Utopia

[Reno]

Though he knew not what the other was saying, he sure knew it was nothing complimentary. But he grinned and laughed over the other's screams, watching the dragon go down and wither in the dust as it slowly choked to death. As it did, Atteris ripped his claws down his chest very precisely in a letter he knew as I, pulling apart the flaps of skin to reveal the chest cavity underneath. The heart underneath was still beating erratically, and he could hear it squelching from here, getting slower and slower until finally it stopped.

He nodded to his dragon, turning away as the other started to devour some of the dragon, and knelt down over the whimpering and sobbing teen, hissing in his ear, "This is just the beginning flier. I'm going to make your life more of a hell then ever for what you did." The other didn't answer him, or if he did it was nothing but gibberish to his ears.

When Atteris was done he walked over to the entrance to his den and laid down, becoming a barrier between himself and tunnels leading outside. Terra lent down, fingers grasping the edges of the metal chain and managing to unwind it, seeing how the skin had reddened from the attack and blonde's struggles. Instantly the other was up trying to get away - he didn't get far before the brunette swung his arm, the chain flying and smacking right into his back in a powerful blow, the blonde stumbling to the ground with a cry.


"Promise!" Sora chirped, giving the silverette a kiss on the cheek as if it sealed the words in his skin, before pulling away and rushing off into the flowers with a laugh. "Come on! Let's play dragons and hunters! I'll be the hunter!"
For such a foul-sounding game, it was one of his favorites and he even didn't mind being 'it' as he counted off the numbers, before he went looking for his 'dragons'. Some of them - like Iris who had shifted colors to blend into the weeds - hide better than others - like Yue who he could see without a problem hiding behind the trees. But one he just couldn't even find! As he looked around a boulder, wondering where Riku was, he heard it.
"I'm home!"
"Whaaaat?!" Sora spun around and pouted, seeing Riku with his hand on the forked tree that was the 'den', "How did you...? Okay, again!"

They played three more times and each time Riku eluded him - somehow. After the third rematch, Sora had to sigh and rub his hand through his spikes and wondered aloud, "Okay I give how are you doing that? Can you magically appear places or something?"

[Rikugurl]

"Haaaa.....haaaaa......haaa.....ha..." The blonde, now covered in who knew what, shook, feeling the chains around his body unwind and the second he became free, he was up and racing towards somewhere, anywhere to get away from the Chaser. "ELPH! ELPH! NA-AAAAAAH!!" And he fell, hard, into a pile of rotting guts that made his stomach turn and if he had food in his stomach, he was sure it would be coming up. The excruciating pain running from his back to all parts of his body was already too much to handle. "Elph em... omebodys...." He gave another cry when his hair was yanked and his neck was pulled back, so far that he found it hard to breath. "Aaaaaaaaannnnhaaaaaaaaaa.....ustj illk eeeeeem...." His eyes closed, large tears quickly rolling down his cheek. "OD TIIIIIIII!!! OOOOOOOOOOD TTTTTTTIIIIIIIIII!!!"

And then, he felt nothing, not realizing that his head had been hit by a bone, knocking him out cold. The man who captured him learned quick quickly that this Flyer had an extensive vocal cord.


The silvertte leaned against a nearby rock, his smile handsome and becoming. "No, but I've had a lot of practice. I use to sneak out of my room all the time and had to pass my brothers and their dragons. I didn't like having my bedtime at night. I find the nighttime more relaxing and peaceful than when the sun is up. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the warmth of the sun and know that if it wasn't for the sun, we wouldn't be here and neither would the moon." He gained a strange look in response, making him chuckle. "Mother told us that when the sun sleeps, it still shines on the moon, to let us enjoy its beauty." Riku smiled, seeing Sora look up towards the moon. Silently, he stepped closer and took the tanner hand in his, making Sora jump a bit. "Come on, let's get washed up..."

Together, with their dragons, they headed back into the forest, following the glow towards the spring. "Do you know what the ancestors called this place? The sands and the crater?" He asked, obviously getting a shake of the head in return. "They called it Chikyuu. There was only one word and people were one with each other. They did not all like each other and there were raids sometimes but they stayed peaceful most of the time, before the sands." Riku spoke as if he was there to witness it. "I use to pretend that I was living back during the time of the ancestors since mother would paint such pictures when she told us about them, it was so easy to imagine. My brother though.... told me it was foolish to pretend such things because even if we were around before the sands... we wouldn't be like them because.... we're not human."

[Reno]

The brunette looked down at the crumpled form of the skyflier, grinning maliciously, before he reached down and hefted him up. It was no real feat, he probably weighed less than a stack of books, and he'd certainly moved plenty of those. He moved to the far-side of the room where a large rib cage of what used to be a massive dragon was. It was so heavy he couldn't even shift it with all his might - this little weakling would be like a pebble to it.

He laid him up against one large rib bone, laying him down against it before he tied him up in some rags. It wasn't the strongest stuff he could hope to find, but for now it would do while Atteris watched over him. He nodded to his handiwork before standing and crossing the room, the large dragon shifting so he could leave.

This was only the beginning...


Sora opened his mouth, about to refute such a statement as silly and crazy - then his voice died off as he remembered the man's spine. Those scales. He certainly knew he, nor any of his brothers, had such things down their backs. It was far from normal. Even still...

"Well I think your brother is mean for saying such a thing." Sora said with a nod. "What's the harm in pretending? Iris pretends sometimes that she's one of those big cats of olden days."
The mood dragon nodded as she changed to a pretty yellow of playfulness, then crouched and gave a little roar, his tail slinking behind her before she pounced at an imaginary foe.
Sora watched her and chuckled, then glanced at the male beside him, and smiled. "If you never have fun, it makes life so very dull and sad! Besides, how can he truly know what it might be like if you lived back then or not? I'm human, and I'm perfectly happy to be your friend." He grinned wide, not even noticing Riku's blush "I'm sure somebody else back then would be too!"
They paused at the side of the spring, and Sora looked down at it, "Alright, let's swim!"

[Rikugurl]

"Nnnn----ahhhhhhh...." Slowly, blue eyes opened, though sight didn't come to him at first. Everything was a blur of red and black, the light dim and near nonexistent. He wished that the smell of wherever he was would be the same but still, his stomach threatened to empty on him. "Whaauuu..... Herew ma I?" The blonde moaned, his once spiral hair damp and flatted against his head and neck. "Elloh?.....n....nya neo heret....?" His voice was weak but it carried through the large den. Finally, he tried to move but realized that his hands nor his legs moved quiet well at all. Again, he tugged his arms down and looked back, seeing that he was restrained against something large and white, some bits of brown and red staining it.

Now, he was beginning to panic and with good cause. He was in a large room he didn't recognize, tied up, and covered in something wet and hot. "ELLOH!? OMEBODYS!? NYBODYA!? ELPH EEEE----" His voice was caught fast in his throat when something large moved in the distance and suddenly, a wicked eye turned to him. Instantly, the flyer knew what that eye belonged to, having attacked it quite a bit recently. It was the Murderous Dragon. The blonde started to pant and shiver as the dragon turned towards him, a large, wicked tongue lapping at its scaly lips. As he came closer, the man trembled more, his breath picking up and he started to hyperventilate, the rags he wore quickly becoming saturated with his own urine in fear.

This wasn't how he wanted to die.


"You're getting good!" Riku called, seeing Sora not flail!swimming anymore. He chuckled, seeing how Sora clung onto the rocks when he reached them, hearing his panting from exhaustion. Swimming was difficult at the start, he knew but it was enjoyable once one gets the hang of it. Slowly, the silverette swam over gracefully, his hair floating and swirling in the crystal clear water. He came close to the other, surfacing behind him and wrapped his arms around the smaller body, sharing his warmth. "You will be a natural in no time..." His handsome voice whispered, his face coming closer while his hand reached down to cup the brunette's chin, picking it up to plant a gentle kiss on his lips.

[Reno]

He is awake again.

Atteris watched the little prey with glee as he became so frightened he couldn't hold his bladder. As he got close he reached out with a paw and pressed it against the top of the rib-cage, moving it with no effort. As the points were facing the ceiling, Ven slipped down the rib until he was nestled against the spine and, with no where else to go was lifted upwards with the bones for the dead dragon, body dangling helplessly high above the ground as the rib cage was settled against the wall. Now his face was level with the dragon's, which only increased his fright.

The dragon chuckled some, the noise a strange, rumbling think that made the bones of the dead shake, before he turned away and walked over to another side of the room. Ventus, on instinct, watched him, but wished he hadn't when his eyes landed on the form of a fallen dragon.
His fallen dragon.

He looked away quickly, gagging when he heard the sound of ripping and tearing. And then Atteris was back, lifting his head above Ven's and squeezing his teeth down on the organ he has ripped free from the dead creature. Suddenly, blood rained down onto the blond, coating him instantly. He punctured the bit of meat with a claw and carefully maneuvered it behind Ven, letting it get crushed between himself and the bone.
"It's his heart. Now you'll always have it with you." Terra called as he watched from across the den, both he and his dragon listening as the blonde screamed in horror and fear.


"Mmmmm...." Sora moaned softly, his hand reaching back and winding through wet silver locks as he leaned into the kiss. When they pulled away, the younger was blushing, "Is it just me or does that get better every time?"
"Heh, let's try again and see." Riku's voice made a shiver rumble down his spine and as they kissed again he lent more against the other, his tongue flickering along the other's lips. The divine gasped and Sora didn't waste a moment, finding his way into the other;s mouth and coaxing his tongue into a dance that felt and tasted more amazing then even fruit.
When they pulled away again they were both panting now. "Definitely better." Sora said breathlessly.

[Rikugurl]

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!" Ventus screamed at the top of his lungs, nearly choking every one in awhile as the blood that was poured down on him started to seep down into his throat. "VEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRIIIIIIILL!!" He continued to scream and scream and scream, calling out in a language only known by the Flyers. "ROTHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERB! AVES EEEEEEEEEEM!!!!"
Finally, after who knew how long, the blonde, now redhead, could no longer scream, his voice spent and gone. All that was left was his shivering, pathetic form hanging from the remains of a giant, once brilliant beast, feeling the sickening heat against his back.

His weary, blood shot eyes were lidded by the time the brunette keeping him captive and he could hear him chant one word over and over again with the little bit of breath he had left.
"rothersb......rothersb.....r-rothersb...."


The crystal eyes of the divine were darkened from the intense kiss, one that he never dreamed could be real. He leaned in close again, his forehead pressing up against the other's. "Third time's the charm..." He whispered, pulling Sora closer so now their bodies were facing each other. Riku dipped his head, his lips catching the other's and instantly, their tongues started to dance again, the groans and moans erupting feverishly. Yue growled some but it was a happy one, before nudging Iris and tossed her head, signaling that maybe they should leave them alone, so together, the two walked back into the forest, Yue picking an apple from the tree and offering it but still received a tongue being spat out at the sight of the non-meat treat.

As the two males continued to kiss in the glowing waters, the divine felt something rub up against his leg, making him moan softly. Their bodies pulled away just a bit, enough for Riku to run his hand down the other's, feeling how warm it still was from the sun's heat. His soft pads continued to wonder down, suddenly feeling the thick curls that were matted and plentiful.

[Reno]

"I wonder what he's saying." Terra thought aloud looking up at the pathetic sight of the blonde who, thankfully, was mostly voiceless now. Though it would take a it of enjoyment out of it when he couldn't scream in pain when they got to the real torture.
Atteris started to growl a response, only the brunette understanding him. "I know the sound. It is a cry for someone."
"A cry for someone? The beast?" Terra nodded towards the downed dragon.
"No. I have gathered that one's name was Verrill. It is something else."
Terra snorted, "Something else this flyer cares about, I bet. It is too bad I don't know his language. what fun it would be to catch more skyfliers and bring them here... let him watch me kill them all." He looked back at Ven, seeing him sniffle and whimper.


"Nnnah R-Riku..." Sora gasped his words a little beyond his own control, the other's touch amazing and despite being in such a cool area, he felt like he was scorching under the desert sun. As those surprisingly soft fingers went lower he couldn't help the moan that came from him, leaving him to shiver and shudder all over.


Later, Sora was hovering just outside the barrier, blushing as he handed the robe back to the other once more. "Tomorrow, we'll meet at the secret place?" Riku easily agreed, promising to bring a treat of course and again their hands reached for each other, before Sora was off.
He was just fluttering into his room when he realized something wasn't right. His mother was there, looking frantic. He jumped off of Iris, confused. "M-Mom?"
"Sora!" She cried rushing over and enveloping him in a hug. "Where in the world were you?!"
"I-I... I was feeling better so I decided to fly out for a bit." Sora lied, feeling guilty for it.
"Well when you're sick you shouldn't do that! Your brothers are out searching for you!" But his mother didn't seem to notice, and the brunette suddenly realized her eyes were red. She had been crying?
"Mom... what's wrong...?"
"Oh Sora... Something terrible has happened..." He was filled with sudden fear, but nothing could of prepared him for what he was told that night. And no matter how soft her voice was, nothing lessened the blow. "Ven... he was taken by a Landchaser tonight."
"What...?"
"Roxas saw Verrill being dragged under."
"No... No that can't be right." Sora shook his head, denying it.
"It is... he looked everywhere, but Ven was nowhere in sight. They took him too... He's gone."
"No...No he's not! I would know if he was!" He cried in accusation, "H-He's just... he's just having another tantrum. He's probably in his room!"
"Sora...."
"I'll show you!" He cried, shoving past her and running out into the halls, ignoring his mother's calls for him or Iris' worried chirps. He was up the stairs and in a new room within moments. but it was empty. "Ven! VENTUS COME OUT!" He hurried over to the bed, pulling it apart in his search. "WHERE ARE YOU?! VEEEEEN!!!"

He was found awhile later, curled up and crying in those same rags that once held his younger brother that still held his scent as if his presence really would only be gone for a few minutes, by another brother. "Sora," Roxas said softly, his eyes sad as he looked upon his eldest brother's terrible state. Guilt wrapped around his heart like a vice. "I'm sorry. It's my fault."
A sniffle and a blubbers, "Is'not."
"Yeah it is..." Roxas whispered, his voice desperate and sad, "You know how Ven gets when he's hungry. He gets sloppy and desperate and does stupid things..."
Sora's eyes snapped open, wide as ever. Hungry? Was he hungry? Were they all hungry? How had he not known? Because... He... He hadn't been hungry in weeks... because Riku has been feeding him!
"I-I-I'm s-ssorry." Roxas stuttered, heavily, as if the words were as weighted as the loss. "I should of been hunting. I-If I was just... acting more mature... t-this never would of h-happened."
Sora sat up, looking at his brother, not surprised by the other's tears, and his own lips trembled and he shook his head, wrapping him up close in a tight hug and trying, silently, to take in all that guilt.
Because he knew who was really at fault. Who had been stuffing his face all this time without even thinking of the people he loved. the people who needed him!
No more... No more. He didn't care what he had to do... he was going to keep the rest of them alive!!

[Rikugurl]

The next night when gentle, soft wings fluttered and glistening scaled claws dug into the warm sand, the divine hopped off, seeing an light coming from within the Secret Place. "Sor---" He called but stopped just at the mouth of the cavern, peering inside to see a hunched up figure, shaking and shivering. "Sora!" He called in concern, rushing over with Yue and sat by his side. Iris was of a concerning color but he ignored it as he wrapped his arms around the crying form. "Sora.... what's wrong? Please tell me..." Pale fingers pulled some of the wild and crazy hair from the man's face, wiping away some loose tears. "Have I done something wrong...? I... I'm so sorry...."


Just above, in a tower way up high, Roxas was standing in his parents room again, his father's back turned to him as he looked out towards the dark sands. The same sands who took his third born son. He did, that night prior, thank Divine that she allowed her son to live as long as he did and knew it was a blessing. Dying in the hands of a Landchaser wasn't what he had wanted his son to die from of all things. He only wished that Ventus could have seen the Crater before his dying day.
But the Landchasers were still going to pay.
"I am thinking of another raid." Jet finally spoke, grabbing his other son's attention.

The man turned, having to face the son who looked nearly exact to the one he lost. It wasn't as easy as he made it out to seem. "We'll have to wait though... as my faithful, loyal dragon was taken down, the only dragon able to naturally battle the Murderous on fair game and Verrill the only one able to out fly it.... we'll have to think of another tactic. I would like you to speak with Axel about this matter and see---"
"There's no need."
Both father and son whipped around, eyes wide when they saw the hunter at the door. His body was slightly hunched over, his tall height seeming to weigh him down. Across one side of his abdomen, the signs of his boiling burn was still easily seen and they were only lucky not to see his back.

"I should have been more careful. I apologize, my sire for getting caught up in the moment. It's because of my foolishness that food has been scarce for the people and it's only natural for Roxas to tend to me as I am his master. If he were to go hunting alone, he too would have had the chance of dying. He is a good fighter and hunter but he's not ready to do it by himself yet. You should have more trust in him. If it wasn't for Roxas tending my wound, my recovery would have been much more painful. I'm not 100% but I will tell Roxas of some hunting secrets so he may find some fast food to keep stomach quiet. In the meantime, allow me to rest as my wounds heal to the best they can while I think of a new raid plan..."

Jet frowned but nodded. "Alright then. It is nice to see you back on your feet, Axel." He looked down at his son, noting the strange smile he had on his face and the sudden light in his eyes. "Roxas, please escort him back to his room and into bed."


Down below and miles away, an identical blonde slowly opened his eyes, his eyelashes nearly stuck together. Once more, his vision was a blur of red and black, the light dim and the smell nauseating. He moaned, his limbs feeling a bit sore from being restrained, his stomach a mess from hunger. His lips were dry and chapped, his throat sore and weak. When his eyes slowly rolled down to see himself, all he could see was red from his chest all the way down to his toes. The rags we wore were stains of brown and crimson and a sickening feeling was still pressed against his back.

[Reno]

"R-R-Riku..." Sora sniffled, tears filling his eyes and he knew what he was about to do was wrong... but what other choice did he have?
"Alright Ris, you know what to do?" Sora asked, just before they got ready to leave the room. The dragon nodded and chirped. "Try to hold back your colors until the very last moment, okay?"
Iris whined some as she backed off some, stepping closer to Riku and Sora as he cried, her head lowering carefully towards their waists as if she intended to push the silverette aside.
And then her colors changed to deep violet as her teeth latched around the bag he carried for the fruit, snapped the strap with one bite of her teeth and pulling it away. she started to run for the entrance, but squacked in surprise as Yue jumped in front of her.


"Yes of course!" Roxas said, hurrying over to Axel's good side where he wouldn't hurt the inflamed skin, taking his arm in his and leading him out. "You really shouldn't be up." Roxas said as they slowly made their way down the hall, his voice chastising. "You're still healing."


A few minutes after awakening, Terra appeared. "Bring him down.' He ordered his dragon. Atteris walked over, pulling the rib cage back down to it's previous position on the ground, the flier slumping down onto the cool surface. Terra approached him, leaning down and tipping his head back, something surprisingly and refreshingly cool being pressed against his lips. The blonde was in too much of a state to reject the water for his parched throat no matter who it was from. Terra pulled it away from him, murmuring, "I brought food." He lifted up a metal disc which was a plate and on it were precut pieces of freshly cooked meat. And despite the smell of the place, Terra could tell he was salivating.

[Rikugurl]

"A-aaaah!?" The silvertte shot up, blinking in confusion as the dragon snapped the pouch from him and started to run off. "Iris!?" He was about to go after her himself but was stopped when he felt a hand wrap around his wrist. He looked back, seeing Sora's eyes full of worry but determination. "S-sora, what are you doing?"
Just outside, Yue gave a chirp, her eyes narrow as she glared down at the smaller dragon who was trying to steal the pouch that he brother made. She could tell that this was not a game at all.


"Heh, if you were so use to being in action all the time, staying in bed for longer than you have to would kill you too. Besides, I knew you wanted to see me up. Xiu told me." He noticed the little blush on the young man's face since they were so close now. Roxas probably just remembered that the hunter knew dragonese. "He also told me he saw you kiss me on the cheek.


The blonde stained blonde was still gulping down the fresh water when it was being pulled away, his body moving towards it, trying so desperately to get more even when it was out of reach. Instead, blue eyes empty of light widened when the cooked meal was placed before him. Like a mad man, he struggled against his bounds, his mouth opening and closing, yearning for the taste. When the brunette dug his fingers into the meat, taking a chunk from the plate, Ventus watched closely, drool running from his mouth and not caring if it was still hot, the heat feeling good as it ran down his throat when the Chaser finally fed it to him. He gobbled the meat up so quickly that he was beginning to choke on it and coughed but didn't stop begging for more. This would be about the time where Sora would tell him to slow down or he would get sick, throwing up the food that he was scarfing down. Everything around him was rotting but this meat was fresh and delicious. He couldn't get enough of it.

Every time the brunette would hold up a piece, he would snap it away, nearly biting the Chasr's fingers before sucking at the juices around the digits. Sometimes he would chew the meat while others, he would just swallow it down whole. 'Nnnneeegh..... orem......orem...."

[Reno]

"I..." Sora faltered some, knowing he was doing a divineless thing, but said determinedly "I'm having Iris take the fruit to my family! W-We're starving!"
Iris growled at the larger dragon, but she had strict orders not to hurt the other - not like she would. So instead she tried to slink past her, but every time she did the Windwalker would jump in her place, refusing to let her pass. But then she paused and sniffed, smelling something off. She dropped the pouch then gave a chirp of alarm as nothing but ashes fell out. All the fruit... it had burnt up, already?


Blue eyes widened and then he blushed all the way to his ear tips. Xiu you traitor!! "W-What do dragons know about kissing anyways?!"
"So are you saying you didn't?"
He opened his mouth to lie but all that came out were a bunch of random stuttered. "I-I-I.... Well um... err y-y-you see uh..." He looked down towards the feet, swallowing down the lump in his throat that was making it hard to talk. "...Do you find it appalling?"


The blonde was incredibly amusing as he ate each bite without even caring this was the same man who had captured him and killed his dragon. Atteris had been right, when animals were desperate for things like water and food, they didn't care WHO gave it to them. He fed him every last piece on the plate then set it aside, giving him the rest of the water.
And then he grinned maliciously. "Good huh? I had some earlier too, I never knew Night Fury meat was so tasty."
Atteris' head rose, glancing at the former dragon curiously, 'But it wasn't-'
'I know, I'm just confirming something.' Terra returned, watching the blonde carefully.

[Rikugurl]

Riku blinked a few times, processing what Sora had just said. Slowly, he looked back towards the mouth of the cave, seeing Iris sniffing the silk pouch, seeing that it was no longer white but now brown at the bottom. He knew obviously what had happened. Yue gave a huff, snagging the pouch away and glaring down at the smaller. Served her right!
Without looking back at the brunette, Riku's eyes fell, his arm that Sora was holding becoming limp. "You..... you were stealing from me..." His voice was so saddened and innocent that it made Sora falter more. "You tricked me... and stole from me.... How.... how could you, Sora? All.... all you had to do was ask...."

By the time Sora got his mouth and voice to work at the same time, the Divine pulled his arm away, finding it easy enough, and started to walk away towards the Windwalker. Sora was quick to follow, coming out of the Secret Place, watching as Riku mounted Yue, taking the pouch that had been taken from him. "No, Sora." He finally interrupted, looking down at the Flyer. "How could you? I thought.... I thought we were.... friends. You broke my trust. Maybe.... maybe everyone was right." And with that, Yue flapped her wings and was off back towards the Crater.


"No.... just strange." Axel admitted, taking it easy on the stairs. "From what I know about kissing, it means that you like someone. I was sure you hated every inch of me..." He chuckled and when they finally got to his room, he winced as Roxas helped him back down on his back, once again laying on his stomach. His back was greatly improved, the new skin coming in light but strong. In the corner, Xiu watched closely as the blonde sat by his master's side. "But enough of that....nnngh.... tomorrow, you need to find some moles. They start heading home at sundown to the north under the Thrown Rock. I haven't hunted them in awhile since their numbers were decreasing so I was waiting for them to repopulate. They should be at a good size now so it would be worth the time to grab a few. One could possibly feed two people if they're large enough..."


It was a major rule for the Skyflyers, when captured, not to react to the Landchaser's words as it would possibly tip them off that they knew their language but how could the blonde no react when learning that he had just gobbled down his one and only friend that he had since he was a child? His gag reflex swelled and he tried to swallow but as the tears ran down his cheek, his stomach revolted at the thoughts running through his head and Terra had to move out of the way when the meat came up, spattering against the already disgusting ground. Snot ran down from the man's face as he continued to vomit up the meal he had just eaten, his body shaking even more. Everything told him to stop, that even if it was Verrill, he needed the food more but he couldn't bring himself to stop.

Again, he became to weak to continue, whatever meat left in his stomach was staying there. Remands of the puke glazed his lips, mixed with tears and snot along with the blood from the day before. "Hyw?" He sobbed, "Hyw rea ouy oingd hist ot em....? Ym Verrill...... Ym Night Fury...."

[Reno]

"RIKU!" Sora cried watching the silverette fly away. He felt guilt wrap around his heart. He knew if the man reached the crater and stayed angry... he'd never return and all chances of bringing his family to Paradise would be lost. They probably already where.
"Iris, let's go!" He cried, jumping onto her back and off they flew. He wasn't as fast as Verrill, and couldn't dive as steeply as Keir, but they were still faster than Yue. You had to be... when your speed often kept you alive. They shot down from above. Flame burst through the sky, making Yue cry out and flutter backwards from the attack. Iris pulled up until she was level with the other dragon, hovering there. Sora faced the silverette who was shocked at the warning shot, maybe even a little afraid - since Yue was certainly not fit for battle. Luckily, Sora didn't intend to hurt him. Well, not physically at least.

"How can you call it stealing?!" He yelled suddenly. "Sure, I was taking it without asking, but why don't you open your eyes for five seconds Riku, and look at the world I live in! Look at what your mother is taking from us!"
He gripped Iris' reigns harder, his knuckles turning white. "You don't understand anything! You live in a world where everything is perfect! No one is hurt for long, you're never sick, you have as much food as you can eat, you never have to worry about the people you care about being attacked! These are the things I have to deal with every. Single. Day!!"

His eyes narrowed further, looking truly furious, "Do you even know what it's like? To starve?! To be driven to madness by hunger? Have you even gone hungry for just one day? Because I have for weeks! And it's worse... when you have to watch your parents and your brothers suffer on top of yourself! I promised them and my heart, I'd take care of them! That'd I'd find a way to get them to Divine's - and I already broke it! By eating that food without sharing it... I was letting them suffer while I was out... having fun!"

His eyes watered like before, but even though he used it as a distraction, they had always been true. "And because she won't let us live there, because we have to live in a world where food is so scarce we'd eat our own if they fall, my brother Ven is dead! I've lost him forever!" The tears fell down his face in slow streams. "But you don't what that's like either, do you Riku?" He kicked in his heels and Iris flew past them, back towards the ruins.


"Alright," Roxas said softly, nodding to the other's wisdom, "I'll go there and look for some then." He smiled some, realizing something he hadn't before, "You need some more food too, to help you get better. Heh, I suppose I could of been helping you all along... I'm not a very smart pupil it seems."


At the near instant response, Terra's eyes narrowed and what he suspected yesterday when he told Ven about Verrill's heart and the blonde screamed was now a certainty. He gripped onto blonde hair and pulled his head back, hissing, "You can understand me. You're entire kind can..." He grinned, "Well, I suppose that makes this a little more enjoyable for me, now doesn't it?"

[Rikugurl]

Silver strands of hair fluttered as Iris and Sora flew away, the aquamarine eyes watching them until they reached the ruins. His emotion? Shocked. Talk about adding insult to injury. He frowned and turned away, speaking gently to Yue to bring them home. She did so and when she touched down, the silverette left her side and headed to his room, never saying another word that night. And perhaps it was a good thing because in his upset, he wasn't being careful like he usually was as a set of glowing green eyes were watching from afar.


"You didn't know about the moles... like I said, you still need more training before your ready to hunt larger game by yourself. I'm just glad you didn't do anything stupid while I was on my.....stomach."
Xiu rolled his eyes and huffed, turning away from the scene before it turned into something.


The blonde hissed as his hair was pulled, his dead eyes staring into the matching blue. "A-astardb.... Ouy illw ied a ruelc nda ainfulp eathd... I ophe ouy urnb lowlys ni Divine's iref...." He snarled before spitting in the man's face.



The next night, a Divine was sitting under an apple tree, his face twisted in pain. His hand was gripping his stomach and he could hear the whines from his sister nearby. He hadn't eaten since he arose from his slumber and had told himself that he couldn't eat. Sora thought he was dumb. He was just inexperienced. Why would he know of the hardships Sora's people had to go through if he never had to worry? That didn't make him a bad person. He was still very upset with the brunette and was no planning on meeting him again but he would take this challenge for his own curiosity. And he failed miserably. Not more than a hour after his hunger pains kicked in, that he broke down and ate a few fruit from the trees. It was a horrible pain and not having to feel pain for so long at any given time, he couldn't stand it.

He sighed, handing the core to Yue to gobble down and shook his head. "I could never live out there..." Riku spoke, his voice low and still hurt. "It's not just the pain or death.... but the irrational behavior... Did you see how easily he turned on me?" Yue whined in response. "Don't worry... you don't have to fear anymore... we won't be leaving again..." He said softly, running a hand down her neck.


The sound of water sloshing from the Well Room to the tower where the young hunter's room was caught the ear of another, making a wicked grin appear on his face. His golden eyes gleamed when a blonde walked through the ragged doorway, his body suddenly tense with fright as he wasn't expecting his older brother to be there, laying across his bed. "Evening, brother." The tanned man welcomed, slowly getting up from the bed to walk over to the blonde who was just putting down the bucket, saying some lines about having scared him and if he needed anything. "Actually, I do." The cunning, handsome voice was close, a little too close for some if you asked them. "I am still in morning... from Ventus's death, aren't you?" Vanitas asked, his golden eyes searching his brother's blue.

Roxas wasn't given a moment to speak when fingers were lining his lips. "I love him.... Ven. To think that he'll never come back, to grace me with his warm body again, chills me to the very bone." His hissed, his lips becoming soft and his eyes becoming gentle almost suddenly. "But now... that he's gone, I noticed how brilliant and strong you are, Roxas. You're quite the man, my little brother has become. How come I never saw it before?" His hand moved from the blonde's lips to run through his dirty hair. "I know we haven't done much talking lately... but... I think it's time we.... get to know each other better. " He came in closer, suddenly pinning his brother against the wall. "I know you don't care for Lilo, Rox and I see how you look at that Unbroken. How about," A finger ran down Roxas's chest, "I help you get what you might never have... that feeling you want inside your body~~~"


A hand was yanking at the bit of rags that were holding him hostage on the ribs. He was watching the far corner closely, seeing that the Murder was sleeping and that the brunette was no longer in the room. He had to try and break free and knowing with all this liquid and dry blood, the fabric of the rags would become fragile. Alas, he tugged hard one last time when the fabric ripped, allowing one hand free. He sighed, rotating his wrist and shoulder to get the feeling and motion back into them. He knew this was insane, there was no way out of the Landchaser's home now that he had no mount and the Murder was guarding the door, but it was obvious that they weren't going to kill him anytime soon and if he could manage to escape, they would probably kill him so he wouldn't do it again.

The quicker they killed him, the quicker he would be free.

He reached over his chest and started to undo the knots from his other wrist and was quick to grab the large bone to hold himself up on when that rag went loose. Slowly, he reached down with his free arm and started to undo the rags from his ankles.

[Reno]

"Well that's a relief to hear." Lips turned up in quirk as his brother jumped up as if something truly frightening was coming for him. The man approached him, his long hair swishing behind him and almost touching the grass, "You've spent too much time out there brother, you act as if I am some terrible beast."
Sephiroth looked outwards, towards the nothingness that was the world beyond. "I told you didn't I? There is nothing out there - but you were always the type who had to discover it yourself. I am glad you have finally come to your senses." His eyes darted towards Riku, his frown a bit disapproving, "Yet you still act so young, like this is all a game. You shouldn't have expected so much out of them. They can't be anything they're not. You think our mother cruel for wanting to watch them die out - but now maybe you can see why. They aren't worth saving." He turned away and walked off, leaving his brother there to mull his words of wisdom.


And one of those men who Sephiroth deemed unworthy of saving was gathering up many pieces of metal into the satchel his late brother had thoughtfully made for him, before mounting his dragon. "Come on..." He murmured, and off they went across the skies and for the crater. They flew high, circling up above the barrier restlessly, Iris roaring in calling for the silverette. They circled many times, but noticed no movement within. She whimpered some, turning blue.
"Come on I', he's not coming..." Sora murmured, letting her fly down to where she used to meet the other male back when she was updating him on Sora's health. She landed and Sora dared to step off of her back, the heat soaking into his feet. He gathered the metals, pouring them in a little box and setting them in the sand. They were familiar objects - even the box. Because it was Sora's treasure box, filled with all his hopes and dreams.

"I'm sorry." He said to the empty side of the barrier, his voice choking up and wondering how he could of been so stupid. Divine and to of yelled at him like that... to let his grief and anger get the better of himself... he didn't blame Riku for never forgiving him. He rubbed away the tears forming in his eyes, hurrying to get onto Iris because his feet were beginning to burn. He clicked his tongue and off they went, leaving it all behind. No matter what happened now, he knew he definitely was no longer worthy of Divine's grace... or Riku's love.


Roxas stared as his brother came over, taking an unconscious step back as he came too near, his lips turning down as he was reminded of Ven. The pain was instant and still so fresh, but before he could agree, he felt dirty fingers on his lips and then again in his ear. What?
"How about I help you get what you might never have... that feeling you want inside your body~~~"
W-What...?
"What are you saying?!" Roxas cried suddenly, shoving his brother away, his heart racing in an uncomfortable way. "Stop fucking around Van, it's not funny." He pushed past him, "I've got enough shit to worry about without you acting like a jerk, thank you."


"Our charge is trying to escape." The murderous told his host as he 'slept', his eyes remaining shut and his body motionless except for his breathing. It was hard not to make his ears react as the blonde stumbled over some bones, making a clatter that could of awakened a skullion.
"Let him." Terra said, and Atteris felt a little shiver down his spine in excitement and glee at the other's playful tone. Of course, a playful tone to a murderous was certainly not the same definition when it came to humans. He believed humans called it 'criminality'.

So he didn't move an millimeter, even when the flier, slinking past him, accidentally stumbled over the pinky finger of his hand. He thought he lucked out, that his guard was just a heavy sleeper. He didn't realize he had just entered a came of cat and mouse. He headed down the tunnel, quicker and quicker with each second until he came to a fork in them, looking left them right, then left again, eyes widening.

"Going somewhere?" Terra said, casually leaning against the wall, looking up at Ven and grinning quite cruelly. "I know these tunnels like the back of my dragon's head. But go ahead and try to escape." He lifted up the item he held - a thin length of dragon hide with a metal handle. He swung it and it cracked through the air audibly, having a much ferocity as a whip of a dragon's tail. "And when I catch you, I'll punish you."