Not now, Michi. I am going to hunt today, and you are to aid Cybil again with the babe," he re-informed her. Mika grumbled again and buried herself deeper and deeper into the blanket.

Then there was this feeling in her stomach, which caused Mika to jump up and out of her skin, catching Kai by total surprise. Placing her hand over her mouth, Mika wrapped herself in the blanket and ran out of their tent and into the woods.

Dressing into his pants as quickly as he could, Kai followed his mate to find her spilling her stomach out and into a bush. "Michi?" All that came from her was the gagging noise. Walking over, Kai placed his hand on her back and rubbed her in slow circles. Finally she stopped, and felt weary.

"I … I don't know where that came from…"