Scorp is DEAD pass it on

Subject: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 7:04 pm

It wasn't hard for Vinncent to hear all of the comotion going on in the palace. Guards and servants running everywhere, horrified and alarmed faces running past him to the main hall. It wasn't long before he was rushed along as well. No one would tell the poor thing what was happening, or even look him in the face, only saying that he was needed right away. The amount of negative energy and panic circulating in the air was making him feel sick to his stomach, enough to almost make him cry.
When he finally arrived to the place everyone was heading, he actually got excited when his eyes layed on the soldiers that arrived, knowing Scorp must be back as well. His eyes scanned through all the guards as he was let past them, but his heart stopped immediately when he saw a body covered in a familiar cloth being carried by Scorp's main men.
He didn't seem to know how to breathe anymore, or move. Any sound turned into a ringing and pain quickly replaced any excitement he was feeling to see his mate. He shook off any tugs at his arms or seemingly comforting hands on his shoulders and walked towards the body, waiting for someone to explain why his Scorpion was like this, the full blow of what's happened not settled in his foggy mind yet.

No one spoke, they generally gave Vinncent space as he touched the cloth and his dead mate. He could smell the strong smell of Scorp's blood, that sweet smell it always had from being mixed with a human's. It made him sick, but it didn't draw him away. When he tried to lift the cloth, he was stopped by the general with a powerful grip. The general was gentle, but wouldn't let Vinny lift it no matter how hard he tried. He cleared his throat, his lycan face saddened.
"He... We--We were ambushed. He fought for his men's survival." He couldn't say much else, seeing the small, pink tideborn's expression. His ears pinned back and his head lowered, tail dragging on the ground. He let go of Vinncent's arm and backed away, keeping his gaze low. He couldn't bare to look up as his emperor's offspring walked up as well. Horus seemed the most confused, but the smell hit him faster than the others, his fins flaring out and his blood running cold.
Khaba kept his expression unreadable, holding Horus' hand like he did when they were children. His grip tightened a little, and he followed Horus as he moved forward past the parting crowd.
Vince stayed behind one of the many pillars, away from the crowds and the body. As usual, he didn't speak.

Tabu rushed past the crowd an his brothers, hoping with every fiber of his being that the palace chatter was false and his father wasn't really dead. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw both of his parents, his eyes wide and fins pinned against his head. The only thing that snapped him back to reality was his brother's hand gripping his tightly.
The trembling of his small body followed shortly after the general was finished speaking. Vinny's voice left him, his mind telling him to cry out to his mate but his body betraying him completely. Even trying to speak with his swollen throat was painful. He lifted shaking hands to where Scorpion's chest layed under the cloth and lightly gripped it, eyes starting to fill up and overflow with liquid. The aching in his chest grows stronger and more intense when he feels how cold the body is, and doesn't sense a heartbeat. Vinny's face twists in pain and he finally slumps down to sob against his mate's chest, never wanting to let go.

Khaba stepped forwad with his brothers, keeping his hands in theirs, even as Horus dug his face into the cloth over his father. He cried silently, and Khaba stayed there with them for as long as they needed.
The general helped clear out some crowds so they could have some time, but by the time night came, they were still there. The general had to help keep Vinny away as the guards took it to the ancient catacombs. Khaba took his brothers to the library, Horus unable to even speak. They were planning to follow, but in the end their brothers couldn't even handle walking let alone the emotional stress already on their shoulders and hearts.
Vince followed Vinny silently and from the shadows. The guards never liked him, let alone the general army, who carried Scorp's body.

Vinny walked as silently and as well as he could, still overcome with shock and incredibly strong grief. The stobbing stopped but the tears seemed like they'd never leave.
His skin was pale now, very little pink pigment in it, making it clear what emotional state he was in. He didn't look away as they lowered his body into his tomb, his fists clenched tight enough to leave small marks in his palms from his nails. When the guard finished and tried to usher him out he stopped them, shaking their hands off and stepping up to where Scorp lay.
"Leave."

They did as ordered, but staying near the far exits to close the door whenever Vinny left. Vince, however, stayed. He didn't make a single noise and hid back near one of the other tombs. It took days, servants bringing food that usually went untouched, as well as the three brothers sometimes visiting. Sirahlivai would stop by, as well, but never entered the tomb.
Vince ocassionally attmempted to help Vinny eat and cope, but otherwise never showed his face.

It was long before Vinny said anything, or even stood up for more than a few minutes. Ocasionally he could hear shifting around behind him, knowing all too well who it was. It drove him insane. Vince's constant hanging around without saying a word.
"...Why are you still here"

Vince tilted his lead a little, but of course didn't say anything, which only mostly angered Vinncent more.

Vinny gritted his teeth and clenched his fists more, standing up to turn around and square up to Vince. Vince towered well over him of course, but Vinny didn't seem to notice or care, only interested in getting his aggression out. He grabbed the front of Vince's shirt in both of his fists and yelled loud enough for the guard to hear.
"I SAID WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE!"

Vince didn't drop his gaze, only stared. Like he always did. He didn't speak, he didn't make a noise, he didn't flinch, wince, or growl. Only stared. And it weighed down on the weakened Vinncent. It looked sad, full of complete pity. It made him angrier, of course, but right now he could do anything and he knew Vince still wouldn't react how he most likely wanted him to react.

He squeezed the fabric in his hands tighter, Vince's stare digging deep into him. His teeth grit even further out of frustration, and soon he pusehs Vince can as much as he can manage with a loud sort of grunt and storms out of the tomb, appearing before the guard in full light for the first time.
His skin was now a much more intense and slightly darker color than his normal tone, and his hair was grown out to cover half of his face. His fingers and hands were scratched up and bleeding a bit, as well as his arms. His eyes held much less life than they had previously, dark circles underneath them. Vinny's face held signs of old scratches as well, but most noticably none of his spots were visible anymore.

Vince hardly moved, then followed. He disappeared back into the shadows, and into complete silence. The guard silently closed the doors as well, keeping their heads low. The sight of their prince was paining them. Khaba ran up with his brothers, bu froze at the sight of his other father.

Vinny stopped midstep when he saw his three sons, their expressions shocked and as pained as the guard's. He stood there silently, the only thing going through his mind being how much the three of them resembled their late father. He bit the inside of his cheek and rushed past them, the pain he had been feeling for days returning. He ran quickly out to the main entrance, stopping when the large heavy doors weren't opened for him. "Let me out."

The general stepped up. "No, not in the... state you're in." The guards looked away, but it was obvious they were going to keep an eye on him. Khaba lowered his head after hsi father went out of sight and earshot.
"Well.. Looks like we lost both parents already." Horus still kept them close, right now all of them needing each other more than anything.

Vinny barred his fangs a little, extremely irritated and just wanting to get away from the lot of them. "You can't disobey me" He glanced at the guard as well as the general. "Let me pass."
Tabu stared at the ground steadily, his fists shaking and his shoulders feeling heavy. "....What do we do..."

The guards moved closer to the door, the general shaking his head. "No, after what has happened... Everyone is on higher guard. An attack is eminent, you must. Stay. In the palace." He wasn't going to move.
Khaba took them back to the library, the librarian gone for one reason or another, thus Tabuu comfortably going there without much problem. "I... Don't know."

He growls and pulls at his hair in frustration, feeling alone and like everyone in the world was against him. "I can't stay in this place!" Vinny screamed before turning around to dash in a different direction, planning to head to the large patio of his bedroom to jump in the river.
Tabu chewed on one of his claws as he often did when he was stressed and kept his other hand tangled in his for once messy hair. He kept close to his brothers, needing their support and comfort more than he would have ever admit previously. "We can't lose him too...maybe if we just say something"

Horus shook his head. He had a book in his hands but wasn't reading it, only scanning the pages in attempt to keep himself from bursting into tears. "No, he doesn't want to see us right now."
"We look like dad."
Horus nodded, even though it was Khaba that looked like him the most, he knew that Vinny wouldn't want to see a reminder in general of his fallen love. He lowerd his head into his book and wiped tears from his eyes. Just as he did he heard stomping. "I think he's trying t-to..." He sneezed, but broke out into a sob. Attempting to speak through it was hard, but Khaba attempted to comfort him to let him speak.
"...t-to get out of the palace..."
"No! They killed one of our parents, if they're going to do anything now it's storm the palace or try to get us or dad!" Khaba got up and dashed off, Horus struggling to get to his feet to follow. Sirahlivai was at his side almost instantly, helping him to and going after Khaba with Tabu.
"Dad!" Khaba cried out, but couldn't find him. He listened out, but there was no sound, and for some reason, no scent. The air was heavy, and he found it hard to breathe.

If the sound of his sons calling out to him didn't stop him from leaving the palace, the sight of the room he once shared with Scorpion did. He didn't consider how hard it'd be to enter it, or how many memories he'd be assaulted with when it came into view. He stopped in front of their bed, the freedom of the large patio far from his mind. The sight, smell, and even feel of the room brought him to his knees, tears filling his eyes again. Getting away was all that was on his mind just minutes ago but now he hoped his kids would find him, knowing being alone for much longer would feel much worse.

Khaba waited for Horus who pointed at their bedroom. He gulped. Memories hit him like a bus, but unlike the others he was able to surpress his emotions and dash into the bedroom to find his father on the floor. He called his name, but he didn't respond, instead running over and hugging him, not letting go as Vinny cried and sobbed. Horus and Tabu came in after him, Sirahlivai staying outside of the room out of general respect.

Initially he struggled a bit in Khaba's arms out of instinct, but soon went limp and continued to cry, the scent of all three of them digging into him deep. Vinny pulled them all around him without looking up, holding them close as if they could slip away at any moment too.
It took a while for his tears to stop, but much less than last time. He was still broken, but what he had left of Scorp helped to keep him sane. He looked up for the first time at Khaba and threaded his fingers through his red hair, struggling to keep from breaking down again.
"I see him so much in you"

Khaba's eyes saddened. He didn't know what was harder to handle, the general death of his father or the fact that his whole family was now falling apart. The stress started weighing on his shoulders, but he fought it away. There had to be at least one of them standing strong or else everything would crumble. He nuzzled Vinny's face gently, the warmth of his skin much like Scorp's as well. Horus kept close, trying not to sob again. His face stung from all the crying, and simply wanted to sit there and mope with his family.
Meanwhile Vince and Sirahlivai exchanged looks from the shadows. Though both were greiving, they didn't react as strongly as the others, and out of respect didn't get into family business.

He glanced at Horus, seeing the fragile state his son was in made him feel terrible, recalling what Scorpion told him about being a parent and taking care of them, being strong for them and easing their pain however possible. He swallowed and started to feel guilty, pulling Horus to him by his shoulder and nuzzling the side of his head for comfort. Vinny looked up at Tabu and gestured for him to come as well, remembering how similar his eyes are to his fathers. Tabu crawled towards the three of them and settled with his forehead on Vinny's shoulder, trying not to let them see him cry again.

They stayed like that for a good, long time. Which was fine with all of them. Eventually Khaba broke free a little bit and checked on everyone, then told his father that they should all eat before they got sick.
Vinny felt that rebelliousness rise up inside him, but when he looked up at Khaba, he saw Scorpion. He saw Scorpion, concerned, worried, and unhappy.

It took a while, but he finally agreed with a nod. Standing up sort of slowly, weak from the lack of food. He helped Horus up first then Tabu, thanking the three of them for picking him up as they walked to the dining hall. He stayed mostly silent, apart from a few words. "Things will be rough around here for a while."

They all agreed, and Khaba helped lead his family to the dining area. Vince and Sirahlivai followed, of course, but as usual stayed in the shadows and out of the way. Khaba had a lot of good foods ordered, and they all sat together at the end of the table. No one sat in Scorp's end seat, it remained empty, the chair brilliant designed with shining rubies and jewels. They sort of stared at it for a while before Khaba tried to distract them. It was hard, but surprsingly easy when he asked how much people they thought Scorp had saved. Though it brought tears back, it also reminded them that his death was anything but in vain.

Vinny tried not to look at the chair, knowing it wouldn't be very good for him. He also didn't contribute very much to the conversation, giving only small grunts or nods, and ocassionally snapping at Tabu a little for picking at his food. Most of his food was gone and his plate pushed to the side for a servant to take care of, then he rubbed the side of his face to think, glancing at the chair despite his best efforts. He knew the general was right, there would be an attack on the palace soon and he needed to keep what he had left of Scorpion safe, he'd sooner die than lose them too.
"We might need to go into hiding."

The three siblings looked up from their conversations about their father. Khaba had to agree. "Yes, but I don't want to be gone if the palace is in danger."
Sirahlivai seemed to almost materialize from behind Horus, gleaming, piercing, golden yellow eyes tearing into Khaba's, but of course Khaba didn't look away. He liked Sirahliva. When he spoke, it was low and raspy, but none of them had a hard time hearing his word.
"It will not go unguarded. I will stay and make sure everything is fine, then send word to where ever you decide to take shelter."
"Gate's house."
Horus spoke up, much braver with his mate around. Khaba had to agree, Gate's house was well hidden, and seeing that he didn't take any side in the war, there wouldn't be almost any conflict around him. Not only that, but every nation feared him. He had been spotted once or twice on he battlefield, tending to the injured. If prevoked, he could literally obliterate any foe around him, destroying their bodies with lightning.
Khaba smiled. He loved uncle Gate.

Vinny started to realize how long it had actually been since he'd seen Gate. A few letters here and there were their only contact, and even those on his part remained brief. He found himsellf standing a little taller at the idea and maybe even feeling a little hopeful, perhaps Gate would be the answer to easing his pain more securely, he liked to think they had a close bond.
"We'll need to send a message to him right away," He gave a guard at the entryway to the dining hall a look and they left seconds later. "and leave as soon as possible. Thank you Horus."

Horus nodded and leaned back, resting his head on Sirahlivai's arm that was draped over the back of the chair. He stared forward at nothing. "I am sure news has reached uncle Gate by now."
"Yeah he has a way of knowing things before they happen." Khaba tugged at his short hair a little like he did when he was deep in thought. Gate was mysterious, but right now he just wanted to get somewhere safe. Or at least the rest of his family somewhere safe. He wondered if he should consult the librarian. Though Tabu wouldn't like it, the librarian also had a way of knowing things before they happened.
Horus sighed. Vinny could tell he didn't really want to leave. He looked depressed, slumped to the side, leaning on Sirahlivai's arm. The contact made him feel safe, but leaving so soon after their father's death felt very wrong to him. He wondered how Scorpion would feel about it... Was he okay with that? He hoped he didn't feel abandoned.
Khaba stood up. "I need to tend to something important before we go..." He bowed a bit then took his leave, seeking out the librarian.

Vinny was a little confused but didn't stop him, standing once he's out of sight. "I need to as well." He left the room, telling the guards where he was going and that he didn't want to be followed. Tabu watched his father and his brother leave, then his attention was turned to Horus and Sirahlavi for a seond. He almost spoke, but held his tongue. Tabu ran his fingers through his hair in frustration and pain, then stood. "I'll be getting ready." Rushing off to his bedroom was mostly an excuse, he just didn't want to think of being alone, he needed a distraction, even if it was just for a few hours. Writing a false letter to Eros usually worked.
--
Vinny entered Scorp's tomb once again, albeit a bit slower than the first time. He felt nervous to enter for some reason, keeping his eyes on Scorpion's tomb and sitting on his knees with his hands rested over them.
"....We'll be leaving for Gate's house soon...I know you'd want us to be safe, we will be there." His eyes start to sting as he continues his sentence, tears falling soon after. "I'm sorry I have to leave you so soon, but I'm afraid to lose them too.." He grips the fabric of his pants tightly and bites his lip to keep from sobbing. "I wish I could stay here with you forever, but I have to ensure their safety, I know you'd want me to.." He gently placed his forehead on the casket and cried quietly, ready to leave when somone sent for him.

Khaba found the librarian skulking around the main halls. He looked aggitated, and Khaba swore he saw something crawling across his skin. It faded once he looked at the young tideborn. He quickly walked over.
"Mujde, genc bir. Ve menim basi sag olsun. What are you still doing here, young prince? Don't you know the enemy is searching for you? Hara gedir?"
Khaba always liked his voice, but never really got around to understanding what language he was speaking.
"I wanted to ask you something..."
--
Horus thought about following Tabu, or asking him to pack with him, but stuck with Sirahlivai instead.
"The boy needs space."
Horus agreed, and thus Sirahlivai helped him pack. He figured they would be traveling by mount, or on foot. He wondered how fast assassins would find them. Luckily it was he Shroud kingdom that held the best assassins, thus the other nations were terrible at doing such things. It was more of a blitzkrieg sort of battle style with them.
His mate saw his worry and leaned down to kiss his head, mumbling something into his hair. He faded away, back into the shadows and out of sight.
--
Khaba was the only one to go retrieve Vinny. He helped his father up and hugged him with one arm, his other hand tangled in the fur of the coat over Scorp's tomb. Ancient, terrifying statues guarded the tomb along the walls, their stone eyes almost seeming to be watching them.
"We must go..." He had armor on, which made Vinny nervious and reminded him the dangers of their travels. He had vials and tonics on a strap over his shoulder and some on his belt, along with other things. Around his shoulders was a thin, fur cloak, much like the first Red King's. He looked worried for Vinny, tilting his head a little.

Vinny finally tore his eyes away from the tomb after kissing it lightly, keeping close to his son. "Let's go." As much as he didn't want to leave he knew that he had to to keep from getting hysteric again.
On their way out, to Vinny's dismay, he was bombarded with servants ready to dress him in the armor they all knew he hated but had to wear. He protested of course but didn't have the energy to refuse right now. He huffed as they dressed him and continued to the stables as soon as they finished kicking the dumb cape out of the way when it slid around too much.

"Gillith," It didn't take long for his shark puppy to come barreling through the dirt and hay to greet his master, whimpering and nudging at his stomach, which is understandable considering how long it had been since Vinny left Scorp's tomb. The sight of someone so happy to see him made him smile a little, eager to hug his friend and scratch the skin along his neck like he liked. He loaded up Gillith's saddle himself, knowing he'd need to be the one to calm him down, there's no way he wouldn't be excited, then hoisted himself up, exhaling and waiting for the guard acompaning them to arrive so they could leave.

Horus was clad in shining armor, but not fully. It was a lot like his mate's, most likely forged by him. It had a red sheen, and the cloak made of bright-feathery-like fur sepereated into two parts. He brushed the cloak aside and made his way to his mount, whispering something to it and nuzzling it. Some of the guard helped him pack, Sirahilvai mostly.
Khaba walked out, fixing his cloak as well, his hoodie already over his head to block out the blinding sun. He was making his way to his mount when he heard a loud whimper. He looked around, then peeked into one of the stables. How had he forgotten? He swung the door open to find Belphix. She was scratched up but it didn't hinder her. She was depressed from her master's death, and looked like she had been fighting with the stable boys. He picked her head up and kissed her nose. "Hey girl..."
She looked up, tail whipping back and forth. She licked Khaba's face and stood up excitedly, nuzzling him into the ground. He laughed and stood up before she smothered him. "I guess I'll be taking two of you. Do you want to help us get to Gate's?"
Her eyes showed she understood the situation and she hopped in place a little as Khaba went to retrieve his own mount. Belphix didn't mind being hooked up to another mount, carrying any other stuff they needed to bring. She stared at the temple, as if some one else were talking to her, but no one was there.

why randy. why kill the bean))
Vinny heard the whimper as well, a surge of guilt suddenly washing over him. He hopped off of Gillith again and rushed to Belphyx, removing his glove before petting her between the attack of licks. Vinny's eyes watered, recalling fond memories, but of course Belphyx licked them up before they could fall, nuzzling his face, making him smile.
Tabu walked in last, apologizing for taking so long, as he usually did. He put his hood up right away, staying silent while he loaded up and pet his mount, whispering to it after he settled. Vinny glanced at his son, concerned, but knew now wasn't the time to handle it. He kissed Belphyx's nose and connected their foreheads, then went back to Gillith, waiting for the guard to open the gates and give the word.

She huffed happily and trotted after Khaba's mount, sniffing at her children then turning her attention to the guard who walked out of the temple. They weren't just armored guards, no. Some where cutthroats who Khaba could honestly name out if he wanted to. They were in rugged armor and torn cloth, cowls over their faces as well as hoods and masks. They nodded to their princes as they went by.
Khaba felt a lot safer. These people were alert and dangerous. Exactly what they needed. He whistled, his mount starting forward after Gilith. Tabu felt a shadow watching them, knowing well who it was, but didn't turn around to see.
It stayed there, watching as they left. They exited through the back gardens, traveling along the cliffs and river. The sun beamed down on them, and Khaba remembered how sensative Horus was to the sun. He trotted his mount closer to Horus' and looked up at him. He seemed okay, staring forward at nothing as usual, but also seemed uncomfortable. Khaba reached out and touched Horus' hand, said something, then moved his mount back into position. Horus nodded and sighed, gripping the fur of his mount's back.
Windsliders flew around up above. They had been some of Scorpion's favorite creatures, Khaba staring up at them. They were a decent sign. If they made any alarming noises, something bad was gonig to happen. He tried to make himself relax. He had some of the best of the Shroud army with them... His family would be okay.
He hoped.

Tabu kept his head low, only his eyes up to watch their surroundings. The farther away from the palace he got the better he noticed he felt, even more energetic. He moved his hound up alongside Horus, worried about him out of habit, but only now allowing himself to show it. "Are you alright Horus"

Vinny kept his head up, alert and ready for anything they might come across. He kept a charm around them as they traveled as a precaution to deflect any projectiles or hexes, not wanting to take any chances, but he could feel it wearing him down much faster than it ever has. The amount of grief combined with the lack of food made him weak, he gestured for Khaba to come along side him. "I need you to help me keep the charm up."

Khaba nodded, riding over and concentrating. He kept it up with almost no problem. "Maybe you should rest. I can keep it up by myself for a while..." He opened on of his bags and handed his father some bread and salted fish.
Meanwhile Horus kept low in his hoodie and helmet. He nodded. Out of the three brothers, he was the most armored, and looked the most like a prince. The heat wasn't bothering as much as the sunlight, though. "Just... Very tired. I hate the sun." His fins turned a bit and he made a worried face.
"Are YOU alright...?"

Vinny just the fish, munching it down quickly, then shook his head. "I'm alright, just help me keep it strong." He wasn't fond of showing much weakness, most already thought he was weak enough.

Tabu took a few moment's to answer. "Yeah i'm fine....We'll reach a cooler area soon, Gate's home is really cool and covered with trees remember." It had been a long while since they had been there, he almost forgot what it was like. "I wonder if he'll be happy to see us again."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 7:25 pm

Khaba nodded. He simply didn't want his other father to work themselves to death.
Horus tilted his head a little. If it was anything he wanted to see more than anything else, it was his fathers, and Gate's house. He smiled a little, but it faded as the heat continued to drain his strength.
"Despite the circumstances, I am sure he will be glad to see us again. Uncle Gate is always happy to see us."
One of the guard made a silent motion to another, and two of the six cutthroats cut away from the group, disappearing among the rocks. Horus' fins flared, but Khaba waved them off, voice very low. "Scouting, don't worry about it."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 7:44 pm

Vinny glanced around none the less, sniffing the air and listening closely to the tiniest movements. Tabu payed particular attention to his hound, knowing how sensitive it is to it's surroundings. He stroked the side of its neck when it started grumbling, most likely a bit stressed from being cooped up for so long only to be let out and forced to walk at a slow pace. "Do you think he's going to meet us at the outside of his swamp?"

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:02 pm

Khaba was too focused on keeping the shield around them up, thus didn't speak. Thus, his brother did instead. "Keep eye on the sky. If he does, he won't do it without sneaking up on us."
Tabu could see every one of the guard shudder. Many have seen Gate, but they've also seen what he can do. It terrified them to think that he could drop out of the sky silently at any moment, and starting to look up a bit. The few that left came back and got back into position.
"Who knows, maybe he's watching us right now? Maybe he was this whole time, we just couldn't hear or see him."
"Horus, stop."
Horus shrugged and reached for his water, drinking it down and sighing. Soon enough, they reached an area with grass, trees... There were large, moss-covered caverns ahead, and the air became cool and wet. Horus relaxed more.
"We will stop here for now, and start traveling by night." The guard was speaking to Khaba and Vinny. Khaba nodded. Traveling by night would be ideal. The Shroud thrived in the night. He waved the guard off and got off his mount, ass hurting. He stretched and helped Horus down, pet Belphyx, and then checked on Vinny. "C'mon, lets eat a bit and rest up. We have to pass Luminance territory before we get anywhere near Gate's... We have to be even more careful now."
"They're braver here..." Horus mumbled. His fins were flared. "The trees. They're listening and watching us..." His voice was a whisper. The guards looked at Khaba confused, but he nodded, motioning for them to go scout. He turned to Tabu. A book caught Tabu's eye as Khaba's cloak swished, glowing... Pulsing... Words seem to seep out of it like insects or snakes, threatening to grab at him. He broke free of the paralyzing hex as soon as his cloak covered it again. "Tabu, make sure Horus is okay, I'm going to scout ahead a bit, too." He smiled at Vinny as he went by, his happy-go-lucky attitude still beaming through despite their possible danger. Something in the trees shifted, but when they looked up, it was simply a bird.
Horus hissed. "Spy!"
The bird flew away.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:12 pm

Vinny stood and gave one of the cut throats a look, and with that they dashed off after it, returning a bit later with the bird in hand. Tabu bit his lip and took a deep breath to calm himself, sitting next to Horus to ease his nerves as well as his own, grabbing his hand. "Good job.."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:19 pm

Horus leaned on his brother as the guard cracked the bird's neck, throwing into a fire another one of them had prepared. Hours later Khaba came back, shaking leaves from his hair. "Nothing too strange around. Dryads are around, we'll have to at least be careful for that. Horus, you be our radar, okay?" He smiled jokingly, hoping Horus would take it more as a joke.
Horus nodded and flared his fins out again, staring forward toward the fire. He kept generally away from it, however, enjoying the cool forest air. Meanwhile the guards disappeared and kept watch from different vantage points. Khaba focused on making sure Vinny was okay.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:25 pm

Vinny grabbed a sharp stick from nearby and jabbed it through the bird's chest in the fire, lifting it up before much of any of it was cooked, only the feathers singed off. He tossed the stick away after removing the bird and sat down before biting into it's skull, a loud crunching traveling through the air. He glanced at it then at his sons, holding his arm out without taking his eyes off the fire. Tabu made a bit of a face. "Um..No thank you,"

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:42 pm

Khaba shook his head and lifted his bread and cheese. "I'm good, thanks, though." He sat down next to Vinny and munched on his food.
--
It only took them a couple of hours to prepare moving again. A dryad had watched them, but said nothing. In fact, it didn't even bother to move. Horus heard it, but said nothing either. He didn't say anything to the others as it slowly moved after them through the trees. He smiled and made his mount trot a little faster, the dryad moved faster as well. His fin turned toward it again, he heard it shift a bit. Khaba looked up. "Horus, what are you doing?"
Horus hid his smile and lowered his head. "Sorry, just... Want to get to Gate's already."
He whispered a goodbye to the dryad and got back into position, the dryad watching them curiously as they left the trees. They reached the fields, hurrying across it quickly before hitting swampland. The land almost seemed to warp around them, as if it were shifting, opening a path. Khaba knew this. It was a portal to where Gate's swamp was hidden. A black feather or two rained down around them, Horus catching one swiftly. He smiled.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 8:56 pm

A feather fluttered down onto Vinny's nose. He caught it quickly before it could escape and smiled at his palm, eager to see his good friend. He picked his head up and removed his hood after they were safely inside the perimeter and looked to the sky and trees. "Gate?"

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:11 pm

The guard immediately looked uneasy, a massive shadow shooting by overhead. Khaba hopped off his mount and scaled a tree quickly, sticking his head and arms out of the top of it. "Air hug!" The creature scooped him up with ease. Its huge, black wings pumped to keep them both from crashing into the ground. Gate smothered Khaba in a hug, Khaba giggling and hugging back. "Uncle Gate!" Gate smiled, about to speak but Horus threw himself at Gate as well, then Tabu. Vinny stood quietly but Gate pulled him close and enveloped all of them in his wings. Khaba could tell he hadn't slept, as usual. He looked exhausted, as he usually did, and his feathers were constantly flying out of his wings.
"I am very glad you all made it safely." The others pulled away, but he kept Vinny close with his wing. A sense of security and comfort flowed over all of them when coming in contact with his feathers. The guard stood quietly out of the way. Khaba bowed and sent them off.
They saluted and disappeared, making their way back to the temple.
Belphyx barreled past the other mounts, tail wagging like mad. Gate pet her and she calmed, sitting down with them.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:18 pm

Gillith charged at get as well, nudging his backside and whimpering, eager for attention. Gate quieted him easily with a simple pet on his nose, sending him to the ground to flop on his side, tired from all the travel by land. Vinny hesitated but kept his grip around Gate's waste tight, hiding his face against his chest, his fins pinning down for a few seconds. "....Hi.."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:23 pm

Gate put a secure hand on Vinny's shoulder and helped them to his house. Everything still smelled nice here, everything so full of life... Many creatures dashed above reeds and tall grass and splashed in water. Gate's house was still hidden among the plants, Belphyx and Gilith running off to roll in the water. The other mounts joined them, but decided a nap was better. Once they unloaded everything, they went inside, Gate fixing them an actual meal. None of them really wanted to speak about the matter at hand. This happiness was something they wanted to hold onto, but knew at some point one of them had to speak.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:28 pm

Vinny grabbed the fork and lifted small spoonfuls into his mouth, probably slower than Gate had ever seen him eat since he's known him. Again, he stayed quiet, content with listening to his son's near constant chatter with eachother and with Gate, asking him the usual questions one has when visiting a friend. Though Gate could sense something wrong in him, it was clear just looking at him that it wasn't going to be easy for him to heal, or return to his usual self, if he ever could.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:31 pm

Gate kept an eye on Vinny as the rest of them chattered on, but Horus made it obvious they were all tired. He showed them to their room, which was the old Bloodtide room, and helped them settle. Once he finally got them to calm down and hang out in the room instead, he hurried downstairs. "Vinncent?"
Vinny had his head down on the bar. He frowned and walked over. "Vinncent..."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:35 pm

"..." He didn't say anything, or even make a whimpering noise like he usually did when he was upset. He gripped his knees tight and lifted his head slowly, ready to listen to what Gate has to say to him, only lifting his fin slightly to let him know he's listening.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:40 pm

Gate had covered the space between them silently and quickly, before Vinny even noticed. He pulled the small tideborn into a loving hug, holding him. Time seemed to stop, everything else went dead silent, and Vinny had to remember to even breathe. Gate's soft feathers wrapped around him as well, the smell, the feel, all too familiar and comforting. Gate had nothing to say, he couldn't say anything.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:47 pm

He was caught a bit by surprise, Gate's warmth enveloping him fully, putting his mind a bit at ease. Vinny wrapped his arms around him again and his lip quivered, the gravity of the situation seeming to full hit him all at once. "Gate....Why did this happen" He looked up at him, eyes starting to water and spill over.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 9:58 pm

Gate moved them closer to the fireplace, sitting on the floor with him, his wing around Vinny like a blanket. He tilted his head a little then gave Vinny a gentle kiss on his forehead before sitting back and letting out a very tired sigh. "Everything happens for a reason," he whispered, "I don't know why, and I wish I could tell you. This was something I did not see coming, but it is for a reason." He looked at Vinny, tired eyes growing even more tired. He looked like he could crumble any second, but at the same time like he could withstand an impact from a meteor and still never budge.
He got up and fixed Vinny some tideborn herbal tea, coming back and handing it to him. He always fixed it cold for Vinny, just like he liked it. "In time, Vinncent."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 10:51 pm

Vinny cried softy into his tea, but forced himself to drink it. Gate knew it was his favorite, how sneaky. "...Do you think i'll see him again...What happens, when you die" He leaned against Gate's side, letting him wrap him up in his wing.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:01 pm

Gate tilted his head. "It depends on the person that died. Sometimes they still hang around because they have something to attend to that they couldn't in life, other times they go up to a place full of light, happiness..." He ripped his tea, "Or they get reborn as some one else with no memory of a past life." He didn't want to tell Vinny about Hell. He knew Vinny knew about the Oblivion Plane, but he didn't want to get the idea in his head that Scorp could be damned in a place of eternal darkness and pain.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:07 pm

He sniffled and wiped his eyes and nose. "I want to be with him so badly. Always being away because of the war was hard enough...and now this happens." Vinny racked his brain for ways to bring his love back, but of course came up short, he couldn't think of a single spell, even with his knowledge of voodoo and dark magics, he could think of nothing.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:16 pm

Gate saw the look in his eye and sat up quickly. "Vinncent, no. Pulling some one from the other side still sane is near impossible. It is dangerous for him, and you. Don't you even think about trying a stunt like that." He moved Vinny's chin so he was looking into Gate's eyes. "Please."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:19 pm

His face twists in pain even more and he looks away from Gate's piercing eyes, but even still they bore into him like daggers. "But...What if I still won't be able to see him, even after I die...I couldn't bare it. I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without Scorpion, Gate."

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:21 pm

Gate didn't drop his gaze. He held it for a good, long while before letting go. "Do you think he'd be happy seeing that you can't carry on? Not that I'm saying you should immediately, time will heal all wounds. In time, Vinncent, in time." He took Vinny's empty cup and ambled his way into the kitchen to clean them. Vinny stared into the fire, almost seeing a finned figure swimming about in the fire. It disappeared when he blinked.

Subject: Re: Scorp is DEAD pass it on Wed Feb 12, 2014 11:27 pm

He stared into the fire steadily for a few seconds longer, then slumped over, his forehead on his knees. He clutched his sides and bit his lip hard enough to bleed, thinking over Gate's words over and over again. "How long.."