Chapter 19

The heart beat once again.

A dull, slow beat that resonated across the darkness like thin ripples in a seemingly calm water's edge.

It was odd...being called on again so soon. The world was changing, crumbling; he could feel it in his 'bones'. The final calling was coming.

Grasping at the thick blanket of black against his dark form, he strived in vain to allow his soul to delve into the sweet light forming so close to him...

Soon, his eyes would once again gaze, upon paradise.

The destroyer of worlds.

* * *

Pain.

It was almost unbearable. A sickening, agonizing pain that flew in waves over the entire body. Pain, that gave hellish dreams.

~Light of the Goddess~

Over and over again, visions swirled. Blood. Tears. Oh God...would it end?

It was cold. Freezing. Snow, or was it? Confusion. Sorrow, so much...pain...

"Wake up." ~Eyes open~

Light spilled in bringing colors along with it. Bright, blinding at first, then fading into a flurry of dull realistic hues. Eyes moved up. Saw another pair of eyes. Unfamiliar ceiling. Unfamiliar face. Hair? Blue? Who was that again?

"Concentrate. Drink this."

No, the voice was female. Something scalding splashed over the tongue. Pulled it back in disgust. Hands on head. Forcing liquid down. Felt cool against the throat. Why? Didn't make sense... Nothing did...

"Sit up."

Suddenly, everything in the world seemed to come crashing together in front of Nina's wide trembling blue eyes. She gasped and her lungs filled with precious air. Sweat dripping from her ashen face, she coughed and gagged. Delicate hands pushed her back down on something soft and placed a cool wet cloth on her forehead. She blinked back clouded vision and stared up. Her mouth opened, but no sound emerged. Panic flared.

"You must be calm. The poison has taken your voice, but it will only last for awhile. Relax, my young winged one."

Hot tears forming on her trembling eyelashes, Nina turned towards the voice. A woman knelt beside her, long dark blue hair flowing down her white silk wrapped shoulders. She shook her head and peered at the Windian with beautiful almond shaped teal eyes. "You are fortunate young Dragoneye was swift." She spoke slowly and with an odd accent. "Another few hours, and all life would have left you."

Forgetting herself, Nina tried to speak and was frustrated to hear only rasps of thin breath. The woman stood into a beam of pale blue moonlight and ran a milky white hand through her hair. Her clothes were unlike anything Nina had ever seen. She was barely clothed, yet somehow it seemed she was dressed for the most important of situations; ceremonial, she guessed. Silk, almost transparent pieces of cloth were wrapped around her in almost a robe-like fashion, but left her shoulders, arms, stomach, and one leg free. Around that leg and her arms, thin bands of a silverish metal were intertwined in intricate patterns, all glittering tremendously in the light. The woman turned, and pushed the unbound hair behind a heavily pierced slightly pointed ear. "Where's Dragoneye, you ask?" Nina could do nothing but nod.

A soft laugh escaped the woman's naked lips. "He's being reprimanded." Nina's eyes widened and wheezes pursued. The woman closed her eyes. "Your first inquiry should have been about your whereabouts and, of me...But I see Dragoneye has made himself of utter importance." Her voice was starting have an icy edge. Nina again tried to speak. The woman knelt again near her and reached over, turning the now dry cloth over. "My name is Deis. I am the healer here in Drogen."

Nina's eyes closed when the wet cloth pressed against her skin. The urge to speak was overwhelming. There were so many questions she wanted to ask. She didn't remember much before this. She had been talking to Ryu and then suddenly, she was in the water. For how long, she didn't know, but the next thing she remembered was horrible burning pain and the dragon's wide eyed stare. After that...blackness.

Deis pushed her blonde strands back away from the beads of water running down the side of her face from the cloth. "You are fortunate." She repeated. "Dragoneye risked everything to bring you here. He broke the two most important laws of this land, and jeopardized the safety of our entire race." Nina's eyes widened. "I don't understand..." Deis sighed. "All of this, for a mere winged clan woman? I should think Dragoneye has more sense than this." Nina narrowed her eyes and rasped incoherently. Deis's lips showed a hint of a smirk. "Maybe he's intrigued by the rarity of your race. The mark on your neck proves that much."

Blood rushed to Nina's pale cheeks. That was right...he had... She closed her eyes and turned away from the woman. What was she saying? Was it wrong, for her to be here? She wished she could speak.

"It doesn't matter. Fae or not, you aren't allowed within these sacred walls."

Did she say Fae?

Nina turned and Deis smiled. "I wonder what you were doing traveling with him? He was to return here alone. One could wonder...if the Elder will let you live."

Let her...live?

Nina's heart threatened to stop. Ryu had talked about this place like is was heaven yet... Her eyes met the unusually mocking ones of Deis. This woman was speaking to her like she was a monster... Was everyone here like this? What was happening? What were they doing to Ryu?

Deis' laughter was almost a whisper in the cool night air. "To bring a foreigner here...To use the transformation for such a cause... He shall be dealt with harshly, I assure you." She reached back and fiddled with a large silver hoop on the top of one of her ears. "You know, not everyone in Drogen can transform, yet we are all dragons." So Deis was one as well, but.... Nina closed her eyes. She didn't know if she cared anymore.

The woman pulled the wet cloth from Nina's forehead and wrung it out into a small porcelain wash basin. "I was told you were to speak with the Elder after he's finished with Dragoneye." The Windian's breath caught in her throat. "You should really rest before you are called upon." Tears trailed down Nina's again paling cheeks. She really didn't want to see either of them... The thought of meeting the leader of Drogen, scared her beyond words, and Ryu... Well, she didn't know what to think of him. True, she was worried, but frightened of him as well. He had... She had.... She exhaled loudly. How could she rest with these thoughts running through her mind?

Deis wiped the sparkling droplets from her face with the cloth, then slowly stood. Nina's eyes followed. "When you are summoned, I will come." She glanced over her shoulder, the long dark mane falling over her shimmering body. "Until then, sleep. You will need your strength to gain the use of your voice..."

Watching the dragon woman exit the room, Nina's body again began to tremble, and tears once more filled her already soaked blue eyes. It wasn't fair. Everything was happening so fast...and no one was waiting up to see if she even understood... Hands curling into tiny fists, she pulled her shaking legs up against her chest, wrapping her large white wings against her body. She buried her face into her knees, and wept silently into the frigid night air.

* * *

Agony.

Blood stained claws dug into the dry cracked earth, grasping with all their might.

Remorse.

Tears flowed.

Anger.

Lips curled back and fangs glinted. Screams echoed.

"Come now, Dragoneye...It can't be that bad."

Ryu's body lurched in the pale light of the stars, every muscle glistening with cool sweat. Growling anomalistically, he swung his head up, peering through stringy blue hair at the grinning Elder standing before him. Fangs clenching, he reached up and grasped his head, fingers pulling with anguish at his soaked blue mane. His eyes bulged and flickered crimson. "...S...att...va..." He rasped bitterly.

The man before him continued to grin. "I could keep this up all day, Dragoneye. Please tell me when you wish to address me with respect."

Throwing his head back, hair swirling into the air, Ryu howled. Then, trembling violently, he curled his arms around his clenching abdomen and fought the urge to vomit. Damn it all! He had to bring Nina here! If he didn't...she would have died... There was no other way! His claws tore into the ground as he writhed in agony. It was...too much...he couldn't...Squeezing his eyes closed, hot tears running down his half crimson scaled face, he cried out through gritted glinting fangs. "M-master...I..."

The Elder's smile widened. "As you wish." Sattva extended a hand, curling his fingers to touch his palm, and whispered something inaudible. The fire burning within Ryu's body left as suddenly as it had come, leaving him in a dazing stupor. Grasping his heaving chest, he dropped to his knees and gagged violently. "Tch...You really shouldn't be this affected, Dragoneye." Sattva spat, smile fading. He stepped towards Ryu and placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head slowly. "I see you have neglected your training."

Saliva dripping from his cracked lips, Ryu growled quietly. "...I spent most of my time..."

"...With her, I know."

Ryu's paling emerald eyes narrowed at his mocking smirk. "With all due..." He coughed and blood trickled down his trembling chin. "...respect, I had to help her."

"And why? Your orders were to go straight to the Tower of Ladon. The Princess of Windia means nothing to us, and..." Sattva rasped, gazing at the wheezing dragon with cold, dark azure eyes. He reached up and ran a hand through long silver hair, pulling it from his strangely youthful face. "...should mean nothing to you."

Ryu watched sweat drip from his nose and splatter onto the dusty earth. "She needs me. Everything she's ever lived for was a lie..." He glanced up at his master's scowling face. "She's as pure as Ladon's breath. I cannot let her live in a place like that." His eyes went to the ground, widening and shaking slightly. "Her soul...speaks to mine..."

Sattva stood for a second, staring silently at Ryu's quivering body. He was...speaking the truth. He really...felt that way, for a winged woman? A soft laugh brought the blue haired boy's attention upward. "You...you can't be serious."

"I am." Ryu growled, fighting to sit up.

Sattva grinned. "Have I taught you nothing, Dragoneye? Windians aren't to be trusted, and..." He crossed his pale arms over his well built body. "...the Fae's, well...they are nothing but beautiful toys."

Ryu's back hunched and he pulled his head up. "...Toys...?"

"Of course. Prizes taken by the ones who destroyed their villages...Fine lot they were. Beautiful, enchanting creatures..." Sattva faced the large silver moon, floating in the star filled night sky. "...but full of hatred nonetheless. Hatred...for us."

"Nina's not hateful." Ryu spat bitterly, forcing his aching body to stand on unstable legs. "She cares...she's the only one I've ever met that cares..."

"And do you think it's a ploy?"

"...No!"

Sattva narrowed his eyes. "Then you are a fool, Dragoneye."

Ryu attempted to clench his weak fists, but failed. Lips shaking with frustration, he growled. "I am no fool. If you met her, you would realize..."

"I've already arranged for her to grace me with her presence."

Ryu's eyes widened. "So...soon? What if she's not well?! I can't have her walking around in that condition, I..."

"I gave her to Deis. She'll be fine."

Oh Ladon...not Deis... Ryu thought resentfully. He wearily pushed his hair behind his shoulders and scowled. "Deis will fill her head with lies."

Sattva snickered. "She will speak the truth, and that frightens you." Ryu narrowed his eyes. "I'm shocked, Dragoneye, that you would be so ashamed of your race in the eyes of a little bird."

There was nothing Ryu could say. True, he knew it was wrong but... He had been taught all of his life to hate those that weren't the same as him. As many times as the Elder and the rest had pounded into his head that anyone other than a dragon was inferior, he just couldn't believe it. He tried, he really did, but it was hard. Doubts would form, and his heart would break. Emerald eyes closing he turned from his Master.

His first reaction to Nina was awe. He remembered it as though it were yesterday; the wind blowing through his hair, the feel of his fingers dancing across the instrument...and the sweet scent of that woman standing there, watching him with curious beautiful blue eyes.

As much as he tried to deny it, he had wanted her from the beginning. There was something about the way she stared at him all the time, with those innocent naive eyes, that brought him to feel things about her he'd never thought he'd feel. One would think that it was merely pity, and in all honesty, he did pity her when she first joined him, but... He wanted nothing more than to help her find a new life. A life that would respect her for the person she was, and...love her for the soul she possessed.

Ryu sighed and lowered his head. Maybe Sattva was right; too often than not he had thought of that girl in ways he shouldn't have. It wasn't his fault, though, the dragon, just seemed to pull the most bitter, wrong thoughts of his mind and out into the open. He narrowed his eyes. But, if this were true...if he only thought of her as an object to merely leer at...Why did his heart ache so?

"...You turn from me, and not apologize?"

Ryu glanced over his shoulder, and into Sattva's cold eyes. Bowing slightly, he clenched a fist. "I bid you farewell for now...I must attend to my guest." He spoke softly and with a bitter tongue.

Sattva smirked. "You're guest...that's good, Dragoneye." He lifted a hand out and waved it casually. "Go ahead. Attend to her. When you are finished, bring her to me. I must meet with this bird you think so highly of."

"As you wish...Master." Ryu almost whispered, starting to make his way down the dirt pathway to Deis' residence.

He waited until the gaze of the Elder disappeared behind him to once again drop to the ground. Sattva had made sure to give him the harshest punishment imaginable. The man possessed the power to manipulate the young dragon's transformations. For hours on end, he had kept him in the stage between full dragon, and one that was still human; the most painful stage. It was barbaric...he knew, but it was the only way Sattva knew how to communicate.

He rolled onto his back and stared up into the sky, chest heaving with breath and sweat. This had to be nothing, though, compared to what Nina went through. At least she did go to Deis. He hated that woman, but she was the best, and probably healed her in a matter of minutes. A scowl came across his already grimacing face. What could she have told her? Did she mention Angel Tower?

"You really should take it easy, Dragoneye."

Ryu's eyes moved over and his scowl deepened. "Deis." Damn it, he didn't even sense her!

Silver bands glinting in the moonlight, she knelt down beside him and placed her hands on his arms. He flinched and she smirked. "Don't you want to be strong around that girl?"

Eyes widening, he grasped one of her pale arms. "Is she alright? What happened, I..." A bright light emanating from her hands stopped his voice. His body jerked, and relief washed over him.

The light faded, and Deis took her hands from him. She reached up and pushed her hair from her eyes. "She is resting now. I figured she should be before she meets Sattva."

"What will he do to her, Deis?"

Teal eyes widening slightly, she shrugged. "Funny you should ask. I would think you knew him more than anyone."

"...This time...I don't know. She'll have to make an amazing impression on him."

"She cannot speak."

Ryu's gaze snapped up to meet hers. "What? What do you mean, she can't speak?"

"The poison and the antidote I gave her had a strange side effect on her body. Possibly, because she is not from this clan, I'm not sure." Smiling a bit at Ryu's horrified gaze, she touched his shoulder. "It won't last for long. A few days at the most, but I'm not sure what kind of impression she will make if she can't explain herself."

"You're enjoying this, aren't you Deis?" Ryu growled, pulling his arm away and getting into a sitting position. "Why do you hate the ones you know nothing about?"

"You don't understand how envious of you I am, Dragoneye."

His look softened. "What do you mean?"

She leaned back on her hands and shook her hair from her face, allowing the moonlight to dance over her entire body. "How old am I?"

"...I'm not sure."

"Would you believe, over a thousand?"

He brought his legs close to him and crossed them, placing his hands on the torn remnants of his pants. "Of course. You look the same as the day I first met you."

She nodded. "Sattva is the same. For some reason, every now and then, a dragon is born with the immortality of a god." A smile touched her full lips. "I've always wondered why it wasn't you."

Ryu looked down. "No, I wasn't born with infinite life...but an infinite curse. You know I despise the transformation, Deis. Don't pretend like you don't."

"It's true...you have extended life. Two hundred years, perhaps? Then again, the winged girl might be the same...if she's what I think she is."

"I would never wish to live forever."

"And that is why I envy you."

He laughed gently. "But you've seen so many things. I'm guessing your proud of that, right?"

"I haven't sent foot out of this village in over four hundred years, Dragoneye."

His eyes moved to her and widened. "...Why...not?"

She shrugged. "Maybe it's because I don't want to disobey Sattva. Or..." She rose to her feet slowly. "Maybe I'm frightened. I don't know."

Ryu followed. "It's not that bad out there. You shouldn't put all of your hatred and fears on Nina. She's just one girl, and a different one at that."

"No one is different." Deis spoke bitterly.

Ryu turned sharply from her, his hair and cloak billowing in a strong sudden wind. "She will change that." Deis's teal eyes widened and she glanced up at him. "Nina will be the light we have been searching for."

"You are a fool."

Keeping his back to her he began to walk. "Fools are ones that know nothing of what they are doing." He plunged his hands into his pockets and hunched his shoulders up, the collar of the cloak covering all but his blazing emerald eyes. "I, on the other hand, know everything."

Deis watched the boy disappear into the foliage of the forest around them and reached up, pushing her wind blown dark hair back. "...I only hope you do...fool."

* * *

Leaves crunched against Ryu's battered boots as he made his way slowly towards where Nina was. He buried his face deeper into the cloak collar when the winds began to pick up and whip against him. Why it always was so damn cold in Drogen, he didn't know. Just as the Urkan region seemed to rain constantly, his village was plagued with the harshness of winter all through the year. It didn't make any sense to think that a day ago, in Worent, he was pouring with sweat. Nose and cheeks pink from wind and cold, he leaned forward to let his hair shield him.

His hands fiddled with various trinkets in his pockets nervously. Nina was alright, he knew, but he just needed to see her; have her presence near him. It was selfish and he hated the way he thought, but it seemed to calm his soul, when he thought of holding her once again. He needed to explain what had happened earlier that night...but he wasn't sure if he could. Maybe he was stupid, maybe it really was only his body aching for her, the dragon seemed to prove that much. Growling softly, he shook his head. No, he cared for her. Why else would he have rushed her here so swiftly? He had thought of nothing else. Punishment was a mere shadow in a mind cluttered with heart stopping fears.

Deis's house came into view, and his heart began to pound harder. In his pockets, his hands shook. What...would he say to her? Would it be awkward, or would she run to him? Thoughts thundered in his mind as he made his way to the entrance. The house was dark; he figured Deis wanted her to rest. Should he wake her? Was it really that important to speak to her now, or should he wait until her voice had returned? His wide shaking emerald eyes went to the ground. So many thoughts...so many damn thoughts going through him... He couldn't breathe...Before he knew what was happening, his hand was on the door and pushing it open. He had to see her. Regardless of the awkwardness that may occur...he had to at least see that she was alright.

The inside of the house was almost pitch black, minus the few stray beams of moonlight finding their way in. It didn't matter to Ryu, though. That light was all he needed. There, in the middle of the first room, lay Nina. She was curled into a ball, her frail arms grasping the blanket over her tight. Her large dazzling wings protruded from the warm bundle and out into the moonlit night air, hanging over her body like a beautiful snow white barrier. At first glance, she looked asleep, but as Ryu peered closer, he realized she was shaking. Thin, almost inaudible rasping noises were coming from her and a pool of water was forming slowly around her face. His eyes widened. She...was crying.

Ryu stood with his hands still planted firmly in his pockets, crimson cloak over his face, wide emerald eyes staring at his weeping friend. He wanted to speak, tell her he was here...but somehow, he figured that wasn't what she wanted to hear. What could he do? He couldn't let her be like this... With every sniffle that she took, it broke his heart even more. Was it because of him? Or was it Deis? Fighting through the demons that ravaged his mind, he cleared his throat loudly.

The rasping noises stopped suddenly, and her wings fluttered. A pale hand reached up and pulled the blanket down a bit, a wide sparkling blue eye moving to stare frightfully at him. He froze. He wanted to go to her, hold her...tell her Drogen wasn't as bad as Deis may have put it, but... He couldn't move, and it frustrated the hell out of him. Blood rushing to his burning ears, he did the only thing that seemed to push through the clouds that came to mind. He pulled the cloak down under his chin, and smiled.

Nina continued to stare at him, tears dripping down her cheeks. Ryu walked forward, but stopped when she pulled the blanket back up. Was she...frightened? With shaking heavy hands he reached up and loosened his cloak collar, letting the fabric fall into a large bundle in his arms. Nina watched as he knelt down, body shivering in the frigid air and laid it over her wings. Not knowing what to say, even if she could, she grasped it.

Ryu sat back and wrapped his arms slowly around himself, rubbing heat back into his bare arms. He coughed and looked down. "I-I'm sorry it's so c-cold in here..." He chattered, mist pouring from his mouth. She didn't respond. Exhaling more mist, he moved closer. She pulled back slightly. He blinked for a second with wide puzzled eyes, then looked away. "I'm...not going to lie to y-you. Wh-what I did was wrong and I'm s-sorry I frightened you." She looked up. He clenched his chattering teeth and pulled at the torn black tank top practically clinging to his bruised chest. "T-the dragon within me...is a power I'm not f-fond of, as you know. I...can't control it well, and...it almost seem like, wh-whenever I transform...it sucks some of the human soul...from my b-body." His shoulders shook. "I don't expect you t-to understand me, or this v-village, or anyone else here anytime soon...I just..." He reached down and pushed her bangs from her face slowly, dragging his ice cold fingertips over her soft skin. "I will do my b-best to help you, but only...if you let me."

Wheezing in a frustrated incoherent manner, she gently pushed his hand back. He gave her a defeated look, but turned away shamefully. "I know you m-must feel horrible, but I want it known that I care, and I will be here f-or you." More tears filled her eyes and she buried her face in the pillows. She wanted to speak, to tell him she knew he would, but something inside her still ached, still felt...strange. She flinched when he attempted to tuck the cloak and blanket under her. "R-regardless of what you think," He began softly. "I'm glad that you are well." Closing his eyes, he reached back and leaned onto the cold, slightly dusty floor. His mind raced with her silence. His heart ached with her distance.

Turning slowly to gaze out into the dark starry sky, he felt his soul begin to weep.

* * *

Shyong pulled his sword back into the air, the blade reflecting light onto Mustadio's wide green eyed stare. He skirted back from the soldier, feet slipping on the damp muddy ground, and leapt into the air, plunging a hand into his shirt and bringing out a jagged knife. Shyong whirled around, navy cloak flowing and thrust the sword in front of his face, blocking the thief's attack with such force, sparks flew.

Mustadio hopped back and slid to a stop in the mud, lifting the knife up in front of him. His eyes went down and his jaw dropped. The damn blade was bent. His best knife was bent! Eyes blazing, he glared over at Shyong. "What the hell is wrong with you, man? I thought we was just sparrin'." He seethed through gritted teeth.

Shyong wiped his brow with the hand holding the sword. "You think Dragoneye is going to go easy on you just because you value your weapon so?"

"I didn't mean it like that, I just...!"

The sword went to the ground, water and mud flying into the air. Shyong clenched his fists and brought them down to his sides. "If you want to try without weapons, then it's fine with me."

The thief shook his head, pushing his long bangs back. "You know, it's not healthy to be this cocky, I..." He stopped when Shyong began to barrel forward, and threw his knife back to a wide eyed Rastolf.

"B-Boss...I...!"

Snickering, Mustadio reached forward and grasped a surprised Shyong's thrusting elbow and lifted himself up, flipping over him. Shyong whirled back and caught a fist aimed for his face. His lips curled into a smirk. "Maybe you aren't as incompetent as I first thought, thief."

"Maybe it's you who's incompetent...soldier boy."

Smile fading, Shyong growled and jumped back, fists raising in front of him, colorless eye shining eerily in the light of the moon. "You forget...I survived the dragon. I can survive you."

Mustadio ran forward and leapt. "I thought we were just playin' around, like old pals." Shyong caught the knee the came out, but missed the other leg aimed for his head. He wheeled back on impact and clutched his throbbing head.

"Why you..."

Mustadio landed and flicked dirt off of his arms. "Listen, Mr. Tsunaia. If you want to win in this world, you have to learn how to get those pansy hands of yours a bit soiled."

"How dare you speak to me in that tone you...!" Shyong spat wide eyed. "I've spilled more blood than you could ever imagine, I..."

"But that's human blood."

Shyong's eyebrows raised and he lowered his hands. "What do you mean...?"

"Tell me you didn't go after the dragon with just brute strength."

"I..."

Mustadio shook his head and reached up, wringing water from the long green locks. "Dragons are...well they aren't as stupid as most beasts, but they ain't as smart as us, right? They be human...sort of, but they's also animals at heart so..." He smiled and pointed to his head. "We have the advantage up here."

A low growl escaped through Shyong's clenched teeth. "Do not patronize me, boy. When fighting against something like that...one doesn't have the time to think."

"I'm not mocking you by any means, I'm just saying that it would be in your best interest to give it a thought."

"Uh...boss..."

Shyong and Mustadio turned. Rastolf smiled weakly and tossed the knife back with a thick hand. "What is it, Rastolf?"

The large man brought a grimy hand to his unshaven chin and rubbed it. "Well, boss, Gene says he see smoke on the hor-i-zon." He muttered slowly. "Maybe Worent over there."

Shyong looked up into the star filled sky. "Are we really that close?"

Mustadio placed the knife back in his shirt and smiled. "I told you we'd get there fast. Maybe another week or so."

"That doesn't seem very swift to me."

"Well...Gene there needs plenty of rest, and don't you want a good plan or somethin'? Or..." He lowered a mocking gaze to him. "...were you plannin' on just barging in there and taking her?"

"Hmph..." Shyong spat again to the already damp ground. "I'm not sure yet." He looked to Rastolf. "When's dinner, primate?"

Rastolf's big face screwed into a look of puzzlement. "I think my name Rastolf, little man with armor. Why you call me that?"

Mustadio grinned. "Now, now I'm sure dinner will be here soon. No need to confuse him with large words!" He laughed clapping the large man hard on his bare tan shoulder. By no surprise, the man didn't flinch.

Shyong nodded and turned, cloak billowing in a sudden chilly wind. "Yes, yes, I see. Just hurry it up."

"Where are you going?"

He looked back with the colorless eye and gave a slight shrug. "Over to the water's edge. I would like to think."

"Suit yourself." Mustadio said waving, watching him disappear into the tall grass.

Rastolf picked at a scab on his face. "Boss, why he call me names?"

"Don't worry about him, Rastolf." Mustadio's gaze went to his friend, the grin turning into a smirk. "He thinks he's smart. When we get to Worent, we'll see just how smart he is."

"I no understand."

Mustadio took his hand from the meaty shoulder and plunged it into his pocket, turning back towards camp. "No need to. Remember, I took you in so you wouldn't have to understand."

Rastolf smiled, revealing two large almost blackened front teeth. "You too good to me, boss. Momma'd be proud."

"Yeah...Momma..."

Rastolf placed his hands behind his head and walked back with Mustadio, humming all the way.

* * *

Ryu sighed and leaned against the front entrance of Deis' residence. After a good few hours of calmly whispering to her, he had convinced Nina to get up. He had drawn her a bath and was waiting on her to finish. Sattva would want to see her at her best. It was superficial, yes, but it was just the way he was. Absent mindedly tapping his foot against the cracked woodwork, he crossed his arms over his still shivering body. His brow furrowed. As much as he thought about it, he could never understand why the weather here affected him so. Deis, Sattva, and countless other dragons could walk freely within the town wearing hardly a sheet, yet, he had to be fully covered. His lips curled into a smile. So instead of immortality, he was blessed with hellish powers and the ability to freeze to death. Wonderful.

A creaking door and a small cough brought his attention back. Nina stood in the doorway, gazing down at the ground with heavy red rimmed eyes. She held out his cloak with shivering hands. He shook his head. "No, keep it. Your clothes aren't built for this weather. I don't need you to catch cold." She mumbled and pointed to his shirt, still not bringing her gaze up. It broke his heart. "No, no seriously, I'm alright. I'm a dragon after all..." He gave his best fake laugh. Still no luck.

Sighing gently, he took and wrapped it around her, despite her many silent protests. "I wouldn't have it any other way, now come on. We have a ways to walk." Nodding reluctantly, she followed him out into the even more frigid air.

* * *

The water rippled slowly across Shyong's grimacing reflection. Hideous. The scars were absolutely horrendous. Hands shaking, he reached up and covered the bad eye. Yes...if only... Running the hands up, he grasped his hair and pulled slightly. It was getting longer. His face was also dotted with signs of being unkept. He growled. The reflection was starting to look like "them." Those damn thieves...

He kicked a stone in, distorting the picture. What had that boy meant? He was mocking him. Mocking him bad...and in front of that...oaf of a man. The fingers pulled harder. It didn't matter anymore. All he needed was Nina back. If those idiots could just keep the dragon busy long enough... They would probably die, but who cared... If Nina was back, the white haired man would give him power and then...when the dragon came for her, he would die.

The thought brought goose bumps to his trembling skin. Yes...he would die...a slow...painful death. And Nina could watch. Yes, she would see the strongest one...see her little kidnapper die a horrible...gratifying death. Heart pounding, he lowered his hands in front of him. It would be soon. Soon, blood would splash again on these hands. He didn't know why it bothered him before, to touch the "disgusting creature's" blood. Now, he wanted it more than ever. So bad...it actually started to frighten him.

Eyes wide and trembling, he gazed back down at his reflection in the moonlit water and realized he was grinning. A laugh escaped his throat and the grin widened. Why he was laughing he didn't know. He couldn't control it, he couldn't... The laugh came louder and louder, until it seemed to echo all around him. Footsteps came and the grass parted but Shyong continued to laugh, until tears were almost streaming down his face.

Through watery eyes, he stared into Mustadio's paling, wide eyed stare.

* * *

Silence. Only the wind.

Ryu leaned forward in an attempt to let his hair cover his shoulders. Deep down, he wished he hadn't lied about the not ever being cold thing. She looked so damn snug in that thick cloak, but...better him get sick then her. No telling what Deis' medicine would do to her next. Lost arm maybe?

The thought brought a small snicker from him and Nina looked up from within the crimson fabric. He glanced down. As much as he hated to admit it, she was quite adorable in that huge thing. The collar went over the poor girl's nose and the actual cloak extended down past her knees. All that was seen was feet, mass of blonde hair and two big blue eyes. It took everything he had not to pat her on the head. That's why his hands were securely in his pockets. He didn't think she would take too kindly to anything he did. Judging by the way she was staring at him, she was still sore, and probably would be for awhile. He shook his head. Maybe not sore, but sure as hell not in good terms with him. He shivered and hugged his arms closer to his body. If Deis could see him right now...

Nina yawned gently, and his gaze again went to her. Clearing his throat, he attempted a smile. Sattva's house was coming up, it was now or never. "You k-know..." He cursed himself for letting his teeth chatter. She looked up. "S-Sattva's not too bad. I promise he won't bite or anything." He laughed rather loud at the comment. Nina just looked away. He made a face. "Listen, Nina. I'm really tired of this. I'm trying as hard as I can to make you feel at home, I just..." Nope. Wrong thing to say. Her eyes went to his and narrowed, wavering slightly with the coming of tears. He waved his hands in front of him and tried to smile. "Hey, hey I'm not being mean I just..." He stopped when she quickly turned her head.

"You're late."

Ryu looked up to see Deis standing in the entrance of Sattva's house, hands resting delicately on her hips. Her cold teal eyes went from Ryu's shivering body to Nina's cloaked one. Ryu shrugged. "Sorry...I mean, she was groggy and..."

"He will see you now." She said simply, moving to let them pass.

"Alright..." Ryu mumbled taking hold of a reluctant Nina's hand. "Come, this way." He said gently, leading her into the house.

* * *

Nina's wide eyes traced over the house's dark atmosphere. Was every house in this village so darn dark? She thought back to when Ryu had pulled her away from Red at his father's house. Juun had landed right where she was standing. Maybe dragons had some kind of weird night vision. She shrugged to herself. Her heart was pounding too hard to think of such a thing.

Sweat beaded on her forehead and her breathing became shallow. Good thing for the large cloak. Ryu couldn't see the mist. She glanced up at him. He was shivering, again. Did he think she was stupid? She knew he was cold, it was quite obvious, but... It was hard, she wanted to thank him for the cloak. She also wanted to kick herself for the way she was acting towards him. It couldn't be helped, though...she just didn't...feel comfortable. She was beginning to think she never would again...

"Nina, stay close to me, I don't want to you to get lost in this." She heard Ryu whisper. His hand went to her shoulder. She considered for a second to shrug it off, but she really didn't want to get lost.

After what seemed like room after room of nothing but blackness, they finally came to a door. This one was different from the others. There was light; a welcome change for the already frightened Windian. Ryu reached for the doorknob. Nina's heart threw itself forward. His hand turned. Sweat beaded again. Breath became even shorter. Wings began to flutter. The door creaked open. Nina's blue eyes widened in the flickering light of a hundred or so dribbling ancient candles.

A smile. A jangle of silver things. Shadowy pools of azure.

"My dear Windia Princess, how enchanting it is to finally meet with you."



*A/N Sorry this took me so incredibly long...I've had an...interesting month, but thanks for being patient! Thanks to Legacy for helping me through this retarded case of writer's block and getting me back on track! You are a sweetheart for bein' there for me, and thanks Garv and Natalie for yellin' at me to get it up.