Serenity's face saddened visibly,"Yes, I do sometimes feel out of place, like this isn't my true destiny. Robbed of a normal life? Define a normal life for a 15 yr old Shade." she said, a grin pulling at her lips,"Happiness depends on the person. There are sometimes that I wish I could go back in time and be the uncaring happy-go-lucky little girl I used to be." she whispered, a sad, sober expression on her face.

OOC:
What are you getting at D? I'm dying to know what your planning over here!lol

OOC:Its a working progress...

Kuja cracked his neck, for it was stiff. "Well, for the most part you really dont need much more of formal training. A Rider will always have something to learn....but for the requirements of one you have basically already met. All there is left for to teach that is necessary for you is about Frostmourne. You can already tap into its power...and your sword skills are great. There is only one thing left to teach to you. The curse of being Frostmourne's weilder. The blade is almost unmached because of its power over the dead. However there is a cost. If the owner of Frostmourne does not maintain control of is or her minions....the undead will rampant and spread. The way the spread is through a magic curse called the "Scourge of Flesh." All undead carrier it. All they kill....their victims recieve their curse and become one of them. It is like a disease....a plague. If you summon the undead...you must return them to the void once you are finished using them or they will kill all in their path. That is the reason why I left earlier this evening. To contain the mindless creatures from amassing an army of death. Luckily they hardly spread and so it was easy to deal with. So this is my final lesson to you. Do not summon the undead unless the need is dire. There are plenty of other options than resorting to such a thing. I gave Frostmourne to you so that you can protect and use it wisely.

Kuja was leaning against the wall when he finished. After his long explanation he walked over to Serenity and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking directly into her eyes. "As of this moment, your training is complete. Far sooner than either I or Zana expected...but still this is a good thing. So as of now.. I am no longer your master...you and I are equals. When you ask me for help now...you dont need to address me as master or Ebrithil...but as a friend. Kuja smiled, theres was actually some color and relfection in his eyes....not blank and plain.
Kuja let go of her shoulders and turned and began walk back to the flat stone to lay on. "Now comes the difficult part. Waiting. As of currently...not us or any other rider can attack the empire until we find the fool's weekness. The Varden...other scattered riders still havent figured it out. And yet it could still take years until we do. So all we can do is wait...defend the people and ourselves until we do so. Its going to be a long run Serenity...and it's not for the weak hearted." Kuja laid back and relaxed himself by closing his eyes. The blueish light was rather calming and oddly mood setting. Without opening his eyes, Kuja asked... "So what do you want to do now Serenity? You could back if you with, but I would like it if you stayed here a while. Even though its a nice place to think it can dull and lonely."

"Oh stop it. Thinking like that is a good way to get yourself depressed." Serenity pursed her lips, thinking,"I don't think you have an unpleasant life. Just very little good luck." she said with a grin,"And you have some pleasant memories. Remember when you found me and you burst into that room? Those four men looked like they were ready to piss their pants in fear of what you would do." she laughed.

OOC:
*growls* Writer's block. Whatever your going to do, do it quick. My brain is going dry and going dry fast.lol

Serenity sighed in frustration,"I know that Kuja. I'm trying to make light of the situation." she said, grimacing. She noticed that his expresssion became distant, and gave him a light slap on the arm to get his attention,"The past cannot be made until the future becomes the present. My mother taught me that when I was three." she said, her hazel eyes softening,"She told me about what happened. I may be probing into half-healed wounds, but it may help; imagine yourself in Felecia's shoes. What would you have done?" she murmured gently, leaning back on the crystal wall.

OOC:
You still planning over there? Or have you already applied it?

Have you gotten my invite on MySpace for SS (SaphiraSpace)?

Kuja felt shocked at what she just said. What would he have done? In anger he bolted upwards and slammed his fist against a crystal next to him. It made a huge crack instantly. "What would I have done?! I wouldnt leave her to just rot away with her sorrows!" Kuja walked past her and stood with his back to her. He placed his hands on his waist and tried to breathe evenly in order to calm down.
Kuja had only gotten angry twice in his life time, now and right after Galbatorix struck down Selris.

OOC: Uh, the plan was trying to establish a better relationship between Kuja and Serenity as close friends and maybe closer....instead of just the former master, apprentice relationship.

OOC:
Oooooh. Okay.

IC:
Serenity bolted upright just as Kuja did,"That's not what I meant and you damn well know it." she growled, muscles tense as he passed by her,"Felecia loved you, Kuja. Whether you think so or not does not matter. You knew she was confused and unwilling to hurt either one of you." she snapped, crossing her arms in front of her chest. She was facing away from him, then turned around. She felt bad for surfacing these sore emotions. Moving cautiously, she approached Kuja from behind,"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to anger you." she said gently, placing a tender hand on his left shoulder,"Forgive me?" she asked quietly.

Serenity smiled to herself, her eyes still closed. The music singing in her head was the most beautiful she had heard in a long, long time. Still swaying, she started to hum. She didn't care a wit if Kuja thought she was crazy, she was enjoying herself. Words came to her, but she did not utter them. She'd probably ruin the moment with her terrible voice.

OOC:
I'm trying to think of a song that matches the moment. Will search on UTube later.lol

EDIT:
Nix that. I found something. Not exactly what I had in mind, but something like it. Just imagine it without words.lol

Go here

OOC: ehhh....the hell with it =P

Kuja then placed his other hand to her face, holding it there. Then his hands slipped to her shoulders and he managed to open his eyes fully and gaze into hers. After a gentle and kind stare, he placed his lips onto hers. It managed to wake him up enough to fully understand what he was doing. Trying not to falter he held it there and made sure it was ok with her before he tried anything else.

OOC:
I was just waiting for this to happen at one time or another.lol Now I'm laughing my butt off because of what you said.

IC:
Serenity felt his other hand on her face. His lips felt whisper soft on hers, and she felt him hesitate, as if realizing what he was doing. In answer to his unspoken question, she took his hands from her face and placed them on her waist. She gently placed a hand on the back of his neck, pulling him closer to her. Her fingers twirled through his pale hair.

OCC:Geez...always feel akward typing stuff like this. Lol

Kuja apparently got his answer. She pulled him closer and she put his arms around him. Instinctively he gently pushed her back onto the stone slab and deepened the kiss by pressing his tongue to hers. He could feel warmth throughout his body. He ran a hand through her soft hair.

OOC:
*grumbles* Your one to talk. You've probably done it more often than I have on here, and I still blush scarlet and feel like running away and hiding in a corner.

IC:
Serenity opened her mouth when she felt the gentle rasp of his tongue. She could feel his body heat pressing down on her, and sighed as his hand caressed her hair. An animalistic growl rose in her throat, probably from her panther, but she pushed it down. Though she couldn't suppress it completely. Her throat vibrated with the faint growl. She ran her tongue over her upper teeth, and felt a sharpness where her fangs would be. She paid no heed.

Serenity felt his hands tug on the back of her tunic. Her breathing deepened. She could sense his embarrassment. She took one of his hands and placed it on her, then went to work on his own tunic. It slipped off, and his muscular chest and shoulders became visible. She growled again, deeper this time, as she pushed her body against his and pulled him down at the same time.


OOC:
*goes and hides in a hole* God, my face is so hot right now. I probably resemble a red tomato.

Serenity sighed as the warm cloak wrapped around her. She felt Kuja pull her onto him, and surround her with his body heat. Her upper body leaned on his chest; she could feel his heart hammering through his ribs. Her own heart quickened as his lips became harder on hers. She pressed her tongue to his.

OOC:
I have two major ideas. Either Zana comes in with her panther form in another post or two, or Serenity gets pregnant. Both of them are going to be...interesting. To say the least.lololol

OOC:Actually..both sound good. How bout she shows up in the morning wondering where they are or something like that.

The two of them continued their passion into the night... and both were exhausted to their limit. Kuja was still awake. Serenity was asleep, resting ontop of him. He felt her steady breathing rise up and down against him. He wanted to keep her comfortable because the flat stone they were on was cold.

He sighed, and after much time....he fell asleep and slept more peacefully than he ever had in a long time.

OOC:
Okay, but don't blame me for any bodily harm Zana does to Kuja, if she does. You know how protective she is.lolololol

IC:
Serenity felt her eyes drifting lower. Soon she couldn't hold them open any longer, and her head gently slumped onto his broad chest.

She felt a twinge in her lower belly, and rubbed the spot. She smiled, then frowned, thinking. She didn't know whether to jump for joy or curse in worry. She laid her head down tenderly on Kuja's chest. For now she wouls jump for joy. She would curse later.

Sunlight filtered in through the opening of the cave and onto her face. Her ear twitched as a stone scittered across the ground. A soft snarl hissed through the air. She bolted upright, eyes wide in shock and fear. She swallowed, her throat suddenly very dry. She nudged Kuja sharply in the ribs. We have company. she murmured in his mind. She tried to wrap the cloak around her to cover herself, and lifted her head to cower into the smoldering brown amber eyes of her mother's panther. She recoiled against Kuja, terrified of what Zana would do.

OOC:
There. Did my best. Serenity's already petrified, and Zana hasn't even spoken yet.lol

Kuja slowly opened his eyes. He was hoping to get more sleep...they only gotten a few hours of it. When he heard that it was Zana he sighed slightly. His lack of sleep made him irritable and in no mood for Zana's overprotectness. He slid up with the cloak still around him and looked over at Zana with a blank stare. Kuja shifted a crystal next to him and caused sunlight to reflect back at Zana so that she had to look away from the brightness. While she was distracted Kuja quickly put his clothes on. He kneeled back onto the stone and looked into Serenity's eyes. "Stay here, I will deal with this." He kissed her and moved a large stone infront of Serenity to give her some privacy.
Kuja knocked over the crystal that was blinding Zana and stood before her arms crossed.OOC: No groin shots. lololol

OOC:
*snaps fingers* Darn it.lolol jk

IC:
Serenity nodded dumbly, then leaned back against the wall, trembling violently. She carefully picked up her clothes and dressed, then peaked around from behind the rock Kuja had rolled in front of her. Her mother had a murderous expression on her face.

Zana bared her fangs in a ferocious snarl. You could not have waited one more day, Kuja? One more day and I would have given it. I know what you did last night. Don't try to bring me up to date; I know you made her a fully trained Shade, but why, good god Kuja, why did you decide to take her without my permission? You know the laws of old as well as I do! she hissed, opening her jaws to growl softly. Her eyes f,licked to Serenity, who had peaked out from behind the small boulder. Her hard gaze had softened when she returned it to Kuja; she had seen the apprehension in her daughter's face.

OOC:
50 pages!! Holy! We beat the longest RP by 7 whole pages! Eeep!lol

IC:
Serenity smiled, then padded over to the stone and sat in front of Kuja. She leaned against him gently, crossing her arms over her stomach. She looked up at his face and giggled,"Your grinning like an idiot, you know that?" she said, laughing tenderly.

"Hmph. Sure." Kuja wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. Resting down his head he closed his eyes to get some deserving restful sleep.
OOC:Hmmm currently got nothing

OOC:
I'm pretty high and dry as well. You wanna do a time skip or something to move it along?

IC:
Serenity chuckled softly, then leaned back against Kuja. Her eyes lowered gradually until she was deeply asleep, snuggled down against her new mate. She slept peacefully as the hours went by, until the first rays of sun broke.

She stirred briefly, and cracked open her eyelids. Gently, she extricated herself from the arms of Kuja. Almost instantly her panther slammed against her skin, eager to get out and run. She ground her teeth, but smiled. Taking her knife, she chiseled a message for her partner to read; Gone running. Will be back in half hour. She stepped lightly to the entrance of the crystal cave. Stripping, she lowered herself to the ground, letting the change roll over her body. Midnight black fur covered her from head to toe.

Once the shift was done, the female panther turned. Padding over to the stone, she made sure Kuja was alright, gave him a tender lick on the cheek, then spun around and loped away. Serenity reveled in the freedom of running with her other, the ability to run and leap, fast & high. For once the panther did not fight her, but listened to her every request. She slid to a heavy stop to rest briefly. The female's sides heaved from the hard run. She bared her fangs and inhaled, her mouth and lungs stinging from the steadily increasing heat filled air.

Once her other could draw breath without panting, she resumed her joyful sprint, stretching her form to its utter limit. She circled back so she was going the way she'd come. She ran and ran and ran, barely pausing to breathe. Soon the plateau was in view, and she slowed her pace to an easy trot. She slowed even more to a walk as she came to the entrance. The cool interior of the cave made her shiver, despite her thick coat. She asked for dominance of the cat form, and the female gave it willingly. Serenity sat opposite Kuja and began to lick her dark fur clean of sweat, her tongue rasping over the slightly bristled coat.

Kuja stirred and opened his eyes. He saw a midnite panther near him. Still groggy he shook his head and rubbed his eyes. Sighing he slipped off the flat stone and got dressed. Once he was he stretched himself and then turned to Serenity. Smiling he said in her mind, Im going out for a walk... I'll be back soon okay?
Kuja turned and left the cave. Walking on the flat desert...he headed southwest into the barren sand dunes. The sun was begining to rise high into the sky as a few hours passed.
Something tugged at his mind. He wasnt sure what it was.

OOC: Im kinda working on idea...for now just have Serenity follow.

OOC:
Follow in panther form or Shade form?

IC:
Serenity stretched, extending her claws, and yawned, her white fangs flashing. She smiled toothily. Taking a saddle bag she could strap over her back, she put her clothes inside, as well as attaching Frostmourne to the pack. Making sure every thing was strapped down and wouldn't slide off, she slipped out of the cave like a silent shadow, padding over the hot sand after Kuja. He was already far ahead of her, but she could see him relatively well with her second sight, so she was not overly worried about losing him. She trotted behind him slowly, not wanting to disturb his pleasure walk. She released a rasping sigh as the heat soaked into her dark fur, keeping her comfortably warm.

The female panther/Shade narrowed the intensity of her gaze until the middle of her eyes seemed to thin out in a line. Her nose twitched. She increased her pace, all of a sudden uneasy about being alone in the barren Hadarac. She looked around her, scanning the area around herself and Kuja. Not seeing anything, but still feeling quesy, she sped up to a slow lope, eager to catch up to her mate. Even her cat was sensing something, pacing back and forth inside, growling low in warning. Serenity was half tempted to let her other out, but thought better of it. Panther's were known to have somewhat jealous personality's and are very protective. She didn't want to hurt someone she loved by accident if something happened.

Kuja awoke with sand still swirling around. However he could see two shadows in the distance. One very large, in the shape of a dragon and the other of a man. The grew closer and closer to they became visable. The man was completely identical to Kuja except his eyes were pale white. And next to him...was Selris.
Kuja or the one across from the two of them walked up closer. His voice was slightly different.
"Geez Kuja, dont be so harsh with that spell. You couldve killed me if you werent careful." The other Kuja spoke with a much darker voice. "You know that you are already dead, or has your time in this world made you forget...Xaldin?"
Now known as Kuja's former body, Xaldin sighed. "Yes I guess I have."
The original Kuja sighed. "You are weak, I knew I shouldnt have let you stayed out so long. Each day that you linger in the world of the living drains me from keeping you go back to the void." Kuja paused, "No matter. Come I need to relcaim our body. My powers are diminishing."
Xaldin walked towards Kuja until he was within arms reach. Kuja outstretched his arm and placed his hand on Xaldin's chest. He vanished and the body of Xaldin grew brightly. Once the transfer was complete. Only one remained.

Selris stepped forward slightly. You are yourself again Kuja?
He turned towards his dragon with an evil grin. "Quite so my old friend." Power thrummed around Kuja as he released energy. "I am now complete. Even though I secretly kept you alive, I had to sever both my body and mind from you. Galbatorix would have never expected this. Now.." Kuja paused slightly as Xaldin's memory flooded into him. "Bah, accursed fool!"

Selris growled, Now what?
"Xaldin hasnt changed. Being a love struck fool with one of the ones he was staying with." Kuja became silent. "It doesnt matter, this does not affect our plans." Kuja turned to the east cross-armed. "Everyone is our enemy, being alone looks bleak. Yet despite it, we will prevail even to our death! We will take our place in this world as it's undoing. Galbatorix's empire shall fall along with everyone else. That is our destiny Selris. We shall become this worlds angels of death.
If you say so Kuja.

Just have Serenity listen the whole time.

OOC:
Ooooh, Serenity ain't going to be happy about this.lol

IC:
Serenity screeched to a halt. She could no longer see Kuja, and that made her worry. Her ears pricked as voices broke through to her. It was that of Kuja, and another two that she didn't recognize. She listened. Her horror built the longer she did. Her panther slammed against her skin, furious beyond known words. The Shade could sense that her other was murderous. A very soft growl rumbled in her throat. She backed away a few steps, tears glimmering. So it hadn't really been Kuja, but Xaldin. Her heart contracted. She searched her emotions; she did not feel any anger (okay, a little), only severe hurt. One question nagged her: why had the true Kuja come back?

OOC:
I posted a topic in "Leaving?". Make sure you read, because it has to do with you.

IC:
Serenity snorted,"As if. En garde, dear Kuja. You will find I'm not such an east opponent as you think." she snapped, coiling her muscles. Her ears pricked as wingbeats thudded through the air,"Ah, we're about to have company." she said even as her dragon and Arianna landed behind her. Her partner of mind made to leap at Selris, but she held up a hand,"No dear one. Leave this fight to me." Iberina hissed, but stepped back and crouched. The young Shade pointed Frostmourne at the pale white,"You, however, shall stay put. If you make one move toward my companion or my mother, you will find your wings and life's blood scattered on the ground like broken pottery." her eyes flashed,"And please do not test my words, Selris, because I will fulfill them." she hissed, raising her sword. She tapped the flat of her blade against Kuja's, a customary gesture in battle between Shades. She then withdrew and settled into a crouch. She, probably to Kuja's surprise, closed her eyes. Xaldin, help me, she cried silently to herself, raising her blade as her other senses became more acute.

Kuja remained silent. Suddenly something made him froze. He couldnt move, he half closed his eyes.
Selris reacted and grabbed Kuja with his claw and threw him over his back. He would not allow his rider to be overtaken when so much was at stake. With great speed he left with Kuja to keep him safe.

Short..

Serenity watched as the pale white form of Selris descended to the ground. She increased her speed. They took off again as she approached, leaving a crumpled form on the ground. She snarled and raced forward, screeching to a halt beside the figure. The dark colored hair was mussed and the eyes were closed, but a steady pulse beat in the exposed neck. She curled protectively around the limp body of Xaldin as her companions landed a few dozen feet away. She gently licked the pale thinly sandcovered cheek with her rough tongue. She layed her head beside his and waited for him to wake.

OOC:
I will try to be online early tomorrow, so if I get off suddenly, you can almost count on me being up. 5:30 my time, 7:30 yours.

Xaldin sighed and agreed. He closed his eyes once more into a deep sleep.

As morning came, the sun beat down on Xaldin's face. He opened his eyes. He saw that everyone else had made camp. Yet they still slept.
Xaldin sat up cross-legged and waited.


Cant do much lol

OOC:Woah, did I miss something? One month? She just concieved and there werent any time skips...or were you going for something different?

OOC:
Well, I thought that since Shades are a completely different race than elves and humans that they should also have a different gestation period. I could edit if you want though...

OOC: I was just caught off guard by it. I hope I didnt cause any offence it was just suprising. I'll just go with it.

Xaldin smiled slightly as he felt the kick. He thought for a moment on what to call her. "Im not sure. However I'm sure the name will come to us when the time is right." Xaldin embraced her again.

OOC:
'Tis alright D.lol

IC:
Serenity smiled and laid her head down on Xaldin's chest. She couldn't wait for the babe to be born. Then a thought crossed her mind that nearly made her stop breathing,"Does your brother know?" she asked, her whisper so soft she wasn't even sure if he would hear her.

OOC:
I just thought of that, and I'm curious as to how Daidrea would react.lol Don't know whether to be scared or intrigued.lol

Xaldin froze when Serenity mentioned Daidrea. He moved away slightly. "No he doesnt....and he cant. Daidrea took my death too harshly.. hes shed blood over me. How do you think he will react if he found out that he killed for no reason? The pain and shame he will feel..." Xaldin turned away. "He cant know..."

After being pulled under the wing, Xaldin saw Serenity emptied her stomach. He grabbed her and tried to look into her eyes but she was still hung forward eyes closed.
"Whats wrong? Are you alright?"

Short.

Serenity's body shuddered as her stomach heaved again and again,"I don't..know." she gasped, clutching her belly.

OOC:
Really short.lol

Xaldin sighed and placed his arm around her and pulled her close. Her head sat on his shoulder and he rested his head ontop. With his free hand he placed a hand on her stomach. While closing his eyes...before he fell a sleep, he muttered, "Nanime."
(Nan-i-may)

Took me forever to think of a name.

OOC:
lol I like it. What made you think of it?

IC:
Serenity's dreams were quiet and peaceful. She dreamed of the future, when her babe was born, with Xaldin at her side. She saw him smile as he murmured a name,"Nanime," she smiled in return in the dream, cradling the small child close to her body. She woke next to her mate, her head on his shoulder and his head ontop. She smiled in real life when she felt his hand on her stomach, and knew that her dream had been somewhat true. She stirred, gently taking the hand he had wrapped around her waist. She got up and ducked under her companion's wing--to step in ankle deep sand that was already scorching hot. She bit her lip, then went on to the saddlebags on Iberina's shoulders. She took out a wrapped hunk of jerky, wineskin, and some fruit. She went back under the sheltering wing and set the food out. After she had finished she picked a piece of jerky and waited for Xaldin to wake up.

OOC: Ok I messed up the pronunciation. its more like non-eh-may, just say it fast lol. I dunno.. just sorta came to me.

Xaldin slowly opened his eyes. He noticed that Iberina's wing will still over him. He got up and tapped the wing. Sunlight hit his face as the wing came up. The sand was oddly high so it was some what difficlut to walk out. Once on the outside, Xaldin stretched himself. His body ached from sitting while sleeping. He quickly moved around Iberina to the other side but he halted as soon as he jumped over her tail.
Zana was standing across from him just a few feet away. He couldnt tell if she was angry or not, for her look was passive. Yet she had her arms crossed, staring at him.

Zana stared at the man in front of her, her arms crossed. She pursed her lips, thinking. Xaldin was technically a better choice than Kuja. But now she was unsure if she could trust him. He had lied about who he was, and had played the part of the "hurting Rider" facade well. She uncrossed her arms and stepped forward until she was face to face with him. She studyed his face. Love for her daughter was evident in his eyes. She was glad to see it, but it worried her. If Kuja came back to reclaim the body, for good this time, Serenity would be hurt forever. She parted her lips to speak,"Don't hurt her. I don't care that you didn't reveal your true identity, but don't hurt my daughter. The more time you spend with her now, the more difficult of a time she will have when Kuja comes back to reclaim your body. I'm not suggesting that you leave. No, she would never forgive me if I told you to do that. Just don't get to close. Don't hurt her." she repeated, tears shimmering in her eyes. She reached out and hugged Xaldin to her, something out of character for her to do.

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

Serenity saw Xaldin wake up but decided to let him walk around and stretch before calling him to eat. When he disappeared around Iberina and didn't come back for sometime, she became worried. She crept around her companion and peeked out. Her mother was hugging Xaldin. She shook her head and looked again, bewildered. She decided that she was dreaming and pinched herself. She winced and rubbed her arm. No, she was wide awake. She went back to the food that a she had set out and waited for her mate to come back.

Serenity grimaced at Xaldin's words,"Your right. Here's a few pieces of jerky if your hungry. I'll pack up." she said, handing him the wineskin and a handful of dried meat. She then got up, wincing as she moved. She limped over to Iberina's saddlebags and repacked what she had gotten out. She noticed that her mother was mounted on Arianna and waiting. She quickly finished and went back to Xaldin. She grinned, suddenly in a playful mood,"Come on slow poke, Zana's already waiting for us on her companion." she said, her hazel eyes sparkling. She leaped up onto Iberina's proffered leg, then nimbly climbed up to rest in the saddle. She leaned down for Xaldin to grasp her wrist. Her gaze was diverted, however, when the sand slightly behind him began to boil. Her expression went deathly pale as a bony hand reached up from underneath the golden earth. Her hand flew to her side to grasp her weapon; Frostmourne was not in its sheath. Thinking fast, she grabbed Xaldin, sat him in front of her, then slapped Iberina on the neck,"Fly, darling!" she cried, fear quite evident in her eyes. The dragoness leaped up just as a sleek, bone white muzzle lifted up from the sand.

Serenity cried out as hot air bellowed from its jaws and smacked into Iberina's side. The maroon female hissed in rage at the wound, but continued on her venture upward. The skeletal dragon shook itself, sand flew everywhere. It lunged into the sky after them. Iberina made a snap decision. She flew up beside her half-sister and, plucking her Rider from her back, set the young Shade in front of her mother. This beast was sent by Kuja for Serenity with her own blade. It will not stop until she is dead! Take her away from here! screeched the dragoness, whirling around to face the threat. Arianna sped away, Serenity fighting like a wildcat to get back. Iberina hurriedly touched Xaldin's mind. Do you remember how to fight on dragonback? she asked, deftly twisting away as the creature lunged at her with its jaws wide open.

OOC:
Thought I would add a little kick to it.lol

OOC:
You said Kuja in the last bit....or did you mean to do that?lol

IC:
Iberina made no move to tell Xaldin that she had heard him. She grabbed the skeletal beast in her talons and threw it away from her. The dragon spun away for a few feet, then came charging back. She bellowed her liquid-air-fire into its face, making it screech in pain. The flames cleared and it was seconds away from battering into her, when a blue beam of energy shot into the sky and cut into the creature with ease. She looked down and saw Serenity-mate-Xaldin holding blue-cut-blade-Frostmourne in his grip. When the beast had vanished, Xaldin dropped the blade and held his hand in agony. She roared and began to dive.

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

Serenity scratched like a wildcat at her mother,"Let..me..go!" she screeched furiously, kicking and spitting. She finally managed to break free. Without pausing, she leaped over the side of Arianna, shifting as she did so. They had not been flying very high. She rolled as she hit the sand, springing up instantly afterward. She lunged into a paniced run, her eyes wide with fear. Xaldin! she cried, her pads burning from the scorching hot ground. She pelted toward him, barely noting that her companion was standing a few feet away from him. She stopped beside him. His leg was broken and his hand was completely burned. She crooned anxiously and pressed her cheek onto his. Unsure if her power would work in this form, she gently placed her normally marked paw on his injured leg. The bone snapped back into place and the flesh seared together with a soft flash of light. She removed her paw from his leg and ever so gently touched it to his hand. The healing was much slower and took more effort on her part, but soon fresh skin was taking over the badly burned. She sighed in relief. She nudged Xaldin tenderly on the shoulder, then grasped the hilt of Frostmourne in her jaws and placed it in the sheath around her furry middle. She shifted, her clothes smoothing out as she became a Shade once more. She heaved a sigh, then took his hand in her own and pulled him up,"I've had quite enough of that. Let's go," she murmured, already heading for her companion. She jumped up into the saddle, then grasped Xaldin's arm and heaved him up in front of her. She wearily slapped Iberina's neck,"Go home, my dear. Follow your sister." she said, falling alseep as she spoke. Her head rested on Xaldin's upper back.

OOC: Sorry that was a force of habit.

Xaldin moaned as his wounds were healed. Exhausted he allowed himself to be pulled up on Iberina. While flying, Serenity slumped against his back. Sighing, he closed his eyes while they flew.
Hours later they arrived back in the village. The large thud of the landing caused him to wake. He turned his head and shook her gently. "We are back."

Serenity relaxed considerably once he changed his hair color. She followed him into her house, and saw his confusion at seeing only one bed. She ground her teeth, but managed to hold her tongue and temper,"Dilena," she hissed between clenched teeth. The silver grey wolf peeked carefully from around the corner. Yes? she asked. The young Shade tried to ease her tone with little success,"Please bring my bed back in here, or at least tell me where it is." she said in an exasperated tone. The wolf disappeared, then came back dragging a cot by the leg. Serenity stepped forward to help the silver grey. She helped push it back into position on the opposite wall, then she dismissed her friend. She gave a glance to Xaldin,"Sorry about that Kuja. It seems my friend here assumed that because we are now together that we would not be needing another bed." The wolf turned. I thought his name was Xal- but she hushed her furry friend sharply with a look,"Xaldin was his old name, Kuja is the name he bears now." she growled to the wolf, who slicked back her ears and quickly eased out of the room. Serenity sat down on her cot and rubbed her temples,"Ugh. This is going to be a hard next couple days, trying to pass around that your Kuja." her head suddenly shot up.

Her mother was making her way to Ella's house, which was most probably where Daidrea was. Instantly she was on her feet and dashing forward to cut off Zana,"What do you plan on telling Ella and Daidrea?" she demanded quietly, her eyes zipping around from place to place. Zana sighed,"Must I report everything I do to you, my dear?" but she was met with silence. She sighed again,"Very well. I was going to say that myself, you, and Kuja are back safely. Then I was going to pull Daidrea aside and tell him the truth about his brother." she admitted with a shrug of her shoulders, obviously thinking it was nothing. Serenity nearly leaped off her feet,"No! No, no, no, no! Daidrea can't know that his brother is alive! He took his brother's death to harshly, even killed to try and do something to bring him back! Promise me, mother! Promise me you won't tell Daidrea!" she whispered softly to try and conceal the conversation to them alone. Her mother's eyes were riveted on something behind her. Serenity closed her own in fear of what she would see when she turned around. When she did, and opened them, her face drained of all color. Daidrea was standing in Ella's doorway, his face resembling ashen,"No," whispered the young Shade, terrified of what Daidrea would do.

OOC:
Sorry, I just had to do that. I can edit, but now I'm excited to see what will happen.lol

OOC: Great....lol and whats the deal with Daidrea being at Ella's? We havent gotten into anything about those two. If I recall correctly, the two of them were left in an akward situation if either of them have decided that it was just friendship or something more. Sighs, guess we better include them now >_<

Daidrea was leaning against the doorway while looking at Zana and Serenity. He was just stopping by to visit Ella. He didnt expect anything to happen while he was there. He was wrong.
A dark expression was on his face and had his arms crossed. After a long staring silence, he shifted himself away from the door. He walked down and past the two shades, ignoring them completely.

Xaldin was outside sitting and leaning againt the wall of Serenity's house. After today he was exhausted, but he couldnt sleep. So he decided to just rest and watch the day go by. Suddenly something caught his attention He turned his head and saw some one walking towards him. Daidrea?
Not sure of what to make of the situation, he assumed a mellow blank face that Kuja was accustomed to. Moments later Daidrea stadning right in front of him with his fists clenched.
In a darker voice, Xaldin spoke. "Need something?"
Daidrea tilted his head. Then he lunged out and grabbed Xaldin by the tunic and lifted him up and pushed him against the wall while still holding him. Daidrea was looking directly at his eyes. Xaldin did the best he could to hold the blank cold stare while his brother held him.
After some time, Daidrea dropped him on the ground. "You should stop playing tricks on them Kuja. Pretending to be my brother is just insulting. If it werent for Serenity being around I wouldve taken my revenge right now." With that Daidrea turned and left to return to Ella's.

Xaldin remained motionless. Then he sighed. I can at least thank Kuja for one thing. In a way I can be like him. I was him...he was all I knew for so many years. At least before leaving the Empire. Its hard to remember what I was like completely before Kuja killed me. Only vague things come to mind.
Xaldin returned inside and lied down on the bed. He closed his eyes.

OOC:
Hehe, sorry. I couldn't think of anywhere else where Daidrea might be in the village...bleh, I haven't written with Ella in so long. This might be a little weird.

IC:
Serenity watched, petrified, as Daidrea approached Xaldin. He looked about ready to start swinging. Her protective instinct took over and a rumbling growl built inside her chest, but she did no more. After several moments of holding her mate by the tunic against the wall of her house, Daidrea finally released him. As he walked back, she tried to meet his eyes,"Daidrea," she called softly, placing a meaningful hand on her stomach,"thank you." she murmured, truly meaning it. She realized how close he had come to actually hurting Xaldin. Her panther slammed hard, still in protection mode. Her knuckles curled over painfully and claws threatened to burst from her fingertips. She fought against the change with every fiber of her being. The cat finally gave in. Serenity breathed easier as she entered her home. She smiled as she saw Xaldin on one of the beds. She took a blanket and draped it over him. She tenderly kissed his temple, then went to her own bed. She laid down with her back to the wall, watching him and the door.

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

Ella peered around the corner from the sitting room. She shivered as Daidrea headed back her way. His face resembled the living dead he was so pale from lack of sun (OOC: she doesn't know about what just happened). She pursed her lips, then whirled back around, her blue black hair fanning out behind her. Her ears pricked, but she continued to knit the project she'd been working on for the last few days (OOC: yes, Ells knits. (:). She looked up absently, then resumed her work,"What was all that about?" she asked distractedly, as if the answer didn't really mean a whole lot to her.

OOC:
Gah, I'm so rusty with Ella. It's going to be weird controlling all my charry's again. Felecia, Ebony, Felena, and Zana I'm pretty used to cause I'm using them in another thread, but all the others will be hard.lol This is what I get for niglecting them all just to use Serenity, Zana, Arianna, and Iberina.

Ella lifted an eyebrow at Daidrea's answer,"It doesn't seem like nothing. You look like your about to jump right out of your skin." she said softly, concentrating on the stitches of her project.

OOC:
I'm dry for Serenity, but I have a major idea for Xaldin, her, and Daidrea. It won't take place instantly. Okay, some thing will come and attack the village. They'll all band together and fight, blah blah blah, then something will happen to Daidrea, Xaldin will scream something like "Brother" or "Daidrea" or something of that nature, come in to protect/save Daidrea with Serenity right behind him, and...that's as far as I got.lol But I'm already formulating a post in my head. *rubs hands evilly* Mwahahahah!! *smiles sheepishly* Sorry, I just had to do that.

OOC: That would sound like that would be something borhter would do if they were kids. Pass. Lets just keep it basic stuff/everday life for now. Needing a break from the actiion.

Daidrea's ear twitched from Ella's comment. "Its nothing worth mentioning. I just want to put it out of my mind." Daidrea got up from the table and went to where Ella was. His face was a bit more relaxed and began to recolor. "What are you making?"
Even though Daidrea just arrived, the visit with Ella has been...akward. The conversations have been short. Daidrea was also confused around Ella. There was a time that he did push for a relationship with her...then Erais reappeared. Several years later he hasnt seen her. Now hes not sure what to do. Ella seemed distant from him. Almost avoiding him in ways. Yet she seemed to still consider him a friend. Or at least he thought.

OOC: I think it might be funny if Ella somewhat resented Daidrea for leaving because of Erais and then vanished for so long. Like being stubborn and hard to get. Like to make more sense...they maybe have a relationship of brother and sister who dont really like eachother. You know what I mean?

OOC:
lol Okay, no more action until you have recovered.

IC:
Ella smiled,"I'm trying to make a shirt for my sister, but I can't figure out where the heck to put these holes for her wings to go through." she set the project down in her lap and sighed. Daidrea had only been with her a few days and her head was already spinning from the effort of not crushing the breath out of him in a hug. She didn't know where he stood in that area, so she had told herself not to do anything foolish. She looked up and found him looking at her with an expression she knew all too well,"Something is bothering you, Daidrea, or your mind is elsewhere, because you haven't had that look on your face since we met in Du Weldenvarden. Now please be truthful with me for once," she said, albait gently,"and tell me what's wrong." she finished, setting her work aside to look straight up at him. His bright green eyes drilled into hers, making her slightly uncomfortable. Good grief he was tall. She'd never noticed before.

OOC:
Yeah, I think I get what you mean. Though it seems Ella has other plans.lololol