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Entry one: I am NOT a midgit!!
The Meeting of Akiya and Angelus


Silent made sure the cloak hid her features from the light. Angelus was huddled inside of the material. He didn't appreciate this time of day either. Walking down the cobblestone path, Silent neared the stationary shop. Finally making it up the mini hill, Silent used her shoulder to open the door. The bell rang at their arrival.

Carrying a box of various knick knacks under an arm, Akiya wandered down the same path to get to the shop. He had to admit to himself that he was a loser owner to be. Well, he wouldn't call it an ownership. To be lucky enough to be welcomed to the place was making him rather giddy. Normally, he did not wander about this early. It was not his cup of tea. Yay another thing to slap on his "Things that made him Un-angelic princeling like" list! Stretching out his back a bit, he saw someone heading in just before him.

"Huh... another vampire.." He called all night people vampire, including himself. After he shifted his box, he entered a bit after, the bell pleasing to hear, his long ears shifting.

His eyes took a bit to adjust to being out of the sun and Angelus noticed that they turned from dark brown to a light ice blue. Seeing them, he bowed his head politely. "Greetings.." Rubbing at his right ear, which was heavily tattoo'd, he set his box down and stretched. He was thankful this place was big, cause he was rather tall at almost eight feet. "I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you before. I am called Akiya. And you are?"

As he waited for them to reply, he took up his way too long white hair and worked on braiding it thickly so it wouldn't be so much of an issue later on. The heat hadn't even bothered him all that much, cause he wore light clothing so he wasn't too badly affected by it.

Silent eyed the man curiously. She greeted the stranger with a smile and offered her hand. " Hello Akiya. I'm Silent. This here is Darkness." She motioned to the crow situated in her shirt.

Angelus made himself known. He slowly padded over to the man. Wow. He was tall. His wings flapped slightly in curiosity. " Angelus." He greeted. The man had cool eyes. How did he do that.

"Pleasure." He kept the faint smile off his face. "I feel for you to have such a pet, Miss Silent." Taking her hand, he shook it politely before he inclined his head to Angelus. "Nice to meet you as well." He had wings, all angels did, but they were hidden, the only mark showing he had them were matching wing tattoos on his back. But it was hidden by his shirt. "So you two come here often?" Oh my, that was rather lame of him, but Akiya wasn't known for his people skills...

Silent eyed the bird briefly and turned her attention back to the man nodding her head. " Actually. Yes. This is Angelus' second home." She chuckle. Her knee high boot clad leg crossed over her left one. She was thankful for the lack of clothing that she wore. Her skin seemed to feel like it was on fire. Stupid cloak.

Angelus cocked his head at the stranger. He was different. Not like the others. He chewed his bottom lip in contemplation. Fingering the cross adorning his neck, he took in the man's full form. Puffing out his chest, he tried to mimic the man's stance, but his 2 foot short frame did nothing.

"Ah I see. So Angelus is like the others I've been seeing about here. I've come here looking for a special Tome myself. I got an odd note saying that I am to receive one soon.. so I'm eagerly awaiting it." Seeing how Angelus was trying to copy how he stood, he smiled gently down at him and knelt down so he was closer. "so you have wings too? You know how to fly yet, little one?"

Silent nodded her head. " There are many others of these children. All coming from Tomes. You received a note? At least you got a heads up. Angelus was a surprise. A nice one at that." She smiled at the winged boy.

Angelus eagerly flapped his wings at the question. He usually flew everywhere, so he had the hang of using his wings. Now he was trying to learn some aerial acrobats the birds out of his windows were able to do. Slowly, his body raised itself from the ground. He floated only a couple of inches off the floor.

"Heh well not many can actually reach me where I live, so it was a bit of a surprise within itself to get it. Not that it makes me any less happy." Seeing him flay pleased him and he smiled happily. "You float rather well! You're well on your way to full flight!"

a loud thump suddenly sounded from the box, causing Akiya to tilt his head. Loud angry muffled sounds were heard and he sighed. "oh, please tell me he didn't get stuck in there again..."

" You won't be disappointed. I know that for sure. " Silent nodded in affirmation. She couldn't help but smile at the two males. Angelus loved to show off sometimes. Her attention went to thumping box. " What's that?" she asked.

Angelus smiled at the compliment and his attention turned to the box. Small fingers reached out in curiosity.

Darkness eyed the small group from his place in Silent's shirt.

The box kept thumping insistently before it finally fell over and opened, a tiny figure of blue rolling onto the ground. "Ouch!" The little Kun-Kun got up carefully and dusted himself off. "Mean box!" He mock kicked it.

"I warned you about falling into it, Hanai... This is my friend, Hanai. He tagged along with me while I went shopping.. he knows what cute things I should buy.. I'm not good at it, myself."

Silent looked down at the small blue figure. " Awwww. He's so cute." She cooed.

Angelus just cocked an eyebrow at the creature. Cute? Silent called it cute. Hmmm... He floated back to the floor and inspected the figure some more.

Hanai blinked as someone a lot bigger than him got in his face. He wasn't a very big creature, so even a kid towered over him. Looking up, he backed away a bit. "Um..."

Akiya let Angelus investigate the Kun. it wasn't often he and Hanai went out together to do anything. Mainly cause of time schedules and whoever was hogging Hanai at the moment. "Be careful with him, neh? He's small, it's terribly easy to lose him. Have you never seen a Kun-Kun before?"

Angelus stilled his footsteps when he saw the smaller creature back away. He meant no harm. Looking up at the tall man, he nodded his head in understanding. " Okay." He kneeled down on the floor, making himself shorter. " Hello."

The Kun tilted his head carefully at this boy and after a bit, he relaxed. It didn't seem like he wasn't about to try to see if he was a fly of some sort. His wings fluttered a bit as he dipped into a bow politely. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Hanai."

It had taken the longest to teach him English, mainly cause he only knew his own language and Zy only knew so much of it. But now that he now knew English, it was much easier for them to get along.

Angelus smiled and tried to bow from his kneeling position. " Angelus." He meant to say that was his name, but he didn't like to talk in full sentences verbally. My name is Angelus. he sent to the smaller creature. Angelus looked up at the man. " What's Kun-Kun?" he looked to the man as well as the small creature for an answer.

"To put it simply, that's what his race is called. Oh, hide all shiny things from him. He's rather addicted.." Hanai opened his mouth to openly deny it, but Akiya pulled out a golden locket that he always wore, and the Kun was immediately trying to get it. "What was that now?"

"Fiiine, I am... >>" Hanai understood the mentally sent message and smiled. "You have a nice name, Angelus... You have lovely wings... my master has white ones... how come yours are black?"

Angelus couldn't help but laugh out loud as Hanai's attention was turned to the shiny locket. Angelus' right hand came to the medallion on his chest. He tucked it in his shirt so as to not tempt the midget.

Angelus stopped smiling and chewed on his bottom lip. I'm a fallen angel. That's what I've been told. That's what the voices tell me. A demon with the face of an angel. Angelus never fully understood what that meant, but he would find out when he was older. He smiled at the smaller persons comment. Thank you. he blushed at the compliment of his name. White wings? Really? Angelus knew something was different about the man.
Hanai gave a happy nod at that. "Mmmhm! He's an angel." Akiya felt his ear twitch at that but Hanai ignored it. To him it wasn't something to be ashamed of. Sometimes, he wished he was bigger like his Master. "A fallen one..? I've heard of them..."

"You shouldn't be so nosey, it's not kind." He tugged gently on his wings, making them flutter again. "Forgive him.. he's a very curious being." His eyes had caught the boy moving his medallion and he kept his chuckle to himself. It was a good idea to keep that hidden, or else the Kun would be trying to trade for it. That was just the kind of creature he was.


Angelus' eyes widened. You've heard of them? What are they? Angelus knew minimal about the statement " Fallen Angel." Maybe the midget would be able to help him?

Angelus brown eyes turned to the tall man. He smiled. Curiosity wasn't a bad thing. He was curious all the time. Angelus looked down at his bracelets. The silver buckles that lined the material were shiny as well, but he couldn't do anything about that.

Darkness could hear the conversation between the midget and the boy. This wasn't good. Master wouldn't like the boy knowing soo much. So, flapping his wings, he rose from Silent�s shirt and perched himself on top of Angelus' shoulder. He sent the midget a death glare. Some things were meant to stay hidden.

Feeling the intense gaze of something on him, he looked up and noticed that the bird had decided to stop being pervy and was looking at him. A brow jacked up in confusion. What the hell was its issue? Was it sick? "I've heard of them, sure... but I dun know a lot on them as of yet. Master doesn't like such deep probing into his race's background." Nodding, cause it was the truth, he stuck his tongue at the bird.

Ah, so the boy was meant to learn on his own. Harsh, but the best way to learn sometimes. For someone who had gone through just that all his life, he understood how frustrating it could be to find someone who knew.. but he couldn't, or wouldn't give up the info one sought.

Darkness had no problem eyeballing the smaller creature. The birds form rippled into an exact replica of the smaller creature. The shapeshifter was much older than most of the people in the room, but only a few knew that. His eyes glowed a blood red and returned to Hanai's natural color. He mimicked the mimics immature action, sticking his tongue right back at him.

Angelus sent a harsh glare towards his familiar. A sigh escaped his lips. Hanai didn't have the answers he was looking for. He wanted to know. Needed to know what he was. Where he came from. He was having an identity crisis and wasn't even a teenager yet. Pleading brown eyes looked up into the tall man's eyes. " Angel?" he asked the man. Maybe he could tell him something. Anything. But somehow, he doubted it. It never hurt to try.

"Ooh that makes you more mature?" Hanai's brow shifted at the shapeshifter, not bothered by him in the least. Master Zy had stranger things under his roof. And his twin sons were the least of them!

His eyes softened as he placed a hand on his head. "I know the answers you seek, little one. However, to try to explain it all to you now would only cause you more pain in the end. Take it from one who was once in the same spot as you. Be patient a bit longer.. the answers you need, you will know. Keep searching but don't overwhelm yourself.." The answers will come all in due time... He decided, then and there, to make him a gift. Probably something from home.. "And call me Akiya, please. I'm sure we'll be spending more time together now that we've met."

A dark laugh escaped Darkness' lips. I only replicate the form I mimic. You, child, are the immature one. The figure once again started to ripple. The crow stood in its place. Bite your tongue. The child doesn't need your help. Opening your mouth won't be a wise decision. My master will see to that. Darkness closed the mind link between himself and the midget permanently. Flapping his wings, he landed upon Angelus' shoulder once more. The boy was not pleased with him, he could tell, but it wasn't the time to find those answers.

Angelus lowered his head in resignation. The man didn't help him like he wanted. He raised his eyes to him once more. Same spot as he was? Angelus flapped his wings slightly at the statement. Maybe he was right. Maybe it would all make sense in due time, but he still wanted to know. He was a child and children wanted to know everything. Angelus repeated the man's name. " Akiya." The name rolled easily off his lips. He pointed to himself. " Angelus. " Then to the man. " Akiya. " A smile came to his lips. " Angels." He said in a matter of fact tone.

There were things Hanai could say about that lame bird but he kept his thoughts to himself. He didn't fear any stupid bird that could only mimic those around him. Emperor Taliba was more fearful than tweety.

"Yes, that's right. On both accounts." He pointed to himself, a faint spark of bluish mist erupting at his fingertip and a marking showed on the part of his shoulder than showed through his shirt. "Akiya." He then pointed that same finger to angelus and the symbol of a Celtic fashioned crescent moon showed on the child's. "Angelus. Friends." His smile was gentle. Akiya was a kind man by nature, though he had his moments.

"Beware his family." Hanai laughed as Akiya sighed and messed with his wings again. "Biiiig scary family. Mouucha would love you I think."

Silent was in the kitchen the whole time the duo conversed, so she didn't see the small exchange between Angelus and Akiya.

Angelus chuckled. Doll sized clothing? That must be difficult for his son to do. Angelus laughed harder as the complaints rolled off the midgets tongue. " Midget clothing." He chuckled some more. Angelus looked into Akiya's eyes. With a motion of his finger he drew an X across the man's heart as well as his own. The universal sign for ' cross my heart and hope to die '. Angelus brought a finger to his own lips as if silencing the man's words. Silent won't know. His vest covered the marking on the shoulder. " Won't know, won't hurt her." He chuckled. He was a sly little devil.

"Who says I'm a midgit?" He wasn't sure he liked that term applied to him overly much.

"Mouu gets bored at the drop of a hat so making clothing helps him.. if he's not just bugging Sah in the kitchen.." An impish smirk appearing on his mouth at the marking, nodding in complete agreement. "It's not like I would tell her myself."

"Secrets are way too fun to spoil by telling." Hanai was picked up by the angel and placed on his shoulder where he sat comfortably.

"Indeed..." A faint chuckle escaped him before he winked to Angelus. Next time we meet, I'll try my best to bring you a gift.. it'll take some time to make it.. just to give you a heads up. It's not often I met an angel.. Well, one not from the Fortress, I mean."

Angelus shook his head, but a smile played on his lips. " No midget. Height challenged." he chuckled.

The two shared the same impish smile. Silent would find out in sooner or later. Hopefully later though. " Secrets are fun. The best." He nodded. Angelus tried to wink back, but instead both his eyes closed and open at the same time. He'll have to work on that. A gift? He cocked his head to the side. A gift? "Really? Thank you." he couldn't wait to see the gift now.

"You're welcome. Friends give gifts, it's what they do. Least what I like to do with mine." Angelus still had a lot to learn but he was sure that he would be all right. Self discovery was the toughest journey to go on, but everyone is on it, unknowingly or not.

"I like that better! Height challenged..."

Angelus smiled. " Friends. " He really did like that word. His wings flapped in impatience. He really wanted to know what the gift would be. He smiled at the imp. " Height challenged. Not midget." He nodded his head in affirmation. The past conversation of identity was lost among the boy. He was into the now, but he didn't forget his original plans. He would find out. He swore.

"Mmmhm, that's right." His right ear flicked as the markings turned from blue to red and he sighed. Placing a hand on his knee, he straightened, his braid brushing the ground before he flicked it over a shoulder. "Do forgive me, but I need to get back home. If I'm to get you your gift sometimes in the near future, I had best start now. Mayhap next time we meet, you can meet my sons."

Angelus watched the colors change. He wondered if his did that? Oh well. Angelus understood that the man couldn't be with him the whole day. He nodded his head. " Okay. Next time?" He really wanted to see Akiya again. He was the most interesting people he ever met. He also couldn't wait to meet his sons.

"Most definitely. I'll be back here again so you will see me soon." Smiling warmly, he bowed to him and caught Hanai when he slipped off his shoulder smoothly before he headed back out. Mou, had it really gotten so late? Wonderful. He hadn't even noticed. Pausing just long enough to wave back to him, he disappeared into the darkening sky, leaving his box behind. But that had been something he had planned... least, he hoped that had been his plan.

Angelus waved back, sad that Akiya couldn't stay longer. Small fingers reached for the closing door. The ball rang his exit. Darkness was situated atop a bookcase. Just you and me. He sent. The bird cawed back in response. Angelus turned to look into the kitchen, when the box caught his attention. That's where the midget stowed away in. Oh no, Akiya forgot his box. Brown eyes scrutinized the parcel? He wondered what was inside? Fingertips reach out towards the box shape, but he brought them back quickly. It wasn't nice to touch things that weren't yours. Silent taught him that. But what was in it?

Entry 3: Jiro and his Reluctance..
Jiro meets other Tales...

Silent has spent the night on the couch again. She almost missed home. Almost. The screaming raving women kind of lured her away from the household.

Angelus appreciated the silence as well. Snuggled up in Silent's arms, a yawn escaped his lips. During the day was nap time. Not get up time. But his body was restless and he wanted to get up.

It had been a somewhat long night for Akiya once he had collected Jiro. Not that he was a hard one to get settled in or anything. Just that once Sah caught sight of him, it was rather difficult to get him back. The crazy male ran around the house with the boy, cooing like the mother hen he happened to be and giving Jiro the complete tour of their rather massive home. It took Akiya three hours to find them and get Jiro back.

But now they were going back cause he needed his fricking box, okay thank you. Jiro was sleeping in his arms as he landed before the door to the shop and carefully pushed it open. Just in case someone was sleeping...

With sleepy steps Chao descended the stairs, Aido at her side. They were still staying at the Stationary shop as Huni had not returned yet.
She eyed Silent on the couch and waved lightly to the newcomers, yawning widely as she did so.

Aido yawned as well, rubbing her eyes as she hopped off the final step and glanced out the window, grinning as she saw the sun through the windows.
Aha! If it was sunny and not raining she could go outside! And that meant expending some of the restless energy that'd built up, maybe even exploring a bit...

Silent's body lay still. Unmoving. Her chest didn't rise and fall like a human when they slept. But she was a light sleeper. She heard all the noises around her but didn't make any motion showing that she was awake. Angelus rustled in her grasp. She would have smirked but kept her features frozen.

Angelus eyed Aido and Chao. He gave them both a smile, when the bell from the front door caught his attention. The tattoo on his shoulder started to itch once more. Akiya. His eyes widened in excitement.

Darkness slept atop the bookcases. Not making a word. Becoming one with his surroundings.

Feeling his ride come to a halt, he slowly opened his gold eye grumpily. What was going on now? He didn't like waking up right there, the soothing feel of Akiya floating in the air something that soothed him. But they were back at the Shop. Already? But now there were more people. Two others like him and two human-ish types. They appeared human, but he wasn't sure if they were or not. Both eyes open now, he watched this with a wary expression..

Seeing that Angelus was awake, he smiled softly. "Hello again, Angelus." Not knowing the other two well, he inclined his head politely to them. "Greetings. I'm Akiya and this is Jiro. A pleasure to meet you."

Blinking the last of sleep away Chao returned Akiya's gesture, "it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Akiya and Jiro. I'm Chao and this," she gestured to Aido who was leaning against her leg, eying the new Tale curiously, "is Aido."

Aido smiled gently at the new Tale, waving one hand lightly when she caught the boy's golden eye for a moment.

Silent listened to the greetings each parent exchanged. She didn't know if she wanted to converse just yet. Her meeting with Glory really ticked the woman off, causing her to think. To plan. To plot. Her vampire killer instincts usually rose when she felt that herself and her family was in danger. Especially Angelus.

Angelus flapped his wings slightly causing his feathers to rustle. It's good to see you again, Akiya. He sent to the angel. Brown chocolate eyes went to the boy in his arms. Another Tale? The scent in the air revealed that aspect. His eyes flashed yellow for an instant and went back to their natural hue of brown. Angelus kept his lips closed, hiding his sharp teeth. New scents usually caused his more primal instincts to arise. Shaking his head, he felt his canines smooth over, going back to the shape of a regular tooth. He cocked his head to the side, curious eyes scanned the boy. He seemed much different than the other Tales. Whether it was good or bad, he would have to find out.

Kira sighed, running a hand through her hair in frustration as she pushed the door to the shop open, careful not to smack her bulging belly into anything. As the door closed behind her, she gently wrapped her hands protectively over the swell before looking around her. She'd seen the shop around, but her curiosity had finally been peeked enough to go inside.

"Indeed it is, Angelus." His smile was warm before he glanced at Jiro, who was studying him unhappily. Nodding, he set the boy down so he could stand on his own two feet. "Chao and Aido. I'll do my best to remember those names."

They were both watching him, like there was something wrong with him. How nice. Looking at Aido, a brow shifted before he waved lightly before he glanced at Angelus. He wasn't the typical Tale, oh no, Jiro was not. But he doubted anyone would easily be able to tell that. Tugging lightly on a white braid, he kept his lips pressed together, not feeling comfortable enough to speak.

"As I will yours," Chao looked at Jiro momentarily, "I take it that little one's a Tale, hn?" How many were there now? It had to be over ten, not that Chao was complaining. It was just interesting.

Aido smiled at the return wave, happy to have even gotten so slight a reaction from the other Tale. That was enough, she moved away from Chao and looked about the room, debating on approaching the other Tale or just leaving him be. It was hard to tell what the other was thinking.
Her bi-colored eyes flickered to Angelus then to window and the restless feeling returned.
Still, she pushed it back and took a few steps forward, smiling to the other Tale, "nice to me' you," she'd finally picked up the greeting, she gestured to herself, "Ai," she looked to Kira expectantly.

Silent slowly opened her eyes. No point in playing dead the whole time. Raising her arms above her head, her school girl outfit rose above her naval. Her skirt slid a tad up her thigh. Knee high boots imprinted their heels in the couches arm rest. Oops. With a finger, Silent loosened the hold of the collar on her neck. Brown eyes gazed to the Tales and the parents. " Morning." A vampire didn't do very well in day time. Her actions were slightly sluggish as she rose to a sitting position, Angelus was placed upon her lap now.

Angelus flapped his wings a bit more. An action of curiosity. His eyes glanced to Aido then back to Jiro. He seemed distant. Uncaring. How do you approach someone like that? Suddenly he felt his body move. Silent was awake. She placed him on her lap. His brown eyes rose up to the bookcase. Darkness wasn't there. Where did he go?

The bird had flown down to the ground. He cawed and his body rippled out. A black snake with red eyes was in it's place. He slithered his way towards Silent and Angelus.

Silent felt something writhing up her leg and noticed the snake. It must be Darkness, she thought.

Angelus let out his hand and the creature wrapped around his fingers.

Pen looked around oddly, moving towards the book shelves. Being a massive bibliophile, they were the first thing she was drawn towards. Even the gathering of toddlers in the middle of the room didn't draw her attention away from the books. She didn't want to interrupt the individuals� conversation anyway. She sighed, resting a hand across her stomach as she scanned the titles.

It had been quite awhile since Inle and Tybalt had stopped by the shop, and with the weather being so nice as of late, they decided it was time for a visit. The going was slow; Tybalt, as independent as ever, had decided he was going to walk the whole way. Of course, his short legs certainly weren't going to win any races anytime soon, and Inle stifled the urge to scoop him up and carry him the remaining distance more than once.

They finally arrived, however, and Tybalt pushed the door open, its bells jingling merrily. He stopped a few paces in, surprised at all the unfamiliar faces, and Inle scooted in behind him, making a beeline for the chair she had claimed as her own. Tybalt planted his clawed feet far apart and crossed his arms over his chest. A calculating gleam was in his eye as he silently inspected these new (to him) Tales.

"Hmm? Ah hai, he is. I just received him into my care last night. My family and I are doing our best to make him feel comfortable in his new home." Jiro was holding onto the edge of his Chinese style shirt and he knew what was wrong. He was not feeling comfortable. but then again, these were new people. When the bell sounded again, he noticed another caretaker and Tale enter the shop. Ah the pirate one, as Hanai called him. This would prove to be very interesting indeed. "Jiro? Why don't you get to know them, hmm? I'll be over there." He pointed towards where his box was kept. "Not far." Patting his head, he gently got him to let go and sat down at the wall, needing a nap but waiting it out.

Akiya was leaving him alone with them. Normally, he wouldn't care. Actually, he didn't. It took him a bit to gather himself mentally, glad his face showed no outward flicker of emotion. The girl was named Aido... the winged one Angelus... His head tilted slowly to the side as Tybalt arrived, running a hand along his black choker, a slow smirk crossing his lips. Heh, a schemer.. the glow in his eyes spoke a lot.

After he finished his silent study of them, he smoothly settled onto the floor. What on earth did they do with each other? Stare them all down til one caved? Booooring. But what to do in the meantime?

Chao watched the exchange and sighed. The toddlers were quite, but it didn't seem like anything needing the Author's eyes would happen at the moment. She headed over and sat down in another of the plush chairs.

Aido sighed at the lack of a name in return, halo glowing softly for a moment. As the bell jangled and Tybalt and Intel her attention focused on the door for a moment before sweeping over the other Tales.
Nope, no one was really doing much of anything.
With a wave to Tybalt for a greeting she headed for the door. It wasn't quite closed, she could get through. Easy. It wasn't all that heavy after all, just getting it open was difficult from the inside. She wanted to explore outside the shop, before it got dark.

For once, Syrie used the front door - rather, it could be said that for once Syrie wasn't upstairs in his study. No, this time he was brining Khia back from his martial arts lessons, and the small black furball walked beside him in his karate gi, the belt purple with a small green strip - newly added.

Khia was all smiles as he walked into the Stationary shop, and even more so when he saw many of his "friends" - and people that could be friends! "Hi!!"

Syrie smiled nervously at all the people, he reaaaaaaally didn't do well with crowds... and anything over two tended to be viewed as a crowd in his eyes.

Silent watched Angelus and the other Tales. She couldn't remember a time when there was so many together. But it was quiet. Too quiet. Lowering the winged boy to the floor, she stretched her arms above her head, willing the kinks to leave her body. Her eyes scanned the shop. So many people.

Angelus looked around. He noticed Aido leave out the open door. He wanted to follow her. Did she want company? But his curiosity wanted him to stay. To learn about the new Tales. Darkness slithered his across the boy�s fingers. Angelus flapped his wings and a small breeze went through the shop. His eyes landed on the bird. Wings? Like him? But his were colorful. Angelus looked at his own. Black. His eyes glanced to Akiya's Tale. Too quiet. Shrugging his shoulders, he started to follow Aido. He didn't want to stand around anymore. He looked to Jiro and the bird Tale. " Explore?" he asked, as if inviting them to come along. He nearly collided with the new Tale that walked into the shop. He looked up to him. He was much bigger than the rest, but he didn't want this to interrupt the exploration that may come about.

Pen glanced over at the gathering, blinking a few times. She...must not have looked at the children assembled too hard. A bird, an anthroish... Okie, she was more than weirded out right now. Course...she really shouldn't have been considering she had a girl at home that had manifested from a poof of smoke. But hey, you know how people react to the unusual.

Tybalt nodded first at Aido, watching her for a moment as she came his way, before turning his attention to the others once more. "'Hoy, Keeha," he said, not turning to the gi-clad furball as he greeted him. Tybalt didn't quite like the look of the other two Tales, the oddly dressed boy and the one with wings like himself, and his feathers ruffled, making him appear a tad larger.

He was about to refuse said winged boy's request, but if Ai was heading for the door and HE was heading for the door, then they must be going together, and Tybalt didn't trust the boy around his ally. The child was much too large for his tastes, and he didn't think Aido could take him on in a fight. "'Spose," he said grudgingly after a moment. "Where we go?"

Kiarhu's tail swished and he returned the Cap'n's greeting, turning a bit to glance after Aido. "Ai?" He was excited - his favorite people were there...but who was that strange boy that almost ran into him? The one following his friend? "Everyone going outside?" He asked Tybalt, turning - his guardian forgotten in the excitement of seeing friends, and possibly making more. Khia's fur rippled strangely under his gi, as though it were alive all on it's own.

Syrie slunk off to hide in his study, after waving to some of the others. He had his black book and was scribbling in it, even as he tried to slink away.

Akiya wasn't liking how quiet Jiro was, though he wasn't a noisy child to begin with. He had the feeling this might happen. Waving to Sy when he came in, he looked at Jiro, who was now studying him again. The boy was shaking his head. He wasn't going to do this.

Since he hadn't know he was supposed to hand over his name, he didn't offer it. But when there was the offer to go outside, his nose curled. They had to be out of their mind. "No, thank you." His voice was hard to understand at first because his accent was strange. "I spent most of my day outside.. the light hurts my eyes.. so inside I shall be staying." Pushing himself to his feet again, he went over to Akiya and sat in his lap. He didn't want to stay here. He wanted to go home. Closing his eyes, he folded his arms over his chest and waited for them to leave.

Then maybe Akiya would take them home.

"Jiro..." It was weird for him to be this innately stubborn, but he carefully took out his chopsticks and worked on braiding the boy's hair. It probably would have turned out different if he hadn't woken up grumpy..

Smiling at Khia and Syrie Chao stood and slipped away to the kitchen herself. She had a pie to finish, and she trusted Khia and Angelus to watch after Aido and make sure the little girl didn't wander too far.


At her name Aido turned, grinning at the sight of Khia. "Khia!" she grinned happily, noticing out of the corner of her eye that Capn' Tybalt and Angelus seemed to have decided to come with her on the impromptu expedition. She paused in front of the door, waiting for them.
"Wanna e'plore?" she asked the older Tale, eyes shining at the prospect. She'd spent most of her day inside and the restless energy inside her was far too bothersome to ignore. She didn't know what they'd explore but it would be better than staying inside!
At Jiro's decline her eyes flickered to him then back to the door. It was alright, not everyone liked to explore, and it was his choice after all.

Silent watched the Chao go to the kitchen. Might as well do something. Rising from her spot, Silent followed suit. She was bored.

Angelus cocked his head to the side at the bird. What kind of tone was that? Untrust? Angelus only met the female Tales, except for Linny. Everyone of them was somewhat agreeable. Angelus stretched his wings over his head. Angelus wasn't one to use his mouth. Rolling his eyes he sent to the bird. Wherever Aido feels like to take us. Angelus sent to him. He rose an eyebrow at the parrot. It didn't seem like he was patient with the boys. Girls he could handle. Guys got on his nerves. Brown eyes rose to look at the taller figure. " Yes. Outside. Join?" Simple one answer words.

Angelus' gaze went to the boy, Jiro. He narrowed his eyes at him. Angelus was definitely nocturnal, but even he needed to burn off some energy. A snicker came to his lips as the boy sat on Akiya's lap. Wear shades. Be a child and stay behind. Even a girl has more energy than you. More will. How sad. He sent a smart-alecky reply. Even though he was Akiya's child, he didn't appreciate being brushed off like nothing. He really didn't get along with the boys. Oh well. He could live with that.

His gaze turned to Aido. " Explore?" He wanted to leave as soon as possible.

Darkness wrapped his way around Angelus' neck and perched himself on the boys shoulder. Looking to the other winged boy his body rippled. On Angelus' shoulder perched a parrot with the same markings as the boy. Darkness looked like an actual Parrot to a pirate. He cawed. " Land ho. Land ho. Full speed ahead." Angelus only rolled his eyes. Show off.

Tybalt scowled at the boy who dared to invade the privacy of his thoughts, his talons digging a bit into the floor of the shop. His anger was averted, however, by the miniature version of himself perched upon the boy's shoulder, and he emitted a rare chuckle. "Weerd bird," he said, before turning away. "Where we go, Ai?" he asked.

Khia nodded, but then glanced back at the very sullen looking boy that had climbed into his parent's lap. "Khia come out and explore in just a minute...'kay?" His ears wiggled, making the tassley tufts dance a bit. He didn't want to leave anyone out, and this person had a VERY interesting scent. The boy with the serious expression seemed to be making Cap'n irritable - Kiarhu caught that from the body language...but he knew that going outside with Aido would make them feel better. "Hi, I'm Khia" He went over to Jiro, and though he couldn't smile per se, he could emote a smile with his tail and such. "Who you?"

The look Angelus was shot could have easily curdled milk, his eyes glowing in irritation before he scoffed and looked away. "To be called a woman cause one wants to rest their feet after running around all day? Be that it is to you, I care not." He easily dismissed Angelus, looking at Akiya like he was nuts. Akiya had told him that this tale with wings was rather interesting. Sounded like a stuck up punk to him.

Now another was bothering him with his presence. One who looked nothing like the others. "Jiro..." Since he had just asked for his name, Jiro saw no reason to not tell him. "You be?"

Chao looked over as Silent came in and grinned, she'd already gotten out all the ingredients she needed to make homemade pudding and a previously frozen crust was on the counter, "wanna help me finish a pie?"

Aido glanced back to look at the possible brewing confrontation between Jiro and Ang'lus.
She placed her hand on the door and pushed it open, waving her free hand towards Khia, "see you soon Khia!" she called back before looking to Tybalt and Angelus and smiling, nodding a greeting to Darkness, "yes e'plore."
At Tybalt's question she paused, pushing the door a little father open, "I'unno where we go.... Where'r we go we go, righ'?" she asked, cocking her head. It didn't matter where they went to her, just the fact that they could explore someplace new was pleasing enough for her. The fact that her friends were coming with her made it all the better.

Silent smiled and walked over to the counter. " Sure. " Silent turned her out to the outer door. In a loud voice, she called to the owners. " Would anyone like pie?"

Angelus was barely fazed by the boys look. The winged boy only rolled his eyes at the pompous boy. He really was lazy. He'd rather have his hair done then do physical activities. It seemed womanly to him.

His gaze turned to the feathered boy. He also had an attitude. A look was shot to Darkness at the comment. Weird bird. He shook his head. He must correct this boy. " Not a bird. A shapeshifter." What a child. Without another word said, he followed Aido out into open air. His eyes squinted in the sun. He never like the light, but his urge to get out and do something far outweighed a little light flooding his vision.

Darkness only eyed the winged boy. His thoughts went to Angelus. Weird bird? How he laughs when I mimic his own colors. Strange child. Yes. Child. Angelus, why do you hang around such children? You're far much better than they are. Stronger. Smarter. Why? Why be around them? Darkness questioned. The time was coming. Soon.

Tybalt shrugged; bird, shapeshifter, to him it didn't matter. The creature imitated him, and it stroked the vain part of his ego quite nicely. He strutted towards the door, his puffed feathers belying his contentment. He turned back towards the remaining Tales before walking out the door. "Come soon, Keeha, k!" A tone of easygoing authority laced his voice; this wasn't a command, per se, merely a suggestion.

"Aye Cap'n" Khia responded, turning his head from the colorful boy-child for a moment to comment to the parrot boy. "Kiarhu. Everyone calls me Khia." He frowned at the strong words between the boys, and shook his head. "Sometimes tired. Khia gets tired after class, Sensei says rest is good." the shapeshifting felid/lupine child flicked his tail slowly. "Jiro is a good name. Very pretty clothes too. Sure you don't want to come with?" The dark fur shimmered and seemed to crackle and shift strangely if Jiro looked long enough.

As far as he was concerned, Angelus was someone to ignore entirely. Someone who listened to a shapeshifting bird was so much smarter than he was? Oh he highly doubted that. It wasn't like Angelus had done anything wrong by politely declining so Angelus' rudeness was not needed. Perhaps he should rip out that smart tongue of his... but he curbed the thought. Shouhin wouldn't like that much. However, he had better things to do than deal with idiotic Tales. He cared not if he was friends with his father or not, they were not going to be friends. Ever. Akiya wound up his braid and put the chopsticks back in place while Jiro yawned slightly, covering it with a long sleeved hand.

Oh he noticed that something was very different about Khia. It caught his interest as a faint smile showed on his face. "You smell interesting... you can change shapes hmm?" It wasn't that he was a know all or anything, but it was just something he could feel. At the invitation, he wrinkled his nose. "My presence isn't overly welcomed, so it's fine. Mayhap some other time... thank you for the offer, Khia..."

Trying to ignore the fact Angelus and Jiro were most definitely not getting along, he called to the ones in the kitchen. "I'm good with pie, thanks."

Chao grinned evilly at Silent, "you are now my minion. Prepared to spend upwards of five minutes stirring this stuff."

Aido grinned as the sunlight washed over her, away from the trouble brewing between the two Tales and into a world of infinite directions to set off in and even more places to explore.
Still.... she knew Aemu would worry if they wandered too far. Best to stay more or less close to the shop.
She turned to Angelus and Tybalt, "Ang'lus and Capn Tybo wanna e'plore ou' back?" she pointed to the path that led to the backyard of the Stationary Shop, "or somewhere else?"

" Oh heavens no. A minion? Fine, I guess stirring is in order." She took the bowl and spoon and continued her mission. " Ok! " She yelled out to Akiya.

Angelus didn't listen to the bird, but it didn't stop him from thinking. He shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts. They're not children. They're like me.

Darkness only laughed at the boy. You have power. An inner power. A power that the others are jealous of. Do you see how the males treat you? With no respect. Why? Because they're jealous. Darkness filled the child with crazy theories. The bird didn't talk like this. Not until now. Not when the trap was so close.

Angelus turned his attention to Aido. He didn't want to stray too far from the shop. " Backyard." he answered. It was sensible. In case anything happened, the grownups were near by.

Tybalt pondered this for a moment. The road beyond the shop seemed to beckon to him, promising adventure and appealing to his love of exploration. However, there was Ai and the boy to consider. He had no weapon, so he wouldn't be able to protect his ally should they encounter danger, and the boy...well, Tybalt didn't really believe he would be able to defend himself. The backyard really did seem like the most reasonable choice. "Backyard, ya." Perhaps there would be something interesting back there, in spite of the fact that there was no adventure to be had while getting there.

Khia tilted his head, but nodded - it wasn't often that people understood what he was. Viddy's mom had known, yes...because she was scented the same way. "Yup. I'm shapeshifter!" The tall furry black child swished his tail again, as if he were thinking something over. "Come? Cap'n and Ai and Khia want Jiro to come." Khia's mind was no where as simplistic as his speech, but he found it hard to form words with a muzzle. "Shouldn't be like Syrie, always hiding." Of course, Khia meant no harm with what he said, and he genuinely wanted this boy to come out. He was pretty. He had long hair, and feathers like Tybalt and Viddy...plus, he smelled veeery interesting.

Jiro was rather pleased with the fact he had been right in his guess and he scratched his cheek faintly before he shrugged. Father wanted him to interact with others. And if he could keep a decent distance from Angelus, then he highly doubted anything would happen. It wasn't like he wanted to talk to him or anything of that sort.

He didn't take offense to what Khia said, but he did sigh. "Not hiding... but I'll come..." He lived away from the shop anyway.. he saw tons of adventures there. But there weren't any like him. Still not showing much emotion, he got down from Akiya's lap. "I'll follow you then.."

In the other room Chao's faux cackles could be heard as she went about empting the last of the things into the pot and checking that the crust was holding up alright.

Aido grinned, "then we go!" she cheered, glad they all agreed. She cast a last glance back into the shop, but couldn't see into the shadows and Rael seemed to be in no mood to go investigate for her.
She just hoped Khia would come along soon, if he got Jiro to come it would be good too, she just hoped, if that was the case, he and Angelus didn't start fighting like they'd seemed about to in the shop.
Her halo glowed uneasily at the thought of a possible approaching conflict, though it mostly looked as if it was just refracting sunlight. She shook it off and hopped down the stairs, beginning to make her way towards the backyard, predicting the future was usually useless anyway.

Angelus followed Aido and Tybal to the backyard. The sun shone down brightly on the ground. He always felt an unease in the daylight. He didn't understand why. Darkness kept talking to him.

Angelus? Angelus! Are you listening? You insolent little thing. No wonder God kicked you out.

Angelus froze in his tracks. What did he say? His brown eyes looked to the parrot on his shoulder.

That's right. You were disobedient. Never listened. God didn't want you so he kicked you out. And you fell. And kept falling and until you fell to the deepest part of the earth. The hottest part. Your white wings burned from the ashes and heat. Do you wonder why they're black? Well, now you know. The parrot rose up from his shoulder and landed in front of him. His little form rippled. This time, an older man stood in his place.

A tall man with black eyes and black hair put into a ponytail. Not as long as Akiya. Only to his shoulder. He wore a pressed suit. Smiling, his fangs shown behind his lips.

I think you need to be taught a thing or two. Before Angelus could do anything, the man was on him. He wrapped his hand around the boy�s mouth. Silencing him. The winged boy kicked, trying to looses the man's hold. Opening his mouth, he bit down on the hand. Hard. A yowl escaped Darkness' lips. He looked towards a tree that was in the back yard. " A little help here?" In an instant, a cloaked figure stepped from behind the tree. She took the hood off. Glory. A sinister smile was on her lips. She put the hood back on.

" Must a woman do everything. " Taking a potato sack she ran over to Darkness and quickly dropped the bag over the child. The bag squirmed. She tied it up. A smile came to her lips as she looked at Darkness. " See? Easy." Darkness put his fingers to his mouth, mumbling. With his free hand, he placed it on her shoulder. In a few moments they were gone.
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Silent was preparing the pie when a howl was heard from the back of the shop. It wasn't a child�s howl. Before she knew it, a feeling of dread swept through her body. Dropping the bowl and spoon on the floor, her legs raced out to the backdoor. She forgot that it was day and the sun was out. Opening the door, she stopped at the doorway. She watched Glory come from behind the tree and quickly sweep Angelus up in a potato sack. Coherent thoughts didn't run through the Vampiress' mind. She ran out into the daylight. For as long as she lived, older vampires grew to be able to stand in daylight for a longer period of time, but it was still deadly and could kill. She ran. Ran towards her screaming son, but Darkness vanished. She ran towards the tree. Gasps escaped her lips. Third degree burns ran all over her skin. Before she knew it, she dropped to the floor in shock. She didn't register the pain. Her face was blank.

Angelus was gone.

Khia "smiled" at Jiro, tail swishing happily; fur doing that strange shifting motion it did when he was excited. "Come then, we'll sit and watch them!" He waited to be certain Jiro would follow, and then lead the doll-like boy outside to the back porch of the stationary shop. There was a small table there, and chairs for the adults, and also a small table and chairs made for wee-ones that Syrie had brought out when Khia began practicing in the yard weeks ago.

At the sudden scuffling noises Aido turned, taken aback as she watched Darkness transform. Immediately Rael was at her side, caution and stealth thrown to the wind, the Shadow beast snarling deeply at the man and woman.
Aido hesitated, just for a moment, as the potato sack went over Angelus' head she snapped away from it and charged. Only to trip as they group disappeared.
Pushing herself up she looked around franticly, "Ang'lus?! ANG'LUS?!"
A voice surfaced in her mind, I don't understand! Yesterday they were happy and healthy, we were all joking and laughing like tomorrow would never come. But now... now, they're gone...
She shivered and pushed it away as Silent ran past her. Running after the woman and throwing her hands over her as she fell, Rael shifted, becoming a much larger beast, his own shadow covering Silent, keeping her out of the sun's deadly rays.
Immediately Aido was looking around again, tears of panic and fear for her friend trailing down her cheeks. Where was Angelus?!

Chao had immediately followed Silent as the woman ran out, pie forgotten. But they were too late, even as the dagger she always kept sheathed and hidden at her side slid from its case the group had disappeared.
Immediately her eyes sought out Aido, instinctively making sure her daughter was still alright.
Aido was, Silent wasn't, Angelus was missing.
Shivering at how quickly everything had just come to pass Chao ran over, her mind so frazzled that even questioning Rael's sudden appearance was out of the question.
"We-we need to get her inside," she murmured, focusing on what they could do as she took hold of Silent, instead of their inability to know where the other Tale was now.

"Un..." He followed after him a bit hesitantly, still unsure if he really wanted to be doing this or not. But he had given his word and he would follow it. If it was just them sitting somewhere and watching then that was just peachy keen with him. But something seemed to be happening, a fit of panic that he more felt than really saw. However, a scent was missing. The loud mouthed annoying one... that scent was missing.

Seeing his father come bursting out of the shop made him wonder. This must be serious if his father looked that angry before.

"Damn it..." He had felt their energies and now they were gone. He was worried about Angelus...

Khia finally noticed the commotion, his head cocked curiously. "What going on? " He noticed someone was missing....the one that was irritating Jiro. The one with...that thing...yes, the thing that was Other. "Where he go? What happened?" Khia's tail poofed out, his red eyes glittering strangely as he checked to be certain the others were okay....


To be continued...

Entry 5: A needed transfusion
Jiro's irritation...

When he felt himself get lighter, he easily skid to a halt. Seeing who had him, he sneered. Ungrateful but what did he expected. Noticing Chao's smile, he only turned away from her. Whatever, too late for that. Glad to just have the other Tale away from him, he shook out his kimono. He could hear the chaos going on about him, but it only made him smirk. Ah well, such was the world. After this was said and done, he wasn't dealing with other Tales. So far the ones he met left bad tastes in his mouth, except maybe Khia but that was something else entirely. He might visit him. But at that moment, he didn't care about it much. Too bad he just wasn't strong enough to help his Shouhin...

Though he was still young, he wasn't strong enough to help him... but one day he would be... a cold smile came to his lips as he chuckled to himself. One day, he would take the world down. Ah.. what wonderful carnage that would be... even if a tiny part of him was hurt his behavior was forcing him to be isolated. He wanted friends.. but on the other hand, no he didn't. Thankfully, the choice he made would not cause him to have trouble sleeping at night. Not in the least.

But the roar, he spun off and hurried back towards Akiya. Father...

"Aww.. what's wrong? Your plan fall through?" Moving quickly, there was a bright burst of light before the Master found himself flying through the air and towards the nearest wall thanks to a very huge mallet. Snickering, he spun it easily in a hand before he rested it on his shoulder. "Isn't that just too bad for you?" His face was expressionless before he glanced at the mallet. "Heh, I guess Obi's little mallet fetish did come in handy.." The mallet head was huge and obviously very heavy, the handle made of slender metal. It was also about the same length as his entire body. But he wielded it easily before he felt Jiro's body bump into his leg. "Jiro.." He then looked towards where Chao was and smiled, glad to see that they were safe.

He felt his form fly through the air. A snarl escaped his lips as his body fell to the floor. That was it. An incantation left his lips. Pursing together his lips he let out a breath of air. The ground started to freeze up. It headed straight for Akiya. The ice glued the angel to his place. Perfect. Lifting his body up he looked to the angel. " We won't finish this here. We'll meet again. I promise." With that, he ran down one of the deserted tunnels. Out of danger.

Silent ran right behind glory, grabbing the woman's hair she wrenched her head back. A sinister smile came to her lips. " Miss me?" Pure terror was evident on the woman�s face. This was personal. Rage ran through Silent's body as she easily threw the woman across the room like a rag doll. Glory felt her body knock into rock. Gasping for unneeded breath, she slowly rose to a standing position. She spat out blood. A smile came to her lisp as she eyed Silent. " Finally. This will be interesting. " With a burst of speed, the woman ran for the brunette. As soon as Glory was close enough, Silent ducked under the woman�s outreached arms. Bringing her right arm up, she brought it around Glory's neck.

" Yes. This will be interesting."

Darkness crawled towards the tunnel. Dread filled his being as he noticed Chao and Aido. He didn't get to close.

"Is she ok?" he whispered.

Chao looked over towards Darkness, eyes narrowed in vague worry and she held Aido and Angelus a bit closer, still listening with half an ear to the fighting going on in the cavern.
"She'll be alright," she murmured, soothing down her daughter's hair with her fingers, "she's lucky." Her last comment was said more to herself than Darkness.

Blinking a bit as his feet were frozen to the ground, he snorted as the 'Master' beat a hasty retreat. "Pfft, I'm sure we will meet again.. if you're brave enough to slink back out of your hole." Recalling the mallet and allowing the magic to sink back into his body, he picked up Jiro and checked him over. He was fine, that was expected, he supposed, cause Jiro hadn't really done anything. After a bit, he found the weakness in the spell and used a small one to shatter the ice and free himself. Thumping his boots firmly on the ground in order to get the ice shavings off, he went over to see how Angelus and Aido were doing. "We really should get them out of here... Where's Silent?"

Darkness slinked back to the other side of the wall. Watching. He had no where to go. The Master surely wouldn't take him back and he doubted that Angelus and Silent would take him back as well. A sigh escaped his lips. He didn't know what to do.

Screams echoed throughout the cavern.

Glory brought up her hands and went to scratch out Silent's eyes, but the brunette knew that move. Bringing up her knee, she placed it on the small of the blonde's back and pushed her away. The petite woman fell to the floor. In an instant, Silent sat upon her back and grabbed a fistful of hair. She lowered her lips to the woman's ear.

" You went too far." She spat venom out at the woman.

The blonde could only chuckle. Chuckle up blood. No words left her lips.

" So many things I could do. My fingers itch with the anticipation. " Silent's silky voice laced through the cavern.

Glory's eyes widened in fear. She knew what the brunette was able to do and it brought a shiver down her spine. She'd stake herself then go through that kind of hell.

Chao tilted her head at the screams, "I think she may be beating Glory into a paste," she mused.

At one particularly loud scream Aido opened one eye to a slit, grimacing as pain and exhaustion hit her.
Owo, waking up had been a bad idea.

"Ai..." Chao smiled at her daughter, checking her eyes and other signs for a possible concussion, not that she was an expert, but she knew the basics. She'd check further once they got home, but Aido seemed more or less alright, if not exhausted, "go back to sleep, we'll be home soon."

Aido looked around, careful not to move, not ready to take her mother's advice just yet. She smiled as she caught sight of Angelus, Akiya and even Jiro.
Her eyes fell on Darkness and she blinked, vaguely wondering what the shape shifted would do before settling back into Chao's arms, too tired to think about it, and fell back into unconsciousness.

Chao barely noticed, as she was forcible keeping back the usual sympathy she had for 'lost' things as she looked over to Akiya, "should we go find her and head back?" she glanced at Angelus, "Angelus has lost a fair amount of blood...."

He wasn't overly interested in this right now. Least Aido was okay, but she had been the one to put herself in the line of danger. Crazy girl...

"I agree to that.. We should find her before she ends up getting hurt if she's tired or anything.." his eyes showed a deep concern for Angelus as he pressed light fingers against his neck, a healing spell passing over his lips to slow down the flow of blood. He couldn't afford to lose any more. "I think Silent is having a bit too much fun though >>"

Silent turned the woman around. Now she was face to face with the blonde. " I'm not sure what to do with you. Spare your life? You didn't think twice about draining Angelus dry. Or should I end it now." Reaching behind her, Silent took out a small pointy piece of wood. Debris that littered the tunnels. He softly placed the pointy end to where the woman�s heart would be. " Decisions... decisions." Silent mused out loud.

Darkness just stood silent. Quiet. A smirk came to his lips as he heard Glory's scream. She deserved it.

Chao huffed out a breath, fine, she'd go ask the bloody woman.
Standing straighter she deposited the two Tales in Akiya's arms, "look after them for a minute, alright? I'm going to go ask her if she wants to be left behind to play her little revenge-torture game or come with us."
She didn't want to stay in the place longer than she had to, being underground was not her ideal environment.
Poking her head into the cavern Chao spied Silent and Glory. Ignoring the blond vampiress she looked to Silent. "Silent, we need to get going. Do you want us to just head on without you or will you be done really, really soon?"

Blinking as two more Tales ere thrust into his arms, he tilted his head as Chao went off. He never understood girls well, not even his own sisters. Hearing massive amounts of grumbling, he felt Jiro shift about and climb onto his back, his ear twitching cause he yanked hard on his hair before he settled down. >_o But he kept Aido and Angelus close. However, he also opened a portal back home while he waited. Just so there wouldn't be anymore time wasted than needed.

Silent looked up from her position on the woman to Chao. Her brown eyes stared into blue ones. Without a warning the wood dove through skin, tore through muscle, and pass the bone. With one last shriek, the body beneath her shattered into a million pieces. It was done. She was done. A sigh escaped her lips. Slowly, she rose to a standing position. " Finished." She whispered. Slowly, she walked towards the tunnel, slightly stumbling, but amazingly standing up. "It's time to go home." she nodded.

Chao paused and blinked, staring the new pile of ashes before turning to Silent, eyes wide and curious, "you mean vampires really go 'poof!' when you stake them? I always thought that was just a myth...."
Turning she offered Silent a shoulder to lean on as they headed back into the tunnel. "It's definitely time to go home. All of us. Lost no longer."

Akiya waited for them patiently at the now constructed portal. After herding them towards it gently, he looked at Darkness with a critical eye. He had betrayed Angelus by bringing him down here into this hell... should he leave them there. But this wasn't his decision, nor his choice. Silent would have to decide what to do when it came to him. "Come.. I don't wish to keep this open for too long. It'll attracted unwanted guests..."

Silent thankfully rested against the woman. Nearing the tunnel, the saw an already opened portal, thanks to Akiya. Brown eyes went to the silent form in the corner. What to do? He betrayed her trust especially her sons. What good was he? Brown eyes looked into black? Was that remorse. A sigh escaped her lips. She turned her attention back to the portal.

" If you truly are sorry for what you've done and want to make amends, then come, but If you try anything else, I swear you will regret it." She warned the shapeshifter. Silent slowly stepped through the portal.

Darkness lowered his head, but slowly rose to stand. Cautiously he walked through the portal. After Silent.

Chao gently took Aido back from Akiya, eyeing Darkness as he stepped through. Hopefully the shapeshifter wouldn't try anything again. Maybe he'd use his second chance for the better?
She shrugged to herself and stepped towards the portal after Darkness had gone through, Aido sleeping in her arms. Briefly she looked back. She didn't see Rael's form. He seemed to have vanished for the time being, not that she'd expected to be able to find, let alone interrogate the Shadow.
With a sigh she stepped through the portal.

Nodding to Chao, he looked down at Angelus in worry before the final three went through the portal and came out back at the shop. Jiro used his hair to slide down to the ground and walk on his own two feet. He was really glad to be out of that place. He watched as Akiya studied Angelus before looking at Silent. "Will he need a transfusion? He's lost a lot of blood..."

Silent quickly was next to Angelus side. Her fingers ran through his brown hair. " Come back to me. Please." She whispered. Watery eyes looked at Akiya. " Anything, just please help him." Silent couldn't offer her own blood. She was dead. Un-living. Someone needed to do the transfusion. "Who will do it?" she questioned to the open room

Setting Aido down gently on one of the couch cushions Chao yawned, heaven she was tired, and shrugged, "I'll do it if need be. If my blood will work that is," she hadn't been witness to many transfusions, was there a specific kind of blood needed? Would her blood cooperate with Angelus'? Too many unanswered questions.

"I don't think our type of blood would work, Chao... and I don't wish to use Aido for something like this. Not in the state she's currently in... And even if we could use yours, you are way too tired. I would not wish to place added strain on you... You should rest while this is going on... to catch up.." Biting his lip, he looked over at his sulking Tale and he made him look over at him. "You need to do this, Jiro."

"Out of your mind.. he's no friend of mine..."

"But he is a friend of mine. Jiro.. please. Aido's too weak and my blood definitely wouldn't be compatible."

"And how is that? He's an angel. You're an angel. Piece of cake." He was waving a hand, trying to get out of this. He did not wish to help him!

"Jiro! Stop being so stubborn! Im asking you as your father, help this Tale." He could see the war of emotions on the doll-like face and could practically see the war going on behind those bi-colored eyes. Jiro didn't want to help someone who had been rude to him for no reason, but there was that part of him he knew he had. He was able to accept Akiya and his family, he could feel compassion. "Please.."

Even though everything was screaming at him to not do so, he sighed heavily. "Fine.." Removing a chopstick, he opened his palm and ran the sharp edge over it, cutting into his skin. No flicker of emotion showed on his face as he went over and placed the cut over the puncture wounds in Angelus' neck. Black energy gather between them as he felt his blood get drained into the other Tale. This hurt in its own way, but he said nothing. It wasn't like he would be thanked for this nor did he wanna hear any. When he finally was able to pull away, the holes in Angelus' neck was gone and Jiro felt sick. He would have fallen had Akiya not grabbed him

"Now we just need to wait...�

Chao had nodded at Akiya's words, it'd be horrid if they tried to use either of the authors blood and it only made Angelus sick or, worse, tipped him over the edge into death.
With a soft yawn she settled down on the couch next to Aido, closing her eyes and playing with the tassels of the still sleep Tale's scarf as she listened to Tale and Author arguing. It was only moments before she slipped away into sleep herself.


To be continued...

Entry Six: Jiro's Unwelcomed Guests
Angelus and Silent come to stay at Homegrounds

Silent watched on. Jiro? She was surprised that the Tale even did it, after witnessing the interaction between himself and Angelus. It definitely must have taken a lot of coercing from Akiya. Blue eyes met the angels.

" Will he be ok? I'm not sure what kind of blood he needs. He's...." She sighed. She didn't want to say the words but now that he knew, I guess it was ok. " A fallen angel and you don't normally come around easily to blood like that. Jiro's human, right?" she asked the man.

Angelus slightly stirred, but then went still. The wounds healed up instantly. Color slowly came to his face.

"No, I highly doubt Jiro is a human.. his blood will work cause he's a Tale.. and they came from the same Tome. They might not like each other but its the better outcome... but he'll be fine, I'm sure of it." Taking Jiro hand, he kissed it to heal the wound. "Arigato, Jiro.."

"...." He wasn't looking at Angelus or Silent, only focused on his father. When he got his hand back, he looked it over, flexing the fingers a bit. It looked okay to him. Hearing Angelus start to wake up, he snorted and went to lean against Akiya's back. Sure he helped him.. didn't mean he wanted to look at him more than he had to.

At this point, he wasn't going to force Jiro to do anything he didn't wanna do. He looked relieved when Angelus began to stir. "Angelus?"

Silent didn't snatch the child out of Akiya's arms. Too much movement. Angelus didn't need that. But she literally was almost on top of Akiya, looking over his shoulder. " Angelus?" she whispered. Maybe her voice would help.

Angelus slowly tried to move his body, but it ached all over. A hiss escaped his lips. He went still once more.

Silent watched the small body move. A smile came to her lips, but her eyes widened at the hiss. Pain. She knew that type of moan. Cocking her head to the side, she placed her hands on top of Akiya's shoulder, leaning over a bit over. Something caught her eye. On Angelus' neck, there were two scars. Two holes were the bite marks were. She shook her head. As long as the wound was closed, that was all that mattered.

"Least his body is moving freely... but he's still in pain. Though it's to be expected." He didn't mind that Silent was practically hanging over his shoulder. She would want to be holding her Tale, just like he would if it was Jiro in Angelus' stead. "He'll need a lot more rest before we can know for sure if he's all right or not... not only is he weak from the attack but the transfusion is draining as well...."

Noticing her looking at his neck, he studied the markings himself. Hmm these kind of vampires were different than the ones he knew. "Will they go away soon? The scars?"

Silent nodded her head. " Yes rest." She bit her lip. She couldn't take him home. Jacklyn, Frenchie, the twins, especially the house's ghosts. It would all be too much for the child. Shy eyes slowly went to the man's. " Um... If it would be ok, which I'm sure I am overstepping my boundaries, if Angelus and I could stay with you? Until he's fully healed of course." And she also needed to tend to her own wounds. She quickly changed the subject due to the question.

" The scars? I'm not sure to be honest. My kind, well my breed, we don't scar in our vampiric years, but the scars we had as humans stay there. Forever. We don't gain new ones. But Angelus..." Her hand smoothed his cheek. She looked like she was about to fall over, but amazingly she kept her balance. " He's not a full blooded vampire. And even then, there are many breeds of vampires. The one's that look human, such as myself, and others that... Take on the bestial form. There faces permanently disfigured. But that's only a small portion of vampires. There's so many types and hybrids. Angelus is one of them. So... I don't know what this could mean. What any of this mean. He's definitely an evolution of our kind, but I don't know what that means for him." She shook her head, a sigh escaping her lips. She hated not knowing.

"Hmm..." He took in everything she had to say with a thoughtful gaze. It was a lot of information to take in all at once, but his ear flicked and it was obvious to see that he was storing info to use for later or something like that. "Well, since we don't know, we can't speculate... tis another thing we'll just have to wait a bit to see what'll happen. Even if that is so... now his blood is mixed with Jiro's.. anything is rather possible..."

At the request to take them back with him, his smile came easily. "But, of course. Anyone is welcome to my dimension and I know there'll be more than enough room for both of you. Sometimes, a little peace and quiet is all one needs." He stroked Angelus' hair, ignoring the angry images flooding his mind from Jiro. "Just something you should know. It'll look like the sun is out in my world, but it's a carefully crafted illusion. It' really moonlight, so you won't have to worry about going outside at anytime. You won't burn away or anything. I just thought you'd like to know that." A faint smirk crossed his lips. "My world.. id definitely a trip heh."

A chuckle escaped the woman�s lips, sure that Akiya would have refused. " Thank you. I appreciate it. Truly. It would be nice to have another sane person about. My home?" Another chuckle escaped her lips. " Is definitely an insane asylum."

Silent bit her bottom lip, an act she usually did when in concentration. " Jiro mixed with Angelus, huh? I wonder how he'll take to that." She mused out loud. Brown eyes went to the infuriated boy upon hearing that Angelus and herself would be staying with them until things got better. Her eyes locked on to the angel's.

" Um.... Do you think he'll be ok with it?" Her eyes went to the silent Tale. She didn't want to overstep her boundaries.

"Nah, Jiro's not gonna be happy with the arrangement, so Angelus won't have to worry about seeing much of him, cause he won't come near him. Least I know this way there won't be too much chaos at my house." His mind was filled with an assortment of angry imagery that were definitely rather violent in nature and he grabbed the Tale and nuzzled his nose. "It'll be fine, Jiro. Don't get like that."

He was not going to be so easily appeased. That stupid Fallen twit was going to be at his house! Great now the peacefulness of his home was going to be fouled with his presence and his stupid Watcher! He was anything but pleased. giving a look to Silent, his eyes narrowed before Akiya set him down again and he clung to his father's robe tightly. Oh, Akiya was right about him not coming near them. He'd slit his own throat before going anywhere near Angelus or his watcher!... unless they went first, of course >>

"It'll be fine. My house can be a bit busy at times, but it's not bad or anything.." Standing, he carefully transferred Angelus over to Silent so he could work on the portal home. It didn't take longer before he had opened the anchored space back home and opened the exit to their current position. "Please. After you."


Silent nodded her head. " A shame. I would have liked them to be close. Like you and Angelus are." She sighed. Silent backed away from the angel and Tale. The look that the child sent her definitely confirmed her thoughts. Angelus and herself were definitely not welcomed. A sigh escaped her lips. Well, he was going to have to deal with it. Angelus' life was her main priority. She wasn't going to have a midget feel guilty for asking help from Akiya. A chuckle escaped her lips. She could guess were Angelus got his attitude. She let father and son have their moment.

Silent happily took Angelus in her arms. Bringing her head down to his neck, she inhaled the familiar scent. She closed her eyes. His scent was different. It was probably from the bite, or the blood transfusion. Another sigh escaped her lips as worried eyes looked over the small form. She turned her attention from Angelus to Akiya. Cautiously she looked to the portal. Taking a deep breath, she slowly walked forward. " There's always a first. " Silent didn't know what to expect of Akiya's world.


"No one can predict the future, Silent. That's something that is left to the Gods hands.. they deal with it as they see fit. As I see it, these two started off on the wrong foot. It might change. It might not.. one never knows." Jiro was ignoring her, scoffing at her 'a shame' statement. If Angelus hadn't thought he could be rude to Jiro for no reason, he was sure they wouldn't have been any issues. Simple as that.

Through the portal was a massive estate, seven stories tall, a dark mahogany in color. Surrounding the estate was a gravel walk and behind them was a spiraling driveway that probably led outside of this world.. to the 'real world'. Surrounding the house was green.. and a lot of it. Forests were everywhere to be seen; huge hills and somewhere came the rushing sounds of waterfalls. "Sorry if the sounds come all at once. This place is rather big and could take weeks to full explore. Welcome to Homegrounds." There were males around at the current moment. A lot of them. Curious about the female, they looked to Akiya, who waved a hand to show she was a friend and they all went back to what they were doing. "This is the Main House, where my family and I stay."

Feeling Jiro begin to wriggle, he set the Tale down and let him dash up the steps leading to the opened front door, showing a male with huge wings waiting for them. "This is my mate, Sah. Sah, this is Angelus and his Watcher, Silent." The slight male came down the steps, scooping up Jiro along the way, his pink eyes showing motherly curiosity as he bowed, his dark brown hair getting into his eyes.

"Welcome to our home, Miss Silent. I've been hearing so much about you from Akiya and it's nice to have outside visitors every now and then. I was so worried when I heard Angelus was taken... will he be okay?" Sah wasn't an angel, but an Isshina, an earth and air being of his race. Isshinas weren't holy, but the only breed with wings. "Please come in. I'll be happy to show you around." It was obvious he was barely curbing in his need to giggle and bounce about.


Silent nodded her head, knowing all to well about predicting the future. It never worked. " Gods or no gods, people just live life day by day. That's how I see it. There's no point in making plans when one doesn't know what could happen tomorrow. Or the day after that." Her eyes went back to the Tale. Her eyes went into slits at the scoff. What an attitude. She turned her attention back to the portal. Stepping through, she was introduced to a gorgeous veranda. Not at all like her own home.

A lot of greenery decorated the grounds and the house was huge. Gorgeous. Silent loved mahogany. Silent did noticed the many sounds, but being around for as long as she had, she easily tuned them all out. Silent walked up to the front door and was greeted by another man. A man with wings. A thought came to her mind. At least Angelus won't feel out of place. she thought.

She also returned the bow, keeping Angelus close to her chest. " It is also nice to meet you." A man? For a mate? Well, It definitely cleared a lot of things up. A sincere smile came to her lips as she rose up. " You have a beautiful home."

Surprised eyes went to Akiya. " You talk about me? I don't know whether to be insulted or grateful?" she joked with the angel. Brown eyes went back to Sah. " Angelus? Hopefully, he'll be ok. That is why we're here. My home is not fit to tend to his needs at the moment. My home is filled with screeching hormonal females. Not at all good for Angelus." She smiled. She left the small part out that it was also haunted, but she didn't want to get into that.

Silent happily accepted the invitation as she passed through the entrance. It seemed like the real adventure was only beginning.


Sah giggled softly as he let her enter their house. Here's where it got a bit twisted. The first thing one would notice was a huge flight of stairs, that went off in seven different directions after a certain midway point. Some spiraled one way, others went another. But there were two sets of elevators to the side of the stairwell; one gold and the other grey and mahogany. "Why, thank you very much! Though, all thanks should go to Akiya. He built this place all one his own."

The angel quickly waved his hands to ward off any sense of praise. "Heh. it's just what I do when I have a lot of free time."

Sah shifted Jiro in his arms, smiling as the boy cuddled against his neck and purred. "Ah, how Akiya and I met was a bit complicated.. he saved me from someone who was hurting me.. and we ended up staying together.. I'm very lucky to have him as a mate." He knew he was embarrassing Akiya, who wasn't good with any sort of praise directed at him, but it was the truth. and he was proud of his kind and loving mate. "Oh, nothing bad! I promise you that! When Akiya met Angelus, he came home, gushing like a happy puppy. It's not every day he makes a new friend so he tends to rave about them for a bit. He's like a kid sometimes, but it's so cute! A few rules though. The gold elevator is kinda off limits, as is the seventh level of the house. The floor is Akiya's workspace and the elevator leads to his office. So unless he says it's cool, it's a no touchy. Anywhere else in the house is fine.. though there are some doors with ruby knobs. Those won't open unless you have the right key." He was used to listing off the rules of the place and he smiled when he was done. "There are five kitchens here. Two on this floor, one massive one on the second floor, one in the Master bedroom and one in the backyard. Each room has it's own hot tub and bathroom so I doubt you'll have to go in search of one... hmm." He gently tapped his finger against his chin. "Anosah, am I forgetting anything?"

"Not really. We also have a lot of studies so if you get bored and wanna read, you can lurk in any of them. You might run into Jitn or Follien but they won't bother you really." He knew that Jiro had a bit of an attitude.. but he was still learning about him, so he couldn't fully explain why about everything. But Jiro was in his defensive mode, which made him seem rather high and mighty. "Sah and Jiro'll show you to where you can pick out your room. Any other questions you can think of, Sah'll answer happily. Neh, Siinim?"

"Yushi!" A bright smile painted his face as he indicated the stairway. "Let us go. We're heading to the third level."

Silent nearly froze in amazement. " Wow." she whispered. It reminded her of a Labyrinth, the way the stairs parted off into different directions. She wouldn't be surprised if one them led her to walking on the ceiling. Two elevators? Well, the house was huge. It made sense.

Silent sent Akiya a smile. " And what a craftsman he is."

Her attention went back to Sah. The smile on her lips widened at the story. " A knight in shining armor, huh Akiya? " Her gaze traveled along the man's body. " I can picture it." she chuckled.

" I know what you mean. Angelus was in a great mood that day, but he always kept fiddling with his shoulder. I'm not sure why. Do you know?" she asked the angel. Her attention went back to the other male. Rules. Silent wasn't one for rules, but it was in her nature. She was a guest and would abide by them.

" No gold elevator. Got it. I'm not a gold person anyway." She joked. " Mahogany will do just fine. " Kitchens, hot tub. Got it." She nodded her head after each comment. Slowly, she would be able to remember everything.

Her ears nearly perked at the mention of studies. " A study? Perfect. I love to read. It would definitely help with the downtime." She nodded. Silent's tanned belly silently growled, not being noticed. Her bathing suit top was held secure to her chest and her blue jeans fitted her curves perfectly. She shifted the boy in her arms to hide the sound. She'll eat later. Somehow. A giggles escaped her lips. She loved Sah's personality. It was refreshing to say the least.

" Third level here we come." She followed the small group.

Akiya's ears were a dark red, which was his sign of embarrassment as he coughed and waved his hands a lot more. "No! NO! Really!! It's nothing! Ahehehe.." Sah couldn't help giggling at him cause he was so embarrassed and he knew he would have to calm him down later Sometimes, Akiya got angry about his constant praise. It wasn't something he did on purpose, Akiya's anger, just.. a bad reaction due to his past. "I just like to be comfortable is all..." If he had his wings out, they'd be fluttering to try to cool his overheated ears.

Sah nodded at that. "Oh yes, a knight in shining armor, indeed. He watches my race and he didn't even have to! We owe him a lot, our entire race." Sah tilted his head she talked about touching his shoulder a lot. "Oh, you mean that tattoo? Akiya gives all people he considers friends a tattoo, it helps let them know when he's near or something like that. Our sons have them too, just cause they think crescent moons are nifty." Sah hadn't exactly been warned about keeping the tattoo a secret from Silent, and he was an honest creature so.. yeah there's one secret blown. "And don't worry about the rules. There aren't that many cause Akiya personally detests them... it has something to do with his grandfathers..." The way he said that word and the look on his face showed there was a huge issue behind that. But that was something else all together.

"I picked gold cause I had the feeling it would keep people away from it.. don't ask for the reasoning, for I can't give it really >>" Chuckling a bit nervously he rubbed the back of his head before he let Sah take her off. He was damn hungry so he headed off to the main kitchen.

Sah led the way up the steps, his feet barely touching the ground it seemed as he danced his way up them. "Oh.. and since you're a vampire, I'm sure you'll need something different to eat right? If you'd like I can take you to a place where several of our vampire friends like to feed. However, it depends on how you eat, hehe." Once they were on the floor itself, she found herself in a hallway with oriental rugs on the floor and several doors. "Please pick a room. If you find it to your liking, you can claim it freely." His eyes rested on Angelus and he gave a small sigh. "I really hope he gets better... such a horrible thing to happen to one so young.." Jiro was strangely silent, just holding onto Sah with no expression at all one his face.

Silent chuckled at the blood flow to the angels ears. The heat resonating off the man nearly caused her being to bubble with laughter. Akiya was embarrassed. "You ok there, Akiya?" Silent wickedly smiled at the angel. It was fun to tease a person now and then.

Silent's laughter stopped in her throat. What? A tattoo? Her fingers quickly went to Angelus' shoulder. A crescent moon. Sah was right. Angry brown eyes went to the angel." Ooooo.... If he grows to want piercings, I will blame you." She said in a flat tone. She was angry, but she wouldn't show it. " You and I are going to have a talk later. Since you've been so kind and generous, I'll be, somewhat, docile. But I can't promise." Her attention went back to Sah. She could hear the catch in his tone. The Grandfathers. She stored that away for future questions. Not now. Not the time. Maybe later.

Silent finally smiled. " Who know? Gold means different things with each person. I don't like it so you don't have to worry about me." she nodded her head in affirmation. Her gaze went to the retreating angel. She followed Sah up the steps.

Silent let out a relieved sigh. More vampires? Perfect. " Yes. Different." she responded. She didn't know whether or not the male would be skittish at the mention of blood. " How I eat?" she wondered what that meant. Her boot clad foot dropped along oriental rugs. Silent picked the room that was the farthest away. Even though she was grateful for the hospitality, she couldn't help her instincts. She was private. A loner. Her gaze went to Jiro then to Angelus.

" Angelus.... Such a troublemaker." A smile came to her lips. " Always getting into things, thinking he could do anything. Conquer everything and anyone. Such a proud person, but they don't realize that they are still children. Just children. I don't know if I regret teaching him so much. At times I am amazed by his intellect, but at other times..." A sigh escaped her lips as she hugged the form closer to her chest. " I wish he would stay a child. Know what a child should know. That the world is a great place. The sun shines bright, butterflies flutter and birds sing in the trees. Innocence. But not anymore. He grew out of that stage... Rather quickly might I add. They're just children. Only children. They have so much time to grow." Her slender fingers ran through the child�s hair.

Angelus slightly stirred, as if seeking the touch.

Silent stopped. Angelus stopped. No more movement. " He comes in and out of it. I hope he comes out of it soon. " She mused out loud.

"Hai, I'm fine.." His ears cooled smoothly before he gave a faint smile at the look she was giving him. "Oh yes, we shall. Don�t worry, it's nothing that'll damage him and it's as easily removed as it was given." Akiya didn't often like being teased about things, but he did know how to take it in stride, so he didn't let it get to him much. But the tattoo was something Angelus had been worried about. "Angelus warned me you wouldn't like it.. but he seemed so happy about the thought of having a friend.. I wanted there to be a way for him to get a hold of should he need me. And heh.. I won't touch the piercing department thanks.."

"Yes, I am very curious. Some vampires feed off energy of a human, others need to drink their blood. Either way is fine with us, we just want to know which so I don't take you to the wrong place, ya know?" He didn't seem to mind that she picked a room farthest away from others. It was about whatever made her comfortable and that was it, then it was fine with them. They weren't the type to really push.

At the talk of Angelus, Sah looked down at Jiro and smoothed some little locks of hair out of his face so he could slumber peacefully, cause the Tale had fallen asleep rather quickly. But Sah was used to it. "All children are troublemakers at some point or another...but at this age, children think they can do anything. Nothing touches them.. nothing can hurt them.. hehe never regret teaching them what they know. It's always best to let them learn the harshest things early. Then, as they grow, they can work out the whys and such themselves. That's how they become strong.. it's how they truly grow." Cuddling his little Tale, he looked at him. "Come just think that they have to shut themselves away.. but all children have reasons for their behavior.. sooner or later, that behavior shall come to light.. then we as parents can see the person that child as become."

When Angelus stirred, he looked a bit hopeful. "Well.. Akiya did say that transfusions of that sort can take awhile to recover from.. plus his body has to adjust to Jiro's blood as well... but he should be fine when he finally comes to..."

A smile came to the woman's lips. " I'm not entirely mad. It's just... I'm not one for surprises. And knowing Angelus. He'd probably like to keep it a secret still. " she made a motion of zipping her lips shut. " I won't say a word. If it's between the two of you, then so shall it be. But no piercings." She teased the angel.

Her brown eyes went to Sah. " Energy? No. Unfortunately, I do carry a bloodlust, but I'm easily satiated and for long periods of time.

Silent nodded in agreement. " That is true. Thinking that they are invincible. Kids." she chuckled. "See how they become huh? That will definitely be a journey." She laid Angelus' head on her other shoulder, switching arms. Her arms was starting to fall asleep.

" I just... I don't like not knowing. And Jiro's blood is definitely something that I would like to know, but will have to wait and see. Until Angelus comes to, I won't know." She smoother her hand over the sleeping boy's head. Her stomach growled once more. This time a little louder. A blush came across her cheeks. "Sorry. I can't remember the last time I ate. And with my burns." She looked down at her body. " Eating would definitely help." she nodded.

"I swear. No piercings!" Akiya was highly amused at this point, munching on the orange he had snagged from the kitchen. He usually toddled about behind Sah on these things cause he liked to know where people and things were. "A secret made. A secret kept. And all is good." The angel was easily amused.

Sah nodded to that. "All right. I'll tell Kona when we reach the Gate. Heh you'll see a lot of similarities between him and Akiya.. but I'll let Kona explain it to you when it happens. I still don't fully understand it myself." Hearing her stomach grumble, he chuckled. "best to feed you soon, I think. And we're still learning about Jiro ourselves.. he's not a typical child, just like Angelus isn't...We're not exactly sure what having his blood inside him will do, but we are positive it'll help him live."

Since he was used to carrying little ones about for hours, his arms weren't tired, but he could tell her arms were starting to get a bit numb. "You can lay him on the bed so we can go get you some food now. No one will harm him here, I promise."

"We can let Jiro stand guard. The best way for those two to get over their issues is to let them be near each other. Jiro won't try to do anything violent in the house. He knows better." That had been something Akiya instilled in the child quickly. There would be no violence at all in the house. For any reason.

How long had it been? Centuries? She couldn't remember the last time she felt at ease in another�s home, other than her own. Her body visibly relaxed as if all the tension from being on guard, swept away. Mischief glittered in her brown eyes. " No piercings. Well.... When he's older. Much older. Than... Maybe." She chuckled.

" Kona? I guess I'll just have to wait and see." Silent learned quickly. The people around Akiya's world couldn't be described to you. You had to see it; personally. She was more of a visual learner than anything else. Seeing things made her process the information quickly and efficiently.

Silent, unconsciously, huddled the child closer to her bosom. She knew he was safe, but still. The events were still to fresh in her mind. Her eyes fell to the top of his head. " Ok. " Her eyes went back to the male. " Jiro? Stand guard? Let's hope these two don't kill each other." She chuckled. Slowly, she walked down the hallway and into the room she claimed. Softly, she placed the still child on the mattress. Bringing the covers up, she tucked the blanket under his chin. Delving into her bumpy pocket, she retrieved his moogle. His plush. No matter where he went, he never left it behind. Except for the day Glory came. Quietly, she placed the plush close to him. Placing a kiss on his forehead, she left the child be.

Walking towards the two men, she looped each of her arms through Akiya and Sah's. " Well, let's go handsomes. We must get this lady something to eat. You don't want me to wither and die on your doorstep, do you?" she easily joked with the winged beings. A thought came to mind. Was she the only female on the ground?

The two chuckled as Sah went and placed Jiro in a plush chair close by the bed. Taking a feather from his wing, he spun it and then seemed to stretched it out til it became a blanket that he used to tuck in his newest little baby. Taking his chopsticks out and letting his hair fall as it would, he tucked them away and headed back to the other two, closing the door after him." Akiya waited til he was a teen to get any other piercings other than the ones his mother gave him when he was a baby. Good to have family mementos. And dun worry. Jiro'll be good."

"I suppose." He tugged at his piercings on his ears before he shrugged. "We simply can't have you wither and die!"

"That makes us look bad, ya know?" They smirked and chuckled as they led her back to the staircase and up one that seemed to spiral a lot.. and move. "This one'll take us to the Gate.. but you'll see what we mean when we get there." They traveled easily through a hallway til they got to a wall made of black onyx. There seemed to be something past it but there also seemed to be no keyhole. Sah looked at Akiya. "I don't have it on me today..."

"Ah, hai. Then I have it." Going tot he wall, he pressed his hand against it and then pulled his fingers back slowly, something metallic swirling about his fingers. "Hehe back to work I'm afraid..." There was a faint hurrng sound before the metallic.. thing.. whatever it was.. seemed to merge into the wall, causing it to slow pull open. The room they entered didn't have walls, a floor or a ceiling. It was as if they had stepped into space itself, which, in a sense, they had. Swirling masses of several colors were everywhere one turned as the three entered, the door closing behind them.

"Well well well.. seems you like to call me at the best of times, Akiya." A figure sat on what appeared to be a tombstone of some sort, holding a small baby in the crook of his arms. This being looked exactly like Akiya, though with some differences. This male had black dog ears tipped in red and a tail of the same make. His wings were black with glowing red tips and he looked rather.. demonic. "And you have a new friend." Fangs shoed as he smirked.

Sah gave a squeal and gently detached himself from Silent to go over and pick up Kona's baby, squealing and bouncing about. "Eee! She's soo cute!"

"Oy oy! You wake her up and you deal with her!" While the two 'argued', Akiya turned to Silent.

"That's Kona, my evil half. He'll take you anywhere in the Dark Dimensions you need to go. He's a bit of a smart a** but he won't do you any wrong hehe."

" I guess a teen is ok. I don't think, honestly, that Angelus will be a very obedient teen. Dear me, I'll be the first vampiress in history to have grey hairs." She smiled at the men.

Silent followed the men to a staircase. One that moved? Well, she seen stranger. " The Gate?" She shook her head. Like she said before. Gotta see it to believe it. The trio stopped in front of a black wall made of onyx. She had jewelry made of that stone. It reminded her of her jewelry back at home. Home. A sigh escaped her lips. Maybe Akiya would let some of her family members come and visit. Her brown eyes went from Sah to Akiya.

The room they entered was black and dark. Nothing. Emptiness. Silent wasn't afraid. More intrigued about the room, than anything. Then colors came into view. Odd.

A voice caught her attention. A figure sitting upon a tombstone. A smile came to her ruby red lips. She created that image many a time when she hunted in a cemetery. Dumb teenagers. They should listen to their parents. Things did go bump in the night. And she was the one that pushed with all her might. She took in the figure. Akiya; only not. Angelus would have liked to see this person. Black wings. He definitely would have liked him. " Yes. A friend." Silent turned her attention to Sah who literally squealed at the sight of the little girl. She chuckled as the two argued.

" Evil half? " She'd ask Akiya about his evil half some other time. Food was her main priority. " A smart a**, eh? He's about to bite on more than he can chew." She gave a sly smile to Akiya.

"Heheh grey hairs aren't always sexy.. unless you're born with them, then they work." Akiya was rather amused as he nodded. "Mmmhm.. the darkness side of my soul.. it's easier that way..."

After Sah got caretaking rights of the little infant, Kona hopped off the tombstone, letting it blow itself away as he made his way over to the two, looking Silent over with a faint smirk. "Vampirey babe, huh?"

"Heh, no touchy, Kona. You just watched Shou give birth remember?"

"Scary experience that." He waved a hand, snickering under his breath. "So how can I help you people? Since you called me, I might as well do something.. especially since I had to bring Middah here with me.. and you know how stingy Shou is about taking her anywhere far from her."

"She's hungry... she needs to go into the darkness dimension, so could ya take her?"

Kona's brow shifted up at that before he studied Silent for a bit. It wasn't often he had to take someone else with him into the Darkness Dimensions� well other than his 'twin' anyway. "Yeah, yeah all right. You'd best follow cause if I lose you, ya stay lost."

Entry Six and a half: Midnight jabber ((On OOC thing I guess))
Jiro, Khia and braids

((*smirks at Jiro* You know...You'd look just like a girl if your hair were down >3 *pokes fun at him*

Khia: *gnaws on Syrie's arm sleepily* ??

^__^ ))

((Jiro: ....... *Looks at Akiya, who sighs from all the images he's getting*

Mou.. must you tease him so?

Jiro: Long hair is a sign of honor and respect in some cultures.. whether I look girly or not has nothing to do with it *Akiya holds up a sign that sys he looks like an angel with his hair down.. massively girly*))

((*flicks his tail* Yes yes, and in some cultures they mutilate their bodies for prestige and honor... I don’t see you putting disks into your lip!

^_^ Yes! icon_biggrin.gif

Khia: *slightly awake now* Khia likes Jiro's hair. It's pretty. *yaaaaaaaaawn*))

((Jiro: I'm not into dismembering myself. Now others... that's okay.. *He blinked at Khia's statement and though he turned his head away quickly, there was a hint of pink on his cheeks and a little smile on his face* Pfft.. whatever ><

*Holds up another sign* awwww X3))

((smart bugger, even if you're girly. ^_^

Khia: *eartassles wilt* ._. Khia isn't smart when he wakes up.
See now, you've made him think he's done something bad! Naughty Jiro!))

((He's a lot smarter than he looks.. I'm still looking into how that is.. but it might be my fault >>

Jiro: *Ignoring Sy, he scoots over to Khia and pats his head gently* nah, you didn't do anything bad *He rubbed noses with him, actually comfortable enough with this Tale to do it* Sorry if I made you feel bad...

Akiya sign: SHOCK!))

((It's amazing how smart they can be...Khia's pretty sharp too...but he doesn't talk so well thanks to his muzzle...

Khia: *swishes his tail in a happy manner, licking at Jiro's cheek in a friendly gesture - despite being humanoid, he's more feline/lupine than anything* Oh..mmkay. *reaches out to touch Jiro's hair* It's soft too...

O_O *stare* I thought Jiro hated everyone?))

((*Scribbles furiously at sign* Sign: Cause Khia kept pressing Jiro to come play and didn't just give up on him. Plus, he wasn't rude to him or anything so Jiro doesn't feel threatened... *Flips sign* So he doesn't have to be defensive... *nods*

Jiro: *He wasn't sure he liked the licking part but he didn't Sy anything as he touched his hair* heh.. you should go back to sleep if you're tired... and maybe later I’ll let you braid it or something...))

(( Oo *flicks tail* Curiouser and Curiouser...well, Khia is a "never say die" sorta kid... *watches the pair*

Khia: *rubs at his eyes a bit* Braid? Dunno how to do that...will you teach Khia? *stretches, fur shifting a little and moving in that strange almost living manner that it does sometimes* Like long hair... maybe grow hair out...

[*whistles* he will have long hair, because I like it!]))

((I think his way of doing things is the best way to get to Jiro. He hasn't been rude to Vidya *Note to self: Finish Hide and Seek* so yeah..*Is a sucker for long hair and holds up his floor length* Gee can I be more obvious >>

Jiro: Sure I can teach you... here.. I'll show you.. *He carefully pulled out his chopsticks and then the clasp that kept his bun in place, letting his hair fall and settle about him as it would ((Sign: *Shall be drawing this one day >>*)) Not really caring about how damn girly it did make him look, he took a thick part of his hair and made it into three sections* all right here we go.. watch closely, okay?))

((it's not a bad way to approach things...not at all ^_^ Viddy is hard to hate tho, she's so darned cute! icon_heart.gif

Khia: *watches intently* Mmhmm... *pays attention, and will probably try braiding his eartassles once shown* Your hair is longer than Viddy's....

-draw that, yes please! icon_xd.gif be suu pretty -))

((hehe I'll be trying X3 I'll show it once I finish it heh and yeah Viddy is soo damn cute! But Jiro thinks girls are freaky so we'll see

Jiro: *He showed him his perfect braid when he was done* See? Nothing to it really... I learn by watching Shouhin. He braids his hair all the time.. makes these tiny little braids and all...*He blinked* Yeah I met her.. played hide and seek with her...))

(( ^_^ I keep trying to draw the fuzzbrat in his gi, but I fail miserably lately *gnaws own brain* hee...Khia likes girls... they smell neat to him.

Khia: *tries to do the same thing to his ear tassels, fails miserably and then huffs* Too short... but understand now...Khia will practice. *swishes his tail* Who's Shouhin? *As always, Khia's words were shortened, simplified, and augmented to make it easier to speak with his muzzle - it wasn't that he was stupid, but it was hard to talk!* Viddy nice, gave Khia candy and little Wren-pet. ))

((hehe drawing a gi is sooo hard >< *Nearly ripped out hair when he tried* well Jiro's unsure of them yet. We'll see how it goes...

Jiro: It takes practice... but yeah no one is perfect at it. I sat and practiced for hours on myself til I got it right.. mainly cause watching Shouhin do it was so cool! *He blinked and then pointed to Akiya* Shouhin means father where we live.. it's a really weird place, the Homegrounds... but it's a nice place.. filled with lots of people with wings and some shapeshifters too... that's how I realized you were one.. your smell was kinda like theirs...Viddy is nice.. though I think she and her plushie were having an issue >>))

((Yip, 'cause you either get it right, or it's all wrong and you want to KEEELLL EET...I mean..yeah. time for bed X_X;;;

Khia: *nods slowly, yawning again* Shouhin...It's a nice word.... sort of like Sensei... *rubs at his eyes and makes a chuffing sound* Mm..Sorry...but I think it's time to go back to bed.. *wags his tail and then looks for Syrie*

>.> Bed time, brats. *picks the midget up and carries him off* You two can play later~

*crawls to bed, ooc like*))

((haaai Bedtime for me as well *Picks up his little imp, who was waving bye bye to Khia* Play later... after you finish playing with Viddy of course... but this kinda counts as a playtime *Saves for later journal*))