Weiss Kreuz Fan Fiction ❯ Key to Darkness ❯ The Key to Darkness ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: We, the TwinShades, do not OWN anything that is in any way connected to Weiss Kreuz. The only thing belonging to us are the Original Chara's in our stories since we almost fried our brains making them up. We don't have money so PLEASE don't sue, this is non-profit work and for entertainment only. Thanks

Daystar and Moonshadow Shade



Moon: If there are a lot of spelling errors I do appologize. Due to my Mac problem I'm moving between my parents computers right now and my dad's doesn't have one friggin program that has a spelling check. Go figure. Next time I'll post from Day's computer, that way at least I know everything works the way I want it to work. Sorry!!


~*~*~


Day: TADA!!!!!!!!!!! We're back!!

Moon: ACK! *falls over in her chair* DAYSTAR!!!!! Scaring away the readers is NOT gonna make us popular!!

Yohji: So Ken.... how was training?

Ken: *sign* Don't ask.

Aya: *narrows eyes*

Moon: *sighs* You ready to keep going?

Day: *nodnodnod*

Weiss & Schwaz: *shake heads*

Day: Who asked you?

Moon: Exacticaly. Let's go on.

Day: YAY! Part 5 commin' up!

Weiss & Schwarz: *group groan*


~*~*~

--No, no, no! Ken, you're not even trying to project!-- Schuldig ranted. At first, he'd been almost hyper-enthusiastic about teaching Ken, but that had been three days ago. Before he found out how stubborn Ken would, subconsciously, be.

Ken glared at the telepath. He was trying! But it was so damn hard. He just couldn't do it, no matter how hard he tried.

--Stop it, Ken. Don't give me that crap,-- Schuldig said, somewhat harshly, --You can do this. Hell, you managed to live as a human for fifteen years without any connection to your Kin at all. Do you mean to tell me that you're going to give up?--

Ken's glare intensified even more as he crossed his arms. That had been a different matter, and yeah he had been able to live for 15 years but then Aya had to save him from committing suicide.

Schuldig's eyes widened. --You WHAT?! That's isn't funny Ken, don't even joke about that.--

Ken turned his head away from Schuldig, fuming. He hadn't imagined his lessons to be like this. The German gryphon proved to be a lot more impatient than even Aya.

--Don't you even think it! Comparing me to a drake. For your information, gryphons have a lot more style than you flying lizards.--Schuldig huffed. --The lesson is over for today, I'll try again once you get over that stinking attitude of yours.--

The German rose and turned his back towards Ken. The young scout was busy glaring holes into the redhead's spine. --I have a stinking attitude? What about you and yours? I swear, gryphons can be so hypocritical!--

The German stopped midstep and whirled around, grinning. "Was about friggin time you got the hint."

Ken blinked, anger forgotten. Then a grin spread across his features and he nodded at the german gratefully --Thank you Schuschu. You're the best.--

~*~*~

"And we meet again!"

Aya's dream self jumped at the familiar voice that drifted all around him. He turned around trying to spot the nightmare before she could jump at him. The maneuver turned out to be useless as he found himself face to face with the dark-haired woman and he jumped of surprise anyway.

"What do you want this time?" he asked venomously.

She crossed her arms. "Well, a 'Thank you' would be nice. After all if it hadn't been for me your little loverboy would be dead now."

Aya snorted. "I see it as a making good for abducting him in the first place."

The woman laughed and shook her head. "Little stupid drake, it wasn't him we were after, it was the Keystone. The scout was just, to his regret, attached to it."

Aya didn't say anything and just kept glaring at the figure.

The nightmare tsked. "Such hostility, and here I am, wanting to tell you where and when Saheal is going to be released."

Aya blinked. "You what?"

"You heard me," she said with a smug smile. "Don't tell me you don't want to know."

Aya growled. "How am I supposed to trust you, this could be a trap."

"Uh huh, sure, like the last hint I gave you was a trap as well, right?" She pointed out, pouting.

Aya sighed in resignation. She had a point, but trusting an enemy was foolish.

"Oh, for goodness sakes," the nightmare began, "we're not enemies. Not really, anyway."

"But you're a nightmare. Traditionally, nightmares are..."

"Screw tradition," she said, losing her patience, "Look, my Lord Nightstallion Kieno doesn't want Saheal to be released. But, we have very little power in the world of the waking."

"You had enough power to kidnap Ken," Aya protested.

"Yes," the nightmare resumed her explanation, "but after that-and getting the Keystone for Miaka-I was exhausted and slept for two days straight."

"Then why bother getting the Keystone for this Miaka person anyway?" asked Aya. If Ken's suffering had been for nothing....

"So that I didn't blow my cover!" the nightmare exclaimed, "Honestly, aren't you supposed to be intelligent or something? So anyways, are you going to listen, or not?"

Aya glared, but sat down on the sofa that suddenly appeared in the dreamscape for no apparent reason other than it was convenient.

As quickly as possible, the nightmare explained the situation, and where to find Miaka's hideout. Aya listened intently, determined to finally get rid of this threat and be done with it.

"There is one more thing, though," Lunaria, as the nightmare identified herself, said.

"What's that?" asked Aya, not sure if he really wanted to know.

"I'm afraid I don't know what the protection is. I have been trying for a long time now-a century, if not longer. Miaka is no fool. But, my time here is short."

"What do you mean by that?" Aya asked.

Lunaria laughed, "Because, silly drake, you're about to wake up."

"Huh?"

--AYA! Aya, guess what I learned!-- Ken's voice echoed through his head.

--Not so loud, baby drake!--Schuldig admonished the scout.

--Sorry!-- Ken said, in a tone showing he wasn't really sorry in the least.

Aya opened his eyes, waking up in time to see Ken burst through the door of his room and launch himself on the bed. Aya sat up, giving Ken enough room to land safely.

"I take it Schuldig finally got the technique through your thick skull?" asked Aya dryly.

Ken mock-glared at the red drake. --Whatever.--

Aya laughed, "Don't be like that, Kenken."

Ken's answer was to stick his tongue out at Aya. In the doorway, Schuldig rolled his eyes. "I did my job Fujimiya. It's your responsibility that he doesn't fool around with his new skill."

And with that the redhead German left, leaving Ken sitting on Aya's bed. The scout bounced happily up and down. --It's so cool that I can talk again.--

Aya snorted but couldn't hide a grin. "It's good to see you happy again."

The redhead's expression saddened as he reached up and gently brushed his fingers over the scar on Ken's neck. Ken blinked, confused about Aya's reaction.

--Aya, what- --

"I'm sorry. I should have been there a lot sooner." Aya drew Ken into a tight hug, almost crushing the smaller framed drake, "I promise that I'll keep you safe from now on."

Ken was still, not knowing how to react to this sudden outbreak. --Aya?--

He felt a hand on his chin and looked up gazing into deep violet eyes. "Ken, as long as you'll have me, I'll be with you. That I promise you on my honor as a warrior of Star's Rising."

Before Ken could comprehend Aya's promise and come up with a reply, Aya lowered his head and kissed Ken gently. Blue eyes widened as he felt the gentle contact and then something inside him broke free, setting of a wave of emotions. With no warning he threw his arms around Aya and held on fast like a drowning man would hold on to a rope.

Aya, responding to Ken's body-language, pulled Ken closer and deepened the kiss. He could feel Ken tremble slightly and he broke away, looking down. "It's alright Ken."

The scout looked up and smiled. Aya could see the tears in his eyes as he shook his head. --Thank you Aya, I... I thought...--

Aya shook his head. "Don't worry Ken, you don't have to explain."

Ken nodded and snuggled close to Aya, sighing relieved. He felt better now. It didn't matter as much anymore that his voice was gone, or what he had been through less than a week ago. Aya had promised to protect him, and Ken had a feeling that only Aya could.

~*~*~

"So, Kenken finally got the hang of your little trick?" asked Yohji lazily. He, Bradley, Schuldig, and Farfarello were all relaxing in one of the Kin's lounge areas.

"Yeah," said Schuldig, "how did you know?"

"He's loud," commented Farfarello.

Schuldig chuckled. "That he is."

Unexpectedly, Brad sat straight up, dislodging Yohji from his relaxed position of leaning against the American.

"Brad?" the blonde playboy asked, confused.

"Something…happened? Is happening? Will happen? I don't know…Miaka and…Athena? Fighting. And a silver drake's heart," Brad stared off into the space in front of him, "A blade of Ice…melting? No, freezing fire. And Ken…"

"A vision," Schuldig explained to Yohji, before turning to Brad, "Ken what? What is it?"

"Is that…? No, I don't think…but it could be. A Queen in diamonds? And Omi, in Athena's chariot? At least, that's what I think it is." Brad blinked and shook his head, returning to the real world. "Did I go off there?"

The other three nodded, "Do you remember anything?" asked Schuldig.

"No, I'm afraid I don't really," Brad reclined against the chair, Yohji taking his lounging position next to him. "Did I at least make any sense?"

"No," replied Yohji, resting his head on the precog's lap, "not really."

"Schuldig?"

The telepath shook his head, "Nope, sorry. Except I think Saheal is going to be released. I think you saw him and Athena fighting, but nothing else made any sense."

Brad sighed, "I absolutely hate that."

The other three nodded in agreement.

~*~*~

--So the nightmare is really on our side after all?-- Ken snorted, curled up against Aya's side. --Forgive me if I'm not quite ready to forgive her yet.--

--I don't really blame you,-- replied Aya. The pair were in their natural, draconic stated. --I'm not ready to yet, either.--

--Anyway,-- began Aya, --like I was saying, apparently this Miaka drake is the main force behind the Dark Kin. It seems she and Saheal were lovers.--

--Miaka…Miaka…-- Ken thought, --The name sounds familiar. I feel as if I should know it.--

--She doesn't seem too nice,-- Aya rubbed his head against Ken's, --I wish I knew how she figured into this. I, too, feel as if I should know her. There are not that many silver drakes.--

--Silver?-- Ken said, raising his head suddenly, --Riallara's a silv…I know who Miaka is!--

--Who is she, Ken?-- asked Aya, worriedly.

--She's Queen Riallara's sister. I never met her personally, but I did have to study some history.--

--But that would make her a Royal,-- Aya's voice sounded distraught, --Royals are powerful.--

--Saheal was-or is-a Royal, too,-- Ken reminded his new Chosen.

--We need to go see Lord Yuuto.--

~*~*~

The two couples in the lounge were still trying to piece together Brad's vision, when Aya, followed closely by Ken, went racing through the group.

Curiosity getting the better of them, the group followed the pair, into the Lord of the Kin's private quarters. There, they interrupted Yuuto's and Athena's chess game.

"What's this?" asked Lord Yuuto, sounding angry, "Look, I know we've got a serious problem on our hands, but there are still some protocols to follow." He got a good look at Ken, standing next to Aya, "You must be the scout I've heard so much about. But nothing anyone's said mentioned a woeful lack of manners."

Amazingly, Ken held his temper in check, --Lord Yuuto, I must apologize for our rude behavior, but we felt it could not wait.--

"Everything can wait, drakeling. What's the big deal?" Yuuto looked like he was losing his patience.

"Lord Yuuto, we believe we know who is leading the Dark Kin," Aya spoke up, taking his lord's focus off of Ken.

That caused everyone to snap to attention.

"Who is he?" asked Yuuto, eager now.

--She,-- began Ken, --is the Silver Miaka.--

Yuuto hissed, "Riallara's sister?"

--We can think of no other.--

"What's going on here?" asked Yohji, looking from one to another.

"That makes some sort of twisted sense," began Yuuto, "My understanding is that Miaka was highly upset by Saheal's banishment."

--And isn't she older than Riallara?-- asked Ken, --To me, that's all ancient history. Unfortunately, I don't have first hand experience.--

"But I do," sighed Yuuto. "Miaka will not be an easy foe to defeat. She is very good about keeping her weaknesses hidden, and hidden well."

"Can somebody please explain what's going on here?" asked Schuldig, exasperated.

The three drakes blinked and turned to the group of assassins at the door.

"Sorry," said Yuuto, taking the lead, "According to Aya and the scout,"

--My name is Ken, by the way.--

Yuuto glared at the interruption, but continued anyway, "They feel they know who the leader of the Dark Kin is. Her name is Miaka, and she is Riallara's sister."

"How would Aya know that?" asked Farfarello.

Aya explained about his dream, and how he felt the nightmare was telling the truth. That took a while, and then they had to try and decide what to do. Omi and Nagi joined them when Schuldig sent a teleapthic call for them.

"Wait a minute," began Athena, when they seemed to reach a dead end, "I seem to recall…Can one of describe Miaka and Saheal for me?"

"I can do that," said Yuuto, speaking up, "I knew them both as young drakes. Miaka is silver-but not a true silver. Riallara's the true silver. Miaka is kind of like a dull version of her younger sister. Her eyes are gold. Saheal is white. I know, that seems kind of odd, but it's true. He has grey eyes. Why?"

"I think," Athena said slowly, "that we need to go visit my sister."

"Why?" the group chorused.

"Because, many, many years ago, my dearest sister Aphrodite, had a couple of drakes come to her with an odd request, matching those descriptions," Athena explained, "I don't know if it will have any relevance to our problem now, but…"

"We should definitely check it out," said Yuuto. "Unfortunately, I am too busy running my Kin to go out. My advisors are already upset at the amount of help I've given you already. Aya, I think I can trust this with you?"

Aya nodded, expression harsh, "Yes, I think you can. Athena, can you get us back into Olympus? I think a talk with your sister would be quite salutory."

Athena smiled, "Yes. In fact, I may be able to use this to help us. If my family is in any way, shape, or form involved in the release or whatever of the Dark Lord, then we have to make amends."

"I'm feeling better about this already."

~*~*~

--Aya, why can't I go, too?-- asked Ken, plaintively.

Aya sighed and sat down next to his lover, "Because, Kenken, you're not quite healed yet. You're still weak, and you know it." Aya placed his hand under Ken's chin, forcing the emerald drake to look at him, "I'm not trying to be mean, Love. I just don't want you to get hurt anymore."

Ken sighed, and looked down at his lap, --I know, but- --

"We'll only be gone for a little while. Hardly even a day. And Yohji will still be here. So will Brad, Farfarello, and Nagi," Aya tried to console the younger drake.

--I know, but…--

"No buts, Love. We'll be back before you know it, and then we'll finish up this little unpleasantness and get ourselves back home," Aya kissed Ken's forehead, "Now you be a good little drakeling, and do what Uncle Yohji tells you to."

--AYA!-- Ken shouted at the red drake's retreating back, --Aya, you take that back!--

"See you tomorrow, Kenken."

~*~*~

Athena led the group through the semi-familiar halls of the Olympus Manor. She had sent an owl ahead earlier to let them know they were coming, so Hermes was already waiting for them at the gate.

"So, you honestly think Aphrodite did something?" the Messenger asked, "I mean, I know she's an airhead, but she's not evil."

"We think it may have been accidental," Omi explained, looking towards Aya for confirmation.

Aya nodded, "We're at dead ends and running out of time. Every lead possible, we'll take."

Hermes looked dubious, "Okay, if you say so. Well, here's the Main Hall."

Athena nodded, walking forward.

"You mean this isn't already resolved?" asked Hera from her throne, "I thought you said you could handle this, Athena."

"No, Mother," replied the Goddess of Wisdom, "What I said was that I could handle rescuing the lost scout. This is a different matter entirely, and we need to speak to Aphrodite."

"Like, I'm right here," said Aphrodite from her traditional spot, "Like, duh!"

"Aphrodite, Ma'am," began Omi, stepping forward a bit, "We were wondering if you remembered a pair of drakes from several centuries ago. One was a female, false silver, and the other was a white male."

"Lemme think…" Aphrodite, considered it a moment, "I like, so totally know who you're, like, talking about. It's like, Mia and Saheal, right? They were like, so totally the perfect couple, and were like, so totally romantic that I, like, just had to, you know, like, help them."

--She, like, said 'like' seven times!-- Schuldig commented to the others in the same valley girl accent, barely containing his laugher.

"Romantic?" asked Aya, ignoring the telepath, "What was so romantic."

The Goddess rolled her eyes, "Like, they were all ya'know, like, 'I've given her my heart emotionally, I'd like to do it for real.' They were, like, sooooo cute and stuff."

"What did you do?" demanded Athena, losing her patience.

"I like, switched their hearts and stuff. I thought it was way cute."

"We got the point," said Schuldig, crossly, "Is that all?"

"That's enough," said Aya, standing rigidly, "That's more than enough. But, I know what we need to do now, to get rid of her."

"What?" asked Athena, getting the feeling she was not going to like the answer.

"We have to kill them, both, at the same time."

"We have to what!?" asked Schuldig, "Are you serious?"

Aya nodded, "We need to get back to the Kin to make our plans."

Athena nodded, "Yeah. But it's too late now. We can leave in the morning."

Zeus nodded, breaking into their private conversation, "Yes, you must stay the night. Besides, I'd like to finally try and figure out who the blonde belongs to."

"Hey!" protested Omi, but he was ignored as several servants came to show them to their rooms.

~*~*~

It was dark. Ken did not like the dark. There was no telling what was there that he couldn't see. It didn't matter that he knew he was in Star's Rising, among other drakes who would protect him. It was dark. What if the possible threat snuck past them?

Ken took a couple of deep, shuddering breaths, trying to calm down his racing heart. He was safe. He knew he was safe, so why was he so damn scared. The small drake craned his head around, trying to look around. It felt like the walls were caving in on him, and he could breathe.

What if Makoto came back? What if…what if it had all been a dream, and he was still in Makoto's caverns? Oh, God, he couldn't stand it. He screamed. And he kept screaming until a bunch of people rushed into his room, and pressed a point on the back of his neck, making him fall into unconsciousness.

~*~*~

Yohji cradled Ken's unconscious body, wondering what had set the younger assassin off. As far as the drakes could tell, there hadn't been any unusual movement in or around the room to set him off.

Ken had woke them all up with his screaming. He sounded as if someone were trying to kill him. But there was nobody in the room, and Yohji and Brad were rooming right next door. Surely they would have been aware of any intruders.

Kiva straightened up, and removed her hand from Ken's forehead. Yohji looked at the Healer questioningly.

"He'll be fine. It was being alone in the dark that set him off like that."

"The dark?" asked Brad. The precog was sitting next to Yohji on the bed.

Kiva nodded, "Yes. Sometimes, trauma can leave a person with an unexpected phobia. Sometimes, something as simple as a smell or color can set off a panic attack." The healer sighed, "I get the impression that Ken was kept in the dark a lot."

"He was fine with Aya, though,' Yohji protested.

"Yes," the Healer said, "but Aya is someone he knows and trusts. I don't think he can be left alone in a dark room."

"We can stay here with him," said Brad, surprising Yohji, "Neither of us may be his lover, but we are friends."

Kiva pondered this, and then nodded, "I was going to ask you to, anyway. I'd rather not leave him alone."

Yohji looked at her incredulous, "You don't think that he'd commit…that's crazy!"

The healer shook her head again, "No, Aya was right about that. But he's still hasn't regained his full strength. That will take a while. Just in case he needs anything, you know?"

Yohji nodded, "Okay, I'll buy that. Like Bradley said, we'll stay with him tonight, and Aya will be back in the morning."

The healer stood up, and left the room, "Very well. I'm going back to bed, and I suggest you two get to sleep, as well."

Yohji looked at the pathetic drake curled up in his lap and nodded. After Kiva left, the blonde brushed his fingers through Ken's hair, "It's okay, Kenken. I'm here for ya'"

~*~*~


Schuldig was highly amused. Both Omi and Athena were staring at the space directly in front of them, and refused to look anywhere else. The German telepath looked over at Aya and saw that he, too, found some amusement in the situation.

Zeus had given them permission to use every resource available to them, to help them defeat Saheal, and then, deciding he couldn't stand it anymore and went to find out who Omi's closest elven relative was.

As it turns out, Weiss's boy genius was descended from the Goddess of Wisdom. And now, neither of them knew what to say to the other. And Schuldig was getting a kick out of bugging Omi telepathically.

--So, Omitchi, how does it feel to be related to a Goddess?--

'Shut up, Schuldig,' the blonde thought, knowing the German would read his thoughts, 'Now is not the time.'

--I disagree. I think this is the best time. It's not every day a Japanese boy realizes he's actually Greek.--

'Leave me the hell alone,' Omi thought sullenly. He had just received a huge, huge shock, and the last thing he needed was a nosy German screwing around with his mind.

--Nah,-- said German replied, still teasing, --I don't think so. I mean, is that any way to talk to your elders? Why, when I was your age, I- --

"Aya-kun, make him stop!" Omi surprised the group by yelling.

"Make who stop what?" asked the redhead, though he clearly knew what the German was doing to the younger boy.

Omi glared at them, "No fair!"

Athena looked at her great to the many times grandson, "Why don't you just fry them or zap them or something? You are at least part elf."

The young blonde looked at her in shock, "You mean, I could do that?"

The Goddess shrugged, "Why not? I mean, it could take a little instruction, but I'm sure I could teach you at least basic levin bolts before we actually go up against the Dark Lord."

"Really?" Omi looked hyper-excited at the prospect, "That would be soo cool!"

"Omi?" asked Aya, confused at the sudden change in the blonde's behavior.

"Well," the genius began, "Everyone else has super powers, even Yotan. It's about time I learned some, too, don't you think?"

Schuldig began to laugh. He laughed so hard, that he couldn't speak and had to resort to telepathy, --The bishonen is jealous! How cute!--

The gryphon stopped laughing, however, when Athena hit him with a levin bolt.

~*~*~


Brad was waiting for them when they arrived. All merriment died at the serious expression on the American's face.

"What's wrong?" asked Omi, "We figured it out, and we think we have a pretty good chance at defeating them."

The precog sighed and looked towards the ceiling. "There was a problem last night."

"What kind of problem?" asked Aya, a sinking feeling in his guts.

"Ken…well, it seems that Ken has developed a phobia," Brad looked anywhere except at Aya, "Yohji's with him now."

"What kind of a phobia," asked Aya harshly.

"He's afraid of the dark, it seems."

Aya cursed under his breath and raced towards his room, leaving the others alone in the hall.

"It's not your fault, Brad," Omi tried to console the American.

Brad nodded absently, rubbing the back of his neck. "That was better than I thought it would be."

~*~*~


Ken sat in the window of their shared room, knees drawn up to his chest, when Aya walked in. The red drake stood in the door, just watching his Chosen.

--They told you didn't they?--

Aya almost jumped when Ken talked to him, not even bothering to turn around. He sighed and dropped his coat on the bed.

"Of course they told me Ken. They are worried because you're their friend."

Ken turned and looked at Aya, a fake smile on his face. --I must have scared them shitless.-- The smile faded. --Aya, what's wrong with me?! I never was scarred of the dark before! I don't understand why I just snapped like that!--

Strong arms embraced him and held him close. "It is alright lovely. After what you've been through, I would have been surprised if there would have been nothing left of that at all."

Ken snuggled close to Aya, eyes closed. --Thank you Aya.--

Aya smiled and held Ken close until the younger drake fell asleep in his arms.

~*~*~


--The full moon is at its highest.-- Lunaria turned and looked at Miaka. --Whatever you have to do Lady Miaka, this is the best time.--

The silver drake nodded and brought her attention to the rock formation in front of her, then she moved in between the rocks, out of Lunaria's sight. The nightmare danced on her hind legs, wondering what was going on.

For the longest time nothing happened but suddenly dark clouds covered the moon and the ground started to shake.

~*~*~


He didn't know what had woken him, but the moment he had come to full awareness Ken knew that something was wrong. Not only was there this pressing feeling but also was Aya not in bed anymore. Ken looked around in the darkness and swallowed a lump of panic that was tightening his throat.

"Don't worry love, I'm right here."

Ken turned around in bed and relaxed as he saw Aya's silhouette standing by the window. The moon shone bright enough to illuminate the red drakes face and Ken could clearly see the worry lines.

--Aya, I can feel something is happening. Is it- --

The door flew open and the rest of the troupe stormed in, Yohji in the lead. Schuldig was close behind, green eyes wide in dibelieve. "Can you feel this?! Could it be-?!"

"It's Saheal. He's being released." Aya said in an emotionless voice.

"It is a full moons night." stated Nagi.

Ken nodded. --It has begun.--

~*~*~


Lunaria couldn't help but stare. She would've thought the infamous Dark Lord would have been a black, or at the very least, a grey drake. Not white.

--Miaka, love, I knew you would come through for me!--

--Of course, Lord Saheal,-- Miaka replied, rubbing her head against the white drake, --After all, you promised me that we would rule the world.--

--And I intend to keep that promise,-- Saheal said, before disengaging himself from the silver drake. --A nightmare? Miaka, you've done well.--

--My Lord Saheal,-- said Lunaria, approxiamating a bow, --I am beyond honored to meet you.--

The white drake changed into his human form, nodding, "Of course you are, Lady Nightmare."

Miaka and Lunaria also changed into human forms, Lunaria staring at the Lord Drake. In his human form, Saheal had long white hair and narrow grey eyes, looking more like a snow fairy than the feared Dark Lord. But he still had an aura of menace about him that snow fairies simply didn't have.

"Impressed?" Saheal asked.

Lunaria grinned at him, "Oh, yeah. It's such a shame that you're already taken." The nightmare sighed, "But that's the life of a nightmare, I suppose."

Saheal smiled, a cruel, uncaring smile. "I couldn't say, I never had the chance to get to know a nightmare. Yet."

"We'll have time for that later. Come Saheal, you must be exhausted, let me show you were we stay." Miaka hooked her arms into his.

Saheal looked down at the silver drake. --Jealousy doesn't become you my love.-- He smiled. "That is a nice offer Miaka, but I think I will pass. Right now I have something that I have to do."

Miaka smirked. "Let me guess. It wouldn't have anything to do with the Kin of Morning's Glory, now would it?"

Saheal pulled his lady closer. "My Miaka, you know me too well don't you?"

~*~*~


"Ken! KEN! KEN DAMNIT! Get back here!"

Ken didn't even think of going back, or even stopping. --Yohji, I can't! Now that Saheal is free he'll go for my Kin, I know he will.--

Yohji growled as Ken disappeared around a corner. With a curse he sped up and raced after the frantic drake, hoping that by some miracle he'd manage to stop the little scout. 'I can't believe how fast he is!'

To Yohji's luck the miracle happened in the form of Schuldig as the German stepped around a corner, blocking Ken. Before Ken could dodge, Schuldig had him by the collar, pushing him against the wall.

Yohji stopped as he saw that the German had his team-mate under control. The Japanese man decided to leave it at that, considering that Schuldig most likely had more of a clue what was going on than he had.

Ken glared at Schuldig. --What the hell did you do that for?! Let me GO!--

Schuldig narrowed his eyes. --So you can get yourself killed? I don't think so. Do you ever use your brain, hatchling?! You're not for yourself anymore. You have a Chosen now, that loves you very much. And you have friends that worry about you. How do you think they'd feel if you just go and commit suicide? Use some common sense!--

--Schuldig...-- Ken began, but was interrupted by Aya's arrival.

"WHAT is going ON here!?"

Ken's head snapped around as he heard the voice of his Chosen. Schuldig snorted and whipped Ken around, push-throwing him into Aya's arms. "Ask the little one. No one better than him to explain what's going on in his head."

Aya glared at Schuldig's retreating back and then brought his attention back to the bundle in his arms. "What's this all about? And don't say it's nothing, I've never seen our gryphon this mad."

Ken blushed, looking bashfully at his feet.

"What?" asked Aya, "I don't think I caught that."

Ken glared at Aya. --I'm sick of waiting for Athena and Yuuto to decide what to do. I want to go out there and rescue my Kin. Saheal has been released, and you KNOW he's going to be after...--

"Yes, Ken. I know that. Yuuto and Athena know it too, but can't think of what to do about it." The redhead gently took the brunette's chin in his hand,forcing the drake to look up at him. "Ken, if you try going off after the Dark Lord on your own, you'll be killed. I-I don't want that to happen."

Ken closed his eyes, resting his head on Aya's shoulder. --I'm sorry, love. It's just, I- --

Aya pushed Ken's bangs back, kissing him on the forehead, "It's okay, Kenken, I do understand."

~*~*~


"So what are we going to do, Yuuto?" asked Athena harshly, "I know we need to get rid of the Dark Lord, but I'm not sure there is all that much my people can do against him."

"I don't know, Lady Elf," the Lord replied, pain in his voice, "I'm not sure there is much that can be done. I have sent word to the other Kins, and they all refuse to help, instead..."

"Instead doing what?" Athena demanded, eyes hard.

"Instead of trying to help us against Saheal, the other Kins have decided to hole themselves up away from his sphere of influence. They're afraid of what happened last time. And..."

"And what?" Athena spat out, crossing her arms and tapping her foot.

Yuuto sighed, "My advisors want to do the same. They are united behind me, and there is not much I can do."

"You coward," the Goddess of Defensive War spat out, glaring at the Lord Drake, "You pathetic coward. No wonder you never had the courage to go ahead and ask Ria-"

"Shut up!"

The goddess glared at the King of Star's Rising but didn't say anything for quite a while. Finally she glared at Yuuto, grey eyes sparkling fiercely. "As you wish Lord Yuuto. Hide in your Kin if this is what you wish, but I won't."

Before the King could say anything to stop her, Athena had turned on her heels and stormed out of the throne-hall, robes flying behind her.

~*~*~


Ken sat in the great hall, surrounded by the rest of his friends. It was easy to see for anyone just how nervous the young man was. Ken couldn't even sit still in his seat. He knew that Saheal was going to attack Morning's Glory but he also knew that he couldn't do anything until King Yuuto made a decision.

Lost in thought Ken jumped about a mile high when suddenly the doors flew open and Athena stormed in, wearing heavy armor. "Get up and moving. We have a battle to fight."

Ken ran over to the elven woman. "Yuuto will send warriors to save Morning's Glory?! How many and what kind?"

Athena shook her head. "No Ken, you misunderstand. Yuuto is not going to help Morning's Glory. He has decided that he'll hide like all the other cowards."

The goddesses heart fell as she saw the devastated expression on the young drakes face. Aya was behind him in an instant, wrapping a comforting arm around the young mans waist.

"Do not worry Ken. I already talked to the other gods and they are coming as we speak." She placed a supporting but firm hand on his shoulder. "They'll help your Kin. I believe that we can beat Saheal, if we work as a team."

Ken nodded and the others gathered around in a small circle.

"She's right you know," said Yohji, "if we work as a team, we can do anything."

~*~*~


The group erupted into the open air, Ken, Aya, and Schuldig in their natural forms, Farfarello on Schuldig, and the others on various pegusi.

--Desert?-- wondered Schuldig, --Aya, from your description I was not expecting a desert.--

--We're not quite there yet,-- Aya replied, as he and Ken led the group over the ocean.--

Ken's wings faltered, and he lost altitude before regaining his rhythm.

--Ken?--

--He's already there, Ayan!--

Aya cursed, watching as Ken kicked his speed up to the max. He knew there was no way Schuldig or the pegasi would be able to follow a dragon-scout at top speed. --Ken, slow down! You're going to lose us!--

Ken slowed down a bit, but continued to force the group to go at top speed. Without warning, the young drake dove into the water.

--What the- -- Schuldig said, --Aya, Brad wants to know what that drakeling is doing.--

--He knows what he's doing,-- Aya said, resignation in his voice, --I just really wish I had a leash right about now.--

--What do you mean, he knows what he's doing?-- asked Schuldig, watching Aya as the red drake prepared to dive.

--Morning's Glory is below sea level.-- explained Aya.

--Are you saying I need to get in there?-- Schuldig complained, eyeing the water suspiciously.

--YES Schuldig, we do. And... change to your human form, the entrance is pretty.... small.-- And with that the red drake, too, disappeared in the waves.

Schuldig groaned mentally. -Next time, someone has to elect a different leader. He is killing me. Farf, you go first so I can change.--

The Irishman nodded and dove off Schuldig's back, followed closely by Yohji. Schuldig sighed as he changed back into his red-headed human form and plummeted a little ungraceful into the water. Omi, Nagi, Crawford and Athena were behind him not even half a second later.

--This way, hurry.-- Said a blurr of red before it disappeared into the darker water.

'How deep will we have to go? I'll run out of air first.' Omi's thought's reflected everybody's worry.

--Yohji, we need to get there fast. Water is your element, you must have an idea.--

--No problem Schu.-- came from Yohji as the taller man was enjoying himself in his element. --There is a pod of dolphin's headed this way.--

No sooner had the oldest Weiss spoken then they could hear the squeals of the approaching pod.

The pod leader swam right up to Yohji, offering the blonde his dorsal fin, --You wish to get rid of the Darkness, no? We will help you.--

Various pod members swam up to the different members of th group, and as soon as the human/gryphon/elf grabbed hold, they took off down the tunnel that Aya had gone into.

'What a rush,' thought Omi, grinning. He could vaguely see the same expression on Nagi's face.

The pod brought the humanoids up for air in one of the underground caverns. There they found Aya, using all of his weight to contain a squirming Ken.

"Um...we're here," said Omi, getting the two drakes attention.

--'Bout time,-- said Ken, using the distraction to get away from Aya, --Let's go!--

Aya sighed, before following his Chosen down another set of tunnels. The dolphins jumped the wall that was keeping them from following the drakes, and they all set off again.

--Careful!-- called back Aya after they had gone a bit, --Waterfall coming up!--

was all Schuldig could get out, before they found themself freefalling several hundred feet.

"AIIEEEE!" He could hear Omi and Nagi yell, as they found out that gravity, does indeed, work.

Before they could get too far, however, they all found themselves swimming in a stationary column of water.

--That's one way of handling that, Yotan,-- was Ken's comment. Looking out, they could see Ken and Aya waiting for them at the base of the waterfall. --Now hurry up and swim down here!--

Yohji rolled his eyes. He didn't even know he had done anything until Ken said he did. Whatever works, though. It took the group a few minutes to get used to swimming...downhill, but they eventually got it all worked out.

Once they reached shore they dragged themselves out of the water, panting.

"Oh God... I never.... never want.... to do this.... ever again..." complained Schuldig, wringing out his orange-red mane.

"What happened to the dolphins?" asked Nagi as he rubbed Omi's back gently.

"Don't worry about them, they returned to the open ocean as soon as the waterfall stopped." said Yohji, brushing some wet strands out of his eyes. He saw Ken talking with another green drake, but where Ken was a deep, emerald shade, this new drake was much lighter-almost yellow green. She was enthusiastically glomping his friend. Unexpectedly, Aya was calmly standing to the side.

"Uhm... Ken, who is this you're talking to?"

Ken turned as he heard Farfarello's voice. --Huh? Oh, this is Rain. She's the daughter of my mother's cousin.--

"Okay," said Crawford, pushing his glasses up. "But Ken, didn't you say that Saheal was here already?"

--He is, he's in the palace. I managed to escape, but, some of his goblins must still be out there looking. He has almost everybody in the dungeon's.-- Rain spurted forth, looking around constantly, wings flared.

--Where are those few and how did they avoid capture?-- asked Aya.

--They fought back. Morning's Glory is a peaceful Kin, we have only a few warriors because Riallara's powers used to protect us.-- Rain closed her eyes. --I wish I knew where they hide, I would like to help.--

--We'll find them.-- assured Ken, looking at the others, --Right?--

"Of course," said Athena, "The more help we have, the better our chances. But now, we need to find a hidden place where I can open a gate to summon my warriors."

Aya nodded, --Yes, we also need to find a way to get past that shield.--

Rain blinked, --Well, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. Miaka used a simple Seclusion spell. I managed to get Skye out by digging an underground tunnel.--

--Where is Skye?-- asked Ken, looking around.

--He was injured,-- replied Rain softly, --I hid him in the caves, beyond the willow forest.--

Ken nodded, --The willow forest is as good a place as any to set up our base of operations. Let's go.--

Rain nodded and took off, soaring above their heads. --This way.--

~*~*~


It took the group a while to reach willow forest and get everything settled. Soon it was decided that Athena would stay behind and get a portal up for her warriors to come through while in the meantime Schwarz and Weiss would go out with Rain, looking for the few warriors of Morning's Glory that had avoided capture. The drakes and Schuldig would look from above while the remaining five would cover as much ground from below as possible.

--This bites, as much as I like forests Ken, your Kin has way too many trees. I can hardly make out anything down there.-- Schuldig complained as he landed on one of the treetops.

Ken was too busy zipping in and out of the canopy to even listen to the gryphon, yet alone providing an answer for his ranting.

--He is in his element now Schuldig. I doubt you can get through to him. Just make the best use of those sharp eyes and see if you can see some movement down there.-- remarked Aya hovering at a hillside, peeking into the many different caverns.

Schuldig screeched his outrage but did as he was told. It turned out that he couldn't have chosen a better moment, for he managed to catch a glimpse of someone or something sneaking up on Omi and Nagi. With a fierce cry Schuldig went into a dive while warning the two boys on the ground. --NAGI! OMI! Behind you!--

The two boys turned just in time as two goblins jumped out of the underbrush, wilding large swords at the boys. The from all around more and more goblins appeared, closing in on the two.

'Shit.' Schuldig struggled to get to the two but the trees were to close together to let the huge gryphon pass. To the boys luck Aya suddenly appeared, his icebreath dealing some losses to Saheal's minions. Even so, Aya's breath-weapon, Omi's levin-bolts, and Nagi's telekinesis were no match for the horde of goblins attacking the three.

--Need some help?-- asked an unfamiliar voice.

Aya turned just in time to see an black warrior dive at some goblins from a tree.

--A drake's help is always appreciated,-- Aya responded before freezing the goblin in front of him.

--Well in that case,-- said a pink and white female, --we'd be glad to help.--

The battle went much more smoothly with the addition of the ten drake warriors who seemed to materialize. It wasn't long before the two boys were able to make a clean getaway, shadowed by the eleven drakes for protection.

--Schuldig, Ken, we've found the missing!-- Aya called out, and was joined a few minutes later by both of them. --I suggest we call the other three and get back to the forest.--

--I agree,-- said Schuldig, --We need to see how Athena is coming along with her part of the plan.--

--Ken, you're fastest,-- Aya looked at his chosen, --You go and find the others, okay?--

--Can do!-- said Ken, zipping off, away from the group, --Meet ya' guys back by 'Thena.--

~*~*~


When Ken and the other three got back they found a very frustrated looking Athena sitting on one of the stones that littered the ground.

--Athena, what's wrong?-- the emerald scout asked, not liking the way she looked.

"The Seclusion spell is interfering with my gates. As soon as I build one up, it gets torn down."

Everyone looked depressed. They were all determined to defeat the Dark Lord, but they were not foolish enough to attempt it with less than twenty-five fighters.

Ken transformed to his human form, biting his lower lip, --Maybe...--

"What?" asked the black warrior, also having changed to his human form. The other non-humans all followed suit.

"Don't tell me," said a grey warrior sarcastically, "The great scout Kenken has an idea. Well, let's hear it?"

"Ryan!" snapped the black, "Now is not the time, nor is it the place, to be bringing your pathetic jealousies to light."

"Well, Shane, it's his fault, and you know it."

The pink and white haired girl put her head in her hands, shaking it back and forth, "Ryan, don't even brink this up again..."

"No, no, no, Rika. Don't try to cover for him. It's his fault and you know it."

Ken glared at the grey, but it was Aya who spoke first, "How would you know who the fault lies with? There is no way any of you can know the full sequence of events that lead up to this situation."

Ryan stood up, obviously trying to intimidate the red drake, "How would you know what happened?"

--Aya, don't kill him!-- said Ken, tugging on the other drake's arm, --We need all the warriors we can get. Kill him after we've dealt with Saheal.--

Rika looked around at the assembled group, "Well, why don't we have some introductions before this gets out of hand?"

"Good idea!" said Omi, jumping on any reason to break the tension. He didn't know why this strange grey drake was blaming Ken, but he did know that Ken had done everything in his power to try and prevent the Dark Lord's release. "My name is Tsukiyono Omi."

"My name is Rika. Pleasure to meet you, Omi. The black is my Bondmate, Shane and the grey is named Ryan. Also with us are Orange Thom, Blue Nicolae, Yellow Mikeal, Maroon Jason, Lime William, Beige Cillay, and the White Scout Hail."

Omi smiled at them, before pointing at his own group, "Fujimiya Aya, Kudou Yohji, Brad Crawford, Farfarello, Schuldig, and Naoe Nagi. And, as I previously stated, my name is Tsukiyono Omi. You all seem to know Kenken."

"Charmed," was Hail's reply, walking smoothly up to the group, "And before Grey Ryan so rudely interrupted us, I believe Emerald Ken was about to tell us an idea?" The white drake winked at Ken.

Ken blinked at her, before shaking his head and continuing, --Well, Rain said that it was a very simple Seclusion spell. We'd have to test the barrier to be sure, but, if it is as simple as I believe it to be, there is a single focus point within the barrier which is keeping the force up.--

Hail's eyes went wide, "If we disrupt the focus point, we disrupt the spell!"

"And I can have my gate's ready to go at a moment's notice," added Athena, "My warriors are more than ready to storm through and help us."

The white drake paused thinking to herself, "We could do it…I am a scout. I could easily get in there and disrupt the focal point. It wouldn't be hard."

Ken shook his head, --No, Hail-chan. I don't think you could.--

The rest of the group blinked and ignored Ryan's grumbling while the Emerald Green and Diamond White drakes stared at each other. Eventually, Hail lowered her eyes, looking down.

"You're right, of course," she admitted, "but that doesn't mean I have to like it. There is still a high probability of him sensing you…"

--And a higher chance that he'll find you. I will be fine, Hail-chan. Now just let me get my cousin to show me to her little tunnel,-- said Ken, turning to find the yellow-green drake.

"Wait a minute," said Aya, watching as Ken walked off, "What's going on here?"

"The only way to get the gates built and the barrier down," explained Hail to the entire group, "is to send someone in to disrupt the spell at the focal point. A warrior cannot do it, for such a task requires the stealth of a scout."

"No," said Aya, horrified, "don't tell me that…HIDAKA KEN, GET BACK HERE!" the red drake took off running in the direction Ken had disappeared.

"But Ken-kun isn't entirely healed," said Omi worried.

Schuldig and Yohji were staring at the white drake, but it was Yohji who spoke, "If he gets caught, he won't stand a chance. You're a scout too, arent' you?"

"Yes," replied Hail, refusing to meet their eyes, "But Kenken was right. Saheal would sense my presence as soon as I crossed the barrier threshold."

"Fujimiya is going to be pissed at you," said Brad, "Why send Ken?"

"Bloodbonds," said Shane, speaking up again. Hail nodded, but allowed the black drake to continue, "Rika and I are Bondmates, and as such, we share the deepest bonds possible between drakes. But nearly as strong are the bonds between two siblings."

"That's why Rain won't be able to fight," said Rika, stepping up to her mate, "She and Skye are twins, and Skye is so badly injured that it's leaking into her psyche."

"And Hail is Saheal's little sister," said the blue drake, Nicolae.

"I was his sister," spat out the white, "I no longer care to claim such bonds."

"But you still share the same blood," the blue replied.

"Yes," Hail lowered her eyes again, "we still share the same blood."

~*~*~


Ken lay on the branches of the tree, looking down at the various goblins. To them, he was invisible, camouflaged in the high branches of the tree.

'Aya is going to be pissed at me when this is all over,' thought Ken to himself, 'He'll probably think I wouldn't let Hail go to protect her. But that's not true. She wouldn't have a chance at completing the mission, while I do.'

In fact, truth be told, Ken had more than a chance. The emerald scout was quite the mage-he just rarely used his magical abilities beyond simple shape-shifting. That was part of what made is use of magic so devastating. His enemies simply didn't expect a mage-attack from him.

And all of his spells weren't necessarily mage-attacks, either. Take the spell he was using now. He was able to change his hide color to match anything around him, and thus avoided the pitfalls of invisibility spells, while still able to move undetected through his enemy's camps.

Slowly, Ken climbed down the tree, his hide changing color to match his changing surroundings. Even his eyes changed to match. The goblins would be totally unaware of his presence. He had fooled more intelligent people before this.

His progress was indeed slow, but his care paid off when he found himself in the throne room of Sunrise Palace. His blood burned at the sight of Saheal lounging in Riallara's throne. And Riallara, trapped in a diamond and on display, still holding her head high.

"Riallara," Saheal said, speaking to the gemstone, "Poor, pathetic Riallara actually thought to oust me from my own throne. But no, I have not forgotten what you did to me."

--No,-- came Riallara's mindspeech, --I did nothing to you that you and your family did to the Kin.--

"Oh, but Ria-chan," Saheal spat out harshly, "You stole my throne, and your sister's throne as well."

--The only one to ever come out of your family with any sense of deceny is your sister, for she would not put up with your abuses,-- the silver queen replied, keeping her head high.

"I don't think so, Ria-chan," said Saheal, "And when she is captured, she will suffer, as well as your little pet scout."

--I have faith in both Hail and Ken. They will not allow you to torment my people like this.--

Saheal laughed, "No, Riallara, they are my people. Always have been. But enough for now. I must go join my Lady as she inspects the troops."

Riallara hissed at him, but said nothing, watching as the Dark Lord left. Once he was out of sight and she thought herself alone, she closed her eyes in sadness. Trapped in a diamond as she was, there was no way for her to help her people, give them the hope they so desperately needed.

She was so deep in her grieving that even she did not notice the scout's approach until he stood directly in front of the stone. She gasped, looking out.

--Ken?!--

--In the flesh. Boy, am I glad this stone is small.--

--What?-- asked Riallara incredulously. She was not prepared for Ken to take the diamond carefully into his jaw, removing it from the display on which it had been set.

--Ria-sama,-- began the young drake, --do you know where the focal point for the Seclusion spell is?--

--No, Kenken,-- the queen said, --I'm afraid I don't.--

Ken took the diamond down some of the deeper corridors of the palace, glad it was built out of a tree and not stone. Once he felt he was in an isolated enough spot, he set the stone down, and stretched out.

--He knows by now that I am gone,-- Riallara said softly, wondering what Ken was doing, --What are you going to do?--

Ken didn't reply, instead asking her, --Lady Riallara, could you please keep an ear out for any who might intrude on us? I must go deep into a trance to locat the focal point.--

--Sure,-- replied the silver drake, watching Ken from her diamond prison.

The young scout relaxed his muscles, slipping into a deep trance that Riallara recognized as one of the more difficult of the Natural Spells. There was nothing she could do but wait.

Ken, for his part, extended his awareness through all living things connected with the Kin. He felt as though he were a part of the fields, forests, rivers, glades, and even the very walls of the palace itself. He felt both the wind against the butterfly's wings and the pressure of the same butterfly on the rose petals. He was the waterbug getting eaten by the fish that he was. He knew intimately where and how strong Saheal's forces were, because he was the grass they were trampling as well as the flowers they were killing.

He extended his awareness through the Kin until he found what he was looking for, hidden in the top branches of the palace. Ken was the branch the delicate-seeming amethyst was resting on as well as the dragonfly that just happened to be landing on it. He saw it from the eyes of a sparrow as well as those of a bee. And he knew there was no way he could reach it physically.

That left Ken with one option, if he could only hold his consciousness on that spot for long enough.

'Please,' thought the emerald drake, feeling his hold on the spell slip away, his energy stores not nearly what they used to be, 'please, help me help you. Kin of the Gardens, Morning's Glory, please, just do what I ask.'

Miraculously, the life surrounding the kin responded. The morning glories that decorated the outside of the Palace walls began a steady migration reaching for the amethyst that Miaka used as a focal point. Slowly, way too slowly, the vines grew until they wrapped themselves around the stone, and, with a mighty effort on Ken's part, flung the amethyst off of the building. The stone fell, plummeting towards the patio around the palace, shattering into a million glittering pieces on the hardwood flooring.

And deep inside the palace, Ken's tenuous grip on consciousness slipped, and the darkness claimed him.

~*~*~


Saheal and Miaka watched as the Dark Kin presented themselves to their leaders, cheering them on. They were preparing themselves to go out and defeat the other Dragon Kins who had held them in contempt for so long, before going on to conquer the world.

Both leaders felt it when the diamond was removed from its pedastal.

Saheal's eyes narrowed, "I'll go take care of it. You get them ready for trouble,."

Miaka nodded, "I can do that, My Lord. If that annoying little green scout and his friends managed to get this far…"

Saheal acknkowledged his lady with a grunt, more intent on returning to the throne room. Once there, he instigated a mage-search, but found no traces of invisibility spells or gates being used recently. Nor could he sense another drake's presence.

One of his generals came rushing into the throne room, "Sir, Lady Miaka sent me to ask for your orders, Sir!"

Saheal glared at the drake through narrowed eyes, "Search. Someone or something has stolen my diamond, and I want it back."

"Yes, Sir," the general snapped back, before rushing to transmit his leaders orders to the rest of the army.

Saheal began to pace the room, looking for any clues as to where Riallara might be, when there was a bright flash outside the palace, and the barrier fell.

~*~*~


All eyes were on the main palace of the Morning's Glory, as the twenty-odd people waited for the telltale flash that would signal Ken's mission a success. Even Aya who had returned and refused to even look at Hail. Not that she blamed him, really.

Athena had cleverly set up her gates to open the moment the barrier went down, so they wouldn't even have to waste time for that.

"Why on earth is it taking him so damn long," Ryan griped, pacing back and forth.

"What?" asked Hail. "Do you actually expect the focal point to be in plain sight? Give him a little more than half an hour, so that he can actually get this done right."

Ryan grumbled some more, but subsided under Aya's glare.

A bright flash of light brought all of their attention back to the palace, and Athena, Omi beside her in her chariot, raised a fist, "Let's lock and load."

~*~*~


--Ken!-- the voice wouldn't leave him alone, --Ken, please, wake up!--

--Dun…wanna…-- the drake managed to convey, before trying to slip back into unconsciousness.

--Ken, get up. Now.--

Groggily, the blue-eyed drake did as he was told, barely able to support himself. --I can't…too…tired…--

--Ken, now. Get up.--

Pushing himself, Ken glared in the direction the mindvoice was coming from, --Who the hell are you, to tell me what to do.--

The voice was amused, --I am your Queen, Kenken.--

Ken managed to push himself to his feet, blinking at the diamond that lay on the ground before him. --Oh, shit! Riallara-sama!--

--Calm down, Kenken,-- said the silver drake, --Can you get me out of this thing, or are you too tired. I assure you, I can wait a bit longer if necessary.--

Ken picked up the diamond, crawling carefully out of the dead-end he had hid them in for his little search. --Let's go see what's going on in the palace proper, shall we?--

--After you, Kenken,-- was Riallara's amused reply.

~*~*~


Omi shot out his enchanted crossbow bolts, taking down yet another of the Dark Kin. But they just kept coming, and there was no clear way to reach either Saheal or Miaka-and they needed to get to them both at the same time.

Nagi, beside him in the chariot, was using his telekinesis to good use, flinging stones on top of the drakes, but it wasn't enough. The elves were getting hammered and there was nothing they could do about it.

Athena had left them, instead mounting one of the pegasi to get to a better command position. A new wall of enemies joined the battle, these a selection of ogres, troll, goblins, and other creatures Omi really didn't want to get to know any better.

Schuldig wasn't faring much better. The gryphon had reverted to his natural form and was using all of his natural abilities to their full potential. Even so, they were nearly overwhelmed by the masses and masses of hobgoblins that just kept coming. Things were not going their way at all. They weren't making any progress at all towards the palace.

Athena steered her mount to where Aya was busy freezing any monsters that had the misfortune to come into his range. Schuldig watched as she said something to the red drake, and Aya reverted to his human form, nimbly jumping behind the 'goddess' on the pegasus. Athena led the winged horse out of the battle.

--Schuldig,-- Aya thought, --Athena and I are going to try and get into the palace. You keep things going out here.--

--You'd better believe it,-- Schuldig replied, --No way any little goblins are going to get the best out of me.--

~*~*~


Saheal snarled, pacing as he continued to receive reports from his generals. "I don't like this. They're too well informed."

Miaka smiled, "It's nothing we can't handle. Right now our forces are out there, making sure they are subdued. And they will be. It's only a matter of time."

The white drake glanced over at his mate, "Perhaps you are right. I'm worrying too much about this." He moved to take her in his arms, "This will all be over soo-"

The window crashed, smashed to pieces by the hooves of a pegasus. Miaka and Saheal both looked up in surprise as Athena and Aya dismounted the winged horse.

"Tonight," said Aya, unsheathing his katana, "tonight, Saheal, you pay for what you have done."

Athena waved her hand, locking the doors, and it was just the four of them.

~*~*~


Ken hissed, forcing himself to put one foot in front of the other. There was no way he'd get up the energy to actually fly. From the sound of things, the others were in full out battle, but Ken knew he'd be absolutely worthless in his current condition. Sighing, Ken pushed on, navigating the hidden passages with ease.

--I didn't even know these were here,-- Riallara remarked, commenting on the corridor that would lead them to the throne room, --How did you know?--

--The palace itself told me. It is alive, you know,-- Ken explained, not knowing what he was going to do, but only knowing that he needed to get to the throne room.

And then they were there!

~*~*~


Saheal unsheathed his own sword, glaring at Aya, "Bring it on, Hatchling."

Aya muttered a spell under his breath, and his katana changed, becoming a sword with the power of Ice. Saheal did not wait, attacking the redheaded leader of Weiss almost immediately. Aya dodged, finding an opening in Saheal's defense and pressing his advantage. Saheal was too experienced, however, and easily avoided the blow.

Athena was experiencing difficulties of her own. Miaka had transformed to her drake mode, and was attempting to make Greek Popsicles out of the goddess. Athena dodged, but the ice shards cut into her shoulder. Quickly, Athena responded by spearing the drake through the shoulder, pinning her to the wall. Miaka thrashed about, dislodging the weapon, her glare turning deadly. The sudden Ice Storm she released pounded Athena's defenses.

Soon, the two defenders found themselves back-to-back, facing their opponents.

"Fools," said Saheal, glaring at them, "You actually thought you could defeat us? Just the two of you?"

--Pathetic,-- agreed Miaka, baring her teeth, --But soon you will be dead, and we shall have what we've always wanted.--

Saheal grinned at Aya, "Don't worry, I know all about your little fledgling's recent experiences. I'll do a much better job at taking care of him than that fool Makoto did."

Aya's eyes narrowed. "You lay one claw on my Chosen and I swear I'll rip you into pieces faster than you can die!"

Saheal laughed deep in his throat. "Try if you can, little one. Just try."

~*~*~


Crawford grinned as he dealt out another high kick into a goblin's face. Now he was glad that he had been forced to take kick-boxing lessons when he had been a teen. Next to him Farfarello wasn't doing too bad himself. The Irishman's gift with knives and swords was more than useful to him right now. Also his maniac, uncoordinated fighting tactics were distracting his enemies.

Rendering another goblin unconscious, Crawford looked around for the other members of the team. Schuldig was easy enough to spot given his size and the fact that he was the only gryphon flying up in the sky. He was currently having fun confusing the ogres below him. It got so far that the confused dimwits knocked each other out instead of Schuldig.

In another part of the battlefield Omi and Nagi were standing back to back, keeping each other safe while eliminating a large amount of Saheals army. Omi's incredible aim plus the bonus of the magical arrows were a killer for most of the goblins and trolls. Nagi made full use of his 'kinetic abilities sending creatures flying into each other with bonebreaking force.

It took Crawford a while to spot Yohji, but once he found him it made sense to the American. The blond man was kneeling by a pond, eyes closed, his hand in the water. Crawford smiled as he saw Yohji making use of his new found ability of controlling water by shooting it at his enemies with enough power to make them fall. On other occasions, if a creature dared to get too close to the pond, he made sure that they fell in the water and they stayed there.

In between all this the elves and the few draconic warriors that were fighting their battles, some of them not succeeding as well as others. Losses were there, at the moment greater on Saheal's side. But could they keep it that way?

Noting that he was daydreaming Crawford pulled himself together again and returned to the battle. Every able hand was needed to win, he knew that as well as anybody else.

~*~*~


Aya hit the wall hard, clutching his left arm which sported three deep clawmarks. In the midst of battle Saheal had suddenly dropped his sword and had changed into his draconic form with an ease that had left Aya stunned. Saheal, of course, had taken this opportunity to strike.

Aya hissed as he tentatively touched the wound. It was painful and had to be taken care of as soon as possible or he would surely bleed to death.

--Oh, is the little red drake hurt?! Well, let me take you out of your misery!--

Aya's eyes widened and he just barely managed to escape Saheal's breath weapon. He didn't manage to get away for good though as Saheal's blue fire caught his left ankle sending him to the ground in pain.

~*~*~


Above them Ken whimpered soundlessly, wanting to help Aya so badly. He knew better than trying to talk to Aya now, Saheal would hear him, giving the evil Lord an advantage over Aya. Lying low he crept forward just a little more trying to get a better view.

Taking his eyes off of Aya for a second he looked at Athena and her battle with Miaka. Both females were not in the best of shape, Athena bleeding profoundly from a wound on her shoulder and Miaka's left wing ripped to shreds.

Ken swore in his mind. This wasn't looking too good. He had to think of something to help the others.

~*~*~


Aya winced and clutched his sword in his right hand, trying to get securely back on his feet. Saheal's laughter was ringing in his head as the white drake took off and hovered above him.

--Interesting? Not many are hit by my hell-fire attack and live to talk about it. Too bad that you'll die any second now anyway.--

Aya glared at Saheal and raised his sword in a defensive stand. "We'll see about that."

~*~*~


Ken's heart dropped as he saw Saheal about to strike Aya. The emerald scout knew that his Chosen wouldn't survive the attack unless something or someone would help him.

--Ken, are you strong enough to use your breath-weapon?-- asked Riallara.

Ken nodded. --I think, let me try.--

Creeping forward slowly he leaned over the edge of the branch he was hiding on. --Okay, here goes nothing.--

~*~*~


It had happened so quickly, Aya didn't even see it all. One moment Saheal was right above him about to attack, the next the white dragon was writhing in pain. A frown crossed the red-heads face, confusion blatant.

--Aya! Attack him now!--

The Weiss leader froze. --Ken?--

A green blur fell from above, landing on Saheal's back. Aya recognized Ken right away and grit his teeth. --Ken, what the fuck are you doing?!--

--It's called hel-AAAAAHHH!!!!--

--LITTLE RAT!! DIE!-- screeched Saheal, twisting midair, managing to throw Ken to the ground.

The scout crashed into one of the candle holders, hitting his head hard enough to render him unconscious. Saheal didn't miss a heartbeat and charged for Ken immediately claws extended.

Aya watched the scene in horror and, ignoring the pain, ran over to his Chosen, ready to defend him until death. --Saheal! If you want to kill him, you'll have to go through me!--

Saheal's mental voice was smug. --That can be arranged.--

~*~*~


Athena jumped out of the way, dodging Miaka's Ice Shards. Miaka roared in frustration. The elf used her agility to the best of her ability, dancing out of the silver drake's range.

--Coward,-- hissed the drake, attempting to goad the goddess into attacking her, --Can't you even attack me outright!--

"No," replied Athena, "I will not engage a beast like you in honorable combat."

Miaka growled, launching another attack, snapping at the goddesses. It was the drakes bad luck that Athena brought up a dagger that was hidden in the goddesses boot, and pinned her to the wall.

--You pesky little... what are you trying to prove? Don't you know that Saheal and I are safeguarded? There is no way for you to kill us.--

Athena grinned. "And that is were you're wrong."

With that the goddess swung her spear at the pinned drake, staking her though the heart.

~*~*~


--DIE!!!--

Aya growled as Saheal went into a headfirst dive. It was more reflex than a thought through action of Aya to bring his sword up in a defensive strike.

A sickening splurch was all that Aya heard, then a heavy weight landed on top of him, pushing him to the ground. Silence filled the room, disturbed only by the heavy breathing of two worn warriors. Gathering as much strength as he had left Aya pushed Saheal off and sat up looking around.

Athena turned and searched the room with her gaze. "Did we do it?"

Aya calmed his breath. "Seems like it."

Athena smiled. "The threat is ov-"

Then the ground started to shake.

~*~*~

Omi was fighting defensively now, trying to support an exhausted Nagi while reloading his crossbow at the same time. He didn't know what had gone wrong but the battle had turned against them. They were surrounded and outnumbered.

Omi cursed under his breath as he ran out of bolts. "Nagi.... this doesn't look too good."

Then the ground started to shake and the creatures started to disappear one by one. Omi blinked for a few seconds before looking at Nagi. "Never mind."

~*~*~


Aya blinked at the silver drake that had appeared right in front of him. He had to admit, with her wings flared and her neck craned like that she was one of the most beautiful and magnificent creatures he had seen in his life. There was no doubt in him that this was queen Riallara.

Changing into his drake form the red warrior bowed deeply, eyes cast to the ground. --Queen Riallara of Morning's Glory, it is good to see you unharmed.--

The silver drake turned her silvery gaze to Aya. --You must be Aya of Star's Rising.--

The ice-drake nodded and the flared his wings resting them on the ground in a polite gesture. --That is me your highness.--

--Thank you for helping my Kin in this time of crisis. I hope that one day I will be able to repay you.--

Aya looked up, eyes shining in a dark, sad purple. --I will not ask for repayment. Helping the other Kins is my duty as a warrior. But if you really want to do something for me, help Ken. He has been hurt badly... I... I do not want to loose him.--

The queen raised her head and looked at Ken, still unconscious on the ground. Dipping her snout to his neck she crooned gently, as a mother would do for her hatchiling. --Do not worry Aya of Star's Rising. Your Chosen will be alright. Lady Athena, would you please be so kind as to see that he gets help? I must reassure my people.--

"Of course, Lady Riallara," the elven warrior replied, "It would be an honor."

Aya in the meantime had changed back into his human form. "Thank you, your Highness."

Riallara nodded and changed into her human form as well, extending her hand to Aya. "Would you mind leading a lady to see her people?"

The young man smiled and took the offered hand, kissing the back of it. "Let's go my Lady."

Together the two walked over to the balcony, people waiting underneath, looking up with hope filled eyes. The queen let go of Aya's hand and proudly walked the last meter to the railing and stood there with pride. She looked down, smiling and announced with a strong, rich voice. "Saheal has finally been defeated. The Kin and the world, is safe."

~*~*~


Day: Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeheheheheheeheeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! DONE DONE!!!!

Moon: *smirks* I knew I shouldn't have given you that water.

Ken: *nods*

Aya: So it's finished?

Moon: Yep.

Ken: *glares* --Wait a darn friggin' minute. First, you make me mute. Then I'm afraid of the dark, and now you JUST LEAVE ME UNCONSCIOUS ON THE FLOOR?!?!?!?! What kind of treatment is that????--

Yohji: Will you chill Ken. At least they didn't kill you.

Sisters: Hmmm...... that's an idea....

Ken: *shakes head* --Nononononononono.--

Aya: *pulls him close and glares at the Shades*

Farf: It ends kinda.... unresolved don't you think?

Day: *shudders* OOC Farfie... I still need to get used to this. Anyways.... It's not done done yet. I stil have to write the Epiloge.

Moon: Run! The end of the world is near, my Imoto-chan is going to write WAFF

Day: *pouts* I do write good WAFF

Ken:

Aya: *nods and cuddles Ken*

Day: Let's do it then! Bye folks, till the Epiloge.