Sex in the Sky

Rose

Ivan was just part of the family now, and we were beginning to settle down into our new rhythm when interesting things started happening again. Ugg, I hate interesting things. All of us underlings were called to Jared’s office yet again for an “emergency meeting.” Once we were all in his office he un-steepled his fingers and stared at us.

“As you all know, I am not only the owner of this bar, but in charge of this quarter of this city. And as all of you know, as my compatriots are also reasonable for the welfare of this quarter.” Well, whatever this was, it was a big deal, and we were going to have to do it. “At the moment there is a problem in this quarter that we must deal with. We have been instructed to deal with it.” He re-steepled his fingers and sighed. “Usually the werewolves of this city keep pretty much to themselves. However, something is causing a disturbance among them, and they are becoming quite violent. Our job is to find out who or what is causing this disturbance, and remove it. Now, we’re pretty sure that it’s a living creature, and we’ve been instructed to bring it in alive.” That was a surprise. Usually they just asked us to kill something, not take it in alive. Interesting. “We know the general area that the problem is in, so lets get moving.” And get moving we did.

We drove to the area. It was a particularly grubby part of town, of course, and we were paired up to search. Jared went off on his own. Makiel and Alicia took off down an ally, and Ivan and I took a sharp turn to the left.

The entire area was like a maze of dirty alleys and it was easy to get lost in. There was an utter lack of homeless people here, probably because of the recent activity of the weres. Speaking of which it was just then that we heard barking, screeching, whimpering, yowling, thudding, squishing, and crunching all from just around the next corner. We dashed towards the scene and found a mass of writhing fur.

Ivan

As we came around the corner I saw what might be described as a dog pile. It looked as if twenty or thirty “dogs” were all trying to rip something underneath them to shreds. Apparently, by the sounds of dogs in pain, the thing was doing a pretty good job of defending itself.

Rose and I jumped in and started grabbing wolves and throwing them away. They would slam into the ground or a wall; lie for a second then limp away, or just lay there. We did not worry for them. Soon we were able to see what they were trying to kill. Well, sort of. It looked like a slightly lighter writhing mass of fur. We finally pulled the last of the dogs off it and knelt down beside the bleeding animal. It was a Panther, a Wildcat, a Mountain Lion. Apparently it was a Were-panther by the way it was turning into a beaten, bruised, and bleeding, young man. He was huddled up in the fetal position, shaking and holding his eyes closed, waiting for it all to end.

I reached out to him; I couldn’t help it. I laid my hand on his shoulder and he flinched.

“It’s all right. You’re safe now. We’ll protect you.” I thought it was the right thing to say at the time, but apparently I was wrong.

“I don’t need protection.” It was hoarse growl, but man, it was sexy.

“Yes you do, you’re naked, covered with blood, and bruised in I don’t know how many places.” I stroked his shoulder and he growled.

“It’s not my blood.” His eyes shot open and he was suddenly standing, hair bristling, fangs and claws extended, tail whipping. He took one swipe at my head and I felt my skin rip. I fell back in surprise and pain. Rose was on the ground too, four bloody gashes in her stomach. I saw a flash of gold fur disappear around the corner and jumped to my feet. I wiped the blood out of my eyes and I ran after the beast.

It may have been a were-panther, but it was still just a beast, I was a supernatural being. I caught up to it momentarily, and sprang at it. I landed on its back and dug my fingers in. I, simply out of instinct, also clamped my teeth onto its neck. I felt it’s blood spilling into my mouth and it howled. He stumbled and fell. I had almost drained him; that was one big bight. It was moaning, returning to human form. I was laying on top of him, in case he didcided to jump us again. My wounds were almost fully healed, and his was beginning to close. He groaned and closed his eyes.

“We don’t want to hurt you. We just want to house you, we can’t have you causing trouble amongst the werewolves. Please, let us help you.” I didn’t get up. I even stroked his chest. He was panting, still tired from the fight. I felt like kissing him. He tensed for a moment, then his body went limp.

“All right. I’ll go with you. I don’t think I can move though. You took a lot of blood there, buddy.” I could tell by the strained voice he was speeking in that he probably had some broken ribs. I got off of him. All he did was turn his head to look at me.

“So, what’s your name?” I asked him, kneeling beside him. I rolled him over onto his back to give his ribs a rest.

“Feral, you?” He grunted.

“Ivan, nice to meet you, Feral, welcome to our family.”

Jared

I came into the ally with the blankets Rose had told me Ivan had asked for. Ivan had said that the boy was still a little skittish, and since he was okay with Ivan for the moment, Ivan should probably be the only one to see him. As I turned the corner I saw Ivan with the boy in his arms. The kid must have been no more than nineteen, I felt so sorry for him. I put the blankets beside Ivan, he was stroking the sleeping boy’s blond hair. I was glad that the boy had a protector as caring as Ivan. I couldn’t think of anyone more suited for the job.

Ivan smiled up at me and began to wrap the sleeping form in the blankets. It was fall, and the air was nippy, especially for a skinny naked boy. Come to think of it, the boy did look like it could use a good meal. Living off the streets of Boston, with the wolves to compete with, must have been hard. Again my heart panged for the beautiful little boy.

Ivan picked him up and carried him out to my car. He sat in the back seat, with the boy in his lap. Ivan held him close the entire way back to the mansion. I would let him have some time off for a while, to help our newest friend settle in.

It wasn’t long until we were in front of the manor. I parked my car and Ivan carried the still sleeping boy up to his room. And by “his” I do mean Ivan’s. Ivan wanted to keep a close eye on him for a while, and despite his love for his nest mates, he was still suspicious that they might try to do something to him in his weakened state. I wasn’t going to say anything about what Ivan himself might do. I trusted the look in his eyes when he gazed at the were. You can’t rape someone you love.

Feral

I woke up in the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. I was surrounded by softness. I felt like I was lying on a cloud. Then a piece of the cloud shifted.

I opened my eyes and saw very little. The room was almost completely black. The only light came from a small, heavily shaded window in the top of the wall to my right. It sent an eerie blue glow in to barely illuminate the scene around me. I was laying on a four poster bed surrounded by cushions, one of which, as I mentioned before, was moving. I paid close attention to this cushion and realized that it indeed was not a cushion. It was a man.

Yah, there was a guy in bed with me. Usually this would be a good thing except that I didn’t know who it was, or where I was, or how I had gotten here. The last thing I could remember was falling asleep in the arms of that cute vampire… Oh. I took a closer look at the guy again. Yup. It was him. And he was naked. I was still naked to. Well, how about that. We were naked in a bed together. I wondered if he had taken advantage of me. My butt didn’t feel sore; my dick wasn’t raw. I didn’t feel exhausted. In fact, laying next to this guy was doing something good for me. Paying him would not be difficult.

I turned to face him entirely (I had been lying on my back before) and stroked his side. I made sure that we were as close as we could be without our dicks touching before I stroked his face. His eyes fluttered open and gazed into mine. He had startling blue eyes, with silver streaks that made them look like ice.

“Thank you.” I whispered at him, my mouth a millimeter away from his.

“Any time.” He just looked at me. I stroked his side, marveling at the cool softness. “If you’re wondering, I didn’t take advantage of you.” I smiled.

“I didn’t think you did. But I wish you had.” I ran a single claw down his spine. I tended to stay half transformed for ease. Besides I thought it was cool to have short hair in a line along my spine, and slightly pointed ears, not to mention the tail and claws. I didn’t have a problem with the slit-eye look either. It just fit my image, and my namesake. Feral was exactly what I was. I was a rogue. I hadn’t had a home since my family had been killed by the werewolves in our town ten years ago. I had been wandering the US, hunting wolves since.

I pushed those thoughts aside and continued to stroke Ivan, yes I remembered his name.

“You’re gay. I think god gave me a break for once.” He smiled.

“Fate not been good to you?” I scooted closer, causing every inch of skin between us to touch. He wrapped his arms around me and ran his own claws down my back, I assumed that he just liked keeping his nails long.

“Not particularly, I was almost killed by a drainer back in England, that was after my nest sold me out, which was after they beat me, almost to death, which was caused because I told them I was gay. Naw, fate hates me.” He chuckled and continued to stroke me.

“Well, you’re probably my lucky break too. Ever since my famly was killed by werewolves I’ve been hunting those damn dogs, and trust me, revenge is not a healthy business.” I had never told anyone that before. Well, I hadn’t really talked to anyone since I started out on this rampage, at all, actually. “So I hear that you guys are planning to keep me under house arrest, your house, for a while.”

“Hardly. My boss, Jared’s his name, told me to get you settled as quick as possible, he wants you to come work at his bar with us.”

“Are you two involved?”

“Hardly! He’s my boss, and in charge of this quarter of the city. He may be the most beautiful thing in fifteen hundred years, but he has no intest in boys.” The look on his face was almost sad as he said it, but then he looked back at me, and grinned. “Nope, I’m all on my own. Which is an odd thing to say to the man in bed with you, I suppose.” I grinned back, showing of my teeth. He grinned wider, flashing rather impressive fangs. I growled playfully. “Hungry?” he thought it was my stomach, either that or his mind was just on food, as in me.

“Yah, actually.” In more than one way, stud. I licked his neck and sat up. “I don’t suppose that you vampires keep any people food around here?”

“Normally, no. But since you came, we’ve stocked up on steak. We didn’t get much else because we didn’t know what you liked, but we thought steak was a safe guess.” I smiled, barring all my razor sharp teeth.

“Hit it dead on the head. I only eat steak. Well actually I’ve been living off rats and raccoons for the last couple of years, but when I have a choice, it’s only steak for me.” The look of pity was only momentary in his eyes, instantly replaced by mirth. You didn’t find many mirthful vampires out there; I was lucky.

“Great, medium rare?” He was beginning to head for the door.

“Actually, more medium well, I’ve been eating raw meat for too long.” I rubbed my stomach. He laughed.

“I’ll be right back then.” I nodded, and lay back on the bed. I was really exhausted. I’d been running for the past four years, practically without rest. And I had just had most of my blood drained. Yah, I had a right to be tired. I slipped into a catnap and woke to the sweet, sweet, smell of cooked meat.

I shot out of bed and Ivan nearly dropped the plate. I grabbed it from him and placed a quick “Thank you” kiss on his lips. I whorled back to the bed and started cowing down on the slab of beef. It was amazing. I had no idea how much I had missed steak. I devoured the whole thing in less than five minuets.

When I was done I looked up to find Ivan just staring at me. I started to clean my face and watched him back. He blinked and sat down next to me. I shifted so that we were facing and put the plate on the floor. I leaned back on the bed, part of my hunger sated. I looked into his eyes, allowing my hunger to show through.

“You still hungry?” I grinned.

“Not in a way that steak will sate.” I saw his eyes gleam and he slid up the bed until he was straddling one leg, and his head was level with mine, elbows by my sides, and his arms under my shoulders. Our bodies were pressed fully together and I could feel his hardness pressing up against a large portion of my thigh.

“Hmm. I think I know what would sate that hunger.” He bent his head and licked my neck. A shiver ran through me and a moan escaped my lips. I had never put clothes on. He was wearing a robe and silk pants, and apparently nothing else. I slid the robe off his shoulders and he removed his arms from under me so that I could take it fully off. Then I grabbed his pants, at about the back of the knee, with my toes and yanked them off. I suddenly felt his cool length pressed up against my hip and couldn’t help but growl. I flipped us over and straddled him, just below his groin.

I looked at his massive stick and just had to have it in me. I put one hand on his lower stomach and pressed, to get him to relax. I wrapped my other hand around his base and squeezed. He let out a low moan that made my cock twitch. I stroked my way up his length, feeling every vein, every nerve. Then I got to his head. I pulled the foreskin down and ran the pad of my finger around the sensitive exposed area. Suddenly, I thrust one claw into his tender hole.

He screamed and his back arched. As I slowly fucked his pee-hole with my claw he started groaning in earnest. His mouth remained agape, his fangs on display. He was totally beyond words, but I knew when he was close to climax, and pulled my claw out. He groaned in protest, but I flexed the hand that was still on his stomach and sank five claws deep into his skin. He shrieked and trembled, so close to the edge, I would not let him pass.

“Please…” He groaned. I removed my claws from his flesh and smeared some of the blood on my hand. I spread it over his tool, using it as lubrication. I took the liberty of licking a stray drop off of his balls, and he groaned again. I slid forward, until I was in perfect position, rose up, placed his head at my opening, and slammed myself onto him.

I let out a roar as I felt my walls being stretched to their limit. My head fell back and I clenched and unclenched my muscles around Ivan’s thick shaft. When the pain was mostly gone, I began to rise and fall, slowly on his shaft. I looked down at him and watched his body as he spasamed from the pleasure my tight anus was bringing him. I leaned forward, suspending myself by placing my hands on either side of Ivan’s head. I started a rolling motion to my hips as I slid on and off of him. He groaned and I slammed myself down on him, grinding my but into his groin in circular motions. I continued the circular motions as I began to ride him again. He was so thick that he was in constant contact, so anything I did was either pressing him further against my prostate, or less, but he was never completely off.

Suddenly his hands clamped around my hips, urging me to speed up. I obliged and started pounding. He grabbed my dick and started yanking. I came almost instantly. I let out a roar that shook the rafters and he sat up under me, yanked my head to the side, and buried his fangs into my neck. With every pull, came another wave of my orgasm, I felt his seed pouring into me and he pulled back. He licked the wounds and fell back on the bed. I collapsed on top of him, panting, his fading member still inside of me. I slid off to his side and draped an arm and a leg over him, claming him as mine, at least for the night. His dick finally slid out of me and lay, sloppily, over his leg. I enjoyed the sensation of my inner muscles clenching around the emptiness where a large piece of Ivan once was. I snuggled up against his cool steadiness and stated to purr. Ivan stroked my back with his thumb and kissed the top of my head. I would have kissed him further, but I was just exhausted. I had made sure that my tail had remained non-existent during the act, but I let it grow out now and I let it swish gently as I fell asleep.

Ivan

I woke up not long after that tremendous climax. After all, it was evening, and I didn’t usually sleep at night. I felt Farel’s fuzzy form lying next to me, on top of me, around me. I felt his tail caress my leg. I could get used to this. I let him stay like that for a while, petting his fur, and scratching him behind his ears. I had always had a thing for cats.

“Hello.” He purred into my chest.

“Good evening, sleepy cat.” He chuckled at the time of day. He licked my chest with that rough tongue of his and snuggled closer. He wrapped his legs around my thigh and his arms around my chest. “Come ‘ere.” I tilted his head up and kissed him. It was a long deep kiss, but it was not passionate. It was more of a promise, and a “thank you”. His tongue felt strange in my mouth. It was flat, and rough. He enjoyed licking my fangs. The tips are very sensitive, so every time he would touch one, I would shiver.

“Ivan, I want you again.” He pressed his groin up against my hip, and indeed there was a large lump there.

“All right, as long as we can go under the covers.” He smiled, a sweet, appreciative smile. And crawled under the covers with me.

“I want you in me, Ivan. I want to feel you stretch my limits and make me cumm. I want you to pound in and out of me like a piston. I want you to break me open.” He had pulled me on top of him and wrapped his legs around my waist.

“As you wish, but first, you must answer my question.” He nodded. “Where did you learn to do all those crazy things you did to me a minute ago?” He blushed then looked away.

“I, I was rented out by the wolves that killed my family. You can learn a lot when you’re having sex five times a day.” He had a right to be angry. I almost started crying for him. The thought of him being raped repeatedly did nothing for me. It just made me hurt for him.

“Oh my God. I’m so sorry.” I took him in my arms and caressed his back as he clung to my neck.

“Now you see why I hate them. Now you see why I hunt them. I have sworn to be the death of the wolves that ruined my life. I have a list of the ones responsible for my family, and my whoring. I have been searching them out and killing them, one by one. I cannot stay here. I must keep my word.” With that, he pulled away from me. He got off the bed and started towards the door.

“Wait.” He stopped but did not look up. “We can help you. You do not have to do this alone.” I walked up behind him and wrapped my arms around him. He melted in my embrace for a moment, then pulled away.

“No, I’ve already paid you for your kindness. I will be on my way.” I felt like he had just ripped my heart out.

“You mean, that was, payment?” He turned and looked at me, confused.

“Yes. I have no money. I have no other way to repay you. So I gave you my body.” I felt a single tear fall down my cheek. “Why are you crying? Did I not do well? I will make it up, I promise.” He came towards me, on his knees. What had this boy been through? I picked him up and held him in my arms.

“You don’t understand. I didn’t think that was payment.” He tried to pull away.

“Then what do you want from me?” He would not look me in the eyes.

It was too cruel…

Domanis’s eyes widened, and turned to meet the other’s when Thanasis stopped the healing, and moved suddenly towards him. He was invading his space way too much now, leaning his body over his knelt form. Instinctively, Domanis withdrew away from Thanasis, and was suddenly pushed so he was on his back with a surprised cry. He struggled to sit up, but Thanasis tried to lean over him once more, but stopped when the Angel Guardian kept his legs closed. He wouldn’t allow this. It wasn’t what he wanted, to be so close with his tormentor, but pain still thrummed through his body, making him start to gasp for breath as his chest protested at each breath. His eyes started to sting as he stared up at Thanasis’s smug smile,

“I cannot finish healing you without getting closer.”

Domanis turned his head to the side, lip trembling slightly as tears started to well up in his eyes. With great reluctance, he slowly spread his legs, allowing the Ruler of Skies to settle above him.

“P-Please finish…” The pain was too great, both in his heart and body as every second attacked both. He shuddered, shutting his eyes tightly when those lips lowered onto his chest. They ran up and down, feather light, clearing up the blood and freeing him from pain as Thanasis moved across his chest. Those tears welled up even more as he bit his lip; Thanasis suddenly licked at one of his nipples, teasing the nub as it returned to the rest of his chest. Shivers cascaded down his body as it reacted to the intimate action, but he didn’t want it. His body did, but not him. He could feel Thanasis’s arousal press against his stomach, and he felt sick, extremely sick.

“Please finish healing me…P-Please…” And then, a few more swipes on his chest, and Thanasis’s pulled away. Domanis silently sighed - he was healed, the pain faded only to a memory that he did not want to repeat. No longer did he needed to be so close to the Ruler of Skies. Just then, Thanasis thrusted his hips against his body, and he leaned close so his lips were near his own. Domanis wouldn’t have it; he wouldn’t allow himself to give in. With teary eyes, he looked away from his Ruler’s face. Fingers caressed his chin, then their lips met. The Angel Guardian felt ill, as he felt the other slide his tongue against his lips; he did not open his mouth at the gentle order.

“Submit.” It was a demand that had to be met; feeling like he was betraying his own heart, Domanis reluctantly parted his lips only to recoil slightly when Thanasis’s tongue met his. Thanasis growled possessively into his mouth, then reached down and massaged his stomach. Fists clenching at his sides, Domanis prayed that-

“S-stop…” His voice was stolen from him when the Ruler of the Skies caressed his arousal. Their kiss deepened, and the offending hand returned up to run up and down his bare chest. Tears spilled over his half-lidded eyes, shame and humiliation evident in his golden gaze as he met those triumphant grey eyes that stared back into his. Then, the Ruler parted their lips, and withdrew,

“I’d never fuck a Blood Cross, no matter how beautiful *it* may be.”

Having made his point, Thanasis found the crying creature’s limp hands, and threaded his fingers with Domanis’s. He smiled, eyes remaining cold, and let his power surge through the other’s palm, slicing repeatedly at the tender flesh. The lesser screamed suddenly, writhing as he continued his torture. “That’s enough for now…” Satisfied, Thanasis withdrew his hands, and stood. Oh, it was a picture, seeing Domanis lying on his back, looking up at him with tears running down his flawless-once-more face. Aroused and disgusted at the same time, Thanasis turned to leave his garden, and the Angel Guardian.

“Every step you take now, you’ll remember the pain you felt for touching what is and will always be, mine. Don’t anger me again or I might take it out on Ranae…” Eyes flew open at the threat to Ranae, and he spun to find the Ruler of the Skies gone. “My surroundings…Are bigger…” He looked down at himself, and gave a meow - he was a cat again.

“Return to Earth and watch over *my* angel. If anything happens again, you know the consequences. Be gone, Blood Freak.”

His vision was invaded with a blinding light, and then it faded until he was back in the bedroom with Ranae. He was still sitting on the angel’s chest. Intense pain flooded his mind as he looked over the peaceful-looking creature, and turned his head away in shame. How could he watch over something so precious, when he couldn’t watch over himself? “I don’t deserve to look at him…” With great care, he crawled towards a part of the bed where he wouldn’t come into contact with Thanasis’s angel. His paws hurt terribly, making sure he’d not soon forget what had happened in the garden. He wouldn’t forget; he never had in the past, so why start now? Curling up as best as he could, far away from Ranae, Domanis meowed sadly.

If cats could shed tears, he would be doing so now as he watched the angel sleep.

“Oh R-Ranae…I-it was worth e-every second…”

***

The curtains were pulled back, letting liquid sun spill into the room. It blanketed everything in its golden splendor, and caught Malakai’s already shining locks. Jou let his fingers run through the younger’s hair, knowing Malakai wouldn’t mind. The man had been up for a while, smoke cravings and hunger both played a part in his waking, but he remained on the couch. Cradling the other against his side, Jou let out his breath in a sigh. “That boy…” His mind was on their guest, the one that stirred feelings in his supposedly “heartless” chest. True, it was only glimpses of the past ability to feel emotions, but to why it was happening now, puzzled him greatly.

It made no sense that just being near the boy made his heart feel - if it was the boy, why him? The nameless boy, he was practically a stranger; how could he make him feel? “I’ve known Malakai for a long time though…How come he doesn’t make me feel?” Unconsciously, his arms tightened around the young one, lowering his head to let it rest on Malakai’s shoulder. A very slight tremble ran through his body as he let his crimson eyes shut. “So…I-It’s true…” Yesterday, when he had Malakai and their guest resting near, he experimented with the newly found emotion he was gifted for that short time. His heart had pounded, finally telling him his feelings towards Malakai. Having felt love before, the second he focused his thoughts on the younger boy, his heart told him he did, as he suspected, love Malakai. Jou let his eyes open gradually, the younger boy’s peaceful face that greeted his sight made him smile with fondness. Malakai slept on, oblivious to his emotions, and that was how it’d stay. “If I told him…He’d get confused…Question everything in his curious voice, heh…Best…Best stay silent about it…” Jou gave a small laugh and nuzzled his cheek on the top of Malakai’s head. “For now…”

“Meow…”

The man shifted in his seat, startled slightly, then relaxed as his gaze fell on the small, black cat that Jalena had taken in. A small smile lit his face,

“Good morning, Cat. How are you this morning?” He waited a few seconds, nodding as if he understood the cat’s blinking stare, “That’s good to hear, hehe. How about some breakfast?” As carefully as he could, he reached around and hooked an arm under Malakai’s knees. Cradling the boy’s head against his chest, Jouya placed the younger on the couch. Tucking a blanket around his small form, Jou smiled, sparing one last smile for the boy before heading towards the kitchen.

“-if you’d prefer.” Domanis mentally winced, the man’s voice was loud to his sensitive ears; the sound made his head throb in pressure. “Another headache…And the pain from walking will only worsen it too…” He had gotten no sleep at all because the only time he was allowed to be so close to Ranae was at night. It was an awful ache, being only able to watch, look, but not touch. His overnight vigil wouldn’t hamper his energy, but the emotional hurt from Thanasis’s continual torture. “Physical pain always stops at some point but not emotional…” He meowed softly, acknowledging the Jouya Man’s kindness when a bowl was placed in front of him. Thankful he didn’t have to walk to get his meal, he crouched over his bowl, and drank quickly.

The cold liquid was soothing to his hurt throat, still sore from his pleas, his screams… Ashamed to have emitted such sounds, he stopped and refused the bowl when the Jouya Man pushed it closer. He didn’t want to eat, keep his pathetic existence going on any longer.

“Hey now…You don’t look well, Cat…” The human knelt down beside him, and slowly raised his hand. An involuntary wince and a harsh reprimand to his reaction, Domanis let the human touch him. Gentle fingers stroked him under the chin, fluffing up the fur and then smoothing it down. The touch was comforting to his hurting heart and mind, which was the only reason he shuffled closer to the human. A purr started to form at the back of his throat as the fingers made their way up to his ears, scratching gently at his furred cheek, then patted the top of his head.

“There…Feeling better?”

“Very much so…”

“Heh, that’s good. I think everyone needs a little affection…” The human laughed, face happy as he nudged the bowl closer to him again, “Now…Please finish your milk. I don’t want you sick or wasting away from lack of food. As long as you’re here, I’ll take care of you. Eh…” The human leaned closer, looking around as if he had a secret. “Malakai,” Voice a whisper, “Will probably tug at your ears again, like last night, if he sees you when he wakes up. He means well, but he gets a little excited at little fuzzy things. You happen to be little and fuzzy. And Jalena, well…She’s not bad, but she goes out a lot. She’s a singer and a damn good one at that. She’s not here most of the day, and it seems you need to be taken care of.” The human patted his head again, then stroked his ears once more, “Now finish up…Then you can help me wake up your owner and somehow get him clean…I hate to think how his wounds are doing while his body iss still dirty…”

“”-up ahead! Shh…If we get caught here, we’ll be in big trouble!”

“You know…She’s right about the Anointed Ones getting angry at us for-”

“How will they know we snuck here? I, surely, won’t tell them I’m here…You won’t tell them, will you?”

“N-No…But still, I think-”

“Ra-na-e! We’re already here, aren’t we? Let’s just take a peek…”

“O-Oh Gods! We shouldn’t have seen that!”

“H-How could they? Humans in Skies is forbidden! We never should h-have come there! They saw us, I’m sure!”

“Did you see what they were doing to it? How could they?!? The Anointed Ones must know! They should-”

“…They were there. Oh Gods, one of them was there…An Anointed One…”

“B-But, but they’re supposed to keep order, why would they let some horror l-like that happen?”

“Thanasis should be told! Hurry, before they chase after us or something!”

“Are you crazy? *WE* saw something that would earn us the Falling or something! And if the Anointed One’s already know…Then…I-it must be okay…Right?”

“But-”

“Swear to me that you’ll never speak of this to anyone! Swear it, Ranae!”

“I-I can’t do that…”

“*Swear it!!!*”

He bolted upright, hands clenching the sheets and blankets in tight fists. Cold sweat ran down his face, getting in his eyes that were still sightless, useless. Breath labored, he looked around, listened for any sounds. “M-Mr. Jouya?” Barely held in sobs wracked his injured body, but with a huge amount of effort, he swallowed down the growing lump his throat. “Mr. Jouya?” Silence met his ears; the man was obviously not here in his room. He blinked, although it was pointless, to erase the vivid pictures he saw in his mind while he had been sleeping; why could he see those pictures, but not see now? “I-I thought I could see…”

Brushing his long black hair with his fingers, Jouya used his free hand to tap lightly on the door to their guest’s room. No answer. “Best check on him anyways…Don’t want him to have nightmares again…” As quiet as he could, he crept into room, leaving the door open. Unknown to him, the cat followed him in. The man blinked in surprise to find the boy sitting on the bed, eyes on the blankets.

“Oh, you’re awake!” He planned to say more, but his voice died at the sudden jump he saw the boy make. Those expressive violet eyes turned towards his direction, tears glistening in those beautiful depths. Jouya frowned softly, and knelt down by the bed,

“Hey…What’s wrong? Why the tears?” Hoping he wasn’t going to startle the boy, he reached out and gently swiped the tears from the crying boy’s face. “Nightmares again?”

“Y-Yes…I-I don’t understand it! Why can I see things when I-I’m sleeping, but not when I’m awake? It makes no sense!”

“You see things when you sleep?…Do you mean, when you dream?”

“D-dream?” The boy made the action of sniffling, and wiped his eyes; Jouya found it very cute. He gave a quiet chuckle.

“Dreams happen when you’re sleeping…Sometimes it looks like a movie or something, a story. What happened in your dream?”

“T-there were two people…I-I can’t remember what they looked like…They were a cave o-or something, and then they saw a person all tied up. T-There was this great big thing that was next to it, and the person was all hurt and the others were…were laughing…And that name…” The voice in his mind that the boy used to communicate, was hurried and something like fear. The boy sat, eyes darting around to find his face as he min-spoke,, fingers twisting the blankets nervously. Obviously, something about this dream frightened the boy; Jou wanted to set it right. He reached out once more, and brushed the sweaty locks from the boy’s face, and smiled,

“It’s okay…It was only a dream…But, you mention a name? What was it?”

“R-Ranae…”

“Ranae…That’s a nice name…Do you think it’s yours?” Domanis watched them interact, and something like jealousy, and happiness merged as he watched Ranae relax at the Jouya Man’s fingers that ran through his hair. “At least Ranae’s not skittish…” It seemed the angel’s memory was returning, though it took some time. “So…He gains his memories by dream…Good…Maybe he can tell me what is going on up in Skies…” He sat, figuring the two would talk for a while, and flicked his tail with minor impatience. It was odd, for things up in Skies to be suddenly overturned and one of the Ruler’s most treasured angels be banished from their realm. It didn’t make any sense - what could possibly be wrong up in their home of clouds? He gave a small meow, resting most of his weight on his back legs. The slices on his paws made it incredibly painful for him to walk and even lean on. His golden eyes were kept focused on the ground, shame still coursing through him, through his heart and mind. That torture session was not an isolated incident, and had happened a couple times in the past. “But he never went that far…” Gods, the humiliation at being ordered to watch something so pure, so innocent, and be so corrupted to begin with… “Unworthy…”

Jouya smiled, hands holding the boy’s soft ones as he guided him down the hall. He was pleased; this was the most he had smiled in so long. Before, only Malakai’s funny antics was the only thing that could make him feel happy, or something like it, and now this boy had changed everything in such a short time. “Ranae…It suits him…” The name fell from his lips smoothly as he whispered it quietly to himself, liking the way it sounded. Far back in his memory, he remembered reading a book of names; he’d have to dig it out again and discover what the boy’s name meant. Ranae followed him easily, yet still hesitant and eyes flicking back and forth in hopes to be reassured.

“You’re doing great…Just trust me, okay?” That warm feeling in his chest flared once more at the shy nod he received for his comment. Finally, he backed out into the kitchen, and turned around to find everyone was up already.

“Jouya! Good morning! How are you, and…” Jalena started, then trailed off as she frowned in worry, remembering that boy had no-

“Ranae. His name is Ranae.” Jouya said evenly, as he helped the boy sit down at the table. She eyed their hands, still touching, even though it was unnecessary, and smiled. Then she blinked,

“Oh, did you make it up for him?” She asked, curious enough to stop her cooking for a few moments. She saw something tauten in the older man’s face as he turned towards her, as if he was thinking things over quickly.

“Yah, I thought it’d suit him. Do you think it does?” Something about Jouya, wasn’t right, as if he was hiding something. “Maybe it’s because he’s uncomfortable about this whole ‘I-can’t-hear-him-talk’ thing…” She did find it odd - why couldn’t she hear him talk?

“Are you two done talking?” Her brother asked, voice unusually quiet, timid. Jalena watched him kick his feet under the table, a hint of pout on his lips.

“Yeah, you can go ahead now, Malakai…” Knowing what was already coming, the girl giggled.

“Jou-Ya! Good morning! How are you?”

“Heh…Good morning, Malakai, I’m good, thanks…” Out of the corner of her eye, Jalena saw Jouya pause his assistance to the newly named boy, Ranae. The older man smiled, and ruffled her brother’s hair; Malakai beamed. “Those two…” Happy at their relationship, whatever it may be, she took off the scrambled eggs and turned off the stove.

“An–d that’s it for breakfast!” About to seat herself, she noticed Malakai look around, face confused. Sudden worry fell over his face,

“Ahhh! Where’s Kitty? It’s gonna starve if it doesn’t eat!!!”

“It’s alright, I feed it earlier this morning…”

“But, where is Kitty? It shouldn’t be left alone…Nobody likes being left alone…” Malakai’s sudden faraway voice displayed his intense sincerity, because he didn’t often forgoe his upbeat chatter. Jalena laughed, glad her brother was slowly gaining his heart again. She tucked her chair in,

“I’ll go find it!”

“That human, Malakai…” He had heard the concern in the creature’s voice, the true worry for him. He meowed; he didn’t want to change his usual sternness he had acquired after Thanasis’s first session with him, yet these strange creature’s behavior, their openness, made him want to revert back to himself. But it was so sudden- how could he know where to even start? He had heard them talk about where he was, and had attempted to walk out of the bedroom, but found it too painful at the moment. “Gods…It feels like daggers are being pressed in my paws at every step…” He gave a cry, tail thrashing in great discomfort as he tried to take a step again.

“Ah, there you are!” The human girl smiled, and slowly knelt down in front of him. She held out her hand for a few seconds, then slowly let it fall on his face, stroking his neck with the back of her fingers.

“Good morning…I hope you got a good night’s sleep last night…” Those soft words made him wince inwardly as he locked his amber eyes at the girl’s dark brown ones, alive with mirth. “No…Human girl…I didn’t sleep well last night…”

“Well, I heard you had breakfast already, but will you come join us?” She giggled after her mock formal voice, then carefully picked him up. His instinctive reaction to withdraw and show agression rose to the sudden action, but he managed to catch himself; he had no reason to hurt the human girl, nor did he want a reason to. “This one is very kind…Something rare in the human race…” She cradled his body, running her hands up and down him so carefully, as if he’d break. “Gods…Is it too much to ask for? Only one night with the one I love…I would not do anything besides hold Ranae like this…” How he wanted to cradle the gentle angel in his arms, to cherish him with the love he deserved.