[Mint]

The Silver nodded and moved over- scooping Shotaro into his arms and cradling him like a small child.

[Uke]

The man threw a hand over his mouth to stop the squeak of alarm that threatened to come out. It didn't seem to startle the Silver, however, who quickly began to move so fast that Shotaro wasn't even sure Tobias Gale Jr could keep up.

--

Once Neko and Ryou had settled down, Kayen slipped off the sofa and carefully stepped over Domino's still form on the floor.

His ankle pounded in pain, but he ignored it, making for the back door and slipping across the dark yard, over to the mausoleum.

"Chess!" He called out as he pulled open the door.

[Mint]

"You seem like you're sneaking around." Kayen jumped as the voice came from behind him- making his spin around into the grinning face of Domino's twin. "Naughty~"

[Uke]

"Shut up," Kayen replied, icily. "Coem on... we've got work to do."

He gave the other a cold look that demanded obedience, before turning to leave, expecting Chess to follow.

[Mint]

"Just going to leave Dom sleeping on the floor for our little affair?" Chess snickered as he followed.

[Uke]

"He wont like what we're about to do," Kayen informed, walking away from the church - in the direction he'd seen Ryou coming from. "In fact, he might try to stop us."

Kayen was ignoring the fact that Domino never tried to stop him from doing anything he wanted to do.

[Mint]

"Don't want to be one to spoil the fun, but if it'll make Domino sad, you normally wouldn't do it." Chess pointed out.

[Uke]

"In the long run, this is better for everyone," The younger boy whispered. "And besides... I think you'll enjoy it. You're going to have a lot more 'puppets' to play with."

[Mint]

Chess clapped happily.

"You'll be the next one if make my brother cry." Chess giggled playfully- putting an arm around Kayen's shoulders.

[Uke]

Kayen turned to look at him coldly, his colorless eyes seeming to glow in the dim light of the three moons.

[Mint]

"I know you won't." Chess replied- hugging Kayen a little with the one arm around his shoulders.

[Uke]

Seconds later, Chess found himself laying on the ground staring up at the moons, his entire back aching.

Kayen turned and began walking once more, not bothering to wait.

[Mint]

Chess started hissing with laughter behind him.

[Uke]

--

The sun rose slowly the next morning, just as it always did. The hunting party scattered out, looking for both food and for more lost little siblings.

Rathi continued along with the party but hung back a little when he spotted something moving. When he reached for one of the others, they had already gone.

A pout on his face, the boy moved toward the form and slowly approached, careful to have his tail at the ready. He had no wings - the effect of being a hybrid - but he was just as good with his tail as any of the other children his age.

He wasn't, however, anticipating the razor-thin string that snapped as he moved through it, sending a heavy net crashing down onto his form.

--

It was sunrise by the time they reached the city, or at least it might have been. The air was bright, but Shotaro couldn't be sure if it was from the sun rising, or the huge fire that was engulfing the town in flames.

[Mint]

"...This...is not good." The Silver carrying him frowned and stopped immediately.

[Uke]

Shotaro had to cover his mouth to muffle the gasp that fell out. He stood, stunned, for a few moments, before rushing through the gate as people tried to flee out of it.

He stopped, however, completely horrified as he spotted a form standing amongst the flames - short white hair sticking to a pale face as the boy grinned and watched the city burn.