Pяσphεsΐεs Fυlfΐllεd: Aиgεl's Rεqυΐεm [Full]

[Taska Neko]

[K]aito [A]zule

Swallowed by darkness
Surrounded by light

Holding onto Shiki's sleeve did seem to quell some of the anxiety the little blue angel was having just from seeing the reactions of those around him. They didn't have much of a break after having just left Torica to find themselves in yet another dangerous situation. Why did everything seem to happen around him? Was this all his fault somehow? Kaito didn't understand, there is so much happiness in the world...but lately he hasn't had time to notice them. The more he looked the more evil seemed to consume everyone. Perhaps it really is his fault...perhaps everyone is always in danger because of him...

Kaito's thoughts were slowly moving in a bad direction, luckily however they were soon broken by Shiki's gentle voice and pats. Blinking Kaito tore himself from his thoughts letting them sink into the waters below as he focused himself. It wouldn't do much to think about such things now, at this moment they had to get moving. Though Kaito even began to wonder why they were running from the figure. After all it might not even want to fight them to begin with, perhaps it would even be a future friend. Then again, perhaps that was just his innocence speaking. Soon his thinking may change...soon he may even lose that innocence he still carries with him. Perhaps everyone has to lose it in the end...

Wherever Shiki had ambled about on the boat Kaito had followed being towed around by his sleeve like a small child. Kaito felt a strong bond between himself and the fox boy, it was a bond stronger then he had with anyone else which was why he choose Shiki to latch onto in such a time as this. Whenever he was around Shiki he just felt safe. After grabbing a few things in hand Shiki then led them both to the front of the boat. When Shiki spoke about wrapping his arms around Shiki's neck Kaito nodded softly. "Okay..." Kaito muttered gently only further proving it evident that Kaito was still a bit afraid. He trusted Shiki though, and since Shiki asked he followed through.

Releasing his grip on Shiki's sleeve Kaito moved his arms snaking them across Shiki's neck until he got a comfortable grip for them both and held on tight. "Shi-chan...I'm scared," Kaito whispered softly so that only he could hear him. He was supposed to be the Angel of Blue Tears after all, he really didn't want the others to know how truly frightened he was. It was such a big responsibility for him to carry on such tiny shoulders all by himself.

Once on shore Kaito easily released himself from Shiki's neck, though he didn't stray far from his self appointed caretaker. That is until something caught his eye in the distance ahead. Something that almost seemed like some sort of figure. To the others it probably would have been hard to spot had not one been looking at just the right angel and in the right direction. Curiosity now filled the little blue angel, it was a better feeling then him feeling anxious due to the others. Looking up he wanted to point it out to Shiki, but the other seemed preoccupied with everyone else at the moment.

Well...perhaps he should check it out first. The tree wasn't too far, and he would still be within sight if the others wanted to find him. Finding the courage within himself Kaito moved away from Shiki for the first time since the figure in the distance had been spotted. Once the others noticed his disappearance they would probably be scared out of their wits, but for now they didn't seem to even notice him slip off and head into the forest, and closer to that curious figure in the tree.

The thought hadn't even occurred to Kaito that perhaps this thing in the tree was a possible threat, then again Kaito was fairly clueless when it came to most things to begin with. When Kaito finally made it so that he was just below the tree, his head tilted up to get a better look at the person (Which was now clear it was after having gotten closer). "Hey mister...are you okay?" After getting no response Kaito fluffed out his wings and flapped using them to help him climb up the tree until he was just beside the person. His blue wings were fairly visible in the distance against the contrasting dark green of the vegetation. "Mister...are you dead?" Kaito now asked as he lifted his finger, lightly poking at the man's body.

Your salvation has long time past
Holding onto the curse thats your fate

[Taska Neko]

[Y]ami [K]uso

"Never say bite me to a Vampire,"

Why is it I have an itch
To want to be oh so rich

Yami...was one very unhappy vampire. It had been some time since he had last seen any sign of Kaosu, his hunger had become so great that he had to result to drinking blood from one of the humans in town. Sucked the poor beast dry and left the shriveled carcass in the alley. Just human blood wasn't enough to satisfy his insatiable appetite however, no he needed more and his hunger was growing by the day. Yami's patience was growing thin, Kaosu had best pray to his brothers and sisters for support should this scorned vampire ever meet his sorry a** in the future. Yami doesn't take well to people who don't pay him.

Not only that now he had been left with this worthless human women Kaosu had originally told him to find. Well he had her, but what use was she if Kaosu wasn't around to claim her? She held no more use for him and as such he had decided to just drop her off somewhere for someone else to deal with. He remember that he distinctly left her unconscious body next to the town's gate, but that was sometime ago. Whatever happened to her now Yami could care less. She wasn't his problem anymore.

The only problem Yami now faced was finding a new master. He should have known that a God's blood was much harder to get his hands on then he had thought earlier. Kaosu had proven that. The promise of the blood however had made his hunger crazy over the last few days. More and more humans were falling prey to him in the alleyways, and yet his hunger still lingered. He could eat and eat and still feel so parched. No human blood was useless. He needed to get out of this god forsaken town of Vordath and find a much more suitable being to feed from.

It was during one of these days that Yami found himself drawn out from the darkness unusually earlier then one might expect. He held his hood over his face, darkness shielding him from the bright light of the sun...though that soon changed. The air in the city darkened and grew grey and lifeless as if having the energy sucked right out of it. Everyone within sight had gone into a coughing frenzy, all the while Yami just stood there watching. The curse Kasei had placed on the town didn't effect him in the least, that was because Yami was already cursed to begin with. Cursed with the body of everlasting life and cursed with the fate of having to feed off others to survive. It is extremely difficult to curse someone who is already cursed to begin with.

And while Yami could grew to like the new changed Vordath was taking something else had caught his attention. A scent on the wind that seemed to draw his body forward, towards the city gates and the scent that called to him. Both his demon and vampiric blood called out to him to follow the scent, a rare occurrence in him for both sides are usually at war within himself. Whatever it was Yami couldn't resist, his palate watered and his teeth grew sharp and pointed readying themselves for a drink should he ever meet the source of the delectable scent.

Sticking to the shadows Yami escaped the decaying town, his sensitive nose leading him to the gates where he had originally left the human Kaosu had wanted but days ago. She was no longer around so she had probably taken off already, not surprising at all. Here now though was not one, but two dragons and a dark fire elf. Surprising...Yami could have sworn he had heard that they had all been eradicated years ago. Looks like one survived, interesting fact but nothing more. No it was the scent that came off of one of the dragon in particular that caught his attention. The darkness seeping out from her skin that only those with heighten senses of a vampire like him could detect. So delectably delicious...this being...it wasn't the source, but Yami knew that it could bring him to whoever it was. Yami decided he would follow this group from the shadows, tail it until it brought him to it's master. And then Yami would offer up his services in exchange for some of it's blood. Nothing could compare to God's blood, but perhaps he might have found something even more suitable. Licking his lips Yami's eyes flashed crimson under his hood for a moment before he set to work tailing the trio.

It’s been said the best things in life are free
For some strange reason I disagree

[Legato Delarose]

Kenshiki-??????????????????????

He is like a leaf passing by.....

Kenshiki stirred from his sleep groggy and slightly dazed. His view all hazy from sleep as opened his eyes blinking a few times for things to come into view. He looked at hazy figure groaning out a few words. "Huh....what....." As his vision cleared up he saw Kaito right next to him and felt himself being poked. "What the???" Kenshiki had become fully aware that someone was poking him and right next to him startling him. Unfortunately for Kenshiki he had forgotten were had fallen asleep. As he moved to his right he slept off the tree branch he was sleeping on. In that quick instance as he looked down to not see the ground beneath him he gave a sigh then yelped as he feel to the ground crashing into some branches head first as they battered his body on the way down. Finally after a minute of falling and being bashed up by branches he landed face first into the ground below his arms and legs spread out as he laid their twitching......

After a moment of just twitching he raised his head from the imprint he had made in the ground his mouth now filled with grass and dirt. As he started to spit it out on the ground he moved his hand to brush the dirt off his tongue coughing out more dirt and sticking his tongue out. He started move up right moving his back against the tree coughing a bit more. "Poor ol'Kenshiki can't even take a nap without being harassed...." He said to himself. He started to rub the bumps and bruises he had gained from his little tree top waking. He took a moment to look around a bit to see no one near by. He rubbed his eyes groaning and feeling the ache in his bones. He gave a deep sigh and muttered under his breath. "Well at least it can't get any worse....." As he said this he looked up to the branch to see Kaito still up their sadly he just closed his eyes as he saw what else was heading his way. "Why me....." A moment after he said that a large branch he had broken from his falling had finally broken free and came crashing down right on top of his head. Causing him to bite his tongue in the process.

In a over exaggerated fashion he fell to his side sticking his tongue out as if it were the finally blow being dealt to him. He laid their for a moment looking out of the corner of his eye in Kaito's direction to see if the boy had taken noticed of his little act. After a minute of laying there he raised him self back up touching the knot on his head from the large branch gently. After that he looked back up at Kaito. "Hey you up there, you know there are better ways to wake someone then startling them. Why don't you come down here so you can help me up??" He looked up at Kaito waiting for him to come down. The least this kid could do was help him up after scaring him awake and causing him so much trouble.

Without direction but with purpose.....

[Taska Neko]

[K]aito [A]zule

Swallowed by darkness
Surrounded by light

Kaito blinked surprised to find that the man in the tree stirred from his sleep. Seeing him wake up brought a smile to Kaito's face. The little angel was about to say hello when the other suddenly shifted as if startled and fell right out of the tree! Kaito quickly moved his arm as if to catch the man but his reaction was much too slow and poor Kenshiki was already falling halfway down the tree getting swatted by stray branches every so often. Looking over the edge wide eyes he watched Kenshiki's final decent until he crashed into the ground below face first...it looks like it hurt. "Wah~ Mister are you okay!" Kaito called out from above truly worried about the young man. After all he did just fall quite the distance face first on the hard ground.

Right after Kaito had asked him if he was okay another branch had fallen loose from the tree and tumbled down landing straight on top of poor poor Kenshiki. Kaito's body twitched slightly as he watched the branch make contact with the male's head causing him to scrunch his face in a way that many see as 'ouch that had to have hurt'. Wow...this man didn't seem to have any luck today...

Kaito's eyes widened slightly though when he watched Kenshiki fall to his side sticking out his tongue as if the last strike had killed him. Kaito, believing the little act, suddenly looked very concerned. "Ah! I killed him! Mister please don't die! I didn't mean too!!" Kaito cried out seeming to truly believe Kenshiki's act so much that it would probably only make the actor of the show more guilty then the poor audience member having to watch the cheesy, and obviously fake to anyone besides Kaito, act.

Kaito's eyes had almost begun to water when Kenshiki's body finally stirred. Kaito felt a sense of relief as he watched the man get up rubbing his head. So he really wasn't dead? What a relief...but for some reason he couldn't help but feel slightly angry at having been tricked.

"Hey you up there, you know there are better ways to wake someone then startling them. Why don't you come down here so you can help me up??"

"Sorry! I'll be right down!" Kaito replied as he stood up on the branch. Before leaping off however he placed his hands on his hips and puffed out his cheeks cutely. "Well maybe you shouldn't have been sleeping in such a weird place! I thought you might have been dead cause you weren't moving," Kaito huffed slightly before spreading his wings out wide and jumping off the branch. His wings flapped quickly on his decent insuring his safety as he fell to the ground at a much slower pace then Kenshiki had gone. Kaito's own clumsiness cause him to trip at the end though making him ungraceful in his landing, though he seemed unhurt overall. Something that couldn't be said the same of Kenshiki.

Once back on solid ground Kaito dusted himself off and tucked his wings back. Once that was done he hurried over to Kenshiki's side offering up his arm to help him up. "What were you doing up there anyway mister?" Kaito asked curiously. It was really such an odd place to sleep, or so that's what Kaito thought anyway.

Your salvation has long time past
Holding onto the curse thats your fate

[Legato Delarose]

Kenshiki-????????????????????????

He is like a leaf passing by.....

Kenshiki was still rubbing his head as he looked back up hearing Kaito's voice call down to him. Even though Kaito may not have been able to see Kenshiki's expression and such Kenshiki could see his as he watched him. His eyes were truly watered up and about to cry. Did the kid really believe his acting to be true. Kenshiki's thought of wonderfully playful tricks he could pull on this kid but knew better then to push any further since he already appeared to be in tears over such a silly act. As he heard Kaito say he was coming down it wasn't till then he took real notice to the fact the boy had angel wings. Not just any wings though, but blue wings. As Kaito landed at his feet and he puffed his chest out at him he couldn't help but think seriously for a moment. Well I'll be even more damned, so this is the prize the entire world is after, and of all the people he willing goes to alone he comes to me. A grin crossed his face. What damn irony this is.

He watched how this kid acted and couldn't help but grin at how innocent he was. There were so many things he could do at this very moment and no doubt shift the scales of destiny so dramatically they would break off the hinges. Kenshiki sat their for a long moment after hearing the little angel's word about how weird it was for him to sleep their. He probably would of pointed out to him that it was weird of Kaito to fly or climb or whatever it was he did to reach him up there was even more weird in its self. He grin even more at seeing how he tripped a bit as he landed. This kid is fate's worst enemy the way of the world really is just one grand joke at times. I'd say that fate was funny but if it had any control over this boy he wouldn't be such a threat to begin with then now would he. Kenshiki had finally regained all his senses and was aware of his surroundings again. It was night he must of been asleep for quite a few hours. Whats worse he even felt that Sinfano had already landed not to long ago on the land. Kenshiki shook his head for a moment and did the only thing that Kenshiki really knew how to do in a delicate situation such as this. Whats worse Kaito set him up for the perfect opening as well. After hearing him say what he was doing up there he quickly sat up and moved so close to Kaito's face and gave such a dreadful and gloomy look in his eyes as he stared directly at Kaito only inches from having his nose touch Kaito's. As he did not blink he said. "You really want to know what I was doing up there?? Do you really......." He said in such a scary voice. He didn't say anything for a moment and just stood there.

The wind blew by ominously.

"I was sleeping." As soon as he said that his expression changed perfectly from the gloom and scary one to a great big innocent smile. "Honest and true my new young friend I was sleeping up there to insure I wouldn't be bothered. That and the breeze is nice a cool so up high." As he said that he sat back down and gave a light groan as he sat down too hard forgetting his newly acquired bruises. Kenshiki took in a deep breath and exhaled again, he stuck his hand out sitting their eyes wide open now filled with energy. "Well nice to meet you kid, I'm KenshikiFermonaIekilaIermonRarianSeliakTumachiTeraiaLemruaNoericha, but most people just call me Kenshiki." He tilted his head to side with a smile. As he took in a whole breath to catch his own. The worst truth to this though. That really was his full name. "So what is your name my new friend??" He asked his hand still remained extended to Kaito to shake the angels.

Without direction but with purpose.....

[Antideluvian]

Kaen waited for his companions to abandon ship, keeping an eye on them all to make sure they reached land safely. He quickly surveyed the ship one last time for anything they might still need. Throwing a pack of supllies over his shoulder he too lept over the side fo the vessel, landing in the cool waters bellow.

He quickly made it to the beach, looking behind him to see if their pursuer was still on their trail. Hopefully he and his companions could reach the safety of the forest and lose their pursuer. Of course they also had to be mindful of the growing infernal that slowly approached from the distance. Kaen could also not forget the presence of his brother, and now the feeling that Shai had landed as well. What made him uneasy was the fact that the presence of Anek and Shai were so close together. An alliance between them would make reaching the top of Azure mountain all the more difficult.

Thinking about the mountain, and his duty to see Kaito safely there, made him realize that the angel was not on the beach with the others. It did not take him long to spot the angel who appeared to be in the forest talking to a stranger. Kaen ran towards the angel, waving his companions to follow, fearful of who this stranger might be. Normally Kaen would hate to be one to jump to conclusions, but with so much at stake, he could not help himself.

"Kaito!" he called to the angel as he approached, " please try to stay with the others." He stood beside the angel, and offered a reasuring smile that he was not angry with the angel. " I would hate for anything to happen to you, " he placed his hand in a comforting gesture on the angel's shoulder to show he was concerned for the youth's well being.

His attention turned to the stranger who Kaito was speaking with. In the time he ran towards the young angel he did not once reach for his sword, nor make any aggresive gestures. However he remained cautious in his mind about the stranger, until he knew more about the individual. " Now tell me Kaito, who is this?" He offered the stranger a friendly nod as he waited for introductions.

[Jasparla Xephyra]

Sleep was always a bit more relaxing whenever you didn't have some british alter ego lecturing yuo about how stupid and senseless you are. That was one thing that Liana noticed as she had the first relaxing sleep since when she had left her cozy little village... Were they okay? It was odd she found herself worrying about them now, since only a day ago she couldn't have cared less if they were burning in the pits of hell itself. Things changed quickly, didn't they...?

Just as she was starting to get some good shuteye, she was interrupted by a little shaking. Something was pushing her shoulder a bit, enough of an annoyance to make her groan a bit. After a few shakes, though, her eyelids groggily rose and she stared bleary eyed at whoever the hell had woken her up from such a restful sleep. It had felt so good to do that, just sit back and do nothing... Why did it have to end?

The instant she realized that it was Joan, though, she winced a bit and averted her eyes. Was she here to yell at her yet again for being lazy enough to try and sleep a bit? She knew she wasn't well adjusted... She knew she wasn't very sociable, or, well... Even likable. That little talk with the british b***h had, as much as she hated to admit it, really opened her eyes to a few things. One of them being a debt that she needed to repay... But did she really want to do that? She could still-

Nah, it was time to head out it seemed. Joan was... Being rather kind to her, considering the lecture she'd gotten earlier, but the lead on the Juuishi distracted her from that fact. After a few blinks, since she wasn't quite awake yet, she groaned once more and rolled out of bed like a child on a Monday morning. It took a bit, but she was finally on her boots again, which she had never bothered to take off in the first place. Her hair was quite the mess too, not quite going along with her angelic appearance. Bed head didn't even begin to describe it.

"'Kay, 'kay, let's get going..." she grumbled, shaking her head to try and get her hair back in line with itself. She had practically forgotten about Felix already, so she was walking for the door as soon as she got up without even a goodbye. She had never been one for manners, she knew, but her short-term memory was absolutely terrible. An absent-minded professor, just without all of the patience and wisdom.

"Tell me where to go and we can fly over there" she stated oddly, wondering how it would sound to the elf. There was no way in hell her wings could support more than herself, but there was a little trick she had learned from the british b***h. "It's something I just figured out" was all she said. Then again, the repercussions from it could be a little bit strange, but... No, it was definitely worth it.

[Jasparla Xephyra]

Shiki Septette
~To Live as a Puppet~

~Is My Only Fate~

That figure in the distance... What the hell was it? Whoever, or whatever, it was didn't seem like a good omen. If they were lucky, it would leave them alone, but seeing as it took so much painstaking effort in order to simply follow them to this island, he wasn't optimistic about it. Either way, he just had to protect Kaito, no matter what the situation or the cost. It was his duty and orders after all, and he couldn't forsake those even if he wanted. And now he had to get Kaito and hurry along to-

Gah?!

Kaito had disappeared from his side without the fox even noticing it. His first reaction was pure fear, but that soon faded into confusion and worry. Where had that angel gone to?! With that skeletal thing following them, Kaito didn't need to be wandering off to random places! It was tough enough taking care of a person, but when they acted like a small child with ADD it was near impossible!

After looking around anxiously, and making sure that the damned creature wasn't closing in too fast, he eventually found the angel sitting next to some strange man; the both of them had a few scratches. Instantly, Shiki shot over, right behind Kaen who had beaten him to the punch. While Kean might have stopped and given the two of them a little space, Shiki floated right over next to the angel and put a sleeved hand on his shoulder gently. All he could do was reiterate what Kaen had said. "It's not quite safe here, sadly..." he said, his eyes instantly jerking towards this new 'acquaintance' of his.

Despite the slightly pointy ears he had, Shiki already didn't like him. He already had a bone to pick with this guy, and not just because Kaito had found him up in a tree. There was definitely a lack of trust here. Kaen might be friendly to this stranger, but Shiki didn't buy it at all. "Yes, introduce yourself..." he insipidly responded, glaring daggers through a friendly smile. He looked like one of those wicked and mischievous foxes from legend, just a little happier than he should be. "And tell us why you would have the time to sleep in a tree while the elven lands are being burned and butchered"

Those last words held an insidiously accusing tone, one that showed his thoughts on the matter. If he truly was an elf, on not with the raiding party, he'd be heading over towards where the attacks were happening instead of taking a break and sleeping in a tree. "I'd imagine the Juuishi weren't too quiet in their arrival, so sleeping through it isn't possible..." Once more, his words trailed off into nothing, letting everybody's imagination fill in the gaps. This guy was just too suspicious for his own good, despite his cheery attitude. Things just didn't add up.

[Saitemi]

Cut. Once committed to fight, Cut. Everything else is secondary.
===========================Cut. That is your duty, your purpose, your hunger.

⊱⊹Mar Veiya Mwitu⊹⊰

Veiya's eyes followed Shiki's gaze up to the sky above. At first, it was just dark skies... But then, right there--a spec that was growing at a rapid pace. With all of this destruction, any creature should be flying away from here.

That was no creature. Vei swore she could smell that stench from there. That evil, malignant smell of murder. Not death, the smell that only the truly non-repentant, the serial murderers, rapists... And she could smell it all the way from here. In fact... She took another whiff of the air as she stood fluidly, almost too fast for the normal eye to catch. It wasn't even just coming from the sky. The island reeked of it. The hair and fur on every pore of her body stood on end, and she instinctively reached for her sword... Only to hold onto nothing but air. Her fur stood even more on end, when she recalled leaving it back in the city. She let out a string of very rude profanities, to quick and quiet for anyone to discern. She would have to go back for it some day, but today she didn't have anything. She cold only hope the Great Goddess would bless her with the fortune of finding one before any real danger caught up to them. But with the speed that the dot was growing as it grew nearer, she highly doubted that.

She quickly sped around the boat, finding a bag that she piled water, dried meats and fruits, and even some cloth into before slinging it over her shoulder. She walked so fluidly it almost seemed like she was gliding about on the tips of her toes as she sprinted off the edge of the boat, arms out to keep her balance and hair out behind her as she landed on her toes in the sand.

Vei looked around and saw that most of the others had apparently followed Kaito some distance away. Ah, how it seemed that that boy had the attention span of a fruit fly. She smiled momentarily, although it didn't quite meet her eyes as she worriedly glanced back at the growing figure. Her lip raised in a snarl, as she glided over to them, her walking seeming the speed of a run, more than anything. She paused momentarily as she saw the newcomer, scrunching her nose and narrowing her eye. She seemed to smell him from where she stood, and shook her head. "I do not like how you smell. Please, if you would be so kind, step away from Dear Kaito. Also, I do believe we have to... move, shortly. Or, mayhaps, do..." she looked up. Closer. They had no time. She would be on them, and Great Goddess only knows what then. The taste on the back of her tongue screamed "magic!" and it made her blood boil. Not only that, but this man... Just smelled off. She couldn't place it. Maybe it was the stress, maybe it was the already nauseating scents in the air. She just didn't like it, and she didn't have time to s**t around and be proper in her analysis of him. She didn't like, nor trust, him and did not want a strange and strange smelling person near the child.

She shifted her position so that she would be between Kaito and the approaching figure, yet able to see the stranger as well, if barely. Which, on a side note, is difficult to do with one eye, which made her scrunch her nose in frustration, but she managed it awkwardly. She kept her main focus on the figure, now quite discernible. It had long hair, and stripped wings, as though they had been dipped in acid, and now all that was left was the bare bones, no tendons, no flesh. The only thing making them able to stay afloat must be magic, which made Vei bristle with anger. Feh. Magic. Her right arm reached out as if to clasp onto the air, and the sound of ripping skin and fur sliding up against something solid was heard again as her arm up to halfway up her upper arm. At the same time, her other arm did the same, as did her legs to halfway up her thighs. She may not have her sword, but she'd be damned if anyone called her helpless.

There is no rule more important, no commitment that overrides this one. Cut.

[Moke Moo Moo]

+ _ Fubuki _ +

Dont be afraid to be weak
Dont be too proud to be strong

Their destination...It was here in the elven lands? No, it had to be in some further region, fates in Kaito's case took far longer than what they had traveled. All she knew was that it was going to be a long, long walk from here on, no doubt their trip would be stalled by Juuishi. Did that mean Shai was here as well? She perished the thought as she waited for Kaen to lead the way, trying to forget the unwanted look from Shiki. Her attention remained turned away from the others, until she too realized Kaito was missing. Immediately Fubuki's head turned from the left. then to the right, unable to spot the young boy anywhere. Kaito..? She suddenly became worried, soon following Kaen as he led the way to where Kaito was. well, actually, it was after the other two left did she follow after. Among the trees was Kaito, safe and sound, but who was the stranger he was with? Wait..was that an elf..? Hadn't they been wiped out...? No, those were the Dark Elves which had been hunted. And Veiya...What the hell was going on? Still, they should remain wary of this stranger....It was indeed odd someone would be so calm with what was going on further in the lands. and Fubuki, though remaining behind the group, kept herself aware to draw her sword, should he try anything funny. Really, Kaito could be so reckless sometimes!

If you want, then start to laugh
If you must, then start to cry
Be yourself don't hide
Just believe in destiny

[Fancy Forcystus]

I am a shadow in the night...

The elven lands.

Alexander had to admit, he was quite fond of flying. The sheer power of Shizara's wings propelling them through the air, cold wind whipping past. It was exhilarating. There were things that could have made the trip more enjoyable for the demon, but he couldn't really be picky in the current situation. As the horizon broke to reveal doomed lands, the demon was grim faced. He could only wonder at what chaos Sinfano would unleash upon the elves. The torture all innocents would face. Alexander might have been a trained killer but he still valued innocence and purity. Their approach was swift and, something that he now noticed, near silent. For something so large to fly over a forest and hardly make a sound was intriguing. Not to mention useful.

Almost immediately after Sinfano, the assassin released Viviana and dismounted from the dragon's neck, landing gracefully. The sensation of having solid earth beneath one's feet after flying was much like after riding a horse. Holding out a hand he would offer to help Viviana down. Her earlier comments about Lamya's lamp had gone unanswered, Alexander had seen the smoke but she had been far too preoccupied in talking to Lamya to hear any response he might have given. The fact that Lamya had run into Lord Shai before had been a surprise to the demon. He knew she had some reason to fear gods, that was all too clear from her earlier behavior, but that she and Lord Shai had met before put a new perspective on it. The God of Fate and Time could be quite fearsome when he wanted to be.

Behind him the demon lord went about his business, Alexander had felt the energy surge from him every time the man called forth one of his minions before hand and now was no different. Silently he was thanking Shai that he was not one of this man's minions. The assassin preferred his own state of mind to that of these unthinking slaves. The first power surge caused Xander to turn around, eyes narrowed. The power had felt a bit different than before. What he saw... was horrible. Not only had Sinfano killed a pure being, but he had tainted a young one. What was once an innocent foal was now a creature of darkness, to be used however it's master saw fit. When Xander heard that it was to be Viviana's mount however he had to hold in his objections. For something tainted as such to be the girl's mount... it just seemed wrong. When Sinfano bent down towards the dead mother, Alexander knew what was going to happen. Certain demons would only eat the hearts of their victims. Side-stepping, the demon did his best to block Viviana's view without seeming obtrusive, his face completely devoid of emotion. She didn't need to see that, not now. Similar scenes would be littering the land all too soon.

A slight movement near one of his boots caught the demon's attention. Looking down he found that small bolts of energy were jumping from him to reach the ground. Apparently the jolt from earlier had kick started his abilities more than he'd first thought. It had been a long time since had had actually used his inherited traits, and as such their power had dwindled. Now his energy was back into gear, Alexander could even feeling pulsing through his veins. Now that his body was making energy again he would have to be careful about contact, and how much he suppressed. He could always get practice on whatever mission Lord Shai bestowed upon him.

Another surge of energy, this time the ground began to shake. Turning his head Alexander watched the door rise, emerging from a dark abyss. Well, now wasn't he just the perfect little show-off. The bodyguard seemed to be quite fond of summoning his minions, and did so in a grand manner. Theatrics aside, Sinfano still got the job done he supposed. Calmly the assassin waited and watched and the camp was slowly built around them.

...can your eyes pierce the gloom?

{A} lexander {Q} ueshire

[Taska Neko]

[K]aito [A]zule

Swallowed by darkness
Surrounded by light

Kaito didn't seem to phased by Kenshiki's advance and gloomy looks. The blue angel mearly tilted his head curiously wondering what the other was up too. Only when the other spoke on a more scary tone did Kaito even seem to respond at all. Kaito gulped slighty, suddenly feeling hesitant in wondering if he wanted to know or not. For some reason he had to double check with himself, something he rarely did.

After a moment passed he swallowed slightly before finally nodding. "Mm, I wanna know," Kaito declared, though his voice softened slightly, an effect from the energy given out by Kenshiki just moments ago. It had reminded him of the feelings he had felt back at the boat. An ever creeping uneasiness. It wasn't something Kaito enjoyed, but luckily the feeling passed and returned to one of cheerfulness once more.

When Kenshiki replied that he had been merely sleeping Kaito gave out a sigh of disappointment. Well that wasn't too exciting was it? Puffing out his cheeks slightly he groaned a bit, "Well that's not very interesting," Kaito complained but his train of thought moved when Kenshiki then introduced himself, then asked for his name. Kaito blinked twice before smiling extending his own hand to shake Kenshiki's. "Nice to meet you Kenshikiermnal....err...Kenshiki!" Kaito replied trying to say his full name but pronouncing such a long name was too hard and confusing for him. He decided to just stick with the short version. "I'm Kaito-" the little blue angel began before another voice interrupted their discussion.

Blinking once more Kaito looked around to find Kaen approaching him. He suddenly remembered having left the others and felt a sinking feeling in his gut. Uh-oh... Kaito thought to himself as he looked to the ground shamefully awaiting Kaen to yell at him for having took off on his own. Much to his surprise however Kaen showed more worry then anger. Kaito suddenly felt bad for having made him worry...maybe he should have stayed with everyone. "Ah...Kean...sorry..." Kaito muttered meekly. It wasn't his fault for having such a short attention span, he was still just a child in his own terms.

Not only had Kean arrived to fetch him, but Shiki as well. "Shi-chan..." Kaito said softly more to himself this time as he felt Shiki place his hand on his shoulder. He really did have them worried didn't he? He should really work on not doing that...but then again it was really hard to change who you are, Kaito would probably always worry those around him one way or another. "Um...Shi-chan, Kaen this is-" once more poor Kaito was interrupted as Shiki stared Kenshiki over. Perhaps he was mad at Kaito for having left him earlier...he hoped not. "His name is Kenshiki. I scared him when he was sleeping and he fell out of the tree," Kaito stated though it didn't seem like anyone was paying much mind to him at the moment. Most stares now belonged to poor Kenshiki who had yet to do anything.

Your salvation has long time past
Holding onto the curse thats your fate

[Naudy]

{Viviana } Ne'onon

______________

Is {this} the end or just the
start of something really... really beautiful
Wrapped {up} and disguised
as {something} really... really ugly

Viviana would be more then happy to believe the words Shai spoke. He was weaving a beautiful fantasy in front of her. But old habits die hard. She knew all to well he was no longer capable of producing any good. Not right now anyways. Shai had been stained and corrupted but with help he might be able to turn around. But there was no help of any form that Viv could think of. For now she would follow Shai, listen and do as he said. Learn and grow. Maybe one day she would be strong enough to find that thing that could help Shai, or if need be end him all together. Then again Shai could be completely right. It was all to confusing. Should she abandoned her way of thinking, all those thousands of years in fear. He was right that the boy was not going to change this world. He was only going to get hurt. Why were things so complicated? But Viv could not focus her attention on the matter. In front of her floated someone she had not expected to see. The issue of here and now was, what should be done with Lamya. Viv felt like she was useless to her. Viv was sure enough in danger. She was riding the back of a dragon with two demons and the God of Fate. All of which would not hesitate to kill her, if it was not for the fact that Shai seemed to need her for something. That something still a mystery. Plus Xander had tried to kidnap her, she had to fight the guy. She was in danger then, and when the city was falling to the ground. Danger. What was Lamya's definition of danger? A arrow protruding from Viv's body has she struggled to take her last breath? Matters of someone's safety should never be left in the hands of Djinn.

Viviana yet again was unable to concentrate on her thoughts. In front of her was a mini war unfolding as well. Lamya's quick temper was seeming to get the better of her and that shadowy body guard seemed more then a match for her. But no one knew Lamya like Viv. She was pretty tough.Perhaps she would put the guard to the ultimate test. Shai on the other hand seemed not to be bothered by the disruption. One can only imagine what the Juuishi head quarters was like. But one thing was for sure. How did Lamya know Shai, listening more she picked up that it was unlikely they were planning anything, unless they were good actors. But Lamya was only good at acting mean so that was out of the question. Viv leaned back against Xander, too much was going on around her. She liked quite areas so she could focus on one thing and analyze it completely. Her head was like a circus with tons of people in the center ring fighting for the spot light. She was not sure where to look, so she decided she would not look at all. She would shut out the world, till she could think. Viv slightly heard singing. It was quite beautiful but soon, it too was blocked out. Nothing but darkness filled Viv's eyes. The only sound inaudible was Viviana's own heartbeat.

______________
let the ghosts {sleep}
just shut your {eyes} and
{burn} the past away

______________

A slight bump stirred Viviana. Opening her self back to the world Viv saw that they had landed at the base of a mountain. The arms around her receded, freeing her from her literal man made seat belt. Turning her head Viv watched Xander dismount and extend a hand to her. Most likely to save her from another embarrassing set of movements that only she could accomplish. Taking his hand she slid off onto the ground. Once on the ground Viv made it her business to scope out the scenery. She had never been her before, this was just another place to add to her list. One good thing about traveling with Shai meant seeing new places and people, even if they would be destroyed afterward. But things were a little too quite, especially seeing how 6 beings were in the immediate area. Turning around Viv saw the bodyguard standing in front of a horse with a horn on it's head. "Oh my gosh Xander is that a Unicorn, I.. I think it is! I want to pet it Xander, I want to pet..." Viv trailed off as the smile dropped off her face. Her out stretched arm froze in place, still pointing at the animals covered in a red misty substance that seemed to be spewing from the body guard. He reached out to the mother and that was all Viv saw, for her hands shoot over her eyes. Why, why kill it? Maybe he was not killing it, just petting it a bit and then letting it go. Well Viv was sure not going to put her theory to the test. Viv stood motionless for a long time, hearing hacking noises but not daring to see what it meant. It seemed like an eternity crept by as she waited for whatever task to be done. Why were they so devoid of emotion and love for other creatures?

Viviana heard the body guard speak, it was inaudible to her, because her fingers were placed in her ears and her eyes sealed shut. Her face was scrunched up in a frown. Viv could feel the vibrations of Xander moving. Opening her eyes she saw that he had blocked the sight of whatever was happening. Viv did not remove her fingers for fear that the sounds would be just as bad as the sight, if not worse. Xander had not completely blocked the view, in her perifial she could see movement and red, but she did not dare to look. When the ground began to shake Viv removed her hands from her ears and quickly grasped at Xander's closest arm. What more could be happening? A building seemed to pop up from the ground, but it was nothing Viv would be going near to take a closer look. And as if Viv was not about to pee her pants in fear already, things began coming out of the building. The things were instructed to collect sticks and make food. Servants. But scary servants. Somehow Viv managed to yawn amongst all this darkness, gloom and fear surrounding her. She was afraid that if she went to bed, she may not awake in the morning, if there was a morning. This body guard was capable of things she had never seen or imagined. He might decide the sun had no purpose and with a sweep of his hand, the world would be in darkness. Viv clung to Xander tight when the shadowy guy began walking towards Shai and the others. He spoke of food and shelter. What perked her attention was talk of the unicorn. Viv had not noticed it early but turning her head she saw the baby standing. It was no longer white and had a sinister glow and smell about it. Viv looked up and whispered to Xander "Is it dead?" Viv wanted to go up to it, but knew better and kept her place next to Xander. The man continued to talk of elves. Viv had never met an Elf either. But the excitement was killed when he said they were to kill them. Viv would have to watch yet another town be torn to the ground. But perhaps she might be able to help save some of the people and make a difference. Viv yawned again and laid her head on Xander's arm as she slightly drifted in and out. She was determined not to fall asleep around these creatures.

















Seeing is {not} always Believing

Nor is the Future set in {Stone}

[Taska Neko]

(S) h a i (P) s i a s

Do not set your heart upon seeking freedom,
For there is no one who can ignore Shai;

Shai paid no heed to the bickering between the group as they headed to land. He had instead closed his eyes and proceeded to enjoy the ride, after all things were about to get much busier for him once they did land. The hands of Fate were beginning to turn and with the Angel of Blue Tears involved the ending was uncertain, even to Shai himself. Which was why at this moment Shai was planning inside his head. Nothing else going on around him seemed important.

Even so, when Shizara began to sing for Sinfano Shai couldn't help but enjoy the song himself. Taking a quick break he quietly listened for a moment, the sadly sweet tones a bit relaxing to hear. Even Shai enjoyed a good song every now and then, and it seemed Sinfano had needed it. A quick glance was all Shai needed to see that much, well as long as Sinfano got himself together by the time they landed he didn't mind.

As the group passed the elven lands overhead before their final landing Shai took note of the flames and smoke that had began to appear, a sure tell sign that someone else was around, someone who was a possible ally, one could never be too careful though so until he was sure he wouldn't rule anything out. The God had a feeling that whoever was up to something here was only going to be beneficial to his side.

Soon the group had arrived at the base of the Blue Mountain, entrance to the home of the God's themselves. Birthplace of the world itself. Here history had been made, and then forgotten. Once they landed Shai dismounted letting Sinfano get to work on his own duties of securing the area around them. When Sinfano began to form his mist Shai watched with interest. It always was interesting at how easily the Demon Lord could kill off life so quickly. This was the man responsible for making Death Valley what it is today after all, such a lovely product his Fate had given him. When everything was done and over with and Sinfano no longer had any purpose Shai would gladly give the Demon what it was he wanted most of all.

Still...he couldn't help but remember that he was traveling with a special person still not used to Juuishi ways. Perhaps Sinfano's ways were a bit too much to witness right away. It was too late now, but he might as well remind the man for the future. "Sinfano, try to remember we have a young lady in our midst, it might be best to do your hunting out of her sight next time," Shai stated lightly making sure Sinfano understood that all killing be kept away from the group for the time being. It should be noted though that he said nothing of stopping however, and why should he have? Sinfano's ways were a bit more...messy then others, but it was perfectly natural for him to kill for food. Shai never understood other creature's fascination with unicorns. They seemed to believe that the beast was something special not to be touched, a lie. In truth unicorns were nothing but beasts that looked pretty.

Even so Shai was quite pleased when Sinfano obtained the younger steed for Viviana. She should be quite pleased with obtaining such a gift, and it would also help them move much quicker if they needed to do so later on. Sinfano gave a small nod of approval before turning his back to his bodyguard allowing him to now work on summoning his minions to help build their encampment. Instead Shai began to move towards Viviana catching her comment about her new ride possibly being dead. "Don't worry, it's not dead. I assure you that much, he just made it so he wouldn't feel pain anymore that's all," Shai commented. "You must forgive Sinfano for his earlier display. He seemed to have gotten carried away since he had just recently awoke from a long nap. You received a nice gift though, go ahead and pet him if you want, he's yours now. Do you have any idea on what to call him?" Shai added trying to get her to focus on something else for now as Sinfano set his workers to taking care of their make shift camp.

It was when Sinfano returned that Shai nodded lightly. "Very well Sinfano do as you must...as long as they don't take too long. And there should be another guest arriving shortly...allow him to come to me, I have a few words to tell him myself," Shai replied before allowing Sinfano to do what he must to make the area more suitable for him.

It wasn't long after he mentioned having a guest visit that a voice trailed out across the area for a short distance away. Crossing his arms he turned to face his younger brother who was coming over to meet him. "Anek, it's surprising to see you again after so long. This was your doing then? While I don't mind what you're doing to the place I do however mind you using my men so easily," Shai stated coldly. Shai was very possessive of his things after all, even if they were seen as garbage to him, he felt nobody else had the right to kick them around but him. "I do hope you'll release them, followers are getting harder to find these days. That aside however it seems you've made it in time to see my plan finally come together. It shouldn't bee too much longer now little brother, you should enjoy yourself for a while," Shai stated knowing full well that Anek wasn't a possible enemy like most other Gods. Anek loved destruction almost as much as Sinfano.

do not set your thought on external matters:
for every man there is his appointed time.

[Jasparla Xephyra]

~ Felice ~
~ The Juuishi Dragoness ~

Surprisingly, unconsciousness was one of the few moments of Felice's life that she could honestly say were enjoyable, or whatever that word meant. It was in those few moments that she was able to regain a bit of herself, relaxing in the brief moments of rest that were given. But this rest was... It was fitful.

Usually, whenever she was unconscious, she could wander around her mind in peace without any distractions. Of course, she had to dodge a few things that she had unconsciously stuffed away in the dark recesses, but it was still rather relaxed compared to her daily life. In all honesty, this was her bastion of sanity: the last place she could go when she needed to sit down and rest. But now she could still feel everything that was wrong with her body. Her lungs were burning, her eyes felt like they were going to melt, and her head was pounding. All of the pain was secondary to a few quick thoughts, the kind of thoughts that were often rather self destructive. "Why did Kasei do that...?"

With a heavy sigh, which was nothing more than a quick purging thought, she pretended to close her eyes. Every dream she had was very lucid, but after a few minutes she lost control. And right now, she felt her control loosening itself already, a few minutes earlier than it usually did. Apparently her mind was rather active right now, like it wanted to see something. Sometimes, Felice had to treat her mind as its own entity, since it seemed to like to rebel against her sometimes. But when they worked together, the outcome was rather wonderful... Sometimes.

But now the dream was starting to take over. It was like another entity inside of herself was taking control. But she didn't mind at all, since this entity, or dream, was completely benevolent and only wanted to remind her of her life with her twin brother. Slowly, she let herself be absorbed into the old her, her personality and quirks, the way she played piano... In all senses of the world, she became a seventeen year old dragoness again, which was equivalent to around eleven years for humans.

Just like usual, she found herself playing her piano on the side of the lake, just where the trees began to thin out and the lake came into view. This was always the scene of her dreams, so much that she knew every single aesthetic attribute of the lake. As usual, she was singing and playing, completely lost in the music.

That had been one thing that she had never forgiven herself for. Whenever she played a song, she always became so wrapped up in it that everything outside became completely meaningless. It was strange, yes, but for somebody like Felice, somebody whose whole life was this fickle piano, it was just the way she expressed herself. Scarmiglione was there, her twin brother and the only two-legged dragon besides herself. Instead of sitting and listening to her, like he usually did, he was sitting off to the side with his little makeshift stage.

Stage wasn't quite the word. It was more of a puppet theater, one of the ones that was always used for the little children's shows the humans had put on. She'd never seen a human before, but she'd been told all about them by the elders. But then again, according to the elders, every other race was pathetically inferior to the dragons, but the dragons were merciful and kind so they allowed all of the other races to live in peace and harmony. The Felice saw it, the dragons were the benevolent gods and everybody else was their loyal subject. Everything was perfect, according to the elders. But there were those who sought to mess with this harmony.

The gods.

They called themselves gods, but according to the elders they only asserted their otherwordly powers on the rest of the races to make themselves superior. They even make other races worship them, just to remind them of who was in charge of the world. These gods, as they called themselves, thought they could hold together the world with fear and terrifying leadership. But the dragons had a plan to bring the gods to peace... And that plan was Felice and Scarmiglione, the two twins who were likenesses of the gods themselves.

Felice had been told that it was an honor to be the way she was. The gods resembled humans and walked on two legs, and so these two dragons would imitate them as a simple act of greeting. For dragons, imitation was the best form of flattery, so it was considered humble and polite to act like somebody else. Felice and Scarmiglione were 'enchanted', as the elders called it, with a godlike spell to make them the way they were. Since Scarmiglione and Felice were twins, and the elders didn't know it before they hatched, there had only been enough energy to grant one of them godlike powers. That lucky one had been Scarmiglione, and Felice got nothing but the strange way she looked.

But thankfully, Felice's twin had to carry out the main part of the peace treaty with the gods. Felice was only there to increase the politeness of the encounter and to assist Scarmiglione in providing entertainment. They had been assigned the task of bringing the gods to the realization that they should be ruling justly in cooperation with the dragons. The dragons would show their humility and cooperation through the the two imitations of the gods and the show they would put on for one of them. Felice was almost on a cloud... She'd always dreamed of having an audience for her music besides her brother. Not only would she get a captive audience, but her music would be useful in bringing the gods back where they should be! It was a wonderful and ecstatic feeling.

Despite that, Scarmiglione seemed rather dreary with his puppets and stage. The stage was almost large enough for a real person, but it was only used for Scarmiglione and his mini-marionettes. Felice's twin was kind of like the god of puppets, it seemed, with the way he could control them. Felice never understood it, but as long as Scarmiglione was touching the puppet's strings, he could control them like they were sentient beings of their own. Every movement he made with them was perfectly lifelike, so lifelike that it was rather creepy.

Suddenly, Scarmiglione turned around to face her and furrowed his brow. He was deep in thoguht about something, but he couldn't talk about it... At least, that's what Felice gathered from his expression. "Hey... Sis" he whispered, half to himself. He'd been getting really spacey as of late, hadn't he? "You really think... We can make a difference here?"

Of all the things to ask! Of course they were going to make a difference! They were about to bring balance to the world yet again so everybody could live in peace... How could that not be a huge difference?! "Of course" she chuckled happily, plunking a bright note with her right foot. "The elders have put their trust on the line... No the future on the line! They're entrusting the peace of the world itself to us, so we can't let them down! We just need to convince the gods that they shouldn't be ruling with fear, but with mutual respect. It's simple" Felice chuckled gaily again, putting a clawed hand over her mouth and turning back towards her piano. She had to get this piece absolutely perfect.

Scarmiglione just turned away from her slowly, going back to practicing his puppt show. His fingers half-assedly twitched the strings, making the puppets jerk this way and that like they were caught in the middle of a tornado. Apparently he was starting to doubt himself, but then again... He had always been a bit of an introvert, ever since his fifteenth hatch-day. With a sigh, Felice went back to her piano and hit a few more chords, deciding which one would be best to put next.

And so her life was for a few months, just practicing on the side of the like with her twin brother. Of course, the island they were living on was nothing more than a raised ring of land around an extremely deep bowl in the center, but Felice and Scarmiglione had to stay outside of the water, since they couldn't breathe down there like the rest of the dragons. That little bowl, or lake as most would call it, was the only home of the sea dragons that was still known to the other races, and sparsely at that. It was just a small little ring of land a few miles off of the coast of the land of the elves, who never seemed to come over and visit for some reason.

But the day finally came when the twins' performance was ready. The elders rose to the surface, like they always did when talking to the two strange dragon-children, and solemnly told the two of them exactly what they were going to have to do. "Listen, younglings. The gods have given into their greed for power and must be brought down peacefully.We are willing to work with them if they agree to our terms, okay? You will go to their realm and put on a show for one of the gods to show our goodwill towards their kind. We will show our humility to them by performing to the god of thunder, Rai, who holds the most sway over our kind. We need his approval first, since if he felt that we were ever hostile towards the gods, he could wipe us all out. Now let us go to the mountain, I'd imagine he is expecting us" With that, he gave Scarmiglione a strange look, getting a suspicious nod in return.

After a brief discussion, Felice and her twin were on their way over towards the elven lands on a small canoe. They didn't want to come in some kind of splendor and give the gods the wrong idea! Felice was humming contently, looking to the back and making sure her piano and the puppet show was perfectly balanced on the back. She was on top of the world, going through the tune in her head once more to make sure she had it right. Her brother, on the other hand, was even more pensive than before. He only looked straight ahead and said nothing. Maybe he was just concentrating.

That performance led to disaster. That disaster led to another disaster, which led to yet another, and the cycle continued. The elder's lies, the elder's scheming and trickery... Felice was oblivious. Even as she dreamed this, she had no idea what hell was awaiting her.



A stuttering cough brought Felice back to the normal world. She couldn't even see yet, but she knew where she was. She was lying on top of her piano, splayed across the top of it like a model. Another cough brought her painfully back to her situation. Kasei's Miasma had gotten into her lungs and poisoned her body, burned her eyes, and god knew what else. Her chest ached, her head pounded, and her eyes still felt a little fuzzy. Opening her eyelids, she found the sight in front of her rather confusing.

There, in front of her... Was a dragon? It was a bit fuzzy, but the way it stood, the way it... That wasn't possible. There were no other surviving dragons! And she had been the only one with two legs... How was this possible?

All she could do was stand there dumbfounded. Her mind was still fuzzy from that dream, and her vision still wasn't really focused, but she couldn't deny what was standing there.