Of Fairytales

[Rikugurl]

Ven nodded before he saluted again. He looked over at Terra, smiling as he heard the other. When Gin approved, he rushed behind the Atterian and wrapped his arms around his waist. A large flap and they were boosted into the sky. They dragged a bit, Ventus not used to the weight he had to carry. "Damn... how many chocobo have you eaten!?" He beat his wings harder, lifting they higher into the sky and followed the men in his division.

Axel nodded. If he still had the majick over fire, he could help quite a bit. He saluted before flapping his new orange wings... and he was off after Roxas and the other divisions.

Jet smiled as he watched Aqua rush off, wishing that the wings on her back could be of use to her... but they weren't. He and Gin where the only ones standing. He knew his friend didn't know what to do with him. He knew that having Jet's death under his orders was not just a death of a king... but of a best friend. He thought that many he should stand guard at the palace... but he wanted to stand besides the other Shee.

He was about to open his mouth when the flutter of a beautiful pink wing caught his eye as she came down to them. She didn't look very pleased... but extremely upset. Jet recognized her as one of the Wood guards, Lady Wafiya. These Shee were messengers that kept their eyes on things in the Wood and reported any odd sighting.
She bowed, huffing but could hardly speak. "S-Sir Gin..." She panted. "Y-you wife... s-she went into the-the Wood... a-after your daughter."

Jet's eyes widened as he took in the news. Had Lilo gone into the Wood? That was where...
He looked at Gin, seeing the horrified look on his face. "Gin, go! I'll take division one!"


A huge explosion could be heard from the east part of the wall as large tails and horns blew out the wall. Atterians jumped through, being the first to get inside the kingdom. All three teams were to meet at the fountain to take the palace by force.... but not before they searched every house first. Eight large Atterians made their way over the bricks, panting as they watched some Shee run off and screaming.

That was when the hunt started.


At the front lines, some arrows shot into Atterians and Heartless alike. The Heartless of course exploded into nothing and the Atterians took it in stride.
A lioness with large ram horns shot forward, smacking her horns against the iron gates. They moaned as they bended and she roared, feeling an arrow at her back.

She turned her head and ripped the arrow out before ramming the gate again, now having some help from another Atterian. A few more rams and the gate was going to come down.


On the western side, large fangs ripped through a jackal's wind pipe and spine. The beast fell and blood dripped from the panther's fangs and fur around his mouth. Claws suddenly ripped into his black fur as another Atterian jumped on him. The panther however was much faster and swung his back as if he was a bronco. The tiger Atterian was flung off and into a tree, hitting it's head on the trunk.

The panther turned, seeing the tiger shake his head for a moment. Xigbar's tail rose, the large club raising up high. And then it sailed down, smashing the tiger's head against the trunk hard. He did it over and over again until the tiger's head no longer looked like a head.

The one eyed Atterian looked back at the other Atterian, growling low. With they, they turned and ran off, knowing that their 'leader' had only tricked them. They however didn't run but only a half a mile away before they broke through the wall and jumped in.

Xigbar looked over at the two dead Atterian's, smelling the familiar blood that he once use to crave. He licked the blood from his fangs... and unfortunately, he would have to leave these to rot... for he didn't have time to eat them. He rushed to the wall and quickly tried to scale it.

[Reno]

Gin looked at his friend, waiting for his response - but it never came. His head turned as a pink wing joined him, looked panicked and upset. At her news however he drew in a sharp breath, eyes widening. His heart stopped for a bare moment, before beating loudly and furiously as his world seemed to crash before his eyes. His daughter... and his wife...

His wings twittered, ready to race off... but he couldn;t just-
Jet however solved the problem for him. He turned grateful eyes to the other nodding. "Thank you." He murmured before he rushed off. His silver wings spread and with a powerful flap he was off, covering the expanse of the sky in a few beats. his wings were slightly larger then most, allowed him to get farther then most Shee, though he was no where as quick as Dyre.

What he wouldn't do for that speed right now...

He flew over the woods - noticing with faint cocnern that the walls were coming down, but quickly threw it out of his mind as dove into the woods. "LILO!!!" He called. "FIRI!!!"

They could be ANYwhere...


Terra blinked as he was lifted in the sky. He shuddered, refusing to look down as he held onto Ven's arms - hey he still hated heights after all these years...

And then that comment. "HEY!" He snapped. "Are you calling me FAT?!" He snarled but it was only playfully. By air they made it across town rather quickly.

He was let go and he landed in the southern part of town, close enough to the wall that he could see the Shee on the walls, throwing their arrows. His eyes narrowed, wanting to help... but he had a job to do. He turned and hurried into the ouskirts of town - seeing othe rshee of this division including Ven coming down close by.


Roxas flapped hard, glancing back and smiling when he saw Axel hurrying after. They would use all the help they could get - but they needed to hurry! "Haste!" He called. Yellow dust seemed to spread across his wings giving him speed udnerneath his wings. He called the epsell again, doing the same for Axel.

He was still faster then the man howevr, used to the larger expanse of his wings and flying in his town, so it was no wonder he reached the other side of town first.

It was a good thing too. The rams of the various Atterains were getting to the gate. A serval with spiraled horns of an antelope and a very interesting bird's tail charged jumping atop some of the other Atterains and gave a giant leap, crashing hard into the gate.

The metal protested and cracked against the wall. the first hinges gave way and the gate started to lean over. Another ram or two would bring it down.

Roxas' wings beat hard and he held his bow in front of him. Light colelcted around his fingertips in brillant yellow sparkles, rapidly making the shape of an arrow. He pulled up and landed atop the leaning gate. He aimed downward pulled the string back and fired.

It hit the serval head on and his body was thrust downwards at an alarming speed, landing atop the lioness knocking them both to the ground. The arrow, lodged in his back, exploded. The heartless in the near surronded area died the instant the light hit them. Most of the Beasts and Atterains were knocked back violently smacking hard into the ground.

That was why he didn't carry arrows.


The eastern side of town was a much larger expanse then the western, explaining th double division assigned there - and it was only a stroke of luck really.

New orders were shouted by the man in charge of the Division, a man with silver-red wings named Pilaf. "There's only eight of them! Take them down and protect the people!"

Wings curved and the divisions swooped from the sky and into the towns. Weapons were raised and the battles began.


Aqua did not ask for the Shee of the fifth division to carry her - she could keep up. Her feet pounded hard on the absent and empty streets of the north side of town before she raced down the alleys and towards the west.

She got there just in time for the walls to be blasted down. some Shee - surprised, were knocked down roughly by flying rubble. she winced seeing some of the fighters hit the tops of roofs.

Some of the villagers of this region screamed inside their houses, terrified and feeling completely caged in. Aqua growled, rushing forward as the Atterains started to invade. "HEY!" She slammed her spear down, and a stream of water shot up like hot air escaping the cracks of a volcano, slamming into two of them and throwing them right back out into the forest. One's body craced hard against a boulder, the other the branch of a tree.

The other Shee swooped down aiding their fellows soldiers from under some rubble or started to cover the town and get the people out of their homes. It was time to move them towards the Palace.


He looked out the windows as he passed them, heart beating hard in his chest. Desire to help overcame his blue eyes and he glanced at his mother. "Mom..."
"You're not going out there Soran."
"W-What Why?!"
"You'll be needed here Soran."

Soran's eyes became hard, like chips of ice. Needed here to do what? Hide? He wanted to fight!!
He said nothing though, walking quickly Riku's hair was swaying against his arm, making him tickle.
By the time they reached the dungeon his arms were screaming in protest. He carefully decended the steps that went under the ground, seeing the lighted faces of the people of Norn. A steady stream was entering from the hole in the back. Lots of the Shee were crying, talking about friends on the sides of town that didn't have their escape routes. It wasn't anywhere near as full as it should be - several were missing.

Soran merely sighed, taking a right when he reached the foot of the stairs and carefully manuvered Riku to sit up against the wall. He reached up, brushing some strands away from those beautiful eyes. "Riku..."

"Everyone calm down!" Runa calmed, raising her hands to gain their attention. "Sir Gin and Jet are both taking all the precautions they can to ensure everyone's safety. As of now our main priority is getting the other townspeople here and we are going to make every effort to do so!"

[Rikugurl]

Fast feet ran over the grass as yellow wings bounced on her back. "LILO! LILO!?" The cried, howls, snarls, roars and explosions could be heard in the back. It didn't matter though... the fear of her only child missing was more stronger than her home being destroyed.

She jumped over a log and pushed branches away, only to come to a clearing. She looked around, seeing nothing and frowned. "M-mama...?"
Firi's eyes widened as she heard a scared, little cry behind a bolder. She rushed over, looking around it so see her daughter curled up in the shadows. "Lilo!" She cried happily as she reached down and picked her up. "NO MAMA, NO!" The girl cried to Firi's surprise. "What? What's wrong?"

The girl pointed behind her mother and slowly the blonde woman looked back.... right in the eyes of an Atterian. Sharp horns of a bull pointed her down as the Siberian tiger growled. Firi's breath caught, her body frozen.
She could see her life flash before her eyes as the beast grew closer. "L-lilo...." She whispered, her eyes not leaving the Atterians. "Climb.... up this tree... and don't come down." She knew that this Atterian would be able to scale the tree in no time... but hopefully Lilo could fly to safety in time.

The girl looked at her mother and shook her head. "N-no, mama, I can't leave you."
"Please..." Her mother begged as the Atterian grew closer.
The girl swallowed but suddenly jumped out of her mothers arms and climbed up the tree as fast as she could. The minute she did, the Atterian pounced on Firi, smacking her down with ease from his weight.

"AAAAH!" The yellow wing cried as she hit the ground hard.
"MAMA!" The girl cried as she looked over her shoulder, more tears coming from her eyes.
Large fangs ripped through the woman's dress, finding her leg and breaking it easily with one chomp. Firi cried in pain as she tried her drag herself away, knowing that it was no use. She was going to die.

Shee blood made the tiger's eyes go wild, making it snap at her as she dragged herself off. He was only playing with her before the deadly blow. He ripped her dress off, exposing her under garments. "NO!" She cried in horror as her wings fluttered.
The tiger was about to pounce on her, snapping at her face when all he got was a mouthful of spear.

the Atterian growled before he was violently flung across the small clearing and into a tree.
Terrified orange eyes looked up, seeing bright red wings flutter above a crimson cloak. The Shee turned, looking down at the woman. Her eyes widened more, recognizing the Shee instantly. "Vo--AHHH!" She cried as a black beast shot out from the bushes but was easily slapped down into the ground and punctured by a talented warrior.

The man looked back at Firi again before walking towards her. He reached his hand down, pulling her up into his arms. She winced but... she knew she was safe. "Sir Volkan...?"
The old Shee looked at her with a grin. "I heard you were in some sort of trouble." He looked up, seeing a young girl looking down at her. "Stay up there until someone comes."
No longer did he say that when someone came through the bushes.


Ven frowned as he landed with his men. "Don't get too close to the enemy! Try long range before we have head to head combat but don't, under any circumstances let the enemy pass our line!" He cried as he rushed off. That was easy for him to say... none of these men really knew how to do long distance fighting other than the distance between their spears and them.

However, the second division was skilled in swordsmanship and each had one sheathed under their cloak.
They jumped the wall and rushed off, getting to the edge of the forest line. Ventus could already see the Heartless and Beast rushing towards them.
The young prince got into stance, ready to finally test out his training after all these years. "COME ON!"


Axel blinked as his wings moved faster... faster that what he was use to. He almost toppled over, overflying and did a 360. He swallowed but luckily they reached where they needed to quickly. When he landed, his eyes widened, seeing Roxas get into the enemies faces. Wow... these Shee were crazy! He missed being an imp... so he could of just high tailed out of there.

As the blast pushed out, some Atterians that were just catching up missed it and headed straight for one place.
The gates.
A coyote smashed into the gates, his strong impala horns pushed the gate and the other hing buckled. A black bear smashed into the gates just as arrows took him down but his height had down it.
The gates came down.

More wild cats pushed through, expecting victory as the crossed onto the white bricks but all they got was a face full of fire. The cats cried, their faces burnt badly as they stumbled a bit but reinforcements came in quickly. They didn't get far either for a mighty wind pushed them back as the king of this kingdom expelled his wind majick as he landed.


On the eastern side of the kingdom, the Atterians rushed out, smashing into the homes of the Shee who had yet to get out of their homes. Some went through the houses, tearing everything apart... including the Shee who lived there. Screams and cries came from the houses as blood splattered onto the windows.

Arrows came down to those Atterians who were still on the streets, but they didn't slow down too much. Darkness Beasts and Heartless alike started to pour in through the damaged wall, quickly splitting and raising terror.


On the western side, the two Atterians cried as they were pushed out and into blunt objects.
They quickly got up and rushed out towards the opening, now seeing that the Beast had gone through to distract the blue haired water mage. They quickly got speed, heading right towards Aqua and were about to pounce when... they stopped in their tracks.

The two picked up their noses, sniffing the air. Their red and yellow eyes looked at the woman closely, easily telling that.... she was marked.
And not just by any Atterian... but a Tellis.
They growled, looking at each other. "He'll kill us..." One growled but they quickly PASSED her and rushed towards the fountain.

The kitchen was full of delicious smells from the meal cooking in the pot over the fire. A blue haired woman was at one of the counters, cutting up some vegetables that she had collected that day to up in with the meat that her friend had caught and prepared. Her shoulders were exposed since it was hot in the kitchen when they cooked, making her wear a tank top. She hummed a tune that she had learned long ago as the knife chopped down onto the cutting board.

Boards creaked as another figure walked over to her. "What the fuck do you whaAAAAAAAAH!"
Fangs pierced her flesh as the figure bit down onto the back of her shoulder.
She twisted around as her blue eyes looked into those piercing yellow ones. "WHAT THE FU--"
"It's for your own safety." The older man frowned in all seriousness, blood dripping down his chin. The woman looked at him, before smiling. "Really? Well, I have something for you."

Pointed ears perked up as Xigbar smiled. "Really?"
"Yea."
Suddenly, a frying pan was smashed into the side of the man's head and he fell to the floor, knocked out cold. "It's for your own safety, asshole! Next time you try something like that, you're fucking DEAD!" She placed the pan down before walking over Xigbar's body and into her room to tend to the bite mark.


Red wings flapped as the tanned Shee helped an old man down the stairs. Latium. "Here you are Sir." He let the man go as they reached the bottom and looked around, seeing who had made it so far. He saw the queen busy with trying to keep everyone calm and then looked to his side, seeing the prince with the human that he had brought back.

He walked over to Soran, frowning as he looked down at them. The silver haired human didn't seem to be doing well. His eyes opened only a sliver and his speech was slurred. The heat had really gotten him. "Your majesty..." Dyre looked at Soran, concerned. "Is there anything in my power that I can help you with?"

[Reno]

Gin's wings beat faster and faster, feeling more panicked then he ever had his whole life. He'd fought thousands of monsters been on hundreds of missions... but never in his whole life had he ever come to imagine a situation this terrible - this... this hopeless.

He blinked away water in his gray eyes, silently scolding himself. How would crying help him?!

The area was eerily silent - no bugs, no birds, no wildlife... they had all turned tail and fled. The growth became too much and he was forced to land, throwing vines this way and that. The area became darker, the sunlight being blocked by overshadowing trees and branches.

"AHHH!!" The scream echoed throughout the silent forest and Gin's breath caught. "FIRI! LIIIILO!" He called - useless for he receieved no answer. He took off towards the direction he supposed the sound came from - it had held terror and pain...

There were sounds - ones he knew well. Sounds of a fight, a snarling beast, growls and then... a disturbing shot of silence.
NO!!! He screamed internally, his wings angling to give him an extra burst of speed. "No please no..." He gasped as he tore through the foilage and through a row of bushes to come upon a small clearing-

And tears of relief spread down his cheeks when he saw the beast, dead on the floor, his wife in another Shee's arms and his daughter safely in a tree.

His brain registered the man, but couldn't take it in, his body was shaking with too much relief and his mind still trying to stop whirring out of control, trying to tell him again and again that they were okay they were SAFE.

But... but Firi was bleeding... "Firi..." He whispered, sounding tortured as he walked clsoer.


Roxas jumped from his perch as the gates came down, cursing angrily. But Axel's fire and his dad's wind quickly smacked their foes back. He glanced around. The third and first divisions were quickly joining the ranks of the fight. Parts of the second and first had spread back into town, giving orders to the shee people to hightail it for the Palace.

Roxas growled and landed beside another archer, aiming with precision and fired another light arrow. The explosion it racked cleared out more heartless and unbalanced many of the others, harming some as well. Those were taken down by the other mages spells - a shot of lightning here, a ice spell there - or the arrows of his teammates.


The Atterain scaled the wall effortlessly and landed without a hitch on the otherside. At Ven's orders he scoffed - but hey they weren't a bad idea. If he changed, he ran the risk of getting speared through himself.

He stood with the others, an unshakable line, as the beasts came close. Shee gave war cries and attacked. Terra snarled and raised his hands, his eyes glowing with a vicious yellow light and then he pounded the ground with a foot. Sand shot up in the middle of the fray and with his hands he gudied them. they twisted expertly and then with a jerk swept up some of the Beast and heartless, wrapping around them in spirals. He clenched his figners. Heartless exploded. The beasts gave vicious whines and cries and yelps as there bones were broken without mercy, then they were thrown into the ground, most of them quickly killed by the fall.

A dingo and a laughing hyena charged towards Ven, fangs flashing. The dingo jumped high, fangs glittered while the hyena dodged around and went for the Shee's back.


On the eastern side of town... things did not look good. Shee were fighting for their life. The two disivions while not the weakest weren't the strongest either and were struggling to maintain control.

Screams filled the area as the soldiers attempting to help the others were being torn limb from limb - citizens were not being spared either. A child screamed for her father, a twin cried for his sister, a husband ran for his wife.

It was choas.

Pilaf cried out as an Atterain pounced at him. He slashed his sword but the lion was unafraid as his jaws clamped against the metal and with a clench of his jaw, the metal snapped in two. Heavy claws came at him...
The leader shut his eyes, knowing the end was near...

"ATTAAAACK!" A feminie scream rang out.
"YA!" Came the sound of a minature army, and suddenly the sky was full of black. Black swords, black arrows, black lightning. The lion's claws only nicked the man as a javelin was heavily thrown into his stomach, puncturing out the other side. The beast fell...

Pilaf's eyes opened and he gasped, looking up and seeing blackwings swooping from the air. The enemy, too surprised to react, were quickly done in by the eagle-like attack style of this force. they swooped, made their attack before quickly climbing back into the air, avoiding counterattacks.

However one did land, right in front of the hole where the darkness was pouring in. She raised her spear and ancient energy radiated off her black wings, having a strange red glow to it. A ball of black energy formed before her, and she smacked it down like a basketball. The ball exploded and like bats out of hell, beams out out in a intensive array of movements, striking beasts in half and killing several heartless in a blink of an eye.

"Defense!" She snapped, and a shield popped up where the wall should have been. Anything they tried to rush into it, ran into the barrier instead, and was eletrocuted instantly.

She turned around, her eyes narrowed and Pilaf gasped, old enough to remember her, even if he had been a young child. "Queen Diliza!" She set her blue eyes on him, and smiled patronizingly.
"I'm home." Her wings fluttered irratably when he did nothing but stare. "Well don't just stand there! This is war man! Get these people to safety!"
Confused but not curious, the man straightened. "Yes ma'am!" He turned and rushed off to help his division and his fellow Shee.

Diliza watched for a moment, glancing back at the barrier. It would hold for awhile. She held her spear up, the metal a sharp black - but at the end two butterfy wings had been carved. One was blue... the other... was orange.

"For Norn!" Her wings spread and she took off into the mess.


Aqua and Shee alike fought like crazy on the western side. The dragoonian cursed violently - "Fuck! Son of a Bitch! You little piece of" well you get the idea - and she wasn't letting up her powerful swings or water spells that crashed among the various creatures.

She was so busy saving her own neck she hardly noticed the two Atterains racing past her... and none of the other of this disvision had time to stop them either. Which was a real shame - the water from the fountain combined with her magic would have destroyed them both instantly.

The two Atterains continued their mad dash for the fountain... completely unprotected. Or... so they thought.

A powerful swing of a sword smacked into the smaller of the two. That one, a wild dog, cried out as his spine broke under the surprising amount of force and his body smacked into the other, knocking him over.

The wild dog lay there, its eyes moving just barely... to catch the sight of a common guard with pink wings on his back. "Ha...hahaha..." It laughed until it died.

Kitchi's eyes were wide with fright and amazement. He had been up in the tower when he had spotted the two and - knowing the dangers of what would happen if the fountain was destroyed - he did something insane... something no other guard would be stupid enough to try...

But he looked at the other Atterain that was already getting to its feet. He would get a second surprise attack. The shaking man held his sword towards him. "Get back!!"

Damn it he just wanted a normal life!!


Latium nodded slowly his thanks to Dyre before joing the crowd of Shee silently, listening to Runa as she talked and calmed the others.

Soran looked up seeing Dyre and he smiled sadly. There was nothing the royal messenger could do... "Yeah... get me a weapon and a way out of here so I can fight." He looked down at Riku, "Or make him feel better..."

[Rikugurl]

Firi's eyes widened as she saw her husband. Tears of relief ran down her face. He... he was ok... She reached out for him as he got closer and she was exchanged from the spiky grey haired Shee to the grey eyed Shee.
"DAD!" The girl cried and tried to climb down before a hand reached up for her.
The girl blinked but took the stranger's hand and he helped her down. Once she hit the ground, she rushed to her father and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Before Gin had time to thank the man, Volken flapped his red wings and he was gone, back up into the sky.
Firi smiled as she nuzzled her lover and kissed him softly. Her leg was in a lot of pain and the cuts and claw marks stung... but... she had made it so far. "Gin..."


No matter how much the Shee tried to fight off the incoming Atterians, Beast and Heartless, some still passed the forces and raced down the streets.
Not well to their knowledge, more Atterians came from the pod... and were headed towards the kingdom.

As the battle raged on at the front gates, all of the enemies eyes started to glow, as if something was changing... and it was.
Their mission.
The beast seemed to stop fighting and jumped over and through the Shee, heading towards the fountain and palace.

Axel blinked, seeing the beast try to avoid them and rushed off. "Oh no you don't!" He cried as he raced after them. His hands glowed before he shot out two fireballs, one hitting a heartless and watched it explode as the other one hit a dark beast. It whined and fell, it's hind legs badly burned.

Jet too was about to go after them when shadows littered the while bricks. He looked up, his eyes widening as he... saw something that he never would of imagined. Shee of Makatza... the black wing tribe. That meant...
His mother...
He shook his head as he looked at the gates. "Division three, stand your ground here! Division One, follow me!" He called as he rushed after the intruders.


Ven's yellow eyes narrowed as he saw the troops going after the beast. He swung his spear around, getting use to the flow and ready to strike at any time... and he was ready. He saw the two dogs coming after him. Notice everything... see their moves before they do it. Focus and don't let up your guard even if you're--

His spear shot up in a flash, catching the dingo's jaw in his spear. Before the dog could be thrown of, powerful muscles swiped the beast down and did a dive behind him, smashing its body against the hyena in back of him. The collision made the dogs go flying into the wall and fall on top of each other. Before they could collect themselves, the prince was on top of them and with a might force, he stabbed his spear through them, reaching the brick on the bottom of both beast.

Blood spattered and got all over the prince. The spear was pulled up, drenched in blood as the prince looked up, his yellow eyes fierce as his face was splattered with blood.


More beast on the eastern side came up towards the opening in the wall... but it wasn't very open. They hit the barrier and were thrown off violently. Electricity ran through their bones, keeping them down easily.

The Atterians in the homes were easily gutted down by the black wing army... however it was too late for the many Shee that had already killed.
Messenger Shee flew through the air, dodging the black wings as they looked around for Division leaders, telling them that the east needed help badly.


The Atterian cheetah shoot his head as he got up, looking at the other one dead and huffed before looking up... pink wings catching his eye. He seemed to chuckle, looking how pathetic he was. He licked his lips as he walked closer, wagging his tail. He was far too fast for this sissy pink man.

But the sissy pink man wasn't what he should of been afraid of. It was the spear coming from above that he should of been watching out for.
The spear shot right through him, piercing him as if it was nothing. His body dropped as the spear vanished and the red wing landed. The old Shee looked over, grinning a bit. "Good job, soldier."


Dyre blinked as the prince gave him an option. He swallowed, looking at the other. He knew... Soran wanted to be out there... and that HE should be out there as well... keeping communication alive... but he... wasn't much of a fighter himself.
He slowly reached back into his cloak and pulled out a retractable spear.

He slowly handed it to Soran and bowed his head. "Here my prince. You go back upstairs. I'll watch over the human." He smiled, seeing the orange eyes look up at him.

[Reno]

Gin walked up to Volken, his eyes full of questions he didn't have time to ask. He did however, gratefully take his wife without a word, and the next thing he knew he also had his daughter around his waist.

He smiled - and before he could even think about sharing his gratitude, his old leader was gone. Volken... had always been like that though. He never wanted gratitude for the things he did... said something about it being a track to being dishonorable if you always expected a thank you.

He kissed his wife back softly; grateful he was still able to touch those lips to his home. He smiled, looking down at her, then towards Lilo. "Come on let’s get back to Norn." He turned, having to be mindful of his wife's injury.

Once he reached the area where he could fly however, he took the opportunity. Lilo latched her arms around his neck hanging from her father as he flew off into the sky and towards the palace. One might think it was uncomfortable or too heavy a weight, but Gin thought neither. And even with the weight he still flew fairly fast.

His eyes grew darker like a storm however as he came to Norn, seeing the destruction laying rot to it. He shook his head - one thing at a time! - and flew towards the castle, slipping through an open window. From there he let Lilo down and together they went down the halls.


Division three made no motions or objections as they desperately fought with the archers and magicians. But as the beasts were avoiding the Shee... they were also taking them down.

Casis cried out as a large beast, a jaguar with tusks, was suddenly in his face. Claws raked into his shoulders and he fell down the side of the wall, the Atterain only feet above him.

With a grunt the man drew an arrow and shot. It smacked the Atterain right in the throat...
Yet even with the deadly wound it continued to open its jaws, close to biting his head off...

Another arrow, this one from Peri, smacked it in its stomach making the beast drift away from him. Both of them hit the ground with a loud thump. Only one was still breathing.

Other archers and even a magician or two, were not as lucky.

Artios growled, shooting down another beast trying to get past with a well aimed shot of demi, flattening it down. He took in the scene- seeing the beasts that were getting through - and knew it was time for a drastic attack. They had to keep as many as theycould out of the town. If they took the castle... it was over.

"Roxas!!" He flew to his young student.
Roxas fired another light arrow straight in the gaping mouth of a bear, not stopping to watch the fireworks. He really didn't need the image of splattered bear guts in his nightmares. He panted a little, his fingertips reddened from the excessive magical use. He glanced over when his teacher came to him his eyes narrowing. "Wha-?" But he didn't get to finish the question as a bottle of red substance was being held out to him. He stared at it blankly, recognizing it easily. "Are you sure...? NOW?"
"We need to stop as many as he can. Come on." The mixture was opened and Artios drank half... then Roxas drank the rest.


Division two wasn't fairing too terribly. With Terra a mage in disguise and the warriors swordsmanship along with Ven's fine leadership, they were doing better than most.

Swords flashed in the air, blood splattering on crushing flowers, white brick walls, and green grass. Few had fallen but many had managed to get injured.

Terra wished he could have seen Ven's badass skills, but he had some of his own problems. He slid a foot along the ground and the earth under the beasts coming closest to him turned soft and swirled like quicksand, trapping a group. His yellow eyes shined happily, grinning at the creatures, before another wave came up and crashed down atop them, burying them whole, the weight monstrously heavy like a house had fallen atop them.

His eyes sparked but his victory was short lived as a puma with the horns of a buffalo was charging for him and back full of porcupine spines was racing at him. He had no time to think of a spell...

It happened as if in slow motion. The puma pounced, Terra ducked.
Claws caught his left cheek...
Three deep red lines appeared on his face...
He reached up, slamming his palms into the cat's ribcage,

Fast forward. The puma screamed and was thrown into the air body twisting. It has absolutely no control as it comes back down, landing on its head to deal a deadly blow.

Terra panted softly, smearing the blood on his cheek with his thumb. He growled, getting ready for the next round - but they were all given some short respite as something else came upon the dark ranks, throwing them back.

Confused he glanced towards the gates, and his eyes widened, seeing a red glow and an immense power.


In some areas it was called Limit Break. Others Overdrive. And even a few philosophical people had called it a 'Trance'. Artios had studied it again and again and just decided that it was a duet attack - and with the right mixture of dragon scales, unicorn hair, griffin talons and Shee wing powder (he called is Chaos potion) - they were able to read each other as if they were the same person and share each other’s strengths without the downfall of their weaknesses. However it was short - two minutes at best - and would need to be utilized to a full extent.

They asked nothing of each other, they already knew what the needed to do. Artios and Roxas, the two strongest mages in all of Norn, flew to the front of the ranks making sure they were clear of their own people. Red light seemed to cover them power in violent streams.

They clasped hands in a criss-cross fashion and then they spun, yelling, "TRI-STORM!" Gray winds whipped up around them violently, curving down into a spiraling tornado that smashed into their enemy below. Sparkles of yellow haste magic was thrown in, making the winds even more dangerous and rapid. Loud howls and yelps erupted as many, not expecting it, were swept up by the powerful attack only to be thrown with much force into several directions. None of them survived.

Smart, however, many of them retreated backwards, unable to get close - even the Shee had to back down. It was hard to look away...

The winds started to die down, but in the midst of the grey Roxas was and Artios' feet where together and they seemed to push off of one another. Roxas shot for the sky, Artios for the ground.

The elder slammed into the ground feet fist, causing an earthquake that made land break apart, shift and rise. Creatures slipped and fell, cries of panic echoing.
They didn't have a second of respite as Roxas pointing his index and middle fingers towards the sky feeling the negative charge collecting he jerked his hands down to chest level, elbows out, fingers avoiding touching one another like poles on a magnet...
Then he jerked his arms down. Orange lightning spread from the fingertips, charged at its most powerful, and flew down to the ground. With the jumping lands the lightning hopped around like it was in a bounce house frying and searing everything it touched. Beasts and heartless didn't stand a chance - even the shadows who became one with the ground got the discharging shock. Atterains who weren't able to use their Balance with the ground were fried to death.

The prince of Shee dived and Artios climbed, seeing that more ranks were already taking the place of their fallen. The two came to face level again, clasping hands one more. Roxas flipped horizontally with Artios, going full circle and gaining momentum. Then Roxas changed his angle slightly more vertical... and threw his master into the fray.
He didn't leave the other defensive though as he grabbed his bow and a light arrow formed - and shot it right at the old magician.

The light defined all nature however as it broke and bent, spiraling around Artios like a collection of hula hoops. The purple-wing spread his fingers and with a mighty flap of his wings the light circles snapped to pieces like fine glass falling over a large expanse off the enemy army like falling snow. Artios curved upwards sharply like a hawk, gained height to where Roxas still fluttered before taking a second dive and with a powerful exhale, stream of fire flew rapidly down hitting the pieces of light... and the chain reaction was immense. Flare was the end product and it exploded burning like fire and poisoning light. Atterains sand did nothing to protect them, beasts were purified, heartless destroyed.

Then, like that, the spell was broken. The red glow disappeared from both of them, leaving a dizzy and weakening feel. Roxas' wings had to flap hard just to keep him from falling out of the sky. Artios fell to his knees, purple wings limp as they fell across his back.

Heartless were the first, too mindless to care, to recover and started across the fields again but were killed by the leftovers of the flare attack, light shards still embedded in the ground.
The Beasts... were stunned.
The Atterains, now cut down immensely from the attacks within town, the efforts of the Shee divisions guarding the front gates, and that one attack, were starting to recover as well. From what started as thirty-one was now only seven - Xigbar included. Only one remained on the outskirts now - the other six in town.

But one was enough to deal a crushing blow of her own. The land they had covered was only to the waterfall but in time of battle that stretch of land could seem like a never-ending desert for only two Shee, separated from their own - who were still recovering from shock as none of them had seen such a display or were trying to help their own who had been badly wounded. And Roxas... was too drained to stop it...

All he could do was scream. "MASTER ARTIOS WATCH OUT!!"

His master did look up, his violent eyes tired yet consoled as he saw the beast racing for him. He only smiled, knowing nothing at all could be done. This was his dying day. But at least he was numb all over...

So when the lynx with the horn of a unicorn and the paws of a bear jumped onto his back, teeth ripping out his wings without any remorse, he barely cried out. He just fell to the ground... and let death come.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" The prince screamed as tears streamed down his face - yet somehow he felt like he had known - before he took a mad free-fall dive, wings drawn in. If he got back into the fight now though... he would surely die.


Though the blows of the south had been immense, the Shee had still been dealt an equally crushing blow in the eastern side. The eighth and ninth division was answering the calls of the messengers, bringing potions for the injured and elixers for the weakened and took away as many of the Shee to the castle as they could - even a few came to just fight.

The aid was gladly welcomed, but mostly unhelpful. Even with the wall momentarily plugged the dead lay everywhere. It had been a massacre. This was where the shee laid at a disadvantage. Xehanort knew the east was a weak spot, no matter how many divisions stood within it thanks to its complicated architecture and broad space. The animals had their noses, Shee did not. So while the Shee got lost, the animals ate.

Thanks to the barrier spell however it gave the four divisions time. Precious time. And because the majority of them were there, the shee that were left... were saved. Most carried through the air back to the castle and led to the dungeons.

Diliza's eyes were sad as she walked through town. She turned her head away from a dead child, blinking away tears. "Eleven Shee is nothing compared to this eh, Sorias?"

Her wings spread and she took to the air. There were still many enemies in this area that needed to die.


The western side, meanwhile had already completed their task. Being the smallest of the regions - and the one most ready for expansion - the area was easily covered. The added effect that no Atterains were left to bother them eased the task that much more, and the division as well as Aqua quickly had the last group of Shee heading for the castle.

Aqua looked around - her helmet was gone, have been thrown off by a misplaced clawing by a... well she was pretty sure it was a ebar of some sort. She hadn't bothered to look for it. She glanced around, seeing Shee take out what was let, before glancing backwards towards the norht - and her eyes widened seeing stream of darkness coming from the main road in the north.

Their task had just become more complicated.


Down in the dungeon green-wings were aflutter as Shee started to pour in from the other, tunnel-less regions. the westerns were mostly okay, and a good portion of the southerns had already made it there.

Instantly, Runa knew of the blow that happened in the east, seeing the Shees from those region were horrified, crying and wretched. Almost all of them had lost at least one member of their family, and a few... had lost them all. Her heart hurt for them terribly and she did her best to help out. She calmed children and offered embraces and kind words and it took a lot of concentration not to cry...

She and the green-wings were busy helped the injured and lost... no one but Dyre knew of what was going on behind her back.

Soran's orange eyes flowed with happiness as he was handed the spear. He grinned up at the other. "I owe you one Dyre!!" He was about to rush off - but then hesitated. He turned to Riku and leant down. "Riku..." He murmured softly, then again, catching the other's attention. "I'll be back soon, okay? I'm not leaving, I promise." He reached out, running his fingers through the silver hair in a decidedly 'more-than-friendly' way...

"So no jumping on any more rafts." He teased, before doing something neither of his brothers quite dared to in public eye. He leant forward and brushed his lips against Riku's chapped ones in a decidedly intimate fashion, before standing and hurrying out of the dungeon. His mom didn't even notice.

He passed many incoming shee on his way out - including a family who made him pause completely and glance back in terror. He didn't call out to Gin or Firi or Lilo however. He knew the green-wings would do their best...


Back outside, Kitchi grit his teeth as the cheetah came his way knowing he had no chance against it's speed - when a godsend from heaven came down and struck it like a bolt from Zeus. His eyes were wide as he saw the... newcomer?
He blushed profusely at the praise, not feeling even a bit worthy of it. "T-Thank you?"

However, they had no time for chitchat. Because of the advancement into the city, the leader of the fourth division had pushed them closer into the north to fight the on-slaught coming from the south. Behind them... was nothing left but the messengers and the guards.

And when the darkness of the beasts started to charge down the main road, the first and fourth division both unsuccessful keeping them all out, and the monsters all charged for the fountain and the castle with only him and Volken at the forefront, Kitchi raised his sword knowing he was going to die today -

And then a second godsend from heaven rained down like a bolt from Zeus. Another spear. It flew through the air and smacked between the first wave and the two Shee - discharging some electricity. It was enough to stop them for a moment or two, then they charged again.

There was a fluttering behind them as someone landed atop the fountain like Aqua had not long ago. The distraction had been enough. "We didn't invite you!" A voice snapped and Kitchi looked back, eyes widened at the familiar voice.
"Prince Soran!?"
The Shee of peace raised his hand and a blue barrier formed from building to building like a wall, various creatures smacking into it. It held no aftereffects like Diliza's but it was strong, and held against the combined forces of the dark army. It could no longer be questioned, however, where he got his strength with barriers from.

Soran's blue wings fluttered and his eyes glew orange, the Balance dancing across his wings in a pleasant sensation. He fluttered from it and onto the stone ground. "That'll hold them for a minute or two." Just enough to catch their breath and think of a half-assed plan. Or until they were smart enough to figure there ways around the damn things.

He glanced up, seeing Kitchi - which surprised him and a man he didn't know, which... also surprised him.

[Rikugurl]

Red wings shimmered as they flapped. Dark old eyes looked up at the prince before something silver caught his eye. He looked up, seeing the leader of the army fly into the castle. Seeing that he already know what their story was, he looked back at the pink wing. "You!" he commanded to the pink wing, "Go get Gin's wife and child and bring them to safety. We need Gin out here IMMEDIATELY!"

He watched the pink Shee hesitate and he growled. "NOW SOLDIER!"

With that, the other let and a light spear appeared in the old leader's hand as he flew towards the enemy. "I'll help keep them back."
He knew that the fountain was the center point of the Balance. It didn't hold one of the keys... but it was almost as important as them.
He charged, slamming his spear into a beast's check and pushing him down. He could see in the back that some more enemies were on their way and Shee were rushing after them. "Doesn't anyone realize that they have WINGS!?"

He growled more as more Heartless fell from his spear. Shadows caught his eye as they came from above, making him look up slightly. The black wings.
"KAALAA BHAVISHYA!" Some black wings looked down. "A BANXA MAXAXA!" He waved his hand over, indicating them to come down to aid.


Ven panted, looking around at the dead animals and Atterians. He swallowed before feeling a pull at the Balance. He looked up, eyes widening as he saw a large glow of red.

Roxas had told him and Soran about the limit break that he and Atrios were working on... and it seemed.... crazy in a way. So much power... when would they EVER have to use it?
But he saw why now.
He swallowed as he watched, feeling the power pull... but his ear caught something...and with a flash, he spun around and caught a beasts jaw in his spear. He pushed the surprised animal off and into the closest wall before stabbing a deadly blow.

Gin would of been proud.
He looked around and frowned. "Come on, men! To the Wood!" He was in charge of the outskirts... and that was pretty outskirt as you could get. Before his men went off, he saw a green Shee flying over fast. "PRINCE VENTUS!" He stopped and bowed his head. "SIR! THE EAST NEEDS YOUR HELP!"

Ven frowned and nodded. "ALRIGHT MEN! TO THE EAST!"
Red and silver wings spread their wings and off they went towards the east. The blue eyed boy looked over at his lover before rushing by him. "You and I can go by foot!"


Axel and the other Shee pushed away, feeling the power coming from them all. It... seemed like everything went in slow motion. Axel's eyes widened as he watched the display. There was... no way he could EVER do that!

When it was over though, Axel could see the drain of the others. before he could act though... a Shee was dead.
He wasn't going to let them do the same to the other Shee. He shot towards Roxas, trying to beat the beast to him. Lanky arms wrapped around the blonde's waist just in time for the beast to have a face full of fire. The new Shee twisted and flapped him wings, bring them into flight.

As he flew off towards the palace he called down. "Come on! Keep moving!"


Before any more heroic actions could be done, there was a sudden roar that shook the land... and then a whistle. Everyone looked up but now one was ready for what happened next.
A huge ball of power smashed into... the palace.
Cried rang out over the explosion.

High above, an elder man rode on an object as if he was surfing. Another ball was creative in his hand before he flung it down. It smacked into a house, immediately putting it up in flames. These balls hit into more home... and unfortunately, some of them weren't empty.

Screams came from the homes as doors opened and Shee rushed out, covered in flames as they dropped to the ground.


Balls of energy shot down, hitting the beast and instead of killing them, it made them a size bigger than they already were. They grew faster and more powerful, pouncing easily on those they were chasing.


On the west side, a black creature popped his head out from the broken wall. The Shee who were defending the place seemed to be going another way. He slowly walked out and quickly rushed to the shadows so he couldn't be seen. Yellow eyes looked around before he sniffed the air. He whimpered when he heard the blast from far away and slowly went into a nearby home to hide.

He frowned when he saw a man on the floor, his wings ripped from his back and no where to been seen. Slowly he stepped over him but froze in place when he heard something.
"PUPPY!"
His eyes widened as he looked back... only knowing one man who called him this... but to his shock... it was an infant who was stuck in her crib. She giggled as she clapped. "A puppy! PUPPYPUPPY!"

The wolf cocked his head before going over to the crib. He jumped onto it and took the baby's collar before pulling it out. The baby cooed and continued to squirm as the wolf held the back of her nightie and quickly rushed from the home. The little red wings fluttered as the wolf raced down the street, avoiding the fights all around.


Another ball of energy hit the western side of the palace, creating a huge creator. The blast sent Shee, beast and Heartless flying and to their surprise, shards of ice shot out from the bricks like daggers. Some hit them, burning from the frost instantly.
One of the ones pushed over... was a woman with blue hair.

She hit the ground hard, skidding fast over the rough battered bricks towards a shard of ice.

Something back flashed and then.... she stopped when she hit something. It wasn't cold though, but warm.
Black and grey hair fluttered over her face as the figure stopped her motion and held her tight.


Inside the dungeon, Dyre could only open his eyes wide as he saw Soran not only kiss a human... but another male. He was speechless, knowing that he was the only one to see this. He felt a little uneasy but didn't say anything. He knew what it was like to be in love...

The silverette felt the soft lips on his, weakly responding before the brunette pulled away.
Dyre watched the young prince shoot out behind him and walked to Riku, kneeling down. He widened his eyes as the boy seemed to slide down but the tan, strong hands grasped onto the pale shoulder. "Ut... you have to stay up, Sir.... Riku."

[Reno]

Kitchi nor Soran had time to think as the red-wing between them snapped orders. The man hesitated, unsure if it was really wise to leave - but at the yell he snapped to attention, turned on his heels and flew off and back into the palace.

As he flew he clumsily placed his sword back in it's sheath, follwoing the silver-wing through the window. "Sir Gin!"

Gin looked back, and hesitated at the sight of the guard. The pink-wing came to him. "Let me take them sir, you're needed outside."

The leader hesitated for only a moment, looking down at his wife - but her eyes held understanding and slowly he passed her over to the man's arms. "I'll be back soon Firi..." He looked at Lilo, placing his hand on her head and smiled. "Stay strong for daddy, okay?" Then he turned and was back out the window, spear appearing in his hand.


Black wings fluttered overhead heard the call, and under volken;s orders suddenly curved there wings and swooped down, attacking the oncoming army of darkness with as much skill and precision as they had used with the eastern side of town.

Soran jumped back on the fountain side, using his defensive sheilds and spells to keep any beasts from getting to the fountain.


Terra's ears perked at Ventus' orders - but it only took seconds for it be be changed, the blonde running past him. He turned and followed after the other. He couldn't help but feel... that Ven wanted to stay near him to protect him. As cute as that notion was, he didn't need it. "Ven I can keep up! You should fly!"

There was no time for an answer however as, even from their spot, they saw the palace being attacked. Terra growled. "Fuck!"


The lynx looked up, her teeth stained with the white blood of the wings and the red under the skin. She snarled as Roxas came down his wings unable to stop his descent he was too tired - what a fool - and her back legs bounded her into the air to meet him...

Then an orange wing swept up the blonde and there was fire. the lynx screeched in pain as the fire smacked into the ground beside Artios. She convulsed and shook, slamming her head into the ground to make the flames go out. The two shee were long gone.


Roxas struggled against Axel's hold furiously. "Axel! Let me g-" He started, but broke off as the other gave yelled back at him. this was war... if he stopped moving he'd die too. He grunted, pulling his wings out and flew beside the other, slower then before.

He reached up, brushing away the tears. And then he finally gave a look across his kingdom, and his eyes became cold and hard. Blood, death, screams, crying, destruction...

And then he saw Xehanort and he found his second wind. He scowled, and flew as fast as his body would allow, watching the old man swoop around the sky, shooting spells everywhere.


Kitchi stumbled as an explosion rocked the palace. He heard Lilo cry in fear and Firi seemed to shake in his arms. "We're almost there!" And he took the lead again, staying close to the child but still moving as quickly as possible without harming Firi.

Another explosion however made him tilt and he flapped his wings, rocketing of the ground. "Fly miss Lilo, hurry!" He cried, insistent. The little girl did as he asked and the the two flew down the halls. Pictures were falling off the walls, statues from their perchers and glass shattering from the force.

And then there it was - the dunegon. The guard with the small family hurried got inside, hurrying down the steps. Underground, the rocking of the palace were less harsh here and the two made it down the steps without trouble. But everyone was still scared.

That was when Runa spotted them and ran over. "Firi!" She looked to Kitchi. "What's going on?!"

He couldn't tell her though because he had no idea...


Outside it was chaos. Very few could come to the aid of the burning shee too busy fighting or dying themseleves.

Back at the fountain, another joined the battle, his sharp spear severing the head of a coyote with impala horns without mercy. Silver wings beat powerfully on his back as he stared down the opposition bravely before cutting into the forces ruthlessly. Next to him, his old leader fought jsut as noblely. they weren;t giving up yet!

Soran meanwhile was attempting the use some of the water from the fountain to calm nearby flames on the town and palace and people while not leaving the fountain unattended. He jumped back atop the X-mark of the statue, letting the magic of the balance flow through him for an extra boost of pwoer - with how chaotic things were, it helped little.


Aqua had just slammed her spear into another heartless- when an explosion from nearby sent her sailing through the air. Her spear was lost. She yelped in pain, her armor screeched along the ground as she skid...

She saw the shard and her eyes widened, figners desperately trying to find a hold in the ground to stop her motion but it was futile. He shut her eyes, knowing it was the end...

And hit something warm. She stopped.
Her heart beat rapidly in her chest and her eyes opened slowly, black and white hair obscuring her vision. She brushed it aside irrtably... and her eyes widened. "X...Xigbar!"


"Xehanort!" A scream rang out, shockingly a woman's voice. A slice of black energy was thrown through the air, it's power sharp and cutting like a gullotine but no one shocked when the man easily deflected it, his yellow eyes turning to his competitior.

Diliza glared at him coldly. "What's wrong? My husband's lesson not enough for you?!"

Before he could even think to respond, another spell was flying through the air. Blue fire smacked into the man. Even Diliza was suprised and she glanced towards the source, seeing a black-and-white winged blonde flying until he clumsily had to land on a roof of a house, falling to his knees in exhuastion. She knew who it was... the birth of his wings had reached word even in her town.

"So that's my grandson." She murmured softly before her eyes turned back to Xehanort.

[Rikugurl]

The Shee continued to fight, not even realizing the wolf rushing through their feet and heading towards the palace. It seemed that that was where the remaining people were going. As he got closer, he hit into quite a fight. Shee were coming from all sides... and beast and Heartless were being attacked full on with no mercy.

He needed to get out of there before they thought HE was the enemy.
The baby started to cry as he moved through them and found an empty alleyway. He quickly jumped up, climbing onto the roof.
Bad idea.
A red wing look back, looking right at the wolf. "IT'S GOT A BABY!" She rose her spear when suddenly she was jolted back. "TETER!" The man called who stopped her. "THAT'S SIR DEMYX'S PET! LET HIM BY!"

The 'X' on the wolf's face saved his life that day.

The wolf quickly continued over the roofs and rushed passed Soran's barrier once he realized that this beast was ok to let by. He rushed down the halls and sniffed around. He could smell fear and rushed towards it.
A small opened door led him down into the dungeon. He wasn't very welcomed though. Cries from the Shee who saw him cried for help, that the beast got in... but out of all of them, he heard one familiar voice call out to him as he placed the baby down gently.


Volkan and Gin fought side by side, their muscles strong and their blows deadly. They chopped down many Heartless and some beast as well. Old eyes looked over, grinning as some sweat ran down his face. "I'm glad to see that my training paid off."


"NO! WE'LL GO TOGETHER!!" The fierce prince called as he and his lover ran towards the eastern side. They didn't get very far though as a large Atterian blocked their way. The two skidded to a halt and the blonde growled... that famous growl.
He pulled his spear from his back and swung it a bit before getting into stance as more ice daggers shot up around them.


Axel frowned as his lover pushed from his arms. Was he... mad at him or something? He would of gotten emotional and start to whine if they weren't in the middle of a battle. He frowned though, seeing a blast come from his lover. He was pushing himself too much! "ROXAS!" He called as he flew after the other but when Roxas stopped on a house, he didn't.

He continued to climb towards the baffled man, his spear ready as his eyes narrowed. "That's ENOU---"
His eyes widened as a key smashed into his spear... and ABSORBED it. Before he knew it, the key was slammed onto the side of his face and he went down quickly.

Volken growled as he looked up.
The old man cackled and shook his head. "Your husband?" He mocked as he shook his head, floating in the air. "My dear, Diliza, you hold his name in too much pride for one who ran off from him with another man."

He pointed his key at her, as if in a challenge.
The tip started to glow and the pull of the Balance grew stronger. Suddenly beams pushed through the land, making trees fall that were in its way. The beams crashed into three fountains that were close by... the three that held the keys that Roxas leaked out.

Jet growled, hearing the comment... and.... it hurt. He flapped his wings, shooting off to Xehanort. "ATTACK!"


Down below, a yellow eye narrowed. "Man, you actually sound happy to see me." he suddenly let her go, making her thud on the ground. She'd bitch anyway if he helped her up.
He looked back though, hearing something. A low growl. His eye narrowed again as it looked into the red of an Atterian.

The tiger with large goat horns growled as his scorpion tail flickered. These Atterians were deadly... his nephew would know... but a Tellis was deadlier... and a Tellis defending a mate was near suicide.
Xigbar turned, grinning as his fangs showed. "Hey dud... your spear is over there." He remarked to Aqua without leaving the eyes of the Atterian in front of him.

[Reno]

Runa, who had gotten Kitchi to lay Firi down so she could tend to the leg. There wasn't much she could do however - the bleeding wasn't nearly as bad or worrisome as the break. she needed to find one of the green-wings...

But a shout and many cries made her eyes look up, her heart jumping in her throat at the sight of the wolf, a child between his teeth. Oh god!

"PUPPY!" Was the first understood shout she picked up, and then she calmed, seeing not a dead baby in a monster's bloody fangs, but a cooing child being careful set down while a wolf was swept into a large hug by an over-enthusiastic and crying blonde.

Demyx buried his head into the dogs neck, sniffling and sobbing. "I missed you! I was afraid... you'd never come back!"

Kitchi walked over in a careful sort of way, afriad of the big animal the blond was unafraid of and slowly picked up the red-winged infant.


Outside, the fight went on. Gin smirked, shaking his head. "Nice to see you again too! HA!" He struck his spear down through another two heartless.


Terra shook his head but smiled. "Whatever you say..." However they got no farther as another Atterain was suddenly blocking their path.

He grit his teeth trying NOT to laugh at his over - but he didn't need to because suddenly he smelt something in the air... like sulfur from a volcano combined with a very familar scent. His eyes widened and he suddenly grabbed Ven his his collar and yanked him down to the ground "Push down your wings!" - just as black fire shot over their bodies and smacked into the beast.

He looked up, confused, just as a man rushed past both of them. The man looked back for only a second, his red eyes meeting Terra's blue... and then he was gone, lost in the crowd.

"...Dad?" Terra whispered. What was he... and why did he...?


Roxas grunted but looked up when he he ehard Axel's yell. "Ax!" He cried in horror before seeing his lover go down. "AXEL!!" He flapped his wings, trying to go after him but only made it two feet in the air before he came crashing back onto the brick. Seconds later, he saw three beams crashing down - one near to him. One of the fountains that... that held the keys! "NO!"

Soran was pushing back another group of beasts when suddenly an orange wing smacked right into him. "AH!" He cried, toppling off the fountain and into the ground. He blinked dazed. "Ne... that hurt..." He looked over, seeing... "Axel?" sprawled all over him.

Diliza's expression didn't change much, but she winced as she saw the fountains explode - and heard her son yelling for an attack - but no one... got that far.

Because something amazingly unexpected happened.

"GATSUUGA!" Shards of broken glass rose from nearby the palace and shot into the air in violent streams. They circled around Xehanort curling around his body and exploding violently. Dust obscuring him from view.

A figure with red eyes burst from the crowds and onto a roof, rushing along it. Hatori's eyes, full of malice, raced along the rooftops. He was done being made a fool of! An absent brother, a weak mate, a disgraceful son - and now... now this bastard though he could just demean him in front of the others?! He'd show them all...
especially his dead fucking dad!

The man gave a mighty jump, predicting the key like weapon as it came out at him out of the dust. His palms slammed onto it, balancing him up it... and his bare foot collided with the old man's face, throwing him down violently with an invisible force.


"Wha-ugh!" She grunted as she was thrown on the floor. She growled. Not much of a fucking gentleman was he? Of coruse she would have punched him anyways... "Happy to see you're ugly ass face? You fucking wish!"

She stood up, moving her limbs some to make sure nothing was sprained or anything - when a growl caught her attention. He looked up and her eyes narrowed at the sight of the beast. She scoffed at her friend's words. "Yeah I know." She kept her eyes on the creature as well as she started to walk away, not really afraid. If it came after her she had her water magic...

but she already knew Xigbar would protect her, so she didn;t need to panic.

[Rikugurl]

Yellow eyes widened as he was pulled up. Now he was a big wolf... but apparently Demyx had a hidden strength. He panted happily though as he licked the man's face and pressed his cold nose on Demyx's cheek for a kiss.

He heard a huge explosion outside that made him whimper though. He pulled away from Demyx and yipped at him before he rushed out of the dungeon. He shot up stairs, feeling the pull of the balance. He growled as the hairs on his back stood. This was going on long enough. The force of the Balance seemed to push and move around him, a gravity pulling it in. With the force around him, wisps of Darkness started to stir, being forced away by the Balance of this world.

By the time he reached the front doors of the palace, he was no longer a wolf... but a man. He had striking blue hair that was long and blew in the winds of the battle. His eyes were still a cold yellow but he had a sense of duty about him. He rose his hands, claws forming as a glow collected. The glow seemed almost lunar. It burst and a large claymore was formed.
His hair frizzled out as fangs formed and his eyes were overcome by light.

"ENOUGH!"
He roared as he slammed the claymore into the bricks, making a stream of force. It cracked the beautiful white bricks but it also did something else. All the beasts... disappeared in wisps of darkness.


Ven covered his head as he was suddenly pulled down and his wings retracted back inside. He closed his eyes tight, hearing something and smelling something awful. When it passed, he opened an eye and looked at Terra. "H-hatori?"
Now... they were in real trouble.


Xigbar grinned as he kept eying the beast. He didn't seem familiar... so he was still young. He sidestepped to block the view between the Atterian and Aqua. "Come on, ugly, keep your eyes on me, huh?" The tiger growled as they circled. "Yea, I know, I'm not the prettiest thing to look at, I'm reminded of that all the time, but hey! It's better than having your eyes on a beautiful woman huh?"

"Are you done rambling!?"
"Rambling, as if!"
Before the Atterian or Xigbar could strike, something all caught their eye. A yellow eye in particular widened as his mouth gaped. "Hato---"

An explosion made the man jump in front of the woman and a wall of sand shot up around them. The power blasted the Atterian away and slammed into a forgotten spear from a Shee who had lost a fight.

The sands settled and the older man frowned. What... was he....?


Jet's eyes widened as he saw the display in the sky.
"DIVISIONS! RETREAT TO THE CASTE!"
He looked back at Gin and Volkan. "We'll keep only our best fighters here... we can't lose any more men!"


Axel shook his head as water fell all over him. Water....? WATER!? He jumped up and looked down at his drenched self. "AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"

Xehanort slammed into a building on the western side, making an explosion. Dust flew in the air and silence seemed to ring from one end of Norn to the other. The beams of power were broken from the fountains and the Balance seemed to settle a bit more.

A few minutes passed before the earth started to shake once more. The ground under Hatori started to become black and rumbled with electricity.

"HATORIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" A desperate cry came from the one eyed Dragoonian as a huge blast of Dark energy shot up at Hatori.

[Reno]

Demyx stumbled a little, then smiled happily when he got the lick. He was about to give the other his kiss on the nose - when an explosion made him stumble and drop Puppy from his hands.

The wolf whimpered and suddenly turned and took off. "PUPPY!" Demyx cried in horror... and ran after him. He was no where near as fast however and quickly ofound himself lost in the many halls of the castle. "PUPPY! PUUUUUUPPY!!" He yelled.

No, they had just found each other again!! He... he wasn't losing him again! The blonde grunted and continued on blindly, the sitar strapped around his back hitting his legs with a hollow ring. He hadn't given up before, he wouldn't give up now!


Terra glanced at Ven, then looked forward at the Atterain now burnt to a crisp. Why had his dad just...?
Had he just saved him?!
Unable to really wrap his mind around it, he hooked his hand under Ven's arm and tugged him up. "Come on, this battle's not done yet!"
But, two seconds later, before they even moved - they witnessed first hand what exactly Hatori WAS doing...
He was going after Xehanort.
And as that was happening another attack from a claymore wiped out all the Beasts - leaving only two Atterains and the heartless left to deal with...


Aqua crossed her arms, listening toe Xigbar talk. Beautiful woman? Ha! Who did he think he was trying to flatter? Ugly-assed idiot! "Are you done rambling?!" She snapped irritably.

She saw thw two tensing up, getting ready for a showdown - but a shadow jumping over them made them all pause a look up, seeing a man running past.
He looked down and Aqua caught the red in his eye - but he wasn't looking at her... he looked at Xigbar. Funny... he had a scar just like Xig's too.

The man's hand waved and suddenly sand swept up between her and Xigbar and the creature they had been facing. When the wall was brought down... the tiger was laying farther away, impaled on a spear. "Well fuck..." Glad he was on their side!


Gin was given some respite when the blue-haired man showed up, defeated the beasts with just one blow. He heard Jet's order and nodded. "Right!"

It didn't take long for the Shee to follow those orders all sweeping for the castle - flying through broken windows and the large ornate doors.


"Axel!" Sora cried, seeing the other doing a techno version of the chicken dance as if it would help his water problem and rolled his eyes. "You're not an imp anymore! You'll be fine!" He got out of the fountain, his own wings drenched and drooping from the weight. That was bad... they couldn't fly!

But he noticed they had worse problems as heartless sweeping into the ground, thin as paper. Sora cried out, jumping in front of the still freaking out red-head his hands shooting up in front of him. "Defense!" A blue shield popped up, shadows claws striking into it and falling back from the richoet.


Hatori smirked as he saw Xehanort blast through a building. He landed easily on his bare feet, standing proudly. "That's the power of the Tellus name!" He laughed, his voice ringing in the sudden quiet.

The next two moments were very interesting however. Even so that even some shee were forced to pause. Roxas watched from the rooftop, Diliza hovered in the air, Terra and Ven watched from the now clear road, Soran and Axel glanced over from where they stood, Aqua and Xigbar could see from where they were. Even some of the Shee now hidden in the castle watched from the windows.

A disturbing silence had fallen and the heartless had stopped, no longer guided by Xehanort's words...
Balance was returning, little by little now that the keys were being left alone...
Minutes passed, people held their breath. Had he done it? Was Xehanort... was Xehanort dead?

Then the ground shook and everyone started to tense up. It wasn't over. Not by a longshot.
Hatori looked around before crouching some, snarling.
"Xehanort!" He yelled furiously, flexing his hands. He felt the electricity licking at his shins and hissed some at the sharp pain it caused.
The ground... was becoming black around him...
"So you really think you have what it takes to take down the King of Shee?"
"Of course!" Hatori said proudly, puffing out his chest.
Sorry Ida... I lied.

While none of the fighters completely understood the motives this Atterain had in attacking Xehanort so recklessly, all of them knew what was going to happen. Many started to turn their eyes away - but some couldn't help but watch.

The blast was immense and came up from under Hatori like a geyser throwing them both into the air. The scream the man uttered was piercing and loud as he was swallowed by the attack.

Their was a loud explosion and in the light of the red sun a body could be seen flying throw the air bonelessly, before smacking hard into the white brick of the paved roads, not twenty feet away from the fountain. The form was mangled and burnt all over, crimson blood streaking across his body in various places and his clothes were now in tatters.

"DAD!!!" A suprising second cry rang out and suddenly Terra was running forward without any real realization that he was doing it. Maybe he never understood his dad like a human, but he always had as an Atterain - that struggle to make your child better, stronger, more fit for survival.
Yet... Yet there had always been something. Something about his dad that always made Terra realize he had cared in a very twisted, Atterain way. And in the human way, his heart realized that care, and in a human way... made him run forward. It didn;t matter anymore that he killed mom or that he nearly killed him - it didn't seem to at least.

He charged through the heartless without a thought, passed Soran and Axel, and slid to his knees beside his father.
...To his shock he wasn't the only one who came. Another Atterain was there, one with an eyepatch and so many scars it would take over an hour to count them all.
So his uncle had a heart too.

"Dad..." Terra murmured.
Hatori twitched a little, opening his red-eye weakly, his breath harsh and labored. He looked from one to the other and then laughed breathlessly, even though from the winced he tried to mask told the two it hurt him alot.
"The fuck? ...weaklings..." He slurred, voice broken by soft gasps, then his gaze fell on Terra again. "Shoulda... known you'd... be just like her... you... always were her pride..." Terra's eyes were wide.

Then the red eye rolled over to Xigbar and he growled softly, the noise wet and wrong because blood was filling his throat. He reached up suddenly with a shaking hand and grabbed onto the man's shirt collar, tugging himself up and his big brother down so their faces were close. "Give... me my.... music...maker..."

The Atterain jerked then his eye widening just a little bit, and then suddenly he just slipped to the ground without a sound, his hand falling limply onto the brick in a pool of his own blood. Something shiny around his neck slipped down and hit the brick with a soft clink and a ring of the chain, catching both Atterains attentions. It was a locket - the clasp was broken from the attack and it fell open, revealing a young women with blue eyes and a nervous gaze... and a boy with a wide smile on the other side.

"Dad...?" Terra whispered as he turned his gaze back to his father's face... but Hatori wasn't breathing. "DAD!!"

[Rikugurl]

The hair continued to bristle on the back of the beast's neck, the true Berserker form showing.
He watched around as the silence rang out, snarling as his hair called down and the claymore disappeared.

The explosion made is eyes wide, seeing the body fly towards the fountain. This wasn't over yet.
He couldn't stay though... he knew that the blonde would come chasing after him... and he also knew how bad his sense of direction was.

He turned and rushed back into the palace. He knew that whatever happened out there... if it was severe, it would come in here... and that was where he would fight.


Axel continued to flap around, water spraying all over the place. He heard what Sora had to say... but he still didn't even know if what he was feeling was safe.
His eyes widened though as he looked up, seeing a Shadow head right for him... and it bounced off. He blinked, seeing the slight shade of blue around them.

He looked back and smiled at the prince before blinking, looking over at the large amount of power. His eyes widened as well as he saw the man go flying, swallowing a bit as he landed not too far away. He yelped and backed away, seeing two men rush over.


Xigbar's eye widened as the attack shot up and took over his younger brother. He watched in horror as his brother was thrown about... as if he wasn't a Tellis at all.
For the first time in his life... something was more important than guarding Aqua.

He shot off, leaving her side as he ran down the white bricks towards the fountain. He reached the barbecued Atterian the same time his other relative did, both sliding down to their knees. His yellow eye looked down as his face grew disoriented. He growled though as he was called a weakling. WHO ended up dying because of....
He stopped, frowning. Ida was able to live as long as she did... because she hid. What was he doing on Dragoon for all those years...?

He wasn't hiding but...

He blinked as the red eyes were on him and his face grew serious. It broke though as he gasped, his collar grabbed and was was brought down. His eyes narrowed though, smelling the death in his brother's breath.
When Hatori collapsed, he noticed the charm. He sat back up and grabbed it, looking at the picture closer when the younger next to him cried out.

So, this really was Ida's brat...

He growled, grabbing Terra's wrist. "He's dead, get over, kid. There's more important things to worry about now" He pushed the charm into Terra's hand before standing. He turned, feeling a sharp pain in his chest. He knew what it was.
He had felt it a few times when Aqua got hurt when she was younger or when she was upset when she was older.

Before he could head towards the house that Xehanort was in, it suddenly exploded.

Everyone ducked as the remains were sent flying out and the debris finally cleared.


An old man with a crooked back stood, slowly his golden eyes looking around. He turned, looking towards the king himself.
"Close your eyes, Jet." Volkan whispered and the king did as he was told.

A red wing suddenly shot down towards the man, his spear in his hand. Before he even got close, a huge blast a power was shot at him, making him go flying into the palace. The force was so strong that he went through the bricks and materials, making a huge hole. The Heartless quickly picked up and started towards the area.


Inside, the blue haired man rushed through the hallways, trying to remember where the dungeon might be. He stopped though when he suddenly heard.... 'Puppy'.
He growled and raced towards the sound. He turned a corner, seeing Demyx walking around aimlessly. Before he could call the blonde, something else came from his mouth.

"LOOK OUT!"
The voice was slurred, not use to speaking as the Berserker rushed through the hall, hearing a horrible whistle. He pounced on the sitarist, making them bot go flying as a body went flying through the wall. The Shee was dead on impact as the debris cleared.

The man slowly got off the blonde, looking back at what had happened and the huge hole that was created.


Ven slowly stood, his wings fluttering about and not giving much care to all the dirt and blood on his face. He frowned, feeling the second explosion and shook his head before he picked up his spear. He growled as he rushed down the street, spreading his wings and shot up into the air.


Volken growled before getting into stance. "Gin, I believe I'm doing a favor when I say.... ATTACK!"

[Reno]

Terra looked up, his eyes blank and conflicted as he looked at Xigbar. "Howe can you-" He started to snap, unsure of why exactly... why did he even care?

When the locket was dropped into his hand however his mouth snapped shut. He looked blankly down at the photographs of himself and his mother, then towards Hatori.

It wasn't common for Atterains to get attached to things. From objects to other Atterains it just... it hardly was done...
Maybe all the Tellus'... we're just a little different.

He didn't have much more time to comtemplate however when an explosion made him duck his head. He heard yells from other Shee, his ears picking up on them clearly. Pieces of debris smacked into the ground around him.

He raised his head slowly, just in time to see a red-winged Shee get killed. He grit his teeth a bit, his figners clenching around the circle-shaped locket before he placed it in his pocket and he stood up slowly.


Inside the castle, Demyx frowned as he glanced at the windows, seeing nothing but ruin and smoke outside. How many had this war killed? Why... why did there even have to BE a war?

He couldn't help but thing of the shee in the sungeon that made it from the east, eyes wide and tramitized, crying, and shaken, hurt and lost...

It was so senseless... and so painful...

Why couldn't there just be peace?

"PUPPY!" He cried again, trying to remember his aim - but he didn't even get passed the next window when he heard a sudden cry and a force was slamming into him just as a loud noise he couldn't readily identify shook the palace. "Oof!" He grunted as he was thrown to the floor a larger man sprawled atop him. The sitar underneath him was digging into his body and the blonde blinked dazedly slowly sitting up the sitar ringing underneath him dully.

He looked at the man who had saved him for a breif moment, eyes widened at the rugged face, sharp golden eyes... and a very familar scar across his face - but his eyes, responding quickly to the color red, quickly averted his gaze from the man to something beyond him...

and gasped in horror at the dead Shee managled against the floor, laying atop a mass of white bricks. He placed his hand against his mouth, tears forming in his eyes and slipping down his cheeks. "This man's a monster!" he spoke vehemontly about Xehanort, unable to stop his shoulders from quaking. It was too horrible!


At Volken's order, eyes were suddenly zeroing in on the sciopath that started this all. Many were blazing mad, other's righteously furious... and they charged.

And it wasn't just the Shee who heeded the order, but two Atterains and one human as well.

Soran grabbed Axel's collar and tugged them both out of the way as the Shee army ran past so they wouldn't be trampled - recognizing Gin, his father, Nwoye, Gati, Makino, Peri, Aqua, Terra, his brother...

And then there were black wings he didn't know swooping from the sky, one carrying a pecular spear with colored wings at the end. Then there was another man who had gone to the other Atterain's side...

Sora watched them for a moment, it was like a stampede... he could see the dark look in Xehanort's eyes - he wasn't done with them yet, not by a long shot. Maybe... maybe theyw ere walking into a tra-

"SORAN! AXEL! THE FOUNTAIN!" A far off voice - Roxas?

The prince's head jerked up and he turned his head, seeing the opposite side of the white fountain... completely covered in blackness. "Eh! Get away from there!" Soran cried in terror, jumping onto the fountain's edge and splashing through the water to the other side.

Without a weapon and afraid to use magic so close to the Balance fountain, he reached out and grabbed onto one of the shadows' ears and threw the little being into another as effortlessly as if it was a hamster.

Roxas, who had indeed made the call, stood on the roof and aimed a light arrow, shooting it a smaller mass of heartless close-by. He jumped from the roof, beating his wings... and plummeted to the ground. He beat his wings powerfully, but was unable to make himself fly. He hit the ground like a bird with a broken wing, but the impact wasn't too hard thanks and he struggled back to his feet with a grunt.

Unfortuently for him... however, a snarl came from behind him. He dared a glance behind him... in time to see caribou antlers, the teeth of an ocelot, and the tail of a porcupine coming at him. He didn;t even have the breath to scream.

[Rikugurl]

Xigbar didn't even bother with Terra's words and he rushed off, hearing the other's follow.


The beast blinked, looking down as he saw Demyx start to cry. He whimpered the best he could as a human before reaching out, wiping the tears away. "Don't cry Demyx---"
He looked up, hearing the sound of claws on bricks. At the hole in the wall, the Heartless started to climb in.

The Berserker growled as the claymore appeared once more. "Come on! We have to protect this place!"
He quickly looked around, seeing a vase close by with flowers in it. He slammed the claymore into it, shattering it to pieces. The flowers fell over and water coated the floor.
Demyx needed water... didn't he?

From outside, if one were to look up, all they could see was Heartless flying OUT of the palace.


Volken spread his wings and joined the black wings above.

Axel yelped as he was pulled out of the way and pouted but the moment he heard he lover's cry, he looked over, seeing the small little thing. It was... actually kind of cute. He let Sora deal with it as he looked back at Roxas... but at his horror....
"ROXAS!" His orange wings flapped, bringing him up into the air. He beat them as hard as he could... but his heart pounded harder, know that... he wasn't going to make it.


A spear slammed into the back of the Atterian, missing Roxas by an inch. The Atterian cried in pain as blood escaped it's mouth and the light from the spear ate up its insides. Instead of attacking the prince, it fell on him, lifeless and heavy.

A strong hand reached down, pulling the beast away.
Soft eyes looked down at Roxas and a smile greeted him.
Dyre.
"Come on, your majesty. Norn needs you to live so it can have a great king in the future." He reached down and helped the boy up just in time for Axel to arrive.

The once imp panted as he landed. "Rox--- ROXAS!" He wrapped his arms around the prince and kissed his forehead.
Dyre smiled and saluted. "Sir, I suggest you go to the palace... you are too drained to continue in this battle."


Ventus shot off, his red wings beating hard as he easily caught up with the black wings. He pushed through them until he got to the front... and next to a woman who's power seemed... familiar. He glanced at her before they grew too close to Xehanort to be distracted.


The old man grinned as he saw the forces coming towards him.
The key appeared once again as Darkness swirled around him. Flying Heartless flew from the Darkness, heading towards the incoming air threat.

The key started to glow again as beams were sent out, snatching up the power of the three keys. A power ball was forming in his other hand and was thrown at the incoming ground threat.