Uncaged [Sequel to Forever Caged]

A/N: Finally after many months of slashing, editing, and redeveloping the world of Visaia, I can finally post the long-awaited sequel to Forever Caged. You can find it here: http://original.adult-fanfiction.org/story.php?no=600100130
Again I remind you, this is an entirely different planet, so many things are different.

Humas are evolved humans who came upon this planet many thousands of years ago when Earth was destroyed. (Roughly 30k years ago, according to modern Visaia time.) They came in massive ships called Arks, traveling for 20 years. They brought much of their hi-tech, produce, pets, and fashion with them, much of which was smoothly integrated into the world. [Ex: Elevators, strawberries, housepets, jeans.]

Humas, later on with the help of both magick and science were able to create cat- and dog- human hybrids, known as felhumas and louphumas, respectively. They're more huma than "furry."

Demons are the beings from Earth's Hell that managed to hitch a ride. Feyths are from Feythis, Visaia's version of Hell, and thus a Feyth is its version of a Demon.

Requiems are explained in detail as the story progresses. In short, they are an original race, and carry a tragic past from which their nickname was born. Few people still remember their name as Ymensatill. They use magick by humming, whistling, or singing, and their element is defined by their color of wings.

Nagas are your general upper-half man, lower-half snake combination. The name has not been changed.

Shad (anciently known as Shadreagh), are, quite simply, elves. There are eleshad, which are more numerous than humas and are pretty tolerant and accepting of everyone else, foreshad, who seclude themselves in woodlands and xenophobic to the point they will kill trespassers without asking questions, and the maryshad, which essentially are like drow, but live on a floating continent and whose culture is vastly different from what you might be familiar with. [Forgotten Realms, D&D and the like.] They are also xenophobic, but are not technologically backwards like their foreshad cousins.

Verans, and furthermore Maz Verans and Ly Verans are the world's version of Vampires, Master and Lord Vampires, respectively. They possess many of the same traits you might be familiar with, as well as new traits. Almost any species can be turned into a veran, or born from veran parents. And they are be no means dead or undead, or without souls.

+ Want to follow the journey? Check out the map here: http://m-tarachand.deviantart.com/art/Visaia-World-Map-Version-2-144125927 +

I'll try to update 2-3 times a week.

And now without further ado, I bring you the story.

------------

Chapter 1

Kyran lay awake in the small cabin, watching the oil lamp on the wall sway back and forth with the gentle rocking of the ship. He had his arm around Arna who was curled up next to him, who seemed in a deep sleep. Shinda was in the bunk above them, snoring lightly. He smiled at the soft noises both of them made, finding them soothing. He thought about the letter from his father that Shinda had brought home, and his smile wilted a little. A man named Irisek had become the head advisor to a ruler of one of their cities. The city where his father, Arhlel, lived as a soldier. Irisek was 'investigating' their army, and imprisoned anyone he suspected of treason. They were taking this long trip to try and put things right, and hopefully get his father removed from both suspicion and prison.

His orange and blue eyes wandered about the little matchbox of a room, finding all the grooves in the sturdy wood of the walls and floor, and all the little parts that were uneven. There wasn't much to it, just a crate to temporarily put things in, and two bunk beds opposite each other. Lesara was occupying the higher bed across from them, using the bottom bed to pile his tail on. The blue naga wasn't there right now, and Kyran assumed he was back on the deck emptying his guts out. Unable to sleep, Kyran gently slid away from Arna and pulled the sheets up, pulled on the loose white shirt he'd left on the crate, and stepped outside.

He was greeted by the smell of sea salt and a gentle breeze, and lifted a pale hand to brush his dark bangs from his eyes. He went to the rail, placing his hands on it as he looked out at the sloshing water around the ship. It looked black in the darkness of night, the bright white and teal colored moons making the only light. He watched their reflection on the water's surface, admiring the simple beauty before slipping away and heading towards the deck. His eyes scanned the large expanse of wood cluttered with rope and barrels and crates, and finally settled on someone that had long bright blue hair and a scaly butt to match. He smiled, and strode over quietly to the naga.

He stopped at the rail next to him. "You really should ask the cook if he has something to settle your stomach," he said softly to Lesara.

Lesara launched what was left of his last meal overboard. He stood up when he was spoken to. "Oh, Rey- I mean Kyran. You surprised me." He leaned against the rail. "It's going to take a while to get used to your new name. But it suits you. What's got you sleepless tonight?" He turned his light sapphire eyes towards Kyran.

Kyran smiled. His father had also mentioned his real name in the letter. His old master, the veran Koumori, had named him 'Reyvn,' after the bird, and he'd gone by that name since he was eight. But now that he knew his real name, he'd insisted everyone use it. He didn't need the final reminder of the veran shadowing everything he did. He leaned forward against the rail, folding his arms atop it. "I can't sleep because my mind won't quiet. I keep imagining all the things that could happen when I finally see my home. When I meet my father. It's been so long, I can hardly remember him."

"You know... it's also going to take a while to get used to you filling out. You've gotten very tall and very muscular." Lesara gently poked the boy's firm stomach with his tail tip.

Kyran placed his own hands on his stomach, laughing softly. "Yeah, I'm still getting used to it myself. Spent my whole life built like a beanpole, so I'm glad Shinda beat better habits into me."

Lesara rubbed his back and smiled, then launched himself back over the rail, dry heaving at this point. When he recovered from it, he turned to Kyran. "Your attitude's changed too. You're much braver with your words." He chuckled. "I remember back when you thought for a good five minutes before responding." He ruffled Kyran's short hair. He really had come a long way.

Kyran made a disgusted face, sticking his tongue out when Lesara hung over the rail. "Well that was all Koumori's fault. I know he made me into a pathetic wreck, and I didn't want to be that person forever."

"Understandable," Lesara nodded. "Well, now that my stomach is empty, shall we sit out here and see who falls asleep first? The night really is pretty." Lesara looked up, admiring the stars. He laughed and turned to Kyran. "Seriously, what sort of serpent suffers seasickness?" His tongue tangled a little around the words.

Kyran smiled, tilting his face to the moonlight and closing his eyes. "Apparently your sort," he said softly. "I think I should return soon. I don't want Arna to wake up and freak out because I'm not there. And now that you don't have anything left to toss to the sea, you should join me."

Lesara shook his head. "No, no. I'm feeling less than perfect, as you can see, and I don't want to be in that tiny little room." He bent back over the rail when he felt his stomach lurch again. "Oh, false alarm. But yes, you should go back to bed."

Kyran shrugged. "Alright." He slid back from the rail and stretched his arms over his head, grunting softly. "We'll be on the mainland tomorrow evening, right? Try not to fall overboard before then," he said with a chuckle. Lesara may have bought him from Koumori over eight months ago, but Kyran liked to think of him as his friend rather than his master. He wanted no more masters. "Good night, Lesara." He turned on his heel and headed back to their cabin.

Lesara waved. "I'll try. Good night."

In the cabin, Arna was sitting up, yawning. "Hey there. I just had the weirdest dream." He looked out the small window. "Aw man, it's still night? We get to port in the morning, right?" Arna had ultimately decided that he liked being on a boat as much as his master. The sea was beautiful, and he loved the smell of the salt and the colors the sky glowed come sunset, but the rocking made him a little uneasy.

Kyran locked the door behind him and sat down on the bed next to the redhead. "Some time between noon and sunset, I think." He raised his hand to cover a yawn, then slid his shirt off and tossed it back on the crate. He pulled Arna down, hugging him close. "So what was this dream?"

Arna chuckled softly. "It's nothing important. The whole mess didn't make any sense. How's Master?" He nuzzled Kyran's chest. "Mmm, you smell nice."

Kyran laid a kiss on Arna's forehead. "He won't be any better until we're off the boat. He might just fall asleep out there." He nuzzled his face into Arna's soft hair, closing his eyes.

Arna's eyelids fluttered till he drifted off again. Outside, Lesara was scanning the horizon, queasiness subsiding as he went deep into thought. His tail coiled up behind him, and he ended up falling asleep there.

---

"GAGH!" Shinda cried as he collided with the floor. Kyran snapped awake, sitting upright and looking down at the heap of a man laying on the floor. Shinda groaned, rolling over onto his back while rubbing the arm that took the brunt of the fall. He sat up, long red-streaked black curls in a frizzy mess around his head. He glared up at Kyran, squinting one tired eye. "You. Saw. Nothing. Understand?"

Kyran's shoulders shook, and he pursed his lips to try and stifle a laugh. "Understood."

Shinda grunted and crawled into their bed. "Good, scoot your ass over."

"Hey, no! Go back to your own!" Kyran grumbled as he was shoved over.

Shinda flung one arm around Kyran. "But you're so waaarm and soft."

Red tinged Kyran's cheeks. "What is wrong with you?"

Shinda gave his best shit-eating grin. "You really wanna find out?"

Kyran scooted further over in sudden worry, clinging to Arna. "No not really."

Arna grunted and stuck a leg over Kyran, nudging Shinda with his foot. "Nng, back off. He's mine." His leg then wrapped around Kyran, pulling him closer. "Go get your own."

Shinda laughed, lifting his head to peer over Kyran's chest at Arna. "But he is mine!" He made his point by kissing Kyran's cheek, who in turn got redder and flinched away. "He's my cousin."

Arna lifted his head to look at Shinda, scrunching his face up. "But he's my Kyran." He bent his head and kissed Kyran's lips. "Can't do that, so therefore he is mine." He clutched the boy closer. "So go get your own."

Kyran returned the light kiss, a small smile forming.

"Awww, you two are so cute." Shinda then grabbed Kyran's face and turned it, and planted a big smooch on his lips. "Mmmmuah!"

Kyran's eyes widened in shock, and he shoved Shinda back. "What the feth?!" he shrieked.

Shinda clung to Kyran, laughing. "But I love yooou!"

Arna gave Shinda a shove with his foot. "I said back off!" He examined Kyran's lips, and said, "Gods, now I'm gonna have to do all sorts of things to get the Shinda germs off." He smiled at Kyran before adding, "That is, if you don't mind of course."

Shinda rolled off the bed and hit the floor for the second time that morning. "Gah!"

Kyran shut his eyes and sighed, smiling. "Of course I don't mind."

Shinda grunted and stood up, brushing himself off. "I see I'm unloved here," he said with a feigned pout. "Jeez, I'll just go find Lesara. He'll be nice to me." He opened the crate where they had dumped their luggage, rummaged around and pulled on a pair of black pants, and a plain dark blue long-sleeved shirt. He even bothered putting his shoes on, because in early winter, it was freaking cold. "See you guys in the galley."

"Yeah, that's what I thought," Arna stuck his chin up triumphantly. "Now, about those Shinda germs," he said, leaning low. He rained kisses on Kyran, traveling a little further down as Shinda made his way out.

In the galley, Lesara braved nibbling at some crackers. The ride was still making him sick, and his face showed it. He was pale, with faint smudges of purple under his eyes. He looked up when Shinda entered, and laughed. "Love the hair."

Shinda sat down across from Lesara at the table with a grunt. "Love the bags." He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to straighten out the mess. He knew it wasn't going to lay flat and pretty until he got to take a bath, which wouldn't be until after noon. "The boys kicked me out. You get any sleep?"

"Not a wink. Does the color suit me?" He picked up another cracker, examined it, then nibbled a corner. "Why'd you get kicked out?"

"Wrong shade of purple." Shinda eyed the small bowl of crackers, and tried one himself. "I was molesting Kyran," he said nonchalantly.

Lesara's eyes snapped wide and he dropped his cracker. "What?! No wonder they kicked you out!" He reached for a new cracker. "Arna gets defensive of Kyran, as you may have noticed. Why on earth were you messing with him?"

Shinda laughed, and started coughing. Once he managed to choke the rest of the cracker down, he said, "I can't believe you took that seriously. All I did was show some cousinly affection. He needed it." He grinned, then got up and swaggered over to the buffet line where the cooks had just placed fresh food. Once he finished piling all sorts of food on his plate, mostly meat and fried things, he returned and slid back into his seat. "You really should ask if they have anything to settle your stomach. I'm sure you're not the first person they've had with this problem."

"Kyran said the same thing. And you sure you weren't pushing it with your 'cousinly affection,' as you so quaintly put it?" Lesara raised an eyebrow and gave Shinda a suspicious look.

Shinda shrugged. "All I did was kiss him, and Arna kicked me off the bed." He took a few bites, eyes wandering around the large room, watching all the people around them. It was still early, so it hadn't gotten crowded yet. "I should probably mention that we are a lot less shy about showing affection to our family members than a lot of other races."

Lesara laughed. "I doubt Kyran knows this. He's shy about getting too affectionate with Arna in front of me." He sighed, and propped his chin on his hand. "Once, I caught them in a rather passionate kiss while headed to the kitchen. I didn't know that shade of red existed."

Shinda smiled as he devoured his breakfast. "Eh, can't blame 'em. One has never been with a boy before and the other likes his privacy."

"Likes his privacy or wants to treasure this emotion called love?" Lesara sighed and smiled. "I've never really known it myself, so I wouldn't know its wonders, and I'm sure Rey- Kyran, pardon me, is trying to keep a good hold on it." He then chuckled. "They are too cute." Lesara then rose, uncoiling his tail. Some of the other passengers gave him a strange look as he suddenly got taller. "Come out on deck with me. We must discuss our plan."

Shinda finished the last of his meal and wiped his hands and mouth with a napkin. His steel grey eyes met Lesara's with a question. "What plan? You mean the route?"

"Route, course of action, any little tourist traps along the way, you know." Lesara shrugged, waving his hand. "I just want to have some idea of where we're going, how we are getting there and how many scales it's going to cost me." He looked at his tail tip and its few missing scales.

"Right. Well, the map's in the room, so it'd be easier to plan the course in there where it won't get blown away." Shinda looked to the door as Kyran and Arna entered. He gave them a grin, and Kyran came to pause beside the table. "You two have fun?"

Kyran raised an eyebrow, smiled and shook his head. "Maybe. You're already done?"

Shinda stood, stretching his arms out. "Mm, yeah. Gonna go draw our route with Lesara, so I guess I'll see you back in the room later." He waved goodbye and left with Lesara, leaving the boys behind in the galley. He went through the short winding halls, entered their cabin and again rummaged through the crate. He pulled out his little magick leather bag that had a 'bottomless' enchantment on it, and pulled out a long rolled up paper. He shut the crate and spread the map out on it, using a couple of Kyran's books to weigh down the edges. He picked up a pencil, and just stared at the map for a while in thought.

Lesara propped his chin on Shinda's shoulder. "Is this going to be more fun than that temple raid?"

"And a lot more dangerous." Shinda carefully started drawing a line across the map, going east and arching south, then curving northeast. "Ok so after we get to Direru, we travel around Ketilts Forest and to the port there, Abrahé. There isn't a lot of civilization between these two points, and a clan of foreshad reside in Ketilts, so we need to stock up well and be really careful not to disrupt those shad. They don't take to outsiders very well, but I think you know that already. Once we make it to Abrahé, we might be stuck there for a few days depending on the currents. We'll be heading into the northern Nuburua island, which is all mountain and desert. There's a small port we can restock at after crossing, and it's a pretty clear shot from there."

Arna was munching away on his pile of toast. In between slices, he was talking to Kyran. "You know, it'd be kind of cool to meet your dad. I bet you have other family there too, like Shinda's dad and mom." He tried to imagine the rest of Kyran's family, then smiled. "You'd still be the prettiest out of all of them, I think." He brushed his leg against Kyran's to make his point. Arna loved his odd eyes. They reminded him of gems. He also loved how smart and soft spoken Kyran was. One could hear the power lining that sweet voice of his now that he had grown some.

Kyran blushed a little, swallowing a mouthful of eggs. "I don't know about that," he said shyly. "And Shinda did mention uncles and aunts, so they're probably there too." He smiled, thinking about how big of a family he might have. "I guess I don't have any siblings, but I bet I have more cousins to make up for it. I just hope they're not all as crazy as Shinda," he laughed.

Arna laughed. "You would! You already beat Shinda for looks, and as far as smarts go, he can't hold a candle to you." He scarfed another piece of toast. "I bet he only knows more because he's old," Arna said, puffing his cheeks. "But if they are all as crazy as him, at least you won't have boring relatives."

Kyran shook his head, grinning. "You're absolutely terrible, Arna. Shinda would cry if he heard you say that." He munched down a piece of bacon, watching Arna. "Are you going on a toast binge or something?"

Arna's shoulders went up and down in a shrug. "Maybe. And after what he tried to do earlier, he deserves to cry." He smiled at Kyran. "You're mine, and I'm yours. I dunno about you, but I'm bad at sharing." He dusted his hands free of toast crumbs. "Maybe we should go check on him and master?"

Kyran's mouth quirked up in a half-grin. Shinda had explained some of the Ymensatill culture to him, and he understood that it wasn't uncommon to be incestuous, but sometimes the man's actions really bothered him. "Sure. I think we need to take a look at that map anyway."

---

Kyran knocked lightly on the door to their cabin before entering. Shinda twisted from his spot on the floor to look up at him, made a noise that passed as a greeting, and turned back around to scribble on the large map. Kyran went and plopped on his bed, leaning forward to see what Shinda was doing. "Are we making a stop in Feru?"

Shinda made a quick circle around the dot that represented the small city. "Yeah, because it's three days from the port to there, so we might as well rest up. Four days to reach the edge of Ketilts, and another week to reach the port of Abrahé by wagon. That is, assuming, we don't get delayed. Luckily snow won't be a problem just yet, and we should reach that port right about when it does start snowing. And Lesara, you're going to hate this, but it's a twelve day travel on ship to reach north Nuburua's port. And then... it's about ten days from that port to our city, since the terrain is so rough. Luckily there's a rest point right smack in the middle, because that is all desert." He was repeating most of this because he hadn't told Kyran or Arna yet. He sighed. "So a month's worth of travel, about."

Kyran made a face, slightly confused at all the information. "So...over the hills and through the woods and then over sea again?"

Shinda narrowed his eyes up at Kyran. "Quit being a smart-ass."

Arna smirked. He kept his comments to himself, while Lesara whined loudly. "Twelve days?! Are you sure you and Kyran can't just carry me? I'm sure it'd be faster. I'd waste away! Ahhh!" He slithered up to his bed and feigned fainting. "Woe is me, why must I be a silly seasick serpent?" Arna laughed. His master could be such a ham.

Shinda and Kyran both joined in on the laughter. Shinda grinned up at the naga. "Well if we carried your big butt all the way there then who would take care of Arna? One of us alone isn't strong enough to carry you, magick or no." He rolled up the map tightly and stuffed it in his pouch. "Kinda wish they had something to do during the trip. Tired of being in this cabin and you've pretty much just ruined the deck, Lesara."

Lesara scowled at Shinda. "Are you calling me fat? Kyran, smack your cousin, he just called me fat!" He rolled his back to the group. "And there's plenty to do. For instance, you could fix the deck I ruined. That should take up at least half the day."

Kyran laughed and held up his hands, shaking his head. "No way, he'll hit me back harder."

Shinda chortled. "I already paid my way, I am not cleaning up your stomach leftovers."

Lesara's jaw unhinged as he yawned, then he turned his head over, grinning and glaring. "Perhaps you'd like to join them then? You look pretty tasty."

Arna smile and blushed a little as he put his arms around Kyran. "If Kyran's anything to go by, Shinda would taste good. Some steak sauce would go great on him." Arna rocked him a little in his arms. "Well, what should we do? Just go over the map so we don't get lost?"

"Oh yes Lesara, eat me," Shinda said in his deep, sultry purr. He gave his best 'you want me' gaze, then broke up chuckling after a handful of seconds. He turned to look at the boys. "You have me as your guide. There won't be any getting lost."

"If I cater to your wishes, there won't be any guide." Lesara returned the look and stuck his tongue out, flicking the tip.

Kyran placed his hands over Arna's arms. "Well are we staying the night in Direru?"

Shinda shrugged, then stood up and dusted off the seat of his pants. "Most likely. I mean unless you want to start traveling at sundown. I think we all could use the night to get used to solid ground again before we set off." He glanced up at Lesara, still smiling. "And I think scaly-butt here needs a meal that doesn't end up with the fishes."

Lesara chose to ignore that comment. Arna brushed his hips against Kyran's rear, glad that that hadn't disappeared in the growth spurt. "Are there any good places to eat there? I'm getting a bit tired of fish myself." He was just talking to disguise his getting closer to Kyran.

Shinda nodded, and started pulling their luggage out of the crate and repacking it. He grumbled at the small mess. "It's a port town. They have everything. We'll stay in a small hotel on the outskirts so we don't have to deal with the crowd, aaand...We need to hit the market for some things. Sutellra didn't have any good leather armor, and we're going to need some."

Kyran blushed a little at Arna's movements. "Are we going to be fighting?"

Shinda gave a lazy shrug. "Probably. We are going around Ketilts Forest, and the shad there are not very friendly. If we're really lucky we won't run into them, but I don't put much faith in luck. And once we reach our destination, I'm pretty sure there'll be some trouble if Irisek is as bad as I think."

Kyran frowned, glancing away. "I'll do whatever it takes to save my father, but I'm really not looking forward to battles. I don't think I'd stand a chance."

Shinda frowned at him. "Don't underestimate yourself. You're pretty damn deadly with those swords of yours and I know you've got a handle on your magick by now. Besides I think you could use some real experience." He fidgeted with a strap on one of the larger bags, grumbling at it as it protested being buckled.

Arna watched Shinda struggle with the bag, wondering why he didn't use his bottomless purse. "That does sound a bit scary. I'd probably look like lunch to them." He looked out the window. "How much longer till port again? This evening, right?"

"Roughly," Lesara said. He rolled over on his stomach, trying to get comfortable. "We should pick up a shad and bring him home to Cherry. Or maybe we should have brought her with. She could clear a twenty mile radius, and we'd be safe for sure."

"But that's why we left her at home," Arna interjected. "So no one steals your stuff and so she doesn't scare off the captain."

"I thought it was just because she would be a hindrance," Kyran said quietly.

Shinda nodded. "Well, yeah. I think all she does well is bitch, cook, bitch some more, get into trouble, and screw. In that order. But at least she's nice and squishy," he said with a small grin. He cleared his throat suddenly. "Right, well, anyway, I'm going to go hang out on deck. So if you need me you know where I'm at." He turned and left without another word.

Arna sniggered. "I didn't think she was that good, but she was kinda jiggly."

Lesara stuck his tongue out. "Don't question my taste in servants. I found Kyran, and I found you, didn't I?"

"Master, if you keep sticking your tongue out, a bird will snatch it up."

Lesara sucked his tongue back in with a quiet 'fwip!' "Oh hush you."

Kyran laughed softly. "Well what do we do now? Just sit and wait?"

Arna bent down and whispered. "Looks like Master's gonna catch a nap. Did you bring a book?"

Lesara's ears twitched. "No use whispering, I'd hear you across the ship. If you two want me to leave you alone, just say."

Kyran smiled and shook his head. "It's fine. I should probably teach Arna my language anyway." He turned his head to look back at Arna. "Are you interested?"

"Sure. Prolly gonna need it anyway." He thought that maybe he should have taken Lesara up on his offer. He wasn't a quick learner and it embarrassed him when compared to Kyran.

"All right." Kyran slid away from Arna and reopened the bag Shinda had been struggling with earlier, and pulled out a slim journal and a pen. He sat on the bed and patted the spot next to him. "Sit and we'll start on the basics."


-----------

A/N: Interested in some character art? Here you go:

Kyran: http://m-tarachand.deviantart.com/art/Kyran-126906090
Arna (drawn by Ember, the other author who this story wouldn't exist without) http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/view/543614/
Lesara: http://m-tarachand.deviantart.com/art/Lesara-s-Treasure-126731497
Shinda: http://m-tarachand.deviantart.com/art/Shinda-s-Home-126731900

Koumori: http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/view/538215/
Lexuta: http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/view/608378/ aaaand http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/view/614400/

More by Ember:
http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/view/576683/
http://yaoi.y-gallery.net/view/577604/