[PRP][FIN] Remember me.... (see inside)

[Syaoran-Puu]

Players involved:
Demon - black
Styx -brown
Shalar -hotpink
Nisroc -pink
Ryuu Zu -gold
Regulus -green

 

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon had had enough... his father had taunted him one to many times for his liking and his anger was as obvious as the wound on his rump. He turned to look at it, anger bubbling at the mere thought of it, if he had not acted he was sure his father would have killed him.

A growl escaped his throat and it took him a moment to realise it had come from him. Was he that annoyed? Obviously...... Demon was just unuse to not having complete control about everything he did, in many ways he was a control freak... he liked having all the pieces planned out, he liked figuring out all the variables and destroying those he didn't like. Yet the growl startled him.... how could he focus if he couldn't even control himself? He knew what he needed.... he needed to work off this excess energy, a good fight or hunt should do the trick.

The only thing that remained was to find himself some prey.

Styx was wandering, he had no purpose other than enjoying the sun and the heat and freedom it provided. He always managed to think clear in the day, the Sun seemed to be the only light that truely pushed away the darkness and revealed his trueself, even if it was only for a moment.

He liked the freedom. He indulged it in. Longed for it to last forever.

Shalar walked next to his father, his eyes looking over at him every now and then. For some reason his father had decided to take him for a 'walk', never a good sign as far as Shalar was concerned.... he was trying to figure out what was on his fathers mind but he would be damned if he was going to be the first to break the silence that had fallen between them.

For as long as Shalar could remember he had always been closer to his mother, Feya, than he was to Nisroc. Perhaps they were simply too alike? Perhaps he simply prefered the company of mares? Or maybe being around mares made him feel useful, after all he was the protector then.... but around his father the lines were... wobbly. He didn't understand his place, didn't know what was expected of him and that made him uneasy. Due to the added flutter blood of his mother Shalar was much smaller than his father, a fact he disliked being reminded of... and walking side by side only brought home that fact.

Nisroc walked side by side with his son, it was... nice! They didn't get on together much but that didn't mean that Nisroc was anything but determined. He wanted a relationship with his son, he already had one with his daughters, especially Lillybane.... but Shalar had always been more distant. In many ways Shalar had never allowed himself to indulge in fun and freedom, a fact that made Nisroc sad.

The silence was starting to irrate him, Shalar seemed to like it..... but Nisroc did not. After a while he gave up and spoke; "Shalar......what have you been up to lately?" Perhaps this would at least break some of the ice? One could only hope.

Ryuu Zu stood in the water, only his head bobbing out of the water. His eyes were closed and he was meditating.

In his mind he continued the chant: Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah, Tat, Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yonah, Prachodayat. The words and their meaning had always had a soothing effect on Ryuu. In his native language they meant essential nature, illuminating existence is the Infinite One. May all beings perceive with subtle intellect the magnificent brilliance of enlightened awareness. Beautiful words, they never failed to sooth his very soul.

Regulus looked up, the day hid his path, only the night time stars spoke to him..... still, he knew he was heading in the right direction. The stars had told him of a lake and river of great speed.... at first he had been unsure what they meant, but now as he looked down upon them he knew. The lake had a spirral of water all twisting and turning before joining at a single point in the center, the river that joined and escaped it was fast flowing. Intersting, he had never seen such a sight.....

Then his eyes spotted something gold and black, barely visable from this distance, situation squarely at the center of the lake. Someone injured? Drowing perhaps? His heart began to hammer but before panic set in he forced himself into action. He raced forward, his hooves breaking the surface of the water.... sending splashes high into the air as he called out; "Are you ok? Speak to me!"  

[Syaoran-Puu]

A noise desturbed Demon's thoughts, his automatic responce causing his head to siwftly turn to his left to identify the intrusion. A growl rumbled in his throat, he licked his lips..... it seemed fate was being kind to him! Soon he would have the prey he longed for so much.

He slunk backwards into the shadows of the trees as he watched, and sure enough he saw a stallion... a kelpie to be exact. It took all of his will power not to simply lunge himself at the creature, the way the kelpies tail moved from side to side.... it was almost hypnotic. He shook his head to remove the curse as he followed the beast.

Demon's eyes looked to his saddle, the skulls... his kills? If so then Demon was almost reluctant to attack, that was until another thought occured to him... a challenge!

Styx's ears twitched. He turned his head one way and then another.... something seemed... wrong. He grumbled, his thoughts spoken outloud although he hadn't realised what he was doing. "Something is following me.... stupid shadows... always in the shadows... never the light.... I hate the shadows..." On and on his mumblings went, all truth.... in Styx's minds only cowards retreated to the darkness, he had seen their true power and despised them.... no, it took far more strength to come to the light.

Still, he did not stop, figured if he was going to die there was no point in stopping... after all death would find him either way.

His location was the lake, although he loved the sun his pelt dried out quickly in it forcing him to take refuse in the water for short periods every day. He would delay them for as long as possible. Water brought shadows with it. Shadows welcomed the darkness. Darkness stole what remained of his sanity.

Shalar's ears twitched at the sound of his fathers voice, he turned to look at him again. He didn't really know what his father wanted to hear... was he interested only in his potential mates like his sisters and mother? A topic he was afraid would disappoint him severly... Shalar was a solitary creature, he had never sought out companionship or friendship, and he suspected that it would never change.... except for her.... maybe? Oh he didn't know.

Coughing to clear his head he finally spoke, "Not much father. You?" The truth was he had little interest in the answer, but manners dictated he ask in kind and so he would.... always. He would not be rude after all.

On his back little Petal, his newly found mouse, popped up. Her voice was shrill and squeeky and sometimes made Shalar wonder how he put up with it. The little creature was Shalar's complete opposite. "Oh that's right," she squeeked with mock hurt, "Just forget about little Petal.... not like it's anything BIG or anything.... familars grow on trees these days you know, can just pop into any forest and come back with several of us..." and with that she bit him, square on the rump.

He turned his head towards her and snapped his teeth before blowing out a breath, "Fine..... father, meet Petal.... feel free to take her." He rolled his eyes before straightening up and ignoring the little creature once more.

Nisroc had been about to answer his son when the small voice broke the silence, he turned to look at the one called 'Petal' and found himself laughing uncontrollably.... his son had found a familar? And one with an attitude. Oh joy! For some reason that was the best news he could have recieved! At least his son was not completely alone as he travelled an explored, sure a familar could not compete with a mate but it was a start.

At Shalar's sulky tone he tutted and turned to Petal once more; "Ignore my son, I am afraid he is rather grump... too many hits to the head a foal." The truth was that neither Nisroc or Feya understood why Shalar was the way he was, they had always done everything to ensure he was happy and had fun... but he had naturally turned away from it. He blew out a breath, an action he nodded his son had used moments before..... perhaps there was a connection afterall.

Ryuu Zu was meditating, so when a voice reached him it took him a moment to decide if it was within or without. Finally he decided it was without. Snapping his eyes open and raising his large form out of the water, the remaining liquid cascading off his body as it would feathers and returning to the lake it called home.

The creature that disturbed him was.... a unicorn, and from the tone of his voice it was clear he suspected someone to be in trouble.

Ryuu turned around, looking for a sign of anyone in distress but none was there.... who was this stallion looking for? Had someone gone under? He called over to him; "What seems to be the problem? May I assist you?"

The relief on Regulus face must have been evident for miles around, as the golden stallion lifted himself from the water and looked around Regulus wanted to cheer... instead he laughed. A nervous laugh, that was usually only heard when he managed to escape a close call... sure Regulus had added those damaged by the water... but never IN the water, he hadn't even contemplated HOW he would have aided the stallion had there been trouble... just knew he would try.

At the stallions confusing words Regulus took a moment to compose himself, steady his racing heart and shallow breathing, think..... had the stallion believed another had been in danger? Someone other than himself? He supposed since the stallion was perfectly fine that he would never have truely considered himself in trouble, not even in the eyes of others. Trying to sound reasurring -despite his lack of elegance in social situations that didn't involve healing he called back; "No no, everything is ok now.... I.... em.... I.... believed it was YOU who were in trouble." With his words he was sure a bright red blush covered his cheeks.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon cocked an brow at the words that drifted to him.... was the creature taunting him? It was obvious from his words that he knew there was someone following him... interesting, Demon hadn't given himself away as far as he was aware... his hoof steps were muffled, he had stayed in the shadows.... yet for some reason this one saw that as a weakness?

He growled in the back of his throat..... he had appeared weak one too many times already today, and it would not happen again. He scanned the area ahead, the trees were thinning and he could hear and smell water. The Kelpie was going home? Would there be more then?

Deciding it was now or never Demon lunged forward, slamming his hooves as hard as he could into the creatures rump. He wanted to use his teeth.... could already imagine them sinking deep into flesh and bone. He licked his lips, he would resist for now, blood always turned him into a frenzy..... he was not ready for that. Not yet.

Styx tutted himself, his eyes spotted company ahead. "Too many.... too many...." he mumbled and had been about to turn and retreat to the river when he felt a sharp pain to his rump. He screamed in pain and fury as he instinctively kicked with his back legs with all his might in an effort to free himself.

The relief was instantanious. He turned swiftly, facing his opponant as he backed away more into the clearing..... there must be a reason why the beast had waited and attack in the treeline... and Styx would not let him keep it. He looked to his rump, his lucid mine picking up more than his shadowed mine would have, "You drew blood," he commented before turning his full attention to his attacker again. "Shall not happen again". No.... Styx was cursed by the Gods!

Shalar bit his tongue, literally, at his fathers words. Always treating him like a child..... no wonder he had little patience for the older stallion. Sure, Shalar respected his father, after all he had managed to keep three flightless foals and their injured mother safe for many seasons while they came into their own and healed..... but this, well it was plain insulting.

Under his breath he commented, "You do not know me. Do not pretend to now." He did not look at either Petal or Nisroc.... he refused to give them the satisfaction, he simply trudged onwards.

Nisroc raised and eyebrow and looked to Petal, who also shrugged. Deciding not to give his son the upper hand... not completely at least he also commented, "Then let me son.... it is not as if I have no tried to get to know you." True enough. Shalar had always prefered his own company.

His ears twictched. Water..... deciding it was time they all took a rest he said; "Lets all get a drink and cool off for a while.... clear our heads." He may not want to hurt his son.... but Nisroc knew he could not simply bend to him either. It would destroy what still stood of their fragile relationship.

Ryuu Zu was a stallion of few words, so as the stallion explained his confusion he simply nodded to say he acknowlegded the situation. He was about to sink back into the water.... not because he was ignorant, but because he believed this encounter to be over now that everyone had established that no one was in trouble.

That was until he heard something... a scream. Pain?

His eyes darted to the shore, to the tree line. On first inspection he saw nothing.... just brown tree trunks, then as he scanned back he caught movement and discovered that two of the trees were moving.... so not trees. He watched for a moment, trying to decide if it was a volentary fight or an attack. Sometimes it was hard to tell.... but he did not wish to violate their terms by injection 'fresh blood' into the mix for no reason.

And so he just watched and observed.

"Oh," he said with a sigh of relief.

Soon enough his attention was turned too towards the noise, his eyes honing in on the pair fight. He gulped, Regulus had always done his best to AVOID fighting, yet now he feared he would be forced to get involved. he gulped again.

Nervously he turned to his new 'companion' of sorts, he seemed engrossed in watched them..... learning their moves? Regulus didn't know, nor could have have commented on the moves begin delievered. Finally he broke the silence and asked; "Should we interfer?"  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon smirked and followed the creature he had just attacked... or perhaps stalked would have been a better word to describe what he was doing. He was annoyed at his father still but he had to admit that taking it out on a stranger was.... exhillerating.

He growled, his spade tail swaying from side to side in agitation.

Still, he couldn't help but be impressed with the creature for standing up to him. Either extremely brave... or extremely stupid, and Demon suspected the latter. "We shall see....." He hissed before once again lunging forward......

Styx was ready for the attack as it came, he moved his tail into the Kalonas path as he stepped to the side. "Styx told him he would not hit him..." Styx purred to himself.

As the Kalona got closer he said with a smile, "And now Styx shall hit him back." And with that he raised his tail up and brought it down towards the Kalonas face with all the force he could muster.

Shalar, who was usually calm and composed, found that with Petal and his father around cracks were beinging to form. Deciding that simply agreeing with his father rather than argueing would be best he nodded at the suggestion of a drink. At least if he was drinking he wouldn't be talking, aparantly that was an extremely good thing around his father.

He sighed as he felt Petal move on his rump.... what was she planning? Sure enough she was patting his rump in that way of hers as she straighten up one of the roses that his sister had placed in it. Thinking of his sister always had a soothing effect on him, out of all his family he was closest to her.

"Shalar.... you look so pretty, we need to find you a woman. Then maybe you won't be so grumpy?" He noticed that she turned to him then, her rolled his eyes at the innocent look on her face. Pretending to be nice.... typical. He sighed again and trudged on in silence towards the water. Maybe he could throw Petal in it to teacher her a lesson.

Nisroc shook his head softly, he had known it would take a while for his son to accept him.... but this seemed much hard than he would have ever expected. Getting on with his two sisters was so much easier. What had he done wrong? Whatever it was he would have to fix it by the time the next batch of children arrived... which he suspected would happen sooner rather than later.

He sighed at the pair and walked ahead slightly, "Come on you two.... its not far now." Sure enough the sound of water was already clear.

Ryuu Zu looked at the other stallion and simply shook his head, it was too soon to know if they intended each other harm, were simply sparring or had something worth fighting over... until then he would not make a move.

Regulus did not like the thought of someone getting hurt, especially since the stars had sent him here... had they known a fight would happen? Had they known that his aid would be needed.

He flinched every time they made a move to hit each other..... part of him wanted to step in soon rather than later, before some damage was done that he could not repair.

But all he did is stand there.... the other stallion had indicated against it, and since it was between a Kalona and a Kelpie, two dangerous breeds he was inclinded to listen.... for now at least.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon was stunned by the sudden speed from a creature that seemed frankly insane.... yet he took the hit with an unphased look on his face, the fact was that the wound on his rump stung far worst than this kelpies tail striking him.... of course Demon could appreciate that force of the strike. It was almost impressive given the other was not a Kalona.

With a grunt he looked at his opponant, right now Demon was pissed.... and a good fight would do him some good. "My turn!" He said as he lunged forward.... as a foal he would lower his head to use his horns to stab, but as he had grown so had those on his nose.... now he could look at his prey as he stabbed them.

He lunged forward, his horns making contact with flesh..... and Demon's mind became consumed with two thoughts. One... it was nice to smell someones blood other than his own -he had never been found of the scent of his own.... and two... this was a good distraction from that pathetic excuse of a father.

Styx grunted at the force of the strike from the other stallion, his own hit had seemingly done nothing to the Kalona. "Great" now he would be have another wound that would need to heal.

He pulled back and simultaniously brought his tail round to strike his opponant once more, "Strong b*****d," He thought, unaware that he had actually spoke out loud.

Shalar was glad to finally reach the water, it was a welcome relief from the constant banter that seemed to be going on between Petal and his father.

He shook his head and took a drink from the water only to notice an odd reflection shimmering in it. He lifted his gaze up and looked around.... there were four other soquili in the area, two in the water... brown and golden looking, flightless. And two out of the water... fighting... again brown in coluring but far more aggressive looking than those in the water. Shalar took in the scene, were those in the water hiding from those fighting?

He raised an eyebrow... why were they fighting? He turned to his father and saw that he was looking as well..... what should they do?

Nisroc found himself torn, he wanted to get his son out danger -even if he could defend himself now Nisroc could not displace the parenting instinct to protect his young. He took a moment to think about it..... would getting involve make him closer to his son?

Then he looked at the fight once more, and the blood dripping from the Kalona's horns and it made him angry..... Nisroc did not like others getting injured, and Kalonas were some of the worst.

Ryuu Zu noted the new presences in the area, he looked at them for a moment, they were flighted mutants. Interesting looking... and part of him wanted to investigate their wings... ever the inquisative mind.

Still he returned his head to the fight.... the way they were fighting told him they were not fighting for practise or training but for something else.... blood spilt was always a sign of that. He started towards the water.... still undecided what was happening.

Regulus noticed the golden stallion moving and decided he would join him. "What are you doing?" He asked as he walked side by side with him.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon grunted as his opponant -Styx he had called himself- struck him once more with his tail, this time he flinched a little but not enough to show much of a sign of pain. Sure, it had hurt and Demon was positive he would get a bruise in the morning, but he was used to pain, had learnt to welcome it a long time ago.

To embrace pain was to master it.

He pushed his head forward in an effort to headbutt his opponant once more, but the beast was too fast for him this time and avoided him with ease. "I see you are slippy one...." he mumbled, a comment more to himself than to the kelpie before him.

He tried again, again he missed.

Demon's frustration was mounting and he wanted to roar in rage. He tried for a third time... but sure enough the kelpie managed to dogde again -although barely this time. Still, Demon was unable hold back his anger any longer, he turned his body and swiped the kelpie with his tail as he growled deep and long, the noise vibrating in his throat.

Styx wasn't really aware of moving, or much of anything to be honest. He instincts had simply moved him when needed. Each time he felt a whirl of disturbed wind and knew that he had only managed to escape each attack by a small distance. Still..... he was unharmed, a good sign?

The problem was that Styx didn't believe in good things happening to him, "nothing" good ever happened to him, he was "cursed" and damned to take souls more "corrupted" than his own tohell so that they could be "punished" for "all eternity". His mind was once again slipping into darkness, fighting usually did that to him..... it made him want to weep in despair. He usually had more time in the "light" than this.

As the Kalonas spade tail turned and smacked him with a force he would have believed if he hadn't witnessed it, he found himself flying towards the ground. His legs simply removed from under him. And for a long moment he simply looked up at the sky from his back.

Shalars attention was diverted back to the two stallions that had been the water, they seemed to have started walking towards the fight. Were they truely that foolish? He didn't see how a regular and a unicorn to do much to intervene in the afrairs of a kalona and a kelpie. He grunted, the noise that of someone utterly unimpressed with the situation.

With a smooth movement he turned to see the fight once more, accessing each weakness. Even from here he could tell that the Kalona was losing his temper, his attacks were less accurate but still packed a wallop from the way the Kelpie came crashing to the ground.

He looked at Petal, he may not always get on with her but he would not see her harmed. In a moment of decision he looked from Petal to his father and then back again before finally speaking; "Petal stay with my father. I do not want you injured."

Straight away he could tell she was about to object, so before she could say anything he grunted at her and turned away before he said; "Do this now. Please.... I do not wish to see you harmed." Shalar wasn't heartless, he was just unsure how to show emotions and still be seen as strong enough to protect those he loved. He loved his family, and his father and Petal were in that number even if they didn't realise it.

Nisroc saw his son make a decision just as he too had decided to interject into the fight. He understood what his son wanted, but Petal wanted to stay with him.... and Shalar would be more careful if he was carrying the little mouse with him. He would keep himself safe, if only for her.... using that an excuse he would keep his son safe. "Not going to happen Shalar. She wants to stay with you and to be frank I am about to go up there myself."

He titled his head to look at his son and then turned his attention to Petal. "I would advise you to hide in his mane, hang on tight and sit in the curse of his neck. Do you understand."[/b[ When the mouse nodded and moved into possition he turned his attention back to Shalar. "Do you have a plan?"

Ryuu Zu paused to look at the unicorn that seemed to believe he was accompanying him, it gave the golden stallion pause. It was one thing to risk his own life... but that of another. Unacceptable when the odds were so against them.

With a sigh and a shake of his head he looked to the stallion, "Apparantly nothing." Was his reply, he turned his head back to the fight just in time to see the Kelpie crash to the ground not too far from their possition. Perhaps he would be getting involved after all... after all, the fight had just come to him!

"Stay back!" he said to the unicorn before charging forward to stand inbetween the two fighters.

Regulus didn't like simply being dismissed, sure he wasn't a fighter... he was a healer, but that didn't automatically make him useless. He wanted to help. And with every moment that he remained here he got the stronger pull towards the fight, he was almost positive this was the reason the stars had sent him in this direction.

Without much thinking he ran after the golden pelted stallion, but unlike him he found himself at the side of the kelpie, already he was summoning the warm magic of his healing. To those that actually paid attention they would be able to see it, drifting and floating around his horn making it glow more than it naturally did. All of the stars that littered his mane glowed a little brighter as well. As a foal this had been his only indication that he actually had magic.... back then no one had needed healing by a foal, so as he grew up he was unpractised. It wasn't until after a lot of travelling did he actually become any good as a healer, in those years of learning himself he saw more variety of injuries than he ever would have standing in one place. That was the reason why he continued to travel to where he was needed.... but Regulus was getting weary of it with age, he was starting to want to stop and find a single place to call home. Open a clinic or something.

Yet, as he lowered himself down next to the Kelpie he considered all the soquili who would die without need simply because he refused to travel. It was because of this guilt that he hadn't stopped yet.... it was also because of this that he would save anyone, good or evil. Regulus genuinely believed that it was not his place to dictate over life and death, it was simply his job to save anyone that he could.

Before he healed anyone, he liked to ensure that they wanted it -at least when their injuries were not life threatening, if they were he wouldn't usually give them a choice, not like they were usually in any state to comment on the matter anyways. The kelpie was injured, but it would heal in a season or two if he kept it clean. "You are safe now," he soothed, before asking, "Would you like me to heal your wounds for you?" Regulus eyes looked to the wounds, two perfect punctures, very little tearing around them. The top hole thicker than the bottom one.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon had been about to stomp over to the kelpie and break some of his ribs when another put themselves in his path. Demon had suspected there would be others here.... but these were not kelpies.... coincident perhaps?

Either way... Demon was not happy with their interference. "Leave us be!" He bellowed, he had been enjoying himself too much to accept them simply taking away his victory. A growl rumbled in his throat and his eyes narrowed on the golden pelted soquili standing between him and the kelpie. He was just a regular... which only increased Demon's anger..... what exactly did he expect to do when up against Demons horns and wings? Surely he not expect to live.

The words of the other stallion, ramblings at best, had disturbed Demon slightly. He was clueless of their meanings and wondered if the beast was simply accepting his own cursed exsistance or if he was actually cursing Demon.... Demon would have believed him if he had, he was superstitious like that.

Still, he had more important thing to contemplate right now. He mocked moving forward to see if the golden pelted stallion would flinch.....

Styx wasn't sure what was happening. One minute he was looking up at the sky and the sun and the next he saw stars... literally. He growled, his kelpie tail thrashing from side to side as he muttered that he was..... "Not ready!"

The darkness was coming.... night time always made it worst.

Styx closed his eyes.

Shalar watched the foolishness of the pair as the stumbled directly into the line of fire. One beside the injured kelpie while the other seemed to be mocking the Kalona beast by their presence alone. "Foolishness." He muttered, a moment before he realised what his father was saying.....

He turned his full attention to Nisroc, "What do you mean? You will not protect her for me?" This annoyed Shalar, but had noted already that Petal had moved into the warm spot of his neck, and at his words she had begun stroking him gently..... an effort to sooth him?

Shalar had always suspected that a darkness lingered within him, sure his mother bore these dark eyes as well and could never been deemed as 'evil' but for him it was different, sometimes he was sure that voices whispered to him, telling him to do terrible things..... to kill those of foal hertiage so that they couldn't harm anyone else. The worst part about it was that his mind seemed to enjoy the throughts of taking anothers life.

It sickened him. He sickened him. Shalar didn't want to be like that.

Nisroc shook his head and did his best to ignore the temper of his son, he had always been passionate like that. "No...." he said at last, "...I simply wish to join you, and Petal wants to remain with you. You took her in Shalar, she is your responsibility."

Nisroc was thankful that his son had taken in the small creature, at least he knew that his son always had some sort of company. The thought of him being alone did terrible things to his gut, he was sure his son would wander simply to enjoy his own company.... which disturbed Nisroc, most would go out and seek new company but not Shalar.

In an effort to sooth his son and to change the subject he turned his attention to the fight, or rather the calm that was once a fight. "I believe we should get up there and provide back up." He turned to his son just in time to see him look at the scene and nod in aggreement.

Together they made their way up the hill to the other four. Nisroc noted how similar they were in colour. He and his son would stand out amoung them that much was certain.

Ryuu Zu stood before the Kalona with no fear in his soul, meditating always centred him like that. Fear was a illusion... a need to control everything, accept that we actually control nothing and fear disappeared. Sure, he could die this day... but if he did it was because the fates had dictated it so, not because it was the Kalonas will.

As the Kalona spoke -or perhaps roared would have been a better description- at him Ryuu simply shook his head and remained silent. He never had been one for talking. It wasted energy and something told Ryuu he needed perserve what he had available to him.

He took a deep breath, regaining all his calm as he watched the Kalona with almost disinterest. If the lethal looking stallion walked away Ryuu would consider it a victory.... but that was probably too much to hope for.

When the Kalona moved forward Ryuu prepared himself but did not move.

Regulus found himself confused by the stallions reaction.... did that mean he didn't want to be healed? Or that he wasn't done fighting? Had they actually been sparring after all.... although be it roughly.... and now Regulus and the golden pelted stallion were interfering?

As his 'patient' closed his eyes Regulus found himself looking around as if an answer would come. It seemed there was an impasse between the Kalona and his 'companion', neither of them seemed to actually want to strike the other. The Kalona had pretended to -to gauge a reaction perhaps? But they had not actually made contact.... this made Regulus hopeful that the tension and violence were being dissolved.

His attention was stolen from the scene as he heard more hoove sounds approaching. He turned to see two... mutants? He had never seen such creatures as them that was sure, their wings looked part flutter and part wind.... but at the same time not. Curious.

The patient moaned. He looked down to see he had rolled over, a small pool of blood around him. An overwhelming need to heal had him acting rather than thinking as he lowered his horn to the kelpies shoulder and begun to heal him.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon's focus on the interfering pair was broken by the arrival of two more.... these strangers were clearly mutants, their wings an unnatural mix of flutter and wind. How disgusting they were. He growled, swaying his tail behind him menacing.

Yet, even in his battle-raged mind he couldn't ignore the facts. Five against one was NOT an even fight, if it came to it it would be likely that Demon would be overwhelmed and fall. Part of Demon, the stubborn and proud Kalona part of him couldn't simply lie down and accept defeat.... yet part of him, the survival instinct, didn't want him to die in vain. After all, he was smart and resourceful. He could hunt these strangers one by one, picking them off when the playing fear was more even. He licked his extended fangs at the thought.

For now though Demon decided to hold his ground, he wouldn't simply go running because there was a slight disadvantage.... perhaps an opportunity he simply couldn't resist would arise and he would be able to take full advantage. He laughed, a sharp barking sound that echoed a little around him. He opened his wings wide, taking in the unusual sight of his five opponents

This was not over..... not yet!

Styx simply remained on the floor with his eyes closed. He heard the rumble of the earth as more hooves slammed against it to join them. Unable to count well he wasn't sure how many that made standing around him now.... but he didn't like it.

"Go away." He grumbled.

Slowly his eyes flicked open, but the first thing that caught his attention was not the beast that had attacked him..... but an.... "angel?" A beautiful looking creature with a pelt that seemed to shine in the fading light. A torrent of cascading purple hair topped off with the most unusual ear wings Styx had ever known. "Am I finally dead?" He muttered in wonderment.

Shalar's attention had been solely on the Kalona, his eyes taking in the swishing of the disguising beast's tail. Yet the darkness was almost cooing, begging Shalar to act... to take advantage of the situation and rid the world of such a foal creature. Something told Shalar that left untouched this stallion would cause great devastation to many.... devastation that Shalar currently had an opportunity to rid the world of. Was it so wrong? To fight on the side of good?

It was at that moment that Shalar felt little petal move, a grounding reminder that to sink to such dark levels would make him no better than them...... he couldn't take a life simply because of what the creature COULD do, after all such things may never come to pass....

Shalar was torn, and only found himself drawn from his thoughts by the mumbling of the kelpie on the ground. He turned, to find himself looking face to face, eye to eye with the creature. The ramblings didn't make sense though, was he delusional? Perhaps he had banged his head after the attack from the Kalona? That would explain the hallucination.

Nisroc moved to stand beside his son, and although he wasn't much of a fighter he did his best to act as a shield. He would rather he was the one attacked than any one else. Perhaps then his son would see him in a different light?

The fact was that Nisroc had always wanted and done his best to protect his family, he had provided for them, nurtured them and had hoped he had passed on many lessons that would help them in the adventure that was life..... yet Nisroc couldn't help but feel as if he had failed slightly. Failed because he could not teach his only son to fight, or show him how to turn disadvantage to advantage. He had always been more of a lover than a fighter.

Ryuu Zu would usually have done something to acknowledge the presence of the newcomers, yet in this situation he didn't dare take his eyes of the target. The creature may appear at a loss, stuck in a corner and weak... but Ryuu knew that that was the time you should fear an animal more. No one would simply lie down and accept their fate, they would fight to the bitter end... claws, teeth and all.

Still, until the creature made a move Ryuu planned to do nothing. He would not strike a stallion who had not struck him first. Foolish perhaps, but it was the code that he lived and breathed by.

Regulus let out a sigh of relief as his 'patient' came too, although he did seem a little delusional consciousness was always a good sign.

Moving beside him Regulus spoke softly, putting his faith in the growing group around him that he would be safe while he went about his duties, "Stay still friend, you are bleeding..... and you must have hit your head. Just relax. You are safe now." Regulus smiled down at the Kelpie, hopefully that the creature wouldn't turn on his suddenly -after their kind were not known for their gentle ways as his own was.

But only time would tell how the events of today would turn out....  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon caught his opponants mumbled and disjointed words and couldn't hold back the snort of disguist, what a pathetically weak creature. A waste of flesh and blood. "Pathetic." He said, finding no need to hide his dislike for the situation.

With a roll of his eyes Demon lazily returned his attention to his newer opponants, at least it seemed like he was lazy, in reality he was simply biding his time, waiting for the opportune moment to make his move and strike.

An idea struck Demon, he wondered how these strangers would react if he was.... to cause a little distraction? He licked his lips at the idea, taking advantage of distraction of two of the new comers. He used his forked tail to search the ground, ensuring the action was his normal side-to-side sway... there! His tail made contact with a stone, a stone that he used his tail to fire it among the group.

Styx's eyes looked from the pretty white and pink angel to the new voice, an earth coloured... unicorn! The realisation that this was an earthbound creature jolted Styx and he rolled and turned in an effort to pull himself up off the ground. He hissed and thrased. Then a single word penetrated his gloom, 'pathetic', it made Styx whimper.

How could he still be seen as pathetic? He had fought all his life in vain, he had done the duty of the Gods and ferried the spirits of the dead to the underworld... what more could he do? "What more do they want from me?" he mumbled.

Shalar watched the injuried Kelpie for a moment. Confused by the mumbling and ramblings of the deranged beast..... Shalar had only heard bad things about the breed, they were agressive and territorial; though most tended to stay near large masses of water rather than lakes like the one behind him. It made Shalar wonder though, was this all a fight over territory? He had seen many such fights take place in the past... so it wouldn't surprise him.

Yet as the deranged words lingered and rolled in Shalar's mind he couldn't help but want to do something to help. "We don't want anything...." He said, it was truth... at least he and his father didn't want anything from that sad creature.

Suddenly he heard a crash and a clank and his eyes and ears twitched and twirled in an effort to locate the source. What had happened.....??

Nisroc watched his son silently, proud of him when he tried to comfort the Kelpie with his words despite the fact it was clear that he was juding the creature badly from the look of contempt and disgust that lingered in his eyes.

His son may believe himself to be grown but he had a long way to go to claim such a thing.

Just as Shalar had reacted he too found himself suddenly nervous and anxious to find the source of the noise. It wasn't loud or far away... but something was going on, and since Nisroc was easily spooked this was spooking him.

Ryuu Zu watched and listened, he was growing bored with the stalemate that seemed to have develop. Most of the group was focusing on the injuried kelpie behind them when he knew the real threat still remained at large before them.

His eyes bore into the Kalona's face, waiting as patiently as any hunter.

He saw and felt the movement of the Kalona's tail before he realised what was happening. Something shot past his face barely missing him. "Not another move beast." He said as his eyes narrowed on the creature, he lowered his body to a defensive position and waited for the attack he was sure would follow.

Regulus looked with pity down at the creature, "nothing." He repeated the stranged stallions words... the one this Kelpie had mistook for an 'angel'. "Please just relax while I heal you." Regulus tries to focus his magic with each moment that passed, the warm sensation building up in his body before it leaked out of him via his horn and into the kelpie. He was practised at healing such wounds of the flesh but feared that those of the mind would leave scars that lingered forever.

Regulus was nearly done when a stone struck the side of his head causing him to wobble and lose himself. He felt dizzy and disorientated.... and a moment later the world was black.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon smiled at the audacity and nerve of the golden stallion that stood before him, black hair swaying in the wing.... perhaps there was a way to use the long mass against him? It was one of the reasons why he kept his hair so short. Easy to manage.... hard to use against him. Of course, he also had the added advantage of having no hair for a tail... his kalona spaded one was more useful, far more in combat as well, an added weapon to use upon his enermies.

Demon allowed his eyes to stray to the stallion who had been hit by his stone attack, "It seem's your 'friend' is.... out of it." He couldn't help but grin, one down... three to go.

Styx did his best to stand, to get away, to move.... to do something. Strangers always lied. The gods could take on any form to trick you, and Styx was "Fed up of being tricked...."

Yet as the earth coloured stallion collapsed next to him he could help but scream! SCREAM AND SCREAM AND SCREAM!

Death surrounded him. Darkness was coming.... "Darkness.... coming"

Shalar couldn't stop himself flinching as the injuried kelpie started screaming. Unable to simply stand by and watched he moved to his side, he couldn't see anything that would suddenly cause such a reaction... unless... his eyes turned sharply to the kalona. "What did you do?" He said in a mere whisper, before adding more sharply, "WHAT DID YOU DO?" He could see that the unicorn that had been so intent on healing was now out cold, but surely that was not what had disturbed the kelpie so?

Shalar looked to his father, he knew his old man didn't like fighting. But at least he was an extra body. "I think it is time we drove the Kalona back!"

Nisroc gasped as he watched the unicorn crash, then as the kelpie screamed. His head turned to his son, his heart racing and sounding like thunder within his chest. He knew what the words meant..... he would be have to fight soon.

Fighting wasn't something he wanted to do. But he would, he wanted to protect his son... needed to! After all, had this not been about bonding, trying to form a stronger connection with the son he had always feared looked down on him?

"So?" Ryuu Zu asked, ignoring the screaming and the commotion behind him. He knew he could not help, he knew that he was needed to watch the beast that everyone else seemed to be happy to ignore. How foolish they all were.

Yet as one of the pink strangers spoke Ryuu found his interest peeked. Was the Kalona doing something? Was it possible? He knew they could be sneaky... but this....?

Regulus crashed to the ground. His world turned to darkness.

The stone had knocked him unconsious.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon looked at the strange pink stallion that spoke, for the first time taking him in. Horn of unicorn, wings on his head... but not like an Angeni, more like mini flutter wings, and upon his back a pair of wings that seemed like a combination of flutter and wind. Strange. He flashed his fangs, aware that he was still out numbered, still unable to teach them all a lesson.

Still, that didn't mean he couldn't taunt them in the hope they would do something stupid. He smirked to himself as he spoke, "Me....?" He shrugged, his shoulders rolling slightly. "I did nothing. The stone however.... as for him...." He indicated to the screaming creature, "...he was like that when I found him." Then the rest of the stallions words hit Demon's ears and he hissed, if they 'pushed him back' he would have no choice but to obey, too outnumbered to do much else.... of course if they tried they would soon discover what happened when you cornered an animal.

Demon moved his position slightly, the subtle difference allowing him to put pressure more on his rear legs so that he could pounce more easily. If needs be he would go over the crowd.

Styx's screams started to shallow out as his throat throbbed and fell too dry to make any more noise.

Instead he found himself mumbling in silence. 'Please.... leave me..... alone.....' Tears slowly started to pour from his cheeks.

The shadows started to cloud his mind, consume his soul and fill his heart with dread and fear. He hated the darkness that consumed him, hated how he was driven to madness every night. Hated the black outs. Hated the pounding of his heart.

He growled a silent growl.

Shalar frowned at the beast, his answers were purposefully taunting he could tell... but that didn't mean he reacted any less. The little flutter wings on his head flattened with his dislike as he analysed the area and the situation. He was still confident that they could do this.... but what worried him was how the Kalona would react. Unpredicatable at best, deadly at worst.

"Stop playing games monster...." The fact that the other strange soquili had stopped screaming was a slight comfort, but the reason worried Shalar and made him wonder if the Kalona really did have something to do with it?

Risking a view at the final member of their group, a golden regular stallion, Shalar wanted to see what he was doing before acting himself, knowing that his father would likely follow.

Nisroc gulped knowing that he would likely have to fight soon, something he was very weary about doing.

He remained silent though, knowing that his nerves would likely shine through and identify him as a weak link.... an a group was only as strongest as their weakest link.

Nisroc shifted his weight on his legs, hoping that his large wings hid most of the move.

Ryuu Zu felt eyes on him and was unable to resist checking out who it was. It shouldn't have been a surprise really that it was the strange lighter pink stallion, the one who had mentioned fighting back despite the screaming and unconsious stallion on the ground beside him.

Turning his gaze back towards the kalona he had the feeling that the beast was waiting for something, that right now he knew he was outnumbered... was he waiting for them to make a mistake. The little hairs on his neck stood on egde.

Something wasn't right......

Regulus continued to remain unconsious. The hit to his head leaving him a world of darkness and dreams. He could see Relia... a mare who he believed he loved with all his heart, he could see children... something they didn't yet have though they hoped they would soon....

Relia.... she was all that was on his mind. No battle or screaming, no missing or healing.... nothing.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon watched, seeing the indecision in their eyes... and that was when he knew he needed to do something. He needed to strike first, despite the disadvantage he was under. It was now or never.... now or be treated like an creature less than even the mumbling shell of a kelpie on the floor. And his Kalona stubborn pride wouldn't allow him to bow down without a fight.

So, disadvantage or not Demon acted. Using the fearlessness that had been forced into him during his youth with Lana'thel. Perhaps that b***h had her uses after all?

Attack roll:
1- Demon pounces forward, using his attack stance to jump. With a snap of his wings he used them to glide. He was originally going to attack the pink stallion but ended up gliding over them. Landing on the ground with a slamming of his hooves. (No attack)
2- Demon lashes out at Shalar, using his teeth and hooves to make as big an impact as he could, biting and slamming his hooves to break bones or wind his opponant. (Moderate damage)
3- Demon aims his attack at Ryuu Zu but misses, skidding on the ground beside him leaving great grooves in the dirt from his hooves. (Miss)
4- Demon lunges forward and headbutts Ryuu Zu before biting his neck, sinking in his extended fangs. (Moderate damage)  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Styx tried again to get up just as the kalona jumped.... it spooked him, the darkness within him making him panic as he tried to cry out. His usless voice making nothing more than "......." come out over and over again. He wanted to tell the others to run, to run while they still could.....

Shalar let out a hiss of fear as the kalona made the first move.... it was something Shalar had not expected, although he had reminded himself moments earlier that his breed were unpredictable at best.

He cursed under his breath and turned to face the kalona that was now to the groups rear.

Not giving much time to think about it he shouted; "NOW!" Just as he....

Attack roll:
1- Lunges for Demon but skids and misses, his large wings having to open in order to prevent Shalar from falling over. (Miss)
2- Strikes Demon in the chest with his horn. (Minor damage)
3- Opens his wings in an effort to send dirt and dust into the air to blind Demon. But nothing happens due to the ground being too moist. (Miss)
4- Opens his wings in an effort to send dirt and dust into the air to blind Demon. Manages to send some dust into the air. (Temp blindness)

Nisroc's heart pounded within his chest as he nerves threatened to take over. He didn't know what to do... he wasn't brave like his son and wasn't as strong as the Kalona appeared to be either.

Not sure what use he would be he decided he needed to try anyways....

Attack roll:
1- Nisroc is frozen by fear and unable to do anything at all. (Miss)
2- Nisroc shakes slightly but powers forward slamming his shoulder into Demon's shoulder in an effort to push him back and distract him while the others attacked. (Minor damage)
3- Nisroc runs forward but skids on some wet mud and ends up tripping over his own hooves into a pile. Feathers raining around him as he tries to get up despite being winded. (Miss)
4- Nisroc gulps but charges with his horn down, but only manages to nick Demon on the run past because he wasn't looking where he was going. (Minor damage)

Ryuu Zu watched the Kalona, and knew the moment he had decided to do something. The muscles in his flesh seemed to ripple with power and essence and sure enough the beast was soon gliding over the group. He turned around as quickly as he could to hear the light pink stallions words once more.... now.

He supposed the young stallion was right, it would be now or never for their attack.

Attack roll:
1- Ryuu Zu decides to hold back, walking slowly around Demon hoping the other two would distract him long enough for him to reach the Kalona's rear. (No attack)
2- Ryuu Zu lets out a war cry and charges Demon, slamming into his side. (Minor-Moderate damage)
3- Ryuu Zu charges Demon but finds himself skidding, it takes all of his strength to stay on his four hooves as he tries to possition himself so that Demon is still in his line of sight. (Miss)
4- Ryuu Zu charges Demon and manages to slam him to the ground pinned. (Minor damage -pinned)

Regulus's dreams continued to swirl in his mind. Happy foals bouncing around him, laughter and joy with every turn. Peace.... a sence of feeling whole.

If only life was so easy.  

[Syaoran-Puu]

Demon landed with a 'thud' the ground below his hooves soft due to the closeness to the water, and with a spray of mud he managed to stop with as graceful a move as he could muster. Of course, he knew they would attack.. and true to his thoughts they did. One missed, skidding into a pile of feathers and worthlessness, Demon didn't give him a second throught. Another stabbed in his chest, and as Demon turned to avoid the swipe he was struck in the side. He grunted and groaned before kissing at the pair that had actually made contact, he was annoyed that he could already smell the scent of his own blood..... how he hated it, and it was in that moment that he swore his was not the only blood that would fall this day.

Pulling backwards in a ripping motion he tore his flesh free of the unicorn horn, not caring about the damage it caused. If he was going to react he needed to do it NOW!

Attack roll:
1- Demon headbutts Shalar, his horns piecing flesh before he ripped them free to make the wounds worst. (Moderate damage)
2- Demon lunges forward at Shalar but misses because Shalar moves. (Miss)
3- Demon growls before aiming for a double attack. He strikes out with his tail at Ryuu while lunging himself at Shalar, hooves slamming down on Shalar's head in an effort to knock him out. (Minor damage to Ryuu and Unconsciousness for Shalar)
4- Demon snaps his wing open and pushes the Ryuu away from him, but isn't able to push too far due to the stallions strength. (No attack)

Styx tried to scream, as he scrambles backwards on the ground. His legs ached and throbbed by he managed to put some distance between himself and the beast that was currently in full attack mode.

Styx had one thought.... get away!

Regulus was still stuck in his dream world, thoughts of Relia, children and a life with them floating in his mind.... everything he had ever truely wanted was surrounding him.

But then the image shifted, a mirage? It moved and changed until he saw the face of a Demon..... a brown Kalona, horns and teeth, wings and tail... and it was then he remembered.... then that he screamed within his own mind, trapped with the image of the beast.

Nisroc tried to get up, huffing and panting. His large wings making the task far more difficult for him than most would find it.

And even as he tried his eyes were glued to his son... his horn was deep within the Kalona's chest cavity, no fear or worry seemed to crease his brow and for the first time ever Nisroc felt he was seeing Shalar's true form.... Shalar was a fighter.

Attack roll:
1- Nisroc manages to get up. (Up)
2- Nisroc continues to struggle and can't get up. (Down)
3- Nisroc wiggle and rolls before managing to stand up, but in the roll something 'snapped' and pain rushed through him. (Up -with broken wing)
4- Nisroc still can't get up, no matter how much he struggles, and he begins to fear his ankle is twisted since he can't put the pressure needed on it to get up. (Down)