Bonds as strong as Time [[For LoneDigger and Myself]]

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Oh I don't know about that, kiddo. Yuuta and his battalion practically idolize Katsu, Hiyori and their adopted parents. After all, Katsu personally trained Yuuta and mentored him into the Sentinel the kid is. I'm sure they'll have you running up the wall by the time we rejoin you. I don't think even your charm will be letting you have fun with them" Kisame chuckled, leaning his weight back a bit in his saddle.

 

Feeling the smile that twitched onto his face at the mention of the younger Sentinel, Katsu glanced overhead at where Natsume was flying smoothly through the air. The snow white owl didn't show even the slightest signs of tiring but he knew that eventually they would have to rest when the day gave way to night. It was something he didn't pause in letting Kisame know.

 

"Once we reach those mountain ridges in the distance, we'll rest for the night. While I'm sure it would be easy to travel through the night to reach the others, they'll need us in fighting shape and getting there exhausted won't do anyone much good" Katsu murmured softly.

 

"You got a point there. We might as well give our battalions one last break before the real fun begins....Besides, isn't there a small village nestled up in those mountains anyways? I think we went there a few times when we were younger"

 

"There should be. The inn should have enough room to house the men and women for the night and if I remember correctly, they offer hot springs as well. It'll give our soldiers a good time to relax a bit"

 

"Not to mention the liquor they offer too. Man, I can't wait to get my hands on some sakè while we're there. We might as well enjoy our last night off duty cause its gonna be hell from here on out" Kisame practically moaned in excitement. A sound that had another soft laugh coming out of Katsu again.

 

"Only you would be that excited over sakè" the snow leopard sighed fondly.

 

"Mmm, you ever had sakè, brat? Cause if you've never had sakè before, you're in for a treat. We gotta give you a little taste of full adulthood before we through you into battle" Kisame spoke, eyeing the youngest member of the trio.

[LoneDigger]

"Why is everyone out to get me?"

 

Dakari groaned dramatically, but then grinned. He was determined to have fun even if they wanted to tell him otherwise. How could the prince not? He was always perpetually cheerful... or pissed, sometimes it seemed he just went all out in whatever emotion it was he was clinging onto.

 

The hyena wasn't really feeling tired, but the mention of a hot springs did capture his attention. He did surprisingly love the water, and one that was warm was even better.

 

"No, I haven't ever tried it. Is it really that great or are you just being overly nostalgic, old man?"

 

He laughed, but he was actually excited himself to try it. Especially since it meant that they were seeing him as another grown up and not just a brat. Even if he had been called that just a few moments ago.

 

"Firsts one there gets the first drink~!"

 

The prince suddenly kicked his stallion into a gallop, which normally would have terrified him just slightly, but the childish streak in turned everything into a game or contest that he always expected to win.

He loved the feeling of the cold air rushing past him, even his own sense of danger added to the thrill.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Figures....a brat like you is probably too over protected at the palace to be allowed to drink liquor. I suppose you can say it's an acquired taste but you'll be used to it by the end of the night" Kisame replied around a the wide grin that threatened to split his face in half.

 

Wondering whether or not it was a good idea to let Dakari drink with them when the boy was still rather young, Katsu didn't get time to voice nearly any protest before Dakari was charging off ahead of them. Releasing a startled sound, Katsu managed a brief glare in Kisame's direction and a statement of:

 

"I hope you know, this is your fault"

 

Before he was charging off after the young Prince, his horse wasting no time in answering to his sudden urging for speed. Casting a pleading glance up at Natsume to have his Follower stay with their battalions, Katsu relaxed at the brief dip of the head as his Follower lowered himself closer to the soldiers that had been just as surprised as Katsu and even Kisame with Dakari's sudden departure.

 

Angling his body lower on the back of his stallion to better allow them to move faster, Katsu whispered soothing words to the animal who galloped at full speed after the Prince's mount. Behind them, Katsu could just make out Kisame sharp, excited laughter as his friend sent his own mount racing after them. It wasn't long before they were catching up with Dakari and passing him with ease. Years of riding experience both on and off the battlefield gave them more knowledge on just how to lean or adjust their weight to provide less of a hindrance for their horses as they galloped forward.

 

"Hurry up, brat! You don't wanna fall too far behind! Try and keep up will ya?!" Kisame called back over his shoulder the moment his horse had galloped quickly past Dakari, Katsu just a few feet in front of him by now and showing no signs of slowing down.

 

Ducking under overhanging branches and steering his mount around obstacles as plains gave way to forest and they drew closer and closer to the base or the mountains and the lights of the village he could just make out at a distance, Katsu felt excitement course through him at the sound of pounding hooves below him. It had been a long time since he was prompted into a race such as this and he had to admit that he was having fun. Especially at the challenge issued. By the sounds of Kisame'a laughter, he could tell the shark was enjoying himself as well.

 

Least to say, if Dakari thought just because he had had a headstart that he would win, the Prince would find himself gravely mistaken.

[LoneDigger]

Dakari parted his lips to let out a exhilarated whoop, he was loosing, which usually was a big problem as he watched the blurred shapes of the two Sentinels pass him, but right now he was just lost in the moment. Funny how this simple challenge had erased his doubts or fears of riding, now he felt like he could take anything on.

He tried to feel the way the horse moved underneath him as he galloped and adjusted his own body to rise and fall with it's hoofs, it was a bit bumpy at first, but he learned that holding himself up with just his thighs leaning over the stallion's neck proved to be effective.

 

"Get them~!"

 

He cried out with a grin, the horse taking them faster. It was a lot of ground to cover, and even the prince knew he was going to be a dead third in his own race. But he was having fun, he just wanted to prove he could keep up. He let his ride do the work while he helped to spot any obstacles ahead in time for the horse to steer away.

Once he finally joined the elders, his poor stallion was huffing and puffing, but even he seemed content. Even if that was a sudden request.

Dakari dismounted from the animal, and then hugged around his neck for a moment before taking the reins and walking them both closer to the pair, a big grin tugging up his lips. His breath came out like smoke, his blond hair all tussled up and wild.

 

"So who got here first? Was it you Sharky or did Frostbite win?"

[Full_Moon_Rising]

It had been a long time since he had allowed himself to feel such freedom and honestly it felt good. Right at that moment, with Kisame roaring with laughter just feet behind him and Dakari's own sounds of entertainment further back, things felt peaceful and right. Almost as if they wouldn't be facing bloodshed and death in a days time. Maybe it was selfish of him, but Katsu wished he could make this moment last forever. To keep the peace of the moment alive for longer than what it would take them to reach the village, but he knew it was impossible. Even for him. Regardless, even when the inn came into view, Katsu marveled in the remaining feeling of freedom that clung to his heart.

 

Hearing Kisame come to a stop behind him, Katsu patted the neck of the huffing horse that had indulged his brief boyish desire, affection for the animal strong in his touch. His mount had served him well, as it had numerous times in the past and he would never not be thankful to it. Observing Kisame rub his hands affectionately over his own horse's long mane as the animal seemed to almost preen under the attention, the snow leopard laughed quietly before his eyes were turning to the arrival of Dakari.

 

The boy seemed to have had as much of a blast as they had, which was good. Despite his lingering annoyance towards the youth, at least the air seemed less tense than it had been before.

 

"Snow kitten got me by just a few seconds. So I guess he's starting us off with drinks tonight, which is fine with me. We'll see who can hold their liquor the best throughout the night" Kisame replied laughing as he effortlessly dismounted his stallion and handed the reins over to the stable hands that had walked up.

 

The three young men bowed deeply and respectfully to the two Sentinels and their Prince before waiting for the other horses to be given into their care.

 

Hoping off his own horse with the same effortless grace Kisame had shown, Katsu nodded his thanks as he handed his horse over to able hands with one last pat at the animal's thick neck.

 

"That should be quite the show. Knowing you, you'll end up in a drunken stupor before the night is over" Katsu remarked playfully before gesturing for the two to follow him as they walked towards the inn.

 

It took just a few moments for them to greet the inn keeper with far more affection than what would be considered normal. It was clear that she appeared to be an old friend of theirs and while she showed infinite respect to Dakari, the inn keeper wasn't above teasing the shark and snow leopard as she lead them to their rooms.

 

"The hot springs are open whenever you two goofs are ready to use them, as well as you Prince Dakari. I'll have sakè set out for you there, clean bath robes should be already set upon your beds in the rooms. When you're ready, the springs await you and I'll have a small meal sent up to you while we wait for the rest of your men" the middle aged woman spoke, bowing deeply towards Dakari once more before walking off down the hall and disappearing from view.

 

"Alright then, I guess I'll see you guys in the springs in a bit. I'm gonna go ahead and take this armor off, it's such a damn pain to have to wear" Kisame grumbled, stretching his arms over his head and wondering off towards the sliding doors that lead to his room further down the hall.

 

Glancing at Dakari, Katsu turned and headed off again towards his own room calling over his shoulder "When you're ready, join us in the springs if you so wish".

[LoneDigger]

"Hah, I knew it... Obviously Snowflake won. He's the best at everything."

 

The first part may have been a bit sarcastic, but the last sentence was spoke genuinely. Even if Katsu was grumpy the prince would always, always look up to him.

The prince followed the lead of the two, snickering softly underneath his breath at the snow leopard's remark to the shark.

 

"Kisame's going to get shit faced~"

 

The hyena chuckled, and the sounds of the teenager trying to hold back laughter only increased at seeing the way the inn's keeper was treating the pair, it was hilarious. He didn't know many who could get away with such.

 

"Pfft, She called you both goofs... But little does she know I'm the biggest one around here."

 

Dakari grinned, knocking on Kisame's armor and shaking his head.

 

"Yep, would hate to get that all rusty... Or you know... drown because it's too heavy. Kisame you would be the first shark to actually go that way, you know?"

 

He teased, before finally going to get ready himself for the springs. All he really had to do was get undressed, rinse off, and then in he went. He searched for the Sentinels, but the mist made it a bit hard to see them straight away. The give away was of all things, the striking color of the shark's hair that did it.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Shut up, ya brat" Kisame couldn't help but grumble with good nature in response to Dakari's words even as he walked off.

 

By the time Katsu was finally relaxing into the warmth of the spring waters, sakè cup in his hand and shark groaning in soft content beside him, the snow leopard couldn't have made himself more comfortable than he already was. His kind hated the heat, yes, but he was half lion and his father had once lived in the heat of the plains. That being as it was, the heat of the water all around him brought calm and tranquility to his mind and for the time being, made him forget all about his irritation for toward the Prince.

 

"You know, we need to make this something we do more often. If we make it out of this last war, I don't care what you say, I'm dragging us out here at least once a week" Kisame breathed out, true calm in his tone as well. Long gray hair floated all around him in the steaming water and those equally gray eyes were closed in content.

 

"I'm not opposed to that. We should visit the Inn more often, Kaede wouldn't give us such a hard time if we actually showed our faces around here with more frequency" the snow leopard replied, lifting the cup to his lips and drinking the clear liquid it held.

 

The smooth burn of the liquor going down his throat was a welcomed experience and while he watched Kisame reach for his own cup from the floating tray carrying several bottles of sakè and sakè cups in the water, Katsu caught sight of Dakari appearing. The moment the boy's eyes landed on them, the Sentinem lifted his hand to wave the boy over but didn't so much as move from his reclined position against the stone wall of the hot springs.

 

"Oi, brat! Hurry up and get in here or we're drinking all this on our own and we ain't saving you any!" Kisame called Dakari over as soon as his eyes landed on the young Prince as well.

 

Refilling his cup again, Katsu closed his eyes slowly and inhaled the moisture of the air all around them. Long dark hair swirled in the water around him and the slightly cooler brush of the breeze caressed his bare chest perfectly. The sounds of the insects that claim the night began to come to life around them but aside from Kisame's soft sound of approval as he drank his sakè things were peacefully quiet.

[LoneDigger]

Dakari sunk deeper into the water so he could swim over to the pair would be faster than pushing through the water on foot.

He stood back up once in front of the pair grinning, he couldn't believe that they really had gotten booze and to have it just floating around within arm's reach was even better.

 

"Come on, I can tell you're both still sober so there has to be some left for me~"

 

The prince confirmed his own suspicions when he raised the bottle and poured himself a glass. He didn't know what to expect since he had never been given alcohol before, but he didn't hesitate to take a big sip. The liquid burned down his throat, but in a way that made him feel warm inside. He was already addicted, not for the taste, but the sensation it gave. No wonder all the elders seemed to like it so much, he finally understood why.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Take it easy with that, brat. Can't having you drinking too fast for your first time. We don't need your old man tearing our heads off just because we accidentally let his son get drunk at an Inn" Kisame chuckled, downing his refilled sakè in a move that made it seem he wasn't drinking alcohol at all.

 

"Quite a scene that would make. The Prince of the realm, stumbling around at a local Inn with two of the Sentinels meant to protect him, simply watching him make a fool of himself. I do believe I would relinquish my position as Sentinel and make a run for it before the King found us" Katsu smirked at the thought of that itself.

 

"I'm with you there....not to mention what our parents would do. Honestly, we'd be back to being treated like little brats again" Kisame groaned though the smile on his lips never once faded.

 

"You were the little brat, Hiyori and myself were perfectly behaved" Katsu huffed playfully.

 

"As if, whenever Sentinel Hironori tried to lecture you guys when you both deliberately disobeyed him and Lady Yuzuki, you two would turn into puffed up, hissing fur balls with claws"

 

"At least that was better than a little guppy shark snapping his jaws as Sentinel Tatsuo just because he didn't feel like completing a task"

 

"I guess you have a point there....Kid, you missed out some good years. I think you and young Katsu would have been a great match. Your tempers would have clashed a bit but hell, I'd even be rooting for you both back then. Unfortunately, you're now stuck with the mature, old version of the spitfire he used to be" Kisame laughed, watching his old friend roll his eyes and take his drink.

 

"Then again...." Kisame continued thoughtfully, flickering a mischievously pensive glance between the pair "You two would make a good match now. You could bring some fun back to Katsu, brat, and Katsu can show you all kinds of things you have no idea about.....Hell, I wouldn't mind sharing him with you at all just as long as I get dibs in the intimate scenes you still probably have little experience in".

 

It was a miracle that Katsu hadn't choked on his drink as Kisame spoke though he did inhale rather sharply and the sound of a soft cough was evidence enough to how close to choking he had been. "Kisame....must you be such a moron all the time? Honestly, I don't know how I put up with you" he hissed softly at the shark who simply grinned back at him and played with the feline'a dark hair.

[LoneDigger]

"Accidentally? You did this all on purpose~"

 

Dakari laughed, helping himself to another shot. And then wiping his mouth before adding.

 

"Who says they're going to find out, or even know about it? I won't tell if you don't~"

 

Besides, the hyena was not planning on being a light weight. Little did he have a choice in the matter if or if not, but the prince believed he could control just about everything he did.

He quieted down when the two began to argue playfully over who was the worst kid. Come to think of it he had never even pictured either of the sentinels as young ones until it was brought up just now.

While he knew that they just didn't come into the world like... this. Well, that's all how he had ever known them so it was a bit surreal.

But Dakari was nodding along with Kisame and laughing, until the shark's last few setences spilled out.

 

"What are you trying to get at, Shark...? UGH!! GROSS!!! Shut it!!!"

 

The prince flushed as he splashed some water at Kisame, kind of realizing the action was a bit useless since well... He was a fucking shark. He grinned softly, and instead held the floating tray just out of Kisame's reach as a better form of punishment.

 

"That's fucking dirty Kisame, you almost made Katsu die from sheer horror... He actually tried to kill himself by choking."

 

The hyena chuckled.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

Throwing his back and laughing without hesitation, Kisame glanced at the two others in the water with him in sheer mirth. It wasn't every day he got to tease Kstsu this brilliantly, nor was it everyday he got to torment Dakari either. As annoying as the little punk had been as a cub, he had gotten rather entertaining to poke fun at as he had grown. Now that they were on this little trip together, he might as well have as much fun as he could before he was forced to get serious when they joined the others.

 

"How do you know he didn't get excited and forgot to swallow before breathing? Maybe Katsu wouldn't mind an arrangement such as that one" the shark replied smartly, flashing those impossibly deadly teeth in the form of a widening grin.

 

A grin that didn't last because a moment later Katsu was swatting the back of his head in annoyance and causing their tormentor to pout and rub the spot that had been smacked.

 

"Keep talking Kisame and I'll put my foot so far up your ass, you won't be shitting straight for a week" the feline growled and though his blue eyes sparkled with hidden laughter there was a distinct light hue of embarrassment on his cheeks.

 

"What? I'm just trying to help. If it makes both of you feel better, I'll let Dakari even watch when we sleep together. Hell, it might give the kid some pointers in his own romantic adventures. We can't have him be innocent and naive for the rest of his life, he needs to learn how to bed others. The only thing I will say though, is there will be no touching allowed. You can watch us but no touching my snow ca-" Kisame's words were cut off by another, louder wack to the back of head. One that left him whining softly and cradling his throbbing wound.

 

"You're close to having me rip your throat out with my teeth, guppy" Katsu snarled softly, desperately wanting his friend to stop talking for just a few moments.

 

"Kinky....I wouldn't mind that, you just gotta let me return the favor" Kisame chuckled, rubbing the back of his head before making a gesture with his other hand towards the tray Dakari was holding away from him.

 

At once the water around the tray seemed to spring to life and with a will of it's own, a small column of water dprang out of the surface and jerked the tray up and away from Dakari's grip to slowly flow towards Kisame's waiting hand before sinking back down under the surface of the spring leaving the tray floating smoothly on the surface again.

 

"You forget my elemental attribute is water, kid. I'm a shark, after all, what better weapon to use than the element I find myself often in" Kisame grinned even as he refilled his glass once more.

[LoneDigger]

Dakari was shocked, grossed out, and jealous all in one. But he was still telling himself to cling onto his own disgust at the situation since that was the easiest thing to be feeling.

 

"Kisame...!!! You really are a dirty old bastard... I don't EVER want to watch you with Katsu. In fact, I don't think I can even look at you right now. Nasty shark..."

 

So he turned away, but he was fighting back a grin at the way the snow leopard was getting worked up was the only good thing to come out of Kisame's distributing ideas.

 

"And as fucking if I'd ever need your help in such matters... I'd rather go to hell before seeing you give any such advice."

 

The prince muttered, shaking his head but there was a faint smirk tugging up his lips. Katsu had gotten another good wack behind the dumbfuck's head and that was definitely worth seeing.

But his idea had failed, the tray was being carried back by the water to the Sentinel.

Of course... again, fucking sharks and water. Can't beat anything more obvious than that connection.

 

"Just you fucking wait... When we meet in hell I'll be in my glory with all those flames~"

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Well damn Katsu, the brat is fully planning on going to hell. That sucks, we probably won't be seeing much of him then, huh. Hell doesn't seem as fun to me and the fact that you'd melt there would be traumatizing" Kisame smiled around his teasing comment while casting his gaze towards the snow leopard who seemed adamantly trying to keep his calm as he sipped from his own glass of sakè.

 

"Dakari will go to the light just like very soul does. His mischief will not land him in such a shit hole like hell. And even if he tries to force his way there, I'll drag him kicking and screaming the other way" Katsu breathed out, eyes having slide closed throughout that answer wondering what God he had pissed off to have to travel with these two lunatics.

 

"Well there you have it, kid, hell is denied to you. You could go hang out around the volcanic lands but hell is a 'no no'. That place is strictly reserved for the assholes who don't know not to fuck with the balance we uphold" Kisame huffed, leaning back against the warm rocks behind him, his shoulder brushing Katsu's.

 

"But honestly, in all seriousness, eventually your little heart is gonna start jumping around in that chest of yours when you meet someone you'd like to mate with and if you don't know what to do with them, it'll only be an embarrassment for you. You sure you don't want any pointers?" Kisame prompted, lifting the hand not holding his glass out of the water to reach over and gently grasp Katsu's chin in it, turning the snow leopard's face towards his.

 

"Katsu and I have been doing this dance since way before your parents were even born or thought about. We could give you some advice. For example, unless you want to scare your future mate off, you approach with charm and subtle nature" Kisame continued as he leaned closer in the snow leopard's space.

 

As for Katsu, the man lazily forced one eye to crack open and watch the approaching shark's face. Exasperation and mild annoyance flashed through him along with the need to draw away from the other man. But really, he wouldn't give Kisame that amusement. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Katsu allowed his tail to slip out of his body and wasted no time in raising it from the water to slap wet fur against the shark's approaching lips.

 

The look of disgust and surprise that appeared on Kisame's face was hilarious as the man sharply pulled away spluttering about fur being in his mouth and trying desperately to get it out.

 

Smirking in victory, Katsu took another sip of his drink while he closed his eye once more and his tail sank below the surface of the water again to settle on his lap. "Never take advice from a man that refuses to listen to the will of the person he is trying to court, Dakari. It'll be nothing but a waste of time and have less than favorable consequences for you" Katsu adviced calmly, plucking the floating tray from Kisame's reach and pushing it towards Dakari in offering.

[LoneDigger]

"Hell is more entertaining than Heaven. Besides, they'd never let me in... I haven't done a single good deed, and I don't really plan to either. A life of sin is more my style~"

 

The princes hummed, he embraced his own inner darkness a bit too welcoming it seemed. Hadn't he always been this way, born wrong? Sometimes he wondered, no he knew for a fact, that if he hadn't been born royal than no one would be even faking how much they loved him. It was just a reality he came to realize being older and seeing how peasants and other lower ranking animals were treated. Though he doubted he could change what was already written in society and nature.

And no one, not anyone, was fond of hyenas. They went against nature being hermaphrodites, associated with witchcraft and grave robbing. Nothing exactly positive.

 

"I'm sure they have a special spot reserved just for me."

 

Dakari grinned, he'd never see or touch the light. Couldn't they see this was obvious? He wasn't noble like them, he just looked out for himself. Even if he wanted to protect others, he knew that it was always him being the one helped since he was just more of a nuisance than a future king.

 

"I'm positive I don't need-- And... now for unwanted demonstration."

 

Dakari sighed as he watched Kisame trying to 'seduce' Katsu or something along those lines, but he wasn't sure how this was even going to work. The snow leopard barely even seemed to be reacting at first, that was until something popped out of the water and lashed against the shark's face, the prince burst out into laughter. It was just too good, the whole build up by Kisame only to be rejected by the snow leopard.

 

"Yeah, I can see that..."

 

The male was still snickering. But when the sake was pushed back within his reach he calmed down so he could get himself another round before anyone took it back from him. He was starting to feel a bit buzzed now on his third drink, this was his first time trying it after all. Dakari was enjoying himself though, even if Kisame was a pervert he was in some weird way already helping Katsu to loosen up. Even if it had been Kisame's fault he was uptight in the first place, after all, the prince was only so cruel to those he was jealous of. But right now it was hard to feel anything more than pity for Kisame, he didn't know shit about courtship. Or at least, not as much as he'd like to think he did.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

Blinking as Dakari took another drink, Katsu sighed opening both his eyes once more and looking down at what remained of the liquid in his glass. Dakari's words bothered him, they bothered him greatly, but the boy rarely listened to him when he spoke. It was like speaking to a wall these days and while he truly wanted to shake the boy and make him take back the stupidity that had just come out of his lips, it would be useless when the Prince refused to listen.

 

More times than not these days, Katsu found himself at a loss with what to do with the teenager. He cared more than he probably should about Dakari....but how was he meant to help him when the boy refused to accept reason. It was worrying, yet thankfully it seemed he wouldn't be fighting this fight alone.

 

"Look here, kid, I don't know what's gotten into your head that somehow hell is the place for you....but if you keep thinking that way, you'll have no one but yourself to blame for the path you choose to walk" Kisame grumbled after he had gotten most of the fur out of his mouth. Leaning back against the rock wall again, he looked Dakari over with a small concerned frown on his face, something incredibly rare in the shark.

 

"You are the Prince of our people, and we as your Sentinels live and breath to protect you and this realm. To provide balance where balance is lost and to keep an eye on the activities of the other realms. However, no matter what our other duties might hold....keeping the Royal family and all its members alive and well is the most important of the tasks. So don't go saying stuff like you belong in hell or that sin is something you crave more....It's not exactly something easy for us to hear" Kisame continued, tone far more gentle than it had previously been more than likely due to the somber topic they were discussing.

 

"Hell is meant to be a realm for the darkest, soulless individuals. For those who don't care who they hurt in order to reach their goals. Those willing to kill their own family to gain a high standing in society. It is meant for the cold of heart, the wicked of spirits....those that have no compassion for the world around them. Those who only care about bringing about their way without consequence to who they have to step over to do it" Katsu continued the shark's words with a rather haunting familiarity with them that could be considered unnerving in more ways than one.

 

"We know Hell, kid, it's something we're accustomed to. Katsu might not show you everything he is, everything he holds inside because it's not safe for you to see it. But we've been in Hell, through it and we've come out the other side. It has nothing to do with what species our souls hold nor what reputations our species might have....It has to do with the will you have to want to go above and beyond what anyone might say of you. To want to protect those important to you. To want to sacrifice everything for the salvation of the many" Kisame picked up again, exchanging a small knowing glance with Katsu.

 

Sharks weren't the most loved of aquatic animals. Yes, some people were at awe with them and sought to protect them, but many regarded sharks with fear and distrust. Many hunted his species and put false blame on them to alleviate the fears that claimed their minds. It was just human nature, people destroyed what they didn't understand. They killed for greed and beauty, as was the case for Katsu's species. Being who they were, in a realm away from that of humanity made things easier but it didn't shield them from the knowledge of what their respective animals were burdened with.

 

But that wasn't everything that made them who they were.

 

"Hyenas are not an animal thought highly about" Katsu carried on when Kisame nudged him subtly to continue. "But they have the potential to be great. They are complicated, yes, but so fascinating at the same time. They walk a path of their own choosing, regardless what others might think of them. They are not pathetic by any means and while no one might understand them, what matters is the values they hold in their hearts. They are not meant to be understood, they are meant to be unique and different from the rest. A breath of fresh air from the normality of the realms around us".

 

"Just because you carry hyena blood does not make you any less honorable that what you have the capacity to be, Princeling" Katsu continued and it was almost like he could read Dakari's previous thoughts. "Your mother is a hyena and we love her more than we can describe. But you're not full hyena, remember you have wolf in you, boy. Your father adds to the nobility that runs through your blood. You might not have done any remarkable deeds yet, but you are still young and you have more time than you can begin to imagine. Do not allow your demons to win when you've just barely begun the race. I've told you before, you have the capacity for greatness....you just need to learn how to show it".

 

"Katsu's right, brat. You're more than even you can begin to know. You might not see it yet, but in this time where war is raging around us....you're the light our kingdom needs. Our realm needs. It's rather poetic that your attribute if fire....a flame that can light the way in the darkest of nights. We are your Sentinels, your guardians and protectors. We've seen more than you can ever imagine, done more than your darkest dreams could conjure up. We've lived centuries, lost more than we can grasp and gained new friends along the way.....and we're still here. Protecting what matters to us. If anyone has places reserved for them in Hell, kid, it's us. With the amount of blood on our hands, it's not surprising. But you? You deserve much more than what you can even think of.....but only if you believe in yourself. Don't let us down now, you've just gotten started" Kisame finished with the same amount of gentleness in his voice that he had spoken with before.

[LoneDigger]

"I don't think... I don't think I can be like everyone else expects me to. I try... I really do try, but somehow I just can't get anything right. The only time I feel like I'm doing anything is when I figure out my own way. I don't know how to explain it."

 

The prince muttered, he didn't like how worried the pair of Sentinels were acting. Dakari didn't see why it was such a big deal, he had already accepted his fate young to avoid a crisis later in life. He wasn't just going to keep pretending he was something that he wasn't, and what he was a hyena. And he knew that his kind was just wicked by nature. It was how they were meant to thrive and fill their place, even if it was immoral.

 

"I mean... sometimes I don't care. Because someone has to get hurt to get to the end, whether it's your own soldiers or the enemy, someone always pays."

 

For just a brat, he seemed to already have a deeper understanding of how war really worked. War was something created out of sin, but it was always there. One side was supposed to be 'good' the other 'evil' but in the in wasn't bloodshed wrong on both sides? He believed then maybe the Light was just a lie to justify corrupt behavior disguised as purity.

 

"You can preach to me all you want. And I respect your words... But I'm not an idiot. I know where we're all going in the end for what we've done, and you can bet it's not the light."

 

He finished, leaving it at that since he had learned very recently that arguing with his elders or even daring to spat back some insults to prove a point was actually one of the worst things he could do.

But when Katsu suddenly spoke it forced the prince to listen. Because the fact that they were on speaking terms again was such a value to Dakari that he had to pay attention.

 

He wondered what Katsu really thought of him, or rather of his kind. And it didn't seem to be as negative as he would have guessed.

The prince smiled when the snow leopard spoke of his mother. He had never thought of her anything but what she was, well to everyone else she was the ruling queen, but to Dakari she was above all else his loving mother. He never saw her as less than his father, nor had he ever even compared that they were different species.

Only the older he got the more he saw that his father had the advantage, wolves were seen as more noble. Even if they weren't so different than hyena went it boiled down to it.

His mother proved that much by what she had become during her reign, a beloved and respected queen.

 

"I guess that means that no matter where we go in the end... Whether it's the burning fire or the shining light, we're going to be there together."

 

The blond haired male smiled, finally seeming to understand what the pair had been trying so hard to explain to him.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

Listening to the boy talk, the pair of Sentinels could admit that they understood how he felt for the most part. They had been his age before and while they had experienced their first kill way before he had, they knew some of what he was saying held truth to it. War was not an easy thing to swallow, no side was truly right and no side was truly wrong. There was suffering and pain at every angle and families mourned to loss of their loved ones regardless what side they chose to fight for. There was no denying that, that was the cruel reality of things. However, one couldn't let the black and white of it cloud ones judgement.

 

There was a gray in the middle after all.

 

Their kingdom hadn't asked for this war, they hadn't provoked the Dark realm into attacking, their hand had been forced and as much as the King had tried to avoid it coming down to where they were now....there had been no stopping it. So they were forced to fight, the Sentinels were called to their oldest of duties and they gathered to protect their Kingdom. To save the lives of those too innocent to understand what was happening. To defend the villages of those who had nothing to do with the animosity of the Dark realm. And most of all, to protect and stand side by side with those they loved and couldn't bear to lose. It was no easy situation, but it was one they were used to.

 

Smiling lightly at Dakari's final words, Katsu felt some of his worry recede as he exchanged a relieved glance with Kisame before he spoke again.

 

"We will always be by your side, Princeling. You are the heart of this Kingdom and we are the pillars that hold your world up. There is no other place for us to be. What path you choose to embark in, is yours alone to make as you see fit. You are a slave to nothing, not fate and not the prejudice of others. Nevertheless, no matter where you go, we will always follow" the snow leopard spoke affectionately, kindness and wisdom decorating his voice.

 

"And even if we can't be with you anymore. Even if we fade and new Sentinels come to take our place, our loyalty and our power will always be at your side. A brat you may be, but you're our brat and nothing will keep us from upholding our vows to you" Kisame added in, a soft smile tilting up the corners of his usually grinning lips.

 

It was true that their time was limited. Sentinels were not invincible. They withstood the changing of the times around them but they were not immortal. Their souls would fade when others with the potential to take their place, appearing in their realm. It was a known fact and it no longer frightened them. However, for as little or as much time they had to stand by Dakari, they would keep the boy safe. No matter which path the Prince chose in the end, they would follow him even to Hell itself. And it wasn't just because of the oaths they had spoken so long ago, but because Dakari had grown in the hearts of the Sentinels that were sworn to do him no harm.

 

"Now, to change the subject cause we're here to relax....not get all down and mopey and stuff. You sure you have no one you're eyeing as a potential mate? I mean you're in you're late-is teens right? Since you've basically declared you're gonna do things your own way, then arranged matings shouldn't mean much to you. So you're free to choose whoever you want. In all honesty, you're not bad looking, I guess, you could probably attract attention left and right" Kisame perked up again, pulling the floating tray towards him and refilling both his and Katsu's glasses.

 

"You have a point, Kisame. The boy does have a certain appeal to him. He has a very nicely sculpted face, if you take a moment to really analyze his body. And his hair color definitely brings attention to his eyes" Katsu remarked, leaning forward a bit and he eyed Dakari playfully.

 

"Right? The blue he has going for him in his eyes is something that can definitely draw people in. Not to mention his body, do you see those muscles, those are absolutely attractive. Especially when they balance out his height too. The boy's walking eye candy" Kisame grinned, winking at Dakari as he downed his drink and refilled again.

 

"Mmhmm. Pity he hasn't realized that yet. I'm sure he's been turning heads since he first began to show signs of his body maturing. For all your energy, I'm surprised you've failed to realize the reaction you can have on those around you that find themselves attracted to you, Princeling" Katsu chuckled knowingly, continuing his slowly accessing of the part of Dakari's body that he could see from above the surface of the water.

 

It didn't surprise him to feel the remnants of jealousy pop up in his mind when he thought of another with the boy. It almost made him want to snarl at the thought itself but he had no place to do so. As attractive as he found Dakari had become, the boy was still his Prince and Katsu was a Sentinel. Those two have never been heard to mix in anything other than their usual duties and responsibilities.

 

"Seriously, you at least have to have experience in bedding someone before you tie yourself down when you find your mate. We could find you someone to take to your bed tonight if you want. One of the girls here would surely jump at a chance to sleep with you and that would be another step you'd take towards adulthood. One more experience under your belt" Kisame offered, his grin never once fading even as he relaxed back beside the snow leopard.

[LoneDigger]

"You're completely right... Yeah, I'm sorry for speaking like that. I don't know what came over me, I'm not usually such a downer..."

 

The prince grinned sheepishly, and it was true. It was a rare moment to hear the hyena vocalize deep truth like that, sometimes he thought about it when he was alone or even when he felt scared, but it wasn't something he usually chose to dwell on, let alone tell others. He rather just laugh his way through life and live in the moment, that's how he'd always been.

But he was grateful for having Katsu and even Kisame to guide him, and protect him as he found his way to the throne, it seemed like such a long journey, becoming a king someday, but then again their was centuries to spare... With this War though he wondered if time was no longer on there side as it had been before.

But before Dakari could go into another existential crisis rant on speciesism and other such dreary subjects of death and hell.

A more burning question was present when the conversation drifted back towards mating.

Even a teenager as much as they loved to go on about doom and gloom, sex was an even more pressing topic.

 

"I mean... I don't think I can help the fact that whoever my mate will be determined by what's right for the kingdom. Like, an alliance or something that brings stablitiy back. With this War a partership like that could be the difference between the fall or rise of our realm."

 

Hm... Those words didn't sound like they had come from Dakari, in fact he was just repeating what his parents had told him time and time again. So instead he was speaking how his father would have wanted him to, not what he really felt. But his own feelings having been denied had sort of stunted the prince to the point where he didn't even know how to feel about the topic. He had brought up that mating wasn't for pleasure or even bonding, but for political reasons.

That's just the price you paid for being royalty.

 

But that wasn't to say that the prince wasn't finding himself enjoying all the attention. Most wouldn't dare speak to him in such a way and not only that, but the ones who were saying it happened to belong to a certain snow leopard that he probably had a crush on.

It wasn't like he was used to adults speaking so casually and openly to him at all, everyone was stuck up, and well behaved. As if they were afraid to offend him which just made Dakari laugh at the thought. As if one of the most offensive hyenas would be hurt by someone talking about something as natural as mating was.

Then again, there weren't many others his age to talk to. So maybe he was a bit clueless in some regards. He never had anyone to even joke around with, or ask questions. Hell, he didn't even know what was normal for others his age who weren't royal. Were they already finding mates? He didn't even know, his parents just dismissed any inkling of a question and said his mate would be when the time the kingdom needed an alliance.

 

Either way, Dakari did seem somehow obvious to his own attraction that he had on others. He always thought anytime there was attention or stares was just because he was a prince, nothing more than that. But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. And the more flustered he got, but he hid it pretty well. He just didn't even know how to respond to the Sentinels. What if they were just teasing him? Yeah, they probably didn't really think he was that impressive... They were both a bit drunk too, he shouldn't take any of it seriously.

 

But then Kisame said exactly that word: Which was 'seriously' and to a teenager that is basically the same thing as swearing yourself in front of a council on your very life and honor, so his smirk faded and he was left a bit speechless.

 

"I.... I do? I mean, yeah everyone does... I knew that..."

 

The prince cringed, now it was obvious he had no idea what they were talking about from the start. He didn't even know how he would go about it. He knew what it was, but doing it was a completely different thing.

Kisame was asking, no telling him that he should have sex with some random girl he didn't even know because it would make him more mature, or make him a better mate?

Dakari seemed at a loss because as it was clear before, no one ever even scarcely spoke to him of this, let along telling him he should be doing it.

 

He didn't even answer the other, instead he had this look on his face that suggested his brain was trying to discern all the new information it was being handed and being completely overwhelmed.

It wasn't like him for not having a quick response or a joke to crack, especially given the topic was one most teenagers should have been comfortable with to do so, but he was just lost.

 

Was this a challenge he shouldn't back down? If he said no then surely the two would definitely consider him nothing more than an immature brat still who couldn't even do something as simple as mate.

Would this be his last chance? If he didn't now, would he never accomplish what he needed to move forward one day with his future mate?

Who knows, he could just as well be going to hell tomorrow if the whole thing with Yuuta didn't go over well in a battle or something. And him being a virgin in hell? He didn't even want to think of that.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

Exchanging a long meaningful look with one another, Katsu felt a grin appear on his face to match the grin Kisame was sporting at the moment. Mischief sparkled in the eyes of both the Sentinels and for a moment there, they looked more boyish than the lethal warriors they truly were. Slowly turning their gazes to Dakari, Kisame nudged Katsu into motion with his shoulder and the snow leopard calmly pushed away from the wall and the bench he had been sitting on to approach the Prince. Movements smooth and steady yet holding an almost sensual allure to them. Brilliant blue eyes gazed at the young Prince beneath long lashes and a playful quirk of his lips told just a fraction of how much he was going to enjoy this.

 

"Leave you parents and their speeches of what's best for the realm to us, brat. You're in the company of Sentinels right now and what your parents don't know won't kill them. Besides, you deserve a bit of freedom from all the expectations everyone has for you" Kisame smiled widely at the youngest among them, calmly sipping his sakè while bubbling down the need to laugh at the experiment they were about to conduct.

 

"If you are as experienced as you say you are and you know what we're talking about....then this should be easy" the shark continued, watching Katsu close the distance between himself and the boy. Longing mixed with amusement in those gray eyes that drank in the feline's movements.

 

"What are you preferences in partners, Princeling? Do you prefer the softness of a female's body or the firmness of a male laying beside you?" Katsu spoke but his voice was different than how it usually was. Lower in quality and holding almost what appeared to sound like a husky purr. As he circled the boy, his tail slowly unwound from his waist to gently brush against the legs of the hyena. "Do you prefer to try your hand in dominating a situation in bed or do you prefer to let your partner show you where your place is....Remeber, statuses do not matter in such situations....There are many ways to provide and receive the pleasure of another".

 

Perhaps it was the fact that he might have been a bit buzzed himself, or the fact that he truly did want to push the hyena a little more than what would be considered proper, Katsu didn't know. All he knew was getting to tease Dakari like this, in such a fashion, was a bit of a payback for the crap the boy had thrown at him over the years. Besides, he couldn't help but think the teenager adorable for all his false claims that he knew exactly what they were saying.

 

His tail slowly rose in the water to brush against the boy's waist next, a brief brush of a touch, nothing to firm but lingering enough for the boy to know it was there. Lowering his voice a bit more and pushing a purr to swell into his vocal cords more firmly, the snow leopard continued to prompt the boy even as he kept to his path in circling the teenager. "Tell me, young one. What is it that you seek in your partners? What do you desire of them? What would make your blood burn to be able to stake claim on them?".

 

Watching the pair while swallowing down his automatic desire for the other Sentinel when Katsu played games like this, Kisame chuckled behind his glass. Gray eyes shining with how much he was enjoying the show though calculations ran further in his mind as to how he could make this better.

[LoneDigger]

In all his nineteen years he had never stopped to consider what his preferences were, or anything sexual. He was familiar enough with his own body, sure, but thinking about anyone else made him feel so strange...

Kisame had mentioned girls, but when he thought about it... Well, he couldn't have cared less. When he looked at them, he felt nothing. And it had always been the case. Probably because traditional female anatomy did not exist in hyenas. So instictually he only craved males, or at least animals who appeared masculine on the outside as he did.

 

Dakari would like to consider himself someone who would dominant anyone in any situation from something as simple as sparring to even mating. His status spoke otherwise, but maybe he just needed someone to show him.

Until then he would be the one calling the shots, as prince he was used to such and would need a lot of practice in becoming anything else.

 

None of this was spoken out loud, not because the blond was being stubborn, but because he was completely memorized by the way Katsu was moving around him, he had never seen the snow leopard act like... well, like he was in heat or something. It was really surreal, but alluring just the same. But it hurt too, because Dakari knew he could never touch him.

Sentinels and royalty did not mate, simple as that.

And in that moment he suddenly wished that he weren't prince, why couldn't he be anyone else? Anything at all, just so long as he could be with Katsu the way Kisame had. Lucky bastard...

 

"Hmmph... All I can tell you is that I always get what I want."

 

The prince replied cockily enough, putting on an easy grin. Still trying to play it cool, it seemed. But he was silently thanking the water for hiding the obvious.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Do you now?" Katsu chuckled warmly, coming to a slow stop in front of the other man.

 

Looking slightly up at the Prince, the cockiness that surfaced in the snow leopard was not something normally seen. Unperturbed by the differences in their heights now, a difference Katsu more than made up for with the dominating power that lay dormant under his skin, the Sentinel raised a brow at the youth and tilted his head to one side. Blue eyes was cunning and playful as they observed the teenager in front of him before he decided to throw the differences in their positions to the wind....just for the next few moments.

 

Lifting his tail inch by inch further up the teenager's body, Katsu made sure just the tip of it was brushing against skin as the tail rose up out of the water. Wet fur flattened in the absence of the water around it but that didn't stop Katsu's actions in the least. Raising the tail further up, Katsu gently draped it around Dakari's shoulders before inching the end of it just a few inches further up to curl it around Dakari's nape. Not once did the Sentinel use his hands or any other part of his body to touch Dakari despite stepping just a half a foot closer to the other younger man, leaving the minimum of space between them. Almost as if he was daring him to do something.

 

"And what is it that you want, Princeling? Hmm, surely you have the least of an idea in mind of what you crave?" Katsu breathed out the question, putting a bit of pressure on his tail to encourage the boy to lean down a just a bit closer to him.

 

The feline knew he was playing with fire both figuratively and literally, but he couldn't help it. If the boy insisted on acting cocky, as if he was in full control of everything going on around him, then Katsu wanted to test that control. If only just a little bit. Besides, it was proving to be endlessly amusing to push Dakari's buttons. At least for tonight, tomorrow would be a whole new day filled with challenges that he didn't want to think about at the moment.

 

"Oi, Katsu, don't pressure the brat too much. He might just have a mental breakdown if you torment him for too much longer. Get your ass back over here" Kisame called out to his fellow Sentinel, his voice coming out a bit deeper, huskier than normal but what could be expected of him. The snow leopard had a way of putting fire in his blood, even if they hadn't slept with one another in almost a year now.

 

Smirking at the boy, Katsu kept his eyes on Dakari's face for a heartbeat longer before shrugging and dropping his tail back into the water with a small splash. Turning his back on the Prince, Katsu calmly headed back to Kisame's side while saying over his shoulder "If you really want to know what intimacy feels like, Princeling, you need only ask. There's plenty of people that would be eager to teach you. For now, I do believe there is more liquor to be drunk, we mustn't let it go to waste".

[LoneDigger]

Dakari didn't know what kind of game Katsu was trying to play with his tail, it felt kind of wet, and not light and soft how it was when dry, but it did add a bit of pressure to the normally feather light limb.

But it what he wanted, attention from the snow leopard. And it wasn't just any simple interaction, but he could swear that the other was teasing him. Or at least treating him as another adult.

 

It didn't matter that Katsu was shorter in stature, the other's aura made up for it. Besides, he would always look up to the other. Even when he sassed him, or doubted his advice. It would never change his stance.

But when the other urged him to move in closer, the prince obliged by leaning his head down so he could tell the other a secret, but it really wasn't.

 

"I know exactly what it is. Hint, it's not some average whore."

 

The hyena grinned, trying to keep in control even if his heart was pounding in his chest from being this close, the only thing separating them again was the water. How easy would it have been to just step closer until their bodies touched?

But before he could dwell on that thought Kisame was interrupting the moment and the prince couldn't help but snort, rolling his eyes.

 

"Hey, Frostbite... Your Guppy is calling."

 

He teased, watching the other return to the shark's side.

 

"Noted... Let's drink then~"

[Full_Moon_Rising]

Turning Dakari's words over in his head, the Sentinel had to admit that he was much more curious than he should be. Dakari was interested in someone, the last words he had spoken had made that clear. The who that could be though, that right there was a mystery and Katsu couldn't help the reawakened sense of jealousy that sprang in his heart. True, he should be old enough to avoid getting jealous over someone that he shouldn't even be considering romantically or anything of the sort. Yet here he was, wanting to find out who had caught Dakari's attention and see if he considered them fit for the young Prince or not. It was foolish of him, not to mention completely uncalled for, yet he couldn't help but feel the way he did.

 

Sinking down beside Kisame, Katsu took the glass Kisame handed to him and leaned back against the rock wall comfortably once more. The soft smirk hadn't quite left his lips even as he took a sip of the burning liquid. Hearing the pound of noises growing in the Inn, the snow leopard glanced at the building and felt the last of his tension sink down when the knowledge that the rest of their men and women had finally arrived. At least for the rest of the might, there was nothing they had to worry about.

 

"Drink, brat. I wanna see how well you hold your liquor. If you wanna play in the big boy pen, you gotta learn how to act like one of the big boys" Kisame sighed, followed the snow leopard's example and leaning back against the wall. "You have the rest of the night to impress us, let's see just how long you can stand drinking against us".

 

Yawning softly, Katsu rolled his eyes at his friend's words even as he raised his glass again to take another sip, truly enjoying the peacefulness around them. "Drink at your own pace, Princeling. Don't let this old fool goad you on. I don't want to have to be carrying both of you to bed tonight nor do I want to put up with ridiculous whining in the morning" Katsu chuckled flashing a smirk at the hyena.

 

"Hey now, it's not my fault if he ends up falling on his face. He seems pretty cocky that he'll be fine, so let's just test that theory. Besides, no ones around to see this so why the hell not. Let loose, kid, you're free to do whatever you want tonight. Just try not to embarrass us too badly" Kisame quickly popped up sporting that natural devil-may-care grin of his.

[LoneDigger]

Dakari smirked at the challenge and pushed through the water again so he could be closer to the pair, and most importantly the booze. He didn't need Kisame to tell him that, but it didn't hurt for the extra encouragement to take down another.

Considering this was his first time drinking the stuff, he seemed to be handling it surprisingly well. Maybe the strong stomach of his spirit animal was to thank.

Not to say that the prince wasn't feeling a fire in his belly, or a bit tipsy. But nothing extreme yet. They had just gotten started after all.

 

"Don't worry about me... Hell, maybe I'll end up being the one to carry you both old drunks back to bed. I won't tell anyone you can't hold your liquor~"

 

Dakari teased back, grinning widely as his finger tip played with the rim of his glass. He was already enjoying himself way too much. It was, in a way, his first real taste of freedom. He didn't have to just be the prince who had expectations, but just a carefree teenager.

[Full_Moon_Rising]

"Can't hold our liquor my ass" Kisame barked out a laugh, blinking his eyes lazily at the youth he added "Kid, you're drinking with the only two Sentinels who can drink just about anyone under the table. Sharks can withstand just about anything and Snow leopards, well they live in extremes so they're built sturdy. Trust me, you ain't gonna be winning against either of us tonight. You're a hundred years to young for that".

 

Smiling lightly in agreement to what the shark said, Katsu watched the boy with a raided brow as he waited for the teenager to catch up to them. "If you seem so adamant that you won't be getting drunk tonight, then you have a few glasses to take in order to catch up to us, Princeling. We can only accept your challenge if you're standing on equal ground as us" he said playfully.

 

Watching the boy seem to really relax and have fun again was something he had missed witnessing in the boy. He hadn't seen evidence of it since the Prince had been a little cub scampering around his paws and trying to get everyone attention. Yes times were different now and peace was fading, but that didn't mean that they couldn't have nights like these every now and again. It would only be beneficial for the young Prince, especially with what was waiting for him when they got to the frontlines.

 

"Drink, kid, and relax. Like I said, act any way you want, ask anything you want. I can't guarentee that there will be a response but we'll try to answer what we can. Most importantly, just have a good time tonight. You're not a Prince right now, you're just an ordinary brat hanging around with a couple of old bones that need a breath of something new in their lives" Kisame spoke as he drank what was in his glass without even the slightest of grimaces.

 

Watching his old friend with amusement, Katsu followed his example in finishing his own drink before the pair was eyeing the Prince with clear expectations for him to hurry up.