Yasashii Ryoute (Gentle Hands)

by Sakura (aka L-sama no Miko)

Chapter 6

"W-Where are you taking me?!" the silver haired demon protested as the sky blue haired emperor carried him to the castle's Chaos Gate. "Put me down En!"

Endrance chuckled, but refused to obey his mate and only tightened his grip on the squirming fledgling. "I wish to show you something," he said, nuzzling the silver hair.

"Can't you show me later?!" he grumbled. He hadn't gone to see Silabus at all that day and was anxious to get to the hospital wing.

"Your friend is in good hands, my lovely rose," the emperor replied, "My dear cousin will not fail to notify us if there's any change."

"But…" he pouted.

Even though he thought that to be utterly adorable, Endrance refused to give in. "No buts, Haseo. I'll not let my rose wither away in this stifling cage." The fledgling continued to pout, but knew his sire had a point. He hadn't been out of the castle at all except to 'eat' since he learned of Silabus' condition.

The sky blue haired demon kissed his mate's lips before whispering "Δ, Hidden Forbidden Dead Wood." Seconds later, they were standing before a vast underground lake with a huge white tree shining on an island in the center.

"Wow!" Haseo murmured, never haven seen anything like it before.

His sire smiled and leapt, carrying him across the water. He gently set the boy down under the tree. "This place is very special to me," he said sitting down. "My Mia and I used to come here all the time just to enjoy being together."

The shorter demon was touched that Endrance would share such a precious memory with him. He sat down beside his mate, leaning his head against the purple clad shoulder. Smiling, the sky blue haired man wrapped his arm around Haseo's waist, holding him close. "I haven't been back here since I lost her. She'd want me to share it with you."

"It's beautiful," Haseo said, squeezing Endrance's hand gently.

"Ah, but my silver rose is much more beautiful," the emperor purred licking the outer shell of the boy's ear, making him shiver and blush profusely.

Suddenly several black orbs appeared and began to flutter around them. The silver haired fledgling started, alarmed that his sire might be in danger. Endrance chuckled. "Fear not my rose," he said letting one settle on his hand. "These are our version of faeries."

"Oh," the shorter one said, remembering the firefly like faeries he'd seen in many a field in Lios and the Twilight Kingdoms. "I didn't know you had faeries here too." He tentatively reached out a hand to touch one and it darted away. Slightly disappointed, he shrugged it off.

"Oh come now, don't be that way," chided the emperor, "Haseo is my mate." The silver haired boy blushed profusely not exactly ready to have others know that juicy little tidbit just yet.

The faeries swarmed together, seeming to be conversing with each other. A few moments later, they flocked around Haseo as if they wanted to get a good look at him. "H-Hey cut it out!" the fledgling said, when they started to land on his head and shoulders and anywhere else they could.

"It seems they approve," Endrance said, laughing as he watched his mate brush them off only to have them resettle onto their perches.

"They're annoying," he muttered, but soon regretted those words. The faeries gathered together again and began to attack him relentlessly. "Ok! Ok! I take it back! You're not annoying!"

Endrance laughed out loud, clutching his sides as the silver haired demon tried to fend off a swarm of angry demon faeries. "C-Could you please l-leave my mate a-alone?" he asked them between guffaws. "I-I'd like to have h-him in one piece."

The faeries backed off and hovered near the emperor as if to stare at the laughing and smiling demon. They seemed to be conversing amongst themselves again then just as suddenly left, but not before several 'kissed' Endrance and Haseo's cheeks by brushing up against them.

"What the heck was that about?!" the shorter of the two asked.

"I do believe they were congratulating us," Endrance said, purring.

The silver haired boy gulped, he knew that look. Haseo moaned as his sire started to kiss him passionately, pressing him back against the glowing tree's trunk. Within minutes all thoughts of Silabus and pretty much everything else left the silver haired fledgling's mind as the emperor's hands moved across his bare stomach and lower back.

Silabus fought against the hands covering his eyes. The silver haired boy chuckled softly. "Patience," he said, looking at the Chaos Gate, "Just a bit more Sil." The incubus pouted slightly, but obeyed his new master.

Tsukasa smiled. He and Haseo had been trying to get the honey brown haired demon to remember his former self and the incubus had started to improve over the past few weeks. He remembered his name now as well as a few other things from his former life in Lios such as who his friends were and, unfortunately, being seduced by Ovan. However, they just couldn't get him from calling the shadow warlock 'master' or 'Tsukasa-sama'. Other than that, Silabus was almost back to his former self.

"Λ, Hidden Forbidden Starlit Sky," the silver haired demon whispered. Gold and blue rings appeared around the two and teleported them to another underground lake. However, unlike the lake of Indieglut Lugh, there was no shining white tree or island at the center. The sliver haired demon removed his hands from the incubus' eyes and Silabus couldn't help but stare at the sight before him.

All around them were hundreds of glowing rocks each one a different color of the rainbow. Several clusters were scattered throughout the cavern, giving the scenery the look of an enormous starlit sky complete with galaxies and nebulas, hence the keywords. The incubus was speechless.

Smiling, Tsukasa sat down on the stone littered floor, which was surprisingly smooth. "I come here sometimes to think or to get away from En," he said, patting the ground beside him. Silabus obeyed the unspoken command and sat next to him. "I-I thought you might like it," he said, blushing.

Silabus smiled, pleased and surprised that his master had wanted to share something that was obviously special to him. "Thank you, Tsukasa-sama," he said pressing against the shorter demon's side. "It's… wow!" He couldn't find the right words to describe it. The silver haired demon blushed even more, but didn't move away.

"Are you hungry?" asked Tsukasa, thinking that was the reason for the incubus' closeness. Even though he'd been letting the honey brown haired demon feed off him, he felt hurt each time he would pull away afterward. True, he knew the taller demon was just using him to satisfy his hunger, but during the time he had been caring for him while unconscious, he had begun to develop feelings for him.

"No, Tsukasa-sama," he replied, slightly hurt that his master had thought he was hungry. He sighed inwardly, wishing the boy would return the feelings he'd developed for him over the past weeks. He pulled away causing his master to look at him.

Tsukasa was puzzled by the disappointed look on the taller boy's face. He couldn't have feelings for him could he? It was unheard of. Incubi never loved anyone, not even their masters. In fact the only reason he was acting loyal to him was because he was the one who 'fed' him. However, that look still stumped him.

He had to see if Silabus really was hurt or not. The silver haired demon shyly laid his head on the taller one's shoulder. The incubus was startled, but made no move to pull away. "Master?" he asked, confused.

"Shh," Tsukasa said, placing his half gloved fingers on the demon's lips. "J-Just let me sit here for a bit," he said shyly.

Silabus' heart leapt at the contact and just as shyly wrapped an arm around the shorter demon's shoulders, pressing their bodies closer. Tsukasa smiled, seeing the way the other demon was blushing and smiling shyly. They sat there for quite a bit, each just happy to be near the other.

The brown haired incubus reached into the dark green jacket he was wearing and pulled out something the other couldn't see right away. "What's that you've got there?" the silver haired demon asked, noticing Silabus playing with something on his lap.

Blushing profusely, he stammered, "I-It's nothing, Tsukasa-sama."

"Oh?" He then smirked slyly and grabbed it before the incubus could stop him. "A flower?!" In his hand was a single honeysuckle bloom.

Silabus looked away, still blushing. "I-I been w-wanting to give it to you, master," he said. "I-I just c-couldn't find the right time."

'How'd he get this?' pondered the silver haired mage. Blushing again, he turned to the incubus, "Why?"

"I-I wanted to t-tell you something," he replied, still blushing and not looking him in the eye.

Tsukasa looked at the flower. Had he remembered that people in Lios often sent flowers to convey messages? The silver haired demon, narrowed his eyes, trying to remember what honeysuckle meant. "Honeysuckle means, bonds of love," he murmured to himself, "and…" He couldn't remember the other meaning.

"D-Devoted affection," Silabus answered, glancing shyly at him through the corner of his honey eyes.

The incubus had feelings for him? Tsukasa shook his head. There just was no way, but the way Silabus was blushing and having trouble speaking said otherwise. "Do you mean it? Really mean it?" he asked.

The honey brown haired boy couldn't help feeling a bit hurt by his master's doubts. He reached into his jacket again and shyly handed him a white chrysanthemum. Tsukasa stared at it, not familiar with this flower's meaning. "It means truth," he explained. "Haseo told me."

The silver haired mage stared at it in awe. The incubus did love him. He looked back at the taller demon, asking him silently. "I don't think you'd believe me if… I told you without those," Silabus said, looking at the 'sky'.

Tsukasa nodded. He probably wouldn't have believed him if he didn't have those flowers. He knew that the people of Lios considered flower messages to be absolute. There was no way of lying with flowers, for as the saying goes, 'a rose is a rose is a rose.' Flowers were concrete proof of one's feelings.

The silver haired demon cleared his throat, catching the incubus' attention. "I… have something to tell you too," he whispered. Looking at his master curiously, he watched as Tsukasa reached into a hidden pocket inside his robes and pull out a single silver rose – the rarest of flowers.

Silabus stared at the flower that had been pressed into his hand. Never before had he seen anything like it. Running a finger along one delicate metallic petal, he blinked in surprise at the softness of it. This was no work of a craftsman, he was holding a living honest to goodness silver rose. "M-Master?" he asked bewildered by the gift. "W-What does it mean?"

The silver haired boy smiled, cupping the incubus' cheek. "Only you," he whispered before kissing him passionately. Silabus' eyes widened in shock, but soon began to return the kiss just as fiercely. He absentmindedly placed the rose down on top of the honeysuckle and chrysanthemum before wrapping his arms around his master.

"As sweet as this is," came the last voice they'd expect, "I do believe you have something that belongs to me."

Silabus stiffened. He knew that voice, after all he heard it almost everyday for months before he came to be with the silver haired mage. Tsukasa quickly recovered from his original shock and narrowed his eyes, which darkened to a violet that was almost black, his staff in a white knuckled grip.

"He is not a possession," the emperor's cousin spat.

Ovan smirked, a dangerous glint in his sunglass covered eyes. "I beg to differ." His third reddish black arm shot forward and grabbed the incubus' ponytail, yanking him away from the smallest of the three. "Silabus knows his place, don't you pet?"

The honey brown haired demon shook violently, but forced himself to kneel beside his former master and hung his head in shame, unable to look at the one he'd fallen for. Tsukasa was furious. Just when his companion had finally been able to start thinking for himself, that bastard had to go and undo all their hard work. He began to silently chant a spell he'd thought he'd never have to use again.

Ovan ran his hand through his pet's hair. Silabus fought against the urge to lean into that hideous touch and failed, miserably. "I'm afraid we must be going," he said gripping the soft hair painfully, making the incubus cry out. "I have a rather disobedient pet to discipline," he said walking toward the Chaos Gate, dragging the smaller demon along.

"You're not going anywhere!!!" yelled Tsukasa, having finished his summoning spell. Hovering above him was a gelatinous dumbbell like creature with a golden ring at its center. Ovan stared at it, recognizing it for what it was – one the goddess' personal servants.

At its master's unspoken command, the 'guardian' – as those who'd seen it called it – let out a high pitched sound as it grew spikes and lunged a tentacle toward the cornflower haired demon. Knowing of the 'guardian's' power, Ovan leapt to the side, just as the tentacle reached the spot where he stood.

"I'm afraid your pet's tricks won't work on me," he said cockily.

"Then how about ours?" said a new voice. Tsukasa eyed the blue and pink haired angels warily. Had they come for Ovan or were they there for Silabus? "Magus!" he called. A yellow, green and black naga like demon appeared, its leaf like flippers twitching in anger.

"Tarvos!" shouted the pink haired angel. A magenta armless winged demon appeared next to her.

"So they really did turn traitor," Ovan mused, eyeing the two Knights of Morganna.

We have our reasons, spat Tarvos.

Ovan-sama, let me handle those scum, said Corbenik emerging from the Chaos Gate.

"It would appear I have no choice," he said, as several more figures emerged from the gate.

"Get your filthy paws off him!!!" screamed Haseo, rushing the cornflower haired demon lord, only to have him step aside causing him to miss.

"Hello to you too, Haseo," he said smirking. "Been enjoying him I see," he said to the sky blue haired demon standing protectively by his silver haired mate.

Endrance's eyes darkened to the deepest red Haseo had ever seen. "Do not include me in with the likes of you," warned the obviously p.o.'d emperor.

"Oh come now, heika," he retorted, "I can smell you all over him. It's obvious you've been putting my Haseo to good use."

The demon emperor roared indignantly, lunging forward with his katana.

The battle had begun. "Get him out of here," Tsukasa urged the silver haired fledgling. He could see Haseo had wanted to fight along with them, but sent him a glance that reminded the younger demon's powers, as good as he was at controlling them, were still no match for the renegade Knight of Morganna.

Not one having to be told twice, Haseo nodded and reluctantly grabbed Silabus as the blue haired angel sent off a shot that had been aimed originally at Ovan. 'How dare that bastard put Sil in danger!' he fumed.

Silabus grabbed his head, torn between going with his friend and staying with the monster that was fighting to keep him. "We're outta here," Haseo said pulling him to the Chaos Gate.

Going somewhere? sneered Corbenik, blocking their way.

The incubus whimpered, remembering being at the black and blue demon's not so tender mercy. Leave them alone!! bellowed Macha as she slashed the larger demon with her razor sharp claws.

Damned bch! he spat, fighting off the irate cat demon.

Get going! she commanded, I'll take it from here.

Nodding in thanks, Haseo teleported them back to the castle.

The battle at Galaxy Cave Regenbogen had been dragging on for hours and Ovan was finally beginning to show signs of exhaustion. He may have been able to defeat one Knight of Morganna, but not three plus two equally angry angels, demons, and one of Morganna's personal servants.

He dodged several energy bolts and bombs while Corbenik took care of Magus' seed time bombs. However that put him right in the range of Tsukasa's 'guardian'. Having forgotten about the mage and his pet, he looked around too late to see several golden tentacles dart from the dumbbell like monster and wrap around his three arms and neck. He choked and winced when he felt the tentacles continuously squeeze tighter and tighter.

"Cousin!" the silver haired mage shouted, "Now!"

Seeing her opportunity, the magenta demon jumped in front of the restrained demon lord. The strange spike at her middle began to glow and morphed into an even stranger multicolored cannon. Living up to her title of 'The Avenger', Tarvos shot an enormous ball of red, violet, and black energy at the demon.

However, a blue and black streak flashed before them and the energy ball hit Corbenik square in the chest. You will not harm Ovan-sama!!!! he screamed as the energy began to cause him to glow and dissolve. The renegade Knight of Morganna continued to scream as he felt his life force slowly being drained away. Within moments there was nothing left of the demon only rapidly disappearing blue and black sparkles.

"B-Better l-luck… n-next t-time," the cornflower haired demon choked, not even sorry for his knight's sacrifice.

Indeed, came a purring voice. Macha's eyes were a blazing red and the cat demon flipped onto her back. The flower part of her gown opened like the flower it was to reveal the same type of cannon Tarvos had just used. There's no one to save you this time, she sneered as she shot an identical energy ball at him.

Unlike the last time, the ball hit its intended target. Ovan screamed in agony since the 'guardian' decided to aid its fellow servant by impaling the demon lord's chest. Like his former knight, Ovan's body glowed and broke into millions of tiny pieces that gradually faded into nothingness.

It took them several minutes to realize they'd won. "Hey, what happened to Haseo and Sil?" the blue haired angel asked. Looking around, his pink haired companion could see no sign of either boy.

They should be at the castle, Macha explained.

"Then that's where we go," the pink haired angel said striding over to the blue glowing gate.

"Not so fast," called the sky blue haired emperor. Pi turned and stared at him, obviously annoyed.

"We don't want any trouble," Kuhn, the blue haired angel said, rising his hands. "We just want to take our friends home.

Tsukasa's amethyst eyes darkened dangerously again and the 'guardian' warbled in warning, sensing its master's anger. Endrance placed a hand on his cousin's arm. "I'm afraid you can't do that," he said to the angels.

"And why is that?" the pink haired one asked, cracking her knuckles, preparing for another fight, in spite of the fact that she was practically exhausted.

"You are aware demons can't set foot in Lios or the kingdoms?" the emperor countered.

"Of course we are!" she spat indignantly, stomping one stiletto clad foot. "How dare you attempt to lecture us!"

"Pi!" shouted Kuhn. "Let him explain!" Huffing irritatedly, the pink haired angel backed down, but only slightly.

Smiling in gratitude, the emperor spoke again. "Neither Haseo or his friend are legally allowed in."

"Stop talking in riddles!!!!" Pi bellowed.

Kuhn's gold eyes widened, figuring out what Endrance had meant. "T-They're demons Pi," he said, still unable to believe it.

"WHAT?!!" she demanded.

"I'm afraid it's true," explained the silver haired mage, "S-Silabus he's…" Pi glared at him, demanding he'd hurry up or there'd be hell to pay. "Ovan's been um… 'using' him for months."

Pi's pink eyebrows rose and her face went red as her very skimpy outfit. "Then he's… a lost one."

Kuhn gulped, feeling sick at the very thought of Ovan touching anyone like that. "I-If Sil's like that then is Haseo… y'know?" he asked.

"Of course not!" denied the sky blue haired vampire, "I would never do that do my rose." The blue haired angel let out a sigh of relief.

"That's good news, but um, why can't Haseo come back with us?"

Smiling much like a cat, Endrance let his fangs peek out a tiny bit. "I would think it would be pretty obvious," he said, a glint of mischief in his garnet eyes.

"Y-You didn't!" Pi cried in shock.

"It was not intentional I assure you, however, what is done can not be undone."

"You bastard!" the pink haired angel bellowed, lunging for him. Kuhn hastily grabbed a hold of her, using all his remaining strength to prevent another tragedy.

"Just tell me one thing," the blue haired angel ordered, his gold eyes darkening dangerously into amber. "Is he happy?"

"Kuhn!" Pi hissed.

"I would never do anything to make my mate not want to be here. He is free to leave should he desire it."

"And does he wish to leave?" Pi prodded.

"No, he does not," the emperor replied icily, "Now I must ask you to leave. I mustn't worry my rose further."

Pi sputtered in anger but with the urging of Kuhn and her occasional demon partner, the furious angel reluctantly warped back to Lios. "If we ever hear you've been mistreating either of them…" The blue haired angel let the threat hang as he and Magus followed the other two.

Endrance stared after them, "You have my word Twilight Knights," he whispered, "no harm shall ever come to either of them."

Haseo was pacing anxiously back and forth, glancing at the castle's Chaos Gate every two seconds. Silabus had been taken to the hospital wing since he'd started to withdraw into himself again. It didn't help that the best healer in the castle was now fighting for both their futures. He had tried to leave and join his sire in the battle but a certain Knight of Morganna had kept blocking his way to the Chaos Gate.

That had been hours ago and still no one had returned from the cave, making him even more anxious with each passing second. Haseo, the yellow and black demon said leaning against the wall. You're going to wear a rut in the floor if you keep that up, he chided in a miserable attempt to cheer the boy up.

The silver haired fledgling glared at him. "What the hell am I supposed to do?! You won't let me leave!"

Skeith sighed. I'm not going to risk losing you to Ovan. Besides if his majesty has to worry about you, then he won't be able to concentrate on the fight.

"I know but, I just can't sit here and do nothing!" he spat, punching the wall. "I may not be strong enough now, but I can fight!"

Haseo, please try to understand, his self appointed guardian pleaded.

The silver haired fledgling was about to complain again when gold and blue rings appeared by the glowing blue gate. Pulling out a pair of twin blades, the emperor had given him, Haseo leapt into a battle stance, not knowing who or what to expect. Skeith narrowed his eyes and drew out his scythe as well.

"Surely my rose isn't going to prick me with those thorns is he?" came a slightly tired yet amused breathy voice.

"E-En?" the smaller of the two asked, cautiously.

The yellow and black demon put away his weapon upon seeing the sky blue haired demon materialize from the rings, but he didn't relax completely just yet, wary of the blood splattered over him.

"W-What happened?" Haseo asked, just as concerned upon seeing the black blood marring the violet armor.

Endrance drew him into a fierce hug. "You needn't worry Haseo. It isn't mine. That boorish savage won't be coming after you or anyone ever again."

Silver eyebrows rose and garnet eyes widened. "You mean… he's…"

"Yes my silver rose, Ovan is no more."

Haseo let out a sigh of relief. "That's good," he said, "Is… Is Tsukasa-san alright?"

Frowning upon his fledgling's worried look, the emperor cupped one marked cheek. "How bad is he?" he asked, knowing his mate's friend must be in a horrible state by now.

"Pretty bad," Haseo muttered, "The lights are on, but…"

"I see," Endrance said, grimly. "My cousin should be…"

"En!" called said cousin as he appeared by the Chaos Gate, "A-Are they ok?" Haseo was relieved to see the silver haired mage was unharmed. Upon seeing the taller boy's worried eyes, Tsukasa rushed over. "It's Silabus isn't it?" he asked concern written all over his face. The fledgling could only nod, unable to tell what had happened. The emperor's cousin laid a semi gloved hand on his shoulder in an attempt at comfort before running off to the hospital wing.

"It'll be alright," Endrance said, hugging his fledgling again. "Once your friend sees that my dear cousin is safe and sound, I'm sure he'll bounce right back."

Haseo leant against the emperor's chest, wrapping his arms around him and clinging onto him for dear life. "I hope you're right," he whispered.

Tsukasa burst into the infirmary, his heart going out to the honey brown haired boy laying numbly on one of the beds. "S-Silabus!" he cried, running over to him. Gentle amethysts widened in shock at the dull and glazed look in the boy's usually sad and gentle honey eyes. "Silabus!" he called again, clasping one limp hand in his, "It's over. I'm ok, see?" He turned the incubus' head gently toward his. "I'm right here, please come back to me," he pleaded.

However, the eyes remained unseeing.

"Don't you dare leave me!" shouted the silver haired mage, causing the comatose incubus to whimper slightly. "S-Silabus?" he asked. No answer. "I need you," he pleaded again, this time pressing something into the taller boy's hands.

The honey brown haired boy's head moved to look at what was now biting into his hands. Tsukasa remained quiet, but anxious at the taller boy's sudden movement. Honey eyes blinked slightly at the metallic flower he was now holding, its thorns digging into his skin.

"D-Do you remember?" the silver haired healer asked as Silabus continued to stare at it. "W-What I told you it means?"

The incubus' voice was barely audible, but Tsukasa's heart leapt at the mumbled words, "Only… you."

"That's right!" he cried, forgotten tears falling down his marked cheeks, "I want only you," he murmured, sitting on the bed and drawing the taller boy close. "You're mine," he said hugging him tightly, fearful he'd disappear if he'd let go.

"M-Master?" Silabus whispered again.

Relieved that the incubus was slowly coming back to himself, Tsukasa gently kissed his cheek. "It's alright now," he said, stroking his back lovingly. "I'm here. No one's going to hurt you anymore."

Honey eyes turned to the one petting him. Tsukasa smiled warmly, letting the incubus take his time. Silabus began to tremble again as the memory of being dragged away by Ovan resurfaced, threatening to force him to retreat again. The silver haired mage continued to rub his back and stroke his hair, murmuring soothing noises. Silabus forced himself to listen to his master's crooning, lest he lose himself again. "Shh," Tsukasa murmured, "I'll never leave you."

The two sat like that for what seemed like hours. "Sil?" the silver haired demon asked, eyes frowning when he got no answer. He quietly let out a relieved sigh when he saw that the incubus had fallen asleep. Chuckling to himself, Tsukasa gently laid Silabus back in the bed, lying beside him and wrapping his arms around him protectively.

At the other side of the castle, another silver haired demon was also sleeping in the arms of the one he loved, Endrance's gentle hands caressing the boy's hair and scars lovingly before their owner joined him in peaceful slumber.

Owari

Note: The area Λ, Hidden Forbidden Starlit Sky, does not exist in any of the games, anime, manga or novels. Nor do the keywords Starlit Sky. It's just something I came up with so if any of you wish to use it in any of your fics, please ask first ok? It took a loooong time to come up with this stuff.

Sakura: Waaaaaaah!!!!!!!

En-sama: What's wrong, Sakura-san?

Sakura: I didn't want this one to end!! TT

Haseo: About time too.

Sakura: Meanie!! TT

Silabus: You shouldn't be so mean to her, Haseo. She worked really hard on this.

En-sama: D-Don't you like being with me, Haseo?

Haseo: I…

Sakura: Yes?

Haseo: Well, I do um… need your help.

En-sama: Oh Haseo!

Sakura: Looks like I'll be adding another room to the harem. Again. --' Anyhoo, I hoped you liked this one, minna. I am rather proud of how it turned out.