Welcome to Gaia! ::

I kind of had to leave in short notice with this meeting, but it means something none the less! 3nodding

Silent nearly chased the boy. Angelus flew into the air as soon as Silent walked upon the sidewalk that would lead them to the Stationary shop.

" Get back here you little rascal!" And not too far behind was his pet raven, Darkness. He named him, not her. Demetra followed the anxious duo.

Angelus expertly zipped through the shops door and effortlessly landed on top of a bookcase. Darkness perched upon Angelus' shoulder and let out a caw.

Silent and Demetra were close behind.


Brown eyes and black eyes scanned the veranda below. Angelus noticed a blue girl. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. Blue? For some reason, it seemed odd. Darkness cawed in greeting. Angelus' flapped his wings in curiousity. He nodded his head but no words left his lips.

Silent looked around in hysteria. Where did he go? At the sound of a caw her gaze traveled towards the top of a bookcase. She shook her head at the sight.

" What am I going to do with you?" she mumbled.

The bell to the stationary shop jangled softly as Aido pushed it opened, helped idly by a teenage boy, who looked rather like a rather masculine version of Chao. Same dark hair and grey eyes, probably the same age as well, just... male.
"Alright, alright Ai, we're here, are you happy now?"

Aido spun where she was and smiled at her uncle, "thank'yu Unc'Rico!"

Vidya leaned her head to the side, focusing both of her white eyes on the winged boy and the crow. While she had good eyesight, her shortness made it hard for her to see all of his features...but she did like his wings. And his bird. She'd have to tell him that once he got down.

Giggling, Vidya plunked herself down onto her butt, swaying a bit in boredom. It wasn't fun to play with a boy who wouldn't come down from a bookshelf! Oh well, she could wait.

Enoh had lifted her head, turning her gaze towards the boy on the bookshelf, then back at the woman who was obviously his mother, considering the way she was acting. Chuckling softly, she waved.

"Hey there. Looks like you've got a troublemaker for a son."

For some reason, Tybalt came to mind with those words.

Hearing the bell, Vidya's head jerked to the side, those white eyes widening. Hopping to her feet, she threw her arms into the air.

"AIII! Hiya!"

Angelus' attention turned from the blue girl to Aido. For the first time in a while, a real emotion was expressed on his face. A smile played on his lips as his wings flapped incessantly.

" Aido." He said aloud instead of using his telepathic abilities. He started to learn being more verbal got him to be understood more, but now and then he would send a message through telepathy.

Darkness cocked his head in curiousity. He clicked his beak in confusion.

Silent looked towards the door as the bell rang to introduce an arrival. Silent waved to Aido, knowing the child well, but the man at the door was a stranger. Brown eyes glittered with mischief and curiousity.

"And you are?" she implied with a flick of her hand towards the gentleman. Her head swiveled at the womans comment. A chuckle escaped her lips. " That he is." Her gaze went back to the top of the bookshelf.

Aido turned at the soft flapping of wings and the call of her name sounded. Catching sight of her friend a soft smile flickered onto her face. "Ang'lus!" she waved happily, rushing over to the base of the bookshelf.
"N'Viddy!" she waved to the blue skinned girl as well before her attentions flickered back to Angelus. She frowned and looked at the bookshelf curiously, wondering if she could climb it....

Rico didn't respond for a moment, having not actually noticed that the question was directed towards himself. He'd never seen Aido interact with another Tale.
The hand flick caught his eye though and he gestured towards himself, "oh, my name's Rico," he nudged his head in Aido's direction, "I'm Ai's uncle. It's nice to meet you Miss...?"

Angelus stood up on his two legs and looked down at the two girls on the bottom. Slowly, he flapped his wings, and started to hover in the air. He saw Aido's actions. He didn't want her to climb up for him. She might hurt herself. Instead, he gracefully floated towards the ground and landed in front of the two girls. Darkness quickly flew down and perched himself upon Angelus' shoulder. He seemed to be the boys familiar in a sense.

" Arent all kids troublemakers?" she smiled at the female and then her gaze went back to her son.

Brown eyes turned her attention from the boy to the man. They glittered with mischief. Taking a slight bow, a brown tendril of hair fell from her bun falling over her left eye. A smile graced her lips. " Silent. My name is Silent and that is Angelus." She pointed towards the winged boy. " Sorry, but no offense. I've never heard anything about you from Chao. Are you her brother?"

Rico sighed and nodded his head, "yes, we're twins. I'm not in this part of Gaia all that often, I think that's why she doesn't mention me that much...."

For a moment Aido was a bit dissapointed, she wouldn't have minded getting to see what lay atop the shelf. But the dissapointment was forgotten in a moment as Darkness landed and perched on Angelus' shoulder.
For a moment she simply eyed it before nodding her head down in what could be called a breif bow, inspired by Silent's bow a moment before. Waving to a bird wouldn't be fair after all, it was harder for them to wave back.

Darkness eyed the smaller girls movements. Her bow made his pride rise. Darkness spread out his wings and did a sort of hop on Angelus' shoulder. Maybe the girl was worthy enough of his attention. Angelus knew exactly what Darkness was thinking and rolled his eyes at the familiar. Hey, if mom could do it why couldn't he? She did it enough. Angelus showed more expressions and emotions every day. No longer was his face a blank slate for the world.

Silent raised an eyebrow at the man. " Twins. Hmm... Interesting." Slowly, she circled the man. Looking at him from top to bottom. Her index finger rested on her lips. " Well, you don't know what you're missing if you don't come to this part of down. You should stop by more often." She winked at Rico. Was she flirting? No one knows. Silent was naturally a flirtatious upbeat sensual person. To males and females alike. It's probably because she was a vampire. Weren't they sexual creatures initially?

Aido giggled, oblivious to the exchange between the two as she held up a small hand and stroaked over Darkness' feathers gently.
With her free hand she pointed to herself, "Ai," then to Darkness. Her bi-colored gaze flickered from him to Angelus curiously, wondering what she was to call the black bird.

Rico watched her as she circled him, seemingly relaxed, dispite being under the scrutinizing gaze of the vampiress. At her comment he chuckled, "I'll make sure to try my hardest to stop by again then." It was a serious comment actually, he liked the calm, safe environment that the shop held and the cheerful energy the child Tales seemed to radiate, as most children would if they were in such a place.

Angelus looked to Darkness. The bird loved the attention. He gave out a sort of snort. Spoiled thing. Noticing Aido's look his eyes widened in understanding. He pointed to his crow.

" Darkness. " He looked to his familiar and sent telepathically. Be nice you old cout. This is Aido. She's very nice. The bird just eyed Angelus and continued to preen at the attention given to him from the child.

Silent chuckled and clasped her hands together. " Ah. There then. And being Aido's uncle, I'm sure you're great with children just like Chao." She raised an eyebrow at Rico. Swiflty, she turned around and headed for the emtpy couch. Crossing her legs, her skirt glided across her thighs. Silent took in a breath of unneeded air. Her arms laid over the arm rest and back of the couch. " Children are just full of mischief."

"Darkness...." Aido said slowly, tasting the new name, smiling at Darkness' obvious pleasure at being pet.
A small nudge akin to the feeling of a cool breeze at the back of her mind had her gaze flickering to her shadow. Rael wanted to meet the boy and bird?
She looked to Angelus and smiled shyly, "Ang'lus'n'Darkness wanna meet Rael?" she hadn't introduced the Shadow to anyone yet....

"I never thought I'd have to think of Chao as a mother," Rico shook his head, still not really able to think about it without feeling bizaree. He moved and sat down in a free chair, blowing a piece of stray hair away from his eyes, "I don't know about being wonderful with children, but I do admire them in a way, and Aido doesn't seem to hate me...."
He paused, he'd never really thought about being good with children before glancing back to Silent and chuckling, "mischief huh? Isn't that part of being a child?"

Angelus cocked his head to the side. Who was Rael? His wings flapped incessantly and Darkness mirrored his anxiousness, but Angelus nodded. Curiosity got the better of him.
Silent smiled at Rico and his testament. " Children are just... Children. Mischief seems to be part of growing up." she chuckled as memories flashed before her eyes of Angelus. That boy was Mischief with a capital M.

Aido fidgeted slightly at the unease Angelus and Darkness conveyed but knelt by her shadow all the same.

With a deep breath she brought her hand over it, motioning it upward, acting on instict. Rael usually just showed up, according to the breif emotions she could pick up, the small action helped immensely.
Her shadow quivered a portion of it sliding up into a globu;ar form before twitching and stretching out until it's shape was long and vaguely feline. Two golden eyed blinked open it sat back just as Aido sat back with a sigh, panting softly.
It was harder when she had to try at it but she gestured to the shadow beast all the same with a soft smile, "Rael."

Rico smiled and settled back against the chair, "it's probably better for it to be part of growing up, then it's possible to learn to moderate it."

Angelus watched in wonder and amazement. He never seen anyone handle shadows. That took immense power. Angelus bit his lip and looked at Darkness. The bird huffed. Darkness knew what the boy was thinking. Was he ready though? Angelus knelt down and gazed at the feline figure. Angelus looked to Darkness and nodded his head. He would show Aido. Darkness hopped from his perch atop Angelus. His form seemed to evaporate in the spot and in its place was an exact replica of the feline. Darkness was a gift from, what momm called, the unmentioned. No one said his name. Darkness was a shapeshifter but the familair prefered the crow form. Angelus hesitantly brought a hand out towards the shadow. He wondered if it would be ok to touch the form.

Silent chuckled and rested her head against the cushions. " It probably is the best thing though. Without mischief, the world wouldn't be a fun place." Silent briefly glanced at Angelus noticing Darkness take on a different form. She shook her head. Why did the master give Angelus Darkness? She didn't understand, but she didn't question. Yet.

Aido sighed in relief and lent against her hands. She was happy Darkness and Angelus were peering closer, instead of shunning away, as she'd nearly expected them too.

Rael peered up towards the other feline and seemed to smile, angeling his form towards the Angelus' hand, and rubbing it along the boy's fingers, tiny tendrils of excess shadow lacing about Angelus' fingers. He felt like a mixture of solidity and...not. Instead of warmth he radiated a cool feeling, like a fall breeze.

Rico nodded and glanced back towards the two children himself, taking in the sight of the two feline's with no other reaction save a raised eyebrow as he breifly wondered where they'd come from.

Angelus twirled his fingers along the tendrils of shadow. His hand softly glided along the feline's surface. The cool touch against his fingertips sent goosebumps up his arms, but a smile laced his lips. The shadow amazed him. Rael. He sent out. He wonder if the form would respond to the connection.

Darkness transformed himself back into the Crow. He hopped towards Aido cawing for attention. He flapped his wings in greeting towards the shadow. He had seen others like Rael, but the other's did not need to know that. He wanted to be petted again.

Silent smiled at Rico's reactions. Clearing her throat she thought of another question. " So... Rico... Are you single?" They always said curiosity killed the cat. Well, she wasn't a cat. A smile graced her lips as she waited for the answer.

The feline turned towards him, golden eyes alight with intelligence but only a vague feeling of curoisity was sent through the connection instead of 'true' words. Whether the shadow was or was not capable of them... well, Rael was probably the only one who knew.

Aido laughed as Darkness came back, clamoring for attention, immediately beginning to stroke over his feathers. "Darkness change too, huh?" she asked. Khia could change, so could Rael, and Darkness. She couldn't help but be intrigued, and joyful.

Rico blinked away from the children, "well, yes. I suppose I am." He usually didn't stay in one place long enough to become taken.

Angelus received the feeling of curiosity instead of words. Maybe the form was empathic. Mom told him about empathic beings. Those that could feel and convey emotions instead of using words. A smile came to his lips as his hand moved to scratch the figure behind its ears. Angelus turned his gaze from the feline to Aido. He smiled and nodded. Darkness changes, yes. He's a shapeshifter. He even turns into me. Throws mom into fits. He sent to her. The sentence was too long to say verbally.

A chirp escaped the birds beak as he molded his body into the girls fingers. The crows eyes turned a brief red then went back to their hallow black.

Silent's smile broadened at his expression. " Really? Why? I know you travel. Is it because of your job?" she wondered.

Aido blinked at the odd feeling of Darkness actually molding into her fingers, it wasn't bad, just new, she didn't even cease the stroking movement as she examined the feeling.
She turned towards Ang'lus and giggled at the image her mind conjoured up of two Angelus'.
Even as she laughed she was getting tired and feeling strained. Her bi-colored eyed flickering over to meet Rael's breifly.

Rael let out a low purr before twining about Angelus' fingers before the the shadow moves back back towards the centralized part of Aido's shadow, seeming to simply meld back into it with one fluid like motion.

Aido sighs and smiles, feeling the strain lighten as Rael moved away from physical form.

Rico nods, "mmmhmmm.I'm surprised I've been in this part of Gaia for over two months now...."

Angelus' fingers hung limply in the air watching as Rael went back to Aido. The form disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Sitting indian style, Angelus stretched his arms above his head and his wings followed the action. A pop resonated. Relief flooded his being. Mom did it, he didn't see why he couldn't. Then the thought occured to him. He used his mom for a lot of things. He shrugged his shoulders. She was smart and knowledgeable, so half the stuff she did couldn't be that bad.

Darkness molded back into his more solid form of the crow. His wings flapped in thanks and he flew into the air towards Silent.

Silent nodded her head. " Don't worry. I'm everywhere. I don't stay in one spot too long, but somehow I always manage to wind back here." She motioned with her hand around the shop. As her hand was out Darkness gracefully landed upon her fingers. The woman cocked her head at the bird. Brown eyes gazed into black ones. Her eyes flashed a fierce yellow and returned to their natural color. No words were said. Darkness just started to preen himself as Silent turned to Rico. " Two months doesn't seem so long. You have enough time." she nodded her head.

Aido scooted over and lent against Angelus, one hand mindlessly stroking his feathers as she looked at him curiously, "Ang'lus like Rael?"

Rico watched the exchange but made no indication that he'd actually seen it, or was bothered by it. Truth be told he was simply slightly desensitized when it came to what some would consider bizaree happenings. "Enough time for what?"

Angelus creased his forehead in confusion at the question. Why would Aido think that? He nodded his head. " I like Rael. Rael is... Different. Like Darkness." He said outloud. His wings stilled at the action. No one ever touched his wings except for Silent.

Silent chuckled. " Enough time to find one then. Two months is just the beginning. You'll find yourself coming here more and more." she nodded. Silent had been around Gaia long enough to know that things take time or come all at once. Gaia had no rules to its existence. It was just there.

A soft flush made it's way over Aido's face ashe she felt Angelus' wing still and she let her hand fall, shuffling her feet slightly as she nodded. "Tha's good...." she murmered softly.

Rico cocked an eyebrow at Silent, the woman puzzeled him. But still.... "I'd like to stay here, watch Ai, meet more people. It'd be nice."

Angelus watched the emotions that passed over Aido's face. It intrigued him how many facial expressions the human face entailed. He liked Aido's prescence near him. He didn't want her to stop. It felt... Nice. " Rael is nice. Really nice." he nodded.

Silent recrossed her legs to a much more comfortable position. " Meeting new people is always fun. Especially the demonic and the angelic. Now when those kind come together." She whistled. " Now they make a party." She chuckled. Her brown eyes looked into Rico's. " Who's the strangest person you've ever met?" she asked.

Aido nodded again, venturing a glance back over at Angelus and smiled softly.

Rico blinked, "really? I've never actually witnessed it. Only the pompous rich and the surpressed poor, as cliche as that sounds."
At her question he paused and seemed to think, "strangest? I really don't know actually...."

Angelus returned the smile and bumped shoulders with Aido in a playful way. His wings flapped in humor.

Silent cocked her head at the tone. " You really haven't met the mass population of Gaian's then have you? You really don't know what you're missing out on." she smiled. " Ok. Not strangest. How about the most intriguing? " she ventured.

Her smile widened, and she bumped back.

"Didn't I tell you I don't venture into this part of gaia often?" he asked, his tone light.
"Most intriguing? Nope, don't know that one either. Most people I've met are intriguing in one way or another."

Angelus chuckled as she bumped back. He looked at the bookcase he flew down upon. Silent started to teach him how to read. Even though his first book to read was the bible of the vampires, so his standard of reading was slightly more advanced than those of his age. He looked back to Aido and pointed to her and then himself. " Me and You. We are friends, right?" He wanted to make sure that their friendship was not one sided.

Silent chuckled. " Like I said. You don't know what you're missing. You must stop by more often. I insist." She nodded her head in affirmation. " If need people, I'll take you out and show you my part of town." Her eyes glittered with excitement at the prospect.

Aido giggled as the bump was returned but at the questiom her laughter died and she peered at him, puzzeled.
"O'course!" She paused, "unless Ang'lus no want friends...?" Her face displayed her concern at that prospect. Angelus was the first to explore with her, to see Rael, weren't they friends...?

"I'll be sure to." At the prospect of seeing more of the town he smiled, "that'd be wonderful."

Angelus' eyes widened. He didn't mean it that way. " No. We are friends. Best friends." He smiled in reassurance. He's the only person he ever showed his true self too. He clasped her hand in his. " Best friends." He repeated.

Silent smiled and nodded. " Good. So clear your calendar, because you and me. Boy, am I going to take you places." she chuckled.

Aido's shoulder's dropped in relief, she squeezed his hand and lent her head on his shoulder, scarf slipping into his lap. "Best friends."

" I'll make sure to keep it clear," he paused brow creasing in thought, "maybe, sometime, Angelus could come over to my and my sis' place and we could go to these places?" He looked over to the two Tales and smiled.

With his free hand, Angelus twirled the material between his fingertips. " Nice. Where did you get it?" Brown eyes gazed into bi-colored ones. The medallion against his chest cooled his skin.

Silent nodded. " I am sure Angelus would like that. Aido is the only other Tale that Angelus is close to. That way we can all go out and have fun. It'd be nice to all go out together. I hope we're not intruding." she asked. Darkness was perched upon the couch and continued to bathe himself by preening his wings.

Aido shrugged, "it always with Ai." It'd been there when she'd met Linny for the first time and that was as far back as she could remember.

"I think Ai would too," the two tales were cute with one another and the interaction soothed any odd parental distress Rico had [irrationally, he admitted] felt about who Aido was interating with. "We don't get visitors often, and it'd be nice. Chao might even be more content with babysitting, depending on the night."

Angelus nodded in understanding. The clothes on his back were the clothes that he wore when he met Silent. But before that meeting he couldn't remember much else. Images flashed in his dreams, but they weren't dreams. They were nightmares. Silent kept a journal for him and logged everything he could remember. He didn't think he wanted to remember anything before the stationary shop but a part of him wanted to know. Needed to know.

Silent smiled. " Good. Then it's a date." She said casually. She hoped Chao didn't mind just babysitting.

At the slight emotion that flickered onto Angelus' face Aido gave his hand another squeeze and yawned softly.

Rico returned the smile, eached into his bag and rumaged around for a spare piece of paper and a writing utencil. Finding both after a moment he jotted down a number and an adress then held it out to Silent, "just call sometime, 'kay?" Glancing over to Aido and Angelus he chuckled, "seems it's starting to get late."

Angelus smiled and squeezed her hand back.

Silent uncrossed her legs and held out her hand retrieving the paper from his fingertips. " How about I give you a call tomorrow night? Up for it?" She looked to the kids and smiled. " Getting late? On the contrary. The day is just starting. Well, for me and Angelus it is. This is our day time. " She looked to Angelus and noticed his demeanor. His wings flapped incessantly with restless energy. Both of them were norcturnal creatures which Silent was thankful for. Angelus was feeling the nights energy creep into his body and she could tell.

"Hmmm... maybe not tommarow. Would thursday or friday work?" he asked while trotting over to where Aido sat, picking up the little girl gently.

Aido was the opposite of Angelus, sleep was already tugging at her and her eyes were beginning to drift closed. She was spent after helping Rael.
As Rico picked her up she yawned and snuggled into his arms, waving one hand towards Angelus. "Bai Ang'lus...."

Silent nodded. " Thursday sounds good. I guess I'll see you then. " She nodded as she stood up on two legs and walked over to the duo picking Angelus up. The boy huddled into Silent's embrace and let out a sigh. This was nice. Darkness flew over and perched upon Silents shoulder. He would not be forgotten.

Angelus smiled as he saw Aido yawn. He was restless with energy and he couldn't wait to go back home and play with the other members of his family who got to stay up at night like he did. He waved back to Aido. " Night Aido. Sleep tight."

Silent lay sleeping on one of the abandoned couches settled neatly around the stationary shop. No breath exited her lips, nor did her chest rise. She looked like a corpse. Vampires didn''t breathe and if she really wanted to dish up a front, she could manipulate her muscles to contract and relax in her chest as if she was a living and breathing person. But in her sleep, those thoughts didn''t matter.

Snuggled in her arms was Angelus. Eyes wide open. He was already up and awake, but was content in Silent''s arms. They were warm. Instead, brown eyes took in the whole stationary shop. His eyes landed upon the plump bird sleeping atop a bookcase. Darkness. He''d have to deal with his "friend" later, but for now he examined.

"Oh, hello Angelus." Huni greeted quietly so as not to disturb Silent or Talim. "Whatcha up to?" she whispered.

Angelus'' brown eyes looked up from their wanderings around the shop. A tiny yawn escaped his lips. But other than that he was pretty wide awake. His wings flapped in Silent''s embrace. The body stirred slightly, but that was all. With a finger, he motioned around the shop. "Watching." He answered the woman.

"Ah, what have you seen?" Huni asked, sitting down on a plush armchair.

Arri had come into the shop, and apparently was still asleep on the couch. He looked pale, drawn, and not at all well. Andi was pretty much the same. There seemed to be a very strong connective line between the two of them.

Off-handedly, Huni wondered if the shop was some sort of motel or rest house upon seeing Arri and Andi''s bodies. But upon closer inspection, she saw that he and Andi were still very sick.

"Arri?" she whispered, adjusting her hold on Talim.

Angelus simply replied. " Many books." He stated the obvious. And it was true. Many books littered the shelves. He wondered if the books could tell him about angels. Fallen angels. The thought tickled his mind. He noticed the womans attention turn to another child. He never saw this boy before and he didn''t look very healthy. He wondered if the two on the couch were okay?


His eyes cracked open a little, and his gaze rested weakly on Huni.

"Not... so loud...."

He looked like he felt akin to death-warmed-over. He was shaking lightly. Andi had the same symptoms, but hadn''t woken up when Arri had.

Perfect timing, Linneas arrived from the kitchen. He saw Arri and Andi, remembering them from Easter. They didn''t look any better than they did that time, in fact they looked even worse.

Huni motioned to Linneas to take Talim from her so she could check on Arri and Andi. Gently she pressed the back of her hand to Arri''s forehead and held the other to hers for comparison. She did not like what she felt.

Talim suddenly woke up the moment she was in Linneas'' arms and began to wail. She was extra cranky from the sound of things.

Angelus watched the ongoings from his place in Silent''s embrace. A familiar face. Linny. His eyes turned back to the two on the couch. And by the expression on the woman''s face, they weren''t in the best of shape.

Usually, Arri would make a move to resist - but he doesn''t. He simply lays back, and looks at the ceiling. He''s positively burning up, unfortunately. His breathing is rasping - as is Andi''s - and his skin is so pale as to almost be white.

Seeing Arri and Andi''s horrible condition, Huni made up her mind. Gravely, she turned to her son, "Linny, could you take care of things while I''m gone? Maybe you can call Aunt Chao to help look after the shop." Huni didn''t want to disturb Silent, but the red head knew she wasn''t strong enough to carry both Arri and Andi.

"Angelus, could you wake your mom up? I could really use her help." she pleaded, "Arri, everything''s gonna be fine. We''re going to the hospital to get you and Andi looked at." she explained.

Talim didn''t seem to care about the situation, she just kept crying and crying.

Linneas would have panicked, but because he was in his ''home turf'' so to speak, he kept a level head. He nodded, and tried to calm the Roya down, "Mister Darkness? I''m sorry to wake you, but could please you help us out?" he asked, looking at the bird atop the bookcase.

Arri''s head fell back, and then lolled, Andi went completely still. Neither of them were shivering anymore. Arri''s eyes were closed, and the hand that''d been over Andi slumped off his body to hit the floor. Out like a light.

Angelus nodded his head in understanding. Brown eyes turned to the sleeping face. With small hands, he gently shook his mother up. A grumbles escaped her lips. Nothing. Angelus shooker her once more. Harder.

Feminine eyes slowly batted their way open. Stretching her arms above her head, a yawn escaped her lips. " I''m up. I''m up." She told no one in general. The room is a bit foggy, but her vision cleared up. Looking around, she noticed the many people. Wow. She was a hard sleeper. Placing Angelus on the floor, Silent rose up on her two legs. For some reason something didn''t feel right. Then her vision landed on the two on the couch. Their condition wasn''t the best.

" Is everything ok?" she questioned the occupants in the room.

Darkness'' eyes slowly rose open as well. He heard his name being called. Mister Darkness? He could get used to that. Stretching his wings out, he let out a caw. Flying from her perch atop the bookcase, he landed right in front of Linny. He understood the boys words and plead. His form rippled and in a moment, an exact replica of Linny stood in his place.

" Of course. How would you like me to assist you?" he asked. Things were very odd around here.

Huni was starting to panic, "Oh! Silent! Thank goodness you''re awake, and... who is that?" she blinked as Darkness shifted into Linny''s twin. "Oh nevermind, Silent, could you help me carry Arri to a hospital? And the other Linny, could you carry Andi? Be careful with his lantern. There should be one a few blocks away, of all the times not to have a car...." Huni muttered as she hoisted Arri''s arm around her shoulder.

"What my mommy said." Linny replied to Darkness.

Silent looked back and forth between Huni and Linny. The womans ranting caught her off guard. Help? Hospital? This must be bad. She nodded her head. "Of course." She collected her cloat and quickly hid her form. Roasting up into a shishkabob from the sun''s light wouldn''t do anyone any good. Silent walked towards the man and hoisted his other arm around her shoulder. Her other arm went around his waist for stability. " Ready?" she asked Huni.

Darkness nodded his head. Walking over to the couch, he gently picked the child up and cupped him in his arms. The child did not look well. Not at all. Seeing a blanket from the couch Silent had slept upon, he wrapped it around the child. Maybe that would help somehow.

Angelus just watched as everyone was getting ready to leave. His forhead creased in concern and confusion. He wasn''t expecting this type of drama today.

Huni nodded and started out the door, "Linny, if there''s trouble, call your Uncle Syrie or Aunt Chao. I''ll be back as soon as I can." she informed the boy and she and Silent headed outside.

"Yes, mommy." Linneas nodded, then turned to Angelus, "Don''t worry, they''ll be back soon." he told the other boy.

Talim, oblivious to everything, was no longer crying but sobbing softly, hiccuping now and then.

Silent headed out of the door and let Huni lead the way. The woman knew the route to the hospital better than she did. Before leaving the shop, Silent looked back to Linny. " Do me a favor? Look after Angelus?" And not waiting for an answer Huni and herself left the shop and were heading towards the hospital.

Darkness followed in tow. With the back of his hand, he placed it on the boys forehead. Not good. He wrapped the blanket tighter around the form.

Angelus was about to follow Silent when he heard her request. What? He wanted to see what was happening? Sitting on the couch, he pouted. He wanted to go. Was he not big enough? Strong enough? He didn''t know. Brown eyes looked up into Linnys. " Everything ok?" he asked. He was really worried.

Andi was completely unresponsive - just about like Arri. He wouldn''t wake up, and the light in his lantern was starting to go out.

Huni rushed down the streets with Silent, "Excuse me, pardon me, MOVE!!!" she growled at the people in her way. Finally, after much shoving and stepped toes, they reached the hospital. "We have an emergency!! We have a really sick man and a boy!!!" she yelled at the nearest staff member she saw.

Back at the shop, Linneas only stared at Angelus, "I dunno, Angel. But I''m sure the grown ups can do something to help Andi and Uncle Arri." he whispered, "I''m going to get Talim something to eat, you hungry?" he asked, trying to change the subject and atmosphere.

Silent let the woman push her way through the mass of people. This was a dire emergency. They finally made it to the large sterilized building. They stopped near one of the staff members. " Please help." She pleaded.

Darkness watched the boys lantern. The light started to fade. That wasn''t a good sign either. Finally reaching the hospital doors, he walked in with Huni and Silent. He wanted results and he wanted them now. Grabbing an orderly that passed him, he looked into their eyes. " Emergency. Now! " He commanded. The orderly nearly shook in feat at the mans tone. This was no time to play games.

Angelus'' wings blanketed the boys form as if to give him a hug of comfort. He nodded his head at Linny''s question. He was hungry. Slolwy, stepping down from the couch, he walked over to Linny''s side. " Peanut butter?" He had the strangest craving for peanut butter.

"Sure! We have that." Linneas smiled, offering his hand to the winged boy. "You want yours will chocolate or jelly?"

Angelus smiled and took the offered hand. A devilish smile came to his lips. " Just more peanut butter. " He liked how the substance sticked to the roof of his mouth. Pure peanut butter is the best.

"Really? I like mine with jelly and chocolate. I''ll get the plates and the stuff." Linneas nodded, adjusting Talim in his arms. It wasn''t easy, getting the peanut butter jar out of the fridge with only one hand. But somehow he managed to get everything, even Talim''s high chair. He placed her into the seat and went back to the fridge for some of the baby food.

Talim narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the two boys, she pursed her lips and adamantly refused to smile. In fact, she went so far as to stick out her tongue at Angel.

Angelus chuckled. He had peanut butter with jelly and chocolate before, but nothing can beat the prospect of more jelly. He turned his attention away from Linny to the girl in the high chair. His eyes widened in surprise at the girls antics. What was her problem? He squinted his eyes at the girl a sly smile came to his lips. Raising his wings as far back as possible, he brought them back foreward sending a nice burst of wind towards the girls face. He didn''t appreciate her tongue being stuck out at him.

At the burst of wind, Talim shielded her face with her arms, the metallic-skinned infant only hissed in response. She never liked being around her brother, or boys for that matter. She let out a wail, and slammed her fist against the high chair''s tabletop.

"What''s going on?" Linneas frowned, his brows creasing together. "Talim, don''t do that, mommy doesn''t like it when you do that." he sighed, trying his best to open the baby food jar.

Angelus couldn''t help but smile in satisfaction. Serves her right. His brown eyes turned to Linny and the babyjark he held. Feeding time. Flapping his wings, gently this time, Angelus floated in the air. He flew to a counter top and softly sat upon the surface. He didn''t like feeling so short. " Talim?" he repeated the name the boy said to the girl.

The female perked upon hearing her name being mentioned, and once more pounded her tiny fist against the tabletop.

"Yes, this is for Talim." Linneas explained, "She''s my new sister who mommy said arrived in a dream. Has your mommy ever dreamed a baby before?" he asked, finally popping the jar''s lid open.

Angelus watched the girls emotions change. Was she bipolar? Mommy would tell that to Jacklyn at home. Jacklyn would cry one second and in the next be the happiest girl. It was weird.

Angelus said her name again. " Talim." Upon hearing the boys question, Angelus shook his head. " Mommy don''t dream baby''s. Mommy dreamed dragons." Angelus smiled. Mommy had two dragons that came from her dreams. Dameon and Aphrodite. Aphrodite was able to come into the real world. Not Dameon. He was still too young.

Talim couldn''t believe she was stuck with icky boys of all the things! Why couldn''t that shiney green thingamabob be the one with her instead of her yucky brother and his friend? As Linneas offered her the spoon of food, she bat it away, spilling the food onto Linny instead.

"No!" Linneas groaned as the Roya spilt the food onto him. "Talim, stop it!" he frowned, the rare occassions Linneas got angry always involved him getting dirty without his consent. "Angel, I''ll fix your food first, you seem to eat cleaner than my sister does." he smiled, getting the plastic butter knife and the loaf of bread. "Do you want the crust or should I cut it off?" he asked. "And your mommy dreamed dragons? Wow! Mommy said she managed to catch a fairy recently, but I haven''t seen it yet."

Angelus just eyed the girl. She was so rude? He felt sorry for Linny. He shook his head. Linny got dirty and he didn''t seem to like that. " Okay." He said softly to Linnys comment. Mommy taught him to respectful and mannerful. When he ate at home on the table, he made a napkin was on his lap. He also didn''t like to get dirty. Silent taught him so many things. He learned something new every day. Brown eyes flickered to the boy at the question. " Crust." he nodded. " Two. Aphrodite is big!" He spread out his arms as far apart from one another as much as possible, eccentuating how big Aphrodite was. " She can touch the ceiling." he commented. His eyes widened at word Linny used. "Fairy? Really?" Angelus heard that fairies were magical. They intrigued him.

"Alright, crust it is." Linny nodded, leaving it intact as he spread peanut butter on both slices before closing them together. He listened as Angelus talked about Aphrodite, his gold eyes widening at Angel''s description, "She''s that big? Wow, good thing mommy doesn''t dream dragons. A dragon''d never fit in here." he chuckled and handed Angel the sandwich on a paperplate. "Well mommy came home with a small box and inside was something that can catch fairies. But I don''t know what the fairy looks like."

The boy rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, and once again readied himself to feed Talim. "Is Talim hungry or thirsty? Linny can get you some milk if you don''t want mushed carrots." he offered, trying to be as nice as he could to his sister.

Suspiciously, Talim eyed her brother, "Dinka wada! Dinka wada!" she declared, tiny fists gripping the tabletop.

Angelus smiled. " That big. Give''s nice rides through air." He commented. Aphrodite was fast. Extremely fast. " Faster than cheetah." He tried to describe how fast the dragon was, but his vocabulary wasn''t up to par yet. " Thank you." Angelus placed the plate on his lap. Looking around, he spotted a roll of napkins. Taking a piece, he laid the material under the plate. " No mess." He nodded in affirmation while looking at Talim. He didn''t like messy eaters. " A box to get fairy''s? I have boxes too." He nodded his head. But he didn''t think his could catch faerie''s like Linny''s mom''s box did.

It took Linneas several seconds before he understood that Talim wanted some water. He washed a bottle and filled that with lukewarm water and handed it to her. Sighing in relief when she finally calmed down and started gulping the liquid.

He smiled at Angel''s good hygene consciousness, Ning would like him, he was sure of it. "No, I don''t think it''s the box. It was something in the box that catches fairies..."

Angelus happily munched on his peanut butter sandwich. " Mmmm.... Good. " He commented. Linny was a good cook. " No box? Inside box? What?" he asked after hew chewed his food. Not polite to talk with a full mouth. What was in the box that caught the fairy?

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Huni stirred from the hospital couch she had fallen asleep on, she turned to her side and saw Silent. The hospital staff had taken Arri and Andi to the ICU rooms to monitor their condition, and the two women decided to stay the night. Huni groggily rose and tried to wake Silent, suddenly growing alarmed when she saw the other woman wasn''t breathing.

"Oh no, SILENT!?!?" she gasped, shaking the vampire.

Silent was sleeping peacefully when all of a sudden her whole body was shaking. Well, being shaken to be exact. Her eyes groggily opened to be introduced to Huni''s worried face. " What? What! Is it an earthquake? Why is the room shaking? What?"

Silent was sure that she was going to be sick from Huni''s actions.

"Oh thank GOD you''re alive!" Huni wailed in relief as she hugged Silent. "You weren''t breathing and I thought you caught whatever it was that Arri and Andi had. Looks like we''ve been here all night, you should go back to the shop. Angelus must be worried sick. I''ll call ahead and tell them you''re coming home." she smiled, "I don''t think I should leave Arri and Andi, I don''t even know where they live!" she laughed, trying to keep the mood light, though the red head was really worried.

Silent finally woken up from the fog. Not breathing? " Huni... I don''t breathe. Remember. Vampire." she pointed to herself, stating the obvious. A smile played on her lips. It was kind of funny after all.

Silent listened to the woman''s ramblings. " Yes, please call. I don''t want Angelus to be worried, but if you need me here, It''s not a problem. I can help. " A thought occured to her. " So Andi and Ari, are they going to stay here? And so are you? Can Linny take care of himself? Silent understood that Linny was older than most of the Tales, but he was still a child.

"Oh yeah..." Huni blinked, "I forgot." she chuckled then excused herself to make the call.

"Hello?"

"Linny! It''s so good to hear your voice. Listen, Silent''s coming home, so Angelus can go back home soon."

"What about you, mommy?" he asked.

"I''d love to go home too, sweetie, but I have to stay until I find out what''s wrong with Arri and Andi. I might be here for another day or two. But I''ll call you again so don''t worry, I''m fine." She would have loved to keep talking, but one of the hospital staff came up to her and told her

"Miss? Your time on the phone is up."

"Oh, alright. Linny, sweetie, you be a good boy and take care of the shop. Ask Uncle Syrie and Aunt Chao for help, I love you. Bye."

"They''re fine," Huni assured Silent as she returned from the phone call, "You really should go home. Linny has Syrie and Chao to help." she smiled.

Silent nodded her head in understanding. " Well... If you''re sure. I''ll be at the shop then. Call if you need anything." Silent embraced her friend and went to retrieve her cloak. Putting it on, she waved goodbye to Huni and made her way out of the hospital. To Angelus.

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Linny was kind enough to let Angelus use a spare bed. Darkness sat upon the pillow he laid on, with wings covering his small form. Soft breaths escaped the birds beak. Angelus slowly opened his eyes, but didn''t move. Silent wasn''t there. Was she still at the hospital? He was becoming scared.

The door jangled open as two sopping wet figures pushed their way in, it''d begun to rain heavily about halfway to the Stationary Store and the duo had lacked the protection of an umbrella, as their''s was still at home.
"From now on I''m just bringing an umbrella everywhere," Chao grumbled shivering and slipping off her shoes, vaguely wondering if there were some spare towels kicking around.

Aido had liked getting caught in the rain, but now she was cold and wet, pushing off her shoes she wrapped her arms about herself and lent against Chao''s leg.

The ring of a bell caught his attention. He froze. Was it Silent? Did she come back. With a burst of speed, he flew into the air and out into the hall. He flew down the staircase and stopped in midair. It wasn''t Silent. She wasn''t back. Why would she leave him alone like this? His eyes started to water. He missed her. Darkness wasn''t Mommy.

Chao blinked at Angelus'' sudden appearence, eyes flickering about in search of Silent, though the woman was no-where to be found. But the Tale had come from upstairs, where the rooms were, had Silent gone out?
"Angelus? You alright?" she asked, taking a cautious step foward towards the Tale.

At her friend''s name Aido perked up, mood lightening beofre concern set in at her friend''s expression, "Ang''lus?" she asked quietly, halo glowing softly. She ran forward a few steps before stopping as she realized the boy was in the air and thusly, she couldn''t reach him.

Watery brown eyes looked from Chao to Aido. He floated back down to the ground, but his wings enveloped his body. A protective gesture. He didn''t know what to do. He was alone. He wanted Silent. Brown eyes looked up into the adults. " Mommy not here. Mommy go bye bye." He said softly. He tried to give a smile to Aido, but it seemed so fake.

Aido''s frown deepened at the fake smile and Angelus'' words and immediately rushed forward, grabbing her friend in a hug. Fears were rising in her mind. Was it like Nalira? Was Silent being kept somewhere, forced to be lost?

Chao bit her lip and followed Aido''s lead slowly, kneeling down in front of the two Tales, taking a deep breath to force back her own innate fear, "Angelus, do you remeber where she went? Or why?"

Angelus would not cry. Could not cry. Boys didn''t cry, but he was pretty close. His body relaxed slightly into Aido''s embrace. The small gesture helped slightly. He looked into the womans eyes. " Mommy and redhead went out. Took another Tale with. Tale looked sick and so did his daddy. Said they go to.." what was the word? He scrunched his forehead in concentration. " H... Ho... hospitable." Close enough.

A hospital. Alright, that made sense. And the redhead must''ve been Linny or Huni. Chao sighed in relief, though the thought of another Tale being sick worried her, though she tried not to let that show. "Angelus, your mom is fine then, it sounds like she had to help someone and sometimes things at a hospital take a while. That''s probably why she''s not back yet. But she''ll be back, she wouldn''t just leave you here forever, she loves you too much for that."
She vaguely noted how much like her own mother she must''ve sounded like but smiled all the same.

Aido nodded into Angelus''s wing, though she didn''t understand everything, Aemu was right, Silent wouldn''t just leave Angelus forever.

Angelus nodded. Hospital? Awhile? Help Someone? But why didn''t he take her? He didn''t understand. The woman said that mommy loved him. That she would be back. He hoped so. She loved him too much too leave him. Right? Right. He nodded his head in affirmation. " Mommy be back." He was sure of it, but it didn''t stop the ache in his heart. He missed her. He gave Aido a small smile. " Thank you." he whispered. He truly was thankful.

Chao smiled, nodded, and slumped back against the floor, suddenly acutely aware of just how wet she was. Pushing herself back up she looked around, "Angelus, Ai, I''m going to find some towels for us. We''re dripping everywhere, be right back," with that she headed off into the Stationary Store, hoping to find a linen closet.

Aido smiled softly and released her hold on Angelus, nodding her head, "Ang''lus'' mum be back." Idly she wished she hadn''t let go, it was warmer being next to someone than simlpy standing in her wet clothing. She shivered slightly.

Angelus felt his damp clothing. All thanks to Aido. He couldn''t help but chuckle. He watched his friend let go of him, but shivered slightly. She might get sick. Angelus gave her a hug, but wrapped his wings around her, hoping to warm her up. " Better?" he didn''t want his friend to be cold.

Linneas stirred from his tired sleep, he had been having bad dreams all night, all involving Huni Pi not coming home forever. She hadn''t called last night, even after they had dinner (he got Ning to help figure out the microwave) still no word. He felt old, older than a child was supposed to, and Talim for a change was silent as a mouse.

He changed into fresh clothes and checked in on his sister. He found her sleeping tightly and then went to see Angelus. His eyes widened when he saw he was gone, worried, the boy rushed downstairs.

Suddenly finding herself the recipiant of a hug and covered in feathers Aido blinked. With a soft giggle she buried rubbed her face in the soft feathers, feeling Angelus'' warmth and the warmth of the feathers warming her. "Better. Ang''lus feathers are soft."

Angelus chuckled. " Yeah. Soft. " So it did work. Perfect. Aido wasn''t shivering anymore and that made him feel better. His attention turned to the vibrations coming down the stairs. Linny. His eyes widened. His mommy wasn''t with him either. " Linny! " He called out while still holding Aido. " No red head. No mommy." he stated.

Chao poked her head back in at the thumping of Linny heading down the stairs, catching a sight of her godson''s red hair. She still hadn''t found the linen closet but Linny lived here, maybe he would know. "Linny! Please tell me you know where the linen closet is." Being cold and wet simply screamed out an oppertunity for a cold.

Linny looked a lot less pale when he saw Angelus was safe and that his God Aunt and Ai were here. "No, mommy hasn''t come home yet. The linin closet''s upstairs, beside mommy''s room. I''m worried, Aunt Chao I-" he was interrupted by the sound of Huni''s S-Tone going off. He quickly rushed to it and answered, "Hello?"

"Linny! It''s so good to hear your voice. Listen, Silent''s coming home, so Angelus can go back home soon."

"What about you, mommy?" he asked.

"I''d love to go home too, sweetie, but I have to stay until I find out what''s wrong with Arri and Andi. I might be here for another day or two. But I''ll call you again so don''t worry, I''m fine."

"Miss? Your time on the phone is up." a voice said in the background.

"Oh, alright. Linny, sweetie, you be a good boy and take care of the shop. Ask Uncle Syrie and Aunt Chao for help, I love you. Bye."

"But mommy-" the sound of the dial tone cut him off. Saddened, Linny could only sink to the floor and hug his knees to his chest. Huni wasn''t going to come home today, but Silent was. It wasn''t fair! The only consolation the boy had was that Huni was alright and she was at the hospital only until she finds out what''s wrong with Uncle Arri and Andi. He hoped she''d be back soon.

Towels would have to wait. Chao crossed over to where her Godson had sunk to quickly and sat by him, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Linny what happened? Is Huni okay? Are you okay?"

Aido watched her friend quietly and slipped away from Angelus'' embrace, grabbing his hand and dragging him with her as she made her way over to Linny. "Leenee?"

Linneas wiped the few tears welling up in his eyes, "Mommy''s not coming home today, but Miss Silent is. Mommy has to stay at the hospital to see if Uncle Arri and Andi are okay." he murmured sadly, "But she says she''ll call again... Aunt Chao can you and Ai stay here for a while?" he asked.

For a split second Chao pondered over it before nodding, wrapping on arm around her godson, "of course Linny. Ai and I can stay until Huni gets back." She''d call Rico up later and explain the situation, she decided, confident her twin could take care of their home until she returned.
Looking over to her own daughter Chao caught her eye and smiled lightly, "hear that Ai? We''ll be staying here for a bit, alright?"

Aido sat on Linny''s other side, taking his hand in her free one and squeezed it, looking to Chao she nodded.

Angelus let Aido drag him towards Linny. Linny was sad because his mommy wasn''t coming home. But Silent was! He couldn''t help but perk up at the news. His wings flapped in joy.

Linny just smiled gratefully at Chao, though he felt jealous that Silent was coming home and Huni wasn''t, he understood why Angel should be happy. He gave the younger Tale a smile and then Talim started crying again. "Uh oh..." he sighed, "S''cuse me Aunt Chao, I have to see to my sister..." he half-moaned, he still couldn''t understand why Talim disliked him so much.

Chao cocked her head thoughtfully, "want me to go see if she needs anything? I don''t want you to have to do everything if I''m going to be staying here, plus I''d like to meet her." A pause, "and I still need to find some towels...."

Silent quickly walked down the familiar cobbestone road. " Almost there." She whispered. The sun dangerously tried to creep into her cloak. Not good.

Angelus returned the smile, but knew Linny was sad his mommy wasn''t coming home. He couldn''t help but feel bad.

Linneas could have cried in joy, instead he just beamed and nodded vigorously. "Talim''s in her room, beside mine, it''s the 2nd door after the linen closet." he explained, happy he didn''t have to deal with the Roya.

"Hey, is anyone hungry? I learned to use the microwave last night." he grinned.

With a light laugh Chao pushed herself up, "Alright, then. I''ll hopefully be back soon. If you''re going in the kitchen be careful, ne? Don''t let Ai on the counters," with that warning she heads up the stairs to Talim''s room.

"Mi-crow-wave?" Aido blinks, cocking her head curiously. Although, technicly, they had one at home the Tale had never heard it called by name so Aido was left not knowing what Linny was talking about and wondering if it was like Darkness.

"Yes, Aunt Chao." Linneas nodded, "Yep, the microwave is a box that cooks food!" explained, that was basically how he understood the machine. Ning wasn''t sure how to explain it to the boy either and just told him it was a box that cooks food and it gets hot so he shouldn''t touch it when it was cooking or at least half an hour after it finishes cooking.

Talim continued crying, she was hungry and demanded to be fed.

Silent finally made it to the door. Using her shoulder, she forced the door of the shop open. The bell rang her arrival. She expertly, took the cloak off in an instant. It was great to be out of the deadly rays. Looking around her brown eyes fell upon Angelus. She kneeled to the ground and opened her arms. " Missed me?"

Angelus was about to ask what a microwave was when the bell caught his attention. The familiar female voice caused his heart to race. Silent. Quickly turning around, he literallly dragged Aido with him. He ran into Silent''s arms. Her scent washed over his body. Her comforting scent. Those same arms wrapped around him, making him feel safe. For that moment, everything was perfect.

During the moment Darkness flew down the stairs and perched himself ontop of the bookcase. Watching. He scoffed. Emotions. Who needed them?

"Food cook box?" Aido smiled at the idea then gasped as Silent entered and she was dragged over to meet the other woman.
Giving her arm a small rub she smiled up at the woman then back at Linny, she wanted to see the cooking box.

Quickly snagging several towels Chao slipped into Talim''s room, "hey there little one," she cooed, only slightly put off by the crying, she''d been lucky with Aido, the girl rarely cried or wailed, save after a nightmare.
Still, she placed the towels down on the floor and looked around for a bottle, deciding she''d try and feed the little girl then see if she needed anything else.

Talim quieted considerably upon Chao''s entrance. It was a girl who came to take care of her! Good. She had enough of icky boys, especially the one with the black things on his back. She gurgled happily at the thought of another female. She missed Huni, and wanted to be with her mother, she needed to keep an eye on Huni. In case her mother dreamed her away.

"Welcome back, Miss Silent." Linny greeted, from the kitchen doorway.

Angelus let go of Aido''s hand and hugged Silent with all he had. It was good to be in Mommy''s arms again.

Silent smiled and closed her eyes. She missed Angelus. Really bad. Her eyes opened to greet Linny. " Hello. How has everything been?" she asked while still holding Angelus.

Finially sighting a pre-made bottle Chao snagged it and made her way over to the little girl, who, thankfully, had become much quieter. "Hello there Talim." she gretted with a soft smile, deciding not to explain that she might be taking care of the little girl for a few days, she wasn''t sure how. She''d ask Linny if he''d mind doing it later.
With a small shakd of her head she placed the bottle in Talim''s line of sight, "hungry Talim?" hopefully the little girl''s reaction would give her an idea as to what she wanted.

As Angelus let go of her hand Aido smile and quickly walked back over to Linny, peering into the kitchen, she really wanted to see the food cooking box.

Talim immediately made grabby hands at the bottle, gurgling in delight and anticipation at being fed.

"We did okay." Linny replied, waiting for Ai to join him in the kitchen, "We''re just about to use the microwave!" he declared proudly. "Maybe have some hot alphabet soup!"

" Alphabet soup? Sounds great! What do you think?" she asked the winged boy in her arms. Angelus nodded his head. Picking the child up, Silent made her way into the kitchen. " To the microwave it is." she chuckled.

With a chuckle Chao gently picked up the little girl, getting her situated in the crook f her arm before holding the bottle out to her.

"Soup!" Aido grinned and dashed into the kitchen. Soup was warm and yummy and her stomach started to growl just thinking about it. Not to mention there was the food cook box.

Linneas chuckled and headed to the cabinets that Huni left unlocked, these were the one filled with the canned goods like sardines, corned beef and soup! He picked out four soup cans, and set them near the microwave.

He got out the can opener and some bowls and spoons. Without thinking he opened the microwave and popped a can in.

Talim greedily sucked at the milk inside the bottle, sighing in satisfaction as the liquid went down her throat into her stomach.

Chao smiled happily, taking a seat on the floor as Talim ate.

Aido watched the microwave curiously, it looked like something they had at home, just a bit different. Her gaze skittered over the rest of the kitchen, taking in the oven and the like and, oh yes, a stepstool.
Making a note of its presence she turned her attention back to the microwave.

Silent followed the children into the kitchen. Setting Angelus upon the counter, she wasn''t paying attention to Linny''s actions. A brief glance of a can being popped into the microwave did catch her attention though. Her eyes widened. " Linny! Don''t turn on the microwave! " Silent quickly ran over to the machine and took the can out before it was turned on. She heaved a sigh of relief.

Angelus watched Silent rush towards the metal box. Why did she get so worried? Linny was only making food.

Linny stumbled back as Silent took the can out before he could set the timer. He stared at her, what did he do?
"What''s wrong? You don''t like this kind of soup?" he asked.

Talim finished her meal and was now ready to be sung to.

Silent retrieved the bowls and spoons. Pouring the contents into the bowls, Silent placed the bowls into the microwave and set the timer. "The heat from the microwave would cause the metal can to explode." Silent tried to inform the child. " The metal conducts electricity which would cause the box to go Boom!" With her hands, she made a big ball shape. She was never good at explaining things.

Angelus just chuckled at Silent. His mommy was funny.

Linny couldn''t quite grasp the concept of conduction and electricity. All he knew was that the microwave made food hot.
"Oh, so the microwave will make the soup too hot and it will go boom?" he blinked. "So we can''t use the microwave to cook the soup?"

Silent bit her bottom lip. He was able to grasp the concept somewhat. " No. The soup won''t go boom. The metal from the can the soup is IN will go boom. That''s why we put the soup in bowl, so it doesn''t go boom." Silent was sounded dumber with every passing second.

Chao, of course, knew nothing of the fact that she was supposed to sing to the infant, "alright Talim, do you want to go back to sleep? Do you need a story? Bathroom? Anything?"

Privately Aido wouldn''t mind seeing this ''boom'' everyone was talking about. It sounded interesting.

Linny crinkled his brows, still not understanding but decided not to press the issue any further. He was hungry.
"Okie... Miss Silent can we still have soup?" he asked.

Talim squirmed and shook her head, she flailed her arms about making noises as if asking Chao to do the same only with a melody.

Silent nodded her head. " Of course. But no more microwaving soup in the can, okay? Soup in a bowl." Just as long as Linny did that, everything would be fine. Hopefully.

Angelus felt his tattoo starting to itch. He raked his nails over his shoulder. Silent eyed him the whole time. He quickly retracted his hand and gave her a smile. Uh oh.

Silent eyed the winged boy. Did he have an itch? She shook her head. Oh well. Taking out the bowls of soup, she placed them upon the counter. Picking one up for Aido, she placed hers on the table. " There you go." She passed Linny his as well. " And for you." And finally she took hold of Angelus. " And for you." she smiled.

Linny was absolutely starving and gulped down the soup like there was no tomorrow.

"...Sing?" Chao''s brow crinkled, she wasn''t that wonderful a singer, neither was she sure what song. She didn''t know many lulabyes. Still, she picked one and began to sing softly, so that only Talim could hear.
It was something her mom had sung to her when she was little and one of those that was firmly shoved in her memory.

Aido ate her soup a bit more slowly than Linny, it was kind of hard to manipulate the spoon and the like but she managed.

Silent''s eyes widened at the boys eating habits. Angelus copied her look. " He must have been really hungry." she chuckled to Angel. Angelus smiled.

Placing the bowl on his lap, Angelus slowly ate his soup. "Mmmm... good." he smiled. This was good.

The song wasn''t important to Talim, really. All the Roya really wanted was to hear the melody of the song. It calmed her and she was now ready to go back to sleep. Crying and being full afterwards exhausted her. She yawned widely but didn''t snuggle up to Chao, the Roya rarely snuggled to Huni even.

Chao smiled none the less and put the girl back into her crib.
She''d need to head home for a bit, get provisions and the like, explain to Rico what was going on, ect.

Grabbing the towels and moving quietly she made her way out of the room and back downstairs. "Hey Linny- and Silent! Hey!" she waved to her friend standing behind Ai''s chair, dropping a fluffy towel on the girl, "Linny, I''m going to take Aido home for a little while, hour or two tops, I promise, I''ll get Rico to drive me back, but we need to get some things for staying here, alright? Will you be okay for that long?" She didn''t want to leave the boy alone, even for that long, but she did need some things.

Aido snugged into the towel and looked up to Chao, letting out a soft yawn, she was full of warm soup and damp, all together it made for a sleepy Tale.

Linneas nodded at what his Aunt was telling him, "I''ll be fine. Uncle Syrie''s here, but he''s been busy and I think sick." he told her.

Silent stood in the kitchen, cleaning up after their meal. Angelus burped his satisfaction. She stopped midwipe and eyed the winged boy. " Scuse me." Came from his lips. A smile graced her face. " Good boy." She went back to cleaning. Angelus flapped his wings and started to rise into the air. He flew out of the kitchen and into the lounge. Darkness, his crow, followed dutifully.

Ying struts into the shop, staff in one hand and plushie in the other. Her chest is puffed out with pride, and she wears a smug expression as she steps inside.

"I can read," she declares to no one in particular. She doesn''t seem to care whether or not anyone can hear her; she simply declares it for the sake of bragging.

Junyi peeks in after her, carrying Luna in her arms. "Helloooooo?"

As the two Tales spoke to each other, another set of noise began to be heard. "This is annoying! Where is it?"

"Will you settle down? Shouhin left the box for us to use as a pinpoint.. it''s close." The two voices sounded exactly alike, but one was very hyper and the other was calmer and refined. "see? This has to be the place."

"A book store?" The door was pushed open with a slim hand as two ten years olds stepped into the store. Both had pale white hair with an assortment of blue and burgundy streaks in it, but one had a braid of black hair that bopped against the left side of his face while the second had one of silver on the other. Identical burgundy eyes took in everything there was to see, pausing briefly over the two tales before one scampered off to get the box. "It''s here!"

"You thought Shouhin was lying, Mouu?" Rubbing the back of his neck, the twin with the black braid watched his younger brother dance around with the box over his head. "Mouucha, knock it off. Shouhin said don''t break anything."

"B-But Kali! What''s in it?!"

"How should I know?!" Waving a hand in irritation, he looked at the Tales again. "We have to find that boy Shouhin met before... you did remember to bring it, right?"

"Uh huh!"

Angelus watched the girl and her mom leave. A sigh escaped his lips. He didn''t like having just Darkness with him. The bird would tick him off at times.

Before Angelus was about to fly to the kitchen where Silent was when the door rang the arrival of two strangers. Two young adolescent boys. Who were they. He stood quiet on top of the bookshelf. The tattoo started to itch again. What was up with that? The feather from his wings rustled slightly.

The two boys looked exactly the same, cept for a few features. The said something about a box. What about a box? Did they need a box to catch fairy''s like Huni did? Wait... Were they looking for Akiya''s box? And if to answer his question, one of the boys spotted the box and became quickly excited.

He really wanted to know who they were.

"I wanna open the box, Kali!!" Mouu''s bottom lip was thrust out as he whimpered, but his big brother was ignoring him as he went over to where Angelus was, looking up at him thoughtfully. "Kali!!!"

"That''s enough, Mouu. Shouhin said to give his gift to someone with a bird... he''s the only one with a bird that I see." Tilting his head, with made the angel wings behind his ears shift, he bowed after a bit more study, showing he had another set of wings on his back. "Are you Angelus, by any chance? Our Shouhin, Akiya, sent us here."

"Huh?" Lowering the box a bit, Mouu went over to join Kalhali, looking up at the boy watching them. "Is he the one we''re looking for?"

Angelus eyed the two beings. He mirrored the boys actions, bowing just like he, fluffling his black feathery wings slightly. Brown eyes scruitinized the two below him. His eyes widened in realization. Shouhin? So, Shouhin was Akiya? How many names did the man have? They had wings too? Wow. How many angels were there?

Darkness cawed at the twins below him. They didn''t stir him the right away. The winged child rolled his eyes at him. A huff escaped his beak. Whatever.

Angelus nodded his head. " Yes. Me Angelus." he replied. Why did they want to know?

"ah good. We were sent by our Sho-I mean.. our father, to find you. He says sorry he couldn''t come down himself.."

"But he''s been having hard time sleeping so he''s been forced to stay in bed for awhile!" Mouu was easily excited by everything life had to offer. Bouncing on the balls of his feet, he hummed. "Oooh he''s cute! Shouhin was right about him!"

"Give him the gift, Mouu...." Kalhali, called Kali cause a lot of people stumbled over his name, was serious and more focused on his studies. He protected his little brother from everything he did. "I''m Kalhali, Kali... and this is my little brother, Mouucha."

"Everyone calls me Mouu!" Rummaging in a pocket, he pulled out a small locket he had been asked to deliver. "Father says you two are friends.. and this is a way of showing that friendship... right, Kali?"

"Mmmhm.. he said that if you had a need of him, just hold onto it and call for him. He''ll hear you no matter where you are.."

"And will come!"

"Thank. You. Mouu." Placing a hand on top of his head, he ruffled it up violently, his face not showing a flicker of his irritation. "He hopes it''s good enough.. he rarely makes things... so he thinks it sucks.."

Angelus cocked his head to the side as the one boy spoke of Akiay. Not well? Concern was evident in the winged boys features. His forehead creased in confusion. Cute? He heard that word many a time, especially from females who saw him. Was that an insult or a compliment? He didn''t think much of it.

The gift. Angelus remembered. Akiya said he was going to give him a gift. Curiosity glittered in his eyes. The boy introduced himself. " Kali." he couldn''t pronounce his real name, so the shorter version sufficed. He looked to the other. " Moo." Angelus couldn''t help but giggle when he said the boys name. He sounded like a cow.

Brown eyes took the gift in hand. A locket. Silver with a detailed blue and white design on its front. Both hands held the locket gently, as if it were the finest china. " Yes. Friends. Good friends. Tattoo friends." He chuckled at the memory.

This locket would make him come? Angelus'' fingers itched to try it out, but Akiya wasn''t feeling good so he would leave him be. " Beautiful. Thank you." He smiled to the two boys.

A cross already adorned his neck. A thought occured to him. He looped the chain through his belt loops and tied the end over the chain and the loop. Angelus saw old pictures of men wearing watches on their hips. Instead, he had a chain. He put the locket in the front of his pocket. That way he would always have it.

"I bet he''s tired of being called cute." Kali was smirking as he watched what he did with the locket. "Shouhin''ll be pleased you''re happy with his gift."

"But being cute is such a good thing! It''s not bad.. unless it''s said in a stupid way or something..." Mouu knew that it sounded like a cow, hence why he made people call him Mouu. Cause he seriously liked it that way. Only his Yuhin called him Mouucha, but that was only when he was in a lot of trouble or something. "Shouhin gave you a tatoo? Does it look like this?" He shifted his shirt a bit and showed the same tattoo on his shoulder blade. "Cool! I wanna be friends with Angelus too!!"

"I doubt Shouhin would mind it. If it keeps you from Tiggrah.." A sour look crossed his face. He so didn''t like the guy Mouu cared for. Just not good enough for his little brother.

"Tigg is nice! Be quiet!" He waved a hand before he bounced. "Why don''t you come on down, Angelus? We won''t hurt you or anything!"

Angelus nodded his head and his wings flapped in excitement. They also had the tattoo! He moved his vest to the side and showed the exact same tattoo. He blinked his eyes at the energetic boy. Wow. He definately had a lot of energy.

Who was Tiggrah? It seemed that Kali didn''t approve of this Tiggrah. Angelus contemplated the request. He was getting bored. Flapping his wings, he rose into the air and hovered above the two. A smile graced his lips. Finally, playmates!

Darkness eyed the trio below. They seemed much too goody for him. He went back to preening his feathers.

Mouu gave a happy squeal as he let his own wings take him up intot he air as well. "Sweet! You can fly!" Spinning in little spirals, he tried to contain his giggling as he swept down and yanked Kali into the air as well. "so tell us! What''s there to do for fun around here?"

"If you''re allowed to leave this place, we can go outside.. there''s more room to fly about it... can you use magic?" Kali was much more calm that Mouu, who was zipping around looking at every single thing. "mouu! Don''t. Touch. Anything!"

"Yeah yeah!"

Angelus nearly giggled with excitement. Others who could fly? He must''ve been dreaming. His body turned as the boy did spirals around him. He was getting slightly dizzy but he still stood in the air. There wasn''t much to do around the shop. The other Tales didn''t fly, so he didn''t feel incline to do so. Outside? He nodded his head enthusiastically.

" Outside! " He exclaimed loudly, and then went into a whisper. Weary eyes looked into the kitchen. He didn''t want to scare his mommy. He sneakily pointed a finger towards the window that was always open to let in fresh air. If they went through the front door, the bell would ring their exit.

Angelus looked at the boy curiously. " Magic? " He heard about it, but could he do it? " Can you teach me?" he asked both the older boys.

Darkness let a smirk come to his beak? Mischief was in order and he wanted to be a part of it. The crow flew into the air and perched himself on Angelus'' shoulder.

The twins glanced at each other when Angelus looked towards the kitchen and then followed the trail. "Oooh parentage.." They both covered their lips before the head headed outside of the shop. Mouu love the open air and went about again while Kali rolled his eyes.

"Over eager as always.." He could fly, was a Fallen, yet he knew of no magic? That was just strange, but he came from a place where everyone knew some form of it. So to hear otherwise was very, well, weird. "Sure. I can teach you any kind of magic you wanna know! What are you more curious about?" As he spoke, he conjured up a ball of flame. It flared up brightly before it shifted and molded into the form of a small person, who danced and leapt across his palm. It had taken the longest for him to learn it and he was happy about it as well.

Angelus tried to hide the giggle that rose to his lips. He loved to be sneaky. His plushie was firmly placed on his side. Clasped to a lock of sorts. Angelus didn''t go anywhere without it.

Angelus heaved a sigh of relief as they flew into the night air. Dusk was coming, and the sun was setting. The sky turned a bright red. The best part of the day in his opinon. Brown eyes looked into the older boys. Choose? He shrugged his shoulders. There were so many options, but which to learn? Was magic innate? Many more questions racked his brain.

When he was about to respond, the boy formed a firedancer that danced across his palm, leaving no burns. Wow. Angelus knew minimally about magic, but knew much about raping villages, carnage, and torture. Odd... But for the past few nights, it seemed he dreamed anothers mans events. Someone who was cruel. Uncaring. But what frightened Angelus the most was that he wasn''t effected by it.

His attention went back to the boy. " What do you think? What would fit me?" The boy was much more knowledgeable then he was.

"Hmm... that depends on what you like to do.. or what you would like to do." Kali was looking at him thoughtfully, trying to figure him out. It was never quite so simple to stare at someone and then guess which element would be good. Back at Harems, it was simple.. the way a person looked,a cted or dressed there placed them in a certain breed, which practiced a certain magic. Though with the Rakashu, it didn''t matter cause they knew all magicks. "Hmmm..." Suddenly, he gave an oomph as Mouu slammed into his back, clinging to him happily. "Mouu!"

"Hehehehe you two are all serious!! We should teach him dark flare!"

"Dark Flare? Are you out of your mind!? He has to learn regular flare first and if he has no talent for fire plights, then there''s no point to teaching it to him!" Kali gave his brother a look as Mouu went floating around Angelus, studying him.

"We should test him then!" He nodded, like he had just come up with the cure for all illnesses in the world. "Let''s take him-"

"No. Before you ever say anything, no." With a rough shake of his head, he muttered curses. "We can''t take him to our world..."

"W-Whhhhhyyy?!"

"Cause we dunno if he can be stable there, ya moron..." He ruffled up his hair again. "We can test him here... but what do you see yourself using, Angelus?"

Angelus looked back and forth between the brothers. Out of all their ramblings, one comment caught his attention. Take him to their world? Another world? His wings flapped harder in excitement. But Kali didn''t think it a good idea. Maybe next time.

So, what magic did he see himself doing?

His forehead creased in concentration. There was so many things, how could he choose? Wasn''t there a way to figure out what would be most compatible?

"He''s angelic.. so, I''m sure he can learn holy magicks, right?" Mouu''s duel set were flapping in excitement as Kali nodded in grudging agreement. "Most angelics can learn that.. but if he''s Fallen.." Hanai had told him that Angelus'' lame bird didn''t like anyone talking about the Fall around Angelus. To someone who hated keeping secrets for any reasons, that rubbed him the wrong way. "Well we could do the test right?"

"I didn''t bring the stone with me.. go get it." Kali straightened as he got closer to Angelus, ignoring his brother as he pulled out a black stone from his pocket and chanted a few words, causing the stone to vibrate and open a rip in time and space, which he flew into. "Okay, let''s see..." Cool eyes gave Darkness a look before he snorted and then looked at Angelus. "If it''s easier for you to speak telepathically, then do so. We can hear you just fine, okay? And since Shouhin deems you a friend, then you''ll be friends of ours.. if you''re okay with that."

Angelus cocked his head to the side at the word. Holy magik? It didn''t rub him the right way. He wrapped his fingers around his necklace. The crucefix. His wings batted heavily in interest at the sound of a test. He nodded his head, grateful to not speak verbally more.

Thank you. What is this stone that you speak of? He questioned. The words from the boys lips were foreign to his ears. Yes. Friends. His brown gaze went to Darkness.
The bird puffed up his body in unease. What were these children up to?

"It helps those who can''t easily pick a magick choose by sensing the magic deep inside your soul.. it''ll give us the best idea of hat magic we should bother to train you in... the normal way is to slam you with assorted elements til your body reacted positively to it.. but I''ve heard it''s painful and it doesn''t sound like fun.." He gave a faint shrug. "I don''t think Holy Magicks is for you..." Nose wrinkling, he lifted his hand, palm extended to the sky in time to catch a large, jagged piece of clear rock as Mouu returned and dropped it into his hand. His slim fingers held it smoothly cause its edges were sharp and he didn''t feel like getting cut again with the thing.

"So... no Holy?"

"No. His aura screams away from it." Mouu gave a sound of unhappiness before he settled down onto Kali''s shoulders, his wings settling down as the two closed their eyes and extended their hands, the stone pulsing and floating before them.

Anicent gates, barred by time
Untouched and ever spent
We, your Guardians, call upon you
Open the gate, show us the way

A stray sheep is calling
Who needs to be led home
Which path does he take?
Which way is Home?

Air, Fire, Thunder, Ice, Earth and Darkness
Which of these shall be his quest?
What does his soul long for most?
show us the path
Show us the way...

The stone''s vibrations were growing stronger as it circled about the Tale, the twins eyes both a pale white as they waited for the answer only the stone could give. Depending on what it said, Kali knew they might have to take him to their world, danger or no.

Angelus nodded his head. That''s what he needed for being so indecisicive. Being in pain didn''t sound like an option to be picked. He shook his head, agreeing. No holy magic. he responded. A clear rock fell from the sky and into Kali''s outstretched palms. Mouu followed suit. His head cocked to the side when he heard Mous tone. Why did he sound so depressed? He shrugged his shoulders.

The words caused his body to feel at ease. Calm. Relaxed. His eyes started to close. Images flashed through his mind.

Chains, whips, stakes, metal prods, a screaming woman, tears running down her face. Not again, he thought. Oh please not again. This wasn''t him. These weren''t his memories. He shook his head back and forth violently. He was scared, but not because of the scenes in his head. But because of his reaction to them. None. Nothing. He felt nothing for the crying woman or the tortured souls. Deep down inside, he could''ve sworn he heard a sinister laugh. But not him. Not his voice. Angelus opened his eyes. They weren''t the same chocolate brown, they were yellow. A fierce stunning yellow, but as soon as the foreing eye color came, the vanished in an instant.

What was happening?

The things Angelus saw, the stone reflected, the twins eyes flickering as these images flooded their minds. So many things.. tortured souls.. it easily pointed out the elements they could teach him in. Whoa... most definately a Fallen...

Maybe he''s not meant to recall these things, hence such an intense block...

Teaching him Darkness is what he wants... And this eyes were cool!

Enough, Mouu. We''ll go slow. That bird might b***h about it... The twins'' conversation was kept between them and no one else. Recalling the stone, Mouu flipped off Kali''s back, breaking their magic connection. The younger brother was dizzy and held his head while Kali seemed as calm and collected as ever. "We''ve seen inside you..."

"Darkness is the magic we can teach you... however, it won''t be an easy thing.. we''d have to take you home with us... would you mom allow something like that?"

"AND we need to ask our own father before doing anything.."

Short gasps escaped the boys lips. He closed his eyes, trying to collect himself. There was almost a humm in his mind. Slowly opening his eyes, he looked to the two brothers. They were talking telepathically, he knew it, but he couldn''t listen. He shook his head once more.

Darkness? his tone sounded fatigued. The images stood in his mind. It was worse then the nightmares. Much worse.

Uh oh. Mom. I would usually do things without her knowing, but I don''t think that would be a good idea. he nodded his head. Silent needed to know.

Angelus felt gloved hands slide down his chest as Mouu held him gently and the fatigue he felt began to fade away. "Poor thing..."

"Mouu!" A heavy sigh left him as he rubbed his nose. "Please forgive my brother.. he''s rather huggy and he does it without giving people warning. If you don''t like it, just let him know."

"He''s tired, Kali.. But your mom should know about it. There are some secrets that should never be kept from adults... we''ll talk to Daddy and see what he says about it. Is that cool?"

Slowly, Angelus felt energy come back to his body. A giggles escaped his lips. That tickles Moou. he sent to the boy. He looked to Kali, amusement evident in his eyes. It seemed as if his tired self did a one eighty. It''s ok. he smiled.

Angelus nodded his head. It was time Silent knew what he was going to do. Where he was going to go. Tell Akiya? It''s ok. Would he be mad? He didn''t want him to be mad. Not at all.

"Tis meant to tickle a bit!" Purring, Mouu smiled brightly as he just held onto him, cause when people didn''t mind his clingy nature, he tended to not let go easily. "Daddy won''t mind! He says we''re old enough! And if it''s you, then he might be more okay about it. I dunno about big brother Kyoi. but he''s dealing with his own odd summoning thing..." He waved a little hand easily.

"It should be okay. Shouhin''s open with all sorts of things.."

Darkness kept quiet during the whole scene. He would intervene until the perfect time. His black empty eyes watched the two boys.

Angelus laughed once more, but realization dawned. His mom. Uh oh. She didn''t know about the tattoo nor the prospect of learning dark magic. She was a vampire, it wouldn''t be that big of a deal, would it? The woman was fickle. A sigh escaped his lips. If Akiya was ok with it, why wouldn''t she be?

We need to tell my mom. Could you do it for me? She doesn''t know that I use telepathy. Actually, no one in our home knows, except for the beasts and creatures that live with us. There''s enough secrets. I don''t want to add one more. he shook his head.

The twins looked at each other, a brow shifting. "Well, normally people who aren''t used to it, aren''t terribly thrilled about Dark magicks.."

"But since we''ll be teaching out earth, which is the best way to ground yourself with Darkness, we can keep that part of it out." Kali was rubbing his chin, his eyes narrowed in thought. Mouu didn''t like keeping secrets, even if it was the best thing to do. "I''ll talk to her.. Mouu, you''ll only speak when you can.. but if you slip, shut up. Got it?"

Mouu saluted, giggling. "Hai hai! And we won''t tell her anything about telepathy... maybe we could let him borrow some books?"

"If father finds the bookstore place, I''m sure he wouldn''t mind..." His eyes slanted towards Angelus. "So where''s your mom?"

Angelus shook his head. My mom''s not like most other people. he chuckled. She was extremely eccentric.

Angelus nodded his head, a brown tendril falling over his right eye. Whatever''s the safest. He bit his bottom lip. He hoped this plan would work.

His eyebrow''s rose in realization. She was in the kitchen before we left. he stated. She was cleaning up after all the Tales, trying to be helpful.

Darkness stood quiet, perched upon Angelus'' shoulder. Silent and quiet.

But little did the children know, Silent was in the kitchen, but not alone.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" Leave him alone!" The vampiress commanded. She hated the blonde bimbo.

Glory. That was the other vampiress'' name. The woman let out an evil laugh. " Leave him alone? Dear Silent, you know better than to ask that. Whatever the Master wants, the Master gets. Do you honestly think your shapeshifter was a gift? Please! He was sent to keep watch. To make sure the child didn''t know too much. Small and Innocent, that''s all we want."

Silent was seething. For the time she had Angelus, she taught him all about her lineage. Her people. Her house, it''s members, and her kind. His kind, but the child didn''t know that. Didn''t know that he was graced with the " Dark Gift " her kind called it. Well, the radicals did.

" Small and Innocent. That''s all. That''s what he is. A child. " She snapped.

The blonde laughed once more. Her build was slightly smaller than Silents. Much more petite. Blue eyes looked into brown. " Small? Yes. Innocent? I don''t think so. He''s learning. Too much and too fast. Stop it or I''ll do it for you." The woman started to walk towards the door. In a flash, Silent blocked the entry way. " Don''t you dare." She said in a whisper.

Glory only eyed the woman. " Don''t I..." Before she could finish her sentence, Silent''s hand was wrapped around her neck. Glory gasped for breath she didn''t need. A gurgled laugh escaped her lips. " I don''t breathe you idiot."

Silent returned Glory''s laugh with one of her own. " I wasn''t suffocating you, but ripping out your windpipe wouldn''t feel so good."

And for an instant, Glory''s eyes showed fear. Retracting her lips, she hissed at her with her fangs. No words escaped her lips.

Silent smiled, revealing her own fangs. " You tell " Master " that he will not touch Angelus. If he wants him so bad, he can go through me. " The blonde stood quiet. " Got it?" Silent rose an eyebrow. Nothing left the womans lips. Silent tightened her grip around the woman''s neck. She repeated her words. " Got it?"

" Y..Y...Yes." Glory finally responded. Silent quickly pushed the woman back away from her. Glory looked like a rabid animal, waiting to attack, but she didn''t.

" You''ll be hearing from me." She growled and in an instant, put on her cloak and fled out the front door. The bell rang her exit.

A sigh escaped her lips. " I count on it." She whispered into, what she thought, was an empty room.