AN: Okay, less reviews than I had hoped for, but I am new to the fandom. In any case, a good author isn't in it for the reviews anyway.

Andhesaidno-Hope you can be bothered to sign in this time. :p Thank you for the review.

Shadow Vampires-Not soon, but at least it's updated, right? Thanks for reviewing.

Mr. X-I'm not sure which meaning of gay you meant, but the answer is probably in my profile if you read it. As for Mariah, I'm not a big fan, so don't expect to see her included. Nothing against her, but there's not really a female anime character that I actually like. Don't worry, Bryan's past is a huge part of the story, so it'll be addressed.

vvvv

The village was a little bigger than Bryan had anticipated. It was like a small town that no one visited and no one left. It seemed to be mostly homes, but there was also a thriving market as well as a few businesses. There was everything a small, traditional little village would need. There were probably over a hundred families living within the confines of the intimidating, but oh so necessary wall. It was a place where everyone knew everyone else and secrets were hard to keep. If it had been daytime it probably would have been busy. It reminded him a lot of the town the Ice Temple was located in and he felt a pang of regret deep inside before pushing it away. He needed to focus on the present and leave the past where it belonged.

Bryan glanced over his shoulder one more time. He had been forced to leave his horse at the gate. The neko-jins didn't believe in using horses for mounts or pack animals and therefore had no stable for him to leave her in. Furthermore, neko-hunters often rode horses when raiding villages and most neko-jins had come to fear the sight of horses. He didn't care too much though. His horse was special and she wasn't going to wander or cause problems. He was confident she would be fine and turned his attention to the matter at hand.

Kevin and two town guards were leading Bryan to the heart of the village where he could see a small, but proud temple waiting. He knew that many such places existed around the country. Some were dedicated to a certain god while others worshiped them all equally. As they neared he could see a statue of Naraki the Thunder God in all his glory crossing swords with his twin brother Borakas the God of Lightning. The statues were remarkably life-like and Bryan almost felt the need to kneel as if they were real, but still followed the three into the temple. Inside the temple was simple, nothing like the elaborate temples he was used to visiting, but comforting just the same. Everyone knew that wherever there was a temple the gods were there as well, always watching and protecting those that worshiped them.

The town guards stopped just inside the temple and two bigger Temple Guards stepped up. Kevin passed them and pushed open one of the big wooden doors and continued inside. Bryan moved to follow when one of the big neko-jins grabbed his arm. Bryan growled and yanked his arm back and immediately the two guards had their swords pulled and ready.

"No weapons allowed inside." One of the guards growled.

Bryan rolled his eyes and unclipped his belt. He handed it to one of the guards and turned to enter the room when the second guard growled. Frowning, Bryan paused and looked up into angry yellow-green eyes. The second guard was holding out his hand expectantly. Raising an eyebrow Bryan stood unmoving.

"You think we believe that's your only weapon?"

Again Bryan rolled his eyes. He should have known they would have a danger sense. They probably wouldn't let him enter until they sensed he was no longer a threat to their Elders. As if he had anything to gain by killing them except more enemies and he didn't need that. Normally he wouldn't go anywhere without at least a dagger on him, but they seemed intent on not leaving him that luxury. He thought about turning around and leaving, but his curiosity got the better of him. He had to know what could be so important for the Elders to send for a merc. With a soft growl to express his annoyance he began to pull his weapons from all the places he had hidden them. By the time he was done both guards had their hands full and were looking at each other in complete shock. Bryan gave them a smirk before turning and entering the room.

Bryan found himself slightly let down by all the build up. There was nothing much to the room except for a few statues of the gods. The Elders were sitting along the far wall watching him intently. Bryan met each Elder's with a firm look of his own, while trying not to look disrespectful. The last thing he needed was to be imprisoned by a bunch of cat-people because he looked at their Elders the wrong way.

"You are the one they call Falcon?" One of the Elders finally spoke.

Bryan looked at him. "I am."

The Elders exchanged looks. Before the same man spoke again. "You are younger than I would have imagined."

"Is that going to be a problem?" Bryan asked, clearly annoyed.

"Are you really as good as they say you are?" One of the other Elders asked, not even acknowledging Bryan's question.

Bryan growled. If they were trying to test his patience it was working. That was probably why the guards took his weapons.

"I didn't escort that green haired imp just to be interrogated." Bryan snapped. He was past caring about respect and making a good impression. "If you don't have something worthy of my time I'm leaving."

"We have a job for you, Falcon." Bryan fixed the speaker with a piercing stare. "We wish for you to escort someone to the Thunder Temple."

"That's across the country." Bryan said flatly.

"Indeed."

Pale eyes narrowed. "It'll cost you, a lot. My services don't come cheap."

"We are well aware of that. However, you are one of the best mercenaries in the country and the price worth it."

Bryan was silent for a long time. He didn't notice as two more people entered the room, both of them kneeling someplace behind him. His mind was focused inwardly as he thought about the offer. It had been a long time since anyone wanted to hire him as a bodyguard. The last time hadn't turned out very well for the other person, mainly because the other people had been able to pay more. Being a bodyguard was constricting and he was forced to stay in the company of whoever he was supposed to be protecting.

"No." Bryan finally said. "I'm not a bodyguard."

"Ray does not need a bodyguard--."

"Good because he's not getting one." Bryan interrupted, either oblivious or ignoring the disapproving looks he got for it.

"He simply needs someone who knows the country to guide him there."

Bryan snorted. "No. I'm not a guide, bodyguard, or babysitter. If he doesn't know the country this will be a good chance for him to learn it."

"The rest of the country is very different from what Ray is used to. He is not ready to venture on his own."

"Then he should wait until he is ready. You're wasting my time."

There was a murmur from the Elders at the disrespectful attitude. One of the kneeling neko-jins got to his feet, fists clenched as he snarled, gaining Bryan's attention. "How dare you disrespect my grandfather like that? Show some respect for the Elders."

"They're not my elders." Bryan replied coldly.

"You are a guest in our village and would do well to remember that." The young man snarled getting more and more worked up.

"Enough!" The young man's grandfather boomed. He then fixed the mercenary with a piercing look. "What will it take you to convince you?"

Bryan snorted, but tried to give them the benefit of the doubt. There wasn't much that could convince him to be someone's bodyguard. The pay would have to be good, but there was more than that. If something happened that was entirely not his fault then he wouldn't get paid. The risk was not worth it unless…

"I want half up front." Bryan announced.

"Outrageous!" The outspoken young man exclaimed.

"Lee! You will stay quiet or remove yourself from the room!"

Bryan smirked as the grandfather gave it to his grandson. "Those are my terms."

"Then we accept." One of the other Elders said.

Bryan's smirk faded. He didn't think the Elders would agree to those terms. No one would have. They stood to lose even if the mission failed. He was beginning to suspect that there was more going on than a simple escort mission. Something bigger was hiding just beyond his reach and he had a feeling it wasn't going to be a good thing either. Still, the idea of being paid half up front for an escort job was appealing.

"Is there a problem?" Lee's grandfather questioned.

"No."

"Good, then you will be our guest here tonight and you will leave in the morning."

"What about my pay?" Bryan asked.

"In the morning."

Bryan opened his mouth to argue, but thought better of it. He nodded his head ever so slightly in a sign of acceptance. The two guards were called inside and told to escort Bryan to one of the guest rooms. Neither guard looked pleased that the high security risk was going to be staying so close to the Elders, but dared not argue. As Bryan followed the two neko-jins out of the room he caught sight of the two young men that had entered during the negotiation. He had already looked at the black haired, outspoken neko-jin, but the other one had stayed silent and had not drawn attention to himself. Calm golden eyes watched him from behind a frame of raven colored bangs. His long hair was wrapped in an attempt to control it, but Bryan could still tell it must have been wild when loose. Bryan gave him nothing more than a fleeting glance, but what he had seen was nothing short of beautiful.

Once out of the room the guards led him through a dizzying maze of halls and corridors. Bryan suspected they were trying to get him lost, but he had been taught better than that. His memory was sharp and attention to detail great enough that he could tell the difference between halls and remember each turn they took. It would take more than that to get him lost, but he had to give them props for trying. At length they finally stopped in front of an open doorway and motioned inside.

"You can stay here."

"What about my weapons?" Bryan asked, eyeing the pile in the guard's arms.

Twin looks of distrust greeted him in answer. "You'll get your weapons back when you leave."

"One dagger."

"No."

Bryan's eyes narrowed slightly and the temperature in the hall dipped sharply. "A knife at least."

"No." The taller of the two guards snapped. "You mercs are known for your resourcefulness. So, be resourceful."

With that the two stalked off. Bryan watched them go with a furious look. It wasn't fair that he should be left unarmed. He felt naked without at least one weapon. In his world, sleeping was a state to be taken advantage of and more than once someone had attempted to end his life while he slept. Then again, none of the neko-jins posed a threat. The Elders would surely severely punish someone if they threatened his life after they went through so much trouble to talk him into the mission. At the same time, he knew many mercs who could sneak into the neko-jin village if they really wanted to get at him. That was the reason why he wanted at least a knife.

With a frustrated growl he entered the guest room. There was nothing special to it. A bed, a dresser, a table with one chair, and a window outside were all that the room had. That was fine with Bryan, he didn't need anything special. He unlatched the chain of his cloak and folded it carefully before putting it on the table. The rest of his clothes were dumped on the floor without a thought. He would have liked to have cleaned up before bed, two fights in one night made him feel dirty, but the guards hadn't pointed out a bathing room. Plus, he didn't feel inclined to walk around in a place where the guards were against him. Anything could happen. It was better not to give them the opportunity to do anything.

He moved to sit on his bed with his legs crossed and his hands on his knees. It may have been years since he was at the Ice Temple, but he still remembered his teachings. It gave him great peace to pray to his god, Kalen. He always felt a silent presence in reply to his words of respect and knew that Kalen was watching out for him. As a measure of respect he also said a prayer to Naraki and Borakas whose minor temple he was staying in. With his nightly ritual done he settled down to rest, hoping that the next day went as smoothly as possible.

vvvv

"I don't need an escort."

"You are not familiar with how this world works Ray."

"And it is not your choice to make."

Bryan frowned as he heard the words as he followed the guards back into the room from the previous night. All the Elders were there as well as the other two young men. It was the quiet neko-jin, Ray that was standing before the Elders arguing. That earned him a little respect from Bryan, for he knew it took a great deal of courage for the neko-jin to speak against the Elders. However, he could tell the argument was already lost and apparently the young man realized it too as he stayed silent after the reprimanding tone.

Bryan stayed as respectful as he could while going through the tedious task of answering the Elders polite questions. It was grating on his nerves, but soon enough it was over. Then they came to the more comfortable conversation of payment. They were going to pay him in Morning Star gems. The silvery-blue gems were rare and would bring a good price in trade-in value. It almost made his mouth water thinking about how many gold pieces he could get. Just the amount they were giving him up front would give him all the gold pieces he needed to live comfortably and never take another high risk job again. Not that he would ever do that.

"Are you satisfied Falcon?" The leader of the Elders asked.

"I am." Bryan replied. What wasn't there to be satisfied about? He was getting paid a fortune just to escort some sheltered neko-jin brat across country. "If my charge is ready I would request permission to leave immediately."

"I'm ready." Bryan heard the quiet voice behind him.

"Then we wish the both of you the best of luck."

That was all Bryan needed. He turned on his heel and stalked out of the room. He was stopped by the two guards from the previous night and given back his weapons. He tucked them into their hiding places as he was handed each weapon. Behind him his charge was watching with wide eyes, unable to believe the small armory his escort was carrying. Bryan could feel the tension in the air and smirked slightly. It was likely none of the neko-jins had ever actually had contact with a merc and for him to be the first was nothing short of amusing. He was considered a roughneck merc, someone armed to the teeth and not to be messed with. Roughnecks worked alone whereas most other mercs had at least one partner. He had few allies and even fewer friends and that was the way he preferred it.

"Is all of that necessary?" Bryan heard his charge ask.

Bryan didn't even bother to look at him as he tucked the last dagger into the inside of his silvery-purple cloak. "Everything has a purpose."

Without another word Bryan headed out of the temple, silently paying his respects to the gods of Thunder and Lightning for watching over him for the night. He felt more than heard Ray walking behind him. The Town Guards replaced the Temple Guards as he was escorted back to the gate. Bryan immediately went to his horse. The chestnut colored mare was standing calmly where she had been tied. Though no emotion could truly be shown, her soft hazel eyes seemed to brighten at the sight of her master. Bryan stroked her muzzle as he untied her. She nudged him softly and nickered, obviously pleased to be reunited with her rider. He was equally as pleased, though it hardly showed on his face. She was one creature in the entire world that he trusted with all his heart and soul.

He began checking his saddlebag to make sure everything was where he had left it. His bedroll was still attached to one side and all equipment was still where he'd left it. Glancing quickly at Ray he saw the neko-jin only had a small backpack. Bryan sighed. They would have to stop in a town and get supplies for the neko-jin, possibly another horse as well.

"How am I supposed to keep up with you on a horse?"

Bryan turned to his charge. "You'll ride with me until we can get you a horse."

"I'm not riding that beast." Ray replied vehemently.

The horse stamped her hooves and looked not a bit happy to have been called a beast. Bryan shot his charge an icy glare that forced the golden eyed neko-jin to back up a step. Good. At least I know I can intimidate him. He continued to glare at the neko-jin for a few more seconds before he turned back and swung himself up into the saddle. He glanced down at Ray, who had his arms crossed and a defiant look on his face. This is going to be a long journey.

"I'm not riding that--."

"Call her a beast again and you'll regret it." Bryan said in a calm, cold voice. His face was carefully kept emotionless, but looking at him Ray could see a glint of anger in the pale amethyst eyes. "We'll make better time on horseback. The Thunder Temple is a long ways away."

"Then I will walk there on my own." Ray replied defiantly.

Bryan growled softly, the sound sending a chill down Ray's spine. The merc was done playing around. With a swift snap of the reigns the horse lunged forward. Bryan snatched Ray by his cloak and swung him onto the back of the horse. All Ray could do was grab onto Bryan as the horse thundered out of the village. Bryan could feel his charge quivering, but ignored it. Something tells me this is just going to get worse and worse.

vvvv

It was only a few short hours before they made it to the small town of Corias. They stopped there for supplies for Ray. The neko-jin didn't need too much. Bryan bought a bedroll and a few minor things. Ray out and out refused to let Bryan buy a horse for him and also refused to do it for himself. In fact, he insisted he wouldn't be riding a horse for the rest of the trip. That ended with the same results as before. Ray was quickly getting tired of Bryan's icy attitude while Bryan was getting tired of the constant defiance. The journey was getting off to a rocky start.

vvvv

It was dusk before they stopped. Bryan was a little annoyed to find that his companion had fallen asleep against his back. He swore if there was any drool on his cloak he'd kill the brat and be done with the whole escort stint. Getting out of the saddle with the sleeping neko-jin leaning against him wasn't easy. He had to use one hand to keep Ray from falling forward while carefully sliding to the ground. He then carefully pulled Ray out of the saddle and leaned him up against a tree. He then laid out both their bedrolls before he put the younger boy in bed and tucked him in. Ray murmured softly and shifted, but didn't wake up.

Bryan froze in his position, leaning down over the teen. There was something different about Ray, something that he couldn't quite touch on. He could smell Thunder magic easily enough and that was no surprise after seeing the statues in front of the temple. But Bryan had to wonder why someone touched with the magic of Thunder was not already at the Thunder Temple training. While not everyone blessed with elemental magic made it to a temple, Ray's people seemed like the kind that should have sent Ray to the main Thunder Temple a long time ago.

Suddenly Bryan realized he had been staring at Ray a little too long and quickly jerked back. What the tek was that? He wondered as he moved to make a fire. He passed it off as his curiosity about neko-jins. As the fire got going he pulled his sword and began to clean it, thinking about the journey ahead of them. It wasn't often that he traveled across country. He tried to stay in the southwest as much as possible where he was far away from the Ice Temple and further away from memories of the past.

You can't run forever. A little voice in the back of his mind told him. What are you running from?

Everything.

Then you have a long ways to run and when you do stop 'everything' will still be right there waiting for you.