Welcome to Gaia! ::

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 curiosity. 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 curiosity.

"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 disappointed, she wouldn't have minded getting to see what lay atop the shelf. But the disappointment 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 instinct. 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 globular 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 familiar preferred 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 briefly 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. In a single smooth motion the shadow moved 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 occurred 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 bizarre 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 murmured softly.

Rico cocked an eyebrow at Silent, the woman puzzled 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 question her laughter died and she peered at him, puzzled.
"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 interacting 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, reached into his bag and rummaged around for a spare piece of paper and a writing utensil. Finding both after a moment he jotted down a number and an address 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 nocturnal 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 Silent?s 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."

With sleepy steps Chao decended the stairs, Aido at her side. They were still staying at the Staionary 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 curiousity 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 complaing. 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 curiousity. 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 biblophile, 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 recieved 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 furball as he greeted him. Tybalt didn't quite like the look of the other two Tales, the oddly dressed boy and the one with wings like himself, and his feathers ruffled, making him appear a tad larger.

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

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

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

Akiya wasn't liking how quiet Jiro was, though he wasn't a noisy child to begin with. He had the feeling this might happen. Waving to Sy when he came in, he looked at Jiro, who wsa 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 inately 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 belieing his contentment. He turned back towards the remaining Tales before walking out the door. "Come soon, Keeha, k!" A tone of easygoing authority laced his voice; this wasn't a command, per se, merely a suggestion.

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

As far as he was concerned, Angelus 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 definately 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 empting the last of the things into the pot and checking that the crust was holding up alright.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think you need to be taught a thing or two. Before Angelus could do anything, the man was on him. He wrapped his hand around the 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 cloacked 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 dissapeared.
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 tommarow 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 dissapeared.
Immediately her eyes sought out Aido, instictively 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 appearence was out of the question.
"We-we need to get her inside," she murmered, 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 posistion 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, constatntly 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.

He didn't want to get the stupid boy but he had been told to so he dashed off to do so, putting his chopestick back into his hair as he caught angelus on his back. His steps lagged cause the other Tale was definately not the lightest, but he kept going, his wings fluttering as they raced into one of the tunnels. One of these led out. And he would find it.

Silent shook her head, watching Chao step through. She would die for Angelus. Taking a deep breath, she gathered as much strength as she could. She dove. It seemed like time was at a standstill. The air was cold. It soothed the burns on her body. Much better. In an instant, her body fell into a dark tunnel. Looking around she noticed that Chao was not too far. Her eyes looked towards where a burst of light slightly illuminated the tunnel. Two small figures seemed to be running right towards them. Angelus was in the arms of the smaller one. Quickly, rising on two feet, she dashed for them. Closing the gap between the two, she snatched Angelus in her arms. A sigh of relief escaped her lips. She had him. He was back. Another look at his face and her body froze. He was pale. Incredibly pale. What? Moving his face to the side, her stomach rose to her throat. Two bite marks. Blood trickled from the wound. She seethed. Bloodlust was a far better way to rise one's energy. The lust for a certain someone's blood. And she knew the scent that came from the sound. Glory. Silent looked to Chao and deposited the child in her arms. " This has to finish." With that she sprinted down the tunnel, avoiding the light.

Glory screamed in agony. Not just from the bite of the creature on her arm, but the light that bathed her body. With a fling of her arm, she threw both child and beast away from her down the tunnel. With as much speed as she could muster, she dashed out of the light's way. Half her face bubbled from the sun. A roar echoed throughout the cavern.

The master couldn't believe it. Everything was falling apart. He was going to finish this. Once and for all. With just a thought, he was behind the angel. His hands went for the man's neck.

Darkness watched on. Frightened. A coward. He huddled in the corner. He didn't know who to help anymore. Either way, he was a dead man.

Chao deftly caught Angelus, cuddling the boy to her chest, quickly feeling for his heartbeat. She looked down at the other boy and smiled thankfully, before the light caught her attention.
She knew that light.

Before Aido could move as the Angel's voice rang out she was flying through the air and heading for the cavern's floor. Hitting the rock with an audioable thump her formed rolled a bit before Rael managed to get himself under her, tendrils of Shadow wrapping around her to keep her safely on his back as he raced towards Chao, Angelus and Jiro. Her halo dropped and her light went out as her eyes fluttered closed.

"Aido!" Chao cried, still gripping Angelus as she ran the last few steps, scooping her daughter up and holding both Tales to her, her head on Aido's chest, eyes closed as she feverently listened for her heartbeat. As she heard it she nearly collapsed against the wall, heart beating like a jackhammer as she released the breath she'd been holding. Aido was alive, unconscious, but alive....
As the roar sounded she looked towards the main cavern but stayed where she was, not about to leave the two Tales again or drag them back towards danger simply to see what was going on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

" Yes. This will be interesting."

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

"Is she ok?" he whispered.

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

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

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

Screams echoed throughout the cavern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Now we just need to wait...”

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

[14-4-05]
We’re home again, somehow or other, we’re home.
Mom and I left off on alright terms, I’m still angry, but I have no idea when I’ll see her again, so it’s not really worth it to hold onto that anger, now is it?
In the last few hours of the visit Aido made what I have to admit was a pretty through ‘escape attempt’ and successfully avoided two adults and two teens for approximately four hours.
We found her wandering down the hall on the top floor and got the innocent ‘who, me?’ look when three of the four of us tried to alternatively lecture her and make she was alright.
Sometime I have wonder if she knows that people worry when she does things like that or if she does know and does it for kicks.
But, anyway, we’re back. Peep is not with us and unless mother smuggles him across he won’t be coming to Gaia anytime soon, one less thing to tie me to home.
Mom and Dad insisted on giving Aido some gifts before they left while, quite frankly I might add, informing myself and Rico that if I didn’t let them know what was happening in our and Aido’s lives as time went on they’d send the entire Caitsho farm over here.
Bleh, I suppose I’ll have to start writing them sometime.
Anyway, Dad gave Aido a combination pocket watch and compass, Rico and I have one just like it. If you press the button on the side it begins to play a melody. He said it’s to help her sleep through the night, and if it doesn’t, at least she’ll know where she’s going on her late night wanderings. Mom insisted on handing over some of my own favorite books for Aido to read along with some interesting, and informative I suppose, books on some of the other worlds. I hope they know that they’ve officially ended up tempting fate, rarg.
Eh, maybe Fate will just over look it, who knows….

As Chao headed to bed, the lights began to flicker on and off. As the lights danced across the walls, the shadows seemed to grow longer, and wider, and the direction they were 'moving' towards was Aido's room.

In the Tale's quarters, Aido wasn't the least bit tired. She had so much energy running through her. But when the lights began to play with the shadows, she noticed her own seemed to morph and change. There was a warm sensation flowing through her now, it wouldn't hurt her, just make her feel different.

For there was no other way to described how she looked once the lights stopped flickering. The door to her room opened and she looked over her shoulder with a smile.