Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ Majesty ❯ Chapter 23 ( Chapter 23 )

Authoress' Notes: Just a few minor details: there won't be anymore earth-shattering plot twists to this fic. ^__^ Starting with this chapter, I'll just be winding up the loose ends, little things like lifemating ceremonies, the coronation, consummations of lifemating ceremonies *coughslemon(s)coughs* - that sort of thing. And just to whet your appetite, I give you a mild limey scene after a loooong time since the last remotely citrus-y chapter. So read on, and enjoy!

 

Warnings: Yaoi, language, violence, lemons, dramatic angst, etc.

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade. Only this fic and its OCs (if any).

 

*************************************

 

Chapter 23

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“…And this is the grand staircase that leads upstairs to the Emperor's and Empress' apartments - which are currently being renovated for our cousins.” Tala gestured at them then pointed upward. “If you look up and behind yourself, you'll see the open hall between the two.”

Hilary nodded, looking up as instructed. “This place is so huge. Don't you ever get lost? It's like a maze.”

“No. I grew up wandering around the halls of the Palace.” Tala responded. “It is large though. I guess its because a lot of countries and such live here, as well as the Royal Family. Actually, it keeps getting additions built to accommodate everyone.”

“Kinomiya Castle wasn't even half this size.” She stopped to study a tapestry on a wall. “Of course, the Kinomiyas have never had a court as the Empire has and the Clan was never that large.”

“Do you think you will enjoy living here?” Tala asked, curiously. Hilary smiled and began to walk again.

“Perhaps. It may take some getting used to but I think it will grow on me.”

“Well, I certainly hope so. I would hate to see you unhappy here, Hilary.” Tala walked beside her slowly. He had given her a short tour and was now escorting her to her apartments.

“Where are you taking me now?” She asked.

“To your chambers. You probably will want to rest before supper.” Tala pointed down the hall in front of them. “The doors at the very end of this hall, there, are the ones to where Kai and Tyson are staying right now, should you want to find them.”

“So this whole wing of the Palace is set aside for the Royal Family and their guests?”

“Pretty much, yes. There are a set of apartments in the East wing that are similar to the Emperor's apartments that are meant for visiting rulers, and the court members who live here also have suites in the East wing.” The redhead explained.

“I see. And where are your rooms? Or do you live in the barracks as the other Royal Guards do?”

“Oh no. I live in the Palace. So does Bryan, actually.” Tala glanced over his shoulder. “We passed both our rooms already.” HE stopped at one set of doors and pushed them open. “And here are your own rooms, my Lady.”

“Thank you, Tala.” Hilary motioned Emily to pass by her and gave Tala a grateful smile. “What will you do now?”

“Get back to planning, I suppose.” The ice blue-eyed warrior shrugged. “There's always something that requires my attention.”

“I want to help, too. If any of you think of something, please let me know.”

“I'll tell our cousins. They'll probably want you to handle the Clans in Takao's place during the day.” Tala took Hilary's hand and brought it to his lips. “I'll see you at supper, Hilary.”

“Alright.” She blushed and watched him walk away down the hall. Kenny looked back and forth between the two with a knowing smile.

“Can I help you with anything else, Lady Hilary? Your bags should be in your bedchamber already.” He offered.

“No, thank you, Kenny. And I thought we agreed to call one another by our names.” Hilary gave him a look.

“Yes. But within the Palace it would be best if I did not.” Kenny sighed. “At least when there is the possibility of being overheard. I would get into a lot of trouble for speaking to you in a manner above my station.”

“Well, just as long as we're still friends, Kenny.” Hilary agreed reluctantly.

“Of course. I'm returning to the throne room, should you need me for anything.” Kenny gave Hilary a short bow and waved timidly at Emily before walking off down the hall after Tala.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The week flew by like one of Tyson's storms. Two days before the ceremonies, Kai took the first opportunity he was presented with to talk to Tala about his intentions toward Hilary. It came when Tyson and Hilary, accompanied by Daichi and Bryan (who seemed to have become Hilary's personal bodyguard whenever Tala or Kai or Tyson weren't around), had rode out beyond the walls of the city to visit the Clans - who were still all camped outside the walls.

“You called for me, cousin?” Tala strode into the antechamber of the throne room. Kai looked up from his book and gestured for him to sit down.

“Have a seat, Tala. We have something to discuss. Tea?” The prince offered.

“Thank you.” Tala took a cup and poured for himself. “What exactly did you want to talk about?”

“Hilary.” Kai said succinctly.

Tala nearly dropped his teacup. “Excuse me?”

“I want to know how far you intend to go with your…attentions.”

Frowning, Tala took a sip of his tea as he regarded his cousin over the rim. “Did the Kinomiya put you up to this?”

“No. But I have to admit that I share his worries.” Kai marked his place in his book and set it aside. “I wanted to speak to you alone - before anything happens that is irrevocable.”

“Look, cousin, I know Hilary is Tyson's only remaining family and that he takes his responsibility very seriously…but don't you think you're both blowing this out of proportion? Hilary is of age, nearly, and she's not a naïve little girl. She's capable of making her own decisions.” Tala defended himself, and Hilary, adamantly.

“We know that. That's not the problem. Look, I had this conversation with Tyson a long time ago, myself. He warned me up front so that if anything did happen I'd know exactly what I was getting into and the consequences.”

“What are you talking about?” The red haired teen gave him a confused look.

Kai coloured slightly and crossed his arms, trying to think of how to put it. “When Tyson and I…first expressed our interest in one another, he told me about a particular characteristic the Dragon folk have.”

“You mean the first time you and he…”

“No.” With a fierce blush, the phoenix cut him off. “I mean simply when we told each other we were…anyway, that's not important.” Kai moved on, ignoring Tala's smirk. “What is important is what he told me.”

“Which is?”

“The people of the Dragon Clans form a bond with their lifemates. It's a little more serious than what other humans do, and it'd definitely more permanent.” Kai informed him, his blush fading into a serious expression.

“What sort of bond?” Tala's brow furrowed. He hadn't heard of any of this before.

“Apparently the Dragon folk will only take one lover, one mate, in their lifetime. Tyson warned me that we couldn't form that bond until we were both sure that we really wanted to be together, because the bond is for life - literally.” Kai leaned forward in his seat, speaking earnestly. “Tyson told me that once the bond is formed, then should one of the pair die, or go away for too long a time, then the other will die, too - or become extremely ill.”

Tala absorbed that, then shook his head. “You're kidding me, right? Or at least exaggerating.”

“I'm not. It's true. If you think about it, you'll probably begin to realize why the Clans seem to be such a closely knit people, too. The bonds they form keep them together much more strongly.”

Slouching in his chair, the captain thought about that for a moment before saying slowly, “I see.”

“Do you? Can you see why Tyson and I are a little more worried than normal?”

“You feel that if I should be lifemated to Hilary, and she apparently forms this bond with me, but if something happens to me, then she could get very sick or die?”

“Not only that, but what would happen to Hilary if you should change your mind or lose interest after a while? You may not suffer that much but she would.” Kai held his cousin's gaze carefully. He wanted to be sure Tala understood the seriousness of the situation, so he could be sure he'd done what he could when he told Tyson about the conversation later. “So I ask again, Tala…what are your intentions?”

“You want to know if I truly love her. Not just to care about her, or to lust after her.”

“To put it bluntly, yes.”

Tala pushed himself out of his chair and walked over to the window to stare out at the afternoon sun as he sorted through the new information and his own emotions. Kai got up more slowly and joined him.

“I'm sorry to make things more difficult for you, Tala. I know you think quite highly of Hilary, care about her probably as much as any of us do if not more so…”

“No…I should be thanking you, Kai, for bringing this to my attention - as you said, before anything happened. You know,” Tala reflected, “I had a similar conversation with Bryan once. He knows me all too well, I'm afraid. Enough to know that how I feel about Hilary is different than any of my past relationships - even the one Bryan and I entertained for a while.” He glanced at Kai with a small grin. “Oh, come now. Don't pretend to be shocked, Kai. You and I have never been close, but you know me. We've grown up together, after all.”

“I'm not surprised about that.” Kai scowled at him, though it was half-hearted. “I'm just a little surprised that it was Bryan. I'd only ever believed you were friends - good ones - but not lovers.”

Tala shrugged. “We had to hide our brief fling really well, after all, so I'm not surprised at that.” Tala sighed. “Look, I'll tell you the truth, cousin. These last few months I've gotten to know Hilary quite well, and everything I've learned has just made me want to know more. She is nothing like any other woman I've known, and she doesn't put up with any of my grief that others have, quite frankly, let me get away with. I respect that. A lot.”

“She's a match for you.” Kai nodded in understanding. “She can make you feel like the King of the Universe or she can make you feel unworthy to even be in her presence.”

“That's about it, yeah.” Tala made a face. “She's an intriguing paradox. I suppose that's how you and the Kinomiya feel about each other?”

Kai let out a laugh. “Oh, I'd say it's much worse than that. We have our moments but they never last very long. I can't stand it when he's angry with me and he likes when I'm mad at him even less.”

“You two must have the oddest relationship in history. Still it's…cute.”

Kai scowled darkly. “Cute?! I despise that word when someone dares apply it to me.”

“Oh, get over it.” Tala grinned, feeling much better. “I haven't changed my mind about Hilary, cousin. I intend to continue to court her - I just may go about it a bit differently and carefully.”

“And when you finish the courtship?”

Tala turned to face Kai and held his burning gaze solidly with his own icy-blue one. “I want to have her as my lifemate. I can't make promises that are impossible to keep, but I will do my best to be the man she deserves.”

Kai smiled faintly, with some small sense of relief. “If anyone is, I think she will say that you are quite worthy. Just…step carefully, Tala.”

His answering smile was as wolfish as Wolborg's. “Never fear, cousin. I'm always careful.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night found Tyson and Kai enjoying their final night together before the ceremony. Dragoon and Dranzer had insisted that for twenty-four hours before the two were lifemated, they had to keep away from each other. They were not to see, speak, or anything else for that length of time.

Neither had been particularly thrilled with the idea (in fact, Tyson had no qualms about voicing his opinion to Dragoon when the two deities had informed them of it - resulting in a stormy argument between the two dragons - literally) but had eventually given in - since how could they not obey, anyway? Not only were Dranzer and Dragoon acting as their “parents” but they were Gods, after all.

Tonight their lovemaking was nearly frantic with desire and heat. When they finally did collapse together, with tangled limbs and bed sheets, panting and sweaty from their exertions, neither dragon nor phoenix could bring himself to separate or move an inch away from the other. Instead, they curled as close as they could get around one another and refused to let go. One could even venture to say they clung, even though Kai wasn't a clingy sort of person.

“Gods…” the bluenette groaned, still trying to catch his breath. “If the real, full-out sex is half as good as this, I just might die.” Tyson slid his fingers through Kai's bangs and drew him down so that their mouths could fuse together in a slow, appreciative sort of kiss.

Kai stroked Tyson's back and shoulders, fingers sliding smoothly over sweat-dampened golden skin. “I guess we'll find out soon, won't we?” He murmured against his somewhat swollen lips.

“Mmm…” Tyson purred, snuggling down further under Kai and the single sheet that had managed to survive their passion. “Are you nervous?”

“About what? The lifemating ceremony, or the coronation?”

“Either. Both.” Tyson sighed in contentment, curling his arms around Kai's back and shoulders as the dual-haired phoenix settled down on top of him, head resting over Tyson's heart.

“Lifemating…not really.” Kai looked up at his soon-to-be mate with a smile. “It's just an official affirmation of what I already know.”

Tyson chuckled and massaged the back of Kai's neck, fingers kneading away any tension there. “Well, you have a point, my love.”

“Uhn…don't stop that.” Kai moaned. “I guess I'm a little worried about the coronation, but we'll get through it.” He could feel his body going boneless under Tyson's skilful fingers. “Ooooh…right there.”

“That's a nasty knot.” Tyson kept working it out, thinking that it would be a lot easier if he wasn't underneath the prince.

“Ungh.” Kai couldn't muster much more than a grunt. Tyson pressed a kiss to Kai's forehead and nudged him to roll off to one side. “Don't wanna.” Kai muttered. He propped himself up a bit and looked down at the bluenette with sleepy crimson eyes. “Are you nervous, love?”

Tyson shrugged. “Yes. But it's not bothering me so much just yet.” He flashed a grin. “Ask me again before the ceremony and you'll probably want to knock me out.”

Kai rolled his eyes. “Never.”

“Honestly, though, beloved, I don't know if I can handle tomorrow.” Tyson made a swift move and rolled them both over to hover over Kai, still purring quietly. “I don't want to be away from you for an entire day and night.”

“Tyson…” Kai gave him a soft look. “Neither do I. But we can do something that simple. And we'll make what time we have right now count…”

The dragon dipped his head to capture Kai's mouth in a slow, thorough kiss. After a long moment of it, he pulled back reluctantly and stroked Kai's lighter-shaded bangs away from his face. “We should take a bath, don't you think? We're all sweaty.”

“Do we have to?” Kai's half-lidded gaze was smoky, and he slid his leg against Tyson's hip. “You're not comfortable right here?” His lip came out in a pout. Tyson's own eyes narrowed, focusing on that bottom lip.

“Lover, you are sorely tempting me right now…though I suspect that's your goal.”

“Damn right.” Kai could feel his lover's awakening erection against his hip bone. “We're sweaty now, but we could get a whole lot sweatier…” He was cut off by the bluenette's mouth on his. “Mmph!”

Tyson's tongue delved in, and Kai's arms came up to hook loosely around his shoulders as their mouths fused passionately. The dragon suddenly broke away and latched onto Kai's neck, finding that one spot that drove the phoenix wild. Kai let out a moaning gasp and clutched at Tyson's shoulders, tilting his head away to give Tyson more access. A deep shudder ran through him and Tyson left off, dropping soft kisses across Kai's shoulder and collarbone. He flicked his tongue over ivory skin and purred throatily.

“Feel good?” He asked, smirking as Kai gave him a glazed glance. “Mmm…don't give me that look, love. You started this.”

“Tyson…Gods, you'd better be intending to finish it…” Kai's eyes closed and he bit his lip against a cry, heat spreading between them to stroke his abdomen, fingers dancing lower and lower slowly.

“Oh yes, my phoenix…” the bluenette murmured in a husky voice, watching Kai's expression as his fingers found their prize and wrapped around him, stroking. “Believe me, I will.”

Kai shuddered, a low moan emitting from him as Tyson's hand brought to him an amazing amount of pleasure with just a few strokes. He let out a whimper of protest when that hand fell away. “Tyson?”

“Sorry.” The dragon gave him an apologetic kiss. “My other arm was getting tired.” He switched hands and Kai struggled against a wriggle of impatience.

From there, the passion progressed until neither could stand it any longer, their dual cries of completion resonating throughout the room. Collapsing in a sweaty, exhausted tangle, Kai eventually managed to move his body into a more comfortable position, burying his face into the curve of Tyson's neck with a sigh.

Satisfied and content, Tyson's purr filled the silence and he lazily captured one of Kai's hands, sliding his fingers through Kai's and holding on affectionately.

“I'm so worn out. I will never move again.” Kai mumbled sleepily.

“Well, you're going to have to, love.” Tyson snickered, massaging one globe of Kai's butt with his free hand. “We need to go bathe. I'm not sleeping all icky like I am right now…”

“Uhn…” Kai groaned and let Tyson roll him off to the side so he could get up. Grinning, Tyson scooped up a completely pliant phoenix and carried him to the bathroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time they'd finished getting cleaned up, it was nearing midnight and Kai finally remembered he had yet to tell Tyson about his conversation with Tala.

“Hey, Tyson? You still awake?”

“Barely.” Came the muttered response, muffled by a pillow.

“I had a chance to talk to Tala about Hilary.” Kai informed him. Tyson rolled over onto his back and sat up, propping himself up with pillows against the headboard. “I see. And what came of that discussion?”

“I asked him what his intentions were after I explained to him the extent of the bond your people develop with their lifemates - and he still wants to be lifemated to her.” Kai absently traced patterns with a fingertip on Tyson's bare thigh. “I honestly think he loves her, Tyson.”

The Kinomiya frowned deeply. “I still don't like it.”

“I know. Tala said he wasn't going to make promises or guarantees, because that would be inviting problems. But he said, `I'll do my best to be the man she deserves.'”

Tyson blinked, a little surprised at that. “Huh. Well, I guess we'll just have to see what comes. In the end, if Hilary decides she wants him, then nothing I say or do will stop her - and I highly doubt Tala will pay much attention to me, either.” The bluenette slid back down under the covers with a sigh. “I'll worry about it when it happens. For now, we have enough to worry about on our own.”

Kai smiled. “It's one sort of worry I look forward to, my dragon.” He snuggled up to Tyson's side and closed his eyes. “Goodnight, Tyson.”

Tyson ran his fingers through Kai's hair. “Goodnight, my love.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunlight streamed into the room the next morning, falling directly onto Tyson's face. Irritably, he groaned and rolled away from it, squeezing his eyes shut tightly and yanking the covers up over his head.

The movement woke Kai and he cracked open an eyelid to stare owlishly adown at his lover, who was now using Kai's stomach for a pillow. Closing his eye again, Kai sighed and slung an arm over Tyson's upper back and shoulders in a kind of hug. It worked since Tyson had somehow ended up sleeping at an odd angle - and on the opposite side of the bed he'd started out on, too - during the night sometime.

He'd fallen asleep again - or at least, he thought he had - but there were two amused voices suddenly intruding on the peacefulness having an animated discussion in the room.

“Aww…” one voice cooed.

“They are rather cute aren't they?” the other agreed.

“I think we've done a good job with them.”

“Really? I think they could still use some polish, honestly.” The male voice mused doubtfully. That irked Kai just a little, but he made no move and said nothing, preferring to try and block them out.

“Well, they're only human, Dragoon. They aren't perfect.”

“I guess. Should we wake them up?”

“Probably, I mean, we have to eventually and separate them for twenty-four hours before the lifemating ceremony.”

“Why do we do that anyway? I always told my parents it was a stupid tradition.”

“Uh…I think its supposed to make their…first night more special or something.”

Kai could almost hear Dranzer raising an eyebrow.

“Is that so? Funny, because I sure don't remember it that way.”

“Hey! What are you trying to say!?”

“Oh relax.” There was a pause. “Well, it's time. Oh, but I do hate to separate them when they're cuddled so cutely together like this.”

A bolt of panic ran through Kai, and at the same moment, he felt Tyson's body tense. He guessed Tyson was awake, just as he was, and tightened his arm around the dragon's shoulders. He opened his eyes and looked down at the foot of the bed where the two deities were perched on the footboard.

“Oh! Good, you're awake, young phoenix.” Dranzer gave him a cheerful smile. “Time to get up!”

“How could we sleep with the two of you chirping like seagulls.” Tyson grumbled grouchily. “Go away! It's too early…”

The clock above the fireplace on the mantel chimed. “No, actually, it's 9 am, Takao.” Dragoon informed him, ignoring the `seagull' comment and hastily interrupting before Dranzer singed the bluenette's hair for implying she was so common a bird. “It's time for you two to spend your time apart.”

Tyson sat up, shaking his head adamantly. “It's a dumb tradition! What's the point anyway?” Kai sat up onto his knees behind his dragon and hugged him from behind.

“It's only for twenty-four hours, love. We can handle it.” He said softly in Tyson's ear, burrowing his nose behind it with a sigh that was tremulous. “I don't want to leave you, either, but it's required…”

“You have fifteen minutes to get dressed, Takao, and come out to the sitting room.” Dranzer tapped her fingers on Dragoon's shoulder, still frowning over the seagull comment. “Or we'll come in here and drag you out!” She swung her legs around gracefully and slid to the floor, marching out the door. Dragoon scratched his head with a sigh and hurried after her.

Tyson let out a whimper and turned in Kai's arms, clinging to him. “I don't wanna! Can't we sneak out and go elope some place?”

Kai sweatdropped. “I'm sorry, Ty. They won't coronate us if we did that.” He rubbed Tyson's back soothingly. “Come on, my gorgeous dragon. Let's get dressed. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not be hauled off by Dranzer in the nude.”

A growl came from the bluenette. “No one but me gets to see this body.” Tyson's hands were suddenly skimming over Kai in a jealously possessive way. Kai shivered and kissed him lightly on the lips, not daring to do more and risk being unable to force himself to let go of Tyson.

“I wouldn't have it any other way. Come.” Kai slid off the bed, pulling Tyson with him.

Once they'd dressed, they went out to the sitting room of the prince's apartments, finding Dranzer and Dragoon waiting for them. Kenny, Daichi, Hilary, Emily, Tala, and Bryan were all there, too.

“What are all of you doing here so early?” Kai asked, startled.

“I came to resume my duties, Your Highness, but the Lord and Lady wouldn't let me.” Kenny piped up, shooting a nervous glance at the two deities. Kai rolled his eyes.

“That's okay, Kenny. You and I will have to discuss your duties soon. I think a few changes will be needed.” He patted the petit brunette on the shoulder.

“Among other things,” Tala drawled, folding his arms over his chest. “Bryan and I came to make our morning report - there's nothing to report except that most of the lifemate ceremony guests are scheduled to arrive today and tonight.”

“Fine.” Kai eyed his cousin suspiciously. “What do you mean, `among other things'?”

Before Tala could respond, Hilary went up to her own cousin and grasped his hand, tugging him toward the door. “Hey! Hilary?” Tyson protested, digging in his heels.

“Come along, cousin. You're staying with Daichi, Emily, and I today. Max and Rei will be along to visit later this afternoon. They took Tabi to the marketplace. And the dressmaker should be here soon to do a final fitting of my gown.”

“Yes…but…ouch! Quit tugging!” Tyson managed to pry himself loose. “Cut it out, Hilary. I can walk on my own, thank you.” He looked over his shoulder mournfully at Kai, who stared back with equal longing. “You'll be okay?” He asked.

“Sure.” Kai tried sounding convincing, but it didn't work so well. His attempted reassuring smile cracked and Tyson made a low sound before running back over to him and throwing his arms around Kai desperately. “Tyson…”

“Oh, Kai…” the bluenette sniffled and wiped away a tear. “Sorry. I can't help it.” He looked up, staring deeply into Kai's crimson eyes. “I love you.”

“My beloved dragon.” Kai whispered, using his thumb to catch a silvery teardrop and brush it away. “I love you, too.” He bent slightly and kissed Tyson once, hard, before breaking away and taking a solid step back. “Go. Before I can't…”

Tyson blinked away more tears and nodded, turning on his heels and quickly walking out before he couldn't either.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To make the time pass more quickly and to keep his mind off of Kai, Tyson went out to visit the Clans with Hilary, Daichi, Emily, and Dragoon. It may have been a bit childish, but Tyson was extremely put out with his ancestor, and, deity or not, he refused to speak to the Dragon all day. Dragoon, of course, understood and didn't take it personally. He simply stayed in his dragon form and remained silent - though he didn't leave Tyson's side. After all, his job for the day was to keep Tyson from Kai, just as Dranzer was keeping Kai away from Tyson.

That night, he slept on the floor of Hilary's sitting room before the fireplace on a futon mattress with Dragoon curled happily next to his head. Daichi had opted to remain the night outside the city with the Clans, promising to be back in time for the ceremony the next morning.

Tyson rolled over onto his side to stare at the glowing embers of the dying fire in the fireplace. Glancing at Dragoon, who appeared to be sound asleep, the bluenette sent out a questing thought in the direction he thought Kai to be.

{Kai? If you can hear me, say so…}

A belated pause followed, then he heard a sleepy, {Tyson? `Sat you?}

{No. It's Driger. Of course it's me.} Tyson returned sarcastically.

{Aren't we in a great mood.} Kai gave him a mental scowl. {What's wrong with you?}

{Sorry. I guess I'm grumpy. Nothing's wrong…aside from the fact that I really missed you all day, I have a headache, and I can't sleep because you're not with me right now, that is.}

Kai sighed. {I know, love. I miss you, too. We have to get some sleep, though.}

{I will…just, talk to me for a bit?} Tyson asked thickly. {I just want to listen to your voice…}

In the prince's room, Kai rolled onto his back with a slight smile, though his eyes were closed. Settling back into his pillows and covers, he sent a wave of affection to his absent lover. {Alright. What did you want to talk about?}

{What did you do today?}

{Uh…} Kai felt a little absurd, but he supposed if Tyson was grumpy much as he himself had been all day, then it was alright. {Actually, I kind of snapped at Kenny once and nearly beheaded Tala.} He admitted somewhat sheepishly. {I, ah, guess I've been a bit cranky.}

Somehow, knowing Kai had been suffering as much as he had, made Tyson feel better, and he had to smother a giddy giggle with his pillow, not wanting to wake up Dragoon.

{Oh, dear…} His voice was laced with amusement. {You'll probably have to apologize tomorrow.}

{Yes. After that I locked myself in the library and worked through more laws and stuff for the rest of the day. I didn't want to take out my wrath on some poor servant or one of the nobles lurking around here.}

The two continued to talk for a while longer until Tyson's eyes drooped with sleepiness and he felt for the first time that he could actually go to sleep now.

{Hmm…Kai?}

{Yes, love?}

{Would you sing to me?} The dragon asked huskily, a soft purr rumbling through the room as he curled up comfortably and shut his eyes. {I want to fall asleep to your voice…}

Kai gave him a soft mental smile and inquired, {What shall I sing, my dragon?}

{Anything would be fine. Although…I do like that song you sang to Tabi, once. Remember?}

{Yes, I do. Alright, Tyson.} The phoenix began to sing quietly to his lover. With his song, he sent his memory of sensations that came from holding Tyson in his arms the previous night, and the warmth and comfort of their bodies. He got a contented little purr in response just before he thought he could feel the brush of Tyson's lips on his own.

And then Tyson's presence seemed to disappear as the bluenette fell asleep and the link between them fell, too.

Kai turned onto his side and let himself drift off, the lingering tingle on his mouth making him fall asleep with a smile on his face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ouch! Takao! Not so tight!”

“Oh, quit complaining, Daichi. Just because you have to dress up for one day doesn't mean you get to bitch all day about it. And if you'd just hold still…!” Tyson growled under his breath as he laced up the ties that held the youth's tunic in place at his back. “There. Now put on the rest yourself. You're old enough.”

Daichi stuck out his tongue at Tyson's back when he turned to go about donning his own garments.

“Now, now, kids…” Dragoon scolded, trying not to laugh. “This day is not one for arguing. There's no time for it, either.”

Tyson slid into the dragon-skin clothes that Dragoon had provided him with for the ceremonies that morning. He was appalled to notice that he was trembling a little with nervousness, and tried desperately to bury the nerves and ignore them, concentrating instead on getting ready for the biggest day of his life.

While Tyson and his party were getting ready in Hilary's apartments in her sitting room (while she was assisted in getting ready in her bedchamber by Emily), Max and Rei were already dressed and running around the Palace seeing to last minute details.

And while they were busy, Tala and Kenny were occupied with trying to get Kai ready for the day.

In the prince's bedchamber, Kenny was attempting to sew up a torn seam on one of Kai's pant legs while Dranzer checked him over, adjusting here, tucking in there, brushing off minute flecks of lint and dust…

As for Kai, well, he simply stood there silently and let her fuss over him, having already learned the hard way that she needed to do so like a mother - which she'd tearfully informed him of when he'd tried to get her to quit sometime earlier.

“I didn't get to do this for my own son, chibi. I missed the opportunity so long ago. Please, just let me do for you what I couldn't do for him?” She had implored of Kai. Since he could hardly say no to her, he relented.

Tala sat on a chair, out of the way, and watched with unconcealed amusement, Wolborg lying at his feet.

“Quit snickering, Tala.” Kai glared at his cousin's reflection in the mirror over his shoulder. “What time is it?”

“Two minutes since you last asked.” Came the dry reply.

“It won't be long now, Kai.” Kenny said, standing up and stretching, a smile on his face. “I know you're anxious, but try to relax.” He began putting his tools away.

“I just want to…never mind.” The phoenix stopped himself, cheeks painted with a slight blush. “Are we done here, at least? I need to be doing something or I'm going to go crazy.”

“Yes, I suppose you are done.” Dranzer took a step back and studied him critically. “You'll do.”

He gave her a dark look and led the way out to take up his place for the ceremony, anxious to see his beloved dragon again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inside the huge oak doors that led to the Palace's Great Hall, the two Royals were reunited once more, preparing for their cue to walk outside to meet Dranzer, Dragoon, and the High Priestess of the temple who would be performing the ceremonies for them at the top of the stone steps for all the world to witness.

“Hi.” Tyson managed to get out, openly staring at his soon-to-be lifemate.

“Hi.” Kai managed to respond, staring just as openly in return. Both were resisting throwing themselves at the other and clinging desperately.

{You look…fantastic.} Tyson purred mentally, finding his voice wasn't working so well at the moment.

{So do you. Gods, I missed you.} Kai's voice was soft, and Tyson shivered a little, melting under that burning crimson gaze.

Tala, who was standing just behind Kai, and Hilary, who was standing just behind Tyson, were also staring at each other - only they were turning interesting shades of pink, unlike their cousins. Even Kenny and Emily (as attendants), were exchanging shy, blushing glances at each other.

And then there was Daichi. The flame-haired youth was sweatdropping heavily at the aura of…love, and fluttering eyelashes, and other sorts of things that young boys have no interest in (yet). He looked around at the others, shaking his head and wishing this whole thing would just get over with so he could get out of these infernal clothes…

Before anyone could say anything to break the silence, the doors swung open to the fanfare of trumpets and to the applause and cheering of the gathered Clans and Imperial court within the outer gates, and the citizens of Bay City outside the outer gates. Rei and Max stood on either side of the doorway with wide smiles, holding open the doors. Tabitha was standing next to her neko-jin papa, hanging onto his pant leg for balance and watching everything with wide feline eyes and a thumb stuck in her mouth.

“Wow.” Tyson murmured staring out at the crowd. Kai came up beside him and nodded in agreement.

“Well, I guess this is it. Ready?” Kai asked, glancing at the bluenette.

“I've been ready since I first heard your voice.” Tyson reached out to his side, seeking Kai's hand. He found the phoenix's fingers and linked his own with them, squeezing briefly. The touch was electric, and both let out a tiny gasp.

“It's going to be a relatively sappy kind of day, isn't it?”

“Probably.”

“Great.” Kai sighed in resignation as Tala and Hilary formed up behind them, with Daichi, Emily, and Kenny behind them. Tyson sniggered and they stepped out into the sunshine together.

They stood before the High Priestess and waited as the crowds hushed. She began to speak the words of the lifemating ceremony, while Kai and Tyson stood together, facing each other, and staring into one another's eyes. They tuned the world out around them, barely registering the words of the High Priestess, and made appropriate, automatic responses when prompted.

Finally, though, she reached the end of the ceremony. She raised her hands above their heads, palms up, as she spoke.

“…And let the Heavens witness! Let nothing and no one break apart these two have given their oaths of love to one another. By the powers vested in me, I declare Kinomiya Takao and Kai Hiwatari to be One by all that is sacred.” She smiled at them when they looked at her amidst the wild cheering of the crowd, and winked. “Congratulations.” She said, unheard by anyone but the newly lifemated pair. “And thank you, again, for rescuing me from Boris.”

“What the…?” Kai gave her a closer look then blinked. “Drisana!”

“Whoa. I'm so sorry! We didn't recognize you!” Tyson was wide-eyed. She laughed musically.

“Good! I meant it to be that way. This was my way of repaying you for your help, and also to apologize again for the troubles that have occurred because of me.” Drisana clapped her hands together and nodded at the crowd. “Now, I believe you have one more thing to do before I can present you as lifemates.”

“There is?” Tyson frowned, slightly perplexed. Kai, however, smirked, raised the hand that now bore a smooth platinum ring on his finger to turn the bluenette to face him, and leaned down slightly to capture Tyson's mouth in a deep kiss. As soon as their lips met, Tyson forgot anything else and kissed back, their arms winding around each other to hold tightly onto one another.

Neither heard Drisana's final words, so absorbed in each other as they were.

“I give you Kai and Takao Hiwatari-Kinomiya!”

The answering cheers and applause was deafening as several hundred white doves were released and from out of nowhere sakura blossoms seemed to rain down out of the cloudless blue sky to bless them.

**********************

Authoress' Notes: ^____^ I don't think words are necessary, at this point. Stay tuned for yet more! *sweatdrops* Please R/R!!!!