AN: Okay, I'm on the last chapter of Radiant Dawn, and, seriously, I'm sure I'm not going to get any further into characterization than I already have. At least, that's what I think as I remember back when I had finished Path of Radiance. So yea... RADIANT DAWN CHARACTERS. We're going to pretend that all the new information that I play out in future chapters would be represented (in invisible words) in the first chapters, if the first chapter wasn't clear. Don't understand? Basically, I'm going to make this a Radiant Dawn Fanfic- We can view chapter one as a prologue, you know?

Spoilers for both series... Well... Not really... There's not much to spoil. But hey, I'm putting that out there.

So yea… Lost my internet and was slow on getting a flashdrive.

Asteroid

Januff, upon seeing the balcony of their temporary apartment occupied with more bodyguards- some of them not of their gang's brown and black colors- and the sleek, ostentatiously red limo parked in the lot, cursed. He knew that Daien's boss, Ashnard, was coming to check on them, again. He told Tibarn so.

"He's probably ready to bust a cap as soon as the time's up," Tibarn remarked. He looked down at the boy staring blankly at nothing.

Reyson's eyes focused more when they landed on the balcony, several of the men dressed in bulking suits separating upon their arrival, even those obviously not of Phoenicies. He was only mildly surprised when Tibarn wrapped a collar, attached to a leash, around his neck, and when he spoke, his voice seemed, though he was whispering to him and the fake Januff and Ulki, to come from far away: "Now, I had traveled out early this morning for a good flight, and met Oliver at noon. Let's just say I bought him at some private auction this morning, and picked him up after the Begnion meeting. One of you see to it that we get some forged documents; it'll be too much of a coincidence to Oliver." They nodded, and pushed away the opaque glass double doors. Reyson immediately sensed the distressing, oppressive biorhythm that was Ashnard, his muscles stiffening up as if to ready himself for battle.

Tibarn, and the other two Hawks, were pleased to see that Ashnard didn't have his pet Leanne with him. At least, not where Reyson could see. Ashnard was wearing his usual intimidating attire: black, form-fitting leather pieced together with vivid red lining, and, as some sort of dramatic addition, a broad cape, black, across one shoulder. About his waist were his belts and holsters for his guns, and, Reyson saw with a distasteful eye, a whip. Instinctively, the heron spread out his chest to the remarkably alive Ashnard of Daien. Tibarn, however, fearing trouble with the notorious Ashnard, pulled Reyson close to his body, predictably feeling aroused as the heat exchanged between their clothing.

"Phoenicies," greeted Ashnard, smiling the wicked grin that Tibarn was always prone to receiving- maybe now more so since his chest was bare, "I have delightful news for you- well, for everyone in Tellius."

Tibarn was relieved that this visit obviously had nothing to do with the truce bargain, and he relaxed and decided to show Ashnard a little courtesy, for, so far, he hadn't done anything wrong. "How about we sit down, now? Or perhaps you're leaving soon?" Please leave soon, Tibarn thought privately, desperately. The heron at his side seemed ready to strike, if herons ever did strike. It seemed as if Reyson held Ashnard as highly as Oliver, something, across a thousand years, that they had in common.

Unfortunately, Ashnard sat down in the biggest, brown chair in the room, with a slightly slanted back and comfortable, poofed armrests- Tibarn's chair. Guards of both sides noted this with amusement, but didn't betray the fact on their faces; Januff and Ulki both rolled their eyes at this obvious ploy to get on Tibarn's nerves. The Hawk boss was, bitterly, reduced to settling in the guest chair, a mere pad on a wooden frame. His giant form creaked the foundations a bit, and he realized, though he truly wouldn't mind it otherwise, that it would have been rude to give Ashnard such a shitty chair. Reyson stood in his bonds, and it was at this moment standing out between the two bosses, that the Daien leader noticed him, eying him appreciatively, much to Reyson's complete and utter mortification.

"A promising acquisition. After a bit of probing, he will do anything you want."

Reyson furrowed his eyebrows at this, but Tibarn pulled him to his knees at his feet. Strong hands tangled in his hair, and for a moment he was rendered speechless at the sensation.

Hoping not to provoke Reyson any further, Tibarn redirected the conversation: "So what is the news? You seem to be brimming with excitement." He wondered slightly if he should really want to know what Ashnard had to say, so much so that he couldn't go back to his place and get Leanne to show off, as he usually did. There were some things Ashnard liked, that Tibarn would rather keep deep in a tomb.

"It's Goldoa!" Ashnard said enthusiastically. "They've retreated further into themselves. In order to separate from the toil and boil of Tellius, they are announcing utter seclusion."

"That's hardly any news. As you've said, hardly have they interacted with the rest of us anyway."

The black-donned boss now leaned forward eagerly; Tibarn involuntarily leaned back, pulling Reyson's hair with him. "They have a new policy, in effect just this weekend: they are ridding themselves of all their sub-human associates, members or otherwise. Just dumping them downtown where anyone can take them. What's that? About two-hundred, three-hundred?"

This... This was horrible news! Tibarn couldn't believe how happy this was making Ashnard- wait, yes he could. The man was an insufferable sadistic fuck, Tibarn thought with such bitterness, he could taste the loathing on his tongue.

"I was thinking," Ashnard continued, completely aware of Phoenicies' discomfort, "of just having a hunt. Having to sell them all over the country would be too much work, don't you think so?"

"I completely disagree."

"How about first-come first-served? Just a grab-and-go party downtown. Wouldn't that be fun?"

It was no different from a hunt, Tibarn knew, thinking about this wryly. There wasn't anything he could do, if he wished to avoid war, except capture as many sub-humans as he can, but since Goldoa was ridding itself of sub-humans... There would be no refuge to them, unless he let them join his gang.

"Wait, what about Boss Goldoa? Is he going to leave?"

"I guess those of direct descent to lead Goldoa are staying, unless they really want to make themselves vulnerable and take away their most important players." Ashnard gave him another one of those ugly smiles. "Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Horrible was what Tibarn hoped to have said with a glare.

"Well, I'm going to do what I'm want to do. Just wanted everyone in on the joyous news."

"You incorrigible bastard!" Reyson stood to his feet, shocked to witness the conversation, and how Tibarn had so passively- though rather negatively- reacted to Ashnard's plans. He was shaking from head to foot; in a thousand years, a reincarnated Ashnard was still to be a terrible human! In the depths of his subconscious, this also meant that Tibarn had a bit of himself- which he had clearly seen as the hate etched into his features as he listened to Ashnard's news. Still, Tibarn of old would've ripped him limb from limb- as he often said- and would never have tolerated such talk. Reyson's fury was mind-blowing.

Tibarn stiffened in shock, knowing that all Ashnard needed to do at this point was snap his fingers, and his guards will unleash a rain of bullets on Reyson.

But Ashnard was in a good mood, which, though very surprising to some, he was in most of the time- even if he was an evil bastard. He simply smiled at the heron's audacity, amused, and addressed Tibarn, "I see he's new."

"Just got him at an auction today," lied Tibarn, albeit anxious to let the meeting end. Despite Ashnard's good moods, he was prone to some horrible ones as well. "Haven't gotten the chance to really do much of anything."

"Start now, as compensation for his insult."

Tibarn, wishing no further distresses to the wicked boss, abruptly let go of Reyson's leash, much to his surprise. He felt him stand behind him, and so turned to the face that was now so full of pity, furrowed with sympathy, that Reyson knew the Hawk was about to do something dreadful. The time passed, and Reyson continued to stare at his face, and a oppressive nervousness boiled within him. He backed up minimally only to be grabbed in a vice-like grip. As he stood in shock, Tibarn clutched his other wrist in his one hand. The boss then looked back at Ashnard.

"I can't think of anything."

"Really?" The sarcasm oozed.

"Really."

Ashnard pressed his fingers together as if contemplating the possibilities.

Januff and Ulki watched the interaction silently, hoping that the Daien boss was in a really, really good mood and didn't wish for anything too harsh for the heron, but that was highly unlikely. Never had they stood in the man's presence for so long, but with so many guards around- and so many not their own- they couldn't just sneak out of the meeting like they usually did. They would have done just about anything to not witness the heron's humiliation.

Clapping his hands together, Ashnard said, "I got it. First, I would like you to bear his body to me. Since he probably won't do it on his own, just cut his clothes apart."

"Tibarn, wait!" Reyson cried; Tibarn was already unsheathing his dagger. He fought against the boss's superior strength and had his arms effortlessly pulled over his head, so that he was barely standing on the tip of his toes. "Please! Don't do this! Tibarn!"

"Not Master, or Lord Phoenicies, or even Sir Tibarn! Just your name! How untamed," chided Ashnard, as if taking more offense on Reyson's talk of familiarity than when he had called him a bastard. "It hurts my ears to hear him talk."

The bones in his wrists cracked as Tibarn pressed them against each other. His eyes were eerily firm. "You will call me Master."

Furious, Reyson yelled, "I will not!" A sharp slap to the face made him regret it, but still: "Let go of me! You are not my master!"

"Do you think that will suffice? A few more times, Phoenicies!" Ashnard provoked, laughing.

The second strike had bells ringing, but Reyson pursed his lips together and glared defiantly. His insides coiled as Tibarn balled his hand, and the pain of being struck so mightily with that huge fist, by that hand which he had wanted to hold for so long, made his knees weak. Both elbows cracked as he sank, completely controlled by Tibarn's grip. Another hit, and Ashnard began to guffaw ostentatiously.

"Crying already?"

Ashamedly, it was true. Hot tears, many of them, ran streaks down his face. His old Tibarn would have been shamed as well.

Tibarn raised his chin. "What will you call me?" he asked softly.

For a second, Reyson thought to rebel again, but his face felt swollen, and he didn't want to give Ashnard anymore satisfaction.

"Master..."

"Now, he'll be a good pet for a few days, but I can bet you'll be soft as soon as I leave, Phoenicies. Oh, well, get on with it." The demon lord, as Reyson now vehemently thought of him, settled back comfortably to watch, and to give instruction when Tibarn finally moved.

Tibarn quickly cut through the front of Reyson's robe, the material making a soft, almost pleasant tearing sound. Reyson attempted to curl into himself to hide his nudity, but Tibarn pulled him from the floor with ease; Reyson's arms ached terribly, his anger and embarrassment immense as both Bosses stared at his naked body. He regretted the love potion with every fiber of his being, including his wings, which were not present. He was set on his feet after awhile, and when asked to turn around to give them a full view, he transported his mind to another realm, wishing desperately for his own time. Somehow, he could sense the cruelty to come.

But at the moment, Tibarn and Ashnard could only look at the heron in admiration, seeing the thick collar at his neck making him all the more naked. Tiny little scars betrayed earlier gashes, and his long, shockingly robust sinew showed them he was more than a pretty face, back rippling with flexible muscles- Tibarn could just imagine how the boy would have fought if he was at full strength. No bird pet in Tellius had quite the body his pet did. He tried thinking about how lucky he was to get such a beautiful pet- instead of how aroused he was getting over said pet.

Ashnard suddenly whipped out his wallet and then his checkbook; a guard nearby gave him a jewel-studded pen. The demon lord grinned smugly.

"I'm not selling him," Tibarn said quickly, giving Janaff a quick nod, guessing the show had touched a new level, and the sub-human pressed one of Tibarn's jackets over the heron's shoulders. The boy was strangely quiet again, eyes unfocused once more.

"Not even for an entente alliance? Just between our gangs? You will be impervious to any of my antics." He held the checkbook as if Phoenicies will eventually cave in.

And the Hawk was terribly tempted. It sounded like the best deal since being offered to be the boss of Phoenicies- maybe even better. It was easier to suck up to the other countries, but Daien was always a bane- but there was a downside. If there was ever a war in Tellius, Phoenicies will be expected to side with Daien; both Tibarn and Ashnard knew that deep down. Maybe there was a plan Ashnard had for that, and Tibarn truly didn't have any wishes for it.

"I'll never set foot near your gang again. A free trade could be established- almost anything you have ever wanted between us," Ashnard continued, waving his pen around expectantly.

Reyson's head pounded; with his new situation, he couldn't even concentrate on his own feelings, or that of others. Now he could feel the Daien's boss's lust rolling off him in revolting waves. And there was something deeper and darker beneath that, something that yearned to hurt him in imaginable ways. Nothing Reyson was too interesting in, either. But it was rebuffed by Tibarn's surprisingly resolved emotions- he had no intention of giving him up and, quite to Reyson's involuntary interest, had a bit of lust of his own. By instinct, Reyson moved closer to him.

With this display of desperate affection, Tibarn forced out his shoulders protectively, and Ashnard's good mood went blew away.

"What is this, sub-human?" he spat. "Phoenicies has a new sweet spot! A Gapped, broken heron-" His rant stopped there, and he answered his phone. Then a hearty argument between his second-in-command Petrine commenced, and he, in his usual single-minded way, left Tibarn's apartment, checkbook still in hand. His guards, used to his quick changes, followed immediately after them. Januff flew out the balcony to make sure he was truly leaving- if the argument were to stop early, the Daien boss would surely remember to come back and resume his bargaining. But that was no worry, still on his phone, he entered his car and was driven off some ways.

"I'm gonna tell the others not to let him in anymore for a while."

"Until this week is over," agreed Tibarn. "He'll be satisfied with that, at least." Januff went to spread the order. The others, including Ulki, who had a smaller room next door to the grand earthy-colored apartment, went off to leave Tibarn and the heron alone. The latter had pulled the coat tighter about him as he curled into himself on the floor, head buried in the encasement his arms made with his knees.

When all was quiet for a long time, Reyson thought he was alone, and brought his face up, looking around. But he saw Tibarn in the chair Ashnard had vacated some time ago.

"It has been half an hour you sat there meditating, heron," Tibarn informed him, cautiously avoiding that phrase that he was so shocked to hear earlier.

"It is Reyson. Not heron, not pet and not sub-human."

"Shall I punish you again? Maybe a stick will help?" The Hawk boss had no intention of harming him anymore than he had, unless the heron truly provoked him, but he did wish to subdue Reyson- such a bright, appropriate name for the heron- if he didn't want another incident like Ashnard's fake indignation. Oliver would no doubt put that sharp tongue to better use if it were ever to insult him as it did Ashnard. The thought made Tibarn shudder.

Reyson did so, too, burying his head again.

"Come to me, Reyson." The command gave Tibarn a secret thrill, and he tried to hide his pleasure, yet Reyson's surprised face rose and became even more surprised at his flushed state. He stood, face aflame, the jacket falling from his shoulders, so Tibarn couldn't help but rake his eyes over the ruddy athletic form.

"You horrible lecher! You are worse than Ashnard and Oliver combined!"

Tibarn knew that the- Reyson, the brat! How could he say something so insulting with such ferocity? He didn't care if he didn't mean it. By now, his anger was past consolation. He matched the sub-human's stance, bare chest to bare chest, roaring, "Then maybe I'll give you to one or the other since I am twice the worse they are alone!"

It was as if the heron realized what he had said, but his pride kept him from backing down, and with smugness, he replied, "You wouldn't; you wouldn't even share me for a little while. You want me all to yourself."

Cuirse it, he's right, thought Tibarn, feeling foolish for the heron to catch his bluff. "Take it back! If you don't, and you truly feel that I am worse than the two of them, I will get rid of you." And that was true.

Fresh tears rolled. "You know it is not true." And Tibarn did know.

Relieved, Tibarn asked, "So you take it back?"

"I want to believe it, and that's all that matters." Reyson pouted petulantly, feeling absurdly pleased to have riled Tibarn so much, and went further. "And soon it will come to me that it is true, but that I have suffered too much to believe it now. And I will be the most horrible, unyielding pet you have ever had in your bed! But your lust will keep me until you think I will yield!"

At this, Tibarn saw red, slamming the heron against the wall. Fiercely, he vowed, "My lust will not need your yielding. And, put this into your stubborn head, I would soon break that already loose jaw of yours and shove my organ down your throat before you insult me again. Because of your already sensitive countenance, I will let it- No! I will break that habit now. Take it back."

But Reyson made the wrong move to purse his lips and turn away, so that Tibarn lost all reason. The Hawk boss now threw Reyson face-first to the floor, and he luckily caught himself on his hands, but the enraged Tibarn seemed to change his mind, pulling him by his hair onto his knees. Such in a state of shock was he, Reyson didn't notice Tibarn was freeing himself from the confines of his pants. When the immense organ finally jutted wetly onto his face, he suddenly knew what the hawkman wanted- and how eerily close he was to avoiding a situation even more dire. But Tibarn had held back, just as he was doing now; his angry demeanor, his solid anger and lust pent-up, all this scared Reyson into realizing he had been acting horrible. This was his world no more. This was how they treated his kind here. This was the Tibarn they had.

"Tch! Crying one moment and the next being the biggest rebel for Tellius to ever had fall in its city!" Tibarn went to his own knees, still a good head above Reyson, but bending over so that he could wrap his arms completely around him, no matter how uncomfortable his back went, or how stiff he was below. How was he going to take care of that? The heron wasn't helping in the least, what with him crying into his chest, shuddering and sweaty, and still smelling like spring flowers. And naughty Tibarn, though not entirely guiltless, couldn't help but feel big-headed that he could direct him to such a state. He could only hope that he shook some of that rebellion out- his life was at stake.

Eventually, he stopped his sobbing, and Tibarn held him until he was ready...