It had been a week since they retreated to the castle, licking their wounds and counting their fallen. Aija was restless, though glad that Irzoile was in the castle as well instead of Vosidion, whom no one had seen since the Retreat. He sighed, jumping off the window's edge and padding out of his room to go check on Drestal.

Though he wasn't particularly fond of him, Nsames quietly watched over Drestal whenever he was able--perhaps partially to put his master at ease, and partially to irk Drestal.

Drestal lay on his back, on top of the bedcovers. He was mostly mended, this due largely to Nsames' maic and forced bedrest--neither of which he was overeager to have. He'd run over the events of the war infinite times in his head, but the conclusions he'd drawn were somewhat depressing, even to him.

Aija entered Drestal's room quietly, looking to Drestal and then to Nsames. "How is he doing?" He asked the slave, eyeing the metal wings, repaired magically during battle, using the model he'd designed before. This made him smile faintly.

"Stubborn, as usual. He's close to being fully healed," Nsames responded.

"I'm well enough to fight," Drestal corrected Nsmaes, his expression flat.

"There's no need to fight now Drestal, the war's over." He said, padding to sit beside him on the bed. "I'm glad too."

"Is it?" the soldier asked rhetorically, not sounding glad in the least. Although he didn't sound UNhappy. "That doesn't mean there's no need to fight." He closed one eye experimentally.

"I have to admit I agree with him, master," Nsames replied grudgingly,"We can't yet let our guard down. Peace is a fickle thing."

Aija sighed, nodding. "I suppose. But I doubt there will be any need of fighting, I suspect it'll be more politics than anything, and we won't be needed for that."

"There will always be battles," Drestal responded resolutely. If not with Valhalla, then with something else. Infighting happened in kingdoms. Rebellions, invaders, etc. It was inevitable.

Nsames inclined his head, standing,"I'll go get some tea together."

Aija scowled. "It's always battles for you isn't it? Even trying to keep fighting Dresael." He frowned, "Why were you two so intent on killing each other?"

Nsames was quick getting the tea; the two of them had been tense recently, and he didn't want  to leave them longer than he had to..

"Does it matter?" Drestal asked. He seemed to be asking this rhetorically and sounded almost tired of the question. "I was made for war--the battles belong to the soldiers. Peace is for the civilians to dream of."  It was an unusually philosophical answer.

Aija sighed, Drestal seemed less approachable since the war, and that made him uneasy. It was never easy to talk to him, but it was like battling with him now. He stood, ignoring Nsames and the tea as he paced the room.

Nsames entered, carrying a teaset with him. He busied himself by the nightstand near Drestal's bed, preparing it with great care.

Drestallerix turned away and stared at the wall.

Nsames was quiet; times like these he could only sit and listen. His imput was unnecessary.

AIja stopped, looking back at Drestal. Conflicting emotions raced through him before biting his lip as he looked away. It was no use. Nothing he could say or do would change it, all Drestal cared for was battle. Nothing else. He sighed slightly in defeat, walking slowly to the door.

Drestal's wings, which were pinned closely behind him, relaxed a bit as Aija left. The pressence of the prince put added pressure on him to perform his purpose, though he didn't acknowledge it.

Nsames put a cup of tea on the nightstand beside drestal with a soft clink, taking his own as he watched his master leave.

Aija walked dejectedly down the hall. Maybe he should just accept it. It didn't seem like he could change Drestal at all, and it only seemed to make Drestal more taciturn. Tail lashing at the wall he made his way up to the castle's roof, to a small hiden corner he had found once, and made his.

Drestal continued to stare at the wall, pontedly ignoring Nsames, as he had been doing since he'd been confined to the room. It bothered him that Aija had such a problem with war; war was part of society--it would not change.

Nsames didn't mind being ignored; in fact, in Drestals case he preferred it, and sat to sipping his tea.

Aija frowned, feeling restless. Finally standing he jumped from the ledge flying down past the window of Drestal's room before flying out away from the castle.

Drestal caught the movement of Aija's flight out of the corner of his eye, and his head flicked to catch the tail end of the other kit rush past the window. What was he doing? He stared at the sheets irritably, then suddenly threw himself out of the bed and plunged out the window, metallic wings spread wide.

Nsames frowned deeply as he watched his charge jump ship. Gods damnit, what he wouldn't give for a pair of wings to follow them...

Aija flew out across the slowly greening lands around the castle and towards the active volcano closest. He wasn't flying too fast, just gliding along high above the ground, apparently either not noticing or not acknowledging Drestal's presence.

Drestallerix flew behind Aija for a few seconds, then rose on an aircurrent, flight easer now than it had been before, and swooped down on him.

Aija saw the shadow looking up to see Drestal in surprise, swerving to the side and flapping his wings as he dived away from Dresal's course. "What the hell are you doing?"

Drestallerix plummeted for a couple metres, then snapped his wings open and caught the air insteantly, liftd back up by the thermal currents. He didn't answer, just coasted.

Aija appreciated the smoother flight of Drestal's new wings, though he didn't appreciate the lack of answer, flying closer to Drestal. "Why'd you follow?"

"Because it seemed necessary," Drestal responded, keeping his eyes on his flight path. It had been a long time since he'd flown, and it seeemed easier than he remembered... had he overexaggerated it in his mind?

Aija frowned, looking away he flapped his wings, intending to leave Drestal behind as he shot forward.

Drestal watched him dart off ahead, silent. Apparently whatever it as was... it was enough to really upset him. The soldier peeled away, arcing back to the castle.

Aija looked back, watching Drestal turn, suddenly feeling his face hot and his eyes burning with tears. He shot downwards to the ground, landing roughly, tripping and rolling along the dark rocky terrain before stopping, sprawled on his belly.

At the sound of the impact, Drestal banked, turning to see the other kit smash into the ground. He reacted instinctively, diving after him at a velocity that would make most Pteris hesitate.

Aija got up slowly, groaning at the pain in his foot, as he brushed himself off, quickly brushing the tears away, looking down at the ground with a scowl.

Drestal landed quickly and stood, watching Aija recover. "Your foot is damaged," he said.

Aija didn't look up at Drestal, carefully touching his foot. "So?"

"So you need to get it healed," the older kit replied, reaching out. "Let me look at it."

"It's just sprained." He mumbled, shying away from Drestal. "You don't really care about me, anyways. All you care about is fighting. Well there's no fighting here." He scowled. Just me, he thought.

Drestallerixeliarath stared at him with a very flat expression for several seconds. Cared about... fighting? Wars and fighting them weren't something he cared about--they were were something he did. He was a tool of war, a weapon. "You walk because you know how, not because you like it."

Aija scowled. "So that's all you can do? Fight? Don't you... " He stopped. Why did he continue fighting with him like this? Drestal didn't see himself as anything else but a soldier.  He stood, gingerly putting weight on his foot. "I don't need a soldier now." He muttered, turning away from Drestal.

"You could use a crutch," Drestal observed, moving towards Aija to help prop him up. "Don't I what?"

Aija took a few steps away from Drestal wincing as pain lanced up his leg, but refusing to stop. "Don't you care about anything?"

". . ." Drestal was silent, stopping to wrestle with the question. He was a little suprised and a little confused. He was also a little cross. "Maybe."

Aija sighed. It was better answer than he'd expected, but still far from complete. He turned to look at Drestal, frowning a bit as he saw some anger in the other's expression.

Drestallerix had thought instantly of Azoth's constant admonishments, and the unnecesssary questions they had rasied. Suddenly he as more aware of Aija and had to measure every reaction around him carefully to see why he was doing what--it was a kind of paranoia that gained him no benefits. He tried to brush the topic aside. "Do you need me to carry you back again?"

There it was again. He felt as if Drestal pushed him away mentally, and it made him feel... cold. He turned sideways, shaking his head. "No... I'll be fine on my own."

"You lie." Drestal reached forward and grabbed Aija by the paw.

Aija flushed at the contact, flinching at the words. He felt his strength dissolve and his knees become weak as he slumped down to a sitting position.

Drestal had to follow him down, confused. "What are you doing?" he asked, trying to figure out the best way to pick the other kit back up. He felt torn between leaving Aija here and leaving this problem behind and staying to at least bring him back to the castle.

"Nothing." He said, voice cracking. "I'm just... tired and scared and confused." He wiped his face with his free hand, not wanting to pull away from Drestal's grip.

Drestal was crouched by him, and reached out to help clear away the tears. "I cannot help you with that--you need to stay someplace safe for now." He tried not to sound strained, but it came out anyway. If Aija was going to be weak and helpless right now, he should be surrounded with castle walls.

Aija nodded slightly, leaning towards Drestal. He'd left the castle to get away from him, and now he was closer than he'd been in... a long time.

Drestal put his paws under Aija's arms to help lift him off the ground. He didn't want to pick the other kit up if it wasn't necessary.

Aija stood with Drestal's help, then turned, hugging the older xweetok for a few seconds before pulling away, not meeting Drestal's eyes as he flapped his wings to fly into the sky, back towards the castle.

Drestal froze up when Aija hugged him, wings stiffening and eyes staring straight ahead uncomprehendingly. What... as Aija flew away, he checked himself for pricks or cuts. What had just happened?

Aija didn't look back, unsure he wanted to see what reaction Drestal had had to the hug. He was afraid he'd overdone it, he'd felt Drestal go stiff.

The child soldier shook himself, he couldn't feel any magical aftereffects--he watched Aija wing slowly away and finally he, too, took flight for the castle.

Aija flew slower than before, thoughtful. He looked at the looming castle as he approached, heading for the roof where he'd been before leaving.

Drestallerix considered following him. Aija's foot was not tended to--where on Neopia was he going?!

AIja landed neatly on the small space surrounded by a short wall at the top of the turret, gingerly stepping on his wounded foot before sitting down.

"Nothing." Aija replied, leaning against the wall. "I'm in the castle, right?" He looked up at Drestal.

The soldier stared at him. "On it."

"Well I'm in the castle GROUNDS." Aija said with a huff, looking back down.

"Technicalities." Drestal replied. It was hard to tell if he was amused, annoyed, or nothing at all. He tightened the grip of his tail on the spire and looked out over the horizen. "Do you plan to go back inside?"

Aija followed Drestal's gaze. "Eventually, I suppose. Why?"

Drestal didn't have an answer for that.

"I suppose you're well enough to do what you please now." Aija said after the silence stretched for a while.

"I waas well enough to jump out of the window and fly, yes," the soldier said, unaware of how ridiculous that sounded. "But I don't really do what I please."

Aija grinned, and laughed slightly, "Well what is it you *would* like to do?"

"I don't know." The laughter seemed to come out of nowhere--he had no idea what was so funny. He usually felt ambiguous about humour, though. "It's not something I've ever had time to think about." Which was true. But also--it didn't matter.

"Well you've got time now." He said, looking up at Drestal.

There was a noncommital sound from the spire--something like a 'hn' or a 'hmph.' "I suppose you know what you want." Aija usually did. No, he always did. Drestal wasn't sure whether he envied that or not.

Aija hummed. "I'm not sure really. I ... want to spend time with my parents.. and my sister I think... just... be a kid for once."

"...be... a kid?"

Aija sighed, "Yes, like... like Zaixaio... or my sister... or Qunryun."

". . ." Drestal wasn't really sure what Aija meant, but it made him uncomfortable. "It's your choice."

"I'm just... tired of having to be grown up." Aija said, wrestling with his thoughts. "The other day... I played with dad for a while, and... it felt really good."

Drestal was reminded of his own encounter with 'playing,' and he wasn't so sure he liked what aija meant. "I think you see the world differently than I do," he said at last, a little frustrated with the communications barrier.

Aija frowned. "I don't... think so. Not as drastic as you make it seem. You're just a lot more closed minded and stubborn." He flexed his hurt foot, that was beggining to throb. "We both grew up fighting, trained to kill and nothing else. It's what we did when those orders disappeared that's different."

Another string of silence from Drestal. There wasn't a lot Drestallerix could say to that, really. "It's who I am." Or what he was, at any rate.

"You don't feel the need to change?" He asked. "You're not a weapon, Drestal, you're a xweetok, like me, and Nsames and everyone else."

"The need to change isn't the same as the ability to do it," Drestal replied, shifting a little on his perch. "You and Nsames aren't very alike, either." It was odd that Raijato brought up Nsames--he was an unfamiliar topic.

"He's still a xweetok, even if his collar forces him to obey my commands." Aija scowled at that. He hated that collar... "You think you're incapable of changing?"

"Maybe." Did it matter?

Aija frowned slightly. "You already have changed. You've got a lot more control of your magic than when we first met."

"That's different." Even Drestallerix knew that. There... was some sort of difference between what he did and who he was. He just didn't understand it.

"Maybe." Aija looked up, "Why were you and Dresael so hell bent on killing each other?"

"I don't know." More things he didn't know. "It was necessary." He wasn't really part of the world, it seemed. He just lived in it.

Aija scowled, "But you two are related! She's... like your sister, isn't she?"

"So she says," Drestal replied. "But I'm not sure about that."

"Why not? You guy look alike, and even act similarly." He sat up, turning to face Drestal. "Even that mark..." His hand went up to touch Drestal's cheek, where the blue marking was.

Drestal pulled away instinctively. "Even if she is my sister, that doesn't mean anything."






As more days pased, the pain Ceranda felt from her soul diminished and subdued until it was no longer apparent, and she slowly gathered her strength, finally being able to leave her bed for longer amounts of time. So it was that almost two weeks after the battle, Ceranda woke up, turning in the large bed to the sleeping Irzoile, kissing him lightly on the nose.

Irzoile's nose scrunched up as his eyes opened.A smile appeared on his face as he looked at Ceranda through half-lidded eyes."..Morning.."He said still half-asleep.He rubbed he eyes alittle he smiled more stretching a bit."..How ya feeling?"

"Quite fine, thank you." She said, sitting up and yawning. "I think I'm getting out of bed in fact, it's getting rather depressive laying here all day..."

"Hey there is nothing wrong with laying in bed all day."He said scooting over to her."..but if your up to moving we could go to the kitchen?"He wrapped his arms around her and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

Ceranda smiled softly as she leaned against him. "Would you believe me if I told you I've never gone to the kitchen here?" She said with a small laugh. She was glad Irzoile was here, and had been all this healing time. He'd helped a lot in chasing away the guilt and depression she'd felt upon first waking.

"I can believe it."He said smiling still."Without me to drag you there all the time I can see where you never went to it."He said hugging her alittle."So what are you in the mood for?"

Ceranda grinned, "Well, why don't we go out for a walk? I heard Nsames has been working on bringing green to Niflheim, I'd like to see how that's going. Some fresh air would be nice too."

"Sounds good to me"He said stretching a bit again before jumping out of bed.He smiled as he sat next to her side of the bed ready to help her out if needed."..That Nsames..he is interesting."

She got out herself, stretching as she stood, nodding. "He is... I'm glad his collar chose Aija as his master... I hate to think what I would have... done with him..." She looked down with a frown.

Irzoile gave her a reassuring hug and walked towards the door."..Then don't think about it."He said with a smile."..How many gardens are there?"

She nodded, following him out, "None last time I looked, except barren grounds." She said with a small laugh. "Speaking of Aija though, have you seen him?"

"..No I haven't. Drestal either. "He said his thoughts trailing off."..Maybe they ran off to train?"He suggested shrugging."Its alittle weird for Aija to not come visit you.."He said eyes narrowing at all the possibilities.

Ceranda frowned, nodding. "We'll have to see if Nsames knows then... I suppose it's okay if he's training, but he could have warned us." She said, as she walked along the halls to the outside.

Irzoile followed next to her nodding in agreement."...He better be okay.."He mumbled looking out the windows as they walked.

Ceranda felt worry fill her at his statement, looking out a window herself. "You don't think he's gotten himself in trouble...."

"..He is our son."He said chuckling at the thought."..We'll ask around..see when everyone saw him last..okay?"Smiling his wings slowly appeared folded on his back.

She nodded, as the guards opened the doors to let them out, bowing silently. Ceranda inhaled deeply as they walked outside, wings stretching out behind her.

Irzoile nodded to the guards as he followed Ceranda out his own wings spreading."..Whoa it sure is different out here.."He said slowly inhaling.

"Castle's cold and stuffy." Ceranda scrunched her nose as she walked along the path, noticing the faint green on the ground. WHile there was yet to be any flowers, it was an improvement, and the sky held clouds that promised further rains. "It'll be nice to see Niflheim green again." She said with a sigh.

"You've seen it green before?"He asked walking next to her."Hey we could open the windows in the castle to get that..old smell out..it is stuffy in there."He said stretching again."..it will be nice to have flowers too..I wonder what kind grow here."

"Only in pictures and paintings." Ceranda said, shaking her head. "Azoth told me about it, said when dad was alive this place was all green, but already decaying. It was after he died, when I was born, that things went from bad to worse and everything died." She sighed, "I really am a curse..."

"Don't say that.."He said poking her with his tail."..Thats not true...You are going to do alot of good here."He said with a wide grin."..I know you will."

Ceranda smiled wryly, "I hope so." He looked around, "I wonder what the clans think of me now, stopping the war when we were winning like that..."

"...They'll forgive you...you are the Queen.Sure some will be upset but its to be expected."He said looking to the sky."Crizoia and that other female seem to be loyal still.."

"You've talked to them?" She said, mildly surprised. "Crizoia is... a very good General. It must have confused him greatly when I ordered the retreat, but he didn't hesitate or question."

"No..but I hear things.He is always walking around the castle to make sure everything is in order."Shifting his weight he looked at Ceranda."..He trusts your judgement..Maybe he can sway the other clans..well the redwings are losers.."Chuckling he sighed."Those losers."

Ceranda sighed at the mention of the Redwings. "Sadly their clan is one of the most numerous and powerful." She said, "They were one third of the army sent against Valhalla, and the ones that suffered the least losses."

"Bah can't you like banish them or..kill them?"He asked as he sat."Powerful?They are cowards.They use brainwashing and dream magic to get their 'victims' Let me and Crizoia go down to them and talk to 'em I'm sure Janbon misses my nice face."He said chuckling."..powerful my foot."He muttered.

Ceranda looked at Irzoile with a frown, "Like Azoth did with the Twintails? Can't you see the damage they did because of it? The resentment they built?" She shook her head, looking away, "I know they have cowardly methods, but I'd prefer to try and convert them if possible."

"...As if they don't have enough resentment.Hell its all their damn fault for almost ALL our probelms!"He said as his fur ruffled."...They'll just pretend to be converted then once we trust them they'll turn on us."Sighing he looked to the ground."But you know whats best."

Ceranda winced, looking down. It was true, all their problems had the Redwings behind them...

"..Eh.Don't worry about it.."He said walking over beside her."..We'll deal with them.."He said smiling to her."..How is..uh.."He said looking to her belly."..Are the poisons hurting you any?"

Ceranda looked up, smiling slightly, "No, not that I'm aware of..." She said, shaking her head. "I'll be fine, though... I want Vosidion to take the child... it'd be awkward if I... we... were to raise her, and she *is* poisonous like her father."

"..I..well if you want to keep her I am fine with it.I can learn to love her...without hugging."He said smiling still."..Its your decision."

Ceranda shook her head, "No, this baby was Demon Ceranda's child to Vosidion, I think it best if Vosidion raises her. It'd do him good too, he... reacted badly... when I was... whole..."

"Well yea cause..well..you love me.."He said frowning alittle."...How much longer do you think it'll be?"His smile returning.

"Not much... a week maybe." She put a hand on her belly. "I should... I should talk to Vosidion... he's been in the Shadow Realm since the war..." She looked up at him, "I know I can't return his feelings, and it saddens me to see him so obsessed with me... I really just wanted to be his friend, but he was so desperate for company..."

"..Are there anyone in the castel who is resistant to poison? I'll make sure to find out."He said sitting."..Yea..he'll need to know about taking the child.I don't like the guy but..I do feel bad for him...when did you want to talk to him?"

Ceranda looked around, "I suppose no is as good as any time." She said, looking at Irzoile. "You'll come... with me?"

"Are you sure you want me there?"He asked remembering his past visits with Sid."..If he tries anything I will try to hurt him and there won't be touching involved."

Vosidion lay in the darkness, giving dirty looks to any shadow that dare approached him. The blackness was comforting, in a way, a huge womb of nothing, a sensory deprivation chamber. Maybe he'd stay here forever.

Ceranda smiled weakly, "I'd rather not... go alone. I don't know how he is now, it's been a while already..." She figheted, then turned, making the portal. "It's up to you though..." She replied, as the portal opeend into the Shadow Realm.

Vosidion was curled up into a green and black ball, and his head lifted as he felt the pull of the portal. ...Ceranda?

Irzoile quickly stood beside her."..I'll go."He said smiling reassuringly.

Ceranda grabbed his hand, pressing it slightly before she walked inside, the portal remaining open long enough for Irzoile to step through. They were not too far from where Vosidion was. Ceranda looked towards the other demon, "Vosidion..."

Long leathery green wings stretched out and the Royal Demon stood, staring at her silently. Or so it seemed. Then it became apparent that he was staring at Irzoile. Wordlessly, he turned and walked away, retreating into the dark. Of course.

Irzoile held Ceranda's paw and looked at Sid normally,no glaring involved,yet.He looked to Ceranda as Sid began to retreat and he nudged her gently and nodded his head at Sid."I'm right here."He whispered to her.

Ceranda nodded, walking after Vosidion. "Sid, wait!" She said, as she caught up to him.

"Why? You have a mate!" he called back through the darkness. The dark green tip of his tail bobbed like a faded lantern. A better than me, he added bitterly.

Irzoile stayed close enough to let Ceranda know she had his support but far enough so that Sid wouldn't really see him.

"Because mates aren't the only reason we care about another!" She said, still following him. "And because I still carry your child. Your *daughter*."

That stopped him in his tracks. "And you plan to have her?" Still cared?

She almost ran into him, stopping just behind him. "Yes... she'll be born in less than a week." She said softly. "She'll *need* you!"

Irzoile slowly floated closer so that he could keep an eye on the two.How could he say no to his own kid?,he thought raising an eyebrow.

"Why me? You're a family. You and that... male who's trailing behind you like a bug."

"So you'd prefer your daughter be raised by the man you hate because of ejalousy? Someone who won't be able to touch her because she carrys your poison?" She looked at Vosidion fiercely, "You want her to grow up like you did, back on Pillar Mountain?"

Vosidion was silent, standing very still save for his tail, which flicked from side to side like a Kougra's. "She's a demon, not a Fauna," he murmured quietly. Then he paused. "... isn't she?"

Ceranda nodded, "She's a full blooded Royal Demon, but until she learns to control her powers she'll be poisonous to the touch." She put a hand on her belly, "I know it because I can feel the toxins in my body...." She frowned, yes, she could sense she would be affected by the long time holding the toxins inside her.

The former Fauna was silent. "So you're asking me to take her off your paws." He sighed, head dropping wearily. Why? Why couldn't he just die quietly, here in Niflheim... maybe he should have suicided when he'd had the chance. "After this... I don't want to see you again."

Ceranda winced. That would mean not seeing her child either..."Voisidion... I..." She closed her eyes looking down. "I'll give you an estate... so you can live properly with her. You'll have all you and her need, and you won't have to see me." She said finally.

"I don't want anything from you," he said quietly. "But thanks for the offer."

Ceranda flinched, not looking up. "Then where will you take ehr? How will you raise her?"

"I will take her where I feel she'll be safe. On my own." Why? Did she want vistation rights? She had children. With someone she LOVED.

Ceranda felt the same frustration she'd felt he first time Vosidion had rejected her friendship, and she silently nodded. "S..so be it." She said finally. "You have the same ability as any Royal Clan to make portals, you can leave the Shadow realm and transit to both Niflheim and Neopia as you wish."

"I know that," he should have feigned ignorance but didn't. "I'm fine here."

Ceranda nodded, turning back to Irzoile, and forming a portal back to the castle silently.

Irzoile looked to Sid for a moment then grabbed Ceranda's paw.That went..weirdly..he thought as he waited for Ceranda to lead the way.

Ceranda didn't look back as she held on to Irzoile's paw, and walked back through the portal to the castle grounds. Once the portal closed behind him, she turned, hugging Irzo fiercely. "I guess you can't win them all." She said lowly.

Vosidion sighed and curled up again as he felt the portal close. A daughter... he guessed he'd have to start thinking of names.

Irzoile hugged her back and sighed."..Guess not."He said rubbing her back."..Maybe he'll come around.."He said smiling alittle.

"Maybe... maybe having a child will make him lighten up." She agreed, leaning on Irzoile tiredly. "I'm exhausted... let's go back inside."

"Maybe.."He said as put his arm around her."Okay I'll head to the kitchen and get us some breakfast after I get you settled in bed."

Ceranda nodded, as she detatched herself from Irzoile and walked back to the castle with a tired step.

Irzoile followed after her,opening the doors.Damn that Sid,he thought angerily."..What would you like to eat?"He asked walking beside her.

"No idea." She said distractedly, following Irzoile in, "Anything will do I guess." Her eyes didn't lift from he floor.

Irzoile looked at her out of the corner of his eyes and frowned."Okay I'll get something I'll think you like."He said trying his best to hide his growing worry.

She nodded, "That'd be nice." She replied, as they entered her room. She made her way to the bed, that had been made in their absence, and climed inside.

Irzoile walked next to her and kissed her forehead."..You better smile when I get back."He said smirking as he tucked her in alittle."..I'm here for you okay?"He said as he walked out the door to get them food.

Ceranda's lips twitched slightly as Irzoile turned and left. Sighing slightly she closed her eyes, and quickly fell asleep.







The door to the room Drestal lay in opened. Around five hours had pased since they'd put him inside, though over a month had passed for the child soldier.

"Get up!" It was a firm, commanding voice that boomed in the small room, the figure sillouhetted against the light of the corridor behind him.

Drestallerixeliarath's wing twithed, and his head lifted, narrow amber eyes opening into intense glaring shapes. It a second for him to rise into a crouch, then he was erect, trying to make detail of the silouhette. His mind felt different--more focused.

Janbon studied him and smiled, a smile hidden with the shadows on his face. "Who are you loyal to?" He asked.

"The Redwing army." The response was swift and curt, Drestal's voice serious and unyielding. He could make out no detail within the figure--just a winged outline.

"What do you strive for?" He asked at once.

"War." The statement was given so forcefully it was almost an exclamation--the answers came to Drestal instantaneously, with no need for thought or reflection.

"Who must you protect and obey at all cost?" He asked finally.

"Raijato!" This time it was a declaration, and Drestal's eyes glinted in the light when he answered.

"*Prince* Raijato." He corrected, then nodded curtly, standing away from the door, "Go back to your barraks soldier."

"Sir." Drestal strode rapidly from the cell, unwilling or unable to question ciircumstance.

Janbon watched him go, and nodded slightly. Now all that was left was finishing Raijato's training...

As Dresta walked back to his barraks, Arrak strode by carrying a starry blue bundle in his arms, Hirador following at his side. The young soldier glanced in passing at Drestal.

Golden eyes slid to follow, taking in the sight of Arrack, Hirador and the bundle all at once. It didn't take a great deal off innovation to put the picture together. He turned to them, ears flicking.

Arrak didn't turn to look back, carrying the sleeping prince into the corridor Drestal came from. Hirador stopped at the entrance, as he waited, looking back at Drestal silently.

The mortal soldier's eyes narrowed at Hirador, but he turned and walked away towards the marracks, metal wings folded tightly.

Soon Arrak was back, and he nodded to Hirador, and sent him off to the barraks as well. The young soldier nodded, walking after Drestal.

Drestal reached the barracks ahead of the redwing and entered instantly--he paid absolutely no attention to the demons inside, nor did he so much as check for traps. This was Redwing territory. He belonged here.

Hirador entered a few seconds later, and he smirked at another of the soldiers. "How'd it go?"

"It was *way* too easy." He responded, as he sat down on his bunk, "It'll be interesting once he comes out."

The other redwing glanced at Drestal and then back at Hirador, nodding.

Drestal caught the look and turned to glare at the redwing dangerously. If they spoke about him, it would not be in half-hidden gestures.

"He'll be a lot better than Arrak, that's for sure." Hirador scrunched his nose. He didn't look at Drestal at all, though he was curious as to how the time in that room had affected the older soldier.

Drestal closed his eyes, still seated on the bunk. He left his ears up, though, and just listened.

The other soldier laughed, "They'll have to train him a lot if he was lured so..." Hirador interrupted him with a violent shake of the head, nodding to Drestal's closed eyes. The other scowled, swivelling around to face Drestal.

Drestal's eyes cracked open and he stared fiercely at the other soldier, face twisting slightly into the expression that denoted anger.

"You know him, don't you?" He said, smiling suddenly. "What's Raijato like? As a commander?"

Drestal's eyes flickered. "Unpredictable," he answered flatly. It was true--at first Aija sought to kill an angel, then to save  the same one--then later abandoned the sides of the war entirely. Of course, he doubtless had his reasons. He found no reason to share that with these demons, though. They didn't need that information.

"Hum." He looked far from content with that answer. He shrugged, laying down facing the ceiling. "We'll see." Hirador looked to Drestal thoughtfully before turning to his own belongings.

Drestallerix tracked Hirador's movements wordlessly. He could only speculate at the other soldier's methodology in bringing the Prince to the Redwings--he knew very little about Hirador directly.

It was a day later, after morning training that something out of the ordinary happened. There was some movement around the corridor with the dark room, and soon afterwards Raijato came walking out accompanied by Janbon.

Drestal was lying on his back on the bunk, eyes closed.

The door to the barraks opened, and Janbon stepped through. "Attention!" He said loudly, as the others scurried to stand firm by their bunks. Aija stood silently just behind, watching with critical yellow eyes each of the child soldiers.

Drestal stood quicker than most, wings folded foirmly against his back and eyes hard, locking instantaneously on Aija.

Aija didn't look at Drestal directly, he was taking his time on each of the demons, though he finally did stop to study Drestal, recognizing him, cataloging and passing on to the next. Meanwhile Janbon spoke "From today on Prince Raijato will  be commanding this squad, as well as two others. He'll oversee your training."

Drestal's ears flicked, and he passed a salute--quickly, to signify comprehension. He was unable to identify the recognition in Aija's eyes--even if he had, it would have mattered little. Aija was his commander--he was to be obeyed, regardless of circumstance.

The others had done likewise as Raijato stepped forward, nodding slightly in response. Janbon turned to Aija, "We've got something to discuss, let's go to my office." Aija looked up and nodded, walking back out, Janbon following.

Drestal watched him leave, frowning slighty--it wasn't his place to ask questions, though. Returning to his bunk, he passed a glance over the others in the room.

The others waited till both were gone then began speaking among themselves. Soon though Hirador seemed to be the one getting the most questions, as the others wanted his opinion on changes in the Prince.

Drestal's ears flicked to listen in--very few seemed to be paying attention to him, and he wouldn't have cared if they had been.

Two or three began planning to go sneak up to listen in on what Janbon and Aija were discussing, and the others finally agreed, then a quick argument broke up as to who would go.

Drestal stepped in. "No one is going," he glared at all of them, his ears flat against his skull. His long tail curled and uncurled once, quickly.

There was silence as all heads turned to Drestal. The oldest one spoke up. "Why not?"

"Because you're soldeirs." He narrowed his eyes. "You'll learn what the commanders discussed if it's needed for you to know. Your focus is your missions." His wings unfolded partially and the light reflected off the struts.

Some of them snickered, one scoffed. "So you'll just wait here until they tell you to?"

"Instead of wasting my energy pursuing what I may eventually be told, yes." For a twelve-year-old, Drestal had a rather low voice.

"We're one of the lower squads, we'll be lucky if we *see* action at all." Said the eldest. "There's been buzz about attacking the castle, and I want to know if now ath Raijato's ready we'll move finally." Many others nodded.

"And you somehow expect them not to tell you."








It wasa day later, when Ceranda felt well enough to sit out in a balcony, that Vitlo appeared to speak to her. He informed her of Azoth's precarious condition and what had to be done to help him. Ceranda frowned, looking out across the plain in thought. "That.... I'm not sure if I trust myself to do that." She said softly.

Irzoile stepped on to the balcony and eyed Vitlo."..Do what?"He asked walking beside her.He hugged her gently and looked to Vitlo again.

She smiled at him, then sighed, "Go to Niflheim's core to reforge Azoth's Jewel of Power." She said, "It's crumbling and weak and without it he will die."

Irzoile's eyes widened."..That sounds..tough."He said looking to her."..I know you can do it...need me to go with you??"He asked looking to her."..I mean..we can't let him.."

Ceranda smiled wryly, shaking her head, "No we cant let him die after he saved me, but you can't come. The... core of Niflheim is what created Demons. Its the source of the 'evilness' of this realm." She explained. "If you were to go it would mutate you into a demon."

Irzoile smirked trying to make light of the situation."I'd be one cool demon..or a really puny one..depending on who you ask.."He said laughing."If you are sure you can handle it..."

She smiled at him, grateful for his support, but... "You don't understand do you? I'm not full demon... not right now... and you saw... what I'm like... as a full demon. If I go to the core there's a chance my demon side will become more powerful and overpower my other side. Even without splitting..."

"Of course.."He said leaning his head back."..It can never be easy can it?"He said sighing."...If you talk like that she will take over.You and Quenaii can't be ruled by your demon sides.YOU have to rule it."

Ceranda frowned, but nodded, "I suppose you're right, it doesn't help my soul has just finished mending the split." She said, standing and hugging Irzo. "You think I'm strong enough?"

Irzoile hugged her back fiercly."Of course I do.I know you are."He said kissing the top of her head.Truth was he was worried about her demon side but half expected something to happen.I mean come on these two getting a break?,now thats funny.

Ceranda nodded, stepping away from him with a soft smile. "Thanks." She wasn't totally convinced, but Azoth's life was on the line. She turned and nodded to Vitlo and the shadows opeend into a dark corridor that Ceranda walked into before Vitlo followed, both disappearing as the shadows returned to normal.

Irzo slumped and placed his paws on his head."You can do it..I know..it"He mumbled as his wings curled around him.

It wasn't long after than a purple starry demon flew over the walls of the castle going towards AIja's room.

Irzo stood and sighed again."Might as well go talk to Crizioa or something."He said leaving the balcony.

Aija spotted his father leaving the balcony and swerved in mid-flight, landing on the edge, "Father?" He called.

"..Father?"He repeated as he turned."Where have you been Aija?"He asked walking back over to him."You okay?"

Aija nodded, sitting on the ledge of the balcony. He looked older, and arried himself with more assurance. "I was training." He said, "Didn't Nsames tell you? I told him I'd be away for two days."

Irzo narrowed his eyes at his son."..What happened to you."He asked as he got closer to him."Where were you training at.Because you weren't here."

Aija scooted away slightly, "Um.. elsewhere, at someplace Drestal found. It's really good, I've gotten a lot better." He jumped to his feet off the edge, "I'm fine! And better than ever."

"You are a horrible liar."He said eyes narrowing."..Where were you.Drestal doesn't know the terrian here how did.."He sat back now."..How are you older looking.A few  days doesn't mature..a kid or age them..unless.."He wanted to slam his own head into a brick wall at this point."..If its not one thing..its another.."he mumbled.

Aija blinked, "What are you talking about?" He asked innocently.

"Oh I know /their/ game.Those little bastards."He said turning from him."Whatever reak havoc then."He said walking back inside.I'll kill those goddamn..,he thought as he sat against a wall.

Aija followed Irzoile with his eyes, sighing slightly as he was left alone on the balcony. Well... that hadn't gone very well... "When are ... you and mother going back to the forest?" He asked idly, loud enough for Irzo to hear.

Irzo didn't respond as he leaned against the wall.Little heathen since when did he say mother and father?His wings twitched as he sat there.

Aija scowled at his father's silence. What was he doing wrong?? He walked forward, into the castle and turned to look at him. "Is... something wrong?"

"..Are you kidding me?!"He almost yelled as he stood."Go do whatever the hell you came to do okay?"He said looking down at his son."So the redwings once again got their mother.."He stopped himself and took a deep breath."What is wrong with YOU!?"

Aija flinched at the word 'redwing', backing up. "There's nothing wrong with me!" He said defensively. "I di...I ju..." He stopped, scowing as his eyes burned with tears. "Some father you are!"

"...Oh please."Irzoile said walking past him."Your attempt at making me go soft are failing.You never called me ~father~ before.You know I love you but obviously your head is somewhere else."

Aija's eyes widened as he stod looking at the ground as Irzoile brushed past him. Oh. Well shit. "I.... dad... I'm sorry." He said lowly.

"Don't give me that."Irzoile said turning to him."Do you honestly think I am that stupid?"He asked crossing his arms."What are you planning?"

Aija hung his head. "You're going to stop me, right?" It had a tinge of... hopefulness in it, as part of him was fighting against the brainwash already. "You know... I'm Commander of the Redwings now."

Irzoile walked over to him."Why should I?"He asked raising an eyebrow."..Are you really going to attack us all?Even your mom?"He asked crossing his arms."And of course you are the commander Valhalla forbid us from having it easy for once."

Aija looked up, "N...no... it's why I asked... if neither of you are here.... I can just lead the Redwings to Valhalla. They want to attack Valhalla, I don't see any problem with that..."

"..uh thats a stupid plan."Irzoile said grabbing Aija."I could just knock you out.."He said with a smirk."That'd solve our probelms until your mother came back."I've done all this before..I can't do it again,he thought as his wings faded."..Attacking Valhalla is a bad idea."

Aija stiffened in Irzoile's grip, looking up at his father's eyes. "I know.... but... if it's what they want... then ..."

"I know you have to do what they say because they whatever..."He couldn't leave now not with Aija all..redwing'd."Why don't you fight it?I mean you are the son of the Queen and..me..we aren't weak and you aren't either."He said holding Aija firmly.

Aija's gaze wavered, then broke, looking away from his father. "I'm NOT weak." He said sullenly.

"I didn't say you were!"He said shaking Aija alittle."I know you are better than this."He said looking into Aija's eyes."..Just..snap..out of it."

Aija trembled, not able to meet Irzoile's eyes, but still not fighting against his father's grip. "I..." He closed his eyes, grimacing.

"You..can do this Aija!"He said as an invisible barrier formed around them.If Aija tried to run he'd find himself smacked into an invisible wall.He'd need a pep talk after all this.

Aija shook his head, "N...noo.." He moaned, finally pushing away from Irzoile. But he didn't run, instead falling to his knees and grabbing his head as he curled up with a cry.

"Yes..you can."He said rubbing Aija's back.He really couldn't say anything else.

Aija cringed as he clawed at his head, then began to cry, shaking. Finally, he turned, and threw himself at Irzoile in a hug, crying and trembling.

Irzoile fell back alittle at Aija hugging him and he hugged him back.If only they could like..reason with the redwings."..See I told you.."He said picking Aija up still hugging him.

"I'm... I'm sorry... dad... I they just... I didn't..." He sobbed into Irzoile's fur, trembling slightly.

"How did you get there in the first place?"He asked hugging him more.Where was Drestal that kid and Aija used to always be together.

Aija slowly calmed down, wiping his face as he leaned on Irzoile, "Drestal was missing for a week, and I was looking for him.... A demon told.. told me he could take me to see him and I followed him..." Aija sniffed, "He  took me to a house and... then they shot me and... I fell asleep... and they put me in that room again....."

"I see."He said sighing."Was Drestal brainwashed aswell?"He asked wiping his tears."..Are you hurt anywhere?"

Aija nodded, "He... oh gods... dad they undid what he'd learned with me... he's a soldier... mechanically following commands... I... I..." He almost burst out crying again, but shook his head, "No, they didn't hurt me... they treated me very well... they want me to be King, to rule Niflheim and let them have more influence..."

"Okay..we'll worry about all this..later.Drestal..seems like the first probelm.."He said with a sigh."Do you worry about that now.."He said rubbing his head.

Aija nodded, sniffing again. "I told Drestal to wait for my signal. He's to tell the Redwings when to lead the attack on the castle." He stopped, thoughtful. "Dad.... can't we... use the fact they think I'm their commander... to... defeat them?"

Irzoile thought on this and nodded."If we get Crizioa caught up on what we are doing.."He said smiling."and your mom really needs to be here before we do anything..."

Aija nodded, seeming to recover and sobering as he stood, "I think.... I should thank them... I've mastered my shadow magic and sharpened my fighting skills." He looked at Irzoile and smiled, "Thanks dad." He said, hugging him.

Irzoile laughed and and hugged Aija."Yea..they messed up this time.."He hugged him alittle more a sighed."..You were strong all I did was yell at you."

Aija grinned slightly, "I guess... I just couldn't stand how.... you looked..." He looked down with a frown, "I'm sorry."

"Eh.I knew when you called me father something was up..and..you are like a foot taller."He said putting a paw on his head."...Its okay.We all have our moments..and..mistakes.."As he said that the stars on his coat glowed for a moment.

Aija nodded, looking at his father's stars, then down at his own. "What.... do they mean?" He said, looking up. "Amira and I both have stars, but a lot less than you..."

Irzo flinched alittle and looked to Aija."..My own..mistake in my life."He said with a sigh."Guess its good to tell you now."He pointed to the star on his eye."Each star represents one person I've killed..and..holds..their..soul."He said thinking alittle."..I dunno why you have them...I guess they are my curse passed onto you two.."

Aija nodded, looking at the stars on his arms. "I.... see..." He was thoughtful but said nothing else. "I'm gonna go rest..." He said, hugging Irzo again, "I've had a rough couple of days."

Irzoile nodded and motioned to their bed."Why not sleep here.Your mom will be back soon..she worried about you."He said hugging him again.Oh yea I forgot to tell you..I killed my family,he said in his head with a chuckle.

Aija hesitated, then shook his head, "Maybe later... I wanna check up on Nsames." He turned, trotting out of the room.

As Aija left to his room, Vitlo reappeared from the shadows, carrying an unconscious Ceranda. He nodded to Irzoile and placed the Queen in her bed carefully. "She's just tired." He said, looking to Irzoile. "But the gem was reforged successfully, I'll go finish merging Azoth to it now."

"...uh ok."He said eyeing Ceranda.Just tired?She was passed out!Irzoile went to her side and put a paw on her head."..I'm sure you did great.."He said kissing her forehead.

Vitlo left quietly, and Ceranda moaned slightly at Irzoile's touch, eyes opening slightly as she smiled. "course." She mumbled, shifting towards him slightly.

Irzoile chuckled."..Aija..is sorta back."He said still alittle leary on if the brainwashing was gone."..Just rest.."He said smiling.

Ceranda smiled, nodding. "?m glad." She said, eyes seeming to flash red as she closed them, falling asleep.

Irzoile's arms fell to his side and he sighed."oh goodnes.."He mumbled as he left the room."I need something to drink."

Vosidion travelled across the dusty plains of Niflheim, leathery green wings folded tightly to his back... he was headed for the palace of the Queen, the palace where Ceranda--no, where his child--awaited him. He carried a parcel--a package wrapped in white paper, slightly damp. He approached the gate slowly, hoping only that he was not too late... or too soon.

Ceranda woke up that day knowing she'd give birth, moaning in pain as the first contraction hit her, she called to Vitlo, telling him to find Vosidion. Irzo stayed with her for a while, but was soon relieved by Penja, as the shadow approached Vosidion, bowing formally. "It is time." He said, as he led the way to Ceranda's room, though the other already knew where it was.

Vosidion followed in silence, barely rustling his wings as he passed through the entry to the room. He still held the parcel, but seemed more attentive to Ceranda, pausing only slightly as he neared her, green eyes flickering.

Ceranda was breathing hard as she held Penja's wing tightly, the bruce wiping sweat from the Queen's brow. Ceranda cried out again as another contraction hit, eyes squeezing shut.

Vosidon lay the package down, coming to stand beside the female he'd come to think of as his mate. He knelt, watching her, saying nothing. His green eyes continued to glitter, though, as though he were waiting for something.

Vitlo took up the rear as Ceranda continued to push, crying out as pain coursed through her, until finally the kit gave a cry, as Ceranda dropped back on the covers, exhausted. Vitlo had the small kit in his hands, quickly wrapping her in a clean sheet.

Vosidion approached Vitlo, glancing once at Ceranda, almost sadly. It crossed his mind that now, if he wanted, he could kiss her, once, but he refrained, turning to Vitlo again. "Give it to me," he commanded the shadow.

Vitlo looked at Ceranda, who nodded, and handed the baby to Vosidion. "It's a girl." He informed him. Ceranda sighed slightly, then winced again in pain. The shadow turned back to her, "The poisons were too strong, you'll feel the burn of the toxins now the kit is outside."

Vosidon cradled the small purple child carefully, peering into her small face. "My daughter..." he breathed carefully. Vitlo's words burned the worst kind of pain into his heart, but he ignored it, stooping to unwrap the parcel. "Terrodis," he murmured, naming her without thought. The package contained, among other things, a long orange fur, which he wrapped her in gently.

Ceranda frowned slightly, "But..."

"No, you won't die from them, you are, after all, immune to it. But if you have relations with someone else... you may kill them." Vitlo said, looking sideways at Vosidion. Ceranda's face blanched in dismay.

Vosidion smiled at that, a small twisted smile, as he nuzzled his precious daughter. Terrodis... "You are all I have now," he whispered to her, rewrapping the package and its remaining contents. Terrodis wailed, still crying from the shock of being born.

Ceranda closed her eyes in pain, then looked at Vosidion and Terrodis. "Sid... let... let me see her?"

Vosidion turned, staring at her in faint surprise, then shifted, becoming almost expressionless, almost sad. He looked down at their daughter, then approached Ceranda's bedside, murmuring, "This may be your only chance, Terrodis--look well at the woman who broke my heart."

Ceranda flinched at his words, propping herself up with Penja's help, the bruce glaring openly at Vosidion. Ceranda smiled faintly as she looked upon thee new-born, a hand going out to touch her.

Vosidion withdrew her, frowning deeply. Terrodis sneezed, her cries calming as she tired. Through the blanket and fur, Vosidion could feel two hard nubs in her back, as well as the ridges that surely must have been from her wings.

Ceranda looked up at him. "I have milk to feed her with." She said, "At least this once..."

Vosidion hesitated, then shook his head. "I am prepared to care for her," he said, his voice soft with bitterness. Terrodis looked up at him, taking in the voices of people she could not understand.

Ceranda sighed, looking down. "I see." She said, as Vitlo and Penja went about cleaning and tucking Ceranda in bed. "Are you sure you don't want an estate?"

Vosidion shook his head again. "We will be fine, her and I." They would take no charity from Ceranda, no payment after this betrayal. Let her live with regret if she could.

Ceranda sighed, "I hope so." She said softly.

Vosidion gave a small, wrought-iron smile that twisted like a trellis, but said nothing before turning to go.

"I never meant to hurt you Vosidion." Ceranda called, biting her lip. "I hurt many... when I was split... and I regret it deeply..."

Vosidion stopped, growing stiff. "I don't want your apology," his voice grew cold, and he rasped on the last word, Terrodis squirming slightly as she dozed off.

Ceranda flinched, lowering her eyes as she felt a tear fall. "I... I'm sorry..." She whispered, her voice cracking as she turned on her side, away from her daughter and former lover.

Vosidion took a moment to savour that cracked voice before he left, padding out the door--daughter and package in hand. He had given everything to Ceranda, and gladly. He would take what little he could get back now, in the form of her grief.

Penja sighed slightly, tucking Ceranda in. "It's for the best, Ceranda. Don't regret this now." She said softly. Vitlo followed Sid out of the room and down the hallways, a silent shadow behind the father and child.

Vosidion was aware of Vitlo, but paid him no mind, walking out of the castle with his eyes straight ahead. He had his daughter in one arm and the beginnings of her future in the other... with luck and persistence, she would not suffer as he had.

As they neared the gates Vitlo finally spoke. "Do not think you will be completely alone." He warned him. "We shall keep tabs on the princess whether you like it or not."

Vosidion turned to Vitlo, narrowing his eyes. "The princess...? As long you remember to treat her as such, I care not." There was a spark of ferocity in the demon's eyes that had never been there before, and he showed his teeth to Vitlo as he spoke.

Vitlo bowed, apparently unfazed, though he smiled slightly when his face was towards the ground. "Of course, we would never bother her in any way."

"I am not interested in your promises," Vosidion replied, looking to his dozing daughter. "I have been promised to enough already."

Vitlo smirked slightly, but when he straightened he was expressionless. "The shadows do not act with deceit." He replied, "And our interest in her is more because of her right to command us."

Vosidion stared at Vitlo. "Her rights are of no interest to me," he declared, wings rustling slightly as he shifted them. But of course they were, it was a lie.

"We'll see." Vitlo said lowly, then bowed again, turning and walking back into the castle, leaving Vosidion on his own.

Vosidion tuned away and walked away, cradling his daughter gently in the crook of his arm. The future was for her.

Irzo was a few rooms away chatting with Crizioa to make the day go by faster.At the current time he was making his way down the hall to see how Ceranda was doing.

Ceranda sighed slightly, she still felt very empty inside for what she'd just done, turning away from Penja. The bruce watched her with a slight frown, walking quietly towards the door.

Irzoile stopped at the door."I swear if he's in there..I'll kill him."He muttered taking a deep breath.Knocking lightly he cleared his throat."Ceranda?Its me.Irzo"

Ceranda's ears flickered as she turned to the door, Penja opened it and looked at him with a slight frown. "He's gone..." She said softly, then nodded backwards. "I think she needs you." Saying this, she passed through the door, letting them have their privacy.

Irzoile nodded as the pressure in his chest lifted.Good riddance."..How are you feeling?"He asked folding his wings as he walked to her bedside.

Ceranda looked up at him, "Awful..." She said, looking down. Besides the weakness natural after having given birth, the whole ordeal with Sid had... been very demoralizing. "I'm a terrible person..."

"What?!No you aren't!"He quickly grabbed her in a hug."Don't let his negative outlook on life get to you..I don't know what happened but I'm sure he did what he always does and was a bastard."He held her close and glared at the thought of Sid even being in her presence.

She turned, huddling in his arms as tears fell, "I... I gave her away... she was so small and... pretty... and..." She sobbed slightly, "He didn't let me hold her or touch her!"

Irzo sighed and hugged her still."...You did what you thought was best.."Truth was he'd never be able to hold the child anyways and the other children wouldn't be able to touch her so it was for the best."Maybe.. someday?After he gets over himself...you did what you had to.."He said hugging her more.

Ceranda nodded, "I know... but it still feels... terrible... giving her away and how... Sid treated me..." She sobbed silently into Irzo's mane, weakly. She didn't want to tell him what Vitlo had told her... what would Irzo say to that?

"He finally has someone he can love..I hate the guy but no doubt he'll be a good father to that little girl.."He hugged her still and kissed her head."I'm sorry..I didn't just jump through the portal with him when Azoth took you..if I had..maybe it'd be different.."

Ceranda shook her head, "No... I think... everything happens for a reason." She said finally, "Who knows what would have happened if you'd gone too..." She grew silent for a while, leaning on Irzoile and just seeping in the comfort he provided.

"Well if I hadn't Quenaii would have killed Aija."He said gritting his teeth."Did the poison leave any affects in your body?"

Ceranda stiffened in his grip, "Y...yes..." She said in a whisper.

Irzoile stiffened as well."And what are they?"He asked fearing the worse.

"My... womb has been poisoned." She said softly, "I can't... I can't have relations anymore, or I may kill you."

Irzoile softened."Oh..thats all?"He hugged her still."I thought you were going to say you were dying."He said with a chuckle.Hell I haven't had any relations with you anyways since the children it won't change anything,he thought with a sigh.But the one thing that killed him inside was the fact that Sid was the last one to have any relations with his wife..and that..he couldn't handle.

Ceranda looked up at him, "I'm sorry..." She said softly, then chuckled slightly, "No... I'm quite a bit stronger than that, Sid can't kill me with his poisons." She hugged Irzo, "I'll... make it up to you somehow..." She whispered.

"Just love me forever okay?"He asked pulling away."Thats all I need."He smiled and kissed her lightly.

Ceranda smiled slightly, nodding. "I'll always love you, and no other." She said, hugging him fiercely.

"I'll hold you to that."He said laughing as he hugged her back."What do we do now?"

"I'm tired, and feel very weak. But Aija shouldn't keep the Redwings waiting, we'll wait a day or two and let him send the signal." She cuddled against Irzo, yawning. "Then we'll not have to worry about them again."

"Lets rest then..we'll need it.."He said with a smile as he got in the bed with her.Sighing he frowned for a moment but then smiled as he held Ceranda in his arms."I can't wait to see Janbon's face."

Ceranda chuckled slightly, curling up against him, "I'll be glad when it's over... I hope all goes well."

Irzoile smiled."Me too."He looked away though as he tried his best to keep himself together."L-lets just get some rest.."

Ceranda had already fallen asleep, calmer now thanks to Irzoile's presence.








They had waited a week before deciding to let the Redwings come, giving time for Ceranda to recover from childbirth. At first, both Aija and Irzo had tried making Ceranda stay out of battle completely, but she'd insisted on participating.

So it was that Aija stood on the tallest spire of the castle, and let off a blue flare in Drestal's direction, the signal he knew the other would be waiting for impatiently.

The soldier responded quickly, harsh gold eyes catching the flare before it fully lit. Signalling to the waiting Redwings that the attack was on, Drestallerixeliarath flicked his tail for balance and launched himself into the air, red-tinted metal wings spread wide to catch the air.

They beat down once, twice before he took true flight, pulling his goggles down to shield his eyes for the blood and smoke to come. It was time for war.

The redwings did not hesitate as Drestal signalled, and it wasn't long before the army marched out onto the plain, heading for the castle.

Aija watched them coming, looking to Drestal's flight as he flew down to the wall beside his father. "They won't attack until we open the gate, they think the castle is unaware of their coming."

Drestal coasted low over the dried plains, wings spread wide. He could smell the dust stirred by the Redwings' feet, feel the movement of the earth in the air. None of this distracted him. His sights were on the castle where his commander waited, where the gate would be open to let the tides of battle in to sweep the Royal Clan away and let a new era in.

Irzoile nodded to Aija."..Crizioa is behind the gate..he is ready with many golems.."He said tail swishing.Crizoia sat on the shoulder of the tallest golem his feathered wings twitching."Stay strong.."He whispered to the golems who all stood still.

Aija nodded. Despite having gone over their plan many times, he was nervous now as he saw the redwings coming. Shifting slightly, he watched as the army got closer and closer, eyes going up to Drestal and then down. Finally, he nodded to the Gatekeeper, and as the Redwings came closer, the gates opened.

The frontal lines cheered as they rushed forward, weapons waving in the air.

Drestallerixeliarath swept forward with the first column. The gate had opened as planned, the coup would be swift and brutal. He tightened his left paw around the cold barbed yo-yo, prepared to cut down anything in his path. ((Blah blah blah.))

Crizoia held out his paw and the golems didn't move."Wait.."He said waiting a few seconds."Okay..NOW!"He said then the golems stood and began to run out.Irzoile watched and looked at Aija.Crizoia jumped up and got ready to attack anything that got in his way.

The first column of redwings had entered the castle and stopped in surprise as they were emt by the golems, and were quickly slaughtered in return. Then the clashing of swords could be heard, as the ones behind cried out in anger and attacked the golems. Aija flew up towards Drestal, sword in hand, as he signalled for the other to stop.

Drestal pulled up to a stop, wings flaring as he banked and hovered. His eyes narrowed and he swung his yo-yo out at the ready. It flashed in the light, spinning dangerously in midair.

Crizoia flew in a spiral as Irzoile flew next to him."Good job Crizoia.."He said as he dodged attacks letting the golems do the work.Crizoia smirked and flew down into the fray,slashing anyone and everyone with his feather daggers.

"Aija flew up level with him, "Change of plans." He shouted over the din. "The Redwings are the real enemy!"

As the fight at the gate got worse, a wave of redwings detached from the main army, taking to the skies and flying towards the castle, heading straight towards Drestal and the Prince.

Drestal didn't respond to Aija directly, swinging the yo-yo up above his head and smashing it down towards the prince's head. He was wholly unconcerned about the Redwings, as was natural.

Crizoia and Irzoile intercepted the flying redwings sending out attacks of their own.Crizoia stopped to use broken golem parts to make wings on other golems.Irzoile made sure to keep an eye on Aija but trusted his son to handle Drestal.The now winged golems took flight and joined their general in attacking the flying redwings.

Aija swerved sideways and away from the attack, he'd known there would be some difficulty, but hadn't really expected Drestal to retaliate. "What are you doing!" He shouted angrily, as the flying redwings separated him from Drestal, as he turned to fight them.

Not all the redwings were so easily deterred, as many fought and destroyed the golems, attacking Irzoile and Crizoia. A shout came from the ranks, "Kill the featherwing!" And a group of ten redwings turned to attack Crizoia all at once.

"You are not Raijato!" he snapped, whipping his yo-yo through the ranks to reach the other boy. His amber eyes were hard and showed the intent to kill purely. This was war, and war was his purpose!

Crizoia smirked as he flew done the feathers on his wrists extending.He turned as the redwings got close then let loose hundreds of feather like blasts.Irzoile flipped in the air and sent star blasts at the redwings around Aija."You okay Crizoia??"He called down turning for a moment."This is child's play!"Crizoia said with a chuckle as a golem threw him a lance.(Swords are overrated?)

Aija's eyes widened as he snapped his wings shut, falling towards the ground, spiralling with sword held out to cut throught he ranks, opening them below them as he looked up at Drestal with narrowed eyes, "Of course I am, you idiot!"

As Crizoia cut through the Redwings, one easily blocked his attack with a shield, retaliating with black lances shot at high speeds, "Not so easy, General." Janbon said with a dark grin.

The blood from the redwings splattered the stone, but Drestal didn't blink--or respond, actually, as he dove down towards the groundlevel, yo-yo trailing after him.

Crizoia flipped back and smirked."I was hoping you'd be here.."He said twirling his own lance and blocking Janbon's."...I see you are at your old tricks."He said as the feathers on his wrists grew larger.

Irzoile sent larger star blasts out and sent a few at Janbon as he flew next to Crizioa.

Aija flew over the Redwings, sending blasts of energy as he flew up towards the sky again, swerving around to face Drestal. "Are you so blind you'd think I'm not myself just because I am not brainwashed?" He shouted, "You think I'm so weak?"

Janbon smirked, "Of course... though you shouldn't be here..." He said, as he sent a large blast of darkness towards Irzoile. "I see your son is no longer with us." Five redwings attacked Crizoia from below, as the army continued to battle the golems below and around.

Drestal hit the brakes hard, swinging the yo-yo forward again to wrap around Aija's head. But he wasn't going to rely on just his weapon now. A storm of metal spikes exploded from the ground, ripping their way upwards through the ranks of his own 'people' and up towards Raijato. His wings flared as he caught the air to dart out of the way.

Crizoia smiled and dove down to meet the five attacking redwings,lance twirling down."I'll give you the joy of beating the shit out of him Irzo"He said swinging the lance at the five.A few golems flew up to assit him.

Irzoile put up a barrier quickly and it began to shine brightly.He didn't say anything just glowed and sent rings of energy at Janbon.

Had he not seen Drestal's attacks against Dresael, he'd have been impaled then and there. As it were, Aija dodged Drestal's yo-yo, slapping it away with his sword, as he formed a spherical barrier of shadows around him, the spikes slamming against it and making him bounce upwards. The barrier burst free as Raijato flew towards Drestal, "Snap out of it!" He shouted, as his blade became black.

Two redwings fell to Crizoia's attack, one flying out of the way and attacking from his side as the two remaining turned to fight the golems. Janbon shielded himself from Irzo's attacks, still smiling as he shot forward, a black lance in his hand as he attacked Irzoile.

Drestal spun in the air, using the momentum to whip the deflected yoyo into a spiral around him and launch it towards the prince again, teeth gritted in concentration. His goggles were specked slightly with blood from the Redwings he'd killed, but there were more important things to think about.

Aija kept flying closer, passing the range of the tip of the yo-yo as he slashed his sword at the chain, cutting clean through it as he flew at Drestal, aiming to barrel into him.

Crizoia twirled the lance at the one that attacked him and blocked the attacks.With a free hand he sent blasts at the redwing.

Irzoile jumped back and his paws became engulfed in star energy.He blocked the lance attack by grabbing it and flapped his wings sending meteor like blasts at Janbon.

The severed yo-yo whipped end over end to slam into the ground where it exploded into shapeless metal again, then into barbed shards of shrapnel that pierced the bodies of the fallen Redwings needlessly. Drestal was unprepared for the tactic of pure momentum, but he beat his wings once in preparation, meeting the assault with pure muscle and greater weight. He gritted his teeth.\

The Redwing flew back and slapped the lance away, shielding herself of the blasts before retaliating herself, sending blasts of denergy as she slid her sword down the length of the lance towards Crizoia.

Janbon let go of the lance as he dropped below Irzoile, letting the blasts fly above him as he made the lance explode in Irzoile's hands.

Aija looked at Drestal's eyes as he grabbed him, "What am I supposed to do for you to believe me?" He asked, "You're supposed to be protecting me, not attacking me!"

The amber eyes blazed at him with indifference. "You're supposed to be leading the war, not killing your soldiers!" Drestallerix snapped back, wrenching himself away to try to beat his way higher into the air.

"I am." He replied darkly, not letting go. "I'm a Royal Clan demon, and I won't let the Redwings use me to kill my people!"

Crizoia flipped the lance up and it soon changed into a golem and blocked the attack.Grabbing the feathers from his wrist he threw them like daggers at the girl and flew up to survey the fight.

Irzoile yelped and winced at the lance exploded in his hands. His barrier went up as the blast hit him and he sent a large blast at Janbon.

Drestal struggled, trying to force his way out of Aija's grasp. Then he opened his fist and a long spear of metal shot out from his palm, straight for the prince's stomach. "And I am a soldier, used only for killing people!"

The female redwing cried out as the daggers hit, making her fall down to the ground. As Crizoia flew up he could see many of the golems destroyed, though he field was also red with blood and bodies from both sides. here was still a good half of the Redwing army fighting on the ground, some in the air, having passed over the walls.

Janbon shielded himself from the blast, that send him flying down and into the ground, leaving a crater in it's wake, as he stood, looking up with a scowl.

Aija wasn't prepared and couldn't react as he jerked, coughing out blood as he let go of Drestal, surprise and pain registered in his face as he fell backwards towards the ground. As he fell, one of the Redwings in Drestal's unit fired an arrow, impaling Aija as he fell.

Crizoia closed his arms and waved his paws over the field the broken golems reforming into ten or twenty large golems."Keep it up!"He told them as flew back into the fray not noticing Aija fall.

Irzoile didn't see his son fall to his doom but concentrated on Janbon.He sent more blasts at him and followed them a blast forming a sword as he thrust it forward at Janbon's chest.

Drestal hovered, wings beating back and over, back and over, back and over as Aija fell. He made no move to help the starred kit, though, remaining in the air, watching.

While Crizoia and Irzo were busy, Ceranda had been watching from the castle walls, and she saw Aija fall, eyes widening. "RAIJATO!" She screamed, wings snapping open as she flew forward, hands moving as the ground under the redwings turned black, then exploded upwards in a large shadow attack, decimating the Redwings as Aija fell to the ground, unharmed by Ceranda's attack, but motionless.

Janbon swerved away from Irzoile's attacks, but was unable to sidestep the sword thrust at his chest, grunting as he was impaled.

The soldier's eyes widened slightly at the shadow's assault--he was too high to have been affected, but he beat his wings once, pulling back reflexively nonetheless as the Redwings were slaughtered en masse. Without thinking, he folded his wings and dropped.

Irzoile jumped back making the sword explode inside of Janbon the same thing he had done to him before."Hurts..doesn't it?"He finally said glaring at the redwing.

Crizoia flew up and met Drestal as he fell down.He had heard Ceranda and saw Aija finally."Isn't the Prince your friend!?"He asked the feathers on his wrist not moving."Shouldn't you be fighting next to him...not against him!"

Drestal stared at Crizoia obtusely as his paws hit the ground. "I don't have friends."

Janbon screamed as the sword exploded, falling back to the ground, a mass of blood and intestines. Ceranda had taken out her sword and was brutally slashing at the Redwings that had escaped the initial attack, many already fleeing the massacre.

Aija lay on his side, coered in blood that quickly pooled around him, the arrow still embedded in his flank. Eyes closed, he didn't move.

"Comrad whatever..either way..the redwings aren't the ones you need to be with..one thing they hardly win any battles.."He said landing next to Drestal.

Irzoile smirked then winced as a few stars soon began to appear on his stomach.Falling to his knees a barrier formed around him as blood splattered on the ground below him.

Drestal glanced at him. "You can win a war with just one battle," he responded, creating a gun between his hands.

Crizoia sighed and flew up.Well Irzoile talked as if they were friends but this kid must be too far gone.With the broken pieces around him he formed his own gun and a shield."...Not if your a redwing."He said glaring at Drestal.

Drestallerix glanced up at him coldly, then pointed the gun at Aija's head, cocking it.

Ceranda had killed the last of the Redwings in sight, as she glanced at Irzoile, then turned to see AIja and Drestal, eyes narrowing dangerously. Flying towards them, she formed a barrier over Aija.

Crizoia sighed and dropped his weapons.Well great..,he thought with a sigh.When Ceranda appeared he backed up.He didn't know what to say.What the hell is up with this kid?

Drestal watched Ceranda approach, withdrawing the gun but leaving it cocked and in his left paw.

Ceranda landed beside the shield around Aija, formed of shadows and obscuring the prince within. she frowned at Drestal. "Your primary mission has always been to protect Prince Raijato has it not?" She snapped at him.

The child soldier said nothing at first, meeting Ceranda's gaze levelly. "No," he declared coldly after a moment of staring. "My mission was to win a war."

Crizoia backed away then flew up.Family affairs were not in my job description,he thought as he landed next to Irzoile's barrier.

"Then maybe you should stop switching bands." She replied darkly.

"I've been looking for my enemy," Drestal replied flatly, still meeting her gaze. "I don't hold loyalties above my mission."

"Have you found your enemy?" She asked, not breaking his gaze.

"Affirmative."

"Who is your enemy, Drestal?" She asked.

"Myself." The answer was surprisingly easy to say, and he did so candidly, with an indifferent expression.

Ceranda's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Why... How did you reach that conclusion?"

"By your account, the mission is to protect Aija. That means my enemy is whoever is dangerous to him. Logically, if I endanger him, then I am the enemy." Drestal's tail twitched and he fingered the gun. He wanted to complete his mission NOW, with no more delays or interruptions.

Ceranda almost laughed, she'd have no problems letting the kid follow on his own warped mission if not for the fact she knew Aija had feelings for him. But she didn't have time tho think up an answer, as Aija suddenly flew forward from inside the shield, in an attempt to tackle Drestal to the ground, both hands aiming to grab Drestal's wrists.

Drestal jerked in surprise and the gun fired randomly, bullet blasting harmlessly into the dirt as he twisted reflexively, trying to escape or retaliate.

Aija flapped his wings to ensure they went down on the ground, eyes narrowed in anger though tearfilled. "You're NOT the enemy!" He shouted into Drestal's face. "The REDWINGS are! For brainwashing you and trying to brainwash me!"

"They used me to reach you." Drestal stared at Aija, apparently unemotional. "Your emotions make me dangerous."

Aija looked down at him. "They did... I know they did.. But killing yourself won't make things better!"

"It will accomplish my mission," Drestal corrected him.

Aija shook his head, "No it won't!" He shot back, "I won't let you kill yourself!"

Drestal pressed the back of his head into the dirt, trying to get leverage to push Aija off of him. "Why not?"

"Because you're important to me!" He replied, still staring down at Drestal.

Drestal didn't have an immediate response for that, so he remained where he was, staring up at Aija. "That's ridiculous."

"Maybe!" He said, shifting his weight to his knees, that lay on either side of Drestal's torso. "But I don't care! You are and nothing will change that."

Drestal's metal wings were cutting into his back. "It's too dangerous," he told Aija flatly, trying to ignore the pressure in his spine. He couldn't allow Aija to be endangered, not because of him.

"You think it'll be less dangerous with you gone?" He replied, not backing down. "I'm the PRINCE... there will always be someone trying to get at me, use me or kill me. It'll only get worse as I grow."

Drestal grunted, feeling the heat of Aija's blood on his chest. "You're bleeding to death." He stared Aija in the eye seriously, measuring the Prince again.

"I don't care." He said just as seriously, eyes on Drestal's. "If you kill yourself I'll follow."

The child soldier stared at him. "...fine," he declared. "Get up."

Aija brightened slightly, smiling. He sad up, pulling himself off Drestal, then wavered, feeling faint from bloodloss and the sudden change in position.

Drestal heaved himself up, pulling into a crouch.

Ceranda reacted quickly as the two finished speaking, grabbing Aija as he began to topple to the ground. She took him gently into her arms and looked at Drestal, nodding slightly as she took flight back to the castle.

Drestal stood, dripping blood that wasn't his. He watched her go wordlessly, reevaluating what had happened. Aija... why had he done that?

Ceranda took Aija to his room, setting him down on the bed as she used her shadow powers to heal him herself. "That was very risky Aija." She scolded gently. "I know you care for him, but that was going a bit too far."

Aija frowned slightly, only half conscious. "I know..." He said, before falling asleep.













Aija awoke a good three hours after he had fallen asleep, eyes opening with a yawn as he rubbed his eyes.

Drestal had succumbed to exhaustion, his head tilted to one side as he slept against the wall.

Aija sat up silently, looking over to Drestal and smiling slightly as he watched the soldier sleep.

Drestal stirred slightly in his sleep, one wing rasping against the stone. He jerked awake, sufficiently startled by the sound to regain consciousness. "Uh?"

Aija stifled a laugh, crawling from the covers, "You should put something over your wings so they don't scratch the stone like that." He commented.

The young soldier grunted some sort of reply, apparently not up to that kind of effort merely to preserve his sleep. "Your mother wanted you," he told Aija, changing the subject abruptly.

Aija blinked, "She did?" He looked back at his bed, "Oh... she covered me up then?"

Drestal nodded once, jerkily.

"I see." He sounded mildly disappointed, but he quickly jumped to his feet, shaking the last of sleep from his head. "I'll be back then." He said, padding to the door.

Drestal started to get up and follow then stopped abruptly and sat back, setting his teeth in a line.

Aija didn't see this as he closed the door behind him, walking down the hall towards Ceranda's room.

When Aija was about half way to Ceranda's room another turned a corner and into the hall. Kali didn't notice Aija at all just walking silently, keeping beside the one side of the hall.

Aija saw her just in time, skipping back slightly, "Hey Kali!"

Kali jumped a little in suprise as she heared her name and blinked looking towards Aija "P...Prince Aija...?" She said suprised and confused. "D..Do you need something?"

Aija shook his head with a grin. "Nah, just going over to see mom. How've you been doing?"

"G...Good....." Kali said quietly, not udnerstanding why Aija had started talking to her out of the blue.

"That's good, you should calm down, it's safe here, you're way too nervous always!" He said, moving to put a paw on her shoulder.

Kali bit her lip a little as soon as Aija touched her. For almost anyone else she would have just moved back and away from who ever got close to her...but she didn't want to seem rude towards the prince. Her eyes looked down at the ground "I...I'm sorry..."

Aija frowned, noticing her discomfort. He took his paw away, "Well um... work on it kay? It's kinda sad to see you so quiet and stuttering always."

Kali just looked at the ground silently "I...I'm sorry Prince Aija....." She said quietly.

"Well uh... I gotta get moving so... OH!" He smiled slightly, "Think you could make my bed again? I kinda took a nap in it and stuff..."

Kali looked at Aija nodding a little "I...I'll go do that right now...s...so I don't...get in your way..." She said quietly.

"Sure..." Aija smiled at her and then skipped down the hall, finally knocking on Ceranda's door. "Mom? Dad?" He called out.

Irzo had dozed off in the chair and slowly looked up at the door. "Mm...Come in.." He said stretching alittle,still sleepy. Yawning big he looked around the room for Ceranda.

Kali walked quietly down the hall till she got to Aija's room and opened the door and walked in, not expecting anyone to be in the room.

Ceranda was nowhere in sight, as Aija walked in, looking at Irzo qith a smile, "Hey dad, mum told me to come... er... is she here?"

The instant the door opened Drestal leapt to his feet, drawing a gun as he darted around the barrier to point the (cocked) weapon right between Kali's eyes. 

Irzoile looked around,still half asleep, and shrugged. "Probably doing things around the castle..I needed to talk to you.." He rubbed his face in attempt to wake himself up. "First of all how are you feeling?"

"Great!" He smiled widely, "I beat Drestal in our sparring session!"

Kali's eyes widened in shock as she froze in her spot her whole body shaking in fear. Her eyes where glued on the gun "I......I....." She stuttered unable to say much at all.

Irzoile laughed as Aija smiled big. "I knew it!" He said jumping up. "How is he taking it?" He asked wincing alittle as he stood.

Drestallerix relaxed when he realised who it was--well, mostly. He lowered the gun at any rate. "What do you want?" The soldier stared at the Royal demon with cold amber eyes, ready to kick her out the instant she made a wrong move.

Aija's grin widened, "He's all sullen and sore, and doesn't wanna be reminded."

Kali looked at Drestal, her fear not leaving her at all "I...I just... c... came... to... c... clean up..." She said quietly biting her lip. Maybe...she should just come back later...this xweetok scared her...BADLY.

Drestal stared at her with narrowed eyes for a few seconds, unblinking. Then he backed up, giving her space to pass him--though not much. His metal wings twitched. That was suspiciously prompt of her...

He laughed alittle more but sat as his wounds began to glow. "I bet.." He said still smiling. "Listen..your mom and I are going back to the forest to visit everyone.." He began his face and voice suddenly serious. "...I..want you to come with us..Ena's been having a hard time with the house being so quiet and last time I talked to Zai he seemed pretty depressed..We could use your high spirits.."

Kali looked at Drestal nervously before going around him, making sure not to touch him at all. She went over to Aija's bed silently and started remaking it, staying completly silent and her heart pounding in her chest still.

Aija's spirits sobered quickly, frowning slightly as he laid his ears back. "Uh... well... I... wanna stay here."

Drestal stood against the wall, not quite leaning on it, and watched her. The gun dangled from his left hand.

Irzo also frowned and sighed. "...Its your decision." He seemed greatly upset but wasn't going to push him. "...I'll send everyone your regards and give Amira a hug for you." Slowly he stood and looked down at Aija for a moment then looked to the balcony.

Kali bit her lip avioding to even look at Drestal. He scared her a lot, and the fact the gun was still in his hand didn't help at all. She finished the bed looking around a little to make sure she didn't need to do anything else.

Aija bit his lip, squirming as he listened to his father. "Uh... I..." He looked at Irzo as the other looked away, "I'll go, but I just.... don'twannagowithyouguys." He said quickly.

Drestal knew he was making her nervous--he'd been trained to pick up on it when he was younger. Right now, though, she was just being slow because of it.

Irzoile looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "And why not?" He grit his teeth alittle at how difficult this was becoming.

Kali looked at Drestal for a moment before back at the ground. She was done atleast...She quickly walked towards the door and left the room, she just wanted to get away from Drestal as quick as possible.

Aija sighed, "Because it'll be uncomfortable. Mom hasn't... seen them since she was split and it'll be awkward when she goes back." He wanted to avoid that, he didn't want to see his mother like that. It hurt him.

The door closed behind her--not loudly, but with a soft click.

Irzoile nodded but sighed. "..I see." He said still not smiling. "Then do what you want." He was still upset but there wasn't much he could do.

Kali quickly walked down the hall a little and turned a corner before stapping her back to the wall as she let out a sigh and slid down onto the ground. Her whole body was still shaking from that short encounter, she really...REALLY didn't want to be anywhere near that guy.

Aija looked at his feet guiltily. "I'll port myself to he forest the day after you guys leave." He mumbled.

"Sure...sounds fine." He said walking over towards the balcony. "...Thats the only reason I wanted to talk to you.." He said frowning still. "You can get back to your room now.." He didn't mean that as a demand but his tone of voice probably made it sound that way.

Aija's ears and tail drooped as he nodded silently, going to the door and leaving the rom before dashing down the hall, biting his lip.

Irzoile sighed and leaned against the balcony. Silently. (bah XD)

Aija ran blindly down the hall towards his room, not seeing Kali slumped on the floor ahead. Hemanaged to trip over her feet, falling with a startled cry onto the ground.

Kali jumped a litle as she heared Aija fall and blinked in suprise standing up "P...Prince Aija?!" She asked going over to him worryed "Are you alright?!"

Aija sniffed slightly, sitting up and quickly rubbing his eyes. "Y..yeah... fine..." He mumbled, not looking at her.

Kali blinked looking at him worryed "What happened? Are you sure you are ok?" She asked looking at him confused, what had happened? If you looked at her, her eyes had a couple tears in them from the jump of fear Drestal had gave her, but she didn't notice.

"It's none of your business!" He said roughly, looking up at her, then noticing the tears. He stopped, sniffing again. "What happened to you?"

Kali quickly jumped back away from Aija when he spoke biting her lip "I...I'm sorry it was none of my business! I...I should go now..." She said quickly backing up more.

"Kali, wait I'm sorry..." He turned towards her, still on the ground. "WHy were you sittng here crying?"

Kali looked at him nervously taking another step back "I...Its nothing Prince Aija....I...I should really...get back to work......" She said quietly.

He stood slowly, dusting himself off. "DId Drestal do something?"

Kali blinked, looking at Aija for a moment before looking back down at the ground and shaking her head a little "N...No Prince Aija..." She said quietly then biting her lip. She...didn't want Drestal more mad at her.

Aija wasn't convinced, but he sighed, shaking his head, "Just... ignore him, okay?"

Kali didn't look up at all nodding a little "Y...Yes...Prince Aija..." She said quietly, though not sure if she would be able to do that well.

Aija looked at her for a while more, before turning and walking off towards his room, frown set as he glared slightly at the stone walls.

Kali watched him nervously before quickly turning and going down the hall away from Aija's room, a moment later dissapering around a corner.

Aija returned to his room bursting the door open, looking towards the wall where Drestal usually was with a death-glare.

Ceranda returned to her room to see Irzoile up and at the balcony. "Irzo? Has Aija come?" She asked, walking over.

Irzoile turned and smiled, hiding how upset he was. "I couldn't convice him..he wants to wait until we come back.." He said looking back at the scenery frowning.

Ceranda frowned slightly, walking up to Irzoile's side. "Until we come back?"

Dresta was waiting in his usual spot and met Aija's glare with a bit of bemusement. Something must have gone badly.

"Yea..." He had thought up an excuse to cover Aija but didn't really see a point in lying. "..He said it'd be awkward." The frown on his face stayed and he sighed. Aija was just looking out for himself I suppose, Irzo thought sighing again.

"What did you do to her?" He demanded, entering and closing the door with a bang.

Drestallerixeliarath's eyebrows touched briefly as he frowned. "I did nothing," he replied with some irritation. The tip of his tail law on the ground. "Who are you talking about?" The bang of the door didn't make him flinch in the slightest.

Aija scowled, "Like hell you didn't and you know perfectly well who I mean, I sent Kali here to do my bed and now I saw her crying in the corridor. WHat did you DO to her?"

Ceranda winced, "I see..." She sighed, "He still blames himself, doesn't he?"

"Nothing," Drestal frowned slightly at Aija. "I didn't touch her." He was at a bit of a loss to explain Aija's sudden aggression.

Irzoile rolled his eyes. "Of course." He said shrugging. "...I'm sure there's more to it than that.." At this point he was done talking about it. "I just want to go home and see Amira and Zai already. If Aija doesn't want to go then he won't go." The frustration within him was building.

"You just stayed there, and watched her do my bed then?" Aija asked, not satisfied and frustrated with the situation.

Ceranda nodded, "Well, I finished talking things out with Penja, why don't we go now then?"

Drestal nodded curtly. This was a bedroom, not a battlefield.

Irzoile sighed. "...Fine with me." He muttered as he stood up. "Are you up to going now?"

Ceranda smiled, "Yeah, I wanna see Zai and Amira too."

AIja glared at Drestal silently for a few seconds, then he turned with a harrumph, heading to the window.

Drestal watched him, still frowning a little, eyes narrowed. What was going on?

Nodding he walked beside her and swallowed hard, all this suppressing emotion was starting to get at him. "..I'm sure they missed you." He said not so reassuringly as he thought about Aija.

Aija jumped onto the window sill, hanging out as he grabbed the side to look back at Drestal, "You're an insensitive idiot!" He said, before jumping out the window, disappearing downwards.

Ceranda looked at him with a small worried frown, hugging Irzoile softly, "Hey, don't worry, he'll be fine in the castle."

It took Drestallerix a full second to digest what had just happened. Once it hit him he sprang to his feet, running to the window and jumping out before he even checked to see where Aija had gone. The metal wings that held his spine together snapped open the instant he was airborne, catching the wind and keeping him aloft as he looked around.

Aija hadn't waited to be dangerously close to the ground to open his own membrane wings and had soared down and Drestal could see the kid's tail flick as he flew around the corner of the castle.

Irzoile didn't hug her back just nodded. "...I know." He said exhaling loudly. "...I don't get that kid." Probably because he was so much like himself.

Drestal beat his wings in rapid pursuit. Whe he reached the corner he brought his wallside wing in and let the momentum he'd gathered swing him around the edge. "Raijato!" Why was Aija running? ...flying? Fleeing?

Ceranda sighed, "You'll get him.. I hope." She laughed slightly, letting go of Irzoile to turn, opening a direct portal to the outside of the treehouse, waiting for Irzoile to pass first.

Irzoile smiled and nodded. "I doubt I will." He chuckled alittle and walked through the portal. As he stepped through he smiled seeing the treehouse. Inhaling deeply he closed his eyes and the stars on his body began to glow.

Ceranda stepped through after him, letting the portal close behind her.




Aija didn't look back as he continued to fly away from him, around the next corner of the castle, gaining height.

Drestal spread his wings out farther to catch more air as he rose in pursuit of his... whatever Aija was. Target. Person. He grit his teeth in frustration. What was going on!?

Aija soared higher, and finally disappeared behind one of the castle's spires.

The silver wings of the child soldier thrummed through the air as he followed, determined not to let Aija get away.

As Drestal passed over the spire, there was no sign of Aija's flight anywhere.

Perplexed, Drestal circled the spire.

Aija was seated on the ledge, just above the last window, back against the wall and feet and dtail dangling down, almost camouflaged in the shadows.

Drestal actually passed him and had to circle around again, coming in to land on the very top of the spire. "What's going on?" he demanded, his low voice wary.

Aija was silent for a few seconds, "Go away." He said sullenly.

Drestal didn't say anything, staying where he was. He folded his wings closer to his back and let his tail stream out a little to balance his body.

Aija sat silently on the ledge, looking out at the desert west of the castle, and the faint mountains in the distance.

For once Drestal's training in silent observation paid off. He remained quiet, waiting for Aija to say or do something that required him to respond.

Aija, however, didn't seem inclined to be the first to break the silence, and it stretched on between them.

Hours passed. Eventually, Drestallerixeliarath was forced to speak, mantling his wings slightly with a soft clinking. "Why are you so upset?" That sounded about like the right question, anyway.

Aija sighed, running his finger along the edge of the ledge. "You wouldn't understand." He replied.

Drestal frowned. It was a common thing for parents to say to children, though he didn't know that--not having grown up around any kind of family. It was the first time anyone had said that to him, and it found it frustrating. "What?"

Aija scowled slightly, "You don't get it, you'll never get it."

Drestal's ear twitched with frustration. "Why?"

Aija shrugged. "Because you think you're a weapon and nothing more."

Drestal frowned, failing to follow. "And?"

Aija looked up, "You can't understand feelings ebcause you've never let yourself feel them!"

Drestal blinked, leaning back a little. The way Aija said it, it sounded more like an accusation that a statement. "...I'm not stupid."

Aija scowled at him, "You are when it comes to feelings."

Drestal met Aija's eyes flatly. There wasn't much he could say to that. He didn't understand emotions because he'd never had any--Aija was right. It wasn't anything new, though. He waited to see where this was going.

Aija looked down. "You're an insensitive person, and you hurt others because of it." He mumbled.

Derstallerix took a moment to digest that. "Hurt them?" It was true he wouldn't win any prizes for sensitivity, but he didn't see how that could HURT.

Aija nodded, standing. "Yeah, hurt. Feelings can be hurt, it's not a physical thing but it hurts anyways."

The brown kit shifted on the spire, wrapping his tail around it as best he could. "Feelings hurt?" This was altogether a new conept to him--As he'd understood it, feelings were altogether extraneous, like having extra arms or something except more useless.

AIja nodded, "You should have noticed it! You've hurt my feelings countles times..." He said, turning to look at Drestal and loosing his footing, teetering over the end as he flapped his wings and flailed with his hands to keep from falling.

Drestal didn't miss a beat--he dove for Aija, grabbing him by the arm and hauling him back towards the spire before overshooting the ledge itself and flying out into empty air.

Aija yelped slightly as he was pulled towards the spire, grabbing onto it and holding onto Drestal's hand as the other flew over the ledge, wincing as he was pulled from the spire by the other's weight.

Drestal's wings flailed wildly in the air as he tried to regain some kind of balance. But with Aija hanging onto him he instead lost any kind of flight and fell, swinging down and sideways to slam into the side of the spire.

Aija winced both for his arms and Drestal's slam, letting go of the soldier as he grabbed onto the spire then kicked off, flying into the air and landing on a flater portion of roof.

Drestal's jaw popped at the impact, but he had the presence of mind to stay along the spire as he fell, catching himself on the ledge, wings spread just in case.

Aija turned back to look at Drestal, frowning as he watched the other dangle on the ledge.

Back before Drestal had ever met Aija, he'd climbed a cliff before jumping--blind--through a portal to Niflheim. That skill proved helpful now as he heaved his upper body over the ledge, climbing up to where he could crouch safely, watching Aija to make sure the other was safe.

Aija had his hands on his hips as he watched him, then sighed, falling into an indian squat on the roof.

Drestal's ears twitched, swivelling around to the sides as he turned to stare at Aija. "... you were saying something before this."

"Was I?" He replied evenly.

The brown kit frowned slightly. "Yes."

"Tell me something..." Aija said, "WHat did you f....think... when I was talking to Hikali?"

Drestallerix paused. "I don't remember," he said finally. "You were in danger, but not." Which was probably the most useless thing he'd ever said.

AIja laughed. He laughed and fell back on the roof, looking up at the partly cloudy sky.

Drestal flattened his ears, looking at the sky, then Aija. "What?" His tail twitched on the ledge like a small animal.

"You're hopeless!" Aija said, as he calmed down, heaving himself too a sitting position. "Though that's probably the strangest way anyone could have of defining jealousy."

Drestal scowled at him. "I wasn't jealous."

Aija laughed, "Yes you were, you just don't admit it. I wasn't in danger, but you felt like you might loose ME... you didn't want me to give her attentions I normally reserve for you."

Drestal continued to scowl at Aija, but in fact he had gotten the impression that the servant girl was somehow threatening Aija. The idea that he'd been jealous was ridiculous, though.

"Whatever, you're just not admitting you have feelings and they were hurt." Aija stood. "And I..." He stopped, sighed and shook his head. No, Drestal wouldn't be able to help him with the other thing that ahd bothered him so much... because he didn't understand feelings.

Drestal was still watching him, though, waiting for him to finish the sentence.

Aija  didn't finish it though, "Let's go back." He said, before taking flight towards his window.

Drestal sprang off the ledge, spreading his artificial wings to trail the prince back to the room. As dar as the soldier could tell, it seemed Aija had resolved his problems on his own.

Aija landed soon enough on the widnow, hopping into his room and walking to his desk, a small scowl on his face.

Drestal swept in through the window, staggering at the landing. He missed the scowl--he was too busy trying to recover his balance.

Aija glanced at the oter with a raised eyebrow, since when did Drestal have landing problems?

The soldier recovered, though, straughtening and closing his wings over his back as though nothing had happened. He caught Aija's raised eyebrow and raised one of his own questioningly.

Aija shook his head, turning back to his desk with a sigh. Would Destal ever be less stoic and... cold?

Drestalerix frowned slightly but moved away, giving Aija the space to do whatever it was he did at his desk.

Aija sat silently, grabbing a book and trying to read. But it wasn't long before his thoughts strayed back to his conversation with Irzoile, frowning slightly as he felt his throat tighten into a knot.

Drestal was fumbling with the pillow, trying to get it to stay at the point where his wings met his back. Aija's frown wasn't lost on him, however, though he didn't react.

Aija blinked rubbing his eyes. Myabe he should have gone with them... dad seemed so... disappointed... but...he sniffed, looking down at the book but not reading.

Drestal's ear twitched and he glanced up. What was Aija doing over there?

AIja's head lowered slightly as tears fell silently, balled fiststs on the desk as his tail wraped around his feet.

Even Drestal couldn't miss something as obvious as that. Putting the pillow on the ground quietly, he padded over to stand by the desk. "What's--why are you crying?" He adjusted his phrasing slightly to cover his ignorance.

Aija sniffed again, rubbing his eyes. "You wouldn't understand." He said in a small cracked voice, not looking at Drestal.

Drestal's tail twitched. "I might."

Aija scowled, "I... didn't go with mom and dad back to the forest, and.... dad was really disappointed. He didn't force me but he looked really sad and..." He couldn't really explain in words what he felt, it sounded so trivial when he said it, he knew Drestal would never understand why it bothered him so much.

He was right--Drestal didn't understand. Well, not completely. He understood disappointment as something bad--when his superiors had been disappointed it had generally been a bad thing for him. But in this case he suspected Aija was not upset because he anticipated punishment of some sort. Unless... "Did he hurt your... feelings?"

Aija nodded, "Y...yeah, I guess so..."

Drestal furrowed his brow a little. "How do you..." he searched for a word "fix feelings?"

Aija's frown puckered slightly, then he moved towards Drestal, hugging the other's middle as he sniffed.

Drestal stiffened. That was not exactly the kind of answer he'd wanted--or expected.

Aija noticed the stiffening, but for once he just held on, sniffing slighly as he leaned on Drestal.

Drestal's initial instinct was to rip away, maybe shoving Aija into a wall or something. He made a conscious effort not to do that, however, and instead cautiously put both of his hands on the top of Aija's head. It seemed as good a place for them as any.

Aija slowly relaxed, one part of his mind was surprised when Drestal didn't pull away, though he just shoved said part down. He felt good, just sitting there holding Drestal.

The brown kit just stayed where he was, awkwardly sort of rubbing the top of the prince of Niflheim's head.

Finally, Aija sat up, letting go of Drestal and rubbing his face. "Thanks." He said softly.

Drestal blinked down at him. "Sure." There wasn't a lot to say.

Aija smiled slightly, maybe Drestal could learn, slowly. He turned back to his desk, closing the book.

Drestal shook his head slightly. That had certainly been different.









Aija felt restless after everything that had happened and being in his room was too much. Finally standing, he looekd to Drestal, "I'm going out for a walk." He said, going to the door.

Drestal pushed himself off the wall, mantling his wings. He didn't need to declare his intention to follow.

Aija walked out, heading to the exit of the building, as different thoughts played through his mind. It wasn't till they were close to the main exit that AIja spotted Kali. He waved to her smiling. "Hey Kali!"

Drestal closed his eyes briefly in exasperation. There was an entire castle for the servant girl to be in. So why was she always RIGHT THERE?

Kali jumped a little in suprise turning and looking at Aija "P...Prince Aija....." She said quietly then seeing Drestal and biting her lip hard and looking towards the ground nervously as her tail curled up around her one leg.

Aija walked over, ignoring Drestal, "Are you busy?"

Kali blinked a little looking back up at Aija for a moment shaking her head a little "N...Not at this time Prince Aija..."

Drestal stayed where he was, waiting for Aija to finish the conversation so they could leave.

"Perfect!" He said, grabbing her hand, "Come with me, I'm going for a walk out on the wall!"

Drestal's ears flattened back without his permission, betraying his opinion of this idea. If he'd had any concept of 'jokes,' he would have questioned Aija's seriousness.

Kali looked at Aija in suprise "U...Um...B...But....." She muttered unsure and quickly clamping her mouth shut not wanting to argue with the prince and risk getting in trouble.

Aija grinned slightly, "Don't worry, it'll only be for a while, you need to relax a bit!" He tugged on her, leading her outside.

Kali bit her lip nervously as her eyes went towards her and Aijas hand. She really didn't want to...it met being around that other Xweetok more..."I...I'll just......g...get in the...way though...."

Drestal trailed along behind the two, silent.

"Of course not!" Aija said, walking alongside her as he led her outside. "Drestal's always quiet and isn't very good to talk to, so it'll be fun if you come!"

Kali bit her lip a little harder as she looked down towards the ground nervously "B...But...I......" She muttered quietly still very unsure.

AIja shook his head, "Why are you always so nervous and doubting yourself?" He said, finally letting go of her hand, as he walked casually beside Kali, leading the way up the stairs to the wall. "You're such a pretty girl."

Drestal padded behind them, ever-present but unspeaking. He was partially caught up in observing the way the two interacted and partially caught up in a desire to get rid of Kali.

Kali just followed now but didn't look up at all, her ears pinned back agenst her head "I...I'm sorry..." She said quietly. Hearing Aija's second comment her face quickly went a little red as she once again bit her lip and her tail twitched uneasly behind her, she desided to keep quiet though about that.

Aija walked silently for a while before speaking again. "What happened to you?" He asked her, "What happened to make you so scared?"

Kali winced a little hearing Aija and hesitated, stopping in mid step for a moment "N...Nothing Prince Aija..." She said quietly before again walking and still not looking up at him.

Aija stopped, grabbing Kali again, as he gently pushed her against the battlements. "Kali... something happened, didn't it? I... know you barely know me, but... can you please tell me?"

Kali looked at Aija nervously "I...Its...n...nothing the Prince n...needs to...w...worry a...about......" She said struggling to get out her words.

Drestal was silent, his glare all but boring holes into the back of Kali's head.

Aija frowned, "Do you not... trust me?"

Kali bit her lip looking towards the ground "I...I...d...don't....but...I...." She tryed to get out, but at a complete lose for words as her body shook a little.

Aija sighed, taking a step back from her, looking past her. "I see... I..." His eyes widened suddenly as he grabbed Kali, pushing her to the ground. As he did, a long arrow shot through the air where she had been, passing through his upper arm.

Drestal moved quickly, placing himself almost instantaneously between Aija and the direction the arrow had come from. His amber eyes narrowed.

Kali yelped in suprise as she fell to the ground. She looked up eyes widening in shock as she saw the arrow "P...Prince Aija!!" She said in worry quickly standing, her body shaking in fear, what was happening?!

"Stay down! Aija said, falling to his knees as he grabbed the arrow with a wince, looking to Drestal. A figure in the distance turned, fleeing behind a hill.

Drestal ignored Aija, staying where he was. He kept an eye on the hill, watching for the figure, then swept his gaze over the rest of the grounds to make sure there were no others. He couldn't leave Aija unguarded, but if he could pick the attacker off....

Kali looked at Aija in worryed "B...But your arm! W..>We need to get you inside!" She insisted looking at Drestal for a moment before back at Aija.

Drestal didn't look back at them in case the bowdemon appeared. "I'll cover you if you run," he said, his voice hard. It would be more dangerous for them than staying with Drestal on one side and the wall on the other, but moving targets were tougher.

Aija looked at Drestal, "Go after them!" He said, crawling towards the stairs, to keep his head below the wall's level. "I won't let them get another shot at me."

Drestallerix didn't need to be given the mission twice. His wings snapped out and he leapt, stony-faced, over the wall to fly towards the hill.

Kali looked at Aija in worry keeping down beside him, her eyes looking towards his arm before she looked and watched Drestal leave "L...Lets get y...you back into the castle..." She said looking back at the prince.

The bowdemon did not reappear, and there appeared to be no other in the vicinity. But Drestal was a ways away from the hill still.

Aija nodded, as he descended the stairs. He winced then, feet giving way under him as he fell towards the ground.

Kali's eyes widened in shock as she quickly moved forward to catch Aija before he hit the ground looking at him with worry "A...Are you ok?!"

It was difficult, leaving the person he was supposed to guard behind. On the other hand, though, he couldn't let this problem continue to run around, sniping at Aija at odd times or whatever else it planned to do. Eliminating the enemy was preferable to continually playing defence. He narrowed his eyes as he drew closer to the hill, silver wings beating the air smoothly. -c-

A gun began to form in the space between his hands.

Aija grunted, shaking slightly as he looked at the arrow, "I...it's... p...poisoned..." He said weakly.

Kali looked at Aija in worry "W...What?!" She said her body shaking in fear "W...We need to get inside!!!" She said trying to bring his one arm over her sholder so she could get him down the stairs and to a healer.

The air whizzed as another arrow shot out from a building behind the hill towards Drestal.

Aija nodded, letting Kali half carry him, trying to keep as much on his own feet as he could, but his shaking got worse as he leaned heavily on Kali, breathing hard.

Kali bit her lip worryed as they finally got down the stairs and she looked at Aija worryed before turning to get into the castle.

Drestal folded his wings and dropped, evading the arrow through reckless manoeuvring. He cradled the gun in his hands, modifying it carefully to increase its accuracy and range. If they were going to snipe at him, he'd snipe back.

Aija cringed, collapsing against Kali with a faint cry, shaking and breathing laboured. "Get... Llamiis." He said, looking up at her.

The shadow of the sniper disappeared into the building.

Drestallerix did the obvious thing and followed.

Kali looked at Aija worried still badly. She wasn't very strong so carrying Aija a lot did get a little hard but she nodded a little "W...Where would he be?" She asked already quickly moving down the hall with Aija.

"Sh..ould be... in me...no..." He paused, as it got difficult to breath, "Down below... torture...chambers..." he let out at last.

Kali looked at Aija nodding a little as she carryed him as quickly as possible down the the torture chambers. Why the HECk would a healer be down here?! "L...Llamis?" She called out looking around nervously.

The figure, though too dark to make out, had a long bushy and pointed ears, and feathered wings pressed against it's back as it turned into a corridor, a bobbing feathered hat taunting Drestal.

There was a short yap and a door opened with a rush of amp air, revealing a grey-framed red face. "Hello? Is something wrong?" A faintly smiling blackhorn yurble greeted Hikali pleasantly, one wiggling zomutt tucked under his left arm.

Aija's eyes had closed, concentrating on breathing, as blood dripped down the shaft of the arrow still through his arm to the ground.

"Prince Aija!!" Kali said quickly looking at the black horn for a moment before the back to the fallen prince who by now she was struggling to carry "Please! Its poison he needs help!!!"

Drestal gave chase, modifying his gun as he ran--clumsily. He threw the weapon around the corner, letting it explode with a bright flash and a burst of sharp metal fragments.

There was a cry of pain and a thud from the other side of the corner.

Drestal rounded said corner, newly formed gun out in front, ready to fire.

Llamiis dropped the dog, face changing at the sight of the injured Prince. "Give him to me," he said, taking Aija from the servant girl roughly and setting him on the ground. Without waiting for permission he ripped the arrow from Aija's arm and placed one red-glowing hand on the wound.

Aija moaned in pain as the arrow was jerked out, still shaking as he poison coursed through his body.

The wocky on the ground had turned, a knocked arrow pointing towards Drestal that he let fly as he appeared.

Kali watched as tears started to fill her eyes and she watched body shaking badly from worry. Please be ok, she pleaded in her mind.

Drestal fired before he ducked, making the death of the demon priority.

The wocky cried out, falling back to the ground, extravagant feathered hat falling off his head.

Llamiis bit his lower lip with black teeth, seeking out the poison magically. By now it had spread rather heavily through the Heir's upper body. The blackhorn had a slight frown on his dark face. The first thing he had to do was seal off and cleanse the area around the brain and heart, but the heart came first...

The arrow lanced through Drestal's right ear but passed through, leaving a hole that oozed blood. He fired again--it increased the chances that the demon actually died.

The woky didn't respond to the second shot, laying where he'd fallen.

Drestal padded over, ignoring the hole in his ear as he advanced cautiously.

Aija continued to shake, breathing becoming slower as his lungs failed him.

Llamiis shook his head to clear the grey mane fur from his face as he responded to the newest bodily crisis, extending a magical 'branch' to the lungs... he had to shore them up so he could clear the rest of the poison out.

Kali watched her fear rising as more tears formed in her eyes and her body shaking more as she took a step away.

The wocky had feathered wings like Crizoia and his sister, or any angel from Valhalla, and the longbow was elaborately designed with feather-like designs.

Drestal picked up the bow carefully, turning it over in his hands. How any demon kinds had feathered wings? He didn't know, but he suspected Aija would. There was still too damn much he didn't know.

Aija's breathing stabilized, though still weak, shaking slightly under Llamiis's healing hands.

Llamiis continued to root out the poison, trying to shield any vital organs from its effect. He utterly ignored Hikali, however--this poison was strong and he needed concentration.

The strange feathered hat lay discarded a few feet behind the wocky, large feather bobbing slightly still.

The movement caught Drestal's eye and he approached the hat warily. He'd seen a hat like that before... on an usul.

Aija's shaking diminished slowly as Llamiis worked, the pained expression on the Heir's face smoothing out.

Taking the hat, the soldier leaned over the body--quite dead--and patted it down, looking for anything else that might help.

Besides the quiver of arrows strapped to the wocky's back, he didn't carry anything else on him.

Llamiis continued to cleanse Aija's body--while the Prince as no longer in a life or death situation, the yurble wanted every trace of toxin gone before he let the Heir be declared safe.

Drestal took the quiver and arrows too, just in case. Then he set out to search the rest of the building.

The building was in a state of disrepair, the floors covered in rubble. In a lower room Drestal found supplies, food, a canister with water and three more quivers of arrows, identical to the one on the wocky.

Aija finally stopped shaking, as the last of the toxins were taken from his body he fell into a more tranquil sleep.

Drestal frowned. He couldn't carry all of this... and most of it was surely unnecessary. He took a mental inventory, though, so he could give a full report.

Llamiis relaxed a little, falling back to the wall. The red glow dissipated and he glanced at his hands, which were wet with blood. The zomutt was advancing curiously and Llamiis scooted him back with one hind foot. "Not for you, Gomi," he chided, not willing to risk the petpet's life on lingering poison.

Kali was still standing frozen looking at Aija before slowly over at Llamiis "W...Will h...he be...a..alright now.....?" She asked worryed and trying to stop her body's shaking atleasta little.

Aija lay for a while silently, before waking slowly. He looked up at Llamiis, then over at Kali, sitting up with a wince. The stone floor uncomfortable on his wings.

Llamiis nodded, wiping the blood onto his pants. "It's good that you brought him right away." He began to smile reassuringly, but was distracted by Aija's stirrings. The Blackhorn knelt. "How do you feel?" It was a serious question, despite the lingering smile.

Kali just watched silently, tears still in her eyes as she looked at Aija relifed he was alright.

"Tired..." He said, looking at Llamiis, "But the pain is gone." He wasn't smiling though, as he turned from Llamiis to Kali, looking sadly at her face and tears. "...are you okay?"

Kali looked t Aija in suprise and shock as a few more tears formed in her eye "Y...yes...b...but why did...you d...do that?! Y...you could have died! W...Why d...didn't you...m...move out of the way...youself...?" She asked in confusion her body shaking more.

Llamiis picked up his petpet and edged away slightly, getting out of the way in case the Prince wanted to rise.

Aija smiled faintly, still looking at Kali. "If I moved, you would have gotten hit, and you would have died." He said, slowly getting to his feet unsteadily. "I wasn't sure it was poisoned or not, but I knew as long as I didn't take it in my chest, I'd survive."

"B...But...I...You..." Kali said biting her lip and looking down towards the ground as she took a nervous step back.

Llamiis sat down, cross-legged, and tapped his thigh thoughtfully.

Aija held onto the wall for support, still smiling at Kali. "You're important too, and... I promised you you'd be safe in the castle..."

Kali shook her head a little looking at the ground "I...I'm not...important..." She said quietly biting her lip hard "A...And...a...a promise...like that...s..shouldn't...b...be...made..." She said her voice no more then a whisper.

Aija sighed, as he watched her. "Don't say that... and don't tell me what promises I cannot make. Our clan is in danger of extinction, and every member is precious. Even a simple maid."

Llamiis still seemed to be smiling, though he didn't say anything for a second. Then he spoke up. "Promises are dangerous things, but it is good to see someone keeping them."

Kali bit her lip looking up for just a second before back down in shame "I...I'm sorry Prince Aija...I..its not m...my place to say...And forgive me but...." She looked at the ground biting her lip sadly for a moment before continuing "But...this place is not...always as safe as you...s...say it is..."

AIja looked at Kali and frowned, "Why do you say that?"

"B...Because is is true..." Kali muttered, thinking about Qunryun's attack on the castle and as she did her body began to shake more then it had been.

Aija saw the shaking, but he didn't know why. Then he remembered what Penja had taught him of the more recent history of the castle. "...Qunryun?"

Llamiis' eyebrows rose slightly at the name, which he didn't recognise.

Kali's body shook more as she heared Qunryun's name and tears filled her eyes "Y...y...you...mean...t...that...monster....."

"You... you were here?" He asked, taking a step towards Kali. "That's it right? That's why you're like this?"

Kali didn't move or look up at Aija "E...Everyone...was dead...t...the halls...there where body's...a...and blood...everywhere.....h...hear....hearing them...all killed..." She muttered as her arms wraped around her and her tail tightly went around her legs.

Llamiis smiled serenely, petting Gomi to keep the petpet quiet.

Aija bit his lip, she had been here, and yet survived... and... "I'm sorry...." He said softly, as he walked up to Kali, gently hugging her.

Kali didn't even seem to notice Aija hugging her at first but when she blinked and finally noticed her face went a little warmer and she unconsiously tryed to push Aija away a little.

Aija held her still, not letting her push him away. "Please... if no one else... can you trust me?" He said softly.

Klai's eyes where filled with tears and her body shook more "B...But...P...Prince Aija....." She said quietly, unsure and scared as to what to say. All she wnated to do was run away, but Aija's hug wasn't letting her do what she wanted.

"I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to force you..." Aija said, slowly letting her go. "But I know what it's like to be alone, and... I don't want you to be alone."

Llamiis got up suddenly and left the hall, entering one of the open interrogation rooms and shutting the door behind him with a faint -click-

Kali looked at Aija through her clouded eyes "B... But... w... why... d... do... you care... about... me at all...?" She asked confused.

Aija smiled at her. "Because we're alike... in some ways." He leaned on the wall, "I... don't think status is all that matters to care for someone. Why shouldn't I care about you?"

"B...But...." Kali said nervously looking at the ground "I...I'm of...n...no use...to...to you Prince Aija..."

Aija rolled his eyes slightly, "Kali that's not true, you can be very useful, and not just because you can make my room." He looked at her with a sad grin. "I told you already, I know what it feels like to be alone. I would like to share with your company more."

"H...How...can...you know what its like......?" Kali asked more tears forming "You have your mother and father...you have a family!"

Aija frowned, "I... was kidnapped when I was newly born... and for six years I was alone, locked in a dark room and trained harshly." He looked at Kali, "I've spent so much time alone locked away, it was... so painful..."

Kali blinked, a few of her tears falling to the floor as she looked back up at Aija. With out a second thought (And a couple second to rethink what she was doing) She ended up going over to Aija and hugging him tightly crying more and her bady shaking as well more then before.

Aija blinked in surprise, then hugged her back, smiling softly, "It's okay..." He whispered, "You're not alone anymore."

Kali just stood there, hugging and crying. She hadn't had anyone...who understood...or anyone to talk to...for what seemed like forever for her.

Aija felt tears going down his face as well, as he slowly slipped down to the ground, taking Kali down as he leaned his back on the wall, holding her close and letting her cry.

Kali sat down on the ground still holding onto Aija but she was starting to calm a little as her hug lossened.

Aija's head drooped, his hold on Kali growing lighter as well as his eyes closed all but completely.

Kali was relaxing more as she closed her eyes "T...Thank you...P...Prince Aija..." She said quietly.

"Y..you're welcome." Aija said faintly, eyes closing completely as exhaustion took over.

Kali slowly fell over to the side her eyes closed and she quickly drifted to sleep, her head resting on Aija's lap.

The door to the interrogation room opened, and Llamiis emerged--sans zomutt and sans bloodstains. Both Royal demons were asleep, it seemed. Well, this was... interesting. He smiled. Bending over, he removed gently Kali from Aija's lap and laid her on the floor before scooping up the Prince. It would be safer if the Heir slept in a bedroom and not an open hall.

Aija stirred slightly in Llamiis's arms, but otherwise did not awaken, the poison and emotional drain of the day ensuring he slept even as he was put to bed.

Kali seemed quite content even as she was left in the hall, in a rather calm but deep sleep.

The Blackhorn laid the Heir on the bed and, after a pause, pulled the sheets over him for good measure. Now to find out who had shot that arrow..

Penja found Kali still asleep in the corridor, and she knelt by the child, shaking her gently. "Hikali? Kali what are you doing asleep here?"

Kali slowly woke blinking and sitting up in suprise as she backed up agenst the wall "P...Penja......" She said bliking and looking around rather suprised. She had fallen asleep? Where was Aija?

Penja sighed, "Yes, me. What are you doing asleep here? I was expecting you an hour ago in my office."

Kali looked back at Penja" A hour ago?!" She asked rather shocked. How long had she been asleep? "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have fallen asleep!" She said quickly standing "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have made you wait like that! A...and then you...I'm so sorry!!!"

Penja sighed slightly, standing as well. "Come, let's go to my office. What happened?"

Kali bit her lip looking at the ground before nodding a little "I...The prince...I was...w...walking with him...and that other guy...And...He got hurt...."

Penja looked sideways at Kali. "Who got hurt?"

"T...The prince did...His bodyguard chaced after the one who shot at him..." She explained quietly. "I...Brought him here...to get healed..."

"I see... is the Prince okay now?" She asked calmly.

Kali nodded a little "I...The arrow was poisoned...but...L...Llamiis healed him..."

Penja sighed, she'd have to get more details out of Aija and Drestal later it seemed. "And how exactly did you end up asleep in the hall?"

Kali bit her lip a little nervously "W...We started talking...a...and...I ended up telling him...about before...I got really upset...and...once...I calmed down...I was really tired..."

Penja smiled slightly, "I see... and Aija?"

Kali bit her lip even harder as she looked right at the ground "I...I think...h...he fell asleep to......." She said her face feeling warmer after saying that.

Penja's smile widened, glad Kali wasn't looking up. "I see... well apparently he was taken to his room, I suppose by Llamiis, I'll ask him later."

Kali nodded a little refusing to look up now as she just followed Penja in silence.

Penja led her to her own quarters instead of her office, the smile fading slightly as she stopped at the door. "Well you've had a long day, so go sleep, it's late already and everyone else is asleep as well."

Kali blinked looking at Penja "I...Its ok! I got some sleep...I'll be fine...!" She insisted, hating the fact she had ended up messing up and not showing up when she was suposto.

Penja took on a stern look, "And what will you do if not sleep? It's night, I would be asleep too if I hadn't been looking for you after you failed to show up after you finished your duties."

Kali bit her lip hard looking back down at the ground "I...I'm sorry...I shouldn't have fallen asleep like that...if...if I had just...I...I'm really sorry Penja....."

Penja sighed, "It's okay, Kali, you're still young and you've been through a lot. I told you that already, don't push yourself okay?" She smiled, "If you think this is too much for you yet, I can return you to your old duties."

Kali shook her head a little "I...I can do it...I...I'm just sorry...t...that...I made you wait...a...and made you look...I...I shouldn't have done something so bad...like...falling asleep in the hell like that...."

Penja put a clawed fin on her shoulder. "I said it's okay. I'm glad you were able to open up to someone else."

Kali bit her lip as Penja touched her "I...I shouldn't though...H...He's the prince...I...I should...j...just do my job...and...k...keep to myself..."

Penja shook her head. "Kali listen." She let go of the xweetok to kneel and look at her in the eyes. "If I reassigned you as his maid it's because you both needed someone there. You're not just in charge of doing his room, but also to be there for him, and in return he'll be there for you."

Kali looked at her unsure "B...But...He is the prince! I'm just......." She bit her lip looking at the ground. She was noting....really...just some nobody...

Penja frowned, "Stop it. You are who you want to be. The clan is basically broken, and ranks mean nothing. I'm sure Aija told you this. You're just as important now."

Kali didn't seem as sure she just looked at the ground silently. How was she important...if...she was like this...there was not a single part of her that she saw as important.

Penja could see she wasn't getting through to her. "You are important to Aija... didn't he show that to you today?"

Kali bit her lip hard hearing that "I...I should go to sleep now..." She said quietly.

Penja nodded, "Okay, good night then." She stood, walking off.

Kali watched her for a moment before turning and walking into her quarters silently closing the door behind her.