[Sunset Falls]Like Cats and Dogs (Ryalas, Djiann, Cristal)

[Ryalas]

Ryalas listened to kitas Story with great enthusiasm, He felt heartbroken for her, she was kicked out of her own home and forced to live with her brothers who were also kicked out..that was just horrible. Ryalas couldn't imagine what it would be like to have your parents reject you just because your different from them, Maybe it was because she was a Kelvic as well but he still remembered how his mother fought to the death to protect him from the poachers , and the fact that Her life was torn apart by human's as well it made him feel sympathy for her, it tore his heart to see how she became depressed and silently wanting to weep to herself. Ryalas stood, walking over to Kita gently taking the cloth from her hands and wiping away the wet tears still around her eyes with it "there is no need to cry, or to be ashamed of it. your brothers are fine i'm sure...Kelvics have a way of doing anything to survive...i mean was cooped up in a cage for a year and still escaped...plus you say your brother was a wolf...and if hes still in the cold north..he's in his natural habitat...i picked up a few things from the poachers..." his voice was calm and gentle as he took her hand and smiled soon wrapping his arms around her and wrapping his arms around her lower back he pulled her into another hug "i promise they're both fine...i'll help you look if you need" he whispered in her ear placing his head gently on her shoulder for a moment "i promise" he silently repeated to her again gently pulling away and looking into her eyes he smiled once again and stood listening to Djiann's story before he ran off into the river "he's...energetic to say the least...although...his smell..it does not ring a bell...i wonder form is.."

Ryalas placed his hand on his stomach "damn...i can't hunt like this..and am starving...i think literally..." he looked back at Kita noticing the worry and sadness in her eyes after he said that "oh don't worry kita" he smiled again "its the collars fault guess they realized that if i did escape i would be killed by a beast or simply starve..." he sighed looking at the river "you smell...canine...what is your form if i may ask?" he stretched his legs and say down next to her "i'm like my mother...a forest cat..but man..." he looked up at the trees "i so do miss running and sleeping in the trees...feeling the brush under my padded feet...it was nice to be able to run around...even if at the end of it all i had to take someones life for their own pleasure..." He blushed ashamed of complaining to Kita "man." he smirked "im bringing myself down i can only imagine what it's doing to a kind hearted soul like yours...if i keep this up i may have to take back my mothers hanker-chef for my own tears" he smiled a little looking at the cloth in Kita's hands with a small pink rose on it "that small cloth is all i have to remember hey by...besides the memories..." once again he began to play with the chain around his neck and shaking his head to hold back the tears just under the surface he hated bringing up those memories it always brought to the verge of tears. he turned to her once again "sorry if im bringing you down"

He looked up at DJ who was now returning from his swim and smiled "cooled off?"he stood brushing off his pants [color=#00BF00]"your scent...i don't recognize it..ive seen alot of animals in my year and a half smelt a lot of different furs but yours is... different..please, may i see your form?" Ryalas was rather intrigued now a different scent meant a whole new world was out there... a world he had never seen and he wanted to see this Kelvic in its original form...almost as bad as he wanted to see himself in his original form. once again ryalas reached up and moved the hair out of his eyes then began to fiddle with the chain around his neck pulling it slightly, wrapping it around the tip of his finger, he must of looked like a idiot but he could care less it calmed him down and gave him peace and tranquility...however he felt the burning desire in his chest something he still couldn't put his finger on. when he held Kita in his arms it intensified ten fold, and even the thought of her made his heart race "perhaps im sick..after all this feeling is new...ive never heard of it...must be the water..." he said out loud unintentionally.

[Kita]

The story had left Kita a bit exposed. She felt like she had ripped herself open for these strangers yet, it felt appropriate. Djiann, with his spastic behavior, Cristal with her lack of words, and Ryalas... Ryalas was something else entirely. He seemed to hold a whole other world behind those cat like eyes and to her surprise those eyes were usually focused on her. It made her blush every time his eyes graced her. She was not used to attention. She was far more accustomed to blending into the background. She was slowly coming out of the woodwork and now for the first time in her life she was the subject of the portrait instead of the background. What proved this was  Ryalas walking to her side and wiping away her tears. Before she could thank him his arms were around her again in a hug. Her heart thumped against her chest like it was trying to escape. Why would it want to though? She was perfectly happy here. She smiled when he said it would be alright. In all her time on her own she never believed it but coming from his lips she completely believed it. It was about time that she believed it. Jeran a s Tayn were strong and they could take care of themselves. "I just hope that if they must be in captivity then I hope they are at least togather." She hugged him tight as if he was going to be taken like her brothers. When he hugged him she felt a feeling that was like how she felt for her brothers but different. Was it possible for her to have feelings of closeness with someone who was not of her bloodline?  As the time went on Kita was smelling a difference in Ryalas. A sort of softening if you will. When at first he was a protected observer of her sadly public show of homesickness now he seemed to be opening. It was new, even a bit scary, but she was opening too. She was letting someone in even if it was someone she had just met. "Thank you Ryalas. You are very kind." She smiled and breathed in his scent. It was woodsy and very cat-like. She found it comforting though. Almost homey feeling.  A small growl caught kita's attention. It was coming from Ryalas! He was hungry and she felt bad that he couldn't hunt. She smiled at him asking what animal she was. "I could hunt for you if you like. I may not be able to take down huge animals but I have been known to take down a good sized rabbit. Then I could show you first hand what I am." She gave him a shy smile. Her attention flicked over to Djiann for a moment. He looked so happy in the water. She let out a small giggle at the man's lack of fear at acting like a child around complete strangers. It was nice to have someone having fun while she and Ryalas were being so serious. She saw the pain in Ryalas' eyes as she recounted memories of his mother. She looked down at the cloth in her hands. It had been his mother's. She pulled her bow off her shoulders and held it in her hands. The bow was strong and it was her only connection to her past life. "This bow was my brother Jeran's. It is all I have left of him and my life in Avanthal. I hope my brothers were not taken too far from Taldera." She held the bow close to her and smiled. Kita saw that Ryalas was hurting and she walked to his side. She took his hand in her's. "Your mother sounds like a valiant woman. I wish I had been able to have a mother like her. Don't worry about feeling sad. You are entitled to it. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm here for you." She gave him a smile and then started to think about Orianna, the dirty who she now considered her mother. Orianna was a good mother even if she was not Kita's real mother. People found it odd that she concitered the deity of bears her mother but when a girl has no mother to guide her she needs to find one somewhere. She hoped that one day she could be one of the lucky people to meet her goddess. She would have worn the twin paw prints that symbolized Oriana with the pride of a daughter. Suddenly a remark from Ryalas knocked her out of her daydream. He was talking about a feeling. Was it the feeling she had too? "What are you feeling Ryalas? I have been feeling a bit odd as well. It's said the water has a hint of magic in it. Maybe that is what it is." She was too shy to tell him how she was feeling. It was soothing to know that she was not the only one feeling odd emotions. She looked at the group of Kelvics assembled. They would need food and Ryalas was obviously hungry. "I'm up for a hunt if anyone would like to join me." Her eyes turned to Ryalas. She hoped he would join her. She wanted to show off her skills in hunting to him. Whether she was hunting with claws and fangs or a bow and arrow she was very proficent. She was excited to show her animal form to the others. She was quite proud of it. She loved being a fox. She took great pride in her thick red coat and her jet black paws. "I am good with hunting in human or animal form with anyone who wants to join." She desperatly wanted to hunt. She missed the rush of it. Her heart racing and her legs pumping in unison with her prey. She wanted to hunt reguardless of who accompanied her but she would have liked to finally have someone to hunt with.

[Djiann]

"Well...I'm good. I don't eat meat. Or can't, actually." Djiann sighed as he picked a leaf off of a nearby tree and started chewing on it. "Besides, I'd rather kill humans!" He laughed at his own joke. Hopefully the others laughed. He knew they were Kelvics, and didn't really appreciate humans, but sometimes people can be so serious it's chafing. Djiann didn't even realize he was still naked. He really doesn't like clothes, which is why he likes warm weather. Getting really bored, he grabbed hold of an underlying branch and lifted himself up into the tree he was under. "What's this?" He said as he plucked an apple out of it. "Is it edible? Is it poisonous!?" He started juggling it around like it was on fire, because he didn't know what it was. "They didn't have these in Yahebah..." Almost falling out of the tree, he held the apple as he dropped down. He didn't need to tower over these shorties anymore. Getting back on topic, he continued with what he was saying. "Right, anyway I don't really like hunting. It's just not for me, I can fight, though. If that equates to anything hunting-wise, I guess I'll help. I've got nothing better to do, anyway." Getting twitchy, like he usually did. He started tossing around the apple, awaiting an answer to his questions about what it was.

[Ryalas]

Ryalas smiled when he felt Kita's arms wrap around him as well he closed his eyes and took in her scent to remember locking it away in his brain. Feminine, yet, canine a clean smell almost like roses he was ecstatic when he felt Kita doing the same on his shirt "Nah im not that kind..just don't like seeing people hurt that's all...and for some reason..just don't like you seeing you hurt."

When he heard kita talk again he locked onto her eyes and smiled...until he heard what she said "That's...a kick to the dignity...when a true blood predator has to have someone else hunt for his food.." it made him feel useless he smirked, "maybe the poachers were right...with these restraints i am useless i can't hunt, how sad is that?" his smirk turned to sadness "that really is sad..." he said gloomly. once he felt Kita take his hand his face turned a new shade of pink, he smiled gently squeezing her hand "memories are just memories..thats it. no need to dwell in the past and bring myself down.." he sighed "but thanks....here" he said closing her palm she held the cloth in his with his hand "you keep it. you look like you'll use it more than me" he smiled "And thanks for letting me know that there will be someone there incase i need to talk. but like i said past is the past. besides...ive never been one to dwell on feelings..." he looked at the bow she produced from around her shoulder "hm..its a beautiful bow..." he smirked "just like its handler. and i told you..your brothers are fine...trust me.." he gently squeezed her hand again "and the feeling....i...i don't know.. my heart races. my breathing becomes hard and when im touching or near you it amplifies..like right now holding your hand is causing my heart to beat so fast its skipping beats. and for some reason..i feel like i would do anything to protect you...i don't know..stupid things..." he sighed "being locked in a cage most your life makes you pretty stupid to things most people know..." he looked as DJ left the river "and sure..i'll go with you...i would love to see you in your natural form...although ill be useless..." he let go of her hand turning to DJ who seemed to be dumbfounded by a apple "uh...its edible yes...its a apple...there just in season now...so it should be real sweet tasting..try it"

[Kita]

Ryalas' words were kind, much more kind than Kita was used to. It surprised her even more when he offered her his hankerchif. She looked at him with surprised eyes. "I can't take this. This is all you have left of your mother." Kita could not imagine giving up her brother's bow for anything on earth. It was all that she had the still held her brother's essence. Of course, her reflection showed her a lot of her brothers. She looked a lot like her brothers, more so like Tayn. She felt a pang of embarassment when she heard Ryalas talk about how he couldn't hunt for himself. She couldn't imagine never getting to hunt. "I'm sorry Ryalas, I didn't mean to dishonor you." She felt bad but she knew deep down that Ryalas would not stay upset about it. She had a nasty habit of letting her guilt get a little too powerful at times. Her thoughts of guilt were interupted by Ryalas' words about her bow. Orianna knew how much she loved that bow. It meant more to her than anything in Mizahar. A deep scarlet hue spread across her cheeks when Ryalas hinted that he thought she was beautiful. She of course thought the feline man was handsome but she was not sure if she could say it. The words seemed to play on the tip of her tounge but she could not get herself to speak them. "Thank you Ryalas, you are truly kind, even if you don't think you are." She had never been treated so kind until she met Ryalas. Kita's heart raced her in chest when he told her about her feelings. It was exactly how she felt! She smiled and bit her lip. "Ryalas..." She debated her words. She was unsure what to say. "...I...I feel the same way about you." She blushed again deeper than she ever had before. "I don't think you are stupid. For the love of Orianna, I can be stupid at times. I am a... wait, I forgot, my animal form is going to be a surprise for you!" She smiled and grabbed his hand. She pulled him along with her into the forest and waved Djiann over. "Come on Djiann, let's hunt!" Kita was feeling this new bravery. Usually she was very scared of talking to people who she did not know. She felt like she was able to talk to these two guys though. She felt safe, that was new. She looked back at Ryalas "If you like, I can teach you archery. It is not as fun as hunting in animal form but it is a really beautiful art and a very good second to hunting." She looked back to see if Djiann was following. When they all where in one place she would get ready to hunt. When all three of the Kelvics were assembled Kita smiled at the boys. "Are you ready to hunt?" She shot a glance at Ryalas and set her bag, bow, and arrow on the ground. She pulled her dress off and in a flash of light her body changed. Where once a black haired, seemingly sixteen year old girl stood there was now a red fox. Kita's fox form was an adverage size for a fox. Her fur was a beautiful red color and her pelt was kept in the best condtion. She was a vixen, she needed to look good. She looked at the two boys and wagged her white tipped tail. She hopped that her fox form didn't bother Ryalas. She lifted her small black nose in the air and breathed in the scents of the forest with her now enhanced nose. She could smell all the small animals scuttling about on the forest floor trying to get all their food for winter. Her mouth watered in antipipation. She looked at the other two kelvics and let out a little woof to let them know she was ready to hunt. Her tail wagged playfully as she looked up at them. It felt good to be herself again.

[Djiann]

Djiann took a big bite out of the apple and instantly fell in love. A plant that wasn't grass or shrubbery? Amazing! Following Kita in bounding leaps, he still wondered how it would be to hunt. He never really wanted to kill animals, because you never really know. They could just be another Kelvic in their animal form. Then what if you kill them? Do they change back to human form, or stay as their animal forever...well as long as their body is intact? Either way he saw Kita transform into her fox and that pretty much was confirmation for him. Jumping out of his clothes for the second time in this short time span, a flash of light signaled his transformation. Standing in front of the two was a kangaroo, though he was certain they didn't know what he was. Nobody knew what he was, there wasn't anyone like him. So even Kelvics aren't truly alone, though shunned by normal society, they still have other animals like themselves to commune with. Djiann has nothing. Waiting for the others to take the lead, seeing as he had never hunted before, Djiann started grazing nearby. The grass in Sylira was actually really nice. There was alot more in the Sea of Grass, but this had a different quality, a very nice one at that. Stretching upwards, he towered over the two, his 6' 7" height an oddity for an animal that hops to get around. Looking at the small fox, and the small human, he waited for someone to take the lead.

[Ryalas]

Ryalas smiled "you didn't dishonor me, Kita..i was just saying that i miss my form i miss the thrill of hunting..and most of all i miss..being me..without this damn choker." he smiled as she told him she felt the same about him "wow...thank you..and way to tease me on your form huh? and i guess you training me would be a new experience..how about tomorrow..back here." he smiled and looked at DJ " i see you like apples.. huh?" he smiled walking with Kita. When she removed her clothes ryalas smiled "you truly are beautiful" he stated as she became a fox "oh wow...i was expecting like a wolf or something..but it suits you" he smiled gently scratching behind her ears. however, something caught his eye, Dj had now stripped his clothes and transformed into a....he wasn't sure...but it was big real big...bigger than ryalas "wow....what...what are you!" he was shocked..to say the least. "that is...amazing..." he looked at his legs "and those look..powerfull..." he smiled "damn...that is amazing.." he was in awe and didn't really know what to say.

[Kita]

It had been a while since Kita had been this close to the ground. Looking up she saw Ryalas and Djiann looking down at her vulpine form. Her tail whipped when Ryalas made a comment about thinking that she would have been a wolf. "I am much more rare than a wolf. Wolven kelvics are everywhere but how often does one see a fox kelvic?" The words were just thoughts but she thought them as if he could hear her. She was pleased that Ryalas found her fox form beautiful though. She could not help but wonder what her feline friend looked like in his animal form as he scratched her ear. Would he be a small lynx? Maybe a tiger! She was very anxious to see what he looked like but she respected that he needed time. That was something she could give him. She had never known the luxury of not needing to rely on her animal form. There was a flash of light and Kita's thick red fur stood on end as she whipped around to see a large... what was it? Her tail wagged defensively but then the scent hit her nose. It was Djiann! The big brown animal was Djiann! She walked over to him and sniffed gingerly at him. She wanted to ask what he was but now all she could do was bark and she knew that no one in their group could understand that. Instead she started to sniff at the ground until her nose caught a scent. It was a rabbit! She looked back at the guys assembled behind her and motioned for them to follow. The forest raced around Kita as she was in pursuit of the rabbit. Nothing seemed to matter but the hunt. She was going to take down this rabbit for Ryalas so he would not be hungry anymore. She ran as fast as her small black paws would take her and finally the rabbit was in sight. She slowed her pace and crept up to the rabbit. She wanted to be quiet so it would not hear her. She moved forward on light feet until she was in pouncing range of the rabbit and attacked. Her paws hit the rabbit hard and they were on the ground. Even though Kita was quite the small predator she was skilled and quick. She bit down on the animal's throat and shook it with all her might. Blood flew every where, staining the grass and even the white fur on her cheeks and chest. She was proud of her kill and picked the rabbit up in her jaws. It was a bit big which made the kill even better. It would feed her friend twice as well. She wished that she could have hunted for Djiann too but he did not eat meat. Kita did not know anything about plants so she was not of a huge help. She turned back the way she came until she found Ryalas and Djiann. They were a sight to behold. A large brown mammal and a tall black haired human, or at least it was how they appeared. Kita dropped the fat rabbit at Ryalas' feet and wagged her tail in pride. She let out a little woof as if to say "This is for you" and pushed it toward him with her nose. She hoped he would accept it.

[Ryalas]

Ryalas looked down at the rabbit that had been dropped at his feet and smiled "FOOD!" he exclaimed and looked over at Kita smiling "thank you so much!" he picked up the rabbit and looked at it, his stomach was crying for some fresh meat again, but he felt a tad pit disappointed in himself "some day ill have to get this off and repay you kita..." he said with his free hand gently touching the choker. "but..thank you again.." He beit into the still warm meat and smiled, his sharp canines were nothing compared to his Panther fangs but they were able to pull the meat of the bone of the furry creature he was devouring, each bite caused more and more of the beast within him to come out until eventually he was licking the bones his eyes bright in the light of the sun peaking through the trees, he dropped the carcass and smiled "Delicious...thank you so much Kita.." he approached a tree and sat beneath it, his hand on his now full belly, he looked at the fox across from him and a thought hit his head "hey!...i was wondering..you think tomarrow...you could show me how to use that bow?" he pointed across to her clothing, bag and of course the beautiful bow that lay on top he was intrigued by the weapon it was beautiful yet dangerous...like a fox... his mind then drifted back to Kita "damn it," he thought "the sensations are back" he placed his head on the coarse bark and closed his eyes.