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-"Dialogue"-
("Inner thinking")
This is a time skip: MWMWMWMWMWWMWMWMWMWMMWMWMW
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PROPOSAL ACCEPTANCE?
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Aria had gotten 2 doses of the antidote, and as soon as they were out of sight of the mansion, she stooped to administer the antidote to the foxes. After some minutes nothing happened and the time changed to night. Among wailing curses Aria growled and then turned around, securing Ace's leash again to her waist and walking forward. -"Let's go. I'm hungry."
Julius dragged on behind, depressed the antidote was a failure and struggling to come to terms with his new future life as a fox, while Ace trotted besides Aria happily with his tongue lolling out of his jaws and not minding the leash that kept him from wandering off.
They headed into town. Aria hadn't said a word for a while and they had hardly emitted any noises either, much less when she moved expertly along small streets and into a secluded alley, where she snapped her fingers and her armor became a formal yet feminine business suit.
"We are going to a restaurant I like" -Aria tilted her head towards the foxes, chewing her lip. - "It's a formal place, so let's try this"- She snapped her fingers again and shadows coiled from below her along the ground and then rose from the floor towards the foxes' necks and over the collars to form small ties and vests. -"There, now you are ready for a formal dinner."
Julius shifted uncomfortably under the vest, turning and twisting his head down to try and bite at the vest while Ace hardly cared at all around the vest and instead nipped at the bow tie and walked around in small circles.
"You are wearing ties and suits, it counts as formal. Now follow me close"- Aria shrugged, and walked out on the main street and towards a fancy restaurant with the formally dressed up foxes in tow.
A faceless greeted her at the entrance. -"Welcome Lady Aria. Table for 1? "
"Table for 3. My usual spot."- Aria signaled her hand down towards the floor.
The faceless looked down and saw the foxes. Had he any eye he would have blinked or stared. He would also have said something, but he remembered who he was dealing with and immediately swallowed any comment and, while everyone in the place turned to see her and the little animals as they walked, lead her and her pets towards an elegant private salon with dark wood finishes and leather couching seating with the table ready.
As soon as Aria was seated, a waiter appeared. -" Good evening and welcome again, Lady Hadron."
"Good night. I'll be having the usual"- Aria then took out a cigar.-"They will have the same but without the red wine sausage plus some boiled duck with apple cuts and an array of berries. Also please bring them a couple deep dishes with water"
The waiter looked at the incredibly well behaved animals who were calmly seated in their places but looking around curiously and sniffing at the air.- "Right away, Lady Hadron"- He took a step back and went away.
Ace let out a yawn as he looked around the table, his eyes stopping and staring at the shiny silver spoon laid out on the table. He lowered himself down a bit, shifting his shoulders before bounding up into the air and landing on the spoon with surprising precision as he tilted his head back and forth, as if waiting for the spoon to try and run from him.
Aria let out a heavy sigh and glanced over to Julius, seeing him craning his head to either side at an almost 90 degree angle, seeming fascinated with the shiny spoon in front of him but did nothing more than observe. The sudden turn of their animalistic behaviors unnerved her as she kept a close eye on the two of them. She at least tried speaking to them.-" I like the special taste of this restaurant and I'm really not in the mood to prepare anything at the tower. Not that there is much food left anymore after certain red glutton finished everything. My cookies included"- She gave a pull to her cigar and set it in the ashtray to take the first sample of her food.
The waiter came back carrying the servings over trays, and when Ace leapt up at him he let out a startled cry, startling Aria as the red fox landed on the tray. The waiter quickly accommodated the shifting weight with expertise, holding the tray firm as Ace started to eat his meal right off of the tray itself while Aria and Julius watched, shocked. Julius yipped at Ace, angry at him for both calling attention to themselves and trying to eat his own food too. Before he could leap up and bite at Ace, however, Aria grabbed the silver fox by the scruff of the neck.
"Stay put. "- Aria firmly said to Julius and then grabbed Ace. The red fox yipping happily as she set him back in his designated spot while the waiter quickly set down the plate of food for him, watching the fox quickly eat away at the plate of food with an eagerly wagging tail.
Julius stretched up on his toes and sniffed at the plate Ace had before getting distracted by the waiter setting his food down in front of him. Julius ate more slowly and consciously, glancing around him and slowly eating away at the food.
The food was good, but before Aria had taken her second bite of her serve, Ace had already finished his meal and stretched himself over towards Julius, sniffing at his plate as Julius barred his teeth but did not growl. The sneaky red fox then began picking at Julius's food, quickly swallowing it before leaping onto the table and hogging most of Julius's plate to himself. The silver fox yipped and bit at his ear, pulling.
Aria let out a groan and then motioned the waiter to bring them more food. She then closed her hand tight and her eyes brightened for a second, their ties choking them a bit. -"Behave" - She released her hand and the hold on their necks, the foxes looking at her a bit more focused. When the waiter brought in the food she squished the shadows around their necks again as a warning and they at least waited for the food to be set on the table, after that, they ate in relative but uncomfortable silence, and once they finished, the same faceless woman that negotiated with Julius at the tower appeared.
"Buenas noches Lady Aria (Good night Lady Aria)"
"Buenas noches, Cosima (Good night, Cosima."- Aria extended her palm over the table. - "Toma asiento (Take a seat)"
"Yes My Lady."- The woman sat across from Aria and the foxes and both females engaged in small chat in that other language. After a bit of this and once the waiter brought a drink for them, Cosima passed some papers to Aria. -"Those are the results of the analysis from the samples you sent My Lady. Only the lab team, the doc, and I know the results"- She then hesitated a bit into saying anything else and ended up keeping quiet as Aria read the papers.
Once Aria finished reading, she set the papers on the table in front of the foxes and took a delicate sip from her cup. She knew they couldn't read it because it was in spanish, so, with a perfectly controlled tone she informed them of the findings. -" The results show that the change has become permanent".
Julius froze in place, looking up to Aria with horror reflecting in his cobalt blue eyes. They were stuck like this? Forever? As … as foxes? Julius's clock ached, clearly very suddenly depressed as he hung his head.
A little bark came from Ace. While Julius was losing it, the red fox wagged his tail and flickered his ears.-"Sounds fun, right Julius?". - In truth Ace didn't mind that much to stay like this. He was managing to escape his role, he was being taken care off by his mate, and even if he was a fox (and a super cute one too) he was still with his two favorite people.
"Fun!? We're forever stuck like this!" -Julius growled in annoyance as he leapt onto Ace, tackling him as the two of them tumbled over the ground, yipping and biting gently at one another. Julius was in despair and Ace wanted to play with the grump. So no matter how much Julius tried to slink away, Ace hopped back onto him and dragged him down again and again until Julius succumbed, playing with him rather than ignoring him.
Aria let out a sight and took another sip of her drink, not even caring to stop them this time.-"I gave them the antidote for the B15 but it didnt work either"
"Perhaps the antidote still requires more time?" - Cosima looked at the foxes, not worried at all.
Ace's tail wagged even faster not really listening to what Julius had said or what the girls were speaking about. Now he didn't have to deal with his duties or other annoying people. He didn't have to go to the castle and 'train' faceless, or endure going shopping with the queen, or roam around hunting for clocks. More so, he could enjoy lot's of nice petting, hugs, and then at nights of course they could get intimate and … He stopped, frozen before his face turned pale with horror at the realization he would not longer be able to physically satisfy his mate or his own sexy desires. His jaw fell wide open as he remained frozen, ignoring Julius's weak and irritated bites as the other fox got on top and nipped at his ear.
"However…" - The faceless addressed her boss - "I know that My Lady can change their future just like she changed this world."
To Aria it was pretentious at first to even think that, but looking at her boyfriend's trapped in this cuddly and fluffy but useless bodies made her consider that she could attempt it. At the very least she had made a deal and promised to care for them while they were foxes. Of course there was also the detail that if they were to be replaced, then the negotiations her dear Lullaby had set with Julius could crumble, but to her surprise, she was a bit more anxious about the fact that she 'wanted' they back as humans due to a small pang of possessiveness and mere 'wanting' sensation. She took a sip of her drink. -"I will attempt to"
Julius paused, glancing up at Aria while Ace still remained frozen, dreading the fact he could no longer make love to his mate.
Cosima smiled and gave a bow of acknowledgment to the Berceuse's wishes, then she crossed her legs, holding her knee with her hands. - "I also wish to inform them, " - She addressed the foxes - " That since Lady Aria established relations to the Clock Tower territory, her position became ambiguous due her relationship status. If she had remained hidden there would be no problem, but now that she is known and because her stance with more than one holder at the same time is not complete, she has been unable to solidify her power and public position"
Aria looked at Cosima but didn't interrupt her. She knew that now that she was a more public figure, not only the second foreigner, but also the girlfriend of the Clock Master, The knight of hearts, and The Executioner. She needed to make a move and establish her position in a clear way to create a front against possible enemies; but that also meant taking a decisive decision regarding her game of hearts.
While Julius pondered about what they were saying, he found himself having to concentrate harder and harder to understand what their words. Soon what they were saying became harder to understand and some words became an unintelligible blur to his ears, frightening him as he pressed against the ground and backed away. A sharp bite on his tail made him let out a startled and loud yelp before he whipped around, biting Ace on the snout and snarling as the both of them went back to fighting, tumbling over the ground and biting at one another a little harder.
Cosima kept on, her tone scolding towards the foxes.- "Our highest lady has been more targeted since her choice regarding which role holders she favors and that depletes the authority of her 'allies'"- She was clearly blaming the foxes, obviously meaning that both holders were the ones looking like wimps. -"Because she is not a fixed figure on the territory and the power structure of the country… well, not publicly at least..."
"Cosima..."- Aria interrupted with a calm but warning tone.
"Pardon me my lady."- The faceless quickly apologized and lowered her gaze.
Aria made a dramatic pause. - "Continue."
The faceless looked at the foxes and their behavior; if she had eyes she would be narrowing them.-"Not many approve, but everyone understands and we all know that it would consolidate your visible power, Lady Aria."- The woman took a breath- "The holders should formalize their involvement and alliance with My Lady or be replaced. Either or both. We should prepare the party and ceremony for once it is decided. But to settle firm their intentions and support, a formal union should be held. A wedding should be fine if you so will it."
"Cosima!"- Aria's eyes widened. The lullaby wanted her to seal things with a marriage, which for all the rational reasons made more than sense and was a masterful political move, still, the lullaby didn't knew who, or what she had become or what were her functions or…
A large cloud of white enshrouded the both foxes with a loud pop. just before they hadn't heard what had just been said, tangled as they were up with each other, Ace on top of Julius and biting his ear. Aria and Cosima immediately were on guard with weapons drawn and ready, with every lullaby note on the restaurant probably on ward too. The smoke disappeared, and where the foxes once were, Ace and Julius stood, both totally naked adults with fox tails and ears, on top of each other with Ace biting Julius's ear.
Julius let out a loud and definitely foxy whine, trying to pull away from Ace before twisting around and biting rather gently at Ace's neck, showing they were play fighting.
Aria and the faceless woman observed with open mouths. Apparently the holders hadn't noticed they had changed back and were still trapped into quite the animalistic thoughts as they were fighting and rolling over each other.. naked… their masculine bodies onto each other, the foxy ears and tails giving them a wild yet cute look, which Aria had admit looked a bit sexy, which reminded her that she had gotten zero action since they were changed, and which surprised her because she realized she 'wanted' them, which made her see that maybe, just maybe, she had gotten attached and accustomed to their presence and attentions.
A couple flashes distracted the Berceuse as Cosima took pictures with a camera that who knew where she had it, and Aria was not going to stop the woman from taking this priceless pictures or even videos, much less when she was wondering why they still had foxy traits and theorized why the antidote had worked only partially. However, a weird train of thought invaded her mind. With those traits they both super cute and hot at the same time, and watching them on each other was actually a turn on… or it would be were not on the current circumstances. -"Seems the B-15 antidote might have worked partially. I'll take samples."
At the sound of Aria's voice the guy's ears perked in her direction. For a second they both looked at her oddly in a similar way to how Blood had looked at Alice but quite more 'hungry' and then they raced bounding over to the foreigner, glomping her so fast that Aria remained motionless and wide eyed while they both hugged her, whining in their excitement and licking her face and rubbing their bodies over her.
Aria's groan was muffled by the sound of all nearby members of her faction barging in with their weapons ready. They had heard the popping noise and were ready for the fight, but everyone stopped when they saw the couple of naked foxy guys rubbing themselves on their beloved leader, their arms locked around her and they licking the Berceuse happily as though it were completely natural, but what caught a lot more attention was that the foxy holder's hips pressed against her, literally showed their excitement for the mercenary woman in their arms. Many members of the Lullaby blushed, but some quickly joined Cosima into taking pictures.
"Everyone calm down." -Aria somehow retained an aloof expression while in the middle of the sandwich, knowing that no matter what, this was now forever engraved into history. -"And Cosima, what are you doing?"
A new flash and Cosima giggled. -"I'm just taking pictures, My Lady" - The woman then took some more and grinned, her face now sporting a blush. - "Don't worry, Lady Aria. We well understanding that you need some pastimes and distractions too and we assume by the looks "- She eyed the naked males with a wide grin- "That they are fine male specimens because they have managed to keep interested our Lady"
Julius and Ace both licked at Aria as she stood completely still, digesting the fact they have both mostly turned back to human; with a few adjustments but were mostly overwhelmed by instincts apparently. Ace excitedly yipped and hugged her tightly, moving so his face was between her breasts while Julius nipped at her hair and licked it, completely overwhelming her with their attentions, no matter how she moved they kept her in the middle of their hugs, rubs, and licky kisses; and to her own surprise, she did nothing to stop them.
"I'll take those samples now." - Aria pushed Julius aside but Ace took his place into kissing her. -"Use that for a new antidote"- She now grabbed Ace's ear and pull on it, but Julius grabbed her hand and began licking her neck.
"Would you need some help, my Lady?" - Cosima asked, unsure if she should approach or not and the waved off the rest of the lower ranking members.
"No, but as soon as the samples are taken grab them"- Aria blinked, her eyes changing shade as shadows moved fast to hold in the air a couple test tubes with needles ready. The Berceuse kissed Ace, and while he was distracted she struck the needle, pulling him deeper when the needle struck and holding the kiss for long enough to get the sample. The shadows then gave the test tube to Cosima while Aria repeated the process with Julius. After that was done, Aria pushed them off finally, and just as sudden as it had happened the first time, with a new puff of smoke they were back to being foxes in the floor that looked pretty confused as to where they were and what had just happened.
Aria snapped her fingers again and a couple leashes of darkness were placed on the foxes. "Are you still thinking there or should I put you in a crate like common animals?"
Julius couldn't speak. His clock felt light yet heavy at the same time, sweet yet bitter at Aria's words and equally confused, embarrassed and scared at what had happened to them just now. They had changed back, partially, but their minds have gone wild and during those moments he had not being Julius Monrey, the Clock Master. He had been a fox giving love and reassurance to his mate that was equally loved and shared as mate by the other fox. And he had not minded it, and that scared him. Why had they changed back? Why had it not worked?Julius whined with his ears down, slowly walking up to her with his tail between his legs. Aria was upset and he could sense it.
"In any case, Dinner is over. You have the samples Cosima, so start working on them."- The faceless woman gave a polite bow asAria began walking towards the entrance with all dignity intact despite what everyone had seen, all present high ranking cards standing out of her way and giving polite bows or dutiful salutes. The foxes were pulled by the leashes that joined her shadow, dark tendrils rising from the floor in front of the foxes and coiling around their necks.
Julius leaned back and away, digging his haunches into the ground as he was dragged across; Ace in the meantime happily bit at his leash, wagging his tail rather happily before lightly biting Julius's ear, whispering- 'Ari, does loves us. She didn't killed us for loving her in public."
They were out of the restaurant and into the main street when Aria stood still, Ace and Julius trotted along faster, walking behind Aria and looking around the area. From everywhere around, people began appearing and cutting of escape routes. Ace let out a faint growl as Julius shrank back, looking around in unease.
Her eyes gained a red glow, her expression twisting into a maddened smile. She spoke to the microphone in her suit: 'Kurks- Krieg' and then raised her chin while overlooking the crowd. -"This is the biggest ambush I've gotten so far, and all for me? I should feel flattered"
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Once the door of the clock tower opened, Julius and Ace received a kick to get inside by their 'oh so caring and beloved girlfriend', whom at the moment was very serious, very angry, and spitting very harsh profanities in a language the foxes did not understand.
Both Julius and Ace scurried inside, whipping around and looking up at her as their chests huffed and puffed with adrenaline at what happened. The way she just suddenly commanded a tuned battle cry which summoned well trained operatives was startling, to say the least. Julius was still as surprised as Ace was excited; when they had been ambushed by such great numbers, Aria had not flee or even tried to negotiate her way out with clever words and deals. She had defiantly set her hands over her hip, and with merely saying. 'You messed with the wrong person in the wrong moment' all started.
After saying that she began singing some other-worthy tune in an unknown language but filled with rhythm(AN: . Check out the song 'Bir Tanecik Aşkım' by Gülçin Ergül there is even a capella version around). The confusion and laughs at her actions lasted about ten seconds before the mob of would be kidnappers began being shot down from behind and from the sides.
As soon as the first corpse hit the floor, Julius' saw and then felt Aria's shadow's extending once more over his body, this time to create an armor for his foxy body, and looking up at Aria it was certain that she was very angry, and they could sense it; Julius's tail tucked between his legs as Ace's tail wagged excitedly as the looked at his mate quite happily and around to the fight.
Aria crouched down, her shadows creating a shield for her and the foxes, her own armor getting thin. She then transformed a couple charms from her bracelet into a pair of UZIs to began to shoot from behind the shadow shield while their foes entered into confusion. Her voice coming from her armor at the same time that the melody kept coming from her lips. -"Repeat. Code 'Kurks- Krieg'. All nearby forces to call. Capture if possible, otherwise exterminate all threats."
Ace cheerfully barked and tried to run and join the fight now that he had some armor, but a leash of shadows that connected him to Aria's shadow shield yanked him back, and then she she pinned him against her as he happily began to lick her, whining to be let go fight while she's shooting the bad guys down left and right as groups of well coordinated 3-5-7 or more people were engaging with the assailants.
A few teams came towards Aria to cover her flanks. All shouting or speaking in Aria's own language while she kept on barking orders. Julius looked at the skirmish and saw the repetition of the fight with the Jabberwock in Diamond, except this was not some small numbers against a frumius monster, but well organized forces against another human faction, perfectly coordinated and supported into their inhuman efficiency; all lead by the most unlikely person, a foreigner; and not any foreigner, 'his' own mate that now stood protectively over him, commanding and continuing the melody until most of the enemies were dead, captured, or managed to scurry away and things calmed down. This made Julius ponder about Aria. He didn't realize just how well equipped, loyal and powerful her followers were for her. He barely grazed just what position she may have gained that he or other holders didn't know about.
After exchanging words with some of the faceless, Aria began walking towards the clock tower, the leashes pulling on both foxes as she continued giving orders through her suit's microphones; her group members disappearing from view, taking out prisoners. Julius thinking on telling her to eventually return those clocks before his mind began drifting on the leash that pulled him forward and that he started to bite before the red fox jumped on him with excitement, possibly to get him to submit which he responded by trying to top instead.
After frantically dragging the two foxes home, struggling all the way from them biting at each other, Aria threw both of them into the clock tower, where she was currently pacing around angrily.
"Fuck! now surely all the country will expect us, I mean you, my boyfriends to retaliate"- She pointed directly at Julius, the silver fox occupied with pulling on the other fox's ear -"Specially you Julius because it happened in your territory, which obviously you can't do at the moment. "- She growled and face-palmed. -" As if we had have much time before someone noticed you actually aren't there at all."
With a new pop sound, Ace and Julius changed back to foxy men once more. Their naked bodies human except for the ears, tails, fangs and fluffier hair. To Aria's dismay, Julius immediately took off running upstairs, on all fours, with Ace running quickly behind him before they whipped into Julius's office with loud banging and yipping quickly ensuing them.
"Why, me? Why this?" -Aria pouted with despairing frustration and followed after them. Their bodies were sort of back, at least for the time being, but their minds definitely were not. She reached the office and entered to see them play fighting again near Julius's desk with Ace on top, pinning Julius's wrists down while gently biting his neck, making Aria feel some heaviness on her heart at what this may mean, something she tried to hide by calling on them, expecting them to react now that they were back at their 'den'.
Julius whined and twisted around, digging his fingers into Ace's shoulder while Ace mounted him, biting at his ear and tugging on it while Julius deeply groaned, trying to pull away while submitting to Ace's overly hyperactive movements that eventually took them to head towards the couch in their play chases.
"Never would have thought you'd like playing so much, Julius"- Aria sighted and faked a chuckle. -"Guys, seriously, please focus. Your minds are drifting. Don't make me restrain you." -Not that she had energy left to do that. At their lack of initial rational response she tried again, but her shoulders dropped and her remaining energy disappeared. -"C'mon, we need to fix this completely, no matter how cute you look like this."-. With a groan she snapped her fingers and her armor became a nightgown. She went to lie face down on the large sofa and tried not caring about her boyfriend's there while both males kept on play fighting around, tossing the carefully arranged clocks on the office and causing just general but small ruckus.
Ace and Julius, who had continued to chase one another around, turned their attention towards Aria as soon as she dropped on the sofa. Alert, they fell into silence.
Aria took a deep breath and thought that taking a nap wouldn't be so bad. But after a minute or so she noticed how quiet things were. That gave her a really bad feeling, which immediately made her sit up to see what was up. She quickly looked around and her gaze crossed Julius's. They held gazes without saying anything for interminable seconds when, but out of nowhere, Ace blindsided her and tackled her with a glomping hug, which was so enthusiastic in his excitement that he took both he and Aria onto the ground, Aria hitting her head on the floor and Ace landing on top of her maintaining the hug.
Ace's tail wildly wagged back and forth, eagerly yipping and licking her head while she remained frozen, getting her mind back in order after the rather powerful hit against her head.
"Ace get off! You're heavy"- She tried to roll or move but Ace wasn't leaving her unattended until Julius pushed Ace away and took his place. Ace bumped them back and both men continued with their licks on the woman's face.
Aria groaned and finally managed to shove Ace away and stand on, but as soon as she did, the other sneaky fox, waiting for the right opportunity, quickly swooped in and licked at her neck, giving her friendly bites and tugs against her skin. The mercenary tried to shove Ace away but when she did so, Julius hugged her from behind and tenderly licked at the back of her neck, making her breath stagger from the sensitive location. She shivered and tried to crouch down but he followed, pressing his growing erection against her rear while he softly nipped at her skin. The black tailed man let out some needy whines, gently thrusting his bare hips against her.
Aria's eyes widened. Her first tightening. "Wait, what the hell, Julius?" - It was pretty obvious what they wanted now from her, she just didn't thought Julius would be the first one to come onto her. She didn't care about that as long as their minds were still there. She practically begged in a fractured whimper.-"Guys.. At least say something… anything… please?".- But she didn't receive an answer, they merely continued licking and nibbling on her. Closing her eyes tighter, and clenching her teeth Aria stopped any resistance. They quickly flipped her on all fours and into position. She didn't fight back and merely decided to go along with it, understanding they needed this out of instincts, perhaps that would help them. It wasn't as if she didn't want to have them again but the state of their minds were disheartening at best, so perhaps she needed some of this too, to close her mind and let things go; more so if all was futile now, and even if not, she was too tired to fight them. So she contented with trying to guide actions or place some control for a little while, finally giving up even for that as they kept onto the mating ritual with her and each other until she was too exhausted to even move, even if they went on long after that.
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Then next morning Julius woke up with a wide yawn, stretching himself out and pleasantly humming. He felt wonderful for some odd reason and remained lying down and hearing a very pleasant 'da-bum' sound that he realized was a beating heart, which made him smile. Moments later he opened his eyes. Looking around he saw that he was a fox again and was leaning over Aria's naked chest while Ace was resting between her legs his head over her belly. The three of them had fallen asleep on the floor.
Aria woke up with a harsh and somewhat pained groan. When she opened her eyes she felt the foxes over her naked, sweaty and sticky body; and when she saw Julius over her chest looking at her, she tensed up, her breathing became more intense and her lips got dry. The merc licked her lips and swallowed with a grimace, her tone cold and dead, calm and slow-"Can you understand me now, Julius?"
Julius shifted around restlessly, feeling a very uncomfortable as he nodded, his small paws kneading her chest.
With the same dead tone she asked her next question. -"Do you remember last night?"
Julius's clock raced as he blushed, remembering every little twist and pull in their lovely affair. With his tail wagging slightly, he leaned forward, sheepishly trying to lick her lips.
Narrowing her eyes and without a word or care Aria shoved Julius off her before standing up and dropping Ace on the floor. Despite the heavy 'thud' Ace had made he remained sleeping while Aria took a few steps back from them. -"D-don't follow me."
Aria turned around and quickly went away without looking back at them. When Julius saw her body, he remembered more clearly what had happened last night. The state of her body and their scent deep in her clearly confirming all of it. Julius's ears pulled back, feeling his clock drop into horror at what they've done to her, but he also felt a very strong and possessive feeling over her as his mate. It had been natural, he and the red fox had accepted each other and both had claimed her as mate… He wanted to cuddle closer, and despite her words he followed her, whining as he rubbed against her bare legs as an apology for what they've done, but undeniably he felt his bonds strengthened to her after she had accepted them as proper mates. However, instead of picking him up and holding him close as she's been doing this past few days, she kicked him out of the bathroom and closed the door without saying anything at all.
Julius whined, disheartened as his tail went between his legs as he walked back to the office and jumped over the couch; his tail wrapped around his legs as his ears lowered, hearing a satisfied yawn from below. He peeked over the edge, seeing Ace finally awake and stretching himself out with a cheeky foxy grin.
Ace pleasantly hummed and rolled around on the ground, thoroughly pleased as he hummed away.
Not long after, Aria came back wearing a t-shirt and shorts and walked past them towards the kitchen without even glancing at the foxes despite their whining calls. Confused, they followed her to find that she had dropped a couple apples on the floor for each of them and she was munching slowly on one for herself, half seated over the countertop and looking intently out of the window, her chest moving up and down fast in her deep breathing, her free hand tapping her fingers fast.
Julius sniffed at the apple before looking up at her, whining some more and pacing back and forth in alarm, knowing she was very upset. Some part of him didn't understand why she was so distressed. That foxy night just felt so perfect and proper that he was swept away in the moment of it all and must have mistaken in thinking that she too was swept away in the mating excitement.
Ace devoured his apple really fast and then went towards her feet. When she felt the furriness that was Ace she removed her leg by sitting up completely over the counter with her legs up on it. Her gaze still fixated out of the window while she ignored them before she dropped down to go and sit on a chair. If it wasn't Aria, they would say she seemed skittish. He ignored it and then went back to snap up the rest of the apples, finishing even their cores and hummed with a full belly before he trotted over to Aria again, standing up and putting his paws against the chair as he looked up at her, yipping excitedly with a wagging tail while Julius came to stand at the other side and do the same, whining and pressing his snout against her hip.
She pushed the chair back, her posture tense and her eyes stern, a purple digital glint setting over her irises. - "Don't bother me. Didn't you have enough last night fucking like animals?" - She growled, refusing to hold them or even touch them before she looked away, crossing her arms.
Ace's ears remained high and alert, no shame at all as he bounced back in place in excitement. Julius, however, lowered his ears and looked away and back at her, repeating it while his tail wagged slightly. While he was sad about being scolded, his wagging tail showed how happy he was at what they had done last night.
"I already have enough with trying to change you back to also have to deal with preventing more attacks or anyone else knowing of this"-She closed her eyes and tried to calm down, but her chest continued moving up and down continuously in her agitation.
Julius whined some more, unable to read her entirely. They hadn't seen her this distressed since Diamond. One thing was for sure, however; she was very, very upset with them and with everything.
A scream-y howl got her back from her thoughts. Looking down she she saw Ace jumping up and down, yipping and barking, running around and then moving towards the stairs waiting for them. Aria and Julius looked at each other and then followed the red fox to the bedroom where Ace went immediately towards the tablet setup to start writing something on it.
.
Aria, will you mar-
.
Ace was typing rather happily and was part way through what Julius recognized as a marriage proposal. As soon as Julius identified what exactly Ace was doing, the silver fox knocked Ace aside and erased the end of the message before typing something different. Julius had a very strong feeling that Aria would clearly react negatively to any term related to marriage, but rewording it to something she related to better would yield more positive results. Partway through he paused for a moment, hearing the difference in his thought process towards Aria and her choices. He shouldn't care about what she did; it was her choice. His paws, however, continued to tap away eagerly at the feeble chance that she just might agree. The message now read:
.
'Aria, will you make apermanent political alliance with us?'
.
"No." - Aria walked towards the window and looked outside, wondering when the next attack would happen. She gritted her teeth. At much she had a few time changes before it was known that something had happened to Ace and Julius. -"Another deal or furthering the present one is not needed"
Ace barked and tried to push Julius aside, but Julius bit his ear and typed:
.
It would solidify our relationship in the long run.
.
Aria groaned all bothered and hissed at them. - "I said no!" - She snapped. - "Don't you get the implications of what happened yesterday?"
Julius looked at her and understood that she was not only angry, she was also worried. He typed more:
.
'It would be wise to think about our relationship as being long term, Aria.
To better both of us at the same time.'
.
Aria narrows her eyes, lowering her eyebrows and sneering while glaring at them.- "There is no long term, fools! Never was and you agreed".
There was a moment of tense silence before Ace pushed Julius aside, eagerly but sloppily typing away:
.
'Then make it long term.'
.
Aria snapped, her first clenched and unclenched as she snarled at them with ire. -"You know what? After you change back let's drop this. Let's just break up. I have business to take care of and this has no future. I'm not fucking choosing anyone or anything. It's already enough trouble as it is for me to be fucking risking my neck out for you!"- The shadows of the room flickered menacingly as she looked at them with a contorted face.- "I can't fucking take it. I DONT want to take it, and I have no reason for it and I'll leave anyways. I'll change you back like I damn promised and then I'm off."
Ace yowled an angry bark and began pawing at the table to type something. Aria approached to take her tablet and Ace bite her hand before he jumping off, but Aria caught his tail in the air and held him up by it. The red fox wriggled around in her grasp, letting out a deep whine at the acute pain at the base of his tail, nipping at the air towards her again among growls.
However mad Aria was, when she heard him whine in pain she felt a pang in her chest and immediately shadows formed a gauntlet over her other hand, with it she grabbed Ace's snout forcing it shut while she quickly set him on the floor, careful to not hurt him more that she had intended.
Ace growled and she hissed at him. - "Don't you dare bite me, Ace! " - Not letting go of his snout, Aria pulled him up to bite his ear, making him yelp. -"See! It isn't nice is it?" - The merc then pushed him down keeping her grip.
Ace let out a huff, looking up at her with a hard gaze and clearly very annoyed. His little growls continuing.
"You wanted to write something, no? Then type why you bit me."-Aria demanded, dragging Ace over to the tablet. Ace pulled against her, leaning away in defiance before she plopped him in front of the tablet. Ace turned away again, unwilling obey. -"I said type."- Aria reached for her tablet, and this time Julius jumped besides Ace and growled at her, biting at the air in a warning, startling Aria at his change in character as she released Ace and the red fox scurried away.
Aria tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, her heartbeat and breathing rate accelerating and she didn't knew if it was in ire or in worry. She was unable to understand what was happening or why they were acting like this, but a second later she found that this worried her more than it angered her.
Julius saw her tense up and he turned away and quickly began typing, his ears attentive.
.
"Use your ring to pull us into a dream world to talk."
.
The silver fox then sat by the side of the tablet, looking up at her expectantly.
Among curses in spanish Aria went to the couch. -"Come here"- Julius approached her but he didn't jump on her lap. Meanwhile Ace had gone of to hide somewhere. - "Ace, come here. I'll count to 3"-Aria activated her thermal scanner lenses and searched the room, finding Ace's hiding spot, and when she finished counting and nothing happened, tendrils of darkness pulled and dragged the twisting and fighting red fox, towards the sofa. -"Aegis, play some follow up melody" She looked at Julis.- "Im too tired to perform all calculations required triangulations. I need something to guide the flow of mana and music is a perfect conduct."
.
BLACK ROCK SHOOTER
Why have you gone away?
Can you hear my cry?!
.
From her neck, a melody began. The volume was low and it the lyrics were a double set in two different languages, one language was english. (AN song is Black Rock shooter: 'ブラックロックシューター(Black Rock Shooter) -english ver.- 歌ってみた【rachie】' )
.
How much more do I have to run from this, Accursed fate?
How long do I have to deal with this Stubborn hate?
Oh stop it! I cant take much more of this
Broken Ill fade away. I cant think about what happens tomorrow, just today
.
Aria ignored Aegis's choice in tune and instead focused on the beat and harmony of the song, her lips trailing the words as she activated the succubus ring; immediately the world faded and they found themselves in a dream projection.
.
Hope I thought I saw is further in my sight
I cant reach it now but someday somehow I might
Ill hold this small light through pitch black never ending night. Ill always fight,
Hoping that the day will come when I can dream without a fright.
.
When Aria looked at both holders in the dream she filched. They looked like they had looked last night, more or less their normal human bodies but with fox ears and tail, clothed in their normal attires except that somehow they looked even more wild; they even had whiskers now.
The melody kept on the background, the fact that it was her voice singing it made things awkward.
.
Tell me, BLACK ROCK SHOOTER
My fond old memory,
Those simple pleasant days back then, I want those again!
BLACK ROCK SHOOTER
Though I cant move right now,
A light shines through this sky that never ends
Ill shoot a wish to the stars, for you my friend
.
"What is it?"- Aria spoke, the music in the background still playing while she crossed her arms and clenched her jaw. - "I'm doing what I can to change you back as soon as possible."
Ace growled while his fluffy ears turned backwardly against the skull. His expression was actually serious and scornful when he looked straight at her- "If you are going to leave after this, then don't bother changing us back."
.
My fear quivers my voice and sheds a tear. I need to hear.
You call my name and finally say you need me here
One step from walking off of an edge, right here
Watch me fade away
You could have done something but its too late to reach yesterday
.
Aria's posture quailed for a fraction of a second before she fully turned towards him, her eyes wide while her arms went back to her sides, her hands forming firsts that clenched and unclenched relentlessly. -"What the fuck's with you, foxy boy?"
Ace growled again before turning around to give her his back, his tail was puffy and swinging wild while his ears remained turned down. -"There is no reason to change back at all." - He took off his ragged red coat and dropped it on the floor. -"If you are going to leave us alone then do so already"
.
Dawn cries though the night to find the morning's light
Ill try to move on though there's nothing else in sight
Ill hold this small light through pitch black never ending night, Ill always fight,
Hoping that the day will come when I can dream without a fright
She turned towards Julius, whom had a severe look as well. -"Julius get him in reason."
Julius looked briefly at her and turned his gaze away as well, his ears up and alert but his tail between his legs. -"I do not want to break off this relationship either. You are free to do as you please but I don't want you to go."
.
Tell me, BLACK ROCK SHOOTER
My fond old memory,
Those simple pleasant days back then, I want those again!
BLACK ROCK SHOOTER
Though you cant move right now,
Keep your eyes on the stars!
.
Ace crossed his arms, continuing giving her his back, his ears perking somewhat. - "At least like this way we don't need to bother with annoying games, rules or duties anymore. And we wont be worrying for much soon anyways."
"Are you stupid? Those rules keep you alive." - Eyeing their tails and ears Aria winced. She was starting to feel very uncomfortable and even more agitated than before but even if she looked for some exit there was none here, this was something they needed to confront, and she was getting the same sense of foreboding knowing that she always got back in her world when parting ways after a mission.
Julius huffed and stiffened, seeming upset and almost frightened but he kept his mouth sealed shut. He knew well how long they would last.
.
Slowly fade away, remember yesterday,
but dont let the pain slow you down.
The people that we've loved and lost,
forever in stardust, always remind us,
keep moving forward!
.
Ace on his part didn't need to turn around to see Julius's reaction to know it. He knew the mortician all too well.- "So what? What reason do you have to even change back, Julius? Duties? Just because?"
The clock master huffed again, annoyed and with his tail now puffed.
.
BLACK ROCK SHOOTER I feel you here with me!
a fire inside becomes alive, and screams a battle cry!
.
"I knew it."- Ace´s gekkered to Julius, his ears went back flat and against his skull before he very lightly looked over his shoulder towards the foreigner. - "Not that there's a problem to you either, Aria. You don't need or wants us do you?"
.
BLACK ROCK SHOOTER Just you wait and see.
Aria didn't hesitate in her words, but her shoulders dropped and her voice lost the edge. -"No, I don't need you."
.
This is where my story begins,
A journey full of hope that never ends.
.
"The why do you really bother?"- Ace yipped.
The merc took a step forward closer to Ace, the melody repeating itself in the background. She stood there looking at both of them- "I don't need you. But I like you … sort of"
.
If ever I should fail, I'll sing this song!
And keep moving on…
.
"Yet you do not plan to take things further with us?" -Julius questioned, his expression twisting in anger. After everything they have been through, she would settle for being not much else other than strangers she occasionally sleeps with?With a growl he also gave her his back but his tail remained between his legs.
Seeing them turn their backs on her bothered Aria more than she could imagine, even if she didn't know why. As the music repeated itself in the background, her voice became measuredly stoic-"I told you since the beginning, didn't I? You were ok with our 'temporary' set up"
"It's not like you to settle for complacency." -Ace frowned with a small whine as his tail wagged.
"You've been more caring towards us now that we are these weak creatures and have allowed us deeper into your heart rather than us being human. Are you only nicer to us now because we are fluffy?" - Julius asked with lowered ears, his expression pained. -"Why are you helping us Aria?"
Aria set her hands over her hips and tapped her foot.-"Because you owe me money, Ace owns me cookies and because I promised I'd help you. That is reason enough; but I wont deny that you are incredibly cute, cuddly and non-threatening."
Ace waved his hand away from over his shoulder .- "You've helped us enough. If you likes us better as pets than as boyfriends, so if be it. We are cute and cuddly and nothing more."
"Ace…" - Aria blinked rapidly, her muscles went rigid and heaviness settled in her stomach. "You are cute like this, but..." - She sneered, losing her patience.- "... but you are too distressing. When you are your normal selves you can at least survive on your own, and if I didn't want you back then I wouldn't have helped you since the start."
"We aren't entirely weak like this." - Ace grinned with a small snicker.
"So says the fox that got his head stuck inside a cookie jar or that cried when I pulled his tail"- Aria whined a tired tone, more pleading than anything at this point.- "What about you Julius?"
Julius crosses his arms and closed his eyes, still not daring to look at either of them but finally taking a decision. -"Ace is right." - He didn't want to die, but he couldn't go back to how things were before she appeared, not after everything they had gone through, and if they couldn't settle things now, they might never do.
"You should have told me from the start!".- She stomped her food and turned around, her firsts shaking as she breathed hard and fast. -" I wouldn't have need to take care of you, waste my time to pet-sit you when I could be leading my business. I wouldn't have need to take a bullet for Julius, the hit from the twins, the humiliation from Blood. I wouldn't have to spend and divert so many resources to change you back, I wouldn't have gotten to be almost humped in public at the restaurant, wouldn't have to protect you during that fight, and I certainly wouldn't have got to get into almost bestiality last night because that was practically what you were, simple beasts without your minds!" - She unclenched her firsts and released her tension, her shoulders dropping and her head hung while her chest moved up and down as she breathed fast. -"I wouldn't have to fucking be spending mana and time on you and I wouldn't be so fucking worried for once in my damned life. You think I don't like you enough to want you back 'boyfriends'"
Complete and utter silence met her words, both men completely still.
An entire minute passed before Aria spoke again, her voice sounding broken and slightly quivering if not completely cautious.- "Do you really want to stay like this?"
While Ace took a deep breath, it was Julius the one who spoke. -"What do you really want Aria? No matter how difficult can choose whatever you want. You are not bound in a role or on duties, so what do you really want? Why do you want us?"
Aria grabbed her own elbow and looked down. -"I am free to choose, but I'm not free from the consequences of my choices. And my choices can indeed have big repercussions into this world, repercussions that now include changes and duties."
"But are you really free to choose? Are you hesitating because you're frightened of what will happen?" -Ace cutely asked with a tilt of his head in curiosity.
"I think it's because she doesn't really love us or anything else." -Julius admitted with a heartbroken frown, looking away.
Aria shook her head.- "Look… I… maybe there are a couple of things you don't know.."- She swallowed and closed her eyes to focus on her words. -"In first perspective is the fact that I'm not human anymore. Hadn't been so for a long time… even before coming to this world. Julius, what you saw in the fight in Diamond is what I really end up being, now I'm a reflection of what I used to be years ago, and I'm catching up to what I really am, meaning my time is count. That would be irrelevant, but also my deal with this world…" She hesitated, her voice had become tired and berating. - "I'm kinda able to manipulate this world in existential level and my weird deal with this world will drive me to other countries eventually as needed, I'm more of a mechanic and game designer for this world than anything."
"You are able to do all that and yet you cannot love us?" - Julius asked, looking at her with a very sad gaze.
"While you may be pieces in the game of hearts, I'm playing a reactionary game directly with this world." -She raised her head but hunched her shoulders.-" There is also the issue that there really can't be a trio between us because of the game. You know it. That's not how the game of hearts works. How long until you start getting the worst effects of the game? How long until madness overwhelms me?"
"Why do you want us back if you are going to discard of our feelings so easily again?"- Julius frowned with puppy dog eyes.
"When I'm near you … you distract me from the madness I guess; from the madness, from what I'm changing into and from whatever changes I'm causing… its.. Soothing and calming." - Aria crossed her arms with a sigh, looking up and the endless nothingness projected in this dream. In truth she wasnt sure why she actually liked them. She just knew that she wanted them even if she didn't knew how either. - "I don't really expect anything out of you, but I've come to like our presence, and that is valuable enough for me to want to change you back"
"Do you don't trust us enough to expect anything from us?"- Ace asked with deadened eyes.
"I learned not to trust role holders but..."-Aria approached Ace's back, her hand extending and then retracting.-"Ace…?" - He didn't answer but didn't move away either and that have her just enough confidence into grabbing his tail and pull slightly on it. He didn't pull it away. -"Do you really want to stay like this?" - She leaned her forehead on his back and closed her eyes, her fingers rubbing the tip of his tail as her other hand pressed on his back.- "What do you want me to do then?"
As Aria's hands moved to his hip and to pet his tail, she pressed herself on him just barely, not daring to hug him. Ace remained silent and unmoving. "Ace.. If I manage to change you back I could try to remove your roles. "
Ace tensed up but didn't answered or stopped her. At much he took a couple deep breaths.
Aria buried her face on his back and then slowly pulled back. - "I'm sorry. " - She took a few step back from them and also turned around to give them her back,in her hand had appeared a couple dog tags. She gulped down; raising her hand she observed the dogtags of Andrick Jeloudov and she felt something breaking inside her. She clutched the tags against her chest and over her heart. The mercenary understood the message Aegis had sent, and although this was harder then when she separated from Andrick, it was essentially the same. If she didn't choose them, this was a final goodbye, and by how they were acting it was decided. -"I'm sorry. I… I failed"- She suppressed a sob despite her eyes watering, still, she projected her voice as a mechanical monotone sound that would not betray her.- "I can't hold up this dream world for long. What do you want me to do then with whatever is left of you?" - She didn't dare say aloud all the horrible possibilities.
Sensing Aria had reached her limit and was about to close the issue. Julius pulled her into a hug.- "We can make a deal later once we've solved our little foxy problem here." - Julius promised, gently squeezing her.
"I haven't been such a good girlfriend, have I?" -Aria didn't react physically.
"You actually have" -He pressed her slightly against his chest and held her there.- "You've been there for us and are trying your hardest to help us change back to normal. We aren't the best boyfriends ever." -Julius said with a smile.
"And yet I failed. "- Aria began leaning on him.- "failed you."
Julius rubbed her arm, hugging her while nuzzling against her a bit, - "Aria, I may only be a small fox at the moment, but I'm still your mate."
"Don't you mean boyfriend, or as circumstances seem as the moment ex-boyfriend?" Aria, very timidly returned the nuzzling once.
"No. It's more than that. You are my mate" - He nuzzled her. -"And its something that already is, it happened along the way."
"What is your definition of 'mate' then?" - She allowed it, confused, curious and tired.
"Mate is whom you share territory, food, bed and everything. Someone to protect and care for. The person you cuddle and mate with and someone that would do all that for you." - He tightened the hug in quite the protective way, noticing how languid she was becoming in his arms. He understood she had been worried and anxious, but that in her triggered the fight or run responses because she didnt knew how to respond otherwise. It was up to him to cause the progress this time. -"...Aria, do you love me? In your own way at least? If you do, do you want to keep me?"
Aria looked up at Julius and opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Ace grabbed her by the waist and pulled her out of Julius grasp. The knave took a step back and placed a finger over Aria's lip, and after a dramatically long cause he spoke, his voice clear and a tad bit deeper than normally. -"Most graceful lady, Aria Hadron Scherzi, foreigner, dragon slayer, demon vanquisher, monster hunter, mercenary, bringer of midnight, and all titles that may apply. I acknowledge the sentiments you have expressed, gracefully and respectfully. And although silence would be honorable, I cannot accept or justify your fearful reasons given the constant proof and possibility of your grand person overcoming any odds in your way."
Julius was so surprised that he didn't even growled when Aria was pulled away, and very slowly, turned towards the knight, looking at him with very wide eyes in shock at the perfect way Ace smoothly spoke. He had no idea the knight of hearts was capable of such a thing or even that the executioner knew words with more than 3 syllables.
Ace continued.-"My illustrious and most wonderful lady. All happiness and my unfaithful willingness to assure you on my words and services. Set forth all your sincerity and affection intended for us, which is already returned tenfold, and I candidly avow that it shall be an endeavor to preserve this affiliation and foster the growth of this, our formalized deal, if you so accept its premise and to detail forward on a most propitious time upon your promise that thou shalt held it as true."
Aria was now really worried, although Ace's appeal had suddenly increased at least in 15% he was being so serious and proper that it was almost scary. She dared not interrupt or move from his grasp.
"I could adore your person with more worthy thoughts, honors and eulogies, but I'd rather regard the negotiation itself for thou hold it in an even greater regard than other standings. May it please your considerance that I shall plead that in our deal, which should be our mutually faithful, devoted and permanent alliance, that I shall execute any threats or enemies that dare stand in our way and defend your existence while though ought to guide my way. Whether it be in moments of sorrow, joy, doubts or despair; you shall be provided with what you may require or desire in its regards."- He dashed a charming smile and held her hands. - "I give to you everything I am and everything I can or will ever be. I value our likeness and drive for adventure beyond measure. I promise to share your dreams and help you achieve your goals, and no matter what may we face ahead, I shall face it alongside you."
Aria couldn't blink, captivated as she was with his gaze.-"After hearing all I said and knowing it? " - She stared lifelessly at Ace, her muscles limp in his grip finally giving up on any struggling on this matter.
Ace grabbed the confused woman by the waist and swept her off her feet, spinning her around by the waist as though they were in a ballroom - "Thou you accept these terms and promise to formalize this later?" - Ace grinned noticing her total lack of resistance, to his clock's joy she was surrendering or rather, accepting. He chuckled and set her down, pulling her against himself while his hand trailed down and over her butt- " I will do everything within my power to ensure your happiness and satisfaction, of course which includes treating your damselic body with utmost and constant attention. I will treat you with the complete dedication you deserve and not allow you to rest until either you or I drop to our knees." -Ace smoothly spoke with a very soft smile, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles gently before returning i her back and down to her butt. -"And then our ours knees should we continue in another position... "
Julius had continued to only stare at the knight, his jaw unhinged while trying to think of where Ace could have heard these words and properly use them in a coherent sentences. But he was even more surprised that Aria hugged Ace back, resting her head on his chest and pressing desperately against the knave's body, too confused to acknowledge the real proposal Ace was presenting.
The merc looked up at the red eyed knight.- "Ace… just so you know it, I like when you show intelligence, no matter how extremely unsettling it is" - Aria then looked slightly worried and began checking his head -"Do you have some concussion? Did the cookie jar left side effects on your head? Was it lack of oxygen?"
Ace sniggered, his gaze deep and focused before he lowered to nuzzle her cheek.- "A knight should know how to wield words as swiftly as swords"
Julius could only watch, stupefied at how easily the knight of hearts had swept Aria off of her feet so quickly and efficiently that his own head was still spinning. In a matter of seconds, Ace had somehow suddenly become the most well-spoken man in all of Wonderland. And worse, the other male had snatched the foreigner, 'his' foreigner and mate right in front of him. A growl came from his throat as he approached his ears back and flat against his skull.
Ace paused, his ears perking up as he glanced over at the other male approaching them. A growl reverberated through his chest, his instincts stronger than his friendship for Julius. His gait slowed, hearing the threatening growl before returning one of his own with equally lowered ears and his tail wriggling back and forth.
Aria felt Ace tensing up and looked back at what he was growling at, finding only Julius approaching and growling in return, already showing his fangs even in the humanoid guise. -"Guys…? What's up?"- Her heart skipped a beat at the signs, the dreadful surprise keeping her in place.
They ignored her and looked each other directly in the eyes, their tales high as they growled at each other, baring their teeth and not backing away. Ace took a step in front of Aria and the two men with foxy features began to briefly circle each other, their eyes going white as their pupils became thin slits before Ace lunged forward, tackling Julius over with hardly any trigger. Their lips parted, biting into each other as Ace bit Julius's throat, Julius emitting a loud and clearly very pained yelp as he clawed into Ace's shoulders and neck. Their feral snarling at one another sounded truly frightening.
"STOP IT!" - Aria yelled at them and proceed to jump into the fight, kicking Ace off and then throwing a punch at Julius to prevent him from lunging at Ace.
Julius snapped around, biting her hand and tossing her aside before trying to lunge for Ace again and biting the knight's ear while digging his claws into his face. Ace caught him, lifting him up before slamming Julius down against the ground. They separated for a brief moment before lunging at each other in a rage, tumbling onto the ground and trying to get the upper hand against one another.
The mercenary let a growl of her own and stood up, clapping her hands above her head and causing a thundering sound while the floor raised in swirling darkness that grabbed both men and held them all around with force, slamming them down and subduing them. Both of them immediately tried to separate but they were pinned against the ground, snarling and yelping loudly as they struggled like wild animals against the holds.
Aria grimaced and crossed her arms, snapping her fingers on both hands, the shadows twisting their ears in a harsh punishment. Their loud whines and yelps increased as Julius tried to pull away but Ace bit at the darkness, snarling and baring his teeth towards the undefined assailant.
"REACT ALREADY, DAMMIT!"-The foreigner looked between both males and then spread her arms, making a shadow copy of her arms appear in front of each guy, and soundly clapping her hands, the shadow hands slapped both of them hard across the face, making their heads twist at the side.
After th hit, their breathing slowed rather rapidly, their pupils shrinking back to the regular size of humans. They looked around in confusion before looking at Aria, puzzled. Seeing her breathing hard, her posture all tense and an expression akin to fear or shock on her face.
"A-Aria, what happened?"- Julius asked, shaken and clearly startled.
" … I think we went feral while in here." -Ace said with only the faintest of smiles, his eyes holding a rather deep depth of depression. He had truly tried to kill Julius.- "That means … we're getting worse. Haha!" -Ace laughed.- "Looks like you're going to get some fun pets after all, Aria!"
"H-He … he's right." -Julius breathed, his ears pulling down in alarm as he whined, knowing that the change was permanent by now.
"Don't joke about it!."-Aria looked at her illusionary bleeding hand, her chest feeling as if it was tightening. -"No, not yet. I promise you, upon my fucking vial that I..."
"But does that really mean much anymore, Aria?"- Ace asked with a somewhat mysterious smile. -"We're losing our minds and now you decide you really want us? That's mean, Ary." -Ace softly spoke, his ears dropping. - "Or are you doing this because you know we are already lost?"
"Ace!"- Julius bitingly stated, recognizing this turn in Ace's behavior.
"We'll settle this when you are back to your normal obnoxious self."- She tried to smile and failed -"Even if I need to change the world..." - Aria's eyes went wide, a possible answer and solution starting to form as a desperate plan. She had her vial with her, and she could change the world, right?
"You better not get lost, Ary."- Ace smiled as dashing as possible, he smiled as if it was his last smile. -"I don't think there's much time left to get lost."
Aria didn't answer. Almost out of energy she merely cancelled the dream sequence.
.
.
.
Finally!
.