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

Xerxes was so happy when they finally realized that his older twin had run off. Why he did it was a given to Xerxes, but would he tell D'Kota and Leo that all of this tension was bothering his brother. Or the feat that the twins could not be too far apart for very long with out having major issues. Not even Leo knew what could happen if the twins were away for a bit.

"Considering the fact he seemed pretty keen on that idea, I would say that's where he went."Leo told D'Kota. He sighed,did he really have to go and do a thing like. Leo had to give it to Gil,he distracted them from what had just happened inside the house.

"Come on,come on! No time for chit-chat,let's go!"Xerxes ordered,and turned to run after Gil.

Gilbert didn't know why he was doing this, aside from being slightly curious and a part of him did want to prove Xerxes wrong. He was no scaredy cat, he could be brave if he so choose to. Then those green eyes opened up,'.please don't eat me, please don't eat me.'The boy kept thinking frozen to the spot,trembling heavily. No doubt the boy was terrified, but for one second he realized something. His eyes,there was something missing,"..wait a minute." Gilbert said softly. These eyes are like his aunt Yume's,the feline was blind like his aunt.

D’Kota nodded helplessly, children just not something he ever dealt with in his life despite his best efforts to help the twins. The damning sense Leo and he dropped the ball didn’t help, little Xerxes’ demands they hurry urging to walk at a faster pace. Fortunately, the park came into sight, but he couldn’t see little Gilbert from where they were, unease coiling through him. Scooping Xerxes up so they could get to the park faster, D’Kota continued on at a pace that likely had Leo close to running to keep up with him.


His head snapped around, his sightless eyes locking on the point the voice came from, his ears perked forward. Shadoe didn’t move beyond that, well aware a young boy stood before him, one that hardly posed a threat. No, his concern the adults such a young child likely came to the park with, those the ones who would threaten him. He just couldn’t decide if he should leave the little cobby hole and hope he found somewhere better hidden or remain there and just pray no one else stumbled across him. For the moment, Shadoe knew staying put was the wisest thing he could do, his head resting against his paws, his ears now locked on the little boy slowly drawing closer.

Gilbert felt the desire to go help this blind feline, he saw how hard it was for Yume. He took one step, and then took that same step back when the large cat looked at him. The boy could feel tears stinging his eyes as an odd high-pitched sound came from his throat. What else could he do, blind or not this was a big cat, and he was a tiny boy. '..I say again, please don't eat me!'He thought frantically.

Aware of the step closer to him as well as the one taken in retreat, Shadoe waited on baited breath as the boy worked to gather his waning courage. Then came that high pitched squeal, the shrill sound slicing right through him. Ducking his head away, he promptly flattened his overly sensitive ears against his head, squinting his eyes as if he expected to hit him. Panic slammed into him then, the piercing sound that escaped the boy overwhelming his senses, blinding him on a deeper level for countless seconds. He didn’t know where the child stood or if anyone joined him. Just the thought of someone standing there prepared to end the threat sent icy chills racing down his spine, Shadoe beginning to tremble.

The boy blinked a few times,he didn't mind to hurt the feline, it was just that he scared Gil. Granted that wasn't very hard. Even though he still shook Gilbert slowly, silently walked towards the large feline,there was a moment of hesitation when he was just a few inches from Shadoe. Slowly, a tiny trembling hand reached out for the feline,"..I'm sorry..I didn't want to hurt you.."Gilbert said,practically whispering."..you frightened me.."He said,noticing that Shadoe shook just like him.

A few precious seconds passed before his ears stopped ringing, his hearing finally kicking back in, the sound reaching him working to help his mind see everything around him. By that time, the little boy stood at his side, reaching out to touch him. Jumping faintly when that tiny hand came against his head, Shadoe tensed visibly, but he made no move to escape or harm the boy. A lot of that was because of what the boy admitted, Shadoe realizing the poor child suffered the same bone chilling fear he did, and yet, he overcame his unease to comfort Shadoe. Relaxing bit by bit, a soft, rumbling purr rose up from deep within his chest, Shadoe shifting just enough to give the boy enough room to sit beside him.


Relieved when they finally reached the park, D’Kota promptly set Xerxes down, hoping he could find his twin. “He couldn’t have gone too far,” he reasoned, scanning the area, tension beginning to build within him. Yes, he stood out in the open, plenty of escape routes readily available, but the thought of Yume or one of her dark entities using Gilbert to get to Leo, putting them in a no win situation ate at his nerves. Shoving his hands in his pocket to hide the faint tremor beginning to course through him, he glanced at his brother. “Do you see him anywhere?”

Gilbert jumped when Shadoe began purring,the boy didn't expect that and at first he feared the worst.Slowly,a small smile began to tug at Gil's mouth and soon enough the boy giggled. He thought it was a bit silly that they were both so scared. He then looked down, so the feline want him to sit down."D-do you want me to sit with you?"He asked him,just to be sure.

Xerxes looked around when D'Kota set him on the ground,"Thanks for the lift."The young boy said, giving him a reassuring smile. He knew Gilbert was around here, he could sense his older twin. Although he was pretty frustrated Gilbert for running off like that. The boy looked up at Leo when he passed the two,not answering D'Kota. Leo's pale gaze swept across the park when he froze."..yeah,you could say I find Gilbert."Leo finally answered, but softly.

D’Kota nodded silently, following his brother, and keeping an eye out for the smaller twin while watching over Xerxes. Then he heard those blessed words, relief washing over him in heavenly waves…until he belatedly caught the unease in his brother’s voice. Spinning around, he stopped on a dime, his mismatch gaze locked on the scene before him. Sure enough, there stood little Gilbert standing under some bushes that grew to form something of a cave. That was fine…except for the fully grown panther right beside Gilbert, the lethal cat a male judging by his size. Of all the wild cats the boy could have found, he had to stumble across one of the most unpredictable, uncontrollable felines in the world? Ice flowed through D’Kota’s veins, a shuddering breath whispering through him, his mind scrambling for a way out of this that didn’t involve Gilbert ending up mauled and fighting for his life.

“Son of a…” D’Kota finally breathed, doing the only thing he could think of…calling out to Solan.


Shadoe’s response was to nudge the boy so that he sank down, his purr deepening. That was until he heard someone else approaching, his head snapping around to face this newest threat, the scent of not one, but two adults washing over him. He hissed in soft warning, well aware that at least one of the adults spotted him. A minute later, the other adult caught sight of him, that comment not promising. Shadoe tensed visibly and backed up a bit, his lips curling back to reveal razor sharp fangs, a soft hiss escaping him again. What they couldn’t know, though, was how violently he began to tremble. He understood, he did, knowing their only thought was to protect the little boy, but all too often that meant eliminating the threat…but he wasn’t truly a threat to them, to the boy, or anyone else. He just wanted to go home.

Xerxes looked around as well,but when Leo spoke he was happy..yet slightly unnerved. He knew that tone Leo was using, and it never meant any thing good,hence Xerxes's hesitation to join D'Kota and Leo. Slowly he walked over to the two,following their gazes,what were they looking at? Xerxes went to take a step forward but Leo suddenly holding out an arm stopped the younger twin. He took a step back, for once in a long time, Xerxes could feel fear settling in his mind. Leo tilted his head slightly it was hard to see what was going on thanks to the sun's glare. The panther,he wasn't acting aggressive in any way,or from what he could see.'..oh great..well,he was purring.'Leo thought,realizing that them being there could have made things worse.

Gilbert silently sat down before giggling again.However,Gil instantly teased when he heard that low soft hiss. Once again Gilbert was a trembling mess and rested a tiny hand on Shadoe's side, he was worse then before.

Leo took a silent step forward,he was trying to figure something out."..something..something's not right."He said softly,squinting a bit to get a better look at the panthers eyes.
~
Lily looked at Solan,did he seriously think that she wasn't going to go with him. The mother was on her feet within seconds and headed for the door,"Well,come on."Lily said,looking back at Solan,"We can not afford to waist any time."

A violent shudder ripped through Shadoe, the sound of someone else approaching, another boy still unnerving him. The more people stood there staring at him, the more people they’d draw. He knew his behavior scared the poor boy next to him, and he felt horrible for that, but he couldn’t figure out what to do. Then one of the adults spoke again, this time somewhat closer. He shifted back as well as he could without terrifying the little boy next to him, his ears flattening. Hissing louder, Shadoe flicked his tail to one side, then the other, the nervous twitch a testament to the fear ripping through him.


D’Kota watched helplessly as Leo moved closer to the panther, noting the great cat’s reaction. No doubt, that animal didn’t want any of them near him, their presence making him extremely nervous. That he hadn’t made a move against Gilbert shocked him, that alone warning there was more to this than met the eye, but he couldn’t think clearly enough to figure out what. He at least had the presence of mind to pick Xerxes up, but beyond that…he was as helpless as everyone else.

“Leo, you’re really pissing him off…” he whispered, silently praying his brother heeded his warning.


Solan was up and right behind Lily, his attention torn between her and her oldest son. “I’m not sure what’s going on, but D’Kota’s tension level is rising. This keeps up and he’ll have a panic attack. He doesn’t deal with no win situations,” he explained as he escorted her out of the house and down the sidewalk toward the nearby park, both Lily and he corporeal. “He’s worried, though, but…let’s not jump to conclusions. His phobias can get the better of him some times.”

Gilbert shuddered,why was the panther actin like this all of the sudden. The boy looked around with wide golden eyes. This whole time any time Shadoe hissed he would shut his eyes,and flinch, clearly unsure of what to do. He had no idea that he was hissing at Leo,until he saw Leo. "..Leo.."The boy said softly.

He heard D'Kota's comment,but didn't say anything. If anything he stopped moveing,something wasn't right. This panther seemed oddly..docile. From what he could see Gilbert had actual comforted the large cat, not to mention he caught onto to the same thing Gil did. His eyes. Leo slowly held out a hand, and snapped,then he held out his left hand and did the same. Right one more time. If he was right, then he would know for a fact that the panther was more scared, he recalled being blind for a short time and it was terrifying.

Slowly,Leo knelt down where he was and even though the cat was pretty far away he hold his right hand out."..It's alright..I am not going to hurt you,I was just looking for the boy. The one right next to you..."Leo said softly.

Lily nodded,taking things like that into consideration."I figured as much,even so..I still have the right to be worried until I see what's really going on."Lily told Solan.

Aware the boy next to him shifted around, Shadoe turned to the child, but then his attention was drawn by a sharp snap. His great head spun back around, first his ears, then his blank gaze locking in on the sound. Another snap had him looking in that direction, a third drawing him back, his ears quick to pin down the sharp crack, his eyes slow to focus. By that time, he grew even more uneasy, worried someone picked up on the fact he was blind. Hissing yet again, Shadoe finally sat up, his tail flipping from side to side, his round ears shifting constantly. What the man said to him then…he hesitated, turning back to the little boy, leaning close to nuzzle him before facing the others.



He swore his brother lost his ever loving mind, that snapping definitely catching the panther’s attention, but doing nothing for his disposition. D’Kota opened his mouth to say as much when realization dawned. The cat reacted to the sounds Leo made, but not the movement. In fact, he swore the great feline never registered those arms waving about. Biting his tongue, D’Kota studied the cat a little harder, what he saw confirming his suspicions and what Leo already picked up on…the poor panther was blind. No wonder he was so skittish, the cat dependent on sound and not sure what was going on around him. However, not even that explained just why the panther turned and nuzzled…actually nuzzled Gilbert when Leo point out they were looking for the tiny boy.

“Did that cat just… He… I swear he understood what you said,” he breathed softly, unwilling to make the panther more nervous or hurt the poor beast.


“Agreed,” Solan murmured, keeping his hand at the small of Lily’s back, remaining at her side as they hurried toward the park. “Admittedly, I can’t imagine what could have happened in such a short period of time. They only left a few minutes before D’Kota called. Being this was a spur of the moment thing, I seriously doubt anyone could have set a trap to capture any of them…or anything else. Since they’re out in the open, I’m not really worried about the ‘anything else,’ not when the cover up is rarely worth the effort.”

Leo of course tensed when the panther hissed at him again, his heart was pounding in his chest as many scenarios went through his head. No doubt, he was pretty scared at this point, but so was the great cat he was trying to get Gilbert from, and at the same time understand him. Never in his life had he heard of a docile panther, it just..didn’t seem possible no matter how he looked at it. Leo tilted his head watching the cat nuzzle Gilbert. The young boy giggled softly, there was no sign of terror coming from the tiny boy. If anything,he looked really happy.

“..Yeah..I know.”Leo said softly, replying to his older brother.

He relaxed, there was no way this cat was going to hurt anyone. Still Leo was very confused and very curious. He wanted to know how this great feline was so docile. Once again, Leo hold out a pale hand after taking two small steps forward,”..now, my I come over there?”He asked the panther. Leo was a little embarrassed to see his pale hand trembling, was he really that scared? Then again who wouldn’t be.

“Ah..it’s alright mister panther, they won’t hurt you...these are really good people.”Gilbert reassured Shadoe.

Lily thought for a moment,”Maybe Leo and him started fighting again and the boys ran off?”She suggested.It did make since in the mothers mind. After all, it was clear that Leo had more experience with children more than D'Kota. She sighed,even so, if they did lose the boys how would that be any better?

D’Kota watched helplessly as Leo continued to approach the panther, calmly talking to the cat, perhaps trying to reassure the terrified animal. However, while the panther might not see how Leo trembled, he did, his brother’s unease enough to make his heart race a little faster, his breath hitching deep in his chest. Yes, he couldn’t deny there was something different about this panther. However, that didn’t mean D’Kota trusted the cat not to attack first and ask questions later, that alone enough to drive him to stay as close to Leo as possible while sheltering Xerxes. Where in the hell was Solan? They really could use his insight and sway over animals.


He sniffed at the air, analyzing every scent the reached him, his ears shifting to catch even the most subtle sounds. Not that Shadoe didn’t believe the young boy at his side, he did. He just couldn’t be sure what they’d do with him if he dared to trust them, if they’d assume he was what he seemed, tranquilize him, and put him in some cage or zoo somewhere. Shadoe had no desire to experience any of that, and yet, he knew he couldn’t continue to hide beneath the bush. Too many people visited the park, apparently young children drawn to large black cats hiding beneath shrubbery. No, these people were his best hope, Shadoe knowing he had to take that leap of faith.

He turned back to the one speaking to him, aware the man continued to draw closer, just as he knew the man was terrified of him. Huffing softly at the question, Shadoe finally stood and crept out from under the brush, stopping a second later. Mewing softly, he turned his head in every direction, gaining a general idea of the lay of the land, assured no one else waited to pounce or tranquilize him. Satisfied they weren’t trying to trick him, Shadoe took a hesitant step toward the man, followed by another, and another. He stopped again, but this time only to wait for the little boy to join him.


Solan debated the possibility, sighing softly a moment later. “Perhaps, although I must say, I don’t foresee either of your sons letting things go that far, not when their responsible for the twins,” he pointed out.

By then, their theories didn’t really matter, not when they’d reached the park, D’Kota, Leo, and Xerxes easy to spot. Heading their way with Lily at his side, Solan slowed a moment later, tilting his head to one side, his brow furrowing. There, cautiously moving toward Leo, was a panther, Gilbert at the feline’s side. However, when Solan took a closer look he realized just what was going on, this a situation no one could have predicted, a fascinating one.

“Oh, now he is beautiful,” Solan commented when he drew closer. “And not exactly what any of you might think.”

Xerxes shifted a bit,the boys mismatched gaze filled with curiosity and fear. At this point he was really trying to figure out what was going through his brothers' and Leo's mind? This was madness. The younger twin wasn't sure about this at all, he cared about the large feline, but he cared more for his brother. However, even if anything happened D'Kota was holding him and that was a pretty high jump. Or to put it bluntly,he felt stuck.

Leo manged a small smile even if the panther couldn't see it. This was really working, but rather then being filled with enticement,it was more fear then anything. He still knew something about this panther was off, but he didn't know what. For all he knew this could have been a normal large cat, just blind, and sacred and a lot more willing to attack. The thought made Leo involuntarily shudder,"..that's right..no one is going to hurt you.."He said again.

Gilbert blinked a few times, Leo was so brave. He really wished he could be more like him, or his brothers,then again he did go towards a great cat surely that had to count for something. Well, aside from his actions being a bit reckless. Gil slowly followed Shadoe, once he had got to the great cats shoulder blade he laid a pale hand on him.


That was true, even if LEo did forget about them yesterday she seriously doubted with D'Kota around that wouldn't happen again.She thought for a moment, what could have happened in such a short period of time?

Lily's blue eyes widened, she couldn't believe what she was seeing. And at first, terror gripped at her heart before she realized that panther wasn't all he seemed to be. He was clearly different. Thankfully knowing this calmed the mother back down, though she didn't speak she only nodded with a faint smile.

D’Kota watched breathlessly as the panther slowly stepped closer to his brother, aware of the mounting tension in Xerxes, both helpless to do anything. Of course, the fact the cat stopped to wait…to literally wait for Gilbert floored him. That wasn’t a cat, but simply a shape the individual chose to take just as Solan shifted to the form of a tiger. Speaking of… His bond with Solan the only reason he didn’t jump, D’Kota looked back and nodded, silently letting the other know they’d picked up on that much. Their concern, however, remained Gilber’s safety. Then they’d worry about the panther, what he really was, and who.


The boy safely at his side, Shadoe moved to continue on when a newcomer spoke. Jumping hard, his head snapped around to this newest threat, hissing and growling in warning, his lips curling back. But then, an enticing scent drifted over him, one that seemed to call to him, the pull almost irresistible. Shivering faintly, he lifted his head, his ears perked forward, this stranger somehow putting him at ease. Without thought, Shadoe began moving toward him, pausing only long enough for the little boy to keep up. He did stop when he came close to the young man who’d first spoke to him, sniffing him and gently head butting him before continuing on to the one he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he could trust.


Wincing when the panther jumped and growled a warning at him, Solan remained at Lily’s side, letting her sons handle the situation. Not that his intentions mattered, the beautiful cat catching his scent and promptly heading his way. Smiling as the panther drew closer, he crouched down, reaching out to sink his fingers into that silken fur, relieved the cat seemed healthy, well-fed, and strong, although tragically blind. He felt deeper, seeking out the cause of the young Shapeshifter’s lack of sight, finding none. By all rights, he should have full vision, but those eyes never saw so much as the beauty of the rising sun.

“You’re among friends, little one. No one here will harm you,” he whispered, his head resting against the panther’s, his eyes sliding closed.

"..Brother..just what did you find?"Xerxes said softly, watching the cat.


Gilbert and Leo jumped right along with Shadoe,at least Gil didn't see those fangs. Leo bit his lip,that wasn't exactly comforted to someone when Gil was right there next to a blind panther.Leo let his hand fall to his side, watching him wait for Gil once again. It was kinda cute to see the big cat wait for a young child, it was a good thing Gil was fast.The boy smiled at Leo when the two were in front of Leo. The teenage boy let out a sigh of relief when Shadoe sniffed him, and then head butting, seemed like everything was going to be okay after all. And it was clear now,this great cat wasn't just some cat.

Lily let out a soft gasp, Solan had no intentions in scaring him, he never would hurt him anyways and he would soon know that."It's okay,Solan won't hurt you, it's like he said. Besides, you're too beautiful for anyone to want to hurt you."Lily said softly and kindly as always. She smiled at Shadoe, this was defiantly interesting and a chance to take care of yet another child in Lily's eyes. She looked down at Solan and then at Shadoe.

Finally able to breathe, D’Kota set Xerxes down and walked over to Leo, helping his brother back to his feet. “Remind me next time the twins want to come to the park…to listen to you before we walk out the door,” he stated softly, turning to watch Solan and Lily with the panther. “I’m not sure what he is, but he’s not a panther.”


“Very lost,” Solan spoke up, scratching the panther’s ears, the big cat lapping up the gentle affection. He rose to his full height after a moment, noting the cautious care the feline took of Gilbert. “I couldn’t even begin to tell you how he came to be here, but he’s not from Earth. As for what he is, he’s a Shapeshifter. As for his lack of sight, I’d wager a guess he was born that way. I can’t find anything wrong, no reason for him to be blind, but nor can I help him in that sense.”

Gilbert looked at the panther,a shape shifter, then he should have a name. Unfortunately, Gil wouldn't know his name until he changed into his true self. When ever that would be the boy could wait, he was patient child. Gil patted Shadoa's shoulder gently with a small smile. Lily bent down a bit to scratch the panthers head,"..Yeah, I noticed that. Poor baby,at least his in good hands now. We won't let anything happen to you."Lily told Shadoe.

Xerxes looked over at Solan,Lily Gil and the panther. Even though he still wasn't sure about this, he quickly joined his twin and clearly wasn't happy with his older twin.Leo tensed when D'Kota 'helped' him up, more like picked him up. Ground, he liked solid ground, not being lifted from the ground or anything like that. The younger brother let out a long sigh, and listened to what their mother and Solan were saying."..he's a shape shifter, according to Solan that is."Leo told D'Kota.

D’Kota looked from Solan, Lily, Gilbert, Xerxes, and the panther to his brother, his brow furrowing briefly. “Should be interesting…having you two in the same household,” he sighed, referring to his brother and the panther’s overdeveloped sense of hearing. That, however, was neither here nor there. Their immediate concern was getting the Shapeshifter out of sight and to safety before anyone stumbled across them. “We need to take him home…before we run into anymore trouble.”


“No, we won’t let anyone happen to him,” Solan whispered, his gaze shifting to D’Kota, nodding in agreement. His spiritual twin was right, standing out there in the open with what anyone else would perceive to be a panther too risky. The sooner they got the panther inside and out of sight, the better off they’d all be. “I agree. I’m afraid a day in the park is going to have to wait.” He turned to little Gilbert then, winking at the older twin. “Gilbert, I think he’s trusting you to guide him home. Think you can do that?”



Shadoe instantly missed the gentle affection he was shown, but then he felt another’s touch, her’s far lighter, almost delicate. A soft purr rumbled up from deep within him, announcing his contentment even as he shifted closer to her, rubbing his long body against her legs. All the while, he paid close attention to the conversation going on around him, patiently waiting to see what they came up with, what they decided to do with him. Relief flooded Shadoe when it became apparent they intended to take him home, that one place he didn’t doubt he was safe. Walking back to the boy, Gilbert, he nuzzled the tiny youth gently, silently letting him know he did indeed trust Gilbert to guide him every step of the way.