Archive of Our Own ^beta

A bottle shot past Tango's head, smashing into the spruce wall of the bar. He maneuvered around other men. They were either straggling, punching, slicing, or something worse, to some unlucky drunk fellow. Jeez, these men were drunk as fuck. 

Tango had to dodge flying weaponry, sneak behind small fights, or have to jump over overturned furniture. He was near the back now. It was safer, if you call a bar fight safe at all. He had his back to the wall, to make sure no one was going to come over and attempt murder. He screamed when a hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him behind a upturned table, out of sight of the fight. He was pressed against someone, this someone had hand over his mouth, and the other locked around his arms. 

He screamed and twisted, trying to get loose from the hold. He stopped when he heard a familiar voice.

"Stop squirming, it's just me," his captive whispered loudly. He knew that voice. It was his older brother, ImpulseSV. It was comforting to know that he wasn't being kidnapped by a stranger, but he was totally going to punch him later for giving him a heart attack. 

The hand left his mouth and arms, but he still pulled on Tango's wrist when he crouched down to the floor. 

"We should be safe here."

"Safe?" Tango gave impulse an incredulous look. "We are in the back of a bar on the second story, while drunken idiots are fighting each other. What is your definition of safe?" 

Impulse looked like he wanted to strangle someone, probably Tango. "We wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't make fun of that guys face."

"He started it!" Tango lifted his hands to emphasize, "He said that all nether-borns came here because hell was too good for those fuckers." Seriously, it wasn't his fault. Nobody talks shit about nether-borns if Tango has anything to do with it. They're the ones that can go to hell.

Impulse hung his head, "I swear, handling you is making me grow grey hair. Just try not to start a fight next time." Impulse looked tired, and there was something else wrong, but Tango was never good at reading body language.

"Okay, I'll at least try not to start any more drama, but no promises." Impulse gave him a tired smile. He really was tired. Impulse opened his arms, and Tango gave him a comforting hug. It was hard to do since both were squatting on the floor, but that didn't stop the brothers from having a reassuring second. They pulled apart after a second. They could cuddle later. Right now they had to get out of the bar. Hopefully alive.

"Okay, I think we can make a dash for it, just keep to the walls and avert eye contact, you got that." Impulse looked straight into Tango's eyes at the last part. He nodded his head slowly. Impulse always thought he was a child, yeah he was nineteen but he was a teen at least. Sheesh.

The duo got up an crept over to the wall. They trailed along the bar. They had to hide behind furniture when some fights got to close. Impulse was in the lead, while Tango followed. They were almost at the stairs, but Tango was father behind. The smell of alcohol plagued his senses. It started to make him dizzy. He just needed a second. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing. When he opened them, the room swam in red. He started to panic. He then remembered he was wearing red tinted sunglasses. He could see Impulse at the top of the stairs. 

He began sneaking his way but a hand grabbed him by his arm and yanked him backward. That wasn't his brothers touch. It was too hard, too rough, he shivered at the contact. He screamed for help, but someone punched him in his gut. He fell on his knees, clenching his stomach. 

It hurt. He didn't want to get hurt. He din't want to feel pain. A hand grabbed his hair and pulled his head upwards. He saw a tall man in front of him. He had curly chestnut hair, with a hazel eye. The other swollen over. 

Tango saw Impulse in the corner of his vision. He thought he saw him being tackled. He was distracted by a tip of a sword on his chin. He looked up at the smirking maniac. Tango scowled at him.

"Did you really fucking think you get out of here unscathed. I'll teach you not to talk shit about me." Oh. It's that guy. Mr. No-eye with horrible smile. This guy can't just give up, can he? 

Though, this probably wasn't the time to make sick, in Tango's opinion, comebacks. There was a sword pointed at his throat. Wait. Now paying attention, the sword wasn't pressed against him. He let out a shaky breath. So the guy really didn't want to hurt a defenseless child. Mabey he got him wrong.

He scrapped all those ideas when he saw the man holding the sword up, ready to kill Tango. Fuck. 

He started to panic. He tried to get up, but someone was holding his shoulders down. He screamed, but no one batted an eye to him. 

He was going to die. He was alone. No one was coming. Why was he always alone.

His breathing became heavy. He looked everywhere but the man in front of him. He spotted Impulse to his left. He hoped his brother got out. He didn't want to be the reason one of his brothers are killed. No matter how much they argue, he loved his brothers. They all took care of each other. Even though Tango was the youngest, he would defend his brothers to the end. Which is possibly closer than he wants.

Many things happened in the next few seconds. 

When the man started to swing down, the one behind let go of his arm. He didn't know why, but in the heat of the moment he raised his right arm to prevent a more lethal wound. The sword still cut pretty bad. 

After the man swung, Tango let out a deafening screech. It wasn't a normal scream. It was so unbearable, everyone in the bar had to plug their ears. Except one.

There was one person who didn't reel in fear or disgust. That screech din't make him feel scared, it made him furious.

In that moment he let go. His instincts took over. Someone was hurting his family. He concentrated on the power within him. He felt water nearby. He could feel how the liquid would bend to his will, and his will was to protect. He pulled on the magic that bind him and his element.

One moment, there was a fight. The next, a non-human screech. After that, all the towns people nearby could see a man flung out a window by a current of water of a two story building. 

A certain person in that crowd was only thinking, 'that is the worst thing that can happen'.

Etho couldn't believe it. Well, he could. It was more of him not wanting to believe it. 

You see, he was at the market getting some things his brothers and he needed, as much as they could afford, when he heard shouting and glass breaking coming from the local tavern. 

The town his brothers and he were temporarily living in was pretty small, so when a very loud, and violent riot started, you can see how worked up the townspeople became.

And lucky for him, he just knew his brothers would be there. Trouble always seemed to follow them.

So, praying to every god and sage out there, he followed the growing crowd to the outskirts of town.

He stayed mostly in the shadows, but close enough he wouldn't be stared at.

Though, that was easier said than done. It was kinda hard to fit in when you wear a mask, and have tied up white hair covering one of your eyes.

Etho didn't mind the looks. They were mostly out of curiosity, and he would rather have poeple judging him than wanting him dead. 

He continued his slow pace, weaving between pedestrians, trying to get to the front of the crowd. 

If his two idiots of brothers do anything to blow their cover, he definitely wanted to have there backs. He was annoyed by them, a lot, but he would rather burn alive in lave then let them die.

Soon, they reached the bar. 

The bar fight was your typical bar fight. Poeple being thrown out the windows and doors, loud shouting with colorful words, and the horrendous sound of breaking of bones and tearing of skin. 

Etho couldn't say this was the first time he saw an awful fight, or been in one, but the sound of others in pain always made his body shiver. And not in the good way.

Lots of the townsfolk were spectating the fight, so much so, that they didn't notice the tall white haired boy snaking his way through. He was able to get five meters away from the bar.

He could see the bar more clearly. It was a two story spruce wooded building. There was a huge window on the Second floor, with tow slightly smaller windows on either side. 

He was about to close the gap, but a firm hand landed on his shoulder. Etho whipped his head around to see a brunette with amber eyes in a knights outfit.

"Sorry lad, but no ones aloud inn. More guards are coming to stop the squabble," he warned Etho. 

Now a normal person would apologize and return to the safety of the crowd, but Etho was already starting to get a headache and he didn't have time for a someone to tell him what he can and can not do.

He shrugged his hand off. "I get your trying to protect us, but my dumb brothers are in there and I need to get them out before something worse happens." He told the guard in a joking manner, but his words were laced with the unspoken threat if he didn't comply.

Either the gurad didn't get the memo, or decided to shrug it off, because he stepped in front of Etho. His brows were furrowed, and his mouth was straight. He was trying to show false bravado, but Etho had seen enough body languages to understand that the man was agitated. 

"I'm sorry sir, but no one is going in there," he said matter of factly, "and please what can your brothers do that's worse than one of the most violent fights I've seen?" He chuckled at the end. Clearly amused by Etho's bold claim. 

Etho stared into his orange eyes. He could sense the youthfulness him, the joking demeanor.

Etho could change that. He wouldn't be joking around if really knew what Etho was. And if he didn't get out of his way, then Etho was going to show him the hard way, the painful way.

The two had a silent staring contest. Neither letting up. They were both determined to get their way. But they both looked away when they heard a high pitched scream.

The solder dropped his sword, wich he was wielding, and covered his ears. Etho frantically looked around. Others were doing the same. Some pain or shock or fear plastered on their face. 

Of course they were worried. That wasn't a human scream, or an animal squel. That was something different. Something worse. Something everyone should be scared of.

The scream didn't bother Etho. In the sense of him not needing to cover his ears, but his instincts screamed that something was wrong, that his family was being hurt. To kill whoever forced that scream, but he didn't even get a chance to comprehend all that was going on. The body flew out of the large second story window. It dripped to the ground, where it remained limp. A stream of water followed the body, it floated in the air for awhile, until it dispersed into droplets and fell. 

The crowd had gone wild with panic. Many screaming and running away. How else would they react? They just witnessed a human being chucked out of building with the power of water that was bending against the laws of physics. 

Only a few knew what that actual was though. 

Etho did too.

That was magic. From a creature with power of Ocean. And if there was magic, that meant there was either a magic-weilder or magical creature. It also meant that this town was about to go phsyco mode on the poor soul.

And Etho was thinking, 'That is the worst thing that can happen.'

The man hit the ground hard. There was definitely the sound of broken bones, but Etho could care about him later.

The whole town had just seen a man flung out of a window by magic. Specifically a clear blue, current of flowing water, the flow continued to swim in and around itself, never leaving the invisible barrier. Even if they have never seen magic, they knew the stories of it. A dangerous tool used by dumb creatures. They only said this since most magic wielders of today were hybrids. 

This only made Etho worry more. 

The guard that was supposed to keep the crowd at bay, was staring wide eyed at the man. Either in shock or fear, Etho didn't know. 

He could hear the crowd talking amongst themselves. Some were backing away. 

Etho knew if he gave them enough time, they would be running in the bar with swords and torches. 

Etho jogged his way to the entrance of the bar. Before he made it in, a blond and brunette came barreling out. Etho could recognize his brothers any day.

Impulse was wearing his black and yellow tunic, in his left hand was his iron and prismarine spear. Tango was wearing his usual black jacket and red tinted sunglasses. Etho saw how Tango had one of his hands up to his chest, and that he was leaning on Impulse a little bit.

Etho immediately got in front of the two. He looked down at Tango's arm. It was definitely bleeding.

He gave Impulse a death glare.

"What happened?" He asked sternly. His voice left no room for lying. It would be hard for Impulse to lie even if he was talking nicely.

Impulse shot him a glare too, "You know what happened, or last time I checked, you weren't blind."

Etho crossed his arms over his chest. "I know that, I'm asking why, and for your information, I am technically almost half blind."

"He hurt Tango," Impulse said with as much hatred and disgust he could muster.  

He stared at Impulse with a mix of disbelief and anger.

"That does not mean," Etho began slowly, like he was talking to a child, "you throw them out a window." He waved his hand at the scene in question.

"Uh, guys. I-"

"What did you expect me to do?" Impulse rudely interrupted Tango. "Just let them kill my brother, our brother, huh!"

"Gu-"

"For the love of Sky, can't we go one day, one day! Without any troubles, or is that too much to ask?"

"Guys."

"You don't understand how hard being the oldest is!" Impulse jabbed a finger at Etho.

"Please, you may be the oldest, only by four years, but we all know I'm the responsible one."

"Guys Shut the Nether up!" Tango practically shouted.

Impulse and Etho stopped their bickering and looked at Tango questionly. Tango back at the crowd, all brothers now watched the crowd.

The crowd had begun to become restless. The small amount of shoulders that were supposed to stop the bar fight had arrived. All of them was either staring horrified at the body, or skeptically at the trio.

In that single moment of hesitance, Tango pushed himself in front of his brothers. Before Etho could warn him, Tango unleashed his magic.

One moment there was a scraggly blond teenager, the next, the same teen with red bat-like wings, a thin tail with an arrow at the end, and two horns coming from his forehead.

His hands lit up in flames, and he snarled at the crowd showing off his pointed teeth.

The thing that scared Etho the most was the way the crowd and soldiers looked at them. They had fear written all over their faces, but after a moment, they looked agitated, some were starting to become angry.

It would only be a matter of minutes before they descended upon the brothers.

"What the heck Tango!" Impulse yelled.

"They already know our secret, might as well be prepared," Tango snarled back, quiet enough for only the three to hear. 

Etho wanted to face palm, but he was busy at the moment. Dealing with the dumb brothers the universe decided to give him.

"They knew we were different, they didn't know we were demons!" Etho explained like he was talking to a child, which was the same thing.

Tango's expression quickly morphed into embarrassment, but he schooled it back to calm. 

Calm being a scrunched up face ready to bite or snarl with pure red eyes, without a kind sole.

Impulse was about to add something, but the crowd in front of them began yelling.

Etho could hear some words like monster, hybrids, disgusting, and many more words that would have some mothers putting soap in their mouth.

The guards that were there started making their way to them. They had weapons out. Some stood back with locked crossbows pointing at them.

Tango snarled at the miniscule amount of guards. His hands began to false up much more. Etho could feel the heat from three feet away. The guards looked worriedly from Tango to Etho and Impulse. Their false bravado was wavering.

They had one chance, one moment of escape. Etho wasn't losing his brothers.

"Tango fire!" Tango obeyed without a moment of hesitance. Fireballs crashed into some soldiers, others escaped to hit the ground around the crowd. He was pretty sure that was on purpose. They burst into movement, many running around screaming like they had seen a god.

Etho didn't wait for them to get back together. He grabbed Impulse and Tango's arm, despite the yelps of shock, and ran right, away from the town, and to the nearby forest.

Impulse crashed into the forest, Etho and Tango in front of him. They had passed by the small river a minute ago, which meant they were officially out of the town. Not out of danger, Impulse thought grimly. They were never out of danger.

They kept running till they thought they were safe. They also needed rest. Etho was used to running and Tango was in his Demon form, but that didn't mean they weren't as tired as Impulse was.

Tango slumped against one of the trees, breathing heavily. Etho looked the same, except he was leaning on a tree across from Tango. Impulse leaned against a tree of his own.

Impulse wanted to relax and calm down for another hour, so bad Etho had to ruin that.

"Great job Impulse," Etho started, his words slurred a bit, but he had his mask down to breathe better so at least he could hear him, "that is the seventh town we have been kicked out of!" The anger was written on his face, but he could hear the disappointment in his voice quite easily. Etho was the responsible one, and also the only one who could make Impulse see his problems. Impulse loved and hated him for it, but right now he was resenting the talk he would know he would get.

"That was the seventh town, Impulse!"

"I know," Impulse said sarcastically, Etho knew he was too tired to argue, only to listen to him rant.

"Seven, seven towns! And every time you mess up."

Now hold up, wait a minute, if Etho think he could blame him for everything, he has another thing coming.

"Hey! I didn't get us kicked out of every town!"

"Really," Etho gave him a deadpan look, "what about that time during a storm you used your power to keep our house from getting rained on. You know, it is hard to miss a random house not getting wet!"

Okay. Maybe he had a point on that one. But he still had a card up his sleeve.

"What about that time you climbed on top of that guard tower and summoned a lightning bolt and everyone inside went limp?!"

Etho's anger was replaced by shock for a second, sadly, only for a second. 

"You know I went up there to get a better view to find Tango, who you lost. And I didn't use my power, there was just a lightning rod on top. It's not my fault all those people are so into old traditions that they didn't know that a lightning rod wasn't only meant for decoration!"

Impulse crossed his hands over his chest, "If you can make mistakes, so can I."

"I highly doubt that. I at least try to keep our secret, a secret."

"Oh come one," he flings his hands up, "Tango burnt a whole church down and you didn't do or say anything about that."

Tango looked at him with betrayal and anger on his face. He clearly didn't want to get involved though. "You burn something down one time, and they don't stop talking about it." He quietly said, but loud enough for Impulse to slightly hear.

"Impulse," he flinched at the way Etho said his name. It was clear he was tired, either with running or life, he couldn't tell. Etho didn't hate him, Impulse knew Etho would die before either Tango or him were hurt, and they would do the same. 

It was the three of them against the world. A world where they were hated for something they couldn't control. A world where they lived, without any comfort of a real family. It was three of them together, forever.

"Impulse," he said again, quieter, "we can't keep doing this. We're running out of options. We can't keep running." He came closer to Impulse, and leaned down, since he was a foot taller, and whispered, "we promised we would protect Tango, to give him a good future, no matter what." After everything, Impulse could agree on that. It was his job to protect his brothers. 

She never could.

Impulse didn't answer, he couldn't find the will to talk, so he nodded instead.

It seemed like Etho shared similar interest, because he went to sit by Tango. Impulse slowly followed suit.

He made sure to give Tango some room, he was always angsty about intrusion into personal space, unless he was in his instincts. Impulse thought Tango was very cute when he was in his instincts, Tango didn't share a similar emphasis.

They sat like that, quiet, together, for the next few minutes. Impulse relished in the small peace, it wasn't like they got a lot of it these days.

"So," Impulse interrupted the peacefulness, "what now?" He really wished he knew. He was supposed to be there for his brothers! But all he does is mess up, every time.

"You know," Tango shyly started, it wasn't like Tango to be scared, so his tone had both brothers a little worried. "There is this place, I heard about it a few years ago, it's farther north of the Dawn empire, it's only a few days walk actually, I think it's a good place to stay." Tango was looking everywhere but his brothers, a sign he was worried.

"Tango, are you okay?" Etho subtly asked. Not harsh, nor rude. Just curious.

Tango gave a long sigh. "It’s times like these that I just miss dad."

A heavy silence fell on all three of them. No one was ready to hear that.

Tango was all stiff, too scared, and dejected, to say anything more.

Etho had a misty look in his silver eyes. An untold story from long ago, a story none would hear.

Impulse squirmed in his position. He didn't want to think about the hurt, but he so desperately wanted to think about him. Out of all the brothers, Impulse remembered him best. Etho had faint memories, but still memories non the less. Tango was the unlucky one, he didn't know anything about his father, except for stories and tales the other two told him when he was younger, and still to this day.

Impulse decided to break the stiffness in the air. He still wanted to try to help his brothers.

"Listen," all faces hopefully looked to him, "all we can do now is look to the future, and the future for us is to find a home." The words, for no matter how long, were left unsaid.

Etho nodded, Tango gave a curt nod of his own shortly after. 

He gave them what he hoped was a reassuring smile, "okay, Tango, what was that place called?"

Tango seemed to perk up a bit, "Oh, It's called The Crystal cliffs!"

"The crystal cliffs, what type of name is that?" Etho asked weirdly.

Tango gave him a sharp smile, a smile that seemed to fit him perfectly, "I heard there used to be wizards and witches living there. They also got to practice magic, without getting arrested or killed!"

Etho light heartedly chuckled, "They may have done that back then, but that doesn't mean they are still the same."

Tango stuck his tongue out.

Impulse grinned at their small antics. He hauled himself back on his feet. He tried to wipe off the grim and dirt he got earlier.

He turned back to the others, right as they were also standing up. He gave them the biggest, kindest grin he could muster.

"Alright. To the Crystal Cliffs we go."

Tango walked along the brick path, small portions of the road had huge shiny purple amethysts growing out of the ground like stalagmites. He looked back and forth. Watching as the residents went about their day. 

He was close to town square, yet far enough to get away from the large crowds that made the cliffs echo.

He really enjoyed his three weeks stay at the Crystal Cliffs, he didn't want to take any chance of ruining it.

He walked on, content with life for once. He smiled at no one in particular. His hands rested in his black jacket, comfortably idle. He walked around a corner only for someone to immediately run into him, knocking them both on the ground.

"I am so sorry!" The person quickly said.

Tango looked up to see a boy who had fluffy bond hair, and two horns coming from behind goat ears. He locked onto his eyes. His eyes were a beautiful purple, with white shade, it reminded him of an amethyst crystal.

They stared at each other for a long time, neither making a move to get up.

For some reason, looking at the hybrid boy, something in Tango clicked.

Like a missing piece had finally been placed. He couldn't understand it, but maybe this blonde could help.

"I am so, so sorry, really," the blond kept apologizing. The two had eventually gotten up, however embarrassing it was. Tango had started helping pick up the scattered books and papers that were flung over the place when they crashed. 

"I said it was fine," Tango stated simply. He could barely keep up his nice demeanor with how much the boy was panicking. But Impulse told him to be more kind, so he might as well try. But this boy is really starting to get-

"Hey, what is this?" Tango asked him, holding up a beaten up book with the words, "A guide to chemical explosions 101", written on the top in black.

The boy instantly changed emotions. Going from shy need to excited need in record time. "Oh, that is a book I got from the Library. I wanted to try out some new experiments."

Tango quirked an eyebrow, now more intrigued. "What kind of experiments?"

"Oh, um," the boy began fumbling with his words, back to acting stress and panicky, "you wouldn't really like it. No one usually likes to talk about science with me.

Tango scoffed. The boy looked at him weirdly. Tango used his open hand to rest against the boy. He stared into the boy' shining amethysts eyes. "If there is one thing I like, it's science. And the only harm you'll be doing is not telling me."

The other blond beamed at Tango's words, but also taken aback, "It, um, th-the book is for, to tell you how to do explosions. I don't want to destroy anything if you think that! I ju-just-"

Tango shushed him before he could go on stammering and making excuses. "Listen, if there is one thing I love more than Science, it's explosions, so sign me up!" Tango was now vibrating with glee. 

The boy smiled again, a bright joyful smile that seemed to fit the boy perfectly. "Really?"

Tango didn't hesitate, he nodded.

The boy seemed to catch that as his que. He grabbed Tango's wrist with his open hand and started speed walking in the direction Tango had just come from.

"Trust me, this will be great! I promise you- um,"

They both seemed to realize that neither knew each other's name.

"My name is Tango Tek," he started, being the extrovert of the two, "your's?"

The boy glanced back, still smiling, "Mines Zedaph Wither Rose."

Another explosion rattled the glass window, smearing grim and smoke on the walls. Luckily, the two blonds were watching on the other side of the experimentation room. 

"That was so cool! Can we do it again?" Tango was bubbling with excitement and a maniac kind of anticipation. It was a bad idea to give him explosions and fire. 

"Um…, " the other, Zedaph, also seemed to be enjoying the show, though Tango noticed how he would jump at the sudden loud sounds and look worriedly around the room afterwards. Almost as if he knew something tragic was going to happen. At the moment, he was looking at some papers on a clipboard, looking like he was deep in thought. "We already tried the experiments with oxygen, carbon dioxide, sodium, potassium, Caesium, Francium, Rubidium, and Lithium. That is all Alkali metals, I don't know if we have any left?"

Tango hummed in thought. He looked over at the small table, where notes, books, and other things littered it. He crossed over to the table and picked up the old leather book, the reason why he was exploding random things with a stranger in some basement.

"We could add Sulfur to Nitrogen, or maybe some Polonium?"

Zed nodded in approval. Tango was busy getting the chemicals on a poorly built shelf, when he heard footsteps on the stone brick stairs from the entrance. He jerked his head to the spruce door, dividing the experimentation room from the hallway.

The door opened, and in came a ginger haired girl. She was carrying a tray of food and some cups. "Hey Zed, I was won-" her high squeaky voice stopped when she spotted Tango. The two just started a weird, silent staring contest. Tango was beyond confused on who the girl was and why she was here. He looked hopefully toward Zed. Luckily, he got the message.

"So, um, this is Tango," Zed nervously pointed to Tango, looking everywhere but the girl. The girl just stared blankly at the both of them, still standing by the door. 

The girl looked directly into Tango's red-amber eyes. She searched his face for something, which unnerved Tango very much, but eventually gave a small smile. "Hello Tango, my name is Gem, I'm Zed's older sister."

Tango looked between the two dumbfoundedly. How the fuck were they siblings! 

Zed had short fluffy blond hair, but Gem had curly ginger hair. He had shining amethysts eyes, while she had dark blue eyes. Even their personalities were different! Zed was always jumpy and shy. Gem seemed to carry a bold confidence with her. He wouldn't be surprised if Gem was taller than Zed. The only thing they had in common was that they were both hybrids. Zed was obviously a goat hybrid, and Gem appeared to be some type of deer hybrid. The antlers, doe ears, and freckles kinda gave it away.

"So, I was going to ask if you wanted some snacks, but I see you're a little bit busy." She said slowly, still trying to get used to the idea of her brother inviting a stranger into their home. 

"Sorry Gem, it's just, I um…" he tried to find the words to piece the situation together, but was stopped by Gem.

"It's fine Zed, just warn me next time. Okay?" She cheerfully supplied. He nodded shamefully.

She set the tray of food down on the table, Zed helped her by sorting some books and papers out of the way. She wished them good luck, and instructed them not to damage anything, and left.

While nibbling on some bread with honey spread on it, Tango started up a conversation. "Your sister is really cool, just letting you do experiments and trusting you enough to let a total stranger stay."

Zed nodded along, a spark of admiration in his eyes. "Yeah, she's the best. Very sweet when you get to know her."

Tango thought about his brothers, they definitely wouldn't allow him to do anything Zed was doing. He sighed sadly, he wished he could be normal like Zedaph.

"What's wrong?" He asked Tango worriedly.

"Nothing. Just thinking how my brothers would be furious if I did anything you were doing, " he pushed his problems away in the back of his mind.

Zedaph's expression turned into something between sympathy and understanding. It made Tango think, how could Zed know If he only had a sister? He actually was about to ask him if he had any other siblings when he walked over to the other side of the room. He picked up a few bottles. "Ready for round two?"

All other thoughts left his mind as he thought about all the fun he could have.

He liked Zed, he was fun and smart. Maybe, he could make an actual friend.

Impulse walked along town square with his hands in his pocket. He looked around the place. There were some stalls selling weaers like quarts, wood, crystals, and meat. The roads were a shining cobblestone lined with quarts, with amethysts littered about. When the sun shined its glorious golden beams down on the bustling city, the whole place seemed to light up in a purple ethereal dust glow. It was a gorgeous sight, but Impulse wasn't here to see any sights. He was looking for something, or more importantly, someone.

And Tango was nowhere to be found.

He already had Etho hawking his every movement and criticizing his every choice. He did not feel like being told off today.

He was going to find Tango, if it killed him or not.

He walked around a bit more, sometimes asking people if they had seen a tall, skinny blonde with red glasses and a black leather jacket around. They all answered the same, no. He liked to call himself a calm, laid back guy, but times like these he started to stress out.

It was getting darker, the sun now barely lighting up, and workers returning home. Even with the late nights of winter far behind them, Crystal Cliffs were very close to Aeor's mountains, the dangerous cliffs known for endless snow and winters. Night was fast approaching, with it the chilly winds. 

He kept going, until he had to stop and rest. He sat on one of the nearby benches, resting his head in his hands. He sighed in defeat. He just wanted his little brother to be okay.

"Excuse me, " Impulse's head shot up at the squeaky voice. The person in front of him jumped a little at the sudden motion. He was met with a ginger haired girl, wearing a leaf-green turtleneck under beige overalls. She had gentle blue eyes, and beautiful tan skin. She had freckles dotting her rosy cheeks, and cute pointed ears, with her hair tucked behind them. 

She looked worriedly at him, it was then that he noticed that he was staring at her. "Um sorry about that," he stammered out, "what, um, do you need help with?" He chuckled nervously. Wait, he never chuckled like that.

"Oh, well, I heard you were looking for someone, and I think I know where they are."

Wait, she knows where Tango is? All thoughts aside, this pretty nice young woman could help him! And he wouldn't be harassed by Etho.

"Yeah! Wait, was he be blond, tall, wearing obnoxious red-tinted glasses?"

"Yes, that sounds exactly like him!" she squealed in joy. The happiness must have spread to him too, for he could feel a smile creep on his face.

He asked her if she could bring him to Tango. Luckily, she agreed.

So, that's how he found himself chatting away with a cute, sprity hybrid girl while getting Tango.

Geminitay, the deer hybrid ginger, had led him to a two story house made out of smooth quartz, stripped spruce wood, and purple tinted windows. The roof was made of purple terracotta and concrete. The house looked like all the other buildings, but there was something off about this one, and he couldn't place a finger on it.

"Zed! I have someone over, and can you bring Tango up?"

A small 'sure' came from what appeared to be the way to the kitchen. At the moment, Impulse was sitting on one of the plush sofas of the gigantic parlor. The room was bigger than two bedrooms. There were two sofas, a small table between the two, and a fireplace tucked into one of the sides of the wall on his right. Two armchairs faced the empty pit. Laverish clothes hung on their back. The wall that was behind him had a huge window, with magenta curtains pulled together at the sides. The way he was facing had a large open wall with white etched, wood supports and carvings. 

If the whole house looked as good as the Parlor, then Impulse wished he could never leave. But this wasn't his house, all he came here for was to get Tango and leave. Impulse couldn't help the twinge of jealousy of how rich Gem was. He always wished he had luxuries like these, or jewelry. Especially gold, he loved gold.

Two teens rounded the corner and came into the Parlor. One was blond, but a duller color than his brother's fire hair. He had a lab coat over a brown tunic. What caught him off guard were his beautiful purple amethyst eyes. He also had curling horns around goat ears.

The other teen, was Tango. He had a lab coat over his usual clothes. He still had his red glasses on, and his hair still looked nice. Impulse would have been wondering how Tango wasn't hot in the amount of clothes he was wearing, but Impulse knew his secret.

The goat hybrid went over to Gem, who was standing by the back of the couch. Tango stopped his walk when he made eye contact with Impulse. He seemed to be debating something, before heading over to Impulse. They exchanged a quick wordless conversation, before the other blond spoke up.

"So this is your brother?" He asked shyly, Impulse almost didn't hear him with how quiet he was.

Tango looked back at the goat hybrid. "One of them at least." He shrugged. The other two nodded, no one saying anything. Gem eventually broke the silence.

"Well," she clapped her hands together, "It has been lovely to meet you guys, but it is getting a bit late, so how about you get home and maybe come another time?" She asked the two brothers, though Impulse got the hint. They had to get back anyway, or Etho would start questioning them.

Impulse stood up from his spot on the comfy sofa. Tango and Impulse said their goodbyes and left the nice house. 

They walked along the stone road for a while, only letting the moon light their path, and the swinging branches of Birch trees in the wind filled the silence. 

The soft sound of Tango's voice carried itself in the breeze. "Can we see them again?"

Impulse peered at Tango's expression. He looked unbothered, but the way he said it revealed his true worries. He knew his brother better than himself.

He ought to say no. They were already on thin ice with the public, they really couldn't mess up again. 

But he gazed into Tango's dark red amber eyes, those soft bright eyes of his baby brother. He only wanted to make Tango happy, to protect and care for him. He wanted Tango to experience a normal childhood, though it may already be too late. But while walking side by side, feeling the cold breeze on his arms and trying to subtly inch his way to his brother's internal warmth, he realized how little his brother got to be around people, to make friends and such. 

Impulse shouldn't be the reason Tango felt alone or left out. He was the oldest brother, he was the one to lead, and even if that meant taking some risks. 

"Tango, " he said slowly, thinking about how to word this. Tango's body went stiff, he probably was preparing himself for a talk. But it never came. "I want to get to know them, and hang out too. But you know Etho would never allow it." Tango looked downcasted, he averted his eyes to up ahead. 

His sad demeanor changed instantly in a matter of seconds.

"Your right, Etho would never allow us, " the sharp twist of his lips upwards made Impulse uneasy. "But he wouldn't allow us if he finds out."

Impulse nodded his head slowly. Hput his index finger on his chin to think. Etho didn't really need to know. He was always anti-social anyway. 

He hummed in thought. The idea seemed very appealing, too appealing. He was going to regret this, wasn't he?

He sighed in utter defeat, apparently Tnaho knew him more than himself. "Fine." He drew out. Tango pumped a fist in the air in victory.

"But," he stopped and rounded at Tango. He pointed a finger at his chest, "You have to promise that you won't start any trouble."

Tango blinked. He processed the words carefully. Finally, he smiled, a genuine one, and reached his hand out. Impulse looked between the hand and Tango. He gripped his hand firmly, giving him a subtle shake.

"I promise," Tango said happily. 

They walked on, to their house and brother.

Silver and red eyes followed their movements from a tall dark oak tree. He was in a squatting position, ready to move. 

He didn't need to.

He watched the two walk on, oblivious to the silent ninja observing them.

He let them go. They could have their fun, but nothing lasts for forever.

They were different, no one would ever love them.

He slipped out of the tree, quietly making his way back home. 

The wind picked up its speed. It rattled against the amethyst crystals, creating a soft tingling tune. 

In a small house far away from a village, three brothers laughed and enjoyed each other's company.

At a small house by the town square, two siblings talked about plants and stuff.

In a small inn, far from either dwelling place, a young, orange haired soldier sat, planning the demise of a family.

"Do you like the sandwich?" Gem asked curiously, sitting across from Impulse on the picnic blanket. Impulse gave her a smile and a nod, trying to keep the honey and strawberry sandwich inside his mouth. Gem returned his smile, cheerfully enjoying her own sandwich.

The afternoon was very calm. There was no wind rattling the trees, and except for the few clouds blocking the sun, it was relatively peaceful.

Impulse glanced over to the left, seeing Tango and Zed chatting under a giant tree. Gem and Impulse had laid claim to the blanket as soon as they had arrived at the clearing. They had shared a laugh as their younger siblings protested and tried to grab it from Gem's hands, only to have failed. It was more Tango than Zedaph. Zed mostly stood away, watching the ordeal with slight uneasiness and horribly trying to hide the fact he was embarrassed. Tango seemed to take a hint, what a miracle, and grabbed Zed by the arm and led them both to a dark oak tree, all the while Zed walked along without panic. Or maybe he did squirm just a bit.

The rest of the picnic had gone well. Gem brought delicious honey and jam sandwiches, with strawberries, grapes, oranges, and apples. She had two separate containers, one for tea, for the older ones, and the other containing hot chocolate, for the younger ones. Gem and Zed had made a scrumptious looking pumpkin pie, though they couldn't eat it till after the meal.

"Why don't you ever bring your other brother?" Impulse almost choked on the sandwich at Gem's sudden question. After making sure he could still breath, he looked back at the ginger. She looked a bit worried, but he saw the curiosity in her dark blue eyes. 

Impulse was getting anxious. He couldn't tell her the full truth, but she ought to know some of it.

He cleared his throat and started talking in a calm voice. "He just doesn't like people," he waved his hand in a small gesture, "He is more of an introvert than Tango and me, and he is also busy tinkering with things, you know?" Gem nodded her head, content with his answer.

"I understand," she grabbed another grape, "Zed's the same way. It was more of a miracle that Tango and him became friends," she looked over at the blonde, smiling to herself.

The picnic continued without any troubles. When Gem called the boys for dessert, Tango and Zed immediately rushed over, almost tripping over their own feet. 

The four were laughing at jokes and enjoying the picnic, all unaware of the danger lurking outside the safety of the dark oak forest. 

Gem was the first to notice something off. 

"Did you see that?" The three boys looked the way she was pointing. Impulse only saw shrubbery and hanging branches, nothing out of the ordinary.

"What did you see?" Zed asked quietly, scanning around as if something would pop up at any moment. 

"I think it was a human," she said mysteriously, "but there was something off about them." She looked worriedly back at the place she pointed. Her hands were grabbing the blanket tightly.

Impulse started to get worried. His body became more stiff and he moved to put his feet under him. Tango also looked frightened, though he was better at hiding it than Zed. Impulse noticed Zed holding Tango's hand in a vice-like grip.

Impulse decided to be the man and got up, walking slowly to the accused place. "Impulse," he looked back at the frightened Gem, "Are you sure you want to go there? What if there is someone?" She asked anxiously, looking back and forth. 

Impulse gave her what he hoped was a comforting smile. "Don't worry, it's probably nothing." He turned around and kept walking to the trees. 

His feet brushed across the tall grass, quivering against his leggings. He reached out a hand and touched the thick, rough bark. His hand settled on the tree. He kept it there. He stepped around the thorny bush, hissing when thorns scraped against his bare arms. 

He made it fully into the forest. The small green leaves were quiet. The ground had saplings of weeds and invasive plants scattered around the bases of trees. The smell of cold hard soil clung to the seedy ground, and the faint smell of flowers were sparse in the air. As he stepped over the cold ground, he heard a faint cry, "If something bad happens, come back here immediately!"

He glanced back to the clearing. He chuckled and replied, "Don't worry! I'll be fine!" 

He trekked through the forest. The branches blocked out the afternoon sun, and the still winds left no movement. The only sound he could hear was his light breathing, the crunch of sticks under his feet, and his heart beating at a faster pace than normal.

As he walked deeper into the shadows, he clung to Gem's word with a desperate hope. Nothing bad was going to happen, right?

Impulse crept along the forest, his eyes glancing around suspiciously. He had been rummaging through the forest for the past twenty minutes, and he has yet to see anything that Gem would have mistaken as a human or a creature. 

After tripping over a root and falling into a prickly bush, Impulse decided no one was here and that it was time to leave. As he was dusting himself off, he caught the sound of a twig breaking. His head shot up, urgently scanning the area. He didn't see anything. 

He didn't know if that was better or worse.

A rustle of leaves on his left made him jump, but when he examined the tree, there was nothing there. The wind picked up a bit, rattling the branches. Impulse felt like he was being watched, and he felt goosebumps run up his arms. The forest was too quiet, yet it was overbearingly loud. The breeze unsettled him to his core.

Another rustle and a snap of branches caused Impulse to make up his mind. He stood perfectly still. The only sound was his breathing and the low wind. His fingers were digging into his palm and he feared it might bleed. When he heard the crunching of leaves behind him, he darted in the other direction, trying not to trip and fall. The chase began.

Impulse jumped over logs and ran around bushes and trees. His breaths came faster as he kept running, but he didn't slow down. Maybe it was just a figment of his imagination? That theory went out the window as he heard footsteps running after him. Okay, now it’s time to panic.

He kept running through the forest, trying to spot a way out, but the person was getting nearer and he was freaking out more. 

He rounded a big oak, trying to get his chaser off his path, but nothing he did helped. This person was good. 

After twisting around some bushes, he saw a way out. He almost stopped right there out of pure relief, but the crunching of leaves reminded him this was a life or death situation, maybe. 

He bolted for the opening, begging every Sage and god he knew for the chance to live another day, and also for Etho not to find out about this. Etho might actually be worse than this. 

He was a few yards away from that sparkling orange and yellow light, to freedom. He reached his hand out, he was so close. As he took another step, something hit him in the back. It wasn't an object, but it surged through his bones and blood. The spark ran up and down his spine. It found its way in his blood and head, making his muscles quake and strain. He screamed in pain as his muscles locked and his heart sped up way too fast. His hands grabbed his hair and yanked, trying to think of anything other than then the rippling pain in his body. 

Something grabbed his shoulder and pinned him against the nearest tree. The sharp bark rammed into his already fragile spine. He yelped in more pain as the air was taken out of him. 

The spark had made him dizzy and his mind foggy, and the quick impact didn't help. His eyesight was blurry, and he couldn't make out the face in front of him. He distinctly heard a voice, but his whole head was in overdrive. 

His vision and hearing wasn't clear until another few minutes, and he almost wished they hadn't. The person in front of him had a mask, and a part of his hair covering one eye. They looked furious, though it was hard to tell with their blank face, but Impulse had lived every second with them. Out of all the people to chase him, the Sages decided it would be funny if it was his younger brother, Etho.

Impulse didn't hide his scowl. "In the name of the Sages, what gives Etho! You can't just give someone a heart attack and then try to give them a literal heart attack!" Impulse yelled in Etho's face, yet he looked totally unbothered.

"I wouldn't have to spy on you if you actually told me the truth!" He shot back. Impulse sucked in air through his teeth.

"H-how did you find out?" He asked nervously, squirming under Etho's deadly glare. 

"You don't think I know my own brothers?" He tilted his head a bit, and Impulse gulped thickly. This was not going to end well. "Piece of advice, create better lies and don't cause a lot of noise when you're trying to be stealthy." Impulse's cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

"Was it that obvious?"

"Yeah, pretty much," Etho deadpanned, and Impulse could almost imagine the smirk under his mask.

"Okay, so you knew, yet you continued to let us go out in secret with people you don't know about?" He questioned, both confusion and anxiety weighing in his stomach. Etho's eyes finally looked away, studying the grass instead. He could feel Etho grip harden onto his shoulders, almost a desperate sort of touch, like Etho could lose Impulse if he let go.

"Because," Impulse was surprised at how lost his voice sounded, almost like he was a ghost reminiscing over fond memories, yet saddened at the understanding that they would never get to have times like them again, "I may be the responsible one, but I also understand that you guys need more than what I can give, more than what can offer." He met Impulse's gaze once more, his dual eyes filled with sorrow and fear. For a moment Impulse remembered that Etho was still young, no longer a teenager like Tango, but Etho was still very much his little brother, just like Tango.

"I'm sorry," Impulse said softly, his hands twitching under Etho's grasp, "we shouldn't have lied, even if that meant we couldn't have friends. We're brothers after all. It's us three against the world," he said the last part with a childish sort of glee. Etho matched his spirit, dual eyes shining with something like joy. 

Etho removed his restraining hands from his arms, backing away to give Impulse some room. He had to continue leaning on the tree a bit, the shock from Etho's lightning magic still lingering a bit, but as he looked over at Etho, he knew everything was going to be okay. He smiled at his younger brother, and if he wasn't wearing a mask, Impulse would see Etho smiling back.

Their peace wasn't long-lived. 

A shrill cry rang through the woods, scattering every living creature, all except two demons. Etho and Impulse immediately knew where it came from, yet they couldn't tell who it was. But it didn't matter in the heat of the moment.

Etho was the first to move, dashing into the forest, letting the shadows guide him. Impulse knew he wouldn't make it in time on foot. Etho always had better stamina. 

Instead, he closed his eyes and called upon his magic, magic so ancient and destructive, far from its home. 

Impulse held his hands to his head, where most of the magic surged to. His head felt like it was being bashed and his back felt like it was on fire, yet Impulse didn't feel a drop of pain. He opened his eyes, struggling with the new found weight on his body, but he couldn't waste another moment.

He spread his yellow dragon-like wings, and started to walk back, readying himself for flight. He jogged forward, his heavy wings beating with frantic movements. Soon, he was above the ground, and lifted himself above the forest canopy, into open air. 

He didn't need to think of where to go, his destination already firmly set. He flew with as much speed as he could muster, hoping he wasn't too late.

He tried to reassure himself that everything was alright, but his non-human side argued otherwise. Soon it started to demand the death of those who dare lay a finger on his hoard family, but he pushed the wicked instincts away. He was better than them. He was better than her

He would have struggled with his thoughts more if he wasn't nearing the place where he was certain the scream came from. Nothing bad could have happened, right? Maybe it was an accident or a trick o-

His heart jumped into his throat as his gold eyes scanned the area below him.

A squad of people, probably both townsfolk and soldiers, surrounded the area, swords, crossbows, torches, pitchforks, and more held ready in their arms. Gem and Zed were nowhere to be found, but none of that compared to the horror that wrenched in Impulse's heart as he spotted the person surrounded by countless soldiers.

Tango, in his full demon form- his horns, tail, eyes, wings, and claws showing- stood at the center of the arena, like a deer ready to be killed.

The only thing that was keeping him safe was his fire magic, the orange-golden sparks already lit in his balled fists, waiting to throw at anyone who dared come closer. 

Impulse watched the scene with horror. How could have this happened? They were so safe, so quiet, so careful. 

He could figure out his mistake later, right now, he had a baby brother to save.

"Tango!" Tango turned his head at the mention of his name, spotting Etho running out of the forest, throwing knives in hand. The people around tried to close in on him while he was distracted, but after a knife lodged into someone's heart and a ball of fire nearly took out someone's eye, they backed off a bit. 

"Are you hurt?" His brother asked worriedly, his eyes laced with anxiety, yet exhaustion evident in his slouching posture. Tango stared into his dual eyes, trying to find a familiar comfort, something that would keep his own hopes up, but they were as lost as his own. 

He didn't give Etho an answer. They didn't have time, nor did he wish to lie to his brother anymore. 

The people were getting restless, their hands itching to be coated in scarlet blood, and their eyes begging to see death. They called the three weak demon-blooded children monsters, yet they weren't so different themselves.

Anytime someone took a step towards them, either Tango would shoot some fire, or Etho would throw a knife, almost always charged with electricity. They were keeping the riot at bay, but how much longer until they couldn't prevent the inevitable, Tango didn't wish to ponder. 

"Duck!" The two brothers didn't need to be told twice when they heard the familiar voice. A small stream of water cascaded right into three men, sending them flying back. Tango's pointed ears could hear the painful whiplash from their fall.

"Hey guys," their beautiful, sweet, alive brother said cheerfully, landing softly behind them. If they weren't in a dire situation, Tango would have run up and embraced him, not bothering to act mature. 

"Welcome to the party." Tango shot him a smirk, showing off his pointed teeth. 

"Can we please focus on the barrage of men trying to kill us?" Etho, ever the wise and responsible one, commented, side eyeing them with annoyance.

"Way to be a party smasher," Tango chimed in, rolling his pure red eyes. Before Etho could make a retort, probably something spiritual or some other vague saying, a fire arrow whizzed past his head, Etho only stepping away in a matter of seconds. He shot a glare that would have a lesser man crying at the shooter. The man should count himself lucky enough to be out of Etho's infuriating range.

"So, how we getting out?" Impulse asked, his yellow clawed hands ready to slash at anyone who came near his family, "Only Tango and I can fly, and we won't be quick enough to run or carry Etho out without getting shot." The silence after he finished was enough of an answer. Tango turned his head to every direction, hope swelling in his heart, but as he saw only soldiers with death in their cold eyes, his heart bled as he realized there was no hope, no way out, no second chance. 

"I don't think we're getting out of this one," Tango whispered sorrowfully, his words ringing heavily in the air. He didn't like the look on his brothers' faces; they weren't the joyful, loving faces he knew for his entire life- they looked too much like how his soul felt, hopeless, discouraged, and troubled.

None of them had another chance to speak, for the guards and townsfolk finally found enough courage to walk forward. Most of the people held up shields, stopping Tango and Etho from firing. The people were starting to back the three into the center of the plain, doing everything to make sure they couldn't escape. 

As Tango kept shooting balls of fire at the people to no avail, he saw a young man, clad in armor, beginning to close in on them. He carried his sword with a white knuckle grip. His wavy brown hair hung across his young, pale face, but he didn't seem to care. The thing that worried Tango the most was the look he gave them. His hazel eyes, so young and strong, were darkened with a deep wrath, and his face, once only knowing the peaceful life of boyhood, was scorned with invisible scars of the awful phenomenon that was adulthood. 

He didn't bother heading the others' warnings, his movements holding a set goal. Tango would have dealt with him personally, his instincts screaming at how close he was to his brothers, but the small distraction allowed for the townsfolk to rush on him. He heard Impulse's warning before the first person had the chance to slash his chest.

He grabbed their hand as he moved out of the way, letting the burning, quick sensation of his magic heat itself on their bare skin. The person forgot all about attacking, instead they thrashed and screamed, trying to get out of his hold. A dark voice in the back of his mind begged to see them continue to scream their lungs out, until their skin was nothing but the raw bone underneath, but he couldn't let that part of him win, he wasn't like them.

Impulse used everything he had. He used his claws when the people were close enough, and he would use his spear to try and stab them from afar. Tango was busy with his own hoard of the crowd. It seemed like they were on all of his sides, trying to seize or strike him, but he held up a good fight as best as he could. 

It may have been a whole town against them, but they had the benefit of being demon-blooded. But with every movement, every footstep and another new person fighting them, the odds kept piling up, until the doubt in Tango's stomach was wrenching itself viscously open. 

The townsfolk had eventually overpowered them, backing them further into the clearing. Before Tango could assault someone with his claws, Impulse yanked him backwards by the arm. Thankfully, his wings and tail held his balance before he could fall.

"Watch it!" He warned, pulling his arm out of Impulse's grasp. Impulse didn't comment on his behavior, making the worry in Tango only grow, though he would never admit he cared about his brothers out loud. 

The other continued to glare at the arising crowd, like they were the cause of all his problems. His spear was sturdy in his clawed hands, daring anyone to come closer. 

Tango noticed Etho in a similar predicament, his silver eye sparking with electricity and the red one almost glowing with fury, the only noticeable demon feature he had.

His attention was grabbed when a man, who was fighting Etho earlier, walked steadily towards them. He stuck out of the crowd, something about him so familiar, yet Tango couldn't place a finger on it.

His somber amber eyes glared at the three demons with a deadly hatred. His messy dusty brown hair was completely disheveled and intrigued, the threads sticking to his sweaty face. A shadow was casted across his pale face, emotions and history buried in his tired, bloodthirsty expression. 

Tango knew that look, witnessing it too many times on other young victims just like the soldier. There was time for children to grow up, become mature and grow in understanding, but then there were times when one grew up too fast, for the wrong reasons, a reason that was not of their heart but horrible circumstances. 

They were the only type of people Tango ever pitied, to have to grow up with worries of wars, famine, and the troubles of the world- childhood snatched from their feeble grasp without any remorse.

"I knew you were trouble the moment I saw you," the man practically spat in Etho's face, the other's body stilling with fury. Most people would have guessed he was terrified or personally offended, but Tango understood Etho's deceptive body language. 

"And you still love to get in my way," Etho seethed, his tone dangerous. The person didn't even twitch. The only semblance of humanity was the sly smirk on his stupid face.

"Say all you want, demon," all three of the brothers froze in horror at the sickening realization, "it's not me who will be killed today." He spread his arms wide, showing no fear or regret for what he had done. The animals waited patiently behind him, ready to tear the hybrids apart the second he commanded them.

How awful it is, in any universe, world, dimension, or time, to take children to war and an early grave. Worse is it for the one who has their blood on his consciousness. Children do not belong in faulty, appalling adult matters that they try so hard to claim to be harmless and peaceful. Miserable are the listeners, despicable are the followers.

The townspeople seemed to finally get a boost of confidence- cornering them quicker than Tango could think.

The three tried, they honestly gave their best, to stop the inevitable, but they were physically and mentally tired from everything else.

We aren't making it out. Tango thought discouragingly. He bit his lip so sharply blood threatened to spill- but the taste of blood would feel so lovely.

He looked between Impulse and Etho- the only two people who had been with him his entire life, loving, supporting, caring, and protecting him. They were there every time Tango needed them. Despite everything, no matter what they hid from him, he loved them, more than anything in the world. 

Before the forces were on them, Tango jumped in front of his brothers, his red bat-like wings and arms spreading wide open. 

"If you want to kill my family- you have to go through me first!" He shouted, desperation and love clinging to his soul. 

"Tango!" He didn't bother to look back at Impulse and Etho's calls of warning.

It was his time to sacrifice himself for his brothers.

The soldier- the knight from the last village, the one who had divulged the whole town about the demon-blooded humans secretly living among them, the one who brought an army to kill children- didn't even hesitate to draw his sword. 

Tango and he locked eyes.

They both understood what was to come, but it was Tango who dared the other to try.

And try he did.

His sword fell with a swoosh as Tango stepped to the side; the deafening steel only missing Tango by a few inches.

Tango growled, his sharp teeth sneering at him.

The knight only took it as an invitation to continue.

The next swing almost cut off his arm, if not for Impulse's spear coming to meet it.

In a matter of seconds the crowds were on them, and the brothers fought as one, exchanging blow for blow.

Impulse's spear's head sunk into one of their stomachs, the former quickly pulling it out and kicking him in the gaping hole of his stomach.

Etho grabbed one the men's shoulders and sliced a knife right through their neck, his sharp nails holding the latter's blood soaked upper body until their life was fully taken.

Tango, the chaotic child he was, jumped on one and started clawing them. As they tried to pull the blonde off, he ignited his hands with his magic and started to burn their clothes and open flesh.

This went on for what felt like hours, but in reality was only ten minutes.

The trio had eventually found themselves up against the treeline, cornered on all sides.

"Give up, beasts!" The knight hollered, blood dripping down his armor and sword, some of his own but the majority of theirs. "You can't win this. You were doomed the day you were born." The knight wore a malicious smile, craziness and wrath in his sunken eyes.

Tango didn't have even a millisecond before he was in his face. There were hands on his arms, not of his brothers, and it made Tango go wild. He kicked and thrashed, but the knight pulled him closer to himself, and further away from his family.

He probably would have been killed that day and joined his parents- if not for the sudden blast of purple magic.

The explosion shot both of them backwards, Tango on his back with the wind knocked out of him, and the knight trying his best to not fall.

Impulse and Etho were at Tango's side in a flash, gentle, warm hands coming to sooth him.

Everyone looked to see what had caused such a ruckus, and by the astonishment and bewilderment on their pale faces- Tango knew they never saw it coming.

"Don't you dare lay a finger on them!" Their savior screamed, standing defensively between the two groups. "They have done nothing wrong, and yet you come here to take their lives! Lives of children, who had absolutely no control over what they are." The towns people stepped back, the fury and authority of their voice powerful enough to heed them in their pursuit. "I thought you were better than this, than those who hail from the Seven Isles, born and raised in anarchy, or the snobbish, selfish Mezaleans," they breathed in a quiet breath, the spark waiting to be dropped, waiting to burn an entire village, "but I guess I was wrong." 

They stepped away from the crowd, their leafy green and yellow embroidered skirts twirling as they spun around to face the brothers.

Their sunset-kissed hair hung in a waist long braid, the wavy strings pushed over a lavender cape.

Gentle, sweet blueberry eyes met rose, gold, and steel eyes.

As the three finally had a chance to examine the person-

"Gem?" All three in astonishment yelled, eyes blown wide and faces chiseled in serendipity.

The girl in question smiled, her thin lips spreading across her sun kissed skin and tiny freckles.

"Hello boys."

Before they could respond, the crowd seemed to find their way out of their stupor, shocked faces turning back to wrath.

Gem turned to face the crowd once more. She held up a long staff, with a large amethyst crystal sitting on top, towards them, the gem glowing and stream-like particles flowing around the tip in waves.

"You're going to have to listen to me, 'kay?" Gem stated more than asked, but her tone made the boys agree nonetheless.

"Run inside the forest until you meet Zed-"

"Zed's here?" Tango screeched, but a glare from Gem got him to be quiet again.

"Get to Zed, and he'll fill you in- now go!" And with that, Gem's staff lit up and a beam of purple magic exploded onto the crowd.

Tango didn't wait to see what else this amazing, unusual, frightening woman could do. He hoisted himself up, took his brother's arms, and fled into the forest.

Finally, safe, together.

They found Zed hiding behind a tree looking like he had just seen a serial killer. Tango broke the uncomfortable atmosphere by tackling the goat boy to the ground.

The two boys ended up laughing hysterically on the floor, hugging each other for dear life.

Impulse smiled at the two, and he could tell Etho felt similarly. They wanted their baby brother to be happy, and if a nervous wreck of a teenage goat hybrid was the solution, then the two would allow it. 

It was past sundown, the eerie night sky shining down in the Birch and Oak forest, when Gem returned.

Her clothes were muddy and torn, and she looked completely exhausted. When her eyes landed on the demons and her brother, all that exhaustion was wiped away, leaving her thankful and happy.

After a few hugs were exchanged, and some lighthearted scolding, Gem instructed everyone to follow her as she led the way out of the woods.

"So, you're a magic-wielder?" Impulse asked, side glancing at Gem with carefulness. She had never talked about that part of her, and Impulse couldn't really trust her when there might be more things she's hiding.

Gem somehow understood his mind. "Technically, I'm a wizard," she said, not even looking at anyone, "in training," she added more quietly.

"If you don't mind," Etho spoke up, also giving Gem a scrutinizing glare, "there hasn't been a single wizard since the destruction of the Order of Magic, which was well over a thousand years ago."

Gem didn't return Etho's glare, but her tone was more heated than before, "yes, there hasn't been any wizards for a long time, but that's until now." Impulse could see her proud smirk a mile away.

"So your wizard," Tango started bluntly, though not as angry or defensive as his brothers, he still held some wariness towards Gem. "What else do you guys hide? Or are guys just lying rich people who think they are better than everyone with their stupid secrets?"

Gem turned around at that.

The heated dagger look she gave Tango was enough to wipe that smirk clean off his face.

"You can call me a liar, a mistake, a trickster, a savage or a anything else," she walked over to Tango until they were nose to nose, "but don't ever fucking call me selfish or arrogant." Tango may say he's not a child, but with Gem breathing fuming with anger down his neck, he might as well have been a boy who just got caught stealing. 

She whipped her head around, her ginger hair like flames. "I know I lied, but it's not like you didn't too. I'm not accusing you of anything, not for hiding, not for destroying my family's reputation, not for my brother and I now being homeless, yet you stand here judging me like I just destroyed your house."

Impulse couldn't look at Gem, and even Etho, the responsible, resistant, and stoic person he was, looked guilty at Gem's words.

Zedaph stood away from the group, scrunched over himself and fidgeting like crazy. "I- I know I shouldn't, shouldn't be involved in, um, this, but I just want to say," he took a deep breath, "this isn't anyone's fault. We both had secrets and people who were on the line, and, and, we didn't want people we cared about to get hurt. I guess we were just willing to do anything to protect them. So please don't be angry at each other, please?" Zedaph used that adorable, puppy dog look, and Sage-darn it actually worked.

Gem stepped away from Tango and everyone took a moment to calm down. 

"Zed's right," Gem said calmly, her eyes sparkling at her younger brother. The brothers whispered agreements. 

The three set off once again, though the air was both thicker and lighter.

"Hey Gem," the girl hummed at Impulse's call, "you said it yourself, we destroyed your life and reputation, so why did you save us?" Impulse fidgeted with his sleeve. 

Impulse had the thought circling in his mind for the past hour, clogging every thought until his head threatened to explode. 

Gem never owed anything to them, heck, she barely knew them! Yet, she put her own life, and her brother's, at risk, just for a chance to save three young, hated and despised, hybrids.

Impulse has seen a lot, and this one has to be the most surreal.

"Because people like us deserve to live a normal life, despite what anyone tells you," Gem stated easily, like she said it every second she could. Knowing her, that actually might be true.

"Yeah, I guess." 

Gem gave him a quizzical look. She knew that there was something else on his mind that he wasn't sharing. 

That's exactly what she asked.

"It's just, I know it's not my business, but Zed said something about you having people to protect, and I know some other factor was involved in saving us, but Gem," he looked at Gem, trying to piece an impossible puzzle together, something so blatantly obvious in front of him, yet so far out of reach. "Who else are you protecting?"

Gem stopped.

She locked her eyes on the ground, a gentle afternoon breeze fluttering the grass together. Something in her body language told Impulse that this was more important than anything else before. If he looked behind, he would see Zedaph in a similar state.

"My brothers," she whispered, her voice so distant and quiet that the wind could have stolen it and Impulse would never have heard it.

"But, Zed's right here."

Gem still didn't look up, but her grip on her staff hardened.

"Zed is my youngest brother. He's seven years younger than me, but he isn't my only sibling. We have two other brothers, my twin and my younger brother by a year. They are who I am protecting."

No one said anything for a moment, trying so hard to avoid the obvious question on everyone's minds.

It was Etho who asked it.

"So why aren't they here?"

Gem breathed deeply, a tale ready to be told.

"I once said that people like us deserve to live a normal life, and if my brothers were not born, I would have never have thought such a thing."

Gem finally found the confidence to look at her friends. She held her head high, a blank slate with a burning love in her ocean blue eyes. Her braid whipped in the breeze and her staff glowed with a beautiful and yet intimidating light. 

She was a woman to behold and to fear.

"My brothers and I are the few people who are Dragon-blooded, and not just containing a passive, small amount. The Dragon's magic in us is more powerful and dominant than any other Dragon-blooded you'll find." She spoke like it was the proudest thing in her life, and maybe it was.

The three looked at her in shock and bewilderment. They had heard of Dragon-blooded people, though as not hated as Demon-blooded, like themselves, they were still people to be feared. 

The Demon kind still lived, only trapped by magic.

The Dragons have long since been extinct, the Children of Sky left to mortal hands to perish and die off. The mortals thought they succeeded, but the Dragon's blood still ran clear in a chosen few. Their descendents were hunted down so they could follow their predecessors, but some were able to escape.

The brothers' father had been one of these people.

Honestly, not even he himself knew of his heritage. Few Dragon-blooded people ever showed signs of being related.

But Impulse's Demon form had always looked less of a Demon and more of a Dragon.

It wasn’t too hard to put the dots together.

"But Demons and Dragons are exactly the same thing," Tango inquired, still surprised that his best friend had powerful blood in him.

Gem smiled, not a smirk or a sad smile, a genuine, loving one.

"We both may be different, but that makes us the same."

Those were the last words spoken as they left Crystal Cliffs.

They continued traveling, this time as one, big group.

Now all of them needed a home.

But together, with each other, they would find a home forever.

Maybe that home was a Kingdom with a new crowned King, a place who hadn't seen the royal bloodline in over a thousand years.

And maybe, a place ready to be changed.