Of Fairytales

[Reno]

Runa tikted her head before smiling a bit. "Well it started a long time ago when -" and thats as far as she had gotten before the prince interuppeted her. she blinked, tilting her head.

She chuckled when he wandered off. ADD much? She shook her head, but followed after, tilting her head at the weird flowers. "Eh...?"

She watched the Prince pick one up, looking absoultely fascinated - and then he let out a mighty sneeze.

Runa cracked a smile, and burst into laughter. "My my Jet that's quite some lungs you got there!"


Gin grinned, wrapping his arms around ehr waist, bringing her close suddenly. "Ah, but you're so stunning when you blush like that."


Hatori sighed. "Well whatever we'll work on it later." He wasn't a detail guy - he was a big picture guy. He just let things fall into place.



"Forget it Sorias!" The voice was snappishly harsh. Full of so much hate that any Shee that ehard it could believe it was an Atterian in the king's chamber - not his wife.

Life, in the past two eyars, had only gone downhill for the couple - just like the citizens had forewarned Sorias of. Yet, whether by the stupidity of love or the blindness of duty, the words had gone over his head - and now not only he would have to pay for it, and not only his son either - but the entire kingdom of Norn would suffer.

"I don't love you!"

They were about to lose their queen.


Latium stumbled in his study, his book slipping from his grasp. The wings on her back dimmed and the cheer in his eyes vanished as he looked towards the door. The corners of his wings curled in and he bowed his head. He hadn't looked quite this wrecked since Amity first announced she was coming on a trip for inspiration and wasn't sure when she would return.


Out on the training field, Gin was just starting to get in a defensive stance, a long spear in his hands- when cries from the castle not only drew his attention but of everyones on the field. His spear slipped from nimble fingers, hitting the ground.

Everyone couldn't help but pause, sharing hesitant glances before glancing high, high up towards where the balcony of the king'd chamber was - overlooking the gardens. The Balance army shifting on their toes nervously, feeling the balance tipping precariously over to one side.

It was spilling from that room and over the whole land in fact - making all the shee twitter and nervous - the purple wings lost their voices, the green wings damaged plant's roots, yellow wings trailed off from their lessons, brown wings cuts their boards too thin.
Pink wings were stumbling over their marriage advice, orange wings had nothing good to say, dark and light blue wings felt the loss of their stability and red wings felt apathetic.
Silver wings felt weak, gold wings felt poor. White wings felt dirty, black wings... felt free.

It was a bad day for all. Once could almost imagine the sideways cross of balance snapping in half - coming loss at the seams.


Runa stood at her window, looking outside with fear and worry, her heart aching in a way she ould not describe. but it did not hurt because she was losing equilibrium - no it hurt... because she knew whatever was happening was probably tearing Jet apart.

She bit her lip, before looking at the windowsill, wanting to understand why her wings were trying to urge to come out - to fly to the Prince and to make sure he was okay. But to fly when their was such an imbalance on the world... would be foolish.

She turned and hurried down the stairs and walked from her house. She could see others crowding the streets, all looking around in befuddlement and panic. They could all sense it. Something wonderful was terribly ending.


"Where is it...?" Hatori hissed, ripping up his pillow, slashes through his sheets and the matress - overturning the whole entire room. but what he was looking for did not show up.

His music-maker was gone.

"... XIG!!!" He screamed at nothing. He... he would KILL him for this.

Hatori looked across the dusty sky, blinking away dirt that kept getting into his eyes, down below in the house he sat upon was his mate, heavy with child. Any day now, the brat would show itself - and he was full of tension. More so than maybe even her.

That was why he was out here. The only time the female mate ever got control of the relationships except the blood-bonding, was when she had a baby pup-cub within or at her side. The Atterians turned into monsters then. They were nearly impossible to deal with - and indesirable too.

But any time now... that pup was going to be birthed. He couldn;t help but be expectant. A girl? A boy? He hoped for a boy personally. Males conquered, dominated and destroyed, females laid down, spread their legs and submitted. Tellus had yet to lose it;s strength in name - but a lot of Atterians were aware of the child he would soon have and he knew, from the gleam in some of their eyes, they were ready to take the child's life when it was helpless - like the disgusting lions they were. He would have to be on his guard even more so then he had been - watching over not only his mate but his lineage as well until the boy (or girl) came of age.

He looked around, snarling at everyone that came to close to his territory, eyes sparking with protective fury.


Blue. The water region was full of bloody-fucking blue. Blue status. Blue water. Blue dragon. Blue eyes. Blue hair. Blue houses. Blue windows. Blue skies (believe this or not the color of the sky did change from region to region). One could almost imagine the grass being DYED blue one day.

And one girl in paritular was all blued out. A cute sundress of blue and white. Beautiful blue eyes. silky blue hair. But blue sandals. An adorable blue hat.

She was three. Her name was Aqua Umi.

And she at current was flashing people. Well okay, actually she was dancing - but her small three-year old mind could not grasp what was wrong holding on her dress up allll the way so it was level to her neck, revealing cute blue diapers and tiny body and spinning around like a top on her front lawn - so much so her hat kept falling sideways.

[Rikugurl]

Orange eyes widened as matching wings glowed dim. The blow went through his chest, smashing and leaving a hole in his heart. He backed away slightly, his eyes still on his wife.
"Wha.... what?" He stuttered, not believing his ears. "Diliza... what are you saying!?" He started to shake and close his eyes.

"You know... you can't leave me! It's against the Balance! How could you fall in love with another man!?"
He cried desperately, not taking notice that the balcony door was open... for everyone to hear...


Down the hall, a dark room was only lit by the moon coming in... along with everything else.
That quickly changed when the windows were pushed together to close, clanging desperately as the boy leaned over, tears rolling down his face as he choked. His blue wings fell over his back as he dropped to his knees.

"Do you really think King Sorias loves his wife... or just staying with her because of the prince?"
He had heard that five years ago when he passed two maids in the garden... and that enraged him so.
His father DID love his mother.... so why was this happening...?
Why was she leaving someone who loved her...?
And... why did this have to happen when Lady Runa just came back to Norn from another world...?
"Mother..." He choked as he gripped his hair.


Volken shifted, feeling the tug of the Balance.
He frowned, looking at the trainees stopping and looking up at the balcony. A sigh admitted bit he growled, walking over to them. He looked up at the glow that came from the royal bedroom, hearing feeling the tug of the Balance being pushed off from there.
"Practice is ending early tonight... you should all head home now..."


In the streets, everyone stopped and looked up, seeing the main room in the castle flicker as the Balance pushed away from it. Those who were skeptical that the Balance was just a phrase... were thrown off from the feeling.
The Balance was real...

Firi stopped dead, bringing the last child back to their house.
She had become a day care worker. Singing... wasn't helping at home anymore. Sure her father was bringing in a lot of money from being a royal professor... but she didn't want to keep mooching off him. Her voice was beautiful... but it didn't give her the money that a purple wing singer would get.

Also, now that she was with children all day, she had to pull her wings in hiding. Too much energy in one spot was bad for the balance...
And what she really disliked about this job was... he hardly got to see Gin anymore...
However, the daycare was right next to someone's house who she grew quite friendly with.... well... when she was home that was.

Runa.
Since Firi giggled all the time, it was hard to tell if she giggled at the idea of the Atterian belief... or if she was just giggling in general.

She pushed the child inside and waved goodnight to his mother before walking towards the middle of the main street where everyone was gathering.
She quickly caught the sight of the other with long golden hair and rushed over, her fair red dress fluttering.
"Oh Runa! What's going on!?"


It had been... the worse two years of her life.
Ida had become a nervous wreck and it had only cleared off just a few months ago.
She had become pregnant easily the next time Hatori wished to mate her. The nine months passed, hardly leaving the house in her later month knowing that if someone saw her, they'd go after her. Two meals were better than one.
She gave birth alone like most Atterian women after seven months (for her true form was a wolf)... and to her horror... it was a stillbirth. A boy...

That night, he had become their dinner.

She grew more pale and a bit sickly... but she needed to keep up the Tellus name...
She was impregnated again and had to deal with the symptoms and other cons. She wouldn't show this weakness to Hatori... but when he left the house, she wouldn't take the pain so well.
Seven months later, she gave birth alone again... and... it was another stillbirth. This time, a girl.

Hatori had turned the house upside down that night.
The Tellus name was starting to hurt from this. How could a strong family not be able to have offspring?

She grew even more pale and her bones started to show.

A month later, she was slammed into rougher than usual... and a threat in her ear.
"Give me another dead child and you'll go along with it."
The scary part was... she didn't know if she was just angry... or serious. Atterians were loyal to their mate... but something like this had never happened before...

So... here she was... another child ready to be birthed soon.
However, the past few months... she finally felt.... well. She wasn't so sick. Maybe... the child was healthy too?

She hummed as she rubbed her belly under her old skirt. She had gotten it from her first pregnancy.
A smile ran over her face as she felt a kick. It was definitely alive. Slowly she turned and started to cut up some meat that Hatori had brought home. The knife moved swiftly, up and down to make perfect cuts.

Suddenly, blood dripped onto the meat, the knife cutting down into her finger slightly.
That click...
A sudden splatter of liquid fell from her and all over the brick floor. She was standing in puddle.
Her eyes widened as she quickly turned, grabbing the closest towels and headed for the pantry.

She slammed the door and shook violently. Please.... please be alive...


A black being laid in the cool shadows of the forest. His body had gotten use to the damp and cool air... feeling so nice.
He drank clear, crystal water for the first time...
He could sleep without panting...
And the meals were endless.

Peasants who lived on the boarder of the woods had been disappearing throughout the years. Some people thought they had just got up and left to another region as some thought the forest was cursed. Some people claimed that yellow eyes would peer from the forest at night, but they were hushed, saying that Regole, the region's dragon would protect them from such a beast.
Livestock also went missing...

Pfft.
HAHAHA, as if!

Slowly the body moved and started to shift through the shadows.
Instead of a large panther with ram horns and a heavy tail, a skinny man broke to the cliffs and looked out over the ocean. It was a nice day... and people were busy. He could hear the sound of livestock close. He wondered what one he would eat toni---

He blinked as he heard a giggle, looking down as his eyes narrowed. With amazing sight, he could see the blued out girl. He licked his lips, seeing how... unattended she was...
Slowly he left his perch and headed back into the shadows where he changed again.

He, unlike most Atterians... was taking his time to create chaos. This was a huge world... and he needed to be careful not to get the Shee involved. Sure his father could take out eleven... but he was still young yet.
Slowly he descended and carefully hid in the shadows of the homes as he got closer to the dancing toddler.

[Reno]

Her wings spread, showing their beauty and pride. she looked at him evening, smiling sweetly. "Why Sorias - didn;t you know? I'm a black wing, I can do anything." She turned away from him then looking across her room for anything she wanted. "My very existence goes against the Balance - therefore if I am not part of the Balance, then I am not part of the community and not part of the rules."

She grinned. "Guess I'm good as a Renki, huh?" She turned back to face him. "Goodbye Sorias."


Gin looked back at Volkan's orders, and then slowly the army started to disappate and go their own ways. He grit his teeth and turned, rushing for the castle. His wings were too weak to flutter to the next level, so he had to run up all the steps. He tore open the glass tores and rushed down the hall. everyone else seemed frozen in time - maids and servants all pausing and turning their heads towards the bedrooms as if afraid to move, or even breathe.

Gin was not - because despite the heavy feeling on his shoulders and the weakness spreading to his toes, someone he knew and cared for was desperately hurting. He took a deep, uneven breath and hurried down the hall.

The closer he got to the king's chamber, the worse he felt. It was like everything was being undone in a matter of seconds - it had never, ever been this bad before. He paused in front of the prince's door, leaning against the door. He could hear even from here his best friend's cries. He reached for the doorknob and opened it, seeing a depressing sight indeed. "Jet..." He walked in, making sure to close to door to cut out the sounds of the brewing fight down the way.

The silverwing came to his friend's side, falling to his knees beside the other. "Jet..." He called again, placing his arm on the other's shoulders, like a true friend trying to offer comfort in any way he could.


Runa looked over as she heard her name called. she looked at the yellow-wing - knowing her easily. Getting close to Jet made her know the silverwing Gin. And with the knowledge of him obviously came the knowledge of Firi as well.

Firi was like her - trying to be someone that wasn't of her wing type. But unfortunetly for the yellow-wing she was not able to make a living out of her dream. In fact, her life seemed to of gotten more complicated. She could see the strain the normally cheerful yellow-wing was dealing with... and it just didn;t seem right.

Sometimes she hated the standards the Shee had built around each other - and how prejudiced everyone treated each other. Did it really create balance?

She frowned, looking towards the castle. "I'm not certain. I'm worried about Jet though I have a feeling somethings wrong with him..."


Hatori laid out on the hot brick, unaware of what was going on down below. He stared at the sky - by now he and Ida should of had two children. Instead they became dinner.

He was furious with her. He felt as if he had been deceieved - she was not as strong as he once believed. She could not even bear him a child.

The words he had whispered that night of rough sex - he meant them. What use was a female other than for children?

His nose twitched however as a rancid smell met his nose, one that condricted the sweet scent of meat, and made his stomach overturn. He sat up, growling softly, before slipping from his perch and into the open window, landing on his bed.

He wandered from the bedroom towards the kitchen - the smell even stronger then hear. He poked his head in, looking around. Where was Ida and why was his food not yet finished?

And was that blood?

He stepped forward towards the cutting board - only to step into something wet and lukewarm. He looked down, the smell meeting him and making him queasy. What the hell? He jumped back, foot prints of water substance following him. Ugh, disgusting.


"Woooo!" Aqua called, before falling on her bum, her hat slipping to the ground. she blinked dazedly, watching the world around her spin and twist and couldn't help but giggle.

She laid out on the grass, staring at the blue sky. She crossed her arms and pouted, unusally bored. She needed to think of a new game to play - but it was never any fun playing by herself. She wished she had some friends or some toys. She came from a poor family however, not much could be scraped up. Supper was becoming a rare sight even.

Speaking of supper she was hungry. Thats it! She'd go a-hunting!

Aqua sat up, her youthful eyes full of a kiddish determination. she stuck her hat atop her head and picked up a rock. "Oh A-hunting I will go! A-hunting I will go! I'll take a little kitty-cat and eat up all the fat!" She stood and walked her way around the front yard, crouching low and looking around carefully.

[Rikugurl]

Orange eyes flickered as he watched her, seeing the black wings spread. "Don't say that! You're no Renki!" He started to shake, his orange wings becoming duller.

He shook his head, his black hair trembling. Tears started to form under his eyes as he looked back up at her. "Diliza.... please... please don't leave me. I love you... I love you so much... I... I can't lose you..." The tears broke and ran down his face, the Balance becoming lost too.


Tears continued to fall down Jet's face as he cried, the cloak hiding his face as his body shook. He heard the door of his room open, surprised that the person didn't knock first.
He was glad though... because he would of turned them away, not matter how sick and hurt he felt.

When he heard his name from his best friend, he shook more. He didn't have to be so strong with Gin around...
He turned, clenching Gin's shirt and started to sob in his chest. His wings had lost all light as he shook.
"Why... why is this happening?"


Runa had asked Firi why she didn't continue to sing... and ask for more money.
Firi had just giggled and shook her head. "Do I look like a gold-wing to you?" She giggled again and smiled. She would do what she was was naturally good at... and keep her singing job... for her free time... which wasn't very much. Sure her life wasn't as carefree as before... but it was her duty to keep the Balance... well... balance like all the other Shee.

Sure there was prejudice... but it was a kind prejudice. Kind words were said... and encouragement was given... but some things stayed the way the ancients had deemed them to be.

She frowned, looking up at the castle. She knew Gin was in practice... like always. He hardly got any breaks either but like her papa said... absence makes the heart grow fonder.
She looked down at her younger friend and smiled softly. "Not something you wanted to come home to, huh?"
She looked back, worried about her papa and Gin.


Towels were thrown about uncaring. The smell of blood still filled this room from the last two failures. She could hardly stomach it... It was the best place to have the child though... for one it was quite and two... Hatori really couldn't rip off the door to push her about it. To hell if he every wanted to help... but that wasn't his job.
She was given the name Ida... which meant 'work'.
Her father had wanted her to be a typical Atterian woman... and do pretty much everything when she found a mate like a good woman would.

Shut up and do as your told.

She sat down, panting as she pulled up her skirt. She had done this twice before... so why was she so nervous.
The answer was... that she might die tonight.

She didn't know how long it would take for this one. She once spent two days in her as she went into labor but there was something very different about this time.
It was like the baby WANTED to come out.
Her fangs and claws grew as she winced, feeling the pain run though her. Her hands massaged her belly, panting softly. She blinked, hearing the commotion in the next room. Hatori was in the kitchen. Shit.... she hadn't finished his lunch...

"AAAahn....!" Her eyes clenched as pain ran up her.


A tongue ran over a wet close nose as the yellow eyes watched the girl. He continued to sneak around the back of houses to get closer. A grin ran over the large cat's face as he saw her go into a dark alley, singing as she crawled.

Perfect.

He quickly crept alongside the house, and into the alley with her. His tail wagged as he walked slowly, getting ready to pounce. Sure she was a small meal... but an easy one too.

[Reno]

Diliza looked at him, then looked away, blinking her eyes a few times. "I'm sorry Sorias. But I can't. I can;t stay somewhere I'm not happy."

She turned away and walked out onto the balcony. "Take care of Jet." She stepped up onto the railing, spread her wings and jumped off. With a mighty flap she took off for the sky.


Gin frowned at his friend - and hugged him close suddenly. "I don;t know Jet..." He whispered, not knowing what to say. There was nothing that could be said that would msake this situation look or even feel less grim.

This should never be a way a child should lose a parent - not by a break-up or an abandonment. How could anyone EVER do such a thing? And why... why did it have to happen to his friend? He... he just wanted Jet to be happy. this was far from happy.


Runa laughed but it held no humor. She shook her head. "The balance is so messed up right now..." She sighed. The kingdom was going to be in choas soon if someone didn;t do something soon.



Hatori's ears twitched, hearing the cry. He hurried towards the pantry door, then the smell of the long-ago dried blood met his nose and he froze.

The child. Their child was being born right now.

He stood there panicking, unsure of what to do. He hadnlt been home for either birthings. He turned and ran away.

....

For a moment the kitchen was quiet, full only of the noises of Ida's cries and yells. Then a head poked in, black hair shifting across red eyes, wide with curiousness and wonderment. Had he been several feet shorter he could have passed as a child.

He inched forward back into the room, before he drew close to the pantry once more. He got down on his haunches, turning his head this way and that as the noises continued to escape from his mate.

He stayed in that crouched position, waiting with nervous tension.


Aqua hummed happily, before something amazing caught her eyes. "Oh! Woly-poi!" She dropped her rock in her excitement, the soft thing clattering while she got down on her hands and knees. She reached a hand out, and the little insect she had found crawled onto her finger. She giggled. It was a roly-poly.

"I will name you..." She paused, tilting her head in great thought - having no idea what grave danger she was in.

[Rikugurl]

Sorias's eyes widened as she left. He chased after her... but it was too late. She had already jumped and flew away.
"DILIZAAAAAAA!" He called, his voice cracking after awhile. He fell to his knees, his hands wrapping around the railing of the balcony. His head hung low... making him miss what was happening outside.
Volken had spread his red wings and flew after Diliza.

Neither had been seen again...

Jet continued to shiver in his friend's arms. Sure his parent were fighting more often... but he would of never....


Ida continued to shake, her muscles convolution badly. Sweat started to run down her face as she continued stay calm. She had no idea that Hatori was outside, listening in.


The panther grew closer, saliva running down his chin. His tail wagged as he grew closer, seeing she had stopped and was just sitting there. His mouth opened wide, about to chomp down on her when... all of a sudden... a rock hit his nose.
His eyes crossed as he straightened up, looking down at his nose and twitching it.

"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
A boy cried from opening of the alley. His own yellow eyes glaring as his blue hair flapped in the breeze. More rocks were thrown and the Atterian growled, quickly getting out of there before more people showed up.

As he left, he heard the girl suddenly cry, getting hit by a rock too.



The next day... all of Norn was silent.
The forest had no song. The swamp had no song. The brooks did not bubble nor did the shores sound.
The markets streets had no crowd, no one picking up flowers.

The sideways cross of balance did not shine.

In a large room, the sun shined through. A prince was still in his bed... and it was reaching near noon. His body felt so weak as dried tear marks covered his face.
Slowly he shifted and bare feet touched the cold ground. A robe was pulled over him and he walked towards the door as he tied it up.

The door opened, the sound if it creaking made a horrid sound in the quiet and empty halls. he had never seen the halls empty before in his life. However, he had heard the morning cal for breakfast... bit he didn't tell her to come in. He slowly walked through the hallways, to his parent's room. He slowly opened in, looking inside.

Empty.

Only the white curtains blew from the window that lead out to the balcony. He closed the door and walked off, down the stairs to the throne room.

Empty.

Where was his mother and father?
He slowly turned, looking in so many other places... but they were no where.
He finally came to the garden, walking through it and suddenly stopped, seeing his father standing in front of his mother's wild Bethlehem flowers.

"Father...?"
"She's gone...."
Was his response. Jet looked away, his wings becoming has dull as the orange pair in front of him.


Down at the training field, the men looked around all over for Volken... but he seemed to be missing too. His home was searched.... but some of his more important things were gone... making it look like he just got up and left it all.


Firi placed a book back in it's place and sighed, looking back at her father who was hunched over his table, reading and gathering knowledge for a new day of lessons. He had been there... and heard everything from the fight... however, he told his daughter nothing.


In the small room, blood soaked the towels that had been laid down. A bloody rock not too far from it. It was quiet, the sun peering through the dirty window being the only light to brighten up the room.

The woman leaning up against the wall oddly had a smile onher face. A soft one... with loving eyes. In her arms, another towel was wrapped around an infant. A live baby boy. Her shirt was pulled down, a breast exposed as he nursed, his little hands wrapping around the soft tissue.

A gentle hand ran over his little head, feeling the soft brown hair. She had been too weak to get up and show the baby to her mate... no matter how excited she was. He'd know he was alive... from the smell... and the cried when he was born only a few hours ago.


A large tail thumped on the ground, a rumble on a lean stomach.
He needed some food. His eyes peered down at the back yard of where the little girl had played the day before... but she wasn't there today...

[Reno]

Gin looked around the field. Volken, as leader, had always been here promptly. He had never once missed a training session without sa good reason - and though the misbalance of the land was a good reason it was what they were PREPARING for. So this actually made it the most opportune time to train.

He looked around, seeing everyone spread out and looking - a choatic mess of wings and armor and shouts. He shook his head, before getting atop a bench. He stuck his fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly, the sound ringing. Once everyone turned towards him he nodded. "Line up everyone! Quickly, Quickly!" Without little to no protest, the soliders did as they were asked.

Gin nervously looked across the faces before he nodded and his silver wings shimmered existence. "I think it is safe to say our queen is not the only one to of abandonned us last evening!" He looked at the faces which quickly began to twist with worry. "However, though things look grim and our balance is lost we can not give in! Bad times like this will continue to happen all our life - and all we can do is hope for a brighter tommorrow!"

"Well we are in these of trials however we are all also at our most vunerable. We must not let this faze us - lest the kingdom be overrun! We are still the Balance Army and we will use all our power to protect this land - no matter what!"

It was his very first speech - and though he did not know it, his first act as leader.


Latium sighed, looking down at the words on the pages - but not really soaking them in. He loved learning, truly he did knowledge was so much rgeater than money (and with the king's resources his expansion of studies had truly maximized).

Yet today was not a good one. With Diliza now gone - and the word already spreading, everyone was feeling the after effects of their precarious balance. Even he. His mind felt like a muddle of mush - making no sense at all.

"I suppose-" He satarted and then stopped hearing a sharp whistle. He glanced at his daughter then back towards the open window. He stood, and tiptoed to the glass - just in time to hear Gin's rousing speech. He had found strength in his weakest time - and was encouraging all to find theirs as well. It made the yellow-wing smile.


Runa walked out from her house - dark and lonely because her mother, unaware, was off on another world. She wodnered if she felt the misbalance even from so far away - and if she did maybe she was unable to come back?

That worried her some. Until balance was restored... maybe no one was coming home.

The streets were almost entirely empty - when usually so full of life of young children trying to fly, and older kids sharing tips and stories, and women doing laundry and men making jokes.

But their was hardly a soul to see - and the pressurizing weight of the heavy air around her made her feel so... depressed.

She walked past the flower job - and paused in shock. she looked down at the wagon and crouched down. "Oh no little ones..." she murmured, her breath brushing softly across the petals of the Pheonix Stars, Blue Comets and Stardusts that usually had been chosen to show off the shop's best stock. All of their were dropping - some even withering, though their soil was damp and they had soil nutrients carefully pressed in.

"Stay strong. It might seem bad now but if you hold on I promise, you will all blossom beautifully." She murmured before standing and turning around. Right... things... always got better. Nothing stays bad forever.

She hurried suddenly down towards the castke, skipping around the fountain that had no water flowing and symbol dark.


Hatori laid on the ground, staring at the pantry door tiredly. It had been a long, long night. He did not know giving birth was such a long task - or painful one according to Ida;s screams.

But the minute he heard crying he grew excited once more, picking himself up, then pausing before his hand touched the doorknob. Maybe he'd give her time to clean it.

After twenty minutes he reached for the door again - maybe he should wait for her to feed it?

After another ten he reached for the door again. Maybe it was asleep?

After another hour of this senselessness inner war, Hatori decided it was time to see his child. He reached for the door, and opened it, spreading light into the dark room. Fresh blood was all over the floor and coddled against a wall was his mate... and some moving thing in her arms, drinking from her breast.

He inched forward on his hands and knees, his head tilting some. He leaned foreward, sniffing at the fuzz of brunette hair atop the head - and his nose twitched from the smell of blood.

"This is it?" He asked, poking the squirming boy. A baby looked so different when it was moving... "It's so... squishy. Is it supposed to be squishy?" He caught a hint of blue eyes. "Is it a female? Is that why it looks like you more than I?"


On the attic floor, a little girl was having a pretend tea party with pretend tea, pretend cups, pretend saucers, pretend guests, pretend chairs and a pretend table. She owned very little truly, which made her very unpopular she believed - though she was only three and shouldn;t even be able to understand this notion.

Her only trust friend was...

"Sai-Sai!" Aqua cried, hearing the man's angry voice. At first she thought the older was yelling at her bug and was ready to defend his (or her) honor - when a sharp noise from behind made her look around.
Her eyes went wide at the sight of the running creature.

The rest of the day was a blur - though she remembered Sai-Sai chastising her about being more careful and not wandering into dark places on her own.

Nw here she was more sadder than ever and she couldn;t even go outside! It wasn't fair!

[Rikugurl]

Jet looked down at his mother's flowers. She loved them so much... and no one knew why... but he did. Bethlehem flowers only bloomed for one day out of the whole year. They weren't like any other flower which bloomed all year round to give people what they want. Beauty. His mother wasn't like everyone else... she didn't want to give people what they wanted from her.

She wanted to be free to do what she wanted to, when she wanted to.

He looked at them, seeing them all closed up.
"It might seem bad now but if you hold on I promise, you will all blossom beautifully.
A whisper came from the wind and his eyes widened.
Runa...

He looked at his father, a soft smile rising. "Father... it will be ok..." He placed a hand on Sorias's shoulder. "I know you love her... but you have to realize your words. 'She's gone.' But... you know what isn't gone?"
Blue eyes slowly looked down at his son, as if to ask 'What?'
"Norn isn't gone. And last time I checked... we were the ones that need to take of it. We all need to be strong. Sure the balance will be off... but that only means that we need to be stronger to manage the weight. Things will be right again..."

Sorias blinked as he listened to his son, seeing his son's blue eyes sparkle with light.
He looked away, but his orange wings flapped, slowly glowing. Before he could say anything though, a cheer started up from somewhere in the castle. Both men blinked and looked to where it was coming from. Wings flapped and they were up, landing on one of the towers.

They looked down, seeing the army gather around one man. Jet blinked, but his smile grew wide.
Gin.

"YEA! WE CAN DO IT!" A soldier cheered, flapping his red wings. The rest started to cheer... and then a chant.
"GIN! GIN! GIN!"

Firi rushed to join her father and looked out, seeing the army below. Her own eyes widened, the brightness coming back into her eyes. Her yellow wings suddenly spread as she leaned out the window. "GIN! GIN!"


Blue eyes rose as the door slowly opened, seeing her mate walking in... on hands and knees. She didn't move, or say a thing. She rocked the baby in her arms as he continued to feed. When Hatori grew close, she blinked from all the childish questions.
She just shook her head, a smile on her face... but it wasn't kind.

"Of course this is it..." She said softly. Had he never seen a baby before? She pulled the blanket some, hearing her child complain as she shifted him and gently pushed his legs apart, revealing that it wasn't a girl at all. "A boy.... just for you. To carry out your name..." She wrapped the blanket around him and he easily went back to eating. She looked at Hatori and shook her head. "Maybe he looks more like me because I gave him life..." She sighed and looked down at him. "For once..."

A tired sigh admitted as she looked back up at her mate. "What will you name him?"


Feet creaked on the wooden steps and from the opening, blue hair popped up. The slightly older boy saw the little girl and smiled, slowly walking over to her and sat down. He sighed as he watched her and frowned. "No one believed me... you saw the big beast too right?"

[Reno]

Gin nearly panicked as he got cheered on, his cheeks flushing. He laughed, grinning. "That's the spirit!!!"

He heard a familar shout over the wind and glanced up over the heads of the soliders - catching sight of yellow wings. He smiled more. Firi...


Runa paused at the cawstle ground, feeling some lightness on her wings. she sighed a bit, glancing back towards the fountain. She could see the symbol slowly starting to brighten.

Maybe... Jet didn't need her.

She stood their, uncertain as the air around her warmed up, more friendly then it had been and getting better by the moment.

"Silly." She chastised under her breath, "He's a prince, what are you thinking? Don;t stand a chance... Stupid, Stupid!" She turned away, and later she'd blame the Balance for the tears in her eyes as she hurried away.


Hatori leaned back, mulling over her words. A name. Yes he needed a name! The red eyes disappeared behind lids as the black-haired male thought.

It had to be a name that represented much strength. Something that sounded good with Tellus... something that would carry him further than even he on Atteris.

Atteris mean land of shifting sands - but long ago it had meant land of murderers.

Atteris.... Teris? No too feminine. Ter....ra.

Terra. Land. Murderer. Ah, yes that was it.

"Terra Tellus." He announced, looking down at the boy. "That... is a perfect name for him." He poked the baby's temple. "You'll be greater than even I my boy."


"You're sitting on Mr. Froggy." Aqua said without even missing a ebat, lifting up a 'teapot' and pouring a 'cup' for Sai-Sai, holding it out to him. "Drink."

"And I saw Mr. Kitty." She giggled.



"Man there's quite a crowd out there." Gin mumbled as he walked into the room. He looked at his best friend and spoke the first words that came to mind. "...Are you alright?"

It was obvious though, especally to him, his friend was far from what was termed fine. King Soiras had passed away only a few short days ago right before his remarriage - leaving Jet, the next in line, the new king - and desperately in need of a queen.

He wasn't sure who decided what where and when, but suddenly Jet was to be married to the woman that had been chosen for his father to replace Diliza. The decision seemed to just smack Jet in the face and leave him breathless and unable to argue. A king needed a queen to rule.

Even though Balance had for the most part been restored, there were still delicacys in the process. Crime was up, crops were bad, things that had never caused problems before were suddenly breaking - like a 300 year old bookcase in Latium's office. It was a good thing the man hadn't been hurt.

And from what he heard from Firi it wasn't only Jet hurting. But he knew better than to say anything - if he did it would only make it harder for his friend to go through with what he needed to do.


'Did you hear? Prince Jet's going to be married in two moons. Then he and his bride will have a coronation!'
The news... had been devestating.

'Lady' Runa, as everyone was disgustingly calling her, sat down enxt to Firi, keeping her head low, offer soft hello's. She didn't want anyone to get a good look at her eyes which were puffy and red from tears, and had dark circiles from the lack of sleep.

She was a mess - and no one, especally not Jet, should see her like this. she had considered not going. but she was Jet's friend. She had to give her condolences! Even if they were lies.

She always knew... she stood no chance. But it just... it just hurt to have this day come up so fast.

Then again she was twenty. what did SHE know about love? Nothing. nothing at all. She was just some stupid speaker of some worlds with wild dreams that everyone laughed at and...

"God, I just wish this day would die." She hissed lowly, so only Firi could hear. Sicne the women worked in the daycare (and they met through knowing Jet and Gin) they had become fast friends. And... and Firi was the one she told all her secrets too. the ones she couldn't tell Jet that is.

The main one being her more than obvious love interest in Jet. It was thanks to firi that she was able to sort out her many feelings about him to figure out it even was like that she felt for the other man.


"Dadda!" The high voice of the baby called. Little hands curled into tufts of fur and tugged hard, little feet scrambling to get on top of the sun-bathing leopard.

Amazingly, Hatori neither snapped at the annoyance to get off or bit him just for trying - something disgustingly odd for a Tellus. Until one discovered exactly who it was climbing onto him. A little brunette with sharp blue eyes. His son Terra.

It was uncommon to see kids under three even outside of their homes. It was dangerous because any predators trying make a quick name would just snatch a child off the street - or evem snap its neck in front of the parents.

But not the Tellus family. Hatori may of looked like he was lazing around - but everyone who knew him and even a few only going by rumors knew that the other could spring up without any indication and kill you three times faster than anyone could kill his child.

"Use your thighs a little more." Hatori advised. The boy, not really understanding, tilted his head. "Legs. Push with your legs."

Terra blinked, then giggled and with a tug and a push he scrambled onto his dad's back. He laid his head atop of the other Atterian's blue eyes looked around.


Aqua picked up seashells as she walked down the beach. "This one looks like an ice cream cone!" she turned the swirly shell upside down, looking inside. "We can have little ice creams Sai-Sai!"

She looked up at him, grinning widely. She of course, couldn't qafford ice cream or anything, but it was nice to dream. Her body was small - a little too much so. She couldn;t count the times she had gone to bed, crying for supper when their was nothing to give.

[Rikugurl]

Firi caught Gin's glance and smiled, her heart pounding in her chest. She slowly reached out and waved. Things already started to feel like they should again.

Jet laughed as he saw everything. It seemed that Gin... had been dubbed the leader of the army already. He knew his best friend had it in him... and couldn't help but cheer for him as well. He blinked though, the wind blowing at his wings. He slowly looked back, seeing down at the fountain... where a girl was running away.
He frowned slightly and sighed.


Ida watched him as he thought, not minding the feeling of the boy nursing now.
Her blue eyes widened as she heard the name. It... sounded perfect. She smiled as she looked down at the boy. Tonight... they would all live...


The boy blinked and looked down, slowly getting up. "Oh... sorry Mr. Froggy..." He looked around and pouted. "Where can I sit?" After a place was pointed out, he took a seat and took the 'cup'. A 'sip' was taken as he frowned. "I hope he doesn't come back..."



Seasons passed and things grew older.
Flowers bloomed like they use to... but didn't last as long. The Balance was on a tight rope for the past two years. After the queen of this world left, the king grew very sick. His ambition died as his heart sick heart did. It was Jet who was taking care of most of his affairs now... and learned how to grow a royal backbone.

A year later, a brown-wing Shee was offered as the new queen by all the pink-wings. Many Shee didn't believe that Balance would return completely if there was no queen.
Sorias had to agree...

As for Jet, the young man was busy, but he continued with his goal. To make sure he helped someone everyday. He would visit the markets but always returned home in the evening for lessons... and then to tend to his father.

When Runa came back from a world... he would make sure her home was his first stop. He would bring flowers to her mother if she was home. Sometimes, they would meet in the Wood or in the meadows, just killing time. They would laugh and talk more about Runa's ideas... and what she had seen.... but he would always have to leave, worried of his father's health.

Until one night, his father was extremely sick... and the nurses gave grave news. He probably wouldn't make it through the night. They couldn't find a single thing wrong with the man... except his hurting heart.
He sat with his father all night, listening to the fire crackle from the near by fire place.
"Jet....?"
"Yes father?"
"You must marry someone that YOU love... and that YOU know who will bring balance to Norn. No one else, no matter what."
That was his father's last world before he left Norn as well.

The next morning, the king was announced dead...and that prince Jet would take his place on the throne. Some people were happy... yet skeptical. Jet was only 22... much too young to become a king. But that was the least of their worries. They still believe the boy needed a queen... and the wedding was still on.

The brown wing Shee, Brina, was much older than Jet. She was 36 and was the best tailor in all of Norn. She was kind and hard working, simple and kind. Jet had spoke to her many times... thinking that she would become his step-mother... not his wife.

The day before the wedding, he didn't leave his room. He stayed at the window, looking out at the waterfall that the palace was built around.
"You'll learn to love her, she's a very kind woman." A pink wing had said. Many of the Shee women were very kind... but he didn't love them... What could he do?

That night, he left his room and walked to the garden. He stopped in front of his mother's flowers and gently cut one off. He returned to his room, back at the balcony.
After he was dubbed King of Norn... he wouldn't be using this room anymore...
He looked at the moon, swirling the hidden flower in his fingers. "I should be happy..." He sighed and looked down, his eyes widening. The flower... was starting to bloom.

His tears dripped down into the beautiful flower as it came to full bloom and collected them at the bottom. From the shining of the moon, the tears glistened a light blue... a blue that reminded him of... her eyes.
"You must marry someone that YOU love... and that YOU know who will bring balance to Norn. No one else, no matter what."
He closed and crushed the flower, making all the petals fall from the base. "Runa..." He whispered as he opened his hand, the petals quickly picked up by the night breeze and flew over the palace gates.


Tears came down blue eyes and a sigh was admitted. She didn't know how anyone could marry in an arranged marriage. That was one of the reasons why she'd never want to be in a royal family. Her green eyes saddened as she watched tears come down her friend's face.

She shook her head and turned, leaning out of her window and clasping the shutters to close the window when she suddenly blinked. White pedals glided through the air... from a flower she didn't recognize. She blinked as she heard their song, the breeze that was blowing them along. Runa...
She smiled softly and closed the shutters. She looked back at Runa who was sitting on her bed and pulled a cloth over, dabbing the tears away. "It will be ok... I know it." She didn't know what... but she knew Runa HAD to go to the wedding tomorrow.


Blue eyes looked at his refection in the mirror and sighed. Slowly he brushed out his long brown hair, the length going almost down to the bottom of his knees. He wore a long, white robe with gold trim and a lavender cloak. On his fingers, red thread weaved around. A symbol of everlasting love.
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle,
but it will never break."

He looked up, seeing his dark brown hair walk over and nodded softly. "Yea... I'm fine." He said softly before looking back at his reflection. "It's about that time....huh?"


Runa hardly slept at all, no matter how much Firi tried to ease her. But she knew that if it was the same with Gin... she wouldn't be able to ease so well. She had gone to the castle before the other blonde, knowing she needed her space.
"But you better show up!" She had called when she rushed off, hearing the wedding bell already start to ring.

She gave her friend a soft smile and placed her hand on hers. her eyes saddened as she heard Runa's soft wish and was about to say something when the large doors of the ballroom opened.
Some aids walked down the stairs, followed by... Jet and Gin. Gin was dressed up nicely as well, seeing that he was the right man. If anything were to happen to Jet and his wife, Gin would become king.

The throne room was silent as Jet walked up to the white and pink wing who would hold the ceremony.
The wedding bells stopped ringing and the room was so silent, one could hear a sewing needle drop. Firi looked down at Runa, seeing that she still didn't look up. She sighed, looking back to see how handsome the prince looked in his royal wedding clothes. The poor guy...

The Shee sitting started to shift, looking around. Something was missing. A bride. She didn't run off too, did she?
A dark blue wing stood and looked around.
Jet saw the confused Shee and smiled. "Sit down, Gerrit..." Gerrit was Brina's cousin... so he knew he was a bit worried. "She won't be coming... she's working on shoes today."

Everyone's eyes widened as they stood, all wondering what was going on. Even Gin, Firi and Runa looked confused. Wings fluttered as they all chattered amongst themselves for a moment before Gerrit broke through from them all.
"But... who will you marry, your honest?"
Everyone quieted down as they looked at the prince.

Jet smiled and shook his head, his hand moving out as he pointed at a singe Shee that was mixed up in the mess.
"Her. Lady Runa."
The crowd gasped and stepped away from the fire winged Shee. She... seemed to be as surprised as they were.


Skillful hands moved, meat getting chopped in perfect slices. Watchful blue eyes looked out the window as her hands did all the work. She watched her son trying to climb up onto her mate's back. A soft laugh came from her... but she was still worried. Hatori had insisted that Terra would be alright outside... but she couldn't keep a protective eye off her son.

Ida was probably the most protective Atterian on Atteris. She didn't know if it was because Terra was the first child that came out alive... or if she was just so connected with him. She could never swipe out at Terra... like Hatori's mother was famous for. She couldn't bring herself to do anything harsh to the boy... not even to strengthen him up.

Hatori didn't know this though. When her mate was around, she kept her cold attitude towards her son, ignoring her when he needed her to do something and told him to do it for himself... or at least try.
When Hatori was out though... she would hug her baby boy and kiss him on the forehead. He would teach him the new and old alphabet while rubbing his hair. Terra was slowly starting to understand his mother... and when his father left he quickly ran to Ida for a hug, easily getting one.


The blue haired boy looked down, seeing the cone seashell and smiled, his yellow eyes becoming kind. "Can I have a vanilla one?" He asked as he tilted his head.

Sai was a different type of boy. He was what the world called a Berserker, a protector of the people. In ancient times, the Berserker of each region would help the dragons protect the people... and the tradition still went on today.
However, this noble stop didn't change the fact that he was a peasant like everyone in Dragoon.

When he was younger though, he became friends with the little girl, Aqua... and had been good friends ever since.

He looked up suddenly, seeing back storm clouds coming from the ocean. That was odd... it wasn't suppose to rain today....

Edit://
MY LOVE! LOOK!
fc02.deviantart.com/fs32/f/2008/217/a/7/Quick_Drawing___KH_BBS_by_semokan.jpg

[Reno]

Gin tilted his head some at the look in Jet's eyes but said nothing. He recognized the michervious gleam however. He wondered what the other could possibly be up to but didn't question it.
He himself was dressed nicely, in a mixture of blacks and silvers.

The silver-wing chuckled at the other's question. "Yep." He stepped aside, letting his friend step out first before he followed, wings fluttered on his back.

But nothing could have prepared him for what would happen in the next few minutes.


Runa frowned, keeping her head low as she heard the doors opening and some people making comments - knowing they were reaching that time. She shut her eyes, taking a deep breath, but she could not manage the courage to look up and see him, knowing it was not she he was walking to - but Brina.

But she was his friend - she had spent long hours taking walks with him in the Wood or spend their time by the edge of the waterfall, relaxing at the consistent noise. They would talk about anything and everything - unafraid to share their minds. She was always so happy to see him, and she knew everyday that her feelings were growing but despite her mind that told her to keep away, she just couldn't. He made her so happy...

"Lady Ru-"
"Runa just Runa!"
A grin. "Laaaad-" A hand slapped over his mouth and the two grinned at one another, laughing.

"Oh fine, give flowers to my mom." Runa teased as they left her house.
"Heh, I can give you something ten times better than a flower."
"Oh?"
"Yeah!" An arm was thrown over her should. "A hug."

"I brought you something Jet." She reached into her pocket before pulling out something round that looked like a pocket watch.
"What's that?" The prince looked at the spinning arrow. "A compass?"
"Yes. I got it from this new world I just visited. Her name was Pochahontas. She said this compass was given to her by a traveler much like me. She said it had always helped point her down the right path." She handed it to him, her smile a little sad. "And because I know it's going to be hard once you become king, I wanted to make sure... you never lost yours."
She turned away. "Now come on! Firi said she's love for our assisstence in the daycare." She had no idea that the arrow of the compass was pointing right at her.

Those days were over though. Now all she could do was watch as the man she... she loved was taken away from her and she could do nothing to stop it. She was only one woman - how could she fight the entire royal court?

But... wasn't it her mother who said: "Love's a battlefield sweetheart, but if you don't enter the war, you can neither win nor lose only cheer for who does.' Maybe... maybe she DID have to stop this wedding. Or at least... at least tell Jet before... before he-

"She won't be coming... she's working on shoes today."

Runa's head shot up suddenly, hearing those words, and her eyes widened at the whisper going across the crowds. Her eyes fell onto the prince, her heart thrumming in confused pleasure. He wasn't... going to marry Brina?
And wow... did he look stunning. Her cheeks reddened and she shook her head to dispel any hopeful thoughts. There had to be a good reason... maybe the brown-wing was just busy.
But who would miss their own wedding?

"But... who will you marry, your honest?"
Runa looked up, seeing the bluewing prince looking across the crowd, searching. Then his eyes fell onto her, and that stunning smile and he pointed... straight at her. "Her. Lady Runa."

Her name... never sounded lovelier than when it came from his lips. It sppeared, that this morning SHE had been the one to nearly miss her own wedding.

She opened and closed her mouth, trying hard to not stutter as she spoke the first think that came to her mind. "but... I'm in no shape for a wedding." It was true - she wasn't dressed nearly as nice as the others around her. She wasn't even in a dress! Just her old traveler's clothes which were a little ripped and stained from her many adventures through foriegn woods and up mountaintops.

Gin grinned suddenly, glancing at Jet. He couldn't of been happier for his friend - he was not only finally taking control of his life, but wasn't letting anyone stop him from being happy. The former king would be so proud... to see how strong his son had become.


Terra himself thought her parents were wierd. He didn;t understand why they did the things they did - but he was slowly discovering how to get the reactions he wanted when the timing was right.

He did know that whenever his father wasn't around he could get almost anything from his mom - a hug, a kiss, a story, a lesson. All he had to do was ask. He loved the paper things with pictures she brought him - telling him when he went to school that he;d have to read all sorts of them. He didn't even understand the alphabet fully yet - but he did love the pictures. He also knew never to tell daddy about the 'books' either because mommy said so.

When dad was around, he knew to never ask for anything he did when he wasn't there - and his mommy was kinda scary than anyways. On days like that though he was either left to his own devices or his dad took him out for his lesson.

He had lots of mixed feelings about his dad to. He knew more things of what he wasn't allowed to do when his dad was there. Don't: cry, scream, complain, whine, go against what he was told, tell him anything about mommy's secrets, get scared, asl for comfort. He was sure that list was going to grow.
Yet sometimes his dad was 'nice'. Usually when he was in one of his lazy days he could have a little more freedom to get close.

He didn't think their was anything unnatural about how his parents could turn into animals though and yet he couldn;t. He knew it was natural.

Terra reached out grabbing onto his dad's rounded ears. He pulled them back, folding them over. Hatori's eyes opened at the ticklish feeling and he shook his head, the ears bouncing back into place. He heard his son giggling and rolled his eyes.


"Uh huh!" Aqua said with a big smile. She leaned down, filling the cone up with the warm sand between their feet and then handed it to Sai. "Vanilla!" She walked down, towards the water with another swirly seashell, and filled it with wet sand.

She held it up like a trophy, grinning. "Cha-co-lot!" She giggled, but she knew better then to actually eat it. Mud did not taste lovely - whther in a pie or an ice cream.

She saw the darkening clouds as well though and she turned hurrying back to Sai's side, her legs now wet from the ocean tide. "Think they'll be big booms? Will Re-Re be alright?" She asked as she looked out across the ocean. She hated lightning because she was afraid it would hurt Regole.

[Rikugurl]

Everyone kept their eyes on the red wing, shocked about what was happening.
When Jet spoke again, everyone looked at him.
"No matter. You're always beautiful to me." His smile grew brighter as he looked over the crowd at the guards who stood at the main door. "Guards! Open the door! Let everyone in! This is a celebration for all to enjoy!"

Everyone's eyes widened as they looked at the doors. The guards blinked as they looked at each other and shrugged. They both took a handle and pulled the doors open, revealing the fountain that was down the stairs.
The sideways cross of balance was shinning the brightest it had ever shown in tow years.

The Shee that were busy in the streets stopped, feeling a tug at the Balance and looked up, seeing the doors open. Children giggled as they left their parents and ran up the steps and into the palace which they had never seen the insides of. The parents chased after them... and surprisingly enough... they were well welcomed.

Firi giggled as she pushed Runa towards the alter and bounced happily. "Go!"

When Runa came up, Jet reached out for her hand and took it softly, bringing her close. The red string wrapped around both their hands as he smiled down at her. "Runa..." His other hand reached out, running a hand from her cheek, over her ear and into her soft hair. "Will you be... my queen?"

Everyone watched the scene, their shock soon leaving replaced with happiness. The Balance was starting to come back...
Firi smiled happily and slowly looked at Gin. A sweet smiled ran over her face as she caught eyes with him.


A fire blazed under metal racks. Raw meat was turned to cook some. When it was good enough, claws dug into them and put them on metal plates. The plates were set onto the table and the pale figure moved to the doorway that led outside. She looked out, her long hair blowing in the dusty wind. "FOOD'S DONE!" She called out before slamming the door.

She had wished that Terra had a sibling who he could play with... but Hatori was much better with him than she had imagined. Then again... she wouldn't take the chances of getting pregnant again...

She licked some meat off her fingers when she stopped and looked up at the shelf. It was a place where Hatori kept all his prized possessions... and one thing up there she was allowed to touch.
Something called a camera. She loved taking pictures of Terra, laughing as he made funny faces. She even let him take silly pictures of her. She kept all the photos that came out under his mattress... so if he was ever sad or lonely when she couldn't come to aid... he could always take them out and look over them.

That was another one of their secrets.

There was still a space open though. Hatori had said it was for his music maker... because he was determined to get it back from his brother who had gone off all those years ago. His brother who didn't know he had a mate... or a nephew.


Sai smiled as he took the cone and looked at the sand seeping out from a crack. "Oh! It's leaking!" He laughed and plugged it with his hand. He pretended to lick it and watched the clouds as they rolled over the ocean. Something made him drop his 'ice cream' though.
The rumble of thunder... was purple.

His yellow eyes narrowed as he watched them grow closer. His fangs started to form along with his claws. "Let's get to the temple!" He cried as he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the temple by the ocean. It was the best made place in Dragoon... and could hold up storms better than most places.

[Reno]

Runa's mouth dropped open at his honest words, her cheeks red. "J-Jet..." she whispered, stunned. she could hear the doors cracking open - was this really happening? - could hear the children talking and chtterings - this wasn't possible was it? - could hear parents profusely apologzing - could it realyl be?

Then a nudge from Firi and her happy voice broke her from ehr trance and she realized that the Shee around her had all stepped away, making a path straight to the alter. Her legs shook so much she was surprised she didn't collapse.

She never took her eyes off of Jet however and the moment she was before him the blush on her cheeks had lessened some. She felt a hand curl around hers, feeling red string tickling the pads of her fingers. Another hand ran across her cheek and she shut her eyes, enjoying the feeling. A beautiful smile ran across her lips then and when she opened her eyes they were practically glowing with happiness. She couldn't stop her brillant wings when they burst from her shoulder blades, spreading proudly.

"I wouldn't have it any other way Jet." she spoke honestly.

Gin smiled when he caught Firi's, his ehart thrumming fondly. One day... he hoped it was them at the alter.


Hatori's ears perked at the call and stood up suddenly. His son gave a noise of surprise, grabbing onto fistfuls of fur as the large leopard walked towards the door that was now shut. Rather than turning back into his human form to open it however he merely stood there. "Open it."

Terra blinked, then looked up at the doorknob which wasn't too high to an adult - but to him was like miles and miles of height. Not to mention how heavy the door was compared to him. "How?"

"Figure it out." Hatori growled. Everything was a lesson.

Terra frowned some as he did indeed think. He knew he had to come up with a plan of action soon - or else his dad might tell him he couldn't have supper. And if he failed that would be even worse! He would get punished and he hated getting punished.

Hatori stood their quietly, waiting for at least a minute. This was something his own father had done to him at this age - and he had not figured it out either. "Terra come on." He growled impatiently, smelling the warm meat in the air. It was going to get cold if the other didn't-

He froze in surprise as he felt the other shifting on his back, before a foot came down atop his head, another one on his snout. He growled a bit at the heavy weight.

Terra shook with fear as he climbed all over his dad, his limbs and movements graceless - but he was just lucky enough not to of fallen. He remembered seeing a picture from one of his mommys books of a lady dressed in odd shimmering clothing climbing zand riding atop a lion in much the same way,

He reached out, fingers brushing the knob. He lsot his balance. With a cry he tipped forward fingers desperately grabbing the knob. It twisted in his hands and his weight slammed against the metal door. It creaked open just a crack.

Hatori blinked in surprise, then smirked, pressing his whole body against the door and with a harsh jerk it flew open. Terra gave a cry of suprise as the door slammed against the wall. The leopard walked in, ignoring the fact his son was still dangling from the knob.

"W-Wait how do I get down?!" Terra whimpered, his figners slipping. He looked down, whimpering at the floor that was too far down.

The father growled in annoyance. "Figure it out!!"


Aqua shuddered in fear at the big noise, her own cone slipping from her trembling fingers. She felt Sai grabbing onto her, and her legs moved mechnically after him, even though the elder had much longer limbs and it was hard to keep up.

She slipped across the sand, yelping, but the other didn;t miss a beat and scopped her up, carrying her the rest of the way. It was a good thing she was still only a child.

[Rikugurl]

The white and pink wing looked at each other, but nodded. The wedding had to continue. The people who had come him, found a spot to watch. The throne room quickly became full of people, not just the 30 who were invited.

Everyone watched as the two were wed, blessed by the gods and goddesses and their hands wrapped up in the red string.

Jet looked down at Runa, his blue eyes and smile couldn't of been any happier. Slowly he leaned down, his lips brushing against Runa's. He had never kissed anyone before... and kissing her was surreal... but their lips met... and the Shee cheered.
"Long live King Jet and Queen Runa!"


Ida blinked as she heard the door slam open and spun around, seeing the leopard come in... and her son dangling off the knob. She bit her lip, trying to pull away the laugh from the look on Terra's face. She carefully walked around Hatori who was fascinated by the meal. Ida reached up, pulling down some pillows of them to sit on.

A pillow 'accidently' fell on the floor and the woman looked down, her foot clasping onto it... and pushing it so it was under Terra's feet. She took the other two pillows and winked at her son before walking to the table and placing one down for Hatori and one for herself.


Sai carried his friend up the stairs and placed her down as he pulled onto the big doors. When they budged a bit, he pushed Aqua aside. "Stay in here. I need to make sure everyone is ok in town. I'll be right back!" He closed the door and looked out at the ocean. It was dark and raging.
Something bad was going to happen... and he knew it the moment he saw yellow eyes peer from the ground around. Millions of them...

[Reno]

The string was never untied, the blessing were given in whole-heartness, smiles were shared, and Runa could barely conprehend it all, her mind too buzz with happiness.

But she had to say her favorite part was when they kissed. not only did the cries overwelm her - was that her mother she heard yelling 'Way to go'? - it was the kiss itself that she savored. It was her first as well and it was perfect. She swore she was sailing through the sky, the clouds, the stars...

And then the ceremony was over. they were married - and the shee were cheering, the sign of balance never having glowed so brillantly.


Terra whimpered in terror, hating the idea of being so high and knew the only way of getting down was jumping. that could hurt - no it would definitely hurt. But suddenly a pillow was under him. He glanced up and grnned at his mom's wink.

He fell to the pillow, legs collasping under him as he jolted,but for the most part the fall was painless. He shoved the pillow aside and grunted, slowly shutting the very heavy door, having to push extra hard once it met the threshold. the click satisfied him and he grabbed the pillow walking into their kitchen where both his parents were already eating. He sat in front of his plate, sitting down and silently went to eating.


"Sai-Sai!!!" Aqua cried in panic as her Beserker friend left her, here alone in the temple. Tears welled in her eyes but she told herself to be struck. She whimpered, curling up and did only what she could think of. She waited. For Sai. for her ma. Her pa.

She had no idea she would be waiting a long, long time for people who could never ever return.



Years would pass for all worlds and life moved on - deaths happened, life was birthed, things changed and stayed the same.

For Norn, the Shee experienced the greatest glory days in their recorded history. The balance symbol mounted on the foundtain had never glowed more bright. At night it even rivaled the moon's glorious color. It was the most romantic spot now and was sseeing many marriage proposals along with blushing, horomonal teenagers on dates.

Flowers of all kinds - even the rarest and hardest to grow, were blooming and blossoming without trouble. The trees bore some of their tastiest fruit. The water of their streams had never made people feel more at ease and never looked so clear, the bottom of the riverbed so clear.

It all started with a marriage - and unlike the time before when Sorias had chosen his own wife, the one Jet picked did not cause disorder and arguements and horrible outcomes like Diliza had.

Lady Runa - Queen Runa - was something else entirely. Many had been skeptical at first, lots remembering her radical ideas at her honoring - but those thoughts quickly faded as she proved herself easily adept at doing her new job. She hardly needed lessons. Having known Jet for so long she knew almost all the ways the castle worked and how she was meant to act.

The first great joy of the nation was merely weeks later, when a brown-wing built up a new building. When inquired about it he merely responded it was something called a 'cafe'. When inquired about it, the man had told them his wife (an orange-wing) had told him of this quaint cute atmosphere that sold something called 'coffee'. Some green wings jumped in when they heard it was made from coffee beans, and quickly went around escavating for them.

The cafe grew in popularity - suspiciously among teenagers the most - and it was elarned that coffee was one of the best things to drink in the morning for a quick boost. Of course it wasn't all they sold but it was their main drink of purchase.

Two monthes after that something else new was introduced readily. An animal this time. There were small and rodent like - but kids had fallen in love with them (though the mothers couldn't help but jump on tables when the sneaky things escaped their cages). They caused hardly any damage so they were a welcome new addition to the balance of the world.
The introducer, a gold-wing trying to make a quick buck, informed them they were called hamsters. He made a killing in sales.

The third surprise happened on maybe only two weeks later. A town meeting was called - and the best news anyone could ever hear was announced. Queen Runa did it herself, her smile wide and proud as she annouced she was pregant. With twins.
The cheers were mighty - twins were the best of luck! They symbolized an amazing sense of balance within a woman. Any other doubts they had of the red-winged Shee vanished that day. Jet, of course, had never been prouder.

Things calmed then - but only for the nine monthes that had to be waited out until the twins were born. Yet, trajedy struck the queen when she was deeply engroved into her second trimester.
'M-Ma'am?" The nervous voice of a messenger called as she walked into the nursery.
"Yes Latta?"
"I'm a-afraid I have some terrible news."
Runa became attentive, standing a hand on her growing belly. "What is it?"
Latta shifted uneasily, before whispering. "You're mother... She... she passed away."
Runa's eyes sharpened. "How?"
Latta quickly spilled the details, speaking of the mining world and the accident that occured in one of the mines - rocks fell. Her mother had not been strong enough to survive. Too old, magic too weak... She was gone.
Runa did not cry. She turned towards the window. "I see... Thank you. You may go." Rapid footsteps echoed as Latta rushed away.
The glowing of the balance symbol had dimmed a little - and Jet was not two minutes later, at her side, worried and concerned and Runa was a little angry he had rushed out in the middle of a meeting with the Dark Blue Wings who were offering new laws - but the angry quickly faded, allowing him to comfort her.
It was obvious that Runa was acting strong through the death. She was ignoring the pain she was feeling - not wanting it to complicate the twins inside her belly. so she went through the funeral mechnically and concentrated on nothing else but her children. She did not cry.

Four and a half months later, after the slight morning sickness, the mood swings, the unsatiable appities, it all ended. The children were birthed.
Runa remembered the day clearly. She remembered being in the middle of a pep-talk to some young purple wings with low self-esteem when it happened. She felt a sharp pain... and then their was water at her feet. The purple wings panicked and cried for helps. the guards were their instantly - and though runa was a ltitle baffled, becoming stricken with pain as she fell to her knees, the guards were not.
She was rushed off quickly to the medical room, and King Jet was called instantly. The brown-haired Shee was not hesitant about entering the room to watch the birth while the nurses and doctor helped couch her through it.
She remembered him being by her side, telling her over and over he was there and he loved her and to hold on. It helped her calm some, regulating her breathing as best as possible. The time in labor felt like forever - it was clearly a few hours. Then it happened.
She had finally been ordered to push. And their first child was born, one with a happy crying and honest blue eyes and wings.
Minutes later, she gave birth to the second one - he had a loud voice, fire red wings and blue eyes like his twin.
She tried to relax, but her heart was still thrumming and she kenw somethign was wrong. As Jet's hand slipped from hers his eyes darting to their boys, she panicked - knowing it was not over. She grabbed his hand. She barely heard the cry of his name before she called back, telling him the problem.
'Another one!' She had called, seeing his baffled expression - and those of the nurses and the doctor and Jet himself. She snappishly repeated her words and this time they understood, the doctor rushing back to her while the two nurses held the newborn boys.
Everyone watched with bated breath as she was coached through a third birth. Everyone in the room was amazed as Runa pushed out the last of the bunch. He had a quiet tone to his cries, and looked almost identical to his second-born brother. Yet, the most stunning thing was what was upon his back.
Black and white wings!
He was the only Shee so far in the past two generations to have such wings - Runa cried she was so happy!

The three boys, the only triplets ever in Shee history, were known at the Trinity. the first - with a head of wild brown spike, stunningly open eyes was named Soran, after his grandfather Sorias. His wings were the color of peace - but Jet and Runa both noticed the silver outlining the edges and a yellow swirl patterned into the middle of the wings. It symbolized the boy would have great strength and great joy.
Their second son was named Ventus, who had a swirl of blonde hair and eyes just as bright as Sora's - if not a little more guarded. He was named after his wings. They were like the color of fire itself. They were mostly the red of passion, but their were some shades of orange thrown in signifing change. Runa had said Ventus - meaning wind- because wind was both passionate and changing.
Their last... was named Roxas. This one was Jet's idea. He had taken their first born son's name and added in the x - the sideways cross of balance - and made a new name for him, one all his own. Roxas looked identical to Ventus, but was much less fussy and emotional than either of his other two brothers. His wings were black and white - the balance of the purest and the darkest of the heart. Perfect Balance.

Runa had surprised everyone when she turned down any wet nurses - and nursed all of them on her own. It was tough, and a lot of milk for three constantly hungry boys, but in the end she knew it was worth it. she lvoed them, so much she nearly outshone some mothers. Especally Diliza.
Yet, even after the birth of the Trinity, the symbol of balance over the fountain was still slightly duller.
That changed when the boys were about five monthes old and where starting to develop a love for sounds.
"Good night my darlings." Runa whispered as she saw all three to bed. "Dream sweet my treats."
Then suddenly she froze, her eyes wide with a sudden sadness at the words that were not her own, but her mother's. She turned from the room, flipping the switch and taking off to her own bedroom where Jet waited.
The minute she saw him, happy eyes meeting hers, sweet words being asked that she didn't comprehend, she threw herself into his arms and cried.
It was the first time she had allowed herself to. Miss her mom that is; and after the pain was expelled it left room for healing. Something that the queen desperately needed.
The glow of the symbol came back that night.

The next surprise life had in order for them did not happen for another year, after the Trinity was talking choppily and learning how to walk. This next occasion had been able to happen thanks to many urgings from Jet.
Gin had proposed to firi - in front of the old practice tree where they first met. He was shy and nervous and stuttering as he did - but at her acceptance, his love for her only grew.
The wedding was quickly planned and played out - and they two had never looked happier.

It was the last great occurence since then - though for Jet and Runa, every day was great as they watched their boys starting to learn how to be kids.


Blue eyes stared back at blue eyes, a toothbrush moving mechnically. White and black wings were folded delicately together behind him. Around his neck was a beautiful neklace made of the best metal in norn - the X-mark telling all.

He kept grimancing at the nasty minty flavor - knowing it was Ventus' toothpaste but not having any of his own because he kept forgetting to ask for more.
Okay no, secretly he just didn't want to brush his teeth. But he knew better than to go out with bad breath when his parents were around - his mother always caught him when he didn;t brush.

In the other room he could hear shoots and whoops of two boys enjoying their morning. They were all morning people. Roxas spit, cleaning his brush and set it away before stepping into the next room. A fond smile touched his child-klike lips, seeing Soran and Ventus in the middle of a pillow fight. Okay actually Soran was just getting pummeled by his brother.
"No fair, No fair!" The blue-winged Shee yelped. Around his neck was a crown necklace.

Roxas hummed, walking forward quietly, before grabbing the pillow of his own bed and chucked it, catching Ventus in the back of his head. "Surprise attack!" The five year old crowed. He always stuck up for the losing team - which was more often Soran than Ventus.

"My hero!" Soran cried.



Water splashed onto hot rock as a water-bottle was overturned, mercilessly drenching the boy. He glanced at the empty water-bottle before sticking it in his bag and took off across the roof. It was the only way to erase his scent and to get to his secret spot.

The brunette did his best not to look down as he hopped roof to roof, nervous of the height. A fear that had been with him since he was a child really.

He jumped across the last roof, before slowly stepping up to a broken window. his eyes darted around to see if anyone was watching before he ducked into the hole and fell the short distance it was to a shelf below. He climbed down them like they were a ladder, landing on the dusty ground.

He looked around every corner, down everys row of shelfs, into every office. "All's clear!" He finally announced to no one but himself, and he snatched up a half-burned through candle, easily lighting in with a burst of black flame.


Twenty minutes later found the avid Atterian, only ten, sitting in the middle of the psychology section, a book in his lap. "Aritomphobia? Fear of NUMBERS? God thats pathetic." The boy rolled his eyes. "Altophobia... fear of heights. Hmmm..." He nodded, writing it down in his testbook for further study.

He flipped some pages, mechnically going through the A's than the B's. But a C made him freeze. "Claustophobia. Fear of small or confined spaces." The boy shuddered his eyes darkening, and slowly he wrote that down as well. He continued on, passing letters D to L without any uncertain pauses, and laughing at quite a few. Especally 'Fear of long words'. That had to be the longest word to describe a fear of long words that he ever did see!

But on the M's he paused, eyes troubled as he came across an unfamilar word. "Malaxophobia... fear of... l... l-lo....lov...love?" His eyebrows knitting together, before he grabbed a dictionary he had thought brought along, and opened it, flipping for the L's.

His finger trailed down the page with quiet, graceful precision before stopping on the word. "Love. A strong affection for or devotion towards a person or persons." He bit his lip. "Huh?" He ran over the next few definitions slowly. "A sexual attraction to.... an endearing title to a beloved... to get pleasure in.... A score of zero in tennis?" He started quietly at the last one.

He didn't understand. He turned, looking at his textbook before writing under a line that said 'Things to be further studied' he added L-O-V-E to the phobias he had written. Then he was back to work, abnormally quiet as he finished off the book.

Sfter that the nine year old brunette packed up, placed the books back where they belonged, blew out the candle, doused himself in more water, climbed out the window and headed for home.