[Synerie]

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-----> Selene ☆☆ Tsukiko ☆☆ Pandora Jane ☆☆ Hayate (briefly mentioned)


The air was heavy with the sweet smell of a warm summer's night. Above laid the blackened tapestry of the sky, stars littered across like polished diamonds, twinkling gently as if winking down upon the world. A playful crescent moon peeked from behind clouds that were rolled thin and whispy, lighting up the silhouettes of two figures. The young female Viscet, just barely hitting her young adult years, wandered down the moonlit path that was worn down by years of other travelers making perilous journeys. Selene sighed, drawing her thin cape further across her chest, gaze drifting along the path before her with little interest. Tonight was far different compared to any other time she may had sacrificed to journey the beaten trail. Selene was deep in thought, the sounds of bugs chirping and trees rustling around a distant buzz. She had almost blocked out the light sounds of her company beside her until she spoke that was.

"...Your Highness? What is on your mind tonight?" Tsukiko's voice drifted out, weighed with worry. Selene flicked an ear at the sound of her friend speak before a sigh bubbled up out of her throat. She turned her head to peer at Tsukiko over her shoulder, slowing down so they walked side by side. She leaned against the taller female's shoulder, gaze drifting out to the foliage of the forest as their pace slowed.

"Tsukiko... Do you think I am doing a good job at being a goddess?" Selene suddenly questioned, sighing. Her ears curled back. A soft huff came forth from Tsukiko, deep but heavy with warm amusement. She turned her gaze down upon the young moon goddess, eyes glimmering as she held a rare smile.

"Why of course, little moon. What dares to make you think that?" Tsukiko asked, nudging her lightly with her shoulder. Tsukiko had a taller, muscular build compared to the young, thin goddess. She didn't mind, it kept her bodyguard duties easy. Selene let out another sigh, drawing her paw down her cheek slowly. She shook her head.

"It doesn't matter... I just..." Selene's bottom lip began to quiver. "Hayate told me he doesn't plan to have any kids but... I feel like that's my fault. Like, who would want a kid with a goddess who can't even do her job right? I expect he thinks that means I wouldn't be good at raising one of his kids but..." Tears began to swell in her eyes as she inhaled loudly. Tsukiko's ear twitched as she watched the younger female, expression hard to read.

"Your Highness, do ignore your mate's ideas for now. Trust me, down the road you two will eventually have children. It may not be this month or the next, but do remember you two are still young." Tsukiko reminded her gently, eyes drifting up the path as she kept a matched pace with Selene. A bird cried in the distant, echoing through the air like a lone siren. The sound of the ocean's waves drew closer as they trekked along, now in silence, which was only broken by the occasional sniffle from Selene as she recollected her composure. The heat of the day had finally begun to lift, a cooler night breeze brushing past, tugging at their manes and Selene's cape with playful hands.

"Hey... I've never seen this trail in my life. I've walked down this path numerous of other times as well." Selene suddenly spoke as she broke away to inspect a freshly trampled path that twisted on through the darkened jungle. She twisted around to peer at Tsukiko, bearing her typical puppy dog expression. Tsukiko sighed, rubbing her face.

"Your Highness, it is far too late..." Tsukiko reminded her, yet still found herself moving across the main path to join Selene's side. Selene grinned and took off down the beaten path, bounding ahead of her bodyguard. Tsukiko cursed under her breath before taking after her. Selene snaked her way through the forest, ducking to avoid low hanging branches that jutted out in her way or dodging bushes that threatened to catch her cape. Tsukiko, despite her usual grace, was unable to avoid all the branches, wincing when one caught her shoulder. The path was long, winding far from the main path, even cutting through an open field that was glowing with the beauty of flowers that were blooming beneath the moon's grace. The sky had begun to darken even more as they ran, distant thunder causing a frown to tighten Tsukiko's expression. Selene showed no signs of stopping, paws thumping across the ground as she kept an even pace.

Selene suddenly skidded to a halt as they came to a small grove within the forest nearly an hour later. Tsukiko hissed out a curse as she almost bumped into the smaller female before steadying herself. Selene seemed to be in some sort of trance, staring ahead of them.

"..Selene?" Tsukiko waved a paw in front of the young goddess's face. It took Selene a moment for her to register the movement, flinching back. Selene's eyes were as wide as saucers. She turned to face her bodyguard, mouth slightly agape in awe.

"What is it?" Tsukiko asked, lifting her gaze to scan the area for what had caused Selene's reaction. In the dead of a summer's night, the air still thick with humidity, was an egg. Not just any egg, to be frank. It was a Viscet egg, wrapped tightly in the long tendrils of slithering shadows, its shell glistening in the faint moonlight. Tsukiko hesitantly neared it before pausing as a chill ran down her spine. The area around the egg seemed almost frigid, her teeth chattering faintly as she moved closer. The shadows lashed out, snapping at the air with a harsh crack. Selene squeaked out, inching closer, following behind Tsukiko. The egg wobbled as they neared, the temperature in the radius decreasing at a steady rate.

"T-Tsukiko... Why is there a Viscet egg? All alone?" Selene trembled, peering around as she nestled closer against Tsukiko's back for warmth. Tsukiko was far too intrigued to respond, inching closer, inhaling sharply as the shadows whipped her paws viciously. The egg wobbled again, this time a bit more lively. Tsukiko gathered up courage before she lashed out, clenching onto the egg and heaving back. The shadows flailed, whipping and clinging to the egg desperately to keep it in their grasp. Selene fumbled to help, squeaking as she smacked at the tendrils. They reared back, letting their grip loose enough for Tsukiko to rip the egg away and flee before they could strike again. Selene followed close at her heels.

"This egg... is freezing." Tsukiko panted once she drew to a stop, tilting her head down to peer at the egg in her grasp. Selene stopped beside her, gazing at it with curiosity and worry swirling in her eyes.

"I-... I don't know but we need to warm the egg up before it does if it's still alive." Tsukiko commented as she cradled the egg against her warm chest fluff, now continuing down the path to head back to their castle. Selene trotted after, eyeing the egg as she stuck close. What were they going to do with a Viscling if it were still alive? Would Hayate even be up for taking care of a kid? Who would be the m-...


Craaackkk!

Both froze. Tsukiko looked down as the top shattered, revealing a tiny Viscling. She clawed at the edges, peeping softly as she stared up at both curiously. Selene worked her jaw before whispering out, "Pandora Jane.."

The Viscling tilted her head, squeaking and reaching up to Selene. She hesitantly eased her out and settled carefully with her close. Tsukiko eyed them, gaze trained on the Viscling, who was now named Pandora Jane under Selene's comment.

"This has been one hell of a summer's night... We found an egg, cold as ice, that hatched into the cutest little Viscling." Tsukiko suddenly commented, smiling as she heard Selene snort loudly. The goddess glanced up and smiled.

"We also strengthed our bond as friends. Both are such wonderful things to have happened." Selene responded, purring as the Viscling tugged at her mane gently.

"This is very true." Tsukiko nodded, smiling.

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[Hounder]

mark

[QueenAxolotl]

On a warm, summer night, a lonely, tired Kyou decided to fly his way back home to visit his mother's grave, when suddenly a spirit appeared before him. "Find me, Kyou. Find me and come home."
Who was this viscet? Why was she at his mother's grave? And most importantly, what did she mean to come find her and come home?

On a search for magical items to help her on her journey, Gloe found a beautiful lake and in the murky lake, Gloe could see a soft glow, prompting Gloe to dive into the shadows of the lake to retrieve the item

[stormzien]

mark

[Stitch~]

Marking

[SilverSamurai]

While exploring her new surroundings on the unbearably hot night of a mortal summer, Kazuki finds herself in a small clearing. But what she finds there is something she never wanted to believe. Lilith, exiled Shinigami and Deimos’ chief of missions, crouched on the far side in front of a massive tree. They noticed Kazuki quickly and turned their attention to the familiar presence, “How sad that you’ve found yourself trapped here as well,” they called out only to be ignored. At last came a response, “I’m not like you. Not anymore.” (92)

It was summer when it first happened. When I came to, I felt… different. My body no longer had a weight to it and I felt… hollow. Whatever that meant. Glancing myself over, I suck in a breath at the sight; I was no more than a spirit, transparent and wispy. I pushed myself up onto my shaky legs and glanced around nervously. Surely this was a dream, right? A warm breeze blew through me and told me otherwise. Bright ghostly wisps floated ominously throughout the dark woods and I was frightened. This was going to be a long night. (100)

[grifforik]

Pie and Gore are both owned by me.

[corgiboy]

-Theo finding his son king and raising him during the summer.
basically Theo's summer and what he has done him meeting Harper as well later on and discussing taking over the kingdom with her -

[milo.]

Oirbsen follows a beautiful song through the mist

Pippin leads Tweed & Silence to their fate-- meeting Wendigo (owned by james.)

Mylo begins to hear whispers in the darkness

[Razors]

Building off of Prompt 2

Lyf, Jude, Kunal, Nine belong to me.
Flash belongs to Strudel, permission to use was requested and granted. (Thank you!)

Lyf sat on her knees at the edge of a cliff, her arms bound behind her and Kunal forcing her into place. Before them stood Jude, who held tightly to the hair of Nine. Nine was blindfolded and had a tight band around her maw to keep it closed, while her arms were bound behind her the same as Lyf's. Poor Nine was covered in bruises and cuts, wounds created over this terribly lengthy summer by Jude himself. "We've wasted all summer, Lyf, it's now or never." Jude threatened, jerking Nine backwards and leaving her stumbling towards the cliffs edge. Nine's foot slipped and she almost toppled over the edge but Jude jerked her forward just in time. Tears streaked Lyfs face as she tugged against Kunal's hold. "I don't know what to do! I've done every thing you said!" Lyf pleaded with Jude. "Magic just isn't in me, it never was, it never will be!"
Jude frowned, annoyance clear on his features. "Well..." He paused, only a moment, but it felt like eternity to Lyf. "That's just too bad, then." He said, shoving Nine over the edge of the cliff.
Nine's heart sank as her body fell, though just before the cold embrace of the water hit her and swept her up, she felt a blast of scorching heat and heard Lyf scream her name...then only darkness.

Flash leaned back against a tree in the shade, his fishing pole in hand and a bottle of water in his lap. It was the perfect summer day, soft clouds drifted above, cicadas trilled around him and a body drifted past his pole. His thought process was instantly interrupted and he had to do a double take, making sure he wasn't seeing things. Flash was quick to act, up and rushing into the water to save the drifting viscet before the water carried them too far off. As Flash dragged Nine's body out of the water he used a pocket knife to cut the tie around her muzzle and arms, removing her blindfold as well. Laying Nine flat, he called for an ambulance while attempting to clear her lungs of the gurgling water he could hear in them. Flash stashed his things near the tree, planning to return to them later. He knew this girl as Nine, Lyf's best friend. The two had vanished over the summer and everyone had been looking for them. If Nine was this bad off he needed to know if Lyf was even still alive. He dreaded what he might hear, but he still hoped for the best.

Nine woke slowly, her body tensing and eyes reluctant to open, afraid of what she might see. This summer had been filled with nothing but misery, after all. "Hey there." A deep, slightly familiar voice reached her ears, causing them to flicker slightly. Where did she know the voice from? It wasn't Jude or Kunal, so she chanced a single eye open. The white, clean sight of the hospital room flooded over her senses, leaving her other eye opening to take the rest of it in. "You're awake." There was a hint of relief in the males tone and Nine turned to view him. She instantly remembered him from when she'd visit Lyf at her classes. He was a nice guy, but she never really got to know him. Nine was always too shy to really meet up with anyone other than Lyf. Confusion fell to fear, and fear to panic. Gulping, Nine turned her body quickly and glanced around the room. "L-Lyf..." Her breathing quickened and Nine attempted to exit her bed, only to have Flash's gentle grasp on her shoulders, holding her down. "Whoa whoa whoa! You've taken some nasty damage, you need to just sit still."

Quivering from fear, Nine struggled a moment but found she couldn't exactly get far in her condition anyway. "P-Please." She begged, turning her body and bowing her head to Flash. "Help Lyf." Her voice quivered and tears were already spilling from her eyes and falling on the bed sheets. "I'll try, but you gotta tell me where she is, first..." Flash moved a paw to Nine's arm, squeezing it lightly. "She's my friend, I'll do what I can to help." Nine hesitated a moment before nodding. "She's..." Before Nine could finish there was a sudden explosion. Though it sounded a good ways off it was powerful enough to send a tremor through the building. "What the..." Flash stood up and moved to the window, the new sounds of panicked commotion heard just outside Nine's closed room door. "Holy cow..." Flash backed up from the window and moved to the side of the bed where Nine was. "W-What is i-it?" Nine asked slowly. "The whole city's on fire!" Flash glanced to Nine, then to the door as it was flung open. "Quickly! We must evacuate the building! There's been several bombings throughout the city!" The woman who opened the door glanced to Flash. "Can you help her? There's other patients who don't have any help, I need to get to them!" Flash nodded his head and moved to Nine's side, letting her wrap an arm around his shoulders. "C'mon, let's get out of..."

Before Flash could finish, the building was wracked by an explosion a short distance away. Glancing out the window, the two could see the flames mushroom through the street where the explosion had taken place. There seemed to be a line of fire coming from...
Nine squinted, looking at the buildings around the hospital. She knew this hospital now! The flames were coming from the direction of Jude and Kunal's forest! They were coming to finish the job! "No...No! No!!" Nine shook her head, her free paw moving to her ear and clasping it roughly. She didn't want to die! Or worse, she didn't want to be imprisoned by them any longer! "Run!" Sobbing, she moved her arm from Flashs' shoulders and down to his paw, grasping it tightly and running towards the exit sign. It was adrenaline that had her moving, now, ignoring her aching body. "Whoa! Slow down! You're gonna hurt yours--" Again, he was cut off. This time by an explosion at the base of the building. "The stairs are blocked!" Came a scream from the doorway ahead. "The bottom floor is on fire!" Shout another nurse. "Everyone move to the roof, we can move between buildings there and take the fire escape on the west side of the building!" The nurses ushered everyone up the steps, helping patients along and having to carry several more up.

Flash and Nine arrived on the roof just as the sun began to set behind the trees of the distant forest. Jude and Kunal's forest. One might not be able to tell that night fell due to the intense flames that sprout up along the road from the forest. It was already hot, due to it being summer, but the flames made it that much hotter. Panting heavily, Nine winced and shielded her face against the heat that rose up around them, clutching Flash's paw in some effort to seek comfort from a fellow sufferer. Shimmying along the wall, several viscets ahead began gasping and shouting, pointing at the road below them. They were on the roof of the hospital, so they were a good 10-15 stories up, maybe more, but even from this distance the flames below lit up the figure below. A tiny shadow could be seen trailing flames behind them, everything near them sparked into flames. Nine watched as the figure shuffled forward and suddenly paused, everyone went quiet as the figure below doubled over and grasped it's head. A loud scream emit from the figure below...and then the explosion.

A loud boom sent everyone on the roof flying backwards and onto the roof top, a mushroom of flames blossoming up towards the sky from the street below. Nine gasped, the flames stealing the oxygen from around them for a brief moment. She knew it! She scrambled at the roof top and crawled her way to the edge, tugging herself up and looking over. The smoke clouded the figure, casting shadows around it's form before ever so slowly clearing away, the flames dying off a little, but never completely. She had heard her name! Lyf had been calling her name! "I..." She started, only to be grabbed by Flash. "What are you doing! They might see you!" Glancing back to Flash, Nine shook her head. "It's L-Lyf!" She stood, his paw falling away as he stared at her in disbelief. Moving to the edge of the roof, Nine glanced down, Flash now standing at her side. Squinting down to the road below, Flash suddenly gasped. "Oh my god!"

"Lyf!" Nine screamed, causing the figure below to pause in her motion forward. "Lyf! I'm here!" Nine moved up, onto the ledge of the building, her arms waving above her head. "Lyf!" Lyf suddenly turned her body, a flood of heat shoving against the onlookers of the hospital. Flash lowered his head and held onto his cowboy hat, ensuring it didn't fly away, his free paw attempting to steady Nine so she didn't fall. "Careful!" He yelled. "We have to figure out how to get down to her!"
"I'm here!" Nine sobbed, her arms lowering as Lyf seemed to recognize her. "Nine!!" Lyf screamed, a mixture of fear, disbelief, and relief heard in her tone. "Nine!" Lyf lifted her arms, as if reaching for Nine. "I'm here!" Nine's tone had changed, relief clearly had hold of her and tears spilled from her eyes. Without a second thought, Nine leaned forward and jumped from the ledge, Flash darting forward and reaching out in attempt to grasp hold of her falling form. He was too slow and all he could do was watch as Nine fell towards the earth.

Nine's arm stretched out at her sides as she fell, tears whisked off her face by the air that streaked over her. The heat intensified as she got closer to Lyf, though as she watched Lyf below she saw her lift her paws higher. The blazing heat decreased, becoming a warm, comforting gust. A gust that began to slow Nine's fall, and just before she would have struck the ground, left her drifting gently into Lyf's arms. Their paws clasped tightly and Lyf drew Nine down into her arms, wrapping them tightly around Nine and squeezing her against her body. "I...thought you were dead..." Lyf sobbed into Nine's shoulder, her body slumping down until she was on her knees. The flames around them had begun to die out, clearly stoked by the relief of Nine being alive. Nine crouch down where Lyf sat and hugged her tightly, sobbing as well. "I thought they killed -you-!" She cried.

The two hugged each other and sobbed into each others shoulders, the flames now completely gone and the people of the city slowly emerging from their hiding places to see exactly what was going on. Lyf was the first to recover, drawing Nine back enough that she could look her over, her paws moving to gently wipe away Nine's tears and light kisses scattered over Nine's cheeks and nose. "I'm so sorry. I'm so so sorry, Nine..." Lyf still sobbed, but Nine smiled, moving her paws up to rub away Lyf's tears this time. "It's not your fault, Lyf...It's okay. " Tugging Lyf's head against her chest, Nine pet her hair as Lyf sobbed against her. "I love you so much, I couldn't stand to live without you..." Lyf spoke, causing Nine to sigh and offer her a gentle smile. "You don't have to. We are together. I'm here."

The commotion suddenly drew their attention, leaving Lyf and Nine glancing up and to the faces of the people around them. It was one loud, angry, roar of questions and demands, the two girls left lowering their ears and fear taking hold of them once more. Huddling against each other, there was a sudden explosion behind the hospital and several of the people scattered. Those that remained were thinned out enough that Flash could shove his way between them and take the girls paws in his own. "Run! There's more bombs behind the hospital!!" He shouted, keeping his hat low as he ran into and through the crowd, ducking down an alley way and weaving his way through the streets. It was not until he was back near the water where he had first found Nine that he began to slow. "I don't know what's goin' on. But you two are going to be in some serious trouble." He glanced back at Nine and Lyf, who were holding hands and both wore a serious frown.

Flash sighed, shaking his head and stopping at the tree where he had left his stuff. It was still there, thankfully. "Look. " Packing up, he kept his eyes on the two girls. "Whatever happens, you got each other, right?" Lyf and Nine glanced to Flash, then to each other and nodded, squeezing each others paw tightly. "Stick together. Lean on each other, whatever is goin' on, the weight will be much easier since you got each other. " Nodding, he sling his bag over his shoulder and move to clap Lyf on the back. "Don't forget about me, though. I'll always be here if you need me." Winking at Lyf and Nine, he tipped his hat to them. "Now, I'm off to spread some rumors about terrorists and the crazy lady survivor who emerged from the flames." Shrugging, he turned away from the two and began heading back into town. "He's nice." Nine finally said as the two watched him vanish down a side street. "Yeah, he is." Lyf said, turning her attention back to Nine. "Where do we go, now?" She questioned. She didn't want to go home, she'd never had a good home life anyway, so she doubted anyone would miss her. "Let's go to my brothers." It was well out of the city, nice and safe. Nine's brother was like a hermit, he didn't like city living. It was perfect. Though, Lyf worried about dragging Nine's brother into this.

"Don't worry. It'll be okay." Squeezing her paw, Nine smiled up at the slightly taller Lyf. "I'm here."
Those simple words seemed to relax Lyf, leaving her shoulders relaxing and the tension on her face evaporating. After a moment she offered Nine a gentle smile and nodded. "Alright, let's go..." Turning, the two began their way through the darkness of night, heading towards the direction of Nine's brothers home. As summer was coming to a close, so was their old life... (2,452 words)