(Worth a shot, though. -shrug- I figured I'd put Kai through enough. Even left him plenty to try to escape with i.e. the scissors on the bed! XD )

Merik rubbed his head, and nodded to the bird trainer. With a toothy grin, the male pulled the trigger once again, happy to work on the drugged angel. Merik stepped forward quickly, trying to catch Kai before he fell.

((Ya, true but Kai is just a glutton for punishment))

Kai looked at the other and began shivered again as he saw Merik glance over at the other. There was some unspoken conversation that had happened for no sooner had it ended the other was pointing the gun at him. Throwing up his arms he braced himself to be vaporized on the spot, and he was mildly surprised that a dart had come flying out of it. It got stuck in his forearm. Yanking it out he glanced at it before the room began to spin. Falling forward he was glad, even if he hated the other right now, that someone was there to catch him. "S-stop," he slurred as he his eyes began to droop. Whatever had been in that dart had reduced his mind and body to utter mush.

(I noticed! XD Love it!)

Merik lifted Kai gently, and kissed the boy's forehead. He was already out of it. For a split second, Merik felt rather guilty. It passed, and he brought the boy to the bed, laying him on his stomach. Brandon straddled the boy, snipping his wings quickly.

Once it was done, Merik eyed the body for a few minutes, before glanced back to the man. "How long will he be out?" Brandon gave a shrug.

"Not even an hour..."

Merik nodded slowly, then led Bradon from the room. Time to load the horse.

It was a difficult job, but eventually it was done, and the rocking trailer was driven off. Merik returned to his bedroom, once again, tugging the slim angel to him and cuddling the boy gently.

Kai was so out of it at this point in time that he didn't even feel the other begin to catch him, nor did he feel the other's lips on his forehead, and he most certainly didn't feel the scissors slice through his feathers one by one. He awoke though to someone's arm draped over his chest. He assumed that it was Merik. He shifted a little bit to try to see what that madmen with the gun had done to him, and he managed to get into a sitting position. Flapping his wings a little bit he saw the ends of them. They weren't pointed anymore, but they were cut at a diagonal. So the bastard had gone through with it. Taken away his only means of freedom other than running by foot. Feathers took a long time to regrow, and now his fate had been sealed here, for at least a few months. "It hurts," he murmured to himself. His stomach then rumbled again. He should have eaten more, he didn't even know if he had the strength to get more fruit for himself.

"What hurts?" Merik questioned, watching the angel. He sat up as well, frowning, and touching the boy's wings. "Don't be sad, or angry about it. It's just temporary, until you prove I can trust you completely, Kai..." He glanced down as the male's stomach rumbled again. "Come on..." He stood, planning on leading the boy to the kitchen. He seemed to think better of it, and motioned to the stitched leg. "Would you like me to carry you or bring the food here?"

He felt the other glide his hands over his wings, and if by reflex he moved them out of the way so the other couldn't touch them anymore. "Please stop," he murmured. "Master," he added that last part as an afterthought. Sad or angry? Hell, he was far beyond that. However, his spirits lifted a little, just a small bit, when he heard the other say that it was only temporary. Glancing at the other he asked," Does that mean sometime in the future I might be able to fly around the manor?" He was pretty sure that he knew the answer, but he might as well ask. He glanced at the other when he heard him ask if he wanted to be carried or wanted the food being brought up. "Well I don't want to be a burden. Whatever you think is best." He would play his part for now. Playing nice meant that he would be able to see Sage again after all.

Merik moved over, and slipped his arm under the angel, nuzzling his cheek before answering him or starting down the stairs. He sighed softly. "Maybe someday. Before that can happen I'll need to trust you AND Sage. But, as soon as the greenhouse is fixed, you'll be able to fly in there. There's mesh on a little of the sides, so you'll always have nice air flow, plus I have all kinds of birds in there. You'll like it." I hope. "And you are definitely not a burden." He hesitated, and stared ahead, finally settling the male in a chair before continuing, though he didn't think it was a good idea to say what he was thinking. "I inherited all this, but I've never really wanted to marry or anything. Didn't want kids either. Still, I was...lonely, before you came. I like having you here. It's nice companionship...even if it is forced, someday you'll grow to like me, Kai."

((Is Merik one to show affection by giving small gifts of affection?))

Kai let out a small squeak as he was hoisted into the air. He threw his hands around the other's neck and swayed a little as he was brought down the stairs. He remembered what had happened the previous day before, and it brought the memory of Sage who was downstairs in the basement. "Can I?" started Kai before he stopped. He didn't even want to finish that question. As he was placed down in the chair at the table he glanced around the room finally getting a good look at the rather large kitchen. "I see," replied Kai as he stared at the patterns on the wooden table. Kai glanced up at the other though when he heard him say that he liked his companionship. He had never been told that, even by Sage who was his "lover." He had always felt like he was a burden to the other, even though the other insisted that he wasn't one. It never really convinced him otherwise. "Maybe," mumbled Kai as he let his gaze fall to the floor.

(Depends on his mood and how the angel's behave.)

Merik tugged out the various cartons of fruit from inside, lifting up a starfruit for himself. He placed the stack in front of the other boy, before settling down in a chair himself. He took a bit from the fruit, seeming to lack for something to say.

Eventually, he tried again. "And maybe someday, I can trust you outside too. I know you don't like me now, but someday you will. Someday you'll do as you are told right away, and I won't have a reason to be angry. You'll get whatever you want, and you won't have to lift a finger to get it."

Kai's ears perked up when he heard that he might be trusted outside. Not because he might be able to escape, but he felt a tad bit prideful that the other would have that much faith in him and Sage. He eyed the fruit in front of him. He had never seen this kind of fruit before. It was in the shape of a star. Taking a piece of it he bit into it and savored the taste of it. It wasn't overly sweet, but just the right amount. Merik was talking about the future, the future that he would have with Kai, and possibly with Sage as if it was already cut in stone. Maybe it was. He would be able to get pampered for just listening to the other, and he would get unconditional love and affection as well. It didn't sound too bad at all. What scared him the most was that he was beginning to like what the other was saying. He wouldn't have to be burdened by being a Seraph angel anymore. He would be free from that, and he, Merik, and Sage could live happily here. Kai really liked that idea, but he wasn't sure how much the other angel would like it.

Sage was a free spirit, and didn't like to be tethered down by anything, much less a human. He believed that humans were beneath the angels, and that their only purpose was to serve and appease them. Kai on the other hand was the exact opposite. He loved and cherished the humans as if they were his own kin. He took another bite of the star fruit as he licked some of the juice that began running down his hand. "Maybe," replied Kai as he reached for another piece of fruit.

((Last one for the night. I have a doctor's appt tomorrow morning so I gotta go to bed. -.-))

(Alright. I hope everything is alright with you.)

Merik frowned, watching as he ate. That was all Kai could say? He was promising him the world, and Kai could only say 'maybe'? The human felt his anger boil. He attempted to curb it, however, faking a smile, and leaning forward, pressing for a better response. "You wouldn't like a life like that? Not at all? Maybe I could even catch more angels for you? More friends? Would that make you happy?"

It was strange. He wanted the boy to comply and obey him without question, but Merik felt this overwhelming urge to please him. He wanted the angel's approval badly, and was willing to do almost anything to get it. He was simply lucky the boy didn't realize the power he held over Merik.

((Ya everything was fine. Just a regular check-up))

As Kai listened to the other the more and more he decided that the other's words were making him feel better. What if the other was telling the truth. He could practically feel the anger radiate off of the other male, when he responded with his one worded answer. As he continued to listen he nibbled his lower lip. What the other had done to him, while feeling good, was odd, but then again he would be required to do the same thing with Sage in the future. Catch more angels? Why would that make him happy. He already had Sage, and he wouldn't damn any other angels to his fate. "No," he said as he stood up. "I don't want you to catch more! Why would I damn more of my kind to my fate?!" He knew that the other had just promised him anything that he wanted, but right now all he wanted to do was go home. Why did the other have to remind him of home.

(Alright. Man, I wish I had stupid health insurance. I have a lot of health issues, and can only go to the sliding scale doctor two towns away. Maybe I should move to Canada, lol! ^u^ I was told they have milk in a bag! That's so awesome!)

The human frowned, though he didn't stand to punish the angel. He was puzzled, over his own feelings and the angels. After a few moments, Merik looked away. "S-sorry. Just...thought it would make you happy, I guess..." Merik stood abruptly, starting to clear the table off, shoving things into the fridge roughly. "Let's go make sure the drug didn't affect Sage more than it was supposed to.

He started off towards the basement, leaving the angel to limp behind him.

Kai suddenly felt very bad when he heard the other say that he was sorry. Why was the other sorry. Just wanted to make him happy. That was what the other one had always wanted for him. For him to be happy. He had done those things to him to make him feel good. He hadn't killed Sage, he hadn't abused him too terribly bad. The other just wanted him to be happy. He began to shiver a little bit as he heard the other banging and crashing in the kitchen. Kai glanced up as he saw that the other was beginning to leave the room. He followed after the other male, albeit it hurt him with every step, but with each passing moment his leg was getting stronger and stronger. "Merik," called out Kai as he stopped just above the stairs. "Merik, come back please." He didn't really know what had come over him, but right now he wanted the other male to hold him, and he didn't want to see Sage right now at all when he was in this state.

Merik was halfway down the steps when Kai called. He turned quickly, and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "What now, Kai?" He stated, rather tiredly. He had tried to make a bit of peace, to get the angel to forgive him, at least a bit, and he felt like the being had thrown his efforts into the fire. It was rather frustrating, and made Merik want to lash out. Then again, there was the part of him wanting to angel's approval, and he didn't want to hurt the boy anymore. He wasn't sure if Kai could even take it.

Kai was glad that the other had stopped since he wasn't sure if he would be able to keep up with the other. Continuing to walk towards the other he wrapped his arms around the other as he leaned forward and inhaled deeply. The other male smelled of soap, salt, and a smell that was uniquely Merik. Leaning away from the other he glanced up at him and smiled. "Don't apologize anymore please," he whispered. Kai didn't really know what had come across him, but he knew that the other was trying to be nice to him, so he decided that it would probably benefit him and Sage, who was still in the basement. "I should be the one that's sorry. You were everything but mean to me, and I don't deserve your kindness." Kai really didn't know where this came from, but right now he needed to be with the other. There was also a bit of him that was a little jealous that the other male was even mentioning Sage's name to him. He wanted Merik all to himself, and that frightened him a little.

Merik looked rather shocked, and if he hadn't been standing on the stairs, he may have taken a step back. Instead, he pressed his wrist against Kai's forehead, feeling for a fever. When there was none, he simply stroked the shorter boys hair, hugging him. The fact was, he had been mean to Kai. Either the boy had forgotten already, or this was the Stockholm Syndrome.

Either way, it wasn't bad. After holding the boy for a left minutes, he lifted him gently, mollified, and not wanting Kai to walk on the wounded leg. "Come on, sweetling...Let's go see your friend."

Kai felt the other feel his forehead. The other was probably feeling if he had a fever. He felt himself being picked up in the other's arms and he instinctively snuggled closer to the other's chest. He let his eyes slide closed as he wondered what the other angel's reaction would be to him being carried around like some doll. He knew that Sage would be angry with him, more than angry downright furious. Sage was one that would fight to the very death, however, Kai was the exact opposite, preferring to play either the mediator or the pacifist. As the two of them continued down the stairs he opened his eyes as he looked at the other. "Merik," said Kai. "Can we please just go upstairs. I don't want to see Sage right now." He hoped that the other would just turn around and go back up the stairs. He was too tired to deal with Sage, and he was pretty sure that the other would let him have a verbal lashing.

The human almost dropped the angel. All this change was just to confusing. It made him wary, until he began to think. Kai was probably ashamed, from his punishment. He hesitated, before setting the boy down on the bottom step. He straightened, glancing at him. "I do need to check on him...that drug is nothing to play with and can have some serious side effects. If you wanna go to the room, feel free...if not, I'll be back in a second, and I'll carry you, alright?"

Merik didn't wait for a response, moving into the black winged angel's room, eying the boy.

Kai felt the other almost lose his holding on him. He wrapped his arms around the other's neck before he was gently placed on the last step of the stairs. Glancing up at the other he looked at him as he slowly nodded and said,"I think I will stay here. I don't want to see him right now."

Sage continued to lay in the cage. He had been conscious for a while, but he had his eyes closed. He heard the sound of voices and he rolled over to see what all the commotion was about. He heard Kai say that he didn't want to see him. Why was it that his lover, his partner didn't want to see him. He wanted answers. Standing up he looked at the other as he saw the human standing in front of him. "Where is Kai!" yelled Sage as he continued to glare at the other.

Kai heard the other male. He sounded angry and he was demanding to see him. Standing up on wobbly legs he began making his way towards the entrance to the room where all of the cages were located, but then stopped. He had promised himself that he wouldn't talk to the other male until he had mentally prepared himself, and right now he wasn't prepared.

Merik leaned against the wall, staring at the boy before answering. "I'mma have to work on you, huh? You've got a mouth on you. Lesson one, You don't need to worry about Kai. You both belong to me, and I take care of what's mine. Just so happens..." The human smirked, "That he doesn't want to see you. My boy's awfully clinging today...barely leaves my side."

Sage's eye twitched a little bit as he heard the other's voice. He wanted to tear into the other male in front of him. He would never forget what he made him watch. Don't need to worry about Kai. He snorted at that. Kai was his life, Kai was his life partner, the one that he had sworn to protect. They were fighter partners as well, and right now he wasn't there for the other, and it was driving him mad. He knew that if he touched the bars on the cage he would get a rather nasty shock, and right now he needed to conserve his energy. "Why won't he see me!" yelled Sage as he stamped his foot as his wings flapped a little bit.

Kai could hear the other's voice as he threw his hands over his head. He could hear the anger in the other's voice, and he could sense the agitation in the other's aura. He needed to get away from the basement and from Sage right now. Climbing to his feet he clambered up the stairs. Losing his footing he slammed to the stairs and let out a cry of pain as he felt his leg get twisted in an odd way.

Merik had stood, selecting a metal rod standing in the corner, when Kai cried outside. Forgetting about Sage's punishment, he set the cow prod down, moving out. His heat seemed to skip a beat at the sight of Kai. "What in the world were you doing?" He scolded gently, kneeling down. He sighed softly, viewing the boy, though he didn't touch him just yet.

"I'm going to pick you up and bring you upstairs...I need more light to see that leg, Kai..." With another sigh, Merik lifted the angel again, starting up the stairs. "For a healer, you sure do get hurt a lot..." He teased lightly.

Sage glared at the other male, but stopped when he heard the sound of the other angel in pain. "Kai!" yelled Sage as he began to move forward towards the metal bars again. Before he could question anymore he saw the other male go running up the stairs. There was some muffled talking and then only silence was his companion.

Kai continued to lay down on the stairs as he tried to get his leg to stop twitching in pain. Glancing up he looked at the other and blushed a deep red. He should have been able to heal these wounds quickly, but he had been under so much stress that he wasn't able to concentrate. He felt himself being picked up again and being brought up the stairs. He thought about it. He did want something from the other male. Something small, and rather inexpensive. "Merik," said Kai. "When you get the chance can you get me a journal?"

The male glanced over in suprise, before settling the boy on his bed. He moved lower, and began gently pulling the boy's pant legs up. "Yes...I can do that...I probably have some laying around the house...Does your leg feel broken, or just popped out of the joint?"