[IC] [Skybreaker] Lumières Caelum [tenebrae16]

[Skybreaker]

The cloaked woman stood strong and unaffected by Regnum's voice. Her beautiful locks jiggled as she raised a single hand to stifle her giggles. These were the dragon's elders? How amusing. And the male with white hair... She racked her mind, but decided he didn't know what she was capable of. Nevertheless, she had come on peaceful terms, so she should act as such.

"To my dear enemies, I would like to make a bet." The girl piped softly but arrogantly, though she knew she could never take on even two of these great dragons alone. "Let us bet, not on who will win, but what will be lost." Slowly, she removed her hood. No point in hiding her beauty, was there?

"I can imagine you have all been planning... you're not fools, after all. But you have no idea how to kill us, do you?" Violet eyes sparkled and lauhjed, though her mouth simply curled. "But as I said before, 'tis not why I'm here. I propose... you lot will lose a lot, perhaps not each other, but ones you hold dearly." She stroked a hand on one porcelain cheek. Her beauty seemed to give off a glow. "You all may be strong, but we don't play fair." Noire finished, with a distant expression.

"In fact, one of our own already infiltrated one of you poor souls' hearts." She rose a single manicured hand and pointed at Relin.

Charon looked back at Sleipnir and did nothing. Some would think he would lash out, like Skylark. Skylark wondered why Charon would do such a thing, and immediately he didn't trust him. Said hydra, meanwhile, scooped up Daddy in his arms and locked lips with him, moaning as Edge's sleeping hand reached up and caressed Charon's dark hair.

As the stranger pulled away, Skylark screamed and tried to dig his claws into the hydra. This... wasn't right. Charon shouldn't do that to Daddy. Daddy loves Father. Bit, to his horror, he found that his claws wouldn't break the tender flesh it touched. Charon cast a slightly mocking glance and chuckled. He gently pushed the two kids away as Edge's eyes tiredly fluttered open. The raw emotion was delicious.

"Ch-Charon!" The boy stammered, returning his friend's embrace without any second thoughts.

"Edge... I'm spry we didn't come for you, you were living such a peaceful life, even if you never really fit in with the humans, and and..." Charon trailed off and let himself cry, with warm tears falling on Edge's stomach. He sighed happily as his king kissed his tears away. "I missed you... Edge, do you love me?"

Edge smiled sadly. "You know I do."

Charon's eyes lit up and he grasped Edge's shoulders. "Will you be my mate...?" He inquired.

His king's eyes dimmed and he locked eyes with his subordinate. "This isn't the time nor place to be discussing this. There are children present. Charon, I know you haven't come on friendly terms. Have you come to discuss the war?" That was his Edge, always looking to the future.

"No, I've come to bring you home." Charon said giddily.

"Good luck with that." He snickered.

[tenebrae16]

Path's eyes widened as the stranger revealed herself. He knew her, he remembered her scent and the evil beauty that radiated off her porcelain skin. It brought him a great sense of unease to have her standing right infront of him and the impossible feeling of fear for some reason. The others, though calm in demeanour except for Ferrum who bore his teeth at the Hydra, were all tense and ready to pounce at the slightest mis-step.

Her words were sly, untrustable, and her bet ominous and cold. Path wasn't ready to ponder it over when she pointed to him and the fear in his heart grew. His eyes widened and he whispered, "Edge." Before he was off, running across the barren wasteland towards their liar. To his children, to his beloved mate. His wings pushing him alobg, dust rising behind him in clouds as he skidded to a stop at the chute, literally whipping away the cover he had spent near an hour building. Jumping down the chute without hesitation, landing hard on the bottom. Everything was silent to his well trained ears and the fear in his heart grew. Dashing to their room, afraid of what he might find.

Regnum watched Path run away, muttering 'Relin' under his breath before he turned back to the woman, crosding his arms, "Hydra, you know that we do nae partake in your perceived games. We are willing to sacrifice all we have for this earth, to undo the damage you have done. Play your games as you wish, I assure you, we are planned and prepared. You may take your leave now, Hydra and we shallst meet on the battlefield. "

Sleipnir stood numb as his brother rushed to hurt the man. He was unsure what to do. Sure he was doing things to Daddy that only Father should do, but he didn't seem to be hostile or bad, radiating affection and love evem though Sleipnir couldn't fully agree with it. Still, it wasn't as closed off and guarded as Father's was and itwas nice in someways.

Sleipnir grabbed Skylark's hand and squeezed reassuringly before pulling him into a hug, he whispered softly to him, "He's not gonna hurt us, but he wants Daddy." He continued to hold his brother, lifting his head as he heard Daddy wake and he felt a pang of relief. Good, Daddy was awake, he would know what to do. It was surprising, however, as Sleipnir watched Daddy kiss and comfort the stranger, even sound like how he sounded with Father. It was confusing and a little scary.

Sleipnir was first to break away and rush to Edge's side, pulling Daddy's hand, tears brimming in his eyes, "No!Daddy can't go with you! Daddy can't leave us so you can't take Daddy!" With adrenaline rushing through him, Sleipnir kicked and punched at the stranger, his tiny fists doing nothing.

[Skybreaker]

Edge seemed to wake up as he saw his kids, feeling the rough squeeze Sleipnir gave his hand and smiled. He then sent a quick glance to Charon, and sat up as the hydra removed himself. Skylark looked betrayed, and Sleipnir looked... Crazed. He kissed Sleipnir on the top of his head and tenderly pressed the little dragon's arms to his side while Charpn watched enviously.

"Shh... Daddy won't leave you. This is an old friend of mine." The boy tried to console his son and wiped away his tears with the back of his thumb. Charon stood up solemnly, shedding more than a few tears of his own. "I'm not leaving you, Sleipnir . We just met." Edge pointed out. "Pretty soon, you'll be bigger than me. But I'll always protect you." He cast a sideways glance to Charon. "Get out, love. You don't belong here, I'm afraid. Be a good little boy and take care of yourself." Charon glared at him angrily.

"Edge I lo-"

"I don't love you." The boy interrupted coldly, regretting he had kissed him. It was out of pure joy to see him again, not considering the toll or effects it would have on him or his kids. Skylark rugged his arm. "Promise?" Edge nodded, before he was tackled and had his body crashed through the door as he skidded, knocking the wood off its hinges.

Charon crashed his lips upon his once more. It was sloppy and desperate. He pulled away with a grin, noticing Path and flashing a smirk as he felt under Edge's shirt. The terrified young man knew he was no match for this hydra, and wasn't sure if Path would even be. But violet eyes suddenly flashed in power.

"Give me... STRENGTH!" Edge bellowed as he knocked his assailant off of him in a hard, cold kick. Charon screeched in pain. Edge fluidly got to his feet and glared down at the hydra, not wanting to look at his real mate, Path. Instead he delivered a harsh kick to Charon's stomach, making him whimper in pain and cough u droplets of blue blood. "Edge, I-I won't hurt you...." He croaked. Edge leaned down and smiled softly. "I know." He murmured before taking the Hydra's head in his hands and slowly.... SNAPPED IT! Charon didn't move a muscle. Edge then turned to look at Path. "He'll respawn in a few days. I need to get him out of here..." He muttered, as of he had simply spilled milk while baking a cake, rather than have a body in the room.

There was a grey cloud surrounding Edge that had appeared ever since he had yelled. Tenderly, he placed a loving kiss on Charon's cheek and flung him over his shoulder. No sooner had he done so, Charon disintigrated, the handsome hydra fading into dust and floating away. Edge then locked eyes with Path as the cloud of grey dispersed. "I can fight, my love..." But Edge was ruthless. It was only a good thing Skylark didn't want to watch after Charon kissed Daddy again!

With a chuckle, Noire took her leave. "I'll get to rip out your heartsnsoon enough..."

[tenebrae16]

The door was practically ripped off its hinges as Path threw it open, then having to quickly dart back as Edge andCharon nearly came crashing into him, taking with them the rest of the door.Locking eyes with the hydra over his mate, feeling his anger spike as he spotted a hand moving under his furs. How dare he? On his mate! HIS mate! His claws dug into the flesh of his palm as his hands curled into fists, barely taking notice of Sleipnir running out after Daddy, pulling along his brother. Tears streaming down his face once more at having Daddy ripped so quickly away from him. He had thought that being Daddy's close friend, Charon wouldn't have hurt him, but now, he wasn't so sure anymore having just witnessed him tackle Daddy.

He stopped short when he saw Father, feeling a wave of relief at having him back to save Daddy. Before Pathcould ttake more than a few steps forward though, Edge surprised them both, kicking Charon off of him with such force that he skid along the floor.

Suddenly, it wasn't Path's place anymore to defend his mate from the hydra, instead, the white dragon rushed over to his offspring. Hugging them both and tucking their heads down against him, hands and tail trying to gently cover their ears. Sleipnir still cringed though, when Edge snapped Charon's neck. Tiny hands curling against Father's chest as he pressed closer to his warmth not daring to go against the hand urging him not to look. Eventually, the would have to experience the sight of death, but not now while they were still so young, not now when they could believe that everyone had the hydra's gift of rebirth.

Path looked up at Edge when it was open, golden eyes meeting violet ones, holding their gaze. Edge's eyes were unreadable to him, hiding something behind that guarded darkness. He had heard Hydras could be cruel, but he never believed Edge lived up to that myth until now.

Coughing as the dust was swept away by some mysterious wind, he carrired both8 children in his arms as he stood. Sleipnir still had his head pressed down on his shoulder, peeking up at Daddy when Path stepped forward to face him, "I know, but that doesn't mean I'll stop worrying." He let Skylark and Sleipnir down, tail wrapping gently around the other's leg, hand cupping Edge's cheek. The dragon managed a small smile, ending the tension, "Especially with so many others that seem to want you."

The kiss was soft, unguarded. Path had really been worried, anxious he would come backand his family would be gone because if Edge were to leave, then Sleipnir would have followed pulling his brother along to not be left alone. It was from that worry sprung relief as he kisded his mate. It was perhaps one of tge few kisses they dared to share outside of the bedroom.

Pulling away, he stared at Edge, "You wished to know of a war..."

[Skybreaker]

Skylark whimpered and hugged Father as Daddy fought. Edge had never shown his kids this side of him before. There was evil and darkness and doom hidden in Daddy's heart, and it scared him greatly. He could be over thinking the situation, but the chances were unlikely. Skylark wanted to live a happy life forever, but it was apparent that was not going to happen. Daddy was scared of something. What could scare Daddy? The strong male that was his father... The one who belonged to Path. Skylark felt a few warm tears as he hugged Daddy's leg. "Waah!" He cried.

Edge's eyes softened as he patted his son's head. He was reminded of his family, and smiled. He needed to lose himself. "Daddy loves you." He promised before turning back to Path and licking his lips. Path kissed so much more intensely than Charon. Charon's love was unguarded, while Path's was not. Curiously, the hydra pondered why this was so. He knew Charon would be fine, and stepped closer to Path. "Yes, I want to fight alongside you and defend our young."

He took a deep breath. Using his powers had taken a toll on him and he fell to one knee. For the once-king of the hydra to be this exhausted... it was absolutely shameful! With a grunt, Edge pushed himself back up. He needed to be powerful for Path, to show him he was never going to be alone again. "Path-" He froze. Path... was that... his name? His true name? "I... You need to tell me everything." He demanded softly.

[tenebrae16]

Sleipnir held his brother as he cried, wanting to do the same though it would be more out of confusion than fear. He was just glad that it seemed Daddy was alright and Father was back. Still, his eyes were fixed at where Charon had been mere moments before. Staring up at Daddy with wide questioning eyes, he didn't hesitate to move from Skylark and hug Edge's leg tightly, as if he would never let go. Path watched their young quietly before he turned back to look up at Edge.

His mate was still, at heart, a hydra and Path had to remind himself that he wasn't just any hydra either. He was the king, the embodiment of darkness incarnate. It was dangerous enough to have him as a mate, especially in Path's position, but perhaps even more deadly to divulge the war plans that had been stewing for centuries; never spoken off but always discussed in mind while the other elders slept. Path was really crossing a line, with nothing to gain but his mate's trust. Love was easy, trust was hard.

He didn't help Edge up, seeing that the hydra did not want to be helped. Turning and urging his young into the room, he said softly, "Come, let us speak where curious ears cannot hear." He was still wary at having the little lair found and invaded. Leading his family to another room whose doors were still intact. There he sat Edge down and let Skylark and Sleipnir play and read in the corner.

"Long ago," He began softly, keeping Edge's gaze, "The elders foresaw this outcome, the hydras corrupting the earth and our treaty with the humans broken and null. By then, however, they were already growing in power and the humans...wehad promised not to interfere and a word given is law. The elders made plans though, for when the time was right, they would reemerge to take back the earth and free it from the corrupt nature of the dark ones...for that, they needed someone to wake them. My mother." He paused and looked away, gaze distant, "She did not live to see that day, but as her kin, I have and I remember. Now....now it is only a matter of time,...."

He took a step closer to Edge and very gently took his hands in his. How warm they were, "The first city shall fall and with it, the hydras we dare to drive out. Envy yourself, even as king, you shall not be taken away from me. "

[Skybreaker]

Edge swallowed thickly as he followed Path into the bedroom. Why did he suddenly feel so nervous? He had been with Path for about half a year already. There was no need to be nervous. For some reason, Edge couldn't help but think that the white dragon didn't trust him. It was plausible, now that he knew his mate was a hydra, Path was afraid.

Edge would have to be the same mate he had always known. The last time he fought, it ended with his death. Though Edge knew firsthand he was immortal, he was also scared of Path. For his mate was the only one who could truly kill him. Now that Edge's memories had returned, he was rather satisfied with himself. He had committed some really violent crimes and attacks, but it was all for a reason he couldn't help but agree with.

As his love spoke, Edge nodded in understanding. As he finished, Edge reached out and took his hands n his own tenderly. With lips and teeth that ripped open hearts, Edge kissed the skin on top of Path's hand. "This must be hard for you, too. You're scared." Edge said mysteriously. "I... can feel your heart beating faster... and faster..."

He crawled even closer to Path. "Be still, and know that I am the king of all the hydra. Feel relief, for I am in love with you and wouldn't harm the ground you walk on." Edge took a deep breath. He needed to talk like he was younger than Path, but found it silly. "I am also afraid, because you are the only one that can kill me. And so long as I live, more Hydra will be born."

Edge bit his lip. It was time to spill. "Allow me to prove my trust to you, my love. You elders can never kill the hudras unless you walk forth with love and affection. You see... we hydra can only die of a broken heart." With that Edge was silent for a while before he carefully asked, "Path-Path, what was your mother like?"

[tenebrae16]

He stared down at his mate as his warm hands covered his, the hardened scales felt soft and useless against Edge's gentle touch. Managing a small smile for when Edge looked up, he wanted to smile for his mate, to give him some false assurance. "I am afraid, for my family, for you..." He murmured, though some part of him was still instinctively weary of Edge. Of the hydra he had allowed himself to grow so close to. He hadn't let down his guard all the way ever since he found out if Edge's heritage and true nature. Still, thinking of it now, had that really actually changed anything all that much.

He closed his eyes as Edge spoke, giving all sense to his ears. Giving his mate's hand a reassuring squeeze. He heard him well. Opening his eyes as Edge confessed to him, told him something that no hydra would ever tell. As simple and fundamentally useless it was in the war, Path thought otherwise. Gently, he raised his hand and pressed it against Edge's chest, where he could feel his heart beat against his palm. Well, sort of feel, his rough scales made a tough shield against a soft touch, but did he really dare? Looking at Edge, off course he did.

Slowly, the scales shrank and sunk back down, fading from view, leaving behind soft pierceable skin. As vulnerable as a human. He hadn't taken on such a form since he knew his love was a hydra, but...perhaps it was time to get back on the same level as him. Open up. Let down his guard, "Do not worry, never worry. Call me a traitor, I shall keep your heart safe forever. Till the day I die." He said, staring into Edge's eyes, gold standing out against the smooth milky white satin skin of his.

Leaning forward, he gently pressed their foreheads against one another. Holding his hand, he brought it to his lips and nuzzled his palm, feeling his voice catch a little when he tried to speak of his mother. It gad been so long since he dare bring her up, invoke her name even, "She was beautiful." He began, then took a deep breath as he felt himselfstart to choke up already, "She loved to sing and she loved me, spoiled me like anything, but when I caused mischief, she'd look so sad and...hurt...I was content just to be spoiled. Happy to be protected, and she happy as long as I was...I think, she sould have wanted to meet you. Tell you all sorts of things about her young one....."

He smiled sadly and squeezed Edge's hand, "She was...selfless. A wonderful mother, till the end. She would've loved you too...." He coughed to hide the sob rising up in his throat and pressed his face against Edge's hair to hide the tears.

[Skybreaker]

"I know you will..." Edge grinned charmingly. There was something oddly dangerous about him now. Not the danger you would find in a criminal, but the insanity you would see in a psychopath. For some reason, it just made him a bit more interesting. The king of all hydras knew his heart would be safe with Path. Or, at least, he hoped it wasn't a mistake to reveal his weakness. Suppose Path told the Elders? What would they do to him? They didn't understand him... Path probably didn't even understand him.

The only ones who really related to him were the hydras. However, it was Edge's turn to try and understand the elders. At Path's solumn words and tears, the boy held him close. Skylark haf also moved to where they were and was rubbing his Father's back lovingly.

"Don't cry because it's over, anime because it happened." He advised, letting a bit of wit escape him. Edge smiled softly. "Your mother sounds amazing." He bit his bottom lip. "I don't think I ever had parents. You should be glad you did. Now that I'm a daddy, I don't really know what I'm supposed to do or anything like that. Path... I..." He locked eyes with his mate.

"I can't keep rejecting the hydra. There aren't that many of them, so we're all very close. I know you can't understand, but they're my family," At that point, Skylark interrupted. "But Daddy, we're your family! You can't leave us!!! RIGHT, SLEIPNIR?" Edge snickered.

"I won't leave you two... come to Daddy." He spread his arms out and Skylark dashed to hug him.

[tenebrae16]

He couldn't help but shiver, something oodly terrifying in his mate's chesire cat grin. Even as open as Edge seemed to be trying to be, there was still so much that Path felt he didn't know or understand. Still, it was nice to be held close like this, to really feel the warmth seep in through his bare skin. He cried quietly into Edge's shouldet, wiping his tears before he lifted his head up to smile at Skylark. Sleipnir had also moved closer, sitting on Path's lap and petting Father's cheek, trying to let him know there was no need to be sad now. Not when they were a family.

His mother was wonderful, but now he had toconcentrate on raising his own family rather than lamenting a sorrowful distant past. All he did now was for the family his mother would never see him have. With a soft chuckle, he wrapped his arms around Skylark and nuzzled his stomach, tickling him before he interrupted Edge, "No, you are a wonderful Daddy to our young. You are enough and I would not raise a famiky with anyone, but you." He said softly, letting Skylark down next to his brother who reached up, also wanting to be played with.

He smiled at his sons, that happy smile slowly fading as Edge continued on, he looked up at his mate, golden eyes. "No...I do not understand." He turned to look back at their children, "But family...is important..." He smiled as Skylark dashed into Edge's arms, Sleipnir scrambling after him in pursuit.

"Daddy! Don't leave us ever! You promised!" Sleipnir shouted, wrapping his arms around Daddy. Path sidled up closer, wrapping his arms around his boys in a family hug, "Family is important.."

[Skybreaker]

Edge sighed in happiness as he hugged his family. Path, Skylark, and Sleipnir, he wanted to protect them, no matter what. The thirst for a powerful world was quenched by this love he had not only for his mate, but also his children. Though he had been alive into, time had begun, he felt as though he as maturing for the first time.

It was a very nostalgic feeling. He didn't love his family because he needed them. That was the bond he shared with his hydra kin. Rather, he needed his family because he loved them. "I love you all so much..." Edge whispered. It felt so empty to say it this time.

"Path-Path, let's move. We can't stay here any longer. This isn't our home. As long as we have each other, everything will be alright." He had the urge to kiss Sleipnir once more, but instead kissed Path.

"We need to go somewhere the kids can grow up. Please... do you know anywhere that could be?" Skylark felt warm in between his Daddy and Father. He recalled his parents being this close in the bedroom, and wondered if they would let him play with them the next time they did it.

"Daddy? Father? Are we leaving?"

[tenebrae16]

Path kissed him back before he let go and put his shield up once more, scales spreading along his skin. He closed his eyes, silently in thought. Sleipnir continued to hug Daddy, taking his brother's hand and squeezing it reassuringly. Yes, everything was alright now or going to be. He had no idea of the little feelings and urges brewing with Daddy and neither did Path.

"I do not know of a place safer than with the elders nor as sound and providing as here. The world has been ravaged so many times, though perhaps we may find another sanctuary undergound." He said, opening his eyes to gaze at his family. He wholeheartedly agreed, this place was no longer safe nor condusive for their children, but it was hard to think of somewhere better, atleast a place without the elders. Who knows what tension may rise betweeen Regnum and Edge?

"Still, we shall not know till we have searched." He turned to address Skylark, "Yes, we're leaving this place. To somewhere better. I promise for our family,"

[Skybreaker]

Edge realized they couldn't be near the Elders. What he had done was seen as unforgivable in their eyes. He had committed the sin of granting power to those who couldn't handle it, and they perished.

If a doctor gave a patient drugs and the patient abused it, the doctor would also be to blame. In a similar situation, it was Edge's fault so many dragons died in their mad search for power. The dragons of the ancient darkness, the hydra. Without Edge, they wouldn't be around.

With a resolute look, Edge nodded to Path. "Let us take our leave now. If we don't leave this moment, we'll never go." He brushed off any arms that clung to him, "I'm going to take one more bath before we go. I need to change clothes, too. Don't leave without me!" Edge joked as he walked to the the bathroom.

"We won't!!!" Skylark screamed. He hugged Father. "I think... Daddy's thinking about something." He mumbled. The baby dragon wished Edge had left him with some more memories. All he had was memories of Path, and Father already gave him lots of those.

"Father, are you powerful? If you and Daddy fought, who would win?" Skylark inquired, not noticing the suggestive and cruel nature of the question.

[tenebrae16]

He held both Skylark and Sleipnir, not ready to let them go just yet. He smiled, petting Skylark's head, "Yes, there are many things on Daddy's mind, you know. Let it be, Daddy will think it over and make his own decisions." He smoothed back his hair and gently rocked the two, a little startled at Skylark's question. What a strange thing to ask coming from his son's mouth.

Before he could answer though, Sleipnir made a sound, interrupting, "Don't be silly, Sky. Off course Daddy would win! Daddy! He's the strongestvand the best!" To that Path chuckled though his heart was pounding fast, his mind racing, wondering. Yes, given they ever should and should neither back down, despite Path's strength and agility, a hydra was sleek, cunning, especially in Edge's case, and cruel. It would be a close battle if Path could even bring himself to it. No, silly him, he never could and neither would Edge.

"Come, we'll leave this place. Go somewhere better, with Daddy, safe..." from the war.

[Skybreaker]

"I think Father is better!" Skylark argued. Though he loved both his parents, there was a reason Path protected Edge. Path had a group of strong friends, where Edge had a weird admirer he had killed. Skylark had a sinking feeling, Daddy would cheat. He didn't think for a moment that Path might do the same.

As a child, he felt the fear in his Father's heart and echoed it.

"Hm... I think Father would win too, Sky." Edge piped as he walked toward his family, he was wearing a coat with a furry hood and thick, tough' warm boots. He carried a pair of socks in either hand and held them out to his children. "I would never hurt Path... Anywho, you two put these on. They'll keep your toes warm."

Skylark reached out and rubbed his socks on his cheek, they were so fuzzy! He wanted to keep them as his pets, but did as he was told and slipped them on. As Edge scooped up Sleipnir in his arms, Sky dashed over to Father. "Father! Father! Carry me!" He asked cheerily.

Edge cast a look of resolution to Path. "Let's go." He kissed Sleipnir softly on the lips once, to quench his hunger, careful not to get carried away.

[tenebrae16]

Path ruffled both their hairs, smiling tenderly at his young. So small and curious still, he really didn't want to expose them to the harsh world just yet, but he knew he had to sooner or later, it was either now or never. He smiled, helping Sleipnir put on his socks, seeing as the younger was more interested in playing with rather than wearing them. Sleipnir giggled, wriggling his toes, rubbing his hands over the new fuzzy material before he was picked up by Daddy. Giggling, he hapoiky accepted the soft kiss.

Path stood, obliging to Skylark's wants, picking up his son and throwing him a little into the air before he caught him, laughing softly as he made sure that both his sons were well dressed for the above. He, himself, didn't need the warm clothing and would rather go as he was than have some fur cloak drag him down. Uhlike his dear family, his blood was cold. Pecking Skylark on the forehead, he glanced over to meet Edge's eyes, watching him kiss Sleipnir. His heart skipped a beat and there was a nagging at the back of his mind, but he pushed it down. Edge was his mate. He had his heart, didn't he?

"Yes, it'll be late soon." He murmured, wondering if the elders would wait for him. For now, let the war be put off just a little till he found a safe haven for his wayward family. He placed Skylark down, tail wrapping around him, then looked to Edge for Sleipnir. What other way wouls they climb up the chute.

[Skybreaker]

Patting his son's back, Edge grinned and hugged him closer like he was a teddy bear. Whenever he felt sad or lonely, he could always cuddle with Sleipnir or Path. It was a very warm and fuzzy feeling that made the hydra smile no matter what was happening. The violet-eyed boy licked his lips hungrily and nodded to Path. "The sun's covered by the smog, so it'll be dark anyways. We just need somewhere to go." He spoke directly.

Skylark giggled in happiness as he was picked up. Though his parents were feeling tense, the dragon decided to just allow himself to be lulled into the pointless, joyful world of childhood where he wouldn't have to worry about any of this nonsense like hardship or stress. He only felt the warmth that was Father, and the laughter that was Daddy. There was no end to his happiness.

Edge, on the other hand, was feeling rather antsy. After placing Sleipnir on his back in a piggyback position, he nodded to his mate before beginning to climb the chute outwards into the outside. He felt like a new adventure was about to begin. The last time he came to the surface, he met Path. For some reason, he knew he would eventually have to face off against the dragon elders. Those kinds of situations were enough to make Edge bite his lip in frustration. Should they be angry for everything he did?

In the beginning, it was the killing of dragons. He was simply too rough with them, and didn't understand that others died. As time went on, he began not to care about others' mortality and killed them anyways. Perhaps the sky was in the end, his only friend. But now even the Sky had disappeared and he was left with a family to care for sometimes it was funny, the way things turned out.

[tenebrae16]

He nodded back at his mate, climbing up after him. It was a whole minute of raw climbing for them both, the silence only intruded by the sound of his claws digging inbetween the metal cracks and the soft grunts he made as he hauled himself up. Sleipnir held on tightly to Daddy's back, wings fluttering excitedly and his tail was swaying from side to side. His claws dug a little into Edge's shoulders as he clutched Daddy tightly, burying his head against his back and taking daring little peeks at the distance they had covered going up. Looking down he would see Path smiling up at him with his brother in hand-Er-tail. And he would feel much better, being able to ignore the height they had climbed up and the hard ground below them.

The sky felt darker to Path as he pulled himself onto the surface and his heart thudded against his chest. He just had...a bad feeling about all of this. Something was going to go wrong, really wrong. Call it intuition or instinct, but the white dragon felt something ominous in the dark clouds and the stillness of the air. Still, he managed a smile for his mate and young, picking up Skylark and holding him close, "Let us go North. We shall not see the Elders there and the sky seems clearer that way. There is a chance we may find another shelter if you can remember and a chance we find at least a safe place."

His eyes glowed brightly in the thick smog and he gently tore a bit of cloth from Skylark's sleeve and used it to create a crude mask for his son. Tying it around hi mouth then doing the same for Sleipnir. He didn't trust this smog, even if Edge could breathe fine and their children were part Hydra. He didn't trust it to be safe and he wanted to get out of it as fast as he possibly could. Starting the trek ahead, he resolved not to look back at the chute opening that they were slowly leaving behind. The only safe place that he had known in this wasteland. He focused his gaze onward, they were moving forward. That was a good thing.

"Edge." He said suddenly, stopping mid-step, "We have to go back." He said, tone indicating that the other shouldn't disagree, but his mate should have been able to hear it. The distant rumbling. The sound of large claws digging into the earth, pulling a massive body closer. It's sudden roar reverberating in the air. Path held Skylark close and turned, beginning to walk the other way. It wasn't safe, but they were moving away now..yet...something wasn't completely right.

((Now I shall call in a favor and ask if I may loan Beelzebub for a while :3))

[Skybreaker]

Edge was planning to pop out of the chute theatrically. Even though no one was around, he wanted to symbolize his entrance back to the real world. Something wanted the Elders to know that there was no killing the King of the Hydra. He wantdd his hair to be tousled attractively, and his eyes to be glittering his power. He would have a smug smirk and toss Sleipnir into the air and catch him, to show he didn't let his comrades fall.

In reality, what he did was much simpler. Panting like a tired dog, Edge hauled himself out of the chute and carefully plopped on a sheet of thin metal that sunk like foil. This was tiring and seemingly pointless, though it had a very direct action.

Edge wanted his kids to be prepared, and not pampered, or they would despair in their weakness. He didn't want them to feel so helpless, as he did at times. At Path s words, Edge squeezed his son tighter, not wanting to lost his temper against Path again. The white dragon was so touchy about those types of things. "Path, try to understand, I don't want them hurt either, but we can't live in a hole forever. You're an elder, and I'm the original hydra. I can't imagine anything short of the Jabberwocky coming between us!"

Though he heard something in the distance, Edge didn't worry. All that mattered was finding a new castle- a new home. "Path, I can fight. If you don't want to let the boys see, than cover their eyes while I do this. Hastily' he kissed Sleipnir through the makeshift 'mask' of cloth Path Ade for him and put him back on his back, "Listen, baby. Just hold onto Daddy tightly and bury your face unto my neck. Don't look or let go until I tell you to. Can you do that for me?"

Edge then averted his gaze back to eye level something, lumbering the polluted and destroyed earth, was coming.

[tenebrae16]

He sighed and turned to look up at his mate, eyes weary and mouth set in a grim frown. "I know you can, but watch out because here comes your jabberwocky right now." He said pointing at the distance, a large cloud of dust was barreling towards them at a great speed, hiding serpentine dark scales. Path set Skylark down, bending to meet his eye level, "Youngun, you will run you understand, should anything happen, but for now find a hiding place with your brother, away from this. Keep each other safe, Daddy and I shall find you soon."

He turned to look at Edge and took note of his choice to keep Sleipnir close. He might have commented, but there was simply no more time left as he turned to the dust cloud, glancing at Edge and nodding his head slightly. In a second, he was off, running towards the dust cloud, muscles bunching and tensing before he too was a dust cloud and the great white dragon tackled the black one. Beelzebub roared loudly in his ear, swiping at his chest with his claws. Out of all the defiant, fierce, reckless dragons, Beezlebub was king with a knack for not following the orders of his true king.

Path craned his neck, sinking his teeth into his shoulder blade, feeling blood welling up in his mouth before he pulled back and kicked at him with his powerful legs and reared back. What he didn't expect was for Beezlebub to follow him, thrashing and kicking wildly. Jaw snapping right at him. Path reared too far back, falling backwards as the dragon pinned him down. Grinning like a mad man