As the day continued Mizukis thoughts began to only focus on one thing...the battle to come. When everything was checked over and done with Mizuki looked to Thalion "Well...I do believe it is that time" He stated before taking the other back to the place they called home. The thought that this place might soon be gone clenched at his heart but Mizuki could not think of that.

As they entered the house Mizuki smiled "Wait here" He said before running off to the spare room. Comming back he had a trunk in both hands and he dropped it to the floor with a thunk. Opening it Mizuki looked to Thalion "Well...lets get ready for battle" With that he began to take differnt leg plates and arm plates, chest plates and weapons from the chest for Thalion and himself.

Grabbing the arm plates for Thalion he took a step forward and grabbed the males arm before placing it on. Tying it slowly Mizuki could not help the soft frown that turned down the corners of his lips. By the time the next armlet was placed there was no longer a trace of joy within his face just a silent grim expression as he grabbed the chest plate for Thalion and placed it on a broad frame.

He didn't enjoy getting suited up for war, though he had ensured most of the troops were well outfitted. Though thinking on it he had forgotten about thinking about his own safety in this. Though he did notice the expression change from Mizuki. "Stop it." he finally said when Mizuki was finishing everything. "Everything will go just as planned. The king will fall."

He was trying to get Mizuki to relax just a little, seeing him to tense was almost unnerving. Though he went about helping Mizuki with his own gear as much as he could or the other allowed anyway. "Besides.. " He wanted to kick himself for saying his next words. "someone has to be around to make sure I don't kill myself after all this ya?" Though this meant a few things, one was training his magic to make sure it didn't get out of control, the other was that he needed his main reason to live to stay alive.."

If anything Mizuki stiffened more at that comment. He didnt want to think of that let alone be the one in charge of making sure that the male did not die. After everything was placed and they stood before each other ready for battle Mizuki took a step forward and through his arms around the males neck kissing him with all the passion, anger, loss and joy his mind thought of. Pulling away Mizuki looked Thalion in the eyes "You dont die on me" He said slightly and was about to say another thing but his words were cut off as the sound he didnt want to hear reached his ears. It was the bell of war.

He shook his head a little before kissing the other's lips. "To die means I accepted defeat.. and I've only given one person permission to take my life." That person was the very one standing before him. He refused to allow any other to have that. Though his thoughts dropped as the sudden chime of the warning bell rang throughout the encampment. He nodded a little to Mizuki as they both left to head to where they needed to be.

On the way out of the door he nearly ran into Raden as he grabbed the boys arm to turn him to follow him. Mizuki was left to his own, Thalion knew he needed to get them both somewhere off the ground. Starting the battle off from ranged was the better idea, plus it took less energy.

Mizuki nodded his head and as he stood outside of his home in full battle gear he watched as everyone ran and gave orders. It was time for him to start. Booking it towards the warning bell he hoped to god Neimi was there and waiting for him.

As he reached the highest point of ground for the camp he looked about and his heart dropped a little. Neimi was no where to be seen. Mizuki shook his head and went about everything that he needed in order to do the spell right.

This is where Mizuki began placing different color stones out in front of him as well as what seemed to be dirt from the drop zone. Sticking his staff in the middle of darwen out symbols and stones Mizuki then took the stone from his neck and hung it off the curve of his staff.

With one last symbol Mizuki knelt there before everything though his attention was grabbed as a boom was heard and the walls shook around them. It would seem that they reached the front gates quicker then he thought they would. "Neimi..." He said looking about.

Mizuki shook his head and watched as all the men from the eastern army began to pile into the small opening. Looking at the symbols before him Mizuki was impatient "Come on...I know just a few more...thats all I need" He spoke to himself. With no one there to protect him Mizuki was almost sure that he was going to die and for some reason he was okay with that.

His mind began to wounder but it came back to him the moment the symbol on the ground in front of him began to glow. The number was right and all the men within the drop zone was now dead. Thrusting his hands down in place on the ground before him Mizuki began his incantation.

The crystal that hung over his head from his staff began to glow showing the already sweat licked forehead. Mizuki could hear the screams and questions of the men from the dead zone as the light lavender light captured them in a cage of light.

Turning his left hand towards his right he paused in his incantation to hiss out his discomfort as a rock cut into his hand but that was nothing. Glancing up he watched as the ground below the men began to open and crack, swallowing everything that lay atop it in one massive gulp. Next was to close it and thats what the turn of the right hand was for. Turing it Mizuki watched as the dirt began to once again close and mend its self.

The moment the last of the crack was sealed the fall of light was gone and the rest of the eastern army piled through the cracks on the wall. Mizuki watched as he panted heavily his vision going blurry quicker then he thought it. Removing the dagger from his side he stayed where he was in a defensive stance waiting for something...anything else to happen.

Even though he was in a stance of defense his body had no energy left. His eyes were dull and his breathing was shallow though he knelt there leaning on his right leg as his left was brought up to his chest. His right hand held the blade stuck out before his left cheek as his left hand held another blade down by his right side. The last thought Mizuki had before complete darkness was that he hoped to god the person coming towrads him was Neimi.

The person running towards Mizuki at the moment wasn't Neimi. But she wasn't far enough away to not be there for him. The solider got just out of striking distance from Mizuki when the sound of something entering his neck rang through his head before he stumbled back a little and fell over. "Mizuki!" Neimi cried out before running over to him and pulling the small blade from the solider in the process. She was shaking all over and covered in blood as well as a few small cuts from where she had to get here.

She let out a breath when she saw he was still breathing, he had already done the spell and she knew she was late. But she had done the best she could to get here. She couldn't use a bow like Raden or Thalion, but he had done well in teaching her throwing daggers. Even in her shaking state she had landed a direct hit on her target.

After she knew he was ok she turned and held her weapon in one hand as she kept the dagger in the other. The more she could kill at range the better, and she knew this one was far from the last of them.

Raden was still keeping up with Thalion as they gave up the perch they had to take to the ground level. Arrows were running out and at a rapid rate and Thalion suggested it was a good idea to keep a few in the case they needed them. Though this was perfectly fine with him, he had been itching to get to the ground level this whole time. He knew by now Mizuki probably had pulled off his attack and going off of the screams and light earlier he guessed it was completed.

On the ground level he got Raden to try and keep as many from that area as they could. He knew Neimi was a capable fighter but she could only take on so many by herself. Sure Mizuki had told him the numbers for the other side according to the scout. But they still seemed endless almost. Every time one fell it seemed more took it's place.

Raden and Thalion both were trying to keep the others back but this was easier said then done when the numbers were only so slowly decreasing. Though there was a bit of light in this dim situation, Thalion was still in full control of himself so he was trying to stay that way. Also as time went on they were both noticing a few more their side.

Also about this same time the bandits he had gotten to assist them showed up to flank the enemy, something they weren't expecting to happen for sure. This took a good chunk of the soldiers out as well. This were starting to look good, yet for some reason Thalion had a fear in his gut this was not over..

Mizukis mind was blank but he knew he had to get back to get back and help the others. Time ticked by and fast before Mizuki even had a say he forced his eyes open. Looking before him he saw Neimi taking down another man. She had cuts and scraps all over and what seemed to be a deep gash in her left arm and yet she continued to use it.

Mizuki forced himself to his feet. He knew that he was pushing it but he couldnt help it. By the looked Neimi she wouldnt last that much longer and he had to do something...but his body refused to move. 'Come on....move damnit' Mizuki thought to himself and groaned as he forced himself to move.

It was taking to much time and Mizuki knew that but at that moment he damned his state and charged forward his dagger stabbing through the mans chest before him that thought it was a good idea to try and get Neimi from behind. He heard a gasp that was not the mans but when the male fell to his knees lifeless he knew who let it out. It was Neimi who had wide eyes looking right infront of her until they settled on Mizuki then those eyes filled with tears.

"Its okay..." Mizuki said with a little smile "I...didnt see him." He heard Neimi say and he nodded his head "I did though and thats all that matters" With those words Mizuki grabbed his staff after placing the crystal about around his neck. Turning he nodded to Neimi and they left the high ground.

Running as fast as he could Mizuki and Neimi dodged chunks of rocks from explosions, arrows and killed as many men as they could before Mizuki stopped "Go to the women and childern and rest" When she began to protest he growled "Dont question me and go!' He turned then and ran in a different direction.

Turning around a corner Mizuki stopped at what greated him, it was a fighting hoard of people. Deciding it best to go around instead of through the middle Mizuki turned right and began to creep around the mass of thrashing swords but a voice made him stop "You know that little trick you did was not nice" That voice made his very blood freeze.

Turning around Mizuki stood straight as he gazed at the tall man in full armour before him. The king stood with not even a single drop of blood on himself "I now remember why you were my first in command...what ever happened to those days Mizuki?" The king asked taking a step forward "You used to be ruthless and demanding" Mizuki hissed "Only because I knew nothing else from you" was all he said and the king laughed.

"Oh yes it was me that did that was it not?' He said before drawing his sword "I will enjoy killing you" The king said looking at his blade "Its been awhile since my steel tasted your blood" Mizuki shuddered at the thought. Though he did not have to much time to think as the male before him charged.

Mizuki only having the two small daggers and his staff did the only thing that he could at that time he dodged and rolled. Though not fast enough it would seem as a searing pain met his shoulder. Mizuki refused to quit though so as he stood he took the sword from a fallen man and stood facing the king. This caused the king to laugh "In all my years I never thought you of all people would pick up a sword...usually your the one to hide behind the magic"

Mizuki growled low in his throat "You of all people should know that things change" He said his voice dripping with hate "Never trust what you think you know!" With that Mizuki charged forward and the fight was on. Clashing of swords, the use of foul words and blood fallowed as Mizuki faught with everything that he had left.

At the least things were finally starting to look like they were in their favor. Though he still had some gut feeling that something was dreadfully wrong here. Both of them were battered a bit, of course it was hard to avoid swings from nearly every direction even with the team effort they had going forth. After a few of the soldiers still in this area seemed to back off Thal had to laugh weakly, he knew very well the numbers were still far from even.

Though about this time Neimi seemed to run past the two of them. Though Raden stopped her before asking her what had happened. She was bloodied and almost as won down as they seemed to be. She shook her head a little. "Mizuki told me to go rest, and to stay with the others who are being kept safe. Thalion walked over to the two of them still keeping his eyes open for anyone who was bold or stupid enough to try and attack them.

"Where is Mizuki now, I thought he needed help?" She shook her head a little. "I tried to stay with him, he ran the other way and told me to not question him." He sighed a little before looking at Raden. "You go with Neimi and help to make sure that those who can't fight are protected." He nodded a little but he paused looking at Neimi as she watched Thalion walk off, she knew what he was thinking.

Neimi got Raden to follow her, they wee both aware of why Thalion was going off to find Mizuki. Even with the recovery time Mizuki was probably still weakened. Though seeing as they were both in no real shape to help in the battle they turned to go retreat to the other area to recover a bit themselves and then to help keep the ones there safe.

Thalion had one worry at the present time, Mizuki was pushing himself too far. He had managed to keep his temperament under control this whole time, though if something happened to Mizuki he doubted there would be any holding back once so ever. He had also noticed that none of these fighters seemed to be the King tat was suppose to be leading this attack.

Sure some of the fighters were better then the others and a few had gotten decent hits in but that hardly was reason to roll over and give up now. No he needed to find Mizuki, and he knew or had a good idea of why he had not seen the fabled ruler of the enemies side... though he hoped he was wrong.

Mizuki was breathing heavy. Every move he made he wanted to cry. Cuts and gashes littered his body from all to close of calls the nastiest of which was upon his chest slicing from his left ear down to under his right pectoral. "Why dose the blood of one appease you so much?" Mizuki asked as the clang of swords once again rang out before them.

This is when the king smiled and stood straight "Because its the blood that has caused me the most trouble" With that another slash was made and Mizuki dodged just in time to watch the blade cut through the air where his knees were. "You brought everything onto yourself" Mizuki said returning the banter for the more they talked the less they fought and right now that was the one thing Mizuki needed to do.

His whole body was sore and begining to shut down. Dodging one more blow Mizukis knees seized and he did not see the next that came but he felt it as cool steal cut deep into his left arm to a point that Mizuki could feel the steel sliding against his bone. Mizuki could no longer hold it in and he screamed as the blade was roughly yanked back and with that Mizuki fell to his knees with his head bowed sword laying lifelessly within his right hand.

This was it...Mizuki thought as he bowed his head his loose hair covering the sad tear stained face. He was going to die by the man he deserved to kill. Neimi, Raden..."Thal..." The last name slipped from his lips unnoticed "Im sorry" Mizuki was ready for the next blow.

The scream was the main thing that even let Thalion know where Mizuki even was. The only other things in this area were corpses... Why the hell was he even fighting all the way over here anyway. He needed to find where Mizuki was, and from the sounds of things as soon as possible. Better then anyone he knew that Mizuki never cried out like that, but the voice had to be his.

Even in his current state he still forced himself to rush to aid Mizuki. Bleeding from a number of gashes and open wounds he was probably risking it a bit. He knew very well if he lost enough blood that he'd have no say in what state his body went into to. But he couldn't think about that at the moment, no he needed to find the other and ensure he still drew breath.

Though it seemed his timing was almost too close for his liking as he saw Mizuki on the ground and the foe before him ready to strike the final blow. He knew very well who this foe was by the dress alone, he was hardly touched from the looks of it. He didn't have time to complain about his ill timed entrance as he saw the blade lowering to take the life of Mizuki.

There wasn't even a thought process involved as the bow was drawn and released a arrow from it almost in the same fluid motion. He wasn't aiming for anything vital but he did succeed in landing the arrow into the kings arm forcing the strike to be halted for the moment. Thalion never once said a word as he already had another arrow cocked and ready to be released.

To be honest he was damned lucky that had hit it's mark. He was holding the bow oddly.. In hi attempt to spare a few others from the fat of death he had ended up with a few blows to his arm. Though that was hardly the main one that Neimi was going to be concerned about later. Oh no, a spear-man had gotten the better of him with getting a decent strike just at the edge of the armor.

None of this mattered though, even as he stood there it was hard to tell, aside from whatever gashes and blood were showing, that he was even wounded at all. Only someone who knew how he normally fought would catch on that he was even having trouble with keeping the bow at the ready. Though at the least he had gotten the king's attention off of Mizuki, even if it seemed that this did little to no good.

Mizuki raised his head the moment he heard the snap of a bow go off. Looking up just at the right time Mizuki watched as the arrow went right through the kings arm causing the sword to fall to the side and the kings step to faulter.

This was his chance and the moment Mizuki had been waiting for since he was a young child within those caves. With out thinking Mizukis grip tighted and ignoring the movement of the kings hand he stood swiftly his sword cutting up and under the kings chest blade to strike the final blow "If it was ment to be...it shall be" Mizuki said in a pained voice ignoring the pain in everywhere.

This is when the king took a step back as Mizuki let the sword in his grasp go. With the king dead the army would retreat and the war would end...ikt was all over. Though as the king fell to his knees gasping for breath Mizuki didnt feel joy. All Mikzuki felt was pain as he finaly looked down to see a dagger embeded within his side. That was just great. Watching the king take his last breath Mizuki didnt fall until the king fell lifelessly to the side.

Mizuki stood there for a moment as he watched the kings eyes close for the last time. Mizuki turned slowly with a limp to see a very badly beaten Thalion before him. Taking a step forward he stumbled and fell to his knees. With his eyes dull he looked to Thalion "Its....its over...."

Sure he could have aimed the arrow for the head or neck or something, but that was a bit late to second guess his actions. Even with the king now dead and the war was as good as over as it could get he was on edge. He had noticed the dagger strike and he knew Mizuki had pushed himself to get even this far. Everything just stilled for a few moments, as if time had stopped. This was the end finally, yet there was still a battle to be fought.

At first he thought Mizuki was going to walk away from this though that was quickly seen to be false as the other spoke before falling to his knees again. Moving to Mizuki's side he quickly made sure the other didn't completely fall to the ground. "heh... yeah.. it is." He managed to force out still trying to keep Mizuki steady.

This was something he would consider bad to say the least. Mizuki was in no condition to walk, really he wasn't sure how long either one of them had left for breath with the amount of blood loss alone. If it weren't for a few of the deeper wounds he'd force himself to carry or try to carry Mizuki back to where he could get some help.

Knowing that this was it, the final person that stood between the army staying or leaving was now dead. It was almost all he could do to breath that they even managed to live this far. "Damn it.." He hissed out noticing the Mizuki's eyes still seemed dull and lifeless. "I kept my word, so your not allowed to give up" Sure he knew that both of them were as good as stuck where they were for the moment unless they lucked out and someone was near here, but still. He refused to just die after all of that, even if he had little choice in the matter.

He was still holding Mizuki as he tried to apply some pressure to one of the larger wounds to at least slow the bleeding and keep the other awake at the least.

Mizuki was greatfull that he didnt fall all the way to the ground for if he did he doubted that he would even get back up after that "I...keep my p-promises" He said even though it didnt sound that convincing. "Lets....go" Mizuki said and as he picked himself up a little and gripped tighter onto Thalion as he began to walk.

Mizuki knew that he wouldnt make it if he stayed there so he needed to move. The dagger in his suck stuck there and he ignored it knowing if he was to remove the
dagger it would cause him to bleed out faster in turn killing him. Mizuki ignored the people running about chasing the last of the eastern army away. It would seem the news of the kings death was already about. Just as Mizuki could no longer walk he slumped lifelessly in Thalions arm just as Raden showed with medics.

in truth he was glad Mizuki made the first move. Having to force him to walk would have been more then he could have handled at the moment. Though even as they walked he knew it was just a matter of time before Mizuki was going to give out. Hell he wasn't sure how long he was going to last but he needed to to ensure Mizuki didn't faint.

Just a bit longer he kept thinking, maybe Mizuki would at least make it to where he could get help or be close enough to get help. Though that didn't seem to be the the case as he felt Mizuki fall again, though eh caught him he still knew very well he couldn't carry him back all the way.

Luck seemed to be on his side as he noticed Raden run up to him panting a little and a few of the medics catching up to the half elf. Once the medics managed to get Mizuki so they could carry him somewhere Thalion let out a bit of a sigh before looking at Raden. He knew why the boy had bothered to even be away from Neimi and the camp like he was told. He was there for most of the fighting and probably noticed that Thalion had gotten a number of hits he should have avoided.

"Hows Neimi?" Raden shook his head a little before offering to help Thalion. Though he was turned down of course, it was rather funny to Raden that he was still being stubborn. Neimi was well enough she was resting as she should be doing. Her arm was already tended to.

Though the front he had been putting forth died a little when Raden finally made sure that Thalion made it to the medical section they had set up. "Neimi would kill me if you died from blood loss.." He sighed a little ignoring Thalion saying he was fine and that there were others who needed more attention then he did. "The others are getting attention or already have had it, now get over it."

Though in truth Thal only was thinking that Mizuki wasn't going to wake up, to damn with his own life at the moment.

Mizuki was awake during everything though he wasnt sure if he actually was. He sat or wrather he laid when everything was done not even moving or protesting as the dagger was removed from his side. Mizukis eyes were open half way during everything, even though they were open they were lifeless. He seemed to be in a coma state of mind.

Everything went through with no issue, he was stitched and bandaged and laid upon a clean bed with a sheet laid loosely over him. "Mizuki...its okay your safe...you can rest now" Though the medics words reached his ears Mizukis eyes stayed open. Everyone tried telling him he could rest but he didnt believe and he wouldnt until he heard it from the one he staid alive for said it to him. That is when he heard a medic say it was useless and Mizuki didnt even blink.

The only reason Thalion wasn't even in the same section was Mizuki was because he was too busy fighting with Raden. Though after a while he had to give in seeing as Raden got tired of him being stubborn and quickly jabbed one of the larger gashes to force him to comply already. After that Thalion finally did give in to his request of at least getting the larger wounds checked out. After that he could be as damned stubborn as he wanted.

After he was patched up a little one of the nurses that had been tending to Mizuki found hi and looked at Raden before smiling weakly. She had caught the tail end of something the two of them were talking about. "I think they are both rather stubborn.. " She looked down a moment before speaking again. "When your done here can you please come and tell Mizuki he can rest? He seems to ignore any of us who tells him. We've even had Neimi in there and she can't get through to him either."

She seemed to wait seeing as Thalion agreed to do this. Though he was hardly happy that he had to go tell him to rest, the idiot needed to rest. Staying awake was forcing himself more then he should be at the moment. After the medic that was working on the wrappings said they were done Thalion with that got left from where he was being forced to stay and followed the nurse to where Mizuki was being held.

Neimi was still in there as Raden went over to her. Though she seemed upset with herself that she didn't just follow Mizuki. She should have. Noticing that Mizuki still had his eyes open Thal sighed a little before putting a hand over one of Mizuki's "You could at least give the medics a break.. and don't go telling me some crap that staying up will help you recover faster." He waited a moment though seeing as Mizuki never said a word as of the moment he shook his head a little. "Get some rest already, you'r going to be worthless tomorrow if you don;t." It half sounded like he didn't care, but he did more then he showed. Mizuki knew this though.

Truth of it was he knew Mizuki was probably going to be useless tomorrow anyway, then again he was as well when it came to anything straining. He needed to stop getting into fights like this and being beat to all hell. One of these times he wouldn't be as damn lucky.

Mizuki heard everything that went on around him but he couldnt respond. His mind was to far gone to hear anything. Though the moment he felt the warmth on his hand and Thalions voice he smiled. Even though there was a smile on his lips tears began to streak down his still dirty cheeks creating little clean paths to his chin.

Mizuki wanted to pass out to heal and get better but he feared that if he closed his eyes he would die. Each moment he was in pain but he kept his eyes open just so he could see the ones he cared. "I....kept...promise" The words were soft and broken gurgelled in the back of dry bloodied throat. Mizukis smile began to fade as a heave came to him and he coughed a little splatter of blood comming from the side of his mouth, he had forced himself to hard.

Thalion knew that he had forced himself. He didn't have to be told this. Though it was odd watching him cringe a little when Mizuki seemed to heave. In truth he hated this. Al of his damned life he could only provide support or words to help those around him. Not once could he do something that needed to be done to really save them.

When Mizuki seemed to settle again with his eyes closed Thal squeezed the other's hand lightly. "I know you did.. just rest." He started to leave the room when Neimi stopped him. "I know you need rest..but staywith him." She looked away before she made herself look back to Thalion and smiled weakly. "At the least he listens to you."

She had a point, after she was done talking he nodded a little, agreeing with her it was probably the better idea. Though after Raden and Neimi left he looked back to Mizuki. He knew he should have left to seek the other, at least to help him along with Neimi. Thinking about it he was almost angry with himself. Hell they had won the war and yet he was unhappy with that?

There was little the medics could do at the present time, they didn't have magic. He wasn't sure how many that they even lost throughout all of this. Though the longer he thought about it the more he found it almost sad that he would have rather the war continue on then to lose Mizuki. He needed to stop thinking like that, he was just going to wear himself out when he needed rest as well.

Mizuki had listened to an extent he closed his eyes though he was far from letting himself sleep. The moment he felt himself falling he opened his eyes and stared blankly ahead. Mizuki then noticed that the room was empty besides himself and Thalion. Even though Mizuki was still awake he said nothing not wanting the other to fuss though he knew that he was doomed the moment that Thalion turned around and looked to him.

That is when Mizuki heard something along the lines of him being stupid and needing rest that he was only causing more damage and maybe Thalion was right but Mizuki didnt want to sleep. He didnt want to let the darkness take over his mind with the fear that it wouldnt let go. "What....what it...i....dont wake...wake up..."

The words that left his lips were broken and Mizuki didnt even know how they sounded nor did he feel the light trickle of tears once again falling from dull eyes. It was his biggest fear and he was toying with it. After a moment or two of nothing Mizuki spoke again "Need to live....need...need you" He said his head dipping down his hair fallowing and covering the sides of his face in a dirty grey, blood splattered curtain.

Hearing Mizuki speak made Thalion return his attention to the battered one before him. He didn't want to hear what Mizuki was saying, though it was true. He could not wake from going to sleep. Moving his hand back over Mizuki's he shook his head a little before taking the other to move a few strands of hair from his wounded partner's face. "Don't say that... you'll .. be fine." That was odd for Thalion to falter at all in his words, normally everything was said with such certainty. But this time, he wasn't sure of himself.

Everything about him seemed to sink the more Mizuki spoke. He was going to lose him this time wasn't he? After all these years he found something to live for. Something he could say he loved and would readily die for. Yet he could do nothing but try and force himself to hold it together to prevent the other more distress.

This holding together was very short lived after Mizuki spoke a final time and seemed to let his head fall to the side. Even just holding the other's hand he knew that something was wrong, or maybe this was really it. The last time he would ever hear Mizuki speak at all and it had to be in this condition? He shook his head determined that he was wrong in this thought.

"Mizuki...?" He spoke softly and trying to remain his calm at first, though this didn't last too long when more time passed and the other still seemed as lifeless as ever. Thalion wasn't one to show many emotions at all so for him to break down was something that was very abnormal. Though just the strain of everything today he couldn't keep holding all of it back anymore.

Releasing the other's hand his ears dropped a little before he spoke louder. "Mizuki.. damn it if you die on me... " He seemed to flinch a little thinking about it. He had been fighting back from crying or showing any tears but at this point he gave up on it as he watched the other for any sign of movement at all.

"Damn it Mizuki!" He finally snapped a little before a slight sob mixed with a intake of air. "If you die you didn't keep your promise." He seemed to shake his head a little thinking about it. "breath damn it... anything, hell fucking insult me for all I care just don't leave after all of this!" Sure there was still Raden and Neimi, but Mizuki was different. He was the one person who had managed to work their way into Thal's very soul, his purpose to live. What purpose did he have if that person died on him?

Even for him to show a tear was a rare sight, let alone for him to pretty much be beaten and broken down as he was at the moment. No energy, cuts and gashes from the battle not long ago and even after the victory here he was still trying to fight against all odds to think that he wasn't being left alone again.

Mizuki hated what was going on yet he had no chance to change it. Mikzuki really thought that this was his last moment with the male that stood to his side and when Thalion began to speak he began to believe it all the more. Though one fraze made him move his head to peer at Thalion..."Promise...." Mizuki said softly looking as the tears fell from Thalions eyes.

It was strange for him to see the normaly strong collected drow in such a state but given what happened Mizuki didnt blame him. Gathering what energy he had Mizuki raised his hand and brushed a freshy fallen tear away from under Thalions eye collecting the tiny crystal on the tip of his pale finger.

"Stay....Right here" Mizuki was not sure if what he had said was a message to himself or a message to Thalion asking him not to leave him alone. Now that the war was over Thalion could finaly rest and Mizuki wanted him to rest right beside where he lay. "Dont...let me...go" He said before his eyes began to close again as he finaly let the darkness take him "Love..." was all he managaed to get out before his eyes finally closed.

His breathing was shallow but it was there. Each breath was a weaze of pain and discomfort but it was a weeze none the less. The only thought that kept on Mizukis mind was that he needed rest so he could return to Thalion.

He nearly flinched when Mizuki caught one of the tears and cleared it from his face. All he could do was hold Mizuki's hand there. The fact he was moving and speaking again.. maybe he had over reacted but still. He couldn't think about losing him. Not after all of this. Nodding his head still holding onto Mizuki's hand he spoke softly trying to regain himself again. He couldn't afford to be caught like this by anyone by Mizuki.

"I promise.. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you.." He let out a sort of shaky breath hoping he was right about what he just said. Though he had to be right, he needed to stop thinking otherwise. After that Mizuki seemed to fall back into a resting state, though his breathing seemed a little more noticeable this time around. He could have been breathing before but Thalion in his panicked state could have missed it.

After a moment he laid the arm back down on the bed before moving a chair close to the bed. He was going to keep his promise. He wasn't about to leave his side for any reason. Though the longer he sat there watching the other struggle a little to breath the more he noticed he should be resting himself. But he wanted to be sure that Mizuki was alright..

This struggle to stay wake and fight the need to rest went on for a few hours, his hand still over top of one of Mizuki's before he ended up resting his head half against the bed and half against Mizuki's body. He wasn't meaning to rest like this but at the same time he could hear every heart beat from the other, it was hard to not be content with that. Maybe for once things would turn out ok in the end.

Mizukis mind woundered for the better of three days with no signs of waking. If it wasnt for the slight rise and fall of his chest and little grunts to hisses here and there it would be hard to tell if the mage even lived. It was a sad sight to be held. The two strongest men in the camp were currently the weakest.

Mizukis mind began to flutter and let go for the first time in days. Slowly he began to gather his bearings. The first of which to come to him was his hearing. He could hear two people in the room though currently he c ouldnt make out the voices that he heard.

As he began to wake up more he thought it best to oepn his eyes before any movement became him. So that is what Mizuki did. Slowly his eyes cracked open just enough for a blurrie vision of the end of the bed was seen before him. Slowly he blinked them open more until they now rested half open and he could finaly look around the room that currently held a pissed off Neimi and a Raden that looked just the same...but where was Thalion?

Neimi of course was pissed, he had shooed her off just to get nearly killed. She put her hands on her hips as she glared at him. Even with him just barely being awake she still wasn't giving him any slack. "You run off and nearly get yourself killed! How could you?" She huffed before Raden put a hand on her shoulder as she seemed to look down a moment.

"Don't do things like that.. you and Thal both.. what would happen if we needed you two? Your both in no condition to do anything and .." She cut herself off noticing that Mizuki seemed to be looking around the room a little, probably still waking up. Neimi looked away for a moment, she was waiting for him to ask her where Thalion was.

Raden sighed a little seeing what was going on here. "Well we would have a extra body in here, but as we all know Thalion is about stubborn. We'll just say he had another wound that he neglected to tell anyone about." Raden still seemed about as calm as ever, then again not much seemed to bother the boy. When Neimi looked at him a little he shook his head at her. "but don't worry he'll recover, so long as he doesn't force himself to do too much in the next few days."

Neimi quickly crossed her arms before speaking again. "Tsk... if either of you two do anything aside from rest for the next few days I'll kill you personally." She was worried about them, they both half looked like death warmed over. Let alone Thal was a royal pain to talk into treatments at all, at the least Mizuki would accept help.

Mizuki looked around and listened to everything that happened in the room. Of course Thalion was like that they all knew he was so when they mentioned that he had something he didnt tell anyone about Mizukis heart skipped a little beat. What if that wound got infected and he died during Mizukis recovery time? That thought alone caused Mizuki to grunt out and hiss in pain as he sat up right.

'Wow that took more energy then it should of...' Mizuki thought to himself as he ignored the protesting of Neimi from the end of his head. He was half tempted to tell her to shut her mouth and leave him be but he knew he couldnt do that to her so instead he ignored her words and growled low in his throat when they both came over to try and make him lay down.

The only thought within his head was that he needed to get up and see where and how Thalion was. Though when Neimi spoke again saying something along the lines of she would kill him if he moved more he got angry and hissed out at her "Then do it..." The words were harsh and cracked from a dry throat but he wanted...no he needed to go see Thalion.

She sighed a little before looking at Raden who seemed to be at a loss on what to do. "Well lets help him.." Raden started to say something but stopped when she looked at him and he knew it was useless, seeing as Mizuki was determined to go no matter what they did. "At least this way we can make sure that he doesn't hurt himself too much." She smiled weakly before helping Mizuki stand, she already knew that this was going to happen. Threats or no threats.

At the least they didn't have far to take him. Though she looked at Raden and asked if they had even gotten the chance to mend the wound yet. Raden shook his head a little. "uh.. last time I was over there.. no?" Noticing the look Neimi gave him as they walked slowly and making sure Mizuki was making out ok. Well as good as he could be when he was suppose to be resting. "What? Was I suppose to stay there? Even if I did what was I going to do."

She seemed to still be frowning at him. As he made a face seeing as they were almost there by this point he cringed a little at the thought. "It was the spear hit he got when he was trying to defend someone. It happened pretty early into the fighting though he seemed to ignore it." Neimi still seemed to glare at him as she looked at the medic that just left the room. "Let me guess.. seeing as you never said anything before he's refusing to let them work on that spot?"

Raden nodded weakly before the medic offered to help with Mizuki. Pretty much it was figured out these two were stubborn, it was better off to go with whatever they were planning. Neimi shook her head a little with a sigh. Over all Raden was saying the spear tip had broken a little and Thalion had ignored it?! She swore she'd never understand these two even after living with them this long.

After entering the room Neimi spoke up again, though Thal was hardly paying whoever walked in any mind, it never once crossed his thoughts that Mizuki would be out of bed. No at the present time he was too busy telling the medic off. "Well are you happy now?" she asked Mizuki. "Though maybe he'll listen to you because he's being a baby about it." She was probably lucky that Thal didn't hear that comment but she didn't care he was still bleeding and he wasn't making things any better.

They had caught the spot before, and mended it then. But they didn't have the time at that point to really look into the wound or bother too much with it. Neimi only got on his case because it started bleeding worse and Thal seemed to cringe if he moved too much.

Mizuki was greatfull that Neimi didn't protest what he wanted. He would of just continued on his way no matter what anyone said. Even though he protested the help at first he was glad for the help the further they walked. Halfway throguh the trip he stumbled a little and it took him a moment to gather his bearings. Though the fact that he stumbeled was not the reason he was upset. It was what he heard about Thalion that made his blood boil.

So when they got to where THalion was and the males voice and actions towards the medic fombined with what he knew Mizuki was pissed! He pushed himself away from the helping medics and let THalion have it. Mizuki knew that he was pushing it and the blackness wqs puahing at his vision so he let everything out "YOU STUPID SELFISH SON OF A BITCH!" Mizuki screamed stepping forward "You want me to keep my promise and live yet here you are killing yourself!" Mizuki stepped or stumbeled and fell landing on his knees.

Thal was mere moments from saying something else to the medic trying to help when Mizuki spoke up. He couldn't even say anything when he noticed Raden and Neimi both there too. He started to move when Mizuki fell but quickly found out he regretted trying to. Though Neimi was already helping Mizuki back up anyway.

He huffed a little, he knew the other was right but damn it he was still breathing so he wasn't killing himself. "It's not as bad as they are making it out to be, tsk.. " He hissed out his last word. sure he knew he was lying and that it needed to be worked on but he could hardly think about moving let alone letting someone work on the spot.

Neimi sighed lightly after Mizuki was standing again as she stayed near to help support him. "I told you he's just being a baby about it." Thal shot a glare at her before speaking again. "It was already patched up, just leave well enough alone damn.." Though about that same time he seemed to half stop a cringe from his breathing. He had been trying to hide it while they were all here. Though seeing as he had to breath it was rather hard to ignore.

Mizuki was glad for the help up but Thalion was asking for more then a few words yelled at him so when Neimi got him to his feet and he was able to stand right on his own he stood to his full hight face no longer showing anything but a stern pissed off look that was only directed towards one person; Thalion.

"Leave us" Mizuki said his gaze not leaving the one before him. The room after the comand was dead silence before Mizuki gave a growl then he heard the scuffel of feet from the medics in the room. Mizuki looked to his side and gave Neimi a glare. He knew that she was still there only because she cared but this was between Thalion and himself. She huffed making a comment about stupid stubberon people before she stormed from the room.

This is where Mizuki turned his head and looked to Thalion. The male was breathing and standing but his breathing was a cringe with every motion. "Why must you be this way...?" He asked softly before he moved forward a little with a hiss before he took the steps needed to reach Thalion. That is when he wrapped his arms around the male. "Why....?" Mizuki asked softly as his head rested in the males neck.

Thalion didn't answer Mizuki. He didn't have a real answer for the question. In truth his mind was still all over the place from earlier, he was probably just over reacting at the present time as well. Even when Mizuki moved closer and asked again he didn't answer him. He wanted to say he had a good reason though it wasn't really a good one.

He finally sighed determined he'd at least say something. "It's deeper then they think.. " That wasn't what Mizuki wanted to hear, but it wasn't like anyone else had a real idea as to where the fragment of the weapon was. "I was being damn careless, the hit shouldn't of happened in the first place." He finally snapped out, ok sure he saved someone rather a few people in the process. But he knew there was a spear-man near-by and that he needed to watch for him.

He was only being stubborn because he knew the abilities of the medics, if they removed it he did have a fear that they wouldn't get the bleeding to stop. Let alone there were rather high odds that something vital was hit just from the area and angle alone. Unless he had the devils luck, though he wasn't sure if he was willing to test that.

Mizuki stiffened a little at that. He knew that by the way he gringed when he breathed that he was in alot of pain. If only Mizuki could do something. I mean sure Mizuki was still healing from his cuts and energy loss but at the same time energy loss is easy to heal...a spear head lodged in your side is not. What if it traveled and moved into a major orgin?

With that thought Mizukis mind was made up and he did the next thing almost with out thinking "Its that deep?" Mizuki asked as he traveled his hand down to the side where the wound lay "Your to stubberen" Mizuki said as he closed his eyes blocking Thalion from veiw of his hurt side.

This is where Mizuki began to say a chant in his mind. If the male he loved didnt want to be a bother for someone to help then he would cause himself to be a bother and heal the bastard so he could once again take care of him. Mizukis knees buckled as soon as he was done with the chant. He was lucky that he was still in the arms of Thalion. When the other began to take he shook his head "Stubborn ass..." He said bringing up his hand to show the spear head that was covered in blood.

He didn't answer Mizuki when he asked if it was in that deep. He wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise. He didn't want to risk it being pulled out and making things worse hen they were. Sure he knew he'd have to get it removed but he was still thinking on a way to go about that with the least amount of risk. Of course magic was something he never gave a second thought about.

Hearing Mizuki speak again right before he seemed to fall weakly caused him to be forced out of his thoughts on the matter. When Mizuki showed him the blood covered tip he wanted to kill him right there. He knew what he had just done, there was no way he removed it without magic for it to not hurt and not cause further damage.

Still holding Mizuki up before he managed to pull the other onto the bed he shook his head. "You call me a stubborn ass and you turn around and do something just as stupid.. "

Mizuki smiled at that. He knew that he was going to get a reaction like that from Thalion thast why he went about it the easiest way so that the other male would not protest. It was simple really just a replacement healing spell...though to tell the truth it was the last thing Mizuki should of done but he didnt care Thalions life was more important then him being asleep for days on end.

"You would have....just left it there..." Mizuki said reached a hand out and touching where the spear tip had been. Mizuki knew that Thalion would of left it there he wasnt stupid and with Thalion being Thalion he knew it wasnt going to get better any time soon unless he took action.

This is when Mizuki looked to THalion with have lidded eyes "You said you wouldnt leave me..." Mizuki said almost sadly. The first time he had been awake in days and Thalion couldnt even be beside him as he awoke. Mizuki sighed a little before his eyes closed. He was suddenly aware of his tieredness.

"I wouldn't have.. it would have to be removed sooner or later." He was just more or less putting off what needed to be done and he knew that. Sure he had to admit the wound already felt better, at least he could breath without wincing each breath. Though that didn't mean he was happy with Mizuki doing this, he would have rather the other waited till he was recovered more to do such a thing. Aside from that he disliked the idea of magic altogether. Even if at one time he did tell Mizuki he'd have to learn to control whatever powers he had.. to tell the truth he dreaded that day more then having to deal with all of this.

He never said a word when Mizuki spoke reminding him that he said he wasn't going anywhere. Though that also means he didn't tell him that he was pretty much forced and dragged to leave his side in the first place. No instead of making up a excuse as to why he wasn't there he just said that he was sorry.

Sure he could explain that it wasn't his choice but still he didn't see the point in fighting it that much. Not after Mizuki just pretty much saved his life.. again. Though he was glad the other seemed to be going back to sleep when he noticed that his eyes were closing. That was a good sign at the least.

After the events of that day and only being awake for a short time caused Mizuki to pass out again. If there was one thing Mizuki hated was being in a pure state of weakness. Never knowing if something was coming to finish the job off. Thats why he often asked someone to stay with him to state his fears but when he awoke and the one he asked to stay was not there it hurt.

The days past by slowly from there. Little bouts of wakefullness fallowed though they didnt last long before he fell back into a sleep like state. It has now been a week since the war ended and Mizuki was stirring again. Slowly light lavender eyes blinked open and he looked about the room giving a little frown when no one was seen.

Closing his eyes for a moment he took a deep breath before pushing himself up into a sitting with his back against the headbored. Mizuki sat there and thought to himself on how long he was alone. It was one of his biggest fears, being alone. After everything that had happened he was even shocked to think he still had the fear but it seemed he did.

Mizuki sighed as he raised a hand up to his hair that seemed to still be loose and his eyes widened. Long pale fingers brushed through long locks and he suddered and the feeling of his hair. It felt like sand paper and bringing it around over his shoulder he found out why. His hair was still covered in dirt and blood from the war. That was it.

Throwing the sheet that covered him over to the side he moved his legs so his feet now rested on the cool floor. Looking about for something to help him walk Mizuki was greatfull that he saw his staff leaned on the wall beside his bed. Counting to three in his head Mizuki pushed off the bed and was greatfull he was able to gather his balance before he fell to the floor.

Standing up right Mizuki reached over and grabbed his staff with a light smile on his lips. Using the staff for a brace Mizuki began to slowly walk out the door. Making his way through the halls with skill he was not seen even as he slipped out the door and around the medic building.

This is where Mizuki began to walk around noticing the repairs being done and people running about doing different chores. The damage from however long, Mizuki couldnt remember, was now getting slowly fixed. That made Mizuki smile as he made his way to a hopefully still standing house.

The trip was long and by the time Mizuki reached the house he was panting hard and sweat licked at his forehead but he didnt care 'Just a little more' He thought to himself as he moved up the little steps and opened the door. Entering he looked around and noticed he was alone, this caused a sigh to his lips but perhaps it was for the better. He wanted to get into the bath and rested before a pissed of Neimi or Thal barged in.

Mizuki then walked right for the bathroom it was the second thing he did. Filling the tub up with steaming hot water he added scented oil and smiled as the smell of cherry blossoms filled the steamy room. Hissing a little Mizuki pealed the medic gown off of his body before moving and carefully sitting in the steam.

Right away the sigh was out of the lips fallowed by a shiver as his body took in all the warmth expelling the cold. After a few moments to just bask in the heat Mizuki dipped his head under the water. Long thin fingers brushed through his hair removing the blood and grime of a war past. After that he sat back up and laid there. His hair floated now clean around him like a silver halo as he rested in the warmth half asleep.

Of course Mizuki had to wake up the one time Thal was dragged away. Though to be fair saying he was going to go mad if he sad around any longer was a understatement. He was never one willing to sit around unless he had to. So even though he was forced to leave Mizuki, at the same time it was a rather good excuse to get out of the room that he found himself enclosed in for almost a full week. Sure a few of the deeper wounds still needed to finish healing, but so long as he didn't push himself it wouldn't matter too much.

Though after finding out why he was dragged off in the first place he wasn't sure why they had bothered to grab him. It was talking about what to do now, things would still take a while to calm down but the war was over. The fighting didn't have to continue any longer. Some suggested that they build the area they were in up a little and turn it into a official town. Though Thal had no real thoughts on this decision. In truth he wasn't sure what he wanted to do now that everything was over with.

Sure he still had Mizuki and Neimi and Raden to give him a excuse to stick around. But at the same time something kept telling him he shouldn't stay here. What would he do here anyway. Ok there were a few talents he had managed to keep hidden over the course of the war, as well as a bit of his past that he had a feeling would soon come back to haunt him. But still staying here and living a 'normal' life seemed almost boring after all of this happened.

Either way after this so called meeting was over with he left to check up on Mizuki. Though he was stopped by one of the medics who said they had no idea where Mizuki had run off to. Though Thal had a good idea, if he could managed to walk that far he knew Mizuki was at home taking a bath. Any time he went missing it seemed thats where he could be found anyway. Sure he should get mad that he left he medical ward but he wasn't going to do that.

Instead he went about heading home to check to see if he was right. Of course once he got there he knew he was. It was almost funny to him. Though he still went about checking to make sure Mizuki didn't drown himself in the process. He never bothered to shut the door so Thal just stood there leaning against the door frame before he spoke. "You couldn't have waited 10 minutes?" He was already expecting hell from Mizuki for not being there, but hell he couldn't help when people seemed to drag him off.

"Ten minutes..." Mizuki said with a little sigh before he opened his eyes and looked at Thalion that leaned on the door frame to the bathroom "If you had been there when I woke...this wouldnt of happened" He stated with a little shrug of his shoulders but the moment that Thalion began to prosted was the moment Mizuki growled a little "I know I know...You were dragged off" He said slightly before closing his eyes again "You always do"

Mizuki was in sour moods today it would seem but with this being the first time out and aobut he gave a sigh before looking to Thalion once more "Im sorry..." He said slightly "Just...grumpy' He said a little before moving a little to sit up a hiss escaping lips as relaxed muscles were forced to move.

Looking over to Thalion he tilted his head a little looking at the state of the male before him. It seemed to him that Thalion also needed a bath but he kept his thoughts to himself as he shrugged his shoulders a little "It dosent matter though" He said turning his gaze back to the water before him watching as he made little ripples with his hand "Im used to it..."

He sighed a little, the way he said it made it sound like a excuse. Hell he protested to them forcing him to go along. "Would have rather just stayed.. they were debating on turning this area into a town. Not sure why I had to go along for that I don't care either way." He shrugged a little. That was his thoughts on the matter. Though of course he knew what Mizuki was thinking without him saying a word. But Thal would worry about a bath later, as well as changing clothes...

"Eh.. don't be sorry, thats not like you to say that you are." He wasn't expecting him to say sorry, of course he'd be grumpy. being forced to rest from the state he was in, probably even though he said it was fine he was still cross with him for not being there.

Though Thal never voiced his thoughts on what else was on his mind, like what to do now. Sure they could stay. But.. he had no real reason to. He was use to traveling before he got roped into this whole war. At the same time he didn't wan tot go back to the other life style he had with the bandits either. He had half a mind to ask what Mizuki wanted to do or thought about doing now, but he never did speak up about it.

Mizuki shrugged his shoulders at Thalions comment before he moved and began to drain the water from his bath. Kepping a grunt to himself Mizuki pushed his way up so he was sitting on the edge of the tub. Grabbing the towel that he placed near by he began to dry his hair.

This whole time Mizuki had a thought on his mind one that he was not sure the other wished or not but with his back towards the male Mizuki spoke slowly "Now that...the wards over" He bagan before he paused a moment "Did...you possibly want to...um' Mizuki stopped a moment then continued "Take Neimi and Raden and...leave this place?"

In truth Mizuki wanted nothing more then to leave. Yes this place held good memorys but the bad ones are the reason he wanted to leave. There was to many close calls and almost deaths that he didnt want to think of for the rest of his life. But when he got no answer from Thal he spoke again "Or we could stay...if its what you want"

Well that made that easy. He didn't have to ask if Mizuki did it for him. "Not sure if they want to leave.. "He started but thinking about it he shook his head a little. "Then again both of them are old enough if they want to stay they can do so, not like they have to go anywhere." From the sounds of it Mizuki didn't want to stay but he was giving the option to do so anyway, he swore that he needed to think about himself more instead of others.

"Personally I never liked this area.. though I'm not sure where to go exactly." He sighed a little, why was he bothered so much and wanting ot leave this place. "Though I guess we don't have to leave right away, maybe it's a good idea to bring it up with Neimi and Raden then let them have time to think things over." Really for some reason he saw Neimi at least going with them, she couldn't stand the thought of being alone. Also she cared greatly for this mishap of a thing they called family.