The Forgotten Zodiac

It was a beautiful dress, a white color that gleamed in Galai's light. Kiraki looked on in wonder; it had looked so dull in Tartarus, but that might have just been Titus' shadows. In fact, it probably had been, as the dress looked absolutely gorgeous now. "Wow," Kiraki couldn't keep herself from whispering. The gold trim and ribbons sparkled and there was even a new circlet, gold with diamonds embedded in it, as well as shoes that looked like gold, but were made of a material as soft as cotton. A note slid from the package, as well. It read, in Titus' perfect handwriting,
'Dear Queen Galai,

You are cordially invited to attend the very first private Tartaran ball, to celebrate King Titus' 3,000th birthday, occurring tomorrow. You may bring along whomever you wish (even Sylas) without concern for their personal safety, as the few Tartarans attending will be under close watch and bear no grudges against Amnarius or the guests residing there.

My only request is that the Kirin Luen, and the human Diana attend, as their dear friend Forin has been given a day pass for good behavior and wishes to use it to see his 'friends'.

I do hope to see you soon,

King Titus.'

Kiraki waited quietly, wondering if she was dismissed or not. She noticed at once how happy Galai seemed and backed up, not wanting to ruin it for the queen; but found that she wasn't even close to absorbing Galai's joy. Nor had she absorbed any of the queen's light. Like Titus...Kiraki's curse didn't want their powers or feelings. They were, after all, the King and Queen.

Galai read the note quickly, hugging the gown tight to her chest. When she finished, she gave a short exclamation of "Oh~!" before scanning the note again. She was clearly pleased, as she then folded the note, tucked it into her pocket, then stood up and held the dress against herself, giggling like a young girl and twirling in graceful circles. Her long hair flowed behind her, her wings flaring out to provide her with some push as she spun on her toes. Her thoughts turned towards Luen and Diana after a moment, however. She hadn't seen much of them in the past few days. They had become extremely secluded, even from the rest of their group. They mostly stayed in the forest or outskirts of the city, talking and being together, giving comfort through each other's presence. Sometimes Luen saddled himself up and let Diana ride him for hours, trekking through Amnairus' great white forests and plains. It was peaceful, though it didn't do much to help their sadness over losing Forin to Tartarus.

"Um...was there anything you needed from me?" Kiraki asked, watching the queen in awe. She was absolutely beautiful, even if she didn't even have the dress on yet. "I'm a good courior, I could fetch those you wish to invite, or give them notes from you..." She said, wanting to be of assistance. Of course, these people gave her a home. Galai included, as she was Titus' wife. She had already gathered that much.

"Hmm?" Galai said, turning her head over at Kiraki, seeming to just remember that she was there. "Oh, yes, of course. Ask the members of Werr's group if they would like to go, and I really wish for Sylas to come along. None of them are required to go if they don't want to; I'm just extending the offer. If you can, find Luen and Diana and let them know they have a chance to see their friend Forin." She smiled again, pressing her face into the white dress, then gently brushed her hand down its silky lengths. Slowly, an idea formed in her mind, one that made her light up even more. "Would you send my seamstress as well, please, and send her here?" she asked the girl. "If you do all this for me, I have something for you in return."

"Of course! You don't have to give me anything, just being here is a great honor," Kiraki shook her head, though not even the hint of a smile crept onto her face. She listened to Galai give the locations she needed to go to so she could find and invite people as well as fetch the needed seamstress. Kiraki set off, while Galliant barked a greeting at Galai before turning and trotting after the person he had been created to care for. Of course, Tartarans and Amnarians alike inheriently had knowledge of both worlds, so the pup could even guide Kiraki around if she needed it.

She decided to find Luen and Diana first, wondering who was friends with the criminal in the dungeons.

The elegant kirin and the adorable little girl were out in the rolling plains of Amnairus, not too far from the city. Luen was saddled up and Diana was sitting on his back, gripping tightly to the ring of material that severed as a handhold. They were at a complete standstill when Kiraki found them. For a long moment, they just stood there, Luen's profile mysterous and noble, coupled with the awe of having a human child sit on his bony back. It looked like he was talking to her, but a moment later, they stopped and seemed to ready themselves.

Then Luen reared up and slammed his hooves into the ground, creating hundreds of ice dummies all over the plains before them. Diana had a small silver bow with the symbol of a wolf on the side, with a quiver of arrows strapped to her back. Luen said something up to her. "Remember, we're just training. Your strong point isn't strength; let the bow do the work. Aim for their vitals."

Then he lunged into a run and charged down the slope, heading into the mass of 'enemies'.

He went all-out with his ice powers while Diana did cover fire. It was obvious they had been working for longer at this than what Kiraki was seeing, because Diana handled the bow well. As it turned out, they hadn't been just mindlessly wandering since losing Forin.

They had been sneaking off to train and work.

Together, they demolished the enemies, down to the last one, in only a few minutes.

((Awesome. xD Even though Forin is coming back eventually, you know. :T))

Kiraki stumbled backwards and fell onto her rear as Luen suddenly halted right next to her. She stared upwards, only seeing Diana and the arrow pointed at her. The small girl relaxed the bow, putting away the arrow as well. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Luen's neck, feeling much like she should start crying. Kiraki realized that she had absorbed whatever happiness the girl did have. To make matters worse, her powers were getting harder to control the longer she went without absorbing anything.

"U-uh...I just have a message. Titus is having a birthday party and he wants you to attend so you can see Forin. That's all," Kiraki stood and backed up, not wanting to ruin a thing for these two. They seemed so...solemn and sullen. Even before Kiraki had stepped into range.

((Yeah, I know that. They just know they aren't strong enough to be of serious help to their friends, so thus training.))

Luen's eyes widened, then he turned his head and spoke to Diana. When he looked back, he bent his head forward and briefly nuzzled Kiraki's cheek, saying "Thank you for telling us. Don't worry, we'll be ready." He then turned back and formed more ice minions, this time ones that struck back. The kirin and the little girl on his back fought with renewed vigor, their eyes actually bright for the first time in a while. Luen dodged and weaved through the enemies, leaving them open for Diana's arrows.

They looked happy at merely the mention of their friend.

"Um...right. Okay. Bye, then..." Kiraki backed up and away, before turning on heel and heading back to the city. "That was weird, Galliant..." She murmured. Her friend nodded, but trotted on ahead to lead Kiraki right along.

A few minutes of walking got them past the seamstress (and her towards the castle), and then to the guest house. "Should we even ask Werr and Cynyr?" Kiraki scratched the back of her neck nervously. "They seemed really upset...let's leave them for last, at least. Why don't we try the courtyard instead? I've been wanting to see that dragoness again so I can thank her." She turned once more, moving right along.

Of course, she hesitated just outside the courtyard. Three whole dragons...and two of them were huge! Little Boko's tail had slipped out of Vaira's pouch when he had stirred, which made Kiraki realize that there was a fourth, even. While she wondered what to do to get their attention, Galliant padded forward and barked loudly once or twice.

Naybrin and Zephyr both lifted their head at once, flicking their ears up. Naybrin was laying on the ground further back from them all, giving them their space but keeping close enough to hear what any of them were saying. Vaira glanced in Kiraki's direction, but ultimately ignored her. She lowered her head and gently tucked Boko's tail into her pouch, making sure he was completely comfortable.

"Greetings, small one," Zephyr said, inclining his head back in order to stare at her. To her, it came out as garbled grunts, growls and soft roars. "Do you and your companion need to converse with us?"

"She can't understand you, Zephyr," Vaira said softly, nuzzling her mate under his chin.

"Ah, right," the emerald dragon said, then bent his head and nuzzled Nate, who was still resting in the crook of his arm. "Noble-Sky, if you would lend us your voice, please."

((She understood Vaira in the caves, remember? xD))

"Yes, of course." Nate smiled, then slid down and approached Kiraki. He knew what sort of effects she would have on him before long, but he got closer anyways. "The dragons greet you, miss."

"I know." Kiraki blinked at him. "I understood her in the cave, I understand them now."

"Do you? How?" Nate tilted his head to the side.

"Father granted me the gift of tongues. I am his only child at the moment, so he wishes the best to me." Kiraki explained simply. When Nate just blinked at her, Kiraki shook her head. "Beoth, remember?"

"Ah, the...smoke thing. Right. Well then," Nate stepped back.

"Thank you for offering the help, though." Kiraki offered a small smile to him, then looked up at the dragons. "I've come for two things. Firstly, Galai is curious to know if you all would attend Titus' 3,000th birthday ball in Tartarus tomorrow. Secondly...I come to thank you. For sparing me." She looked straight at Vaira this time, managing to stretch her smile a little more. "Even when I was prepared to kill, you showed mercy and brought me here. This...these places, all of it, it's the best place I've ever been. Tartarus is wonderful, this place is beautiful, and the place between is so peaceful...and I have no idea how I could ever repay you. Thank you."

((Oh yeah. xD))

Vaira smiled, then moved her head out and touched Kiraki's forehead, saying "I need no repayment, absorber. I'm glad to have saved a life instead of ended one." She flared her wings a bit, then pulled her head back and said "We would be honored to attend the ball. Lord Naybrin?"

The ancient dragon looked up rather dully from his place. "Yes, youngling?"

"Would you honor us with your presence?" she asked, suprising him and Zephyr both.

"Really?" the first dragon said, blinking. "Why would you want me to come? When I've done so much to you and your mate? I threatened to kill you..."

"The past is called such for a reason," she said kindly. "We would love to have you come with us, my lord."

He was quiet for a long moment, then said "I must...think about it."

"Thank you again. Well...I have others to invite. Will you be attending with your wife, Mister Furhblast?" Kiraki asked.

"I'm not certain. She's not one for crowds..." Nate shook his head.

"It's a private party. As far as I know, the only citizens of Tartarus attending are myself, Galliant here, and a few with musical gifts for a band. I've been told that Forin Dulce will be there as well, and Titus himself, of course, but the only other guests will come from your group."

"Right. That sounds okay, I suppose. I'll ask her, thank you." Nate smiled at her and she bowed slightly, turning and walking calmly away.

"Well, that went well," Kiraki looked down at Galliant, who barked happily. "Now we should find...hmm...I can't think of anyone else. I guess it's time to ask Werr and Cynyr..."

Nobody stopped her. Neither of them wanted to go.

Inside, Cynyr glared at the door for a long moment before turning his gaze back to Werr and the bear that held Welk's soul, sighing heavily. Welk still hadn't spoken again, sleeping deeply inside of the bear. Occasionally they got him to make a noise, after much begging and talking to him, but it was little more than a whimper or mewling sound, like a newborn kitten. He was so weak and fragile in this little form. If the bear was damaged too badly, then Welk's soul would escape and be gone.

Permanently.

Werr realized this, in a back part of his mind. He was determined to keep the bear as safe as possible. He hadn't even gone and questioned anyone about how to get Welk back in his body. Mostly because Werr knew that they had to have the Artifacts first. If they couldn't defeat Malice, what was the point of being able to get Welk's soul out of the bear? In fact, the Artifacts themselves could probably do it, all together.

So Werr knew what he had to do. He had to get back to the hideout of the Silver Tornado. He had to find out where the Artifacts were, and get them. He had to. They had to.

Cynyr tilted his head slightly to the side and watched Werr closely, then bent his head forward and nuzzled him lightly. "You have my claws and sword at your disposal, your majesty," he said quietly. "We'll do it. Together." He looked down at Welk sadly, then said "We'll do anything to help you, Welk. You know that."

Nothing from the bear and the lion within.

The panther shook his head, then flicked his ears when Welk made a tiny, hissed mewl. His first sound that they hadn't prodded out of him.

Werr hugged the teddy bear closely, then looked up at Cynyr. He was wondering whether or not he should leave Welk here with Galai. He would certainly be safer...Werr shook off his thoughts, looking back down at the stuffed bear. "It's okay, Welk. Cynyr is right. We'll find the Artifacts, we'll put you back together...try to be strong until then. Try..."

"Here we are," Sylas pulled his horse to a stop outside what appeared to be a large forest. "This place is only known by those who have traveled the world many a time, like myself. And the few they decide to share with. Believe it or not, if you aren't led here by someone else, this place is impossible to find. The Lost Forest, they call it. And deep within, the Springs of Destiny. I think you'll like this place. Come on, then," Sylas dismounted his horse and tied it to a tree. "It's not a place for animals. They have a tendency to drop dead if you go in too far with them. Better safe than sorry."

Dark grumbled under his breath, then carefully slid off of his horse, to the ground. He was short and it was a tall horse, so he stumbled when his booted feet hit the ground. He cling to the sturrup in effort to not fall over, then tied the animal to a different tree and shoved his hands into his pockets, slouching after Sylas. He flicked his white hair out of his eyes, pulling his black coat a little tighter around his small frame, then tripped over a tree root and found himself with his face against Sylas' back. "Mmph!" He made a small sound of discontent and pushed away from Sylas, looking ruffled.

Sylas laughed at this, shaking his head. "Think nothing of it, lad!" He dropped back and put his arm around Dark, shaking him a little. "If I had a gold piece for all the times people tripped into me, I'd buy a mansion! Although, now that I think about it, a number of those people who tripped were pickpockets. You didn't take anything of mine, did you?" He grinned, smacking Dark roughly on the back, roaring with laughter. "Nonsense! I trust you enough to believe that you wouldn't steal from an old man like me. At any rate...did you hear something?" Sylas turned, blinking at the forest. Mist was starting to rise up from the ground. He chuckled at himself, pausing to look at Dark. "Ah, forgetful old me. Think nothing of anything you hear. Don't trust your eyes, either. And most importantly, you have to forget where you are. It's the Springs of Destiny, you know. That mist is Fate. And you know what they say about Fate...it likes to jump up on you. You never see it coming." His voice had dropped to a very quiet whisper, so that Dark had to lean in to hear him.

"MOVING ON!" Sylas suddenly yelled at the top of his lungs, humming a tune as he starting walking again.

((By the way, this 'Spring of Destiny' is actually just a Siren Pool. Sylas is trying to teach Dark a lesson about communication; Dark was moping about being alone, yet he hadn't tried talking to anyone at all. He hadn't tried to make friends with people who were willing to be friends with him, so Sylas wants to fix that by forcing Dark here and then watching as he struggles alone with the sirens until he asks for help.

-dies laughing- Sylas is hilarious already, don't you see? xDD))

((Nice. xD))

Dark screeched and clapped his hands over his ears, pitching to the side as Sylas shouted. "W-what was THAT for?!" he shouted, glaring hard at the older man. He panted softly, obviously jumpy, then followed after him, not wanting to be left alone here, of all places. Though really, he didn't know where 'here' was. He glanced around at the mist, his round eyes taking on a bit more innocently scared tone than his usual narrowed anger. With his fine white hair falling in front of his right eye, he was a rather cute little being. Emphasis on the 'little' part of that. He was shorted than Werr and Welk.