The next day came and went. As did the next. And the next. And even the one after that. However, nobody had heard back from Hakuren. Or Teito.

Everyone was getting antsy. Impatient. Scared. Something like this had never happened before. They didn't know how to handle the situation.

Every day Castor suggested sending out search party for them, but Frau always rejected the idea. As of late, Frau seemed to be more reserved. He wasn't as fun, according to the nuns.

"There's nothing wrong with me." The blond bishop would always say once questioned on his strange behavior. Then he would turn and walk away, saying nothing more.

"Something is obviously wrong with him." Labrador commented one day when they had gotten the same response to the same question. Why they insisted upon asking him everyday, they were not quite sure. However, they continued asking and continued getting the same response.

"Yes, and there's something awry with this whole situation in general." Castor replied. Violet eyes turned and rested on the bespectacled bishop. "How so?"

Castor turned away and looked toward the main gate, "Teito's collar." He stated blandly.

Labrador drew in a quick breath, "That's right, I almost forgot. If Teito and Frau don't see each other for 48 hours, then..." His voice trailed off.

Castor shook his head, "That is what's supposed to happen. However, I severely doubt that Teito's laying dead somewhere right now." He turned back to the smaller bishop, "I believe that there is some foul play involved here."

"You don't think the military is involved again, do you?" The smaller bishop questioned hesitantly. Castor sighed, "As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm afraid that may be the case this time."

"Since the collar belongs to the military, they could have easily disabled it, making them the prime suspects for this kidnapping, if you could even call it that." Frau stepped out from behind a large stone pillar, startling the two bishops. "How is that, am I in the ball park yet?"

Castor stared wide-eyed at him, "How long have you been there?" He questioned the blond. Frau shrugged nonchalantly, "Long enough."

Both Labrador and Castor noticed that his words were slurred slightly. "Frau, have you been drinking?" Castor asked, the genuine concern in his voice starting to make itself known.

Frau hesitated briefly before he finally responded with a gruff "No." He then turned around and proceeded to walk back towards the courtyard.

However, he did not get far before he started to teeter off balance. Castor and Labrador ran over and helped keep him steady. "You imbecile." Castor commented. "You're drunk."

Frau glared at him, "I am not, you four-eyed freak!" He barked. Labrador sighed, "You were always a mean drunk, Frau." He commented.

Frau turned his gaze to Labrador, but didn't say anything. Instead he let his head fall on Castor's shoulders, "When is he coming home?" His voice was nearly unheard by the rusty haired bishop.

Castor truly felt sorry for Frau. The blond himself may not have noticed his growing connection with the small brunette, but everyone else had.

Castor was brought back from his train of thought by Frau's light snoring against his shoulders. He heaved up Frau's entire right side on his shoulder, leaving the left side to Labrador, "Come on, let's get him back to bed."

Labrador nodded and heaved up his left side as the two bishops dragged the blond back to his room.

~~~

Hakuren woke in a daze. He sat up groggily and rubbed his eyes. He tried to balance his weight on his frail arms. He sat back against the tree that had just provided him with a makeshift bed for the night.

He rubbed his temples, annoyed. "What the hell am I doing? Do I seriously think I'm going to find Teito all by myself?" He said to himself. He sighed and rested his head in his hands.

He was about to drift off into sleep again when he heard a familiar squeak in the distance. He looked up and saw nothing in the dark forest. He had no idea what time it was.

He thought his mind was beginning to play tricks on him, and decided to ignore whatever it was. When he heard the same squeak again, this time a bit louder, he stood up quickly.

"Who's there?" He called out into the nothingness. He looked around fruitlessly. He was blinded by the darkness and could see absolutely nothing.

He squinted harder and at last saw something moving towards him. It was rather small and....pink?

He gasped when he realized what, or who, it was. The small Fyulong ran into Hakuren's arms, nearly knocking him off balance. "Burupya!"

Hakuren held the small dragon out at arm's length, "What are you doing here, Mikage?" The dragon only responded with a bright "Burupya!" Hakuren sighed once again, "That's right, you can't really talk, can you?"

"Aw, now that's not nice."

Hakuren drew in a sharp breath. Whose voice was that just now?

He turned around quickly and was nearly knocked off his feet. The sight before him was astonishing.

Standing before him was a beautiful boy. His sandy blond hair wafted in the silent breeze. His soft honey eyes were filled with love and tenderness. There was a scar on his right cheek. His smile was heartwarming.

Somehow, Hakuren felt like he knew this boy. That's when it hit him.

No, it couldn't be. Never in a million years. And yet...

He returned his gaze back to the pink Fyulong, who simply squeaked and jumped onto the shoulders of the shining boy.

The boy nuzzled the dragon and laughed silently. He then looked at Hakuren warmly, "It's nice to finally meet you, Hakuren. I know all about your family, but I've heard that you're different."

Hakuren could only nod dumbly. Was this really Mikage?

"Hopefully you're nothing like your annoying cousin, Shuuri." He giggled.

"Right...no." He said quietly. He had forgotten that Teito had gone to school with Shuuri. And with Mikage.

Mikage held out his hand, "Well, just standing around isn't going to help us find Teito, right?"

Hakuren stared at him.

"Are you going to help me?"

Hakuren looked at the glowing hand hesitantly. He honestly couldn't believe what was happening right now.

He lifted his arm slowly. He reached for the hand and simply phased right through it. He gasped silently.

Mikage simply smiled, "Then it's a deal."

Another short chapter! Sorry!

Please please please bear with me! I graduate high school in less than thirty days and everything is stressful at the moment! AGH!

Anyway. Drunk!Frau makes me giggle. It was kind of a last minute idea, but I liked it, so I kept it.

Also the whole Mikage and Hakuren thing was TOTALLY intentional. I've always wondered what it would be like if they ever met.

THEY'D BE BFF'S FOR SURE. HUR HUR.