come back to me. [herd]

[azul.]

{ R I K U ;
The rain falls on my windows,
and a coldness runs through my soul.

Who would have realized that you could still keep your life on track, despite taking a few, or in my case, dozens of circles? Sometimes, you felt like half of yourself was missing; in my case, I had a third of my heart ripped out. Three? Yes, three. Myself, Xehanort, and Jaliya. Sapphires closed faintly, depressed sigh escaping me, dwelling deep from my lungs, drawing in sweet spring air. Normally, I would have expected a small child to scamper by me. I was lacking much of the herd though. They all dropped off, one by one. Steel toned maw rubbed together, muttering faint words of remembrance, although, it was much harder than it was believed to originally be: ”Nautical, Adelina, Constantine, Cocaine.. Marluxia.” Orbs started open with a soft chuckle rising to my vibrating larynx. Hah, Marluxia. The young beast, I remembered quite well. He was pretty much engrained into my memory. Where did I leave him, exactly? Sapphire glints again opened; transfixed upon the dark world I was surrounded by. I focused in on my home, façade straightening from its previous smile into a hard line. Chest rose, and then fell, movements repeated a few times, limbs randomly gliding forward. It was time that I started to return the sense of authority back in my home.

Slender crown curiously tipped to the faint moments of silence, nares rimmed with a rosy tint widening, inhaling the familiar scent of my realm; sour at the notice that Jaliya’s sweet fragrance had long since faded. Blemish-free limbs faltered for a moment, losing the bright edge, slowing, appearing almost disoriented, but I soon recovered, maw floating out smoothly, masculine voice floating out, my tone taking on a business like manner. Maybe that would surprise everyone. Pace increased into an effortless run, fog cloaking my dappled figure. Oh, how I’d gotten used to this, all of it. ”Turn right, now Riku.” Mm, Xehanort. Beside me, matching my stretching gallop, the beast ran, flashing me a warm smirk – the kindest emotion I’d be able to get out of the hellion, so I took it with a grateful chuckle, and veered off to the right, knowing soon after where we would be heading. It was the place I’d first appeared, back many years ago, when I’d claimed the Lake for my own. Sapphire orbs, moistened from a warm breeze teasing them furiously, glanced to my side, but Xehanort had already vanished. Smirk rose slightly, limbs jutting out in front of my stature, bringing me to a quick, dust slinging halt. Hind stilts shook, fore talons lifting off the ground, mostly in excitement. As soon as my lean body landed, vocals formed a call for my herd, minus the children. Fenrir, Xion and Cocaine – Xehanort’s sweet wishes were for the mare to be left out of my meets, and Snyper, granted that he was still here, wouldn’t enjoy this social chat. Individual calls were let out for the twin bitches, the rosy-hued brute, and of course, my respected elder, Constantine. Lips softened at the thoughts of the small group; oh, how much I wanted to see them all. Weight shifted, and I began to let the time pass, radars flicking forward and back simultaneously.

; 539 words. not bad. seems short. xP

[rayvencullen.]

ADELINA
I put on for my city ::

There was absolute silence in the peaceful clearing the painted essential had chosen to rest in, not even the tweets of the birds or the chirps of the crickets could pull her out of her peaceful slumber. Eventually she'd twitch with the flies that tickled her flesh before laying still again, her head moving to tuck itself under a front leg before she'd mutter in her sleep; nares expanding slightly with a deep breath before she flung her head back with a light whimper. No, nonono get away! Please, leave Nautical alone! she'd call, but there was no reply. She'd be forever lost in the oblivion of sleep until the call that had awoken her jolted her from her horrid dream, sweat pouring from her nape and facade as she moved herself to where she now rested in a sitting position; she swallowed uncomfortably.

Good, a herd meeting.. she breathed, hinds pushing her form upwards towards the sky and muscles rolling back and forth in a vigorous shake to rid her alabaster and blue-tinted coat of the twigs, leaves, and dirt that clung to her still-shedding winter coat before her lips parted, quietly calling towards Riku and murmured that she'd be there soon and that she had to find Nautical first. That viridian bitch of a sister was always elusive, never coming out of hiding unless she was challenged or directly approuched. Now she was blessed with the fact she had to go find her.

NAUTICAL
I'm sorry but the party's over ::

Limbs carried the viridian essa through the forestry as she ran at an all out gallop, her breaths coming out in ragged gasps as she flung herself into the nearest clearing, catching a glimpse of the black tail that shot into the darkness of the forestry. Oh no you don't! she whickered and pranced after it, all the while her fangs bared and ready to inflict pain on whatever had tried to attack her and the elder Constantine in the forest. Her blue eyes never did catch what it was exactly, but the blackened arabian mare told her that it was the wolves.

She lengthened her pace then was called offwards towards the sounds of gathering, but when she started to move towards the sounds she was called off gaurd by her name coming from the lips of her painted sister. Brows rose slightly before she moved at a trot towards the clearing the bitch Adelina had chosen as her retreat.

[/size] [/blockquote]

CONSTANTINE
Obviously, I don't care ::

Black orbs rose to the sky as lightning flickered over her old form, a sigh of delight coming from her mug as she did so. She'd arrive here nearly a year ago and now she decided to come out of hiding. Jaliya had long gone, her little niece Phoenix was no where to be found, and she thought, by the way Nautical had told her things, she wouldn't be very pleased with Xehanort's attitude.

She moved off towards the sounds of voices, mostly towards Riku's at a lazy walk, not in a hurry to get anywhere. Besides, Nautical was off wolf-chasing and Adelina was having crazy dreams, was she the only sane one in this hell-hole?

[`anntho]

Marluxia::

...the weeds are attacking!!!!...[/center][/color]

Rikuuu!!!! A screech cut the air as I burst out of the woods that led to the lake, eyes wide. There was an invasion at the lake, I needed to tell the boss immediatly. Again I broke into the woods, tripping and stumbling, catching myself on thorns, being the clutzy yearling I was. Once, I almost ran into a tree, sad enough. Swerving in time to dodge the last tree I raced out into the open, still moving along at a dead bolt, I was almost there, I could see Riku now. Riku! I squealed again as I came closer to him, pulling to an amazingly graceful stop, despite my previous movements around the woods, I wasn't always a clutz y'know.

Breathlessly I glanced around wildly before looking back to the grey tinted brute, my eyes still wide and my mane splayed across my neck in an unsightly manner, a few of the briar cuts starting to bleed freely off my sides. My chest still rose in uneven breaths and I staggered forward to him, fighting to control my breath but it didn't work out so well. Swaying slightly as I got a dizzy feeling, man, I was out of shape that was for sure. Bracing myself as my head spun I blinked, seeing two Riku's, wow, that was different.

Finally when I got my breath back I pointed back towards the lake and started my explaination. I was at the lake, minding my own business and tending my flowers, when all of sudden, I found weeds! I squeaked, looking back at him with a serious, deer in the headlights expression, before continuing on. I tried to stomp them, but it didn't work Riku!! It didn't work! So I bit them...and there all gone..but I told him, before looking down and shuffling around. I gots a thorn in my nose....right here I whined, going cross-eyed as I look at the green thorn stuck in my muzzle, just out of reach of my tongue.

[/size][/center]

[lynx'']

COCAINE

[/center][/font]

Reaching out; for my own salvation.

My gaze headed out across the misty lake as i continued in a half- daydream. My mocha glints focused strongly on a small moving figure at the other side of the water; in the think fog, i couldn't see what it was, yet it intriged me, clearly. My medium bay cranium dipped to drink out of the lake, i took it in in deep gulps, thinking things over. My mixed up feelings washed over me like a wave. Why was i feeling so confused? I couldn't answer the question myself, but all i knew, was i had to see Xehanort.

As if on que; a deep hoarse call shuddered throughout the lands; and i lifted my maw from the lake, causing ripples to head out to the center. i gave a soft snort and turned my statue to follow the lyrics. It was Riku, but somehow, prehaps i could let Xehanort out, just maybe. These other monsters living here prehaps wouldn't know about the other half, the half i was in love with, yet Xehanort was a murderer, or- he had the murdered soul. I picked up an easy trot and soon a small gathering of equines came into veiw; i slowed, immediatly and stalked up to Riku's side, my mocha optics focused on him and none of the others. Arabian neck arched, dished skull reached out to nip at Riku; a fierce glint in my eyes. My black tail kinked slightly as i peered around to look at the fellow herd members.

I couldn't focus on them for long; soon, my mind drifted back to Riku, and in him i saw Xehanort; i continued to stare through Riku, confident that i would be with Xehanort soon. "Let him see me; Riku." I murmered; my contact still on his sapphire pools. I let the slow words roll off my tongue before turning once again to the tohers, staring at them rather blankly one by one.
[/size][/color]

[azul.]

{ R I K U
- And the rain falls, oh the rain falls,
I don't want to be alone.

For the few moments after my welcoming call, nothing happened. The scenery around me, dooming me to silence was still. Azure orbs narrowed slightly in question, glancing to my sides, seeing if the predators were back. I hadn't seen them since my first year in the Lake - when they had attacked Jaliya, trying to slay Serpent. Now, they were all missing; both predator and prey. Hm, it was a shame. Azures again searched the realm, slim bodice twisting around in a half circle, but that was when the voices hit me, all at once. The voices all sounded equally desperate, all in the same pitch, which was odd. Limbs started at the echoing screams, shifting in different directions, alarmed. Radars remained folded at the top of my dished crown, bodice thrusted forward towards the base of the voices, thrashing about when I heard an approach. Azure orbs widened at the sight of the rosy tressed beast, Marluxia, talons digging into the earth, trying to avoid a collision with the clumsy brute. As soon as the warrior came to a halt, I stepped towards him, scanning his tender bod for any obvious attacks.

"Marluxia, what is it?!" My voice was exclaimed in an unkempt manner, trying to listen through all of Marluxia's bubbling words. Radars gently tipped towards the frightened beast, azures lidding themselves as his rushed words continued. "tending to my flowers," Soft breath was exhaled, and I gave a small nod, bodice shaking slightly. And I'd imagined that we were under attack, or something along those lines. Voice started a faint sentence, fading when Marluxia interrupted slightly. Dust, risen from the scuffling that we had just experienced moments ago loomed around me, dished facade tipping forward, closer to the brute. "A thorn? You have a thorn.. on you?" I mentioned slowly, disbelieving until I spotted a faint emerald thorn wedged in Marluxia's ebony maw. Azure orbs lifted to meet his rosy ones, startled; oh, damn, he wanted me to get it?! I started to speak in a protest, jaw tightening. "Go on Riku, just get it." Warm huff escaped from my depths, and I reached forward silently, ivorns quick and gentle, snatching the tiny thorn and jerking it away from Marluxia. "Better?" Voice was suddenly relaxed, maw reaching forward again to give Marly a firm push on his ebony neck, azures staring at his rosy optics.

Radars fluttered upwards, nostrils inhaling deeply. Constantine? I questioned myself, frame leaving Marluxia's side to step towards the base of the scents, soft smile lighting up my facade when I spotted the elder essa. Azure orbs ran over her aged bay form, and then my voice lingered around us, stepping to the side, ushering the sane essa into our little group. "Hi Constantine. I assume you haven't met Marluxia? He's the new... warrior of the Lake." Words were paused, and I let my azure optics rush to Constantine's form, giving an amused sort of smile, then let my words flow again, much more reserved this time. "Have you seen Nautical or Adelina? I wanted them to come, so we could have a meeting.." Voice faded, and then I stepped back, watching my two companions quietly, wondering where the evil twins were.

"Riku, Cocaine's here.." The beast had vanished before I could react, but I let my optics lift, looking towards the bay form of my partner's companion. Maw lifted in a smile that lasted until the smaller bitch had arrived at my side and latched her ivorns into me. Expression faded, but when Cocaine spoke quietly, familiar hissed tones carried to my radars, I nodded, voice floating out in a soothing tone. "He can, don't worry." In a faint moment, I could feel the beast leaving me, standing next to Cocaine, metaphorically engulfing her in a blanket of fog - but I was sure that no one else could ever be able to see his sight of affection. Azures rested on Cocaine for a moment, and I gave a gentle nod, then glanced towards the other two, smile returning. Limbs shifted, making way for everyone to begin their 'discussions,' if they're would be any.

status; complete.
word count; 691.
comments; oh lawd, poor marly. POOR constantine. :] hope you guys can work with it.

[`anntho]

Marluxia::

...Ah, much better...[/center][/color]

As the thorn was removed from my nose I bobbed my head slightly and gave a nonintentional wiggle of joy, though, just a small one. As Riku pushed on my neck I arched it slightly, before pushing at at his shoulder gently. Yush, much better I trilled, my voice still high, my mind having yet to start my clock that would make my frame more masculine then femine, along with other changes, but in my opinion, it could take it good old time, I didn't mind. Hearing my name again I looked towards the older mare, giving her a little smile before looking back to Riku, glancing over him when yet another mare arrived, and she bit the steely king. Giving her a hard glare I snorted, but then shied away when she gave everybody a blank look, scary. Suddenly the cracking of twigs made me spin around and leap away into a springy trot, disappearing into the woods, only to come charging out and hiding behind Riku moments later.

[/size][/center]

radon
oh jeez..

At some point during the night I'd left the little hollow I had found to sleep in and trailed around the woods, immersed in my own thoughts and trying to chase away the nag that tugged at my mind. I needed something to do, and I found that something when I stumbled upon Nautical, watching her spear at the wolf with some curiousity. There weren't many wolves to practive on in Taunting Marshes, so I guess I could jump in and join her, or I could stand here and just learn everything I could absord. The latter sounded much, much better.

My ears suddenly flickered back and I started from my resting position. I must of dozed off in while Nautical was doing her thing. I missed most of it in my accidental slumber. Glancing around I noticed I was alone again, and then I found out why. There had been a herd meeting called, perhaps I should go just for the fun of it. Yeah. After all Nautical was blood and she'd vouch for me...I hope. Pivoting around I started out towards the edge of the woods, before stopping at the sound of cracking twigs infront of me, and then a black missle shot through the ferns.

I tensed and stopped as he charged towards me like a mad bull, his ears back and eyes wide like he was gonna throw me aside and keep going, oh boy. My own ears folded back and I leapt forward, only to watch him pull up short and tear back off through the woods out towards the clearing where I was heading. Don't just stand there, after him. So the voice was back was it, that couldn't be a good sign. Shaking my head I danced sideways, stretching out the muscles to loosen them before I trotted after the other yearling, pausing a breif moment before stepping out into the light and glancing around for Nautical, before the wind brought me something fimilar and my ears popped up at the scent, remembering it anywhere, Cocaine was here again, could that mean the foal?? I didn't finish the thought and set my expression to an unreadable, blank look. My neck pulled up and my chin came in to bounce against my chest in a thinking gesture. Yes I would go to the meeting, I'd handle myself.

I sprung forward into another easy jog, pulling my neck out to hold it in a normal position. A few bloodsuckers landed upon me but were quickly wisked away by my tail before they could get a bite and the liquid they needed. Sending a glance towards Marluxia I nodded at him, my face still an emotionless mask, until I looked to Riku and saw Cocaine right beside him. A crack in my armor. My face fell slightly and I masked it by clearing my throat as I paused and dipped my head to Riku, and only gave a twitch of my muzzle to Cocaine, a flick of my ear and no more. Little did I know, that Riku wasn't the father of the foal, or that she had a new toy in her life.

[/size][/right]

[Sohalia]

Cocaine

Russet sentinels flickers while I heard the words that Riku spoke toward the others. I really didn't care. I wanted Xehanort. I wanted to feel his soft touch upon my russet flesh. After Riku words toward me I could sense that Xehanort was around me. Indeed I couldn't see the beast, but my wicked heart knew that he was around me. I let sentinels flicker while I began to catch the words on the others. But little did I care. But out of everything I did notice the one who gave me a hard glare and then snorted toward me. My russet sentinels lowers in there graves as I lower my cerebrum toward the earth in a threating way. Then my copper lanterns notice how the young steed shied away away. I gave out a snort toward him. What a pussy!

But then I heard a twig snap under someones weight, copper lanterns lead my eye sight toward the sound. Then I notice the brute Radon standing as he appear from the dark shadows. I let my inky whip hit my russet flanks. It was like maybe I could get him to leave. Thats how I got all the other pest that followed me around to leave. But indeed he wasn't a small insect that I could kill with my long tangle whip. But then again I did have all the other things needed to kill the brute. But I didn't see the point in wasting my engry toward him.

I stood where I was at next to Riku hoping that Xehanort would come to me. If anyone wanted to stand here. I guess that would have to fight for the spot and trust me there would be blood shed. My copper lanterns leaves Radon and moves back toward Riku. I replayed the words that he had spoken toward me earlier in my brain. He can, don't worry. I knew what he meant by this. I didn't say another word toward the brute knowing that Xehanort was here. Somewhere.

[nuzzer2]

{ JALIYA

Bay crown was lifted high, beneath me twin pillars worked hard to secure that my walk would seem graceful and dancing; I was a Queen – and so I would walk. There was peace in Marvolo’s head at the moment – truth to be told he has vanished and I wasn’t exactly sure where to, so why not return to see how my dear mate was faring? It wasn’t like I had forgotten the ghostly stallion – he usually haunted my dreams, yes, I missed him, but I had to know if he missed me too.

The trip across the lands went fairly easy; sure the wolves were picking up their activity around the land, but who gave a damn anyway? I just sent them an arrogant smirk as I passed and they left me be nice deal eh? As I stepped across the borderline to the Black Lake, I stopped for a minute or two; everything was so, so familiar and yet unknown! Yet the thing that caught my interest the most was the new scents. Soon a call rang out across the lands and I immediately recognized the deep tone as that of my mate, yet why wasn’t he calling for me? My brow furrowed in confusion and annoyance, did he already consider me as an outsider? I was offended. Instead of galloping towards the scene I took my time – my pace was slow, my expression completely blank.

There would be no feelings now; I would show the dappled stallion that he had taken a step too far by excluding me! I stopped at the entrance to the clearing – observing, learning, before I took the last graceful steps that carried me out of the shadows and into the others sight. “My my dear Riku, do I not belong to your herd anymore?” The tone was catty and challenging, there would be no confusion – no time for him to catch me off guard, I had settled with the demon inside of me and that way it would stay until the pain went away. But instead of letting my hazel orbs linger upon the silver stallion, I let them wander – wander to imprint every single detail of the others currently present in the clearing, the information would then be packed down and saved for later use if needed. My gaze rested for a few seconds upon Constantine before a wolfish smile appeared on my lips. “Mother” I acknowledged the older mare with a respectful tone, sure I was on the path of war – but she would forever be my dam and therefore my superior. Next my gaze slid on to the others, eyeing them up and down – much like a predator would do to a prey, where were the weaknesses? The last one my gaze rested upon was a russet colored mare – standing next to my mate. Anger flooded through my veins and I lowered my head slightly – upon my maw the wolfish smile broadened and increased in size; I had been challenged.

ooc: take that az! xD

[azul.]

{ R I K U
- I wish that I could photoshop all our bad memories,
'Cause the flashbacks, oh, the flashbacks, won't leave me alone.

Azures parted from the rosy brute's small, delicate form for a few moments, mind wandering with an odd sensation. Optics began to slide shut, squeezing tight, that undeniable swarming. Unable to hear Marluxia's short, thanking vocals, my head trembled faintly, receiving an unexpected note from Xehanort. "Riku, easy now. What's wrong?" Limbs stretched out, briefly easing my unsteady form, and after a moment of regaining my breath, optics opened, gazing out past Marluxia's yearling statue. I blinked once.. then a few more times, finally able to remember where I was. Banner flagged out scarcely in the non-existant breeze that would manage to slip through my tightly clustered lithe. Satin hide shudded, attention being brought over to my warrior. Gaze lingered on the colt's small profile, dished facade nodding faintly, stilts shifting sideways; my slim bodice swinging along with it. Radars began to elevate, eyesight shifting to the clearing where the rosy beast had emerged; only able to recognize the steely colt after a few moments of silence. Gaze hardened, switching to Cocaine. I knew this one. Maw began to part, unleashing an annoyed command, but from the sheer lack of oxygen coursing through my mind, I was left speechless, helplessly looking around the group.

When the updraft began to shift, bringing back the familiar scents of my home to my nares, I wasn't at all worried - that is, before I scented that fragrance that I'd yet to scent for, what, two years? Sapphire eyes widened in a hint of disbelief; Jayila.. was back? I'm sure that any other time, I would be delighted to see my bay mate; though, my herd had grown, as had my relationships with the others, and Jayila had never really approved of that. Expression soured faintly, something that Xehanort picked up on. "Uh-oh." Were his brief sympathetic words. I looked around the herd, exhaling a breathless, pitied laugh. This, probably wouldn't end up well; I'd never called for Jayila, or gone to look for her. Instead, I'd stayed behind with my herd, as what normal chargers would do, hm? But, I realized, I wasn't normal, nor was she. Guilt filled up my azure optics in the form of murky tears, this was all going to hell, wasn't it? Aerials lifted up, dished facade rising toward the sky line, inhaling a deep breath. I spent those few seconds preparing myself for Jayila's appearance, realizing with grim satisfaction that I could quite possibly lose the gaurd that had filled up my heart - in the spot where a void had been created from leaving Destiny Islands.

"My my dear Riku, do I not belong in your herd anymore?" Alert radars picked up on the queen's slow-treading movement. For a moment, I wanted to get a look at her stunning features, the ones that I'd fallen for five years ago, but for the fear that it would hurt, my facade was stacked higher, staring straight into the bleak horizon. Once comfortable to look into Jayila's hazel reader's without bursting into a frantic plea for forgiveness, I lowered my stiff neck, sapphire eyes sought out for my bay mate."If you want to be," My voice explained quietly; forgetting about the few others that had gathered around me, sturdy frame slipped forward silently, easing past Jayila, giving her a soft look. Crown flipped to the side, urging her to follow. Facial emotions read in a blank manner, talons striking the moist turf in a rythmic manner, lasting until I was far from the herd, secluded in the dark abyss. "Jaliya" I began, pausing, staring at the bay queen, unable to hide the affection that had lasted through out the years. "Jaliya, I-I'm not sure what to say.. Where have you been for the past few years? I've never stopped missing you, and you're mad at me?" Voice was riddled with a sense of bewilderment, my sapphire optics never once losing contact with my lover's. Lips twitched, attempting a smile, but failing miserably. Breathless inhales were the only noise that followed, adding to my grating nerves. What, what if she left me?

status; complete.
word count; 682.
comments; ohmigod.