The Forgotten Zodiac

Cynyr turned wordlessly and followed after him, never once looking back. Welk had been the only accepting one, then, and after only a moment more, he pulled away and ran after his brothers, worry for Werr etched into his features.

Leo bent and helped Sylas stand, saying nothing for a long moment. "...Let's go..." he said softly, and Sylas could swear there were a few stray tears in his stoic friend's eyes. But they were gone with a single blink; hiding how much Cynyr's disapproval had hurt him, yet again. Leodhaius sighed, then slipped into panther form, glancing up at Sylas through the corners of his hazy yellow eyes. "...My old friend," he said quietly.

Sylas closed his eyes and slid onto Leo's back. "Well...might as well leave before Werr does. I don't want him to see us fetching Kiri..." He murmured, resting his forehead behind Leo's head. "I don't understand what else I can do, Leo...I can't give him up, and to give up you...there would be no point. I would kill myself for such a thing..."

Leo walked along quietly, his gait ever so familiar to Sylas. "You know that if you asked, I would slit my throat for you," he said softly. "But hard as it may be, there comes a point in one's life where you must question why people are your family or not. Kiri...I don't understand why she tormented Werr so. You sent her back everything she could want, and you eventually returned home for good. Yet she continued to fight you. I know it's hard...to lose a loved one...I know all too well, Sylas..." He closed his eyes, then said "But if you're going to go through with this, you must put aside all of your memories. Everything. Your good times and bad, your intimacies...all of it. Unless you would rather just kill me and be done with it, though you'd still have an insane woman to deal with."

"No, Leo," Sylas shook his head at once. "I'll not give you up. Ever."

"I don't understand..." Werr sobbed, sitting in the corner of a broom closet, the first room he had found. "I don't want to give up my mother, e-even after everything she did..." He slowly tried to stop crying, but just collapsed back into tears. "I don't want Sylas to leave forever, either...why the heck did I say that?" Cynyr and Welk would honestly have no trouble finding him, he was hardly even trying to be quiet.

Welk pushed open the broom close door, going in immediately and snuggling right up to Werr. He pushed into the boy's arms, nuzzling close and letting him cry into his red mane. "Werr..." the fire mage murmured, extending his wings and curling them all around the boy.

Cynyr sat down in front of Werr, watching him quietly in human form. He extended a torn hand and rested it on the boy's knee, chosing to stay quiet. He flicked his tail around, curling it around his friend's leg.

Werr wept bitterly, not really sure what else to say. He just felt hurt, and confused...he fell silent for a long moment, tears slipping down his cheeks and into Welk's fur. "Sorry..." He said after a long while, shaking his head and wiping his eyes. "I shouldn't have punched Sylas, either. What...what's gotten into me?" He sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know if I'm right or wrong, but...I don't want Kiri gone. Sylas was stupid to think I would just up and execute her..."

Welk lifted his head and gently licked away Werr's tears, his ears pressed back against his head. "Maybe you're both a bit stupid, then," he chided tenderly. "He shouldn't of asked something so horrible of you and you shouldn't have lost your temper so badly." He eased his upper half into Werr's lap, folding his paws gently over the boy and laying his head right against his chest. One warm, super-soft wing curled around Werr, seemingly holding him.

"We're both here, you know," Cynyr said softly. "And you have Lexi now. Should I find her? Maybe having her near you will comfort you further."

"Yes, yes, find Lexi," Werr said at once, hugging Welk tightly. "I need...I need her. As much as I need you two." He sighed heavily, then closed his eyes and buried his face in Welk's mane.

"Isn't he cute?" Lily giggled, watching as Lexi played with her baby. "His name is Cinnoa, by the way. You're very good with children, I can tell." She beamed, tilting her head to the side. She pushed her empty plate away from herself and leaned against Jag, smiling happily.

Lexi nodded, saying "Well, I've always liked children. Despite being called a child myself by my family..." She gave a soft, lighthearted giggle, touching Cinnoa gently on his nose. The baby gryphon sneezed, blinking his sky-blue eyes up at the girl holding him. She tilted her head at him, then looked up as Cynyr appeared. He glanced around, then spotted her and gave a slight motion with his head. She was immediately concerned, but she didn't show it. She smiled at Lily and handed Cinnoa to his father, saying to the blue-jay gryphon "He's a handsome baby boy, Jagat. Just like his father, excluding the 'baby' line."

Jag ruffled his crest, but said nothing, instead choosing to bounce his son and coo a bird tone at him.

Lexi turned away and walked calmly over to Cynyr, slipping inside the building. "What's wrong with Werr?" she asked, her dark brown eyes full of worry.

"He's just not feeling well," the panther answered. "I'll let him do the talking. Come on." They started off, with Lexi trotting to keep up with the wind mage's long strides, then Cynyr suddenly paused. "How did you know something was wrong with Werr?" he said. "I never said his name."

Lexi blinked, then clasped her hands over her chest and said softly "Y-you wouldn't believe me..."

"Try me," the knight said, standing with a noble elegance that he hadn't always possessed.

"Well..." Lexi said slowly. "...I sort of...felt it. Something just wasn't right. He has a unique aura, and I sensed it dim. I just...knew."

The panther blinked once, then said "You have a gift. Seria told me about something like that once. How it's a power only rarely seen in healers. Even Seria can't sense the aura of someone. She's a powerful, strong healer, but to be able to sense an aura requires a more delicate feel. Seria is very kind and gentle, but she's also really fiery and has a decent temper. She'll fight back with everything she has in her, all right. You, however, are quiet and tender no matter what. Always forgiving people. I think that's why you have this gift."

Lexi thought over his words, then gently reached out and touched his shoulder, ignoring how he stiffened. "Thank you, Shadow-Step," she said, smiling a bit. "That means a lot to hear you say that." Then she darted forward, running to find Werr.

Werr was still in the closet, not hard at all to find. He didn't say much when Lexi arrived, but he gestured her over and wrapped one arm around her, keeping the other around Welk. "My father..." He said, choking around tears. "He...he left. He was cursed with pain, pain that he only feels at night, but...in order to get rid of it, he has to give up...someone close to him, a-and...he chose my mother. My mother!" He sobbed again, shaking his head. "I...I know he doesn't have much of a choice, I know...b-but...I'll never see her again, a-and I told him that he shouldn't bother coming back, a-and..." He trailed off, unable to continue. Having nothing more to say.

((Sylas and Leo are gone by this time, just so you know. Also, we can make another topic elsewhere to do it, or switch to dA in order to keep spoilers away from the others who may or may not read this. ;D))

((Sounds good to me. :3 Probably thorugh dA notes. ))

Lexi nestled down against him, resting her head on his shoulder and one hand on his chest. She moved her hand up and started stroking her fingers through Welk's mane, working out a few knots and tangles before letting her hand fall limp. Cynyr entered the room wordlessly, standing just outside the door and leaning against the wall.

Lexi moved her hand up and pulled Werr's head down to hers, resting the side of his face against her forehead. "Shh..." she murmured, closing her eyes and holding him tightly. "You know your father will be back. That's how he is, isn't he? I'm so sorry about your mother, I really am...but you can't throw away your entire family over the loss of one. I know the pain of losing a mother all too well...but you still have your father. I would give anything to still have a loving father..." She tried not to tear-up. "But I can't complain. Because he didn't love me anymore and he was only pulling me downwards. Dragging me into a dark, black hole and blinding me against living my life. Convincing me I could never find love..." She kissed Werr's fingers gently, saying "Well, look where I am now. Girlfriend to a handsome, kind young man."

((-nodnodnod-))

Werr slowly stopped crying, eventually just leaning against Welk and rubbing the back of Lexi's hand with his. "Okay...you're right, of course...he'll be back..."

An hour or so later, they were ready to leave. Alastor awaited them, of course; Werr basically told him that they couldn't wait any longer. They gave their goodbyes to Galai and Titus, and Toro was sure to give Werr a tight hug before the king could leave.

"Well...this is it. We'll visit, of course, but for now...say goodbye to Amnairus and Tartarus, guys." Werr said once they were all sitting on Naybrin's back.

"Bye," Nate smiled, quite happy to play along. Tasia and the Airiana were both tucked into his arms, protective and tight.

"Good riddance," Forin tutted, shaking his head. "I like it better in your guys' world. Humans are easier to work around."

"Bye-bye!" Diana giggled, beaming.

"Farewell!" Spy threw in his voice.

"Malakte!" Boko purred, curled tight around Zephyr's horns.

((So apparently we have to go down to my grandma's house to help her with something. And we're leaving RIGHT NOW. TT.TT I should be back in a few hours...she doesn't live too close to us. I have my phone, so texting is an option.

Well, I love you a lot, and bye~))

Seria said goodbye to Namanai, thanking her for her training, help and advice. Namanai assured her that someday, she and Cynyr would be the mother and father of many little ones.

Jag was content to say nothing at all, already itching to get his wife and son home. Both were sitting on his back, Cinnoa resting in his mother's arm.

Luen waved his new arm without thinking and blushed, finding it funny that he was already so used to it.

Naybrin even threw his head back and gave a long, loud, resounding bellow to the sky, causing many of the Amnairians and Tartarans across the combined world to cheer.

Once everyone was settled, the great dragon walked forward, flicking his tail in farewell. Galai waved and waved, over and over, feeling comforted by Titus' arm around her waist. She watched them go, leaning against her husband, then closed her eyes and said "Fate is not yet done with our little friends. I sense many more trials ahead of them...but I also sense many good things as well. They will be fine." She kissed Titus' cheek, then rested her hands over her womb, where the new Divine was growing, and watched as the group faded away.

*

As they flew through the air, Welk stood on Naybrin's head, holding his wings out and hanging on tightly to the dragon's diamond-hard scales with his claws, listening as the First King instructed him on how to work his wings. The fire mage didn't dare fly on his own just yet, instead choosing to train.

Lexi snuggled down behind Werr, wrapping her arms around his torso and resting her head on his shoulder.

((I...left my phone in my locker. D: ))

Werr leaned back against her, smiling slightly, which only grew as Alastor opened up below them like a map. The sun shone brightly on the land, the orange light of sunset spread out over orange and yellow forests and still green plains, Alastor really was a beautiful kingdom. Especially in the autumn seasons. The entire group waved again as Zephyr and Vaira changed direction, heading to the Sacred Forest.

Before long at all, the forests and plains gave way to farmland and trade routes, roads and cities. Even then, it was still a beautiful sight; the buildings, from this height, reminded Werr of toys, almost. The tiny people far below, bustling around in the larger towns, looked like ants. It wasn't the first time Werr had flown places on the back of a dragon, but this was the first time he had done so without distractions for his mind.

The moon had risen by the time they arrived at Palace Alastor. Werr yawned as he slid off of Naybrin's back, a faint smile still on his face. He marched right up to the door and opened it a bit, then called into the hallway, "I'm home!" Just to hear it echo back at him.

((That's okay, as pre-spoken of. :3 ))

Welk grinned and bounded forward, his tawny body rippling with powerful muscles, and raced down the hallway, flames arching in circles around him. It was a joyous sight to see, especially for those who knew all of the hardships the young mage had gone through. He skidded to a halt and twisted upwards into human form, flames licking up and down his body. He doubled back and threw his arms around Werr, saying "We're here!" Then he bounded around in circles, calling "We're here, we're here, we're HERE!"

"Shut up, shut up, shut UP," Cynyr said, wincing and pressing his hands over his ears. "You make enough noise for a full grown elephant."

"Maybe I am one," Welk said with a sharp-toothed grin. "Secretly."

"Please Goddess, don't let him be an elephant..." the panther muttered, walking off down the hallway. He touched Werr's shoulder gently in passing.

Lexi glanced around, giving a soft smile. "So...I can really just call this home now?" she murmured. "And I can really call the king of Alastor my lover?"

Werr smiled at Lexi. "It's not against the law for the king to date. In fact, I think my remaining advisors will be quite relieved to see that I found someone I'm interested in. They were bringing me girl after girl, most of whom wanted to kiss up to me just so they could get at the Kingdom's riches. Shallow, stupid women. None of which I liked. But I like you, and you're very far from shallow." He took her hand and led her inside, but they were stopped short by Aries.

"Your majesty! You're back, and alive!" She was wearing her nightgown, a guard behind her. "Thank the Goddess, I'm so glad to see you..."

"Calm down, Aries. Go on back to bed. I'm tired right now; I'll give you and the other two a good debriefing tomorrow, okay?" Werr was nothing but smiles still.

"Of course...of course. Oh, the new guards have come in. I'll have it requested that they present themselves tomorrow, too...I have to go tell the Elder you're back, he'll be so happy. Oh, and your majesty...your father came and took a carriage. I didn't see much, but I'm pretty sure he took your mother..."

Werr immediately lost his smile. "Go back to bed, Aries. I'll take care of everything."

Lexi took his hand gently, looking concerned. She glanced up as Welk crashed to a sudden landing nearby, falling flat on his face. "Idiot!" Cynyr snarled, pointing a claw angrily at his youngest brother. "Don't try to fly in here! I knew those wings were a bad idea. I'll have less control than ever over you."

"Like you ever had it in the first place!" Welk said, scurrying up and galloping around to rub lovingly against Werr's legs. "I control myself," he said, sticking his tongue out at his wind mage sibling.

"Yeah right," the panther said, glaring. "If only you controlled yourself more often."

Aries looked back at Welk, then down at Werr and Lexi's hands; she smiled slightly before scurrying away, more nervous than ever what with the current argument going on.

"Calm down, you two. There's no need to bicker," Werr sighed, shaking his head. "Come on, we're all tired. Let's just go to bed for now. We've got a busy day ahead of us, and we don't want to be drained and weary the entire time, do we?"

Cynyr snorted, then took panther form and let Lexi onto his back, giving his head a small shake as Welk bumped against Werr untilt he boy climbed onto his back. The lion walked with a proud, happy prance in his step, lifting his paws like a fancy show-horse. He flicked his tail, bouncing along happily.

Upon reaching their rooms, he promptly fell over and pretended to bite Werr's leg, flicking his ears back and growling in a way that sounded much more like a purr.

Werr chortled a bit, but he pulled his leg away and climbed into his bed. "Oh, Lexi, you can sleep in the room next door. Unless you'd rather me have a cot set up in here, which I can do for the time being...I'd understand either way." He smiled at her as he pulled his disgustingly filthy shoes and pulled off his shirt shamelessly. All of it was dirty and torn, one way or another. He never thought he would say it, but he was looking forward to wearing his clean, comfortable royal clothes tomorrow.