Of Nightmares

[Reno]

The candle this time was dropped, luckily going out as it tumbled to the bed from the wind-whipped gravity, as Soran's body angled upwards into Axel's rapid, powerful thrusts. His jaw dropped open, emitting mewls and calls of pleasure that grew with increasing intensity as his cock burned for release until he had to reach down, fingers curling around it and jacking himself off, which causing his muscles to contract around the other. It wasn't long after until... "A-AAAAAAAH!!! AXEEEEEEL!"

But even after they came down from their high... they weren't done yet. Roxas had picked up a brutal pace, his breathes coming in harsh gasps as he fucked the red-head, his own movements causing the imp to continue to thrust into Sora. He started to bite hard onto the red-head's shoulder and sucking hard on the skin, making sure to make marks as if guaranteeing everyone else would see how claimed the imp was.

But then suddenly... he slowed down, his thrusts shallow and erratic. For a moment, Sora thought he might of came, but blue eyes gleamed with malicious intention, letting go of Axel for a moment. He reached down further to angle Soran's knees off the bed, and the brunette gave a soft noise of curious exhaustion. And then Roxas placed his palm against the small of Axel's back pushing down until his hips were so low to the bed their thighs were pressed together. Without another pause, he thrust in hard.

Soran's eyes snapped open and he arched upwards, screaming in delight and Axel was much the same. They heard a chuckle above them, Roxas thrusting in them harder again, fucking them both easily and hitting both their prostrates continuously. In moments, Soran was hard again, his head tossing on the pillow and fingers clenching onto the sheets. "OH NORN!!! Ooooh... OH Fuck don't stop!!"

"Fuck... FUCK!" Roxas called above them both and didn't stop his ruthless pace until all three of them had reached their climax -for the first time or again or - in Soran's case - for the third time that night. His heart was beating so fast he feared it might explode.

But this time, when the heir fell back to the bed, darkness was at the edges of his vision and he knew he couldn't take anymore. "Mm'tired..." He whispered, his eyes slowly sliding shut. A faint smiled graced his lips though when he felt hot, long-nailed fingertips running over his brow, brushing away sweat-darkened locks.

[Rikugurl]

"YAAAAAAAAAAA MASTER!!!" The imp cried in pleasure as the shee behind him hit the small bead inside one last time, making the hot froth pool inside the brunette for the second time. His wing fluttered but were quickly grabbed and yanked harsh as he felt a warmth fill him up. When the grip was loosened, the imp slowly pulled out of the prince, allowing the substance to flow out while he leaned down. His claws pushed away the wet bangs and their eyes faintly met. If they Soran had known, it wasn't a kind jester... but one to try to keep him awake because behind the imp, the blonde prince had larger horns than the demon himself.


"Mother."
A stern voice called out, easily vibrating off the large, tall walls. A red wing walked across the room, holding his stature tall and straight, and came up to a round table where a beautiful woman sat, her wings mocking his in color but were still completely different. She blinked when the young man placed something she knew well on the table, as it was once her own. The book was flipped, revealing map after map of worlds until he came to a large one that read NORN on the top. A finger pressed against a spot, showing how empty it was. "I wish to map out Makatzu." She opened her mouth but he quickly cute her off. "I know royalty isn't allowed in this area but that was never the case before. We were once united, even if our views were different. We're all Shee and we are all suffering the same now."

He took a deep breath and looked at her in the eyes. "I am asking to be granted a Safe Passage."
A Save Passage was an emblem that a traveler would receive from a higher up royal member, allowing them to travel to a destined location that was far from the kingdom. It was once used around the universe and then for those who wished to go to Makutza. They were quickly forgotten when they became scarce and hard to gain. With this emblem, everyone who had treaties with Norn, or now who lived in Norn, were to offer their home for rest if the traveler came knocking on their door.

It was an odd request from a prince, especially since he had money for an inn but even she knew how the royal had lost their popularity, especially the further you traveled from the palace.


"Mother."
A stern voice called out, easily vibrating off the large, tall walls. This time, a blue wing burst through the door, his wings only having a faint glow. His voice was not as calm either as he marched over to another elegant Shee, who's wings only match the name she had given him. "How can you let this happen?" She gave him a glance but gave him an ignorant response before continuing with her letter. "You know well what I mean! How can you let your husband stand around and do nothing!? Literally, NOTHING! My SON had to speak to the upset people of Makatzu because he was too caught up in his affairs. And now, can't you feel it? The Balance? It's breaking again and I heard no orders to have our army find the cause!"

Still, she had an air around her that expressed how she could care less until her son's hand slammed into the table, making the ink bottle fall and the black liquid seeped over her letter. "How can you sit here and drink tea when Norn is dying!? WHEN WE'RE DYING!?"

[Reno]

Unfortunately, even Axel could not prevent sleep forever. In fact, he was not even able to prevent it for five minutes before the prince's heart beat slowed and his breath evened out. He never knew when he was reclothed - or moved from Roxas' room to his own to rest for the rest of the night. The Shee, so preoccupied with his victory as he threw the blankets over his brother's form, never saw the gleaming blue eyes watching him from the shadows of the room... or the way the wolf's nostril's flared as he caught the recognizable stench wafting from the both of them.

And when the door closed that night, Terra crept forward carefully, glancing at the eldest of the Trinity... and felt a forbidding feeling creep upon him that whatever had just happened this night was nothing but ill-will for the to-be king.

And that night, for the first time since he was a toddler, Sora slept... and did not meet Riku that night.


Cool, calm green eyes watched her son, smiling to him very gently. "Oh really?" The boy nodded with determination in his eyes, but she was not sure if it was for what he was actually proposing to do or not. "Tell me Ventus, and when they deny you? You know I once tried myself to map out Makatza, and they did not let me. They pride themselves on their secrecy and - if you ask me - enjoy the fairytale notion of themselves here on Norn."

Her hands folded in her lap, giving him a patient stare. She hadn't said no yet at least, but Ventus was beginning to realize he would have to make a good case if he would be allowed the journey. "So, how you will do it?"


"No one has DIED Jet. Do not be so dramatic." Diliza said very patiently, picking up the ink bottle carefully and with a bit of magic, the ink that stained her paper moved from the page, the liquid filling back into the bottle. She re-dabbed her quill and went back to writing as if she had never had to pause, speaking easily, "And besides, your son is to be King, remember? It was your idea to decree it like so. He needs to learn how to handle crisis like these, or how will he ever keep a calm hold over our people?"

She heard an awful sound come from her son and chastised simply, "And do not grind your teeth. It is an ugly sound." She nodded, before looking at him in the corner of her eye, "Stop being so concerned. Did Gin not tell you? The fountains are being monitored, day and night by soldiers. If anything where to happen, we would be alerted immediately."

[Rikugurl]

Ventus swallowed as he looked into his mother's eyes. This wasn't the first time he decided on something, so true and ready for the quest until his mother brought him back to reason. He truly should have been a philosopher like his grandmother had suggested. He wanted to tell her the true, to tell her that he was sure the black wings wouldn't allow him and that he was only headed there to free Terra. He had to free Terra because things were becoming complicated. "Mother... just because one falls down, does not mean the army much all fall. We fall so we can pick ourselves up again. I know I'm only fourteen... but I know so much about our world and I know that bad things are happening. The would Balance seemed to have gotten lost."

His thoughtful eyes looked down at the map of Norn before he continued. "Balance means a state of equilibrium. Our lives, our existence, is based on equality. All Shee, no matter what our wing colors are, should all live with the same hopes and fears as the rest. In the old days, the people of Makatzu didn't believe in the strict laws of the Keyblade wielders but we were still one. Our concerns were theirs and vise verse. Now... it is them who are trying to keep the Balance because they have not lost their way. One of our Fountains were destroyed and the Shee from Makatzu came for our aid and help. We are still very much a part of them as they are us... but we haven't given them the right to trust us anymore."


"Learn? Of course he'll learn... from everyone besides Volken! How do you think he did so well? Because Runa and I, Sir Latium, Gin... nearly everyone has been helping him except for your husband! And you're right... not one has died yet. But we're suppose to wait and see until someone does? And what if someone dies? It's just one Shee right? So what? Then it will be just a handful of Shee. No big deal. When will you realize that something like this has NEVER happened before? You can guard the fountains all you want but until you actually DO something, nothing will be done! You can't even spoken to the Maka---AAAAAH!!!"


Green eyes looked at the pages below her with boredom, flipping them slowly and sighing as she waited for Soran to arrive for his morning lesson. She glanced up when she felt her wings weigh down but a familiar pressure but what she saw out the window made her literally fall out of her chair. "AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!! P-PAPA!!!" The yellow winged teacher was quick to leave the book he was reading to come to his daughter's aid but it hit him too almost instantly, making him fall onto the ground for the second time this year. But he saw it too, out the window, a glow that shot up from the eastern Wood up towards the sky as a cry for help filled the back of his head. And then---


"MOTHER!!" Ventus cried as he fell to the ground, feeling the intense pressure coming down on him, crippling again. Still, he found the strength to carry himself to his mother's side and wrap his arms around her as their wings disappeared. Together, they held onto each other, their eyes shut tightly until, what seemed like hours, the pressure was gone. Still, their bodies were weak and they panted before opening their eyes... and saw nothing in front of them. "Wha... what happened?"


Blue eyes opened to the darkness, only being able to see the outlines of objects in his mother's room thanks to the bit of light coming from her large window. But that wasn't all he saw. His eyes widened, not ignoring the obvious sign that his black winged mother was hardly effected like he was, as he saw the moon in the sky. But wasn't it just early morning a moment ago?

[Reno]

"I don't know... but it'll be okay Ventus." Runa said, more to reassure her son then anything, and as the weakness passed she carefully got to her feet, helping her son up and into a chair for him to relax, knowing the Balance had again been tampered with.

What was it this time? Another fountain...?


Blue eyes ran over the words of the newest book, only partially able to read it. He was allowed back into the blonde's room early that morning, and as he was left alone took to trying to finish the book he had started a few days before. But for once he found little interest in it. Ever since awakening this morning, he had felt ill. There was an uncomfortable twisting in his stomach that made food sound unappetizing and a strange warmth, like the flush of fever, running over him.

"Ugh..." He winced, placing his hand over his temple at a sudden pounding was there. Maybe it would just be best to sleep it off-
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

His ears shot upwards, hearing the scream from the other bedroom. "Soran?!" He called dropping his book and leaping from the bed just as darkness surrounded him. Blue eyes glimmered in moonlight, showing plainly the fright there. His tail drew in between his legs, and then he gave a yelp as the sound of thunder echoed in his ears.

When the magical light filled the sky and lit up the world that was suddenly shrouded in darkness, Terra was no where to be found.


"UGH!!" A tall, silver-winged man cried out at the sudden pain, hearing echoing cries from his men. The pain this time was searing, and he had to lodge his spear into the concrete to stay on his feet. And even as the pain ebbed, panic took it's place as his men were disarrayed and confused by the sudden change in light. It was as if the sun went out.

"HALT MEN." Gin called, struggling to get his bearings. "Do not panic! I need a report! Give me a report from the other fountains!" He looked at the ranks around him, noticing their hesitation, "I MEAN NOW!"
But he didn't have to wait for them to get into contact with the other Shee for answers... because his answer came in the sky.
"GIN! IT'S KITCHI!"
"What?!" He snapped, his head whipping around, and sure enough, he spotted the only male pink-wing known to Norn flying for the men stationed at the center fountain. Something was wrong though - his flight was uncertain and uneven, seeming as if he was just struggling to stay in the air - and just as suddenly, he plummeting, cries of horror echoing from the other soldiers. He would of crashed through the roof of someone's home if not for Nyobe, a dual archer and magician, and her quick thinking as he called a wind spell to catch the falling pink-wing.

Gin gave her an appreciative nod before taking flight and easily sweeping over the distance to where the now-floating male was, easily breaking through the spell to hitch the soldier into his arms and fly him back over to the fountain, laying him down on the ground, blood that wasn't there before now staining his arms as he looked down at the injured Shee, quickly ordering someone to fetch a medical team. At least his wings were intact...

"G-Gin..." The young shoulder whispered, green eye dimmed with pain as he reached out for his superior, gripping onto his shoulder. "Gin... t-the fountain of Daybreak... it's gone... S-S-So many of them..."
The news made Gin's gut twist but he fought to remain calm, trying to temper the quelling fear in his heart. "It's alright Kitchi... just relax. You need to recover." But the Shee didn't listen, his eyes full of horror of things Gin could only imagine he'd seen. How had they not been informed of an attack?!
"They... they MASSACRED us!" He cried, suddenly hysterical tears in his eyes. "S-Slaughter us... R-Ripped out our wings... they're going to KILL US ALL!"
"Get ahold of yourself! Nyobe!" The other Shee was quick to hurry over, placing her hand over his forehead.
"Sleep." She seemed to order, and thankfully... the Shee's panicked mutterings slowly faded away as the spell worked over him.
Gin slowly stood up, his heart beating in his chest, looking over the rest of the men around, waiting for orders. "Gati! Go and deliver the news to the King that we have lost Daybreak. Nyobe, get in contact with the rest of the fountains and make sure they so not need assistance. Peri, Makino, stay with her and protect the fountain. The rest of you, come with me so we can assess if there are any other survivors... and prepare yourself for a possible battle."

[Rikugurl]

The young prince breathed deeply before exhaling shakily. The room was pitch black and he didn't even have the mind to ask his mother how she found a chair. There were no windows in the conference rooms except for a large skylight to keep everything private. As he slowly began to calm, a sudden worry came over him, making him leap out of his chair, sending it back and smashing into the ground. "TERRA!!" He knew the door was to his left and rushed through the darkness, his hand slamming into the wall and fingers scattered over the coldness before finding the handle and yanking it open.

Almost literally falling into the hallway, the blonde caught himself before running across the carpeted corridors. The windows littering the walls gave only a little light, reminding him of nighttime. Why was it....? Though his body ached and his muscles screamed in his head, his wings suddenly burst from the scars on his back, lighting the hallways in a red glow. He could see maids against the wall, weak and exhausted but spared a glance to their prince as he hurried by. When he reached his room, he pushed the door open, making it slam against the wall and skated in. "TERRA!? TERRAAA!?" He called into the empty room, his blue eyes wide as they looked over every corner of the room. He turned in panic, hoping he didn't hit the wolf with the door but when he saw Terra by his side, whimpering, he fell to his knees, wrapping his arms around the large canine and hugging him close.

"Oh Terra.... y-you're ok...."


The door to another conference room slammed open, this one bright and lit with candles. To the barging Shee, he was stopped in his tracks when a strange looking gun was pointed to him and he had to look up at the man holding it.
"Gantu, that's not necessary."
A woman's voice filled the frightened Shee's head and when the gun was put away and a growl filled the room, the soldier looked towards the center of the room where the king and a strange being was sitting. The woman's voice he had just come from the thin, humanoid alien with pale blue-green skin, four-fingered hands, a wide head, and a long face.

"So... where were we?" Volken spoke, catching the woman's attention as she looked down at the paper and pen before her.
"Your majesty!"
"Gati, I will meet you when our meeting is done. Please---"
"But sir!"
"Gati!"
"BUT---"
"ENOUGH!"
Silence rang through the room as the king stared down his panic soldier but it was the sound of paper sliding against the table that made Volken look away, looking down at the treaty. The signature was blank. He quickly stood as the woman stood who only calmly replied. "I do not think the Galactic Council is ready to sign a treaty with Norn quite yet. It seems like you need much more help than we do. Good day, King Volken."
And with a press of a button, the two figures vanished.

Silence filled the room again before the king turned to face the soldier. "So now that you have ruined a treaty signing, Gati...what is so urgent that couldn't wait." He hissed through his teeth while he crushed the treaty in his fist.


"Someone is following us."
"What? Who?"
"............Humans."
"Where?"
"I'm going to have to kill them..."
"........"
Boots crunched down the wild vegetation of forest floor as he walked down the overgrown path. The light was dim, only poking through the treetops sparingly. On his back, he held a warm body. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs around his mid waist. She had learned quickly that she wasn't as ready for his journey as she thought. She tired more easily the further they traveled but she pushed herself to go as far as she possible could. It took her a few hours of lecturing that she couldn't keep doing whatever the hell she wanted to do. She had to put some consideration in her acts. Not just for her own well being but for the child she was now carrying.

He carried her when she was weak, having the natural strength and stamina to continue with the extra weight. Of course, they couldn't travel very far when he was in human form but they were already making good time. Until now.
He continued to walk down the trail, not minding the wild butterflies flying about, though he thought it would be entertaining to snap at those who came too close to his face. That was until suddenly the light went out. He paused and tensed, now shadowed in complete darkness. Aqua was about to voice something but he quickly quieted her and helped her off his back gently. "Get down on the ground, as low as you can and as close as you can to a tree." He whispered into her ear and she was quick to follow his instructions.

Instantly, the male human was replaced by a large black cat, nearly becoming invisible in the pitch black of the forest. Round ears scanned the woods, hearing falter in footsteps by the humans that had been tracking them since early morning. He suddenly laid low to the ground and moved silently over the forest floor, coming closer and closer to the closet sound. Though he only had one eye, he could see as if it was bright daylight, in the middle of a field, in the dark. He saw the first human, seeing a gun shaking in his hand as he looked around, blinded by the sudden change but he didn't have to wait too long before he was slammed into by a massive force.

It knocked the wind out of the man, making his gun fly into the air and land a few feet away. Before he could regain his breath, it was cut off, indefinitely, by the snap of powerful jaws at his neck. A wet tongue lapped at the blood for a moment and then the cat was gone, hunting down the next closest movement and reek of human.

[Reno]

Even with his paws over his ears, trying to break out the never-ending sound of thunder that seemed to echo through him and rattle his bones, he still heard him.
"TERRAAA!?"
Blue eyes opened, sticking his head out from underneath the bed, spotting the form of the young Shee easily even in the darkness. Relief filled him instantly as he crawled out of his hiding place and hurried over to the other, whimpering softly only... to get a hug in return. His tail curled around the blonde, leaning his furry face against the other's cheek, reassuring him he was just fine.
"Yes, but Norn isn't, is it?" Ventus pulled away from him some, looking at him in amazement, and confusion. Atterians couldn't feel the Balance - but then again, it was a little obvious that something was terribly wrong.

Before Ven could say anything though there was a crash from the other room.
"AAAAH!"
"Your brother!" Terra called, having forgotten all about the young brunette in the panic. Ven went running into the next room, calling for his brother but the wolf paused, hastily grabbing something before he hurried into the room - only to pause as he found Ven and Soran in a heap on the floor, the blind Shee obviously having run into him.
"I believe this will be helpful." He said, nudging Soran's hand and the prince carefully took the candle he offered. In a flick of magic, it was lit, and the two Shee untangled each other. The brunette lifted it high, causing the illumination to travel far before he gasped, "Ah, Rupert!" The candle was shoved into Ven's hands before the brother went crawling onto the floor and after the little hamster. The crash they had heard was the hamster's cage falling over but luckily the rodent was unharmed - but free.
Soran was quick though as he snatched up the tiny mouse-like fuzzball before he got under his dresser, nuzzling him some. He looked so very young all of a sudden. "Oh I'm so sorry! I destroyed your little home!"
"Why did you yell?"
The brunette glanced back, looking ashamed. "I uh... well... I felt the Balance shift and after the pain passed I tried to get out of bed, and it just came back... and shot up my spine. My legs got all weak and I ran into the table."


Red wings trembled on the soldier's back, struck suddenly uneasy by his angered King. Peace Treaties?! Had he truly not felt what had just happened? "I assure you Sire it is! Kitchi sent word that the Fountain of Daybreak was just destroyed! He was very badly injured and Gin took a troop there to assess further damage and causalities and Nyobe is connecting to the other soldiers to make sure they do not need assistance as well."

He straightened up, seeming proud, as if he had truly done a great job, but the King's continued fury made him deflate some. Therefore, his next inquiry was hesitant, "...King Volken...? Do you... have any further orders for us?"


Behind the bushes, blue eyes shut tightly as she heard the near soundless snap and then nothing more as the panther who had been guarding her raced away, steps so silent she did not hear his departure. She braved to take a peek from her hiding spot, but mercifully she could not clearly see the man who had been killed, only a dark unmoving lump on the floor.

She knew he was doing this for their own good. For their future...
She placed her hand over her stomach once more, knowing if she was forced to return home, the baby would not be permitted to live. Like kittens, they would down the child in the river, calling it an abomination. And Xigbar... they would shoot him down. They would leave her with nothing.

So instead of protesting, she merely sighed and lent against the bark of the tree, waiting for him to return.
If only she had known, she would of fought harder to keep him by her side. How easy it would have been! Simply to slip away in the shadows and never be seen... they could pass just a foot in front of them and never of even of saw.
If she had known she would of stopped him. Could have stopped him.

For Xigbar... was not going to return.

[Rikugurl]

The blonde bit his lip, glancing at his brother to see the limp in his step. "Perhaps you sprained something when the pressure came down. I know the pain makes you twist and turn. Or maybe you stepped wrong when you jumped out of bed." He offered, not seeing the sudden change in Terra's expression to one full of grim. He walked over to the fallen cage, pulling it upright and helping his brother get the rodent back inside. They heard another boom of thunder, seeing Terra get close to the floor again, before sighing. "Another fountain... it's like.... like.... the sun just went out." Ventus turned to his eldest brother, not knowing of the sins he had created to help the very destruction of another sacred fountain, and closed his eyes. "I'm guessing it must be Daybreak for Light still shines."

It was true. If it was the fountain of Light, not light, from any source, would shine. He quickly read up on the fountains, reading the theories behind each one and what they controlled on Norn. This time though, he would not join the army to search the fountain and he hated himself for not being so strong.
"Soran... I need to tell you something."
Another crash of lightning sent Terra under the brunette's bed but he went unheard. "I'm leaving the palace... whither mother approves of it or not. Will you be alright here?"


"Yes. Matter of fact, I do." Volken hissed again, slamming all the books closed before completely turning to the soldier and stepping forward. Gati tried to hold his ground but as the king walked closer, he had to step back. "My orders were to keep the fountains safe. Gati, have you and your peers forgotten that we are the most powerful beings in the universe? My orders are for you to start acting like it." He hissed again before pushing pass the soldier into the dark hallway. "If Norn falls because we can no longer protect it.... it falls on your shoulders. Understood?"


The panther continued to scoot over the forest, hunting down the poachers that were trying to ambush them when the sun went down. They just didn't know it was going to drop out of the sky and the beast was on them before they knew what was happening. But like Xigbar had said to himself many times, he was losing his edge. Even though the third human fell dead silently, his nose was covered in their filthy blood and did not smell the true power lingering in the trees.

Sai had not just sent human poachers but---

A flash of light suddenly caught the Atterian off guard, making him jump back and look up just as a creature with wings of magic jumped down at him from above.
"RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!!!"

[Reno]

"Daybreak..." Sora repeated softly, his heart hammering suddenly. Was that why they had not met last night? Because Riku's opposing 'light' fountain was being attacked? Riku! He shut his eyes shaking his head, his mind a storm that he had to force to quiet. But luckily, it was Ven that broke him out of his thoughts, keeping him from thinking too carefully about the danger threatening his dear friend...
As well as the pain stilled radiating up from his backside.

"L-Leaving!?" Came a cry, blue eyes going wide in distress, "Not forever?!"
Luckily Ventus was quick to reassure him that no, he was not going away forever. But he would be gone, and he did not know how long the journey would take.
"But why? Ven... where could you need to-" Sora cut himself off abruptly, as a whimper from under the bed suddenly making a spark go off in his mind. Of course. He glanced slowly towards his bed, seeing nothing of the wolf except his tail, curling and uncurling restlessly. "For him, huh?"


"I... Yes Sire..." Came the hesitant reply, Gati bowing despite the fact Volken did not see. Was the King not well? Yes, that must be it. The destruction of yet another fountain was truly distressing news and would no doubt make anyone more agitated.


Blue eyes opened and Aqua looked over the bush in fright at the sound of her lover's cry, only to see the sheen of glimmering wings. The light was brilliant in the darkness and the power it held could almost be tasted in the air.
A blessed had landed.
And for once, she did not feel 'blessed' at having spotted one. She knew Xigbar had just entered a battle he couldn't win. She grit her teeth, reaching for a branch, about to tear it from the tree and rush the scene, hoping to help, but froze.
"Ugh!" Came a cry, a shoe slipping over an uneven patch of rocks they were climbing over, her wheeling arms unable to catch herself as she tumbled to the ground. Instantly, a panther was at her side, her hot breathe tickling her skin as he sniffed her, assuring she was not too injured.
"Damn it Aqua, let me carry you already!"
"I don't need help!" She snapped back, fury in her tone as she sat up.
There was a growl in Xigbar's voice as he responded testily, "Yes you do!" But even he backed off a bit when she gave him a vicious glare before standing and stomping off back down the trail. For awhile, they walked in stony silence, neither of them saying a word as they cooled down, but finally Xigbar hurried to her side again.
"It's not just you I'm worried about Aqua." The panther said finally, lifting his head and nuzzling against her stomach, making her steps falter and then stop. "This is our child and I'll... I'll protect him or her no matter what. Don't you feel the same?"
"....Yes... Yes I do." She murmured softly, rubbing her stomach.
"Then... Then make me a promise. That even if it hurts your pride, you'll think of the child first."
She hesitated, before looking down at him and nodding, "I promise."

She grit her teeth at the memory, her face twisting with grief as she shut her eyes. Xigbar... Her hand shook, before letting go of the branch.
Moments later, unheard and unseen, Aqua stole away from the area, silent tears running down her face as she disappeared into the forest.

[Rikugurl]

"Yes..." Ventus answered before another clash of thunder shattered the silence. He knew Soran wouldn't tell a soul, not even having to ask. He knew his mother wouldn't say a thing either, nor would his father if he saw his son was missing along with the canine Atterian. It would be clear what he was doing. It was everyone else he was frightened of, namely Volken who wouldn't spare a second to call the troops to find him and bring him back a traitor. They would both be killed he was sure. "I need to get him to a safe place before more fountains fall.... because Atterian's aren't stupid, Soran. They'll know, or maybe already do, that we're getting weaker with every fallen fountain and things are going to get bad."

It sounded like a true story; the true reason why he was bringing Terra to Makatzu. He didn't have to know though that it wasn't the real reason why he was making haste. The blonde prince was worried about how close he was getting to the wolf and that the feeling seemed quite mutual. He looked back at his brother and smiled. "You don't have to lie or cover up for me... just tell them that you hadn't seen me or know where I am." Suddenly, much like Soran himself, the middle child wrapped his arms around his elder brother and hugged him tightly.


"Well? Don't just stand there. I want a report of how many have fallen." Volken ordered and Gati was quick on his feet, down the darkened hallway and out of sight.
The king watched the hallways where the solider had been, hearing the echoing of thunder around them. Though he wasn't as worried as he should have been about this accurate, he did have to wonder what was causing all of this and why he hardly felt the shift in Balance unlike everyone else.


A loud roar filled the Grove as a light spear slammed into the ground, nearly impaling the Atterian on impact but even if Xigbar was a large cat, he was stealthy and quick. Blood soaked fangs snapped at the Shee who had clumsily misjudged but the faerie was quick to back away. Another spear was mastered before his eyes but again, Shee were rather useless on the ground. "ARC!" A cry from above made an ear pull back, instantly hearing the sound of wings flutter behind him. Another Shee. How many were there.
"Uh!?"
The brown wing before him glanced up and for that split second, he was alright until the next second, he was on the ground, his arm suddenly ripped from his socket by powerful jaws. "AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!"

The panther dipped low to the ground just as light arrows shot over him. With another bite, his fangs sunk into the Shee's other arm and began to drag him, regaining any strength he had lost before from his travels. The Shee's blood, the first time he had ever taste it, was empowering and the true Atterian inside him made a comeback. This magic, this strength, this power...
His legs carried him faster through the overgrown forest floor as not one but two other Shee chased him down. Light arrows whizzed by him, nearly finding their mark on the Shee he was still dragging. The brown wing had quieted down now and as the cat glanced back, he saw why.

A wing had been ripped off from the rough terrine. The Shee was dead. So fragile and yet so powerful, he had to wonder how they could of possible gained Superior over the Atterians.
"ENOUGH!" A flash of red made Xigbar stop dead in his tracks, seeing another Shee before him on a log and pointing a light arrow right at him. It was released and with a quick and strong fling of his head, the Atterian threw the dead Shee up into the air, making the arrow hit the bag of flesh instead. When the boy dropped, the cat was gone. "SHIT! AAAAH!!!" The red wing fell from a sudden force knocking him down, the cat pinning him against the forest floor. "HAHAHAHAAHAAHAHA!!!" A crazed orange eye gleamed down at the slightly frightened blonde but the laughter in his head suddenly stopped.

Blood began to soak black fur when a light spear was jabbed into Xigbar's shoulder and shattered into shards of light daggers, cutting and ripping away bits of flesh and fur. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUGHHHHH!!!!!" Even in excruciating pain, the panther rose a large paw and slammed it into the Shee's face, instantly smashing his skull in. As the blonde red wing laid there lifeless, the Atterian above him panted hard, grunting when he moved to catch his barrings.
Wait.... there were THREE!
The dark forest lit up again as three light arrows rained down on him, making him shoot forward and into the brush.

Again, he rushed through the thick vegetation of the forest, hearing the sound of wings beating behind him as arrows shot down at him. Some hit vines which snapped down at him, others hitting branches which fell in his path. Each obstacle the Shee tried to use to slow down the monster failed, seeing how he easily dodged or ripped it apart when it became a treat. However, even the Shee knew that with the extra power he gained from the other fallen Shee, he couldn't run forever. The chase continued for quite some time and now since the sun was not out, the time couldn't be traced. Finally, the panther found a large, old tree and hid behind it, catching his breath in harsh pants while his ears followed the sounds around him.

Silence.

Foam mixed with blood frothed from his mouth as he continued to pant, his golden eye looking around through the darkness. There was a trick to this game and an old, wise tip that Atterians did not learn that sealed his fate. Things that are at the top of their food chain don't look up.
The forest filled with another cry of pain as a spear shot down into his body, embedding between his rib cage. Since it was made of light, he couldn't rip it out but if he moved fast enough, it would go out. "FUCK!" Ribs cracked as he whipped around, glaring up at the Shee who was perched on a branch above him, her bow already pulled as three arrows were forming.

He dashed away, trying to circle around her and outsmart her but before he could even try, all three arrows hit his flank with lightning speed, making hm crash onto his side and skid over the rough floor under him. Strong legs pushed against the muddy ground, attempting to get back on his feet---
FWWWWM
FFFFT
FFFFFT
A whimper came from the large cat as his shoulder was blown out from an arrow and he fell hard against the ground again. Still struggling as the Shee walked up to him, he growled and tried to spring up at her but it was no use as three more arrows were planted into him, making him fall once more onto the floor.

A pool of blood was quickly forming around him and the breath that never caught up was now wheezing and gasping, the mortal enemies glaring at one another for a moment until.... everything slow........started..................getting....................................darker. "Aqua......"The golden eye lidded, unable to stay open, before finally closing as his body became limp.
A boot kicked the beast's head, seeing that it was no longer responsive. The Shee sighed and she glanced around the area, seeing nothing but the darkness around her. Silver wings fluttered and brought her into the air, quickly heading to the spot where her men were taken down. "AQUA!?" She suddenly called as she landed on a log. "AQUA!? WHERE ARE YOU!?" There was no answer, so she began to search.

It was when she came around a bush and saw three handmade bags, she knew something was wrong. It wasn't as it seemed, was it? She was hired to hunt and kill the Atterian that had kidnapped the Umi daughter but... why were they packed?
She had to find that human. She needed to get some answers. "AQUA!?"

[Reno]

"Ven..." The brunette whispered, his look solemn even if he knew they would not be apart forever. Even still, with things so out of Balance, both in the world and... within himself, he wished Ven was not leaving. So why did he wrap his arms around the the blonde, hugging him tight and saying softly, "I will. I promise. Just take care, okay? ...Of both of you."

He pulled away slightly, the hint of his smile able to be seen even in the darkness. "Oh!" He called, a thought suddenly occurring to him before pulling away and hurrying over to Rubert's table, looking around at the other knick-knacks placed on it. He was a bit messy - though not as untidy as Ven - and had trouble finding it especially with the lack of light. "Oh Where is it - Ah-ha!" He snatched up the small item before hurrying back over to Ven, holding it out to him, "Take this, alright? It'll give you strength."
The blonde looked at it for a short time, slowly shaking his head. "Soran I can't take this. I-"
"It's alright!" Soran reassured with a big smile, gripping his brother's hand and settling the keychain there. "If you have it and promise to bring it back to me then... I know you'll return no matter what. You never break a promise Ventus."

What he had given him, was an item very special to Soran. He had found it long ago in his youth on one of his first trips out of the country. It had sparkled merrily from the dirt and, though his mother gave a call when she found him 'playing' in the dirt, it was worth the gain. Artios had studied the smudged and dirtied keychain, before announcing what Soran had found was most likely a piece of a Keyblade.
Once cleaned and polished, it was really magnificent, so perfect for it seemed to mimic his wings with it's coloring. It was hanging from a silver chain and the pendant formed a heart, shaded a light blue, and a yellow design, like the twisting of vines, gracefully covered one side of it. When he had found it and brought back his prize, Ventus and Roxas had been so jealous and Soran had always kept it close, claiming it was a good luck charm and wouldn't even let his siblings touch it.

Now he was giving it away for the first time.


Black and white wings spread out, seeming to cover the room with their impressive size, seeming to overshadow the imp. Though the sun was gone, time was not so impossible to tell. Night had 'truly' fallen now. The news was troubling to say the least. The Fountain of Daybreak had been completely shattered and the death count was high. And when aid had arrived the mysterious force that had destroyed the fountain was waiting for them. They had managed to nullify the threat, but not without loss and came home battered and full of despair for their fallen comrades.

But now that it was 'night', it was time for him to act out the measures he had originally planned to since last night. Fire burned in his blue eyes, his fury so strong, Axel could taste the flowing magic in the air. "So," He began with a sharp bite in his voice, stalking forward, loving the way the other backed away from him. "Was that why you came up with that plan? To feel dominant for once?"
Axel's response was choked out of him as a hand enclosed itself around his throat like a vice, shoving him up against the wall and causing his wings to twist uncomfortably behind him. "Let me ask you this, since you seem to be the master of plans. Did you consider this angle? Axel, I am willing to kill my brother. My very own blood, without a flicker of remorse. How much worth does that make YOU in my eyes?"
The only answer he got back were several gasps, before a short, sharp shout of pain as he was thrown aside and painfully into a dresser, items atop it's solid wood surface rattling and falling onto the floor. Before he could get his bearing's a darkish black-purple glow surrounded him, forcing him to the floor painfully, seeming to crush even more air from him and made his bones feel compacted in the gravity spell.

"Water." Roxas whispered the devilish' chant, the cool, liquid-like substance covering Axel in a light, 'second skin, seemingly immune to the other's harsh body temperature. "Ice." Came a second hiss, and just as instantly, the water changed form from liquid to a solid, covering the imp in a thin coating of ice, like the delicate surface that might cover a rainwater puddle after a cold night.
"Axel..." The blonde prince spoke, his smile malicious as suffering emerald eyes painfully turned to look up at him. Fear began to grow in those eyes as the blonde's trademark twin swords appeared in his hands. "I hope you know... I am going to enjoy this."

[Rikugurl]

Horse hooves paused outside of a loud inn. The riders quickly dismounted before tying up their horses and grabbed some bags from their backs. Blankets were laid out over then for tonight would be a cold one. Together, two figures walked through the door, being hit with a warmth from inside as a fire crackled under the music of the pub. The smaller figure, how was still hooded under her cloak, walked to the man at the bar and placed a bag on the table. "A room please." He ordered and the bag was taken, the tender looking up and down the strange newcomers. In place of the bag of gold, keys were placed down on the table and taken. "Thank you."

The two easily skipped the bar and tables of games to head up the stairs to the rooms. They headed to the one marked with a '3' and walked inside, seeing the quaint, warm set up awaiting them. Two small beds, a chest, a vanity and a plush carpet. The smaller figure reached up for his hood and pulled it back, revealing a head full of blonde swirls. He looked behind him, seeing his partner close the door behind him before pulling off his hood as well, revealing brown locks. "I have to say, Terra, you're quite a natural rider."


Silver wings fluttered and boots landed on a branch gracefully before pale fingers wrapped around the bark. Purple eyes looked down towards the forest floor, seeing a small pit of fire and a shaking frame close by it. What was catching her eye in particular was the bright blue hair the figure had. A smile came over the watcher as she nodded, feeling triumphant that she was able to find her catch. Silently, she floated down to the ground behind the woman by the fire. "You know, you'll die if you don't find shelter at night." The human whipped around, her eyes rather puffy from crying. The Shee's silver wings glowed to give them better light but it didn't seem to calm the bluette any.

"You must be Aqua. I'm Terra. I've come to bring you back home."


"M-mm-m-m-aa-aaa-sst-er!!" The imp shivered, afraid to move as if he would simple shatter into a million pieces. The ice burned his skin, leaving marks from frost bite that even his hot body temperature couldn't melt. "I.....Ii-t--was-ssn't---mmy-my--pp--p-p-plan!" He coward as the Shee walked over him, casting a shadow over his frozen, naked body. "I-i-iitt---w-aaaas----aaaaaahh-----aaaak-caaount--ter----p-plaaan. H-h-h---eee---k-knew.... I-I- h-h-ha--had-no--no-- c-c-ontt--troll...." The imp stuttered and shook while flakes of frozen skin chipping off to the floor.

[Reno]

"Heh, you think?" The wolf said, no longer meek or afraid as he was that morning. Now, he seemed more enthralled, eyes glittering with confidence and anticipation at the journey they were to take. Makatza. He never dreamed he would actually see it.

"Well, I've been around lifestock all my life and being part animal myself, I suppose it is simply natural." He continued modestly. "Or maybe I'm just that good." Or well TRIED to continue modestly that is. But Terra, as Ven learned, often thought he was quite grand at times and was... a bit of a show-off.

"So," He stated as he plopped down on the bed, stretching out languidly, "How long will it take us to reach Makatza anyhow?"


Blue eyes narrowed at her, looking quite vicious despite her shivering state, "Well then, you can just haul your ass back home fairy-girl and tell everyone I'm not returning." The Shee, Terra, seemed to jerk back a little in surprise not having expected such a vicious retort. Usually all humans were quite awed and respectful with the Shee.

Aqua especially, though she had a temper, treated everyone, even the low Atterains, with some measure of kindness. But that seemed all but gone in her now, held down by her fury and grief. "I'm going to Makatza, and no one will stop me."


Blue eyes gleamed madly at the other, his look anything but understanding and sweet, as cruelness took over his face. The black of his wings seemed to outshine the white. "You think I care about what he THOUGHT? Fuck, you could have raped him and while I would have been not as pleased with it, I would have allowed for it. No, Axel, what you did..."

A cold blade pressed against the line of his throat, a threat but not taken yet. "You disrespected me. You snarled at me, as if you had the right to! I OWN you Axel... I can do WHATEVER I wish to you. And tonight, I will teach you what pain really is." He slammed his sword down, relishing at the high-pitched screamed Axel uttered... as his black sword impaled his left hand through and pinned it to the floor.

"You like the fuck so much..." Came the purr over the other's whimpers and sobs, the red-head shaking violently as the blade of the white, a sham of purity, pressed in between his ass cheeks, sliding between them deceptively sweet. "How about being fucked by a blade Axel?"

[Rikugurl]

"Well...." Ventus thought out loud, pulling his cloak off slowly. "It all depends on some factors, really." The bed dipped as he sat down on his own, feeling how comfortable yet worn it was. "If the fountains continue to fall, I am sure Norn with change drastically. And even if it doesn't, winter is coming and it will start snowing at some point. Our trail will bring us up mountains so snow will definitely be a factor there. Then there's-----uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrgh" The prince blinked as his stomach interrupted him. An embarrassed chuckle filled the air when he saw one of Terra's ears sticking up in the air. "Maybe I should get us some food." He pulled his cloak back on and gave the brunette a smile. "I suppose it doesn't matter how long it takes. As long as we have good company and in good health, we'll get there."

He crossed the room and out the door, leaving the Atterian to sit and wait.


Purple eyes softened as she saw the expressions playing across the young human's face. She was angry and hurt, determined but lost. "Makatzu?" She questioned before her head shook slightly. "Is that what he told you? My dear, your were kidnapped---"
She paused as Aqua snapped at her, revealing that he didn't kidnap her because she went with him on her own free will. The human even chuckled from the irony that she was the first to even suggest it.
"I see... then he must have brain washed you."


Wing fluttered through the forest, carrying three figures to a large, open area. Two blue wings were much the same color, but different in some aspects as the other was a completely different with a color of yellow. They all landed in the same area though and all eyes gazed at the same destructive sight. The remains of the Fountain of Daybreak. The water no longer ran, the bowl empty and full of debris. Some stones were broken in half while others laid there in pieces. The center stone had bits missing and the symbol that was once mounted at the top was missing, lost within battle. Though it was dark, they could obviously see the blood splatters against the trees and ground were the Shee who tried to protect this fountain lost their lives.

Jet thought it would be wise to see the Fountain and to bring Latium along. There might be some clues left that might help them gain some answers. The three walked around the site, checking the ground and stones for something that seemed off besides the obvious. It was when Jet touched a sacred stone, a light shined over it, making him back away. "Latium... come take a look at this...." He called, making the wise Shee head to where he was standing. They both watched as the stone seemed to reflect something but the meaning was still unknown.

Swirls of black and white.


The imp could hardly breath, his breath so choppy and erratic that it his lungs couldn't gain much oxygen. He watched, with wide eyes, the blood that sizzled from his hand and burned around the blade. If it were not magical, it would have melted almost instantly. Instead, it burned scorched the cold be floor below, wearing it away with every second. If it wasn't such a thick wall, he would have waited and tried to escape through the small hole it would eventually make. But his mind was shifted to another treat, one that would blatantly kill him if his master proceeded. His organs would be punctured and he would either die from organ failure or blood loss caused by the internal bleeding.

Unlike most sniveling imps that would be in this very same position, Axel was different. He was always different. Again, Roxas missed out on the unique imp he had picked and why no other master would want him. Roxas picked one of the only imps that had a conscience, handed down through the act of his parents. The superstition and bad luck was true. It was bad luck because the child would be honest and have a head on his shoulders. If Axel were any regular imp, he would have begged to be fucked by the sword. To die from being fucked wasn't such a bad way to go and probably the only way an imp would want to die. But the redhead tightened his entrance when he felt the cold metal pass it.

What could he do though? If he begged his master to spare his life, it would anger him more and he would be bound to impale him. If he accepted it, it could end the same way. He knew he no longer, or really ever did, have control of his life.
"D-ddoo...w-w-wh-aat y-y-y-you mmmm-ust, m-a-a-aster. I-i-i diiiisserve th-the p-p-p-punis----sshment f-f-f-fo-rr----b-bet--traying-----m-m-m-y mmmmaas----ter..."

[Reno]

Terra sighed as he was left alone, before flopping back onto the bed, his neck craning over the edge and longish brunette hair falling even further, swept against the sheets and one of their packs. It was Ven's, he could tell, from the sweet scent wafting from it and there was something shining in the top-most corner where the flap had been scrunched aside, giving a few within. He blinked blearily down at it as blood rushed to his head, before he reached down, sticking his fingers into the back where his fingers brushed cool metal.

He hooked his fingers carefully underneath it before pulling it out, jingling meeting his ears like merry bells. He had found...a necklace. A very familiar one, in fact, for he had not seen Ventus a day without it. He fingered the sharp end to it, looking at the mixture of the cross and heart abnormality. Ven had told him once it was the broken-cross heart of passion - the symbol of the Peace Army. But he knew nothing else than that. And it was strange he was not wearing it...


Aqua didn't think it could get worse then this.
"I see... then he must have brain washed you."
Then she heard that.

"BRAIN-WASHED?!" Came a shriek of horror and fury, Aqua's face flushing with disgust as she gripped a stick by her that she was going to use to impale her meal with. Instead she thrust it into the fire so it could burn and, like a torch, swung at the other, making her back off. "Get. Out. Of. My. Sight." Aqua hissed, holding the stick threateningly.


"How... How strange!" Latium said, lowering to his knees and reaching out for the rock not touching it yet but instead feeling the magical energy wafting from it. He hummed talking slightly to himself as he mused, "Of course, it may simply be the leftover energy of the Balance itself with Daybreak. Xan, after all, was the original creator of the Balance and his energies still live within this world today. But to be so apparent... Maybe it is twisting with the energy of what attacked it...?"
He looked back at Jet, his eyes thoughtful, "If you will allow me too Jet, I could take this piece back for further study. Perhaps get Artios to trace a signature on it."

The other blue-wing, a much younger boy who looked quite a lot like his father was looking at the destruction with pure sorrow in his eyes. He bowed his head, offering his respects to those who were lost that day, and feeling sick at it all. This was truly horrible... and the spirit of Daybreak... was she alright?
Was this maybe why he and Riku had not met the day before? Without his counterpart, Riku was no doubt in turmoil as well, and without day... - well, they had never met during the night on his world before. And now until Daybreak was repaired and the Guardian found her way back to it...
When he heard his father though, he wandered over, looking down at the stone as well. The swirls of black and white reminded him of- "Roxas...?"


Deadly, the sword continued to press between those cheeks, a clear threat to his demise, and despite his words, he could feel his blade shivering in his hand. Axel was simply shaking that terribly in fright. His eyes narrowed, mind thinking over the pros and cons of the situation while Axel waited with trembling fear for his response. Surely if he killed Axel now, he could always find another imp.

But another like him? No, he'd never find one of such rare birth, someone unique like he.
But was he truly worth the trouble? His eyes narrowed, remembering the way Axel had laid Soran out on the bed, the most intimate of positions. Remembered how they kissed - how dare they of kissed. That fury won over him again and he snarled twisting the blade and starting to impale the other, slowly, enjoying the others screams but a knock on the door interrupted everything, even his concentration so the blades disappeared.

Axel was left, panting on the ground, as Roxas ran to attend to the door, opening it and spying out from the crack. When he saw who it was on the other end he simply sighed and opened it more. "King Volken. Is there something wrong? I am sorry, I was... attending to other matters."