[IC] [Skybreaker] Lumières Caelum [tenebrae16]

[tenebrae16]

The chair had given out under his weight, off course, the chair had given out under his weight. Using his arms, he hauled himself over to a table that he could support himself on when he pulled himself back up because his legs were near impossible to move in this state. A frightening feeling of being paralyzed. Why was he so weak? Let himself get into such a vulnerable..pathetic....weak state. Open out to attacks. Off course, very little could attack the underground, but had it happened on the surface, Path didnt know what might've happened.

He sat up, ears pricked. He expected to hear Edge running to find out what had happened. And fumbled for an excuse. Could he just say he accidentally fell over? Would that be enough. Chewing his lower lip, he turned his head to the door as Skylark came running out, calling him, but he ignored the child. Staring straight at the door, waiting, anticipating Edge coming soon after to check on him. A whole minute of silence passed before he tore himself away and picked up Skylark.

" No I'm fine, Father just tripped was all. I'm fine." The words were so hard to get out, catching in his throat. His chest was tight and breathing felt increasingly difficult, but no, Path was fine. Really, he just tripped and fell. Silly clumsy old Path. He chuckled under his breath, but choked on it, a strangled sob escaping instead and he silenced himself. Silly.....clumsy....Stupid....weak. He fought back tears. Crying was useless. Weak. He wasnt.

"Skylark, go on and play with your Daddy and brother, alright?" He murmured softly, letting him go. He wanted to pick him up again, have his son's warmth and look into violet eyes that still cared, but...no time for that...no time.

Sleipnir giggled, placing a hand on Daddy's cheek as they rubbed noses. The crash and his brother diverting his attention, he looked away before he was suddenly yanked back and Daddy was covering his mouth with his. Kissing him ferociously, making him a little breathless. Off course, Sleipnir, like the scene in the bathroom didn't understand what was going on and was a little too startled to react to it properly. He smiled when Daddy pulled away and in all affection, asked, "What does that mean Daddy?"

[Skybreaker]

Edge struggled for an answer. As a scientist, he was good at that. Clutching the baby a little bit fighter, he whispered. "That means love, too." After regaining his composure, he pushed Sleipnir away a little. He felt hot, and his heart was beating so fast. This... this wasn't right, was it? Strangely enough, it didn't seem wrong at all.

Skylark was all but sobbing. Why wasn't Daddy coming to Father? Did he not care? That couldn't be so, could it? Skylark ground his teeth together ferociously. "I don't want to play with Daddy, I want to place with you!" Skylark argued. Then, with a look of determination, he burst into the bedroom where he saw Daddy still playing with Sleipnir. With a roar, he jumped at Edge with a burst of strength. Ignoring his Daddy's cry of pain, Skylark pulled at him. Then, deciding to take it a step further, dug his claws in Edge's arm. "Father. Is. Hurt." He growled.

Edge suddenly looked up as Skylark crashed through the doors. He smiled warmly. "Oh, have you come to- Ahh!" He screamed in surprise as Skylark tackled him. Breathless from having the wind knocked out of him, he shot a confused look at the gre-haired dragon. However, before he could say anything further, he screamed once more, this time in pain, when he felt several sharp claws dig into his arm and pull out, tearing a few tendons. Gritting his teeth, violet eyes reflected pain and blood gushed about.

But after hearing what his son had to say, Edge sat up right away. Pushing Sleipnir to the side, he ran out the door, to Path. To his mate. He ran until he was onl a foot away from the dragon. It hurt to see him like this. His dragon. The one he... Still not sure if he loved him, but certain he didn't want him to be hurt. Breathing heavily, he felt his blood leaking out.

Reaching out with a single hand, Edge wordlessly grabbed him in a headlock and dragged him back to their bedroom, not allowing his blood to touch the dragon. If Path wanted to spark up conversation, Edge would ignore him. He silently yet gently put the dragon on the bed, and put a finger to his pulse. Breathing out harshly, he turned to Skylark and Sleipnir. "Don't ever do that again." He said venomously. He then averted his gaze back to Path. "We... we need to talk. No denying it anymore. We need to-" Suddenly, Edge lost it and broke down on top of Path, tears leaking onto the other's furs.

Whimpering as his Daddy threatened him, Skylarl shrunk back and hugged his brother in comfort. Of all the scary things they had seen... Daddy was the worst!

[tenebrae16]

Path reached out to reassure Skylark once more, but the young dragon had already dashed into the room. Path stood rooted to the spot as he heard the heated exchange inside followed by Edge's frantic screans. He should go in. Help. Tell Skylark off and comfort his mate, but....it was getting hard to breathe again. His chest hurt, heart pounding heavily against his ribcage. He barely reacted when Edge burst out, clutching his bleeding arm. Path just wstched him, licking his lips as if he were about to speak. Pretend to be oblivious or act concrrned and rush to him, but instead he kept silent and let Edge drag him.

Dimly, he remembered how he used to lick Edge's wounds clean and close them up with his own blood. The urge to fo so came back strongly to him, but he noticed the way Edge kept his arm away. Was he thst repuksed at Path's weaknesses? Is that why he never touched him like he used to?....

He remained mute as he sat on the bed, eyes trained on Edge. Then on the cowering Skylark and tge frightened Sleipnir. "Edge, not infront of the young..." He said softly, the first words out of his mouth made him cringe. They were pleading instead of stern and oh....how disgusted he was with himself. Silent, he watched Edge breakdown and cry, what a mess. This was not his mate, his mate was.....

"Sleipnir...Skylark..." He said softly to address them and remind Edge they were still in the room. Gently, he pulked the blanket over the sobbing human and slid off the bed to usher them out. Outside the room. He stared down at them both, "Stay outside here, do not go elsewhere....Skylark. ..we will...talk about this, you shouldn't have done that to Daddy...."

Sleipnir had been shaken when his brother burst into the room and pounced on Daddy. The warm moment soured and suddenly Daddy was hurt and Skylark was saying Father was hurt too and...when did Daddy's voice get so scary? He, likewise, clung to his brother more in confusion than fear. Clinging tightly to him alk the way out, he could feel him trembling.

Silently, he sent his thoughts over, all the comforting ones of warmth and love, but it didnt serm enough. So he hugged his brother tightly, then leaned forward and kissed him soundly on the lips. He didnt see Psth freeze at the gesture.

"Skeipnir, where did you learn that?" Father's voice sounded strained for some reason. Sleipnir looked up at him, eyes wide, "Daddy just thought me..it means love." He said in a soft voice as he turned his attention to Skylark, "I love my brother and everything will be alright."

Softly, Path closed the door.

Staring over at his sobbing lover, he once again was frozen to the spot. His head hurt as he tried to digest what Sleipnir had just told him. His heart ached and everything screamed at him that it was some distorted form of the truth. No, Edge would never.....not his Edge. "What did you wish to talk about?"

[Skybreaker]

Skylark felt his eyes get damp. Why did he feel anger and hate everywhere? Had he... done something wrong? Families fought all the time, but it would be fine because they loved each other. Right? He assumed Edge would just regenerate soon, but was not expecting there to be red blood on his claws. Why didn't Edge have blue blood, like dragons were supposed to?

Skylark nodded solemnly as he was pushed out of the room. Holding onto his brother for support, he wished he could still be in his little egg, where everything would be safe. Everything would be happy. This... this wasn't happy at all.

Almost immediately after stepping out, his brother e,braced him tightly. Then all of a sudden, there was something warm and slippery and slimy on his mouth! It was his brother. Freezing in shock, Skylark's violet eyes widened alone with his mouth dropping open. This was too much... This was what Path and Edge were doing in the bathroom, and... He was too dazed to speak, even as he door closed shut.

Edge's stomach flipped as he saw Sleipnir kiss Skylark sloppily. His careful gaze traveled to Path and he swallowed nervously. He was done crying. He didn't have any tears left. With no water, it was taxing to cry so often. The only water was in the form of food, and even that was running low. His eyes had a new fire to them. "I kissed Sleipnir ." He said slowly. "I'm not going to lie to you anymore, Path."

Edge swallowed nervously. It was time to confront the dragon. "I want to talk about us." He began, clutching his arm as it bled and swinging his legs over the side of the bed to support himself. "I want us to be mates again. And I'm not stupid. I know you're hiding things from me. So I'm going to show you how much I trust you." He took a deep breach and stared into those golden stars.

"I know... I was like, a dragon? Something like that. Anyways, when you and the kids were gone, I was visited by one of my old comrades. He asked me to help them n a war. At first, I said yes, but then I denied him. I'm a human right now, so I'd be pretty much useless in a battlefield, you know?" He tried to force a laugh.

"I'm scared, but I'm even more scared to tell you. You've changed. You never... cared about being strong anymore. I haven't seen you cry ever since the kids were born. What the hell are you trying to prove!?!" He didn't understand. "Path, I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you, as long as I'm alive. I'll give you my heart and my soul, but you have to ask for it. I don't need you to be a fearless god, I want to have someone who loves me!" He searched the dragon's eyes for anything that would show his emotions.

"Why? What did I do wrong? Tell me... and I'll try to fix it. I'd do anything for you, Path. But I don't think you know that. I kissed Sleipnir because I wanted someone to love. In the bathroom, I felt like I was making love to a statue!" A few tears fell onto his open wound. "Please... tell me what you want from me and I'll give it to you. I'll let you into my mind if you want to change me. I... I... I don't want to lose you, Path!" He said in a painted voice. "I'm human, so I make mistakes. But I don't want you treating me like a kid. Its good to care and be strong, but does the knight were his armor in the home? No. So why aren't you showing me your true emotions? I can deal with ugly. I can deal with dark. Can deal with scary, or selfish, or whatever! But I can't deal with someone who won't let me in." He finished. Now it was Path's turn to rant.

[tenebrae16]

Path kept his gaze down on the floor, it made it easier not to cry. He didnt want to cry. Not infront of Edge. With his back to the door as if he was going to flee any moment, he stayed silent and listened. His heart...surprisingly he couldn't feel it beating anymore. Perhaps it had stopped or was pounding so fast that he barely felt it ache. It wouldn't be surprising if he fainted now would it? His head felt like it was about to burst anyway and it was a struggle to stay conscious and listen to Edge. What was wrong with him?

His ears pricked at the mention of a hydra having visited and Path looked up, catching Edge's gaze for a brief moment before it became too much and he looked away, but he knew somewhere he had been right. The hydras were poisoning. Once they were taken care off....Edge wouldnt need to even consider going back to them, after all...Edge had said yes and only reconsidered because ge was human. Path took that seriously, biting his tongue before he could question it. He let Edge continue.

Finally, when Edge had said his turn, there was a long stretch of silence. Path was still biting his tongue and it was a millennia before he spoke again, "I do love you...I would tear out my heart before I dont. I would do it alk for you, I have, but in the end.., you just don't know it, but I do." He whispered softly and his eyes were distant remembering the day they fought. Because Edge knew he was weak, he had left then crawled back dying. Perhaps if he had been stronger Edge wouldnt have left in the first place. Nothing would've happened and they could have avoided all if this.

"One day, you'll discover all over again how strong you are Edge and you won't value the weak like I. One day, you'll find that you have longer and you'll tire of me, I think you have already. You say you dont, but....I know...I jnow." His voice trembled and he managed a watery smile, "I can't stop it, but I'll delay it as long as I can and I'll treasure the memories of before of when you....still wanted me. While you still do. " He looked up and there were tears in his eyes, sparkling as they rolled slowly down his cheek. His smile was gone, now he just couldn't keep up a facade anymore. "You were never weak, I was just never strong enough for you. Not enough for our children....no....and you're already tired of me s-so....let me be your hated knight for a little longer if I cannot be the mate you wanted."

[Skybreaker]

Edge felt his eyes prickle even further and he stood up and stayed only a foot away from Path. He wanted so badly to hug him, but if he did, Edge would cry all over again. And they needed to sort this out. "Path... you're kind of frustrating me here.." Edge admitted. It was a simple game of questions anymore, this was serious.

"I'm not something you need to protect, Path. Do you not trust my words? You do not believe everything I'm saying to you? We don't have much time together, and we both know it. You're really old... and I can't die. I'm going to be missing you, but I need to love you every second while you're still here. Path, you say I'm stronger than you, so let me protect you. It must be hard carrying the whole world on your shoulders." The violet-eyed male said softly.

"If you really love me, prove it. Tell me everything. Yell at me if you need to get something out. If you choose to be antisocial, well.." Edge grinned broadly. "I broke that wall once, and I'll break it again if I have to! This fighting isn't good for us,or for our kids. But I won't stop bugging you until you let me in! You of all people should know how dtermined I can be! If things get rough, cry on my shoulder. If life gets too hard to hold onto, hold my hand instead. If you're ever down, just tell me, and..." Looped his arms around the dragon, hugging him warmly. "And I'll do my very best to make you feel better I promise!"

He then pulled away, holding Path's hands and kissing his knuckles. "So what if I uses to be a dragon? I'll only leave if you want me to." He paused, and chuckled. "Actually, scratch that. You're stuck with me!" He looked down quickly. "I'm sorry. I've apologized before, but I want to make sure I clear everything up. I'm sorry for taking control of you. I'm sorry that I kissed Sleipnir . And I'm so, so, so sorry I yelled at you. But there is one thing... I will never apologize for." He smiled, a tear threatening to fall down his cheek. "That I broke my jetpack and almost go killed. Because I met the love of my life that day."

He then brought their lips together, breathing a toxin into Path's mouth. It had no tongue, no saliva, and no teeth. Just a quick exchange of breath. "Swallow it. I noticed you were feeling faint. That has some pretty strong antibodies that should help you out. Let me protect you, too! Let me fight alongside you, Path!" He held his tongue. "There will be a war soon. I don't want to be on the opposite side of you, but if I feel you're not listening to me, I'll... I'll go crazy! Please, let me see you cry. I want to make sure you still have a soul." He grinned sadly.

[tenebrae16]

Path looked away, not wanting to think about what might happen in the future. Should he die first or shoukd Efge, out of his humanity, leave him and forget this life that they had. Time would always be against them. The thought weighed him down, though Edge's reminiscences of how he had come through to Path..off the beginning they had, all the coldness, the tension, everything that Edge stripped away from him. A clean slate. To start a new life, have a family. It brought a sad smile to his face. Those cherished memories...

The hug was warm, loving and long overdue. He breathed Edge's scent in deeply, of metal and fresh lime, oh, how he missed it. Yeah, he missed being this open. Being this close. He hid his reluctance as Edge pulled away, soft lips pressing kisses on his hands. They felt cold in Edge's own, having forgotten this warmth too. His heart pounded steadily, could Edge feel it? They way it skipped its rhythm, beating erratically at his words, going silent when he smiled at Path, then finally calming itself as Path breathed in deeply to clear his head. Edge's lips, warm and firm against his own and Path reveled in the chaste kiss, feeling dizzy even though it was meant to help him.

"Edge...." He said softly, barely audible, as he took a steo forward into an embrace. Slowly wrapping his arms around him, resting his head on his shoulder. Softly against his ear, "Every Path has an Edge, right?" Before he hid his face against his shoulder, arms tightening around Edge as Path wet his furs. In quiet shaky sobs, Path led Edge hold him while he pretended, for a moment, that nothing existed outside of this room. Nothing but them and this unfathomable warmth. There were no wars, no hydras, no humans....only all the time in the world for the both of them. For Path to cry and then some.

Finally, after what may have been forever, a hand tugged the fur around Edge's neck to reveal the bare curve of his shoulder. Warm lips placed gentle chaste kisses along the skin, trailing up to his neck and Path murmured in his ear, "Please, be my mate. Show me.....mate with me, slowly....lovingly. I need this..."

[tenebrae16]

"Long Pm session here"

Path sighed softly as he woke, taking a moment to catch his breath as he stared up at the ceiling. Only awoken out of his post coital haze by Edge rolling off the bed. He stared down at his mate, then pulled the blankets and pillow down to settle on the floor with him. Taking his time to slowly clean off the boy, lick at all his cuts and kiss his bruises. It had sure been a much needed rough and prolonged session. And after, Path knew he had promised to tell his mate everything and he would, once he awoke. For now though, he tucked Edge in and went to open the door.

Sleipnir was the first to fly to him, wrapping his arms around Father's legs and hold him. Path smiled and picked up his son, then extended an arm to Skylark. It wasn't right to neglect them for his mate, he felt a warmth having them close. He wasnt gonna forsake hus family.

[Skybreaker]

Mumbling incoherently in his slumber, the helpless human giggled silently. He was so out of it he probably would have agreed to putting on a dress and singing a song about candied apples. Well, he would probably do that if he was paying attention, but that was beside the point. He wouldn't be getting up for a while.

Skylark followed suit hastily, wanting to apologize. But his eyes focused on his Daddy, and his mouth dropped open in fear and despair. He put his hands in his hair and fell to the floor. His eyes were filled with tears as he tried not to look at Father.

"I killed Daddy!!!" He wailed.

[tenebrae16]

He held Skylark close, wanting to pick the both of them up when Skylark wailed out loud and Path couldn't help but smile at his son. Slepnir, in the meanwhile, had his eyes gone wide at the sight of Daddy lying so still. He was frozen in Father's arms for a few seconds before he rushed over to his brother and started to hit him with tiny curled up fists, bellowing angrily at him, "No! How could you!?"

Path was quick to pick the both of them up, separating them as he brought them outside once more, "Hush..." He said softy to the sobbing Sleipnir, now crying into his arm. He sat on a chair and placed both of them on his lap, "Daddy is just sleeping, he's tired. Let him rest. Daddy still loves you both very much, but it was very wrong of you Skylark, even on my behalf, to hurt Daddy." He spoke, turning his head to stare at Skylark, golden eyes meeting violet. He kissed his forehead and ruffled his hair gently, "Don't do it again, young-un," he turned to Sleipnir now, "And no matter what, it isn't right to hurt your brother. Ever. Promise me, both of you, to be good."

Sleipnir nodded solemnly, drying his tears and then turning on Father's lap to give his brother a hug, burying his face against his neck.

[Skybreaker]

Skylark continued his frantic head-shaking and sniffles even as Path picked him up. He was as panicked as Edge when Path locked him out. The whole time his parents had been mating, Skylark wondered what exactly it was he had done to anger everyone. It was after only realizing there was blood on his hands that Edge could have been killed, if Path wasn't around. He had licked his claws clean, trying to hide what he did.

Suddenly, he was being struck and punched and Skylark wailed and cried louder at the strange, unpleasant feeling that was physical pain. Eyes flickered to stare widely at his brother. His brother, who loved him so much and vice versa was hitting him. "I'm sorry!!" The baby dragon cried. His brother was strong, no doubt about it. And Skylark winced and dried from the pain. If he was human, it would leave several bruises.

When Path told him that Daddy wasn't dead, Skylark cried in relief and let out a deep breath. There was still so much guilt in his mind. "Will Daddy ever forgive me? He was so angry and mean about it. Oh, Father, what do I do??" This was the first time he felt so unpleasant and yucky and icky.

"I promise not to hurt Daddy, Sleipnir , or you. Ever!" He promised, wiping his tears using the back of his hand and giggled shortly as he was kissed on the head. Father's lips were soft. He then hugged his brother back tenderly.

"You love Daddy a whole lot, huh? I do, too, though." Skylark whispered. He wished Daddy would wake so they could play. "Father, do you love Daddy again?" He asked the dragon.

[tenebrae16]

Path held them both tightly, running a hand through Skylark's hair in an attempt to further soothe the aggitated toddler, "I'm sure that Daddy has already forgiven you, he loves you both very much, but if you still feel bad over it then let Daddy wake up and get cleaned first befors you go and apologise properly." He knew, like himself, Edge couldn't possibly stay mad at their two beautiful offsprings. So very much like their Daddy...that made Path wonder, the smile slipping off his face. Would Sleipnir and Skylark be as long lived as Edge was or any Hydra for that matter? Children always were meant to live longer, but Path couldn't help but feel bitter at the thought of his mate and children long surpassing him. Having their lives go on forever while his could be measured in a few decades...

"I love Daddy and Father and Sky all very much!" Sleipnir declared, still hugging his brother before he pulled away to check for any cuts or bruises he might havd inflicted on his brother. It had been pure fury and fear that had spurred him on then, but now he regretted having even dare raise a hand against his brother. They were meant to love each other alot after all, hug and play not hit and fight. Sleipnir placed a hand on his brother's cherk and stared into his eyes, "I promise never to do it again!"

Path was brought out of his worried thoughts by his children. Right, he should focus and enjoy the time he had now, not worry about the distant future. He nuzzled the two happily, "Now, since you both have waited so patiently, how about we get you something to eat?"

[Skybreaker]

Skylark giggled and squeezed his brother in their hug. One moment they were crying, and the next, they were hugging and once again loving and happy. Or so it seemed. Skylark was a bit wary and as his brother looked him over, he realized he had been lucky enough not to be wounded. Sighing in relief, Skylark blew up his cheeks like a balloon. He giggled once more at his own foolishness.

"Okay." Skylark responded softly, with a smile. He then locked eyes with his Father. "Oh, yes!!" He exclaimed happily. But then he recalled the only thing there was to eat was that horrid thing that Father brought back that smelled awful. "But please don't make me eat that... that thingy, Father!" He begged with wide eyes. Skylark squeezed Sleipnir's hand, in hopes he would agree with him.

Meanwhile, trouble was brewing right outside their little shelter. There was a single figure lying on the ground right next to the manhole-like entrance to the facility. The shed that used to surround it was gone, ripped away. "Lalala..." He sang, pearl teeth flashing in a grin. Violet eyes flickered mischievously to the entrance, than bak up at the sky. He was making 'snow angels' in the debris, getting muck all over his silky tanned skin and ebony locks that were a bit shorter than Edge's. He styled his in a way that it covered one eye. He looked to be around fifteen, and wore a regal cloak that was only getting dirty. His woolen slacks were facing the same problem. He wore no shirt, so his torso was visible.

His nose was young and button-like, and he seemed like your average sickly-sweet handsome teenager.But he wasn't. He was Charon, a hydra and one of Edge's closest comrades. At least, he used to be. Suddenly he sat up and then stood up. The dirt and grime fell off of him as if it wasn't adhesive. He giggled insanely, a trademark of the hydra. He had waited, under Leonides' orders, to find Edge. Though he realized his whereabouts, it wasn't in his best interests to scare Edge. What kind of mate could he be if he did that?

For now, he would wait until Edge broke. Then he could swoop in and... Well, Edge would be his soon enough.

[tenebrae16]

Path kissed their foreheads gently, "No..for now, no, you may have some of the fresh meats within the vaults. You both deserve it for being so patient." He muttered, carrying them over to the vault doors, opening the one that he had broken open a few hours before. He stared at their dwindling supplies and food stock. He couldn't always let his young have the freshest of meats, he still planned to teach them how to hunt on their own and tolerate the surface, but he figured he would slowly wean them into it. For now, he would let them enjoy just a little bit the freshest they still had.

He sat them both down and retrieved a nice chunk of raw beef, if Edge were here he would have cooked and seasoned it long before he let it near his children, but Path didn't want them to grow picky. So he gave them both a small chunk of meat each. Watching them. Sleipnir was quick to grab his own chunk of meat, happy to scarf it down as quickly as he could. Happy to stuff his face in the juicy red meat. Path shaking his head and telling him to slow down affectionately. Rubbing his cheek gently and then wiping Skylark's mouth. He really did love taking care of his children, even the simplest things he enjoyed,

But...he really couldn't stay for too much longer. He had promised Regnum to be there..."Sleipnir..Skylark, once you are done, clean yourselves up and keep Daddy company, alright?" He murmured, softly hurrying them to the room. He was going to be quite late if he delayed much longer, the day was bound to be ending soon, he would just have to tell Edge after and he had promised to tell him. He turned to the chute and took a breath, clawing up it to the surface. He didn't expect anything more than a long journey when he reached the top...

[Skybreaker]

Charon, hearing the gentle klings and klanga coming from the chute, quickly dashed under the giant cluster of mud and debris, wanting to hide. Deep violet eyes didn't even blink in discomfort as his body was caked in goop. He loved Edge too much to dare complain. Tears began to form in his eyes as he recalled his mate. Edge.... He had to do what Edge, his king, told him to. But what if Edge still wanted him? The boy clutched a hand to his heart. "I love you, my king... Please... stay safe for me..."

Skylark was busy chewing his meat. It was cold and raw and simply delectible. He ate it slower than his brother, but still stuffed his face. Skylark ate the pieces pretty much whole, and licked his red lips and fingers afterwards. He giggled when Father cleaned him off. "I love Father." He mused aloud.

A Path's words, Skylark nodded slowly. "Yes, Father." He knew Path was going to be gone for a while. He squeezed brother's and and placed a gentle kiss on his Father's cheek, "Don't tkle more time than you need to." The boy pleaded before leading his brother back to Daddy's room. He sstrode proudly; he had a mission! He kneeled next to Daddy and observed his sleeping face. Edge's mouth was parted slightly, and his arms were hugging a pillow. He was so serene, even though he was snoring softly. Skylark tugged Sleipnir's arm. "What should we do? He's asleep."

Meanwhile, Charon caught a whiff of a familiar scent. Excitedly, he turned to look at the chute. He saw his natural enemy- a white dragon. Charon growled dangerously softly. This man smelled like Edge. Charon felt a few years. Did Edge actually? No, not his mate. Then, Charon realized, this man had probably kidnapped Edge! Beelzebub told him Edge was in a relationship, nut Charon wouldn't take it. For now, he would be still and wait for the dragon to leave. Then he could rescue his king.

[tenebrae16]

His young's affectionate words stayed with him all the way as he climbed up the chute, even the biting wind couldn't take away the warmth he felt. Things were really beginning to look up. He sighed softly, holding jis last breath of fresh air before the pollution reached him. It was....strangely brighter than usual as hecreached the surface and it soon became clear why. Path stared at the remanents of the wooden shack once hiding their little lair, not inspecting it too closely though. Probably, a storm had finally ripped the rickety structure down. Though it wasn't wise to keep Regnum and the other elders waiting, Path felt uncomfortable having the cute so exposed to the open though, not wanting any of the mutated creatures or other scum to come across it and find his family. Edgr may be a hydra, but right now, he was still more human than anything and the twins were young.

He spent at least a whole half an hour building a sort of shelter over the chute opening, keeping it camoflagued among the rest of the debris. Carefully making sure it was set right before he finally set off to meet the elders and Regnum. Tge faster he did, the faster he coukd get backto hisfamily. He was too self asorbed in his own thoughts to notice the foreign scent of an intruder.

Sleipnir followed his brother, hot on his heels and trying to match his march. He was more than willing to help Skylark in repentence for hurting him. He sat right next to Daddy's head and petted him gently, stroking his hairlike Father had done to them. He lliked it enough so he figured Daddy would too. Glancing up at his brother,"I don't know....oh oh! Maybe we can tell Daddy a story like he always tells us....Do you know any stories?" He asked his brother. The only stories he knew were the ones Daddy had already told them and he didn't want to reuse them.

[Skybreaker]

He was about to spring at the white dragon and reclaim what was rightfully his. Even though Leonides had advised him not to, he needed to get this dragon before Edge forgot who he was entirely! He was handsome- no doubt about that. It was no wonder Edge stayed here, even having the gall to reject Beelzebub's offer. "That's just how Edge is, I suppose." He mused to himself. Before he could strike, he found that Path was doing something strange. One thing for sure, he wasn't leaving yet. With curious, bright eyes, Charon watched as Path worked on creating a kind of cover on the chute. The hydra's eyes softened in understanding. If Edge was his mate, he would want to protect him, too. Biting his lip angrily, knowing Edge belonged to this dragon, Charon felt a few warm tears on his face.

"Sleipnir, you know I don't." Skylark pouted, not really knowing any. He then froze. This was for Daddy, after all. Maybe he could try. "Let's see... Let's try to think of one, hm?" He offered, wanting to try something for Daddy. He held his brother's hand in his own two and squeezed it reassuringly. "Do you think we'll be with Daddy and father forever, Sleipnir?" He asked, hoping they would.

Path hadn't left yet, and Charon was beginning to lose his patience. Suddenly, he realized he might be faster. But he couldn't risk the dragon seeing him. With a soft rumble, he decided to stay out until the white dragon was long gone.

[tenebrae16]

The wind was cold and carried the stench of decay so Path kept his head down as he let instinct guide him to his elders. His scales had spread even more along his skin, creeping up his cheek and surrounding his eyes. It was a little harder to maintain this extreme inbetween, but it negated the need for clothing and having to be careful in where he stood. Edge had never seen this and Path thought it was best he didn't. His tail slithered behind him and his wings gave a brief flutter as he nearedthe sacred sight. He could see the elders already gathered, Sanare, her electric blue hair falling in her face. Silva, watching him with her gentle green eyes. Ferrum, with his silver claws tapping his arm impatiently. Anemoi, with piercing white eyes and his cold exterior. Terra, her warm smile was motherly making Path envy those under her....

And finally there was Regnum, smiling at him with equal intensity, whose hand felt hot as he stroked hus cheek and who's firey eyes lit up upon seeing the white dragon, "Relin, you have certainly kept up waiting. Has your mate thoroughly have you so entranced that tha hast forgotten us?" He asked, leaning closser with such intimacy, Path was sure he saw Anemoi actually squirm.

He smirked back and the elder and replied, "Nae, Relin, but whatst would be your choice shoukd you have to choose between war and family?" "My dear, this war is for family."

Sleipnir crossed his arms and tapped his chin in thought. Happy to hold his brother's hand when he offered it, it was almost natural to hold hands like this where ever they went. At the question, he was a littke caught off guard, but hastily replied, "Off course! Where else would we be? I want to stay with Daddy and Father and you forever!" He huffed at Skylark's silliness to even think otherwise, returning his attention back to Daddy, "Maybd0e we can make a story about Daddy and Father! Like...the princesses and knights in fairy tales!"

[Skybreaker]

Once the dragon left, Charon flashed a victorious grin. If he destroyed the cover, Path would know he had come. No, he needed this to be a secret. He needed to be able to pull Edge back slowly, by love. He smiled fondly at a memory of Edge hugging him gently, assuring him they would all survive. His king had that quality. He was like an ether. Casually, the hydra strolled over to the open chute and hopped in, staying perfectly vertical but falling slowly.

"Yeah! I think Father should be the prince!" Skylark smiled happily. This was his whole world. He was barely a week old, yet his mind was so complicated. Some dragons would come out of the womb ready to rumble. The dragon played with his shadowy locks and smiled at his twin. Sleipnir had so much faith in his parents, it made him think everything would be alright. Skylark's gaze fell upon his Daddy. He was so handsome...

"Gorgeous, isn't he, boys?" A voice cut through the peaceful silence and Skylark screeched in surprise. He clung to his brother. The man looked friendly, and Skylark let his guard down. He didn't have good instincts, while his parents usualy did. He didn't speak, he was much too nervous. The man had his Daddy's deep purple eyes but his smile was more kind. Edge had such a warm smile, but it was a mocking smile as well. This male had the kindest happiest grin he had seen. The next thing he knew, his hair was being ruffled.

Charon laughed. These were Edge's offspring? They were adorable! He hugged Sleipnir affectionately. They smelled of Edge, which only encouraged him further. The hydra were known to be quite eccentric. Once Edge loved him again, he could become these kids' stepfather! The though made him smile. When his gaze fell upon Edge, he was lost in ecstacy. Then he snapped back to reality and crouched. "Oh, I'm close to Edge. I'm Charon." He was about to add, 'I'm in love with him.' But decided against it. He heard a weak, "I'm Skylark..."

Smiling, Charon walked over to Edge's sleeping form. He played down next to his king and Nuzzled his stomach gently. He still smelled the same... of sugar cookies and fresh airy sky. Tenderly, he placed a loving kiss on Edges cheek, which caused him to stir but not wake.

While the Elders and Path were speaking, there was another firgure hat was closing in on them, slowly and cunningly. She was wearing an intricate robe, a cloak that covered her face in shade. Slowly, hesitantly, she made her way closer to the group with a callous step. She was obviously a bit wary. She smelled of cinnamon and spice, and thick black braids could be seen flowing out of her hood. She appeared a few yards right behind Sanare. She didn't appear to have an air of hostility, but was watching rather curiously. She was short, perhaps the height of a young woman. She payted her hand against her thigh in a rhythm,.

[tenebrae16]

"And Daddy is the princess!" Sleipnir eclaimed after his brother, looking down at Daddy. He was beautiful though it wasn't the sort of beauty in a princess. He couldn't actually place what it was, but that perhaps made Daddy even more beautiful. He reached down to smoith out Daddy's tangled locks when a voice startled him. He hadn't heard anyone come in abd he had been keeping an ear out for Father's return, so it unsettled him just slightly that someone had been able to sneak in without any notice.

Looking up at the man, Sleipnir feld a pang of familiarity, perhaps someone Edge had known. Had possibly liked too because Sleipnir couldn't feel any hostilitycoming from the man and his eyes were lije Daddy's so he couldn't have been that bad. He was still as cautious as his brother though, not returning the hug he was given though it radiated the same 'warmth' he had felt from either Father or Daddy. Pulling away, he stared at Charon curiously and asked, "Are you Daddy's friend? I'm....Sleipnir. .." His voice was soft and he siddled up closer to hid brother to squeeze his hand.

He watched Charon wearily, taking note of the way he looked at Daddy, such affection in his eyes like Father's own, but less guarded. Less fearful and unsure. He must really be Daddy's good friend, but Sleipnir couldn't help but speak up when he lay down, "You shouldn't do that. Only Father gets to do that to Daddy." Like he was reprimanding a school boy, thinking perhaps Charon was just confused and didn't know it wasn't right for him to do what Father did.

"You have grown, Relin. And now, I believe you have reached the age to take over your mother's place on this council." Regnum withdrew his hand and gently bit his thumb, a bead of white blood springing up. He smeared it gently along Path's forehead, the younger closing his eyes as he felt it. It was an honor, a gift and his birth right, but some part of him ached. Perhaps it was already too late for him, having fallen into the darkness, but he still felt the warmth and the strength of the...his fellow elders. He opened his eyes and stared up at Regnum who smiled down at him before saying, "Right, now, shall we deal with our uninvited guest?"

All eyes were immediately trained upon the stranger. Regnum turned to face her and in a voice that shook souls, asked, "And what business does thou have here?"