[IC] When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

[AkiBlue]

"You want me to name it?" Enasi watched as Seishu pulled animals from his hair and laughs softly. "Um?" He decided not to question it and returned to his seat. "I don't know what to name it." With a small shrug, he continued. "Since he is a pet, you could always give it some sort of pet name... Like Spike or something." He gave another shrug and looked over at Harper and Crios who had separated and gave them a questioning glance. It seemed everyone had been acting really weird ever since they had left. He could almost feel it. The two minions gave him respectful nods and turned their focus elsewhere.

Crios decided to take Seishu up for his challenge. "Alright then Night. If you think you can handle it, we'll go today. If you don't mind lord Enasi, but Seishu believes he's capable of starting his therapy today." Rasha once again perks up and looks up at Seishu with a happy gleam in his eye. He had the scorpion pinned down with his paw and it scrambled to escape.

"As long as you believe he's ready. "

"After his power up in the human realm, I'm positive he will be fine." So, with a gesture, Enasi was on his feet again and he reached out to help him up. Crios went to open the door and Harper, out of curiosity, decided to follow. With this new plan in motion, he decided to see for himself how the two acted when they were freely together. The last time they were in the pool, Harper came into see both pretty worn out and injured, which wasn't something he approved of obviously.

 As Harper stepped outside, he caught Rue as the little minion sped in his direction. "Wrong way. We are going to the pool." Crios had took the lead, so Harper followed by his side. Rue decided to walk with Inui instead of fly over him and Rasha was on Seishu's free side while Enasi helped him out and to the hall. "So, you guys are 100% on this? We can't change our minds again. If we get them too close to break them apart, that'll be bad." His voice was soft and he kept his head forward so it wouldn't appear that he was whispering suspiciously.

Crios did the same thing, his tail swishing from side to side. "Indeed. We have come to our final stand. Everyone agreed to it. Even the nightmare minions support it. We will try our best. It's just the matter of finding out where our guardian stands." It still sounded like it would be a hassle, but Crios was determined to do it. Then he remembered the plan he had and decided to relay it to Harper. "They say that Seishu loves competition,  and we know our guardian doesn't...unless of course his minions are involved in some way. Maybe they could 'compete' over which minion liked their display more." He suddenly paused, feeling something at his tail. He turned his head to see Inui smiling and reaching for it, only to pull his hand away.

"Sorry. . . I didn't know your tail was so soft. It's softer than Rasha's." He said with a shy smile.

[PopeAlessandros]

“Spike it is!” Seishu declares with a chuckle. Watching the fight come to a head the guardian smiles at the sight of Rasha coming out on top. Looking to his doctor Seishu gives a nod, a smirk on his lips to show his readiness. Looking back to the cat thing as it looks to him Seishu gives Rasha a little pat before carefully pulling the newly christened arachnid Spike out from under Rasha's paw so he can give it some instructions before they all head out. Harper watches a bit bemused as Seishu basically tells the bug to be a good boy and to wait right here until daddy gets back.

Setting Spike down on the covers Seishu scoots over to Enasi, Rasha scrambling off the bed and in a puff of smoke stands a few feet away from Enasi while his guardian helps Seishu to his feet. His hand slips across Enasi's lower back as he stands before sliding up to it's place on the smaller male's shoulder once on his feet. He keeps his eyes forward, pretending that he didn't do it on purpose. Behind him Spike snaps his claws a few times before settling down against the pillow he'd climbed on after Seishu stopped using it. He leans slightly on his counterpart's shoulder, not wanting Enasi to suddenly decide that Seishu no longer needs him, and also because he still feels his leg not wanting to work quite properly. 'Looks like the leg wound was worse than I thought. Oh well, it's a good an excuse as any to keep him close for now'

The two younger minions skip along ahead of the two guardians and Rasha as they exit the room and Seishu can not help but notice the hushed voices. “Looks like a full crew this time.” He murmurs, loud enough for everyone to hear. Inui and Harper glance at him at this, Harper rolling his eyes at the guardian for pointing out the obvious before his focus goes back to the man at his side. Inui giggles and nods before he too goes back to his private conversation with Rue. Leaning in closer to Enasi he whispers softly, “Thick as thieves they are, our deal little minion collection.” He glances at Rasha before adding, “And I doubt the dream is anywhere near as oblivious as he's acting about it all.” Rasha overhears what Seishu says but decides not to respond, pretending to be watching Crios and Harper. He bounces up and down at the thought of seeing Seishu in the pool with Enasi, but does his best not to jostle Seishu.

Seishu ha no doubt that the minions are planning something, but the fact that it all seems to be a mix of happy and worry does nothing to calm his nerves. 'Even if what they are planning is something they think is good, the worry makes me worry. This isn't the kind of worry about a plan not working, this is the kind that comes for a deeper fear, a dread that can have serious repercussion' His attention shifts however when he spots Inui stroking Crios's tail. He smiles at the little minions response to the look from said tail barer.

Crios on the other hand is struck by a sudden thought that causes him to turn away from the minion, hiding the look on his face. 'Oh, by all things good, he's turning into a little Night. That touch without asking, that look, and those words. . .' He lets out a sigh, causing Inui to shrink back a bit, before looking over his shoulder once more. “I don't mind, just warn me next time.” Looking further back he cocks an eyebrow at the slightly hurt look on Rasha's face but with a shake of his head he goes back to whispering with Harper. “I agree, we should set it up as a kind of panel type thing, have Inui, Rue, and Rasha as the judges.”

Harper shakes his head, “We can't have Rasha as a judge, he'll always vote for Night!”

Crios gives him a smirk, “Exactly. Lord Enasi will feel the need to work even harder if he's gonna win over one of his own. You know, he's already a little jealous of the attention Rue and Rasha pay Night, and if he thinks there's a way to get back at least a little from them. . .”

Harper catches on and nods with a grin parting his furry lips. “Gotcha. I can't wait to see this either. From what I've overheard it's a good show, and it should be better this time with Night being more healthy, right?” Crios nods as they arrive at the pool. Once the whole gang is in the pool area Seishu steps carefully away from Enasi and effortlessly changes into his swim suit from before.

[AkiBlue]

That slight touch made Enasi straighten up a little more as a chill went down his spine. He huffed lightly and ignored it, for the most part. As their walk started, Enasi thought about letting him go, so he could hold his own. He didn't seem to have that many problems standing-  well, it lasted for a little while. It wasn't like Enasi minded helping him anyway. The guardian watched the minions murmuring amongst themselves with a heavy suspicion. He didn't know what they were up to, but he wanted to find out.

"Hmph, they're conspiring. That's gotta be it." Enasi whispered with a small laugh before quieting down when the small crew looked back at him. When they turned, he looked at Seishu and shrugged. "They've been acting more strangely since we left..." Rasha over heard their little conversation and thought quick to get their minds off the subject. Luckily,  Inui provided just the distraction the two needed. Enasi watched and giggled lightly. "Cute." With a playful pout,  he responded. "Crios normally doesn't let people mess with his tail. You must be something special." He laughed again only to see Inui blush lightly and move his hands behind his back.

Rue giggled as well and continued walking with him. "You're going to love it! The last time they swam together it was amazing! Just you wait!" Rue bounced in excitement to see the spectacular show- a much different reason as to why Rasha was bouncing lightly in excitement. "Will you do the nice tricks again? Will you?" Rue had a pleading look in his eye and Enasi thought it over before pointing to Crios. And immediately, he flew up to Crios, making the doctor stop abruptly causing a mini collision of Inui walking into Crios' tail. His eyes narrowed at the sudden surprise, but he calmed seeing the sheepish smile. "Can they do those really cool tricks like they did last time? Those were really, really nice."

Well, the plan was already coming off as natural. Great. Crios looked back at Seishu and gave a small smirk. "If Night thinks he can handle it then he can do it. I won't stop him." Harper only chuckled and egged the nightmare guardian on.

"I don't think he's up for it. He can barely walk on his own as it is. No need for him to strain himself you know."

Enasi's nose wrinkled and he looked at the two minions. "That's not very nice you two. You don't have to if you don't want to Seishu. I don't want you to get hurt or anything." He had the normal hint of concern in his voice, but looked over as Rue grinned reassuringly.

"It's okay Lord Enasi. They're only playing with him. They don't mean any harm." Rue giggled lightly when Harper pointed to him and nodded.

When they finally made it to the pool area, Enasi decided to withhold from walking behind one of the pillars. Instead, his clothes transformed to the ones from last time and he walked to the pool, stretching his arms to the air. He remembered he was suppose to get in first before Seishu, to help him down the steps.

Before the trio can run to the edge to watch,  Crios and Harper pull them off to the side. "Hold on."

"We have a job for you."

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu's nose wrinkled as once more the minions seemed to challenge his abilities, poking at his ego, but as he begins stretching near the edge of the pool he just smiles. 'I'll show them. I know they are only teasing for their own nefarious purposes, but I'll show them any way. If they want a show, they're going to get one, and one they will not soon forget' He glances fondly around at all gathered before letting out a sift sigh. 'After all, this may be the last time they ever see anything like this unless they all begin trying to learn this skill, but even then, they will never have the grace an power of a guardian. . .' Seishu smiles sadly at the thought of how the little ones, as he sees all of those who have come to be close to him other than Enasi, will be deprived of such a spectacle once he leaves the realm.

Off to the side the trio of young minion nod, smile, giggle, then point to Rasha who accepts with a sharp nod. Seishu watches as both Crios and Harper bop him on the head but just shrugs it off. As the three of them turn around Rasha can not help getting a little hot under the collar as he watches Seishu walking away towards the steps. Bother Crios and Harper notice, but the other kids are too excited and too innocent to notice such things. His eyes slide past Seishu to Enasi and for the first time in forever Rasha feels a strong pull towards his own guardian as well. Harper can not help but lean close to Crios and whisper, “I see it takes Lord Enasi showing a little skin to get anything but shy fear from the little trickster, huh?”

Crios nods. “Rasha must be the most biologically sexualy based dream I have ever met! Well, short of the “Dream Guys” and Dream Girls” But, I haven’t actually met any. There are only a few that make it here.” Harper nods. Humans are so fickle that the “Dream Lovers” rarely stay the same long enough for them to be strong enough to last to the end of the human's life.

Seishu meanwhile slides into the pool, honestly stumbling a bit and having to catch himself on Enasi. He lingers a bit with his chest pressed against his counterpart's before dropping a kiss on his cheek and a short thanks, sliding off into the water carefully. The three young ones line up and before either guardian can go under water Rasha speaks up. “For today’s display of underwater acrobatics we have My Lord Seishu, Lord of the Nightmare Realm, and currently residing in the Dream Realm for a rejuvenating break from the chaos in his own realm!” His voice sounds very much like a sports announcer's, the nature of the room making his voice echo pleasantly. As he talking Crios makes his way to the chairs, pulling one up tot he edge, While Harper take a seat cross-legged beside the chair.

Rasha's arm comes up and swings over to point at Enasi. “And the challenger, from our own Dream Realm, My Lord Enasi! He is the lord here, and has run unopposed for quite some time, always the star in his minions' eyes. Will he be able to defend his title of most revered by all of his minions, or will Lord Seishu take from him some of his beloved denizens? Find out today, at the palace swimming pool!~” Rue and Inui giggle, the adopt serious faces.

Rasha steps back and Rue steps up to the edge. He coughs lightly and tries to keep his expression serious as he takes his turn. “The judges for today's display will be recently discovered Nightmare Minion, Inui!” He motions to said minion who blushes slightly. “Our local master prankster, Rasha!” Rasha nods, puffing out his chest and looking around importantly. “An finally, the fastest flying rocket of pure happy energy, Me! Rue!” He bows from the waist before coming back up to continues. Off to the side Harper wonders for a moment who's faster over all and decides to challenge Rue to a race some day. “Today’s competition will be judges on three factors: Skill, Grace, and Showmanship. Our official score keepers, please welcome the General of the Dream Realm forces, the fleet footed Harper!” Harper raises a hand and nods. “And the greatest doctor the Dream Realm has ever had the pleasure of harboring, Crios!” The fox man's tail swishes once and he nods as well.

Seishu can not help his blood beginning to sing through his veins, the anticipation threatening to burst out of his skin and dance across the surface. Finally Rue steps back and Inui steps forward. He takes a deep breath, not use to speaking louder than a hushed mutter, but for the sake of the two guardians he forces himself to speak up. “The rules for this competition stand as thus: Each display must last at least thirty seconds, and no more than five minutes. Each contestant can add or subtract anything from their display for that time period. Displays must not go past the edges of the pool, but above the surface is still considered in bounds. No bodily fluids may be used to enhance the contestants displays.” Seishu rolls his eyes at this one, not having bled on purpose. “Contestants are allowed to use their competition in the display given the act does not harm the other contestant. And finally, each contestant must put forward three displays total, going back and forth until all three displays are done for each.”

Inui steps back with a little bow and Seishu lets out a happy sigh. His happy gaze shifts over to Enasi and he chuckles lightly. Swimming close he slides up to stand directly behind the Dream Guardian, his skin barely a hairs breath from the shorter male's. He leans in, his lips brushing Enasi's ear as he speaks. “Today is a good day to be alive. Don't let me down Enasi, or I may be taking away more than one of your precious little ones when I go. . .” Seishu knows better, but he prays the soft threat is enough to help Enasi take the competition more seriously. Slipping away through the water he begins trying to come up with what he wants to do first.

Meanwhile Rue, Inui, and Rasha all step up to the very edge of the pool to better see the displays, while the two elder minions look to one another ans smile lightly. Rasha brings his tail around to hide his “attraction” to the two barely clad guardians and hums softly as he waits for the show. 'Oh, I hope Lord Enasi puts up a good fight. I know they all think I will favor My Lord Seishu, but I'll be able to be more fair if I can see that fire in my lord's eyes. . .' He chuckles lightly and watches the two guardians slips further into the pool.

[AkiBlue]

When Seishu stumbled, Enasi was there to catch him. He looked up at Seishu, his eyes widening a little as they stood so close together. The light kiss made him smile. His heart fluttered lightly, making him sigh almost cutely. He realized his slight 'slip up' and he quickly sank into the water. Glancing around, he noticed that everyone's focus was elsewhere, so in relief he sighed and swam over to see why Rasha was announcing them. 'What in the world does he think he's doing? It seemed as though there was some sort of competition going on... And the guardians were the competitors. "Defend my title?" His eyebrow raised when he learned he was defending his. . . Minion's interests?

He didn't like the sound of it. Competitions were one thing, but having to compete for his own minions seemed like a. . .not so good idea. He sunk lower in the pool as the three minions began announcing rules and regulations of this competition. Where had this sudden competition come from, and why? They seemed so excited about it though, so he decided that maybe it wouldn't hurt to at least comply. But his competitiveness wasn't up to par like Seishu. He could already sense the excitement coming off his counterpart and only sighed. Crios and Harper gave each other slightly nervous looks, but stayed silent amd continued to watch.

The sudden soft breath against his ear, made him start to sink lower, but he kept his calm and listened.  Instead of something teasing being whispered it was. . . A threat? It appeared that was enough to rile up the dream guardian into actually sitting back up and whirling to face Seishu. "You wish." He rolled his eyes and then began to swim towards the center of the pool. There was a slight spark of 'fire' in his eyes as he floated and raised an eyebrow at Seishu and the three minions. "I guess I'll go first then." And with a sigh, he held his breath and went under water.

The interest grew as the minions noticed the sudden competitive spirit of their guardian. "Things have gottene more interesting." Crios said as he leaned forward. Harper too was vexed in the show, having never seen it at all. Even though Crios had seen it, he was more interested now that both guardians were at good health and both wanted to win. The Nightmare minions were right though. The mere mention of a competition had Seishu focused and riled up. He wondered what he whispered to Enasi, and then wondered if Harper's radar ears had heard. But before he could ask, Enasi slipped under water. "And it begins."

The guardian remembered to use both physical skill, and his energies this time. To begin with, he displayed his physical talent, doing twists and turns throughout the water, gracefully. It was displayed like natural movement. He showed his gracefulness, and then how limber he could be with a few simple loops and spins. And then, his energy began to snake up his body, to his arms. With a wave, Enasi watched as a bird was created out of the energy. It spread its wings, and Enasi continued swimming around. He decided to watch as the bird fly up to the surface and high into the air, only to take a spiraling nosedive downward. Enasi calmly waited under water and as soon the bird touched the water, on impact, it became mere ribbons of energy circling him. The spiraling effect made him spin in place, until finally,  he swam upwards  and the ribbons of energy disappeared at his feet.

He removed hair out of his face and then smiled with a nod. Enasi laughed as they cheered for his performance and then swam off to the edge of the pool, opposite of Harper and Crios. "Wow, I've never seen anything like it." Harper spoke in awe, now even more so interested in the later performances. 'Lord Enasi should really do things like this more often, it would entertain many. Besides, he never displays his skills like this.'

"Well, they've only just begun. I'm sure the tricks will get more intricate. Heh, don't get too excited just yet Hops."

[PopeAlessandros]

The look in Enasi's eyes sends a different kind of shiver through Seishu's body. Drifting slowly backwards he stops when his back hits the wall at the “judges'” feet. 'Come now, my dear other half. Show me what your minions are worth to you. Show me that passion I know is hiding deep inside' Above him the youngsters cast a glance at him as he purrs lightly, but when Enasi vanishes beneath the surface all eyes turn to him. Seishu dips below the surface to watch the act, only popping up right at the end to watch the bird. His body tingles pleasantly, the energy skipping past him hardly even passing through his notice. Able to better control his own physical responses than the dream at his back, Seishu takes a calming breath before moving into the middle of the pool, his passion for not only the situation but the man across from him settling so he can concentrate.

On the edge of the pool behind him the minions and dream all hush, having passed on their numbers to Crios ever so quietly so the guardians couldn't hear. After floating for a few seconds, Seishu spreads his arms out to the sides and begins sinking beneath ths surface feet first. Once he's half way down his hair catches the light as he begins swimming in slow lazy circles. Rue recognizes the movements and point at the light bubble hoops he leaves behind in his wake. Once he has about a dozen he sinks lower. The instant his feet touch the bottom he takes off for the surface. As his body rockets out of the water, his form bending in a perfect arch not five feet above the surface, a column of water follows his path and stays in place even after he's back beneath the surface.

He then swims through a hoop, which turns a bright red color before firing up the arch of water, resting at the top and encircling the column. Seishu picks up speed, darting off to one of the side walls tot he far left of the minion and dream observers, that being the far right for Enasi. He then kicks off the wall and charges towards the other end, breaching the surface a couple times. Each time he does another stream of water rises, and another ring comes into place at the apex. He rockets back and forth until all the rings are used up, then with an even greater speed he sends his body through all the smaller arches, the rings turning gold as he passes through them.

Soon the only remaining hoop is in the tall arch and as he reaches the middle he once more launches off the bottom to swim through the arch, turning the final ring gold. The hoops glow brightly for several seconds until at last Seishu pushes off the bottom one last time, flying high over the arch to do a back vault over it. He does a complete turn and lands atop the water, the second he touches down the rings shatter, the water crashing back into the pool with a beautiful musical sound. He makes sure none of the water splashes out of bounds and a moment later, lets himself sink into the water slowly, his arms crossing his stomach, his hands grasping his waist. He has to work hard to get his excitement to settle, but once he's sure he can keep his calm he kicks back tot he surface and casts his counterpart a competitive smile.

Blowing Enasi a kiss he floats back to his side by the judges and lets out a long sigh. During the display Rasha had tried desperately to keep his thoughts objective, but at the last when Seishu slipped beneath the surface, event he two yonger ones agreed that he was playing to the crowd very well. As they give Crios and Harper their scores the rabbit man mutters, “Lord Enasi seems to be setting up a good pace. I think Night's going to burn out before he even makes it to his third one.” Crios nod in agreement but the kids reserve their judgments on that matter for now. As they come back to their places Rue has to resist the urge to kneel down and give Seishu a hug. He is so happy that the Nightmare Guardian seems to be feeling much better now. Rasha on the other hand chews his lip as his eyes flick between the two very appealing men, the fire in his lord's eyes exactly what he was hoping for.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi watched the performance with intrigue, but stayed silent. He smiled lightly towards the end towards the nice display. Just like before, Seishu displayed his skill with his energy much more than Enasi did. But even the dream guardian thought he may have been over doing it a little. He was still hurt, but he didn't seem to mind it. When Seishu blew him a kiss, Enasi blushed lightly and sunk into the water. 'He's not helping. . .' How was Enasi not suppose to fall for him if he kept doing things like that. If he didn't stop, the guardian might end up getting the wrong idea. Well, what he thought was the wrong idea. The guardian was still positive that he had no interest for him- well nothing deeper than the guardian bond they were suppose to have.

After the cheering and everyone settled, Enasi slipped into the water. Playfully, energy formed on his back to resemble a shark fin as he swam to the middle of the pool once more. He heard the giggles of the other minions as he went underwater and the fin disappeared. This time, with a wave of both arms, his energy caused a stream of water to spiral around. He casually swam around it, guiding it to point upwards. With a touch, energy that looked like starfish were sent into the stream. Five starfish were shot out of the stream into the air. They spun in the air resembling the five stars that one would see at a restaurant. They then exploded in a silent firework style.

There were 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the three, but they silenced once more as he continued. Enasi swam into the stream, letting it push him into the air. He laughed lightly as he was shot into the air, with a flip, he dived back in and then touched the bottom of the pool before once again swimming back up and nodding. He smiled and sighed, floating back to his spot. Harper and Crios had their own looks of amusement. The excitement built and the minions were getting more and more excited as they reached closer to the end. They never saw Enasi so determined to win before, and it was fascinating.

[PopeAlessandros]

With a soft smile on his lips Seishu watches the beautiful display. 'Enasi really does go for the pretty factor. Nothing against that, I like it. It's his style. So very him as they say' He chuckles, making sure to dip under water when the youngsters run over to give their numbers so he doesn't accidentally over hear. He stares for a while, through the water, at his counterpart. Well, what of him is under the surface. He smiles in a less than innocent manner as that part of his brain begins to wander, but after a light bubble sigh he pops up, takes a breath, then dives back beneath the surface. He swims to the very middle, and when he stops his hair encircles his body. His arms go strait out from his shoulders and little black sparks set up on his finger tips as he begins to spin.

The water around him twirls and after several seconds a water spout begins to form. It sprouts up higher and higher until it's only about ten feet from the ceiling. It bends and shifts, but never passes the sides of the pool, it's root point staying in the middle of the body of water even as Seishu swims off tot he side. He brings his hands together, clapping silently under the water. The black energy crashes together with light cracks and after five claps he stops and returns to the bottom of the spout. With slow grace he begins moving up though the whirling waters. As his body rises above the surface five figures rise out of the water with him, but on the outside of the spout. He holds both hands out to one side of his body, and the figures seem to follow his twisting motions. The figures smooth out and become five manta rays, the one in the front twice the size of the others.

Having never seen such things the young ones gasp, looking at them this way and that, trying to make sense of the flat water animal things. Two thirds of the way to the top Seishu stops spinning, his arms one more flying out to either side. The rays turn their stomachs towards the spout and swim nose to tail around the guardian’s still rising figure until at last he reaches the top of the spout and he brings his hands together above his head. All at once the four smaller ones crash together above his head and explode into golden showers while the large on circles once around Seishu before diving into the pool. A moment later the spout vanishes, and Seishu does a single back flip, his feet ending up pointing down once more. The minions and dream watching gasp with more than a little worry on their faces, but about ten feet from the surface the large ray comes out as if it is going to swallow the guardian. As he falls through the ray's water body Seishu not only slows, but the cracking energy splits the beast apart into black ribbons that pour down into the water like a fountain. As they strike the surface the turn back into water, and Seishu slides beneath the surface using up the rest of the momentum from his fall to push off the bottom, coming to rest in his place opposite the Dream Guardian.

[AkiBlue]

'Impressive.'

As Seishu performed, his eyes wandered to the awestruck expressions of the minions. He wasn't going to get upset over their judgement, or anything, in fact, he was happy they seemed to be enjoying themselves. They weren't worried or stressed or sad, which meant he didn't have to ponder over them. . . Well, he still had to, but just for the sake of knowing what they were planning. Because it was obvious they were- but what...

The redhead watched as the judges ran over to cast their votes and he smiled. It was nice to see them so giddy with excitement...but did they really have to go about creating a competition to do so? He sighed and shook his head. He didn't plan on giving up, so once more he swam to center stage. Rasha noticed the that spark of life diminishing from his guardian's eyes and frowned a little. Almost instantly, he jumped up with an idea. Before Enasi could begin, Rasha became the announcer again. "We have the final round! Who will win the hearts of the judges? Lord Seishu? Or Lord Enasi? We can only wait and see!" The other two minions cheered on, and soon enough even Crios and Harper were cheering along.

Enasi smiled lightly and then started his performance. He honestly hadn't planned it this time, he was going off on a whim. The first thing that was created was a whirlpool. It was controlled and steadied to only cause the center to spin. Everywhere else was still and untouched, besides Seishu's little area. Enasi stood at the bottom of the pool, the whirlpool surrounding him. There was no water around him, so he reached his hand out touching the water gently. As he did, three seahorses formed, large enough to be seen from a distance. As they formed, it looked as they were causing the spinning. They stayed to move faster and faster until the whirlpool was a deep golden color, making the pool glow. The cycle started to break the surface and seemed to form a mini tornado above the water.

He was still in the center of it all, watching it all take place and then he got an idea. The tornado of water froze in place, but the whirlpool stopped, encasing the dream guardian in water once more. It looked like he had been swept away, but with a few intricate twists and turns, his head was above the surface. As he went up for air, the tornado split into five rings of energy, all falling around the guardian to make the pool light up. Each ring was larger than the first, and when it hit the water, it dissolved, leaving only a faint glow that too left after a few moments.

"That looked like it took a lot of energy." Crios mused as the guardian nodded and swam back to his little spot.

"Maybe, but I'm sure he's fine. It's not like we can't help him if he's worn out." Harper responded as he got ready to see the final show.

[PopeAlessandros]

A light tingle runs through his body as Enasi seems to tap into his instincts. 'That's good, he's starting to get the hang of it. He's feeling it out more now, I like that. . .' Earlier when he'd watched Enasi swim out to begin his show Seishu had also noticed the lack of competitiveness coming over the other guardian. 'I'm glad Little Lokitt has keen eyes. I think this last display would have been a flop if he hadn't spoken up. . .' As his turn comes up a light growl rumbles though his chest. The sound seems to take on a life of it's own in the water causing the top of the water to ripple gently. He watches as it reaches Enasi, lapping against his chest ever so slightly. The growl turns into a happier noise as he moves out into the center of the pool, his body slithering back and forth across the surface. As soon as he reaches the middle he dives down.

He can feel his energy building, the images of what it wants flowing through his mind like liquid fire. He smiles softly and his body begins to rise once more. As soon as his head breaches the surface four whirlpools seem to spring to life around him. They are small, but as the move away from him towards the four corners of the pool the grow steadily larger, and darker. The water too seems to become first gray, then finally black. The black begins creeping towards Enasi, taking on the shape of large serpents with their jaws open wide. However just as they are about to reach the guardian he is lifted up by a pillar of water. The strength of the jet is carefully balanced, holding him up while not throwing him off. Seishu dives down out of site, but moments later he rockets out of the water, once more creating an ever flowing arch of water, one half black, the other, pure white.

As soon as it's in place he once more falls to the bottom of the pool, bit an instant later he erupts out of the blackness, his wings spread wide as he settles in the middle of the arch. His wings snap, throwing off the droplets of water dripping from them in a shower of silver sparks which dance across the surface of the water when they land. His hand comes up and he points at Enasi, still being held up above the blackness by a spot of lightly glowing water. The sparks rumble lightly, like distant thunder, and slowly two streams of water, like tentacles, stream out from either side of the arch to encircle Enasi's waist. Slowly they pull him from the pillar and into the center of the arch where as soon as Seishu reaches out to grasp him around the waist the tentacles retract.

His wings flap gently as he looks deep into his counterpart's eyes. After a few silent seconds he begins spinning slowly. He knows he's using up a lot of energy, but it is what his energy demands, and he is more than willing to comply. Once the speed reaches a certain point he releases Enasi's waist and instead grabs the other's hands, fingers laces together, palm to palm. The speed increases and a light begins to form around them, the whirlpools rising up into water spouts. The tops of the funnels turn towards the two spinning guardians, and a moment later they completely disconnect from the pool and the water they were spinning forms a bubble of water around the still moving figures. The arch Suddenly spouts many tentacles that begins encircling the bubble as well, the black and the white making a stripped look until at last with a loud but not unpleasant sound the water busts apart.

The water seems to hang in blobs all around the area above the pool, as if frozen in time as once more Seishu has Enasi around the waist. His wings begin to slowly lowers them down, the floating water following them down, brushing past them without breaking apart until at last they settle into the water, his wings vanishing in a fine mist. His body feels very alive, but he knows he went a little overboard. As much as his heart aches and he knows he should let Enasi go, he leans in close and whispers, “I think it's time for us to get out, and I will be needing a hand with that love. . .” His feet kick feebly as he does his best not to sink them both.

[AkiBlue]

It started as a simple show to watch, and then all of a sudden, the dream guardian was put into the act. There were a few confused sounds of protest, but soon, realizing he got to be close to Seishu, he decided to comply. He held tight to his counterpart as he was spun around. Every moment he looked into his counterpart's eyes, his own softened intro what could only be described as. . . What seemed to be forbidden between the two. So, Enasi tried to keep his attention on everything else besides the close proximity between them.

Hopefully, Seishu didn't notice the quicker pace Enasi's heart took as they lowered down. He admired his wings as they faded off and then as they settled he took to kicking his feet some to help keep them afloat. There was a deep blush on his face as Seishu leans in close. Out loud, he decided that he had no choice but to tell him. It was going to kill him if he didn't. And there was no point in trying to deny it. He had to tell him. With embarrased courage, he spoke up, not noticing himself float a little closer. "S-Seishu, I wanted to... tell you... that I l-. . ." His voice caught in his throat as Seishu clarified that he needed help getting out. He coughed and cleared his throat.

"Of course, I'm here to help. And I wanted to tell you that I liked your performances. They were really nice." Before Seishu could say anything, Enasi turned biting his lip and swimming to the steps. He gently pulled Seishu along, and helped him out the water, and to a pillar so he could have something to lean against. When Enasi let him go, he stretched again and lifted his trunks a little as the water made them a tad too heavy. He moved away from Seishu and sat on the edge of the pool, slipping hid feet in.

Before the two had got out, Harper had leaned forward with his ears standing forward. When Enadi spoke outloud, he could barely be heard by the others, but Harper heard pretty well. "He's going to say it...He really-" Harper's ears bend almost instantly when the attempt failed. "I could see it in his look. I think we've found our answer about Lord Enasi." He went quiet as the two approached and the three minions ran over.

"Wonderful performances!"

"They were so amazing!"

"I've never seen anything like it!"

[PopeAlessandros]

The dark blush on Enasi's cheeks sends a fiery rush to his loins, his primal nature making him want to just eat his counterpart up on the spot. He had heard the tension in his voice as he tried to choke out something or another, but his own mind would not let the phrase complete in the most logical way. 'He had not been about to say what I think he was about to say, because even if I know the truth behind what he was about to say, the odds of Enasi actually saying what he was about to say aloud is so astronomically small that I'd have to be crazy to truly believe that he was about to say it, especially in front of his precious little ones to home he would never cause such worry' His own rambling thoughts last until Enasi helps him up the stairs where he must focus on walking if he doesn't want to slip and fall in front of his adoring fans.

As his back presses into the cool surface of the pillar he chuckles lightly as all the youngsters gather around the two elders and begin murmuring in excited tones. Seishu eyes follow the trails of water dripping down Enasi's body, swallowing as they vanish into his now low riding swim trunks. As the Dream Guardian shifts them, his fingers slipping beneath the band slightly as he does so, Seishu purrs lightly, his eyes locked on the other's back as he moves over to the edge of the pool and takes a seat. 'Oh, huah, I wonder if I could just. . .No, no. . .Maybe Rasha will help me out with this later. The little guy has been jonzing for me since the moment he walked into my room. . .' Seishu knows his thoughts about the young dream would not only have Enasi's cheeks burning red for days, but would also upset him for more than one reason. However he can not help how Enasi makes his body respond and as the dream denizens walk over he doesn't bother looking at them until Harper clears his throat.

Seishu's look of rather open lust fades as he smiles at the denizens, waiting for their verdict on the displays. He nods and bows a little, smiling at the excited little ones. 'So adorkable' Rue pounces on Enasi's back and gives him a big happy hug wile Rasha trows his arms across Seishu's shoulders and hugs him from the side, forgetting his bashfulness in the excitement. Inui on the other hand grabs Seishu's hand, the one not currently presses against Rasha's body as the dream presses against Seishu with his whole body, and brings it up to hug against his chest. Seishu feels a little ill at all the positive energy, but puts up with it as Harper and Crios close in on the group. With a light cough Crios calls the “Judges” back to their posts by he and Harper, their faces alight with excitement.

Crios motions to Harper to begin. With a light cough the rabbit man steps forward and takes a very stiff stance. “Both guardians performed admirably today however seeing as this was a competition, there must be a winner and a loser.” He hangs his head a bit, and the others follow suit. “Though it saddens me to say this, despite his valiant efforts, and most beautiful displays, Lord Enasi is that loser in today's competition.” Their heads come up and they give Enasi some light applause. Then Crios steps forward and Harper steps back.

“Yes indeed, the majesty and artful display by Lord Enasi was indeed wonderful, but I do believe that the long years of practice is what has put our visitor at the head of the line when it comes to Underwater Acrobatics.” His gives Seishu a sarcastic look. “Even if most of his displays were done above the surface.” Seishu rolls his eyes but joins in the giggles with a chuckle of his own as the denizens all laugh at the light tease. With a clap Crios brings the display of joviality to an end and adopts a serious look. “Now, there are congratulations in order, but it's clear that in his superb and foolish efforts to win, Night has managed to exhaust himself.” He eyes Enasi for a moment before gesturing to Harper. “Hops, you take Lord Enasi to his room as well, they both look to need some recharging after all this splashing around.”

Harper nods and walks to his lord's side. “After you Lord Enasi. Don't worry about Night, they will take good care of him.” Once Enasi starts moving Harper looks back at Crios and gives him a wink. Seishu spots the gesture, now beyond suspicious and a little worried about what they may be planning.

However a moment later Rasha is back against him and purring lightly.”Yes, we will take very good care of My Lord Seishu. . .” Inui shuffles back over as well, Rue grabbing Seishu around the waist in a congratulatory hug.

[AkiBlue]

'Nyeh... That was... Too bold. I don't think I want to try it again. It was a mistake to try. Even if he doesn't feel the same way, I think he should still know. If only to ease my conscience.'
Enasi looked up from staring at his reflection in the pool. He stopped swinging his feet and looked up when the trio rushed forward. He couldn't help but smile at their happiness. There was a sudden pounce, and he found himself being hugged by Rue. Enasi laughed and patted his head, not wanting him to get too wet from the hug.

As they ran back to Crios' side, he shifted to face the them. Noticing their sadden looks, he could already sense who had won. He gave a gentle smile nonetheless and waited for the judges vote. His cheeks puff lightly as he was declared the loser of the competition, but he could only sigh. The Nightmare did have much more practice in his skill than he, so it was only fair. And as jealous as the dream guardian could get, he could only count it as fair. His arms crossed, but he shrugged. "I guess I'll have to try harder next time." The competitiveness in his eyes had long disappeared and Crios continued. Rue and Inui smiled at Enasi, hoping he wasn't too upset with the choice, but he gave an reassuring smile to say he was okay.

"Well, if it's the doctor's orders, I'll go." Enasi looked up at Harper, taking his paw to help him out of the pool. He smiled and ran fingers through his wet hair. "I've had enough of water anyway." Harper took a few quick steps to catch up and grabbed a towel for him on the way out, so he didn't have to drip water everywhere. "Oh, thank you." Enasi said politely and began to dry off as much as possible. The two fell silent, letting the dream guardian think about his little. . . Mishap.

"For what it's worth, I would've picked you." Harper smiled, only to recieved a smile back. He noticed his guardian looked distant and trapped in his own thoughts. The rabbit could guess as to what it was. With a sigh, he decides to put it up front, risking the reaction. "You should tell him..." His ears bent, and his eyes softened as he looked at the confused guardian. He was currently drying his hair, so he peeked from other the towel, giving a soft 'Nyeh?' sound. "I have good hearing. I... heard what you were going to say. I could see the look in your eyes sir. I've known you long enough to know what that meant."

Enasi froze in place, making Harper stop abruptly. His cheeks reddened once more, only to confirm Harper's guess. "I can't do that. That's- You wouldn't understand. . . It's just... not suppose to be." By this time,  Enasi was in his room. Harper stood at the door as the guardian went about looking for new clothes. He had left to clean off, only to arrive in a fresh change of clothes. "Harper, no. I can't." Enasi day on his bed and shook his head. "I don't need you to worry. I promise. . . I'll be fine."

But Harper wasn't having the excuses. He walked up, taking the guardian's hands and stared in his eyes. "Tell him. Even if you're afraid of the answer, even if you regret it later, because if you don't, you'll be sorry and always wonder the answer for the rest of your life." Harper gave a reassuring smile, and with his bent ears, only made it a cute effect. The guardian was still a deep shade of red, but he hugged the soft rabbit after giving a slow nod.  "Now, you need to get some rest like Doc said."

"Al- Alright." Enasi mumbled and laid in the bed. He didn't fall asleep right away, too focused on Harper's words. He heard the door close and Enasi sighed, throwing covers over him.

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu watches them walk out, his expression neutral. He is ready to start grilling the remaining members of his little troupe as soon as Enasi is out of earshot, however in that instant Crios slides in close and pulls Seishu away from the pillar. “Off you bed with you, come on Night.” He growls lightly at the doctor, but now that he's feeling weak and no longer has a pillar to support him, the guardian has to put all of his focus on not falling on his face. Crios shifts Inui aside and slips into place to help Seishu walk, while on his other side Rasha does the same. Inui and Rue giggle and bounce up an down at the sight but keep quite otherwise. The entire group really can't wait to see what happens when the guardians wake.

Rasha feels slightly disappointed, knowing that once the two become official the Seishu is honorable enough not to cheat on Enasi. Though, by the nature of his Realm, Seishu does not see a problem with having several partners, However he is right. Seishu would follow Dream Realm traditions should they ever get hooked up, not that that would ever happen, because it just can't. Once they make it to his room Crios practically throws Seishu on to his bed causing Rasha to fall forward as well. The dream giggles, poofing into his animal form and catching himself before he rolls clear off the other side. Seishu chuckles at the sight, letting Inui and Rue help him into the middle of the bed. Inui pulls up the covers over the exhausted Nightmare Guardian and Rue makes sure the pillows are in place before Seishu lays back on them.

Before they even have a chance to run off, leaving him to sleep, Seishu clears his throat and fixes Crios with a hard look. The foxy minion does his best not to flinch under the look but he can not stop his tail from falling still, dropping low to the ground. The others still as well, nervous looks on their faces as they catch the expression on the guardian's face. “I do not know what you are all planning, and I know you won't tell me, but I really hope whatever it is that you've thought it through, and won't regret the results when they come. . .” Even Crios is forced to swallow hard at Seishu's words, his lips pressed together to keep himself from spilling everything. A part of him feels that he should tell Seishu, that him knowing will be better than it suddenly being dropped into his lap by their lord, but as they all agreed not to say anything he holds his tongue.

Rasha carefully makes his way towards Seishu's lap, transforming half way to his destination. With a soft purring noise he slides up Seishu's body, butting his chin with the top of his head, his hands pressing against the guardian to get him to lie down. Seishu sighs under the treatment, his expression softening. As he lays back Rasha transforms back into his cat from and settles on to the chest of now horizontal guardian. Inui and Rue decide to let Rasha have him for now and after placing soft kisses on to Seishu's cheeks and a muttered congratulations they slide off he bed and make for the door with Crios on their tails. Once outside the room the three of them let out long tense sighs, giggling slightly at the giddy feeling of getting out from under that intense gaze.

It does not take long for Seishu to feel the serious draw of sleep calling to him and after a few gentle strokes to Rasha's soft fur, the little beast purring happily, he lets the nothing take him.

~He sits alone for a time, not sure what to do now that he's here, in this place of such possibilities.

I should not go to him.

Things could get bad.

But. . .

I can not just leave him alone here.

I can not leave him to the nothing.

Not if I can do something about it. . .

As soon as he feels the draw he stands and begins walking towards it. He moves slowly, his mind casting about for what to do. He can feel his heart aching, holding him so close earlier, seeing his skin glistening under the bright but soft lights around the pool, the fresh smell of his skin as he held him flush against his bare skin. . .

I need a place for him.

Somewhere he can feel safe and happy.

Somewhere I can hide from him, but where he can enjoy himself as well.

I can't come too close.

Please, I don't want to hurt him. . .

After a good minute of thinking these things Enasi comes into view,and an instant later there is a sudden but pleasant sound of rustling grass an in a flash chest high grass springs up around the guardians, seemingly stretching on forever and ever. Seishu lets out a sigh and ducks down so Enasi can not see him. He knows he's much better at hide and seek than the Dream Guardian so he uses his skills carefully to find a good place in the grass to hide. Even if Enasi's draws close, Seishu will be able to sneak off unseen.

Please, make this place what he wants.

Look into his soul, and make him a paradise.

Just leave the grass.

Let me hide. . .~

[AkiBlue]

Enasi had fallen into the darkness, but it was much shorter than he thought, meaning Seishu had already fallen asleep. The dream guardian was seated, looking around when all of a sudden, tall grass formed. It made him wrinkle his nose and fall backwards, crushing the grass behind him. The guardian rubbed his nose, and pushed some of the grass down around him, making a little nest.

I can't do it. . .

But I have to. . . Harper is right.

But if I do. . . But he doesn't-

Okay. Just for closure. Nothing more.

I won't care how he responds. Just as long as he knows.

Who was the guardian kidding? Of course he would care. Tha was the whole reason he didn't say anything before. The dream guardian always cared. . .

He looked around. Normally Seishu was here by now. Could he have gotten lost? No, not even in the dimming light could he have not spotted the redhead. He looked up to see the perfect sunset and realized he was on a hill looking around at a sea of grass. "How pretty. . . I wonder where Seishu went. I think he'd like the view."  Once more he looked around, only to see only green. 

Enasi stood and narrowed his eyes, searching for the white hair that would stand out from the grass. But he saw nothing. Once again he looked up at the sky, smiling to see the mix of day and night stay. As the sun was setting, stars twinkled in the sky. That image was framed in place, and Enasi once again went to look for Seishu.

"Seishu?" His voice was soft, as if he didn't want to break the silence that was created. There was a gentle breeze that rustled the grass, and yet, he still couldn't find him. 

Is he playing a game?

It's not very fun. . .

Seishu stop hiding, I have to-

He swallowed hard and looked around.

I told Harper. . . I have to-

. . . Where are you?

Waiting was only making him more nervous than he already was.

[PopeAlessandros]

~I can hear him.

He is close.

The stars come to life overhead and Seishu ducks lower into the grass. His heart races gently, the nature of the world around him keeping him from panicking. He lets out a soft sigh, the world becoming more and more pleasant. The soft breeze, the low light, all of it reminding him of all the reasons he wants the man on the hill.

I can see you up there.

The wind in your hair.

The light making your skin glow.

The nervous look in Enasi's eyes reminds him once more of what the man had been murmuring in the pool. That set of words that could have ended in only one way, but Seishu can not let himself hear them. As Enasi descends the hill Seishu slinks back into the grass, moving steadily away from the other guardian as he draws closer to where Seishu had been hiding. As his name leaves the bright soft lips Seishu bites his own, a thick swallow gulping down his urge to respond.

Forgive me.

I can not. . .~

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

Enasi continued his search. But with each step, he seemed to move slower, contemplating if he should do it or not. The anticipation built in him and he pulled at his collar.

I don't think I should...

He's been gone for too long. Why is he hiding?

Does he not want to be seen? 

Did I do something wrong?

Enasi gave a saddened look as he looked around, not being able to find him. "Seishu?" He looked around and then caught a glimpse of white hair gently moving. He could almost catch those eyes staring at him. He narrowed his eyes and with a tilt of his head he called Seishu again.

"Seishu?"

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

~His stomach drops, he can feel the other's disappointment. He can feel those eyes seeking him out, the longing to find him. He ducks back, a pain inside telling him to just stand up and face him. Even if Enasi says those words, Seishu is strong, he can turn them down. . .He's sure of it.

Just go.

Enjoy this place.

Make it your own.

He watches as Enasi's eyes narrow. He was spotted. He rushes away, no longer staring at the other male. A tree springs into being, an umbrella tree like on the African savanna, but richer and thicker. Without hesitation he leaps up into it's lower branches even as I grows higher and higher. He knows Enasi saw him most likely, but he feels safer here. He feels more at home high above the ground. At home, in his room, even his bed is high off the ground.

He settles into the branches, his breathing slowing with ever exhale and as he falls silent he waits. He breaths. . . . and waits.~

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

Enasi watched as Seishu darted off. He reached out, knowing he was too far away to grab him. It wasn't hard to guess why he was doing this. The guardian could easily put two and two together.

He's avoiding me. . .

He doesn't want to talk to me. . .

A deep blush fell on his cheeks and then he sat in the grass. "That means... he knows. Was I really that obvious?" His eyes widen, but then he covered his eyes.

He knows, and it's obvious of his answer.

Thankfully, Their World subdued strong emotions. But Enasi knew that it would probably hit hard when he woke up. "Sorry..." His voice echoed in the silence and he quickly turned away to walk to a spot on a hill. He wasn't going to force Seishu to do anything- it wasn't like he could.

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

~His body shifts ever so slightly as he turns to look towards his counterpart. Even at the distance between them Seishu spots the flush and his heart drops to his stomach.

I can't.

I have to at least let him speak his mind.

I can not deny him that right.

He almost laughs at himself, recalling when last he had a thought like that. He bites his lip hard as that one word finds it's way to his ears. He truly has grown weak. He can not refuse the other male, he can not see him in pain like this. Shoring up his resolve his wings shimmer into being and he takes off from the tree. Circling once so that Enasi can see him Seishu circles around behind the red head and comes to rest a handful of paces away. His heart still races but he forces his face to remain calm as he waits.

“Sorry for running. I just wanted you to enjoy the world in your own way. I wanted to see. . .What your soul desires. . .Here. . . .In our world. . .”

He swallows, sighing softly as he realizes he's said something unnecessary. But he does not step away. He will let Enasi speak his mind, even if it means destroying the Nightmare Guardian’s heart.~

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

Enasi walked off and sat down. He curled up and hugged his knees. Quietly, he watched the sky as a shooting star went by. This made him sit up in a slight awe, watching as more of those shooting stars appeared. When he caught sight of Seishu, they stopped and it seemed the sun started to set more. His head once again lowered as he looked out at the view.

He didn't answer Seishu when he spoke. Only a small sigh escaped his lips.

I want to wake up now.

I don't want to do it anymore.

. . . I tried.

He looked up at Seishu and gave a gentle smile. "It's okay. . . I understand." His smile saddened a little, but he quickly turned away. "You can... You can go back. I understand." Enasi sighed and looked away from the guardian. After a moment he spoke again. "I debated if I should have said anything. . . It was only for closure... Nothing more. But," He shook his head and sighed, not finishing his sentence.

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

~Seishu can feel a little touch of anger seeping in as the man before him refuses to speak his mind.

Here I am, opening the door for you.

I am doing everything short of telling you what you feel.

Despite the world keeping emotions relatively mild Seishu can tell just how depressed Enasi is, and Seishu gets even more angry at something completely different. With a harsh growl he stalks forward. Reaching down he grab's his counterpart by his upper arm and yanks him to his feet. Spinning him around he pulls Enasi hard against him, must of the usual tenderness he normally shows the other absent in the wake of his anger. Without hesitation he pulls Enasi's head forward and slips his lips across his counterpart's and as soon as he has the chance he deepens the kiss.

Despite it's roughness, it is not cruel. He doesn't press hard enough for the actions to hurt but his anger is still obvious in his eyes when at last he pulls back. His growl is deep, vibrating through his chest and into the other man. With a soft voice he hisses, “Stop presuming my heart for your own peace of mind. You have no right to make my mind up for me, Dream Guardian.” With that being said he steps away, releasing the smaller male as he turns to leave. His wings snap out to the sides as he prepares to do as bidden and leave Enasi to his self pitying. The pain inside him is great, but is restrained by his anger.

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

[I] Enasi all of a sudden was whirled to his feet. "What are you-!" He spoke defensively, but was stopped by the sudden forceful kiss. He could have melted then and there, but the world prevented such strong feelings. He wanted to lean in and return the kiss, but it was over almost before it began. Before he could make sense of it, Seishu had pulled away.

He could feel the anger off him, and it only showed more when he was hissed at. Their World wasn't in balance anymore. They were both angry and upset. But that wasn't what their world was for. It was for peace and harmony amongst the two.

"I wouldn't have to do so. If you were able to make up your mind and stop- stop confusing me, I wouldn't have to. I can't believe I actually fell in love-"

His voice caught in his throat and he quickly turned away. Enasi tugged his hair and turned away. "Why do I even bother..."

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

~High over head shooting stars begin to fall once more. They streak across the sky, their usual trails of blue white light blasting red as they fall to the ground well over a mile away. Seishu can feel his emotions tied into each and every one, the strikes the beating of his own heart. The heat Enasi's presence so near behind him. Then the hammer falls, that word falls from Enasi's lips. The stars continue to fall but now they crackle with a new energy, their tails once more blue. However as they fall closer and closer to the two Seishu once more feels the tears building behind his eyes.

He turns back around slowly, his eyes trailing up the other's body from bottom to top.

I can't leave it like this.

Moving forward slowly, his anger gone at the catch in the other's throat, he stalks as silent as a large cat on the prowl. Without warning he wraps one arm around Enasi's waist and pulls him flush against his inflamed body.

“Don't pull away.”

He knows that more than likely his passion, currently pressed firmly against Enasi's lower back, is probably more than Enasi can handle right now, but he feels he must make the peace, even if it is against his nature, and against Enasi's wishes.

“I have never been dishonest in this with you, but my ways, the ways of those who live on only the darkest parts of human souls, you can not expect them to be the same as yours. What I feel, and how I feel it, despite our common roots, has been so far removed from anything you can even begin to understand by the endless flow of cruelty and depravity, that I do not expect you to understand what I feel.”

His head comes down to rest against the back of the shorter male's. He lets out a sigh, tickling the back of the red head's neck.

“I am not mad about what you feel, I am angry that you assume my feelings without letting me express them. Though in this case I can do little to settle your mind as I have resolved that doing so would upset the balance beyond repair.”

His body trembles slightly, tears once again find their way out of him. He lets out a shuddering breath, his lips sliding down the exposed neck in front of him only to terminate in a kiss at the base. All around the stars have stopped falling, Seishu can feel his emotions stabilizing, and he can only pray that his words will have helped Enasi even if only a little bit.

“If I come close to you, here, in this world all our own, my body will crave you as it does now. I do not want you to suffer a moment in the nothing that you do not have to, so while I am here, I will keep coming to you so that we can share the beauty our souls create, but if being around me, feeling the way that you do upsets you, I will stay away from you. I can live with the pain, but I do not want you to have to.”~

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

Once more, unexpected reactions took place. He thought about pulling away, despite his wishes, but only sighed and stayed still. When he sighed, an immediate rednes covered his cheeks as he felt something pressed against his back. He shivered, but focused on Seishu as he spoke.

I just... I just want to wake up.

Even this world is breaking because of this. . .

I don't know what to do anymore, and I- I just want, I don't know!

He was confused and hurt and even though Seishu tried to console him, it still didn't help. He could feel Seishu shaking, only assuming that he was crying as well. Enasi could feel his own heart shattering. . . But, he didn't cry. The guardian refused to cry. His fists balled and he shook his head, as if trying to shake the thoughts away.

He pulled away and looked at Seishu. "I- I'm sorry..." He held his hands to his chest and looked down. "You don't upset me. . . But, neither of us should be hurt like this. I shouldn't have said anything. Somethings are better left unsaid. . ."

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

~Seishu can not help but roll his eyes playfully as once more Enasi begins bottling himself up.

Yeah, not putting up with that any more.

Stepping back up to the smaller male he once more pulls him in close, using both arms this time.

If he's being honest, then I can live with this.

Once more he takes up Enasi's lips with his own, this time paying attention to the other male and kissing him as long as he wants to be kissed before pulling back and sighing softly.

“I'm going to take you at your word that I'm not upsetting you. If it's true, then I'm going to do whatever it takes for you to open up, here, in our special place, and stop holding things in like this.”

His hands smooth over the tense parts of Enasi's body, more comforting than sexual.

“I am here as your balance, and by all things above and below, I'm not letting you do this to yourself here. The only people who would worry about these things you try so hard to hide aren't here. You don't have to protect me, you don't have to hide things from me, and if you're not going to flee from me, then by gog, I'm going to take advantage of that fact.”

His smile is a little devious, his body still reacting to the other's closeness, more so now that his anger has left and Enasi seems to need the closeness as much as he does. His tears have dried and the magic of the world erases all sign of them. His pale skin begins to glow as the moon rises, the sun long set. His long locks fan out in the breeze and with a little shift of his will the breeze changes direction. The light gust pulls his hair forward to cascade over the two's bodies gently as once more Seishu leans in for a gentle kiss. Before their lips can touch however he whispers softly, his breath tumbling over the other male's lips.

“Let this place work it's magic. Let it cleanse it all from you, and anything it can't, let me do that. . .Let me draw it all away and lock it somewhere it can't hurt you. . .”

Finally he sinks into the kiss, his hand brushing low over Enasi's back where he knows he likes it. His other hand comes up and begins stroking through the burgundy locks as his own continues to embrace the couple in it's silvery tresses.~

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

To be pushing me away, he keeps coming back.

How am I suppose to accept his decision if he keeps coming back?

Enasi started to pull away, even as he was kissed. Seishu was only making things worse for them both. "I do only do what's necessary." He started and ended up staying Seishu's grasp. He sighed and stopped trying to fight it, stopped trying to ignore his own feelings.

"I-" His cheeks puffed, seeing no way around the truth. He didn't want to believe it, but he knew that he bottled up everything. It was his nature to, and it seemed necessary. . . But what would happen if he decided not to? He didn't want to risk such a thing and end up hurting someone close.

But Seishu was convincing in a sense. He knew that sensation of powerful and yet subdued emotion as it tingled through his body. Enasi watched how Seishu's hair flowed with the wind as their bodies pressed together. His breathing slowed and his heart beat steadied. His emotions died down to its normal level in Their World. Seishu whispers soft words and the guardian didn't know whether to cry or have some sort of happiness.

His words were soothing and made the guardian relax into the embrace. The entire scene of it calms the dream guardian's thoughts and muscles. And in the kiss, he held on tighter to prevent himself from falling only to do something he swore he never thought he'd do. In the midst of the kiss. . . He purred. It was a shock to him, making him pause and pull away to focus on refraining from blushing as much as he could have.

~*~*~*~***~*~*~*~

~Seishu feels the tingle of the purr against his lips and as to strain mightily and silently not to snap out a fun tease as Enasi pulls back.

One down.

One to go.

He is SO going to hear about this after we wake up!

He settles for responding to the purr with one of his own. Enasi's arms around him, holding him close, strokes at his heated soul in a way he's positive the other guardian has no idea he's doing. So after one more deep but sweet kiss he pulls back and lets go with a laugh. His wings tremble in the breeze as it picks up and with a soft but definitely audible sigh he lets the breeze take him, pulling him past Enasi and into the sky.

There he tumbles and rolls, his smile never leaving his lips even as deep down inside he knows the pain of being so close to Enasi is going to hurt terribly when he wakes. However, for now, he ignores that. Every time he falls close enough to the other guardian he reaches out to touch him gently. A brush against the back, as stroke along the cheek, he even manages a few kisses while never letting his feet touch the ground.

The stars above twinkle merrily, the moon shinning bright enough that Seishu looks almost like a shooting star himself as his hair streams along his back during his dives and tumbles. Slowly he comes to hover in front of Enasi and he smiles warmly, holding a hand out to the other. “Come on love, you know how to do it. If you need to start off up high, I can take you.” He chuckles lightly, raising an eyebrow showing he won't take no for an answer.~

[AkiBlue]

Enasi ran fingers through his hair and sighed. There was no way out of the one, and he would probably hear about that for the awhile. The look of embarrassment was covered when he sat in the high grass once more. Seishu was all of a sudden really playful. He watched the male tumble and roll calmly.

If he wants to end it

Why get so close?

He knew the consequences of doing all this. It was going to hurt him a lot, and he wouldn't be able to do anything about it. The pain would more than likely get worse as Seishu left his own realm, further sealing their fates.

But at this point, none of it seemed to matter. He took to watching the airborne guardian shine with the moonlight. The shining moon was a contrast against his wings, though it seemed to make him shine just like the stars. He made occasional faces, or gave smiles when Seishu came close enough to mess with him. Once, he managed to poke his wings, or run fingers through his hair. It was a pretty sight, and he was fine watching it from where he sat. Though Seishu seemed to have other intentions. As the guardian got close, Enasi ducked down in the grass assuming he'd fly over. But instead he stopped right in front of him.

None of this seems like a good idea. . .

But I'll do it.

Now the dream guardian seemed to be the one trying to push them apart. With a sigh, he smiled lightly knowing that he wanted to anyway. He stayed seated, and behind him, his wings traced out with energy before turning into those familiar white wings he sported. They stretched out and Enasi used Seishu's hand only to pick himself up.

He let go after, and with a forceful flap he lifted himself into the air. A few more flaps got him high enough so he could glide and let the wind take him around.

[PopeAlessandros]

~A Cheshire cat smile curls the airborne guardian's lips as the trails of energy begin wriggling away from Enasi's back and in a few moments, those beautiful wings Seishu had made for him take form.

'I am so glad I made those for him.

They suit him perfectly.

Like the angels from all those dreams I have a hard time converting. . .'

His smile shifts to one of giddiness as that warm hand slides into his own and he pulls Enasi to his feet. He lets out a sigh as those fingers slip away from him, but as he draws back his eyes light up with the sight of Enasi taking to the air. His breath quickens as the sight of the moon light on his counterpart makes him shiver.

You know, I really don't care about the consequences later.

I'm happy for now that he's relaxed.

And that I get to see him like this once more.

Seishu turns in mid air, taking to the same current as the other guardian so he can keep up. Bellow the land looks almost pure blue as the moonlight tints the swaying grass with it's cool rays. The breeze makes the tall grass look almost like water as it bends and ripples. Seishu dips and curves around Enasi, his wings brushing over the other guardian's on occasion as he tries to stay in close. Finally he turns on his back and flies bellow the red haired male so he can look up into that moonlight bathed face. A smile tugs at his lips, a fond look in his eyes.~

[AkiBlue]

He hadn't flown since the first time he was taught. Even still, it felt rather natural as he flew up, and let the breeze direct where he'd go. The guardian let out a gentle sigh as he looked around at the scenery. It was beautiful, just as it always was. Just like the lake in the first dream to the endless sea of tinted grass.

A small smile rested on his features, feeling content for the time being. He decided not to focus on reality. When he woke up, he'd deal with the consequences. Now, he would only live in the moment. For once, he didn't worry. And he felt truly happy.

The brushing of his wings against his own was enough to make Enasi look up to see Seishu close by. Soon enough, Seishu ended up under him and staring. It made Enasi blink, staying silent. With a flap, the dream guardian flew higher into the air as if he was trying to reach for the stars. High above, his wings outstretched all the way, right before they folded and he was falling towards the ground. For some reason, he enjoyed the feeling.

The rush of the wind against him felt nice, and he was able to clear his head like that. His wings outstretched once more, and caught him, settling him back to the regular glide. He looked back, noticing Seishu a few feet away. But he didn't slow down,  he only continued forward, knowing the other would have no problem catching up.

In the midst of their flying, Enasi began to hum the song Seishu sang days before. He didn't remember the words, but he remembered the tune of it, sticking to quietly humming the lullaby.

[PopeAlessandros]

~Seishu watches with his smile still in place as Enasi pulls away.

I guess he wants some space.

I can do that.

He stays put, still on his back as he watches the other male fly higher and higher. He drifts slowly back and forth, his body shivering as Enasi suddenly takes a dive. He knows the other can not be hurt here, but he still feels the need to fulfill his promise and shifts around so he is once more beneath Enasi, ready to catch him if he goes too close tot he ground.

His world is simple right now. Relax, and keep his counterpart happy. These simple goals keep him within earshot of Enasi, and this is how his next inspiration comes into play. He stays trailing slowly behind the red head until the light notes reach his ears. He has to concentrate to place them but once he does his smile widens and he lets out a soft noise.

So, you really like it, huh?

You even remembered the tune?

Well then!

Once more he calls out to their world, and high above the stars begin to sparkle a little brighter from time to time. Seishu joins in humming the tune, a soft sound seeming to come up out of nowhere. The noise is very quiet at first, almost impossible to hear, but ass it grows louder it becomes recognizable as a chorus of voices. They all are humming along with Seishu as he darts up above Enasi. A moment later he opens his mouth wide and a chorus of stars chime in as he begins to sing.

“Rest you now,
come rest your head.
It is now time
it is time for bed.

Travel on
behind your eyes
to where they rest
the mothers of the night.

Their dresses flow
like shadow
like fire.

At their hand you see.
At their hand you see them
the fathers of the night.

Together they wave
your nightly ways.
Together they build
your long adventures
in the night.

So rest now,
come rest your head.
Let them love you.
Let them hold you.
De~ep
in the night.”

The starts twinkle along to the tune, the voices creating a pleasant harmony with Seishu as his voice rings out smooth and clear. The grass below, and even the breeze itself, seems to create music to accompany the voices. As the song ends Seishu looks to Enasi with a warm smile. With one hand he motions to Enasi, and as the music seems to start over a swarm of small lights appear in the night, taking up the shape of the lyrics. Seishu dives in close to Enasi, drifting along side him as he hums gently. Slipping in behind him he wraps his arms around the other's waist, stilling those fluffy white wings as Seishu supports them both. He turns them so that Enasi can look at the lyrics and whispers in his ear, “Sing with me. . .”~