Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Key to Darkness ❯ The Key to Darkness ( Chapter 1 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: TwinShades 
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.25.2003 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 494 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.25.2003 | Pages: 7 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 494 | Status: Work In Progress
Daystar: *bounces into the kitchen where everybody eats breakfast, dragging Ken behind her on his leash* I got the first fic idea!!!!!! And I wrote the first ten pages!! Here they are!! *smacks them in front of Moonshadow*
Moonshadow: *grumbles into her coffee mug* Whooohooo *sarcastic* How good for you.
Day: ItÕs an AyaxKen
Moon: Really?
Day: *nods*
Moon: I thought you didnÕt like Aya.
Day: Oh I like him well enough, just not when heÕs making pretty eyes to my Kenken.
Crawford: I hate it when they talk about us as if we arenÕt here.
Nagi: *nods in agreement*
Omi: Pass me the strawberry syrup, please.
Moon: So you donÕt like Aya all over Ken... And then you write an AyaxKen... *shakes head* Sis... YouÕre a loony.
Day: ItÕs okay when I say itÕs okay, as long as the others get their turn too.
Aya: *almost breaks his coffee mug in his deathgrip*
Ken: *whimpers* Why me?
Moon: Oh well, might as well get started... *starts to read*
Ken soared through the air, riding the currents with all the ease of a master. It was a source of continual amusement to the others of the Kin, that Ken could dance through the air with all the grace of a human ballet dancer, but when he was on the ground, nothing was safe from the small drake's clumsiness.
The emerald dragon was gliding home, his precious burden secure around his neck. The Keystone had been stolen, and the Queen had sent out all of her men to find it. Lucky for Ken, he managed to retrieve it moments before the Dark Kin of the Unholy Forest used it to unlock the their Lord from his prison.
But, that crisis was over, and before long, Ken and the Keystone would be back in his own Kin's territory. The thought was enough to make him giddy, for his Chosen would be waiting for him there. True, Makoto could be somewhat possessive at times, but that was only because he loved him, right? Right. Ken couldn't doubt his father's judgment in bonding him to Makoto's family, especially with only a month before the ceremony. After all, that would be a dishonor to his father's memory.
In any case, he couldn't wait to return to the Kin, and be able to rest in luxury for at least a week before Queen Riallara sent him out again.
Makoto should be overjoyed to see him, so he might be manageable, and the threat from the Dark Kin was over. What more could a drake want?
--Hello drakeling.--
Except to be left alone.
Warily, Ken craned his neck up, spotting the slate-grey gryphon that had chosen to taunt him.
--Who are you? What do you want?--
--Why, drakeling, I was just gliding inn the neighborhood, and saw you all by your lonesome. I thought you could use some company. And as for who I am, well, I go by the name Eitiene.--
--No thanks, I'm fine on my own.--
--Oh, but I insist.--
Ken hissed under his breath. --Aren't you a persistent little bastard?--
--So I've been told. And now that I'vee given you my name, why don't you return the courtesy, huh?--
--My name is Ken, emerald scout for thee High Queen Riallara.-- He told him with more than just a little pride.
--So I surmised from your precious litttle burden. I don't suppose you'll tell me where you're going?--
--I'm going home. You should know, morre that anyone, Eitiene, that dragons never give away the physical location of their Kin.--
--So you know me?--
--I know of you. And you are not gettiing the keystone.--
A sinister undertone filled Eitiene's voice. --Oh, little drake, you don't know me very well at all. I want that stone, and I suggest you give it to me.--
--No,-- and with that, Ken went into a spiraling dive, not even trying to control his downward speed. Eitiene followed, but, being much larger, was not able to shoot through the trees like Ken was. Still, the gryphon didn't want to give up, and Ken could not lose him.
Desperately, Ken looked around for a hiding spot, but was unable to find anything. Unaware of his pursuit, Ken was caught by surprise when Eitiene's claws wrapped around the chain, and pulled. Ken, being naturally smaller than the gryphon, was unable to use his weight to pull free of him. Still, the emerald dragon was unwilling to let the gryphon get away with the stone, and slipped out of the chain. He worked as fast as he could, tugging viciously, but all of his attempts were countered skillfully. One last tug, and the Keystone split in two.
Both the dragon and the gryphon roared in outrage. Ken, because the Keystone was broken, and Eitiene because now all of the Kin of the Morning's Glory would now know that it had been stolen again.
Clutching his half of the Keystone to his chest, Ken strained his wings to get away from the gryphon, skimming the ground. He needed to hide, and that fast. There weren't many places....wait a minute. Human children...
Ken made a snap decision, and using the children he saw from the forest as models, he formed himself into one of them. Before the gryphon could find him, he darted out into the playground.
Eitiene was becoming frustrated. Where was that little drake. The gryphon came to rest on a large skyscraper, above a group of children.
The dragon was down there, somewhere, but Eitiene couldn't look any harder than he already was. That would expose him to the humans...and that was something the gryphon wanted to avoid at all costs.
--Fine!-- He thought loud enough for thhe drake to hear him, --Hide, Ken of the Morning's Glory. Hide well, but I hope you are happy in your disguise!--
With that, Eitiene cast a spell on the area, trapping the drake in his human guise.
--Looks like you won't be returning homme for a while, drakeling.--
~*~*~
"Honey, where are you're parents?"
Ken looked up at the woman. She seemed very kind, and reminded him of his own parents.
"My mother died when I was young, and my father passed away just recently."
She knelt down next to the child. "I'm sorry to hear that. Who is taking care of you."
Ken felt out of his league. "I don't know. I don't know where to go."
The woman gave him a warm and sympathetic look. "Calm down. Do you have a name?"
"Ken."
"Just Ken? Surely you're old enough to remember your last name."
Ken thought quickly. He knew very little of the human world, and therefore didn't know what an acceptable last name would be. He reviewed all the names he heard the other children called.
"Hidaka."
"Well, Ken Hidaka, come with me. I can't leave a child alone like this." She took his hand, "Kase! Kase come on. We're going home."
"Coming mom!" answered this 'Kase' person, holding some weird sort of round object.
The woman smiled warmly at the boy. "Kase, this is Ken. He'll be staying with us for a while."
~*~*~
"What do you mean you don't have any records for him? He's here, isn't he?"
Silence.
"No. That won't be necessary. Yeah, I'll take care of him. No worries."
Again a pause.
"What? Don't be silly. Kase adores him."
Laughter.
"He's got someone to play soccer with. Ken seems to be a natural."
A fond expression blossomed on the woman's face.
"He's a sweetheart."
A satisfied nod.
"That's great. You'll do the paperwork? Wonderful."
~*~*~
"Ken, honey?"
The boy looked up. "Yes Mrs. Kouchiro?"
"They can't find anyone to take care of you. How would you feel about staying with me, and Kase, and Ryo?"
Ken thought about the offer for a moment. "That'd be wonderful!"
~*~*~
Ken opened his eyes, greeting the morning sun as he did everyday. But it was becoming harder and harder to maintain his cheer. It had been so long since he'd felt the freedom of the wind on his face, rushing over his wings, lifting him up. His kind did not do well without the sky. The closest he'd ever come to that feeling had been when he'd been in the J-League, playing soccer. But those days were gone, and being an assassin was a poor second choice to flight.
"Ken! Wake up! We open shop in half an hour!"
And being a florist was no comparison.
"Okay, Omitchi! I'll be up in just a moment."
Omi's voice was filled with mocking annoyance. "You'd better!"
"I will!"
Ken sighed, and forced himself to get up, even though he didn't want to. But, if he didn't, that could very well blow his cover, and under no circumstances could he let anybody know his true nature. If that gryphon, or any malevolent creature, found him in his current condition, he'd be helpless. Unless he could find someone he trusted from his Kin, and no other, could he even hope to regain his wings. But neither the gryphons nor the Dark Kin had the complete Keystone, and he took some satisfaction in that.
Ten minutes later, Ken joined the rest of Weiss in the kitchen. Aya was standing at the stove, making pancakes. Yawning, Ken sat down between Yohji and Omi to wait for breakfast. Without a word, Aya brought over the food, and the other three dug in, after all Aya was the only one who could cook food that was edible.
As one could expect in a house full of males without a woman to keep them in line, breakfast disappeared with amazing speed. "Well, that was very good. Very good indeed."
"What do you want, Yohji?" Aya asked knowing the blond man all too well.
"Well, you see, me an' Omi are supposed to close tonight, right?"
"No." Aya replied before Yohji could even voice his question.
"What?"
"Yohji, you know your schedule. Work your dates around it, not it around your dates."
Yohji made a whimpering noise. "But Aya!"
"I don't want to close tonight."
Omi giggled, "And I already told him that I don't want to close by myself."
"I'll do it," said Ken quietly.
"Huh?" said Omi, "but you hate to close, Ken!"
"Omi's right," said Aya suspiciously. Ken just shrugged.
"Thanks, Ken!" said Yohji, completely ignoring his teammates out-of-character behavior, "You're the best! A real pal!"
"But you owe me for this, Yotan. And I can exact payment at anytime."
"Whatever you want, man!" said Yohji excitedly, "C'mon, Aya, let's go open!"
Aya rolled his eyes, but followed his teammate anyway, leaving Omi and Ken to themselves.
Ken picked up the dishes, taking them to the sink to be washed.
"Ken-kun, is something wrong?"
"Ne, Omitchi, what makes you think that?"
Omi frowned in his normal manner when he was slightly confused. "Well, for one thing, you hate to close, and for another, it's my turn to do the dishes."
"Oh." said Ken, "sorry. I'm going back to my room. See ya' later, Omi."
"Later, Ken-kun," said Omi with a worried expression on his face.
~*~*~
Aya paused at the door. Ken had left it ajar, and what he saw left him speechless. Ken was just sitting at his desk, staring out the window. His elbows were resting on the desktop, and his chin was in his hands. But it was the heartbreaking expression on his face that caused Aya's chest to tighten. The mixture of longing, wistfulness, and depression that Aya saw just tore at his heart. He wondered what could cause the normally cheerful man to look so depressed.
"Ken," Aya said, softly, "Omi's waiting downstairs."
"Okay," was his reply, though the brunette didn't move.
"Ken, are you alright?"
"Of course I am, Aya," Ken said, turning to stare at the redhead, "Never better, why?"
"Just... wondering." The redhead replied, his eyes never leaving Ken.
"Well," Ken stood and stretched, "If Omi's waiting, I'd better not make him wait too long, ne?"
"Yeah," said Aya, standing aside to let the brunette pass. Ken was halfway down the hall when Aya called out, "Ken!"
"Yeah?"
"You know, if you ever want to talk..." Ken couldn't suppress the small smile that spread across his features. "I'll find you. Don't worry."
Aya watched the other leave with an unreadable expression on his face, before retreating to his room. Daisuke was right, to warn him not to get too close to these humans. They were nothing but trouble. Yet, how was he supposed to find the missing piece of the Keystone if he didn't interact with them.
That had been one of the worst days of his life, finding out that, not only was the Keystone missing, but it had been broken into two, as well. Aya was a red drake, a member of the Kin of the Star's Rising, and one of their best warriors. When Queen Riallara had come to the Lord of his Kin, King Yuuto, he had at first been reluctant to aid her. But the Keystone was a matter for all Dragons, not just one or two Kins.
They had known that the Keystone had been stolen, but they had thought Riallara's warriors and scouts able to handle it. They were, Riallara assured them, and one of her emerald scouts had been on his way home with it, when he disappeared, and the Keystone broke in two. Then, Riallara went on to tell them that the gryphons had one half of it, while the other half had disappeared.
Yuuto, of course, sent out his warriors and scouts as well, to look for the missing drake and the other part of the Keystone. So did almost every Kin that Riallara contacted, but it was all futile. Neither the emerald drake nor the Keystone could be found. The other Kins had given up, but both Yuuto and Riallara people kept looking for the Keystone, if nothing else.
Aya groaned to himself, getting depressed just thinking about the missing stone. There was nothing he or the Kin could do until they found it, or found out where the gryphons were keeping their half of it.
He had enough worries. He certainly didn't need to wonder about one of his human teammates erratic behavior.
~*~*~
Schuldig grinned at Crawford, hoping the precog could tell him something. After Eitiene went rouge and joined the Dark Kin, it was only a matter of time before he showed himself. So, the gryphon went looking for a human group to live with, and found Schwartz. It hadn't been hard for him to settle in with the three assassins, but not all of them knew what he truly was. He had told only those he knew he could trust, keeping his profile close to zero that way.
"Well, Bradley, any luck?"
"What have I told you about calling me Bradley?" The American gave him an annoyed stare.
"Don't do it. But I do what I want. You should know that by now, Bradley."
Crawford rolled his eyes, but let it go at that. "I did have a vision, pertaining to your little quest."
"Really? Go on."
"Weiss."
"What?" Schuldig sounded puzzled.
"I don't know," said Crawford. "All I can see is Weiss...the gryphon...is that a red drake? I can't tell, really. But I think so."
"That means Weiss has at least one drake in it, then."
Crawford's expression stayed emotionless. "Yes. Yes, it does."
~*~*~
Ken stood at the top of the Koneko, staring at the sky like he always did anymore. He had long since given up on his fake smiles and laughter. Smiles and laughter that were, at one time, real.
"Ken, come back inside," pleaded Omi, "You're going to get sick out here."
"That's not important anymore."
"Ken!" There was a slight edge of panic in the young boy's voice.
The brunette turned to look at him, "What, Omi?"
The blonde child shook his head, "Ken-kun, come inside. Or do I need to go get Aya-kun."
"No. I'll be done shortly. Don't worry about me, Omi-kun."
"Ten minutes, Ken. If you're not in here in ten minutes, I'm sending Aya out here after you, okay?"
A sigh escaped him. "Sure thing, Omitchi."
Ken waited until he heard the door close, before he walked to the edge of the roof. "Ten minutes, Omi-kun? That's really not long enough."
~*~*~
"Where's Ken-kun?" asked Yohji, curious.
"He said he'd be down in ten minutes."
"And if he's not?" Yohji raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Then I send Aya-kun up after him." The two entered the living room, where Aya was reading .
"Send me up after whom? Ken?" asked the redhead.
"Yeah," said Omi, flopping onto the couch, "Ken's up on the roof again. I'm really worried."
Yohji nodded, "Normally, I'd say Omi is being melodramatic, but I'm worried, too."
"Should I go up now?"
Omi grimaced, "I did tell him ten minutes."
"I'm going." Aya said firmly and was out of the room before anyone could stop him.
~*~*~
Ken stood on the edge of the roof, his arms outstretched as if trying to fly. Aya arrived in time to watch in horror as his friend began to take that fatal step.
"KEN! WAIT!"
Ken hesitated, midstep, and turned to stare at Aya. The redhead found himself racing across the roof, desperate to get to the other in time.
"Aya?"
"Ken, what are you doing?"
"Trying to fly."
Roughly, Aya pulled Ken away from the edge and into his arms. "Don't you dare! We love and need you too much for you to do something like that, Ken. How do you think Omi would feel? He left you up here. Or don't care at all about his feelings?"
Ken squirmed, trying to get away from Aya, "You don't understand! You don't understand at all!" he shrieked. Aya refused to let go, until Ken was exhausted, and collapsed against his chest.
"Ken..."
Ken turned his head up to look at his friend, "Aya...I just want to fly."
Aya found himself caught in Ken's expressive sea blue eyes. There was something there. Something he should know.
~*~*~
"We have to move. Now," said Bradley, surprising the other three members of Swartz.
"What?" asked Nagi, looking up from his homework.
"If you want to stop Eitiene, Schuldig, go now. We'll catch up with you."
Schuldig nodded, taking off.
Nagi turned back to Brad. "What in the world are you talking about?"
~*~*~
"Ken?"
"It's been too long. I want to feel the wind on my face one more time. I want to soar with the wind again. I can NOT do it anymore. It's been too long." Ken's voice sounded choked and Aya wondered if his comrade was fighting back tears.
"Ken..."
Ken shook his head, "Nevermind, Aya. It's nothing. Just forget I said anything." Ken forced a fake smile on his face, "After all, we can't keep Omi worried, can we?"
"KEN!" Aya shouted, forcing the brunette to look him in the eyes again, "What...I mean, who..."
"Don't worry about it, Aya." Ken whispered barely audible. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
~*~*~
"Which emerald scout was it?" Aya asked, hoping to get as much information before leaving on his mission."
"His name was Ken. He's one of the best, and yet was killed transporting the Keystone. So be careful, Aya."
"I will."
~*~*~
"Ken," Aya said, as if seeing his teammate for the first time.
"Yes, I'm Ken. You've been saying my name for the last five minutes. Let's go inside, Aya."
"No, Ken. I should have known...should have seen it."
"Seen what, Ayan?" The young man gave Aya a confused look.
Aya stepped back, letting go of Ken. He closed his eyes, as if concentrating. His skin began to change, into red scales. Spinal ridges formed at his forehead and traveled down his back, and down his newly formed tail. From his shoulder blades, two leathery wings burst forth, and he fell to four feet.
--Ken?--
"Who are you." Ken gasped, eyes wide.
--I am Aya, of course. Aya of the Starr's Rising, Morning's Glory.--
"All this time..."
--You're Queen is worried. Do you stilll have it?-- Aya tilted his head sideways, getting a better look at Ken.
"Of course, but I can't get to it. I can't change!" Ken wailed, falling to his knees.
Aya, graceful and beautiful, moved to comfort him, changing into a human in the process.
"Shh," He held Ken close, letting him cry, "It's okay. We'll figure it out."
--No you won't!-- came the vicious cry,, and a gryphon, familiar to Ken, dove out of the sky.
Aya ducked, dragging Ken down with him.
"Aya, Ken, are you two...What the hell?!" Yohji walked out onto the roof, Omi right behind him.
"Get back in the house!" yelled Aya, pulling Ken with him, "Hurry!"
"It's Eitiene!" Ken explained, having recognized his old enemy right away.
"Huh?" said Aya, "Later, Ken. For now, just get in the house."
Aya pulled Ken inside, just as the gryphon dove for them again. This time, they shut the door in its face, and had the satisfaction of hearing it thud against the door.
"What...what was that thing?" Asked Yohji, eyes wide.
"A gryphon."
"More than a gryphon, Aya," said Ken, "That was Eitiene. He's the one who sealed me like this. He has the other half of the Keystone."
"Keysto-what the hell are you two talking about." Yohji asked a bit louder than necessary.
There was another dull thud against the door.
"I suggest we continue this discussion elsewhere, before the gryphon breaks down the door," suggested Aya, rather calmly.
Yohji winced at the third thud, "Yeah, let's."
"Quickly, pack your assassin gear, and let's go." Aya said and sprinted down the hall.
~*~*~
A while later the four met in the shop, only to hear the roof door crash through.
"Let's hurry," suggested Ken. The other two were surprised at the sudden life their friend showed again, "Eitiene is not likely to stop for anything. He wants the Keystone."
"The what? And how do you know anything about this, Ken?" asked Omi.
Ken glanced at him, "I'm involved a bit. So is Aya. We'll explain when we're safe."
"Well, no arguments there," said Yohji, leading them to the car, "Aya, you know where you want to go."
Aya nodded, and the car tore out of lot. Behind them, Eitiene burst from the garage, and beat his wings to get into the sky.
"We are so dead," muttered Omi, watching the gryphon from the back of car.
"Not yet we aren't," said Aya, "If that's really Eitiene, like Ken says, then several gryphon Lords are desperate for his execution. If we're lucky, there may be someone already trailing him."
No sooner had Aya spoken, then another gryphon attacked Eitiene from above. In front of them, another car blocked their path.
"Ken, Omi, stay here. Yohji, follow my lead."
The other three nodded, and Yohji and Aya got out of the car. Bradley Crawford was waiting for them.
"Hello, Weiss."
"Schwarz!"
"It's Crawford, actually. Follow us. We can lead you somewhere safe."
"Why should we trust you?" asked Yohji, confused as to why the Swartz leader would want to help Weiss.
"Because that is our telepath, up there, fighting that gryphon."
Aya nodded, and lead Yohji back to the car.
"We're just gonna do what he says?" asked Yohji, incredulously, "I cannot believe you, Aya!"
"We don't have much more of an option. And they don't want to harm us. I could tell if they did."
"Well, they sure tried to hurt us before!" Yohji commented through gritted teeth.
"They probably didn't realize..."
"Realize what, Aya?"
"Whoa," broke in Omi, "What are you two arguing about."
"Aya says we should follow Swartz to their hide out, because Crawford says that Schuldig is the one up their keeping this 'Eitiene' character off our tails."
"He could be right," said Ken, "I've always though Schuldig was a gryphon. He's got the typical gryphon arrogance-slash-vanity thing going for him."
"Considering our options as they stand," said Aya, who was now behind the wheel instead of Yohji, "following Swartz is going to be our best bet."
~*~*~
Nagi: O_O ThatÕs it?? How does it end???
Day: If weÕd tell you now weÕd spoil it for you and the readers.
Yohji: Oh boohooo *mutters*
Moon: Not to mention, this is FAR from being done.
Ken: IÕm a dragon?
Aya: Schuldig and I arenÕt better off you know.
Ken: *blows a raspberry at Aya*
Day: ItÕs not like any of you guys are hmmmppfhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moon: DAY! YOUÕRE SPOILING!!! *holds DayÕs mouth shut*
Day: Ooops!
Moon: They gotta wait till the next part.
Day: YAY!! See ya later folks!! *makes peace sign*
Moonshadow: *grumbles into her coffee mug* Whooohooo *sarcastic* How good for you.
Day: ItÕs an AyaxKen
Moon: Really?
Day: *nods*
Moon: I thought you didnÕt like Aya.
Day: Oh I like him well enough, just not when heÕs making pretty eyes to my Kenken.
Crawford: I hate it when they talk about us as if we arenÕt here.
Nagi: *nods in agreement*
Omi: Pass me the strawberry syrup, please.
Moon: So you donÕt like Aya all over Ken... And then you write an AyaxKen... *shakes head* Sis... YouÕre a loony.
Day: ItÕs okay when I say itÕs okay, as long as the others get their turn too.
Aya: *almost breaks his coffee mug in his deathgrip*
Ken: *whimpers* Why me?
Moon: Oh well, might as well get started... *starts to read*
Ken soared through the air, riding the currents with all the ease of a master. It was a source of continual amusement to the others of the Kin, that Ken could dance through the air with all the grace of a human ballet dancer, but when he was on the ground, nothing was safe from the small drake's clumsiness.
The emerald dragon was gliding home, his precious burden secure around his neck. The Keystone had been stolen, and the Queen had sent out all of her men to find it. Lucky for Ken, he managed to retrieve it moments before the Dark Kin of the Unholy Forest used it to unlock the their Lord from his prison.
But, that crisis was over, and before long, Ken and the Keystone would be back in his own Kin's territory. The thought was enough to make him giddy, for his Chosen would be waiting for him there. True, Makoto could be somewhat possessive at times, but that was only because he loved him, right? Right. Ken couldn't doubt his father's judgment in bonding him to Makoto's family, especially with only a month before the ceremony. After all, that would be a dishonor to his father's memory.
In any case, he couldn't wait to return to the Kin, and be able to rest in luxury for at least a week before Queen Riallara sent him out again.
Makoto should be overjoyed to see him, so he might be manageable, and the threat from the Dark Kin was over. What more could a drake want?
--Hello drakeling.--
Except to be left alone.
Warily, Ken craned his neck up, spotting the slate-grey gryphon that had chosen to taunt him.
--Who are you? What do you want?--
--Why, drakeling, I was just gliding inn the neighborhood, and saw you all by your lonesome. I thought you could use some company. And as for who I am, well, I go by the name Eitiene.--
--No thanks, I'm fine on my own.--
--Oh, but I insist.--
Ken hissed under his breath. --Aren't you a persistent little bastard?--
--So I've been told. And now that I'vee given you my name, why don't you return the courtesy, huh?--
--My name is Ken, emerald scout for thee High Queen Riallara.-- He told him with more than just a little pride.
--So I surmised from your precious litttle burden. I don't suppose you'll tell me where you're going?--
--I'm going home. You should know, morre that anyone, Eitiene, that dragons never give away the physical location of their Kin.--
--So you know me?--
--I know of you. And you are not gettiing the keystone.--
A sinister undertone filled Eitiene's voice. --Oh, little drake, you don't know me very well at all. I want that stone, and I suggest you give it to me.--
--No,-- and with that, Ken went into a spiraling dive, not even trying to control his downward speed. Eitiene followed, but, being much larger, was not able to shoot through the trees like Ken was. Still, the gryphon didn't want to give up, and Ken could not lose him.
Desperately, Ken looked around for a hiding spot, but was unable to find anything. Unaware of his pursuit, Ken was caught by surprise when Eitiene's claws wrapped around the chain, and pulled. Ken, being naturally smaller than the gryphon, was unable to use his weight to pull free of him. Still, the emerald dragon was unwilling to let the gryphon get away with the stone, and slipped out of the chain. He worked as fast as he could, tugging viciously, but all of his attempts were countered skillfully. One last tug, and the Keystone split in two.
Both the dragon and the gryphon roared in outrage. Ken, because the Keystone was broken, and Eitiene because now all of the Kin of the Morning's Glory would now know that it had been stolen again.
Clutching his half of the Keystone to his chest, Ken strained his wings to get away from the gryphon, skimming the ground. He needed to hide, and that fast. There weren't many places....wait a minute. Human children...
Ken made a snap decision, and using the children he saw from the forest as models, he formed himself into one of them. Before the gryphon could find him, he darted out into the playground.
Eitiene was becoming frustrated. Where was that little drake. The gryphon came to rest on a large skyscraper, above a group of children.
The dragon was down there, somewhere, but Eitiene couldn't look any harder than he already was. That would expose him to the humans...and that was something the gryphon wanted to avoid at all costs.
--Fine!-- He thought loud enough for thhe drake to hear him, --Hide, Ken of the Morning's Glory. Hide well, but I hope you are happy in your disguise!--
With that, Eitiene cast a spell on the area, trapping the drake in his human guise.
--Looks like you won't be returning homme for a while, drakeling.--
~*~*~
"Honey, where are you're parents?"
Ken looked up at the woman. She seemed very kind, and reminded him of his own parents.
"My mother died when I was young, and my father passed away just recently."
She knelt down next to the child. "I'm sorry to hear that. Who is taking care of you."
Ken felt out of his league. "I don't know. I don't know where to go."
The woman gave him a warm and sympathetic look. "Calm down. Do you have a name?"
"Ken."
"Just Ken? Surely you're old enough to remember your last name."
Ken thought quickly. He knew very little of the human world, and therefore didn't know what an acceptable last name would be. He reviewed all the names he heard the other children called.
"Hidaka."
"Well, Ken Hidaka, come with me. I can't leave a child alone like this." She took his hand, "Kase! Kase come on. We're going home."
"Coming mom!" answered this 'Kase' person, holding some weird sort of round object.
The woman smiled warmly at the boy. "Kase, this is Ken. He'll be staying with us for a while."
~*~*~
"What do you mean you don't have any records for him? He's here, isn't he?"
Silence.
"No. That won't be necessary. Yeah, I'll take care of him. No worries."
Again a pause.
"What? Don't be silly. Kase adores him."
Laughter.
"He's got someone to play soccer with. Ken seems to be a natural."
A fond expression blossomed on the woman's face.
"He's a sweetheart."
A satisfied nod.
"That's great. You'll do the paperwork? Wonderful."
~*~*~
"Ken, honey?"
The boy looked up. "Yes Mrs. Kouchiro?"
"They can't find anyone to take care of you. How would you feel about staying with me, and Kase, and Ryo?"
Ken thought about the offer for a moment. "That'd be wonderful!"
~*~*~
Ken opened his eyes, greeting the morning sun as he did everyday. But it was becoming harder and harder to maintain his cheer. It had been so long since he'd felt the freedom of the wind on his face, rushing over his wings, lifting him up. His kind did not do well without the sky. The closest he'd ever come to that feeling had been when he'd been in the J-League, playing soccer. But those days were gone, and being an assassin was a poor second choice to flight.
"Ken! Wake up! We open shop in half an hour!"
And being a florist was no comparison.
"Okay, Omitchi! I'll be up in just a moment."
Omi's voice was filled with mocking annoyance. "You'd better!"
"I will!"
Ken sighed, and forced himself to get up, even though he didn't want to. But, if he didn't, that could very well blow his cover, and under no circumstances could he let anybody know his true nature. If that gryphon, or any malevolent creature, found him in his current condition, he'd be helpless. Unless he could find someone he trusted from his Kin, and no other, could he even hope to regain his wings. But neither the gryphons nor the Dark Kin had the complete Keystone, and he took some satisfaction in that.
Ten minutes later, Ken joined the rest of Weiss in the kitchen. Aya was standing at the stove, making pancakes. Yawning, Ken sat down between Yohji and Omi to wait for breakfast. Without a word, Aya brought over the food, and the other three dug in, after all Aya was the only one who could cook food that was edible.
As one could expect in a house full of males without a woman to keep them in line, breakfast disappeared with amazing speed. "Well, that was very good. Very good indeed."
"What do you want, Yohji?" Aya asked knowing the blond man all too well.
"Well, you see, me an' Omi are supposed to close tonight, right?"
"No." Aya replied before Yohji could even voice his question.
"What?"
"Yohji, you know your schedule. Work your dates around it, not it around your dates."
Yohji made a whimpering noise. "But Aya!"
"I don't want to close tonight."
Omi giggled, "And I already told him that I don't want to close by myself."
"I'll do it," said Ken quietly.
"Huh?" said Omi, "but you hate to close, Ken!"
"Omi's right," said Aya suspiciously. Ken just shrugged.
"Thanks, Ken!" said Yohji, completely ignoring his teammates out-of-character behavior, "You're the best! A real pal!"
"But you owe me for this, Yotan. And I can exact payment at anytime."
"Whatever you want, man!" said Yohji excitedly, "C'mon, Aya, let's go open!"
Aya rolled his eyes, but followed his teammate anyway, leaving Omi and Ken to themselves.
Ken picked up the dishes, taking them to the sink to be washed.
"Ken-kun, is something wrong?"
"Ne, Omitchi, what makes you think that?"
Omi frowned in his normal manner when he was slightly confused. "Well, for one thing, you hate to close, and for another, it's my turn to do the dishes."
"Oh." said Ken, "sorry. I'm going back to my room. See ya' later, Omi."
"Later, Ken-kun," said Omi with a worried expression on his face.
~*~*~
Aya paused at the door. Ken had left it ajar, and what he saw left him speechless. Ken was just sitting at his desk, staring out the window. His elbows were resting on the desktop, and his chin was in his hands. But it was the heartbreaking expression on his face that caused Aya's chest to tighten. The mixture of longing, wistfulness, and depression that Aya saw just tore at his heart. He wondered what could cause the normally cheerful man to look so depressed.
"Ken," Aya said, softly, "Omi's waiting downstairs."
"Okay," was his reply, though the brunette didn't move.
"Ken, are you alright?"
"Of course I am, Aya," Ken said, turning to stare at the redhead, "Never better, why?"
"Just... wondering." The redhead replied, his eyes never leaving Ken.
"Well," Ken stood and stretched, "If Omi's waiting, I'd better not make him wait too long, ne?"
"Yeah," said Aya, standing aside to let the brunette pass. Ken was halfway down the hall when Aya called out, "Ken!"
"Yeah?"
"You know, if you ever want to talk..." Ken couldn't suppress the small smile that spread across his features. "I'll find you. Don't worry."
Aya watched the other leave with an unreadable expression on his face, before retreating to his room. Daisuke was right, to warn him not to get too close to these humans. They were nothing but trouble. Yet, how was he supposed to find the missing piece of the Keystone if he didn't interact with them.
That had been one of the worst days of his life, finding out that, not only was the Keystone missing, but it had been broken into two, as well. Aya was a red drake, a member of the Kin of the Star's Rising, and one of their best warriors. When Queen Riallara had come to the Lord of his Kin, King Yuuto, he had at first been reluctant to aid her. But the Keystone was a matter for all Dragons, not just one or two Kins.
They had known that the Keystone had been stolen, but they had thought Riallara's warriors and scouts able to handle it. They were, Riallara assured them, and one of her emerald scouts had been on his way home with it, when he disappeared, and the Keystone broke in two. Then, Riallara went on to tell them that the gryphons had one half of it, while the other half had disappeared.
Yuuto, of course, sent out his warriors and scouts as well, to look for the missing drake and the other part of the Keystone. So did almost every Kin that Riallara contacted, but it was all futile. Neither the emerald drake nor the Keystone could be found. The other Kins had given up, but both Yuuto and Riallara people kept looking for the Keystone, if nothing else.
Aya groaned to himself, getting depressed just thinking about the missing stone. There was nothing he or the Kin could do until they found it, or found out where the gryphons were keeping their half of it.
He had enough worries. He certainly didn't need to wonder about one of his human teammates erratic behavior.
~*~*~
Schuldig grinned at Crawford, hoping the precog could tell him something. After Eitiene went rouge and joined the Dark Kin, it was only a matter of time before he showed himself. So, the gryphon went looking for a human group to live with, and found Schwartz. It hadn't been hard for him to settle in with the three assassins, but not all of them knew what he truly was. He had told only those he knew he could trust, keeping his profile close to zero that way.
"Well, Bradley, any luck?"
"What have I told you about calling me Bradley?" The American gave him an annoyed stare.
"Don't do it. But I do what I want. You should know that by now, Bradley."
Crawford rolled his eyes, but let it go at that. "I did have a vision, pertaining to your little quest."
"Really? Go on."
"Weiss."
"What?" Schuldig sounded puzzled.
"I don't know," said Crawford. "All I can see is Weiss...the gryphon...is that a red drake? I can't tell, really. But I think so."
"That means Weiss has at least one drake in it, then."
Crawford's expression stayed emotionless. "Yes. Yes, it does."
~*~*~
Ken stood at the top of the Koneko, staring at the sky like he always did anymore. He had long since given up on his fake smiles and laughter. Smiles and laughter that were, at one time, real.
"Ken, come back inside," pleaded Omi, "You're going to get sick out here."
"That's not important anymore."
"Ken!" There was a slight edge of panic in the young boy's voice.
The brunette turned to look at him, "What, Omi?"
The blonde child shook his head, "Ken-kun, come inside. Or do I need to go get Aya-kun."
"No. I'll be done shortly. Don't worry about me, Omi-kun."
"Ten minutes, Ken. If you're not in here in ten minutes, I'm sending Aya out here after you, okay?"
A sigh escaped him. "Sure thing, Omitchi."
Ken waited until he heard the door close, before he walked to the edge of the roof. "Ten minutes, Omi-kun? That's really not long enough."
~*~*~
"Where's Ken-kun?" asked Yohji, curious.
"He said he'd be down in ten minutes."
"And if he's not?" Yohji raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Then I send Aya-kun up after him." The two entered the living room, where Aya was reading .
"Send me up after whom? Ken?" asked the redhead.
"Yeah," said Omi, flopping onto the couch, "Ken's up on the roof again. I'm really worried."
Yohji nodded, "Normally, I'd say Omi is being melodramatic, but I'm worried, too."
"Should I go up now?"
Omi grimaced, "I did tell him ten minutes."
"I'm going." Aya said firmly and was out of the room before anyone could stop him.
~*~*~
Ken stood on the edge of the roof, his arms outstretched as if trying to fly. Aya arrived in time to watch in horror as his friend began to take that fatal step.
"KEN! WAIT!"
Ken hesitated, midstep, and turned to stare at Aya. The redhead found himself racing across the roof, desperate to get to the other in time.
"Aya?"
"Ken, what are you doing?"
"Trying to fly."
Roughly, Aya pulled Ken away from the edge and into his arms. "Don't you dare! We love and need you too much for you to do something like that, Ken. How do you think Omi would feel? He left you up here. Or don't care at all about his feelings?"
Ken squirmed, trying to get away from Aya, "You don't understand! You don't understand at all!" he shrieked. Aya refused to let go, until Ken was exhausted, and collapsed against his chest.
"Ken..."
Ken turned his head up to look at his friend, "Aya...I just want to fly."
Aya found himself caught in Ken's expressive sea blue eyes. There was something there. Something he should know.
~*~*~
"We have to move. Now," said Bradley, surprising the other three members of Swartz.
"What?" asked Nagi, looking up from his homework.
"If you want to stop Eitiene, Schuldig, go now. We'll catch up with you."
Schuldig nodded, taking off.
Nagi turned back to Brad. "What in the world are you talking about?"
~*~*~
"Ken?"
"It's been too long. I want to feel the wind on my face one more time. I want to soar with the wind again. I can NOT do it anymore. It's been too long." Ken's voice sounded choked and Aya wondered if his comrade was fighting back tears.
"Ken..."
Ken shook his head, "Nevermind, Aya. It's nothing. Just forget I said anything." Ken forced a fake smile on his face, "After all, we can't keep Omi worried, can we?"
"KEN!" Aya shouted, forcing the brunette to look him in the eyes again, "What...I mean, who..."
"Don't worry about it, Aya." Ken whispered barely audible. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
~*~*~
"Which emerald scout was it?" Aya asked, hoping to get as much information before leaving on his mission."
"His name was Ken. He's one of the best, and yet was killed transporting the Keystone. So be careful, Aya."
"I will."
~*~*~
"Ken," Aya said, as if seeing his teammate for the first time.
"Yes, I'm Ken. You've been saying my name for the last five minutes. Let's go inside, Aya."
"No, Ken. I should have known...should have seen it."
"Seen what, Ayan?" The young man gave Aya a confused look.
Aya stepped back, letting go of Ken. He closed his eyes, as if concentrating. His skin began to change, into red scales. Spinal ridges formed at his forehead and traveled down his back, and down his newly formed tail. From his shoulder blades, two leathery wings burst forth, and he fell to four feet.
--Ken?--
"Who are you." Ken gasped, eyes wide.
--I am Aya, of course. Aya of the Starr's Rising, Morning's Glory.--
"All this time..."
--You're Queen is worried. Do you stilll have it?-- Aya tilted his head sideways, getting a better look at Ken.
"Of course, but I can't get to it. I can't change!" Ken wailed, falling to his knees.
Aya, graceful and beautiful, moved to comfort him, changing into a human in the process.
"Shh," He held Ken close, letting him cry, "It's okay. We'll figure it out."
--No you won't!-- came the vicious cry,, and a gryphon, familiar to Ken, dove out of the sky.
Aya ducked, dragging Ken down with him.
"Aya, Ken, are you two...What the hell?!" Yohji walked out onto the roof, Omi right behind him.
"Get back in the house!" yelled Aya, pulling Ken with him, "Hurry!"
"It's Eitiene!" Ken explained, having recognized his old enemy right away.
"Huh?" said Aya, "Later, Ken. For now, just get in the house."
Aya pulled Ken inside, just as the gryphon dove for them again. This time, they shut the door in its face, and had the satisfaction of hearing it thud against the door.
"What...what was that thing?" Asked Yohji, eyes wide.
"A gryphon."
"More than a gryphon, Aya," said Ken, "That was Eitiene. He's the one who sealed me like this. He has the other half of the Keystone."
"Keysto-what the hell are you two talking about." Yohji asked a bit louder than necessary.
There was another dull thud against the door.
"I suggest we continue this discussion elsewhere, before the gryphon breaks down the door," suggested Aya, rather calmly.
Yohji winced at the third thud, "Yeah, let's."
"Quickly, pack your assassin gear, and let's go." Aya said and sprinted down the hall.
~*~*~
A while later the four met in the shop, only to hear the roof door crash through.
"Let's hurry," suggested Ken. The other two were surprised at the sudden life their friend showed again, "Eitiene is not likely to stop for anything. He wants the Keystone."
"The what? And how do you know anything about this, Ken?" asked Omi.
Ken glanced at him, "I'm involved a bit. So is Aya. We'll explain when we're safe."
"Well, no arguments there," said Yohji, leading them to the car, "Aya, you know where you want to go."
Aya nodded, and the car tore out of lot. Behind them, Eitiene burst from the garage, and beat his wings to get into the sky.
"We are so dead," muttered Omi, watching the gryphon from the back of car.
"Not yet we aren't," said Aya, "If that's really Eitiene, like Ken says, then several gryphon Lords are desperate for his execution. If we're lucky, there may be someone already trailing him."
No sooner had Aya spoken, then another gryphon attacked Eitiene from above. In front of them, another car blocked their path.
"Ken, Omi, stay here. Yohji, follow my lead."
The other three nodded, and Yohji and Aya got out of the car. Bradley Crawford was waiting for them.
"Hello, Weiss."
"Schwarz!"
"It's Crawford, actually. Follow us. We can lead you somewhere safe."
"Why should we trust you?" asked Yohji, confused as to why the Swartz leader would want to help Weiss.
"Because that is our telepath, up there, fighting that gryphon."
Aya nodded, and lead Yohji back to the car.
"We're just gonna do what he says?" asked Yohji, incredulously, "I cannot believe you, Aya!"
"We don't have much more of an option. And they don't want to harm us. I could tell if they did."
"Well, they sure tried to hurt us before!" Yohji commented through gritted teeth.
"They probably didn't realize..."
"Realize what, Aya?"
"Whoa," broke in Omi, "What are you two arguing about."
"Aya says we should follow Swartz to their hide out, because Crawford says that Schuldig is the one up their keeping this 'Eitiene' character off our tails."
"He could be right," said Ken, "I've always though Schuldig was a gryphon. He's got the typical gryphon arrogance-slash-vanity thing going for him."
"Considering our options as they stand," said Aya, who was now behind the wheel instead of Yohji, "following Swartz is going to be our best bet."
~*~*~
Nagi: O_O ThatÕs it?? How does it end???
Day: If weÕd tell you now weÕd spoil it for you and the readers.
Yohji: Oh boohooo *mutters*
Moon: Not to mention, this is FAR from being done.
Ken: IÕm a dragon?
Aya: Schuldig and I arenÕt better off you know.
Ken: *blows a raspberry at Aya*
Day: ItÕs not like any of you guys are hmmmppfhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moon: DAY! YOUÕRE SPOILING!!! *holds DayÕs mouth shut*
Day: Ooops!
Moon: They gotta wait till the next part.
Day: YAY!! See ya later folks!! *makes peace sign*