Bastion-Icthius eased into his role simply enough. It wasn't difficult, after all, no different than what he'd been doing before. The only real change was who he was healing, and how he was being treated. Icthius had been right to assume the rebels were more mannerly than the loyalists. Although he still slept behind bars, his cell had been lined with fur rugs and he'd been allotted his own servant-class Watarus to fetch food and whatever else he felt he might need. He was allowed a bath every week, and could join the others for company any time they wished during the day, so long as they managed to flag down a Captain or Totorian.
Bastion's guilt was beginning to consume him.
Icthius was doing fine, Bastion never doubted that he'd fair otherwise. He thrived in any situation that drew attention to himself, and he didn't care for the feelings or situations of others. He'd been doing more healerly work than Bastion had ever witnessed. His greed would not allow him to do otherwise.
Bastion had never labeled him as a traitor, though.
It was perhaps their third week within the rebel camp, now, Bastion had lost track of time, concerning himself instead with keeping Icthius in check (as much as he was ever able to do) and healing those who he could without his body. It would be four more weeks before he had that back, after being cheated out of his last week with it.
Currently he found himself resting against a rock near the hot springs the rebels were using a bathing area. It was a surprisingly nice oasis, resting against the side of a hill, surrounding by thick, green, foliage. A welcome escape for the endless landscape of wheat hued-grass and rolling hills. Icthius was submerged in the pool, the water tickling his chin and beard. It was warm and comfortable, soothing even to Bastion's frayed nerves. Totorian lounged beside him, his own spare head back at the camp. Bastion was beginning to realize Totorian's other head - he couldn't remember its name - never spoke, and Totorian himself rarely acknowledged it.
Curious, although not surprising. Totorian was a council member, being both a duke and adviser, and it was not uncommon for council members to have supreme influence abilities. Totorian, despite being gentlemanly, was notorious for dominating the other rebels. Bastion did not doubt for a moment that that dominance extended to his second head as well. There was only room for one with such a strong personality.
Wearily, Bastion's eyes flickered toward Icthius.
Hopefully his own other would not attempt the same on him.
"Have you been enjoying yourself, Bastion, you haven't said anything all night."
Bastion tore his gaze from Icthius to bob awkwardly at Totorian,"Very much, so, thank-you."
Icthius and Totorian let out a stream of chuckle, shifting close to one another.
"These is why I prefer you, Icthius, you never lie to me."
Icthius grinned, shrugging one shoulder absently,"Why would I bother with lies, Totorian, when the truth ever so much more satisfying. There's no sense in being polite with another gentleman. They won't appreciate it."
"Quite,"Totorian's lips quirked upward in a smirk.
Bastion leaned back against his rock, frowning.
"All this talk about truths has reminded me I had something to inform you both,"Totorian turned and pulled himself out of the water, shaking the wetness from his fur before continuing,� I think I'm going to have you moved to a different camp. We've nearly finished off the army here and we're going to need all the healers we can get in order to face the next one."
Panic flashed across Icthius' face,"W- But Totorian, we've only just gotten comfortable. It's only here that the guards know us. We certainly won't be treated half-so-well in any other camp. Oh, please don't make us leave, Totorian."
Which wasn't his real reason for being panicked, Bastion knew. He was worried his chances of impressing Totorian would be ruined.
"Of course you will, I'll be transferring with you. We will simply have to inform the other guards of your loyalty to us. Although,� he cocked his head a little,� That might be easier if I was truly positive you were loyal to us. Healing our sick and injured is one thing, but being loyal to our cause in another one entirely."
Bastion resisted the urge to growl, flattening his ears against his skull and diverting his gaze to the ground. Bastion, for one, was happy with their king. He was a competent, intelligent, and fair ruler. Although the old king had not been....undesirable, he was certainly no where near the level of Vadarian-Sethius. And Bastion was not a rebel, would never be a rebel. He would not.
Icthius even looked a little doubting. He sank lower into the pool and arched a brow quizzically,� Of course, Totorian, we- I would be more than happy to prove my loyalty to you. How do you propose we do so?"
Cautious, careful. Silently Bastion praised Icthius rare show of common sense.
"I'm going off-planet, and I'd like you two to escort me. We're in need of new supplies and...new technology. If you're willing to come and can manage to keep the supplies we're obtaining secret, I believe your loyalties will be proved."
"May I ask who we're keeping the supplies secret from?" Bastion asked, perking his ears a little. Icthius would not think to ask. He wouldn't care about something as trivial as that.
"Your loyalists, of course."
Bastion frown, brow furrowed,� We�re not allotted the privilege of returning to them, why would you be worried about us giving away secrets to them?"
Totorian merely smirked and turned back to Icthius,"So, Icthius, do you agree to my test?"
Icthius pulled himself up out of the pool and shook himself off, slicking back his fur with tongue and paw before trotting to Totorian's side. He dipped his head,� Of course, Totorian. I've nothing to fear."
No. Not yet, at least. But Bastion did.
.:.:.::.:.:.
Star City was more beautiful than Icthius had ever imagined. The streets were long and wide, brightly lit and strewn with fluorescent lights of every color imaginable. His claws clicked against the metal floors, tapping a quiet beat that rang quietly beneath his body, chiming like little metallic bells. There was such a variety of persons and races here, humans, anthromorphs, dragons, and every alien imaginable. He'd never seen such diversity amongst groups before. So many different kinds of people, with so many different purposes. Such potential.
If only Star City were in need of a King.
Totorian led him toward a large apartment complex and stopped beside the door,� I�ve booked us rooms here, and I would like very much for you to check in for us and make sure our room is presentable. I must go meet our...business partner, as it were. I should be back shortly."
Icthius nodded, and the pair exchanged a bow before Totorian turned and loped off into the crowds. Icthius watched him go, sitting back against the doors until he was well out of sight. Once he'd been out of Icthius' line of vision for a good few minutes he rose to his paws and trotted off in the opposite direction.
"Icthius, he asked us to stay here."
"Really, Bastion, I hadn't noticed,� he rolled his eyes, increasing his pace to a brisk trot,� Anyway, this place is much to exciting to stay in a...room. Honestly, Bastion, aren't you the list bit curious as to what the place has to offer." Governmental positions for savvy, potential dictators, perhaps? Icthius grinned toothily.
Bastion did not answer immediately, and Icthius could feel the caution wavering off of him. He rolled his eyes and turned a corner as it approached,� Bastion."
"I don't think this is wise."
"I didn't say anything about it being wise, I simply thought it might be exciting. Who knows, perhaps we'll find some poor, sick person for you to heal."
"Icthius, you know I can't-"
"While I have the body,"Icthius grinned,� Of course not, how silly of me to forget. Do you know what time it is?"
Bastion leaned against Icthius' neck, casting his eyes upward. There was nothing but silver metal above his head.
"I'm afraid not."
"Well, we'll just have to hope we don't take too long, won't we?"
"Icthius..."
But Icthius wasn't listening any more. Honestly, couldn't Bastion say anything of interest, rather than babble on about how much trouble they were going to get into, and how bad this idea was, or why they shouldn't partake in activities a, b, or c, but d was perfectly fine. D for drab, dull, and domestic. Icthius snorted and lifted his nose a little.
Icthius carried along down the corridors, turning when there were twists in the streets but otherwise keeping to a fairly straight-laced path. He didn't want to get lost after all, he rather doubted he could find his way back to an unfamiliar building in such a busy and confusing place.
"Oh,"Icthius sucked in a breath, casting his eyes up at a glowing, red sign, connected to the top of a fairly small, unobtrusive building,� What�s this?"
Bastion frowned, jerking his head to one side of the pouch in attempt to peer around Icthius' neck,� What�s what, Icthius?"
Icthius started toward it.
"Icthius! Wait! Don't do anything-"
"Oh, for lord's sake, Bastion, it's only a building. Draconic Ministry Relations, or some such thing, says so on the sign. Sounds rather suave, doesn't it?"
Bastion frowned,� Perhaps we should return to the hotel. We've been walking for quite some time, and it will take just as long, if no longer, to find our way back."
"Oh, honestly, Bastion, I'm just going to have a peek. It says Ministry Relations, that's sounds rather governmental, doesn't it?"
"Icthius..."
Icthius ignored him and strode inside the building.
It was fairly empty, for the most part, a few scattered people chatting quietly with women (possibly, some of them were far from being watarian, after all, and Icthius had never been terribly good at telling the genders of other species apart. They were so small, after all). He made his way toward one of the free cubicles, stretching up on his hind paws to get a good look over it.
"Excuse me, darling, but what exactly is this particular little office all about?"
Bastion snapped his ears against his skull and sank into the pouch.
The lady (possibly) at the desk looked up with a look of mild surprise. She plucked a pair of wires from her ears and set them beside a stack of papers before lacing her fingers together and resting them on the desk,� I�m sorry, sir, what was that?"
"Draconic Ministry Relations, what does that mean, love?"
"Oh,"the lady wet her lips,� We manage the records of dragon-bonders, breedings, and candidates."
Icthius frowned,� It�s not political, then?"
"No,� the lady shook her head, smiling.
"Hm,"Icthius grimaced. What was the use of a...management building?,� Very well then,� he sighed and dropped down to all fours, turning toward the door. Bastion let out a sigh of relief behind him.
Icthius pressed a paw against the glass and pushed forward, ready to step out.
...
Wait.
He lowered his paw and trotted toward the lady at the desk,� Dragon bonding, did you say, darling?"
The lady nodded,"Mhmm."
"And what,� said Icthius, raising a brow a little and flicking his ears back,� Exactly does that mean."
The lady smiled.
.:.:.::.:.:.
"We're not bonding a dragon."
"We are,� said Icthius, sweeping his tail back and forth contently as he trotted along the corridors,� I�ve already signed us up."
"Icthius, do you honestly think Totorian will approve of this?"
"I don't really care, frankly, but imagine what we can do with a dragon bond, Bastion?" he grinned, lifting his head proudly,� Imagine what I'll be able to do. Even if I don't become a King I'll at least go down in history as the first Watarus to ever bond a dragon."
"We will be the first to bond a dragon,� Bastion frowned,� If we bond." There was disproval in his voice, and more than that, worry.
Worry? Icthius shook his head, sighing,� Honestly, Bastion, we won't bond anyone who doesn't suit us. It's not like choosing heads, I'm sure."
"I don't believe this is wise, Icthius."
"Of course you don't,"Icthius sneered, allowing a little growl to twine with his words.
Well, there was only one way to fix this, wasn't there? His influence magic tingled at the back of his mind as he drew it forward.
Probably not the most ethical way of getting Bastion to bond a dragon, but it wasn't as if Icthius could actually force him to do something he didn't want to. He just...pushed Bastion's annoying worry out of the way.
He let the idea, the feeling, the desire squirm from his own mind into Bastion's.
Bastion let out a little sigh and nodded a little,� All right. I'll do it."
If nothing else he'd have someone reasonable to keep him company.