Shapeshifters

[ElvenPoet]

Zaria loathed the fact that she would have to explain her hertiage to a complete stranger but nonetheless he had been honest with her and she had to be honest with him.

"I am the daughter of Zane Cobriana, king of the serpiente, and Danica Shardae, queen of the avian. They married to end the war between the serpiente and avian's. They fell in love and I came about. Though I look and my 2nd form is of the serpiente I am as much avian as I am serpiente." And that was the truth. She never told anyone of the single feather that grew on the nape of the neck. She loathed the fact of the mixed blood that was in her."I am a half-breed."

Zaria ran her hand through her thick black hair shaking it lightly. She sighed deeply looking up to where the sun was starting to disappear in the western hills. "Princess Sekuria I suggest we leave for the palace. My father will soon be sending people to searched for me...As if on cue a man pushed through the bushes.

"There you are, princess Zaria. You are going to have an earful when you get home."

"I'm well aware of that, Garrit."Zaria hissed at her guard.

Garrit's eyes flicked to the other's in the clearing reaching for the sword that was at his side."Who are these people?" He looked at Sekuria."What are you doing here?"

Zaria stepped between him and Sekuria."You know the law. You will not touch those under the protection of the princess."

"You granted her protection?" Garrit's eyes widened. "You're a fool."

"So be it. Now Garrit we were just heading back to the palace. You will escort us."

Garrit looked at each of them and then at Zaria hate echoing in his eyes."Very well."

Zaria looked at Sekuria and the others. "Come Sekuria. As for the rest of you, you may come if you like."

Zaria turned back to Garrit and grabbed the reins of her horse. "Led on, Garrit."

Garrit sent one last glare at Zaria then turned around mumbling something that Zaria barely caught. Something that pierced her heart more then a steel knife. Garrit said,

"I knew a half-breed could never be queen."

[Ådam]

Minutes passed by as Adam slowly took his gaze off the group and turned it elsewhere. He turned behind him, sat upright and began to groom himself. Another minute passed by when his tongue was just above his left hind leg when he noticed something vaguely interesting--- two anima-humas, one female and the other male, are huddled under a tree, a good two or three hundred yards away from his temporary outpost. He purred as he returned to lick himself but suddenly something caught his right eye. His violet eyes bolt upright as his head followed the firely before him. Yes, he became entranced by the firefly that went by.

After a while of gazing, the firefly joined another one and together they flew into another, forming a agroup... this happened so fast that they became a throng in just a few seconds. Adam was fascinated, so much so that he forgot about his grooming. And he never forgot to groom himself when night fell. Adam tilted his head to the side and looked behind his shoulder. The group is still there, arguing. Their voices are like a tendril of broken glass cutting through the night air's flesh making Adam's ears twitch.

But as annoying as they were, Adam found what he was looking for. And with a heavy heart, stood up on all fours and started jumping down from tree branch to tree branch. He got down in no time and was greeted by the ground with a round orange fruit that piqued his interest. He began to fawn over it for a while but for some strange reason, the cat forced himself to leave it alone... atleast for now. With that settled he began trudging through the forest in the direction of the silver-haired anima-huma's group.

The moon wasn't out but stars were beginning to show themselves when Adam reached his destination, they were still at it, he could see. Adam's eyes wandered and came to rest at a nearby tree, it proved its usefulness when Adam perched himself on the 3rd branch facing the group. There, he waited with a commanding aura that seemed to make those around him take notice. He sat like a lion with deep-violet eyes. He wanted something and that alone was reason enough to be here... he had a purpose to be here.

He could see the silver-haired has a bit of a backbone and had a companion aswell which had turned to its other form. Adam was amused and tilted his head to the side, curious of what this gathering meant. He didn't care though as he has a something to do, and hopefully this one was quicker than the rest.

Alternate to the two is another female with black hair. With her is what seems to be a normal animal, a large one neighing. She had red eyes as well as a mysterious look about her. She looked intimidating, yes, but this cat merely disregarded it with another side tilt of his head. He didn't care, nor was he intimidated, he knew far too many who were much more... hostile.

With them are the two males he saw earlier that evening. They seem to be normal anima-humas so he brushed them off his head. The cat seemed unsure of something as he glanced up every now and then. On his seventh try he saw something and blinked. And lo there, Adam glanced up from the tree branch, and saw the star--- that meant he was right in being here. A strong gust of wind blew, sending leaves to and fro, as his violet eyes, unblinking, began to slowly lay themselves on the silver-haired femme.

Edited:
As he did though, another figure arose from the bushes. A scene took place and Adam was left with a sudden anger inside of him. He thought his task would be done and over with in one night but something just had to happen. And of all the times, it had to happen now.

Adam closed his eyes for the moment and felt the wind still coursing through his fur. He knew it was going to be a long transmutation... yet again.

[Sekuria]

A grin traced its way across her mouth when Zaria spoke. It obviously was not a good day before she had arrived on the scene. Though in her opinion, Zaria was a bit harsh to the outlander. She nodded, recognizing where he came from. Her guess had been correct, neutral land. The scent of another cat grew stronger, which bothered her greatly. Her eyes scanned around, looking for where it was coming from.

There was a small white cat that clambered up a nearby tree. Shakum had followed her gaze and noted the cat as well. The guard coming from the bushes just added to her annoyance. There had been some other scent, she was just a bit distracted to figure it out. She calmly placed a hand on Shakum’s shoulder to keep him from attacking out of pure defense.

“If you must know guard, I came here to try and make amends. I do not wish to see my people dead, I would assume you do not wish to see yours that way either.” Her voice was calm and strong as normal, her annoyance hidden.

The guard was obviously not happy about his future queen being a half breed. It’s because of people like him that this war continued. Sekuria kept her anger in check and looked back at the cat as Zaria’s guard started leading the way. There was something odd about that cat, and there was no way she was going to let it run off and possibly tell of the goings on.

With a quick step, she went over to cat that was still sitting in the tree. Thankfully the tree was small and it was just in her reach. Shakum lifted her up so as to make it easier on her. Such a sweet man he was, though she would only say thank you to him.

“Come here little thing. I won’t harm you. Let me help you for the night and maybe find someplace for you. A little thing like you should not be roaming these lands.” She held her arms out so it come to her if it wished. If did, she would just carry it to Zaria’s castle, if not then she would just follow Zaria empty handed. And the day grew darker, her favorite time. But tonight, she would not shift for she would be in enemy land. One false move could mean disaster.

[Ådam]

Adam's eyes grew wide for a bit then immidiately subsided with a lazy hunch. Her voice and intentions weren't all that pure, he could tell. But nonetheless with a slight moan, Adam jumped into her arms. She was soft and warm just as he had thought and with that Adam curled beneathe her chest smelling the aroma of her soul.

He had travelled a long way, and he had found what he was looking for. All he wanted to do for now was rest. Adam moved in her arms, adjusting to a prone position wherein he could easily leap away if need be because for some reason, her voice echoed in his mind. She said something about him being a little thing, and that sort of annoyed the great one that was he. Nonetheless, he curled deeper into her chest, feeling her warmth as his white fur began blending in with the fabric on her person.

It was good that she came for him... now it wouldn't be such a hassle to go and follow them on paw.

[ElvenPoet]

The pain of what Garrit had just said was so harsh that Zaria could think of nothing else. She followed him absently leading her horse and hoping the others where following. She stared at her feet, falling into the protective walls of her Avian emotioness. She felt numb all over and she simply followed her guard back to the palace knowing very well the lecture that awaited her there.

Zaria saw the castle in the distance and she said knowing what inedible thing that was to come. She jolted out her chin stubbornly showing the pride of the Cobriana. She knew what things were to follow it was not the first time she had fashed her father's wrath. But instead of seeing hot red eyes of her father when she entered the castle gates she felt and saw the soft gold eyes of her mother.

Surprise feltured through her. She had not seen her mother for several months for she had been in North America ruling. Zaria hugged her back."Mom."

"Hello, my dear" Her mother stepped back the emotionlessness filling her face. She had been with the serpiente for so long that she hugged and kissed her daugther but still at times she became emotionless. "Your father is going to have a fit."

"Yes, mother,"Zaria breathed."I know."

[Malach]

If Vance could have laughed, he would have. "Don't appologize," He said, sullenly. "And don't be sorry about coming to me. I would still be lost if you hadn't...."

It was strange, talking to a person who would listen. It felt awkward, and wrong to expose such a friendly face to his emotionless nature. But as he looked up at Alex, it didn't seem like she cared. Here she was appologizing to him. To him. But, despite all this, he still didn't know who she was. Why had she been wandering the jungles?

"What are you doing here?" He regreted the words the instant they were out in the open. She might take offense. He had to add something to it to make it appear courtious. Or at least inoffensive.... "No one who isn't of the region would wander aimlessly around in this sort of environment without reason. You aren't serpiente." Well, Vance believed that it was clear that he no longer sounded offensive, if not cold. It would take him some time before he would be able to even fake happiness, let alone express it truely.

Vance brushed the blood-sucking insects from his face. Already, he was feeling agitated by the bites. But, the next time he changed, they would all be gone. Also, he was groing impatient having to hold the cape to cover himself.

As politely as he could muster, he said, "Do you possibly have anything else that i could please wear instead of this cape?.... Please?" He smiled at himself for acting like a child.... He smiled? He had smiled. He achived the impossible. It was the first time he had smiled in eight years. His face felt sour in response, but he looked ack up at Alex, and smiled again. But, this time, it was a broad, toothy grin.

[Anime Rain 666]

Once Alex heard Vance's question she thought for a minute. Why did she come to the place again? How long has it been since she had seen her father? All of these questions popped up in her head ans she sighed. Alex hated it when there were so meny questions in one moment. She thought too much. Finaily she remembered and Alex smiled lightly "Because my father allowed me to have some time to myself and enjoy my last year before I can take my father's throne..."

Alex sighed and shook her head. She really hated to spend her last year knowing when she came back she would have to find someone to sit beside her on the throne. It was for almost all of the Shapeshifters in the lands. Before they are able to control the throne they must be wed. Meny of the loyal blood lines had to do so.

Alex stared at Vance after he asked for something else to wear. A helpless sigh escaped threw her lips as she shook her head "I'm sorry. The cape and the cloths I wear right now are all I have. But there should be a town in a few miles from here. Maybe there would be something over there for you. I dought that you can go there with just the cape on eather" Alex looked over at Vence "Would you like if I went over there and see if there was anything for you?"

[Sekuria]

The cat finally came to her arms. He was not at all heavy, just very soft. A smile traced its way across her lips. Sekuria followed the other Princess to her castle and capital. Holding the cat gently with one arm, she put her hood back up, concealing her face in shadow once more. Her eyes were still like that of a tiger’s, allowing her to see even better than the rest. Shakum put his hood back up as well, staying just a pace behind her. Just in case anything should come from behind he would have first strike.

The journey was not long so it was easy to place their trail into memory. Thankfully it was night once they reached the city. Not many people were out but those that were still gave the group glares. Such animosity grew annoying. How could people harbor such anger for so long? Did it not tear at their insides? Hopefully this visit would help calm the anger.

Zaria was greeted by her mother and not the father. That seemed to be an improvement. Sekuria was unconsciously petting the white ball of fluff in her arms. It was because she wished to feel fur along her body and go prowling the night. Tonight was out of the question. Maybe once she talked to the king and queen it would be possible tomorrow. Shakum stood so that he could watch her back. He hoped they would be lead to their rooms soon.

Sekuria took in her surroundings, waiting to be introduced. It was part of hers and Shakum’s training to always take in everything possible in foreign land. That way should something go wrong they would be able to find a way out and back home. Their senses were completely alert to aid in escape and defense as well. She was glad felines had patience or else she would have been rather irritated by now.

[Ådam]

Although rest was much needed, he never did get any of it, atleast not on the trip in her arms. He was constantly being petted. A slight change of mood made him became obsessed with the fawning that whenever she stopped, he would move and snuggle closer to her--- burying his head. He felt a change of heart towards this one. His thoughts began to disturb him--- perhaps he should delay his task a bit further away from schedule. But if he did that, then...

Pat, pat, pat...

His thoughts left him as he began to feel her hands caress his coat. Adam moaned and looked up to greet the hand that caressed him, his eyes blinking twice and closed as he felt her touch him.

Perhaps, he thought.

He eyed the castle walls as they came close. He knew his work was about to begin soon. And with that, time passed by until they were inside. There was a good mix of jungle habitat and stone inside the castle. It made it more like a large, often-cleaned ruin of a sort. In all his travels, this wasn't at all a marvelous sight, yet he welcomed it--- as long as he is well taken cared of, he won't pout. He snuggled cand buried his head deep yet again and felt content. Their footsteps were echoing through the hallway which lead to the place where a face slightly like the black-haired anima-huma was waiting. A greeting took place, he could hear. but decided that it wasn't that at all important to note their conversation.

If anyone were in a killing-mood, it was the the anima-huma that was accompanying the black-haired one... but he knew that it wasn't that hard to stop him, atleast for now.

He nuzzled closer. And looked up at the chosen one. He knew she was brave, infact, he already knows everything about her and what will take place in her future. He lowered his head and closed his eyes, wagging his tail in a royal manner.

"Sigh."