Of Nightmares

[Reno]

Brilliant blue eyes glanced at Xigbar for a time, before looking towards the stream. When she was little, she always wondered where the water flowed to. One time, she packed up some of her toys and some snacks, tied it to a stick, and started to follow the stream. It was her first adventure, and she was determined to find her answer.

She didn't even get to the trees though before her brother came snatching her up and taking her, shouting and screaming, back home.

When she got older, she came here before, to the waterfall, but could go no farther, uncertain if she could find her way down and be able to return. She still did not know how far the river flowed - but it was going somewhere, as if indicating their was something beyond this tiny little town. And she wanted to see it.

Leaving was something she never had a problem with.

With Xigbar.......?

"You know." She said with a sudden smile, "You and me, setting off into the unknown? It sounds like a grand adventure. The real question is are YOU brave enough for it?"


"Yeah... I sure hope I can." Sora murmured softly. the Balance had been askew even before he was born... He smiled though and glanced at Riku, "Well, come on, let's get those sails!"


"But I'm just an Atterain, I don't know any better~" Came the teasing remark, the wolfen creature grinning, his tail wagging just lightly because it was quite a thrill to get under the other's skin. But when the other shot back his name it made him pause and look at him with a cute tilt to his head.

The breedery took away their names, hardly ever - if ever - called them by them. They were all just wolf, cat, leopard, bear or whatever they happened to look like.
Names... they really were important. They gave you individuality.
"Terra. Terra Tellus." He spoke with a bit of pride in his tone. "So now what, Ventus? What's your grand plan?"

[Rikugurl]

Black ears perked up at the challenge, looking shocked that someone would question his bravery. "As if! Now you're just mocking me." He huffed, turning his flank towards her and walking off back down the way they came. He pulled the blanket over him and mumbled, "You make it back yourself." He made his way over the river bend easily, his paws use to the rough terrain. He could hear hisses and curses behind him as the human followed suit, making him grin. When he got back to the spot where the lantern hung, the flame having finally gone out, he waited for her, still hearing her walk through the low hanging branches. As she came into sight, he spoke again. "The question is: Can you keep up?"

She could hear his laughter in her head, making her huff again and tried harder to get to him. She didn't get very far because when she looked up again, he was gone, making her pause and look around. There was a sudden shout as she was picked up and carried up the bank by the tanned man. She was placed down gently onto the wet grass and he passed her, back in his monster form. "We should started planning..."


"Right!" Riku nodded, quickly heading to a chest before opening it and pulled out a thicker cloth that had some holes patched. "This should do it." He took the curtains back and placed them into the chest. "Come on, let's hurry!" He called, quickly running out of the room and down the bridge. They needed to get some wood!


"Terra?" He tested the name on his lips and it felt nice. "Already I feel like we're destined. Our names are of the same dead language." Ventus smiled softly. However, he didn't miss the flinch he saw as the wolf turned his head again from curiosity. Right... The Shee suddenly stepped forward, his cloak being push aside and he grabbed a handle of something that was sheathed. When he pulled it out, the blade shimmered and was one hell of a dagger. As he got closer, the wolf started to growl and hunch on his back legs, ready to defend himself but paused as the boy stopped before him. "'You're not going to get anywhere if you don't trust me.'" He smiled before slowly reaching out and taking the rope that was still wrapped around the wolf's neck.

The blade came close and he was careful as he hooked it under, slowly moving it and the twine that held it together started to snap until it was completely cut. The dagger was sheathed again, the Atterian watching it carefully and felt some relief when the rope was slowly pulled away from his neck. The prince frowned, seeing the blood that had stained the material and still some fresh blotches. "My plan now is to wash your wounds to make sure they don't get infected..."

10 months later...

Their attempts were almost laughable. Every since he attacked the owner's kin, the guards were doubled and appeared where they hadn't been before. There were even several in the mill, all watching the panther closely. Despite Aqua's word, they placed a guard in the shed at night, taking away the Atterian's privacy almost completely. They only tried to escape twice but it was futile as the waterfall was guarded now too. There was simply no escape. Now, it was Xigbar's mating season and ironically enough, the ending of Aqua's husband search.

Her parents apparently found a match for her.

A black tail flickered as the black cat looked out the small cracks of the barn, hearing the rain hit the top of the roof hard. He was thankful that he was no longer at the breedery. For quite some time now, he no longer had to be tortured to make or to smell the female scents that would drive him mad. Now there was only one that he had to worry about.
"You may take your leave for dinner."
That one. A golden eye looked up, his other finally healed though a nasty scar took it's place, and saw a cloaked figure walk up to his door. When the hood was pulled back, he saw her. She always looked beautiful when it rained...

When she walked in, she handed him a rolled up piece of paper. His head tilted and almost instantly, he changed into his human form, easily being cover by the blanket he was resting over. "What's this?" He asked, taking it from her hand and opening it up as she pulled off her soaked cloak and sat down on a barrel of hay. A strong hand pulled some black strands out of his face since his hair had grown longer. Something else also changed. Aqua taught him how to speak better Common. He gazed down at the paper, seeing that it was some sort of map. He studied it some and suddenly, it dawned on him. "A map of Norn..." A thumb brushed the uncharted pieces.

Now that he thought of it, the ribbon that held it together was purple, meaning it was from a royal member. But why would a... "You talked to the prince? About how to get to Makatza?" Aqua had said something about asking the blue winged prince since he would become king next. He didn't think she would actually go and do it. Then again, all the Shee were acting rather strange lately...


"Sora?" Soft pads were instantly warm as he stepped off the brick road and onto the sand. His silver hair floated around his face as he came closer to the shore where the brunette was standing, looking out over the ocean. As the taller came closer, he too looked out and saw the same sight his friend did. Black clouds. In this world, there were only soft white clouds or no clouds at all but these clouds began to linger in the past few months, only getting worse by the day. Now, lightning flashed and the waves became rough against the sand at times. Slowly, ocean eyes looked in another direction, seeing dark clouds building in the north.

"We should get inside." He warned softly but the brunette didn't budge, only asking him a faint question that he had heard so many times since it all began.
"What's happening, Riku?"
"Sora, we need to go!" He snapped, this time a little worried, grabbing his tanner friend's hand. For the first time since they became friends, Sora fought back. "SORA!" The winds started to whip their hair around, the clouds in the distant becoming violent. "SORAAA!"

And then the prince was gone, having faded away. Wide blue eyes stared at nothing before him. He knew Sora had awoken because he would disappear like that but not so sudden. He usually faded away. There was one last crack of thunder and then the clouds were gone, only to be replaced with a void of darkness in the west sea. Silver eyelashes closed and the guardian sighed. "Goodbye..."


"A-aaaah....haahh......hhhaahhhhhh..... Nnnngn....." Labored breathing filled the room as a shaking hand gripped onto his chest. The pressure was so much, feeling like he would be crushed by nothing in a second. It had been hard these last few months because there was something wrong and he didn't know how to fix it. No one did. But he had an idea. He wondered if it was all coming from his twin's room because from the corner of his eye, he could see black filth coming from the bottom of his door. The Balance was crumbling and now, this morning, the pressure was so intense, Ventus could hardly breath.

He suddenly reached out, trying to get his glass of water only to spill it along with everything else that was on his desk. "Naaa.....AAAAAAH!!!" And then it snapped. A whistle shot through his head and he fell back into his bed, gripping his blonde hair as the sudden pain rain through him and the muscles where his wings hurt burned like fire. As quick as the pain and pressure came, it was suddenly gone and he panted hard, his lungs gasping for oxygen. He laid there for a good long while until he suddenly saw pointy ears perk up from the bottom of the bed.

[Reno]

"Of course. If nothing else, I am an honest woman." Aqua said, her tone a tad amused but she was quickly serious. "You know we do not have much time left. We must leave as swiftly as we can before I can be tied." Like the blessed custom, humans married by tying a red ribbon between them, as if knotting their lives together. Therefore, 'to be tied' and 'marriage' were one in the same in meaning.

"It was not difficult." Aqua said with a bit of pride. "In fact, Prince Soran seemed overly thrilled to help which, I admit, made me a bit suspicious but he had always been a very kind and giving sort. He would offer even criminals a bed and breakfast if they asked."

She lent over some, pointing to the many dotted lines that had been drawn along the map. "I even drew out some paths we might take to get there though I think we should stay as near to the stream as plausible without risk being found easily. The prince warned on foot it is a long journey and to pack well for it."


Awake now, the young form of the future king twisted in his bed, struggling to breathe as well, almost feeling like someone was choking him his throat was so constricted. But that didn't compare to the pain, like lightning flashing up his spine, that came from his wings as they trembled on the bed while his body arched away as if trying to separate himself from them.

And then it halted and he too laid on the bed, limp and blue eyes watery. He blinked away the pain, slowly struggling to sit up, a wave of lethargy suddenly making his head spin. "Ugh... What... what happened?" He asked to empty air, the only other sound permeating the room was Rupert drinking from his water bottle. He was worried about Riku, knowing his departure had been sudden and unnatural and that the other must be concerned. And he worried further about his world, disliking how different it had become. It did not bode well... But was it - like him helping to create places of memory for Riku - his fault?

His musing was broken by soft murmuring from the room next door and realized it must be Ven. Suddenly, he was overcome by worry and, though so woobly on his feet if it weren't for his wing beats he'd be flat on his face, hurried to the door that connected their rooms.

But Norn was about to be brought into panic...


"Ven...? What is it?" Came the tentative call, the wolf having been awakened from the other's tossing and cries. Though things had been different, he had gotten use to this life in the castle - even if he had to hold his tongue most days as he wandered the palace halls with the Shee.
The Shee did not like him here - well, except a select few of Ven's family.

Well, in fact almost Ven's ENTIRE family seemed to tolerate him.

Except one...
"You're housing a Renki, you realize that." Came the biting words one morning at breakfast. They were alone, the parents already gone for meetings of some sort.
"Roxas!" It was Soran, the eldest of the Trinity, who snapped. "Be respectful!"
"Respectful...? RESPECTFUL?!" Roxas snorted, before turning his gaze to meet the wolf's the glare almost murderous. "Were they respectful when they killed our own? If our own weren't so hospitable... we spared them when we should have slaughtered them."
The red of his caretaker's wings suddenly flashed in existence, Ven standing as did Roxas, the two looking ready to fight.
It was Sora who slammed his fist onto the table and snapped, "ENOUGH!" They hesitated looking at their brother who, despite the serious situation, withheld his wings and seemed perfectly calm. "Roxas, leave the room before you say more you might regret."
"What?! How dare yo-"
Blue eyes calmly met the other's, saying wisely, "It may not be important to you to have any ties to past enemies, but it should mean the world to you to have a bond with your own kin. Learn to hold your tongue, or you risk breaking it."
The blonde stood there for quite a moment, before he turned slowly and walking from the breakfast nook, snapping over his shoulder, "Come along Axel."
His servant, an imp, jumped down from his perch and was quick to follow them out the door.
Soran reached up, tugging his brother back to his seat, saying gently, "He'll learn Ven. You know how stubborn he is."
"He hasn't learn in all this time- what makes you so sure?!" The blonde was saying, his voice a bit higher with his anger.
"Well, you missed one important thing."
"What's that? That he didn't poison Terra's food?" Was the sarcastic bite.
There was a chuckle of amusement. "No. That he left the room." When he got a questioning gaze, Sora smiled. "It means Ven, if nothing else you are important to Roxas. He loves you. He's so angry because he's frightened for you and just can't express it quite right. Just give him some time to work it out. He'll learn to, if nothing else, trust you. And, with any hope, Terra too."

That had been during his first month.
Most days he sat back as he watched the progression of the other's training. Often, especially under Artios, the Trinity trained together. All of them were fairly successful fighters though they all had a special art. Soran was a defensive specialist, strong enough to reflect any attack with a barrier. Ventus was a weapons specialist, his movements with a spear fluid and graceful. As for Roxas, he was magically in-tuned, his spells some of the most powerful in all of Norn - and deadly.

It really thrilled his more primal side though, to watch them spar and desire to jump in with them. If only he knew it wouldn't turn Roxas' attacks to truth, he might if even dared. So instead he just sat back and watch with the imp named Axel who was often dancing to his own beat and respectfully didn't say a word about the creeping smell of sex that lingered on him like a bad disease. He certainly didn't mention to his caretaker of the fact the scent was mixed with that of his brother's musky odor, knowing his innocent charge could never even imagine such degeneracy from his own kin.

Ah yes, and his vocabulary. It had increased nearly tenfold. On the days he was not out with Ven and was imprisoned within the confines of his room, the boy provided him with something he at first thought was strange. After all, the reason they were not taught Nornian was because that knowledge gave them power. But knowing he COULD read the Common alphabet he provided him with a dictionary so that he could define words he'd never heard or seen and some beginner's books from the library of a yellow-wing named Latium. Already in the short time he had been here, he was already at something called 'Level 12'. It must of been outstanding, because Ventus seemed both shocked and perhaps a tad jealous with how fast he had progressed. Terra wasn't sure if he should feel a bit offended or special that the other was shocked he was so brilliant.

But how could he help it? He rather enjoyed this hobby of 'reading'; books filled with such wonder and concepts and theories. He even happened to enjoy it when Ventus, to get back at his smarts, gave him what he deemed the most boring book alone - only to be deflated when Terra reviewed that it was actually rather enjoyable!

But nothing in his books could tell him precisely what was wrong with Ven and that frightened him about as much as seeing the other in pain did. Their was nothing in the room to attack him and if he happened to die it wouldn't even take him two guesses to figure who would be blamed for the incident.
His head turned though as he heard the doorknob rattle, knowing it was Sora trying to enter because his paw steps were so distinct - clumsy but at the same time distinguished. Normally, he would not get off the bed unlike for any other trying to gain entrance who would disapprove of him being so close to the throat of a blessed instead of being on his doggy bed like a good pet. Sora was the only one who knew things were actually different; this special and unique arrangement. He was always alright with it, claiming it was healthy for their bond.

Sometimes he thought the Shee did not worry enough for his middle brother as he did for his youngest.

But then he was reassured by crazy stunts like this - already at the door as the brunette came stumbling in, too weak to actually hold himself up any longer and instead ending up catching himself on the wolf's back. Acting as a cane for the brother who too seem injured and pained without physical wounds, Terra helped him over to his sibling's bed were he climbed onto the side.
"Are you alright?" Sora asked in concern, trying to remain calm even though he knew this pain was not his nor Ven's nor Roxas'. It came from something deeper, something that he was near positive affected the entire Shee population.
He, acting like another anchoring presence, walked around to the other side of the bed and jumped up, the soft fluff bending under his weight as he settled alongside the blonde's left leg, his flank a warm, comforting presence. "What has happened?"
Sora merely shook his head, eyes dark and troubled.

Did all of Norn feel this?


No, not all of Norn, though nearly it's entirety. Excluding the humans and Atterians, their were even a few Shee that this dramatic pain did not touch. And one was right beyond the third door to the twins' room, where it lead to the Trinity's last born.

No.
He was too... preoccupied.

"Ooooh~" Came the long moan, a pale hand tangled into red hair as it shoved a pale, impish face into the pillows of his bed, their bodies jerking as the smaller dominated the other. Sweaty skin slapped against sweaty skin as hips grinded into the tight passage, fucking the once virgin imp for all he was worth.
"Wanna cum huh?" Came the rough but teasing purr, grinning manically as it made the elder whimper with such need that it sent thrills through his body.

Why he did not just jerk himself off to completion and end the torture was made clear by the way his hands were bound in cuffs on the front of himself, and cruelly snaked around his own member. They were cuffed in such a way his fingers curled around himself but a second chain, that crossed over the chain of the cuffs and were locked around a single, dark colored item at the base of his penis. A cock ring. And every time his body was jerked, it made his hands brush along the too-sensitive skin of his erection, the swollen head red. It was like a mockery of jerking himself off, and each thrust caused such exquisite pleasure and such utter lack of control on the situation as he could not free himself from the ring.
"You know what I was to hear, and then I'll free you." Came the husky pant, and just to drive him more wild, his free hand curled around the other, thumbing the slit that was weeping only a faint, pale-colored fluid.

[Rikugurl]

"Hmmm...." He looked at the lines, seeing them all go through the wild Wood or through back towns. Towns was not a good idea. Maybe for Aqua but not for himself. He wouldn't split with her. If they traveled, they traveled together. He looked at another trail, seeing it follow the river like Aqua had mentioned but this too didn't seem safe. He learned from his brethren that staying by water was an obvious give away since all things needed water to survive. He was sure the river was already guarded; if not here, then elsewhere to watch for runaways. This wasn't going to be easy but in a way he kind of liked that. Though he had never truly hunted before, it was natural to all Atterians.

However, what would it be like when Sai found out? He would surely hire many to find his sister. As much as he seemed to be against her, he loved her.

A golden eye rolled up, looking at Aqua who seemed so sure, so fearless. She was ready and didn't have much more time to wait. She knew it was going to be hard, being Norn's rain season. It would be possible that the dampness of the Wood would not be gentle on them and there was a good chance of sickness. "How many more days till you tied?"
"Four."
"Is he nice~~?" He teased.
"AS IF!"
"HA!" The Atterian laughed, hearing Aqua chuckle. "Then we pack tonight. I will make carriers, you get supplies."


Blue eyes opened and closed, seeing just the blur of his room spinning around him. He knew he passed out a few times, if only for a moment as things didn't move smoothly. Terra was on his bed, then at the door then Soran...
"Soran...?" He pulled his head up, looking at his brother who was now on his bed and a new warmth was against his leg. His pale arms wrapped around his elder twin and pulled him close. "My wings.... they're burning." He whimpered softly, feeling his muscles throb. When he heard Sora state the same, worry flushed through his body. If he was feeling this and Sora was.... was everyone else? And if so, how crippling was it? If it affected them all like this, things could quickly go wrong.

There was another sound like jiggling of a door nob, and the warmth on his leg went away, making the bed spring up. "Terra---"
"Boys?"
Both the Shee youths looked up at the door, seeing their father standing in the threshold. He too looked weak on his feet. "Boys, are you alright."
"Father... what's going on?" Ventus asked as he found some strength to turn to him.
"I don't know... but Latium and Artios are looking into it right away and some riders are looking for the source. I'm afraid is has to do with the Balance."


Leathery black wings spread out as again and again, rushes of pleasure coursed up his body. It had taken some time for it to feel this good. It was so good, he became a slave to it, just like he was suppose to. They would have sex everyday and at least once. When Roxas skipped a day, it was pure torture. His master made sure it was. He was bound and tied, unable to relieve himself to get his fix. He said it was better this way because the next day, the imp would be even more desperate and submissive. It wasn't just the pleasure or the teasing, it was the heat that he had lost so much of. Norn was still a cold place to him and his master gave it back.

Besides being a virgin, that wasn't the only thing rough at the start. There was the day everyone found out about him. Unlike most of the people in the palace, the one they called Jet wasn't so naive. He knew the imp was nothing but a sex slave and his voice boomed over his master and buyer.

"AN IMP!? HOW DARE YOU BRING ONE HERE TO NORN!" The blue wing yelled. "It is illegal for an imp to be a slave on Norn!"
"Jet I..."
"We have TIES with Tarsa! This is an outrage! He'll DIE here!"

His master wouldn't let him die, if he behaved.

"Hard! So H-HARD!" He panted against the pillow, his body rocking as the Shee thrust inside him. His legs were spread just like his master liked it and his tail wrapped around the fleshy wrist that was holding onto his hips. "Your dick is incredible, master!" A hiss came between fanged teeth as his red hair was pulled, now being longer than it had when he was first bought. Still, he had ridiculously tiny black horns on his forehead, making him still quite laughable in the eyes of his kind. Luckily, no one laughed at him except Roxas.

"OOOH!!!" Green eyes suddenly went wide. "AAAh!! Y-you're hitting that place! SO GOOD!" Black nails curled, feeling his gut turn but there was no where it could go. "Yes... yes I want to COME!!" Harsh pants make the room hot, feeling the sweat easily rolling down his body. "Fill me! F-Fill my slutty ass with your cum! PLEASE MASTER!"

[Reno]

There was a brilliant smile, more true for him then for anyone else. The plans were made - now all that was left was to get ready to set out in their adventure. She too knew her absence would cause a riot in the Umi home, no doubt many might follow or if not many, Sai himself.

But how could they not of expected this anyways? She had always abhorred the idea of arranged marriage... especially not with someone like Xigbar around.

They needed a place to be free.


"The Balance...?" Sora asked in worry, peering at his father over the top of Ven's head. What did that mean though? Never once had he felt the balance so pained before. "Is... grandpa and grandma alright?" He asked, assuming the worst, unable to fathom anything else. When power changed in the throne, the Balance was similarly and adversely affected. At least that's what the books said. But Jet let him know they were fine, before hurrying off telling them to get up when they could.

Sora watched him go, frowning, finding it strange he skipped checking Roxas' room, as he didn't hear him pause to open that door.
Roxas... ROXAS!
Or maybe... maybe it was hurting them so much - Ven and himself especially - because of...
He blinked his eyes widened and he rolled out of the bed, knowing his dual-winged brother was meant to be the closest to the Balance because his kind were the ones to create it!
"Roxas?!" Sora called, holding onto the doorknob, finding it strange the door was locked. Again. It was always locked these days. "Roxas, are you in there?" He called but when he received no answer his eyes narrowed in determination, slowly lowering to his knees and placing his thumb over the hole where the key would go. They didn't have keys to their doors though... never needed them before.
"Magnet." Sora murmured, the small bit of magic sparking from his finger tip and connecting to the metallic pole of the doorknob. He turned his finger slowly, and with a click, the lock on the other side came undone.
He glanced back at Ven, seeing the brother still on the bed and watching him through weary eyes. "I'll make sure he's alright." The brunette said cheerfully, carefully opening the door into the dark and silent room and headed in.

Oh boy, had he wished he hadn't.


It was silent at least outside of Roxas' bed that was. No sound escaped the sound barrier that was set up around the small structure where the two were, keeping their activities silent to all but themselves.
But nothing was hiding the sight. And Soran saw it all.

Roxas was grinning, praising his little slave for such good behavior by slipping his finger lower and with an easy flick of his fingers the pressure was off, causing Axel to arch and cry out as white cum laced the sheets below only seen on the black checkers of his bed spread before his own eyes shut and, probably, he came as well with a silent cry.

It was a short time before Roxas realized he had an audience, and with a flick of his wrist, the sound barrier came off, filling the room with harsh pants and whimpers. The eldest Shee felt his entire body tremble as his eyes met a nearly identical shade of blue.
"Yeees?" Roxas asked quite casually, raising his hand and licking up something that looked like cream but it was - oh.
"I uh... was just... making sure you were alright..." The blushing Shee stuttered, unable to stop himself from gazing at the naked form of the imp though he felt shamed for doing so.
"Of course we are." The blonde said casually. "Why wouldn't we be?"
"Well uh..." Soran shook his head as his gaze strayed to those pale ass cheeks, determinedly looking at his feet now, cheeks so hot he almost forgot the burn in his wings. "The Balance has been tampered with somehow. Artios and Latium are looking into it and Ven was hurting so I figured you might be."

The Balance? White and black wings twitched, and Roxas scoffed some, noticing for the first time the uncomfortable stinging in his spine. "It's not so bothersome."
"Oh.. okay well... good...." A pause, "I'm gonna... get going now..." And then Sora was gone, shutting the door quickly behind him.

And in his absence, Roxas grinned.

[Rikugurl]

When the door closed, the imp turned, flopping onto his back. He continued to pant, finding it hard to catch his breath but when his master's eyes were back onto his, he melt, forgetting his breathing problems and thinking about another. Through bound wrist, he reached down between his legs, pulling at his ring of muscles, feeling the fresh warm semen already making it's way out. "Master... please fill my lewd hole~ It's still so tight for you~"


"Really?" Yellow wings fluttered as two Shee sat at a large, round table. Books of all sizes lined the walls, some not having been touched for centuries. They were all important and full of knowledge. A the yellow wing frowned, her eyes deep in thought. "Strange, because I felt weak this morning too... and so did Gin and Lilo. The poor girl could hardly get out of bed." She hummed, hearing that Ventus was the same. It took him a few hours to find strength and he was the strongest, physically, and fastest of the Trinity. "And Roxas?" An eyebrow rose when she saw the young prince blush suddenly before shaking his head. "He was hardly overcome by it? That's strange too as neither your grandparents really faltered. Maybe it only affected some of us..."

The woman looked back, seeing another yellow wing with his back turned to them. He was studying a book but closed it with a hopeless sigh. His daughter was about to ask if he found any hints but then the door suddenly opened to the hallway and everyone glanced to see another prince. Prince Dyre. He blushed some at all the attention and bowed his head some. "Sir Latium, Lady Firi, Prince Soran..." He greeted before closing the door behind him and walked towards the teacher, but not before ruffling up his nephew's hair playfully.

He straighten when he approached Latium and cleared his throat. "Sir Latium. I was ordered by the king to deliver an important discover. Upon my daily travels, I noticed a tornado like barrier made of sand around the east gate Fountain. When I went to market, I heard some citizens speaking about a similar behavior around the east Wood Fountain. If I may suggest, would this morning's happenings be tied with the Fountains?"


A desk was pulled out and some books were pushed aside. At the bottom, a flat, large book was pulled out and some papers fluttered to the floor. They were picked up and shoved back inside, the desk drawer closing before the Shee sat down on a plush floor pillow. The large book was open and the wolf could easily see hand drawn maps. "These were my mothers when she was a Speaker. I told Sir Gin yesterday that I no longer wish to be the leader of the Peace Army but a Speaker like my mom. I always wanted to see the other worlds..." He turned some of the pages, being careful not to smudge anything as these were all original. "She should have been a map maker too with how wonderful these are."

He smiled, and turned another page. "Ah, here we are." He turned the book and folded it, showing the Atterian by his side the map of Norn. "This is our world." He pointed out, not like the large title didn't give it away. He pointed, showing Terra a large space that seemed to be missing. "This is Makatza. Royal members or servants are not allowed beyond it's high walls. When my mom went, she was a royal Speaker so she wasn't allowed in so she could not chart it. I think that's the only rule they have. Everyone else is welcome as long as it's civil."

He pulled the book back on his lap, turning it around so he could look through the pages again, though making sure to book mark it. He paused at another page and slowly turned the book so it would face his beastly company. It was another map, this one being much smaller than the one he had seen before. There were some keys at the edge and an obvious settlement in a circular shape. There were squiggles all around it and some whips of pencil before another spot stuck out. This area was colorful with rich blues and greens, making it look like a jungle. At the top though, where the name of the world was written in fancy script, it read:

Atteris

[Reno]

The teacher frowned at the news of the fountains, before hie gaze became very grave, not noticing the way Soran straightened in his seat. "The fountains... yes. Yes that would do it."
"Uncle Dyre! What about Twilight?" The younger prince stepped in, and Latium would of sighed in exasperation, blaming Jet for the boy's strange obsession with that fountain, but had no time as he was already up and looking through yet another book, pages flipping rapidly.

He only half heard the messenger's response that they were still checking all of them, but as the prince panicking volunteered to double check - "Soran you are not to leave!"
"But-"
"Until we know the cause of this, I do not believe it would be safe for you to leave the palace."
"B..." Soran sighed in despair, slumping back into his seat. But Riku...
"The last time anything happened to the fountains was during the Atterian war." The wise yellow-wing spoke, turning the pages of the aged history book. So many generations ago. "If I remember correctly it was North-Eastern fountain of music."

Now that one was familiar to Sora. He liked that story as well, the story of the Nix-Siren. Sirens were well-known for their gift with music, though it is often a deadly song while Nix were known for their ability to shape-shift. It was told that during the harsh times of a never-ending war between Nix and Sirens, a siren had lured a male Nix she secretly fancied to her realm and together they fell in love and they had a child. However, their joining was not to end in peace as Lincintia, their world, was destroyed in the war. With his last bit of energy, the father forced his young son to shape shift into a spirit and the boy was the only to survive. However, once a spirit, a Nix could not return to any other form. He traveled long and far to find a place he could be and the fountain of Norn drew him in, binding him somewhere safe and peaceful, so different from the life of war he once knew.
Now, it is known that the sound of the sprinkling water of this fountain was the most musical, often the spouts stopping and starting without cause to create a tune.

"Yes, it was during the battle or Kankor." Latium said, though he had been sure all along. The Trinity used to joke that the Shee knew each page of every book in this Library by heart. "The Fountain of Music had suffered a blow when a large Atterian had been flung into it, snapping off one of the fountain's spouts snapped off. The battle was lost when the Peace Army began to feel faint and had to quickly retreat. Damage to the fountains often has an adverse affect on Shee, because all of them are connected to the central fountain of Balance."


Wolfen ears stuck up in interest as the map was pushed towards him and he laid on his stomach, gazing down at it with a bit of fondness in his gaze on Atteris. "My father named me Terra in honor of our lost world." He nodded to the second part of the map and chuckled. "And that must be the oasis. Much like Makatza it was a rumored piece of land, so unlike the desert were fruit and fish actually flourished. I used to dream of it, you know? Makatza. The Oasis. One in the same. Our lives may be so different but our worlds, not so much. We both have a place to just be... free."

How strange it was that, even back then, Atterians still had a place they wished to be that did not make them feel trapped. Or perhaps... "It is also said that if you can cross the desert and find the oasis and return without dying that are you one of great strength."
Perhaps it was just a bit of pride.

[Rikugurl]

The woman in the room was about to speak, suggesting some guards could go with the young prince to the fountain he wished to visit. However, if he wouldn't allow the prince, he wasn't going to allow his only daughter. She looked at the blue wing, giving him a faint smile. "I'm sure the fountain is alright Sora. Twilight's foundation is very strong and the moon gives it strength." It was frightening though, hearing how the fountain actually controlled their life. She was also troubled that someone had attacked a fountain but hoped it was only an accident.

"It looks like the fountains have all put up barriers then." Dyre announced, making Latium look through his books again and it seemed like during the war, the fountains had the exact behavior. "So do you think the fountains feel as if they are at risk?" The prince was a wise man for only being a messenger, but he had sent many messages throughout Norn and learned quite a few things on his travels. The yellow wing seemed to ponder for a minute before nodding, saying that wouldn't be a bad assumption.
"Papa, if the fountains feel they are at risk, maybe it wouldn't be wise for Dyre to check them. Maybe this is a job for my husband and some of his men..."

Dyre nodded, looking down at Soran who still seemed to be troubled. "And what if prince Soran goes just in case of some threat? I heard he knew some fine defensive----"
Latium still wasn't buying it. With the message given for the King to consider Gin's aid on the matter, the red wing left but not before patting his nephew on the shoulder.
Latium turned and started flipping through some books. As he did, Firi, the daughter of the great teacher, turned back to the young brunette. "Soran..." She whispered, getting his attention. "Why don't you take a nap? You look exhausted..." She saw the boy's eye widen, knowing what she was implying.


Blue eyes looked down at the wolf, seeing his eyes and looking how far they wandered. He was dreaming, of the Oasis, of Makatza. It reminded him of a promise he made awhile ago, almost a full year. Slowly he closed the book and put is aside, hearing Terra sit up and looked at him. "I'm suppose to get you there right?" He questioned, slowly getting up. "I appologize. I haven't been thinking on that matter. It was just so nice to have company and to help you with your studies, I nearly forgot." He crossed his arms and thought. "I think the best way would be through the countryside. I am a prince and though you are crippled from malformation, I believe you can still walk."

He smiled down at the Atterian. "Even as a slave or high class or royalty, they will not allow Atterians to go very far. You will have to hid your features, walk somewhat well and be able to speak Common. They will believe in a deaf or blind man but it is rare for someone to be mute. From now on, our studies will consist of speech and walking. My mother can help with the speech but---" He paused as he heard a sudden knock on his door and he quickly kicked the sketch book under his bed. "Yes, come in." He ordered, standing up straight but relaxed when he saw his master come in. "Yes master?"

And that was when he heard the orders. Gin was to visit every fountain around the kingdom to see their status and he wished for Ventus to come along as practice. "Of course." He agreed before looking down at Terra. "May he come as well?"
It would be the first time Terra would leave the palace walls in months.

[Reno]

"Ah.... You are right, I do feel a little exhausted..." Soran was saying, covering his words with a bit of a yawn. He always did like Firi and could see why Gin adored her so. She was always willing to aid those in need.
"Not to surprising Soran. Younger Shee will have more difficulty with the Balance." And Latium was helping! It took a lot not to burst out laughing and keep his tired visage maintained.
"May I take a rest Latium?"
"...I suppose. But only this once."
"Thank you Latium." The boy said, getting up and leaving the library and, once out of eye shot, was dashing down the halls to his room with more energy then an 'exhausted' teenager should have.
Calm eyes looked at his daughter from behind his spectacles, "I saw what you did there." His yellow-winged daughter looked away innocently and he only chuckled. "Well, no matter. I was certain he would sneak out during the night if nothing else."

The brunette Shee, rather than going to his room, hopped out into the courtyard gardens, following the maze of paths to the upper side of town. I'm coming Riku...


"Hmmm.... Well I suppose it will be alright." Gin stated, glancing at the Atterian with a bit of apprehension. He knew of his best friend's ambitions, but there was no stopping that uncomfortable feeling of dread and rivalry he always felt when confronted by one of these beasts. He knew it was just natural instinct and that was hard to get past.

Although this one never seemed so bad, especially when he was wagging his tail like that. Sometimes he wondered if maybe it had been a mistake and he was just another common dog that the humans sometimes kept and he got mixed in with the beasts because of his slightly large and frightening appearance.

"But, you'll be in charge of him Ven. And I don't want to see you two playing." The older male said strictly, "You have ten minutes, make sure to have Sorrow ready and meet us at the Palace gates." Their was an understanding nod before the Peace Army leader was gone.
Yes, Terra could of been a normal dog.
"You Shee are never any fun. Does anyone ever get to play?" Came the teasing voice from the excited creature.
You know, if he couldn't talk that is.

[Rikugurl]

"Ah, I don't know what you're talking about papa~" Firi smiled, rocking some in her chair. She was worried about Gin though. Had she set him up for something terrible? If the fountains felt like they were at risk, the Shee - No! All of Norn - should be on guard too.

As the young prince was making his way towards the forest outside of the palace, he could see treetops moving in a strange motion, as if a strong wind was only blowing there. Due to the bizarre appearance, the young Shee started to run faster, bursting into the forest. As he followed the path, the wind between the trees began to pick up and pulled at his cloak and clothes violently. Tree branches were hard to avoid, the low ones hitting Sora repetitively. If he didn't know better, he would be convinced that they were trying to keep him away. Dirt and rocks started to fly as he continued to push on and when he finally broke through the clearing, he couldn't see the fountain.

In it's place, he saw unnatural sand. Sand that he knew very well in his dreams. It was the sand that warmed his toes some nights as he and Riku sat until the stars, saying their last goodbyes or that kicked up when they had one of their many races. Now, it was swarming around the area where the fountain stood, twisting and turning in a violent motion.


"Right away." He nodded and the door was close. A smile spread over his lips and he chuckled, shaking his head. "Nope. That's royalty for you." He sighed but quickly rushed to his closet and pulled out his cloak and riding clothes. The wolf looked away as he quickly changed and with a snap, they were off out the door. They both rush to the stable, Sorrow being quickly arranged and mounted. There was a snap and the large animal galloped off, the Atterian easily keeping up at her side.

The prince and monster met the silver wing at the gate and could quickly see how the follow Shee were affected. His gaze and thought were interrupted as his master told him younger Shee had a stronger connection to the Balance and to try and feel where the Balance was bending the most. Blue eyes closed and slowly, he rose his hand and concentrated. Terra had seen him do this many times, not really bothering to ask why as he was sure it was just some sort of Shee thing but even Gin gave him a confused look. Suddenly, his red wings appeared and he flapped them slowly, his left one fluttering more than the other. "To the west." He spoke, looking out to see a darker cloud in the far west.

[Reno]

The branches were so furious, Soran had to draw his wings in, worried of the delicate, thin appendages breaking from a misplaced strike. It was as if the forest was against him - and such a thing he never even heard of before! But still he pressed on, disregarding the scraps and the roots he was half certain were rising up to crash into his ankles and send him tumbling.

But, as he reached the end of the forest, and reached into town, still hoping somewhere in his heart that he would see the water streaming up like stars, he was disappointed by the sand that covered the fountain like a tornado. He approached the Twilight fountain with apprehension, reaching out towards the swirling sands and calling, "Riku? Riku can you hear me in there?!"


There were some murmurs but Gin only nodded, not questioning the other, and spoke calmly, "Led the way then, Prince Ventus."
Terra's head tilted as he saw Ven's admiring gaze, not understanding what an honor it was to led a troop - or, as he looked at it, a pack - in a mission.
But even he had to stifle a chuckle as Ven sat up a little straighter, as if trying to be a board, and he really didn't look so authoritarian since he still had all that baby fat on his cheeks and his voice still cracking some from adolescence. Even still, his paws and the sounds of many hooves clomped along the cobblestone and brick-paved roads as Ventus led the charge, the wolf easily distancing with the magnificent four-legged mammals who, unlike their riders, did not see the danger in him.

He knew why. Animals were quite curiously different because they read the signs of the body, unswayed by the logical of the human or blessed mind. As a sheep Wolf, he used to play with the lambs, seeing what motions would set them off in fright or make them trod closer with curiosity. Relaxed as he was now, his tail swinging from side to side with his ears slightly down and tongue lolling to catch the morning air's scent on his tongue, he knew the horses saw no danger in him. They, like him, were only focused on the destination.
But around him, he could smell the unease around him, knowing the Shee were nervous and that their minds were elsewhere. Even Ventus was distracted, his mind wandering far as he thought of something Terra did not know. Perhaps he was trying to look proud and in control - it was too bad he did not have a tail or he would of just needed to hold it up high to show his dominance.

[Rikugurl]

As if Soran had turned off the magic around him, the touch of his hand through the sand made it change and all the grands pulled up towards the sky, loop around and dive into the fountain. When it disappeared into the pool, the water started to flow again and like before, the way Soran had known it, the top of the fountain where the water sprouted looked like little stars falling even in daylight. The pool quickly filled with water and it was like nothing had ever happened here. The sand was completely gone, none even dropping on the dirt ground around the stones that glowed dimly. The trees and rocks settled and the sound of birds and other animals filled the area again.


Sorrow carried the prince down the road and onto a trail that was beaten through the woods. The sound of hooves behind him reinsured the young boy that he had cover and of course, the Atterian still at his side who was naturally running through the forest as if he did it everyday. He wasn't just worried about how the Balance felt here, or more so the lack of it but he was keeping a close eye on Terra. Gin made him question their slowly growing bond. Would he run away? Would he turn against them? His thoughts were all on Terra, so much so that he nearly forgot what he was here for to begin with until it hit him in the face.

Or more like body.

The leather reins were pulled hard as they came to the Fountain of Memories. His body started to ache again and a sudden emotion of sadness filled his heart and soul. Subconsciously, tears fell down his cheek from the pure sorrow of this area, seeing how hardly any light came through the trees. He looked down the small hill at the fountain and the morose feeling lifted, being replaced by fear as he saw a creature that his eyes never witnessed before. It was predominantly lilac in color, but its back and all four of its legs were violet. Each of the creature's legs had two toes with black claws. It had two large, curved tusks sprouting from its lower jaw that were white on their upper half and lilac on their lower half. What make his heart drop was it's yellow eyes and a jagged maw.

He heard a growl next to him and the others heading up the trail. He glanced back but his head whipped back around where a tremendous roar filled the small forest and their eyes met. For a second, the prince could hardly move. Did this thing... destroy the fountain? Why? And what was it? Where did it come from and---
"ATTACK!"

[Reno]

Without the wind and in disturbing length of silence, everything felt better. In this area, Soran no longer felt the weight of the Balance on his wings. Even around him, in the nearby homes, he felt life returning, no one any longer feeling the pressure of the world.

What had happened to make Riku feel threatened? To make all for them feel threatened? This worried Sora, but he had no answers. Something bad was happening though, he could feel it in his wings. A threat was coming, unforeseen in the darkness of shadows, but there just as that uncomfortable feeling one might get when you knew eyes were peering at you, watching you.
"Don't worry.... I'll protect you." Soran said confidently, laying his hands on the marble of the fountain, as if to lend Riku his strength. And he did, the gentle flow of gold surrounding the fountain before fading, like an after image and the fountain with it's beautiful shooting stars looked as normal as ever. "As long as I live, you will be safe."


The order was given more from instinct then real thought. Since becoming apart of the Peace Army, Gin knew what battle was like both under a leader and as one. But never once had anyone attacked Norn itself. Always they were battles at other homes, where alliances had been born with blue worlds and promises of help had been gathered.

But no one had dared to attack their world - at least, not for many, many centuries. The only ones brave and stupid enough to ever do so, at least as stories go, were the Atterians. With their only threat gone and under their control... no one believed for a second this could happen. But still, Gin knew what to do and the rest of his army followed, hooves clomping a new tantrum of noise as they charged down the hill for the violet beast.
Some horses were being lead. Others, like Sorrow, simply followed because the others were moving. But his second order got the rest of his soldiers to their wits. "SURROUND IT BUT DON'T ATTACK JUST YET!" He shouted over the sound of hooves, and though they were a bit messy, they managed to encircle the large beast at a distance that was hopefully safe.
Gin faced the creature at it's head, the horses standing, some teetering nervously as the creature gave another roar. It wasn't until he made his first attack, a powerful shockwave made by his clomping hooves, that Gin finally gave the order, "AT ARMS MEN! IT IS NOT FRIENDLY!" In the back of his mind he had not forgotten his best friend's son was out here with them. This would be his first battle... but was he ready for it?

Beside Sorrow and the nervous blond, Terra was crouched low beside them, never once having lost sight of his caretaker in all the confusion and fright. But his ears perked as something deadly appeared in Ven's hand. A spear.
He knew he was meant to... but he could not imagine the other in a fight.

[Rikugurl]

It was his first fight and frightening one at that. The creature was huge and unknown, not knowing what this thing was capable of. He didn't know it's weakness, or strengths. Was it immune to magic? Did it absorb it? Did it feed from it? Even with his fear building up with every movement it made, there was one thing that he did know. That he wouldn't tolerate this creature destroying a fountain and getting away with it! With his spear in his hand, he snapped the reins and Sorrow fearlessly rushed forward towards the creature. He grit his teeth, pulled his arm out and with all his strength, he threw the spear into the monster's flank, hearing it give out another roar. More spears and arrows came down on the creature, sinking into it's hide only for black goop to fall from the wounds.

Ven snapped the reins again, pulling the horse from the beast to get some cover. As he did, he looked out, seeing the massive horn on it's head start to glow. Lightning rained down on the monster suddenly and some fireballs slammed into it's shoulder, making it cry out again and the glowing dimmed.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!" It trashed it's head about, its tail whipping and clubbing some horses down. The creature then stomped and from the ground, smaller things started to appear, all having the same yellow eyes. These creatures resembled dogs but looked overly fed as they were quite round. "TERRA!" Ven called but the Atterian was already after them.

The glowing from the creature's horn appeared again, making everything behind it dark. From this darkness, more creatures appeared. These had red eyes and mocked the appearance of birds. Blue eyes narrowed and he pulled on Sorrow's reins to steady her. His hand reached out and he concentrated hard on his fingertips. Suddenly, a flash of light appeared and a shining bow was gripped. He positioned it, making it point to one of the birds and pulled the string, a light arrow appearing as he drew the cord back. And he released. The arrow show out and hit one of the birds dead on but as he figured it would fall to the ground, the light actually wrapped around it... and it vanished.

He did it again and again, pegging down each and every bird with one or two shots. Each one was wrapped by the light and vanished as if it had never been. Never been? "These things... they're not bad of anything. THESE THINGS ARE NOT MADE OF ANY---" Blue eyes went wide and it happened so fast, he could hardly hear the pained shrills from Sorrow as they were both hit head on by the giant creature's tail. The large horse fell hard onto the ground and the prince flew off her back, slamming hard into a tree. His breath was knocked out of him and his head slammed into the bark hard. All he could remember was the sounds of the small army shouting and the cry of a wolf.



"Soran?" A call came down the large hallway and the young brunette paused as he headed to his room for the night. The blue wing looked down the corridor, seeing his grandfather walking towards him. "No time for sleeping now. Some guest have arrive that will be meeting us in the throne room shortly. As the hire to the crown, I would like you to be present. Please change into your meeting clothes and meet me there shortly." He walked pass the boy, heading towards the thrown room. Soran seemed to be quite stunned, hardly seeing, let alone speaking to his grandfather since Roxas's hire was taken from him.

Volken turned back, seeing the prince still standing at his door. "Hurry up. They are black wings from Makatza. They've come a long way and I'm sure they're not up to waiting for you."


"Nnngh...." Blue eyes opened slowly and the room around him was blurry and spinning, much like it did that morning. Was it morning? No, the candles were lit, it had to be dusk or evening. He blinked a few times, clearing his vision and slowly tried to get up but stopped, hissing as he felt a pain in his spine. It wasn't like the pain from this morning, though that pain was still there, it was faint. This one was definitely there and had nothing to do with the Balance. The prince looked down, seeing the large wolf at the foot of his bed as always but he was licking his front paw and Ventus could see why. It was bloody raw from an injury.

Injury? The battle! "Ut!" He panicked some but his spine yelled out again, making his take deep breaths to calm it. "Terra..." The Atterian looked up at him, their blue eyes meeting. "You're hurt..."


A green Shee bowed, her head still not feeling right and for once, was happy that her employee's daughter would watch the barn for the night. She left her post and allowed Aqua in before heading back to the palace where her home was. She and other Shee from the farm needed plenty of rest from this morning's issues. As the door was closed, the young woman walked pass the doors, hearing the sounds of the Atterians behind it get up and sniff at the wood, knowing it was the two-leg that treated them kindly. She paused at the last door and unlocked it, letting herself in to see a changed man who was pulling at his once blankets, now bags. His golden eye looked up at her and he gave a grin, showing her his handy work. "Piece of pie~" He hoped he was saying that right.

She too had a bag but this one well made from the kingdom and when he emptied it, all the supplies fell on the hay. Tanned fingers looked over the items, seeing the well crafted and nicely bundled items. Aqua really put some money into this. As he looked through everything, testing it out and counting their rations, he stopped and looked back, some of his long hair falling over his tanned shoulder. "You're quiet. Having second thoughts?" His sharp black eyebrows pinched when she was frank as always, announcing that she had met her husband-to-be today.
"And...? Do you want to be with him?" As much as it pained him to ask, she didn't look at him when she spoke, thinking that it had to be it. Maybe the man they chose for her wasn't much of a pig at all.

[Reno]

The hesitating prince steeled his gaze and nodded, "I'll be right there." He stated before hurrying to his room to get changed. So much had happened since he returned from Twilight - particularly, the news of Ventus being hurt in battle had swept the palace into a small panic. Even Roxas, who seemed more often these days to never have time for hid brothers, dropped by to check and see if his identical twin was fairing well - even IF Terra was there.

Riri, the palace doctor, reported that he would make a fine and full recovery. This seemed enough to calm his father, who seemed ready to tear out poor Gin's wings who had already apologized profusely.

But things had gotten no better and Sora felt sick to hear about the Fountain of Memories and the fact that their were no answer to the phenomenon - no definite ones that is, except for the giant beast they had taken down - left him feeling weak and unsure. If he were king, how would he of dealt with this problem? He'd been thinking of the answer all day.

And realized... he didn't have one.

A few minutes later, the blue-winged Shee found himself in the throne room, where his grandmother Diliza was meeting with several black-wings but Volken was not yet there. When she caught sight of him, she suddenly drew all attention to him, "Ah yes, and I would like you to meet my grandson, Soran. He is the current heir to the throne."
Somehow, he felt as if she were making fun of him. It was no secret Diliza held much disdain for her family members, though she, like Volken, had gotten along very well with Roxas. Still, Sora held himself high as he walked over, and suddenly excitement curled through him. He was meeting black wings from Makatza! "Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you."


"This?" Terra asked, looking down at his paw with a flippant air, as if it didn't mean much. sure hurt like a bitch though when one of those dogs' fangs bit nearly through it. "Merely nothing, no more than a bit of annoyance. And you? You had smacked into that tree fairly hard."

Fairly hard did not describe it. The impact had actually broken some of the bark right off so that the beige-strips of the inner trunk could be seen. Terra had started to run back towards him, and that was how he had gotten hurt, when one of the beasts just jumped from the ground underneath him. He had swiped at it, but his paw got caught in it's jaws instead. He ended up tousling with it, before it disappeared with a good snap of his jaws on it's neck.

What really bothered him, was those creatures had no scent to them. The only thing that often warned him of their danger was a putrid stench of their magic, dipped in black art. He knew what it smelt like as Artios had shown the Trinity many black magic spells. Still, he had stayed by Ven and Sorrow until the battle ended, Gin showing an amazing blast of wind magic that seared right through the biggest beast's horn. Once it was down, the rest disappeared as well, as if the minions could not exist without their demonic master.


"No, of course not..." Aqua finally said with a frown on her face, remembering the man who had come to see her that evening. He had been older than her but still young and attractive. But the way he acted around her made her blood boil in an uncomfortable way. He almost acted like he didn't care if she was there at all!

No, he wasn't really bothering her. It was... "My dad... he looked so happy is all." She sighed. Ronan, her father, had always been a kind presence in her life. He helped free her from many of her mother's endless lectures and even at times had indulged her less than womanly behavior. But today, she had never seen him so proud of her. It bothered her... how badly she would disappoint him once he realized she was gone.