Of Nightmares

[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."

[Rikugurl]

Not too long after, the door to the room was opened from the young prince's foot and he entered the room with a tray in his hands. The smell of hot, delicious food filled the Atterian's nose and the charm was quickly set back before he sat up. "They said they ran out of meat but this should hold us over." Ventus explained as he carefully wrapped a cloth around a bowl of creamy soup, slowly handing it to Terra. He then took another item and placed it next to the brunette. It was something Terra had never seen before. When the man inquired, Ven glanced back before smiling. "Oh, that's for after your soup. It's called a muffin."

The blonde plopped down on his own bed and blew on his own bowl of soup, glancing through the steam to watch Terra manage his spoon like he was taught. It was kind of fun teaching the Atterian how to do things properly in his human form... "Make sure you blow on it first or you'll burn your tongue!"


"Aaah!!" The silver wing jumped back, keeping a safe distance from the human. "My dear, have you gone mad?" She asked over the crackling of the fire. "I am just trying to help you.... please calm down." It was silently made clear that neither woman was going to back down. Slowly, the Shee rose her hands, showing a sign of truce. "If he did not kidnap you.... nor brain wash you.... what are you doing heading to Makatzu?" It was probably impossible to see, or it could be that Aqua didn't know or was too enraged to notice but a dark blue color outlines the silver in Terra's wings, signifying that she was just. She believe there were two sides to every story and if she could not bring this human back to her home, she would try to aid her the best she could to continue on her journey.


"Hmmm?" Jet looked down at his son who was looking at the piece of stone Latium held in his hand. Roxas? He let it slip his mind, knowing the swirls looked much like the wings on the youngest Trinity. It would make sense as whatever attacked the Fountain disrupted the balance and the colors were the same on Roxas's wings. "You should make haste then, Latium. We don't know how long this magic will stay on the stone." With the wise words, yellow wings fluttered and the professor was off, back to the palace. The two blue wings watched the other in silence before turning to look at the fountain again. Jet frowned, noticing how black the earth seems around the base of the fountain. Something truly evil was slowly trying to destroy Norn.

He turned to his son and knelt down to his height. "I'm sorry this had to happen Soran..." His father place a hand on his shoulder and gave him an encouraging smile. "Did you want to go check on Twilight?"


"A-AAAAAAAAHH!!!" The blade cut through some muscle as the sword was pushed against the opening. Some blood started to trickle down and black nails screeched across the tiles. "M-MASTE----" He stopped as the blades disappeared and the magic broke around him. Instantly, his body fell hard against the floor and he panted, shaking in pain as the Shee headed to the door.

Outside, Volken looked down at the blonde who seemed rather preoccupied and it seemed he was right to assume so. "I see... Well, if you have the time, it looks like most of your family is outside the palace at the moment... may I come in for a little talk?"

[Reno]

"Burn my tongue? Oh Prince Ventus, I wouldn't worry about that." Terra said, and despite the fair warming, stuck the spoon in his mouth. He found out very quickly he should have listened but even still he saved his pride, swallowing the steaming liquid down his throat, blinking away some tears and saying brightly, "See? No problem at all!"

Ven started to laugh at him, making him blush a little, and he decided to set the soup aside and eat this 'muffin'. It was certainly a baked good, and the smell of it was sweet - not at all common for a combination with soup. But he seemed not to mind too terribly much as he stripped off the paper and took a bite.

The very flavor of it sent his taste buds dancing and a smile wormed it's way onto his mouth. It was like... a taste of heaven! He swallowed, looking down at it as if he wondered if such perfection was honestly real, then to Ven, "This... is the best thing... I've ever had."


For a moment, the two ladies were in a stare-down, blue eyes mistrustful though she knew if it came to a fight, she would lose instantly. She could not stand up to the mystical powers of a blessed. It was hopeless to think she could force her way free.

But maybe she could talk her way to it. "To do what anyone who goes to Makatza wants. Freedom." She stated simply, throwing the stick into the fire, the flames eating it viciously. When the other inquired why she wanted freedom, she considered before she said softly, "I... I have no other choice. I do not wish to marry any man that my parents have chosen... because my heart already belongs to another. And now that I am pregnant... I will do nothing but shame the Umi name."


Hopeful eyes looked up at his father, before the brunette smiled faintly, unable to believe his father would really let him go when all was so dangerous. In fact he was surprised he was invited outside at all. "C-Can I?"
His father gave him a patient smile before nodding, and blue eyes twittered gently, though his usual excitement was obvious subdued by the grave situation. Moments later, the two Shee left the destruction behind them, setting a course for the opposite side of Norn, the placement precisely in the symmetrical position in which Daybreak was at so that if you folded a map of Norn in half, the two fountains would meet.

The area in the West was peaceful and quiet, though the night owls hesitated in their hunts and mice halted in their scavenging as the pressure of the air seemed to change around them as the two fairies settled by the fountain. Golden and black eyes peered outwards, watching curiously as the smaller of the two approached the fountain, hands reached up and caressing the edge of it, finding all was well.
"Ri..." Sora sighed, his heart thundering in his chest only now realizing how nervous he had been. Not that the fountain had been destroyed but that Riku's spirit was gone.

But looking up at the tip of the fountains, watching the stars that seemed to shoot off into the night sky, he knew he was still there. Somewhere. "Hey Ri... Don't worry things are going to be alright."
But how could it be, when they were facing a force they knew so little about?


"Ah? Oh... Yes... of course..." Roxas said haltingly, in a way that made it seem as if he was trying to stall, his wings twittering nervously. He glanced over his shoulder, before there was a loud swish noise from inside. Satisfied with that, he pulled open the door and let Volken in - though Axel was no where to be found. Hopefully he would not inquire about it.

In fact, he was still nearby - but several silent spells had been made in quick succession. First, was a silence spell that surrounded Axel, making certain he could not be heard. Another, a transport spell. Roxas was not very good at this spell - only able to made objects go short distances - but Axel was not outside on the balcony. A third was a water spell, that cleaned up and wiped away the blood on the floor. And finally, a light wind spell, which closed the blinds and hide the outside world from view.

The door shut behind the King and Roxas turned to face the other, curious. "Please take a seat."

[Rikugurl]

"Hahahahahaha!!!" Ventus laughed, nearly falling off the bed with how Terra devoured the muffin. Looks like he found the Atterian's weak spot, or at least just this one. Muffins, along with brushing and rubbing behind his ear, this monster turned into a warm ball of fluff. He sighed but shook his head, blowing on his soup again before taking another spoon full. When he swallowed it down, he gave the other a warm smile. "Maybe we can buy some more of those muffins for our trip tomorrow." Terra seemed to like that idea, finally taking his soup again and though he tried to hide it, he blew on the liquid before gulping it down.

When they were finished with their meal and their bodies were warmed up, the bowls were stacked and placed by the door. It was locked and the shades were pulled as they began to get ready for the night. As Ventus pulled over his warm top, he paused, seeing Terra pull up his sleeping pants and saw the obvious bulge. Not the one in the front of his pants, but in the back. "Terra..." He paused, making the brunette pause as well.
"I was thinking.... maybe we should.... shave your tail. Just until we get to Makatzu...."


"P-pregnant?" Terra tested, not sure if what she was thinking was even possible but the picture was clear. Clear, and illegal. No wonder she didn't want to return home. It would be her job to take this woman by force and to charge her with something that seemed rather impossible. Long ago, and rarely now, Atterians would rape daughters or wives to get back at their masters and to shame a family name but this was something completely different. That monster that had slain fours humans and two Shee was only trying to protect.... her and their unborn child. "I see..."

For her features, Aqua wasn't very far in her pregnancy and it wouldn't be too late to terminate the child but telling from the way she acted, that was out of the question. So, instead, Terra closed her eyes for a moment, thinking through her options before choosing on. She reached back into a side bag and pulled out a warm blanket that she kept for emergencies. Carefully, she walked up to the bluette and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders. This young woman would die if she returned home and she would die if she proceeded on. It was better to die with a belief than die getting them ripped away. "Good luck.... from here on... your family will believe you're both dead."

With that, she fluttered her wings and was gone, leaving Aqua alone in this large world, all by herself.


Jet looked up at the fountain, seeing the stars it seemed to birth. It hadn't changed since the last time he saw it and though the forest was quiet, he was hoping this fountain wouldn't be next. For the sake of the Balance and for his son. He gave his son some distance, seeing him touch the stones gently and saw how they lit up as their magic intertwined. He wished he wasn't so naive. They really took these sacred fountains for granted and had forgotten how they were very much a part of each other. Soran hadn't forgotten though.

Jet made his way over, stopping next to his son before looking at the water again. "Soran.... why do you say 'Ri'?"


The king made his way into his grandson's room, hearing the door close behind him. He took a quick scan of the room, seeing no sign of the slave the boy had been given for his birthday. Still, it was none of his concern. The red wing took the offer and sat down at the edge of Roxas's before looking up at the blonde who stood before him. "I got word from Gin that you and your brothers are getting separate training times because you have become a bit aggressive." He smirked when he saw the young boy tense but he waved his hand, excusing it. "Aggressive towards Soran. I heard he almost died because of an accident."

Roxas was about to explain but Volken stopped him. "Roxas!" His voice was loud and fierce, making the blonde swallow everything he was about to say. Still, he watched his grandfather push his hands up in a circular motion and a spell of silence pressed against the walls and doors. His grin sharpened, showing his sharp canines. "I'm very disappointed in you. You won't get away with killing your brother... without some help."

[Reno]

Long ears twitched before Terra turned, his eyes wide with unspeakable horror as his hand went behind him, gripping said appendage Ven wanted to shave. "S-Shave my tail?! Why?! Do you realize what a fool I'll look! The whole forest will be laughing at me."

He paused at that imagery, shivering at the idea of birds lining every branch and fish jumping out of the stream just to get a look, their mocking tweet-tweets and glup-glups of laughter following him the entire way to his new home. His cheeks flushed in complete embarrassment. "And how could I even shave my tail Ven? It is sort of... BEHIND me." He imagined the hassle that would be, trying to wield a razor effectively enough to chop off the long hairs.


Aqua watched the Shee fluttered off, too shocked and choked up to utter her thanks or, at the very least, her confusion. Why... Why was she helping her? She obviously understood the implications of her words - who else could of gotten her pregnant except the one they call Renki?

She expected the be dragged back, screaming and fighting tooth and nail, but instead she was left with a blanket and alone in the darkness. She wasn't sure whether to cry, or give her blessings for the lucky fortune.
But she knew the journey ahead of her was not about to get easier. Winter was around the corner... She had to make it before it hit, or she would freeze to death. At the same time, she had to try and find her things she left behind to give herself extra flight from the horror AND find Xigbar.

... If she could.

It was too bad one more factor would heed her greatly and make the days much colder than necessary. Would make it difficult to find and hunt for food. Would make it hard... just to trace her steps back to where she had been.
As Daybreak was gone... the sun would no longer rise to greet each meeting.


"It's his nickname." Soran said simply, as if the answer was plainly obvious the whole time - but it only confused his father more. Ri was certainly no where in the name 'Twilight'. "His name is Riku." He clarified to help his poor, confused father out.
And how did he know that?
"Because, he told me so. Whether you believe me or not, he did."
Eyes of father and son met, one aged with wisdom of years and life, the other's aged with wisdom of his unending Faith. It had never shaken, even as he grew in years and was taunted and teased for his beliefs by even those closest to him. The brunette didn't seem miffed by this though.

"But that's alright." He said cheerily, before his wings twitched, "I'm just glad to know things are well. We can head home now if you want dad."
Of course, for Soran, he didn't know he still had a LONG night ahead of him... when he found the nasty surprise on the back of his twin's balcony.


"I'm very disappointed in you.
Those words crushed Roxas momentarily, his Balanced wings trembling as he looked at the ground in shame. He hadn't told anyone of his ambition to rise to power by getting Soran out of the way - no one but Axel that is who only found out because, with the imp around, Roxas never had any privacy any longer and it was too troublesome to find some when the word of a slave was about as fortified as one from an Atterian. Now, Volken seemed to know what he was up to and-
"You won't get away with killing your brother... without some help."

And- WHAT?! The blonde's head rose slowly, hardly hoping to dare, but the smiled on the King's face held no lie to it. He really would help him. Help him kill one of the Shee he sworn to protect for him. Happiness flooded Roxas' system like a lightning bolt, and he grinned in a near-maniacal way. Soran thought he was SO special becoming heir - getting all the attention from all around him. He was the damn star of everything, the prodigy child - things HE was meant to be.
But in the light of all that, in the darkness that the light's shed in shadows, lied a few who still did not accept the brunette and stayed loyal to only he. And, unfortunately for Soran, they were the most influential people on this world. He could raise an army of supporters... and still be crushed by just one of his loyal comrades.

"I suppose I was a bit bumbling, pretending it was a training accident." Roxas said carefully. "Ventus saw through it fairly easily... It's hard to trick him since he can feel my deceit."

[Rikugurl]

"Oh come on.... if you happen to lose your cloak, you'll be obvious. At least you can manage to hide your ears in your hair but having a larger leg than the other won't do at all..." He easily grabbed the tail and held it still. "I'll do it for you... and if the animals laugh at you, I'll tell them to knock it off." He looked up at Terra, being 100% serious. "Don't worry.... it will grow in again and will be much fuller and handsome." The prince knew that stroking Terra's ego would help him get what he wanted, and it seemed to work when the brunette sighed and finally agreed. Shaving cream and a razor was pulled from Ven's bag and the bucket that was in the corner was pulled out. It was already full of clean water so Ventus went right to work.

Handful after handful, globs after globs of fur fell into the water along with suds and cream. It was a little odd, shaving a man's tail that was, and only having a flesh colored bone waving some. A few little hairs were left and gently, they were shaven off and the razor feel into the murky water. "Ah, there you---" Ventus paused as he glanced up for the first time and saw something that he never saw before. Scars. Many of them. They were all running up Terra's spine in a perfect line and for a moment, he wondered what could have caused them, but as quick as he wondered, he knew the answer. The Atterian must of had spikes on his spine and they were.... ripped out mercilessly.

Delicate fingers reached up, making Terra's flesh twitch as he fingered the wounds. Cold pads ran from one to the other in awe. What sort of terrible things did this man go through? Did Shee really.... enforce this? He was suddenly startled when his wrist was grabbed and their eyes locked for a moment. "I-I-I'm.....sorry...."


The sound of wings fluttering made pointed ear perk and though it pained him to look up, a pale creature turned he's neck to see the landing of a blue wing close by. It was prince Soran. Bat wings fluttered and though he cried for help, he was muted by the spell. The brunette walked into his room without notice, making the imp scramble from the floor so he could get the prince's attention before it was too late. A bloody hand gripped the rail, leaving a smear of red on the beautiful white granite. Clawed feet pushed him off and the imp nearly fell to his death if he didn't catch himself in time, his flying sluggish before pulling himself up and over Soran's balcony.

He crashed onto the cold ground, coughing and shivering due to the temperature around him and the blood he was losing. He didn't have any more strength to get up and bang on the window, so instead, his foot did so instead, banging on the glass as hard as he could to get the prince's attention.


"I see..." Volken's eyes closed, his head nodding as he thought. "That leaves you no other choice than to get rid of him too."

[Reno]

It wasn't as bothersome as Terra had feared it would be, the sensation somewhat pleasant like shedding his winter coat during the hot summer season. Of course, seeing as it was drawing near TO winter, his backside was going to be freezing thanks to this, but he supposed Ven was right. He couldn't go around with a big and obviously bushy tail under his ass.

Didn't make him have to like it!

He did his best not to twitch though, knowing if he did he risked cutting himself, and stayed still. Overall, there was only left a slightly tingling feeling from it that came from over-stimulating the pores. His ears twitched up as he heard the blonde begin to speak behind him, before trailing off abruptly, as if something had disturbed him. He quickly found out why when cold fingers pressed against his lower back, right over one of those marks.

His ears pressed down to his head, holding back an instictive snarl as he reached back and grabbed his wrist, giving the blonde and unnerving stare. He felt the wrist tremble in his grasp and saw a slight bit of fear alight in those eyes, before he slowly relaxed.

Ven didn't know. Of course he didn't. Even after all this time... there was still so much he didn't know about their plight. "...D you... want to hear the story about them?" He ventured hesitantly.


There was a gentle sigh, wings stretching languidly behind him as he worked out the kinks in them, hearing towards his closet to get into his sleepwear. Maybe tonight he would meet Riku and then he could talk to him about all was going on. He really needed to-
Bang, Bang!
"AH!" Soran cried, jumping three feet into the air at the sudden frightful noise, spinning around hastily, wondering if he was under attack and childishly thinking about all those scary stories Roxas used to tell him and Ven when they were little to give them nightmares. And what he saw made him shout but not because it was some horrible apparition out to get him but a horrible sight he could hardly believe.

His body trembled some, staring for a few silent moments at the mangled, bleeding form of Axel when those green eyes met his in a pleading look. His heart twisted hard as he released how desperately the other needed help and without another pause rushed forward, thrusting open his balcony door. "Axel?! W-What happened?" But after a few soundless cries, Soran realized the other had been silenced. He let that slide for the moment, hurriedly going to the man's side, "Never mind. Axel, this is going to hurt, but I've got to get you inside."

He was lucky, as he picked up the taller male in his arms, that he could not hear Axel's screams or the terrorizing sound might have just been enough to make him drop the imp and run away. Instead, he hurried inside, angling the door closed with his foot behind him, before carefully maneuvering the red-head onto his bed giving him a look over.

He looked... horrible. He was covered in scratches and bruises and a glistening sheen of something that, as if chipped off the imp, he realized was ice. The worst of his wounds though was his hand, which was absolutely covered in so much blood he wasn't sure what was wrong but knew he was going to find out. "Norn..." He whispered before shaking his head. "Hang in their Axel." He reached up twirling his finger in a circle above the other until a tiny tornado of wind hovering above him blowing air across him making the poor freezing imp shiver more.

Luckily, the prince didn't let him suffer long before he blew softly and a spark of flame lit up between him and the baby whirlwind, and suddenly lit up the wind, becoming a spiraling tornado of fire above the other. Warm air ghosting over the imp, slowly melting the ice. In seconds after the spell was made, Soran was gone, his wings flapping behind him to give him speed to his movements as he rushed about his room, finding the items he would need, spending the most time in the bathroom. When he returned, he held a candle, burning from it's tip, a washcloth hung over his arm and a bucket of water. Luckily, Soran had the mind to heat it - so well that the water was boiling. He set the things down before settling the washcloth in the hot water, and not minding the way it was burning his own fingertips, carefully dabbed away the blood on Axel's hand.

It was, after a few moments of cleaning, a sickening revelation when he discovered something had pieced THROUGH the imps hand. Sinew and bone were visible if he looked close and he realized the little candle he brought for the sealing of the wound was not going to be enough. "Dear Norn... what happened...?" He whispered... then realized Axel still could not talk. "Despell." He stated, breaking the magic with ease and suddenly could hear Axel's gasps for air and whimpers of pain. "Axel..." Soran said, his eyes full of concern, "I need to take you to Tarsa. You need to set this in lava and get warmed up." He knew, more than anything, it wasn't this wound that would kill Axel. It would be his lowering body temperature.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus's racing heart relaxed when the Atterian did, not realizing how sensitive the scars still were. He pulled his wrist away, rubbing them some as they were a bit red. Slowly, his crystal blue eyes look up at the other, seeing how memories were flashing through the brunette's mind. He didn't mean to hurt him...
"I...." He started, about to tell him that he knew what those scars were. He heard about the ways they would rip the claws and spikes and fangs from those monsters to prevent them from doing any extra harm. He and his older brother thought it was cruel and inhumane but their youngest thought it was nothing compared to what those beast had had done in the past. They only deserved pain and death.

Ventus glanced at the brunette again, seeing that look in his face and realized maybe it wasn't just for the prince to hear, but for Terra to get it out of his system. The blonde gave him a shallow nod, his hair bouncing some as he stepped backwards and sat at the edge of his bed. Knowing this was going to be a horrible and gruesome tale, he pulled the blanket around him, as if he was getting ready for a scary bedtime story.


Evn though he had been silence, his lungs were exhausted from screaming and now could only whimper and whine when his voice could truly be heard. He lifted his hand, seeing how violently it shook from lack of heat. Green, hurt eyes looked through his wound and saw Soran on the other side. This brought more panic to the imp, making him squirm on the prince's bed. "Nnnnnnnnnnnnnngh!!!" Fangs clenched when his body arched, only to feel another horrible pain from below. Blood smeared against Soran's clean sheets, making the prince realize that not all his wounds were cared for. "M--aaas-------ter...." Axel whimpered as he shook, no longer realizing that Soran had fled the room.

The imp continued to grovel and pant, twisting in the sheets and ripping them out of pain. Some warmth was provided when the prince was at his side again, now fully clothed for a day outside. Things were becoming nothing but a blur anymore but what he could see, which was a bright blue bottle, told him he was going to be alright...
Prince Soran would save him.

[Reno]

It wasn't really that the scars were sensitive - at least not physical. But mentally, the wounds were still there, fresh in his mind. And when Ven nodded that he was willing to hear the brunette nodded hesitantly as well, unable to look at the blonde. "Well, as you know... they force the mating process between us. My father never intended to mate at all. He wanted to be defiant of them to his very last breath. And even after countless mates and punishments, he never gave in... until he met my mother."

The brunette tugged gently at his tail, frowning gently. "My mother was always such a... a frail creature. And if a female is not useful for mating, then they work her to death. My farther was so... in love with her so instantly he refused to allow that to happen and well... here I am." He smiled at the though f it all, but it held pain within. "But I'm not sure if it really mad her life... or theirs... better or worse. Having a child... it should be the greatest thing in the world. But, for us we jump through hoops to protect our own and feel so helpless when we fail every time." Terra shut his eyes, trying not to remember the body of his mother, laying dead behind the barn - or the sound of the shot that took his father's life.

"The barn you saw is nothing like the hidden one behind it. The breeding barn. There, we're human. It's the only time we're allowed to be because that's how we're born. The transformation stage doesn't usually happen until the pre-teen years for Atterians because our bone structure usually hasn't grown to handle it. But..." Terra swallowed hard, the words becoming harder to say. "But they... they don't see it that way. They see it as... a waste of time. Years and years of wasted time losing both a working female and her pups. My father told me it was back in my grandfathers days when they started the Assimilation Project."

Blue eyes nodded slowly, knowing what that was. He learned it from his textbooks that back in the last century when the population of Norn began to grow rapidly, humans had discovered a way to help Atterians change quicker into their bestial forms and get them to work sooner so that production could continue at a steady rate. "They make a show of it, really," Terra snarled, his fury blazing his blue eyes into chips of ice. "Drag us, little kits and pups, right from our cages for our mothers to watch as they... they torture us. They kicked and hit us and whipped us, yelling for us to change. My mother... she always soothed me afterwards. I still remember her telling me, 'just hold on a little longer. Just a little longer. It'll be okay'."

Blue eyes shut tightly, guilt lacing his tone. "I knew she said it because... because if I changed too soon my body wouldn't be able to handle it. But it wasn't okay. It was NEVER okay. I knew it killed her a little bit inside to watch it and if for anyone I wanted to change for her so she wouldn't be hurt by me anymore. And... when I was eight... I finally did." The brunette turned his head, meeting Ven's horrified gaze with an almost cold indifference. "The second I did, they were already snatching me up and taking me away. I was so... confused about what was going on and before I knew it they had drugged me some - just enough so that I wouldn't swim, as they tore out every single one of my spikes... and my horns. Sheared them to the bone to make sure they could never grow back. It was the most excruciating thing I've ever felt... but even afterwards I still feel so... ashamed. I feel like... like they castrated me; took away every bit of my pride they could."


Soran had never gone to Tarsa. In fact, he had only been off of Norn a handful of times and certainly NEVER on his own. And yet, without any hesitation, he swallowed the blue liquid, feeling the chill of ice surround him as he lifted Axel and flew them to the nearest portal out of Norn, disappeared in a flash of light unnoticed.

And into a world in which the only snow was falling ash, the sky was a burning, bright orange, and lava flowed in thick streams all around, steaming the air. The world was truly magnificent to behold (if you could ignore the blatant nudity), but Soran didn't have time to gawk. Already Axel's shivers were dying down as the incredible heat seemed to surround the imp, the ice around him dissipating in barely two seconds, the dripping water never even hitting the ground as it steamed.

But still, the brunette sought out something he only ever saw in pictures before: a lava pool. It was often a bathing area for imps, but also an excellent healing spring. And it wasn't long before he found one, able to help Axel into the shallow end of it, his own wings flapping hard from above to make sure he didn't fall in as well. "Is that better?" Soran asked hopefully, perching on the black rocky edge as he watched Axel sink some into the molten liquid.

[Rikugurl]

"VENTUS!"
"M-MAMMA!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!"
Tasers came down, shocking the child's bare skin, making him fall and flail on the ground while his mother watched beyond a cage. He was suddenly kicked hard in the back, forcing the wind right out of him. His small, frail body was shaking violently but again, electricity licked his skin, leaving marks behind that his mother would clean way.
"VEN!"
"VENNY!"
He suddenly heard the yells of his brothers, though he couldn't see them as he was kicked again, only seeing the red from a cut above his eye.

"CHANGE!"
"CHANGE!"

"CHANGE!"
"CHANGE!"

"CHANGE!"
"CHANGE!"

"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!" The little boy's fist curled and it happened. He heard his family's calls, telling him not to give in but it was too late. Fur began to grow from his arms, quickly covering his whole body in a golden color. Horns pulled from his skull, curving up and graceful like an eland's. His claws were sharp and deadly, looking more like talons around the base. It was the items that were on his back that were the most breathtaking view. Red and orange wings.
They were beautiful until they were mercilessly ripped out and thrown onto the filthy floor below.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

The scars on Ventus's own back suddenly stung as the vision ended and he closed his eyes. A hand came up and wrapped around his mouth while his body shook.
"By Sir Latium, is that really ne-nessiary?"
"Necessary? Yes, it is. Atterians can be twice as malicious with all their natural weapons. This is why breeders get rid of them."
His hand dropped onto his lap, Terra glancing up when he heard a sigh. "I....I'm sorry for all.... your pain. I wish... I could of helped you sooner." Their eyes eventually met and again, they reflected each others as a gloss made them shine. "But maybe.... you'll fine a nice Atterian in Makatzu... and.... your children won't have to suffer like you and your families before you...."


The imp laid there in the lava some, his eyes weak and drowsy from the pain and temperature change. He hardly heard the intake of breath when he moved and sunk into the lava, the scolding liquid covering him completely. The prince watched the red liquid for some time before---
"WAAA!"
The imp's upper body surfaced, his little bat wings fluttering and making some lava fly aimlessly. Luckily, it all missed the young Shee. Strangely enough, the lava was like water on the imp, as in it make him look wet but there wasn't much lava left on him when he came to.

Exotic green eyes looked down at the prince before he pulled his hand from the lava, revealing that it was good as new. The bone, tendons, and skin were renewed by the lava. A pointed ear perked again when he heard a soft chuckle and the demon looked back at Soran, seeing a bright smile on his face. Axel smiled in return as he faced the boy. "Thank you, prince." At that, the heir blinked, a little shocked that an imp actually said something so polite and meaningful. With his confusion, he totally didn't notice the imp leaning forward suddenly, planting a kiss on his lips.

[Reno]

Terra’s lips quirked upwards, something still slightly bitter in that gaze as he heard the other. And even still, his eyes seemed dark, as if he had a secret only he knew and Ven had to guess about. “Maybe so…” He said almost mysteriously, looking away for a moment, the shadows of the moment seeming to fade out around him.
His bald tail twitched behind him, curling around his middle almost nervously. “But I still feel guilty… leaving the rest of them behind. My father used to tell me about this dream he had. On our original planet, Atteris, wood was sacred there. To have even the smallest item of wood empowered your family name greatly. In this dream my dad had, he said he managed to get his hands on a wooden flute… and just by having that flute, he was able to free our entire race, and marched us home. He dreamt of being a hero… even if he was only a hero for me and mom.”

Blue eyes looked into Ven, piercing him deeper than an arrow every could, “Tell me Ventus, when you return here, will you save another of us? What ARE you going to do?”


Blue eyes blinked, completely taken aback as he was given the gratitude of the imp. Roxas used to boast all the time how one-of-a-kind Axel was and he truly was – but all that meant to the blonde was the circumstances of his birth. But every day, Soran continued to see what his brother did not.
He was so busy pondering about these things that he didn’t see it coming but he certainly felt it when warm lips met his own. A shiver worked its way over his spine at the too-familiar sensation and as he shut his eyes, his mind exploded with memories he tried hard not to remember or – when he did – pass off as nothing but a dream.
But even if he could trick himself for a moment, the proof was written all over him in hickey marks, love bites, and an ache in his backside that could be caused by nothing else. And, like a sickness, bile churned in his stomach as guilt washed over him, as he realized another truth he tried to deceive himself from pretending he didn’t know. The reason this happened to Axel… and who had done it to him…

He pulled away from the kiss abruptly, his thoughts disturbing, and he looked at Axel with grief-stricken eyes, slowly shaking his head, “You shouldn’t thank me Axel… if it wasn’t for me this never would of happened to you in the first place…”

[Rikugurl]

It was a question that was nagging the young blonde, one that Terra had questioned him about for their first few months together. Terra demanded an answer but Ventus never had one. It wasn't any different at this hour but instead of giving him an adolescent response, this one was well thought of and true. "It's sort of a premature question at this point, Terra...." He started, slowly letting his body drop as he pulled the covers over him. "How can you expect an answer if our own quest has just begun? Times past and even if it wasn't long, I've learned a lot. I was naive to think so quickly and if our.... our.... friendship hadn't bloomed... we still wouldn't be here today."

Blonde lashes close before he continued. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't know all the factors. We have maps but they are outdated. Things could be different, places could have changed and people are uncharted. I can't come up with a plan to get to the waterhole until I can see the water myself and taste it's refreshment. I can't plan a trip to Makatzu for others until I get you there and safety get you over the walls. For all I know... there might not even be a second time back."
He suddenly heard a growl, knowing Terra thought his promise was suddenly broken but Ventus quickly announced why.
"For all I know, I may return back to the palace and be locked away and killed for freeing an Atterian. But trust me... I will have a plan by the time I return, my friend..."


The imp's wings froze when the prince pulled away and those eyes looked up at him in such remorse, it made his own heart drop some. It was suddenly coming back to the brunette. That night. Green eyes turned away, not liking the feeling Soran was making him feel. "Prince Soran.... you were not the one with the swords." Suddenly, the imp pulled himself from the healing lava and flames and stood beside the Shee. Soran was already quite use to his nakedness even if most of the time, Roxas gave him some dignity with a loincloth. Clawed, black nails curled open and were offered to the prince, Soran hesitating a moment before taking them and he was pulled up.

They could hear some snickering and chuckling as some imps walked by the pool, all looking at how pathetic this imp's horns were. Axel had missed Tarsa but now he had to wonder why. "Let's talk somewhere more private." Knowing that Soran was probably far from his bedtime, he wanted to share something with the heir. Together, they walked around the pool and found a small dip in the mountain where they could sit and admire the scenery. The rough rocks didn't bother Axel's bare rear when they sat down, honestly still use to the rough terrain.

"Prince.... have you heard the myth about the imps and Shee?" Soran was well educated in facts and lore, but the redhead was shocked when he saw a shaking of his head.
"One day when I was placed in the library while my master was in his studies, I asked your master Latium if he had any books on imps. He said he only had basics but he placed a cooling spell on all the books with the word 'imp' in them and I was to fly up and choose which one I wanted to read. I chose a very old looking book that was way up on his shelf and I could tell it hadn't been read in a long time with the amount of dust it had."

"When I opened it, it magically turned to the page that had the word imp on it and I discovered it was an old myth. Tarsa is one of the oldest worlds in the universe," He started, seeing Soran readily agree, "and it's said to have been created before humans and Shee were even around." This too, Soran agreed. "Well, it said that... imps.... actually turned into the Shee." This caught Soran's attention. "Apparently, when two imps come together for a second time, they make blood children...which is what I am. Their demon like features were minuscule compared to other imps. It said that... when an imp showed true selflessness, they would turn into a magnificent creature with wings of color and obtain pure magic. They would become a Shee. Since there were less demon in the universe back then, more blood children were born and as the universe expanded, more Shee were created."

"This is when the Balance was born. The inner balance between good and bad. To be born evil and die pure. Because Shee and imps couldn't live together due to their nature, a new world was created. There, the fountains were made to remind all Shee that there was balance between their lives as an imp and their lives now. Shee began having children with other Shee, creating pure born Shee. However, even Shee weren't always perfect because not every Shee was born with pure balance. That's why..." He suddenly reached back, grabbing one of his black wings and pulled it over his shoulder to show the prince. "some Shee have black wings..."

His green eyes looked out at the lava, seeing some other imps plunge in for a bath. "That's why... when your brother bought me.... I guess I knew inside that I had the chance to become something more. Tricks excitement me and I love music but I'm just not... like all the others. But heh.... it's just a myth, right?" He suddenly smiled, though it was obviously fake. "I just can't help but wonder though because when your father found out that your brother owned be as a slave, he made such a ruckus about it, saying that imps should be respected. Why... should anyone respect an imp? Unless...we were somehow linked to Shee.... like apes are linked with humans. I have to think it's more than just treaty deep...."

[Reno]

There was a long pause of silence on the other end of the room, no response coming very quickly. But then, the bed bounced some a a large shape jumped up, a wolfen creature worming his way under the blankets and pressing his warm, furry body against Ven's. There was a pleasant sigh, the brown-furred wolf laying his head on his paws as arms wrappred around him.

"I may not fully understand everything between our species Ventus, but I do know one thing. Your kin will fight tooth in nail for you before they let you die." Even as he said it, he knew it wasn't completely true. Oh, he had no doubts of Jet, Runa and Soran. Roxas, however... he did not like Roxas. He had a scent of ambition around him, a gleam in his eyes that said he would step on anyone in his way if he had to. He declined adding that in though, knowing it would only upset the boy. "Just as my father and my mother would have done for me... if given a fair chance to. We are not so different. But-" He added hesitantly, before given a rumble of laughter, "If you want, you could always stay with me though."


"You don't have to be the same as us for us to care about you. My father thinks you deserve the same rights as ANYone else does. Your more than 'just' an imp. You're Axel! And being Axel is more important than what your birth made you." Came a soft response, the brunette's eyes full of wonder as he regarded the other, and concern as the other didn't quite believe his own possible future. But Soran knew he already did. "But you know, a myth isn't a myth if their isn't some truth to it. Tell me Axel, when you were reading about imps and the fountains, did you read about true origins of them?"

This time, he was given a shake of the head. "It is said that every fountain has a Guardian within it, protecting it and the Balance it has within it. My favorite, Twilight, is said to protect the turn of the day, the calm ocean waves, and promote peaceful sleep. A long time ago, the tale said that a woman who had just come to live on Norn after the connections clashed prayed to Twilight every day for nearly a month because her young son had gotten very sick, as he could never sleep without the ocean he once remembered hearing. One day, Twilight told her to bring this boy to him and in exchange for helping him live his life, he stated the boy would one day have to give it back. So this boy grew up to be a great man, who did his best never to do wrong and to raise his family respecting the laws of Norn. And when it was his time to repay his favor, he did so willingly, and became the new Guardian of Twilight."

The brunette paused for a long time, fingering the crown charm that hung from his necklace. "My father told me that story when I was just a kid. Everyone says those stories are just fairy tales - things to entertain Shee's dreams with. But... I know that the story is true. Because ever since that night, I have met him in my dreams. His name is Riku... and he's my best friend." The brunette smiled then glanced at Axel, "Magic is a mysterious things... as are 'myths'. But I would never count it as untrue. If the story says you can become a Shee... then I would believe it."

[Rikugurl]

Ventus smiled as the wolf came over and made himself at home on the small bed. There really wasn't much room for both of them, both being so use to the overly large one back at home. Still, the prince found a comfortable spot as he wrapped his arms around his friend, enjoying his warmth and cozy fur. A smile pressed against his lips as he nuzzled the beast. Never in a million years would he believe he'd be snuggling such a 'vicious' creature. His eyes opened when he heard the chuckle and suggestion, making him chuckle a little bit too while his face flushed slightly. "Hehe... no, I can't do that. I promised Soran I would return safely..." His voice muffled out, his fingers gently rubbing some fur between them.

Silence filled the room once again, only the small candle giving them light. "You'd..... really want me to stay with you?"


Axel listened to the small tale, his lips pulling up near the end. Soran met a guardian? "Maybe so, young prince but... I'm a slave. A sex slave at that. How can a sex slave possibly become a Shee?" His wings fluttered some before he glanced back. "I mean.... what will my master do to me when I return to him? He will know I was helped..."

[Reno]

Ears twitched at the other's question, knowing his silence had given him away. Still, he tried to remedy the short bout of weakness. He snorted shaking his head and trying very hard not to think about how much he would miss the other's scratches behind his ears and his books and his laughter... "N-No, of course not! I mean, how silly that would be. We're both males anyways; one day we're going to have to depart from each other when we choose our mates! It is... the way of men."


"That's simple Axel." Soran said, before looking out at the scenery around them, the glimmers of lava making his eyes sheen a shade of blueish-orange. "Don't return to him." The slave beside him jerked in shock at the suggestion, eyes wide at the idea of it. Don't return?
The imp immediately shook his head, saying Roxas would never allow that!

The brunette looked at him, raising an eyebrow, before smiling gently, "To be honest Axel... I don't think Roxas would waste his time worrying about you, when he's too busy plotting on how to take the throne."
The imp stared at him in shock for quite some time, his mouth open and closing wordlessly. How had he... he known?! "I'm not so blind Axel, really. Or stupid. Perhaps a little gullible and a little too trusting, but definitely NOT stupid. But, never mind that. You don't have to go back Axel. You can if you want but... I can grant you Safe Passage to anywhere Norn has a treaty with, even to Makatza. Somewhere you can be safe and free and live your life the way YOU want to."