Beyblade Fan Fiction ❯ Majesty ❯ Chapter 20 ( Chapter 20 )

Authoress' Notes: Well, this was an interesting chapter to write. Trying to keep time straight is a pain in my posterior. >__< But I hope you'll all enjoy the result!

 

Warnings: Yaoi, language, violence, lemons, dramatic angst, etc. Rated R - NC17.

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Beyblade or anything to do with it. Only this fic and its OCs (if any).

 

Pairs: TyKa, ReMa, Hilary/Tala, Lee/Mariah, others to be decided.

 

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Chapter 20

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The doors closed behind Kai as he stepped fully into his private chambers for the first time since he'd left his home and returned. Surprisingly, it seemed that nothing had moved or been touched and Kai was oddly grateful for that. It gave him a sense of comfort to have something familiar once again.

In his arms, Tyson stirred and opened his eyes, looking confused for a moment then smiling up at his lover.

“Hi!” He purred. “Where are we?”

“My rooms.” Kai replied, carrying him to the bed and setting him down on it. “Our rooms. At least until I have my grandfather's apartments cleaned out and possibly redecorated.” He heaved a huge sigh and ran his hands through his hair restlessly, dropping down onto the bed beside the dragon. “There's just so much to be done!”

“Oh, Kai…you're exhausted, love.” Tyson gave him a sympathetic and concerned look, getting off the bed and kneeling in front of Kai to begin unlacing his boots. “Let's get these off you and then you can crawl into that rather comfortable looking bed and drop off like a stone for the night.”

“Sounds like a plan to me. But only if you're in it with me.” Kai groaned as his feet were freed of his bots. “Gods! That's better already.”

Tyson chuckled and helped Kai remove his clothes, then quickly shed his own before slipping into bed with the phoenix. Kai sighed lightly and mustered enough of his abilities to snap his fingers and cause all the lamps and candles in the room to go out. He left the fire in the fireplace going, however, to ward off the night's chill.

“Sleep, my phoenix. You've earned it.” Tyson crooned, stroking Kai's cheek slowly and watching him as his eyes closed and his lips parted on a weary exhalation of breath.

“Don't go anywhere, Tyson?” Kai asked, half-asleep already. He barely heard the response as he fell all the way under.

“Never, Kai. I love you.”

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A loud trilling of bird song woke Kai up the next morning. In his state of semi-consciousness, Kai did what he usually did when h e got woken up that way - he grabbed a pillow and flung it in the general direction of the source of the noise.

“Ugh.” He grunted and rolled over onto his side, snuggling up to Tyson's warm, sprawled self and mumbling a, “Go `way, Dranzer.” into the bluenette's shoulder blade.

His reply was a shrill screech.

He sat up abruptly and glared blearily at his ancestor, who was perched on the footboard of the bed. Beside her, on the end of the mattress, was a curled up dragon - Dragoon.

“You're back.” Kai stated flatly. It wasn't that he was unhappy to see them, just that he didn't want to be awake and resented the wake up call.

“Who's back?” The bluenette's sleepy voice purred from beside him. Kai looked down.

“our ancestors.”

“Tell them to go away.” Tyson moaned and turned over to grab Kai and pull him back down to the mattress, yanking the covers up over them both. He let out a deep sigh of contentment and nuzzled his face into Kai's hair.

Dragoon mewled loudly and Dranzer cooed in a distinctly amused way.

“I tried that. They want our attention, Tyson.” Kai shut his eyes and burrowed under the covers farther, trying to hide from the morning. “I think they want us to get up.”

“Don't wanna.” The bluenette whined, scowling cutely

“Me either, but they'll keep bugging us until we do.”

Tyson pried open his eyes and sat up, forcing Kai to do so as well. They propped themselves up with pillows against the massive headboard and glared down the length of the bed at the two deities, who had changed back to their human forms.

“We're sorry to rouse you, Takao, but there's still too much to be done for you two to be lazing away half the day.” Dragoon gave them a sympathetic smile.

“Tala and Bryan should be here any time, also.” Dranzer added, smoothing out the material of her dress. “Now that Tala's feeling better, he's going to want something to do.”

“The healers fixed him up, then?” Kai asked.

Dranzer nodded. “He just had a few bruises and a dislocated shoulder. Oh, and a few bruised ribs. But he'll be fine.”

“He should stay in bed for a couple of days to heal, but that boy is so stubborn!” Dragoon huffed, shaking his head.

Kai snorted, drawing his legs up to his chest and hugging them. “I think the only person capable of making my cousin stay in bed is Hilary.”

Tyson shot him a look. “I hate to admit it, but I have to agree with you on that. By the way, love, do you think it's safe for us to send for Hilary and Kenny?”

“I think so. We can send Bryan to escort them here. And at least this time they won't have to avoid towns or anything.”

“Yeah.”

There was a polite knock at the door to the bed chamber, and Kai got up to pull on a pair of silk sleep-pants and answer it.

Tala and Bryan stood on the other side waiting patiently for entry.

Kai crawled back onto the bed next to Tyson as the two warriors strode in, with Wolborg loping along at his master's side.

“Good morning, Your Highness, Kinomiya.” The red-headed captain greeted them, raising an eyebrow at Dragoon and Dranzer. “Lord and Lady…welcome back.”

“Feeling better?” Tyson inquired, studying Tala. “You're limping a bit.”

“I'm fine. Just a little sore in places, that's all.”

“What's going on this morning, cousin?” Kai asked, pushing the covers aside and sliding out of bed once more. “I assume you're here to give me a report.” He went toward his wardrobe and opened the doors.

“Hmm…well, to begin with, Bryan was out to all the garrisons within the city this morning - early this morning.” Tala snickered. “I'm surprised the howls and wails of anguish didn't wake you up.”

“Huh?” Tyson looked confused.

“I woke them all up, made them clean their barracks until everyone of them was spotless, and ran them through drills.” Bryan grinned. “And all before breakfast.”

“Hn. Good.” Kai pulled out some clean clothes for himself, then began digging for something that might fit Tyson. “The city troops have been getting fat and lazy for years now.”

“If I can make a suggestion, cousin, I highly recommend an inspection tour sometime soon.” Tala smiled wickedly. “And perhaps make it a random, but frequent event, so that they'll have no choice but to shape up, or else.”

“Oh, I plan on it.” Kai nodded, taking the two bundles of clothes over to the bed and sitting down next to Tyson again. “Continue.”

“Aren't you going to get dressed?” Tala asked.

“After we have a bath, which we'll do when you're done your report. So…”

“Ah, the problem in the kitchens was solved last night by Rei, who apparently threatened to prove his claws are sharper than any of the cooks knives if they didn't grow up.” Bryan snickered. “They've all been meek as mice down there since.”

Tyson laughed and Kai rolled his eyes.

“As far as security goes, the city's still on guard and the walls are being patrolled with extra soldiers, as are the streets. However, I think that your people are very much happy to have you back on the throne, Kai, because ever since yesterday afternoon people have been stopping by to deliver letters, gifts, flowers, etc.” Tala continued.

“Word on the street is that they're calling you the `Sun Emperor' for bringing back the sun after months of gloom, rain, and darkness.” Bryan informed the crimson-eyed Prince.

“Oh for Heaven's sake.” Kai threw his hands in the air in embarrassed exasperation. “That wasn't even me! It was Tyson!”

“They don't know that.” Tyson reasoned, wrapping his arms around Kai from behind and resting his chin on Kai's shoulder. “And they don't need to. Let them believe it was you, Kai. You need the people's support and if they think you're some sort of saviour, then…”

“He's right, cousin.” Tala had to agree.

“Fine. But how are they going to accept another Emperor?” Kai laid an arm over Tyson's around his waist. “Because they're going to have to get used to being ruled by both of us.”

Tala's eyes went wide. “You're talking about co-rulership! A dual-throne?”

“Yes.” Kai's crimson eyes met Tala's ice-blue ones solidly, daring him to protest.

“Well, then…we'll just have to see to it they have every reason to love Tyson as much as they do you, won't we?” The redhead decided after a moment.

Kai offered him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Tala.”

“Meh.” He waved that off. “I've seen that the Kinomiya is intelligent, strong willed, and powerful - and at the same time he is fair, just, and compassionate. He'll make a good Emperor.”

Tyson's mouth gaped open like a fish's.

“Very true. Now, you can tell me all the other little details later, cousin. For now, Bryan, I hate to ask you to leave so soon after coming home, but will you return to Marchantria and escort Hilary and Kenny back?” Kai looked over at the bulky warrior.

“Of course, Your Highness.” Bryan gave a short bow.

“And Tabitha. I think Max and Rei would love the surprise of having their daughter with them. She'll be safe with Hilary for the journey.” Tyson added after a moment's thought.

“Wolborg, you'll go with Bryan.” Tala crouched down and rubbed the white wolf's ears fondly. “That way Hilary will know I'm alright, because you wouldn't leave me otherwise.”

Wolborg flicked his tongue out, catching Tala on the chin.

“Tala, go with Bryan as far as that inn we left the horses and our belongings at, and bring them back to the Palace, if you would.” Kai instructed, getting up once more and shooing the two from the room. “Now get lost. I want my bath sooner rather than later.” He closed the door and locked it before either could get out another word.

“We'll just wait for you in the throne room, Takao.” Dragoon smiled and took Dranzer's hand. “Don't be too long!”

In the blink of an eye, they disappeared.

“Where do we go to bathe, Kai? Is there a bath house someplace?” Tyson inquired, slipping out of bed. Kai smiled and shook his head.

“Nope. The perks of being royalty and living in the Palace means…” Kai led Tyson to the far corner of his room and opened a set of double doors, revealing a luxurious washroom. “Indoor plumbing. It's not perfect, since the plumbing leaks frequently, but it has its benefits over common bathhouses.”

“Wow.” Tyson examined the room curiously, impressed by the marble and tiles of the room. “I could get used to this, I think.”

Kai bent and gave him a kiss on the cheek before going over to the large marble tub and turning on the facets. “You'll like it, my dragon. It's wonderful for…privacy.” He winked at the bluenette and held out his hand to him. Tyson sauntered over and climbed onto Kai's lap, straddling his legs.

“Hmm…works for me, love.” Tyson purred, dipping his head to press his lips to Kai's firmly.

All in all, it was a promising way to begin the rebuilding of the Empire and their lives - together.

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- A week later - Marchantria

 

“Grams! Where Hil?!”

The voice of the Lady's only grandchild rang out in demand as the chibi toddled into the room, chased by a ragged-looking Kenny.

Lady Judy looked up and smiled, setting aside her teacup and rising from her chair to walk over and pick up her granddaughter. The other ladies in the room smiled and observed as Lady Judy handed Tabitha to Kenny.

“I'm very sorry, my Lady. Tabi woke up from her nap and demanded Hilary. I apologize for interrupting your tea.” Kenny bowed as best he could with Tabitha in his arms, who squirmed for all she was worth, wanting to be put down.

“No, no, Kenny. It's perfectly all right.” Judy stroked a hand fondly over Tabitha's hair. “What's wrong, chibi?”

“Want Hil.” Tabi pouted, sticking her thumb in her mouth. Kenny sighed.

“I know, Tabi, but I told you Hilary had to run into town for things for the ball tomorrow.” Kenny reminded her gently.

“Want Hil!”

Kenny sighed.

“Is this your granddaughter that we've heard so much about, Judy?” One of the ladies inquired. Tabi looked at the voice with wide, watery eyes and turned to curl into Kenny shyly.

“Oh yes. This is Tabitha, daughter of my son Max and his lifemate, Rei.” Judy introduced the chibi. “And this is Kenny. He's a good friend of my son's.”

“She's adorable, Judy.” Another lady commented. “How old is she?”

Kenny did some quick calculating in his head. “Tabitha will be 6 months old in about a week and a half, or so, my Lady.”

“Goodness!” Several pairs of eyes went wide, looking to Judy for an explanation. “You must be mistaken, young man. It's highly unlikely that such a young babe, nearly new-born, could be walking and talking already!” The first woman who'd spoken exclaimed.

Judy frowned. It seemed that some of these ladies she'd begun to call `friends' had conveniently forgotten her son-in-law was a neko-jin. But before either Judy or Kenny could reply to that statement, the parlour door opened and Hilary walked in with Emily right behind her.

“Lady Whitmore, Tabitha is part neko-jin and because of this she will develop somewhat faster than most human children would.” Hilary informed the ladies, a careful smile plastered on her face. She gave a genuine smile at the chibi and Kenny, and took Tabitha into her arms when she wiggled and clapped her hands happily. “Hello, Kitten. Are you giving Kenny a hard time?”

“No!” Tabitha exclaimed coyly, bouncing and nuzzling Hilary with a kittenish purr of contentment. “Hil come back!”

“Of course I did! Now,” Hilary kissed her on the cheek and turned back to look at the group of ladies and Judy, who didn't seem to know what to say. “Lady Judy, we've brought back all that you requested. Everything is set for the ball tomorrow. Was there anything else I could do to help you?”

“No, thank you, Hilary.” Judy shook her head and smiled apologetically. “I will be busy for some time here, but perhaps you would like to take Tabitha to the bookstore to find a new bedtime story for her. There's no point in you three being cooped up in the house for the rest of such a lovely day.”

“Book-`tore!” Tabitha squealed in delight.

“Alright. Come along, Chief. Let's leave the ladies to their tea.” Hilary tugged Kenny out the door.

“Those ignorant women make me so mad!” Hilary scowled, setting Tabi down and watching her toddle down the hallway in front of her and Kenny when they'd left the room behind. “I just know that Lady Whitmore was going to make some sort of nasty comment.”

“And poor Lady Judy must put up with it. That is, if she expects to be accepted here by the higher society.” Kenny sighed. “I saw it often at home, Hilary. There were many at court who despised those who were even a little bit different. And unfortunately, because of Boris, Emperor Voltaire only encouraged those sorts of people.”

“How awful.” Hilary shook her head.

“Yes. Truly. Don't worry, though. His Highness will put an end to that quite quickly, I'd imagine.” Kenny's smile was smug and proud. “Especially since any such comments could be construed as treason now, with Kai being a demi-human himself.”

“Very true.” Hilary sighed. “Wait, Tabi! Sweetie, we have to put our cloaks and shoes on before we can go outside.” She called as they reached the foyer.

The chibi stopped and waited, allowing Hilary to put on her cloak and shoes first hen dress Tabitha.

Emily appeared suddenly and stopped them before they could leave. “Wait! Here…” she held out a small purse to Kenny, who blushed and accepted it. “Lady Judy asked me to give you that to purchase the book. And to apologize for Lady Whitmore.” Emily winked at them. “I believe that woman's invitation to the ball will mysteriously disappear before it can be delivered.”

Hilary laughed. “Thank Judy for us, Emily.”

“I will.”

This time it was a loud knocking on the doors that prevented their departure. The Mizuhara's butler, Henry, came out of nowhere and went to answer it.

On the doorstep stood Bryan, looking a bit weary from travelling, but otherwise hale and healthy. At his side was the white wolf, Wolborg.

“Let them in, Henry!” Hilary said, an anxious smile taking over her expression. “Bryan! Wolborg!”

The white wolf whimpered and dashed forward, letting out a yip of greeting. Hilary dropped to her knees and hugged the canine. “Oh! If you're here, both of you, then…”

“Yes. It's over, Lady. And everyone was fine last I saw them.” Bryan walked in, his armour clanking a bit. “His Highness asked me to come fetch you, Kenny, and the chibi.” He smiled slightly. “And Tala sent Wolborg so you'd know he was okay.”

Kenny picked up Tabitha with a relieved smile of his own. “That's the best news I've heard in years, my Lord.” Tabitha looked back and forth between the adults curiously. “Did you hear that, chibi? Bryan's come to take us to see your Daddy and Papa.”

The excited, happy squeal and sudden glomping hug from the chibi nearly knocked Kenny over. But he laughed and hugged her back.

“I will go fetch Lady and Lord Mizuhara.” Emily slipped away, knowing Max's parents would want to have this news immediately.

“You have to tell us everything, Bryan.” Hilary declared, rising to her feet and giving Wolborg a final, fond pat on the head.

“Certainly. As much as I can, Lady Hilary.” He bowed slightly.

“Just `Hilary' will do, Bryan.” She smiled and walked up to him, raising herself up on tip-toe to enfold the tall, lavender-haired warrior in a hug. “Thank you.”

Bryan blinked and patted her on the back lightly, feeling a bit awkward. “What for? I haven't done anything.”

“Just thank you. The people I love are safe - all of you - and you've brought me the happiest news I have had in such a long time.” She told him meaningfully. Feeling proud and pleased for some reason, Bryan drew himself up to stand straighter.

“Then you're welcome, Hilary. Believe me, I'm just as glad for all this as you are.”

“I know.”

Two days later, Bryan and Wolborg led Hilary, Kenny, and Tabitha down the long drive from the Mizuhara's manor house. Emily rode with them, having been sent along with letters for Max from his parents. Or at least, that's the excuse Judy and Hilary gave when Bryan asked why she was coming. The two Ladies had a matchmaking gleam in their eyes when they looked at the red-haired girl and Kenny, though Bryan didn't notice it.

Max's parents waved goodbye to the travellers until they'd disappeared from view.

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- Meanwhile… - Bay City

 

While the throne room was being repaired and cleaned up, Kai held court in the Grand Ballroom of the Palace - a room which hadn't been used in years under Voltaire's rule. It worked well, since there was a raised dais at one end, where Kai had a long, couch-like piece of furniture set up as a “throne” for himself and Tyson until the throne he'd had Max commission for them could be built.

The first week of Kai's return was spent going through the Palace staff and culling out the people who were known to be followers of Boris. Those people were promptly fired from their previous positions and turned out of the castle. Kai wasn't totally heartless, however. He kicked them out, certainly, but he let them take their belongings and gave them severance pay - under the condition that they find employment and keep out of trouble.

After the staff had been taken care of, Rei was asked to fill the now open positions among the staff, and when that was done, Kai had a few ideas that involved his new friends. Moving on, Kai took on the task of creating his Council of Advisors. Some of the Ministers got their positions and titles revoked, and some had their lands confiscated also. And yet others were imprisoned - those who had been firm supporters of Boris over the years.

The second week stared out slowly, and now it was the Empire's aristocracy whose turn it was to face the new soon-to-be-Emperor. One by one the nobles made appearances before Kai and Tyson. And one by one the phoenix introduced the Kinomiya to the members of the court that Tyson would be ruling over at Kai's side.

It was on a day late in the week that Kai finally got around to revising many of the Empire's laws.

He sat at the head of a long table that had been set up in front of the dais in the ballroom. Its surface was piled with scrolls and manuscripts, and a couple of scribes stood nearby, prepared to help the Prince whenever he needed it.

Tyson, curled up on the chaise throne, yawned and gave his lover a bored pout.

“You're working too hard, love. Why don't you take a small break?” The bluenette implored. “We could go for a walk or something?”

Kai grunted and put aside one scroll to pick up another. “I just want to get this done, Tyson. Then there'll be plenty of time to relax and stuff.” He glanced up briefly. “Bryan should be back any day now with Hilary and Kenny. Then you and Hilary can keep each other company and wander around the gardens to your heart's content.”

Tyson glowered at him as he returned to the scroll in front of him. “Kai-ii. You've been buried under all those musty books and dusty old wads of paper for days now. It can't be healthy.”

“You don't have to stay glued to my side all day, every day, Kinomiya.” Kai pointed out absently, frowning at the scroll in his hands. “You have complete freedom to go wherever you wish, remember?”

“I remember.” The dragon sat up and stood, feeling just a little hurt by Kai's preoccupation with his current project and seeming indifference to Tyson's presence. “Excuse me for bothering you and trying to spend time with you. I'll go see Max. At least he enjoys my company.” Tyson sniffed and stalked off peevishly.

Kai looked up, startled at the tone of his voice and inwardly groaned. The door to the ballroom snapped shut wit ha resounding `click,' emphasizing Tyson's temper, and the crimson-eyed prince rubbed his face wearily, sighing and wondering just how he was going to fix this…

A light trilling echoed in the room and Dranzer flew in from the wide-open balcony doors, winging her way over to the table and landing on a stack of books.

“Hello, Beautiful. I suppose you heard that?” Kai looked at the workload he'd assembled for himself with a scowl, suddenly finding it all very offensive.

{Indeed. Takao understands that what you're doing is important, Kai, and he doesn't mind that you're working so diligently on it, but he does have a point.} Dranzer angled her head at him, giving him a look that was mildly admonishing. {You do need to pace yourself, young phoenix. You can't do everything all at once.}

Kai shrugged his shoulders as if to say, “Maybe. But I was sure going to try.” Then he motioned to the scribes and attendants to clear the room. Once he and Dranzer were alone, Kai stood and began to pace.

“I'm just trying to fix some of the problems that Boris created using my grandfather - the problems that are immediately fixable. Tyson knows that. I don't see why he's getting all bent out of shape over it.”

Dranzer rolled her eyes and flashed into her human form, taking a seat in the chair Kai had just vacated and settling her skirts in a lady-like manner. “Because, chibi, he's feeling ignored. You may have been too busy to notice, lately, but you and Tyson have hardly had a moment of privacy together and you're hardly spoken to one another for over a week.”

Kai stopped pacing and blinked at her, a guilty expression crossing his face. “Have I really been so distant, Dranzer? I don't mean to be…”

“He knows that, too. It doesn't stop him from feeling lonely, though.” Dranzer pointed at a trolley set with a teapot and tea cups nearby. “Be a dear, and pour me a cup of tea, please, Kai.”

Kai obediently did so and brought it to her. “So what should I do?”

Sipping her tea, the fiery little Goddess thought for a moment. “Well, I'd suggest making it up to him somehow. And make time for him in your future timetable.”

Kai nodded, and was about to inquire as to just how he should go about making it up to his lover, when the ballroom doors opened again and Tyson came breezing back in, followed by a dishevelled, dirty Max.

“Kai! The repairs are done in the throne room! Come and see!” Tyson grabbed Kai's hand and pulled him eagerly to the door, tossing a “Hi, Dranzer!” over his shoulder in greeting to the Phoenix. She just smiled and got up to follow them sedately out of the room and through the halls.

“Tyson, love, you can quit dragging me.” Kai stumbled a bit when the bluenette let go of his hand and gave him a mild scowl.

“Sorry.”

“Tyson…” Kai sighed and caught his hand, linking their fingers tightly and squeezing, determined to show his dragon he was sorry for before. “I didn't mean let go of me. I meant stop dragging me. It's very undignified to be led around like a puppy, you know.” He said it with an apologetic smile, his eyes asking Tyson to forgive him. The bluenette closed his eyes for a moment then squeezed back, giving Kai a slightly crooked smile.

“I suppose you're right. Can't have that, can we?” Tyson winked at him and Kai smiled in relief, raising their joined hands to kiss the dragon's knuckles.

“Did I miss something?” Max's voice cut through their moment, reminding them of his presence. Dranzer came up behind the royal pair and shook her head.

“Just a misunderstanding.” Kai took in the blonde's appearance with a raised eyebrow. “What in the world happened to you?”

Flashing one of his infamous grins, Max gestured theatrically at the ornate doors that opened into the throne room. “I know you put me in charge of overseeing the repairs, Kai, but I do better when I can actually contribute to the work. So I've been lending a hand, here and there…”

“Wait until you see it, Kai!” Tyson grinned widely, a gleam sparkling in his silvery-blue eyes. “It's beautiful!”

Max flung open the doors with a flourish and let Kai and Tyson step past him into the huge room.

Kai had stop and stare. He didn't recognize the room anymore. The ceiling had been repaired and re-decorated completely, painted to resemble the night sky. The floors were repaired also, new marble tiles replacing the ones that had been damaged by the collapsing hunks of roof, and gleaming whiteish-grey from a good polishing.

It was the light in the room from several new windows that made all the difference. Sunlight poured in from all sides just under the ceiling where it met the walls. Kai walked into the centre of the room and closed his eyes with a peaceful smile, feeling the warmth and energy of the sun fill him and envelope him.

Tyson came up behind him and slipped an arm around his waist with a soft smile. “What do you think, love?”

“You're right. It is beautiful.” Kai hugged Tyson to his side, draping an arm around his shoulders. “It's more than I could have expected, Max. Excellent work.”

“Heh. You're welcome. But there's one last thing you have to see.” Max walked over to where the empty dais was and grasped a rope that Kai hadn't noticed hanging there before. “The throne's nearly done and will be installed by tomorrow, but the Merchants' Guild put forward some funds with which the Craftsmans' Guild worked together to create a special gift to you and Tyson. I made a few new friends on these projects, and I was asked to tell you that you have the support of the Guilds - both of you.”

Curious, Kai nodded in acknowledgement and glanced down at Tyson, who looked surprised. “Do you know what it is?”

“No.” Tyson shook his head. “What is it, Max?”

The blonde tugged on the rope and a large tarp fell from above, revealing a huge, stained-glass rose window set high above the dais. The room was suddenly thrown into a riot of colours.

Kai was sure his jaw dropped in awe. He'd never seen anything so magnificent…except the dragon at his side, of course. “Wow.” He managed to say.

Tyson felt a stinging in his eyes, as tears welled up. “It's…I have no words, Max. A dragon and a phoenix…”

Max just grinned and bent to roll up the tarp, picking it up and walking toward the doors. “I'll be sure to give the Guilds and the merchant's your gratitude for their gift, and to tell them you admire their work greatly.” He said as he walked out. “Take some time and enjoy everything, you two! I'm off to get cleaned up.”

Kai tore his eyes from the window and turned to Tyson, brushing a few stray strands of hair from the bluenette's face. “Do you think you can handle ruling from this room when we're here, Tyson?”

Tyson looked up at him, a soft purr rumbling from him in response. He nuzzled Kai's hand with his cheek. “I can lead my people from anywhere, Kai. As long as I'm with you.” He grinned suddenly. “This room, however, is a definite perk I'm pretty sure I can live with.”

The phoenix let out a laugh and bent to press his lips to the dragon's firmly, arms winding around one another as they kissed. Neither noticed the fond smile on Dranzer's face nor when she disappeared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tala stared out over the growing crowd of people from the wall of the Palace, ice-blue eyes keeping a watchful, alert eye on the mob.

“Wonderful. Why can't these things ever go the way they're supposed to?” He ran a hand through his hair in aggravation and turned to Spencer. “Keep them under control, and for Heaven's sake don't let anyone past the gates. In fact, I want the Palace locked up tight - quietly. Don't let on that we're going so, though.”

“Yes, sir.” Spencer saluted and Tala stalked off, hurrying down the steps and making his way indoors to go looking for his cousin and the Kinomiya. Last he'd seen them, they'd been in the ballroom, Tyson looking bored out his tree and Kai buried under a pile of scrolls and manuscripts.

He ran into Max and Rei as they were walking through the halls together from the direction of the throne room.

Rei nodded and pointed down the hall. “Enjoying their new throne room.”

“It's finally done.” Max grinned, proud of his work. The smile faded when he saw how agitated Tala seemed to be. “What's up?”

“Go out to the main gates and take a look for yourselves. I have to get my cousin.” The red-haired warrior hurried past them, leaving them to exchange concerned, curious glances before heading outside to see what was going on.

Tala reached the throne room and walked in through the open doors. Though he was in a hurry, he had to stop and gawk at the rose window for a moment, before he noticed Kai and Tyson locked in a kiss that seemed to make the air around them shimmer with heat.

With a wide smirk at a sudden moan that sounded like Kai, Tala cleared his throat loudly and waited as the two started and broke apart.

Seeing that it was Tala, Tyson gave him a dark scowl. “Do you mind? I just finally got Kai all to myself, Tala. Go away.” He wrapped possessive arms around Kai.

Kai sweatdropped and patted Tyson's arm in sympathetic agreement.

“I apologize, Kinomiya, but I wouldn't dream of interrupting you unless I had a good reason.” Tala replied. His face went serious and the smirk died. “You'd both better come out to the front gates.”

Kai frowned. “Why?”

“We have a problem.”

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Authoress' Notes: *ducks to avoid thrown objects* I know! I know! What am I up to this time? *mysterious grin* You know me…I can't stop plotting. Please R/R!!!!