Disclaimer: Don't own Dragon Knights. Although I wouldn't mind throwing a copyright over Rune and Ruwalk.....

Summary: The dragon knights are sent on a special mission to retrieve a valuable crystal orb. Getting it wasn't the problem, getting back is. Without meaning to they run into every obstable possible. Meanwhile they learn the true purpose of the orb.

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The Crystal Prison

Book One

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chapter one

"You know you're a real asshole sometimes, Rath." Rune growled. He was nearly at the end of his rope. Rath had been grating on his nerves since they had left the palace. "Everytime Lord Lykouleon gives us an important job you find an inventive way to dalley around!"

"Dalley? Dalley!? Oh my god, Rune. You sound worse and worse everyday. You know that? You're starting to sound like Alfeegi! Always yelling at me!" Rath cried, throwing up his hands. Rune never let up. It was always 'no this' or 'Rath, don't do that.' 'Alfeegi said...' or 'what about Lord Lykouleon.' Didn't he have a mind of his own!? Frankly Rath didn't care what either Alfeegi or Lykouleon had to say.

Thatz stood back, eyes on feet. Every once in a while he'd raise his eyes to the shouting. He'd never seen the other two bicker so badly. Apparently something was bothering both of them. Thatz didn't dare ask for fear he'd get his head bitten off, too. He'd wait until they had both calmed down a bit . . . and then he'd ask Rune. Rune mostly because Rath wouldn't tell him anyway. He kept too many secrets, even if they weren't really that big. It was a wonder the Fire Dragon Knight hadn't gone crazy already. Then again, Thatz wasn't sure if that wasn't just the thing.

"I am NOT always yelling at you! I only yell when you do something stupid or -"

"So I'm stupid now, is that it, Rune? Geez why didn't you just come out and say 'Hey Rath you're an idiot.' This could have been over a lot quicker."

"I did not mean that you're an idiot. I only meant that sometimes you do illogical things. We have better things to do than go around killing demons. Especially now, Rath. We shouldn't stay long away from the palace. They might need us." Rune gazed at his fellow knight with a sigh. He hated to fight with Rath, he really did. He had to admit that the raven-haired boy was a very good friend and had been there for him in a million tough spots. The strange part was that that number was most likely correct. Geez, a million.

"They don't need us!" Rath exclaimed, eyes burning with inner hatred. For what only he knew. "Come on, Rune. Give it up. Almost all the Officers are there. They're just as strong as we are and there's four of 'em. Additionally there's Cesia and the beloved Dragon Lord." He began to walk away but turned his head briefly to shoot back, "and as for having better things to do. . . you can go play Lykouleon's lap dogs. I'm gonna go do what I want."

Both and Rune and Thatz exchanged glances. So that was what this was about. Yet, it didn't seem that easy. Rath could get angry about being bossed around sometimes, and he did like to do his own thing, but he never got so cruel about it. Even to his comrades. Something was going on inside that head of his. Rune wanted to know very badly, perhaps there was something he could do about it. Thatz just wanted the fights to be over.

Rath, we only want to be your friend. Talk to us.

*~*

::You were mean:: Fire held up a sign.

"So what, who asked you?" Rath demanded, plopping down on a rock. He was completely riled. Who was Rune to judge his decisions. This wasn't preschool - not like Rath had ever gone to preschool - he didn't have to ask permission to do everything. But always that's how it seemed. If it wasn't arguements with Rune it was with Alfeegi or Lykouleon. Although the latter-most was extremely rare.

However it was the Dragon Lord who caused so much bitterness overall. He felt like a pawn. In what he didn't know. It just didn't make sense to him why he existed at all like this. He clutched at his head, the feeling of wanting to scream rising within him. Why why why WHY!? Dammit, why did he care? Why did he pretend to care? Was the Dragon Lord just playing some sick game or was it all in Rath's head? It could be all in his head.... it could be. It still hurt either way.

::What's wrong?:: Asked Fire. Even though the creature could be extremely annoying sometimes he did seem to have a heart.

Rath sighed. That was just the thing. He didn't know what was wrong. He never knew what was wrong. He only got vague feelings of anger and what he should be mad about. Nothing substantial ever came up. "Nothing. Nothing's the matter. Only Rune acting like a toddler."

::Sure...::

"Shutup."

::Mean!:: Fire scribbled and Rath was almost immediately bonked on the head. He stole the posterboard and gave a good bonk back. Fire whined and sniffled at Rath. He sighed.

"Sorry....." He smirked softly, "you shouldn't get the heavy ones."

Fire frowned.... if dragons could even do that.

*~*

Night fell and Rune glanced worridly around the camp area. Rath hadn't come back yet and the forest seemed too quiet. Maybe it was all in his mind because he was so worried about the other warrior. He leaned his head on his hands and tried to keep his eyes open. Thatz was already snoozing. The blond frowned and considered tossing a rock at him. It wouldn't bother him anyway.

Bored and worried Rune took out his pack to pass the time. He pulled out the mostly round crystal sphere from one of the pockets. This was the object that had brought them out of the castle. Lord Lykouleon had ordered them to go collect it from a shop nearly all the way across the continent. Why he had no clue. They had only been told that it was "a very important object that had been lost for many years."

Rune had the feeling there were more than a couple secrets behind that orb, but Lord Lykouleon wouldn't keep anything from them that would end up hurting them by not knowing. That only meant this thing had a personal sentimentality, if that was even the right way to say it.

Even Rath was acting strange about it. He recalled how Rath's eyes had flickered when the orb was mentioned. Only for a second. Rune wished he hadn't had seen that look. He wouldn't have been sitting there worrying about it then. What's up, Rath? What's wrong with you? Why are you so angry? Do you even know yourself? Blue eyes shut to think with a sigh. Why did things have to be so complicated?

*~*

"Is that it?" A hushed voice said from the bushes.

"Ssssh!" Another voice said. There was a loud THWACK sound and a muffled whine. "Yes, that's it. That's the magic orb... it's supposed to be worth BILLIONS!" Apparently these two are thieves. Not as great a caliber as Thatz unfortunately. They have no morals...or brains.

The first giggled like a child, rubbing his hands together expectantly. This was gonna be FUN! But wait.... "Hey, Sa'an, isn't that orb supposed to be cursed?"

SMACK. "Cursed!? You mean you believe that stuff. You're an idiot, Fringh."

"Wrong," A voice said from above them, "you're both idiots." BAM! WHACK!

*~*

THUMP! Rune's head snapped up with a start. Rath stood a few feet away, one hand on his hip, the other in his hair. His eyes were fixed on two unconcious figures. Ignoring them Rune jumped to his feet and immediately embraced Rath. receiving nothing in return he backed up and gazed at Rath.

"Are you still mad at me?" He asked, eyes pinpointing a rock on the ground. He felt stupid.

"No." Was all Rath said. He was still looking at the two on the ground. He was frowning deeply. He glanced at Rune, saw the sperical object in his hands and shrieked, "PUT THAT AWAY! IT COULD GET LOST OR SOMETHIN'!" He snatched it from the startled faerie's hands and stuffed it in his own pack. "Or stolen." He sobered quickly, and returned his eyes to the two thieves.

"Hn. You sure you're not mad.... what the hell was that about?" Rune demanded. "Who are these guys?"

"Demon thieves." Rath said flately. "I heard them talking in the bushes on my way back. I don't know why they were there though." He lied. He couldn't tell Rune that they were after the Crystal. Then he would ask why Rath cared. He couldn't talk about that. "Help me tie 'em up."

If he couldn't tell Rune then he could make sure these guys didn't have any chance of stealing it. He couldn't let them have it! Maybe Rune was right. Perhaps they should get back to the palace as soon as possible. Rune nodded and bent to help Rath tie them to a tree. Thatz slept through all of this.

"Hm. I wonder what they wanted?" Rune thought aloud after the job was done. He brushed off his hands and placed them on his hips. He looked at Rath askance. Rath had said they were demon thieves, and so they were, but he hadn't tried to kill them. Odd. What was he after. Bad Rune! Rune thought to himself. You're paranoid. You immediately think Rath's up to something. Maybe he's just tired. Strange though it would be Rath was acting unlike himself. "All we have is this worthless orb."

"It is NOT worthless!" Rath snapped, then quickly covered his mouth. Oopsy. "I mean... everything must be worth a little somethin', right? I bet Thatz could get some cash for it." He looked at Rune, hoping the blond hadn't read too much into his statement. He wanted to slap himself for even thinking of the possibility of selling it.

"Okay, okay. It's not worthless, then." Rune raised his hands in a placating matter, eyeing Rath suspiciously. What was is about this orb? It had Rath really uptight. It would be no surprise if he knew what it was for. "Geez, you sounded like Thatz just then."

"Hey, now! No need to start insulting people around here." Rath cracked, throwing a glance at the sleeping Thatz. God, that boy could sleep through a stampede of water bufflo. Erm... not that they had any water bufflo in Dusis. He smirked at Rune. Rune chuckled softly. "And as I said. I'm not mad at you, never was. Forget it okay?"

Rune nodded. He smiled, but noted the okay sounded more like a please. "I'm glad. I'm sorry I made you think I thought you were stupid. You're not, you know."

"Yeah, sure." Rath answered. Rune was probably right about him acting idiotic sometimes, but he wasn't going to admit to that. "Oh, and I'm sorry I said you were like Alfeegi.... now THAT'S an insult!" The two of them laughed, although Rune frowned slightly. What was wrong with Alfeegi?

*~*

The next morning . . .

"RATH!" Rath bolted upright to the sound of his own name. He nearly knocked Rune over, who was standing right above him.

"What's the matter?" Rath asked, rubbing his eyes.

"They're gone."

Rath stopped and looked around. Yes, those two thieves were gone. His mind began to race. A dozen thoughts poured through the works. They could have been killed in their sleep. They could have been captured. How stupid! Letting demons live! They could have- - Oh dear lord.....

He grabbed his pack and rummaged through it. His face turned ashen as he realized it was gone. He wanted to cry. Not now! Not after all this time! So close! He gripped the side of his head.

"Rath, what's wrong?"

"The orb... it's missing."

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Rave. Here's one of my first DK fics! Hope it was interesting. Sorry for Thatz being asleep for the majority of it. He'll be around next chapter. That is if people care.

Wouldn't mind reviews.... actually I luv 'em. Constructive criticisms welcome. Flames however will be handed to Rath.

Rath: WOO! FIRE!

Fire: ::What?::

Rath: Not you...

Fire: ::Oh...::

Anyways.... whadaya think?

(May 13, 2003- Happy Tuesday! Errr.... yeah.)