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

Leo looked over at the panther,he didn't see how it would be interesting for anyone else. Yes, Leo had very good hearing, but no doubt this shape-shifter had even more sensitive hearing.So wouldn't' that mean everyone would have to be even more careful with how loud things got? At least, that's what Leo thought that is what made sense to him. He then looked up at his older brother, and then his pale gaze swept around the area."That is true, I don't think we should waste anymore time then we already have."Leo said in agreement. He looked over at their mother and Solan again.

Lily chuckled softly, she wouldn't let anything happen to this shapeshifter,just like she wouldn't let anything happen to any of her sons or the twins.

Xerxes didn't seem to mind, he was really curious about the shape-shifter but at the same time he was still unsure about this. Gil and him were pretty much opposites,so what if Shadoe reacted differently towards the mischievous, loud younger twin? His mismatched gaze went to his twin,a small smile tugging at his mouth. Gilbert giggled when the panther nuzzled him,he always did prefer cats over dogs. "Ahah..I-I think I can mange."Gil said, giggling a little.

“One thing, Leo. Don’t ever do that to me again,” D’Kota whispered, the worry he’d felt, the fear he’d lose his brother visible within his expression for the space of a breath, gone in the next.

He turned to lead the way home, D’Kota looking back at Leo, a gentle breeze ruffling through his hair to reveal his left eye sparkling in the morning sun. A ghost of a smile washing over his elegant features, he continued on, knowing Leo wouldn’t be too far behind. Solan joined him then, his other half wrapping an arm around his shoulders, leaning close so their heads rested against each other even as they walked side by side. What a sight they must’ve made, Solan light and charming, D’Kota dark and reserved, the two creating the perfect image of night and day.


Shadoe turned to the other little boy he sensed, sniffing him, realizing then they were twins. Nuzzling him just as affectionately, he began walking in what he hoped was the right direction, for the first time in over a day relaxed and untroubled. Perhaps, if anyone else found him, he’d still be wary, but he trusted these people, from the planet’s guardian to the twins and everyone accompanying them. Perhaps fate brought him here, telling him this was now where he belonged, his place at their side. Then again, this could be nothing more than chance, but someone Shadoe doubted that. Being here, being with these people…it felt right, he felt at home, truly at home for the first time in his life.

Leo looked up at D'Kota, the teenage boy found hismelf speechless. All he did was look around, and then slid his glasses off to rub eyes. Perhaps, he looked over at the others, it really couldn't hurt to be more careful..for them. The younger brother sighed, putting his glasses back on,seeing D'Kota and Solan,"Tch."The boy looked away.

Lily smiled at the boy's and the shape-shifter. This really was a sight, wasn't it? Xerxes at first froze when the blind feline looked at him,there was a moment he shut his eyes being slightly frightened. However, when Shadoe nuzzled the younger twin he ended up smiling and giggling like Gilbert did. The twins looked at each other when the feline started to walk off, with a nod they both quickly followed. Gil on the right side of hi, and Xerxes on the left.

The young mother looked over at Leo, silently she walked over to him holding out a pale hand for her younger boy. She didn't see why Leo should be left alone well they went back. There was a clearly moment of hesitance for Leo, that was until Lily grabbed his hand and walked over to the others with him," You know, stop being so distance, and you wouldn't be left being so confused all the time."She said to him.Leo looked over at his brother and then away again.

He began to feel better, the stress he’d struggled under beginning to fade, the fine tremor that wracked his lithe frame all but gone. Solan had a lot to do with that, the man not wasting his time with words. No, he simply let D’Kota know he didn’t stand alone, that he didn’t have to face anything by himself. The arm wrapped around him helped, that brotherly affection something he enjoyed, something he honestly hoped he’d share with Leo one day. He just didn’t know, not everything the way he’d imagined. He didn’t blame Leo, understanding Leo’s experiences shaped him into the young man he’d become, one who stood alone, took insane risks, and hated anyone touching him. D’Kota accepted that, too, but that didn’t mean he didn’t long for what they should’ve been.


Shadoe willingly let the two boys guide him, trusting in them to be his eyes, aware the lady and the young man…Leo were bringing up the rear. He overheard what she said to him, never meaning to intrude, but they were so close, his hearing far too sensitive. He glanced back, Shadoe trying to put the pieces together, particularly when he knew from the scents none of these people were human, at least not fully human. He’d also picked up on the relations, the young boys twins, Leo and the older one…they were brothers, the gentle lady their mother. How the guardian tied into all of this, Shadoe couldn’t even begin to imagine, but something told him he’d find out soon enough. However, until he understood everything going on, he’d keep his mouth shut, his head down, and listen.

Leo looked at the ground, thinking of what his mother had said. Anyone would have known that those words were to help the boy, to guide him,but instead they kinda irritated him. That wasn't the only thing that had really irritated to, seeing those two up there was making him worse. The more he thought about it he started to feel this burning in his palms. Honestly,this wasn't the first that he had felt this pain,it would probably fade away within in a minute or two,but that didn't happen. Instead,his palms started to burn more,as if someone had lit his hands on fire.

"Ow!"Lily said,quickly letting Leo's hand go to inspect her own hand."..Leo?"

No answer, unless Leo turning away, his hands were red. He winced before a bright light like sphere shot out from one of his hands. The air seemed to crack with electricity before the sphere like thing hit a pole. With a loud creak the lamp post sizzled and bent back not quite breaking. "..what the.."Leo took a few steps back.

Shadoe continued to consider his situation and everything going on when a yelp cut through the relative silence. That’s when he caught the undeniable scent of heat, that alone enough to raise his hackles. What happened after that Shadoe didn’t know, something ripping through the air, slamming into metal of some kind with an explosive crack. Jumping hard and spinning around, Shadoe corralled the twins and dropped low, his ears flat against his head, his lips curling in a silent snarl.



They were close to the house, D’Kota relaxing even more, just knowing they’d soon be inside, all of them, the panther included, safe and sound. The cry of pain interrupting those thoughts, he spun around to find Lily studying her hand, Leo’s flaming red. Before D’Kota could say anything, before he could even react…he saw the sphere shoot out of his brother’s hand, slamming into the nearby post. His eyes wide, his breathing ragged, he studied the lamp post for countless seconds before slowly turning to face his brother, not sure just what happened or why.

“Leo?”



He felt the sudden rise in power, the uncontrolled surge coming with little warning. Solan spun around, but he was too late. Leo lost control, the spear crashing into and almost demolishing a light post. Sighing softly, he joined Lily, gently taking her hand and healing the damage. “We need to get home…” he whispered softly, his gaze shifting to Leo, knowing he couldn’t put of their little talk much longer. Leo needed to know the truth before he accidently hurt someone. “…now.”

The twins both stopped when they heard something slam into a near by lamp pole. Xerxes and Gilbert were about to see what had caused the sound, however Shadoe had a different idea. When Shadoe slid in front of them they looked at each other again. Gil shuddered, but his younger twin was the person that urged him to turn around."..ah..Shadow, calm down. Please."Gil said softly, and quickly.Xerxes frowned,what did that mean? All the younger twin could do was look at the pole and then Leo.

What had just happened? Did he seriously just do that, how could he do something like that? Vincent, a young man that had been helping him with magic, never taught him anything like that. Again, he looked at his pales,they were still pretty red but thankfully cooling off after that. It was like he just needed to let off some steam. Leo's attestation snapped to his older broth, but he said nothing.

Lily still held her hand,staring at the lamp post in shock. No doubt she was shocked, maybe even afraid of what could happen next. The mother looked at D'Kota and then Leo, that was right...they could lose him. She swallowed before jumping when Solan gently took her hand. Soon, the pain was gone but at the same time it wasn't. "..R-right. Let's hurry."Lily stammered.

He met his little brother’s gaze, searching the depths, seeking an explanation, answers as to what just happened. D’Kota didn’t find any, but Leo knew less than he, his brother having no idea as to how he did what he did. At least aware his little brother’s powers came through for some unknown reason, although whether angelic or demon questionable, he decided this could wait. They needed to get off the street and fast…before someone came out to see what happened, saw them, and reported the panther. Lowering his gaze, he nodded and turned back to the house.

“We’d better get inside…”


Shadoe shuddered and sniffed at the air, the scent of heat fading, although the acrid stench of scorched metal filled his sinuses. Then…little Gilbert called him by name. He turned to the sweet little boy, hesitating for a moment before realizing it was likely a fluke. Still, if he could he’d smile, finding it amusing that the tiny boy instinctively called him by the very name his mother gave him. In his own way, he did smile, simply nuzzling both boys before continuing on, letting them guide him while he tried once again to understand everything going on around him.

Leo looked away from D'Kota, he didn't know what to think, all of this was insanity . It almost seemed dream like at this point, however that pain was very real and suggested other wise. This was no dream, no nightmare. The boy glanced at Solan and his mother, the way they acted suggested they know something..although,Leo didn't dare ask what. Not yet anyways,something told him one of them would explain things very soon. He found an odd relief in this.

Gil and Xerxes giggled,only if the shape shifter knew how much that tickled. With a smile they lead the blind panther, but Xerxes looked over at Gil. "Where did you get that name from?"Xerxes asked his twin. He was pretty curious about that, and trying to get his mind off of what had just happened. "Hmm."Gilbert looked at his twin, then Shadoe and then down," W-well, he reminds me of that shadows I play with,they are always pitch black, like him."He explained softly.

D’Kota reached the front door with more relief than he did the day before, holding it open for everyone else, wanting…no, needing to know they were all inside and safe. The panther hesitated, but with the twins guiding him, he seemed willing enough to step inside the unknown territory. Solan escorted his mother through the door and into the living room, Leo the last to walk into the house. Glancing around to make sure no one followed them, that they weren’t being watched, D’Kota shut and locked the door. He just didn’t go any further, wanting nothing more than to go to Leo, to comfort his little brother and help him through this. He just couldn’t shake the feeling his brother would reject him, so he stood there staring at the floor, trying to decide whether he dared or not.


Solan took the time to escort Lily into the living room, smiling reassuringly at her. “Why don’t you help the twins get our little Shapeshifter some food and water? I’m sure he’s hungry and very thirsty. He’s not like me, so I’m sure a raw steak will do him just fine,” he suggested, knowing Lily would pick up on his intent to have that little heart to heart with Leo. In fact… “Leo, why don’t you come in here so we can talk?”

Lily looked over,watching the twins get Shadoe inside. That didn't sound like a bad idea, she needed to get her mind off of many things and helping the shape shifter wold do it. That and suggest Lily to help someone and she will most likely do it in a heart beat.The mother gave Solan a smile,even if it was strained, she then walked over to the twins and Shadoe."Come on,let's get him some water and food."Lily said to Gil and Xerxes. "Okay!"Xerxes agreed before helping Gil lead the panther to the kitchen. Lily glanced back at Leo and D'Kota before quickly following the three.

He didn't understand any of this, he was truthfully baffled by something. There didn't seem to be any way to explain anything after that. Leo glanced at his older brother,he recalled earlier, and then looked away. Was that what sparked it? He bit his lip, oh he would love a decent explanation,and it seemed like he was about to get one. Silently,aside from Leo popping his knuckles,he went over to Solan."..Yes?"He said.

Shadoe moved through the house cautiously, his nose going ninety to nothing, his ears rotating and shifting constantly. Despite that, despite all the talking, he came close to running into a wall and a couple of pieces of furniture. Gilbert and his twin were the only reason he didn’t slam into anything, Shadoe admittedly grateful to them for their help. He just didn’t know what to think about all he overheard, especially Gilbert’s reason for calling him by his name, ironically enough. Did the sweet boy literally mean he played with shadows or was that nothing more than a child’s imagination at work? In his current form, he couldn’t exactly ask and, as kind as they’d all been to him, he didn’t dare shift just yet. Going where the twins guided him, Shadoe realized that meant he had little choice but to be patient and observe.


“Have a seat,” Solan said, motioning for Leo to sit down on the couch, sinking down opposite of him. He knew D’Kota stood nearby, his back against the wall, his head ducked, and his ears tuned into their conversation. Nothing wrong with that, Solan aware his lifelong companion was just worried about his baby brother, but still sought to give Leo his space. “I’ve no doubt you have a lot of questions right now, and I will answer them, but…I need you to tell me what’s wrong, what’s going on in your head? And don’t say nothing. Nothing didn’t shoot a spear from your hand and into the light post.”

Leo watched Solan before looking at the couch, there was a moment that he seemed very hesitant. Soon enoguh he did sit down with a heavy sigh, there was only one thing he was reminded of. Which was the therapist he had to went to over a month ago. Leo glanced back at D'Kota,but said nothing and looked down at his hands. He glanced at Solan, he most certainly did have a lot of questions. "Hmm."Leo actually looked at Solan instead of just looking at him for a second. What was going through his mind at the point in time, Leo thought back."...My mother said I should stop being so distant.."He paused, his hand started to burn again when he recalled him looking at his brother earlier. Him and Solan,they seemed so close."..And then.."Leo said softly,looking at Solan. There was a hint of a glare.

“And then…” Solan repeated, falling silent as he studied Leo, noting the hurt and anger in the icy look sent his way. His gaze flickered to D’Kota, his lifelong friend still not looking up, but anyone who knew the youth would realize his entire being focused in on his little brother. How could Leo not see that? Because he didn’t know D’Kota well enough to read him. Even if Leo did, his ingrained habit of holding people at bay in an effort to protect them would blind him to the truth right before his eyes. “You’re jealous.” Solan smiled faintly and faced Leo, nodding in understanding. “You want the brotherly bond you feel D’Kota and you were denied by being ripped apart before you could even meet…and you think that’s what he and I have.”

Solan stood and walked over to sink down next to Leo, guiding the deeply troubled youth to face him. “Leo, even if you two grew up together and shared a brotherly bond, I’d still have been there. D’Kota and I were bonded at birth by forces far more powerful than I. We’re spiritual twins,” he explained softly, hoping that understanding that would help Leo. “However, what D’Kota and I share is not preventing anything between you and your brother. I’m not standing in your way…you are. D’Kota is trying. He reaches out to you, he offers his shoulder, he supports you as much as he can, and he even tries to play with you, but you…you hold yourself back, you refuse most of his efforts. He’s right there, Leo. All you have to do…is reach back.”

Leo's pale gaze went to something else, the window. Normally he never really got jealousy about anything, to Leo that was a pity emotion. Something that no one should feel,yet..he felt it earlier today and he could have hurt someone, like his mother who was walking right beside him at the time. What if this happened again, what if someone really did got hurt very badly instead of a minor burn. That thought was actually frightening, he didn't want to hurt anyone with what ever was going on with him. LEo looked down at his palms yet again, this time he was looking at the markings on them. On his right hand was a wing, much like a bird wing feathery and light. On his left hand was also a wing, but jagged and darker somehow. '..jealous..'Leo echoed in his mind, looking over at Solan. Hearing what Solan had to certainly did make LEo feel that way, he looked at his hands again.

The younger boy slowly looked at Solan, well some what looked at him when he had sat down next to him.LEo listened closely, even though he really didn't want to talk about this right now, after all D'Kota was right there. His pale eyes seemed to light up in realizetion, spiritual twins, it was invetable for them to be close. He understood that very much so, Leo then let out a long low sigh. "..and if I don't know how.."He asked, more like said then asked. LEo sighed again, removeing his glasses so he could rub his eyes.Out of all of the things for a person to lack, Leo had the oddest one. He had been pushing people away for long that the mere idea of actually let someone in seemed impossible. To even talk to another person seemed impossible.

He sat quietly at Leo’s side, giving the youth time to accept what he said, not just about the jealously, but everything. What D’Kota’s little brother said, well, Solan more than half expected that. Not that he doubted Leo, not when the youth’s life, his experiences, and his loss led to him pulling in hard, building a wall around himself, and refusing anyone access for probably close to three hundred years. However, learning to tear down those barriers and welcome people into his life again didn’t come with a How to… manual. Leo had to find his own way back and the road wouldn’t be an easy one.

“You have to ask yourself what’s more important to you. Obviously you want D’Kota in your life, to have that bond, to know you don’t stand alone anymore. And you’re going to need him because…not all of this is your fault,” Solan explained softly, taking Leo’s hands, turning the palms up, his thumbs trailing over the symbols. “You’ve had the answers with you all along. You just didn’t know how to read the signs, but they are there. Leo, your mother is an angel, and your father…he’s a demon. You are a young man torn between two worlds, almost literally.”


He stood in the darkest shadows, his head lowered, his eyes closed, but his entire being focused on the conversation held just a few feet away. Wraith didn’t normally lower himself to eavesdropping, but there were exceptions to everything, this being one. He knew without hearing the guardian say as much the young man, Leo, held a lot in common with him. A half breed, one born in spiritual chaos, half angel, half demon, and eternally at war. An agony Wraith knew all too well, but this one like him, this Leo…he had allies, friends, family. He didn’t stand alone in the world, fighting against angels and demons alike, struggling to find internal balance. Wraith, on the other hand, did, but most times he preferred things that way. However, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet one of his own kind, not when they were a rarity to begin with, even those born to the world hunted down and destroyed. Leo, he’d wager, remained so far off the radar few realized he existed. If Leo hadn’t lost of control over his powers, Wraith wouldn’t have found him either, that one little slip up alerting Wraith to Leo’s presence. He just didn’t think walking up and introducing himself was a good idea, not just yet anyway.

Anyone knew that there was no manual of how to open up to someone,even though it could help Leo. The teenage boy would just have to try hard,wouldn't he? Even if a lot of this opening up to people stopped making since to Leo a long time ago...a part of him knew he should try. This was just one of those things that felt like the right thing to do in life, the right path to go down. Still, no doubt this was going to take a while and be pretty exhausting for him. He looked at Solan, by following his voice rather than squinting, and thought for a moment. 'What's important to me..'He thought to himself. '..what dose he mean by it's not all my fault, how would he know?'

Leo flinched when Solan took a hold of his hands, he really felt like pulling his hands back. Right now. Although,when he was talking about the marking on Leo's hands..it seemed to stop him from doing so. He generally hid the markings, so how did he know about them? "..Half angel..and half demon."Leo echoed, looking at his hands. No one knew how much sense this made to Leo. The headaches, the high fevers the mere fact that he had lived for over 300 years. All of this was tired to one simple answer, he let out a sigh of relief. "..that..makes so much sense."He said,mainly to himself but still.

Gilbert giggled softly,he hoped that Shadow was enjoying the steal and water. Although, the tiny boy stood up, his golden gaze looking for something unseen. Something..felt different,but he couldn't put his finger on it. Gil bit his lip.

He couldn't help but smile, relieved Leo proved him wrong, the boy taking the truth in stride. Really Solan should have known better considering just who Leo's relatives were, specifically D'Kota. Time and time again, his spiritual companion shocked him, proving him wrong, the young man far stronger than he gave himself credit for. A family trait apparently, but a good one to have.

"I'll admit. You're taking this better than I thought you would," he stated honestly, releasing Leo's hands. "So I'm going to be perfectly honest with you. We have to find someone who can help you, who can teach you, because if you don't get your two halves in balance... Your two halves are at war, your soul literally split in two, the angel half versus the demon half. You either find a way to balance them or you'll be ripped apart."


D'Kota hadn't moved, nothing in his demeanor even hinting that he paid any attention to the conversation between Solan and Leo. He did, though, every word slicing through him. To find out Leo was jealous of Solan and D'Kota's relationship when he thought his brother would never accept him on that deep of a level. Was he blinding himself to the truth? Had Leo called out to him and he'd dismissed it? D'Kota didn't know, his brother difficult to read at the best of times. At others, well, Leo drew a clear line...such as he didn't like being touched, something D'Kota honestly tried to honor. At times, he failed miserably, but this time...this time that alone kept him from going to his brother and holding him close. However, it didn't stop the silent tears that began trickling down his cheeks, D'Kota hurting so desperately for his brother, for the trials Leo still faced.

"..I've lived for a long time, and dealt with many unexplained and rather sudden migraines and high fevers..and explanation is what I've been looking for,for a long time.," Leo informed Solan, and then put his glasses back on. In truth,he was waiting for a but, there was always something bad generally following news like this.And there it was, trailing the explanation just as expected. However, this once again shocked Leo into being speechless. He put a pale hand on his chest,his soul being torn in half..that didn't sound pleasant.

Gilbert looked back at Shadow,Lily and his younger twin. As much as he loved being with the three, he felt the desire to go somewhere else in the house. He wanted to know what caused that feeling earlier. So,silently he walked back to the living room, his bright golden gaze going from D'Kota to Leo to Solan. Leo looked over at him

"..Gil."The teenage boy said,he thought that Gilbert was getting the shape-shifter something to eat and drink. Despite Leo calling him,the boy payed no attention.

Solan nodded in understanding, aware the ailments Leo described likely were because of his warring soul. He also felt the sorrow D’Kota silently suffered, knowing his other half wanted nothing more than to pull Leo into his arms, comfort him, and protect him from all of this. However, he didn’t point anything out to Leo, unwilling to put more stress on the youth by forcing him to realize how much things that affected him affected those around him. He could hope Leo would realize on his own, but the youth was distracted by little Gil. Glancing over at the quieter twin, Solan did a double take. If he didn’t know any better, he’d swear Gil was searching for something…or someone that none of them sensed.

“Gil, little one? Is something wrong?” he asked softly, wondering if the boy would pay any more attention to him than he had Leo.


D’Kota lifted his head, his mismatched gaze shifting from his brother, to his companion, to sweet Gil. Subtly drying his cheeks, he stepped closer, a slight frown marring his gentle features as he tried to figure out just what Gil was up to and why. “Has he ever done this before, Leo?”


He looked over as a little boy walked into the room, all eyes turning to the adorable curly haired tyke. Smiling deviously, Wraith crouched down and studied the child…Gilbert, realizing the little one had power over shadows, thus was attached to the Shadow Realm…his realm. “Well, aren’t you an unexpected surprise,” he whispered, his ice violet eyes glittering deviously. “And very interesting.”