Honey Glayzed

Honey Glayzed 8

Trust pt 2
Warning... WAFF overload....Warning

Rustling leaves blew about in the cold wind. The moon sat high over head casting a pale wash of light over the tops of the trees failing to penetrate to the bottom. Well oiled leather made nary a sound against the supple form of the assassin. She sat astride her gleaming white mount streams of silky blue falling over his large rump. Ponchi pulled her hair into a ponytail high on her head. Her make-up shifted across her face of it's own accord giving her a mask-like appearance with stars trailing down her cheeks. Nari shifted his hooves in the night a disgruntled snort alerting his rider that they were coming upon the beast. Ponchi stroked her fingers down his neck in the silent touch language of the warrior fairy, -I know, his stench is strong-, her meaning came through to him.
Nari stomped his hooves, the ground shook at the approach of the beast. The lumbering gait felled a tree. It's breath, like acid, melted the bark from the doomed plant. “It was your breath,” Ponchi said the words low. “You are the one who gave Florian the power he needed to fell the knight. Your foul excess will cost you your life.” Ponchi met the black as pitch eyes of the creature. He stared into her sapphire deep eyes.
His voice rumbled up from the bellows of his gullet, putrescent steam killing the plant life around them. Nari batted his large wings blowing the evil essence away from he and his rider. “Wh...aaat...” The voice had the dry caress of the grave. “Do...you want here, fairy?”
“Nothing more than your life,” Ponchi hefted her double bladed scythe as she jumped high alighting from Nari. The Pegasus was in mid shift standing as a man with a unicorn horn lance in his hands.
The beasts laughter rang out in the night. “Yo...u... Think,” The beast calmed down, his scales shimmering in the darkness while his large body seemed to swell with his mirth and aggravation. “You can take it...”His voice hissed.
“I know we can,” Ponchi dashed forward swinging the scythe wide. The blade bounced from his scales and she ducked, rolling under it. Pulling forth two small hand daggers she slashed the flesh exposed above his ankle. The beast howled his rage. Nari jumped high on his back, poking his lance here and there hoping to loosen enough scales on the creature's neck for a blow. It reared back on it's hind legs brandishing his horns. Ponchi dodged the curved weapons attached to the creatures head while Nari fell from it's back to the unforgiving ground below. Ponchi unsheathed the long sword at her back.
The beast reared back, Ponchi slashed her sword in his face raking it across the snout, in the eyes. Acidic blood bubbled forth. Nari rolled out of the way just as it splashed the area right in front of his boots. Ponchi released her wings flying until she was in the creature's face. She pulled two stars from her belt throwing them into it's eyes. The monster blinked, unable to dislodge them with his massive paws. “Ponchi, the tail!” Nari yanked her away. He leaped into the sky with her in the circle of his arms. “I found a crack in his armor, at the neck!” Nari released her. Ponchi landed on the ground while Nari dropped once again onto the monster's back. He poked until the creature reared it's head back. Ponchi came up with her scythe slicing into the soft area of it's neck. She rolled fast away from the blood gushing from the wound just as Nari rammed his lance in several times. Ponchi yanked three of the marbles from her belt tossing them into the mouth of the monster as he screamed his injury and rage.
“Why!!!!” It bellowed at the night. Nari landed on all fours so that Ponchi could mount him. “Why...h...ave you...Att...accked... me?”
“Because,” Ponchi growled the words not bothering to turn her attention to the beast as it coughed attempting to hack up the explosives lodged in his throat. “You are a demon, your essence injured a knight and...” Ponchi turned then, and even through his haze of pain the creature reared back from the hatred he could sense pouring from the fairy. “You upset Georgie.”
“Who?” Was the monster's last word. Ponchi smirked at the explosion that rocketed the erstwhile quiet terrain of the Ukrainian woods.

Mini-Break

Torcha looked up at the soft fluttering that circled above her head. She smiled at the familiar scent of the tiny fairy that landed in the deep brown tresses splayed across Jhaymes bandaged torso. With light steps Ponchi walked over to place her hands on George's forehead. She leaned in placing a kiss leaving a small spot of blue fairy dust in her wake. Smiling Torcha closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

Break

Sunlight poured on the white fur on Slyphe's underbelly. She turned over. Opening her eyes she saw Rain's head on Bikky's shoulder his hair pouring over the pillow around them mixing in with the blond locks. Purring, she stretched before walking to the door. Bikky cracked his bright blue eyes open to see a lithe young woman open his door. Slyphe winked, shifted down to her cat form and left the room. Bikky sat up jarring Rain. “Wake up,” He shook his brother. “Time to get up. Ryo will be making breakfast soon.” Rain groaned before he sat up. Pushing the sleeves of his too long shirt up he revealed his hands. Rain gasped recalling a threat from Bikky. He reached up to his head. Though the mass of layered locks were messy, they were not fuzzed. Bikky laughed heading to the door only to feel a pillow bounce off his head.
“Jerk,” Bikky continued to chuckle on his way downstairs as Rain huffed past him.
“You make it too easy,” Bikky chuckled then rapped his hands on Rain's door. “Breakfast is coming.”
“Bring it in,” Tom grumbled his voice muffled under the weight of Bill's hair. Bikky cracked the door open laughing to see the spare bed unused and Bill practically on top of his brother.
“Dude, can you breathe?”Bikky shook his head. “No breakfast in bed, you want it, you come down.” Bikky heard the doorbell and grinned. He shut the door again leaving Tom to find his way out of bed. Bill sighed in his sleep tangling his fingers in the long dreads.
“Get up,”Tom got to his feet. Bill sat up on the bed. He brought his hands up to push his hair back from his face. “Come on, let's go see what they are doing now.” Bill nodded wondering at the strange calm that seemed to settle over him. Now that he and Tom were agreed on their next course of action, whatever happened, happened. There was nothing left to do but to go down and meet his fate. He felt more nerves going onto a stage than he felt going down after his brother.
Rain opened the front door with a smile on his face. He took Kurayami from Count D after Aoi toddled in rushing to find Ryo in the kitchen. With the baby secure in his arms Rain made as if to shut Count D and Leon out on the porch with Chris. “Hey!” Chris caught the door pushing it back open. “You are so not leaving us out here,” Chris laughed walking in with his brother and Count D.
“Why not? We have the cute ones, you can just meet us at the airport.” Rain looked behind at the large stretch Hummers that waited lined up along the street along with yellow police tape and several officers both Arcadian and human forces. “Or not,” Rain's eyes grew round. He was still staring as JJ arrived with Lord D wearing a deep glamor his figure appearing as slim as his son. The small twins held on to each parents hand vanishing into the house amidst squeals of delight. Dee scooped a boy up in each arm placing kisses on their little cheeks much the same way he had already done to Aoi.
“Ryo we don't need breakfast,” Dee sat down allowing the boys to crawl all over him. “I'm gonna eat this.” Kibo dissolved into wild giggles as Dee tickled his tummy. “I'll keep them, you go on up and take care of Jhaymes and George.” Dee inclined his head to the stairs. “And you can release your body, it's alright.” Lord D smiled his relief and inhaled. Tom watched as the person he had at first thought male expanded in the obvious pose of the pregnant.
“Pregnant,” Rain said behind Bill and Tom. “Yes.” He passed a hand over Lord D's stomach as they passed other on the stairs. “Female,” Rain shook his head. “Not so much.” Lord D chuckled vanishing into the guest room. They heard a brief conversation between Torcha and Lord D before the door was shut firmly behind him. “Hey Ryo,” Rain called into the kitchen where he could smell waffles and fresh fruit. “Ignore Dee, you know when Jhaymes is mobile, he'll be starving.”
“Then get your butt in here and help,” Ryo called back to which Rain winked at Bikky then hurried to the kitchen.
“Actually, Ryo,” Count D paused in his action of getting Ryo's attention to bow to Torcha as she made her way down the stairs. “I would like to see both of them out back.” Rain inhaled deeply. He had known that this was coming. Ever since Mihnea had captured and bitten.
“Mostly me, right?” Rain sighed securing his hair into a ponytail. Count D said nothing.
“Chris, you as well,” Chris looked up in shock at Count D's words. He sighed, then trooped out with Rain and Bikky. He paused to say hey to Bill and Tom. “It is nice to meet you boys. I am sure we will have a much more opportune time to speak at breakfast.” Count D nodded polite to the boys
Ryo poked his head out of the kitchen when the back door shut. Tom had entered the kitchen and poured himself a cup of orange juice while Bill wandered to freshly made snacks laid out. “You boys help yourself,” Ryo turned slightly red. “I got a late start this morning.”
“Can't imagine why,” Leon snickered poking Dee in the side.
“He loved it,” Dee winked at Ryo. The wadded towel bounced off Dee's head then Ryo was gone.
“You guys are funny,” Tom chuckled.
“Breakfast is going to be a bit late,” Ryo said as he fanned his heated cheeks. “I made some batter dipped apple dumplings, go help yourself.”
“Apple!” Tom dashed out of the kitchen to see Bill holding a cinnamon covered goodie to his lips. Tom smacked his brother's hand knocking the treat to the floor. “Apple,” He pointed when Bill rubbed his stinging hand. Bill stared in horror at the pastry on the floor that did not resemble an apple. “He...” Tom tried to recall the English word as Bill continued to rub his hand. “Make sick.”
“Allergic,” Ryo sighed. “Oh gosh,” He went to clean up the mess. “I am so sorry,” Ryo was fast to offer the boys a blend of melon and berries. “Eat this. I'm almost done,” Ryo went back to his waffle iron muttering to himself. Bill and Tom walked over with their bowl of fruit to the back yard. Tom smiled at the oasis like atmosphere. Count D stood, shed of his outer robe. Rain had his sleeves pulled back and his pants cuffed at the ankles while Bikky took a fighting stance.
“Acknowledge,” Count D called and both boys bowed before one another. Bill pointed then looked to Tom. “Stand,” Rain took a low stance, he knew his only advantage to Bikky was his smaller stature. “Match,” Count D ordered and Rain braced himself as Bikky came forward. Rain dropped down kicking out at Bikky's ankles. Bikky jumped over his brother. Rain rolled to his feet punching out. He caught Bikky low in the gut, but doubled over himself when Bikky brought an elbow to his side.
“They will hurt each other,”Bill whispered as Ryo pulled more waffles and stacked them high onto a plate.
“They're fine,” Ryo assured the young man. He pulled out several packages of butter. “Waffles, fruit, juice, jam and syrup. Sorry no eggs and meat, can't upset the Kami's. Especially with Lord D being seven months pregnant.”
“Last night it was said that a Kami is the lightest thing that you have?” Bill asked for Tom was engrossed in the sparring match. “What is a Kami?”
“In China and Japan, they are known as the Kami, in Europe they are known as Fairy, Fee,” Ryo explained placing the last waffles onto a plate. He grew sad. “A name I learned recently is lisovyk or leshyi, from Ukraine.”
“The one who is dieing?” Bill picked up the container of juice. “I will carry it.”
Ryo smiled at him glad that while he had showered, Dee had set the table letting the boys sleep in. “She died,” Ryo informed him of the news Lord D had brought with him. “Each country of known origin, or not, has their own version. There were originally twenty six of them. It is where the number for the current alphabet comes from, though no one knows that little fact unless they happen to be studying the annals of Arcadian history. It was well covered up. Humans like to take credit for lots of things.” Ryo shook his head recalling the time when both Rain and Bikky read in the books that Laton and Nestoir had left with them. “There are more now, but not by much, and this recent hunt is dwindling their numbers even more. They are the first offspring of Adam and Eve, before the fall. Before sin entered the world. They have a connection with the earth that is indescribable. It is intrinsic like Rain's wind, or Bikky and my fire. A part of their blood. You know,” Ryo mused setting his plate in the middle of the well laid table. “When a Kami weeps, white flowers bloom. They are called the flowers of life. They are used to heal. When a Kami bleeds, red flowers bloom and can sustain a life.”
“There is one upstairs,” Bill looked up where Lord D had vanished.
“Yes, and three tiny ones are crawling all over Dee, while another is outside pummeling my boys.” Ryo went back into the kitchen where he could see Count D instructing the boys.
“Do you think it wise, Snap Dragon,” Torcha grinned as her husband entered the house. “To be telling so much ere you have heard the final decision.” Laton allowed his words a moment to sink in. “What?” He looked at the well laid table. “No sausages?”
Tom heard the king's voice and rushed in to his brother's side. “You come here to know what we want,” Tom said meeting the kings black eyed gaze.
“Actually,” Laton yawned looking up as Lord D meandered down the stairs, Jhaymes and George in his wake, both fully healed and alert. Lord D was humming a happy tune as he patted his belly. “I came here for my wife and to see the Dumpling. Your answer is just a side show.”
“What am I, chopped liver?” Jhaymes complained hugging Torcha.
Ryo shook his head calling Count D, Chris, Bikky and Rain in for breakfast. Laton snorted and a puff of smoke circled Jhaymes. “As of an hour ago,” Laton looked Jhaymes up and down. “You were.” Jhaymes laughed shaking his fist at the dragon king. He knew that their relationship would never be an easy one.
“Glad to see you too,” Jhaymes muttered sitting at the table. He pulled George into his lap. “Gladder to see you.” He placed a kiss on George's cheek. “How's your hand?”
“Fine, Lord D took care of it.” George showed his hand. Bill stared in wonder at the whole skin that just last night was gashed open and pouring rainbow hued blood.
“I can't wait to get you home again,” Jhaymes purred kissing George's lips.
“We leave soon,” Ryo admonished while Dee opened the door for Julie and Ryan. Carol had agreed to meet them at the airport.
“Sorry,” Julie apologized to Dee. “Mom and Dad would only let me go with you guys out of the country if Ryan came with me.”
“That will be fine. “ Laton readily agreed as she showed him the letter from her parents. “Boys, your choice...now.”
“We are going with you,” Tom announced.
“We will not forget,” Bill continued where his brother left off.
“We will not be eaten,”Tom frowned at Laton.
“And we will not betray you,” Bill asserted.
“Well then,” Laton pulled two ready sealed white envelopes from his pocket that Zarro had already inscribed with their names. “Welcome to Arcadia.” Laton was grinning as he shook their hands in turn.
Julie had been staring in awe from the first moment the young men had stepped into view, when she found her voice it came out as a scream. “OH MY GOD!!!!” She bounced up and down screaming and clapping. “I thought you guys were just having dinner last night, but you are still here...Wow!” She reached out a trembling hand to touch Bill's arm. “Wow! You're so warm...”
“Well, yeah,” Rain pulled her away from Bill. “He's human.”
“Oh...Rain...Hi,” Julie squeaked. “Tokio Hotel...” She gasped looking away so that his kiss, aimed at her mouth, landed on her cheek. “Bill and Tom...”
“Hi,” Rain pulled her back into his arms. “You don't jump around when I come over.” He muttered leading her into the kitchen.
“Oh, Rain,” Julie sighed ignoring her brother who was snickering along with Bikky. “I didn't mean it like that.”
“You're just in time for breakfast,” Ryo said the laughter in his voice obvious. “After wards, we'll finish loading the cars while you guys get a shower.”
“And,” Rain kissed Julie's lips. “On the way, I'll show you the truth,” Rain did not rephrase his words and Julie looked after him her lips on fire. No matter how much she liked Bill and Tom, they were not who she was in love with.
“May I join you?” Heaven poked her head into the dining room just as they all sat down.
“You can sit here,” Tom said patting a seat next to him. Bill looked on the other side of his brother smiling as the beautiful woman in white took the seat. “I'm Tom,” He introduced himself his tongue shifting the ring in his lower lip. “And you are?”
“Heaven,” She laughed a bit fixing a bead in her hair. “Nice to meet you again.”
“Last night was a bit hectic,” Tom laughed running his finger's over the back of her hand. Bill shook his head looking away from his brother.
“He'd better watch out with that one,” Bikky whispered to Bill. “She's 94 years old.” Bill choked on his orange juice. Tom turned away from Heaven to pat him on the back.
“-Are you okay-”Tom asked Bill nodded wiping tears from his eyes.
“You gonna tell him?” Bikky asked. Bill shook his head picking up a slice of melon. He bit down with a smile.
“I love your hair,”Tom reached out to touch one of the colored beads. They were the only color she wore. Her white skirts brushed the floor while her cropped white top displayed her creamy skin, the long sleeves dangled to the her sides.
“Heaven,” Dee called her attention. “I see you are eating food today.”
“I already ate richer cuisine this morning, so yes,” Heaven grinned showing Dee her fangs. She ran her tongue over the elongated canines. “A bit of this and that will be nice.” Heaven laughed at Dee's continued frown.
“As long as that this, or that that is not that,”Dee pointed at Tom to which Heaven laughed again. Tom turned as Dee pointed to him. He took a grape from his brother's plate.
“You have your own,” Bill protested moving his plate away.
“Eat your waffles,” Tom handed his brother a fork. Bill laughed as his brother went back to flirting with Heaven.
“She looks good for going on a hundred,” Bill said to Bikky as he began to partake of his breakfast.
“Ask Count D how old he is,” Bikky chuckled as Rain played his fingers over Julie's palm. “Eat your breakfast, of you'll be a monster by lunch.” Rain nodded his head then began to eat. Bill turned to see Count D feeding Leon a strawberry.
“I have passed my first millennium,”Count D answered without looking around. Bill gasped looking at the beautiful young man that sat almost in Leon's lap. “You should finish your breakfast.” Bill nodded his head in awe. Tom raised his brows at his brother wondering at the strange words. He shook his head then went back to Heaven, only to find the beauty gone. He had not even noted her movement.

Break

Bill did not want to know how they had four showers upstairs when last night there had been only the one in the hall and the one in the master bedroom. He scrubbed his hair clean promising himself that he would just go with it, whatever was happening, he was sure that these were the good guys. With this much power at their command, they had to be.

Break

Julie sat in the large window seat watching as her dad handed over her and Ryan's luggage. A weight settled over her heart. She had asked Rain to tell her his secrets, and yet had failed to reveal her own. Would he love her as much if he knew? She tried to keep it at bay, the memory that had driven her to cutting her own arms. She had done well since she began to see Rain. He was her light, her sunshine. She had to do good, for him. Julie raised a hand to her father as he got into his car.
A soft touch on her arm and she turned to see Ryan. “What are you stressed about?” Ryan grinned. “I mean yeah,” He looked again at the envelope that he had been studying since his parents had opened it. “This is practically a betrothal. You stand as his lady now and you will be bound by Arcadian standards. Sis,” Ryan sat down next to his sister his ribs still paining him. “You're only fifteen. Are you really ready to commit the rest of your life to Rain?”
“Ryan, do you think he will still love me after I tell him the truth?” Julie answered his question with what was plaguing her heart.
“If he doesn't,” Ryan shook his head. He saw it again, his little sister on a stretcher bleeding. “Then he doesn't deserve you.”
“I pray you're right,” Julie looked upstairs when she heard a door open. “Because I love him. I do. And I am sure that I always will.”
“If you're sure,” Ryan looked deep into his sister's eyes. “Then, I'll stand by you.”
“Not trying to talk her out of it are you?” Rain said his hair still wet as he rubbed a towel over it.
“Just making sure this is what she wants,” Ryan looked at the beautiful boy in front of him. “What brother would do any less?”
“None I know,”Rain clapped Ryan's shoulder. “As soon as Bill is done, we are heading out.” Rain secured his hair into low ponytail at his nape.
“Then I'd better go get him,” Tom mused. “Oh, and where did Heaven go?”
“She is going to Arcadia by a different route,” George smirked patting the butterfly that sat content in his hair. When he had awakened this morning, Ponchi had refused to tell him where she had been.
“A different route,” Tom asked going up the stair with Rain while Bikky spoke in low tones to Jhaymes.
“I'll bet you she's there long before we even get on the plane.” Rain was laughing at the look on Tom's face as Bikky left his room with Cujo on a leash. “If you want, try to leash Slyphe, or...” Rain stopped speaking when Bikky showed him the scratches on his hand. “I could do it.” Rain grimaced sending Bikky down to see Count D. “You get your brother, I'll get my cat.”
“Tom,Tom,” Bill opened his bathroom door. “Like war going on, I hear yowling and crashing and,” Bill paused when he saw Rain laughing. Peering in Bikky's room they all saw Slyphe crouched on the bed with the leash dangling from her mouth. Bill stood next to Rain and Rain looked up at him. “What?”
“I thought it was the hair,” Rain pouted at the locks that fell down past Bill's shoulder's. “You really are taller than I am.”
“That's not hard to do,” Dee shoved Rain into the room. “Load 'em up boys. Rain you convince that creature to behave.” Dee rushed into Lyo's room for the bear the little boy refused to leave without. It had not sunk into his little head that he would not even play with it once he was there. Laton and Torcha had supplied his room with anything that he could ever need or want in triplicate. But it was important and Dee had to run back in and get it for him.
“Yeah, yeah,” Rain shuffled them all downstairs. “Slyphie,” Rain stepped into the room. “Why'd you scratch Bikky?”
“He tried to leash me,” She answered. “I allow you to put this wretched thing on me. No one else,” the last word was hissed.
“He was just trying to help,” Rain held his hand out. “We are running a little behind.” Slyphe spit the leash into his hand. “Leash or cage, your choice.” Slyphe lowered her head so that he could attach the leash to her collar. “You'll apologize to Bikky.” Rain got to his feet. Slyphe hopped from the bed walking beside him. She picked up something in her mouth from the yard when he stopped to wait for Julie to catch up. Bikky sat in the car grateful to Count D as he patted Cujo's head. Slyphe stepped into the large luxury vehicle and dropped a mouse at Bikky's feet. “She's apologized,” Rain assured his brother as he looked down at the unfortunate rodent.
“Yeah,” Bikky said almost amused as Bill brought his feet up onto the seat and across Tom's lap. “All's forgiven,” Bikky forced a smile on his face as he petted the lynx' head.
Bill stared out of the window watching as the further the troop of Hummers drove from the house, the more cameras were spotted. “Only a brave few will dare venture near our home.” Ryo said glad that the windows were all pitch black from the outside.
“I'll bet magazines and newspapers pay the most for those,” Tom mused resting his hands across his brother's legs. He would have said more, but audible crunching noises drew their attention down. Bikky frowned seeing his mouse was gone. Bill covered his mouth looking away from the large feline that sat under his seat licking her large teeth.
“Slyphe,” Rain began to chastise his pet.
“What?” Slyphe looked up her eyes wide with innocence. “He wasn't going to eat it.” She butted her head into Bikky's pant leg. “Humans like their food cooked.”
“Humans don't eat rodents,” Bikky quipped shaking his head. “Besides, Ryo packed us all a lunch, we'll eat on the plane.”
“We'll actually be on that long?” George looked up wishing he could have just gone home through the guest room.
“Yeah,”Dee folded his arms. “As a show of good faith, one country to another, America is sending us with helicopter escorts until we leave American air.”
“Good faith?!” Bikky sat up to glare at the police escort that had begun to follow them with sirens blaring. “Nosy bastards...ow!” Bikky rubbed his stinging lips. Ryo sat back almost as if he had not moved to tap Bikky rather firmly on the mouth. “I know, mouth, sorry.” Bikky licked his lips. “You know as well as I that they just want to try to follow us to Arcadia.”
“I know,” Ryo looked out of the window next to Bikky. “I know.”
“Rain,” Julie said when his fingers interlocked with hers. “Why is Arcadia so secretive?”
“I guess it's time,” Rain nodded. He looked to Dee and Ryo for affirmation. “Alright, but this information is highly classified. Since you are planning to stand as my lady when I am squired, it is pretty official that you are on board for the long haul.” Ryan huffed as Rain confirmed the legal jargon in the documents the Arcadian high king had sent to their parents. “It's a lot to get into.” Rain looked away his cheeks red. “How about this?” He held up his hands. Bill smiled as the air inside the car turned emerald green. Julie and Ryan both gasped as George's hair stood on end doing a little dance.
“Rain cut it out,” George laughed. Rain inhaled and the wind died.
“How...did you do that?” Julie asked.
“You control wind,” Ryan was not surprised. He had been thinking something along those lines ever since he saw the air around Rain turn green. The Arcadian government had covered it up and the tapes were all changed. Most humans did not even seem to remember it. It was only after they received a letter from the king that Ryan had remembered it. “This is just like some wicked cool manga.”
“You would see it like that,” Julie said her face having lost all color. “That's how you did it. You caught me with wind and held me there. If you can do that, why'd you jump?”
“Cause I was not supposed to do that,” Rain laughed a bit. “I was trying to do it inconspicuous, so if I could just keep you aloft long enough to get there I could appear as a normal human.”
“Normal, so,” Ryan paused. “You can't do any of that stuff around people, so if you had fallen...”
“I would have fallen,”Rain admitted that he really did risk his life saving Julie. “Normal humans can't bend wind to their will and fly.”
“Oh...” Julie looked down at her hands. “So, being a dragon prince...”
“I am part dragon,” Ryo admitted holding up his hands he showed a small ball of flames that fluttered in the dim light of the car.
“So wicked,” Bill said turning to look closer. He held out his hand. “But that is hot,” Bill snatched his hand back.
“Play with fire kid,” said Leon. “And you're likely to get burned.”
“I know that!” Bill frowned at Leon. “What do you do?”
“Me, I'm a detective,” Leon answered with a cheeky grin. “I am also a knight of Arcadia. I solve crimes, fight demons, that kind of stuff.”
“Oh,” Tom said he gasped with a smile to see the crowds lined up outside the airport. “So many people.”
“Well, we are carrying something for everyone, rock, pop, royalty, and pretty girls all in a roll,” Ryo winked at Julie. “Let's do this,” Ryo sighed. Here it was. The crowds all jostling and pushing for a chance to see his sons and their friends. Some had even showed up with signs and banners displaying pictures of him. A few had Dee. The car door was opened and the cheers of the crowd drowned out any more they could have said. Camera flashes and loud cheers, screaming fans held out autograph pads. The uniformed officers line broke and the crowds rushed forward. Ryo scooped Lyo into his arms afraid the young boy would be run over.
“Back,” Leon yelled at the police while Count D held Kurayami close. He picked up Aoi as the girl began to weep and placed her on his shoulders. “Get them back!”
“Ah...Bikky!” Rain grabbed his brother's arm when he was yanked back by a hand on his coat. Julie gasped not letting go of his hand she was dragged along with him. Bikky grabbed Rain around the waist pulling him closer to the group. Tom tugged Bill's arm urging him on towards the gates where the airplane was waiting.
“Get up and control that cat before she attacks someone!” Bikky saw that Slyphe's leash was laying on the ground. Rain snatched the leash allowing the cat to rear up and yowl. The people nearest to him backed away in horror. “Looks like they were so intent on getting to you, they did not even notice them.” Bikky said as Cujo began a ferocious barking that set even more people back. Slyphe hissed swiping at the feet of a photographer that tried to brave a closeup of Rain. Terrified, the man dropped the camera. Slyphe walked into the airport with the machinery in her mouth. Once inside the safety of the airport, Rain breathed a sigh of relief. Would he ever get used to it? The screaming the pawing, the yelling and grabbing... Rain looked up to see Bill resettling his sunglasses. How come they seemed so over it already and he felt as if his heart would pound right out of his chest?
A loud bang sounded and confetti fell from the ceiling of the large building. Rain gasped moving Julie behind him. “FEEL THE RAIN ON YOUR SKIN, NO ONE ELSE CAN FEEL IT FOR YOU...” The song blared from mega speakers. Rain looked up to see a large group of kids from their school cheering and holding up a banner. “Yay Rain, Yay Bikky!” Rain laughed as he saw Erick, Terry, Peter, Jeanne and Jorge waving flags with the Arcadian dragon emblem embossed on them. “NO ONE ELSE, NO ONE ELSE, CAN SPEAK THE WORDS ON YOUR LIPS...” Rain waved to the crowd as they danced and cheered. Carol left the group to join Bikky. Several cameras flashed as he pulled her into his arms for a deep kiss. Dee tugged his ponytail to part them. The song ended and more music began to play when the crowd realized who was with Bikky and Rain. “Nein, nein, nein, nein, nein, nein, nein, nein... SCREAM!”
Bill and Tom laughed waving as confetti rained down on them. “WE LOVE YOU TOKIO HOTEL, WE LOVE YOU RAIN, WE LOVE YOU BIKKY! TOM! BILL!”
So much screaming followed them into the loading pad that Ryo was holding his throbbing head. Dee pulled his Cell phone to call the airport office. “Tell me why,” Dee fumed. “The security outside was so loose. We were practically ran over by the crowds. We told you what time we would be here, we were even a little late, so you had time to get security in place. We have small children with us that could have been injured!” Dee grew quiet as the terrified man on the phone tried to placate him. “What!” Dee yelled. “Baby,” Dee pulled Ryo over to him as Ryo sat Lyo on his feet. “They said the district here would not allow the deployment of the Arcadian knights that the consulate sent. I am taking this up with the commissioner. That damn sergeant put us all at risk of injury because of his pride. That was the same idiot that had the police at the hospital when Bikky was shot. He had them allow the doctors to give Bikky Morphine, when he, and we, repeatedly said no more. He's just...” Ryo slammed the phone shut after taking it from Dee's hands.
“Dee, let's just go,” Ryo said hoping to calm the building anger he could see in Dee's demeanor. Leon shook his head as he soothed Aoi. He small girl clung to his shirt. Cradling Kurayami, Count D tried to release her tiny fist from his shirt. “We are due in Arcadia, we have to go. This is a good time for them. We have to just let it go.”
“For now,” Dee agreed. “For now, but when we get back... I'm collecting badges.” Dee looked over to see Bikky checking a bruise on Rain's arm. “All of them. I want them all...” Dee boarded the plane. “Next time, we'll send Torcha,” Dee fumed.
“Using my grandmother as a threat won't do any good,” Ryo shook his head. “They won't know what she is capable of.”
“I didn't say it was a threat,” Dee grumbled looking over Rain's arm himself. “I was offering her lunch.” Dee held up Rain's little arm with the sleeve of his large coat pushed back. Seeing the large bruise Ryo could not help, but agree.

Break

“Okay,” Jhaymes said with a grin. “On the count of three, 1, 2, 3... Close 'em.” Brisk snaps could be heard as all the blinds on the window seats were closed. “Ah, even though we are stuck in this thing, may as well relax,” Ponchi chattered her agreement releasing George's hair she flew up until she she could sit atop his head. Bill laughed to see the tiny fairy resting amidst the dark locks.
Bikky leaned against his seat drumming his fingers. “But what do we do now? This is so boring.”
“I brought a book,” Ryo held up he new release from Dee's mother. “She signed it.”
“You fed her, didn't you?” Tom joked looking at the glossy cover that had little hearts drawn on it.
“Yeah,” Ryo laughed. “But it helps that I am married to her son.” Tom looked at Dee. It seemed that there was more to these Arcadians than he had even begun to suspect. Most of them were high profile and yet they kept their secret from the world. Their mission must b great if the penalty of betrayal was death. Truly, to save the world? Why was it in danger? He could recall mention of Demons, but what could go up against the dragon? He had seen her massive size. Her head was as high as his entire body when it was resting on the carpet. Her teeth, Tom shivered recalling the smile she had treated them to. Her smallest tooth was the size of his torso. What would dare fight that?
“Don't think about it too much,” Rain cautioned holding his arm out for Lord D. Bill was engrossed watching the Kami heal the deep bruise. “It will just give you either a headache or nightmares, depending on what you are thinking about. Headache, if you are trying to figure out how the world of Arcadia works,” Rain pulled his sleeve down then went back to holding Julie's hand. “Nightmares if you are thinking about some of the creatures that live there.”
“Creatures,” Bill mused looking at Slyphe.
“This is a lynx,” Rain patted her head.
“I know that,” Bill rolled his eyes. “But you can't keep it as a pet. It s illegal to sell them commercial.”
“I did not get her from America, or any of the protected areas,” Rain said with a smile. He thought of the first day that Count D had told him that he could have her. “She came to me of her own free will. Technically, she is registered as Arcadian, they had a regular vet check her over to make sure that she was not introducing a foreign sickness to the local wild and pet animals. So I can keep her with me.” Rain patted her head again Slyphe emitted a loud purr at her boy's touch.
“I have a portable station,” Bikky rolled a television in from the back of the plane. “Nestoir assured me that it would work, wanna play a few rounds?” Rain left his seat to join his brother and Ryan. Bill and Tom released their seat belts and wandered over.
“What are you playing?” Tom asked while Bill got comfortable in a chair that seemed to expand until he was relaxed and comfortable.
“Welcome to Air Arcadia,” Rain laughed at the idols amazement. “Thirsty?” He held over a large cup of strawberry ice cream blended into a shake.
Carol waved Julie over. “Wanna watch a movie?” Julie looked over the collection while Ryo settled down with his book.
“You all tell me you're hungry, I packed a lunch.” Ryo said opening his book. “The pilot is leading them on a merry chase then losing them in the Carpathians. Vlad has assured us that a dense fog will swallow all tracks then we'll ascend above the clouds. At that time we can descend and disembark on Arcadia.” With that, the large group settled down for a long ride.

Mini-Break

Bill rubbed his tummy. “I told you to eat more at breakfast,” Tom frowned at his brother.
“I'm hungry too,” Rain piped up.
“The wind must be blowing,” Bikky sad to Ryo who began to unpack the lunch he had packed. “Rain is hungry.” Bikky laughed at the expression on Rain's face. “What...Hey!” Bikky complained when his hair lifted up taller than Bill's would be if he had it spiked. Rain dissolved into laughter even when Bikky smashed his hands over his hair patting it back in place. Ryo shook his head then handed out hamburgers. “Be useful and keep the smell from them,” Bikky commanded.
“I know my job,” Rain huffed blowing the wind. All the boys chairs automatically turned so that the Kami's would not even see them eating the fried pieces of cow. “You do yours.” Bikky reached out touching the cold food on the outside of the paper wrapping until it heated just as Ryo was opening large containers of fruit and salad. Ryan stared at his steaming burger in awe, then grinned at Bikky.

Break

“We're going down,” Dee announced having awakened with his head on Ryo's shoulder.
“Yes,” Count D said re-buckling Aoi's seat belt. “We should be there within the hour.”
“Oh man,” Julie could feel the heat in her chest pounding. Here she was on the verge of entering a kingdom that most people never dared dream about. Not only that it was magical. A strong pull of fate settled over her as the blinds of the airplane were lifted and she got her first glimpse of snow covered mountains. The plane flew by the Arcadian palace and it's striking war tower. Snow fell in fat flakes down to the ground below. Bill leaned over Tom looking out of the small window as the tiny land below became larger and larger. The closer they got to the land they could see a crowd of people forming. “Do you think this crowd will be more behaved than the one back home?” Julie asked holding on to Rain's hand as the plane landed.
“A fan is a fan, but the guards here will have more control.” Leon said helping Count D to his feet. “We will not even exit there,” He looked down at the landing pad.
“The king wants to see you,” Count D looked at Tom, then at Bill. “We are going directly there,” Count D pointed to a clear spot in the field outside of the Arcadian Palace. “The local residents of the various Arcadian Towns will have to wait for another day to get the pictures signed.” Rain heaved a sigh of relief at the words. “Make sure that you rest well tonight,” Count D informed him and Chris. “You will continue your training in the morning.” Chris sighed, knowing that in less than two weeks his friends would be one more step ahead of him.
“You will advance Christopher,” Count D assured him. “You are already so strong. I am proud of you.” Chris stood up taller amused that he topped Rain by several inches. At five feet, eleven inches, Rain was by far the shortest in their group. He wore chunky boots to make up for it, but that only added an extra inch or two. At one point he had believed he was as tall as Ryo, then he took his shoes off.
“Our luggage will be delivered to our rooms,” Bikky explained. “We should get ready,” Bikky opened the door for the assistants to come in. Tom, Bill, Julie and Ryan stared in awe at the long, thick cloaks that were brought forward. The assistants lifted Bill's hair from his neck to drape the heavy garment over him. The young man then offered him gloves and wrapped a thick scarf around his neck that also had a hood attached. “Alright,” Bikky looked around to make sure that they were all covered. He waited until Count D had Kurayami wrapped in a thick blanket. “Let's go see his high royal fluffiness.”
“Fluffy...” Dee laughed. “Wonder if he'll be in his true form for this introduction.”
“His true form?” Tom asked shivering a bit as the door was open and the stairs were wheeled into place. If the Dragon Queen was actually a dragon. What the heck was the Lion high king? Certainly not a lion... Was he?
“Meeting Zarro is always an eye opening experience,” Leon shook his head. “No matter what form he is in.”
“Is the king kind?” Bill asked with a renewed sense that he and his brother might end up digested by the end of the day.
“Kind, sure,” Rain nodded holding tight to Julie's hand. “Sane... Now that's a darn good question.”
“Now Rain,” Lord D tapped his arm. “Don't be silly. The king is a genius in many ways.”
“I never said he wasn't” Rain protested glad to see only knights standing in salute at the end of the platform. “But that much genius added to that many years and I give you...” Rain paused to see Zarro standing next to Victoria at the end of the greeting party. Victoria was resplendent in a golden dress and long white cloak. Her bright red hair was free to spill down past her knees. Bright golden eyes surveyed the group as they disembarked. Next to her Zarro looked to be even shorter than Rain, not more than five feet six inches. He stood in loose, light weight white pants and matching knee length tunic. Silver scroll work decorated the hems and cuffs while his large cerulean blue eyes drew attention away from his long black hair. Looking down at the snow that crunched under their feet Bill was shocked to see the king standing with bare feet. “He doesn't like shoes,” Rain whispered to Bill just as they arrived before the sovereign of Arcadia.
Bill, Tom, Julie and Ryan stared in wonder as each person in their party, Carol included, dropped into a bow or curtsy. Taking one last look to make sure they did it correctly, Tom, Bill and Ryan folded one arm over their front holding the edge of the cloak and bent double at the waist dropping their heads down. Julie followed the example of Carol and Aoi, she folded one leg behind the other holding her cloak and dipped down with her eyes lowered.
“You are well to come to this, our fair land,” Victoria spoke, her voice, the hushed whisper of wind blowing the snow across the plains. “Be at ease in our presence and we will greet you as friends.” Tom felt a hand on his arm. Looking at Bikky he saw that the group was all upright.
“Lord D,” Zarro pulled the Kami into his arms. “It grieves me to hear of the tragedy befalling your family.” Zarro pulled Count D into the embrace. “Rest assured that my knights, the great warriors of Arcadia, have been deployed and this will come to an end. I offer you sanctuary in the bosom of my court.”
“-Seems sane enough to me-,” Tom said to his brother.
“-Was there ever a doubt?-” Zarro said to him in his mother tongue.
“Child,” Laton's voice was heard booming over the courtyard long before his glistening crimson form was seen banking to land beside his King and Queen. Bill's mouth fell open. “Surely you understand that there is no language your race has spawned that is not music to our ears.” Laton grinned and Bill gripped Tom's arm hard enough to leave a mark. This dragon was double the size of the one he had met last night. No, Bill corrected when it sat back on it's haunches, even bigger still. “Oh do not worry yourself, child of Germany,” Laton addressed Bill who was shaking despite the warmth of his heavy black cloak. “I do not enjoy the taste of human.”
“Not a child,” Tom asserted standing as tall as he could putting himself in front of his brother.
Zarro erupted into guffaws while Laton gazed down at the human with a grudging respect. “For sure the dragon king has a belch rolling in his gullet older than you. To him a sapling for sure.”
“Oh...uh...Okay,” Tom nodded.
“Now,” Zarro inhaled. Julie looked to see Rain and his family the entire group of Arcadians, in fact, take several large steps back. She followed unsure what was coming. Zarro exhaled. Great winds stirred the snow to blinding speeds. Covering their eyes, Bill and Tom emitted gasps to see the snow settling and a large, white beast stood before them. He yawned widely, canines glistening in the bright afternoon sun. “Shall we go? There is much that we need to discuss.”
“Okay,” Tom had to force the word past the dryness of his mouth. Victoria's smile was kind as she walked beside her gargantuan husband her hand on his for leg. On all fours, Bill, at six feet two inches, could barely look into the creature's eyes. “I guess the Lion king, is a big white lion.”
“With wings,” Bikky pointed out while his parents chuckled. “Don't forget the wings.”
“No,” Julie breathed deeply as the carved ivory doors of the palace were thrown open. “Can't forget the wings.”

Break

To look upon the opulence of the Arcadian palace was akin to looking at the sun through the prismatic effect of a bright jewel. Julie stared about in wonder holding on to Rain. She trusted him to lead her where she needed to be for surely she could not take her eyes away from the jewels and tapestries, the paintings and sculptures. Mythical creatures were all displayed in life-like renditions with titles inscribed underneath them. “Lady Tawna of the Sidhe,” Julie read aloud looking at the tall, lithe form with glistening golden wings and pointed ears poking out of white hair. “Honored this day with a portrait from the hand of High Prince Daphnus for exemplary service in the field of combat.”
“What did she do?” Ryan asked as they passed the elegant painting.
“She rescued her entire village with nothing more than an eating dagger and a whip,” Zarro smiled; the pride in his voice almost making up for the ferocious gleam of his grin. “The enemy had them backed against a cliff face and she tied the dagger to the whip swinging it into the faces of all the demons surrounding her. She cleared a path losing only three in the dash to safety.”
“Wow,” Ryan sighed at the small looking woman her gaze staring direct and sure. “Amazing.”
“Yes,” Zarro chuckled. “As is expected of a Squire of Arcadia.”
“She's a squire?”Bill stopped in his tracks recalling that they were here to watch as Bikky and Rain were accepted to the ranks of Squire. “If that's a squire, what do the knights accomplish?”
“Didn't you know,” Dee nodded as he said the words to greet High Prince Nestoir and High Prince Daphnus. “We save the world.” Daphnus and Nestoir inclined their heads in greeting.
“Page Rain and Page Christopher,” Nestoir addressed the two young men. “And Page Bikky,” Nestoir smirked having to address a sixteen year old with a younger title. Bikky had been adamant in his refusal to don his badge of squire until Rain could join him.“I charge you with seeing our guests to their suites. They have been placed in the same wing as your own. You have all been placed in the hall of Onyx, the connection to the Obsidian Palace is in operation. The ladies have a suite in the diamond hall.”
“Separate halls?” Bikky complained his arm around Carol's shoulder.
“A better bet than separate palaces, yes?” Daphnus grinned at the young man. “I bid you welcome and peace.”
“After a rest, we will enjoy dinner together.” Said Victoria with a smile. “We will see you soon.”
“Yeah,” Rain said dispensing with the formality. “See ya later.” Zarro winked at Rain before padding down the hall his large paws making nary a sound. Ryan was not sure he liked the idea of leaving his sister alone, but had no choice as Bikky walked him down a hall with Bill and Tom. Chris and Rain took Julie and Carol to another hall to the right while the adults meandered to their own pursuits. Jhaymes and George had left soon after greeting the king and Queen taking a carriage to their home outside the palace.
Bill entered his room taking of the heavy cloak. He was still in a slight state of shock that he feared would be his constant companion during his entire visit to this world. Though given separate rooms, the twins had no desire to be apart. Tom sat on the bed his elbows resting on his knees. “This place is unbelievable,” Tom looked out onto the balcony. Past the heavy, deep green curtains he saw mounds of snow capped craggy peaks. “We entered in the Arcadian Palace, but Bikky said this hall is in the Obsidian palace. Check out that map I asked for.” Bill leaned over his brother's shoulder to look at the map. “This is where we came in on the plane. The courtyard.” Tom pointed on the map. “This is nearly the other side of the country,” Bill moved his finger over mountains, fields, lakes, rivers and villages to the other side of the map that marked the Obsidian Palace.
“After seeing smoke and rainbow blood, green wind from our friend, two dragons and a big white lion, you are worried about location,” Bill shook his head. “I'm just hoping we make it out alive.”
“I won't let anything happen to you Cuddles,” Tom hugged his brother. “No matter what.” Bill leaned into the embrace reassured for the first time since they had awakened this morning, it all seemed like ages ago.

Break

Julie looked around the deep purple, lavender and white lace room with awe. It was laid out with stairs, a canopy bed. Ribbons of satin trailed from flowers hanging from the ceiling and laying out on tables and stands. This was truly a room fit for a princess. Julie sat on the plush bed wondering if Ryan's room was lushly appointed. Maybe not so many flowers, she thought. Rain had begun to call her his princess, but could it really be true? Could all this become a reality for her? Julie took of her cardigan to look at the fading scars on her arm. She began to fish around in her bag for the cream that Rain had given her. Every day she used it, it seemed to make the scars vanish even more. The little glass jar was nearly empty but the soft buttery cream's scent of mandarin orange honeysuckle was soothing yet invigorating.
Closing the jar after application, she sat on the bed to unpack her suitcases. The drawers were lined with scented pieces of silk lining. Julie giggled a little as she leaned in to sniff them. A soft knock at the door and Julie hurried to open it. She paused to see Rain on the other side. “Rain,” Julie fell into his arms. He held her close. After settling into his room he had been unable to keep still. In his mind he was plagued by thoughts of her wishing to leave this place. She had said so little since they had arrived. Since the car ride really. When he had confessed to his abilities. The sun was beginning to sink past the mountain top as he stepped into her room and shut the door behind him.
“Hi Julie,” Rain's lips met hers for a moment before he stepped back. “So,” Rain took a deep breath. He saw the suitcase on the bed then sat in a chair next to a desk in the room. “How do you like Arcadia?”
“It's wonderful and terrifying,” Julie admitted holding a hand to her heart. “It's likely to pound right out.” She said of her heart. “This room is incredible,” she pulled a teddy bear from a bag and sat on the bed facing Rain. She saw how he sat, his eyes studying her contemplating something. “Rain, what's wrong?”
“I have been thinking,” Rain sighed his fingers interlocked. “When you were held over the ledge at school,” Julie gasped. “Vinny said things, things about me.”
“It doesn't matter Rain,” Julie hurried to his side sitting on her knees near him. “Whatever he said it doesn't matter. You know he was crazy.”
“Julie, he was right,” Rain touched her face. He lifted her chin until she looked into his eyes. “Before anymore happens,” Rain looked deep into her eyes. “Before we go any further. I have to tell you that. I was hospitalized for some time after Ryo and Dee found me. Before I tell you why...” Rain paused. He thought back to seeing, not only Julie dangling over the edge of the school, but to the reaction that she had to Vinny's words. It was almost like each one was a blow to her. “I need to know,” Rain said pulling Julie up until she sat on his knee. “How old were you?” Rain asked. He could feel her trembling as he spoke. “Who raped you?”
Julie's heart ceased to beat. She wrapped her arms around her body. Rain stared down in horror as her nails began rake over her arms. She looked down at her lap taking several deep steady breathes. “Twelve,” Her voice shook with renewed rage at the horrid memory. This was Rain. He was to be with her. He wished it, she wished it. But the only way they would ever have an honest relationship was by telling the truth, no matter how awful. “He...” Julie ignored the tears that crashed from her eyes in rapid succession. “He was... is...my oldest brother.”
Rain gasped. Julie shuddered with regret of hated admission. Would he still love her? Was it possible? “I was thirteen,” Rain admitted. “He was my mother's fiancé, and her murderer.”
“What?!” Julie's eyes went to his. “Oh... Rain,” Julie leaned into him laying her head on his shoulder. She felt the wetness of his tears trickle down her neck.
“We really are the same, two sides of one battered coin.” Rain quoted Count D. “But if you add a bit of shine from the love of those around you, you will see the beauty hidden inside.” Rain wiped her face as she did the same for him. “I do love you Julie, and I would be honored if you would be my lady, my princess, my everything.”
“Oh Rain,” Julie wept holding him tightly. “I was so scared you wouldn't love me anymore if you knew.” Julie held on raining kisses on his cheeks. “I love you too, so much. I don't what I would do without you, or where I would be.” Julie thought of the many times she had thought of ending her own life. The cutting was a precursor, the preliminary to the actual end. She had been so close. Cheering on the school's team had been an annoyance that her brother insisted on just so that he could keep an eye on her when he was practicing. But then it became fun, then Rain noticed her. Her world shifted from a cold, dark, lonely place to one of sunshine and joy. She not only wanted to live, but enjoyed doing so. He made each day a gift, as if her horrible nightmare never was. “Don't leave me alone Rain. I would rather jump from that balcony than to have to do this alone.”
“No Julie,” Rain shook his head holding her tight close to his body. “Don't jump, never even think about it. You can't stand on my feet. You have to stand on your own. Stand beside me. Julie understand a strong heart will survive. You showed me already that you are a survivor. You have a strong heart. We will stand strong together.”
“Yes, I promise,” Julie tangled her fingers in his jacket. “Just stay with me Rain, and I will stand on my own two feet at your side.” Rain got to his feet. He stood her next to the bed. “Rain?” Julie asked when he stepped back.
“Thank you lady,” Rain bowed to her. “I will return to escort you to dinner.” Rain left her room his heart at ease for the first time since that awful day on top of their school. Now, he stood as tall as he could walking down the hall whistling a jaunty tune, now he could focus on his training, for surely Nestoir would wipe the floor with him.

To Be Continued,

Wow... Another update. The next chapter will conclude this section about the newest Arcadian Squires. Sofu will return with news... Good/bad... What is Heaven thinking? Once again, the boys of Tokio Hotel, their image, their names or music do not belong to me. Neither do the guys from Petshop of Horrors or Fake. The characters from Buffy belong to their original creator. The White Lion belongs to me, a copy of it could belong to you. Pick up a copy and let me know what you think. Heaven help us also belongs to me. Production of Heaven Help us has been put on hold in light of a few other projects. But please rest assured that the novel will be completed. Himenokori's Ice palace, my website, has been updated. Check it out for a pic of an actual lynx that I use as reference when I write about Slyphe.