Daniel was awakened by the sensation of large, slightly calloused fingers skating their way across his bare shoulder and instantly two things were crystal clear in his mind. The first being that it wasn't Rhion's hand that was doing the uninvited exploring, and two that the feel of those fingers sickened him straight to his core for some inexplicable reason.
Oh yes indeed, something bad had unquestionably happened while De was in the forefront. The only question now was, did he really wanta know what that was? And exactly how long could he wait to come to a decision?
Well apparently just long enough for those fingers to curl around the sheet and start to draw it away. Oh yeah he'd made a decision then, snagged the sheet with his free hand and looked over his shoulder in sheer horror before fear welded him to his spot.
He knew the face that hovered over the bed, oh not personally but this was the demon king---Mish-Shy? He knew this because he'd seen his pictures in the lesson plans, the ones Mystic had supplied him with by order of his father lord Leviathan.
Vampires and Demons were natural born enemies for some obscure reason Daniel had never entirely understood. But he hadn't needed to understand, he had only needed to know whom to point his sword toward in battle. (Not that De would have ever permitted him into real battle---no way in hell) but his so-called father at least thought he should be informed. Or maybe he just thought it helpful that Daniel actually read the lesson plans where as De pitched them straight in the fireplace?
Although as Mish-Shy's look changed from wicked amusement into a confused scowl and then into a total pissed off look of understanding, Daniel was beginning to wish he'd passed on reading at least the few of those lessons. "You're supposed to be dead, human! What the hell are you doing here?" Oh that didn't sound good, in fact it sounded positively deadly.
The second Mish-shy's hand reached out for him, presumably to snag him by the hair since that's the direction it was heading, Daniel beat a path straight outa that bed. Right over top of a now groggily waking Rhion in fact, and onto the floor on the other side.
Thank god that's where his pants from the night before had landed and that Mish-shy was apparently too miffed to come charging at him straight away. It gave Daniel just enough time to pull on his pants and get to his feet before the demon took a somewhat predatory step toward the foot of the bed.
"Now, wait just a minute!" Rhion was shooting up outa the bed now, hand up in the air in a somewhat threatening fashion. "It's too early in the morning for this shit! Don't you demons have any fucking manners? Guess not! Prisoners or no, you don't barge in here before the sun rises for Thor's sake!"
The cross words actually stopped Mish-Shy in his tracks for a moment. Whether the demon was impressed with Rhion's bravery or contemplating his immediate execution was a mystery.
Or maybe he was just as startled as Daniel.
Rhion obviously hadn't wasted a moment of his time in relaxing after Daniel fell asleep. He was fully dressed in battle leathers the same bronze-gold as his unruly fall of hair. He might have still been sleepy-eyed, but he had a dagger in one hand, and his other hand rested on the hilt of a sword Daniel hadn't even noticed the night before. In short, except for his bare feet and mildly drowsy expression, Rhion was ready for attack. He was shaking off the "sleepy" even as Daniel stared at him, growing alert and deadly in a breath of seconds.
When did he get up and dress for some anticipated conflict, then return to bed on top of the covers? Daniel hadn't even felt the withdrawal of the comfortable, muscular body. He certainly hadn't noticed any withdrawal of protection.
In fact, Rhion now wasted no time placing himself firmly between Daniel and the Demon. Knife or not, sword or not, he was badly outsized and he must have realized it. But the effect on his attitude was negligible.
He was coldly, sternly determined to protect Daniel with every breath remaining and it came through in waves.
Instead of slaying them both where they stood Mish-shy seemed to be taking it all in and apparently that wasn't helping in the effort toward calming him down in the least.
Bit by bit the scowl deepened, the forearm spikes emerged and the jewel colored eyes that hid behind the illusion of human ones rose steadily to the surface. "They didn't say anything about a human soul residing in this body, and a tainted one at that!" He took another step, so did Rhion straight into the demon's path.
"Rhion?" Daniel, for one was worried as much about Rhion as he was about himself but fear had kinda ripped his vocabulary out by the roots.
"It's alright, Daniel." Rhion's soothing tone changed to pissed-off as he turned his remarks to the demon. "And I'll thank you to keep your insults between your teeth, speaking 'human' in a tone like that! And what d'ya mean 'tainted'? I see a pot calling a kettle black myself!"
"The hell it is!" Mish-shy's voice boomed about the same time he started forward, his eyes full of a killing rage Daniel recognized well. "Come here ya little parasite!"
Yup, that was good enough to send Daniel dashing outa the room with all the enthusiasm of an Olympic runner.
"More insults!" he heard Rhion shout, and the man's tone was curiously pleased even though honestly annoyed. The big beautiful fool was actually anticipating a good fight with Mish-shy!
There were a couple of sounds that immediately followed Daniel's retreat, that of a sword being drawn and then the loud clatter of metal against stone as the weapon was slammed brutally into the far wall. Then of course there was the loud rumble of Mish-shy's voice dishing out what sounded like a father's reprimand. "What are you doing, boy? Trying to get yourself killed or something?"
Then there was what sounded like an impact of flesh against flesh, and a soft sound that reminded Daniel of a time when he's been playing a game of ball with a much bigger boy and had ended up getting the breath knocked outa him. "Damn you!" was what came outa Mish-Shy's mouth just about the time Daniel had started to turn back toward the two of them. He couldn't run and hide while Rhion was being murdered, now could he? "Damn fool, it's that human blood that does it, get off my LEG DAMNIT!"
The sight that greeted Daniel as he turned in the kitchen doorway, was actually strange enough to stop him in his tracks.
Rhion's dagger and sword lay on the floor where Mish-shy had obviously knocked them from Rhion's hands. Rhion himself was pretty much wrapped around one of the demon's powerful legs, clinging like grim death.
Mish-shy's expression was a priceless mix of fury, astonishment and the beginnings of by-gods amusement as he kicked out gently, obviously expecting Rhion to loose his grip as the demon shook out his leg.
If anything, the blond clung tighter. Mish-shy bellowed and kicked a bit harder as Rhion decided to take a good bite of the limb he was clinging to. His attack probably didn't have the effect Rhion wanted, though, since Mish-shy was roaring not with pain but now with full-throated laughter at the human's persistence.
"Enough, ya damned crazy varmint, you'll bite a hole in my britches and these are my favorites!"
Rhion spat out his mouthful long enough to bark, "You'll leave him be, you big stupid demon? Or I'll bite in a more tender spot next time!"
"Promises, promises!" Mish-shy leered, and Rhion let go hastily, scrambling to snatch up his sword. "No, you have my word, you foolish human; I surrender! For now. because I see how much of my time you'll waste trying to stop me from hurting this pup, and I don't want to kill you---yet. I think you can be of use, a human this stubborn may be just what I need. And I wasn't meaning to hurt your pup, exactly; he startled me is all, by even existing! But now that you've entertained me, let the cowering pup re-enter the room and we'll have a nice civilized talk about all this? I swear it." Still grinning, the huge creature tucked in his arm spikes and made a curious gesture with closed fist that obviously was meant to give weight to his oath. His eyes still seemed inhuman, a blazing blend of colors, but as he looked at Rhion there was something other than anger in them now.
Daniel shivered. What was there might be worse than anger, he thought distractedly. It bordered on admiration, and something told Daniel that drawing a demon's strong notice even in a good way might be unhealthy.
Slowly Daniel eased his way around the corner, very careful to stay outa Mish-shy's reach as he did so. He clearly wasn't ready to trust the big demon just yet and why should he be, if all he had were the lessons of vampires to guide his way in this.
The boy slipped smoothly into what seemed to be his rightful place just behind Rhion's right shoulder, his head coming up proudly and his demeanor changing just enough to make him seem somewhat regal. It was as though Rhion's presence had offered him all the protection he needed in this cold world and behind his shield of protection he could shine brightly.
It seemed a long practiced habit; something he'd done for ages but Mish-shy knew they'd only been together for a few days at the most. Nowhere near long enough to develop this sort of connection to each other. At least not a connection born of this world, maybe there was more to this tainted human than met the eye.
Rhion himself looked a trace surprised as the boy moved into his personal space and suddenly tripled in assurance. He glanced at this human counterpart of the Dark One, noted the boy's changed attitude with the quick comprehension that Mish-shy had noted before so strange, in a muddy-brained human!
Rhion smiled at the boy with all the slow warm beauty of the first dawn of summer breaking through cool spring skies. The 'click' between them was almost audible, and when Rhion turned his gaze back to Mish-shy the faint traces of uncertainty were melted from his features as well. It was impossible for his chin to lift any higher, but his confidence suddenly was total which it hadn't been before.
Curious?
Mish-shy took a deep breath, sheathed his amusement, or at least most of it but he allowed his smile to remain as he spoke. "So, The Dark One has a human kindred buried beneath his foundation? Most unexpected, that you survived, I mean. Most human souls can't withstand the weight of such power, or such pain. You should have been devoured by what he is and yet here you remain, quite whole, safe. What's so special about you, eh? Maybe it's that sweetness that saturates your scent, maybe that's what protected you humm?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Daniel looked suddenly uncomfortable as if Mish-shy's had somehow unintentionally threatened him with his words.
"You don't even know what lays beneath your own surface, do you?"
"Whatever it is you see, I have no knowledge of it." Daniel's words were honest but tinged heavily with uncertainty and a tiny twinkle of fear.
"No matter, I suppose if you weren't supposed to be here, then you wouldn't be. Is Damian listening to us now?"
"No, he sleeps." Daniel's words were simple but laced heavily with suspicion.
"Can you call upon him, or does he come and go as he pleases?" Mish-Shy's questions were unnerving Daniel to the point of fidgeting, and Rhion was starting to have the look of an edged blade in his eyes. As if even one so brave could intimidate a Shyle! "Who is dominate?" Mish-shy continued to press.
"You mean, does he call the shots or do I?" Daniel snapped out the words like he'd just been insulted. "Why do you want to know these things?"
Mish-shy ignored Daniel's question in favor of asking another one. "Does your presence make him susceptible to attack?"
"I thought you meant me no harm?" Daniel's words were laced with bitter accusation.
"And why do you suddenly believe I do?" Daniel didn't answer, simply moved closer to Rhion who was more than ready to receive him, wrapping one large arm around his waist protectively as he frankly glared at the demon king like a war chieftain ready to attack.
"Perhaps because you're drilling him for weaknesses." Rhion snapped.
"I was actually 'Drilling him' for Damian's weaknesses." Mish-Shy's tone rippled with evil amusement. "Don't worry young lion, if I'd have wanted our boy dead, then he'd be dead. There's no need to play the lioness defending a cub!"
"Damian or Daniel, I don't see his weaknesses, strengths or anything about him as being your business really. We're prisoners, isn't that enough for you? What *is* your business with De, come right down to it? I'd think two thieves would be dead already by your laws, not being quartered in your halls and questioned before breakfast!"
"Everything about the Dark One is my business, and that includes---Daniel, is it?" The boy in question nodded brashly and if possible stood even straighter. The demon nodded in acknowledgement, giving Daniel a wry but playful smile before continuing. "And even you, Golden One---even you are indeed my business. And as for thieves and being dead, well even if I didn't have a purpose here, the two of you would still be alive, if for only the coin you'd bring me at auction. Why would I deprive you of your lives, when I could claim your souls?"
He saw the utter distaste that flared in Daniel's crisp blue eyes, like flames forged out of exquisitely polished blue ice. "It's only a lesson. One you should take to heart if you're to shed your ignorance of my people. Don't presume to understand the way of the demon based on the experiences of the heathens who wrote your precious lesson books, Daniel. They weren't worthy of our secrets so therefore they learned none." Mish-shy's expression changed, turned slightly mischievous then. "Besides, vampires are renowned liars and far too colorful with the written word to be true historians."
"So you refuse to answer Rhion's question, then?" Daniel's words were almost cutting, but not quite. It was more like he was accusing the demon king of being a bad host or something akin to it.
The demon came close to scolding the obnoxious cub, he truly did, but in a way he was impressed by the youth's courage. It wasn't often that someone chose to speak to him in such fashion, and judging by the boy's initial reaction, this wasn't an area he ventured into very often. So for a first go, he wasn't doing all that bad. He had a little honest to god pride in him and that counted for something.
"Well, so as to be clear on everyone's position here before I explain MY business with De." The demon emphasized the use of the Dark One's nickname just to be an ass and of course to point out Rhion's slip of the tongue before he continued on, "You 'ALL OF YOU' belong to me. When you cross a Shyle, the mildest form of punishment you can expect, is the forfeit of your freedom, and make no mistake I've taken that from you."
He waited a few seconds, giving them ample time to voice any arguments they may have had, when no one spoke up he continued. "Let me ask you, Daniel, how long could your brother last out there---- on his own, without the darkness to aid him in battle?"
"I don't know?" Mish-shy's tilt of head brought the bitter truth of the matter out of Daniel's mouth. "A few months, maybe a year."
"I was asked to train him, look after him, as a favor to a woman I once---cared for. She has a stake in his well being."
"And what do you get outa this?" Rhion's voice was harsh. His face, strangely enough, had lost some of its iron determination. He looked deep in thought if anything.
"Besides the perks?" The evil leer at them both was impossible to miss. "Let's just say, I'll benefit from this as well---Damian owes me something, and when he's ready I'll collect."
"Perks, eh?" Rhion eyed Mish-shy almost blandly. "Well thank you kindly for the compliment. For so I presume you intended it to be, though the targets might think otherwise! And if you try to touch Daniel---or DE---you'll be going through me to do it. Maybe not a challenge for such as you, but remember my code of honor you swore not to go against. It demands I protect my friends."
Rhion's voice had fallen to an almost silky purr, and perhaps he was unaware of how seductive that threatening soft growl would appear to a demon. Mish-shy's eyes narrowed, and he permitted the slow surge of lust to have its way with him, just a little.
"As I've said before---you're some kind of a human. You defy me, sink your teeth in me---and now presume to threaten me. One would think you actually understood, how foreplay is among demons."
Rhion's eyes widened, as the huge creature took one step nearer and reached out with cat-swiftness, grabbing a fistful of his leathers in an iron grip just above Rhion's heart. Shredding the tough hide somewhat, as the demon claws trickled free.
"You play a dangerous game, boy." Mish-shy dragged Rhion close despite his sudden frantic resistance. "And damned if I don't like that, in you." The demon felt the human's wild heartbeat against him, yet as he pulled back and studied him Mish-shy was delighted to see no fear in those golden eyes. Only fury, betrayal---and perhaps the tiniest bit of guilty lust?
He heard Daniel's yell, felt the boy's slim fingers dragging ineffectively at his arm. Yet for now his attention was solely on Rhion, Daniel no more important to him than some buzzing insect. He flexed his arm muscles lightly, enough to toss the slender body away, even as he bent his head to nip gently at the human's throat.
The whole scene was pleasant enough, for a demon anyway. That was until something strange happened. Almost miraculously Mish-shy found himself in the air, more than that moving through the air as though---No, impossible!
But then there it was, the inevitable effects of a wall and gravity.
Ouch!
For a second there he was seriously reevaluating the whole "human" concept as demonkind had come to understand it, that was until he raised his eyes and saw not Rhion but Damian hovering there, his hand still raised from what could have only been a godly strike.
Well, hell---if that were all it took to get the godling going, he'd have to grope Rhion more often!
Rhion for his part had fallen back, looking deliciously ruffled, stunned, and a cross between angry and delighted at the sight before him. "Daniel?" he blurted in obvious amazement. And then, a little more uncertainly, but perhaps with even more delight---"DE?"
He seemed almost ready to leap forward like the silly human that he was and embrace this dangerous creature.
