His heart was racing. He can feel his blood getting overheated.
...
...His beast, crossed between running to the highest peak of the mountain he could run to and give his praises to Six for bringing him and his Life-Mate, together... And, to howl at the sky to call upon the Astrals, to give him their powers to find the ones who dared to lay their claws on his Life-Mate and have them face his vengeful fury. And, if they were already dead, then he'll find a way to bring them back to life, just to rip their beating hearts with his own fangs and send them back to whatever hole they crawled out from.
Gladiolus stares down at his Life-Mate, relieved that she didn't hit her head when he caught her in his hold.
He didn't want to take his eyes off her... He couldn't believe that he's, actually, holding her.
While he feels the material of her clothes and the scratchy texture of the bandages on her arms, he felt her cheek rest in the palm of his left-hand... He was amazed at the smooth and softness of her skin.
He gently turned her body away from the ground, readjusting his hold on her to have her sit up and hold her by her shoulders and knees... Resulting her face be revealed before him.
His heart clenched at the paleness in her skin and the hollow of her cheeks poking out, indicating her low energy and not eating enough these past few days. The bags under her eyes are a clear sign of sleep deprived, crying for much needed rest.
...Then, he saw it.
On her left cheek, two diagonally from underneath her eye down to her throat and three straight from where the top of her cheekbone is to the back of her jawline... Five long cuts... Scarred scratched-marks.
Judging on the aging, they're years old... And, from the length of force and the thickness that made these specific marks, Gladiolus figured out that it was a Voretooth that gave her these marks.
His Amber-eyes held great sorrow, hurt that his Life-Mate had been marked at such a young age... Yet, behind the sadness, pride and respect can be seen.
While many, mostly humans, would find scars on a female to being unattractive and question of concern for their well-being and the safety of others, werewolves, hunters, soldiers, even kings and governors see them in a different light.
...Because, to them, their scars are living proof that they're survivors and fighters.
For scars tells others that they went through something tough in their life. Survived it, and it made them stronger.
And it's because of that meaning, that werewolves have a great deal of respect, and a certain soft spot, to those who carries scars... Especially, if that person is a female.
And though Gladiolus would rather not see any sign of past inflicted marks on his mate, as if to be a sign that he wasn't there to protect her and could've lost her at any moment in their life... To see that his mate survived this dangerous world they live in and is using her strength to protect and save others, made his beast more than pleased and honored to have her as his Life-Mate.
...That, and to finally do his part, as her mate, to watch over her. To protect her, and be there for her when she needs him.
"Ra!"
Looking up, he acknowledged one of her brothers, his soon-to-be brother-in-law, was with them... And, to his beast's despair and his own displeasure, Lupus took his sister from his hold to examine Sarai, for himself, for any signs of head trauma or hints of more sustained injuries.
To both of their greatest reliefs, she didn't appear to had sustained another head injury and looks to be in a deep sleep.
Lupus gazed softly at his slumbering sister. He held her against his chest, resting his chin on top of her head. Her hat, that fell off her head after Gladiolus caught her, remains abandon at the moment.
"Way to give me a heart attack," he whispered. "I'm gonna end up with grey-hair, by the time I'm thirty-five. -He looked up at Gladiolus, nodding his head to the King's Shield.- Thank you, Lord Gladiolus."
The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old stared at the older-brother... His beast was growling at the sight that both him, and his Life-Mate, are covered in bandages and blood, creatures, Daemons and even their own, stained their clothes, skin and bandages. He could even smell the combine blood in their hairs.
His gaze hardened, mixed with concern of their well-being, their brothers and Dave, and irritation that they made him worried sick and came back to the city, bandaged and weak.
"What happened to you?" He asked, voice low.
Lupus' face was calm, but went stoic when he felt as if he was being challenged and judged by the werewolf in front of him... He even got a bit protective, from the way his Amber-eyes would stare at his unconscious sister.
He slightly tightened his hold on her, though winced when some of his injuries protested from being forced to stiffen.
"When you have hunters, who believe that they can take any threat that comes their way, without the proper weapons and/or training to take them down, and had to call for aid from other hunters, after completing their bounties and dealing with creatures and Daemons of their own... Well, this is the results on such event that had taken place."
Gladiolus' eyes grew cold... A small hint of red, blended into his Amber-eyes.
'No doubt, those hunters were a bunch of newbies, who flunked on identifying the strength and weaknesses of those Daemons. I get that they're shorthanded, with most of the werewolves being called in for the food shortage, and need everybody who are hunters to pull their weights... But this? This is inexcusable, and unacceptable!'
Liliana, who remained in her spot and watches how the two males interacted with her human, finally made her presence known and, purposely bumping against Gladiolus, went forward to nuzzle her beak against Sarai's tired face.
She crooned, cocking her head to the side. Even, to see if she would wake up, nibbled on a few strands of her hair.
Lupus chuckled at the Cerulean Chocobo's attempt to wake up his sister, gently pushing her head and freeing the hair from her beak.
"Cut it out, silly bird." He muttered, before grabbing the reins.
With one arm, he was able to hoist his slumbering sister and get to his feet, without much issue. Though, his eyes widened with concerned when he felt her ribcage through her wife-beater shirt and how light she felt... Well, lighter.
She was always small and light, even as a child. And, with her brothers being more physically built than her and are a lot stronger, makes her feel lighter to them... Thus, all the more reason on being overprotective of her, when she pushes herself to the brink of exhaustion.
...And, when dealing with people harassing Sarai.
He let out a deep sigh of disappointment, and guilt; living off on trail mix for a few days and, because he, their brothers and Dave were rendered unconscious after their fight with the Flans, yesterday, the stress and worrying over healing and protecting them, on her own, prevented her from getting any rest. Let alone, have decent food to eat.
He pushed that thought, behind; he couldn't afford regret get in his way, when Sarai needs him and their brothers to help take care of her. He made a clicking sound with his teeth, signaling Liliana to follow him to the conjoint stalls.
"If you want, I can carry her for you."
A shiver ran down the twenty-nine year-old's spine. His eyes narrowed ahead, left-hand clenching slightly at the reins.
His gut feeling was right, at least to what he assumes, when he noticed the way Gladiolus was staring at his sister. And, when he offered to carry her, even if it may seem like a nice gesture to help give his body a rest from carrying weight that wasn't really much of an issue, gave him more reason to keep distance between the King's Shield and their sister.
"It's fine." He replied, using a calm tone. "She doesn't weigh much... Plus, after learning that she forced herself to stay up all night to take care of us, when she, already, was forcing herself to stay awake for over twenty-four hours from a concussion, this will give me some form of relief that she's okay. And, quite frankly, I have no intention to part from her."
Gladiolus wasn't satisfied to the refusal to let him help... To let him hold his mate in his arms, again.
But, he didn't try to push it and, silently, followed. Though, he almost got bit by Liliana, when he got a bit too close to her, followed by a hiss.
Lupus smirked at the Chocobo's action towards the King's Shield.
"Good girl," he muttered.
Gladiolus glared at the twenty-nine year-old brother, though didn't say anything, when he knew that the Chocobo was only doing what she does to protect her human and her family from what she presumes to being a threat... Despite that he would never do anything to hurt his Life-Mate.
As Lupus brought her in the stall, a deeper squawk next to their stall called out... It being a black-Chocobo, with a few scars over its chest and claw-marks over its right-eye, that called out to the siblings' Chocobo.
...
...More specifically, towards Liliana.
...
...
...It was Gladiolus' Chocobo.
He went to his Chocobo, petting his face.
"Hey there, Titus (Title of Honour)." He greeted, scratching the bird underneath his beak.
While the Chocobo showed to enjoy the petting and acknowledged his presence, the black-Chocobo still called out to Liliana, who completely ignored the Chocobo's cry to let Lupus remove the halter from her face and to gently nuzzle Sarai's face with her own.
She croon at the sleeping girl, before looking up at Lupus... With her eyes, the twenty-nine year-old brother can see that she's asking of him to help and care for her human.
He nodded his head to the Chocobo, said his goodbye to the other Chocobos, telling them to behave and that he and the others will check on them in a little while and left the stall, closing the door and, grabbing her hat and placing it back on her head, started making his way out of the Royal Stables.
After saying his own goodbye to Titus and checking on his food and water, Gladiolus left his Chocobo, who continued to call out to Liliana, and went to follow Lupus.
The older-brother was getting uncomfortable and annoyed by the large werewolf following them... He can even feel his Amber-eyes staring at his sister, and he wasn't liking it. One bit.
...However, he's the King's Sworn Shield. And, as he was raised and knows his place, had to show him respect... However, if he does anything that makes Sarai feel unsafe, which includes inappropriate actions and/or activities, then all bets are off and will risk being labeled as a traitor, to keep his sister safe from him.
He turned to the large-male.
"Is there something you need, Lord Gladiolus?" He asked, slightly tightening his grip on Sarai, keeping her close.
The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old werewolf didn't want to leave her... Not now, not ever... Especially, with her covered in bandages, drenched in blood and just collapsed, from overexerting herself.
...But, so long as she isn't marked, he can't make her stay by his side... At least, not now.
He has to wait. He wants her to get to know him, to open up to him... To be comfortable around him. And then, on the last night of the Five Moons blessings Celebration, will he reveal her as his Life-Mate and be permitted to have her come live with him.
The larger-male gave him the same concern look on his face.
"Wouldn't it be best, to get her, yourself and your brothers checked out? To make certain you four and Dave didn't end up with something serious?" He replied with a question of his own. "If you want, we can have you guys get looked at, by the healers at the Citadel."
On the one side, Lupus didn't think the offer wasn't a bad idea and wanted to see if Sarai had sustained any permanent injuries, when she used up the last of her curatives on him, their brothers and Dave, after their fight with the Flans.
...But, on the other hand, he's still getting the weird vibes from the King's Shield and doesn't want to risk leaving her alone... And give him the chance to do whatever he wants with his sister, whether it be with good intentions... Or, be his way to hit on her, as he and his brothers heard of his playboy charms to woo many females. Which will, whether he knows or not, end up hurting Sarai... And, most likely, be victimized by the other females that fell for his charms.
"We'll be just fine," he informed. "We'll get some Elixirs at a shop, nearby the apartment we're staying at. -He gently hoisted Sarai, to rest at a more comfortable position.- This isn't the first time this happened, and Ra always makes certain that she treats her own injuries, if she knows the warning signs of poison, confusion or other serious condition that's taken over her body. She wouldn't just use up all of her curatives on others, while she's in serious condition."
Gladiolus' eyes narrowed at the brother's words.
He didn't hear any lies that would have him more worried over the well-being of his Life-Mate... But, he can tell that it wasn't the whole truth, and that Lupus was keeping things from him.
"Are you sure?" He pressed. "Noct won't mind having our healers take a look at you guys; he, truly, appreciate what you four had done for us and don't want you four to suffer, from doing your part as hunters... He, also, wants you all to enjoy the celebration with all of us, since you four are basically Insomnia Citizens."
To be heard that they're, in some way, part of King Noctis' citizens, did make Lupus feel somewhat appreciated... But, it immediately went away when he recalled the video he and his brothers watched from Sarai's recording device.
...So, to him, Gladiolus' words mean nothing.
He kept his head focused, re-entering the city.
"I'm a hundred percent certain, that we'll be fine on our own, Lord Gladiolus." He answered, using a firm but calm tone. "We've had worse, and know just enough medical experience to treat our own injuries. Besides, we don't want to bother your healers with something they'll find to being a distraction, when they should focus on caring for the Crownsguard and werewolves pushing themselves to help replenish the food shortage, instead of some common hunters."
Gladiolus stopped in his tracks. Flabbergasted from the sudden tone that sounded like Iggy would use, when displaying his own displeasure and annoyance towards their pack.
"Hey, Lupe!"
Sprinting towards them, Cephas and Vitalis came running.
Lupus turned to a still stunned Gladiolus. He nodded towards him, unable to bow while carrying Sarai and has no intention to risk dropping her or irritating whatever injuries she may still have.
"Thank you, again, for catching our sister, Lord Gladiolus." He thanked again. "Do have a good day. Please, excuse us."
Immediately, Lupus caught up to Cephas and Vitalis.
On the one side, they were worried to see her asleep, in public. But, on the other side, they weren't too surprised that she, finally, went to sleep. Though, seeing the irritation on Lupus' face, told the two that something was bothering him.
"What's wrong, Lupe?" Vitalis asked.
Without bothering to explain, he gently handed off Sarai into Cephas' arms and steered the two towards the direction for the apartment.
"Don't look back and don't say anything to Lord Gladiolus." He muttered underneath his breath.
Cephas saw the look of concern in his brother's greenish-blue eyes... And, the unease and distrust that he had on his face, when sneaking a glance at the Sworn Shield, to make certain he wasn't following them.
He gently hoisted Sarai to rest on his right-shoulder, his eyes just as focused ad Lupus. He turned to Vitalis.
"Tell us what happened, when we get back." Here whispered took his brother. "...We'll talk with Dave, about our payments, after he learns how long his car will be out of commission for."
Watching them leave, Gladiolus couldn't stop thinking that he, actually, made physical contact with his Life-Mate... Her scent, despite the trace of blood mixed into her natural scent, clung to his hands and arms.
...His beast wanted more... He wanted more.
He wanted to hold her, every day, of every moment. To hold her hand, so every male can see that she's taken and is going to be loved by her Life-Mate that'll love her, many times more than any other male would... And, also, to have the human-females to stop flocking towards him and try to woo him with their forward advances.
He was raised to be a gentlemen towards women, but even he has limits when he can tolerate their behaviors, before he has to excuse himself from their inappropriate gestures and get away from them.
When he first saw her and watched her present herself to Noctis, Luna and Cor, she wore decent, appropriate clothes and didn't try to show off any part of her body to gather any attention from the males, as if she were in heat and wanted somebody to give her a good fuck. That told him, that she won't try to fool around or, purposely, cause trouble to seek his attention... As if he wasn't going to give her all the attention she'll be getting from him, when she'll be his entire focus, when he isn't performing his duty as the King's Sworn Shield, once she lives with him and is accepted into Noctis' pack.
Gladiolus wished Lupus would've allowed him to hold her, when he offered to carry her... Though, he was certain, that if he had held her... He probably would've ended up kissing her... That, and his blood would've had him morphed into his wolf-form and, to rid away the blood off her clothes and skin, plus carry his scent, would lick her from head to toe. And, no doubt, her brothers wouldn't appreciate having a giant wolf grooming their unconscious sister.
...Still, to be given the chance to hold her to him and feel the soft and warmth of her skin against his own... It was like staring into the beauty and glow of the moon, itself, and holding the large-pearl in the palm of his hand.
His beast called out to her... It yearns for her.
MATE! HAVE MATE BACK! NEED MATE BACK TO US!
A low groan left his chest, laying a hand over his chest.
'Soon,' he thought. 'We'll have her back, very soon. She'll be back in our arms. I'll make certain of that.'
His blood did calm to his promise, though the beast whimpered that he has to wait.
Gladiolus let out a huff of irritation. Also, not happy to wait until he can see Sarai, again. Let alone, find the chance to touch her... To hold her.
"Gladdy!"
Prompto's voice brought him out from his thoughts, turning his head to set the blonde coming his way.
He turned his head to where he last saw the siblings... Last saw Sarai, before he has to push aside his desire of his Life-mate and focus his attention to the update of the Five Moons Blessings Celebration.
...He plans to pay the siblings a visit, to make certain that they're really okay... Tonight.
She finds herself hanging over a ledge. Her small-hands, barely able to keep a firm grip on the rough ground, trembled in strain and fear.
...
...
...
...Standing over her, six older-kids, between the ages of nine to twelve, watches her struggle to pull herself up... None of them bothered to aid her.
...
...For they put her in the position she's in. All smirking and smiling at her losing her grip and making whimpering sounds that a dog would make.
The eldest of the group, being the son to a car-repair owner of the town, stood before her and in front of the group.
"We have a rule out here, where we live, and you broke that rule." He scowled, having no sympathy towards the five year-old girl. "And, because you've tried to rat us out on taking down those Voretooths that our parents are hiring your family for, the proper punishment for you, is to have you become bait and draw out the Voretooths from their den."
Sarai continues to try and pull herself up, but is unable to get her footing to hold... And, when she just about got and started to pull herself up, the oldest-boy would kick her back down and leave her hanging, again.
The other kids giggled at the fear on her face... Not one of them were going to help her... To understand that what they're doing, is wrong.
...Then, she yelped in pain, when the oldest-kid stepped on her hands.
He snickered at the girl's cry.
"Even when you're going to fall and get eaten by Voretooths, you still won't scream, to save your life!" He taunted. "You're such a pathetic freak of nature, for being a mute retard! -His shoe dug deeper against her hands, forcing out more quiet cries of protest from the toddler.- I don't even know why your family would still want you, when you won't even talk to them and pretend to be deaf by doing that stupid signing."
Tears ran down Sarai's cheeks, her forest-green eyes pleading, begging for them to stop. To help her up... To not go through with this sick desire to have her be killed, for their selfish plan to take down creatures when they, themselves, had never been trained to do.
Down below, within a cave-like den, she can hear the calls of the Voretooths... They smell them... They hear the older-kids' voices.
Her throat feels constricted. Her heart, pounding against her ears and trying to pop right out of her chest.
...She choked out a single word.
"P... Please..."
Some of the children stopped laughing, astonished that they heard her speak. Even the oldest of the group was taken back, that he took a step back from her and off of her hands.
...Only to step back on her bruised, trembling fingers... A sinister-like smirk spread on his face, as the Voretooths came out of their den and, seeing the girl dangling in the air, let out yips and snarls.
...The beasts wants her to fall. To let go. Some even jumped in the air, snapping their fangs in the air, as if thinking that they can reach for her and pull her down.
He kneeled down, staring straight into Sarai's eyes.
"Do you hear that?" He questioned, placing his right-hand over his right-ear, pretending that it would increase the sound below them when he can hear them as clear as day. "They're really hungry, and they're speaking louder than you. And, we can't have them come into our town and keep killing our pets and livestock. -He smirked at the quivering girl, still trying to have her hands to keep hanging on.- ...Maybe, if you asked, again... We'll let you up."
...She knew, from the look of deceit and the coldness in his voice, that he was lying... Yet, as any child, scared and having no family or friends nearby to help.
...She did just that.
"...Pl-... Please?" It was still a whisper, especially with the Voretooths cry being much louder than get, but it was a bit louder than the last time she spoke.
...
...
...
...The boy gave her a cheerful smile...
...
...
...
...
...Then, he kicked her hands off the ledge.
...
...
...She fell towards the bottom... Towards the Voretooths...
...
...
...Sarai's forest-green eyes, big and wide, stared up at the children... All of them, laughing... Smiling... Happy on what they've done.
...
...
...
...The five year-old soon found herself on the ground, grabbing rocks and sticks to jab, poke and hit the Voretooths with, as the beasts scratched, bit and jabbed their tails at her.
Her shirt ripped, torn to shreds, as her sandals were pulled aside, leaving her in nothing but her shorts, as they continued to inflict wounds and poison on the poor girl.
...
...
...
...Barely catching a glimpse, she sees the children walking away from there ledge... Leaving her to her fate that they've put her in... Laughing, even cheering, for her death and praising the Voretooths for putting an end to her existence.
...
...
...
...She heard their final message.
"One less retarded rat Eos and Six don't have to waste their pity on! Enjoy to being remembered by as the mute-girl, who got eaten by Voretooths! And, for making us become heroes, who tried to save her pathetic life!"
Her eyes snapped open... Tears ran down her face... Formed, from her dreams.
...
...
...She curled in on herself, in a fetal-position, clenching at the blanket covering her small-form.
...
...
...
...She can still hear their laughter... Their joy on leaving her to die.
She wiped her tears away with her right-hand, laying on her left-side and her left-hand underneath her pillow.
She looked straight at her brother's sleeping form, not showing any sign on waking up.
A sigh of relief left her lungs... Slightly shaking in a sob, as she tries to regain control over hard breathing and emotions.
...
...
...
...Then... She felt it.
...
...
...A pair of eyes, staring right at her... Coming from behind.
Her hands clenched at the sheets and pillowcase, her toes curled up. She didn't know who it was, but she recognized the feeling when she entered the city and taking her Chocobo to the Royal Stables.
Her heart picked up, getting anxious with each passing seconds the stare continued on her. And, because she doesn't know who it was, made her worry much more of her stalker.
Thinking quick, before she started panting and enter the first stage of a panic attack... She let out a whimper.
At first, it was low; whether her stalker knows if she's awake or not, with her back turned to the window, she can still appear to be sleeping and was whimpering from a bad dream... And, thanks to, already, going through a nightmare, made her sound more convincing and to raise the volume to her cries, without being caught.
Twenty-two seconds on whimpering, Cephas finally woke up. And, the instant his eyes, no matter how sleepy he was, landed on her, he was already making his way towards her.
"Ra?" He said, kneeling to be eye-to-eye with his whimpering sister.
...Almost immediately, the pair of eyes were gone... Yet, she still continues to whimper.
She raised her right-hand, forming words.
Someone was staring at me!
Cephas was taken back, fully awake and on high alert. His eyes narrowed at what she just said.
"What?"
She looked over her shoulder, slightly shaking on the possibility that her stalker will pop back out, and pointed a finger towards the window.
"...There..." She whispered, voice quivering. "...Out there... Eyes... Staring..."
Cephas glared at the balcony... From within the sleeve of his night-shirt, he pulled out an Assassin's Knife.
"...Ra, go wake up Lupe and Talis and stay in their room." He whispered, slowly and stalking towards the window.
He didn't need to see if Sarai was doing as she was told; she always listens, when either of her brothers tell her to go with the others.
He didn't see any sign of movement and, when he was before the window and opened it and was outside on the balcony, he didn't find anybody on the deck. He sheath his weapon back in his sleeve.
...
...Until, when he looked down, he found evidence that validated his sister's claim that someone was, indeed, here...
...
...A pair of tracks... Werewolf tracks.
"Ceph!" Lupus called out, entering the bedroom and standing in front of the window. "Ra woke us up! She's shaking like a leaf, and won't tell us what's wrong! What's going on?! -He saw his big brother glaring hateful daggers at the ground... Which, Lupus, also, did the same, when seeing the pawprints on the balcony.- ...Is that what I think it is?"
Cephas laid a hand on the large-pawprints... They're still warm.
The thirty-two year-old brother growled, getting to his feet.
"It is," he sneered. "And, there's no doubt in my mind, I know who the fucking creep is stalking our sister. -He reentered his and Sarai's bedroom, closing the window and locking it. He turned to Lupus.- Head back to your bedroom and have both you and Talis grab your pillows and blankets. We're going to go sleep in the living room."
Lupus nodded his head and went to head back to his bedroom, when he was stopped by his brother grabbing his arm.
...A serious, worried look in Cephas' Cerulean/Sapphire-eyes told Lupus there was something important he needed to tell him.
"Tell Talis about this; he'll probably be able to put two and two together, on who's been here... Don't tell Ra, and have her go wait in the living room."
The twenty-nine year-old nodded his head, and left the bedroom for his.
Cephas' hands clenched tightly into trembling fists. Nails dug into his palms, but he didn't care about the cuts or the blood dripping on the floor.
He glared out at the balcony.
'What game are the King's Brothers-in-Arms playing? And, why are they so interested with Ra?' He pondered, before grabbing both blankets and pillows off of both his and Sarai's beds and heading for the living room to crash the rest of the night in.
The Next Day, Midday...
"Well, I'm happy to report that the decoration for the Five Moons Blessings Celebration, has reached its perfection." Ignis, proudly, proclaimed to Noctis and Luna.
Behind the advisor of the group, Prompto was glaring daggers at the thirty-three year-old male, exhausted and annoyed.
"After making us go over the list and walking through the entire town square, five times." He growled underneath his breath, not caring if they all heard him.
Noctis smirked at Prompto's words, as he admired the decoration of the festivities to bless him and Luna on becoming parents.
Gladiolus would've wacked him upside the head for complaining, even put him in a headlock to get him back to being chipper and excited about the Five Moons Blessings Celebration.
...Instead, as he focused on staying by Noctis' side, his mind went back on his Life-Mate... When he went to the apartment, watching over her through the window, from the balcony.
For the remainder of yesterday, his blood wouldn't stop demanding, screaming at him, to go check on Sarai. It wasn't pleased that her brother refuses his suggestion on getting checked by the healers in the Citadel, and knew that Lupus, purposely, made certain to keep distance between him and his mate.
Gladiolus isn't dumb; he's a big brother, too. And, like them, he tried to isolate Iris from any male that has their eyes on her... Even her own Life-Mate, Libertus Ostium, before he finally relented and allowed the male to take his sister and complete the Mate Bond.
...To this very day, while he accepts the male into his family, he never tires on threatening to knock him unconscious and leave his body in the woods for Behemoths and Couerls to find and devour him... Which, he won't do.
A scent of orchid and lilies, along with the sound of claws tapping against the pavement... Followed by happy, cheerful barks, caught Gladiolus and the others' attention.
"Gladdy!"
In response to the voice, the soon-to-be thirty-five year-old male turned into his wolf-form and shifted his body to see a small female-werewolf, with dark-brown fur and brown-eyes, sprinting towards them and making a beeline for the large-werewolf.
He got down in a play-position and ended up pounced on by none other than his own sister, Iris Amicitia... Or, correctly, Iris Ostium.
"Iris..." He greeted, wagging his tail and nuzzling snout with the much smaller wolf, who yips with happiness and kept bumping heads against him.
"I missed you, so much, Big Brother!" She exclaimed, playfully nipping his cheeks and ears, earning a few growls of annoyance, before she goes back to licking his face and making exciting whimpering sounds, rapidly wagging her tail.
Ignis chuckled at the sound of the two siblings' rejoice to seeing each other, again.
Noctis and Luna beamed at the younger-female. They hadn't seen her, since Noctis' return, and are happy to see their sister is doing well this past year.
Prompto, also excited to seeing the younger Amicitia Sibling, didn't have an issue to have their presence known to the girl.
"Jeez, Iris, it's good to see you, too. Happy to know you missed us." He replied, sarcastically, smirking at the she-wolf.
Hearing the blonde's attempt to make her feel bad and after giving her brother a few more licks, Iris turned to the others.
"Hey, Prompto." She greeted, smirking back at the older-werewolf. " I heard you're going to be a dad. Congratulations! -She beamed up at him... Then, a wolfish-smile spread on her face.- Though, something tells me that Cindy's gonna have a lot on her plate, if she has to raise both you and your guys' pups. So, really, I should be congratulating Cindy, instead!"
...To her words, Prompto morphed into his wolf-form and proceed to chase the twenty-six year-old she-wolf, who giggled at the blonde's reaction and proving her point that he's being childish.
Making his appearance of his own, a brown-furred wolf came walking towards them, chuckling at Iris teasing Prompto and running around the tables to avoid being grabbed by the blonde-wolf.
The wolf is bigger than ignis and Noctis, but is smaller than Gladiolus' wolf-form by over a foot. He, also, appeared to be cautious... Very much, nervous, when he approached Gladiolus.
...The older Amicitia Sibling, seeing the brown-wolf, smirked darkly at him... A low growl left his throat.
"Hey, Libertus." He greeted, stalking over. "Thanks for finally bringing my sister over. After, what, a year? Noctis and Luna would've been devastated, if Iris didn't come to give them her blessings. I was beginning to think that you were trying to avoid me, for some reason."
Libertus gave him a nervous laughter. If he wasn't a wolf, they would've seen him blush.
"Well, after you threatened to yanked my testicles out with your bare hands and shove them to a specific place that not even the Daemons would go to, if I ever set foot in Insomnia, I have every rights to avoid you..." He replied, still having his smile.
Even with his brother-in-law threatening him, he knew that Gladiolus would never hurt him and truly does care for him... Also, he had a heart-to-heart talk with him and requested that Libertus makes certain to look out for his sister, before they parted ways and Gladiolus regrouped with his Brothers-in-Arms.
...Still, that doesn't mean that his threats don't give him nightmares.
"However, because on how close my mate and King Noctis are, since they were pups and is part of the king's imprinted pack, I could never bring myself to prevent her from seeing you guys and miss the Five Moons Blessings Celebration. Plus, she would never forgive me, if I didn't allow her to see you, from time to time. And, just so you know, we've been very busy, this past year. Which, I'm sure you've known, since Cor hired human hunters to get the necessary ingredients for the celebration, while the werewolves are to take care of the food shortage in the cities and kingdoms. Which includes Iris."
Gladiolus grumbled a curse word, neglecting that his sister's part of Hunters and is being worked to gather food for Lestallum, while farmers that sell food of their own in their vendors are still rebuilding their homes and farm from the damages caused by the Daemons and creatures that raided their homes and lands.
Even after King Noctis freed them from the Years of Darkness, it's still a slow process for them to get back to business.
With ten years of influencing fear and roaming most of the lands of Eos, Daemons and creatures had overpopulated and, to this day, Daemons and creatures are still causing mayhem. And, because many had lost their lives on surviving, protecting civilians and taking on bounties, Hunters had to limit their man power to help other cities and towns that are targeted for hunts and territory.
Since Noctis' return and bringing back the light to all of Eos, Hunters had to focus on recovering from their many losses, training new recruits and regaining their barings to rebuild their HQ, before many had asked for their aids with their food shortages.
Clearly, such a task has to be given to their werewolves members; they couldn't risk sending their human members to the areas that's prone to have creatures that enter civilian towns and/or cities that aren't equip to wore them away, let alone be capable to stay up for days and keep up with prey, without much food, water or much rest.
Noctis came to greet the leader of the Kingsglaive.
"Libertus," he greeted. "It's great to see you and Iris came to the celebration. We knew how busy you to are, with helping out with the food shortage; we didn't think that you two would be able to come."
Beaming at the young king, Libertus morphed to his human-form... His appearance shocked the group.
Last they saw him, he was heavyset... Now, his belly shrunk and is now full of muscles. His hair had grown, thicker and resting against the middle of his back, in a longer ponytail. He, even, shaved his beard, showing off his clean, thin, lack of baby-fat face.
Ignis couldn't see the change, but he can tell from his footsteps, that he was a lot lighter and had gained stealth.
"Pardon me for being curious, Libertus, but I can't help but notice how light you sound." He commented, walking over with his cane and reaching his right-hand out took shake hands with the slightly-younger male.
Libertus lifted his head in pride, shaking hands with the blind-werewolf.
"I may have lost a couple pounds or two." He replied, lifting his left-arm to flex. "But, when you have a mate to care and look after, and are part of Hunters, you need to improve your body and health to keep up with a swift, high-spirited she-wolf, who happens to be the Daemon-Slayer, herself."
Luna giggled at his desire to show off the major improvement of his body, happy to see one of Regis' Kingsglaive was able to come for a visit. And, seeing Prompto still given chase to Iris, made her feel even more joyous that their dearest sister is doing well and came for the festivities.
Gladiolus, beaming at the younger-male, locked him in a headlock.
"Decided to finally prove yourself to being the Life-Mate for my sister, huh?" He teased, giving him a noogie. "If she wasn't mated and if I hadn't already giving you my permission to watch over her, I would've mistaken you for somebody more worthy to give my blessings to whisk her away from my care."
Libertus wrapped his right-arm over his brother-in-law's neck, laughing alongside with the King's Sworn Shield.
"Na! Your sister wouldn't approve of some strong male to be her Life-Mate, even if we haven't mated or had found each other." He stated, despite knowing that Gladiolus was joking. "Even if I were to end up being big and fat as a Hobgoblin, she would still love and accept me as her mate."
Noctis send Ignis chuckled at the two werewolves bonding.
"Ain't that the truth." Noctis agreed.
"So very true." Ignis replied. "...Though, I'm still quite curious: Knowing Iris, she would've had the both of you run for many days and nights, to reach the city and help out with the decorations. Even if you were at the other ends of Eos, she would've found a way for you two to be here ahead of time. -He folded his arms over his chest, slightly leaning forward.- Is there a particular reason, to why you both took your time to get to Insomnia, on the very first day of the Five Moons Blessings Celebration?"
...
...Libertus paled at the adviser's speculating question.
Noctis, Luna and Gladiolus stared at the nervous male, who was released by the bigger-werewolf... Who gave him a serious glare.
Gladiolus folded his arms over his chest.
"...Well, Libertus?" He questioned, prompting him to answer Ignis' question.
Libertus was getting anxious, slowly backing up to where he came.
"...Oh! Uh-... Well... -He couldn't find the proper word to tell them... To tell Gladiolus, why they took their time to get to Insomnia.- I- uh... Would like to tell you, but- um... You see-"
"Whoa, Iris!"
Prompto's cry drew the others to the two... They were shocked when they realized that Iris, also, went through a change.
"Did you and Libertus switched stomachs?!" The blonde barked, staring at her furred stomach... Which was sticking out, round as a basketball. "Seriously! I mean, no offense, but you've let yourself go! You need to consider dieting!"
...Now, it was time for him to run from a fuming Iris, laughing when she couldn't keep up from using all her energy from running from him.
...
...
...It didn't take the others long to figure out that she wasn't fat.
Gladiolus turned to a retreating Libertus... Obsession for blood and the urge to hunt can be seen in his Amber-eyes.
"Libertus...!" He growled, taking a few steps towards the younger-male.
Immediately, Libertus got wise and did the only thing he could do to save his life: Morph back into his wolf-form and run like mad... All the while, calling out to them and his mate.
"Wish I can stay and chat, but I gotta go meet up with the others! I'll see you back at the Citadel, Honey! Love you, and don't forget about me if your brother decides to kill me!"
With his victim gone, Gladiolus turned to his now nervous sister, who was sitting down to catch get breath. He gave a serious glare.
"...Iris..." He growled. "...Is there something you wanna share with us, that you may had forgotten to tell us about?"
The Brothers-in-Arms and Luna stared at the twenty-six year-old she-wolf, who only laughed nervously.
...Then, right before them, she morphed into her human-form... And, right there and then, they saw what they (Except for Prompto) expected to find out.
Her hair slightly grew longer, only to her shoulder, the last time the guys saw her. She, also, traded her traditional shirt and skirt-shorts for a fishnet shirt, wearing over a loose t-shirt and covered by a vest, and black-shorts. She still kept her shoes and gloves.
...The major difference of her appearance... Is her extended, round belly, that the vest couldn't hide.
...
...The clear sign of pregnancy.
Prompto gaped in complete take back and in awe.
"...Iris... Are you-?!" He couldn't bring himself to finish that sentence.
Behind Gladiolus, both Noctis and Luna are very happy for the younger-female on becoming a mother and to find happiness with her Life-Mate.
Ignis, who was just as happy for her, was also displeased that she didn't bother to tell any of them, let alone her own brother, that she is expecting pups, when she found out that she was pregnant. Of course, it was possible that she wanted to prevent her brother from tracking them down and to skin a coat from his own brother-in-law. That, and the two might've wanted to cherish their joyous moment on becoming parents in private, before they get hassled by their pack-mates.
Gladiolus folded his arms over his chest... His stoic face making his sister worried and baffled.
"...Got something to say, Iris?"
...
...
Iris gave him a nervous laugh, laying a hand over her large-belly. Being slightly larger than when she was in her wolf-form, like a small-beach ball.
"...Surprise. You guys are going to be uncles?"
It was the only thing that popped into her mind, for her to say, before she began to panic at the sight of Gladiolus' eyes given off a slight red-color over there Iris.
...
...However, as soon as the red appeared, it left his eyes... And, to even further catch her by surprise, he beamed down at his sister.
He laid a hand on her shoulder.
"...He's been working out and going on those hunts and aiding the food shortage on his own, since you both learned you're pregnant. Hasn't he?"
Iris, still being cautious and wondering what's going on in her big brother's head, nodded her head.
"...Yes?"
He then kneeled in front of her, getting down to be eye-level with her. He then laid his large-hand on her belly... A light kick made contact to where his hand laid against.
His beast made a purr-like response, pleased that his sister is continuing their family blood and, after feeling the kick, no doubt, one of the unborn pups, are going to have strong children.
...He cannot wait for his nieces and nephews to be born, and be there to help Iris and Libertus raise them and learn the ways of the Amicitia Clan.
"How far along are you in your pregnancy, Iris?" He asked, already planning to talk to Noctis on having his sister and brother-in-law move back into Insomnia.
Iris blushed at his question, worried he and the others would be upset by the answer. She laid her right, smaller-hand over his own.
"...Almost seven moons, now."
Prompto yelped in disbelief from the news.
"Seven moons, and you didn't bother telling us?!" He cried, gaping at the twenty-six year-old she-wolf.
She gave him and the others an apologetic smile.
"We've wanted to tell you guys sooner and we were going to tell you guys, a week after we found out. But..."
Instead of saying the reason for the delay, she jerked her head towards Gladiolus.
That was all the answer they needed to understand why she didn't tell them months ago. And they didn't blame her for keeping it from them... And Gladiolus, standing to his full height, puffed out his chest, boasting to being the reason Iris and Libertus didn't tell the pack.
...Thus, resulting Libertus to improve his health and take the few steps ahead to become the proper mate to Iris and a reliable, strong father for their pups.
He pulled his sister into a strong, but gentle hug.
"Guess I won't be using that mate of yours as tracking practice, anytime soon." He teased, which earned him a smack against his abs by a giggling Iris.
"I'll be sure to let him know that bit of good news, before the next time we come to see you guys, again, Gladdy." She went along with the joke.
The others laughed at the girl playing along with her brother, all smiling big that their sister is going to be a mother and make their makeshift family bigger.
Noctis came forth. He opened his arms, inviting her to give him a hug.
"Well? Are you only going to give Gladio the entire attention, or are you going to give us some love, too?"
Beaming at her older-brother figure/first and bestest friend, Iris removed herself from Gladiolus and ran to give the thirty-one year-old king a big hug.
Gladiolus glared at his king, who smirked smugly at his Sworn Shield.
"Why is it that she always chooses you over me, when I'm her big brother?" He growled.
To his question, Iris stuck her tongue out.
"Because he's a better big brother than you, for not teasing me on being the youngest and doesn't prevents me to go into battle that I can handle." She answered, keeping her right-arm around the king, as she embraced Luna with her left-arm.
Prompto pouted at the girl claiming Noctis to being the better big brother, still somewhat hurt that she didn't tell them she was pregnant the moment she found out she's carrying pups.
Ignis went over to Gladiolus, reaching a hand out and, when the large-male grabbed for his outstretched hand, patted his hand. He chuckled at the older-male groaning in irritation.
"You know how she likes to pull strings and get you wild up, when she wants to get back at you for something, Gladio." He reminded. "You should, also, consider to be more cautious on how you tease and joke with Libertus, when your sister's carrying his pups. So, best be prepared to not take her taunts seriously, when you initiated her drive to protect her mate in there best way she knows how."
Thanks to Ignis calm tone and words of wisdom, Gladiolus no longer felt annoyed by his sister claiming Noctis the better brother than her actual brother.
He laid a hand on Ignis' right-shoulder, patting him on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Iggy."
When she finished giving the king and queen a hug and after finally giving both Ignis and Prompto the same treatment, Iris went back to her brother. A mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"Now that that's out of the way... I believe there's something you need to tell me, Gladdy." She stated, playfully.
Gladiolus can tell that she already knew what she wanted him to tell her. Playing along, he flashed his own mischievous smile, folding his arms over his chest.
"Oh?" He replied. "And what could possibly give you any idea that I have anything to tell you?"
Smirking, she jerked a thumb behind her, pointing to Prompto.
"Prompto sent us a text, three days ago, telling us that something amazing happened for you. He wouldn't tell us what, but it was really important that we come down and have you tell us, in person. Is what he told us."
The thirty-one year-old blonde, leaning out from behind the twenty-six year-old, grabbed the air next to his lips and pulled it across, pretending to had zipped his lips. Silently informing the large-male that he didn't tell her the news.
Gladiolus slightly nodded his head to the blonde, before staring down at his sister... His eyes grew soft, a rare, kind, joyous smile written on his face.
He laid a hand on her right-shoulder.
"...Iris. -His voice reduced to a gentle whisper... Love, a different kind of love, that Iris couldn't believe she's hearing coming from her brother. Her brown-eyes grown slightly wide.- ...I found her... I've found my Life-Mate."
At first, she didn't make a sound. Her eyes grew bigger, standing still where she stood and keeping her sight completely on her brother's gaze, keeping a steel look for any signs of him joking with her.
...
...Then, she morphed into her wolf-form and pounced on her stunned brother, standing on top of his chest and keeping her eyes on his... She flashed him the biggest wolf-smile she could muster as a wolf. Her tail wagging as fast as it can move.
She let out happy yips, nuzzling her nose against his face, licking his cheeks.
"GLADDY!" She barked, whimpering with excitement and rubbing her body against his. "I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! YOU, ACTUALLY, FOUND HER?!"
He shielded his face with his hands from her prodding his eyes and nose, as he gently grabbed her shoulders and guided her off of his body, trying to keep her still from jumping on him.
Around them, multiple people, humans and werewolves, stopped in their steps and stared at the two siblings. Some out of curiosity, others surprised by the exciting tone that overpowered the loud level of civilians talking... Many wondering who Iris was referring to, that Gladiolus had found.
...The werewolves within the area... Who heard Gladiolus answer his sister, seeing the blush on the King's Sworn Shield's face and seeing him giving glares on the humans being nosey, flashed him their smiles of approval and their happiness for him.
...Those who were there at greeting the hunters for bringing the food for the celebration, to be within earshot when they heard him tell Noctis the most wonderful news on finding his Life-Mate... And, with a few of them to had witnessed him staring at the Thalassius Sister the entire time, during their introduction... Even some to see him on the balcony of the apartment they were staying at, the past few days in the late evening.
They knew, without a doubt, that the eighteen year-old human-female is his Life-Mate... And they're more than ready to welcome and accept her as his.
...
...
...Though, they couldn't say the same for the humans... More specifically, the single human-females, who still try to fight amongst each other and keep displaying themselves, resulting misbehavior and even inappropriate exposure, which werewolves find unacceptable and very unattractive. And Gladiolus Amicitia, is no exception.
Placing a hand over her muzzle, he got to his feet.
He turned to Noctis, who nodded his head in silent agreement.
He stared down at his now calm, quiet sister.
"...Let's head to the Citadel," he suggested to her.
Iris, too, notice a group of people staring at them. And, taking the hint that he wants to reveal the identity of his Life-Mate in private, despite the obvious looks on the werewolves' faces that they know who, she nodded her head to his suggestion.
The four males and two females left Town Square.
As they walked towards the Citadel, a few human-females called out to the King and his Brothers-in-Arms. They all waved at them... Actually waving at Gladiolus, assuming he's still single and wanting to draw his attention.
The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old flashed them his charming smile at them, waving them back, resulting them to giggle and squeal at being acknowledged by him.
Iris glared at the humans, grabbing at her brother's left-arm, getting protective and purposely making sure that they don't try to join them. She even whacked his arm with the back of her fist, forcing out a yelp from the large-male.
"You have a mate now, Gladdy." She berated. "You're not allowed to flirt with the females, anymore; you need to be faithful and loyal to her... Otherwise, I'll be more than willing to bite year ears off, if you hurt my new sister."
He cast her narrowed eyes.
"I wouldn't dare to be disloyal to my mate," he stated. "Those girls aren't anywhere near being a more suitable mate than Ra."
Immediately, Iris stopped in her steps... Her eyes, stunned by the name.
The others turned to her.
"Iris?" Prompto questioned, starting to worry that she wasn't feeling well or was hungry and needs to feed her pups.
She stared up at her brother.
"...Ra?" She repeated. "Is that her actual name, or is it a nickname for something else?"
Ignis, hearing her heart picking up, told him that she was getting anxious and, somewhat hopeful. He stepped up towards the girl.
"Her brothers would refer to her as 'Ra', bu-"
"'Brothers'?" She cut him off... Then, she asked them a surprising question. "...By any chance... Would you be referring to the Thalassius Siblings?"
Luna stayed quiet... She can sense that something important... Something serious, is going to be discussed.
The males, dumbfounded by her quick guess on who Gladiolus' mate's name was, nodded their heads.
"That's right." Noctis confirmed, folding his arms over his chest. "...Do you know the Thalassius Siblings, Iris?"
The twenty-six year-old was still taken back by the news, which greatly shifted to joy.
"Of course I do," she answered. "In fact, Libertus and I, along with our group, are friends with them... We, even, went on a few missions, together! -Her smile beamed at Gladiolus.- ...I can't believe it... Ra is your Life-Ma-?!"
Quickly, her brother covered her mouth. He didn't want civilians to hear the revealing.
He nodded his head to her.
"...Yes," he whispered. "...She's my mate, and I don't want you to blurt it out. -He removed his hand from her mouth.- I plan to present her as my mate, when we would commence the Mate Bond, the day after the last day of the Five Moons Blessings Celebration. So, I can't have people spreading words, when they don't even know that she's my mate."
To the first part, Iris grabbed for both of his large-hands and proceed to jump in the air, keeping her mouth shut to muffle her squeal of excitement and joy... Then, she stopped all together, when he finished the last bit of information.
"They don't know, yet?" She questioned... Then, a sudden thought came to mind. "Hold on... How did everybody reacted to her appearance, when they came to the city?"
That question was very odd to the older werewolves.
Prompto cocked his head to the side.
"Her appearance?" He repeated. "She seemed pretty fine. Honestly, they dressed pretty aweso-"
"Why would people make some form of reaction towards her appearance, Iris?" Ignis asked, wanting to get to the bottom of the issue that they don't seem to grasp.
It was Iris' turn to be confused, cocking her head to the side.
"...Nobody said anything? -She still wasn't making any sense to them... Until she asked the next question.- Nothing about her scars?"
Prompto jumped at the last word in her sentence.
"'Scars'?"
Gladiolus gave her a suspicious look.
"...Do you mean the ones on her cheek?" He asked, laying two of his fingers over his left-cheek.
The others turned to him... They stayed quiet, waiting for Iris to answer.
...To their shock, she shook her head.
"No," she said. "I mean the ones visible, on her arms and l-"
"She and her brothers wore long-sleeved shirts and Jean-pants, when they came to Insomnia. When they got back from their hunts, according to Cor's statement and being contacted to help bring them to the city, only Sarai had both her arms covered in bandages and wrappings around her legs, underneath her socks and shorts."
Noctis' reveal to what the siblings wore, made Iris horrified to what she just revealed.
The king folded his arms over his chest.
"Perhaps, you should tell us why you're concerned about these scars of hers, that would have you question Gladio's decision to not telling the Thalassius Siblings that Sarai's his mate?"
Clearly, she didn't want to say any more; covering hart mouth with both hands... Fear and sadness can be seen in her brown-eyes... With a surprising hint of anger and disgust in the mixture.
Gladiolus was, honestly, stunned that she didn't want to tell him something. Especially, from Noctis, himself, when he isn't around to be her listening ear.
...However, because she's withholding information about his mate, he wasn't going to let this slide.
"Iris," he scolded. "Tell us."
...
...
...
...She knew she wouldn't be able to get out of the mess she put herself in the instant she, unintentionally, revealed information that'll have her bring up a sensitive topic.
...And, because the topic is based on her brother's Life-Mate, her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Gladiolus has every right to hear the issue she brought up.
She let out a sigh of defeat, removing her hands from her mouth.
Iris looked around them, eyeing everyone who may or may not try to listen in on their conversation.
she grabbed for her brother's hand.
"Wait, until we're at the Citadel... Then, Libertus and I will tell you what we can about Ra."
TBC
Sorry for the delay, you guys... Last Friday... My mom's fiancé had us move back to the house that's a few blocks away from where we were living... The house had his older son has been living... Yeah, well, apparently he didn't take care of the house and, he has two toddlers that helped made messes (Plus a dog... Sadly, their dog ended up dying from heat stroke, in July).
...My mom wasn't happy, at all... But, she'll probably get over it and, after we clean as much of the mess that they made, it'll probably get better. She's at least happy to have a bigger kitchen, plus a dishwasher and for all of us to have bigger rooms.
Didn't have internet, until today. But, now, we got it back and I'll be able to continue story writing. Hope everybody's been hanging in there and are safe from the fire.
R&R