Rim: All right, let's see, any notes that I have to address…oh yes, just one. One of my reviewers asked an interesting question of me. Why do Kai and Tala still call Tyson and Kenny by their titles if they're slaves? Well, the way they are using it, it's a mockery towards the positions the two are in and their helplessness to exercise their power to get out of the situation at hand. Now with that settled and out of the way, onwards we move.

-oooooo-

Tiny puffs of steam curled from Tyson's lips as he continued to remove the piece of satin bed linen from where they were previously hug on a long rope stretching from a group of trees in the sunniest spot on the southern space of country near the Russian palace. The scenery overlooked a field which would likely be covered with flowers come spring and summer. The space also overlooked distant shapes of buildings, maybe a small town or even village. Beyond that, the ocean could be seen, sparkling in the mid noon sun.

Had Tyson more time to himself, he would have sat on the edge of the hill, studying the scenery with thoughts of venturing out to see what was just beyond that town besides the lucid waves churning mid day tides. But he feared allowing himself to wander away for too long. Since he discovered Prince Tala in his brother's room while the young brunette slept, Tyson has been constantly edgy about leaving his brother alone for too long. He would have been at the palace now had it not been for Prince Kai's order to retrieve his clean bedding the maids hung out to dry.

Tyson was trying his best to hurry up with the task, ideas of all sorts flashing in his head about the minutes which selfishly slipped away from him in this simple task. Tyson didn't want anything to happen to his brother, he would never forgive himself if he allowed…Tyson shook his head, another image, this one slightly more sinister than the last, crept into his mind where it laid dormant since this whole fiasco begun.

But…what if at that very moment Tala was tormenting his brother by some horrendously cruel means and Kenny was crying out for his brother to save him. But here Tyson was retrieving Kai's bedding, unknowing whether or not his brother needed his head. Then again, Tyson could just be paranoid since that day when he caught Tala just watching his brother sleep. A chill rolled down Tyson's spine, remembering the look within Tala's eyes before Kai's words came back to him.

'If there is one thing he hates more than defiance it is a bond between any persons, siblings especially. You don't see it now, but you will. The curse that's in his blood that slowly thickens his blood.'

What had Kai meant that day about some curse in Tala's blood? Since that day, Tyson could make neither heads nor tails of the conundrum in which he and his brother were stuck in. Why did Tala hate sibling bonds as much as he did? Upon arriving in Russia six months previously, the two gave no indications that they didn't get along, or even hated each other. Sure the two Russian princes weren't as close as Tyson was to Kenny, but they did get along. If Tala had hated his brother, why would he refrain from showing signs of it?

Maybe…maybe Tyson didn't see the whole picture. Maybe the two were just acting nice around each other when in his and Kenny's presence. If that was indeed true, then things could complicate themselves more when the two got tired of putting on this act. Which would mean that Tyson and Kenny could no longer see each other, Tala would keep Kenny from being in contact with Tyson because Tala wouldn't want to see Kai if there was no choice. Then who knew what Tala would do in Tyson's absence. Maybe even turn his brother against him.

'I can't let that happen,' Tyson thought. He promised his brother that no matter what, he would be there for him. But if things came down to that wire, what was he suppose to do? 'Run away…?'

Tyson could always try to run away from the palace with his brother. The two of them could sneak out in the middle of the night while everyone was sleeping and try to make it to the sea, maybe steal a boat and head back to Japan. Of course, they would need to get food, the trip back to Japan would be long, and he doubted either he or his brother could make it very far with no food or water.

They could always run away into the city and hide out for a while until Tala and Kai got tired of searching for them, or thought they were dead. Then again, how was Tyson expecting his brother and himself to survive when they knew no one in town? He knew nothing about Russia, except for the language and the few customs that he picked up while in the palace. There was a good chance if spotted Tyson and Kenny would be turned in once word got out that they were property of the princes.

Then again, there was Commander Bukharin's family. Tyson was certain that Bukharin and Anton had both told their family of the situation they knew was going on and how nice Tyson and Kenny were. Maybe if Tyson managed to escape with his brother into town, he could find out where the family lived and plead for their assistance in escaping back to Japan. He was sure Bukharin's family would not turn him and Kenny away when they heard of all the horrible things which had been going on for the past six months.

'But do you really want to risk their assassination if they are caught helping you?' Tyson's brain questioned him. 'Do you really want to have their deaths on your hands?'

His brain was right.

He could not condemn that family in that manner. He had a feeling Bukharin's wife would say it was fine, but Tyson could not allow it to happen. Someone would report them if soldiers came around questioning townspeople. Bukharin's wife could feign knowledge of knowing where Tyson and Kenny were, or saying they ran off once they got some food. But Tala and Kai might not believe her, or use her as an example for helping the two. Tyson did not want to have anyone else executed because of them. He would never forgive himself for it.

'So…we're alone.' Tyson pulled another piece of bed linen off the rope, folding it silently, then turned his eyes outwards towards the water. They had no one to place their trust in to get back home. It would be impossible for them to get far alone. It was a hopeless idea, and futile if he continued to think that they could make it.

Placing the linen in the basket, Tyson dropped to his knees and bowed his head. Clasping his hands together, Tyson prayed towards Sohryu. His lips moved in a silent prayer hoping that this time his prayers would be answered, that a way would open itself to him and he would find the salvation he sought. The more time which passed, the longer hope slipped away.

Tyson was unaware of being watched, until a voice disturbed his silence. Lifting his head up, Tyson looked around, his eyes spotting a young man no older than him with fair colored eyes and hair, almost like the color of snow with hints of a light lavender or lilac when the sun hit it directly. He was dressed in satin pants dyed in burgundy, lined with fur. A deep blue shirt which looked of coarse wool was tucked into the pants, and held up by a black velvet belt. Over the outfit the man wore a burgundy coat lined with fur. In his right hand were the reins to the brown mare under the shade of the trees.

Attached to his side was a scabbard, the hilt peering out from the inside of the coat. The handle was polished, the sun causing the handle to glow as if with holy light, to recognize him as an angel from the kingdom of the heavens coming to fight a battle against demons. For a brief second, Tyson's mind allowed him the idea that this young man was a warrior of Sohryu, sent to finally give Tyson the guidance he sought. Of course, it was brief, seeing as how the young man had spoken to him with a Russian accent rather than one of Japanese.

By the way he was dressed, Tyson came to the conclusion this young man was of noble birth probably from an aristocratic family somewhere in Russia. "I asked you a question, what are you doing?" repeated the young man, his head tilted to the side, his keen eyes shifted to the clean bedding in the basket. "Are you a servant around here?"

Tyson got up from his position, ready to open his mouth, but knew nothing of this man who questioned him. For all Tyson knew, he could be a spy or a soldier from a different noble family. If he learned that Tyson was a servant to Kai…who knew? He could be killed, or kidnapped, or used to ambush the palace. Then again, the man could just be lost and looking for help.

"Do you understand me at all?" the young man questioned when Tyson didn't speak up. "Where do you come from?" His pale colored eyes remained locked with Tyson's, studying the Japanese young man silently. Tyson remained silent continuing to feign incomprehension before lowering his eyes from the teen standing by the group of trees to his left. Eventually, the man turned his eyes from Tyson, saying something in soft Russian that Tyson could barely pick out as the man pushed away from the tree he was leaning against to continue along his way. Tugging lightly on the reins, the mare followed its master.

Of course pale eyes returned to Tyson, sweeping over his face and attire with quick study, but it was only briefly. The fair snowy lavender haired youth headed in the direction of the town. The only sound which could be heard was the soft crunching snow under his fur lined boots. Tyson's deep blue eyes watched, wondering if he should have said something to the man or not. It didn't seem as if he had any intentions other than curiosity on his side.

'It would have been nice to speak with someone that wasn't always talking down to me,' Tyson thought with a lamenting sigh. 'You're paranoid Tyson, not everyone is out to harm you, idiot.' Shaking his head free, Tyson went back to taking down the bed linen so he could go back to the palace and make sure that his brother was fine.

-oooo-

"Tyson?"

Tyson lifted his eyes to the woman standing in the doorway to Kai's room. Not only was it his job to bring in the linen, Kai had ordered him early this morning before breakfast to change the linen which was already on the bed with the clean linen. Straightening up from smoothing out the wrinkles in the fur coverlet, Tyson brushed back a loose strand of hair. "Yes Inessa?"

The woman with long blonde hair bowed slightly to him. "I was sent by Prince Kai."

"What does he want now, I'm not finished with the chores he's given me yet?" Tyson said, knowing that he wasn't about to have lunch today at the rate of tasks the Russian prince were piling on him. He still had to wash the old linen, hang them once they were cleaned and have Kai's horse cleaned and brushed.

"He told me to take the linen to be washed," Inessa replied. "He wants to see you immediately Tyson, he's in his father's conference room in the western wing of the palace."

"Do you know what he wants?" Tyson inquired.

"I'm afraid I don't have a clue, he just told me to give you that message and finish up your chores here," Inessa shook her head. "I think you should get going, Tyson. Whatever Kai wants, he seemed like he was in an impatient mood to be kept waiting for so long."

"When is he in a patient mood?" Tyson sighed, moving away from the bed and towards the door. "Sometimes I think he just does things like this because he has nothing better to do with his time other than tormenting me. Ever have one of those days Inessa where it seems that everything happens just because someone feels like watching you suffer?"

"Not too often these days, Tyson," Inessa said softly. "Of course I've been here in the palace for nearly thirteen years, so I've learned to deal with those awkward days. You should get going now, Tyson."

Tyson said nothing to the remark, walking pass the woman. He hoped that wouldn't be the case for him and his brother. Wasting thirteen years of his life at the Russian palace being Kai's slave…he couldn't do it. He would never been happy with his life to allow it. Thinking on it, would Kai even bother keeping him around for thirteen years? Would he grow tired of Tyson being his servant and have him killed? Lowering his eyes to the gray stones of the floor, Tyson could not possibly imagine himself there for that long. Kai would grow tired of him and then discard him for another slave.

Then…what would happen to his brother? Would Tala be the same way about Kenny? Breaking his spirit completely then grow bored with the brunette before having him killed or discarded. Would it end like that, before they ever got to see their homes again? "No…I can't think like that," Tyson muttered. "I just have a few more months then I will be granted Dragoon's power and use it to free us." Thirteen years would never pass by in this hell hole Tyson would never give up like that when there were people counting on him.

All he had to do was wait a few more months then he would be free from Kai's arrogant rule over him. Of course, he would first have to figure out what sort of power would be bestowed upon him first. Then once that was settled, he could use that power to take him and Kenny back to Japan, never having to worry about such things as the dual haired prince's temper or orders ever again.

Tyson continued his trip to the western wing of the palace, his mind thinking about all the things he would do when he went back to Japan. The cherry blossom trees would still be in bloom, regrettably he would not see them blossom this year, nor any of the other flowers that his mother had personally planted. His mother loved spring, and the gardens in the palace represented her dedication. He remembered when he was little how he used to watch his mother tending to the gardens, after her death Tyson took over the responsibility, knowing his mother would be proud. More than likely now, Nanako was tending to the grounds.

"Tyson, you're about to pass the conference room."

Breaking out of his thoughts, Tyson focused his eyes on the young girl with turquoise hair. A smile like usual rested on her lips, her head tilted to the side in her arms was a tray. "Irena, what are you doing here?"

"Bringing ale to Prince Kai," Irena replied cheerfully. "You better hurry and head inside, the prince looked slightly agitated."

"Next to Prince Tala, isn't he always?" Tyson shook his head, Irena giggled before hurrying away to go back to her chores. Tyson took a deep breath before raising his hand to knock on the door. Smoothing out his clothing and hair, he awaited Kai's instruction to come in before taking the handle and turning the knob. Opening the door, Tyson walked in, bowing low. "Prince Kai, you wanted to see me?"

"Come here Tyson," Kai remarked.

Tyson straightened his posture, looking over to the desk Kai seated on a long oak desk with one leg crossed over the other. A chair was situated in front of the desk, but Tyson wasn't able to see the person clearly. Obeying Kai's instructions Tyson walked over to where his "master" sat waiting for the dual haired prince to speak or whatever the reason for calling him away from his chores.

"Tyson, I would like you to meet our guest for the next few days," Kai motioned towards the occupied chair. The blue haired prince turned around to face the person in the chair, but his voice caught in his throat seeing the man from earlier that afternoon. Pale eyes flickered with an emotion Tyson could not read, maybe surprise mixed with amusement, or surprise mixed with something indistinct. "This is Bryan he's a local baron who occasionally comes to the palace to visit."

Bowing to the baron, Tyson wondered what Kai had told this man towards his position, or anything at all. "It's a pleasure to meet you sire."

"While he's here Tyson, I expect you to be on your best behavior, do I make myself clear?" Kai voiced. "That means knowing your place of when to speak and when not to."

"Yes…Prince Kai," Tyson remarked, bowing his head lower to cover the distinctive flush of anger which coated his cheeks with red. If he were to look up now, he would see the smug smile tucked neatly away in the corners of Kai's mouth. It might cost him another lashing, but at least he would feel better about his so-called place in the palace. Then again, he couldn't chance it.

"Good, now you are dismissed from my sight to go back to the rest of your chores, I will see you at dinner," Kai replied with a wave of his hand. Tyson refrained from remarking, he bowed once more, making a quick exit from the room, shutting the door behind him. Leaning his back against the door, Tyson resisted the urge to scream in indignation, instead giving his emotions a chance to cool down.

"Damn him…damn him," Tyson muttered, pushing away from the door and stomping down the hall off the wing. "I know he did that on purpose. Just to show me how damn arrogant he was going to be…" Kai thought he was going to get off with so easily with embarrassing Tyson, but he had another thing coming to him. No matter how evil Kai could be, Tyson wasn't one to let something get by him so easily. He had to admit at times he feared for his life from the older prince, but a stubborn fire burned in Tyson that could not be extinguished. Nor would Kai ever have the pleasure of snuffing it. Just a few more months, that's all Tyson waited for.

-oooo-

Tyson dragged himself towards his room, a grumble of complaints on the tip of his tongue. It was well after dinner time and Tyson was just coming back from turning down Kai's bed, bringing in more lamps, and a bunch of other crap he knew Kai didn't want. More so it was just a way to exercise his authority around the young baron who took note of everything during dinner. The only reason he hadn't snapped at Kai was his brother who quietly pleaded with his eyes for Tyson to obey Kai.

"Stupid…" Tyson's voice trailed off, making it to his door. "Just he wait until I'm granted Dragoon's power, he's going to wish he never decided to rule over me." Tyson was just about to head into his room when he distinctly heard talking in the hallway. Turning his eyes up and down the empty halls, he found no one, but that did not explain the voices drifting towards him.

Tilting his head to the side, Tyson listened to the words, unable to make out what they were saying, yet knowing the voice was familiar. A frown turned his brows inward, as he continued to stand in the hallway. Where had he heard that voice before? He wasn't generally a nosy person, but something pulled at him to follow the voice up the hallway and placed him directly in front of his brother's door. Of course one thing came to mind as he pulled open the door and rushed into the entrance of the room.

Tyson's eyes narrowed, seeing the oldest Russian prince leaning down over his brother as Tala sat on the edge of the bed. Kenny's hands were pinned above his head, his face turned away from Tala, staring out the window. But that did not conceal the fact that tremors raced up and down the body on the bed. Tala tilted his head to the side, making eye contact with Tyson, as if whatever was going on was a natural occurrence.

"Is there something you want?" Tala questioned.

"What the hell do you think you're doing to my brother?" Tyson snapped at Tala. "Let him go you bastard or I swear I will kill you right now."

"Tyson…please…I'm fine," Kenny remarked, turning teary eyes towards his brother.

"You're not fine," Tyson growled. "You're never fine because Tala is exactly like his brother he lives to hurt everyone he can get his hands on. But I'm not going to let him hurt you as much as he likes."

"You're not going to let me hurt him?" Tala smirked, letting go of Kenny and getting up off the bed to walk over to Tyson. "You have no business speaking of things you don't know about boy. I can do whatever I like and there's nothing you can do to stop me. Do I make myself clear?" Tala stopped in front of Tyson, glaring down at the boy glaring up at him.

"No, you don't because I'm not going to let you intimidate me," Tyson said. "It might have worked for all the others, but it's not going to work on me." When the hand wrapped around his throat and shoved him up against the wall, Tyson bit back the hitch of pain in his throat, continuing to glare at Tala. "That's not going to work…"

"You want to die don't you?" Tala said. "Do you know just how easily it would be to crush your windpipe right now? I wouldn't feel any sympathy in doing it either. You're just another little toy that can be broken."

"Tala let him go!" Kenny pushed himself off the bed, running up and grabbing Tala's arm. "Please don't hurt my brother."

"Don't beg this bastard for my life," Tyson growled.

"Don't be such an idiot Tyson," Kenny cried. "You promised me…remember what you promised me. If you die…you can't fulfill it, can you? Do you really want to break a promise to me, big brother?"

"Kenny…" Tyson sighed, turning his eyes away from Tala to the brunette looking up at him, his blue eyes pleading desperately. "Stop crying…you know your big brother hates to see you cry like that."

"Then promise me you will stop being so stupid," Kenny huffed, trying to wipe away the tears streaming down his face. "Tala…please let him go now he promises he won't be problematic anymore."

"How utterly disgusting," Tala scoffed, dropping Tyson on the ground and stepping over the sprawled teen on the ground. "I don't understand why you would care so much about that loud mouth idiot. I don't care to know, I'm going back to my room." Tala didn't bother looking back as he exited the room, leaving Kenny kneeling down beside his brother, a mixture of worry and anger in his eyes.

"What did you think you were doing?" Kenny scolded.

"What do you think you were doing letting him get away with making you cry?" Tyson countered. "You have to stand up to him, or he will keep pushing you around."

"You could have gotten yourself hurt," Kenny voiced.

"At least I would have known it was for a good reason," Tyson said, crossing his arms over his chest. "If I had just allowed him to do whatever he was planning to do, I would hate myself for turning deaf eyes to it. You're my little brother I have to protect you no matter what. I know it seems like I'm signing my own death certificate, but you would do the same for me if it came down to it, wouldn't you?"

"You know I would never be able to let you suffer alone if there were any chance I could lend you a hand," Kenny sighed. "But…Prince Tala…"

"Tell me something little brother," Tyson interrupted, looking down at his brother with a worried glance. Kenny lifted his head up, seeing the seriousness within Tyson's blue eyes. "Tell me, do you still refuse to acknowledge that some part of you might have feelings for Prince Tala? Is that why you won't fight back against him?"

"Big brother," Kenny flushed, turning his eyes away.

"Well?" Tyson questioned. "Is that the reason?"

"Why do you think that? I once told you, I could never fall in love with a guy like Prince Tala, if I were into guys. That hasn't changed since we've been here," Kenny responded softly. "I've just been trying to keep him from taking his anger out on either one of us. I don't want to lose you, and I know you would never be able to take losing me. So, I've done all I can to quell his temper."

"Kenny…" Tyson opened his mouth to say more, but knew there was no point. Pulling himself up off the ground, he helped his little brother up also. "Try to get some rest and not dwell too long on the events of tonight. And make sure you lock the door to this room, I doubt I will have much restraint if he were to come back after I leave."

"Yes big brother," Kenny smiled. "I bid you good night then."

Tyson exited the room, a sigh escaping his lips as weariness crashed down on his shoulders. He didn't know what he was going to do with his brother. It was obvious that something was happening that the younger didn't want his brother to know about, but worried constantly over. The sacrifice of protecting them both from Tala's instability was slowly wearing the brunette down eventually he would not know what to do. And the effects may just…

"Damn it, every time I think that I have things figured out, something else comes up and throws the balance off. It has to be this place, something about it," Tyson mumbled, entering his room then stopped, sensing another's presence in the room. Narrowing his eyes, Tyson looked over the shadows discerning the figure standing by the window.

"Good evening." The voice of the visiting baron drifted across the length of the room, greeting Tyson. "Lovely night isn't it?"

"Lord Bryan…? What are you…doing in my room?" Tyson asked.

"Enjoying the view," Bryan stated, turning his eyes towards Tyson, in the light of the moon, they looked paler, more intent and observant. "It must be magnificent in the mornings while the sun is rising."

"Um…yes…it is," Tyson spoke. "You came in my room to just look at the view from my window?"

"Do you want me to seek more?" Bryan questioned.

"If you would pardon my rudeness, but I don't think you came in my room for the view," Tyson stated. "If there is something on your mind, I would kindly appreciate it if you were to address the issue. I'm in no mood for puzzles and games." Silence spread the distance between them, before the fair haired baron chuckled.

"The things that Kai told me about you, Prince Tyson of the Bakuten Empire of Japan, they all seem to be true. I can understand his interest in you. When I first saw you this morning when you feigned being able to understand me, I disregarded you as anything exceptional," Bryan chuckled.

"My apologies for not speaking to you, I am weary of strangers," Tyson stated, growing agitated. What did this guy want? It was starting to make Tyson uneasy being alone with him. Especially since it seemed that he and Kai were on familiar terms. For all Tyson knew, he was exactly like Kai and would try to make Tyson respond to him like Kai had done before.

"Your apologies are accepted, under one condition." Bryan moved away from the window, strolling towards Tyson.

"What?" Tyson inquired, wanting to put distance between them, but the baron was not about to let that happen. He moved silently through the shadows and was at Tyson's side before the blue haired prince could blink. Bryan leaned down, letting his warm breath caress the shorter teen's ear.

"You allow me a kiss," Bryan whispered softly.

"What?" Tyson flushed, wheeling back to stare wide eyed at the baron. "You aren't serious about that are you?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Bryan questioned with an arched brow.

"Because if Kai told you so much about me, he would have told you that I wouldn't do something like that," Tyson declared. "I may have to be his servant, but that doesn't mean that I'm his to lend out to anyone who has some interest in me. I'm not even his to have in that way."

"So, he hasn't taken you to bed yet," Bryan smirked. "In all the years that I've known him, I would have to say that you're the first one that's made it this far without finding themselves in his bed."

"I'm not like all the others either," Tyson retorted. "I'm not his to have or yours either. You can tell him what I've said, I don't care, but I'm not some chambermaid that will lay with either of you because you have the upper hand in this situation."

"What fun would it be if you were?" Bryan asked.

"Are you listening to a word I'm saying?" Tyson questioned.

"Of course," Bryan nodded. "And every fiery word which escapes those lips makes me want you more. I can understand why he hasn't just pulled you into his bed without your consent. You're too wild to be control by force, it's quiet a turn on, little prince. I think I might try to bargain with him for you."

"I'm not for sale," Tyson shouted. "I will never be yours and Kai would never give me to you in a trade."

"Is that so?" Bryan smirked.

"Yes, it's so," Tyson snapped.

"Then we shall see, little prince if he's as attached to you as you so arrogantly think." Without another word spoken, the young baron turned away from the prince, leaving Tyson alone as he exited the room. Slumping to the ground, Tyson let out a shaky sigh, his heart beat pounding against his ribcage. What the hell had he just wound up in now?

-oooooo-

Rim: Love triangle you ask, or just a lust triangle? Well, looks like Tyson has just graduated from the pot of boiling hell to the skillet of hot frying hell. And what was going on in that room between Kenny and Tala? Am I evil, yes I'm evil! So now I shall take my leave to let you scream about me being evil.