A/N: Hey everyone! Long time, no post. Sorry for the wait. Our flight from Europe was delayed and we missed our flight from New York back home, so we had to wait until we could get on another flight. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I had a little trouble with it for some reason, but I felt it turned out alright. I should be posting in about a week, when I get back from camping. Anyway...enjoy the chapter, and please review.
Disclaimer: I don't own power rangers. This fic is based off the book HAWKSONG by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes.
Wind and Thunder Ch.6
Waking up to the warmth of another's body wrapped around his own was a comforting feeling to the dragon prince. In the haziness between sleep and full awareness, the warmth filled Cam with a feeling of peace and well being. He hadn't felt this type of calm around someone else since his mother had died.
This ease lasted only as long as it took for Cam to realize exactly who it was sleeping next to him.
Cam stiffened. His body going rigid. Married. To Hunter. He had married the ruler of the thunder ninjas. Just a little while ago, his people had been at war with the feline shifters. And now he was married to one.
Married.
He was irrevocably married. Cam had promised his life to someone that he didn't love. There was no going back now and he knew it. Marriages were sacred in all shifter societies. Once the vows are exchanged, there's no reneging. As king, his vow was even more sacred. There would be no taking back of a vow made by a ruler. Even though he doesn't love his soul partner, for the sake of peace he has to try.
Besides, if he had to marry someone, he could have done a lot worse than Hunter.
Cam genuinely liked the jaguar, despite his heritage. In the short time he'd known Hunter, the dragon had seen the kind and honest person that he was.
He tried to relax his tense muscles.
Despite his like of Hunter as a person, Cam just couldn't help remembering what Hunter was. He couldn't relax with the jaguar's arm's wrapped around him. Every time he tried, memories of the nightmares surfaced in his mind.
Hunter woke to the steady breathing of the dragon in his arms. Sometime during the night they must have curled up together. Subconsciously drawing together to share warmth.
The jaguar shifted slightly, careful not to wake his slumbering companion, and studied the man in his arms.
Like all the times when he had visited the dragon in the night, Hunter could see the change that overcame him when he slept. It amazed the jaguar. Cam's face showed none of the emotions of the day. In this sleeping state all masks were dropped and Hunter could see the man's true vulnerability.
He had to admit. Cam was an intriguing person. Every time he saw the dragon, Hunter witnessed another side of him. The jaguar was surprised.
/Flashback/
He, like all thunder shifters, was taught at a young age about the dragons…..
"Okay everyone, we're going to work on our meditation techniques today. Can anyone tell me the first step in reaching a meditative trance?" A little cougar raises her hand.
"Sensei is it true that you just got back home from the fields? Is that where you've been all month?"
The teacher sighs. This really isn't something he wants to discuss. "Lina, that's not relevant to the lesson." Seeing the disappointed faces of the students he added. "Yes. As a matter of fact I returned from duty in the fields two days ago. Now, can anyone answer my quest—"
"Did you fight a lot of the dragons?" Another student, a bobcat this time, asked.
The sensei could see that the lesson wouldn't continue until all the little felines' questions were answered, so he decided to indulge his students. "Yes Gaven. I saw more dragons than I care to."
Patiently the sensei answered every question that was asked. Most were innocent enough. At least until close to the end of the Q&A session.
A student at the back of the group asked the question. "Sensei, is it true that dragons have no souls?" He studied the young jaguar.
"Prince Hunter, what made you ask about that?" He thought he already knew. Two members of the ruling family, cousins of the young princes, had been slaughtered by the dragons in the latest battle. The deaths had hit the brothers hard. Blake was missing from lessons today due to grief.
The blonde met his sensei's gaze with his own haunted one. "Some of the older students were talking. They said that the lizards don't have souls, that when you look into their eyes it's like looking into the abyss itself. They also say that the dragons love to kill, that they'll kill you just for the fun of it. Is it true?"
Every student except for Hunter leaned in eagerly, as if waiting to hear a particularly thrilling ghost story.
"I don't know if the stories about having no souls are true, but I can say that I understand where they come from." The students watch as their sensei's eyes go out of focus, as if he's not really there with them but in a far away place.
"The dragon ninjas are fierce. They fight both on the ground and in the air. Formidable on both fronts. In the air they swoop down in their fell wyrm forms. Breathing fire or raining elemental attacks onto us. On the ground they fight using the air, earth, and water elements the same way we combine our fighting style with thunder and lightning."
"When you fight with them, you are constantly off balance. They betray no emotion and move with the alien grace of a snake. It is impossible to read anything from their faces. They show nothing as they coldly slay any thunder shifter they can." His gaze returns to the present. No longer seeing the battles of the past month. "So to answer your question Prince Hunter, I don't know if the stories are true. But like I said, seeing the dragons in battle causes me to believe that there might be some truth in them."
Hunter continued to study the soft feature of the sleeping dragons. That first visit to the Dragon's Nest when he was thirteen had revealed the truth to the jaguar. Any creature without a soul would not grieve for a lost relative, and they definitely wouldn't suffer from nightmares.
Hunter's eyes slid from the graceful line of Cam's throat, to the lean muscles of his shoulders, finally resting on the tattoo running from between the dragon's shoulder blades to the small of his back. He had glimpsed it briefly last night, but now he had the chance to actually study it.
It was like nothing he had ever seen. Flowing script in a language that Hunter didn't recognize ran in columns on both sides of an archaic, serpent-like dragon that ran along Cam's spine. Everything was in a blood red hue except for the one visible eye, which was a vibrant green. The whole thing was a little disconcerting. Hunter wondered why Cam would ever have something like this. There was much about Cam that he didn't know, but he was looking forward to unearthing the dragon's secrets.
His contemplation was interrupted by a slight stirring from the sleeping dragon, signifying his return to consciousness.
Hunter didn't want to startle the dragon, so he allowed his muscles to relax and feigned slumber as Cam woke up.
He was surprised at how disappointed he felt when Cam tensed in his arms, finally realizing where he was, but smiled to himself as the dragon seemed to relax a little. Even dozing off a some as he continued to lay passive in Hunter's arms.
His only clue that something was wrong a small moan of terror before the dragon started to thrash. 'Is this another nightmare?'
Hunter gently pulled the dragon into his arms. Calling out softly, trying to wake the frightened man.
He feels Cam's body slowly calm down and release muscle tension. His chocolate eyes open a fraction, and the dragon gazes up at the blonde holding him. A look of comprehension on his face.
"It was you."
Surprise flashes across Hunter's face. "What was me?"
"You comforted me. During my nightmares."
Before Hunter could reply, the bedroom door burst open. The guard Alana stood in the entry way. A scowl forming on her face when she sees the position of the newlyweds. Cam quickly pulls out of Hunter's arms as the jaguar turns his full attention to the leopard at the door. "Yes, Alana?"
"There are visitors at the gate." She ground out. "Three angry dragons demanding that they see their king. You might want to come fast or they might try to fight their way through the Den." Alana smirked. "We would have to kill them if they attempted to force their way in. It would be a pity if their blood stained the floors…"
"Alana, enough!" Hunter climbed out of bed and pulled more clothes out of the trunk from last night. "Show them to the audience chamber. We'll be there in a minute." He handed Cam tan breaches and a green cotton shirt as she left, then turned his back and changed into his own clothes.
"Thank you."
Hunter turned at the words. He regarded the dragon as Cam calmly watches him while putting the dragon's eye and an amulet around his neck. "Thank you for what?"
"Thank you for helping me through the nightmares."
After they both put on their armlets, they head for the audience chamber.
"Your welcome."
"Where is he? What have you done with Cam!?"
"We haven't done any—"
"Bring him out here now, or we'll find him ourselves."
"Could you three please try and calm down a little? They'll be here soon."
Cam sighed as he entered the chamber, hearing the demands of his three friends on Blake.
"What are you guys going here?" All three dragons turned to see Cam and Hunter come through the doorway. Tori was the first one to break the silence.
"What are we doing here? We're the ones who should be asking that question."
Seeing the stubborn look on Cam's face, Dustin added. "Dude, we followed you here. So, can you ans—"
"You followed me here? You said that you would cover for me."
Shane finally spoke up. He hadn't said anything since they had been let into the chamber.
"Don't worry. We took care of everything, but we weren't about to let you leave by yourself when we saw you slip out the side gate." Shane sighed. "So… are you finally gonna tell us what's going on?"
Cam mentally shrugged to himself. 'Might as well get straight to the point.' "I'm married."
Three pairs of eyes stared at him as if the dragon had grown a second head.
"Married!?"
Hunter laughed both at the straightforwardness of his new husband and the faces of the three dragon guards. They were so much fun to mess with at the avian palace. 'Maybe I should have some more fun with them.' Smirking, Hunter stepped up behind Cam and wrapped his arms around his waist, nuzzling the man's neck. "Yes. As a matter of fact, we are married. Have a problem with that?" Looking at his husband he added. "So Cam, are you going to introduce me?"
Cam gave him an incredulous look, but decided to humor him anyway. "Hunter. Blake. This is Shane, Tori, and Dustin." He said nodding to each dragon in turn. "And Hunter…"
"Yes, Cam?"
"Could you please let go of me? We need to leave if we're going to make it to the Dragon's Nest for the ceremony. It's set for me to announce my soul partner this evening."
"Of course." Hunter let go and moved to the door. "We should all be heading out. Blake, are you coming too?"
"Yep. Unlike you, I've done my research. In dragon ceremonies, there has to be a witness for both people in order for the couple to get married." He grinned "So, I get to "hand" you off."
By this time, the three wind ninjas were able to shake off their surprise. Shane grabbed Cam by the shoulder, stopping him from following the two thunder brothers out the door. "Cam, are you really okay with this?"
Sighing he met his friends gaze. "Shane, I promise. This is what I want. Hunter and I discussed it. This will end the war. Just trust me."
Shane sighed and smiled at his friend. "Always man." Dustin and Tori nodded their agreement as all four followed the thunders through the hall.
They were almost to the Dragon's Nest when they were attacked.
Shane had taken point with Blake at their six. Tori and Dustin had taken positions to the sides with Hunter and Cam safely in the middle, much to the two's annoyance. Things had been quiet. Everyone was on edge and keeping on high alert, so they weren't caught completely unawares when they were surrounded.
Cam quickly assessed the situation as he, the three winds, and the two thunders went into action. 'kelzaks.' The mindless golems seemed to come with every raider or mercenary that the three rangers fought. Cam didn't see anyone leading them, but that didn't mean that the kelzaks were the only dangers.
"Okay dudes. I thought the war was over." Dustin commented as he fought off five of the golems. "You two can call off your minions."
Blake and Hunter were both surprised at the earth dragon's words. "What are you talking about? We've been fighting off attacks from these things and raiders. We thought the dragon kingdom was sending them."
"Who's been sending them then?"
Cam took down another kelzak with a well-placed kick. "I don't think that's the worst of our problems."
More kelzaks had appeared, outnumbering them ten to one.
Shane nodded to Tori and Dustin. "I think it's time we finished this."
"NINJA STORM, RANGER FORM."
"THUNDER STORM, RANGER FORM."
Cam and the winds were surprised to hear two more voices calling out the morph command, but couldn't dwell on it because of the press of kelzaks.
After all of the golems had been taken care of, Cam watched as the three wind rangers demorphed, followed by Blake and Hunter who wore navy and crimson ranger suits.
The dragon sighed. "Wonderful. More gear to fix."
Cam stepped onto the dais of the courtyard. All the residents of the Dragon's Nest waited in silence as he stepped in front of them, preparing to speak. "Fellow dragons, when I took the mantle of king I swore an oath to do what is best for this kingdom and to do everything in my ability to bring peace. For generations we have fought a violent and senseless war. This is at an end. After this night, the war will be officially over."
Not pausing long enough for the full information to set in, Cam continued. Hoping that this would work. "I also promised to announce my soul partner on this date. At this time I would like to introduce my mate. King Hunter Bradley." Hunter stepped up next to Cam, trying to keep his face impassive as he had been instructed.
Whispers ran through the crowd, betraying the surprise that the dragons felt. They might as well have been yelling. For anyone to break conduct, they must have been greatly upset.
Cam watched as his father approached.
"I will not consent to this marriage." Having said his share, the former king left the courtyard.
Cam was hurt by his father's lack of support, but couldn't let it get in the way of the ceremony. "I need a witness."
Dustin spoke up. "I'll be your witness." Tori and Shane nodded. Dustin would marry Cam off and they would perform the ceremony.
"Thanks." Cam whispered as they all got into position.
"No problem."
Tori cleared he throat and addressed the four people standing in front of her. "We are here to unite Cameron Watanabe and Hunter Bradley in matrimony. Who will bless and bear witness to this union?"
Dustin and Blake stepped forward.
"I bear witness to this union. I give my blessing."
"As do I."
They resumed their former positions as Shane moved in front of Cam.
"Cameron Watanabe. The bond of a soul partner is the strongest that can be formed with another. When you give another your Heart, you give them all of your being for all of time. Knowing this, do you still wish to go forward with this union?"
Cam looked Hunter in the eyes. "I do."
Shane opened a small box and offered the contents to Cam. "Then take the Heart and place it around the neck of the one you wish to bond yourself to."
Hunter watched as Cam took a thin chain out of the box. Hanging on it was a smooth stone.
He had heard a few stories about the Dragon Heart, but had never seen it. When Blake told him about it, the jaguar had envisioned a large jewel or another impressive item. The small stone was surprising. Getting a better look, Hunter saw that it was deceiving at first glance. As Cam approached him with the pendant, he saw that the stone was a myriad of green hues. Glimmering in the light of the courtyard. It was truly beautiful in it's simple design.
Cam slowly placed the pendant around Hunter's neck. "Hunter Bradley, I give you my Heart. With it you have all of my being. Take it as a sign of my commitment to you."
Tori stepped in front of Hunter as Shane moved back.
"Hunter Bradley. You have been offered Cameron's Heart. The acceptance of the Dragon's Heart is the acceptance of an unbreakable vow. Do you accept?"
"I do."
Both Tori and Shane bowed. "Congratulations."
When Hunter and Cam reached the dragon's suite of rooms, it was to find Kanoi Watanabe waiting there. The former king sparred no time and confronted them the moment the two walked in.
"I do not accept this union."
Hunter scowled. "It doesn't matter if you accept it or not. We are married, there's nothing you can do about it."
"I may not be able to do anything, but trust me. If I learn that you have harmed him in any way…"
The jaguar was done talking. Letting out a growl he stormed through the door that led into the adjoining bedroom and slammed it behind him.
"Why did you provoke him? Hunter wouldn't harm me."
"You don't know that."
"But—"
"Don't argue. Keep yourself alert whenever you are around him. Don't let your guard down." With that the older Watanabe took his leave.
Cam walked over to the door to Hunter's bedroom and hesitantly pushed it open. "Hunter, are you alright."
The blonde looked up from where he was sitting on the bed. He swiftly moved over to the dragon's side. Grabbing his arm, he looked into Cam's eyes. "You know I wouldn't hurt you right?"
"Yes. Don't let what my father said upset you."
Hunter sighed. "I will try." He walked towards the bed. "I guess now's the time you go back to the other room to sleep," He glanced up at Cam. "unless of course, you were planning on sharing a bed again."
Cam could almost hear the challenge that lay in Hunter's words. The jaguar didn't expect him to accept. 'Guess I'll just have to surprise him.' "Alright." At Hunter's surprised look he added. "We are married now, and correct me if I'm wrong, but it is considered appropriate for married couples to sleep together."
Hunter smirked and half- bowed, gesturing to the bed. "After you then."
"Married? Well doesn't that just put a damper on things."
"What are we gonna, like, do now uncle." Marah, Kapri, and a few of Lothor's generals watched as the dark dragon paced around the hidden chamber under the Dragon's Nest.
"Yeah, now that there's no war, we can't send more attacks."
Lothor stopped pacing and grinned wickedly. "Don't worry ladies. I have a plan that will rid us of both ruling families and those three wind rangers."
TBC
A/N: Hope you enjoyed! Please review.
Next chapter should be posted soon,