(I said I’d do a drabble to some screenies @shirtlesslizard took when I finished story and fantasia’d :3 Though this isn’t a permanent change - still a catte friends - I did say I’d go Viera when I finished, so enjoy a silly drabble as well as screenies to go with it! NOTE: VERY IMAGE HEAVY!)
Utai hummed softly as he worked on a concoction for his twins. They were at least old enough to make their own decisions – noticing that their elder siblings had grown quicker than they had. It broke the Keepers heart that there wasn’t much he could do for them in the Source, but being able to traverse between both the Source and the First being a Warrior of Darkness with his husband…well…there were plenty of things in the First he could work with while being an alchemist. Having given them the option of growing up normally or growing up quickly…well…their decision was simple – they wanted to match their current siblings.
Tasking himself with making his childrens’ wish come true, he’d spent some time in the Spagyrics, working on different concoctions, and it seemed he was close to a breakthrough. Brushing his fingers along the tome he had open, his tail swayed behind him. “One more drop of this…then it should be complete.” Or…so he though as he held up the one bottle he was working and a dropper now in his free hand, he carefully squeezed the bulb, his ears perked and not seconds after the drop touched the rest in the glass bottle, a large puff of smoke as well as heat came from the bottle, causing the catte to drop it in shock – the bottle crashing to the ground.
“Ow, ow, owwwww…” Shaking his hand from the heat and coughing from the smoke, he tried to clear the air, Chessamile and Fae-Hann looking at him in worry. Though there were more gasps in their concern before seeing the Draug pause in his step.
“Saran?!”
Utai’s ears perked, wiggling just slightly, turning to see his mate somewhat distraught in confusion, even he took a step back in his own surprise. “Ah, Naran…d-don’t sneak up on me like that, I’m fine.”
Shaking his head, he righted himself, still wide-eyed and staring at his husband…now turned wife. “You’re a…a…”
“Viis, Korekaze.” Chessamile spoke up, moving to Utai’s side. “Let me see your hands, check for shattered glass and burn marks.”
“Viis?” Utai blinked as he hadn’t entirely noticed before realizing he was nearly staring at the Elf directly instead of looking too far up. “Oh no!” Had he been following the wrong recipe?! But they weren’t the same as what he’d made at home! Of course, he could still feel his mate’s eyes on him as he shifted on his feet.
Smiling and still staring at his mate, his tail thumped a bit on the ground, knowing his husband was concerned – of course, it meant little to him what Utai looked like. Moving closer to the now Viis, he waited for Chessamile to be finished with him before glancing down at his mate. “Come with me…we’ll go for a walk…”
Utai gave a hesitant nod as he wasn’t really used to the height. Nearly as tall as his husband and with no tail to keep him balanced, he could feel the longer ears trying to twitch and swivel, his hand going up to touch at the appendage – not too much longer…and the tips were fluffy like his normal ears. Though the ‘catte’ knew how to walk as a woman, it was hard enough now that this was the First…those in the Source were used to Utai’s mistakes and form changing…and he didn’t have his actual tome on him since he’d started talking with the townsfolk.
The walk was quiet…Utai following after his husband and watching his aether. It didn’t seem too out of the norm…if anything excited considering he’d considerably ‘gained’ a new form. Making their way to the Hortorium, once in front of the large tree, he watched as Korekaze stopped, still smiling and soon enough grabbing his hand and pulling him close to hold him tightly. “[You’re absolutely stunning, Saran…]”
Sighing softly and relaxing against his husband, he let his head rest against Korekaze’s chest easily compared to having the man kneel and hold him. Odd as it was, it was a new, welcomed change for the time being. “Thank you, Naran…” Very much more aware of his new form, the voice change seemed more obvious now, not that he minded. “I suppose I’m stuck like this for a while…”
“[I have no qualms…]” Korekaze’s tail was again thumping on the ground, causing Utai to chuckle softly.
“Insatiable…come on…I could do with some sun.” Giving a gentle nudge to his mate, he’d walk away, there a clear sway in his step as he headed for the Aetheryite plaza. Knowing that Korekaze’s eyes were on him, upon climbing the stairs, there was another heavy sigh as he again did his best to stay calm. Though glancing up at the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun, his gaze fell to his mate, a smile still present on even his lips.
"You think you've calmed down enough now, Saran?"
"Aye, I think so, Naran...I just...have to figure out what it was I did and replicate it so I can turn back. They weren't Fantasia ingredients...I'm just not quite sure what went wrong..."
🍻 This'll be for V!Utai and Xavier~! “Do you regret letting me close ?”
“Tch…why ye gotta be askin’ me that?” The voidsent scoffed as he downed his shot, his tail curling as his gaze went from Korekaze to the wall they were sitting near. Though knowing he wasn’t going to get out of answering his mate, he actually gave a shrug.
“Th’ only regret I ‘ave is givin’ ye my mark. Ye use it at th’ damned wrong times!” Grumbling as he would have been in plenty more fights and shows of aggression, he didn’t enjoy knowing that he could be considered weak given how powerful he truly was as a voidsent.
Of course, Xavier chuckled, shaking his head. “There’s no regret, Kaze, even if he says such a thing like that.”
(Considering how hard his sorry ass worked in trying to bed her? Nah, no regrets for either of them :3 Thanks for the ask, @shirtlesslizard!)
🌟 - do they enjoy being at the center of attention?
“Depends on ‘center of attention’. I enjoy being the center of my husband’s attention, but when it comes to other things, not so much. Of course, I’ve had my stints when I’m drunk and wanting to put on a show…I end up loving it.” He chuckled softly, giving a small shrug.“There are times when I suppose I do enjoy being the center of attention.”
(A lot of times he keeps to himself and manages to stay out of the limelight…but if he’s with his mate and intent on showing off what his husband could do or at least get a heated rise from the other, then he’s going to revel in the spotlight for sure. Thanks for the ask, @cadrenebula!)
(SFW...and I also finally saw HTTYD 3 today :3 One thing in there is definitely something @shirtlesslizard and I agreed Utai would actually do, and I just...couldn’t help but not write it :D If you’ve seen the movie, great! You’ll figure out what it is! If you’ve not seen the movie, then you won’t know what it is and you can happily guess without having the movie spoiled [not that it’s a big spoiler anyway]. Falls after the drama we still need to write out, but there are a few things in here that at least help place it in our timeline :3)
Utai smiled softly as he set his stitch-work to the side. He’d been home the past few days by himself with the kits and Yuru - his mate out with Ihna and Xavier to tend to a few things in Yanxia. Though he had the option to visit his husband’s village while they took their own business, he decided against it for his own sanity from having to explain a bit more about having lost their child. Sure, it was still a touchy subject for him, but an unfortunate loss given the circumstances of his husband falling into a coma after his own mission.
Watching the twins and Yuru playing on the floor, he heard the soft chuff from the tiger as he had heard the soft sound of the catte’s needle and thread had stopped. Glancing at the tiger, the bell around his neck jingled as he shifted. “Come on…we can all do with some fresh air.”
Getting up from the couch, he’d burble softly, his kits happily returning the burbling once their mother had moved closer to them, easily reaching up to be picked up. Smiling with the pair in his arms, he was thankful for the help from Yuru, getting the door open and idly heading for the small alcove that held a hidden beach. No one seemed to be around, which was great news. Setting his kits on the grass, he’d sit with them, pulling the tied bag of blocks that Yuru had nudged together before following after the Keeper. Taking a deep breath, the blind Miqo’te sighed softly as he heard his kits playing happily with the blocks, his now two-toned tail wrapped enough around the twins to keep them from rolling or shifting away too much.
“I never knew I’d end up with one hell of a difficult path…” Talking to himself and glancing out at the horizon, he could hear the waves lapping at the shore. Of course, not two seconds after his focus went to the shore, he felt his leg shift – a few nudges right from Yuru. “You realize…that is not a toy, right?”
Yuru chuffed again before opening his mouth, Serenity again fluttering out from his maw before nudging his right leg again. “Well, at least you let go of her…” Though now, the tiger wanted something more substantial. “You’re lucky my ex-wife doesn’t see me do this…or I’d end up downgraded even more.” Not that his prosthetic was downgraded – it was merely less decorative as his first but very much capable of withstanding so much damage…including chewing from a beastkin.
Wincing and undoing his prosthetic limb, he wiggled it, the foot clearly limp and having the tiger’s attention. “This what you want? Huh? You want this?” Utai could see the cheerful aether from Yuru, his kits squealing and laughing as they knew what was about to happen. “Well go get it!” Tossing the limb down from the grassy area into the sand, Yuru was quick to turn and chase after it, his children cheering and clapping. Utai, on the other hand, chuckled softly, watching the tiger barrel after his magitek limb.
(SFW...here’s the promised collab that I had promised not hours ago :3 Really enjoying doing collab drabbles of sorts with @shirtlesslizard, seems to go a bit better than long Tumblr threads. Plus, considering how things will go with Tumblr, well, this seems to be the better option for fun parts of their story. Of course...seeing as this is actually 6 pages long in Word...I guess it’s a short story at this point...but I’m still gonna label it as a drabble...not that I can search my own tags on my blog thanks to Tumblr’s bullshit.
Anyway...enjoy the first part of what we have planned for these two :3 The second part [the second ‘twelve hours’] will come on Christmas...one way or another.)
Starlight Comes Early (Part 1)
Utai groaned softly as his want to wake up was very much nil. The man had been up late with the twins, and having finally gotten them to sleep in the wee hours of the morning. He could have sworn he had only been asleep a few hours, cuddled up on his mate to enjoy the warmth and protection the larger half-breed always gave off. Though feeling the pillow instead of familiar scales… It was obvious he’d been placed on the bed – Korekaze was already up. With another sigh, he sat up, letting the sheets shift and rest at his waist as he rubbed his eyes. Opening them and brushing his hand along his face, he blinked blearily as things were quite blurry.
Blurry…?!
His gaze quickly went to his right arm, still very much aware that the gold runes of his contract were still there. Was he dead? Was he dreaming? Had something happened to Xavier?
Xavier? Where are you? What’s going on? What’s happened?!
The panic could be heard loud and clear, the Xaela having been sound asleep in the back of the Keeper’s mind considering his mate had deemed it necessary to hunt before this… Starlight Celebration as well as her Nameday. Though the Dark Knight didn’t seem too worried, he was rather entertained that the catte was panicking considering his usually calm demeanor. Though there was a considerable reason as to why the Au Ra did this now instead of his true intended date. Consider it an… Early Starlight gift, koneko. Though don’t consider it all at once. You’ll have roughly twenty-four bells… Twelve now, twelve later. Do you understand?
Utai continued to sit on the bed, listening to the Xaela and staring at his hands. You could have at least fixed my vision…
I can only return what was lost to its original state… I am no miracle worker. It is already taxing enough to restore your sight, stop complaining…
There was a soft chuckle from the catte as he smiled softly… He could… see. Flicking his wrist, he summoned his shadows, the familiar small calling to pull out his small gold box of past possessions. Opening the box, he pulled the pair of blue rimmed glasses that he’d long discarded when Xavier had taken his sight upon the completion of their contract. It was a very foreign feeling to have his glasses on his face, to be able to see clearly, hell, to even see.
Placing the gold box back within his shadows and dismissing them, he pulled the sheets back to climb out of bed… Though he paused seeing the magitek prosthetic. It was unnerving to see the limb… having been used to having both legs… having been blind when he had lost it. His excitement was short lived as he rolled up his pantleg… Seeing where it connected, the scars… the memories. This is…so different despite having not seen it properly…
Frowning and shoving his pant leg back down, he stood, glancing over the scars on his torso… The stories he could tell… and it truly made him wonder if this was truly a gift… or merely a curse considering how long he had been blind and only seeing aether. Though hearing the sound of an upset child, he instantly burbled, his gaze going to the crib. My kits… The man was quick to move where he was standing to the crib, his tail swaying erratically as he burbled again and purred. He hadn’t seen his children since his first batch… and to actually see the pair… the fluffy ears, the soft hints of scales… They were beautiful.
Hearing the pair burble back and coo, gazing up at him, the Keeper was quick to pick them up, holding them contently in his arms and feeling them relax. “Now, now, little ones… Papa’s probably got your bottles… Uncle is resting so he can’t feed you with him today so you get mama.” Chuckling softly, he’d carefully head downstairs, slowly glancing around to take in the home… His mate’s house. So, this is what it looks like…
Reading aether was so much different, difficult… but it seemed to be so much more difficult to actually see, considering how long he’d been without his sight. Smiling and seeing the Namazu, watching them clean and listen to their squeaking feet, his gaze found the long tail… and he just paused as his gaze trailed upwards.
“Oh…”
“Hm?” Out came the soft hum of the Half-blood, his eyes focused on the bottles in his hands as he could hear the soft burbles of his sons. “[You’re up early, Saran.]” The natural Xaelic slipped from his lips as he turned with both bottles in hand. Korekaze’s eyes noticed the Keeper wearing glasses, an odd change knowing his mate was blind. Though the blue rim did make Utai appear cute, a soft purr as he smiles at his mate and twins.
“[Never seen you in spectacles before… Just trying something on for a change?]” He approached the small family, his red haori gently brushed by his movements to show the form. His height was definitely noticeable by the Keeper, those lips slight gaping at the closeness. This warranted a confused expression from the Au Ra, his hands still focused on taking hold of one of their boys. “[Is… Something amiss of my person, love?]”
The catte was unable to pull his eyes from his mate, listening to the other’s words and almost seemingly zoning out as it was clear by Korekaze’s last words. Amiss? Oh no…not at all… “I…” He knew his mate was tall, the aether signature he was familiar seeing and telling him that, but to physically see it…was certainly something. Shaking his head, he felt both boys shift in his hold, knowing full well that papa had the goods despite him placing them down to grab at one of the twins. “I need them or… or everything is blurry, Naran.” His own thoughts were a jumbled, rushed mess as he purred loudly, his natural response with how close his mate was. I’m…engaged to this…this is mine…father of these two…
As he handed off Taize, he knew his mate was no doubt confused, but his now free hand would brush over Korekaze’s bare middle, along the scars he knew without his sight…reaching to brush the scales he knew by the explanation his mate had given him. There were tears welling up in his eyes as he purred – a mix between being immensely overwhelmed and happiness to see his family. “You’re so handsome…” The two-toned eyes…his long hair…his two-toned scales…
“[Ah… Wh-]”
Korekaze took hold of Taize firmly, the hungry little ball of fluff and scales taking hold of his bottle to drink. Giving the other bottle to Oktai, the larger twin immediately began to feed himself as his short tail sways. The tall Auri was indeed confused at the answer he was given, but before he could respond, the touch to his abdomen made him purr softly. A slight shiver down his spine as he gave a low exhale, his cheeks showing a rosy hue. Gazing down he noticed Utai beginning to tear up, a slight panic as he knelt down with Taize in a firm hold. Oktai was burbling and purring, sensing the tears from his mother as he nudged.
“[Saran… Don’t cry, I’m here…]” He gave a smile as he pulled the Keeper into a hug while the twins coo and burble. “[We’re here.]” Korekaze had yet been able to process that his mate could see him, very much used to him being blind. He pressed his nose against Utai’s, smiling and staring into the mismatched eyes behind those glasses. Those eyes he would say had stars in them flickering each time. A low chuckle parts from him as their children purred while feeding in their respective arms.
“[And you’re beautiful as ever…]”
Utai listened and felt Oktai shift and burble as he sensed his tears, the change in his mother’s mood and instantly tried to comfort as he suckled on his bottle. Even with Korekaze kneeling down with Taize, feeling and seeing the nuzzle from the other. Though the Keeper was clearly noting that his mate was…well…missing the point of things, he wasn’t even upset as he listened to his children purr and Korekaze chuckle and speak. “Naran…please…” Naturally, his cheeks turned pink even with his own anxiety getting him, but even he kissed his son’s cheek before a heavy sigh escaped as he shifted and pressed his forehead to Korekaze’s.
“[I can see you, Naran. The change in your scales…the length of your hair…my mark.]” When Utai slipped in Xaelic to match his mate, it usually meant that he meant business. He was determined to have Korekaze understand that he could legitimately see, especially since it was easy to know the length, where his scales were when he was blind – that was too hard to prove that he wasn’t blind…but to see the mark. Sure, Utai knew of the aetheric signature, it was his, but to actually see the design. His fingers brushed over his mate’s neck where he had originally marked the taller male, brushing his fingers along the runes that he had learned properly marked the other as his – the tradition he was allowed to partake in even though he was an outsider. He was the rare exception…and he had worked so hard. There was a smile as he brushed over the small flower design…the additional symbol that seemed to follow the catte due to how many flowers he truly wore.
“[Please…do you understand now?]”
Korekaze’s eyes changed from normal to wide, his smile becoming one of awe. “[You…can see…me?]” His voice was a near whisper as he stared at his mate in wonder – his scales, the hair, but as soon he mentioned the mark, he was in disbelief. The painted markings that were embedded by his mother to his right side at the start of the shoulder, the true brand by his tribe. As the Keeper’s finger traced along the design, his gaze narrows to see that digit mark every single line perfectly.
“[Oh…Azim…]” He spoke, smiling and gazing back to his lover, quickly leaning into a kiss as the twins burble once more. He could scarcely believe the gift he was given, but to see that connection did he truly find himself joyful of the occasion. But to how the Keeper was able to see…he had a guess. Pulling back, he chuckles with a grin as he finally realized it all. “[My moon can see me…you can see us…our little ones…]” Korekaze almost sounded as if he could cry as well, knowing when he proposed to Utai he wished he could see the things that those eyes could not. His wish to have him see their family and much more even though it would be temporary.
“[I better thank him later for this…]”
Utai was purring loudly as his mate finally realized that he indeed could see him, nodding in reassurance that he could indeed see him, his two sons…even himself – how much of a wreck he had become with scars and his additional handicap outside of his normal loss of sight…but that didn’t matter, especially as he heard Korekaze’s words to thank Xavier later once pulling from the kiss. “It won’t…last for too long…twenty-four bells at most, Naran…some today and some at a later date according to Xavier…” The Dark Knight had been somewhat loose with his description…though Utai assumed he was being kind considering staying up for twenty-four bells straight was a bit…well, tiring.
“But that is…more than enough time…even two bells would be enough…” His voice was soft as he again leaned to nudge against his mate, chuckling softly as his glasses tilted with his nudge – something he very much wasn’t used to as his vision blurred briefly before he leaned back to adjust them correctly. Hearing Oktai squeal happily, squirming as he had finished his bottle, the catte removed the bottle and nuzzled against his son in his arms. “Look at how cute you and your brother are…if I didn’t know you by weight and size, I’d get you two mixed up being able to see.” His ability to sense aether was skewed, though not entirely impossible to manage, but he knew it’d be difficult to manage both with what little experience he had with his sight. Of course, with him leaning down, Oktai was quick to latch onto the blue frames and remove them from the Keeper, causing him to blink and squint before gently grabbing the glasses. “Ah ah…mama needs those…or mama can’t see.”
Placing his glasses back on his face, he hummed softly as he caught glimpse of the ring adorning his finger…the gift and proposal coming to mind as he looked at it…able to see it instead of the amount of aether his mate had poured into it with crafting the band. “This is beautiful, Naran…”
“They both look very much like their father… But have the habits of their mother.” He muses as their twins were squealing and cooing. He takes the bottles from their sons and place them down on the ground to focus on later. Korekaze grins watching his mate happily reacting with their sons, Oktai quick to grab those spectacles. His eyes continued to watch in his own joy, seeing every glance and interaction with their children. Chuckling, Korekaze gently wiggles his tail in front of Oktai to have him play. Though once those eyes fell onto the ring, the Au Ra smiles genuinely. His left hand which showed the ring he bears from his lover reach to touch at the silver band. This action allowing Utai to see their bonds as his thumb brushed along the silver filigree and engravings.
“Our rings… Our bond. Now you can see them too.” A soft sigh parts as he looks to the Keeper, “A bonding that you have gladly accepted.” His hand then interlaced with his mate’s to give a firm squeeze, pressing his forehead to the other as he kept his grin. “Quite an early starlight gift… I’m surprised he’s being very generous.” A small jest but one he can’t help but appreciate that Xavier gave this temporary present to Utai.
Nodding in agreement that the boys very much took after their father in looks outside their fluffy ears and tail, he knew that they were both like him within their habits. Watching as Oktai happily played with his father’s tail, he watched his mate’s hand move to his, brushing over the ring to see the gold one he had made for him…one of which he never thought he’d end up giving to the larger Au Ra…not bad for a blind man. “A bonding I’d gladly accept be I able to see or blind how I truly am.” He knew this wasn’t permanent, it was lingering in the front of his mind even with the gentle press distracting him as he returned the gentle squeeze.
“He’s…changing, Naran. It’s slow…but it’s apparent even if he tries to hide it.” Smiling, he knew Xavier was early…the reasoning he thought of rather sound. “He…heard me panicking when I woke up…thinking something had happened. I guess it’s because he didn’t want me panicking…or perhaps testing how much energy it expends…” He did notice the tiredness in Xavier’s voice…perhaps an aftereffect for giving the Keeper his sight. “I’m not sure if he’ll be present the next twelve bells…or even within the time I have left…”
His tail curled behind him as he nuzzled against his mate, watching his boys wriggle and play with their father’s tail. Of course, out of pure curiosity, with Korekaze at his level, he nipped at his horn, burbling softly…and ending up getting the twins to burble back as they still played. However, he was merely testing and wanting to see the reaction – sure, he knew what it did, knew the aether shift well...but to see it…
“No matter if you can see or not, I am glad to have you as my future.”
It was an agreement as Korekaze nodded, he indeed was changing…either from having to deal with him daily, or the obvious truth was that his eldest daughter had Xavier’s interests very high. It did not matter to the half-blood, he was thankful for what the Xaela decided to bestow for a time. “Well I could understand why you would panic, something unbelievable happened after all.” Though at the mention of not being present for the time, he did have some concern. Hopefully he would be present for his daughter’s nameday, would be the best thing he should do since he was that engrossed with her time. However, the thought would not linger nor would it show in his expression, he still was smiling for his mate as his tail curled. Though once Utai leans close to suddenly nip at his horn did his gaze narrow. A low purr vibrates in his throat as he kept his gaze focused on the Keeper, those mismatched eyes watching him closely.
“[Attempting to rile me, Saran?]”
Utai purred as he heard his mate’s pick up, noticing his gaze narrowing…and Utai’s tail actually thumped on the ground. Oh, Halone what a reaction…
Giving another nip to Korekaze’s horn, he stepped away, playfully baffing the half-breed with his tail and rocking his son as he headed for the stairs. “[I want to see your passion, Naran. Come.] With his mate catching the hint, Korekaze chuckles lowly as he quickly placed the bottles on the counter for the Namazu to take care of. With a quick nod, he carries Taize close to him as he followed the Keeper back to their bedroom. Of course, they’d have to do a little work with getting the boys down for a small nap since Xavier wasn’t able to watch them… But it’d be well worth it.
Would you invite a third person into your sexlife if your hubby agreed?
“Mine ‘usband is territorial, so that alone would be difficult t’ even see ‘im t’ agree t’ do. ‘ell, even before ‘e an’ I were married, I was seein’ ‘im while I was married t’ my now ex-wife. Though it wasn’t as territorial since ‘e too ‘ad someone else in ‘is life considerin’ ‘is lifestyle as a dominant…” Sighing softly, he gave a small shrug.
“I made a vow t’ just be ‘is after things fell apart with mine ex-wife an’ I’ve grown t’ be more territorial meself…so an invite probably wouldn’t ‘appen now.”
(Adding a third person is hard on its own, and to especially bring in someone ‘new’ oocly and icly relationship-wise can be taxing on all 3 parties. So unless it’s with our own characters [for instance - inviting Xavier], an invite into their sex lives is going to be difficult considering we’ve both been burned even with communication. Friendship-wise…GIVE ME MOARRRRR~! Thanks for the ask, anon!)
More pretty screenies by @shirtlesslizard :3 I’ve got a lot more that I’ll eventually share, maybe I’ll even use them in memes instead of on base posts :D
(SFW...I kinda blame a song that came on my roomie’s Spotify for BLM shenanigans...maybe I’ll toss a screenie in there later, maybe not, but...I felt the need to write at least something...)
Xavier hummed softly, purring quietly as he held onto Oktai, Taize sitting on the floor trying to grab and snatch his wiggling tail. He had been watching the kids while Utai had been busy…but he hadn’t been eager to share what he was up to. Of course, not a few moments pass, he noticed the Keeper come downstairs dressed in his black leather, an outfit he’s not seen in months. “Please don’t tell me you’re thinking of doing what I think you’re going to do.”
“I’m not thinking of doing it, I’m going to do it.” Utai crossed his arms before shifting his weight and slightly adjusting the wings at his backside.
“The last time you did this…in that gear…you nearly burned from the inside out, koneko.” A soft growl escaped, causing Oktai to burble in an attempt to try to get Xavier to stop growling.
“Correct, but the last time I did it, my soulstone was dim. Now that my Damien has it, that it shines brightly…it’s worth a try to attempt it again.” Utai shrugged as he headed outside, not really giving Xavier the chance to protest, he knew Xavier would be hot on his tail not moments after he stepped outside and found the striking dummy. The simple spells - fire, blizzard, even thunder - they went off easily, watching the aether in the stones on his gloves, acting as a catalyst like they should. “At least I haven’t had to repair them yet…”
There was an agitated grumble out of the Xaela, having managed to pass off the kids to the Namazu with strict orders of not to let them move, Xavier was glaring daggers at the catte. “What’s going to happen when you repeat your folly? How will you explain the damage to your husband?”
Sending another fireball towards the dummy, there was a soft growl as he was feeling it…the stronger spells trying his aether. “I’ll merely explain my stupidity…but if I don’t try, I won’t improve without my stone.”
“Yet if I recall correctly, studying and practicing black magic is still illegal without a stone, let alone the Maelstrom won’t always protect you. If we have to get a conjourer to heal you, we will have to explain.” Xavier growled again, watching the Keeper shift, knowing exactly what he was doing as he watched the shorter male summon his staff. “That’s not the Kaladanda, boy…”
“No…I figured I’d craft something matching your power…to match your greatsword.” His head tilted as he paused, glancing at the staff in hand. “Is that alright?”
Of course, Xavier wasn’t expecting it, blinking and looking rather surprised to hear that from his charge. “I…suppose it is, but even then…I don’t expect you to follow in what I do.”
“Exactly, which is why I’m not following your orders.” He growled, smirking before casting his his spells, recalling his order. He knew Xavier could see the spell - his leylines, and he knew he’d have to cast quickly. Of course, he hadn’t been able to truly practice, but the man still clearly studied black magic. Quickly, the proper spells were in order, and the striking dummy lit up in flames, not once, but three times.
“Utai!” Xavier was livid, knowing he’d have to rush to the catte, knowing as soon as the last spell hit before he could stop him, he’d drop. “Cast blizzard, you imbecile! Before you end up burning in there!”
The catte was in pain…he could feel it as his staff fell from his grasp and knew he was on his way to his knees even with Xavier wrapping his arm around his middle carefully to keep him from hitting the ground hard. It was quick thinking, the gem set in his glove flickering before he sent a blizzard spell towards the striking dummy. At least outside he wasn’t on fire from the strong spells, but on the inside, it still blasted hurt like hell. “For a man…who knows little about magic…you’re adept in my spells…”
“Only because I’m aware of your studies…nothing more.” Xavier growled loudly, making sure the Keeper stayed conscious. “Why do you insist on keeping on trying to use your spells? You hold other mage abilities…of which you don’t harm yourself in practicing.”
“I’m…a black mage…I always will be…pain or not, Xavier…plus with being immortal…I have a way to at least continue my studies…” Of course, not watching his tongue…well, he was dropped immediately to the ground, with a low, pained groan. “I don’t do it often…damn it…”
“Yet the harder you go at it, the longer it takes for you to mend.” Sighing loudly and pinching the bridge of his nose, Xavier growled and swiftly kicked his charge in his middle, knowing full well the Keeper was already mending, and hearing the man in pain and watching him curl only seemed to satisfy him slightly. “I’m going to have to explain to your husband why you’re in bed, and he is going to tell you the same thing I do - stop doing it.”
