(Private RP) Another World <<syaoran-puu & Kotorichan>>

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries hesitated for a moment, lightly chewing his lip. "He... He asked me to escort him back to his room..." He admitted, his cheeks flushing softly. "And he suggested I invite you to... W-watch..." His face slowly grew more and more red. "I-I am hoping that he was just trying to upset me... But I'm worried that he may intend to try something terrible..."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn growled at that. The man really wanted to torture Ceries! “I hope he was just trying to upset you. I don’t think I could just stand by and watch him hurt you like yesterday....” he would react. He just knew it. And since he didn’t the details of the deal, he might only make things worse. He didn’t know why Ceries was letting Brenton do what he was doing!?

 

Still, he had to wonder; “try to do... what?” What could be more terrible than what he’d already done to the man? Brendon was an underhanded man it seemed.

 

Vaughn paused a moment, “would you ask me to watch... if he insisted?”

[Guest Kotorichan]

"I mean he might try to get you involved somehow..." Ceries said, unable to look at the man. Just having Vaughn know vaguely what was happening was already horrible enough, if he had to let him see it happen then that would just be too much to handle.

 

He paused at the man's next question, frowning deeply. "I... I don't know..." He admitted softly. "I would need to know for certain that he was strong enough to help us... And even then..." He bit his lip. "I should say yes... Shouldn't I..? I shouldn't even be hesitating to throw away my own pride for my people..." His eyes began to water. "But I don't know if I could do it... To ask you to watch as he did those things..."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn frowned, “if I could take it for you.... I would....” he admits. He would take any pain he could away from the man! He wouldn’t like it! But he would.

 

He frowned more, carefully he got up out of his chair, turned Ceries towards him and knelt down before him. Looking up at the man with blue eyes glistening. “Please.... don’t let him get to the heart of you. Your pride is yours. He can only take it if you let him. If you ordered me to be there.... I would.... and I would try not to pay attention to anything.” It seemed their conversation last night was swirling around his head once more. Would them being intimate together help Ceries to not be so embarrassed around Brenton? “I don’t understand why you don’t say no to him. You’re still sore from yesterday.... yet are going back for more tonight? Just tell him you need to heal!?” He looked down, worry clear upon his face. Something told him that Ceries wouldn’t do that. “Do you still need assistance in.... preparing yourself?” Perhaps Ceries had changed his mind in the light of day?

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries looked away, blinking back tears. "If I refuse him then he may not help us... I can't say no if it means my people will die."

 

"I... I want your help..." He admitted softly, his face flushing again. "But I'm afraid that if you help me without his permission he'll become angry again... S-so I'm going to have to ask, but..." He took a shaky breath, shutting his eyes for a moment. "I'm scared to even do that..."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn frowned at that and nodded, “I’m sorry that I’m making this harder for you. I don’t mean to!” He wasn’t trying to make things harder right now.... “maybe when things become more settled you’ll be able to then.” Vaughn could only hope. He hated seeing his dear friend suffer like this. For now, Vaughn realised he needed to be quiet.

 

“Okay....” he initially relaxed, but soon he realised the more Ceries continued that this might go wrong very, very quickly! He suspected Brenton wouldn’t make things easier for Ceries.... what ‘payment’ would he ask for this time?

 

“Perhaps you just.... need to tell him, don’t ask. You are soon going to be King, Ceries.” He offered, “you’re not powerless.”

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries chewed his lip at the idea, despite his position he really held no power in this agreement. At any time Brenton could change the terms of their agreement and force him to do something new. As long as there was a direct threat that only Brenton could save them from, Ceries was helpless.

 

He took a shaky breath. Maybe if he tried to stand up for himself a bit, just in the things that weren't already agreed upon... If Brenton didn't know how far Ceries was willing to go then perhaps he wouldn't want to push too much.

 

"I'll try..." He finally said softly. "I'll talk to him after lunch."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn nodded. “Okay...” he offered him a reassuring smile. Needing a moment he rested his head on Ceries knee. He couldn’t figure out his own turbulent emotions so he didn’t know how Ceries felt right now! How could Ceries still hold it all together? He was beyond impressed by the man. Ceries really was going to make a phenomenal king!

 

“Whatever you think is best.” He smiled gently. “If you ever need anything. I am here for you.” Vaughn smiled then stood again and moved to sit down once more.

 

There was a knock on the door then, a servant called through the wood. “Prince Ceries, I apologise,... Master Brenton is requesting Guard Vaughn joins him on the practise field.”

 

Vaughn tensed a moment then stood. “I should go.”

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries smiled slightly and lightly stroked his fingers through the man's hair. He felt so happy when he was near Vaughn. Maybe he really was in love with him. He sighed as the man pulled away, a bit disappointed that they couldn't stay close any longer. "Thank you..."

 

He jumped at the sound of a knock, frowning at the news. "I will send him out right away." He called back. He glanced at Vaughn and rose to his feet. "Vaughn..." He glanced at the door to make sure no one was coming in before walking over to the man. He stared up at him for a moment before leaning up and pressing a light kiss to his cheek. "Please stay safe, stop if you feel like you're in danger..." He murmured, his cheeks flushing deeply.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn smiled at him, unsure what Ceries had in mind until he kissed him. He blushed but couldn’t help but grin at that sweet action. “I will. Thank you, Ceries. For always being my friend.”

 

“Come to the ground in about half an hour if you want to see Brenton in action. That should give me enough time to prepare him....” He bowed to him and left. Heading to the grounds to train with an utter bastard!

 

——

 

Brenton stood on the field, he was glad it seemed fairly abandoned at least. He’d caught the attention of a few but they seemed glad to give him a wide birth too. That was more than okay with him.

 

He was wearing some simple clothing the tailor had provided. In his room he now had a few changes of clothing and several new outfits being created especially for him. He could definitely get used to this. He felt like a king! Pampered and awesome.... and with a Prince at his beck and call. What could possibly be better than that!

 

Still, he had his side of the bargain to uphold.

 

Anger, he’d discovered, seemed to be the key. He’d done this a few times in his room but here... he wanted to push himself and let go. Could he do that? He hoped so!

 

He was in the middle of practising, both arms completely on fire when Vaughn turned up. He ignored him as he carried on burning. Oddly enough, seeing the man angered him and he felt the fire creep across his chest too.

 

Vaughn gasped a little then caught himself, he hadn’t expected that!

 

“Are you going to gawp all day or actually get to business?” Brenton hummed.

 

Vaughn hated that arrogance. He wanted to wipe it off his face! “Now. But the point of sparring is to push yourself and not intentionally hurt your partner. If you intentionally burn me... I will retaliate!” He growled in warning.

 

“Whatever.” Brenton let the fires fade. Looking at him with annoyance.

 

It didn’t take long until the pair were flying at each other. Fists and elbows, soon turned into swords and shields. Vaughn had to admit that Brenton was a quick study!

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries busied himself with preparations for his coronation, there was a lot to make sure was ready for the ceremony. He wanted to start his reign correctly. After about half an hour he set aside the forms he had been filling out and made his way to the training grounds. It had been difficult to concentrate on his work due to the constant worry that Vaughn would get hurt while he wasn't there.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn nodded to the man. “Okay. Now you’re warned up... it’s time to move up a step.” This was the part he’d been dreading most, but it was necessary. “Fire.... feeling it, using it, controlling it,” he glanced towards the side and the palace, wondering if Ceries would come. Perhaps he should send someone to remind him?

 

“Very well...” Brenton felt his muscles burn in ways they hadn’t before. This guy wasn’t going easy on him it seemed! Still, he wasn’t one to back down! Ever.

 

Vaughn nodded and stripped off. Brenton quirked a brow, “oh? Change of plan? You offering something else?” He laughed, the man certainly had a hot body! One Brenton indulged and enjoyed, eyes not shy about watching him. “I have been given permission to take others to my bed...”

 

Vaughn growled at that, “no. That’s not what’s happening.” Brenton was really hitting on him right now? Tossing his clothes aside he let the shift take over. Fur rippled over his body and the shape changed. Two legs becoming four, a long black tail swaying behind him as stretched and looked at his prey. He could shift with his clothing on, but he didn’t want them ripping and having to walk naked with Brenton around!

 

Brenton watched, shocked at the change. “Oh! So you’re not a guard dog! Your a guard kitty.” He laughed.

 

Vaughn didn’t respond. Instead he leaped and launched himself at the other man. Knocking him to the ground with a hard thud! Payment for Ceries pain.

 

“Ouch.” Brenton grunted. He was more than happy to play dirty! He leaned in to the other man’s ear, “do you know, your pretty Prince is soiled goods now? That he begged me for it.” Not entirely true, but he wanted to anger the other! Pushing Vaughn off he rose to his feet.

 

Fire blazed over his arms, tickling up his chest. Brenton felt... powerful! He wasn’t sure how to spar like this though without hurting the kitten.... clearly taking too long to think he grunted and was knocked over again as a large tail swiped at his legs. He growled again. What did this bastard expect of him! He crouched, watching him. “Fine.” His anger grew, the fire spreading down his body, soon everything but his head was consumed.

 

Vaughn watched. He jumped away and pat the ground. Thinking, come on idiot! Aim!

 

It took Brenton a moment to catch on, but he held his hand forward, pretending he was iron man and attempted to shoot a.... holy shit! It worked! Fire shot from his hand... but his aim was shitty! That damn cat smacked the floor with his tail again, “yeah, yeah! I missed.” He grunted and tried again. His aim much better this time... and going straight for Vaughn!

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries stepped out to the training grounds just in time to see a bolt of fire hurtling towards Vaughn. His heart stopped and he acted without thinking, jumping in front of the fire. In an instant his entire body appeared to be frozen solid, he lifted his hands towards Brenton and formed a thick wall of ice between himself and the fiery bolt. The fire melted through the first few inches of ice but the wall was thick enough to withstand the blast.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton blinked in surprise. He hadn’t seen Ceries appear.

 

Vaughn shifted back, “I’m okay Ceries. He didn’t do it on purpose...” he tried to sooth, uncaring of his nudity.

[Guest Kotorichan]

Ceries closed his eyes for a moment. The ice on his body melted, leaving his hair and clothes soaking wet. "I know." He said, resisting the urge to look at Vaughn and make sure that he was alright. "Elemental powers can be difficult to control. I've heard it's even harder for people with stronger powers." He wrung out his hair. "Perhaps it would be best if I assisted with your training for now. I may be able to help you have a bit better control over your fire." He pulled a ribbon out of his pocket and tied his hair up in a ponytail, his bare neck glistening with drops of water. "I assume that you are relying on some emotion to bring it out... Is that correct?"

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton was glad Vaughn was okay, even if he wouldn’t admit it. And he thought Ceries had been very impressive too... that was weak magic?

 

“Whatever. I’m just here to get better at it.” He said, playing it off as nonchalant.

 

Vaughn moved to his clothing and grabbed his pants, pulling them on. If he wasn’t needed he might as well not be naked.

 

Brenton considered a moment then nodded, “yes. Anger.”

 

Vaughn should have guessed that!

[Guest Kotorichan]

"I see..." Ceries sighed. "It's very easy to summon your powers by using an emotion like that, but it's very difficult to control them. If you are too reliant on your anger then you may even become a liability on the battlefield. You need to be able to bring out your fire no matter how you're feeling, and you need to figure out a way to keep it from hurting anyone when you can't keep it in."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Brenton rested a hand on his hips, the fires sizzling out. “And how do I do that, exactly?” Because saying it and doing it seemed like two very different things!

 

He crossed his arms and looked towards Vaughn. Ceries had risked himself to save the guard. He might not be willing to admit to feelings, but Brenton knew they were there. Feelings were messy and confusing. He’d rather do without them.

 

He blew out a breath, “perhaps this is something for another day...”

 

Vaughn had to wonder if Brenton was running away... scared maybe? Or was he just... Nah, there was no way he was feeling anything else. He doubted Brenton had a compassionate bone in his whole body!

[Guest Kotorichan]

"You're already finished for the day?" Ceries asked, frowning deeply. He didn't want to have to keep giving his body to someone who might not even be able to help. "Would you be able to continue after resting for a few hours?" He didn't even mean it to sound rude, he was honestly surprised that Brenton would be tired after so little time. When Ceries was younger he had spent hours training, trying to strengthen his powers. He still tried to make sure to train regularly and he lasted longer than Brenton had.

[Guest syaoran-puu]

“I’m not stopping because I’m tired,” he grunted, looking at the guy. Ceries seemed disappointed. He grunted again and stretched his arms behind his. “Fine. Let’s continue now. How am I meant to control it without the anger then?” So far it had only surfaced when angry.

 

Vaughn sat at the side to watch. He wasn’t sure he could help right now....

 

Brenton just waited at first. He did ache, but he wasn’t letting this arsehole think he had one up on him!

 

Bored of just standing around, he let that emotion bubble through him, once more his body was ablaze. Even the ground below him seemed to burn under the intensity. This time even his head covered in fire. The flames dancing and flickering around his form.

[Guest Kotorichan]

"It takes some practice-" Ceries stopped as Brenton's fire covered his body. He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. "You have to isolate the feeling bringing out your fire. The moment your fire comes out you should feel something in addition to the anger. You have to focus on that feeling instead of the anger. Some people find it helpful to visualize their powers and try to imagine it moving through them, others say that they feel like it's another limb that they have to learn to use."

 

He reached up and let his hair down again. "If you're getting frustrated then we should stop. You won't learn anything in that state. If you are able to calm down then try to repeatedly make yourself just angry enough to bring out your fire and pay attention to how it feels the moment it comes out."

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Some extra feeling? He nearly said that was rubbish... except... he thought about it... and sure enough... it was like.... a fleck of.... something? Lingering just out of reach. What was it? Brendon didn’t have the words to describe it. Except... “I can feel it.” He tried clinging to it, tried pushing his efforts into it... and sure enough he felt a slight change. A shift inside...

 

Vaughn tilt his head, standing up. “Maybe we should have him.... let go completely? Just to see... how much fire he’s got?” He wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but they really did want to see Brendon’s powers.

 

“I’m not some show pony for your amusement!” Brendon snapped.

[Guest Kotorichan]

"Keep trying to focus on that feeling" Ceries said, his voice gentle. "It may take awhile, possibly even a few days, but it'll become easier the more you practice.

 

He frowned slightly at Vaughn's suggestion. He was about to say something but Brendon's outburst stopped him, this man's anger was going to be a problem.. He took a deep breath and turned to Vaughn, his gaze surprisingly cold. "Vaughn, would you speak of me that way? Like a tool to have its limits tested?"

[Guest syaoran-puu]

Vaughn stepped back and lowered his head at the chastisement, “of course not, your highness...” that didn’t mean Ceries limited hadn’t been tested. Still, he understood....

 

Brenton laughed at Ceries outburst, “I think you just broke the kittens fragile heart.” He smirked, that cocky-arrogance back.

 

He looked at his hand and started to imagine a ball forming. The fire left the rest of his body and the sphere of fire formed, the heat growing hotter and bigger the longer he stared at the spot.

 

Vaughn felt even more ashamed at having Brenton laugh at him. “I apologise, your highness, Mr Black. Please forgive my outburst.”

 

Brenton closed his hand and the fire disappeared, opening his fist he blew over the palm towards Vaughn, “cheer up, kitten.” He smirked as sparks of fire drifted towards the cat shifter. Brenton had to admit he was actually starting to enjoy himself.

 

Vaughn swatted the sparks away and glowered at Brenton before bowing to Ceries. “I shall remain silent from now on, your highness.” He moved back to his position at the side. Very much feeling like the kicked puppy Brenton seemed to accuse him of being.

[Guest Kotorichan]

For a moment Ceries' expression wavered and he looked like he was going to burst into tears. It broke his heart to speak to his friend that way, but he had to keep up the act. He managed to force his face back into a neutral expression before turning back to face Brenton, his eyes widening in amazement at the sight of a ball of fire.

 

He bit his lip at the apology, he wanted to tell Vaughn that he wasn't angry at all and that he had no reason to apologize but instead he nodded slightly. His chest tightened even more as Vaughn promised to stay silent.

 

He took a shaky breath and looked up at Brenton. "Do you feel like you are starting to get a feel for it?"