He unlocked the door, stepping into the room and dropping his things on the bed with a faint thud. "Cozy.." he muttered to himself, shadows welling from around the room, and swirling into an orb in front of him. When they seeped through the cracks between the floorboards, a trunk lay in there midst in front of him. Opening it, he began pulling out a few outfits, and the books he'd brought with him, that actually filled most of the trunk.

Faran gentle knocked on the opened door and poked his head in. "Can I keep you company?"

Marcello looked up from his book with a smile. He was stretched out along his bed, his shirt unbuttoned as he nodded. "By all means, come in."

Faran smiled softly and floated in. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Not a problem, besides, things were getting pretty hectic in there." Marcello muttered, before turning back to his book. "So...did you finish that book?"

Faran shook his head. "I didn't get the chance to with everything going on." He held the book out to Marcello. "You can have it back."

"You can keep it." Marcello replied with a smile, closing his book and setting it beside him before sitting up himself. "Now, we didn't really get a chance to talk much down there, so..."

Faran blushed slightly and held the book close to himself. "What do you want to ask me?"

"I just want to get to know you better is all." He replied timidly.

Faran smiled softly. "Okay." He sat down at the edge of Marcello's bed.

"Well...erm...ah! Where did you grow up?" Marcello asked.

Faran thought for a moment. "In Venice I believe."

Marcello's face lit up, a smile pulling at his lips. "Really? I lived there when I was younger."

"It was roughly seventeen years ago when I left." Faran nodded. "Yeah. It was a year after my brother was killed that my clan was wiped out and I left."

"I left four years ago...after I was attacked..." Marcello replied, turning away slightly, and sighing.

"I was nearly killed and Ruhan found me and helped me survive in return for using my body," said Faran.

"You're a vampire, by merely feeding you could have healed yourself though."

"It would have taken me feeding on a human to heal most of the damage and I can't take an innocent life."

"I see..." Marcello whispered, sitting upright, and rubbing his face awkwardly. "I couldn't really see what attacked me, it looked like a dog, but much bigger...and cloaked in darkness. I stabbed it, and when the first drop of blood touched my skin, It seemed to evaporate, and I blacked out. When I woke up, I had these strange abilities...." He added softly, waving his hand gently, the shadows through the room dancing in response.

"Did it have glowing red eyes?" asked Faran.

"Closer to amber colored eyes, but somewhere in between." Marcello replied, turning an odd glance towards the male.

Faran nodded. "I thought so. What you encountered was a black dog."

"It was no dog..." Marcello replied quickly, his tone still timid in nature.

"Black dogs are not normal dogs. They haunt deserted roads and guard the gates of Hell. They can change their shape and size, but they always have the red eyes." Faran ran a hand through his hair.

"I see..." Marcello stood, walking over to the trunk with his belongings in it and bending over. The scars from the attack littered his back, hinting a much different life than his soft disposition would give an impression too. "But then...why did it attack me? I was only a kid then..."

Faran just shrugged. "Sometimes they attack people if they get too close to their territory."

"Well, the attack is the sole reason I left Venice...my parents turned there back on me when these strange abilities appeared. They said I was tainted..." He whispered pulling a set of pajama's from the trunk and glancing back at Faran. "Turn around please..." He murmered softly, before unbuttoning his pants, and sliding them off. He was completely bare underneath, and though he wasn't shy, it just wasn't proper to him for anyone besides a lover to see him in such a position.

Faran turned around and looked up at the ceiling. "That's stupid. Parents shouldn't abandon their child just because of something that happened."

Sighing, he pulled the silken pajama bottoms on, and slipped into the shirt, letting it hang elegantly across his form. "They weren't really the parenting type anyway. The butler raised me. He was more of a parent than they ever were, helping me with school, comforting me when I was upset, he even kept my secret of being gay from them, taking me on my first date." He giggled softly, sitting on the bed and picking up his book once more. "You can look again if you wish."

Faran gave him a small smile and sat down next to him. "Thank your for letting me stay here."

"It's not a problem." Marcello smiled, before lying back, snuggling into his pillow. "Tomorrow, I'll help you get your body back... I'm far to tired to attempt it tonight..."

Faran nodded. "I'll leave so you can get some rest." Starts to float over to the door.

"You're welcome to stay if you'd like. I don't mind. " He whispered, his eyes closed as he pulled the blankets over him, nuzzling his face into the dusty garments.

Faran smiled softly and floated back over. "Thank you."

"When I said it before, I'd actually meant for the whole night, I guess I wasn't clear enough. I apologize." Marcello yawned out, rubbing his eyes before snuggling down once more.

"It's okay," said Faran as he sat down on the bed.

"I may not be much company, but I'm afraid I'm quite selfish. I despise being alone..." He whispered softly, sleep tugging at his mind, before claiming him completely.

Faran gave him a small smile and brushed some hair out of Marcello's face, before he laid down next to him.
****

Waking at the break of dusk like usual, Marcello glanced at the ghost like figure beside him, smiling and shaking his head. With stealthy movements, he slid from the bed without waking the other, and quickly began to change into a clean set of clothes, grabbing his book and shoving it in his back pocket before walking to the door. Looks like I have a job to do...

Faran snuggled into the pillow, smiling softly.

Slipping out the door, he left a note on the night stand that simply read, 'be back soon ~Marcello'. With another smile, he pulled the door shut and made his way down to the bar. the tip top

---

Slipping back into the room, Marcello noticed that Faran was still fast asleep. Chuckling quietly as not to wake him, he took the note from the night stand and tossed it in the trash. "Now's as good a time as any..." he whispered to himself before kneeling down in front of the ghostly figure. "Wake up..." he whispered, smiling faintly.

Faran groaned softly and slowly opened his eyes, blinking a few times. He gave him a small smile. "Hi..."

"Hi..." Marcello replied, smiling faintly as well. Standing up, he slowly stretched out, yawning under his breath. "Are you ready? I think I'm strong enough to get your body back."

Faran nodded as he sat up. "I think I am."

"Good." He replied, muttering under his breath, and pricking his finger. "It will take three parts...and may be painful..."

"I can handle the pain," said Faran with a determined look.

"Then I will begin. Can you call Ruhan to you? Long enough for me to place a seal on your physical body."

"I think." Faran closed his eyes and concentrated.

"Good..." Black flames licked at Marcello's fingertips, shadows around him pouring into his form.

Ruhan slammed the door open, growling loudly. "I was trying to sleep, child."

Faran whimpered softly. "But it was vital."

Marcello moved swiftly, digging his fingers into Ruhan's torso, seemingly passing his hand strait through. Pushing past behind, it was engulfed with shadows, with Ruhan's spirit form in it's grasp. Pulling his hand away, a seal formed along the demon's torso, coming together with five points. Touching the body's forehead, a separate seal formed, instantly disappearing under the flesh, and appearing simultaneously on Faran's forehead, burning in.

Ruhan roared loudly in anger. "Let me go!"

Faran clutched his head, double over in pain.

Marcello turned around, pulling his hand from Faran's body's forehead, and in turn drawing Faran back into his body, and finalizing the seal, preventing Ruhan from possessing the body.

"No!" Ruhan struggled against the shadows. "I refuse to wander this world as a spirit again!"

Faran went down on one knee, clutching his head and groaning softly.

"Good, because your still bound to this body... so Faran can draw on your power when it's needed." Marcello smiled, turning to Faran, and helping him to his feet, leading him over to the bed.

"Thank you, Marcello..." Faran gave him a weak smile.

Ruhan growled loudly. "I want my own body!"

"Maybe I should just kill you then." Marcello asked, quirking his head to the side with a blank expression.

Ruhan narrowed his eyes at him. "Do that and you'll have an angry angel after you."

"A being of light? There no threat, where I can go, they can't follow." Marcello replied bluntly, laying Faran back in the bed, and pulling the blanket over him. "You'll need to rest today... that seal drains you a lot at first... but it will stop soon."

Faran groaned softly as he snuggled into the pillow. "When will the seal be removed?"

Ruhan hissed loudly.

"They'll never be removed..." Marcello replied softly, smiling at Faran before standing. "But they only drain when there initially placed, it took your strength and my own to create, nothing more will be taken."

Faran frowned slightly. "What do they do exactly?"

"They bind Ruhan to the body, but prevent him from taking it over. I only kept him attached to you just incase you needed to draw his power." Marcello replied, swaying from side to side. With a faint smile, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Faran groaned softly as he got out of the bed. He picked up Marcello and managed to get him onto the bed. He covered him up, before getting in as well. He sighed softly and glanced over at Ruhan. "What are we going to do?"

Ruhan sighed softly. "I'm not sure. Rai was going to make me a new body, but this idiot messed up everything by binding me to you."

"I hope they can be removed. This added magic is messing up my own magic." Faran glanced over to a corner. "And my black dogs are worried."
***
Stirring to consciousness a short while later, Marcello sat up, his head being sent into a spiral of dizziness. "W-what happened?" He asked groggily.

"You fainted and I got you up on the bed," explained Faran. He looked over at Ruhan and frowned. "Leave my black dog alone."

Ruhan teased the shaggy black dog, grinning. "But I like it. He's fun to tease."

Marcello's attention turned to the dog immediately, fear evident in his gaze. In an instant, it was flung from the room by a rippling wall of shadows.

Faran's eyes widened and he gasped loudly. "Shade!" He quickly got out of the bed and ran over to the dog, ignoring the dizziness that came over him. He kneeled beside him and stroked his head as he looked him over for injury. "Oh, Shade..." He lightly ran his fingers over the broken leg. He held his hands and tired to heal it, but frowned when nothing happened. He tried it again and nothing happened. "Ruhan, come heal him."

Ruhan gave Marcello a glare as he went over to Faran and the dog. He kneeled beside them and started to heal the injury. He glanced up at Faran and frowned when he saw him looking at his hands in worry.

"I-I'm sorry..." Marcello turned away, shaking violently. "Y-you can't heal him because you don't have enough strength too yet... Nothing is wrong with you..."

"That's not it..." Faran slowly lowered his hands. "I've been weaker than this and was still able to heal. I can't access my healing magic at all. It's as if something is blocking it." He groaned softly when he finally realized what happened. "Something like this happened before. A certain part of my magic was blocked off because a spell was placed on me."

Ruhan finished the healing and raised a brow. "A spell?"

Faran looked up at him. "I'm the only vampire in my clan that has this problem. It doesn't matter if the seal or spell is to help or hinder. It blocks off a certain part of my magic and that can cause magical build up. If the seal or magical spell isn't removed after a certain amount of time my magic can harm my physical and mental health."

Nodding, Marcello stood from the bed, and walked to Faran. "Alright..." Flames dotted along each of his digits as he held it to Ruhan, the seal slowly being torn from him.

Faran hissed softly as the seal was torn from him, but relaxed when he could feel his healing magic.

"The seals have been lifted from both of you..." Marcello replied, turning to Ruhan with mild interest. "A demon with healing abilities..."

Ruhan just shrugged. "I was just born with them and they've came in handy, but I couldn't heal myself quick enough when that damn bounty hunter attacked me."

Faran gave Marcello a small smile. "Thanks." He stroked the dog's head.

Nodding, Marcello turned towards Ruhan with a smile. "You are no longer bound to him..."

"Thanks," said Ruhan.

Faran frowned slightly when he phone began to ring and pulled it out, raising a brow at the number. "Ruhan?" He held it out to him. "Do you know who this is?"

Ruhan glanced at the number and snatched the phone away, quickly answering it. "I thought I told you to only call in emergencies." He frowned. "But how? I thought the systems were protected?" He rolled his eyes. "I don't have anything to worry about. I'm a spirit. I- Wait. What did you say before?" He raised a brow. "Really? They're going after one of their own?" He laughed softly. "What did the Phoenix do? Fall in love with one of our guys?" His eyes widened. "He did?! Who?!" He groaned loudly. "The Black Cat. What an idiot." He rolled his eyes. "Well, it doesn't matter now. Every bounty hunter knows he's alive and will track him down. He is our top agent after all." He sighed softly and ran a hand through his hair. "How long until they come?" He shook his head. "That's not long enough. I know this angel who's working on getting my body back and I doubt it will be ready before the town is swarming with them."

"Nanao is in love with the black cat?" Marcello asked, shadows rippling, swirling around his form. "And we've been ordered to kill him?"

Ruhan glanced over at Marcello. "I have to go, Silver Fox. I have to talk with the Shadow Dancer." He closed the phone with a snap. "It seems that way. Of course, this won't have happened if your organization didn't hack into our computers."

Faran looked between the two lost and confused.

"I'm the executive that hacked into your computers, and now I'm charged with eliminating the two of them." Marcello replied, walking to his trunk and rummaging through it.

Ruhan floated over to him. "Leave them alone. The Black Cat hasn't been active for over a year and your organization wants him dead cause he refused to kill him."

"What's going on?" asked Faran.

"Demon, I'm a member of The Family. I cannot allow them to live so long as it's ordered they be dead." Marcello replied, passing through the spirit and grasping the doorknob.

Faran frowned and nearly jumped when his phone rang again.

Ruhan growled and quickly answered it. "What?!" His eyes widened. "Are they crazy?! I can understand the younger brother, but the older one? Kynan hasn't killed any hunters." He frowned. "But they still want him dead?" He shook his head and sighed. "If they keep going like this they're going to wipe out the demon species like they did with the Rustwing Clan."

Faran looked up at him with a frown, then over to Marcello. "Do you know what he's talking about?"

With a sigh, Marcello nodded, turning away. "It was before I joined... before I'd even left Venice..." he whispered, holding his hand out to Faran. "Come with me, I'll take you to my headquarters... so you can see why yourself... but it will have to wait until I finish my mission..."

Faran shook his head. "Please, Marcello, don't do this. Don't kill anymore people."

"I have too... As a member of the Family. I only answer to the leader of the organization, and there's only one rule I must follow. Never, betray the family..." Marcello sighed, his hand falling to his side as he opened the door.

Faran grabbed hold of Marcello's shirt, not wanting him to leave. "Please, I won't ask anything else from you."

"It would forfeit my own life to leave them alive. And another hunter would just come and do what I refused if I did. I've already received my orders via text, there is no way around this..." Marcello whispered,his gaze averted to the floor as he stood there. "By all rights, I should kill Ruhan where he stands... and you as well since I've told you all this..."

Faran quickly let go of his shirt and moved away from him, whimpering softly.

The black dog got in front of Faran and growled at Marcello.

Ruhan narrowed his eyes at Marcello. "Kid, I'm already dead and I can't do a thing as a spirit."

"If I were going to do such a thing, the two of you would already be gone from this world. I was just stating protocol." Marcello whispered his gaze locked on the dog standing protectively in front of Faran, thinking how he longed to be in his position, instead of the enemy...

The dog raised his hackles and began to snarl, not liking the way Marcello was looking at him.

Faran wrapped his arms around himself as he looked at the floor.

"Faran, I have to do this... it's my job... my life... I owe them everything..." Marcello muttered, turning away and sighing. "Please don't reject me because of this... I have no choice..."

"You do have a choice. Everyone has a choice," Faran sniffled softly. "Like everyone has a choice to live."

"I can't turn my back on them... I took an oath to the family... a promise is more than just words to me. And I've already broken it by refusing to kill you and dispatch Ruhan..." Marcello walked towards Faran, passing straight through the black dog guarding him. Wrapping his arms around the older male, he closed his eyes, resting his head on his shoulder. "This is more than just a job to me, I'm protecting my family..."

"By killing those that want to live their lives?" Faran shook his head as he started to cry.

"If it is the will of the family, then yes. Every other member would do the same, with no hesitation. I mustn't falter." He sighed, lifting Faran's chin gently, wiping the tears away with his thumb. "I'm sorry.." he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to the vampire's forehead before pulling away and moving towards the door once more.

"Are you really going to risk the chance at love?" asked Ruhan.

"I'm a murderer in his eyes..." Marcello replied, shadows whirling around his feet, and tears glistening on his cheeks.

"You will be if you do this." Ruhan glanced over at Faran, then back to Marcello. "Do you really want that?"

"The family is my highest priority, if I must sacrifice love for them, then so be it..." Marcello replied, the shadows rising higher around him. "I said before, it's more than just words to me, and I'll live the oath to my fullest. I won't betray their trust, so if you truly wish to hate me for that, it's your decision..."

Ruhan growled softly and floated over to Faran to try and comfort him. "Then I guess you'll never see him again."

"That's Faran's choice to make, if he chooses so, I suppose he won't be here when I return..." Marcello sighed out, being consumed by the shadows completely now.

Faran looked up at Marcello, then away, rubbing at his eyes.

Ruhan watched the shadows consume Marcello.

With a last, painful glance through the wisping shadows around him, Marcello disappeared, the shadow torrent dispersing, and disappearing as well.

Faran slowly got up and summoned his shadows to form a long hooded cloak. He pulled the hood over his head and walked over to the door.

"Where are you going?" asked Ruhan.

"Anywhere, but here," replied Faran.

Ruhan frowned and glided over to him. "You're going to be killed if you go out there. Hunters are everywhere now."

"It doesn't matter. It will be all the better if I die. I won't feel this pain in my heart anymore." Faran opened the door and walked down the hall, heading to The Tip Top.

The black dog gave one last look at Ruhan, before following his master.

Ruhan sighed and went back to Rai's Bedroom.

---

Marcello wondered into his room, dizziness overtaking him, causing him to collapse again just in front of his bed. He was just too drained...

Faran walked in with Suoh and Cerb. He walked over to Marcello and helped him get into bed.

Suoh settled himself in a chair and was soon out cold.

"Mnn...y-you smell nice..." Marcello whispered in his sleep, gripping to Faran's shirt loosely as he was laid in the bed. A soft, child like smile adorned his lips, a peaceful air about him. Though he was so withdrawn and tainted by the world, he was still beautiful, and it radiated more than every when he was asleep, and at peace...

Faran gave him a small smile and stroked his hair. He climbed into bed next to him and laid down.

Nuzzling in closer to Faran, Marcello let out a content sigh, his breathing soft as he slept.

Faran yawned softly and closed his eyes, drifting to sleep.
~~~~
A few hours later Faran opened his eyes when he felt a tug on his shit. He glanced over and saw Suoh standing at the side of the bed, shaking. "Suoh?"

Suoh crawled into bed and wrapped his arms around Faran, whimpering softly. "Nightmare," was all he said.

Opening his eyes, Marcello shifted around uncomfortably, sitting up in his bed and rubbing his temples. "Ah.. my head." he groaned, glancing around. The three of them were in his bed now. What the... how did I even get up here...

Faran glanced over at Marcello. "Go back to sleep. You need the rest." He gently rubbed Suoh's back.

Suoh sighed softly and started to relax.

"I can't..." he replied softly, sighing as he moved to slide from the bed.

Faran reached out and grabbed his hand. "You must. I don't need you fainting again."

"It happens from time to time... it's a problem I've had since I was an infant... there's nothing I can do about it." Marcello smiled, giving a light squeeze to Faran's hand before standing up off the edge. "I'm going to look around..."

Faran nodded. "Alright, but be careful." He gave him a small smile, then went back to comforting the distressed wyvern.

Suoh cuddled close to Faran, whimpering softly.

Marcello nodded, feigning a smile as he slipped past the door, pulling it close behind him.

Faran rubbed Suoh's back as he started to sing. "Can you hear the wind whispering in your ear? Can you see the moon hanging in the sky? Can you feel the warm of the sunshine? Do you know that I will protect you? From all the danger that is out there. Know that I will welcome you with open arms."

Suoh sighed softly and closed his eyes as he was lulled to sleep by Faran's singing.

A short while later, Marcello stepped through the shadows silently, motioning to Faran to come with him.

Faran gently picked Suoh up and walked over to Marcello.

Cerb stood up and followed after his master.

"Let the boy rest." Marcello muttered, shaking his head when Faran came to him with Suoh in his grasp. "I just want to talk... nothing else..."

"I thought you wanted us to move places," said Faran as he went back to the bed to lay Suoh down. He removed his cloak and let Suoh cuddle it, seeing as he latched onto it. Once he covered the sleeping wyvern up he walked over to Marcello. "What did you want to talk about?"

Cerb walked over to the side of the bed and plopped down, keeping a watchful eye on Suoh.

"I'm sorry... I drug you into this... I never meant too... that's the only reason I left in the first place..." Marcello whispered, turning away slightly, sighing softly.

"Marcello, I'm sorry for acting the way I did. It's just that when I found out the reason why my home was destroyed and why my clan, along with the humans they lived with, were killed I just snapped. I've been searching all these years wanting to know why it happened." Faran looked down at the floor.

"It was more to the fact that he attacked a child... they feared it happening again and took extreme precautions. I don't agree with it anymore than you, but neither of us are, or will ever be in a position to do something about it... we're just not strong enough..."

"Damn it!" Faran slammed his hand into the wall, growling loudly. "I told father to gather the leaders and take action against the hunters all those decades ago, but he didn't listen to me. No one ever does. I'm just a child in their eyes."

"Shh!" Marcello snatched Faran to him, holding him tightly against his slender form. "Be careful not to wake Suoh."

Suoh groaned softly and rolled over onto his side, but showed no signs of waking.

Faran clutched Marcello's shirt and rested his head on his shoulder, shaking. "Sorry..."

"It's okay... just try to calm down..." Marcello replied softly, running his fingers through the lithe man's hair, a soft smile adorning his lips. "The point of that was, I never wanted to bring you in this..."

Faran shook his head. "I would have been brought into this sooner or later."

"That may be true... but I didn't want to be the one to do it... this mission was going to be my last... then I'd be removed from active duty. I decided on it when I met you... and I was hell bent on keeping it away from you... so I left while you were sleeping and had everything set up...."

Faran looked up at him. "But that's pointless now. We'll be hunted down because I'm a Rustwing and Suoh is wanted for killing a criminal."

"No it's not, I can protect you... I just have to figure out what our next step is..."

Faran looked over at Suoh. "Maybe if we can get to one of the great clan leaders they might protect us."

"I doubt it, most of them are already in the organization's clutches... Even Suoh's father is, why else do you think he wouldn't have protected him when he was told he had a bounty on his head?"

Faran looked at Marcello in shock. "He's his son. Why wouldn't he protect his only child?"

"He fears us too much to help him... I was sent as an ambassador to speak with him, and found my power frightening during an exhibition with one of his best soldiers... The crimson knight fell at my feet just seconds after the match started..."

Faran sighed softly. "We better keep this information to ourselves. Suoh doesn't need to know in the state that he is in." He looked over at Suoh just as he started to shiver and whimper in his sleep. "He probably doesn't need to know at all."

"I thought as much, but if only to protect him, we need to keep all of this away from him... as much as possible."

Faran nodded. "Yeah. Right now he's on the verge of having a nervous breakdown and just the littlest piece of information about what's going on back home can send him over the edge."

"Well, while he's sleeping, we must make preparations... it seems the black market is our best bet for the time being. So, we just have to make ourselves noticed, by them at least."

"Can't we use them as our last option? Suoh needs time to heal and it might take him months," said Faran.

"There isn't another option, we'll just make them think he's too fragile to manhandle. Let them think that he's useless if injured, then they won't touch him." Marcello replied after a moments thought.

Faran looked over at Suoh and sighed. "We won't have to make them think that. He is fragile and injured. I'm just afraid that if he goes back it will cause more harm than good."

"I'll be there to protect him." Marcello muttered, glancing down at the sleeping boy with a sigh.

"Physically, yes. Emotionally..." Faran shook his head.

"He's not a child, Faran. He has to learn to control his emotions..." Marcello replied with a shake of his head. "He's over ten thousand years old... he should have a good grip on them by now..."

"He had a grip on his emotions, but he was torn, beaten, and raped. You have to understand what he's been through. A rape victim, not matter what species, will still be broken and they may never return to their former self."

"I couldn't start to understand it, but that doesn't change the fact that he won't survive this unless he does, Faran. We both know that... he has to grow up and let those emotions that are holding him back go..." Marcelo sighed out, reaching out, cupping the vampire's face in his hand gently. "I'll do whatever I can to help him, both of you, but he has to pull his own weight too..."

Faran sighed softly and looked up at Marcello. "Give him time. That's all I'm asking from you. I'll help work with him to get over his traumatic experience, but I don't know how long it will take."

Marcello leaned in closer, his forehead pressing lightly against Faran's. "Do you truly intend to take on his burden as well as your own?" He asked softly, smiling as he stared at the other intensely. "If so... then allow me to share the weight of it all."

Faran smiled back and chuckled softly. "Alright, but I have a few things I want you to know when you're around Suoh."

"Shh..." Marcello mumbled, touching the pad of his finger to Faran's lips. "I've got something a little different on my mind now..."

Faran raised a brow and gave Marcello a questioning look.

Without saying anything else, Marcello pulled his finger away, replacing them with his lips. The hand cupping his face crept its way up into the vampire's dark tresses, lacing his fingers through the short locks.

Faran hesitated for a moment, then slowly began to kiss back. He wrapped his arms around Marcello's neck as his eyes slid shut.

Marcello smiled, clearing the small gap in between the pair, pressing up against the other male. His free hand snaked its way around Faran's waist, pulling him tight against him, intensifying the kiss with every jagged breath he snatched.

Faran ran his fingers through Marcello's hair as he pressed himself against him. He opened his eyes to look at the young hunter with want and lust.

When he realized he'd caught Faran, Marcello smiled once more, and pulled away, glancing towards Suoh and back to the male in his grasp. "We should wait..." he muttered quietly.

Faran laid his head on Marcello's shoulder and huffed softly. "Fine..."

"It would be improper..." Marcello smiled, resting his chin against Faran's forehead gently, running his fingers through the other's hair as well. "We need to find a place away..."

Faran groaned softly. "But I don't want to move. We just got here a few hours ago and I like it here."

Sighing and shaking his head, Marcello shifted around, placing a finger under Faran's chin and lifting his gaze to meet the other's. "I meant just the two of us... so we could have some privacy..."

Faran blushed in embarrassment at his mistake. "Oh..."

"If we found somewhere private... then we wouldn't have to wait..." Marcello's cheeks took on a faint pinkish hue as he spoke, smiling when Faran blushed as well.

Faran nodded slowly. "But where?"

Marcello shrugged, glancing to the door. "I haven't the faintest..."

Faran chewed on his bottom lip as he thought. "Do you think we can find an empty room here?"

"It's probably our best bet... but the innkeeper is probably sleeping... wait, I have an idea..." Marcello muttered, reaching past Faran and pressing his palm to the wall. A pulse of energy resonated from his hand, and the world around them began to wither and fade, until it was completely distorted. Glancing around, it was obvious they were in the same room, but it was completely different all the same. "The shadow's... we're in the realm of darkness... we'll have complete privacy now."

Faran looked around a little nervous. "The realm of darkness?"

"You needn't worry." Marcello smiled, pressing his lips to Faran's once more. "We're merely concealed by the shadows... think of it as a two way mirror of sorts."

"I'm still nervous, though. I've had a bad experience with the realm of darkness," said Faran, relaxing from the kiss.

"Shhh." Marcello shook his head, connecting the pairs' lips once more, this time though, tracing his tongue along the other's.

Faran parted his lips slightly for Marcello.

Marcello slid the wet appendage into the other's mouth, exploring the damp cavern eagerly. With nimble fingers, the young male popped the button loose on Faran's pants, sliding the zipper down as well.

Faran moaned softly when Marcello brushed up against his tongue. He wrapped his arms around his neck as he rubbed his tongue back.

Marcello's body shivered, his hand sliding past the band on Faran's pants, slipping them down slowly, allowing them to pool around the other's ankles.

Faran blushed and shivered slightly.

Marcello smiled, breaking the kiss, his finger's latched around Faran's shirt, lifting it up and over his head. Kissing and nipping down his neck and chest, his hands found a resting place on the other's hips, gripping to them lightly.

Faran moaned softly and pressed his naked form against Marcello. He softly nuzzled his neck.

Marcello smiled, detaching his lips from his lover's chest, trailing kisses down his torso, stopping at his pelvis. "Are you sure about this?" He asked, kneeling in front of the other, staring up at him, waiting for an answer.

Faran nodded. "I want nothing more than this, Marcello."

Smiling, Marcello took hold of the other's member, stroking it gently. Glancing up at Faran, he smiled once more, kissing the tip of his soon to be lover's gender tenderly.

Faran groaned softly and laid a hand on Marcello's shoulder. He ran his other hand through his hair, smiling tenderly.

Tracing his tongue around the swollen tip, Marcello took it into his hot mouth, sucking vigorously, with each bob enveloping a little more of the other's member between his lips.

Faran moaned loudly as he arched his back slightly, unconsciously tightening his grip on Marcello's hair.

Once he had taken the other in completely, he parted his lips, pulling back and dragging his teeth along his lover's shaft lightly.

Faran closed his eyes and leaned his head back as he let out a long pleasure filled moan. "Marcello..."

Marcello took him in completely once more, suckling harder with each motion. Reaching up, he cupped Faran's face, before pressing his middle finger past the others lips.

Faran whimpered softly as he licked and sucked on Marcello's finger, trying his hardest not to bite down on it by accident. He tightened gripped his lover's shoulder, trying to tell him he was getting close to his release.

Marcello smiled, intensifying his ministrations. Pulling his finger from the other's mouth, he gently slipped it between Faran's legs, prodding at his tight entrance before slowly sliding the slickened digit within him.

Faran dug his nails into Marcello's shoulder as he came with a loud cry. He legs gave way and he started to fall.

Marcello pulled away, savoring the last of his lover's seed, licking the remnants off his lips as he stood. Leaning in, he kissed him passionately, his free arm wrapped around his waist, while his other pulled away, pressing against the wall beside them.

Faran moaned into the kiss as he returned it just as passionately. He released his hold on Marcello's hair and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"Mnn..." Breaking the kiss, he ran his hand through the others hair tenderly, a soft smile on his lips. "Are you ready?" He asked softly, unbuttoning his own shirt, and tossing it to the ground beside them.

Faran blushed, but nodded. "Be gentle with me. This is my first time."

"I'll try..." Marcello smiled, kissing Faran softly once more, his pants falling to the ground. Stepping out of them, he gently led the other to turn around, guiding him by his hips. "I've never been so good with gentle... but I'm sure I'll please you none the less..." he whispered, his lips caressing the soft skin along Faran's shoulders as he slid the digit within him once more.

Faran shivered, then whimpered softly at the intrusion. "It feels weird..."

"It won't for long... just relax..." he whispered, sliding a second finger in, moving the two in and out in sync with the opposite. Smiling at his lover, he nipped and kissed along his neck and shoulders, little marks darkening as he moved down.

Faran reached behind him and grabbed hold of Marcello's hips as he whimpered. He tried to relax the best he could, but it still pained him to be stretched.

"Here goes..." Marcello whispered, removing his fingers, replacing them with his swollen member. Pressing in slowly as not to hurt Faran, he wrapped his other arm around his waist, holding him close as he stood there, allowing his lover to adjust.

Faran gasped loudly and painfully dug his nails into Marcello's hips. He tightly shut his eyes and bit down hard on his bottom lip, drawing blood. He tried to force his body to relax, but it was hard.

Wincing, Marcello reached up with one hand, tilting Faran's chin, and connecting there lips, his tongue lapping up the blood that welled from the tiny injury. While the other hand made its way to the other's member, stroking it slowly. "Shhh... the pain will pass..." he whispered, before starting slowly, his pumps inching in and out, slowly speeding with each movement.

Faran started to relax and was soon moaning softly. He lessened his grip on his lover's hips and slowly stroked them as an apology.

Breaking the kiss briefly to take a breath, Marcello smiled before taking his lover's lips once more. Finally coming to a steady pace, he gained a rhythm his motions becoming less forced and more fluid.

Faran parted his lips at he moaned and began to slowly rock his hips in rhythm to Marcello's movement.

Marcello let out a faint groan, his pace quickening steadily. Now with one hand wrapped around Faran's waist, and the other tenderly stroking his member, he lolled his head back, lips parted, and panting slightly as his thrusts became rougher.

Faran suddenly moaned loudly and arched his back. "Marcello..."

"Be as loud as you like, no one can hear us..." Marcello panted into his ear, nipping at it afterwards. Stroking his lover faster now, he sped his thrusts even more, rocking his lover back and forth with each pump.

Faran leaned his head back, resting it on his lover's shoulder, as he panted and moaned.

Marcello's half lidded eyes found there way to Faran's face, a faint smile crawling across his parted lips. With a low moan, he began stroking Faran even faster, the pad of his thumb running over the tip with every complete motion.

Faran moaned loudly and bucked his hips slightly. "I'm close..."

Marcello just smiled, thrusting into his lover quite roughly now as his own climax grew nearer.

Faran tightened his grip on Marcello's hips as he cried loudly as he came, tightening his muscles around his lover's member.

"Nngh..." Marcello moaned out, sheathing himself completely within his lover's warmth as he came. With a few more forceful thrusts, riding out his orgasm, Marcello pulled out, panting heavily in his lover's ear. "F-Faran..." he whispered, lacing his fingers through the other's, connecting there lips as well.

Faran gently squeezed Marcello's hands as he tiredly kissed him back. "That was wonderful..." he said with a smile.

"I'd usually go again, but I think I've worn you out..." Marcello wrapped his arms around his lover, the shadows retreating to there original places in the room, and the area returning to normal once more. Removing one hand from Faran long enough to reach into the closet, he pulled out a blanket, wrapping it around the two of them. "Let's rest for a while... when Suoh gets up... we'll move again."

Faran glanced over at the sleeping wyvern, then shook his head. "Let's wait until he had something to eat and get cleaned up. I still need to heal the rest of his wounds before they get infected."

"That's fine, but let's rest for a little none the less." Wrapping his arms around Faran's torso, he pulled him to the ground, wrapping the two of them tightly in the blanket, cuddling snuggly against his lover. "You feel warm..."

Faran chuckled and rested his head on Marcello's chest. "You feel warmer..." He yawned softly and closed his eyes.

Chuckling faintly, Marcello leaned down, kissing Faran's forehead. "Get some sleep..." he whispered, closing his eyes as well.

Faran nodded his head slowly as he started to drift to sleep.

Marcello pulled Faran closer to him, his arms wrapped tightly around the smaller male as he drifted off.

A few hours later Suoh began to stir. He slowly opened his eyes and sat up, blinking a few times. He yawned softly and stretched, wincing slightly as he did so.

"Faran... wake up... Suoh's awake." Marcello muttered, sitting upright, his lover still held firmly in his arms.

Faran groaned softly and just snuggled closer to his lover.

"Let him sleep. The daywalker needs it," said Suoh.

Cerb looked at Suoh with his head cocked in confusion. Something was different about the wyvern, but he couldn't tell what.

Nodding, Marcello stood, having already scooped his lover in his arms, holding him snuggly against his chest. Clearing the short distance between them and the bed, he set Faran down, draping the blanket over his slender form. "You're not yourself." He muttered, his cold gaze set on Suoh. "Need I worry about betrayal?"

Faran snuggled into the blanket and smiled softly in his sleep.

Suoh shook his head. "You needn't worry, hunter. If I betrayed you it would be the end of this young one."

"When did you grow so bold as to call me hunter?" Marcello questioned, standing upright after straightening the covers over his lover. Grabbing his trousers and pulling them on, he quirked his brow, waiting on a reply. "Well?"

"You don't need to be concerned about that, hunter." Suoh glanced over at Faran's sleeping form. "The only thing you need to be concerned about is keeping your mate and this young one safe."

Frowning, Marcello took a step towards Suoh, placing an open palm in front of his face. Shadows enveloping the limb, his gaze passed between his fingers, locking on the other's. "Reveal..." he whispered, the area around them flashing to a dim grey as his spell began taking shape.

"Do you really want to do that to this young one? Do you really want to push him beyond the reach of anyone?" asked Suoh.

Clenching his hand shut quickly as the words filtered through his mind, a soft sigh escaped him. "I will find you out soon enough.."

"There is a much easier way, hunter. You could ask me." Suoh looked away from Marcello.

"You blew off my first question, I figured it pointless to ask another." Marcello replied quickly, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, watching the wyvern wearily.

"I blew your question off because it wasn't addressed to me. It was addressed to Suoh."

"You are Suoh still, are you not? You wear the same skin..." Marcello muttered pointedly, already growing tired of this new appearance in the boy.

"In appearance, yes, but not in personality. My name is Ashar and I am Suoh's other personality," answered Ashar.

"Then you would do well to keep up Suoh's appearance in character as well. I almost believed he was possessed, that's what that spell would have shown me."

Ashar shook his head. "No can do. I only have brief moments when I can slip through Suoh's barriers and take control." He gave Marcello a stern look. "I only came out to tell you what Suoh will never speak of."

"Well enough of this, speak quickly." Marcello replied, his tone bland and cold as usual.

"You know that Suoh was captured and taken to the black market, but you didn't know was what reason he was captured. Those hunters had been asked by a high paying client of theirs to get him the prince of the black wyverns. The hunters captured him and brought him back in relatively one piece. While he was there they had their fun with him, showing him off, forcing him to change when was low on energy, treating him like they had tamed him. Soon that client came. Seathanon." Ashar shivered. "He was a large slave owner, but no one new why he bought so many slaves. Most of his slaves were human or humanoid creatures that had weak magic, but rarely did he choose a non-humanoid slave. He paid the men well and took Suoh home to his castle. The first thing he did was slap him and told him about the rules that he had. After that he sent him to be cleaned and dressed in the clothes he was given. Suoh was defiant all the way and would not submit to him. This went on for days until..." He shook his head and sighed sadly.

"You can stop there..." Marcello stated, holding up his hand. "That is truly none of my concern."

Ashar chuckled softly. "Oh, but I haven't told you the reason why he buys so many slaves. He kills them. He kills them for the simplest mistakes. The one girl was killed because she brought his wine in the wrong kind of glass and he killed one of his own guards because he interrupted his enjoyment of seeing Suoh dance." He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. "There haven't been a night when Suoh isn't haunted by the memories of his time there, especially that first time he was beaten into submission and marked with his seal." Ashar laid a hand on his right shoulder. "He suffered so many nights crying himself to sleep and being waken from a nightmare and unable to sleep for the rest of the night. I could feel his heart being torn and his will being broken and it pained me. It pained me even more when he cried out for his dead mother in his sleep."

"It truly does not matter to me, but this Seathanon you speak of... was dealt with nearly a month ago. I ended him myself... for a hefty price at that." Marcello replied softly, holding his hand in the young one's face once more. "You're time is up now... sleep..." his words wafted through the other's mind, an amethyst tint to his eyes as his simple spell took hold, forcing Ashar back, and the body into slumber.

Ashar tried to fight the spell off the best he could, but it was quickly taking over. He looked up at Marcello as he eye lids started to droop. "Keep this a secret between us." He gave him a small smile as his eyes closed. "See you again, hunter." He was out cold a few moments later.

Nodding, Marcello caught the small male as he slumped over, lying him back on the bed beside Faran.

Cerb whimpered softly and nudged Suoh's hand. He didn't understand what had happened and he was worried about the young wyvern.

Glancing down at the dog with a glint of fear in his eyes, Marcello's lips curled into a snarl, the shadows rippling through the room.

Cerb yelped in fear and dove underneath the bed, getting stuck half way under. He whimpered and tried to pull himself under.

Faran awoke from the yelp and rubbed his eyes as he sat up. "Cerb?" He looked around and frowned when he didn't see his dog. He slid off the bed and knelt down when he heard the whimpering. "Cerb, get out from under there."

Cerb shook his head and whimpered.

"It's my fault..." Marcello whispered, his hands balled tightly into fists. "The dog startled me... and the shadows around went crazy, scaring him."

Faran stood up and walked over to his lover. "It's not your fault." He kissed his cheek. "You were startled by Cerb and the shadows reacted like they would to a threat." He walked over to Cerb and started to pull. "Come on."

"No, I reacted like I would to a threat, they don't move unless I make them Faran..." Marcello whispered, sighing softly to himself.

Faran finally pulled Cerb out from under the bed with a grunt. "It's okay, love. No harm was done."

Cerb quickly hid behind Faran, even though he was taller than his master.

Faran sighed softly. "Cerb, it was just an accident." He grabbed hold of Cerb's collar and lead him over to Marcello. "We need to make up and be friends."

Marcello backed away quickly, disappearing through the shadows, and reemerging across the room. "Faran!"

Faran gave him a look. "You need to get over your fear of black dogs. My dogs come and go as they please and I don't want someone to be accidentally hurt."

"That's not something I'll ever be over... I was still a child when that happened, Faran..." He mumbled, gaze averted to the ground when he spoke.

Faran sighed softly and nodded. "Alright."

"T-thank you..." Marcello muttered, making a wide arc around Cerb as he made his way back to Faran, sitting down beside him.

Cerb whimpered softly and went back to laying down next to the bed.

Faran watched his dog, then looked down at the floor.

"Faran... what's wrong?" Marcello asked wrapping his arm around his lover, pulling him closer.

"It's just that my dogs are friendly and it makes me sad to see you afraid of them when they mean you no harm," explained Faran as he snuggled close to Marcello. "I like having them around, but if you're so afraid of them that your shadows will attack them, then I can't have them around me."

"I didn't attack him... My abilities are linked to my emotions, the shadows just show it better than myself. Without magic weaved into them... it can't harm anything..."

Faran sighed softly. "Try to stay calm around them. They don't like it when shadows try to harm them or raise up against them."

"Faran, it's not something I can help... I understand it scares them. Probably because they manipulate darkness just as I do, and know how devastating it can be..."

Faran shook his head. "They don't just manipulate it, they live in it. When black dogs aren't needed they return to the realm of shadows. They use the shadows that are found in both worlds in order to cross over."

"I've barely scratched the surface with the techniques I know...my uncles showed me how to control this power..."

"My mother showed me how to control my powers, then my father started teaching me once I've mastered all the techniques my mother knew." Faran sighed softly and bowed his head. "I miss them..."

"Well including myself... there are seven 'elites' all of them are considered my uncles and high ranking members in the family. Each of us hold control over an element... through different circumstances, but we're well known because each of our abilities hold a different color hue."

"My clan was the only shadow users in the vampire world. The Clayborn clan deals mainly with fire and the Silverwing clan deals with metal weapons such as silver and lead." Faran gave a weak chuckle. "The three greatest clans destroyed in just a few centuries. I wonder what that says about the older and larger clans? They'll probably fall just like the others and soon humans will rule this world like they wanted."

"Humans will never rule this world... they're too far outnumbered."

Faran shook his head. "You don't know how many of the smaller clans have disappeared or on the verge of disappearing. They make up most of the populations and more than half of them are gone. There are hardly any daywalkers left because we were viewed as threats to humans like normal vampires were. There's only a handful of us left. You hardly ever hear about kelpies cause most of the rivers and large lakes have been changed. Incubi are far and few. The only species that is still going strong are demons, but even they are finding it hard to survive."

"You forget about elementals and adepts... there are so many more creatures than just those that dwell in the darkness. All are dwindling, yes, but we still outnumber humans by far. Hell, I'm no longer considered human..."

"But you are mortal. Adepts, elementals, mages, witches, wizards... They are considered to be human among us non-humans. It's the way it has always been and always will be. Humans that have special powers are still human, unless they are changed by a werewolf, vampire, or other creature."

"Do you not consider what happened to me a 'change'?" Marcello asked, quirking his brow. "I mean, I was attacked by an immortal being and it left a supernatural imprint..."

Faran gave him a look. "Marcello, every creature have a certain scent built into them. That scent only changes when they change species and frankly. You still smell like a human." Faran walked over to Cerb and eased himself down next to him, wincing when he sat down. "Those with a powerful sense of smell, like vampires, wolf-like creatures, kelpies, and other animal beings can tell the difference between a human and one of their own disguised as a human." He looked over at Suoh when he started to whimper.

Suoh curled up and began to shiver as he whimpered in his sleep.

"I still must disagree, Adepts and elementals like myself are not human, but super human...think about it, a vampire is just a human, lingering on the verge of death for all eternity. And changlings such as lycans and other beasts of the world are no different than adepts, just instead of drawing there power from the elements... they draw it from the animals...."

Faran ignored what Marcello just said when he saw Suoh began to cry. He got into bed and pulled Suoh into his lap, humming softly and running his fingers through his hair.

Suoh started to slowly relax, but his sleep was fitful.

"Faran... that reminds me... we must speak later, but away from Suoh..." Marcello muttered, frowning when his words were tossed aside like he'd said nothing what so ever.

Faran nodded when he heard him, but gave no other indication. He leaned in close when Suoh started to mutter in his sleep. He pulled back with a sad look and continued to run his fingers through the other's hair. "No one will hurt you," he whispered softly.

Suoh tightly held onto Faran's cloak, whimpering and kicking slightly. "Please... stop..."

"S-something's wrong... this isn't just a dream..." Marcello muttered, touching his hand to Suoh's forehead, snatching it back. "He's burning up..."

Faran gave Marcello a worried look, then looked down at the young wyvern. "I could try to help him, but I've only done it a few times...."

Suoh gave a weak cry as his back arched slightly.

"Then let me... darkness is more than just the physical, but mental as well... I can channel through his subconscious mind... easing it."

"That's what I was thinking of doing. My mother taught me how to do mind channeling, but if you don't have enough experience you can get lost in their mind." Faran stroked Suoh's flushed cheek. "I've done it plenty of times with members of my clan, but never with someone this broken."

"That just makes it easier to force your way through..." Marcello replied, motioning for Faran to lay Suoh down on the bed. "You can't physically come in contact with either of us while we're connected... it could sever the connection and trap me within his mind, or him within mine... or kill all three of us..."

Faran laid Suoh down and moved to away from him, against his protests. "But wouldn't a damage mind have more barriers than a normal mind because they're trying to block out the painful memories and keep them in their subconscious?"

"You'd think so, but they're so focused on keeping there memories locked away, that they aren't able to keep you out."

Faran nodded. "Okay." He looked down at Suoh. "Try your best to help him."

"I will..." Smiling, Marcello touched his hand to Faran's forehead, muttering a chant under his breath while drawing different markings along his body. Suddenly, the shadows around began to jump and dart around, before forming a barrier around the two, sealing off that entire part of the room.

Suoh's back arched to an almost impossible angle and he let out a silent scream.

Faran sighed and sat down next to Cerb, chewing on his bottom lip with worry. Be safe, my love.

Cerb nuzzled Faran's cheek, trying to give him comfort.

Suoh... calm yourself... Marcello's image filtered into the other's mind, his words slowly taking over every thought, slowly dominating his mind completely.

No! Leave me alone! Suoh pushed back against him, not wanting the other there. Go away!

Calm down... you're safe... Marcello stepped towards him again, his hand outstretched towards the young wyvern.

Suoh quickly backed away from Marcello when he saw the outstretched hand, shaking his head. No... I'll never be safe.

Take my hand... show me what's bothering you.... Marcello closed the gap between them, wrapping his arms around the other protectively. I'll protect you...

Suoh weakly pushed against Marcello, but after a little while he gave up and ended up leaning against his chest, sobbing softly. I want the pain to stop...

It will... I'll protect you... Marcello smiled, his eyes shut loosely as he began to concentrate.

Suoh rested his head against the other's chest. And make the nightmares stop...

Shhh... don't worry... Marcello whispered into his ear. Darkness began to swirl around them, isolating them from the rest of the young wyvern's mind.

Suoh eyed the darkness with such fear and began to whimper softly.

Shhh... calm down... Marcello's words filtered into the boys ears like a soft whisper, his hold reassuring as the dark aura swirling around them began spreading.

Suoh shook his head and tightly gripped Marcello's shirt. Make it go away. I don't want it here.

It will all be washed clean soon enough... Marcello smiled, holding firmly to Suoh. Just relax...I wouldn't hurt you...

Suoh looked up at him with wide eyes. Every memory?

No...merely the pain they hold... He replied, lacing his fingers through the other's hair gently, leading him towards his chest, comforting him.

Suoh breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed. He was terrified of loosing the memory he had of his mother.

Smiling, Marcello turned his gaze from the boy, staring out blankly, the darkness surrounding them taking on a lighter hue, almost peaceful it seemed.

Suoh closely watched the shadows for a moment, then looked up at Marcello. I'm sorry for the way I acted when you came here.

You needn't apologize. Marcello gave a faint smile, releasing Suoh, and turning out towards the darkness. Ashar... show yourself...

Suoh gave a confused look at Marcello. Who's Ashar?

Ashar walked out of the shadows. What do you want, hunter?

You're becoming a burden on this boy's mind, Ashar... Marcello muttered, grasping to Suoh's wrist, pulling him behind him.

Suoh looked at Ashar with curiosity.

Ashar looked around. You've cleaned this place up pretty quickly. He looked back at Marcello. So, what do you want me to do about that? I just won't fade away like the pain in his memories. I'm a personality and we are harder to get rid of.

Maybe, but you are sealed away fairly easily... Marcello whispered, forming several different signs with his hands in rapid succession, finishing by pressing his palms together with his fingers intertwined. Shadow convergence... seal of the fates... his voice whispered through the area, almost like the wind itself, darkness pooling around Ashar, rune marks glowing brilliantly in the dark orb of energy.

Ashar glared at Marcello as he shifted into the form of a large black wyvern. I won't be sealed away and be forgotten. I was created to protect this child and I will!

Suoh tugged on Marcello's shirt. Please, stop. He doesn't deserve to be sealed away.

If not your mind will be split in two... Marcello muttered, forcing his hands back together, darkness confining Ashar once more. This spell will not be broken wyvern... you'll only hurt yourself and Suoh in the process. I know you're here to protect him, but roaming free in his mind is only causing damage...

Sealing me away will only cause him more damage, hunter! Ashar roared loudly.

Isn't there another way? Can't you make him a physical body for him to inhabit? Suoh gave Marcello a pleading look.

Sealing you away will make him stronger in the end... he doesn't need you taking care of all his problems... he must realize he's strong enough to do it by himself. Marcello replied, chanting under his breath once more. The threads of fate wield our destiny, let that same force bind you forever more!

Ashar roared loudly as he fought against the spell. Stop!

Suoh suddenly cried out and held his head.

Stop fighting it! That's what's causing him pain! Marcello boomed out, his spell holding fast.

I won't be banished! Ashar cried loudly in pain.

Stop it! cried Suoh.

You won't be banished, merely confined to the depths of his mind until he truly needs you... Marcello whispered, finishing the chant with a smile. Seal... He muttered, the visage of a raven appearing at his feet, flying swiftly towards Ashar, absorbing him into the darkness until he'd disappeared from there 'sight' completely.

Ashar gave one last frustrated scream as he disappeared.

Suoh slumped to the ground, whimpering softly.

Don't worry... that seal doesn't separate you from him... it only hinders him from taking over... giving you the chance to handle things yourself, but if you need him, he'll always be there... you're the only one that can get rid of him permanently. Marcello smiled, his image slowly beginning to fade from the other's mind. I'm no longer needed her as well... so wake up... he whispered, before fading away completely.

Suoh groaned softly as he opened his eyes. He looked up at Marcello, then rolled over onto his side, refusing to look at him. "You could have done what I asked you, instead of sealing him away."

Faran looked up at them in confusion. "What happened?"

"He has an alternate personality... and I sealed it to the back of his mind so it didn't cause him anymore trouble. That's where his nightmares stemmed from, not only his memories... but Ashar's as well..."

Faran nodded. "And is this the reason why Suoh is angry at you?"

"Yes, he wanted me to separate the two and create a body for Ashar, but that would in turn sever his mind in two as well..."

Faran thought for a moment. "Wouldn't Ashar's memories be separated from Suoh's if you did that?"

"Yes, but even so, if he's separated... then Suoh's mind will just create another personality to take his place... he's still unable to cope with the world, which is why I merely sealed Ashar instead of separated him."

"And maybe once Suoh is able to cope with the world you can separate Ashar from him," said Faran.

"If he's still there..." muttered Suoh.

"When he's able to cope, Ashar will probably cease to exist. He was created out of Suoh's insecurities, and when those are dealt with... he'll have no need for his opposite." Marcello replied, sitting down on the edge of the bed with a thud. "You should get dressed Faran... we need to be moving soon."

Faran nodded and got up. He gathered his clothes and quickly put them on.

"Where are we going?" asked Suoh.

"Somewhere where we'll catch someone's eye..." Marcello replied, a faint grin playing at his lips.

Suoh gave him a look. "And how will that be helpful? We can be killed on the spot if we're spotted by hunters."

"You two are going to make yourselves be noticed, not by hunters... but by wranglers." Markus smiled, muttering under his breath, his body slowly fading like a mirage. "I'm going to posses Suoh's shadow... that in it's self will make him desirable..."

Suoh groaned loudly. "You're making me sound like a slut."

"And how will we know who's a wrangler?" asked Faran as he pulled on his cloak.

"That won't be hard... they seem like peddlers, always trying to lure you away from the rest if there's something odd about you... you're a daywalker which is rare, Suoh's rare as well, and with his shadow acting separately from him, he'll be even more conspicuous."

Suoh wrapped the blanket tightly around himself. "I'm not leaving."

Faran sighed softly. "We have to leave, Suoh. If we don't those hunters will find us."

"I can control you through your shadow Suoh, so you really have no say in this..." Marcello muttered, stepping out, his foot melding into the lads shadow, slowly the rest of him began to ascend into the darkness, a smile on his face when he'd disappeared completely.

Suoh grumbled softly and sat up. "Fine, but you owe me for doing this willingly. I would rather be back home and-" He shook his head. "Scratch that. I would rather be with the shadow dragons in Europe. That way I wouldn't have to be around any women that my father wants me to marry."

Faran raised a brow as he motioned for Cerb to go back home. "Don't like women?"

"Only as friends." Suoh sighed loudly. "My father tried to pair me up with various females in the kingdom when I became one thousand, eight hundred years old, the age for adulthood. For a hundred years I had to reject them all and my father hadn't figured out why his son isn't interested in women."

"Go..." Marcello's voice echoed seemingly out of nowhere, Suoh's shadow taking a step, forcing his body to follow suit. Waiting after the initial move, he figured it would be enough of an incentive for them to get moving.

"Alright, alright. Geez..." Suoh tossed the blanket onto the bed and headed for the door, heading out into the hall.

Faran chuckled softly and followed, closing the door behind himself. "Go easy on him, love."

"Shh... you can't talk to me right now..." Marcello muttered, before quieting himself once more.

Faran pouted slightly and sighed. "Alright..."

Suoh shook his head and lead them down to the tip top.