A/N: Well, hello, hello, hello! I can't believe it's been three years since I've updated this story; some of you must have thought I'd vanished completely. I'm happy to announce that re-reading this story has implemented a spark; hopefully we'll see it finished this year.

So sorry for the wait! A particular reviewer (I'm so sorry! I generally can't remember a lot these days but you know who you are!) sent me a private message and requested that I update. At long last I have. Huzzah!

Chapter 7 of Outcast

The Truth

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Edward barely registered what had just happened before he coughed and blood dribbled down from the corner of his mouth and pain erupted in his chest. He was dimly aware of Giovanni smiling maliciously at him. He could hear Dante, Whirlwind and Kirin's clamour of outrage disappear for a moment before he went flying to the ground, landing heavily on his side, wings tangled around him. Something was wrong here. Shouldn't this wound be healing? Giovanni's claws must have some sort of poison in them. He coughed up more blood and the clang of metal resounded in his ears. A fight. He doubled over and retched onto the ground, bringing up blood and green liquid. So, he really had been poisoned. Tears leaked out of the corners of his eyes and he tried with all his might to stay conscious, to hold on to what little life he had left.

Kirin was a raging storm cloud, fighting his brother fiercely, as well as the cruel vampire's followers. Dante was creating quite the fuss; kicking up the forest debris and throwing it in his holder's face. Whirlwind had not yet reappeared and Edward hoped that he was OK.

The King breathed in heavily, trying to rid the blood slowly building up in his trachea. He got to his knees, wincing at the effort it took him. His wings added as an extra support to hoist him up. There was nothing he could do to save himself, save for moving out of the intense battle. He crawled, slowly, over to a rather large tree with deep roots that looked like he'd be able to squeeze through them. A blood trail followed him as he moved over the boughs and settled underneath the tree's trunk, perfectly hidden.

Giovanni and Kirin's swords clanged, swung and arced together. It was almost as though they'd rehearsed the whole thing; a carefully choreographed sword fight. It was as thrilling as it was terrifying to watch. The blue eyes scanned the area. Kirin's vampires were beating the hell out of Giovanni's. Dante was charging around the area - with his holder dragging on the ground behind him - seemingly to look for something.

Edward took the hint and inch by painful inch, he clawed himself out of the base of the tree and waved at his steed. The black head swivelled in his direction and the horse screamed, quickly galloping over to him, losing his holder in a flurry of debris. The Angel wasn't sure how the hell he could pull himself into the saddle when he wasn't even capable of standing.

Dante knelt down and nosed him as Edward crawled into the saddle, almost falling off as the horse stood.

"Hold on, Edward." Dante said above the clamour and paced his way through the fighting.

Kirin snarled at his brother, pushing the other vampire back so that he had a moment to look for his charge. His heart clenched as he saw Edward, slumped over Dante's saddle, barely conscious and barely alive. There had to be something he could do, but what? The only one that could heal Edward's wounds was Caelian but the Angel would never make it that far.

Edward coughed harshly, wheezing as he tried to draw air into his ripped lungs. Dante whinnied in alarm and increased his pace through the countless number of separate battles. The Angel's wings drifted over the side of the horse, completely limp. The weight of the currently useless wings strained Edward's back, causing him to nearly fall off his steed. Whirlwind barrelled through a group of soldiers, his coat glittering with what looked to be like the wolf's blood; one less thing to worry about at least.

"Get on my back, my lord." The lion panted as he paced beside them. Dante lifted his head higher into the air with an indignant snort. Edward only just managed to hide a smile before he grimaced in pain. It was obvious that in order for him to survive, he had to put his faith in the lion. With a loud groan, he used his wings as leverage, flapping once to launch himself onto the lions back. Whirlwind's pace increased and he was soon leaving the steed far behind.

Edward's ears rang as the lion pounded away from the gruesome fight, racing in the direction of the castle. Every jump and manoeuvre that the lion made caused pain to surge mercilessly through the King's body. He blinked feverishly against the wind, ducking his head low over the lion's mane. A red haze began to cloud his vision and he squinted to at least try and relieve it. Not working. He coughed over the lion's side to avoid his blood staining the white coat. Pointless really, considering he had already spilled a huge amount from the wound in his chest. Noting his King's condition, the lion pushed every muscle in his body to go faster than he ever had before. To someone standing by, it would appear as if a white blur was racing through the forest.

Whirlwind slid to a smooth stop, sending debris flying beneath his large paws. The gates stood open, ready for the King's return. The lion scanned the guards. None were vampires and they appeared to be laughing about something. A low growl rumbled in his deep chest and he raised his head, letting lose a deafening roar. Edward jolted at the loud sound, struggling to keep awake and hold on as the lion suddenly went bounding down the path. He breezed past the guards, ignoring their curses. The streets were lined with people, fearing for the safety of their King and as he raced past, he caught the horrified looks on their faces. Before the castle, Andy stood there with his arms behind his back. He seemed ridiculously relaxed. Whirlwind approached cautiously. Where was Caelian?

"Oh, dear. What happened?" the steward gasped dramatically.

The lion snarled, baring just a few teeth. "Like you don't know. You've had it in for your brother ever since you knew of his existence."

Andy recoiled as though he'd been slapped. Voices echoed out of the castle and soon a group of servants with Caelian at the lead came rushing out.

"Oh, no! Your Majesty!" he wailed and all but sprinted to the lion's side where he lifted the half conscious Angel into his arms. Edward grimaced as the elf touched his wings.

"Cae...where...Kirin..." Edward murmured inaudibly, trying to stay conscious even though it was a losing battle. The elf immediately became professional, shouting orders.

"Fetch herbs, warm water, blankets and bandages. Now!"

The servants scattered and Caelian rushed into the castle. Andy made to follow but a snarling lion stopped him.

"Stay away from him."

"How dare you accuse me of trying to murder my brother!"

"I'm not accusing you." The lion's eyes blazed furiously. "I'm telling you I know you tried to murder him."

And with that, the lion bounded after his charge.

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"He's got a fever..."

"Will he recover?"

"It's difficult to say. Giovanni's poison is lethal to all; even an Angel..."

Edward slowly came back to consciousness, immediately wishing he hadn't. All he could feel was pain and intense heat. He twisted beneath the blankets covering his body and blindly clutched at them to throw them away. Warm hands stopped him, placing his arms back by his sides. The Angel almost cried. It wasn't fair. It was too hot. His insides were like lava, slowly destroying his body from the inside out.

He struggled against the hands holding him and flipped over onto his stomach. Using a wing, he forced the covers away and controlled the appendage, making it slam into the person restraining him. There was a muffled curse and a loud thud. Edward made to get up before a very soft, very cool hand traced his outstretched wing. He groaned mutedly and collapsed back onto the bed.

"Are you OK, Caelian?" Kirin sounded amused.

"Fine, fine. I'm just glad he's got the strength to do that, at least. I am envious of you though, to think that you are his destined mate."

The Angel opened his eyes carefully, noting that it caused no pain to do so. He rolled onto his back, breaking Kirin's grip on his wing. He looked up into the emerald eyes and immediately forgot his pain.

"Kirin..." he whispered before coughing rather violently.

His Guardian pushed him down gently. De ja vu much? Edward clutched his chest as though that alone would stop the feeling of his lungs ripping themselves apart. Breathing was a difficulty, one that Kirin didn't miss. He eased himself onto the bed beside his charge and ever so slowly, ran just the tips of his fingers along the nearest wing.

It acted as an instant healer. Edward immediately ignored his pain and concentrated on the blissful feeling of the vampire's fingers. Caelian coughed politely. It was obvious he was embarrassed by the intimate display if his red cheeks were of any indication.

"I'll leave you two alone for the time being. Please take it easy, your Majesty." He shot the Commander a look before leaving the room.

Silence reigned as soon as the elf disappeared. Edward was content with his current painkiller, until a clawed hand slid under his chin and turned his head.

"Edward." Kirin's voice was like a smooth purr and he strained to listen.

"Yes?"

"You shouldn't have disobeyed me."

Injured though Edward was, Kirin was not going to rest until the boy understood how dangerous it was to leave the castle walls. The King sighed mutedly and winced as it took its toll on his lungs.

"I know." He murmured, gazing up into the emerald eyes. "What happened to Giovanni?"

"Alive, unfortunately," Kirin's mouth formed into a grim line and he stood from the bed.

Edward made to grab him but the vampire didn't notice. "As soon as you left with Whirlwind and Dante, he ran off in the opposite direction. He wasn't going to chance pursuing you with me at his back."

The teenager nodded in understanding and quietly figured out how he could get Kirin to sit beside him again. It was so uncanny how the vampire managed to both infuriate him and comfort him. And then the vampire turned to face him again, eyes hard, demanding. Edward feared that look. He wasn't completely familiar with fear. And he certainly didn't like it.

"Have you made your decision, Edward?"

Well Kirin certainly didn't beat around the bush, did he? The teenager, at the moment, much preferred that he would. The question was too important to ignore and lie about. Edward took a deep breath, brushing away the pain in his lungs. This was it. The moment of truth. If he chose Kirin, it meant renouncing his throne. If he didn't?

"I have."

Kirin's emerald eyes seemed to glaze over, becoming cold and impenetrable. Edward didn't notice since he was suddenly fascinated with the detailed lines of the bed spread. He followed them for a time, slowly sorting through his mind for the right answer that would result in both his happiness and the Commander's. He gulped and met the vampire's blank stare.

"I – I'd really like to be with you, truly I would. But, I can't." Even as he spoke the words, they tore him apart more than Giovanni's claws. His chest became tight and water soon blurred his vision. His voice was hoarse. "Cantos needs a King, and I truly believe that I am the one up for the job."

When he received no answer, he dropped his eyes back to the bed spread.

The vampire nodded but then he realised Edward was no longer looking at him. "I understand. Please excuse me, your Majesty."

The King did not raise his head as the vampire made his exit. As soon as the door shut, the teenager curled into a ball and let his despair spill from his eyes.

"It's not fair." He whispered furiously before his voice rose to a scream. "It's not fair!"

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Cindy cringed as Edward's harsh cry ran through the entire castle and onto the training grounds. It was obvious he had chosen not to leave the throne. The other assassins around her muttered to each other, knowing exactly what it meant. Without someone by his side, Edward was once again free for the taking and this time, there was nothing Kirin could do about it. She sighed very softly before continuing with her exercises.

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The Commander strode through the castle halls, silent and quick. Edward had rejected him for the good of the kingdom, and for that, he was glad. If it had been a personal reason, the vampire would not have been so easy to push away. At least now he knew Edward did care for him. A sigh escaped his pale lips and his feet led him away, away from the person he was supposed to protect. Cindy stepped out of a hallway to his right, and when he didn't stop, she kept up with him.

"You knew he'd choose the kingdom." She murmured softly. It wasn't that she was gloating. Even she'd known what Edward's eventual choice would be.

"Yes, I knew." He replied softly. "How could I not? The selfish part of me wishes I'd never pushed him into being the King in the first place."

Cindy opened her mouth to reply before she shut it, having decided it was best not to answer. She kept pace with him as a thought occurred to her.

"He will need to choose again."

"I know."

"He will choose me, Kirin."

That made the vampire stop in mid-stride and turn on her with a fierce snarl. "What are you trying to achieve, girl?"

Keeping her face void of emotion, she simply said, "Besides you, I was the one he almost accepted."

Kirin faltered for a matter of seconds and an intense expression of grief crossed his face and he turned away from her in one of those blindingly fast movements that only a vampire was capable of.

"I-I know. But..." with a fierce growl he slammed his fist into the wall on his right and debris rained down onto the floor. Cindy jumped. He turned on her and she nearly cried in fright when she saw his eyes. They had gone bright red with no trace of emerald whatsoever.

"Edward will always be mine. It matters not whether he accepts you."

With that said, Kirin strode away with his eyes still blazing like fresh blood.

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Time seemed to hold no meaning to Edward now as he rode waves of pain as his insides burned from Giovanni's poison. There was no longer any room for coherent thought as he fought for his life. Caelian visited him often; changing his bandages and making him drink and eat certain supplements made to cure poison. All of them were extremely disgusting. Sweat covered his body in a light sheen and he rolled onto his side to empty what medicine there was onto the floor, mixed with blood. Tears slid silently down Edward's face.

Whirlwind had come in earlier and stood at the foot of the bed, his blue eyes sympathetic.

Sunlight shifted across the floor and soon darkened until it was night. Edward was curled up in a ball on the tops of his covers as the door to his bedroom opened. Whirlwind raised his head from where it had been resting on his paws. Andy entered and the lion snarled a full arrangement of fangs.

"Edward," Andy said, ignoring the lion.

The teenager raised his head slowly and winced. "Andy?"

The older brother sat down on the end of the bed. "Are you feeling any better?"

Edward winced. "No."

"I don't really wish to bring this on you now but I'm afraid it's necessary. You must choose a companion tomorrow."

The King stared at him like he'd grown two heads before he suddenly coughed without warning and blood splattered the floor as he leaned over the bed. Now that certainly wasn't a good sign.

"Get out." Edward rasped, blood coating his lips in a sickening layer.

Andy opened his mouth to argue but Edward rose up on his hands and knees and put his face right in front of his brother's. "I said get out!"

The steward rose and exited the room with stiffness in his walk. The door slammed rather loudly behind him. Whirlwind slinked his way to the side of the bed and rubbed his face against Edward's cheek, purring quietly in hopes to soothe him. Edward buried his fingers in the lion's thick pelt. "Help me up."

The lion stood completely still as Edward used him as a support to get up onto his feet and step by step, they moved towards the door and soon were in the hallway.

"Do you know where Kirin is?" Edward whispered.

Whirlwind scented the air. "East wing. Shall I lead you there?"

Edward nodded and they started the slow walk.

It took them nearly thirty minutes to reach the east wing where Kirin's room presumably was. Whirlwind left him at the door and Edward let himself in unannounced. His Guardian's room wasn't much different to his, except for the fact that as soon as one walked in, they were in the bedroom. His eyes adjusted to the darkness and he soon saw the vampire standing on the other side of the room, next to an open window. The vampire turned in surprise.

"Edward." Kirin said quietly. "You shouldn't be up. You aren't healed yet."

The teenager gasped and grimaced a second later as the movement took its toll on his lungs. The vampire wore nothing except black silk pants. His chest was well muscled, his long hair flowing down the fine contours. His wings were jet black and looked just as feathery as Edward's. The distance between them wasn't enough for Kirin not to catch the teenager's thoughts and his eyes darkened.

"Why are you here?" The vampire spoke very softly, tension in every line of his face.

Edward swallowed slowly and took a few steps further into the room. He didn't exactly understand why he was in the vampire's room either.

"Andy said I have to choose a companion tomorrow."

Silence reigned for a few minutes and Edward hurried on afraid that he'd chicken out.

"I want to spend tonight with you."

Red coloured Edward's cheeks and he stared at the floor, his pain momentarily forgotten.

The vampire watched him with an unreadable stare and his body trembled.

"Do you understand what will happen if you stay, Edward?"

His voice croaked. "Y-yes,"

Kirin folded his arms and sighed quietly through his nose and paced by the window for a moment. Edward swayed on his feet, suddenly overcome with a wave of nausea. Heart pounding, he waited, ignoring his discomfort.

Emerald slammed to blue and Kirin was a blur of movement. Edward didn't realise what had happened until the vampire was suddenly in front of him, claws tentatively stroking the length of his cheeks. The Angel leaned into the touch, unconsciously, pressing his slighter body against the larger male. Kirin breathed in shakily.

"Edward," he whispered, hands roving down the teenager's sides, crawling under his light t-shirt.

With a sigh, Edward answered, "...yes?"

"I don't know if I'll be able to do this and not hurt you."

"I don't care." Edward whispered and lifted his head to stare up into the vampire's tormented eyes. "I would have my body be yours for one single night and live through a thousand years of pain."

Touched by the sentiment, Kirin wrapped his arms around his charge, careful to avoid making his injuries worse. They stood together like that for awhile, wrapped in each other's embrace before the vampire suddenly grabbed a fistful of Edward's hair and raised his head. Edward was stunned at the almost feral look in the vampire's eyes that had gone blood red.

The Angel hastily tried to get out of the vampires arms at the feral look. Kirin let him go as he stumbled to the door. Edward coughed harshly before staring at the vampire through his fringe, eyes wide with fear.

"Why – no. I knew this was a bad idea." The King whispered and turned his back on the vampire, hand reaching for the door before arms suddenly wrapped around him gently and he was pulled into a strong chest. Lips touched his hair and he trembled as Kirin's

fingers slid over his chest to his waist.

"K-Kirin..." Edward's voice shuddered as he felt the vampire's lips make a trail down his neck; fangs hinting against the skin. "Giovanni said you loved me. D-do you?"

Purring deeply in his chest, Kirin turned his charge to face him and slid a clawed finger underneath his chin. Edward studied the vampire's eyes and already saw the answer without needing to hear it; it made his heart clench in a way he had never experienced.

"Yes, Edward, I love you."

Giving him all the time in the world to move away, Kirin gingerly lowered his head until their lips were just millimetres apart. Heart pulsating in his throat, the Angel's eyes swivelled to his lips and back to his eyes; hardly daring to believe that this was occurring. Smiling, Kirin pressed his lips slowly to Edward's and the boy responded immediately; shyly moving his mouth with just a hint of tongue.

The vampire growled possessively; the sheer taste of his charge was enough to make his blood burn as he fought to be gentle. His hand rose to grasp the back of the boy's neck; angling him for a deeper, passionate exchange of lips.

"You said you'd let me have you." He whispered huskily. "I want you, Edward, if only for a night."

Edward arched his back as Kirin's hand moved down to cup him, stroking ever so

slightly through the fabric of his pants.

"Let me have you." The vampire whispered against his lips.

Edward tried to control his breathing but it did him no use. He'd never been touched so intimately and he was beginning to respond to the vampire's pleasuring hand. He groaned softly and Kirin suddenly lifted him into his arms as gently as he could and strode toward the bed.

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Gentle light drifted in through the windows, bathing the furniture and bed in its golden ray. Bright blue eyes blinked sleepily at the light before they suddenly widened. Edward jolted in surprise, completely unaware of where he was and was about to leap out of the bed when he was made aware of the arm around his waist. The appendage tightened and a low growl was heard behind him.

The Angel blinked stupidly at the door for a moment before he peered shyly over his shoulder. It was one of the most amazingly sexy things he'd ever seen in his life. Kirin was almost completely sitting up; his hair tousled from sleep yet still managed to look positively immaculate. His emerald eyes were alert and very, very dark.

It took only a moment for Edward to realise that he was no longer in any sort of pain – except for the odd....ache at his backside. He blushed for a moment before hastily removing his bandages only to see undamaged skin. It was as though the confrontation with Giovanni had never happened.

Kirin eyed his chest as the King turned to face him. "How..."

"I don't know." Edward admitted. "Do you think it could have something to do with, well..."

It was so unnatural for Edward to blush. He still wasn't used to his cheeks lighting up like light bulbs.

Kirin chuckled at his embarrassment and leaned forward to press a chaste kiss to the boy's mouth. "There's no need to be shy about what happened. As to whether it had something to do with the way you healed...it's possible."

"One less thing to worry about I suppose."

Silence fell between them, trying to avoid the inevitable. Like it or not, as soon as they left the room, it would be over between them. Edward met the vampire's eyes with much reluctance and shock ran through him at the raw pain in Kirin's eyes. It made his chest ache, reminding him of his former injury. The morning fanfare interrupted their thoughts and Kirin released the boy with a sigh, moving from the bed to get dressed.

Tears stung Edward's eyes before he was even aware of them sliding down his cheeks.

"Kirin, I want to be with you. Is there a way that we can be together without me giving up the throne?"

The teenager knew he was being immensely selfish but at that point he knew exactly what he wanted the most in his life, and he was damn determined to get it even if it meant turning his kingdom inside out and upside down. Kirin fastened the belt around his waist before staring at the King.

"The only way it would be possible is if I gave up my own position as the Commander....I don't know why I didn't think of it before."

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A/N: I know, the sex scene wasn't really a sex scene but I felt if I turned it into a real one it would ruin the way the story flows. Sorry for the real yaoi fans out there who got excited.

Promise I will update more regularly.

Ciao!