A/N: My computers working again, YEA! Sorry its been so long since my last update, it couldn't be helped, as the first sentence told my computer had stopped functioning properly and its been being worked on, plus I moved from my dorm back to my house, and I started a new job; all of this making it impossible for me to write any new chapters. So sorry, please don't pummel me with deflated basketballs!

Disclaimer: The characters and the setting do not belong to me and to save myself time in the future this disclaimer will cover the rest of the story.

Chapter 5: Creatures

A yell had Drum performing a turn on the haunches and galloping back towards the dead town. Rounding a bend in the road Raoul found a curse escaping him. There were strange reddish brown creatures that looked like bats swooping down on Kel and Peachblossom. From the look of them they were not immortals. Red blood swelled out of the wounds inflicted by Kel's sword and their claws were black, not silver. Even so, they were scary looking creatures with wings spans of over six feet. Their teeth looked more suited to sucking nectar out of flowers than biting at a human and the actual bodies were about the size of a common housecat.

Kel's sword was swinging and Peachblossom's hooves were kicking, but they were overwhelmed by the odd bats. Charging forward Raoul pulled the horn from his hip and brought it to his lips. With a quick prayer that the Own was still close enough to hear, he blew a quick tattoo. Letting the carved bone drop, he yanked his blade form its scabbard and entered the fray.

It wasn't long before the men of the Own charged down the road and entered the fight. Soon all of the creatures were dead, dying, or flying away in retreat. It worried Raoul that normal animal's would attack the way these had, it seemed as if they had knowledge they shouldn't have. There was one thing he knew for sure, the large bats should have been scooping up insects or eating fruit, not attacking humans.

Looking around he noticed that most of the men where alright, a few scratches here and there, but nothing serious. The ones in the worst shape were Peachblossom and Kel, they had obtained several deep lacerations that would probably require a healer. With a shake of his head he noticed that Dom was already hovering around the Lady Knight, it was odd what love could do to a man.

Ordering several men to bring two of the creatures with them, Raoul lead them all back towards the camp. Once they arrived he sent a messenger back to Corus to report on the town's status and to request the company of Daine. Perhaps she would be able to explain the bats.

"Dom, just go groom a horse or something, I can't stand your hovering." Kel weakly pushed at him. She was exhausted from the fighting and the healing she'd been subjected to. In addition to that Raoul's words were still echoing through her head, giving her plenty to think on.

"I am not hovering, I'm merely spending my time in the healer's quarters. Besides that I'm here to visit my cousin so there is no way that you can order me to leave." He sat there with a smug expression, not knowing that Neal had just walked into the tent.

"Oh good, then you can leave!" The mirth in his voice was unsuppressed, belying his tired state. He had been riding through the night on his way back to Corus and Yuki when he had passed the empty town and then came upon Third Company's camp. When he had been told that Kel was injured he threw away the idea of making the capitol by morning and had rushed to heal her. Now he was getting his reward, the look on Dom's face was priceless.

"What? But Meathead, you know you want me to stay here and keep you and Kel company. Just imagine how boring it would be here without me."

"I'm sure you're mistaking peaceful with boring and would you please stop using that stupid nickname?" Rolling his eyes, Neal enjoyed the affronted expression covering Dom's face.

"I know you did not just allude to me as a nuisance, because I am quite sure that intelligent people enjoy my company. And I like your nickname, it suits you." Dom was annoyed. Why did his pesky little cousin have to be here, interrupting one of the few times he could have Kel to himself.

She was quickly becoming annoyed with the two men and she was tired. With an irritation filled voice she asked them to either grow up and shut up or leave. They both turned toward her with shame filled faces and apologized for their immature behavior. With a sigh Kel closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep, no longer paying any attention to the bickering cousins.

A/N: I know this is short and not a lot happened and I'm sorry. I'm hoping that this chapter will help lift the writer's block that has had me in its grips. There will be more Kel/Dom in future chapters. Also did the ending of this chapter seem awkward to anyone? It kind of felt weird when I was writing it.

TheBrassPotato: Maybe you need to keep up with your tenacity, it might help me update in a more timely fashion. As for running out of books to read, I absolutely hate it when that happens.

Problem Cows of the World: Well you can't say that I've been prompt with this chapter, I think it took me about three weeks to get it out and I'm afraid that it wasn't very good. So sorry!

Dom's Angel: I can't wait to read your stories, so get them up soon!

Pussin Boots: Yes I do and I love them all!

Kelly Masbolle: Don't worry, I'm not planning on sending Kel and Dom off on their own and I do finally have a plan as to where this story is going to go.

Avchocaholic: I absolutely hate it when Raoul is left out. He's just such a pivotal character, especially when it comes to Kel and big decisions in her life. There was just no way I would leave him out.

Salma-sol: Horsemanship was a wonderful class, so much fun! I had Kel switch horses mainly because Raoul was nervous and I knew she would be attacked in the next chapter, poor Hoshi wouldn't have known how to react if winged creatures started swooping down on her. Dom was called up simply because I really hadn't thought it through, sorry. I also had wanted the little bit of tenderness between him and Kel that that particular scene had allowed.

Demented-Dreamer: :-)

Pinky: I know that Neal would never be very optimistic, but Dom is so of course I had to write him in character. I actually enjoy Neal's personality more than Dom's in that sense. I plan to start on the next chapter of WEU later today. Sorry its been so long. Just wondering, why is it that you don't have an account? I know its none of my business, but I'm a curious person. By no means do you have to answer.

FanFictionFantom: I have to agree with you about Dom, he is kind of flat. I think that's what makes him so interesting to write. There's only so much of him revealed in the books, so I can come up with more character traits that fit with what is known.

Jamie Lynn: :-)

Seabiscuit0810: Love Seabiscuit, just love him and Red and Tom. Sorry, distracted by your name. I know this chapter is a little late for getting your mind off finals, but I had to get my mind on finals and moving and work. Hope you did well!

Fyliwion: Thanks!

Guacamole10: I'm glad you like it. I just don't understand why people don't include Raoul more, to me he's really fun to write. He's actually one of the easiest characters for me to write, so that endears him to me.

Dreamerdoll: Why doesn't Pinky have an account? It's a curiosity to me, so I asked her. I'm glad I've inspired you to return to TP fan fiction. I've read some of your works and they're good. I'm really not quite sure if I reviewed, but I think I did. Sorry if I didn't, I really enjoyed what I read.

Nutz Nina: :-)

Allimba: Thank you!

PsychoLioness: I'm glad you think so.

Elfsquire90: Sorry this update wasn't posted asap. I did the best I could, I've just been so busy!

One last thing before you go I was just wondering if you want me to continue with the individual reviews. I enjoy it writing them, but if y'all find them annoying I will stop.

Wind to thy wings!