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Chapter 118: Dark Comfort In the Storm

Faelen walked toward the living area of Nathanial's basement, where he heard Nick's anguished explanation of why Micah called and his bafflement of why Nathanial was so upset. Faelen stepped into the doorway in time to hear Liam growl, "Betty Chan." The loathing and wrath in the small Rottie's voice made it perfectly clear why he said her name: he blamed her for all of this.

Faelen felt himself growling in an almost blind fury; he wasn't sure if it was his anger, Liam's, or some mix of both, but he knew he would later be very grateful Betty wasn't anywhere around. At the same time, however, he wished she _was_so he could exact a very bloody revenge. He instinctively scanned the room looking for threats and took in every detail that may be important in his duty. Nathanial lay on the floor surrounded by Geoff, Garret, Micah, and Snow. With the way he eyed the newcomers, Garret obviously noticed that Geoff and Faelen wore nothing but fur and a lot of water but from the dismissive way he turned back to his eldest son, he felt this wasn't the time to make an issue of it. Nick was standing by the sofa with a naked and soaked Liam; the Akita had one arm gingerly around Liam's waist, while he held the Rottie's arm over his shoulders as if holding him up. Faelen could smell burnt fur and singed flesh. Before he could take more than a step towards Liam, however, the Rottweiler's eyes flicked toward him for just a moment, the message in them clear: his injuries could wait.

Faelen stopped, instead turning his attention to the eldest Marks brother, whose emotional wounds smelled even more painful than Liam's physical ones. The Mist Spirit had only encountered that level of guilt and self-loathing a couple of times before; the last time had ended with a vision of Geoff bleeding to death in the shower. Faelen's throat seized up before he managed to banish the spectre of Geoff's suicide only with an effort of supreme will. Why would anyone knowingly inflict so much pain on another person that it drove their victim to do such a thing? Faelen was loyal to the clan, but he was so, so relieved that Conor was willing to do anything to protect Geoff, up to and including leaving the clan. Losing Geoff, especially like that...

He felt a renewed surge of fury coming from Liam and looked back at his lover. The bantam Dog was watching him and had obviously felt Faelen's pain. Liam met his eyes, and Faelen saw Betty's doom. He silently padded over to his boyfriend, ignoring the way Nick stared at his bare groin and the way his drenched fur was plastered to his skin, and whispered, "You can't just go around killing people for vengeance anymore, remember? Leave it for the police. And why are you blaming Betty? She's a right bitch, but I don't see how she's involved." The stench of singed fur and skin was almost overpowering, but Liam didn't act that concerned. Stopping him from vowing to get revenge was a bit more important; he was certain that once Liam swore an oath, it'd be almost impossible to reason with him.

Liam's eyes narrowed, and he whispered back as he gestured at the TV. "I have proof she was a factor in the Weasel's death, along with other crimes; it is why she is willing to work with me in the auction. Conor_acquired_ the information for me, but the means was not entirely legal, so I cannot use that as evidence of her involvement. But justice must be served. She is sixteen and will not face so much as a modicum of retribution for the pain she has inflicted on so many. Not just the Markhams, including their beloved Donny, but all those tangentially harmed, such as you and our sweet Akita, as well." He shook his head. "Our deal for the auction be damned, I do not think I could be in any sort of proximity to her without wishing to harm her." A thoughtful look crossed Liam's face. "Though I said only that the charges Conor laid would be dropped and that I would not bring forth the information he had obtained. There is nothing to prevent Betty from facing criminal charges based on her actions and proof uncovered by the police. I want this done, despite the pain it would cause Hao Chan; he deserves a better daughter than her. Regardless, there are non-physical ways I may yet express my displeasure with Betty Chan."

Nick was about to comment, though he still had a lot of trouble keeping his eyes off Faelen's sheath, but the back door burst open again, sending a swirl of rain-laden air rushing into the room. Conor's angry and worried shout drowned out the thunder. "Geoff!" The two powerful adult Spirits stormed into the room. Dirk paused in the doorway, but quickly moved aside when no threat was evident; Conor didn't pause but ran toward his son, and sent a huge globe of water back outside when no threats to his son's safety presented themselves. Both Spirits wore suits of bone armour and were in their manifested states.

Faelen noticed that even with all four Spirits manifested, three of whom were very powerful, Garret didn't seem affected at all. Lauren, Geoff's Daisy Spirit friend, would probably have collapsed by now from the sheer weight of their power, but Garret -- nearly magicless Garret -- didn't even seem to notice. The adult Akita rubbed his eldest son's back and quietly explained the situation to the very concerned Water Elemental. The others sat quietly, trying to lend comfort to Nathanial by their presence.

Faelen, however, took the time to attend to his boyfriend. "Yeah, Betty's a bitch, but what happened to you? You're burnt."

Liam grimaced. "I am, and I dare not go outside until the storm abates. The god of thunder is active and has an intense distaste for me." A wry smile flickered on his face. "One would think he would let things pass after twenty-two hundred years, but he does not forget his petty grievances."

Nick almost dropped Liam. "Zeu--"

Liam cut him off with a loud shout. "Silence! Do not speak his name, fool! I have just said that he dislikes me and that he sought to strike me down with a lightning bolt, yet you would speak his name and draw his attention?" He addressed the stunned room at large. "It would be wise for all of you to take care in uttering the names of the gods, particularly the god of thunder. Lord Hades and Master Apollo are no threat, and both think of me favourably, as does Hermes, but it appears there are celestial schemes afoot, and mortals should take care to remain apart from them as much as possible." Liam shook his head and snorted. "Not just mortals, but near-immortals and true immortals, as well."

Nathanial sat up; he smelt far more concerned than distraught, now. "You're hurt! We have to help you!" He scrambled to his hindpaws and grabbed the bottle of aloe and a roll of gauze that zipped out of the bathroom. "Good gods, that looks painful. Nick, Faelen, help him to my bed." Everyone but Liam and Snow seemed to show some level of concern; since Nathanial's crisis was now over, Snow slipped into Micah's bedroom and vanished. Nathanial sniffled and rubbed his eyes with the back of his wrists. He tutted at himself and scurried over to the kitchenette. "Wash first." He seemed to think people weren't moving fast enough. "I said to take him to -- scratch that -- take him to the massage table." He sent a wet wash cloth over to Faelen. "Wash the wound carefully."

Liam chuckled and walked with Faelen and Nick. "I can direct them to care for me, Nathanial. However, if it is possible, I would ask that you get some salve from my house. Dad will know which one I mean if you ask; he is likely quite worried as it is."

Nathanial hesitated, during which time Garret spoke. "And some clothes from his house. Her -- uh, goddess of family help me, why is almost everyone _naked?_And dripping water everywhere?" Liam, Geoff, and Faelen were all nude and soaked to the skin. Da probably had a pair of shorts on under his armour, no more, but only his eyes and a few small tufts of fur were visible under all the bone; both Conor and Da looked perfectly dry. The Water Elemental gathered up the excess liquid off of fur and floor and made it weave through the air to the washroom like a dancing Chinese dragon.

Nathanial shook his head. "I can try to get salve and some clothes, but this storm is..." He trailed off. "Well, I got a fierce headache when I was at the kwoon dropping Si Fu Jim off. I think the wards on the basement are keeping it from affecting me too much, but there's something about the storm that _hurts._I don't know why."

Micah bounced to his feet and ran toward the door leading toward the backyard at the mention of the clothes and salve. "I can get it!"

A chorus of, "No!" made the pup slump back down to the floor with a pout.

Faelen was one of the few who didn't protest -- Dirk being the other one -- because he thought of something. "Nathanial, just open the portal, send Micah through, and close it. That short of a time won't hurt you -- or shouldn't anyway -- and Micah can call you back after he gets the salve and some clothes." Faelen gestured at himself and the other Spirits. "Or we can go with Liam to his place, get him treated, and then go home. It is a school night, and we should check on the Dryads anyway."

Liam shook his head. "No, I dare not draw the petty god's wrath onto my father. The wards on the basement would not stop him from actively reaching me, but such a...gross interference on his part would cause the other gods to intervene. It is quite likely Lord Hades is already quite wroth, and the god of the oceans would need little provocation to join him. I doubt Poseidon has forgotten the time the god of thunder killed several of his priests, including his favourite, for daring to offer a sacrifice to their patron before the--" Liam snorted disdainfully. _"--lord_of the gods."

Micah gasped, his eyes wide. "Oooh! You said his name!"

Liam smiled. "Yes, I believe Poseidon would appreciate having his attention brought to this matter. A god seeking to strike down another god's priest -- or former priest -- is a grave offence." Faelen wasn't so sure how 'former' a priest Liam was. Sure, he mightn't be as active as Timeus likely had been, but he certainly acted like he still served 'Lord' Hades.

Da said what Faelen was just starting to consider. "Then how safe is it for us to go home? Faelen is tied to you, Sensei -- I mean, his soul is. Wouldn't that make him a target if this god is after you? That'd place all of us at risk. Will we need to stay in the basement until his attention goes elsewhere?"

Liam shook his head. "I doubt anyone else is in danger. I do not think I would be at too great a risk, either, but it is not something I care to test. It was likely he was present for another matter, possibly even just enjoying a good storm, when he saw me weakened and took a 'pot-shot' at me, as the saying goes. Were he truly serious about hunting me down, he would not care about angering his brothers, but for idle and petty revenge, he would deem me unworthy of the repercussions. This house is well-constructed, does not have large trees nearby, and is large enough to provide ample protection, while such cannot be said for my own home. An 'accident' cannot reach me here, so the god of thunder would not try to engineer one." Faelen could tell Liam was starting to weaken, and he could smell that the Rottie was hurting, too.

Nathanial nodded decisively. "Then I'll open a portal to your place and let our friends get a shortcut home." He turned to Nick and suddenly had tears flooding his eyes. He tried to scrub them away. "I..." He paused to sniffle, and then walked over and pulled Liam away from his brother. "I-I'll clean him up, Nick." He left one arm around Liam and suddenly yanked his younger brother into a tight hug, and Nick didn't even make a token attempt to squirm free. "C-Could you get Liam's s-stuff, please?"

Closer to Micah's room, Geoff and Conor were having one of their silent arguments, but it looked like Geoff was losing. His master would soon resort to verbal arguing.

Garret suddenly interjected, "Conor, could I talk to you for a moment?" He glanced back to where Nathanial had yet to let go of his brother, with Liam watching them with a suspiciously blank face. "Son, send Nick on. There's no point in making Sensei wait when you'll have to open the portal again, anyway."

Nathanial nodded and let his brother go. "I love you, Nick. Never forget that." The air shimmered momentarily before it revealed Liam's art room.

Faelen could smell ozone, just like he could when Avery was pissed off. "Wait a second." He stepped forward and stuck his nose through, but it didn't seem to be coming from Liam's house. More like it was from the portal itself.

Nicholas's eyes brimmed with tears. He abruptly turned and stepped around Faelen to walk into Liam's house. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Nats. You sound like I'm going to die or something. I'm just picking up some clothes and crap."

Faelen could smell Nathanial was experiencing rapidly increasing pain, so he gently pushed Nathanial back and took Liam away from him. "Close it, Nathanial." The Akita nodded and the portal winked out, hiding Nicholas's worried face. "I don't know what's normal for your portals, but it reeked of ozone. You said your portals fold the space between two areas then punch a hole through, so maybe it's just all the electromagnetic activity in the area, but Liam's talk about the 'zed-god' has me worried." Faelen nudged Liam ahead and supported him as they plodded toward the massage table.

He could hear Garret and Conor over at the kitchenette talking quietly; Garret was asking Conor if Geoff could stay and help comfort Nathanial. Conor was reluctant, but he had to concede that Nathanial was very upset, Geoff would worry the entire night if he wasn't here, and that everyone would sleep better knowing Nathanial was safe and less anxious. Conor's counterargument was that he thought Liam would be sleeping with Nathanial, and that Liam's presence calmed Nathanial down a lot, too, but it took very little time for the Elemental to accede to Garret's request.

At this point Faelen and Liam were in the gym, and they just passed the cardio equipment, with Nathanial right behind them. Geoff trotted up to them, followed by Micah, and he whistled when he saw Liam's back. "Damn, Liam. Talk about a fucking close call! It's a good thing your arse isn't as bubbly as Nathanial's, or it would've been blasted clean off!"

Faelen wished he could do something to help Liam, but while he could regenerate, the Ancient One... No, wait. "Nathanial, could you make a dense -- very dense -- bank of fog in the showers? I used my powers to help Liam heal once, so maybe we could do it again."

Liam nodded. "I had not thought of it; I was focused on using my chi and getting the salve. However, like last time, it will most certainly unbalance my chi. I am not as yang as when you plunged yourself into a pond with a fire-enshrouded Demon Mage -- which I still believe was most foolhardy, no matter how effective -- but taking in your energy in such a direct manner will require some yin aligned chi to counter it. Perhaps not today, but soon."

Faelen nuzzled his lover's ear. "Da will like that."

Liam smiled. "Indeed. He is most willing to fill me, if it means we are both abusing him as you fill him."

Conor called out from the living area, "Geoff! Come here a moment!" Geoff ran back, tail wagging.

They walked into the shower area, and Nathanial sighed morosely before he frowned in confusion. He waved a paw and then focused intently. Finally, a dense back of fog appeared. "I-I just can't concentrate -- it shouldn't take three tries to make fog. Maybe I won't go to school tomorrow; it won't be any use if I can't focus on anything." Faelen helped Liam down to the tiled floor and sat beside him.

The Rottie gestured to the Mage. "Here, sit beside us. You may too, Micah; your brother could use the comfort. I ask that you be quiet, however, as Faelen and I need to focus."

The two Akitas settled down, but Nathanial asked, "Um, first, is there a way I can keep track of Nick? I-I'm terrified to lose sight of him. What if he vanishes like Donny did? Whenever I think of Donny I see Nick, and I co-couldn't bear..." He sobbed quietly and sniffled. "...to not know. To never be able to f-find him." Micah whimpered and curled up against his brother, rubbing his head against Nathanial's chest. The Mage hugged the small pup close, sobbing.

Nathanial's phone rang. He didn't pick it up, but the ringing stopped and a portal opened on the far side of the showers. Faelen could smell Nick and Walter step through, but very little ozone. Walter wore a pair of gym shorts and nothing else; the way they weren't sitting properly would indicate he'd thrown them on quickly. Nick cursed, "Damn, Nats, it's foggy. I can't see a thing." The Demon Mage carefully picked his way forward.

Faelen called over. "We're here, Nick. Walter, sir."

They began to move toward his voice, when suddenly Nathanial's scent curdled in the most hideously horrified emotion Faelen had ever smelled, and he wailed like his heart was broken. "Nick!" The sound of frantic running could be heard coming from the living area.

Liam pulled Nathanial's head over to rest the pup's nose in his fur. "Nicholas is not_dead, Nathanial. This is _not the harbour. He is not animated by your spell. We are in your house, everyone is safe, and Nicholas has not gone anywhere." Liam raised his head to address the frozen Demon Mage. "Speak to him, Nicholas."

Nicholas held his paw out and a globe of fire appeared, dissipating some of the nearby fog. "Nats. Come on, Nats. I'm all right." Able to see more clearly, he moved quickly to his brother. He knelt in front of him and reached over Micah. "Hey, Nats." Nick shook his older brother's shoulder. "Look at me." Nathanial lifted his head, and Nick leaned over to lick his nose. "I'm alive. I'm here. Jeeze, dumbass, you scared me half to death when you screamed like that." He gently prodded Micah. "Move, Sprite." Once Micah moved away, Nick dismissed his flame and crawled around Nathanial so he could sit behind him and hold his distraught brother close. "Okay, Mikey, you can come back." Micah put his head back on Nathanial's lap.

Geoff skidded around the corner, almost spilling onto the tile floor. "Nathanial! What's wrong!?" The adults almost bowled him over as they tore around the corner, too.

Garret cursed. "Damn, it's foggy. I can't see a fucking thing. Nathanial! Where are you!?"

Liam grumbled and shifted on the floor; Faelen knew his back was really starting to hurt. The Rottweiler managed to keep his growing annoyance out of his voice, though. "He is here; he is fine -- relatively speaking. He took a fright when he saw Nicholas return; the sight of his brother walking through the fog reminded him of Donald Markham walking out of the fog at the harbour. That is an assumption, but as it reminded me of the same thing, I believe it to be a good guess."

Micah rubbed Nathanial's knee, "Nats, please don't worry so much. I'm watching out for Nick too, and he's watching out for me." Micah laughed a little. "And we're watching out for you. Everyone is watching out for everyone, so don't think we're in huge trouble the moment we're out of sight. We gots lots of friends now, and we always, always have our phones with us, too."

Faelen fully expected Nathanial to correct Micah's grammar, but Nathanial just drew a shuddering breath and nodded. The Mage rubbed Nick's paw where it rested on his stomach and his other one rubbed Micah's ear.

Conor, Dirk, Nick, and Garret all opened their muzzles to speak, but Liam cut in sharply, "Now, I do require some quiet so that I may meditate. I am experiencing quite a bit of discomfort."

Walter walked over and knelt by his son. "Lord Almighty, Liam. You scared me half to death taking off like that. I brought the salve, the one you said was good for burns. I can put it on for you, if there's somewhere you can lie down."

Faelen interjected before anyone else could talk. "Liam, let your dad rub the salve in while we meditate. Everyone else can talk quietly with Nathanial. I don't think we'll get any peace unless we're alone; everyone is too worried and worked up."

Nathanial was shaking fiercely now, and he smelt completely overwrought. "I-I'm sorry! I d-didn't m-mean to tr-tro-t...um, cause--."

Liam cut him off. "Be calm, Nathanial. We are not blaming you, but merely commenting on what is. I agree with Faelen, however." The Ancient One took command. "Geoff, take your boyfriend to his bed and massage him or brush his fur. Nicholas and Micah, stay with your brother. Garret, may I ask you to make a large pot of my tisane? I believe everyone could use a bit of soothing, and the chamomile will aid in that. The lemon balm will also assist. Dad, Faelen, and I will go to the massage table and try to get some peace so I may heal."

Dirk chuckled. "No orders for us, Sensei? Don't worry, we'll stay out of your way and keep an eye on things." Conor was visibly enjoying the fog, though seeing him encased in bone armour looked very odd.

Faelen brought Liam to the table and carefully helped him lie face down on it. The grey Wolf felt relieved when everyone dispersed and he had a chance to stand quietly beside his boyfriend. Walter was very gentle when he began rubbing small amounts of the salve on the worst of the burns, so much so that Liam and Faelen had no trouble in synchronizing their heartbeats and breathing. Faelen focused on drawing as much power as he could from the fog and felt Liam siphoning some of it through their link. Walter smelt surprised, but Faelen didn't open his eyes to see why. Liam's pain had started to fade shortly after the salve began to work, and now it was almost completely gone.

A short time later, Liam stopped drawing on Faelen's energy. "I had always been jealous of the Spirits' ability to heal rapidly, but now I know it is even more remarkable than I had thought." Faelen opened his eyes and saw all traces of the burns were gone without even a hint of scarring. There were even traces of fur starting to grow through the flawless skin, though it was too coarse to be puppy fluff. "Even with the salve, it would have taken hours to deal with the blisters alone, though it would have prevented any new ones from forming. To reach this stage would have taken several sessions of meditation had I the chi to do so, over a few days. In the condition I was in, it was a certainty that I would have some scarring. You have my thanks, my love."

Faelen bent down and nibbled one of those adorable ears. "It was my pleasure." He looked up at Walter. "Thank you, sir."

Walter rubbed Liam's back; his pads made a raspy sound when they ran over the new fur coming in. "No, thank you. He's my son, Faelen; it's my duty to take care of him. I can't stand seeing him hurt, so knowing you can help him like this is a huge relief." He smiled wryly down at the small Dog on the massage table. "Liam has a habit of getting into dangerous situations, so I spend a lot of time worrying."

Liam rolled over and sat up, adjusting himself as he did so. His sheath was a little chubby, and he smelt aroused. "I do not mean to do so, Dad, but I cannot let someone suffer or allow injustices to continue. I try to take care, and I _try_to ensure you are aware I am well. On the note of taking care, I will be staying here tonight, as will Faelen." The tip of Liam's penis poked out of his sheath, though the fog might have been too thick for Walter to see it. "Nicholas has likely told you that the god of thunder, whose name I still wish you not to say, sought to smite me. I believe it to be prudent that I not return home until the storm has passed or until I am certain he no longer is present within it. It is merely a precaution. I feel it is safe for you to return home, though I would be comforted knowing you are nearby."

Walter chuckled. "Not as comforted as having Faelen nearby, I see." He patted his son's shoulder. "No, I still have a lot of work to do, so if it's safe I need to get back to it." His gaze dropped to his son's lap, where a bit more pink was showing. Faelen saw the adult's penis twitch under his shorts, mirrored by Faelen's own. "Though I shouldn't have the computer on in the storm like this. I'll talk to Dirk -- sorry, I mean Garret -- and see what he thinks about my staying the night." He smiled at the two teens and winked. "Don't overdo it, guys."

Liam smiled and rubbed his finger over the tip of Faelen's leaking dick -- not that Walter could see Faelen, since the Spirit was manifested. "We shall not, though I_shall_ enjoy the doing."

Nathanial lay on his bed curled up against Geoff. He could hear the Elemental's heart thud powerfully even through all of the thick adult fur and dense muscles. Nathanial felt sheltered by the strong arm cradling him and felt loved by the paw that stroked one of his own. A blanket of darkness covered their nudity -- not that his brothers would mind seeing them naked -- but he loved the feeling of Geoff's power enfolding him. Nick and Micah were nearby; Nick was behind him, curled up against his back and gently licking his ears, while Micah was farther down his bed with his head on Nathanial's hip...which -- by pure 'accident' -- put his head within a couple paw lengths of Geoff's bare groin. The Changeling had pouted when Geoff made the dark blanket.

He knew Snow felt torn, wherever he was; the dog loved the taste of Nathanial's fear, and there was a lot of that, but at the same time he hated seeing Nathanial so distraught.

However, Nathanial was surprised to feel Zhaohui of all creatures, the Light-aligned Kirin he had a bond with, stir and talk to him. *Nathanial.* Geoff fidgeted, a little uncomfortable, but he probably didn't know why.

*Zhaohui?*

*You love your brother, and I know you are afraid to lose him the way the Markhams lost Donald.*_Nathanial was really surprised to learn Zhaohui was so up to date on his life. The last time they spoke, Zhaohui accused him of thinking the Kirin had nothing to do out in the planes. _*But your actions indicate they have more reason to fear.*

Nathanial would've hung his head in shame if he was standing. As it was, his ears lowered and his tail tucked. Nick and Micah both squeezed him tighter in response, but they remained quiet. *I-I know. I just... They're_everything _to me; the thought of--*

Zhaohui cut him off. *If they're everything to you, perhaps you should remember that and appreciate what you have, rather than constantly thinking about what may never be. They love you, too, and your constant crises are terrifying them. The stress of your fear is the greatest threat to their mental health and may contribute to the very thing you're worried about. Stop feeding that Dark monstrosity of yours and just focus on how much you love them, not how much you fear losing them.*

Nathanial felt Snow wander into his head. *We do not like this Light beast. He is rude. We are not monsters. We agree on one level though, Alpha. We think you should not fear for them so much; it makes you unhappy, which makes them unhappy.*

*Rude?* He 'heard' Zhaohui snort derisively. *Oh, this is rich. A Dark monster accusing me of rudeness. I don't live by terrifying and killing other creatures.*

Snow sounded a little annoyed and stated, *No, Light ones go around killing those they disagree with -- which is everyone -- without the justification of needing food and claim it is moral. Light ones believe all should be as they are and never seek compromise or coexistence.*

Zhaohui snarled, affronted. *We try to spread peace and harmony, monster, and if you accepted those ideals, we could live with you! We fight tyranny! Most of the time we spread ideals that promote just and orderly societies, rather than maim or kill. I taught Tai Lung much of his philosophy.* It took a moment for Nathanial to recall that Zhaohui remembered Liam in his fourth incarnation, and usually referred to him as such. *The Buddha on this Earth was taught by the Deva Sahampati. The Dalai Lama derived some of his greatest ideals from conversations with the Gyalpo Pehar!*

The Dark hound grunted grimly. *As we said, one has to be as you in order to be accepted. We speak not of form, but of spirit. We will not talk more of this; we know our arguing is upsetting our alpha. We don't like it when he is unhappy.*

The Kirin glared. *Just like a Dark monster to run when he is losing.*

*Stop it!* Nathanial yelled in his head. *Stop arguing, please.*

Snow sounded a little smug. *We know our alpha. It's also rude to argue in someone else's head.*

Zhaohui huffed. *Getting lectured on manners by an infant Dark entity. Shameful. You're right. I apologise, Nathanial.*

*We are not infants.*

Now it was Zhaohui's turn to sound smug. *Oh? How old are you, in this Earth's years?*

Snow hesitated. *We don't know. We...were singular for a very long time, but it is a blur. We hunted, we ran... It, I, the single one of us did, anyway, and fed. We have no reference of time. We did not understand time or even contemplate it. We just were.Even after we found this one--* Nathanial assumed Snow referred to him. *--we never thought of...anything.* Snow sounded confused as he continued. *No, we didn't think, not as we do now. We just...did. Acted in the moment. It was only after our alpha's voice began running through us that we started to think and to care.* Poor Snow actually sounded like he was getting scared. *We don't understand.*

Zhaohui was positively triumphant. *I was right. I am thousands of this Earth's years old. You have only been sentient -- been you -- for about two to three weeks, if my research is right. You first spoke to Nathanial on the twenty-first day of September, which is probably close to the time you became sentient. His memory of that event is very clear, unlike a lot of other events.* He addressed Nathanial. *You should get that looked at, you know.* Then Zhaohui switched back to Snow. *You aren't an infant, no; you're a baby. A mewling pup.*

Snow sounded like he was cringing and had curled into as small a ball as he could get. *We aren't.*

Zhaohui pressed on, his mental voice snide. *Shall I fetch Echidna to nurse you? She's the mother of all monsters, so she should know how to care for you, baby.*

Nathanial cried out, "Leave him alone! Stop bullying him!" Everyone in the room jumped. "Sorry. Zhaohui was being really mean to Snow. They're arguing in my head."

Geoff sounded unsure when he said, "Oh."

"I'm not_hearing voices -- well, actually I _am --but they're real people talking and not just voices in my... I-I mean..."

Geoff laughed and rubbed his muzzle over Nathanial's ears. "I know what you mean, Pup; I just didn't know they could argue through you."

"Y-Yeah; it's like if you and Nick started arguing in my room. They're both kinda in my head, the way you two are in my room, and they're fighting in there." Thankfully, Snow and Zhaohui were being quiet, even though they were still there, likely listening in on the conversation about them.

Nick snorted. "That's disrespectful. If they want to argue about something, they should do it somewhere else. Sitting in someone's bedroom -- or head -- and fighting with a third person is really damned rude."

Nathanial agreed but tried not to think that, in case they could hear it. "It's not like they can go somewhere else and talk. Liam's protestations aside, the Light and Dark Elemental Planes are probably as far apart as you can get." Liam had once stressed that the various planes didn't have distance between them as they knew it.

Micah piped up, "How is Sensei? That was a really scary-looking burn."

Walter was just exiting the changing room, leaving the two amorous teens to have fun.

Nathanial smiled wanly at what he 'saw' as Walter left them, grinning a satisfied smile of his own. "Liam's better, though he still has a bare patch where the lightning nearly hit him."

Geoff sighed. "Good. He looked exhausted, so I hope this didn't knock him out."

Despite his emotional fatigue and lingering worries, that made Nathanial chuckle. Micah's ears perked up happily at the noise. Nathanial grinned sheepishly as he explained. "Nooo... He seems to be quite energetic, now. Faelen's finding out just how good he's feeling. Walter is seeing if your dad and, more to the point, Dirk are staying here for the night, too."

Nick scowled jealously but said, "I think they have the right idea. You need a distraction, Nats, and reassurance. I know Geoff makes you feel safe, and having sex with him reminds you that you're loved. I'd like to be able to do that for you, but..." He sighed. "You're in love with him. You had a date, and you probably didn't even give him a proper kiss. Let him take your mind off things..." He smirked. "Well everything but his thing." He lifted his head and blindly looked over at Geoff. "Fuck him silly, Geoff. Show him we don't plan on going anywhere, and that we want him to stick around."

Zhaohui interjected, *Your brother is right. Mortals find loving, consensual sex to be very reassuring and therapeutic. I've found you do, too. You could use some..._fucking._I would prefer it if you loved Lung rather than this Dark Elemental, or even loved the Mist Spirit, but there it is. And there he is. Kiss the boy.*

Geoff growled lustily and put took the paw he'd been stroking on his thickening sheath. "I like the way your brother thinks, Nathanial."

Nathanial didn't, not at the moment, anyway. He just didn't feel up to it, even if he loved hearing and feeling those growls rumbling through Geoff's chest. "I-I need them close, Geoff. I don't want my brothers out of sight."

"Then get them to move out of the way and let them watch, or at least listen. It wouldn't be the first time; they've both seen me fuck you more than once." Nicholas rolled back out of the way and carefully made his way down to the bottom of the bed, followed by Micah. The Changeling's eyes glowed silver with Fey-sight, but Nick still moved blindly in consideration of Nathanial's desire for darkness. Geoff's dark blanket vanished, but the room was virtually pitch-black regardless.

A sharp spike of pain shot through Nathanial's chest, and for a second he saw himself kneeling on the blood-stained carpet in front of his mother's desk, but the image was banished by Geoff's arms wrapping tightly around him. The Wolf pulled Nathanial over on top of him, still growling. "You promised me a good fuck, Pup, and I aim to collect." The growls grew louder and more possessive. Geoff's paws were roughly, but not painfully, kneading Nathanial's rump. The powerful Wolf nibbled at those sensitive areas on Nathanial's neck, massaging and stimulating them with his teeth.

His chest hurt as memories of his horrible dream-vision came bubbling up, notably the scene of him and Geoff having sex in the showers while Lily attacked Nick and Micah, but... No, his brothers were here. They were right here. Geoff bit into his neck again. So strong, and so gentle. 'Geoff has so much power, but he tempers it just for me.' The sharp teeth brushed ever so delicately against the sensitive skin of his neck, arousing him and sending shivers down his spine. 'Even when he's at his most worked up, he still cares.' Those teeth nipped again, bursting the vision of his mother like a bubble. Nick and Micah were at the bottom of the bed. Safe. And so was he.

Nathanial couldn't stop a submissive whimper and instinctively tilted his head to give Geoff better access. He licked at Geoff's ear. "G-Geoff..." A strong paw moved from his rump to squeeze around the base of Nathanial's tail, pressing the two spots Liam showed them. Nathanial whined and bucked his hips, unable to stop his body from reacting.

Another stab of pain, and a large, angry Bull suddenly towered over him. Sam Falkner had tormented Nathanial all through junior high, and the mere thought of the bully caused Nathanial to tense up in fear.

The Elemental took his mouth away from Nathanial's neck just long enough to demand, "Who's your alpha, Pup? Who do you belong to?" Geoff bit his neck a little harder, and -- those growls. Oh, gods, nothing could massage the tension out of his muscles like Geoff's growls. "Do you remember what I said the first time you lay on my bed? 'I'm the one who wants to be with you all the time and wants to protect you.'" Geoff lifted his head and nipped Nathanial's muzzle. When their gazes locked momentarily, he could see the tremendous power of Darkness in Geoff's purple eyes. It wasn't submerged like it was that day, hidden behind the icy blue of his Fur-like eyes, but it was in full display, just like his love. "You're_mine,_ Pup... and I'm yours. You've owned my heart since the day I met you." Geoff dipped his head back down to Nathanial's neck and began nipping once more. "Who is your alpha and the one who loves you more than anything?"

Alphas protected their pack. Would Geoff let anyone hurt him? He remembered the way Geoff stood up to his grandfather, the person Geoff seemed to be afraid of angering the most, and knew. Geoff would never let Sam torment him. As long as his boyfriend was around, no one could hurt him. As long as his alpha held him close... "G-Geoff."

"That's my pup." Geoff stopped teasing Nathanial's neck and just held him with his muzzle pressed against the Akita's shoulder.

"Geoff, please," Nathanial whimpered. He just couldn't -- no, he didn't want to resist Geoff. He was so strong, so sure; he was everything Nathanial needed."Please, Alpha, I-I need you. Don't stop, make me yours, please." He needed Geoff to know how much he did love and appreciate him, like Zhaohui said, and he knew of no better way. For as long as Geoff would have him, for as long as he lived, until death came for him -- and Faelen and Liam -- leaving Geoff alone. A tear leaked from his eye as he whispered, "Stay with me. Don't leave me. Don't forget me."

Geoff lifted his head from Nathanial's neck. "Never, Myo. I need you just as much as you need me. I love you, and you can't believe how much it hurt and scared me when Micah called. Don't do that, again, Pup. I couldn't stand to lose you... I-I'd probably follow you." His growls were faint and tears welled up in his eyes.

Stupid, stupid_Nathanial. He grabbed Geoff's scruff and pulled the shocked Wolf's head up into _his possessive kiss. Nathanial growled menacingly. "Don't you fucking dare think like that." Nathanial's next kiss was aggressive but quick. He growled loudly and bit into Geoff's neck. "You promised to show me who my alpha is, so get going before I take your ass and fuck you so hard you won't be able to walk right for a week."

Micah stifled a laugh; his eyes still glowed silver as he watched them while Nick prepared to mount him. Nick whined, unable to see, but then he stopped and concentrated while he cast a rather complicated spell. Nathanial's attention diverted, Geoff flipped them over so he was on top. Nathanial yelped in surprise. Nicholas completed the spell and his eyes flared red for a split second. It looked like the same fire that manifested when he cast demonic magic, but it felt purely like a Mage spell. The general purpose was obvious when Nick's gaze fixed on the thick dick swaying between Geoff's legs, while the Wolf reasserted his dominance by aggressively nomming on Nathanial's neck. Nathanial let his brothers be and didn't mind in the slightest that Geoff was back in control. Maybe there was something to this domination stuff -- every once in a while, at least. And, perhaps, to the therapeutic power of sex. Zhaohui and Snow both felt very satisfied as they went their separate ways.

Geoff's growls resumed; it seemed the tail end of his fertile period was still going strong, so Nathanial found himself surprised when Geoff released him and rolled over onto his back. Geoff held his dick just below the knot and waggled it, sending small splashes of pre over his groin. "You want this, Pup? Then get my dick nice and wet." He took his left paw and grabbed the back of Nathanial's neck when the Akita didn't move fast enough. He pushed his boyfriend's head down, burying the pup's nose in the thicker fur surrounding the large cock. "Suck."

Nathanial didn't care for this part of the play, even though he loved the way Geoff tasted and felt in his muzzle. Regardless, he began bathing the delicious penis and moved around so he was crouched between Geoff's legs. Nick and Micah grumbled when he blocked their view, so Nick pulled out of the Changeling and they moved off the bed. Micah braced himself against Nathanial's dresser where they could watch the action in the mirror, and moaned when Nick slid back into him.

Geoff laughed and rubbed Nathanial's ears. "Your brothers have the right idea, Pup. Get sucking so I can shove this beast into your hole once it's prepped." Nathanial stopped licking, wrapped his tongue around Geoff's shaft as tightly as he could, and lifted his head slowly, letting his tongue drag over every pre-soaked centimetre. "Ohhh, fuck. Yeah, that's my pup. Worship your alpha's cock." Geoff stopped rubbing Nathanial's ears and grabbed on instead, tilting his pup's head back. Nathanial looked up at Geoff, confused, but Geoff just grinned toothily. "I want you to look in my eyes while you suck me."

Nathanial ran a finger over the tapered end of Geoff's penis, picking up a large glob of pre. "Yes, Alpha. I'll do whatever you say." He opened his muzzle wide and slowly engulfed the long piece of meat without letting it touch any part of his mouth. He bathed it with his breath until he was down far enough that it bumped the back of his throat. He closed his mouth and swallowed, lowering his head even farther, so it slid down into his throat. Geoff moaned loudly and clutched the sheets with one paw, while the other squeezed Nathanial's ear. Nathanial's pre-slickened finger began rubbing over Geoff's hole.

The Elemental's moan grew louder and almost escalated into a roar of pleasure. "Fuck!" He growled."I need this, Pup. Yeah, play with me, worship everything I got, before I plough you and make you my bitch. Again." Nathanial pushed his finger in slowly, and began moving it in time with his head-bobs, going in a little deeper each time. Geoff's growls followed suit, in pitch _and_location, until he almost swore they were coming from the Wolf's stomach, and he felt them more than heard them.

As soon as Nathanial touched his prostate, Geoff jumped and grabbed Nathanial's head with both paws. "Stop! Crap!" Nathanial froze. Geoff held him still, panting and quivering. "Oh, damn, that was close." He took a few deep breaths. "Leave my dick alone, and suck on my balls for a bit. They almost had a chance to bathe that tongue, so apologize to them." When Nathanial went to pull his finger out, Geoff quickly leaned up and grabbed his wrist. "Not a chance! Did I say you could stop playing with my ass, Pup? It feels too fucking good to finish, yet."

Nathanial was surprised by that. He knew Geoff enjoyed some ass play on occasion when he wanted to get sucked off, but it was usually very short lived. After a minute or maybe two, Nathanial usually found himself getting spun around and fucked. The number of times Nathanial successfully sucked Geoff off was very low. He did as asked, though. He opened his muzzle wide so he could extricate Geoff's dick from his mouth without triggering a *ahem* reaction, and once the madly throbbing member was safely free he moved down to bathe Geoff's balls.

"Yeah, that's it." Geoff kept himself propped up on his elbows and watched Nathanial work. "Looking sexy, Pup. Take both my balls in your mouth and smile. I want to see you enjoy my cum even before I shoot it in ya."

Damn, if this was what happened every time a Spirit's fertile period ended it was a surprise this wasn't common knowledge. Nathanial pinned his ears back submissively and used his tongue to scoop up one ball at a time, making sure to look Geoff in the eyes the entire time. He gently sucked on them and tickled them with his tongue.

"My sexy, sexy Pup." Geoff shifted his weight onto one elbow and reached down to scratch around one of Nathanial's ears. "You know how to keep Daddy happy."

Daddy? He was calling himself alpha and daddy? Was this some sort of play to try to make himself more comfortable with those words? Huh. Nathanial put Geoff's heavy balls on his tongue and stuck it out, letting the orbs balance on it. He let the soaked sac slowly slide off to gently splat against Geoff's groin. Nathanial raised his rump higher in the air and lazily swung it and his tail about. He lowered his muzzle a little further and smiled up seductively. "Well, Daddy, I know how to make you more than happy." He licked around his finger, teasing the edge of Geoff's ass, and elicited a soft moan. He rubbed his 'daddy's' prostate once more before withdrawing his finger and gave Geoff's quivering tailhole a slow, firm lick.

Geoff's arms trembled and gave out. His voice was breathy, like he was too lost in pleasure to find enough strength to even say how much he enjoyed it. _"Oooh, fuck..."_Nathanial licked again and tickled his moaning 'master' with the tip of his tongue. Geoff drew his legs up to give his boyfriend better access. _"Daaaamn."_Geoff's paws dug into the sheets a few times before he moved his arms under the pillows so he could clutch at the top of the mattress. Nathanial dug his tongue into the willing tailhole and lightly stroked the bottom of Geoff's knot with his leathery pawpads. "Fucking gods have fucking mercy, that's bloody _awesome."_The Wolf's reaction made Nathanial's heart swell in pride, and he did his best to ensure Geoff continued loving every second of it.

After um, some longish period of time, time enough for his brothers to start on round...something -- he hadn't paid attention after they moved to his dresser, though he knew they were enjoying every second of the show -- Geoff ended it by rubbing his head. The Wolf quickly whined and pleaded, "Fuck, don't stop. Please, don't stop. Just turn around and get your ass up here. I may be enjoying what you're doing too much to fuck it right now, but I still want to get my paws and tongue on you." Okay, so he didn't want Nathanial to stop.

The Akita did his best to keep digging his tongue into Geoff while shifting his body around so he was laying on his boyfriend. The Wolf helped by grabbing Nathanial's leg as soon as it was in range and dragging him over, and then lifting him up by the waist. He plopped Nathanial on top of him and buried his muzzle under the curly tail. The Mage couldn't stop his own moans; he loved it when Geoff played with him like this. It wasn't as satisfying as sex, but it _felt_better than everything but getting his prostate massaged by Geoff's knot. _Nothing_topped getting tied by his boyfriend.

As Geoff continued, Nathanial could tell the Wolf's, um, alpha-ness was coming back. Those moans of almost submissive pleasure turned into growls, the paws on his waist switched from lightly holding him in place to aggressively kneading his ass, and Geoff's tongue went from pleasing him to possessing him. All that considered, it wasn't much of a surprise when the Wolf locked his head in place with his legs and rolled them over with a fierce snarl. "Enough playing around, Pup. I'm taking that ass, now." Nick's eyes lit up in glee.

Geoff hauled Nathanial around, accidentally pulling half the blankets with him. The alpha Wolf growled in vexation and flipped the submissive Akita over his shoulder with one paw and tossed all the blankets off the bed with the other. "Bloody fucking nuisance." Geoff slammed Nathanial back onto the bed and held the pup's paws up by the bed's headboard. "You better be ready for a damned good fuck, Pup, 'cause here it comes." He slipped his knees under Nathanial's thighs and pushed forward, moving the smaller Dog's hips up and legs aside. The aggressive Wolf snarled and latched onto Nathanial's neck, teeth pressed into the veins on either side, and held him down. Yet, even with all of this apparent uncaring domination, the thick member gently pressed against Nathanial for a moment to deposit precious lubrication before slowly, inexorably, sliding in.

The growls reached a crescendo and Nathanial could feel them rattling the brain in his skull and travel through Geoff's dick into his entire lower abdomen. He pleaded breathily, "Oh, Daddy, fuck your pup. Make me yours. Don't stop."

Geoff's eyes blazed, and he began quickly jackhammering into the pliant rump, his knot pummelling the swiftly relenting opening. Nick moaned loudly and shook as he shot another load into Micah. The Wolf's jaws and paws tightened and the thrusts became a little erratic just before Geoff snarled once more and forcefully thrust into Nathanial. The knot popped in, and Geoff released Nathanial's neck to lift his head in a triumphant, full-throated howl. The feeling of his lover filling him set Nathanial off too, and he couldn't hold back his own howl as he soaked his muzzle and chest with thick ropes of semen. Nick and Micah's jaws dropped in awe.

Geoff soon collapsed back onto his haunches, and then pulled Nathanial up to settle into his lap. They continued the backward roll so Geoff was on his back with Nathanial on top of him. "Oh, fucking hells; I needed that."

Nick snorted. "From the look of Nats, he needed it, too. That was hot."

Nathanial scanned around. Faelen and Liam were smiling at each other in the showers, shaking their heads in amusement; given how loud they'd just been, there was no need to wonder what it was they found so funny. Up in the kitchen, Garret and Conor were getting some beer and snacks. Their faces were flushed, and Garret had frozen in the act of opening his bottle. Um, well, yeah, no question there, either. Walter and Dirk were on the third floor, in a bedroom, and they were_way_ too distracted to hear anything. That just didn't look fun to Nathanial; Dirk's ass had to be getting sore.

Nathanial licked Geoff's nose. "I think your dad is staying the night." He lifted his head to look at his brothers. "Speaking of which, it's a school night. Shoo. You may have watched us have sex, but I want some quiet time with my boyfriend."

Micah squealed, "Yay!_You're feeling better! Nick was right, you _did just need a good, um, fucking."

"I just needed a good Geoff." He lightly kissed the lovely Wolf, his shining prince. "Now, good night."