The Astral Realm

Grave rubbed his shoulder as he walked down the hallway. He didn't exactly want to talk to Flame but he supposed Flame deserved an explanation for his actions.

"So how did your rendezvous go?" Archos inquired and Grave looked at her.

"It wasn't a rendezvous. How long has Flame known I've been gone?"

"Long enough. You're not in love with that mortal, are you? If you are then I'm jealous," Drake said and Grave looked at him.

"I'm not in love. How did you find out I was gone anyway?" Grave asked and Archos folded her arms.

"He saw you leave. So what was it like down there?" she asked.

"You've been to the mortal world before."

"Only on business. I don't go down there on a whim."

"Well it's a good thing I went down. There was a feeder down there."

"I wish I could have seen you destroy it," Drake said and Grave looked at Archos.

"You know what was strange? I sealed the area and did a time freeze on the area but it had no effect on one mortal," Grave said and Archos frowned.

"You mean the one you've been watching?" she asked and Grave nodded his head. He then fell to his knees when a pain shot through his arm and Drake helped him up.

"Flame's getting impatient." he said and Grave brushed himself off.

"I can tell that," he replied and began walking again. "You two don't have to hang around. Who knows how long this will take?"

"Then give me your house key. I'll cook you something good to eat," Archos said and Drake nodded his head.

"And I'll fix your bed," Drake said and Archos kicked him. "Hey! What was that for?!"

"You try too hard," she replied and Grave handed her his key.

"I really don't know how long I'll be in there," he said and Archos patted his hand.

"It'll be fine. Now go before Flame does any permanent damage to that arm."

He grinned then walked off. Archos turned to Drake and glared at him. Drake sighed as he watched Grave walk down the hall then gazed into Archos' angry eyes.

"What's with you?" he asked and Archos folded her arms.

"You know nothing about tact, do you? What kind of line is I'll fix your bed? Why don't you just ask to spend the night?" she asked and Drake's face lit up.

"Do you think he'd accept?"

"Idiot. Well come on. You can at least help me."

"I don't know what he sees in that mortal. I have so much more to offer."

"You're hopeless. Maybe he'd notice you if you acted more responsible. He just thinks you idolize him."

"I do but I adore him as well. I'd love to spend the night with him. We could have so much fun together."

"A relationship isn't a game, Drake," Archos said and Drake grinned deviously.

"Oh I know but I wish I could be his slave," Drake replied.

"I never knew you were so sick."

"I just hope Flame doesn't get too physical with him. I wouldn't want that fantasy destroyed."

"Flame isn't that bad."

"You've never gotten him really angry then. He can be pretty cruel."

"Have you gotten him that angry?"

"A couple of times. It was quite unpleasant. He didn't do anything that aroused me."

"And here I thought you were quiet and innocent. I'll never look at you the same way again."

"Hey I'm sure there's dirty secrets that you keep hidden. Perhaps you have dirty thoughts about Grave," Drake said and Archos smacked him. Drake rubbed his cheek and grinned.

"Touchy aren't we? I seem to have struck a nerve."

"Shut up. Let's go get Grave's house ready. I'm sure he's going to need some relaxation once Flame gets done with him."

*************************************************************

Grave's back hit the wall and he drew his breath in sharply. His eyes gleamed with pain as Flame watched him. Grave gritted his teeth as Flame struck him again. He wanted to express the pain he felt but he wasn't going to give Flame the satisfaction of seeing him weak.

"So let me get this straight. You went down to meet a mortal?!" Flame asked as Grave licked the blood of his mouth.

"I ran into a feeder down there so the trip wasn't a complete waste of time," Grave replied then bared his teeth when Flame kicked him.

"You shouldn't have been down there in the first place! You made direct contact with a mortal that wasn't on your immediate list. That is forbidden!"

"He's not just a mortal. He withstood my time freeze spell."

"Maybe you missed."

"I don't miss. You know that."

"You've got an attitude today. That's good that you can bite back after all the pain you've been subjected to," Flame said and Grave glared at him.

"I'd rather deal with feeders than be your whipping boy," he said then grunted in pain when Flame's knee caught him squarely in the crotch.

"That sort of attitude I will not tolerate from anyone. Not even the best reaper I've got. You may go now. That is, if you can walk."

Grave said nothing as he slowly walked out of the room. His body ached too much to fight back anymore. Flame watched him leave then wiped perspiration from his forehead. He enjoyed the few occassions that Grave stepped out of line because it gave him a good workout. Grave was more resistant than most reapers. Drake, for example was entirely too compliant with his wishes. He served quite well as his punching bag but Flame liked someone with resistance. He wished Grave would screw up more often because he loved to see the fire in Grave's eyes when he abused him. He frowned then pushed back his long ebony hair. If what Grave had said was true, then the balance of the lower world was in grave danger. Mortals were not made to resist any spell a reaper cast which meant there had to be some sort of gift hidden deep within the mortal's soul. If the feeders were aware of this mortal's resistance to reaper magic, they would increase in numbers and possibly spread out to other sectors in search of rare treats.

He had to decide what to do. Without careful planning, the entire lower world could turn into a desolate battle-zone and that would upset the Planetary Planners (and possibly get Flame banned to a desolate region of space). He yawned as he pulled off his shirt and walked out of the punishment room. He needed sleep to help him think clearly.

Meanwhile, Grave groaned at he opened the door. He started slightly when Archos appeared and Archos stared in shock at his appearance.

"Did Flame do that to you?" she asked as she moved out of Grave's way.

"Woah. You really set him off. Did he use magic on you?" Drake inquired as Grave wearily made his way to a nearby chair.

"No but his physical attacks were damaging enough. I don't think I would have lasted as long as I did if he used magic," Grave replied as he closed his eyes.

"Let me help you out."

"What do you mean?"

"I know some healing techniques that will help speed up your natural healing process."

"You'd better not be looking for an excuse to touch him," Archos said and Drake glanced at her.

"I'm being serious but do I sense a hint of jealousy in your voice?" Drake asked and Archos' face grew red as Drake placed his hands on Grave's shoulder. He began to gently rub Grave's shoulders and Grave sighed in relief. Archos watched Drake then coughed awkwardly. Grave glanced at her and Archos wrung her hands.

"Something wrong?" he asked and Archos frowned.

"Well I did go to the trouble of preparing you a meal," she replied. "I thought you might need it. You were down in the mortal world for an awfully long time," she said as Drake brought a hand up to Grave's chin and began stroking it.

"I'd be more than willing to provide you complete relaxation. Just say the word and we'll move to your room," Drake whispered then moaned when Archos jabbed her elbow into his side.

"I really appreciate what you two are trying to do for me but I really should start thinking about Kelem," Grave said as Drake moved his hands down onto Grave's chest.

"Who?" Drake asked.

"The mortal."

"You said that mortal meant nothing to you. Were you lying to me, Grave? Don't I mean anything to you?"

"Shut up. I'm too tired to listen to it."

"You're so melodramatic, Drake. Grave, I made your favorite dish," Archos said.

"I'll try to get up. My entire body is screaming in pain," Grave said as Drake leaned forward.

"You need a full body massage. Give my power a chance," he said and Grave glanced back at him.

"If I'm able to eat something, I'll give you a chance," Grave said and Drake glanced at Archos.

"Just don't go too far with him," Archos said and Drake looked innocently at her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said as Grave forced himself to stand.

"You know Drake, that mortal is something else. I bet you wish he was in your sector," Grave said and Drake folded his arms.

"I don't want the trouble that mortal brings. I could never stand the kind of torture Flame gives you."

"What are you saying?"

"Flame treats you differently than the rest of us."

"Why?"

"How should I know? Ask him yourself but only after you're feeling better."

"Some of my cooking will help you get your strength back," Archos said then glanced at Drake who was stroking Grave's back. 

"Are you jealous? Just what do you dream about, Archos?" Drake asked and Archos glared at him.

"Would you just shut up?!" she demanded and Drake avoided a potential blow to the head.

"Maybe I should have just fallen unconscious in Flame's room," he said then glanced at Drake who had begun to tightly squeeze him.

"Flame doesn't deserve to have your body for a long period of time," he said and Archos pulled him away from Grave.

"I'll help you to the dining room," she said. "Drake can get you a drink."

"Sure. Let me do the menial labor. I'm a reaper, not a servant."

"You both are acting like mortals," Grave said then winced as he took a painful step forward. "Damn him. Why did he have to do it so hard?"

"Flame gets pleasure from the pain of others. It's just the way he is."

"Yeah but on the few occassions I do screw up, he seems to torture me more than necessary."

"Maybe he likes you," Archos said and Grave glanced at her.

"Why am I so popular all of a sudden?" he asked as Drake opened the dining room door.

"I've always adored you," he said then glanced warily at Archos. "You have no idea just how fond I am of you."

"I think I can give it a good guess. You know, such emotions are best left to the mortals, Drake."

"Why do you say that?"

"We're reapers. We have no need for such emotions. Our job is simply to collect the souls when they become ripe. There's no other reason for our existence."

"Boy you have no imagination whatsoever," Drake said and folded his arms as Grave sat down. Drake gazed fondly at Grave as Archos laid a plate on the table. Grave gazed at the plate for a moment then glanced at Archos.

"It smells great. I really owe you one," Grave said and Archos smiled in embarrassment.

"Thank you. Get him a drink, Drake," she said and Drake looked at her.

"Why are you ordering me around?" he asked as he stood up.

"I thought you liked being ordered around."

"Only by someone I'm fond of." 

"Shut up Drake," Grave said and Drake fell silent.

"Well it look like you've got control over him," Archos said as she sat beside Grave. Drake stood up and walked into the kitchen. Archos watched him leave then glanced at Grave. "I never knew how deep his feelings for you ran."

"I don't know why," he said and Archos smiled.

"You are quite likable. I'm sure he's not the only one that would like to be in a relationship with you."

"Like I've said, relationships are for mortals. We have no need for such feelings."

"I think you're the only one that feels that way."

"Here you go," Drake said as he reentered the room and placed a glass on the table. "So are you feeling any better?"

"I'm more alert now. I can tell just how much pain I'm in. Before, I was to exhausted to sense it I guess," Grave replied.

"Once I get through with you, you'll never know that you were used as a punching bad."

"Is he really that good?"

"I don't know. He's never offered to do me before," Archos replied.

"I've never had a desire to do you," Drake said and Archos folded her arms.

"I prefer taking a bath anyway. I like the feeling of warm water against my skin. Well it looks as though I've got some work to do. Don't have too much fun, Drake."

"I'll force myself not to," Drake said then glanced at Grave. "She worries too much."

"You both worry me," Grave said as he pushed his plate to the side. "Okay now where do you want me?"

"I want you in the bedroom. That's where you can get to your most relaxed state, isn't it?"

"I suppose so. Just what are you going to do to me?"

"Trust me. That's all I ask."

Grave slowly stood up as Drake picked up his plate and silverware. He carried them into the kitchen and Grave wondered if Flame had actually heard anything Grave had told him. He gritted his teeth in pain and cursed Flame for his unnecessary brutal behavior.

"Cursing him won't lessen the pain," Drake said as he stepped out of the kitchen.

"How did you know?" Grave asked and Drake pulled off his shirt. Grave stared at the gashes in Drakes arms, his chest lined with various sized scars from numerous beatings and opened his mouth to say something but Drake held up his hand.

"If the injuries happen too quickly in succession, I cannot heal them. I can't match Flame's speed when he's blown a fuse," Drake said then sighed. "After awhile, you don't feel the pain anymore."

"Why does he pick on you so much?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm his favorite thing to abuse."

"I thought I was."

"You don't go against the rules that much. I guess he sees you as a challenge. Where is your bedroom by the way?"

"It's the one room you haven't seen in my place. Don't get exited over it. It's nothing big."

"If it belongs to you, it's got to be good."

Grave said nothing as he slowly walked out of the dining room. He felt Drake touch his hand but said nothing when Drake interlocked their fingers. He didn't feel like fighting it. Whatever resistance he had after Flame had finished with him was gone. Drake stroked Grave's arm and Grave glanced at him.

"What are you doing?" he asked then winced in pain when Drake pushed in his skin. 

"I'm going to have to spend a lot of time with you. I'm going to like that. I just hope I don't get called away for a job. Is this the room?" Drake asked when Grave stopped at a closed door. Grave nodded his head and Drake excitedly opened the door. The room was simple and decorated with cool colors. There was a small bookshelf, a desk, a chair, a lamp or two and of course, a bed.

"It's quaint," Drake said then pointed to Grave's clothes. "Take them off."

"In front of you?" Grave asked and Drake folded his arms.

"I never thought of you as modest."

"There's a lot you don't know. Why do you like me so much anyway?"

"I don't know. You just excite me. There's just something about you that starts me up. Now take your shirt off so I can help you."

"When you say it after your previous confession, it makes me worry."

"Do you want to get better or not? I want to help you. The skin show is a bonus. You don't want your body to end up like mine, do you?"

"No," Grave said as he took off his shirt. He glanced at Drake, who had begun to rub his shoulders and sighed. "I wish I knew why he resisted my spell."

"The mortal?"

"Who else would I mean?"

"I don't know. You also had to deal with Flame."

"I don't think Flame would have any problem resisting my magic."

"Sit down and close your eyes."

Grave sat down on the bed and closed his eyes. He savored Drake's healing touch and Drake smiled. He could give Grave so much if only he'd accept it. However, he was glad that Grave had no feeling towards the mortal he was hung up on and he pressed his fingers deep into Grave's skin. Grave's muscles tensed slightly in pain then relaxed when a feeling of relief washed over him.

"So how's the pain?" Drake inquired and Grave slowly opened his eyes.

"You're amazing. My body feels so relaxed. I don't know how you do it," he replied.

"I've only done the top half. I still have the bottom half to do."

"The bottom half? You mean my legs, right?"

"Of course. You want to be able to walk normally, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Well then you're going to have to take your pants off and lie down, aren't you?"

"Is that all you're going to do?" Grave asked and Drake folded his arms.

"For someone who firmly believes that relationships are best left to mortals, you certainly are acting very strange. Since you don't think we should have mortal emotions, why does it matter where I touch you?" Drake inquired as Grave stood up. He said nothing and Drake smiled. Obviously Grave was in denial. He winced slightly in pain when a thin wristband sent an electrical charge through his arm then glanced at Grave, who was just now taking off his pants. He had a soul to take but things were heating up here. He glanced over at Grave again and watched the pants slide off his body. The soul could wait a few minutes longer. He might never get an opportunity like this again. He would take the reprimand from Flame later.

"You all right?" Grave asked and Drake turned his attention towards him.

"I'm fine. I was just thinking about something. Now lie down on the bed and I'll take the pain away from those legs," he replied.

"I hope I'm not keeping you from anything."

"Of course not. I want to help you. I'll worry about the repercussions later."

"What are you talking about?"

"Never mind. Just lie down and relax." 

Grave lay down on the bed and Drake placed his hands on Grave's legs. Drake grinned in excitement as he began stroking Grave's legs. This was going to make Flame's punishment later on bearable although he wished desperatly, as he massaged Grave, that he could fondle something a little more sensitive. Unfortunately, they were not that close in their relationship. In fact, they didn't really have a relationship together. Grave was firmly set in the belief that relationships were best left to mortals. He wished that he could convince Grave otherwise and he heaved a sigh of disappointment. Grave opened his eyes and glanced up at Drake.

"What's the matter? I was feeling wonderful and then you changed your touch. Something is bothering you, isn't it?" he asked and Drake shook his head.

"I'm fine. Really," he said then pressed down on Grave's skin. "Does that hurt as much as it used to?"

"It doesn't hurt at all. I can't even tell that he struck me."

"Good. Much as I'd like to stay, I've got a job to take care of."

"Wait a second. Was that what was bothering you? Did you neglect a job because of me? Flame will really punish you for that."

"I'll be fine. Like I said, after awhile you don't feel the pain anymore."

He walked out of the room and Grave watched him close the door behind him. Grave lay on the bed for a moment wondering why Drake had set himself up for another round with Flame. He had seen the scars on Drake's chest. Why would anyone knowingly subject himself to Flame's torture? He shook his head as he sat up. He had more important things in his sector to worry about. Drake could look after himself.