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Deicide	By : Need2ScreamNow Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > Avenged Sevenfold Views: 1162 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't know, own, or have anything to do with A7x or their significant others. I'm not making any money off this and it's all fiction. Totally made up on a late Friday night.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
He stared at the bright torches with his stomach churning, with the halo of light it would be impossible to get in and out with Brian without anyone seeing. He checked the guards again and his eyes roamed over the dusty field for anything that could help. Inspiration struck him as he stared at the wilting plants and he crept forward watching the guards. He pulled down the closest torch heart racing, mouth dry, and stomach flip flopping and hurled it as far as he could into the field and ducked back into the shadows. The brand skipped and rolled through the dirt and for a moment he thought it had gone out uselessly but a tiny flame flickered and began to grow. A soft crackle grew to cover the night insects and then the alarm was raised. Guards dropped from the walls and began waking the field slaves and for a moment overwhelming guilt landed on Zack but he shook it off and when he was certain everyone was focused on the growing fire he darted into the field hole.

Brian’s head hung and he showed no sign that he had heard anyone enter. He was on his knees his arms stretched out and held in place by heavy shackles, his breathing was shallow and fast and black blood pooled around him. He froze in the doorway, breath taken from him as he stared at his friend. “Brian?” he whispered. Brian’s head rolled up and he looked at Zack with pain glazed eyes. “Brian.” He pulled the knife and stared at the shackles, “I don’t know what to do?” he whispered. Outside the throaty roar of the fire was gaining strength and acrid smoke began to drift in stinging his eyes. If he didn’t free Brian soon they would be trapped inside. Brian’s head dropped again. Zack took one shackle and worked the blade in the key hole, to his surprise though the metal parted under the blade like water and the shackle fell in two pieces to the floor. Brian gasped when he fell forward and the other arm pulled taunt on the remaining cuff and Zack did the same thing. “Please Brian, please get up. We have to go now.” He begged. Brian didn’t move for a moment and then he struggled to his knees again and his eyes found Zack’s a little clearer than they had been. “The hole in the wall hasn’t been fixed yet, it’s not far from here.” He said grabbing him under his arms and pulling him up as far as he could. Brian leaned heavily on him and he almost toppled over.

He managed to drag Brian to the doorway and stopped awed by the inferno sweeping the field. Ruby and orange flames reached to the stars while slaves and guards futilely threw buckets of water on it. “If they catch us, promise you’ll kill me.” He whispered. Rory would beat the life out of him once he found out what happened. Brian took a little more of his weight and Zack got a better hold on him and guided him to the darkness of the wall.

He found the hole easily enough but his heart sank when he saw the slaves had been busy with it. It was only waist height and not towering over them like the rest of the wall but in Brian’s weak state he didn’t think he could get over it without a lot of fussing that would draw attention. “Oh no.” he whispered. Brian pulled away from him and bile rose in his throat when he saw the nasty slices in the soft skin of his back. He swallowed thickly and stayed close behind the injured man watching the guards and slaves. Brian dragged himself over the wall with curse and dropped into the grassy field on the other side. Zack hopped over and got him to his feet again and began leading him to the relative safety of the woods.

Zack navigated from fuzzy memories of the days he had been allowed to roam the property and more than once they tripped over fallen trees or roots while they made their way to the road. “Zack,” Brian gasped, he stopped and sank to the ground, “I can’t.” he panted. His voice was raw with pain and Zack settled down next to him, “I know Brian.” He murmured kissing his forehead, “But you have to. Rory has dogs and once he finds we’re gone he’ll have them loose.” He whispered. Brian whimpered and rested his head on his shoulder and Zack decided to rest his hands on his hips wary of the whip lashes covering his back. “Can you ride a horse?” he whispered. Brian made an indecipherable sound. “Brian if you can ride a horse we can get one from Mozaik. Rory owns a stable in town.” Brian nodded and Zack breathed a sigh of relief. “You’ll have to help me when we get there. I don’t know a damn thing about riding or horses.” He slid his arms under Brian’s and hefted him up again and began dragging him to the road.

They had to stop frequently even on the road and Zack grew more and more nervous as the moon slid across the sky. They made it to town and Zack once again relied on childhood memories of trips to the stable with Rory to find his way. He was beginning to think he was lost when a hand clapped over his mouth and dragged him away from Brian. The slave hit the stones and struggled up again with a weak warning snarl. Zack kicked and clamped his teeth down the hand and when the man released him he stood in front of Brian holding the bejeweled knife. “Dammit boy.” A coarse voice growled. “Matthew?” he whispered looking around the dark street for the other two mercenaries. “What are you doing back in town?” he materialized from the dark glaring at him. Zack held the knife in front of him and back up a step, “What’s it matter to you?” he breathed. Matthew whirled around and from the dark behind him was a surprised and pained yelp and suddenly a lanky giant was lying in the street as well. “Come out now brat.” He snarled drawing his short sword. Johnny slunk from the shadows as well and helped James to his feet. “What? What are you all doing here?” Zack asked keeping an eye on Matthew and his sword. “Your father’s soldiers tried to kill me, I was on my way to repay the favor.” Matthew snarled. “And we’ve been following him since we heard about your little spat with the soldiers.” Johnny spat. “Zachary, you meet the oddest people.” Brian panted. Zack reached back and took his hand. “This is Johnny, James, and that’s Matthew.” He said nodding to each. Brian leaned heavily on his back and judging by the way Matthew bristled he was probably glaring.

“Where’d ya’ get the knife?” Johnny asked scanning the blade and jeweled handle. Zack dropped the blade, “It was Rory’s. He told me he took it from a god.” He said softly. Johnny snorted and James even gave him a disbelieving look. “What? All the stories you tell and you don’t believe mine?” Zack retorted. Johnny’s laughter paused and then started again when James flashed him a devilish smile. “What are you doing out here again and in the dark?” Matthew growled. Zack glared at him, “Why should I tell you, you may just drag me back.” He snapped. Matthew sank to the dirty cobblestone with a harsh breath. Zack’s suspicions dropped and he approached the mercenary with caution. “What’s wrong, Matthew?” he asked. Matthew sheathed his sword and pushed himself to his feet again and fell against a wall. “Your father’s soldiers tried to kill me.” He growled again. Zack handed the knife to Brian and tugged the mercenary’s arm away from his abdomen. Dark blood stained his arm and his skin was clammy. “Rory has to know we’re gone by now, the dogs are probably out.” He said to himself. He looked toward the lightening horizon, “If we go to the mountain they’ll have a harder time following us.” He said. Johnny and James gaped at him, “You’re going to escape to the mountains with a mercenary?” James asked. Matthew sank to his knees again, “I don’t think I’m goin’ anywhere.” He panted. Pain twisted his features and his breathing became ragged. His eyes fluttered closed and Zack made a distressed sound in his throat and kneeled down in front of him. “Come on Matthew.” He pleaded. His eyes opened again and he shook his head, “And what? You think going into the mountains’ll make me good as new?”

“Never knew mercenaries gave up so easily. Guess that’s why you can’t be a soldier.” Johnny taunted. Matthew’s eyes opened and faster than Zack thought he could he was on his feet glaring at the boy. Johnny backed up a step and ducked behind James. The tall man snorted, “Let’s go to the mountains. The least you can do is keep us all company until you’re dead.”

“Wait, why are we going to the mountains?” Johnny yelped. James turned around and heaved a suffering sigh, “Have you no sense of adventure boy?”

“Not when soldiers’ll be after me!” he snapped. “Where’s your horse Matthew?” Zack whispered while the other two bickered. “Close.” He grunted. Morning sun crept over the streets and buildings and in the new light he could see how pale Matthew was. The red scar on his face looked like a fresh blow against his ashen pallor. Sweat trickled off his temple and he sank to the ground again breathing heavily. “Two blocks south there’s a stable.” He whispered leaning his head back, “Tell the man you want the mercenary horses. He won’t argue and he’s already been paid.” His eyes closed again and Zack got up. “Come on Brian.” He said pulling him to his feet. Brian stumbled against him and he set him down next to the mercenary. “James and Johnny, you’re with me.” He said. He crouched by Brian again and hugged him tightly, “Promise you’ll keep each other alive.” He whispered. Brian nodded, “The longer you wait the harder that’ll be.”

They found the shack that doubled as a stable. An old man sat on a stool smoking a homemade pipe and eyed the three as they approached. Zack stepped forward, “We need the mercenary horses.” He said. The man’s eyes narrowed, “What you doin’ with mercenaries, boy?” he asked. Matthew’s pale face and shallow breathing still fresh with him he leveled the man with an icy glare, “That is none of your business. Now get the horses. They’re not patient people.” The old man slid off his stool and hobbled to the back waving for them to follow. “Nicely done.” James whispered. “We’re not done yet.” He mumbled back.

Three chestnut stallions snorted in their stalls and kicked at the rickety wood holding them in. Johnny and James entered the stalls fearlessly and began saddling them. Zack approached his horse with the old man’s stare boring in to him. The horse’s fiery brown eye took him in and Zack wasn’t sure if he was impressed with what he saw. “That one’s been causin’ problems all night.” The old man said helpfully. Zack slid the latch back and stepped in. There was a mess of leather straps and metal clasps hanging on the wall and his mouth dried. The stallion lowered his head and bumped Zack’s chest. Zack scratched his forehead hoping he wouldn’t panic or become angry. “I have no idea what I’m doing.” He confessed quietly. The horse raised his head and plucked the mess of leather off the wall and tossed his head. “Headpiece.” He whispered, the horse lowered his head again and Zack took the leather, “Which way is up?” he asked. The horse clamped down on a metal bar which made it easier to sort the mess. He got the bridle on and became aware of eyes on him. He peeked over his shoulder and found the old man, James, and Johnny staring at him mouths open. “Can you help with the saddle?” he asked. “Odd duck.” James said shaking his head. He stepped in and had the saddle on in a moment and checked the straps on the bridle. “I’ve never seen a horse do that.” The old man said with awe.

Zack took the bridle from James and led the horse out, “I’ve always been good with animals.” He said offhanded. Johnny took his own horse’s bridle and hurried after him. “Good with animals? That horse just about saddled himself! How’d ya’ do that?” Zack shrugged, “I asked nicely.” Johnny swung up on his horse and shook his head, “Asked nicely.” He muttered. James was on his horse as well and trotted past and looked back, “Aren’t you gonna ride?” he asked raising an eyebrow. Zack looked at the giant horse and at James and shook his head, “I don’t know how.” The horse rolled a brown eye down at him and tucked a foreleg under him while stretching the other out until he was low enough Zack could just step into the saddle. James just about fell off his horse, his blue eyes saucer wide and Johnny was sputtering questions again. Zack held tight to the saddle horn and wobbled uncertainly when the horse straightened but grew a little more confident when he started a slow walk. He chanced letting one hand off the saddle horn to pat the horse’s neck, “Thank you.” He said.

They made it back to the alley where Matthew and Brian were stashed without Zack falling out of the saddle, he had leaned almost too far once but had managed to right himself and when the horse bowed again so he could get off his cheeks were flushed with happiness. “I wish Rory would have let me ride, that was fun.” He said patting the horse’s flank. Brian got to his feet stiffly but smiled at him. “You will not believe what he can do.” Johnny said shaking his head. Matthew’s eyes fluttered open and he used the wall to get to his feet. In the light his green tunic was stained dark and blood smeared the alley wall. Zack led his horse over to him and Matthew thumped his shoulder affectionately. “Schads, I’ve got one ride left I think.” He murmured. He put a hand on the saddle horn and readied to hoist himself into the saddle when the horse bowed again. Matthew looked from the horse to Zack, “When did you teach him that?” he asked. Zack helped him into the saddle, “Can you ride by yourself?” he asked worriedly. Matthew nodded, “He’ll take care of me.” He said. The horse stood and tossed his head. James and Johnny were already doubled up on the other horse and holding the third. Brian boosted him up and swung up behind him. “You know the way to the mountain mercenary?” James asked. Matthew nodded and kicked his horse into a light trot.

They heard the baying dogs as the horses picked their way up the rocky, overgrown path. Matthew’s horse shied some and he grabbed the horn to stay in the saddle. James twisted around behind him, “We need to hurry.” He said nervously. “And where are we hurrying to?” Matthew asked scathingly. Zack looked over his shoulder, “to the top.” He said. “What’s at the top?” Johnny asked. Zack scooted a little further back in the saddle and Brian wrapped an arm around his waist. He shrugged, “I don’t know. It just feels right.”

Night descended but the dogs continued on and the horses stumbled up the mountain. Zack was increasingly worried about Matthew. In the last rays of light he had hunched more and more over the saddle, every jostle on the trail drew a pained gasp from him and he was afraid the mercenary would tumble from his horse in the dark. “How much farther?” Johnny mumbled. Zack looked into the darkness and pressed a hand to the horse’s neck. “Wait.” He murmured. The horse stopped, “What’d you do?” Brian asked. Zack moved his arms so he could drop to the ground, “Zack?” Brian hissed. “I’m fine, I just…we’re close.” He said. He felt his way forward and came up to Matthew’s horse. “What is it?” he rasped. Zack reached up and took the reins from his cold hand, “We’re almost there, just hold on.” He whispered. He led the horse forward over the rocky, pockmarked trail.

Moonlight spread out before them over a field of dead grasses and skeletal trees. Zack paused and looked over the silver ghosts of vegetation. “We’re here.” He breathed. Matthew’s breathing caught and he looked up at him. His face was bone white in the moon and his eyes were close again. Schads made a low sound and nudged him forward and he started walking again toward the massive doors in the mountain. “Where are we?” Johnny whispered. Zack shrugged as he came up to the doors. Johnny and James dismounted and Brian followed stiffly but walked with more ease than he had the night before. Hound cries echoed up the mountain and all four turned around, “I guess we can stay the night. They’ll have to quit soon, it’s already too dark on that trail for horses.” James said. Zack leaned against the doors and they opened with a whisper. “I hope there ain’t wolves.” Johnny said nervously. Zack shook his head, “No…does anyone have flint? It looks like those are torches.” He said pointing to tapered blobs in the dark. James and Johnny shook their heads. “Matthew, do you have flint?” Zack asked. Matthew’s eyes fluttered open and he nodded once, “Rear saddlebag.” And then his eyes closed again. Zack dug it out and handed it to Brian. Johnny and James each had a torch ready and they caught the flame quickly. “Let’s see what’s in here.” James said taking a cautious step forward. Zack took the horse’s reins and followed them in.

“Maybe, maybe we should keep going up the mountain.” Johnny whispered. Zack could feel it to, unease twisting through his stomach the further in they went. Matthew’s shallow pant was the only sound. Dusty crimson carpets muffled their footsteps and high above cobwebs hung from glittering diamond chandeliers. Matthew made a small sound of pain and Zack tore his eyes away from the opulence, “We need to find someplace he can rest.” He said. James and Matt pushed open a second set of doors and ahead of them a circular room with spoke hallways opened. Johnny paused in the doorway, “Wow.” He breathed. Moonlight lit the room reflecting off the milky marble giving the illusion of a pail of milk. “That door.” Zack pointed to the left.

The doors opened and a long hallway stretched before them again. James and Brian looked over their shoulders at Zack, “End of the hall.” He whispered. The unease morphed into an ill feeling in his gut. They passed a door ajar and Johnny poked his head in, “There’s a bed in here.” He called. Brian and James stared at the darkness and then back “Let’s see what’s in here before we get settled.” Brian said. Johnny backed out and they continued on.

At the end of the hallway another circular room opened. In this one massive floor to ceiling windows gave a breathtaking view of the mountain range. Dry and dead grasses waved feebly in the wind and small leafless bushes stood like rod iron fences along the ridge. In the center of the room a large still pool of water. “Here.” Zack murmured in awe. The vaulted ceiling allowed enough space to swallow his voice. James, Johnny, and Brian notched their torches in the wall casting flickering shadow and light on the gilded rim. The floor was marble veined with yellow and the light brought it to life like a vaporous road of gold and white.

“Matthew.” Zack whispered reaching up and taking his freezing hand. He swallowed and said his name again a little louder. His eyelids fluttered but he didn’t wake. James reached up and hauled him off the saddle. His eyes opened, glazed with pain, and ruby drops of blood stained his lips. “Sorry.” James muttered. Brian used the jeweled knife to cut his tunic away and hissed when the full extent of his injuries were revealed. “Get in the saddlebags,” he ordered hoarsely, “he must have stitched himself up a time or two before this there’s got to be something in there.” Zack crouched next to him, “I should’ve gathered herbs.” He whispered. Brian shook his head, “Zachary there are not enough herbs on this mountain to help this.” The ugly slash crossed his entire abdomen deep and seeping blood. Johnny gagged and stumbled over to the horse to help James. “Matthew, please hold on.” Zack pleaded. “Zack, give him some water.” Brian ordered. Zack searched the room for something to scoop water with. “Here.” Johnny ran over and handed him a shallow bowl.

The water spilled off his lips mixing pink with the blood on his lips and then dumped the lingering water on his injury. He didn’t flinch, his chest rose and fell haphazardly but his skin was almost as cold as the floor. “We need to get him warm.” He said. That first room had a made bed, extra blankets.” Johnny said. The thought of entering that room made Zack sick but the need to keep Matthew alive outweighed his discomfort. “How do we get him there?”

“We’ll have to drag him.” James said practically. Matthew’s breathing seized and started again. “Have you found anything?” Brian asked. James pulled out a piece of thread and needle, “At the bottom of the fucking bag.” He handed the two things to Brian who threaded and made a row of quick stitches along the ragged cut. “It’s not pretty, but it’ll hold his guts in.”

“Let’s get him to bed.” James hoisted him under the arms and Brian grabbed his legs.

They heaved him onto the plush bed sending up a shower of dust and sat next to him panting. Zack followed them in fighting back wave after wave of unknown fear and sickness. Johnny tugged the blankets down and made Matthew comfortable. “Can we all sleep for a few hours now?” he asked. Zack crawled over him and rested his head on Matthew’s chest listening to the rattling breath.

Zack sat up abruptly and looked around the room unsettled. The space next to him was cold and empty. “Matthew?” he whispered searching the room again. The others were still sleeping and he slid out of bed without disturbing them. He peeked into the hallway and whispered his name again. The halls were silent save for the echo of a chirping bird. Swaths of sunlight fell across the marble turning it to white light.

He padded into the large water room and paused in the doorway. Matthew was washing in the pool, his skin was healthy gold instead of death gray and his movements were graceful and smooth. No sign of pain as he scooped water and slid a hand over his shoulder and down his back. “Matthew?” he asked hesitantly. He twisted around and Zack stumbled back a step. He wasn’t Matthew, the scar was gone. “Where’s Matthew?” he snapped. The man blinked and a small smile tugged his lips. “It’s all right Zack.” He murmured. His voice was Matthew’s soft coarseness. “Where is he?” he asked again his voice cracking. “Zachary, it’s all right.” He said again, “I am…a form of Matthew. Matthew’s true form.” Zack stared at him, his fear gone as quickly as it had come. Instead clinching tension in his chest melted away and he felt peaceful; no warring thoughts and no fear or pain, everything was quiet. “Come here, Zack.” Matthew said holding a hand out. Zack didn’t hesitate until he got to the lip of the pool, “Is it cold?” he asked staring at the mirrored surface. Matthew came to him, he seemed bigger than Zack remembered, “Not too bad.” He murmured. Zack rested his cheek on his warm damp shoulder and let his eyes close. It felt like something horrible had been cut from him and in its place was glowing health. Gentle fingers ran through his unruly hair and down his neck, “I’ve missed you.” Matthew whispered. Zack barely heard the words, it felt like the scattered pieces of his mind and soul had finally clicked into place.

“Zack?” Brian’s voice pulled him from his serenity and his eyes blinked open. Brian was watching Matthew with hard eyes, “Who the hell are you?” he snapped. “It’s Matthew.” Zack answered. “That is not the near dead mercenary we brought here last night.” He growled. Zack raised his head, “No, but it’s him.” He said with certainty. Brian’s glare turned on him and he retreated further into Matthew’s embrace watching him with confusion. He had never turned that venomous stare on him before and he didn’t know what he’d done to anger him. Brian growled and stalked out of the room. Zack pressed closer to Matthew but the pieces were beginning to drift apart again and he squeezed his eyes shut trying to force them back. “Go speak with him,” Matthew whispered releasing him, “you’ll feel better.” Zack looked down the hallway uncertain but Matthew gave him a gentle push and he followed Brian’s steps.

Brian paced through the crimson carpeted hallway fuming. Zack jumped when their fingers brushed but he had no qualms with embracing a mercenary, whom he only met two days before and he was naked too. He kicked the wall and resumed pacing. “Wha’s got ya’ all flustered this morn’.” Johnny asked plopping down on the carpet a safe distance away. Brian ignored him and continued to fume. Johnny leaned back and watched sunlight become rainbows on the chandeliers above. “We tried to save him from those mercenaries.” He said, “but said he couldn’t, had ta’ go back for some slave.”

Brian stopped pacing and glared at him, “If you have a point make it.” He snapped. Johnny sat up and glared right back, “Ma’ point is, he ain’t some kinda mastermind. He’s smart but he ain’t got a clue ‘bout love or what ta’ do wit’ it. Now, quit actin’ like ya’ jus’ found ‘em in bed wit’ someone an’ talk to ‘em.” He flopped down again but Brian continued staring at him angry with himself now. The little street tramp was right, Zack didn’t know a damn thing but that room Rory had him in. He stalked past the smirking brat to find Zack and apologize.

Zack was in the pinwheel room peeking down hallways when Brian emerged. He stopped searching and instead looked at the floor. “I’m sorry.” He said crossing his arms over his chest. Brian slowly walked over and hugged him tightly, “Don’t be.” He murmured. “You’ve done nothing wrong.” Zack rested his cheek on his shoulder, “I don’t know what I did to make you mad.”

“You didn’t do anything, Zack. I…overreacted. It’s nothing, I’m sorry.” He said. Zack nuzzled his shoulder and he felt a little better. “It’s just…” he started and stopped, “I’ve never really felt…normal. Since I can remember I’ve had this feeling that I’d lost something, something important and I had to find it. I wandered and searched just trying to make the feeling go away. I tried to stay in the kitchen garden but…I, I just couldn’t. I had to find this thing I lost. That’s why Rory locked me away, I wandered too far one day and he was afraid a wolf had gotten me. I know I went insane in that room those first months, I started pacing just to make the urge to search tolerable. But, Matthew…I don’t know. I touched him and suddenly it all went away, like I’ve found my lost thing.” He sighed. Brian brushed his lips across his temple, “It’s all right, Zack.” He whispered.

“We should clean you back.” Zack said after a few minutes. Brian wanted to disagree but it was throbbing again and having Zack’s gentle hands running over his skin sounded like a good idea. Brian followed Zack back to the water room hoping Matthew, or whoever he was, was gone.

The room was empty and he was relieved he wouldn’t have to go through that awkward apology just yet. He tried to pull his tunic off but his arms didn’t raise high enough without stinging pain. Zack pulled it off slowly pausing every time he winced as it unstuck and finally tossed it to the floor. He stepped into the water wary of how cold it looked but surprisingly it was lukewarm and he sank down to his knees hissing when the pleasant water washed over his mangled skin. Zack’s smooth hands ran up his sides and across his shoulders, just on the fringes of the worse pain. “I, Brian I don’t know if I can do this.” He whispered. Brian swallowed, he knew how bad it felt, he didn’t want to know what it looked like. “You can keep doing that.” He murmured when Zack’s fingers ran over his shoulders again and he closed his eyes and let his head roll forward. Cool water dripped down his neck soothing feverish skin and Zack’s fingers grazed a little closer to the throbbing ache. Soft lips pressed against his neck and he opened his eyes when they pressed against his shoulder. In the mirrored surface he stared into his brown eyes, familiar and somehow different. He blinked slowly but the alien feeling lingered. The eyes darkened to black and began to expand covering the white. He stared, breath catching, but unable to look away from the mutating reflection.

He jerked awake and blinked up at the vaulted ceiling, he couldn’t remember getting out of the water or lying down. As soon as his wakefulness registered a migraine drilled him right between the eyes. He groaned and rolled onto his side curling in on himself and covering his head. “Airn.” Tama’s coarse voice made him wince and he groaned again in answer. Heavy and warm hands tried to pry him out of his pained ball and he growled warningly. “Zack is…concerned.” Tama said tugging at him again. “Zack will have to stay concerned another moment until my head sorts itself.” He snapped curling tighter. A shudder of pain rippled down his spine and he squeezed his head. Tama sighed and his quiet steps retreated down a hallway.

“Brian?” Zack’s shaky voice a few minutes later perked him up a bit but the pain was still horrific. “Brian what’s wrong? Matthew said you were fine but, I’m scared.” He whispered. Airn raised his head some and squinted against the sunlight as pain throbbed behind his eyes. “I am fine, just a headache.” He lowered his head again. Zack’s gentle hands brushed hair off his cheek and he relaxed some. Zack stroked his arm and the pain began to recede until he could uncurl himself and sit up. Zack was pale and watching him like a mother would a frail child with a cough. Airn rubbed his temples and shook his head to dispel the lingering pain. “I’m fine Zack.” He murmured pulling the small mortal close and kissing his temple. Zack melted against him and tucked his head under his chin, “What happened?” he whispered. “The water turned black and you said something about a guardian and seeker and then you sank into the water.” He was shaking and Airn ran his fingers down his shoulder blades where his beautiful wings should have been. “There’s nothing to be afraid of, love.” He assured. “Come on, I’ll show you.” He kissed his temple again and easily standing while keeping one arm around the terrified mortal.

Zack dug his heels in when Brian tried to get him in the water. “It’s all right. I promise nothing will hurt you.” He coaxed but Zack shook his head and tried to back away. Brian kept a firm grip on his hand, “Trust me, Zachary. I won’t let anything hurt you.” He promised. Zack swallowed and tried to back away again and this time he let go. He backed up two steps and looked from the shimmering water to Brian. Brian took a step back into the water and then another until he was in up to his calves. “Please, Zack.” He pleaded. Matthew walked in dressed in a white tunic woven with gold that reflected in the sun. He looked from Brian to Zack and held his hand out to Zack. Zack took his hand and pressed against him savoring the peace that overcame him. “We’ll make the peace last this time.” He murmured. Zack looked up at him and then back at the water, “I don’t want it to swallow me.” He whispered. Matthew kissed his forehead, “It won’t. Quite the opposite.” He reassured. Brian hadn’t sank into the water again and stood waiting patiently. “Come Zack, you’ve been wandering too long.” He whispered. Zack looked up at him startled and took a willing step toward the water. Matthew followed him and he walked a little less fearful.

Lukewarm water brushed the back of his knees and Brian hugged him close. “Don’t be afraid, Zaksha.” He whispered. Zack looked up at him confused and Brian tilted his head down to see his reflection in the mercurial water. Green eyes, not his green but so much brighter, a familiar stranger. He felt like he was falling into those green depths, into the peace they promised.

He woke up with a small sound but cuddled closer to Airn’s warm body unwilling to let go of sleep. Soft lips pressed against his temple, his cheek, and then the corner of his mouth. His lips quirked into a smile and he opened his eyes, “I missed you.” He murmured. Airn kissed him fully on the lips, “I missed you too.” He said kissing him again, Zaksha deepened the kiss and Airn cupped his cheek to pull him closer.

“We still have things to do.” Airn whispered huskily when Zaksha released him. Zaksha sighed and Airn kissed him again not quite willing to let him go just yet. “And then we have eternity.” He promised against his lips. Zaksha smiled again and gracefully got to his feet and stretched his body and wings. He flapped a couple times until his feet were off the floor and dropped again with a radiant smile, “I’ve missed this so much.” He folded his snowy wings around himself in a tight hug. Airn chuckled and stood up and looked to the doorway where James was staring at Zaksha with his head tilted to the side. He had a flask in his hand and took a drink from it and turned to Tama, leaning against the doorway pillar, “N’er drink absinthe ‘fore noon.” He advised the smiling war god. Zaksha fluttered over to him and pounced, “James.” He giggled and then stopped. “Tama.” He whispered, Airn was next to him in a moment staring at Zaksha’s bloody hand. James staggered and Tama caught and held him. Airn snarled at the burgeoning crimson stain on the side of his tunic. Tama picked him up and carried him to the pool. “Find Jolin.” He ordered dunking James in the water to wake him up. Zaksha flapped his wings and glided down the hallway. Airn followed him as far as his room where he broke off to get his armor.

Jolimi woke sputtering curses and fighting off phantom attackers. Tama grabbed his flailing hands and calmed him with soft words. The wine god hugged his brother tightly, “Tama, I’ve missed you.” He whispered resting his forehead against his shoulder. Tama’s warm lips pressed against his temple, “We’re almost whole again.” He murmured. He helped him to his feet and then Tama gasped and dropped to a knee again holding an arm across his chest. “Something’s wrong.” He panted, a shudder went through him and he struggled to his feet again, “Find Airn and Zaksha.” He ordered raggedly. Jolimi hesitated unwilling to leave his brother when he was in such pain. “Jolimi, there’s something wrong with Jolin, find him.” He snapped. Jolimi froze and then ran down the hallway to find his youngest brother.

Airn came out of his room battle ready and Jolimi’s heart doubled in speed, “Where’s Zaksha?” he asked. Airn wasn’t surprised to see him, “He went to the front to find Jolin. Rory is here.” The last part was a low growl. “Tama says something is wrong with Jolin.” Jolimi told him frantically. Airn’s eyes blacked out for a second before they returned to normal and he doubled over holding his head. “I can’t see. My mind is still in pieces.” He groaned. He put a hand on the wall to steady himself, “Find Zaksha and Johnny.” He ordered. Jolimi took off down the hallway again.

A/N: Yeah! One action packed chapter left! Thank you for reading and reviewing, love and hugs. <3
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