With The Next Generation(Private/mature/continued)

Ryu ignored the presence of his son. Candra could have been on her deathbed. There was no way he was going to break into a fight with him. However, after hearing Ryukai's request, Ryu's crimson orbs snapped wide open. He stared blankly at his son. He hadn't heard wrong...had he? Surely, he must have misunderstood. "Have you gone crazy? What makes you think I can kill my own child? Beating you up might be one thing...but going so far as to kill you is a different story." Ryu frowned. Even though Candra's ears showed no response to his actions, Ryu continued. "Be silent. Do not speak such things right now...not while your mother is like this."

Ryukai came out from the shadows of the forest, his fangs bared. "How much more pain are you willing to put her through..." He said, despite his homicidle appearence his voice sounded void of any emotion. The halfling walked up to his mother and father, snapping at his fathers hand. Candra's ears hadnt once responded to his touch like they used to. Ryukai slid his cheek against Crandra's and rested his head against her own. "Forgive me mother...." He said and looked at Ryuten. "Kill me...." He growled

Ryu's head hung low. He knew what the risks would be. He knew that Candra needed him. Even though Raia had been fine, the fact that Jabberwock had mentioned her would have caused anyone to think otherwise. Ryu couldn't have abandoned Raia. He would have done the same for Kasumi or Kei had the roles somehow been reversed. All Ryu could do was continue to gently caress her ears. He remembered back before the twins were born, back before Ryukai had been born, how and Candra would simply snuggle up in bed. He remembered how much her ears loved receiving attention from his capable fingers.

Kei and Kasumi cried, trying to break free from Raia's hold on them. Hati took in Candra's scent and shook his head. "Ryu....I warned you how important it was...." Hati said. The wolf sighed. "If she makes it through this, it will be a miracle." Hati said and turned. There was nothing more he could do for her. He walked away, biting Skoll into yelping as he passed. Candra lay there still trembling, her breathing labored

"R-Raia...can you take Kasumi and Kei somewhere for a moment please?" Ryu asked softly. He had no idea if Candra was going to die, but if she was...the twins didn't need to see it. Raia nodded and scooped both the twins into her arms. They had gotten so big that it was harder to carry them compared to how it had been when they were younger. Ryu let out a long heavy sigh. His hands continued to gently caress Candra's ears. "I know...you probably hate me for leaving...and putting you through this pain. But...you're not done yet Candra. You must have some strength left inside of you. Use it! I'm here now, so just use that strength and come back!"

Candra's body was trembling under Ryu's touch, her body forcing more blood out of her jaws. "Mommy..." Kasumi whimpered, her own body shaking. "Dad....Mom's going to be okay.....right?" Kei asked. Candra's blue hues stared blankly ahead of her. Kasumi stepped into the puddle of blood, her pure white paws turning crimson red as she licked the muzzle of her mother. Hati shook his head while looking at the concerned pups

Ryu quickly appeared by her side. Raia came to join him as well and gently ran her hands along Candra's back. Even though Candra wasn't Yuki's favorite person in the world, Raia held no personal grudge against the wolf. She certainly didn't want her to die. "I didn't have a choice." Ryu whispered softly as he gaze came to rest on Candra's body. "I had...I had to make sure that Raia was ok. I dont expect you to understand." he whispered. Ryu had hoped that Candra would be able to hold on for at least a few hours. He hadn't planned on being gone for too long.

"Stay close" Skoll said and started to walk put into the ally. As he continued a dark mist enshrouded them and they vanished from the dragon capitol and re-emerged in the lush green meadow. Upon arriving the twins were next to Candra, their tails tucked and ears down. A small puddle of blood was near Candra's mouth. Hati looked up seeing their return, his eyes holding no anger....but....confusion. "Why would you leave her when you know its you she needs more than anything. Your her connectiong to the living Ryu" Hati said, his voice holding no anger in it

"The deal was to take me here so I could make sure my daughter was ok. I really dont see how bringing her back with me is a big deal...but if I end up owing you more thats fine I suppose." Ryu stated. Raia turned and hugged her mother. Yuki wrapped her arms around her daughter tightly. They had been together for so long that it hurt to see her leave even if it was for her own good. "Be careful while you're up there." Yuki whispered. Raia nodded and looked up at her mom with a warm smile. She then walked over to her father took hold of his hand. "I'm ready!"

Skoll lightly growled as his hackles rose. "Just call....call my name and I'll answer" He growled. He hated being a messenger boy. "Ryu will just owe me more since I seem to be doing more than I agreed to" Skoll said and turned. "Let get going, I need to return to hearding the sun before the gods pulling it realizes I'm not chasing them" Skoll said and yawned again

"Me?" Yuki blinked and let out a soft laugh. "I can take care of myself perfectly fine. I have no interest in joining this...realm of gods or whatever." she stated plainly. Raia looked down at the ring her mate had given her. It had been five weeks since she had last received a letter from him and she was starting to get worried. Maybe spending a little time with her father was a good thing. Besides, she missed Kasumi and Kei. She hadn't seen either of them for about three years now. "I'll go with you, but I want to be able to leave whenever I wish. My love is still out there fighting...somewhere." she replied softly as her gaze fell to the floor. Ryu nodded and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "I promise to return you." he smiled. If Raia was with him, Jabberwock wouldn't be able to use anything against him. "Wait, how shall I contact you? I assume you'll want to know when Deathwing dies or if a letter comes in for Raia." Yuki asked and shifted her gently eyes back over to Skoll. As long as Raia was happy, she didn't mind her going up to join the gods temporarily. If anything, it would in fact insure her safety which had been a great concern of Yuki's as of late.

Skoll listened to the corse dragoness. He simply yawned and blinked as Ryu addressed him, requesting to bring another earthen dweller to the realm of the gods. "I don't see whey not if you think that will help anything" He said and shook out his fur. "It would be in her best interest... it appears that this other dragon gets what he wants... so shed be safer on another realm... however bringing someone that is hostile towards Candra...I'm afraid I cannot allow her to enter the realm of gods" Skoll said

"You'll forgive if I confess I dont give a damn right?" Yuki asked, her brow lightly raised as she crossed her legs and gently sipped her tea. "That wolf can rot in hell. I care nothing for her health or her pups." Yuki stated bluntly. "Mom...you said you weren't mad anymore..." Raia whispered. Yuki nodded and placed her tea down onto the table. "I'm not. I've moved on and have a love of my own. That being said, that doesn't mean that I should show sympathy towards the one who ruined my marriage should I? Though...I must say that this is interesting. Are you saying that if she isn't the center of your little world...she'll die?" Yuki asked and this time turned to face her ex. Ryu rubbed his head and nodded. "Interesting...and in yet...you found time to come see if your daughter was ok. You might suck at being a mate, but you're a good father surprisingly." Yuki stated as she leaned back against the couch. Ryu let out a small sigh and rose to his feet. "Raia its not safe for you to be here. Skoll, I'd like to take her back with me if thats possible." Ryu stated. Yuki's eyes narrowed slightly. "You're not taking Raia anywhere without my say so. Besides, dont you think you should ask her if she wishes to leave? We've both have been waiting for her mate to be. Raia isn't a child anymore. She's grown up as you well know."

Skoll had a very un caring attitude as her shook out his fur. "From what I undrstand, Candra is suffering from some sort of illness. So in order for her to recover, Ryu has to focus his everything on her, or else she will die, leaving her pups without a mother" Skoll said, sniffing at the tea placed at his paws but didnt touch it. He looked to Yuki as she explained the whole situation. "Perhaps Hati was right....we should let uncle know whats going on on the earthen realm..." Skoll said passivly

"I see..." Yuki whispered as she placed a wet cloth on her ex's head. "Dad came to make sure I was ok? Wait...where has he been for the last few weeks? Things have been going to hell..." Raia mumbled. Yuki let out a small sigh. She invited Skoll to enter the temple if he wished to do so and placed a small cup of tea at his feet. "Jabberwock's thugs have been running nearly unopposed. They've by the temple a few times and have been harassing Raia. When Ryu left, Jabberwock actually came by and expressed how... disappointed he was that Ryu would simply take off. Other then his soldiers trashing my garden...he hasn't done really anything else." Yuki replied softly and shifted her eyes over towards her daughter. "Raia is getting married soon. However...with all the chaos going on around us...we've been forced to push her wedding back. Also, her mate to be still hasn't returned home yet. Other then all that, we've been fine." Yuki stated. Ryu suddenly let out a very low groan. He placed his hand against his head. He felt as if someone had hit him with a brick. "Wha-Where am I??"

Skoll bolted after him and stayed by his side....at least up until they burst through the door. He shifted to the side and watched as Ryu fell to the floor his ears perked as he watched the dragon fall. He looked at Yuki but didnt make any sort of threatening notions. He simply sat and started to scratch his ear while the girls moved Ryu to the couch. "Well...after entering a contract with me to help the dragon ally's that was held prisoner by another dragon. That dragon told me to give ryu a message reguarding his daughter which I assume is you" Skoll said, his firey orange eyes looking at Raia. "So, he requested I bring him here to make sure you were safe" Skoll said

When they reached the capital, Ryu quickly extended his wings from his back. He didn't have time to stop and explain why there was a gigantic wolf standing in the middle of a street. "Follow me." he told Skoll as he pushed off from the ground and sent his body flying forward. When he reached the temple Yuki was living/working in, Ryu came busting through the large wooden doors! "Raia, where are-" Ryu cried out just before a large frying pan smacked him dead in the face! "I told you not to come back!!!" Yuki hissed, but then suddenly paused and blinked twice. "Is it safe mom?" Raia asked softly as she came out from around the corner. When she saw her father laying on the floor knocked out, she ran to his side. Yuki placed her hands over her mouth. She had hit Ryu...well...pretty damn hard. He had a huge lump on his head thanks to her. "Lets get him to the couch. Help me mom." Raia stated. Yuki nodded, but paused again to take in the sight of Skoll. "Great...another wolf." she mumbled as she helped her daughter drag Ryu onto the couch. "Geez...whats he doing here anywhere? I heard that his family banished him..."

Skoll simply shrugged. It was hard for gods to feel too deeply about things. Each one had a better understanding of certain emotions. Skoll's was joy and innosence, when it came to cubs that he took a liking too. The main one he understood was anger. Hati was better at understanding calm,rational and sympathy more than other emotions. But it was rare for gods to understand the complexity of love, hate, jealousy and such. Skoll walked through the mist and they appeared somewhere within the dragon capitol. It was still night time. The few dragons who spotted Skoll were shocked to see such a wolf, somthing about him would feel off to them, since they werent aware he was in fact a god

"Waiting?" Ryu blinked slightly. He then paused for a moment. If Deathwing hadn't died yet, it would mean that Jabberwock couldn't make his move. Ryu guessed that the dragon was probably getting impatient. "Yes I'm sure. I need to check on Raia. It's no accident that he mentioned her name. This is my child. I'm sure even you can understand that." Ryu frowned. His hands formed tight fists. If anything had happened to Raia...he'd lose it. Ryu hadn't been able to fight off Jabberwock before. The scary thing was that Jabberwock hadn't even used a fraction of his true strength when he had fought with Ryu. He had even knocked Ryu right out of his dragon form! Ryu's teeth began to grind against one another. If Raia was in trouble how was he going to save her?

"I think I overheard some of the dragons muttering about waiting for someone to die, but I'm not certain as to who they were speaking of" Skoll said. "Are you sure that's wise?" He asked and looked down to Candra's sleeping form as he sat up from scratching his ear. Skoll shrugged and turned before looking back, "Stay close" He said and started to walk back through the dark mist.

When Skoll returned, Ryu jumped to his feet. He hadn't expected the god to bring Sasha back. He quickly moved over to her side. The poor thing really had been beaten and starved to death. Gently, Ryu ran his hand over her head. He needed to get her some water and rose to his feet to do so. However, after receiving Jabberwock's message, Ryu froze in place. His entire face turned pale. Had Raia been captured too? No....there was no way. Yuki was still inside the capital. As a matter of fact, Raia had been working at a temple under her mother while they were preparing for the young dragoness's wedding. Slowly, Ryu turned around to face Skoll, his eyes glowing with demonic shades of crimson. "When you were there, did you happen to find out if Deathwing is still alive?" Ryu asked. If the Emperor was still clinging to life, Jabberwock probably wouldn't make a move against Yuki or Raia. However, Ryu couldn't be sure of this. The crazy dragon had after all been poisoning his father while plotting behind his back. He had also snatched both Sasha and Candra. "Take me there. Take me back home!" Ryu commanded. He'd have to risk Candra's health and hope that she'd be able to hold on while he was gone. He loved Candra...but...there was just no way he could sacrifice his daughter's life. It was one thing to abandon his parents, but he could never do such a thing to Raia, not his little girl...

Skoll stopped and stared at the dragon, his hackles raising as a low menacing growl left his throat. Skoll stood taller than Jabberwock's human form easily and the wolf stared down at him without a word. Skoll made no signs of shock or any emotion really. He knew nothing of Ryuten having another daughter, nor did he care all that much. He turned and made his way out the way he came in and returned to the land of the gods. He came trotting through the mist and walked over to Ryukai and sat, Sasha sliding off his back onto the ground. "The dragon sends a message..." He growled, not really liking to be made out as a delivery boy. "He expects you in the competition....and you daughter misses you" He said and startd to scratch his ear

Ryu watched as Skoll left. He wasn't sure what the god would be able to do and certainly did not expect Skoll to rescue Sasha. All he wanted was to know if she was alive or not. Sighing softly, Ryu turned his attention to what was left of the buffalo. There was enough meat to last for at least a few more days. Ryu decided to make himself a small fire and roast a few chunks of meat for himself. It was all he could do at the moment.

"Going somewhere?" Came the cold, yet calm voice from Jabberwock from the shadows. "I dont recall ever freeing that girl." the dragon stated as he leaned up against a tall pillar with his arms crossed. A small smile formed on his lips as his piercing yellow eyes came to rest of Skoll. He knew what the wolf was without being told, which was why he made no move to attack. However, even if Skoll hadn't been an immortal, Jabberwock would have allowed him to take Sasha anyway. He was done with her. She had proven to be very useful regarding the information she held. Sure, Jabberwock had starved her and beat her till she was black and blue, but at the very least he had left her with her purity intact. "Give little Ryu a message for me. Tell me him that the tournament will probably start in three days. Tell him that I expect him to be there whether or not he's affiliated with his family or not. Tell him that his daughter misses him terribly." Jabberwock laughed before vanishing back into the shadows. Ryu might have been able to abandon Sasha, but there was no way he could leave Raia alone. Jabberwock also assumed that since Skoll was here, the wolf must have at the very least known where Ryuten was.

Skoll listened and thought it over for a moment before standing. "Very well" He said and turned. He trotted into the dark mist and vanished, making his way back to the middle earth. His bright orange eyes glowed in the darkness, his brother was herding the moon above, but the moon was small, in its waning cycle. Skoll crept along the shadows. He recalled Sasha...she was the tigress who had been fighting along side Ryu's soldiers when he first met them.

Being the god who chased the sun, Skoll made little effort to keep himself hidden, actually anyone who laid eyes on him went temporarily blind at his will then silenced their screams with his jaws. Skoll was not afraid to kill, nor did he find shame in it. The wolf stumbled into a chamber, almost like a prison. The wolf sniffed about and came about a half dead tiger. The girl must have become too weak to hold her human form. Skoll opened his jaws and let out a hot breath, the bars melting to the floor.

The red and black wolf walked up on the tiger and sniffed, it was her, but she was near death... it looked like she had been starved for awhile, not to mention beaten to a pulp. Skoll's jaws locked around the scruff of her neck and lifted his head, pulling her limp body with him, before throwing his head back, tossing her onto his back and started to head out

"Well..." Ryu paused and let out a very deep sigh. His eyes shifted back to the stream where Candra was resting. "Because I've been here...I have no idea whats going on back home. When we left...a dragon by the name of Jabberwock had kidnapped a Tigress named Sasha. She's my subordinate, but also very important to me. Her mother...the Queen... entrusted me with her safety. If Jabberwock has her...there's no telling what kind of treatment he's put her through. Females dont last long in his company. He breaks their minds, fucks them senseless, then throws them away. If you could...at the very least look in on her condition...and tell me if she's alive...I'd be very grateful."