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Honey Glayzed	By : Himenokori Category: +. to F > FAKE Views: 2093 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Fake, Petsop Of Horrors, Four Brothers, Earthian, Boy George, Tokio Hotel, Queer as Folk, Rent. I do own Heaven, The White Lion. I make no profit from posting this work.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Honey Glayzed 11
Squires:1
Bill adjusted the overlong belt around his waist. On top of his knee length tunic the dagger seemed to be made just for him. His hand shook a bit as he made sure the clasp to his heavy cloak was tight enough. He was just pulling on his gloves when Tom entered his room and pulled his hood up. “Stay in that, there is a hat too.” Bill took the hat and pulled it on before replacing his hood. “If you tie the ends here,” Tom pulled two heavy velvet ties. “It makes sleeves. Keep the front closed, it's cold out there. They said we should reach the bottom in time to make camp.” Tom pulled his map of Arcadia out. “We'll set up here.” Tom placed his finger on a map. “Right at the bottom of the palace, then the tomorrow we are going to head through the foot trails of the mountains. In two days we should pop out on the plains between Kumoshi village and Ilum woods.”
“Tom,” Bill smiled at his brother. “I'll be alright.” Tom nodded his head. Since they had left home to tour he had taken care of his brother. Tom looked up when a knock sounded at the door. At his bidding, Georg and Gustav entered the room. “Hey guys.”
“Hey yourself,” Georg folded his arms. “You sure about this trip?”
“Yeah, these guys are cool,” Tom nodded his head. “Squires here do more than I ever would have thought possible.”
“But we'll be safe?” Gustav asked recalling the creature that had sniffed him. She had long fangs when she smiled and drank from a chalice of a deep red liquid that he did not want to identify. Lord D, the pregnant man, he was not wrapping his head around that one, had called her mother. “They said we don't need to bring anything.” A knock at the door and the young men prepared to face whatever awaited them.
Break
Jhaymes heaved a sigh as he handed Nari his bags. “Don't pout,” Jhaymes admonished. “You could have had a pleasant stay here. I think Buffy would have liked a few more weeks here guarding you.”
“Don't give me that look,” George complained when Jhaymes frowned at him. “The king said you were off duty for two months, then he let me believe that he was sending you out again.”
“So what if he was?!” Jhaymes threw his hands up. He had thought this stubborn side of George was adorable, well, it was, but now was not the time for it to be turned on him. “I am a knight. I serve my king and my country.”
“King and country almost got you killed,” George threw a pillow at Jhaymes. George fought with the tears that filled his eyes. He did not want to weep, but thinking of Jhaymes in such danger again, far away from help, from him, from anyone. “Tsk,” George gave up and wiped his overflowing eyes. “I don't want to lose you.”
“When a knight takes his oath he swears his life as fealty,” Jhaymes picked up the pillow. He walked over to the bed to sit it back in place. “Sweetheart,” Jhaymes placed his hands on George's shoulder. “No matter what, I will always come back to you. Even if it is just the shadow of my soul carrying the remnants of my hearts love for you.” George wanted to retain his anger, he tried, really he did. But Jhaymes words worked an age-old magic and he leaned back into his kiss. His anger and tears nearly forgotten in the sweetness of Jhaymes.
“I'm only forgiving you because Nari is ready to go,” George huffed getting to his feet he pulled his white cloak about him tightening the strings to make a heavy coat. “Your poetry had nothing to do with it.” Jhaymes laughed pulling George into an embrace. Nari cleared his throat. They were adorable together, but really they had no time. They had to make it down the mountain before sunset. Nari placed a large package of shelled pistachios into the bag. Ponchi settled into George's hair under the cloak hood wearing a tiny version of a cloak. “Let's get going.” George sighed adjusting his gloves. He loved Jhaymes so much. Perhaps this would be a fun adventure. At least it would be something to write to his family about. “Are the boys all ready for this?” George asked heading down the hall of the palace with Jhaymes and Nari.
“They have to be,” Jhaymes nodded. “If they balk they will be taken to the palace no questions asked, trial over,” Jhaymes explained.
“But they won't be squires,” Nari thought of his friend, an elf who had been terrified and sent to the palace. Now he was no more than a palace aid who served as a liaison at the consulate. “Never a knight.”
“Is it really so difficult?” George asked seeing the band leaving their room. “This way.” George waved them over.
Nari smiled at Bill in greeting. When he had the young human's attention he winked licking his lips. Bill gasped moving to the other side of his brother. Nari smiled having his question answered. He had worried about Rain sharing a room with the band members. Bill was the only one that caused him to wonder at the safety of the little page Rain. But seeing him now, Bill was disturbed by his advances, not flattered or intrigued. This proved that Soofu A was right. Bill hid himself behind his brother. If that was the diagnosis for Bill and Tom, Rain and Bikky were no better.
Kenneth walked over pulling on his gloves. For a moment, Bikky thought it was High Prince Daphnus, until he saw the shorter hair. Where his father's hair traveled to his waist, Kenneth kept his to just below his shoulders. “Hey,” Kenneth shouldered his pack of supplies.
“How's your dad holding up?” Rain laughed when Kenneth rolled his eyes.
“He has been complaining non stop that he did not get to be squired, he was beaten on by Alera, Jhaymes and Erinna,” Kenneth shook his head then pulled a band from his wrist to secure his hair at his nape. He held the long hair over his shoulder and braided it keeping it closed with another tie. “I told him to stop whining about it. You guys ready?” Kenneth asked looking over the rail.
Rain stood at the gates to the upper level of the palace looking over the craggy peaks. Beside him stood Wyld Wynd. Rain closed his eyes, he breathed in deeply, then let it out. “It's a long way to the palace from here,” Rain said. He adjusted his gloves again. “A long way down.”
“Then we'd better get moving,” Bikky said looking down as well. “I talked to Dee this morning while Ryo was crying all over you.” Rain laughed a little thinking of how he had to wipe his shoulder down after Ryo let him go so he could say good bye to Bikky. “He said the west was the best way down.”
“It looks really craggy,” Rain said peering down as the rest of their group joined them.
“Better hand holds,” Gustav said. “Where is the equipment?”
“Here,” Talia, a unicorn Squire said showing a long chain wrapped piece of braided leather and canvas. “Being a squire is all about ingenuity. Taking what you have and making what you need.”
“Bill, Tom, Gustave, Georg,” Bikky said. “Take off your belts.” As the boys removed the articles Bikky and Rain did the same along with the others. “Tie off together and go down in pairs. The first one to reach the landing call up to let us know you're safe. I will go down with...” Bikky stepped away from Rain at the stern look he got from Leon. “Tom,” He tied his belt to Tom. “Rain you get Bill, both of you stay safe and hold on, better yet, use your cloak tie to secure yourself to the cord.”
“Bikky,” Rain said taking several deep breathes. “I'll be okay”
“I know,” Bikky nodded. Having to mentally let his baby brother go was harder than he had thought. “I know.” Bikky recalled seeing Rain in the fetal position on the floor of the school locker room. He saw him violently ill after a vicious attack by seniors. Bikky's mind went all the way back to his first day at their home, cutting his arms his hair and nearly his face. The nightmares that he still had sometimes.
“Bikky,” Count D placed a hand on his arm. “Take a deep breath.” Bikky did as Count D suggested. “Now look at your brother.” Bikky did so his heart pounding as he took in the overlarge pants and tunic under the heavy black cloak the hood pulled up over his head. “What do you see?”
Bikky smiled when he saw Rain securing his belt to Bill's waist. “Stay close to me, if you have a problem let me know.” Bill nodded looking down the mountain. The King had said that they did not have to go, but he wanted to. He knew he did.
“I see a squire of Arcadia,” Bikky smiled as he saw the strength in his brother waiting to blossom if he would just let go.
“Then let's go,” Talia said taking Gustav while Orlan, a Pegasus, complaining that he could not fly down, took Georg. Milian, a mixture of Unicorn and Pegasus clipped Ryan to his belt after giving Jhaymes a sour frown.
“See you guys at the bottom,” Jhaymes unfurled his flaming green wings. He took George into his arms. The rest of the squires gave Jhaymes a dirty look as they prepared to step off the railing.
“Bill,” Georg called over. “Make sure you grip the wall. Look for the next handhold, make sure you can reach it before you let go of the last.” Tom looked over at their friend grateful that he had experience climbing.
“When we make it to the bottom,” Bill called down to George. “I hope you have something to eat.” George's laughter was carried by the wind of the flapping of Jhaymes' mighty wings.
“Hey,” Tom called over when he saw Rain working his way down the thick rope. “Do you have experience climbing?”
“Yeah,” Rain placed his feet then held steady for Bill to follow after. “I go sometimes with the Thunder bird, he's my friend.” Tom nodded watching carefully as Bill placed his feet and hands. “Take it slow, we have all day,” Rain cautioned. Bill nodded, took a large gulp, and was imminently grateful for the gloves.
“Steady,” Gustav called down when he saw Tom rushing. “Getting near your brother will do you no good, hold the line steady, or you could shake him off.” Tom was instantly still. “But we still need to go down.” Gustav chuckled when he nearly placed his foot on top of Tom's hand. Talia rolled her eyes as Milian, Carious, Bellenos and Faldor's younger brother, laughed.
“Mili, stop it,” Orlan gripped the face of the mountain with white knuckles. “You're shaking the rope.”
“Don't shake the rope!” Tom yelled up at him. “If you knock Bill off, I will hurt you.”
“Tom, I'm okay,” Bill called up to his twin moving down further. Bill held still when Tom's foot slipped. Bikky moved fast catching his cloak and pushing him up against the wall. “You take care of yourself,” Bill said.
“Hold the line,” Bikky commanded securing Tom's belt closer to his. “If you fall, we fail.”
“Bikky's just grumpy,” Orlan said of the surly response. “Zarro and Soofu have made sure that he can not coddle his baby.” His remark earned him a rude gesture from Bikky's free hand. “Only an insult in your world.” Orlan shook his long dark hair with a laugh. Tom thought the move reminiscent of a horse, but recalled what Orlan really was. “Hold the line Bikky.” Orlan teased scooted down further. “If you fall, we fail.” Bikky gripped the line with a grumble.
“A landing!” Rain called up as his feet gained purchase on an icy ledge. They had been climbing for a time. “We should rest and get a drink.” Bikky waited until Tom's feet were planted before he lowered himself and released from the rope. Rain sat down with his feet hanging over the ledge. Looking down he saw miles of rocks jutting out some covered in snow, others, in what appeared to be a path or a trail, were not. Several long moments passed with the groups just sitting and breathing. Rain watched his breath makes clouds of moisture on the air.
“I... I have Chamomile plants and lavender,” Shayia, an young squire of Kumoshi village announced. “In our packs we have cups,” She fished around in her pack.
“We all have water,” Orlan pointed out. “But I have honey.” He smiled.
“And I suppose you want me to heat it,” Bikky laughed doing just that to the mixture in the large canteen. “You guys want some tea?” Bikky asked offering a cup to Bill, Tom, Gustav and Georg. They accepted it with grateful smiles.
“How much further down?” Bill asked craning his neck to peer over the side of the mountain.
“We are about a third of the way.” Rain announced pulling a package of Ryo's cookies from his pocket. “Have some,” Rain offered.
“The last time I took a cookie from you we were almost eaten,” Bill narrowed his eyes with a playful smirk.
“Yeah and if you're not careful,” Orlan pulled Bill back from the edge. “This time you might fall off a mountain. I know Ryo's food is good, but be careful.”
“You boys,” Jhaymes flew up to the top having built a tent and heated it leaving George inside to sulk. “Are sure taking your time. Tea and cookies?” Jhaymes tumbled about in the wind his laughter rolling along the mountains. “You do have to make camp before nightfall.”
“We know,” Rain got to his feet carefully. He repacked their supplies then helped Bill to stand and reconnect to the rope. “We're coming.”
“The last time you said that, you jumped off your school's roof.” Jhaymes fluffed his wings out making sure that the wind pushed the group closer to the mountain rather than shake them off. “Couldn't fly then, can't fly now,” Jhaymes reminded him of the rules of this particular test.
“I got it,” Rain said his belt secure. “Remember, hold tight, look for a landing before letting go.” Bill nodded then began his descent down the cold mountain.
Break
Ryo peered out of the window of the carriage as it rolled up to the mansion that sprawled the land bordering a beach with snow white sand. “Oh, wow,” He breathed a sigh. The foliage was shining so bright in the sun it seemed as if gems grew along the banks and hung from the branches of the trees. “Even the air sparkles,” Ryo thought aloud. He looked up and saw glittering beams of sunlight reflecting off the wings of the Pegasus that flew overhead.
“Zarro can banish me anytime he damn well pleases,”Dee placed a kiss on Ryo's cheek.
“Your room is this way,” A Unicorn took their bags. “You may use any part of this home as you please, and you have a direct communication with the palace from here. Anything you need you have only to ask.” The uniformed young man said moving his deep blond hair aside. “I am Shonki, I will be your personal assistant during your stay.” Shonki opened the massive doors of the looming edifice done in pale gold stonework with white columns and window ledges. Flowers bloomed along the hardwood floors as if from the natural ground. Shonki continued to walk until he reached a room at the end of the hall. Though the mansion was all ground level, there were two steps down that led into the bedroom. There were no walls in the room, large columns supported the ceiling with gold and white gauze draped between them flowing in the sweet smelling breeze.
“All the furniture is padded, carved marble.” Ryo ran his hands along the white drawer with solid gold knobs scrolled in silver. Ryo sat down on the feather stuffed mattress.
“Let's unpack later,” Dee lowered his eyes when Ryo looked up at him the dark orbs sultry with invitation. Ryo leaned back on his arms with his legs open. Dee stood between them. He placed his hands on Ryo's shoulders sighing at the feel of the slender hands traveling up his thighs. “I want to make love to you.” Ryo and Dee fell into each other, not noticing the door shutting softly behind Shonki.
Break
Bill dropped down onto the the ledge his fingers numb and cold. “How... how much further?” He asked unable to hold the cup of hot tea that had been given to him. Tom held the cup for him.
“You're okay?”Bill nodded holding his tea in his mouth for the warmth hoping his teeth would stop chattering.
“Cold,” Bill shivered after he swallowed. “And tired.”
“You aren't making it,” Rain sighed getting to his feet. “Come here,” Rain got to his feet. “Stand up a moment.” Bill stood wondering what Rain wanted. He placed his hands on Bill's waist and lifted. “You're tall, but skinny, light. I can lift you.” Rain sat him back on his feet. “Bikky and I can get you the rest of the way.”
“Nein!” Bill pushed Rain's hands away. “I can do it! I am not a baby. You don't need to carry me.”
“You can't even feel your fingers,” Georg tapped the cold digits. “How are you going to climb down this mountain?”
“I can do it,” Bill folded his arms placing his cold hands under his arms hoping to warm them.
“He can do it,” Tom looked at the determined tilt to his brother's chin. “He'll do it.”
“Come here,” Bikky commanded looking at the sky. “We don't have much time to sit here and argue about it.”
“You're not carrying me,” Bill protested not moving. Bikky stepped over the other resting squires and yanked Bill's hands out from under his arms.
“Your teeth have been chattering so loud that I can hear them when we climb.” Bikky looked over at Rain. “You're next,” He said to Rain as he pulled Bill into an embrace. Bikky inhaled and closed his eyes. He exhaled and Tom gasped at the warmth that surrounded their little band seeming to be centered on his brother. Bill felt odd to be in the arms of the other boy, but relaxed into the heat Bikky radiated. Bikky reached back and pulled Rain to him. “That'll do.” Bikky stepped away from them both. He noticed that their entire group seemed to be relaxed. “We can go on now.”
“Just be careful.” Gustav said as he secured his belt to the heavy support rope hanging down from the Obsidian Palace. “Keep your cloak tight, you'll stay warmer.” Bill nodded his movements jerking with temper. 'Tom's baby,' Bill fumed. He'd show them. He would make it down this mountain with no problem. So he was a little cold, weren't they all? And Rain was smaller than he was. He had needed to be warmed too. This was insane. This trip, no this entire world was insane. Who ever heard of camping in February? It was one of the coldest months of the year. Not to mention, he hoped they had enough food in those packs the squires were all carrying. He had not been given a pack. The band was supposed to be catered to by the squires.
“Eat this,” Rain handed him a small pot of what looked to be meat paste stuffed into a bread roll. “Pemmican,” Rain explained. “I made it this morning, and wrapped it in some of Ryo's bread mix, just meat, nuts and berries. It is a healthy snack of my people.”
“Your people?” Bill tasted the mush surprised that it was not horrid.
“The Cheyenne,” Rain nodded his smile making Bill forget his earlier upset. He had to try to understand, while this was just an absurd camping trip for him it was much more to Rain and Bikky.
“It's good,” Bill offered some to Tom. His brother eyed him a moment before he took it with smirk. “Thank you.” Rain nodded chewing his own piece and handing the pack around. The last of it was finished by the group then the descent began again.
Break
“Shh, shh,” Lord D patted Kurayami. “Papa will return soon.” Kurayami took several deep breaths, fooling Lord D into thinking that he was done. A few more whimpers and he wailed loud and long. His little face was red and scrunched up in abject misery as he screamed. Tiny fists flailed as the boy huffed and screamed again.
“Okay, okay,” Torcha picked up the baby. “Shh, sugar snap,” Torcha placed a kiss on the crinkled brow. She bounced the baby in her arms. “You're alright.” Kurayami continued to scream. After a moment Torcha was blinded by folds of sweet smelling silk. Aoi dropped the cloth she had been clutching over her younger brother.
“Help, stop crying,” Aoi said as the baby settled into whimpers then sniffles his eyes closed as if going to sleep. “Papa smell.”
“Papa smell?” Torcha looked at the delicate flowers decorating the silk. “Is this your papa's cheongsam?” Aoi nodded with a grin. Torcha wrapped Kurayami in the cheongsam and lay him in his bed with a deep sigh of relief.
Break
Rain peered through the mist shrouding the mountain. “Land!” He called up the rope glad that Bikky had not made too much fuss about him going down first this time. Before he had several human squires followed by himself and Bill. “Not more than thirty, thirty-five feet...”
“We made good time,” Orlan huffed. “Plenty to set up camp and get dinner going.”
“Yeah,” Gustav sighed then gasped as his foot slipped on a patch of ice. Talia gasped as her belt, attached to his, lurched sending her into Orlan, knocking into Georg. Talia screamed when the rope jerked. She yanked hard to steady herself bracing her feet against the mountain face.
Bill tried to hold on but the rope shook too much and he lost his grip. When he tore free of the rope, he yanked Rain down the rope by several inches. “BILL!!!” Tom let go of the rope causing Bikky to slide down as he caught his brother. Tom fought back tears as Bill openly sobbed.
“-D... Don't let go,-”Bill begged clutching his brother with his numb fingers. Bill began to slip through Toms fingers leaving only the end of his cloak in his brother's hand. One hand, he couldn't do it. He couldn't pull Bill up with one hand. Tom could hear his heart pounding in his head louder than the roar of Bill's sobs amplified by the slick rock around them. Tom's finger began to loosen on the rope, with the double weight, he knew the belt would snap, or at least he hoped it would. If he could not pull his brother up, he would go down with him.
“No!” Bikky shouted as Tom prepared to let go. “Just hold on, we'll get it.” Bikky scurried down the rope climbing over the other squires doing their best to keep the rest of the team secure to the mountain. Sweat poured from the group making Bill's fear that he would slip from his brother's hands escalate. Rain held tight his finger's losing all color as he held on glad that he was tied to Bill for the added security that would keep the boy from falling to his death. Bikky reached down holding the rope with one hand he grabbed Tom's wrist and pulled. “Just hold on, I'll pull you til he can reach the rope again.” Bikky yanked on Tom's arm.
Bill yelled out in fear as the world spun in crazy circles around him. He brought his hands up to try to grab the swaying rope and scrapped away the material on his gloves leaving his palms and knuckles bloody. Bill took a deep breath. He could do this, he could. He would not die like this, not in a strange land. Not like this. Not in the beginning of the journey. It could not end like this. With a renewed sense of determination, Bill reached for and caught the rope. His shoulder snagged on a jagged outcrop where his cloak had been shaken free leaving a crimson stain on the mountain face. Bill cried out in pain but held tight to the rope Tom sighed holding the rope and his brother. “-I've got you.-” Tom felt tears slip down his face. “-I've got you.-”
“-Yeah,- Bill wept holding the rope.
“See,” Orlan called down when the rope was steady again. “Who says you can't survive falling off a mountain?”
“Shut up Orli,” Talia complained. “Let's just keep moving before his blood attracts predators.” Braced against the mountain, Rain pulled a thick cloth to bind Bill's hands. Orlan, being the largest, tied the tall young man to his back. “Keep your arms around his neck if you can, try to hold on.” Bill nodded holding on as best as he could to Orlan. The group was somber, but careful as they scurried down the rest of the way.
Break
Mihnea looked up from watching the small hands of Serina as she played with a blade. “I smell blood.” He announced to the few gathered around the fire that glowed in the late afternoon light at the bottom of the mountain. “It's sweet.” Mihnea licked his lips. Serina replaced the blade with a movement unseen by the human eye. In her hand was a crimson brooch attached to a velvet choker. “Now where did you get that?” Mihnea asked pulling her into his lap.
“I borrowed it,” Serina held her hair back to try the roses on close to her skin. “I do love red roses.”
“And who did you borrow it from?” Mihnea asked licking her exposed neck. He saw an agitated patch of mist floating about. “Let me guess, the human one, Tom, is in danger?” Mihnea laughed softly. “Come on out Heaven, I know you're there. We're practically cousins you and I.”
“Cousins?” Heaven solidified near him.
“Well our father's are great friends.” Mihnea laughed a bit more. “You can't help him you know. It would invalidate the trial.” Heaven looked up at the mountain and licked a drop of blood that fell onto her face. It tasted sweet. Another drop, and Mihnea trailed his finger over her cheek licking it. “He tastes good, the youngest, this is.” Mihnea looked up again. “Yes, so sweet.” Mihnea looked down when something large and furry collided with his legs. “You can't help either,” He said to Slyphe who had arrived with Cujo a few minutes after the boys had started their climb. “They will be down soon.” Mihnea assured the large feline. “Sooner now that they are carrying the light one. He is tall, but he really does not have enough on him to anchor to the mountain in a strong wind, or as it seems, if the rope shakes, he'll tumble right off.” Mihnea chuckled a bit then settled back. He pulled a container of blood from his pocket and drank with a grimace. He preferred fresh, but his punishment for attacking Rain was to go on this trip and drink donated blood.
Break
Ryan saw Rain's feet touch the ground below and sighed with relief. After Orlan had begun to carry Bill down, Rain had been secured to another squire. Orlan dropped down after Rain then held the rope so that the rest of the their band could dismount amidst jutting rocks and thick grown trees. Tom hurried to Orlan's side releasing Bill. “Let me see your hands,” Tom yanked Bill's hands over to see the blood soaking the makeshift bandages. “And your shoulder.” Tom looked him over. “-Crap-” He swore pulling a tie and securing his brother's hair to keep it off his shoulder.
“May I be of assistance?” Tom looked over at Mihnea.
“Help him,” Tom held the bleeding hands over. Mihnea smiled then lowered his head.
“Ah...” Bill tried to yank his left hand away from the tongue lapping up his blood. “Nein!” Mihnea held him firm he pushed Tom back when he tried to free Bill.
“Mihnea,” Bikky yelled. “Let him go. Now!”
“I am not drawing from him with biting,” Mihnea looked up his lips stained red with Bill's blood. “He tastes so good, I am just helping until medical assistance becomes available.”
“Let him go,” Rain tugged on Mihnea's arms trying to free Bill from his grasp when he went back to licking Bill. Bill hit Mihnea's head with his other hand leaving stains of blood on the raven hair and along his face. Tom kicked and punched the monstrous leech attached to his brother. Gustav and Georg released their belts hurrying over to help while the rest of the squires mobilized into action.
Tom pulled a tent wedge free holding it point up to Mihnea's neck. “ Get away from my brother,” Tom ground the words out as Count D came rushing to the base of the mountain with Talia. She had ran all the way to the camp to get him. Finding him locked in his tent with Leon, she had been afraid to knock, but knew that Bill needed help. “Get away, or I will stake you.” Tom pressed the wood in. “I thought your father said you wouldn't betray him.”
“I didn't hurt the boy,” Mihnea looked up his face stained with Bill's blood, green eyes ablaze, his teeth flashed. “I simply tried to clean him up until the bleeding stopped. Who can fault me for that?”
“I can,” Count D took Bill's hand. “Your saliva has a natural anti-coagulant.” Count D shoved Mihnea knocking the vampire back. Bikky smiled to see the ancient beast nearly knocked from his feet by the smaller Kami. Count D pressed his fingers against the deep gashes. Tom frowned when Bill winced crying out in pain. “Calm down,” Count D closed his eyes. “I may not have my father's touch, but I can do this.” Bill waited for the stinging situation to abate while his senses were flooded by the warm sweet smell of spring even though snow and mountains surrounded them. “There,” Count D removed his hand and Bill stared in amazement at his fully healed hand. Left behind was a bit of redness, but the pain was gone. He only winced a little when Count D worked on his knuckles and his other hand.
“His shoulder,” Tom pointed moving the cloak aside. Bill shivered as the icy wind blew over his skin. Mihnea, from his position leaning against the mountainside, licked his lips at the deep, crimson color covering the pale, slender shoulder.
“Just a bit,” Mihnea reached out a hand but met with Tom, Bikky and Rain.
“I like your father,” Bikky ignited his hands. “Don't make me send you to him in a match-box.” Bikky's words were accompanied by the sound of metal clearing leather. Mihnea smiled at the squires armed and ready to take him on.
“Full blooded knights can't even scratch me,” Mihnea backed away his smirk irritating Bikky. “But it is cute that you would try.” Mihnea turned around but paused when he felt something thud against his back. He turned to see Tom holding another rock.
“I will do more than scratch.” Tom vowed. “Orlan said that he is here as a punishment. For who? For us?”
“No, for him,” Rain answered stroking his neck that no longer bore the bite marks of the vampires making. “Vlad thinks that denying him fresh blood will teach him not to bite those under his protection.”
“Well,” Count D said covering the shoulder with the cloak after he healed the skin. “He did not bite him.” Count D cleaned his hands in a pail of warm water that Bikky held out to him. Talia blushed when he looked her way. Count D laughed softly and shook his head. “Come on, you still have to get your camp ready and prepare a meal. Your charges must be tired and hungry.” Gustav nodded rubbing his stomach. He knew the squires were as tired and hungry as they were.
The group turned to head a bit further into the trees keeping the mountain to their backs. Bill leaned over to Rain. “He licked me.” Bill shivered. “Is there any way I can have a bath?” Rain looked at Bikky, then at Bill before he laughed. Further back, Mihnea held up his hand stained still with the sweetness of Bill. He licked his fingers a smile spreading over his face.
“You guys sit down,” Milian indicated a felled tree. “We'll make camp.”
“Sooner you get camp set up,” Georg stretched feeling more exhilarated by the climb than tired. “The sooner we can all eat dinner.”
“Yeah,” Gustav nodded stealing a glance at Bill and Tom. Bill got to his feet at the mention of helping. “I'm more hungry than anything, but the diva needs a bath if one can be arranged.” Laughing Gustav ignored the finger Bill aimed at him.
“Alright then,” Bikky stood and hefted an ax. “Who wants to come with me to get wood?” Georg held up a hand. “Alright.” Bikky made as if to walk off. He cast a slow look over his shoulder at Rain.
“Bill. Talia.” Rain called them over after meeting Bikky's gaze and nodding. “Want to help set up the tents?” Bill nodded donning another pair of gloves that he retrieved from a pocket. They really had been given everything that they would need.
“Then we,” Orlan and Talia spoke up. “Will clear away the snow into...”
“We will carve those boulders,” Two human squires offered. Their towns were known to carry on the tradition of Fire Star in honor of the great creatures. Working with stone was not unlike working with marble. “We can make a a fire pit, and...” She turned to Bill. “ We can make a bathtub.”
“Heat a lot of water,” Bill nodded stepping aside as Slyphe saw her boy. The large cat leaped into Rain's arms staggering him. Cujo wandered off after Bikky sniffing the ground.
“What can I do?” Ryan asked watching them all scurrying about setting up tents, carving stones.
“You can come with me,” Orlan offered as he held up a sack. “We have enough food in our packs to last the journey if we are smart enough to supplement.”
Milian nodded with much enthusiasm. “My brother Faldor, he is mount to High Prince Daphnus, he told me of a squire trial that had to be canceled because they ran out of food on the third leg of the journey. Only one made it to be squired in that bunch simply because he survived.” Milian nodded his eyes wide as he recounted the gruesome tale his brother had told him. Corvin, an Arcadian human trembled as he too had heard the tale.
“They...” Bill pointed to Jhaymes who sat with a guitar playing a soft melody for George in front of their campfire. “They really can't help you?”
“They can talk to us, interact, but for surviving this... only in the presence of imminent death, are they allowed to interfere.” Rain recited the knowledge that he had been studying. “But if things get that out of hand, you fail.”
“If that's the case... then why did so many die in that trial that Milian was talking about?” Bill asked holding the heavy metal poles that had been attached to the packs the Squires had carried.
“Oh, did I forget to mention that you have to ask for it?” Rain shook his head. “Asking for a cessation of the trial is forsaking your rights to become a squire, you'll never be a knight.”
“Rather to die than give up.” Bill sighed thinking of the abject loyalty to the cause branded on each heart of the people around him. Even in winter, the land sang of life and vitality. He had to know more, to see more. He wanted to know spring in this place and summer. He had to see it. He could never think of living here permanently. Jhaymes had been right. No matter where he went, Germany would always be his home. But this place, Bill looked around at the snow covered land, had so much to see and he wanted to see it all. After the snow had been cleared away, Rain helped to spread out several tarps. Just as the base of the tent was set the first large stone cauldron was completed and the clean snow was placed inside. “We will worry about a bath tub later,” Bill smiled when he saw the tired expression on the artisans faces as they looked for a large enough boulder to carve. “Let's just eat and get to bed.” Smiling they nodded their heads with a bright smile for the lean human.
Break
“You know,” Heaven looked up not at all startled by Mihnea as he appeared at her side. “It would not break any rules if you said hello to the human.” Mihnea watched as they were all gathered around their bonfire sitting on logs and heavy stones wrapped in blankets. They each held their plates in the hands, the fingers of the gloves pulled back so that they could eat.
“Human involvement is beyond my abilities,” Heaven leaned her head on the tree sighing. “I will just watch.”
“You are human,” Mihnea whispered in her ear.
“No, I am so much less than human,” Heaven sniffled. She stuffed her hand in her mouth to keep the tears at bay. She did not wish to be discovered here.
“No, fair lady,” Mihnea wiped her tears and held them up in the moonlight before licking his fingers clean. “You are so much more than what you think you are. He thinks you are beautiful, look through his eyes and see what you are.”
A shadow shifted and Serina stood beside Mihnea. “He is right.” Serina pulled a blade from a pocket and began to twirl it in her hands. “Standing here in the cold bothers you. For him, not so much.” Serina placed a warm hand on Heaven's equally warm cheek. “You mustn't fear love.”
“I...” Heaven looked at Tom. The human stared off into the surrounding darkness seeming to see her even as she hid from his sight. “Love fears me.” Heaven vanished completely hiding in a tall tree. She would watch, Heaven told herself. Yes, she would watch. “Love fears me,” She uttered watching the exhausted young men and women. “As it should.”
Break
Dae smiled as he saw the two chained to his bed huddled against the headboard. For over a week now he had denied them covering. “Madam,” Dae's smile widened as the head of the crime syndicate cringed. Fresh tears falling down his face. “I do so love those breasts of yours. Tell me again,” Dae paused as the young man heaved when he ran his hands down his back. “How much did you pay for this addition?” Dae looked at the deep, dark eyes that bored into his own the pure revulsion unmistakable. “Tell you what,” Dae leaned in to tug Hamanosuke's hair until he had both of their attention. “The Arcadian's have acquired a new pretty. I want it. I want their shiniest toys to be mine, all mine. If each of you can bring me a shiny, I will set you free.”
“Free...” Madam Scorpion gasped his moment of relaxation enough for Dae to cup a firm breast in his hand and squeeze. “Ow...” Madam Scorpion cried out despite his vow not to give Dae the reaction he sought.
“Yes, free,” Dae sat back on his heels with his chin in his hands. He had thought to bind Madam Scorpion's soul, had tried, but the human had a strong will no matter the torture he put him through. He endured it all without swearing his loyalty. Not even to make it stop. So this was his answer. Hamanosuke might come back, but for daring to touch their toys, he knew, the Arcadians would kill him. They would not even check first to see if he was bonded. “I will give three choices, but you each have to bring me one.” Dae smiled as he thought of his plan to enter the kingdom. He knew that they were holding their squire trials. They would not let their precious young ones out. This was not the usual squires going out for combat training. They had the royalty going. Surely the princes and even the kings would be too busy watching over them. Yes, he could send his pets out to annoy them and take the palace. This time, he would have a larger force, this time he would succeed. This time he would take the sovereign born to the Kami's. Yes, this time.
“Who?” Hamanosuke asked growing anxious for his chance to be free of the sexually sadistic demon. He looked down at the deep knife wounds on his inner thighs that were slowly healing. “Who do we have to try to bring to you?”
“George, you know the one, married to that knight Florian almost killed,” Dae smiled at the memory of Florian's tale of his battle with the phoenix. “Rain Cloud... and,” Dae licked his lips as he held up a Poster of a rock band. He pointed his finger over the delicious face staring at the camera. “Bill Kaulitz.”
Break
Sitting on a rock by the fireside with his cup of hot tea, Bill shivered. “You should go to bed, the tents should be warmed now,” Tom said wrapping his brother tighter in his cloak. He knew that they were allowed three nights together, but the king had seemed to not want them together at all. “You'll room with Bikky tonight. I'm in with Rain.” Tom said watching as the young man entered the tent they were to share for the night. “Try to get some rest.” Bill nodded getting to his feet. Tom stood as well. Feeling eyes on him, he looked around in the woods, then in the trees. He could not tell, but it seemed as if a pile of snow on a branch moved, the shadows obscured his sight.
In the tree, Heaven held her breath when it seemed as if Tom was looking for her. She waited until he shrugged and walked his brother to Bikky's tent. Tom pulled his gloves off as he bent to unzip the tent. Opening the flap he saw Rain pulling a shirt off to replace it with his pajamas. “GET OUT!” Rain yelled dropping down his heart pounding in his chest. “Get out!”
“We're sharing a tent,” Tom said stepping inside.
“I'm changing, get out,” Rain reiterated. Rain pulled his blanket around himself. This was impossible. How was he supposed to change with him in here?
“It's cold out there,” Tom complained. “We're both guys, so just get on with it.” Tom reached hung up his cloak on the peg on the side of the tent. He began to undress himself.
“Do not take your clothes off, get out!” Rain backed against the wall his entire body shaking and his eyes wide.
“Dude why are you freaking out?” Tom reached for him trying to calm him down. “Just put on your night clothes and go to bed.”
“Don't touch me,” Rain pushed away when Tom captured his wrist.
“Just calm down,” Tom said when Rain began to breath heavily.
“Let me go,” Rain pushed Tom away. “Don't touch me.” Slyphe dashed into the tent hissing at Tom her long incisors ready to sever his jugular at one more step towards her boy.
“Calm down,” Tom said backing away from the deranged cat and the terrified boy. “What's wrong with you?”
“Get out,” Rain ground the words out realizing that his blanket had shifted baring his chest to Tom. He crouched lower keeping Slyphe between him and Tom. “Just get out.”
“No, it's cold, we're in here til sunrise.” Tom shook his head. “Keep that cat on a leash, I'm going to bed. Now get some sleep.”
“GET OUT!!!” Rain yelled.
Bikky looked up from rummaging through his pack when he heard his brother yelling. He dashed out into the snow without his shoes on and tried to open the tent. His hands stung and he was knocked back by an unseen force.
“Go back to your tent and you won't get a mark against you,” Jhaymes informed him having heard the commotion in the tent. “Once the tent mates have been decided, they stay.” Bikky stared hard at Jhaymes. Cujo tugged on Bikky's sleeve. Bikky got to his feet and brushed the snow from his bottom. Nodding he looked once more at the tent. He could see Rain's shadow pressed against the side of the tent. For a long time, he stood, then walked back into his tent.
“Is Tom alright?” Bill asked when Bikky stomped inside. “Your brother's fine, it's mine we have to worry about.”
“Your brother,” Bill thought back to all he knew of Rain. “He is odd.”
“No, he's not,” Bikky finished undressing then put his pajamas on. “Go to sleep.”
“Where is my sleep sack?” Bill looked at the pile of blankets on the floor.
“Your what?” Bikky backed away. “I don't know what you sleep with, or who but we are not having...”
“Then what do we get in to sleep?” Bill asked looking again at the pile.
“Sack...” Bikky sighed in relief. “Sleep sack, a sleeping bag. I thought you said sex.”
“I don't want sex with you,” Bill frowned. “Maybe I am not safe in here with you after all.” Bill moved away from Bikky.
“Sleeping bags are still rolled up in the pack,” Bikky laughed shaking his head. “Sleeping sacks...” Bikky as laughing as he opened the flap. He saw the shadows inside of the other tent. Rain still pressed against the side wall.
“Look,” Tom said after a while. “You can stay in your little corner if you like.” Tom walked over to his mat. “I'm going to bed,” Rain heard the soft rustling of cloth. Was he really undressing? What was his problem anyway? It was not like he was unable to defend himself. And Tom liked girls, he was after Heaven. That's right. And even so, Rain dared to peek at Tom. The rocker was already uncurling his sleeping bag.
“Sorry,” Rain muttered. “Old habit,” Rain did not make eye contact as he pulled his large sweatshirt over his head. Rain's movements were controlled as he uncurled his sleeping bag and crawled inside. Rain turned his back to Tom wishing he had decided to spend his first night with Bikky. But that was a crutch, even he admitted. This night would come soon. He would have to spend his nights in the tent with someone else. It may as well be now. All he had to do was go to sleep.
“Rain...” Tom said from inside of his sleeping bag. “You've been hurt before.” Tom recalled the utter terror he had seen in Rain's expression. “By a man.”
Rain thought a long time about his next words. He was sixteen now. Taller, stronger and more able to protect himself. Fear of his past would only give it strength to hurt him. After the way he had yelled at Tom, he felt awful. I was mostly his fault anyway that Tom and his band mates were here, wasn't it? Although some of the things Zarro said made him think otherwise, he was the one who invitd them to the house for dinner. He was the one Bill had followed into George's room where they saw the demon smoke killing Jhaymes. Rain took a deep breath. “When I was thirteen,” Rain began, his words soft and slow. “My mother's fiancé went crazy. He killed three men, then came to our home. He...” Rain paused and Tom thought that no more would be said. Tom began to doze off when Rain continued. “He came to our house and began to force me... he... He raped me.” Tom gasped choked by the pain he could hear in Rain's voice. “When my mother came home, she tried to stop him. He got off of me and beat her to death. I was missing for three days.” Tom sat up in the bed to stare at Rain's huddled form underneath the blanket looking so small in the dim light. “For three days he just wouldn't stop.” Rain paused again. “When Ryo and Dee found me, I could not walk.”
“I'm so sorry.” Tom's heart vibrated in his chest with the sympathetic emotions generated by the amount of pain he could sense in Rain's tone. “You're so brave to speak of it now.”
“He always used to joke around with me,” Rain's fist clenched under he blankets and sleeping bag. “He would ask if I was sure I was a boy. Laughing because I was so skinny and short... And pretty.” Rain fought the tears that filled his eyes. “Sometimes when he would stare at me I felt creeped out, but he made my mom happy so I did not say anything, then it happened. He hurt me, he would not stop hurting me.” Rain grew quiet. “Now I can not abide men looking at me. I don't want to be touched.”
“-Scheiße-” Tom whispered the word, but Rain cringed as if it had been shouted. “I can not fault you. You were just a child.”
“I am not that same child,” Rain's vehemence echoed in the night. “Sorry I yelled at you.”
“Don't worry about it,” Tom yawned. “You wear big clothes so no one can look at you. I would probably do the same if someone could count all of my ribs...” Tom laughed lightening the mood in the tent. “Bill has the same problem.”
“Not a problem,” Rain huffed with a chuckle. “I hear ribs are sexy.”
“Sexy, sexy,” Tom yawned again. “Now go to sleep.” Tom looked over when Rain did not answer and saw that Rain was already asleep. Slyphe's eyes watched him her large paws on top of Rain making Tom wonder how the smaller young man could breathe. With all in his mind thinking over what Rain had admitted. Rain was not a big young man, he must have been tiny at thirteen. What kind of monster could hurt him? Tom did not want to know. The enemies of the Arcadians must be pure monsters. They had to be. It was a long time before sleep came to Tom that night.
Break
Dee walked along the beach to find Ryo asleep on a blanket. Laying beside him was a book that had fallen from slack fingers. With his honey colored hair splayed about the blanket and the sun peeking through the large umbrella covering him, Dee had never seen a more beautiful sight. Ryo's shorts bunched at the knees his t-shirt raised to show his taut stomach. So much pale skin. Dee dropped to his knees and pressed a kiss right over his belly button Ryo stirred. He stretched, his magnificent dark eyes mesmerizing Dee as they slowly focused on the world around him. “Did I fall asleep?”
“You did,” Dee smiled at Ryo then trailed his finger over the tip of Ryo's nose. Ryo smiled turning his face into the hand. Ryo placed a small kiss on Dee's palm while his hand trailed soft circles on Dee's thighs. “Ummm,” Dee leaned down to kiss Ryo. “I have to take you to paradise more often.” Ryo laughed when Dee climbed on top of him.
Break
“I'm up,” Bikky grumbled when Cujo tugged his braided hair. Bikky sat up in his sleeping bag. He reached over to tap Bill. “Come one,” He said when the young man pushed him away. “Get up.”
“Leave me alone,” Bill rolled over.
“Get up...” Bikky tried again. “If you want breakfast before we leave.” Bill groaned and Bikky sighed before he heated his hands and touched Bill's feet on the outside of the sleeping bag. The added warmth at first felt good, then became too hot as if his feet were on fire. Bill jumped throwing the first thing he could grab at Bikky. Bikky dodged the thermos surprised that Bill's aim was so good. “Oh, nice, you're up.” Bikky nodded when Bill frowned at him. “Let's go.” Bikky ignored the finger Bill aimed at him as he pulled on his boots. The boys washed their faces, brushed their teeth and bundled into their warm clothes. “Come on,” Bikky urged Bill out. “I'm hungry and we still have to repack the tent and supplies.”
“Yeah,” Bill rubbed his eyes again then left the tent. He paused a moment to shiver at the icy blast of air that greeted him along with the crunch of snow at his feet. He saw Tom leaving his and Rain's tent. Rain was standing by the fire with his hands outstretched towards the heat while Kenneth stirred a large pot of mixed grains. “What is that?” Bill asked looking into the lump of gray bubbling in the pot.
“Gluide,” Kenneth answered showing Bill a wrapped parcel that looked like a tan colored brick. “It is a plant that grows here on Arcadia. It is similar you can pack it down to these bars and carry it with you. When you add water it turns like this. Kind of tastes like oatmeal. As long as we have this, we won't starve.” Bill nodded hoping that he could use some of the honey in his.
Tom walked over to his brother he waved to his band members as he looked to make sure that Bill was alright. “Tom?” Bill questioned when his twin did nothing but stare at him. Height wise he was larger than Rain, but Bill was not that much bigger than Rain. He could well understand Bikky's protection of Rain, given the circumstances. He could not imagine what he would do if someone hurt Bill that way. Tom said nothing, he shook his head then pulled Bill into a tight embrace. Bill gasped when Tom held him. “Tom?”
“Guys?” Georg asked when Tom pulled away. “They are talking about what way to go.” Tom nodded looking to where Bikky had pulled out a map. They all walked over. Kenneth handed out a bowl of the gluide sweetened with diluted maisia juice. Bill tasted it shocked that the berry had not made it intolerable.
“If you add one drop of juice and two gallons of water it is okay to mix it in cooked food.” Talia explained showing Bill the dried berries. “Heating it also helps.” Bill nodded. “We're here,” Talia pointed to the map.
Milian gazed at the map ignoring the knights as they broke camp and ate a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs. “If we walk all day should pop out at the hardwood junction on the east side of Ethio village.”
“North from there,” Rain said after he swallowed some of his breakfast. “We can make it to the Ilum woods.”
“No rules this time saying we have to be humanoid,” Orlan shifted into his true shape. Another squire shifted into his natural equine shape. “Who wants a ride?”
“Bill does,” Georg teased.
“I'll walk,” Bill stomped away.
“Then let's go,” Bikky went to pack away their supplies. “It's going to be a long trip.”
To Be Continued
Author's notes: I'm saving the lemon for the next chapter, in case you wondered about Leon and D in their tent and Ryo and Dee on their vacation. Not to mention Jhaymes has to make George all sweet again. As for the group Tokio Hotel, I can not stress enough how much I do not own them, their image or any of their songs.
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Honey Glayzed