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DHW

Part 9-6

A fair offer?

Two hours later

………

In a cave south east of the capital near ancient, long forgotten ruins.

………

Tarken

I land on a rocky ridge; my wings tired; lungs burning, heart beating hard and fast in my chest. My throat hurts; tingling and itching from both the pain of that large wound and the fact that it's drier than a desert. I haven't drank a single droplet of water since I left; which was… several hours ago at least.

I fold my wings; giving my surroundings a quick, glance, identifying any potential threat. Everything is dusty, hidden in some light mist, an unnatural mist.

I take a long deep breath, exhausted from the pace of my flight. It makes ages since I flew like this; so fast, battling against the wind. I don't Know where I am; I haven't exactly looked where I was going, instead just flying straight or… rather straight; the blur of my tears forming an impenetrable veil through which I couldn't see the world; well… just forms and outlines. However that long and hieratical flight wasn't nearly enough to get the thoughts of Kyo and that whore mating together out of my mind. I took a whiff of the air; it smelled of dust and old things mixed to the natural scent of rocks and a slight dampness, like in a swamp.

On my back Kyle was still grumbling, pestering, and swearing all his lungs to me (like he had done during all the flight). I couldn't blame him for being a pest… I had left him no choice and took him with me when I left. "So… are you done flying randomly?" he spat, obviously pissed off. "Yes…" I hiss, letting him jump to the ground. "So… where are we?" "Don't know… I've never been to that place." I mumble, giving the long dusty arid canyon a circular look. "Me neither… but it looks… kinda familiar… in some way. I think I've already seen a similar place." "Me too… and… not that far from here…" I mumble. "It's quite ironic when we know that you don't know where we are." "Shut up! It doesn't matter anyway… as long as he can't find us." "Yeah yeah… whatever… I just hope you've brought some things to ensure our survival out there." "Nope… but we won't need it anyway. We're just stopping because I need to rest my wings… and clean up a little bit. It won't be too long we'll be leaving this place before you know it." "Whatever… to go where anyway?" "I don't know… just… as far as possible from this place." "From Kyo you mean?" "You guessed it. I don't want to see that liar's face anymore."

I clearly hear him chuckle to himself but don't bother listening to what he says. "I also noticed a cave when we were above so I'm gonna lay there a few hours then we will go… understood?" I growl, not allowing him to object anything. "Since you seem in a mood to let everything behind and follow your own path… I guess I don't have my words to say." "Indeed." I answer bitterly "that's sad… I was really getting to appreciate this place." he sighed. "Not me… and the further we'll be from here the better I'll feel." "That's really funny to hear you say that when you were so happy to come to that very same place not that long ago." "Yes… I was… but things have changed. This bastard… betrayed me."

I spat a globe of saliva down the canyon. Behind me stood a large cavern sculpted by nature in the bare stone. "Looks like a fine place to rest. If you want to stay out and ruminate I won't interrupt you. But in the eventuality where you'd like to have some roof above your head then you'll know where I'll be." "Yeah yeah… I'm coming." he grunted. I entered the cave; the air was even damper and the soil slightly wet inside. Droplets of water were falling from the curvy ceiling. I didn't mind at all and just flopped on my belly, stretching my wings until my joints cracked. "Oh… feels good to lay down for a bit." I growled in satisfaction, splaying my limbs in the cold wet rocky floor. "Feels better already…" I groan in delight. "Enjoying yourself?" grumbled Kyle as he walked in; holding his shotgun in one hand. "Pretty much…" "How can you be so calm?" "In fact I'm trying not to lose my temper so… I'm not that calm in fact."

He sat next to me; laying his back across my flank. "So… what's the plan? Stay there until you turn to stone?" "Nah I just want to sleep then we'll leave this place for good." "Why did you have to drag me into this… I was enjoying my life there a lot." "I wasn't feeling like leaving you alone; beside you don't have much of a choice, you're my rider… and as such you don't have much of a choice." "Whatever… you didn't have to react in such a way." "How did you expect me to react then? This bastard cheated on me!" "You realize you're calling your mate a bastard." "It's what he deserves after what he did to me… beside we're no longer together… and the best place for him is out of my life." "Do you hear what you're saying?" "What? This son of a whore dared to betray my trust… he has to pay the consequences. I can be forgiving… but not to that extend." "Tarken he is your mate! One month ago you were boring me with how cute, how handsome, how loving, how enamored he was and how much you loved him in return and now you're telling me that it's over!" "I… I… wouldn't exactly say that. Sure he is still… pretty much the same… all… adorable and… handsome yes… but… not for me… not anymore. Let's just say that… love is gone." There must have been something I did involuntarily because he threw me a wide smile. "What's so funny?" "Just that glint in your eyes. It's pretty rare to see it… well… when you're not talking about him." "Shut up! It's over… stop bothering me with him." "Fine… if you want. However there's something I don't really understand why did you want to leave?"

"Didn't I say it? This… asshole dared to cheat on me, he fooled me and went out to breed some female." "Why doesn't it surprise me?" "What? If you tell me you saw that coming I'll assure you the flight will be rough." "Hehe… I'm not scared. Anyway… I wouldn't say I saw it coming… but at least I expected it… Your relationship is so complicated and… rotten…" "Rotten? What do you mean?" "Well… with all the tricks and lies you did to each other I knew a time would come where one of you would backstab the other beyond forgiveness." "Tricks and lies… I… I don't understand. He is the guilty one here." "You're not all clean either Tarken." he replied on a harsh tone. "What do you insinuate?" I hissed. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. He may have cheated on you but you also have done a number of bad things to him to." "Like what?" "Let's see… the day you met you raped him." "What! I never did that! I wouldn't dare to do that! I… I have principles…" "Are you sure of what you say? I surely can recall a completely different story. I remember you having your way with him in the bathroom." "I wouldn't call that a rape… just a rough rutting…." "Yeah… I'm not sure he agreed to be bred like this." "Well… not… not exactly…" "You see you agree. I'm still honestly surprised he came back and forgave you for that." "Well…he… he he… I… I don't know." "And all these times you went rough on him…" "There I stop you he enjoyed it." "On that you're right; you're both as lusty." he yelled, pushing an accusing finger in my chest. "But I'm not talking about all your matings; it would take me a year to get through them all. I'm talking about that time where you had him strapped and attached without even knowing if he was in that kind of stuff before." "Well… I… I admit this time I should have been more careful and take more precautions." "See… you're no better than him." "Well… at least I remained close to him; always loving and… caring when he was going out to satisfy his lust with others!" I shouted, out of rage.

"You know… it's not the fact that he mates with others that freaks me out. I mean… its Kyo… he is horny… as I am… and has his own desires and urges to settle… some I cannot satisfy… and… I'm… ok… I guess with that fact that he will seek a female… like any regular male. What pisses me off Lyle is that he dared to loom me in the eye and promise that he wouldn't do it with that particular female. He tricked me… lied to me and did it all the same."

"You talk about lies but you also have in my opinions much worse lies under your belt." this time I tensed. This wicked smile on his face really getting on my nerves.

"I don't see what you're talking about…" I hiss defensively, ready to bite this time. "Don't lie to yourself Tarken… we both know what this is all about… THE lie… THE secret; THE thing that cripples your heart; the very thing that makes this whole relationship… unstable and… explosive."

I looked down, staring at my paws; these two green things, scorched, made of melted scales merged together, thickened by time and endless walking; this part of my body, thick like horn; insensitive, insensible, incapable to feel a damn thing, even that cold floor below them.

I take a long deep breath. "You know I can't tell him that… not now." "Yeah… just because you're afraid of the consequences!" "No! I'm just… not sure of how he'll react. I mean… its Kyo… he is so reckless… I'm just… just afraid of what he'll do… he could… just go out and run after it… hopelessly." "You see you still care about him!" shouted a triumphant Kyle. "No I'm not! Well… not… not anymore and this… this will remain my burden forever." "Yeah yeah whatever. It is your burden because you want to keep it this way. But remind me… what was your promise to them?" "I promised to keep the secret from indiscreet ears." "And… do you think Kyo is someone you should hide that to?" "Well… I… I…"

I couldn't answer to that; I could just look away and watch the water cascading along the rocky walls. "Why are you throwing it all to my face now?" I sigh, tired of the pointless argument. "Well… you owned it." "I get it… you're just frustrated that I decided to go." "Yes… mostly because I was enjoying my stable, loving relationship and you brought it to an end!" "Hey… I'm sorry… I mean it. I… I really didn't thought about that aspect of things." I admit, still unable to look directly in his eyes. "It is too late for that anyway… regrets won't change what has been done." I whisper, a salty tear rolling along my cheek. I try my best to silence a whine but that sound manage to slip past my lips. "You miss him right?" sniggers Kyle, cleaning for the thousand time his shotgun. "Of course idiot! Do you think that's easy for me to just… leave everything behind?" I whimpered, letting these tears cascade down for a bit. With a loud snort I shake the picture of the one I used to call my mate of my head and growl "but this… asshole should have think twice before doing this… to me." "Yeah… but you lizard brain hardly think once usually so twice… we're risking brain implosion." "Fuck off!" "You don't like the sound of truth Tarken"" he chuckled, enjoying that wicked tickling of my anger addled mind "however you're just the same impulsive nature as he is." "Stop comparing me to that… pile of shit. He can go eat a dick… it's all he is worth anyway… sucking dicks… and raising his tail." "Just like you." "Are you gonna stop bothering me with him or will I have to silence you myself!?"

"Fine… fine… stop roaring; the echoes here are killing my ears." "So shut up!"

Frustrated, angry; antsy, on the edge of letting all that rage spill out I curled on myself, wrapping my tail around my large frame and nestling my head on the nice and warm pillow my own body made. I closed my eyes, trying my best to remain calm and ignore that persistent thought of my mate. Soon however a particular sting comes to my nostrils, making them twitch in both disgust and surprise. A strong scent invades my flaring nostrils, a stench I know way too well. "Kyo…" I whisper, my eyes opening wide on my slightly parted and swollen slit, oozing with a trickle of whitish fluid, streaming down my thigh. "Oh crap… I forgot that…" I grunt, already bored of that smell and the memories it brings back. I shift my stance a bit, twisting my body and craning my neck to end up facing my slit. "Guess it's cleaning time." I mumble in apprehension. I don't want to taste that filthy seed again, neither do I want to swallow it… even lest to have its dirty smell invading my nose but I don't want, above all else, to have that thing sloshing around inside me. With a snarl I press my tongue on the opening, the tiny fleshy rift between my hindlegs squashing a bit as it gives way to more oozing semen. I gasp, the sticky thing entering my mouth. Wait… not that sticky in fact. Curiosity drives me further, forcing me to penetrate my eager slit, my agile tongue exploring the muscular sanctuary bathed in that mix of my natural fluids and that nasty seed forming a gooey mess which's scent makes my slit muscles clamp in arousal. I try to keep my focus, lapping the inside rapidly to try and ignore the flavor and odor of that Oozing repugnant mess.

Yet it's more persistent than I expected and, against my will I find myself moaning helplessly; eagerly even. "Could you be less noisy when you masturbate!" growled Kyle. "I'm not… OH GOD… masturbating… I just want to… *gasp* clean it?" "Then do you have to be so lewd about it?" "Sorry… it… it just feels better than I expected… guess I'm a bit sensitive down there."

"I don't want to know that Tarken. However… why do you want to do it now? It's not like you'll be using your… tools anytime soon."

His observation was right; too right. "Well… Kyo… he… he did quite a mess inside." "What don't tell me you let him mate you." giggled Kyle, laughing loudly. "No… not at all. Well… he… he was… pawing off when I found him and… he… he jammed… that filthy thing inside me and… well… came inside." "Hehe… I bet you enjoyed it." "Well… I… I was you know… slightly MAD AT HIM so… I'm not sure I actually appreciated." "Yeah whatever… just do it in silence please." "Yes… of course… I'll try my best."

I went back to my oozing slit, delving in deep and gathering all the thick mess I could with my tongue. The more I ate, the more I swallowed down my quite hungry throat I start to feel a n unusual sensation, something I've never felt in that kind of situation: doubt. The taste, the flavor, even the sensation of it sliding in my throat I realize how awkward it is; nothing is… like I remember it. The taste is weird, the feeling even more, the smell is nothing like the pungent thing I'm used to. Everything about that seed seems weird. "What's wrong?" I whined, spitting out a large lump of cum. "What… can't even swallow some semen?" "No… I… I it… it just feels weird." "What? Don't like the taste?" he jokes, still mocking me. "Yes… it… it tastes bad… and… and feels even weirder." "Be more precise." "Well… I… I know Kyo's seed… I've feasted on enough of it to no every detail, to… to have that flavor imprinted in my mouth forever but… that… that shit… it not feeling right." "Ok ok… dragon stuff… leave me out of it please."

I mumble something in apology then dug my tongue again in my parted slit, listening to the wet squelching sound it made. I kept licking ravenously; choking on all the cum I found inside. The stir in my slit kept growing; jolts of pleasure shooting through my body. Without really noticing I began groaning and growling deeply, enjoying the familiar tingle of lust. A familiar haze took hold of my head, pushing all rational thoughts aside only leaving desire as the only thing that mattered. It felt good; like… really good lapping at my tight vent; collecting more of that weird tasting seed. Something begins to push in my mouth; grinding along my tongue as it slides in deep, coated in a slick thin layer of fluids. I cough, the large lump pushing too deep, too quickly in my mouth. "What the hell…" I gasp, spit and messy fluids drooling from my mouth. I stare in shock, observing my two penis jutting from my slit, two hard poles throbbing and twitching eagerly, drenched in slimy saliva and dried cum. "Damn… I didn't expect to get hard like this." at that exact moment they flopped limply against my belly like two flaccid things "well… half hard at least."

"Woah… indeed he made quite a mess." commented Kyle, teasingly. "Yes… and… damn I can't get that taste of my mouth." "Yeah keep pretending you don't like it." "I never said that… it's just… it feels so weird… the taste the smell… everything… it just… doesn't feel right. I know Kyo's seed… it's virile… fertile… musky… and damn potent. But… that thing it's weak; tasteless; just… just like water." I spit in repugnance. "Disturbs you right?" "Of course… how that thick spunk I used to crave for turned to that weak unfertile mess?" "I don't know maybe he enjoyed his night too much and you only got the remaining." "Perhaps… but even Kyo's weakest seed is more potent than that." "If you say so. Let me take a closer look then."

I waited silently, rather anxiously as Kyle made his way to my displayed gender, observing the two cocks flopping around whenever I moved, hitting my lower belly with muffed wet sounds, smearing this mess around, seeping in my scales. I shivered when one soft hand reached out, caressing my hardening turgid length and collecting a small sample of that strange substance. "You're right… there's definitely something wrong about that semen." "You sure?" "Of course. I've seen and been close enough from dragon spunk to know how it feels smells and taste and I can assure you this thing is weak. I'm not even sure it can still be called semen. Although… even a spent dragon should produce something of a better quality."

"You think that… she tried to take more than just… Kaos?" "You mean his ability to ensure his legacy." "Maybe… but she could just have ripped his balls at the end of their mating… quite a more efficient way to sterilize a dragon if you ask me."

"So… what is it then?" I asked, tension pulling my muscles apart; heavy globes of sweat falling in my eyes. My breath was a ragged panting, anxiety making me scrap the floor with my claws. "My hypothesis is simply that… it's a trick…." "A… trick…" I mumble, frowning in incomprehension. "Yes… an enhancement… or a curse… as you wish… but I suspect we can only get that kind of result through use of magic." explained Kyle; throwing the glob of seed away. "You mean… maybe it was… a volunteer shift." "I didn't say that. It may be on purpose… or unknown to Kyo." "So it could be Kaos." "Definitely."

I sighed, incapable to acknowledge or understand a single thing. "I don't get it! Why… why giving her gallons of unfertile seed when he wanted to raise a family?" "I don't know. Maybe he realized you were right and made that change himself… or Kaos did it while he was enjoying himself. Perhaps it's even poisonous!" he suggesting, getting me so afraid that I felt my stomach churn and twist painfully as an acrid wave threatened to spill from my gaping maws. "Relax Tarken it's just a suggestion. However what I suppose is that he was getting rid of all that weak seed when you arrived."

A weight I didn't even know was there left my chest; at least that bitch didn't manage to get a single thing out of Kyo; no seed; no shrine of Kaos or finish her wicked plan. Yet… so many questions remained unanswered… and even more regrettable things added on top of all these pointless questionings. The pain of betrayal was there, lurking inside me; crawling beneath my scales, triggering chills of rage in my entire body yet I felt like softening a bit. "What am I missing?" I whisper, slamming my tail in the rock, listening to the loud echo it made as it crushed tiny bits of rock. "I'd like to say I saw everything coming but if I say that I guess I'm gonna get knocked off the cliff." "You're… not wrong… I… I actually feel so lost about all this. I… I don't understand a damn thing." "And I guess that boner doesn't help much." "No… it… it doesn't help. Man I feel so horny; I could mate a wall." "Since you already mated your own bed I trust you'd be capable of doing so." "So… what do we do?" "I don't know you're the one with wings Tarken It's not like I can move away on my own. So… do we go back and find out or keep flying away?"

I try to think, ponder each option I have. "I… I don't know… I have no idea."

"Well let's see… if we fly away they'll eventually find us. If we go back we'll be looking like crap." "Yes I can agree on that. Beside if I see his face again I think I'm gonna rip it apart." "Tarken… you're insane." he sighed, apparently tired from the constant barking. "Sorry… I just can't get it out of my head. How he lied to me… how he cheated on me." "I understand… I think I'll react just the same if Allen did the same to me." "Really?" I mumbled in hope. "Well I would be mad…like really mad… and I think he'll take quite a few punch in the head… but I wouldn't make such a big scene." He yelled at me, just earning a few amused giggles in answer "hehe… I'm not so sure you wouldn't be as mad as I currently am. I'm ready to bet my balls on it." "Are you sure of that." he growled, shoving the cold steel canons of his weapon in the softer part of my head where my two hefty nuts are. "*Gasp* get that thing of me!" I yelp, my hindpaw kicking in a pure defensive attempt; useless of course, he is too low for my paws to touch him.

I tense, not in fear but in raw instinctive awareness. I feel a danger coming. In a second the cold canons have left my thigh, instead wielded by an expert hand. "You felt that too?" I whisper, my heart pounding in my chest. "Of course I felt it. Something is coming… something big."

Instantly I jump on my paws, all claws out, energy flowing and boiling in my veins; ready to fight.

"What can it be?" "I don't know but I don't like this." Grumbles Kyle, checking his gun's chamber.

Our gaze turns in union toward the only access to the cave. "If something is coming it has to enter by here." "Unless it can go through walls." Suggested Kyle. "Don't speak of bad luck." I hiss defensively. We wait several minutes, listening, watching, on edge, our muscles stiff; yet nothing comes. "It's weird…" I grumble, relaxing for a second; a too long sec. A chill run down my spine, the air seemingly getting colder. A light whistling sound attracted my gaze, but toward the end of the cave. "What the…"

A smoke had enveloped us, leaking from the bare walls themselves, seeping between cracks like it came from the other side. The thick volutes quickly surrounded us, turning the already dark cave to even deeper darkness, so thick we couldn't see through. "That smoke is everything except natural." "Yeah just like your eagerness." "Shut up and focus."

A little click echoed in the silence; the sound amplified a thousand times in the tensed atmosphere. It was a metallic noise, unusual in that place. "Is that you?" I ask, trembling and sweating. "No… it's not me… dude I'm doing as less sound as possible. Moreover my gun is already locked and loaded " "So… who it is."

"I don't know…" he huffed, checking his six. "Tarken watch out!" he yells, unloading the two barrel toward the darker, unstrutable depth of the cave. The loud banging took me by surprise, destabilizing me a mere instant. And then; like an answer another detonation came, higher pitched, like a reply To Kyle's shots.

Pain surged in my head, my vision darkening, my brain and muscles going slack as I stumbled back. I felt like falling, all my strength failing me when I most needed it, drained from my weakening body as my large frame fell to the ground; a heavy gut sack. A vague metallic taste invaded my mouth as I started to drift. As my thought dispersed, swallowed in the nothingness of ´unconsciousness one remained, reaching out, and pointed to one person. Kyo.

………

Allen:

"Kyo stop! It's useless they're not here!" I shout, leaning over Kyo's back as his wings flap raggedly. We're flying low, scrutinizing the mountains for any sign of them yet the chaotic terrain doesn't help, full of narrow path too dark to see a damn thing, mountains chiseled by time offering large rocky jagged edge that makes the flight even more complicated, forcing us to do large detours to avoid crashing in a mist hidden mountain top. "They have to be there… they cannot have flown much further than that." he hisses, focused, oblivious to the rest. "Kyo it's pointless! We've been flying for hours and have found not a single trace." "They must be there… maybe they hid in a cave." "Bright idea dumbass!" I huff "Do you know how many holes there are in these freaking mountains!? It's gonna take us a week to explore them all." "It's a risk worth taking." he grunts, operating a slight left turn to fly over a tiny village nestled in a valley near a rivulet. "Start by asking yourself the good questions." grumble Kaos who remained rather silent during the long, boring flight. "Like what?" "Are we even looking in the good direction?" "We're following the only lead we have!" he hisses defensively, flying stationary. "That's the problem, I don't trust that guy!" "Why?" "I have a gut filling he lied."

"For what reason?" he grumbles, doubtful. "Maybe he is trying to send us into an ambush." suggest Kaos. "Or simply Tarken ordered him to send us in the wrong direction." I suggest. My words seem to have more effect on Kyo than Kaos's. "Then where?" He sniffs, giving the landscape a desperate look. "I don't know…" "This place is so huge… he can just have flown the other way… and now it will be too late to catch up with him."

"I… may have a solution." mumbled Kaos with a honeyed voice, a devious smile spreading on his lips. "Why do I hate it already?" I grumble. "Because it's only another demon trick." "No not this time!" protests Kaos, growing impatient. "Then… what is it?" I ask "It can only be better than flying around." "Fuckoff I'm still carrying you." "Yes indeed… but the longer I stay on your back the more I think I'm gonna die up here so I'd rather listen to brighter, clever ideas" "Hmph… if you say so." he huffs, feeling insulted.

"Good to know not everyone is dumb." "Screw you Kaos." spits Kyo angrily. "Anyway explain it already." "Well… to do it I'll need you Kyo to leave me the reins."

That very first sentences leaves us both shocked. "No way…! You won't touch my body again!" "Ok then we'll resume flying until you finally admit it's foolish!" barked the demon. Their gaze crossed; electricity sparkling in the tensed air. "Stop acting like a child Kyo! If I wanted to fool you I would have taken control a while ago… like a few years ago!" "You mean the day you infected me with your vile presence and…"

"STOOOOP!" I yell, earning surprised glazes and an awkward silence. "Stop this childish argument. You're both huge fucking kids." "He started it first!" they yelp at the same time in an almost cute manner. "Shut up both of you! I don't want to hear a word." "Bu!…" "No Kyo… you keep your mouth close."

I feel like a father scolding his children. "Kyo you bring us to the ground safely. And don't even dare to protest it's an order. Kaos do me a favor and watch our back. I don't like that place."

Kyo angle his flight and in a cold silent started descending toward a large plateau. "Are we safe?" "Nothing in sight." "Great so explain your idea and Kyo you still have no right to talk until he is finished."

"Well I think I can give us Tarken's exact location." "Really! Why didn't you say that sooner!" screamed Kyo, his wings fluttering rapidly, his eyes shining with hope. "I wasn't sure. It took me a lot of time to figure it out… and even now I'm not sure it will work."

"It doesn't sound that good now." "Kyo didn't I command you to SHUT THE FUCK UP!"

We kept descending, the wind blowing and billowing in my face. The ground closed fast, too fast. "Hey Kyo I'm not very ok to finish splotched on the ground so you'd better make us land softly please." He remains silent, giving just a pissed off snort yet he doesn't slow down a single bit. "Hey Kyo I'm talking to you." silence again. "Earth to Kyo don't crash us down." "Maybe I should take over…" "Hey Kyo what's wrong with you?!" silence, just more awful silence. "It's weird he is totally fazing" mumbles Kaos, his smoky form swirling around us, examining Kyo in close. "It's weird even mentally he doesn't answer." I mumble after several failed attempts. "Mister reckless horny drake is grumpy." "Kaos stop teasing him." "Relax if he was reacting I would already be squealing." "What's happening to him?" "I don't know."

In my head the somehow reassuring presence of the drago's mind nudging against mine has gone, leaving an empty spot behind "I've only see him act like that once." "When?" "Well… if I remember right… it was when you…"

Everything turns dark, pain like never before floods our minds, what causes it? I have no idea. The wave ravages everything in its path, turning my body numb, and my brain to goo. All my energy seems to be sucked out of my body. I feel like floating, all my senses unresponsive, I see nothing, feel nothing, ear nothing, smell nothing, taste nothing. Well… maybe a hint of blood.

In an instant everything returns to me, all air leaving my lungs, weakness crippling my body along with more pain. "What the hell was that…" I pant, gasping desperately for air. "I've got it!" shouts Kaos, panting like me in distress. "Why are you saying that?" "Kyo just passed out… and I think… I'm not gonna hold long?"

"What have you done Kaos?" I hiss, fumbling around for my gun. "Nothing… I swear… he just passed out. I'm not sure… it was so sudden. I'm gonna put us down… then we'll find out. Oh eh… and… Allen… we'll need your healer skills." "Why?" "His wound is bleeding bad; like really bad."

"Fuck fuck fuck!" I swear, fear mixed with adrenaline blooming in my veins. We messily land, once again. We've barely stopped after a skid in the mud and grass that I've already jumped down, soiling my armor with clay. Kaos keeps Kyo's neck arched, offering me a perfect view of the large places of steel. Hastily I tug at a plate from which ooze small red droplets. After a minute or so of stiff muscles pulling with all their might the plate pops free of his magic attaches. Red cascade from the large opening drenched in coagulated blood. "My goodness." "It just reopened."

I flinch, feeling dizzy, I remember so well that long talk during the flight before he actually allowed me to partially heal his wounded neck. The deep lash is spewing blood everywhere, showering me in crimson red. "I guess… that healing spell of yours could really be useful." grunts Kaos, weakening whisper in the depth of my soul.

I unroll the scroll, crack my finger and start reading.

………

Kyo

A delightful warmth; like a soft embrace, a strange sensation of well-being, like floating on a soft cloud of pure bliss, above all worries, above all suffering. A kind voice whispering reassuring words to my ear. For a brief second, a moment of infinite I feel like I'm a kid again, all wrapped up in my mother's caring embrace, cradled by her voice as she would hold me in her paws, all happiness and ignorance, oblivious to the rest of the world. My heart tighten; it has been ages since I've thought about them… my parents… killed; my brother… taken away, probably dead by now. And if he isn't it's a hundred percent sure he forgot me by now.

Pain breaks the peaceful dream, my eyes snap open, Allen's form unfolding before my very dazed, blurry eyes. "Allen…" I call out, my voice a mean whimper. "I'm here Kyo…" "What happened?" "You passed out. Kaos brought us all safely to the ground." "So… I guess… I own you my life." I mumble, glazing at the blooming dark mist. "Of course you do! But… I'm not gonna do anything of it."

"Can you get up?" asks Allen. "I guess… give me a sec…" "Do you want some help?" benevolently offered Kaos. I don't like it when he is so gentle, it always hides something. "No thanks I can get up on my…" my face ends dipping in the mud, like the rest of my body as my paws abruptly weaken under my own weight. "I take that as a yes then." huffs Kaos. A warm flow of his energy comes revive my tired body. "Thanks… I guess." grumbling as I stand up, reinvigorated.

"So kyo… what happened?" asks Allen worried. "Well… I… I heard that voice calling in my head." "A voice?" "Yes… it… it sounded familiar and… so… distant; like a whisper." "Who do you think that voice belongs to?" "You're gonna find me crazy but… I swear it was Tarken." "Ok… you're running wild." declared Kaos "must be the blood loss." "Shut up Kaos… I… I'm sure it was him." "Fine and then?" "Well… there was that feeling of danger, like a threat coming. Then… there was that pain… I… I swear I saw… two green eyes… like… unnaturally green." "And then?" "I don't know I blanked out." "And almost crashed us into the ground again." huffs Allen "thankfully Kaos took control at the right moment." "Then I suppose… I owe you one." "You bet you do… but I'm gonna do nothing of it." "You surprise me Kaos." "Well… for now we have more important things to talk about." "Yes like that plan of yours." approved Allen, looking impatient already and interested.

"Sure… but first I'll need you Kyo to tell me if you remember ever feeling like this before?" he asked, staring insistently at me, waiting for an answer. "Well… I don't know… I… I can't recall anything similar?" I profusely blush, ashamed. "Really Kyo… think again." "Man… I… I don't know… wait… maybe… maybe once." "When?" "It was when…"

I gasp, choking on air as the truth enlighten me. Allen is speechless, coming to the same realization at the exact same second "The day where the Watcher attacked you." I whisper. "Exactly, you're smarter than I thought Kyo." grates Kaos, nuzzling my neck. "Hold on… you mean when he stabbed me with cursed dagger." "Yes… he did it… I felt exactly the same; like ¹I was being stabbed with you." "Yes it's what I call a distress call, when one of the bonded person is hurt the other feel it and know where the wounded one is. It's both a really helpful gift and a curse. You remember how weakened you were back then Kyo." "Yes… I was like sleepy." "Yes and just a few minutes ago I felt all your energy go down in a flash." "So you mean… I… I received that… distress call from Tarken." "I suspect it" he confirms, that same wide grin spread across his face. "So… what does it mean Kyo?" "That… that we know exactly where he is!" "Exactly" "Then what are we waiting for let's find him!" I chirp happily, my tail swishing, my wings impatiently fluttering. "Calm down Kyo it's not gonna be as easy as you imagine." "What! But…" "With Allen it was simple, you had that strong, tough bond, build to last, unbreakable. Here it's more complicated. You see Tarken broke that bond and what you felt is only thanks to remnants of that connection between you and him." "You mean he didn't manage to shatter that bond?" "Not fully… this bond is too strong to be ever fully broken. You are stuck together, for the better and of course the worst."

"So… can we find him?" I whimper, the sudden fire of hope extinguishing itself, leaving me with only sorrow and remorse. "Maybe yes… maybe not; I'm not sure£ I have no idea of what this weak bond allows us to do." "It's my fault… if only I had listen to him… if only I was wise enough to see how she was getting under my skin. Man… she… she really knew which button to press to get me." "That's one of her skills indeed. Useful don't you think?"

I only growl, regrets turning to anger, sorrow to a burning rage melting all other feeling. "I should have been less dumb. He… he tried to warn me… and I ignored him." "You've been quite stupid and suggestible." "Indeed" I sigh "if only I could rewind and do things differently." "But you can't so stop crying." "You'd better close your mouth, you're not all white either." "What!?" He gasped, backing away. "You lied to me to, you hid me some parts of your plan." "I couldn't tell you because you would have refused if I had told you I'd make your seed weak. All males have their pride after all." he sniggered. "Shut up demon! Your lies and tricks keep pissing me off!" "Without them you'll be in much more troubles! Use your brain for once Kyo. If you had given her a full clutch they would have use her against you, against us! It was only for you that I did this; to protect you." "No to protect your ass." I hiss, closing the gap between us. "Also… you earn me a little explanation." "What?" "I want to know exactly what you told to her." "Don't be to nosy Kyo, it doesn't concern you; only me." "Oh it does concern me; you used my body, my voice so start talking already."

"Fine! I bet you're not goona stop until you get your answers. To be honest most of what we talked about was personal business so you'll get nothing from me; but I can tell you one thing for sure. I wanted to know how many enemies we do actually have on our back." "And what did it gave out?" "It's rather bad, with her out their still strong and dangerous. There is the Watcher, Ghor… he is… sorta an acquaintance of mine; there's also a guy I cannot remember the name but I can assure you he is a tough one. There are also three unknown; apparently they work in some sort of pack under the control of the Watcher. There's also… rumors of some… back up in town but I can't confirm that." "And what use do we have of these information's now?" I growl, drool leaking along my chin. "It's primordial Kyo! If you felt Tarken in danger then it means they found him before us!" "We'll take him back!" I hiss, digging lines in the mud, tearing the dirt like it was actual flesh. "Kyo think before acting for once!" yell Allen. "If Tarken has been captured it can only mean one thing!" "Well two in fact." rectifies Kos "either he was taken by surprise…" "Or attacked by an overwhelming amount of opponents." "You're right…" I admit, pacing myself. "So what do we do then?" "We don't act recklessly and run into a trap head first." declares Kaos, his voice calm yet bossy. "Agreed" I huff, sitting down. "So what's your plan?" "I have no plan!" "Are you kidding me?!"

We all fall on our butt, thinking in silence yet no idea comes out.

"God damn it! We're so stuck!" I growl, walking around the rather small place we landed. "Are you ok?" "I'm just… frustrated. Tarken is probably in danger and we're just sitting here and doing nothing. If only I hadn't…"

My sentence ends in a bunch of incoherent whines. "You caan blame yourself all you want Kyo it won't help." "I know Allen I know. I just wish I hadn't been so selfish and careless. I should have listened… but man I really needed that." "You're so eager, you can't resist the call of sex." "I know Allen. I missed that so much. I men… Tarken is an adorable mate, loving, caring and… so many other things… but he can't replace a female." "He would have understand, I'm sure of it." "i don't doubt it a second. I… I probably should have listen to him." "Undoubtedly!"

"If only I hadn't succumbed to that urge! I feel so dumb, so… pathetic!"

I let out a loud roar, my tail slamming in the ground, my claws lashing out, energy thundering like never before in my body, a small amount oozing out. "Wow… Kyo chill out it's gonna be fine we'll find him." "And what then!? He'll never accept to come with me! i's all over… because of me. What's left of that bond will just fade away… like everything else." "What?" "It's always the same." "What do you mean Kyo?" "I can't keep what's meaningful, what matters to me. All the people I loved are gone! My family dead! My brother gone! My mates… dead as well! All of them dead!!! Now Tarken! Everyone that I loved; that I cared for just… passed away because of me!"

A bump in a forepaw makes me lower my head; big mistake. A gloved hand smacks my snout, pain radiating from the point of impact, burning under my scales. "What was that for!?" "That was to help you snap out of it. For all the others before you could do nothing; you were either too weak or away. However for tarken it's different, you still can bring him back, don't lose hope now." "It's too late for that." "Wasn't it you who were ready to find your mate whatever the cost an hour ago." "I realized how foolish and hopeless this attempt was." "What made you change your mind?" "You… it was you Allen." I whisper, my voice trembling in rage "you were right; that guy indicated us a wrong path. I'm just so tired of being fooled, tricked, and trapped. I'm so pissed off being so… fucking weak… so… fucking stupid!" I let out, energy like fire burning in my very flesh, tingling in my very scales. I didn't need to to know that my entire body was oozing flames of pure energy. "Holy fuck! Kyo calm down!"

i only let out a long growl, my lips curling back, unfolding my fangs, claws digging in the ground. Energy gather in my body, building up, boiling like a volcano about to erupt. I roar, my whole body on fire, pure energy bursting in all direction, tearing through the rock like paper. I let it all out, an immense shockwave spreading out. In the corner of my eyes I see Allen flipping over, thrown away by the mighty wave. Around me everything shatters, rock breaking, entire portions of mountain shattering, falling down the slope, crashing down below in an explosion of shattered rock and dust. That chaotic, noise of avalanche has a strange effect on me. It's kind of satisfying, like the sound of destruction tames the ragging fire inside of me; like, like it enjoyed the mayhem i created. a sting of dust and ash slips in my nostrils,, triggering a light delightful shudder. I open my eyes, the world in my immediate surroundings wears a look of wasteland; all grass has melted, forming a thick coat of ash, the dirt is dry and dusty, the rare trees are now mere wooden skeletons dangling in the wind. Entire sections of cliffs and mountains have vanished, revealing jagged layers of old rocks. Down below huge boulders and rock fragments form an unstable pile blocking a canyon here slithered a silvery river. "Is… is it me who did that?" I mumble, shocked. "It… it's like… back in the city when…"

I stop, raising a paw, apprehending what I may have figured out. As I feared my paw is coated in a thick layer of pure dark energy radiating and rhythmically pounding.

"Kyo for our sake please calm down!" Yell Kaos, popping next to me, a look of fear and worry on his face. "Why stop… I thought you demons enjoyed chaos." I hiss, delighting myself of the sight of destruction; that vile energy; shifting my thoughts in a wicked way. "Allen are you ok?" asks Kaos, more worried than me. "I'm fin." he grumbles, extricated himself of the thick sheet of ash. "thanks god you're armor is tough." sighs Kaos while I still contemplate the chaos I made; rocks melting, devoured by dark flames, silvery waters turning thick and black, like some sort of weird brewage full of nasty things, bubbles exploding at the surface. "kyo!" roars Kaos, a violent shock rocking my whole frame. "Snap out of it! Don't let it take over you!" he screams in my ear. A smile curl my lips, a grimace of satisfaction, like that terrified face was a pleasure to look at. "Kyo listen to my voice; try to keep calm and…" "Do you ever shut up?" I growl, more energy seeping in my very flesh. A strange tickling spreads into my body, my claws becoming heavier, my guts like melting before reforming. I gasp, the haze clouding my brain becoming thinner, easier to see and think through. "I stagger, the darkness retreating slightly. "so… sorry…" I stutter, trying my hardest to get a grip on the situation, on myself. "I… I lost… control I guess." "Its fine" whisper Kaos reassuringly.

"What… what happened?" "You experienced a… darkness surge." "Woah… that… that was strong." "At least you managed to get out of it in time." "Thankfully…" I whisper.

"Kyo…" softly murmurs Kaos "I know how hard it is to not just give into it and let it rage but you have to be stronger than that; for u, for your ride, for your mat." "Tarken…" I wince, feeling that soul crushing weight squeezing my heart. A tear roll on my cheek. "Kyo I understand how frustrating it can be to feel used, misguided, tricked…" "That's strange to hear you say that when you're usually the one to trick." "Would you… forget that last bit?"

We smile nervously, letting loose a nervous laugh. "I'm just… so… angry…" I whisper, feeling my limbs tremble. I look away, letting all the held back emotions of the day spill out with my tears. Inside me the darkness that had lashed out in my burst of anger were now retreating, hiding in the darkest part of my being. "That's it Kyo… don't keep it for you… spit it out." encourages Kaos, his presence feeling reassuring, almost affectionate. "I'm so mad… at… everyone." I whimper, lowering my snout to the ground where a pair of soft hands start to rub it gently, going wherever the thick armor I'm wearing allows him to go. That contact feels nice and without really noticing I begin purring and nuzzling back these hands, grinding my scales against that soft human skin. "Go ahead Kyo keep going." "I'm… so mad at… me… for the most part… and…" "And?" "And… at that fucking whore!" I roar, shoving Allen away. Dark power fills my vein in an instant, stronger, wilder than before. A low growl echoes in my throat as I stand up; pure energy sparkling from my scales, every inch of scales turned to an ever burning fire. "Oh no… here comes another!" Squeaks Kaos, backing away. I look up into the blue sky where a strange point is hovering; following a straight path above us, soaring in silence. "Hmmm… speaking of the devil…"

"No no no! Kyo don't even think about it!" yells Allen. "I won't let you shoot a random dragon like this!" growls Kaos, putting himself like a shield between me and the other flying drake. "Watch me." I snarl, calculating my shot.

"Kyo if you do this you'll leave me no other choice." warns me Allen, a clicking sound as a last warning.

I simply snort, ignoring all the alarming signs.

My mouth opens slowly on a growing glowing black ball radiating dark energy. "Kyo… I won't repeat it again. Stop this bullshit now."

In answer I fire.

"Noooooo!" screams Allen as a large puff of smoke explodes where the ball hit.

A mere instant of satisfaction later the loud bang of a gunfire fills my ear.

………

Alya:

Curses! Flying with a heavy belly after a good meal is already hard and exhausting with the added weight but flying with a fat belly full of fresh seed is even worst; it's making me ill with all that stuff sloshing around in my womb. I growl, shaking my head to clear it from non-important situation.

"So… let's summarize… I've failed… quite miserably; I've been manipulated by my own master… hmm… no big surprise. And I've got plenty of fertile semen inside me and I'm flying away… again." I take a deep breath; that routine is actually getting on my nerves. I'm tired of always leaving but here, today I have no choice. I hope the Watcher… Ordan doesn't send them after me. He could do, he never liked me anyway and now I'm a fugitive. My thought drift away; my master's words playing again and again in my head, imprinting forever in my brain. "So… is that the truth? It doesn't make sense. Or does it? Maybe… it could explain a lot of things; why he left all these years ago; why he hid all these things; why he acted so weirdly upon leaving and why he cared so much for that little brat; so weak and pathetic; incapable of doing a damn think, yet he sticks to him for his own weird reasons. "So is that why we were chasing you… because of your little secret?" I whisper, doubting my own words. "That's so weird. You had everything you wanted… why did you have to leave?" I huff, feeling a slight tingle of frustration and jealousy rising in the back of my head.

A strange sensation comes and disturb me; an imperceptible shift in the air; like electricity jolting in the wind. "A storm… in that clear sky? No way…" I grumble, observing each tiny piece of sky. Nothing. "No it can be a

I focus on that awkward sensation. The more I think about it the more I realize I know that feeling to air. It is no electricity I sense; it's energy residue floating in the breeze, not any energy, it's an aura, a presence I can recognize even in darkness. A sense of impending disaster, boiling, waiting to be unleash. It feels like following a pure trail of corruption, wicked, insidious, invisible, waiting patiently for its time; for the weakness to show to seep in the flesh, poison the heart and mind, turn all good to evil, all happiness to utter fury. To be frank I don't like it, it's too obvious, too evident to be normal. Usually even the weakest, mindless attack drones, all that cannon fodder worth weaklings are thought how to conceal their aura, to trouble it beyond recognition to ensure we remain unknown, hidden in the crowd. Yet now it looks someone is letting everything out; beside he or she has a strong aura; I can sense it from here, high above. I could track it down with ease but it is no matter. I keep flying steadily, my wings flapping rhythmically, my flight stable. Yet the more I flew; always heading to the north the energy radiation kept growing stronger. "Hmmm… someone is not really discreet with his powers." I huff, pestered by that pesky sensation. It somehow attract me toward it, making me deviate slightly of my course.

Soon, dust erupt from a narrow gap between mountains as heavy boulders of stone broke from the mountain and rolled down the hill crashing in a large pile, blocking an entire canyon. "Someone seems pretty pissed off… or just training loudly." I have to admit that it turn s me on to see the world shattering makes me quite wet.

I try to ignore it, focusing on my path, the faster I leave this place, the harder they'll find me. I keep an eye out for incoming threat; I'm honestly surprised there's not already someone on my tail, hunting me yet I'm alone in these skies.

Unknown to me I keep glazing at the ground below, trying to spot thq little troublemaker letting all his energy ooze and rage out in the open. "What are you trying to achieve idiot? Getting caught?" I hiss hating that unknown guy for being so careless and reckless.

A tiny black point keeps my attention, blinking as it moves silently. It's not important; this guy can get busted or turn this place back to dust it's not my business. I have to focus, to think of a safe place. What safe place anyway? What place in this world can be called safe? If everything happen according to plan there will be no place left to hide in a few month, the earth would be scorched, the sea should turn the color of blood; all light shall vanish only leaving eternal darkness to rule on the shattered remains of this world. Life shall disappear in every form, even the air should be poisonous for any leaving thing and the whole planet shall be covered of ashes and decaying, rotting dead bodies. That picture sends a strange chill down my spine, an awkward concoction of delight and fear. I've been dreaming of that moment ever since the first hints of darkness took root inside of me yet today I'm afraid of it. What would I become if that fate, that old prophecy comes true? I shall burn like the rest. I shake my snout, no, no it can't be; even if I failed I'm still there, alive (for now at least) and technically safe; maybe… maybe I could get back in His good favors later; I could find another way… there is always another way.

Suddenly, unexpectedly my sense of danger goes crazy, yelling at me that I'm not safe anymore yet I feel no presence, no attacker trying to strike from any direction. "Calm down… take a deep breath… you… are… safe… just… just stressed out… you definitely need to take a break from all of this. Yes… after all who would dare to attack me in an open sky in bright daylight…? Or maybe… oh no."

I get it now, that tiny glint, that shrine of dark light. "Crap…" I manage to gasp as the projectile enters my line of sight. It's too late to dodge it or counter attack, blow it in midflight. I can just stare, maw gaping as it moves like in slow motion. I close my eyes, pain burning my right flank as I collide with the glowing dark sphere, lightning bursting through my body, paralyzing my muscles as I let out a silent cry, my eyes bugging out , my body frozen in midair, all strength leaving my body as I begin to fall down. I'm losing conscious as the world spins around me, my vision a blur where purplish sparkles dance. The ground closes in fast and I can't brace for the impact to come.

In a last split second of consciousness I think about the last happy memories of my life where mix scenes of my childhood, other memories long forgotten and one last, more disturbing, so recent, so clear it feels real again. I can hear a heavy breath billowing in my earhole, a muscular body towering above me, strong paws pinning me down, claws digging in my scales, fangs threatening to pierce my neck and something hard, hot, pulsing in the depth of my pussy, trusting roughly in and out, oozing with a delightful liquid heat. "The last time I felt so satisfied." I thought to myself as my head bumps into the soft ground.

………

Kyo

A loud detonation, the smell of black powder igniting, burning, the puff of white fumes bursting from the barrel, the heated projectile thinking in my flesh, burning, piercing through everything; and the pain shooting deep in my body.

I gasp, my muscles stiffened, my wings flared, my tail straight just above the ground. I spasm involuntarily under the impact of the bullet digging it's way in my flesh and popping on the other side, leaving a well formed bloody hole. "Damn… that thing packs quite a punch for such a small weapon." gasps Kaos, eyes about to pop free from his skull. "Indeed…" I whisper; "I felt it." The blood, warm and thick slowly travel down my neck, slipping under the thick steel plates. "I… I actually didn't think you were capable of… firing at me." I murmur, trembling. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you from doing stupid things." "So… you should have stopped me before." I sigh, my mind clear of all thoughts. The bullet did only minor damages, nothing I can't heal on my own. "Kyo…" whimpers Allen, lowering his tiny gun "I do not blame you for trying to look for your mate; I mean… I'm also looking for someone as well if you remember." "Yes… I…" "It's your methods and your recklessness that I blame! So for once please, sit down and think before acting." "Agreed but first let's check on that poor thing you shot down. Hopefully it's still alive after that fall." huffs Kaos. "I… I… I've really messed up… didn't I?" "Kyo… you'd better close your mouth because if it's dead you're gonna suffer." hisses Kaos, obviously mad, his smoke body expending and thickening, like a cloud of storm ready to pour down on the lands. "I'd even say you're gonna doubly suffer!" grunts Allen, cracking his fingers." "I… I think it's still alive." I squeak. "It better be… for your ass."

I gulp down heavily, anxious. What have I done again? I look down, observing the coat of grey ash covering the landscape in a good fifty meters radius. Soon we arrive near a place where all the ashes have been scattered, leaving a large hole where the ravaged soil is displayed. In the circular hole lays a large form. A dragon from the look of it, long wings unfolded, a sleek frame, well-shaped claws, pristine black scales, perfect curves and forms; a really attractive beauty. But, even though its sleeping body is attracting and hard to resist I feel weird; like I know that face. "No way…" whispers Allen scratching the back of his head "how did you know?" "I… I don't know… A hunch I guess." "Never mind." grumbles Allen.

"Just got lucky." huffs Kaos, observing the sprawled corps.

Before me, a few steps away the one lying in the dirt, unconscious, covered of bruises and cuts is simply Alya; her swollen, bulging belly clearly visible from my angle. "You felt her right?" asked Kaos, curious. "Maybe… I… I don't know…" "Did you lost your mind Kyo or what?" he growls impatiently." "I… I don't know… god… my memories are so messed up… it's just like… I… I blanked out for a few minutes." "Yeah… succumbing to darkness can sometime do that kind of effect, alter memories and perceptions." "I agree to that without a doubt. God… my head is killing me." I grumble, grimacing in pain. "It will be ok soon Kyo. Just, don't let it possess you again."

"Guys could you stop talking and focus on her please?" interrupted Allen, already crouching low next to her "you'll have plenty of time to talk about that later so could we please focus on more pressing matters, like I don't know… seeing if Kyo didn't just killed someone." "You're right… forgive us." we grumble in an almost perfect synchronism. The sound of our voices echoing is so surprising that we stare at each other in silence for several seconds. "Why are you copying me?" "No you why…" "Guys!" roars Allen.

I step closer, trying my best not to stare too much at her divine body, shivers of pleasure from last night's event still coursing through my body. As I observe at the edge of perversion Kaos seems to be focusing moron her actual wounds. "It doesn't look too bad… surprisingly." he admits, looking confused. "I bet the ashes cushioned her fall." suggested Allen. I approved with a nod, still silent and busy doing nothing more than just watching. "Probably." grumbles Kaos, darting an angry look on me, a fiery gaze I don't even see. Before my glued eyes she start to move, shuffling a bit, her stiff muscles slowly relaxing. She blinks her eyes several time, growling loudly. "What the fuck is wrong with you!" she screams, going from peaceful to pissed off in the blink of an eye. The brutal shift in her behavior is so sudden, so unexpected that it pulls me out of my mesmerized state. I back away, ashamed and disoriented. "Why did you even shot at… argh… Kyo!" she shouts, backing away in turn "what the hell are you even doing here?" she gasps, now shivering, her eyes looking everywhere for an escape. "Hey wouldn't it be more… logic if I was the one asking that question?" I mumble. "Well… since you shot me down… I guess you can say you were here first." she grumpily confirms "so…?" "Answer me!" I scream in disbelief.

"Well I was flying and you?" "I… I was actually… looking for my mate." I whimper, lowering my face to hide my teary eyes. "Why are you looking for him… here? And… what does it have to do with me?" "Well… we… we had an argument… because of you!" I bark, baring my fangs menacingly. "Hey chill out I have nothing to do with your business." she answers, adopting a more defensive stance. "Oh trust me you have everything to do with that whole affair… since you've started it!" I roar, closing the gap between us. "What!?" "If you didn't try to subdue me." "Subdue you?" she laughs "I did almost nothing; you did the most part on your own. To be honest you were one of the easiest… prey I ever…" before she can finish my claws lashing out, blood spewing out of large gashes in her face. "What is wrong with you?!" she yelled, backing away, her face drenched in blood. "It's you!" I hiss, since I met you my life has been a nightmare!" "Because of me." she sniggers, amused "you let yourself be tempted." "Shut up." I roar, lifting my already bloodied claw toward her face. This time she has seen it coming, she swiftly dodges the blow and strike back, her tail smacking my face. The spikes glide along the slick armor protecting, dealing no damage at all, simply bouncing on the thick plates. "Damn armor." she huffs, grimacing in slight pain. I stagger back, disoriented. Even though I've suffered no real damage the loud sound of her tail slamming in the metal pressed against my scales has another annoying side effect; the loud sound her tail strike made upon contact with the plates covering my muzzle is echoing through my body and head, shaking every fiber of my being. It feels like someone is ringing a bell in my very head. "God… last time I wear an armor." I wince. "That was fun…" "Don't even dare to try again." I bark, trying with all my might to look scary.

I realize all along someone has been laughing. I look behind, Allen is sprawled on the ground, laughing loudly. Even Kaos is giggling, a sly smile enlightening his face. "What's so funny?" I growl. "Yes what is making you laugh so much human?" she adds, baring her fangs. "You're just so cute… even when you argue. You look like an old couple?" "Yes… it's really adorable."

We stay silent, shocked, staring at each other in disbelief. Yet, as we observe each other I feel a warmth just under my scales. Involuntarily I begin to blush, my cheeks turning increasingly redder. Thankfully my armor hides most of it while her face as turned a nice shade of red. "Anyway." she cuts me short right when I'm about to speak "I haven't seen your mate… since I… kinda bumped into him this morning." "Bumped into him?" "Well… I… we… crossed path this morning and he looked pretty pissed off." "Thank you I noticed." I grunt, craning my neck to expose the large cut in my neck. "Oh… poor thing." she sniggers deviously. "Alya don't tease me." "What? It was obvious you would get into troubles even for me. Anyway I haven't seen or heard or felt your mate since this morning and I think it's better for my sake so don't bother me with that. Oh and by the way… you could just ask nicely instead of shooting people down." this time I can't bear it any longer. "That's enough!" I roar, my power growing again, tiny lightning spurting from my very scales. She keep standing before me, defying me with that devious grin of hers. "Go ahead show me what you've got…" she hisses, digging her claws into the ground. Electricity spills from my mouth, lightning jolting forward, toward her, yet she keeps smiling provokingly. A surge of pain traverses my body. I cry out in pure suffering, my body quaking like I've just been struck by a thunderstorm. "Kyo… I don't think it's a good idea to use electricity when you're covered of steel." suggest Kaos with a tiny, high pitched voice. "Like I said before… last time I wear an armor." I pester, cursing the thick enhanced plates. "That's kinda frustrating; I was hoping for a fight and I won't even get to touch you; you're doing all the job of hurting yourself alone. That's way too easy."

I decide to not reply, keeping my self-control. "Go ahead… keep talking while you can." I simply answer, getting back on my feet, taking a deep whiff in the scent of my own burned scales. "If you keep failing your attacks so miserably I think I can keep talking."

The desire to just shut her mouth is hard to tame but I must keep some calm and composure. "Alya… I don't want to fight you." "Says the guy that fired and clawed at me." "Never mind… I… I wasn't… actually feeling myself. I'm so… pissed off of just… flying around and finding nothing." "Let me give you a tip, maybe he doesn't want to be found." "Finally someone wise." let out a relieved Allen. "She is smart… I knew it since the day I met her." respectfully adds Kaos, a proud smile on his foggy face. "You honor me Master." "Master!" squeaked Allen. "It's a long story." mumbles Kaos, suddenly so nervous. "Long story short she is one of his minion." I growl, a chill of disgust running down my spine. "I prefer the term acolyte." "Whatever." I stay silent a long minute while, in the background Kaos makes a short summary to Allen. "Alya… there's something I don't understand." "What is it Kyo?" "Why did you left?" "You're stupid or what? Isn't it obvious? I failed my mission which was to reclaim that you were keeping Kyo." "Before you actually knew it was me." completed Kaos. "Indeed Master." "So… you left because of that failure. No offense but the Watcher failed… I don't even remember how many times but he keeps trying." "I couldn't stay… since I knew the truth. And… with that little gift you landed me." "What that seed?" I ask, almost finding it funny. "Yes precisely. Think about it Kyo, you wanted it, you made sure it happened too." She doesn't need to say it, I know exactly what she is talking about. "You would want to keep me close idiot, and that would have been a big mistake. You would have shown a weakness, an open wound they would have rushed into to get what they wanted from you."

"So you left to protect…" "Myself"" she bark, snapping my growing hope. "You know you could have stayed." "And you would have protected me that's it?" "No… just… that you were not obliged to leave; you are… safe." "I don't get it" she admits, staring at me, awaiting for the big reveal. "That seed… it's… it's completely… useless." I half laugh, half sob, losing my temper again. I feel my sanity drifting away. "It's… its weak, it'll never impregnate you." "What?"

For once I'm the one laughing madly, enjoying her face decomposing "It's just like I poured water in your… bitchy…… guts.". "How is it possible? You don't seem to be a weakling." "Thanks for the compliment… but… that is all thanks ty your master." "Why am I not even surprised?" she snorts, a sly grin stretching her lips "nice trick master; you haven't lost your skills after all these years." "I'm still practicing but… I'm not very proud of that one Alya:" "Oh… I'm sorry… please forgive my boldness."

Once again a heavy silence, full of unspoken words, the instincting look they share is full of unknown meanings and I only feel utterly frustrated of being out of the conversation. "Anyway Kyo… thanks for the info and… for nour mate I'm sorry but I've seen nothing. Although… who told you to go in that direction?" "Well… some guy…" "Can you describe it to me?" "Why shall I do that?" "Because I'm starting to have serious doubts about that whole story." "Why?" "Because the only person who knows where I am exactly and where I'm heading is none other than the Watcher himself." "Why him?" "Well we concluded some sort of deal." "I don't like it." grumbles Kaos. "Me neither." "What? He owned me a favor anyway." "Whatever and… how does it have a link with my problem?" "Just shut up and describe him to me?"

I'm suspicious but I answer. As I give her a rapid description of the guy that led me to here, her face takes a grave expression, her smile vanishes, turned to a cold, worried expression. "It's worse than I imagined." "Why?" I ask, feeling fear crippling my heart. "You've simply been misled." "Fuck!" That's exactly what I feared." grumbled Allen on the tone of evidence. I kinda start to feel bad, my guts twisting painfully; that feeling of having played with again. It's so frustrating. "Can someone explain it to me?" I huff, my claws uncontrollably scraping the dirt. "Kyo are you completely dumb? Or mindless? Can't you figure it out by yourself?" "I… I want to hear you say it." I whisper. "You… my dear have been fooled… again… and brought it what seems to be a trap; undoubtable set by the Watcher." "Why are you saying that?" "Because it's one of his pets who send you here and by the description you gave me I suppose it's one of that pack I told you about Master." "Damn… even I saw nothing coming." he mumbles. "And you pretend to protect me." I counter. "Touché." "Anyway… dear Alya could you be more precise?" asks Allen, surprisingly kind and gentle. "Indeed… I can. It's one of the member of that pack I told you about." "Yes I remember, thank you Alya." answers Kaos gratefully. "However there is something weird… it's… it's not coherent at all. What you described me is more like Tormis… and it's not the one I'd send for that kind of mission; indeed he is more of a fighter. I'd personally send his brother Skel; he is incredibly good." "To what extend?" "Well… he bluffed all of us several times. Let me tell you that he made us all think he was dead for an entire day."

"Put like this it sounds strange indeed." confirms Kaos, deeply thinking. "I guess he was busy plotting something else." "Probably or he was busy doing… you know… male things." She whispers, winking maliciously. My eyes bulge out in shock, the thought of that pack of demon doing naughty or nasty things together starts to stir my lust. Even Allen looked surprised. "They can't be worse than Kyo." "Trust me they are… they're… quite nasty… and horny."

A lusty smile curl my lips. "Kyo stop lusting please its kinda feeling awkward." whispers Allen in my mind." "Sorry… force of habits." I reply, giving him more temperate thoughts and sensation. "So… Alya… what is your opinion on the situation." "It's simple, they have you where they want, so either they're gonna ambush you in… no time." We all turn silent, looking around, expecting a horde of demons to assault us. Nothing, no sound except the wind whistling in the mountains, blowing away the thin ash. "It doesn't make sense, knowing the Watcher he would already have us surrounded and cornered." I grumble "beside… it wouldn't match with… what I sensed." I whisper. I explain her the situation. "So… they've got your mate… makes sense and now their plan is… rather obvious. They're goona use him against you." "Crap." "Yes… and I see three possibilities." "Then expose us your theory dear Alya." replies Kaos with that same honeyed tone. "Well… either they are gonna corrupt him and use him against you, a good mindless attack drone you wouldn't dare to hurt. Am I right Kyo?" "I look down, tears flowing on my cheeks. "If he had been corrupted Kyo would have felt it." "That's true so that possibility…" "And Tarken is quite resilient, he'll never give up." "Thanks for interrupting me Allen." growls Alya, darting her eyes toward my rider "but you're right… your mate is strong Kyo." "So… let's say that one is… impossible what else could they do?" "Well… use him as a lure or as a trading thing." "Indeed Alya you figured out my plan." answers a familiar voice. I tense, turning around in an instant.

Before us, in the plain of ashes, completely scorched and lifeless, stands the outline of a humanoid being that fits perfectly in that scene of desolation, the being I less want to see on that planet. I observe him, still scary, all dressed in black, his frame covered by a long thick coat hiding all his set of lethal weaponry. His face still shadowed by his hood, only leaving his only eye glowing with a glint of madness.

"You…" I hiss, "How dare you show up here?"

………

Watcher:

Exactly where I wanted them. I can't wait to get my hand on my prize. It's all going smoothly, according to plan. Kyo's mate has been taken down, held captive by all the others while I get the second part of the plan on course. I've kept an eye on him since he took flight a few hours ago. I couldn't help but laugh at him. That mix of distress, despair and rage was a bliss to see and feel. His energy was in a constant shift, making him an easy target to track down, his trail so easy to follow that even a random mage could trace Kyo's path eyes closed.

I listened, hidden out of sight as Kyo lost his nerves, turning the place one full of life and a green that hurt my eyes to a dead wasteland. "Oh my…you could make for an excellent recruit… once this mess is over." I whisper evilly, caressing the hilt of one of the cursed dagger I keep secured in my vest.

I smile delightfully when I see Alya fall down. "You deserved it bitch." I spit, satisfied of her fate. I can't stop snarling when I see her bowing to that scum of an old demon. Apparently her vows to him still bond them together. I knew it was a bad idea to bring her here. However soon she gets a grip on the situation, unveiling all aspects of my plan. "Guess it's the perfect time for my entrance."

A word and I leave the dark for the light, appearing exactly where and when I want. That look of surprise and fear on their face is such an enjoyment to see. I wish that scene could last forever, a picture frozen in time.

"Well…" I answer to Kyo's question, cracking my gloved hands "Like our friend Alya said I may be able to give you the information you so desperately want." "Kees your wicked talk for yourself Watcher." he barks in answer, his fangs glistening with thick drool but I'm not impressed, not a slightest bit.

"Don't be foolish Kyo; you know that you'll never find him without me." "That's wrong." he sniggers, his eyes glinting amusingly "you see he lights my way. I know exactly where he is." "So why are you there then?" I grumble, doubting both his affirmation and his lack of awareness on his pathetic mate's location. Maybe he actually knows where he is. Curses I hadn't thought about that. Well… let's see if he is true or trying to trick me. At this game you'll never win against a demon Kyo.

"Who said I hadn't a friend already on his way to get him back." answers Kyo with that same wide provoking grin. "In that case I would be aware of his presence." "Point taken." he huffs, his assurance taking a huge blow. "Nice try Kyo but it's foolish… I'm the master of tricks. You cannot beat me at this game. Beside… I had plenty of time to rummage in your mate's tiny brain and I also saw you this morning so… I know for sure that you don't have a clue on his location and that you can't find him on your own."

My grin grew while his face lost more of its composure yet he kept trying to look tough and impenetrable; a fortress of indifference. "Don't play tough with me Kyo; I know exactly what you want and I can give it to you for a… fair price." I offer, widely grinning. "You shouldn't have come here." he growls defensively, walking toward me, heavy step after heavy step, rumbling deep in his throat as his tail swayed widely behind him. "Why then? Don't you want to find your mate?" "I do… but… you've gotten too cocky. Now I'll get the chance to hurt you."

An unusual heat is billowing over my face with every word he spits like venom. I dash aside as his jaws part open, a thick scent of dragon fire; a stench I didn't get to experience in ages; a smell like fiery oil about to ignite. A torrent of fire, mix of hungry black and blue flames erupting in a long cone melting the area where I once was, a mere breathe ago. I wipe the few flames that managed to stick to my clothes. "A pathetic attempt Kyo." I huff, estimating the damages his fire dealt; nothing more than burned fabric. The dragon lets out an angry growl, spitting another jet of energy fueled fire in my direction. Another missed shot for the poor result of wasted energy and infernal flames feasting on the already scorched landscape. "Stop wasting my time and yours as well Kyo. Don't you want to get your mate back?" "I do?" he growls deeply, his gaze as burning as his fire "but above all I want to make you suffer."

"Sounds delightful but I'll have to refuse. I can't let you kill me." "I didn't ask for your permission." he hiss, shooting another ball, this time of pure energy. The dirt shatters upon contact with the dark sphere as it exploded. "Missed again." I taunt him "anyway let's bring that pointless fight. I could beat you without my weapons in your current state." "Whatever." he growls, darting his eyes on me, spying each and every move, still ready to unleash the might of his wrath at the first suspicious attempt. "Let's settle it quickly. I currently have one of my minions near your mate at that precise moment, and as we speak one of his claw is caressing his throat. One word… it's all it will take to lose your mate. So let me make it clear. Try to attack me once more, just, think about doing so and your mate is gonna feed the dirt with his blood. Get it lizard brain?"

Kyo, still tense, muscles stiff and eyes blazing with rage seems to slightly calm down, just enough to listen to what I have to say. Fine… but make it quick. I won't be able to hold my claws for too long." he purrs, wiggling these sharp blades in the ash coat, scattering the thin particles around his paw. "I'm offering you an opportunity Kyo… an opportunity you can't miss. We've both seen force has led nowhere; tricks eve less." I grunted, winking to Alya's attention, sadly she remains stoic, only throwing me a wry smile with the only consequence of making my blood boil "So I'm proposing a more… peaceful solution." "You call kidnapping people and threatening their life a peaceful solution?" "Well a more equitable solution. You get what you want… and I get what I want. A fair trade don't you think? Beside… you know exactly what I want." I say, keeping calm and not letting my excitement ooze too much in my words "But be aware Kyo, my offer is only a one time in a life offer and will last only a limited amount of time. You see… I can't hold my puppets too long; they're so eager to spill some blood. So… what do you say… interested?"

"It's not a bargain I can afford." he growls back in answer, giving no weight to my words. "Well I suppose your mate can be sacrificed in that case don't you think? Since he is no importance for you." I snigger.

i see Kyo tensing again, trembling from head to toe, thick drool leaking from the corner of his maws. In his eyes I could see the wild glow of rage fade away, replaced by what I wanted to see; what I love to see seep in the heart of my enemy, doubt and fear; the first signs of weakness. "Well then… it was nice talking to you…" "No wit… I'll come." he huffs reluctantly "I'll give you what you want."

"Kyo are you crazy!" winced Kaos. Everyone stared at Kyo in disbelief, shocked that he would give up so easily. "Perfect. It's a wise decision." I approve, hiding my satisfaction, preferring a mask of indifference and coldness. "I'll show you exactly where he is but be aware if you arrive after sunset you'll find nothing more than a dead corps. Like I already said I can't hold my dogs indefinitely." "We'll be here." he grunts, circling around me, adopting a more predatory stance "Like I said… I know exactly where he is." "I'll be waiting for you then so don't be late."

Our gaze cross in silence, observing the other. I can hear his breath, short and ragged, regular. I smile slyly, crossing my arms in silence.

The world turn dark around me, disappearing in a puff of darkness.

I haven't more the slightest, it's the world around me who did. The jagged mountain landscape turn to the dark eroded walls of a cave. The air is thicker, damper.

I let out a giggle, imagining Kyo jumping at an empty cloud of smoke, clawing at nothingness.

I turn around, a broad satisfied grin on my lips. At the sight of the other my smile vanish, turning into a twisted repined grimace. I finally catch the tangy stench floating in the air, the higher temperature of the place; even the light growls of dragons. "What in hell is happening here?"

………

Kyo:

"You can't be serious. You cannot give me to that asshole!?" yelled Kaos, mad and panicked "for once could you just shut up and let me think!" I roar in response, digging my claws in the muddy soil

"Kyo… you can't just give Kaos to that guy after everything he did to us; it's not fair!" "II know… but… I… I can't lose tarken." I whimper, sobbing and sniffing. "We will find another way." answered Allen, murmuring reassuringly in my mind. "Oh really… then tell us Allen; tell us the bright plan you have imagined!" "Well… actually I have no plan in mind." "So stop saying nonsenses!"

"Chill out Kyo we'll find your mate so top bullying at everyone!" he barked, violently twisting the link until I cry out in pain. "Stop stop stop!" I wince, bending down in submission "I'm sorry" I cry to the sky "I… I… I can't afford to lose him… to loose anyone else." "And me I don't count?" huffs Kaos somehow jealous. "Honestly master I think your life weight less than Kyo's mate's. Less than a plum anyway." submissively purred Alya. Kaos only snorted; vanishing sulkily.

"Kyo… I understand but it doesn't allow you to treat us like shit." "I know… I'm… I'm so angry."

His soft hands hug my snout as I nuzzle his chest. "Come on Kyo it's time to go." he shout, giving my scales a gentle rub. "We… we'll find something on the way to there." I approve, bending down to let him climb on my back. "Actually guys I think it's time for us to part way again." interrupts Alya; already going the other way. "Alya… wait a second please." I whisper.

Swiftly I dash to her side; pressing flank with her. "Actually I don't think we're finished."

"Why are you saying that?" she huffed defensively, putting some distance between us "I helped in any way I could when I had no obligation to do so." "We still have… another problem to settle…" "Which is?" she growled; adopting a defensive stance. "You" I growled; swiftly placing myself in front of her. Instantly she turns around and walk the other way. "I am grateful for your help Alya." I growl; appearing in front of her in a burst of energy; my whole body drenched in blazing dark flames "However do I have to remind you that this entire situation has been caused by you and you only… not counting your vile masters still hiding in the shadow. Do know that they will fall… one by one… but all projects need a starting point and mine will be… you." "What!" She has barely finished her sentence that already a dark ball has left my maws. She only owns her survival to her quick thinking and reflexes as the explosive projectile blows the dirt away. "Curses… she is fast." I hiss; preparing a new shot. "What has gone into your mind!" she screams; dodging a second ball that ends its course in a three; blowing it to dust. "Without you… without your vile tricks I would still probably be in bed with my mate; enjoying my peaceful life!" "You don't listen Kyo do you? I told you that I almost did nothing; you doomed yourself and your lover on your own. If it hadn't been me you would have fallen for another female; or for ten times wicker tricks." "I doubt that." I hiss; a stream of fire missing her by one inch. "STOP MOVING AROUND!!!" "I'm not dumb enough to let myself been killed. Beside you're attack are weak and pretty lame. It's a shame for me; a demoness to see such a weak use of our mighty power. Some demons used only shards; tiny fragments of their power to bend the world to their wishes and you… you pathetic fool with such a great amount flowing in your veins you aren't even capable of defeating me… how insulting." "Alya… you'd better shut your mouth immediately!" roared Kaos; popping right between us. "Kyo stop this nonsense now; you have to keep your energy for what's to come." "You mean him offering you on a silver plate to the Watcher." She purred; her voice sounding even more vicious than usual. "I told you Alya to SHUT UP!!!" he roared; lightning raining down on her as she staggered back; stunned. "Master… why? How dare you attack me… your beloved servant. I've always been respectful to you and have always been honored to be your benevolent acolyte so why unleash your rage on me?" she squeaked; trying to soften Kaos; hoping she could get under his scales but even I knew it was impossible; her attempts were vain and; for whatever reasons that belonged to him only he wanted her to keep silence. Did she know something? Had it to do with the darkness flowing in my body? I didn't know and I didn't care at the moment; I only see the weakness in her body as she tries to recover from the strike. "For the last time I told you to shut your mouth!" he roared; unleashing a wave of fire in all direction. It stopped a mere inch away from her face but was more than enough to make her back away.

"I have to admit it feels good to blow off some steam." huffed Kaos, panting slightly, his dark smoke frame pounding with energy. He truly was a micronized tempest, a cyclone wiping all that stood in its way. "Why do you unleash your rage on me? If you want my advice master you should make that little whelp bow before you; make him fear your wrath." "Don't try to fool me Alya… I taught you everything so I know all your tricks." "I am not tricking master I am only telling you my true opinion. This little brat you're persisting to protect against all common sense shall pay for his sins." "Which sins?" we growl at once. "Trading you to save another weakling." “I have will faith in Kyo and I know he'll come up with a plan when time will come. Beside he is not alone if you may have forgot. Moreover I have seen him many time with his rider getting us out of dangerous situations like that one." "No offense master but I see no desire to fight in his eyes; I only see submission and weakness. He is so weak that he cannot even control the powers you landed him." "Mastering darkness takes a lot of time and practice and you know it Alya." "Indeed I do know… but does he? Does he have the guts to control it. From my point of view he beholds it. He is weak and pathetic." "Who said I wanted to control these powers of your decayed kind." I hiss, the dark flames of this forbidden power slowly devouring my fears, turning them to true strength.

A gunfire echoed in the ravaged landscape, dragging our attention away from the argument as a loud screeched scream that comes close from blow my head. Before us Alya staggers back, a thin puff of smoke escaping from a hole in her right forepaw. "What the hell was that!?" "I won't let you insult my dragon you bitch!" roared Allen, holding his gun firmly as he loaded another bullet in the barrel. I observed her in delight as her face twists with pain, her teeth gritting, her eyes darting hatred filled glazes at my rider. "How dare you?" "You don't impress me Alya." "I'll tear you apart!" "Your tricks may be impressive but I can bet without a single doubt your fighting skills are inexistent." "You'll pay for that!" "Just try…" he taunted her, opening his arms wide, exposing himself. Alya's claws lash out; I'm ready to intervene if needed but it's not needed. Although hate burns in her eyes and her menacing claws seems to be at the brink of cutting my rider in two her attack is suddenly stopped as she collapse on the coat of ashes; her wounded paw oozing with energy. Dark snakes made of pure energy circling around the bullet hole without managing to enter, instead flying away, wasting itself in the electric air. "What have you done to me?" she snarls, squeaking in pain as darkened blood slowly stain her scales in dark red. "There's only one thing in the world that can do such effect on a dragon." gasped Kaos, his eyes bugging out in sheer shock. I take a step back, Kaos's fears reaching to me for good reasons. "Anti-dragon… bullets." "I whine, staring at the gun in pure horror.

"A mix of black steel and dymeritium, enhanced to pierce through dragon scales and inflict great wounds and preventing healings." I whisper, terrified. Such a weapon is so awful. "Allen don't you dare aim that thing at me!" I shout, getting behind him. "Relax Kyo I wouldn't dare to hurt you with that thing." "You already." "With a regular bullet." "Thankfully." "That's not all. I've heard some rumors of a new type of bullet coated in a thin layer of a very rare metal that instantly melt once in the body, burning the flesh and sealing the cavity, preventing someone else to remove the projectile resulting in infection, septicemia, gangrene and eventually complete loss of the wounded area or death." Whispered Kaos, watching his servant trashed against the ground in pure inhuman suffering, scattering ashes all around her with her claws and tail, her wings fluttering incoherently.

"What a cruel way to die." I whispered, shocked, catching a glimpse of silvery metal overflowing from the wound. "You won't get rid of me so easily." she spat; a beam of energy blowing Allen away, hitting him right in the chest. "Allen!" I yelled, staring helplessly a^; his body collided at high speed with a tree. The impact broke it in two. "You… whore… I'll make you pay for that!" I roar, darkness surging with all its wicked might in my head, crushing all rational thought, replacing them with rage and lust for vengeance. I leap in her direction, all claws out ready to lash at her. Something hit me right to the face, blinding my sight, shoving me away like a clumsy sack. "What the hell…" I groan, jumping on wobbly paws. Alya is grinning widely, staring right at me with her gleaning eyes. I want to crush that smile so bad. Before my eyes she buries her snout into her paw. At first I think she is just lapping the blood, extraction some wicked demonic pleasure out of it; until I hear, a muffed wince as she seems to be tugging at something with all her strength. I watch in horror as blood spews from the wound. My stomach is literally on the edge of my lips as I observe with wide open eyes her twisted face finally pulling something free of hre wounds. I turn away, too disgusted to watch the deformed bullet held between her powerful jaws. "Impressive… but gross… yes… definitely gross." hiccupped Kaos, staring in a mix of fear and respect. "Do you ever shut up master!" she roars, spitting the cursed bullet to his face. The projectile only goes through him without inflicting any dammage.

Then her gaze turns to us, her hatred filled eyes darted at me angrily like she was transpiercing me with a thousand spears. "I'm gonna end this here and now." she hissed, slowly circling around me in a menacing stance, her slow and measured state echoing to the beating of my heart as I keep an eye on her, awaiting for the right moment to strike. I enter in her circle, chasing her with the same slow pace, eyes focused on her and her only as we growl and bark menacingly at each other. In my head the ragged pounding of darkness has slowed down, almost vanishing but I still feel them, lurking, prowling awaiting as well to liberate their full power. Moreover I felt… different, somehow calmer, more relaxed; like all these successive bursts of dark energy had swallowed my fears and appeased my tortured mind. I felt full… not like when I'm full of cum but full… like a something broken reunited with its missing half. That feeling is weird, unusual, unknown, and awkward in that exact instant but I had no time to wonder about it: she has slowed down, almost completely holding steel, her step so slow that I have plenty of time to observe her swift, sleek frame, her muscles rolling under her scales, undulating with each step. I feel like softening, letting my guard down. I shake my head, snorting, listening to the many clinging sounds of my armor plates. I must stay focused, she won't get me with her pitiful tricks; I won't fall under her charms this time and never, never again. We finally both stop, staring at each other deeply, our claws racking the ground, our breathing slowed to a minimum, our muscles tensed, like two beast about to charge at each other’s.

We leap forward at the same time in a perfect sync, my claws extended, my jaws opening on rows of glistening fangs. We're almost on the other, ready to strike. It will all be quick; I'll make sure of it. She smiles and wink in my direction. A last attempt to destabilize me. Futile! I can already feel my claws enclosing around her throat. With all my might I strike, all claws and fangs at the same time, hopping to knock her off balance and pin her to the ground. I can already feel the delight of submitting her flooding my veins as my claws dig into…

Nothingness!

I gasp as I enter a thick cloud of suffocating shadows, her body dissolving, turning to elusive smoke as I strike. I slam head first into the ground, ashes and dirt flying in all direction around me. I cough, looking back toward her to find her standing right next to an exact copy of herself vanishing in the wind. "What the hell was that?" I gasp, choking on the thick air filling my lungs. "A trick…" huffs Kaos. "So… pathetic… so… weak." she spit, using my lowered position to throw me a powerful kick in one of the less protected areas of my armor: my hindquarters. I squeak loudly, losing my balance and falling flat on the ground. "Kyo… Kyo you're so stupid. Do you really think I would risk facing you in a fight? I'd prefer to stay alive than risk it in a pointless fighting where I'm sure to lose." "Kaos… why didn't you warn me?" I growl, trying to get up just to be sent back in the dirt. "Sorry Kyo… she got me as well." he apologized "She has learned well… too well in fact." he whispered, impressed and, above all proud.

"Indeed master… I've learned my lesson… unlike your new protégé." she spat to my face as she walked away. "Wait where are you going!? We are not done yes?" "Oh yes Kyo… we are done." she hissed, throwing me a contempt look "I'm gonna end this here and now."

I hiccup, discovering exactly where she is going. "No… Allen!" "Indeed Kyo… your rider is the key." "Don't you dare lay your filthy hand on him." "Then try to stop me." she provokes me, her claws hovering jusj above his peaceful face as he still lays on the ground, knocked out. "You see Kyo; I know a lot about bonds and I can assure you Kyo… your bond with your mate was weak; that's why it so easily broke. However a much stronger bond can create… greater damage and what greater bond is there than a dragon rider and his dragon bond?" "Oh no…" I wince, understanding where all of this is going. "If he perishes you will follow… and maybe even your mate will… out of despair." "He doe^;n't care for me anymore… beside… how do you know?" "If you felt that call like you said that it's obvious that you are still connected to him in some way and he will sense your suffering." "Alya what are you doing this? What's the purpose?" "My purpose master… is to make you pay… you and him for… standing in my way." "Is that just because I left you?" "Mostly… but not only that." "I feared that." "You see master it will be fore me a double vengeance. First I'll make you pay master and your fate will be in my hand. The second vengeance is more personal… I'll get to enjoy the sight of Ordan's face when I'll ruin his plan." "I see… you know I kinda like that second part." I chirped "but I can't let you take my rider's life to achieve your goal." "Did I ask for your permission Kyo?"

"No… but you will regret threatening his life." "Your words don't scare me weakling now step out of my way or perish!" "Then fight me!" I roar, stabbing her with my claws. Missed again, my blades only shatter a lifeless shadow. A powerful blow bounces against the thick plates covering my chest. Yet the sheer might of the blow is enough to force all the air out of my lungs. "Pathetic and lame as always." "Get lost." I growl, swiping her with my tail. Once again she dodges the attack with the same trick; vanishing in a cloud of smoke, leaving a clone of herself behind her for me to blow away. "Curse you and your fucking tricks!" "You're simply too slow… and blind Kyo." "I'll crush you!" I roar, slamming my tail right where she stood. Once again the attack miss but this time my claws wrap around her neck at the exact second she reappear, gripping her in a vice like grip. "*Gasp* how did you know?" "The same old trick won't work eternally Alya, you should know that."

I throw her away, listening to the muffed gasps she lets out as she bounces on the ground.

"You were just lucky." she huffs. I gazed at her with disregard, she was to my mercy yet she would still try to act bold. "You're too weak to beat me and even if you manage to do so you'll still die, defeated by the next that will stand in your way."

I tried to ignore her words but she was persistent, not letting go a single second, always taunting me, trying to get under my scales. What was she trying to achieve anyway? The worst was that it was all working. My body was shivering, quaking under restless assaults of the darkness her words had been teasing all along, filling my body to the point where I felt like drowning inside them, dragged down to the bottom of my being. "I'll show you…" I growled, my voice deepening with each word, becoming more grievous and toner like the thunder as it got louder; soon differing totally from my usual voice. "I'll show you… I'll show them all! No matter who stands in my path he'd better run now! I'll show no mercy… no more! I'll let nothing stand between me and my mate!"

"Big words again." she snorted, lying in the ashes "but words alone won't bring back your mate. Too bad you two are only pathetic weaklings barely good enough to crawl to our feet." "I'll kneel to no one; not even you!" "So cute when you're trying to look angry yet you're still here, talking to me and I'm still not dead or even injured and your mate… ahahahah! is still far away from here; out of your grasp. You know… you should thank me." "Thank you?! In what honor?" "I've put an end to that miserable relationship of yours… it was so pathetic anyway." “How dare you insult my mate!? You whore!"

I step toward her, instantly crying out in pain as my back snaps. "Kyo are you alright!?" shouted Kaos, floating next to me." "It… hurts…" I whined, crouching low, almost… kneading, bended under the pain. The metal started to tent, making loud shredding sound as I arched my back, howling in pure pain. Finally with an ear splitting sound the metal coating my back gave way as the pain abruptly vanished, replaced by utter delight. "Jeeze… what the hell happened to me?" No one did answer to that. Alya was staring at me in a mix of horror and despair, her smile turned to a blank cry. "Kyo… you have… wings…" hiccupped Kaos, his body almost invisible, reduced to two red orbs bloating in the air. "Of course silly." I grunt "I always had them." "No Kyo… I mean you have two… *gulp* set of wings…" "What?! Are you kidding?" "No… I wish I was."

I want to look back, to see it for myself. Before I even get the time to turn my eyes to !he side another surge of pain forces me to lay low, a cry stuck in my throat as more bones snap inside me, breaking, shifting, merging or separating. I fall to the ground, convulsing and suffocating as my flesh feels on file, melting from the inside out. I feel like… growing… at an exponential rate, the already tight armor almost squeezing me in its metallic cocoon, too tight for me. "What is… happening?" I yell as the first plates pop free of their supports, falling limply to my side as I keep growing, guts burning and body breaking apart in a spiraling pain. "I… I… I can't hold it." I scream as my consciousness falter, breaking apart just like the rest. I feel the change coursing, tingling and itching through each part of my body in a state of half consciousness, new things popping, other erasing or increasing alike in a mess of indescribable mixed sensations and feeling. Not a single scale is left untouched by the spreading shift as my body hag there, unresponsive, separated from my mind.

………

Allen:

What is happening? I'm spinning in infinite space, my body floating in complete darkness, no sound, no smell, no taste, no sight; just darkness and silence. What is that place? Where am I? I have no idea. The only thing I sense is a vague dull ache, more like a pesky itch to scratch. What is it? What happened to the others, where are they? So many other things I don't know. And Kyle… where is he? Why? Why did Tarken had to take him away as well? He had done nothing, he had not even though anything about that. He had the bright idea of staying out and let our dragons deal with it on their own. So why did Tarken… kidnapped him in such a way?

Couldn't he stay with me? Why?

So many question that still wait to be answered. "Kyle… why?" I whispered to myself, the sound of my own voice echoing in the dark, reminding me of my loneliness.

My lover is gone and my dragon is too busy dealing with his problems to care about my own feeling. It's even so hard to distinguish mine in the vortex of his feelings and mine mangled together for eternity to such depth that we're almost sharing them, too much to be true. Sometime I feel like I'm not even myself but rather a copy of Kyo as his thoughts and sensations overwhelmed my mind.

I cracked an eye open; the sky above my head had turned a shade darker, like thick clouds had obscured the sky, hiding the sun, announcing the approach of a bad storm. And it was not only a weather concern; already I could feel the air tense up, full of tiny energy jolts, like even the oxygen was electric, overcharged.

I looked around, a column of elusive dark energy was rising from the ground, like the smoke of a giant fire spirailing, coiling up as it climbed, dispersed by the wind. "What could cause such a massive outburst of energy?" I whispered to myself.

I only knew so few creatures that could unleash such energy in such a massive quantity. Suddenly that annoying ache in the back of my read grew, becoming more noticeable, more pressing, dragging my attention toward more pressing matters like, for example where was Kyo? His presence was gone, the bond ending on a wall allowing nothing to slip between its sealed borders. Was Kyo gone as well leaving me alone to handle myself? No he couldn't be gone, he wouldn't just leave me here… or would he?

I looked around the dry and scorched landscape in my immediate surrounding. One other Ok Kyo's doing. Everything is so silent, so, calm, too calm, even the birds had stopped singing, increasing the growing feeling of impending death. Finally I laid eyes on a black form sprawled in the dirt, convulsing and twitching, limbs tensed, tail held straight as its eyes were blank, bugging out of its skull. It took me time to distinguish something in the shifting monster's body, mix of melting scales and spreading plates. Plates? I gasped, my breath becoming a pant as I realize in fear that the thing in front of me, five meters away is none else than Kyo, his face showing his sheer suffering, his whole frame crippled with pain as he changed. What had happened to him? Was it a curse, a spell, a poison, another trick from Alya or something more insidious, something deeper, more cunning. The thing was that whatever it was it was putting him through a great deal of pain as it spread. Before my eyes he started growing, screaming as his bones broke in loud cracking sounds. His voice deepened, becoming more "grave" as his cries and whines turned to growls and rumbles. His claws elongated, lengthened, drenched in blood and dirt as they took shape, oversized in comparison to his paws that yet had to go through the same treatment. His body bulged with muscles, the armor wincing under each wave of growth at it tried to adapt, plates glowing as the spell worked its magic to keep most of it on his back.

I couldn't stare at this disturbing show of my dragon mutating, turning into something ominous. I looked up in the sky, trying with all my might to not look at his shifting, reshaping body but I couldn't suppress the sounds he was making, they were ripping my guts with each cry, each plea for help yet I was helpless, out of reach, incapable of helping him, whatever his predicament was.

These demons… these… vile… awful creatures had definitely taken everything from me: my mate; my dragon, my buddy, my friend; my family and my old life. They had scavenged, harvested so many lives so why not mine. Why was I still there while everyone was taken away willingly or not? I could only cry in despair as the last connection I had to reality turned to blackness.

………

Kaos

No… no no no it can't be happening, not here, not now. Why here? Why now? I could only cry in silence, sobbing nonexistent tears as I stared at my host, no… not my host, my friend, my… beloved… friend. Without him I'd be floating in the nothingness, at the mercy of demons hunting me and he was paying the price of my presence within him. The burden weighting on my heart was feeling so heavy to bear as I stared. I couldn't do a damn thing, the flow was too intense to tame to contain, even for me. I could just watch with deep frustration as the darkness took hold of him, turning him in what I had been trying to protect him from since the beginning. "Curse you!" I screamed in silence, blaming the wicked, tricky hand of fate and its devilish pleasure sin of putting the rightest on the wickest path. My words, my thought slowly aimed to another person, the one who had started all of this, the one that had no name, the one which picture, which mark, even referring to him was forbidden. "If I hadn't fell for your tricks back in the old days." Ź hissed. Yet again it wasn't the right person to blame, someone else was the cause, someone more human yet also more evil. "Curse you Watcher! Why did you had to be after us?"

I remembered so clearly that crystal full of dark energy he used on us the day Kyo bonded with Allen and left it's otherwise peaceful village, how that vile, so appealing energy had done a great job of pulling me to the surface while also awaking something else, hidden deep inside Kyo, something I had been keeping away, something that even I feared because it would mean that the day would come that I'd have to spill the terrible secret I had been the guardian of.

However another person was to blame, the one that had dragged Kyo and his friends into it, the one that seek his survival before the other's, the one that had once protected him at all cost and that was now using him as a shell to shelter his old soul… me. If only… if only I had told him… at least lead him to the path of understanding. But it was too risky. And… and what ,if I hadn't even reached him, just found another place to hide? They would have found out in no time and take him away while he was a helpless, defenseless kid.

But what else could I do? Tell him? Impossible? "Why… why did it have to go in such a way… why did you have to be born Kyo? Why your mother did had to bear you in her belly? Why your parents did conceived you? Why did I had to be there that fateful day? Was it all bound to happen in that way? I hated destiny and found that perspective ridiculous but I had to admit that in that precise moment I felt everything slipping from my grip like it was destined to occur.

"Kyo… I'm sorry… I should have told you…" I whimper, incapable of watching the scene any longer.

………

Alya

So… that's what you were keeping master. Curse me. Why did I have to wake the beast?

………

Kyo:

The pain is a blessing, a holy gift offered to me, feeding me, making me stronger as it grows. At least it's what I feel as the darkness, ever feasting energy takes over, draining my emotions for its own purpose. I stand up, strong, my panting breath regular as I gaze at my surroundings, delighting myself of the sight of destruction, particles of energy swirling around me, wrapping my frame in a purple-black glinting aura.

Next to me Kaos looks down, trembling like a hatchling. Even that old demon does fear me. That sight is so… appetizing, I can feel more darkness flowing in my veins , filling me entirely as I glaze at that trembling, shrinking creature. I lay eyes on Alya; she is crouching low, shivering as she bends submissively. "Are you afraid?" I growl, smiling toothily. "Yes…" she winces, lowering herself even more as my gaze seems to burn her at distance. More energy… give me more; let me felt on your fear. I step toward her. Imperceptibly she crawls back, trying to get away from me. And she think I don't notice her.

I close the gap between us, staring in her wide, terrorized eyes. "Please Kyo… don't hurt me." she begs, pleading eyes full of sincere tears. "Too late my dear Alya. You should have thought about that before." I growl, grabbing her horns and yanking them back, listening to her weak cries of pain as I force her gaze to meet mine, grabbing her chin in between my claws to hold her muzzle in a more convenient position; my claws caressing, teasing her scales. "Please Kyo… I regret my words… I… I beg for your mercy„" "The time for mercy is over Alya… you should know about that. No one threatens to any of my beloved friends or mate's without facing the consequences." "Please don't kill me." she whimpered. "My dear…" I laughed frenetically "my claws shall not cause your death." "So you're not gonna harm m1." she chirped, hope blazing in her so loving, mesmerizing eyes. I couldn't stop staring, different feelings battling in my mind. On one side I wanted to rip that pretty face apart but on the other I wanted to cuddle that face, wipe these tears and comfort her. I shook my eyes. I had to resist, to be stronger than her pathetic tricks; I couldn't allow her to get beneath my scales. The darkness helped my choice greatly.

"I won't kill you Alya… yet I cannot let you leave unpunished." "What!? Who are you to decide that? An executioner?" "No I'm not but I take the right to make you suffer. I'll be your judge, jury and executioner… and your sentence is…" "Stop this bullshit now Kyo! If you wanted to scare me… well done you did it but stop acting bold." "Who said I was pretending?" I growled, tightening my grip around her face. "What are you gonna do to me?" she squeaked, squirming in my grasp. I squeezed her face, piercing scales easily, forcing her to stay still and stop wiggling vainly. "Well… my dear Alya… since most of your skills and… tricks come from your prettiness and your capability to charm others I guess the correct punishment would be to turn your beautiful face ugly; like this no more male will ever love you. Everyone will look at you in disgust, no one will ever trust you and no tricks should hide your face." "No… please don't… I'll do anything you want!" The offer sounds nice "TO be honest Alya… I would have loved to try out that new body with you." I growled, observing my sharp claws with pride "and maybe blow a few loads inside you and hear you scream under me but it wouldn't be appropriate don't you think?" "I would have preferred that. I mean… I have many skills as well in that regard." she squeaked, flinching every time my claws racked on her scales, gliding without causing damages, or just minor ones. "Too bad I'm not interesting anymore." I hiss, evilly grinning at her, impatiently teasing her soft scales with my claws.

Finally, without a single doubt or look behind I let my claws rip her scales, digging in her flesh with a surprising ease, blood spewing out as she screamed, shouting in pain, trying with all her might to get away from me but she is weak and her struggles remain useless as my claws burry themselves in her cheeks, drenched in blood as more spurts from the deep gashes. I keep digging, lacerating her flesh deeply, enjoying her twisted figure as I make her suffer. I stop my ministration, trembling in excitement, the thick, metallic aroma of blood fills the area making my nostrils flare to take as much as possible in that sweet stench, my slit stirring with arousal as I start to drool over the vermillion blood staining her scales. I never expected hurting someone would turn me on so much and yet here I am, destroying her face with a hard boner jutting between my hindlegs. "You look definitely better like this." "Go fuck yourself Kyo." "Not yet my dear… we are far from done." "Oh no."

I resume my disgusting work ripping her flesh apart, tearing through everything in my way, not leaving a single part of her face untouched. She has stopped whining and crying, probably biting her tongue in pain. I'm surprised she hasn't passed out yet but her eyes are glassy, she is barely conscious by now. I keep lashing, biting, bruising, cutting, lacerating with all my strength, leaving deep bloody marks behind. My mouth is full of the flavor of her flesh, my claws dipped of fresh blood. Before me she lays, coughing blood and spasming, her torn flesh pounding in pain, blood gushing out with each spasm. "`´Perfect… a masterpiece." I purr, still madly giggling, staring at her with probably two blazing crazy eyes. I feel my body moving hieratically, my claws curling and uncurling, smearing droplets of blood everywhere. My cock was harder than ever, surging with life and eagerness, spurting jets of pre on her face, adding to the mess, staining her even deeper with my essence. It would be such a shame for her, having the smell of the one that tortured her sticking to her scales forever. I widened my stance as a paw quickly reached my throbbing, slickened member, pre dripping in the dirt. I didn't throw it a single look, just let my bloodied paw wrap around it, mixing the warm blood with my burning hot pre as that same paw started stroking my hard, turgid length, coating it in blood. I felt gross but that feeling was quickly absorbed by the pleasurable jolts my cock kept sending to my already weakened brain, making all rational thought near to impossible. I was just moaning in bliss, aiming my cock at her face as I kept pleasuring myself, tongue lolling out on the side of my maws.

I looked down at her; shwas staring at my hard member in shock, closing her eyes in time to avoid getting caught by one of the white streak I kept spurting all over her face. I sped up my pace, massaging my sensitive member as hot blood and other fluids were slowly but surely coating the entire length in a messy red. I arched my back, roaring out in climactic pleasure as I shot my load over her face, watching in pure pleasure as sticky seed marked her scales. "Even better…" I moaned, letting go of my softening length after a long minute of restlessly cumming. "You're so dead…" she hissed, shaking her head in disgust, strands of ripped flesh and seed dangling from her snout. "Oh no you're the dead one here whore..

That voice wasn't mine, neither was it Kaos. I didn't even had time to open my mouth that it had already happened. From nowhere a petite shadow burst, grabbing her face in one hell of a strong grip. A click, a bang, the acrid smell of gun powder. It all happened so fast. Before my eyes Alya's snout went back, blood gushing from it, raining down on the minuscule shadow next to her. "A… Allen…" I gasped, slowly recovering the entirety of my body and mind. He was breathing hard, his shoulders rising and falling at a steady rhythm. "At least like this she won't be able to regenerate." "That's… an efficient solution." I mumbled, still recovering to truly realize the meaning of his words. When I dared to throw her a quick glance I gasp, freezing in shock. Where her left eye used to be, in the middle of deep lacerations and bruises lays now an empty burned hole with remnants of the organ dangling limply. "That's nasty Allen." "Indeed… but someone has to do the right choice."

Finally our gazes meet. I shudder in fear when I see. Allen's; eyes have turned completely blank, emotionless, ^cold as ice as they stare at me intensely. I feel a cold chill run down my spine. That look is scary, it's chilling my very bones. "Allen." I call, my voice a weak whining. "What have I done?" I wince, scared, backing away in sheer fear. I have never seen anything like this; what has gone so wrong?

I lower my gaze, noticing the awkward detail that I feel taller than before, like the ground was farther away from my sight. I gasp, discovering what I wish to never exist, what I prayed the gods to protect me from yet here it is in all its evil glory. On the end of my paws soiled by blood and flesh, m1mh too long for me, scraping the dirt with every steps. With fear I dare to look at myself entirely. The sight create knots in my guts, like all my body refused the inevitable truth. What I looked like was nothing like my old self. I was twice as taller, a thousand time more powerful, my body built for combat and high speed flights, slicker yet tougher. A long line of enormous spikes is running down my spine, starting from the end of my long thick tail swaying behind me to my back where it split in several lines that joined again at the base of my neck going up until they reached the two horns crowning the back of my skull. My maws had elongated, stuffed with new deadlier fangs; two sets of wings were furled against my flanks, waiting to be deployed to their full span and just take the wind and propel me straight up into the sky. Even my package feels heavier, taking more room under my belly. I cram my neck, facing my own member. On one side I already feel proud of it, on the other side I hate it without having seen it yet. My balls are now more noticeable, the scales there becoming smoother and thinner, the skin tauter, forming the outline of a pouch nestled in new plates of armor naturally cupping the two fat, cum loaded orbs. My dick, although retreating is already a stunning ten inch when flaccid, a formed of a spaded tip crowned with barbs leading to a ridged length ending on two bulbous deflated glands on either side.

"I still have a knot at least." "Is that truly your major worry right now?" "Not really…"I admit. I open my wings, ready to take flight. "Aren't you forgetting something?" "Oh yes… you're right… Allen. Allen!" I call. He is still standing there, staring at Alya with his gun in hand. I know that in the magazine are three bullets all signifying death. "Allen!" I call again "Come on man we can't stay here!" "Silence…" he answers, pointing his gun in my direction with a menacing glare. "What's wrong Allen?" I ask, still unsure of what to do. "Everything!" he scream, blowing out in anger. "What? I don't understand." "All this situation is wrong? Because of only one person." "You're right Allen… it's her… but she won't be able to hurt anyone from now on." "I'm not talking about her Kyo… I'm talking about you!" "What?!" "Why me?" "Because without you… without your horniness nothing of this would have happened. She isn't the cause of our problems. No you are!" "But… why?" "Because if you weren't so… manipulated so… weak… none of this would have happened." "I know!" I reply, squeaking pitifully "I know… I'm so sorry." I whine, lowering my snout to the ground, incapable of withstanding his angry gaze. "You were so weak she could control you with ease. Because of you we are in that mess, because of you I've lost my mate, because I may not see him again! Because of you we may not see any of them anymore! Because of your dumbness we have lost everything that mattered for us."

"Allen I know!" I roar, my voice breaking on the last words "don't you think I regret it as well!" I cry out, sobbing in silence, only letting out weak whimpers. "You're so pathetic. Why did I have to be bounded to you Kyo? Why?" "You know that hurts." I hiccup, staring at him with teary eyes. With each tear slipping from my eyes I feel slowly shrinking, all these grown parts of my anatomy vanishing one after another, leaving me at my usual size with an armor twice mine crushing me, squashing me under the unbearable weight of enhanced metal. I grimaced as the metal, becoming warmer slowly bended, shrinking and adapting to my form, sticking as close as possible to my frame. Before me Allen stutters, shaking his head like after a bad dream. "What the hell happened?" he gasped, a shadow still lingering in his eyes as his haggard look stops on everything, trying to figure out where he is and what he was doing. "It's time to go guys. We shouldn't stay here." whispers Kaos, stopping any of us before we can even think about speaking our mind out loud. I exchange a weird look with Allen, filled of unspoken words as he climbed on my back with his own strength and agility.

I took flight, leaping in the sky swiftly like I always do. Yet I can't stop feeling dirty, stained, soiled from the darkness, like it sticks to my scales like glue. Or is it blood maybe.

The silence is heavy, too heavy, adding to that growing feeling of disgust growing inside me. I spot a river nearby, clear silvery serpent in the green and grey hues of the landscape. Without asking any of them I dive straight for the waters. I was flying low anyway so the impact is rather gentle, throwing Allen away in the water as we splash down in a huge geyser of water. "Kyo! *cough cough* what is wrong with you?" yells Allen, swimming toward the shore. "Sorry… I needed to wash and… clean my scales. I feel so dirty." "Couldn't you warn us before doing yet another reckless thing?" "You know water won't wipe away your sins anyway Kyo." "I know." I whisper, not even knowing who I'm talking to "I just want to get rid of all that blood." "Just be quick then." growls Allen as the clear water turns red around me. I stay in the freezing water for some time, observing my reflection in the water. I still can't believe what happened to me earlier, it was so sudden, so violent to believe it truly did happen. "Kaos… what did happen to me?" "Something I wished wouldn't." "Tell me… don't talk in riddles. Is it… because of you?" "So it isn't." "So what then?" I growl, splattering some water over my sinuous neck. "It was you Kyo, your energy, your rage, your dark side that did it all; I did nothing at all." "My dark side? I have one?" "Like all sentient creature Kyo." "But why here? Why now?" "Kyo you've been gathering so many feelings for so much time. Sorrow, hatred, anger… all these darker thought made for an explosive concoction that only waited for its sparkled to detonate and it's what it did Kyo; you literally exploded out of rage." "Yes… and I feel… kinda… calm now." "It has passed but don't think it's over; it will come back now that it's awake. To be honest I fear it might happen again."

"Oh no." "Kyo… I can help you tame it… but not today… not here, not now." "Why not?" "There is too much to tell and so few time at our disposal." "Kaos… are you hiding something to me?" "Why are you asking that?" "Because I can feel it in your voice."

Instantly he tensed, becoming more silent than a whole cemetery. "Kyo… I have… many things weighting my heart, a lot of old regrets. Some concern you, other not… but it's not the right time to tell them."

I nod in silence, understanding exactly what he means by these words. "You should start by reconciliation with your rider." "Kaos… did my… darkness influenced him?" "You already have the answer to that question Kyo. Your bond with him is deep, deeper than what I had been confronted to before. But this depth comes with a heavy burden of both of you; the burden of constant sharing. You are bound to make him feel your emotions as he does. The thing is sharing to that level influence you in deep. However for now it had only been showing in particular moment like today when you enter some sort of sync, your emotions match perfectly. But one day will come where your faelings will impact him greatly as well Kyo." "But… I don't want this to happen." "Neither do I neither does Allen."

I keep throwing sneaky glances at Allen as he tries of in his armor, half dipping in the water that slipped past the tiny and narrow gaps between plates. "I'll go talk to him." "The sooner the better Kyo."

I slowly swim toward the shore enjoying the feeling of the deep, cold, reinvigorating water gliding along my scales.

………

Allen:

Fucking stupid dragon; if all his mistakes weren't enough now I'm wet because of him. And that freaking armor that only make it worst. I'm dipping in a mix of cold water and "vase" my clothes soaked by that mess. Hope my armor's not gonna rust after that. I grumble, trying to pulling all these plate and strips of metal away. "What a fucking lame idea! What does he have to be so dumb? God damn it! If he wants to take a bath can't he at least warn me before diving head first in that river? Damn it's so cold." I feel my teeth clacking noisily, each shock echoing in my chilling bones. "Need some help with that armor?" asks a familiar draconic voice. "No thanks I'd rather do this alone." "But… I can help…" "Kyo you'd better leave me alone for now. You've made enough of a mess for today so please leave me alone and go suck your cock. That's the only thing you do well."

I feel his heavy gaze glued to me, observing me intently in a deep silence. I hear a shuffling in water, little waves forming at the surface as Kyo moves around, sitting near the muddy shore, his entire body dripping water. "Allen I…" "Kyo for once in your life Shut up! Just say nothing." At first he seems to obey willingly, simply staring at his reflection in the reddening water, his whole face twitching and lips trembling, like he so desperately wanted to say something important but was trying to remain silent. "Allen… just… please let me speak." "Kyo… if you don't want to eat your own tongue close your mouth." "But Allen I…" "Kyo…"

His lips seal but his voice blooms in my mind instead. "You don't give up easily don't you?" "Thought you had figured it out since we met." "What do you want then Kyo?" "I just… wanted to apologize"" "You know it won't help Kyo." "I do… but… I need to say it. Allen… I know… I understand your pain… I feel the same." "And what do you do about it Kyo? Besides letting it control you?" "I…I try to solve that situation and… fine a peaceful way out." "But what will guarantee you he'll willingly come back?" "That's my problem Allen, not yours. In your case I'm sure Kyle will jump in your arms the moment he'll see you." "But what tells me Tarken will let him go." "That he won't have a choice." growls Kyo, determined.

I doubt his word but he doesn't holding desperately to that fleeing hope. I wish I could do the same but it's so hard to keep hoping in these circumstances. "Allen… I feel your doubts and worries… I… I wish I could promise you it will be fine but… I… I'm not sure either." "What's bothering me Kyo is… what will happen next?" "What do you mean?" "What tricky situation will you put us in next time Kyo? If we manage to bring them back and kick that Watcher demon's ass what will it be after? I know you kyo and it will only be an eternal "recommencement"." "I'll… I'll try to change… I swear I'll be more careful." "I wish I could believe you Kyo… I wish I could." "But… but you can." "Are you sure? All your promises you ended up breaking without a second thought. You promised your mate to not go with Alya and you betrayed him! You promised me countless time you'd be careful and you ignored even your own words so excuse me Kxo if I don't believe your words anymore."

Kyo gasped, staring at me with those two so adorable eyes of his but what once made me melt and just forgive seems empty now.

We remain here, him half dipping in the river while I'm trying to dry off, shivering in the cold breeze.

………

Kyo:

Is that it? Is that what I earned, doubt and disbelief. Another lost thing to add to the long list of what I already lost. Now over all countless I lost now I can add a deep friendship and someone else's trust. Is that what I've become? A selfish bastard that only cares about himself? Perhaps I should just leave; perhaps everyone will be happier without me. "Guys… I think it's time to go." called Kaos, dragging us out of our deep self-focused thoughts. "Is it still worth it?" I whimper. "Kyo how dare you doubt now!" roared Kaos, my body burning from inside under his influence. "Will he just… still love me?" I hiccupped, my lips trembling uncontrollably. A loud sound echoes in my ears, metal clashing against metal. "How dare you hesitate now Kyo?! You dragged us all the way to here to find your mate and now you're abandoning?" "You… you scored a great point earlier. I've only been lying and betraying the one I loved." "But everyone can change:" hissed Kao "I know I did." "How many centuries did it took you." I snort in reply. "Kyo… you still feel that presence in your head do you?" I close my eyes; focusing on that so tiny presence; so far away, crying out for help yet that voice is nothing close to whisper. "I do… but it's so far." "Then we will make sure it doesn't fade." "And if you don't do it for Tarken do it for me… and for Kyle! For the both of us you dragged in your business against our will." "Allen…" I whisper, gasping and sobbing. I just want to hug him, squeezing him like the plush of my childhood but I would just end up crushing him if I do so. "Time to kick some ass." grunts Allen, slamming his fists together. "Let's make them suffer." I growl.

………

An hour of drying off later.

"Kyo! Are you coming now?" "I'm coming I'm coming." I answer, focusing back on reality as I emerge from a short nap. I let Allen do a rapid check on my armor, putting back the blood stained armor plate we tried to clean with poor results on my neck then I allowed him to climb on my back. In my situation the familiar weight of my rider between the long spikes of my back felt comforting and reassuring "Kyo… what you said earlier… is it true?" "What?" "That you can feel where Tarken is?" asked Kaos, nervous and waiting. "I… I'm not sure… I feel like I knew the correct path all along… like it had been traced for me." "I knew it!" he shouts happily, surprising us both. "What did you know this time old demon?" "I'll explain you during the flight." he quickly answer, like he was in a hurry, barely holding back his excitement. Let's take off then."

I look toward the horizon feeling renewed. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. I reach deep in my brain, looking for the remnants f the shattered bonds, maybe there is a rope left, a string linking me to Tarken. My hopes might be vain but still I try. I send a short message through the ripped bond. "Tarken… I don't know if you can hear me but I'm coming… I'm coming for you. Hold on my love."