Fake Fan Fiction / Pet Shop Of Horrors Fan Fiction ❯ Powdered Sugre ❯ Powdered Sugre Part 4 ( Chapter 4 )

The Sugar Series: Powdered Sugar Part 4

Chapter Text

Powdered Sugre 39

The Sky Over My Heart

Count D sighed and looked at the children that he and Leon were in charge of while the royale and company did their public appearance. Lyo lay sprawled on T-Chan and Slyphe while Pon-Chan cuddled up to Aoi. Kibo and Shinrai had tails in each fist leaving Ten-Chan to grumble of clutching Kami babies even as he smiled. Kurayami too slept in complete oblivion while the television played a re-showing of the previously live recorded program. Leon came and sat down Beside D on the couch. "You're looking tense."

"Something is wrong," D said rubbing the tiny bumps that showed up on his pearl-like skin. "The taping was done a while ago, this is the re-showing. They should have been back hours ago." Leon nodded he admitted that it was not like Ryo and Dee to leave Lyo for so long when it was not necessary. Lord D as well, even though they had not attended the taping, the older Kami had left his twins to play with the other children sure that it was best for the development of their young minds to be around them. Count D shook his head then sighed looking at the phone as if willing it to ring. "Something is terribly wrong."

Break

"We have to get him to the palace," Alera said to her twin when he seemed to do no more than stare at George.

"It's too late for that," Dee announced and pulled Rain into his arms as the young man began to weep. "He over dosed, it was too much." Bikky sniffled his clothing singed and filthy with demon blood and scorch marks but he would not weep, not yet, not until he was sure that George could not be saved.

"We live part time in a place of miracles, Andy taught me that," Bikky said. "I won't believe he is dead until he is cold in the ground."

"Oh, sweetheart, please, please wake up. I can't lose you." Jhaymes wept holding George tight to him. Daphnus and Nestoir tried to take George into their arms so that they could get him moving. "No, no, if you move him his blood will go faster and speed it through his body."

"A needle was used," Ryo said shaking his head tears wet his smooth cheeks. "It was inserted directly into his blood stream, it went right to his heart."

"Stop it!" Rain yelled despite the pain of his broken ribs. "You are talking like he is dead."

"Lord D can fix many things but..."Dee began as the Royale finished off the demons and drifted into the room. Dee would have said more but the sound of splintering wood and the crash of strong wind stole the moment. In through the window came a large eagle and condor. The birds landed and Lord D stood wearing a protective white robe over his cheongsam. Lord D stood looking around in horror, he rushed to Rain surprised when the boy pushed him away.

"I'm alright, help Georgie," Rain said straining away from Lord D ignoring the blood that soaked through the hastily made bandages.

"I'll tend this child," Sofu D said. "You are the only one with a touch delicate enough to save him." Lord D gazed at his father and nodded then rushed to George's side.

"What happened to him?" Lord D asked and listened as they explained that he had been given a large amount of heroin.

"What can you do?" Jhaymes said his voice choked as he held his beloved limp in his arms.

"If the drug remains in him, he will die," Lord D said shortening his nails and pulling his hair back. Folding his sleeves back he reached for George and pulled the long jacket from him followed by pushing the sleeves up. "He does wear too many clothes." Lord D saw the reddened injection site and sighed. He placed both hands on George's arm and squeezed. He reached deep inside of George's body, traveling in his veins, the room, previously heated by dragons began to drop by degrees at the heavy trance that enveloped Lord D and spread outward.

"Come here child," Sofu said laying his hands on the lean form. "Boy, I can barely find you underneath all this." Sofu complained searching through the folds and many layers of Rain's clothing. "Hold still." Sofu commanded and Rain was taken to a place inside the great Kami that was so old and so majestic that he lay back swamped with sensation. "Enjoy this view," Sofu whispered knowing the boy was deep under his spell. "The garden of Eden will not be seen in this world again."

Jhaymes watched in awe at a trail of clear liquid that fell down George's arm and dripped onto Lord D's hand. George gasped waking and trying to pull his arm away. "Hold him still!" Sofu looked up from ministering to Rain to command. "If he yanks away, what is left in him will remain and he could damage my son." Jhaymes grabbed George around the waist while Ryo and Dee both bore down on his arms. Andy sat beside him holding his legs still while Lord D worked. The Kami was so deep in trance that the golden glow radiating from his body encompassed the entire room. George began to struggle and weep as his arm burned while the rest of his body seemed to be freezing.

"It is alright sweetheart," Jhaymes crooned in his ear hoping to calm his lover. " Hold still, let everything out."

"Jhaymes... I love you," George wept as his body recoiled from the backlash. Lord D held him firm his fingers clinging to George's arm. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

"Shh," Jhaymes said kissing George's cheek and holding him still, he watched as the liquid became thick running from George. It appeared to clot turning a milky white that resembled old cream finally it seemed to turn pale pink. Lord D continued his extraction until blood flowed freely from the tiny wound. Lord D sighed backing away he pulled a bandage and wrapped it around George's arm.

"Oh..." George sighed as his mind reeled with the events of the night. "Rain... Rain," George looked around to see the boy no longer injured and running his fingers though his hair. "You have to check him for heroin too." George whispered weeping again. "It was powder, I pushed it away, I spilled it. I tried to cover his nose and mouth so he would not inhale, but..."

"Shh, young one," Sofu said getting to Lord D's side and turning him away from George. "There are no impurities in his body." Sofu said and George struggled to sit up but gasped as his body refused to warm.

Lord D peered around his father and addressed Jhaymes. "I had to take him deep, it may take a few days before he returns to a humans normal temperature."

"Oh," Jhaymes said pulling his jacket off and wrapping it around George who shivered and pulled it around himself.

"I can't heal this," Sofu whispered looking at his son's badly scoured hands. "Only time..."

"I know, you know I know," Lord D smiled as his father wrapped his hands in bandages. "You saw this," Lord D nodded glad that his father trusted him to make the right decision even as he knew he would injure himself.

"I did," Sofu nodded then finished tying the bandages. He reached into a pocket and fed Lord D a few sugar cubes and berries a smile on his face.

Jhaymes got to his feet cradling George in his arms. "Hold on Sweetheart," Jhaymes said his wings bursting forth with a gust of green flames. George gasped burying his face in Jhaymes neck and wrapping his arms tight around his shoulders. "Let's go." He looked around the room and saw the greasy smudge on the old wood floors. "I'm glad the bastard's finally dead." Echoing the sentiments, the Arcadians left the building.

Break

Dae sat back in his chair laughing as he was given an accounting of the events of the evening. "So," He said looking at the female version of Florian. "The idiot was consumed by his lust and then consumed in the flames of several dragons?" Dae looked at his minions and thugs finding it difficult to distinguish the demons from the humans. This mob business was fun. They would never expect it. Now, he turned his mind to the streets of LA. Now he just had to play a little bit longer and move them all exactly where he wanted them. Florian got to his feet in front of Dae striking a pose with his large breasts poking out of his sheer top. Dae laughed again at the posturing and called Hamanosuke. "Get into bed and wait for me." Florian watched in horror as the lithe Asian headed down the hall. Hamanosuke sighed and thought of Florian's desperate love for their master. He would have had an entirely different feeling if he knew just what Dae did to him.

Break

George came to as Jhaymes was laying him in his bed. Several servants had rushed in at his earlier departure to straiten the room. Rain dashed in before Jhaymes to pull the comforter and sheets down. "Jhaymes..."

"Shh, it's alright sweetheart," Jhaymes kissed George's forehead while Rain and Bikky fluffed pillows around him. "You passed out on the way here."

"Oh, did I?" George sighed shivering still.

"I'll warm you," Jhaymes said peeling out of the rest of his clothes. Rain gasped, turned deep red and left the room pulling Bikky behind him. Jhaymes undressed George despite his protestations. "I know you are cold, but believe me this will help." George nodded his teeth chattering loud in the room. Jhaymes wrapped his arms securely around George and raised his own body heat to a low smolder. George ceased his shivering and pressed his body along the length of Jhaymes. "See," Jhaymes said when he felt George's ice cold hands on his hot back. "Told you."

"A gentleman never says, I told you so," George pouted. "Jhaymes luv," George said his face pressed into the firm chest he had come to know so well, including the tattoo on his right pectoral. Jhaymes had tried to explain that part of the design, which included a dyed green flame motif and three slashes in black , was not a tattoo but a natural variation of his skin. The flames were a symbol of his birthright and the slashes, the tattoo part, the acknowledgment of his rank. His sister's was high on her back shoulder blade, the exact same pattern and design. "Thank you. Thank you for coming for me."

"You should be thanking this little lady," Jhaymes said pulling Ponchi from her tight grip on George's hair. "I need no thanks, you are in my heart and I would walk the entirety of the human, mystical and demon realms to find you." George gasped, saying 'I love you' just did not seem to convey all that Jhaymes inspired in him. Speechless, tears falling from his eyes George held Jhaymes tight. Jhaymes nodded his understanding and held on as George fell asleep.

Break

Bikky tried not to laugh. As he and Rain sat down to breakfast with their family and the rest of the Arcadian warriors up for challenge tonight George entered the room seeming to be wearing three outfits. "Still a little chilled huh?" Bikky asked with a chuckle. "I thought Jhaymes would have taken care of that by now." Bikky leered and Rain blushed looking at his plate. Lord D sighed and sat while JJ fed him as his hands were bandaged. Before Ryo or Dee could say anything to Bikky, Ponchi chirped and hopped from George's head. She glowed bright blue and picked up a toothpick. "Are you threatening me?" Bikky asked the little fairy who brandished her weapon with a scowl on her face. "You are!" Bikky nearly fell out of his chair with wild guffaws.

"Oh, Ponchi... No," George tried to reach for the tiny creature as she poked Bikky in the nose with her toothpick.

"Ow, that hurt you evil little termite." Bikky sobered up to yell at the little spot of blue. He rubbed the tender spot on his nose. Ponchi chittered and chirped bouncing around on the table dropping sprinkles of fairy dust in her wake as she pointed at Bikky and shook her minuscule fist and her toothpick. "I can tease him if I want, my great grandparents adopted him we're practically family now."

"Adopted me?" George said and sipped his tea grateful for the heat. "Don't they need my permission to do that?"

"You're thinking like a human again," Zarro said as he padded into the room his large paws thudding on the shiny floor. He ignored the fact that George was human and sat on his pillow on the far side of the room. Having already finished breakfast there was no need for him to approach the table. He rolled over onto his back with all four of his paws in the air. A great satisfied purr filled the banquet style dining room.

"Will you please not do that?" Nestoir said as he and Andy walked in behind the king of Arcadia. "Your big, fuzzy, white balls are not the first thing I want to see while trying to get something to eat."

"Hey," Zarro grumbled but he did sit up. "I'm not afraid to eat you, you know."

"Try it," Nestoir challenged and dodged when the big cat moved. Zarro sniffed the air as his intended target vanished. "Yep," Nestoir's voice was heard. " You need a haircut." George gasped to see the small black cat in the behemoth-sized white lion's mane. Andy ignored her husband and Zarro and headed to the table.

"Andy," George said draining his tea happy to see a maid come to refill the cup with more of the steaming brew.

"Yes," Andy grinned at the plate of strawberry topped waffles laid before her.

"Your husband is a cat," George said holding the cup in his icy hands.

"Yes," Andy said pouring powdered sugar onto the concoction causing George to cringe. "I know."

"Oh, okay," Andy giggled as George went back to his breakfast. He heard Nestoir's wild laughter and looked back to see a small black blur bouncing around the big cat always a paws swipe out of reach. Zarro rolled onto the floor as Nestoir hopped into his mane again and clung.

"I'll squish you!" Zarro rolled onto his back pressing his head into the floor, he laughed at the feel of tiny paws on his tummy. "Stop, stop... okay, okay, mercy! I'm ticklish."

"Concede?" The small black cat asked his paws moving faster on the helpless creature he sat upon.

"For now, yes," Zarro said between laughs. "You win!"

"Bwa ha ha," Nestoir said and jumped from the king's tummy he landed on the floor standing as a man. With a formal bow to the ruler he joined his wife at the table as if nothing untoward had taken place.

"You're all bloody mad," George reiterated with a bemused laugh.

"Ooh, bacon." George stared at Nestoir as he reached for the treat off his wife's plate.

Break

Ryo entered the playroom to find Lyo rolling his cars around with little Nicklaus. Aly sat by her big brother hugging a teddy. Jewel spoon fed her baby doll while Kibo and Shinrai played with their blocks. He sat on the thick carpet and watched for a while holding still while the boys rolled up his legs and over his shoulders. "You and Daddy are gonna go fight tonight." Nicklaus said and Ryo winced unraveling the tires of the truck from his hair.

"Not Dee, and not a real fight," Lyo nodded his head. "Biggy said that you are just showing off for Arcadia and the rest of the world, like the lymp'cs."

Ryo laughed, "Yes something like that." Ryo allowed his small son to sit in his lap with his toy. "Would you like to come and watch, or stay with the Honlon?"

"Ho-Lo," Lyo nodded, then paused. "But, I do want to see. I will go with you."

"Okay then," Ryo stood and sat Lyo on his feet. "I'll be back to pick you up when it is time to go."

"I want to go too," Nicklaus said and Aly stood as well. "Too, too," She nodded clutching Nicklaus' hand. The other children in the garden were soon around Ryo's legs hopping up and down.

"Okay, okay," Ryo laughed conceding to their wishes. "But I will have to assign the best guards we have to keep an eye on you." Ryo left the palace play room shaking his head at the thought of Arcadia's top soldiers being relegated to baby sitters.

Break

Torcha entered the lushly appointed bathing chamber and laughed at the sound of the large splash as George ducked under. Lord D sighed then sat on the stool as Torcha reached into the water and pulled him up. "No drowning, there is someone you must meet."

"The introductions could wait until I am out of the bath." George complained. "Where is Jhaymes?"

"We shooed him out for your own good." Lord D said and George deflated at seeing Lord D's bandaged hands. "Do not worry about me," Lord D smiled. "This is just because the substance that touched my skin. I would rather have burned hands than a dead George."

"Dumpling," Torcha said pulling the man with her up the edge of the tub. "This is Lord Sohki."

"Hello, pleased to meet you," George said lifting his wet hand out of the water and was surprised when the young man wearing dark sunglasses shook it.

"The pleasure is all mine." Sohki said with a wide smile. "You know, you really are darling to look upon... for a human." George blushed and dipped further in the water keeping just his head visible. George's eyes opened wide when Sohki began to peel out of his robe. "Since you are not planning to bathe in the water I donated and D-Chan is too kindhearted to force you with a contract, I thought this a better idea. Fresher this way anyway."

"What are you doing?" George demanded when Sohki reached to undo the ties holding his pants up.

"Perhaps, Lord Sohki," Lord D said with a gentle smile. "It would be best to show him your true form."

"Hmm," Torcha said with a nod. "Perhaps. Now Dumpling," She said as George gasped and a large splash was heard as he tried to back away from the large beast that stood beside the petite humanoid dragon. "You must relax, this is a kirin, a holy beast of Asia. His bathwater has certain purifying qualities. You did not want to bathe in it, so we thought it best if he just bathed with you." George gasped when the beast entered his sunken pool bathtub. He closed his eyes when it seemed as if the large hoof would crush him and gasped to see Sohki sitting as a man on the other side of the tub. Minus his glasses George got a good look at his eyes which seemed too large and unfocused.

"You're blind?" He said and could think of no more to say as the water heated. He looked up to see Torcha with her hand in the water. Lord D nodded to the dragon queen and she poured several jars of oil, milk from the maisia plant and flower petals in with them. Sohki sighed leaning back and relaxed. George looked down in awe at the scars on his arm that vanished. His pale skin seemed to glow and he sighed leaning back as well, the soothing water working it's magic on him. Torcha continued to heat the water knowing that it would be a few more days still before he was back to human temperature. Torcha began to hum and George closed his eyes falling asleep to the sound of the dragon queen's singing.

Break

Rain worked with Bikky in their palace gym and sighed when they felt the shifting. "Bikky, there must be a human near." Rain commented as he looked at the room that changed to hide the picture windows that showed the lawn of the palace instead now small windows that showed the west street of LA.

"Watch yourself," Bikky said lunging for Rain and smiled when his brother deflected his move. "Good not distracted."

"As if I would be." Rain laughed kicking high and flipping back to avoid a punch.

"Boys," Bikky and Rain stepped back bowing to Count D as he entered the room. "I want you resting from now until your displays."

Bikky and Rain clasped their hands together and bowed. "Hai Sensei," They said in unison they paused by the tall man with long blond hair that stood next to the Count. Saying nothing both boys ran from the room. "Looks kind of like a pig," Bikky chuckled when Rain nodded.

Break

George awakened laying in bed with Jhaymes sitting beside him. He held what appeared to be a long chain. "What are you doing?" George asked when he saw Jhaymes attaching jewels to the sparkling silver and white gold chain.

"Making a belt, in ancient times, these were called girdles, but now they are belts. Andy wants one to wear with the dress Angel made her." Jhaymes said setting aside the project and leaning closer to George on the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"Cold," George pouted and sighed as Jhaymes pulled him into his arms heating his body. George lay his head on Jhaymes chest. "Ummm... Warm." George was smiling when the knock came at his door. He gasped as his room changed seeming smaller and the balcony vanished.

"Looks like we are in the consulate." Jhaymes sighed and went to open the door as George pulled a robe on. He was taking a moment to wish he had his makeup on as Count D entered with a small smile.

"George, are you well?" Count D asked before he allowed the other person with him in the room. "Because this young man showed up at the consulate and claimed that you were childhood friends."

"I wouldn't exactly say childhood," George sighed as he looked at Marilyn.

"Hello, Marilyn," George sighed getting to his feet he pulled the robe tight to him as the shivering started.

"Hey girl, what's all this?" Marilyn reached for George's tummy and shook it crying out in pain as his wrist was grabbed. "Ow! Hey! Let go!"

"Don't touch him like that," Jhaymes said tossing the hand away and causing Marilyn to fall over a plush settee. "He does not like it."

"What a brute... I like him," Marilyn chuckled giving George a wink. "I saw you on the telly the other day and had to come out and make sure you were alright. I mean I have heard some devastating things about these Arcadians."

"I'm fine," George's smile was tight. He forced his voice to lighten as he asked Jhaymes to get him a cup of hot tea.

"Really? You're shaking like a leaf," Marilyn looked smug. "Cut me a piece of the pie and I won't go public."

"What pie and what public?" George said glad that Jhaymes had gone to fetch him tea leaving him to speak with his 'friend'.

"You're tweaked and I want to collaborate on this album. It could do serious launching to my career."

"You're insane," George said. "You are trying to blackmail me into getting you on this album. Andy will see right through this and boot you out."

"So I will tell her that I will alert the press to Boy George on drugs again. Then how well will that album sell?" Marilyn grinned as George glowered at him. "Better freshen up, I hear that you are expected to cheer your man on tonight and I know it takes you hours to go from a washed out sows ear to a beaded silk purse." George trembled as his body temperature dropped. "You are so tweaked right now."

Marilyn shut his mouth as the door opened and Lord D rushed in with Count D at his side. "Georgie, D came and told me that you might need me," George looked at his doctor tears on his cheeks. Count D lead him to the bed just as Jhaymes returned with his tea. "If you are here to accuse my patient of nefarious activities, I will gladly have him publicly submit to a drug test." George and Marilyn both gasped at the words. "There are no impurities inside of his body. This cold is my own fault and a side effect of emergency medical treatment. I will go on record as saying that. If your talent is not enough to spark your career, blackmail will certainly not achieve your ends. George made it onto the album because he has the voice of a sensuous angel. You can not say the same."

"Were you upsetting my sweetheart?" Jhaymes asked his voice taking on the deadly cold of a steel blade.

"No, I mean yes," Marilyn said hoping to placate the larger man. "But it was for a good cause I assure you." Marilyn held his hands up watching as Count D tended to George in Lord D's place. "You see I worry about him and I had to make sure that he was not using again. I knew he would never give me a strait answer, there's nothing strait about him." Marilyn laughed and Lord D sighed he decided to stop being aggravated by the blond and read him truly. "I would like to ask him to speak on my behalf, or even write a few songs for me." Jhaymes looked to Lord D for the truth in Marilyn's heart. Lord D nodded and George sighed. "But I was telling the truth about him needing hours to go from that to gorgeous." Marilyn pointed to George and laughed.

"You had redeemed yourself, but your mouth could get you eaten..." Jhaymes muttered turning away form Marilyn. "I do know a dragon that could see to it." He mumbled in Arcadian to which Count and Lord D laughed. "He is always gorgeous," Jhaymes said he sat beside George placing a small kiss on his cheek. He frowned when George still trembled. Count D pulled a blanket around him.

Lord D went to Marilyn. "Would you excuse us? There is a salon where you may snack a bit while I speak with my patient."

"Doesn't he have to go too?" Marilyn asked giving Jhaymes a long look.

"No. Seeing as how my prescription involves him making love to my patient it is imperative that he stay." Lord D offered Marilyn a chilling version of the small 'D' smirk. "Do go to the salon before I allow my son to escort you." Count D folded his hands neatly and smiled at Marilyn.

"Better go there," George said looking between the two. "He is one of the warriors of Arcadia on display tonight."

Marilyn gulped looking at the small man in his neat, yet elaborate cheongsam of gold and white with jewels sewn along the floor length sleeves and hem. "So I will be seeing you then." George waved his fingers as Marilyn headed out.

"I don't think I can stop this damnable shivering long enough to actually enjoy it." George said to Lord D clutching his tea and his blanket around him.

"That is why as Jhaymes touches you," Lord D began to explain while Count D moved the blankets around on the bed. "He is going to gradually raise his body temperature. While he is inside of you he will continue to raise it, then at the culmination he will bathe your insides with a high level of heat. It should set you warm all while we are out." Lord D nodded thinking his son brilliant for coming up with the idea.

"I lose my head when I am near him," Jhaymes said with a worried frown. "I don't know if I could concentrate long enough to do that."

"The fact that you are worried about it now will stick it in your head." Lord D said using his sleeves to hide his bandaged hands as George continued to stare at them looking sad. "Remember, gradual, too fast and you could singe him." Jhaymes nodded as they left him alone with George, he sighed, he would have to be careful. He loved George so much he would never wish to hurt him in anyway.

"It will be alright," George said he looked at his worried lover and placed an icy hand on his cheek again marveling at it's downy softness. Jhaymes turned and placed a kiss on the palm of George's hand. "Come, now, keep me warm." George dropped the blanket from his shoulders and opened the robe. Jhaymes pulled him into his arms as his shivering increased.

Break

Calliope held the microphone to her mouth a smile on her face as she stared at the side of the arena where the Arcadians all lounged seeming relaxed with their laughter and banter. "First of all," Calliope said with a laugh. "I would like to request that if you were born in our country, you sit on this side of the Arena," She looked to where George sat next to Jhaymes wearing deep green, black and white. Ponchi had chirped her disappointment that her coloring had not matched his outfit and therefore she could not ride his hair as an ornament. She sat in his pocket with her arms folded.

"He might have been born over there, but he is under a contract with us for the duration of the summer." Nestoir said while Daphnus held Andy back from marching over to the other side of the arena to attack Calliope. "And by rights of his sleeping with a knight on the list for the evening, I do believe he has the right to sit in the winners circle and kiss him upon victory."

"If there is a victory," Calliope said her face red. "Since we are the challengers, we will choose a member from our team and you will select who you think will best defend themselves against them." Calliope stated her rules with a grim smile. "This is the first up," Calliope moved her heavily jeweled arm to indicate the muscle bound man that stepped onto the platform. "And I warn you now, he is the smallest of the bunch."

"Then I suppose," Andy said into the microphone with a smile. "That we should send our smallest as well. Princess Chimera, if you will." Chimera stood her short black shorts tight on her small frame. All five feet four inches of her marched to the platform with her long blond hair in a tight ponytail. She stood and looked up at the large man.

"Is this some sort of joke?" Calliope said looking at the line of large Arcadian Guards that stood behind the chairs of the Royale. "Send a real warrior, not a tiny princess."

"No offense intended," Chimera said as she flexed her fine tuned muscles. "Okay, every offense intended. I am not some fluffy little princess that sits around counting how many places from the crown I am. I train daily in a grueling program you could not even imagine. Bring it on." The large man looked at the referee who nodded and started the count. Chimera watched him for a movement, paying no attention to his large body and jumping muscles. The man sized her up and moved planning to crush her with one blow. Chimera grasped the wrist and lowered her body along with it taking the man to the floor with a well placed hip in his side. Before he could recover his balance Chimera's foot connected with his head, then his throat then his chest, he fell unconscious on the mat. Chimera bowed then marched off the stage. "Next."

She said and waited while Prince Kronos dashed to her side to administer the 'winner's kiss.' He lifted her from her feet and planted a loud, smacking kiss on her lips. "That's my little firecracker." Chimera laughed heading off with him to the viewer's stand.

The EMT's were carrying the first contestant off on a stretcher as the next man, indeed larger, stepped to the platform. "Next... is Count D." This man stared at the beautiful man before him in crisp black linen and leather. He wore gloves to protect his slim hands though his nails were left out.

"You can back out now little man," The brute said and folded his arms flexing his muscles. "I wouldn't even claim a win by default."

"Are you afraid?" Count D said not relaxing his stance.

"No, but I always see you on television and I do not want to harm that beautiful face." The man said surprised when Count D laughed.

"Do you honestly think you are going to get anywhere near my face?" Count D said then laughed again. The man sighed and attacked.

"Papa win," Jewel said from her position on Chris's lap. Leon sat beside them watching as Count D made quick work of the man and hopped from the platform before he fell to the mat. Leon stood to follow tradition and give the winner a victory kiss. Each case was the same. Arcadia dominated the ranks. Jhaymes stood ready as the challenger approached him. George sat up and payed attention for the first time that evening. He cringed when the man jumped using his massive body weight to slam into Jhaymes all at once. Jhaymes flipped the man over using his own weight against him lifting his legs Jhaymes pushed him over and reversed their positions. George clapped when Jhaymes shoved his fists into the man's chest.

George had never before seen Jhaymes fight. When the incubus had first attacked he had been too busy being terrified to pay attention and now he watched the muscles ripple on Jhaymes with a grin on his face. He recalled those muscles as they had flexed above him. And under him... all around him. George watched the fight, not seeing the battle, but the man. "Georgie," Marilyn leaned over when George continued to stare riveted at the match. Zarro had phoned in requesting that the Arcadians take a little time with their opponents to give a better show, so Jhaymes was essentially playing with the brute now. A few feints here, a few dodges there, he took his time accepting a few blows before he knocked the man out and marched to the winner's stand.

"Where is my kiss?" He said looking for George who still sat next to Marilyn.

George snapped out of his shock to see Jhaymes standing waiting for him while the crowd cheered. "I tried to tell you he was about to win." Marilyn urged George to get to his feet.

"Sweetheart, I won," Jhaymes said wiping sweat from his brow. George got to his feet and made his way down to the applause of the audience. He gasped as Jhaymes lifted him up over the lines. "The only reason I beat him that way was because I wanted this moment." Before George could respond Jhaymes pressed their lips together. They walked together hand in hand to the stands.

"Oh he's so romantic," Marilyn batted his eyes at Jhaymes. "Do you have a twin?"

"I do actually," Jhaymes said laughing at how fast the last match was ended. They had barely sat down before it was over. Daphnus just could not seem to hold back one punch followed by a dodge and a kick and the man was down. "That's her going to kiss the victor." Marilyn sighed looking at the petite woman with shining silver hair rush to the platform.

"Ah, fraternal," Jhaymes laughed at Marilyn's disappointed words. "Aren't you lucky?" He said to George who tried to sit in his chair only to have Jhaymes pull him into his lap.

"You're all sweaty," George protested at the bare chest that dampened his jacket.

"You know how hot I can get," Jhaymes said with a suggestive smirk.

"Hmph," Marilyn sniffed secretly glad to see George so happy. "Bitch."

"Jealous," George said leaning back against Jhaymes.

Marilyn looked up trying not to be terrified of the scowl on Jhaymes' face. He smiled at George and they both chuckled as he said, "Yes."

Next Rain and Bikky were chosen to do a team match against two large men in matching shorts. "Wild Swan," Count D said and Master Xi nodded as the boys performed a synchronized movement that seemed easy to predict and block until the last moment when they broke apart. Rain aimed low while Bikky went high. They both stuck mid, then switched up with Bikky going low and Rain jumping up for a foot connected to head move. The men fell unable to clear their heads long enough to stand for the final count. They bowed then headed off. Carol and Julie stood by waiting to kiss their cheeks.

The challenger stood in horror as Andy, high princess of Arcadia bounced up to the stage with a mid-drift baring top and pleated mini-skirt. "Hello," She waved cheerily. "Ready?" The man moved to attack and she hopped aside. He moved again and she pirouetted out of his way. He tried to punch her and she skipped to the left, he swung again and danced to the right.

"How am I supposed to fight someone who is bouncing around like a hyper active bunny on too much bloody caffeine?" he finally said after several long minutes and Andy's constant giggles as she evaded him.

"Okay, okay, I'll hold still." Andy said giggling . The man came at her and she dropped to her bottom shocking the audience into thinking that the first member of Team Arcadia had taken a loss. She then brought her legs up in a scissor kick that caught her attacker around the neck. She then flipped over onto her hands and landed another kick in his gut and both sides. He rolled onto the mat tears rolling down his face as she hopped back to her feet. The sounds of her giggles punctuated the final count as she was pronounced the winner. Nestoir kissed her then patted her bottom as he took her place in the ring.

"Did he actually move?" George asked Jhaymes as the opponent seemed to fall in seconds and Nestoir was leaving the stage.

"He did, but it was barely on the human perception radar. Lucky he held back a lot or the man would be dead missing his head." Jhaymes whispered in George's ear. "Zarro is going to have a talk with him about that." Jhaymes then focused on Alera's match. Like him, she took her time feinting and dodging before knocking the man out. "That's better." He said and sat through the rest of the fights with George in his lap. The headlines in the paper would be amusing George knew. In the matches of hand to hand, Arcadia had won every one. The next week's battles would be with swords, followed a week later my projectiles, bows and artillery. Three weeks total. Arcadia was undefeated.

Powdered Sugre 40

Return To The Alti-Verse

Lord D lay back on his bed trying to relax as Sofu probed him. Sofu gentled his hands the closer he got to his son's waist. "Relax, now," Sofu said pressing in at the lower abdomen. "Ah, there he is," Sofu said when he could feel the tiny fetus growing inside of his son. "Now let's have a look at you," Sofu accepted the wand from T-Chan. Sofu plied the gel onto his son then pressed the wand to him. "Does this hurt?"

"No," Lord D shook his head his face red. JJ patted his hand while he watched the screen. His heart seemed to beat several times faster than the normal rate as he saw the tiny body inside of Lord D. T-Chan worked the machine snapping pictures of the baby. "How does he look?" Lord D asked craning his head to see the screen.

"Beautiful," Sofu whispered then turned the machine to face his son. "There is the spinal cord, the head, the hands, the feet. He is lovely," Lord D smiled looking at the picture of his son. "Push your knees up and spread your legs." Lord D complied his face turning redder. Sofu pressed around between his legs. "Good, very strong, taut skin. Healthy. You are very healthy. I am proud of you." Lord D smiled as his father cleaned him then straitened his robes. Sofu aimed a smile at JJ then left the room. "I hear that Torcha wants to have it in the Arcadian Annals that George is her kit."

"I know, but in order to do that, she has to speak to his parents," Lord D said with a chuckle.

"Won't that be interesting?"Sofu said his laugh catching JJ by surprise.

Break

George headed to the the studio with Jhaymes their arms linked. "My sister wants to come out and visit with me," George said to Jhaymes smiling. "I do not know how the whole, Arcadian thing works, with the secrecy and stuff. None of you guys held it together too well." George laughed he held on to Jhaymes hand. Jhaymes heard the wind shift and the thumping of feet coming fast down the hallway of the palace. He picked George up and moved him pressing him to the wall and using his body to guard against whatever force was coming their way. Daphnus ran at top speed down the hall with Andy behind him glowering.

"He's stolen her cookie dough again," Jhaymes said with a laugh as Andy's screech could be heard as Daphnus evaded her.

"Cookie dough?" George looked down the hall then laughed. There was no point in saying again that they were all mad.

"If... If your sister does come," Jhaymes began he inhaled then thought it a bad idea as the scent of George traveled up to his brain and made him think odd thoughts about George. Seductive thoughts. "You should have her bring your parents as well. I would like to meet them."

"Oh?" George said licking his lips when he noted Jhaymes staring at them.

"Yeah, just so they know that I am in love with you and who I am..." Jhaymes paused and joined George's tongue traveling over his lips. George brought his tongue into his mouth and Jhaymes followed after it. Tasting him, tasting... "Sweetheart," Jhaymes whispered just before he dived into George's lips again.

"Wow, Bikky," Rain's voice could be heard from down the hall. "We'd better hurry up. You know Daphnus will have three cows and a goat if we are late for todays recording session."

"Yeah," Bikky said loud as they passed the two in the hall. "Better not say, can't make this track today, I was making out." George frowned at Rain and tapped Bikky on the head. He paused, Bikky was taller.

"Ah... we're coming," George grumbled and laughed as Ponchi climbed up his arm from his pocket and shook a tiny fist at Bikky. "Watch it, I think she has a few toothpicks in there." George laughed again then headed off with Rain. They made it just as Daphnus finished his bowl of pilfered cookie dough. Andy sat on the piano humming while prince Angel played. "To work then?" George said to Rain.

Break

Julie sat back on the lounge while Rain hummed the latest refrain from his song. "I missed you when you guys had to stay at the consulate. I am glad you are back." Julie said she smiled as Rain sat his book aside and looked at her.

"I missed you too, seems you got prettier while I was away," Rain said sighing when Julie beamed showing her dimples. "Andy wants to know if you will come in for an audition, the friends and family cd."

"Really?!" Julie squealed throwing her arms around Rain. "Oh, Rain..." Rain laughed returning the hug. He held on as the sun shone down on her glossy hair. Rain took a moment to look around. He saw that George was busy in the kitchen with his tea and journal. Bikky and Ryan, Julie's older brother, were in the den with Chis playing video games. Ryo was in the kitchen loading the lunch dishes into the dishwasher and Dee was busy reading to Lyo. Okay, Rain thought steadying his mind. All clear. Rain turned his face to hers their lips clumsy as they searched each other. How had Jhaymes done it? Rain remembered seeing Jhaymes tongue tracing George's lips. George had seemed to enjoy it. Rain firmed his resolve and licked her lips. Julie gasped then relaxed into the new kiss. Rain's hands traveled up her arms pushing the loose sleeves up. He was used to the scars and Julie did not mind him touching them. Rain sighed getting closer to Julie his hands leaving her arms to massage the soft skin at her waist. Julie grabbed his wrist and Rain paused.

He refocused on her lips kissing her until she was pliant then his hands began to roam again. Julie sighed, his hand was so warm. It was touching her so softly traveling up her shirt. This was normal, she reminded herself. They were both healthy teenagers there was no reason why he should not try to touch her. Julie could feel her heart speed up as she had a recollection of a time not so long past. A dark time of terror and knives. The pain of the blade in her arms was much more tolerable than the pain of. "No... Rain," Julie shoved but Rain sighed. He stilled his movements, but kept his hand under her shirt hoping that she would relax again. When she said and did nothing more he moved on touching the tip of bra.

This was entirely new, Rain thought, the softness of the material teasing his hand with the heat of her skin. He felt her heart flutter and smiled his tongue moving in her mouth. Julie smelled so good Rain could not keep his thought in order. His hands continued their tentative exploration. She had ceased to kiss him back, but Rain kept going hoping she would. Julie froze, her breathing sped up as Rain's hand became more bold. She loved, him she did but... Julie choked on a sob then shoved hard against Rain knocking him from the lounge.

"I'm sorry!"

"I'm Sorry!" They both said at once. Rain sat on his bottom looking up at Julie. She sat on the lounge with her arms wrapped around her knees. Julie looked at the flowers in the garden, the trees, Lyo's sandbox, anything but at Rain. "I am so sorry Rain."

"No, I'm sorry," Rain got to his feet afraid to sit next to her. "I should not have touched you like that."

"But I liked it. I did," Julie wept she tried to meet his gaze and the sadness there tore her apart. "Oh... Rain. I am so sorry." Julie sobbed anew. She got to her feet running to the house. Rain went after her. He reached the den just as she was begging Ryo to take her home. Ryo looked up at Rain his eyes wide and full of questions. Rain looked away and slumped into the kitchen. He dropped to the table with his head in his hands. George looked up. He had shocked them all by leaving the palace with them and returning to the guest room at their house. Jhaymes had not protested the move other than to complain about George being ensconced in the dragon's lair.

"Girls... are weird." Rain muttered.

"Oh?" George looked up hearing the door shut on Ryo, Ryan and Julie. Bikky stood in the door while Chris went to the bathroom. Bikky made his way into the kitchen.

"Why is Julie telling Ryan that you did not do anything wrong? What did you do?" Bikky asked seeing his brother so lost he felt sorry for him.

"Well, we were kissing," Rain's face turned deep red. "I touched her."

"A touch?" George gave Rain a long look.

"Well," Rain hedged looking at his hands. "You know, I put my hand under her shirt."

"Okay," Bikky said not seeing a problem. "It's about time you made a move, took you forever to actually kiss her. You are both fifteen," Bikky laughed. He got Rain a cup of his tea and heated it in his hand. "I know you like it iced, but I think you need the soothing effect of hot." Bikky had heard George going on about the love of a good cup of tea.

"I know," Rain nodded taking a sip. Chris came into the kitchen staring owl eyed at the two older boys.

"Chris, why don't you take this to my room for me and bring me my basket of hair ribbons." George said quickly thinking of a way to send the younger boy from the room. "Go ahead, it will take him ages to find the basket, but he won't give up til he does. I noticed that about him."

"You notice so much about people," Rain sighed. "I wish I did. I would have noticed that Julie was freaking out."

"She freaked out?" Bikky said keeping his voice low so that Dee would not come to see what was wrong. It was too late for that. Lyo had been sat with his coloring books and Dee stood in the doorway of the kitchen.

"She just got real still and then, she pushed me... hard." Rain shook his head confused. "But she said she liked it." Rain refused to rub his sore bottom that had come into the contact with the ground. "If that was like, I would hate to see what she does not like."

"Julie seems to have some hidden issues," George said his voice soft. "Perhaps the next time you see her, you should talk about it."

"I knew she had some insecurities, she..." Rain sighed not sure how to tell Dee, Bikky and George, but then he gave up holding it all in. "She cuts herself. Ryan tries to stay with her as often as he can, and she said she hasn't done it since she started seeing me, but... she has scars on her arms, like the ones I had on my hands and arms until Lord D took care of them. Those were fresh, one time I did it. But hers," Rain shook his head.

"You cut yourself?" George looked at the beautiful boy sitting across from him.

"It was a one time tantrum, but Ryo he," Rain shook his head tears falling from his clear, yet deep green eyes. "He placed his hand in front of my face and I stabbed him. He had to get stitches when I tried to ruin my face."

"Your face?" George said moving the long black hair from Rain's face and looking at him. Dee was again amazed that his son sat still while a man touched him.

"I did not want to be pretty," Rain admitted he lowered his head causing George's hand to slide into his hair on top of his head and stay there. "I hurt Ryo," Rain's voice was full of remembered pain. "But that was just one instance of anger and... But Julie, I love her. I try to be good to her, and I may have made things worse."

"Would you boys go help Chris find my basket?" George said. Taking the hint Bikky took Rain's arm and dragged him upstairs. "I think there are some physical trauma issues there."

"Yeah," Dee nodded his head then looked up at the sound of the door opening. Ryo entered with a harangued expression. Marilynn bounced in after him. "Hey babe, did she talk to you?" Dee asked, he pulled Ryo to him for a soft kiss.

"No she just sat looking out of the window the entire way home. Ryan tried to get her to talk, but she just shook her head." Ryo said sitting with a cup of tea that George got for him. "Thank you George... Where are the boys?"

"Lost in my room," George laughed thinking of the surprise they would find when they opened his closet. Jhaymes had arranged, with master Xi's help, to have a gate to Arcadia installed. They could see each other easily. He really had the best of both worlds. He had the friendship and the family of Ryo and Dee, Rain and Bikky, and he had his lover.

"I am going to look into this," Ryo said then sighed. "Oh and he was just getting dropped off when I showed up. I paid the taxi driver."

"I told you George would get it back to you," Marilyn said tossing his hair. "Won't you darling?" George sighed reaching into his pocket only to have Ryo wave him away. "Oh thank you," Marilyn laughed. He offered a wink to Ryo. Marilyn's eyes left Ryo to travel over the sleek physic of Dee. "You are a lucky one aren't you?"

"Yes I am," Ryo smiled sipping his tea not taking his eyes off the blond man. "And I know it."

"Of course, so is it possible for me to stay here, I do not feel like going back to my hotel and George promised to bring me to the recording tomorrow." Marilyn said his lisp pronounced.

"Did I?" George smiled when he heard the boys coming back downstairs. Rain was on his cell. "Rain, did you find it?"

"Yeah," Rain said looking up from his phone. "It was right next to the queen's gardenia's." George nodded as Ryo and Dee caught the hint. The queens gardenia's smelled so sweet and were so intoxicating that they could not be allowed on earth. Only when they were on Arcadia were they masked by the pure air. On earth they would cause a riot.

"When did your room get connected?" Dee asked making sure that his words were human friendly as Marilyn sat at the table with a look he tried to pass off as vacant, adorable, but was listening to every word.

"Jhaymes arranged it, I hope you do not mind." George looked down.

"Why doesn't he just formally claim you? My grandparents want to." Ryo shook his head. He could well understand everyone's love of this charismatic individual. "For some reason even Sofu likes you and he usually does not deal well with... our kind."

"Homosexuals?" Marilyn asked giving up his pretense of not listening to their conversation.

"No," Ryo shook his head then laughed. " He would be discriminating against his own son and grandson if he did. And Lord D is too spoiled for that to ever happen."

"Lord D... Spoiled?" George laughed thinking of the beautiful male he had come to know. "He does not seem the type."

"Oh, boy, how little you know. If there is something that he can get or do for himself, guess who will get or do it for him? Yep, Sofu spoiled his baby, sad really..." Dee said getting to his feet. Marilyn's eyes followed him. Dee bent over to kiss the top of Ryo's head. "Gotta pick up mom from the airport, you need me to pick up anything?" Ryo shook his head raising his face and offering Dee his lips. It was a gift Dee never refused. George looked away from their kissing Marilyn did not. "Keep it warm for me." Dee instructed.

"Your dinner?" Marilyn asked.

"No," Dee said as Ryo got up to begin the preparations for dinner. "My dessert." Dee tapped Ryo's bottom.

"Dee!" Ryo pushed him to the door. "Go on now," Ryo turned slightly pink. "As for you staying, I will work out something. George is in our guest room and Rain is sleeping in with Bikky tonight so that Renee can stay in his room. Lyo's bed is not big enough for you but I could put the roll-a-way in there and he could sleep with the boys. Oh, and then there is Chris, he wanted to stay tonight."

"Why are you getting so much food? I don't eat that much,"Marilyn said watching as Ryo got out bags of vegetables, fruit, rice and ingredients for bread. He did not seem to care that Ryo seemed to be puzzling over how he would arrange for him to stay. Marilyn took a moment to appreciate the beautiful man who had bent over looking in the crisper for lemons. George leaned over and hit him lightly on the arm. "What?" Marilyn asked. George said nothing but he pointed to his own bare ring finger then he pointed to Ryo. "What?" Marilyn asked again not lowering his voice, but confused to what George was saying.

"This," Ryo said surprising Marilyn with is proximity. He had not even heard the door of the refrigerator close and here Ryo was beside him showing him his wedding ring. "Dee's matches mine." Ryo went back to his dinner saying no more. Marilyn shook his head then laughed.

"I see you don't have one," George sighed as he did look at his own bare fingers.

"Things are still new," George patted his hair back. "Need some help Ryo?"

"Yeah, you wanna cut those lemons up?" Ryo offered George a large bowl for the fruit that he chopped. "Marilyn, since you are here," Ryo said handing Marilyn a knife, and cutting board. "Dice these," Marilyn stared in horror at the carrots and celery. "No meat for dinner tonight, the D's are coming over."

"Oh, okay," George patted his pocket when Ponchi bounced in excitement. He offered a tight smile to Marilyn when he saw the move.

"What's in there?" Marilyn asked trying to peer over the table lifting his head. Ryo turned away as he again thought the man looked like Miss Piggy.

"A fairy," George said with a snicker sure that Marilyn would never believe him.

"George, I think you and I have both watched too many of Lyo's cartoons." Ryo laughed again.

"That's possible," George said getting to work on the lemons. "Making pie?" Ryo nodded then stepped aside as the boys dashed out to the backyard. Ryo paused when Bikky stopped to get a glass of water. Ryo said nothing but he looked up at Bikky then sighed as the tall teenager headed out the back.

"I always knew this day was coming," Ryo said when they were all out and busy playing basketball.

"This day?" George looked up and sighed. He was just about finished with the lemons. Marilyn had not touched the knife or the vegetables.

"He's taller than me." Ryo sighed placing a towel over the bread dough so that it could rise. He sat it aside then sat at the table. He gave Marilyn a baleful look but promised himself to be polite to George's friend. Ryo pulled the plate and cutting board to him then proceeded to chop at a fast pace that amazed Marilyn.

"Only by an inch or two... or three," George said helping with the carrots.

"Yeah, but he is only fifteen, he is still growing." Ryo laughed his hands not breaking stride. "We have an appointment tomorrow to get family photos taken." Ryo shook his head again. "Oh and George, Jhaymes wants to come by for dinner as well, so we are all eating outside, the dining room would not house everyone." George gasped, it had before, especially with Count D here to duplicate it. George looked over at Marilyn then sighed. Looks like they would all be on edge tonight. Jhaymes was not used to keeping his natural proclivities at bay. Hopefully he would not reheat anything in front of the human, or mention Ponchi.

Slyphe sauntered into the kitchen her large paws thudding on the hard wood floor. Marilyn gasped getting to his feet. "George, move..." Marilyn tried to warn but closed his mouth when the cat looked his way. Slyphe turned back to her intended target and placed both paws on George's lap. She looked up at him and George sighed.

"No meat today girl, expecting the D's for dinner." George said and sat still while the cat licked him. Slyphe got back on all fours and allowed her tail to bump his pocket. Ponchi braced her hands as the material of her little seat shook wildly. She resisted the urge to dart out and give the cat a piece of mind. Slyphe seemed to be laughing as she went to find her boy. George dropped his hand into his pocket and trailed his pinkie over her long blue hair. Ponchi settled back down her little arms hugging his hand before he brought it back up to finish helping Ryo with dinner. Ryo shook his head. Tonight would certainly be lively, he thought as he dropped a wet towel on George's hand to wipe up the fairy dust.

Break

Chihaya sat down with his cup of tea while Count D rocked Kurayami in his little bassinet. Chihaya watched the tiny baby sleep, his face smooth now as he had grown. "Is something on your mind Chihaya?" Count D asked catching the deep purple eyes on him again. Count D straitened his yellow cheongsam when the baby slept deeply. He began to sip his tea appreciating the sun that bounced around the clean shop. "You seem to be deep in thought lately."

"I am, I mean, when you found out you were carrying, how did you feel about it?" Chihaya asked lowering his head.

"Shocked, I did not believe that it was possible. For all my life, I never knew a male kami could have children." Count D admitted laughing as he recalled that he had, in fact, fainted. "But then I became excited and thrilled. Leon and I... Our love had made a baby. Why do you ask?" Count D said. He refused to dwell on the sad facts that now lay before him.

"Do you know that the angels of Eden are made similar to Kami, in fact some think we started out as the children of M, O and P, of the original children of Eden." Chihaya sighed. "We developed the wings a very long time ago and some began to call us angels, but instead, we might actually be Kami, that would explain our bodies and the abilities."

"Chihaya... Are you carrying?" Count D asked his voice gentle.

"No, it would have to be an act of Kagetsuya's will, to give me that part of himself that would grow inside of me." Chihaya said then he sighed. "But I am not sure about it all."

"Oh," Count D said looking at the young male before him.

"I mean, your children, your father's, are adorable and sweet. But think about the responsibility. You and Leon manage great and JJ and Lord D are awesome, but..." Words seemed to tumble out of Chihaya's mouth. "Then we would have to raise it, and my body... It would grow inside of me, I would get large and have to give birth, it hurts. I heard the screaming and pain and you nearly died...Lord D had twins!"

"Calm down, here drink this," Count D was quick to pour a strong sedative into Chihaya's tea as the smaller male was hyperventilating. "Where is all this coming from?" Count D asked rubbing small patterns in Chihaya's back. "Did Kagetsuya say he wanted children?" Chihaya shook his head. "Do you want them?"

"I don't know," Chihaya admitted then closed his mouth as Kagetsuya and Leon entered the front of the shop. "We'd better go," Chihaya got to his feet his smile wobbling as he greeted his lover. "You guys better get going or Bikky and Rain will eat everything." Chihaya laughed waving away Kagetsuya's concerned questions. "Bye Leon, D." Count D waved him off with a sigh.

Break

Marilyn looked around the kitchen as Ryo turned the oven on. Ryo went to the the window and looked out. As if on cue, all four boys came inside. "Ooh..." Ryo wrinkled his nose. "Showers, now, Bikky use yours, Chris, Dee and mine, George do you mind?" Ryo pointed at Rain.

"Just clean up after yourself, I have to get ready for dinner too you know," George said.

"Yeah, yeah," Bikky grumbled. "Sounds like this is going to turn into an impromptu garden party. After I take a shower, I will get Lyo bathed."

"Thanks," Ryo said leaning up to press a kiss to Bikky's forehead. Bikky waved Ryo away embarrassed to realize that he was taller.

"You can check behind my ears later," Bikky stuck his tongue out at Ryo then ran up the stairs. Dee opened the door and gasped keeping Renee safe behind him.

"Welcome to our zoo," Ryo walked out of the kitchen to greet his mother in law with a kiss. "Better cover your nose, the monkeys have not bathed yet."

"Hi Aunt Renee," Rain called on his way upstairs with Chris right behind him.

"Wow, hi," Renee laughed then paused as she got a glimpse of the two men sitting at the table with steaming cups of tea. "Full house?"

"Yeah, dinner outside tonight," Dee pulled Ryo into the circle of his arms. Ryo leaned back against the strong frame. "The D's are coming, as well as their spouses and children."

"No meat," Renee sat her bag down near the other hoping that Dee would let go of Ryo and take them upstairs.

"Yeah, alright, I will do it," Dee laughed heading up the stairs with the large suitcases.

"I'm going home tomorrow, I just wanted to visit for tonight, but if you can't spare the room." Renee trailed off.

"Oh yes," Marilyn breezed into the room. "I am sure the bed in Rain's room is far more comfortable than some old roll-a-way."

"My mother in law is not going anywhere until tomorrow," Ryo said shocking Marilyn with the level of cold in his voice. "You will make due, I am sure, or you could just go back to your luxury hotel and take a taxi to the consulate in the morning for the recording." Ryo called the bluff that Marilyn was not willing to admit to. He had no luxury hotel and George had not promised him anything... Marilyn nodded.

"With a few blankets and pillows, it could be fantastic. Or I could just sleep in with George." Marilyn gazed at George hoping for a positive answer.

"Hard to do that," Dee came back down the stairs. "I am sure Jhaymes will want to stay over seeing as how the closet will be closed due to uninvited guests that could poke about. It will reopen upon the departure." Marilyn frowned at the strange code Dee seemed to be using but he was sure that he was talking about him.

"But Jhaymes is uncomfortable in the dragon's lair," George pouted. Marilyn looked at him oddly, was he speaking in that odd Arcadian code as well? "He has problems..."

"If anyone can help him through that, it's you." Ryo laughed. "Not like any dragon here will eat him."

"What the bloody hell are you lot talking about?" Marilyn asked after a moment of staring around in confusion.

"Nothing to concern you,"Ryo assured him then headed back to the kitchen. George laughed then went upstairs to assemble an outfit for the evening.

"I do have an overnight bag you know," Marilyn announced handing it to George. "You can take it to my room."

"I can show you where it is," George gave the bag back and Marilyn frowned. George was usually so bendable. To his will and other things. George pointed out Lyo's room then went into his own. He heard the shower going and Rain singing. Shaking his head he began to look through his closet. It was just a closet now, not the door to his palatial room, not the door to Jhaymes.

"You'll want something cool," Marilyn said entering the room to find George still staring into his closet. "Garden party right?"

"Yes, but flashy and..." George patted his pocket. "Blue." George vaguely heard the shower turn off and the singing become louder as Rain cleaned up his mess. He left the bathroom wearing several towels. One was wrapped around his hair, one his torso and another his hips. He was then covered by a large bathrobe that had to belong to Dee it was so big on him. Rain saw Marilyn, gasped then went back into the bathroom slamming the door behind him.

"Oh... shit," George covered Marilyn's eyes despite his friends protests. "Come on out Rain, It's alright."

"What the hell are you doing?" Marilyn demanded and managed to get his face free just as Rain opened the door. Rain panicked slamming it again and refusing to come out. "What is wrong with you?" Marilyn got to his feet moving away from George then he looked at the bathroom door. "Boy, you may as well come out. Nothing there I haven't seem before and more developed." Rain said nothing his face red and his heart rate going faster. George sighed, if Bikky came in and saw his brother hiding from Marilyn, Marilyn could forget singing for Princess Andromache tomorrow, he would be lucky to have teeth.

"Oh no, he seems to be in it," George said loudly. "Marilyn why don't you go get his dad and tell him we have a problem. Better get the sweet one, Dee'll just start yelling," Marilyn looked at the door and smirked prompting George to add. "At you." George shooed Marilyn out then went to tap on the door. "He's gone." Rain opened the door tears wetting his cheeks.

"Sorry, I just... he... He..." Rain sighed then ran from the room and into his own to dress.

Marilyn came sulking into the room behind Ryo. "All's well, sorry to bother you." George assured Ryo indicating the now empty bathroom.

"He didn't freak out over you seeing him," Marilyn complained.

"Because he knows I wasn't looking." George went back to his closet as Ryo left the room.

Ryo sighed then knocked on Rain's door. "Rain," Ryo waited and got no answer. "Ame-Chan," He called again. "I'm coming in." Ryo opened the door to see Rain sitting on the bed in a pair of large pants and a large t-shirt. "Is everything alright?" Rain nodded and Ryo walked over to sit beside him. "Are you sure?"

"I do not like him, he makes the wind taste strange." Rain reached for his over shirt and pulled it on. "Like that stuff that George did not want."

"What?" Ryo gasped then closed his eyes. He inhaled taking in the scent of his house. Yes, he thought, there it was, Rain was right. "Get dressed then go help Bikky and Dee set up the backyard." Rain nodded pulling his jacket on and securing his hair. Ryo looked back to see that it was Bikky's jacket and that it went to Rain's knees. Shaking his head he laughed. The smile vanished as he went back to George's room just as he was pulling a long blue cossack from his closet and matching lighter blue pants and white vest to go over it all.

"Ryo could you shut the door, I was just going to change..." George's words trailed off as he stared in horror at Marilyn. "What the hell are you doing?" He asked when he saw Marilyn bring a small vial to his nose and sniff. "Does the word Detective mean anything to you?" he pointed to Ryo who stood in the room and did indeed shut the door. Ryo stomped over and grabbed Marilyn he pulled him to the bathroom and forced him to drop the powder, vial and all, into the toilet.

"Are you mad man? That was pure!" Marilyn protested the loss of his stash

"How dare you bring that into my house?" Ryo demanded pulling out his cell. "What hotel are you in? I am calling you a cab, now."

"I'm not in a hotel okay," Marilyn admitted. "I spent the last of what George gave me and I just thought that... I mean he's only allowed to?" Marilyn snatched away from Ryo surprised that it took a fair bit of effort to achieve.

"I told you," George said his clear eyes flashing with anger. "I'm not using."

"Oh that's a load of bull shit if I ever heard it," Marilyn stalked over to the bed side stand. "If you're clean," He snatched up a small clay pot and carried it over to George. "What's this?!" He shoved the pot at George and gasped as the top came off and George was splashed in the face with a clear liquid.

"Lubrication," George and Ryo said at once. Ryo recognizing the sweet scent as he and George had bought the same kind during their last shopping adventure together. "The original bottle that came in kind of melted," George said causing Ryo to laugh. "That was the only available container." George wiped his face. "Now apologize and fess up before Cujo is called to smell your bags."

"That was all I had," Marilyn pouted hoping that Ryo would not put him out. "I told you I was out of money."

"Don't make me regret this," Ryo said closing his cell.

"I won't," Marilyn promised then he looked at George. "Sorry, I guess you really are clean."

"Yeah, now stop being a nuisance while I get a shower." George left Marilyn in his room knowing that he would poke around it was just like old times.

Break

The garden seemed to dazzle under the light of the large, full moon. Marilyn sat amidst the happy chatter of the large group of friends. His eyes kept wandering to Jhaymes where he sat next to George whispering into his ear. Marilyn saw George's face light up when he laughed and he sighed. Briefly Marilyn wondered at the odd hair clip George wore. It seemed to be a silver chair with a Large butterfly attached to it. George caught him looking and patted the clip that Jhaymes had made. It was in fact a chair attached to a hair clip. The chair was done in silver scroll seeming delicate and decorative. It was perfect for Ponchi to sit upon and pretend to be an accessory in her favorite spot: George's hair. The pin rested above his left ear keeping half of his face free. Jhaymes sat at his right and enjoyed moving the hair aside to whisper in George's ear.

Thinking the two of them would get told to cut it out he looked over and saw Leon licking sauce from Count D's fingers. Next to them, JJ fed Lord D. Even though his hands had long since been unwrapped from their bandages, it had become an enjoyable habit that JJ had not tried to break. "They are adorable," Renee leaned over to say to Marilyn. "In fact, my new series is all about the love of men."

"Really?" Ryo said looking up. He looked over and saw, at the other table that had been set up, that the boys were behaving themselves.

"Yes," Renee nodded. "Romance novels for men who love men. I will still continue my regular novels. But this means that I will spend more time at home writing." She gave them a grin.

"I can't wait to read them," Ryo said.

"You're first copy is upstairs," Renee admitted with a wink. "Signed too."

Ryo smiled at her then got to his feet. "Jhaymes, stop licking George's ear and help me get dessert." Jhaymes blushed and pulled his tongue back into his mouth for it had indeed been traveling around George's ear. George laughed when Jhaymes flushed bright red and got up to follow Ryo.

"What's for dessert?" George asked fluffing his hair back into place.

"For a moment there I thought you were..." Ryo laughed then caught Dee's leer and knew that he was on Dee's list of favorite confections. "Lemon meringue pies, I made them this afternoon." Ryo looked over at Count and Lord D. "Extra heavy whipped cream on top." Count D clapped his hands in glee while Lord D beamed a bright, beautiful smile.

"They really like their whipped cream," Marilyn muttered while George fixed his hair clip again for Ponchi had shifted to a better position in her chair. "Is that silk?" Marilyn asked touching one of the wings. Ponchi squeaked and George moved his head away. "Feels like a real butterfly," Marilyn reached again but gasped as he could not move his hand. Slyphe had latched onto his sleeve and kept it between her large teeth. She hissed slightly and shook it before letting it go. "I guess I am not allowed to touch you." He grumbled folding his arms. George patted Slyphe's head between her tufted ears offering a small smile to Marilyn. It was all he could do at this point. Marilyn looked down and frowned at the sparkling dust on his finger. He wiped it on his napkin then attributed it to George's sparkling hair spray. Since his hair was sprinkled with the same iridescent shimmer.

"Jhaymes," Jhaymes looked over at Ryo as he pulled several pies from the refrigerator and Jhaymes got plates from the cabinet. "You can stay the night you know," Ryo said kindly. "No one here will get offended if you make love to George."

"But..." Jhaymes began then he blushed. "In your house?"

"Leon and Count D do it often enough, You know, once they even used out bed and our lube." Ryo frowned at the memory of their first Thanksgiving here. Leon had proposed to D that night. He laughed softly. "Just tell George that he is responsible for washing the sheets." Ryo laughed again then headed out. "I will try to control my scent if it bothers you so much. But there is no need for you both to be frustrated. He can't leave with a guest here and it just makes sense for you to share his room here. For a while until the closet is opened again." Jhaymes shook Ryo's hands just as he sat the pies down jostling the slighter frame with his thanks. Ryo nodded then pushed his hair from his face where it had flopped forward at Jhaymes shaking. "You're welcome." Ryo chuckled when he was neat once more. Ryo dished up the pie sending three of them to the boy's table. Marilyn stared in horror as Lord D seemed to eat an entire pie by himself, with Count D behind him only slightly with half vanishing between his pretty lips. They did it with such decorum and grace that Marilyn was not sure if he should be embarrassed or amazed.

Break

Rain put away the last of the dishes from the dishwasher while Bikky and Chris cleared away the tables. He hummed a tune and unconsciously sang along as his cell phone chimed the theme song to Sailor Moon. He gasped, his heart rate speeding up. His hands reached for the phone in his pocket and he answered careful to hit the button gently so as not to hang up on Julie. "Hey," He said softly sitting at the table. There was no need to drink the tea this evening with a full vegetarian dinner, but the slight cinnamon mixed in with honey relaxed him. He had once asked Lord D for the full recipe, but Lord D had simply smiled and insisted he try the confection from La Torte bakery.

"Rain, are... Are you mad at me?" Julie's voice sounded thin coming through the line and Rain sighed. Just hearing her voice caused his heart to sing. There was no way he could have actually felt love for George. What had he mistaken for love as he looked at the beautiful man? He wished he knew.

"I could never be mad at you. Where are you?" Rain asked for he heard nothing in the background.

"Home now," Julie paused she heard loud Meows and knew Slyphe was demanding Rain's attention. "I'll let you go..."

"No, Julie," Rain patted Slyphe calming her as she was responding to his upset and was merely trying to comfort him. "She's fine, it's you I am worried about. Did I do something wrong? If so... I am sorry. I just,"

"No Rain, I'm at fault here. You're not," Julie struggled her breathing becoming agitated and Rain felt tears at the obvious sign of her agitation. "I know that you're not... Not...Him."

"Julie," Rain called her name and sighed for the line went dead. He lowered his head. "Ryo! Dee!" Rain got up and went to the backyard where the adults milled around speaking and enjoying the soft sounds of Jhaymes playing an acoustic guitar. Ryo moved away from Count D when Rain grabbed his arm.

"Calm down," Dee said after they had taken Rain back inside and sat him down. "What happened?"

"Someone hurt Julie," Rain blurted out seeing Bikky hovering in the door worried about his younger brother.

"What? Who? Let's go!" Bikky prepared to head out.

"No, not like now, but before, she didn't say much... just..." Rain shook his head. "I want to help, but I don't know what to do."

"Perhaps telling us is the best thing that you can do," Ryo said his voice in that gentle cadence that Bikky would always cherish. It brought of memories of a dingy office and terror. Hot chocolate and a warm embrace, of tears and comfort. Memories of crushing loss and hopeful finding. His very first night of meeting New York's finest detectives. While it was Ryo who had given him a home and someone to belong to, it was Dee who had given him the courage to exact his revenge...legally. Bikky sat at the table with his family and listened as Rain explained the short conversation. "I see," Ryo said his gaze thoughtful as he looked out at the happy people chatting in their backyard. "Tomorrow night, when we go in to work Dee and I will look into the family history and see what we come up with. It might be old news and all we can do is call Andy and arrange for her to have a few sessions. Or, there might be someone for us to arrest."

"You'll beat him first right?" Bikky asked Dee.

Dee was about to smirk and answer in the affirmative but received a warning glare from Ryo. "We will act as according to the situation within the strictest codes of the law." Dee said his eyes twinkling with a mischievousness that had always beguiled Ryo. Rain thanked his parents and Bikky. Cujo barked and they looked up.

"Is everything in this house big enough to eat me?" Marilyn asked with a flirtatious toss of his head. "Hope I'm not disturbing anything but I got tired of listening to that knight coo at Georgie. Rather rude of him to ignore me like this after I came all this way to see him."

"Boys, it's getting late and we have an early appointment," Ryo said not meaning to ignore Marilyn but finding it hard to look at the over done blond. Though he was not a heavy make up user like George there was something garish about his personality that made Ryo want him out of his house. Aoi and Kurayami are already asleep. So are Kibo and Shinrai and Lyo is nodding. Why don't you put Lyo to bed, you can stay up for a few more hours, but in your room." Bikky nodded and collected the tots. Kurayami woke up and let out an earsplitting wail as Rain tried to separate him from Count D.

"Iie, Kura-Chan," Aoi woke cuddling Bikky her small fingers twining in his long blond hair. "Ame-Chan genki-des." Kurayami seemed to cease and listen to his older sister, but his little face screwed up and he wailed again. Aoi shook her head then said to Rain. "Papa smell nice, Kura stay."

"Yes I think that would be best," Count D patted his baby and rocked him. Aoi yawned then went allowing Bikky to put her in a tiny bed set up in his room. The bed would vanish when the adults left for the evening.

"We'll hook up the multi-player unit and Quest for a while, okay, dads," Bikky told Ryo and Dee. They both nodded then went back to the yard.

"Leon, we will be adding another case load to our stack," Ryo said in his ear once the kids were gone from the yard.

"Yeah. What case?" Leon said nodding JJ over.

"I need to look into the Summers' family history." Ryo nodded then sat down close to Dee as he listened to Jhaymes who was indeed cooing.

"...I haven't decided if they're gray or they're blue...oh... Boy, yours are the sweetest eyes, I've ever seen. And you could tell everybody, that this is your song." George sighed, how long had it been since someone had written a song about him? True he had a song written about it before, but he never heard a song sang in such a way that he thought he was melting from the inside out. "I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words... How wonderful life is, now you're in my world." Jhaymes paused and blew a kiss while he strummed a little using his gifts to indeed stroke George's face. "I hope you don't mind," He belted, "I hope you don't mind, that I put down in words," Jhaymes sat aside his guitar and walked over to George. He took his hand and kissed the back of it. "How wonderful life is, now you're in my world." The words were sang so softly George was sure that he was the only one who had heard it. "Ha-a-ii phu ile oou sui," George gasped. He had not understood what Jhaymes said but tears sprang to his eyes and wet his cheeks. Jhaymes licked them away keeping the salty trails for his own purposes.

"What are you doing to me?" George asked unaware that Marilyn had rejoined them.

"I'm loving you," Jhaymes pulled George into an embrace. "Ancient Arcadian style." Jhaymes laughed. "Aah, gha rha aah."

"What are you saying to him?" Marilyn asked seeing George's cheeks flush.

"I said that I love him the first time," Jhaymes answered losing his fingers in the stylized curls in George's hair left from the tight plaits he had worn earlier.

"And just now?" Marilyn prompted causing George to sigh and wish he would just go away.

"That is for my dear to know only and I will tell him later." Jhaymes offered a playful grin to Marilyn. "I will tell him while he is drenched in my scent and panting still from the rush of our love."

"Oh...God," George gasped his heart going into overdrive.

"And that folks is a sign that the night is done." Leon laughed looking at George's wide-eyed panting. "See you tomorrow morning," Leon said helping Count D to gather Kurayami's bag. "I'll go get Jewel," Leon pressed a kiss to D's lips while JJ helped Lord D to stand.

"ChiChiUe?" Count D saw his father pale.

"Just a bit dizzy child, I'm alright," Lord D held on to JJ. D was discreet as he pressed his hands to father's minuscule stomach.

"Perhaps I can speak to him," Count D said in their native Mandarin. "What's wrong little one?" D said softly still holding his hand to his father. "Calm down, you are alright. You are pulling too much too fast from father and it will distress you both. Just relax." D coached and Lord D sighed in relief when the baby did settle down. Count D smiled. "He was scared when you stood up so fast. Please be more careful father."

"Everything okay?" Leon asked concerned for his father-in-law.

"Yes," D smiled as Ryo kissed his cheek then the top of Little Leon's downy soft head. "Their veins are fully connected and when he is upset he pulls on father causing his energy to flag. You will well remember the fainting spells and dizziness of my own time." Leon nodded as they retrieved Jewel and the twins. Marilyn stood by wondering at the strange Arcadian code that they all seemed to understand. He hoped that one day soon he would be let in on the secret of this royal society that George seemed to fit into so well. Looking for George he saw him leading Jhaymes up the stairs.

"Without even a good night, or a sleep well or... eat shit," Marilyn grumbled stomping after his long time friend. "Good night George, I would say sweet dreams, but I doubt you'll be getting any sleep." Before George could say anything Marilyn went into Lyo's room and shut the door. He paused at the juvenile depictions of dragons and mountains painted on the walls with trees and the ceiling painted blue depicting the sky. Overhead on the ceiling was a large green dragon, a red dragon and a golden dragon painted in exquisite detail by Lord D before he had become pregnant. Marilyn looked at the roll-a-way bed that indeed looked comfortable with it's blankets and pillows. He really hoped his plan worked. If Georgie could sing to sold out crowds, so could he. Though he dis-trusted their motives, he would use the Royale to the best of his abilities. Marilyn laid down then sat up as he heard George's voice in the hall.

"Ryo said it was okay," George said and Marilyn could not catch the rest. "Just try not to set the sheets on fire, my temperature is back to normal." What? Marilyn wondered but lost the opportunity to hear more as George and Jhaymes entered his bedroom the door shut with a soft click.

Break

"Do you need to talk to him?" Jhaymes said when the door was closed.

"He'll be fine, Marilyn just likes to blow off steam every now and then." George laughed as Jhaymes looked around the room. "Ponchi is with Rain and Slyphe for the evening."

"Oh, okay," Jhaymes breathed deeply watching George move about his room with a grace that was shocking in one so human. George began to remove his clothes placing them neatly in the hamper. He always intended to wash his own clothing but Ryo usually got to them before he could so much as separate out the colors. George sat at his vanity with his brush. "Let me," Jhaymes took the brush pulling it gently through the tresses. "Its so soft," Jhaymes ran his fingers behind the brush.

"Glad you like it," George chuckled. "Seeing as how its attached to me."

"I love everything attached to you," Jhaymes lifted the mass of hair so that he could press a kiss to the nape. George shivered slightly leaning back into Jhaymes lips. "I want you."

"I know," George sighed. He was smiling as Jhaymes turned him in his arms. "I want you as well." George leaned into Jhaymes kiss his mouth open and ready. Jhaymes loved the way George kissed. So complete and full. His tongue and mouth were not shy as he opened for him. George wrapped his arms around Jhaymes smiling as he felt Jhaymes hands on his bottom. Jhaymes splayed his fingers wide then clenched them. Kneading the plump mounds of George's behind, Jhaymes lifted George from his feet supporting his weight he carried him to the bed.

"I sense no malevolent dragons after a late night snack," Jhaymes panted when he was able to break his mouth away from George.

"Yes, I know, Ryo nor Bikky will eat you," George said his voice catching as he pulled Jhaymes shirt off and was given a tantalizing view of muscular pectorals. "Let me get the light," George scooted from Jhaymes lap. Jhaymes took his hand. "What?"

"Why?" Jhaymes looked at the light switch that George had been headed too.

"Come on now, I'm pudgy," George lowered his head hearing Marilyn telling him that if he went to a beach, Greenpeace would rescue him. Though he was disgruntled that his friend would say such a thing he had to admit that he had packed on a few. His weight was a constant battle and Ryo's cooking was really good. George sighed as Jhaymes let him go. Even though he had said it, he was hurt that Jhaymes did not readily disagree. George flipped the switch blanketing the room in darkness. He heard rustling behind him and knew that Jhaymes was taking his pants off. A sweet whistle was heard and George gasped as several candles around the room flickered to life.

"You're beautiful, and I want to see you." Jhaymes sat back on the bed and pulled George on top of him. George sat still in Jhaymes lap his heart glad that Jhaymes still found him beautiful. "If your weight bothers you so much, we could implement a plan to help you lose it. But only if it bothers you. Because I think you are beautiful inside and out. No matter if you weigh eighty pounds or eight hundred."

George released a burst of laughter. "Eight hundred? I hope I never get that big."

"I'd still love you," Jhaymes pressed a kiss to. "You're my angel, my sun, the fire in my heart is fed by you. I was cold and dead inside until you walked into my life. Hard for being of flames to be cold, but I was." George tried to speak but Jhaymes stole his breath with a deep kiss plundering his mouth like a conquering hero over soft plains of sweet sensation. Jhaymes hands began to roam the contours of George's back then his stomach moving up to his chest. George moaned at the warm fingers pinching his nipples. "I think I need to kiss every part of you that I love." Jhaymes lifted George and stood him on his feet between his legs. "Turn around." George complied his body seeming to melt as Jhaymes stood behind him and molded his form to his.

George felt feather light kisses on top of his head, then his hair was lifted and Jhaymes kissed the nape of his neck. Jhaymes moved on to George's shoulders, the backs of his arms paying special attention to his elbows. Jhaymes went back to George's back and kissed a hot trail down the spine, licking up to the nape and kissing his way down again. George writhed where he stood his body seeming to be in flames. "Jhaymes," George said the name on a sweet exhalation of air that was more a sigh than a word. Jhaymes smiled and pressed several kisses on each perfect section of George's bottom. "Jhaymes!" George nearly lost his footing when Jhaymes wriggled his tongue in the crevice of his body. Jhaymes spread George open.

"Lean forward a bit," Jhaymes placed a hand on George's back pushing slightly until George bent over.

"Ah..." George groaned. Jhaymes licked, kissed, sucked and probed with his tongue at George's entrance. His tongue made it past the tight muscles causing George's knees to weaken. How far was he planning to go? George wondered at the agile tongue that tortured him. Just when George thought he could take no more, Jhaymes backed away a kissed his way down George's legs ending with the heels of his feet.

"Turn around," George was a bit unsteady as he obliged.

"Jhaymes I understand," George nodded his hair falling around him in a soft, fragrant cloud.

"I don't think you do," Jhaymes chuckled softly and stood to kiss every inch of George's face licking his lips and tasting inside. He moved on to his neck, his chest, his nipples and down his stomach dipping his tongue into the naval. Jhaymes moved over and kissed George's sides, his arms, he sucked each finger and placed kisses on the palms of each hand.

"Wait, wait," George tried to take a moment to collect himself.

"For what?" Jhaymes smirked glad to finally have George at a loss for words during their lovemaking. He was always the one in awe of his beautiful human lover, now he was turning the tables and it thrilled him. Jhaymes kissed the sensitive skin at the juncture of George's pelvis and his thigh then kissed the thigh, his knee and on down his calf. Jhaymes payed close attention to each toe and the bottom of George's foot before he lowered the limb and instructed George to lift the other so he could pay it the same homage. George's hands clenched on Jhaymes shoulder as Jhaymes sat on the bed facing his weeping need. "I love you Georgie, sweetheart, I do," Jhaymes said placing small kisses along the shaft. "I love you," Jhaymes licked the drop of moisture that waited there tasting like, heat and sex and George.

"I...Mmm, I..." George tried to speak but Jhaymes took just the head into his mouth sucking softly. "Oh... Gosh..." George whimpered at the delicate nibbling Jhaymes was doing. "I love you." George admitted then cried out in bliss as Jhaymes took him in fully his tongue working over the turgid flesh in his mouth. As he sucked he moved his fingers around in the pot of warm lubrication. George relaxed at the feel of Jhaymes fingers probing for entry. Jhaymes dipped first one, then two fingers inside of him stretching George, preparing him. Jhaymes brushed the tip of his finger over the most sensitive spot inside of George and he cried out coming in thick streams of joy in Jhaymes mouth.

Jhaymes moved back smiling as he swallowed. He placed one last kiss to the tip. Jhaymes caught George when he collapsed against him and pulled until George straddled his hips. "I want to watch your pleasure," Jhaymes said pressing their mouths together as his body pressed inside. George's breath left him on a gasp. Jhaymes pushed in more and he lowered his hips circling to better angle his body's contact with Jhaymes. "Oh... yeah," Jhaymes held George's waist lifting him up then pushing up to meet him. They both sank down moving together in a timeless rhythm George continued to undulate on top of Jhaymes throwing his head back Jhaymes took advantage of the position to suck the hard nubs of George's nipples.

"Umpf... Jhaymes... Oh... Jhaymes..." George gasped moving his body slowly enjoying every inch of Jhaymes that loved him. Every inch. George wrapped his arms around Jhaymes back and stared down into his eyes the gaze held and George wondered if he had truly been in love with Jhaymes before, for now he felt as if he were falling all over again.

Break

JJ stood watching as Lord D sang softly to Kibo and Shinrai while he rocked them to sleep. It was a beautiful sight. Soft yellow light danced off the lovely pale skin from the small lamp that sat on the table behind Lord D highlighting his beauty. His shiny obsidian hair lay in a loose braid down his back. JJ's fingers itched to touch it. To feel its silky weight cool against his hot hands and sliding over his bare skin. Lord D seemed to feel the gaze on him and looked up. He was still humming as the rustle of the soft Cheongsam was heard. JJ loved watching him move. Even the simple act of getting up and turning out the lamp so that the moon shone into the room from the window was full of grace and unspeakable elegance. He felt like an uncouth bumpkin next to his lover, but oh, how he loved him. "They are growing so fast," JJ said taking Lord D's hand to lead him from the room leaving the door open a bit.

"Yes, so beautiful," Lord D smiled up at JJ. He had felt the hot looks that JJ had not even tried to conceal. Lord D was deliberate when they entered their bedroom. He loosened the closures of his cheongsam allowing it to slide from his shoulders. He walked over while folding it carefully. JJ kicked his shoes off and sat on the bed not pretending to do more than enjoy the sight of each layer that was discarded. Lord D's arms became visible as he made it to the sleeveless sheath. JJ took a deep inhalation while he wiped his damp palms on his pants. "Are you going to take those off?" Lord D asked not turning around to see JJ.

"Yeah," JJ stood up his fingers going to his belt he saw Lord D bend over to remove his slippers. Finally, the pants came off and JJ's mouth went dry then it seemed to make up for the momentary lack by becoming too wet. He gulped when the sheer material of Lord D's sheath hid nothing of the porcelain fine back that arched gracefully to the perfect, round bottom. "Come here."

"In a moment," Lord D looked over his shoulder with a teasing glint in his eyes. He walked over to his vanity and sat down. JJ sat on the bed in his shorts and tank staring in disbelief. Lord D had told him to wait. JJ smiled then sat down to do just that. The long red ribbon was untied and Lord D's deft fingers un-plaited the glorious tresses. He was careful as he pulled a brush through his hair then gathered it into a band at his nape. Lord D got to his feet. He walked to JJ and stood between his spread legs. "Did you want something?"

"You little tease," JJ yanked Lord D onto the bed and climbed over him. "You okay?" JJ asked concern for the delicate arm he had pulled halting his lust. Lord D nodded twining his arms around JJ's neck. "Still so flat," JJ said running his hand over the firm bump in Lord D's middle.

"It will grow," Lord D assured him his breath catching at the feel of JJ's mouth on his neck. JJ trailed kisses up from Lord D's neck to his cheeks, his nose his mouth. JJ lingered at the mouth tasting the lips, coaxing them open, diving in and falling into bliss. Lord D opened willingly his tongue darting in and out seeming to dance with JJ's their agility born of love and desire, devotion and longing. JJ's hands slide around the satin sheath tugging at the waist. It was pulled up baring the legs that seemed too long for the slight stature of the kami beneath him. "Mmm, Jemi-Chan," Lord D panted as JJ kneaded the muscles in his thighs spreading them apart.

"You are so beautiful," JJ's words, whispered, seemed to caress the skin just at his hands were. Lord D lay plaint, moved by JJ's heart more than his body at the moment and tears gathered in his eyes. He blinked them away to look down at JJ then closed them on a sigh. JJ's mouth engulfed him sucking and licking, kissing, driving him mad. Long nails vanished in the thick locks of JJ's hair as Lord D rocked his hips up and down in time to JJ's mouth.

"Jemi-Chan," Lord D cried out lifting up higher. He opened his mouth when JJ's fingers pressed for entry and sucked the digits as he longed to suck something else. JJ smiled then withdrew his fingers. He lifted his head long enough to shift and give Lord D what he wanted. JJ gasped at the deep suction on his member and sighed before he went back to sucking Lord D his fingers probing. Lord D sighed his body relaxing around JJ's slim digits. JJ pressed in first one, then two fingers softening the muscles, loosening the tight tunnel that was soft as velvet inside. Soft and moist, it's taste sweet and intoxicating. JJ pushed his fingers in gentle and deep finding that rough patch of skin that always drove Lord D wild. Lord D gasped his body leaving him far behind in its rush to climax. JJ grinned humming appreciatively at the sweet taste that came in a rush over his tongue. He swallowed every thing that came in and ended by sucking the last of it, stabbing his tongue into the slit at the tip wanting each honeyed drop he had been given.

Lord D lay limp as JJ moved him into position. He raised his legs over JJ's shoulders looking up into his deep blue eyes. "Jemi-Chan," JJ loved the way Lord D said his name. Like a sigh in a dream that he did not wish to awaken from. JJ coated himself with lubrication knowing he would need a lot to make this painless for Lord D. JJ smiled down at Lord D flexing his hips he pressed just the head in past the tight ring to the doorway of Lord D's inner sanctum. "Onegaishimasu."

"So hot," JJ said pushing in using his arms to support Lord D's legs as he began to thrust into him. "So right, so perfect," JJ moved deep inside. "I love you," JJ panted his body in overdrive that he tried to control wanting to savor each stroke into the heat of Lord D.

"Ah..." Lord D felt each stroke against his body, deep inside. "Jemi-Chan, sugoi," Lord D held JJ tight feeling his world spiral out beyond his control. JJ moved faster wanting this to last, but knowing that it couldn't. Nothing that felt this good could continue for too much longer. As the thought formed he felt himself tense. His body acted on its own driving into Lord D feeling his own end near. JJ cried out Lord D's name filling him with his joyful exaltation of the union. Lord D gasped releasing again bathing their stomachs. JJ lowered Lord D's legs massaging the limbs then leaning to lick clean the cooling mess on Lord D's fine skin taut with the life growing inside of him. The honey sweet flavor was the culmination of his efforts. When JJ pulled Lord D into his arms it was to find that the delicate male was asleep

"I love you," JJ whispered kissing the fine hairs that framed Lord D's face. Lord D sighed melting into JJ's embrace even in sleep clinging to the love he had waited so long for.

Break

Rain lay next to Bikky on the bed his mind awash in millions of conflicting thoughts and emotions. He loved Julie and he wanted to touch her, but he was scared. He also felt a physical rush from being near George. Was he gay? He didn't want to be. He wanted Julie, but he loved George. He love Julie, but he wanted George. What was wrong with him? Ryo had said that he was just going through a phase, a natural part of growing into a man. Seemed more like he was growing into a sexually confused mess. Had Bill done this to him? Rain shied away from the thought. He needed to talk to someone.

He got up from the bed seeing his light on, he knew Renee must be writing and would hate to disturb her. Besides, he was uncomfortable talking to her about such personal things. He walked by Ryo and Dee's room prepared to knock but saw no lights on. They were either sleeping or making love. Neither activity he wanted to disturb. He looked at the guest room and saw light flickering under the door. It was not the light of the lamp, but seemed to be candles. He knocked gently and heard George's voice come faintly through. "Come...in...Comin'."

"Okay," Rain opened the door his face paled as he looked at the bed. Sitting on the edge with his arms wrapped tightly around George's back was Jhaymes. George sat on top of Jhaymes his arms around his neck their eyes locked as George slowly undulated his hips. "Oh...Oh no!" Rain backed out of the room as George went wild on top of Jhaymes crying out not knowing they had an audience.

"George...wait, wait, shock. He's in shock..." Jhaymes said trying to get George's attention.

"What..." George turned around to see Rain in the hallway shaking his head saying over and over again, "Oh no, oh no."

"Oh..." George gasped trying to get off of Jhaymes. Rain shut the door and ran down the stairs his bare feet silent on the well tended stairs.

"No Sweetheart... Don't move," Jhaymes tried but it was too late. At George's shifting, his body lost all sense of control. George held still holding Jhaymes to him while he peaked then slowly extricated himself from his lover.

"I have to talk to him," George said pressing a kiss to Jhaymes lips. "Sorry," George said as he searched out a wet wipe to clean up a bit and found a robe. Jhaymes was still nodding as the door shut leaving him alone in the room.

Break

Rain paced the dark yard his mind jumbling from one image to another. He recalled Ryo and Dee making splashes and sounds at the Obsidian palace. He recalled hearing the sounds Ryo made as Dee took him. He recalled what he just saw now with all he knew of George's beauty. He saw again the brief glimpse of rapture he had seen on George's face. Rain dropped onto the padded lounge. Slyphe purred loudly wrapping her thick form around his bare feet keeping them warm. Rain placed his elbows on his knees then his head in his hands. Slyphe looked up knowing that she had no words to comfort her young human. Ponchi sat on her head leaving trails of sparkling blue dust having abandoned George as he seemed intent on spending the night loving Jhaymes. She too remained quiet letting the young man calm his raging thoughts and paranoid hormones.

George looked around downstairs and felt a cool breeze from the kitchen. He walked through the dark dining room and into the kitchen. Seeing the door open he walked onto the porch and looked around. At first he did not see the lanky form on his favorite lounge. When he did he sighed and gathered his robe close to his body. Rain looked up as the wind carried George's scent to him. He caught his breath as the hot breath of Jhaymes' scent came to him. "You're drenched in it," Rain looked away when George sat beside him.

"In what?" George asked hoping that he did not smell too strongly of sex.

"I'm not normal remember," Rain's shoulders slumped as he feared those words would be the epitaph of his life. "I can smell Jhaymes all over you."

"Right about now, Marilyn could probably smell it," George admitted as he felt the evidence of their love, despite his quick cleaning, in his body.

"Are you... does it hurt?" Rain inclined his head to where George sat. "Ryo likes it, so I guess you do. Dumb question."

"The only dumb question is the one not asked," George said then he laughed. "Or at least that is what my teachers used to tell me right before they expelled me for non conformity."

"You got expelled?" Rain finally met George's eyes laughing with him.

"Yeah, one too many times telling the headmaster to fuck off." George grinned. "They were all sure that with my keen intelligence I could do so well if I just worked more and daydreamed less. Fat lot they knew."

"I'm sorry," Rain whispered talking to his hands as his eyes had slid away from George's again. "I did not mean to walk in on you two. I heard you say come in."

"No," George grinned deciding that perhaps Rain was going to be okay. "You heard me say 'comin' I was warning Jhaymes, or maybe just speaking in joy, in the heat of the moment one can never be too sure." George shrugged holding his robe close as a breeze blew over his thinly covered body. Cujo surprised him by crawling into his lap. "Thank you," George said to the large dog whose fur was keeping him warmer. Cujo nodded his large head then seemed to doze on his new perch which smelled of fowl making him hungry. Slyphe giggled from her spot at Rain's feet as she thought the same thing. Ponchi abandoned the lynx to sit upon George's head. Rain chuckled seeing the fairy sit so comfortably in George's hair which was tossed about from his bout of loving. His lips were smudged and his cheeks flushed. George saw that Rain was confused. "I hope you are like most adolescent boys and you have made friends with your own hand." Rain blushed looking away. "Then you know when it feels the best and you lose all sense of reason and..." George halted as Rain nodded his face on fire.

"Are you... truly happy here?" Rain asked after what seemed like forever of silence between the two.

"More so than I ever thought I could be." George nodded thinking over the apprehension he had as he had left the country.

"Will you stay?" Rain asked thinking that the recording of the album would conclude with the filming of several videos. "Your visa..."

"I don't know, but it's not like we'll never see each other again. We have become great friends, you and I." George assured him.

"What about Jhaymes? He would be upset if you left." Rain said looking up at Ponchi he added. "And I don't think she can go to England."

Ponchi shook her head sadly crystal drops of tears falling onto George's hair. "All things will work out, I hope." George said then sighed as he too thought of the culmination of their work.

"If Torcha and Laton register you as one of their kits, it would make you Arcadian, dual status like we all have. You would be English and Arcadian, like we are American and Arcadian. Would that work?"

"It just might, but I do not think my parents can handle seeing two full dragons. My father's heart is not what it used to be." George said thinking of having his parents over to tea with the king and queen of fantastic beasts, one known to eat humans.

"Then we'll just have to make sure that Lord D is present to administer medical aid if needed." Rain got to his feet. "Better get back inside, the winds are changing." Rain wrinkled his nose. "Smells like fire, but not a pure one."

"Fire?" George asked looking around getting to his feet. Ponchi was clinging to his hair as they stood up. George sniffed the air sensing nothing he looked amazed as Slyphe and Cujo walked the perimeter of the yard.

"George, get inside," Rain shoved him to the door as large wings covered him. "Wyld Wynd," Rain looked up at the tall native that stood on the porch. "What's going on?"

"You have been targeted by the mob, but not all is as it seems. This family is in danger." Wyld Wynd looked up into the sky. "Live your life as normal. I sent strange wind to get you alone. Tell your fathers not to change their life. To go about as if nothing is wrong. When you need me, call the wind." Rain nodded and was left alone in the backyard. Ryo and Dee came out awakened by George knocking on their door. Jhaymes came down the stairs wearing a hastily donned pair of pants with Bikky at his side. Chris coming not too far behind. Lyo still lay in Ryo and Dee's bed where he had crawled when Chris and T-Chan kept moving around. T-Chan now joined Slyphe and Cujo embarrassed to have slept through the coming of the thunderbird.

"It's alright George, sorry to bother you." Rain said giving Ryo and Dee a meaningful look.

"What did my cousin want?" Jhaymes asked letting Rain know that he was not fooled.

"Go normal, nothing to stress about now, but be alert." Rain relayed the message that he had received. "I'm going to bed, have to smile pretty for the cameras tomorrow." Rain yawned heading upstairs. "Next time George I'll listen closer so that I can tell 'come in', from 'comin'." Rain laughed then went inside leaving a few confused stares behind.
Powdered Sugre 41

Pure Madness

"Oh wow!" Justin's eyes widened as he looked around the studio. Rain stood with his head phones on singing a track while the recorded music played. "This is awesome," He looked around at Andy where she sat next to Nestoir watching as the music crew worked with dials under Daphnus orders.

"Yeah, well." Brian laughed as his lover looked around the studio. "Glad you like it." Brian tucked his sunglasses into his pocket while he waited for Rain to get done. "We have a few things to discuss, then I can take you out on the town like I promised, seeing as how this is our anniversary trip."

"Yeah and you promised you would not work, but here you are... Working," Justin folded his arms as his awe was replaced with his previous disgruntlement.

"I just have a few announcements to make then we can go about our kinky way. I have a lot of ideas on different places I'd like to fuck you." Justin sighed trying to stay mad but smiling in spite of himself. Rain finished the song then smiled as Justin noticed for the first time who else was in the studio.

"Holy shit, Boy George!" Justin exclaimed forgetting for a moment that he was trying not to embarrass himself or Brian while in the presence of the illustrious royal pop stars.

"That's twice today I've heard that one," George laughed as he recalled the outburst of the photographer at today's sessions of family photos. Count D had taken Lyo with him after the session ended sending Chris off with the older boys. "Very nice to meet you..." George let the thought wander off as he waited for the name.

"Justin, I'm Justin. I'm with him," Justin pointed at Brian. "Will you sit for a portrait?"

"Not today, but I will, you know Bikky just waits for me to stop moving," George laughed thinking of the many candid poses of himself.

"Not hard to do," Marilyn quipped closing his mouth when he received a glare from Bikky.

"Actually," Brian said when Rain was done and he removed his headgear. Rain wandered over near Bikky and George sitting down. "Where are Ryo and Dee?"

"Went to work," Rain said after he took a sip from the water bottle that Bikky handed him. "Dropped us off and left."

"Oh, never would have thought kids would like hanging out at a foreign government building, but hey, it's your summer waste it if you like." Justin sighed his eyes traveling over the heavily clothed form of Rain. "You really are so much cuter in person." George got to his feet and stood in front of Rain his fushia jacket bright in the sun of the large picture windows of the recording studio that was built into the consulate. Rain looked up grateful at George then slid away with Bikky and Chris.

"If that was the last track, we wanted to go swimming," Bikky called over to Daphnus.

"Wait, you need to hear the schedule for the rest of the summer," Brian waved a hand to call the boys back. As thunder could be heard be heard and clouds covered the shining sun.

"You are doing a morning show next week, then there is a promo for the upcoming album after that then you will sit and talk with Lindsey Fennel she will be the show that airs the premier release of the video of the first single, which... says here..." Brian looked down at his schedule. "Is you, Rain," Rain nodded then sighed. "Now I have done the advertisement campaign to highlight the fact you are growing up. You are fifteen right?" Rain nodded. He folded his arms waiting for Brian to continue. "You will be expected to appeal to a large teenage crowd, though you still appeal to the teenie audiences and a few young adults. There are even some older..." Brian paused. "There seems to be no generational gap between your fans though I have tried to angle you more towards your own age group."

"You seem flustered by that," George laughed. He looked around the studio and wished that Jhaymes had stayed with them, but he realized that a knight of the realm had responsibilities that did not revolve around his need to be in constant contact. "Why must there be an age limit? Music is music, and people are going to adore it or hate it no matter their age. I have the same demographics that he does." George shrugged then he laughed.

"Yes well,"Brian sighed.

"If that was all, George is needed to record a track next," Daphnus approached his hair loose to his waist.

"It wasn't, that is why I was asking after Ryo and Dee," Brian informed the high prince. Andy looked up from her studying of newly penned lyrics. "Seems that this morning they were seen by a scout and are wanted to do photos for Abercrombie and Fitch, their ad exec is a friend of mine, so I told him I would let them know. Also, Bikky, you have been seen and a producer wants you to audition for a movie." Bikky stared at Brian with wide eyes.

"Me, not Rain? You serious?" Bikky said his non-enthusiasm evident in the way he frowned at Brian.

"Yes you," Brian nodded. "That's it now you boys may go," Brian waved.

"Tomorrow we begin the video for the track you recorded today," Daphnus called after them. Rain nodded waving as they vanished into the consulate. George felt the barely perceptible shift and subtle scent in the air as a door was opened somewhere in the consulate and the boys left for Arcadia. He wished he could go with them. George aimed a sour look at Marilyn.

"What, you hungry or something?" Marilyn laughed looking at George.

"No," George got to his feet. "Has Andy heard you sing yet?" George asked hearing the commotion of new arrivals he turned to see Roger and Mimi enter the studio.

"She said if she had time today she would listen. I told her about my albums, but she wants to hear just my voice without additives and musical tinkering." Marilyn admitted feeling a rush of nerves that he had never before experienced. He wanted to say more but Nestoir began a playful refrain on his guitar. Daphnus looked up then laughed and joined him.

George looked up confused as both princes began to sing. "Whoa, whoa here she comes, watch out boy, she'll chew you up. Whoa, whoa here she comes, she's a man eaterrrr..."

"Hello pretty," Heaven laughed when George yelped. Her cold hand was pressed to his back and he could feel it through his many layers of clothes.

"Hello Heaven, when was the last time you ate?" George blurted the words out wishing immediately that he could take them back.

Heaven laughed, a merry sound that, like Aurora's, could easily trick the hearer into forgetting what they truly were. "Saving my appetite," Heaven admitted then looked at Marilyn. "I spoke to Jhaymes right before he and Alera headed to China with Master Xi and Sofu D."

"China!" George gasped. "He told me nothing of China. He said he would be gone for a few days but..."

"They are just going as an escort for someone named Feng who has an appointment at the pet shop." Heaven answered then patted George's arm. "They will return before you know it." Heaven's words were blanketed in heavy meaning and George relaxed. Arcadia was a strange place, he would have to get used to these kind of things. Marilyn snickered and George confused him with a smile. "Go sing, I came to hear you." Heaven pushed George to the microphone and headphones that Rain had left.

"Hope you have an indoor pool," Justin said pointing to the window that faced the LA street. Rain fell from the sky from the dark clouds that had covered the sun while they all stood talking.

"Yes well," Nestoir strummed his guitar and George playfully danced about before he started snapping his fingers to the beat. "We are going to record the music and your vocals live..." Nestoir said and George nodded then warmed up his voice with a few sounds and scales. Daphnus played the piano while Prince Kronos went to the keyboards and synthesizers, Deipyros worked the drums. There were several sections that tuned up their brass instruments.

"Oh, Heaven," Andy said to her friend. "This is a remix of one of George's earlier songs. We have a lot of remixes and new songs as well as covers of our favorites, this will be a unique set of music." Heaven nodded her eyes riveted to George who had begun to sing.

"Footsteps movements finding people, Clutch to the forbidden soul. Twisting words to find a reason. How am I supposed to throw? Questions that I cannot answer. Watch those boys they dance and go. Hung up like the rules that made them. I'll be gone before you know" George sang and Heaven gasped swept away on the lovely sound of his voice. "If I cry...Let me be told...Or give me something... That I can hold..." The horns blared and Heaven tapped her foot to the beat caught up watching George dance around the studio to keep the beat. "Rhythms take me. Do I need it? Will we kiss will you let go? Twisting hearts, Oh how we bleed them. How am I supposed to throw? Memories from where I keep them. Words will only make us slow. We are brave on the assumption, he'll be back before you know. If I cry... Let me be told... Or give me something ...that I can hold..." George held the note. The band struck up another blaring beat the horns and drums seeming to compete for dominance sounding pleasant despite the wild movements of sound. "Footsteps movements finding people. Clutch to the forbidden soul. Twisting words to find a reason. How am I supposed to throw? Questions that I cannot answer. Watch those boys they dance and go. Hung up like the rules that made them. I'll be gone before you know. If I cry...Let me be told...Or give me something...That I can hold." The band finished out the song.

Roger leaned over the piano with Mimi as George finished singing. "We'll be around for a few days before we record right? I wanted to stop by the pet shop and visit Sofu D, seeing as he saved our lives." Roger said to Daphnus when the prince was done with the sound works.

"I'm sure that would be appreciated, but you know," Daphnus said his lips lifting in a grin. "He did not do that out of a benevolent need to aid humans."

"I know," Roger laughed. "If Lord D had not taken a liking to Angel, we'd all be dead or dying by now." Daphnus winked when Nestoir rushed over to rescue Roger from one of his spiels.

"I was not going to say much more," Daphnus laughed then looked for George. "Don't worry about Jhaymes, this is a simple retrieval mission. They'll nab Feng and get back here before you know it."

"Who is Feng?" George asked sitting down at the piano. His face paled as Marilyn walked over.

"You should sit up straiter, your stomach won't bulge out as much," Marilyn laughed emphasizing his open vest and toned body.

"Jhaymes likes him as is," Andy narrowed her eyes. "While we are on break, would you mind running through a few songs with me?" Marilyn clapped his hands nodding so that his blond hair flowed across his face. Marilyn walked leaving George red faced. He shifted his clothing about him hiding more of his figure.

"You're not fat," Heaven said her lips lifting slightly to bare her fangs. "There is a certain roundness to your body, but it is cute."

"Jhaymes said I could weigh eighty or eight hundred pounds," George admitted his cheeks redder at the way Jhaymes had proved his point.

"Yes, well, your scent is all over his now," Heaven sat on a stool folding her arms. Trails of white lace seemed to float to the floor from her sleeves and the hem of her gown. "I don't like that friend of yours, I would drain him, but I think he would taste bad."

"He is a friend, please don't eat him," George sighed thinking over their time together in the clubs of London.

"That is a general misconception about the vampire George," Nestoir informed him smiling brightly as Brian and Justin stood by the window of the rainy LA street speaking with Roger and Mimi. "You see, the humans are not actually eaten, but the blood is drained and ingested. The corpse is left intact. Flesh is not necessary for the vampire survival, or so all the legends say," Nestoir looked up smiling as Andy and Marilyn came back.

"Love," Andy's smile was strained. "Only a few refrains were needed, perhaps his vocals could be used as a duet with George and Rain." Marilyn frowned hearing this. Silently Andy added to her husband. "They are both strong enough with vocals to shape him."

"That bad huh?" Nestoir thought to his wife. She nodded then smiled tightly to Marilyn. "Perhaps we can discuss this later."

"Yes, why don't you convince Daphnus that we are done for today. I want to play with my babies." Andy flounced away leaving her husband staring at the other high prince.

"She's good," Daphnus said before Nestoir could even open his mouth.

George was laughing as he walked over to Marilyn. "Why don't we have some tea while we wait for Dee and Ryo?"

"That princess is almost as rude as Calliope," Marilyn pouted. "She didn't even give me a chance to finish."

"Call her highness rude again and I may have to dispel you from my presence," Marilyn looked down at the petite form of Heaven her white garments shining in the light of the studio. He felt chilled at the amber ice of her eyes and cold glint of her smile. "She is kind to those that warrant no such sentiments."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Marilyn frowned twisting his lips.

"Tea?" George said again desperate to save Marilyn's life. Marilyn nodded walking off trying to ignore the shiver that ran up his spine.

Break

Rain floated on his back using wind pressure to push him along the water. "Rain, about Julie," Bikky said backstroking over to his brother. "I hope this all works out, you know," Rain nodded. "Hey, we should go on a camping trip before school is in again. You know all of us."

"All?" Rain asked before he slipped under the water the bright sun glancing off his caramel skin. Rain popped up again then shook his head to clear the water from his face. "I can just imagine Count D trying to make it in the woods."

"The woods would take care of him," Chris laughed. "You know how nature acts around those Kami."

"Yeah," Rain smiled thinking of how the flowers and even the grass tried to get a Kami's attention. "It'll be a blast, but I don't know about George."

"Now that would be a great thing to see." Bikky laughed thinking of the fun they would all have. "Let's suggest it at dinner tonight."

Break

Count D sat next to his father sipping his tea with a thoughtful smile while their children played in their playroom. It was set up to resemble a miniature village with doll houses, train tracks with a little moving locomotive, there were stores and malls and pet shops, schools, and parks and moving cars. Some of the toys had been purchased at toy stores, others were hand made by Alera and Jhaymes. The most exquisite pieces, realistic little figurines, were gifts from Jhaymes. Lord D had painted the room to look like a garden with a thick carpet in grass green on the floor. Trees and flowers were done in remarkable detail along the walls while the sky was brilliant blue with a few clouds, growing lighter around a central core that represented the sun.

Lord D sighed his hand resting on his tummy that had just begun to rumble. "I take it a snack would be in order." Count D said his voice full of mirth. Lord D blushed but nodded. Count D got to his feet not mentioning that lunch had been less than two hours ago. Count D checked the bassinet that sat beside his chair to assure himself that Kurayami still slept. He would allow his father to eat as much as he liked, he was required to supply energy for two now, or three knowing his father's abilities. Q-Chan chirped and Count D ran a finger over the pelt. "Hmmm, more fur than fuzz, hello grandmother." Q-Chan patted his cheek with her soft little hand. Count D looked out at the actual sunlight while he gathered bowls of fresh fruit sprinkling them liberally with sugar. He loaded the fruit onto a tray with tea, cookies baked by Andy and fresh honey for the tea. He also supplied toast and peanut butter for the tots. "There is some whipped crème and powdered sugar if you want."

"Oh yes," Lord D nodded beaming a bright smile at his son. Count D laughed then summoned the articles rather than leaving the room again. "I see you are being careful with that," Lord D said. He held out small plates of peanut butter spread toast to Aoi, Kibo and Shinrai when they toddled over. "I feared that, like some who achieve the ability of summoning, that you would grow pompous and never get up to get anything."

Count D laughed shaking his head at his father. "Leon said about the same. When you achieved it, was it a problem?"

"No, I was around other students of medicine, humans, it would have been disastrous if I had summoned anything in front of them." Lord D smiled fondly at the memory. "The men continually asked me out, even after I explained that I was male."

"You were male?" Count D teased. "What are you now then?"

"Miffed with my son and his teasing," Lord D bounced a grape off of Count D's head. When it rolled into his lap Count D picked up the grape and ate it. "You're welcome," Lord D frowned dipping a strawberry into the whipped cream.

"Oh yes, thank you," Count D laughed as he reached for a plump cherry. "I do love grapes."

The door to the playroom opened and Leonine strolled in her tawny skin swathed in long white drapes of cloth the only testament to her true lioness form. "Good sirs, you have guests. They originally asked to speak with great Soofu D, but when I informed them that he was away in China with the delegation of safety to escort the Feng here, they asked instead to see you."

"Who are our guests?" Count D asked smiling at the elaborate explanation. He could expect no less from Leonine, who was thorough in all things.

"They are Roger and Mimi, I do believe that they are the ones that Soofu called his siblings to aid with the battle against their auto immunodeficiency virus." Leonine nodded her slitted pupils focusing on Lord D. "Clean now, they smell wonderful. I think I will go have some lunch if you will see them."

"Yes, of course," Lord D smiled at the great cat. "Show them in." Leonine dipped a curtsy before she left the room returning a moment later with Roger and Mimi. Count D got to his feet to greet them waving his father back into his chair. He checked the bassinet again smiling to see that, though he was awake, Kurayami lay still his little fist in his mouth wet with his efforts to eat the digit. While his father greeted their visitors, Count D fished around in his diaper bag for a bottle.

"Oh, you're wet, excuse me," Count D inclined his head to Mimi and Roger before he got to his feet leaving the room.

"I thought Kami's used every thing they ingested as energy," Mimi looked after him confused.

"Yes, but our children are half human and thus, until they reach adulthood and choose their path, they will fill both roles of their nature." Lord D explained. "My son never displayed his human nature simply because he was only given mirandia milk and maisia juice so his body naturally took on the form of the Kami from birth as his human mother had died thus she was unable to suckle him. Father did not find a human wet nurse because he wanted to help me forget my folly and reared him as full Kami." Lord D sighed then remembered his manners offering some of the fruit. Seeing the large crystals of sugar glisten in the bright light Roger and Mimi shook their heads. "All children resemble their parents in some ways though. Count D has his mothers mannerisms and sometimes when he smiles I can see her still."

"He looks exactly like you," Mimi said confused she smiled as Count D returned with a happily cooing baby in his arms. Count D sat and picked up his cooling tea. Before he could sip Kurayami let out a wail and he sighed.

"Now he's hungry," Count D sat his cup down.

"Oh, may I?" Mimi reached for Kurayami and smiled with pleasure as Count D released the baby. He watched to make sure she properly supported his little head. Rearranging the blanket around his son he handed her the bottle.

"He may cry," Count D said watching to see if his son rejected the near stranger.

"Iie, Kura-Chan genki des,"Aoi said finishing her toast and wiping a napkin over Kibo and Shinrai's face. "He talk to little one."

"Little one?" Roger asked, brought from his wistful staring at Mimi as she sat with her curling raven tresses falling around her. The baby in her arms looked incredible and he sighed.

"Yes," Aoi scrambled to her feet. "Little." Aoi scampered off to her dolls leaving a profound silence in her wake.

Break

Carol stared at the paper in her hands sighing heavily. "Aunt Maxine," She called out smiling as her aunt entered the kitchen. "Would you mind dropping me off at the Arcadian consulate this afternoon?"

"You're going to see that young boy again," Maxine sighed. "Carol, you are so close to college, I would hate to see you ruin it."

"I won't, Bikky and I both know to be smart and careful, besides, I just want to let him know that summer's almost over." Carol looked at the mailed sheet of instructions for freshman. "They want us in our dorms in two weeks for orientation."

"Oh, well, if you are just going to tell him goodbye," Maxine got her purse. "Don't get me wrong Carol," Maxine explained as her niece frowned at her. "I have no problem with you dating him. I think he is a fine boy, his parents should be very proud. You have so much potential to do great things."

"Bikky has potential too," Carol affirmed with a firm nod of her head. "I we will do great things together."

"I hope you remember the true reason you are with him and dreams of being a princess are not goading you to hold on to him," Maxine said leaving the house with her niece.

Carol gasped too insulted for words she said nothing the entire drive. She loved Bikky. Ever since they were kids his unruly attitude and bravery had won her over easily. She was determined to stand beside him. Whether he was a prince or not. Maxine smiled glad that she could see the truth in Carol's response to her words. Perhaps they would be alright after all.

Break

Ryo sat down at the table with his family aware of the silence that greeted him. "I take it my chicken terriyaki is not good tonight?" He watched as Bikky, listless and sad, used his fork to move the meat around. "And George, you may as well just give her the whole plate." Ryo said after watching him feed Slyphe. Rain sipped his tea. "Rain that works best with food."

"I think everything taste fabulous," Marilyn gushed finishing his plate and replenishing from the crystal serving dishes on the table.

"I miss Jhaymes," George sat his plate on the floor and Slyphe dived in. Cujo, watching the cat, rolled his eyes.

"I'm going to miss Carol," Bikky sat his fork down.

"Julie still hasn't called and she won't answer my calls." Rain sighed sitting next to Dee who finished his food and got seconds. Lyo held up his plate for more. Ryo dished up another helping. "Ryo what if she pushes me away completely?"

"She loves you," Dee said patting Rain's head. "You'll see, just give her some time."

Rain nodded his head. "Mind if I go to my room?" He asked and Ryo sighed.

"Sure, I'll keep some dinner for you," Ryo promised him. Ryo sighed again as he and Dee were soon left with animals and Lyo...And Marilyn.

"I'll go cheer him up later," Marilyn laughed. "George is remarkably easy to handle. He is clingy and needy and if he is separated from his current love interest for more than a few days he becomes a moody, paranoid wreck. Wow," He commented looking down under the table. "She even ate the vegetables and the rice."

"Well, I think it is cute," Dee said looking upstairs where George had vanished into his room. Sure that he was keeping himself occupied with Ponchi, Dee shook his head. "The way those two fell so in love. I'll bet right about now, Sofu is ready to feed Jhaymes to Laton on a platinum platter."

"Every body has some body," Marilyn sighed finishing his dinner. "What's for desert?"

"Castella cake," Ryo said getting up to clear away the dinner dishes and serve the cake.

"This is delicious, no wonder George is inflating under your care." Marilyn laughed and gasped as Ryo took the plate away.

"Listen, George does not need to have you here bothering him about his weight. He is, in fact, not much larger than when he first got here. I think, that with him being filled out, he looks healthier, more beautiful. Why do you give him grief when he has only tried to help you? He allows you to take advantage of his time, his generosity and you rag him every chance you get." Marilyn backed away from Ryo afraid of being struck.

"I knew George when he was a small time queen dj-ing in back alley clubs," Marilyn said his eyes narrowed despite the quiver in his voice.

"Then try being his friend, right about now, he needs one." Ryo sat the plate down and vanished into the kitchen ready to clean. It would calm his mind. Marilyn looked at Dee who was busy taking Lyo up to clean him off.

Marilyn knocked gently on George's door. "Georgie," he called then pressed the door open to see George placing his butterfly hairpin in a little jeweled case that looked like a silver house. "Hey."

"Oh," George looked up his smile in place as he looked at his friend. "Hi.

"I brought you some cake, I know how much you like sweets."Marilyn said and George was surprised that there was no malice in his voice. "You look really down, wanna talk?"

"I know you think I am being my usual self, but this time..." George shook his head.

"Then tell me. Make me understand," Marilyn sat down and smiled as George picked up the fork he had brought.

"He is a knight, they actually have to work, like the American SWAT, or Secret Services. Every day he is gone, is another day that he could get hurt or killed." George sat the plate down when his hand trembled. "He's great, I know this, highly skilled, he trained the royale, but... I love him. I am so happy that it scares me. I can't be this happy, what if he gets hurt because I love him so much?"

"George..." Marilyn said when George gasped.

"I... I can't breathe..." George panted reaching for his inhaler.

Powdered Sugre 42

Venom: Part 1

(Set Up)

Marilyn's eyes widened in sheer terror. That detective would really kill him now. But he couldn't let George continue like this. He launched himself at the door wrenching it open he called out. "Ryo!" Ryo came up the stairs fast just as Rain opened his door and Bikky followed. "He's not breathing."

"What did you do?" Ryo asked rushing into the room. "My grandmother is going to kill you ...and me for allowing you to upset him."

"But I didn't," Marilyn protested. "Honest, I was trying to cheer him up, he upset himself."

Ryo paused and listened to George's chest. "George," Ryo reached into George's pocket and found his inhaler for him. "You need to look at me." George gasped and focused his eyes on Ryo. The clear orbs were clouded and misted with tears. "You are terribly upset, here try to breathe." Ryo spoke in a calm voice. He put the inhaler to George's mouth. "One, two... you're fine...it's okay," Ryo continued to talk George into calmness. "Tell me what happened."

"He'd better not, or he'll get upset again," Marilyn stared at George wide eyed. "One minute he was eating cake and telling me how happy he was, then he got all worried about Jhaymes out there doing something dangerous and hence, the cessation of breathing."

"Oh, is that all this is about?" Rain walked over from where he had stood in the doorway to assure himself that George would be alright. Rain sat beside George on the bed. "Just think of the last time you saw green flames and know that George is fine, because he is not by himself, he has silver and gold with him."

"But there could be a fight, what if he gets hurt?" George said his eyes unfocused again as tears filled and spilled down his cheeks.

"No... Don't get upset again, listen to me," Ryo said his smile seeming to calm George. "That would be Sofu's other purpose," Ryo explained trying hard to keep the conversation human friendly with Marilyn present that left very little he could say. "He is not just an interpreter for Feng, but a medical doctor in case it is needed. He is older than Lord D and you know the rules, despite his claims to the contrary." Marilyn stared at Ryo, then at George who did seem to be calming as Ryo spoke. Rain patted George's hand.

"I am sorry, I do not mean to have such frequent upsets," George said when he could again speak.

Ryo laughed when he could relax sure that George was in fact better. "But you do have the right to them and usually Jhaymes is here to console you through your realizations that we are, in fact, all mad but..."

"A hell of a lot of fun once you get used to it." George finished the sentence for him.

"I was only trying to cheer you up," Marilyn folded his arms leaning against the wall with a frown on his face. "Honest."

"Yes, I know, thank you." George smiled. "Ryo this cake really is fabulous." He picked up his plate.

"Well I will go back to my room now, but if you need me," Rain pointed at George then at his door.

"Alright, I will call you first." George grinned while Ryo and Rain left the room Marilyn sat down beside him.

"That serious is it?" Marilyn asked going back to their previous subject.

"I'm terrified half the time that when the sun rises, I will wake and find it to have been a dream." George sighed then placed his fork into his mouth. His hands were still trembling slightly and his lungs working a little harder than normal, but he was fine. He would be fine. George decided that he would be very fine. "Ouch!" George pulled his sleeve up and looked at his arm which was fast showing a red bruise.

"You're not dreaming," Marilyn laughed then stole a piece of George's cake. "Oh don't carry it on, you know how easily you bruise."

"You'd better hope this is gone by the time Jhaymes gets back." George laughed secretly glad that Marilyn seemed to be on his side.

Break

"Leon," Leon looked up as Jill poked her head into their office. "We're up, call in the team."

"Homicide?" Leon asked his eyes on the manila folder in Jill's well manicured hand.

Jill sighed pulling out her cell to dial JJ's number while he called Ryo and Dee. "Homicide," She confirmed.

"Ryo, hey, get your butts in here," Leon said when Ryo picked up the line. "Appears our little crime ring has finally thrown their ball into our court."

"Well we'd better play the game," Ryo said as he hung up. Leon laughed then called the pizza delivery spot down the road, this was going to be a long night. Ryo and Dee arrived just as the pizza did. Ryo and Dee shook their heads. "No I made dinner tonight, of which Dee and I ate most of it, along with Marilyn."

"He's still there?" Leon asked laughing for he knew that Lyo had spent the past few nights in his parents bed.

"Yeah," Dee's voice was harsh as he dropped into a chair.

"It's alright, Bikky promised to keep him tonight." Ryo winked at Dee.

"Tonight, and we are..." Dee said his deep green eyes seeming to be flashing.

"Working, but when we go home Lyo will be with Bikky." Ryo explained reaching for the file.

"We just got a case," Dee folded his arms studying the body that was riddled with bullets. "Look familiar?" He said refraining from commenting that it would be another three days at least before Ryo let him in his pants again.

"Yeah," Ryo pulled his glasses on. "Real familiar."

"Not to sound conceited, but this might be someone who is trying to send a message to us," Dee said looking at the pictures.

"Not conceited at all," JJ said sitting down at the table and helping himself to a slice of Leon's pizza. Sofu had requested that Lord D stay at the shop while he was away leaving JJ to fend for himself. "Look," JJ pointed to graffiti on the wall. "It's a message to all of us."

"This is the beginning..." Leon read aloud.

"The beginning of what?" Dee asked looking thoughtful. "Hey baby, what's that sign?" Dee pointed to a symbol seeming to be drawn in the victims blood.

"Fukai Kan," Ryo read the dripping kanji. "Nightmare." He looked up at Dee then sighed. This was a puzzler. Dee, looking at his partner and lover, frowned. Better make that four days at least.

Break

Dae leaned back in his chair a smile creeping over his face. Hamanosuke sat out of his sight hoping not to garner his attention. "So you say," Dae said allowing the female Florian to feed him wedges of apples and cheese. "That you still have not made contact."

"I am sorry sir," The human got to his knees. "Scorpio's Children are a secret sect, but as soon as I do make contact I will set up a meeting for you."

"No," Dae said bored with the entire affair. He waved Florian away. Dae looked down at the sweating man at his feet ready to lick his shoes if he demanded it. The man trembled in mortal fear as well he should be. Dae sighed, this was all so stupid.

"No, sir?" The man dared peer up at Dae and the smile on Dae's face confused him. He had heard that failure of any kind would not be tolerated by Mr. Luce. He had, of course, entertained second thoughts about joining this faction, but the money was too much to pass up. "Is there something else you would have me do?"

"Yes," Dae smiled as he nodded. "I would like for you to take the rest of this fruit into that room over there." Dae pointed with a finger that was covered with a heavily jeweled ring. The man took a moment to appreciate the expensive trinket that matched nearly every other ring on all of Dae's fingers.

"Yes sir, thank you sir," The man bobbed his head up and down as he rushed to his feet. He took the golden bowl away from Florian and hurried over to the door. Hamanosuke stood to open the door, closing it fast behind the eager fool. The sound of the mans terrified screams could be heard reverberating around the opulent room.

"Florian," Dae said his eyes now on Hamanosuke where he cringed in the corner realizing he had failed in his attempt to stay out of Dae's notice.

"Yes sir," Florian got to her feet walking over with a deliberate stride that displayed the ample womanly curves of the body he had commandeered.

"Do whatever needs to be done, but I expect results." Dae commanded his gaze never leaving Hamanosuke to even issue the orders.

"Yes sir," Florian nodded the demon beast within the young woman biting his lip to keep in the howl of frustration as he watched his master summon the Asian.

"Leave us," Dae commanded and Hamanosuke stood still as the great room emptied of all the various men and demons. Even Florian had left his head shaking as he thought of any other way he could gain his masters attention. "Come here pet." Dae crooned and Hamanosuke wished that when he had the chance, he would have remained deceased.

Break

Jones straitened his tie as he approached the office. It was a large conference room that had been converted for use by the special CIA/Arcadian link Detectives with a smaller, yet more official office for Agent Miaka attached. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. "Yeah," Dee sounded surly but Jones announced his presence and called in. He looked around in awe at the officers inside. Jill sat with her hair pulled back flipping through past case records similar to their case. Leon sipped from his coffee, grimaced then went back to searching the computer files for similar cases in other states. JJ stood at the file cabinet marking the map of the location where the corpses were found in car, the airport they were leaving and their home where they were headed to. The line had an odd curve and he thought to study it in case it had some sort of meaning. Ryo looked at the pictures of the bodies searching for more clues and compared them to the ones he had taken this morning when he and Dee had gone to investigate the scene.

"Ah, their son is here for questioning. He identified the bodies and now he is waiting in room three. I also have the lab reports. There were no drugs in their body, or on their person. They seem to be an innocent couple marked for no reason." Jones shook his head truly baffled.

"There was a reason," Ryo said his eyes narrowed. "Their son, he's eighteen isn't he?" Jones gasped and nodded.

"One more thing," Dee said putting a hand on Ryo's shoulder when he got up to go question the victims' son. "This couple, one of them Asian. The wife... was she..."

"Japanese,"Jones answered then fished around for the photos of the couple when they alive.

"Thanks man," Dee took the picture and watched as Jones left the office. "Baby, let Leon talk to him."

"No, Dee, I got it." Ryo said getting to his feet and finishing his tea. "I'm fine."

"I'm going in with you," Dee said and Ryo nodded, glad to have his support. They walked the hall finding room three. Ryo opened the door and stepped through he gasped at the forlorn young man that sat at the table clutching a cup of water his knuckles paler than the white table top. He looked up with eyes so dark that Dee paused. His features were smooth, pretty with hair only slightly darker than Ryo's. "Hello, I am detective Dee Laytner this is my partner Randy Maclean."

"Hello, I am Takasato," He said and forced the sniffle to leave his voice. He looked at Ryo. "Anato no Nihonjin des ka."

"Hai," Ryo nodded. "Watashi namae wa Ryo des." Ryo smiled then sat down at the table with Takasato. "Don't worry. We will do all that is possible to solve this case and bring your parents murderer to justice." Takasato nodded but he said nothing. "But you don't trust us." Ryo smiled and Takasato's eyes were drawn to the ring on his finger. He looked over and saw that Dee's matched. "You are going to become a detective and when you are older you are going to find them and arrest them yourself, right." Takasato gasped looking at Ryo. "I thought the same thing a long time ago. And you know what... I did it. I'm a detective, as you can see, and I did find my parents murderer and I was stupid. If it wasn't for my partner here, I would now be in prison instead of sitting in front of you."

"Just so you know, we are the best there is, our whole team. We get them solved." Dee nodded with a sure gaze that Takasato could almost trust. "We'll get him. Do you have somewhere to go or..."

"I am moving into the dorms in two weeks. But... I have um... an uncle in Connecticut." Takasato sighed then he shook his head. "I don't know what to do." He looked up his eyes a tortured reflection of his broken heart.

"Okay, first let us call your uncle, he can come here and help you make the arrangements and handle all the legal aspects. You just get some rest and try to focus on getting ready for school. Until your uncle gets here I can call services and get you someone to stay with until your uncle arrives."Ryo said trying to resist the urge to bring the young man home. They already had a full house.

"Detective, I am eighteen, I don't need a sitter." Takasato shook his head surprised that anything could make him smile on this day.

"But you shouldn't be alone," Dee said.

"My friends Arlene and Mimi live in the apartments on campus. I can probably stay with them. Arlene said Mimi was gushing about moving out and that she might need a room mate." Takasato said his lip trembling.

"I am sorry for your loss," Ryo said and Dee offered his condolences as well. Takasato said his thanks and Ryo went to make his calls.

Break

Bikky leaned back with his hamburger and watched as George picked at his salad. Bikky made sure that Lyo's nuggets were not too hot for the little boy. "You may as well get used to it." Bikky said as Rain cleared away his bags from the fast food restaurant that they had gone to for dinner. "When Ryo and Dee are working a tough one, we get home cooked breakfast, that's about it."

"Sometimes he cooks dinner when he can, but we have to heat it up when we want to eat." Rain said finishing his food and his tea. "You need to relax," Rain laughed softly at George's sigh. "It's only been two days. Didn't Jhaymes call you this just night and this morning?"

"Yes, he said he would be home in two more days." George sighed and looked up as Marilyn entered the house. He had left them shortly after they went to get dinner and now he stumbled in dropping to the couch with a slow smile at George. "Crap," George got up. "Boys mind going up and getting me... something from my room."

"What?" Rain said getting up. "What do you need?"

"Anything you want," George said and Bikky nodded taking his brother's he ran upstairs. "Marilyn, why?" George asked coming over to stand near his friend.

"What?" Marilyn grouched his words.

"Marilyn... You're high." George complained tugging Marilyn to his feet. "Go somewhere until you come down. I am not having you here like this around those boys."

"Don't be such a prude," Marilyn frowned. He looked up at a Technicolor George. "You're hair is like a floating brown pile of..." Marilyn lost his train of thought and sat smiling up at George. "I couldn't take it anymore. I needed a bit, just a bit."

"Marilyn you never take just a bit." George sighed and sat beside him on the couch. "What was it and how much?"

"I have a cold you know," Marilyn laughed sniffing loudly he then showed George his wallet which was empty.

"Marilyn I gave you seventy five dollars." George could feel tears threaten as he looked at his friend. "You wanted those pants from Angel's boutique the one with the chains."

"But this feels better than the pants." Marilyn leaned against George closing his eyes.

"Maybe he took enough to end his miserable existence," George looked up to see Heaven beside him her white pants long and belled at the bottom hiding her white heels from view. Her long white coat came down to her knees though it was cinched in at the waist. The long sleeves draped and belled out covering her slim fingers. "Oh don't worry, Pretty," Heaven placed a hand on George's shoulder when he looked up worried at her. "His life is in no immediate danger. But I cannot guarantee it for another three hours."

"Three hours?" George asked looking at Marilyn who had passed out. "What happens in three hours?"

"Our dads come home," Bikky said from the stairs. "That guy has to go, his scent is making Rain ill." Bikky explained why he had come downstairs. "He just tossed up his dinner. Lyo is scared."

"Sorry, boys I'll get him out of here." George got to his feet then looked at Heaven. "What brings you here? Do you need something?"

"Oh Pretty," Heaven laughed and he noted her rosy cheeks denoting that she had recently ingested someone. "I am always near the dragon prince and his consorts abode when they can not attend to them. Even with an adult human on guard, it is essential to have an immortal, such as we are, for added protection."

"Always, when immortality is mentioned is the qualifier, such as we are," George mused as he hauled Marilyn to his feet. "Why?"

"The only thing truly immortal that a living creature can possess is the soul. Our bodies, though they do not age, can be maimed or killed even." Heaven looked disgusted as Marilyn leaned on George. "Give him here Pretty, I will take him."

"Where?" George held Marilyn out of her reach.

"Never fear. I have no desire to ingest the likes of him. He looks like he tastes foul." Heaven frowned watching Bikky head back upstairs to care for his brothers. "I will take him to a hotel to sleep it off. When he wakes perhaps he will think twice about abusing your care and generosity." George sniffled watching them leave. Marilyn never cared or thought twice about abusing anyone.

"What next...?" He sighed as his cell phone rang. "Hello."

"Sweetheart, I miss you so much the sun has lost all it's gleam and my heart beat has stagnated. Sing to me and I may be able to make it another hour." George smiled at Jhaymes fanciful words.

"I will never be too," George sang softly into the phone. "Far away to feel you, I won't hesitate at all... whenever you call. I'll always remember the part of you so tender. I'll be the one to break your fall... Whenever you call."

"Sweetheart," Jhaymes' voice was soft. "You're weeping. Dare I think you miss me as well?"

" I do miss you," George admitted.

"But... but what? What has upset you?" Jhaymes asked growing worried at the strange silence on the other end.

"Please," George sighed sitting on the couch. "Please come home soon." Jhaymes sat listening feeling his heart break as George wept. He could not reach out to him, he could not hold him.

"Slyphe won't leave her boy when he is ill," Cujo said sitting beside him in a leather jacket. "Need a hug?" George laughed at the tough exterior that showed the loyal affection of a dog. George leaned his head on Cujo's shoulder. "My boy is fine, always has been a tough sort." Cujo nodded his head as he patted George's long tresses. He took the phone from George. "Take care of your duty, I will keep your song bird until you return." Jhaymes agreed, thanking the dog then hung up after conveying his love to George one last time. Ponchi fluttered to George's side her little wings leaving trails of dust on his cheeks as she kissed him.

"A fairy and a dog. Could a man have better companions?" George mused relaxing. He picked up a magazine and hoped that Ryo and Dee would not be too upset when they got home.

Break

Ryo closed the file with a sigh. "I can't help feeling that this is connected to something else."

"Your feelings are usually right," Leon said putting his burger down. "We'll go with it. JJ," JJ looked up giving Leon his attention. "Mind checking other departments cases to see if you come up with something odd, or off in any way?"

"Yeah, but I need you to look into these," JJ handed over his files of bullet riddled victims that Dee had contrived to keep away from Ryo. "Anyone find it odd that our victims son knows Mimi?"

"Maybe odd," Ryo mused. "Maybe a coincidence, but you don't believe that, do you?"

"I never have," JJ smiled leaving the office to head to the other sections of the precinct.

"Looks like the Arcadians are busy too," Dee said sitting by Ryo. "Weren't they supposed to be filming that video today?"

"Yeah, they are doing it tomorrow, seems Dae has made a big slip up and they are tying up loose ends." Jill said finishing her chicken sandwich and getting back to work. "One of his demons got loose in a park and ate an elderly lady, a nun."

"A nun?" Ryo looked up alarmed. "Where?" he got up and went to the map.

"Central and fifteenth," Jill answered watching as Ryo drew another line on the map. He continued to move the large felt tip marker until he had drawn the symbol for 'fukai' he then drew several more places on the map for the symbol 'kan'.

"JJ," He said into his cell as he called the other detective. "I want you to look into crimes in specific areas and tell me what they are." Ryo read off the points of the map that were covered by the lines of the symbol he pulled out his notepad and began to write down one about a child found on the steps of a catholic church with an orphanage attached. "Call the hospitals and see if, about nine months ago, a young woman came in for rape treatment. Leon, when you are done with those could you look into all cops involved with drug trafficking?"

"You're on to something," Dee said watching Ryo loving the way his mind worked.

"Yeah," He said with a small nod. "These cases are not just copy cats aimed at sending us a message, these are aimed at bringing up painful memories."

"Painful huh?" Leon sighed thinking back into his old cases. "Damn."

Break

"Rain blew the house," were the first words Ryo spoke as they entered their home.

"Yeah, it smells crisp in here," Dee said before he locked the door. He paused to see the luminous form of Heaven sitting on their couch. "What happened?" He asked then watched as George came out of the kitchen with two cups of tea.

"I'll make more," George began to turn back into the kitchen but paused at Ryo's calling him back.

"You've been crying," Ryo said sitting with him in the family room. "Heaven, did you have to eat someone?"

"No... not today, I mean, I did feed today, but that is not what happened here," Heaven giggled her pretty brown hair with auburn highlights shining in the dim lamp light that kept the room soothing to the occupants. Some of the beads at the ends of the few braids in her hair clicked together at her graceful shifting.

"I am so sorry," George apologized his hands folded neatly in his lap as if he expected to be chastised. "Today Marilyn stumbled in high," George sighed waiting for Ryo and Dee's response sure they would tell him to pack his bags. Heaven had assured him that he could stay with her and her room mates. He found it hard to picture the svelte creature as living with anyone other than a small white cat, but she assured him she did. Human too. One of them the daughter of Master Xi. That threw him for he thought there were only four Phoenixes alive. Heaven had explained that Bethany was a halfling, like Ryo. There being only four from Fire Star alive to their knowledge though singing had been heard in Ireland, they could not be sure. And other countries boasted their own variation of the species.

"What are you apologizing for?" Dee said when George seemed to tense. "Did you buy it for him?"

George nodded a fat tear leaking from his eye. "I gave him seventy five dollars for a pair of pants at Angel's boutique."

"And you knew he would blow the money on something so stupid?" Ryo said kindly. George shook his head. "He really wanted those pants huh?" George nodded and Ryo laughed. "Unless you took him to the supplier and then handed the man the money, got the drugs and handed them to Marilyn, further still assisted him in using them, then the actions of Marilyn, are Marilyn's responsibility alone. Now get some sleep. I think Rain said something about the image for the video shoot needing your help." George looked up not believing the mild response. He had half expected to be put out along with his friend for bringing such a dirty element into their home. He felt foolish, he should have known Ryo and Dee better. "Darned right about that," Ryo said surprising George again with his keen ability to read people. "We should be insulted, but instead, I'll just steal your tea and send you to your room... with Heaven."

Heaven clapped her hands getting to her feet. "Oh, Pretty, I can play with your hair while you dream." George stared at Heaven his eyes wide as he had horrible visions of waking with something odd done to his hair.

Break

Andy hummed to the pre recorded music as she and Rain walked through the stone cathedral. "It's beautiful in here," Andy said watching as the crew hung white gauze in the large open windows of the courtyard to blow in with the breeze. George sat by a tall Angel statue fussing with his hair. Heaven had sat up all night while he slept placing various colored beads on the ends of some of the braids. It was similar to her own. He would ordinarily not fuss, but some of the braids were a little too tight. How he had slept through it, he would wonder, but he offered a suspicious look to the creature who stood by as if standing guard. Her white floating about her seeming to match the gauze hangings.

"Andy, I was thinking of changing my look for this video, just to shake things up a bit." Rain said giving her a grin.

"Oh?" Andy raised her brows looking at the young man.

"Yeah, if George will do the make-up," Rain looked over at George who nodded.

"Make-up...? You bad, bad, boy you," Andy giggled. "Already the parents are complaining that Ryo does not make you wear proper clothes that fit."

"Yeah, but I'm a teenager. I'm supposed to rebel against the norm," Rain laughed.

"What'd you have in mind?" Andy said when George walked over finally done loosening his braids.

"Something... dark," Rain grinned showing her the outfit of loose fitting black pants and long white top that would fall to just below his knees. The large top would be gathered under a close fitting vest so that it would balloon out underneath. A jacket with long sleeves that would come to his wrists for the sleeves of the shirt held under the jacket was extremely long. Andy perused the outfit hanging on the line. "No visible Jewelry, but maybe my coronet, or something in my hair."

"Heavy eye make-up, like Kohl, you know," George said. "Really Gothic looking, but nothing but a light gloss on the lips...Hmm... Maybe with a black liner." George looked at Rain, then the outfit that Angel had made specifically for the video. He listened to the song playing then smiled. "It will be perfect."

Rain sat down holding still as George dragged the small brush over his lashes. "Don't blink," George said as he used his fingers to smudge eye shadow over Rain's lids. "I'm doing this like mud thick," George said applying more, he reached for the Kohl and slid it under the eyes creating a dark highlight that made his bright green eyes seem to pop. George slanted the make up slightly giving his eyes an almond shape similar to Daphnus and Kenneth's eyes. He then reached for a thin, black lip-liner and traced Rain's lips. He applied a shiny gloss over it then sat back to appreciate his work. "You look gorgeous, in a terrifying way." Rain laughed getting to his feet. He stood still as George straitened his clothes.

"I think they are ready," Rain said watching as the lights went out blanketing the large building in darkness with a large floodlight in the yard the only source of light leaving the cathedral in various shades of shadows and splashes of light. The wind machine was turned on making the gauze float over the stone floors.

"Okay Rain, over here," Daphnus called him over. "You are going to be singing from here to start with, then the camera's will seem to 'find' you. And you get up and walk through singing." Rain nodded and blotted his lips.

"No," George walked over and reapplied the lip gloss. Using his fingers he wiped the smudge from around Rain's mouth. "Careful, that stuff is slippery like..." he closed his mouth as he thought of what he was about to say.

"You are so nasty," Andy laughed pulling him away.

"You knew what I was going to say. So what does that say about you?" George asked with a wink as Rain began to hum the opening notes along with the prerecorded song that played.

"Takes one to know one," Andy laughed then sauntered away to where princess Tisiphone was going over a few notes with Nestoir and Chimera. Kronos stood by with Heaven doing guard duty. As the song picked up cameras swept the cathedral 'finding' Rain where he sat with his foot propped up on the sill. He looked up his eyes lit from behind by the floodlight in the yard leaving him eerily beautiful.

The camera panned up from Rain's chin then his lips as he began to sing. "I'm so tired of being here. Suppressed by all my childish fears." Rain looked away from the camera focusing on the courtyard. " I would give the very breath from my chest. To give you all the things that my mind couldn't bear." Rain looked at the camera just as it focused on only his heavily lined eyes. "And if you have to leave, I wish that you would just leave. 'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone." His voice was oddly sweet singing the haunting lyrics leaving a chill in the bones of the crew recording the video. "These wounds won't seem to heal..." Rain walked the floor the camera's focusing on his bare feet. "This pain is just too real. There's just too much that time cannot erase."
The studio crew would over lay tears of blood falling from Rain's eyes as he stared up at a stained glass window that took up over half of the ceiling. "When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears. When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. I held your hand through all of these years." Rain looked down at his own hands which, after computer animation, would be dripping blood as well.

"But you still have... All of me." Rain walked on through the cathedral in and out of the wavering white gauze. Splashes of red light indicating his hand and footprints. " You used to captivate me by your resonating light. Now I'm bound by the life you left behind. Your face it haunts... My once pleasant dreams..." Rain walked past the prop bed that had been burned to a crisp that afternoon and moved into place. "Your voice it chased away... All the sanity in me ." Rain dropped to his knees at Daphnus prompting. He aimed a tortured look at the camera. "These wounds won't seem to heal ." Again his hands were shown. "This pain is just too real. There's just too much that time cannot erase."

The camera left Rain to focus on the large, empty cathedral his voice seeming to follow the wind. "When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears. When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. I held your hand through all of these years. But you still have... All of me." Rain again stood under a stained glass mosaic depicting the lost love lives of several martyrs, including, thanks to Bikky's renderings, his mother. The glass shattered and Rain stood amongst the broken glass while rain fell from the sky overhead caused by the water machine in place for the shoot. "I'd love to walk away and pull myself out of the rain, but I can't leave without you. I'd love to live without the constant fear and endless doubt, but I can't live without you."

Rain walked on leaving splashes of red light again his hair floated about his body with his loose, wet clothes becoming lost in the gauze. "When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears. When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears. I held your hand through all of these years. But you still have... All of me." Rain allowed his voice to trail off closing his eyes he looked over at Daphnus following his indications of where to go.

"Whoa," Daphnus said looking up at Kenneth as he too watched Rain as he walked the length of the cathedral for a few shots of the instrumentals. "He looks so good in that get up it's scary."

"He filled out too, look at the vest," Kenneth said pointing his father to the hints of musculature on Rain's slim frame. "He's still skinny, but working with little D must have formed him."

"Yeah," Daphnus nodded. "He has grown so much stronger not just physically, his vocals have improved too," Daphnus said a smile on his face. " He's doing so well. The combination of his family and Julie and George..."

"Yeah," Kenneth nodded. "I'm glad you guys contacted him." Kenneth smiled at George and he waved from where he was sitting with Ponchi feeding her slices of strawberries.

Break

"I want to spend my lifetime loving you... If that is the only thing in life I'll ever do. I will want nothing else to see me through, if I can spend my life time loving you..." Mimi and Roger sang holding each others gaze as they were recorded. George sighed watching them amazed by their talent and obvious love. As they finished the song George felt a warm wind circle him. He sighed as pleasant sensations accompanied a sweet whistle. He felt strong arms around his waist and leaned back into Jhaymes arms.

"I am so glad you are here," Alera said walking over to look into George's face. His smile was bright but his eyes were closed. "Sofu was ready to kill him long before he started singing 'Ain't no sunshine when he's gone. And Master Xi contemplated his violent death when he began to say, that tree is the same shade of Georgie's hair, or he'd say the mist under those trees are the same shade as my sweethearts eyes and then what took the proverbial cake was when he said that a heart shaped sign is the same shape as his Georgie's beautiful behind. So here, here he is," Alera laughed when George turned in Jhaymes arms his face red. George paused in the act of wrapping his arms around Jhaymes neck when he saw the slight form clinging to his jacket.

"Oh, who's this?" George looked down into deep, dark eyes in a face so beautiful it could have been a woman. The long hair was shiny and black gathered into a ribbon tied at his nape.

"This is Feng," Jhaymes introduced quick to try to pry the young man's fingers from his jacket. "He's never been to America, or Arcadia," Jhaymes explained when he failed to extricate himself.

"Oh," George said his voice cool despite his best attempts to remain un-bothered by seeing the young beauty attached to Jhaymes.

"It is alright Feng," Jhaymes said trying to make the young man release him. His slanted eyes filled and overflowed when Jhaymes stepped away from him. "Master Xi went to make sure that Lady Fiona and her group arrived safely, that's all." George stepped back and folded his arms his joy at seeing Jhaymes tampered by his suspicions about the closeness of the young Feng and his lover. "Feng this is my Sweetheart George."

"You spoke of him often," Feng nodded to George a polite smile of greeting on his face. George paused at the halting words as Feng seemed to have trouble remembering the proper English words, his accent was heavy, but lyrical.

"George this is Feng, a Phoenix of China." George greeted the smaller man shaking his hand politely wishing he would step further away from Jhaymes. This was bad he thought as he looked at the delicate beauty. Not only was he younger and prettier, he was also a Phoenix. Jhaymes wondered why George walked away from him then watching as he went over to where Mimi and Roger were speaking to the group.

"We wanted you all to be among the first to know, well Joanne and Marlene know, and Collins and Angel, and..." Mimi paused laughing happily. "And the D's... but..."

"Mimi and I are getting married," Roger announced. He accepted the congratulations as Mimi showed them the large diamond on her finger. George stood by laughing and clapping happily. Jhaymes looked at him and sighed.

"Married," He whispered watching George's face. His smile was devastating and he wished he could spend the rest of his life looking at it.
Powdered Sugre 43

Venom: Part 2

(Too Close)

Jhaymes sat back watching as George sat with Mimi looking at her ring. It was a simple design, but the diamond was large, not like the intricate things George normally fancied. "Dumpling," Jhaymes gasped and moved aside as Torcha strolled into the studio. "I missed you while I was away." Torcha pulled George into her arms and he was amazed by the strength of the slight woman. Jhaymes got up to go to his love's side. "Oh, hello and this is Feng, I am sure." Torcha greeted the young man with a regal nod.

Feng clasped his hands and bowed formally to Torcha. "It is my honor to make your acquaintance Gracious Lady Queen of the Eastern Fire Dragons of Arcadia."

"Oh, Feng," Jhaymes laughed midway through the act of lifting George away from Torcha. "You're so light I did not realize you were still attached."

George gasped when Jhaymes sat him down. "Unlike some!" George shoved away from Jhaymes.

"Oh... Sweetheart," Jhaymes shoulders slumped.

"You know dumpling is sensitive about his weight," Torcha slapped a hand on Jhaymes' arm headed off after George. Jhaymes went to follow and found him sitting under an alcove in the hallway overlooking the queen's garden. George looked up sniffling at Jhaymes. His eyes widened.

"What, is he like attached?" George's eyes lighted on Feng.

"What? Oh, Feng please could you go back into the studio?" Jhaymes turned him to the door and gave him a gentle push. Feng whimpered and seemed to clutch Jhaymes tighter.

"You may take him," Torcha said pushing Jhaymes away. "Your presence is upsetting my kit."

"But I haven't seen him in four days," Jhaymes complained looking into George's gorgeous eyes. "Sweetheart," George looked away.

"I'm fine, both of you," George smiled and Jhaymes had never seen a more beautiful sight. His cheeks wet, his eyes luminous, his hair streaming with a plethora of bright colors. "I'm alright, I just had a tough morning." George said trying not to think of the scathing phone call he had received from Marilyn about leaving him lying wrapped around a toilet with a trash can on his head. He'd been called everything from a beached whale to an albino sow. "He's the one who looks like a pig." George muttered folding his arms.

"Huh?" Jhaymes took a step forward but got a warning growl from Torcha. He backed away with his fingers singed where he had tried to touch George.

"I need a word with you Dumpling... Alone," Torcha aimed a meaningful glare at Jhaymes. "If he is willing, you may see him later."

"It's been four days," Jhaymes complained looking at George.

"Well unless you fancy an audience I suggest later," George grumbled. "Although I have heard that voyeurism can be pretty stimulating. Not on my list of things to do this century."

"Huh?" Jhaymes said, again confused by George's human colloquialisms.

"Forgot again?" George aimed a glance at Feng who looked at him and then at Jhaymes. "I think you aught to find Master Xi, deliver his parcel then come looking for me, maybe then I'll be all naked, or willing to get that way." Jhaymes sighed watching as George walked off with Torcha.

"I do not understand," Feng said as Jhaymes kicked a wall.

Break

George sat down on the fragile looking metal chair as Torcha made him a cup of tea. "He really does love you," Torcha said when George simply sat looking at the delicate cup. He nodded not looking up. Torcha sighed then sat down next to George. "Dumpling, why don't you join in the morning workouts with Rain and Bikky, they would go easy on you, or I could help you."

"I..." George sighed. "You said you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes," Torcha smiled at George. "Your parents are coming this weekend right?" George nodded and Torcha patted his hand. "Well, Laton and I would like to meet them, to discuss officially registering you as our kit. It would not be like you were our son, more like a grandson, under Ryo in fact, but... I have come to really love you and I hope you would understand."

"Oh," George smiled wiping his face. He thought back of the time he had spent there. Torcha had been there for him, comforting him, speaking with him. She had even sent fire lilies on his birthday. "Well, I am flattered, but I do not think my parents will understand."

"You don't care for us?" Torcha craned her head to the side as she looked at George.

"I do, everyone here is precious to me,"George sighed.

"This will bind you to them all, and make it possible for you to be formally bound to Jhaymes." Torcha explained with a smile. "Dee was already in a binding with Ryo as a human and they crossed over together. As a human, you would die long before..."Torcha paused at the look of horror on George's face. He had never really considered the meaning of Jhaymes status as an Arcadian Phoenix.

"You're talking forever," George said his heart seeming to sigh.

"Well yes, you are in love," Torcha smiled and for a moment, she looked like a young human, instead of the ancient beast of prey that she was. "Love lasts forever. If it is true."

"Forever," George said softly he finally sipped his tea. "I'm such a hapless queen sometimes." George sat his cup down. "We might not make it past the week."

"You'll do fine,"Torcha laughed. "Jhaymes is one of the finest warriors of Arcadia, self assured and brave. Yet when he is near you he turns into an imbecile." Torcha laughed then got to her feet. "Think of my offer Dumpling, all of them. And mark my words, he wants you to be his, and if he is serious about it, he will have to take you from me." Torcha tweaked George's nose and kissed his forehead.

Break

Ryo slide the file closed and pushed his glasses back up onto his nose. "Leon, look," Ryo held a file over. "Nine months ago a young girl went to the hospital claiming to have been attacked by her brother's best friend."

"Oh... sound familiar?" Leon said looking over at Dee.

"Yeah, it does." Ryo sighed this was just a little too close. If all of their past cases were coming back to haunt them, it did not bode well for Los Angeles. "What we need to do is figure out the pattern." Ryo said studying the map. "We have already determined that the perpetrator is regurgitating the past and spelling out a message, since this is not a helter-skelter string of events we need to out think our opponent. Figure out his next move and be ready for him." Dee nodded at Ryo glad that he was so on top of things. It was part of the reason he had fallen for him. Watching his mind work out a puzzle was beautiful. "I am going to the stacks," Ryo mentioned the room where they had all of their past files, including cold cases that they had solved. It also contained personal files on their past and cases where they were listed as the victim.

"Look into Double X, seems like that might resurface anytime now," JJ said sticking his pen in his mouth to chew. "You were both captured and injured."

"Already on it," Jill waved a file sending Ryo and Dee from the office with a smile.

Break

Dae knew he was being followed. He smiled, if this was someone out for a quick buck they had a surprise if they thought to rob him. Ah well, he thought with a smile, he was hungry. A fresh soul would be just what he needed to perk him up. He turned down a dark alley the heels of his expensive shoes making little noise on the slick pavement that seemed to glisten in the moonlight. There, he listened, he heard it. The unmistakable sound of two sets of shoes following him. He reached the dead end that he was sure was meant to be a trap for him smiling as it would soon house two very empty shells as he stole their most prized possession. "Hello," He turned around to see a man holding an automatic weapon on him and a women dressed in black from head to toe. Her long black hair was in a tight coil atop her head. She was tall, towering over him, her heeled boots adding to her height. A tight leather skirt encased her legs while a corset shoved her assets up to gleam in the moonlight her pale skin seeming unearthly.

She smiled and her blood red lips seemed lacquered with silicon. Sniffing the air he checked again to make sure that she was indeed human. "You are playing a dangerous game," She said her voice low, husky almost. She brought a fan up to her heavily slanted eyes. "When you look for us, you should say what it is that you want, or you can be assured that when we find you, it will no longer matter."

"Is that a threat?" Dae said his smile genuine. "Madame Scorpion," He inclined his head politely.

"How nice," Madam Scorpion smiled. She stepped forward into a beam of light and Dae got a good look at the creature that perched on her shoulder very much alive and deadly. Dae held still as she picked it up. "We do not appreciate being searched for and when we feel a situation calls for such, we deal with it." Madame Scorpion cooed at the creature in her palm and placed a kiss on the creatures poison spiked tail. "Now you be a good boy and don't move." She said to Dae and sat the scorpion on his head. Dae narrowed his eyes. "If he decides to kill you, then we do not have business, but if he likes you, I will consider your request." Dae clenched his fist brimming with indignation. His tense stance agitated the scorpion and it sank it's tail into his head several times with Madame Scorpion giving it a sweet smile. "Pity, I was curious as to what you wanted," She picked up her pet and turned to leave the alley.

"Then you had better stay and listen to what I have to say," Madame Scorpion gasped turning around to see Dae wiping his head with a crisp handkerchief. Madame Scorpion looked for her guard to find him staring transfixed at Dae a gob of spittle in the corner of his mouth which hung open as he stood his weapon pointed useless at the ground. "Delicious," Dae said and the man fell to the ground a withered husk. Madame Scorpion felt a skittering of hard shells pass her arm and looked down to see her pet on the ground in the throes of a violent death. "Would you like to join me for tea, or will I just tell you what you will do?"

"Tell me?" Madame Scorpion narrowed her eyes, she depressed an onyx ring. " I will have you filled with enough lead to make several cannonballs if you so much as take a step."

"You are welcome to try," Dae smiled and walked over to her. "You fear reveals you, Sir Scorpion," Dae grinned walking past Madame Scorpion the sound of a loud crunch being heard as he stepped on her pet. "I have decided that I do want tea, you will join me." Madame Scorpion gulped then looked after Dae, where were her men. She walked out of the alley to find them all laying or leaning, withered shells of the men they once were. "Don't worry about them. We will leave them as a present for some dear friends of mine." Dae smiled and indicated his limousine. Madame Scorpion was careful as she got inside.

Break

"Come to dinner with me tonight," George looked up at Jhaymes as he finished recording a song with Andy.

"But... the boys," George looked away surprised to see that Feng was not attached to Jhaymes in some way.

"Are already at the Pet Shop. Staying the night, tough case." Jhaymes took George's hands. "I missed you so much while I was away. I know it was only four days, but it seems like it was four hundred years. In your presence I feel as if I have made it through the flames and come out whole." George sighed and Jhaymes kissed him stealing the small expulsion of air. "Smile for me please and tell me that you love me."

"I love you," George whispered his smile shining though tears wet his cheeks. George leaned into the kiss. He melted into Jhaymes forgetting that they were in the studio until he heard a rather loud throat clearing.

"You miserable whore," Marilyn yelled even though he was standing next to George causing him to flinch at the loud voice in his ear. George had briefly wondered why the palace vanished leaving only the consulate, now he understood. Before George could form a retort, Marilyn was staring at the shiny tip of a deadly blade.

"How dare you speak to him so?" Jhaymes ground out and George gasped. From his position in Jhaymes arms he could feel his body temperature rise.

"He..." Marilyn tried to keep his voice steady as terror threatened to unman him. "He dumped me in a less than one star motel and..." Marilyn lost his nerve when a cold hand clamped down on his shoulder.

"Well then," Heaven said her fangs nearly visible as she spoke to Marilyn. "If you have come here merely to cast your complaints to the one responsible for your waking position, you had best speak your complaints to me." Heaven snarled the words. "Pretty could not so easily shirk his duties to care for the three dragon kits, so I took care of your disposal. He even made me promise not to harm you. You were not harmed... were you?" She asked and Marilyn shook his head. "Believe me," Heaven said walking away from Marilyn and giving George a grin. "I have no desire for the taste of a psychedelic fruit. The local prison offers better fare."

"What?" Marilyn asked baffled by the Arcadian code the lady in white had used. Jhaymes still held his blade on him. "Sorry, I see now that it was not your fault," Marilyn said looking pointedly at the weapon. George placed gentle fingers on Jhaymes wrist and the blade was put away.

"It would be best for you to stay in a hotel, Ryo and Dee do not wish for you to be in their home." George explained. "Pick a hotel and I will..." Before he could agree to take care of it Marilyn held up a hand.

"Since you told, you can be damn sure you'll be taking care of it," Marilyn quipped stalking off. George frowned after him. There was no way he could explain that he had not told Ryo and Dee anything. They had sensed it, or at least sensed Rain's response to the scent that Marilyn brought into the house.

"He is toxic, that friend of yours," Alera said coming up to her brother and George.

"Of the waste variety," Jhaymes glowered at Marilyn's retreating figure. George would have liked to disagree, but in his heart, he could not.

"Sometimes I wonder if the devil is his PR agent." George sighed. "So, where did you want to have dinner?"

"How do you feel about Italian?" Jhaymes asked leading George from the room.

Break

Dee slammed the file closed his brow furrowed. Ryo stepped into the dim lit records room that always seemed to be deserted. "Ryo," Ryo smiled as Dee said his name. Dee always knew when it was him. "This case is going in circles, we get a lead, then it turns up dead or cleared of the crime. I mean did you know that when the channel swimmer drowned he was in the middle of donating several thousand dollars to fund a pool in an under-privileged school?"

"I had heard that," Ryo refrained from mentioning that he had sat in the same meeting with Dee as they were briefed on the case. "I have a few more interesting bits." Ryo walked to Dee making sure to brush along his side. "Says here that the water found in his lungs was salt water, he was found in fresh water."

"Someone drowned him then moved him," Dee mused again wanting to slam something. Ryo seemed to hear George's voice in his head telling him to be more spontaneous. "You're too uptight." Ryo frowned then left Dee's side. Paying no mind Dee perused the files as Ryo locked the door. Dee looked over at Ryo as he came back. "What's up baby? You want to talk about the ghost?" He asked about the cases that mirrored their pain.

"You're tense," Ryo placed a hand on Dee's chest appreciating the steady, strong beating of his heart. Ryo splayed his fingers over the broad chest. He turned his face up waiting. He did not wait long. Dee pressed their lips together drinking in the flavor of tea and Ryo. It was a heady combination and Dee knew he did not have the will to stop. It would be Ryo who would have to push him away, as he always did reminding Dee that they were at work. Ryo tangled his fingers in the thick, black locks of Dee's hair and met the tongue invading his mouth with a passion that surprised and excited Dee.

"Damn baby," Dee tore his mouth away to gasp in air.

"Dee," Ryo whispered angling his head so that Dee could suck the pulse at his throat. Dee's vision seemed to blur so fast did the blood leave his head to rush to other parts of his anatomy. If only Ryo knew just how sexy he looked with his head thrown back and his pale skin seeming to glow in the dim orange light. Dee waited, sure that Ryo would push him away and stood in shock as he felt his belt being pulled loose followed by the buttons. The only sound that accompanied Dee's gulp was his zipper being pulled down. Ryo's hand, warm and strong, wiggled inside to stroke him to life. "Relax," Ryo laughed having to say the words.

"But, baby, here?" Dee looked around and saw that the key was missing from the door. Ryo laughed and sat it on top of the file cabinet his face flushed slightly at his own boldness. "Here," Dee turned Ryo to him pulling the slighter frame into his arms. Ryo melted glad to relinquish the reins of this session to Dee. He felt he had been bold enough to last him at least another two months, but Dee made him want to please him. Dee did so much for him, a little risqué loving was not too much for him to handle. "I don't have any lube, do you?" Ryo shook his head wishing he had planned this better, but then again he was trying to be spontaneous. "Okay, get me wet." Ryo nodded then got to his knees in front of Dee. His hands, tough from years of wielding a gun. The hands were strong capable of martial arts, yet tender as they held him. Dee sighed at the first lick of hot tongue.

Ryo allowed as much moisture into his mouth as he could while he suckled Dee. Pulling him in then backing away while sucking creating a friction that was wet, warm and tantalizing. Ryo leaned back and lifted Dee, licking the swelling globes revealed to him. Dee groaned then clapped a hand over his mouth looking at the frosted glass panel in the door. It was small, but if they were heard someone might decide to look in and see what was going on. True all that would be seen were shadows, but still. This was not like Berkeley and Jeremy in the commissioner's office, that was at least private, this was... Thinking about it seemed to make Dee swell more in Ryo's mouth.

"Mmm...Umph... Dee," Ryo said when Dee pulled the glistening nob of his manhood from Ryo's mouth and turned him around.

"Lower your pants." Ryo pulled the garment down baring his underwear to Dee. "So hot," Dee purred rubbing his hands over the soft silk shorts. He pulled them down running his fingers along the seam. "I'll get you wet and loose," Dee promised. He lowered his head. Ryo bit down hard on his lips as Dee wriggled his tongue in between the perfect mounds of Ryo's bottom. He pressed a kiss then sucked a finger into his mouth. "Relax baby," Dee purred pushing a finger in.

"Ooh," Ryo gasped opening his body to Dee's probing. "Dee."

"Shhh, baby," Dee shoved his face into Ryo's bottom.

"But, Dee," Ryo panted pushing back on the two fingers driving him mad. "Just do it."

"You're not open enough," Dee delved his tongue in pushing his fingers in deep.

"Dee," Ryo gasped covering his mouth with his hand. Dee got up and stood up behind him. "Yes, Dee," Dee aligned himself and pressed forward. "Umm," Dee closed his eyes at the feel of the tight velvet inside of Ryo. "Oh... Dee," Ryo whispered closing his eyes as Dee seated himself fully.

"Bend over some more," Dee said gripping Ryo's hips. Ryo leaned over his hands on his knees as Dee pressed inside of him. He chewed his lips until they were bright red as he tried to keep quiet. Dee rode Ryo faster getting in out, in, out. "Come baby, got to make this a little faster," Dee said pressing in hard against Ryo's most sensitive bit of flesh. He reached around and stroked Ryo, his arms stretched but he could feel Ryo tighten around him as his orgasm built. Ryo gasped and Dee covered his mouth as he cried out. Dee slowed his pace reveling in the tense muscles that squeezed him. "I'm there." Dee said biting his lip as he filled Ryo.

"Do we have anything to clean with?" Ryo asked forgetting that he had initiating this.

Dee laughed and shook his head. "Glad that we are at work, but we are going to have to rely on our spare clothes in the locker room and you will have to keep it tight so that you won't drip before we get to the shower." Ryo gasped and hit Dee before he yanked his pants up.

Break

The waiter tried to be inconspicuous as he held up his cell phone taking pictures of the couple sitting outside. He had already noted several others clicking away one man not bothering to be discrete as he pulled a camera and focused. He clicked a few more shots before he straitened his tie and headed to their table. "Gentlemen," He bowed slightly waiting until he gained their attention. George tore his eyes away from Jhaymes' deep orbs. Jhaymes sighed to lose the sight of George's gorgeous depths he looked at the waiter. " My name is Darien, I will be your waiter for the evening," Darien began to list off the night's select menu choices and the wine list starting with the least expensive and working his way up. As they ordered their meal he could not help but stare at the beauty of George.

As their dinner arrived Darien tried not to stare as Jhaymes leaned over to whisper in George's ear. He had to move the beaded hair aside to do so and Darien's eyes nearly left his head at the large diamond earrings on display. He was quick to look away already having been chastised by his manager. If the rich and famous started to frequent the restaurant then they would be in the news, which would lead to more customers and more money. But if the stars felt their privacy violated, they would avoid the place. He had gone around and checked each phone deleting pictures of Boy George and the Arcadian knight. His phone had been spared simply because he had put it in his locker. But he vowed to keep the pictures to himself as a personal visual.

"After dessert, how about we go to Arcadia and spend the night out?"

"Out, but," George sighed. "Will we be back tomorrow evening?"

"Yes, if you like," Jhaymes promised he took George's hand and kissed the back of it. Always George was amazed that Jhaymes displayed his affection so openly, even when in public.

"Oh, good, my parents and Siobhan, my little sister, are coming. I promised to pick them up from the airport." George said then he thought back to what Torcha had said to him. "Laton and Torcha want to speak with them."

"Truly?"Jhaymes said his eyes lighting with joy. "They will make you Arcadian? I had planned to speak with the king to see if it were possible for me to... I mean, this will be good."

"Good?" George frowned at Jhaymes who seemed to be lost in thought. Whatever thoughts they were, they were happy, judging by the smile on his face.

Break

"Hey, guys," Ryo and Dee came to a halt in their rush to the showers. Leon caught up with them and sighed. "I just got a lead on drugs being sold over on Noll street. Wanna hit it with me?"

"Give us about twenty minutes." Dee said when Ryo stood still leaning against the wall. "Just going to take a shower."

"Dee," Ryo said edging away towards the shower.

"Hold it," Dee said standing in front of Ryo.

"What, are you doing?" Leon asked when Ryo shifted from foot to foot.

"Practicing muscle control," Dee laughed and Ryo gasped as he broke down and laughed.

"Dammit Dee," Ryo said and Dee took his jacket off to tie around Ryo's waist.

"Muscle control," Leon laughed as he looked back to the records room. "Twenty minutes," He said heading back to their office. "You guys..." He said nothing more, but he continued to laugh as he headed down the hall shaking his head.

Break

"So you see," Dae smiled at Madam Scorpion. "There is a decided benefit to you working for me." Madame Scorpion sat gingerly across from Dae. "You have a slew of highly trained, least likely suspects, and I have a very important mission for them to accomplish."

"What do you have in mind?" Madame Scorpion asked trying hard to regain her composure.

"So you are not fully female," Dae said instead of answering the question. "I can tell that it is only the top half, the bottom is decidedly male."

"My physique aside," Madame Scorpion said not denying or confirming the words. "What do you want me to do for you?"

"I want you to accomplish the murder that will bring the pet shop of the D family to their knees," Dae smirked. "With them in turmoil, the Royale will be easy to confuse. My smoke screen is already in place for the coup of the century. Those damn detectives will be running around blind."

"Who do you wish me to send my children after?" Madame Scorpion asked.

"I want you to take down the patriarch," Dae said with a smile. "I want you to murder Sofu D."

To Be Continued

Author's notes; Well, happy Birthday to me.

Extra

Under The Stars

When he had said, 'Spend the night out', George never thought that he actually meant... "Out". He looked around at the delightful glade that seemed to shine in the moonlight. Graceful willows swayed under a fragrant breeze. White flowers dotted the lush foliage in between deep blue, purple and green flowers. A white marble gazebo stood under an arch of trees with a wrought iron bed in the center. White, blue and green satin draped the openings and the bed. "This is beautiful," George whispered afraid his voice would mar the pristine loveliness of the scene.

"Sweetheart," Jhaymes walked behind him and placed his arms around George's waist. George relaxed into the embrace that had become so familiar. "I understand if you are leery of ingesting the tears of the seraph, but I hope that in weighing to positive against the negative, you count me as a positive. In that vein I want you to know that I adore you."

"The tears of the... what are you talking about?" George turned in Jhaymes arms.

"Do you remember Celeste? You met her, she is a Seraphim that is," Jhaymes began but George shook his head.

"I know what a Seraphim is," George said thinking about all that Jhaymes had just said to him. "What did you mean by ingesting her tears?" He had already bathed with a sacred beast of ancient China, what next?!

"It would not make you like the Arcadian Royale, you would not have fighting magic, or any unless gifted to you by a mage of the order of magic you receive. But if the queen and King of the eastern fire dragons claim you and have you registered as a kit, you would be given the tears and your aging would cease." Jhaymes explained with a broad smile. "You would be immortal, such as we are." Jhaymes finished and looked into George's wide eyes.

"Immortal," George said his mind awash with strange, heady sensations.

"I never want to lose you, I love you," Jhaymes pressed a kiss to George's forehead, his cheeks, his eyelids and his lips.

"I... I love you," George said holding tight to Jhaymes for his world was now completely upside down. Could he really do that? He asked himself as he sank into the warmth of Jhaymes using it as a touchstone to reality. A reality he had ceased to believe in anymore. What was real, what was his dreams, and what was he supposed to do?

"Sweetheart, you're trembling. Are you chilled? We can..." Jhaymes rubbed his hands along George's arms appreciating the soft material of his clothes sliding over his smooth skin. He stared knowing that the skin underneath was pale, and fragrant and soft. Jhaymes slowed his hands turning the brisk warming into a caress.

"I'm alright," Jhaymes found that hard to believe with the shivering increasing "But, can you promise to love me forever? Can you tell me that I will not spend an undetermined amount of centuries regretting our..." George could not finish as tears overwhelmed him. "I am never the one to end a relationship Jhaymes, I never have, and yet I am constantly by myself."

"I won't leave you," Jhaymes vowed the surety in his words almost enough to quell the broken heart that George had harbored for so long. "Only death will part us. If the Dragon court registers you, I will surely stake my claim."

"You can not register me?" George asked confused.

"The detectives were registered by the Royale before they knew who Ryo's mother was, Alicia was registered as a personal request from Ryo directly to Zarro, then later she was changed at the behest of the Dragon King and Queen. Do you understand now?"Jhaymes said brushing his fingers through George's hair.

"Only royalty can add to the registry of Arcadia," George mused. "You are a knight, not of royal blood. Will they allow you to claim me?" George asked almost forgetting his earlier upset as Jhaymes hands slid down his back. He arched into the palms of Jhaymes large hands on his bottom. Jhaymes squeezed. "Jhaymes, luv, here?" George felt the nibbling at his neck his head moved over baring the skin even as he protested. "But..." He looked around and felt a shifting of the balmy night breeze lifting the leaves of the weeping willows. They swayed as if dancing and George gasped to realize that Jhaymes had already opened his jacket.

"This glade is private, a gift from the king, no one will disturb us." Jhaymes said tossing the garment aside his fingers busy at the hem of George's long shirt.

"Oh... OH," George gasped at the feel of warm fingers inside the waist band of his pants. His bottom seemed to fascinate Jhaymes and George was glad of it. "Wait," George stepped out of Jhaymes embrace.

"Yes?" Jhaymes looked down into George's eyes. He was so lost in their beauty he almost did not hear what he said.

"Are we fully prepared and completely alone?" George said not allowing Jhaymes to lift his shirt over his head.

"Of course," Jhaymes said with a smile. "I have the water soluble lubrication you prefer, and this is mine, no one will trespass." Jhaymes laughed. "You're shy, it's cute."

"Shut up," George lowered his head and Jhaymes lifted his arms. George's skin shone in the bright light of the full moon glowing overhead as Jhaymes tossed the shirt aside. George fingers were busy with the buttons of Jhaymes vest peeling the fabric back he ran his hands over the taut muscles. Jhaymes gasped as George pinched on his small, yet hardening nipples. Jhaymes groaned clenching his hands once again on George's bottom. George leaned in licking and sucking the sensitive peaks of Jhaymes pectorals. "Ah," George gasped as he was lifted from his feet. Jhaymes took several purposeful strides. The beads Heaven had put in George's hair made a small clicking sound as he was set gently on the bed. George surrendered his pants to Jhaymes tugging lifting his hips to accommodate the undressing.

Feeling the night air on his skin was tantalizing and George leaned back on the bed allowing Jhaymes free reign with his body. Jhaymes licked down George's chest and spent time kissing circles around his navel before his tongue dived in. George spread his legs so that Jhaymes could nestle fully between them. His legs were lifted and placed over Jhaymes broad shoulders. "I love doing this," Jhaymes said sucking George in deep. George had been quite amazed to discover that Jhaymes did not possess a gag reflex. His hot mouth gulped George in while his tongue tormented him.

"Oh, I love when you do that," George purred shifting his body until he was facing Jhaymes glistening erection.

"No, no," Jhaymes tried to move away from George's mouth. "Too much, the taste of you and the feel on my... I can't take it." Jhaymes tried again to separate himself from George's searching mouth.

"It's alright," George chuckled. "You're a Phoenix right?" Jhaymes looked down confused at George's words. "You shall rise again. Haven't you already proven your stamina to me?" George recalled their first time together with a smile. He had been begging Jhaymes to let him bathe and he had loved every minute of it. Jhaymes held still a low groan leaving him at George's careful handling and finally, the warm, wet encasement. Jhaymes reminded himself to please George his mouth going back in for the full immersion of every one of his senses that all came alive in the form of George.

The blowing wind shifted the curtains and George was reminded that their bed was under a blanket of sparkling stars. He knew it was coming. Jhaymes body was taut with the need to expel his pleasure. George squeezed and Jhaymes gasped as he could not. "What was that?" Jhaymes said his urge calmed and George continued his nuzzling and licking.

"You were so worried about it," George said then sucked Jhaymes in deep. Jhaymes gasped sinking onto George again. He sucked, he licked, he devoured. George writhed at the onslaught. "Jhaymes..." George panted trying to warn him. "There, right...Ah." George gave Jhaymes what he had worked so hard for, his own mouth clamping down on Jhaymes and sucking him to completion. Jhaymes gasped pulling George into his arms he lay down on the bed beside him.

"Are you alright?" Jhaymes asked. George furrowed his brow. "I mean, cold."

"Umn," George shook his head wrapping his arms around Jhaymes waist. "Make love to me." George shivered slightly at the feel of Jhaymes hands traveling his back to again roam his backside. "you really like my bottom don't you?"

"George," Jhaymes took a deep breath. "There is something I have been meaning to tell you. I don't know if you have noticed before now," George grew worried at the sincere tone. Jhaymes lifted George's hand and kissed it. "But I think now is a good time to tell you. I'm gay." George narrowed his eyes as Jhaymes continued. "Your bottom is more beautiful than most and it just sends thrills through my..." Before Jhaymes could say more, George punched him lightly in the arm. "What?" Jhaymes laughed when he saw George smiling at him. "You are beautiful, I love to see you smile." George opened his mouth to speak and found his lips in a gentle crush with Jhaymes' lips. He felt Jhaymes lean over him and search in the pockets of his discarded pants.

"The water soluble lubrication that I prefer," George chuckled placing a kiss on Jhaymes shoulder. "Here, let's try this," George moved away from Jhaymes and got onto his knees. "Hand me those pillows." George reached and had to repeat the request as Jhaymes simply stared at him. George took the pillows from Jhaymes and braced himself.

"Wow," Jhaymes said appreciating the view of George bent over. He crawled over behind George his hands cupping him fingers splayed wide. He squeezed, he kneaded, he leaned in and kissed. Licked, sucked, leaving mouth shaped bruises on the fleshy globes. George had a smile on his face as Jhaymes paid homage to his behind. Jhaymes gently pulled the cheeks apart his tongue diving in and stabbing into the moist heat within. George cried out cautious of the wind carrying their lovemaking to anyone who could be listening. Jhaymes shoved his face in and George forgot anything but the feelings of Jhaymes mouth working overtime on his body.

Jhaymes wet his fingers with the sweet smelling lubrication and began to probe for entry which was gladly offered. George arched his back opening his body to Jhaymes. "Yes..." George gripped the sheets his head turning on the pillow it rested upon. "Jhaymes... yes," His body died a thousand deaths and yet lived to dance to the tune of Jhaymes making.

"Are you..." Jhaymes could not finish the question, he had three fingers in and George was thrusting back on his hand. "Ready," Jhaymes said getting to his knees behind George. He lined up to the slick bud careful to be gentle as he pushed just the head in then slid all the way inside groaning at the tight encasement.

"Jhaymes," George whimpered as the heat of Jhaymes body invaded his own. "Ooh," George closed his eyes sinking down on the bed spreading his legs wide. No more words were available for use in Jhaymes' mind. He placed his hands on George's hips and started to push in, he sighed, then rested appreciating the deep embrace of the hot sheath then he pulled nearly out plunging in again amazed at the sight of his member disappearing into George's body. George met each thrust with a wild passion that rocked the bed. Then he began to counter thrust and Jhaymes doubted his survival as his body and mind became centered on the possession of his love. He leaned over George's back placing kisses on his shoulder blades, his back, the back of his neck.

George pushed back leaning into Jhaymes' arms he turned his head and molded their lips together. Jhaymes held him tight his body still pushing in, driving their lovemaking with a deep well of emotion he almost feared. He could not lose this. This man, his Sweetheart, George, meant to much to him he feared he would immolate himself and refuse to come back. "I love you," Jhaymes wondered if there was another way that he could say it. Those words seemed so simple they did not say enough. "Sweetheart, my love, my Georgie," Jhaymes cried out his voice ringing and mixing with the passionate vertigo of George's own dulcet joy.

George collapsed into the bed. He turned to face Jhaymes who lay beside him just as shattered and sated. George closed his eyes secure in the embrace of Jhaymes. He leaned back in the bed closing his eyes. The song of the night wind blowing through the leaves of the swaying weeping willows sang them to sleep.
Powdered Sugre 44

Venom 3-conclude

(Realizations)

Sunlight, George blinked his eyes open and wished he had thought to close his curtains as it brightened the room. He pulled the covers over his head smiling at the warm, solid body next to him on the bed. "Luv," George tickled his fingers along Jhaymes sides. "Mind closing those curtains, I would love to sleep in a few more minutes."

"Can't turn off the sun sweetheart," Jhaymes chuckled. George gasped as last night came back to him. He sat up in bed looking at the lovely glade that the gazebo stood in. "I have a robe and parasol for you. I would hate for your skin to burn."

"You think of everything, don't you?" George smiled as Jhaymes left the bed unabashedly nude to fetch the items. George leaned back on his elbow and appreciated the sight of the tanned, lean muscle. It rippled in the dappled light that filtered through the lattice work ceiling of the gazebo. Jhaymes hair fell around his shoulders in a sleep rumpled mess. He was beautiful. George smiled and Jhaymes turned around. He felt his heart gladden at the sight of his angel laying upon the bed.

"Only of you, my heart," Jhaymes helped George from the bed quick to wrap him in the large white robe with gardenias stitched in thin green thread that shimmered. "I only think of you." George was still smiling as Jhaymes opened the parasol and held it over him. "Let's get back to the palace so that you can bathe, your parents are coming today. I am most anxious to meet them," George felt a shiver of nerves run along his spine at the thought of his parents being faced with the Arcadians. How would they fare? He wondered then lost all thoughts as he watched several large, colorful birds fly in a graceful arc towards the palace. Three unicorns ran across the plains their shining coats gleaming in the early morning sun. This truly was a magical world he had been sucked into.

Break

Bikky tossed a few baskets as his friends from the basketball team came over. "'Eh, MaClean," Ryan said laughing as he took the ball and tossed it through the hoop. "Alone today, where's that blond that's usually attached to you?"

"She's home packing," Bikky grumbled taking his ball back he threw with enough force that Ryan and the other boys feared that he would break the back board. "Taking her up to her dorm tomorrow."

"You're going with," Another boy, Billy, said astounded.

"Yeah, my dad's are letting me go. Taking Rain and Kenneth too." Bikky said looking off to where Rain sat on his cell. Though Julie was still not seeing him, she did call and answer when he called. It was a step. He knew that Ryo and Dee would uncover what was going on, but now they had these difficult cases. It seemed like the file of folders they brought home doubled in number every night. They were lucky to see them after breakfast, let alone for dinner. It was usually bed time, or way after that they would even come in. Some times Bikky fought back the urge to tell Ryo to go back to bed, that he would get breakfast. Seeing Ryo so tired was worrisome. Even more worrisome was that Dee was not complaining about not getting into Ryo's pants. Lyo was spending more and more time at the pet shop, so was Lord D while JJ too was run ragged. "Rain," Bikky called waving his brother over. Can't be out too much longer, you know you have that interview to do.

"We should all hang out before school gets back in," Ryan said with a grin. "I have a new job and I am making some money, so you won't have to cover for me anymore."

"Ha, won't that be nice?" Bikky joked then wandered off to their waiting chaperon. He sighed realizing that it was not one of their parents, but a selected guard from Arcadia. He frowned as he noted that the guy was ranked as a basilisk, His dark sunglasses giving his race away, not a salamander like they usually got. Were they in some kind of danger that they were watched by a higher rank, or were all the salamanders busy? Either way, it did not bode well for their family and Arcadia.

Break

Jhaymes fussed with his hair straitening the fluffy mess for what seemed the thousandth time as he stood next to George in the crowded airport. His jacket was fixed again and George laughed softly. "You look wonderful," George took his hand. "Now be still, I think that's their plane." George refreshed his lip stick and turned beaming a smile as the corridor was filled with streams of people off the Trans-Atlantic flight. "Oh," George waved his arm shaking his entire body. A young beauty with dark hair bounced into his arms. "Siobhan, Mum, Dad," George held his sister then embraced his parents.

"Hello darling," Dinah kissed George's cheek.

"Hello son," George nodded at his father.

"Mum, Dad, Siobhan, this is Jhaymes," Jhaymes bowed formally then kissed George's mother's hand.

"I am glad to know you, uh your son is... I mean," Jhaymes shut his mouth.

"Oh wow Georgie," Siobhan said her eyes wide as she looked up at Jhaymes. "He's more of a hunk in person. I saw him on telly doing that challenge, but wow." George laughed nodding his head as Jhaymes turned red under their mutual ogling.

"You all must be exhausted," Jhaymes said regaining his composure. "We can take you to your hotel, or if you would like to have some lunch you are more than welcome to name a place, any place and... Oh, wait, things have changed, cause," Jhaymes smiled at George with such love in his gaze that his mother sighed. "You are not staying at a hotel."

"We're not?" Dinah asked as Jhaymes hefted their bags into his arms causing Siobhan to widen her eyes at his strength and muscle tone that she could see when his jacket shifted.

"The King and Queen of the eastern fire dragons have arranged with his majesty Zarro the high king for you to be inside the consulate." Jhaymes explained.

"Oh, really?" Jerry, George's dad, said following his family out to the waiting car, Jhaymes gasped to see their salamander guard replaced by a dragon his crisp black uniform seeming to sparkle in places from his silver badges of rank. Jhaymes recognized him as one of Ryo's cousins.

"Sir Hiten," Jhaymes bowed to the duke of the onyx realm also ruled over by the Obsidian palace. "Is there a problem?"

"You are to escort the guests to the palace and stay there," Sir Hiten said with an odd formality that worried Jhaymes. "Arcadia is closing ranks and pulling out, with the consulate what it is, it is vulnerable to outside influence."

"Understood," Jhaymes placed the bags into the trunk keeping the family away so that he could speak. "I need you to be honest with me. How big is this?"

"The beast has humans as well as demons in his employ." Hiten explained. "They could be anywhere, and anyone. We are all in danger. People you have known for years could be suspect. The O'Dowds are cleared because of their association with George... The bastard has started using children." Hiten looked around then forced a smile as he turned to greet the family. "There are refreshments prepared at the palace." Hiten nodded to his charges and held the door open for them. As they entered the car he gave Jhaymes a long look then signaled the driver to pull off. George gasped as Jhaymes asked Hiten a question in Arcadian. The language was no less beautiful than when Jhaymes had spoken it to him and yet it did not effect him as it had before.

"What started this high security detail?" Jhaymes asked he smiled then reached over for George's hand. George sighed as Jhaymes gently ran his fingers over the back of his hand.

"An attempt..." Hiten said replying in the ancient language of Arcadia. "Someone tried to kill Soofu D." Jhaymes gasped and his fingers clenched on George.

"Is he alright?" Jhaymes said in English.

"Unharmed, but displeased with the King's precautions." Jhaymes smiled at Hiten's words. "Please be unalarmed, things at the consulate are not what they seem."

"Allow them to rest before you decide to explain everything," George said with a soft sigh. "Please, sir."

"Hiten, we're almost related." Hiten winked at George then looked out the window at the passing scenery of people going about their lives. "It always amazes me just how much they don't know."

Break

Rain sat in his dressing room and dragged a brush through his hair while George sat in the mirror smoothing his foundation before he began the task of applying his eye make-up and lipstick. When they said that there was an interview with Lindsey Fennel he had thought that they would go to the studio not have her cloistered into the consulate. His family was still asleep in a room that he knew to be palatial swathed in unicorn blankets and pillows. When George had grown worried he had been told that they would awaken refreshed and unharmed. "You shouldn't be so upset," George gasped as Bikky sat down and grinned at his brother. "Alera is waking them now."

George sighed in relief as he heard the sound of the door opening. His sister strolled in smiling brightly looking freshly showered and happy. "Georgie, this place is amazing, it is not like a corporate building at all." She thought of the jeweled paneling that had run along the length of the marble hallways.

"There is nothing like Arcadia on earth," Rain said with a smile as he sat his brush down. "You're his sister?"

"Yes, Siobhan O'Dowd pleased to meet you Rain," Siobhan said with sigh. "I was a fan long before you ever invited this bloke up."

"Oi, I like that," George said dusting his sister's nose with a powder puff. Siobhan laughed then took his vacated seat.

"Just so you know," Siobhan said twirling in the seat. "Mum and Dad are aware now that your Jhaymes has not taken intimate liberties with you with impunity. He has very honorable intentions and loves you completely."

George sat the brush down that he had been prepared to use."He didn't!" George gasped his sister's laughter confirming his horrified thoughts.

"He did, bowed like a knight of old and then shook dad's hand, it was amazing." Siobhan gushed. "He even apologized for those said liberties that he has taken with you," Siobhan laughed remarking to herself that although Jhaymes had apologized, he had not said that he would not do it again.

"Oh... he didn't," George said again and sat down. Rain got to his feet and began to fix George's hair as George had simply sat the brush on the vanity.

"Feather Head," Bikky remarked using one of Laton's favorite names for the warrior that had allowed his heart to overrule his head. "What's the big deal?" Bikky said munching on Rain's left over bag of chips. "Didn't they already know you were dating him?"

"Well, yes, but he did not have to go and explain the intimacy levels of our relationship." George said his cheeks indeed red. "Mum and Dad blush at carry on films, they don't need to hear that their son..." George grew quiet and looked at his sister.

"It's not all that bad," Rain laughed he looked up as Brian entered the room to let him know that there was five minutes until they were supposed to go on. He sighed, he had hoped that Ryo and Dee would make it back in time.

Break

Ryo slammed the car door as he and Dee left the car. Dee tossed the keys to the waiting doorman. Running as fast as they could they crashed down the lush halls of the consulate. They had told Rain they would make it, that he would not have to do an interview without the support of his family and damn it this would not be the first time they lied to the boy, even if Dee had been shot. Rain looked up as the door crashed open to his dressing room his smile bright as he saw them. The smile diminished when he saw the bandages on Dee's arm. "I'm alright," Dee said before Rain could ask.

"You've been shot," Bikky accused. "That is not alright."

"Better my arm than Ryo's back," Dee said using his good arm to tug Bikky into an embrace. "With those choices, which do you think I took?" Bikky nodded as Rain calmed checking Ryo over to make sure that he was alright. "Besides, it's just a flesh wound, the bullet grazed me, didn't even go in."

"Shot is shot, no matter how you look at it," George frowned. "What have you two been up to?"

"Criminal chasing in back alleys, the usual," Ryo quipped then he aimed a smile at Siobhan. "Your family is here, how nice."

"How'd you know I was his sister?" Siobhan got to her feet to shake Ryo's then Dee's hand.

"Familial resemblance," Ryo said backing away afraid to say their scents were similar, she wouldn't understand.

"Oh, Georgie," Siobhan said as she adjusted the large gold foil bow in his hair. "I know you love bright colors, but that pin clashes."

"What?" George looked in the mirror and saw Ponchi clinging to his hair. "When did you..." George gently extricated the little fairy from his tresses and held her by the back of her dress with his forefinger and thumb. "Butterfly, now," George whispered as Brian gave the call for them to get on camera. "Siobhan, please take care of her," George handed his pet to his sister. "Be gentle, her wings are very delicate." Ponchi squeaked in indignation as George hurried off.

"Mum," Siobhan complained when her parents joined her backstage. "George put a bug in my hand."

"Darlin, you're too old to be playin' such pranks on your sister," Dinah scolded.

"It's just a butterfly," Rain said heading after George.

Break

"What we need is a great big melting pot...big enough, big enough, big enough to take the world and..." Rain looked over at George as he sang the opening number and smiled as George pointed to Kenneth. He inhaled and sang his part inherited from the fabulous singer that used to tour with George's band. Rain sighed wishing his voice was as mature as Kenneth's, but then again he had inherited his father's talents. Daphnus was a sensational singer and Rain tried hard to emulate him. Lately he had been shadowing George, but they were both idols to him. As the song ended Rain, Kenneth and George headed over to speak with Ms. Fennel.

"Wow, guys that was fantastic," Lindsey gushed watching as the rest of the group headed off. Rain's eyes trailed them and he saw his parents standing off to the side. They spoke quietly with Daphnus and Nestoir before the two high princes' left. He wondered what was going on as he watched Ryo stand in front of Dee as if shielding him. Rain felt the wind shift and the message warmed his blood. -Stay normal, no change, Arcadia closed but accessible to those with the key. The blood is the key. I will be with you when needed.- Rain shook his head to clear it as the last of the message left him. "Rain, do you think that you would like for Boy George to stay with the band as a permanent member even though he is not of royal or noble blood?" Lindsey waited obviously having repeated the question.

"Oh, yeah," Rain nodded he looked over at Bikky. He sighed, he and George had been taken by an incubus where was Wyld Wynd then? He would rather trust in those with tangible bodies to rescue him if he were ever caught again. "The only reason I am royal is because Ryo and Dee adopted me."

"Now we have available the first video release from your friends and family album due out this thanksgiving," Lindsey said nodding to the camera crew to focus on each of the young men sitting. Kenneth sat in his long black pants and long sleeve shirt while Rain was covered in voluminous green layers on top and white pants that were much too large for him. George was bright in yellow and white stripes that hung off his frame under a green vest that seemed to swallow his body. "You are pop stars in every sense of the word, but why only the three of you today, where are the rest of the band? They were just here a moment ago."

"They are tripping the light fantastic," Kenneth said with a chuckle despite the flutter of nerves in his heart as he thought of his dad out looking for demons in human guise.

"Why don't we take a look," Lindsey said. She sighed every one who had ever interviewed the Arcadians in any way said that they were odd. Shaking her head she watched as the video was played. Her eyes grew steadily rounder as the song came to a close she gulped then looked at Rain. "That was... Darker than anything we have seen from you so far."

"Yeah, there was only the one light outside and one strapped to the camera." Rain nodded correctly misinterpreting her words. As the interview went on George did his best to keep Lindsey laughing and not focused on the boys much to their appreciation.

Break

Dae got up from the bed and pulled robe about his body. He looked back at Madame Scorpion and smiled as the head of the deadliest group of assassins sat up still trembling. "You were right," Dae said heading to the cabinet to make himself a drink. "Those are fun, glad you had the surgery." Madame Scorpion worked hard to contain the bile that clamored in his throat. As soon as Dae was gone Hamanosuke rushed to the bed with a bucket that he gratefully used.

"You'll probably hate me for being glad it was you and not me this time," Hamanosuke said offering a cup of cold water.

"He's an animal," Madame Scorpion sobbed.

"No," Hamanosuke shook his head. "He's much worse."

Dae smirked as he headed down to the basement of his large complex. He saw the large cauldrons boiling consistently as he had requested. " Darla," He called out searching through the mist. "I think it is time." Skeins of slate gray hair fell around a face that was incongruous in its youth and beauty. A slim figure graced with nubile curves swathed in black and gray shuffled forward moving with the gait of the aged the woman appeared before her master. Dae had granted her youth, but it was only on the surface, her body had continued to age these past hundred years and she was bound to him in service despite her hatred of his betrayal. "Increase the love spell until he can not think of anything but possessing his desire."

"But sir," Darla lowered her lashes. "The spell at full capacity is dangerous, the one under it's thrall is likely to murder the one desired and then end his own life in despair."

"Your point?" Dae said looking at the old CD he had purchased with a picture of a pretty youth on the cover. "It will give new meaning to the words 'Do you really want to hurt me' now won't it?" Darla picked up the red bottle that was carefully plugged after every use. Whereas before she would add a drop or two at a time, under Dae's guidance, she tipped in the entire bottle. Dae smiled wide as she stirred the boiling mixture and whispered the incantation of obsession. "One more thing Darla," Dae said turning to face her. Darla looked up and received a heavy blow to her face that knocked her to the floor where she cowered afraid to even bring up her hand to wipe the blood flowing from her mouth. "Never question me again." Darla waited until Dae was upstairs again before she crawled to her feet. Her eye was already swelling shut, but she could see well enough. Well enough to add the fresh drops of morning dew to a cauldron burning in secret under the veil of her dream potion that he would be using shortly.

'Just you wait,' Darla thought not daring to give voice to her feelings sure Dae would hear them some how. 'Just you wait.'

Break

"Hey," Bikky sat on the small twin sized bed and sighed. Carol sniffled sitting beside him she held his hand. "This place is not so bad you know. Julie said her cousin went here."

"I know, but... Sunnydale is so far." Carol looked where her bags sat next her bed. Kenneth entered the room carrying several large boxes followed by Rain with boxes and Aunt Maxine.

"It's not that far, we can visit each other on school breaks." Bikky assured her. They all looked up when the door opened and a young woman entered with a folder. She had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes. She was slim and wore a bright yellow dress and sandals.

"Hi, I'm Lorri," She held out her hand. "I'm your room mate, you must be Carol."

"Hi, yes I am Carol, nice to meet you. This is my boyfriend Bikky, his brother Rain and our friend Kenneth, and that is my Aunt Maxine." Carol introduced watching as Lorri's eye's widened as she looked at Rain and Kenneth.

"Oh wow!" Lorri exclaimed. "Wait til the others hear about this!" Before Carol or Bikky could call her back Lorri ran from the room They could hear her yelling the news down the halls and knocking on doors. Carol looked at the folder that Lorri had dropped in her excitement.

"Orientation, I guess we better go," Bikky said hugging Carol tight. He felt her tremble and knew more tears were coming. "Come on now," Bikky wiped her tears glad when Aunt Maxine looked away giving them a moment of privacy. Bikky kissed her and Carol sighed into his arms. "Go be brilliant." Bikky said when he stepped away. Kenneth gasped as he opened the door to find their guards swamped by eager fans all holding pens and notebooks. Rain and Kenneth both sighed as they began to sign while edging their way to the exit.

Break

Ryo sighed as he looked at the corpse that had been dumped in the alley behind the pet shop. This was where they were yesterday when a barrage of bullets had come their way. "This guy looks familiar," Ryo said mentally attempting to place the face staring ahead with sightless eyes. The flesh was cold and stiff the mouth open in the last visage of horror as death was realized.

"This is the only one that was not drained. The others look like their souls were sucked right out of them," Leon said coming behind Ryo from where he had been investigating the piles of bodies laying around the alley.

"Dae," Dee nodded surveying the mess. "What the hell is he up to?"

"Aside from trying to kill Sofu," Leon shook his head. "I am glad Zarro called all the D family to Arcadia until further notice."

"But he is going to have a cow and three horses when he finds out that Sofu has been walking around out here."

"For dinner you mean," Leon grinned thinking of the large cat's appetite.

"What?" Ryo frowned.

"A cow and three horses," Leon snickered. "But Sofu is hoping to draw the assassins out and away from his family."

"Willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good huh?" Dee mused shaking his head. "Come on," Dee nodded to the coroners office as they waited for their chance to clean up the mess in the alley. "I wonder why this guy was not drained."

"I see it," Ryo got to his feet where he had knealt near the body of the one man simply murdered. "He was undercover, looks like FBI."

"So Dae would have killed him just like the rest even if he was one of the good guys...Especially if he was one of the good guys." Dee looked confused at the badge Ryo was tagging as evidence understanding now why the man had looked familiar.

"Looks like he was really good," Ryo held the crucifix the man had around his neck. "Dae could not take this one."

"Good show Hollister," Dee said as the bag was zippered over his face. "Rest in peace."

Break

Jon opened his eyes his body wet with perspiration. It had been so vivid, so hot, the dream. Pale limbs entwined with his own. Tight enclosure soft cries of pleasure... "George," Jon whispered then closed his mouth and got out of bed careful not to move his wife too much.

Despite his precautions she awakened and looked at him. "Jon, where are you going?" She asked as he put his shoes on.

"LA," Jon said reaching for his wallet.

"Why?" She asked sitting up in bed watching in alarm as her husband tossed clothes in a bag. "Jon?" She called his name. "Jon," She tried again staring as he left the room.

Break

"Oh, hey," Marilyn paused when he was hailed coming out of the high priced boutique. He had told the sales clerk to charge all things to George's credit card which he had lifted from him the last time they were together. "You're Marilyn right?" Marilyn nodded to the suit clad gentlemen who looked expensive and smelled like his next meal ticket. "I loved your song Calling your name and You don't love me was stuck in my head for weeks, not that I minded." Marilyn grinned and halted his walk to smile at the man. "My name is Daemian Luce," Dae smiled and shook the hand offered to him. "Let me buy you lunch and you can tell me everything about yourself."

Ha, Marilyn thought as he headed off with the suave gentleman. George was not the only one who could snag a hottie. They sat for at least an hour, Marilyn quite forgot that he was supposed to record some background vocals for George today. "So, what are you doing in town?" Marilyn asked batting his lashes.

"We are starting a little venture," Dae smiled and trailed his finger over the back of Marilyn's hand. "I hear you have those Royal Arcadians eating out of the palm of your hand."

"You could say that," Marilyn smiled.

"Well, my organization has been trying to arrange a meeting with them, perhaps you would be so kind as to bring a present to them for me?" Dae reached into his pocket for a shiny black ball. "It's a rare opal," Dae said showing Marilyn the black orb. "Pretty isn't it? Make sure you give it to High Prince Daphnus right in the middle of rehearsal. When he is surrounded by everyone," Dae's voice softened and he ran a hand through the lush blond locks that fell around his face. "You will do that for me, won't you?" Dae's voice seemed to trickle inside of Marilyn's head. His eyes glowed and Marilyn stared transfixed. The lights in the diner dimmed leaving the only light from a single window to shine upon the surface of the orb. "I made this for them, it will help them sleep, it will show them the truth in their hearts. Funny thing about humans, their hearts carry the most diseased, depraved thoughts you could ever imagine, and they call me the demon."

"What?" Marilyn blinked and looked up. He was alone at his table the orb clutched in his hands. He blinked several times before he got up from the table. "Damn, I'm late, better catch a cab."

Break

Dinah and Jerry sat at the table with their children and the King and Queen of the Eastern Fire Dragons. "So," Dinah asked after a few moments of sipping tea. "Why are you called the Eastern Fire Dragons?"

"Well we have to be perfectly honest with you," Laton said and George gulped as Torcha stroked his hair. "It's because we are."

"You are what?" Jerry asked worried as his son seemed to garner the strangest attention. "So the high king of Arcadia sits on the lion throne. What is he? A lion?"

"Well he does not sit on the Lion Throne, he keeps it." Torcha explained. "Yes, he is a lion, the great white lion, Zarro, ruler of these realms. Please try to understand," Torcha reached out a hand for Siobhan when the young woman stared wide eyed at her.

"Understand what?" Siobhan asked. "That you're all mad?"

"Why is madness always the first accusation?" Laton asked his manner that of the severely offended.

"Darling, you said that you would be nice," Torcha scolded her husband. "I know you know the legends," Torcha spoke to Dinah. "I can see it in your eyes and smell it in your blood, his blood." Torcha pointed at George. "It comes from you and you know it." Dinah squirmed under the steady gaze of the queen whose eyes had lost their human guise. "Surely you've noted a certain fey-ness in all of your children, none so much than George." Torcha said to Jerry who looked askance at his wife. "George even has the tell-tale eyes."

"What are you talking about?" George asked looking askance at Torcha then Laton. "So that's it?" He said looking away. "It's not anything about me in particular that you love and want to adopt. It's my blood. The scent of my blood." Torcha was quick to reach for George's hand when it seemed he was on the verge of tears. All this time they had made him feel special and accepted. He thought they cared for him, now he understood that it was all because of something ancient that they could smell in his blood. "Is that why Jhaymes loves me? Is it because of the smell, my... scent?"

"On, Dumpling, no," Torcha patted his hand and sighed when he seemed to tense under her ministrations Laton spoke up.

"You know what Kit," Laton said his voice kinder than any had heard from him in centuries. "Sofu D has the best smelling blood, full of old memories and still possessing the scent of the light. I could sit for hours, days, years and just sniff him. But I can't stand him." Laton shook his head laughing. "If I knew I wouldn't get yelled at, I'd probably eat him. Yes, your blood has the stuff of legends coursing through it, but you are special, you are a nice person. When you are bad, you do it magnificently, and when you are good, dear God, you are great."

"You really mean to eat someone?" Siobhan asked looking at the tall Asian man sitting so calm across from her. "Mum, what's in our blood?"

"It is an old tale, passed down from mother to daughter." Dinah explained her eyes sad. "I never told you because I wanted you to live for the future, not the past."

"We can never forget our past," Torcha shook her head. "If we do, we are doomed to repeat it."

"It all seemed so odd to me," Dinah sipped her tea. "Druid Magus Priestesses. Dragons, and wyrms, darkhum... I could not understand it then and I can not understand it now."

"What is there to not understand?" Laton smiled at her. "Take your time and tell your children their heritage."

"Okay," Dinah sighed then sipped again for fortification. This tea was delicious, she would have to remember to ask for the recipe."From mother to daughter the tale was told of an ancient priestess that imbibed dragons blood. There was a time of great darkness where men were consumed by greed and madness. A black cloud choked the land killing all who were unfortunate enough to come across it. The Wyrms churned the Irish sea off the coast of Wales long before the March Lords took over. What the priestess conjured that long ago day was a male child of dragon blood. In a line of female priestesses, there had never been a male child born. But he was, sharing a womb with a girl child. Cerridwen and Mychael they were. And the time came for Cerridwen to fulfill her destiny, to unlock the weir gate that had trapped the Pyrf, or wryms, the dragon larvae. She did it, and later it was Mychael that called the dragons in, Ddrie Glas and Ddrie Goch, the red and green mates. He set them to their task of devouring the darkness. But that is not where the tale ends. He was wed to a child born of starlight, a liosofar warrior, A light elf. It is from her that we have the dark hair. But it is Mychael and Cerridwen that we get our eyes. We are descendants of Mychael and Llynnya." Dinah finished her tale and looked at Torcha and Laton. "You mean to tell me that all the tales my grandmother used to tell were true?"

"You already know the answer." Torcha said, not unkindly.

"Red and Green, a pair, are they related to you?" George asked recalling the true forms of Laton and Torcha.

"In a sense, all dragons are related. King Ghidora, Ddrie Goch and Ddrie Glas, the Honlon and many others." Torcha explained. "The coloring is purely coincidental in this case."

Ponchi flew into George's hair clinging to the tresses her feelers rubbing along his cheeks. "It's alright Ponchi, You can shift from butterfly." Ponchi made a tinkling sound and rubbed George's cheek. "Yes, I'm sure." George held out his hand and Ponchi landed. As she shifted Siobhan stared in awe her eyes going rounder and wider as the butterfly shifted to a tiny human shape with blue wings the size of her tiny frame. Siobhan fell over where she sat in a faint. Ponchi bounced in George's hand before she flew over to Siobhan and landed inches from her nose. Ponchi pointed and bounced. "She's alright, she just fainted." George said. Jerry lifted his daughters hand and lightly tapped her cheeks.

Siobhan gasped as she sat up blinking rapidly. "That's...T...Thats a fairy."

"Yes she is a pet, a gift from Count D, or rather, she chose to go to George, Count D just made the contract."Torcha said smiling and Siobhan gulped at the long incisors the queen had. "So sorry, I do not particularly care for my human form.

"What contract?" George asked. "I never signed anything."

"You didn't have to, she bound herself to you, so it was her who signed." Torcha looked at the little fairy. "She saw you with Jhaymes and fell in love." Ponchi nodded her head her entire body rocking with the motion. She flew over to George and rubbed her face along his cheek.

"Why are you telling us all this?" Jerry asked keeping his daughter in his arms in case she decided to faint again.

"Because we want to formally adopt George and we need your permission to register him in the annals of Arcadia." Torcha said smiling hoping to put the humans at ease. "He will still be your son, nothing can change the rights of blood, but he will be ours as well. A resident of Arcadia with all that entails."

"What does it entail?" Jerry asked his eyes focused and shrewd.

"For one thing, immortality, such as we can claim it. He will not age or sicken, he will be able to call upon Arcadia and make an exit at will. And if necessary, he can call them in." Laton explained giving George a wink.

"Them?" Dinah asked her voice growing small. "You mean, Ddrie Goch and Ddrie Glas?"

Torcha nodded then she looked at George. "It would also give you the right to wed. A female detective gave up her humanity in order to wed a Gryphon warrior, Zarro registered her at the behest of Jash, she is now a gryphon. Lady Alicia, a duchess in our court was once human, then she became a mermaid. She gave up that form for Dragon in order to bear a child for Ryo. As Royalty, we are able to add to the registry."

"You never said anything about not being human anymore," George shook his head. "I won't be human?"

"You misunderstand," Laton laughed. "You will be human, just as Dee and Leon and JJ are human."

"We have said a lot to you all, perhaps now would be a good time to rest and think it over." Torcha got to her feet. "We do not expect an answer right away. Please enjoy your stay, oh and Dumpling, you might want to explain a few things about Arcadia to your family."

"Arcadia?" Dinah asked.

"Yes mum," George sighed. "We are not actually in Los Angeles anymore." Laton and Torcha left George to the task of making his family understand the incomprehensible world of magic he had brought them to.

Break

Ryo did not know if he wanted to laugh, cry, or punch the chief of police. He sat next to Dee and Leon with JJ and Jill not far away fuming. "You boys and girl, should realize why I am doing this." The chief blustered chewing his cigar which hung moist from his fat lip. The well chewed on cigar bobbed as he continued to speak. "It is clear that these cases all involve you in some way and so I have no choice but to hand it over to other officers. You are too close involved."

"If you take us off this case more people will be killed, maybe our own," Leon ground out punching the armrest of his chair.

"Tell me, are you close to solving them?" The chief asked. "Or is it that they are all interconnected and you can't make heads or tails of all the clues because you are too busy finding the ways they are related to your own pasts? You are all lost in your own hells, get clear and rethink the situation. The commissioner agrees so don't try going to him to get this reversed, you're dismissed, now get the hell out of my office.

"We are close dammit!" Dee yelled. "The next body we find is on you." Dee slammed the door in their wake. The Chief sat down at his desk breathing a sigh of relief. He had done it, now if only he felt confident that he had done the right thing. Giving up on his attempt to quit, the chief lit his cigar taking a grateful drag. His wife would just have to understand what he dealt with every day.

JJ shut the door to Agent Miaka's office. "You all should relax. I am the one who put the idea in the chief's head."

"Why in the hell would you do that?" Leon demanded.

"He's right, it doesn't make sense," Ryo said looking at Miaka whose ears had come out when JJ shut the door. They perked up pointing to the ceiling.

"You are hunting for the cause from the wrong side of the fence. Let the other officers find the human perpetrators, while you bring down the demon ringleader. Once he falls it will all work itself out." Miaka explained. "Look at it from a human perspective, you see that all these cases mirror or shadow your own worst experiences on the force. But look at it from an Arcadian perspective and you would recognize a smoke screen. He wants you lot busy so that he can do something rotten. He knows that Scorpio's children will never succeed in killing Sofu D and yet he is sending them to their deaths anyway. He has killed eight of them already, and Dae will send more until there are none left. These children are brainwashed and, well, death is not exactly what Sofu does to them. They are alive, just... he took the advice of the younger D and turns them into Scorpions that he later releases into the desert."

"Cagey little Asian bastard," Leon grumbled as he thought of Sofu D. "Zarro has gone through a lot of trouble to keep him safe and he is out there putting himself at risk just so that he can turn a bunch of kids into bugs."

"Better him out there than have them come to his family is his way of thinking." Miaka explained. "So take a few days off then come back when you are ready to think like an Arcadian. You are knights of the realm, warriors to be exact. Hold your shield high, you're going to need it." With those words, Miaka shrunk her ears and opened her office door. The group trooped out lost in thought.

Break

Lord D leaned back in the garden while his children scampered with Aoi and Lyo. Count D sat beside his father appreciating the even breathing of his infant son as he slept the afternoon away. It was always so nice, the feel of his little heart beating against his own. "Father, has there ever been a Kami who could not bear children? And... if so, was the condition permanent?"

"I am afraid I have never come across a case of such extreme internal injury before," Lord D answered after a long pause. "Please understand that Dae was attempting to abort your child. The act itself would have killed you had he succeeded. It was brutal, the ripping he did inside of you. I can try to, have tried at various points, to repair you, even father has tried." Count D nodded understanding the gravity of his wounds if even the great Soofu D could not heal him. "Child," Lord D took Count D's hand and noted the tremble to the hand underneath his own. "There is life within you. Your very blood sings with it." Lord D jabbed Count D's finger with his fork drawing blood. He held it over the grass and Count D stared in wonder as small red flowers bloomed where his blood had fallen. "Even more so," Lord D sealed the tiny wound then wiped his hand across his sons cheek. Taking the tears he ran his fingers over the grass and white flowers sprang to life their petals glistening as if with fairy dust.

"How did you...?" Count D stared in wonder at the white flowers. The Gattalatto he knew, but these were something different.

"I did not, you did. A Kami's tears are a thing of purity. These plants can later be harvested and used to counteract the darkest poison." Lord D explained. "I spent years doing research and experiments trying to learn what I was, what we are. The meaning of our existence and what purpose we could have to the world around us. Men were so cruel were we truly to protect them? From who? Themselves? It was all so confusing." Lord D dragged his hand through his hair. "You will understand the grand purpose there is to all things. In time of course, you are merely a child in the long span of time."

"You are not much older in the long span of time," Count D declared a smile lifting his wet cheeks and Lord D smiled in return allowing his son his moment. If only it would last. Lord D had tried on various occasions to lift the gloom that seemed to hang about D, but his son was stubborn in all things it seemed. Even depression. "Thank you ChiChiUe, for all you do, for all you have done, and for all that I know you will do." Lord D nodded his head he looked up smiling as JJ and Leon entered the garden obviously looking for them. Lord D's smile faded when he saw the frown on JJ's face.

"Darling, there you are," JJ tried to smile for Lord D. He reached out a hand and pulled Lord D to his feet. "Wow," JJ pressed his hand to the small bump underneath Lord D's elegant cheongsam.

"There is still some growing to do," Lord D informed his lover. "I have not even reached the second accommodation yet."

"Oh," JJ moved away giving Leon some alone time with Count D. Leon had spotted the signs of his earlier tears and sat beside him on the grass.

"Yes, but it is coming soon." Lord D nodded he smiled as Kibo and Shinrai spotted their father and ran to greet him as fast as their little legs could carry them.

"Da Da,"

"Da, Da," They both called out and JJ crouched down spreading his arms wide to embrace both children. Aoi looked up to see Leon sitting with Count D and Kurayami. She dashed to their side dragging Lyo with her. Lord D stood. "Da, Papa take us stu..o." Kibo bounced around. "Come too...too...you come." Kibo hopped away tugging JJ's fingers. Shinrai held his other hand and began to pull their father to the palace. "Rain sing." Shinrai announced with all the enthusiasm of a child who thought the world of their big pal.

"Alright, alright," JJ agreed following his children. "We'll go."

Count D was laughing as Aoi tugged Leon in much the same way. Count D got to his feet holding Lyo's hand as he followed along.

Break

There was such an easy sense of camaraderie in the studio. Rain sat on his cell talking while Bikky sketched Ryo sitting for him with Lyo in his lap. Small children sat in a corner with the beautiful Asians and two detective playing with a small silver ball. It all seemed like one big happy family. Rain closed his cell then went to pull Bikky's hair while Dee lifted him from his feet. Marilyn was confused, hadn't he been shot? There seemed to be no wound now at all. He felt out of place in the environment. Laughter and friendship, easy love given and shared, received and appreciated.

Marilyn sat back sighing. He had been late but thanks to George's credit card, he did not need to call anyone to pay the fare for the taxi. He had not realized that he had been so far away from the consulate. If he didn't know any better he'd say the building moved on a daily basis. Marilyn listened as George sat planning with Andromache, Mimi and Angel. Going over fabrics and ideas and laughing as Angel pulled swatches from his bag. "This will be my first Angel exclusive wedding gown. Maybe I should do an entire line of them."

"Oh you should, not just gowns but entire wedding lines. Brides maids and alternative." George laughed.

"Yes, of course," Angel nodded and pulled a white strip of sheer gauze. He placed it over George's hair attached it to the large foil bow, then arranged it like a veil. "If I do, you will have to be my model." Angel sat back admiring his handiwork. "Hows about a little kiss?" George laughed and pulled the veil over his face and blew a kiss at Angel. His eyes closed sweetly before he drew back laughing and removed the veil. George turned to find Jhaymes staring at him. At his side was his bejeweled shadow clinging to him. Even though Master Xi had shown up, Feng had been near Jhaymes every chance he could. Next to Jhaymes was Siobhan.

"I think my heart just stopped," Jhaymes sighed for his eyes had found George and remained on him as soon as they entered the large studio.

"Should I find Lord D?" Feng asked his brow creased as he clutched Jhaymes arms.

"Ha, no, you see when he smiled at me, it kick started back to normal." Jhaymes pried the fingers loose from his sleeve his eyes never leaving George as he walked forward.

"Whoa, watch it now," Andy giggled as Jhaymes nearly plowed her over. She held Aly to her as the little girl shrieked and giggled. "Whatever you have planned will have to wait. Daphnus just arrived, we will be recording three tracks today two of them with George." Siobhan laughed as Jhaymes seemed to come to heel at the high princesses words. The sound of the piano trilling could be heard as prince Angel flexed his fingers over the keys. "Not even time for a quickie."

"I do not understand," Feng said and Siobhan, who had blushed at the thought of Jhaymes and the clear intentions he had towards her older brother, laughed at his confusion.

"Jhaymes," George smiled and greeted his lover.

"Kiss and coo quickly people, we have a schedule," Daphnus checked his watch. "George, you're up in ten, give me a chance to tweak a few of these notes."

"Oh... Your highness," Marilyn hurried to Daphnus side. He tossed his long blond hair aside and smiled as he batted his lashes. "I had lunch with the most charming gentleman today and he said he has been trying to arrange an audience with you. He gave me a present for you," Marilyn smiled as the entire band and their visitors gathered around. "Here it's a rare opal, large too." Marilyn handed the black orb to Daphnus and stared in wonder as he cried out in pain and dropped the orb his fingers singed. The lights flickered leaving the room dim as smoke began to pour from the ball. Eyes filled and fits of coughing could be heard.

"I can't dispel it," Rain gasped out surprised to feel Ryo behind him lifting him away from the smoke. Ryo handed Rain to Dee so that he could look for Bikky and Lyo. Rain felt clean wind encircle him and saw that Prince Angel was swallowing the black orb into his clear one. Once inside the air misted and turned black, then gray then clear again. Prince Angel then destroyed the orb shattering it against the marble floor.

Marilyn had only a moment to wonder at the strange events as he was soon staring down the length of various weapons. Swords, daggers, guns and a gleaming silver whip that coiled at Tisiphone's boot clad feet. "Who sent you?!"Daphnus demanded his eyes red and watering. He wheezed and coughed his eyes glowing from within with gold and silver lights. "Answer me quickly or feel the wrath of Arcadian steel."

"I..." Marilyn gulped as the tip of Kenneth's sword was pressed to his throat and he heard the sound of several guns being cocked. George pulled the scarf down from his face where Jhaymes had placed it as soon as the dark cloud formed. Jhaymes held George in his arms and he looked around at Ryo, Dee, Leon and JJ. Count D coughed a little then gasped to see that his children, all the young ones in fact, were missing. He saw a glowing ball on the floor and breathed a sigh of relief. Aoi had sucked them all into her orb and sealed it tight. Lord D gasped then felt the room give way underneath him. JJ was quick to catch him.

"Siobhan," George sat up searching for his sister to find that she too had been covered. A wall of flames emitted from Feng that blocked the wind so that not a wisp of it made it through. "Oh... thank God."

"Who sent you?" Nestoir demanded his voice hissing forth between two noticeably long incisors. "I'll make it quick." Marilyn released a loud scream as he was hauled to his feet by Nestoir. "Who?"

"He said his name was Daemian Luce," Marylin wept. "Please, oh please, don't kill me. I swear thats all. He asked me to give it to you, he said he was a fan of mine, he knew my music and treated me to lunch. Don't kill me!" Nestoir tsked in disgust then dropped Marilyn to fall in a crumpled heap on the floor sobbing. George rushed to his side wiping his face with a handkerchief.

"He's pathetic, a few compliments and he sells us out to a demon. Good thing it was just a black cloud." Daphnus said also thankful that Kenneth was elsewhere at the moment. "But this was a warning, if it was that easy to get a cloud in here, just what else would he send this way?" Daphnus grew quiet his eyes seeming to look far beyond the confines of the room. "I think this was a declaration."

"A declaration?" George questioned seeing the light of understanding in Jhaymes eyes as the flames died down and Feng sat next to Siobhan who had fainted at the first lick of his flames.

"Of war," Nestoir said seeing times past that he had been glad to see the end of. Rivers of blood that had flowed from his own hands. Mothers weeping over the mangled bodies of their children while fathers looked on as he devoured the weeping women. He left them alive to plot their revenge only to feast on them at his leisure as they became lost in his mansion on their quests to end his life. A small sighed escaped him as he shook the images from his head. The past was gone, not to be relived. He was grateful.

"Honey?" Andy placed a small, cool hand on his brow. She knew that faraway look. "Look ahead." She said and he did focusing his eyes on his son and daughter as they clamored out of Aoi's Orb. Nestoir leaned down to kiss his wife and saw again a terrifying moment when he had thought that she had been lost to him forever. He pulled her to him in a fierce hug. Andy leaned into her husband inhaling his scent. She gasped as an unpleasant, metallic scent assailed her senses. She looked up and screamed. "Blood... Why are you covered in blood?" Nestoir looked down in fear and saw his body was just as clean as it was moments ago. Andy closed her eyes weeping as she looked at her husband.

"Dreams," Clarisande said in a wispy voice that carried for all it's bell like timbre. "Both asleep and awake, past and present. Haunting and cruel." Her long dark hair fell about her figure as she waved a hand. "I will go to my work rooms and try to come up with a counter. Until then you will have to persevere." Clarisande headed off and Daphnus sighed, it seemed he would have to cancel todays rehearsal. JJ sighed and reached for Kibo, large golden eyes widened and the child released a scream that rocked the studio as the equipment had been turned on. Kibo screamed over and over again then ran to Lord D hiding behind his cheongsam.

"This child..." Lord D gasped as he stared at JJ. "This child has memories of a time long past." JJ looked at his son realizing for the first time in nearly three years that Kibo was not his son.

"Our baby will be fine," JJ said to Lord D reaching again for the boy who trembled then sobbed falling into his Da's arms. Lord D sighed glad the boy still accepted JJ. But he feared the damage had already been done. His fears were groundless and JJ closed his eyes holding the small boy close. Shinrai ran to JJ holding him as well his large purple eyes on his Da. Lord D closed his eyes in a brief moment of thanks as tears coursed down his face.

"Damn it Dae," Nestoir ground out giving Marilyn a long look that spoke volumes of his displeasure. "What have you done?"
Powdered Sugre 45

Could You Please Say That In English

George held Siobhan in his arms as she awakened from her swoon. Helping her to stand he checked on his other friends. Marilyn sat whimpering under the glowering guard of Leon. Bikky, and Dee were accounted for, Ryo, JJ, Count D, Lord D the Royale George saw everyone, but Rain, where was Rain? "Rain," Dee called as the boy sat still on the floor where he had sat him after the smoke had cleared. "Come on Rain, get up." Dee walked over. "We're going home." Dee touched Rain's shoulder and the young man screamed at the top of his lungs.

"Don't touch me!" Bikky and Ryo gasped rushing to his side. Rain shook his head cowering in the corner. "Please," He whimpered. "Please...no more, leave me alone." Rain sobbed.

"Oh no," Ryo sighed not willing to go near, yet unable to stay away from his son. "The trigger of the smoke, so close to the anniversary must have taken him too far into his mind."

"What's wrong with him?" George asked trying to go to his young friend.

"No Sweetheart," Jhaymes caught George around the middle. "We don't know the full effects of this relapse. If he is back there then he is harmless, a helpless child frightened, injured and abused, but if the transference was not complete, he is frightened, injured, abused and trained to kill demons. He could attack not understanding that it is you. He could kill you."

"Oh, Rain," George closed his eyes tears falling.

"It is the fear of all those living with ptsd," Andy's voice was heard tears making it weak. She saw the confused look on George's face. "Post-traumatic stress disorder. He..." Andy paused her face became guarded. She loved Rain and would not betray that trust no matter how much she loved and admired George.

"I know, he told me, then that incubus confirmed it while they were fighting, he tried to goad Rain by bringing up what he did to him." George said watching as Rain shrank further into a cowering mess on the floor. "What that creature did to him, over and over again..." George shook his head tears spilling down his cheeks. "I don't think he was ever human."

"Ame-Chan," Ryo said softly. "Come here, let's go home."

"I can't," Rain sobbed his world a black pit of despair. He saw it again. The dirty room and dingy sheets. The pain was real, the feel of hands on him holding him down, hurting him.

"Can't what?" Bikky said afraid his brother would be lost to them forever.

"I can't walk," Rain whispered and Ryo saw again the tortured boy he had found so long ago underneath a mad man.

"Then I'll carry you," Ryo said. "But there is no reason that you can't walk. Look up Rain. Look at your family, you are strong, capable, there is no one, no human and very few demons who could ever harm you." Rain shivered bringing his arms around himself. His breathing staggered as the words entered the haze of pain his world had become. "Get up." Ryo commanded and Dee gasped from where he had cradled Lyo in his arms. Ryo was not the one to speak so to the boy. He was careful of him, coddled him almost. "Get up Rain, we're going home. You don't need me to carry you anymore."

"But you will?" Rain sniffled terrified of being left alone in his personal hell. "You did. You will if I need you?"

"Of course," Ryo promised. "I will always be there for you."

"Me too," Bikky stood next to Ryo. "Come on Rain, get up."

"Yeah kid," Dee smirked. "We are all here if you need us. You are not alone anymore. If you fall, we'll help you up. But you don't need us right now." Dee said looking at his son. "Get up Rain."

Rain stared at his lap, his legs were longer, thicker with muscle. His arms as well. Skills, fought long and hard into his mind and body. He saw eyes, golden and purple an odd combination but fierce and competent. He had been trained, he was strong and not alone. "I can get up on my own," Rain said shoving away Bikky's hand when he moved to help him. Rain stood his eyes focused. "I'm okay. It's fine. I'm okay." He breathed deeply and the room sighed as they gazed upon him.

"Good show Rain," George clapped his hand. "You truly are amazing."

"You're going home with them?" Jhaymes asked sure his love would want to be with his friends as they recovered from the effects of the smoke. George looked over at Jhaymes with a smile on his face. Jhaymes reached out to embrace him. George's face froze in a mask of terror and he cringed away from Jhaymes hand. "What?" Jhaymes brow furrowed.

"I'm sorry," George shook his head. "I don't know why, but, for a moment there, I thought... I thought you would hit me."

"I would never!" Jhaymes protested.

"I know," George's brow furrowed as he looked around the room. "I do know that. But it seemed so real, the fear, like I had been hit by you before. I feel as if I just realized a lie, but..." George shivered bringing his arms around his body. The studio seemed so bright with the sun streaming in through the large windows. Outside, George wondered as Siobhan took his hand, outside, was it LA, or rolling hills and a lake full of mermaids? Dirty streets or a lush garden so sweet smelling that it could intoxicate the mind? What was true? He wished he knew. "Jhaymes, you have never hurt me." George said and Jhaymes wondered who he was assuring. "You have defended me, and protected me, rescued me and made love to me. You have never hurt me." George said again. This time it was he who reached for Jhaymes glad that the image of rage that covered Jhaymes smile vanished. Siobhan sighed as they embraced. It seemed as if her brother was happy with this strange knight and living in the strange world. She would try to insure that her parents did allow him to be adopted and registered.

As Jhaymes held George in his arms he closed his eyes to the image of George laying on a stretcher with a sword wound going through his body. It was not true, nothing they saw now would be true. Not a prophesy, not a vision, just a lie conjured by a demon to confuse and hurt them all. That image was not George, would never be George, not as long as a breath remained in his body. Jhaymes shook his head then pressed his lips to George's brow. The image wavered, the blood vanished and soon it was gone. Jhaymes smiled, Dae's lies were defeated easily by the truth it seemed.

Break

Clarisande paused as she entered her work room. Her herbs and simples were just as she had left them, along with notes and materials for use and preparation. But sitting on her stool was Prince Lucien. His crown hung on his head dim the jewels black in the light that streamed in through the window. Blood soaked his shirt front, side and back dripping onto the floor. "Hey," He said when she halted mid stride on her way to her table. "Have you forgotten me as easily as Jhaymes has?"

"It wasn't easy, and he has not forgotten his love," Clarisande said refusing to refer to the apparition before her as her old friend. They had spent hours, days together pouring over ancient tomes, deciphering legends and prophesies from the old language of Arcadia. "You are not Jesse, that crown does not belong on your head. I will not give life to your lies. Leave this place," Clarisande commanded. Dae was done playing his cruel jokes on her and her friends. Just that morning she had found Hope flowers in the garden. She did not know which Kami had shed them, but she would use them. She took the flowers and placed them in her bowl to begin the crushing. Once they were powdered she looked up. The apparition was gone.

Clarisande smiled adding ground unicorn hair to her mixture and phoenix oil. She placed all the ingredients into a censor and set it to burn. The incense filled her work room and she breathed it in deeply before heading off down the hall waving the censor in the manner of the catholics or a group of monks as they chanted their prayers. She headed back to the studio to find them all preparing to depart for the day. "I've got it," She held up the censor. "Just inhale this and we will be able to get in at least two songs today."

"I love her," Daphnus nodded and laughed his insecurities of leading the Royale had surfaced but he fought them back with the knowledge of their successes. "I mean for good measure sure, but we have all overcome the visions. Perhaps we should bask in your incense just to make sure that there are no lingering effects of the foul wind that we accidentally ingested. Especially the young and the mortal. Oh and if you have a moment could you wipe his mind, there is too much that he has seen today and it could lead to trouble."

"Wipe my mind?" Marilyn stared in horror at the high prince.

"Either that, or I could allow my grandmother to eat you," Ryo said his eyes narrowed and taking on a cat like squint the same as other dragons. Dee always felt thrills when he saw Ryo's eyes do that. He really was sleeping with a dragon.

"Horny bastard," Bikky chuckled. "I know that look," He smirked at Dee. Dee gave Bikky a wink and headed over to Ryo.

"Baby, since everything's okay, wanna go visit the Obsidian palace?" Dee said his teeth sinking into Ryo's ear.

"Actually," Ryo smiled and Dee was afraid that Ryo was agreeing to something that had nothing to do with getting naked. "I wanted to visit Alicia, she is still pregnant you know."

Clarisande walked over to Marilyn and he backed away scooting on his bottom. "You saw nothing out of the ordinary, oh and you want to give George back his credit card, and apologize for stealing it in the first place." Marilyn nodded his eyes glazed staring ahead. "Now I have to go confess."

"Confess?" George asked looking at the lovely princess.

"I always feel bad if I have to suggest something to a human mind, free will and all," Clarisande shrugged. "Even if it is such an easy mind. Usually I have to add some potion, but suggestion worked. Does he think of anything pertinent?" George shrugged then sighed.

"I knew he had the credit card," George looked down at his hands.

"Did you give it to him?" Clarisande asked a knowing look in her deep brown eyes. George shook his head. "You are a wonderful person George, stop letting people use you."

"What do you mean?" George looked away he heard Prince Angel at the piano again. "It is a game we play."

"George,"Clarisande began but paused as he was called over. Clarisande sighed, "Go sing." George nodded wondering what the lovely young woman had been about to say.

Break

Golden scales shimmered in the light reflected from the piles of treasure that lay around the cavern deep in the heart of the Obsidian palace. Ryo placed the ruby necklace he had purchased for Alicia on the pillow near her large green eyes. "Thank you Ryo," Alicia's voice rolled around the cavern melodious and resonant. "It has been a while since I have seen you. Tough case?"

"Sort of," Dee smiled at the terrifying grin the dragon displayed. She rolled over onto her side and presented him with her large tummy. Dee swore when it moved.

"Don't worry, it's just moving," Alicia laughed. "Babies do that you know. So I hear your new friend is about to be your new relative."

"I hope so," Ryo laughed again getting comfortable with his cup of tea. Ryo paused sniffing the air. He looked around the cavern before he sat the cup and saucer down and got to his feet.

"Baby?"Dee asked wondering why Ryo looked like he was about to defend the area.

"Its alright," Alicia's laugh had a merry sound to it and it rumbled up from her like a cheerful storm through the hills. "Ryo, Sir Hiten visits me often."

Ryo remained standing as Sir Hiten entered the cave carrying a large gift wrapped box. "For the mother to be," He announced presenting the green foil and golden bow to Alicia. "Your Highness'," Hiten bowed to Ryo and then to Dee. "A pleasure to see you both."

"Hi-Chan," Alicia used her claw to slice open the package. Ryo gasped at the gold and diamond miniature statue inside."It looks just like me. Well, when I was several tons lighter," She laughed her large forearm coming over her swollen belly.

"Any signs that it is ready to come out?" Ryo asked resuming his seat. Hiten looked at the chairs and sighed as Ryo and Dee occupied the only two in the large cavern. He shifted and a large white Dragon lay opposite Alicia.

"A white dragon," Dee said his brow furrowed, he recalled one of the dragons, the other had been green, that had taken offense when he had shoved Torcha out of his way at he and Ryo's wedding.

"They tell me I'm lucky," Hiten laughed then turned adoring eyes to Alicia. "I am starting to believe it."

"Oh," Ryo raised his brows at Alicia. "I heard nothing of this."

"He has been spending time with me during my convalescence." Alicia explained her golden cheeks taking on a rosy hue.

"Never thought to see a dragon blush," said Ryo as he heated his tea then sipped.

"It is an unnatural phenomenon in this shape," Hiten gushed looking at Alicia his large blue eyes going soft. "It is attributed to her human past." Hiten looked as if he would say more but he quieted down. After a while of Ryo and Dee speaking to Alicia about their family and how frightened Ryo was about sending Lyo to kindergarten. Alicia tried to reassure Ryo that their son would be fine but ended up laughing uproariously when he staunchly maintained that he voted for Lyo to continue his education at the pet shop. Count D was more than a capable teacher, and he needed something to take his mind off things.

"Take his mind off..." Alicia paused, she had noted a lingering sadness about Count D the last time she had seen him. Even his clothing choices, once so brightly patterned and beautiful, were darker in color and somber.

"He's still..." Alicia sighed thinking of that terrible night when Dae had infiltrated the shop. What had he done to D?

"Lord D is afraid for his mental state," Dee nodded his head. "At first I thought he was worrying too much, being pregnant himself and all, but now, D is getting paler and paler. Leon is at his wits end."

"Sound like he is wilting," Hiten said his face drawn into a sad sigh. "Have you noticed, at summers end, that the petals of flowers turn dark, then they fall?"

"Fall, as in die?" Ryo said aghast.

"This is not like when Lord D was allowing himself to die," Hiten explained getting to his feet. "It is nothing that he is consciously doing. I am sure that if anyone mentioned it to him he would not know what they were speaking of."

"Where are you going?" Alicia asked. "If Count D needs our help we should be here for him."

"I know, when we were children he worked for hours exhausting himself to get a slab of marble from where it had wedged in between two scales on my back." Hiten grimaced at the remembered pain. "We have been friends ever since. I must aid him. I am going to the first. I am going to Jerusalem," In a flurry of large leathery wings Hiten left the cavern.

"We should go talk to Lord D and Sofu," Ryo said bidding Alicia farewell. She waved her shiny claws sighing as they left. She said a prayer for Count D as she lay her head on her arms and went to sleep.

Break

Leon pulled Count D's hand into his own and stroked it alarmed at its coldness. "I love you so much," Leon whispered into his ear. "Why is it that the only time you seem alive is when we make love?"

"I am alive Leon," D frowned at his love. "Do not say such silly things. You will frighten the children."

"Papa not see," Aoi said her small voice forlorn.

"What don't I see?" Count D asked his daughter.

"Not see you," Aoi held up her orb and Count D looked inside at a garden that was parched and dieing. Like an oasis in the desert whose source had dried up.

"I don't understand," Count D studied the scene in the orb. Dust blew by and the garden vanished leaving a field of sand in its wake.

"Open eyes Papa, take in sun and water, take in life," Aoi wept laying her head in her papa's lap. "Take in love."

"I do," Count D shook his head confused at his daughter's words. "Of course I love you and Kura-Chan and Lyo and Chris and Daddy, I love all of you." D assured his daughter holding her in his arms. Leon choked on tears as he watched his pale lover seem to grow further and further away from him.

"Not ready Papa," Aoi shook her head. "But will to see you live," Aoi nodded.

"Not ready for what, I'm not dieing," Count D shook his head.

"Not yet Papa, Aoi not ready," Aoi shook her head.

"What are you not ready for?" Count D asked tears falling from his own eyes.

"If you two must weep," Count D and Leon gasped at the bored voice of Soofu A. Hiten stood huffing air behind him as if he had flown the entire way as fast he could. "Mind doing it in my garden so that I may have a pure harvest?" Count D said nothing shaking his head at the ancient Kami before him. He stood to bow and Soofu A waved a dismissing hand. "Do you need your child to assume her role as your superior and command your future just to insure that you have one?" Count D stared at Aoi then at Soofu A his eyes wide as he shook his head. Sofu D rushed into the room with Dee and Ryo at his side. Lord D hurried as well to his sons side. Kibo and Shinrai toddling after.

"I have done nothing," Count D shook his head afraid that his family were angry with him.

"Exactly," Soofu A sighed. "You are broken hearted, this I do understand. You feel as if a part of you is gone forever, a part that gave you so much joy," Soofu A waved his hand and Count D gasped as his infant son appeared in Soofu A's arms. "You are glad that the demon injured you rather than steal the life of this child and yet you are allowing him to claim a life nonetheless. You are withering from within."

"Baby, no," Leon tugged D into his arms. "You said that as long as I loved you..."

"I am not trying, I do want to live," Count D nodded his face paling.

"Then live," Soofu A commanded. "That demon knows of death and only death. You are a creature of light and life. You have been injured but not destroyed. You foolish child," Count D gasped to see Soofu A turn on Sofu D. Sofu D bowed to his older brother. "You tried to heal him and you couldn't and yet you did not come to ask me for aid." Soofu A smirked. "It is good of you not to trouble yourself, I would have refused." Count D gasped looking at his uncle. "Do not be hurt or offended child," Soofu A offered a genuine smile. "Your father and grandfather have been fighting a battle they are destined to lose. That demon did not give you the gift of life, and he can not take it away," Soofu A began to speak in the ancient language of the Hebrew nation when he was done he took Count D in his arms. "You're no more barren than the earth itself. Do you want to have a child now?"

"Now?" Count D's eyes dripped onto his cheeks. "Kurayami is an infant still."

"Precisely, you have been put on hold child, no more. He knows all," Soofu A smiled kindly now and they could all plainly see the lineage of greatness that he represented. "When you are ready your body will heal. When the time is deemed by the One who created time, you will quicken. Do you understand?" Count D nodded, Sofu and Lord D both nodded. Leon breathed a sigh of relief as color bloomed in D's cheeks. "You and your horde need more looking after than a freshly planted garden," Soofu A shook his head then looked over at Sir Hiten. "Thank you for coming for me." Hiten bowed with his hands clasped at his chest. "But you should be proud of your numbers D, work harder at keeping them from dwindling." Sofu D nodded then dropped into a full jol in front of his older brother. Lord and Count D followed suit. Leon gasped to realize that the black and gray ensemble that D had worn turned bright yellow with white and pink flowers sewn along the cuffs and hem. "Get up," Soofu A pulled Lord D to his feet with gentle hands. "Do not strain yourself," Soofu A placed a cube of sugar into Lord D's mouth. "I must be off, my own clan can be troublesome you know." Soofu A winked then vanished making Hiten curious as to why he had carried the Kami on his back in the first place.

Ryo smiled over at D when Dee pulled him into his arms. "Wanna go to that room now?" Dee whispered in Ryo's ear glad that their friends would be fine. Ryo nodded a smile on his face he tilted his head back offering Dee his mouth. Like a school boy in a candy store, Dee plundered. Waving behind them, they left through the gate of the Queen's garden that opened directly into the rock paths littered with colored stones and gems that lead into the Obsidian Palace.

Break

George was not going to turn into a jealous shrew. But damn it did that Feng have to cling to Jhaymes like that. He was practically crawling all over him. George leaned back listening as Daphnus sang in the microphone with Nestoir recording the final track of the day. Feng sat next to Jhaymes holding his arm so close that their thighs touched. Jhaymes spoke and Feng leaned in placing his other hand on Jhaymes thigh to listen. "Gonna say something?" Marilyn asked sitting next to George. "They look pretty cozy."

"Shut up," George folded his arms.

"But he is so little, and pretty," Marilyn grinned when George's face bloomed with angry color. "Why did Jhaymes bring him here?"

"I don't know," George puzzled over the reason for the young phoenix's arrival.

"Maybe he is planning to start a harem. You should be flattered. I hear decadence becomes you," Marilyn laughed. "You can just sit and eat and when he is not with the others in his harem, he can feed, I mean, visit you."

"You don't know anything," George grew huffed to his feet leaving Marilyn he walked over to Jhaymes. The smile on Jhaymes face was almost enough to mollify him. Seeing Feng still clinging to his arm was fast ruining the effects. "Is Master Xi still busy?" George asked wondering why, after all this time, Feng was still with Jhaymes.

"Not really," Jhaymes said patting Feng's hand, "But I do need to leave," Jhaymes peeled Feng's fingers from his sleeve. George gasped as Jhaymes left the studio. It was the first time that Jhaymes had left his side without kissing him.

"Feng," George said softly. He gentled his voice when he looked at the younger man feeling like an ogre for the anger he felt at the beautiful creature before him. "Why did Jhaymes bring you here?"

"To wed," Feng nodded his eyes bright with happiness.

You are to wed Lady Alera?" George asked not wishing to jump to conclusions. This was Arcadia, nothing was ever as it seemed. Feng thought for a moment over the words before he shook his head. "Master Xi," George wondered why the younger man thought this was hilarious as he shook his head. "So that is why you cling to him."

"I do not understand, what is cling?" Feng asked worried as his friends favorite human seemed upset.

"Jhaymes brought you here... To wed," George said and Feng nodded. "Jhaymes..." George could not finish the question as Feng nodded with excitement.

"Yes. To wed," Feng grinned sure his mastery over the English language was improving. "Alera and Master Xi come too, as well, and the great Soofu D."

"Oh, God," George could feel the onslaught of tears and he turned away from the shining young man. "Was he just amusing himself with me?"

"You do amuse him, yes," Feng nodded. "He speaks of it often." Was everyone in on the joke? George backed away from the room at large. What kind of games were played in this kingdom? George dashed from the studio. Siobhan looked up surprised as her brother left without a word to her. Andy gasped as his emotions slammed into her.

"Georgie," Andy turned away from the microphone that Daphnus handed her.

"Come on, we can get your song in today," Daphnus urged until he saw the tears in her eyes. "What? If you don't want to sing just say so. There is no reason to weep."

"No, he's confused, he got it wrong. Feng did not know what he was saying," Andy looked around. "Where is Jhaymes? He has to go to George!"

"He went to speak with Zarro, Torcha, Laton and The O'Dowd parents." Nestoir laughed softly. "He was such a nervous wreck all day. He thinks Mr. O'Dowd will raise a complaint because he had been intimate with George without their permission."

"So that's why he was so scatterbrained," Marilyn said with a laugh. "He should understand that they stopped caring who George fucked a long time ago."

Andy laughed and Marilyn had the feeling that she was laughing at him rather than his words. "You don't know anything."

Break

Jhaymes was afraid to touch the dainty teacup that was offered to him. He was so nervous he knew he would crush it in his tightly clenched hands. Dinah looked refreshed, after finally admitting to her children, even if only two of them, the history rich in their blood. In fact, Jerry frowned looking at his wife, she looked almost as beautiful as the day they had wed. Jhaymes saw the frown and worked hard not to stutter another apology at the man. Dinah smiled over at Torcha who looked as young as Siobhan but was truly ancient. "Jerry and I spoke about it, and seeing as how he will still be our son," Dinah smiled taking a deep breath.

"We agree to allow you to register him as your..." Jerry thought for a moment of the word.

"Kit," Laton supplied with a smile.

"If you two wish it," Zarro sighed his minuscule form glowing in the white fabric he wore. "I will allow his name on the registry. Then, I will ask the lady Celestial if she will donate a vial of her tears."

"So he has to drink this lady's tears?" Jerry asked leaning forward on his elbows.

"Not lady," Jhaymes shook his head. "The Celestial one is a Seraphim." Jhaymes took a deep breath as they listened to his explanation. "Since I have the attention of all gathered I would like to ask for permission to claim the sweet one... George, as my spouse. I love him and will show every devotion due to him and I will love him with every beat of my heart and protect with all of my considerable skills."

"You want to marry Georgie?" Dinah gasped tears filling her eyes. "How wonderful," Jhaymes sighed at the approval he saw in her eyes.

"I do, and I know that I am young, only fifteen hundred, but..." Jhaymes paused when Jerry coughed on his tea.

"I always told Georgie, he needed an older, more sensible man," Dinah laughed softly. "I have no problem with you keeping my son happy."

"Will you submit to a dragon ceremony?" Torcha asked with a small smile that Jhaymes had learned to fear a long time ago.

"I will do whatever it takes to claim him." Jhaymes gulped, "Even if it means taking on your entire clan."

"Good," Laton smiled, " Then we will formally announce his status after the Fire Festival and after that, you may attempt to claim him." Laton got to his feet he licked his lips as he looked at Jhaymes losing his human shape his scales glowed bright red and his voice rumbled through the large airy room. There was no backing down or intimidation in Jhaymes eyes. "I look forward to it."

Break

George sat in the garden, Ponchi stroking his hair as he wept. She tinkled a soft melody that almost made George feel better. He was leaning on his forearms when Ryo found him. "I thought I smelled you out here. Dee is going to get the boys. Coming home with us?" Ryo sat beside George and lifted his face. "But first, why don't we sit for a bit and you can talk...if you need to."

George sniffled loudly, "Do you all think it is funny?" George turned away from him. "Or didn't you know? You didn't? Did you?"

"Know what?" Ryo asked not offended by the accusation as he could hear the pure anguish in his friends voice.

"Jhaymes..." George began but sniffled again before he could go on.

"There you are," Ryo and George looked up to see Jhaymes heading their way a bright smile on his face. His smile was fading as he sniffed George, then saw him illuminated by the large moon shining over the garden. Flushed cheeks, red eyes that spoke volumes of his breaking heart. "Sweetheart, what has upset you?"

"Don't 'sweetheart' me!" George backed away from Jhaymes. "You have been playing me for a fool from the very beginning haven't you? How long have you been engaged?"

"About fifteen minutes," Jhaymes said his voice cautious as George puffed with indignation. His eyes, those light colored orbs that never failed to entrance Jhaymes, flashed with an heightened passion that fired Jhaymes to blatant desire. He was wise enough not to tell George that he looked cute when he was angry.

"Okay, so maybe it was not finalized until fifteen minutes ago, but you brought him here, knowing I love you," George turned away. "Did you know when we met? Or was it arranged...recently? You can't be with me because I am human?"

"What are you talking about?" Jhaymes frowned at George. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Well, maybe I did!" George shoved past Jhaymes. George broke into a trot when he heard Jhaymes behind him in pursuit. "When I fell in love with you! Leave me alone Jhaymes! Why don't you go talk to Feng, I am sure he would love to wrap himself around you. I bet you wouldn't even notice his weight." Jhaymes stopped chasing him as his words made no sense. George turned back tears streaming down his face. He shook his head. George sniffled backing away he fell over Dee. Dee lifted George to his feet wondering why he was in tears. George huffed a few breaths, he tried to tell Dee that he wanted to leave but all he managed was a hiccup. Shaking his head George ran off.

"What just happened?" Dee asked taking Ryo in his arms.

"I think," Ryo halted then looked at Jhaymes. "I think, he thinks that you are engaged."

"I am, he is, we are," Jhaymes dragged his hands through his hair leaving some of the shorter strands standing on end.

"He thinks you are engaged to Feng," Ryo explained watching as George's earlier words made sense to Jhaymes.

His eyes widened and he brought a hand up to his head. "No, no, I...I, oh no," Jhaymes sniffed the air with his eyes closed. "He's going into," Jhaymes spoke to no one in particular. Sniffing again he ran towards the back of the palace. "He has to be careful back there, he could fall in. I do not want to battle a lovesick mermaid, but I will if I have to damn it, he is mine!"

Ryo nodded to Jhaymes back then backed away as large wings of green flames sprouted forth and he ascended into the sparkling night sky just as a loud crack of thunder, followed by a flash of lightning, lit the sky. "We'd better go in," Dee said as the first raindrops fell. "And have hot tea and blankets ready when they get back."

"I'll make sure the blankets are nice and toasty." Ryo smiled running with Dee to the safety of the palace.

Break

"Georgie," Siobhan called out from the lounge where the Royale relaxed. It was filled with plush pillows and chaise', thick carpets and amusements of every kind. She saw her brother running blinded by tears and rain. "Georgie, come in here. What are you doing?" George saw his sister and he stopped running. Sighing, he sniffled and walked over. Why did this always happen to him? Maybe he did give his heart too fast and too easy. But it seemed as if Jhaymes really wanted it. This was not a polygamous society, not that he knew of. Jhaymes could not have both him and Feng. Why was he playing this game? Even if polygamy were allowed here, George could never agree, he was a staunch believer in monogamy.

"Oh, Siobhan," George leaned into his little sister's arms.

"You don't understand Georgie," Siobhan laughed softly wiping his face. George wondered how she could laugh when he felt crushed from within. But maybe she did not know what was going on with him. Ponchi sat on her shoulder smiling at him.

"Jhaymes is engaged," George whispered fresh tears making her efforts to wipe his face useless.

"Yes, he is," Siobhan laughed nodding. Ponchi bounced on Siobhan's shoulder happily nodding. "George, mum and dad just told me. Jhaymes is engaged to you."

"And Feng?" George frowned shaking his head. "I won't..."

"Feng?"Siobhan laughed. "So that's what Marilyn was talking about."

"Marilyn?" George asked, he saw the flash of green light moments before heat enveloped him. He tried to break away from Jhaymes but was held firm.

"I just agreed to take on every able bodied member of the eastern fire dragon clan for you," Jhaymes ground out turning George in his arms. "Look at me!" George refused his breathing coming out faster as tears dripped onto his hands which were pressed against Jhaymes chest in a futile effort to move the enraged warrior. "Georgie, cut it out and look at me." George shook his head trying to escape Jhaymes arms.

"Georgie," Siobhan said standing next to them. "Feng does not speak good English. He did not understand what you were asking him. He is to be wed to Lady Huang another Chinese Phoenix. Jhaymes is engaged to you."

"But he said," George looked up at Jhaymes the tender look in Jhaymes eyes melting the ice he had tried to build around his heart. "He said you brought him here to wed."

"I did, but so did Lady Alera, Master Xi and Sofu D," Jhaymes was confused as to how George had drawn the conclusion that Feng would marry him.

"I asked if he would wed Lady Alera, he said no, Master Xi, he laughed," George said a pout lowering his bottom lip and Jhaymes fought the urge to take it between his teeth and suck.

"I'll bet he did laugh, same sex marriages are unheard of on the mountain where he was born and raised," Jhaymes explained. He watched George come to the conclusion that that meant Feng would not ever be engaged to marry Jhaymes. "Feng speaks Chinese and Arcadian. He learned a smattering of English on the trip up mostly from me going on about you."

"You..." George lowered his head and relaxed against the hold bringing his arms up around Jhaymes broad shoulders. "Wait, we're engaged?"

"Yes," Jhaymes laughed giving in to the heavy desire to kiss George. Siobhan blushed looking away. "Your parents, both sets of them, agreed to allow me to claim you after you are registered as a kit of Laton and Torcha at the Fire Festival next week."

"When was all this decided?" George's mouth fell open and his eyes widened.

"Your parents met with Laton and Torcha as well as Zarro this afternoon. I was allowed there because I wanted to make my claim known to them and they agreed."

"Just like that we're getting married?" George frowned. "No one bothered to include me in the discussions!"

"They would never leave such important decisions to some one under one hundred years of age." said Jhaymes with an air of wisdom.

"My parents are both under a hundred," George protested.

"Separately yes, but they made the choice together." Jhaymes smiled and kissed the tip of George's nose. "Add their ages together and you have over a hundred." George nodded his eyes wide.

"But don't worry, I do intend to ask you formally," Jhaymes smiled. "Just try to act surprised when I do." Jhaymes tried to kiss George again but a loud clearing of throat pulled him away. Jhaymes looked over at Torcha and Laton. "Evening," Jhaymes bowed respectfully to his future in-laws.

"We must take George away from you now," Torcha smiled kindly. "There is much we must discuss before the fire festival, Laton do find Ryo and let him know his responsibilities." Laton nodded, kissed his wife then headed off to find his grandson." George sighed when Torcha took his hand. He had truly been brought to a strange and wonderful place. Siobhan laughed following after her brother. "Do you know," Torcha said with a broad smile. "How absolutely fierce your mother can be when she is defending you?"

"I do," George smiled. "She has mowed down Scotland Yard, my school officials and teachers," George laughed softly remembering his mother through out his childhood. "I could never understand why she let my dad treat her like that." George sighed then brought his eyes to Torcha. "You know, when I was fifteen, I got into a little skirmish with the law and they hit me. I was bloody and swollen by the time my parents got there. My dad went wild." George smiled to himself at the memory before he turned to face Torcha. "What brought this on?"

"She was adamant in her refusal to allow Laton and I to place an internal chastity belt on you until the wedding," Torcha admitted. "Ryo and Dee fought it as well, but he being subject to our will he submitted. We left him little choice, but because you have your parents they have over ruled our decision. In fact, I admire her determination."

"What is the purpose and the functioning of an internal chastity belt?" Siobhan asked when George stared speechless at Torcha. Were they serious? He wondered to himself unable to think of why anyone would want to do such a thing.

"It is because, right before a wedding, some dragon brides, who very rarely choose their spouse," Torcha shook her head. "Never mind all that, it is also used to help the bride focus on the preparations for the wedding and in Ryo's case it was to help us ascertain if Dee desired Ryo for love or lust. Mrs. Dinah pointed out that such is not necessary in your case. I hate it, but I have to agree. Not to mention, Jhaymes was involved with you before we adopted you."

"Are you informing me about something or asking my permission?" George shook his head. "Seems to me as if everything is decided for me here. I agreed to be adopted by you because I love you, and I feel that you love me. I don't want to be controlled." George shook his head then headed off. Siobhan stared after her brother then at Torcha.

"He's feeling overwhelmed, he'll calm down soon," Siobhan explained smiling at the queen of the fire dragons. "You look my age, but I hear that you are way beyond old."

"Age is actually perceived by Arcadians as knowledge, not appearance." Torcha explained her voice soft as she spoke to the human sister of her dumpling. "You do bear a resemblance to your brother. But you stand apart from him."

"I don't take his crap," Siobhan laughed. "I am amazed that he has not flared up with you guys. He can be a bit high strung."

"But that's part of his charm," Torcha laughed softly. "I was thinking of finding him, but now that you mention it, if he is going to go off and have a tantrum, I would rather Jhaymes bore the brunt of it."

"Wise women," Siobhan nodded.

"It comes with age," Torcha winked.
Powdered Sugre 6

A Step Closer

Ryo sat at the table trying hard not to be annoyed. Laton sat across form him wondering why he seemed unable to sit still. Ryo was always calm, not at all fidgety and yet he continuously shifted his weight in the chair. "Snap Dragon, are you alright?" Laton finally asked bringing Ryo's eyes, so like his own up to meet his.

"Hai, um, yes, um...it's nothing." Ryo shook his head his face heating.

"You act as if you are in pain," Laton grew concerned as Ryo again moved his hips. "Do you need me to send for Lord D?"

"I'm fine, but thank you for your concern," Ryo spoke in a formal tone. "You were looking for me?" Ryo asked hoping his grandfather would drop the subject. He and Dee had finally managed to gather the boys and were heading to the door when Laton cornered him. Dee had sighed taking Lyo and sitting down to wait. Bikky pulled out his cell to call Carol while Rain took out his journal. Lyo lay his head on Dee's shoulder and dozed. "We really must get the boys home, long day tomorrow. We have to get them ready for school and you know shopping is hazardous, especially now that we have Georgie with us."

"Yeah I heard that some fans are rabid trying to get near you guys. Enough so that Daphnus might need to make another public announcement." Laton frowned looking out the window at the storm that blew over Arcadia. "Maybe I should go with you all tomorrow. Crowds can be disturbing, not to mention, just as many are after you."

"We'll be fine," Ryo laughed. "You mentioned something about my role at the fire festival," Ryo tried to bring his grandfather back on subject. He felt Dee's eyes on him and glowered.

"Are you sure..." Laton began but paused as Dee slid into the chair beside Ryo grinning.

"He's fine, just a little sore," Dee chuckled and Ryo's face flamed. "Hey, don't give me that look," said Dee when Laton frowned understanding his grandson's discomfort. "He begged me to lay it on him." Dee looked at Ryo and blew a kiss. "Truth is, you're not in pain, are you?" Ryo shook his head his face even redder. Dee leaned down and whispered in Ryo's ear. "When we get home, I'll kiss it and make it feel better."

"I don't understand," Laton said grimacing as he sounded like Feng when too many English words were spoken. At the leer Dee sent Ryo's way Laton sighed. "I don't want to understand."

"Dee and I spent a pleasant evening while the boys were in the studio." Ryo smiled then aimed a pointed look at his grandfather. "My role at the festival?"

"You are the fire dancer, a role your mother once held," Laton announced glad for the change of subject.

"Do you recall our wedding?" Ryo said softly. "Daphnus was ready to kill us both before we learned the dance steps and that was mostly my fault." Ryo tried not to grimace at the memories. Bikky looked up from his cell and snickered at Ryo. "You always wait until a week before you throw all this on me, on my consort, on my family. We do not have time for me to learn some intricate routine. The boys start school at the end of the month, Lyo is going to kindergarten," Dee grinned at the news that Ryo was going to send the boy to school. "You are adopting my friend, and he is in turn, soon to be planning his own wedding, which, I found out that I am to defend him against the man who loves him..." Ryo shook his head at the thought of having to fend off Jhaymes.

"You do realize that dragons and the phoenix clan are natural enemies... damn feather heads, how dare they claim mastery over fire, not even pure. I crap hotter than they ever think to breed." Laton paused when he saw Ryo with his palms up.

"Ahhh... OJiUe, pull it back," Ryo breathed deeply using his hands to encourage Laton to follow suit. "Wait a minute..." Ryo paused he narrowed his eyes as so much made sense to him. "You have no intention of allowing Jhaymes to claim George, do you?"

"Your role," Laton ignored the question and the knowing gaze from Ryo. "When the music starts, your blood, the fire within it, will awaken and you will answer it's call."

"Tell me the truth," Ryo shook off Laton's words. "They are in love, just like at my wedding, you will allow him through."

"There was no way I could have made it through a roiling mass of pissed off dragon, you let me through, let him through!" Dee stood behind Ryo's chair as Ryo got to his feet.

"Your determination won the day," Laton explained with a grin at Dee. "You knew we could kill you without so much as straining a scale, and yet you tried anyway. You laid your grubby little human hands on my wife's behind and shoved. That took nerve, we let you live." Laton stood as well towering over Dee his skin becoming patterned with scales even though the shape was human. Bikky dropped his cell coming to stand near his parents, Rain at his side. "At the festival, this little infatuation will end."

"You have not even talked to them about this," Ryo said shaking his head. "You can't do this, they love each other, George would never agree to be adopted if he knew it meant losing Jhaymes."

"He is a child he does not know what is good for him,"Laton shook his head.

"That's so not fair," Bikky glowered at Laton.

"You can't do that," Rain joined his family.

"I can and I will, Jhaymes is lucky that we don't..." Laton paused as he saw Jhaymes standing in the archway of the large picture windows.

"You think I don't know," Jhaymes sighed shaking his head. He refused to weep. Not in front of Laton. "That you don't want me to make it? I knew when I stood up at the meeting and agreed to take on your family that it would be a real fight. But I'll do it," Jhaymes nodded the tears brimming and falling despite his best efforts. "My life was going in circles of nothingness until I met George. I was dead inside and life had no meaning. He woke me up and taught me to love again, to live... I know it will be hard. You will try to kill me... The only way to keep me from him is to succeed." Jhaymes wiped his face and sniffled. Green light poured from him, bright, vibrant and beautiful. "But I will fight you. I will fight you all. Because I love him. I want him, and I would rather you kill me than admit defeat. Asshole," Jhaymes glowered at Laton.

"Save it for the wedding," Jhaymes and Laton tore their eyes away from each other to look at Torcha. "Don't get your pants in a knot, Dumpling is with his mum and sister and Angel, the human, non royal Angel, planning the weddings, his and Mimi's, ha." Torcha licked her lips as she circled Jhaymes. "He's so excited."

"He'll hate you," Rain said quietly. "You do this and he will hate you."

"He is young, I'm betting that with time, he'll get over it, after the festival, he'll have all the time in the world to get over it."Laton nodded sure that he was doing the right thing.

"Not only will I step aside," Bikky announced looking at Laton. "But I will help you," Bikky promised Jhaymes. "I am an able bodied member of the clan, I won't let you break George's heart like that."

"I'll step aside too," Ryo promised.

"You can't, I have to win him fair and square..." Jhaymes smiled thinking of the day when his parents came back and he would be able to introduce them to George. "And I will, or I'll die trying," Jhaymes vowed stalking off to the window, he spread his wings in the pouring rain and flew out into the night.

"Hmmm," Torcha smiled looking after him.

Break

"I'll need your measurements, so , come on," Angel pulled George to his feet. Down the hall they ducked into Angel's room at the consulate. "Strip."

"Now?" George looked away holding the edges of his large teal jacket together.

"Well, I could just measure the outside of your head and drape you from top to bottom in an opaque sheath for your wedding." Angel discretely looked away when he heard the rustling of the soft fabric George wore.

"Ah ha," George offered a small laugh. "I never thought I would ever get married."

"There was a point when I thought I would never make it past a few more weeks, here I am two years later a fashion designer and living with the man of my dreams." Angel waited a beat when the clothing stopped making noises. He turned to find George standing in his underwear. "You're smaller than you look," Angel quipped pulling out his measuring tape.

"You're kind," George looked away his pale face heating under his foundation and powder.

"You're tall," Angel sighed and George looked down to see that his platforms were tossed by the boor where Angel had kicked them off. "I know, this girls just a dab of a thing." Angel shook his hips and winked at George. "Now hold still, I need to get this right. You'll be a doll won't you?"

"You're kind,"George said again.

"Will you just accept that you are beautiful," Angel frowned making notes. He stepped back after he was done measuring George. "Get dressed will you, by now Ryo and Dee will be chomping at the bit to get home. They have to get the boys outfitted for school you know."

"Yeah, another trip to the mall. I am starting to enjoy them." George was laughing as he finished getting dressed. He and Angel skipped down the hall giggling like school girls. Marilyn, seeing them, sighed. A while ago that would have been him with George. He felt as if he had done something wrong and yet he could not quite remember what it was. It had to be something terrible, why could he not remember? Shaking his head Marilyn prepared to ask Ryo and Dee if he could stay at their house again. He approached them where they stood by the door, rain pouring down outside a backdrop to their soft speaking and laughter as George told them about his fitting. "I'll be all in white."

Marilyn cleared his throat to gain their attention and Ryo looked over at him. Standing, thin, and shivering in the wind that blew in through the open door, he tried to straiten his spine and yet he could not shake the feeling that he had no right to ask them for anything. Marilyn sighed prepared to turn away. "Come on," Ryo said extending a hand to him.

"Lyo can sleep in with me tonight," Bikky said taking his youngest brothers hand. Marilyn stood still, words lost to him. He stepped out into the rain and George smiled at him.

"George," Marilyn sighed reaching into his pocket. "Sorry." George said nothing as he looked down at his credit card.

"Don't ever bring trash into our home again," Was all Ryo said. There was no threat there, none was needed.

Break

Alera stood next to her twin watching as the Lexus drove away with his beloved inside. "They are going to try to kill you." Alera sniffled her hand sliding along his arm.

"I know," Jhaymes nodded.

"I know you love him and you are willing to die to claim him," Alera shook her head, tears marking a trail down her face. "I know that I can not stop you, but know this. If they kill you, I will know no rest until they have joined you in eternal sleep." Before Jhaymes could answer his sister's vow, his blood coursed along the shared fire in their veins. Looking out into the stormy night, all he saw was a brief flash of silver brilliance.

Break

Rain rolled over in bed and sighed. "Slyphie girl, a little to the left, I think you're on a lung," He wheezed to which the large feline giggled.

"Ryo told me to wake you, he did not say how," Slyphe purred nuzzling her face along Rain's chin. "Come now, he is almost done with breakfast."

"You just want my sausages," Rain grumbled exiting his bed when her weight no longer pinned him.

"No sausages to have," Slyphe complained. "Ryo made different breakfast today."

"Different?" Rain questioned then sighed and headed for the shower. The cat was long gone by the time he emerged rubbing a towel though his hair. Rain reached for his brush just as Bikky entered his room. "What did Ryo do with breakfast that confused Slyphe?" Rain asked dragging the brush through his hair. "This stuff is getting way long."

"Yeah," Bikky laughed his own hair in a pony tail. "So is Ryo's, but I told him he did not need to cut it. He needs every strand to hide his face."

"Why? He's gorgeous," Rain pulled his hair back.

"That's the problem, he's getting more beautiful as time goes on, usually, youth and beauty fade with age. Seems to be going backward in his case. While Dee stopped aging Ryo just..." Bikky shook his head.

"You're one to talk," Rain said laughing he looked Bikky over. His hair shone in the sun like burnished gold, while his skin was as creamy as milk chocolate and his eyes shone like sapphire's. "Or haven't you noticed?"

"I have, it sucks," Bikky complained. He refused to look into the mirror as they left the room. "I dread my twenties."

"Twenties, just think of thirties, you know when we reach adult hood, they will be giving us the tears," Rain nodded.

"It's by choice you know," Bikky thought hard. "Meaning, we don't have to."

Rain grew quiet staring at Bikky. So much had changed since he had lost his mother. He did not even recognize himself anymore and he knew a part of that was because of Bikky. "You're my brother, I don't have a whole family anymore." Rain halted on the last step. "You have to drink it too, or I won't."

"Don't worry bud...It was just a thought." Bikky smiled reassuring Rain. "Just a thought, but we have not been normal for a long time now." Bikky ambled into the dining room. "I think normal would be strange to us."

"I know," George sighed his eyes shining as he reached for Ryo's home made syrup for his waffles. "I can't believe I'm getting married."

"Oh, George, try this," Ryo pulled the jar from his hands and handed him stewed strawberries in their own sauce. He had made it this morning with no sugar added. "Oh, and Rain, Prince Angel wants you to show up at the palace tomorrow. For training."

"Training?" Rain asked his brow furrowing.

"Yeah, you are a strong match for the wind abilities. He wants you to be a wind mage."Dee explained. He smiled at Rain then offered his tea. "I'm proud of you."

"But I already know wind use," Rain said causing a draft to blow about the dining room. He pulled in a sweet scent from the garden to float about George's hair. He heard steps in the hall and turned away from the beauty of George surrounded by his tresses. Lyo's laughing and clapping halted as Marilyn poked his head inside.

"Not like this you don't," Dee whispered to Rain and handed him a cup of tea. "And George, today after we go shopping we are taking you to Arcadia to remain until the fire festival. Torcha wants you at the Obsidian Palace with your family, as it should be." Dee said the last part with a bitter sigh.

"It's alright," George grinned and winked at Dee. "If Jhaymes and I have to take a week off, it could mean that I will have extra strength saved up for the wedding night."

"I can't wait to see you all in white," Marilyn smiled at George. He bit back the retort that George should worry about his weight in all white, black is slimming. Looking quickly at Ryo, Marilyn smiled hoping to convey that he was attempting to be a better friend. George's smile at Marilyn could only be described as brilliant, he gasped looking at his friend seeing him as if for the first time. Marilyn took the plate that Ryo offered him. Without a word he pulled two of the waffles from George's plate leaving him with two topped with the strawberry sauce.

"Hey!" George complained, reaching to take one back. Marilyn smiled and winked at Ryo.

"About the wedding," Dee hedged sipping his morning coffee. Plenty of times he had suggested that Ryo take over making the stuff at the precinct, but then changed his mind. If the officers tasted Ryo's coffee, they would always have guests over for breakfast. "I am afraid that it will be taking place on Arcadian soil, the Obsidian palace to be exact."

"I figured as much," Marilyn nodded. He was always lucky in his friends. Famous photographers, executives the lot of which he never dared share with his other friends. Too much competition, especially where George was concerned. Now he had a chance to see a kingdom so faraway and so exclusive that blindfolds were used the ,last time any one ventured onto the soil. He was sure his excitement was palpable to those around him, but he could have tempered it with the best of his effort. "I can hardly wait, all that Royalty." Marilyn gushed patting his blond hair back he began to eat. "Ryo this is wonderful no wonder..." Marilyn gasped then looked at George and back to Ryo. "No wonder everyone raves about your cooking."

Rain smirked he knew what Marilyn had been about to say. He was going comment that Ryo's cooking was the reason George had gained weight. But he caught himself in time. "You can't go to the wedding." Lyo shook his head before any of the adults or teens could say anything. "Laton big, make fire to fight the phoenix, humans could get hurt."

"Oh, he has been reading the legends of Arcadia with Ryo again," Dee laughed loud to cover Bikky's coughing.

"It's a wedding," George laughed though he did agree that Marilyn could not attend with the creatures, namely Laton and Torcha, assuming their natural shape. It would all be too much for his friend to handle. "No one is going to get hurt. The fight is an exhibition match right?" George's smile faded as he was met with silence from every angle of the table. He looked around his eyes widening. "They are just doing this for show right."

"George," Ryo's voice was soft as he laid a hand on his shoulder. "If Jhaymes wants you, he will have to wrest you from your guardians." Ryo sighed as George fell silent processing all that Ryo revealed to him with such few words. "Finish your breakfast, we have a lot to do today."

Break

Brian leaned back in his chair in Prince Daphnus office trying to focus on the papers in his hands. It was a difficult process with Andy leaning across the desk filing her nails, not to mention her husband standing somewhere in the shadows behind him. He could not say why exactly, but Nestoir unnerved him. His hands were often ice cold, but he seemed to look healthy, though he was pale, he did not lack vitality and his eyes, in certain lights seemed inhuman. He supposed Daphnus changeable orbs should be creepy, but they had a medical reason, didn't they? "Love," Brian suppressed a jump as Nestoir appeared to his left and took his wife's hand. "Lovely," He bit the palm and Brian stared hard at the long incisors that, though they scraped the skin, left no marks.

"You were saying..." Daphnus eyes found Brian's and held them turning to match his exact shade. "Another movie deal has arrived for Bikky."

"Yes, he turned down the first one about gang members and tough street cred, he said he did not want to promote that kind of thing, if he is planning to be a movie star, he does not want to be seen as nothing more than a thug. Ryo sat there the entire time and they all said it was his choice. I know a parent talking when I hear one."

"If they said it was his choice, then it was. Bikky is surprising in the oddest ways," Nestoir said his hand over Daphnus mouth before the high prince could utter a word. Daphnus hated when Nestoir moved too fast for the human eye to perceive, it was almost too fast for Arcadian sight. Even though he had seen it he was unable to dodge. "The other pitch?"

Brian was loathe to say. The more he thought about it and read the script the more he feared to think about Nestoir and how similar he was to the main character. "This one calls for both Bikky and Rain and...you Prince Nestoir. The writer say's you are a friend of his and he wrote this with you in mind."

"Do tell," Andy smiled and Brian, gay for many years now, caught his breath at her dark beauty.

"Vampires, the writer is Adair Barany, say's you know him." Brian spit the words out wondering if it were too late to ask his boss if he could hand these particular clients over to another executive.

"He saved my life once, I suppose I could look at it," Nestoir smiled thinking of his old friend. "Mr. Kinney, why not arrange a meeting for me tomorrow night with Mr. Barany." Nestoir smiled sure that any meeting that Brian had with Adair had to have taken place at night.

"He prefers The Moonstone Cafe," Brian informed him.

"I'll just bet he does."Nestoir smirked when Brian visibly paled as he moved to the door. When had he moved? Brian wondered catching his question back before it could be spoken. The less questions he asked these Arcadians, the better.

Break

Stares, all around, George brought a hand to his face to quell the headache he felt building behind his eyes. He had not been able to ask Ryo more about the wedding, but he had a feeling that even if he did, they were not to be answered. "Large fries with cheese please," George ordered from the small stall.

"Ooh, I love those," Marilyn took the bag after George had taken a single fry into his mouth. "Umm, so good." Marilyn walked off.

"Ugh, rude much," Rain complained. "George if you're hungry, here, they are fried apple crisps with cinnamon, really good. Ryo made them." Hearing that his favorite chef had prepared the snack George accepted the bag.

"Thanks, he's usually not so..." George gave up, Marilyn was rude at best, cruel at worst and not much nicer in between. But they were friends, it was almost like having a catty older sister. "How are we going to explain to him that he can not attend my wedding?"

"Well, we will just tell him the truth," Ryo said watching as Marilyn tossed the empty fry container in the trash. "It is a closed ceremony for those of Arcadian descent of which you will soon be. The borders, due to recent infractions, are shut down to any outsiders, but there will be a reception to celebrate the nuptials upon our return."

"That's true?" George asked looking out at the gathering crowd that watched him try on gloves.

"Of course," Ryo assured George chuckling as he tossed several pair onto the counter. "Where did Rain and Bikky get off to?"

"Some store called True Night," George said and pointed. "Rain said he wanted to try something new for school."

"Oh bother," Ryo sighed. "PTA will be fun this year."

"I'll bet," Dee agreed hefting Lyo higher on his shoulders they walked down the hall. "First one's right after we get back." Ryo's eyes widened as he looked into the store where his boys were browsing. He saw Rain trying on a pair of large black pants with leather straps and chains. Bikky handed him the matching long coat that brushed the floor when he wore it. "Oh, Rain, really," Dee grumbled. "The 'Immortal' video was bad enough, now you are wearing Goth to school."

"Can't I?" Rain asked chuckling. Dee understood then and nodded.

"Yeah, sure, why not?" Dee laughed again. "'Eh baby, think we aught to upset the moral parental majority by letting our boy dress like a creature of the night."

Ryo looked at Rain seeing him as he had grown, they were the same height now, Rain slighter of frame, but gaining strength. Bikky held up a pair of thick black boots with silver studs and buckles all over them. "Rain, check these out," Rain's eyes widened and he smiled. Ryo saw the price was three hundred for the boots and he sighed.

"The older they get, the more it costs to clothe them." He grumbled then paused as George held up a large black coat with white thread woven about it in sections and squares. "Yes... nice," he nodded and for a moment he saw George the way the other creatures of Arcadia saw him. Vibrant, beautiful, fragrant and full of a jubilation that could lift the very sky, but at the same time kind and energetic, beautiful. "If Jhaymes doesn't manage to claim him, something else will."

"Something that can defeat your family?" Dee asked in a low voice.

"Not likely, does not mean that they won't try." Ryo sighed, "Why would my grandparents want him to be alone? If they won't let anyone claim him... there has to be something more that we are missing. Maybe it is because Jhaymes is a phoenix, you know dragons and phoenixes have always disliked each other."

"They would hurt him because of something as petty as that?" Dee shook his head. "Torcha ate a man for saying things that annoyed George I doubt they would break his heart so easily by saying he can not have the one man that he loves, that loves him and who has brought happiness into his life."

"Guys," Bikky spoke up. "Cool it with the discussion for now or George and Marilyn and the clerks and other customers could hear you."

"Right, sorry," Ryo laughed then turned to see Rain handing a pile of clothes to the cashier. "I had better go pay for those. Goth..." Ryo shook his head he really was not looking forward to the PTA meetings. Bikky soon took them all to another store and another leaving their guards to carry the many boxes and bags. "Any one hungry?" Ryo asked as they neared the door and he checked his watch. "It's nearly dinner time."

"That one cafe is around here..." Dee said as they piled into the car. "We have not been there in so long..." He thought back, the last time they were there had been soon after Laton had met Ryo and insulted them. "Dominating, huh," Dee thought back to Laton's questions of why his grandson had to spread his legs for another man.

"I don't want to eat here," Rain said quickly his voice rising as Dee drove around the area close to the restaurant.

"Rain what's wrong?" Dee asked watching the boy's breathing speed up. Rain shook his head not seeing the people around him, remembering being dragged along these streets to an alley, it was dark and cold, he... Rain shook his head. "Okay, we like Collins cooking better anyway." Dee drove off not saying a word, but he recalled that their toughest case to date had concluded in this neighborhood. He could not apologize, not without bringing up the incident. Ryo sighed then looked out of the window as the scenery went by. Marilyn for once wisely held his tongue. "Marilyn, since it would be lonely in our house with no one in it, perhaps you would like for us to set you up in a hotel?"

"Thank you," Marilyn nodded. He did not know why, but being around this family can be a change in people, he understood that now.

"George!" Rain gasped shoving George behind Bikky and bringing his fists up. "Sorry to come at you now, but seems that the only way I can see you is in public."

"Well when you get him alone you leave bruises," Bikky shoved Jon back when he tried to touch George.

"Look, I just want to talk," Jon smiled at George, "You're looking real pretty today."

"Thank you," George nodded his heart slowing at the first sight of Jon. It seemed like a lifetime ago that he had loved him, now he could barely recall the feel of his hands on him. "Talk?"

"Look," Marylin interposed his body in front of George when he would have moved to speak with Jon. "Do you think it would look good for the bride to be seen talking to her ex a week before her wedding?"

"We are just going to talk, in plain sight," George smiled at Marilyn. "Besides, Jhaymes can smell if anyone touches me, he'll know the truth." George gasped realizing what he had just said. "But then again what man does not say that he can smell another on his lover?"

"I don't think I ever heard that one," Marilyn shook his head. While he pondered that one George slipped by him.

"Not for long okay, I am hungry and I want to eat with my family," George winked at Ryo and Dee then walked to a nearby table with Jon.

"We'll order for you," Ryo said picking up Lyo and carrying him to his booster seat

"Family? They're your family now?" Jon asked looking at the small hat that sat on George's head. "Is that a new one?"

"Yeah," George sighed. "I am going to be adopted into the royal family of eastern fire dragons."

"You'll be royalty, I always knew you were destined to be a Queen." Jon laughed.

"I'm more excited about being a bride actually," George gushed then he looked up at Jon. "You wanted to talk?"

"Are you really going to marry this man?" Jon asked. "You're not even wearing a ring."

"If that's all you wanted," George got to his feet.

"A reunion tour, not like now, I mean it can wait until after the honeymoon or whatever, but just think about it." Jon got to his feet as well. "Whether or not you want a reunion shag," George gasped then stomped to the table. He sat next to Ryo silently brooding. Jon marched over to the table. "Sit down, I'm not going to touch him." Jon glowered at Bikky who refused the command preferring to stand with his arms folded over his muscular chest. How dare George sit there looking so beautiful, so happy when just months ago he was miserable and shattered and longing for Jon to reconsider? One season was all it took to forget him. "Damn floozy," Jon muttered under his breath. He knew no one could have heard him but Ryo and Rain both glowered while Bikky loosened his stance as if to prepare to launch an attack.

"Our food," Marilyn clapped his hands. "Jon, perhaps you could just call later."

"Oh shut up," Jon glared at Marilyn not moving aside for the waiters forcing Chihaya and his helper to work around him. Large purple eyes went from Jon to George then to Ryo who shook his head. He sat the plate of broiled chicken and noodles in light Alfredo sauce with steamed vegetables in front of George then moved on to everyone else. "So you are satisfied letting it end this way?" Jon demanded when George seemed set to ignore him.

"I did not end it, you did. I have moved on, so have you." Said George his eyes still on his food. He reached for a piece of bread. Ryo was quick to hand him light butter with no salt before he could get the regular stuff in front of Marilyn. "So if anyone should be concerned with my satisfaction it is Jhaymes."

"But is he?"Jon taunted his lips quirking. "I know how you like it. Does he get you there?"

"Jon," George said and Dee grew fearful of the calm in his voice. "You would not be asking me that, if you knew just how far he can get his tongue up my..." George bit down on the bread that Ryo shoved in his mouth while Dee covered Lyo's ears.

"Tell your wife Georgie says hi," Marilyn laughed as Collins, Kagetsuya and some of their larger waiters assisted Jon outside.

Rain sat next to Bikky, his eyes wide as he tried to focus on his food, but instead his e yes went back to George, then to Ryo and Dee. He loved George, and had fancied himself in love with him at one point, but...He would stay with Julie. No matter what. There were just some places he could never stick his tongue no matter how much he loved someone. Rain shook his head and sighed. Dee frowned as the wind picked up and the tablecloths and curtains billowed while candles fluttered. Ponchi held tight to George;s hair bringing attention to her.

"Why do you always wear that hairpin, no matter what color you have on?" Marilyn asked looking at George's yellow and white outfit with the blue pin clashing in his hair.

"Habit, I am really attached to it," George laughed patting Ponchi then he looked at Rain making sure the boy was alright. Rain laughed then went back to his meal, he would have to be careful with that wind of his. Maybe Prince Angel was right, he did need to be trained.

Break

Marilyn sat in his hotel lounge drink in hand while someone strummed a piano. He hummed along sighing. George had gone off with his 'Family' leaving him to his own devices early this morning. He could not fault their choice of hotels for him. Easily five stars or more by anyone's standards. Marilyn brought the amber liquid to his lips then paused watching it swirl in the light of the fire in the marble fireplace. It was then, through the distortion of the crystal and the liquor that he saw him. Standing with his weight resting against the mantle his feet crossed at the ankles in a pose that would have been misconstrued as relaxed to the normal observer. To Marilyn, he seemed hungry. Marylin smiled and sipped then raised his glass. He winked and turned his back not at all surprised when the chair next to him was occupied.

"Greetings of this magnificent evening to you," Marilyn smiled, even this man's accent was thrilling. He sat in his long black pants and deep red shirt that appeared to be satin and a long coat that went to his knees. His deep black hair was left to fall about his shoulders while pale green eyes seemed almost unreal in his beyond pale face. Marilyn wondered if this man ever saw a single ray of sunlight. "I am Azrial," He held out a hand and Marilyn shivered at the touch of cold that enveloped his hand. "What may I call you?"

"You may call me darling," Marilyn smiled. "But, my name is Marilyn, like Ms. Monroe," He pouted his lips in his best imitation of the icon. "Azrial, I do not think I have ever heard that name before."

"Perhaps you have been listening to the wrong speakers," Azrial smiled then and Marilyn gasped, even his smile was debonair. Wait... Marilyn thought his eyes widening. The last time he had been taken in by a suave man, bad things had happened. What, he was not sure, could not remember, but he knew it had been bad. "Why do you look afraid? Do I frighten you?"

"No, of course not," Marilyn forced a laugh. "What is there to be afraid of?'

"What indeed?" Azrial got to his feet. "Come, my room is just upstairs, perhaps we can share a private drink." Marilyn felt Azrial's cold hand on the small of his back and could not recall getting to his feet but soon they were leaving the elevator and faced with the doors of a penthouse suite. "Come, my servant will have the curtains open so that we may better enjoy the calm of the night. Come," Marilyn nodded his head and followed after.
Powdered Sugre 47

The Agony of Beauty

(Warning, Author in weird mood)

They were so slender, pale and beautiful, the nails; a work of art. Leon stared as Count D dragged a brush from his hair. "I spoke with Ryo on the telephone," Count D said without turning around. He could always feel Leon's eyes on him. They shot through him like a sapphire inferno liquefying his bones and melting his insides. He licked his lips then faced his husband. "He is home in the Obsidian Palace now, Rain was left with Prince Angel, but the trouble is from his grandparents."

"Oh?" Leon asked working hard to concentrate on D's words and not on the way the satin of his bed robe held on to the gently sloping curve of his alabaster neck.

"He, Ryo, I mean," Count D paused to smirk at Leon. That same small smirk that never failed to drive him crazy, one way or another.

"I know who you are talking about," Leon said with a wide smile.

"Oh?" Count D stood and the sleeves of the bright yellow robe trailed as he adjusted the tie making sure to knot it. He could not explain the almost primitive thrill he got when Leon ripped the coverings from his body. "Ryo is concerned that his grandparents have less than honorable intentions towards the claiming of George by Jhaymes. I reminded him of a Dragons honor. They would rather kill than besmirch it. I assured them that they had their reasons and that he should always trust in their honor and their love. The ancients reasoning is not like anything we could ever understand, I gave up trying to figure out my grandfather for that very reason. Their brains function on a level that would confound Confucius, in fact, I think grandfather knew him."

Leon pulled D into his arms. "You're rambling."

"Kiss me," D sighed and Leon did. Their lips met as if pulled by a powerful magnet. The passion ignited by the barest touch flared as their bodies molded. "Kiss me," D begged prettily when Leon drew back for air. Leon dove in again his tongue searching inside the sweet recesses of D's mouth. D was not pliant to be plundered. His own tongue attacked Leon's while his arms went around Leon's neck he stood on the veriest tips of his toes only to be lifted by Leon and embraced. "Oh... Leon," D's head fell back offering his throat. Leon nibbled, kisses and sucked. He enjoyed the bruise that formed. The only marks ever to be seen on D's body were his making. Because D was his. That thought spurred him to carry D to the bed his feet dangling above the floor with his arms around Leon's neck.

"D..." There was a warning in Leon's tone and D giggled a little as his lover discovered the knot in the robe. Leon pushed the fabric aside his hand caressing the smooth skin of D's chest. No hair marred the landscape. Though he was strong, he was not overtly muscular, the strength was largely supernatural for he was a slender as an untried youth. The tips were a lovely shade of pink that made his mouth water. Forgoing the robe for now, Leon lowered his head. Feeling the satin robe on his cheek and the scent of D further aroused Leon. That skin was so soft and velvety smooth. Leon kissed around the tip, then took the entire nipple into his mouth. D arched his back sighing his fingers burrowed in Leon's wild mane.

"Ah... Sugoi..." Count D whispered taking his bottom lip between his teeth. He spread his legs so Leon could nestle between parting the robe in the process. The roughness of Leon's jeans pressing into his intimate regions caused a delighted shiver to course through his spine. Leon's fingers pushed the robe aside further teasing the other nipple into hardness while his other hand traveled south. "Leon... Oh.." D tried not to beg. Leon's fingers touched his thighs, feather light but no more.

"You knotted the robe," Leon said licking a burning trail to D's neck. Looking up, D realized that Leon would take his time. A slow smile traveled over D's face and he reached for Leon's shirt. With a thought it vanished and D trailed his nails lightly over the muscles in Leon's back. "Ooh, fair play I guess," Leon nodded the ground his hips down on D. It was a strange pleasure to feel those deadly nails on him in such a gentle manner. Leon felt depraved, but watching D working with their children and not hurting them turned him on. D pressed a little harder, not enough to leave marks, but enough to be felt more than the last. "Damn baby," Leon gasped expecting the bite, but being bitten on the shoulder as D's nails scored his back was almost too much. He was so aroused he feared bursting his pants.

"I'd better help you with that," D purred reaching down to undo the buttons.

"Don't tease me too much baby," Leon sighed as instead of removing the pants D wiggled his hand inside.

"And caressing my thighs is not teasing me?" D asked licking Leon's neck and pinching a nipple with his free hand.

"Okay," Leon capitulated. His fingers curling around D's hardness. With that, D moaned and Leon's pants vanished. Touching D was not enough, he needed to taste him. Leon angled his body so that D would be facing him. Without a word Leon opened his mouth enveloping D in a tight enclosure. Leon's senses were swarmed with the over abundance of sweetness. He sucked, addicted to this flavor, addicted to D. "Cum for me," Leon pleaded teasing the sac behind and the sensitive flesh underneath them. He sucked his fingers before finding the pink center. The bud was soft. He pressed a finger in and D whimpered opening to Leon. The pressure felt so good, Leon knew exactly where to go.

"I will," D promised. "Just keep doing that and I will." Leon sucked more his fingers finding D's pleasure zone. He pressed and smiled as D cried out. Leon drank every drop sucking still for more as D trembled upon the bed. Leon licked his lips and his fingers going back to make sure that he had left none. He laved D with his tongue pushing his knees up to his chest. D gasped as Leon's tongue bathed his insides. "Leon..."

"Again, I want more,"Leon said before shoving his face in between the pale globes of D's backside. D groaned as that talented tongue went inside of him. He sprung again, hard and needing Leon to touch him. He brought his own hand down to stroke and relieve some of the pressure. Leon looked up at the sight a smile on his face. "You are so much more than beautiful." Leon pressed his fingers inside again and spread them apart. D continued to rub himself his eyes closed and moans leaving his mouth. With his head thrown back and his paleness revealed, yet surrounded by yards of yellow silk, D looked like an unwrapped present, or a garnished sacrifice to be devoured by a ravenous beast. Leon dropped his head and sucked D in deep.

"Ah... Leon," D gasped his body releasing into Leon's waiting mouth. D sank into the mattress blinking his eyes open. He wanted Leon, so badly. D pushed Leon onto his back crawling over his lap. He paused to lick and taste. Leon, his Leon. D sucked and Leon closed his eyes tunneling his fingers through the midnight tresses that slide like cool silk against his overheated skin. D worked his throat, carefully pulling back before Leon could end too soon. "Calm down love, I want you inside of me." Leon nodded lifting D and laying him on his back. Leon accepted the lube that D handed him and coated his fingers before pressing them back inside of D. "Oh, hai, my love, yes,"D sighed his hips moving in time to Leon's ministrations, he was unable to keep still. Leon pushed in far spreading the liquid. D could not take much more. He coated his hand and spread the sweet smelling lubrication on Leon's throbbing member. "Ima-Yo!"

"Who's teasing who?" Leon laughed hitching D's hips up. He took himself in hand and pressed forward. It was like going home. Leon sighed sinking into the welcoming warmth of D. It was so soft inside, soft and tight and Leon pressed in so far he could not tell where he ended and D began.

"Ah..." D gasped clinging to Leon. "Onegaishimasu," D begged pressing a series of kisses along Leon's face and chest. Leon began to move driven by a force he would never understand, didn't want to understand, he just wanted D. Leon pressed forward again and again D's cries driving him mad. There was not enough and too much. Not enough of D's pale skin and too much yellow. Leon pulled and tugged, but it clung to D's skin held by the belt that was knotted into place. Leon growled and yanked the delicate fabric until it severed making not a sound that could be heard over D's exclamations. Leon felt D's body tighten around him. Looking down he smiled as D's body continued to squeeze him with a delightful rhythm. Leon wadded up the robe and tossed it aside the dragged his hand through the mess on D's stomach and licked his fingers clean. He leaned down and kissed D driven over the edge.

"D," Leon gasped as his body pumped his release into D's waiting chasm. "Oh... D." Leon sank into D's body, spent and exhausted but thrilled. "I love you D. So much."

"Mmm, Mister Detective, Leon," Aishiteru." Count D panted his eyes refusing to stay open. They slept thus, wrapped in each other's arms.

Break

George's eyes rounded as he was shown into his room at the Obsidian palace. "So much gold and jewels... there is a fortune here in just the bed post." George ran his fingers over the diamonds.

"At least you get colored jewels," Ryo laughed. "I was given my mothers old room, all diamonds and gold."

"It really makes you stand out though," Dee said sliding his hands along Ryo's sides. "When you are naked the diamonds shine on your pale skin and the gold highlights your hair," Dee leaned in licking Ryo's ear.

"Dee... Cut it out," Ryo moved away from him. "Not in front of the kids."

"Oh, like we never saw him feel you up before," Bikky chuckled while Rain rolled his eyes and sat George's make up bag on the vanity. "Ooh, it's crystal," Rain laughed.

"No," Ryo said coming behind him and running his hand along the pounded surface. "This is diamond and onyx with gold filigree."

"You have one like that in your room, I saw it when you dressed for the princess's ball." George said he had admired it, maybe mentioned it to the queen, "Did she make this for me?"

"No," George gasped as Jhaymes voice was spoken near his ear. "I did."

"Thank you," George lowered his eyes his smile bright.

"You're welcome," Jhaymes kissed George's cheek. His lips lingered and he headed to George's mouth. One kiss, another, he could not bear to tear himself away.

"Before this gets embarrassing, hello darling," George stepped away from Jhaymes as his mother spoke.

"Georgie, you're all red," Siobhan laughed.

"I've brought your family here for a day out, if you will come with us," Jhaymes bowed courtly and kissed George's hand.

"I would love to," George laughed. "Laton and Torcha have me learning history of dragons today with master HiLon, not to be confused with The Honlon."

"I've spoken with the queen of the dragons," Dinah smiled. "You are free to accompany us."

"Having two sets of parents sure seems confusing," Rain sighed as George left the room with Jhaymes and his family. "I'd better go. Prince Angel expects me," Rain waved then headed off, Bikky shook his head as the rest of the servants sat down the suitcases that George had brought with him. Bikky sighed then followed after.

"Our rooms not far from here," Dee said again finding Ryo's ear. "And Lyo is playing with Little Nicklaus," Dee sighed as Ryo leaned back into his arms. It was the smile, Dee decided in that moment, the smile that could fire his blood more so than any tantalizing view of Ryo's nudity. Dee stood still his hands lingering over the warmth of Ryo's skin.

"What?" Ryo asked as Dee said nothing.

"Nothing, let's go," Dee took Ryo's hand he held it, closed in his own hand.

Break

Jhaymes sighed, holding onto George's hand was a dream come true. This human had brought so much to his life, and even if he did not live beyond the next week, he would have no regrets. "I wanted to show you," Jhaymes said pulling George to a field. George stared around confused, he had seen this field before, it was even more beautiful in the sunlight.

"Wow, this is lovely Georgie," Siobhan gasped as she spread her arms wide and twirled underneath the swaying weeping willows.

"You should see it at night," George said with a grin he walked over to the large gazebo that resembled an open air bedroom. "The stars seem so close you touch them."

"I made you see stars?" Jhaymes whispered in his ear. George chuckled moving out of his arms when he noted his father's eyes on him. "Sir," Jhaymes bowed to Jerry. "I know you are a builder, does the construction meet your approval?"

"Do not tell me this is the home you plan to live in," Jerry stood tall and frowned at Jhaymes. "My son has definite needs, walls are one of them."

"Oh, this is just a... pleasure...uh, I mean, a recreational... the bed is just... I mean," Jhaymes face flushed yet he did not lower his eyes from his soon to be father in law. "The house is over there. Zarro granted me land as soon as he found out that I intended to join with Sweetheart, I mean Georgie. I have been building ever since. Well some elvish carpenters helped, but, the design was mine." Jhaymes smiled as he walked with them over a hill. George stopped in his tracks as he saw what appeared to be a mini palace that was a mansion by earthen standards. Columns lifted the roof high as windows taller than a story gleamed with shining glass. Tears fell from Dinah's eyes. Her baby would live here? Truly?

"You made this?" George whispered for his voice had become trapped under the lump of awe lodged in his throat. "For..."

"For us," Jhaymes pulled both of George's hands into his own. "I made it for us, come on." Jhaymes pulled George to the house. "I want to show you the inside." Dinah smiled then followed her son. Jhaymes pushed the door open and George had barely enough time to appreciate the carvings in the ivory door before Jhaymes was pulling him through to the inner wall. "This is the entry way."

"Oh, my..." Siobhan stood still. Dinah reacher over and pushed her chin to close her mouth.

"These chairs are from the mer kingdom," Jhaymes explained the polished blue marble that shone in the bright light. "They remembered you from the picnic, then they have seen you at various functions. Here is the drawing room," Jhaymes pulled George to another room before he could appreciate the fine appointments and large open space. "This is the sitting room, where you can relax, or write songs, or entertain guests." George ran his hands over the smoothed wood of the writing table. Next to the table was a pair of wrought iron doors that shone white like the gilded doors of a bird's cage. Elaborate, yet not at all gaudy.

"I carved the doors while Leri, my sister, carved the balcony railings." Jhaymes explained pushing the doors wide. George stepped through and felt the sensation of his heart going overboard as rolls of hills and meadows spread out before them with a waterfall over tall mountains. Flowers spread out in lush health after the recent rains and determined to hang on even though summer was ending.

"It's so beautiful that it is terrifying," Siobhan gasped for George simply stood with his hands gripping the railing. He looked out further to his left and saw the Arcadian Palace. It's brilliance in the bright light of the sun was enough to make him want to avert his eyes and yet the beauty of the structure held him captive. The war tower stood, ominous and strong protecting the jewel of Arcadia as a dragon would it's cache.

George blinked as a hand wiped his face. "Are you okay son?" Jerry asked surprising George.

"I am," George nodded. He shook away Siobhan's offer of his inhaler. "I am fine, really," George laughed then took Jhaymes hand.

"Let me show you the dining hall and the..." Dinah held Jerry and Siobhan back as they would have followed after Jhaymes who pulled George from the room. Dinah said nothing, but held then back a few moments more. "This is a private sitting room for you, see, I made a home in it for Ponchi." Jhaymes explained to which the little fairy left George's hair to investigate the intricate work that had gone into the tiny cottage.

"You made it all by hand," George exclaimed as he used his finger to gently push the door open. Inside looked like marble furniture covered with small pillows. Some of the pieces were wooden and ivory with gem dust sprinkled liberally through out. "There's a bedroom, a bathing room, a sitting room and balcony, it it like a miniature of ours."

"Yes, come, and I will show you the bathing room." Jhaymes nodded and smiled. He bowed to Dinah and Jerry. "If you will sir, madam and mistress O'Dowd." Jhaymes straitened taking George's hand he led him into the largest chamber on the floor. The ceiling overhead gave way and George stared up and up to the second story of the home.

"It's so large," Dinah commented her eyes traveling to the section of the room that was cordoned off with silken drapes. "What a nice closet," She browsed through the fine garments that hung about.

"Those are gifts from Master Feng of China," Jhaymes smiled when George gasped looking through the jewel encrusted robes and delicate embroidery. "He wants you to smile always and continue to...ahem... amuse me."

"I will try," And there it was, Jhaymes smiled as George did. That smile, from the moment he first saw it until the instant of his very last breath, he would treasure that smile. George walked around the large room his hands touching the various surfaces of the carved ivory and marble. "There are very few things made of wood here." George walked over to a heavy door that looked to be made of cement. He exerted a great deal of effort to open it. "What is this?" He stepped inside and saw a stone hollow carved into the floor with lumps of hay and cushions. There was a low table with glass plates and cups set about.

"Everything in there is tempered and fire proof, if the room is ever in use, you may choose to live in the Arcadian palace, or the Obsidian palace, or even on earth with Ryo and Dee." Jhaymes explained reaching around to shut the door. The action brought him into close proximity to George and he inhaled. That scent of gardenia and rain kissed leaves haunted his dreams at night and he awakened smiling at the remembrance of honeyed kisses and soft, light eyes, delicate touches and sincere moans of delightful pleasure.

"I don't know what you are talking about," George tried to open the door again but Jhaymes held it fast.

"Come, see the pool," Jhaymes pulled George to another area of the large bedroom. The ceiling was high enough that he could fit Torcha and Laton, in full dragon form, inside if he needed to. George looked back at the room then allowed himself to be shown another part of the room. It was a large pool that was made into the very floor. "You have taught me to enjoy certain things," Jhaymes blushed as he recalled the first time that George had pulled him into a bath. The hours of joy they had spent nearly boggled his mind. When the water cooled he heated it and the fun started all over again. Jhaymes had carried a sleeping George to bed still wrapped in his towel. Thinking of the bed George's eyes went to the large marble, four-poster bed that larger even than a California king-sized bed with an overstuffed quilt atop it. Silken drapes billowed in the wind from the large open windows. "The bathing chamber is through here," said Jhaymes showing the way to the large room.

"Everything is so light and airy," Siobhan mentioned as the general color scheme of the house went from grays, to pale blues and silver with some yellow and green though the whole of the home was mostly white marble and carved stone with satin and lace pillows keeping the place warm and comfortable. "I made a showering device for you as well as a bath tub with jets and streams of water. Lady Clarisande sent over an entire line of products for your skin that she made herself and Sohki, a pail of his water." George nodded his heart still going too fast as he took in his surroundings. This house was beyond his imaginings and it was his, his and Jhaymes. "There is more, the ball room, kitchen, and guest bedrooms, the garden, of course made by Victoria, Lady Queen of Arcadia, Lord D, Count D and Rain."

"Everyone chipped in," Siobhan clapped running with her arms wide. "Georgie, it's wonderful." She laughed as George could not muster words he followed Jhaymes blindly from room to room of the large home.

"Now," Jhaymes said as night drew near. "Sir, Madam and Mistress O'Dowd." Jhaymes bowed again. "Please allow my sister and Sir Hydran to escort you to your rooms at the palace. I will return your son anon, but first, with your permission," Jhaymes reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

"Oh God," George knew what that was. He tried to draw breath and blinked as tears clouded his vision. Jhaymes got to his knee in front of George holding his hand. "Jhaymes."

"In front of your human blood relations, I would beg of you your pledge to be by my side forever." Jhaymes opened the box and George stared at the large diamond and clear blue stones the likes of which he had never seen before intricately woven through streams of silver, gold and platinum. "If you will," Jhaymes held out the ring dropping the empty box. George nodded with out words to express the pounding of his heart as tears tumbled down his face. Jhaymes slide the ring over his finger and George slide down to his knees with Jhaymes.

"If you will come with me," Siobhan gasped as Alera commanded their attention. "I will escort you to the Obsidian Palace." Dinah smiled taking her husbands hand, she offered her handkerchief to her openly sobbing daughter. Jhaymes and George were barely aware of the door shutting softly behind them.

Break

Rain gazed around the room he had been summoned to. "Wind," The voice entered his mind and he gasped looking for Prince Angel. He passed the racks of dulled practice weapons and mats on the floor. He found Angel standing leaning against the wall with his arms folded. His head was bent forward with long tresses of gold falling over his face. Even he raised his face dark sunglasses blocked out any hope of viewing his eyes. " When people here the word wind, perhaps they think of gentle breezes that cool the land, or sweep it clean of dust." Rain sat silent and folded his legs. He closed his eyes allowing the words of his new teacher to enter him. "What they overlook is the might of wind, the gales of force that can be used to churn the sea. It can topple buildings and shape mountains. Wind can help and it can destroy. Hit me with your strongest wind." Angel commanded and Rain gasped his eyes flew open and he stared up to see the reflection of his own face in the mirrored glasses the prince wore. "Do it!"

"But..." Angel stepped forward and Rain got to his feet. He clapped his hands loud in front of his body and wind swirled out lifting Angel from his feet. Only great skill helped him to land on his feet surrounded by his own winds.

"You attack wildly, with no composure. Acting on instinct can save your life, this is true," Angel intoned. " But true skill can think through a situation and pin down your abilities."Angel walked over to Rain and removed his glasses. "From here on in, you will have emerald wind and I will use sapphire, it will make this easier. You must see the wind to learn it."

"Yes," Rain bowed in the manner that Count D had taught him during their training sessions.

"Trust me in this, you will be a force to be reckoned with." Rain smiled as the last of the words entered his mind. He was looking forward to this session and any after that Angel would give him.

Break

Dee watched as Ryo walked the floor. The thick carpet muffled his steps and showed nearly no sign of his passing. "You're worrying," Dee said after studying the strait line of his lips. Those lips should be kissing him right now not pressed together as he mulled over whatever was on his mind. "You're worrying." Dee said again as Ryo paced by once more.

"How can I not?" Ryo sat down on the bed and Dee grinned. Ryo was where Dee wanted him. Now to just get him naked, or near enough to suit his purposes. "How can you not?" Ryo propped his head up on his hands. "I know that little D said that I should trust in the knowledge of the ancients, but, I can't help feeling that this is not right. Our wedding was beautiful, the passion, the love, the displays... Why can they not just let him through?"

"Maybe in this we should listen to Little D," Dee stood behind Ryo his large, gun callused hands working the muscles. Ryo sighed his eyes closing as he leaned back into Dee's strong frame. The muscles of Dee's chest formed a pillow for the softness of Ryo's head his hair like strands of silk across the bare skin tanned to perfection in the bright sun. Ryo seemed so pale against Dee, but he loved the contrast. Dee's fingers worked the buttons loose on Ryo's shirt peeling it down to reveal the tank underneath. His lips found a pale shoulder. "They love George, it's obvious. They would never hurt him so badly on purpose. I know your grandparents claim not to understand human emotions, but even they have to clue in that watching his lover die at their wedding would hurt him."

"They don't have to kill him to defeat him," Ryo said his dark eyes darkening as his body responded to Dee's light touches and kisses. "What if they just won't let Jhaymes claim him?"

"We'll see, now come on," Dee urged. Ryo gasped, when had he lost his belt? He wondered as Dee worked the zipper of his pants down. "They will be here early tomorrow to get you dressed up for the claiming ceremony, then you will be changed again for the fire festival tomorrow night. So give me tonight, stop worrying and give me tonight."

"You can have me, not just tonight, forever," Ryo promised opening to Dee. "Forever." Dee smiled. Ryo always gave so much. His shyness was adorable, but Dee loved to make him lose his senses completely. When his inhibitions were gone and his passions left bare it was Dee could do to keep from pushing him down at this moment. Ryo was a work of art and needed a bit of work to get him ready. Ryo sighed at the soft touches of Dee's hands on his chest. He leaned his head back his body going slack in Dee's arms. Dee smiled as he moved Ryo onto his stomach.

"Lift your hips,"Ryo obliged and Dee slide his pants down tossing them to the floor. He knew Ryo would have them in the hamper before the servants could come clean the room. As it was bared to him, Dee could not help placing a kiss on each cheek of Ryo's bottom. He bit the left side and pinched the right making them redden. "You've got such a great ass," Dee murmured his breathe fluttering across the sensitive skin causing Ryo to laugh. Dee loved to hear Ryo laughing when they were in bed. "What's so funny?"

"That tickles," Ryo gasped as Dee blew across his bottom on purpose.

"Oh," Dee said nuzzling the globes apart. He kissed the bone at the juncture then lowered his head. Usually he started with Ryo's lips and worked his way down. But today, today he needed to pay attention to the firm, round, delicious posterior that had drawn him in and kept him.

"Dee," Ryo gasped. So soon? He wondered. Dee was not giving his body time to catch up, he was just going to... Ryo gasped again sinking into the mattress as Dee parted him. That tongue, tantalizing and hot probed him. Dee always knew just what to do to pull him to the brink of madness. Dee stabbed his tongue in and pushed Ryo over. "Ummm, Dee, Ah... Kimochi..." Dee smiled from his position tasting Ryo more. He loved when Ryo forgot English. Soon, though, Dee vowed, soon Ryo would not remember his own name.

"How do you want it?" Dee asked coming over Ryo's back licking and kissing up his spine. Ryo closed his eyes pressing his hot forehead to the cool linen sheets of the bed. "Not talking? How's about I try to figure it out." Dee said and Ryo shook his head. "No, you'll tell me?"

"Anata...Mmmm," Ryo rolled over underneath Dee and sighed as Dee slid on top of his body naked and hot. "Your, I mean your... hands," Ryo said taking Dee's hands and placing kisses along the palm and sucking each finger. "Your hands on me." Ryo moved Dee's head to his chest. "Suck, please."

"And so polite too," Dee chuckled and obliged. His hand did go down moistened by Ryo's mouth he stroked the hard length and Ryo closed his eyes as his body began to tremble. He reached down for Dee and found him excited and ready weeping with need. "I want you now," Dee panted at the hot clutch of Ryo's sure hand.

"Then take me," Ryo spread his legs. "We have all night to go slow." Dee climbed over Ryo their mouth's melding as he used his own leaking to moisten Ryo.

"Tell me if it hurts," Dee pressed forward. Ryo gasped biting his lips as Dee passed the stubborn ring of tight muscles. "I'll pull out."

"No, just wait a minute," Ryo relaxed then pulled Dee fully on top of him. "Go slow, but go," Ryo nodded holding Dee close. It was almost painful for Dee, but he managed to control himself. To slide in slowly and pull out. In again, the tight sheath squeezing as Ryo accepted him in further and further on each thrust. Dee took a moment to be glad that he had stared licking Ryo's bottom first for the added moisture it gave as he began a slow invasion of the sweet body beneath him. Ryo raised his hips for Dee lost in the sensations. "All night, Dee," Ryo begged kissing along Dee's neck. "Love me all night."

"Always," Dee promised his hips going marginally faster. "Always."

Break

Marilyn was slow to open his eyes. He was naked, but could not remember how he got that way. George, no Ryo and Dee, then the hotel and... Marilyn's eyes widened and he looked around the plush hotel room. Azrial, that was his name. Marilyn sighed then fell back into the pillows. The two had spent one wild night and could the man give a hickey. Marilyn brought his hand up to his neck. He felt weak, his eyes blurred and throat dry beyond all measure. "Az," He spoke his voice soft and floundering. "Water, can I have some water?"

"Oh, you're alive still," Marilyn blinked his eyes open and gasped to Heaven sitting on the bed next to him her white garments shining in the moonlight that streamed in through the window. "I thought you dead when I popped in this morning."

"Dead?" Marilyn grasped the cup she brought to his lips. "Well, no, probably dead drunk."

"You are dying, he took too much," Heaven said turning his head aside after he dropped the empty cup. "Azrial never could contain himself when a fresh morsel was near."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Marilyn tried to toss the covers aside and did no more than jostle them. Why was he so weak? "I'm hung over, sure it feels like you're dying, and you might even want to if it settles in strong enough, but believe me, I've had worse."

"What are you doing?" Heaven did not startle as Azrial entered the room. "He's still alive?"

"Yes, he is," Heaven said and Marilyn gasped wondering what they were talking about. "Why did you pick him? Of all the bumbling idiots you could have eaten, you had to pick this one!"

"Why?" Azrial frowned sitting beside Heaven. "Do you know him? He was fun last night, his blood tasted funny, but, man what a time in sack."

"I asked you to this wedding in place of my father because my friend, Pretty, I mean George, is being wedded. What kind of present can I give him now that I have allowed you to murder his friend?"

"I'm not dead," Marilyn reiterated trying to sit up but unable to lift so much as his head.

"Yet, but time is failing you," Heaven sighed. "Uncle Azi, how could you?"

"I did not know he was a friend of your friend," Azrial held up his hands. "How upset would your pretty be when he finds out that he is dead?"

"Pretty defends him even when he lies, steals, cheats and demeans him, they came all the way over from England, were teenagers together, like you and father." Heaven sighed drops of crimson gathering behind her eyes. She had finished her feeding and gone to visit her father's friend only to find Marilyn dying on the bed. "And now you've gone and killed him."

Marilyn could no longer open his eyes. "I'm not dead." He said not knowing that he uttered nothing so much as a hoarse whisper.

"If it bothers you that much," Azrial dragged a long nail over his wrist. "Boy, do you want die at this moment?"

"No of course not," Marilyn tried to shake his head but managed no more than a weak flop over on his pillow.

"Do you care to exist no matter the cost, even if it is your very soul you lose, trapping it forever in a human skin that will not age or die?"

"Yes, I don't want to die," Marilyn pulled the dripping wrist to his mouth.

"But you will friend, I am sorry," Heaven said as Marilyn drank and his world went black.

Break

"Hey," George rolled over in bed pulling the blankets up around him. "Come on," Angel bounced on the bed. "Don't tell me you're too sore to get up. The royal dressers are here."

"I'm not sore, you bouncy queen. Now get off me." George sat up. "Jhaymes did not touch me last night, I mean, he did, but we did not engage in full contact, if you know what I mean," George pushed his hair back. "He said he is in training." George pulled his robe to him and waited until Angel tactfully looked away before he got out of bed. "The most he would do is kiss me."

"That's some rock," Angel commented on the ring on George's left hand. "Or shall I say rocks?" Angel laughed when George showed off his ring his cheeks flushing with joy. " Ready to be adopted?" Angel asked opening the door for the salamanders and chameleons that walked in carrying yards of silk and satin with delicate lace in deep green and silver with gold lining and bright rubies. "Whoa!" Angel bounced up and down clapping his hands.

"You will leave now," The head chameleon opened the door for Angel.

"No," George walked over and shut the door. "He will stay, he can help with my make-up."

"As an honor to you, the lady Hi-Soo, grand duchess of Flami Island in the heart of the Javi mountains and cousin to his highness Ryo has sent over her premier make-up artisans. As a show of welcome into the family."

"You may tell the grand duchess that her gift is highly appreciated, yet I am most comfortable in the presence of friends." George bowed with his hands clasped then sat at his vanity. He sighed wishing that Marilyn could have been with him on this great day.

"Good show," George gasped when Angel giggled and took the foundation from him. "Now sit back, let's make you fabulous."

"I hope Collins knows what a jewel he has in you," George said trying to ignore the large group of people that scurried about straitening the room and laying out his outfit.

"Of course he does," Angel winked his hair bobbing. "He is no fool."

Break

Count D stretched his legs and sighed as his body brushed along Leon's. "Morning, lover," Leon leaned down a pasted a lingering kiss on D's lips. "Sun's been up for a while now, I was just appreciating the look on your face." Leon explained as D focused on him his oddly colored eyes mismatched and beautiful. "Your lashes lay on your cheeks like black silk fans on fresh snow."

"Aren't you feeling poetic this morning?" D's smooth voice always rolled about Leon and wrapped him up in a sensual net of desire and love.

"You make it easy," Leon kissed him again before rolling D onto his back.

"Detective, we must be up," D said not truly trying to separate his body from Leon's. "The fire festival is tonight, with George being adopted right before so that he has the right to sit amongst the dragons at the festival." D closed his eyes moaning as Leon's hands found sensitive spots on his body while nibbling the pale shell of an ear. "Leon," D gasped.

"That's right," Leon whispered, "My name is all you need to say." Count D gave up, he was hoping that T-Chan and Pon-Chan would wake the children. D's arms crept around Leon's neck in complete surrender.

Break

George reached for his briefs only to have them moved out of his reach. "Please, allow me," The head salamander said his voice soft with satisfaction as George withdrew his hand. Several long pieces of the softest silk he'd ever felt were then wrapped around him containing his manhood and covering his bottom. Angel snickered when he turned around sure that George had not noticed his body as of yet, but he would tomorrow. Angel made sure of it. "Step into these please," George raised his foot and donned the large black pants edged in silver thread along the side and cuffs. He was then put into a silver sheath that tied with satin ribbons down the sides. Over the sheath went a sleeveless robe the inner lining so soft and shimmering that George sighed as it slide over his clothes. He sat while the chameleons moved his hair aside.

"Sir," George looked up then sighed. He was not dressed yet as he had thought. He got back to his feet and was soon weighted down with three more robes the top layer dazzling with rubies and emeralds and diamonds in a display of draconian elegance.

George sat still while the head Salamander picked up a brush. The male lifted his hair then looked it over stroking it several times with his hands before he began to apply the brush. George winced leaning his head back offering some slack to his hair. This seemed to make the Salamander work harder to tame to tresses. "You're tugging," George complained as the salamander pulled the brush through his hair.

"Please bear with me sir," The salamander sighed. "Your hair is so thick."

George frowned and resisted the urge to smack the man. He reached for his phone. "My mum and sister will be here in a few moments to finish."

"We will do your hair for you," The head salamander explained. "I will..."

"Did you not understand his highness?" George gasped looking up to see Ryo entering the room resplendent in gold and brown silk and jewels as well as his crown. "He is as yet crowned but before the day is out you will regret your disrespect. Stop pulling his hair." The salamander dropped the brush as it burned his hand under Ryo's heated gaze.

"I do so humbly apologize," The Salamander bowed. " I meant no disrespect to him. I can only hope that if he needs further assistance, he will call for me."

"He is sentient and can be directly spoken to," George quipped his eyes narrowed. "Now please remove yourself from my room." The Salamander opened the door and he and his troop of helpers filed out. Siobhan and Dinah stood in the door out the way. Siobhan gasped as she got a good look at her brother.

"Wow, Georgie, you're so beautiful," Siobhan sighed looking at the shining image before her that she barely recognized. Tears leaped into her eyes as she gazed at her brother.

Looking at George, Ryo understood. "Oh, no," He reached into his sleeve for his cell and called Dee. "Dee," He waited until Dee answered. "We have to fight Jhaymes," Ryo sounded deflated as he looked at the radiant individual sitting and smiling happily as his mother brushed his hair. Siobhan placed his bracelet, necklace and hair clip that Ponchi sat in. "He has to show that he is strong enough to hold him, or even if we let him through, he will be challenged. Damn it Dee, there is not many in our world that will be able to resist him. Come to his room and look at him. Look at him as an immortal would. And after the transfusion of tears it will be even more so. The reason you were not challenged was because of my defeat of Cho Da Koen directly after you showed remarkable courage. Even if I am desired they will not act on it for fear that it will mean an assault on the crown, with George... Dee, we have to fight Jhaymes. My grandparents were right." Dee was silent on the other end of the line and and Ryo sat on a couch watching as a completely beautiful butterfly was revealed.

Break

Jerry O'Dowd sat beside his wife marveling at her beauty. The grand hall of the Palace had filled with creatures that both fascinated and terrified him. George sat among them laughing and talking as if sunlight glinting of razor sharp scales was an everyday occurrence. Jerry had seen the dragons in their true forms and yet he had not expected so many of them at once. Roiling masses of jewel toned iridescence moved about speaking and rumbling the black onyx floor. A massive white lioness purred when George picked up her kitten to blow kisses at it. Several Chinese men, Jerry fought the urge to call them creatures, for no man he had ever met had a right to be that luminously beautiful. "Jerry, they're starting," Jerry looked at Dinah, even his wife seemed to be touched by this place.

He continued to observe and noted that one of the pretty Asian men seemed to be pregnant. Now if that was not the epitome of odd he did not know what was. Over in the corner on massive pillows was a golden dragon that rubbed the mound her stomach that Jerry hoped was an infant, otherwise she would be needing a doctor about her severe bloating. That or she just ate a full sized human. A pure white dragon hovered about her seeming to frown as Ryo served her snacks. Was she playing games with both of them? Jerry wondered.

"No games," Jerry gasped as a woman he had not noticed before spoke to him. After looking over her deep colored skin and curled auburn hair and lush figure he wondered how he had not noticed her. "The child she carries is indeed the spawn of the dragon prince Ryo, but her heart has been captured by Sir Hiten." Celeste sipped her maisia juice smiling at the sweetness that curdled the mortal tongue but was just right for Arcadians and necessary for Kami. "Does he wish to claim her, he will wait until after the child leaves her body. Or he will be in contest for his life for daring to attempt claiming the heir that Ryo supplied. Ryo will fight to the death to protect both mother and child, it is in his blood to do so. But if he desires her, Hiten will wait, then he may attempt to claim her."

"So she is pregnant," Jerry found his tongue.

"Yes," Celeste laughed. She was well aware of the effect she had on men, mortals in particular. "And she had best make up her mind soon as to which form she wishes to give birth in. In that size for much longer and the choice will be taken from her. Whatever state the child is born in, for the first year of it's life, it will be unable to shift from. And howsoever the child, so too, the mother."

"I don't understand," Jerry sighed as Zarro padded to the front of the crowd.

"Family, friends, comrades and subjects," Zarro's voice was soft, yet it reached every ear in the room. "Today we gather, before the festival in celebration of the consuming power of fire, to honor the kingdom of the eastern fire dragons in the acceptance of a human into their ranks as prince. Will the family O'Dowd stand?" Zarro raised a large paw indicating that Jerry and Dinah should escort George and Siobhan to the kings left side. "The king and queen, Laton and Torcha, have tender feelings regarding your offspring." Jerry nodded as the king seemed to await acknowledgment of his words. "The wish to accept him into their family, by so doing that will bring you and the rest of his siblings into contact with the Arcadian court. We have contacted several people that you should meet before you officially combine your family with that of the eastern fire dragons."

"Never tell me," Dinah gasped as four people walked forward. "They're still alive..."

"May I present," Zarro bowed with a flourish before the two couples. "The lady Cerridwen ab Arawn-Lavrans and her husband, Dain Lavrans. Also, her twin and the great grand sire, many times removed of your family. Mychael ab Arawn and Llynnia." George stared in wonder at the shining group of people. Llynnia's hair was as dark as his own with leaves and twigs interspersed. It was her eyes that caused him to gasp. They were light, not quite green or blue, and glazed with silver. George had always been complimented on his eyes and now he knew to whom he owed them. Mychael was blond, as pale bond as his sister Cerridwen, and looked like her male double. Dain was dark as well with deep eyes that surveyed the room seeing all and remarking on none.

"Saints, thats an elf," Siobhan gawked at Llynnia whose ears were pointed out of her hair. George was uncommonly quiet as he shook hands with the gentlemen and kissed the hands of the ladies. He knew training was difficult, but he had thought, such an important event would have roused Jhaymes to come and see him. Without this adoption taking place, the two of them could not even wed. George sighed then refocused on the crowd. He saw shimmering white and smiled as Heaven nodded. He wondered who the man beside her was but dismissed it as his attention was claimed by Zarro.

"Before you drink, I want you to understand what you are doing." Zarro moved a silver vial away from George's hand. "As you are now, so you shall remain, no age, nor natural illness shall lay claim to you." George's eyes widened as he thought of all that Zarro meant. Forever was a long time. He loved Torcha, she had cared for him and protected him. Laton had made him laugh. They loved him, but mostly he thought of Ryo. Sure, gentle, strong Ryo. And Dee. Proud, loving and caring. Rain and Bikky, Little Lyo and yes, even Sylphe and Cujo. Ponchi and Count D. Lord D, Sofu and lady Aurora, JJ, Leon, Angel and Collins, Chihaya and Kagetsuya, Aoi and Kurayami, Kibo and Shinrai, Christopher, T-Chan, Alera and most of all Jhaymes. His heart melted as he thought of Jhaymes. This world, the Royale his family, old and new. George took the vial from Zarro. "Then drink child. Drink." George brought it to his lips and swallowed. He did not know what to expect. It was not the clear crisp taste of water, or sweet like the maisia juice. It was not viscous, but neither was it thin. He could not put a thought to the contents of the vial but as he swallowed his entire world became a nauseating swirl of vibrant colors and scents. Emotions ripped through him and he thought he would be ill. He felt a hand on him, and looked into the face of his ancestor. Mychael pulled him to a seat while Siobhan offered him a pail. George shook his head, if he threw it up he would not be Arcadian.

"Never think it," Llynnia laughed beside him gathering his hair. "It went directly into your blood stream, this is just vertigo. Let it out." George did as she suggested tossing his lunch into the pail. His body became cold, then hot, then cold again he shivered and the room spun.

"Jhaymes," George cried out frightened. He reached out as his vision blurred.

"He's going to..." Cerridwen called out. Laton moved fast, but it was Jerry who caught his son as he fainted. Rain left his seat next to Dee and ran up to George who lay with his eyes closed. His skin glowed as he sighed in a slumber so deep Rain wondered how long he would be out. Bikky stood beside him holding Lyo's hand.

"Georgie okay?" Lyo piped up.

"He's fine love," Ryo picked the child up and rubbed his back.

"He's coming to," Dee said as George opened his eyes.

"Where is Jhaymes?" George asked his father.

"I don't know son," Jerry sighed knowing the depth of his son's affection for the other man for even as he lost consciousness and now upon awakening, he thought of no other.

"I'm here," The voice sounded hollow, but George would recognize it anywhere. He looked up to see flames as bright as emeralds brushing the floor near him. He looked closer at the flames and saw that they formed feathers. Talons of gold brushed the floor as a large bird majestic like a hawk but the size of a man stood with the long tail of a pure flames spread out behind him. His golden beak opened again and he said. "Please do not be frightened. It's me." George sat up slowly, he could feel every beat of his heart as he gazed at the brightly burning creature before him. Next to him, Alera stood resplendent in silver flames. Jhaymes inhaled then shifted dropping beside George and taking his hands in his own. "Now you see me for what I truly am."

George stared at Jhaymes, into his eyes. He had loved this man, and there seemed to be a question in his eyes as he gazed lovingly at George. "I love you," George reassured him. "With all of my heart I do."

"Then I stand," Jhaymes got to his feet and helped George to stand as well. "Before your family, ancient, human, and dragon. Our friends, the court of Arcadia and Seraphim Celestial," Jhaymes bowed as he called her by her full name and title. "I stand and put forth my claim to the dragon queen and king." Siobhan sobbed as Dinah leaned on her husband. "Will you marry me?"

George frowned confused. "I already said..."

"This is formal," Alera was quick to say before George could shame her brother.

"Yes," George said quickly then he smiled and several creatures who had before thought he was pretty, for a human, now payed close attention. Dee saw their stares, and had to agree with Ryo. They had to fight Jhaymes, it was the only way. He would speak to the boys tonight and make sure they understood.

"Then tomorrow night, in the court of the Dragons you may attempt to take him from us," Laton said and bowed low to Zarro before he and Torcha spread their wings.

"Let the festival begin!" Zarro announced raising up on his hind legs his mane billowing around him pristine and glorious. He landed on all fours, his front paws making a loud thud. George gasped clinging to Jhaymes as the palace vanished leaving them in a field of bright flowers. He stared around in awe at the beauty of the land around him. "Here in this valley of the Onyx Mountains, as the sun leaves us for the day, let us light up the night." George sighed as Zarro tossed his head. He was truly a magnificent beast. Looking around for the spot of white. George waved at Heaven. He wondered why she avoided his eyes.

"Jhaymes, excuse me," George walked away from the large Phoenix just as heavy drums began to beat loud in the distance. The mountains seemed to tremble with the bass. Ryo gasped from he stood with his family. This pounding in his ears, this accelerated beating of his heart, the need to...to... Ryo did not know what to do. Laton had said that he would know, but he did not. Laton lifted his head high, just as Torcha and all the other dragons of the eastern fire court, did the same. Opening their mouths volcanic eruptions of flames burst forth. The drum beat picked up and was joined by wind instruments. Ryo sighed raising his hands high, he began to move. First his feet, then his hips began to move on their own in a sensuous dance accompanying the beats and the flames.

Dee watched in wonder as his love moved about the flames as if they were nothing creating his own to match them. Bikky gasped caught up in the wildness of his surroundings. The sun set and he blazed. Rain did his best to fan the flames as the entire court of Arcadia began to dance. Ryo had wondered at the long satin sashes and ribbons that had been attached to his ensemble. Only now did he understand the need for them as he raised his arms and swayed them with the flames performing a ribbon dance, he never knew he knew. "You blood boils with the passions of your mother," Torcha exclaimed blowing another stream flames at him. "You do her proud, we are all proud of you." Hiten shot up in the sky his glistening white body shining reflecting the glow of the flames as the sun completely vanished leaving behind a moon so bright it nearly hurt the eyes to look upon it.

The singing began causing all who heard it to sigh in rapture. Hiten spread his wings wide capturing the light of the moon and flames , he roiled over in great arcs in the sky soon joined by Laton and Torcha. The entire clan of eastern Fire dragons leaped into the sky their colors mingling and blending just as the western fire dragons coiled around on the ground spitting flames up at their cousins. Through it all Ryo danced moved by an unseen force that he was powerless to deny. All of the sky fliers converged mingling their flames. Dee shouted in horror as they all pointed their efforts at Ryo. He could stand here while Ryo was immolated. He took a step forward and was grasped by Alera. "You will be killed do you attempt it." She cautioned.

"I would rather it be me than him," Dee tried to yank free only to fall back as Ryo caught the flames and swirled in what appeared to be a pirouette. As he spun the flames wrapped his body almost as if they embraced him. He raised his hands high throwing the flames high until they seemed to circle the moon. It turned crimson and the dragons blew out their breathes, then descended to the rocky ground below. Bowing before Zarro the settled down and Ryo collapsed exhausted. Alera released Dee who rushed to his side helping him to stand.

"I'm alright Dee," Ryo sniffled tears leaving his face.

"Then why are you crying?" Bikky demanded afraid as Ryo clung tightly to Dee as if his very heart had shattered.

"I saw her," Ryo wept. "In the flames, she was golden and beautiful, then as a human, like I always remembered her. So tiny and beautiful, dressed in an outfit like mine, but... She was dancing. I saw my mother dancing."

"Oh, Ryo," Rain wrapped his arms around both Ryo and Dee. Bikky huddled in with Lyo.

"Ooh, group hug," Ryo gasped as the entire family was lifted in strong furry arms. A paw as large as his entire back thumped him as Zarro's mane fluffed over their heads.

"Okay," George whispered to Jhaymes just as he was making sure that his long Jacket was safely tucked away. "Now that I am officially Arcadian I feel safe in asking." George looked again at Zarro as his wife pulled his tail with her teeth making him drop the small humans. "Am I the only one who has noticed that the king's sanity is a little questionable."

"Yes," Alera nodded releasing her hair from it's ties so that it would blow free in the wind. "The rest of us think is a lot questionable."

"The king is not mad..." Celeste paused in her affirmation as she saw the grand cat dancing. "Entirely," She amended as he stood on his hind paws and bounced what appeared to be two-step in time to the beat. "He is merely caught up in the joy of the celebration. Look around you," Celeste held out her arm and the shimmering cloth of her crimson gown billowed about the jewels sewn along the hem a rival for some in the crowns that graced the heads of royalty. "They are all enjoying the essence of the Consuming Fire." Chris stood next to D while Leon held Aoi on his shoulders. Kurayami lay awake in D's arms watching the proceedings as Princess Chimera and Prince Kronos strolled into the center of the crowd.

Raising their arms they emitted their own flames. "We're next," Master Xi said to Jhaymes as the two circled one another in a simple dance. "So it is true," Xi laughed. "I heard that Lady Chimera had no dance skills."

"Neither does Ryo," George quoted his friend and now relative. "He said so himself, and yet he did well."

"That was within him from birth," Jhaymes explained. "Just as our dance is. Humans have a will that is beyond any of the creatures that live here. They were created to be free. But we, like the angels, can not choose what to believe because we know the truth. We have seen it; some even walked the paths of fragrant gardens as they were made. The Kami themselves, the ancients, all have seen and all know. Just as we are born knowing. Which heaps our desire to love and celebrate. Our blood dances and so do we." George nodded looking again as Chimera and Kronos finished their dance leaving the path open for the Birds of flames to take the sky.

"We are the Ho-Ooh," Two birds of bright colors ascended spinning in arcs in the sky.

"I am Feng," The voice of the bird rang out and George gasped that he could understand.

"During the festival, you should understand everything," Jhaymes explained. "But if you like, I can teach you Arcadian. I have been speaking it since birth. I only learned English when the Royale were selected."

"I am Huang, soon to wed Lord Feng," The feminine voice called out as she flew beside Feng their flames mingling with the Ho-Ooh.

"We are the remaining inhabitants of Fire Star," Master Xi announced spreading his golden wings wide red flames lit up the sky. "Lady Fiona and my myself, the twins, trainers of the Royale, Alera and Jhaymes. Alera blazed white circling overhead while Jhaymes countered her in bright green. George sat back watching as the beautiful birds danced across the stars seeming all the more brighter and closer.

"I can't believe you're marrying him tomorrow," Siobhan whispered in his ear. Ponchi held on to George's hair watching with a smile on her little face. She had left George intermittently this week in order to watch some of Jhaymes training. He was doing well. The dragons would not know what to expect from him. This could work in his favor. She looked at George's smile and prayed for as she had never prayed before. She prayed that Jhaymes would make it through. She could not imagine the devastation if he did not. Ponchi rubbed his hair her hands lost among the lustrous strands. She felt an eerie prickling along her spine and turned to see two dragons with their eyes on George, as well as a gryphon, and the human form of the Midgar serpent himself. The elves watched him, but Ponchi knew that they would never dare attempt to claim him from dragons.

"Please Jhaymes," Ponchi whispered. "Please make it through."

George clapped as Jhaymes somersaulted in mid air before spreading his wings wide and gliding down. He turned into his human shape leaving only his wings. George had seen him thus before, had flown cradled in his arms. Jhaymes landed, kneeling at George's feet. "Come with me." Jhaymes took George's hand.

"Oh... I..." George looked around. Laton and Torcha were laughing and talking with Ddrie Goch and Ddrie Glas along with his father. Dinah was in deep conversation with Cerridwen and Mychael and Dain while Siobhan sat with Llynnia watching the firebirds in the sky.

"Come on," Jhaymes smiled and tugged until he had wrapped George's arms around his neck. George closed his eyes. He knew it was coming. He held on tight and knew he was leaving bruises on his own wrist but he had locked his arms around Jhaymes neck and would not let go. He could feel the ground leave from his feet and he tightened his hands even more. The steady rhythm of Jhaymes wings beating and bulging of his powerful muscles as he held George were clear testament that they were far above the cheering crowd below. "Open your eyes," Jhaymes said softly his lips inches away from George's mouth. George shook his head. Before, when he had flown with Jhaymes, he was on the back of a Pegasus, then later he had been so grateful to be alive and at the same time terrified at how close he had come to death that he had not paid any attention to the fact that he was in the air. "Its okay, I won't let you fall." Jhaymes promised.

George took several deep breaths then cracked his eyes open a bit. His breath stilled in his throat and his eyes widened fully yet still were unable to take in all that he saw. Dancing flames from the other birds swirled around while the stars dazzled him. "Oh Jhaymes," George whispered loosening his hold. "It's beautiful."

"Not so much as you are," Jhaymes pressed their lips together taking them higher. He spun in a circle keeping George in his arms spreading his wings he glided down among the other birds bowing to Zarro as their segment was done. Zarro announced a feast and George sighed clinging to Jhaymes arms as they walked together into the grand hall. Seeing a flash of white, George broke away only to have Heaven turn and walk away. "Did you two quarrel?" Jhaymes wondered having watched it all. He was afraid to ask if she was perhaps upset that George would be wedding him.

"No," George shook his head his heart heavy. First Marilyn would not be at his wedding and now he feared Heaven would decamp as well. "I hope she is not angry with me."

"Pretty," George spun around shocked. It always puzzled him when she vanished and appeared as if from mid air. "I am not angry with you, but I hope that you will be able to forgive me."

"For what?" George laughed. "If it's about snogging me, it happened at the beginning of summer and believe me, more than you have, but none else henceforth will."George assured with a coy smile at Jhaymes. Jhaymes winked at George stealing a kiss before he left the two of them alone to secure a platter of food making sure to select fruits and vegetables and lean meats with fresh bread. He filled a pitcher with water adding a cup of Maisia juice. He tasted it then smiled as it was sufficiently diluted for his love and soon to be in-laws. "Heaven?" George asked as her eyes filled and blood fell down her face. He was quick to offer a handkerchief so that her beautiful garments would not be stained.

"The stain on my gown would be nothing compared to that on my hands," Heaven wept anew. "I am so sorry." Heaven sniffled. "Azrial is a friend of my father's, as close to an uncle as I have, and a very good friend. I invited him to your wedding, but did not take into account his feeding habits."

"Oh do stop your bawling," Drawled a familiar voice and George turned around in shock. Marilyn! But he could not be here, not with the creatures in their true forms. "I'm not sorry and neither should you be."

"I can explain, you see the birds and dragons and magical horses..." George began only to have a golden horn lift his hair and tug.

"I told you... I'm no horse." Hydran complained

"Ow..okay," George sighed giving up he raised his hands then let them fall helpless at his sides. "Heaven he's a human, you brought a human here. How could you? Zarro will go mad...er." he said seeing the king on his back laughing at something High Prince Daphnus said. Four large paws waved in the air while his head was thrown back in glee. His wife stood in her human form draped in red satin an indulgent smile on her face. Marilyn laughed showing shiny long incisors. "Marilyn, what happened to you?"

"I drank a little too deeply," George gasped when a cold hand brushed along his side. "Heaven assured me you would devastated by his death else she would have dealt with him a long time ago, so I preserved him, in a manner of speaking. I am Azrial by the way...Ooh, no wonder she calls you 'Pretty'." Azrial took George's hand and brought it to his lips. "It does not do you justice. I would call you radiant as I bathed your skin with my tongue. A nip here perhaps," George backed away as Azrial slid his teeth along the palm of his hand. "Never fear, your blood has been tainted with the tears of the seraph and would be as poison to me. But still... I would call you luscious."

"And I call him mine!" Azrial leaped back as green flames shot about his feet. "I have your dinner love," George nodded allowing Jhaymes to lead him to the table with his family. He spared a look behind him for Marilyn then sighed. "I am sorry about your friend. His death was none of your doing. Please, never think it."
"Death, but," George looked again at Marilyn seeing the pale skin and blond hair he sighed.

"How are you holding up?" Ryo asked sitting beside George. "Your first full Arcadian festival."

"Confused, but... it is a bit much." George admitted nibbling the carrots in front of him. They were large and fresh with a light, sweet taste.

"You seem to be settling in alright," Bikky laughed then was lifted and moved aside by Laton. "I was leaving anyway, wanted to go see how Lord D is doing, he's looking a bit pale."

"That son of Sofu's has always been delicate. Now he is even more so." Laton mused watching as Bikky went to sit with Lord D while JJ fetched him so supper. "I worry about him as well."

"You do?"George was flabbergasted.

"Just because his sire annoys me no end, does not mean his offspring are irritating. In fact I outright like Count D." Laton laughed and allowed his scales to print on his skin making it look like tattoos all over his body. George had brought the dragon king a bucket of lemonade knowing it to be his favorite. The great beast had hunkered down his long tongue lapping up the treat. Now in his human form he offered George a glass. "Haydn Draig, from my cousins of the Irish sea," Laton nodded at Ddrie Goch and Ddrie Glas. "They say the brew is in your blood as much as fire is in Ryo's and wind is in Rain's."

"Oh... what is Haydn Draig?" George asked as Jhaymes sniffed the chalice then tasted it.

"Dragon wine," Jhaymes supplied handing the chalice to George with a nod.

"Well if I knew you would act as food taster, I would have offered him poison and then it would be I who would stand to claim him tomorrow," Jhaymes gasped frowning at the long lime green dragon that transformed into a handsome young man tall and lithe with long blond hair and pale green slanted eyes. "I am Haku, you must be George. A pleasure to meet me I'm sure." Haku winked at George and tried to shove Jhaymes out of the way so that he could sit next to him.

"Do you wish to challenge his claim," Torcha sidled up to Haku. "You will do it tomorrow. Tonight is not the time for such things." Haku bowed low to Torch then walked away. Jhaymes sighed and squeezed George's hand. Tomorrow, he thought. It would all come to a head tomorrow.

Break

Lord D lay in bed sighing. He had eaten so much last night and now he wished he had not. With morning, came the sickness. JJ got up helping him to the bathroom. Lord D heaved gripping the fine porcelain. "It's alright love," JJ assured him holding his hair back. They had left the festival before the second round of dancing began. Lord D, feeling faint had asked JJ to take him home. "Let it out, I know," JJ's voice was soothing as he rubbed small circles in Lord D's back. When he was done, JJ helped him to rinse his mouth and bathe then swathed him soft cotton before putting him back to bed. "Rest now, I will see what time the wedding is."

"Sunset," Lord D supplied as his eyes drifted closed. "They said, sunset, giving Jhaymes time to say farewell..." Lord D sighed again and was asleep. JJ lay in bed beside him running his hands along the soft hair that draped Lord D's back then around to the bump of tummy he sported. Sofu had assured him that there was only one child inside and yet he could not help but worry about him seeing how close he had come to death the last he had given birth. Not to mention he had nearly damaged his manhood. JJ brought one of Lord D's pale hands up to his lips. It was so smooth, this hand and yet it moved with a surety and skill. A doctor, the best JJ had ever known. Also a Kami, magical and aged, yet as fresh as youth with the energy to match. His heart had been terribly abused and left with unspeakable scars but he was so loving and trusting. Gentle and... JJ nearly wept so deep was his love. He pulled Lord D into his arms.

"With episodes such as this, it will not take long before he carries another child even after he delivers this one." JJ looked up at Sofu D. "He was ill this morning," Sofu wiped Lord D's brow. "When he wakes, see to him please. So that he may enjoy tonights festivities."

"Like you have to ask me to see to him," JJ's cheeks heated and Sofu smiled. "What if he does not need to attend the wedding?" JJ was as tactful as he knew to be. But he could not help thinking that the wedding would be a disaster with George broken hearted and Jhaymes maimed or worse.

"Do not fear so, child," Sofu said in his supercilious tone that infuriated all who heard it. "Rest up yourself, for tonight, will not soon be forgotten." Sofu leaned down pressing a kiss to Lord D's head before he vanished. JJ sighed gathering Lord D into his arms.

"Please Jhaymes," JJ thought aloud holding Lord D close. "Please make it through."

Break

The weight, George was used to it by now. This weight that awakened him. He brought up his hand to stroke the hair only to frown. This hair was long and not at all furry. He cracked open his eyes to make sure Slyphe was still in cat form. He gasped as he was met with lips. Jhaymes was told to stay away from him but these lips were not Jhaymes. He did not recognize this kiss. George shoved against the shoulders surprised that he could not budge the person on top of him. "Come now," George gasped looking up at Marilyn. "We've been friends for such a long time, surely a little fun before your wedding won't damage your vows."

"Get off me," George shoved again and Marilyn did not budge. George shoved and tried to wiggle free his eyes wide. Why was Marilyn doing this. They had been friends for such a long time yet never had they desired one another. They had competed for many of the same men, George more realistically than Marilyn and there were even some men that they had both slept with, no jealousy involved, but... "What is wrong with you?" George pushed again his breathing coming in pants. "First you try to help me, now you try to fuck me. Get up."

"I merely advised you that being with Jon was a bad idea that could be misconstrued by Jhaymes," Marilyn laughed his nose going to the juncture of George's neck where it connected to his shoulder. "Now... Now you look and smell so delicious. I wonder how I could have ever missed it before. They tell me your blood is poisonous to me now, so I will not drink, but that does not mean we can't have fun."

"Marilyn... Peter, get off of me," George said again getting a hand free he slapped Marylin hard across the face gasping as it hurt his hand. Marilyn's laughter slowed, then ceased altogether as a feral hissing could be heard.

"Away from the human! Now!" George wanted to cry he was so relieved to see Slyphe crouched low on the bed.

"Don't make me stake you," Rain grumbled. He had wanted to speak with George after his talk with Dee last night. But he had been so tired after the festival that he had gone right to bed. Waking early, he had listened at the door, always careful about George's room after his instance of walking in on he and Jhaymes. He knew though that the eve of the wedding they would not be allowed to be together sexually, so the noises he heard confused him. Hearing George demand that someone get off him had sent Rain charging into the room with Slyphe at his side.

"What a tasty looking treat. Boy, I never noticed how sexy you are under all those clothes." Marilyn sat up on the bed and folded his arms.

"You'd better be talking to me," George sat up pulling his robe about his body. "Rain is only fifteen."

"How old were you? And," Marilyn gave George a long look. " How old was he?" Rain sighed then blew a quick, yet strong breath to the curtains lifting them and sending a bright swath of sunlight over George's bed. Marilyn yelped diving into the shadows for cover.

"George should be getting dressed soon," Rain said indicating the white ensemble that Angel had left in the room. "They'll all be here soon to see to it."

"It's fitting that he should be wearing white to a ceremony of marriage involving Japanese Fire dragons and a Bird they barely tolerate. You know," Marilyn laughed as he edged to the door wary of Rain lifting the curtains again. "White is the color of funerals. Perhaps Jhaymes will walk head first into his own."

"Get out!" Rain yelled the wind of his fury blowing Marilyn the rest of the way out of the room. Marilyn bounced against the wall then landed on the floor. He got to his feet slowly laughing as he wandered down the hall, careful to avoid any open windows.