The Desert World

Rating: Fighting, blood

A/N: Sorry it took so long couldn't focus lately. So enjoy the story.

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Four months later.

Luka sat outside the door. Eva stood in front of him. “Relax Luka.” His leg was bouncing and with every second that passed it was quickly annoying Eva. Her hands shot out to grab his head. “Luka! Stop!”

He glared at her. “You never told me why I have to wait here in the lobby and not near the room. And why the hell are you out here and not there?”

She stood straighter as she crossed her arms. “It looks like they don’t want any outsiders knowing how it happens with the males.” Her head tipped to the side as she thought about it. “I mean I thought they did a c-section… but I didn’t see anything for that when I got that one glimpse in the room.”

His fingers tightened in the fabric of his pants. One of the two things he was wearing at the moment. His coat was unzipped showing off his bare chest. “You’re not helping.”

“Well that’s all I can do… unless you would like a shirt to wear with your coat.”

“I’m okay.”

“And Zane?”

“With Mark. He’s helping Zane get his clothes on then they’ll head over with my father.”

“Okay.” She nodded her head, her short hair falling forward some. “Well I’m going to go check on my other patients. You don’t push yourself.”

“I won’t. I’m not a child you know!”

A frown appeared on her face, “Could have fooled me.” His golden brown eyes rolled skywards then rested on the far wall to his left. “Like I said.” She walked off leaving Luka alone with his own thoughts. He leaned forward in his seat and let his head hang. His hand folded together as he silently prayed to anyone listening to not let it happen again. To spare him the misery and let everything be alright. Those golden brown eyes were shut tightly. His head leaned forward more to rest his forehead on his folded hands.

Not even two hours ago him and Dryden were just resting curled together, one awake and the other half wake. Dryden couldn’t sleep no matter how hard he tried. He kept sitting up, only to stand up and pace the room. His stomach wasn’t that large for someone who was due any day. After a long talk where Dryden had to reassure him constantly that the child was healthy and he was fine. It was normal for Dragconians not to show as much. Just so Luka would stop fretting he had Darian bring over the family album so that he could see the picture of Dryden’s mother when she was carrying her sons. The only time she had shown more was when she was carrying Dryden and Troy. It was a safety thing for the parents. Not only were their stomach area small when showing but it was harder to injure the unborn child the longer the Dragconian carrier was with child. There was also the temper it seemed to flare up more than any other emotion. Which would also explain why Dryden had been on the verge of biting his face off whenever he did something that was border line stupidity.

It was about the middle of the night when Dryden jerked up startling Luka from the half wake daze he had been in. Sitting up slightly he found Dryden sitting completely still. When amethyst eyes looked at him he felt his breath catch then Dryden was getting out of bed. “Call Eva.” Luka was confused at the calmness Dryden was putting off until he snapped at him. “Damn it wake up and call Eva or the child will be born in this room.”

That had him scrambling out of the bed tripping on the sheets. He was out of the room and running down the hall to the living room. He slid open the panel covering a small phone like devise. Not even thinking about using the one in the room he pushed the button for the medic. A young woman answered. “Tell Eva I’m on my way with Dryden.”

“And you are?”

“Luka! Damn it, hurry up and go now!” He didn’t wait for her to reply as the panel slid shut. The red head was half way down the hall when he paused. He back tracked and walked into Mark’s room. Quickly waking the blond he explain what was going on and to get Zane ready. This time he ran back to the room to find Dryden dressed and sitting on the side of the bed. He walked over to the other hidden phone, “Let me call Fa-”

“Already did it, he’s on his way.” The white haired male was panting slightly as sweat slowly ran down the sides of his face. “Fuck…”

Luka snagged his coat. He had it on when he reached the bed. “Can you walk?”

Dryden shook his head as his face scrunched up. “I can try.” He wasn’t even able to stand before Luka scooped him up into his arms. “Lu-Luka!”

“Don’t worry I got you.”

Once there, Dryden hadn’t even been out of his arms for five seconds before three older Dragconians, two women and a man, shoved both him and Eva out of the room. The door had snapped shut behind them leaving them to stand there. So Eva, getting pissed over being kicked out of her own exam room, banged on the door. One of the women stepped out to tell them to wait in the lobby far from the door. Luka refused but the woman shoved him away every time he tried to get in. “No outsiders.” Was all she would say pissing him off.

“Damn it, that’s my child and Dryden in there!”

“No outsiders.”

Eva stepped between the two before Luka ended up fighting with the woman. “What if the child is more like Luka?”

“We will call for your assistance when it is needed.” The door opened and the woman slipped in, the door snapping shut behind her.

Eva growled, “Bitch.”

The red head stood there staring at the door. He felt hands on his shoulder and Eva led Luka over to one of the chairs. Now here he sat praying that nothing bad would happen to Dryden. He was so gone in his thoughts he jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up he found his father looking down at him. “How are you holding up?”

He gave a half hearted shaky smile. Zane climbed up onto the chair next to him and hugged Luka. He wrapped his arm around the small boy. Liam stood next to Luka watching the door down the hall. Mark stood next to the door that led outside the lobby watching everything. He leaned up against the wall, a soft smile on his face. He missed his mother and her warm hugs. His back slid against the wall as he dropped to the floor. Right at that moment he felt alone. Tears slid down his face as Kyne made a soft sound.

~Not alone. Kyne is here.~

‘I know. But I can’t help it.’

Just then the doors opened and Troy ran inside, “How is everything?”

Luka shook his head, “You didn’t miss anything.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.” They watched as Troy rushed down the hall and banged on the door. It opened as he began to make wild movements with his arms. The woman was talking to him calmly while his voice grew louder. Then he was yanked into the room, the door slamming shut behind him. The small group watched with mouths gaping. The red head sighed as he slumped back against the chair. “I just was to see if he’s alright.”

A few minutes later the doors leading outside opened again, startling Mark. He looked at the two in the doorway. One of them pulled his hood off. “Where is Dryden?” Zachariah walked over to Luka. “Where is he?”

“He’s down the hall. They won’t let me in to see him.”

“Guess I made it in time.” Mark looked up at the tall hooded figure. Just looking at the person you could tell the person was strong. “How is Mark?” His shoulders stiffened as he slowly slipped closer to the open doors. He was almost out them when Kyne shouted.

~He’s here!~

‘Who!?’

~Kyne’s old master is here!~

Luka made a motion towards Mark, “Ask him yourself.” That hood covered head turned to look at him as Zachariah walked over.

“Well damn he’s gotten taller. Hey kid what’s shaken?”

He slid back some and shrugged. His eyes avoided Zachariah as he waited for him to speak again.

“How is that training going?” His shoulders shrugged again. Then he moved closer over to Luka. He made sure he was near the red head. This caused Zachariah to raise an eyebrow. “Mark what’s wrong?”

He shook his head.

“Well if nothing is wrong, then I guess I should show you something. My friend here made something for you.”

The hooded man walked over to Mark. The boy shifted back slightly. He crouched some as his hands untucked something from under his cloak. When he held it out to Mark, he uncovered it some of the way to show him the hilt of a sword. “It’s yours now, Mark.” His hands shook as he reached out to touch the sword. Then he let out a shaky breath. Looking up he found himself looking into warm red eyes. Tears slid down his cheeks his hands raised up to cover his face as he tried to stop them. A large hand rested on his knit covered head. “Will you forgive this old man for being late?”

“You’re alive! They said you died! That’s why she did it!”

He jumped slightly when he was picked up. The man pulled his hood down to show hair as blond as Mark’s. “I’m sorry you had to see that.” The taller man turned to Zachariah as he sat Mark on his shoulder. “I would like to thank your brother.”

Luka snorted, “Good luck they won’t let anyone back there that’s considered an outsider.” His head was in his hands. Then he glanced at the man, then at Mark and rested his cheek on his balled fist. “So you’re his old man…”

He was going to say more when a door banged open. The red head was up out of his seat as Troy shot past them shouting, “Eva! Eva!” Liam grabbed Luka’s shoulder before he could even take two steps towards the room.

“Relax Luka. I don’t think it’s that bad.” Eva and Troy came running back down the hall. She was pushing a cart with random items resting on it. After the two disappeared into the room, the door slamming shut behind them, Liam brought his hand down on Luka’s back. “Looks like she takes after you!” A surprised look crossed Luka’s face as he dropped into the chair.

Zachariah chuckled as he turned to the taller man, “Leon would you like to wait awhile. I can guaranty that you’ll see my brother soon and Mark will most like want to meet the new child.”

Mark jumped to the ground stumbling slightly. “When can we see Dryden?”

“Soon.” The white haired man gave a grin as he crossed his arms. “Very soon.”

Eva walked out she rubbed at her forehead with the back of her hand and grinned. Turning she found Luka looking at her. “Alright everything is fine. You can go in.” She stepped to the side to let Luka rush in. She sighed, “Honestly, the boy is fine.”

Luka slowed down as he neared Dryden. Once he was at the side of the bed, Dryden sat up slowly. “Luka…” He blinked when Luka kissed him. A slight grin appeared on his lips. “I’m fine.”

Those golden brown eyes dropped to look at the bandage around his waist. His fingers rubbed over those bandages. “Eva said…”

The white haired male gave a sheepish grin, “Well they had to get her out. One way or the other.”

He perked up some, “What’s the other way?”

Dryden froze when he felt the glares on his back. He gave a nervous laugh, “I can’t tell ya, but it wasn’t that way.” Amethyst eyes glanced over his shoulder at the three Dragconians. “So yeah.”

Luka opened his mouth to say something when Eva walked over. “So who wants to hold her?” Both looked over to see Eva holding a small bundle in her arms. “She’s going to be fine. What are you going to name her?” Luka held his arms out and she passed the baby to him.

Both looked at her then smiled, “Adelle.”

Dryden sat watching Mark train. A small lump could be seen in the front of him. He unzipped his coat some to look at the sleeping baby. A smile appeared on his face. She had on a small skull cap and was curled up against Dryden’s shirt. One month had passed since then. His hand reached in to make sure the sling Adelle was in was still fastened. “Dryden.”

He turned to look back at his younger brother. “Hey Coty.”

Coty sat next to him and smiled, “How is Adelle?”

“She is fine. Fell asleep just a few minutes ago.”

He nodded then looked out at Mark. “I heard about Mark. So is that his father?”

Both looked out at Mark who was sitting next to Leon. Every time Mark would squirm, Leon would flick him on the ear. From the looks of it, he was trying to show the boy how to focus. Dryden nodded then smiled, “Yeah. Leon hasn’t left Mark’s side since he has gotten here.”

A few seconds passed and Mark landed on top of Coty. They stared at each other before Coty started laughing. Mark crossed his arms as he glared at the laughing male. “It’s not funny!”

Leon walked over chuckling as Mark punched Coty in the shoulder. “Let’s try that again.”

The two walked back over to the center of the training area. They sat watching when Mark disappeared. A shout came from behind the Dragconians. They turned around to see a smirking Mark as he sat on Luka’s head. The two brothers started laughing at the sight, causing Luka to growl. “Get off of me or I’ll hang you from the clothes line again!”

“This is going to be fun.”

“Damn brat! Off!”

The house was quiet. He sat at the table reading his book. He had just laid the now two month old Adelle down to sleep. So Dryden was ready for some peace and quiet. His empty plate sat nearby with a few crumbs littered here and there on it. The page flipped over as he reached for the glass of water. Zane was out with Mark and Fayt. Everyone was gone and he was sitting here reading. A smirk pulled at his lips as he thought of all the stuff his twin was going through since he was on rest for the next week. Soon or later ,Troy would be pounding on the door begging for help or the council would, since Troy was stubborn. The page flipped again and he paused slightly. A soft sound reached him. His eyes narrowed.

His form slipped from the chair as he slinked over to the hallway. He quietly closed the book letting it rest on a small table in the hall. Dryden silently slipped up to his room door where he paused listening. Slipping in, he slowly drew out one of his short blades. Adelle was making soft sounds from her bed. Once beside her, he looked at the small baby. Once he was reassured she was fine he gave a sigh. He was starting to hear things now.

“Dryden! I’m home!”

He smiled and turned, “Lu-” An arm wrapped around his shoulders as something jabbed him in the neck. His blade whipped around to slice at someone’s side. He stumbled away. His back pressed against the crib Adelle was laying in asleep. Jumping forward he sliced out ,missing the person. He looked confused. It should of hit.

“Good it’s working.”

His hand covered his neck. What the hell did they give him? When the person walked forward it was at a slow pace. “Who the fuck are ya!?” Luka’s voice was heard as he came running towards their room. Their door rattled as Luka tried to get inside. The body shot forward and he raised his blade to block the hidden knife. A loud clatter followed as his blade was knocked out of his hands. He swung at them. His fist was caught. Another sharp jab and everything was quickly growing fuzzy. His body fought to keep its self up only he stumbled. Amethyst eyes slid closed as he fell to the side.

The room door snapped open as Luka slammed his whole body against it. “Dryden!” He ran at the cloaked figure, who had Dryden over their shoulder, when his feet were yanked out from under him. His body hit a bookcase causing it to tip and both books and the bookcase fell on top of him. When the red head didn’t move Kairu smirked was he appeared next to the person.

“What a pity. That is all it takes to knock you out. Half-breeds are so pitiful. They should have gotten rid of them long ago.” He turned red eyes on the small baby. A loud snort and he reached into the crib. Kairu hiss as something sharp dug into his side. Golden eyes glowed as Luka glared at him from where he stood holding the bookcase up. He let out a low growl as black marks quickly appeared. The bookcase thudded onto the ground next to the angry red head. The black dragon smirked then reached further into the crib. A sharp jolt caused him to retract his hand. A small barrier was shielding the baby. Red eyes looked at Luka in time to see five books fly at him. “Hm, idiot.”

He waved his arm out knocking the books to the side. Tucking his hands into his pockets he grinned. Luka jerked slightly as a something hard slammed into his gut. Kairu pulled one hand out and clench his fist. Pain filled his body as he wrapped his arms around his stomach. He let out a choked gasp, it felt like his whole body was being squeezed. A sharp pain quickly shot through his mind. He slumped forward as his arms hung limp next to him. Golden eyes widened when they wouldn’t move. “It’s useless you won’t be able to move for a few minutes.”

~Move!~

Feet appeared in his sight. A hand grabbed a fist full of hair, pulling him up some. “You may have gotten lucky the first time but luck isn’t on your side today boy.” Kairu pulled the dagger out of his side. The red head watched as his own dagger sunk into his gut. He let out a choked cry of pain. Only to curse when it was twisted sharply then ripped out. His body hit the ground as blood quickly seeped out of his wound. “How about taking a little nap?” A foot collided with his side causing him to cough up blood. “Let’s go.”

~Move!~

Luka growled as he forced his body to move and pushed himself up. His hand covered his wound while fighting to stand. Kairu turned to see him standing. He let a smile curve onto his face. Walking over he looked at him. “Oh, so you can stand.” He stepped back when Luka swung at him. A smirk grew as Luka swung time and time again. When Luka tried to kick him he caught the leg then slammed Luka against the wall. “Down means down, brat.” He watched as Luka once against slowly climbed to his feet. “Damn brats these days. They never listen to their elders.”

He crouched and slammed his palm into Luka’s wound. Luka cried out as pain blossomed. The red head stumbled back gasping in pain. A hand grabbed his neck and lifted him up. His fingers clawed at his hand. “It makes you think doesn’t it? How can someone you could fight on par before be able to toss you around like a rag doll? It’s easy. The seal on me is almost open. Now all I have to find is a better host since this one is about to die.”

Luka’s golden eyes glanced at the cloaked figure. ‘Magic… was right…’ “Damn… you…” He gritted his teeth and brought his feet up. They slammed into his chest causing Kairu to stumble back. A loud scream filled the air, they turned to look at the crib. His eyes widened as Kairu smirked. “NO!” Right before Kairu could reach her, a large blast slammed into the black dragon causing him to fly out the window. The red head rushed for the crib. He picked the baby up and ran out of the room to the table in the hallway. “Don’t worry.” His hands pried open the wall. Inside was a small pillow filled cubby hole. He placed her inside, making sure she wouldn’t roll around before quickly covering up the wall. Luka placed his hand over it. “I’ll be back… I promise.”

There was a crash from the living room. He ran out in time to see a piss off Kairu. “Damn half-breed!” Kairu waved his hand, sending a wave of energy at Luka. He dove to the side and kept moving as each wave ripped into the areas around him. Luka slid into the kitchen, his hand reached for the sink faucet. “No you don’t!” He was yanked away, his back slamming into cabinets. His body dropped to the floor. The red head gasped as he rolled over only to have a foot connect with his side. He fell back to the ground in pain. His head rose, a stubborn glare directed at the man in front of him. His hands pushed himself up just as that foot swung at him. He caught it and flipped Kairu off balance. Luka climbed to his feet to grab a knife out of a drawer. He turned holding it blade length along his arm. Kairu climbed to his feet and looked at Luka.

He rushed forward, forcing Luka to step back. The knife whipped out, making Kairu step back some. He rushed forward once again causing Luka to step back some more. The two were soon out in the dining area. Luka rolled over the table and flipped it up. Kairu’s hand broke through the table causing Luka to jerk back. He grabbed that fist and yanked him forward. Then the red head pushed against the table sliding it till Kairu was pinned between the tabletop and the wall. He turned to run for the wall near the kitchen. Looking up he gave a silent prayer that Dryden wouldn’t kill him for this. His fist struck the wall. Once he clawed away the wooden part his hand closed around a pipe. There was a loud snap behind him. Turning slightly he found Kairu growling. He grinned. “Hey. I wonder what all the other dragon’s would say if they found out you got your ass handed to you by a half-breed.”

Kairu hissed, then brought his sword out. In one hard stroke, a wave of energy rushed at Luka. Luka dove to the side as it slammed into the wall behind him. The pipe burst making water gush out. The dragon shouted as water soaked the ground quickly flooding the floor. Luka closed his hand over his wound then reached down to place it in the water. His skin started to change to that cobalt color. “You fucked with the wrong person.” A wicked grin appeared on Luka’s face. The water climbed up his arm making its way to his wound.

Kairu gave a smirk. “This will be fun.” He ran at Luka. His sword fell onto the knife causing it to snap. Luka jumped back ending up being grazed by the sword. His hand reached up to cover the wound. “Let’s see how fast you can heal yourself before you bleed out.” A wave of water rushed at Kairu. His sword sliced through it in time to see Luka appear in front of him. He flipped his sword around as Luka swung his dagger out.

Blood dripped onto the ground. The cloaked figure walked out to find the two looking at each other. A grin appeared on Kairu’s face. “Heh, stupid brat.” His sword was ripped out of Luka’s stomach, causing blood to splatter on the ground. The red head dropped to his knees as Kairu laughed. Both hands pressed against his wound. Kairu shoved his foot against Luka’s shoulder forcing him onto his back. “Pitiful. Maybe you’ll see each other in the next life.” He dug his heel into Luka’s wound making him cry out in pain. “I’ll make sure you can’t get up this time.” The black dragon held his hand out. He slowly clenched his fist causing Luka to scream in pain. A loud crack was heard. His body arched off the floor in pain as he tried to gasp in air. He reached up to his throat but nothing was there.

The red head rolled over gasping when he felt another rib crack. He let out a shout of pain. The cloaked figure walked over and stood watching him for a while. He could make out the yellow eyes before they turned. “Rollin take the Carrier and leave.” Luka’s hand shot out to grab Rollin’s leg.

“Don’t…” He cried out as the pain grew. Rollin shook his leg dislodging the hand. Luka’s sight started to darken as Rollin walked out.

When the pain finally vanished, he gasped for air, only to find himself flying across the room against the wall. His body thumped to the ground where he laid unmoving. Kairu laughed as he left, “Die like the lowly dirt you are! You’re nothing but a weak half-breed!” The gushing water slowly came to a stop. Golden eyes stared blankly at the destroyed back door.

His hands curled as he slowly tried to push himself up off the ground. He placed both hands against the wall. ‘Help. Got to get… help…’ Luka slowly sat up. Pressing one hand to his gaping wound he pulled himself up. Leaning against the wall to help stand, he slowly inched his way down it. The blood splattered onto the ground as he moved. With his blooded hand bracing him he started panting trying to catch his breath. Reaching up with the other he slid the panel open. His vision blurred slightly as he stared at the buttons. He leaned over some resting his shoulder on the wall.

His hand pressed a button smearing blood on it. “Help…”

“Hello.”

“Help… Dryden…… hurt….” His breathing grew ragged.

“Luka! What the hell is going on!?”

“Help…” He swayed then started to slide down the wall. “Please… help…… Aid…en…” His body slumped over against the wall as his hands dropped to the ground. As the house grew quiet the sounds of soft cries could be heard. Golden eyes dulled slightly as they slid closed. “Dry…den…”

“Luka! Luka!!”

Dryden opened his eyes to find himself lying on a floor. He slowly climbed his feet and glanced around. As he walked forward he ran into an invisible wall. His hand clutched his face as he cursed fluently. Reaching out, he touched the wall causing the image to ripple slightly. He turned slightly following the ripple till he had turned in a circle. Looking down at his feet he could see dark red rune markings circling where he was standing. His eyes widened as he finally understood what they were for. He rushed up to the wall and slammed his fist against the wall trying to break it. “Let me out!” The white haired male kept banging against the rippling wall. His voice rose louder and louder as he shouted to be let go. Only his voice never reached outside the wall. The large room that he was being held in was quiet as he kept banging on the wall.

A dark figure walked into the room. He bristled slightly as he let out a loud growl then he started shouting. A panel rose out of the ground. His fingers pressed a few buttons, “…Yer a fucking pain in the ass! Let me out, NOW!”

“Quit your bitching. You were better when you were asleep for the last three days.”

Dryden growled at him. “I don’t care what Magic said. When I get out, I’m goin’ to burn ya into a pile of ash!”

Rollin rolled his eyes to the side. “Magic?” He tipped his head the hood never once showing his face. “No I don’t remember one.”

A curse left Dryden then he screamed, “Kairu, you’ve gone too far!!”

“Have I?” He whipped around to see Kairu walking over to them. “All I want is to free the one who was taken from me. So what if I have to step on a few lower lives.”

“Ya do that and you’ll kill everyone on this damn planet!”

“Do I look like I care!?” He walked over to Dryden and grinned. “Just like I didn’t care when I ran that half-breed through with my sword.” The white haired male lowered his head his fists clenched at his side. He hissed out something causing Kairu to smirk. “What was that?”

He lifted his head with a growl his fist pulled back. Flames wrapped around it as he screamed, “Ya fuckin’ bastard!” His fist slammed into the wall causing it to ripple violently. His legs buckled out from under him as Kairu laughed.

“Keep it up! The more you use your powers, the more power you feed to the white dragon!”

Dryden placed his hands on the ground in front of himself as he stood. His breath was coming out in quick gasps. It was starting to feel like he had just taking a run through the desert. “Fucker…” His eyes grew dark as he growled out low. “I’ll kill you.”

He leaned closer to look at Dryden, “Good luck.” His knuckle tapped against the wall. “This is meant to keep you in.” Kairu walked around the circle Dryden was stuck in over to Rollin. “What are you doing here?”

“Getting a closer look.”

“Hmm… what for?”

He shrugged. “No reason.” Then he turned and left Kairu standing there.

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Book one is almost done. I’m going to say about three maybe four chapters are left… I think we’ll see. Reviews of all kinds welcomed.
Shade:)