Author's Note: Okay so its been awhile since I've touched this fiction, mostly because my muse is waffling.

Disclaimer: I don't own Baiten Kaitos.

Warning: Minor violence at the end.

Chapter 2) Demands

Lyude slept without dreams or nightmares, but he awoke feeling just as tired. Tire, sore and wishing that it would end. He sighed heavily as while he remembered what had transpired between him and Kalas, and remember he was to have dinner with Xelha and a few others. Taking a deep breath Lyude decided that he wouldn't think about that, and focus on having a good time with Xelha. She was such a dear friend to him. He brought a hand up to rub his eyes and winced at protest of his shoulders. Blinking out the weariness from his eyes he looked around the room and realized this wasn't his room. Lyude sat up quickly looking around the room. It was simple and if it hadn't been a strange room he would have felt more comfortable here. When Lyude was met with the wide grin of Folon he yelped and nearly fell over.

Lyude groaned as Folon was laughing at him. Why was Folon here, move over where was here? Then it hit him hard as his eyes widened. The dull ache of the night before Folon finding him, refusing to leave him alone and bringing him to his room to sleep. It was embarrassing to be seen in such a pathetic state. Lyude sighed and dropped his head in his hands wanting more then anything to hide away or disappear.

"Aww, what's wrong red? Feeling modest?" Folon teased as he moved across the room. Folon wasn't a moron or completely heartless after all he had Ayme watch Lyude while he got clothes for their emperor after he let her worry about the other for a while. Oh it had been great having a very pissed Ayme with her hair still messed from sleep pounding on his door. Just hysterical. "I saw everything last night, so why bother." Folon smirked and heard Lyude groan. Well at least it was still mostly amusing to tease the red haired man. Folon set down the clothes on the bed, and started to head for the door.

"Folon? Where are you going?" Lyude asked. He had snuck a peak when he had heard the other retreating. He wasn't sure if he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Worse how was he going to get back to his chambers without the gossip of the maids spreading like wildfire. He reached out and picked up the garments that Folon had brought him. He was surprise that Folon had even gotten him clothes.

"To get Ayme. Get dressed so we can get you through the day." The blue skinned man said plainly before he left the room. Folon growled once he was on the other side of the door. After all he was still annoyed that someone had slipped by on his watch. True he hadn't been there and had slacked off, but still it pissed him off. This shouldn't have happened, and if he caught the person then he could have some fun again.

"So what's your plan? Or am I taking the lead, again." Ayme asked and Folon flipped her off. They might have well been brother and sister, the way they'd pick at the other, and how loyal they were to each other at the end of the day.

"What's the need for a plan. We just don't leave him alone, and we make the fool order whomever he needs to, to move our rooms closer to his." Folon said as he leaned against the wall. Ayme snorted and placed her hand on her hip waiting for their emperor to emerge.

"Did you at least give him warning?" Ayme asked and Folon could only smirk. Ayme was in a particularly foul mood as the news of what happened called her competency into question. She was strong and fierce, yet on her watch this whole mess had started. Thankfully the news hadn't spread far and stopped its trail when Ayme wanted it too. Most anyone with common sense was still afraid of both Folon and her.

"Where's the fun in that." Folon smirk, and Ayme glared.

"It's not the fun I'm worried about but him being a fool!" Ayme growled and Folon laughed.

"If you want to tell him so bad be my guest." Folon smirked and gestured for Ayme to go in and check on their emperor. Ayme humphed and walked over to the door she knocked on it once. She only gave for a second for a response before opening the door and entering. By the startled protest Folon couldn't help but snicker as he was left out in the hall. It didn't matter what Ayme saw because he'd seen more, and that was enough to keep Folon happy for the moment.

Lyude had thankfully been mostly dressed when Ayme barged in on him. His shirt was undone but that was it, and it was all she needed to see the dark bruising around the bite mark and the upper part of his hips. Her eyes stayed cold as she walked over to him and Lyude couldn't think what to say to make her stop. Lyude was feeling nervous and worried about Ayme and Folon learning about this. This was just another weakness no doubt in their eyes as it would be with the entire empire.

Ayme stared at the marked long and hard. Her hands gripped Lyude's chin and arm so she could investigate the mark better. "Tell me who it is and I'll ripped them limb from limb." Ayme stated and Lyude was shocked. To receive the reaction of protection from Folon was one thing but now Ayme too? Folon was chaotic at best and completely unpredictable. Ayme wasn't she was dangerously loyal to Giacomo and cold and cruel to the rest of the world. Yet this was all for their promise to Giacomo, that had to be why she was acting like this.

"I can't." Lyude said with a sigh. Ayme narrowed her eyes at the answer but didn't say anything.

"I'm not going to fail again. You are going to have rooms closer to your chamber assigned to Folon and myself. If you refuse to just let us end the problem then we are going to have to watch you closer. I'm not going to fail Giacomo because you are a fool." Ayme explained as she released Lyude and he nodded his head. It was odd that they were being so protective, even if this was a vow it at least lifted his spirit to know he had more allies than he had thought. Yet Ayme wasn't finished, as she knew what Lyude was striving for and while he was a fool he was the fool that was needed whether the people wanted to admit it or not.

"I will have your rooms reassigned then." Lyude nodded, and Ayme stepped back. Still he couldn't help but wonder if Giacomo would truly care. Both Ayme and Folon acted because they were trying to follow the wishes of their dead commander, a commander that was his enemy. True at the end Folon and Ayme had helped them, but it was always for Giacomo.

Ayme nodded pleased that he was going to see reason there and paced a bit around the edge of the room while she waited for him to finish fixing his uniform. She had caught the nervous and embarrassed posture he was show from the corner of her black eyes. His shoulders were tense and hunched a bit, his lowered gaze and the tense way he held his hands like he was trying not to close his fists completely. These habits Ayme had grown used to seeing especially when Lyude had to deal with people who tended to walk over someone like him.

"Ayme you can go if you want." Lyude smiled stiffly as adjusted the last button on his collar. He was pretty sure that Ayme and Folon looked at staying with him as tedious and something they would rather not do, and he didn't' want to force them it.

"I don't think so red. Not unless you're going to tell me who." Ayme smirked a hint of a demand in her voice. Since things had calmed down there was less for Ayme and Folon to do, people to kill and adapting was proving harder than she thought.

"Ayme you don't have to. Xelha and I were going to meet up." Lyude began knowing that the two guards had no love for hanging around Xelha, or even himself.

"Then Folon and I are going to!" Ayme snapped and Lyude blinked wildly. "Get used to it red, if you won't tell us then we're going with you no matter where you go." Ayme smirked as the statement seemed to make Lyude a bit on comfortable. After all she had to take enjoyment where she could get it.

"Okay, I'm sure Xelha won't mind then." Lyude smiled but beneath that he was worried, and yet hopeful. Maybe Kalas would stop or listen to him now. This mess was his own fault, after all he should have let go of his feelings for Kalas long ago. He should have been stronger and never gotten involved with Kalas in the first place. Lyude was certain Xelha would be pleased to see both Ayme and Folon with them. Though beyond that Lyude wasn't certain who Folon and Ayme's presence would be taken.

Lyude opened the door and was surprised to see Folon waiting. Though he should have expected it from how Ayme was acting. Still his surprise seemed to amuse the the blue skinned man. The grin Folon wore that showed his slightly pointed incisors, and that smugness that Folon seemed to have in spades. Both Ayme and Folon were always so confident, it was something Lyude could admire and wished he had himself. What was more unnerving was the silence as the two followed him. The way the staff was stepping quickly around corners or avoiding him now because of Folon and Ayme. It was their reputations that terrorized people and he had to admit he was pretty sure they only made it worse for fun. Lyude wondered if things would ever change for Ayme and Folon. They'd been his enemies yes but they were loyal soldiers, and now they were loyal to him.

~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~

Xelha was glad to see that Savyna had time to stop by as she waited for both Lyude to meet her and Kalas to come back from, well she wasn't sure where he'd gone. Xelha had to admit she was feeling envious of both Kalas and Savyna as they could go anywhere they wished. Oh how she missed travelling from place to place meeting the locals and bonding with her friends. Since peace had taken root they all were like petals scattered on the wind brought together for a short time before the wind blew them apart again. She was starting to become worried by the distance. More than that the spirit had shifted back to her a few months back. Xelha knew something was stirring, that something was going to happen she just wasn't sure what.

"Xelha."

A light touch and her name had the Queen of the Ice lands gasping. Xelha looked to Savyna's golden eyes. Savyna's touch was gentle and showed more concern for her friend and comrade than one would have thought the older woman to show.

"Xelha you seem troubled. Is everything alright?" Savyna asked her voice just as steady as ever.

"Of course. I just miss everyone." Xelha smiled sadly and Savyna nodded. "Do you think we would be able to get everyone together again?" Xelha asked and Savyna smirked.

"I don't see why not." Savyna said leaning back in her chair and crossing her legs. She watched Xelha twist and toy with her drink and knew there was more. Still she was sure Xelha would give more when she was ready. Holding secrets from them was more something Kalas would do not Xelha. Yet before Savyna could analyze her friend more Xelha stood up waving.

"Oh, Lyude!" Xelha called out to her friend. She could tell he was smiling as he walked over to the small cafe that Xelha and Savyna were at. What surprised both Xelha and Savyna was when they saw Folon walking only a few steps behind Lyude. Savyna also had noticed Ayme resting in a vantage point.

"Good morning Xelha. I hope it is going to be alright that Folon is with me today." Lyude smiled letting the blonde queen give him a quick hug. As she let him go he ignored Folon's gagging noises and turned to Savyna. "It's nice to see you again Savyna. Will you be staying in Mintaka for long?"

"I'm not sure yet, I'm not on any particular hunt at the moment." Savyna smiled as Lyude sat down and Folon took the spot next to him.

"I'm glad you decided to join us Folon." Xelha smiled and Folon gave her a flat stare. "Lyude I was wondering why you haven't responded for the gathering I'm holding." Xelha asked frowning.

"I just wasn't sure if its a good idea." Lyude sighed and turned his gaze down. "There is still a lot of tension here, and I am well aware of the animosity the other nations hold for the empire. We have a lot to make up for, before I feel I can face you all as an equal." Lyude said his skin prickling from the tenses stare Folon was giving him.

"But that doesn't include you!" Xelha argued. Xelha placed her hand on Lyude's wrist and he raised his gaze to meet hers. "You're my friend, and ambassador to King Ladenkahn before all of this. They know what has happened you were not part of, that you're working to help rebuild the empire." Xelha explained with a smile and she saw Lyude relax a bit more.

"I'm sure you are right but it feels like I haven't been able to accomplish anything. The fact it's so peaceful today surprises me." Lyude said and Folon eyed him. He hadn't heard about anything out in the towns. Then again this was the first time Ayme and him were making an effort to follow the new Emperor around. What else had they missed? It was a question bothering him now.

"I'm sure it's not as bad as you think." Xelha smiled. Lyude could only smile back though he was certain it was as bad as he thought. "So Lyude, you will come to the gathering right? You need to take some time to relax." Xelha insisted switching the topic back to the social event.

At this Folon scoffed and stood up and stretched. He wandered over to the building so that he could lean on the wall, and maintain a vigil watch over Lyude. Plus this way he would avoid the insane chipper tone of the Ice queen. It wasn't long before he notices Savyna joining him. Her eyes closed as she leaned against the wall and arms folded across her body.

"Why the sudden diligence?" Savyna asked quietly.

"Why do you suddenly care?" Folon shot back. It wasn't like the former Lady Death had stuck around the empire when it was handed over to Lyude. Sure the dark purple haired woman came around occasionally but so did the little Ice Queen and Kalas.

"If I didn't care I wouldn't ask." Savyna pointed out with a smirk.

"Well maybe You're friend is just head over heels for me and begged me to be nice today and not leave his side." Folon joked, waiting to see what sort of rise this would get from the composed hunter. Though they knew what the other's body language was, their eyes were not on the other. Folon was glowering out at the people walking down the street and Savyna's eyes were closed.

"Hmm, if you say so." Savyna smirked and refused to take the bait. There was something about her tone that made Folon growl. He wasn't overly fond of the Lady of Death but she was at least better than some of the others. There was something respectable about the ex-imperial soldier, it was just that her smug smirk wasn't appreciated by him. Well at least not when it was directed at him.

BOOM!

Wind whipped debris and clouds of smoke around the whole cafe and panic screams quickly followed. Folon didn't know or care where Savyna had gone, he just rushed through the brown cloud till he was behind the flipped table with Lyude and Xelha. Lyude was coughing but there was no sign of injury… yet. Folon growled as he heard heavier boats approaching but with the dust and debris still settling he couldn't see a thing.

"Stay here and stay down." Folon snapped when he noticed Lyude reaching for a magnus. "You're the emperor not some soldier, moron." He added when Lyude looked at him surprised. Still it seemed that it was enough to stall any argument and Folon moved back out from their cover. He reached into his back pocket and activated the magnus he grabbed. The gold colored metal of his gauntlets started to flicker with bits of energy running up and down the metal. He could hear that there was a group to his left and another to his right already engaged in combat, but it was hard to tell who was engaged with who thanks to the dust that was still flying around.

Folon dipped to the left as a charged shot fired from a standard military issued rifle. A soft sadistic smile took his lips as he lashed out, the whip from his gauntlet unfurling and snapping over the attacker. The cry of pain was like music to Folon's ears and it was making this aggravating day a little better. He could hear another person stepping back and flicked the other whip out earning another satisfying result. Just as the whip was recoiling back to him Folon could hear someone running by him. His red eyes caught the movement of the clouds and he took off after the person. With light steps he followed after all no prey was going to escape him.

Lyude and Xelha both didn't like that Folon had told them to stay put especially as the sounds of conflict escalated. Lyude held back a sigh as he knew this would prompt questions from Xelha, but it was something he was use to. Well it was something he figured would come as the insults had grown over time and he knew many noble families weren't thrilled with things he wanted to do. It was a deadly dance of words and actions. He was still, to many, a traitor and a disgraced military officer, not their emperor. After all how could someone like him, with stone carver blood lead them.

Such thoughts could wait as Lyude saw someone advancing on them. He didn't hesitate or make a noise as he pushed Xelha down a charged shot flying over them. In a scramble they both hurried to their feet and Lyude grabbed Xelha's wrist.

"This way. We have to get them away from the civilians." Lyude said as he pulled Xelha along with him. The two were running passing by Savyna and two other attackers. As they cleared the smoke There was another charged shot, barely missing Lyude as it scorched the ground. Lyude let go of Xelha and pushed her back into the cloud of dust. "Stay in there. I'll lure the shooter away."

"Lyude!"

Lyude didn't wait to hear Xelha's protest he just took off running. Lyude ducked around a corner as another shot missed him. The golden city was blindly bright and too quiet as he barely saw anyone around. He tossed a quick glance over his shoulder as he continued to run as fast as he could. There were three behind him and all wearing masks. He had the magnus to take them out but how would that look? Lyude skidded and quickly ran down a narrow alleyway between homes trying to lose the group. He made it out and into the start of the business district with the factories looming ahead of him. Lyude paused just in the mouth of the alleyway to grab some of his magus. A few shields and cloak. It would be enough to keep him from getting seriously injured.

He was just finishing up when a charged blast nearly missed him. Looking to the left Lyude could see another group coming at him. There hadn't been so much active movement since Geldoblame was after Kalas, Xelha and their group. Still Lyude gripped one of the magnus and activated it just as another shot was fired. It hit, but didn't break through. His arm would surely be bruised later. His feet drummed against the ground with each long stride as he ran another shield another shot. Center of his back but didn't sting as much as the first. His fingers twitched over the third one but before he could activate it a shot caught him.

Lyude cried out in pain as the blast tore through his leg, and sent him tumbling to the ground with a missed step. His magnus scattered everywhere. Lyude groaned in pain his red hair a mess and strands were sticking to his sweaty face and neck. His hand clapsed over the wound two inches below his knee trying to stop the blood. Lyude reached for a magnus only to have his hopes drop as a boot crushed the card into the ground and the familiar click of a gun cocking. No magnus would be needed for a simple shot like this. Lyude closed his eyes and waited for the worst.

A choked noise and the clatter of the gun hitting the ground came instead. Lyude's head snapped up to see Folon snapping the masked person's neck. As the body slumped from Folon's hold Lyude was fairly certain it was a man. Another gunshot sounded and Lyude cringed as another body dropped to the floor and Ayme came hovering down from a spot on the roof tops. Lyude felt his shoulders relax but his breath barely passed his lips before turning to a startled cry. Folon's blue fingers were wrapped up in the front of his shirt as he was pulled in close to the blue skinned man.

"What did I tell you?" Folon growled Ayme fired another shot into the person Folon had disposed of just to make sure they were dead.

"I can handle-"

"Bzz! That's wrong! I told you to stay put." Folon corrected ignoring the sounds of other people hurrying out to see the scene.

"But if I stayed innocent people could have been hurt. Xelha was nearly hurt." Lyude argued.

"You moron. We don't care about her, and she had the Lady Death there to keep her safe." Folon snorted as he released Lyude. Savyna and Xelha were approaching them and while it was fun to tease he didn't like the smirk Savyna was wearing. It was teasing him, like she knew something he didn't.