The Desert World

Rating: Fighting and words

A/N: I has new chapter. I figured I’d finish the story then fix it up later. So yeah here it is. I have a Beta to help me out with grammar issues. Thank you Sam! So yeah go and enjoy.
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Dryden tapped his finger on the table and sighed. It could explain a lot. If the man was possessed then he would be…

Luka banged his hand on the table. “No!”

“Huh?”

“I know your looks by now. No!” Amethyst eyes narrowed as Luka looked away at a wall with a sullen look on his face.

Was he the only one thinking here? “Think about it Luka.”

“No. Mikhail is the same person who put those scars on you. He is the same person who tried to take my head off, and he is the same person who tried to take Zane!”

“The black dragon is known to take over a solid body form to be able to live in this world.”

A questioning look appeared on Luka’s face. “Take over?”

“Well not entirely…”

“How the hell do you know all this?” His arms were crossed as his brows drew together in confusion. “’Cause I’m confused as hell.”

Dryden stood up and walked away from the table. The red head watched as he walked back to their room. A few minutes later he walked out with a thick leather tome. “This is a book that is passed through my family. Inside of it is everything about the five dragons and how they helped out this world. Every Chieftain family has one.” It made a loud thud as he dropped it on the table. His fingers ran over the closed pages and then flipped it open. A large black dragon was drawn across the pages.

“Hey that’s the dragon that attacked us!”

“I know Luka.”

The page turned and on the other side was a drawing of Kairu. “And there is that guy who attacked Mark. If he already has a body why is he after Mark?”

“Rollin’s body is dying. Mark is a direct descendant of Kairu so the body won’t die only get stronger.”

“So…”

“Luka stop… forget everything he did and think about him before all this. When did he change?”

Luka sighed and held his head as his elbows rested on the table. “He was fine when he and Magic were with us. The two had slipped off somewhere. There was this loud sound outside of the city and when they checked they found Magic. He had lost his memory and Rollin had taking out three guardsmen on his own. He shouldn’t even have been able to do that in the first place.” When Dryden sighed Luka frowned. “No.”

He gave an aggravated sighing whine, “Luka!”

“No.”

“Fine I’ll help him. If we don’t get Kairu sealed away soon something bad might or just possibly could, happen.” The Dragconian was leaning all the way across the table as he bit out every syllable with the last being a growling snap. This caused Luka to tip back some in the chair in fear that Dryden might just possibly take a chunk out of him.

“You’ve been a lot scarier lately.”

He growled low, “Luka.” The warning was clear and the taller male paled even more.

Zane walked out of the room rubbing at his eyes. “Daddy.”

In a space of a moment Dryden went from angry to mellow at Zane’s soft tired voice. “Zane what is it?” He sat back down to look fully at Zane. His eyes glanced at Luka who froze in his spot at the sharp look. When those eyes found Zane again he gave a silent sigh of relief.

“I had a bad dream.”

“Come here.” Dryden held his arms out and the small boy climbed up into his lap. The small boy sat in Dryden’s lap as the older Dragconian gently ran his hands through his hair. Golden eyes drooped slightly and soon a soft humming came from Zane. Turning to Luka, Dryden asked him, “Please will ya think about it, Luka?” Luka didn’t hear him because he was listening to what Zane was humming. “Luka?”

“Zane, where did you hear that song?”

“Huh?”

“The song your humming where did you hear it?”

“In the dream.”

The white haired male looked from Luka then back at Zane, “What’s it about?”

“Four dragons.”

“Anything else.”

“Nope.” The two looked at each other as the small boy started to hum the song.

***
It was dark; every now and then a light would flicker on and off. A child walked down the hall, his hand trialed along the wall. This small child was singing as he walked.

“Four dragons in the air.
Blue, red, green, and black
One disappears;
Three are left in the air.
Fly little dragons it’s up to you.”

“Three are left:
One is lost,
One has forgotten,
One is locked away.”

“If you don’t fight
The white will come.
From a world hidden far away.
Fly little dragons it’s up to you.”

The child stopped, turned and looked back. A small whisper. Black came rushing up the hall, the child didn’t run and then they was swallowed up. He turned and ran. Tripping, he hit the ground. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the black cloud. A hand reached out and grabbed his leg.

“Help us.” He felt himself being pulled along the ground. When he looked up he saw a blue dragon. It reared back and roared. He reached out towards it just as the darkness clouded his vision.

Water rushed past his body and something wrapped around him. He turned to see an eye as large as his hand spread wide looking at him. It was a warm jade color…
***

Luka sat up and looked around. He hunched over as the heel of his hands rubbed at his sleep filled eyes. “Fuck.” His head was pounding as he started on rubbing his forehead.

“Luka?”

“I’m fine.”

Dryden was sitting up, the blanket was pooling around his waist. He could see the small swell of his stomach. Golden eyes blinked as a hand pushed against his forehead. “Yer burning up.” Climbing out of bed, he quickly crossed the room. His eyes followed Dryden as he walked. The way his hips swayed and…

‘Freeze!’ He smacked his head as a drawer closed. Looking over he saw Dryden walking up to him, “Hmmm, the dreaded thermometer.”

“Yes.” He sighed as his hand took it from him. Placing it in his mouth, he waited for the beep as Dryden sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes drifted down and he placed his hand on top of Dryden’s hand. It beeped so he pulled it out. White hair appeared in his vision as Dryden took a peek at the thermometer. “No fever.”

“I remember the last time.”

“I guess my body is able to handle it now.” Those golden eyes looked Dryden over. Leaning over he rested his head against the swell. “Hello.”

He pushed Dryden onto his back, “Luka!”

“What? I want to say hello.”

“You don’t have to push me down to say hello.”

Luka kissed his stomach and then moved up to kiss the white haired male. “What if I want something more?”

They kissed again and Dryden shivered as deft fingers ghosted over the inside of his thighs. “And look nothing is in the way.” Dryden quickly clamped his hand over his mouth as Luka, for the second time that night, drove his body insane with sweet pleasure.

Jaden stood with his arms crossed as he looked at Arrow and Mark. “Well looks like we might have a new helper.” He nodded and motioned around him. “Welcome to my little workshop. I’m the fixer in this town. Mark and Nate will show you what to do, so listen to them.”

Arrow looked at Mark. “How can I listen if he won’t talk? I mean he just talks in my head.”

“Oh.” The raven haired teen tipped his head to the side as he pointed at Arrow. “You didn’t tell him did you?”

Mark shook his head and motioned to Jaden as he walked over to a workbench to get started on fixing an old pocket watch.

“Well looks like I’m telling you. Mark can’t speak. He’s kind of mute in a way.” He tapped his head as he tried to explain it. “He can talk another way but you have to have a link with him. If you talked to him once then you have an open mind. Unlike me, he tried to make one with me but I ended up zapping him a good one instead.” He could feel the glare directed at his back. “Yeah he wasn’t too pleased about it.”

“Now introductions. The kid on the crutches is my little brother Nate. The other in the back is Nico he helps on the more advanced stuff that Mark and Nate are learning about.” He pulled a book out and sat it on the table as he moved Arrow towards the bench. “Read this. I’ll be testing you at the end of the week. After that I’ll find something for you to work on. You’ll start off small but Mark and Nate are here to help if you have questions.”

The teal haired male nodded as he took a seat on a bench by the table. “Well you three short people, Nico and me are going to go fix that damn woman’s AC again.”

Nico arched a brow, “Again? I’m telling ya she has a thing for you.”

“So I’ve been told and so I shall remain ignorant.” He picked up a tool box by the door. “Come on Nico.” The two of them left leaving the three in the workshop.

Arrow turned to the book then opened it. About two pages in he looked up and asked, “Is this what you do all day?”

Nate shrugged, “Not really we just sit around till Jaden barks at us to do something. Mark here will be leaving soon anyways to finish his training.”

“Training?”

A small screw smacked Nate in the head. “Really Mark!” The blond made a rude motion with his bandaged arm. “I’m not the one who made an artifact disappear!” When Mark just flipped him off Nate growled and shoved him off the bench.

“Wow I don’t think I’ve ever seen a messed up fight but that just takes the cake.” They both looked at Arrow who was flipping through the book. “But then again that’s just me. I lived in a very hostile area.” He glanced at them with crimson eyes. “I don’t think I’ll be cut out for this. Might try and learn something else.” The book snapped shut and Arrow slumped over against the table. One arm was propping his head up as he watched the two. “Well, why this?”

“Family thing.” Nate muttered as he fiddled with a small screw. “I don’t know about Mark.”

The voice filled his head again, “I want everyone to see who I am, not what I am.”

Arrow watched as Mark kept working on the old pocket watch. His fingers moved over the item like he had known it his whole life. “Really now?”

Nate looked between the two, “What he say???”

“Nothing he’s being all quiet.”

“Mark you never say anything to me!” The ten year old stood and walked over to a box by the wall. The pocket watch clicked shut as he tossed it into the bin. He waved at the two then left. “Jackass.”

Mark let out a hiss of air as he found himself sliding across the ground. ‘Owwwwww…’

~Kyne helps. Let Kyne help.~

“No.”

~Fine Kyne will watch you eat dirt again.~

“What?” He rolled over onto his hands and knees just as a shadow fell over him. His head jerked around to see Troy. One second he was looking at Troy. The next he was falling on top of Luka. He let out a shaky laugh then Luka was standing him on his feet.

“Next time land on another person I’m getting tired of being your cushion.”

Pale blue eyes rolled as he brushed himself off, “I’d rather land on a pin cushion then you. Your stupid might rub off on me.”

Luka’s eyes narrowed, “Little brat!”

Dryden snagged the back of Luka’s shirt as he turned the page of his book with the other. “Mark, pay attention to yer surroundings.”

Just then Troy clapped his hands down on Mark’s shoulders causing the boy to jump. “Well I’m done for today. Dryden he’s all yers.” The page turned again as he made a sound to show he was listening. Green eyes narrowed slightly, “Okay well I’m going to head out.” He walked away leaving the three there.

“Luka help him with the mental stuff.”

“I don’t even know how I do it. It just happens.”

Amethyst eyes slid over to look at him, “Just show him what’cha ya do.”

The red head shook his head as he muttered, “I don’t know how. It’s hard to explain. All I do is will it to move. How can you show someone that?”

The book snapped shut and he tossed it onto the bench in front of them. He pointed at it while staring at Mark, “Move it.”

Mark nodded as he sat on the same bench as the book. The ten year old focused on the book his brows creased in concentration. He blinked then shook his head, “I don’t think it’ll work for me.”

“Try again not everyone gets it on the first try.” He gave a pouting frown in Luka’s direction. “What?”

“Fine if you can do it better then do it.”

Luka shrugged then glanced at the book. He stared at the book and it shook some. Then it jumped up to rest on its side. Dryden’s eyebrows shot up as Mark jerked back some. Then the book flipped open the pages flipping over quickly. “Luka please tell me that yer doin’ that.” When Dryden looked over he found Luka slowly scooting away. Mark reached out to poke the book when it snapped shut. He yelped and jumped away. His pale blue eyes peered out from around Dryden’s arms. “Luka?”

“I didn’t do that.”

“What!?”

“Your book is possessed Dryden!”

The three froze when they heard laughter. The red head let out a string of curses as he whipped around, “Shasa!!”

“What?” He jumped when Shasa spoke next to him.

“Will you quit that!?”

“But Luka its fun picking on you. You still need work if you can only use your gifts if you’re pissed off.” She held her hand out and the book landed in her open hand. “I had some free time so I thought I’d come and see my little brother and nephew.” Shasa thumbed through the book. “Oooo this is a good one.” She reached around Luka to hand Dryden the book. “You must tell me if the ending is good.”

Dryden nodded as he took the book, “Yeah.”

“Well I can see I came at a good time. If you don’t mind, Dryden, I’ll be taking these two off your hands.”

“No go right ahead. I’ve got to go get Zane.” He stood and she looked at his stomach. You could see a small swell but that was all.

“How far along are you?”

The white haired male quickly counted off something to himself, “Four more to go.”

“Wow really!” When he nodded she glanced at his figure. ‘Maybe they don’t show as much as females?’ She grinned, “That’s good I now know when to take another break. Okay, we’ll leave you be now. I know a good spot to practice.”

The two were dragged away as Dryden stood to walk in the opposite direction. He tucked the book under one arm as he shoved his hands into his pockets. A few people in warm coats walked by him. They would glance at the white haired male wearing the thin coat. He caught a few of those looks and chuckled. That’s right, winter was almost there. He looked up at the tree covered sky. Spots of blue mixed with green here and there. Dryden walked looking up at the walk ways stretching from tree to tree. He was glad he didn’t have to climb up into the trees to get home.

His feet led him to Randy’s house and he saw Zane sitting with Fayt on the steps. Fayt was curled over crying. His head tipped to the side in question at the sight of the crying Fayt and Zane with an angry scowl on his face. Walking quicker, he stopped in front of the two, “Fayt? Zane? What’s wrong?”

When Zane looked up at him he caught the scrapes and scratches. “They wouldn’t leave Fayt alone.”

“Fayt, ya aren’t hurt anywhere?” That head shook and Dryden stood. “Is Randy inside?”

“Yeah.”

He stepped around them and pushed the door opened, “Randy?”

“I’m in the back.” As he back walked into the kitchen he found Randy leaning over a stove. A large pot of food sat in front of him. A mouth watering aroma floated over to Dryden. “Hello Dryden.”

“Please tell me ya caught one of them?”

“Sorry Dryden. I’ve already personally sent them home to their parents. I cannot stop them from picking on Fayt but I can tell their parents and they’ll do what they can.”

The Dragconian folded his arms in anger as his frown deepened. “Ya won’t tell me who?”

“Nope.”

He gave a loud sigh, “Fine! Will Fayt be okay?”

“Yeah. He’ll be jumping back tomorrow.”

“That’s good. Well I’ll grab Zane and head home then.” He turned to leave when Randy called out to him. He turned back to look at the bear, “Yeah.”

“How is Mark doing?”

“He’s learning fast. He’ll be ready to practice with a sword in two months according to Ari.”

The bear turned to him. “He is a strong kid but he is also only ten. Let him choose what to do.”

“I will. When Zachariah gets here he’ll really have to choose. But I think if he wanted to stop he could at anytime. I wouldn’t stop him if he wanted to quit.” With that he turned and left the house. Randy followed him out the door to watch as he left with Zane on his back. Fayt made a soft sound making him turn his head toward the small boy.

“Are you alright Fayt?”

“Yeah. It’s just words. Right?”

“Words are just words. Come on Lunch is almost ready.”

He nodded as he swiped at his tear streaked face, “Okay.”


Mark dropped to his hands and knees on the ground panting. His head hurt. How could something that’s not physically taxing make him feel so tired after only a few attempts? His only task was to move a rock the size of his hand curled in a fist. Glancing to his side he found Luka sprawled out under a tree on his stomach sleeping. His head pillowed on his arms. Luka had to make a rock as big as his hand spread wide move around while floating for ten minutes. The idiot had tried for thirty minutes before he just stopped. The rock dropped to the ground and he flopped over falling asleep.

‘Idiot.’

~Kyne thinks you’re an idiot. Mark need not push himself for when he leaves Mark will get his gifts.~

‘I’m not giving up.’

~Mark is idiot for not listening.~

‘Shut up.’

~Kyne does not listen to idiots. Kyne did not listen to first master after master said to let him alone. He was lost to the darkness.~

‘How am I an idiot? When all I want to do is to protect myself.’

~Mark not listening.~ The soft hiss caused him to flinch slightly. ~Kyne can help. Let Kyne help.~

‘The last time you helped I ended up killing people.’

~Kyne had to. Kyne protect Mark. Made promise to last master to protect master’s son.~

He jerked his head up and glanced around to make sure Shasa was busy with waking Luka. The red head had been sleeping now for a good hour. ‘You knew my father?’ The surprise reached onto his face as he turned back to the rock on the ground.

~Kyne helped last master cause he wanted to help free Kyne. Kyne want to be free with Mark and his father.~

‘My father is dead.’

~Kyne is sorry to hear that.~

‘I’ve gotten over it.’ Mark lifted his arm up to rub at his face. ‘I’ll let you help if you don’t kill anyone. I don’t want to kill. I made a promise.’

~That will be hard for Kyne to do. Sometimes people have to kill to save those they love. Kyne has learned this over the years.~

He sat back on his butt to look up at the sky. ‘I don’t want to lose myself.’

~Mark will not lose himself as long as Kyne is with Mark.~

‘Fine you can help. But just don’t go killing every person who attacks me.’

The small dragon made a scoffing sound. ~Kyne has a heart. Kyne just don’t kill to kill.~ He had a mental image of the dragon folding his arms with his head turned away and nose in the air. A small smile appeared on Mark’s face. ~Now look at the rock. Kyne will do the rest.~

‘But…’

~Look at the rock.~

A loud sigh escaped him as he stared at the rock. It shook slightly then started to rise. He jerked back slightly in shook and the rock dropped to the ground. A loud hiss filled his head. ~Focus. Kyne can’t help if you don’t focus.~

‘Sorry!’

Shasa shook Luka again causing the male to grumble. His body jerked away slightly. She rolled her eyes just to shake him harder. “Luka!”

He mumbled something but she only shook him again. “Stop…”

“Get up and I will.”

The hairs on her neck stood up and she jumped back quickly in time. Luka had sat up fast barley missing hitting her head with his. His body was shaking when he curled up some. Her hand reached out to touch his shoulder causing him to jerk away. Golden eyes darkened back to a golden brown. “Fuuuuck Shasa, you scared me.”

“You!? Your freaking me out I’ve never seen you act like this before.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “You learn new things every day.”

“Luka! What is wrong?”

The red head shoved himself up off the ground, “Nothing.” His arms folded behind his head as he stretched. “Everything is fine.”

“Bullshit!”

Her eyes narrowed as he turned his back on her. “I’m fine just not sleeping well lately. I’ve been worried about Dryden.”

“Fine, keep lying to me.” She turned on her heel and stormed off. He could hear her congratulating Mark on being able to move the rock. The thief sunk to the ground in a crouched position. His body was hunched over with arms folded over his legs.

A strong gust of wind picked up, causing him to shiver some. He rubbed at his face with his hands as he flopped down all the way onto the ground. Those hands dropped to the ground between his sprawled out legs. The sleepless nights were really getting to him. The sounds of Shasa’s voice drifted to him as he listened. The dream racing around in his thoughts. Yeah. He was screwed… “Damn…”

Dryden sat the plate on the table when the door opened. Shasa walked in with Mark a few steps behind her. Then he saw Luka. Well both of them looked worn out. But Luka looked ready to pass out. He watched as the red head made a bee line for the hallway heading towards their room. Looked like Luka was going to skip dinner. He didn’t mind as long as Luka didn’t skip to many.

When the woman turned to him he nodded his head, “Evening Dryden.”

“Shasa. Are ya staying here?”

She shook her head. “Nope I’m going to go bug Liam.”

Zane came running out into the living dining area. “Shasa!”

Her face brightened as she turned towards the five year old, “Zane look at you! You’re growing again!”

He jumped up and down waving his hands as he shouted. “Guess what. Guess what.”

“What?”

The small boy grabbed her hand and placed it on his head. “I’m getting my horns!”

“Yes you are.” She turned to Dryden confused. He was doubled over laughing silently. When Zane gave her a large grin she couldn’t help but smile. “You’re going to be an awesome Dragconian, Zane.”

“Yep I’m going to be the best!”

“That’s good.”

Dryden was trying to hide his laughter when Shasa turned towards him. “Horns?”

“They start to come in around the fourth and fifth year.” He patted his own head. “I’ve got them also. Ya only see them when the hair is really short.”

“Oh! Okay.” Shasa laughed as she waved her hand in a dismissing way. “It amazing what you learn every day.”

He was about to say something when Zane shouted, “Wake up Mark!”

The white haired man sighed as he facepalmed, “Zane…” He walked over to grab Zane from smacking Mark over the head with a pillow. “Oh, no, you don’t!” Zane shouted when Dryden confiscated the pillow from him. “Let him sleep. Go and sit down so I can feed ya.”

“But…”

“No whining.” His dad gave him a gentle push. “Go sit.”

The boy gave a whine, “Fine.”

The dark haired woman hid her laugh. “You’re a good parent you make it look so easy.”

“It harder than it looks.” He turned to head into the kitchen. “Why don’t cha’ya stay around to eat?”

“That’s alright. I’m going to head out now. Don’t want to spoil anything for you.”

“Trust me, ya won’t. Luka sleeps like a log.”

He could hear her laughing as he started to put most of the food away. “Okay he does sleep a little hard, but all you have to do is shout. Mom did it all the time.”

Dryden started to put some of the food aside for him and Zane. Once he was finished he started to work on two plates just in case Luka or Mark woke up. “I’ll let him sleep. He needs it. Been waking up more than me.” He walked out with his and Zane’s plate. Once he sat them down he picked up the empty ones. “So you’ll be leaving soon?”

“Yeah.” She tucked her arms behind her back and smiled. “It’s good seeing you again Dryden.”

He nodded. “Yeah.” Shasa turned toward the door. “Night Shasa.”

The door opened and she looked back at him, a grin on her face, “Night Dryden!” When the door clicked shut he headed back into the kitchen. After putting the empty plates away he tapped his fingers on the counter.

“Damn…” His head rested against the cabinet doors. A few seconds pasted before he slammed his fist against the counter. “Damn it!”

“Daddy!”

Dryden quickly turned around to find Zane looking at him. “Are ya done?”

The boy gave a grin as he shook his head, “Not yet. Mark is up.”

He ran out of the kitchen to the table. He could see Mark sitting at the table. The Dragconian grabbed Mark’s plate as he walked by. He stopped short of leaving the kitchen and took a deep breath then let it out. He was worried about Luka, Mark, and everything else. He really need to take things one step at a time. But first things first, he’ll pull whatever is bugging Luka out of him. Then he really needed to change the council’s minds again. As he walked out, Mark looked at him. He sat the plate down then sat down in front of his own plate. Zane grinned again and shouted, “Time to eat now!”
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So how was it? Any improvement? Does it need improvement? RnR and tell me. You can ask questions on my Live Journal or message me in AFF’s forum. I will answer as best as I can. ID names are the same. Whatever works for you is fine. Have a happy day.

Shade:)