The Desert World

Rating: Some blood

A/N: Gah! That’s it I’m going to put two hours a side at night to work on my stories. I’ve had to do some major editing and deleting and this is the final. Enjoy!
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Zane sat at the table eating. He watched as once again his daddy started fighting his uncle Troy.

“Aghh, you’re a pain!” Dryden turned his back on Troy and his twin shook his head. “Damn it Dryden we can’t just go running out of the city with you…” He flinched when Dryden turned and glared at him.

The four year old took a bite of his sandwich and chewed. He sat it down and slid off the chair. “Daddy.”

The two turned and looked at him, “What is it Zane?” He pointed at the calendar and grinned.

Tomorrow was the end of summer and Zane’s fifth birthday. “I’m going to be five. I can sleep in my own room now.”

Troy grinned and patted Dryden on the back. “Have fun.” He didn’t get far before a shoe smacked him in the head. “Damn, why the head?”

The boy looked up at his daddy when he walked over. “Well looks like it got here faster than last year.”

“I want Fayt to come over, and dad has to be here, and Uncle Darian…” He started to list off the names and Dryden smiled as he knelt down. “Okay they all have to be here.” Zane was nodding as he spoke. “Beside it going to be the awsomes party and I want them to be here.”

“Well you had better go tell your dad before he tries to sleep in again.”

“Okay!” He ran out of the dining area and into the hallway. His feet thudded on the hard wood floor and the bedroom door opened. The next thing to happen is what every little kid loves to do. Jump on top of the sleeping parent. The four year old leaped and landed right on top of Luka.

Luka was sleeping well till something dive bombed him in the gut. He sat up coughing and looked at the small child. “Zane, do you have to do that?”

“Yep. You be here tomorrow right? You have to be here!” His small arms waved in the air and Luka chuckled. “Tomorrow I turn five.”

“Okay. Okay I’ll be here.”

“Yay!” He hugged Luka and then jumped down. “Remember tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry I’ll be there.” The small boy ran out of the room and he sighed. A smile formed on his face and he rested his head on his hand his eyes closed. ‘That really hurt this time.’

His eyes opened and he looked over at the door. Dryden smiled and gave a small wave, “I didn’t think he would jump on ya.”

“I’m fine.” He rubbed his stomach and got up off the bed. Two arms wrapped around his waist and he smiled. Looking down he saw Dryden looking up at him. Leaning over he kissed Dryden, “Mmm, I love you.”

“Mmhmm I know ya do, just like ya know I do.” The red head smirked and let his eyes drop to the flame hanging around Dryden’s neck.

“How are you today?”

“I’m doing fine. I got to sleep in for awhile till I got sick again.”

“Looks like this one doesn’t want you to forget about her.”

“Heh, yeah.” It’s been a half a month since Luka gave him the necklace and in that time they found out this one would be a girl. “Eva said the baby would be a girl. I just didn’t want to get my hopes up.”

“I can’t wait to see what she looks like.” Dryden blushed when Luka dropped to his knees and pushed his shirt up. “Hello little one.”

“Luka…” Golden brown eyes looked up at him and he smiled. “I want to name her after mother.”

Luka smiled and nodded. “Okay.”
^^^^

Dryden stood watching as Zane ran around the grass field trying to tag the other small children. He had a blindfold on and everyone was laughing or trying not to laugh as he looked for them. “Looks like he’s having fun.”

He looked up to see Liam standing next to him. “Yeah.”

“Well he got his wish. A big party with his family.”

“Yeah.”

“Where’s Luka?”

“He’s taking the gifts back home.”

“I see. You okay?”

“I’m just a little queasy.” He looked at the cup of water he’d been sipping on. “Zachariah sent a message. He found the cave but it showed no signs of been broken open from the outside.”

“So who opened it?”

“Kairu must have broken it.” He looked over at the kids playing. “I need to go and check it out to see what it looks like… but Troy won’t leave long enough for me to slip out of the city.”

“He’s got a point you are with child.”

“I know.” It came out as a growl. “Damn it! I don’t want Mark to become that man’s vessel.” He hung his head and sighed, “Damn it.”

“I don’t think any of these people here would want that to happen to Mark either.” Dryden smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. “If push comes to shove we can hide him.”

“As long as that black egg is in him he’ll be able to find him.”

They looked out at the group of kids Mark was running away from one of them. He had a small ball in his hands and then he was tackled to the ground. There was a shout and they all piled on top of the blond. The boy climbed out from under the pile only to be jumped on by Zane. The two fell to the ground and started laughing.

“He’ll be safe. He’s a strong kid.” Liam looked at him and smirked. “It’s odd to see you without blue hair.”

“Aw can it ya old coot!” The older red head started laughing as Dryden, pouting, took a drink of his water.
^^^^

Fayt ran up to the house and started to knock on the door. Randy was right behind him laughing. The door opened and Zane yelled back into the house. He ran out the door and followed the two down the street. He and Fayt were going camping for the first time. As they were walking Mark caught up with them.

The blond slowed his pace and looked behind him at the house. Dryden hadn’t been feeling well, something about the baby trying to break his ribs. He shrugged and kept in pace with the group.
~~~~

Randy started putting the tent up, the kids would sleep in one and he’d sleep right outside the door. Mark was trying to get the fire started and was failing every time

Till Zane clapped his hands together and flame started to lick along the edge. “Yay! I did it!” He glared at the boy and Zane just grinned. “Ah, that’s right Mark’s going to be ten soon.”

He looked away when he said it.

“Does Mark want a big birthday?”

“ Happy birthday Mark. Papa will be home tonight and then we can have a big party.” The woman’s body swayed from the beam, a note below it.

The blond sat up his eyes wide open. Then the tears came, ‘Mama.’ He rubbed at his face and shook his head. That was the past he had to move on. The tent flap was pushed to the side and he saw the large bear. He closed his eyes and smiled, then laid back down. As the tent flap fell back into place he stared at the top of the tent. ‘What is going on?’

“Mark…” His left arm reacted and he gripped it. The sharp metallic taste of blood filled his mouth as he bit into his lip. The searing pain had his body curling up around his arm and then he blacked out.


“Mark…”

‘No go away.’

“Mark.”

‘Go away’

“Mark!!”

“Leave…” He jerked up as Zane jumped on top of him. “What is wrong with you?”

“It’s morning. We are going to the creek to fish. Coty is here to show us how.”

Mark growled and grabbed both sides of his cheeks and pulled. “Little twit you didn’t have to jump on me!”

“Owowowow! Stop pulling it hurts!”

The tent flap opened and Coty looked in, “Oi, you two, we’re leaving.”

“Ahh, coming Coty!” Zane quickly rushed off out of the tent before Mark could put him in a head lock. The nine year old slipped out of his sleeping bag and grabbed his shirts. When he climbed out he looked around and saw Coty looking at him.

He stopped and turned around. The scar was worse looking then the one around Dryden’s neck. After pulling the sleeveless turtle neck on he looked over his shoulder at the group waiting. “You ready?” Mark nodded and pulled his other shirt on while following after.
~~~~

Jaden leaned back in his seat and yawned. Without Mark around it was quiet, Mark and his little brother were always at each other’s throat. Looking over he saw his brother trying to walk once again. “Give it up your going to fall flat on your face.”

“No! I’m going to be able to stand, so this time I can look him square in the face and tell him to screw off!”

“Fine do what you want. Just don’t hurt yourself.” He had been fighting with Mark for a while and the boys were about the same age, give or take a couple of months. His brother was sent here by their father after an accident and he was told to look out for him.

It took awhile but he finally stood up and grinned. “Look brother I’m standing.”

“Nate, take it easy.” Nate grinned and went to take a step forward. His brown hair was short and choppy and the bangs fell in his hazel eyes. He was small child even though he was as tall as Mark. Placing his foot down it gave out and he almost tumbled over.

“Well hello Nate.”

“Hi Luka!” He sat the boy in the wheelchair and looked at Jaden.

“I need to talk to you.”

“About?”

“Someone came to me and father about a wrench wielding lunatic.”

Jaden snorted and leaned back, “Bah fools all of them. They were picking on Mark and I was just helping out.” A wicked grin was on his face. “They really needed to be put in their place.”

“You didn’t have to hang them in the tree by their ankles.”

“They’re not hurt, plus Dryden helped.”

He sighed and hung his head as he rubbed his forehead, “They’re moms are not pleased.”

“They messed with my student.”

Luka slumped over and gave a defeated sigh, “Jade.”

He stuck his tongue out and then grinned, “Any ways what’s going on about…” He glanced at Nate, “You know.”

“He found the place but he can’t tell. Dryden is trying to slip out behind everyone’s backs and go find out what’s going on himself.”

“How’s the kid?” He pointed at his stomach.

“Girl. Tomorrow we find out more.” There was a grin plastered on Luka’s face and Jaden seemed to move away a little.

“You happiness scares me.”

“Well I’m off to go visit Aiden.” He walked out of the workshop and Nate looked at Jaden.

“What was that about?”

“Nothing that concerns you.”

“Fool.”

“Short.”

“Dead weight.”

“Pain in my ass.”

“Kiss mine you prick!” Nate wheeled away grumbling to himself and Jaden smirked.

“Well that was too easy.” He stood up and stretched. Then walked over to the door, he quickly locked it and flipped a sign over. “Hmmm what to do?”
~~~~

Dryden sat in the chair a book lay open in his lap as he slept. That was how Luka found him; he sighed and gently moved the book. Then he picked the white haired male up. His body shifted closer to him and he smiled. Laying the male down he noticed he was wearing one of his shirts. He chuckled and covered him up. As he closed the door he let out a breath and walked into the living room.

When he looked up he jumped… Dryden was back in the chair. “What the hell?” Then he growled as he walked over. “I could have sworn I put you in our room.” A grin crossed his face. “No worries I’ll just do it again.” He brought the side of hand down on the white haired male’s head in a chopping motion.

“Ow, fuck man that hurts!”

Luka grabbed a hold of his ear and yanked him over to the front door. “I knew you were going to pull this.”

“Ow ow ow.” Troy tried to kick at his leg. “Damn it Luka that fucking hurts.”

“Then you should of thought twice about trying to fool me.”

“Ow, okay I’m sorry. Damn everyone else thought it was funny when we did before.”

“It’s not if it can ruin me.”

“Geez I get it.” He opened the door and right before he could close it Troy stopped him. “Look I know Dryden is worrying about Mark and the black egg. So I thought I should tell you instead of him.” Luka glanced over his shoulder and closed the front door.

“Tell me what?”

“I just got back from Woodline.”

“You’ve been going there a lot lately.”

Troy got a red hint on his face and held his hand up. “Not the point. I heard rumors, that a male with a black shoulder dragon has been seen asking about Raanan.”

“Who?”

“The green dragon.”

“I see.”

“How are Violet and Topaz?”

“They come in to eat and then they fly right out again. Dryden leaves the window open wide enough for them to fly back in.”

He nodded and then waved as he walked off. Luka slipped back in and closed the door, ‘Green dragon huh? I wonder what it is the bastard is planning.’

A head thumped against his back and he jumped away. A sleepy Dryden stood where he was just at. “Luka…?”

“Hey Dryden, you caught me off guard I thought you were sleeping.”

“I was.” He rubbed at his eyes and yawned. “I need to…” he yawned again and shook his head. “Sleepy…”

“If you’re tired then come on go to bed.”

“But it’s only lunch and I want to…”

“Don’t worry you shouldn’t push yourself.”

“Will you lay with me?”

“Of course.”

When they both were in the bed he pulled Dryden close to him and let his hand rest on the slight swell of Dryden’s stomach. “Seven and a half to go.”

“Hmmmm?”

“Months.” His eyes drifted shut. “I’m happy.” He was soon sleeping and Luka smiled and he held him close.

“So am I.”
^^^^

Mark watched as a fish jumped out of the water and fell back in with a splash. It was the last day of their camping trip. A sigh escaped him and he smiled. His feet swished in the water. It was a nice day and it wasn’t too hot but he still had on two shirts. Everyone was at the camp and he was sitting here watching the creek and the animals in it.

There was a snap and he turned. He stood up and saw an old woman looking at him. She smiled and nodded. “Young boy will you help me out?”

He looked at her and then the ground.

“Well can you?”

His head nodded and he smiled.

“Thank you, I’m lost and I can’t find my way back to the village.”

The blond grabbed her hand and led her to the camp. He let out a whistle and Randy stood up as he walked into the clearing with the woman. He pointed at her and Randy walked over. “What is it Mark?”

“I’m lost and I can’t find my way to Woodline.”

“I see. Coty, can you keep an eye on the younger kids while I take this nice woman home.”

“Yes we’ll stay right here.” The two left and Mark watched as Coty quickly stood. “Zane, Fayt, get in the tent.” The two kids looked at him and he made a quick motion. They quickly ran in and Coty walked over to Mark. “You have a good heart but sometimes it’s good to listen and watch the person first before you help.”

He was pulled to the side as a wall of flames appeared in front of them. Coty bit down on his thumb and made a quick sign on the ground. “Fire barrier.” A thin wall of fire circled around the camp trapping the two attackers inside. “I don’t like to fight but if I must.”

Mark quickly turned and stood in front of the tent his body ready for a fight.

The white haired youth shot forward and slammed into the person closes to him. “Burn.” The man screamed as his body was engulfed in flames. The other one jumped at Coty who swung his foot around and it slammed into man’s face. They slid across the ground and Coty ran forward. His fingers hooked and his hand burst in flames as it slammed into the man gut. That person slumped over and dropped to the ground.

“Mark.”

The blond looked at him and then he smiled. He was still okay. His eyes widened and he tried to scream as he pointed. Coty turned in time barely missed getting hit with a fatal blow. The man who had fallen to the ground was now standing over Coty. He held his side as blood dripped down. “Mmm dragon blood smells nice.”

‘No.’ He went to step forward when something grabbed him. His body was lifted off the ground and he looked over his shoulder. Mark saw that man burn why was he walking, he should be dead, unless he was a… ‘Shit.’ He slipped out of the top shirt and landed on the ground.

He ducked as a clawed hand flew over his head. It almost hit the tent but Mark had shifted his feet and head butted the guy in the gut. He stumbled and Mark stood there looking at him.

Fayt cried out as he hid under the blanket that Zane had pulled over them. They were hiding under the cot in the tent when they saw the large shape tower over the smaller one. ‘Daddy… help.’ He held onto the scared Fayt.
~~~~

The plate shattered on the ground and Luka looked over to see Dryden staring at the ground. “Dryden?”

“Please tell me ya heard that?”

“Heard what?”

Dryden ran to the bedroom and pulled a drawer out. The two dragons looked at him as he pulled out his short swords and stuck them in the side pockets on his shorts. When he came back out Luka was standing in front of the door. “Move.”

“Not till you tell me what’s going on.”

“Move.”

“Dryden, if something is wrong tell me.”

“I’m going to check on Zane.”

“He’s safe he with Randy.”

“Damn it Luka, move!” Luka gasped when he felt the heat slam into him.

“Fuck…” It felt like he had just gotten done running in the desert. “What was that?”

“Sorry.” Dryden ran into the kitchen and came out with a glass of water. “Something isn’t right. I don’t care what you say; I’ve got to check on Zane.” He sat the cup down next to Luka and ran out of the house.

“Please stay safe.”
~~~~

The man ran at Mark and Coty growled he was having a hard time getting this one to stay down long enough for him to kill. Mark stood his ground and pulled his right hand back. A rock shot past the man and he came to a stop. “What the hell?” One more rock, bigger than the last, slammed into his forehead and the guy stumbled once more. “You fucking brat!”

He started to dodge them and soon he was in Mark’s face. The boy flinched and went to back up. Coty heard a sound and turned his head in enough time to see Mark being slammed into a tree. “Damn it.”

‘I need to work on that focus part.’

“You stupid brat I’ll just kill you now.” He pulled down the collar of his shirt and the man stopped. Sniffing he blinked. “Oi man he’s a sane one.”

He kicked the man in the gut and fell to the ground. “Stupid kid. Shit why don’t you just help us instead of trying to fight it. Soon or later you’ll snap and your friends will just turn on you.”

The man blinked when he heard the voice in his head, “When that happens I hope they do.”

He smirked and shook his head. “Stupid kid, you might as well run you can’t defeat me.” Just then he saw the tent flap move and he grinned. Gathering his strength he put it into a burst of speed and shot past Mark as he punched the boy in the stomach. The boy fell to the ground and coughed as he tried to catch his breath. The tent flap was ripped back and Zane stood there looking up at him. He saw the mark on the boy’s arm and his grin got bigger. “What do you have here?” Zane stepped back only to slip and a hand snagged his shirt.

“Put me down!”

Coty growled and went to save Zane when he was attacked. He fell to the ground and the other man pounced on him, Mark shook his head as Zane screamed for help. He gripped his head, “No… No. Stop. Put him down. Leave him alone!” The man turned and laughed.

“Why?”

As he pulled Zane close Fayt shot out in his cat form and clawed at his face. Only to be tossed to the side, Zane screamed as Fayt hit the ground and in one last attempt he took a deep breath. The man shouted as fire hit him in the face, the guy backhanded the boy. His eyes rolled back into his head and he became still. Blood dripped down the side of his face. ‘No.’ His eyes widen and his left arm throbbed painfully. ‘No!” As a drop of blood fell from his face, something in Mark came lose.

Moving his arms he pushed himself up, a growl worked its way up his throat. He had his head lowered, when the man looked back. “What is it boy?” That damn grin was still on his face. “You should just shut up,” he kicked Mark square in the ribs, “and lay there like the trash you are.” The blond came to a stop a few inches from the man sitting on the half alive Coty.

He younger male laughed and his grin grew, “Oi, big brother why don’t we just save those three as a snack. We got the bear and this guy here; they’ll make a good…” The younger male never finished. He flew across the camp ground and slid to the ground clutching his throat. Blood seeped out and his body slowly fell over.

The man holding Zane growled when he looked at Mark. “What… are you?” Mark’s whole left arm wasn’t human looking anymore. The whole thing was black and his nails and fingers looked like dragon talons. Blood dripped from them, as the boy looked up he had a wicked grin on his face. One pale red eye looked at him and his body froze. Black horns stuck out a good two inches from the top of the blond hair.

“Die.”
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Oh wow… Hmmm… I’m still trying to get a hold of everything… If I stop for a while do not fret I will be back. I could never leave my story, *pets Mark’s head* or little Mark. Hehe I can’t wait to finish this book! X3 When I finish this book I’ll go back and look over it, fix the typos and whatnots. Reviews are welcomed.
Shade:)