The Little Bear by Kihin Ranno

Part Four: The Grey

Machk ran his hands over the coat of the stable’s new foal. He’d been there for the birthing, and the stable hands liked him enough to entrust naming the new baby to him. Of course, they’d probably regretted that once Machk told them he was going to have to wait to get to know the horse before naming it, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Names were important, and he wasn’t about to saddle the animal with one that didn’t fit.

The foal was only a few days old and nothing had presented itself yet. He’d named horses back in his native land, and he usually didn’t have to wait longer than a few hours, a day on the outside to know the right word to call them by. But this foal was different, and Machk had long since started getting impatient.

“What’s your name already?” Machk asked as he scratched the baby horse behind his ears, glaring into his open brown eyes. “If you go much longer without one, you might not know who you are.”

The foal’s mother, Epona, snorted and butted Machk’s hand out of her baby’s hair. Machk smiled and stroked her nose out of obligation, exhaling peacefully when she nickered in contentment. The bay might not have liked him much during the trip to Elysian, but since she’d been bred and seen Machk quite a bit over the last year, she’d regarded him as something of a favorite around the stables. He suspected it was because he came in with Aineas so much.

But Aineas wasn’t there that day, Machk thought sadly. He’d been called away a few nights before, and while no official announcement had been made, Machk knew what it meant. Katsuo and Acel had suspected, but Machk was the one who got the confirmation. Machk was always the one to get confirmation about those sorts of things.

“Machk!”

He looked up in surprise at hearing his name called so loudly and without any malice. Hanging around Katsuo as much as he did had gotten him used to be scolded and whipped on a fairly regular basis. Lately, every time he heard someone yelling his name, his backside started aching with the memories of every beating that had come before.

But a smile spread across his face when he saw Prince Endymion running through the doors, his bright blue eyes wide with excitement. Katsuo might have been his best friend and Acel his little brother, but Endymion was… something more. Something special. Machk had expected to resent the prince since he was the reason Machk had been dragged there, but he couldn’t do it. Endymion was just too likeable.

Besides, he laughed when Machk beat up Katsuo.

“’Lo, Endymion,” Machk said easily, giving Epona’s nose a final stroke. He backed out of the stall, careful to make sure the foal didn’t try to follow him out. He slipped out through the door, shutting and locking it easily. He turned to his prince, whose cheeks were red from exertion. “What is it?”

“I just heard the best news from Father!” Endymion announced happily, practically jumping up and down. “They found--"

“The next Kunzite?” Machk interrupted, unable to contain his grin. Not that the news was particularly good, but the following reaction was going to be priceless.

Endymion’s face fell so quickly it practically shattered. “You knew?”

“Yeah.”

“Who told you?”

Machk glanced upwards, laughing when he heard Endymion’s familiar groan.

“That’s not fair!” Endymion said, stamping his foot for emphasis. “You always know about things that are going to happen, and you never tell anyone about them.”

Machk narrowed his eyes. “That’s not true!”

“Is so,” Endymion countered, folding his arms across his chest.

“I tell Acel and Katsuo!”

“But you don’t tell me,” Endymion whined. “I’m your prince. You should tell me everything.”

Machk leaned over and bumped Endymion with his shoulder. “Telling you everything would be boring. Besides, nobody was supposed to know about it, and if I told you, your father would figure out you knew, and then they might find out about me.”

Endymion frowned, sticking out his lower lip. He obviously saw Machk’s point. No one outside of their small circle knew about Machk’s divining ability, and all of them preferred to keep that way. If it got around to the court, there was no telling what chaos would come of it. Everyone knew about the legend of Isuza; Machk could be sure of that by the way Endymion’s advisors and Nephrite had questioned him after the death of his mother became known. But he was determined not to let them know that he had been the inheritor. He’d been scared that they would follow up with the rest of his family to see which one of them had taken up the mantle, but apparently no one cared that much about it. If he didn’t have the power, it didn’t interest them.

That alone gave Machk enough reason to keep them from finding out.

“I can keep a secret,” Endymion grumbled. “I haven’t told anyone about you or that thing Katsuo did in the Main Hall this morning.”

“What thing?”

“…I can’t tell you.”

Machk groaned but decided to just let the subject die. “I know you won’t mean to tell anyone, but if I tell you specifics, you’ll get excited and then you might forget who you’re talking to.”

“You never worry about Acel and Katsuo.”

“’Cause Acel’s too careful,” Machk drawled. “And Katsuo’s too… what was it that maid called him?”

“Hades incarnate?”

“No, not Rasia. The other one.”

“Oh,” Endymion said, squinting his eyes for a minute. “Devious, I think.”

“That sound’s right,” Machk agreed.

“And I’m not devious or careful?” Endymion asked.

Machk decided this was one of those things best answered with just a look. He raised both of his eyebrows, and glanced down his nose at the shorter prince. The message was received without any interference.

Endymion went back to pouting. “I demand your silence.”

“You always do this when you’re wrong.”

“Silence.”

“Fine,” Machk said, shrugging his shoulders and looping his hands behind his hand. “I’ll be quiet if that’s what you want… but how are we supposed to talk about the next Kunzite if I can’t say anything?”

Endymion paused at this, narrowing his eyes in thought. When he realized that he’d nearly undermined his own reasons for coming to see Machk, he mashed his teeth together. “Fine.” He glanced over at Machk, his mouth shifting from frustrated to worried in the blink of an eye. “Are you angry?”

Machk found his fingers reflexively curling into fists just being asked the question. He took a quick breath and let his arms drop to his sides. “I was when I found out. Gave Katsuo a black eye.”

Endymion nodded, his eyes widening a bit. “So that’s how that happened.”

“I don’t want him to come here,” Machk muttered, kicking his toe into the ground.

Endymion hesitated, drifting closer to Machk. He clasped his hands behind his back and leaned forward, moving his head closer to Machk’s. “Just because he’s the next Kunzite doesn’t mean he’s like this Kunzite.”

“Then why am I so much like Nephrite?” Machk snapped, shoving his fists into his pockets so that he didn’t lash out at the wrong person again. “He likes animals like I do.”

“And he punches like you do,” Endymion added somewhat warily.

“And Zoisite’s smart like Acel and Jadeite’s… Jadeite’s a lot like Katsuo,” Machk finished, unsure of how to say that any better.

Endymion nodded, understanding completely. “I know, really, but I still don’t--"

“We don’t earn this position, Endymion,” Machk snapped bitterly. “We just are who we are, and it makes sense if we’re picked because we’re all the same. This new Kunzite is going to be exactly like the old one. Cruel and bitter and…” he trailed off, literally biting his tongue. It was dangerous to say things like that. The last time he’d said something against Kunzite out loud, he’d lost a tooth months too soon. “He’s going to be just like him,” Machk concluded darkly. “I know it.”

He glanced over at Endymion and felt another surge of anger when he saw his prince’s face. He was paler than he was supposed to be and his eyes practically looked grey. Machk knew that look. Endymion was happy most of the time, but when he sulked, he put everything he had into it.

“Do you still hate it here that much?” he asked quietly.

Machk sighed, closing his eyes. “I hate him that much.”

Endymion nodded, but his chin was still tight. “Bye, Machk.”

He blinked, startled by the suddenness of the farewell. “Where are you going?”

“Need to think,” he muttered. Before Machk could ask him what that meant, he took off, arms and legs pumping like a little prince used to training for battle and used to running away.

Machk stared after him and kicked the dirt again, swearing in his native language. He’d done it again. He’d upset Endymion because he was upset, and now things were going to be awkward for days until they were both ready to forget it ever happened. It happened every once in awhile because Machk never knew when to stop, and Endymion couldn’t understand why Machk was so angry all the time.

He knew as much about what had happened as Katsuo and Acel, but he couldn’t understand. He had too much, and he’d lost too little.

And now Machk was pacing and restless. He thought about going after Endymion – he always thought about it – but he never went. Any confrontation now would just end with more of Machk yelling and more of Endymion crying. Machk hated seeing him cry, and he hated it more when he was the reason why.

“Where’s Katsuo?” Machk grumbled to no one in particular. He turned and stalked back to the castle, ready to work out his frustrations on the one person angry enough to fight back when he needed it. Acel would fix them up when they were done and patch up any wounds that couldn’t be bandaged. And eventually Endymion would smile and everything would be better.

They had a system, and now some new person was coming to wreck it all. And it was a person Machk knew he was going to hate.

He looked up at the afternoon sky, asking a silent question. After a minute he narrowed his eyes and muttered, “Jasper.” He sniffed. “Stupid name.”

He couldn’t wait to tell the others.

-----

It was three days before Endymion spoke to him again. It happened just like always. The four boys were seated at the table, eating breakfast while King Endymion and Queen Petra attended to morning business around mouthfuls of food. Machk always sat across from Endymion, so he knew exactly who had kicked him under the table. He looked up, watched Endymion’s face, and then broke into a grin when Endymion offered him a tentative smile. And after that, it was like nothing had happened at all.

The truce couldn’t have come at a better time. The morning after Endymion had finally agreed to set things aside, the new Kunzite – Prince Jasper – was due to arrive.

Acel, Katsuo, Endymion, and Machk all stood in front of their mentors, the king in Endymion’s case. The four boys were strangely silent, although occasionally someone would send a glance Machk’s way. They tended to look away fairly quickly when they received a glare in return. Clearly, this was not the day to be on his bad side.

“I pity Jasper,” Katsuo had muttered that morning at breakfast before they settled into this tense, stony silence.

“So, what have you heard of this boy, Zoisite?” King Endymion said, his voice full and robust. He was just as excited as his son had been that first morning; he was just manlier about it.

“Not much, Master,” Zoisite answered in his perpetually hushed voice, causing the younger Endymion to make a face. He’d never quite taken a shine to the titles like his father. “Prince Jasper’s family is a very private one. They don’t casually let information about themselves out unless they have a specific purpose in mind.”

“How calculating,” Jadeite said, almost approving. Machk caught him pulling at his small, dark braid in thought. “But is that something to worry about?”

Nephrite scoffed loudly, his broad chest rumbling with his baritone speech. “He’s Kunzite’s successor, isn’t he? That gives me cause enough to worry.”

“I wonder why,” Jadeite drawled, no doubt rolling his hazel eyes.

King Endymion sighed, sounding weary. He was used to hearing these words, but that didn’t make them any less tiresome. “Nephrite, I have asked you several times--"

“Forgive me, Master,” Nephrite muttered hurriedly. “I forgot myself.”

“You are very forgetful indeed,” Zoisite teased, tossing his head a bit so that his red hair caught the sunlight like bright copper.

Nephrite growled in the back of his throat. “Why don’t you--"

“I do know this much about young Jasper,” Zoisite interrupted as loudly as his voice ever reached. As always, it was just enough. “He is incredibly advanced for his age.”

“Which is?” King Endymion queried, sounding intrigued.

“Twelve.”

Katsuo frowned and muttered, “Great. He’s the leader, and he’s older.”

Acel reached over and poked him in the ribs, jerking his head upwards. He wanted to hear the conversation without Katsuo’s commentary.

“His skills with a sword have already surpassed those of the masters his family has employed,” Zoisite continued, rattling off this information as if he had expected it to be asked of him.

“At twelve?” King Endymion said, reaching up to stroke his dark beard. “Impressive.”

“That all depends on the teachers,” Jadeite countered with a hint of a sneer. “I’ll see to it that he’s taught correctly.”

“If Kunzite allows it,” Nephrite mumbled, wary of even mentioning the man’s name now. He continued only when King Endymion gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod. “He’s liable to make Prince Jasper his new pet project even if you are the better swordsman.”

King Endymion chuckled. “Yes, and you don’t show the slightest favoritism towards your successor.”

Nephrite let out a bark of laughter and suddenly clapped Machk on the back. Machk appreciated the affection in the gesture, but Nephrite was a large man, and he did not always know his own strength. Machk coughed as the wind was knocked out of his lungs, and he sent a withering glare to his friends when they laughed.

“I only do that because he hates working with Kunzite. Not that I blame him,” Nephrite confided.

“No one likes working with Lord Kunzite,” Katsuo said boldly, garnering looks of wonderment from Machk and the others.

Machk could sense the area at his back grow colder. “This is why I wish you would keep your opinions to yourself, Nephrite,” the King said slowly, his voice edged with warning.

“I’ve always felt that way,” Katsuo continued, giving Machk a look.

Jadeite stepped forward, resting a restraining hand on Katsuo’s shoulder. “That’s enough.”

Machk wondered if this was enough to keep Katsuo quiet, but he never got to find out. Their conversation was interrupted by the trumpet call announcing the new arrival.

Machk watched as the gates were pushed open and the procession came through. Predictably, Kunzite was at the front, and Machk could have sworn that he specifically sought him out upon entering. Acel would tell him he was being paranoid, but something about his look changed the minute the two of them locked eyes. It changed even more when he glanced up at his mentor.

Machk could not miss the way Nephrite’s hand tightened on his shoulder.

He continued watching as several soldiers came through the doors after Kunzite. He was pleased to see Aineas, who was just two commendations short of making Sergeant, closer to the front of the line. Machk stood on tiptoe and waved wildly when he saw Aineas come through, and smiled broadly when the gesture was returned.

When Machk saw who came riding in after Aineas, all hint of joy drained from his face.

The boy who would be Kunzite seemed perfect for the role even though Machk had just laid eyes on him. Although he was only twelve, he looked much older. He was very tall, but that wasn’t the only reason why his looks were deceiving. There was something in the way he carried himself that suggested age when he was really only three years older than Machk, Katsuo, and Endymion. His back was straight atop the grey dapple, a mark of pride and good breeding. Interestingly, he was pale where the current Kunzite was dark. Light skin compared to Kunzite’s tan and no scars that Machk could see. His hair was fine and went just past his chin, but under the direct sunlight, it almost looked nonexistent. If he squinted, Machk could see it, shining like vapor. Machk found himself shuddering, and he felt affirmed when the others had similar reactions. No one got that kind of hair naturally, and they all knew it. In Machk’s culture, they would have referred to it as phantom hair – a ghost had stolen the color away.

In fact, the next Kunzite – Jasper – looked as though all of his color had been stolen. His skin, clothes, hair, and horse were all pale. In fact, the only hue on his entire body was his eyes. Those were a startling shade of green, but even Machk could tell there was a lot more to his gaze than color.

Machk narrowed his eyes when Jasper caught him staring. Acel would have looked away; Katsuo and Endymion would have offered a smile (although Katsuo’s would have been decidedly more sinister). Machk just continued to glare. He wanted one thing above all to be clear.

“You’re not welcome here,” Machk growled quietly.

Thankfully, only Katsuo heard. He leaned over to Machk and said, “Don’t like him then?”

Machk shook his head definitively.

“Didn’t think you would.” He leaned closer and whispered, “Want me to take care of it?”

It was a dangerous offer to take him up on. Katsuo may have been a few months younger than him, but like Jasper, in many ways, Katsuo was much older. Machk had never gotten many details as Katsuo was a great deal more guarded than he or Acel, but he knew enough to realize that something had turned Katsuo dark long ago. He was a good friend, funny, and fiercely loyal, but Machk would sooner have a horse crush his face than have Katsuo as an enemy. It was frightening to have the power to turn Katsuo against another person, no matter how much that person deserved it. It was enough to make him pause and wonder if he was really worth it.

He caught a movement out of the corner of his eyes. Kunzite’s dark head turned around to look at his new apprentice, and Machk could feel pride radiating from every inch of his skin. Jasper’s eyes darted to the left to meet the gaze, returning the look with a small smile of his own.

“Yes,” Machk said without anymore hesitation, continuing to stare Jasper down.

Much as Machk already hated him, he had to give the new boy credit for one thing. Save that one look to Kunzite, Jasper never looked away.

-----

As he promised, Katsuo made life a living hell for their new arrival. He had started off small of course, subtly beginning the vendetta against a boy none of them wanted to be associated with. He pushed a waiter carrying a tray of red win goblets full to the brim at just the right moment, completely soaking the new arrival and turning his hair a satisfyingly hilarious shade of pink. And when he had gone to get changed, Katsuo and Machk shoved a large piece of furniture (one of those useless, obtrusive things given as a horrible gift and used only for decoration) in front of the door so that he’d been trapped inside. And then once he’s been set free by Rasia of all people, who was supposed to be his friend, Machk and Katsuo snuck back into the room and rigged the canopy so that it would fall on top of him when he went to close it for the night.

His breakfast was altered every morning so that it tasted too sweet, too salty, too bitter, or just plain inedible, but Jasper never once refused to eat it, knowing that would be bad manners. Machk never had quite so much fun at breakfast as he did when he watched Jasper attempt to keep a straight face as he ate oatmeal that tasted suspiciously like rotten eggs. Unfortunately, that had been stopped when Rasia had noticed his giggling at the table. She’d taken one bite of the gruel, spit it out, and, after taking a moment to knock Katsuo and Machk’s heads together, went to go retrieve Jasper another plate.

Things continued to escalate from there. Katsuo didn’t appreciate the admonishment from Rasia, and even though Jasper had had nothing to do with his being caught, he was still going to be the one to pay for it. The wooden weapons Jasper used for training were all tampered with so that it was impossible to keep him from getting splinters wedged into his palm. They even got Acel involved, having him invite Jasper to have a look at a piece he was working on and then rigging the lid to slam down on his fingers.

Of course, these things often backfired as Jasper sanded down the weapons again and pulled his hands away at the last possible moment, but still, the message they were sending was clear enough. He wasn’t liked, he wasn’t wanted, and he would be better off just running away as Machk had been planning on doing the very first night.

The only thing Machk had put a stop to was Katsuo putting a tack underneath his horse’s saddle. Machk didn’t think it would be very fair to the horse.

After a week of this, Machk was walking out of his room, preparing to go meet Katsuo so they could think of more ways to seek revenge on Jasper, when he was stopped by a pair of angry hazel eyes attached to dark skin and an even darker braid.

Machk squawked and scrambled back, certain that some sort of monster had appeared to eat him (like the ones they sometimes told Acel about when there was a storm). It took him a few moments to realize it was worse than a monster. It was Rasia.

“Off to meet with that little heathen, are ya?” she asked, her fists firmly attached to her hips. “Well, I won’t have it. No, sir.”

Machk was about to speak up in his defense when he heard another voice coming from a few feet behind the fiery maid. “Rasia, don’t you think heathen is taking it a bit far?”

Rasia’s face twisted into a grimace. She took a step back, revealing a slightly amused Aineas standing behind her. He was leaning against one of the pillars, his arms crossed in front of him lazily. It was rare that Machk saw Aineas so relaxed. It must have been a day of rest for him, although that didn’t explain what he was still doing in his uniform.

“I think heathen is being too generous,” she countered, her voice skewering Aineas as effectively as a spearhead. “He’s a little demon, that’s what he is. And he’s pulling Machk down with him. As I’ve said, I won’t have it.”

Machk let out a very long, adult-sounding sigh. “Rasia, he’s not pulling me anywhere.”

“No, I imagine he isn’t,” Aineas said, reaching up and rubbing the light stubble that had grown on his chin with his fingers. His bright eyes darted over to Machk’s, twinkling with knowledge. “You’re too strong to be pulled, aren’t you, Prince Machk?”

Machk found his ears were turning pink, both from the fact that Aineas knew what was going on and the fact that he still referred to him with the honorific. Rasia had dropped it months before, but Machk didn’t mind that so much. Nevertheless, he still treasured the care Aineas took to remember his heritage, and he noticed that he did the same for both Acel and Katsuo.

Of course, that probably meant Jasper received the same treatment. This didn’t please Machk all that much.

“The devil can move a mountain with a thought, and mark my words, that Katsuo is a devil,” Rasia continued. “Yesterday, he tried to set my hair on fire.”

“He did not,” Machk and Aineas countered at the same time.

Rasia glared at both of them in turn. She was not wild about being contradicted. She straightened and brushed off her skirt, muttering, “He could have very well lit it ablaze anyway with all those candles about.”

Aineas shook his head, but Machk didn’t miss the small smile that briefly touched his lips. “Machk, the reason we are here really has very little to do with Prince Katsuo.”

Rasia let out an unbecoming snort, but otherwise kept her peace.

“In all honesty, I am more concerned with your treatment of Prince Jasper.”

Fury bubbled up in Machk’s chest like a sudden storm, lightening striking an area of dry brush and setting it ablaze so quickly it could scarcely be controlled. His hands curled into fists on reflex, his voice spitting poison. “He deserves it!”

Neither Rasia nor Aineas were at all surprised by the outburst, their expressions unmoved. They were used to his tempers by now. “No, Prince Machk, he doesn’t,” Aineas said calmly. “I understand that the three of you have formed a bond between each other and that you’re not willing to let a fourth in, but you haven’t a choice in the matter. There are always Four and will always be Four.”

“Maybe it’s time the tradition changed,” Machk spat.

“Well, it’s not going to just because you want it that way,” Rasia informed him bluntly.

Machk looked up at both of them, yelling, “Why do we need him anyway? We were just fine by ourselves.”

Aineas continued looking at him calmly, infuriatingly unmoved by his outburst. “You will understand why Prince Jasper is necessary when you are older, Prince Machk, but I assure you, he is not just here to uphold a tradition.”

“No, he’s here to be Kunzite,” Machk hissed bitterly.

Aineas took a quick look around, searching for the older man as he always did any time Machk so much as hinted at him in conversation. It was the first time he looked the slightest bit tense during their entire talk. He opened his mouth, speaking quietly. “Is that what all this--"

“You don’t want to know what it’s about, do you?” Machk accused. “That might mean going against him!”

That stung, and Machk knew it, but he didn’t care. He watched the indictment register on Aineas’s face with raging satisfaction. Grey-blue eyes drooping, their gaze falling to the floor, his shoulders stooping and his posture sinking. He was a guilty man and deeply ashamed of it. He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice wasn’t what came forth.

“Machk!”

He turned to see Acel racing towards him, curls flying behind him like the tail of a shooting star. He stopped just short of running Machk over and was just a bit breathless. “It’s Katsuo!”

Rasia snorted. “What’s the little scoundrel done now?”

“Challenged Jasper to a duel with real swords,” Acel answered matter-of-factly, green eyes sparkling.

“What?” Machk, Aineas, and Rasia chorused, each with a very different inflection.

“What’s he gone and done that for?” Machk asked.

Acel shrugged, his shoulders reaching all the way up to his ears. “I don’t know. It’s Katsuo.”

Aineas swore quietly. “Katsuo isn’t supposed to touch a metal weapon until he’s eleven. The Guardians would be furious if--"

“Kunzite and Nephrite are watching,” Acel interrupted. “They brought out the swords for them to use.”

“Nephrite?” Machk asked, a bit pained to learn his supposed mentor was allowing – apparently encouraging – a duel between Katsuo and Jasper. It probably shouldn’t have bothered him because it was Nephrite after all, and this was to be expected. The man was brash, hasty, and generally inconsiderate of any consequences. Still, Machk couldn’t fully wipe away the dull ache in his chest or the anger rising in his throat.

“Has the man completely gone deranged?” Aineas seethed, taking Machk by surprise. He had never heard anything so bordering on dissension fall from the man’s lips, and hearing it sent his already spinning world into full tilt. “Doesn’t he realize that Prince Katsuo could be hurt in an actual dual?”

Machk’s chest puffed in indignation. “Just because he’s younger than Jasper--"

“Age has nothing to do with it,” Aineas said, tearing his hand through his hair. “He could be ten years older than Prince Jasper, and it would still be dangerous. Don’t you know why he’s been kept out of group training for this long?”

Machk and Acel traded a look and then shook their heads in tandem. They had assumed it was because of their obvious mistrust of Jasper, but it suddenly occurred to Machk that if they wanted to banish that, it would be better to force them together. The fact that they had been kept apart was quite odd.

“It’s because he’s better than anyone expected him to be,” Aineas snapped, his hand twitching uselessly in the air. “And even if the weapons are wooden, he could cause serious damage.”

With all the anger inside him, Machk had doubted there was room for anything else. But hearing Aineas’s words and knowing their sincerity made fear rise up, crowding with his rage and making them both balloon in his chest. He struggled to breathe for a moment and then whispered, “We have to stop him.” He grabbed Acel’s wrist and pulled him away, taking off at a run. “Come on, Acel!”

“I’m finding Jadeite,” Machk heard Aineas say before his own boots slapped against the marble floors, echoing in the vaulted hallways and leading him in the opposing direction.

“And what am I to do then?” Rasia called out after both of them. “Knit?!”

-----

Machk and Acel ran as fast as their legs had ever taken them anywhere. It occurred to Machk that he hadn’t even run this quickly when his mother had told him to the year before. But this was different than running away; it was running towards something. He had a goal and a specific destination in mind. He was dealing with absolutes instead of mysteries and ambiguities. He knew Katsuo was in trouble, and he knew that even if he couldn’t stop it, he would have to stall until Aineas found Jadeite.

All of this he would have to do in an attempt to undermine his superior, Nephrite, and under Kunzite’s watchful eye.

They reached the training center in record time, their faces bright red and gulping air as they slowed to a halt. It took Machk a moment to find Katsuo, his blond hair hard to spot when the décor so heavily relied on golden hues. He spotted Kunzite and Nephrite first, the two darker men engaged in a silent glaring match, although he could tell by the way their chests rose and fell that they had only just missed the end of what must have been a spectacular argument. Machk was sorry to have missed it. The men squared off often enough, but with Jadeite and Zoisite there to temper things, it was rare that they both let lose with all their snarling fury.

Suddenly, Acel started pulling him backwards. He turned to see Katsuo standing in a corner, a short sword held awkwardly in both his hands. The hilt was too big around for him to grasp normally, and while Katsuo might have been the best among the three of them when it came to wooden swords, he was quickly learning that it was different when one added the weight and gravity of metal.

Machk and Acel strode forward, and Machk wasted no time in seizing the distracted Katsuo by the shoulders and shaking him. He had never wanted to punch him so badly in his life, and yet he knew that now would be the worst time. “Have you completely lost it?” Machk demanded in a hiss.

Katsuo looked up at him, and Machk could have sworn he saw a tiny spark of fear. But when he blinked, it was gone, and Katsuo stood before him as he always had, too dark and resolute for his age. “No, it’s all there,” he joked, reaching up and knocking his head.

Machk was not amused. “What happened?”

Katsuo glanced back at Kunzite and Nephrite to be sure they weren’t paying attention. They were still locked in their silent contest; they probably didn’t even realize there was extra company. Then he looked back at Acel and Machk, whispering, “I didn’t actually think they’d agree to it.”

“Why did you even ask for it?” Machk asked, his voice tight.

Katsuo narrowed his eyes, the bright blue morphing into something altogether different, like ink spreading across a pool of water. “I’ve heard Jadeite talking about him. He says Jasper’s an amazing swordsman.” Machk heard something strain, and he looked down to see Katsuo’s fingers tightening around the pommel. “Says he’s the best of all of us.”

“Aineas said that too,” Machk muttered, quickly regretting it and not just because Acel jabbed him with an elbow.

“It’s not fair!” Katsuo raged quietly, his ears slowly turning red. “We’ve been here longer – I’ve been here longer than anyone. I’ve trained more, seen more, and spent more time with all of the Four than Jasper could ever dream of, but he’s already bested me before he arrives?” Katsuo shook his head, his blond hair fluffing out as his neck revolved. “I won’t believe it. I should be better than him; I don’t care if he is the leader.”

Machk should have seen this coming. Katsuo was used to being the best at things. He was the better swordsman of the three, just like he was the better archer and the better spearman. Acel was better at music and at his studies, and Katsuo let him have that. Machk was faster and stronger, and Katsuo let him have that. But all of that was because he was superior in so many other things. Now Jasper was coming in and threatened to trump them all at everything, and Katsuo couldn’t stand it. If he had chosen to be the best at something, he would hold onto it with unrelenting vigor, until he was hanging on by his teeth. And even then he wouldn’t let go until they were ripped out.

“And you couldn’t have figured this out with wooden swords?” Machk asked, absently rubbing his back teeth through the flesh of his cheek.

Katsuo just looked at him, silent in his wrath. He had made up his mind. There was no turning back for him now.

Acel shook his head at Katsuo. “I won’t let you do this, Katsuo.”

Machk turned to stare at Acel for a moment. He didn’t think he’d ever heard the younger boy be so insistent. Katsuo just rolled his eyes, breaking the spell of his adult resolve. “Stupid Acel. What are you going to--"

“Jasper!” Acel cried out, whirling to spot the older, paler, stranger of the four guardians in training.

Machk’s entire body locked once his head and finished the journey from Acel’s face to Jasper’s. He hadn’t even bothered looking for the boy when he entered, and it occurred to him now that he should have sought him out. Still, even without actively searching, Machk would have thought his cool greyness against all of the bright gold in the room would have made him stand out even more than Nephrite and Kunzite, the blots of earth and shadow.

Jasper looked at Machk and Katsuo, suspicion evident in his countenance, and Machk hated him for it even if it was founded. He set his sword aside without pause, but stepped forward cautiously, his eyes on his enemies even as he answered Acel with his movement, who was neither friend nor foe by comparison. Acel stood with Katsuo and Machk because he had known them longer, but he had been vocal about his reluctance to get involved, the piano incident his one weak moment in a series of stronger ones.

“Yes?” he queried, clearly addressing Acel in tone if not with his eyes.

“Real swords aren’t allowed,” Acel said simply.

This caught Jasper’s attention. His eyebrows rose to meet his hairline, although Machk never would have known it if the pale hair hadn’t caught the light in their movement. “Really? I was not informed.” His green eyes quickly darted over to his two elders, though he did not linger on them for long.

“Convenient bit of information to leave out,” Katsuo groused. “How could you not have known?”

Jasper regarded him coolly. “You asked me outright, and they allowed it outright. How was I to know otherwise?”

Katsuo’s ears were now blazing red and giving off heat. Machk knew he wanted to state the obvious: that they were too young to be wielding real blades, but he never would have admitted the truth to Jasper. Particularly since his ignorance over the rule must have meant that he was used to wielding metal. The use of wooden sparring tools must have bewildered him. Even if it was Katsuo’s rightful embarrassment, Machk found the humiliation tasted just as bitter for him.

“At any rate,” Jasper continued. “If it is not allowed, then it is better we do not do it.”

“I’ll still do it!” Katsuo snarled, his voice as unshaken as an oak tree.

Jasper shook his head, making the decision for both of them. “I am not so inclined to break the rules as you are, Katsuo.”

It was Machk’s turn to growl on Katsuo’s behalf. Machk knew he must have loathed the superiority loaded upon him in that one sentence, which of course had been carefully selected in a matter of seconds to do the most damage. Machk wondered if he had somehow rehearsed this moment, if he had always known the rule or if he just anticipated moments when he could give as good as he had gotten.

“It doesn’t matter if you still want to do it,” Acel informed Katsuo. “Aineas went to find Jadeite, and you know what’ll happen when he finds out about it.”

That made Katsuo turn a bit pale. As mischievous and loathsome of the rules as he was, Katsuo always did his best to make certain Jadeite was never fully informed of just how often he disobeyed. As far as Machk knew, the man had never raised a hand to his apprentice, and maybe that was why Katsuo cared so much about impressing him.

“What did Aineas have to do that for?” Katsuo asked, turning the question on Machk as if he had any control over the situation.

“Because he’s not permitted to find King Endymion, and Zoisite wouldn’t be able to stop it,” Acel answered matter-of-factly. “Jadeite’s the only one.”

Katsuo jerked away from the group, hissing, “Stupid Acel!”

Acel’s lips trembled a bit, but his eyes remained hardened. “You’re not doing this, Katsuo.”

“You didn’t seem to care that much about it earlier,” Katsuo accused, his teeth gnashing together far too much like a wild animal.

“That was before I knew--" Acel stopped himself, swallowing the rest of his thought. But it was obvious to anyone what he had been about to say. ‘That was before I knew he was better than you.’

Katsuo knew it more deeply than any of them. “Stupid--"

“Stop blaming him for your mistakes,” Jasper interrupted harshly. “He’s only trying to do what he thinks is right on your behalf.”

“Why don’t you stay out of it?” Machk growled, speaking before Katsuo had a chance to defend himself.

Jasper turned to him, his face twisted into a grimace of bemusement. “I was unaware this had anything to do with you either.”

There it was. The arrogance and authority turned on him now, both of them so unfounded it made him want to spit. It was hardly the first time Jasper had spoken to Machk, but it was the first time he had let his personality shine through full force in the equivalent of a verbal attack. But he didn’t choose angry words; he wasn’t even fighting. He thought Machk was too beneath him to fight, just like Katsuo and probably Acel too. The argument was between Acel and Katsuo; Jasper had no right to intervene. But Jasper was supposing that Machk had even less right to intervene when they had been friends for a whole year and Jasper had known them all of two weeks.

Machk couldn’t stand it. He had endured Jasper’s presence for a fortnight and had kept his temper in check for that amount of time, only letting it seep out in tiny spurts of indirect and unsatisfying vengeance. But now he couldn’t hold it in. He had to let it out or he was sure that he would implode.

So he exploded outward, lunging forward and tackling Jasper to the ground.

“Machk!” Acel shouted.

Booming laughter filled his ears, and the fact that there was next to no pause once the assault had begun must have meant Nephrite and Kunzite had been more aware of their conflict than they had believed. “That’s my boy! You show him how it’s done in Elysian.”

“Leave it to your successor to turn this into a brawl,” Kunzite hissed.

The sound of his voice pervading on this moment of triumph made Machk want to whirl around and turn all of this violence on him. But he knew that was folly, so he balled up his fist and thrust it forward with all his might, striking Jasper on the nose and sending a spray of blood into the air.

But as Machk should have expected, Jasper was not to be outdone. He narrowed his eyes so that his gaze was like arrowheads pushing into his flesh and attacked back, thrusting his elbow up and into Machk’s chin.

That was as much as a declaration of war.

Machk found himself attacking Jasper in a flurry of fists and kicks so frenzied that he hardly knew what he was throwing at him. He knew he landed some only because of a hiss of pain or the feeling of skin to skin contact, and he knew he missed some when he came up with dust and blood on his knuckles. It was all he was aware of, save for the few cries of pain he uttered when Jasper got in a number of shots. He didn’t pay much attention to who hit when or how many times they rolled over on the dirt. He didn’t want to be that aware of himself in these moments. He just let himself soar on his heightened energy, falling into a twisted euphoria sustained by nothing but the strength of his fury. It was the oddest sort of bliss he’d ever experienced, but he planned to ride out the high for as long as he could. It felt too good to release all of this frustration after bottling it up for fourteen excruciating days.

But he was ripped from it when he felt a pair of arms catch him around the waist. He knew it was Aineas before he heard his voice, so it was hard for Machk to fight him at full strength. Angry as he was at Aineas, it could never compare to what he felt for Jasper or Kunzite. It lacked the weight of permanence.

“Let me go!” Machk demanded, kicking his legs wildly. “I’m going to kill him! I swear to the gods, I’m going to--"

“That’s enough, Prince Machk,” Aineas hissed in his ear. “That’s enough.”

“It is not!” Machk raged. “I’m--"

“Machk. Silence.”

He absolutely deflated when he heard Jadeite’s voice waft into his ears. He might have remained tense and stretched to his limits, but he stopped fighting because he never, ever went against Jadeite’s word. He was far too much like Katsuo for him to even consider it.

He opened his eyes and watched as Jadeite strode forward, his olive skin darkened with his quiet emotion. He walked directly to Jasper and offered the boy his hand. Machk was surprised when he took it, and a bit triumphant at that. It meant that he was probably in too much pain to get up on his own.

Machk’s victory felt a lot less satisfying when he finally started to realize just how much pain he was in.

Jadeite looked to Jasper as he brushed himself off, and then turned his hazel eyes on Machk, pinning him with their intensity. Machk attempted to melt back into Aineas, longing to disappear. But the moment passed quickly as Jadeite turned his attention to the real reason why he had come: Katsuo with a sword pressed between his hands.

“So Corporal Aineas was not exaggerating,” Jadeite said, his voice low and as dangerous as Machk had ever heard it. He felt intensely sorry for Katsuo, who seemed to be fighting the urge to shrink back under his gaze. Acel took a step back, standing next to Katsuo and clearly wanting to take a few more to stand behind him. “Katsuo, you ought to know better than to bring weapons into whatever private disputes you may have. Men don’t settle their difference with blood, not good men anyway.”

Katsuo looked so intensely ashamed that Machk was starting to feel sick. “Jadeite--"

“We will speak about this later,” Jadeite promised. “First…”

He spun and faced Nephrite and Kunzite, one man his subordinate, the other his superior. Yet much to Machk’s surprise, both of them – even Kunzite – seemed chastened by his glare. “First, you two. What could you have possibly been thinking?”

Nephrite ducked his head a bit, fidgeting like a boy their age. “Now, Jadeite… No one got hurt--"

“So the blood Machk and Jasper spilled is a finely crafted illusion?” Jadeite drawled. “My, how impressive that someone in this room has mastered illegal Venusian magic.”

“He meant no one seriously got hurt,” Kunzite corrected.

Nephrite’s jaw went from soft to square in the blink of an eye. “I can speak for myself, you--"

“I am not dealing with this right now,” Jadeite interrupted, his voice leaving no room for argument. “Nephrite, you had no right to push Katsuo into anything without my permission. I do not claim ownership of him, but he is my responsibility, and if anything had happened to him--"

“I wouldn’t have let anything happen to him,” Nephrite cut in, his voice grave.

“You put the sword in his hand!” Jadeite snapped. Machk stared at the man’s back, wondering how tight his spine must have been at that moment and marveling at how controlled he was, even in his temper. “You would have had no control over anything that happened. Katsuo could have been hurt. And what’s more, Jasper could have been hurt.”

He turned his eyes on Kunzite and hissed, “I would have thought you would take more care with your own successor than Nephrite took with mine.”

Kunzite’s shoulders shifted, rolling in their sockets and cracking menacingly. Jadeite did not flinch. “I suggest you do not take that tone with me, Jadeite.”

“And I suggest you do not cross me again, Kunzite,” Jadeite warned, his threat surprisingly more effective than Kunzite’s brawn and posturing. Then he glanced over his shoulder and said, “Katsuo, set that aside. Come with me.”

Katsuo hesitated, exchanging a panicked look with Acel. Whatever Jadeite was going to do to Katsuo would be far worse than a whipping, and far more effective.”

“Now,” he repeated stiffly, sweeping out of their presence like a man far more entitled than he was. Finding he had no choice in the matter, he handed the sword to Acel, who looked even more ridiculous bearing it, and trotted after Jadeite with his hands shoved in his pockets. After a few moments, Kunzite and Nephrite exited as well, although it was clear that they would not even think of going after their fellow guardian.

That left Aineas with Jasper, Machk, and Acel. Machk felt the man exhale next to his ear, blowing his auburn waves forward. They didn’t fall back, instead getting caught on some open wound underneath his eye. Following that, Aineas said, “If I put you down--"

“I won’t do anything,” Machk muttered crossly.

Even with that assurance, Aineas still hesitated, but finally, he set Machk on his feet. He was now within lunging distance of Jasper again, but he held his ground. Aineas would just catch him again, and besides, he wasn’t sure if he was well enough to start anything again. At the moment, all he wanted to do was go lay down.

“Machk.”

He blinked in surprise at the discovery that there was still one more person in the room. He looked to the entrance, gaping at the sight of Prince Endymion standing there, his arms straight and rigid at his sides, black hair tussled and falling over his slanted eyes. And once again, Machk found himself surprised by an alternative choice to anger because Endymion wasn’t angry. Mostly, he was disappointed.

Suddenly, Machk realized how Jadeite managed to keep Katsuo in control.

“Endymion,” Machk started quietly.

The prince just shook his head. Then he walked forward, his gait a little awkward given how tight his muscles were. He stepped between Machk and Jasper, perhaps thinking that they might fly at each other again at a moment’s notice. Then suddenly, both his hands shot out, catching the two by the wrist.

Machk staggered forward under the sudden force and then gasped when he felt a tingling fire spread from his wrist to the remainder of his bones. The pain he felt was abrupt and intense, far worse than anything he had endured in the fight. But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, taking all other aches with it.

Machk reached up to touch his face as the lock of hair fell back. “You fixed it,” he murmured, remembering the last time he had felt this.

“I’ll fix more than that,” Endymion informed him plainly. Machk focused on his face and realized that it looked as if the prince had dark circles under his eyes now and his fingers trembled slightly. Apparently, he had used more energy to heal their wounds than he should have. “Meet me tonight with Acel and Katsuo. You know where.” That done, Endymion left them, staggering and walking unevenly.

Without another word to any of them, Jasper walked after him. Machk heard them whispering outside, but he couldn’t make out any of it. He wondered if he was already covering his own backside, casting all blame onto his shoulders when he should have taken his own share. He almost stalked after them, but he didn’t. He never went after Endymion.

He hated that Jasper had.

“Well, I suppose I was wrong about something,” Aineas murmured, interrupting his thoughts.

“What?” Machk asked quietly, wondering if this was the start to yet another lecture.

Aineas smiled softly. “There is someone strong enough to pull you.” He started out of the building, moving slowly and calmly as he had nowhere in particular he needed to be. “You just pull back.”

And with that, he left the two of them alone with nothing but a sword they couldn’t use and their own stunned silence.

-----

Later that night, Machk stood in the same clearing with Katsuo and Acel that they had come to many times since his first night in Elysian. As Acel had told him, it was where they always went. They weren’t nearly as excited as they normally would be. Katsuo least of all, as he was still suffering from whatever discussion he had endured with Jadeite that afternoon. Acel was exhausted after everything that had happened that day, sitting on the ground beside Katsuo, his head resting on the older boy’s shoulder. Unlike the others, he couldn’t bear to be still, so he remained on his feet, pacing the same strip of land for what was only minutes, but felt like hours.

“What do you think he wants?” Acel asked drowsily, suppressing a yawn.

Katsuo exhaled roughly through his nose, pulling up the grass beside him one blade at a time. “Probably to lecture us just like everyone else.”

“Endymion doesn’t lecture,” Machk pointed out, although that didn’t bring him much comfort. If he wasn’t going to yell at them, what was he going to do?

They didn’t say anything more after that, but their silence didn’t last for very long. Just a few minutes later, they all heard the sound of someone emerging from the forest. They turned just in time to see Endymion walk out of the trees, barely visible in the dark night.

The boy who accompanied him, however, was very visible.

Machk growled and almost stalked down to meet them, to prevent Jasper from coming to their place, an area he had no right to encroach on. But he held his ground because Endymion had brought him, and he had already tested him enough for one day. To distract himself, he glanced back at Katsuo, who looked grim but determined, and Acel, whose mouth hung open.

“He looks like a ghost,” he whispered.

Machk turned back and shivered a bit. Acel wasn’t exaggerating. Jasper really did look dead.

Endymion and Jasper finished the march up to the other three, the latter hanging back for obvious reasons. Once again, Endymion was standing between the two groups, and Machk couldn’t help but wonder if he would be able to withstand the two sides warring against each other in that position. He found his stomach turning at that thought, finding it more unpleasant than he would have anticipated.

“What’s he doing here?” Machk asked, distracting himself from the suddenly nausea.

“Because I invited him,” Endymion said, reminding Machk that this in itself was more than enough. “Not that he needed it,” the prince added. “He is one of you.”

Katsuo snorted unkindly.

Endymion glanced over at Katsuo, who glared right back in his face. He’d already yielded to one person that day; he had no intentions of adding Endymion to that list. The prince was undeterred, however, and said, “I should have put a stop to this the minute I saw what you were doing, Katsuo. I assumed that you were just doing this because he’s older and that you’d get over it after a few days.” He paused, swallowing. “I was wrong.”

Machk narrowed his eyes at Endymion, thinking that the boy sounded much older than he ever remembered him seeming. He wondered if Endymion had been practicing this.

“You’re all bound to me,” Endymion continued. Then he hesitated, reconsidering his words. “Or at least you will be when you take up your titles... But then you’ll be my guardians, just like you’re already my friends.”

Machk winced a bit at the sincerity and found himself looking down at the ground. He heard Acel make a tiny noise that could have been a whimper. He couldn’t tell if Katsuo reacted positively, negatively, or if he remained still as stone.

“But I realized something today when Jadeite brought me to the training center,” Endymion went on. “Even though you’re going to be bound to me, there’s nothing to tie you to each other. That’s why Nephrite and Kunzite hate each other so much and why Zoisite’s always on the outside of things.”

He didn’t say it, but they all filled in the third point. It was why Jadeite was so dangerous and why he had been able to unhinge even the deadliest of men.

“So, I’m fixing that,” Endymion announced, suddenly pulling a small knife from underneath his cloak.

Machk couldn’t help but take a few steps back when the blade went bright silver underneath the moonlight. He held his hands in front of him, ridiculously nervous about what was about to take place. “Hey, Endymion, what are you--"

“I’m sure you’re all familiar with the concept of blood brotherhood,” Endymion said, looking at Machk pointedly.

Machk stared at him for awhile. He couldn’t believe what Endymion was suggesting, and prince or no prince, he was going to go through with it. “No,” he said softly, daring Endymion to go against him.

“We cut ourselves and let our blood mix,” Acel explained needlessly, his voice strangely distant. “So we’re always connected.”

“He knows what it is, Acel,” Katsuo informed the younger boy, his voice surprisingly gentle. He raised it only when addressing Endymion. “You can’t make us do this, Endymion. We have to enter into it of our own free will.”

Endymion nodded. “And it will be.” He turned the knife onto himself and sliced tiny cuts into his palms without the slightest hesitation, flinching only a little when the tip of the knife sank into his palms. “It will be of your own free will because even though you don’t like each other, you don’t want to end up like my father’s guardians.” He looked up at the group, his eyes remarkably clear. “You don’t want to have those who aren’t the leader wanting to be the leader. You don’t want to spend the rest of your lives feuding with one another. You don’t want to be so distracted by your own hatred that you can’t perform the duties you have been charged with. You wouldn’t dishonor yourselves or your families like that, and so you will do this as a first step in fixing whatever passed between you.”

They all stood in silence at this. In truth, Machk had never realized what Endymion knew about the Four’s dynamics, but he certainly hadn’t expected him to be the more observant of the two. After all, he had other masters and men to train him, Jadeite’s swordsmanship being the one important exception. Machk worked with these men, but had never noticed as much discord between them as Endymion described. Of course, now that it had been pointed out to him, it was all glaringly obvious.

Machk looked over to Jasper, who was splitting his time watching Katsuo and himself. Machk wasn’t so certain of Endymion’s assessment that he didn’t want to carry out the feud for the rest of their lives. There was so much in Jasper for Machk to hate, and likely the same was true for the older boy. They opposed each other in all the wrong ways, and they were succeeding men who loathed each other with renewed vigor each day. Wasn’t it destiny in a way that they fought? Wasn’t their contempt unavoidable?

Jasper raised his eyes to Machk, cool and green and sparked with something Machk couldn’t name. Fear? Disgust? Something too complex for his mind to grasp; something he would uncover years later and hate himself for not realizing it sooner? Something he would never comprehend and spend the rest of his life pouring over the mystery of the pale boy’s emerald eyes?

“I’ll do it.”

Machk and Jasper both looked behind them, at Acel who had pulled himself to his feet. Machk was sure he had never seen him so unwavering in his life.

“Acel?” Katsuo asked, his tone bordering on the accusation of betrayal.

“I’ll do it,” Acel repeated. He looked directly at Machk and said, “I think the whole thing’s stupid anyway.” Then he walked forward, shaking his head a bit as if knocking the sleep from his brain. He reached to take the knife and then reconsidered, holding up his hands for Endymion to cut. He did so as gently as possible, pausing a little when Acel let out an audible, “ow.” That done, he turned and glared at the rest of them, saying, “You all better do it now.”

Machk heard Jasper chuckle, and it made him want to punch him in the face again. But any violent response was smothered when he saw Jasper skillfully take the knife from the prince and turn it on his own hands. Apparently, he was willing to lay their fight aside. But that wasn’t really surprising when Machk realized that he probably had no idea what it had been about. Still, when he was done, he looked up at Machk a bit expectantly, possibly thinking that it would be easier to convince him than Katsuo.

He shook his head on reflex. He looked back at Katsuo, expecting to find him standing strong in opposition at his side.

But that wasn’t what was happening. If anything, Katsuo looked unsure of himself, which was the last thing Machk would have expected. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Katsuo so openly uncertain of something. It was disconcerting and a little frightening.

“Please, Katsuo,” Endymion said, his voice devoid of a youth’s plea.

This seemed to be the breaking point for the blond. He heaved a discontented sigh and dragged himself to his feet. He crossed over to Endymion and held his hand out for the knife. “Fine,” he said.

“Katsuo!” Machk shouted, his voice echoing.

Katsuo sighed as Jasper laid the weapon in his hand. He shook his head and said, “I don’t want to end up like them, Machk.”

Machk felt like everything was falling apart, and he had to stop himself from glancing up at the stars and cursing them for their silence on this part of his history. He would have liked to have been prepared for this betrayal. “But you said you would--"

“I shouldn’t have,” Katsuo muttered. “We’re stuck together, Machk.” He looked down at his hands and then made the obligatory cuts, crimson spreading over the smooth skin as visible proof of his intentions. “This just makes it official.”

Machk glared at Katsuo’s hands as if they were the cause of all this torture. Compromise. Blood brothers. An unanticipated ceremony. It wasn’t fair; none of it was fair. He should have been allowed to hate who he wanted to hate. Who cared about the future? It was too far away for him to consider.

He stopped, shutting his eyes in shame. No, it wasn’t too far away. All the time, his future and the futures of others mixed in with his present with tiny little predictions he barely cared about. But that first night, he’d been told bigger things. A scar for his younger brother, death for his oldest, nothing for his sister. Nothing for his mother.

If he wanted to, he could probably ask them what would happen if he refused to take the knife from Katsuo. He could get a hint of the consequences to come and see if it was worth the sacrifice of dirty blood. Then he would know it was okay for him to walk away, shutting himself away from them forever. If he wanted to, he could do that.

But he didn’t have to ask them any of that.

Like it or not, Machk didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. He couldn’t be the only one who refused to take part. Then it would have been him always on the outside instead of Zoisite. Because even if Katsuo always resented Jasper and even if Jasper always held himself apart, mixed blood bound them closer than they might ever realize. And Machk could never, ever breech that circle without the sacrifice.

Before he could reconsider it, he snatched the knife from Katsuo’s bleeding hand and impaled it on his left palm, nearly forcing it out the other side. Acel hissed and Endymion tried to take it away from him, telling him to be careful. Machk waited a moment to do the same to his right hand, knowing that would be the one to take Jasper’s. But it was only a moment, and soon both hands were bleeding, his left far more than his right.

Endymion looked him carefully and then nodded his approval. Machk was glad to have that at least. “All right. That’s everyone then.”

“Get this over with,” Machk muttered.

Endymion’s face drooped a bit, but for once, Machk didn’t find himself caring that much. He inhaled after a moment, still nodding. “All right.” He held up his hands, palms facing Jasper and Acel. Not surprisingly, Acel was the first one to grasp it and with characteristic earnestness, grabbed an unsuspecting Katsuo as well. Jasper gave a bit of a wry smile as he took Endymion’s hand, and Katsuo completed his end of the bargain dutifully, grabbing Machk and holding tightly.

And so everyone’s eyes were on Machk as the waited for him to actively close the circle. Jasper wouldn’t force it on Machk, and for that much he was grateful in spite of everything else. He had made the cuts, he had made the promised, and now he just had to make the move.

Machk had to do it with his eyes closed, but he joined hands with Jasper, interlocking their fingers with a gloomy countenance.

His eyes didn’t stay closed for long, however, as he felt his whole body flare with heat and Acel give a yelp. Something had gone wrong, or barring that, something had not gone according to Machk’s understanding of the ceremony. He forced his lids apart, his jaw unhinging when he saw what was happening.

The five of them were surrounded in what could only be described a golden glow. Machk thought of the Eastern beliefs about auras and chakras and things, but he knew instantly that he wasn’t seeing anything like that. Those were personal and linked to the individual. This was a shared light that resonated strongest around their hands, spreading out amongst them and igniting the field with power. Machk had never seen or heard anything like this happening before, and he had no idea what to make of it.

“Is this supposed to be happening?” Katsuo asked loudly, glancing at them and looking a bit panicked.

“I rather doubt it,” Jasper answered, speaking for the first time that evening.

Acel shook his head and looked at Endymion pointedly. “Finish it.”

Endymion was taken aback by the phenomena of the light and froze at Acel’s request, not comprehending the words. “What?”

“Finish the ceremony,” Acel repeated. “There are words. Say the words, or this won’t stop.”

“Oh,” Endymion said, his voice high with embarrassment. “Right.” He cleared his throat, either assuring himself of his importance or giving him time to collect himself. “Blood to blood and skin to skin we hold fast, forever swearing our loyalty. When we part, we shall be brothers in heart, in spirit, and now in blood. Never shall we part even if there are miles between us, and never shall we separate even if hatred grows between us. We are bound now in life, and we will be bound beyond it.”

Just as Acel had predicted, the light flickered and vanished just as soon as Endymion was done speaking the rites. Even when it had gone, the five of them continued to hold on, half-expecting the gold to return and turn on them rather than emanate from them. But after a long minute, it had not reappeared, and so they all dropped each other’s hands in the same breath.

“That was scary,” Acel voiced, being frank when the others refused to be open about fear.

“That was odd,” Endymion added, looking at all of them warily. “I didn’t read anything about a light.”

Katsuo snorted again, much less condescending now. “You researched?”

Endymion’s cheeks colored. “I wanted to do it right.” He paused, looking unsure of himself. “Maybe I didn’t.”

“No,” Machk assured him hoarsely. “It was just right.”

Endymion looked up at him, probably a bit surprised he was even speaking to him. He gave Machk a tentative smile that was not returned.

“Can we go home now?” Acel asked, eyeing the woods nervously.

Endymion’s eyes lingered on Machk a moment longer and then fell heavily. “Yes. We can go home now.”

Acel breathed a quick sigh of relief. “Yay.” Acel took off running the moment this permission was given, grabbing Endymion as an afterthought and dragging him along. Katsuo laughed, looking a bit more at ease, and then flung an arm over Machk’s shoulder, leading him away from the clearing. Machk thought about pulling away, but he decided against it. Katsuo was his best friend, and after all, he had already decided he would never want him as an enemy.

Machk didn’t turn to see if Jasper had followed them. Machk knew he was walking behind, bringing up the rear. After the ceremony, there was no way he could have not known that. He would never be ignorant of Jasper’s presence again.

Machk looked down at his bleeding palms, knowing that they would leave scars to remind him of the pact he had entered into. He shoved them into his pockets, not wanting to look at them anymore. But then he didn’t need to see them to know what he had done. He would never need to be reminded of this oath. It was going to haunt him forever. Just like a ghost.

Just like Jasper.

-----

The morning after the blood ceremony in Endymion’s chambers, Machk took refuge in the stables. He went directly to the stall with the Epona and her still unnamed foal, petting them both with one hand and leaving the other one free for him to glare at. The marks on his palms were still fresh, and he had to be careful not to open the wounds up again. He didn’t want to mark the horses with his now tainted blood.

Machk lashed out and kicked the a board, feeling satisfied when it shuddered beneath the force of the blow and when the tiny foal reared up and started bucking in fright. Epona was obviously annoyed with the outburst, but Machk didn’t care. He wondered how she would feel if she’d been forced to become brothers with someone she hated.

Machk blushed when he realized what he’d just thought. “I didn’t mean it like that…”

He sighed and squatted against the wall, scowling at the two horses he was sharing the room with. Oh, Endymion was a smart one. Machk had always known that. He’d just never expected him to do something as underhanded as forcing a ceremony on them.

And Machk knew Endymion had picked the blood brother aspect specifically for his and Katsuo’s benefit. Everyone knew that both the Western Kingdom and Far Eastern Kingdoms had been using the tradition for centuries. It had started with binding tribes together in alliances, but it could be used to bind two men together to strengthen their loyalties. Or in their case, five boys.

Machk could no longer in good conscience attack Jasper. He couldn’t betray him, couldn’t abandon him, and most importantly, he could never really be separate from him again. Machk could not be himself with Jasper, and Jasper could not be himself without Machk.

He banged his head against the wall. “Stupid Endymion.”

“That’s not the sort of thing you should say without checking to see who’s listening.”

Machk looked up, but he knew who would be there long before he did so. Jasper was above him. He’d climbed up onto the top of the stall and now sat over the edge, holding onto one of the rafters with one hand. He looked ridiculously comfortable and practically posed, like he could be regal in any situation.

“And you shouldn’t eavesdrop,” Machk snapped, turning his attention back to the horses, stupidly hoping that Jasper would just go away.

“How could I eavesdrop? Up until now you haven’t said anything,” Jasper countered, infuriatingly logical.

Machk took a deep breath. He had to resist the urge to pull the boy down from the rafters and shove his face into the manure now, and he hated it. “You still shouldn’t just appear like that.”

Jasper seemed to consider that. “I’ll do my best to make more noise from now on.”

Machk vaulted to his feet. “Don’t mock me!”

Jasper stared at him, not in shock really. Machk was fairly certain it was impossible to surprise him. “I wasn’t.”

“Of course you were,” Machk snapped. “You’re always mocking me.”

“This is news to me,” Jasper informed him.

Machk stuttered for a minute, too infuriated to actually get his point out. “What do you call what happened at the training center?”

“That wasn’t mockery,” Jasper said smoothly. “That was self-preservation.”

Machk felt his ears going red. How could he talk like that and say that he wasn’t mocking anybody? “You are unbelievable,” Machk told him, turning his back on Jasper.

He hoped that would end the conversation. More importantly, he hoped Jasper would go away, fall in a ditch on the way back to the castle, and die so that Machk wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore. Unfortunately, he wasn’t that lucky.

“This horse yours?”

“No,” Machk groused, folding his arms across his chest. “The mare’s my friend’s old horse.”

“Aineas?” Jasper asked knowingly.

Machk gritted his teeth. How did he just know things? “Yes. Her name’s Epona.”

“And the foal?”

“He doesn’t know yet,” Machk said, regretting it the second it came out of his mouth.

But for whatever reason, Jasper didn’t pick up on it. Or he did and chose not to mention it. “So you’re naming him.”

“Yes,” Machk answered, feeling his shoulders get a bit tense with pride. “The stable hands said that I could.”

“That’s an honor,” Jasper said in his too-old voice.

Machk nodded, still furious, but pleased that Jasper had acknowledged that much. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “Why did you come out here? I’ve never seen you around the stables before.”

“I wanted to talk to you.”

Machk straightened, startled by his forwardness. He looked up, eyes wide. “What?”

Jasper smiled, silently admonishing him for asking a useless question. Machk very much wanted to punch him and see how he smiled after that. “You don’t like me very much, do you?”

“No,” Machk responded without hesitation, wanting to see Jasper’s armor crumble just a bit. He didn’t even seem to flinch. “I don’t. But it isn’t as if I’m alone in that.”

Machk looked up hopefully but there was still no reaction. “I thought at first that you three were just banding together to keep me out because I was new,” Jasper continued. “But then I noticed that Katsuo seemed to be taking his cues from you.” He paused, smirking. “And you are the only one to have attacked me outright.”

Machk shifted uncomfortably. “If you have a point, get to it.”

“For whatever reason, you specifically do not care much for me,” Jasper concluded. “I would like to know why.”

“You want to know why I hate you?” Machk asked, purposefully changing the terminology.

Jasper still didn’t look phased. “Yes.”

Machk continued fidgeting. This was an unexpected development; he had never expected Jasper to actually confront him about the issue, let alone ask him for specifics. He wanted to lie, but the aching cuts on his hands prevented him from doing that. It didn’t mean that Jasper was automatically privy to every aspect of his life, but intentional deception was out of the question.

He made a mental note to trip Endymion on a particularly rocky path as soon as an opportunity presented itself.

“None of your business,” Machk concluded finally, turning back around to glare at the two animals.

He heard Jasper exhale. “How am I supposed to know how I offended you if you don’t tell me--"

“You can’t fix it,” Machk said roughly, gnashing his teeth together. “You’ll never be able to fix it, so just stop trying.”

Again, Machk thought that would silence him. He thought it would make Jasper vanish along with the color in his hair, but that wasn’t what happened. Machk could never be that lucky. “That’s not very fair to me.”

“Fair to you?” Machk demanded loudly, spinning back around. He shook with rage at the implication and snarled at his supposed leader. “That’s it. Blood brother or not, I am breaking your nose.”

Jasper looked puzzled. “Doesn’t it sort of defeat the purpose if you’re going to--"

“Shut it!” Machk shouted at the top of his voice. He stuck his foot through one of the spaces between the boards and started to climb. In his haste, splinters worked their way into his palms and fingers, but he didn’t care. He might have been in pain, but Jasper was going to be feeling much worse by the time Machk reached him.

He was so excited about the possibility of pummeling Jasper without Kunzite, Nephrite, or any of the others around, that he didn’t pay enough attention to his footing. He slipped suddenly, and he wasn’t prepared to readjust his body weight to keep from falling. He yelled and clawed upwards, trying to hold on and not go crashing down to the floor.

A hand closed around his wrist.

Machk’s head snapped up so suddenly it made his head swim. He stared up at Jasper, and his sharp green eyes narrowed with intensity, a little open-mouthed. He couldn’t be blamed. He’d never seen anyone that young make that face, and he certainly hadn’t expected Jasper to help him in any way.

“What is wrong with you?” Machk demanded.

Jasper raised an eyebrow. “You mean, why didn’t I let you go falling into the horse shit?”

Machk blushed ridiculously. It wasn’t as if he’d never heard anyone swear before. “Yes.”

Jasper exhaled, looking serious. “I do not believe you when you say that I can’t fix it, Machk. If I had let you fall when I could have helped you, then I would have lost my last chance to make things right with you. This way, at least you know that I’m willing to try.”

Machk just kept staring. He stammered for what felt like forever before he finally managed to actually form a coherent sentence. “Are you sure you’re only twelve?”

Jasper looked at him for a minute, blinking. His features contorted strangely, like his skin was about to suddenly break apart, but that’s far from what actually happened. After another moment or two, Jasper closed his eyes, tipped his head back, and laughed. Machk had only heard him chuckle once since he had arrived; he’d thought the new guard was incapable of actual laughter. Now Machk could see that his face did move that way, and that more importantly, Jasper could almost look his age when he laughed.

“If I pull you up,” Jasper began once the laughter had subsided. “Will you promise not to hit me again?”

Machk narrowed his eyes and considered it. He wasn’t really angry anymore. Not to mention the fact that after doing him a favor, it would have been very… un-brotherly to knock his skull around. “For awhile anyway,” Machk concluded.

Jasper nodded and then helped Machk up to the top of the stall. He didn’t have to do much more than that. Machk was used to perching on the top tier like this. Still, he didn’t look nearly as comfortable as Jasper at it, nor did he look nearly as old.

“You know, you really don’t hit like a nine-year-old,” Jasper said once Machk was settled.

“Plenty of practice,” Machk muttered.

Jasper appraised him for a moment, but he could not just do it casually like most people. When Jasper looked, he really put everything he had into it, as if he could learn everything about a person if he just stared for long enough. Machk hated feeling as though every aspect of his personality was being examined. He was about to snap and tell Jasper off again, but the older boy once again was too quick for him.

“What did I do?” Jasper asked, his voice calm and even and not at all like a boy’s.

Machk squirmed. “Why do you care so much?”

“Because this isn’t going to end in a week, Machk,” Jasper said. “We’re in this for as long as we’re alive. You aren’t going anywhere, and I certainly am not going anywhere. We are going to have to learn to work together without you wanting to rip me in two. So, if I did do something to offend, I would like to make it up to you.”

Machk snorted. “Well, you’ll make a good diplomat at any rate.”

Jasper’s eyes narrowed. “Machk—“

“I already told you that I don’t want to talk about it,” Machk said brusquely. “And I told you that there’s nothing you can do. So why don’t you just stop?”

Jasper’s expression did not change, but what he said changed everything. “Because you are still here. If it was really hopeless, you would have left.”

Machk’s stomach dropped out from underneath him. He closed his eyes, admitting to himself Jasper was right; of course he was right. Machk had a feeling that Jasper was always going to be right and that it was going to be very hard not to hit him sometimes because of it. “So what does that mean?”

“I still have a chance,” Jasper answered smoothly. He ran a hand through his phantom locks, and Machk had to turn away, cringing when he thought of what must have happened to him to cause all of that. “Do you still not want to talk about it?”

No, he didn’t, but it was becoming clear that he had no choice in the matter. Besides, perhaps part of him felt as though he owed Jasper that much after what had happened just a few minutes before. He took a deep breath, hunching his back and making every muscle in his body go rigid. “You’re Kunzite.”

Jasper waited for more, and when nothing came, he seemed confused. “You don’t like me--"

“Hate you,” Machk corrected.

“…hate me because of who I’m succeeding?” Jasper finished, his voice dry.

Machk nodded fervently. “Yes.”

Jasper looked completely disbelieving. His eyes darted around for a moment, looking confused. Machk couldn’t understand why. His logic in the matter was flawless.

“That’s ridiculous,” Jasper insisted, looking insulted. “You don’t like me - hate me, I know – and I haven’t even done anything? Just because I’m supposed to be Kunzite?”

“Yes,” Machk said calmly. “Obviously.”

Jasper dragged a hand down his face, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.”

Machk narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. “It’s not unbelievable. Just because you’ve never not had anyone like you before--"

“Don’t assume things,” Jasper interrupted in a tone that seemed to suggest it was his first order. Machk resented it intensely. “People don’t always like me, but most of them have at least given me a reason that actually makes sense.”

“My reason makes sense!” Machk yelled, straightening his back in indignation. “You are supposed to grow up to be the worst man I have ever met! He’s cruel, and he doesn’t deserve anything he’s ever gotten, but no one ever says anything to him. I hate it. And I hate him, so of course I hate you.”

Jasper stared at him. “But I’m not him.”

“Of course you’re him,” Machk said roughly. “You’re Kunzite; he’s Kunzite.”

Jasper waited a moment before responding to that. “Yes, but we aren’t the same person. We’re not going to act in exactly the same way to every situation. You can’t just assume that because we hold the same title that I’m going to be a complete tyrant about everything.”

“Prove it!” Machk demanded smugly, certain that there was absolutely no way Jasper would be able to do that.

The other boy looked at him evenly, and he didn’t seem to even have to take a second before giving his answer. “If I really were like Kunzite, I would have knocked you off the minute you started this nonsense. Better yet, I would have just let you fall.”

Machk froze for about three seconds before his mouth actually fell open.

Jasper sighed a bit and said, “Well, I’m glad you agree with me on that much.”

Machk shook his head hard, refusing to let go of his position. “So maybe you’re not as mean as he is now! So what? You could still--"

“That isn’t going to happen!” Jasper interrupted harshly, yelling for the first time since Machk had met him. It took him aback. Up until that point, Machk had decided the main difference between Kunzite and Jasper was that one was fire and the other ice. Jasper would no doubt prove to be just as horrible, but he would be a silent killer. It would keep him from gaining the reputation Kunzite had, but it wouldn’t make him any less deadly. This expression of outrage took him completely off-guard, and Machk wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.

He kept looking at Jasper for a moment. He thought about asking Jasper to prove that as well, but he couldn’t predict the future. Machk, on the other hand, could. He could look up at the stars even during the day and hear their whispers about Jasper. They would tell him how much blood he would shed and how unjustly he would rule them. They would probably tell him more than he wanted to know, and then Machk’s worst fears would be confirmed.

He thought about doing that, but as he stared into Jasper’s eyes, he found more answers than any stars could have given him. For whatever reason, Jasper didn’t want to become the things Machk was already accusing him of. He didn’t want to be like Kunzite. Machk didn’t know how he’d missed it before.

Actually, yes he did. Jasper had never let his guard down this much before. For once, he wanted all his motivations and hopes exposed. Machk had a feeling it would probably never happen again.

“Why not?” Machk asked finally, his voice almost silent.

Jasper looked at him very seriously, his jaw line sharpening so that he looked even older. “I won’t do that to the prince.”

Machk blinked, shocked by the display of loyalty so soon. He could say now that he didn’t mind his commitment to Endymion, but it had taken him months to reach that point, even though he almost always liked him. Jasper spoke as if they had always been friends and he had always known and accepted his burden. Machk didn’t know what to make of it, but he knew it was very telling.

Finally, Machk nodded slowly.

“You believe me then?” Jasper asked, looking hopeful.

“I believe you,” Machk stressed. “It doesn’t mean I like you.”

Machk foolishly expected disappointment, but all he received was satisfaction. “I can accept that for now,” he said.

Machk sighed, his fist lightly hitting one of the support beams. “I guess you really aren’t that much like Kunzite.”

“I rather hope I’m not anything like him,” Jasper confessed, tipping his head back.

Machk turned to look at the other boy, his eyebrows raised. “You don’t?”

“What exactly would you have me aspire to?” Jasper asked dryly, arching one eyebrow.

Machk was infuriated that Jasper had found that muscle. That meant he was the only one who couldn’t do it. “I don’t know… I guess I just assumed--" He cut himself off. Assumptions were what had dragged him into this conversation in the first place.

Jasper recognized the epiphany, so he didn’t make mention of the point. He just closed his eyes, looking weary of the world. “Look at it from my perspective,” Jasper said quietly, his arms hanging down at his sides. “I am the one who will have to fix all of his mistakes.”

Machk sat up a bit. That was certainly unexpected. “Fix it?”

Jasper nodded, bringing one of his knees up to his chest. “Kunzite has built his entire legacy on fear and brutality. The Four Guardians used to be honorable men others aspired to be like. They were the stuff of legends and other soldiers could look up to them and have something to strive for.” Jasper’s shoulders drooped and his voice dropped an octave. “Now they look down on those who are supposed to lead them. It’s a wonder there hasn’t been an uprising.”

Machk was now gaping at his companion again. Never in a thousand years would he have predicted these words spilling from Jasper’s mouth concerning the man he was meant to succeed. “I guess…” Machk forced out, his voice a bit high. “I guess he’s too scary.”

Jasper laughed again, but there was no joy in his manner. “I suppose he is.”

Machk inched closer to Jasper but his eyes stayed on level with the ground. “Are you scared of him?”

Jasper narrowed his eyes, his fingers curling over his kneecap. “I am wary of him, and I would never underestimate him. But no, I’m not scared of him.” He glanced over at Machk, his eyebrows raised in question. “Are you?”

“I hate him too much,” Machk said quickly, his palms scraping against the wood and driving the splinters further in.

Jasper regarded him for a moment before saying, “I suppose you must.”

“I’m not going to tell you why,” Machk informed him testily.

He heard Jasper chuckle. “I wasn’t going to ask.”

Machk wiggled a bit. “The others won’t tell you either.”

“I certainly hope not,” Jasper said, sounding grave.

Machk hesitated and looked up at the ceiling, trying to decide what to say. Finally, he shrugged and said, “I might tell you eventually.”

Jasper didn’t answer immediately, but when he did, his voice was the warmest Machk had heard since his arrival. “Thank you.”

“That doesn’t mean--"

“You still hate me,” Jasper said, nodding. “I know. I know.”

Their conversation over as far as Machk was concerned; he turned his attention back to the horses. The foal who still didn’t have a name was hopping around the stall, kicking its legs back and forth in spite of the disapproving snorts of his mother. He tossed his head for a few minutes, pausing only to look up at Machk and Jasper. He spied them for a moment, and then went right back to acting up. In those few seconds, Machk felt like there was a bond between the three of them for he had been one of two witnesses to their talk, and Machk knew he was the only one who had been listening.

That’s when he realized what the little foal’s name was.

“Shilah,” Machk said suddenly.

Jasper blinked. “What?”

“That’s the foal’s name,” Machk answered, a smile creeping over his face. “It means ‘brother’ back home.”

Jasper looked at him for a moment and then smiled. “It’s a good name.”

“Of course it is,” Machk said proudly. “I picked it.”

“Of course,” Jasper echoed, and if there was any condescension, Machk did not detect it. Jasper then glanced out towards the opening of the stall and smiled. “I was wondering when they’d show up.”

Machk turned around as well and saw Endymion, Katsuo, and Acel all sprinting for the stable, arms flailing and faces bright red. He glanced back at Jasper. “What’s wrong with them?”

“I left them a note saying where I’d gone,” Jasper explained. “They probably think you’re killing me.”

Machk looked at him for a minute before grinning. “You left it there for them to find in case I did try that again, didn’t you?”

“Well, you do hate me,” Jasper reminded him. “And you are rather violent.”

“So they tell me,” Machk said, brushing imaginary dust from his hands. “I guess we should meet them.”

“Guess so,” Jasper echoed.

The two of them jumped down from the top of the stall, walking forward to meet their brothers, who were still racing towards them as if they were about to be attacked by a monster only they could see. Machk watched them, laughing out loud until his sides hurt. He spared a quick look to Jasper to see if he was laughing, but he wasn’t. He just smirked, his arms akimbo, and his posture more relaxed than any of them.

He looked like a man triumphant, and as much as Machk hated to admit it, he was.

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