The Desert World

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Rating: Nothing to bad

A/N: Sorry it took so long. I was stuck… had to find a sledge hammer for that wall. This is what can out. Enjoy!
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Zane stood on Mark’s shoulders as he held him up. The bars were wide enough for him to slip through on the top. “Don’t fall.”

“I won’t.” He held on and pulled up through the top. Fayt looked at the other kids who were watching them.

“What about them?”

“I’m going to stay. You two are getting somewhere safe.”

“Mark I can see yellow stuff.”

The blond grabbed Fayt and lifted him up. “What do we do?”

“Grab a tree branch.”

“Okay.” Zane jumped and landed in the tree.

“Be careful.” Fayt waved to him and jumped, he looked at the other one standing. Kael was sitting on the wooden floor watching Mark.

“What about us?” One of the ones standing had messy spiky teal hair, crimson red eyes and dark tanned skin. He stood the same height as Mark and had a more defined build then the other boy. His clothes consisted of a black vest and khaki cargos.

Everyone else wasn’t small enough to fit through. He looked up, jumping he grabbed the bars and looked found he could slip his head through. They were close to the desert and it the getting closer by the second. The teal haired kid was looking out next to him, “Well what should we do?”

A voice filled the teal haired kid's head. “Wait. They’ll have to stop once they get out in the sand; the wheels have to be changed.”

“Well I’m Arrow they took me from my mother two days ago.”

“Is she okay?” He finally figured out it was the blond kid next to him.

“She wasn’t okay to begin with. Her mind was going bad, she’s half blood draco. I’m more human then she is and father was a human.”

“You don’t sound upset.”

“Why should I she would rather be dead then kill everyone around her. She tried to get me back and it looked like they killed her or she killed herself later when she found I was really gone. She probably thinks I won’t be coming back, just like father.”

They dropped to the wooden floor, both sat down and waited. Mark picked Kael up and held onto him. “When the cart stops we act.”
~~~~

Luka’s horse shot past a tree and he slid to a stop. Looking up he saw Zane and Fayt waving at him. “Why are you up there?”

“Mark helped us out. He’s was too big to slip through the bars and Kael is with him.”

He climbed onto his feet and quickly patted the horse’s head, “Easy girl.” Standing up he reached up and pulled Fayt out first. The small boy dropped to the ground, when Zane was pulled out Luka hugged him tight and the boy grinned. “Damn I think my heart stopped when I saw you were gone.”

“Mark?”

“Yeah we’ll get Mark.”

“He said they have to stop and get the wheels changed.”

“Good. Means he learned something good from Jaden.”

Jumping down, the two looked over as Fayt stepped behind Luka. A dune buggy came to a sliding stop; Ari was behind the wheel and Dryden next to her. “Zane!” He was out of the vehicle and had the boy in his arms.

“Daddy!”

Fayt walked over to Ari. “Mark helped us out but Kael and other kids are with him.”

“Ari you want to head out to get them.”

“I’m coming with!”

“No.” Dryden took a step back when both turned on him.

“But…”

“Stay with the kids and…” Luka peered at something that was coming at them at a fast pace. “Who the hell is that?” The horse shot past them and kept on running, there was no one in the saddle. “What the hell?”

They heard a scream and Luka was already in the seat of the vehicle. “Stay here Dryden.”

The dune buggy pulled off and he shouted at them, “Damn it I want to help!” Fayt grabbed his hand and looked at him. “Come on. Let’s head back.” He grabbed the boys and placed them on the horse’s back.

Turning her around, he led her back down the path towards home.
~~~~

Luka was out of the vehicle when they cleared the tree line. He saw it first, the thing was tipped over and kids sat huddled behind two boys. “I see Mark.”

“Do you see Kael?”

“Yeah he’s in the small group of kids.” He pulled his daggers out and climbed out. Three men were advancing on the two boys. He saw something glinting in the sun light near Mark, “Mark has a knife.”

“What how?”

“Must have found it.” The red head was about to run when he looked at Ari. “You coming?”

“Yes.

Just then the boy next to Mark attacked one of the men as Mark backed up clutching his injured arm. One of them had a whip that stung when it strikes the person. Blood was dripping down the arm. Something told him to turn and he did. He saw Luka and Ari running at them. His body heaved a sigh of relief just as Arrow was tossed at his feet. “Okay boy. It’s you turn to learn your lesson.”

“Go to hell.”

The man ran at Mark and an arrow slammed into his chest. Luka and Ari saw it but where was the shooter. The two other men stepped back and looked at their fallen comrade. They were caught off guard when Luka and Ari appeared in front of them.

Luka’s fist slammed into on guys face and you could hear a very audible crack as the nose broke. He shift his feet and kicked the man in the ribs. Ari stepped back as he started to beat both men into a bloody pulp. She turned and clapped her hands together. “Well kiddies let head over to the dune buggy and we can get you all home. Yes?”

Everyone was on their feet and quickly moving. Mark looked over his shoulder and watched as Luka pulled out some rope and tied the men together. ‘He looks pissed.’ He grabbed the back of Arrow’s shirt as he cheered on the fight.

“Aw come on I wanna see some more fighting!” They all sat down and Ari sighed. Kael was in her arms and she was smiling as he hugged her.

“Mama!”

“Yes that’s right Mama is here.”

Luka walked over and held the arrow out to her, “I think we have a friend in the trees.”

“This is one of Aiden’s arrows.”

“Yeah I noticed.”
~~~~

He stood looking out at the group. Luka was looking over at where he was standing and he shook his head. Guess he could wait, hitch a ride back. Damn horse knocked him off its back. He walked over down the path.
~~~~

Dryden looked up and he quickly stood, “Aiden?” He had stopped to take a break as the two kids ran around chasing each other.

“Ugh don’t shout my head hurts.” Aiden’s hair was a mess without his cap on or something on to cover the hair and he was only in a pair of pants, his bow in hand.

“You were unconscious, hooked up to machines, half alive!”

“What can I say, I’m hard to kill.”

“That is not funny.”

He looked at Dryden and pointed, “Your showing. How long have I been out?”

The white haired male glared at him and turned around. “It has been almost a month.”

“Damn. What happened?”

“You collapsed and we don’t know why yet.” He put his hands on his hips and then asked. “What are you doing out here?”

“I was hoping you could tell me that. I woke up about a hundred yards from here, saw you and thought maybe I came out here for something. But what I don’t know.”

“You don’t remember.”

“No. I remember hearing someone calling out to me but that was it.”

“Well, sit down and wait with me I’m tired.” He shrugged and sat down next to him. Dryden was starting to nod off when there was a sound. A hand was pushed against his forehead and he blinked as two golden brown eye came into focus. “Luka…?”

“Hey there. You missed it, I couldn’t tell if Ari wanted to kill him or hug him.”

He smiled and looked over to see a small group of kids. “That’s a lot of kids.”

“Yeah we’re taking them back to find out where they live so we can take them back home.”

“M’kay.”

“Come on sleepy head.” He helped Dryden onto his feet and smiled when Dryden leaned against him. “Hey don’t fall asleep now.”

“Is Mark okay?”

“Yes he looked ready to fight back against the group of men.”

“I can’t believe they came so close to ending up like me.” Luka scooped Dryden up and placed him on the back of Briath, “Luka?”

“Yes.”

“Yer marks are showing.”

“I know.”

Luka climbed on and Dryden laid his head against his back. He felt something on his back, looking at Dryden he blinked. The white haired male was holding on to his swollen stomach. “Was that?”

“I think it was.” He smiled as he looked back down. “I think it’s a little early for her to be kicking.”

“She’s probably excited by all the noise.” Turning around some he gently kissed Dryden on the forehead and brushed his fingers through his hair. “I did tell you that you look just as good as when you had blue hair?”

“Yeah, are ya trying to get something?”

He chuckled and kissed him, “Only if you’re up to it.”

“Maybe later.”

“M’kay.” He turned the horse around and looked at the group of kids. Zane was sitting with Mark and Fayt was next to him. “Do you think Mark likes it here?”

“Of course he does, he always tells me that he likes it here.” Dryden nuzzled the back of Luka’s neck and grinned when he shivered.

“Hey you, I thought you were tired.”

“Sorry, forgot how sensitive yer marks are.”

“Sure you did.” Dryden looked down to see Zane, he was looking at all the other kids and some of them were patting Mark on the back. Luka turned the horse around and reached over to grab Zane. “Hey let’s get out of here!”
^^^^

They sat and watched as Arrow sat on the steps along with a few other kids. It had been a week and no one had come to claim the kids at all. Arrow stood up when someone walked up to the Main Tree with some guards. Dryden knew the boy was looking for his mother, he watched as those shoulders slumped as a young teen took off running.

It was an older man he was hunched over and stood at the boy’s shoulders. He nodded towards Dryden and Luka and turned with the boy to leave. “Something tells me these kids lost their parents.”

“Or their injured and can’t travel.”

He looked at Dryden and smiled. “That too.” His eyes turned back to the group sitting on the steps.

The sun was setting it was time to move them back to where Magic was at. “I’m going home.”

Luka nodded and kissed Dryden, “Be right there.”

Dryden walked off and he knew Luka was watching him. It didn’t take much to show since he showed it every day. He loved it. His feet carried him through part of the market and he looked around at the closing or already closed stalls.

He stopped when he heard it. Someone was walking up to him, “Watch out.” Whipping around the person was gone. His hand shot up and he caught the rock.

“Go back! It’s your fault their coming here!” Smirking at the group of teens, he flexed his hand and the rock crumbled. “That doesn’t scare us.”

In two leaps he was in front of the group of teens onto of a closed stand. They stumbled back as he picked up the bucket of rocks. “I’ll be taking these. Good night.” He jumped back and landed on the ground.


The door opened to the house and he sat the bucket down by the door. He was tired again. Trudging to the back of the house he stopped and looked in the rooms. Zane was down and asleep and Mark was once again crashing on the boy’s floor. He closed the door and walked to his room. Pushing the door opened he walked over to the bed as he pulled his shirt off. Yawning he climbed onto the bed and pulled Luka’s pillow close.

He didn’t remember falling asleep. The movement of the bed sinking startled him a little. An arm wrapped around his waist, “Did I wake you?”

“No, the bed did.”

Luka chuckled and kissed his ear. “Get some sleep.”

“M’kay.”

“Night.” He could feel fingers running through his hair as his eyes drifted to sleep.
~~~~

Magic sat on his bed his hands moved over the fabric of the clothes. Reaching over his hand brushed something and he stopped as his hand bumped into something. He didn’t hear it shatter on the ground but instead he heard a growl from his dog. Turning slightly he called out, “Who’s there?”

There was a soft thump one the table next to him and he stood. The dog was growling louder now, a scent brushed his nose and he heard something fall to the ground, “Retrieve.”

The clicking of the paws could be heard as they moved over to where the window was at. Trotting back over the dog gently dropped the object in his lap. Picking it up he gave a sad smile, his fingers ran over the wood carving. It was a howling wolf, or so someone told him. “Idiot, why didn’t you say something?”

The door to his room opened, “Magic, is everything alright?”

“Yeah, she’s just reacting to the sounds outside.”

“You should head to bed. Aiden was found wandering the forest earlier.”

“So he’s woken up?”

“Yeah, doesn’t remember how he got there.”

“Okay. I’ll go see him.”

“Alright, night.”

“Night, Ronan.” His fingers ran over the carving. Standing he walked over to the window; he sat it on the ledge and walked off.
***
“Hey! Hey! Magic!” He heard snapping in front of his face. “I made something for you!” A hand grabbed his and sat something wooden in his hand. “I’m leaving tomorrow. Even if you don’t remember me, I’ll remember you. It’s a howling wolf, when you finally remember me come find me.” Soft hands held his and there was a whine at the door followed by a growl. The hands let go as the door opened.

“Hey, what the hell! Get the fuck away from him!”

“Stupid Luka.” A hand brushed across his face and he felt tears fall down his cheeks. “See ya Magic.”
***

His body laid on the bed and he felt something jump on the bed next to him. A tongue licked his hand and he smiled. “I finally remember and I can’t even leave.”
^^^^

Aiden sat on the bed looking at Ari, “I’m fine. How long was I out for?”

“Almost a month, now lay down and sleep.”

“But I’m…” the look from Ari had his mouth clicking shut. There was a knock at the front door.

“You had better be laying down when I get back.” She walked out and Aiden sighed. What was wrong with him? He felt tired and exhausted. The soft sounds of Kael’s breathing reached his ears. Ever since he came home Kael was stuck to his side. Fingers ran through the taupe hair. His hands gently picked him up and Kael laid out on his chest as he laid back.

“Papa…” Small finger curled into his shirt and he smiled. He was one happy papa.

“He’s probably still up.” Ari walked into the room and stopped. She turned to Magic, “Well he was up. Hold on I’m going to get the camera I want a picture of this.”

“What’s going on?”

“Kael is asleep on Aiden’s stomach.” Her gray hair was braided back and it swished as she rushed out of the room.

Magic smiled and stepped out of the way as she rushed back in. There were two clicks and Aiden jerked awake, “Hey… none of me sleeping.”

“Sorry but you two look so cute together.”

“Hey Magic.”

“You sound as sleepy as always.”

“Mmhmm,” He sat up as Magic walked over. “So what brings you here?”

“I wanted to know how you were doing.”

“I’m doing fine.” He handed the sleeping child over to Ari. “Just a little tired.” She left the room to go place Kael in his room.

“You can’t remember how you got into the woods.”

“No. I really don’t care.” His feet touched the floor and he stood. Magic was still shorter than him.

The face Magic made had him asking, “What is it?”

“I remember what happened. I want to find him.”

“Magic…”

“Something happened to him that day. His mind, when he came to my room last night, it was falling apart.”

Two hands gripped his shoulder as the voice shouted, “What do you mean he came to your room?”

“It wasn’t long. I think. But it was long enough for him to catch my cup of water and to drop something behind.”

“Magic listen it’s been years since then. He’s changed. I saw it he tried to kill Luka.”

“I may not be able to see but I know how to listen and feel. His mind is slowly breaking Aiden.” His hands gripped at his shirt. The dog whined and pawed at his leg. “I know what attacked us, and it’s wrapped around his mind.”

He heard the sigh and smiled, “Fine I’ll try to help you.”

“Thanks Aiden.”

“We might have a hard time, seeing as Luka wants to hurt him and so does Dryden.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s working for Dryden’s father.”

“Is that bad?”

“Yes, if you don’t want anything to happen I think you should go tell Luka what you remember from then.”

“I should… but…”

“He’ll listen.”

Magic’s hand rested on the side of his face. Sightless pale gray eyes closed and then he smiled. His hand pulled away, “You have a strong power inside you Aiden, take care of it.”

“Always have.”

The shaggy brunette nodded and turned to leave. “I’ll talk to Luka.”

“Good luck.”
~~~~

Luka laid his head back and let out a low groan. Fingers dug into his skin as he opened his eyes. Dryden smiled down at him and leaned over to kiss him. Those hands felt wonderful on his shoulders. “I’m glad the kids are out with your brother.”

“Want a full body?” It was a soft whisper that sent a chill down his back.

He groaned when his fingers rubbed out a tight knot. “Mmmm, sounds good.”

The red head spread out on the couch as Dryden sat on his back. It really felt good when Dryden ran his fingers along his back. The heat seeped out of his hands and into his muscles. The groan that came from Luka had Dryden smiling. “Feel good?”

“I never knew I was this tense. How the hell are you making my muscles warm?”

“A perk of having a half dragon as a lover.” Dryden leaned over and kissed his neck. The head turned and both kissed. His arm slid around Dryden as he pulled him down and underneath him.

“And I’m going to take advantage of it.”

“How?”

“Like this.”

He kissed him and his hand slid into Dryden’s hair. There was a swift bang on the door. “Luka!” Two golden eyes glared at the front door over the back of the couch. “I know you’re in there.”

“You think he’ll go away if we don’t answer.” He felt Dryden climb out from under him and then watched as he walked to the door. “Dryden… don’t answer the…” the door opened, “door.”

“Luka?”

“No.”

“Oh you must be Dryden!” The small male slipped past Dryden and walked into the house. “I need to talk to Luka.”

Dryden caught Luka trying to sneak into the backroom. He put his foot down and the floorboard creaked.

“Don’t even think of running Luka.”

He gave a sheepish laugh. “Who? Me… I was just coming from the bathroom.”

“Sure you were.”

The white haired male snickered as he turned his head, missing the glare from Luka.

“Is there something that you wanted, Magic?”

“Yes I wanted to tell you I remember what happened.” He lowered his head. “He was attacked by something that day.”

He didn’t have to see to know Luka wasn’t going to be pleased with what he was going to be saying. “He…he… was in my room last night.”

There was a loud crack. “Damn it Luka I’ve fixed that chair five times now.” Dryden looked at the broken chair and glared at Luka. The wooden plank thumped him in the head. “Don’t break things!”

“Sorry Dryden.”

“Go out back and talk.” They walked towards the back and Dryden called out. “Keep yer voices down, I’m going to be taking a nap.”

“I’ll try.”

Magic lowered his head and listened as Luka walked outside. “He didn’t do anything.”

“You should of said something.”

“And what would you have done?”

“Hunt the bastard down.”

“Luka!”

“What? He tried to take my head off and he almost crushed me.” Luka growled out.

“He’s not in his right mind!” The smaller male waved his arms. “I could feel it when it attacked us. It was dark, evil and corrupting. I could feel his mind its slowly going numb sooner or later he’ll die.”

“Good!”

“Not good!” Magic lowered his head. “Please, someone needs to help him. That person is not him.”

“You figured this out all in the short time he was standing in your room.”

“The person in my room was different from the person that left my room. The carving was dropped on the floor. He would never drop a carving on purpose.”

“It been years since he left. Time can change anyone.”

“If you won’t help me then I’ll do it myself!”

There was a cough and they jumped a little. “Who is this person?”

The red head shook his head, “Dryden… don’t.”

“Mikhail was what I called him. I was the only one who could call him by that name.”

“Better known as the one that was hunting you down.”

Dryden walked over and sat down, “Tell me everything. I want to know more about that thing that attacked him.”

“Really!?”

“Dryden!”

Turning towards Luka he smiled, “If what he said is right then maybe we can get rid of two birds with one stone.”

“But…”

“Just go check on Zane I’ll sit here and listen.”

“Fine.” The red head pouted as he kicked a stone. He walked off in a sulking manner. His feet kicked at the stone as he walked. ‘Damn it. Why do we have to help that fucking bastard?’ His head hung as he walked through the crowds of people. With hands in his pockets he trudged along to where Zane was staying at with Dryden’s brother. He stopped, ‘What if he was being forced to do all this?’

He already knew what he went through. They were the same yet different. His hand came up and he messed with the stone around his neck. They both had to deal with the insults and the name calling. But it still didn’t give him the right to do what he did. Luka tipped his head back to look up at the sky. He had a bad feeling about this.
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Well only a few more to go…
Shade:)


Post Note-
Desert World is staying up... someone talked me into keeping it up... so yeah I'll be working on it slowly i'm almost done with the next chapter just lost my way is all.