Territory of the Wolf and Undead

[Rikugurl]

The master was about to speak but Hatori was faster with his tongue. Instead, he stayed quiet as the two spoke over the court. Blue eyes of a once fair Dutch maiden lowered some as her mate looked upon her for a voice of her own. "I suppose it cannot do harm. Though, since she is not of your kind, she can eat the foods sold in the city, can she not? It would be ideal during the winter for our stock is so small enough as is. You only need blood, we only need meat." She looked up, her eyes meeting the woman who would become a first time mother. "Or... she could sacrifice some blood when needed during the winter months. That would lower the rations to only having to feed a mother and kin."

She smiled and closed her eyes, looking rather peaceful for a lycan. "I believe, the issue could have some outcomes but your first suggestion shall be fine. If there is too much struggle, we will have to make a change."

"Indeed. This sounds fair enough." Kuku finally butted in, glancing at the brunette who was still standing proud. "You are still a vampir so our new ways will reflect on you as well. There shall be nothing but peace and reasoning and this manor is still open for our blood to house. Does this all suit you?"

[Reno]

There were still details to work out for the food, and things were still at the very beginning but after one last glance to see if Lilo and Riku had any objections and found they had none, finally smiled and nodded, relaxing. "Yes, it is a satisfying agreement."

As things calmed some, there was some silence at the table for a few moments, before it was Roxas who finally spoke up, sounding even more nervous then his sibling as if he were afraid of offending anyone, "And even if we are agreeing to peace... we must... think of crimes and justice as well as they may occur even still."
"As in?" Eskel was the one to respond.
"Well... Such as stealing or... or murder of one another?"
"Are you implying ill acts of my kind?" Hatori growled, making Roxas flinch a little.
"But he is right, wolves have eaten Vampirs before and a rebel may do so again even still!" Came a call from behind the man and Hatori glared over his shoulder, not spotting who had spoken but he recognized the voice as Demyx's.
"And lycan blood had been on Vampirs claws. And lycans have killed lycans and Vampirs have killed Vampirs. It would be wise if we are to get this in all writing." Terra added, with an intelligent air about him "A contract is only as good as the binding word. And a clause in it could state that neither a Vampir nor a Lycan-"
"Or a Witch!" Sora jumped in quickly.
The brunette nodded, "Yes, or a Witch will have harm done to them or do harm to the other without justifiable cause?"

[Rikugurl]

Lilo swallowed some, glancing about feeling like the odd man - er woman - out for she was the only witch upon this called meeting though Sora seemed it fine to call her out. She was sure she was protected under Sora and Riku, being an inheritance to the vampir clan as well as their unborn daughter. She suppose... it didn't hurt to make sure though.

"A contract will be written after this for the leaders to sign upon." Kuku assured before pondering what Terra has spoken of. "I agree. The deaths must stop. I purpose that if one kills a member of lycan or vampir,"
"Or witch!"
"the punishment will be death itself. A life for a life. From this day forth, we shall be equals."

[Reno]

That night dragged on it seemed forever as again and again, there were points to be made, ideas to be spun and soon enough it was as if everyone had a say and no one was afraid to speak up – not even little pup Sunil. Every topic one could think of was broached – one most concentrated on was the issue of turning. The debate on if or if not went round and round and it was determined that if a species was near extinction or if love was the issue turning was allotted. Other grounds and clauses were to be made later when the time could be spared – much time would be needed before ever detail was able to be boarded down.

Most in fact were not settled that night, but at the end of the night, when all was said and done, finally the contract of peace was born in which six names were labeled upon it, some in better scripts then others and some with better knowledge then others. Eskel certainly could be seen glowing with some pride as he realized he knew a small bit of knowledge not only his pack leader did not know but also a Vampir did not know; the little slave Roxas. It was something, however, that was agreed (much to Hatori’s distaste) would have to be learned by all of them in time.

But most importantly they agreed that it was time to go home. Pack by pack, family by family, the lycan started to leave first. One pack split to the west, the other to the east, the brothers only sharing a cursory glance. Hatori glanced back to the manor only once and scoffed as not only Eskel but his son stayed behind. It was not as if Terra could hide it any longer from he – once the mate was marked the scent was very distinct over them. Even a Vampir. It was something both Kuku and Eskel had not been aware of when he returned that moonlit evening to the courtyard or lied to Sunil in hopes to protect himself and the Vampir master. Ven would have called it fate… that Hatori and Kuku never met another a night afterwards from that fateful mating… or this peaceful meeting could have never occurred for Eskel would of quickly became a liability and the war they had finally called a halt to… may have been an impossibility.

After the lycans had left, another family also stood from the table – or moreso, Riku stood and lifted Lilo up as she was already quite asleep. A soon-to-be mother was expected to be so though as her energy was now for two. Sora gave goodbyes to the others, but before he was allowed to leave the hall Master Kuku was certain to halt him.
“A moment, Sora?”
The brunette hesitated, and so did Riku still within earshot. He glanced back at his former Master before smiling to the silverette, “Go on, Lilo needs to rest. I will be just a moment.” Aquamarine eyes flickered over his shoulder mistrustfully, but the elder gave a nod before he continued on his way. The brunette turned around facing not just Kuku but the entire clan and two wolves. No one knew what it was about so their expressions were quite mixed and it gave nothing away so Sora was not sure if this was a conversation of friends or another confrontation.

Even still he crossed the floor to stand before the pale, blonde Vampir trying not to let the eyes on them bother him as much as it was. He felt like an actor on center stage who was never given the script, for he was suddenly very speechless and that rarely had happened to him – not since his days before he was turned and where silence was all that kept him unpunished. So he just stood there and felt a little unintelligent, but the master did not seem to mind as he spoke first.
“I am not a Vampir of youth Sora Wilkinson.” The younger, listening intently, nodded slowly. Of course he knew that the other had already stated his age at the beginning of the meeting. “And as I said before, change is not something I have ever responded well too. In my time and I think even in yours difference is not respected but demolished.”
Blue eyes hesitantly avoided the other’s, frowning thoughtfully. It was no doubt from the gaze in his eyes that he was thinking of things that fit precisely that sentence. The look was mirrored on his youngest brother’s face who remembered of course his slave friends back on the plantation. “No… I suppose not…”
“However… I have been enlightened so to speak. I cannot be a master who speaks and does oppositely.” That earned him the other’s gaze once again. “So therefore… I hope there is still chance enough that you will accept my deepest apology for the infractions committed upon you and your family.”
For a moment Sora stood there, looking at him with guarded eyes as he let the words roll around his head. Everyone now knew the story of what occurred nearly a week ago – Roxas and Ven felt practically sick when they had realized that every day they had been walking over the very floor that underneath held their brother locked up and going mad. The offense Sora committed that made him Master was not down out of disrespect but simply desperation of survival. No one would really be able to blame him if he did not accept the Master’s graciousness.

So maybe that’s why some of them were surprised when the brunette finally bowed to the other and when he straightened he was smiling. “Certainly Master Kuku. Nothing more can be done then that at this point. If all is starting anew, then relationships can as well.”
There was a nod to this statement and a smile given in return, and the next topic broached was a curious one, “I heard in passing that your necklace was broken. Whatever did you do with it? Surely you did not throw out such a precious piece?”
“Oh! No, never!” The brunette reached into his pocket before drawing out the small silver pendant, no longer connected to anything. “Rku broke the chain when he erm… saved my life. I thought I could, but I wasn’t able to fix the clasp.”
“I see… then I am sure this shall suit it well.” What the man drew out from his own pocket was a fine silver piece, a long chain that glittered in the candlelight.
As it was handed to the young brunette he seemed surprised and perhaps a little confused, “But I thought that no silver could be here unless…” He trailed off, realizing what a gift this truly was and smiled. “Thank you… but are you certain you wish to give me something as precious as this?”
“As a father passes on his enriches to his children so do I.”
The brunette was silent as he wound the chain into the ring and held both ends with care, speaking with care, “I shall say again that I shall not look at you as my father Kuku…” He reached back, locking the clasp. He looked at the other and smiled widely, “But I would enjoy it greatly if we can look upon one another as friends.”

And that… was the start of a good beginning for the two masters.

Month after month passed. Book after book was read and placed away for another, more challenging one. Some of these were not even texts of English. Papers were found for documents to be drawn, contracts signed, treaties agreed upon. Things such as the Fair Use of River Water clause and No De-Lumbering of Trees without a Permit of Fair Warning clause passed many eyes for consideration. And for one, her belly grew larger and larger, until she looked like an inflated marble! And then finally the day came and her screams echoed a disturbing song in the apartment. Left outside of the room, Sora and Riku were left pacing the floor in the midst of the night glad they could be awake for the occasion but feeling quite useless on the sidelines. They waited for hours it seemed as Lilo pushed and the midwife took care of her but finally the screams stopped…
And Fang came to the door with a gentle smile, as she announced they had a healthy baby girl.

“So, what shall we name her?” Lilo said from her bed, her hands wrapped about the little miracle of life as she rocked her.
“Well…” Sora started hesitantly, his hand reached out and brushing through the little tuft of light colored hair on her head, his excitement obvious but contained. “I was hoping we could name her after my mother. Runa.”
“Well I... I was hoping we’d name her after my mother… Carina.” Riku spoke from across the room, his hands once again feeling the crib to make sure it was secure now that the child was here.
“Oh uh… well uh of course I mean err…” Sora said quickly, rubbing the back of his neck and seeming a bit disappointed. Yet Riku picked up on it quickly.
“Of course she is your child-“
“Oh don’t be silly Riku! She’s our child.” Lilo stepped in before seeming thoughtful. “Why not… simply Rina? That way a little bit of each of our ancestry is there.”
The brunette spikes tilted, “Rina… Our little Rina…” He tested out the name carefully, before finally smiling, giving a gentle kiss to the child’s head. “I like it.”
“Yes… I do as well.” Riku agreed with his own small smile as he walked over finally and reached out. His Aquamarine eyes brightened in surprise as a tiny hand curled around his finger.

And thus began the beginning of their family. After news of her birth had spread, those of all over came to give them well wishes and applause and cheer given to the midwife who had taken such excellent care of her. Gifts too were given to the young child: fruit baskets and dolls; storybooks and books of knowledge; nostalgic toys; and even and strange gift from one of the wolves of a rabbit’s foot for luck… taken right off of a rabbit. Her fathers’ decided to hide that one first chance they got… underground.

The only thing Sora had left to say after they done and brushing dirt from their fingers that was he hoped that zombies really were just a myth.
Then Riku thwaped him over the head.


Meanwhile, Hatori had been right to say his son would be one of the very first at Kuku’s library doors when he finally relinquished the lock on them. What he did not expect was how many mothers – remembering their teachings from their human life – shipped off their own offspring as if it was school. Eskel, after a year’s knowledge, became quite the professor for those still learning the basics and Terra assisted those who were more advanced with their readings – which only so far consisted of himself and Ven and sometimes Nico whenever he wished to visit.
“Je t’aime monsieur~” Came a romantic spell of words along a fine, pale ear. A grin came to cruel, teasing lips and a tongue snaked between fanged teeth to taste the edge of the lobe.
The poor blonde shivered at this torture and huffed saying teasingly, “I thought you wished for me to read this script of Shakespeare’s Terra – how can you expect my concentration if you continue to be at my ear every moment of the day?”
“Oh… so do you wish me to be instead… at your jaw?” Soft lips ran over the smooth skin, “Or perchance at your neck?” Ven’s breath hitched as a talented tongue wandered down the pulsing vein and a strip of skin was gathered and sucked upon, fangs kneading in a delicious sensation.
“H-aaa…. T-Terra…” Came a soft groan, Ven’s blue eyes shutting as he felt arms pulling away at his shirt, dipping ever so slowly up to his nipples…
“Or maybe, you wish for me to be at your-“

“Ahem.” Came an exasperated cleared throat and Terra looked up with an innocent gaze at the stern Eskel. His interruption drew the gazes of a few other wolves in the room.
“Why hello there dear Eskel. I was only assisting Ven on his studies.”
“I do not believe he was studying anatomy nor the art of sexual response Terra.” The wolf said with crossed arms, “I have already separated you by table must I also do so by room or must I worry you will come down from the attic like a spider?”
“No, No I shall be good!” Terra promised as he straightened and hurried back to his table where he was studying the scripts of Homer.

Ven shut his eyes, his face still a bit flushed but slowly the world returned to a norm, everyone returning to their stories as Eskel went to go assist the youngest of the crowd their alphabet. He was just reaching the third Act of the famous story of Romeo and Juliet when he felt hands on his thighs, creeping up and up. “Maybe it is truly here you wish for me to be?” Came a coy whisper under the table as a hand was cupped between his legs, rubbing sensually.
“Mmmmngh….”

“And here, after the loop, you make a dash here and - TERRA GET OUT OF THIS LIBRARY RIGHT NOW!”
There was a burst of furry feet that rushed out the open doors, howling laughter falling from the running wolf’s mouth. It was too little surprise that Ven was soon up and hurrying off as well, almost running into a familiar elder blonde. “I apologize Master Kuku!” He squeaked.
The man blinked, watching as the young Vampir hurried off before walking into the library, seeing his lover’s sour look. “Dear Eskel, you seem antagonized.”
“If Terra is the villain, then yes I certainly am!” The man said with a huff turning back to show his student the art of the Q once more, not noting how his mate came near. “See this is perfect.”
“But what makes you grow so angry at he?”
“He is an irresponsible teacher – even if he only teaches one, it seems… off to do such things to your student during study! Now here is the R…”
“Ah… I see…” Kuku tilted his head, and as Eskel finished the next letter spoke again, “So it is only antagonizing when it is a student and his teacher?” The purple haired man did not turn around so he missed the slightly mischievous glint in the other’s eyes.
“Well no I never said tha-Aaah! Kuku!” Eskel cried as he was lifted up, his limbs flailing.
“I apologize young wolves, today’s lesson has been canceled. Come again tomorrow if you can~” Kuku was saying as he turned around and started down the hall with his catch.
“Wait! Kuku! Will you – ugh! Don’t touch me there! Hey no – oh! Oooooh Kuuu~”

The pups left in the library shared a glance and then one of the one’s who was turned spoke up, “I kind of like this school.”
“Why’s that?” Another asked.
“We never have a full lesson that’s why!”


Down the hall, alone for once, Roxas sat and stared contemplatively as the assortment of instruments at the edge of the room. There was quite a selection and from many ethnics over the ages though most often played were the woodwinds and the strings. He stood slowly and held his hand out, concentrating carefully. The bows raised to the violins and started to sing as they zinged along the strings. It started out slow and gained power as time drew along. Soon the cello joined the music, giving a more brassy tone to the melody. Roxas shut his eyes and swept along the floor in a slow twirling dance, testing the beat with his feet. He seemed to flow along the stage in an artful Waltz, no longer uncertain and after hours and hours of practice he looked like a professional that might one day meet the stage.

The song started to speed up in tempo and the harpsichord started to play but the dancer seemed to frown in contemplation, not liking the addition and flicked his wrist. The highly octave instrument fell silent… and was replaced with the African drums. The music became intense, the beat a perfect one for his feet as his movements changed from the Waltz to something faster – The Pasa Doble perhaps as there was less inhibition to his movements.

As he turned in a spin though he gasped in surprise when a hand caught his wrist and then he was tugged up against another Blue eyes opened wide in surprise, narrow green looking down at him. The music calmed from his surprise, only the violins playing once more. “A-Axel! I… did not think you would be back so soon!”
“It does not take but a moment to deliver a message to the lycans Roxas~” Came the gentle tease before the man glanced at the instruments and smiled at their song. “You are quite the composer.”
“T-This? No its nothing… just a little melody…”
“You are so modest.” Came a chuckle, and then it was silenced when their lips came together. When they pulled apart though Axel was frowning, “But I am a bit jealous.”
“Whatever for?” The other asked in worry.
“I have caught you more than once making music so beautiful, yet not a one is ever dedicated to I.”
“…You snake!” Roxas laughed, flicking his forehead. “Honestly you were meant for the stage Axel with how often you act my age and not yours!”
“Hey hey! It is a perfectly reasonable request.”
“Yes… and perhaps I already did make you a song~”
Green eyes lit up in delight. “Oh?”
“Yes and perhaps this song was meant as a birthday gift~”
“But that is still so far away!”
“And if m’Lord continues to whine he will not hear it until next yuletide~” Roxas said with a grin.
“Oh you are the devil’s assistant!” Axel huffed and then they laughed. “Just a small piece of it, please?”
“Hmmm… I suppose that cannot hurt… The beginning then.” Roxas nodded, and raised his hand making a cutting motion. The music abruptly stopped but with another wave this time the harpsichord was allowed to play beginning a gentle melody. After a moment, in unison, the cello and the violin started to sing in perfect tantrum… and then the flutes.
“What a glorious tune…”
“For a glorious man.” Roxas agreed with a smile. “Shall we dance?”
“Naturally.”


“Hmmmm…” A pint of ale was tipped back, being consumed quickly.
“Luxord you realize had you of drunken like this as a human you would be quite large.” Marluxia said, pushing away an empty glass near him with a finger as if it were disgusting.
“You are simply admiring my skill.”
“No, I am observing that perhaps you miss Lady Larxene even still. You fancied her didn’t you?”
“What little matter it is of that? She was quite taken by Lord Axel.” The man said with a frown, looking down at his drink. “Perhaps it is best she had left us when she did. She did not seem one to grieve a broken heart.”
“Hmm… yes maybe….”
“All I am certain of is there shall never be another quite like her-“ The other sighed.
Marluxia frowned at this but glanced up when he heard the door to the tavern open and watched the figure. “No one may catch your eyes…?” He asked after a moment.
“No… There shall never-“
“Excuse me.”
Luxord cut himself off quite abruptly and turned, his eyes looking at a fine woman in a white dress who seemed so out of place. She was a beautiful blonde and dangling from her hand was a palette of dried paints. She was nudging a drunken man. “Could you tell me how to find… Judge Evard? I am looking to visit some cousins of mine and I fear I am quite lost.”
The man just grumbled and waved her away.
“Oh dear…” The woman sighed and when she did not spot the bartender she turned and left the tavern.
“Hmm… how pecuiliar that the Lady Namine is-“ Marluxia was saying but cut himself short when he realized he was speaking to empty air.
In fact his companion was already out the door calling, “Miss - oh miss! I can help you find Evard! And would you like I can read your fortune as well!”


As for the lycan, let’s just say they were doing their best making modest men and women out of the newest additions to their pack. No, no one changed anyone, but even though they were at disagreements and for will be because of the new treaty they were not precisely separate packs any longer. They were not going to live in the same areas but they needed to know each other.

And the mothers were always happy to have another babysitter around.
A bored, red eye watched lazily the movements of some of the cubs, scoffing with disdain. Wasn’t this a woman’s job? He glanced to where his sister-in-law was with Aqua’s former guardian playing with the older pups, teaching them the art of stealth and pouncing. “Hmph, as if.”
“What’s with the look leader?” Came a call to his right and red eyes met red. A glorious silver-furred wolf from his pack stepped over, a former thief and stowaway from Asia. She nudged the little pack of cubs all bundled up together in the long reedy weeds with her nose. One of them yipped at her touch. “I thought you wanted pups.”
“ As if! I didn’t want to raise them!”
“I think that comes with the job description of ‘father’.” Came the even reply. “Though it’s probably better, Lord forbid anything to turn out like you.” The elder rolled his eyes, looking away and grumbling under his breath, “Oh hmmm what was that? Another As if I bet.”
“No! It was… sass miff…. As in you’re a sassy miffing… creature!”
There was a snort, and the female’s wolf’s body shook with her rumbling laughter, “Oh certainly, that was convincing.”
“Don’t you have somewhere to be Paine?!”
“Hmm… perhaps…” She laid down suddenly, “Or maybe I’m where I want to be. Unless you don’t want my company?”
“….Do what you want.” He huffed, tugging his tail under his lame leg so she couldn’t tell it was wagging.


And some of the wolves were just happy they could laze around.
“Aaaah~” Demyx sighed happily as he lounged against the riverside, a paw dipped into the cool stream, the rest of his wolfen body sunbathing under the spring sun. This was the life. No worries, no fighting, no more being chased by his lover every full moon and barely escaping with his hide. They had to thank Kuku for that – though it wasn’t the most pleasant solution, every night of the full moon the beserkers were placed in the same room Sora had once been locked in, and with a little well placed magic, they didn’t change.

It was just a lonely night…

Light yellow ears perked up as he heard paws crushing grass and a man coming near. His tail swished back and forth, recognizing the scent. His blue eyes opened and he offered a big smile as a caught duck was set down by his feet, the blue wolf laying down nearby. Rather than tearing into it straight away the younger leaned closer, nuzzling and licking the other happily until both their tails were sweeping down the grass behind them. After that together they feasted on the small catch, neither worried if the other was getting more or less. They’d come a long way… since that night a year ago in the forest.


And the rest of the wolves? Were just glad things hadn’t changed too much.
“Rip his eyes out! Fight for your place!” Hatori howled, watching the two wolves tussle and bite, settling their disagreement over the last bit of doe like true wolves. The end of the battle would lower one in rank and heighten another. He licked his teeth in excitement seeing one of them had a good grip on his opponents muzzle. “Yeah that’s the way!”

This was what being a wolf was all about.



And years of peace and happiness passed. The laws were made and, though there were some mistakes at first, most were easily followed. After so many treacherous battles and lost kin, many breathed a sigh of relief as things finally settled and no longer was there fear to leave the den or their doors for long periods of time – not even fear to travel far.
But now, four horses huffed as they dragged a large carriage about, the wheels turning slowly and steadily along the hard, dirt-packed road.
“Father! Where are we going again?” Came a call, little feet running across the carriage floor and hands grasping the edge of the carriage’s window, the little girl trying to lift herself on it and lean out to see. Strong hands caught her and lifted her up,
“Careful now little one.” The voice of not her father but her uncle said, letting her stand on his lap so she could see outside.
“We are going somewhere wonderful don’t you worry your pretty head over it.” Her light-haired father said.
The girl giggled and nodded, but looking back to the man holding her. “Uncle Terra, show me which ones are the trees that get flowers.”
“Of course.” He held her closer as he edged nearer to the window and pointed outside, “That one, the one with the oval leaves you see it?”
“Ah-huh!”
“It is a peach tree. It has yellow leaves and that one-“

“And he informed me he did not like children. Can you ever guess such a truth when looking at him now?” Ven said in confidence to the girl’s other father.
“Ah, but Rina is just so precious no one cannot love her.” Sora said with a nod and smiled – and it was true she was something beautiful already. Long silver hair and the glorious eyes of her mother, she was adorable and her fathers’ already feared her womanhood and how many suitors would come to her doorstep with courting gestures. He sighed, “I fear that will be a curse in later years.”
“I think it will be just fine.” Roxas reassured with a smile. “After all she’s got too over-protective parents who will make sure she’ll find an excellent suitor. Can’t say anything for the lazy one with spiky hair though.”
“Hey!”

“Ah. I see…” Axel murmured thoughtfully looking at the candle lamp held between them. The glass door was open however and Lilo was moving her hand in an artful way, making the flame dance from the wick and into the air.
“I’m not sure what usefulness this spell will teach you though. Is it not against the code under Clause 12 that the forest is not to be burned?”
“Oh. No! Not for burning… for entertainment.” Axel said with a smile.
“Entertainment?”
“Ah yes, I’m planning quite a grand show. If all goes well I can pull it off in a decade or so!”

It was something none of them had ever dreamed of – or even thought was possible. Riku never believed he would feel at such peace in the comfort of the Vampire of lycan. Axel never could have imagined that a day without guilt of his past could exist. Sora, Ven, and Roxas could never have dreamed they would have found each other again, let alone be so happy and free. Lilo never thought for a moment she would ever see her childhood friends again or her first love. Terra still sometimes glanced at the night sky and wondered how he had gotten so lucky as to find a mate he loved.

And Rina? Well, she was young and what was not to them was all normal to her – for her, her greatest shock came from a sight she had heard but could only pray to see.

“The beach!!” Came a wild, childlike call and little feet became a tiny whirlwind on the sand, laughter filling the air. She could not run very fast but her father certainly good and soon enough he scooped her up in his arms, running with speed down to the beach. “Wanna fly?”
“YEAH!” The air filled with shrieks of laughter as Sora soared through the air above the moonlight waters.
“Sora be careful!” Came a feminine call from the beach.
“I’M ALWAYS CAREFUL!” Was the response, the brunette corkscrewing in the air. His two lovers shared a glance and rolled their eyes.

Soon enough though the man was returning though, flying lower and lower until he artfully touched the beach sand… and almost toppled over when the tide smacked into his ankles if a taller silverette wasn’t there to catch his shoulders.
“That is not the definition. I believe that is the definition of careless.” Riku announced with amusement lacing his tone.
“Oh shush…. But thanks.” The brunette chuckled, leaning up and giving the other a kiss. Aquamarine eyes had just fallen shut and began to return it… when there was tugging on their hair that pulled them apart and drew their attention to the pouting girl in Sora’s arms.
“No kissing! You’ll kiss all night then we won’t get anything done!”
There was a chuckle form both fathers, “Alright, agreed what would you like to do?”
The girl’s pout turned into a brilliant smile. “I wanna find shells!”
“But we have so many at home.” Riku said.
“But I wanna find my own! My own ocean shell!”
The eldest of her parents finally gave in with a grin, tickling her stomach so she giggled, “Alright alright princess! And it’ll be the prettiest shell of all the land!”
Soon enough the family of four were heading down the sandbar, three pairs of eyes intently watching the little girl as she went digging in the sand.

Still on the beach, mesmerized, were the identical twins, just staring at the flow of water like it was the most amazing creation of God. Neither of them expected to be affected this way, but the breath of salty air, the soothing sounds of rolling oceans… it could have brought tears to their eyes as memories of their long lost youth wavered at the edges of their minds, fuzzy from all these years past but still there and forever would be there. Days of fishing at the docks and playing in the sand.
They might have stood there forever, if their brother did not call to them, “Ventus! Roxas! Come on help us find some good shells!” The two blinked, coming out of their daze before they shared a glance and joyous grins grew on their faces. Dust kicked up in the sand as they went racing after the little family with calls behind them,
“Come on Terra! We need a keepsake!”
“Axel hurry! It’ll be fun!”


In no time, a pile of shells had been gathered on the sand, a safe distance from the rising tides. They were a mixture of colors of shapes, pristine white and copper reds, some with spirals some with fan ridges. Each was unique and beautiful a perfect decoration for a lovely home or a nice little treasure to find in the nightstand drawer. But no longer was the collection of people interested in that – in fact most of them were nearer to the wet sand where the water was rising.
Three of them, two who looked precisely the same and one brunette, traveled together down the length of the water, their shoes removed as they felt the water and sand between their toes. They talked of the past.
A silverette, alone, sat on a soft, smooth rock, his eyes closed and head tilted back so the moonbeams reflect on his peaceful face. He thought of time at a standstill.
Two more and a quadruped creature were intent on building a castle, the littlest cheering as her tower came out just right while their furry companion swiftly dug a moat, being advised of what to do next as he finished. They spoke of the present.

And standing guard over the shells, green eyes watching the scenes of the others play before his eyes, a tall lanky man stood in silence his hands running over the ridges of a dark colored shell, understanding how the brothers stayed so close, sympathizing with the silverette’s serenity and enjoying the play of the trio. This was what life had become and who knew who started it but all of them would continue it. He saw their future… and smiled.


And further away, awaiting their clan’s return with surety that they would, the whisper of a quill upon parchment made up the sound of the evening’s grace pale eyes watching his iris-colored lover.
“Whatever are you up to Eskel?” Finally came the deep, curious rumble of a voice.
The quill paused and Eskel looked up with a smile, white teeth gleaming. “I am writing our story. Or well, my side of the story.”
“Our…?”
“Yes. I thought of it, when I saw The Epitaph Room.”
“Yes, and…?”
“Well, I think it quite a shame that life must only be but a few lines of paper – though you do write them very beautifully dear Kuku. So, I have thought it quite brilliant if we begin a compilation of our lives. Each of us writing our own life’s history so it can become a piece of our history.”
“There is many flaws with that idea Eskel…”
The head bopped in agreement, tired violet hair bouncing some. “Oh yes. One can never finish the story once their life truly ends and some will end more abruptly then other’s that it made not be updated. But that is why it is important to start now before all the important things are lost to us. And there may be many stories – too many for one book. But we can have volumes – dozens if we must! A never-ending supply.”
“I’m afraid my story alone will need quite a few volumes. I have lived a long time.”
“Well, perchance you just write of the greatest events?”
“Ah………..” A thoughtful expression came upon the master Vampir’s face at that moment. “Then that will only be just a few short pages.” When curious eyes blinked at him, a smile was returned, “The greatest event to ever happen upon my life… is you.”
“………Oh ‘Ku~” The task was forgotten in an instant as the man rose from the desk and came over to he, arms wrapping around the other quite securely and they kissed.

Hours would pass, long after the sounds of hooves came and left, dropping off two couples and sharing goodbyes and hopes to come together as such again before the family was off, tucking away their child in her bed before three gathered on their own for a long rest. Long after the sound of weary feet came upon the stairs and two pairs went separate ways with sleepy Good nights and Bon nuit’s were shared. Long after seashells were placed away for safe keeping and weary bodies fell onto the bed, cuddling near to their partners.

Long after a young wolf was asleep, breathing soft and even as the covers were pulled close to his chin. Yet unbeknownst to him his pale partner was still awake, holding with wonder the piece of parchment in his hand full of script not well practiced but getting better every day.

I am not a man of genius nor one of great talent. Average and uneducated I was as a human, weak-minded and guileless as a lycan. I had no special talents, I knew no tricks, I had no drive to be stronger or better or more powerful than the rest. I was content just to be me and I believed I was happy.
But happiness is not simply to be content. Happiness… it is this great feeling, like a burbling of a pot that has been cooked too long upon the stove, ready to boil over inside of you with this overflowing warmth. I am not a wise man, but I wish to share this with you as if I could be: the search for this feeling, it is one that should be a man’s greatest quest. Happiness does not come from gaining power or wealth or a sea of possessions. That is only content.
Happiness… that quest…. The greatest quest…. It is love.
And love was not found to me, not truly found, until that day I was welcomed to this manor, where the doors were always opened. But for you to understand this story I must start from the beginning.
I am Eskel. This is my greatest gift to you dear reader as I was once told there is a power in a name and I know this well to be true for it is the day I used one that our lives changed forever.....

The End!