S-5

pfp made by @allyheart707 & banner by @troublesjunkyard

[subject-5]

And Then There Were Five.

Dragon Kai

Mutated Kai

Bloody waters

You love me... right?

Roar 💎🐉

Dragon evaluation

Birthday | BD: V2 | BD: V🎶

(Info on Subject-5/Kai below ↓)

Subject-5 (later renamed Kai) is a mutant created and raised by Draxum. He wasn't supposed to be mutated with his brothers- he was meant to be mutated a bit later- but some of the ooze got on S-5 during the destruction of Draxum's lab from Lou Jitsu, and he was accidentally mutated. Splinter didn't see S-5, so he didn't know that he was there, so Subject-5 was found and raised by Draxum.

When the Rise boys discovered Draxum's castle in cannon, Subject-5 ends up running off with them after realizing that they survived. (Mikey quickly renamed Subject-5 to Kai.)

He's 13 yrs and 2 mos old. (He's four months younger than Mikey.) At first, he's 5 ft 0 in, but a while after running away from Draxum and starting to eat more regularly, he grows to be 5 ft 7 in. (Taller than M, L, & D, but shorter than R.)

Draxum often punishes S-5 when he fails to do something correctly or doesn't follow through with an order. Those punishments include: Not getting to eat- depending on how much S-5 screwed up determines how long he'll go without food. Not having access to water for a day or two- not a common punishment. Having a muzzle put on- the muzzle has spikes in it, so any time he goes to talk or make any sound with the muzzle on, the spikes will dig into his scales and start to draw blood. Not being able to sleep at all- not a common punishment. Extra training/barely any time to rest\recover even when injured. Sleeping in a cell used to be a punishment- if he did good, he got to sleep in his room- he now stays in his cell when he is not training, running errands, or at Draxum's side- if he isn't needed, he's in his cell.

Subject-5's pronouns are He/him - They/them. (Mostly He/him though.) Draxum doesn't do pronouns with his subjects- subjects are It/it's/the. "Subject-5 is not to be fed for a week. It is to be punished."

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen snarls at the FE before shooting fire at it.

[subject-5]

{Oh. That seemed to have pissed it off more. This thing wants. you. dead. It snaps down on Coen's arm, trying to tear it off.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen just grins as it bites down. Within seconds his whole body is engulfed by fire. It eagerly eats away the FE.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks loudly as it collapses from the fire. Kai managed to scramble into a nearby corner, as his claws dig into his beak, clawing and digging, blood dripping as he tries to keep himself quiet while staring at the FE burning.}

[master-fireturtle]

He huffs, his flames go out. Coen looks at Kai.

"It's dead. So stop acting like a scared kid."

Coen pulls out his hunting knife before cutting up the corpse.

[subject-5]

{Kai flinches so subtly as Coen speaks up. His claws remain in his beak, and his tail wraps around his newly injured leg. He shakes his head slightly as he squeezes his eyes shut and turns invisible.}

[master-fireturtle]

"Coward."

He cuts the best pieces of the meat out. Then Coen cuts the head off. With a chuckle, he pushes the head closer to the invisible Kai.

[subject-5]

{A yelp is heard, accompanying the sound of something scrambling.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen can't contain his laugh. He tries to chase Kai down with the head in his hands.

"Come on, pet it. Just once."

[subject-5]

{A scythe shoots through the air, throwing itself through the FE's head. Kai's invisibility flickers with it.}

[master-fireturtle]

He lets go of the head, laughing.

"Coward~"

Coen huffs amused before going back to deal with the meat slices he picked.

[subject-5]

{A small, stifled hiss makes itself known as Kai flees elsewhere, abandoning his scythe for now.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen snarls at the FE before shooting fire at it.

[subject-5]

{Oh. That seemed to have pissed it off more. This thing wants. you. dead. It snaps down on Coen's arm, trying to tear it off.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen just grins as it bites down. Within seconds his whole body is engulfed by fire. It eagerly eats away the FE.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks loudly as it collapses from the fire. Kai managed to scramble into a nearby corner, as his claws dig into his beak, clawing and digging, blood dripping as he tries to keep himself quiet while staring at the FE burning.}

[master-fireturtle]

He huffs, his flames go out. Coen looks at Kai.

"It's dead. So stop acting like a scared kid."

Coen pulls out his hunting knife before cutting up the corpse.

[subject-5]

{Kai flinches so subtly as Coen speaks up. His claws remain in his beak, and his tail wraps around his newly injured leg. He shakes his head slightly as he squeezes his eyes shut and turns invisible.}

[master-fireturtle]

"Coward."

He cuts the best pieces of the meat out. Then Coen cuts the head off. With a chuckle, he pushes the head closer to the invisible Kai.

[subject-5]

{A yelp is heard, accompanying the sound of something scrambling.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen can't contain his laugh. He tries to chase Kai down with the head in his hands.

"Come on, pet it. Just once."

[subject-5]

{A scythe shoots through the air, throwing itself through the FE's head. Kai's invisibility flickers with it.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen snarls at the FE before shooting fire at it.

[subject-5]

{Oh. That seemed to have pissed it off more. This thing wants. you. dead. It snaps down on Coen's arm, trying to tear it off.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen just grins as it bites down. Within seconds his whole body is engulfed by fire. It eagerly eats away the FE.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks loudly as it collapses from the fire. Kai managed to scramble into a nearby corner, as his claws dig into his beak, clawing and digging, blood dripping as he tries to keep himself quiet while staring at the FE burning.}

[master-fireturtle]

He huffs, his flames go out. Coen looks at Kai.

"It's dead. So stop acting like a scared kid."

Coen pulls out his hunting knife before cutting up the corpse.

[subject-5]

{Kai flinches so subtly as Coen speaks up. His claws remain in his beak, and his tail wraps around his newly injured leg. He shakes his head slightly as he squeezes his eyes shut and turns invisible.}

[master-fireturtle]

"Coward."

He cuts the best pieces of the meat out. Then Coen cuts the head off. With a chuckle, he pushes the head closer to the invisible Kai.

[subject-5]

{A yelp is heard, accompanying the sound of something scrambling.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen snarls at the FE before shooting fire at it.

[subject-5]

{Oh. That seemed to have pissed it off more. This thing wants. you. dead. It snaps down on Coen's arm, trying to tear it off.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen just grins as it bites down. Within seconds his whole body is engulfed by fire. It eagerly eats away the FE.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks loudly as it collapses from the fire. Kai managed to scramble into a nearby corner, as his claws dig into his beak, clawing and digging, blood dripping as he tries to keep himself quiet while staring at the FE burning.}

[master-fireturtle]

He huffs, his flames go out. Coen looks at Kai.

"It's dead. So stop acting like a scared kid."

Coen pulls out his hunting knife before cutting up the corpse.

[subject-5]

{Kai flinches so subtly as Coen speaks up. His claws remain in his beak, and his tail wraps around his newly injured leg. He shakes his head slightly as he squeezes his eyes shut and turns invisible.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen snarls at the FE before shooting fire at it.

[subject-5]

{Oh. That seemed to have pissed it off more. This thing wants. you. dead. It snaps down on Coen's arm, trying to tear it off.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen just grins as it bites down. Within seconds his whole body is engulfed by fire. It eagerly eats away the FE.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks loudly as it collapses from the fire. Kai managed to scramble into a nearby corner, as his claws dig into his beak, clawing and digging, blood dripping as he tries to keep himself quiet while staring at the FE burning.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

Coen snarls at the FE before shooting fire at it.

[subject-5]

{Oh. That seemed to have pissed it off more. This thing wants. you. dead. It snaps down on Coen's arm, trying to tear it off.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[master-fireturtle]

He still watches for a moment longer, smirking. Then he comes up, attacking the FE and fighting it off of Kai.

[subject-5]

{The FE shrieks, snapping at Coen- this thing is quite relentless- it's leaving little to no room for attack as it claws and bites. Kai scrambles back, eyes wide and body trembling from fear.}

[master-fireturtle]

{A shriek echoes through the air as a raccoon mutant rams into Kai, throwing him against the wall. Kai claws at the wall in sheer panic, trying to flee, yet, he doesn't seem to be registering his escape routes.}

- @subject-5

Coen curses, shielding the kids for a moment. Then he puts them into the playpen.

He runs out and closes the door, following the commotion. Coen stares and watch the two in disbelief.

[subject-5]

{As Kai claws at the wall, the FE bites down on Kai's leg, dragging him back. Kai yelps, clawing at its neck in a blind frenzy. He was fighting way bigger beasts when the EPF raided the lairs, but he's now losing to a(n aggressive) mutant raccoon.}

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha growls at the gargoyles. But soon she stops and nods. She will have a really close eye on them.

Ren still plays, unaware of the new visitors.

Phlox churrs and coos to her papa. She mews cute, cuddling up to him.

[subject-5]

{H&M smile, flying over to the playing hatchlings to say hi, careful not to spook them. They wave, cooing to the little turtles.}

Remember when S-5 was this small?

Yeah, he was still in his terrarium.

[heart-of-the-family]

Despite their best effort, Ren flinches as they suddenly appear in his sight. But soon he sniffs both curiously before squeaking loud. Ren grabs one gargoyle, trying to nom on Huggin.

Asha still watches and listens.

"You know Kai from the very start, right?"

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeaks, bapping the gargoyle closest to her. Said gargoyle baps her gently back. The one near Ren lets him as he pats him. But they both nod.}

Uh-huh.

Yeah, we were there when all five subjects were made.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha perks slightly up.

"Five? His siblings? Where are they?"

Ren laughs, patting the gargoyle back. Phlox looks up and proceeds to stare at the gargoyles.

[subject-5]

{The two gargoyles look at each other. But before they can say anything, Kai speaks up- albeit quietly. Dahlia peeps, starting to play as she's bapped back.}

The lab exploded during their creation, letting them and our DNA donor perish.

[heart-of-the-family]

She looks at Kai. And then back at the gargoyles. Asha let's out a quiet chirp.

Ren squeaks before "attacking" his sister again.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeals and "attacks" back.}

Does matter anyway, it was a long time ago.

[heart-of-the-family]

"They were still your family..."

Asha nuzzles Kai.

Ren squeaks and peeps loud, having the fun of his life.

[subject-5]

It's not like I knew them.

The only thing I know of them really is their species and sex.

Their files are basically empty.

Yeah, your file is the only one that got developed past being mutated.

Yep, the rest are only pre-mutation information- which is very little.

[heart-of-the-family]

"And I guess that their files burned away as well in the incident?"

[subject-5]

Actually no; all the files are still there.

Except for mine; which Aster somehow managed to get ahold of.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha growls at the gargoyles. But soon she stops and nods. She will have a really close eye on them.

Ren still plays, unaware of the new visitors.

Phlox churrs and coos to her papa. She mews cute, cuddling up to him.

[subject-5]

{H&M smile, flying over to the playing hatchlings to say hi, careful not to spook them. They wave, cooing to the little turtles.}

Remember when S-5 was this small?

Yeah, he was still in his terrarium.

[heart-of-the-family]

Despite their best effort, Ren flinches as they suddenly appear in his sight. But soon he sniffs both curiously before squeaking loud. Ren grabs one gargoyle, trying to nom on Huggin.

Asha still watches and listens.

"You know Kai from the very start, right?"

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeaks, bapping the gargoyle closest to her. Said gargoyle baps her gently back. The one near Ren lets him as he pats him. But they both nod.}

Uh-huh.

Yeah, we were there when all five subjects were made.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha perks slightly up.

"Five? His siblings? Where are they?"

Ren laughs, patting the gargoyle back. Phlox looks up and proceeds to stare at the gargoyles.

[subject-5]

{The two gargoyles look at each other. But before they can say anything, Kai speaks up- albeit quietly. Dahlia peeps, starting to play as she's bapped back.}

The lab exploded during their creation, letting them and our DNA donor perish.

[heart-of-the-family]

She looks at Kai. And then back at the gargoyles. Asha let's out a quiet chirp.

Ren squeaks before "attacking" his sister again.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeals and "attacks" back.}

Does matter anyway, it was a long time ago.

[heart-of-the-family]

"They were still your family..."

Asha nuzzles Kai.

Ren squeaks and peeps loud, having the fun of his life.

[subject-5]

It's not like I knew them.

The only thing I know of them really is their species and sex.

Their files are basically empty.

Yeah, your file is the only one that got developed past being mutated.

Yep, the rest are only pre-mutation information- which is very little.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha growls at the gargoyles. But soon she stops and nods. She will have a really close eye on them.

Ren still plays, unaware of the new visitors.

Phlox churrs and coos to her papa. She mews cute, cuddling up to him.

[subject-5]

{H&M smile, flying over to the playing hatchlings to say hi, careful not to spook them. They wave, cooing to the little turtles.}

Remember when S-5 was this small?

Yeah, he was still in his terrarium.

[heart-of-the-family]

Despite their best effort, Ren flinches as they suddenly appear in his sight. But soon he sniffs both curiously before squeaking loud. Ren grabs one gargoyle, trying to nom on Huggin.

Asha still watches and listens.

"You know Kai from the very start, right?"

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeaks, bapping the gargoyle closest to her. Said gargoyle baps her gently back. The one near Ren lets him as he pats him. But they both nod.}

Uh-huh.

Yeah, we were there when all five subjects were made.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha perks slightly up.

"Five? His siblings? Where are they?"

Ren laughs, patting the gargoyle back. Phlox looks up and proceeds to stare at the gargoyles.

[subject-5]

{The two gargoyles look at each other. But before they can say anything, Kai speaks up- albeit quietly. Dahlia peeps, starting to play as she's bapped back.}

The lab exploded during their creation, letting them and our DNA donor perish.

[heart-of-the-family]

She looks at Kai. And then back at the gargoyles. Asha let's out a quiet chirp.

Ren squeaks before "attacking" his sister again.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeals and "attacks" back.}

Does matter anyway, it was a long time ago.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha growls at the gargoyles. But soon she stops and nods. She will have a really close eye on them.

Ren still plays, unaware of the new visitors.

Phlox churrs and coos to her papa. She mews cute, cuddling up to him.

[subject-5]

{H&M smile, flying over to the playing hatchlings to say hi, careful not to spook them. They wave, cooing to the little turtles.}

Remember when S-5 was this small?

Yeah, he was still in his terrarium.

[heart-of-the-family]

Despite their best effort, Ren flinches as they suddenly appear in his sight. But soon he sniffs both curiously before squeaking loud. Ren grabs one gargoyle, trying to nom on Huggin.

Asha still watches and listens.

"You know Kai from the very start, right?"

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeaks, bapping the gargoyle closest to her. Said gargoyle baps her gently back. The one near Ren lets him as he pats him. But they both nod.}

Uh-huh.

Yeah, we were there when all five subjects were made.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha perks slightly up.

"Five? His siblings? Where are they?"

Ren laughs, patting the gargoyle back. Phlox looks up and proceeds to stare at the gargoyles.

[subject-5]

{The two gargoyles look at each other. But before they can say anything, Kai speaks up- albeit quietly. Dahlia peeps, starting to play as she's bapped back.}

The lab exploded during their creation, letting them and our DNA donor perish.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha growls at the gargoyles. But soon she stops and nods. She will have a really close eye on them.

Ren still plays, unaware of the new visitors.

Phlox churrs and coos to her papa. She mews cute, cuddling up to him.

[subject-5]

{H&M smile, flying over to the playing hatchlings to say hi, careful not to spook them. They wave, cooing to the little turtles.}

Remember when S-5 was this small?

Yeah, he was still in his terrarium.

[heart-of-the-family]

Despite their best effort, Ren flinches as they suddenly appear in his sight. But soon he sniffs both curiously before squeaking loud. Ren grabs one gargoyle, trying to nom on Huggin.

Asha still watches and listens.

"You know Kai from the very start, right?"

[subject-5]

{Dahlia squeaks, bapping the gargoyle closest to her. Said gargoyle baps her gently back. The one near Ren lets him as he pats him. But they both nod.}

Uh-huh.

Yeah, we were there when all five subjects were made.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha growls at the gargoyles. But soon she stops and nods. She will have a really close eye on them.

Ren still plays, unaware of the new visitors.

Phlox churrs and coos to her papa. She mews cute, cuddling up to him.

[subject-5]

{H&M smile, flying over to the playing hatchlings to say hi, careful not to spook them. They wave, cooing to the little turtles.}

Remember when S-5 was this small?

Yeah, he was still in his terrarium.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Once he eats it, Asha churrs praises at Kai. She nuzzles him for a brief moment.

Phlox watches her papa closely before opening her mouth. Then she proceeds to mimic the chewing motion.

[subject-5]

{Kai gives Phlox some gentle scritches. After having been exploring the lairs for most of the time, Huggin and Munnin finally make their way back to Kai. They perch near the bed, watching Dahlia and Ren play.}

Can we interact with them?

We'll be careful, promise.

[heart-of-the-family]

{Exhaustion clings to Kai so hard that he sleeps for a day. Only really stirring as people shuffle around or the hatchlings get active and vocal. He only truly wakes a few times here and there, but he never opens his eyes with it, just listening to whatever woke him before drifting back off to sleep.}

- @subject-5

Asha carried Kai everywhere she went, holding him close. Soon she sits on her bed with Kai in her lap and the kids in front of her. She chuckles quietly, playing gently with them.

Soon Phlox moves clumsy over to Kai, bumping her head on him.

[subject-5]

{Kai doesn't respond to Phlox, but the small shift in his breath tells that he woke to it.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha gently grabs Phlox and puts her down next to Dahlia.

"Phlox darling, I know you want Daddy's attention... but we have to let him sleep for now, okay?"

She pats Phlox who just pouts and peeps her complaints.

Ren comes over and sniffs Phlox curiously. Then he squeaks loud.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps loud with Ren, watching her siblings.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha shushes the kids gently. She nuzzles them and churrs.

"We have to be quiet. Remember?"

Phlox slowly sneaks up to Kai again and hides in his arms.

Ren peeps quietly before nomming on Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia peeps more quietly, nomming back on Ren. Kai subtly shifts, hiding Phlox a bit better in his hold.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha looks at Kai and smiles. She oh so very gentle nuzzles him and give him a kiss on the cheek.

Ren giggles as Dahlia noms on him. He baps her gently before trying to rough house with her.

[subject-5]

{Kai's tail gives a small content wag before stilling once more. Dahlia squawks before bapping Ren back.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha's tail wags gently. She watches the two bapping and rough housing with an amused look.

Ren peeps loudly and play-fights with Dahlia.

[subject-5]

{Dahlia chirps and peeps, tail wagging as she play-fights with Ren. Kai finally opens his eyes a bit, watching the two hatchlings play fight.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha churrs, just watching. Soon she feels Kai's look and glance to him.

Ren makes loud excited noises, continuing this play.

[subject-5]

{Kai watches the two for a moment before looking at Phlox in his hold.}

What, you don't want to play?

{His voice is so soft and quiet, a tired edge to his near silent words.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Asha smiles, continuing with watching the hatchlings.

Phlox looks up to Kai with her big round eyes. And then she starts to look even cuter and makes biscuits on Kai. Apparently she wants to stay with her papa.

[subject-5]

{The overuse is still taking its toll, but it's less aggressive than it had been before Kai collapsed into sleep, so the pain of touch is a lot less. Not that he would say anything or stop Phlox even if it was painful as before. Kai gives a small huff, purposely letting the air released hit Phlox before he gently nuzzles her.}

[heart-of-the-family]

Phlox mewls as she gets hit with the puff of air. She imitates the huff and looks up to Kai.

Asha rummages around next to her before holding something small up to Kai's mouth. It looks like a small bread ball.

[subject-5]

{Kai looks at what Asha puts in front of him, not moving to eat it but looks down instead. Only after a moment does he dare to eat it.}