Wow, okay I'm in Study Hall now for Band…go figure. Our band teacher "Buddha" is usually gone and everything with his whole new wife. Seriously we call our band teacher that and he doesn't care…Buddha is all over his room…
Anyway this chapter is so dedicated to suzieK...who told me to sit my ass down and write it...literally.
Disclaimer: I don't own beyblade.
Coming Home
"What now?" Ilyana asked watching his back like the rest of them.
"Can we mover her?" Mariah asked looking down at Hilary's seemingly lifeless form. "She hit her head pretty hard."
"Bryan," Hiro spoke moving beside the girls, "get Evanescence."
"Yeah," his voice strayed as he looked at his still stunned sister. He hated to tell her, but Alexander was right. They did stand beside the sons of the men who raped and murdered his mother than took his fathers life after the war. Still undecided he spread his wings and took of in the healer's direction.
"Who's Evanescence?" Mariah asked skeptical.
"Some kind of witch doctor," Tala spoke hauntingly folding his arms. "Now better yet, why are you and that girl here?"
"That would be nice to know Mariah," Rei spoke walking unsteadily toward the group.
"Oh well," Mariah stared at the ground suddenly embarrassed. "I wasn't ready to get married. I mean, well I don't know. I was getting tired of living behind the castle walls, I wanted freedom. I want to see the land you know?"
She looked hopeful at her new resolve and prayed they'd understand. "But why are you out here?"
"Unlike you we have a valid reason," Tyson growled out. "Max was kidnapped so we went after him."
"Oh geez, do we have to go through the whole story again?" Evanescence made her appearance and sat beside the unconscious girl.
"Your friend was kidnapped, he saved us, we saved him, and now we're helping you save Max's life. End of story," she snapped pulling out a cloth and wiping away dried blood that had stained her forehead.
"Prince Max was kidnapped? By who, where is he?" Mariah asked quickly worried.
"He was kidnapped by fire boy, who apparently isn't human," Bryan cut in wondering. Alexander had to be something, but what? Elf was defiantly out as was him being a human like he led them to believe. He wasn't marked with the wings, so maybe dragon? Or perhaps wolf? His control of fire put out any hope of being of marine blood.
"I don't understand if he,"
"Alexander," Hiro provided.
"Okay if Alexander kidnapped Max then why are you with him? Shouldn't you take Max to the castle?" Mariah was confused. It didn't make any sense.
"He's got a disease that'll spread and kill him if we don't get him to a black rose soon, and Alexander claims to know where to find them, so they don't have a choice," Hiro put in.
"Who are you?" Mariah asked sizing them up.
"Who are you?" Bryan shot back.
"I'm Mariah, lady of the first house of the Galax," she stated with pride and dignity.
"Well Lady," Hiro stood and bowed at the waste. "I am Hiro of the dragon race, my companions are Spencer, Bryan, Evanescence and Lex," he gestured toward each as he spoke.
"Look this is all very nice," Evanescence growled through clench teeth, "but someone needs to carry her and the Lady Mariah home. We have to get the black rose by night fall which will be in four hours, if we don't you can kiss your friend good-bye because he's not going to make it."
"We can't," Rei sighed. "Someone's just going to have to carry her with us because the woods are too dangerous to travel back to the Human Nation. They'll just have to come with us for now."
"Really?" Mariah asked a little too happy earning her looks from the boys.
"Well Spencer's too busy caring the blonde, so who's got the brunette?" Hiro asked.
"Don't look my way," Bryan mumbled. "I refuse to carry anybody who isn't Avain."
"That was rude," Mariah muttered. "You need to teach your slaves better manners."
Lex turned toward her cocking her head to one side. Bryan hearing spat on the ground and shook his head in disgust. "You're all the same," he voiced turning and walking towards Alexander.
"Well that was…"
"They're not slaves," Tala cut in. "Apparently they travel with their friends to avoid being sold in the market. Smart but can't last."
"This doesn't matter. Tyson you can carry the girl halfway there and then I'll carry her," Hiro picked her up and hefted her on the younger's shoulder.
"Why do I…"
"Because I told you to," Hiro sighed frustrated, the smell of burning flesh made his eyes water. "It's time to go."
"Fine, lead the way oh navigator," Tyson called up receiving a huh as his only answer as they made their way deeper in the woods.
"Rei," Mariah voiced quietly as the two elves walked in the back of the moving groups. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for anything to happen."
"You could have gotten killed," Rei voiced keeping his eyes on the back of Tala's head in front of him. "You could have gotten that girl killed too."
"That's Hilary," Mariah sighed. "She's the Lady of the Dizzari house, you know Kenny's older sister. She was traveling with me to meet your parents to discuss my future."
"You shouldn't have run," Rei sighed starting to see how this had happened. His parents were beginning to push the marriage to happen sooner and sooner every time he saw them. The only problem was that he had yet to see the world himself and barely knew his wife to be.
"Don't worry about it," he smiled. "We'll get you and Hilary home soon enough and no one has to be the wiser."
"Thank you Rei," Mariah smiled deeply back. "He is so cute," she thought. This was the fourth time they had ever met in real life. Maybe she wouldn't mind living with him as a husband after all.
"Jeez is it your turn to carry her now?" Tyson asked shifting her again for what seemed the hundredth time.
"What is it Dranzer?" the old man asked as the small red exotic bird flew overhead. He wore old clothing and sweat poured down his back as he looked around at the work he had done that day. What little land they had been freshly plowed for the next planting season, the railing was fixed on the shed housing a cow that had been milked and a couple of chickens separated from the roster out back. It had been a long hard day, something he wasn't used to.
"What's that bird's problem dear?" Jamie asked coming out of the small old house they called home.
"I don't know," James replied. "Usually that dumb bird only gets like that when Kai's near."
"Maybe he's coming home," Jamie clapped her hands around her round belly. "Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
"Yeah," James smiled up at his wife lovingly. "I could sure use some help replacing that left column of wood," he pointed to a dead piece of wood holding up the shading over the porch. "Come on and watch the sunset Jamie," James slid off his heat and came towards the porch.
Smiling Jamie dusted her old hands on her apron and sat beside her husband leaning against him. "Just like when we were younger," she sighed.
James knew what was coming next and smirked, "Those were the days."
"Remember when Kai was younger, about five I think," Jamie went on as if she hadn't heard him. "He climbed that tall tree near the edge of the woods."
"How could I forget," James laughed softly. "I had repeatedly told him never to go over there or climb that tree but no, he wouldn't listen and ended up paying for it with a broken arm."
"That was a different time," Jamie laughed. "Now I wonder what he's going to do with his life," she looked up at her husband. "We're not going to be here for ever and he's become so distant lately even when he decides to stay here."
"I'm sure he'll be fine," James smiled sadly. "Unfortunately that boys seen too much not to be, he's a survivor Jamie and a damn good one at that."
There eyes focused quietly on the bird that ruffled it wings on the ground before flying again.
"There's a change in the air James," she spoke softly. "I can feel it in these old bones, something's going to happen and there's nothing you and I can do about it. The peace is almost over and I'm afraid her prediction may just come true yet."
Before he could reply, Dranzer squawked happily diving down towards the bushes under the fading sunlight before flying upwards.
"What in the world," James stood up as the whole left side of the bushes began to sway. Alexander emerged first and his foster parents smiled at one another, but their faces dropped when the others came behind him.
"Oh Alexander," Jamie spoke first breaking the silence with forced lovingness. She didn't forget that that had always called Kai, Alexander in public, but the boy never brought anyone home. "We were wondering when you were going to come back to get that annoying bird." The lie spilled from her tongue before she could stop it and her husband gave her a quizzical look and she shrugged.
Alexander nodded grateful that they hadn't called him by his true name and for the lie that she had provided. It was a good excuse to know where this place was in the middle of no where.
"They're injured," he spoke dryly.
"Injured?" This time James looked at the group hard. "They seem fine to me boy."
Mariah and Tala stepped out of the way and Jamie gasped when she saw the bundles in Hiro and Spencer's arms. "Get them inside dear, hurry now and I'll see what I can do." She quickly ushered them inside and moved everything from the floor placing a clean sheet in the living room. James helped her by moving the chairs out the way as well as the table with Alexander's help.
"Boil me some water," Jamie spoke over the chaos. "The blonde one's got a fever that needs to come down quickly."
"He needs the nutrients from a black rose," Evenescence spoke up beside her. "That's the reason we came here, he'll die if he doesn't get it tonight."
"James," Jamie called to the older man. "We need a black rose now, can you go get it from the shed please?"
"Out of the living room," James ushered them out as he walked out himself. "Sit around in the dining room. Alexander's in charge," he added hurrying out the door putting the old hat on his head again.
"What now?" Ilyana asked watching the closed doors with boredom.
"I'm starving," Tyson spoke miserable.
"I can't believe you," Tala voiced. "Max is about to die and all you care about is your stomach."
"Do you think they'll be alright," Mariah asked moving closer to Rei.
"I'm sure," Rei responded. The door sounded open as James walked in moving toward the living room before the door closed however he took the time to give a hard glance at his foster son who stared back without emotion.
"Well that was something," Ilyana spoke not being able to think of a better word.
"Is there anything that I can eat?" Tyson asked again. Tala growled menacingly low.
"Wow, he actually cares," Mariah pointed out almost laughing. "I thought Alexander was the only one who was uncaring."
"It'll be a long night waiting," Ilyana muttered sitting down on a stool provided to her by the now standing Hiro. "We might as well settle in."
"We need food," Tyson grumbled. "We've been walking for days and have barely eaten or drunk anything."
"He has a point," Mariah voiced nodding at the Dragon Prince. "There's nothing left we can do for the other two so we have to start worrying about ourselves."
"We can't over push their hospitality either," Hiro spoke. "They've taken us in without much question and are taking care of your Prince and Lady. By the look of this place they don't have much to spare, saving their lives may be asking too much as it is."
Alexander moved sighing, "Do any of you know how to cook?"
The others looked at him slightly confused as Lex and Ilyana raised their hands.
"Come with me," he spoke roughly walking into the kitchen to their left. "What can you make?"
"Bread, stew, things like that," Ilyana spoke. "It's a little late to be cooking though don't you think? It can take all day to make bread."
"That's why I'm here," Alexander voiced roughly. "You'll find meat in the left cabinet and vegetable in the other. The stuff to make bread is in the right. You should have all you need."
Ilyana nodded and pulled out the supplies while Lex stared curiously at Alexander before moving to get the utensils they needed. Alexander watched her face slightly baffled at how she allowed her emotions to play across her features so easily and clearly. He released that she probably had to, unable to speak she had to communicate through her features.
They worked in almost silence with Ilyana giving Lex directions here and there on what do to next with the stew. They had everything in the pot when Lex started to stir the ashes and bark underneath in the clay stove. A rough hand caught her grasp and she looked at Alexander slightly shocked. He gave her a content look and she backed away as he pulled his arm back.
The two girls watched in mere satisfaction as he pressed his hands on either side of the dark metal and they became a glowing red and orange. Heat was emitted through his pores on his hands warming the water based stew as he stood for minutes upon minutes before it began to boil. When he stepped back he looked at the stew, steam emitted through the chimney above the stove into the dark still night. He had made stew in a mere 15 seconds.
"Well that was handy," Ilyana spoke. Lex nodded beside her and actually smiled.
"Maybe fire has more uses than you realize Alexander," she thought mildly happy with her suppressed revelation that smothered her with satisfaction.
"Have you mixed the bread?" Alexander barked unnerved at being the center of attention for the two women.
"Yeah," Ilyana moved to the side and allowed him access to the table. "Do you have a magical way to make the dough rise?" she asked almost mockingly making Alexander frown a little.
He walked over and raised his hand, larger than her own Ilyana noticed with a snort, over the bread and watched as the dough began to move upwards and a sweet aroma filled the room.
"Are you sure they won't get mad at us for eating out of their kitchen?" Ilyana asked as Lex grabbed bowls and plates.
Alexander chose not to respond but moved to the door instead walking through. He noticed James had already sat down near the others and was talking with Tala rather furiously. The blue haired male frowned slightly. He didn't like where this could be going.
"I am the crowned Prince of the Wolf Kingdom," Tala hissed. "You will give us lodging until we move on. You have no choice."
James seemed unruffled as he stared at the young prince with what looked like a sneer, "I know who your father is young man, we've talked on several occasions years ago." His voiced seemed older and strange, giving off a strong sense of authority and harm. "You rule the forests and lands west of her young Prince, not these lands. Your rules nor titles mean anything here."
"But the law of the United Kingdoms after the great war years ago…" Rei started.
"I know the laws, I am not illiterate."
Alexander couldn't help but watch in slight amusement. No ever called James ignorant in any sense. The man had been a great genius in the Avian Kingdom helping his father to no bounds, a scholar of great magnitude known for his wisdom as well as words. The world thought him dead and forgot to seek him out after the war and as far as Alexander knew, his foster father liked the solitude just fine.
"Your law states that the Water, Human, Wolf, and Elven regions are under the same higher laws due to the United Kingdoms to prevent another war. This land, my land rests south of your wanted areas. It borders the Avian Kingdom which is on the other side of the dead volcano; this land belonged to Alexander, King of the Avians and had been declared as unconquered land after the war as was the other lands that were burned to the ground. In fact it was the Elf King if I am not mistaken that suggested that no one rule this land and it become a symbol of past failure to remain for vagabonds and thieves."
The teens looked at him wide eyed as he spoke against royalty. Not even their parents thought talked to them like that.
"So basically," James smirked. "You are no longer princes in these lands but mere beings. You have no authority, no right, no army or law behind you. I or someone else could kill you on these grounds and could not be charged with anything."
Tyson paled as the other two Princes glanced at each other leaving Mariah wide eyed. Bryan let a smile come to his face and a hand rest closer to his blade.
"Alright everybody," Ilyana came through the door and the sweet aroma filled the room as Lex followed her.
"Food!" Tyson jumped towards the bowls in their hands, the earlier conversation lost, but was caught as Hiro slipped a hand to the back of his collar.
"I see you've all made yourselves comfortable," James spoke coldly as the teens passed bowls around. His eyes stared at Ilyana than to Lex.
"Well, you see," Ilyana was uncomfortable as she sat with her bowl in her hand. "Alexander took us to the kitchen and asked us to make food…since he seemed close to you and your wife.."
James held up a hand and she was quiet. "I understand fully well child of Drigger."
Lex hesitantly walked over to Alexander and handed him a bowl. He was about to decline as she sat it down on a small table beside him, but she turned too fast giving him no time to argue. It was so fast and that he assumed she was still upset with him and finding out about James' quick anger to them entering the kitchen couldn't have helped much.
Lex picked up another bowl and walked purposely to James while the others ate. The old man seemed to notice everything with a weary eye, seeing beneath the reality that she and her friends lived. When he met her eyes for a brief moment she caught a glimpse of a younger, stronger man full of power with a great purpose. It was very different than the rough hard ridden elder in front of her.
Bowing slightly she used every polite jester she knew to show him how appreciative she was that he had opened his home to strangers and allowed them to eat his food.
James watched her in silence and noted how the taller and oldest out of the bunch, Hiro, did so as well. He sat off at the far corner and seemed to send of an aurora of great purpose and poise, unlike the others in the room. His eyes seemed slanted slightly and the hair hung in his face reminding the old man of someone he had known in the past. When the younger found he was caught staring he held James' gaze before looking down himself.
"Thank you my dear," James spoke taking the food from the outward held hand. He stared briefly into her eyes another moment taking a look into another life and women, Anora.
They ate in silence barely hearing the whispers from the den as the two women tended to the sick. James finished his bowl and looked up at Kai who had finished long ago. His crimson eyes caught his gaze and James stood.
"If you will excuse me," James looked at all the expectant places. "I would like to have council with Alexander outside. If you could please save my wife some dinner considering you broke into our stock and stay here until I return." He turned solider like and walked out the door hearing Kai follow close behind.
The two figures made their way to the edge of the woods when James turned to his foster son, allowing the weariness to come to his eyes. "Kai what are you doing?"
Crimson eyes didn't answer but he held up an arm and watched as Dranzer landed on his forearm.
"You do release the jeopardy you are putting Jamie and yourself in don't you?" James asked hoping to use the child's love for them against him.
Kai sighed almost inaudible. "It wasn't my intention to bring them here or even get involved with them in the first place, things just happened in the city."
"You were stealing again weren't you?" James asked almost to the extent of sighing himself. "The money we gave you when you left a month ago had to have run out weeks ago. You had us all worried and Jamie prayed every night. Why didn't you come home? If the guards were ever to catch you…you know that isn't an option."
Kai leaned against a tree and turned his head against the full moon so James couldn't see his face or read his emotions. "It doesn't matter anyway," he spoke softly as if whispering a lullaby.
"What do you mean it doesn't matter?" James asked using all his skills to tame his wild emotions. "Those boys in there are the sons of royalty; the very hands that killed your parents and race run through their veins, you cannot allow them to know anything about you, not when the Human King is still convinced you're alive." He sighed, "How much do they know about you?"
"Fire," Kai spoke the word.
"Kai, oh Kai," James spoke near tears. "That's too much-"
"I had no choice," Kai spoke coldly. "When they had nearly grabbed my bag…" He let his voice trail off as Dranzer poked at his sleeve.
"Let's go inside," James spoke walking by him. "I refuse to leave the house long with them inside…that has already been proven as unwise."
"Tyson that's enough," Tala voiced.
"But I'm still hungry," the other wined.
"Why don't you tell me how you came across each other," James voiced walking into the room. "We have all night."
"I thought we had to leave," Tala spoke loud and clear not in a good mood.
"I had a change of heart," James voiced. Alexander looked at him funny but made nothing of it. Who James let into his house was his business.
"So how did a band of traveling Princes and doctors as well as this vagabond here," he nodded toward Kai. "Come together with two sick people in tow?"
"Well you see Alexander here was like," Tyson spoke up excited.
"Maybe Rei should tell it," Tala broke in. "Elves are better story tellers anyway."
"Alright Prince Rei," James turned toward him silencing Tyson's protest. "You have the stage."
"We were preparing for the annual parade," Rei spoke, "to walk to the streets and halfway near the end a commotion started and Alexander barreled in front of us with stolen fruit, our guards on pursuit. He ran in front of Max's horse causing him to rear up than he grabbed Max using him as a shield before falling of the cliff."
James stole a glance in Kai's direction but his eyes were closed.
"He claims to have had a friend at the bottom that used his power over wind to stop him and Max from dying than he killed him."
Another glance was placed in the teen's direction as well as a raised eyebrow. Kai did have the ability to think on his feet…
"He found the others in a traveling band and freed them while Tyson, Tala and I went off in search of Max. When we found them they fought us as payment for his help than we traveled together when we found out Max was sick to keep a balance of power between us. We came across Lady Mariah and Lady Hilary this afternoon when they were being attacked by a band of thieves and other men. We saved them but Hilary struck her head and we're here."
James nodded at the short and simple summary. "So whose who? Do you live under Drigger or Dragoon?"
"Tyson, Hilary, and I are dragon blood," Hiro spoke. "Rei, Ilyana, and Mariah are Elves while Tala, Evanescence are wolf blooded. Max and Spencer are Marine. Lex and Bryan are Avian."
"So you don't know Alexander's race?" James asked with a knowing smile on his lips. "It's very unwise to travel without knowing another's race first. But no matter, I am sure you will all be separating soon enough."
"Well," Jamie opened the tall doors into the other room and came in. "Your friends are just fine and need a good nights sleep. Evenescence has a good head on her shoulders." The black wolf came out behind her and sat down near Tala. She tried to hide how tired she was but Tala could see the quick uneven breath.
"I see you made stew," Jamie clasped her hand. "That would go good with the custard I made this morning."
"You didn't make any dear," James picked up his cup and watched her with sad eyes.
"But today's Saturday," she turned looking confused. "I always make custard on Saturday."
"It's Thursday honey," James stood up and walked toward her. The teens looked at each other confused themselves on what was going on. Alexander stood straighter and narrowed his eyes.
"It must be getting later than I thought," Jamie smiled. "I'm just so tired lately; I'm not really hungry either. You all need to get to bed traveling for as long as you have, I'm sure you're all tired." She smiled warmly and the others couldn't help but feel their spirits lift.
"There are only three bedrooms in the house, two upstairs and one downstairs. The one upstairs on the left might hold three of you young gentlemen or four of you girls and the master bedroom beside it will hold about six of you on the bed. The house may look small on the outside, but believe me we have enough rooms for you tonight."
"Wouldn't you like to stay in the master bedroom though?" Spencer asked speaking for the first time. "We shouldn't put you out."
"Don't worry dear," Jamie smiled. "I haven't slept in that room for almost two weeks." Alexander's brow narrowed.
"You see I had a fall about that time and bruised my hip, everything's okay though. My old legs can't make it up the stairs anyway," she smiled. "I'll see you all in the morning, are you coming to bed James?" Jamie looked to her husband.
"You go ahead dear, I'll join you in a minute." The Wolves looked confused along with the Elves, men never followed their wife into the bedroom unless they were going too…(A/N: HAVE CHILDREN OR SOME FUN –grin-)
"My wife and I lived in the Avian kingdom all our lives," James smiled as his wife walked down the hall. "We don't agree that the only reason a husband and wife should be together is because they want to make love to one another. A man and women should be together. By the way you can let your wings stretch," he looked at Bryan and Lex. "No ones' going to judge you here."
His smiled faded, "You should all worry about where to sleep and everything else. A word of warning though, if I find anything stolen or my wife threatened, I will kill you without hesitation."
The others looked at him a sort of disbelief but he was completely serious his face blank of anything but a threat. "I'm a very old man with little left to live on this world. I've been a solider, strategist, integrator, alchemist, scholar and farmer. I could kill you with my bare hands." He turned and walked away leaving the very true words to sink into their little minds.
"As if," Tyson voiced when he was sure James was out of hearing range. "The man is older than most people I've ever met in my entire life. There is no way he could kill anybody at his age."
"Arrogant old coot," Tala voiced.
"I'd listen if I were you," Hiro voiced. "There's something in his eyes that tells me he isn't lying."
"That doesn't matter," Evanescence spoke up. "We need to figure out sleeping arrangements."
"You go to bed," Tala voiced. "You need to sleep all night, you're exhausted."
"I am not," she voiced coldly looking up at him. "You need to keep your mouth shut and worry about yourself I am fine."
"Your tired," Tala stressed. "You've spent days looking after Max and your emotionally and physically exhausted."
"I do not get emotional with my patients or medical practice Tala," she looked at him and growled slightly. "Therefore I am not emotionally tired."
"Please," Tala looked at her and scoffed, "why lie? You've been worried about his well being more than the rest of us so quit hiding behind your untouchable façade. It doesn't fool anybody."
"Stop being a Jack-ass," Evanescence raised her voice. "You have no right to tell me how I feel or what I'm hiding. You barely know me."
"Don't be an-"
"Enough," Hiro spoke. "You two should quiet arguing and worry about the problem. Maybe than we can get something done." They finally decided to split the watch in two. The females would sleep in the smaller room and the guys would share the master bedroom. Despite her arguments it was decided Evanescence would be the only one who would get a full nights sleep.
Max squinted as the light came into view hurting his eyes. His body felt week but at least he could see, he turned his head to the side catching the view of a tall burly male about his age near the wall.
"Haa," his voice was hoarse and dry. It hurt to talk. The blonde looked at him and moved silently bringing him a glass of water and with ease helped him sit up.
"Evanescence said you needed to sip this slowly," his voice was soft and Max nodded. The other waited patiently as Max finished the drink and was laid back down.
"Where am I?" the blonde asked. "Who are you?"
"Spencer," the other spoke. "You're here with friends, you were sick."
"Oh," Max voiced. "Where's Tyson and the others?" he was suddenly worried.
"MAX!"
Tyson ran into the room and Tala as well as Rei stood at the door opening. "I'm so glad your alright man, you had us worried," Tyson was so loud that Max shook his head to make sense of what he was saying.
"I'm fine Tyson. Hey guys," Max smiled.
"I'm going to go get Evanescence," Ilyana spoke walking out of the room. Spencer followed being polite and allowing the princes to talk.
"So what went on while I was out?" Max asked. "The last thing I remember was our fight…"
Tyson quickly related what had happened and the others nodded in agreement while the blonde listened intently.
"Where's the other guy, you know the one who kidnapped me?"
"Oh you mean Alexander," Tyson spoke. "To be honest I don't know where he is. It's almost three in the afternoon, we've all been waiting on you to wake up."
"And it's a good thing your awake dear," a large warm women came into view reminding Max of his own grandmother and he smiled as a bowl of warm soup was put in his lap. "That young lady who saved your life said you should be fine to eat now and since you've been in and out of it for days I figure you must be hungry. So you need to eat up, don't worry about anything either, there's plenty."
Max nodded gratefully as he ate. "Who saved my life?"
"I did," Evanescence walked into the room with a half smile. "I'm glad to see your doing better; Hilary woke up not much earlier than you."
"Oh you mean the dragon with Mariah," Max stated. "Um…Thank you. If there's anything I could do to repay you for your kindness," Max seemed embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it," Evanescence blushed a little. She didn't like being put on the spot light often. "Besides you should be thanking Alexander wherever he is."
"Can I stand?" Max asked. "My legs feel lifeless it's kinda funny."
"Sure," the black wolf turned. "Just don't overdo it." She was eternally happy he had forgotten what he had told her in his fever. The words still hurt deeply because they were never true.
"Watch the board," James hollered as Bryan moved the wood from one end to another. As payment for the lodging last night Hiro had suggested that they help around the small farm. James had been more than happy with the news when he found that the well had dried along with several other mishaps.
While the others watched over the sick and the girls cleaned around the house, Hiro went hunting and Bryan as well as his sister had stayed to help. Lex was moving the water from the earth, cleaning it and moving it through the air into the well while Bryan was helping clean out the old barn.
"Your doing great," James encouraged whipping the sweat from his brow. Bryan allowed his wings to flex as he landed on the ground.
"Good days work," James noted while the other grunted. The old man watched slightly amused as his wing flexed again out of habit. There was only one other man he had known that had the same tick as the young man before him and it did his heart good to know that at least his son and daughter had survived.
"Is something wrong?" Bryan asked noticing his staring and frowned.
"No," James spoke. "How about we take a break now? Ask your sister to come with us there's something we need to discuss."
"What do you mean?" Bryan asked suspicious. He didn't enjoy the feeling that went up his spine telling him this wasn't a good idea. His gut didn't like it and he usually went with his gut feeling.
"I just want to talk," James moved to the house. "I'll get us a basket of food to eat while we talk."
Despite himself Bryan sat on a stump in a clearing behind the house at least a good fifty yards away. Lex sat by him eating a piece of bread and silent watching the old man as he poured himself some ale and took a long sip. "It's hot this summer isn't it?" James asked.
"Why did you want us here?" Bryan asked slightly confused and angry. He didn't like wasting his time and it was dangerous out here in the open especially with his sister in tow. He wouldn't stand to lose anyone again but he hated to admit it but he was actually beginning to relax. That was something else he didn't like. He was finding himself trusting James and he barely knew the man and not only that but he trusted very little. It was too dangerous.
"Do the names Davis and Anora mean anything to you?" James asked halfheartedly but his face serious.
Lex chocked on her bread coughing it up as Bryan stood paled. "Listen old man if this is some kind of set up…"
"No Bryan this isn't a set up and I mean you no harm so please put that dagger away and listen to an old man."
Surprised that he had noticed the dagger hidden by his arm Bryan put it away but refused to sit down. James sighed and continued looking at the two frightened Avians with sad eyes. They had every right to be weary but it was terrible that they had to be.
"When I spoke earlier last night I mentioned being an alchemist, a strategist, solider, interrogator, farmer and scholar. It's all true. When I was a boy my family was killed by the last of the plague and I became under the apprenticeship of human alchemist for three years until the age I turned ten. He had been an old man when he had died and I had no income at all, so I became a solider instead of living on the streets. I was a solider for seven years working my way up the ranks until an old general sought me out and made me an interrogator.
It was fine for two years when they sent in a frightened young woman, my wife Jamie. By this time the war was still in the early stages and I was still naïve. They told me to force my self on her to retrieve information on the Wolf army when they were still allies with the Avians. I couldn't do it, Jamie knew nothing at all. The general had just killed her family over and old feud and had told me to take her by force because he was still looking for a way to get back at her dead father. So instead of doing my orders, I ran from the army taking Jamie with me and journeyed to the Avian kingdom where I became a scholar. Jamie and I married after a year."
James paused to drink some more, he was so thirsty and the air around him seemed stiff. "She was and still is a remarkable woman."
Bryan had no idea where this was going but he was beginning to understand the story and his sister stayed beside him shaking her head and adjusting her wings.
"The war got worse as Voltaire, Alexander's father had gotten deeper into the war. A couple of people began to dislike us for being human and wanted us to leave, the only problem was that we had no where to go. The human nation and allies were against us for me leaving the military. We would have been killed if we left the city. One day a couple of drunken Avians and Wolf soldiers came to me and my wife and beat me. I was a bloody pulp trying to protect Jamie when a beast of a man came and rescued us. Your father General Davis."
Bryan sucked the air and heard Lex gasp slightly.
James smirked remembering the memory, "He took us straight to Alexander the Prince of the Avian lands and told him what had happened. Alexander was so distraught that he gave us a house in the capital and made it very clear that no one was to bother us. Though Voltaire was against it, the older Avian was falling in his power over the people and he knew it. His son had gained popularity amongst his future subjects easily. When Alexander did become king I was made strategist and worked closely with your father and the northern ranks."
James sighed taking another sip and whipping of sweat. "It's hot isn't it?" he asked. "Anyway your father and I became close and our wives did as well, your mother had such a warm smile just like you Lex. Though I met Anora only a few times, she had the same blue wings and lovely face. You look so much like her."
Lex looked down with tears in her eyes. She felt so good and sad at the same time. She looked like her mother. Her dead mother.
"Your father was killed shortly before the betrayal of that black winged devil," James spat not bothering to say his name. It left a bad taste on his mouth whenever he said it. "He was a good man and brave general always ready to defend his nation and king. Even if he was a little quick tempered like you," the elder smiled slightly.
Bryan clenched his fist by his side. His father Davis…
"Here," James stood bringing out a golden medallion from around his neck. "The emblem was your fathers," he spoke lovingly at the Avian mark that had once been on the General and best friend's breast plate. "I was to give it to your mother as his final wish but things changed drastically and I was put in the front lines before the final battle. I never got a chance and than I heard that your mother had been killed. I kept it close hopping for the day that I could give it to you."
He moved to Lex and smiled as the girl cried. Gently with old hands he lowered it around her neck.
Stepping back he watched the two siblings exchange tear filled looks and watched as Bryan blinked back his own. So much like his father.
"Your mother and father showed great alliance to the king," James smiled at them both. "You should be proud to be their offspring."
He looked at Bryan sadly, "I don't have your father's sword to give you. It was Avian military tradition that you as his son would receive the sword your father carried onto battle by the King. I have no idea what happened to it, but please understand that Alexander was busy. The King was saving all the lives he could and though he couldn't find the time to give you Davis' sword he loved your father dearly."
Swallowing the knot in his throat Bryan swallowed. He watched his sister finger the design on the metal. He had never known what his father was like nor had he heard about his parents since his mothers death. There were so many questions he had for James.
"It's hot isn't it?"
Bryan looked up at the old man queer as to way he had said the same thing again when James collapsed.
"Oh dear my leg," Jamie moved to sit down.
"Are you alright?" Ilyana asked looking up from the bread she was making. Jamie nodded but the elf could see the sweat on her forehead and the paleness of her skin.
"I should be fine," it was a strained answer and Ilyana moved completely away from the dough to the womans side.
"Your not alright," she voiced sternly and concerned. "Where does it hurt?"
"Here," the woman moved her hand to her hip where she had fallen on it earlier. Without waiting for permission, Ilyanna pulled up her simple dress completely and looked at a deep black area with a red puffy crater in the middle. The girl paled looking up at the shaking older woman.
"Stay here," she voiced moving towards the door trying to stay steady. She needed to get Evanescence.
Kai sat on a tree four miles away from his home beating his wings behind him. It felt good to stretch out his wings and fly over the land. He missed the feeling and freedom from life that the air around him could give. Dranzer sat perched beside him knowing how good it felt to be away.
The blue haired teen turned his head and watched the sun fall beneath the trees and thought about what had happened. He felt a sense and need to beg forgiveness from his father and mother. He'd let the sons of his parents killers into his house.
He looked up at the sky as the stars began to shine in the dim light.
"What am I doing?" he asked. "What the hell am I doing?" No answers came to him making him wonder why he had expected any. There was no one there to tell him it was alright that things were going to change.
The wind picked up around him as Kai sighed. The sky was quiet as always.
"Here I am a Prince of Noble Blood," he spat bitterly. "Hiding, pretending to be human," the word tasted bitter on his tongue. "My people are dying you know that?" he looked up. "There's nothing I can do." He sighed and jumped out of the tree into the air. There was no point in staying out here any longer. He needed to get back and see if Hilary and Max had woken up yet. If they had he was going to lead the Princes and their Ladies so far away and in so many circles they would never find their way back to the house or see him ever again.
The wind around him began to pick up again and he sighed flying lower underneath the gusts and between the trees. A half an hour later he landed retracting his wings into his back and walked out of the woods into the clearing of his home. The back of his neck prickled and he looked around. Everyone was inside, had to be inside so why was he feeling like this? It made no sense but something was wrong. Dead wrong and he didn't like it.
Walking quickly he made his way to the front of the house and gripped the handle til his knuckles turned white. The air was wrong.
Shaking his head Alexander moved into the house and walked silently into the den where he came across anxious faces. The teens sat around the table looking sad and confused. Alexander shifted his gaze from one to another. Lex was crying quietly in the corner, everyone was here, even Max and Hilary but where was Jamie and James.
"Alexander," Hiro voiced coming up to him. It was deep and commanding with an undertone of doom that made the slightly smaller boy shiver.
"Where are they?" he asked barely noticing his voice broke a note higher.
"In there," Hiro looked at him pitifully as he pointed to the door leading to the room downstairs that the couple had shared for weeks.
Moving past him Alexander walked to the door and opened it. Evanescence looked up at him from the two forms lying in the bed. She walked by him and pulled him out quickly slowly closing the door. "Alexander listen to me…"
"What's wrong with them?" Alexander asked quietly but commanding. He swallowed the knot in his throat with difficulty.
"James had a severe heat stroke and Jamie's hip's become infected," she looked at him with tears hidden deep in her eyes. "I-" she closed her eyes thinking of the right words. "There's nothing else I can do, I don't know if they'll make it through the night."
His eyes widened slightly and his mouth opened as he backed up against the wall.
"There's nothing more that I can do, I'm so sorry," Evanescence spoke holding back a sob.
"Is there really nothing you can do or did you even try?" Alexander growled straightening himself as tears glistened in his eyes. "Did you even care?" For some reason he felt anger towards her and he gripped the younger girl's shoulders pushing her against the wall. Pictures of his dead parents flashed in his mind as he snarled.
"Alexander you're hurting me," the black wolf spoke evenly. Inside she was shaking with fear, those crimson eyes held so much pain for a second she was overwhelmed before the emotion was blinked away just as quickly as it had come. "There is nothing I can do."
"Or nothing you will do mutt," he asked grinding his teeth. The wolf gasped as his hands dug deeper. She grunted and allowed her black tail to appear and her fangs to grow so her body could better handle the pain he was putting her through. His grip deepened.
"There is nothing more I could do," she voiced louder. "Let me go please I understand your hurt but you can'" she nearly screamed as his hands glowed a bright red burning through her shirt.
"Alexander!" Hiro and Spencer emerged in the hallway. "Let her go now."
The frustrated teen closed his eyes and tossed her in their direction. Spencer caught her and allowed his hands to turn faintly blue with water from the air as he pressed it against her burns soothing them.
"Leave me be," Alexander spoke coldly. He turned toward the door and walked into the room.
"What now?" Spencer asked.
"Do as he says," Hiro voiced. "I have a feeling they're closer than we know. He needs to talk to them one last time. Come on, it's going to be a long night." They walked into the dinning room meeting stares. The wolf ears Evanescence hadn't even noticed she'd allowed to grow were slanted back in a sign of submitting as she held her head down. Her tail clung to her body. She couldn't save them.
"Hey," Ilyana came up to her. "You did your best." Evanescence nodded removing her hands from covering her arms and they all saw the scars but didn't ask.
"Kai," Jamie smiled her face completely pale. "I was wondering when you were going to fly in." Beside her James looked up and smiled back looking frailer than Kai had ever seen him before.
The young Hiwatari forced a smile onto his face as he sat in the stool Evanescence had earlier. He was silent but watched their breathing in and out fearing the moment when their chests would stop and forced the thought from his mind. It was so surreal, watching the strongest people he knew lay in bed in front of him barely moving. These were the same people who had taught him how to trust again, how to love, run, play, and smile so many years ago. He'd ran to each of them when he was hurt or scared.
"You've grown up in a handsome young man," Jamie's smile seemed frozen to her face as tears glistened in her eyes. "You look so much like your father."
She moved a hand up to stroke the side of his face.
"Those two Avians out there," James spoke as if remembering something. "You can trust them, their father was a great General, Davis. He was like a brother to your father, I don't know if you remember him."
Kai nodded.
"Stay to your path," James laughed. "I know how you like to stray from it."
"We love you so much Kai," Jamie grasped his hand. "You've always been my little boy."
Kai couldn't stop the tears from spilling from his eyes, "I love you mother."
"I love you too," she smiled. "I'm so tired, I'm afraid I'm going to fall asleep on you."
"It's alright Jamie," James voice was strained with unshed tears himself. He didn't know what was wrong with his wife but he knew she was about to die. He moved though it hurt and he had no strength to kiss her gently on her cheek. "You can go to sleep if your tired. I love you."
"I love you too James," she smiled and turned her head kissing her husband back. "You've always been my knight in shinning armor."
"You're my queen dear," he smiled back. The two men watched as she fell asleep. James turned toward her and looked at Kai.
"I don't know what the future is but I've lived a good life. I'm not stupid enough as to believe I'll come back form this. I want you to know that I loved you Kai and your family. Stay true to who you are son." Kai nodded swallowing hard.
"I love you," he clasped his other hand into Jame's frail grip.
"I love you too," the older man smiled before closing his eyes.
Kai stayed with them both until he felt the life leave them. Crying hard he covered them completely kissing them both on the forehead as he cried burying his head into the sheets.
Hate me now?
I was honestly on the verge of tears writing this.
Hope it was good enough to earn my some reviews...
Kai are you okay?
Kai: yes-sob-I'm fine.
Me: Are you sure your alright...
Kai:-growl-yes I just have something in my eye -runs out tthe door\\
Me: Okay...So suzieK hope it was good enough!