>> natural conception. [jaja]

[azul.]

R I K U

...All along, I was searching for, "My Lenore."

The heat was beginning to subside. It was becoming more comfortable to be out in the sun, but I would rather remain in the shelter of the lake. I was chest deep, my neck straining ahead of the water to prevent becoming submerged. It felt like the ocean, back at home, but it lacked the waves, crashing into my thin chest, knocking me back. It was lacking that. A gentle sigh left my mouth, as I waded deeper, into the center of the lake. I was in a state of mild panic, but I seemed to be frozen in place. I swallowed, shaking my crown as my damp tassels stuck to my thin, steel tinted neck. My eyes closed for the longest time. When a breeze blew the water against my face, stinging the blue-green complexion of my eyes, I growled half-heartedly, and wandered out.

I was someone else today. I was calm and collected, but that spark that I normally had wasn't there. It was all confusing. With a gentle groan, I stepped onto the dry land, and looked around. From here, I could see the cliff where I stood when I claimed Black Lake. Before I even realized it, I was trotting towards it. My eyes looked beyond the cliff, to the sky in the distance. I smiled, halting. I stood so proud, but why I was here was a different matter. I needed to talk to something, someone. My voice was emitted curiously, asking if Jayila was around. It would be good to talk to the so called 'insane sister,' mainly because that they had so much in common. The memory of Jayila made me laugh, as I stared into the distance. I called again, my voice carrying out into the realm.

[nuzzer2]

; Jaliya


Dark cloudy orbs gazed at the sky, the burning sun was still towering above me – burning and scorching. The heat however was slowly beginning to step aside and let the gentle breezes come through, signaling that autumn was coming soon – a frown spread on the bay colored mare’s dark kissers. With Autumn came the breeding season, the time of the year most mares – and stallions – longed for, normal mares would be wondering about what color their youngster would be, or just how handsome their lead stallion is, but me? I lowered my dark crown from the burning sky and glanced towards the woods instead, why should I look forward to it? There would be no foal for me, no little one to care for and love – why? Easy.

I Jaliya, the beautiful bay colored Arabian female was a freak – a disgrace to nature’s way, you might want to ask why and I’ll tell you. Simple, I believe that mares and stallions should go together in pairs, which means one stallion and one mare – but what stallion would be able to stick to that? Easy answer, my now deceased mate, we had promised each other eternal love and loyality, and my heart was shattered into thousands of pieces when he passed away.

A noise interrupted my train of thoughts and I raised my crown quickly, it had sounded like a call but I wasn’t sure – there it was again – auds flickered forward as I took in the call of Riku. Strong pillars carried me into a light canter towards my lord, why would he summon me? Was something wrong? Worry grabbed my heart as a cold hand and I picked up the pace, however as he came into sight, a confused look replaced my worry – I wonder what he wanted?

“You called for me Riku? Is something wrong?”

Even though the worry had disappeared from my expression, it was still clear in my voice as I spoke.

[azul.]

R I K U

In the words of Mr. Edgar Allen Poe.

I was the oddity in this world. Everything had to be good or bad, and there was little things that her in between. It seemed as though I, the one light, once dark, didn't fit into anything. That was what made me odd. I didn't like being the odd one. I always stood out when I was next to Kairi and Sora. They were smaller, younger, and I, Riku, was bigger, muscled, older, even if it was just by a few months. Now, I couldn't stand by anything without appearing so... Different. An exasperated sigh escaped my lips as my crown dropped. My mug rested lightly on the ground, barely whisking the soil as I thought. I had been here for a few months, and I was approaching the time that I despised the most. I never noticed it before, when I was running away, fighting, moving underneath his grip. But now, just from being here, and realising it, I found that it was breeding season. I knew it would come, and if I'd still been on the island, I'm sure I would have found someone to settle down with, but... This isn't the island, I can't settle down.

I'd feel wrong to breed with all the mares in my so called herd. It wasn't even a herd; we all just gathered around and talked, and explored. That was about it. I couldn't breed to all of them. I didn't want a child of my own. It was hard to try to take care of Serpent, and he wasn't even mine, but what could I do? I'd have to 'spread my lines' eventually, but why did it have to be so hard? I didn't want to be the bad father that no one liked. That would be a nightmare for me. With a shake of my crown and a few silent, pleading words, I looked up. I was still at the ledge, staring out. A smile creased my features. Why? I wasn't happy, but it remained there, soft, unconcerned. I forgot that I called Jayila. It slipped my mind, I must've been thinking far too much about it, but when she showed up, my eyes glittered. I wanted to scamper over to her and nuzzle her, hoping that it would shake my thoughts away, but instead, I turned to face her.

The smile grew wider, but for some reason, I didn't feel comfortable smiling. I hadn't smiled in years, unless it was a twisted smirk, watching my enemies fall in defeat. It was that old Riku smile, half way there, my eyes closing. I remained glued to the ground, but after a few silent moments, listening to her speak, I peered at her. She was worried about me. I could understand why, last time I did this, I was sobbing, begging to go back home. I was still somewhat like that, but I couldn't bother Jayila with that. I slowly wandered closer to her, my strides long and easy. I reached her in mere seconds. I reached out to her, nuzzling her neck softly, as I spoke quietly. In a complete contrast, my words were almost edgy, hesitant.

"Hi Jayila. How are you, doing? I- I'm not sure if something's wrong. You know I have two more mares that followed me... I think they may want foals in the Fall... Jayila- what do I do? I haven't been a father, except to Serpent, and I don't even think I'm doing a good job!"

The longer I spoke, to more my tone dropped. When I finished speaking, my voice was merely a whisper. I stared at Jayila with my light, blue-green eyes, begging for her to help me.

[nuzzer2]

; Jaliya

My eyes locked onto Riku’s and a soft yet shy smile spread on my lips, butterflies fluttered around in my womb and a laugh threatened to bubble up through my throat. I came to my senses and immediately looked at the ground, I was acting like a two year old – just because he smiled at me! A snort of frustration escaped my nostrils before I could prevent it, however it was cut off as he nuzzled my neck. Several things happened after that, one: my heartbeat increased quite a lot, two: I let out a long sigh and three: I closed my eyes shortly forgetting everything around me – that was the effect this wicked stallion had on me, in other words, he had me gooood. As his lyrics began to spill, my long ears peered up to listen. I immediately regretted coming to him, the cold hand was back – clenching my thundering heart with its long bony fingers – I lowered my head slightly so that my long bangs fell down and covered my eyes, which were slowly filling up with fluid. I wanted badly just to raise my crown, stare him in his twisted demon eyes and yell for him to go to hell, but I found that I could not. I wanted to jump away from him, then turn around and run for it – run to Sophie and tell her that she was right all along, but I couldn’t either. What did you expect? He’s not like you, freak. Of course he wasn’t, I was a freak – a disgrace to anything that called itself a herd, or anyone who called himself a stallion – why had I hoped that I could fit in here?

I knew Riku had brought more mares to the territory; I had been able to smell them as soon as they had arrived, yet I had made no effort to try to meet them. Why? Because I knew it would come to this at some point, that the two normal mares would ask Riku for foals – and I would stand alone, watching the happy family. I kept my gaze locked on the ground, I didn’t want the stallion who caused me so much pain – even though it was never his fault – see my misery. I realized I would have to answer him at some point, and slowly I raised my crown up to his – amber met emerald – and I tried to send him a happy smile, but failed miserable. I could only hope that Riku believed, that I was still sad from the loss of my filly, and that the memories made me sad.

“You’re doing a wonderful job with Serpent Riku, he cares deeply for you, and looks at you like you’re his hero. As for fall, you should breed with the mares if they would like to, foals are a blessing from above – not a curse, but really it is up to you. As for me, I’m fine – I met a mare named Sophie not long ago, I believe you two know each other.”

Even though my heart was breaking into thousands of pieces, I spoke the words calmly – like nothing was wrong. I did remember to use ‘they’ instead of us though, since I had told Riku about my morals and I was hurting too much at the moment to even think about changing them. I brought Sophie in because I needed to hurt him with something as he hurt me, I knew they were some kind of enemies – it had appeared that way on Sophie, but I didn’t know how much or what the story was behind it. [/size]

[azul.]

R I K U

Now I'm sober and "Nevermore."

When I stared at Jayila, it felt like I was home. She had that same, soft, almost timid smile of Kairi's. I could almost imagine Sora standing beside me, taunting me to run another race, because I had beaten him the last time. It made my heart beat faster. I could feel it in my throat, the dull thudding sensation. It tingled, making me swallow. I was brought of my mind numbing dreams as Jayila sighed. My blue-green eyes rested on hers. That confused me. It seemed almost dreary, but relaxed. I had always been the kind to scan faces. When I was speaking, almost scaredly, Jayila's auduals tipped upwards, but I felt like I had done the wrong thing. It made my eyes drop to the ground, and blink, ashamed of myself. Why did I drop all my worries on her? It wasn't fair to her. She was just trying to help, and live a normal life. It felt like I was back in on of the towns that I visited. What was it again? I couldn't remember now, but it gave me, the Riku-no, it was Xehanort at that time- it gave me the chills. I felt those same chills when Jayila's crown dropped. I wanted to bite my lip, and take all the words back. I knew that I had done something horribly wrong. I reached out, and bumped her mug, my small voice being emitted in a barely audible nicker. Silence fell over the both of us. It was tense, and it made my auduals pin back. Even if it was quiet, I wanted to block everything out and cry. Giving a small sigh, choked up by a layer of free flying dust, auduals perked forward to listen to Jayila, but she said nothing.

Surely Jayila must've known that I had brought more mares into Black Lake? I probably should have spoken to her first about it, she was after all, the first one to have joined me. But I hadn't. Still, to a normal stallion, it wouldn't have mattered. The two mares that I had follow me were nice, and calm. They were nothing like Jayila. Was that good? I couldn't tell right now, but my breath caught in my throat as she began to speak. The words that she spoke, they made me grow cold. I knew right then and there, that this would spiral downhill, fast.

She spoke that one cursed word: Sophie. The one I had first met here. She hurt me in ways that left me scarred, emotionally and physically. When Jayila spoke, I slowly closed my eyes, as if I could feel the blow to my skull all over again. When they opened, they were cloudy with tears, but I furiously shook them away. My words were chosen carefully, in disbelief. No, this couldn't be happening, not now.

"No, it can't be. You don't know her, you can't Jayila! She can't know you! She, and you... You all talked about me, didn't you?"

What foolish words I spoke. Of course they talked about me. Sophie, she was the twisted creature. She brought out the worst in me, the side that I was scared of. My eyes began to grow misted again, but my jaw clenched, and I shook my crown angrily, speaking again. My words were chilling.

"You don't even know how bad that hurts. You don't know how bad that hurts Jayila!"

I would have roared out more words, but my mind grew blank, my crown dropping, hanging helplessly. I felt like I was back in the fight, when I spoke to Sophie, about the dark. About the light, I talked about everything. My lips formed the words; I couldn't say them, but I was able to mumble some. I remembered that fight, when I ran, and Sophie crashed into me. My sides stung, as if reliving the pain. I felt that fall, careening down the hilltop, my head colliding with the ground every few seconds, until I stopped at the foot of the hill, staring out at the world bleakly. I had wished for death, much like I did now. Why did it bring up the anger in me? For whatever reason, it did. My jaw clenched together tightly, and I began to fight myself. "Hello again Riku, you thought you lost me, didn't you? I haven't had any reason to come and haunt your minds, besides today. Now, be a doll and let me control you." I swallowed, frantically looking around for a way out. I ignored Jayila, until my crown dropped again, giving up. It was like I changed, when Xehanort's tantalizing words entered my thoughts. "Now Riku, what should I do with her? We can't kill her, you seem to love her so much. It's my turn to deal with this. You're done." Just like that, almost like a snap of the finger, I was changed. The fingers of darkness came over me, smothering me.

My crown raised in anger, my neck straining to seem larger than what I was. My chest rose with a layer of air, and a smirk spread across my facial features. This was Xehanort.This was the king. I could faintly hear Riku begging me to stop, just like he had when he saw an image of Kairi, slumped on the floor. It made me feel great. If it was beyond reality to say that my eyes changed colors, from their original, blue complexion to the amber, gold tint, then this was like we were in another world. When I focused on the world around me, I looked down at the bay mare. Jayila. Hmm. I could remember hearing Riku talk about her. I knew what she hated, what she was scared of, and I was ready to use it. Threateningly, my teeth snapped out at her, an angry, defiant scream leaving my vocals. "No, Xehanort, stop! Don't hurt her, please don't hurt her, she's not a part of this! Please..." Too bad Riku, I'm in charge now. My voice sounded deeper as I spoke. It echoed with an eerie note, making some shiver. I glared at Jayila, and laughed menacingly as I formed the words.

"Yes, I've met Sophie. She dared the bad side of Riku to come out. You know his name, right? If you don't, let me refresh you: My name is Xehanort, master of all darkness, master of you."

Would this scare her? Certainly. If it didn't, she had another thing coming for her. I was still in control. Xehanort was still in control, I was ruling Riku's body. I could hear him crying in the back of my mind, but I could easily shut it out, and I continued speaking.

"Jayila, realize that, there is never an answer for you. As long as I'm controlling Riku, you're doomed to stay here. Don't think of it that badly though, atleast you'll produce some fine offspring."

The last word was spoken so quietly, it was uncharacteristic for Xehanort. Ah well. I glared at Jayila, reaching out to savagely bite her.

[nuzzer2]

; Jaliya

I was still completely buried in misery and pain, only half of my focus was on Riku the other was on the past – on my deceased love and my little innocent filly. My hazel eyes were locked on my dark hooves, slowly bit by bit they began changing color, starting at the tip reaching its way towards my leg. I wanted to scream, then run for it and hide in some deep cave where I would never see the sunshine again, yet it didn’t stop the red color from spreading further and further – Riku’s voice cut through the illusion as a knife through butter. I blinked once, twice, what on earth? Talked about him? How did he know? Did he know that I loved him? I took a few steps back, this was too emberassing.

“So you know? You know about my –"

His jaw clenched and his next lyrics were as cold as a winter storm – did he really hate me that much? But the words that were spilled had nothing to do with what I thought, no, the complete opposite actually. Why would he think I would trash talk him? His tone and lyrics hurt me badly, like an flaming arrow straight to my already crying heart.

“But Riku – I didn’t know – I’m sorry, I just needed someone to talk to!”

I felt like a punished youngster, my crown was slightly lowered and my orbs locked on the hard surface beneath our hooves – why did I have to talk with her, why couldn’t I just had turned my back and walk away? Crystal tears fell like diamonds to the starving earth, I could not hold back anymore – it hurt too much. Because of my lowered eyes I didn’t notice Riku´s next reaction; I didn’t see his transformation before it was too late. Sharp fangs snapped together just beside my left ear and a shriek left my maw, huge frightened eyes locked on – golden eyes met hazel and a shiver ran through me, something told me I was in deep trouble. I backed further away, how did he gain control? Was this my fault? What had I done? More tears fell from my large orbs, and I sent him a pleading look.

“Please don’t – I didn’t mean to”

His voice cut me off again and a scream left my throat, this wasn’t happening! Where was everyone? I kept backing away, wanting to get as much distance between us as possible.

“Stay away from me, monster! I’ll never bare any spawns for you”

My tones were ice cold and daring, I knew if Xehanort – or Riku, decided to attack I would be really screwed. I thought my opinions through; he had not hurt me yet, so maybe there was a chance that Riku could regain control before it was too late. Or I could simply just turn around and run for it, but then I would be leaving Riku behind, alone with this monster! I snarled in frustration, I could not leave Riku behind – not before I was sure that there was no chance of him regaining the controlee, yet I would rather die than carry the spawn from that devil. Aw come on, finally a good stallion and you turn him away. A good stallion? This was nothing but a monster – a demon. But he’s in your Riku’s body; you’ll have his foals just as you wanted. No, he might be in Riku’s body but it isn’t Riku.

“Tell me demon, where is your own body?”

If I could just hold a conversation long enough, maybe even distract him so that Riku could have a chance, even though the chances were very slim and my hope nearly nonexistent. I raised my crown proudly, trying to look calm and collected even though I was terrified.

[lynx'']

S O P H I E

Sophies orbs widened as she scented Riku and Jaja close by, She quickened her pace, up to a three beat, her hooves sinking slightly into the ground underfoot. Riku dear, I'm home! lyrics sang out across the lands, she knew she was unwanted here, but she didn't care, she was here to see Jaja.
As the pair came into veiw, she slowed to a trot, then to a walk, snorting loudly to let them be aware of her apperance. She halted by jaja's side and nipped gently at her shoulder Hello sister she snarled, never the less in a nice tone. Now whats going on here? she asked, she could sense something was not right, and wanted to be right in on the conversation.

[azul.]

R I K U & X E H A N O R T

Will the raven come to bother me at home?

&

That's the anxiety, the sane and the insane rivalry.

The devilish smirk remained plastered to my features. For once, I tuned out Jayila's emotions, her crown dropping as if she was being scolded. I could hear poor Riku screaming at me, like he was shackled in the back of my mind, and he was helpless to do anything. "Xehanort! Stop it, it's my battle, not hers! You don't dare to touch her! I swear if you do, I'll kill you. I swear on my life Xehanort, don't you do it!" A bemused laugh escaped my mouth quietly. Riku, you're done. Until I find my body, and you're ready to fight, well, you're going to have to deal with this. You're done Riku, you've lost now, and I'm in charge. His helpless words were shut off in my mind. I looked down at Jayila, my amber eyes glittering with a non-mistaken hate. She finally spoke. How did I know? Well, hmm. That's a hard question. I knew, because I was sitting in the back of Riku's mind when he met Sophie. She was so manipulative, and so vile- why, she reminded me of me! I laughed again. Once more, I could hear Riku's response, as if he could yell loud enough to make Jayila hear. "Why didn't you talk to me Jayila!? Only I know my business!" My lips lifted in a sneer, and I eventually spoke, my tone regal.

"It's too late now Jayila, I'm sure Riku would have loved to talk to you, but I'm afraid that he's a little tied up now."

Did she think that I didn't see those plump tears fall from her eyes? I indeed saw them, and laughed. She was shocked by my attack. Surely, Riku was a kind hearted fellow. He wouldn't have attacked her, so this was a shock. She shrieked, making my auduals pin back, but not for very long. They soon perked forward again, and I inhaled deeply, my neck arching. I glared at her like a youngster, noting when she backed up. I stuck with her, taking a few strutting paces forward. My body turned rigid, and I stepped around stiffly, my neck craning out to snap at her tender muzzle. She spoke pleadingly to me. Please don't - I didn't mean too. Just like Riku's reaction, I chuckled, and spoke.

"Dear Jayila, you don't really understand why I've taken control of Riku, do you? You see, I think you did mean to do this, you brought this upon yourself. When you said that about Sophie, you unleashed me- and for that, I have to thank you."

I kept my words going nice and smooth, even as Jayila screamed. I could hear the fright in her voice, as I could hear Riku's struggling to get out. My throat gargled in a snarl, a loud growl, and I snapped at her, demanding her silence. She managed to get her words out. Oh ho, they were so daring! I had to smirk and laugh. I let the silence build, my strutting, stalking nature carrying me closer to her, amber eyes glinting angrily. The air grew tense as I finally responded.

"You don't have a choice anymore. Oh, my body you say? Well, aren't you a rambling one? It's resting dear, it's resting far away, so it will be at the top of it's game when I beat Riku and fully take charge of his body. Or better yet, kill him."

At least she called me demon. I was about to respond again when my body grew tense. My nares inhaled that hated scent. Sophie. I could hear her far away lyrics as she called out. "No, not her." Ah, this will be interesting. I caught sight of the chestnut, thin mare. I payed her no attention, until she spoke. I didn't look at her either. She could sense a change, but those eye changes would be a heart stopper. Finally, my amber eyes left Jayila for a fraction of a second to glare at Sophie. I could hear Riku snarl at her, threatening her to leave, but instead, I spoke.

"Sophie, what a pleasure. How have you been fairing? I'm sure Riku left you with some memories. Do you know who I am? I'm the one who was fighting you that day. Do you remember Sophie? It's Xehanort, Riku's other half. You made quite a commotion in Riku's life, you know? Of course, that was probably your goal, wasn't it?"

I glared down at her, and angrily reached out to bite her shoulder, just as she did to Jayila. A laugh left my vocals, straining. My eyes rested on Sophie's for a few moments, but I eventually tuned her out and looked at Jayila. The smirk returned, and I closed my eyes for a moment, my movements jerky. Taking control over Riku certainly was hard to do. I didn't feel weak, but my patience was wearing thin. Maybe it was time to return to the back of Riku's mind- for now. Nah, it can wait. My gaze shifted from both mares, making me shake my crown, and snort. Xehanort, you have to stop now, please, stop... Silence Riku, you're not a part of this now.

[nuzzer2]

; Jaliya

Even though my long ears flickered back as I heard Sophie’s voice in the distance, my sharp orbs didn’t leave Riku, or should I call him Xehanort? For a second. A gentle nip was placed upon my shoulder and I snorted softly, letting the mare know that I knew she was by my side. I cursed and cheered on the inside, cursed because Sophie would be in great danger now – cheering because I wasn’t alone anymore, maybe together we had a chance of freeing Riku from his prison. My eyes narrowed even more, as I glared with hate on the male in front of me. Red hot anger was replacing my judgment and was slowly clouding over my brain, I might be half good – but I had been a dark for six full years, and had been through a lot of fights during my life. However my strong feelings for the brute in front of me – even though captured – was too strong for me to attack, but this demon was testing my love and loyality to the limit.

“No surprise, it’s probably too ugly for the world to see – pathetic creatures have pathetic bodies. You’ll never get near Riku, I’ll make sure of that, monster!”

Different emotions flickered through my dark eyes, I didn’t want this demon to come near the stallion I cared so much for – if he as much as touched a hair on his perfect body I’d.. I reared up slightly and hammered my iron hard hooves into the ground with a loud thump, the damn demon kept testing my patience! I glanced shortly at Sophie, I hoped I could count on her – she knew about my feelings for Riku, and that I would not be able to harm him unless I was fighting for my precious life. Memories of my first meeting with Riku flooded through my brain as a wild river, the insane jump into the icy lake – his quiet form above mine, our conversations, Serpent. Oh god! Serpent! Panic grabbed my heart with its cold uncaring hands, had Xehanort touched him? Had he taken control of Riku before I arrived? My hazel eyes widened and I looked around with scared eyes, yet making sure to keep my sensitive ears locked on the brute in front of me, and relying on Sophie’s fast reflexes.

“Have you touched the colt, demon? If you have I swear I’ll hunt your wretched body down and drain it for blood, slowly.”

Eagle eyes glared with hatred on the grey stallion in front of me, I felt my thoughts slip away like the sand of time, if there was something that could let my demons – or demonesses out, it would be hurting a harmless young foal. Ahaha a little more dear, become yourself once again. Me? Let my inner demons take over me? Become like – I observed the stallion in front of me with disgust – this .. creature? Never! Oh but you want to, you want to give in – maybe I can free Riku? Hm? Tempting really, but no, if I let my demon out – if that was even possible, it would probably just join this other demon and never let Riku or myself out again. An excellent idea popped into my head – what if Sophie tried seducing this Xehanort?, I knew I would not be able to succeed because of two things: one, Riku clearly did not care for me like that, two: It wasn’t even sure I would be able to reach Riku. However Sophie, Xehanort hated me because Riku obviously cared for me in one way or another – and if he was trying to provoke Riku and me as much as possible, maybe he could be lured into flirting with Sophie enough, to let Riku fight for the control? It was a long shot, but maybe.

“You’re a demon, you don’t belong in his body, can’t I just have my Riku back – please?”

Lyrics were hurt and sad, making sure to put extra press on ‘my’ – as a lover would. I lowered my head in a hurt way, making sure my hazel orbs were shaded from the demon in front my me, I tried to catch Sophie’s dark eyes. Would she catch the idea? Was it possible she understood? I prayed to every god I knew, and hopefully nothing would go wrong, even though it was a high risk to take. [/size]

[azul.]

R I K U & X E H A N O R T

Home, calling you, calling you home.

&

Paranoia's brought me to my knees.

At this point, I felt like I was talking to a foolish youngster. She avoided my harsh, golden flecked amber eyes, and she didn't seem to understand my concept at all. Could Riku really have partnered up with a mare like her? I really did pity that poor colt, but barely. As I blinked in an almost bored way, I thought back to where Riku's spirit was held. I laughed menacingly. He was really trying to fight wasn't he? And yet, the harder he fought, the more it proved to me that he was weak, weaker than me. I couldn't wait until I fought him in the real world. It had already proved my suspicions, so I was done, but it would be fun to toy with Sophie and Jayila some more. This was what I lived for, it drove me so much. I laughed again, and began to listen to Jayila snap out a reply to my threatening words. I could hear her speak, but I also heard the sudden twist of silence that Riku revealed. He didn't say anything for a few moments, until he mumbled out a few small words. "So that's what she thinks? Xehanort, you're able to control me. That makes me pathetic, I can't even stand up to you, so that makes me and everything I-" Everything that includes you dear Riku, will be a pathetic failure. It's the honest truth. Turned to stare at Jayila, I spoke.

"Why, I control little Riku, Jayila. That makes him pathetic. He can't stand up for anything, in fact, I can hear him talking. He's quite devastated that you would have said something like that about him. After all, he is only a pawn in the game. He's not important."

My words felt soothing to me. A smug smirk rested on my facial features, and I shook my crown, gray tinted tassels flinging all around my thick neck. I felt like I was towering over the two mares. My crown was raised majestically, so proud, that I had to give a relaxed sigh. I felt at ease now; Riku's words were stopped in my mind. He remained quiet, his eyes filling with tears. He must still be stunned from Jayila's answer. I watched, so amused as Jayila reared, and struck the turf beneath us both in anger. I studied her movements, and mirrored them with a jerky reaction, my eyes glittering defiantly. My forelegs thrashed as I rose into the world, feeling even larger than I was. I twisted my body slightly as I flailed about, then landed harshly on the ground, digging my daggers into the earth. I threw my crown to the side, looking away from the two bay mares before me. The long forelock, tinted a dark gray fell above my amber eyes. I closed them for a few moments, and opened them, my body tensing up slowly. "No, don't bring Serpent into this Xehanort, don't touch him!" Hmm, a tempting offer, but sorry, no can do. I emitted a small breath, inhaling deeply before I spoke.

"Why, I hadn't thought about bringing Serpent into it Jayila. Thank you for the wonderful idea. I'll have to find him. Surely, he'll want to know what happened to Riku? They were like brothers, weren't they?"

I took a few minutes to let my words sink in. I considered Jayila's next words for that small amount of time also. She wouldn't kill me. She couldn't kill Riku. It was unheard of. Besides, if she killed me, I'd just return to my body, and Riku would be dead. That would not only complete my work, it would crush Sora and Kairi, if they ever found Riku's body. A chuckle shook my build as I snapped out a reply. My tone, although regal and deep, was icy. It held an edge to it.

"Well Jayila, your plan has two flaws in it. One, you know that you can't beat me. You are as weak as Riku, and I overtook him without so much as a second thought. Second, even if you did happen to kill me, I could just return to my body, and you would have killed your lover, Riku-Just like you did to your little filly."

I didn't hear any detestment from Riku. He had grown strangely quiet, and wasn't paying any attention to anything that I said. It made everything run smoother to me, but I kept hearing him mumble to himself. A few things I was able to pick up, but nothing that really mattered. "How could she say that? He, he was right about her. Sora and Kairi, were wrong... How could they be wrong?" My amber eyes flickered, and I slowly lost track of Jayila and Sophie. A small sound of resentment left my vocals as I stumbled slightly. I knew Riku wasn't fighting, so it had to be Sora and Kairi. I was still stronger, but I took a beating. My eyes blurred, and I blinked a few times, looking around. My legs straightened, holding me up while I regained my breath. My facial features were set in a scowl as I snapped at Jayila.

"Don't you dare try anything. Riku is in charge under me. Even when I let him gain control of his body, I'm still within him. You're losing in every way."

I picked up on the 'my.' It made Riku release a heavy sigh, but nothing else. I grunted, watching her lower her crown, sadly. I studied her intently, the deep frown resting on my features.

[nuzzer2]

; Jaliya

Fear spread as quickly, as a forest fire in a dry season. Heart speed up a thousand times and hurt hit me like sharp knives, did he really have that little faith in me? Did he really think I was one to call him pathetic? Forgetting everything about my current situation, I raised my dark crown towards the enormous sky above us – someday, I would join my family up there. There would be no other than me, my mate and my little filly – Riku had clearly backed out and did not return my warm feelings in the way, I would like. Sparks lit up my sad orbs, why did I need him anyway? He didn’t need me – he had his damn mares for breeding, I wasn’t needed. No that wasn't true, of course he needed me, just not in the way I would like. a sad smile spread on my kissers as hazel orbs lowered to meet amber, Xehanort had won – defeated my will, or was it really Xehanort? It could be Riku as well.

“You have won Xehanort. I will not be bothering you anymore, I’m clearly not wanted or needed here – Serpent will come with me”

You would think the tones were cold or harsh, but actually they were quite the opposite – soft and gentle, like a mothers touch. Why would I care for anything else than my little colt? Who needed stallions? I didn’t mean to, but somehow a wall of steel had erected around my bleeding heart – shielding it from more attacks, from the one I had lost it to. Xehanort spoke again, true enough I would never be able to harm Riku – yet, and if he hoped to anger me with the remark about my precious filly, he would be sorely disappointed.

“My little filly is in heaven, I could not have wished for anything better for her – so spare me for your pathetic remarks, Xehanort.”

I noticed the slight distraction in Xehanort – something was fighting him, but I didn’t care anymore, I couldn’t care anymore - or atleast I tried to. I sought further and further in myself, searching for some sort of sanctuary where I could hide myself from the world, lock the hurt and the betrayal out – and just be me.

My hollow eyes didn’t seek out the golden ones again, instead they sought out those of Sophie – could she save me before it was too late? No, maybe for this, I would have to seek out someone.. light? It was said the wisdom of the lights were greater than those of the dark - like the force of the dark, would always be ‘stronger’ than that of the light. A single golden butterfly flew through the cloudy air and landed with a soft flutter on my slender back, perhaps this was the sign I had been waiting for – the symbol, that I needed to turn back and retreat for now.

“My last words for you demon, someday Riku will fight you – not just a little battle, but really fight you. You’ll lose; he has friends who care deeply for him while you have none, that’s what makes the difference.”

When you caught me I was falling
Your love lifted me back on my feet
It was like you heard my calling
And you rushed to set me free

With those simple promising words I turned my back to the grey stallion, I needed him – but I would have to regaint my strenght, find a way to free him from this demon. Slowly my dark frame set into a light trot away, towards the unknown light lands – who would I meet on my journey? Who could give me the strength to fight this demon? Slowly I came to an halt not far away from the pair, I needed to tell Riku one last thing – needed to comfort myself and him- forget my mean words a few minutes ago, if he could hear me that is. Crown turned slowly, hazel sought out amber and a little smile lit up my face.

Because of you
It's all brand new

“You’ll never be alone Riku – even if you leave us to be reunited with Kairi and Sora – you’ll always be in my heart”

When I found you I was blessed
And I will never leave you
I need you

With those last words I set in a graceful gallop towards unknown lands, who knows what would await me there. [/size]

[lynx'']

S O P H I E

Sophie smirked when she heard Riku talk. At last dear Xehanort had taken over, a light laugh escaped her kissers, Ah, Xehanort. at last, I knew you would come. A light snort was emitted, Well done brute, well done. Silent praise was awarded to the stallion stood infront of her. She knew it would happen, and knew it wouldn't be long. Riku was a weak, pathetic colt. And deserved nothing.
Yes, I have been well. And of course I know who you are brute. She snapped shortly, did he think she was stupid? Eyes rested on the brute infront of her, she felt Jaja's feelings, she felt her heat at her side, but it wasn't what she needed. As Xehanort craned his neck to her shoulder, a smart sidestepping move was preformed, carrying the dark arabian away from his teeth, she tossed her head wildly and snorted loudly. Attacking me? Probly not the best move. Her tones were soft, yet still held their usual icy tones.
Sophies movement had left her in the middle of the two equines, yet slightly closer to Xehanort. She was quiet, listening to the conversation. Her mind trailed back to poor little Riku. Helpless little freak. She smirked, she saw Jaja's look, trying to catch her eye. Sophie knew she was looking for some help to free Riku. But Why? Riku was worthless, a pathetic creature.
Sophie kept contact with Jajs eyes for just a split second, and gave a slight, almost unreconisable nod of her dished dial.
Serpant?Was this the foal she had adopted? It seemed so. Would Xehanort touch him? Frankly, she didn't care, but she knew this would break Jaliya's heart. And Sophie didn't really want to unleash Riku either. Pffft. Stuck in the middle.

[azul.]

R I K U & X E H A N O R T

I run a secret propoganda.

&

Lord please please please, take away my anxiety.

She spoke the words that I was longing for. I won. A haughty smirk rested over my features, and my gold flecked, amber eyes glinted. An amused look came over my features as she continued to speak. It held no use. I had Riku captive, in his own mind set, he had no one. I laughed, and then looked away for a few moments. I continued to listen to her speak. I had to hold my breath. I wanted to snap out at her, and agree with her thoughts maliciously. She wasn't needed here. I chuckled again, and then nodded my regal crown, speaking. My tone was beginning to grow rusty, it was scratching, cracking. I was done.

"Good. I'll be sure to let Riku know."

I ignored her comment about her filly. Either way, I was done fighting it. I regretted standing her any longer than what I had to. A sigh left my vocals, and I shifted on my hind legs. "Does she really think that Xehanort? Is that true what she said about me fighting-" Silence Riku, you know when you've been defeated. My vocals were strained as I spoke again, but they were still so, so proud.

"Light and darkness are eternal. While Riku may have friends, I have the power to withold all of them captive. Friendship means nothing. Friendship means..."

My voicals cut off. I realized that Riku was speaking. I ended my speech, and stared at the two mares. Jayila was leaving, making me smirk triumphantly. Sophie, she was speaking something, but I didn't make it out well. Turning my build, I staggered off into the woods. I kept looking back, until I couldn't see the two bay females anymore. Once there, I whispered a few words, before falling to my knees.

"They're lying to you Riku, can't you see? Why don't you stay eternal, with me."

Once I fell, My amber eyes closed tightly. I was finally able to let Riku take charge again. I needed the rest.

When I woke up, I was staring at the ground. Did she really mean that? My eyes flickered open, showing the comforting blue-green tint that I missed. I was normal again, for now, until Xehanort decided to take charge once more. A soft sight escaped my lips, and I slowly pushed onto my feet. They shook, and I took a few uneasy steps forward. My tinted eyes stared into the direction that Jayila had run off to. I longed to go there, but it hurt. It hurt so bad, I couldn't face them. But I had to. With a small sigh and a blink of my eyes, I wandered after her galloping frame. I didn't call out; I didn't even trust myself to speak. He had gotten me, and I didn't know how to fix it.