The Flame And The Dragon Chapter 24

The Flame and the Dragon Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The Awakening

Cole woke up groggily, unsure if he had even slept at all. The previous night had been rougher than he thought. He froze when he felt an abrupt shift from the body next to him. The brush of bare skin made him groan until he shifted his position to get a good look at the condition of his sleeping partner. Kai was still unconscious, but his eyes weren't shut as tightly. His breathing wasn't as raspy and heavy as it had been the previous night. A small smile graced his lips in between breathing, but the flush of fever still danced across his face.

Carefully, Cole leaned over and pressed his lips to Kai's forehead while the back of his claws ran down the boy's chest and stomach.

He frowned slightly at the warmth of his forehead but smiled when the frosty touch of the boy's skin had faded back to its core temperature. Cole expelled a breath of relief and fished around for a robe or something to quickly throw on. He refused to embarrass his staff when Neuro or someone else returned to check on Kai's health. He found a large, black robe with two slits in the back sitting on the dresser with a note from Harumi. He donned it, making a mental note to thank the seamstress later, and lied down on the bed pulling Kai's shivering form closer to him.

He didn't have long to wait before Neuro and a satyr named Bolobo arrived.

Without a word, Cole let his precious flame go and let them work.

"His core temperature is back up, but it's too early to relax just yet," Bolobo explained feeling Kai's forehead, his chest, and torso and moving outwards his arms and legs. "My prime concern is that fever." He added as her hard brown eyes fell on the heavy red staining Kai's face when he rolled the boy onto his back.

"Is there anything you can give him?" Cole asked the satyr, crossing his arms tightly, his wings twitched with nervous impatience. Neuro looked from Kai to his basket and bit his lip.

"It's too dangerous to give him something while he's unconscious, but I might be able to make something external to reduce the fever." He replied as he dug through his basket and pulled out a corked bottle of pale pinkish-yellow fluid. He carefully uncorked the bottle, filling the room with a thick, woody odor. He set the basket on the floor, poured a few drops on his palm and fingers. He pulled the blankets down with his free hand flinching when Kai started to shiver again and gently rubbed the oil over Kai's chest in smooth circles.

The teen started to inhale deeply then started to calm down.

Neuro repeated the process once more when Kai's skin absorbed the oil, then wiped his hand on a washcloth and recorked the bottle.

"Any more is too risky," He answered before Cole could ask. "Bolobo and Shade will brew up a tonic for when he wakes up, but for now I think it's best to keep him warm and keep getting his body temperature up, he still has the chill in him."

"How long?" Cole asked with grave eyes. Bolobo and Neuro exchanged soulful glances then sighed.

"I'd give him another day or two, but if the hypothermia isn't out of him by then, then there isn't much else we can do," Bolobo replied. Cole nodded and bowed his head back to his slumbering captive. The two left without another word, leaving the two men alone. Kai's breathing was still a bit heavy and his face still flushed but the chill of hypothermia made itself clear each time he shivered. Worry clouded his eyes. Kai had been fine before so why was he shivering now?

Obviousness smacked him in the head like a blunt object.

Kai had his warmth then, being away from it for so long had caused him to relapse. Cole growled and without a second thought began removing his robe. He slid back under the thick blankets and began piling them over Kai's bare arms and shoulders. His wings wrapped around the teen and he pulled Kai closer. He gently rubbed his back in hopes of soothing him. The paste Neuro had used left a sharp, pungent stench in Cole's nostrils, but the aroma seemed to calm Kai a little.

A deeper sigh left Cole when Kai's shivering started to lessen and finally stop.

He smiled graciously when he felt Kai snuggle deeper into his warmth and felt him smile against his skin. He placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Still too warm, but at least his body wasn't as cold. Shifting closer to the body, he gently stroked Kai's cheek taking in the sweet smile and the faint rosy color in his cheeks. His claws tenderly brushed over the soft, warm lips and traced the sloping curves of Kai's cheekbone. He jumped suddenly when he felt Kai burrow deeper into his warmth.

He couldn't help but chuckle.

Kai was the last person he would expect to be a cuddly person, but Cole wasn't one to complain. He gently brushed the spikey brown hair with his claws, smiling as the silk strands wove around his claws. His tail carefully moved under the blankets and coiled over Kai's hip and side like a snake. Anything to draw life back into Kai's body. For the first time in his life, he was grateful for this dragon body. The cursed form he had always hated was now the prime thing keeping Kai alive.

Even now he could feel his body heating up to combat the cold it felt when Kai pressed against it, and he held him tighter to force the warmth back to its source.

Never before did Cole not feel like a monster. Despite his staff's encouragement and Kai all but forcing him to see the truth, a small sliver of doubt kept a leech-like grip on his heart. The reminder that no matter how much Kai cared for him, Cole could never have such a precious gem in his arms as his own. The fact that he was, physically, still a monster was more than enough to shatter the fragile hope he had been building. Never did he consider himself more than what he was.

A man imprisoned in the form of a dragon.

Neither one nor the other but something dismal in between. He never dared to see the beauty of his form. He never thought to experience the gift of flying blessed upon a winged creature. Or realize the effortlessness it took to save another's life or the possibility that his form could do more than hurt, let alone give life. Yet somehow, Kai did. He never looked at Cole with fear or disgust. It was strange, to say the least. Even stranger to daring to hope that the emotions stirring within him were more than simple care.

That maybe, just maybe, the walls be built around himself had faded without his knowledge and that he had begun to do the one thing he knew was impossible, fall in love.

How or why or even when it happened no longer mattered. Cole had found the one person in the world who could understand him. He was sure of that now. However, the danger still remained. Even now, in Cole's arms, Kai was far from safe. Even if his flame woke up, did he admit his feelings? What if these emotions were simply concern or gratification? Would they vanish once Kai regained his health? No, he couldn't take such a risk. Not unless he was positive of himself as well as his heart.

Kai deserved that, at least.

That way, even if Kai didn't feel the same, Cole could die knowing he had found the one thing he desired most. Again, he kissed Kai's forehead and settled back into the comforting embrace of his presence, memorizing as much of the peaceful moment as he could, and believing, for once, that it would last...

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

Kai hummed as he dreamed of his sanctuary. He found himself lying in a field of sparkling roses, glowing like jewels against the thick, lush, comfy grass. Above him, he could make out the castle. It shimmered against the clear sky as the stained glass windows sparkled like jewels. In the field, he could see Jay chasing Echo across the field with Nelson not too far behind, under the watchful eye of Zane. Ronin and Tox leaned against Bolobo under the shade of a tree.

Shade and Neuro sat on a picnic blanket making daisy chains.

On another blanket, Harumi laid with her head on her wife's lap while Ultra Violet twirled her bangs around her fingers, and Griffin laughed. Kai watched from the hillside, where he lied back against the roses. Except that he wasn't alone this time. Kai wove his fingers with his dream lover's claws, feeling a cool tingle running through them. For a moment they just lied there among the roses, their hands intertwined. Their heads turned and bright amber eyes met brilliant green.

Kai didn't need to see to know who his savior was.

His dream lover. His Dragon Lord. How could he have missed it before? It all made such perfect sense in retrospect. But none of that mattered. All that mattered was what was happening now.

"Come to me, my Flame..." He purred and Kai's eyes widened when his lover began to sing the words of his mother's lullaby in a deep soothing chime. Kai had almost forgotten about it. Even though he had sung the words himself for Lloyd and sometimes Nya when she got too stressed, they sounded so familiar, yet so different. Kai rolled onto his side met his lover's warm eyes with a smile and answered.

"I'm already here, exactly where I want to be." He smiled as he leaned closer so he and his Dragon Lord were only a few inches apart. He hummed when the Dragon Lord began stroking his hair. His eyes fluttered closed, soothed by the tender touch and the crystal chimes in the air. Words filled his mind as the music hummed in his ears.

"Come to me, my Flame..." The dragon repeated. Kai chuckled to himself and leaned a bit closer into his lover's embrace so his head was resting on his folded hands. He heard a low rush of wind then felt cool shade wrap over him.

"I told you, I'm already here." He sighed and his Dragon Lord chuckled, lightly.

"That wasn't what I meant." He spoke in a rich voice with a sultry rasp. Then he began to sing again. Kai could hear him move, and when he opened his eyes, he found his Dragon Lord leaning over him. Kai blinked in surprise and couldn't help but flush at the fact he was sprawled out beneath the Dragon Lord, but his savior just gave him a small smile and whispered.

"Will you be my key, Kai? Will you set me free?" he asked softly. At first, he couldn't answer. The concept sounded foreign but familiar all at once. When he did remember he mentally slapped himself for forgetting. The key to breaking the Dragon Lord's curse. The key to freeing his lover and all the people been nothing but kind to him. Kai smiled at the prince, no doubt or hesitation cloud his voice.

"Yes, Cole, I want to be your key." He promised as he leaned up to meet his lover's lips. Outside his dream world, Kai smiled in his sleep. But his lover didn't kiss him back. Instead, he turned his head, as if startled by a strange noise. Kai blinked and looked at his companion bewildered, even more so when his companion stood up hastily. His eyes focused on something foreign in the distance. Before Kai could ask what was wrong his savior broke into a run.

"Wait! Come back!" Kai called and chased after him, determined not to lose him. The hillside vanished and before he knew it he was chasing the Dragon Lord through a field covered in long grass and speckled in flowers that curled and blackened as they died. He wasn't sure how long they continued to run, but Kai refused to let the distance between them increase. Finally, his Dragon Lord leaped off the hill and vanished behind it. Kai could see his wings and head peeking over the greenery.

The Dragon Lord had stopped in a small clearing, his back still towards Kai, but his wings had fallen limp behind him.

Kai felt a surge of relief when he made it to the hillside and made to call to Cole, but the words were quickly replaced by a scream. At the base of the small hill lied the corpses of all the members of the castle. Red splotched their bodies and their glassy eyes were all frozen open. Thorny rose vines with withered, blackened blooms contorted around their spread arms and bodies. The corpses of roses and vines littered the area like thorny green skeletons speckled with blood shining like scattered rubies against the black ground.

In the center, where the ring of thorns and dead roses died was a circle of scorched earth, vacant of vegetation.

It was as if life knew better than to dare accumulate in that circle. That was where he found his Dragon Lord shaking and collapsed to his knees as if every movement hurt him. His beautiful wings, reduced to tattered strips of bleached leather, his clothes ripped to shreds and blood speckling the visible skin and scales. He turned to Kai with sad, pleading eyes, as if begging him for help. He was either forbidden to speak or didn't have the strength to.

It was then he heard a laugh like ice cracking on a frozen lake.

Kai's blood froze in his veins. He knew that laugh he followed the crackling sound to the man standing in front of his weakened lover.

"Get away from him!" Kai yelled, entering the clearing. There, he saw the same wine and amethyst-colored clothing and soulless eyes of the man who tried to kill him. Rage boiled in his blood as he suddenly recognized who he was. "You're behind all this!" Kai screamed in fury. The man said nothing. He just smiled a curled, mocking smile that set Kai's blood ablaze. His natural protective instincts and anger took over. Sparks crackled to life in his hands forming flames around his fists.

"Ah, so you've discovered your power, too bad it won't do you any good," He mocked the teenager and Kai saw red.

"I said get away from him!" He screamed throwing his hands forward, palms open and bright hot flames burst from his hands, roaring at their victim. But the man didn't flinch. His smile never faltered. Then he threw back his cape and raised a hand, sending a blast of purple fire back at Kai. The flames collided and he blocked the attack with ease. Kai's eyes bulged out of his skull and the man just laughed. When he brought his hand down again the flames and sparks retracted, forming a giant spell that bounced back towards its source.

Kai barely had time to scream before he was thrown backward with such force he skidded against the ground.

He coughed and groaned, aching from the force of his own attack.

"You can't save them!" The man's voice echoed dramatically around from everywhere. Kai shot up and turned to the closest corpse. Echo was lying only a few inches from Jay with their fingers just shy of touching. He got to his feet and crawled over to the boy's body and gently reached to touch it. He retracted his hand when Cole screamed, falling over and clawing at the ground until his wails transformed into a dragon's cry of agony. Lights clustered together above the victims spiraling into single orbs then blazed through the air all spiraling towards a single center.

Above the screaming and writhing Dragon Lord.

His limbs and back contorted. His spine cracked and the scales of his arms, legs, and back began to spread until they covered his entire form. He was no longer a man, but a dragon. Kai rushed to him, but streaming lights stopped him. The Sorcerer crackled like a madman, his laughter increased in volume as all of the lights came together in his hand. Around him Kai could see the ghost of each victim kneeling over their own corpses, weeping bitterly.

Some of them shrieked from despair, others just looked at him with dead, glassy eyes vacant of all emotion.

"I told you, boy, you can't save them," The Sorcerer chided, mockingly. When the lights died away it revealed the object in his hand. A crimson red wax candle with a bright, flickering purple flame. Kai's heart stopped in his chest when he saw it. His eyes fell on the dragon, writing on the ground. He groaned as he moved until their eyes met. The Dragon Lord's eyes were the only thing that was still human. They pleaded for him to run and save himself.

"He'll never be yours, you know." The Sorcerer said as he walked towards him. Kai took a shaky step away from him suddenly overcome by a nameless fear. The Sorcerer's smirk widened as he stepped closer, his intent naked in his eyes. Kai took another step back and stumbled over his own feet and landed on his butt but he continued to back away from the man. The Sorcerer laughed at his efforts and leaned closer so his eyes burned straight into Kai's.

"Even if you give him your mind and body and soul, he can give you his heart, he can give you his body." He smirked as he gestured with his arm to the ring of corpses, his grip on the candle dangerously tight. "But his soul and theirs belong to me!" He roared and suddenly crushed the candle in his hand...

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

Electric fear shocked his heart and mind to life and Kai shot up panting. Only when he confirmed he was back in his room, and that the contents of his subconscious experience hadn't actually happened did he calm down. He concluded that it was a dream, running a nervous hand through his damp bangs. Or was it a disturbing premonition? He prayed it was the former and not the latter. Just the thought of it coming true sent a shiver of horror through his spine.

However, when he shivered again, he realized it was from cold.

His hands immediately flew to his shoulders and began rubbing his chest, hoping to bring warmth back to his form. He felt nothing between himself and the blankets confirming his suspicions that he was naked. A jolt of alert brought his senses into focus when he felt something wrapped around his torso and a leathery texture pressed against his back and sides. He had never been modest, but the sudden lover-like embrace sent a blush of embarrassment and fear surging through him.

He couldn't remember how he had to be gotten there.

He knew he had been sick, he still felt the weakness in his limbs and his weary body was abnormally pale. Unfortunately, his last clear memory was falling through the ice when he had been skating with the others, the rest were hazy recollections. He heard a light purring next to him, reminding him that he wasn't alone in the bed. Fear of what he might have done compelled him to simply slip away, but the desire to know compelled him to accept his actions.

Slowly, unwillingly, he turned around and looked down and found himself wrapped in the arms and wings of the slumbering Dragon Lord.

Unable to contain himself any longer, a loud, mortified shriek tore itself from his lungs. The sudden scream zapped Cole to life. He tried to take a battle stance but found the bed he was in too small for his massive form and instead he stumbled and collapsed in a mass on the floor. He swore as he got up, forgetting his lack of dress. He yelped and leaped into the air when his upper back and head were attacked. He whirled around and braced himself for a fight only to discover his assailant was a pillow.

Confused, he followed the source and resisted the urge to laugh when he found Kai bunched up, back pressed against the headboard on the other side of the bed.

He clutched the remaining comforter in his fist and held it to his chest like he was trying to merge the cloth with his skin. His free hand clutched braced himself against the mattress, clutching the sheets so tightly they started to rip. His eyes were narrow in embarrassed rage, his jaw twisted to grit and his face was bright scarlet from shame.

"What the hell are you doing here!" He demanded turning redder when the comforter shifted, revealing some of his skin. He used his free hand to cover it up, still blushing glaring. "Why am I naked? Or a better question is why are you naked? And in my room? In my bed!" Kai shrieked, positive he had a permanent blush on his face by now. Cole didn't answer. He had a blank look on his face, like was he momentarily stunned.

"What?" He questioned then looked down at himself. He grimaced at his own stupidity, scooped his robe off the floor, slid his wings through the slits, and clumsily tied it closed as he walked. It did little to cover him. Kai's heart rate doubled in speed watching the near-naked dragon came closer. Questions that needed answers swam in his mind like fish trapped in a net and Cole's silence only increased his panic. Instinctively, he inched away as the Dragon Lord came closer.

Finally, he backed up too far and he fell straight off his bed and landed on his back, only adding to his humiliation.

Cole paused, waiting for him to get up. When he saw this, Kai scampered to his feet as he took the comforter with him and backed away. He cursed when his back hit the wall. He stuttered an order and pointed at his assailant.

"What are you doing?" He demanded but Cole still didn't answer. His face was still vacant of emotion except for shock. He leaned closer and gently grabbed one of Kai's arms and held him steady despite Kai's yelps and stammering protests. "W-W-Wait! Stop!" He cried as he closed his eyes tightly, and struggled in the prince's grip until he felt the gentle touch of lips against his forehead. His eyes flew open and a small blush dusted his cheeks, but for a different reason.

Before he could question the action, Cole removed his lips and replaced them with the back of his hand.

"Your fever's gone." Cole breathed, still in shock. He double-checked, taking into consideration the temperature differences between them. "You're still a bit warm, but it's definitely gone." He added as the realization suddenly brought another concern to light. "You're awake!" Cole exclaimed as he jumped for joy. Kai's eye twitched in frustration.

"Of course, I'm awake! Why wouldn't I be? Now for the last time, Cole what the hell is going on?!" He growled but once again he never got an answer. Cole suddenly grasped his shoulders and pulling him into a tight, loving embrace like Kai would disappear if Cole loosened his grip. Kai was even more confused now. Cole released him and smiled at the confused boy. "What's going on?" Kai asked again, bewilderment all over his face. Cole stared at him like he was insane.

"You... you don't remember?" He frowned, then he pinched the top of his nose. "Of course, Kai, what's the last thing you remember?" He asked but Kai struggled to remember.

"I was skating with the boys and the ice broke, I think I fell in and, then it was all a blur; I remember a shadow, a light, music, and something... a voice calling out to me, but... I don't know if that was real or if I was dreaming... what does this have to do with anything?"

"Kai, you had hypothermia, you've been asleep for three days." Cole sighed with a grave look. Kai was glad Cole was holding him since if he hadn't been Kai was sure he would have collapsed from shock. "You were unconscious and freezing; everyone was worried sick, but thankfully, my body heat managed to get your core temperature back up." He smiled weakly but one look from Kai cut him off.

"Cole, what happened?" He asked. The sharpness in the boy's eyes and the gravity in his voice demanded the truth. Cole frowned but didn't look away. His face was conflicted. As if it was torn between two decisions that both promised a negative end.

"I dove in to save you, but I thought you were trying to leave so I threw you in the dungeon." He admitted in shame and Kai's eyes widened. "But after reading your gift, I realized how stupid I was and freed you but..."

"But what?" Kai asked, but Cole was hesitant.

"Nothing." He muttered, but Kai wasn't stupid.

"Cole, you saw him, didn't you? The man with the red cloak?" He asked, but it was clearly a statement.

"How do- How do you know?" He stuttered in disbelief.

"The night I... ran away, he... well, he made it obvious what he wanted, when I escaped him he sent that beast on me, didn't he? That's why you came to save me, wasn't it? You knew it was him? He did something again, didn't he? With that monster in the lake?" He explained with a frown like he had been keeping a terrible secret and had no choice but to reveal it to prevent devastation. Cole's hands fell limp at his sides and stumbled backward until he was sitting on the mattress.

He opened his mouth to speak but no sound would come out.

The words died in his throat. Kai's expression hadn't changed. Instead, he leaned over and put a hand on Cole's knee so they were face to face.

"Cole, I need to ask you something, and I need you to tell me the truth alright?" He said as the gravity in his voice was rivaled only his. Cole nodded. He said nothing but his eyes promised Kai the world. "That night, you and I saved each other, tell me... did I kill that monster with fire magic?"

"Yes, you did," Cole answered, sensing the desperation in his plea. Kai didn't look surprised. Instead, he fell to his knees, his arms at his sides, allowing the comforter to pull around his hips. His hair shadowed his eyes, but Cole caught the smile on his face. Cole knelt down in front of him, his wings braced to comfort him, but Kai just chuckled darkly. "So it did happen, that explains it."

"Explains what?" Cole asked confused, gently tilting Kai's chin so their eyes were even. He gasped in surprise when he saw the tears glistening at the base of Kai's lashes, but his twisted smile hadn't faltered.

"Everything," He retorted but regretted it when he saw the worry on the prince's eyes. Kai pulled away from him and pulled himself back so he was leaning against the wall. Feeling cold returning, he pulled the comforter up and wrapped it around his shoulders.

"It was you, Cole, I'd been dreaming about you." He growled as his hands started shaking and he looked at the floor, unable to look Cole in the eye. "After I arrived here, they started becoming clearer and clearer; now... now, I'm convinced somehow they're real, my dreams, my magic," He muttered as he looked at his shaking hands, remembering how it felt when sparks flew between them. "Now, I'm convinced something terrible will happen, and the worst part is that I don't think I can stop it."

Cole couldn't take anymore and rushed to the teen's side.

He gently ceased Kai's shoulders and pulled him closer. He hadn't failed to notice the tears abandoning his face.

"Kai, shush, don't worry about that, they're just dreams." He soothed, stroking Kai's bangs away from his face and gently running the smooth backs of his claws over his cheek to brush away the tears. Kai shook his head and whipped his eyes with his arms, angry at himself for his lack of control, but the tears of fear and sheer helplessness refused to stop.

"They're not dreams, Cole! I was naïve to think they were!" He shouted. The volume and intensity, caused Cole to fall back from shock. Kai's fist shook in rage next to him and his wild eyes were bright with unrivaled certainty. "I know about the curse, Cole," He whispered, trying to look away, but found he couldn't. "I pretended not to because no one likes to talk about it, but I know, and I know him... that man, sorcerer, whoever he is he's behind it, isn't he? If you don't break the curse by spring he's going to take your soul, right!? Tell me!"

Cole said nothing, but his neutral mask spoke more than a thousand words.

"I know no one can reveal the details of the curse or how to break it, even you, but that doesn't matter, I'll find a way." He promised as he shifted his position so he and Cole were face to face. Tears glittered on Kai's eyelashes, but he was smiling, happily, making Cole more confused. "Cole, I don't regret coming here, or choosing to stay; being here with you, the boys, everyone... I've never been happier than I am when I'm here, everyone here is so wonderful; no one's treated me like an outcast."

He paused for a moment, but no doubt or hesitation clouded his voice when he spoke next.

"Whenever I'm with you, I can't explain it but... I'm happier than I've ever been in my entire life." Kai smiled brightly, gently whipping aside a joyful tear. Reading the bewildered and almost blank look on Cole's face the entire time he spoke, Kai didn't know how Cole would react to his declaration. The moment Kai finished his sentence Cole pulled him into his arms and rested his chin on Kai's shoulder. At first, the sudden embrace surprised him, but Kai could feel the warmth and the passion behind it radiating against their bare skin.

"Cole?" Kai questioned, but it was more a statement of happiness than a voice of concern.

"I don't care about that stupid curse," He whispered against Kai's skin. He blinked and gently pulled away, confused. Cole just smiled at him and wrapped his arm around Kai's still covered waist and stroked his cheek. "I mean it, even if I lose my soul; even if I spend the rest of eternity in hell, I don't care! That bastard can do whatever he wants to me, it won't change anything, and do you know why?" He asked, but Kai didn't and Cole smiled again.

"Because I'll always be able to take this with me." He declared and Kai's widened at what the man was implying and a slight pink color rose in his cheeks. Cole chuckled and hugged him tighter. "You've made me happier too, Kai, happier than I'd ever thought possible, I'd given up hope that I'd ever been happy again." He said as he pulled away to look Kai in the eye and pressed their foreheads together. "I'm not going to lose that or throw it away for anything so I promise you, no matter what gets thrown in my way or who stands in front of me, I promise I'll protect you with every fiber of my being, nothing is going to take you away from me, my flame."

Kai didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Tears burst from his eyes and laughter exploded from his mouth.

He threw his arms around Cole's neck and hugged him with such force he was taken off guard and his scaled spine and wings crashed against the bed frame. They both laughed at the action, but when their eyes opened and locked once more, they wasted no time and closed the distance between them. Lips molded perfectly over the other, Kai's arms wrapped tightly around Cole's neck and shoulders. Cole's wrapped around Kai's waist pressing the blanket still wrapped around Kai's hips and torso, closer to his flesh.

One hand stroked up Kai's upper back as his tail twitched at his side.

The kiss slowly turned deeper. His body moving on its own, Cole kept one arm around Kai's waist and the other clutched the bed and hoisted himself up. His arm repositioned Kai so he was holding him bridal style with one arm. Kai's arms tightened their hold on Cole, not wanting to break away just yet. They finally paused to breathe when they fell back against the mattress. Cole took notice at how lovely Kai looked sprawled out beneath him on the bed.

Face flush, one arm level with his head the other at his side, eyes half-lidded with passion, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath.

Seeing that the dragon hybrid above him wasn't moving, Kai leaned forward and kissed Cole passionately. He pulled him closer against him, urging him to move, and Cole obeyed. His body was now flush against Kai's as their arms wrapped around the other. The loose knot of his robe had come undone long ago. The comforter, the only thing separating them, slipped further down Kai's waist until it finally settled just above his hips.

"Rise and Shine you too! Shade made tea!" Neuro suddenly shouted as he burst through the door, balancing a tray with a large steaming teapot and several teacups in one hand and used the other to pry Echo, Nelson, and Jay off his waist. Harumi suddenly shoved the articles she had been holding into Ronin's arms and tried to help pry the servants off Neuro. The sudden commotion brought the two men back to reality. Their eyes flew to the spectacle, which froze the instant it turned its attention to the two on the bed.

All of their eyes flew open at the sight of their Master, robe opened and sprawled on top of their guest, who was in nothing but a bedsheet.

Amber and emerald eyes widened in horror. The servants just stared, too shocked to do anything else. Suddenly, the entire East Wing erupted in eight different, horrifying screams. No one noticed the red eyes peeking through the crack in the curtains...

Misc. Leo doodles

(Like Father Like Son AU by @eternalglitch. If you know who started the Magician’s Assistant and Blind!Leo AU, lmk)

The Flame and the Dragon Ch4

Chapter 4: The Duke

Kai sighed in relief as he dropped the bags at his feet and plopped down next to the equally exhausted Lloyd on the side of the town square fountain. The large, glistening fountain outside of city hall in the dead center of the entire city. Built only a handful of years ago, this fountain at the old town center was there to represent the importance of all generations, both young and old, and what they have to offer. Its position within the city was meant to represent the strong mind and balanced way of life the city strived for.

It was designed by Nya.

She had wonderfully captured the natural beauty of the region and used a personal style to convey her vision in this piece of art. Every element was crafted and created with deluxe materials from local suppliers, ensuring this monument will remain an important aspect of the community spirit for many more years.

"Think we got enough food?" He teased.

"Well, we got everything on Nya's list." Lloyd smiled. "You remembered the chocolate right?"

"Yes, I remembered the chocolate." Kai rolled his eyes playfully. Lloyd smiled and dug into his big brother's bag before pulling out a folder and opened. He thumbed through the pages until he found a small back of stapled pages and pulled out the top one, smiling before placing the pack in Kai's lap.

"Care to show your favorite little brother what you've been working on?" He flashed a bright smile and his infamous pleading look.

"Maybe later," Kai replied calmly, earning him a look of pure shock from the blond boy. Kai could never resist Lloyd's babyface when he wanted something. Kai just laughed and scooped his collection of papers in his hands before looking at the one Lloyd picked out. The poem was written in his hand above the image of a field of roses. At the heart was an ancient castle that dated back to the early 18th century. The only difference was this castle was pure white, each stone chiseled from stabs of pristine marble.

Lloyd leaned over his brother's shoulder, immediately engrossed in the detailed sketch of his big brother's.

"Jeez Kai, you could give Nya a run for her money."

"It's just a sketch."

"It's still awesome! Now, can I see the poem or not?" Lloyd pleaded with a whine in his voice.

"No!"

"But it's amazing!" He begged and giggled as Kai blushed.

"You think everything I write is amazing." He smiled, rolling his eyes.

"Because they are!" He insisted, kneeling over the side of the fountain to dig through Kai's folder. "Didn't you say that one goes with another poem or passage? Here it is!" He cheered in victory pulling out another passage Kai wrote and placed in his lap. "This one! I remember cuz when you were reading you had this really dreamy look on your face." His smile almost split in half at the dark blush suddenly covering Kai's face. He snatched both things away and stuffed them back in his folder.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, green bean." Kai insisted with a small smirk. It would have convinced anyone else despite the faint scarlet dusting Kai's cheeks, but not to Lloyd and Nya.

"Yes, you do! You wrote that about the Dragon Lord didn't you?" He smirked playfully. The brunette's eyes nearly bulged out of his skull at Lloyd's innocently smirking face.

"How do you know that?!" He spluttered, completely flabbergasted. The youngest Smith almost burst out laughing at his older brother's panic.

"I didn't, but it's written all over your face!" He gasped in between laughs. Growling in defeat, Kai ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

"Yes, they were inspired by the fairy tale, but no it's not about him, I wrote them after I had a dream." He explained as Lloyd blinked in bewilderment. "I know silly, right?"

"No! I wanna hear it!" He insisted widening his eyes. Rolling his eyes again, knowing Lloyd wouldn't let the subject drop, he continued.

"Alright, well, every night, I dream I'm in a field of flowers outside the castle and while I'm there, I hear a song playing and I follow it; then I see a man standing there holding the most beautiful music box I'd ever seen."

"Is he handsome?" Lloyd asked, teasingly, but Kai chose to ignore that question.

"The music was so lovely; it reminded me of the songs Mom and Dad used to sing to us, but in the most amazing voice I've ever heard." He sighed in awe. "The second I woke up, I just wrote the poem down and then I just couldn't get that man out of my head; I kept dreaming about him more and more." He explained unwittingly, letting his hidden passions seep into his voice; something that didn't go unnoticed by Lloyd. His smile only widened until it nearly split his face in half.

"You're in love~" He sang and Kai almost fell off the fountain. "You're in love with your dream prince!" He teased, with a smirk that put even his siblings to shame as he leaned over his older brother. "And don't try and deny it either, that might work on someone else, but not someone who's known you as long as I have!"

"The Dragon Lord is only a fairy tale, he's not real." Kai sighed, saddened, looking heavenward for assistance to his dilemma.

"Don't worry, bro; I'm sure you'll find your true love." Lloyd encouraged, leaning against the brunette's shoulder. Kai chuckled and ran his fingers through Lloyd's blond hair.

"You're a hopeless romantic, green bean."

"Hopeful." He corrected mischievously. Both boys broke into a fit of laughter until they were interrupted by the sound of a carriage and horses pulling to a stop. Just like that, everyone in town stopped to carry out the weekly ritual that was as practiced and routine as everything else in Ignacia. Everyone was more than happy to greet the two people that were exiting the carriage. The first to exit the expensive, flamboyant carriage was a middle-aged woman wearing a simple but expensive pale green dress.

Her long black hair was tied in a high ponytail by a pretty dark green ribbon, while her toxic green eyes glowed against her deathly-pale skin.

She was a noble maiden without a doubt, but she was not the reason everyone had stopped to stare. The man she turned and bowed her head to was. The brothers recognized his walk before he even stepped out of the carriage. He looked nobler than the woman. The man stepped out of the carriage adorned in a black suit that looked like the most expensive embroidery anyone had ever seen and a necklace of the finest craftsmanship. The outfit was only a simple outing suit but it was still the most expensive thing either brother had ever seen.

The pants alone probably cost more than their entre combined wardrobes.

His white gloves were molded the man's perfect hand and the suit hugged his muscles tightly. The newly polished shoes shined as he stepped down from the carriage. Men and women became lovestruck at his appearance and some people were instantly struck with jealousy or admiration. That combined with perfectly smooth, unblemished white skin, a perfect face, long jet black hair with a green streak in it, and ghostly green eyes, Duke Morro Vento was in every inch a fairy tale prince.

After all, Morro's family had founded the town and still owned it to this day.

Kai never realized how rehearsed Morro's walk was. It was coy and arrogant, just like his glances and his audacious smile. Morro must have returned from a successful trip because he seemed more arrogant today. Kai's gaze turned to Lloyd who nodded in understanding. Both boys picked up their books and the groceries, ready to leave. But a second too late, the duke's gaze found them and he smiled, a seductive smirk that Kai hated more than anything else.

Again he strolled over, cutting off their only exit before the two boys could sneak away.

"Hello, Kai." He smiled sweetly, but the teen saw right through it.

"That's Mr. Smith, your grace." He retorted with a hard gaze. At one point he may have been allowed Morro to call him by his first name, but he had lost that right years ago. Morro's predatory gaze immediately hardened when the brunette used his title instead of his name, though he'd told him time and time again he was allowed to. Kai simply refused to. It was so hard to believe that this arrogant and pompous man obsessed with luxury and social position was the same sweet and free-spirited kid the Smiths knew as children.

Morro's grandfather and their father Ray had been close friends for years.

It was solely because of Morro's grandfather the family moved to this town in the first place. Morro's grandfather had been Duke of the city and the peasants for almost sixty years. He had made it perfectly clear he was just as much a citizen of the town as the rest of the valley. He never cared for social status or reform and only for the well-being of the town and the citizens. As a result, the two families had been quite close. Morro was only two or three years older than Kai.

Sometimes their parents joked about the two of them getting married one day.

This was something Morro's parents took to heart for the future, especially as the children entered adulthood. Ray never considered the idea, especially since he knew none of the children seemed to like Morro in that manner. But once Morro's grandfather died and Ray fell ill, everything changed. Once Morro and his family took the role of Duke and Duchess, and delighted in the royal lifestyle, the Smiths saw less and less of Morro. He'd become too comfortable in the position of his family.

"How many times must I ask you to call me Morro, Kai?" The Duke smiled sweetly, hoping for a romantic response. The brunette just rolled his eyes and gathered his papers together before tying his folder closed. He lifted it to put it away but Morro suddenly snatched it.

"What are these, beautiful?" He asked with mock curiosity, flipping through the papers.

"Your grace, please return my property." He said and it took every ounce of Kai's willpower to remain civil. It was for the sake of his family's good name that he didn't snatch it from his hands and scold him like a child.

"Did you write all these, darling? You must have way too much time on your hands if you waste it scribbling away and reading books." He laughed and Kai growled at the mockery in Morro's voice.

"That's not true!" Lloyd exclaimed and was on his feet faster than anyone expected of the young boy. "Kai's an amazing writer, if you even bothered to read them instead of spending all your time in that stupid shack you call a palace, you'd recognize some good writing." He growled at the duke. A few eyes widened and jaws dropped at Lloyd's comment, but Morro paid the boy no mind and snapped the folder closed, holding it as if it were a discarded garment.

"Oh darling, you have so much promise; don't you think it is about time you got your head out of those silly stories and started paying attention to more important things?" He asked and his voice held a seductive purr that made Kai shiver in aggravation. "I mean, the whole town is talking about it! You spend all your time working at that little shop or reading, it is such a shame." He spoke in such a dreary tone as if Kai's life was that of an unfortunate pauper.

Kai closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair.

He let the duke rant, knowing full well he wouldn't care if he was paying attention to him or not. It had been this way since Morro became the Duke. He accepted the position with a smile and had since turned his ambitions to accustoming Kai to the royal life. The trio lost touch with him as a result, especially Kai, who rejected the idea of the rich and nobility; preferring a life of freedom away from petty, materialistic things. After all, he was perfectly happy living with his siblings where the three could carry out their dreams.

Of course, Morro didn't notice or even care.

"Of course, if you were married to a more... privileged person you wouldn't have to work a day in your life." Morro grinned as his emerald eyes fixed in a cruel seductive glint and met Kai's amber orbs.

"Marriage?" Kai repeated as his eyes widened. "I don't think so Morro, I like working and besides, I don't want to marry just anyone; now, please return my folder." He ordered, attempting to mask the hostility in his voice, holding out his hand.

"Oh, but it wouldn't be just anyone." Morro continued, ignoring the brunette, and held the folder out of his reach so Kai's gaze was fixed on him. "You of all people deserve far more than just anyone; you deserve someone beautiful, wealthy, well-respected-"

"Those are all material things, Morro, not what you should be looking for in marriage." Lloyd cut him off, his hands balled into fists at his sides.

"Give me my folder back, Duke Vento."

"You need someone who's known you since you arrived in this town, who's courted you for years." He smirked as he leaned closer to the brunette, irritation marring the seductive charm.

"I won't ask you again Morro, now stop acting childish and give me my stuff back!" Kai thundered in a harsh tone. Taken aback by the scolding and the looks of the townsmen, he regained his composure and with as much dignity as he could muster returned the folder to Kai.

"Very well, we'll talk later than; come along, Bansha, let us return home." He smiled as he gestured to the raven-haired girl, who followed obediently. Kai's amber eyes were almost red with rage until Lloyd pulled on his arm a bit. Kai's gaze turned to his little brother's curious stare.

"Is he really so naïve that he can't tell you're ignoring his flirting on purpose, or is he just acting?" He asked as he cocked his head cutely, making Morro suddenly freeze in his tracks and Kai burst into laughter, his anger forgotten. Morro turned around with a mortified look on his face. Did Kai's brother just insult him? Without even trying?

"How dare you!" He snapped, pointing accusingly, his composure shattered.

"Now, now, my lord." Kai chuckled. "He's only joking, come on Lloyd, let's get home before Nya wonders where we've been." He smirked and Lloyd smiled as the two scooped up the groceries and books and strolled past the duke and the noblewoman and down the street towards home. Once they were out of earshot of town and Morro, Kai turned to his smiling little brother.

"Thank you for that, green bean; I swear I would have beat the crap outta him if he called me 'darling' one more time."

"I don't know why you put up with him!" Lloyd asked with a snort. "You'd think it would finally penetrate that thick skull of his that you're not interested!"

"I doubt that." Kai sighed, annoyed. "Morro never was one to give up." He added and he knew that was true from experience. Morro had waited and tried for years to coax him to his side. "Hopefully when Nya wins this year, we'll finally have enough money to leave this miserable place." He smiled, confidently.

"I hope so!" Lloyd cheered. "Even I'm getting sick of this town, but I'd miss Dr. Saunders and Brad." He admitted. Kai hummed in understanding as he looked at the large clock tower and his eyes widened.

"Oh shit! Look what time it is!"

"We didn't even make dinner yet and you know what happened last time we got home late?" The youngest Smith groaned as he turned to his middle sibling with concern.

"Don't worry, Nya's a smart girl; she's not dumb enough to repeat her mistakes," Kai assured him. No sooner had Kai said those words, however, an explosion erupted from the Smith home, and thick black smoke pooled from the chimney and kitchen windows...

When did you say the story was going to end? Because as time goes by, I try to keep up to date with your story so as not to miss any detail.

I'm not sure.

If your talking about my Club of Flaming Passion story then there is around 80 chapters of that story and my Flame and Dragon story is almost over halfway done as well.

Past Lives Chapter 6

I was so excited as Master Wu carried my cat carrier up the many steps towards the monastery. After packing up all the cat stuff Mystake bought and the tea he had ordered, Wu covered the carrier with a blanket, but there was a small tear in the front, allowing me to see a little bit of the outside world as we walked. I couldn't wait to get back to the rebuilt monastery and see the others again. I've missed them all so much over these last few weeks, especially Nya.

Master Wu didn't say anything as the large gates opened.

As we entered the property, the gates swung close again trapping us inside whether I liked it or not. As Wu stepped into the monastery, I was starting to panic a little inside at the thought of seeing them again. How were they all doing after my death? Were they ever still a team anymore? Would they even want to take care of a kitten? Was Nya alright?! All of a sudden I heard many voices, the voices of my family, all around me as I felt Master Wu gently place the carrier on a table.

I think we're in either the dining room or the kitchen or maybe the living room.

Probably the kitchen because I could smell the sweet scent of Zane's cooking. Oh shit, will I still be able to eat human food?!

"Good evening, Sensei." I heard Zane say as the others gave their own greetings and for a second, I forgot how to breathe. So, they were all still here together. That's something I'm so grateful for.

"Good evening everyone, how are you all doing today?"

"Fine." I heard Lloyd mutter in an almost emotionless voice. Did his voice sound lower? Sounds like our little green ninja's growing up!

"What's under the blanket?" Cole asked and, even though I can't see them, I shrank a little as I felt their eyes all turned to the covered carrier I was in.

"As you all know, I traveled into Ninjago City to collect my order of black tea from Mystake earlier, and she offered us a gift to help us deal with... certain recent events." Master Wu explained and the air was suddenly filled a thick tension. I could almost feel the glare harden on Lloyd's face.

"What is it?" He demanded to know. Knowing it was best not to keep them waiting, Wu quickly pulled off the blanket, opened the carrier, and lifted me out for all the team to see me, but it also let me see them for the first time in over two months. They all looked so different from the last time I'd seen them. Cole's black hair was longer and shaggier, his eyebrows weren't as bushy he had a more relaxed look to his eyes. Jay's hair was more curly and he had light freckles now.

Zane's titanium form now had silver hair in a tall flat-top, crew cut hairstyle with no sideburns.

He had glowing blue eyes, reflective of his robotic nature. Instead of a bob cut, Nya had long black hair kept in a ponytail. She was wearing pale pink lipstick and had small dimples on her cheeks. She also had a beauty mark on her right cheek. Lloyd looked more mature and his blond hair was a little bit longer and his eyes were greener than I remember. But that wasn't what shocked me the most. It was the heavy bags under his eyes like he hadn't slept in weeks.

He and I made eye contact, but it didn't last long.

"Why do you bring that in here?" He spat and I flinched at his tone. What's he got against cats? When I was a little kid he used to bring all kinds of animals back to the Bounty, begging us to let him keep it as a pet. Hell, he's even brought home a spider once! Jay was quick to shut that shit down!

"Mystake has been kind enough to purchase this feline for us in hopes it will help us come to terms with Kai's passing and provide a way to ease our pain." Master Wu explained and everyone slumped slightly in sadness and it pained me to see. I wish I could tell them I was their lost brother Kai.

"I've always wanted a cat!" Jay suddenly squealed loudly before anybody could say anything else. I scowled at the comment and flattered my ears while Nya quietly chuckled next to him. Lloyd growled lowly before storming off. No one made a move to stop him. All of a sudden, Zane took me from Master Wu and I almost flinched when I felt the cold metal of his hands. I am so grateful for having a thick fur coat. Zane's eyes started to glow over me and I realized he was scanning me!

"Hey! What happened to ask permission?!" I hissed, but this only caused Cole to chuckle.

"I don't think he likes that." The noirette smiled as Zane put me on the table.

"He is a nine weeks old Maine Coon kitten, no records of vaccinations or neutering." The nindroid said once he finished scanning me. Again, very rude!

"A main cone?" Jay frowned in confusion.

"The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed; it has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills," Zane explained as he pulled up a holography image of an adult Maine Coon cat.

"Awe, you've got a lot of growing to do, don't you?" Jay cooed in an exaggerated baby voice as he picked me up and held me to eye level.

"If you keep that voice, I will scratch you," I growled, but Jay didn't seem to notice.

"He's really ours? Can he stay in my room? Wait, what's his name?!" He screeched, almost horrified that he didn't know my name.

"Please call me Kai! PLEASE!" I begged, but all they heard was a series of meows.

"Noisy little furball, isn't he?" Nya smiled as she started scratching me behind the ear. It was really nice and I started purring, causing everyone to awe and coo at me even more.

"There will be plenty of time to discuss names, for now though, I suggest we find a place for this sleepy kitten to sleep and where to place his items." Master Wu said, holding up the bag full of my kitten stuff Mystake had bought. That was all Jay needed to hear because he was suddenly carrying me out of the dining room and gave me a grand tour of the new monastery. I kept an eye out for Lloyd, but I didn't see or hear him. Jay continued to quickly carry me throughout the entire monastery, showing me all the many rooms and electronic gizmos they had added to the new building.

Twenty minutes later, I had seen the entire mansion but still had no clue where anything was as the place was so big and the tour was so quick.

We returned to the living room, where Master Wu, Nya, and Zane were waiting. I wanted to spend more time with my family, but for some reason, I was struggling to keep my eyes open. I suddenly let out a loud yawn, showing off my little, sharp teeth.

"Where is the kitten to sleep, Sensei?" Zane asked, noticing how tired I looked.

"Mystake provided a cat cushion for him and a litter box." He replied and I flinched when he mentioned that goddamn litter box. Using it was so humiliating! I wish I could use the toilet, but even if I could climb up, I was so small that there was a good chance of falling into the toilet bowl. Using a litter box might be embarrassing, but death by drowning in a toilet was even worse! After a short debate, it was decided that I'd be sleeping in Nya's room, which I was grateful for.

I wouldn't be able to sleep with Jay staring at me all night.

We went into Nya's room and my cushion was placed at the foot of her bed and my litter box was tucked into the far corner for me to use in the night. Jay reluctantly placed me on the cushion after Nya ordered him to let me sleep. As soon as I made contact with it, I curled up into a little ball and snuggled deep into my little cloud of heaven. I could hear the others talking, but I didn't pay attention as I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. I was finally home...

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

AN: Right people, start sending me names for a male, moody, dark brown, Maine Coon kitten! The one I like the most will be the one I use!

Alternate Timeline

“Don’t worry guys!

I’ll always be with you”

i have a graphic tablet yesterday and i draw da baes

Crystoons belong to this pretty here

Life of a High School Vampire One-Shots 9 True Love?

Requested by Lava_Serpant on Wattpad

SUMMARY: Cole encounters Kai again in a pet store and gives the vampire his best doggy-face try at a second chance...

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

Kai smirked as he loaded his shopping basket with dozens of tubs crickets and other creepy crawlies. He was currently hanging out in the reptile section of the Animal Crackers pet store and clearing all their shelves of insects. The reason for this was a large prank he and Lloyd were planning to pull off on their science teacher. While he still found his roommates, Kai had to admit that Lloyd's hidden devious personality was inspiring and a cause for caution.

Kai would rather have the blond prankster as an ally than a foe.

They had come up with this prank to get back at their science teacher for all the bad grades he gave them purely out of spite. Even when they studied and did well on a test or a project he still failed them and when Kai confronted him about this the teacher admitted that he just didn't like them. He thought Kai was a gothic freak and that Lloyd was a sad loser who would probably only get a job behind the counter at a fast-food place. Not only that but he was incredibly creepy to his female co-workers and rude to his female students.

If he saw a girl with their skirts even a little bit above the knee he would give them a detention.

He even did this to students outside his classes. When they learned this Jay tried to report the teacher to the school but their complaints were ignored. The only thing to change was that the science teacher started to fail Jay's science projects as well. That was when Kai and Lloyd decided to take matters into their own hands. At first, Kai wanted to use his powers to secretly torment the mind of the older man while he slept, but Lloyd's suggestion was much more fun.

It was no secret that the science teacher had severe entomophobia, the fear of insects.

It was all Lloyd's idea. He said that they would buy as many bugs as they could, fill the teacher's house with them, and secretly record him as he woke up and freaked out at the sight of all the bugs that were filling up his home. He and Kai were split up in the city buying as many bugs as they could while Jay went to get them some small cameras to record with. This was his third pet store and Lloyd had just texted telling him he was heading to his fourth now.

The prank would be set up tonight and would activate early in the morning.

Without much effort, Kai convinced his roommates to let him sneak into the house to set up the cameras and release the insects. He could easily fly in and out of the house like a bat and sneak all the items in without being detected, not that Jay or Lloyd knew that. After Kai was certain that he had everything he needed, he rounded the corner of the reptile sector to leave. He began to pass the toy aisle when he suddenly froze. There was a man crouched down in front of him examining some squeaky cat toys.

Although he could see his face, Kai already knew very well who this person was just from looking at his back.

The figure seemed to feel Kai's eyes on him because he stood up and slowly turned around to face the brunette, revealing Cole's shocked face.

"Kai?" He gasped when he saw his one-night stand again after over six weeks. "Wow, it's been uh it's been a long time, you look... the same?" He stammered, unsure what he was supposed to say in this situation.

"Thanks," Kai replied but it was very stiff and robotic. They stood there in silence for a while until Cole couldn't take it anymore.

"I thought you were gonna call me?" He demanded as he took a step forward, but a glare from Kai stopped him from going any further.

"I thought I put you in stronger chains?" The brunette retorted, still maintaining his glare as another uncomfortable began to form. That awkwardness was cut short, however, when a young woman around Cole's age suddenly approached them. She was a tan-skinned girl who seemed around Cole's age with teal blue eyes. She has a micro fringe and long golden curls with a purple hairclip on her side. She wore a cyan crop-top, light blue denim capri pants, and white flats.

Her makeup consisted of lavender-colored eyeshadow and mauve purple lipstick.

They say don't judge a book by its cover, but Kai could already see everything about her. He could tell that she considered herself to be one of the most beautiful and popular girls at whatever school she went to. He almost growled at the obvious drama diva princess. He saw what she thought she was more deserving and better than everyone else. He wouldn't be surprised if her parents bought her everything she ever wanted. Kai glared at the girl that he knew would get nowhere in life after school finished.

He almost allowed himself a small smirk at the thought.

"This pet store is so fucking stinky! Can we leave yet?" She complained loudly to Cole before she finally saw Kai. "Oh, hi there!" She smiled, showing off all her perfectly white teeth as she walked around to Cole's side and looped her arm around him, making sure to look Kai in the eye the entire time. Cole looked like a deer in headlights as his eyes darted back and forth between the girl and Kai. If he thought it was awkward before it was worse now.

How was he supposed to talk to his one-night stand about his new girlfriend?

When he saw that they were both looking at him expectedly, Cole finally snapped back to reality and plastered on a weak, worried smile.

"Uh, Kai meet Lucy, Lucy this is Kai." He introduced nervously.

"Charmed I'm sure." Lucy smiled at the brunette expectedly.

"No, you'd know if you were." Kai snapped, very unimpressed. Lucy paused for a second and Kai suspected that that was the first time anyone had ever spoken to her like that. Her disbelief changed to anger though as her smile melted into a disgusted scowl.

"How do you know this... person?" She asked her boyfriend as she gave Kai a judgemental once over, her tone implying that Kai was something she scraped off the bottom of her high heels.

"We were... friends?" Cole asked, not sure how to explain his relationship with Kai. "We know each other from a past life." He suddenly said with a chuckle, hoping some humor would lighten the mood, but Lucy didn't look convinced.

"It's true," Kai replied, confusing the couple. Kai barely managed to suppress a smirk as he began to spin his tale. "He was a soldier and I was a slave freeing gypsy prostitute; after seeing the light he made a passionate plea to his comrades to do what was right for mankind and was immediately shot in the chest eighty-one times, and a week later I poisoned myself for unrelated reasons." He shrugged as if he just told them what groceries he was buying.

Both humans could only stare at him in silence.

Cole in wonder and awe while Lucy in concern and disgust.

"Well it has been... super interesting meeting you Kai but we should go." She said with a grimace before she began to head for the entrance. She stopped, however, when she realized that Cole hadn't moved and was still staring at Kai, with the brunette doing the same. "Puppy?" She whined in frustration, snapping out of his little trance.

"J-Just give me a minute, Lucy." He told his girlfriend and this caused Lucy to sigh loudly as if he had just asked her to find every giant bag of pet food and carry them all to the car by herself. Nevertheless, the blond teen listened to him and left to wait for him outside. Cole waited until he was sure they were alone before he turned back to Kai, who still looked calm, cool, and collected.

"So is that story true? I mean did we meet in a past life?" He asked in amazement.

"Do you think I'm a liar?" Kai glared, sounding very offended that Cole would think he was a liar.

"No...?" Cole replied, scared that anything he said would be the wrong thing.

"Good, I'm trying to sharpen my skills for an upcoming court appearance." The brunette smiled in satisfaction.

"So... wait! Is that... it- it was a lie? Is it a lie? Not a lie?" Cole stammered in confusion as his mind struggled to comprehend what Kai told him. Everything about the brunette intrigued and irritated Cole in ways he couldn't understand. There was something about Kai that was mysterious yet dangerous and Cole wanted to know what it was no matter what happened to him. As he stared into Kai's bright, almost glowing, amber eyes the human was suddenly flooded with a feeling he hadn't felt since he met Kai.

Before he realized what was happening, Cole suddenly lunged forward and grabbed Kai's both sides of his head intending to steal a kiss.

He quickly jumped back, however, when Kai suddenly hissed at him like an enraged, feral cat. Cole was so ashamed of himself that he failed to see the split-second flash of Kai's fangs before they vanished. Shooting the human an offended glare, the vampire turned on his heel and stormed off.

"I'm sorry! That was stupid of me!" Cole exclaimed in horror, scared that he had just blown his chance, as he began to chase after Kai. "Wait, it- it's not even serious with Lucy! I don't even like her!" He tried to explain as he kept glancing over his shoulder, worried that Lucy could show up any second.

"Don't you?" Kai scoffed. "She referred to you as her loyal mutt, which is pretty dominate; I know you like that." He smirked when he could almost feel Cole's blush.

"Yeah but it's not the same Kai, I seriously miss you." He insisted but Kai kept walking, not even giving Cole a second look. "Kai, I still have the chains!" He suddenly shouted and that finally made Kai stop in his tracks. Kai turned around and was surprised to see the manacles from their last meeting were still around Cole's legs just above his ankles. "I called a hundred locksmiths and none of them could figure out how to get these things off," Cole added but that didn't shock Kai.

Those chains were custom made in his home country and Kai had hidden the key after he had left Cole's bed.

The only way to remove the chains was to either get the key from Kai or track down the person who made them and get them to craft a new key.

"Yes, sure it's a little awkward when I go to the beach or when I go to the gym but h-honestly, I don't want them off; I like the way they make me feel, I like the way they jingle about when I dance; I think I love you, Kai Smith," Cole admitted, sounding truly sincere, but Kai couldn't tell whether he meant it or not. All his life Kai knew when people were lying to him from his family, his roommates, to people he met in the streets. But with Cole it was different.

No matter how much he tried he couldn't figure this human out and that both angered and scared him.

He wanted to understand why Cole was so unique, but he couldn't get too close until he knew what Cole's intentions were.

"Do you know what it's like to be shot in the chest eighty-one times?" The brunette suddenly asked, catching Cole off guard.

"What?" He asked in confusion. Of all the responses to his confession that was not one of them.

"Eighty-one bullets in your chest," Kai repeated as he started to approach the noirette, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "It feels like your heart becomes a thousand fireworks, your body is merely a vessel for that one moment that lasts a fraction of a second before you perish but it feels like lifetimes." He whispered as he stared Cole dead in the eyes. "That is what love feels like." He finished as he placed a hand over Cole's rapidly beating heart.

"I-I-I don't know if I know what that feels like." Cole stammered, not fully processing what Kai was saying or the brunette's shoulders slumping slightly.

"Then you're not the man in the past life I thought you were." The vampire muttered, disappointment clear in his voice as he tore his amber eyes away from Cole's emeralds. This scared Cole, causing him to think Kai was going to vanish as he did all those weeks ago, only this time the noirette would never see him again.

"Okay, but I-"

"Why don't you call me when you know what love feels like?" Kai suggested with a small smirk and a wink as he stepped out of Cole's personal space.

"D-Does that mean you want me to get shot in the chest o-or is it a metaphor?" He asked, trying to understand what Kai was talking about. It looked like Kai was about to answer until Cole's phone suddenly started ringing, the ringtone being Jingle Bells played by barking dogs.

"Your owner is calling you." Kai chuckled as Cole pulled out the phone to check the caller ID. It was Lucy but he wasn't in the mood to talk to her. After he declined the call, Cole looked up and suppressed an irritated groan when he saw that Kai had seemingly vanished into thin air again like the last time. The human could only hope that that wasn't the last time he ever saw Kai again. After paying for his items, Kai exited the store and his eyes scanned the area around the entrance until he found his target.

Cole's girlfriend, Lucy.

She was standing by the edge of the car park, smoking a cigarette as she impatiently waited for Cole. She had tried calling him a few times but the call went to voicemail. Adjusting the grip on his bags, Kai narrowed his eyes and walked over to her. When she saw him, Lucy glared at him and blew a cloud of smoke into his face. Kai didn't even blink as he pulled something out of the bags and extended it towards her.

"I have a gift for you." He said as she reluctantly took the item from him. "I advice you to shorten it." He smirked before walking away and leaving her with even more questions. Lucy watched him leave for a moment before she turned to the item he had given her and it only confused her more. He had given her a long, black, and grey dog leash...

VACCINATE YA KIDS FFS

The Flame and the Dragon Ch16

Chapter 16: The Fire Within

Kai's legs and body screamed at him to stop, or at least slowdown. His lungs felt like they exploded but Kai refused to stop. He thrashed and growled as claw-like branches scraped and tore at his silk shirt and pulled at his cloak. His boots sank into the ankle-deep carpet of mud and dead leaves, causing him to stumble several times. Nevertheless, he pressed onward, his heart hammered loudly in his chest from anxiety. He had no idea where the castle was anymore.

He was heavily panting as he blindly tried to navigate himself through the black woods, hoping for some sign, but none came.

A crash behind him caused him to whirl around. A loud snarl, the thunder of feet, and the crushing of branches echoed in the background with the force of a huge stampede. Kai's heart leaped into his throat at this. Pain and exhaustion forgotten, Kai bolted into a sprint running as fast as he could. Snarls and claws hammered behind him but he refused to look back as the hunter chased him. A stray root sticking out the ground caught his ankle, causing him to trip.

He crashed into the icy mud and leaves beneath him.

Spitting out leaves, he pushed himself to his knees and prepared to run again but froze when a huge shadow flew over him. It suddenly landed in front of him. He stumbled backward, paralyzed by fear. His mouth opened in a voiceless scream. Tremor wracked his body, paralyzing him as his eyes met the pupil-less, soulless, demonic eyes of a monster. Its enormous, muscular body was covered in tight, pitch-black skin. Enormous razor-sharp talons protruded from its paws and a long, thin tail tipped with a spike curled and cracked like a whip.

Its head was fat but its nose and jaw were slender like those of an alligator's head.

A black, forked tongue licked its lips as it stepped towards Kai. Opening its jaws and flexing its claws in preparation for devouring the boy in front of him, it sprang. Kai closed his eyes and waited for death. Instead of death, however, another shadow swooped in front of him. A loud bellow like the roar of a dragon echoed through the clearing, followed by a loud thud as the source of the sound landed with force. Kai opened his eyes to see large wings unfurled to protect him as the figure stood to his full height.

Kai's eyes widened as he now stood behind none other than the Dragon Lord.

Cole didn't answer him as he released a harsh punch straight into the side of the monster's head. It sent it crashing into the trunk of a tree. Kai stood frozen, too overcome by shock to move or speak.

"Don't just stand there, you idiot!" Cole commanded and a harsh tug on his arm brought the boy back to reality and he jumped to his feet.

"What is that thing?" Kai demanded as the creature recovered from the blow and shook its head, snarling at the pair with rage. Cole cursed and wrapped an arm around Kai's waist and pulled him against him. Before Kai could protest, a scream tore from his throat as he was hurled into the air by a giant gust of wind. Cole flexed his wings and with a mighty leap, they burst into the air, barely missing as the beast pounced again. Terrified and confused, Kai's arms flayed until his hands clenched the front of Cole's jacket and he buried his face in the man's coat from shock.

Beneath them, the beast snarled opening and snapping its monstrous jaw and sending sticky, thick salvia everywhere.

"Cole, what is that thing?" Kai demanded as the Dragon Lord landed on the branch of a tree. He screamed when the beast started clawing against the trunk of the tree, attempting to climb it, but Cole was faster and slapped it in the side with a swing from his powerful tail. The beast crashed to the ground, howling furiously in its rage, and began clawing once more. Cole snarled as his eyes flashed with determination as he released Kai's legs and pulled him close to his body.

Kai gasped at the protective, and slightly possessive, look in the man's eye.

Orange sparks danced between the Dragon Lord's claws before a blast of bright orange energy struck the beast in the chest. It howled and screamed in pain, fury burning in its soulless eyes. It pounced ferociously and sank its claws into the bark of the tree before racing towards its prey with inhuman speed. Cole flew into the air just as the beast pounced, the swipe of its claws barely missing them. Cole landed on another tree and carefully placed Kai on a thick branch, a good distance from the beast.

"Stay here!" He ordered, turning to glare at the beast with cold eyes.

"Wait! You're not-"

"Please, for once in your life, do what I tell you!" Cole warned with an almost desperate plea before his eyes returned to the beast. All concern melted away and his hard, stoic expression returned as he elegantly leaped from the tree and landed in a crouch position, his wings expanding to their full length. Once the beast saw him, it bent low to the ground and crawled towards Cole like a shark circling its prey. Cole matched it with an arrogant smirk on his face.

"Come on." He tempted the beast. "Are you the best that bastard can do?" He mocked the monster, which snarled and snapped its disgusting fangs, trying to look threatening. Blinded by its anger, the monster lunged at the Dragon Lord. Cole dodged easily and kicked the monster hard in the gut. It recovered as it was falling and pounced with its maw open but Cole grabbed its snout and lower jaw and yanked them apart. The monster exploded with rage, struggling in vain to free itself but Cole snapped its mouth shut, struggling to lift it before slamming it against the ground.

The beast squealed and rolled over, barely missing as Cole slammed his foot into the frosty ground where the monster once lay.

The battle raged on and Kai watched in amazement. For the first time since he was trapped in the tower, Kai saw the real Dragon Lord. Moonlight poured through the trees, making lights dance across Cole's form. The powerful wings flapped and moved perfectly in sync with his body, either to shield him from harm or to let him swiftly dodge the monster's strikes. His arms and legs were brawny and muscular and, covered by almost impenetrable scales, each limb moving together in swift, lethal motions.

His claws were always poised to attack while his feet were quick and positioned to either dodge or strike.

His body moved with all the strength and power of a dragon but the adaptability and flexibility of a human. The Dragon Lord was the perfect fighter. Kai's eyes widened, enthralled even more by the sight before him. He was sucked in by the brutal but beautiful display of power the Dragon Lord presented. Just as the Dragon Lord's victory seemed assured, the beast suddenly pounced again. This time, however, it landed in front of its assailant, dodging Cole's punch and leaving his un-scaled sides open.

The beast leaped forward and sank its teeth into exposed Cole's side.

Kai screamed louder than he ever had in his life. A sound between a human cry and a dragon's roar of pain ripped from Cole's mouth. Blood and pain exploded from his side as he slashed the beast across the snout, causing the monster to release its hold as part of its mouth were ripped off. It wailed feebly and backed away to nurse its wound. Cole fell back against a tree and his hand flew to cover his side. His black hand was red as rubies as blood dripped from his hands and speckling the frosty ground.

He hissed in pain and turned to Kai, who was hastily trying to free himself from the tree.

"Kai, get out of here now!" He called to the boy, the pain in his eyes evident, as he gestured north with his other hand. "The castle is that way! I'll distract him as long as I can, but you'll be able to make it from here."

"But what about—"

"Go! Now!" He bellowed as loud as he could. That was his only warning before he took to the air as the beast lunged at him, invigorated by the smell of blood. Cole bit back a scream as his side tore during the flight. The beast took advantage of this and pounced, swatting the man out of the air. Overcome by shock, Cole crashed to the ground and didn't bother stopping the scream that escaped him.

"Get away from him, you monster!" Kai yelled as the beast stalked towards its weakened prey. Confused, it turned its head only to find its previous prey standing at the base of the tree, shaking in rage. Cole growled and opened his mouth to yell at the boy to run, but no sound came out. "You want me? Come and get me!" Kai taunted as his eyes blazed with fire. The beast growled and charged. Kai didn't move. Instead, he backed up until his back was pressed against the trunk of a tree.

He jumped and grabbed a thick but low branched with both hands and, with haste, pulled himself onto it, just as the beast crashed headfirst into the base of the tree.

It howled as it thrashed its head wildly, showering blood everywhere from its injured nose. Taking advantage, Kai lowered his body on the branch. With the skill of a gymnast, swung his body back and forth until he swung himself full circle and launched his body forward. His feet collided with the beast's side, sending it crashing through branches as it fell to the ground. He finished by releasing his grip on the branch and landing in a perfect crouched position.

"What the hell?" Cole gasped as his eyes wide with disbelief.

"What?" Kai asked, panting. "You thought you were the only one who knew how to fight?" He asked but the teen didn't wait for a response and knelt to inspect Cole's wound.

"Look out!" Cole shouted, jumping to his feet and pouncing on Kai just as the beast lunged at them again. It sailed over them before orienting itself and sliding across the dirt, blood, and saliva dripping from its fangs.

"Damnit! This thing doesn't know when to quit!" Kai cursed as he moved to grab Cole but the man grabbed him first and forced him to meet his eyes.

"That thing is after you."

"Me? Why?"

"Not now!" He shouted as he pulled Kai behind him and bit back a loud grunt when he put weight on his bleeding side. "Just go!" He ordered and started to walk towards the beast, but Kai didn't move. His eyes darted from the barely standing Dragon Lord to the beast who, despite the damage it took, looked fresh and ready to fight. Cole saved him when that monstrous thing attacked him. Despite Kai breaking into his room, almost ruining his candle, he still came to help him.

Now, he was willing to sacrifice himself to protect him.

What about everyone at the castle who needed Cole's protection? They would be devastated if he died because Kai ran away. His fists clenched at his sides. His nails sank into his palms and his face grew red with rage.

"Cole, get behind me." He spoke in a dangerously low voice. Cole opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by the sharp look in Kai's amber eyes. Kai turned to the beast with a blank expression. He glared at the beast with hatred, wanting to blame it for all his pain. The beast's jaw formed a twisted smile before it charged towards its prey, ready to rip the boy limb from limb. Kai didn't move. His determination to protect the one who saved him and his anger at both the creature that hurt Cole and his own stupidity burned in his eyes like fire.

Heat pooled in his hands, sparks forming between his fingers and crackling to life.

As the beast closed in, he turned to meet its eyes. All his anger, determination, protection, and emotions spiraled together. Without any hesitation or training, he raised his flaming hands in the air and dropped to his knees, sinking his hands into the dirt. Bright red and gold flames burst from his hands. The beast roared in shock and anguish as tongs of fire consumed its entire body. Its skin burned from its bones as it howled and wailed with an excruciating, inhuman cry of death.

Fire danced in Kai's eyes until only a smoldering pile of ashes remained.

When he rose to his feet and the burning dissipated from his palms, his senses returned to him. He shook his head and looked quizzically at his hands, then back to the Dragon Lord, who doubled over in pain, clenching his side. Forgetting his internal questions, Kai dashed to his side and hooked Cole's arm over his shoulder before helping him lean back and rest against a tree.

"Hold still." He ordered once Cole sat down and swiftly removed his cloak. "You'll tear it open."

"Don't fuss," Cole said but Kai had already removed his cloak and ripped it into long strips. Cole hissed when Kai started to tear open his coat and began to lift his shirt. The dragon hybrid tried to move but Kai held him in place.

"Will you stay still?! I'm trying to get to the wound!" He explained and shuddered when he saw just how bad the bite was. "Damn, it doesn't look deep but I'll still need to disinfect it when we get back to the castle, I hope you've got yarrow tincture or something."

"It doesn't matter, it'll heal on its own, now let—"

"Not a chance in hell!" Kai protested harshly, pressing a clean piece of fabric to the wound. Cole yowled at the pressure but held still as Kai tied the rest of the long strips around his hip and side, forming a make-shift bandage. "There, that should hold it until we get back to the castle." He said and the second he finished, Kai hooked Cole's arm around his shoulder and used the other to help him to his feet.

"Can you still walk?"

"I said I'm fine!" Cole snapped and removed his arm, but the second he put pressure on his side he hissed and slouched over, Kai quick to catch him.

"If this is fine, I hope I never see your idea of dying." The teen said sarcastically and he allowed Cole to slouch half of his body weight on him. "I'm stronger than I look." He added but Cole said nothing. His pride having already been wounded, he allowed the boy to help him home...