Hidden Gray

A/N: Warconq, looking back over my fic I think I just figured out why my characters look similar, my Dragoon OC’s at any rate. They’re all related to one another in one form or another... Heh heh, that just sorta dawned on me to the extent where I go ‘Oh!! I get it now! HaHa! That’s so true!’ so yeah, I’m slow... *blush*

Also note that I have decided to add the second incest pairing, it\'s a bit more direct than a uncle/nephew pairing in my opinion but it\'s one of my fave pairings and I can\'t seem to find many fics that include it sadly enough. NEwho, here it tis!! Happy Reading all!!! ^.~*

CH.8
~GraY

Rika-Jyn of the Black Ash tribe, formerly the reigning Dark clan in all of Dragoon society sat in the Grand Hall, or throne room, mind wondering in all directions, ‘If only the clan hadn’t split all of those years ago’ flashed through at one point. That, however, wasn’t what was bothering him the most as he lounged and watched two of the three pups wrestling around on the floor before him. Rika was concerned about dealing with his uncle; he had promised his father he would talk to the older man about their relationship, or lack there of. He just hoped he wouldn’t make a fool of himself.

The sudden opening of the heavy, rock doors at the other end of the long room drew him out of his thoughts. The hounds stopped in their play and watched as Dajeh prowled into the room followed by two blond wizards who he quickly recognized as Lucius and Draco Malfoy. The wizard’s strides were an elegant glide, very different from the calculated paces of Rika’s uncle. Dajeh’s walk was that of a soldier and hunter, filled with a balance of presence and stealth, carefully placed every time and pulsing with power. The Malfoy’s walked as if they had tread the very same slab of stone a million times before with easy confidence, intimidating the casual observer just as much as Dajeh’s power and cunning with their simple beauty and well faked familiarity. Rika saw right through their mask and smirked at them. He was going to like this duo and he could only imagine what their reason for coming here was. It was obvious that they had confidence in the power the Dragoons had over Voldemort and wanted to keep their own asses safe, but their was a well hidden secondary motive.

Rika-Jyn hopped out of the throne and stood before the pair with a smirk. “Mr. Malfoy, and little Malfoy. I don’t believe I have had the pleasure of formally meeting either of you.” His tone was pleasant and he glanced thankfully at his uncle. The man nodded silently and left, dropping a pat to the hound’s heads as he exited. The molten beasts trotted over to Rika’s side and sat, watching the wizards.

“Hell hounds...” Draco murmured softly in amazement from where he stood close to his father’s side. Lucius stayed silent but looked slightly impressed. Rika’s smirk widened.

“That would be Zeta and Ra. They’re only pups, to young to leave the castle yet.” He said.

“The Dark Lord would be much more respectful if he knew the extent of your resources.” Lucius said softly.

“Yes, but he has no business knowing, now does he? He is a filthy, slimy, waist of a human that I would not curse even upon the home of our worst enemy for any reason what so ever, at any time.” He paused looking the blonds over, a quiet realization hitting him. The little Malfoy wasn’t cowering like a startled child as Rika had first thought. The boy was just standing there, only inches from his father like such intimacy was natural for a father and son, which Rika-Jyn knew was not in the human world, “You two on the other hand...”

“You would allow us to seek refuge here?” Draco spoke abruptly. Rika shrugged and watched as the female hound, Zeta, cautiously approached Draco. Rika watched as the wizard stared into the hell hound’s solid quicksilver eyes. A pale, curious hand reached out and stroked oddly soft molten scales. Zeta sat back on her hunches and began to purr, like a big cat despite her dog-ish appearance, deep in her barrel chest, long spaded tail wagging happily. It was a loud sound and firm motion for such a slim, tight body and Draco marveled at it.

“You are welcome here on one condition,” Rika interrupted softly satisfied with his hound’s trust of the boy, “Honesty among comrades is held very highly in our society as is secrecy. Voldemort will know nothing of your presence here as long as you treat us with the respect we show you.”

“And how are we to accomplish that? The secrecy that is.” Lucius asked.

“I have my ways. Most or at least many of your fellow death eaters have all but lost faith in Mr. Riddle, I intend to fully exploit that fact.” Rika grinned sadistically, his eyes shining. “Draco should continue through school as usual, and Lucius I suggest you continue with your own business. We don’t need any civilians lifting eyebrows. If anyone asks any questions I’ll take care of them. Draco I have a favor to ask of you.”

“And what exactly would that be?” The younger Malfoy looked curiously at the Dragoon as he continued to pet Zeta.

“I need you to keep a close eye on Harry Potter. I have reason to believe that a distant cousin of mine is involved with him some how and I don’t like having undefined variables in my equations.” Rika-Jyn’s eyes glowed with an intelligence he showed very few, he usually kept up a thick mask of cockiness, sex appeal and over all empowered, zealous teen superiority. The young Dragoon rarely let others see how smart and crafty he could truly be.

“Sure. That shouldn’t be to hard. What does this cousin of yours look like?” Rika smiled slyly.

“He’s a Changeling, so he can look like everything and anything with a pulse, even a few things that lack there in. His Father, Kelsta, was my mother’s uncle, a Dragoon of the Riellel Clan. They are a gray bunch, never choosing sides and keeping to themselves. After Kelsta met Von, Diegara’s other father, a Changeling, he fell in love; they mated a few short years later, almost suicidal in speed for a Dragoon. Diegara was born many decades later. I don’t trust him for many reasons but even if I did I would need to know if Harry has become part of his family.”

“Why would Potter become part of his family?” Draco didn’t seem very thrilled with the news and more than a little curious.

“Kelsta and Von have been dead for a very long time. Von died in an ambush and Kelsta died years later of a Broken Heart. Diegara is all alone, he needs the bond of Family to survive, he is a marvel for not already have given up to death. He has taken on the guardianship[1] of a few mortals here and there but not a true family, Harry could vary well be a Brother or even Mate, though I doubt the latter. I just need to know where the boy stands.” Rika said.

“Alright, I’ll do it.” Draco nodded.

“Good. Other than that I have no request, just respect our people, and stay out of the lower levels. You are welcome to stay here as long as you like. I’ll have Dureck show you the necessary rooms. He will also be attending to your needs, but I warn you to be patient with him, he’s young and a bit over zealous at times.” Rika warned with a smile. Ra had come over and now sat next to Draco and Zeta, the pair seemed to be taking well to the young wizard.

Rika was glad to see his favored pets so happy. With his new responsibilities he wasn’t home nearly as much as he would like and he felt like he was neglecting the lovely dogs. Having the young Malfoy in the castle would give them the attention they needed, since the boy was bound to come visit his father on the weekends at some point. The Dragoon Prince could clearly see the emotions between the wizards after all it mirrored his own for Dajeh. He knew that being allowed to stay with his people was a God send for the Malfoys, even though they didn’t know the extent of their acceptance, yet at any rate. A smile slid across his features as he walked toward them.

“And just so you know, our people don’t hold many of the wizard or muggle predigests. There is no ‘impossible’ in our society. We know that everything happens for a reason and will turn out for the best in the end.” Rika winked at Draco’s inquiring expression and Lucius barely with held surprise. Just as the older Malfoy was about to speak the great doors opened and Dajeh walked in; a slim, young boy on his heels.

The boy, Dureck, was about 5\'5\" with dark, midnight blue eyes. His hair was a dirty blond with rugged bangs hanging in front of his shining eyes, and the rest pulled back into a low pony tail that stopped at mid back. Tan skin covered sleek muscles that screamed concealed power, like most of the Dragoons the Malfoys had seen he was all long elegant limbs and hidden strength under flawless skin. He wore a loose hunter green turtle neck that looked a size to big for him and black shorts. Green tinted, black leather boots incased his feet and clung to streamline calves; three silver buckles shining on the sides. He was wearing a bit of silvery jewelry as well, a set of silver hoops hung in his right ear and a little dagger from a thin chain around his slim neck.

“Mr. Malfoy, this is Dureck. He will show you and the young one to your room and tend to you while you are here.” Dajeh’s deep voice rumbled in his chest as he indicated the boy who grinned brilliantly and waved a little. Malfoy senior nodded as his son gave Dureck a long look.

“Thank you for your hospitality Rika-Jyn.” Lucius said with a nod to the dark haired Dragoon.

“No, thank you. I believe this will prove to be a fruitful alliance, and please call me Rika.” The tall blond nodded and turned to follow his son and Dureck out of the large hall. “Take good care of my guests Dureck.”

The shaggy blond looked up at Rika, “Yes Master, I will take special good care of them!” He said in a cheery voice and led them out of the bulky doors, closing them soundly after the hell hounds dashed out behind the Malfoys.

Rika and Dajeh stood, a few feet between them, avoiding one another for a series of long minutes. Finally Dajeh allowed his dark brown eyes to seek out his young nephew’s sleek form. The boy stood, straight and tall in his more traditional Princely garb. A black robe-like cloak trimmed in red over another one of his sheer, thinly strapped shirts, this time of a royal purple with glass beads of a deep indigo. His legs were covered in black leather with a tint of violet and tucked into a pair of solid black leather boots. Dajeh knew that the old clan symbol was painstakingly embroidered on the back of the black and red cloak, a smokey gray dragon with fierce, blood drenched claws and teeth; glowing green eyes glaring at on lookers. A row of boney spikes trailing down his back and powerful wings of a similar design sprouting from his strong shoulders. After a quick second look Dajeh noticed the silver cross that hung around Rika’s neck. It wasn’t one of the many that resided in the boy’s or his mother’s collections. It was silver with a pure white pearl in the center, a red at the top and bottom then one black on each arm. It was a good luck charm known as the Tainted Crucifix. Dajeh hadn’t seen one worn since his grandfather’s death during the Century Long War but where had the boy gotten it? It had been lost when his grandfather died.

A few short steps and he was fingering the charm carefully, “Where in the nine hells did you get this?!” He asked softly but angrily. Rika blinked.

“I... I found it. In a box, a little chest, in the library when I was small.” Rika stammered his nervousness building.

“Do you know what it means?” The older Dragoon’s voice became lighter but no louder as he stroked the crosses sharp edges. Rika merely nodded. “Who told you?”

“Great Grand Da, right before he died. He found me right after I found the box. Said I could keep them, the box and cross, but I couldn’t tell anyone about it. He said not to wear the crucifix until I felt the time was right and I’d know when it was.” The boy was rambling, not something he did very often, so his words had to be true. If they were something as simple as a lie Rika could have easily delivered a ten star performance.

“Why now then?” Dajeh murmured.

“Because, I fear this will be the hardest thing I’ll ever have to do and I needed it’s strength.” Rika’s voice cracked as his eyes started to dart about.

“And what might that be?”

“Tell you that I love you. More than my own life.” Rika’s eyes locked with his uncle’s. The man’s were hard and unbelieving while his were watery and hopeful.

“Is this true?” Rika nodded, “Than I must happily except your words and the warmth they bring my ancient heart.” For the first time in a great many years Rika witnessed his uncle smile, truly and beautifully smile as the older Dragoon took his hand and gently pressed a kiss to it.

“Dajeh...” His voice was as water as his eyes, staring up at the dark eyes now shining with love rather than the dull mask that normally shaded them. A second later and his soft lips were caught up by a firm kiss. His life was finally on track, and his whole body could feel the rightness of it running through his veins like liquid fire. Silently he thanked any deity that would listen for this miracle before him and wrapped his slim form around that of Dajeh’s.

Lucius and Draco’s Rooms

Dureck led the Malfoys down a series of maze like halls, Zeta and Ra trotting along with them. They passed many Dragoons, some in human form and others in dragon form. There were bulky soldiers in dark leathers and armor, hunters who looked similar to the soldiers but slimmer and lacking in the scorched silver or bronze metal that was the Black Ash Tribe’s armor. There was also a small group of youthful scholars, led by an elder who looked skeptically at the Malfoys. The young boys, though, seemed quite taken with Draco; giggling like school girls when the blond smiled at them as they passed. Dureck had chuckled at the display and mentioned that many of them were already Mated and much older than they looked. Draco had just shrugged as Lucius laid his hand against the small of his son’s back in a subtly possessive manner. The Dragoon’s eyes had widened a bit at the gesture but he just grinned even more brightly at them.

“This will be your room!” Dureck chirped as he threw open another set of heavy doors, this time dark, ebony wood set into rock hinges rather than the stone on stone of the Grand Hall’s doors. Images of various dragons, unicorns, Pegasus and even phoenix decorated the dark wooden doors unlike the pattern of the other’s that held only dragons and a few humanoid warriors.

The inside was just as exquisite as the rest of the castle. Not a single expense seemed to have been ignored in it’s make up. There was a bit of dust here and there but Dureck quickly explained that they hadn’t finished cleaning the sitting room quite yet. Lucius nodded, a please expression graced his face as he ran a hand along the back of a dark velvet sofa, across from which where two leather arm chairs and a dark wood coffee table between them. Draco busied himself with scanning the small collection of books and nicknacks that sat on the shelves. The older wizard raised a curious eyebrow at the Slytherin seal woven into the floor rug.

“Mistress Kalista suggested it. Something about a snake feeling more comfortable in it’s own den, or some such nonsense. We usually don’t pay her very much attention other than the necessary but she seemed a bit less off than usual.” Dureck said walking to another pair of large ebony doors; throwing them open to reveal a lavish bedroom, lit by fire light created by candles and a large fire place.

The king sized four poster against the far wall a safe distance from the fire place and sitting area had inky black sheets trimmer in green and embroidered with silver dragons. Ebony end tables stood on either side of the bed, silver candles sitting on top of them flickering in the air. On the left wall were a set of dressers and on the right a pair of leather chairs and blazing fireplace. Above the mantle was the old Clan symbol like what was on the back of Rika-Jyn’s cloak. It was a beautiful tapestry and went well in the dark room, illuminated by ever so soft light. The stone walls had a few candle stands literally carved into them, most depicting dragons or other magical beast of one significance or another. Dureck made the comment that this room was used specifically for honored guests, and had not been used since before Master Rika’s birth to the Lady Kalista.

“It was used briefly as a nursery when a tremor collapsed the ceiling in Rika’s room, but that wasn’t for more than a few weeks, so it really doesn’t count.” Dureck shrugged as he stood by the door watching the wizards explore their new home. “Hope you like it.”

“It’s exquisite, Dureck.” Lucius murmured.

“Indeed. Absolutely perfect.” Draco agreed. The hounds wagging their tails happily as well.

“If there is nothing else you will be needing I shall take my leave. There are a few changes of clothes in the dressers, if they do not fit tell me and I’ll have the proper adjustments made. I’ll come get you for evening meal with Master Dajeh, Master Rika and Mistress Kalista, unless you would rather dine alone.”

“We will join your Masters, and I’m sure the clothes are just fine.” Lucius reassure him with a small smile, he had to keep reminding himself that this place was safe and that complete honesty with these people was important. Dureck nodded and left the Malfoys to themselves.

“An interesting lot, aren’t they Father?” Draco commented as he brushed his fingers over a silver hand mirror resting on one of the dresser tops.

“They do sort of grow on you after a while don’t they.” It was a statement that caused Draco to look back at the older man smiling warmly at him.

Draco looked thoughtful for a moment, as he held the mirror and a brush in his hands, “What did Rika mean, by ‘there is no impossible in our society’?” Lucius walked slowly towards his son, taking the objects from the boy’s hands and setting them back on the dresser.

“He meant, little dragon, that we are free of distasteful eyes here, in the Dragoon’s home.” he whispered leaning in close to the younger boy. Draco’s eyes lit with hope as he leaned forward to meat his father. Draping his arms around the man’s shoulders Draco kissed his father with abandon, it had been weeks since they could be even remotely this close and it had been on the verge of killing him. Lucius cradled his precious boy close to him, cherishing every bit of contact, it wasn’t often they could be so freely intimate.

Finally Draco pulled away, basking in the love shining in his father’s eyes, “I think I’m going to like it here.” He said simply, kiss bruised lips curved into a happy smile.

“I agree Draco. We may just take up a permanent residence here after the war, how does that sound?” Lucius murmured.

“If they’ll have us, I’d love to.” Draco leaned up to place another kiss on Lucius’ lips as the man backed them toward the bed.

“I’m sure they would welcome us. The Dragoon may be considered a magical creature but they hold surprisingly little ability in the area, other than the transformation of course.” Lucius said in a mock lecture tone. Draco giggled and smiled as the man laid him down and sprawled out beside him.

“We’ll just have to wait and see won’t we father?” Draco asked running one pale hand over his father’s clothe covered chest and abdomen. The older blond sighed blissfully.

“Indeed. Now, I don’t doubt we have plenty of time before evening meal...” Lucius ran his finger tips down Draco’s throat and the boy shivered. With a wicked smirk Lucius set to work ridding his son of his clothes much to both’s delight. Two sets of quicksilver eyes had watched the loving exchange for only a moment before sneaking out to wait in the sitting room, content with their new friend’s happiness.

[1] A Guardian bond can temporarily replace a family bond and is usually set up with those who already have family and aren’t in need of or are simply unreceptive to the family bond offered by a Changeling or Dragoon.

TBC