Of Fairytales

[Reno]

Terra's noise twitched, catching the other's scent. It was... perplexing. He had the power level of an Atterian but his very scent was something foriegn.

He looked away, growling softly. "Whatever kid." He said turning away. He turned his back on the blonde - showing just how little he thought of the other's power. Of course, maybe in his own state of distress he probably should be a little more careful about who he offended.

He walked down the alleyway standing straight and doing his best not to stumble. Biggest mistake an Atterian could make was to show another you were feeling weak.


Soran blinked as she grabbed a tray and automatically did the same - even though he wasn't really hungry. His brain was still whirring with excitement and his stomach still twisted with nerves from the previous encounter. He slid down the line not really picked up any of the food, instead he was listening with rapt attention to Selphie as she spilled out Riku's whole life story.

His exhilaration only grew more. He wanted to see other worlds? Just like him! Except, for Riku, being only human... probably wouldn't be able to reach that dream using a raft. His heart hammered loudly and suddenly just like that he had decided. He was going to get to know the mysterious silverette.

But once again he was brought out of his musings as another man, carrying a ball of some type, walked over. He had off carrot-colored hair held up by a bandanna and by the look on his face Soran could already tell he was a friendly person.

The boy, named Wakka, only smirked at Selphie;s antics shaking his head and gave ora. "Don't worry 'bout her, she always gets ahead of herself." He laughed, his voice rich with a surfer's accent. "So bro, what is your name?"

"Ah, S-" Soran paused suddenly. Did... he really want to be known as Soran here? Each time he heard that name he was reminded of being a prince, of dity, and of how irresponsible he had become. but here... he wanted to be... just like all the other kids. Normal and friendly and liked and respected not for what social class he was in, but for just who he was.

He smiled then, his grin brillant. "The name's Sora!"
"Cha?" Wakka laughed suddenly.
"Huh?" The brunette asked, baffled. "What's so funny?"
"Well, now we have a Riku, a Kairi and a Sora." 'Sora's' confused look didn't disappear. "Land, ocean and sky."
The brunette blinked, then grinned and laughed as well, blushing embaressedly. "Oh!" But he kinda... liekd having a name that corresponded to Riku's.


Roxas sighed cotnently, certain he was probably the ONLY Shee around to have ever walked upon this world and find beauty in it. What they saw was death, what he saw was the brillance of light shown in the darkness. He blinked though, hearing something like a splash, and suddenly their was a screech as a HAND erupted from the lava.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Roxas screamed, flailing his arms and wheeling backwards as far away as he could go. Ho-ly SHIT!

His wings straightened defensively behind him, unsure of what was about to come out of the lava - a devil?! - and was shocked when... it was just another imp. He sighed, relaxing some and watching the creature curiously.

Whoever this imp was, he looked painfully thin, so much it almost hurt to look at him. Didn't he EAT?! Bits of lava flew everywhere, hissing as it touched the ground - and the imp's movements revealed the brightest shock of red hair Roxas had ever seen. Unlike the other creatures before hand, for some reason Roxas couldn't tear his eyes AWAY from this one. He took in every detail thatw as so unlike all the others: the slinky tail, the little wings, the small pointed horns, the pale skin and smooth features, the long arms and lean legs. He was so different... so unique, and Roxas didn't understand why it was suddenly so hard to take a breath or why his heart was thrumming so fast he could ehar it in his ears.

Oh ho, and this imp wore clothes, Roxas noted with a smile. However, the imp... just started to walk away as if he wasn;t even there. And for some reason, Roxas didnt want him to go. "Hey wait!" He called, jumping to his feet and walking after the imp, wings fluttering. And from his call the imp turned - and Roxas froze, blue eyes widening as they met the most perfect emerald green. Oh... wow.

He stared stupidly at the other for a few moments. Taking in the pointed ears and sharp face and purple tattoos and... smooth lips...
W-What?

He must of taken to long because the imp started to turn away again, looking agitated. Roxas spluttered a bit, his shyness returning at the worst possible moment and his face flushed so much he felt dizzy. But at least he drew the other's attention again. "U-Uh H-Hi... I-I'm uh... uhh" What the hell was his name?! "I'm R-Roxas." Smooth, real smooth.

[Rikugurl]

Ventus kept his smug and arrogated look on his face until the brunette turned... and started to... walk away? He blinked, his face becoming soft again as he just watched. He didn't want to.... fight? Or... jump him.... or anything!? Not even a rock was thrown!? He frowned though as he noticed the small limp. This guy was hurt...

He looked around, making sure no one else was around before he slowly started to follow the brunette. He walked out of the alley and stayed close to the shadows, trying to make himself blend in some. He should of known better... this guy could probably smell him. They were half animals right?

They walked down another alley, seeing the guy become less and less able to walk. He frowned as he thought. He needed to do something...
His blue eyes sparked as the wheels turned and he rushed forward, suddenly taking the guy's arm and wrapping it around his shoulder for some support... even if he was much shorter. "Fine my ass!" He looked up at the other and growled.

He would have to work on his growl.

"I've been watching you from my house... and I want to fight you.... but I can't if you're not in good shape. I want a real match! So... let me help you."
Was that a good idea....?


Selphie giggled as she handed some gil to the girl who was working to pay for both her and SORA's meal.
Slowly all three walked to the closest table and sat down. "Yea! That really is something! Maybe you'll become good friends with them." She took a big chunk of her sandwich and smiled. "OH!" She cried, still some food in her mouth.

She turned, looking through her bag and pulled out a rather big book. Not thick, just big. She placed it next Sora's tray and smiled.
It read:
Destiny Year Book Vol. 103
She swallowed and smiled. "There! You can see the pictures of everyone in school! You can borrow it for now... just make sure to give it back before school ends so I can have people sign it!"


The black wings stretched out as the tall man started to walk off but suddenly stopped as the blonde behind him called. He looked back slightly, his red hair shifting. Exotic shaped eyes looked pass the hair, the green of them shining above purple 'tears'. He caught the blue... but they were just STARING AT HIM.

Another one huh...?

"Tch..." He frowned and turned away, walking off again when he heard some more babble behind him. "Yea, yea.... Prince Roxas of Norn... I know.... blah, blah.... big deal." He looked back and tapped his head. "I got it memorized..." He turned away and continued to walk off, shoving his hands in his pocket as his small wings folded.

[Reno]

Even if he COULDN;T smell he could certainly hear the other walking along the gravelly sand and his clothes brushing the walls of the building. The brunette wolf rolled his eyes uncertain of WHY the other was following him. All he knew was he certainly was not up for another fight.

He shut his eyes, taking in deep slow breathes, trying to ward off the sudden heavy feeling sweeping over him. He wandered down another alley, his legs shaking more and more. He mentally started to curse that damn kid and his fucking brother and the fucking fact that medication did not EXIST-

just when he thought he was going to collaspe however, the blonde was at his side. Terra bristled and bared his teeth threateningly, but was shocked when the other didn;t make a move to attack him but rather wrap his arm around his shoulders. Terra had to stoop a little seeing as the Atterian was so damn short.

He blinked, and nearly laughed at the other's growl. The fuck was THAT? It sounded like a pathetic whine instead of growl. "Is that so?" He mumbled, nose twitching as he caught the other;s strange scent again. And soemthing else - the scent of someone... interested. "Well you'll have to be stealther than that if you ever hope to take me down."

He looked away though. "I don't need help." He repeated, but made no move to pull away. He was obviously lying.


Sora looked around the small cafeteria as he was led to a table sitting down and poking at the small container of yellow things in a basket he had picked up. They were call 'fries'. He lifted one and nibbled on it (mm it was pretty good!), glancing around seeing tables with kids all around chatting happily like they;d been doing it for years.

His attention was drawn away once again as a book was laid out before him and he looked down at it. Year...book? What was that?

"Selph slow down. You're gonna overload the little man." Wakka said, biting into his hamburger.

Sora laughed. "I don;t mind, this tours been... exiciting!" He opened up the book suddenly and blinked. It was full of pictures of all sorts of kids - young and old. Everyone from school he was sure! What an ingenious little idea! He'd have to mention this one back home. He saw at the edges were the children's names, some with last names, some without.

He knew the purpose of a last name was to group relatives together, show that they were 'part of the same family' and it was something many humans took great pride in. He never really saw the purpose of it though, seeing as no Shee had last names. Everyone knew or could guess who belonged to who.

He did understand though that it was important to many kids. And he also grasped that the oneds without last names were the ones without families. It was... saddening really.

He continued to flip through some pages before he froze on a familar face, those eyes catching his again. But... he seemed so sad. He glanced to the edge of the book:
Riku Mizushima

Was it because he was 'outcasted' just for being a little luckier than the rest that... he couldn't really smile?


...Huh?

Roxas blinked, hating the way the imp just blew him off like he was something lower than dirt. Good going Roxas, he already hates you. His wings trembled with agitation. Sure he was used to going upon blue worlds and everyone knowing him and quite frankly he HATED it. He hated being treated different than everyone else just because he was the prince. And hated it even more when they gave him 'extra' special treatment because he was the next in line to be king.

He... he never wanted to be.

"N-No!" Roxas suddenly spoke up hurrying after. He hopped around the imp, stopping in front of him. "I'm not - well yes I am the prince but-but-" God what was wrong with his talking today?

He frowned, his wings folding up behind him. "... What;s you name?" Gosh if he had any more charm elephants just might possibly find him interesting.

[Rikugurl]

Ven continued to help the other stand and frowned, listening to him. His eyes darkened though as the Atterian looked away, frowning even more. "Come on, you fat liar." He walked towards the wall and pressed him up against it. Slowly he knelt down, letting the brunette sit behind some rusted barrels.

His blue eyes looked down at the other, seeing pain go through his face. "What is it that you need? And where can I find it?" He asked, a bit concerned but still held the defensive tone. He.... he was offering to HELP a Re-- an Atterian? He was starting to feel nuts himself...


Selphie giggled as she continued to eat her sandwich and glanced over Sora's shoulder to see what he was looking at. She blinked when he stopped on the page that held Riku's picture and frowned. "He always looks like that in his school picture. I think he only smiles with Kairi... and THAT's still rare." She took another bite and chewed before she opened her mouth again.

"I think you two should be friends." She smiled cheerfully. "You seem like the spunky type Sora! Maybe someone like you can kick him in the but about building that raft!" She giggled as she sipped down some of her juice. She really wondered if that raft idea would work... maybe all their parents were waiting for them beyond the horizon...


The redhead stopped as the black and white winged boy jumped in front of him. His narrow eyes widened a bit, his mouth opening in a bit of shock. It revealed his fangs and snake like tongue. However, this shocked face only turned into an unamused one in the matter of seconds. Suddenly, his hand came out and pressed on Roxas's face. He pushed him away, hearing the slight sizzle of their flesh meeting. Good thing Roxas had protected himself...

"What the hell do you care...?" He mumbled as he walked away, back down the path towards the main square. As he walked along the outreaches of the town, the houses just carved out of the black mountains with no real doors or glass to them, something heavy hit the side of his face, almost making him fall over.
He looked down, seeing it was a large chunk of coal.

His eyes narrowed more as he looked up, seeing a small crowd of imps looking at him.
Some girls looked wicked as they pulled their arms back, looking like they were ready to throw something. "The poor baby Axel~~ Did you lose part of your horns somewhere!?" They laughed and started to throw more coal at the thin imp.

He growled, trying to dodge the coal but it was pointless... they hit, and hard, leaving bruises and cut some of his skin. He flapped his smaller wings... and oddly enough, they got him off the ground. He flew away, up the mountain a ways and disappeared through a window.

[Reno]

Terra sighed shutting his eyes. "M'not fat." He grumbled offended. He let the other lead him around, not really having a choice in the matter.

He grit his teeth as he was placed against the wall and the elder slipped down weakly, his frame shaking from effort and pain. He sighed turning his head and placing it against the warm wall of the brick building, soothing away some of the chill.

At the others tone he looked at him from the corner of his eye. He was... honestly offering to help. "Water." He spoke his voice rasping a little. He shut his eyes. "It's in this building," He indicated the one he was leaning on. "Just sneak in and get some and don't get caught."


Sora sighed. "You know I think so too!" He looked at Selphie. "Would you mind uh... terribly if you could you know... introduce me to him?"

"Yo man," Wakka intervened, "You're asking for death if you want HER to introduce you to anyone."

Sora blinked. "Huh? Why?" He looked at Selphie and smiled. "You're so friendly I don't know why'd he'd say something so mean!"

"Hey!" Wakka cried. He wasn;t being mean - just honest!


Roxas blinked, but winced a little as the other suddenly shoved him away and even with the water he felt the immense heat coming off the others skin.

He frowned and he rubbed his face watching the other take off at a fast pace. "H-Hey..." He called but the other didn't stop. Roxas frowned, looking down. Why was he so mean?

Roxas bit his lip, undecided. Should he ever bother? The imp obviously wanted nothing to do with him... but their was something... something about him, a spark he could see, that Roxas just couldn't ignore. He had to get to know him.

He hurried forward, The red-head already well out of sight. "Hey wait!!"

He ran down the path, wing fluttered to give him extra speed - but stopped in shock as he came upon a horrible scene. The same lean red-head he had found at the lava pool had his wings curled in as coal was thrown at him - the other imps taunting and teasing him. Now he knew imps likes to trick one another... but there was nothing funny in this little joke.

Suddenly, shocking to even him, The red-head spread his wings and flew off, little bruises and cuts lining his fine skin. Roxas watched silently, then turned slowly, seeing the group of imps laughing and calling after him with jeering taunts. He understood then. Axel was like a black wing. An outcast.

The Shee grit his teeth, anger suddenly flowing up his arm and down to his fingertips. Electricity crackled and he threw his hand up and lightning flowed from his fingers, bolting across the ground right in front of the imps feet. Some of them squealed and jumped away - even though he was pretty sure they were all so over-heated even if they did get hit the Air Lance effect would happen and refract the electricity.

Roxas glared at them. "That wasn't funny." He snapped. "Next time you see him you'll do well to remember your manners!" The black-and white winged Shee turned away, spread his wings and flew off - in the same direction the other imp had gone.

When he came to the open window he perched on the sill locking inside seeing the red-head rubbing some of the new cuts. "So... your name is Axel then?"

[Rikugurl]

Ventus frowned as he heard the other's raspy voice. He slowly stood and looked through a dusty window. It was so bad that... well... he couldn't really SEE inside. "Alright... hold on!" He called as he rushed behind the building and frowned, looking around carefully. He slowly turned the corner and walked to a shut door. "Hmmm" His hand reached out and slowly turned the knob.

It opened... and creaked.
Just like back in the study back at home, he froze and slowly opened the door more before he could sneak in. Blue eyes looked around the dark home, seeing only shadows and light trying to peak in. A frown ran over his face as he walked slowly through the room, hearing something drip.

Water. He turned, seeing a rusty pile dripping some semi clear water into a bottle.
There were five bottles to the side that were pull and corked... but what really caught his eye... was a beast sleeping only a few feet away on a broken couch.
His breath caught, seeing the huge jaws. One bite and his head would be off!
He gulped, trying to push off the shivers. Alright... you can do this...

He slowly tiptoed over to the pipe, his eyes watching the beast intensely. It was like not trying to wake Latium... but... with enhance hearing... and hungry for blood.
His hand shook as he reached down blindly for a bottle... and would of got it fine... if it didn't fall over.

Glass hit glass and the sound rang out as some bottles rolled on the brick.
Red eyes opened, glowing fierce as they looked up, seeing the boy. "Who the hell!?"
Ventus's eyes widened, hearing a VOICE.... INSIDE his head. Suddenly the beast sprang forward... and smacked hard into a fist. Blue eyes darkened as the creature shook its head and growled, springing again bit another punch was shot out... and the Atterian fell to the ground... knocked out.

Ventus blinked, looking down at his fist. "Whoa...." Guess his training... really.... helped.
He leaned down and scrambled trying to get as many bottles of water as he could before the creature came back. He was able to carry four as he rushed from the house and out the door. He closed it behind him before looking around and rushing back to the alley.

His run slowed down to a walk as he came up to the brunette and leaned down. "Here..." He handed a bottle over to him, leaving the other three by his side.
Why... was he doing all this....? He could of been killed!


Selphie huffed at Wakka but smiled back at Sora with a nod. "Sure!.... but uh..." She scratched the side of her cheek before smiling uneasily. "Like I said... I don't really know him so well.... Maybe... I can introduce you to Kairi! And... and then she can introduce you to Riku!" She smiled and nodded. "Yea! I think it would be a little weird for me to introduce someone to someone I really don't know so well." She giggled and continued to eat.

She stopped and thought. "OH!" Again she cried with food still in her mouth. "I have a better idea!" She swallowed and turned to Sora once more. "You can come to MY class next period! Riku's in my next class so YOU can introduce yourself to him." She blinked and giggled at the face Sora made. "Oh... I suppose that won't do either! I can be shy too~"
There was a suddenly laugh and Selphie frowned. "Hey!" She bonked Wakka in the head with one of her books and pouted.


Black wings flapped a bit, feeling sore. It had been awhile since he flew quick like that. This was the third time this month they threw things at him...
He sighed, rubbing the cuts and looking down at the blood. "Damnit..."

He blinked though as he heard something on his window sill and growled, looking back. Imps really didn't go after another... seeing that they weren't NORMALLY a violent race... so who the hell....
His exotic eyes narrowed more as he saw the outlining of spiky hair. "You!?" He frowned and looked away, walking to a pot and reaching his hand in.

A scoop of lava came out, some dripping on the floor and sizzling as he rubbed it into his wounds. "Yea... the name's Axel... Axel, the imp with SMALLEST horns, wings and tail. Axel... the twenty year old VIRGIN imp. Tch... my brother already has three female and two male consorts... " He trailed off before looking back at Roxas. "What's it to you any way!?"

[Reno]

Terra blinked as the blond Atterian only nodded and turned and walked off. The wolf sat there wondering if the other was actually going to go do it. He'd never.... met one that willingly helped him. Well, except his mother but his mother was one of a kind.

Wasn't she?

He sighed shutting his eyes and waiting, listening quietly to the sounds around him, trying hard to pick out the noises around him. He heard the wind blowing and the sand being lifted only to fall back and patter onto the ground one more. He heard the calls of children enjoying themseleves in the nearby playground. Further off he heard a fight going on - some roars and snarls. And nearby he heard something heavy fall to the ground. He sighed shivering some. Footsteps made his eyes snap open and the hair on the back of his neck bristle. He slunk against the wall further and looked up, only to widened his eyes.

The blonde was indeed coming back - carrying not one but four bottles of water, all for him. He licked his dry lips gladly accepting the bottle held out to him. He ripped out the cork in the bottle with his teeth, turning his head and spitting it out. He drank the dirty water in the bottle ravenously like he hadn't had any in days, some of it slipping down the sides of his mouth and running down his neck, making him shiver.

When less than half was left he sighed in relief, grabbing his arms around the warm glass. "Thank you," He murmured, more by accident than by gratitude.


Sora pouted a bit, but at her next idea he tilted his head. But what if Kairi didn't want him to meet her boyfriend? Weren't girls... possessive and stuff?

He paled when she mentioned him meeting Riku on his own. He couldn't do that! What if... what if he sounded like an idiot? Or uh... what about what he was wearing?! He glanced down at the uniform that was obviously worn and properly hadn't been washed in awhile. He'd look like a fool-

Wakka snorted at Selphie's words. Her? Shy. Yeah maybe when the sun burnt out. He grimanced when he was hit. "Ouch! That hurt ya know!?"

Sora looked over at the two of them, smiling a bit. He felt a little out of place all of sudden, knowing he was 'new' and didn;t have any friends when Selphie and Wakka obviously had known each other for quite awhile.

"Maybe I should introduce myself." Sora murmured. Humans liked the direct approach... right? And he wasn't exactly the shy kid of Norn. Why should he be any different on Destiny? "Yeah you know what I will!" He nodded determinedly.

"That's the spirit" The orange-haired man said, balancing his blitzball on his finger and letting it spin. "Dunno why you wanna meet him so much though, he can be a real arrogant guy, ya know?"


Roxas only smiled slightly in response, sitting down on the sill legs dangling while his wings fluttered outside the window. However his smile quickly fell at the others harsh words on himself. And he had a brother... WITH FIVE LOVERS?! Jeez greedy, selfish bastard.

He looked up at the other when he asked the question tilting his head. He smiled tentatively. "Because... I want to get to know you." He got a strange look one that looked both mistrusting and angry. "I mean it."

He looked down. "You know... all the mean things you say about yourself... you're wrong you know? It's not the quantity of what you have, but rather the quality you hold upon it that makes it special."

[Rikugurl]

Ventus knelt down, watching the Atterian gulp down the water. he stuck out his tongue a bit... imagining that that water probably tasted terrible. How could someone drink dirty water!? He supposed.... it was better than nothing though. Where they water came from was an even bigger mystery.

His cloak fluttered in the winds, the sky becoming a darker shade. Blue eyes looked over blonde hair ... only to widen. Did he really.... say.... He looked down.... not sure what to say.
But the only thing that came out was... "You're welcome..." He looked back up at the brunette, seeing how shocked he looked. A small smile ran over his face as he slowly sat down in the sand. "S-so.... what's your name....?" He would of never in his LIFE thought that he would sit down and have a conversation with his race's biggest enemy...


Selphie smiled and nodded but frowned again as Wakka blew down the sails. "He--" Before she could finish, another bell rang. From outside, a bunch of noise came from disappointed children as they rushed back towards the school.

The girl stood, putting her books away as she picked up her empty tray and popping the last of her sandwich into her mouth. "Come on! Follow me!" She brought her trey up and dumped it out before putting it on a counter for the dishwashers to wash. She waved off her orange hair friend. "Bye Wakka! See you later!"

She smiled back at Sora and started walking down the hall. "Next class is math. I hope you're good at it because I'm awfully bad! You can help me with my homework!" She giggled as they walked down the hall, being bombarded with the other kids coming from recess.
They walked into a classroom that was empty... but a woman sat at the front desk.
"Hey Ms. Blevins!"
The woman with glasses looked up, her brown curly hair bouncing. "Hello Selphie." The girl turned and pushed Sora in front of her. "This is a new boy! His name is Sora!"

The woman pushed up her glasses and looked over Sora a bit before smiling. "Well, welcome to Destiny, Sora. I hope you do well in my class." She nodded and looked back at Selphie. "I suppose he can sit with you in the meantime." The girl nodded and smile, walking back through the rows of desk and chairs. She sat down at one in the middle, waiting for Sora to sit too.

Not much longer, more kids started to pour in, grabbing the seats they liked the most.
Selphie giggled and elbowed Sora as a familiar silverette walked in.
His hands were dug into his pockets, a book balanced against the side of his waist and his wrist.

He took the furthest seat to the left, right next to a window.
He was quite a bit a ways from Sora and Selphie. Two rows up and four desks down. The book was placed on the desk and a pen came from his pocket. Leaning back, the silverette slouched and pushed the pen in his mouth as he looked out the window.


Axel looked back, the answer a bit shocking... and unnerving. He frowned, his eyes a sharp color. They cleared though as he heard the last part. "I mean it."

He looked away, looking down as he listened to the other's words. When he was done... there was a pause and some silence... like Axel was thinking. But a hand rose... and made a motion of a duck quacking.
"You Shee are all the same." He said bitterly and stood, towering above Roxas before turning to face him, his features unpleasant.

"You come here and expect peace and harmony and all that bullshit." His arms jerked back as fist were made.
He had a lot of body language as he talked.
"You Shee want to change the way everyone lives. You know, if we wanted change, don't you think we could do it on our own? Sure, buddy buddy... trading... whatever. That's fine.... but you Shee have nerve to come to OUR world telling us how we should feel and act to create peace and all that shit. You don't see us going to YOUR world telling YOU that YOU should act like US! If we all act the same, then what will happen to individuality?"

He growled as he walked towards Roxas and grabbed his shoulder. "Not get outta here." He suddenly pushed the boy out of the window and turned away.

[Reno]

Terra of course was not expecting an answer. No but he and his mother knew those-
"You're welcome..."

It was a good thing he wasn't drinking or he might of choked. He looked at the blonde sharply - only receieveing a smile in return and a new question. "Uh..." He looked away, wondering how ANYONE could not know who he was. "For someone who wants a 'fight' with you certainly don't know a lot about me."

He wondered briefly it this boy was sneaking into his library and somehow wasn't leaving a scent. How else did he know 'help' and 'you're welcome'? "Terra. Terra Tellus." He finally said.


Sora jumped a little at the bell, looking around. for a moment he couldn't help but think of home and weddings and town meetings. But all Selphie did was announce it was time for class.

...Class?! Oh shoot he was getting himself into a mess of trouble. School was long and would take up practically all the time he could spend here! Maaaan why did he have to pick the world were he spent all his fun time learning?! Tch Roxas and Ventus better not be having more fun than him...

"Uh math?" Sora uttered intelligently, still carrying his little tray of fries and eating them happily. They were, after all, really good! He through the empty tray in a trashcan just by one of the classrooms before entering another with the bubbly brunette.

And then he met the teacher and he grinned back at her. "Ah thanks, I hope so too!" She was nothing like Latium, so much sweeter and less panicky, which sorta surprised him. He'd always kind of thought all professors were the same, then again he'd only ever had one.

He followed Selphie - jeez that was new - to his new seat, his stomach all twisty with excitement. He never sat in a real classroom before and, though he had been objected to it, he was pretty sure he was going to love school.

He looked around at the students that came pouring in, but a nidge from Selphie made him look back to the front - only to see him again. He bit his lip a little, his hands getting all shaky and clammy. what the heck was wrong with him?!

He got another nundge from Selphie and he glanced over seeing her pointed towards Riku and making wild gestures that practically spelled 'go meet him!' He glanced at Ms. Blevins who was just sitting there writing... something.

"Are... you sure it's okay?" He got a hiss back that sounded suspiciously like a 'Yes!' and then he slowly got up. Unfortunetly for Sora, he wasn't the most balanced person in the worlds and with a surprised cry, his foot got caught between the leg of his chair managed to topple out of his chair, overturning himself and his chair.

Plenty of kids stopped to look and nearly everyone burst into laughter at the poor new kid sprawled out on the floor. Sora groaned more in embaressment than pain and sat up shaking his head. He scratched the back of his spikes, laughing nervously. "Uh... whoops?"

God, way to make a first impression! Stupid feet!!


Roxas was silent as the other was, but out of all the things he expected, an outburst like Axel's as definietly not one of them. He couldnlt help but feel incredibly small as the other came up to him and practically shoved his tallness in his face! Damn did he HATE being short.

His wings trembled behind him as he was yelled out, some of the body language making him tense because he was almost certain he was going to be hit. And maybe the only reason he wasn't... was because he was a prince and a shee and they'd be after him like hell and he hated that for some reason - not that he wanted to be hit or anything.

He did flinched when the other grabbed him though and yelped in surprise when he was thrown out the window. His wings spread and he flapped them furiously to keep himself from becoming a smear on the rockwall.

Roxas sighed, unble to describe the feelings going through him and he looked up, before climbing back towards the window. this time he neither perched outside nor try to get inside. He just looked in where Axel was still standing, as if he knew he;d be back.

"You're a hypocrite." Roxas said slowly. "You call for individuality, yet you knock all my people together as if we aren't different too."

"And I wasn't telling you how to act..." The prince continued. "I was just trying to make you feel better."

What happened next was even more surprising. Roxas gave the red-head a smile. "See you tommorrow." He flapped his wings once to help him turn and took off. He knew he wasn't welcome right now - but... but he couldn't stop that little sliver of hope that maybe one day he would be. He wasn't going to give up that easily.

OOC: Darling I'm probably going to move it up next post. Is that okay?

[Rikugurl]

OOC: Fine by me love! <3333333

Ventus's eyes widened as he hear Terra. Damnit... I'm going to blow my cover!
His eyes looked down as he frowned. "I've been cooped up at home for way to long... my father things that private training will push me up to the top. I've only seen you through my window... and the way you carry yourself... I thought you'd be a good challenge." He nodded, his eyes sharp as he looked at the other.

He stopped, hearing the name. Terra Tellus... So Atterians had last names too. How odd... He'd need to do more research...
His cloaked flapped in the wind as he looked out at the desert... it was getting late...
He looked back down at Terra and smiled slightly. "I'm Ven. My surname name isn't any of your business... for now." He moved back a bit and shook his head. "See you around."

With that he suddenly shot out of the alley and around the corner. He rushed down the way and into the desert, but made sure Terra didn't see. He ran over a dune or two, panting as he finally stopped.
An orb shined brightly a second later, made by his own power. He looked back, seeing only the rooftops of the town and smiled. Looks like Terra... would be the one that HAD to have a heart somewhere...

Slowly he turned and walked through the portal.


Selphie grinned as she watched Sora start to get up... and never made it. A wince came from her as he twisted and fell onto the floor. "Sora!" She cried, seeing all the kids stop and look at him. There were snickers and giggled, seeing the new kid squirm around. Aquamarine eyes looked back, seeing the brunette kid sitting up. He frowned slightly, just looking over the boy who had caught his eyes before...

"Come on~~ Are you ok?" Selphie asked as she helped Sora up, her face sad. She blinked though as she heard a sudden beeping from his watch. Who programed their alarm clock in the middle of the day? "What's that alarm for?"


Once Axel pushed the other out, he could hear the flapping of wings. He frowned, growled even as he crossed his arms. He had a feeling that he prince wasn't done...

He was right.
His narrow eyes watched as Roxas came back to the window, seeing the odd color wings flap to keep him level. "Tch..." He only looked away as Roxas corrected him. It still went through one ear and out the other. He didn't need a SHEE to make him feel better...

His eyes widened though as ONE sentence hit him. "UT!" He raced to the window and leaned over the sill, watching the boy fly off. "YOU BETTER NOT COME BACK TOMORROW! HEY! HEY ARE YOU LISTENING!? DO YOU GOT THAT MEMORI----"
A piece a coal hit him suddenly and he stopped, looking down and seeing some imps throwing more at him. "Augh!"

He left the window, crossing his arms again. He should of just stayed in that pit for a little longer...

[Reno]

Terra chuckled softly at the other's words and quick departure, shaking his head. "Yes Ven, I'll definitely be seeing you."

He finished off the bottle of water before gathering the other three. Time to head back home.


Sora just continued to laugh, cheeks bright red. "I'm okay, I'm okay." He reassured - but a beeping drew him away. He looked down at his watch and cursed lightly under his breath. It had already been one hour?!

He looked up at Selphie. "Ummm... b-bathroom! You see I work like clockwork! Don't worry I'll be back!" He turned, feeling guilty at the lie and rushed out of the classroom.

He did stumble into the men's room, giving the room a once over and leaning down to look for feet in the stalls. Finding no one he let his wings spread and wrapped them around himself, transporting from the bathroom - only to end up in another. He glanced around, hearing Tidus whooping outside and loud noises like crashes coming from the room. He decided to leave it be as he carefully changed out of the uniform and back into his home clothes.

After that he made his own little orb and headed home.


Roxas barely heard the other's yells of protests - or if did he just seemed to ignore him. His wings fluttered however as his own watch gave confirmation to go back home. 60 minutes had passed already? He felt like he'd barely been here!!

He sighed, landing on the edge of the lava pit, wings fluttered. He was beginning to feel the true opf the air, and sweat was collecting over his body. Too. hot.
Quickly he made a pathway and jumped in.


~~~~

A week would pass and the boys finally figured out a system - mostly due to Sora needing to 'cooperate' with the school system. So Ven, who was amazingly good with electronics, rewried their watches so that they didn't all set it for the same time, but just let them know who was home.
When a 'U' showed up, it told them Ven was home. (well watches didn't have V's)
When a H showed up, Roxas was home. (nor did they have R's, so they improvised an X)
And when a '5' showed up, which it never did, Sora was back. (closetest they could get to an S).

Each night when they got home they would write in their notebooks or group up in one of their rooms to discuss any news. each of them had already chosen their targets. Terra. Axel. Riku.

And their parents were none the wiser - though they did notice their sons were less energentic than usual. Latium was also none the wiser because anything they had taken from his stores got replaced and the Trinity starting going to the marketplace more often to buy what they needed for their trips.


Sora yawned, rubbing his eyes as he walked onto campus. This was the last day of school as he understood. He had luckily come right at the end of the year, summer was about to begin. Which meant he was excused from finals and classes of all sorts and was told he;s be put in the roster for next year (of course he;d have to take evaluation tests and blah, blah but he;d pass for sure all their stuff was EASY).

But these 'late-night' trips were taking their toll on him. He was falling asleep in class and barely able to stay awake at home. Yesterday had been the worst - he had stayed here for seven hours. SEVEN. His brothers had been furious.

Well actually they had both been sprailed out on his bed asleep and he had joined them for a meager three-hour nap. By morning they were ready to give him hell. He couldn't say he didn't desereve it.

And he'd still had yet to meet Riku. No matter what he tried, each time he stumbled upon the silverette he acted like a fool. Like when he spilled hot all over the lunch floor because he noticed Riku sitting at one of the tables with Kairi. Or when he fell down the stairs trying to reach the silverette and he tripped over air. Or like the time he had been walking down the hall and had noticed the aquamarine-eyed teenager and was about to call out - only to smack his face into the open door of a locker.

The weekend was his only escape to have fun with the other kids (Wakka, Tidus, Selphie, even Kairi for a little while). Yet no riku - but he felt... like everytime they passed one another they had this... secret connection. And he just couldn't keep ignoring it.

This was his last chance! He had to meet Riku NOW or he;d NEVER find him. He didn't know where he lvied and searching door to door would be well, weird...

Sora took a deep breath walking towards the school, a determined look overcoming his face. First period would start soon.
Hello, I'm Sora. Sora recited.

"Hey Amit!" The brunette waved to the smart kid who was predicably lounging on the grass, reading through yet another book. Amit waved distractedly. Hello I'm Sora.

"Hi Edina." He said softly to the shy girl sitting on the stairs. She blushed and smiled nervously. Hello I'm Sora.

"Hey Selphie, Tidus, Wakka!" He called once he got through the doors, seeing the three crowded by their lockers, Tidus having been 'magically' cursed of his 'cold' weeks ago. He and the carrot-topped teen were roughhousing but they did send him a hello. Sora quickly waved off Selphie's desire to join his side. Hello I'm Sora.

"He's a man on a mission, ya know?" Wakka appeased the bubbly brunette.
"Tch, it's not like he's THAT speacial." Tidus said, no questions raised to ask who he meant. Hello I'm Sora.

And then their he was. Cleaning out his locker with little care. Silver hair shone in the artifical lighting, and green eyes were focused at the task on hand - but from the look on the teenager's face he was really quite bored. Hello I'm Sora.

Sora took a deep breath and approached the silverette, and drummed nervously on the locker beside Riku's, catching his attention quickly. The other looked at him, silver bangs falling over aquamarine eyes, making him look positively dashing. Heart melting Sora drew up his shoulders and blurted out:

"Fellow dime Dora!"

........ What?

The brunette panicked and waved a hand as his cheeks burst into color. "Die - I mean uh... uhhh.... me. Sora. You. Riku. uh... N-Nice to meet ya?"

Oh yeah. Sound like a fucking caveman, that'll get him to wanna talk to you. He chastised himself.


Meanwhile, while his oh so intelligent ELDER brother made a fool of himself, Roxas was huming nervously as he sidestepped a bushel of fire, snarled at any attempts to 'make a move' on him (god that was the third time in five minutes! He was not 'So utterly cute that he was delectable' as one imp put it damn it!).

His 'week' so far had been positively shitty. The reason he was showing up first at home could be answer with one word. Axel.

The red-head was truly insufferable and merciless. Everytime he finally found the red-head he was first utterly ignored then second yelled at for 'being a nosy fucking Shee' then third he was insulted because 'he out of all his kind was the shit of his species' or something along those lines.

He wasn't sure how much he could take. Two days ago had been absolute hell. He had found Axel on the pathway getting rocks thrown at by other imps. Roxas had stepped in telling them off - but instead of getting any sort of 'thanks' for it, Axel began telling him off saying he 'didn't need any help from no god damned stalker Shee'. When he tried to explain that their wasn't any shame in accepting help well... Axel went off an a tangent saying how he hadnlt needed help since he was a kid and he wasn't going to start accepting it from someone like him.

He didn't remember all the insults thrown, but he remembered they had hurt terribly because he remembered the tears that came from his eyes just as he turned and ran and he remembered coming home - barely gone 15 minutes - crying into his pillow. Sora and Ven were suddenly there, being triplets they always knew when one of them needed help, and after much comfort they told him not to go back.

But the next night he met his brothers out by the fountain and without a word left for Tarsa. He did not go and find Axel, and the red-head, predictably, didn't find him. He spent the day meeting other imps and exploring the land, even sought after Reno Axel's brother (who he had already unknowingly met) but nothing interesting him like the red-head had. And he knew, despite the verbal abuse, he was going to go find him again. One last time. If nothing came from it... well then maybe he would have to throw in the towel. This time at least... he had a gift.

And for once it didn't take him half an hour to find the red-head, which was good. The imp was standing by the lava pit where they had first met, thumbs hooked in his pants as if he was contemplating a swim.

"Axel!" The blonde called, running over. The red-head turned, looking surprised and was about to say something but Roxas raised a hand, effectively silencing him. "Wait, before you say anything just let me..." He sighed. "Let me say something."

He fingered the rim of the gift he was holding, finding it hard to meet the other's eyes. "I... didn't mean to come here and be a pest or anything. And the only reason I keep coming back is because I do want to get to know you" Even though you won't let me you selfish jackass! He wanted to scream, but knew it would help him none. "So, I brought this for you. And I hope you accept this gift with my sincerest apologizes."

Axel's eyes darted between him and the cup in his hand, raising an eyebrow before slowly taking it out of his hands.

"It's called coffee." Roxas explained. "Humans invented it and we were taught the technique by them. It uh tastes really good with sugar and cream so um I hope you don't mind. It's rather um bitter otherwise." He had actually boughten it according to HIS tastes.

[Rikugurl]

It had taken awhile to master the new watches.... they weren't exactly easy. However, they were done and tested... and did fairly well so far. He just hoped that no one would really notice it. Soran had said they there were watches on Destiny... and it was no problem on Tarsa... except that Roxas's had to been resistant to high temperature.
As for him, his cloak had to hid it... for there were no watches on Atteris.

The other major problem was sleep... and Ventus already knew that would be a big problem to begin with. Soran was being pretty stupid about it... but they quickly understood. While he and his twin were venturing around, Soran was attending school.... and if someone disappears from school in the middle of it, it would like like you're constantly ditching.
That was no good either.

Ventus even tried to stay longer too... trying to find that so called Oasis that ACTUALLY was on the map for Atteris. He did find it after six hours of flying around in the desert... and it was absolutely beautiful. It was so different compared to the rest of the world. Not so dead and rough.
Gin however could see how worn the boy was in practice... and asked if he'd been eating right or sleeping well. Ventus wasn't doing either. On Atteris, there was hardly anything to eat except... other Atterians or dead grass or other things that weren't of his taste... and well... it was hard living a double life!

He also studied Terra's limp and walking... seeing that he had no wounds that were apparent... and started to look up reasons why he would act so weak. He started with some books from Latium's study, looking up things that animals could do to do this kind of harm.
He happened to find something that seemed just right.
Venom.
It said that some lizards, snakes, spiders, scorpions, eels, fish, octopus and other animals have venom in it.

This worried Ventus.
He quickly ran to the medics, the green wings of the palace and asked what could treat venom stings. Without question, a woman handed him a bottle of something called Bodil. It was an ancient remedy founded from a world that cured all venom stings. Ventus said his thank yous and said he was doing a research project for it... and would bring back the bottle once he was done.

Now that he had found the oasis though, he could get back to his main goal. Terra. And how to help him.
Before Ventus headed out that night, he took a bottle that he had taken from Atteris and filled it up with the pure drinking water of the fountain. This water wasn't like the Fountains found around Norn since it didn't have the world's majick in it. Just clean, crystal clear, cold water. No majick but delicious nutrients that Terra had never tasted before.

He bid his brothers a good luck before he and Roxas drank down their cooling potion... and off they went into the portal.

Boots dug into the sand as blue eyes looked around. It was getting dark and candles flickered behind dirty windows. Slowly the boy walked down towards the town and into an alley. His cloak flapped in the wind, making quite a sound so he pulled it closer. He was getting a bit weary about the cloak... like what happens if it accidentally flew off.... or if he got into a fight and it was ripped off... the Atterians would automatically tell he was a Shee... and then who knew what would happen...

Silently jumping up on a roof, he walked and jumped from one to another until he saw a lighted crack in the boarded up building. He remembered seeing glimpse of Terra going into that crack. Hopefully... he was still alive.

Slowly he made his way over to the crack and looked down, seeing the familiar brunette on the couch... and his breath extremely labored. Shit... he should of worried about this BEFORE the oasis... but it was a good story to cover up the fresh water...
He slowly made his way down, using the shelves like a ladder. Terra seemed a bit startled at first... but seeing that he could hardly move... and recognized Ventus, he stayed where he was.

The boy walked up, pulling the bottle of water out along with two tablets. "I found these at the oasis..." He spoke softly, looking at them curiously like he had never seen them before. "An old man there said that these.... things.... could cure anything and were made by the oasis itself..." He walked closer and leaned down. "Open up."

Terra seemed a bit hesitant before opening his dry mouth. The tablets were plopped into his mouth, and carefully, he poured some water in there as well. He reached over, rubbing the brunette's throat softly to help the water and tablets wash down. He smiled slightly, giving the Atterian more water. "I'm shocked you're still alive. You MUST be strong..."


On Destiny, Selphie giggled as she watched her friends play fight. She blinked though as Sora walked in and waved. "Hey Sora!" She was about to rush over when she got a shake of a hand and the boy kept walking. She blinked and pouted, but smiled as she saw him walk in Riku's direction.

As for that, she found Sora a bit odder than most of the orphans on this world. He would disappear at the oddest times... usually when he had to go to the bathroom. She never saw him playing on the beach... or around town... and he NEVER got a room at the orphanage. When she asked him about it, he would just laugh nervously and come up with something bazaar or change the subject. Tidus brought up a point that maybe Sora HAD parents... but was just hiding it so that he wouldn't feel left out among all the others.

Selphie never thought Sora was lying though.
He didn't seem like one to lie.

She WAS curious on why he liked Riku so much.
A giggle was heard as she shook her head and pushed the boys out of her way. "Come on guys! Not in front of my locker!"

Down the hallway, another kid was at his locker. He threw some books in it and took a book out with a notepad. He shoved them in a yellow backpack. He was about to close is locker when all of a sudden...
"Fellow dime Dora!"
His eyes widened as he looked over his arm, seeing that brunette boy giving him the goofiest look.

He raised his eyebrow as the kid continued to... stumble over his words. Oh boy...
He closed his locker and gave Sora a slight smile. "You must be the new kid..." His voice was strong and fearless... with a gentle tough to it. He turned to Sora and held out his hand. "I'm sure your blabbering friend already told you my name... since you already know it... but I guess a real introduction is a lot better." He smiled a bit more. "I'm Riku. Riku Mizushima."


Stalker suck.
And being the puniest and the only VIRGIN imp on this world, having a stalker really sucked. Well... it was a stalker trying to make him FEEL better. How was he suppose to FEEL better if he still had his virginity, the smallest horns, the smallest wings and the smallest tail in ALL of his world? Blah, blah, blah... it's what's inside that blah, blah. Yea well... not on Tarsa. If you weren't invited to an orgy by the age of seventeen, good luck to you.

The thing that made it worse was that every imp was all over his brother... who was only two years older than him. How was THAT suppose to make him feel?
He could have five imps automatically at his feet the moment he snapped his fingers. Now THAT was something to feel good about.
Not having rocks thrown at you and being called a baby.

Why didn't his horns grow? Or his wings? Or his tail?
Maybe it really was unlucky to have a child from the same male twice. He didn't know anyone else who had a PURE blooded brother. Well... he wasn't going to think about it. He was here with a pure blood brother who took ALL the best impish features and attitude and left him with nil.
We was fine with that.

He was fine with the fact that he was the only imp on Tarsa who had to MASTURBATE.

Oh yea... no problem.

Sigh.

Narrow green eyes looked over the lava pit. His mind was thinking about other things to really know if he wanted to take a dip or not. His tall frame slouched as his thin tail wagged back and forth, his wings dull and drooping.
The one thing he was actually happy about was... that sex hadn't overturned his thinking. He wasn't a slave to it... or greed... or... or any of those things that all the other imps had fallen into from a young age.

No, he didn't have a corrupt mind and could actually use it... It was good for dealing with---
"Axel!"
Stalkers.

He looked back, a bit shocked to see the blonde rush over to him. It had been awhile... "Wha---" He stopped as the shorter raised his hand. He frowned as he listened... but his eyes widened as something was handed over to him. It was in a cup... and was a light brown liquid. He could see some steam coming from it, indicating that it was nice and hot. He looked back at Roxas and then back at the cup.

Well... seeing that Roxas was a prince of the Shee... it wasn't poisoned. That he could trust.
He slowly reached out, taking the cup. The heat bothered him not... obviously since he liked swimming in LAVA.
He slowly looked at it, smelling the steam. It was different... yet his mouth started to water. He gave one last glimpse to Roxas before bringing it up to his lips... and let it come in. It was indeed hot, burning his mouth but again, it didn't phase him.

His eyes lighted up as the taste hit his buds. It was... something he couldn't describe. Something.... well.... something heavenly! He pulled the cup away and looked at it again, licking his lips. He drank some more... and chugged it down before taking a big sigh, licking his lips again.
And the best part... the taste stayed in his mouth!

He looked down at Roxas, blinking a bit. His stalker... actually gave him... something.... so.... amazing? He wondered if this was better than sex... because he wanted more!
Slowly he handed the cup back... and for the first time... he smiled.
"T-thanks.... I uh.... I really like it..." He looked down and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess... I should apologize for some of the things I've said earlier on this week...if I knew....how." Apologizing wasn't something taught on Tarsa...

[Reno]

For Terra his week had been the worst he'd ever experienced since the time he had lost mom. Back then he had grown sick from grief, now he was just... sick. Heh, it was a good thing his father wasn't around. To Atterians being sick was a sign of weakness.

Even though Terra had read up on it and learned about the immune system and how poor it could be against germs and certain viruses. All Atterian children grew sick from drinking the filthy water because their young bodies weren't accustomed to it nor was it healthy. And, customarily, their parents beat the shit out of them as if that could get rid of it. Hatori was no different.

He remembered though when he was sick and his father wasn;t around, his mother would take him to bed and turn into her wolf form so he'd have something fluffy and warm to cuddle up too while he waited out the fever. He... really missed his mom.

He wasn't really sure why he was still alive. Probably just pure stubbornness. The poison was obviously not being nullified - of course he doubted his immune system was truely very strong. No Atterian's really was. Plenty of adults died on their trips to other worlds just because everything was so foriegn. That's probably what happened to his uncle. Everyone knew he was dead.

Terra, his form having been sprawling out on the couch since earlier yesterday, just laid there breahing as best he could. He knew if he didn't die from the venom he's die from dehydration. He could no longer get up to find water. He had been incredibly hungry a few days ago, but those hunger pains had gone away. He knew that was only because he hadn't in fact eatten in so long.

A noise drew his attention and he growled softly, the sound pathetic and he had to blink a few times to clear his blurring vision. At the sight of the blonde Atterian, who he had grown used to his infrequent visits, Terra calmed himself and just watched him. Maybe Ven HAD been watching him - most Atterians did not know where his den was.

He watched the other, his eyes only slightly interested - well he was dying what did he care anymore? However his track of mind got completely derailed when the other mentioned the oasis. What? No way that was just a legend!

He looked between the clear water and the round things in Ven;s hand suspiciously, hearing the other's order. Well hell... what did he have to lose?

He opened up, feeling the little round whatever they were (maybe this was medication?) was placed on his tongue and then the cool water was flushed into his mouth. His toes curled, both from the uncomfortable sensation of swallowing the pills - which he was ashamed to say he needed help to do - and the wonderfully refreshing taste of the water.

He smirked faintly at the others words as he took another gulp, and when the water pulled away he whispered, "Yeah well... I have a mission to complete and I can't do it dead." He sighed, looking at the water. "I can't believe... you found it."


Tidus squacked as Selphie pushed him and Wakka and the two, tangled together in their play fight, went tumbling all over the ground.

Wakka laughed good naturedly- pushing the blonde off of him and quickly got to his feet. "Sorry Selp, got carried away ya know?" He brushed himself off then glanced down the way and smirked seeing the brunette and silverette talking. "Finally man, he got some progress."

He did not understand why Sora was so interested either, though when Tidus brought up the idea that maybe Sora did indeed have parents it made a little more sense. If Sora was like Riku, then he didn't doubt a kid with such a honest nature about him would want to approach the silverette and let him know he wasn't alone anymore.

Tidus just scoffed and glared at nothing. His undying hate for Riku was only centered on one thing - and everyone knew it. Kairi. He had such a horrid crush on the girl it was pathetic and Wakka teased him often about it.

Selphie of course though it was hauntingly romantic being in love with a woman who only had eyes for another man. She constantly told the blonde tips on how to 'win the red-head over' and he stupidly had listened to some of them (come on what was a song outside her window going to do except make her think he was a freak?)

So now Kairi thought he was weird and was dating Riku and having no one else to blame for that except the silverette himself well... let's just say Sora's undying interest in the other teenager didn't fly well with him.

But Sora was just so freaken oblivious he couldn;t be all that mad either.

Sora meanwhile was still blushing, but at the other's voice - damn it could melt the north pole (poor Santa!) - he relaxed some. He didn't hesitate at the other's proffered hand, easily taking it and shaking. Customary greetings to other species was something his mother had knocked into his head time and time again. This was one of the simpler ones.

"And I'm Sora." He repeated with a bright smile, this time not stumbling once. And he was extremly proud of that. "Sorry I'm not uh... usually this awkward." Though from what Riku had seen of him, a few words was most likely not going to convince him.


Roxas stood quietly as the other took the first sip. He bit the inside of his cheek afraid, but when Axel's reaction wasn't just pleasant but absolutely ecstatic, the Shee couldn't help but smile.

And when he got a smile in return - his first since he met the red-head - he felt his heart flutter, his wings sparkle and his cheeks heat up a little; and he knew all his efforts had been worth it. It didn't matter what happened before or what will happen later because finally he had a smile to remember him by and that was enough.

Maybe that pink-winged Shee had been right...

Roxas sighed as he sat down by the fountain watching everyone walking by. He placed his elbows on his thighs and his ehad in his hands, a strange expression on his face as he thought of Tarsa and a devil of an imp waiting for him tonight. He wished, oh how he wished, the time would pass quicker.
"Hehe, Prince Roxas I can't believe it! You're in love."
Roxas blinked, broken from his trance and he looked up, seeing a slightly older female Shee he knew as Hana. She was a love conseler.
"What? I am not!"
"Ah, but the sparkle in your eyes and the glow of your wings say different." Hana said wisely, winking. "Whoever she is, she's real lucky! Don't let her get away now!"
"But!" He started but Hana was already gone. "but its not a she..."

Roxas was broken from his trance suddenly and he blinked curiously. Didn't know how to apologize? Well that was just sill- actually... maybe it was believable. He doubted the Atterians knew how either.

"Well that's easy." Roxas murmured, "All you have to do it say 'I'm sorry' and be sincere about it." He met the other's eyes hesitantly. "but... that's only if you actually feel bad for anything mean you have said to me," And for making me cry you son of a bitch! "and not just 'cause I apologized first."

[Rikugurl]

Ventus watched the Atterian closely, sighing as he saw the older still shaking. But for once... he didn't see that strong, held back looking Atterian that he had met awhile ago. He was... a lot more than that. His eyes grew darker as he thought but quickly went back to the light color as Terra started to talk. A mission...? Usually... that wasn't such a good thing. It had better not have anything to do with attacking Norn.

Then again... no Atterian would be stupid enough to do that.

He frowned at the thought... but at the next sentence, he looked up, his eyes shinning a bit. Quite honestly... he couldn't either.
He honestly didn't want to give out any details.... just yet. "Tch... You wouldn't make it. If a little sting like this hurt you so bad... forget about traveling so far." he said cruelly as he looked away.

He frowned, his heart starting to ache. But why...?
He swallowed, not listening to what Terra had to say back. His hair shifted over his eyes as he looked down, his face saddening. He... hated acting this way... especially to someone so sick. And... who probably never heard a nice word in his life...

Slowly he looked back at the shaking Atterian and leaned over once more, bringing the water back to his lips and helping him drink it.
His fingers continued to try and relax the tense muscles as the Atterian drank the fresh water.

His next action... was bold... and probably not well planned.

Slowly his hands went stray and ran up around the other's neck, his fingers running through the brown hair. He was expecting it to be rough, dry and course... but... it was soft... He blinked slowly, running his fingers through the brunette hair more, feeling how soft it was on his fingertips.

Some color came to his cheeks... his eyes softening. Why... why was his heart...
He looked back at Terra, a soft smile on his face. "Unless... you want me to show you."
He might as well blew his cover. Now Atterian was like this... right? And... what if the oasis didn't have such fresh water as this...? And... what would happen if Terra DIDN'T make it to the oasis. He couldn't fly like Ven could... or drink that special majick to keep him cool...

But his heart was telling him... he needed to show it to Terra....


Selphie giggled as she pulled her books from her locker and closed it. She blinked though, before she could even say anything. "H-hey!" She pointed over to where Riku and Sora was. "I don't think I've seen Riku smile that much!" It was true... Riku never smiled all too much... except for well... when he was with Kairi. Now if Sora could just make him laugh... she knew they'd be friends!

She looked over at Tidus, seeing that he wasn't looking no matter what. She poked him and giggled. "Hey... this IS the last day of school... maybe you can win Kairi over when Riku isn't around. I heard he was going to try and build that raft this summer... no matter how long it takes!"
She grinned as she looked over her shoulder, seeing the two boys talk more. "Aaaaaand, maybe Sora is a blessing in disguise for you! If we egg him on to help Riku build that raft... that he'd be even MORE distracted!"

Now it wasn't that Selphie didn't like Riku and Kairi together... she liked them both... but she had grown up with Tidus... and watched how much the blonde liked the redhead. And besides... she thought that even Kairi would be more happier with someone like Tidus.
Riku was a nice guy but... she needed someone with more of a... well... a lighter heart? Someone less deep. Or someone who didn't mope so much about having a parent.

She giggled as she ran off towards the boys direction.

Riku smiled as their hands clasped onto one another. His grip firmed as they shook, a bit harder than Sora's. He pulled away and was about to say something when Selphie came up to Sora's side. Oh now what did she want...?
His smile faded as he looked down into her green eyes. "What?"
Selphie grinned as she looked up at him and glanced at Sora. "You know Riku... I think Sora has just been acting so goofy lately around you because he's been wanting to ask you something."

Riku raised his silver colored eyebrow, not really understanding.

"Weeeeeeell...." She glanced at Sora once more, seeing how red his face got. "He wanted to ask you if he could help you build your raft this summer! You know four arms are better than two!"

Aquamarine eyes widened at what Selphie had to say. There was a gleam in them that no one had ever seen before. Slowly he looked back down at Sora, a hopeful smile running over his features. "You... you really wanna help...?"
He had to double check... because it wasn't the FIRST time that Selphie had put words in other kids mouths.


The green eyes finally met the blue. Roxas didn't seem to like his eyes for some reason. For ONCE, he had something attractive... and that was his exotic eyes... OH and his waist. Yea.
He looked down though and sighed, shaking his head and slouching even more. His wings gave a sigh too as his face saddened.

....anything mean you have said to me,

He knew what it was like to have mean things said to him. Of course he could deal with other races saying mean things to him..., he was an imp and such mean things were natural and they were brought up taking it, but not his own kind. And knowing a Shee... and a ROYAL Shee.... was not suppose to be brought up to take insults easy... he could tell that he really hurt him.

Imps didn't hurt people. Well... at least they don't MEAN to hurt people.

He slowly looked up, his face still sad as he met the blue eyes again. He glanced around, making sure no one was in sight before looking back at Roxas.
"I....I'm sorry." He said softly before straightening again. "Maybe... maybe we can become friends... if you give me some more of that.... 'coffee'." He grinned before turning. "But don't wait up. My 21st birthday is in two more days... and my brother is setting up a Danza. Maybe if I do well... I can attract someone and then... I won't need a stalker to come around and try to make me 'feel better'."

He walked over, waving the back of his hand. "Come and check it out huh?"

[Reno]

Terra was just starting to relax a little more when something the other said - in such a damn haughty tone, made him bristle all over again.

"Tch... You wouldn't make it. If a little sting like this hurt you so bad..."

He snarled weakly. "I'd like to see you take .12 milligrams of venom and still be standing." He snarled. He could tell however the other either wasn't interesting in his vast amount of knowledge (books didn't make brawn, which meant a story of a book was nothing like a recounting of a fierce battle won) or Ven wasn't listening.

He must be a cat of some kind - those animals hardly ever listened.

Terra's brows furrowed as Ven looked back at him, an expression across the others face that he recognized but could not name the emotion of. It had been a long time. "What?" He growled. He didn't get to demand any more before suddenly he was drinking again. Perfectly happy with that he swallowed slowly, savouring the sweetness of the water. God if he could have something like this every day... he'd give up his own tail!

The next thing that happened shocked even him. He trembled in a whole new way as fingers danced from his neck and into his hair. It wasn;t like when his father did it - which was rough and painful as he gripped the hair and pulled his son along. Nor was it like how his mother had done it - which was playful yet adoring with lots of laughter and care.

These movements were careful yet soothing full of hesitation and curiosity and had Terra been a cat and not a dog-breed he would have purred. As it was he merely let his eyes shut, enjoying the touch. At the others next statement his eyes opened again and he smiled - a real smile.

"Are you for real or am I just hallucinating like the book says?" Terra murmured, getting a confused look in return. He chuckled, wondering if he was indeed dying because their was NO way this kid was an Atterian. He was probably his guardian angel seeing him off to... well Atterians didn't go to heaven, they went to hell.

"Yeah, I'd like to see it. But you're so absent-minded I bet you already forgot where it is." He said smugly, not even letting the other answer his first question.


Wakka looked over at Selphie's words and then he shrugged. "Girls." He grumbled. Why did they notice stupid stuff like that? As if how many times a guy smiled REALLY mattered. Riku was just a man, and men knew that their smiles were only good for wooing the ladies. It was a secret weapon, ya know?

Tidus rolled his eyes, glaring at the floor rather then looking up. Pff, Riku was an ugly bastard with an ugly ass smile anyways and if Selphie thought for one moment he was going to look at this like a good thing -

His thought pattern quickly halted as his brunette friend hit a low blow. But it was a good one. Devious... but good. A familar grin grew on his face. "Yeah..." He could SO win Kairi over if Riku was out of the picture. All he needed was some roses, maybe some chocolate and OH, fancy dining. Girls just couldn't get enough of fancy dining.

"Oh here we go again." Wakka sighed, shaking his head. He had a feeling this summer was going to be a lot of late-night video gaming and pig-outs on potato chips to cure broken hearts again. Kairi just didn't know what she was missing. She had a GREAT guy pining over her and willing to wait on her hand and foot - yet she goes with the king of gloom man instead. Women! He just didn't get them!!

Sora wasn't the least surprised at the strength behind Riku's grip. The silverette struck him as the... exercise kinda guy. He would make a good soldier.

Sora on the other hand, while not weak - he was a SHEE for god's sake, need he say more? - he was not strong either. It had been learned at a young age that, just like everything else about them, the Trinity's had split their power. Ven was, of course, the offensive fighter with strong arms and killer moves with his spear-sword or whatever that thing was, that outshone almost everyone except Gin of course. Roxas was lean as a cat but one hell of a powerful mage, soaring past most Shee's capabilities with magic spells. And he? Well... he was defensive. While his magic was average and his fighting skills weren't up to par, he could make a shield that would take over 100 enraged Atterians to break.

He liked it as much as he hated it. While it was noble to be able to protect people - that's all he ever really wanted - it made him angry that he would never be able to join his brothers and dad on the frontlines if anything serious ever happened. Heh, he was such a wuss. And HE was the eldest?

However he was shocked out of his trance when suddenly his first friend of this world jumped to his side like the hyper rabbit she was. He looked over, dumbfounded. What was she up to?

"...wanted to ask you something."

He did? What? Wait what was Selphie doing!? Sora's cheeks instantly started to color - and it only got worse as she mentioned the raft. Ah! What if Riku didn't know she knew?! Or-or thought he was a stalker like Axel did with Roxas?! Or thought he and Selphie were a bunch of nosy, gossiping freaks who needed to get a life?!

Why?! Why did his life have to be ruined so quickly?!?

However, Riku did not get made. instead those wonderful eyes zeroed back in on him, a suspicious yet happy look in them and the smile full of so much hope spread across the other's face it almost hurt Sora to look at him. "You.... really wanna help...?" The words held so much care that it almost overladen the distrust the Shee could sense.

His heart thudded in his chest, realizing now more than ever Riku needed a real friend who would just GET him. One who would look at his ideas and give him the support he needed and not the slander of insanity everyone else seemed to say behind his back. And even more than that... he needed someone who was going to tell him that he wasn't so different that no one could ever like him.

Sora gave Riku a sincere smile back murmuring. "Yeah, I really do want to help. I think... your idea is really neat." He laughed embarrassed suddenly and poked on of his flabby arms, unconsciously comparing them to Riku's nice, muscled ones. "Of course, I'm a little on the puny side and then you'll start calling me a lazy bum when you figure out you have to do most of the work~" He grinned shyly.

Whether it was floating on a ocean sitting on hard wood tied inexpertly together with lengths of rope... or on the wings of a friend, Riku was going to see those other worlds. Sora would make sure of that.


Axel was right... and wrong. As a prince, yes he wasn't accustomed to insults. As a person though... oh Axel would be surprised just how rude some humans were. He'd been taunted and insulted lots of times from everything to his height to his hair. Their were also the black-winged Shee, who didn't know how to hold their tongues, along with some of the griffin folk who weren't particularly friendly, and don't even get him started on the Lost Boys from Neverland.

But this was the first time he ever felt the insults on such a... personal level. The level where it actually hurt. Axel was the first person who had ever made him cry through words alone.

"I....I'm sorry." Roxas looked up suddenly, his eyes wide and hopeful. They were making progress they were-

"Maybe... maybe we can become friends... if you give me some more of that.... 'coffee'." And it's gone. How could Axel find one of the seven virtues, in this case charity, and mix it with a sin like greed?

Roxas' wings fluttered a bit, trying to get over his initial disappointment but then Axel's next words... absolutely crushed him.

'Can attract someone.... don't need stalker to make me 'feel better'...

W-What?

He tensed some as a blurry hand waved in front of his face and he took an unsteady step back. "Y-Yeah... of course..." He whispered, barely being overheard by the popping noises the bursting lava bubbles were making in the pit. He quickly turned away, reaching into his pocket.
"M-Man it's getting hot." He said, his voice sounding a little choked, pulling out another blue vial, disregarding the fact he had taken one not ten minutes ago.
"G-Guess the last one wasn't so good." He drank it quickly and, acting as if it was an unpleasant reaction to an awful taste he gave a grimace and rubbed the tears out of his eyes.

What was wrong with him?!

If this was what love was... he wished he had never found it.