Of Fairytales

[Reno]

Terra smiled faintly, seeing the light bugs dancing - he'd never seen anything like it! Sure bugs existed on Atterians but not ones that... lit up!

However, hearing Ven's tone, he looked back at his mate with some semblance of concern. He could... live here...? Would they even accept him? Shee and Atterians... were far from friends.

The mention of the books made his eyes light up however. He'd could drown himself in literature! And be with Ven! That was his paradise...

But the way the warrior's eyes seemed to get sadder and sadder told the brunette that this dream was probably... impossible. He stared at the other as their foreheads touched, and sighed softly as the mark was revealed to him. "Ven..." He was about to finish his response when the sound of wing beats made them both look up.

A powerful silver-wind touched down, his wings glowed like the moon and lighting the area with expert clarity. The man's sharp gray eyes seemed to pierce into Terra and the Atterain knew he held no secrets from this man... just like Xehanort...

"This... is Gin?" Terra whispered, recognizing the name of his love's leader and second-father figure.

"Ven..." The man said, his voice holding a hint of warning in it. His mate jumped from his lap, coming to stand in front of the other, babbling excuses and words and concerns that Terra could hardly keep up with. Heh, his lover hated to be in trouble, didn't he?

"Ven it's okay..." Terra called, his voice trembling as he struggled to his feet. He never got all the way as he felt pure agony rippling up from his legs. "FUCK!" He cried out falling back to the grass. Everything hurt... so much worse then it had back in Xehanort's realm. Without the darkness to lick at his wounds it was just... torture.

He felt hands on his back, his name coming in sluggishly as the world blurred around him.

"Terra?! TERRA?!"

And then everything just blinked out of blissful existence.

Gin hadn't know what to expect - he just knew how to find his young charge. In the woods. Ven always hid out in the woods when he wasn't feeling up to training or when he was in a grouchy mood with his family and just wanted some peace and quiet. The swamp was a lot of people's calming place - the practice tree he visited often since it had such nostalgia for him and Firi...

But he did not expect to find Ven... in the clutches of an Atterian. A battered, burning and hurting Atterian but none the less just as dangerous one. After years of experience as a leader and his own horror-stories of running into such creatures on missions it was never hard to scent one of them out. The darkness practically reeked off of them, their skin was dark from tanning, their teeth were sharper, their eyes were narrower and their eyes... oh their eyes were almost always dead give-aways.

Except this one... had blue eyes. He'd never seen one with blue eyes.

He called out to his subordinate and like lightning Ven was in his face, red-wings a flutter with nervousness as he said again and again that 'Terra was okay, he wouldn't hurt a fly' and such and such, but the beast from behind tried to interrupt by getting up - and failed miserably.

If served however to snap the two to attention as they raced forward to the fallen... ally? With the glow of red and silver, it illuminated the wounds and Gin couldn't help but grimace at the sight of his hands and feet. They looked... terribly torn. But he knew wounds alone like this... wasn't enough to keep an Atterian down.

"Come on let's get him to Riri." He got a look of surprise from the blonde. "What you though I'd just leave him here?" He teased before leaning over the brunette, turning him on his back before hooking his arm under the others shoulders and knees and with ease lifted him.

The brunette only groaned faintly, but didn't awaken at all. He was out cold. He glanced at Ven before spreading his wings and flying off, the red-wing quickly following right at his side. "He must be quite a friend." Gin murmured.


Soran squeezed Firi's hand a tad nervously as they headed down the hallway, only to stop on the palace steps where his parents were. Soran let go of Firi's hand only to go over to his mom's side to get some details. And his dad apparently wanted some too -

Runa, blushing in a way that only a woman withholding a secret could do, looked at the ground and started her explnation - but didn't get far before Firi was calling out the prince's name and all of them were looking towards the sky.

Gin circled in the air before diving, landing with precise care as Ven did the same albeit not as graceful due to his worry. And in his arms... was a very interesting sight.

Runa squeaked, staring at the man in Gin's arm and Soran beside her gasped - so he DID know! - and in unison the two looked to Ven and cried, "Is that...!?!"

Gin raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you'd think having a Shee-eater would be a little more terrifying, yet it's like a reunion." He glanced at Jet, murmuring softly, "I don't think the Balance is agreeing with him well. We need Riri... and Artios too."


Roxas didn't even feel Axel's attempts to rouse him, he was that gone. Well, what could be expected - going from a prude, to an occasional masturbator to tweleve rounds of sex (both being a bottom and a topper) in a row. He never though the human body could PRODUCE so much liquid. He was pretty sure he was going to be hella thristy when he woke up!

He was, however, able to spare a very small smile to Axel's words and even his wings gave a little twitter of happiness. To be one so loved by another... no wonder people did crazy things to get this.

Because every trail and tribulation... it was worth it.


"Whoo!" Sora crowed as he dodged a spit of ice, crystals flying through the air and freezing the grass instantly. "Come on Tios! I know you got more in you than that!"

"One should not tip the balance of power young one unless they can provide an adequte STABILIZER!" Th last word was punctuated with a shot of blue lightning. Sora yelped - blue was of course the hottest flame nor lightning could be - and raised his hands creating a shield. The lightning hit the shield without yield, but the force knocked the lighter Shee out of the air.

The brunette flailed when strange, aged hands clasped his and they swooped down. he was let go and he went tumbling over the grass.

"You can't lose your footing Prince Soran!" Artios said, curving in the air before his wings flapped and he landed on the ground.
The blue-wing made no attempts at getting up, merely stuck his tongue out. "We've been at this for hours! It's not my fault!"
"Oh now that you're losing you say that!"
Soran jumped to his feet. "Bring it! I can take you blindfolded!!" A week, seven whole days, and he still felt no better.

From the steps that lead back into the castle, Aqua chuckled softly, sharpening her spear. This had become her favorite pasttime - watching Prince Soran and Artios fight. She loved the thrill of the magic, had always found the arts fascinating...

Maybe that was because she was one of the very few humans capable of magic as well. Most were not. That was the main reason she was titled Dragoon - her abilities with water were uncanny and a part of her. Irreplaceable.

However, this couldn't last forever. They were on the edges of the war - it was getting to be time for her to leave. Yet, even here - with the most powerful creatures in the world! - she was unable to find any leads. Artios' spells, the search teams going world to world to find this 'Roxas', the speacilized Shee armymen who were straying to other worlds to make sure all was okay...

No one had seen a hint of the man she was looking for - and in the end she counted over two hundred worlds in just the past week they had visited, physically, spiritually and mentally. Nothing...

She sighed, fingering the metal of her spear, shutting her eyes. She hadn't spent her time completely uselessly, when she wasn't watching Soran and Artios, she was learning. Shee's had... interesting ways of doing things...

"Out here again?" A soft voice said and Aqua looked up.
"Yeah Dem." she said, sliding over and making room for the mullet-haired teen. He said beside her without complaint, setting aside his intrument having been given to him by one of the Shee. It was called a 'Sitar'.
The minute they had met they had felt a connection - both water mages and looking for someone important. Yet... Demyx so much more hopeless than even herself. Trying to find a wolf out of all those stars in the sky... it was funny and terribly sad.
'It's not funny! He's my best friend....'
"Yeah, I know what it's like to have a beast for a best friend."

Heh, and the funny thing is they always went to one of the brothers for hope - mostly Soran. They sprouted out a lot of words that, to Aqua, sounded like shit - but he just spoke with so much belief... she couldn't help but wish they were true words.


Terra stayed in the shadows as the meeting progressed. every once and awhile Ven would look back and they would share a smile, but for the most part he stayed hidden.

After the first day, things were well. He got treated by a beautiful angel with green wings and a salve of pure blissful agony, and was spoken too by a handome purple-winged man with a malicious smile, and was held onto by a blue-wing with terribly nice smile and a vicious grip and got interrogated again and again and again by various winged-creatures with no names he could recall anymore...

It had been a living nightmare. He felt like a lab rat. By the end of it all he remembered just curling up on the bed and telling the world to leave him alone. He anwered all of Gin's questions - how many Atterians did Xehanort have, how many Beasts, what was he planning, when would he attack, what creatures was he gathering next. He answered all of Runa's - yes his mother was a dear, loving soul and died for it, yes his father was a backstabbing son-of-a-bitch who betrayed him, yes he's killed, no he wasn't a cannibal. He answered all of Jet's...

Oh... Jet's. He didn't want to start with the King.

On top of it all, apparently the King and queen had an arguement over him not minutes after they had left his bedside. Something ab out this Runa letting her dreams steal away her sense of judgment. He had felt... odd when Ven had told him this... guilty.

He had destroyed their Balance.

The only ones he found any repireve in when he wasn't being treated like an article for the press or a specimen under a microscope was Ven, who unconditionally loved him and comforted him and made sure he got back to a 100% and... strangely his brother who, by some pure goddess of luck, already knew everything about him and had no questions, but was still veeeeery interested in being his friend and... hugging him.

The hugging was weird... but pleasant. Touching in good senses, ones that brought the simple pleasures and smiles... they were something he hardly experienced... but really liked. And he knew there was a big difference between Ven's hugs and Sora's hugs. with Ven's he felt love, with Sora's he felt... accepted. And, with all the suspicion going around about him, it was nice to have that instant trust. So the twins were now his two favorite people in the world.

So now here he was, basically on lockdown. In the position of stay back, shut up, and don't move. He could be near Ven though and his wounds were all completely healed, so it wasn't all bad following the King around while he did his boring errands. No wonder Roxas ran away!


The woman, Erinye, bowed. "I do hope this Xehanort receieves the maximum punishment King Jet." The woman straightened, a snake draped alongher neck hissing softly. She was a fury - one of many ancient creatures who punished those of broken oaths and sins and, occasionally, brought the anger of the dead to the real world. The shee however, were a peaceful and, typically sinless group, so she and her people had never come to this world unless specifically called for.

That had never happened. However, the feeling that things were not well had reached her people, and because of their treaty she had to check up on them. And she was filled with this gruesome, devilish details. The man was not unfamilar to her people, yet their was little they could do. their pwoer held no sway over his.
"If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to call." The woman stated, before turning on her heels and heading for the door.

However, as if in an afterthough, she paused. "Ah yes... There was one other thing." She clicked her tongue and her loyal snake snuck in one of his pockets, producing between its fangs a small piece of paper. She took it and turned, walking back to the king. "My advisor found this just last night in the bushes. I believe it was mis-sent. Can you please tell your son we have no Rikus in Illiad." She handed over the letter, carefully folded like a crown with a broken seal of Soran's on it.

[Rikugurl]

Ven could see the look in Gin's eyes. That look of mistrust... and might just come after the Atterian behind him. He quickly jumped from Terra's lap and shot in front of him. "Gin! I-it's not what you think! P-please don't---" He heard Terra behind him... and then the sound of one collapsing.

Hair stood up on his body as he heard the cry and turned, seeing his lover in much pain. "Terra! TERRA!" He cried as he fell to his knees and shook the other. "Terra! Get up!" He shook, hearing the sound of pain coming from him. Was... was the Balance doing this to him...?

"Ventus, get away from him"
He could hear Gin behind him and shot up, flapping his wings and coming to his master. "No Gin! Look, Terra is ok... he... he wouldn't even hurt a fly! I know that he's an Atterian and all.... but..." He looked back at his lover on the ground, trying to get up. That was when Gin spoke once more. Ven's eyes widened as he looked back up at the grey eyed Shee. "Gin...?"

Slowly they walked over, Ventus watching Gin picking up Terra, making sure he was being careful. He smiled softly at the other's words before they were off into the night sky. As they flew over the Wood, Ven could see the other guards flying towards them... but when they saw Gin, they all headed back to the palace.
When they all landed, Ventus looked down, seeing all eyes on Terra. Firi covered her mouth, seeing that her LOVER was holding onto such a beast.

She thought she was going to faint but a guard quickly caught her.

The king's eyes widened too, seeing the beast in his friend's arms. What was an Atterian doing here...?
He must of been a spy.
The moment he opened his mouth to put the beast in captive, his one son and wife called out. He looked at them, shocked. They... knew who this was...?

He slowly closed his mouth... but his eyes were dark and he frowned. His wife... had kept something from him...
He looked over at Gin as he started to talk and nodded, looking down. "Bring him to them then..." He murmured.


So Terra was put in the care of both Lady Riri and Sir Artios the very next morning. Prince Ventus, Prince Soran, Queen Runa and King Jet were also present as the Atterian was getting healed and studied.
It was said that the power that hurt Terra was extremely strong and was cast by a powerful being. Terra had admitted... that it was his own father.

When the Atterian was well enough to talk, each Shee took turns asking him questions in private. These questionings seemed to last all day... and Ven could only wait until they were all done.
The last to question his lover... of course was his father. The King of the Shee.... and when he came out... his eyes didn't look happy.
Without any hesitations, Ventus ran into the room and closed the door.

Jet had walked back to his room where Runa was jotting down some notes that she must of gotten from the Atterian before. He closed the door behind him and walked up to her, looking down... and his face wasn't his usual happy expression.
"Why didn't you tell me...?"
That was when the fight began.
Their first fight really.
Words were exchanged back and forth, each becoming louder than the next.

"I know some secrets are personal, but this isn't one, Runa!" The king finally yelled.
"Marriage is a partnership! Our title is a partnership! Partners tell each other things like this. ESPECIALLY ABOUT THEIR SON'S WELL BEING!"
Runa replied with that she believed that Ventus had things under control...
"THAT'S NOT YOUR DECISION TO MAKE!"

The two stared at each other, anger in both their eyes but suddenly Jet blinked, feeling a pull from the Balance. He swallowed, realizing something.
His father... and mother fought like this... and he promised he would never end up like them...

He looked ashamed, his eyes becoming sad before he walked to his wife... and suddenly hugged her. "I...I'm sorry, Runa..."
Softer words were spoken between them in the embrace... more understanding and open.
They would get through this... together.


Soaked wood sloshed around on the gentle ocean current. The sun blazed down in the open blue sky with soft white clouds. The sky was clear, no seagulls to be seen. No seagulls... meant no land.

The raft had sailed all week. Seven days and six nights.
Some people of Destiny thought that beyond the horizon was another world. The only thing beyond the horizon... was more horizon... and more water.

The ocean wasn't always so pleasant though. A rough storm had hit one night, almost splitting the raft in two. The only oar was lost, making it hard to steer in the future.
The venturer's things got wet... and eventually rotted in the sun before it could be eaten. All the fresh water had been drank already... and there was no more food left. The boy had thought that he would already be on land by now... but there was no signs of land for miles.

As the raft floated in the mid afternoon, the sail dying and the windsock ripped, the only thing on board was a familiar silverette. Wet clothes clung to him as he laid in a ball. He clung onto something though. A book of some sort.
He had found this book floating in the ocean one day on his journey. When he took it from the water, it was badly damaged... and the only page that was eligible was the first page. It read:

Long ago, the would was united and filled with warm light. People loved the light, and eventually began fighting over it. Then, darkness found its way into people's hearts. Darkness consumed the hearts and light of the people, and in a flash, it spread... The world disappeared into the Darkness. But a glimmer of light remained in the hearts of children...

Children gathered their glimmers of light and recreated the world. The recreated world, however, was no longer united...
It was divided into several smaller worlds.

Because the true light was still hidden deep within the darkness.

The book had no title... and since land was no where to be seen... there was nowhere it could come from.
This book... was Riku's only hope that something more was out there.

Dark aquatic eyes opened under the bleached hair as his blurred vision looked at the water. "S....or.....a...." He gasped, his mouth dried from no water.
He knew... he was going to die soon...


In a world where water didn't even existed, where volcanoes made the black clouds and the source of cleaning ones self - if they wanted to - was lava, the town was as busy as ever.

Imps cackles as they tricked and stole from each other, some running and pushing others down that were in their way. Hooves, wings, and tails could be heard as the imps walked around, seeing what they could buy or steal or bet on.

In one of the alleys that was hardly used, two figures were pressed on one of the walls.
One was sitting down, as the other was well on its lap. Black butterfly like wings pressed on the hot wall, his chest exposed but leather pants were tight around his legs that were slightly spread to accommodate the very naked figure sitting on his lap. Bat light wings flapped from the naked skin as his own pair of leather pants were thrown about the ground close by.

"Ah!" A devilish tongue slithered from his wet lips as exotic green eyes lit up under small, black goat horns. "Ha... ngh... hn..." His body bobbed up and down, his spine easily seen as he leaned over the figure he was a top of. "Ro--- MN!" His eyes closed as he panted out heavily. His moans and groans were well heard over the footsteps that passed by every now and then.

The week went by... but neither could tell.
They were drowning into each other... and dead to the world they once tried to avoid. Cheating, stealing, tricking and greed filled their moments... and one couldn't forget... the public sex.


Jet nodded as he watched the woman leave. She had been called by Sir Dyre to come to Norn to talk with the king. Norn... seemed to be in grave danger.
A week had passed... and still no signs of their beloved heir to the throne. Another power seemed to press around their world, a hovering gloom over the kingdom. What was worse... was that the Balance was still off. Sir Xan had not intended an Atterian being on Norn... and neither did the balance he created.

The Shee complained countless times to get rid of Terra, that Jet and Runa were marking Norn's own grave by keeping him here. Atterians were never to be trusted... and small outbreaks started to form. The word 'Renki' had come back and blue wings punished those who said it more and more.

King Jet and Queen Runa's Golden Age was going down hill... and fast.
People refused to work on the war good as long as an Atterian was on their world.
The Shee wanted to be heard... and they wanted their king and queen to listen.

Younger blue eyes watched as the woman left, sighing slightly. He wore new attire under his cloak. Instead of wearing the broken cross of passion around his neck, he now had the charm in the middle of his chest, held by four straps. Around his neck now... was the Atalanta.
The new heir to the throne.

His red wings stood proud behind him as he watched the woman leave, but he blinked when she stopped and came back to his father.
Jet frowned as he took the piece of folded paper in both his hands. "T-thank you, Lady Erinye." He bowed softly as she did the same before leaving as well. He looked back down at the paper that was in the shape of a crown and frowned. "Riku...?" He looked back at his son. Oh... Ventus knew who that was.... but he shook his head and shrugged.

The king sighed but nodded. "Alright... that's the last meeting for the day..." He looked back at Terra before heading away, out to the door that he knew Soran and Sir Artios was in training.

Ven watched his father walk off, feeling the haunting gloom and worry that was tying his father down. He shook his head before walking to the shadows and smiled. "I'm sorry you have to stay back here..." He frowned, looking around at the guards but blinked, smiling suddenly. "I know! Let's... go for a walk in the Wood!" He took the Atterian's arm and pulled him back into the light, smiling up at him. "Let's get you some nice clothes first."


Jet opened the door, only to see two visitors at the steps. He walked around them and down the stairs, seeing his son on the ground. "Soran!" He called and both stopped, looking back at him. Sora stood as Jet came up to them both and bowed his head to Artios before looking down at his son. "Here... Lady Erinye found this on her world..." He said as he slowly handed the letter to his son.

[Reno]

On Tarsa, the black-wing with small white patches threw his head back. "Uhhhhn! Fuck AX~EL!" Fingernails curled around hips, guding the other up and down as he pounded into the other. His blue eyes had shaded to a sharp yellow as he threw his wings back.

Around his neck, an X jingled against his chest. It's inner glow was nearly dead as it's purpose was tossed aside and forgotten as corruption took over the formerly-balanced creature.

Roxas panted twisting his arms around the other and bringing him close, thrusting into the other hard. "Aaaah!" He cried out, the pleasure drawing everything away.

This had become his life. Sex in the streets, stealing from the others, gambling, rioting, fighting... in the day, his life was a blur of motion and sin. Nothing pure touched him, nothing mattered anymore but the imp in his lap and the desire in his loins.

But at night... at night he was never safe. His dreams plagued him as another self of him, one with pure white wings stepped into the plain and forced himself to look at all he had become. Reminded him of why he had come and why, why was he avoiding it?

Did he really want to die like this? "Once the black completely has teken over the white, we will no longer exist. Is that how you want life to end? There... is more to the title of king... then just being one."


Runa sighed as she looked out over the kingdom from her bedroom. The fight she and Jet had... their first and only... still hurt. Over her greatest ambition it burst into realty - the tipping Balance helping none.

"Why didn't you tell me...?"
"It wasn't my secret to tell. It was your son's." Their words got louder, got harsher, painful...

"How is this secret not personal?! All three of our sons are keeping things from us but jsut because one let's one of us in, you think I should exploit it?!" Her voice argued.
"Our son is sixteen Jet! He's proven before he can take care of himself! I thought he had it under control!!" Her throat gave way under the yells.
At the last statement however her wings gave a rebellious flutter and her eyes blazed. "WHY, BECAUSE I'M NOT AS SENSIBLE AS YOU?!"

And then, like that it was over. She was nearly in tears by the time Jet was hugging her and they were spewing out apologizes. In the end... it was good they were able to make up... because in just a few short hours, themseleves, their sons, Gin and... oddly Terra would be the only people standing by them as they rode out the wave of opposition.

The meetings had become increasingly shorter and shorter as the days went by - until the only people still in them were those not of their own world. The Shee were becoming more and more rebellious and cruel.

Strikes all over were popping up, work refused to eb done despite the upcoming war. Crowds of Shee would come to their throne doors, screaming for the 'Renki'. To tear him apart - hold him at the stake. Dark-blue wings and the guards combined had to push them away again and again. One Atterian had caused the upset of their Balance and the whole ecosystem of their lifestyle. Never in her wildest imaginations had she imagined such a terrible outcome... and she feared a riot...

And that made her feel like a horrible queen. Yet, some decisions... had to be made with more courage by opposition than by agreement.

And Terra... had made no offensive moves towards anyone. In fact for the first two days he hadn't even been able to leave his bed - and each time the questions came at him, the interrogations they could see the mistrust was making the beast more agitated then normal.

Eventually, he had told both herself and Jet this on his second day in norn: "If you are not willing to open your ears to my words, then I have nothing to say. I'm done defending myself and my intentions." Then he turned on his back, listening to the chants coming from outside his window and hauntingly finished with this, "Their words... don't hurt. Your kind might be purer but you all... can have the same darkness as my own brethren."

It... had made her heart hurt. How lonely an Atterain's life must be, how ruthless the others must act towards one another. Terra... was a lucky one. Yet, though his words had hit hard they had to keep a watch on him. Everything in time of war... was too uncertain. If he was a spy...

Yet, she hated to believe that. He seemed so sincere, and most of all, her son - no sons - trusted him. And she wanted to do so as well. Why was it so easy for them, when this had always been what she herself had dreamed of? Had she been that truely uncertain...?

She eneded to see... Terra's heart...

A loud cry, coming from around the side of the castle broke her thoughts. Her eyes went wide and snapped to orange almost instantly because she knew that cry. "SORAN!" She spread her wings and took flight, terrified of the thought that he had been hurt during practice.


Terra shared the glance with Ven's father wordlessly, before looking away as the man left the room. suddenly, he was pulled into the light but an over-energenic blonde. He couldn't help but smile.

Even despite all the hate he was being given, he couldn't help but notice how common his smiels were becoming. When around those who liked him... he felt free. When he was with Ven... he felt like even without wings he would make it to the sky.

"Forget about it." Terra murmured softly. "I'm used to being an outcast, remember?" He grinned. Ironic, he didn't fit in on Atteris because he loved, and no one was allowing him to fit in here because they thought he couldn't. Yet, it was funny. they all thought their words hurt him - as if screaming Renki made it true.

But all he had to do was look at Ven, and he knew they were all wrong. Yet, he couldn't prove it to anyone, because Ven wasn't ready to tell. He'd give anything to shout it at the top of his lungs to this whole group of idiot winged bastards... but he supposed dreaming was good enough.

He grinned at the mtnion of the walk, thinking of flowers - but his excitement was short lived. "Hey what's wrong with my clothes?!" He glanced down at them, tilting his head. Did they matter or something?


Aqua and Demyx both raised there heads from their spot as the king of Shee walked across the lawn. Aqua shrugged going back to her sharpening, while Demyx beside her was tuning his strings.
Artios nodded respectfully to his king.

Soran sighed, catching his breath when a call from his father made both him and Artios looked southward. The young prince got to his feet as his father approached. "Yeah dad...?"

His breath caught and the smile forming on his face abruptly fell as the letter was held out to him. He took in the words silently - Lady Erinye of the Furies?! - and shaking reached out, taking the letter. It wasn't unfamilar to him and as he opened it up, seeing the words he had just written last night he fell to his knees. Jet had no idea of the earth-shattering news he had just given his eldest son.

"Oh Norn..." Soran whispered, fingers shaking. His letter hadn't made it to Destiny... but how many had not. just this one? All of them? Did Riku... did Riku know he was still there? Still loved him, Still...

How many how many... the Shee's eyes were swimming with orange as he saw with a power he didn't even know he had as Riku receieved his first and second letter, reading like a man possessed - but his third was ripped apart in a jungle, his fourth burnt to ashes in a volcano, the fifth destroyed by a typhoon, the sixth drowned in water, the seventh was found by a girl and laughed over before tossed cruelly in the trash, the eighth was lost to the scissors of a child and his ninth... fell harmlessly in the Furies gardens.

What... had happened... to...?

"See, he wants to make a raft and sail out there... and see what he can find."

"Wings? Why do you think their are fairies out there?"

"I know soemthing is out there Sora, across that horizon. and me and you, we'll sail out there together. We'll find... everything."

No... no no no...

"NO!" He cried sharply. His father jolted, Artios took a few steps back, Aqua cursed as she cut herself on her spear and Demyx broke one of his strings. His cry reached father though as his charm glew. It hit his mother. It hit Ven. It hit Roxas. It hit the Balance.

Soran shut his eyes, trying to keep himself from panicking. Maybe he was wrong, he had to be wrong. Riku wouldn't set sail without him right? He took a few deep breaths, his wings fluttering and he heard his mother's call.

"Jet! Soran! What happened?!" Runa was just landing when Soran was standing back up, the letter clenched between his figners.
He looked up at his parents, determined but scared. "I have to go." He said.

[Rikugurl]

"AAAAAAH!" The redhead shook as he was brought in, something pushing into him harder.
He too... had become mindless. Exactly what he didn't want.

"No one likes you... because you're better than everyone else."

He didn't know how many times he came that week... or how many tricks he had come up with. How many people he had cheated with on money and how many people he had bad talked.
Imps no longer threw rocks at him... now that he blended in like everyone else...

They were also a bit scared... seeing that a Shee was now... acting like an imp.

Life continued like nothing had happened though... and no one minded the other new comers.

The redhead panted as his muscles convulsed, not noticing the liquid that was now running down Roxas's chest. His wings flapped as he leaned back a bit before he suddenly felt fingers go though his hair... and yank his head back. Green eyes looked back, licking his lips as he looked into a set of yellow eyes.
"So-sorry... but we don't...mn... need another..." The imp hissed out lustfully as sweat ran down his face, not even realizing that this man wasn't even another imp.

The bald man grinned as he held onto the imp's hair. Two beasts were at his side... but neither of the two on the ground seemed to notice. "Ah, don't you worry... I was more interested in the one on the bottom..."


Jet frowned as his son's expression seemed to change so dramatically in the matter of moments over this letter. Who was this letter for exactly...?

His eyes widened though as his son cried out. His eyes flashed a yellow as he looked down, reaching out as his son fell to the ground. "Soran!"

Inside, another set of eyes went yellow and the blonde stopped. He looked out, where the cry had come from. "On second thought..." He took Terra's hand and started to drag him down the hallway towards where Soran and Artios were training. When they arrived, they slowly walked behind Aqua and Demyx, looking out to see that Jet, Runa, Artios and Soran were grouped. Ven frowned, quickly letting go of Terra's hand and flew OVER the two on the steps to join his mother.

"Soran! What's wrong??" The worried twin asked as he looked at his brother... but knew the minute he saw the letter. He frowned, his eyes slowly come back to their natural blue.
Jet blinked, seeing Soran stand up once more. "Go.... Go where?"

[Reno]

There was a possessive growl, as finger reached up and dug into Xehanort's hands. nobody hurt his Axel... "Let him go... and get lost. I don't want another-" Sharp yellowed eyes looked over Axel's shoulder into the man's, and then there was a pause and a sharp gasp.

"...Xe...hanort..." Roxas whispered between his lips, his eyes slowly changing back.


Aqua and Demyx got to their feet, Terra coming up beside them as they watched the family. The brunette frowned in concern, remembering what his blonde lover had said the last time he had seen that charm glow. those siblings... really were connected.

He glanced at the corner of his eye at the other two. Neither were Shee either. Heh, lucky they weren't like him.

Soran's wings fluttered before he took a breath. "To... to Riku... to the Destiny Isles." Everyone froze looking at him sharply. "He's my friend... the one I visited during those night trips... and he's in trouble! I know he is!!" How do you know that?
I don't know! He fought with himself, trying to keep himself from panicking. He'd never felt this emotional before.

"I need to go find him... please..." He looked at his parents, desperately seeking permission. He would gom no matter what - but his heart would feel a little lighter if... if they let him do it.
Runa looked at her son, before looking to Jet. It was his turn to make the decision. "...Jet?"

[Rikugurl]

The old man grinned, seeing the horror in the young Shee's eyes. "Sorry to interrupt... but life isn't full of fun and games." The darkness on Tarsa had covered up Xehanort's power quite well... and since most imps were swallowed up by sin, they would of never took notice if there was a change.

Suddenly he whipped his arm, making Axel go flying into the other wall across from when he had been. The redhead hit the wall hard and fell onto the ground, panting and groaning in hurt as Xehanort stepped closer to the prince. He didn't care if Roxas's.... member was out of his pants willingly as he grabbed the blonde hair on his head. "Come along now."
With another flick, the Shee was tossed into the portal. The dark beast rushed after him as Xehanort looked back at the imp before chuckling.

The man was gone, taking Roxas... and his leather pants along.

Axel shivered as he slowly climbed to his feet, having a hard time getting with it from all the sweat and his head turning from lust. "R-roxas...?" He panted as he tumbled forward, reaching out for the place where the portal had just been.


In a cold place, bars clanged as a young body was thrown in. The cell suddenly shot up and then hung... like a bird cage.
Yellow eyes looked up, seeing what was held in it. "Clean yourself up, boy. This is no way for a prince to look."


Jet frowned as he watched his son hover. "You should---"
"Dad..."
The brunette king blinked and looked down, seeing true eyes from Ventus. "Let him go..."

Jet blinked again, then looked back at Terra, Aqua and Demyx. All three of them needed help... and he was doing the best he could for them. He slowly looked back at Soran... nodding softly. "Be careful, Soran..."

[Reno]

Roxas stared up with wide eyes, and then suddenly Axel was yanked away from him and thrown into the wall. "Axel!!" He called his hands falling to the ground as if he was going to get up and go to the other.

He was never given that chance. He gave a cry as his hair was yanked and he was puleld up by the evil man. He struggled against the hold, nails digging into the other's arm - but the other's power overwelmed him and he couldn't stop him as he was THROWN into the darkness. He opened his mouth, the change in temperture startling enough to take away his breath.

He only issued a grunt however, and all the rbeath him as he hit the ground. Metal screeched as bars came down, and the Shee blinked his eyes open. He looked up, only to face Xehanort and his words. The prince's eyes darkened and his cheeks reddened from embaressment and he turned around in the cage as if he were trying to hide himself...

And suddenly hooked his thumbs in his pants and pulled them down, mooning the other. He looked back, glaring. "Ianawa usa!" 'Fuck you!' He stood up in his little cage and with as much pride as he could muster, he readjusted himself, pulled up his pants and buttoned them. He shut his eyes and sat down, crossing his legs.
"Usa valicca kuca nahi ke mujako." 'You will learn nothing from me.'


Soran stood there, waitng silently, but when his brother stepped in and his dad agreed, his eyes went wide with happiness. "I will! I promise!" He said, throwing his arms around his dad in a quick hug, kissing his mother on the cheek, and quickly hugging Ven as well.
"Thank you," He whispered.

His wings spread and he took off. "I'll be back soon!" And then he curved around the castle and was gone from sight. But his opath was to the nearest portal. The fountain.

He swooped down - and in broad daylight to everyone's quiet amzement, he created a protal and was gone.


Soran gasped as he stumbled over his own two feet on the beach, and looked around in a panic. He was on the mainland. "Breathe... breathe..." He tod himself. his wings were drawn in and he quickly rushed odd down the roads to a familar homely house. A twist here, a turn there - and there it was still beautiful... yet different somehow.

He jumped over the steps of the patio, knocking on the door furiously. "Riku! Carina?!"

[Rikugurl]

Axel laid there, shivering as if he could ever be cold with the heat of the world and his body temperature from his latest act. His green eyes grew dark, his vision fuzzy. He had been thrown quite hard. "Mmnah..." He slowly crawled a few feet before he collapsed.

No long after, arms wrapped around the body and pulled him up before the sounds of wings beat... and they flew off.


Xehanort growled as he saw the bare ass of the Shee. Influence of the imp he supposed. He frowned as he watched the boy, understanding the ancient tongue that the Darkness made him speak.

So... his mind was corrupted... but he was still smart. He couldn't read any information from the boy without looking into his eyes...
"Alright then... we'll play your way, your majesty."
He grinned as he snapped his fingers and suddenly the cage turned upside down... and so did Roxas. "We'll see what happens when all that blood of your desire area goes to her head."


Ven blinked as he was suddenly hugged... but quickly hugged back. "You're welcome." He whispered back before waving off to his brother.

Jet sighed as he shook his head. Balance... meant order right... but things.... things were slipping.
He turned, only sharing a glance at Runa, his eyes coated with sadness as he slowly walked away, up the stairs and back into the palace.

Ventus frowned, watching his dad... and felt the sorrow and pain build up around him. He wanted to say something... to make his father's pain go away... but... he wasn't Soran...
He looked up at his mother and smiled softly before going back to Terra. "Come on." He smiled as he took the Atterian's hand once again and brought him inside and towards his room.


On Destiny, the wooden door opened only for a familiar woman with short silver hair to look out. By the look in her eyes and face, she seemed so alone... and worried. "O-oh... Sora... I haven't seen you for awhile... please come in." She slowly opened the door, letting the young boy in.

[Reno]

Roxas didn't respond, but he grimaced as he felt the spell wrap around him, the dark magic leaving a bad taste in his mouth. He took a deep breath to steady himself even as he felt his stomach twist and the blood started to rush to his head. He didn't dare open his eyes - even to look.

"Lagana." 'Fine.'

He beat his black wings nervously, as if they could help him from falling to gravity. Even without his eyes, he knew... Xehanort was messing up his outer balance somehow.

He thought he had him beat huh?

He started to feel the ground, finding it a solid presence underneath him. It wasn't leaving him. He slowly got up in a crouch and then with a push from his legs he did a handstand. His wings continued to beat, keeping him from falling over. His limbs all shook with the weariness after all the exhertion he had put them through. He was surprised he had the strength for even this.


There was an awkward silence as Soran left, leaving everyone uncomfortable. Artios sighed, his wings fluttering, before he turned and walked off. Maybe it was time for a nap...

Terra's fingers curled around Ven's as he follwoed after the other. He spared a glance towards the father's back before he glanced at Ven. "...You okay?" He asked suddenly.

Runa stood there, watching her husband then Ventus leave with Terra before turning and hurrying after her husband. "Jet!"


Sora looked up at the woman as the door opened, tkaing one look at her - the dark circles signifying no sleep, the wrinkles telling him of her cocnern, the dim light of her eyes... and he knew.

He stepped forward, his feet coming voer the threshold but not much father. He glanced in the house, feeling the cold air thta was around it despite the tropical warmth outside. everything was different. There was no more comfort in the carefully painted walls, no more love in the photos and frames, no more lviied in nature in the kitchen of living room...

It was as if life itself was gone from the once beautiful home. All thatw as left was the memories of the small silverette who rshed through the door, muddy and hyper, or excited with a perfect score, or blushing about his girlfriend, or upset about a fight with a peer...

He turned to Carina and choked. "He's not here... is he?" He saw the woman's expression twist and thatw as all the confirmation he needed. "H-How long?"

[Rikugurl]

Xehnaort grinned, watching the boy as he maneuvered in the cage. What a brat. He would need to thank King Jet about this...personally. "Keep it up as long as you want... but you won't be able to last long. And if you do... I'll just find another way."

He turned and grinned more. "No one misses an imp when they end up missing..." He trailed off as he started to walk away, the beast following him. "Especially one that no one likes..."


Ventus climbed the stairs and opened two large doors, bringing Terra inside. He smiled as he closed the door and looked up at Terra. "Well... this is.... my room." He said shyly before walking to a large closet and started to shift through. He pulled out some clothes, too big for him... but probably perfect for Terra. "Here, try these." He handed the clothes to his lover before smiling.

Jet blinked and stopped as he heard his wife's call. He looked back, seeing her come rushing towards him. "What is it?" He asked softly.


Carina looked away before pulling a handkerchief from her apron, covering her mouth as tears started to fill her eyes. "He... he disappeared almost six days ago." She choked before shaking her head. "K-kairi told me that... he probably went on this raft he was building... She said... that he didn't want to be here anymore and wanted to find other worlds..." She shook her head more as she sobbed. "I-I don't know why he didn't say good-bye..."

[Reno]

Roxas grit his teeth, hearing the other walking away, the taunted passing over his head. hwoever the last statement made his face twist and he made a soft, strangled noise like a sob.

He squinted open an eye, watching the man's back. He balanced himself very, very carefully as he lifted one hand, aiming it precisely befiore shutting his eye again. "Xaxak!" 'Flare!!'A combination of lightning and flames burst from his fingertips, racing after the old man.


Terra looked around the room curiously seeing all the wood and things that crowded him. He ran his fingers along Ven's bed psot before he watched the other urmmage through a littler room - bringing out... clothes?

He blinked, taking them. "Should I even ask why you have clothes my size in you rrooom..." He grinned teasingly suddenly. "Or were you just thta hopeful you'd grow?"


Runa frowned, stopped in front of her husband. She reached up, taking his hands in her own, squeezing them reassuring. "It'll be okay Jet... we're going to make it through this... We just need to handle one problem at a time." She smiled faintly. "You didn't honestly expect you'll whole reign to be as easy as it was, did you?"


Six days... SIX DAYS! Where could Riku BE?

Sora frowned, seeing the woman cry, feeling hurt by her pain. "Carina..." He reached up, drawing her in a hug. "You know how sometimes... you get so far ahead of yourself, thinking you're doing the most important thing in the world, that you forget what's really important in the process?" He didn't know if he was speaking of Riku... or himself anymore. "He didn't mean to hurt you so badly... he loves you Carina."

He reached up, placing his hands on her shoulders and suddenly gave her a wide smile. "But don't worry anymore. You don't have to cry! I'll find him - even if I have to fly over the whole ocean a million times in one night, I'll find Riku and bring him home. I promise."

[Rikugurl]

The old man continued to walk, his back crooked as he reached for the door handle. He didn't move a muscle when he heard the attack called and right before it could hit him, it halted... and suddenly absorbed INTO him.

The man stood still for a moment... as if he was in shock... but only an evil laugh came from him as he continued to face away from Roxas. The door slowly opened as the man started to walk again. "His name was Axel... right?"


Ventus blinked, blushing heavily before grinning. "YEA! I'm going to grow up! Just you wait!" He laughed a bit but shook his head. "I think they were my dad's.... since this use to be his old room." He looked up at Terra but blinked. "O-oh..." He blushed more as he turned around.

Jet smiled softly as he held Runa's hand. He listened to her, feeling a bit better... but worse at the same time.
"You know... I think the hardest part about being king... is wondering what the king before you would of done in situations like this. I... want to ask my father... for guidance..." He shook his head but smiled, pulling her close and bringing her into yet another hug.


Carina sniffed and nodded, sighing as she dabbed her eyes. "I-I know... but...no one has heard any word from him. Every night I pray on a star that he's alright out there..." She sniffled again before looking down at Sora oddly. "F-fly...?"

[Reno]

Roxas grit his teeth, unsure of what happened but he knew his attack either hadn't hit or was deflected. The laugh chileld him to his core. His breathed in sharply at the question. He suddenly screamed, "Rah xura ke axam!!" Stay away from him!

His heart pounded in his throat, as his hands balanced himself. the door shut. His limbs collasped under him and he fell to the cage floor with a cry.


Terra shook hishead as he started pulling off his shirt, getting an embaressed noise from Ven as he looekd away. The Atterian blinked almost cluelessly before chuckling leaning forward. "You act like I'm shy." He licked the shell of the other's ear.

Runa hugged him back. "Unfortunetly... we can't get all our answers second-hand." she murmured. "Sometimes... we just have to make our own solutions. they may not always be perfect... but we can share in the fcomfort that they were right."


Sora blinked a little, before smiling sadly. "Carina... I'm so sorry, this is all my fault. If I never came her... if we never.. never..." He stepped inside the house, shutting the door. He hoped he wasn't about to give her a heart attack - or get himself shot. "We fell in love... and I'm... that world your son is looking for." He shut his eyes, before taking a breath and letting it out, and behind him... came two wide blue wings.

He opened his eyes tentatively, looking up and staring at her, more scared now then he;d been when he had shown Riku.

[Rikugurl]

The old man closed the door behind him before snapping his fingers once again. In the room that Roxas was in, another door opened and stayed that way... as beast started to pour in. Not the Beast of Darkness... but Atterians.

Xehanort grinned as he walked off, going into another room that didn't seem to be in use.
He shot his hand out, a portal forming.

Back on Tarsa, some lava was poured over the lanky imp. "Zotto...?" But before the other redhead could get an answer, his brother was gone. "UT!"

Axel fell into the room, lava spraying and sizzling loudly against the cold Darkness. "Aaah!" Axel whimpered as he looked up, his vision still blurry as he recognized the man. "Wha-- what did you..." Before he could complete his sentence, a shift could be heard and he was slammed into the wall hard, a hand around his throat. "Give me a good reason why I shouldn't take your powers and kill you..." The hand squeezed on Axel's windpipe more, making it impossible for Axel to speak.


Ven huffed before crossing his arms. "Well everyone deserves a right to their own-" He stopped, shivering at the tongue on his ear. He slowly looked back, blush over his face. "Y-you shouldn't do that if you want to... go for a walk..."

Jet closed his eyes as he continued to hold onto her. A soft smile arose as he rubbed his fingers through her hair. "I have to say... marrying you was one of my best decisions..."


Carina frowned as she listened to the young boy who she had grown to love. He had been such a light in her and Riku's life... and hearing him say it was his fault that Riku was gone just wasn't right. "Oh Sora, don't say tha--" She stopped as he stepped inside and closed the door. Her eyes widened as he continued. Fell... in love?

Her mouth gaped as she tried to process that.
That would explain... why Riku... smiled so much... when Sora was around. His...true smile that she thought only she could see.

But what happened next... blew her mind.
Her eyes widened as she saw the blue wings glow, lighting up the dark home that use to be so bright before. She lost her words as her eyes just fixed onto the wings but she soon found them a moment later. "A-are y-you... an angel...?"

[Reno]

Roxas' eyes snapped open as he heard growls and noises coming from around him. He had to look, he just had too. he gglanced aroumd, his sight full of upside down snouts and teeth and glowing eyes. His eyes went wide as terror seized his heart.

Screamed, cries, howls, yelps, all sorts of noises came out... and the beasts started to jump. Roxas gave a sharp cry as beasts hit against his cage, making it swing like a pendulum. he grunted, smacking against the bars, only to have teeth clenching around his pant leg, ripping the leather and just barely grazing his leg.

It was enough. A small rivulet of blood slipped down his leg and fell to the creatures below. Power rocked over the world and the beasts below gave howls of pelasure. they started to fight amongst one another, all trying to reach... reach him.

"Norn!" Roxas cried in terror wings beating as he flew to the middle of the cage, trying to stay away from the many beasts after him. they were crawling all around, some startted to jump on his cage, tails flicking like those of interested cats... and he their prey. Teeth gnawed into his cage, bending metal at will...

And all of this was like some topsy turvy ride he just wanted to throw up on. He was gonna die!!!

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" He placed his hands together, pointing them towards the ceiling. "Visa...mara... navas... WA!" "O...bli....vi... ON! purple energy surronded his hands, curling like snakes before shooting towards the ceiling where the ebam of energy burst outward like the pistons of a flower, flying down with avengence. Atterains howled in pain as they were knocked from his cage or blasted to the ground with the force of the frightened Shee's energy.

Roxas panted, looking around. When a cracking made him look up. His eyes widened, seeing the ceiling where the chain of his cage was... was breaking.

Snap!

Roxas yelped as metal smacked into him and he was jarred as he fell to the ground, the cage screeched with protest. The blonde grunted, rattling within violently, before it came to an end. He rested against the bars of the dented cage, coughing.


Terra smiled softly. "You're the one who suggested the walk, not I." He wrapped his arms around the other's waist, kissing at the bare neck.

Runa blushed as she pushed against his chest, giggling softly. "You flatterer!"


Sora smiled sadly, shaking his head at her stunned question. "No... I'm a Shee... a fairy really." His wings fluttered behind his back, trying to expell his nervousness. "I came here not long ago... to find a human who would accept me for who I am. Your son was who I found."

He looked down, blushing. "I didn't expect it to turn out like this though. I didn't expect to fall in love, or get grounded from coming here, or... or for Riku to come looking for me. He;s got a lot of heart and a lot of strength..." He bowed to her suddenly. "I... I'm still so young and have much to learn about all the species... humans are the most complicated though! None of you are alike..."

He took a breath unable to look up at the woman. "I'm so sorry... for the mistake I've made... but I will do everything that's in my pwoer to make it right again. I'm going to find Riku and bring him home to you... and if you never wish for me to see him again... then I swear I will never return." his heart twisted painfully at this promise, the words alone nearly killing him.