Shera was leaning against one of the walls, her arms crossed, as she stared at the sky. She breathed slowly, attempting to calm her rapidly beating heart. She had not been that upset in some time...p
She pushed up the small spectacles that adorned her face and brushed some loose strands from her hair. She sighed deeply as she sank to the ground, her arms still crossed against her chest.p
Why was she the one who had to deal with him? Why had they cursed her, of all people, to deal with such a delinquent dragon?p
It had started out so simply, so easily. When she was young...her mother had asked her what she had wanted to do with her life. She didn't know. All that she knew about at that period was playing with her friends. Her mother asked her if she wanted love. She was only a girl, of course she said yes. And that was how she sealed her own fate.p
Shera was not by nature a social person, but she did have friends, a few close friends. Sometimes they were from other species, none as objectionable as say, felines or even, if it was even a possibility, a demon. The dragons, although they had their hideous intolerance of certain races, tried to treat the other races with respect and equality. In a way, they were making progress...in some fields.p
Shera had grown up with her friends, listening to their stories. They talked of men who used, or abused, or controlled their wives or girlfriends, and how they, she and her friends, would never be so foolish. She had kept those days in her memory, and even now believed that no man should ever think he had control over her, or presume that she would be their servant to make them happy.p
When she was young, her mother tried to teach her otherwise. But as she reached her adolescence, she found that her mother, her parents, were lying more often and she was more aware, and the things her friends said made more sense...and so she went away, turned away from the path of the silent housewife, and vowed that would never happen to her.p
She believed strongly in herself as a person. She had deep feelings of confidence that her friends and her family had instilled in her, and she had spent most of her teenage years enjoying herself and her freedom. She learned a lot in those times, and she continued to feel confident, to know she was a worthy person. She knew that she deserved to be LOVED, not used. She KNEW that. And no one, not anyone, could take that from her.p
But her mother...her mother had changed that. She had never suspected anything, as her mother called her in one day, after Shera had grown and left their house. Her mother told her that was engaged.p
Shera refused to believe it. She refused to think that such an antique, old custom could still be in effect. She had heard of some older, more respectable dragons, who used such conventions, but she had never thought that she would be roped into it as well. Her mother told her she was engaged. She didn't ask. Shera didn't have a choice.p
She had to meet him, that blue-green dragon that she had seen occasionally. She found him to be everything that her friends had told her. He drank, he smoked, he swore, and he was abusive as well. And instead of backing down and accepting such a marriage proposal so easily, to accept those years of constant abuse, Shera refused. She retaliated with her own hatred, her own anger and abuse, refusing to be a subservient partner in this relationship.p
Sometimes, when she thought about it, she could almost see herself becoming that quiet housewife, becoming that woman who didn't say anything, only smiled vacantly and cooked. She could almost see herself becoming that, and that fueled her anger, fueled her fire.p
They had contrasted against eachother so sharply, their personalities so different, that sparks had flew, and in the end, nothing could keep them together. Although they agreed to the custom of being mated with extreme reluctance, they had both agreed that such a gesture was words, meaningless, and that they had never done such a thing in the end. The show was a success, their parents left them alone, and they were left with eachother.p
Shera had to live in his house, she had to stay with him because that was what she was supposed to do. She hated that and she hated him for making her do something like that. She refused to be tethered to such a house, to be tied and bound and become the person she so hated in her youth.p
She stayed in the house for appearances, but her and Cid's relationship was anything but happy. Everyday, a raging argument ensued, everyday, something was thrown, or broken, or someone left. Everyday filled her with that sinking feeling. Perhaps she WAS becoming that quiet housewife. And that was enough to fuel her outrageous behavior. That thought was enough to provoke completely unwarranted attacks on Cid, to keep that level of hostility in her high, and to keep her from ever becoming a servant to him or to anyone.p
Now he came home glowing, like some stupid whore did in one of those history books she read. She knew the story well and it sickened her. Some perfect hero with his perfect, wimpy, bubble-headed blonde glowing so happy and bright while the hero called the shots. She hated those stories because she believed such love could and never would exist. And now, the man she hated had it. He had pushed some other girl into being his slave so that he could have some glow to show off to his obnoxious friends. Not only that, he smelled TERRIBLE. Something was wrong with him, something that only fueled her hatred onwards. That had pushed her over the edge. But almost anything seemed to be able to do that now.p
She hated him for that, for giving into such a stupid legend. And yet, she knew she could not stay out here forever.p
She stood, flaring her wings out in annoyance and feeling another sensation of anger flow through her at her thoughts. She had to take some time off herself, she could not stand to be near such a chauvinist, such a stubborn fool. She had to go off, do something to release her stress, and remind her that she was free, and she could do whatever she pleased. That she was not someone's concubine to be used.p
She took to the air, glad that her glasses were secure against her face and not swept away, and looked around. She winged around, looking, until she saw the familiar shade of her friends and leveled downwards, not intending to come back to that house for some time.p
CENTER~~~/centerp
Vincent stood, his claws hovering above the knobs in the wall, not sure of what he should do. This kind of experience was foreign to him completly. As a demon, he had always bathed in pools of water under the cover of darkness...the idea of steam instead of water, and a stall instead of the outdoors, was strange to him. However, he needed to think for a bit, and he felt somewhat dirty, so he decided that he might as well give it a try.p
He braced his claws against the knobs, noting that the floor beneath his footclaws didn't slip underneath him. Feeling more assured, he turned the knobs slowly at the same time.p
There was a hissing noise as the steam began to form around him, and he stared at it in confusion. It wasn't terribly warm, but to him it was hot. No doubt to the dragons, whose resistance to fire was legendary, this seemed remarkably tame. He brushed his claws over his eyes for a moment, wiping away some droplets that had formed on his eyelashes, and turned slowly.p
Moisture built on his body gradually, but as the steam flow increased, he did in fact feel wet, and even his hair began to feel the weight of water. He worked his claws through the tangled mass for a few moments, feeling it slide and shift easily underneath his hands. His hair could easily get tangled, but it just as easily untangled, and in that way he was lucky. He ran his claws across the horns that came from his head for a moment and sighed to himself.p
He held onto his upper arms with his claws and looked down, slight pools of water building beneath him.p
He couldn't do this...he couldn't doom Cid this way. He felt his face clench with emotion, and a noise tried to break through his throat. He didn't want Cid to die...he didn't want him to have to suffer...p
Vincent closed his eyes, letting the heat cover his face as he leaned towards the walls, hoping it would dilute the blood that was beginning to flow from his eyes. p
He didn't want to die...not now, not now that he had found everything that he had wanted. Not now that he had actually found a purpose to live...he didn't want to die...but more then that, he didn't want Cid to die either.p
The thought of the dragon lying still and motionless made Vincent clutch his arms closely, another slight sound escaping him. No, no he couldn't bear it. To see him die in such a way...to see him die at all...no, he couldn't do that.p
But he knew as well as Cid did that their fates were sealed at this point. They knew the moment they began speaking that they were doomed, sentenced to death. But that didn't mean that Vincent wanted to die...it didn't mean that he was able to accept such an outcome...p
Vincent looked up at the ceiling and let words escape him, tiny and choked. "Why? Why us? You bless us with your aura and then you strike us down...why are you doing this to us? Why are we cursed?"p
Vincent shivered despite the heat. "Why do we have to die..."p
His wings folded limply against his back, and he let his tail wrap around one of his footclaws as he leaned against the wall, crying helplessly.p
CENTER~~~/centerp
Shera and her friends had settled at one of the eateries that lined the streets of her town. Dragons loved to eat, and they could eat great amounts when the urge came to them. She went there more because she just wanted a place to talk with them where she wouldn't be interrupted, and a place where she could forget her forced marriage for precious hours.p
As she had expected, the two of them were lingering outside of the bar, seemingly waiting for her, but at the same time looking as if they were just loitering.p
A large black wing greeted her, and she landed neatly beside them, her wings folding behind her back. Tifa was the one who had waved, and she smiled in response, Aeris right behind her.p
Tifa was one of the night birds, the birds that lived below the ground or in some semblance of it. They rarely had any light, so their dark plumage was a great help. Tifa's feathers were completely lusterless black, as were her tail feathers. They matched her black hair perfectly, which was tied back at the moment, and the scales on her feet were a dark grey. She wore her normal ensemble of a white tanktop and shorts, which showed off her musclature. Shera had to admit that Tifa was one of the strongest females she had ever seen in any species, and Tifa was not afraid to flaunt it. Shera sometimes found herself jealous over her ability, but never voiced such thoughts outloud.p
The bird was one of her earliest friends, and had been the most instrumental in helping Shera gain her own sense of self. Tifa had always strongly opposed any kind of reliance of trust with men, and she, in fact, almost seemed to regard them with a kind of hatred. This made Shera wonder sometimes whether or not Tifa was interested in men at all, but it wasn't really her business. Tifa also differed from most other birds in that she didn't believe so strongly in the entire "survival" belief her entire species had become so dependent on. Tifa believed in living life for yourself, and that some things that had no purpose had to be enjoyed at times. It was also why she didn't have a mate, which struck the birds as blasphemy considering she was in her prime, physically speaking. Tifa was on the outskirts of the bird society, and she spent a great deal more time with Shera and Aeris then with anyone else. The bird and dragon had met while Shera was flying at night as a child, and struck up a conversation that had blossomed into the friendship they now had.p
Aeris was an angel, which, originally, had made Tifa and Shera uncomfortable. Angels normally stuck to their own kind, and it was strange that one would come to the dragons and birds for friendship. But Aeris was different in a way...she hinted at not being a complete angel, although she had the snow white feathers and arms that distinguished her from the bird race. Her chestnut brown hair was tied behind her in a long braid, as it always had been, and she always seemed to wear pink in various forms, which tonight was a light pink dress. And she was never, ever without her boots, which confused Tifa and Shera as well when she stayed at their houses over night. She even slept with them on. But they never asked, not really finding it annoying, just curious, and she never told them, so the mystery remained unsolved. Her eyes shone with some kind of natural light that angels had (or at least, that's what she said), and she was, by far, out of the three the kindest and most considerate.p
Aeris had come to join Tifa and Shera much later, due to a falling out among her kind. Aeris had disagreed with them on something, although the specifics of which they could never get out of her, and they had told her to stay away for a short period of time, in which she hovered around the dragon city. Tifa and Shera, who were younger and more impetuous in those days, waved her down, and she quickly became their friend, although with Aeris it seemed like anyone could become her friend in moments. She had been allowed back with the Angel society, but now with her friends outside of her own species, she spent less and less time with them and was...maturing because of it. Tifa and Shera had been somewhat surprised to hear how closed minded angels could be, but comparing the supposedly divine species to their own lessened the impact. They had all been told since they were children that the angels were divine, but as one grows old myths become lies, and Aeris' stories only seemed to prove that the angels were just as corrupt and illogical as the birds or the dragons. No one even bothered to mention the demons. That was one story that everyone believed, because the thought that the damage, the pain and hurt one causes others, is one's own fault and not the fault of a demon who has decided to play with you was too painful. No one wanted responsibility, but no one wanted perfection either.p
One thing that had remained with Aeris after her psuedo-break off with the rest of the angel race was her strong sense of morals. Aeris had a strict ethical code that she followed, and although she tried very hard not to force it on the others, her breeding often got into the way, causing her to go into long sermons about right and wrong, especially about martyrdom. Aeris hated the concept of martyrs with a passion, relating them to her own corrupt species, based around lies and hatred in the name of divine guidance, and the sacrifice of one for one's belief became the epitome of stupidity to her. This meshed in well with Tifa's semi-survivalist sense, and the two of them agreed on that often. Aeris, along with Tifa and Shera, also refused the company of men, finding the angels among her own kind far too stuck up and self-righteous for her blood.p
Crossbreeding was completely out of the question.p
So Aeris, Tifa, and Shera talked a lot to one another, often about how they disagreed with their own species beliefs, and they each found it a welcome break from their daily routine.p
"Hey Shera, was he being a #$^#@ again?" Tifa smiled at her friend, the fire lit in Shera's eyes painfully evident, as the three of them walked into the cafe simultaenously, the owner greeting them with a slightly exasperated nod. They always came here, but at least they paid when the night was over with.p
They settled at their customary table at the corner of the bar, Tifa perching on top of the backrest, her footclaws fitting into holes that had been worn into the fabric after many years of eating at the same place. She folded her wings up to her body as Aeris put her hands in front of her face, lacing her fingers together delicately as she blinked at her draconian friend.p
"What did he do this time?"p
Shera sighed and put her hand on her forehead, not even feeling the heat due to the protection of her scales. She was already calming down in the presence of friends, but she still felt angry. "You won't believe it."p
"What? What?" Tifa looked at her eagerly, ruffling her wings a little bit. The waiter didn't even bother to visit their table, knowing already what the three would order. Shera tried to keep her voice level.p
"You guys know about that Heaven Glow thing, right?"p
"Sure." Aeris shrugged in a confused way. "I heard about it all the time...but what does that have to do with it?"p
"Get this." Shera held her hand out flat for a moment, trying to keep her face impassive. "He's got it."p
The two of them blinked at her for several minutes, Tifa finally leaning forward on the table, her wings changing the alignment of the table for a few moments. "What? What do you mean? You serious?"p
Shera nodded. "I came home and he's got that stupid glow all over him. Claims it's none of my business."p
Aeris looked deeply offended. "Of course it's your business, he's your husband, even if it's not by choice. He must be having an affair or something."p
Tifa was about to say something, but Shera cut her off. "But the worst part is, you KNOW what kind of a guy he is! Can you imagine what he did to her?"p
Tifa made a face of disgust. "Ugh."p
"That poor girl." Aeris looked momentarily distraught. "He must have lied to her terribly."p
"But wait, wait. I thought that whole heaven thing was a myth though." Tifa looked confused, a feathery wingtip near her mouth. "There are no gods...so how that could happen? There's no way."p
The two of them nodded, neither one religious in any way. Aeris spoke first. "That's just terrible though...that he'd cheat on you like that."p
Shera rolled her eyes. "It's not like I care. I'm just annoyed because he found some poor girl to fawn all over him. Ugh, makes me sick to think about it. Just like in all those stories about that strong guy and that weak girl that always follows him around."p
"And usually dies a noble death on his behalf, don't forget." Aeris rolled her eyes in turn.p
"Or on everyone's." Tifa pointed at. At this point three plates were brought to their table, the same thing they had every time they came here. All three of them were vegetarians, so their food was cunningly crafted vegetable substitutes of more appetizing looking food. They had gotten used to the taste and even enjoyed it now, although it went against both Shera and Tifa's natural chemistry.p
Tifa leaned forward, using the joint in her wings to carefully balance her food. Most birds used their feet for this purpose, but her feet were occupied keeping her aloft. Besides, Tifa felt accomplished whenever she could use her wings like arms. Occasionally for more difficult food she would use one foot while balancing on the other, but at the moment she held her food tightly so it wouldn't slip. Shera and Tifa used forks, which reminded them of just how lucky they were to have hands.p
"We've got to tell someone or something." Aeris took a dainty bite off her fork, blinking for a moment. "He just can't get away with that, it's disgraceful."p
Tifa nodded in agreement, but Shera shrugged.p
"Who am I supposed to tell? The council doesn't care unless you kill something, and it takes ages to get a normal appointment with them anyway. My parents won't care and I'm sure his wouldn't either."p
"Excuse me..."p
The three of them jerked sharply at the figure standing near their table, and then recoiled instinctively. The feline smiled at their reaction, clean white fangs against perfect silver fur.p
"What do you want?" Shera tried to keep her suspicion out of her voice. Only a fool trusted a feline. Everyone knew that. She kept her eyes averted, the lack of covering on the feline making her uncomfortable. Tifa, on the other hand, looked extremely angry, while Aeris managed to maintain an aura of dignified surprise.p
The feline seemed to know about the reaction he was having, and put one of his paws near his lips for a moment, before leaning down, his head closer and whispering to them conspiratorially.p
"I couldn't help but overhear the problem you seem to be having..." His voice was smooth and quiet and calm. His silver hair draped over his shoulder, spilling onto the table like water. Shera and the others kept their eyes firmly on their plate, although she could hear Tifa shuffling around angrily at his approach.p
"I think I have a solution for you."p
"You do...?"p
The feline smiled, emerald green eyes sparkling. "I know exactly who to go to for your problem. They'd listen to me, I'm sure..." His voice was reassuring in a strange way. "All I need if your permission and your names, if you please..."p
Shera thought for a moment. She didn't trust the feline, but something about him seemed sincere. Either way, it would help get Cid in trouble, which was what she wanted anyway. She shrugged. What could he do to her with just her name anyway?p
"Shera." She said simply, not wanting Cid's name to disgrace her own. "Just call me Shera."p
Tifa and Aeris exchanged glances for a moment, then spoke in turn. They mirrored Shera's lack of a last name.p
"Tifa."p
"Aeris."p
The feline smiled and nodded, fangs showing once again. "Thank you very much...I take it that means you approve?"p
Shera nodded, and the feline straightened, brushing his silver hair back behind his shoulder. "My thanks to you...you've made my day."p
There was a flash, and when they looked again the feline was gone. Shera rolled her eyes, knowing that felines loved flashy tricks and misdirection.p
"Do you think that was a good idea?" Aeris looked uncomfortable, while Tifa apparently still was upset.p
Shera shrugged. "As long as it gets him into trouble, I don't mind. You're right, he SHOULD have some repurcussions for what he's done."p
"Ooo..." Tifa fumed to herself. "That smug look on his face...who did he think he was? I so could have taken him."p
Shera and Aeris nodded, knowing this to be true. Despite the feline's height, Tifa was a fierce fighter, and once angered was unstoppable. "You're right...he did seem full of himself."p
"I wonder what he was hiding." Aeris brushed her hair back, and this brought the conversation to an abrupt halt for a few moments, then she nervously laughed. "Well, either way, at least he'll get what's coming to him."p
Shera and Tifa nodded, and their conversation continued on as usual, this time avoiding the topic of Cid and whoever he was with entirely.p
CENTER~~~/centerp
Vincent finally managed to make himself calm down, returning to the former stoicism that had allowed him to survive much of the torment his life had once been. He stared at himself in the mirror without emotion, noting the slight red tinge underneath his eyes that didn't seem to want to leave. He decided it wasn't that important anyway and searched for a towel, finding a large one nearby. He wrapped his hair up in a turban like manner, waiting for the fabric to absorb the moisture, while he continued to stare at himself in the mirror.p
Everytime he saw the faint glow around his body, emanating from him into the thin air. He tried to touch it for a moment, but it passed through his claws just as he expected it to. He didn't expect it to be substantial anyway...p
The glow confused him, depressed him, and gladdened him everytime he saw it, and that constant turmoil of emotions was taking its toll. He was tired and he just wanted to sleep for once. He could see the lines building underneath his scarlet eyes, and decided that after he was finally dry, he would ask Cid where he could sleep.p
He also found himself wondering about the argument that had occurred while he was hiding in the closet. Who was it that Cid was arguing with? Was it his friend? He let his claws trail across his chest, finding the scars that were still healing there easily and causing tiny pricks of pain to go through him. Was it his...p
Vincent shook his head, forcing such thoughts away. This aura was proof enough at least...he knew that the aura was not only telling the entire world his feelings, but it also served as a reminder whenever he felt like he wasn't good enough to be loved. Which was often.p
He sighed and shook the towel in his hair, struggling to try and get it dry. His hair was a hassle to deal with, but trying to cut it off had resulted in nothing else then having the strands grow in his hands to their previous length. Another strange affliction they had decided to curse him with...p
He held his metal arm up near the mirror, sighing. He had gotten used to it...he had many years to get used to it, but it always bothered him. He supposed it would bother anyone...p
The apathy that this state of mind was giving him was alarming him, and he faced a problem he often had...struggling to get out of this stoicism that he had worked himself into. He didn't normally react to his arm or his other disfigurements with such nonchalance.p
He sighed and pulled the towel from his head, letting his hair fall free. It was still thick and heavy and clumped due to moisture, and he sighed, shaking his head for a few moments. Only a few stray droplets flew, but considering that after this was over he was planning on going to sleep, he didn't want to sleep with wet hair. He rubbed the towel back into his hair with renewed force, continuing to stare at himself in the mirror.p
The aura was there and gone again in a few moments, constantly fluctuating and changing. It was hard to keep it in sight and sometimes he wasn't sure whether it was a trick of the light or if he was actually seeing it. The next moment the aura would flare up so brightly that Vincent was sure that he was being bathed in some holy light, and then it would fade again. He was confused at the capriciousness of the aura's nature, but he shrugged, continuing to rub at his hair, struggling to at least get it somewhat dry before retiring to sleep.p
He let his hair fall back down. This time it was more dry, and his hair flared around him much more then usual, the strands each apart and seeming to try and stay that way. He chanced a small smile in the mirror at his appearance. His hair looked kind of silly this way. He brushed it back behind him, noting the hair fuzzing around his horns, completely hiding them from view. That was something he was glad for...p
He noted a twin towel on the floor nearby, apparently also used, and Vincent shrugged, not sure of what else to do, and put his towel along with the other one. The towels matched pretty well, although Vincent's loose strands that were caught in his towel was a key difference. He shook his tail over and shook his head for a moment, causing his hair to frizz all about him again, and he smiled slightly as he brushed it behind him yet again. He noted the soft glow from his arm as he moved it, not bright or dim, but just soft. He found that kind of intensity pleasing and more calming then the rampant nature as of previous.p
He pulled his clothes back on, walking through the door somewhat warily. He wasn't sure of what to expect. Would the woman be back again? Would Cid have changed his mind? He shook his head at that. There would be no reason for Cid to do that...the aura around him still glew as strongly as it had before, and he let this comfort him.p
"Highwind...?" He coughed after speaking, the humidity of the bathroom affecting his vocal chords slightly, and looked around curiously. He heard a noise off to his right and headed in that direction, unsure of where else he could go. "Highwind, I was just curious as to where I'm going to sleep tonight..."p
Cid's bedroom as just as dissheveled as he thought it would be, with clothes thrown everywhere, scratches and nicks in the walls from careless tail lashings, and the majority of the room taken up by the large bed near the wall. In this bed Cid was sleeping on his side, curled up slightly with his wings folded near his shoulders. The thing that made Vincent stop speaking was the fact that Cid was only taking half the bed.p
He walked closer, avoiding miscellaenous objects that had somehow found their way onto the floor, not sure of what to make of this. Cid wouldn't have left that room for him, would he?p
The glow around him fluctuated, like a heart beat, for a few seconds, then remained at a steady glow. He smiled slightly again. The aura had to constantly remind him...there could be no other reason for this...and there was no other option for where he should sleep. Cid had already known, and in his heart Vincent had already known as well but had denied it out of years of disbelief in the concept of caring. He walked to the side of the bed, pulling the covers up slightly to slide his clawed feet underneath them. The fabric had enough strength so that claws could not pierce and tear through it during the night, but kept in the warmth very well. Vincent had encountered this material before, ages and ages ago, but it had been a long time since he had slept in an actual bed, an actual bed with comforters and blankets...p
An actual bed with someone else...p
As he slid underneath the covers he felt the warmth assailing his body instantly. The air underneath had already been heated by Cid's body, who had apparently fallen asleep after Vincent had gone into the shower. The demon turned onto his side, staring at the sleeping dragons back, the wings moving slightly with each breath.p
He stared for a moment, the entire realization of where he was hit him. He was with someone he loved, in a place where he was safe...p
He smiled broadly for once, something that felt strange to him, but it also made him feel better. He moved forward until he could slide his claws around Cid, drawing him close, letting the scaled wings press into his chest. Cid just sighed in his sleep, not moving, and for once in his life, Vincent understood what it meant to want to cry out of happiness.p
He kept his tears to himself, not wanting to ruin the bed or sheets, but allowed the safety and warmth and happiness to take him to sleep, his tail tightly curled around the dragons own.
She pushed up the small spectacles that adorned her face and brushed some loose strands from her hair. She sighed deeply as she sank to the ground, her arms still crossed against her chest.p
Why was she the one who had to deal with him? Why had they cursed her, of all people, to deal with such a delinquent dragon?p
It had started out so simply, so easily. When she was young...her mother had asked her what she had wanted to do with her life. She didn't know. All that she knew about at that period was playing with her friends. Her mother asked her if she wanted love. She was only a girl, of course she said yes. And that was how she sealed her own fate.p
Shera was not by nature a social person, but she did have friends, a few close friends. Sometimes they were from other species, none as objectionable as say, felines or even, if it was even a possibility, a demon. The dragons, although they had their hideous intolerance of certain races, tried to treat the other races with respect and equality. In a way, they were making progress...in some fields.p
Shera had grown up with her friends, listening to their stories. They talked of men who used, or abused, or controlled their wives or girlfriends, and how they, she and her friends, would never be so foolish. She had kept those days in her memory, and even now believed that no man should ever think he had control over her, or presume that she would be their servant to make them happy.p
When she was young, her mother tried to teach her otherwise. But as she reached her adolescence, she found that her mother, her parents, were lying more often and she was more aware, and the things her friends said made more sense...and so she went away, turned away from the path of the silent housewife, and vowed that would never happen to her.p
She believed strongly in herself as a person. She had deep feelings of confidence that her friends and her family had instilled in her, and she had spent most of her teenage years enjoying herself and her freedom. She learned a lot in those times, and she continued to feel confident, to know she was a worthy person. She knew that she deserved to be LOVED, not used. She KNEW that. And no one, not anyone, could take that from her.p
But her mother...her mother had changed that. She had never suspected anything, as her mother called her in one day, after Shera had grown and left their house. Her mother told her that was engaged.p
Shera refused to believe it. She refused to think that such an antique, old custom could still be in effect. She had heard of some older, more respectable dragons, who used such conventions, but she had never thought that she would be roped into it as well. Her mother told her she was engaged. She didn't ask. Shera didn't have a choice.p
She had to meet him, that blue-green dragon that she had seen occasionally. She found him to be everything that her friends had told her. He drank, he smoked, he swore, and he was abusive as well. And instead of backing down and accepting such a marriage proposal so easily, to accept those years of constant abuse, Shera refused. She retaliated with her own hatred, her own anger and abuse, refusing to be a subservient partner in this relationship.p
Sometimes, when she thought about it, she could almost see herself becoming that quiet housewife, becoming that woman who didn't say anything, only smiled vacantly and cooked. She could almost see herself becoming that, and that fueled her anger, fueled her fire.p
They had contrasted against eachother so sharply, their personalities so different, that sparks had flew, and in the end, nothing could keep them together. Although they agreed to the custom of being mated with extreme reluctance, they had both agreed that such a gesture was words, meaningless, and that they had never done such a thing in the end. The show was a success, their parents left them alone, and they were left with eachother.p
Shera had to live in his house, she had to stay with him because that was what she was supposed to do. She hated that and she hated him for making her do something like that. She refused to be tethered to such a house, to be tied and bound and become the person she so hated in her youth.p
She stayed in the house for appearances, but her and Cid's relationship was anything but happy. Everyday, a raging argument ensued, everyday, something was thrown, or broken, or someone left. Everyday filled her with that sinking feeling. Perhaps she WAS becoming that quiet housewife. And that was enough to fuel her outrageous behavior. That thought was enough to provoke completely unwarranted attacks on Cid, to keep that level of hostility in her high, and to keep her from ever becoming a servant to him or to anyone.p
Now he came home glowing, like some stupid whore did in one of those history books she read. She knew the story well and it sickened her. Some perfect hero with his perfect, wimpy, bubble-headed blonde glowing so happy and bright while the hero called the shots. She hated those stories because she believed such love could and never would exist. And now, the man she hated had it. He had pushed some other girl into being his slave so that he could have some glow to show off to his obnoxious friends. Not only that, he smelled TERRIBLE. Something was wrong with him, something that only fueled her hatred onwards. That had pushed her over the edge. But almost anything seemed to be able to do that now.p
She hated him for that, for giving into such a stupid legend. And yet, she knew she could not stay out here forever.p
She stood, flaring her wings out in annoyance and feeling another sensation of anger flow through her at her thoughts. She had to take some time off herself, she could not stand to be near such a chauvinist, such a stubborn fool. She had to go off, do something to release her stress, and remind her that she was free, and she could do whatever she pleased. That she was not someone's concubine to be used.p
She took to the air, glad that her glasses were secure against her face and not swept away, and looked around. She winged around, looking, until she saw the familiar shade of her friends and leveled downwards, not intending to come back to that house for some time.p
CENTER~~~/centerp
Vincent stood, his claws hovering above the knobs in the wall, not sure of what he should do. This kind of experience was foreign to him completly. As a demon, he had always bathed in pools of water under the cover of darkness...the idea of steam instead of water, and a stall instead of the outdoors, was strange to him. However, he needed to think for a bit, and he felt somewhat dirty, so he decided that he might as well give it a try.p
He braced his claws against the knobs, noting that the floor beneath his footclaws didn't slip underneath him. Feeling more assured, he turned the knobs slowly at the same time.p
There was a hissing noise as the steam began to form around him, and he stared at it in confusion. It wasn't terribly warm, but to him it was hot. No doubt to the dragons, whose resistance to fire was legendary, this seemed remarkably tame. He brushed his claws over his eyes for a moment, wiping away some droplets that had formed on his eyelashes, and turned slowly.p
Moisture built on his body gradually, but as the steam flow increased, he did in fact feel wet, and even his hair began to feel the weight of water. He worked his claws through the tangled mass for a few moments, feeling it slide and shift easily underneath his hands. His hair could easily get tangled, but it just as easily untangled, and in that way he was lucky. He ran his claws across the horns that came from his head for a moment and sighed to himself.p
He held onto his upper arms with his claws and looked down, slight pools of water building beneath him.p
He couldn't do this...he couldn't doom Cid this way. He felt his face clench with emotion, and a noise tried to break through his throat. He didn't want Cid to die...he didn't want him to have to suffer...p
Vincent closed his eyes, letting the heat cover his face as he leaned towards the walls, hoping it would dilute the blood that was beginning to flow from his eyes. p
He didn't want to die...not now, not now that he had found everything that he had wanted. Not now that he had actually found a purpose to live...he didn't want to die...but more then that, he didn't want Cid to die either.p
The thought of the dragon lying still and motionless made Vincent clutch his arms closely, another slight sound escaping him. No, no he couldn't bear it. To see him die in such a way...to see him die at all...no, he couldn't do that.p
But he knew as well as Cid did that their fates were sealed at this point. They knew the moment they began speaking that they were doomed, sentenced to death. But that didn't mean that Vincent wanted to die...it didn't mean that he was able to accept such an outcome...p
Vincent looked up at the ceiling and let words escape him, tiny and choked. "Why? Why us? You bless us with your aura and then you strike us down...why are you doing this to us? Why are we cursed?"p
Vincent shivered despite the heat. "Why do we have to die..."p
His wings folded limply against his back, and he let his tail wrap around one of his footclaws as he leaned against the wall, crying helplessly.p
CENTER~~~/centerp
Shera and her friends had settled at one of the eateries that lined the streets of her town. Dragons loved to eat, and they could eat great amounts when the urge came to them. She went there more because she just wanted a place to talk with them where she wouldn't be interrupted, and a place where she could forget her forced marriage for precious hours.p
As she had expected, the two of them were lingering outside of the bar, seemingly waiting for her, but at the same time looking as if they were just loitering.p
A large black wing greeted her, and she landed neatly beside them, her wings folding behind her back. Tifa was the one who had waved, and she smiled in response, Aeris right behind her.p
Tifa was one of the night birds, the birds that lived below the ground or in some semblance of it. They rarely had any light, so their dark plumage was a great help. Tifa's feathers were completely lusterless black, as were her tail feathers. They matched her black hair perfectly, which was tied back at the moment, and the scales on her feet were a dark grey. She wore her normal ensemble of a white tanktop and shorts, which showed off her musclature. Shera had to admit that Tifa was one of the strongest females she had ever seen in any species, and Tifa was not afraid to flaunt it. Shera sometimes found herself jealous over her ability, but never voiced such thoughts outloud.p
The bird was one of her earliest friends, and had been the most instrumental in helping Shera gain her own sense of self. Tifa had always strongly opposed any kind of reliance of trust with men, and she, in fact, almost seemed to regard them with a kind of hatred. This made Shera wonder sometimes whether or not Tifa was interested in men at all, but it wasn't really her business. Tifa also differed from most other birds in that she didn't believe so strongly in the entire "survival" belief her entire species had become so dependent on. Tifa believed in living life for yourself, and that some things that had no purpose had to be enjoyed at times. It was also why she didn't have a mate, which struck the birds as blasphemy considering she was in her prime, physically speaking. Tifa was on the outskirts of the bird society, and she spent a great deal more time with Shera and Aeris then with anyone else. The bird and dragon had met while Shera was flying at night as a child, and struck up a conversation that had blossomed into the friendship they now had.p
Aeris was an angel, which, originally, had made Tifa and Shera uncomfortable. Angels normally stuck to their own kind, and it was strange that one would come to the dragons and birds for friendship. But Aeris was different in a way...she hinted at not being a complete angel, although she had the snow white feathers and arms that distinguished her from the bird race. Her chestnut brown hair was tied behind her in a long braid, as it always had been, and she always seemed to wear pink in various forms, which tonight was a light pink dress. And she was never, ever without her boots, which confused Tifa and Shera as well when she stayed at their houses over night. She even slept with them on. But they never asked, not really finding it annoying, just curious, and she never told them, so the mystery remained unsolved. Her eyes shone with some kind of natural light that angels had (or at least, that's what she said), and she was, by far, out of the three the kindest and most considerate.p
Aeris had come to join Tifa and Shera much later, due to a falling out among her kind. Aeris had disagreed with them on something, although the specifics of which they could never get out of her, and they had told her to stay away for a short period of time, in which she hovered around the dragon city. Tifa and Shera, who were younger and more impetuous in those days, waved her down, and she quickly became their friend, although with Aeris it seemed like anyone could become her friend in moments. She had been allowed back with the Angel society, but now with her friends outside of her own species, she spent less and less time with them and was...maturing because of it. Tifa and Shera had been somewhat surprised to hear how closed minded angels could be, but comparing the supposedly divine species to their own lessened the impact. They had all been told since they were children that the angels were divine, but as one grows old myths become lies, and Aeris' stories only seemed to prove that the angels were just as corrupt and illogical as the birds or the dragons. No one even bothered to mention the demons. That was one story that everyone believed, because the thought that the damage, the pain and hurt one causes others, is one's own fault and not the fault of a demon who has decided to play with you was too painful. No one wanted responsibility, but no one wanted perfection either.p
One thing that had remained with Aeris after her psuedo-break off with the rest of the angel race was her strong sense of morals. Aeris had a strict ethical code that she followed, and although she tried very hard not to force it on the others, her breeding often got into the way, causing her to go into long sermons about right and wrong, especially about martyrdom. Aeris hated the concept of martyrs with a passion, relating them to her own corrupt species, based around lies and hatred in the name of divine guidance, and the sacrifice of one for one's belief became the epitome of stupidity to her. This meshed in well with Tifa's semi-survivalist sense, and the two of them agreed on that often. Aeris, along with Tifa and Shera, also refused the company of men, finding the angels among her own kind far too stuck up and self-righteous for her blood.p
Crossbreeding was completely out of the question.p
So Aeris, Tifa, and Shera talked a lot to one another, often about how they disagreed with their own species beliefs, and they each found it a welcome break from their daily routine.p
"Hey Shera, was he being a #$^#@ again?" Tifa smiled at her friend, the fire lit in Shera's eyes painfully evident, as the three of them walked into the cafe simultaenously, the owner greeting them with a slightly exasperated nod. They always came here, but at least they paid when the night was over with.p
They settled at their customary table at the corner of the bar, Tifa perching on top of the backrest, her footclaws fitting into holes that had been worn into the fabric after many years of eating at the same place. She folded her wings up to her body as Aeris put her hands in front of her face, lacing her fingers together delicately as she blinked at her draconian friend.p
"What did he do this time?"p
Shera sighed and put her hand on her forehead, not even feeling the heat due to the protection of her scales. She was already calming down in the presence of friends, but she still felt angry. "You won't believe it."p
"What? What?" Tifa looked at her eagerly, ruffling her wings a little bit. The waiter didn't even bother to visit their table, knowing already what the three would order. Shera tried to keep her voice level.p
"You guys know about that Heaven Glow thing, right?"p
"Sure." Aeris shrugged in a confused way. "I heard about it all the time...but what does that have to do with it?"p
"Get this." Shera held her hand out flat for a moment, trying to keep her face impassive. "He's got it."p
The two of them blinked at her for several minutes, Tifa finally leaning forward on the table, her wings changing the alignment of the table for a few moments. "What? What do you mean? You serious?"p
Shera nodded. "I came home and he's got that stupid glow all over him. Claims it's none of my business."p
Aeris looked deeply offended. "Of course it's your business, he's your husband, even if it's not by choice. He must be having an affair or something."p
Tifa was about to say something, but Shera cut her off. "But the worst part is, you KNOW what kind of a guy he is! Can you imagine what he did to her?"p
Tifa made a face of disgust. "Ugh."p
"That poor girl." Aeris looked momentarily distraught. "He must have lied to her terribly."p
"But wait, wait. I thought that whole heaven thing was a myth though." Tifa looked confused, a feathery wingtip near her mouth. "There are no gods...so how that could happen? There's no way."p
The two of them nodded, neither one religious in any way. Aeris spoke first. "That's just terrible though...that he'd cheat on you like that."p
Shera rolled her eyes. "It's not like I care. I'm just annoyed because he found some poor girl to fawn all over him. Ugh, makes me sick to think about it. Just like in all those stories about that strong guy and that weak girl that always follows him around."p
"And usually dies a noble death on his behalf, don't forget." Aeris rolled her eyes in turn.p
"Or on everyone's." Tifa pointed at. At this point three plates were brought to their table, the same thing they had every time they came here. All three of them were vegetarians, so their food was cunningly crafted vegetable substitutes of more appetizing looking food. They had gotten used to the taste and even enjoyed it now, although it went against both Shera and Tifa's natural chemistry.p
Tifa leaned forward, using the joint in her wings to carefully balance her food. Most birds used their feet for this purpose, but her feet were occupied keeping her aloft. Besides, Tifa felt accomplished whenever she could use her wings like arms. Occasionally for more difficult food she would use one foot while balancing on the other, but at the moment she held her food tightly so it wouldn't slip. Shera and Tifa used forks, which reminded them of just how lucky they were to have hands.p
"We've got to tell someone or something." Aeris took a dainty bite off her fork, blinking for a moment. "He just can't get away with that, it's disgraceful."p
Tifa nodded in agreement, but Shera shrugged.p
"Who am I supposed to tell? The council doesn't care unless you kill something, and it takes ages to get a normal appointment with them anyway. My parents won't care and I'm sure his wouldn't either."p
"Excuse me..."p
The three of them jerked sharply at the figure standing near their table, and then recoiled instinctively. The feline smiled at their reaction, clean white fangs against perfect silver fur.p
"What do you want?" Shera tried to keep her suspicion out of her voice. Only a fool trusted a feline. Everyone knew that. She kept her eyes averted, the lack of covering on the feline making her uncomfortable. Tifa, on the other hand, looked extremely angry, while Aeris managed to maintain an aura of dignified surprise.p
The feline seemed to know about the reaction he was having, and put one of his paws near his lips for a moment, before leaning down, his head closer and whispering to them conspiratorially.p
"I couldn't help but overhear the problem you seem to be having..." His voice was smooth and quiet and calm. His silver hair draped over his shoulder, spilling onto the table like water. Shera and the others kept their eyes firmly on their plate, although she could hear Tifa shuffling around angrily at his approach.p
"I think I have a solution for you."p
"You do...?"p
The feline smiled, emerald green eyes sparkling. "I know exactly who to go to for your problem. They'd listen to me, I'm sure..." His voice was reassuring in a strange way. "All I need if your permission and your names, if you please..."p
Shera thought for a moment. She didn't trust the feline, but something about him seemed sincere. Either way, it would help get Cid in trouble, which was what she wanted anyway. She shrugged. What could he do to her with just her name anyway?p
"Shera." She said simply, not wanting Cid's name to disgrace her own. "Just call me Shera."p
Tifa and Aeris exchanged glances for a moment, then spoke in turn. They mirrored Shera's lack of a last name.p
"Tifa."p
"Aeris."p
The feline smiled and nodded, fangs showing once again. "Thank you very much...I take it that means you approve?"p
Shera nodded, and the feline straightened, brushing his silver hair back behind his shoulder. "My thanks to you...you've made my day."p
There was a flash, and when they looked again the feline was gone. Shera rolled her eyes, knowing that felines loved flashy tricks and misdirection.p
"Do you think that was a good idea?" Aeris looked uncomfortable, while Tifa apparently still was upset.p
Shera shrugged. "As long as it gets him into trouble, I don't mind. You're right, he SHOULD have some repurcussions for what he's done."p
"Ooo..." Tifa fumed to herself. "That smug look on his face...who did he think he was? I so could have taken him."p
Shera and Aeris nodded, knowing this to be true. Despite the feline's height, Tifa was a fierce fighter, and once angered was unstoppable. "You're right...he did seem full of himself."p
"I wonder what he was hiding." Aeris brushed her hair back, and this brought the conversation to an abrupt halt for a few moments, then she nervously laughed. "Well, either way, at least he'll get what's coming to him."p
Shera and Tifa nodded, and their conversation continued on as usual, this time avoiding the topic of Cid and whoever he was with entirely.p
CENTER~~~/centerp
Vincent finally managed to make himself calm down, returning to the former stoicism that had allowed him to survive much of the torment his life had once been. He stared at himself in the mirror without emotion, noting the slight red tinge underneath his eyes that didn't seem to want to leave. He decided it wasn't that important anyway and searched for a towel, finding a large one nearby. He wrapped his hair up in a turban like manner, waiting for the fabric to absorb the moisture, while he continued to stare at himself in the mirror.p
Everytime he saw the faint glow around his body, emanating from him into the thin air. He tried to touch it for a moment, but it passed through his claws just as he expected it to. He didn't expect it to be substantial anyway...p
The glow confused him, depressed him, and gladdened him everytime he saw it, and that constant turmoil of emotions was taking its toll. He was tired and he just wanted to sleep for once. He could see the lines building underneath his scarlet eyes, and decided that after he was finally dry, he would ask Cid where he could sleep.p
He also found himself wondering about the argument that had occurred while he was hiding in the closet. Who was it that Cid was arguing with? Was it his friend? He let his claws trail across his chest, finding the scars that were still healing there easily and causing tiny pricks of pain to go through him. Was it his...p
Vincent shook his head, forcing such thoughts away. This aura was proof enough at least...he knew that the aura was not only telling the entire world his feelings, but it also served as a reminder whenever he felt like he wasn't good enough to be loved. Which was often.p
He sighed and shook the towel in his hair, struggling to try and get it dry. His hair was a hassle to deal with, but trying to cut it off had resulted in nothing else then having the strands grow in his hands to their previous length. Another strange affliction they had decided to curse him with...p
He held his metal arm up near the mirror, sighing. He had gotten used to it...he had many years to get used to it, but it always bothered him. He supposed it would bother anyone...p
The apathy that this state of mind was giving him was alarming him, and he faced a problem he often had...struggling to get out of this stoicism that he had worked himself into. He didn't normally react to his arm or his other disfigurements with such nonchalance.p
He sighed and pulled the towel from his head, letting his hair fall free. It was still thick and heavy and clumped due to moisture, and he sighed, shaking his head for a few moments. Only a few stray droplets flew, but considering that after this was over he was planning on going to sleep, he didn't want to sleep with wet hair. He rubbed the towel back into his hair with renewed force, continuing to stare at himself in the mirror.p
The aura was there and gone again in a few moments, constantly fluctuating and changing. It was hard to keep it in sight and sometimes he wasn't sure whether it was a trick of the light or if he was actually seeing it. The next moment the aura would flare up so brightly that Vincent was sure that he was being bathed in some holy light, and then it would fade again. He was confused at the capriciousness of the aura's nature, but he shrugged, continuing to rub at his hair, struggling to at least get it somewhat dry before retiring to sleep.p
He let his hair fall back down. This time it was more dry, and his hair flared around him much more then usual, the strands each apart and seeming to try and stay that way. He chanced a small smile in the mirror at his appearance. His hair looked kind of silly this way. He brushed it back behind him, noting the hair fuzzing around his horns, completely hiding them from view. That was something he was glad for...p
He noted a twin towel on the floor nearby, apparently also used, and Vincent shrugged, not sure of what else to do, and put his towel along with the other one. The towels matched pretty well, although Vincent's loose strands that were caught in his towel was a key difference. He shook his tail over and shook his head for a moment, causing his hair to frizz all about him again, and he smiled slightly as he brushed it behind him yet again. He noted the soft glow from his arm as he moved it, not bright or dim, but just soft. He found that kind of intensity pleasing and more calming then the rampant nature as of previous.p
He pulled his clothes back on, walking through the door somewhat warily. He wasn't sure of what to expect. Would the woman be back again? Would Cid have changed his mind? He shook his head at that. There would be no reason for Cid to do that...the aura around him still glew as strongly as it had before, and he let this comfort him.p
"Highwind...?" He coughed after speaking, the humidity of the bathroom affecting his vocal chords slightly, and looked around curiously. He heard a noise off to his right and headed in that direction, unsure of where else he could go. "Highwind, I was just curious as to where I'm going to sleep tonight..."p
Cid's bedroom as just as dissheveled as he thought it would be, with clothes thrown everywhere, scratches and nicks in the walls from careless tail lashings, and the majority of the room taken up by the large bed near the wall. In this bed Cid was sleeping on his side, curled up slightly with his wings folded near his shoulders. The thing that made Vincent stop speaking was the fact that Cid was only taking half the bed.p
He walked closer, avoiding miscellaenous objects that had somehow found their way onto the floor, not sure of what to make of this. Cid wouldn't have left that room for him, would he?p
The glow around him fluctuated, like a heart beat, for a few seconds, then remained at a steady glow. He smiled slightly again. The aura had to constantly remind him...there could be no other reason for this...and there was no other option for where he should sleep. Cid had already known, and in his heart Vincent had already known as well but had denied it out of years of disbelief in the concept of caring. He walked to the side of the bed, pulling the covers up slightly to slide his clawed feet underneath them. The fabric had enough strength so that claws could not pierce and tear through it during the night, but kept in the warmth very well. Vincent had encountered this material before, ages and ages ago, but it had been a long time since he had slept in an actual bed, an actual bed with comforters and blankets...p
An actual bed with someone else...p
As he slid underneath the covers he felt the warmth assailing his body instantly. The air underneath had already been heated by Cid's body, who had apparently fallen asleep after Vincent had gone into the shower. The demon turned onto his side, staring at the sleeping dragons back, the wings moving slightly with each breath.p
He stared for a moment, the entire realization of where he was hit him. He was with someone he loved, in a place where he was safe...p
He smiled broadly for once, something that felt strange to him, but it also made him feel better. He moved forward until he could slide his claws around Cid, drawing him close, letting the scaled wings press into his chest. Cid just sighed in his sleep, not moving, and for once in his life, Vincent understood what it meant to want to cry out of happiness.p
He kept his tears to himself, not wanting to ruin the bed or sheets, but allowed the safety and warmth and happiness to take him to sleep, his tail tightly curled around the dragons own.