AN: I have until the end of tomorrow off from my job for the holidays, so yay, I got this chapter done in some of my free time.

-Chapter 23-

Xally gazed critically from her spot hidden in the shadows cast by the room's furnishings. It had been 2 days, 2 whole days Erik had managed to evade her which took some serious skill and dedication considering how small the airship they were riding in was. It wasn't like it was one of the multi-level massive pleasure liners; it was a gunship for heaven's sake, there weren't a lot of places to hide! She had one more day before they landed in Pelerno. He was like an elusive ghost on the gunship always one step ahead of her. She couldn't imagine coming close to cornering him when he had all of Earthland to hide on. Probably lose her only chance at confronting him forever the second they landed, well, until one of them ended up dying because he was being an idiot.

Last night she had finally taken a break from her frustrating game of cat and mouse to spend some time with her newest sister which had ended up being the best thing she could have possibly done. It was almost impossible to not be happy around Lucy. The young woman just oozed joy sitting between her brother's legs, her smile was contagious. They'd instantly hit it off and the two of them were soon laughing over stories of a young Cris and the hijinks the mini Fabio got into as he romanced his way through life. Lucy almost peed herself when she shared, even though Cristoff had threatened her if she did, a story about when he was six and the husband of the 40 year old woman he had been flirting with unashamedly showed up, grabbed his ear and marched him right to his father. It was the first time he had really felt the full effects a full moon had on those who used Lunar Dragon magic and was one of her first memories of him. I mean how could you ever forget your little brother making moon eyes at a woman who was older than your father? To this day the woman still sends her brother a Christmas card.

But the best thing to come out of their little get together was what she found out about her mate, who happened to be a really great friend of Lucy's, and the plan they'd come up with so she could finally at least speak with the evasive dragon. Her brothers, who happened to all be present except for Vander, had offered to tie the wily slayer down but she just couldn't let them do that. He was her mate and if they were ever going to get past this she knew deep down it had to be just them. Xally could already feel an ache forming in her chest from his complete avoidance. Enough was enough.

Right on time, the right time being not a moment later because she was seriously getting tired, her prey moved into the room cautiously looking around, listening closely and sniffing for any traces of anyone being present. She did have to give him some credit, his attention to detail rivaled the paranoid. Silently she watched as his shoulders slumped in relief as he crawled under the mounded blankets on the bunk he'd been using. Xally slowly eased out of the corner still as a mist, the only way she'd been able to fool his heightened senses and magic, and drifted until she was hovering over him then solidified her body. His reaction was instantaneous as he tried to flee but only managed to thrash slightly because she already had her arms around him using his blankets to limit his movement.

Cobra's body stilled after scant seconds of fighting, the dragon in him wanting nothing more than to roll over and let their mate do what she deemed appropriate to them for their misbehavior. Even the logical part of his brain was having trouble functioning with her scent surrounding him, her warm body pressed so intimately with his. Very little of his will to keep her at a distance still stood but even that was crumbling fast. How was he supposed to fight off someone he wanted nothing more than to fuck all night long then wrap around and hold tightly to for the rest of his life? The very cells in his body craved her, need her like she was the heroine to his junky. He physically felt sick at the idea of potentially hurting her if he tried to break free of her hold so he stilled. He had a feeling what was coming next even if she, like the rest of her family, kept her thoughts and soul to herself. All the fight left in him slowly seeped out as the comforting warmth and feelings of home she incited saturated even fiber of his being.

"We need to talk." The words held a weight that crushed him as well as enabled him to breathe for the first time in days.

Finally relaxing under her weight he nodded. She owned him completely and he couldn't find it in him to hate that even a little bit.

-DTRE-

Gin looked down at the small group lumped together in the large red bed fondly. It had taken just a little persuasion, and in Vander's case, jokes (and possibly blackmail?) to get Presca to share the only bed so he could start getting some decent nights' sleep. It was plenty large enough to accommodate at least a half a dozen fairies comfortably so the four of them had ample space even if he didn't want to snuggle. The energy mage had been so hesitant to join the now engaged trio, electing to sleep on the too small couch for the first couple of nights. That and his insistence to continue to wear clothing while in the comforts of the skini honestly had Safra and him confused to no end. It's not like they were going to be having sex, Safra was still a bit weak, so they were just sleeping piled together. Why would proximity to anyone else matter when you're asleep as long as you trusted them? He'd decided it must be a human sensibility like his need to constantly wear some sort of clothing. Vander never had that problem, gladly stripping down and enjoying the feeling of the rich fabrics used liberally in the space. Still at least he could understand why clothing in general for humans made sense. Their skin was delicate and sensitive so the added layers offered protection from the environment, something all fairies learned when Safra had started learning how to walk. Her little unsteady gait failed on numerous occasions as she toppled to the unpolished roughly cut floor they'd not thought about for a second until they saw the abrasions on her hands and knees. That prompted many alterations to the charm so it was more livable and comfortable for the only Fairy Blessed among them.

Gin still vividly remembered the day she was trying so hard to cross the five feet from her father to walk to him, his hands outstretched waiting for her, when she fell just out of reach. With some difficulty she pushed herself back up onto her feet, the smallest of scratches on the tip of her tiny nose, tears starting to brim against her blond lashes and pale lavender eyes full of determination. When she finally reached his hands he swept her up in his arms and spun her around to a chorus of laughter and giggles. It was that day he knew he loved her, would wait patiently until she matured before checking their soul compatibility. He hadn't wanted the spell and knowledge it would bring to influence how she grew up, change or alter who she decided to be based off of their potential relationship so it was a great day when she asked him to be present while she performed the finding spell.

His bronze eyes drifted to his left hand where a beautifully crafted black metal band sat, another human sensibility, and his smiled widened. They were quite the rebels getting engaged. It was unheard of for a fairy to enter into such a serious agreement with a human. Their species were too different physically not to mention the differences in average lifespans. Those things didn't make any soul binding with a fairy possible and without a union of souls a fairy could not procreate. So agreeing to spend the rest of their lives together neither individual getting completely what they needed in a relationship like that wasn't even desirable. The normal physical barriers weren't an issue with the three of them and since both Vander and he had been identified as compatible matches with Safra's soul they just might be able to have children. Vander's current lifespan might be an issue but he had agreed to undergo the Fairy Blessing ceremony so it wouldn't be for much longer.

His eyes wandered back to the three still happily sleeping, sight unhindered by the low lighting the moon and stars cast, lingering on Presca. He and Vander's brother Kaleb were the only reason Safra had not died that horrible day. Her survival and his own magic loss made perfect sense after he shared his part of that day when they all talked the day after his arrival over a special blend of tea Ora had fashioned out of locally gathered floral and herbs. Cristoff, Bickslow and Lucy similarly the only reason Vander hadn't been lost to him as well. He needed to do something special for the five of them to express what their actions had meant to him. To save a fairy's chosen was one of the highest honors someone could do for a fairy. The very action tied them together into a clan, a family. He doubted those five knew the significance but he did and would find something to do for them so they did recognize what they all meant to him now. Gin hadn't had a clan for more than 200 years so they were almost as precious to him as Safra and Vander.

Looking back over to his Sunflower he knew Pefko was likely going to be upset when they finally returned home to the Charm with Vander for the joining ceremony already married. The elder fairy probably already knew what they were planning but trusted them enough to make their own mistakes not to interfere. Decisions like this were exactly how a being came into their own and became who they were supposed to be. If being with Vander and Safra meant he did not return to the charm ever again just to avoid having a sýzygos found for him then so be it. Life without the pair sleeping before him was not a life worth living. Thanks to what happened in Bosco he knew that as a fact and was old enough to recognize they were worth sacrificing everything for. Just like he recognized the need to save Zen from the pits of that hellhole as a risk well worth taking.

Gin shifted from his spot against the counter and a glint of reflected light caught his attention. It was odd…he'd fashioned every detail of this place himself and decorated it with many of the things Safra had collected over the years. Collecting random objects had always been one of her little quirks that she probably picked up after spending so much time with the remaining dragons that had taken refuge with the fairies from Arcnologia. But, as far as he knew, she wouldn't have put anything new on display…not after the first time she'd been brought home at 7 floating upside down, her braided hair firmly held in the hands of her laughing personal guard. It became procedure for her to let the elders at the charm look over any new "treasures" she collected and kept in her bag before she displayed them. So what could it be? Gin needed to know what it was. Quietly he padded across the stone floor and eyed the simple bangle warily. It was an odd size but really very beautiful. Safra had placed a sealing spell on it which explained why he hadn't noticed it until now. It was more surprising he'd noticed at all really; the spell was done masterfully and not one he was familiar with. Picking up the item he couldn't help but try it on altering the size of his hand to do so. It was probably made to fit on a teen's wrist yet it looked too valuable to be made for such a transient age unless it was never meant to come off…maybe he shouldn't put it on? He thought just a moment too late.

Magic flashed blindingly around him causing him to stagger back and trip falling onto the bed right on top of everyone. Five very sharp blades pressed into him near very vital areas until the three mages' minds finally processed the situation and who exactly it was who fell waking them so abruptly. Presca was the first to retract his blade with a sigh as he rolled over to go back to sleep. Where the man had even hidden the weapon in the first place when he was only in his boxers was a bit perplexing. Safra was next letting hers dissolve into a shower of sparkles but her attention still focused on him with questions in her eyes. Vander, on the other hand kept one of his knives on the fairy's much thicker but not impenetrable skin dragging it across his chest teasingly.

"If you wanted my attention," the knife bit just enough into his skin if he moved at all actual blood would flow, "all you had to do was ask." Swallowing hard Gin finally understood why some humans enjoyed bondage and some of the "darker" pleasures. Even in his true form he wanted nothing more than to have Vander tie him up, whip him, cut him anything at all if it meant those sensual flirting lips would just kiss him.

Safra's surprised gasp broke the almost tangible sexual tension that was building between the two men. They looked over at her seeing her clutching her wrist where a new tattoo was. Reaching out in an effort to get a better look at the mysterious anomaly he noticed he had one on his wrist as well and a quick glance at Vander showed the shadowquip had not been left out.

"What in the fairying fuck?" Safra whispered harshly eyes now glaring at him. He'd been the only one awake so it was obvious he'd done something to cause this.

The tattoos were identical in design and looked beautiful etched into their skin. It was the same pattern the bracelet he tried on was actually… but a few shades darker than each person's natural skin tone.

"Bracelet," was all he managed to get out while pointing where he'd found it and understanding then concern filled both the light and shadow mages' eyes. He felt like a naughty child just then.

"Sleep now, figure out what the hell happened later," an irritated voice mumbled out drowsily as Presca pulled one of the many pillows over his head exposing his unadorned right wrist. Whatever he'd done seemed to have only affected the three of them.

"Bathroom," Vander ordered. He knew very well he was not going to be able to sleep anymore tonight unless they figured whatever the hell this thing was. They were scheduled to save Zen in three days and they could absolutely not afford whatever this was disrupting their plans – not with the life of his brother hanging in the balance.

-DTRE-

"You really think I should?" Safra said from the edge of the bath letting her feet swirl in the water. This hadn't been her doing that landed them here for once so why did she have to be the one to call her father about it? While he would do everything to help her it would be under that knowing look that still made her feel like a child.

Vander slid down next to her pulling her into his side. "He's our best chance at figuring this out quickly. Normally I wouldn't care, it doesn't seem to be doing anything at all, but we can't take any chances. This is my brother's life we're talking about. We may not get another chance at saving him without gaining all sorts of unwanted attention." Honestly he was close to just putting in a call to his own father about this. It wasn't that big a deal. He'd of already done it an hour ago but he still hoped to keep certain things a surprise and calling him now almost guaranteed his surprise would be ruined even though he could still forever claim the position as the favorite of his father. Selfish, maybe, hilarious? Definitely. He was going to have several recording lacrima placed strategically before the big reveals so he could edit a nice little movie for the family. See, he could be thoughtful.

Hanging her head in defeat Safra made the call. When it took less that a second for up her father to answer she knew her worst fears were realized. He had in fact been watching her this whole time and instead of offering his help he had been waiting, watching her struggle until she humbled herself and reached out to him so he could prove his superior knowledge of all things – even her own life. The bright grin on his face was too satisfied for a normal unexpected call.

"Papa?" she said warily. Her father could probably be considered the best spy in existence by the humans given his mastery of his magic type and age. He'd been around well before the Holy Wars had ravaged Earthland constantly enhancing and expanding his knowledge of rune and script magics. Her father always said knowledge was power and after being powerless to save his young clan as they died in his arms he dedicated his existence in saving as many of their species as possible. It had been his life's work to train and educate his people so they had the tools to protect themselves and their clan from human enslavement and the other dangers that have since walked the land. He was always watching, looking for signs divined in ancient scrolls; always learning to keep their people current - even mastered the new human Archive magic. That was when he became insufferable. It, in union with their viewing windows, gave him way more access than any one person should ever have. It was there in his knowing smirk he already had the answers they wanted but he was going to milk this situation to "impart some knowledge," aka, be her Dad. Her shoulder's squared and she met his eyes unflinchingly starting a battle of wills out of sheer spite. She loved her father. Knew he was wise and loved her very much, would storm the very gates of hell to save her if he needed to, but she was stubborn and like most youth fought the bitter medicine that would force her to acknowledge her limitations while he reveled a little too much.

"I will never understand why you feel the need to do things the hard way," her father's dark green eyes softened. "Had you called me after the fiasco in Bosco to seek my council or even for comfort, I could have told you they saved your fiancé," he jabbed, "after I made sure you realized just how irresponsible it was for you to try performing that spell alone at your tender age," he couldn't help the light admonishment. "A simple call home and you wouldn't have starved yourself almost to death making everyone here and your other fiancé sick with worry." Oh he didn't stop there. "Plus, had you been by his side while he recovered, he would have woken from his ordeal much faster with your soul there to support his. You and your chosen would have been there and most likely prevented Vander's brother from being taken, capturing their members and gaining their required knowledge without their leaders finding out so they had time to go to ground before a full out purging could be orchestrated. Did you know that cult is trying to raise Hroth, thus pushing Earthland into more chaos? You could have been doing what we are meant to do, help restore Earthland's balance, but instead you throw a fit like a child almost killing yourself in the process." All of this was said with a sugared tone like she was an idiot child, but really, it's not like she could have known the future or had access to the same knowledge… without going to him at least and that was his point.

"And what about Zen? We would have never of known he was here!" she fought back with the only card she had. The life of Vander's brother was well worth her lack of foresight only to once again see that all-knowing gaze dance across her father's face.

"Would you like to know the answer for why you called? I do find it a little disheartening that I only seem to hear from you when you need something. Am I really such a bother to speak to?"

Safra's fists clenched. This is exactly why she hadn't called. It's not like she would actually be updating him on what's happened on her first sojourn into the greater world because he already knows! The feeling of slight shaking brought her out of her internal rant quickly. Looking over she saw the tanned strong shoulders of her Boscan shaking, lips pressed together, eyes sparkling with amusement, as he tried desperately not to laugh. His fight didn't last long when he saw her incredulous betrayed look.

"Gods, I love your father!" Vander held his sides chuckling. Had he been in the ancient fairy's position he'd of probably done the same thing to his own children. In fact, he had no doubt with his own skills, he'd probably torment and embarrass his kids even more without the pretense of teaching them to make better decisions. Seeing them bungle through puberty would be fucking hilarious.

The brown and green colored fairy grinned. He definitely loved this human fate had chosen to join his clan soon. Poor Safra and Gin tended to be too serious most of the time, acting like they were in an ancient Greek tragedy and the world was ending at the slightest obstacle. They needed Vander's unconquerable humor and spirit to draw them out so they could enjoy living more.

"Papa!" Safra said exasperatedly now that both men at her sides were laughing while successfully dodging her smacks. It wasn't funny! "What are these things?" She finally threw up her right arm displaying the now much darker tattoo trying to bring the conversation back on track.

"That is a long story, one I will happily explain when you finally see fit to come home for a visit." Her father held his hand up before she could cut in with a complaint. "In means that you three create something very rare among our people. This is the first time in all my years that a person's full joining requires two others instead of one." Pefko waited as he let that sink in. When he first saw how attached the three were becoming his heart ached for them knowing that at least one of their hearts was going to break eventually. It was his sister Kissos that reminded him of the stories they'd both heard from their grandparents that gave him hope and sent him into a flurry of research. Way back before his time there were histories of similar situations when a Fairy Blessed was involved. About a week ago he'd finally found a journal from a previous Igétis that spoke of the human son he had adopted, thus using the Fairy Blessing, and the trials they went through trying to find his sýzygos. Fortunately, his son saved a small child during his travels one day that was important to an immortal that had the power to create a spell to help one find their destiny which he bestowed on the young man. Not able to cast it themselves the fairies took it and created the fairy finding spells. Only, their version could only ever hone in on one of potentially multiple matches instead of them all which wasn't an issue because having a Fairy Blessed was very rare. He found having multiple sýzygos even among just the Fairy Blessed was rare so it made sense the possibility was forgotten. He had an inkling it was no coincidence Apollo had given Safra that bracelet, probably enchanted it himself the sly devil.

"So we will all be joined?" the hope in Gin's voice warmed his very soul. That young fairy had lost so much in his life he really did deserve to have them both.

"This next summer I will happily guide the proceedings for you three to fully join." Pefko cut the call shortly after. Those three often partook in human pleasures for reasons he could not understand and did not find joy in watching. Even a fairy father did not need to see his daughter doing some of the things he'd unintentionally seen them do before.

-DTRE-

King Karadin sat at the center of his box located on the lowest ring of his only nephew's colosseum Sky Reach Stadium. It was the greatest of all the gladiatorial colosseums and the boy had done an admirable job handling the temperamental but powerful Boscan scum. Had he only been more receptive to allowing him to use him for pleasure, he as the king, might have decided to let him live past today. As it was, the Dark Eagle was not and he tired of watching the same spectacle each time no matter how beautiful and powerful the man was. The man just could not be broken and the one time he'd finally gotten his hands on that deliciously tanned flesh he'd barely penetrated his sculpted ass before Pradesh's son broke free. He'd lost 14 good men and 3 berserkers worth billions that day to celebrate Zen's 20th birthday and 100th consecutive win. The bastard should have been honored he'd caught Karadin's eye not almost killing him before his men were able to get him clear. Oh but the pleasure of violating such a creature had been worth the risk. It was too bad they'd not found better restraints to hold that glorious beast because Zen was so much more cautious around all the slaves after that and they had not been able to make the succubus venom into an aerosol. Filling a room with a gaseous form of the drug was the only way they could get him dosed now but while other drugs they used were good enough when females paid to have him, if a man tried taking that tight ass it was never enough. It had been more than 10 years since that memorable day and his researchers were still nowhere close to finding a way for his to more safely handle such a powerful man. When one of his senators came back saying his people were losing interest in watching him fight as well? He was more than ready for a change and ordered his nephew to give him one last good show that ended the Dark Eagle once and for all.

Smirking he looked to the opposite side of the arena where that delicious piece of flesh stood. He clutched the single sword in his left hand, the only weapon he'd be allowed to use today, then walked slowly into the arena. Karadin's smirk grew enjoying all the exposed tanned skin. Zen wore what could only be called a mesh thong wrapped around his beautiful cock and golden sandals to allow the ankle cuffs to remain on his legs. There were some key pieces of "armor" in hopes the fight would last just that little be longer. The plated belt was almost decorative if not an actual hindrance with the three long braded leather tassels that hung on each side of his cock. He licked his lips already thanking whoever came up with that choice. It framed the organ beautifully and left most of the hard defined muscle on his thighs and legs exposed too. His torso was left completely unadorned for all to see the rippling muscles nicely oiled so each ab was enhanced drawing the eye to the perfect V of his hips. One pauldron sat over his left shoulder the leather strap cut teasingly over the thick pecs of his chest. Handless gauntlets wrapped around his tanned forearms making way for the magic cancelling cuffs to remain on his wrists. All in all his entire right side was almost completely bare showing off the black lines, runes and eagles of his clan tattoos that he'd been named after. The only thing he did not appreciate fully was the helmet because it encased his head leaving only his eyes and mouth exposed. He did have to give credit that with the long white haired plume at the top the overall effect was spectacular. Gods, it was the same thing they'd had him in on Zen's 20th birthday. The memory of how his hard ass had felt when he'd gotten his few minutes of pleasure from the man came fresh to his mind. Oh his nephew was going to definitely be rewarded for this display.

Such a waste to have him die but with his greater plans coming close to fruition they didn't have time to deal with his nonsense anymore. At least he was recording today's events through his magical glasses so he could relive this day over and over again. He was half temped to have one of his pets suck him off right now his desire was so stirred but he didn't want the distraction to cause him to miss a single moment of the battle. He could wait a few minutes until after as he watched the recording to fuck one of his slaves. Too bad he hadn't thought until now to give Zen one of his favorites to bed last night so he could revel in taking that one after Zen's death.

Eyes focusing on his obsession the glasses allowing him zoom in so close he could see the Pradesh get's skin raise as the cold early winter wind bit into his flesh. His chest expanding with each breath he took as the mist left his mouth on the exhale.

At the far side of the arena the fire wyvern raged its entire body engulfed in flame as it saw the Dark Eagle approach its "nest". The stupid beast didn't even realize the eggs were just spelled rocks since the real ones were still in the labs being incubated. King Karadin was having the time of his life so far. Just the anticipation of seeing Zen's skin melt off of his large frame screaming as he died brought a smile to his face. There was always something more powerful and that was the last lesson Zen would ever learn.

It took no time at all for the beast to charge firing molten lava at the man. Zen rolled and dodged as he tried to find an opening but without spears to throw he'd have to get close for an attack which in itself proved problematic. Any closer than he was now would leave him severely burned judging by the sweat beading on his skin and without treatment afterward he would die from infection without his magic. Zen just didn't stand a chance of surviving this even if he killed the beast as long as the magical restraints remained in place. Karadin rubbed his hands together as he scooted forward to the edge of his seat.

Ten minutes passed with the cat and mouse chase still going, Zen narrowly escaping the raging attacks of the beast by less and less each time. The crowd chanted "Dark Eagle" over and over again, tempo increasing each time he successfully dodged. Finally what he had been waiting for happened and Zen moved to the offense seeing a small opening but before he could use it the wyvern's tail caught his leg sending him crashing into a stone wall. The smell of burning flesh carried on the wind but like a truly powerful warrior Zen ignored the pain and got up to continue the fight. His right thigh was black from the burn and the crowd cheered like they were possessed. The helmet had come off from the wyvern's blow letting everyone see his sun bleached dark hair blow in the wind freely as their Dark Eagle stood there shakily. Karadin could see the pain in his eyes, jaw firm when Zen grit his teeth. It was almost over. There was no way for Zen to run or maneuver with such an injury fast enough to escape even one more attack.

Zen twirled the sword in his hand as he prepared for his final strike. His footing widened his right arm pulled back. The Wyvern charged again and Zen threw his only weapon with all the strength he had. True to his aim the sword plunged into a weak spot just under its arm piercing its lung in a fatal blow. The wyvern cried out in fury and pain but didn't stop its charge. Zen's eyes widened and his breath caught and he immediately turned to dodge.

His injured leg faltered and he stumbled knees hitting the ground hard. He scrambled to get back up on his feet but it was too late. The wyvern with the last of her strength aimed her collapsing molten body on top of the threat to her nest roaring so loud the king had to cover his ears. The ground shook at the impact and Zen was no more. The wyvern's weight crushing him or burning him to ash, Karadin didn't care. There would be no remains to worry about her flames had been so hot.

He smiled savagely, grabbed the nearest man at his feet by the hair and walked away dragging him along. It was a very good day.

-DTRE-

"What the fuck were you thinking?" Vander yelled at his brother as they came out of the shadows near their camp already working his shadows into a key that could get the restraints off his brother who was currently emptying his stomach from his trip in the Voids.

"I was thinking… they needed… a good show… and proof I did… not have my magic." Zen bit out breathing hard trying to find his equilibrium but the pain of the burn followed immediately by the trip he'd just taken made recovering just a little difficult.

"Almost letting your leg get cut off was a little more than a good show." Vander grit out as he worked to unlock all of the restraints on his brother starting with the one on his neck. It had been part of the plan to let him get injured so his "death" was believable since Zen insisted his magic would heal him quickly once it was freed completely. It was the only way to get his brother out free and clear without bringing down the might of Pergrande and causing needless deaths. His father would kill him for not bringing the family in to help if Zen suffered any permanent damage. His siblings just might try maiming him anyway for being excluded.

"It's just a scratch."

"A scratch? You're leg's almost off!"

"No it isn't."

"What's that then?" Vander pointed to the white of bone peeking through the charged flesh of his thigh as he worked one of the ankle manacles off.

"I've had worse." Zen rubbed his chaffed wrists already feeling his magic swell to heal his leg. The power was almost overwhelming it was so vast but a life time of training and control let him take it in stride.

"You liar!" Vander said voice now filled with humor seeing the burn rapidly heal as pieces of burnt flesh flaked off. It didn't escape him how similar their conversation was to a favorite movie of his up until now but Zen obviously didn't get it since he just looked more confused at his accusation.

"Come on you pansy!" a shout echoed in the glade the group had setup as a meeting point. Presca suddenly dropped out of the sky sword out, left arm tucked behind his back. Vander grinned broader and formed his own sword long sword. He loved that his friend was going to play along, he fucking needed something to relieve his stress and he was pretty sure now was not the time to take his lovers repeatedly.

Vander and Presca fought with their swords like they were little boys again before the energy mage charged. His sword out and arm extended as the shadowquip side-stepped the advance and hit the flat of his blade against Presca's right shoulder as he passed. Without missing a beat the energy mage dropped his sword and pulled his right arm back like his left.

"Victory is mine!" Vander kneeled head bowed as he planted the tip of his sword in the ground. "We thank thee Lord, that in thy merc-" Presca kicked him in the head knocking him over.

"Come on then." Presca ran back at his friend still on the ground to kick him again.

"What?" Vander cried.

"Have at you!" Preseca kicked him again then backed away as Vander slowly stood up. Zen, Safra and Gin were all standing back together each one completely confused by what they were watching.

"You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine." Vander tried to reason.

"Oh, had enough, eh?" Presca said tauntingly as he moved like a boxer around Vander's tall unmoving frame.

"Look, you stupid bastard, you've got no arms left." Vander argued turning only slightly toward him.

"Yes I have."

"Look!" Vander pointed.

"Just a flesh wound," Presca said before kicking Vander's backside.

"Look, stop that."

"Chicken! Chicken!" he kicked him again.

"Look, I'll have your leg." Presca ignored the threat and kicked him again. "Right!" Vander swung his sword again the next time Presca went to kick him hitting the blade flat against his left leg. The brunette use his hands to hold his left leg up as he hopped around on his right.

"Right, I'll do you for that!" Presca shouted angrily hopping faster in a semi charge at his opponent.

"You'll what?"

"Come 'ere!" he charged again as Vander only needed to take a step back to avoid the clumsy attack.

"What are you going to do, bleed on me?"

"I'm invincible!" Presca charged one more time this time their bodies collided and Vander just pushed him off.

"You're a loony."

"The Black Knight always triumphs! Have at you!" he tried using his head like a battering ram. "Come on then." Vander sighed and hit Presca's right leg. Dropping to his knees the brunette looked around before looking up. "All right; we'll call it a draw."

"Come, Patsy." Vander gestured to the three highly confused mages just standing there as he walked toward them inconspicuously checking on his brother's leg seeing it almost completely healed but with a large scar similar to the others he already had all over his body.

"Oh, oh, I see, running away then. You yellow bastards! Come back here and take what's coming to you. I'll bite your legs off!" Then both men started laughing.

"Was that a thing?" Safra questioned looping her arms around one of Zen's and one of Gin's as she led them deeper into the forest where her skini was setup and away from the pair of men that had apparently lost their minds.

"Has to be from a movie," Gin guessed.

Zen smiled faintly as he walked for the first time in his memory through a forest completely free. His brother and friend had finally collected themselves and continued their light-hearted jokes while his soon to be brother and sister-in-law walked quietly at his side. He still couldn't believe it but he was after years of enslavement headed home. They had decided to walk most of the way until they reached the border near Iceberg then take one of the pleasure liners the rest of the way to Bosco to give him time to adjust. Gin had apparently gone south around Iceberg on his way here to save the loyal creature he'd ridden but that would take more than a month with them all on foot and none wanted to walk for that long.

-End of Chapter-

For those who are also reading the collection of stories titled Pradesh, you may have read the story of Zen's birthday in Pergrande. I had initially written most of this scene after seeing an amazing drawing Desna's niece had made and sent a portion to her as a bit of a teaser. Then she wrote her amazing story from that then I reworked mine again so they fit together. I really enjoyed the process of bouncing these ideas back and forth hopefully creating something much better than what I had written first so if you have ideas, something specifically you want to see or questions you'd like me to clarify or answer drop me a PM or comment. I really enjoy reading the feedback.