Note: Evelyn here! Glad to see that you guys are liking my fiancee's (Panda's) story! I'm going to try at it now- hope you enjoy this chapter! ^-^

The Encounter

They lied to him.

Gil wasn't in the dungeons. The only thing in the dungeons were the skeletons of the forgotten prisoners. It made him sick. He had to evacuate the dungeon immediately before he became reacquainted with his breakfast. Coughing into his arm violently once he got to the outside of the dungeon, he quickly turned to go find the man known as Xerxes Break. Instead of finding him, he met with a few other knowledgeable people when it came to information on his father.

Unfortunately his father must have paid them to keep quiet.

They all claimed they didn't know anything.

Oz fought tooth and nail to find out where his father was 'hiding'. Being the persistent boy that he is, he wasn't going to give up this task anytime soon. He was thrilled when he ran into Break and begged him to help him out in getting information. A few hours into the night, Break notified him that Zai agreed to meet with his one and only son. Despite himself, Oz expressed shock since his father had always denied the request it also shocked him that his Father was lingering in the castle. All of his servants felt the need to lie to the Heir about it to spare him of any 'hurt'.

He would be lying if he said he hasn't felt disappointed at the multiple lies and rejections. It really took a toll on him. Now it was a completely different matter. It was personal. If his father thought that he could take Gil away from him then he has another thing coming. Zai was the reason why Oz couldn't wait to be a father to Gil's child. That way, he can give the child a life that it deserves. He wants to raise it outside of royalty with Gil. No maids, no guards... Just a normal family whose there for thick and thin.

Oz has always dreamed of that world, with Gil by his side every step of the way.

Running out of the castle and into the moonlight, he knew his way around the grounds whether it was night or day. He stopped at the foot of the stone staircase that lead to the chapel. 'Zai's not here yet...' He acknowledged with a low growl escaping his throat. Did Break lie to him too? He wondered as he looked around.

"So, you showed up."

His body went rigid.

"But, of course you would. You're always so dead-set on getting my approval... Something that you should give up on. Filthy brat."

His fists clenched tightly so that his hands turned white from the pressure.

"Or is it something else? The Help that you're so attached to?"

That was it.

Oz turned around and threw a punch, aiming for his father's face, only for his fist to be caught in his father's hand. He couldn't remember when the last time was... that he had any physical contact with his father. He tried to pull back but his dad tightened his hold and grinned wickedly. The sight caused Oz's eyes to widen, he's never seen that smile on his father's face. Only a seriousness that an important man would demonstrate. A growl escaped his throat as he jerked back, freeing his hand from the tight grip, he made another advance on his dad.

Before Oz could hit the man, he felt something hard (possibly metal) strike him on the side of his head. The contact forced him to be thrown to the ground. Lifting his face from the dirt, he spat out the nasty minerals before trying to get to his feet. When he got to a kneeling position, Zai had whacked him in the side with his staff. Letting out a pained cry, Oz dropped to the ground and curled his fingers against the ground.

"I'm going to kill you if you hurt Gil!" He growled, his eyes shut tight as tears dripped from the corners. "I'm going to kill you-" Before he could finish, Zai swung his staff at the back of Oz's head, causing the blond to black out. Staring down coldly at his son, he shook his head with a light chuckle rumbling his throat.

"For all you know he could be dead, and you still try."

After saying that, Zai disappeared into the darkness.

Evelyn's Note: Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! ^_^ I'll be handing the story back over to Panda, I just wanted to give it a try. So … How was it? :D Feedback is always appreciated!