#breachshipping

Nasch couldn't sleep. He didn't like the storms. He'd never liked when storms battered the island. Thunder boomed and Nasch rolled over again, wishing Shark Drake was still small enough to be allowed into bed with him. He wanted to be with Mizael. Mizael always made him feel better he didn't see why he had to be kept away from him. He wanted to be Mizael's friend.

Lightning cracked across the sky and Nasch sat up, sure he saw a figure out there in the dark. He frowned slightly, getting out from his bed and creeping across to the window. He was right. There was a figure out there. Lightning lit up the sky again and thunder boomed and Nasch gasped. It was Mizael. Mizael was out there. He pulled on his boots and his outer robes, unlocking the window and slipping it open just enough to squeeze out, leaving a sheet between the window and the wall so he could slip back in again.

"Mizael," he called over the storm. "Mizael!"

He ran over and caught Mizael's arm but he didn't stop. Nasch gazed up at him, hurrying a long at his side and pulling up his hood. Mizael's hair was soaked. It was still short. It was blonde again, the dye had grown out and Mizael's mother had cut it off so it was all blonde again. That black ribbon was wound into one of the forward sections of his hair since it wasn't long enough for a ponytail yet. Nasch's chest hurt every time he thought about it. He hadn't meant to hurt Mizael when he pulled the ribbon out of his hair. He'd never meant for it to happen like that. He'd not given it a second thought. He was more careful now. He was older and smarter. Last year felt like a long time ago. He didn't want Mizael to get hurt again and he wasn't going to let it be because of him ever again.

"Mizael? What's wrong?"

Mizael just kept walking and Nasch grabbed his hand as thunder boomed once more. There was no response but Mizael's hand closed around his, leading him through the forest and towards the far side of the island. Nasch hung onto his tightly, getting as close as he could and holding his arm tightly. As long as he was with Mizael the storm didn't seem so bad. Mizael would protect him. Mizael would always protect him. He felt safe with Mizael. He didn't know why but Mizael made him feel so safe and comfortable he'd follow Mizael anywhere, even in a storm like this.

"Where are we going, Mizael?" he called just loud enough to be heard over the storm. "What's out here?"

Mizael didn't answer and just kept walking. So Nasch stayed with him. They forest grew sparse and they were battered by the storm but Mizael kept walking. Nasch wanted to pull up Mizael's hood but that would involve releasing his grip on Mizael's arm.

Mizael carried on and Nasch didn't know how far they'd gone or how long they'd been walking just that the rain was beginning to ease, although the thunder certainly wasn't easing at all. Mizael was leading him down into a gorge and they splashed through the swollen river, trying to keep their footing as against the raging current.

"Mizael?" he demanded, pulling on his arm. "Where are we going? We're way too far from the village. What's going on?"

Mizael still didn't answer but Nasch continued to cling to his arm, letting him guide him along. They followed along the wall of the gorge, slightly sheltered from the wind and the rain until finally they reached a cave and Mizael turned inside. It was near pitch black and Nasch clung tightly to Mizael's arm.

"We shouldn't be here."

There was a soft growl and Nasch froze. That sounded like a dragon. His stomach churned as Mizael pulled him deeper into the cave. This was a dragon's home. He made out a shape in the darkness and released Mizael's arm. He shouldn't have been there. He turned away and walked back to the entrance of the cave, sitting and watching the rain. He shouldn't have been there for this. Mizael had finally found his dragon. They were going to bond and it was supposed to be a private, personal matter. And now he'd just have to wait for the bonding to be done before Mizael could take him home.

Lightning lit up the area and he glanced back to find Mizael on the floor was his dragon, soaking wet but his head resting against the beast's muzzle. He turned back to watching the rain. He'd been alone when he bonded with Shark Drake. All Tamers were alone when they bonded. If someone found their dragon, everyone left them to it. It felt wrong to be this close to a bonding pair.

He shivered slightly and sniffled. He was cold and wet and tired and he wanted to go home and curl up in Mizael's bed with him for comfort. He wouldn't know how to get back without Mizael, he hadn't paid attention to where they'd gone and there were several gorges like this on the island. He'd never find his way back alone until morning. So he closed his eyes and tried to sleep but every thunder rumble worked him up and being cold and wet didn't help.

"Nasch," Mizael murmured. Nasch glanced into the darkness as found Mizael gazing up at him, lit up by the dragon glowing softly. "Come here. You won't be able to sleep over there."

Nasch's eyes widened and he nodded quickly, running over and kneeling with him. Mizael wrapped Nasch in his arms, letting him lean against his dragon's armoured body and the young dragon lowered its wings over them.

"Thank you, Mizael," he whispered, pulling open Mizael's outer robes and his so they could share their warmth without getting wet. Mizael tried to push his hands away but Nasch just slipped his hands inside the robes, wrapping his arms tightly around him and nuzzling into his chest. "I love you, Mizael."

"Don't say stupid things like that," Mizael grumbled.

"But it's true, I love you," he replied, shaking his head. "You're like- like a big brother." Mizael sighed and wrapped his arms gently around him. "Only, you're more fun than Merag. Is that what it's like having a big brother, do you think? Is it like that with all older siblings, or just brothers?"

"I wouldn't really know, Nasch," he murmured. "I only have sisters and they hate me. Not that you're making much sense."

"Sorry."

"Just go to sleep, Nasch."

Nasch yawned and closed his eyes, nodding slightly and trying to relax in Mizael's arms. It felt so right to be with him. Mizael had let him be there while he bonded with his dragon. Mizael and his dragon were still bonding and getting to know each other and Nasch could be seen to be interfering or contaminating their bond. Mizael didn't seem to mind. And Nasch couldn't help feeling honoured. To be allowed to see such a private moment, even to be part of it, was incredible.

"Nasch!" Nasch groaned and opened his eyes slowly, struggling to think. He was cuddled up to Mizael, the dragon's wing still sheltering them as they slept. "Your highness?!" Nasch groaned slightly as the voices grew closer over the rains. "Benetnasch!"

Nasch went to call back to them but Mizael's laid his hand gently over his mouth. "Shh."

Nasch gaze up at him, his heart pounding. What was wrong with Mizael? Why wasn't he let him call back? They were his parents and his family, why did Mizael want to keep him out in a cave in a storm?

"Your highness?!"

The voices move closer and there were footsteps at the mouth of the cave. The dragon's wing shifted further over them and it growled.

"It's a dragon," his father murmured. The dragon hissed and he chuckled. "What's the matter, little one?" The dragon roared and his father chuckled. "Alright, alright, we'll let you sleep, little one. We need to focus on finding Nasch. And that little tainted brat."

Mizael flinched and Nasch squeezed his hand tightly. Now he understood. If they were caught together like this Mizael might be punished again. He'd run away from his bed in the middle of the night in the middle of a storm. They could have been panicking and Mizael would probably get the blame no matter what. It wouldn't matter to them that he'd run after Mizael, he was starting to understand that, he'd always get the blame.

He smiled and pulled Mizael's hand again, burying his head in Mizael's shoulder and settling down to sleep a little while longer. As long as he was with Mizael, he was happy.

"I'm sorry," Mizael whispered. "But she's bonded with you too now, you can't leave her now."

"Bonded… with me?" Nasch replied. But that didn't make sense. Dragons could only bond with one Tamer, couldn't they? "How?"

"Not with your soul," he said gently. Nasch nodded. That was reassuring. "But you were here when our souls bonded, so she thinks you're… precious to me… so she wants time to bond with you too."

"Oh. Ok." He smiled tiredly and lifted his head. "What's her name?"

"Tachyon."

Nasch nodded slightly and laid his hand on Tachyon's body, feeling her warmth and the slow rise and fall of her sides. "Hello, Tachyon. My name's Benetnasch, but everyone calls me Nasch. I'm Prince, and one day-" He struggled to stifle a yawn and Mizael smiled slightly. "-one day I'll be King and I'll save Mizael from his curse."

"Do you think so?" Mizael murmured as Tachyon blew a puff of air.

"Yes," he huffed, nodding quickly. "And I'll make you my mate."

"You're ridiculous."

"I mean it. You're going to be my mate one day, Mizael. You're my best friend in the world-"

"Don't say stupid things like that," Mizael sighed. "We're not that close."

"I mean it!" Nasch insisted, pressing against him. He yawned again and Mizael chuckled, stroking his hair gently. "You're my best friend and I love you and you're going to be my mate one day."

"Whatever you say, your highness," he said, holding him close. "But right now, I think you need to get back to sleep."

He nodded and closed his eyes, trying to relax again. It was hard though. He was sleepy, but he wanted to stay awake and look after Mizael. What if his father came back and found them? Mizael would get in trouble. He wanted to protect Mizael. He never wanted Mizael to be hurt because of him again.

~♥~

Nasch sat curled up in his travelling robes, Lancer resting at his side in a little cave in the mountain, waiting for the storm to pass. He still couldn't sleep well through storms without Mizael at his side. Even as he grew older, he needed Mizael's presence. Even now. A storm was raging and he was desperate for Mizael's comfort.

Or Durbe.

His chest ached at the thought. Durbe. Yes, Durbe would have done just as well. He could have slept in Durbe's arms. He'd really blown that, hadn't he? Durbe had loved him despite how cruel he'd been. He'd saved him from the Sorcerers that first night. He'd known he could be killed for helping him and he'd still freed him, even trusted him with Mach. They didn't know each other and Durbe put himself in danger just to help him.

Durbe had done so much for him and he'd killed him. It seemed Durbe was right to be afraid of him. But despite how brash and rude and brutal he'd been, Durbe had been falling for him. And Nasch had been falling madly in love with him too. If only Durbe had told him the truth from the start. Tears dripped down his cheeks and he buried his head in his arms.

"Durbe…" He shook his head and curled up tighter. "I'm sorry."

He should have been moving on. The longer he sat there the worse things would get and the closer Mizael would get to catching him. After all, Mizael would never let him do this alone. He'd be after him the moment he knew he was gone. Nasch should have kept moving to keep the distance between them but he couldn't bring himself to move in this storm. All he could do was sit there and try to keep himself together.

Lancer nudged his side and Nasch smiled, patting his neck gently. He was beautiful. At least he'd get one good friend out of this. Lancer was a good horse. He was a good to him. He should have got moving and it felt like Lancer knew it. They had to get moving but he couldn't move. He couldn't face the storm alone. Without Shark Drake. Without Mizael and without Durbe. He couldn't move. He couldn't.

~♥~

"We should keep moving and try to catch up with Nasch," Mizael grumbled, glaring out at the storm. "He won't be moving in this weather. He hates storms."

"You said it yourself," Kaito replied. "The trails are too dangerous in this whether. One slip and we could die."

Mizael sighed. He knew that. He'd said it himself, just how Kaito said. The rain had started to flood the paths and the soil underfoot was turning into mud. It was dangerous for them and their horses. He stroked Parsec's nose gently and Kaito leant his head back against the cave wall. He was sat a little further back with Thrasher while Mizael was stood at the cave entrance, watching the raging storm with Parsec leaning his head against his chest.

"We could make the most of this time together," Kaito murmured.

Mizael glanced over and scowled. Now he wanted to be close to him? "Really? In a cave?"

"I don't care where we are as long as I have you," he replied. Mizael moved over to sit with him and Kaito smiled, taking his hand. "I… I'm sorry about last night, if you… wanted more."

"I told you, I'm not mad."

"I know what you said," Kaito argued. "But I don't believe you." He smiled slightly and squeezed his hand. "We can make up for it now, if you want."

Mizael huffed and snatched his hand away. Now he wanted him? He'd worn those revealing robes and let his hair down and had practically offered himself up as best he could and Kaito had pushed him away but he wanted him now? What was wrong with him?

"Mizael-"

"That was before I started thinking about us, Kaito," he murmured. "This won't work."

"What? Why? Mizael, I- I care about you, I want you in my life," Kaito argued. "What's changed between now and last night?"

"Like I said, I started thinking about this," he replied. "I've only had sex once before."

"And?" he laughed, shaking his head. "I'm a virgin, what does that matter? You're more experienced than I am. And even if you weren't, that wouldn't matter to me."

Mizael nodded slightly. He thought as much. But that wasn't the problem. Nasch didn't seem to appreciate it either but it played on his mind. He wouldn't care whether he was more experienced or less experienced. He cared about Kaito, that was what mattered. That was why he couldn't put Kaito in this situation. He should have stayed at the temple. He shouldn't have let Kaito come with him.

"Kaito, my curse-"

"Stop talking about that curse like that," Kaito demanded, pulling him around to face him. Their lips pressed together and Kaito slid his hands through his hair gently. "I don't care about your curse, I don't even know how real it is, if you ask me it's just superstition."

"My curse is real," Mizael whispered between kisses. "It has taken so many lives. You're not safe with me." Kaito just smiled and moved a little closer, hands buried lovingly into hair as their kiss deepened and the cold suddenly didn't seem like such a bother. "The last time I was intimate with someone… with Nasch…" He closed his eyes and pushed Kaito away gently. "The morning they killed everyone."

"Mizael," he sighed, stroking his cheeks. "It wasn't your fault."

"But it was." He shook his head and Kaito's fingers slid down his neck to his collar. He'd always known it, he'd just never voiced it until recently. He was responsible for the deaths of the people he loved. Those Nasch loved. They were all gone because of him. "I caused this."

"No."

"Kaito-"

"I don't care if this is our culture or our life," Kaito said firmly. "I don't believe that curse is that powerful. I don't believe that you caused the invasion or their deaths."

"And what happens if you're wrong," Mizael murmured, pushing him away. "What happens if I take you to bed and you're wrong and you lose the people you love because of me?"

Kaito hesitated slightly and Mizael knew he finally understood. People could say the curse didn't exist and it was just coincidence and superstition but what if it wasn't? What if they ignored his curse and it all went wrong and they lost even more people? Even if Kaito would put his own life on the line to be close with him, he would never put Haruto's life in danger, just as Mizael would never risk Alkel's life.

There was silence and Kaito sat back against the wall, taking Mizael's hand tightly once more. At least that hadn't scare him off completely. It was reassuring to know that Kaito wanted to remain with him even if they couldn't be intimate. He supposed he'd have to get used to that. Their relationship couldn't go any further. It was foolish to have entertained the thought for even a moment.

"And forget any thoughts about mating either," Mizael murmured. "I won't allow your soul to be condemned like mine."

"I would happily take that curse to be with you," Kaito replied, squeezing his hand.

"I won't allow it."

"You're making this choice for me?"

"Yes."

There was a heavy moment of silence. Mizael wouldn't allow Kaito to become a part of his sin. He couldn't let Kaito, a perfectly respectable man- a Prince and heir to the throne of the Luna Kingdom- take his sin and corruption.

"Then I will need to find a way to break this curse." Mizael glanced over at him and Kaito offered a soft smile. "We'll find a cure and then we can be together."

"The same as you'll find a curse for Haruto."

Kaito flinched and scowled. "Yes. The same as I'll find a cure for Haruto. If Nasch is searching for this Fountain of the Gods that can supposedly cure anything, then who's to say it won't sure Haruto and it can't cure you?"

"It's a story. You're asking me to get excited and pin all my hopes on a story."

"Your kind are a story, Mizael," Kaito said softly. "Do you know how often as a child Haruto asked me to tell him stories about the dragons? And you know I didn't really know much but I told him how you were brave, honourable warriors who care about your dragons and had such strong bonds with their dragons and their fellow Tamers. He used to love stories about dragons and Tamers."

Mizael smiled slightly. It was ridiculous that people looked up to their kind in such a way and yet at the same time they had been hunted to the edge of extinction. It was pathetic. He didn't even know why King Vector or his father had such a vendetta against their people.

"You know why I pulled away last night?"

"Why?"

"Because you mentioned seeing me in that mess." Mizael frowned and glanced over. "The idea that you saw me like that… Those two weeks were the worst of my life, Mizael." He closed his eyes and Mizael squeezed his hand this time. "I hate what happened to me. I fell apart and people got killed because of it."

"We've all lost control. You need to stop dwelling on it. Your bond with Photon is stronger and your control is better."

"I sat there in my father's courtroom, tied up and beaten and broken and he sentenced me to death. I was slammed against the wall and stripped down and I had never felt so dirty as disgusting as when they were putting their hands all over me."

"I know," Mizael muttered, leaning his head back against the wall. "I've been there. I've been tied up and pulled around. I understand."

"And you seeing me like that, it's humiliating to think about it," Kaito said softly.

"In that case, there should be no rush," he said. Kaito nodded slightly. "But I'm glad we've had this time to talk. Hopefully the storm will ease soon and we can get moving again."

"I hope so," he replied with a small smile. "The sooner we find that fountain, the sooner I can get you into bed."

Mizael snorted and stuck up his nose. "I'm not that easy, you spoilt brat. You have to earn it."

Kaito laughed softly and a smile tugged at Mizael's lips before Kaito kissed him once more, pulling him gently closer again. Mizael gave into it for now. There was nothing better to do in the storm. What was the harm in just a few kisses?

~♥~

Iris grabbed the back of Merag's skirt as they were led through the castle. Merag didn't understand why they were in King Don's castle for her marriage but King Vector's guards were pulling her through the halls of the castle. Iris clung onto her and Merag would have reached back to reassure her if her wrists hadn't been chained. The idea of marriage to that monster mad her sick and if he thought he was going to get an heir out her he was in for a shock. There was no way she was letting him put one filthy, blood stained hand on him let alone get her into bed.

As they went down the hall, there were voices. The guards shifted uneasily and Iris' grip on Merag's shirt tightened as there was a thud and the clanking of chains as a man cried out hoarsely.

"That sounded like Sir Durbe," one of the guards hissed. "What's he doing to him?"

"Who cares?" another replied. "I'd just rather him than us. If he wants to get close to a mad man like his majesty, then it's his fault when he gets hurt."

There was another thud and Durbe cried out once more. "Your majesty, please!"

"Shut up!" King Vector snarled.

Merag took half a step back but the guards yanked her forward. That man was a monster. How could she ever marry him? He and his family had destroyed her village! She had to get away from here. She had to get Iris away from him.

"Your majesty," one guard called nervously, knocking on the door.

"Get lost!" Vector yelled as Durbe let out a strange, pained noise.

"Oh, don't be so stressed, Veccy," Prince Mist laughed, pushing the door open without even knocking. Merag's eyes widened and Vector swore before the door slammed. There was silence for a few minutes before the door opened and Mist swept out. "You can go in now."

The guards pulled Merag and Iris in and Merag quickly pulled Iris close, hiding her eyes. Vector was dressing himself and on his bed, obviously exhausted and abused, was a young silver haired man with the sheets draped over him. He was so familiar. She supposed he must have been Durbe. Sir Durbe? He was a knight and he was in King Vector's bed. Well, maybe if he was busy with him he'd show less interest in her.

"Ah, my Princess," King Vector purred, pulling on his jacket. He caught her hand and pulled her close to kiss her knuckled. "I'm so glad you mad it so quickly. I'll have a bath drawn up for you in the morning. For you and dear little Iris. In the meantime, please, relax before our big day. You can even enjoy yourself with my dear Durbe if it pleases you. After all, as my wife, what's mine is to yours and Durbe does live to serve, don't you, Durbe?"

Durbe's eyes cracked open. "Vector-"

"I'm so glad."

He swept out and his guards went with him, the door shutting and locking behind them. Merag hesitated slightly, letting Iris step away. She stepped over to the bed and looked him over.

"You're the knight from the island," she said quietly.

Merag stiffened. Yes. That was where he was from. The knight and Vector's side. Who'd helped him drag Alkel along and who'd locked her and the children up. She hadn't seen him since the island. It was only just then that Merag noticed a chain attached to the bedhead. They went under the covers and Merag realised Durbe was chained up.

"Where's Nasch? And Alkel?" Durbe smiled tiredly and Merag snarled. "Where are they? And Mizael? What happened to them?!"

"Alkel is Mizael's little brother, right?" he murmured.

"Yes, yes, the little blonde who was dragged off with his dragon," she said, nodding slightly. "Where is he? And Mizael?"

"Last I heard he was in the city around Heartland's coliseum," Durbe replied softly. "Those gladiators love him."

"He's alive?" Iris chirped. "Alkel is ok?"

"He seemed very happy. When Nasch tried to kill me he and Mizael were there too."

Merag sat on the bed to stop her legs from giving out. They were alive. They were all alive and well. She let out a relieved breath and played absently with the chains. They were alive. And now they were out of that facility there was a much better chance of escaping.

"Why's he hurting you?" Iris said quietly.

Durbe gave a bitter laugh and closed his eyes. "Because he thinks I might be able to draw Nasch out just as well as you two? Because he loves me and I don't love him in the same way? Who knows? Maybe he's just mad like everyone says."

"Why would Nasch care about you?" Merag snapped. "Didn't you just say he tried to kill you?"