Welcome to Gaia! ::

Khia was prowling around the stationary shop, little floofy tail wagging behind him like a banner; so much around to sniff at, and to stalk! That, and he was bored. He chuffed about the shop, batting at crumpled pieces of paper, bits of string and various other things as he wandered.

Khia's little nose wrinkled as he bumbled past the child while exploring, the dust made him want to sneeze - but wait! Here, here was this strange thing, and an even stranger thing for a companion! His tail poofed up a little in wariness.

Khia's senses told him that he was in no immediate danger, and the soft sound of the creature moving towards him was completely non threatening. He decided to stay put, reaching a soft little paw out to bat at Linneas experimentally. "Aouu?" His fluffy ears perked a bit with that small vocalization.

Khia's ears wiggled as he leaned in to sniff at the child more, chuffing softly as he did so. This creature was interesting! The flying thing he didn't quite like, it smelled too...unreal. Despite this, the shapeshifter crept closer to Linny, tail wagging behind him, his head cocked towards Ling - he understood, but could not talk, so he merely chuffed again. " Auu?"

The fuzzy black creature sniffed at the plushie, lifting a paw at it and batting gently - here was something he knew about! He had one of these types of things, they were soft and good to cuddle against. His fluffy black tail swished against his legs as he snuggled up to Linneas a bit, shaking his head at Ling's query. "Auuu..."

Khia wiggled a little, then flopped against Linneas, tail swishing slowly against the floor as he snuffled and chuffed at the fandangle and the broomplushie. He understood that this childthing was called "Linny" - and for a moment, his little brain thought about shifting into a form more like the child-thing.

"Aouuu~" His vocalizations had taken a cute, lilting tone to them indicating his contentment with being petted. The strange flying thing - Ling - amused Khia to no end, it kept moving away when he chuffed! Naturally, this only encouraged him to keep at it. The shapeshifter's silky black fur shifted and moved under Linneas' hands, more than would be "normal" for a beast; the reaction mostly unconscious, though Khia's "thoughts" on shifting to be like Linny were probably affecting the fluidity of his form.

At Ling's strange cry, Khia's form solidified, as though reminded to stay in one shape - to BE that shape - as he should be. His long pink tongue darted out to lick at Linny's hands, and at the fandangle as well; the shapeshifter's expression one of childlike amusement and mischief.

The fur on the dark tale's back bristled a bit at the sheer amount of commotion Ling was causing, though he was obviously not bristling at Linneas. "Aouuu!!" Khia howled loudly, tail poofed out like a bristlebrush.

The commotion was also more than enough to drag Syrie out of hiding, the kitsune peeked his head around a corner, face smudged with graphite and chalk. "What in the world?"

Khia stopped howling at the scent of his companion, Syrie. He chuffled sadly and whimpered, ears going down and drooping, the fluffy tassled ends trailing along the floor. "Auuuu"

"Few hours ago...been sketching some of the rooms." He flicked his tail and eyed the group causing the fuss with mild amusement. "You're not hurt Khia, hush. No more howling...."

The kitsune just nodded, he'd heard about the cogs and sprockets, and this one seemed a bit...tweaked. He picked up his own Tale, clucking to the small shapeshifter soothingly. "There's my boy, calm now...you can play more later...."

Khia's response was to climb onto Syrie's shoulders and kind of hang there like a scarf. "Auu!"

Khia trotted through the stationary shop; there really wasn't much to do this late at night, seeing as he and Syrie were typically the only ones ever in around those times.

He liked it though, it gave him time to explore, scent things, and practice changing his shape without any distractions. The shapeshifter found it hard to concentrate when lots of things were going on. All the stimuli distracted him and made the shifts incomplete, or kept him from doing it at all.

"Auuu..." gold-green eyes flashed a bit in the flickering light from a candle. Syrie was scribbling furiously in one of his ledgers - he kept the shop in repair, doing that behind the scenes while Huni got the attention and ran the shop - the kitsune was shy, so he prefered it this way.

"Eh? Khia? C'mere fuzzball..." Syrie patted his lap and smiled when the black furrball lept into his lap, purling at him. "I can't wait to see what else you learn to shift into..." he murmured, purling back at the baby creature affectionately before turning to his ledgers again....

With sleepy steps Chao decended 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. Wether 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 your's," 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 Kiro 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 ws 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 curiousity wanted him to stay. To learn about the new Tales. Darkness slithered his across the boys 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 fur-ball 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?"

Khiarhu'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 infront 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, 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 were somewhat agrreable. 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 definately 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 smartallick 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 intersting 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 botherng 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 ingrediants 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. "Khiarhu. 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 wsa 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 friend's 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 knowall 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 int he 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 male's 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 emptying 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 boys 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 childs 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 scruffling 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 healthly, 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 disssappeared.
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....

Aido glanced over at the new voices moving with Chao and Rael as they began to haul Silent towards the Stationary Shop. Obviously shaken, though her tears had stopped.
"Ang'lus' gone. Darkness n'nother lady took him," she dropped her gaze and glared at the ground, still moving. She was angry at herself, regardless of how much she actually would have been able to do, she wished she'd done something more. But mostly she was scared for her friend....

Beside her Rael looked over at the other two Tales, he looked rather like a very large canine of some sort, golden eyes glowing from within the shadows.
He really disliked being in the open, but Aido didn't want the woman his form was keeping in shade to burn anymore, so what choice did he have?

"They just disappeared, Silent ran out, she tried to get to Angelus. Now she's in bad shape, sunlight and vampires don't mix. Khia do you know where the first aid kit is?"

Khia nodded - better than a first aid kit - he knew where Syrie was. Syrie was a healer. He'd seen his guardian heal his small scrapes and cuts with ease. "I'll bring, wait just second!" The shapeshifter child zoomed back into the shop, and then upstairs to where the hermit-kitsune was.

"Silent hurt! Come down, come down!!!" Kiarhu grabbed Syrie's hand and pulled the kitsune until the words sank in. Once Syrie understood he grabbed a first aid kit, and actually lept out the door, movements as swift as any creature born of the spirit realm.

Outside, his sharp eyes quickly took the situation in; and he knew they had to move Silent. She couldn't be in the sun like this...nor could he help her when she was in the sun....they needed to move her inside, and he said as much, as he knelt by the prostrate woman.

Khia came out of the house after Syrie, no where near as fast as his guardian could be, he was worried. Aido was worried. Syrie was worried. Someone was missing again...and...this was Not Good.

Chao nodded her consent to Syrie and hefted Silent up into a better position for carrying, watching as Syrie grabbed the opposite side, and quickly heading for the Stationary Shop. She managed to keep Silent's form in her, Syrie and Rael's shadow as she went, constantly double checking herself to make sure a stray limb didn't slip into the sun's rays.

Aido followed quickly, still worrying, still unsure of what to do, but at least the adults seemed to have some idea as to what to do. Her mind felt dull with shock, though at least that seemed to be a step above [or below, she didn't know] the panic she'd felt a moment before.