Welcome to Gaia! ::

Khia: *tail wags at that; still in beast form, slinking about*

Akiya: yup X3 he's not a chibi anymore X3 he's rather pleased.. though he's rather.. ungraceful on his feet at the moment *Hears him hacking again and wrinkles nose* Drink your tea, Imp! He's in his room Khia X3

Khia: *snorts; didn't need to be told where Jiro was - just knows* .... *shakes that massive head of his and chuffs again; will have his answers, will have his revenge...but can wait* .... *pads off to Jiro's room, missing his horns for some odd reason?*

Akiya: *Noticed he was without his horns but doesn't say anything just yet*

Jiro: *Was working on brushing his hair, his fingers rather stiff and not responding as they should. Grumbling, he nearly threw the brush down in frustration before he turned his head towards his door, a smile showing. Khia*

Khia: *slides into the room, muscles moving so smoothly it's almost like floating; he moves right over to the red head and puts that great shaggy head into the boy's lap, tail swishing behind him; whuffs*

Jiro: *His eyes showed how happy he was as he ran his fingers along Khia's might head* Hey there *A look a concern passed his face as his fingers moved over where his horns... used to be?* Where are your horns?

Khia: *whuffs again, as if to say "who knows?"; perhaps it's only in this form that he doesn't have horns? Oddly enough ,Khia has spent his time since the transfusion as a beast* ... Aauu....

Jiro: Hmmm... are you all right? *Normal, Khia would have said something by now instead of wuffing at him. Leaning closer to him, he pressed a soft kiss onto his muzzle. He had been a beast for the longest since the incident.. though it made him incredibly happy he was always there with him now* Want to do anything? I'm feeling a lot better today

Khia: *red eyes glitter brightly, he's remained a beast so that his senses were at their sharpest - he will not allow Jiro to be harmed again while he's around. He'd missed the red head changing - because he'd been exhausted from the transfusion - but he vowed to not miss anything else. Unfortunately, it was three times as hard to "speak" in this particular form, so he tended to express in body language and beast-sounds* Auu. *he moved his head from Jiro's lap and took a step away, head cocked as if to say "what are you waiting for?"*

Jiro: Waiting for? *His own head tilted ever so slightly before he moved carefully off the chair, instantly reaching out for Khia as he felt so unbalanced right then.* think we should go find them? Those people? I know they're here... *He knew that Khia was doing this to protect him and he hugged him gently, knowing he didn't have to hide the fact that the Other tried to take him over the second he had changed. He could feel it...* I'll need your help though... I'm rather slow in walking on my own...

Khia: *whuffs and shoves his shoulder against Jiro's leg - help him walk? Certainly, or the boy could ride his back; it was one of the good things about being gallu - he was horrifically strong without ever trying - and since his gems had cracked, he'd gotten stronger yet* Rrr...... *yes, the people were here - he could scent them, as surely as if they were in the room with him...wherever Akiya had hidden them, Khia would find them - but he wanted the answers first, the answers that Akiya and Jiro needed*

Jiro: *Understanding what he meant, he carefully got onto his back and held onto him. It felt strange, this first time being on his back in this form. He could feel a lot more of him than he had been able to last time. Not that it was a bad thing. Purring softly, he nuzzled against him* Mmmn.. let's find them.. and ask them why they did this...

Khia: *straightens, as he'd kneeled just a bit to help Jiro mount his broad, silky back, and chuffs before moving off in the direction of the pair of scents; padding along silently despite his large size*

Jiro: *His eyes opened a bit, the irises shifting into catlike slits a couple of times before he blinked and they were back to normal* Neh... Shouhin said that in this book he was reading about my rings... it's possible for us to have a mental connection as well as knowing each other's thoughts and things like that.... you think it's true? It would be nifty... if we could talk to each other like that... because I only feel safe with you.... or maybe I've become too sentimental or something heh *he snorted a bit*

Khia: *whuffs a bit; he doesn't find it silly or simply sentimental - Syrie's empathic, and he's such a strange creature the idea is no where near outside the realm of possibility; it just might be difficult for him, being a "simple" Tome created gallu*. .... *he paused and lifted his head, sniffing at the air delicately, nose quivering - the scent, the scent! It was there, there...with Akiya's scent - not long, not long! The beast made his way farther into the home, his senses unfailingly taking him towards the captives*

Jiro: You're not simple you know... I'm sure there is a reason why the Tome made you this way... why the Tome made me have an older soul of.. myself.. if I can say that about the Other... I think the Time has a really twisted sense of humor... *When Khia suddenly moved quicker through the house, he knew why. He had found them... and he could feel Shouhin as well.*

Khia: *snorts a bit, as if to say that Jiro's words are nice, but that he IS simple; of course..it could also be his way of saying - without words - that the Tome was inDEED a rather twisted sort of magical item....* Rrrrr...... *his furr bristled as they came closer, and his form seemed to change a bit all on it's own, more like the "hunting" version of himself - leaner lines, stronger looking..much less like a "housepet" than a beast made purely for killing; when he slowed at the door, the growling didn't stop, it got louder - but Jiro would have to get off, he'd have to open that door...Khia would just break it, and that wouldn't do at all*

Jiro: *He made an offended sound and was irritated that he thought so little of himself when Jiro thought him to be the greatest person he had ever met. But this was something that they probably would never agree on and he didn't wish to fight with him. However, as he changed into the hunting form of himself the closer they got, he knew they were closer. It was hard to get off his back but he did so carefully, placing a hand on top of his head before he touched the door handle* I'm just as angry as you are... but we have to first get answers... okay?

Khia: *growls sharply at the boy's last words, but dips his head to show that he understands, and he will behave as much as he can* RRrrr.....Aauii... *Khia's silky tail lashed a few times as he waited for Jiro to open the door; his blood was boiling, but he kept it in check - it was hard, but he was strong, stubborn, and willfull, he could do it for as long as he needed...at least, the shapeshifter really hoped so....*

Jiro: Don't growl... it anything, I should be more angry, right? *Glad to see he understood, he pushed open the door and revealed the room their 'guests were staying in. HIs parenst were not monsters and therefore, the room was nicely durnished and comfortable. But the two were still bound and gagged on the bed. Least they got the stay together. A tray of finished food was besides them as well. Sah would feel anyone in his home.. or else he'd feel horrid otherwise. Event hough Akiya had argued with his mate not to poison them just yet.

Their arrival was not expected so the two were shocked to see the boy they had tred to kill still standing* I'm sure you two know why we're here....

Khia: *he still growled - in his mind, he had every right to be angry, if not angrier than Jiro about that - these people had tried to remove someone very dear to him, something he considered his....it was just as bad as them attacking him directly* .... *the dark shifter padded into the room, his bulky body slightly infront of Jiro - he was the shield, after all; he skinned his muzzle back and showed off wickedly sharp teeth - showing that should the pair not cooperate, he would not hesitate to sink those teeth into their flesh*

Jiro: *Having the feeling this was yet another topic they were going to be seeing differently on, he rubbed at his temples a bit to try to keep from getting dizzy again before he watched how the two tried to inch further away from Khia than ever* We're here to ask you questions... so it's best to just work with us. It'll make it painless and go by faster... *The two on the bed looked at each other again before looking at him* I guess the first question would be obvious... why?

Woman: If he comes back... he'll only finish what he began a long while ago... we can't allow that to happen. It's why we hid him in the first place *Her voice was softer but she ignored her mate's hiss to remain silent* There's no point in being silent! The child doesn't understand!

Khia: *stays close to Jiro so the boy can use him for support if he finds he needs it, but keeps his bright eyes on the pair huddled away from him - good, they were afraid. Fear would loosen their tongues AND make them wary...just how he wanted it; for the moment, he would remain as a beast...perhaps they would think him nothing more than just the red head's pet...but he did want to know what it was that the "Other" had started...* ....

Jiro: Then... what am I?

Man: ..... *he was really hesitant about saying anything but when the woman leaned over and bit his shoulder, since their hands and legs were tied together, he realized he might as well* Over five hundred years ago, a race that is similar to the race that resides here now once lived on this place... in this pocket dimension. Before the Kuulatris came here, it was our world... though we say our lightly since we aren't as old as the Elders... our leader then.. was a beautiful man. Beautiful not only in face but in heart. He guided us here from a darker realm... taught us how to survive and thrive. Though it was rumored he was not part of us, he might as well have been. We never knew a better leader....

We cannot say why... or what caused it, but we only have a few ideas. Our leader fell in love with an outsider... something that really shouldn't have happened. Since the outsider was an enemy. *He looked down a bit* From what we've read, he was sealed and taken away from him.. for our races protection.. for his own protection. But it was against what he wished and since he never asked anything, he took it badly that the one thing he desired was so heavily denied.

Woman: They say he snapped... used the great power he had and became a being that no one could stop... one because no one was as strong as he was.. and because he was still their beloved leader...

Khia: *his head tilted as he listened carefully to the man, mindful that anything they were told may be twisted for whatever reason. Still, it sounded plausible...but then did they mean to say Jiro was that leader and had been "Reincarnated" via the Tome? Or was he the outsider, brought back through Tome magic? And why?

For a moment, the shapeshifter allowed his brain to ponder the Tome's purposes - why would a magic book purposefully seek out beasts and creatures powerful enough to destroy it...and bring them back as Tales?* ....nnn.... *the beast shook his great heavy head and glanced up at Jiro curiously*

Jiro: *his eyes were rather dulled as he listened to the man speaking. Why did it all sound familiar to him? But... something..* Why was he there? If the one he loved was sealed... why was he there the day I was killed? *His voice had changed slightly and the eyes that lifted were turning a dark red but only bit a few shades* Why was he there?!

*The couple hadn't expected Him to actually show and they cowed even more before one of them hurried to continue explaining* Woman: He was unsealed and charmed.. in order to lure him out. He was killing everything! Villages fell under his onslaught! He laughed while torturing people! He had become a monster and no one could reason with him... so they used the one person they knew he would listen to... the person he loved... It was low and dirty... but at the time they had no choice! It was the only way to save everyone!

Jiro: .... So that's what he had been saying.. *A hand covered his mouth as images were flickering past his eyes, the images shared to Khia since they were so linked* Those were the words he was mouthing to me....

Man: We thought it was over... everything had been so quiet for so long... but then the tremors began again, the signals of his return... but why in the body of a child?

Khia: *shakes his head again, not liking what he's seeing - but a strange frission of joy at seeing the destruction, the pain, makes it way along his spine; he is, after all...gallu....and they thrive on things such as that* .... *shifts, rapidly, into his typical furry self, though his horns are...strange, cracked and somehow different, and he still has the sleaker, more feral appearance* ...Bastards....

Man: If it wasn't us, someone else would have been sent. We thought that nothing would happen. A child with powers nothing like our Leader's could be a threat.. maybe we were imagining things... but the power that is distinctly his only kept getting stronger... Our Leader... he said he had to be stopped...

Woman: If he comes back into full strength... since apparently his powers have not been weakened but only getting stronger each day the child lives.. the entire universe could be destroyed. From what we've been told.. he wants his lover... but... the Seal on him had only been placed for so long... *Biting her lip, she stopped talking*

Jiro:... *The way she said that... a searing pain gripped his chest and he panted a bit* .... how long? *When the two didn't answer, his eyes flickered dangerously. The Other him was having a hard time keeping his calm and black and gold flames started to circle around his feet* How long?!

Khia: *the pair's reluctance to answer Jiro brought forth a torrent of anger, rage and pain - some his own, some Jiro's - either way, it was a struggle to not leap and destroy, and the gems cracked just a tiny bit further* ...SPEAK! *the shifter strode over to the pair, leaning down to murmur dark words to first one, then the other* If you do not speak, everything, I will rip your partner apart with my hands and feed their heart to you. *The flames around the red-head's feet did not go unnoticed, but he could do nothing for the boy right at that moment save help give him the answers he needed*

Man: *He didn't want anything happening to his mate and even though she had bit him earlier, he tried to protect her, looking Khia straight in the face.. even though he was clearly afraid of him* He's dead already... the Seal was only to last for a couple hundred years... to make sure that the first Leader was truly gone and not coming back... then he was released since he wasn't needed anymore...

Woman: It's said that afterwards... he went to the sight where his lover's body had been burned... and took his own life so he could be with him... *She looked ready to say more but the scream of pain that came from JIro caused her to stop*

Jiro: NO!! He can't! He can't be!! *The voice in his head was so loud, it was hard for Jiro to tell who was in more pain. Him or the Other... but he figured there was no greater pain than a broken heart. Everything... everything had been for nothing! His loved one was gone.. how could that be?! His rage could not be contained and the flames only grew in intensity and size, covering Jiro in its inferno. The voice that spoke from it though, was most definately the Other* They will all die... they will all pay for this!

Khia: *whirls, feeling Jiro's pain, the Other's pain, as surely as if it were his own - it hurt, it clouded, but he pushed it aside, pushed it back, buried it deep behind the gems that held him in check; Jiro didn't need HIM freaking out too* Death is not yours to deal! *he hissed, moving over to the flaming body before him; completely unconcerned as the heat singed his fur - the fire didn't bother him much, though flame could be bothersome to demons* Give him back to me, your time is done!

Jiro: NO! It's NOT done! *His eyes were glowing a bright blood red as they focused on Khia, not really caring if he burned. But the other Jiro, the smaller one, was causing a racket inside his head* And who are you to try to dictate to me what I can or cannot do?! You are not of importance!

Khia: *shifts slightly, but not much, his body changing to something slightly less...usual, little projections rising from his spine, bony bits covered by a thin, coarse fur* I am Jiro's mate, my blood flows in your veins, you belong to ME. *snarls, teeth bared viciously as he moved closer still - let the flames eat him! let Jiro's other self try to burn him alive, it wouldn't work, he was gallu! His kind had been used as the hands of Gods since before the birth of the world! Tome reborn or not, he would not be taken lightly, especially not when his mate was involved!*

Jiro: *His eyes widened in rage at that, the flames only getting hotter* No one claims ownership over me! And if I must, I'll drain this body of blood to get your tainted blood out! I can move a dead body for a little while before I find another host. I'm strong enough for that now... *His voice was cold but his laughter was even colder. But his eyes were flickering again, which meant that the internal struggle was also going on inside of Jiro's poor tormented mind. There was no way Jiro would allow his mate to be killed! It didn't matter to the Other that Khia had changed forms, though it was an interesting shift* Oh? You intend to fight me then, gallu? See if you can protect your mate as I have been trying to protect mine?

Khia: *upon hearing those words - that the other would kill Jiro so easily, without thought - his eyes narrowed and the gems on the bracers at his wrists cracked completely, the blood-gems falling from their casings onto the floor with a strangely hollow tinkling sound. His form changed into something from a nightmare; tall as he was, he became taller, and the fur changed to scales in some places, limbs lengthening...claws sharpening, hardening - the horns that had been missing burst from his skull - slender spiralling horns, two sets, and the rams horns, only they weren't thick like before. Spines marched down his back and dissappeared into the long floof of his tail* ...you ...belong...to...me.... *two additional sets of eyes appeared in his forehead area, and the strange shifting of his coat seemed almost...hungry, alive all it's own, and his muzzle split into a cruel smile* ...to me...or to DEATH!

Jiro: Nice.. I knew there was something about you that was interesting. Such a shame you try to hide how you truly are... *it was easy to ignore the couple cowering on the best.. well as best as they could cower in their states. They were both rather scary as they were right now and they didn't want to get anywhere near that* To the Death, hmm? And what about your precious mate? If you kill me, you'll kill him. Unlike me, he's not that strong yet... I bow down to no one. Especially not some gallu demon! I care not of what your past uses were, you will not get in my way! *More flames gathered into the palm of his hands, the center pulsating with energy* I will destroy all in my way

Khia: *a strange, forked tongue flicked out, licking at his muzzle as if in anticipation; a voice slides sinuously to him, but it's rather obvious Khia hasn't physically spoken* I will not harm that body...but I will tear you to pieces. *the beast threw it's head back, howling laughter; physically he was impressive, but gallu were meant to fight on an astral plane, not just a physical one - so while they could see the physical representation of Khia's true form, they could not see the astral - and the physical form was like the pale shadow of the moon* Return my mate, and you may live to gain revenge - keep me from him, and your soul will never find rest in any life.

Jiro: Heh... I always wondered if that was true.. about you gallu and the astral... *In the aster plane, he could be himself and though he wasn't as huge as Khia was, he was no weakling. The male looked up at the huge beast before he calmly yanked up the smaller version of himself by the back of his kimono* Him? He's a weak little thing but he shows a lot of promise. And why would you allow me to seek my revenge after all that preaching you gave, hmm? Sounds rather like a contridiction to me

Khia: *chuckles again, a gravelly, hateful sound* Deals are made, deals are kept, Other. I want what is mine - I will have it one way or another. *khia's hulking form seemed to ripple just a little, the eyes glinting with amusement, rage, and something wholly alien* Make a deal with the devil, Other - I would give you your revenge through me. But Jiro is mine. Wholly mine. *THIS version of the shifter was obviously not as moral as the "limited" version!*

Jiro: Hmph... is that so? *The smaller Jiro was tightly bound and gagged, still struggling but it didn't seem to do much to the Other. Lifting up his free hand, the Other showed Khia how he was wearing gloves that were exactly like Jiro's and conjured up the blades that were so well hidden in them* These blades are mine, you know. The ones you helped him get. Explain to me how I would get my revenge through you.. *He had no problems placing the sharpened edge of the blade at Jiro's throat, loving to hear the child's faint whimpering as he became stock still*

Khia: I know well, think you I wouldn't know something so simple? *he knew, but he didn't know - like this, he did, but as he normally was...he couldn't sense the psychic signature left on the weapons* How else? Gallu are meant to be commanded - or you may borrow that body. The boy, harm him and you will exist no more! *Khia hissed darkly, the entirety of the astral plane quivering as his ire rose at having the other place a blade against his mate's throat*

Jiro: Do you really now... I seriously wonder about that... heh borrow hmm? It sounds like an interesting trade... but I don't know.. *Lifting the smaller boy up higher, he licked at his soft little cheek, loving the hatred showing in those beautiful gold eyes* I need him still... for a lot of reasons. I don't want to give him up to anyone... especially not to you. You only seem to make things a lot harder on us... *He didn't knick Jiro, he knew better than to push Khia too much, but he still moved the blade a little bit* Other than him being your mate, why do you want him so much?

Khia: *the beast's head moved sinuously, the neck lengthening and then shortening again; here on the astral plane, it seemed his entire being was fluid - on the physical plane he simply stared at the red head, body tensed and ready, claws clicking together wickedly* Need him? You use him, you do not need him. *great jaws cracked open and snapped at air, a strange bloody slaver coating those horribly sharp teeth* Surely you know the answer there - as you loved your mate, so have I loved mine. There is no other reason.

Jiro: You don't know what I need, gallu. No one does but me... and the boy, though he doesn't realize it yet. *He was silent for a long while, looking at the gallu and thenlooking down at Jiro. his own mate was dead... his heart couldn't stand it... he wanted him back! But.. this damn demon stood in his way and that was annoying. In astral, he gave a snort as he retracted his weapon and threw the smaller boy at the demon uncaringly. Though is the physical plane, the flames were slowly retreating around around them and returning to his hand* ..... touche.....

Khia: Resurrection? Rebirth - for the two? *the astral beast snapped it's jaws again as though laughing, though he was doing anything but; Jiro's small astral form was enveloped into the blackness that made the creature's body - protected there as surely as anything* Let us be, Other...you will get your revenge...through me, you will.

Jiro: Heh... like I'd tell you so easily. For now, I'll let you be... but only for now. I'm tired.. *His eyes showed a flicker of deep pain as he disappeared from sight in the astral plane. He needed to mourn and he did that alone. Once he was gone, the fires disappeared all together and Jiro flopped forward bonelessly, his breathing harsh* Nnnnn...

Khia: *it took the beast some time to draw himself back into the physical realm - the astral form was so much more comfortable for him to exist in; once he was more settled in that strange physical body, he reached for the boy, glaring over at the pair huddling on the bed. His muzzzle skinned back and the multiple eyes glowed red - did he kill them now?* You.... *his voice was gravelly and deep, with an edge like broken glass* ...I deal...with you...now.... *his blood cried for violence, for the hot rush of blood against his tongue, on his claws....*

Jiro: *It was hard for him to wake up, as it always was when he was fully possessed and then suddenly returned. He had to get himself back in order. But he could hear Khia's angry voice and he stirred weakly, trying to open his eyes as the couple whimpered and tried to get away. But there was nowhere they could go and no way to get away from Khia* L-Leave them.... they were d-doing as they were told... *Though he was angry and he wanted to get his revenge on someone, these weren't the right people* If anyone should die.. it should be the one who ordered this... n-neh?

Khia: *his tail lashed behind him, and that horribly misshapen head tilted, twisted to look at Jiro for a moment before throwing back in a chilling laughter* I thirst....they die.... *the shapeshifter moved towards the pair on all fours, his shoulders higher than his hips due to the sheer length of his forearms and the strangely jointed back legs; the mane of wild black fur around his shoulders shook as those heavy legs moved slowly, deliberately; obviously he relished terrifying them, was feeding on their emotions*

Jiro: *His eyes opened more when he heard that chilling laughter and heard his words. Steadily himself, he glared at Khia* I said no. If anyone has any decision in whether they live or die, it will be me and no one else! *It hurt but he moved to stand before him, looking him down while he protected the two ont he bed* Besides, it's no fun killing someone who is bound and defenseless. That's lower than what they did to me. *This was a form he was not used to seeing Khia in and he knew that he was definately different now.. his limiters had broken completely, he had seen that. The woman was softly sobbing and the man was shaking but trying to calm her down* Stand down, Khia. Please.

Khia: *had the beast wanted to, he could have thrown Jiro aside like a ragdoll - Jiro was weakened, and he was at nearly full strength - but he did not; the black creature dipped and bobbed his head, hissing and growling at the same time* Prey.... *the word slid from between that twisted muzzle as another drawn out hiss; what did he - a creature with no true morals, and no true allegiance - care that it was low to kill them like that? If he had to wait for them to be a challenge, he would never kill them! Or much of anything else, for that matter!* My...prey....

Jiro: No. Mine. *he knew he was weak at the moment and if Khia decided to fight him, he wouldn't be able to stand up to him much. But he was a stubborn imp and he would not back down from it* My life threatened. My prey! *His eyes narrowed as he looked at him* I know you're angry, Khia... I'm not saying you don't have a right to be... but the person who needs to die is their Leader. If they were competant, they wouldn't have failed. But they're not. Wait a bit, Khia. I'll give you prey. If not, then you'll have to get past me to get to them...

Khia: *seems to be thinking, the six red eyes unblinking for just a bit; he picks up the red head and sets him aside, moving towards the pair again, jaws snapping a bit, though he stops just a bit away from the duo on the bed, his neck elongating so he can speak at them without getting in range to claw them* Your leader.... *hisses, forked tongue flicking out rapidly to touch the man's cheek* Give him to me.....

Jiro: *His eyes widened slightly as he was lifted and set aside, not sure if he was worried more or relieved that he was actually going to listen to him. Right then, he couldn't tell. But his legs were shaking badly from trying to stand and he sank to the ground with a slight flump, closing his eyes as the world spun out of control. How disgustingly weak he was... made him sick*

Man: .... I can't j-just give him to you... I-I'd have to t-take you to him....

Khia: *the strangely elongated head bobbed and swayed and then twisted to look back at the collapsed Jiro, something about the boy's weakness striking a cord that went deeper than his need to kill something, though not much could be done without the limiters* I will...go...yes...he will...die.... *his tail swished, and the bony protrusions from his spine twitched and shrank down a bit, almost totally disappearing into his flesh*

Jiro: *It took a bit but he got himself under control. This was.. going to be rather difficult, wasn't it. Looking up again, he caught Khia's eyes as he looked over at him. This was how he truly was? It wasn't that he wouldn't accept him for who he was. He would not turn away from his mate! But... he was scary this way.. even Jiro had to admit.. this uncaring Khia... was really frightening. Right now, all he wanted to do was kill... maybe he would feel better if he did. Turning away from him, he pushed himself up carefully, weaving but placinga hand against the wall to steady himself* They can't leave... Luc bound them.. Luc has to undo it

Khia: *the beast gnashed his teeth and drew his head back towards his body, the lenghty neck shortening again; the six red eyes glinted angrily at having his "fun" spoiled yet again - why was he hesitating!? For this small mate, this tiny thing....ah,but he couldn't help it, truely* Luc...will release...the bait. *his head shook, the mane poofing wildly, horns shaking just a bit; he caught a familiar scent - one that he disliked in this form* ...that man....

From down the hall, steps can be heard, rapid steps - and a voice, calling a name.

Syrie: Khiarhu! *the kitsune burst into the room, his blue-grey eyes taking in everything all at once, but he focused for a minute on the shattered gems, and the great hulking beast that was his child* Khiarhu Zaire, you come here right this minute - I bound you to me! I'll bind you again! *No, he didn't know what was going on, not really - but something had to be done, when he was like this, Khia was dangerous, even to those he loved!*

Khia: *hisses at the man, whirling to face him, head going lower as he bared his fangs to the tiny kitsune*

Jiro: We need to find Luc first.. *And Luc loved to disappear for days at a time. It wasn't easy to track the magic user down because he trained as much as Jiro did. But he wasn't looking at Khia anymore. No, his attention was focused on the door that Syrie would appear from. He knew his surroundings well and knew he was coming* Uncle... *He slowly made his way over to Syrie, glaring at Khia when it looked like he was about to attack him* This is my fault, Uncle... I'm sorry... I lost control of my Other... and Khia's limiters broke.. and he became like this... *Tears filled his eyes and he growled to himself as he wiped them away* C-Can't... we bring back my Khia? He's.. scary this way... and I hate saying that....

Syrie: No chibi, it's not your fault...he was bound to break them sooner or later.... *the kitsune put his arms around the red head and smoothed his hair; seemingly unconcerned with the slavering beast that was currently his "son" - even though the creature did seem to want to slash his head from his body* I can, it just takes a minute....

Khia: *snarls and hisses at his "parent", with Jiro in the man's arms, the beast couldn't swipe at him and that irritated him even more - Khia loved Syrie, but...like this, he held no allegience, and the russet creature was in his way.* Move, old man.... *his tail lashed and those creepy eyes blinked in sequence, glowing faintly at him* I will...destroy you....if need be....

Syrie: *sets Jiro away from him for a moment* Just...wait here, okay? *the kitsune rolled up the sleeve of his snow white sweater and moved to step before the demonic black shapeshifter, his entire body glowing warmly for a moment; he too changed a little, two tails instead of one, and his fingers were more like claws - the change was not drastic, just...different; when he spoke, it was a wholly different language, like a chant; one that caused the broken red gems to glow and melt, pooling around the kitsune's feet*

Jiro: *he didn't know what else to do or say. He didn't wish to be afraid of his own mate, but this was a bit out of what he was used to. Khia somehow didn't kill him, but he knew that if they didn't have their Bond, he would have slashed through him without any problems whatsoever. And that bothered him ona deep level and he shivered. But he nodded to Sy's words and moved back towards the door a bit to watch. He was curious how he got his limiters int he first place*

Syrie: *a slight wind springs up around him, and the kitsune slashes open his wrist after chanting for a few minutes; the blood flowing freely on the wind around him, mixing with the bloody looking material the gems had liquified into - this was how Khia had gotten his first limiters: Syrie's blood. Syrie's spell. And this was how he would get them again*

Khia: Old man.... *but he didn't finish whatever he was going to say, the swirling red wind was winding itself around his legs and up farther as the blond kept up the chanting - and for some reason, the wind slashed open Khia's flesh, his own blood mingling with Syrie's, with the liquid-gems; glowing brightly and giving off quite a bit of heat* No! I will ....not be...held again!

Syrie: I bind you, Khiarhu Zaire, to me by my blood, by your own blood, and by the magic that Inari blessed me with! *the magic swirled, getting brighter and brighter around the pair until it was white - pure white and soundless, nothing. Absolutely nothing for seconds, and then the world came crashing back in sight and scent and sound; and Khia was laying on the ground screaming bloody murder as his body was forced to shift back into it's usual fuzzy form by the gems that had reformed into the casings on his bracers - six large gems instead of six small* There.... *But he collapsed from bloodloss and from the strain on his heart; sliding to the ground in a boneless heap*

Jiro: Uncle! *His eyes were huge as he took in the entire process, looking down at his uncle and then at Khia, whose screaming was echoing so loud inside his head, he thought his ears would bleed from it. But it was by blood... Syrie's and Khia's blood made the bracers... But he had to get help for Sy and he gripped his locket hard, calling to Akiya with all his might. He wasn't surprised when the angel suddenly appeared, looking worried. BUt the second he saw that Syrie was down, he carefully picked up his friend, the words of the healing spell swirling around the both of them. Jiro knew he would have to explain himself later.. but not now. Looking over at Khia, he went to his mate but stayed a good distance away nevertheless. Maybe... he should ask Syrie how he could make the limiters... as his mate... he wanted to learn it*

Akiya: Hang on, Sy... it'll be all right *He had no idea what was going on. Jiro looked a sickly white and was set to fall over, Khia was screaming his head off and Syrie was bleeding too much. Sooner or later, someone would have to give him answers...*

Khia: *howls one final cry of absolute pain and then goes silent, panting raggedly as his body's locked back into it's weaker state, his powers sealed away beneath the glowing red bracers* Ahhn...nn...hnn...haa...ahh.. *blood slid down his cheeks from his eyes, it seeped slowly from those large fluffy ears, and his fingers and ripped grooves into the floor, but he was okay - he was reeling, but he was okay - back to his self* Ji...ro... *the shapeshifter curled himself into a ball, as tight as he could; his whole body ached and he was miserable...but...he could scent his mate, even if he couldn't see him just then*

Syrie: *as for the slender kitsune, he was clutching at his chest and gasping for air - Akiya's magic helped, his own was exhausted from creating the seal - but he was still very sick, and there were streaks of pure white in his hair, as though much of his life force had been drained to perform the blood-magic* I'll...be..okay.... *the blond's eyes rolled back in his head and he passed out completely again in the angel's arms; no answers would come from him for quite some time, likely*

Jiro: *he had to cover his ears from the sounds of Khia's pain, which hurt worse than his own pain ever could before he watched him grow silent, his body not flailing about as much anymore. That... was a good thing right? He looked like his mate again.. But his eyes were filled with intense worry over the shapeshifter and he was carefully moving closer to him when he said his name.* Khia... *To him, there was no greater sound that hearing Khia recognize him by name. He was back! Knowing his entire body was in pain, he stroked him gently, much too weak himself to try to heal him* I'm right here... Khia... *He rested his chest on top of the ball* Welcome back... beloved...

Akiya: *He was more worried right then again Sy than Khia. He had the feeling the shapeshifter would be all right for amoment or two. He hadn't trusted Syrie's I'll be okay statement. He was terribly weak.. and as a friend, he was deeply worried. Ignoring the two prisoners, he went into the room across the hall, shoving the door open with a foot and making sure it was empty before he went to place the kitsune down upon it. Good thing his house had a lot of rooms. Placing a healing mark upon his forehead, one that would continue to slowly heal him even if he wasn't there, he looked over to where his son and Sy's son were* ... I hope someone'll tell me what's going on soon...

Khia: *shudders violently and groans as he forces his body to stretch just enough so he can re-curl around the red head, comforted by having the boy there with him - so what if the wicked pair saw him being weak now...they wouldn't forget him, his power any time soon..if ever...and...honestly he couldn't think of anything he wanted more than to be near his mate right then* Dad...? *the shifter husked in a raw sounding voice*

Syrie: *doesn't move at all save for the rather uneven breathing and the strange fluttering of his heart in his chest; but he's not likely to die any time soon*

The room was dimly lit, making it easier for the pale boy in the bed to rest; if resting is what he did at all. And it was just lit enough for his parents to look in on him from time to time, just to see how he was doing. Even though it has been a week since the attack on him, they still had a hard time figuring out what the hell had just happened. And why. So many things they feared their son was keeping from them, and so many things they hated to admit that they didn't know. This time it was Sah who looked in on the Tale, watching the slight rise and fall of his chest, the bandages he wore stark white and freshly changed. The bleeding didn't happen as often now, thankfully, but that was only if they almost tied the boy down. Jiro was, after all, one child who hated being still. It hurt... to see him like this. Hurt the uke in a way he hated to feel.

His pink eyes showed his sorrow only for a moment before he closed them, drew a heavy breath and closed the door silently. It was only after he heard the click that he let out that held breath and firmed his resolve. He would not fall apart. He was that boy's 'mother' for gods sake and he would be the firm and loving hand to guide him as best he could! Crying was not allowed! Thanks to Khia's blood and Akiya's magic, Jiro still lived... but deep down, Sah wondered for how long. How long would things be okay til the next thing happened? These people had come to kill Jiro... and they had failed. Would that mean there'd be more? He had to talk to Akiya about this. It was going to drive him insane, this not knowing. Ever since the beginning, Akiya had warned him that this child was different. But he didn't think it was anything like this!

It took a bit before he located the angel, who was back in his study, looking over piles and piles of paperwork. Being a Time god's apprentice on top of being the Watcher was a lot of work, and he had to still learn all the languages of the breeds on top of it. Sah wondered how he managed it all, sometimes, but knew it was best to let him work the way he needed to. Akiya always made time for his family, so as his partner, he shouldn't complain about minor things. But this thing wasn't minor, oh no. Nor could he simply let it lie. He had to know everything Akiya knew. And he always knew something. Trying not to feel guilty over disrupting him while he's working, he moved quickly to his seat and stood next to him. "We need to talk, libshin."

"I know..." A heavy sigh left the angel as he stopped what he was doing to look at his mate. Even when he was sitting, he never had to look up at anyone, especially not his mate. "I figured it would be coming..."

"What the hell have you not told me?!" Frustration caused the slim uke's wings to stiffen, his slip into his native tongue only when he was this upset. If he had spoken like this in Gaia, all one would hear was a melodic song. One that was soft and like a flute but the song was angry. "You've hidden something from me again about Jiro..."

Akiya did feel guilty for being caught out but the look he gave Sah was clear and the uke growled in annoyance, as he knew that look all too well. It meant that Akiya had done it on purpose but had a reason. Before he could yell at him, the angel raised a hand and spoke in his tongue, his rich baritone fitting the language better than most. "I had no choice but to not tell you, Sah. You'd freak out and the more calm the house is, the better. You know this as well as I do. We can't only focus on one child. We have seven children here. We need to think about them all."

"None of them are in as much danger as Jiro is, libshin. Our child is in there bleeding and his mental state is questionable at best! How long were you going to keep us in the dark?"

"As long as needed." Running a hand through his hair, Akiya folded his arms across his chest. "He's stable as long as he hangs around Khia. You've seen this as well as I. It keeps the Other at bay but it can't keep him gone for too long. Ultimately, the Other is Jiro's thing. No matter how much we care for him, we can't fight this battle for him..." His face was tortured, showing that he didn't like it either but what else could he do? "Jiro was born with this task forced on him already. Since he's Tome based, we can't just rip the Other out of him. We don't know what it'd do to him. And from what I've learned of the Tome, it doesn't do things for no reason."

Sah's lips tightened in displeasure before he shook his head in frustration, not caring that he was ruining his dark brown locks. "It's not right! Why make children suffer like that?!"

"No, it isn't right... but these beings have their places in the grand scheme of things, love." He wished he could comfort his happy-go-lucky mate, since seeing him upset was wrong in so many ways. But he couldn't clear the worry between his brows nor erase the growing panic he could feel fluttering in the uke's chest. Jiro's destiny was his to grasp hold of, for better or worse. Would the Other overwhelm him, erasing their grumpy little son from the earth and replace him with a cold blooded soul hellbent on death? Or would Jiro beat back his darker self, grow stronger in the end? It was hard to say. He was still young, after all, but then again, who knew when he'd grow again. Anything could happen from here to now that could change everything.

"Do something, Akiya! What's the use of your grand scheme in the universe if you can't help him!?" Sah wouldn't ask him to use his true place in the Universe like that unless he was desperate and when it came to his kids, he'd even kill to save them. And though the uke wanted his mate to hold him; to stroke his hair and tell him things would get better, he didn't want to be lied to. And Akiya didn't lie, exactly, but he didn't always tell everything about a topic. No matter what it was about. The silence that filled the space made Sah shiver but he refused to look away from the angel, wanting his angel. "Tell me, Akiya. I won't be denied in this answer."

"... I can't."

"Then why are you who you are?!"

"There are rules, Sah, that I have to follow. It's bad enough I have to deal with the Grandfathers breathing down my neck, I have my brothers to answer to. I can't just do whatever I want. That causes disturbances in Time. It can't be done. All I..." he stopped himself and shook his head, " All we can do is guide him as best we can. We're his parents, not the lords of his life. Right now, he's alive... and knowing him, he'll do everything in his power to stay that way." All it took was a look to know that Sah wanted to slap him... but not because he wanted to really hurt something, but because he needed to vent his anger somehow. Standing finally, he pulled his mate into his arms and held him tightly, letting him hit his chest as much as he needed to. Until the rage turned to tears and he clung to him tightly, his body shaking from the force of his sobs. When it came to dangerous things, Sah was the softie type. He hated violent things, even though he indulged Jiro and Luc in their love of weapons, runes and training. But it wasn't something that made him happy. If he thought his children were really in danger with their hobbies, he'd be a lot more firm. But as long as they were happy, he was happy. And, as his mate, that's all Akiya wanted for him. Which was why he didn't tell him everything he had noticed about Jiro since they had gotten him. It just would have made him overprotective and Jiro did not respond to such things. "I know it hurts, Sah... but if we break down before him, how will he handle it? He's always been a strong imp and he won't let us down." He tilted Sah's face up a bit and pressed a kiss to his forehead and stroked his hair. "Gotta have faith in him." He looked down at him and got Sah, after some near misses, to meet his gaze. He knew the look would be harsh, but he had to get Sah to understand. Now was not the time to play mother hen.

Jiro had already been through a lot of crap since he had gotten there but he had survived it all and grew stronger. "He's not alone. He has us and his friends. As long as he has support, he can do it. I know he can. You know he can. So stand firm. Be as you always are with him and you'll be fine. I need to count on you to look over him when I'm not around... can you do that?"

It was hard to look at Akiya's determined eyes and not flinch. He didn't want to! He was a motherly type, he wanted to hold Jiro tightly to him and shelter him from anything that might harm him. But this was an argument he could never win with Akiya. Never with him... he who had been left to fend for himself in a world of humans, not knowing who he truly was or where he belonged. He had to forge through it all alone... and he had survived. The angel was the type who believed that anyone could survive just about anything as long as they had the support they needed. But hiding them away wouldn't solve anything either... even if he too, wished he could. It took Akiya repeating his question again before Sah finally answered. "Yes... you can always count on me."

"Everything'll work out as it needs to..." Akiya's fingers were gentle as he wiped away the traces of his tears. "You're their mother... even Jiro's. I'm not saying it's bad t get angry for his sake, but at the same time... though I hate to say it, we can't suddenly play lock down on him. Like with Kali and his anti-social nature, we can't force Jiro out of his shell. Okay?" Nodding, the uke turned and left the room, ending the conversation just like that. He had to bake or cook or.. something. Anything, really. As long as it distracted him from the sight that was burned into his brain... of those people stabbing his little son while he slept. Treating him like he was some kind of monster. If Akiya hadn't expressly made it clear they had to live, they would have been dead already...

Sah really hoped that everything would work out as it needed to. He had to put his faith behind Akiya's words. His strength was what he relied on...

Entry Twenty: Some time later...

It's been some time since last I wrote in here. Not something I'm sure was done by mistake. I've just been busy... Shouhin told Uncle Sy and Khia about my new 'hatred of light phase' and was 'kidnapped' to spend some time with them. Not that being there is a bad thing. Just readjusting to light was painful and annoying. But it was something Khia asked of me, how could i really say no... okay, scratch that. I did say no. Quite a lot. It became a bit of a dominance issue between us.. but he's much bigger than I am and he uses that against me sometimes. Now was such a time.

He was saying how i was being stubborn but I didn't see it that way. But I guess it could just be Jilh doing his best to be a pain in the a**, as always. Nowadays, it's so hard to know for sure what's me and what's him anymore. It's something I finally opened up and shared with Khia and now he's worried. I hate making people worry about me... but what can I do? Shouhin said that I couldn't make the family worry and be that closed off. How he's 'allowed a lot of things, but won't allow much more' or something. I guess he has...

They all have. I feel bad in my own way, but yet it's hard. There's still that part of me that doesn't care... or maybe I'm too tired to care. I'm getting too tired for many things but I gotta hold out somehow. I don't know how much longer before the next clash between us will be.

All I know is that it'll be worse than anything I've dealt with so far. It's easy as hell to say that I'll be strong enough to take Jilh head on and survive.

But do I believe it? That's another story...

Just better to go here than to try to get it all together lol

It was a night like any other; a long one. A year and a half had passed since the issues that now haunted any sleeping moment he snatched, so he stopped sleeping. He used every means he could think of to keep himself awake for as long as possible. It did meant purposely screwing with his internal clock in order to do so, but he didn't care. Anything to stop the nightmares that flooded his mind each time he closed his eyes. And in all that time, there had been nothing... The silence also drove him insane. Feeling his thoughts trailing into dangerous places, he growled low and thumped his head lightly against the nearest wall. No. Don't think about it; don't think about it. Tonight he needed to focus for the hunt he'd be partaking with his pets. It took a long while to get decent kills and that was a good thing. The longer the hunt, the longer the distraction, after all.

Turning away from the window he had been staring lankly through for some time, he headed towards his closet to get ready. His hair was already as coiled up and compact as it was going to get; very few stray locks allowed to touch his face. Instead of wearing his typical kimonos, he opted for a tight fitting, sleeveless shirt and his ninja styled pants. His feet were bare and bound tightly with cloth. His eyes didn't seem to take notice of anything as he opened his weapons closet and grabbed some blades, his whip blade and his small sack which held his water skin, any hair ties and anything else he might need. If he got hungry, he hoped to have already had a kill to deal with so he wouldn't have to forage. That took too long and depending on his hunger, made him rather edgy and Jilh poked his head out. A slight frown tipped his lips before he rummaged around to find the bag of jerky Sah had left for him just that morning. Once it was found, it had been added into the little pouch and it was only then that he felt he was ready to set out.

He didn't want to waste any time to make sure the family was asleep. If he was caught sneaking out again, he'd just wait a bit and do it again. At least he wasn't disappearing somewhere where he couldn't be found later. He wished the parents would just stop worrying about him. Though he still had the body of a child, he wasn't one in his mind. Cleaning up anything that was out of place, he returned to the window and pushed it open; glancing down just enough to see that Hirome and Mico down at the ground waiting for him. Good. Made things easier. It took only a second to get onto the window's edge and another few to jump onto the nearest tree branch. How many times has he done this now? Too many times to count truly. Less than ten minutes later, he was settled smoothly on Hirome's back and guiding his favorite hell hound and Lupix into the vast woods that surrounded his home.

If his memory served, they would need to travel through a few territories to find their prey for the night. Stroking Hirome's head lightly, he whistled the next command and they changed course. And since it would take awhile to get there, he was left with the one thing he hated to do lately. He had time to think. Thinking was dangerous. For it led him into the one place he didn't like to be...

A vast, barren wasteland of scorched earth, a few large gaping holes in the ground that had no bottom and futile skeletons pretending to be trees. It was a familiar landscape to him, as he's been forced to see it every other day of his existence. Though it hadn't always looked that way. No, not always. At first, it had looked like a lush forest with a few ponds, some wildlife and a house. But as things grew steadily worse, he watched it all disappear: the house to a furious fight between the two, the animals slaughtered for Jilh's amusement and the land just.. he wasn't always sure what happened to it, but it died a bit more at a time until this wasteland was left. Now he was used to the sight. It used to truly bother him.

And, as always, Jilh was already there, sitting on top of a flat rock, watching him. Here he allowed himself to look how he really was; a tall, imposing figure with blood red hair that was pulled away from a high boned face with ties and leather straps. He was tall, something Jiro felt was vastly unfair, and dressed in dark colors. He favored more tight fitting clothing than the loose things Jiro himself favored. His lips permanently set into a hateful sneer, he nodded when he found himself noticed. "A hunt tonight? What's the target?"

"Does it matter?" Jiro's eyes narrowed as he glared at the man he could never forgive. "As long as it's big and we can slaughter the hell out of it, what do you really care?"

"True. Very true." Jilh's cold laugh still managed to crawl up the younger boy's spine and make him uncomfortable. One would think he'd be used to it by now, but it still had the power to get under his skin. "Time has been dragging on outside. How long as it been, I wonder..." This idle chitchat was not like the man, but the youth didn't say anything to stop him. There was always a point behind everything Jilh did. "How long has it been since that day?"

"Years I think. I've not noticed..."

"You are a shitty liar. You can't ignore the passage of time. You simply can't. Not as long as that is there." His black gloved hand waved absently towards Jiro's left hand, where a pitch black ring rested. "Nothing. He's alive, as we can feel his breath, but the humming you need for balance is no longer there. He may as well be dead then."

"He's not dead." Anger filled Jiro's soul as his red gloved hands tightened, his long nails digging into his palms. He knew what the lack of color meant as well as the next person. Since a good majority of his magic was based off this man's, they would always be linked. Just like the blades he held, the ring was something that should have completely belonged to Jilh... but now answered the boy. A hard feat that had earned the youth another permanent scar; a large scar around his neck where the blades attempted to lop his head. It had been a slow type of kill, more to test the boy's will. But he had taken it without complaint and proved stronger. Jilh wasn't sure if he was pleased with that shift in power but Jiro only proved to him more why he was the perfect host body. And it made his desire to smash this little soul to bits grow. "It would have been different if you hadn't tried to hurt him."

"Oh? And you thought what? You could save him? That you could make it right? Whatever that happened back then, it wasn't right. And that woman wouldn't have allowed you near him. I'm surprised you didn't die along with him..." A heavy sigh left him as he got down from the rock and strode towards the boy, who only stood his ground and watched him. "Would have made everything so much easier to deal with. Listen, boy, why keep fighting this fight? You won't win against me. I have nothing but time at my disposal and you?" Another laugh as he walked around him, seeing how his body was trying to stay awake. He was a fit pre-teen, but until he grew, it wouldn't do him a bit of good. His face showed how tired he was, but though there were dark circles under his eyes, Jiro had the power to glare. Which he did quite well. "You're struggling to not come here. Not to let the nightmares rip you limb from limb. You won't last another week this way."

"I've managed so far." He didn't watch Jilh always walk behind him. It was just too taxing. "I refuse to let you win so easily."

"For what purpose? What do you even fight for? Friends? You don't have any. Family? They can't help you." The elder slapped at the pendant the boy always wore, watching it flare a bright blue for a second before it settled back down. "You have nothing left to balance your own chaos. You can't fight yourself and me, boy." Finally, he stopped before him and looked down at him like he was a moron. Which, Jiro knew well, Jilh assumed he was. "Give it up already. Or do you want me to destroy every last bit of you?"

In all truths, Jiro didn't know what he kept fighting for. But he wasn't the type to just give up because he didn't have any ready answers. He had always been terribly too stubborn for his own good. It was how he managed to live this long. Everything about Jilh was about pain and destruction in some way. If he was allowed free reign outside, he didn't even want to think about what would happen. This man's sense of loyalty had been destroyed while he had been alive, so he had none now. That wouldn't sit well, since Jilh made no promises when it came to leaving Jiro's family alone. Yes, some of them could handle themselves in a fight, but there were many who didn't believe in fighting. And Tanja was still a baby. He would not, never willingly, allow anything to happen to them. He'd never stop and all Jilh free access to the outside. Hell, if he got into Gaia, that could be dangerous. Mainly since he was absolutely unstable.

Even on the older man's body, he knew he was about as scarred as he had made the boy. It was almost like he was making him into a mini mirror of himself. Except for fighting styles and some other things, Jiro was too similar to this man for his own liking. "I'm not just going to lie over and play dead for you. I've pushed you back for this long. If it takes longer and more time, then I'll do it. Regardless of what I feel." Or any of his other inner thoughts. This conversation was an old one that they had been having lately. Jilh was trying to find his weakness again... not that it was hard. The boy had far too many.

But Jiro was getting tired. Even while he was mentally speaking with Jilh, he had to be aware of what was going on beyond them. Mico and Hirome had paused for some water and they were getting close to their target area. Soon they'd be able to hunt as needed. Paying attention to both was like second nature, yet at the same time, it was rather taxing at the same time. "So which will it be then, boy? A slow death or a quick one? Cause, as you see, we have more than ample room this time to battle it out." He waved a hand around their bleak and desolate surrounding. "No forest for you to hide in and use your damn chopsticks on me this time. You should probably give the order to the beasts to hurry up. Cause they'll be responding to the bloodshed from you shortly."

On that, he couldn't argue with him. Once the bloodshed between them started, his body began to work on automatic. And the only thought processes that would make sense would be nothing but death. However, he would have to give the order on the move, since Jilh didn't like waiting too long to start fighting, as the kick he gave clearly showed. Fighting him was always a pain, since he was tall and Jiro's brain was foggy. But he wouldn't give in. Never. His whip unfurled with deadly intent as he went on the offensive, his gold eyes glowing darkly as he focused it all; his rage, his pain, his loneliness. Everything. On this man. He would kill him if it was the last thing he ever did...


Outside of the mental struggle, the beasts looked at each other as they felt the change wash over their master. If those kinds of beasts could give off feral grins, they would have as Jiro's hand sank into Hirome's fur and firmly steered her off to a hard right, slashing through trees and rocks like they were nothing. His senses picked up the targets he wanted, his head wings perked and vibrating in the cold night air. Picking up on the cold intent, the two stretched out their legs and went for it. Nothing would stop the need to run, the rush of air, leaves and branches. Even the sounds of the typical night souls were quiet tonight. Not many beasts hunted at night in this region, except for Jiro and his pets. And many beasts weren't sure if they should ever rest. Not that this was any worry tot he ones hunting. It was more than just doing it for the sake of doing it. No, they had bigger goals than that. But anything that got in their way was seen as fodder for the moment. Mico, being a hell hound, ate just about anything that was seen as a hinder to their plans.

All too soon, they had their targets; a horde of buffalo like creatures that the fire breed of Homegrounds used in a lot of things. And they made sure to use everything. To hunt them was considered a right of passage, since they were hard to find and harder yet to kill. It was said that underestimating even the in-firmed ones was something to be weary of. The perfect kind of prey for someone like Jiro. In his life, everything was bigger, badder and harder than him. In order to harden himself, he had to face them. This marked the fifth time this month he had hunted this particular horde. He was aiming for their leader and nothing was going to stop him from it. Nothing.

Without pause, he shifted out of his sitting position into more of a crouch, Hirome veering off to the left of where the horde was heading, Mico moving off to the right in order to help further box them in. Releasing a hand, Jiro used his thumb to unfasten a knife holder and smoothed it into the palm of his hand. It took too much energy to talk, so he didn't bother with such things. Instead, he had trained the pets to follow his instinct; to respond like one would to a pack leader. Kali called them the pack of wolves but found it amusing how well it worked out. Especially since Jiro was always of dual mind, he supposed it made sense to the animals. Jiro was the kind leader who took care of them and provided for them; Jilh was the darker force that could harshly punish and allow them to indulge their darker natures.

Odd how some things could work if used in another way.

The horde was moving slowly along; their noses low to the ground in search of the particulars they ate at night while still managing to move in a forward direction. These creatures didn't have a place where they just stayed. They were nomadic and roamed often. By count, there were about twelve of these 'hordes' roaming the forests of Homegrounds. So Jiro knew that if he took out a few, then it wouldn't do anything to the main populace. And that was the point. Though Hirome and Mico respectively could eat about two, they knew they only had one each and Jiro had one. That way, this horde could repopulate and they got the thrills they were looking for. Jiro dropped off Hirome's back a bit before the horde took notice, already seeing his prey easily. His sights were set. And as hell continued to rage in his head, his body took action.

The animals never truly stood a chance. As Hirome and Mico barreled into the tight knit group to separate them out, Jiro had gone straight for their leader, his whip cracking loud into the air to gain its attention. The beast was easily five hundred pounds heavier than the boy and towered over him with the grace such beasts had, but the look in both of their eyes were the same. Fight or die. Kill or be killed. And neither saw themselves as the loser.

Entry Twenty-two: