Of Fairytales

[Rikugurl]

Many fairytales start with 'Once upon a time....' but some have gotten creative over the years - sometimes going with a traditionally chronological, 'Long, long ago in a far away land...' or maybe if you wanted something instantly magical you tried 'Legends tell...'. Other times they could start with a mystical 'Many moons ago...' or even at times a simple eternal 'Before time...'

But sometimes... fairytales just began. They had no notion of time or no knowing of when the tale truly had begun.

And this... is Fairytale with no true beginning. This was one of those stories.


Mountains rose high, skimming the bright blue sky and puffy white clouds.
From these mountains came luscious growth. Ancient trees, vines and beautiful flowers.
Waterfalls fell down in areas, making birth to rainbows.

The valleys were vast, a never ending forest. Rivers and brooks ran through grounds and only a few old wooden bridges crossed over them.
Dirt paths cleared the forest and over dead logs. Up rooted threes gave way to shelter for a weary traveler.
Fruits of all nature came from the luscious brush and vines. No creature could go hungry.

Birds flew with easy, their colorful feathers spreading out as they landed. Beautiful song filled the forests and open meadows of flowers. Purple irises with silver linings, blue tulips with orange stems, black roses with white leaves, fiery red stars with dazzling blue pistons only names a few of the hundreds of flowers that covered these meadows and forest floors.

The winding brooks bubbled through the forest, the water clear and sparkling. Other bodies of water included the fountains and swamps. Fountains were beautiful, but sacred. Ancient stones surrounded these fountains, warding off anything that came near them. In these fountains, the world's majick would flow out and seeped back into the land, making it as beautiful as it was now.
At the top pillar of these fountains, a symbol was carved, looking like an 'X' of some sort.

The swamps gave life to all sorts of creatures. Large trees around the swamps made it easy to watch the light bugs at night, dancing over the starry reflection and the glow of the moon. Cattails shot up as all colorful insects flew around them. Frog-like creatures gave song along with the birds here.

The river bands held old rafts with lines, pails and racks. Fish were plentiful and easily seen in the crystal clear waters.
Many paths led to these few spots on the river bed.

But all paths... led to the same place.
A large gate.

It was the only place for things to pass from the outside world... to the walls of the kingdom.

Pass the gates... was a whole other world.
Old bricks lined the path and were faded and buried at the edge as they went back to the earth. Oddly shaped homes littered around winding trees. Palm wood was the main materials that held up these places, all with crafted wooden doors. They were decorated with flowers, vines and some had some coral and sea shells. Iron spouts came from the top of all the little buildings, smoking lifting up from them.

Red bricks held the foundation to larger buildings. Libraries and council meetings. Steel was made for small gates over gardens.

The streets were busy, wooden shacks put up with pottery and plants. Handmade clothing, instruments and utensils hung. Jewelry that held shining gems for women and leather accessories for men. Hand carved toys were hand painted and fruits and vegetables ripe and fresh. Hand woven baskets held flowers and cooking needs
Anything you ever needed could be found in on the main street.

As one would walk further down, the bricks started to clean up and become lighter.
It led to the town square where a large fountain bubbled. A pillar was raised high, like one would see at a natural fountain. High above, the same symbol was carved but much more cleaner. The roads spread out like roots, each leading to a little blue disc, some closer to the square than others.

These... were the portals.
This granted access to other worlds and were sparingly used since they used the majick of the world to transport.

The main road continued, finally the bricks becoming silver. Large silver steps led up to large wooden doors... and those doors were a part... of an enormous palace. It wasn't all too tall... but it stretched across the mountains it was built on. Archways supported the second floors and brides connected some places to others. Many balconies looked over the kingdom, the stones and wood being carved and built around tress.
A mighty waterfall fell behind an opening, the pool at the bottom bringing fresh water to the people.

Above the main doors, the palace rose up and at the very top, a larger symbol shined.
The sideways cross of balance.
It was the main symbol of the people, some other ones important too... but the biggest way of living... was with balance.

For balance... was what kept everything so beautiful... and their was something that my could do to disrupt this balance.

Their wings.

The people of Norn, the beautiful world, were called Shee.
The faeries of the universe.
They were the most powerful race in the universe.
They looked like everyday humans but had a radiant glow to anyone who knew majick. However, to bring out their majick, they had to summon their wings. Large, glowing wings that were hard to describe in appearance. Being four feet from top to bottom and three feet wide, their tips ridged and mystical looking.

The only Shee allowed to hold their wings on a daily basis were children who had yet to learn how to store their wings. Royalty could could also spread their wings at any given time. For the rest of the Shee, only special or dramatic times could let them bring them out, such as a wedding or heated argument.

Wings didn't only grant the Shee extraordinary powers... but also set their life work.
Every Shee's wing was slightly different, like snowflakes... but each dominate color showed who would be the best at which jobs to take in life.

Common colors were red, green, yellow, brown and pink.
Red wings symbolized Passion. Shee who had these wings were usually all seen in the Shee military. They were born fighters with the passion to protect their kingdom. However, some red winged took up other 'passionate' artistic jobs such as painting, writing and music writing.
Green wings symbolized Life. They were loving Shee who took jobs as planters, nurses, breeders, and also had the drive to connect other living things. Some became importers and exporters of other worlds and shared techniques of how to help things grow and helped agricultural work.
Yellow wings symbolized Energy and Cheerfulness. These Shee loved socializing and bringing happiness to others. They took jobs as running day cares, hygienists, child school teachers, some being house-wifes to stay with their children.
Brown wings symbolized Earth. They were hard working Shee so they took jobs as builders, architects, archeologists, gardeners, interior and exterior designers. They made sure the kingdom was always in good shape.
Pink wings symbolized Love. They worked as marriage concealers, love experts, romance writers, blind date workers. Since women were more known to have pink wings, they were also maids, waitresses, and secretaries.

Moderate color wings included blue 'ice', orange, dark blue, silver and gold.
Blue 'ice' wings symbolized Peace. They were leaders, negotiators, people who keeps others calm.
Orange wings symbolized Strength and Change. So they were athletes, philosophers, professors, teachers. Some worked on motivational speaking to try and change people's minds on an issue.
Dark blue wings symbolized Stability. These Shee were enforcers, lawyers, and dispatchers.
Silver wings symbolized Strong Dreams. They were usually the higher rank in the army, more strong and commanding. Some however were more majestic that work with the sky like weatherize and astronomy.
Gold wings symbolized Wealth. They were financial advisers and also were very crafted in expensive metals. They were the more self-absorbed Shee... though they didn't dare compare themselves to the royal family.

Rare wings included purple, pure white and black.
Purple wings symbolized Peaceful Passion. They were magicians, detectives, musicians, theatrical performers. Any Shee could do these jobs, but it was those with purple wings who made them perfect.
Pure white wings symbolized Purity. They were preachers of the Shee's 'god' or 'goddess' and nuns and non-violent speakers. They also helped with child birth.
Black wings symbolized Imbalance. Since Shee were very superstitious, even if the black winged Shee was normal like the rest, they would still be outcast. Some of them became grave keepers. However, most were rebels, outcasts, big thinkers. Their freewill and carefree nature went against the law was the Shee.

The rares wing color of them all however was a combination of black and white.
Black and White wings were so rare that jobs really weren't assigned. They represented the Shee's highest belief; Balance. When one was born, they became a leader, a high judge or a high commanding officer.

Even if a Shee did their job based on their wing color... and the choice their father had made as tradition, very few did different jobs. These Shee were also looked upon as bring bad luck.

But all wings, no matter what color, could spread if their universal king needed their help.
King Mickey.
He had entrusted this powerful, peace loving race as his army if anything in the universe needed to be protected or saved.

But peace... had carried on for decades and life had become even more simple.



Loose clothes shifted as bare feet walked down the silver bricks of the hallway. The figured stopped, slowly opening a white wooden door. The door opened up to a large room that was colored in a light blue. A crib was placed in the middle of the room, some chairs around it. A woman looked up, seeing the figure come in. She bowed and smiled, slowly walking out of the room as the figure walked in more.

Soft blue eyes looked down into the crib and smiled. The figure had soft black hair with a black goatee. His face was kind as it was outlined by orange wings. They fluttered as he reached down, picking up the baby boy that was held in the plush crib.

The little boy giggled, his ice blue wings flapping happily as his father picked him up.
"Hey there..." A strong voice spoke softly as he pulled the boy closer. The boy wrapped his arms around the man's neck and nuzzled his facial hair.
Bright blue eyes looked up, seeing something shinny on top the man's head and blinked, slowly reaching up for it.

The man blinked and laughed, gently placing the boy back in his crib. "You want to wear this?" He asked kindly as he pulled his crown down and placed it onto the boy's head. It was obviously too big so it fell down on one side of the boy's brunette head. The boy blinked as he held it up, looking up at his father. A soft chuckle came from the man as he leaned over the crib. "I don't think you're ready to wear it..."

"King Sorias...?"
A soft voice came from the doorway and the black haired man looked over, seeing one of the wet nurses. She bowed and smiled, walking over and looking down at the boy. "I think it's prince Jet's meal time."



On another world far away, red sand blew up around the steel fixtures. Black hair shifted in the hot breeze as yellow eyes looking out at the streets, seeing the desert. He sighed as he crossed his arms. He hated playing at the playground. Sand would always get into everything. However, his younger brother enjoyed it here.
If not for playing... but to find rare things the desert whipped up here.

The boy sat down on the red bricks and looked around the red bricked town. The library was boarded up and many blood stains were tossed about... but the happy chipper of the kids playing behind him didn't make it seem like a morbid play to live.

In fact...
This was how they lived life.

[Reno]

While downstairs a father attending to his son, another Shee further up in the castle, sitting quietly out on a balcony, wrote on a piece of parchment. She was leaner than the man with orange wings, her face softer and her body full of curves, giving away her gender as female.

Behind her, the glass doors were open, letting the air into the highly decorated room. If one were to gaze at it, they would instantly recognize it as a bedroom. The bed, in the center of the room was highly decorated with only the best of blue silks. A blue canopy completed the look, it's almost see through fabric falling down the poles and fluttering in the light breezes that passed in.
Elborate furniture was spread along the room. Grand dressers, beautifully carved. The tops were adorned with random things, a jewelry box, some watches, a few photos. On opposite side against the wall was a vanity mirrior, brushes and combs and perfume bottles spread atop it, though hardly used.
There were four doors that connected the bedroom to other rooms. One led to the hallway outside into the castle. Another led to a giant walk on closet were one side was given to female clothing, the other to male. A third door went towards the grand bathroom. And finally the dourth were the glass doors that lead to the balcony.

The whisperings of her quill was all that was heard on this calm day, the breeze barely even fluttering her parchment. On the railing of the sat, patiently, a beautiful bird. It was a hawk by the likes of which few had ever seen. He had a breast of white feathers, but from his face to his long flowered tail his feathers were the burnt red. His beack was black as were his feet, all extremely sharp and deadly. His sharp cold eyes watching the woman write unnerveingly. He shifted on the railing, his claws tapping. Then he stretched his wings.

"Alright, alright." She laughed, her voice meldious "Don't get your feathers in a bunch Ikia." She finished her lettered before standing. She yawned, stretching her arms up, wild copper hair flowing down her back. She rolled his shoulders, and two black wigns furled out, fluttering softly. Ikia flew from her perch and landed upon the woman's shoulder, holding out a leg.

She rolled up the parchment good, in a practiced way until only one line would be read: Signed, Diliza
She took a small red ribbon and tied it along the hawk's leg. "To my father, okay?"
The bird jumped from her shoulder and flew off into the sky. A messenger hawk.

The woman, and yes indeed her name was Diliza, ser her blue eyes after her pet until it was out of sight. No one had believed her when she had brought home the strangely colored bird a few years ago with it's wing broken and said it would become her messenger. Her mother said that's why they had pigeons. Her father said she had no patience. Everyone else just called her daft.

She had always been known as a wild child every since she was young. Wild and an outcast. But she did not look at her wings like that of a curse she looked at them like a sign of opportunity. Her wings let her be free - unlike everyone else in this miserable world who had to abid by the social norms and the color of their wings, she had no such restrictions. She got away with everything.

And now she was the queen of Norn - the queen of a world built upon balance.


Far, far away sand flew along another world. It's shape was identical to any other planet, but was smaller than Norn. If one were to look at it from space however, one would quickly think it was uninhabitied. The planet would look like nothing mroe then a big yellow rock - covered by nothing but desert.

Yet had someone looked closer, they would see that the town was indeed populated. The buildings of the town the only sign of life. It was said that long, long ago the ancesters of this planet had carved all the buildings out three large mountains - but most children did not believe such a tall tale. Blood stained the walls - the motto of their life 'survival of the fittest'. If one had to kill your his brother to survive, one should never hesitate.

There was not much to the world to actually see. Things around the world were made of either rock or metal. Wood was hardly every seen. The total number of trees in this world was three. One in the park. One in the cemetary. And one near the center of town. Many said that their was an oasis on the polar opposite of the world - but many children did not believe that tale either.

This was Atteris. A world built upon anarchy. It was the opposite of Norn in every way.

In the center of its town it too had a fountain - but its fountain did not sprout water, it sprouted sand as unbelievable as that was. Some roads were paved of cobblestones, but most were let bare, letting the sand of the world become their pathes. The town was built in a circilar shape, the buildings constantly rounding around each other.

On the outskirts of town were the mining fields. Nothing but holes in hard earth that workers fled to to dig out metal and gems for all sorts of purposes.

Beyond that spread nothing but the hellish desert, mirages, sand dunes and ever-flowing quicksand. The sun was large and bright, the weather incredibly hot all year round.

It had hardly any plants, little water, and few animals. What animals were around quickly got slaughtered for food. Most of their food and water, however, was imported (read: stolen) by Atterians that traveled to other worlds. Those travelers grumbled and bitched about how fucking girly the other worlds looked in their green shubbery and large trees and 'cuddly' homes.

Atteris had no holidays. Had no love. Had no rules. Had no sense of peace at all. But for them it was home. And it was perfect for them.

The little boy dug madly in the sand, watchful red eyes watching the grains passing through his figners. His mop of black hair fluttered around his face, some of the strands dyed yellow like his clothes with dust. Mother would give him a whooping when he got home probably.

His fingers enclosed around something however, and he quickly forgot about all those worrisome thoughts. His fingers closed around something unfamilar and he slowly dug it out from the sand. He took a deep breath, his four-year old young mind wrapping around what he had just found.

It was nothing really spectacler. It was maybe a foot long, hollow and thin as his dad's forefinger, and bended strangely at certain points, and had little holes dotted all over it. It was colored a brillant brown and felt rough in his hands. He knew what he had just found was something real speacial, even though he was uncertain of what it truely was.
All he understood was it was made of wood and wood was... rare. Very rare.
The trees and plants in their world were off limits - and this was made clear quiet quickly by other Atterians in that territory. Plants brought them air - the only thing that made it possible to this here. That included the sparse trees and it;s branches. If wood was meant to be sued for anything it was told to be found elsewhere.

The boy looked around, his frantic, but no one had seen him. He stuck the thing up his shirt, closed his arms around his middle protectively and hurried over towards the bigger boy sitting atop the red brick. "Xiggy let's go home!" He annoucned abruptly, before turning and hurrying for the path home, not saying another word. Like hell he would tell his brother what he had found! He'd beat him up and take it for himself!

[Rikugurl]

The soft eyes closed as he reached down, taking the crown from his child's head. The boy whimpered but blinked as he was picked up again, now by the older woman. The man smiled at her before he slowly made his leave to the door but stopped, looking back. The woman had already made it to the large window, her blouse pulled down on one side and his son nursing happily.

He really didn't see why his wife couldn't nurse their child.
He believed in mother and child bonding when nursing.
Jet would be their only child... so why not waste the experience? He shook his head but smiled, slowly closing the door behind him and sighing softly.

Jet indeed would be their only child.
Shee were only allowed to have one child for the time being unless twins were born. Their had been a problem with over population and when they tried to expand the kingdom, the balance of the world slowly started to shift. The new law had put a damper on those who wanted a second or third child... but they couldn't go against the law. They knew a new child meant more power... and if the Shee had more power than their planet could hold, they would all be doomed.

Some of his close friends had nudged him about the account. He was royalty, he could have more children if he wanted to. Sorias frowned at them, only to say 'What kind of king would I be if I broke my own ruling? I am a role model of the people... am I not?'

He slowly walked up the silver bricks, placing the crown back on his head. As he reached the top floor, he walked down the hallway. Some maid bowed as they passed and carried on on what they were doing.
Slowly the man stopped and reached out to a knob, turning it and opening the door.

He looked in, seeing the beautiful and comfortable room. What caught his blue eyes was a beautiful woman. A soft smiled ran over his features as he walked into the room. "He seems to be growing each time I see him..." He smiled but frowned as he looked down. "You should really go see him..."


Black hair continued to blow in the breeze as sand brushed on the hard skin of the boy. Playing at the play ground was already getting boring to him... wanting to fight the other kids already... but he knew he didn't stand a change yet.

Yellow eyes narrowed as he heard his pet name, growling at it. That wasn't what set him off though... it was the abrupt way his younger brother called him out and started to rush away. The boy stood, a grin rushing over his face as he watched his brother. He rushed after the boy and quickly caught up to him.

Suddenly his dirty hand reached out and grabbed some black hair, pulling it harsh to stop the boy from running. He pushed his brother onto the wall of the nearest building and growled. "What do you have? What are you hiding!?" Before the little boy could fess up or not, the older gripped onto his shirt, feeling the solid object hidden away. He pulled it out and threw the little boy onto the ground harshly.

Yellow eyes peered at the item, seeing clearly it was made of wood. He grinned, looking down at his brother and suddenly kicking his stomach hard. "Never act so nervous when you find something." He called down before walking over his little brother and walked towards their home, going inside.

Xigbar didn't hate his brother... not in the least.
But this was the way older brother's taught their younger brothers lessons on how to stay alive.
Even at that age.

[Reno]

Diliza raised an eyebrow as she heard the door open behind her, but she merely crossed her arms, waiting. She knew who it was the minute she heard footsteps crossing the room. Had it been a servant they wouldn't dare of entered in the room - they would of called from afar. She knew that was because most of the others feared her wings and her entirely. The man beside her however... she did not fear her at all.

She tilted her head at the other's words. "I saw him when he was born." she pointed out. "Besides wouldn't want my dark muck messing up his pretty room now would I?" Her tone was not bitter but her eyes were. Though it was rare for her to ever really be bothered by the other's supersitions... sometimes even she had her limits. The ones they had spoken of her after her son had been born had been the limit.

It was she who decided his name. Jet. It had nothing to do with his wings, his eyes, his hair or even his relatives. His name refered to jet black, as in he was born of one with jet black wings. Rare was it black wings ever found a husband to have child with. She didn't want anyone to forget.

She wondered honestly what she supposed to do though. After all everyone was SO determined to raise her kid without her - if they wanted to do all the work why should she get involved?


He ran as fast as he could. but he was so much littler compared to his brother - sometimes he forgot that. He knew however that the other was catching up as the footsteps pounded behind him. He yelped when he yanked back, holding back the instinctive tears that came with the sharp pain. He growled a little when he was shoved, holding the whatever it was closer against his stomach.

But his brother was quick to overpower him and he was suddenly on the ground, barely taking in the others would before a sharp gut expeled all the air from his lungs. He coughed laying their a little dazed as Xigbar stepped away from him. He struggled up his eyes blazing.

His treasure... His brother wasn't going to win it! He got to his feet, despite the pain in his stomach and rushed after. "Give it back!!!" He cried, rushing into the house and taking a flying leap after his brother. His hands curled into black hair tugging it viciously while his legs wrapped around the other;s waist to assure he wasn't thrown off. "It's mine!!" He growled, biting into one of Xigbar's ears.

[Rikugurl]

Blue eyes saddened as he watched his wife, seeing her eyes.

People had warned him up and down about marrying Diliza... because of her black wings. That didn't stop him though. Even if she was a free spirit, he loved her. Even after their wedding though... the fights started.
Sorias thought that maybe a child with her would give her the sense of some more responsibility... but after Jet's birth, she seemed to become more wild... blaming him that it was just to keep her cooped up in the palace.

Sorias... just wanted a happy family...

He sighed as he walked over to her, pulling his crown from his head. "Diliza... you know that's not true. Jet came from you... I don't see how you could possibly give him bad luck." He wrapped his arms around her waist, smiling softly. "I'm sure he'd love to see his mother... it's been four months since you last stepped into his room..."


Xigbar's eyes narrowed again and he was suddenly jumped. His grip on the item held tight as he growled. His clenched his teeth as his brother tugged on his hair unmercifully, trying hard not to cry out. His scalp started to burn as his hairs were pulled harder and suddenly his ear was getting bitten.
"GET OFF ME!" He growled, suddenly slamming his skull into his brother's face, making him fall off.

The boy scrambled to his feet, glancing back at his brother before rushing off, only to hit something solid.
Well... it definitely wasn't a wall. He slowly looked up, his yellow eyes widening as he saw a woman look down at him. He pushed the wooden object behind his back and smiled up at her.

[Reno]

"Diliza... you know that's not true. Jet came from you... I don't see how you could possibly give him bad luck."

The woman in question was slowly startting to relax, feeling what his words meant and was just about to calm down enough to agree-

"I'm sure he'd love to see his mother... it's been four months since you last stepped into his room..."

And then he just had to say that didn't he?

She stepped out of his warm embrace, shooting him a cold look. "Is this all you came here to do? Coerce me into things?!" She saw the other's look become a little shock - another day, another fight. "What next you gonna start choosing my clothing for me?" In the end it all came down the freedom.


Hatori gave a bark of pain, falling from his brother's back, and this time tears did leak down his face. That really fucking hurt!! However he looked up in panic as well when he saw the woman of the house walk into the room. She had white hair that flowed down her back midway, and sharp red eyes and a stern and strong body. She was their mother. Her name was Rhea.

Now families, like everything else was a little backwards on this world. Unlike most mothers who would say, 'Don't pick on your brother he's smaller then you!' their mom would sooner say, 'Xigbar go kick your brother's ass before he gets weak.' That didn't mean she wanted them doing it in the house though.

Mother's of Atteris were far from nuturing past the milking days. If the baby toppled over while trying to walk, and the child cried, those cries went ignored. If a child came home with a scrape he wasn't given a pat on the head and a kiss on the wound, he was slapped over the head and yelled at good. If a child complained about not getting the same amount as one of his siblings he was not scolded but encouraged to try and take what he wanted from the other.

But that didn't mean to say mothers - and fathers too - didn't care about their young either. This whole process of strengthening their young was in itself a process of care. Their would be no point to procrate unless they could birth children that lived up to their name - and Tellus was one gaining quick prestige thanks to their father. If he had weak sons though, all that could go down the quicksand.

So their mother had to make sure they stayed strong - and Xigbar and Hatori did it, fearful that if they didn;t live up to standards they wouldn' just be a disppointment and slander their last name - they' also be dead. Parents never hesitated to kill a weak link - a runt of the 'litter' (that is to say all the children born within the years of the blood-bonding). Also, terribly enough, if twins were ever born... one had to be killed. It was believed that, when a boy or girl or even boy and girl was born of the same womb on the same day, that if siginified that the good and the bad of the person had split. The bad is what the mother and father had to fine. Then they had to kill the good side.

Rhea snarled down at her eldest son, already seeing through his ruse of 'innocent me'. "What the fuck is going on here?"

Xigbar however wasn't given the chance to respond before his little brother charged from behind, grabbing onto his older brother's arm and bit into the wrist fiercely. This was his only chance!

[Rikugurl]

Sorias smiled as he felt her calm... but suddenly she pulled away and gave him a look that could freeze him on the spot. He blinked, speechless as he heard what came from his wife. His mouth even gaped as she continued, his eyes becoming sad.

On her last question, he clenched his teeth as his hands made a tight fist. His blue eyes flickered to a yellow as he glared at her. His fist shook but slowly stopped as he sighed. The yellow left as he walked back to the door and opened it.
"I don't know one mother in all of Norn who wouldn't want to see their child every minute of the day. You don't know how hard it is just to ASK you!"

Before she could come back, the door was slammed shut and the king was gone.
The maids in the hall winced as they heard the door. Their eyes moved down the hall to see Sorias leaning on the door, his orange wings bright and fierce.
A sigh admitted as the color faded back to the normal calm.

Slowly he walked down the way, back down to the main floor. His caught glances from the woman, superstition in their eyes. He frowned, looking at one. "What are you looking at, Lady Natis?" The woman's eyes widened as she shook her head, in shock from the random snap. "N-nothing your majesty!" She bowed and quickly rushed off.

She hurried down the back steps and to the garden. When she saw the gardener, she walked up to him, looking around to see if anyone was watching. Whispers passed through his ear about her superstitions.
It would run through the kingdom like wild fire...

Sorias sighed as he placed his crown back on his head as he walked down the stairs. He need to get back to the throne to take care of important matters.... like his family matters weren't important enough...
"It wasn't suppose to be like this..."


Xigbar stared up his mother and frowned at her question, about to say 'Nothing, why!?' when he was suddenly tackled. He cried out, feeling his brother's teeth push through his skin. Blood started to pour from his brother's mouth and a fist shock back, smashing into the side of Hatori's face. He smashed his fist again and again until he could see the bruise it was leaving and finally his brother pulled away.

He quickly hid his arm away to his back, remembering that he had to hide his weak spot from other around... including his mother. He would of continued this fight... but his mother didn't like it in the house. Yellow eyes glared at his brother who was holding onto his face, getting ready to recuperate when the wooden thing smashed into his face and fell onto the floor.

Xigbar crossed his arms, one hurting bad.
It looked weak to do what he just did... and he knew he was going to get his ass beaten for it. It was either him or Hatori though. He knew his brother wouldn't stop until he got the wooden thing back... so he would get his ass beaten for breaking the house rules.
As a big brother... he needed to watch out for his brother's best interest. He was older... and could take beatings well.



Season's changed and stones worn. The kingdom was busy as always. Happy faces greeted customers and helped make their shopping experience the best. People bartered and kindly haggled. Things were exchanged and woven baskets were filled.
Young Shee walked along with their parents, holding hands and laughing. Happy face were scene as they where handed a toy and seemed like it was the most fascinating thing they ever did see.

At the brooks, children splashed in the waters as their parents watched from the banks, enjoying fresh fruit.

In the forest, another child and parent were.
"EEEEEEE!" A boy slid up and down as they came down a large root. He landed on both feet, laughing as he jumped from excitement. Blue eyes blinked when they noticed their black haired father was looking in some long weeds. He walked over, his cloak bouncing happily as he came closer.

"Shh..." The boy blinked and smiled, quietly snuggling in next to the man. "Look..." The man looked down at the boy and smiled as he nudge over for the boy to look. Brunette hair shifted as the boy looked over, seeing the most beautiful buttery his eyes ever laid hands on. "Remember it from your books?" The man whispered and the boy nodded. "Yea... it's the O priamus priamus..." The boy recited in wonder.

Suddenly the boy shot out, the butterfly flying away.
"Jet!"
The boy laughed as he chased the butterfly out into the meadow and moved his hand to catch it.
He smiled happily as he watched the butterfly flap its wings inside his captive hands.
"Jet!"
The boy looked up, seeing his father walking over to him.
"Daddy, look! I caught it!"

The man looked down and leaned over, seeing the butterfly. "He really is pretty, huh?"
"Can I keep him??"
"No, no."
The boy pouted. "Why not?"
"If we were suppose to have these butterflies for pets, we'd already have them, wouldn't we?"
"But it was hard to catch..."
"Don't you think it will look better flying around happily in these meadows? You know Jet... he is as much a part of this world as we are. He has a place to be and things to do like we all do. That is the Balance. His job is to bring beauty to this world... and how can he do that if he's kept up in the palace."
He smiled down at the boy and ran his hand through the brown spikes. "You understand?"

Jet pouted more but looked down, watching the butterfly flap it's wings. "The Balance..." He whispered but nodded, slowly putting his cupped hands up and opened them. The butterfly flew off and fluttered around, out towards the flowers.

The two watched the butterfly when Sorias smiled. "Come on, we should head back home." Jet bounced and took his father's hand before they headed back into the forest and found a path back towards the kingdom.

As they walked, the boy stopped when he heard a beautiful voice way up in the treetops. He looked up as they continued to walk, seeing the flutter of large purple wings next to small yellow ones.
"This is where the musicians practice." Jet blinked as he looked up at his father, as if he knew the answer to the question that was never asked. "They use the beauty to inspire their music. That is why we need to keep all the beauty outside."
"So we can have Balance right?"
The king chuckled and nodded. "That's right. And when you become king, it will be our job to keep this Balance."
"I will!"

They walked into the kingdom and up the brick road. People bowed their head when they met eye contact with Sorias, easily moving out of his and his son's path.
Jet watched, starting to see how this Balance worked.... and seeing more and more how his mother went against it.
He looked up, his blue eyes reflecting the sideways cross.

His father suddenly stopped, something in a booth catching his eyes. Jet was about to look at the booth too when he heard some sudden commotion. He looked out, seeing many people walk by, when in the few moments of clearing, he saw two kids fighting.
A frown came over his face as he let go of his father's hand and rushed through the crowd.
"Jet!"
The boy didn't listen as he passed other, apologizing if he bumped into anyone. By the time he got there, a third boy was in the mix, looking like he was trying to stop the fight.

Blue eyes widened as he saw one kid punch the boy trying to bring peace and that was when Jet frowned and stopped over. "HEY! KNOCK IF OFF! YOU'RE THROWING OFF THE BALANCE!"
The two kids looked over, seeing the prince and suddenly ran off in different directions. Jet blinked as he walked over to the boy who got slugged and helped him up. "That was really nice of you to try and break up the fight but you know letting yourself get in the range of fire wasn't the best of ideas." He smiled as he watched the boy pat himself down.


Yellow eyes peered out through hair that was starting to grow long. The teacher was writing things up on the board... but it wasn't likely that anyone was paying attention. They need to get SOME knowledge in somewhere. He looked around, seeing the others eyes looking around too. Everyone was picking out their next match.

His eyes stopped as they saw the back of a black haired kid. His brother. Yellow eyes narrowed, seeing exactly what his brother was looking at... and it wasn't the board.
It was that girl again...
Ida.
The outcast who still happened to be alive.
She had dark, long brown hair with skin as white as a bleached rock. Her eyes were a bright blue, much calmer than any other Atterian. She was an outcast... because she was pretty opposite from everyone in every way.

But she must of known how to fight... if she was still alive.
Worse yet... was that his younger brother seemed to be fixated on her.

[Reno]

Diliza tensed at his yeling, her wings shaking with agitation and anger. She said nothing, just let him rant, until he stomped out of the room.

She turned her body away as the door, slammed her eyes dark. Didn't he get it yet? She didn't want to be like everyone else. Everyone else was boring and cliche, with love issues they never spoke about, friends they never talked to, and jobs that their wings decided and not their minds. Everyone else - especally the females. The walked around like they were all brainwashed.

She shut her eyes though. Jet would be fine. He was a prince-to-be-king. And for a prince-to-be-king he needed to be strong he had to deal with painful things. Seperation was just one of them.

She walked out onto the balcony and looked down, seeing the garden far below. Her eyes narrowed withfury, seeing Lady Natis whispering to the gardener and she flapped her wings, knowing exactly what was happening. Three seconds after their fight it was already out in the courtyard; by night it would reach the edges of town.

This was HER life, why couldn't everyone stay out of it?!


Hatori gave a second yelp and a couple soft screeches as he was punched and sturrgled under the onslaught, but damn it Xigbar was so much bigger than him! Then it was over and his brother was up and off of him.

He struggled into a sitting position, holding onto his throbbing face, biting his lip to keep more tears at bay. He would not cry! He winced when something smacked him in the noise, blinking as he stared down at the wooden thing on the floor.

He picked it up just as he heard his mom giving out her punishement. He cringed a little, watching his brother get dragged out of the house by his hair and thrown onto the ground. Their father didn't hesitate to punish them whenevr and wherever - but their mother... she always made sure it was done outside so that the shame of being beaten in front of a crowd would help them shape up.

He shut his eyes as he heard the first punch thrown before fingering the wooden... stick-thing in his hands. At least he had it back... now he just had to hide it.


Time. It was a funny thing. For some it seemed to take ages to pass - like every second was a century and every minute and millieunum. Then for others it seemed to happen in a flash - a second like a snap and a minute like a bolt of lightning.

For people like Diliza and Sorias for example, their time together as Jet was growing problably seemed like to long. However for little Jet it probably only seemed like moments and flashes bo day ever too long.

Of course, that was how children were. Well most children at least. Except one.

He was a boy, barely seven but already was taller than anyone in his class. He had soft gray eyes that were often very expressive. His hair was dark, and at first glance one would think it black but it was only a very, very dark brunette. His wings unfurled were the brightest silver, like fine jewelry.

Life for him... felt like eternitys. Sure, he had school, and recess and play-time and friends and stuff all kids felt like they were busy in. That was the most important things in their life - but... the minute he got home thats when eternity began.

He couldn't count the times he'd sat in front of his window, patiently waiting out the window just staring out for his dad to get home - only to get a disappointing message from one of the pigeons that he was working late, or couldn;t come home tonight or someone needed him.

It was a time of peace - why did his dad have to work so hard? It just wasn't fair!

The boy kicked a rock glumly, avoiding the path home with a zealous nature, knowing what was probably awaiting him. No dad.

Before his thoughts could get more depressive however he heard something. the sounds of a fight. He looked up, eyes widening as he saw the scuffle taking place only a few meters ahead of him.

His wings flapped and he rushed towards the fight, knowing its exactly what his dad woulda done. He didn't like fighting amongst each other - that hidnered the Balance within the world, and the body and that was never healthy. "Hey!" He cried, grabbing one of the other boys arms. "Stop it!"

For his efforts he got a nice fist to the face. Gin fell, holding a hand to his cheek just as another yell made him glance over. His wings tittered a little seeing who it was. Everyone knew Jet. The prince of the kingdom. He was a little younger than himself and... really small.

But he had a good pair of lungs - and soon the two fighters were off and running. the silver-winged Shee looked amazed, and as he was helped up he couldn't help the ghost of the smile that came to pass at the other's words, even though the move hurt his bruised skin. "Heh... Well I'll try to learn how to control the fire and not let it control me." He mumbled.


Hatori bit at his pen, watching the girl with unnerving eyes. His black hair fell to the middle of his ears and his red eyes were still as shiny as ever.

He liked rare and unqieu things. Like that stick he had found eyars ago - which he later discovered wasn't a stick at all but a noise-maker. If you blew in one end it made this shrill cry. He kept it under his mattress most of the time though or the tipptity-top of his closet, or burised in the backyard. He didn;t want anyone to find and steal it. It was his rgeatest treasure.

But already he had found anothert treasure - one that might be even better. Ida. She was the only person who actually was able to take his mind OFF fighting - of course don't get him wrong he loved getting in the middle of a tussel though he was still pathetically small compared to the elder kids he was a pretty fierce biter.

But a month ago and he had just... noticed Ida. It wasn;t really 'magical' or 'fated' like humans disgustingly believed. No he passed her in the hall and did a double-take and that was it. Now he couldn;t stop looking.

[Rikugurl]

Jet smiled as he nodded, patting the taller boy. He blinked when he saw the bruise and frowned. "Are you ok...?" He tilted his head, reading the other's eyes. Jet really never interacted with other kids... seeing he was always in the palace. He really didn't need any play friends seeing that he was too busy learning and exploring things. He was going to be king... so he should know things inside out!

Actually... this was the first time Jet had talked to anyone from outside the palace.
Usually when his father brought him out to show him the places around the kingdom, it was a quick walk through the streets.

He frowned though, looking deep into unknown eyes... and knowing something instantly. "Why are you so sad...?"


Xigbar frowned more as he saw his eyes all over her. How could she stand him watching her like that? If he was her, he would of stood up and decked him in the face and told him to stop fucking staring... but she sat there so calmly everyday and let him STARE at her. How could she not know.

This was pissing him off. His brother shouldn't be fasinated with an outcast... it would look bad for the Tellus family.

His yellow eyes narrowed more as he grinned, thinking of something perfect. Slowly he leaned onto the back of his chair and licked his lips.

When the bell rang, all the kids rushed out of the room, pushing and shoving to be first out of the school. Xigbar however stayed back today as he got up and followed Ida out of the room, seeing that she was always the last one out.

She walked down the hallway, holding her book tightly against her chest so not to lose them in the rough crowd. She was shy and protective of herself as she walked, keeping close to the walls to avoid anything.... however, she didn't notice the yellow eyes behind her.

Suddenly a powerful hand slammed the girl, pushing her into the wall violently. She cried out as her book dropped onto the floor. Her blue eyes looked up at the yellow, her face hurt but fierce. Xigbar grinned as he suddenly gripped her hair and pulled at it. "Gie me your homework!"
Hands wrapped around his wrist as she struggled. "NO!"
"GIVE IT UP NOW GROSSMUCK!" He yelled, yanking her hair more.

suddenly, he was belted in the face and blinked, looking around to see who had done it... only to realize it was Ida herself. He grinned as he pulled her hair again. "That all you got?"

[Reno]

Gin blinked at the others concerned look and he chuckled embaressedly, rubbing his cheek, wincing at the tenderness. "I'll be fine..."

He blinked at the curious looks shifting uncomfortably. No one really looked at him like that... as if they were trying to see something in him.

At the blunt question he nearly toppled over. "Ah what?!" He looked awya, flustered. "I'm not!" He glanced at back at Jet, seeing the boy wasn't buying it and sighed. "Because your daddy keeps my daddy from coming home." He told him, sounding bitter and angry.

Now he didn't hate the king of norn or anything - but he didn't particularily like him either. He knew that without his dad;s work they wuldn't have all the nice things they had but... He was only seven - money was never as important as a hug.


Hatori growled softly at the sound of the bell, hating how it was on his sensitive ears. He swore they rang for hours afterwards. He sighed, idling around in his chair as he threw stuff in his book bag messily, sneaking glances at Ida when she wasn't aware.

Though she left much sooner then he had hoped for and... his brother did too. He growled suddenly, noticing that gleam was in his eye again - why was that?

He stood up, hurrying after him a little baffled. Whenever his brother got THAT lookin his eye... it meant bad news for him. Usually.

He paused however just on the scene he did end up finding in the middle of the hallway. Most people just spared the two a glance before continuing on with whatever they were up to - but Hatori paused, his backpack fallingfrom his shoulders, his stuff spilling out unnoticed from the open flap.

He snarled in fury, feeling the hair on his body bristleand he took a step forward. But what was right to do? Stand in for her, strik a blow to her pride and end up having a weak mate... or watch how it played out and hoped she had more ferocity in her then she let on?

[Rikugurl]

Jet's brows moved as he heard the other. He frowned, seeing the taller boy shuffle and shook his head. "Come on... I know you're sad. Please tell me what's wrong...?"
Jet knew what it was like to be sad... sad that he didn't see his mother nearly as much as he wanted to. Sometimes... he went days without seeing her.
It was like... she lived so far away... not in the same palace...

His eyes widened as he got the truth and looked down, feeling some sadness run though him. Just then, he felt a shadow run over him and he looked up, seeing his father looking down at the two boys.
"Jet... what have I told you about running off like that?" The man frowned but blinked as he got a different answer than those he usually got.
"Dad... can you bring him to see his dad?"

Sorias blinked as he looked at the black haired boy... or dark brunette and frowned. He saw his silver wings... and seeing Jet had asked him... he must of been...
"Your father is Sippai?" He asked and got a nod for an answer.
The king smiled and nodded. "Alright... come along then. When we get to the palace, I will have a letter flown to your mother to let her know you're alright."

He turned and started to walk towards the palace. "You two stay close to me, ok?"
Jet's blue eyes widened and he smiled happily at the boy. "Come on!" He grabbed the boy's hand and rushed after his father.
Finally, someone he could show the palace to!


Xigbar continued to pull at her hair, glancing back to see Hatori. The look on his face was priceless and---
"AAAAAAAAH!" Another punch in the face sent him back. Some brown hair was pulled out as he started getting beaten by a book, all hitting him in the face and head. "YOU BITCH!" He grabbed her book and threw it at her... but missed as she ducked.

He saw her ferious blue eyes and suddenly she kicked him... in the worse spot imaginable. His yellow eyes went wide as he held his parts and coughed.

Tears seeped down the pale cheeks as she scurried her book together and rushed out the door.
The black haired boy growled, his yellow eyes watching her run away. So that's how she stayed alive this long. Pfft.

[Reno]

Gin blinked as the shadow fell over him and the prince, and glanced up uncertainly. His eyes widened a bit and he looked back towards the ground.

The first thing that came to his mind was to walk right up to Soraias and give him a good kick - but he didn't want to go to prison. He was pretty sure kicking roality was against Shee law. And his mommy might scold him.

His eyes raised though at Jet;s bold proclmations. What? Him? in the... the... He was quickly distracted by the king;s question and he nodded without comment, recognizing the familar tones of his dad's name.

And for once time was fast. He felt like he had just started being dragged bu the wrist, and the next second the excitable prince was welcoming him to the palace. Gin stared around, eyes wide at the enormity of the building. "Don't you get lost?" He asked still numb to everything around him. Was he really going to see his father somewhere in here?


Hatori watched quietly as Ida gave his brother a whatfor, a grin spreading across his lips as he saw thw low blow. Sure it was a dirty way to fight but Atterains had of course no speacfic rules led out for the way you won a fight - as long as you WON.

Hatori leant down, wquickly gathering his fallen things and stuffing them away, before walking past him, smacking him good once over the head. "Serves you right!" He hurried off and out of the school, glancing around for the alabastor-skinned beauty who had captured his eye. He saw her escaping around a corner and rushed after.

[Rikugurl]

The boy giggled and shook his head. "No way!" Of course, when he was younger, he lost his way pretty easily... because he was so small. After running around and getting lost, a maid or his father or..... mother would find him and set him on the right course.

He rushed up the palace stairs in front of his dad, the other boy in tow. Before his hand touched the bars to open the door, he heard his father call. "Jet! Bring this young man to the training field. I'll write his mother a message."
"Ok!" Jet called back as he opened the large doors and rushed into the huge entrance hall.

Not many Shee saw the inside of the palace. For the small boy attached to the prince... this was a lifetime moment.... or so he would think.
"Come on!" The excited prince called as he pulled the boy down the hall and down another wing. They rushed down the wing, passing some maids and servants on the way.

The turned around corner and rushed down that one, suddenly stopping at a door that had two large windows next to it. He opened the large door and looked outside, seeing a field below where odd looking things were set up. A handful of Shee were in a line as a man stood in front of them.

Slowly walked down the stairs that descended to the training field and stopped midway. He pointed to the man with silver wings and smiled. "Is that one your dad?"


Xigbar growled as he slowly got up... but only got smacked in the head. He would of whipped around, bashing the person who did so... but he heard the voice. His brother.
......He'd still bash his skull open!
But his parts hurt like hell. He limped and grabbed his rugged back, seeing the eyes on him. "Get the fuck off! What are you all staring at!?" He growled, his yellow eyes blazing like the sun.
The kids only scoffed and went on their way until the school was empty.

The boy limped to the nearest bathroom and slowly turned on the water. It was mucky and hot but he ran his hand over it and rubbed some hurting spots on his face. He had to cover these bruises before he went home. He had too much for his parent's liking...

Outside the school, the pale skinned girl ran to the alleys and stopped when she was far away so no one could see her from the road. She panted as she fixed her books a bit but blinked, feeling eyes on her.
Familiar eyes.
She knew who it was... and didn't bother looking back.
"Go away Hatori... your stupid brother already did enough, don't you think?"

That was the most she have ever spoken in public... or... at least to someone else. Her voice was hurt as tears slid down her face but her words never choked. She pushed her backpack on her back and started to walk off again, her long hair blowing in the desert wind.

[Reno]

Gin looked around in surprise, momentarily forgetting why he was here as he was tugged down the halls, unable to get enough of the ornate windows, the elborate artworks, the classy scultures and the sights of the maids and servants and people he didn't know because they lived a real rich style of life dressed in all these wonderful clothes.

He walked a little closer to Jet - t-to protect HIM of course! A prince should always be wary even of the people close to him. Yeah, yeah that was it.

He laughed suddenly, overjoyed by this incredible experience. It was one he hoped he never forgot - cause he doubted hel;d ever get back here.
Then again he was a silverwing - and the ones in his family were notroious for getting high postions in the military.

And just like that, as that thought crossed his mind, he remembered what he was here for and he grew more excited still. He was gonna get to see his dad in what felt like forever!!

Once they got outside though and he caught sight of the trasining fields and his father, he gulped, nodding hesitantly to the question. It seemed he was giving some sort of speech...

What if he got mad that he was here? What if it was a bad idea to come? what if his dad got in trouble cause of him?

He fidgeted, his eyes like an open book to the prince, who softly encouraged him. Gin nodded and swallowed his nerve before descending the steps and walking across the field hesitantly. He saw some of the eyes of the army following him as they caught sight of him - some of them beginning to whisper and laugh.

Maybe this WAS a bad idea.

The man at the front, who couldn't see his son since his back was turned, growled. "Pay attention! What are you all laughing at I'm being serious!"

"Sir, with all due respect," One of the closer shees spoke, "I think someones trying to upstage you."

The silver-wings on Sippai's back straightened and his eyes narrowed as he turned around, but his fearful face quickly fell at the sight of who it was. "Gin!" Despite it not being very warrior-like, the man hurried forward and fell to his knees bringing the little seven-year old close in a tight hug. "What in the world are you doing here?"

"I missed you daddy."

'Aaaaaah!' The girl Shee intoned. What was this, a theatrical show?!


Hatori tilted his head, not offended at the brushing off. and didn;t listen to it either. He hurried after before he was in front of her and started walking backwards so they could see face to face as he spoke. "You're weird you know that?"

Not the msot tactical thing to say.

"I mean you just beat up my brother. You should be proud. Why are you crying like some sort of wussy human?"

He was not winning points here.

[Rikugurl]

Jet blinked as he waited for the boy to descend... but he didn't. He looked over, seeing how nervous the other way. "Go on... it's ok." He patted the older boy on the shoulder and smiled. When he left the his side, he smiled, watching the boy walk down and across the field.

A Shee stood straight and tall, his red wings bold and proud. He blinked when he saw a boy slowly walking towards the captain and couldn't help but chuckle. That must of been Gin. He was hoping his sweetheart would give him a boy too one day.
He blinked though as the silver-wing snapped and he got back into his stance as the Shee next to him pointed out someone was behind him.

Up above, blue eyes shinned as he saw the scene. A smile ran over his face... and he suddenly felt proud. This was the first time... he help a fellow Shee... and he was only five! The feeling in his heart grew as he saw all the happy faces and nodded proudly.

Such simple things brought much happiness... just like that butterfly...


The girl huffed as the boy caught up, not stopping for a second as he got in front of her. She didn't hold eye contact as he started to talk but suddenly stopped.
You're weird you know that?"
Her now dark blue eyes looked up at him, her face not amused at all. She growled and started walking again... as so did he. His words went through one ear and out the other.

She suddenly stopped again at his last sentence and looked up at him once more. Sand had covered her face, easily swept away by her soft skin... but sand held onto her small streaks of tears. Her eyes darkened more as she suddenly shoved the red eyed boy and stomped by him. "I'm not wussy human..." The eight year old murmured as she continued to walk home.