[IC] [Skybreaker] Lumières Caelum [tenebrae16]

[tenebrae16]

He pouted,in his thoughts at least, otherwise his face remained buried against Daddy's shoulder. Clutching tightly onto Edge, tail around his arm. All too happy to be held tighter in Daddy's warm arms. He wished Daddy would tell them a story now in that sweet storyteller's voice of his. He tried to convey he wanted a ''story" to Edge, but the feeling fell flat against Edge's panicked state of mind. Sleipnir didn't understand this new emotion at 'distress' or how it had come about.

As Edge kneeled, Sleipnir turned to look at their new surroundings , able to look around comfortably without the harsh lights. His eyes fell upon another, one he might have once labeled as "Mommy'', but wouldn't be able to tell now through all the grime and dirt. Looking away from dim golden eyes, he was glad when Daddy covered his eyes, only wishing Daddy could stop that horrible musty smell of dirt, sweat and blood that made him wrinkle his little nose up and hide his face further. He wasn't afraid though of the darkness or the dirty creature because he was still enveloped in Daddy's warm arms, 'safe'.

Path didn't respond immediately to Edge, laying limp on the ground staring blankly at the floor. It wasn't until Edge kissed him did he start to suck up air greedily. A trembling hand a Edge's cheek to keep him from moving away as they parted lips. Path stared up at his beloved mate, almost ignorant of the two children clinging to him. Tears prickled in his eyes, the first emotion those golden orbs had shown since he got back. His voice wavered as he spoke, "Edge... I can hear them. They're still here. I need to -.. I need to find -"He was cut short coughing, trying to replace the toxic air of the surface in his lungs. It was quite a violent cough and when he was done, he simply lay there chest rising and falling unevenly. His eyes slid back to Edge and there was a sudden pause of surprise, before he reached up with trembled arms, ''Skylark... Sleipnir..."

[Skybreaker]

Edge whimpered at Path's words. The kids were still blindfolded, but would be able to hear their Father better than he could. "No!" The human roared, stepping between the dragon and his kids, eyes blazing like fire. He wouldn't let this... creature lay one hand on his kids! They were so pure, and this thing was so dirty! Being around them made him much more protective and possessive. When Path reached out to them, Edge didn't see his mate- he saw a threat to his young. In this state, if Path touched Skylark and Sleipnir, their skin would be stained with stains that would never wash out.

Suddenly, Edge realized what he was doing. Gaze softening, a clear, foggy mist began leaking out of his mouth and washing over Path. It would eat the dirt and grime on the dragon's body, leaving only perfect skin and the beauty that belonged to Path. Silently, edge lifted the blindfold on each of his sons' heads. "Go on. That's you Mo-" He stopped himself. "That's your Father. Go say hello."

Skylark heard Path, but since Edge willed him against it, didn't respond. If Edge told him no, Path must be a bad man. What is he forced himself on their Daddy? Skylark couldn't help the tiny growl that bubbled in his throat. Though his memories told him Path loved him, he couldn't help but believe his Daddy. Light violet eyes narrowed in confusion as Edge lifted his blindfold and told him to greet his Father. Deciding to listen to Daddy, Skylark crawled over to Path. He could walk just fine, but crawling was more fun to him. Grey wings spread out, they were very thin. His tail flailed as he put a small hand on his Father's face. He didn't get any closer, but wouldn't have objected if the dragon brought him closer.

"Salutations, Father! Daddy took good care of me, and I hatched this morning! Did you know Daddy has a really nice voice? Daddy read me a lot of books. Oh, and Daddy kept going on and on about how handsome you are and how much he loves you. I remember you. You gave me some of your memories. Only the good ones, though. I'm happy to finally meet you, Father. Do you love me?" Skylark said a mouthful, and smiled with innocence.

[tenebrae16]

Path drew back his arms as Edge shouted and suddenly there was a deep sense of dread that gripped his heart. No he didnt want to be controlled again. He would have growled and fought back if he wasn't so weak and his throat so dry from the toxins above. Afterva moment of thought and he also didnt want to scare Sleipnir and Skylark. So he just stared up at Edge, diSkylarkeyes meeting fiery violet ones. He tensed, readied for nothing until the dagger was gone from Edge's eyes and he was once again held close and spoken too softly. It was relieving to knie though that Edge was being protective and not cruel when he had snapped at Path. Perhaps the both of them had yet to recognise the other as a mate....

Letting Edge clean him, he held out his arms again, towards the crawling Skylark, taking his child ia tight embrace. Smoothing back his ruffled hair, Path managed a small smike as Skylark rambled, "Yes...Yes, Daddy gas a beautiful voice," He croaked, throat still dry. Then tucked Skylark's head under his chin rocking him gently "And I love you so very much Skylark, you and your pretty little eyes from Daddy. " He mumbled cheerfully.

Sleipnir was more wary than his twin, feeling apprehensive towards the dirty man who made Daddy shout. As the blindfold was removed, he found that the man was cleaner but chose to cling to Daddy when his twin advanced. Even when Path took notice and stretched out a hand, having to coax Sleipnir into it, the infant had to literally been pushed by Daddy before he accepted the hand. Path curled his hand against Sleipnir's soft cheeks and in a quiet whisper, Sleipnir greets, "Mommy." Feeling 'home" wash over him. Mommy's touch familiar but not as warm as Daddy's.

"Father loves you too Sleipnir very much..." Path said smilingly, leaning against Edge, sleep washing over him oncemore but he struggled not to fall. Watching Sleipnir crawl back to Edge's lap while he rocked Skylark.

[Skybreaker]

Edge sighed happily when Sleipnir crawled back to him. Skylark, on the other hand, stayed with Path. He was growing more comfortable being held by his Father. Once in a while, he would giggle at being touched so gently. Skylark muzzled his Father, his dark grey curls rubbing against Path's neck and cheek. "I like my eyes... " He murmured. He knew that some dragons were able to mesmerize with their eyes, but Skylark wasn't sure he could- and he wasn't ready to try them just yet. But the light purple color they were was very unique, and so pure. "I think that..." Skylark yawned. It took a lot of energy to talk so much. Plus, he was only just born. "I think that Father is really handsome, like what Edge said..." Not noticing he had called his daddy by his first name, he fell into a deep and peaceful sleep, where he dreamt of Path, Edge, and Sleipnir.

"Daddy loves you, yes he does..." Edge said while holding Sleipnir up by the armpits and rubbing their noses together. For some reason, Edge was a bit jealous Sleipnir would grow so fast. At the same time he was happy it would be his son. Strangely, Edge still couldn't see himself as a father. Maybe a guardian, or perhaps an older brother. But they called him 'Daddy', so he would be their father. Placing one final kiss on Sleipnir's soft cheek before he lowered him, Edge couldn't help but feel intense love for the baby dragon. It was a light, fluttery kind of sweet love, unlike the hot, heated, rushed lust he had for Path. He paused. Wait... did he even really love Path? He had never felt like this before. Ever. Not even while he and Path were making love. Could it be... he only lusted for the white dragon? How much did he really know about his so-called mate. Frowning a bit, Edge squeezed Sleipnir's tummy before rocking him gently.

Slowly, he crawled over to Path. "Path-Path?" He whispered, just in case Sleipnir was sleeping like Skylark. "I um... You heard my confession, right?" He then leaned in. "Well, I am really sorry. I think they're asleep now." He thought to ask Path if he would like to talk about it, but then he remembered something. Path was strong, and could be really scary- like when they had first met. But Path was really just... scared. Scared of his past, scared of his nightmares, even maybe scared of himself. There was a reason Path sealed his bad memories away- he wasn't strong enough to face them. While Edge embarked on a personal quest to regain his painful memories, Path just wanted to throw them into a deep, dark abyss, where they would never, ever resurface.

"I want to talk about it." He stated firmly.

[tenebrae16]

He gently rocked Skylark back and forth, whispering sweet little words to him. One hand on his small back, under his wings, "Heh, you'll be just as handsome if not more when you're all grown up, now..just continue being cute.." He gently poked his nose, smiling gently at Skylark as he fell asleep. So young and brilliant, he coukd see Edge's bright mind here and already he could imagine the both of them in Edge's lab together discussing some technical jargon he would never understand. "Go to sleep and dream of dreams..." He murmured pressing a kiss to his forehead as he closed his eyes, then he wrapped him up in his arms and gestured for Edge to carry Sleipnir to the bedroom.

Sleipnir giggled, flaiiling his arms. Radiating 'Happy' at having his Daddy play with him. Hearing Daddy say he loved him, he woukd never get tired of it no matter how many tines it was said. Laughing loudly as he was tickled, wings fluttering excitedly. Eventually, he calmed down as Edge held him close, rocking him. The gentle lulling motion made him sleepy, reminded of when Edge had to roll their eggs to move them around. Warm...safe... he sighed, pressing another kiss to Edge's cheek before he settled down and fell asleep. Path brought the twins to their bedroom, they could both sleep in their bed for the time being. Skeipnir turned over to hug Skylark, still connected to him subconsciously.

Path smiled watching their offspring sleep. He wanted to curl up next to them and keep them warm and protect them. He would have had Edge not called him. The smile fading away when he spoke, Path looked away, "..Let's forget it. ." He muttered softly, rubbing his arm. He didnt want to discuss it, ever. He had...experienced a lot of things in that single week, more unpleasant than kind. Most had already faded off into a milk white ness, willing himself to forget it all again. He didnt need it. His frown deepened at Edge's strong words, turning away, "Edge.., im tired, lets...talk about it another time....okay?"

[Skybreaker]

Edge began to breathe deeply through his nostrils. He began to see red in the corners of his vision, and he felt hot. A hot sweat soon broke out. Once happy purple eyes burning like the depths of fiery hell. How could Path not want to talk about it? Did he not realize the memory was painful for him, too? Path just wanted to forget about it. "You really are weak." He spat cruelly, not caring the kids might wake.

Skylark hugged his twin back, though frowned as he heard Daddy's angry voice. He wanted Daddy to stop. It scared him. Daddy was so warm and kind to them, but not to Father. Strangely, Skylark didn't understand why.

Edge was not finished. He let a loud, guttural roar pierce the air and clenched his fists. "You... You're a dragon, damn it! You have to be brave! Strong! When I was a hydra...." He laughed maliciously at the touchy subject. He knew Path hated to talk about it. "Hah! No point in trying not to listen, Mister, 'I have amazing hearing!'" He taunted. "I slaughtered them, then bathed. In. Their. Blood." It was a bluff but Edge suspected Path wouldn't call him out. "I hate you! You're a fraidy cat, and can't take care of yourself, let alone the kids! I'd tell you to leave. But you're too damn weak to take care of the kids, or survive!" He had more to say, but he made the mistake of letting his gaze drift back to the troubled faces of their kids. His gaze softened only a bit."...If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine." He said in a tone dangerously soft. His face twisted into a wickedly evil smirk. "Good luck trying to tap into the supplies, Path-Path!" He taunted one last time before turning around and running.

He had changed all the passwords for the vaults and Faucets, if he would ever need to. He planned on telling him, but now... The boy stopped in the base of the chute. Gritting his teeth, he began to climb, not caring he was barefooted.

[tenebrae16]

Path stayed silent throughout, watching Edge run off from the corner at his eye. Dimly in the back of his mind, he wondered if he had made a mistake. Going soft...having Edge as his mate....gaze sliding over to Sleipnir and Skylark as they clung to each other, perhaps they were a mistake too. What had he asked of Edge in the first few weeks they met? Right, to end his life because ultimatly his biggest his mistake was trying to survive only to save a not so human human, end up letting a unforeseen pregnancy get to him and ending up here. Was he truly that weak as Edge believed? He missed the days before Edge had started looking into his past, when all he had was a curious bouncy human who liked to annoy him with questions, the fond though unable to bring about a smile, now ever since he had found about his Hydra heritage, his bouncy lovable human could switch with terrifying velocity to....someone he never knew. Someone who called him weak...and perhaps it was true, but....

In the end, who had been the one to birth their children without any help from the other? And before that Path had survived on this earth longer than the human had. Would the boy have even survived his first few seconds on earth if the dragon hadnt intervened and saved his life, sheltered him...helped him get here. He wasnt...weak, but Edge had a point still. He had been spoilt, protected too much by his mother and thus hadnt been able to protect her...watched her waste away for him...his gaze slid back upon the twins. He didnt want them to relive such a thing, didn't want them scarred and alone...a repeat of history. He couldn't let them be weak either, not the way he had been. Even if it meant pulling them away from this shelter...

He took a breath and walked to their bedside, sitting at the edge of it and reaching out to stroke them both, "Hey, Daddy is just gone for a little while, but in that time, we're taking a little trip okay? So rest for now and dream easy..." He muttered tucking them both in. Sleipnir held on tightly to Skylark, a whole range of confusing feelings swirling in his head. He didnt understand why Daddy was shouting at Father...was Father bad? But he was so nice now....confused, he questioned Skylarkthough he doubted his brother would know the answer either. In the end, he fell into a dreamless sleep.

Path watched over them both, stroking their heads gently and combing through their hair, whispering nursey rhymes from his mother. Even if Path knew the new passwords for the vault, his mind was made up. Because in the end, ultimately Edge held the key to the vaults and he could lock them whenever he chose, out of spite or fear...Path didnt want them dependant in the limited supply, didnt want them to end up like him now...he wondered if they would make it, but....it was in his name wasnt it? Relinqueretur. The survivor....not Path...Relin....he was destined for this...

Beneath the earth, they shook and quivered in their slumber, they knew the voice of their kind. They had foreseen, planned and waited. War was coming.

[Skybreaker]

Skylark nuzzled his brother, and his Father when he crept closer. Skylark's head tilted to one side, making the curls on his head bounce cutely. "Is Daddy... leaving..?" He asked quietly. The thought of Edge leaving for good made a strange feeling bubble in his chest, and he didn't like it at all. He had woken up to Edge yelling and screaming, then storming out in a huff. He had a sinking feeling... Edge wouldn't make it back. Ever. Hot, wet tears rolled down his cheeks as he cried. Skylark wished he could be more ignorant, and not know the darker truths. He sniveled. "W-Where's D-D-Daddy...? I WANT MY DADDY!!" He howled unreasonably. "Father, Father !! Bring Daddy back! I need him!! Whaaaaaaaaah! Waaaaaaaaaaah!" He cried like a baby. Which, in all technical purposes, he was.

Meanwhile, Edge had just made it out. He coughed. It really smelled. He found, that, getting out of the chute was hard. Now, he was barefoot against the mud. He took another step, breathing out slowly. When he raised his foot, there was a deep bloody gash. A piece of metal had dug into the sole of his bare foot, but his anger clouded the pain. "Path, I hate you! Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate!" He roared. He had been walking for a few hours, and there were many cuts, wounds, and gashes on his body he was in a very dangerous position. As the thunder cracked, he knew that the acidic rain would soon start falling. And there was nowhere for him to run. Or hide. "I hate him! Hate him! He's so annoying! And weak! And so..." A drop of acid fell on his cheek, leaving a deep red burn mark. He widened his eyes.

He laughed, though it sounded a bit like someone else. His voice wasn't this cruel. His voice wasn't so... fake. Suddenly, he realized the darker personality ad resurfaced. And it had killed him. Gritting his teeth as more raindrops fell, hot tears rolled off his cheeks, blending with the rain. He began to run, ignoring the throbbing pain of having open wounds and acid leaking into them. What was most important... Was settling things with Path.

It took a few minutes, but he finally returned to the shack where the chute was hidden. He was glad that he had wandered less than a mile away. He looked down at the infinite pegs of ladder. There were red marks all over his skin that already tattered his clothing. Since he had given his shirts to his kids as blindfolds, he was bare chested. Suddenly, the human hurled himself over the edge and landed on the metal floor with a loud -smack!- He cried out as he probably broke a leg.

Not caring, he ran until he found Path. Delirious, he recognized the feeling of death approaching. He reached out with both hands, wanting to hug the dragon one last time. He wanted... to die one last time, in Path's arms. He wanted to say sorry. That he didn't mean it. He wanted to confess everything he had ever felt and share it with Path. As his doom approached, his darker personality shriveled and shark to nothing. All but ignoring his kids, Edge cried out and fell to his knees as he felt his human heart throb dangerously, signalling that death was near.

His violet eyes locked with Path's golden ones. The dragon would see how bright they were, how innocent and pure. They were... just like how when they first met. Well, maybe not that much. Perhaps they were a bit darker. Making love and cuddling had made him a bit more mature. Meeting his kids made him a lot more mature. He smiled. though his face was torn and bloody, his teeth shone pearly white. Tears streaked his face, seeping into his cuts, inflicting only more pain. It hurt to twist his skin, so he tried not to move. He wanted to say so, so, much, but only managed to choke out a pained, "...Love... you..." Then, Edge fell forward, eyes slowly slipping shut.

Pain. Longing. Love. Hate. Darkness. Hydra. Bloodlust. Sex. Science. Hypnosis.

Words and images flashed in his mind as Edge's human heart eat a last time and he slumped onto the ground. Skylark was lucky enough to be asleep, dreaming of his newly dead Daddy. This was the end. Edge was... Dead. Skylark, though he didn't wake up, cried in his sleep and felt a heavy chest.

Or not? A black light would surround Edge, lifting him up into the air like he was a puppet. Then, they would split into strings. The strings wrapped around Edge's lifeless body, until he was in a complete cocoon. There were spots were light shone through, and it beat and convulsed. It had dug a hole through the ceiling and floor, attaching itself to the Earth. The hydra felt his body being torn apart. It tickled just a bit. He was nothing and everything at the same time. He was being reborn. Suddenly, the cocoon ripped away, leaving nothing but a swirling swarm of blackness that was all that was left of Edge.

I want to be pure again. I want to be human. I want to love, and be loved in return. I want to forget... forget... forget!!

In a blinding flash, the raw energy formed together into a body. He fell to the floor with a gentle thud, and the lights disappeared. It was Edge, fourteen years old, but now totally human. He had erased his memories of being a hydra. Unless one of them came to him to jog his memory, he wouldn't recall anything about his past lives. But he remembered his human life. He remembered his kids. And most of all, he remembered...

"Path..." The boy croaked, violet eyes snapping open. Slowly, as if he had never walked before, he crawled over to where his mate was and hugged his legs, rubbing his cheek against porcelain skin lovingly. "W-What happened...? I remember the eggs hatching and... and..." He smiled laxly. "Oh, well. Not all of us can be super-smart dragons! Some of us have to be weaker, and softer." He yawned, tired from being reborn. "Mmmfh... Path-Path? What-ever is the matter?" He asked with concern. "You look a little shaken up..." Using the dragon's knees as leverage, he raised his face to the other's. He rubbed their noses together in an innocent way of showing love. "Want me... to help you with your stress, baby?" Edge smiled. Having Path made him feel like it was alright to have cursed eyes, a deformity. As long as this amazing creature loved him... It didn't matter. Path would find, that Edge was very human, not a trace of hydra scent at all.

[tenebrae16]

Sleipnir buried his head against his brother's shoulder, aside from his tight grip and the slight tremble of his body, no one would know was thinking, but to Skylark, Sleipnir was radiating mixed feelings of confusion and...the slightest bit of fear. He wanted Father and his brother to stop joking around, it wasnt at all funny. Daddy woukd come back. He wouldn't just leave them would he? No Daddy wouldn't leave them. He had novreason to go and all the love to stay. He felt tears roll down his cheeks, but resolved not to let the feeling crush him, "Daddy will come back...Daddy loves us." He conveyed softly to his brother, though he wondered just who was he trying to convince now. Clinging onto Skylark as Path gathered them both in his arms.

"Shh..Daddy's not gone forever...He just...needed some time t-..to think." He murmured, feeling unsure of himself. People didnt grow well on lies, but Path, himself, barely knew the truth, only what he was meant to do...and maybe without Edge....without Edge...he avoided the thought by rocking the twins, singing softly tobthem a song with no real words, only a feeling of a low deep longing. He sang about the forests and the rivers, made up stories of the workd before and tried to do everything Edge had done for them until their cries subsided and each lay asleep at last.

Sitting back in his chair, he sighed, gazing upon his offspring. Perhaps they were a mistake too and oh what an easy mistake to erase, to eventually forget and bury behind him. He reached out, the contrast of his claw agaibst Skylark's soft round cheek. He could.....No....what was he thinking? Hurriedly he pulled back. He was being foolish, exhaustion playing tricks...he had yet to eat since he woke up too...but...all the vaults were locked...resigning himself, he sat and watched his young sleep.

It was with a jolt that he woke up, realizing he had fallen asleep in his chair. Turning to the loud noise thst woke him, his eyes fell upon Edge. For a moment, he sat shocked, golden eyes widening when the caught Edge's frantic...yet oddly peaceful gaze. In the next moment, his chair had fallen over and he was by Edge's side. Somehow, in those last few moments, the dying connection they still shared, he understood. And he realized the biggest stupidest mistake in his life that he would probably still have made if given a choice.

He ran his hands over Edge's burns and cuts, kissed away his tears and smeared his own blood in a desperate attempt to stop or at least delay the inevitable. Begged and promised and cursed, going as far as to say that Edge shouldn't have come back, all because it was easier to watch him walk away than to havr him crael back dying. Out of all of it though, he shed not a single tear. The strong didnt cry...

Path held him as he lay dying, as he breathed his last and when he breathed no longer. He could feel his mate's thoughts drifting away and silently he bid the goodbye. Goodbye his love, goodbye to the times they sgared, good and bad and....goodbye to......to......His thoughts trailed off as he watched the darkness surround his lover and pull him away. Path moved back, watching it spin its web....Silently, reaching out....he found Edge.

For you I cannot be weak...for our children, I cannot be be indulgent...For my kind, I cannot forget...For myself..Path was a beautiful lie...[/¡] He ran his hand over the cocoon, making up his mind. This was what he was meant to do...

Stepping back as the cocoon faded to darkness, he took his place on the chair he had righted. He vould ferl Edge....when he was still midway in the stages before reality, Path could feel him, everywhere, but the dragon wanted his mate just here. Next to him, with their children.,.here so they could pretend everything was alright again. Edge...He closed his eyes imagining the soft smile that he had not seen for so long....

He could hear his name...the fake one. And he opened his eyes and Edge was there, smiling at him and laughing and joking...Was it sad that the first thing that Path wanted to say was to not call him Path. That wasnt his name..it was a beautiful dream, but it didn't belong to him. Instead, he just shook his head and leaned forward to press a kiss to his Mate's forehead, "No..just tired....the...the twins had a nightmare thats all, but everything is alright now Edgey." He pressed their foreheads together and closed his eyes in thought. Better, to keep Edge human like this, keep his family like this, in the dark...but happy.

"Edgey...I think I'll take the twins out tomorrow, it'll be good for them. I want them to learn how to hunt and survive...like how I was taught." He murmured softly, keeping his eyes closed. "And.....and I think we should look for....any remaining creatures of the old world...to see what we can salvage from their survival..." Hebit his lip and stared at his lover, like before, and couldn't help but pull him closer, "I want to make this place better for them...for us...I want...." [I]To kill all the humans who condemned us to this...To rid us of the Hydras..so you'll never need to remember... "I just want you Edge. Happy."

He cupped his human's cheeks and met his gaze, golden eyes searching for something that he evidently found as he pressed their lips together. Remembering how moments ago, he had touched cold unmoving flesh tgat failed to breathe. Now though, Edge's lips were warm and he slipped past them as they parted allowing for a more passionate kiss. A lasting loving kiss tgst onky ended when they ran out of breath and Path pulled away to stare at Edge.

[Skybreaker]

Edge smiled. The kiss had drained him of whatever kind of energy that was left, and he only had a fleeting glimpse left. "Hn...." Violet eyes narrowed slightly. Now that he was done doting, he was observing. And there was something really different about his Path-Path. Maybe it was the sinister dark in his golden eyes, or the way Path held him tighter than normal. The longing way Path stared at him, like a sailor stranded in the ocean who had seen little specs of land. What exactly was up? The boy's jet back hair was combed as he ran his hand through it nervously. Trust him, he reminded himself. There was nothing like tearing apart a relationship with a lack of trust and understanding.

Sighing deeply, the boy's eyes began to feel heavier and heavier as he laid on the dragon's lap. A week ago, they would have stayed like this for hours and hours. But... Why did it feel so uncomfortable? Edge squirmed a bit, trying to stop the pins and needles. He pouted slightly and put his palms on Path's shoulders, smiling before he slid off. Trying not to let Path know how painful it was to sit on his lap. Plastering on a fake smile, Edge squeezed his hands together. "I'll go... uh... unlock the vaults." With that, he skipped out of the room and punched in a code to pop open the last remaining vault. There was just one more, because admittedly, between a pregnant dragon, two newborn dragons and himself, the food had diminished. Sighing as he eyes the few carcasses of pig suspended by wire. Edge sat down in front of it and thought to himself.

Why did being with Path seem so different? Why did his love feel like it was gone? There were many questions. The scientist began to slowly walk back to the bedroom. Path wanted to take Sleipnir and Skylark hunting. But what would they hunt for? As an ecological scientist, he knew there was nothing to find anymore, except for the grotesque spiders that lived around the surface. Smiling to the white dragon, Edge would step around him and instead go to their sleeping kids. He rubbed their stomachs as he sat on the mattress. "Daddy loves you..." He whispered lovingly before using Sleipnir's soft stomach as a pillow. It was so cute how the two clung to each other. Soon, Edge found himself in a deep sleep, his cheek rubbing against the wool of his son's shirt. He embraced the baby dragon lovingly. It was strange, but in a few months, they would be as big as him...

Skylark suddenly felt something familiar hit his nostrils. It was his daddy! He wanted to wake, but found he was too tired to. Perhaps not exercising while in the egg was a bad thing. Sleipnir might have enough energy, though.

[tenebrae16]

He held Edge close, but not too close. He wanted to feel the warmth of his human, but didn't want to break him again. His eyes glowed dimly as they met Edge's, but the gold in them had faded and lost its true shine. They sought to out Edge and willed him to sleep. In sleep, Edge was safe...ignorant to Path's plans, protected from the plottings of the surface world. Love....had long since fallen apart so many times that it had re-pieced itself into a distorted, cankerous desire to preserve and protect whatever was left and Path wouldn't let himself fall apart again. Face it, he was...absolutely nothing without his human, weak only because he depended on Edge for strength. Edge...Edge had stopped being his mate for a long time now...Relin was a survivor and survivors were always alone.

He let his mate go, but akways listened out for the sound of the chute. No, Edge wouldnt leave now and Path wouldn't let him, smiling up at his human as he returned. His eyes locked onto his every move, never leaving until he was sure Edge had fallen completely asleep. Safe. Wonderfully safe, he stood to leave, the faintest yawn making him turn around.

Sleipnir had indeed woken up the moment he caught Daddy's scent and felt his warmth. Giggling when Daddy's hair tickled him, not minding in the least that he was being used as a pillow. He was about to squeal indelight and call Daddy to wake up sand pay attentionbto him when Father came around and shushed him, "You see, Daddy is tired, dont wake him okay? Be good and after, Daddy will play with you alot understand? Go back to sleep..." Father's voice felt very strange to little Sleipnir and staring up into his golden etes made him very sleepy. He yawned a half hearted reply, feeling his eyes close. Dimly, he heard a doir shutvand the metalkuc sound of someone climbing up a metal pipe, but Sleipnir couldn't know that.

[Skybreaker]

About a day or so later, Edge felt his eyes flutter open. He groaned, stretching and hearing his muscles pop and bones crack. Yawning, the boy's gaze drifted over to his kids. They were so adorable. Edge wanted nothing more than to just squeeze their soft bodies. Then, realizing they were powerful dragons, reached out and squeezed their soft arms lovingly, giggling softly. "Good morning, my loves...." Though Path was nowhere to be found, Edge didn't seem to mind.

The violet eyed teen stared intently at Sleipnir . He was so beautiful, just like a god. Edge wondered if he would want to- No! What was he thinking? Blushing a bit, Edge looked at the ground in shame.

Embracing Sleipnir , he suddenly pressed his lips against the child's soft stomach and blew harshly, giving him a raspberry! He giggled. "I love you two soooooo much!" He sang. "Father's not here right now, but I'm still here! Do you guys want to play with me?" He asked, giving the two a wink.

Skylark grinned. His Daddy had slept for so long, and now he was awake! It was all too grand! He giggled and squealed madly as Edge touched him. "Daddy! Daddy!" He squealed, curls bouncing about. When Edge asked if they wanted to play, Skylark squirmed uncontrollably. "Yes! Please Daddy, please!"

[tenebrae16]

Sleipnir was still asleep when his brother had woken up, still a little under Path's spell. His mind completely blank in a clam sleep. It wasn't until his father tickled his stomach did he squeal and open his eyes, giggling and squirming under his Daddy. Bright eyes staring up with adoration. He reached his arms out to Edge, tail slapping happily on the bed, unusually vocal, "Yes! Yes! Father said you would if we behaved! And we were very good!" His voice rivaled that of his brother's and in a fit of strength and a burst of energy, he sat up and crawled over Skylark, bouncing on the bed towards his Daddy. Wings fluttering excitedly.

His stomach gave a soft growl making him hesitate when he instinctively tried to find the nutrient source he had fed off of in the egg. Off course now he didn't have it now and would have to rely on solid foods, "Daddy! Daddy! I'm hungry, can I be fed?"

Up on the surface, claws dug deeply into the dry earth, heaving up great piles of dirt and tossing them aside. The earth was soaked with the vile blood of the monsters, but...there was an added colour. The brightest of red soaking into a broken oxygen tank and mask, weapons leaking fluid and broken into nothing but frayed wires lay near by. The dragon didn't care about them, working on the large crater he was now making, concentrating on getting deeper and deeper down. Where all the lost and forbidden things la, waiting to come back to power. By noon, the hole was a good 20ft deep. Enough for the day. He stood up and made his way home.

[Skybreaker]

Squealing in surprise as his brother crawled atop him, Skylark murmured in agreement. "I'm hungry too, Daddy!"

Seeing Sleipnir and Skylark so raring to go made the human smile instinctively. Oh, this was what love was, wasn't it? Wanting to protect these two and make them happy. Make them smile all the time, and laugh with them. He wet his lips as they spoke of food. Though they only had a single vault, his kids needed to eat.. He took one hand in each, and squeezed reassuringly. "You two hungry? Daddy will feed you..."

After leading them to the still, open vault, Edge told them to wait outside. He was going to fetch some canned goods near the back. He rubbed his arms. It was really cold. Finding them, Edge harrumphed in approval. The pig carcasses would be for later. However, before the human could leave the vault, it slammed shut in his face with a loud klang- seemingly all by itself. Violet eyes widened in horror, the only way to unlock it was from the outside. The can slid from his grip as he banged his palms on the metal door. "Sleipnir ! Skylark! Help daddy!" He bit his lip. How could he be so stupid? Locking himself in a freezer?? He would die, unless help came in time,

Skylark watched horrified as the door slammed shut on Daddy. Leaping into action, he tried to help by punching at the bulletproof metal. Perhaps if he was older, he could do it, but he was too weak. "Daddy!!!" He roared, trying to help. What he didn't know was that the human would freeze in just over an hour.

Meanwhile, from the chute, a boy laughed. As he spread his eat hey wings, it wasn't hard to tell what he was a hydra! He was the one responsible.

[tenebrae16]

Sleipnir gripped Daddy's hand tightly, not as confident with his walking as his brother was. He kept close to Daddy's side as he led them to the large chilled vault door. Sleipnir shivered and clung to his Daddy. Despite having some human in him, he was still cold blooded in nature and the cold made him sleepy and frightened because it could pull him into such a sleep. When Daddy walked forward, he resorted to clinging onto Skylark for warmth, nodding to his Daddy to wait for him. He hadn't expected the big metal door to swing shut so suddenly and violently as if someone had slammed it shut, but the twins hadn't seen anyone.

His tiny fist banged hard against the metal door until they were bruised, "DADDY! DADDY!" He screeched, pushing and pulling at the metal door, "Daddy what do we do?!" He cried out, feeling tears prickle in his eyes, fear. He turned to Skylark with a worried questioning gaze, hoping that he would know why to do do they could get Daddy. Finally after a long silence, "We need to get Father!"

Path strolled slowly home. His skin was smudged with dirt and mud, the old clothes he wore torn and ragged. In his arms he dragged a large sack of...something soft that soaked the bottom in a deep red substance. He had no idea of what had happened back home.

[Skybreaker]

Edge met the twins' pounds as he hugged his own body. Man, the cold was merciless. Edge knew the metal door was jammed somehow. The latch bent while inside, making it impossible to move, unless you had inhuman strength. Screaming in both fear and frustration, Edge pounded until his fists bled. Grittng his teeth, he surveyed his surroundings. He was doomed. "Sh, Shh! It's alright, boys... Daddy's just... playing with you!" He laughed like it was all a game. A fun, innocent game, knowing well the two could hear him.

Skylark held his fists, worn and bloody from beating on the door as he started to cry. He clung to his twin. He had to help Daddy! When Daddy told him it was all a game, Skylark's eyes narrowed as years streamed down. "Stop it!" He roared rather loudly, causing Edge to cover his ears instinctively.

The dragon spread out his wings and let go of Sleipnir's hand, grey tail thrashing. "Daddy, this isn't fun! I'm scared! I just want you to hug me! Daaaaaaaaaaaaaddy!" The poor baby screamed at the top of his lungs. Edge's violet eyes also cried, the tears frosting as they fell. His teeth chattered, and his lips were slightly blue. It was only a matter of time until his heart would stop beating. He choked on the quickly freezing blood in his throat.

The sound sickened Skylark. "Sleipnir !!!!! We. Have. To. Save. Dad. Dy." He said between sobs. The baby cried and cried, falling to his knees.

The hydra, thinking his job was done, spread his wings and flew away into the smoggy sky. How was it he could breathe the air and Path could not? Why, he was the one who made then smog, of course!

[tenebrae16]

"I don't like this game!" Sleipnir shouted along with Skylark, rubbing his eyes with his bleeding bruised hands. He held his brother, sobbing loudly next to him, nearly unable to hear him over the sound of his own cries. Why was Daddy playing this sort of game? It wasn't fun at all, he wanted to play something else. Dragging himself away from Skylark, he started to pound on the door again, only with less vigor. He was losing strength, sobbing loudly until a quiet voice broke through the silence, "Skylark, Sleipnir..."

Sleipnir turned to see his father standing at the doorway, looking quite worn. Scrambling over to him, he tugged his hand and cried, "Daddy won't come out, save Daddy please!" He sobbed, crying into Path's side. The elder dragon gazed down at his young and placed down the soaked sack, stepping over to the vault. "Stand back young ones and be calm..." He said softly, his eyes glowing dimly. Sleipnir hiccuped, gazing into Father's eyes and feeling a wave of calmness wash over him, his sobs quieting.

Path's claws dug into the steel door, the metal denting and cracking under his strength. He gritted his teeth and leaned forward until he felt the door start to come off his hinges. In this form, it wasn't exactly the easiest of tasks and he was exhausted from being up on the surface. The air having drained him. His fingers bled blue as he ripped the door off it's hingers with a loud crack and he flung it to the floor.

Warm arms, warmer than the cold, gathered Edge up into the dragon's lap, holding him close but not tight. He might break if he held him too tightly, "I can't lose you." A voice whispered, a gentle hand running through his hair, petting him as he was carried over to the bed and wrapped it warm blankets. Streaks of deep blue blood staining his skin as Path cooed him to sleep. Sleipnir followed them quietly.

[Skybreaker]

Edge felt the cold eat at him. He had to stay strong, for the boys. "Daddy's... alright... just hmmm?" With that, he tried to curl up into a tight ball and save as much body heat as he could. "I'm so sorry..." He was so pathetic.

Meanwhile, Skylark ran with his twin to Father. Father seemed like an angel right now, come to save Daddy. He sobbed insanely, unable to formulate words. He was just so shaken. "D-d-d-d-d-Daddy's playing a mean game..." But he calmed as he looked into those... golden... eyes...

Edge melted into Path's heat and sighed. He fell into a deep sleep.

[tenebrae16]

He rocked Edge for a little while more before tucking him in bed. Running his hand through his hair once more, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before he stood up and moved over to the twins. Sleipnir had been standing in the doorway watching their father's exchange, silently allowing Path to take his hand and lead him away, "Daddy needs to rest now, let him sleep. I brought back a nice treat for you both now..come and eat." He said softly, taking Skylark's hand as well and leading them back to the ripped open vault where he had dropped the sack. Kneeling next to it he started to rip it open.

Sleipnir stood next to Father, watching with interest as he opened up his 'treat', the remaining tears in his eyes starting to dry up. The brown cloth was opened up to reveal a pile of craved up meat, soaking in it's own blood. The smell made Sleipnir wrinkle his little nose and bury his face against Father's side. Path lifted up a piece, "Don't be so off out, it's good for you...come..Skylark, try a piece and show your brother it isn't bad."

[Skybreaker]

Edge sighed contentedly at being rocked like an infant. Though he didn't know it, his young body appreciated it. Right before he drifted off for the day, he murmured softly. He had a deep frown on his face and started to tear up. "I'm sorry..." With that, his expression went soft and he slipped into a dreamless sleep. Well, perhaps not... totally dreamless. Edge's eyebrows wrinkled in confusion as a dark voice whispered, 'Aw, poor Edge almost died! If only you knew the truth. Everything in this world is a lie, my dearest....' The only indication Edge heard, was that his chest was moving at an alarming rate.

Meanwhile, Skylark was still shaken, convinced they were playing a game. He held his Father's hand between his finger and thumb. He smiled excitedly when Father told them he had a treat. What could it be? Though he knew it was good thing, Father didn't give him any memories of 'treats'. His smile cracked when he when he saw it. He was caught between getting Father angry, or eating something disgusting. Thinking he could take it, he nodded slowly.

With a trembling hand, he reached out and took the piece from Father's paler hand, lips pursing as the foul stench intensified. He closed his eyes and lifted it to his mouth, when he heard something... squimring and writhing. Letting out a shriek, he opened his eyes and saw a fat, wriggling maggot in his meat. He dropped it immediately. "Please, Father, don't be mad at me..." He whined.

"Why would Father be mad? He loves you..." A figure said from a short distance away. Edge. He strolled over, looking down on his mate's catch. He paused, before whispering, "Did you know that apparently my lungs are different?" He smiled to Path at the fake conclusion he had reached, still convinced he was totally human. "I think I can breathe mists. Watch." Inhaling the air, he swished it around in his mouth then spewed it all over the dirty meat, cleansing it of bacteria and parasites.