OOC:
*grimaces* Great.

IC:
Serenity smiled gratefully as Kuja healed her wounds,"Thank you. That couldn't of been easy." she said gently. She listened as he tried to explain what had happened. And when he said how she looked better, in more than just her face, she blushed crimson, knowing somewhat of what he meant. She passed a hand over her eyes,"This new sight will take some getting used to, but physically and magically, I don't feel much different." she said, perplexed slightly as to why she might be unlike others. Serenity noticed her mother was sleeping, but rather fitfully. She placed a tender hand on Zana's shoulder, and the woman visibly relaxed into peace. The young Shade also saw an old, almost unnoticeable scar on her mothers forearm. She traced a finger over it, and it disappeared from sight, healed. Serenity's eyes widened. She could heal another's wounds, even those from the Trial, but not her own. A small sacrifice for the gift she possessed. She turned to Kuja, her gaze understanding and gentle. Her new sight pierced through the darkness and focused directly on his face,"Are there any wounds from your Trial that you haven't been able to heal? Or at least not fully?" she asked softly,"My healing will not allow me to heal myself, but I can heal you, my mother, my father, and everyone else's scars that refuse to heal. I think that's why I was born. To help those who are in pain." her eyes softened,"Both physically and emotionally." Her thigh twinged in pain ever so slightly, as if the small gash were still there. Maybe it was.

IC:
Btw, I've started writing a story about how Felena came into the picture; her parents, her history with Galby, and the like.

Serenity shook her head as Kuja exited the house. He was so twisted up inside, he was barely able to think clearly. She had no wish to make him uncomfortable in any way, nor did she have any desire to cause him pain. She reached her mind toward his, caressing the edges of his conscienceness with her own.
I have caused you discomfort in some way. I beg your pardon, for that was not my inte-aarrg! she cried out silently, clutching her midsection tightly. Her entire body shook uncontrollably. Her eyes were squeezed shut; her jaw clenched hard, her teeth bared in a silent snarl of agony. Shooting pain radiated from her stomach to her groin, as if someone had just gut her. Scorching heat collected. Her eyes snapped open in horror.
The Hal Von Do! Her mother had told her when it had hit her, at about Serenity's age. Hal Von Do was when a female Shade became sexually active, in all respects. The young Shade panicked; she hastily reached for Kuja's mind, to warn him to stay away. During a Han Vol Do, all male Shades, old or young, could sense it from miles away, and go into a type of thrall, much like a leopard. Of course, it's not just her Shade going through this. It's her other, as well.
She didn't get a chance to speak, as her body uncurled and began to walk outside. She fought every step of the way, forcing her will over her races natural instinct. Slowly, painfully, she backed away from Kuja, every step agony. She grimaced, her breathing ragged. She collapsed to her hands and knees, still fighting the urge to run to her master and leap on him. Something wild and ferocious clawed at her stomach and slammed against her skin. She raised her head slightly and groaned. Midnight black fur rippled across her back and stomach. Her knuckles curled and razor sharp claws emerged from her fingertips. Her bones and tendons snapped and popped as they moved and reformed. Her face elongated and sharp fangs burst from her gums, filling her mouth with teeth.
The transformation complete, the sleek, black panther raised it's head and inhaled a deep breath, filling it's lungs with air for the first time. It's glowing green eyes focused on a figure; a young male it looked like. The female panther burned, but Serenity soothed it with words. She was wary of the claws extending from her paws, and she had no wish in injuring anyone. The female hissed in displeasure, fighting Serenity.

OOC:
Kind of awkward. An idea I thought up after reading a romance book. Thought it would prove interesting. In the book, a male leopard/human finds a female leopard/human, but she doesn't even know that her other exists. Same kinda thing here (the not knowing part, not the other part), but I used a panther instead. You could do the same to make things a bit more...exotic.lol

OOC:Lol...wasnt...uh...expecting that. *Cough* anyways....


Kuja turned and saw what was happening to Serenity. He backed up slightly, but kept his normal blank face. He sighed and rubbed his temples. "This is going to make things complicated...." Kuja moved around Serenity and went inside to Zana.
Shaking her by the shoulder to wake her up, she groaned in annoyance. "Zana...you need to come help Serenity. Also...I dont think I will be able to train with her while she is like this." Zana looked confused. "Go outside and you will see what I mean."
Kuja teleported out of the house and appeared a long distance away from the village on a plateau.

Zana was bleary eyed and half asleep, but it took her a total of three seconds to sense Serenity. She ripped her blankets to the side, clothed herself with a snap of her fingers, and tore out of the room and into the night. A formidable, midnight black female panther crouched in front of her, snarling and yowling. She knew her daughter was in that form.
Her skin itched and her other raked at her belly, rising to the surface in response to the other female. Zana allowed the change, welcomed it. Her knuckles curled under and claws burst forth. Deep, chocolate brown fur rippled. She screamed at Serenity in the language of their race, commanding her to back away, to go run.

The panther screamed when the male disappeared into the stone structure. She leaped for the opening, but was stopped short by another female. Serenity's mother. The panther snarled, hissed, and swiped her claws. It backed away when the other, too, became a panther with a rich brown coat. The other female screamed a command. The panther shrank back, taken by surprise.
The other female screamed again, advancing a step, it's tail swishing threateningly. The panther hissed, then turned tail and ran in the opposite direction. Serenity was relieved. She had been afraid that she couldn't control this wild animal. But her mother had trained her to have a strong, unmovable will. She urged the panther to run faster, to extend it's form to the limit.
Scenery flew by in a blur. The panther passed the Urgal town, the plateau where Kuja had taken Felecia. The panther lifted it's head on the run, scenting the air. It hissed. The male was close. Serenity pushed the panther to run past. It yowled unhappily, but obeyed. The male flew by, his scent heavy in her nostrils.
Serenity pushed the female until her legs were shaking and couldn't go any further. She allowed the female to collapse heavily onto the warm sand, it's tongue hanging and it's breathing ragged.

OOC:
Eh.....yikes.

Serenity panted inside the female panther. Wearily, she extended her separate conscience to Kuja.
I...would have...pushed her...farther, but she is...exhausted, as am I. Her first...real heat...is over. I can...control her...now. she finally managed to catch her breath. I dare not shift back to human for, eh, various reasons. she said, her tail swishing. She pushed at the panthers mind, asking for dominance of the body. The female gave it reluctantly. Serenity groaned. Since she had been in the background of the females mind, she hadn't felt anything physical. Now fire burned in her limbs, her throat felt like sand-paper, and her tongue was sticky from lack of water.
She wearily got to her aching feet, retracting her sharp claws as she did so. Reaching for the magic that still pulsated within her mind, she breached the barrier. Digging a hole with magic, she called water to the surface and held it with a spell. She leaned her muzzle down and lapped at the gloriously sweet liquid, soothing her hot mouth and aching throat.
She also noticed that her midnight black fur was matted with sweat, and as soon as she was finished drinking, she slid into the cool water, bringing her body temperature down to normal. After several minutes of paddling around, she climbed out and shook from snout to tail, flinging water droplets around in every which direction.
Serenity released the spell holding the water and watched it sink back under the sand. She then turned her angled green eyes to watch Kuja. He sat cross-legged like he was meditating. She pricked her sensitive ears as a growling sound emanated from her stomach. She laughed, and it came out as a rough, coughing sound. Her stomach was telling her that she was hungry.
Twitching her whiskers, she found that she could sense everything around her with them, to the smallest beetle to the largest rabbit. A quite large hare was close by in the shade of a rock. She crouched down in preparation for a hunt. She crawled forward until the hare was in her sights, her belly gliding over the still hot sand.
She launched herself forward with her powerful hind legs. The hare was off like a shot the moment it sensed danger, and the chase was on. Serenity took huge, bounding leaps, easily gaining on the quick mammal. One final pounce, and she had her prey. Serenity sank her fangs into the hares neck, cutting the jugular and killing it quickly. Blood, salty-sweet and tangy, filled her mouth. Holding the carcass with her paws, she ripped at the meat, her hunger savage.

OOC:
Egads. Both my imagination and details have gone sky-high. Sheesh.

Serenity gulped the last bit of meat before getting to her paws. She angled her muzzle up at him so her bright green eyes matched his. Baring her fangs slightly, she spoke. I feel comfortable with it, and I have confidence that I can control my panther, even if she fights me. she said. A resonating purr vibrated from her throat. The Hal Von Do, to my knowledge, only lasts one or two weeks at most. At least, it goes for only a few days. I hope my case is the latter.
She paused, and a certain glint entering her eye. Do you know if you have a panther? Most Shades, my mother told me, may have the panther blood running through their veins, but cannot shift. Like my father.

OOC:
That's all I can put. Pressed for time. Sorry.

Serenity grumbled, and it came out as a faint yowl. She walked forward until she was level with Kuja. She lifted her muzzle and rasped her tongue against his hand, then pressed her head gently to his leg. Kuja, what my heart desires is not possible. I love you more than a close friend, yes. For more reasons than you have said, it just can't be done now. I can restrain myself until I figure out how to block it, if that's what your worried about. she said. Just as she finished speaking, the panther clawed ferociously at her belly, causing her head to shoot up in pain and to back up hastily from her master. If he was touching her, she didn't know if she could control the panther. She yowled in agony as the panther slammed against her skin, causing her sharp claws to emerge from her pads.
Speaking of restraint, she said, panting, with slight laughter. She drew back her lips in a feral snarl, fighting with all her will. Serenity snaked her neck around to her left side and bit deep into her flesh, to distract the panther. Blood flooded her mouth, and the panther recoiled to settle in the back of her mind.
She let the slippery fur slide out of her mouth. Crimson flowed from her gash like water; her fangs were dyed red. Turning her head once again, she rasped her tongue against the wound, staunching the blood flow. As she once again approached Kuja, a frustrated growl slipped from her throat, ripping through her chest. Okay, that could get annoying. But I'll have to live with it until I learn how to stop it. she said, then motioned to the plateau. Come. I don't think I'll have another fit, so it's safe to sleep. It's late, and I have more training tomorrow. she said, pacing over to a cave size hole. She entered, and then lay down in a depression in the ground, her tail curled around her. She licked her side once more, cleaning the fur of most of the matted blood. Putting her head down between her paws, she half-closed her bright green eyes.

OOC:
Yikes. I've been surprising myself a lot lately.lol

Serenity opened one eye as Kuja disappeared into a portal, then closed it. Curling her body into a tighter ball, she fell into a waking sleep. Dreams flitted through her mind as she slept fitfully, then a noise disturbed her, and she startled awake. Lifting her head, she scanned the cave with her Second Sight, her gaze piercing through the darkness. Her ear twitched as a stone was dislodged from the wall, clattering against the ground with a sharp clacking sound.

Nothing gave away the intruder as he crept toward the unknowing female panther/Shade. He noted that she was alert; her ears perked, whiskers twitching. Preparing the cloth with the sleep spell, he crouched just behind his prey. When she relaxed and was about to put her head down, he leaped onto her back. The instant she felt his weight on her back, she began to buck and twist, snarling and yowling. He only just managed to get the cloth over her muzzle and clamp it shut, forcing her to breath in the spell. She continued to fight for several minutes, before she stopped and just stood, gasping for clear air as the spell clogged her mind and numbed her senses. Soon she collasped to the ground, unconscience.

Putting the cloth in his pocket, he grabbed the panther around the middle and slung her over his shoulder. Walking out of the cave, he muttered a spell and teleported to another cave deep, deep within the Beor's. Laying a hand over the panther/Shade's forehead, he forced her body to shift again to human form. He hastily clothed her, then clasped strong iron shackles on her wrists and ankles, the chains attached to them leading to iron hoops imbedded deep within the wall of the cave. He gingerly picked her up and placed her in a corner on a huge, soft pillow.

As he stood up, he studied his captive. Her mid-back length chocolate brown hair was disheveled and covered half of her face. She was somewhat delicate looking, with finely toned muscle along her forearms and calves. He pursed his lips, thinking. A young beauty like this was worth much more than what he was being paid. His thoughts were brought back to the present as the beauty stirred, groaned, and moved to place a hand on her head.

Hearing the rattle of the chains, she snapped awake. He chuckled as her beautiful head whipped around to gather in her surroundings, causing her hair to fan out behind her,"You are very deep within the Beor's, cut off from civilization and help. I suggest you remain calm and do not try to fight me. And if you think about calling for help using your mind, there are spells set around this place to prevent others from getting in, unless I permit it." he said, standing firm as she stood up on unsteady legs.

Serenity hissed in displeasure; her head was pounding, and she could barely think straight without a headache setting in. Moaning, she sank back onto the plush pillow. Her throat was dry,"Water, please." she managed to croak, her thick tongue nearly refusing to form the simple words. She warily watched the man as he went to a basin, filled a cup with water, then approached her. Her eyesight took in the man's features; midnight brown eyes, sandy hair, cleanly shaven face. In all respects, he was quite handsome. he pressed the cup to her lips, allowed her to swallow a few sips, then drew it back to allow her to breath.

He pushed the cup to her lips again and again until it was empty, then he stood and replaced the cup next to the basin. Looking in her direction, he spoke,"Get some sleep. It's late, and you might need your strength tomorrow." he said in a gentle tone, then went off into another room to sleep himself.

Serenity took his advice. After she had curled into a tight ball, she closed her hazel eyes and fell deep asleep. As before, dreams flitted through her mind, causing her to sleep fitfully, but this time she did not wake.

OOC:
This suddenly shot into my head, and I decided to go with it. Don't let Kuja find her right away. I want Serenity to stay kidnapped for a few days. Although, you could have Kuja go on some great journey to find her. That would be interesting.lol

OOC: Sorry for taking so long.

Kuja sighed as he climbed onto a high rock and observed the Beors. So far he could not sense Serenity so she was still far off no doubt. He adjusted his pack over his shoulder and continued deeper into the rocky land.

Who would want to capture Serenity anyways? What purpose would it hold for them? Is it because of me..? Or with her? Maybe it was just an act of will and happened upon her. In anycase the outcome would be the same, Kuja would get her back.

OOC:
It's alright. I've learned patience.lol

IC:
Serenity healed every person that the captian brought to her. After healing almost three dozen people, she insisted weakness and retired to her assigned courters for the evening. When she was positive she was alone, she extended her mind into the earth itself; becoming it. She traveled along it's length, using it as an extention of herself. Several, several leagues away, she found who she was looking for: Kuja.

Serenity touched his feet where they met the earth. Almost instantly she was him. She felt his every thought, emotion, pain. She blocked herself from his thoughts and emotions, but opened herself to his pain. Nudging his mind, she let him become aware that she was inside him. It's me. I'm safe for now, but I don't know how long that will last. I'm very deep within the Beors, but that's all I know for certain. Don't try to teleport; I've been warned that anyone looking for me that trys to come in by magic will be either electrically shocked to death, or will be diverted from their destination to another. I must leave you now, else I might be caught. Be careful Kuja; This was no random kidnapping. I was taken for a reason. Stay safe, my friend. she said.

Serenity pulled herself out of his body and back into the earth under his feet. She quickly traveled back to her body and reentered her own mind. Her eyes snapped open as she took a breath of fresh air. Her ear pricked as someone moved about around her. Releasing a savage snarl, she to her panther form. She leaped from the bed as her hands curled into paws and claws. She pounced heavily on the intruder; a young man with a shock of sandy hair and piercing blue eyes. She snarled in his face, baring her fangs; the claws of her right paw dug deep into his shoulder.

What are you doing sneaking around my room? she hissed, her eyes flashing. The poor boy trembled in fright,"I...I wanted t...to thank y...you. It's me, the first one you healed? Please, I just wanted to show my gratitude, I swear it." he said. She hesitantly released him. She gestured with a flick of her tail. Follow me, then. she said, turning around and sauntering back into her room. She shifted back to Shade form and put on a deep brown skirt with a sky blue tunic. After she sat on her bed, she set her gaze on the man,"Can you tell me your name?" she asked with a gentle smile, placing her hand on the shoulder she'd injured. The wound closed, leaving the skin unmarked.

OOC: Uh oh...I sense a love dilema ahead....

Kuja remained silent after Serenity spoke with him. Luckily he could trace where she located him from and he found the general area she was in. What didnt make sense was that he couldnt figure out how to get there. No obvious ways in were visible to him.

Despite that, it wouldnt slow him down. He will find he and get to her. He didnt care if he had to kill anyone who got in the way.

OOC:
I wasn't even thinking about doing that. But now that you mention it, that sounds like a good idea.lol

IC:
Serenity conversed with Bren, the young man she'd healed, for several hours, then pleaded tiredness and bade him farewell. She undressed, took the nightgown and slipped it on, then laid in bed and curled under the blanket.

She closed her eyes as she felt her connection with Iberina flicker waveringly, as if threatening to go out. She grit her teeth in irritation. She felt her companion trying to reach out her mind to hers. She rejected the probe, not wanting Iberina to try and rescue her. Breathing hard from the thought of what she was about to do, she cut herself away from her partner. The instant lonelyness struck her hard like a blow to the stomach. She gasped and doubled over from the shock. The agony and strangeness of not sharing her mind with Iberina made her moody.

Forcing her heart beat to calm down, she relaxed her body. After several minutes, she finally fell into a restless asleep

OOC:Sorry for taking so long, finally got some time to do this.


Kuja almost jumped when Serenity screamed in his head. Not worrying about being out of place, Kuja straight sprinted towards where he could feel Serenity was located. It lead him into a narrow, dark hallway that seemed to stretch for miles as he could continue to hear her scream. Finally he saw two large doors ahead. Pulling out his sword, Kuja broke through the door. Guards all over the room turned towards him, in the middle of the room was a post and Serenity attached to it.

Her back was turned and it was beaten and scarred. As always though, Kuja kept a blank face. "So...give me one reason that I dont drown you all in your own blood?"

OOC:
It's all right. I haven't been able to get on as much as I'd like anyway.

IC:
Serenity's mind snapped to attention when Kuja burst through the doors. She slumped visibly against the pole, using it to hold her weight up. She breathed a sigh of relief. The man who had been wielding the whip and cane literally trembled from fear. The other three, who had just come in to the room to taunt her, now stood quietly, too afraid to even speak.

Serenity coughed, sending blood spattering across the pole, ground, and one of the guards who stood to close,"I would advise you to answer him." she gurgled painfully, her legs trembling as she stood and put her full weight on them.

The man next to her that the blood had splashed on cleared his throat,"Uh, would a simple 'sorry' suffice?" he asked nervously, allowing a tentative smile to spread across his face.

Serenity moved her hand enough so that her Gedwey Ignasia was visible to the soldiers. All four gasped as her Dragon Rider mark shimmered almost blindingly in the light.

She slumped against the pole once again; just moving her body that much had cost her. She sensed that her mind was slipping away again. She let the darkness take her away this time, allowing it to eradicate the intense pain that throbbed through her entire body.

Her eyes now closed and her mind deep in darkness, her body fell to the ground limply, her legs giving way. The rope tying her wrists together and to the pole snapped, letting her upper body land on the ground with an audible thud.

OOC:
Waddya think?lol

Kuja sighed. He lowered his blade and sheathed it. Ignoring everyone else in the room, he went over to Serenity. Kuja removed his out tunic and placed it and covered her. Afterwards he picked her up in his arms and walked to the exit. With a large kick he opened the door in front of him. On the outside was a startled young man staring at him wide-eyed. "You, come with me." He nervously walked behind Kuja as they made their way up to Serenity's room. Once inside he placed her on one of the beds.

"Is she going to be ok?" Kuja turned towards the young man. "She will be fine...just shooken up."
"Are you sure?"
Kuja looked at him curiously. "Whats your name?"
"Um...Bren."
"Bren...you need to go hide in your room tonight, its not safe yet. Not until this is sorted out."
"But...what about Serenity?" Kuja then squinted his eyes at him slightly.
He sighed. "Fine stay here and watch her, I'm gonna go sort things out with the locals here."

With that Kuja left the room.

OOC:Let the love triangle begin...Ugh. Reminds me of Daidrea, Mesaraih and Erais.

OOC:
Daidrea, Ella, and Erais, too.lol

IC:
Serenity could feel herself being picked up by Kuja, then after a while, set down on a bed. She could sense that Bren was in the room with her, and Kuja had gone to probably talk to the locals.

OOC:
Not much for me to say until Kuja getts.

Serenity grunted as Kuja pressed lightly on her back in the direction of her bed. Not about to be outdone, she closed her eyes and stretched her mind into the kitchen. Manipulating the cookery and seasonings with her mind, she soon had a simmering pot of meat stew. Taking a bowl and spoon out of a cupboard, she filled it nearly to the brim with stew. Picking up the bowl gingerly with her mind, she floated it into the room Kuja was in. She hovered it in front of him for him to notice. I'll rest when you've eaten. I'll heal your hands when I wake up. Deal? she said.

OOC:
Not much to say really.

Kuja sighed and shook his head. He reluctantly followed Serenity.
OOC Pass, not much else to do.

Serenity could feel time slow down. When it sped up again, the archers, and the elderly man was dead. Taking barely a moment, she shifted to a Shade, clothed herself with a snap of her fingers, and gave a brief look to her friend. Barely taking a second look at Kuja, she leaped toward her dragon. Using magic, she took the spikes out, then healed each one with a slight touch of her hands. She then carefully extricated the muzzle pin from the roof of Iberina's mouth and removed the device. She healed the wound, then went and studied her wings. She attempted touching them, but nothing happened. She would have to use magic. Closing her eyes, she touched her Shade magic. Shade magic is different from ordinary magic.

The carcass wings began to glow eerily, then without warning, membrane began to grow from the mainstay and slender flight fingers. Soon her wings were whole again. Iberina sighed in relief. She nuzzled Serenity affectionately. The young Shade smiled and rested her forehead of the cool scales. Reunited with her partner, her mind turned to Kuja. Turning around, she looked for her friend. She walked over to the slumped finger. Kneeling in front of him, she looked into his eyes. He seemed to still be trying to tell her to go to her dragon,"Iberina is safe; I healed on her wounds. She's not going to die, Kuja. I promise. Let me help you now." she said softly, placing her hand on his chest above his heart.

OOC:
Yes I remembered the scar.lol

Serenity cocked her head to the side as she listened to Kuja explain the nature of his injury. Her ears reddened as she thought of a way to get his heart beat up, but was to embarrassed to mention it. Taking his hand, she hoisted him to his feet,"Then we'll just have to rack our brains. I'll carve my eyes out before I'll let you go to the void." she snapped uneasily, due to her embarrassing notion.

OOC:
You might be able to guess what she was thinking....*blushes*

OOC: Lol wow, I didnt really think about it. It jsut when I used the spell it in increased his heartrate so dramitically that it caused major damage. Thats why I did the reverse as an effect.

Kuja sighed as he was pulled up to his feet. He could feel that she was suddenly uneasy. Then he realized why. "Im sorry Serenity. Ive put you in an improper position." Kuja eyes became half closed and he was becoming tired.
His breathing was becoming a slower pace and slightly uneven.

"If that's what it takes, I'll do it." she murmured. Lifting his shirt ever so slightly, she slid her hand underneath to rest on the scar above his heart. She could feel the eratic beats of his heart, and knew he didn't have much time left. She pressed her forehead to his chest, stealing herself. Before she lost her nerve and courage, she lifted her head and pressed her lips to Kuja's. She felt something warm spread through her. She felt her own heart skip a beat. Beneath her hand, she felt something quiver.

OOC:
Very embarrassed right now.

Kuja was exhausted, he had to lay himself down for the night. He had gone through too much today.


Short.

Serenity sighed in relief as the soothing spell rolled over her wounds. Her muscles relaxed and she leaned lightly on Kuja, who had run over to hold her up,"Thank you, Kuja." she murmured, gently rolling her shoulders, glad to be rid of the dancing fire that had crossed her back a moment before,"I didn't really have the time to heal them. I had to take care of Iberina first." she said quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady herself. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Bren watching her with a guarded expression. Her heart went out to him. Gently removing Kuja's helping hands, she limped over to the young man.

When she stood in front of him, he had his head lowered, as if admitting defeat. She lifted his chin with her hand,"You look upset. Tell me what bothers you." she said, her tone kind. Tears shimmered in his eyes,"You. Serenity, I love you. But I can see you don't like me enough to feel the same way. I saw what you did for Kuja yesterday." he choked, sniffing. She looked into his eyes and murmured,"Look into my eyes, Bren. Do you see contempt or hate, or any of those other emotions?" he shook his head,"That's because I feel none. My love for you is that of a close friend, nothing more." she said. Tears overflowed the blue eyes, and Serenity almost started crying herself.

Taking the man into her arms, she hugged him close while he cried into her shoulder. She whispered in his ear, trying to comfort him,"I am not the one for you. I am a full blooded Shade. Your a human. I would outlive you by centuries, if not a millenia. Find someone closer to your own age that won't live after you die." she said. His sobs soon quieted to soft hiccups. He was the one to release her. Her right hand was above his heart,"I wish I could take away your heartache with my power, but there's only so much emotion that I can heal." she whispered. Bren smiled sadly and covered her hand with his own,"I would remember the first woman I fell for in the best way I can think of." he said. She smiled back.

Hesitating for half a second, she leaned up and kissed him on the corner of the mouth. He gasped softly and touched his face, then smiled. Raising her hand, she called an average sized, flat stone to her. After it landed on her palm, she held it to her mouth and kissed it, then pressed it to Bren's heart. She held it there for a few seconds, then put it in his hand,"If you ever have need of me, kiss this stone and press it to your heart. I'll feel it and come. To make the call stronger, whisper my name in your mind. Now go." she whispered, pushing him to the exit behind him. She watched him leave, then she turned back to Kuja. Her expression was lighter after getting that out of the way.

OOC:
No more love triangle, yeah!lol

Serenity sighed sadly, and nodded at Kuja's words, but they did not make her feel any better. She absently agreed with leaving, and briskly went back to her quarters. She packed up her things, slung her pack over her shoulders, and headed for the tunnel that which she had been bright here. Evidentily the captain had been notified of her departure, as he and a few other men met her in a corridor,"Serenity, I plead with you to reconsider. Please stay. There are countless more men that need you." he said, following her stride for stride beside. She kept her gaze ahead of her as she replied,"You betrayed my trust once, and said it would not happen again. Then you asked me to stay. I agreed because I can not stand by and watch people that I could be helping suffer needlessly."

"Not twenty-four hours later, I found my dragon chained up and being tortured by an old man. Kuja nearly died trying to save her. How do you expect me to trust you again when you broke my trust not once, but twice? And in my opinion, twice is twice too many." she snapped, stopping in her tracks and facing the captain. He was trembling. Her eyes flashed as he stuttered,"We did not know the dragon was yours, la-," but she cut him off,"Don't pull that lady crap with me, captain. I may be a Shade, but that by no means makes me stupid or dumb. The guards who beat me know full well I'm a Dragon Rider; you should have asked them before you hurt her. Now you've pissed me off and I'm leaving. By the way, "my dragon" has a name; Iberina. Remember it." she hissed.

Hefting her pack, she gave the captain one more piercing look, then turned and left him gaping. Her strides carried her away toward the tunnel. Coming from farther behind her, she heard the audible thump of her dragons footsteps, along with the gasp of the men behind her. Iberina came up behind her and nuzzled her in the back. Hello my pet, said the dragoness. Serenity smiled tenderly, then turned to the entrance to the tunnel,"Follow me. My second sight can see in the dark like its daytime." she murmured, lowering her head and narrowing her eyes. Her eyesight pierced the darkness as she walked forward into the pitch black.

OOC:
45 pages....wow.lol We just broke the longest RP record by 2 whole pages. Maybe we can make it 50.lol

OOC:
Do you have an idea? A few posts ago it seemed that you did.

IC:
Serenity guarded the entrance to the water tavern. She knew Kuja was relaxed, and that he above all others deserved a few hours of peace. Peeling back her lips, she opened her jaws to let the scents hit the roof of her mouth. She was smelling something that she didn't like. It made her want to jump up and cower behind Kuja like a freightened rabbit. Recoiling against such feelings, she twitched her tail back and forth on the ground, agitated. Her hazel eyes flashed savagely when a sound like stone across stone grated over her sensitive cat ears. She bared her fangs in discomfort at the noise.

Looking up, Serenity stretched out a paw, shifting it into the shape of a hand as she did so. Her fingers grasped his wrist like a vice. After he had helped her up, she lowered her hand, and again it was a paw. Murmuring a spell, she grew bigger. She now resembled a sturdy, pony like creature with claws and fangs. Stepping sideways to Kuja, and with a mischievous grin, she motioned to her back with her head. Her tail swished back and forth. Come on. she said, joyful laughter creeping into her voice. Just make sure you grip with your knees and hold onto my neck scruff with your hands. she said, her grin widening.

OOC:
This ought to be hilarious.

Serenity looked up at Kuja and smiled,"I will. And thank you, Kuja. I can understand what you mean by that. One must know themselves before they can know others." she said softly, returning to staring at the writhing flames. She rested her chin in her knees.

OOC:
Writer's block atm.

Before Kuja could say anything else, he had dozed off into a deep sleep. He turned on his side into a more comfortable position.


OOC: Lol me too....pass. Just post if you can think of something.

Laying down on her side next to the fire, Serenity soon fell deep asleep. She tossed and turned as her dreams roiled through her mind like a savage thunder storm. She couldn't escape. The images tortured her until she was screaming in her mind to be released. Finally, mercifully, something woke her up. She bolted upright, sweat pouring down her sides, back, and brow. Her breathing was erratic at best. Her hair fanned out behind her as she whipped her head around, searching for Iberina. The maroon dragoness wasn't there. Deeping her intake of breath, she tried her hardest not to imagine the worst. Iberina was probably just out hunting..she hoped.

OOC:
My dragon is starting to feel like a damsel in distress, and so is Serenity.lololol But its the first thing that popped into my head.

OOC:Yeah....just have her hunting...and Serenity being paranoid. Lets just head back to desert.

Kuja opened his eyes slowly, he thought he heard something. Serenity was up and looking frantic. Suddenly realizing why, he got up and went to her. "Serenity, relax. Call out to her and see where she is. If I had to guess she just got hungry again."

Serenity continued to watch the passing scenery, but the wandering thoughts of Kuja caught her attention. She only managed to see one or two images, but those were enough. Her master was grieving for his dragon. She suddenly felt shameful. She hadn't thought about how it might impact him to ride dragonback. She placed a tender hand on his left shoulder. I'm sorry, she murmured. An arrow suddenly whizzed by her, barely missing her leg. She looked down in surprise. A small troup of soldiers were all aiming there bows at Iberina, some with spears. Panic that her companion might be struck overwhelming her, she shouted into her dragons mind. Roll to the left! the maroon dragoness quickly did so, narrowly missing the first volley of arrows. Thinking quickly, she drew Frostmourne and pointed it down at the soldiers.

Words in a language she'd never spoken or heard entered her mind, and they dripped from her tongue like water. Her words became faster. Her blade began glowing an eerie blue, trailing the dark pigment in a tail of light. A beam of dark energy collected near the tip. As the ball released itself from the blade, her entire body shook from the shock. The beam sped toward the earth with gathering speed until it slammed into the ground, sending most of the soldiers to their knees. The dark energy disappeared, and first one, then two, then six undead slowly climbed out of the crater. Feeling odd with the accomplishment, she leaned around Kuja and slapped her dragon's neck. Pick up speed. The undead I sent will keep them busy until we're safely gone. she shouted, keeping a wary eye behind her. Looking forward, she saw the village on the very edge of the horizon. She sighed with relief.

OOC:
Hey, she learned how to use it, but so far hasn't used it yet. I thought I should fix that.lol I don't know all the powers of Frostmourne, but I did try.

Kuja tensed when he realized when they were under attack. However before anything else could be done. Serenity used Frostmourne to solve the situation. Kuja sighed and returned his attention forward as the village grew closer and closer.
Kuja remained silent the rest way back as they finally made it back home.



OOC: Got an idea...but not yet.

Serenity braced herself as Iberina alighted gently on the ground. Leaping from the high saddle, she flipped forward and landed precisely in front of her mother and father, who had burst from their house to see who had come wth a dragon. Zana stood with her mouth gaping, then lurched forward and to gather her into a crushing hug,"Oh my god Serenity. Where the hell have you been?" she cried, tightening her arms around her daughter. Then the mother broke through, and she stepped back with a murderous scowl on her face,"Don't you ever do that again young lady. If I ever go into your house again and find you gone like that, you will be grounded until you turn twenty!" she snapped, anger flashing in the light brown eyes.

Serenity hissed in response, making her mother step back again in surprise,"To straighten out that, mother, I was kidnapped and sold to a slaver's mine. After I defended myself and a friend from certain death, I was whipped and beaten for killing one of their best soldiers. Then not twenty-four hours later, found Iberina being tortured by an old man. Kuja nearly died saving her. I've been punished enough to last me a lifetime, thank you." she growled lowly, but not in a threatening manner. Zana again looked shocked,"Honey, I had no idea. Is your companion alright now?" she asked, worry now etched into her face. Serenity snorted softly,"I flew in on her didn't I?" she answered, although not in a disrespectful tone.

OOC:
Care to enlighten me about this "plan" so I can plan ahead of time in my posts?lol

OOC: You will see.

Kuja walked forward. "Clearly you two have much to discuss. I will return this evening. There is...business I must attend to. Excuse me." With that, Kuja turned and left the village once more on his own. In the late after noon he reached the area where the soldiers once were. There was much struggle from what he could tell. Scanning the area, Kuja was looking for the undead Serenity had summoned.

After hours of tracking he finally came upon a group of undead...and instead of five or six, it was probably double this time.
I am glad I found them before it could spread any worse. Sword in hand, Kuja slaid them all and burned their remains. Once his work was done, he sighed.
I did not think Serenity would be able to summon them already. I guess with this mess, I did lose alot of time able to train her. Clearly she does not know that when she summons the undead she has to maintain control of them or they will run rampant and spread with each victim they claim. Such is the rule of Frostmourne...the sword with lordship over death itself, but with cost and responsibility.

Kuja returned that evening, tired from the journey. Zana's house was lit, so he assumed thats where her and Serenity was. He walked in and saw them at a table, talking. He stood watching for a few moments.

OOC:
I remember that place.lol

IC:
Serenity followed Kuja obediantly, but with a perplexed expression on her face. The hour walk was calming. The plateau came into view, and she looked at it curiously. She squeezed in through the crack, and was pleasantly shocked at the sight that greeted her. Crystals filled the cave, creating a beautiful display of color. Her enhanced eyesight could clearly see the naturally sharp edges of the crystals, but the light provided by the moon helped greatly. She smiled as the warm blue beam filled the cave, creating a calm attmesphere. She sat on a ledge and leaned back on the flat crystal wall behind her.

Her hazel eyes found Kuja's,"It is very calming here; I can understand why you come here to think." she murmured, drawing up her legs to her chest and wrapping her arms around her knees. She rested her chin on her knees, still looking at her mentor,"What is it, Ebrithil?" she asked, raisng her eyebrow a fraction in question.