(Shard's P.O.V.)

We made our way back to the clearing where a curious scene is happening; a closed-eyed Selenia calling out "Marco!", with Thorn and Beta calling out, "Polo!", and Selenia clumsily chasing a snickering Beta or a giggling Thorn..

I tilted my head in bizarre confusion.."What are you doing?". Thorn grinned as she saw us, obviously hearing my question. "Hiya, Shard, Darkos! We're doing Marco Polo, wanna play?".

I blinked, "Marco Polo, what's that?". Darkos chuckled, "It's really simple, love..One is chosen as the chaser, has to close her/his eyes entirely while calling out Marco, with the others calling out Polo for the chaser to pinpoint one of them. It's kinda..like echolocation.".

I widened my eyes in understanding, "Ohh, that explains it! Sure, I wanna try! Darkos?". I turned my glance upon Darkos, who nodded with a smirk, "I am so in! You're it!". He tagged me on the shoulder, laughing with the others who is grinning, and I giggled..

I closed my eyes, pricked my ears all the way up, twitched my tail back and forth as I called out, "Marco!". My friends, my boyfriend echoed back, calling out, "Polo!". I had never quite played a game like this, but it was so much fun..I wished my little brother was here to enjoy this too.. even Damien..

I giggled as Darkos caught me, being the chaser this time, and I smiled as I kissed his cheek, startling him out of wits. I laughed softly at his surprised look, "You should see your face! Priceless!". Darkos chuckled softly, "I never heard you laugh before..".

I shyly brushed my bangs away, smiling brightly, "It has been a while since I laughed..Thank you, Darkos.". Then I stretched out as I yawned lightly.. Thorn called out, "Night's passing on, guys! Let's get some sleep when time's good..".

I nodded gratefully to Thorn, and I smiled as Selenia responded, "Night, guys!". She then walked off to a flower, zipped it up with her in it, and Beta gently nudged Darkos, "It's your turn to find breakfast tomorrow morning, deal?". Darkos laughed, "Deal.". Beta then nodded, smiled softly as he kissed Thorn's cheek, "Come on, Thorn, let's leave those lovebirds.".

I chuckled as Thorn and Beta went to their chosen flower, sprung it up, and Darkos grabbed my hand softly.."Why don't you go change into your clothes? I will keep the rope out for you, okay?". I nodded, and kissed him on the nose as I slightly stood up on my toes, then let go of his hand, heading to the tiny pebble which is hiding the bag of my clothes and my old purple dress..

I changed quite quickly as I hid in the blades, and I smiled softly as I was relieved to be back in my old comfortable clothes..Oh, the purple dress and the green gown were great to wear, but it wasn't casual clothes. I walked out, my eyes checking upon the resident flowers. Selenia is sleeping in a red petunia flower while Thorn and Beta is sleeping in a blue bellflower.

I saw Darkos' silhoutee through the petals of a purple rose, and I smiled as I saw the rope out, and I climbed up, and I was concerned when I heard Darkos cursing himself, and I quickly got in, gasping as I took in the scene..

Half naked..I gulped as Darkos turned to face me in the midst of removing his boots..His helmet was off, showing off his ruffled, fluffy brown hair, his tan pale skin warm-looking and muscled.. Thoughts ran through my mind as a tingle of warmth sparked in my chest as I couldn't stop staring at his glorious naked chest.. which is bearing a large scar from the edge of his right side of the waist all up across to slightly higher above his nipple.

I exhaled as I realized that Darkos received it from something big.. Darkos looked quite scared and embarrassed.. I took a deep breath as I walked forward, leaning down on my knees, touching the scar lightly. Darkos gave no sound yet his skin quivered under my touch, proving that he is trying not to scare me.. even when I told him that I trusted him..

I took in the scar, its dark red flesh all gnarly yet so intriguing.."How..did it happen?". I softly asked. Darkos sighed deeply, his chest moving underneath my hand, and I noticed the scar moved within the motion..

"I was merely a teenager..I was living with 'M' for awhile after Mother passed away.. There was this competition to hunt the biggest beasts around Necropolis, and 'M' wanted to eat the best of the best..Of course, I wanted him to acknowledge me..as his son, his heir, not just one of his soldiers.. I went out beyond the water tower.. to the west..

Oh, there were great bug monsters, spiders..even huge furry mice.. It was dark..I wanted to patrol the meadow I was in before I was heading to bed.. Of course, I was taken off guard when a paw swiped me out of nowhere.. I fought him with my sword.. He left with a shaved whisker and bleeding nose, but not before he clawed me.. I quickly bandaged myself, but it took me days to head back home with a dead baby spider, and by that time, it was too late to do the scar-healing cream.. 'M' called me a fool.. Said that this scar is a reminder of my failure..". He slowly yet clearly spoke, now finished with a soft faraway look in his eyes..

"Darkos, I said it before, and I will say it now! You are not a failure! You are my boyfriend, a great friend to our companions, and a loyal man. You have fought a monster and came out alive, and this scar is proof that you can fight and able to do anything possible!". I took his chin, turned him to face me as I spoke passionately. Darkos widened his eyes, blinked in awe and surprise, and smiled weakly, "You're right, love..".

I slowly let go of his chin, realizing that I was literally upon him.. I exhaled slowly as my hand fell upon the scar again..I fingered it slowly, feeling the ridges of the scar, now hearing Darkos muffling his grunts.. I smiled, glancing up at Darkos. "Don't tell me that you are ticklish, are you?".

Darkos' eyes were so intense upon me with a nearly broken voice, "If you..are keeping this going..I wouldn't stop..myself..". I blinked at what he was hinting to.. The voice of my Father spoke in my mind from a memory.. I nodded.."Let me cheer you up, sweetie..". Then I leaned forward to kiss his scar, hearing him groan softly.