Territory of the Wolf and Undead

[Reno]

"So you'll kill my brother instead?! Just for being different?!" Roxas called, his voice full of anger as the crackling around them grew, the energy becoming immense. It filled him with more terror now that he was so close and he wondered in his mind how Sora could face it. How Sora had ever faced there master with such bravery. And he remembered what he had told him at the edge of the forest... told him how it was not Kuku who prevented him from doing anything.

It was his own fear.

He couldn't let his fear win out again. "I can't... I can't let you!"


On the other side of the fog, Terra slowly sat down in the mud. He glanced for a moment towards Ven, seeing what he was doing. Slowly, he lowered his own head, and though his belief was not as faithful as Ven's he prayed as well. Prayed for anything... anything good to result from this evil.


"N-AH!!" Came a cry from the young brunette, feeling a painful jab in his side. His hand smacked down hard, smashing the blood-sucking spider before he gripped it and threw it, the feeling of it's fangs being ripped from him a sickening one. Moments later, both he and Riku were flattened to the earth by the strong spell, the static in the air making his hair ever more spiky.

He looked up, seeing the energy being collected... and even if his mind could still stand strong - he knew his body could not. He heard a yell and his head turned, seeing Riku being attacked by yet another spider before his sword swung haphazardly across the arachnid's body - probably one that had already been on him as the rest were not moving at all; possibly could not. He grit his teeth, and though his strength was limited, he managed to finally get to his feet. Though it was only a few feet it felt like an arduous journey under the pressure of the magic as he walked with heavy limbs.

Five steps... four steps.... three steps... two left... one more... and then he was there.

He knew it was foolish. That if he died so would Riku and by taking the brunt of the attack, it was over for both of them. But it was all he could do as he stood courageously in the face of the upcoming spell doing what most masters never cared to do. It was the servant who was meant to die for the master - not the other way around.

Yet still he stood in front of Riku, like the shield to his sword, and glared evermore defiant at his own master. He would not cower in the face of death and he knew though he would die today it would be Kuku's mind who suffered for years to come... for he had still never won his fear or his obedience. As he heard Riku calling his name, he prayed, asking God to watch over Lilo and his brothers for he would no longer.

Briefly he wondered would there be a heaven for them?


Pearl eyes watched in silence as the energy ripped across the land, and he knew the outcome was close to coming. His master would succeed, there was no question. It was too bad - if only Sora conformed. Luxord shook his head and sighed, looking back down at the card - but his eyes widened as he caught something zipping past the forest floor, unsure if what he had seen was true.

But it was.

An answer to Ven and Terra's prayers.


Make it... you have to make it! He chanted in his own mind, ignoring the fact one of his paws was bleeding some from being cut on a jagged rock. The pain was numb already. He even managed to disregard the smell of Vampir just above him as he past, more and branches, trying to kick him back. Still he drove on and on...

And finally he reached the fog. "KUKU!" He yelled as loud as he could and jumped. There was a high, screeching yelp that echoed across the forest, pausing almost everyone circled around the fog. But inside no one had heard the yell or following cry of pain.

All seemed truly lost.


But, with strength untold, the purple and black wolf stood again with a trembling body, his fur singed and parts of his paws and skin burnt some. He panted hard, wanting nothing more than to just lay down and take a rest... feeling hopeless in a way for he had to stop this madness but had neither the strength nor the poweress to do so.

But he did have the will.

He needed to reach his mate... and he remembered the words his lover had spoke the first time he returned to him; the secret he had given him. If he wished to gain access... he would have to use it. He could only hope he would truly be heard.

His body braced itself, before he charged once more and gave another jump and with a mighty voice he howled:

"SAAAAAAAAACHA!!!!"

[Rikugurl]

"It is not your brother's difference that I wish to defeat! Do you not understand, Roxas!?" The lord called as he tried to break free. "Kuku is like our king and as a British man and noble lord, I shall now let anyone harm him! NOT EVEN GOD HIMSELF!" He yelled over the intense power that was not ripping at their clothing, their hair becoming a mess as it whipped around and the sparks were collected.


"SORA!" Silver and stained red hair whipped around his body and face, becoming frazzled from the electricity. Never in his life had he seen such energy and wondering why had he himself not been burn for it!? The silver sword was slammed into the ground so he could hold himself upon it, his claws gripping on the handle to keep steady. It all seemed worthless as the ball became so bright that it almost seemed to be the sun himself... and he realized that it truly was the spell. Was he collecting the sun rays upon the moon to reflect upon them?

Would they be turn to stone and crumble like statues?

He was finally forced to close his eyes, hoping that Lilo would be safe as he died as well as his sick father. There was a sudden roar and the sound started to become louder and louder until---

it stopped.

"SAAAAAAAAACHA!!!!"

As if someone had dumped a bucket of water upon a fire, the majick started to hiss and disappear, the ball of energy exploding and a rip of majick shot out through the forest, burning trees that the statck touched and chard some of the rain, making the drops turn into crystals. The fog creature vanished and the crow mask upon the master's face split in half. It fell on the ground and was shattered as Kuku fell upon his knees; drained.


"SORA!" Ventus suddenly cried as he rushed over, grabbing his brother and helping him stand before he collapsed. "Oh brother... are you alright?"

[Reno]

It was hard to understand what happened. At one moment, the attack was upon them - so bright they could not even see a thing. And in the next there was a yell of a name - or maybe a another spell? - and suddenly everything was gone. The pressure left so suddenly, it left Sora weak and he would have fallen... if arms did not kindly catch him.

"Brother..." Sora said in relief and smiled up at Ven. "I have seen better days..." With his help he managed to stay upon his feet and he looked over his shoulder seeing Riku too still standing though it too was a struggle for him. He smiled though, glad to see he was alright.

A wolf stood about to join his lover but was paused by a curious sight. A limping wolf, who was making his way over to the master Vampir. "...Eskel...?" In the back of his mind, he saw the opportunity, he saw his father's shame that he was not taking it. To kill Kuku would kill them all.

But it too... would kill Ven...

And his eyes narrowed, his body tensing and getting ready to spring if Eskel was about to try and kill the man - haha, what a crazy idea, protecting a Vampir from one of his own pack!

But it his shock, the wolf just paused in front of him and then fell. His blue eyes widened just a bit as the young wolf whimpered, licking at the other's hand. Was he... still under his spell?

Things calmed for but a moment... yet still there was danger afoot. And it was one Roxas was now holding onto tightly with his grip. "Axel... Axel don't!!"

[Rikugurl]

"UGH!" Powerful arms were finally able to break himself free, the redheaded lord quickly rushing across the field to his fallen master. Much like Terra had believed, he was ready for this lone wolf to take down his master... was he laid upon the ground. Axel was about to strike, his fangs baring and just as he was going to jump upon the lycan, his boots dug hard into the wet earth when a bony hand reached out with the last of its strength to place it upon the wolf's muzzle.

Eyes went wide as he panted, his chest heaving as he watched the two and suddenly realized---
"What.... what is going on here?" He questioned silently, looking to his side to see another lycan walk up to the brothers, sitting close to the blonde. The rain patted down his red hair, some strands falling in his face as he became flabbergasted. What had happened? Why was Kuku not able to complete his spell? He seemed to slouch in defeat as his lover came to his side, asking if he was alright. "I suppose... even after such a long life.... one does not know nor understand everything...."


Harsh breaths were taken from the master upon the ground as his strength escaped him. But his eyes slowly looked up, seeing the wolf in front of him. "Do you... see now... the importance.... of a name...?"
He could hear the sound of boots coming from behind before strong arms wrapped around him and he was pulled against a warm body. "Come master, you need much rest." A rose hair man spoke as he gained some help from another blonde vampir. "No, no, I have him well. You bring... the lycan in for he needs rest as well." Marluxia instructed Luxord, seeing him pause for a moment before taking the wolf into his arms.


"Nnnagh..." Riku panted as he finally fell onto his knees, still holding his sword tightly to keep himself from the cold ground.

[Reno]

A blonde eyebrow rose, before he looked down at the young lycan who smelt of static and was bleeding and huffed before lifting him effortlessly. Naturally of course it would be up to him. It was why Marluxia fought with a scythe during the night's of moon's completeness for he did not want to even touch wolf's blood. The other made no move to hurt him, merely drew his tail in.

As he was turned though he saw the sight of his gamma watching him in curious silence. He was surprised to see him as well, but then suddenly he was leaving the trees passing him quickly. His eyes fell shut for a much needed rest.

And only six were left there. Roxas, biting his lip some, hurried over to his sibling, a lycan of who he could assume was Ven's friend, and - to his shock - the dhampir. What was he doing here?

But as Sora carefully broke Ven's grip and turned and knelt before the other, and from his lips fell "Are you alright Riku?" The hunter raised his eyes. And Roxas realized... this was the Vampir his brother had changed.

"I hate to ask you to move quickly if you can not, but we should probably be wise to take haste from here before anyone else things it a brilliant plan to kill us." Sora's voice was laced with humor and weariness as he reached out, brushing some of the silver-strands of hair behind the man's ear. "Though we might need to stop for dinner along the way at this rate."

[Rikugurl]

Things had become complected from that day. The master Kuku of the vampir clan was upon bed rest, his body weaker than ever before. The maids of the house cleaned his wound dressings and supplied him with the blood he needed to gain his strength back. There was one factor that never changed though. It was the wolf upon the bed that never left the master's side unless he needed to eat, get some air or other small things but he would never be gone very long.

In Kuku's place, Axel, the second eldest of the clan, made sure things were running smoothly in the manor and with the vampir. Larxene's death was placed upon the mantle, her ashes sitting next to the others that were once a part of the clan. Roxas has never seen this room before. It was large and full of portraits of the elder clan members who had died, a piece written about their lives, both human and demon and all written by Kuku himself throughout the centuries. This time, however, Axel was the one to write the passage under the female vampir's urn.

He was also in charge of making sure the lycan did not hear of the master's position but he knew the time was blessing them for it was still the months of pregnant females that would pause their attack for some time. Still, he was weary on the gamma who had seen what had happened.


A month or so later, on a warm summer night, a flat was somewhat busy with decorations and rearranging. The spare bedroom that was used as a sewing room was turned into a nursery, the room being colored in a rich purple dye. Some dried flowers were framed along with a real life nest in the corner that once held baby birds. Many other birds and flower themed items were in the room and there were even some hints of seashells.

It was an awkward explanation to all of this and even odder yet, it was well accepted. The witch, known as Lilo Harding, was pregnant with child. A daughter, for she knew it well as it grew inside her. It seemed that it of course was not the kin of the brunette vampir... but of the silverette vampir. When Sora had abandoned his lover, taken away without warning. It was when Lilo had drank so much, and Riku had an idea to repay the brunette for what he had taught him. Lilo was secretly depressed she could not bare children with the man she loved and knowing well that she was a witch, her child could not become the mixed blood of a vampir.

This was Riku's gift to the lovers.

However, he did not expect to become a part of this family.

There was a knock on the door and Lilo looked up as she sewed the last of a small blanket as Sora fixed a painting of a seashell upon the wall.
"I'll take it." A silverette called, his figure much paler those handsome as he stood from his chair and headed to the door. Now, that he no longer thought of the death of vampir every waking hour, he slowed down, sitting to read the law books of his father. When he opened the door, his eyes widened to see someone he wasn't expecting.

"Bonjour, je vois que vous faites bien." The rose haired vampir smile as he pulled off his top hat. "I am here to invite you to a very important gathering at the Azazel Hall. It is something that should have been done long ago but it is clear that the peace has come to be. Mine master, Kuku wishes to see you there for he wishes to ask for your forgiveness of his madness in person."

[Reno]

"Hmm... ah there." Sora said with a nod as he straightened the painting for the last time. But his ears were open, carefully listening to the words being constructed out in the hall. The voice he recognized well. You did not dine with a man for many weeks and not be able to recognize his voice.

He glanced at his lover and smiled before he head out into the hall, his feet almost silent though he was easily seen as he hesitated some feet from the door. He tilted his head curiously, before speaking carefully, "Is this invitation only for Riku or for us all Marluxia?" He was unsure... if he should trust such a message - or the messenger. His long days in the basement were still fresh to him, as well as the cruelty he faced as he was banished.

Why had Kuku not sent one of his brothers to deliver the message? He would have trusted either one much more readily. And now, knowing there was a child coming along, he was not so brash as to risk his or let Riku be foolish to risk his so quickly. He wanted to do his best to make sure they saw the child's eyes when she was born, to watch her grow. All three of them knew the pain of a lost parent and Sora wished not to have it repeated now.

[Rikugurl]

Eyes slowly turned to look at the brunette, young master before he gave him a soft smile. "It is but for you ye and the newborn. Though I suppose the lady can come as well if she keeps what she sees to herself, though I am sure she shall, knowing just want exactly we all are." He pulled out a scroll from his coat, handing it to Sora and when the brunette opened it, he could see the amateur writing upon it. It was a call to all vampir and lycan alike to meet in the hall this very evening for their peace treaty would be signed and power was to be be split upon the forest.

At the end, the name that ready was not a familiar one. This order was written by a person named Eskel.

"Hmmm, curious..." The silverette frowned as he read over the brunette's shoulder but he paused, hearing a muffled cry from outside the window. He glanced at Sora before the silverette exused himself, hurrying to the window to look out. Aquamarine eyes widened a fraction as he realized just who it was waiting by a dark carriage. "COME ON! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! WE'RE GOING TO MISS IT!" It was Ventus, waving his hands to grab their attention. He was dressed nicely and so was the figure standing next to him. He had never seen this fellow and he was quite sure he was not a vampir...but a lycan.

Riku's head turned, seeing Sora waiting to find out just what he was seeing. "It is but your brother calling for you."

[Reno]

"My he sounds quite excited. A moment please Marluxia," Sora said with a smile to the proper Frenchman, walking over to the window to stare out, smiling at the sight of his over-exuberant brother and all of his worries settled from his heart. He waved to him before looking down at the message. He rolled it up and with a sure nod turned to the man at his side "I will not force you to attend Riku, but I shall be. A promise of peace... is what we will well need for our family. I would be comforted though if you decided to be at my side."

When aquamarine eyes met his he merely smiled, already reading the other's decision. "Marvelous! Then give me but a second to ask Lilo as well."

In but another minute of so, three were following the rose-haired man down the stairs to the carriage and they were happily greeted by the blonde. There was a brief change of pleasantries, where the wolf met the three and Lilo met Ven again and it was quite a pleasant affair. Then with a proud air about him Ven attended to the front of the carriage with his lover, happy to lead the horses as the rest found room within to hold their feet.

Had Marluxia been like he and Ven, Sora knew he would have probably been able to scent the smell of silver from Riku. He had tried to convince the other not to take it but Riku had politely refused saying he would not be foolish to go unharmed and with no proper way to protect him, Lilo and their child. Sora let it rest at that, the statement making him happy that the other was so protective and caring of them all.

Up above, beside his lover and watching the world go by, Terra wondered if this meeting might turn into his disaster. Moreso, he was worried of his father not accepting this change well; but he hoped - no he prayed - his mother's silent will and strength could win him over. Briefly, like Sora, he had his suspicions of a trap as well... but he knew it was ideas like that that start all fights to begin with.

Besides... if Eskel was his mate, like he was certain he was because the circumstances now all made sense, he could hope the kind-hearted lycan had spoken in some way to Kuku that had settled his mind from doing anything but what the letter proclaimed. He certainly had something to him though as he had been brave to deliver the letter to his father without fear of his wrath after reading it.


It was not long before they reached the manor of the forest, and the smell of the lycan was strong. The pack was already here. Out on the steps, pacing futilely and nervously, was a blonde much like the one he sat beside. But as those inside got out of the carriage he seemed considerably happier as he practically went bounding down the steps to give his eldest brother a hug.
"I am glad you came." He heard Roxas say to the brunette, and added much more shyly, "All of you."
After a small moment of greetings, all of them started to head into the manor to the old hall, to see it already quite full. There was of course the master of the manor, and sitting beside him at his right side was Eskel. At his left and down the table was Axel - then two spaces and Luxord. The two spaces were filled quickly though the first by Roxas then the second by Marluxia.
Terra however was a bit surprised to see that beside Eskel was not empty either - it was filled first by his father then next by his mother both humans and wearing clothes to his further surprise (he had a feeling his mother had a lot to do with that). Behind them - still wolves, was the pack - no two packs, he realized as he sighted many wolves he did not know and his uncle laying at the head of them. He was surprised to see them but supposed his father had invited them as well - the territory split had to be made several ways not simply two. Some of lycan - especially the young pups and expecting mothers, were very nervous. He glanced at Ven before they trekked over to the table and he sat down beside his mother, Ven at his side.

Left at this table as if the plan was known well were three seats. Sora looked at them a bit hesitantly, as if he was truly surprised there was truly room for them and that they were truly welcomed here. He rose his eyes and met Kuku's gaze who was staring at back at him.

[Rikugurl]

Dark eyes met the young master before his hand extended, offering the chair he was positioned to sit upon. Sora was still hesitant until Lilo placed her hand on his arm and smiled. "Come on, we should not delay this any more than it already is. You know how ones wedding could be spoiled if the family members wait too long together." She whispered before the brunette finally budged, sitting down next to Lilo and at Lilo's other side, the biological father of her soon to be daughter.

The master of the vampir shifted some before he walked to the center of the room. "First off, I wish to thank you all for coming. I am sure you have all had better things to do on this night but I believe this is more important than any deed done. Since there have been some speculations, I will indeed sooth your curiosity that there has become a mix of demon and beasts. Not just one affair, but perhaps a few. There was a legend, long ago, that if one did not have a heart, one could not love. I disagree since it is well proven that both side of us have passion. Passion for this land in which we spill blood upon. I confess to you all... that I, being 403 years old, have never dealt well with change. I had become a fool of myself and I must give thanks to the first being to snap me into the true reality of this life and situation."

He paused as he looked upon Hatori. "I wish to find some agreement. I believe we had already lost too many to an issue that has never been quite clear to us. I believe it had started many a year ago when your pack had moved upon these woods and my clan found you as a threat. Since then, we have been having these battles to overpower each other, only to return back with nothing to gain. I say... we must end this senseless war and stop the death upon both vampir and lycan alike. All great nations have found peace for the many years I have lived and I think it is us that shall do the same as well. I believe in a council; three main powers share a rule over these lands so that we cannot come over our heads again. Two lycan representative, two vampiric representative... and a mixture of both."

[Reno]

Red eyes narrowed some at his words, but the idea was not met with cruel words as to be expected. The notice given to him - of which his wife had to read to he as he had never learned such triviality - had not been attributed to well at first. In fact, he had been near to biting into Eskel throat - had it not been his wife and son who interrupted.

"Hatori- Wait! Maybe... this is not such a bad predicament." Ida said, giving him a nip on the ear.
"Not such a - woman! How can we trust such a demon's words?!"
"Father, with the whole pack there, I don't think we have anything to fear even if he is acting in deceit. And even still, there are benefits..." Terra spoke at his other side.
"As in what?"
"Well... I think many mothers here would be happy to see their children grow... and fathers proud to teach them."

It was unfortunate he was not a man of politics... but he knew some of the questions he should ask. He had to make sure things were... fair and equal, his son had said. "And who do you believe these representatives should be Kuku?"

[Rikugurl]

The old vampir nodded at the question, for it was a fine one. "Yes, I have thought upon this question and came with an idea. I nominate... Lord Axel Xipil and Roxas Wilkinson to lead the vampir."
Axel's eyes widened as he looked at his master, his mouth gaping some. H-him?
"As for the lycan, I must say that is for you to decide. I know that you have your own splits in the pack that you must mend on your own terms."

Red eyes looked into golden before both the brothers huffed and looked away from each other. Their arms crossed and it was so obvious that the two were siblings with a rivalry strong at heart. It was the elder brother however who closed his eyes and sighed. "I believe it should be mine brother and his mate. His mate being more in charge since mine brother doesn't have much a head a top his shoulders." The red eyed lycan growled but was paused as his mate placed her hand on him, her blue eyes calming.
"Besides, I am not much of a lycan myself. Two mates dead and a pack full of liars and thieves... how much could I possibly help with this peaceful deed?" The man admitted, the rest of his pack frowning and seeming shamed.

"In that case, Hatori and Ida shall be the two for the lycan. As for the balance of the two..." Kuku slowly looked to his side, seeing the well dressed lycan with unruly purple shaded hair. "I believe Eskel and I would fit it best."

[Reno]

Beside his lover, Roxas was a bit nervous as he looked across the table as he was announced to lead alongside Axel. Him? Why him? Surely there were better choices! He had been here but a month and he was not so strong-willed...

But no one seemed angered by the choice in fact some were smiling. He glanced at Axel who was just as shocked, before laying a hand over his. He had told him once... together they could overcome anything. He supposed this was now included.

At the last choice Terra tilted his head, before glancing at Ven who did not seem upset by it. He supposed he could not be either. It would leave more time for their studies.

Hatori continued to cross his arms but seemed quite satisfied by the decision. He was the leader of the pack and he wanted to make sure all decisions met his ears. He was not so certain about Eskel as the boy had never been so bright but he knew better then to push the issue. "Alright. Agreed. As for territory?"

[Rikugurl]

Ventus smiled as he felt Terra's eyes on his, looking up at the brunette. "Good... now we'll have... other things to go." He grinned, making the lycan blush. It was fine with him as well since he was not a man looking for power. He, though a demon, was still a child of God and as long as he was happy and could continue to help others, he had power all along.

"Ah yes..." Kuku frowned as he placed his chin upon his hand as his brows pinched. I suppose it could be like it has always been. You shall have your grove as we shall have this manor. As for the woods, city and villages itself, they shall all be ours together. I have a vision of mine courtyard being alive and free to use as well as my library for those who wish to have it. Perhaps in the future, we can make benefits to teach one another trades of our classes such as reading and writing from us vampir. Does this settle well with you?"

[Reno]

"Hmm... Yes I suppose that is adequate land." Hatori scoffed, but glanced past his wife at his son who was suddenly looking rather excited at the idea of a library. He glanced over his shoulder at his pack, seeming the interest on some of their faces and the hopefulness of some mothers for their children, before looking at Kuku and nodding. "If they wish to learn I have never halted them from doing so. I am certain my son will be the first at your doors." This only made his son grow evermore red as Ven chuckled at his side.

Before the next topic could be broached upon, Sora knew he had to speak. "Ahem..." He cleared his throat, and grew just slightly nervous as eyes turned to him. He did not mind not getting a representative spot - he was a bit radical as it was - but he needed to make sure their future was secure.
He straightened proudly and spoke his piece as he motioned to himself, Riku, Lilo and his unborn daughter of course. "And where do we four place into all of this? Are we to be promised to be undisturbed and Riku and I allotted to some prey of the forest for our feedings of each other and our family?"

Now this topic did not get a chance to be spoken of by Kuku because food was of Hatori's concern for he and his pack. "Prey of the forest...?" Hatori scoffed some, "Boy you drink human's blood or are you so daft not to realize that?"
Sora shook his head. "Not I. Not Riku. We refuse and we do not take the animals from the humans in town either - and the point still stands that we must feed our kin."
The leader of the wolfs raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kuku as if he could hardly believe it before facing the boy once more. "And how many times must you do this?"
"Twice a week each."
"Twice a - that is four beasts a week! What of the winter time when food is short?"
Sora frowned some, not having quite addressed this problem before. He had never had to worry of such a thing before. He glanced at his small family before looking back at the other. "Perhaps... we may make an agreement on such to share rations? Half to us and half to you depending upon size of the catch? We only need enough meat for two and I understand that count is much increased for you."
The wolf leader frowned, crossing his arms and looking to his wife to see if this was satisfactory.