Forums » General Roleplay » The Ties That Bind {With Sylvermyste}

Leo frowned when he had ruffled his hair,and then blinked a few times. Why did he do that? Anyone could see Leo was a bit confused. He looked at his book, running a pale finger across the side."So,this is what it was like to having a siblings,it's confusing...but,I think I can get use to it."He said,looking up at D'Kota,there he could see a ghost like smile. Leo set his book down on the chair he was sitting in before actual going over to the stairs.

Lily,who everyone had been looking for,was just walking down stairs. However,anyone could see she had changed from a while dress into something much more modern. Lily was walking down the stairs, her long silky hair over her shoulder,she was dressed in a button up blouse with a ruffly collar that stopped bellow her chest. She wore pale gray skinny jeans and knee black high boots,the mother looked at her sons,"Leo D'Kota."She said with a bright smile.

Gil,at first was a little stunned when Solan had hugged him.Xerxes just gave him a smile,"..ahah,can't wait for that."The younger twin said.

D’Kota looked up at his mother’s cheerful greeting…and had to forcefully keep his jaw clamped shut, his odd gaze sweeping over her from head to toe and back. Oh, he couldn’t deny she was a beautiful woman, breathtaking actually, but damned if he wanted anyone else to realize that. A silly reaction considering no one could see her beyond them, unless Solan chose to weave his magic and make Lily corporeal. That thought about sent him over the edge, D’Kota silently swearing there should be a law against a mother looking that damned good, especially his mother.

“Mother, I have to ask,” he said by way of a greeting, his voice deep and a little rough, an eyebrow quirked arrogantly. “Where exactly do you think you’re going dressed like that because I know, I just know you aren’t thinking about leaving this house before you change.”



“I know, little one,” Solan whispered, kissing both boys on the forehead. Hearing Lily then, he rose to his feet and turned to find he was greeted by quite a lovely sight. D’Kota’s reaction, well, that was to be expected, Solan all too aware of just how protective the troubled youth was in all reality. However, he paid no attention to his spiritual twin, Lily far too beautiful to ignore. “Good morning, Lily, and might I add what a breathtaking sight you make at this early hour.”

Leo looked up at his mother,his pale eyes widened,that was Lily. She certainly looked beautiful ,and different. Her younger son looked away, this was so typical of Leo to look away when he saw someone beautiful like his mother. "..mother?"Leo said weakly,it was like he was very very stunned.

Lily raised an eye at D'Kota and Leo,their mother stepped down a bit further but not too far. She enjoyed having a height advantage for once.The mother crossed her arms,"D'Kota, who is the parent here.I have the right to dress how I so please young man.No matter what either of you think."She told them firmly.

Xerxes nodded,letting Gil lean against him. He was still sort of crying."..uhh..The Lovely lady Lily.."The twins said,she looked nice."..You l-look very pretty today."Gil said timidly, a small blush covering his face as he looked down.Lily giggled softly,and smiled at them,"Aww,Thank you guys"She said,blushing slightly. "at least they are gentlemen enoguh to compliment me rather then act like you two."Lily scoffed.

Visibly wincing, D’Kota lowered his gaze, his head ducked. He knew well he’d stepped out of line, his only thought to protect his mother. However, he could admit he went a little too far, his comments bordering on being outright rude and disrespectful. “I am sorry, mother,” he admitted, looking up at her from beneath thick lashes. “I just…” He shook his head, sighed, and continued on up the stairs, pausing at his mother’s side. “They’re right. You do look beautiful. Just…be careful out there, please.”

He didn’t wait around to hear his mother’s response, D’Kota taking the remaining steps two at a time and disappearing in his room, the door shut firmly behind him. He either did that or he expressed his fears, his concerns, unfairly shackling his mother. Sliding his eyes closed, focusing on controlling his breathing, he drifted into the bathroom to brush his hair out, braiding the thick mass. Briefly considering changing his shirt to hide the scars marring his wrists, he decided against it, refusing to hide. The more he hid, the more he let Xavier and Devon win, the more he suffered for their cruelty whether they died long ago or not. This was a rare opportunity for him, his mother and brother under the same roof as he, his family at his side. D’Kota refused to destroy that by letting the past overrule the present.


Solan inclined his head, showing Lily the respect she deserved. D’Kota’s reaction, well, the young man did try, he’d give his spiritual twin that much. “He just wants to protect you, Lady Lily, nothing more. He’s fiercely protective and loyal despite all he endured. The problem now is D’Kota is likely terrified of losing either of you so…I’d advise expecting those sudden outburst and him retreating from everyone. He’ll balance out in time.”

Lily frowned a bit,her blue eyes were kind as D'Kota spoke to her,or her tired to. "It's alright."She said to him,giving him a small smile. Lily realized that D'Kota seemed very ready to protect his family,he had a noble heart,but he would have to realize that it was her job to protect both of them. Lily ran her pale finger through her hair when D'Kota stopped,"Of course."Their mother said softly knowing very well that he had made it too his room before listening to what she had to say. She wasn't upset with him, a little shocked yes, but no angry.

Leo,mister silent,looked at his mother once,and nodded. She sighed,watching him quickly go up the stairs. She knew him long enoguh to know that was one of the odd ways he complements people. The younger boy let out a long sigh after he shut his bed room door,"Oh father,what would you do if you saw mother today."HE said, and then he went to get dressed.

Lily nodded as she walked down the stairs," At some point I realized this about D'Kota, but I'm not worried about him having these sudden out bursts with me. If anyone I am afraid this could drive a wedge between D'Kota and Leo."She told Solan.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I’m aware Leo has issues with anyone protecting him, but I think, in time, the more he comes to terms with his own past the more he’ll realize that’s what family does,” Solan said thoughtfully, walking over to join Lily, offering his arm, and escorting her into the living room. “I’m not saying they won’t have their problems. They will, and yet, I’m already seeing the signs of a brotherly bond forming between them. Leo shows more emotion around D’Kota and D’Kota is stepping into his role as the older brother. They’ll find their place in each other’s lives.”

He turned to face the beautiful woman so worried about her sons, giving her a reassuring smile. “Leo does need to know the truth, though. I see within him an inability to let go of the past. He’s still living for yesterday, almost unable to realize what he has in the here and now. D’Kota, he has his own issues, but he wants nothing more than to leave the past behind him, his focus on today, on tomorrow, on overcoming his issues. The difference is…he knows what he is, which gives him a little more insight as to why things happened as they did. Leo doesn’t have that…yet.”


Ready for their little visit to the park, D’Kota left the sanctuary of his room, but rather than rejoin Lily and Solan, he made his way to his brother’s room. Knocking lightly, he opened the door and slipped inside to find Leo still getting dressed. “Hey. How are you holding up, Leo?”

She rolled her eyes not at Solan,but at Leo's reasoning of rejecting anyone trying to protect him. No one could protect him but he could protect anyone he actually care about.Honestly,that was very very frustrating she could only imagine how D'Kota felt about that. Like always,Lily gently took his arm and walked with him,listening to what he had to say."Really,so that wasn't my imagine ,they do seem a bit brother like today."She said with a small smile.

That smile faded,and Lily looked at the floor.She knew that he needed to know about what he was, that it would help him in many ways. Solen was right yet again,"I see. I am so glad that D'Kota thrives for a better future,I can see it in his eye."She paused,that made it sound like her child had one eye,Lily shook her head slightly.That is not something she would ever want to think about."And I also realize that him knowing about what he is has helped him a lot,but,Leo..he's half and half. Cut between two realms,how will he really take this?"She asked softly.

Leo was already dressed in his typical black pants, white button up shirt with long sleeves. He did hear someone knocking on his door,but hardly had any time to say hold on. The younger brother had been dealing with his messy hair and he always pulled his sleeves up in hopes preventing his hair getting caught by any of the buttons. So,the scars on his arm were very visible when D'Kota opened the door. Very quickly he pulled his sleeve down and nodded."..I'm fine..I think."He then said.

“Not well, I think, but this isn’t just about what Leo does and how he reacts,” Solan answered honestly, knowing as delicate as Lily seemed, she was a strong woman. She would do what was needed to help her sons, to see them truly happy and trouble free one day. Guiding her to sit while they waited for Leo and D’Kota to come back downstairs, he sank down next to her. “So long as we stand beside him, most especially D’Kota and you, supporting him, helping him see what he is doesn’t define him…Leo will come to terms with everything.”


Catching a glimpse of those scars before Leo could hide them, D’Kota briefly considered walking over and uncovering them…briefly. Thinking better of doing anything so intrusive, he drifted over and sank down on the edge of the bed, his gaze locked on the deep scars marring both wrists. “When I didn’t do things fast enough or to his liking, he’d drag me down to the wine cellar and put shackles on me before beating me. Other times, he’d tie me between two posts to whip me. I fought. Of course, I fought. All I wanted was to get away from him, to…escape that pain,” he whispered, ignoring the pained tears glistening in his mismatched eyes. Opening up like that, it wasn’t easy, but D’Kota wanted Leo to see, to understand he had nothing to be ashamed of, no reason to surrender…not to their tormentors. “I never succeeded in anything than infuriating him and…scarring myself for life.” He extended both arms, doing nothing to hide the hideous marks marring his flesh. “As much as I hate what these scars represent, though, I won’t hide them. I won’t be ashamed of them, not when they show I never gave up hope, that I never let him win…and I won’t let him win now. People give me some pretty weird looks when they seem them, but…I don’t care. They’re not just scars…they’re war badges, proof of all I suffered…and survived. He died a long time ago, but I’m still here.”

Lily drew in a lot of air to let out a long loud sigh,hearing Solin say 'not well' concerned her eve more. She didn't want this to be the reason Leo just snaps and no one will be able to get near him them. All the work that D'Kota did in a day just to break that tough exterior would be for nothing.Lily gathered her hair once more and pulled it over her shoulder before sitting down,sitting on hair was never fun."And,that is what I intend to do,even if I'm not here ,I will stand by D'Kota and Leo."She vowed.

Leo's pale hand never left his arm,there were many times when Vincent would see a scar from an entity and he would uncover the scar. So a little more paranoia did seep into Leo's mind when D'Kota walked over to his bed and sat down. He relaxed a bit,relieved that he wasn't going to try and pulled his sleeve up. Slowly,Leo's pale gaze went to his older brothers rest again.Leo looked at D'Kota when he began speaking,the more his listened the more he hide behind a curtain of black hair.Why was he telling him this,Leo could tell it wasn't easy, how could it be easy..all of it sounded agonizing and terrifying.Someone did this to him just because that man was angry,who ever that man was had better be happy that he was six feet under. Leo looked at his brother's wrist,he too had endured a pain that he longed to forget..just like himself. He looked at his covered arm,but "D'Kota was dealing with it head on,something Leo would do with many things."..I..see.."He said,slowly uncovering his pale arm and looking at his own scars.

Solan looked up at the ceiling and smiled, aware of the scene playing out in Leo’s room thanks to the bond he shared with D’Kota. “I know and so do they, but don’t worry, Lily. Your sons are finding something in each other they never thought they’d find.” He turned to the lovely woman at his side, his violet eyes sparkling with joy and hope. “As different as their lives have been, as diverse as their experiences are, they’re realizing they can confide in each other without fear of judgment or rejection. They understand each other in a way no one really can. And I think, the more they confide in each other, the more they come to trust each other, the formidable a force they will become so long as they stand side by side.”


He looked over in time to see Leo uncovering the scars, D’Kota standing to join his brother, reaching down to trail his fingers over the brutal marks. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, Leo. You didn’t do this to yourself. That isn’t self-inflicted and you’re not some lost child crying out for help.”

Letting his hand fall at his side, he met his little brother’s gaze, smiling at the youth. “I don’t know why we’ve gone through everything we have, but…maybe Fate knows what it’s doing. Maybe we had to go through all of that to ensure we have the strength and tenacity to face whatever is coming our way, to do what Fate needs us to do,” he said softly. He knew Leo wouldn’t like take that possibility as much consolation, not after the hell he’d been put through, but D’Kota didn’t have anything else. “I know you still don’t trust me, that…you don’t want to get close, but I’m not here to judge you, to condemn you. What I am here for is to stand beside you, to listen when you need to talk, to help in any way I can. Maybe one day, you’ll accept that…you’ll accept me. In the mean time, I’m not going anywhere.”

Lily raked her hair again, more slowly though as if she was in deep thought. Once Solan told her not to worry she looked at him,tilting her head in curiosity. What could he mean by that? She wouldn't know since she wasn't like Solan,having a spiritual connection with one of her sons. She smiled a bit,"All of this is very true, and things like this..you are right,I'm sure they'll be fine. Thank you,Solan,for telling me this,and talking about this matter with me.I think that..now that I know D'Kota and Leo have each..things should be fine now."She said

Leo instantly flinched when D'Kota touched the scars.Even though he had gotten the would about four weeks ago and the wounds were now healed,him touching it unrevealed Leo for some reason. Perhaps it was because someone was just that much closer to getting past that rock hard exterior. "Though that is a true..it certainly felt like it was self-inflicted."Leo scoffed.

Despite his older brother smiling at him,he frowned and looked at the floor.But,he was listening to what D'Kota was saying. All this about fate, it made Leo's blood boil. He blamed fate for a lot of things that had happened in their lives, no matter how different their lives,Leo would still blame fate. Although,he wouldn't out right and say he blamed fate for all of this,because if fate causes things in a persons life. That would mean that it caused Lily to come back and for D'Kota to find Leo. So,that wasn't a bad thing, there was no way it could be a bad thing. Even so,it didn't mean he enjoyed fate at all.

Leo looked at D'Kota,trust and acceptance,those were very big things to him. To them both apparently,Leo looked at his arm again. Trust. He wasn't sure what to think about that one, aside from the fact it was more like Leo didn't trust himself. The things that surrounded, they would be relentless to make anyone miserable if they want to get close to Leo.

Solan nodded and smiled, but the light-hearted expression didn’t quite reach his violet eyes. He needed to tell Lily the truth of D’Kota’s past, feeling she deserved to know, just as aware it’d break her heart. D’Kota wouldn’t be happy, either, but nor would he be all too willing to offer the story of his past. “Lily, I feel… There’s something you need to know about D’Kota, about Devon, and what happened. Honestly, this is D’Kota’s story to tell, but he won’t offer. In fact, he’ll hide his past for as long as he can in an effort to spare you. I, on the other hand, think you’ll understand D’Kota all the better for that insight. However, I will leave the choice up to you as to who you hear the truth from…D’Kota or me.”


D’Kota didn’t know what went through his little brother’s mind then. He couldn’t read him, the fact they didn’t know each other that well helping nothing. However, if he had to guess from Leo’s expression, his brother didn’t know what to think, what to feel…not toward him, not yet. Hopefully that would all come with time, D’Kota accepting Leo’s reluctance, although he gently tucked a finger under Leo’s chin, guiding Leo to look at him. Seeing that sorrow, that pain, that anger hurt, deep enough in fact unshed tears blurred his vision. None feel, though, D’Kota forcing himself to smile and pull away, never doubting his brother hated those touches as fleeting as they were.

“Don’t give in to that sorrow, Leo, not to the anger, not to the pain. When they start to overwhelm you, just think of mom and me, just remember you’re not alone anymore,” he murmured.

Lily looked away from Solan with a cold scowl. There was a long thoughtful silence, for once, much like Leo the young woman popped her knuckles. Hearing his name, it honestly disgusted her and really made her wonder what she was thinking. Well,then again she didn't have much of her choice, did her parents really want her and her children to suffer for what they were?! She took a deep breathe,trying to cool off before looking at him again,"..I would much rather hear this news form you, rather then my son. I do not want to bring back the memory's he so wishes to forget."She told Solan with a nod. Yes,that was her decision.


If you were to ask Leo whether or not he wanted his brother to know what he was thinking,his immediate answer would be no. His thoughts were his own,the good, the dark, and no one else would ever know what he's thinking about something. Although it was very clear when D'Kota touched him, again. For a moment there was a flash of an icy rage in his pale eyes. But soon,that rage faded when he saw his older brothers eyes, a shudder passed through the younger boy once D'Kota moved his finger. He shut his eyes for a moment,as if thinking, and crossed his arms.

"..right...Like could I forget that."Leo spoke softly.

He waited quietly as Lily came to terms with her own painful past, simply sitting at her side, silently offering his support. Once she’d wrestled that old pain and anger down, she gave him the answer he’d only expected. Nodding, Solan took Lily’s hands in his, holding them as he shifted to face her a bit more, taking a calming breath before launching into D’Kota’s cruel past. “Devon began to see more and more of you in D’Kota, and for that I sincerely apologize. He sensed me, he realized something was happening, but he blamed D’Kota and, ultimately you,” he stated softly, trying to be as gentle as possible, but there was little that would lessen the blow. “Lily, Devon sold D’Kota into slavery shortly after his fourth birthday, and he found the most vile human being I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting to purchase your son. He… You’ll see some of the scars that left him with when he comes back downstairs, but I warn you now, they’re far from the only ones…or the worst. For fourteen years, D’Kota suffered under Xavier, but…he did escape, he did have the strength even after all of that to fight back and run away. They didn’t beat him, although…they left their mark.”



D’Kota wasn’t quite how to take that, whether Leo wanted to forget and couldn’t or if his brother was relieved they were there. Either way, he had no intention of pushing, not when Leo looked as if he might shatter at any moment. So, D’Kota nodded and moved toward the door, glancing back just as he reached for the doorknob. “We’d better get down there before the twins think we’ve forgotten them. Ready?”

She could tell this wasn't easy for Solan to really talk about,so when he took her hands she gave him a small smile. She hoped to reassure him, that no matter what was said she would remain calm as possible. However,Lily soon realized that would not be easy. That smile fell from her face,that man had better paid for thinking these things, how dare he! "Ah, do not blame you're self, Daven was had a black soul and heart. He would have found anything wrong with D'Kota just because of me, his mother was no better."Lily informed Solan a bit dully. Clearly didn't like that nor did she understand why they hated her so much..well aside from not being human. Lily listened once again,and the more she listened,her hands began to tremble violently out of grief and pure rage. D'Kota, all she wanted to do was do was hold her older son and never let him go."..Oh my god."Lily gasped softly,looking down as fresh tears burned her eyes.

"Right,saw what happened yesterday because they realized I forget them."He said,shakeing his head a bit. He still couldn't believe he forget about them.He then began rolling his sleeve back down. He knew he didn't have to hide it,always knew that in the back of his mind. However, call it another bad habit of Leo's.

“True, and as tempted as I may be to see you in that same situation, I can’t stand the idea of breaking their hearts,” D’Kota stated with a completely straight face.

Winking at Leo as he walked out of the room, that the only hint he teased his little brother, he headed down with the intention of gathering everyone and leaving for the park. Halfway down the stairs, though, he caught sight of Solan and his mother on the couch, Solan holding his mother close, tenderly comforting her. D’Kota hesitated, a deep frown tugging at his elegant features, his gaze locked on the troubling sight. What happened while he was upstairs? Why was his mother crying? Those questions and more circled his mind as he continued on toward them, catching his lip between his teeth.

“Mother?”


Solan pulled Lily into his arms, holding her close, doing all he could to soothe the agony he didn’t down she sank beneath at that moment. Unfortunately, D’Kota chose that moment to return, Lily’s oldest son honestly worried about his mother. Looking over at his spiritual twin, he smiled faintly and shook his head. “She’s fine, D’Kota. Why don’t you two take the twins to the park. We’ll meet up with you.”

"Yeah, I don't think you'll be saying that once Xerxes finds a way to get a hold of your hair."Leo retorted, not rudely or meanly in anyway.

Leo had manged to grab a pillow pretty quickly and threw it at D'Kota,then he followed. Well,after he tossed his pillow back into his room. Once he stepped out of his room he shut his door, and then looking around a bit. It was a few minutes before Leo was behind D'Kota and those pale eyes narrowed.

Lily shuddered before sobbing softly. That whole time he had been suffering, how could he do that to a child. She just didn't understand. Her poor baby boy,but at least those two would be gone now. Xerxes and Gilbert glanced at each other, and then at D'Kota and Leo.

"What did you do you over sized furr-ball?"Leo asked, he clearly wasn't really paying attention to what he said to his older brother.

Cold, damp, and lost, Shadoe cautiously slipped into what he could only assume was a park of some kind. He sniffed at the air, but the scents washing over him were unfamiliar, leaving him no closer to figuring out where he roamed then he was five minutes ago. In fact, the only thing he could tell was the hour, the sun peeking over the horizon to soak into his dark fur, the beads of dew splashed across the grass soaking his paws, the briny smell of the ocean filling the air. His rounded ears flicking back and forth, his body slinking low to the ground, he slipped forward on silent paws, wanting nothing more than to find a safe place to sleep.

He stumbled across a little cave made of bushes and a tree, the soft dirt cool and soothing. Before slipping inside, Shadoe lifted his head, mewing softly, turning his head each time to catch what he could see of the surrounding area. Certain no one came close enough to see him, he turned and mewed again, figuring out the general layout of the makeshift cave. Knowing of nothing else to do, realizing people would soon visit the park, he slid inside and shifted around until he lay curled up as far back and out of sight as possible. There Shadoe remained, dozing when he could, listening as more and more people came to the park, trying to understand what happened to him. Unfortunately, all he knew was he woke the night before with no clue as to where he was or how he came to be there. As unsettling as that was, Shadoe knew he needed to find someone he could trust, someone who could help him return home.



Solan tightened his hold on Lily just enough to keep the poor lady in his arms, his piercing violet gaze locking on Leo, and eyebrow quirking. However, no anger could be found in the eerie depths, only understanding and a hint of disappointment. “D’Kota, please,” he murmured softly, his gaze shifting to the older brother.


He spun around to stare at his brother, a second later D’Kota guiding his viper tongued little brother toward the door. “Xerxes, Gilbert, come on,” he called, waiting for the twins before getting everyone outside and away from the house. Then and only then did he turn to his little brother. “Two things, Leo. One, as much as I love that you were trying to protect our mother, Solan would never do anything to hurt our mother…never. Two, you have no idea of how powerful that man is or what he can do. He’d never hurt you either, but let’s not go around pointing fingers at the man.”

Leo's eyes narrowed at Solan, to look at Leo like that was like you were threatening. Or just asking for trouble in general. In fact,Leo would have said something if his brother hadn't grabbed his arm and lead him away from the room to the front door.Xerxes and Gilbert glanced at each other once more, and then quickly ran after D'Kota and Leo.Xerxes stopped when the older two had stopped, but Gil took one look and saw the fire in Leo's pale eyes. That was enoguh to make him continue,he wanted to have a good day,not a bad one.

Leo didn't say anything, he looked down. He knew if he popped at the mouth that they would start fighting once again,and that was something he did not want to do in front of the twins. Not that he would have to worry about Gil.As his older brother spoke he realized that Gil just kept going,acting as if he didn't realize that they weren't behind him.

"..Uh..guys."Xerxes said,his older twin starting to go out of sight.
~
Gilbert knew they weren't following him, he knew very well that he was alone. But he was getting tired of seeing so many close arguments, the boy wasn't one to stick around for things like that. He was a peaceful jumpy child that didn't get angry that often. Scared maybe, but not angry. Like now,he was a little scared that D'Kota and Leo would scold him for running off like that, or that someone would see him running around and stop him.

Thankfully,the boy made it too the park without anyone realizing,"Ah,it's so pretty."Gilbert giggled, running forward and then froze. He shuddered, he could see something very big,something that could probably sallow him whole. Gil swallowed, and then took a few steps forward trembling a little more the closer he got.

D’Kota quickly ran out of steam when all Leo did was lower his gaze, his brother probably unaware of just how broken he looked at that moment. Sighing softly, he glanced at little Xerxes, a second later realizing he didn’t see Gilbert. Whipping around, he quickly scanned the yard, no sign of the older twin to be found. Cursing softly under his breath, D’Kota spun back on his heel and made a beeline for the park.

“He would go to the park, right?” he asked to reassure him, unwilling to take the chance little Gilbert might head somewhere else.



Shadoe laid under the brush, quietly resting, and waiting until he could slip out and find help without anyone else spotting him and causing a panic. For the moment, he was safe, no one seeming to notice the large panther relaxing just a few feet away. Better yet, things grew quiet after a bit, Shadoe seconds from drifting off when he heard a young boy giggling, the rapid of pitter-patter of little feet reaching his sensitive ears. Suddenly, everything went silent, the scent of fear washing over him in oppressive waves. Sliding his eyes open to reveal brilliant green depths, he waited on baited breath for any sound, his ears flickering constantly, shifting like small radar dishes in search of that ever elusive signal.