[IC] When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu watched the room come together slowly, the air still thick with emotion, but as each of them calms he is able to siphon off a lot of the negativity. 'That's it. F he starts asking questions we'll have a hell of a time explaining this. Speaking of explaining, I'ma hafta come up with an answer should he ask about. . . that. . . .' He lay quietly, knowing that those around him are weeping in the inside a bit. 'It's not for me though. I know when negative emotions are aimed at me. They're worrying about him. But I guess that's fair. When I was talking about myself, they could not help but correlate what I'm going through, what my life has been like, to the only other being in the universe like me'

He sighs softly, rubbing Rue's back. He knows that a little of the sadness was for him, most of it from the little fairy, but his usual dismissive manner is firmly in place now and his sense of fairness is slowly deteriorating. His eyes wander over to the bunny, his back still turned. 'He's the closest to Enasi, right? He second? Like Kaila is to me. . .But Kaila knows there are things I don't talk about and even if I told him all he would do is smother my with babies, showing me all the affection I get day in and day out from the little guys, and making me remember the family I hold so dear. It may not be the romantic love I crave, but it would make me feel better' Seishu begins humming his realm's lullaby, the sound seeming to echo around the room, the vaulted ceilings making it reverberate pleasantly against all their ears.

The song ends just as he feels Enasi nearing the door and softly he mutters, “Game faces guys.” before he himself settles into a comfy smile. 'Not that he's in the mood to look at me. Wow, he really is in a mix over this, but what is that with him?' Hi eyebrow raises as a sugar sweet guy bounces in, a plate of food balanced in each hand with a third on his head. 'Ah, Cho the cook I'm guessing' Each energy seems to lighten as they get handed their food and as carefully as he can Seishu shuffles into a partially upright position to wait for his meal. 'It's been forever, I'm starved. I hope he went light on the goopy white stuff for mine' He can not help but over hear the whispering from Cho to the Doc, but he shows no real reaction. Enasi walks over and hands him his plate, the quiet confirming several more things for him and with a hum he settles the plate on to his lap.

Keeping Cho in the corner of his eyes Seishu smiles and looks to Rue. “Last night was fun!” He can see the three twitch at the sentence, Harper and Crios only pausing a moment before continuing eating their breakfasts. Seishu watches Cho, noting that his keen eyes spotted the movements, or lack there-of. 'He may just seem like a common sugarball cook, but he's perceptive' Rue on the other hand stops eating all together. His acting isn't as good as the others and as he looks up at Seishu the guardian has to shake his head ever so slightly to calm him down. “We got to play hide and seek in a beautiful forest with huge trees!” The little minion's wings flutter ever so slightly at the thought, so using his best storytelling voice he continues. “They were so tall, and the branches so thick, you couldn’t even see the sky. So for light, we had these beautiful little fairly lights dancing around us like a troupe of aerial tumblers!”

Rue continues eating, the visual making him smile a truly honest smile now. Harper calls out, “So, like a bunch of Rue's smarter cousins?”

Crios chuckles as Rue's cheeks puff out angrily, but a few seconds later he joins in laughing with the fox man. Harper chuckles a few times, watching as Cho observes the interplay like a hawk. “Yes, exactly like that! How'd you guess?” The laughing redoubles even as Rue swats at his uninjured shoulder. “I wont he first round, then Enasi the second, then the last round was a tie breaker, so we were both seekers.” Puffing up he finishes triumphantly, “And of course, master hunter that I am, I won!” Rue applauds happily, and Harper even pats his arms a few times, his other hand holding up his plate.

Crios however rolls his eyes. “Master hunter indeed, he who will need several weeks of bed rest and can't even walk strait. Yes, mighty hunter.” Seishu lets loose a growl, making the cook jump as his eyes turn in Crios's, and incidentally his, direction. Crios however snaps his tail and raises an eyebrow.

The growl dissipates and Seishu sticks out his tongue. “Once I’m well I'ma get me some beagles and have myself a little fox hunt.” His tone is dark, and Cho looks a little on edge, but as Crios only laughs in response the cook starts to get the idea.

Before he can feel good about his discovering though Harper asks, “So, how's he doing Night. Up to your standards?”

Seishu, who'd been taking bites whenever he can chuckles and fixes Cho with a predatory glare. He jumps but stands his ground. Unable to think of what else to do he says rather shakily, “I'm the best cook in he kingdom, how could I not be up to snuff?”

Seishu raises an eyebrow, Rue falling still to better watch the Nightmare Guardian's response. He is quiet for a short time, but after a few seconds a now familiar smile crawls on to his lips, and those that know him best go back to eating. “No ego on Chocolate here, ne?” Rue chuckles lightly, shaking his head, and Seishu goes back to eating too. The cook had passed the test, he just didn't know it yet.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi relaxed, focused on the food and good well it was made. Cho really was one of the best cooks- probably the best- in the realm. Cho noticed all the happy faces due to his cooking and smiled triumphantly and continued his hawk like watching. As the story began from Seishu,  it appeared there was more to watch, especially from Lord Seishu. Cho noticed how small glances were stolen as Enasi ate much slower after ghe comment.

The only sign of a shift in emotion from the burgundy haired male was when he slowed down his eating. It was subtle, but with subtle glances toward him every now and then, it was obvious. He wished he could breeze through dramatic situations like Seishu, but he knew he was much too worrisome and emotional to do that. Surprising to the staff, Enasi didn't seem to mind the story. He even laughed along with everyone else. It was a little heart wrenching at first because they all began to know of his struggles, but they relaxed and continued enjoying their food.

Enasi nodded his little agreements to the story every time Rue would look at him. He even giggled lightly when Rue and then Seishu was made fun of. "Your stories are the best Mister Seishu! I always love to hear them." Rue bounced on the bed a little until Crios warned him to stop. There were a few times Enasi wanted to tell Cho to relax, but soon the cook caught on. 'Very good Cho.' He thought and smiled. If Cho could catch on that easily, he wondered how well the others would be.

And is reading his mind Harper spoke up. "Well, the others will be around soon enough. Don't worry, you won't have a crowd in your room all the time. Unless you're the party type. Or just want more people to annoy." Harper smirked a little and then looked over as Cho once again bounced around the room, collecting empty plates. Enasi laughed a little, sensing him lowering his energy around the Nightmare Guardian. He was catching on really well, and he didn't seem to be bothered anymore as he grabbed his plate.

"Alright lovely folks, I'm going to go get these cleaned and go off to tend to other duties. It was a pleasure meeting you, and I'm off." Cho grinned and bowed before walking out. He was only needed for food so he didn't see much reason to stick around. He didn't even need a reason to protest. Just make food for Seishu and make sure not to poison him. Simple enough. Although he did wonder what had his guardian all out of whack from before. He'd probably ask Crios or Harper about it later.

The mention of other duties made Crios perk up a little. "Right. I should go see about those siblings. I did want to talk to them." It was important, but it was also an excuse to get a break from the tension. It wasn't as heavy as before, but he could tell by Enasi's occasional skeptical or curious looks that he knew something had happened. Harper thought about doing the same, but it seemed too suspicious for both of them to just leave out all of a sudden. And then who knew what happened if the two Guardians were left alone. "Your welcome to join me sir. After all, you have to meet them too before Seishu does."

'That sly fox is always one step ahead. Good, now he won't be stuck here.

"Oh. Sure Crios. I don't think I'm need much here anyway." Enasi said as he stood. Crios only nodded toward the comment and packed his things. When he was done he gestured for the dream guardian to follow, which he obliged.

"Bye Lord Enasi. " Rue smiled and went to hug him before he left, going back to Seishu's side afterward. Harper stayed behind for a moment, crossing his arms as the door closed. He decided to wait for them to at least get down the hall before he left the room as well.

[PopeAlessandros]

“I can always use more people to annoy, silly rabbit.” Seishu murmurs lightly and Rue giggles. The cook seems to be almost made of rubber as he bounces around the room to gather the dishes at the end of the meal. However even as he moves his energy gets lower and lower until at last he pops up right next to the bed with almost no aura at all. Rue scoops up his plate and Seishu's, handing them both over to the cook. At the close distance Seishu looks into Cho's eyes carefully and for an instant he can feel that little spark he's come to recognize in those around him. Cho himself looks back at him, an open smile on his face and a laugh in his throat. The moment is over between heartbeats and he turns back to address the room.

Seishu can feel the urge to leave the room coming from the Doc and Hops, even if it is very faint at his distance from them. 'They are staying that far from me on purpose. They need to go somewhere where they can re-charge on positive energy' He looks softly over at his counter part. 'Like he did. From what they said, he was most likely very down earlier' He looks down at the little fairy sitting right next to him and realizes that the more he hangs around, the more susceptible the child is going to be to negative emotions. 'I should shoo him out after this. Tell him to take some time doing what he likes to do for a while so he can recharge too' He looks over at Harper, deciding to have him help out in that respect.

"Oh. Sure Crios. I don't think I'm need much here anyway."

The words strike deep like a lance, but on the outside Seishu shows no reaction. His dream self feels the pain full force, but he's locked away at the moment. The Nightmare Guardian is able to ignore the pain, not letting it affect him as his counterpart leaves the room without having look him in the eye once. Humming lightly he chuckles as Rue piles back on to him. He playfully rolls the boy around a bit like a cat with a ball of yarn. Rue giggles, squealing when Seishu hits a spot where he's ticklish. “Ne, Hops, I need a favor.” Harper's ears come up at the sound of his nickname. He would normally have a comeback for the guardian, but his tone keeps the general quiet. Rue too notices the seriousness and crawls out of reach. Smiling fondly at Rue he looks over to the rabbit man who's eying him curiously. “He needs to get out of here for a while.” His hand comes up to gesture at Rue and the both of them looks a little shocked for a moment.

Rue is the first to speak, a hurt note in his voice. “You want me to go away?” Seishu can see the tears ready to fall but he holds up a hand.

“No, not really. I could use the company, and maybe even the comfort, however if you don't go out and get your fill of some positive energy, you're going to start being seriously hurt Rue.” At the sound of his name Rue knows that Seishu is being serious, and wants the minion to take him at his word. The guardian smiles. “I know you worry about me, and after this event there's going to be even more on edge, but that's why I need a favor from Harper.” Harper too perks up at the sound of his name, from Rue's reaction to his own understanding the significance. Seishu looks over to the ancient dream and nods. “I know you wanna get out of here, but if you could just stand watch, outside the door if you like, Rue should be able to get what he needs in say, and hour? The applicants shouldn't be ready before then, and I know Rue wouldn't forgive me if he wasn't around for that.” Rue gives him a stubbornly serious look and nods in agreement.

Harper looks to the door, longing to be away from this place, however he agrees with Seishu. 'He even sleeps next to the guardian. Even if his energy changes at night, I've felt it. Even if it's not bad, it makes me feel uncomfortable at the very least. He needs some good solid positive energy' With a long exasperated sigh he nods. “Sure, I'll wait outside the door for Rue to come back.” Rue looks a little sad at the decision, but doesn't question the other two males. Instead he leans up to place a light kiss on Seishu's cheek before rocketing out of the room like a shot. He knows exactly where to go to get what he needs quickly. Harper watches him leave at breakneck speed and lets out another sigh. “He really is devoted to you Seishu. If it wasn't for him, I doubt any of the rest of us would have bothered getting close to you.” Seishu nods silently, understanding that Harper too uses his name to get his point across.

Without another word Harper exits the room, making his way across from the closed door to the opposite wall where he takes up his vigil. Meanwhile inside the room Seishu maneuvers himself back down into his pillows. Unable to reach his blankets or any of his covering he does his best to get comfy while being completely exposed. 'I should have asked one of them to give those back before they left. . .' He groans, covering his face with one arm to block out the light pouring through his windows.

~~~~~~~

Crios stays silent as he walks beside his lord, leading the way to where the plant siblings are. 'I don't know what to say. Without Night around to deflect, I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep him from finding out what happened this morning. . .Maybe I. . . .' He glances over at Enasi. 'Yes. It is their business. If he asks, I will just have to direct him to Night. After all, his personal affairs aren't really my business, and I would never be so discourteous as to tell someone how another feels about them before they have an opportunity to do it themselves. . . .Not that he will ever have the opportunity' Away from the heavy atmosphere of the room Crios is able to relax a bit, but inside he is still rather torn over things.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi walked alongside Crios quietly, looking ahead. His mind had cleared a lot thanks to the chef, but staying so quiet he could only sense something wrong with Crios. There was something off about cool demeanor. "Crios? Is there something wrong? You're awfully silent." He held concern in voice, and in his eyes which made Crios tense up for moments.

"My apologies sir, I was just thinking of. . . The patients. They were hurt pretty badly." Crios mentally sighed. He hated to lie to his guardian, although this kids want too far from the truth. Seishu was a patient and he was hurt pretty bad. Crios only made a general reference. Still, it was upsetting to do something like that to his guardian. He kept calm though, in order to keep his tail from swishing back and forth.

Enasi seemed to fall for it enough to nod and smile gently. "Don't worry, they'll get better. All of them. You guys are the best doctors around!" With a small boost of cheeriness, Enasi bounced on his toes and hugged Crios. "They all trust you. You won't let them down." He remembered it was one of Crios' fears when he had first became head of the medical staff. Even as the best doctor, he was nervous and on edge. And Enasi would bever fail to keep his hopes and his head high.

This hit a soft spot for Crios. Not only because of the current situation, but because he too remembered his times as a rookie. Enasi was yet again trying to keep others happy before himself. With a shaky sigh, Crios smiled and nodded. "Thank you Lord Enasi. I don't know what this realm would do without you." To save himself from the emotional spill, they approached the room where the plant siblings were in waiting to leave. 'Thank goodness... Crios opened the door, letting Enasi in before closing it behind them.

"Lord Enasi!"

"Finn, Starla? Nice to see you two again! You two have grown a lot since I've seen you last!" Enasi hugged the two as they bowed. Both laughed lightly and hugged him as well. "My little gardeners are the ones you chose Crios?" He gave a small laugh as he sat down and looked at the two that gave curious looks.

Crios smiled at the burst of joy and sighed in relief, taking in the positive energy. "Yes sir. And these two little gardeners have grown to also be travelers of the human realm, and from my resources,  great fighters." He watched as Starla stood straight and tall, holding her head up in pride, whilst Finn stayed more humble. The doctor further explained, for them. "You two have been chosen, or at least have shown littlw fear towards the Nightmare Guardian while in battle. In fact, you two helped him. So, you've been chosen to be a personal guard, along with a few others for the guardian until he heals."

Starla is the one to speak. "Heh, we have no reason to fear the Guardian. If our Lord says to protect him, then that's what we do!" Finn nodded in agreement, being more of the silent type. But to prove himself, vines begin to wrap around his arm, having sets of thorns around his fists.

"But we still do our gardening work nonetheless." He smiled when Enasi laughed lightly. "Don't worry Lord Enasi. We've gotten older, and have learned more than just our gardening skills." The vines disappeared and Enasi nodded.

 Looking at Crios, Enasi gave a small nod of approval. They had the spunk, and they were willing to fight for Seishu just because of their loyalty to him. Just as Cho was willing to happily feed Seishu because Enasi said so.

[PopeAlessandros]

Rue lets out a long sigh, the energy rippling across the pool feeling soothing on his soul. The rest of the kids swimming around the rather packed public kiddie pool had at first kept their distance from their old friend, but as he regained his healthy glow of positive energy they had gotten into a spirited game of marco polo. After the morning story about the guardian's hide and seek dream Rue was happy to hunt around the pool for his friends. 'I never realizes how much I missed them until I saw them again' He sighs softly, thinking about the past week with the Nightmare Guardian. 'I use to play with them every day, and I haven't been away from them long, but it feels like an eternity since I've had this kind of fun' He doesn't regret for a second his decision to spend th extent of his stay with Seishu, however he now understands what the guardian had ment about recharging.

'I kept it all so close inside me for so long around him that despite the fun I had with him, my own sense of natural joy an wonder was being suppressed. I love Mister Seishu. He's a very dear friend now. But if I stay with him too long, I lose something. I feel such strong emotions that I ache inside all the time for him and Lord Enasi' He looks back to the palace. 'Lord Enasi. . . .Why can't you be happy? I mean, you're happy, we can all feel it, when you are, but, I mean. . . .' The surrounding positive energy keeps him from spiraling down into the sadness from the morning, but the frustration of the entire situation makes him grumble a bit. 'It is so stupid, they should be allowed to be together. It's just not right for them to be in love bot not be able to. . . .Be in love' Rue has no doubt about how his own guardian feels for Seishu, to him it being the most obvious thing in the world.

'After all, he wouldn't let someone who doesn't love him kiss him. That's for sure' With a nod to himself he waves to his friends, deciding he's had enough positive energy and is back to normal. Shaking off the water clinging to his body he darts down to where his clothes lay and jets over to a changing room. He leaves his suit on the bench, the suit not actually belonging to him but part of the stock for pool goers who forget their bathing gear. Shaking his head a bit he tries to get some of the water out of his hair, but gives up quickly. 'I know how to get dry' Stepping outside he makes sure the sky is clear before taking off. Once at a good height he takes off towards the palace at top speed. He arrives in no time, his hair completely dry form the breeze created by his speed.

As he takes the first corner in the front door he has a split second view of a blond someone a few feet in front of him before with a resounding crash he slams into the body, tumbling them both around for a good thirty feet. Luckily neither of them are hurt, Rue having slowed down just enough to keep from the impact actually breaking anything, but as he sits up he feels a bit confused at the sight that greets him. The other is laying on his back, one hand clutching his head where it had bounced off the hard floor at one point, his finger buried in now coal black locks. 'Wasn't the thing I his blond?' He wonders, sitting with a knee on either side of the other male's stomach. When the fallen minion finally looks up at what hit him he flinches as Rue gasps. Before he can do anything however Rue leans in close and in a reverent tone says, “So pretty. . . .”

Inui is dumbfounded at the complement. He doesn't even bother to bring back up his illusion as he stutters out a squeaky, “Wh-what? P-pretty?” His cheeks flush as Rue sits back with a nod.

“Yeah, your eyes, they are like rubies! And with your hair, they look so perfect!” Inui's blush deepens, not sure what to do about the continued complements on things he's spent his life ashamed of.

'Maybe he's just teasing me. . .but no, he seems like the really honest type' Glancing up at Rue he mutters. “Th-thanks. Um, may I get up now?” Rue look at him for a second then giggles, hopping off the taller male. Rue helps Inui to his feet then looks around the hall.

“Sorry about that, normally no one is in here at this hour. Why are you here?” The little fairy lifts off, hovering just off the ground so they can see eye to eye.

Inui swallows hard and before he can come up with a fitting lie blurts out, “I wanted to see the Nightmare Guardian.” he jumps at his own blatant statement, ready to say he's just kidding, but instead of laughing or getting upset with him, Rue gives him a very serious look. He feels his nervousness building as Rue looks him up and down, almost as if he assessing something about the older minion. 'Why is he so serious. Just tell me to get lost already or something' Inui turns his gaze away from the other, his usual lack of confidence tinting his energy.

The suddenly Rue nods. “Okay, you can meet him.” The black haired male's head snaps around to look at Rue, not believing he's being serious. However even as a smile finds it's way to his lips, the look in the minion's eye is sharp and confident. Unable to put any of his thoughts into words at the moment Inui simply nods in reply and as the fairy turns around, flying off at a reasonable pace he follows a few paces behind. The trip is spent silently, Rue smiling wide as he thinks of how Seishu will respond to his new friend. For in his own mind, Rue and he are already friends. A couple hallways away Rue calls over his shoulder, “My name's Rue by the way, what's yours?”

Inui jumps slightly at the sudden noise but replies quickly enough. “Inui. My name's Inui.” Rue nods in reply.

“Don't hide you hair like that. I know I ran into a blond, so you must have been hiding it. Don't do that. It's not good to hide who you really are. Besides, I like the way you look now.” Rue doesn't see the effect his words have on the very self-conscious minion but as they take a corner he smiles as a pleasant flow of happiness seems to come off the minion behind him. “Oh, and don't worry too much about it, but you have to keep your energy down around him. Positive energy makes him ill. Since he's been around me for so long he doesn't give off negative energy any more unless he's in a lot of pain. But that shouldn't be a problem right now. He's still on his painkillers.”

Inui nods silently before he realizes that Rue can't really see that. Blushing at his own stupidity he murmurs, “Okay.” Keeping his eyes on the floor he doesn't notice as they take the last corner that a set of eyes become trained on him as he follows the fluttering fairy. That is until they are less than ten paces from the rabbit man who, true to his word, spent the entire time watching over Seishu's room.

“I'm back Harper, and this is Inui. He said he wants to see Mister Seishu, and I think he's perfect!” Inui's head snaps up, his chest constricting harshly as he meets the taller male's eyes. Harper looks at him for a time, a small smile on his lips, but even with the smile Inui is close to bolting.

Until at last Harper says, “I couldn't agree more Rue. In fact, he was who I had in mind for the job.” He chuckles lightly and turns, bounding off down the hallway to let Lord Enasi know that Inui now has the approval of two already existing sentries. 'I know he should see Lord Enasi first, or at least that was the plan, but I think if Rue approves of the match, then there';s nothing to worry about' He takes a corner, ducking around some medics who smile and wave. 'After all, he knows him the best' His smile stays firmly in place as Lord Enasi comes into sight.

Inui on the other hand is floored. 'What did he mean by that? What job? Did I apply for something? What does it have to do with seeing the Nightmare Guardian? I should get out of here right now, this is all happening too fast, and I have no idea what's going on any more' However despite his racing thoughts bent on fleeing when Rue moves over to the door and opens it, beckoning him to follow, he complies without a second thought. He closes the door softly behind him as Rue darts forward to greet someone laying on an bed without any covers.

“Mister Seishu, did nobody give your blankets back?” Rue says disapprovingly.

Seishu nods, keeping half an eye on the one still standing by the door. At the distance and the particular lighting of the room at the moment he can not really make out much other than it's taller than Rue, and humanoid. “Yeah, everybody forgot about that. No one bothered to make sure I was comfy before bolting on me. . .” Rue giggles at his overly dramatic tone while he does his best to get the blankets back on the bed. Seishu Scoots around a bit until he's sitting up, smiling at Rue's efforts with the mass of fabric tangles up on the floor.

“Sorry Mister Seishu. We were all a bit shaken up you know.” As he manages to get one of the sheets into place on the bed he points over towards the door at Inui. “How about I make it up to you? I brought you a present, I think you'll like him. I ran into him in the front hall, and he said he wanted to see you so I brought him with me.” Seishu turns a curious eye towards Inui causing the minion to take a step back.

'Okay, I've seen him now. I should go. What is all this talk about being a present? Am I to be fed to him or something?! No, Lord Enasi would never allow something like that. What did that girl say the other day? He torments everyone he doesn't like. But, Rue says he'll like me. . . Well then what does he do with those he likes?' Inui feels himself shaking but once again he finds himself moving without thinking as Rue beckons him forward. As he comes into the light the eyes of the guardian widen. They seem to grow wider and wider with each step he takes and Inui is unable to stop until he's at the very edge of the bed.

Ever so slowly Seishu reaches out, a light feeling in his chest. Inui flinches bus stays in place as a cool pale hand comes to rest on his cheek. Rue watches with a very kind smile as Seishu's fingers caress the dark haired dream minion's cheek softly. “How was a gem like you born into a place like this?” Seishu breaths softly. He means what he says, unable to comprehend an almost perfect specimen of nightmare like beauty being born to a race that could never appreciate it properly. “Life must have been hell for you. . .”

Inui's mind goes blank at Seishu's words, his hands balling into fists where they touch his thin white pants. Tears fill his eyes as all the pain from growing up seems to erupt out of him all at once. He manages to nod once before falling to his knees beside the bed, burying his face into the sheet clad mattress. His hands come up to clutch at the sheet to either side of his head. As Seishu begins running his hand through the youngster's hair, siphoning off the sorrow as it comes off him in waves, he cries as he has never cried before, letting all the pain and sadness flow from him. Seishu looks up at Rue, a very sedated look on his face. “You're right Little Bite, I love this little Gem you've brought me. . .” Rue simply smiles back, pulling one of the blankets back on to the bed but leaving it near to foot as to not interrupt the moment.

[AkiBlue]

"So shall we go see the Nightmare Guardian?" Crios gestured toward the door and watched as Starla jumped forward with Finn following. Crios let everyonr go out before he closed the door behind them and lead the way.

"I've always wanted to meet the guardian. You know, to see what he's about. I always thought he'd be all..." With her hands Starla made a chomping motion and then laughed. "But he's been here this long, so I'm sure he shouldn't be all that bad." Starla giggled, and walked along side her guardian. Finn walked calmly by Crios, but did occasionally add his two cents.

"She's exaggerating. We didn't think he was a monster. Just probably mean or something." Finn shrugged and watched as Crios chuckled.

"He is mean. Don't think otherwise. But he's nicer to the ones he trusts." Finn blinked and nodded keeping that in mind. "But don't worry. He's fairly harmless."

Enasi started to say something, but a fast approaching energy made him look up. "Oh, here comes Harper." The three looked to him, a little confused until moments later the rabbit was bounding forward. He was running at a rapid pace and Starla braced herself to be ran over. She had been hit by Rue before in her life and it was not pleasant. When the rabbit stopped, Harper looked confused as she covered her face. With a small smirk after realizing, he nudged her forward after he took her place by Lord Enasi. She puffed her cheeks and hurried along.

"Rue picked up another candidate of ours. Seishu has probably seen him already, but Rue and I approved of him. Of course he's in need of your approval." Before Harper can ramble, Enasi smiled and tugged his ear lightly.

"Thank you Harper. Heh, I got it the first time. Come on you two!" Enasi laughed lightly, almost forgetting about his stress from before. He hurried the two siblings along and they quickened their pace, while Crios and Harper walked behind.

"He sure seems a lot better."

Crios nodded. "Seeing his minions happy keeps him going."

Before things could get too emotional, Harper chuckled. "You're still slow Crios. I got them there first."

"Heh, but you forget. I brought two."

With a soft knock, Enasi opens the door and gently pushes them forward. "I've got two more for you Seishu." His gaze went to Seishu's, but for only brief seconds before he looked down at the two siblings who stood at the foot of the bed, eyeing Sesihu.

[PopeAlessandros]

His tears slowly fade and eventually Inui is able to get to his feet again. He hiccups gently and almost as if it's the most natural thing in the world he climbs on to the bed and sits down. He sits sideways, his body propped up by one hand with his knees together and tucked off to the other side of his body. Facing Seishu his breath hitches a few times before he's able to speak. “S-so, I really do look like I belong in the Nightmare realm?” he whispers hesitantly. It was one of the bullies' favorite teases but as Seishu nods in reply, confirming it, he no longer feels bad about it.

“In my realm you would be considered one of the most fair, or the highest breeding.” Rue giggles at Seishu's word usage while Inui just blushes deeply. “Black has always been the color of our realm. Or, the lack of color to be precise. And your hair, the perfect shade.” Rue looks over at Inui as his blush deepens, absolutely no signs of fear coming from the older minion making the fairy smile. Normally Rue would feel a little jealous at the attention Seishu is showing Inui, especially with all the praise he's receiving, but Rue can feel how badly Inui needs it so he goes back to fixing the covers in silence. Inui meanwhile reaches up to touch Seishu's fingers, buried deep in his raven locks as he talks about the perfect color.

Seishu's hand slides down to brush just next to one of Inui's eyes, making it close slightly. “And you eyes? That color has long been associated in the human realm as evil and terrifying, so such a color would be coveted. True, minions can use illusions to be whatever they need to be, but it's always the most comfortable to do your job in your own skin, if you know what I mean.” Inui, having spent so many years hiding his looks, can not help but agree that being himself now without having to hid at all is definitely much more comfortable. However the reference to evil makes him drop his gaze for a second.

“So, nightmare minions are evil?” He asks softly.

It's Rue that answers. “Nope, not at all!” Inui turns to look at Rue, surprised that the other dream minion seems to know about such things. “Nightmare minions aren't evil, just like dreams aren't exactly good. I mean, we are all full of positive, but that doesn’t make us good. . .That doesn't make sense, but, anyways. Nightmare Minions just wanna look evil because it makes creating the negative emotions they feed on all the more easy to get. The faster they can scare those negative emotions out, the faster the human can recover from their fear. Right Mister Seishu?” Inui looks back to the guardian who nods the affirmative.

“They scare the fear out. . .So, they are helping humans?” He asks softly, the idea feeling very alien to him after all the years of learning how terrible the Nightmare Realm and those that dwell in it are.

“Indeed.” Seishu says softly, looking towards the door. 'Enasi is coming, and I just got a wicked idea' Rue sees the evil look growing on his face and lands next to the guardian with a curious look on his face. Seishu turns to the two of them, now both looking at him with questions int heir eyes. “Listen, Enasi is coming, and I just had the most wickedly fun idea.” He looks to Inui with a reassuring smile. “Don't worry, it won't hurt anybody, but it'll work best if I have both of yours' cooperation, okay?” Rue nods happily, glad Seishu is back to his old tricks, while Inui agrees a little more hesitantly. He may be completely comfortable with Seishu now, but he doesn't want to get in trouble with his lord. It takes a minute to get set up by by the time Enasi is in the hallway he's ready.

He smiles at the plant siblings as they walk right up to the foot of his bed, their energy not really in check. However for his trick to work he doesn't let it show. His gaze wanders over to his counterpart and he can not help but feel a little better knowing that Enasi is feeling good enough to look him in the eyes. After a few seconds he notices the plant siblings looking at the bed funny and he lets out a long sigh. “Awww, and I thought I'd have more time. . .” On the cue Both Rue and Inui slide up from beneath the covers, one on either side of Seishu. The both slide up right next to him, turned to face him with one arm laying across his chest. They both are the perfect little actors and let out pouty groans and bury their faces against Seishu's shoulders. Seishu slides an arm around each of their waists and gives the room a naughty smile.

[AkiBlue]

As the dream guardian walked in, he realized he forgot to mention to the siblings about losing their energies. He taps them on their heads, but instead of saying anything, mainly because Seishu started to say something, Enasi did it manually. "You don't want to make him sick." He said simply and looked up with a raised eyebrow at the sight before him. The two were crawling from under the covers and Seishu's smile only made Enasi's cheeks burn a little. Not out of embarrassment, this time he didn't blush, it was more out of disbelief. "...!" Both Rue and Inui were lying cuddle up to Seishu. He looked in surprise, mainly because Inui was not only showing his true colors, but he wasn't afraid. Enasi closed his eyes and crossed his arms, giving it a moments thought before he freaked out. Sometimes, he did nanage not to jump straight to conclusions. "Well isn't this a sight to see... Seishu has stolen my minions from me." The dream guardian with crossed arms sighed and managed a playful pout. The trick did surprise him, they had Inui to thank for that, but after a few moments, Enasi caught on to their little antics.

While Finn and Starla controlled their energies, they stared at Seishu with curiosity. That changed into shock and confusion when the two minions crawled from under the blankets. And then they began to cuddle with the Nightmare Guardian. As usual, Starla was the first to speak. "Is that apart of the job? If so, I'm sorry Lord Enasi but I don't think I can do such a task for you."

Finn looked back at the two minions before looking back at Enasi. "Is that mind control? He's making them think they want to? Won't they get sick being so close?" Both siblings had grossed looks on their faces. Not once did they show fear, but there was no reason to. After all, Lord Enasi hadn't jumped and went to attacking the other guardian, so the two had to be fine. "We'll help protect him, but I don't need to get all close and personal. I was fine with just looking him over."

××××××

"Who knew you could be so competitive fox. Heh, and I thought you were just a sick in the mud."

"I guess we learn something new everyday. Like how I never knew even a mangy bunny like you could have an adorable bent ear look."

The comment made Harper roll his eyes and cross his arms. Subconsciously, his ears straightened a bit and he mused. "Hmph, that foxhunt Seishu spoke of I'd starting to sound like a good idea."

"Oh but don't worry, you'll be chased right along with me Cotton." Crios teased on account of his fluffy little cotton tail that everyone seemed to disregard.

"Cotton?" Harper narrowed his eyes a little fully prepared for another comeback, only to be met with a bit of surprise when he walked into Seishu's room. "Is this even considered out of the normal?" After a moment, Harper shook his head with a soft chuckle.

Crios' eyebrow raised as he looked at the two minions playing along with Seishu. He gave a small sigh, followed by a smile.  He looked over at Inui, seeing him once before. He was a peculiar dream, but he paid no mind to it at the moment.

++++++++++

Enasi shook his head to the two siblings. "He's just being... himself." There was no better word to put for Seishu's tricks, especially the ones that nearby put him on edge. . . Like taking innocence from his minions. But, luckily Enasi managed not to panic and become mother duck-ly towards them. Instead, the flash of emotions before his calm were only seen in his eyes to those paying attention.

"Oh."
"Well, okay."
"We'll take the job."

Harper went over to prop himself against the wall as usual. "I see you've found a new play thing Night." He said as Inui looked much more relaxed and happy than before. He was even showing his natural looks. Whatever Seishu said made the kid pretty happy to be around him. 'Heh, now Rue may have to share. That'll be interesting to see.

[PopeAlessandros]

The look of shock followed closely by a crossing of arms and closed eyes is more than enough to make the little game worth it. 'Aww, no blush, but I can tell it kinda got to him' However the real treat comes when the kids at the end of the bed ask about their duties. Seishu's mind as always takes their words to the naughtiest place and he can not help the completely wicked grin that crosses his face at the idea of having his own little harem. 'She's even cute enough to make the cut. I normally don't go for girls, but she could make it' Rue begins chuckling lightly, face pressed firmly against Seishu's shoulder to keep from bursting out laughing when mind control is mentioned.

The Nightmare Guardian too feels a large wellspring of mirth building inside of him, but he holds it in carefully as Inui looks up at him curiously. The light shock from the doorway draws his attention to the rest of the entourage and he raises an eyebrow at the following comment from Harper. 'Ah yes, I and my antics are now well known, I am a legend before my time! Amazing aren't I?' Biting back his comebacks however he waits for Enasi to speak, keeping his grip on the minion's light. He knows he could throw Rue across the room and the little fairy would just be curious as to why he had to, but Inui is still settling into the idea of just what being with the Nightmare Guardian means so he listens closely.

Meanwhile Seishu contemplates what he saw before Enasi managed to close his eyes. 'That protective nature of his. I bet he's feeling a little off kilter with how close I now am to these two. That line about stealing his minions, wasn't completely without a touch of something real. It wasn't a completely humorous statement' However his eyebrow raises once again in question as the siblings, which they obviously are, state that they will take the job. Ignoring Harper's comment for now Seishu looks the plant minions up and down. “And just what makes you think I want you around? Did you even think for a minute that I may have a say in this, or are you so brainwashed at this point that you think as long as your own guardian says it's what he wants you to do that you totally disregard the opinion of the only other being in the universe who matches his status?”

They both seem taken aback for a moment, but it is the sister who recovers the quickest. At first she flushes angrily and snaps back. “You are only here because our lord wishes it, and it is by his will, and not yours that we are in this room. You may equal him, but you are not our lord!” A dark ripple passes through Seishu and Rue quickly grabs Inui and slides him off the bed, the both of them retreating to stand next to Crios who is in his usual spot against the wall. Both Harper and he have become a little tense, but not seeing any reaction in Enasi, let the scene play out.

Finn had tried to keep his sister from reacting, but as he watches the younger ones move away from the guardian he too tenses up. Seishu is staring at the pair of them, his eyes half lidded. However the normally seductive look is now rather more frightening than anything else. Inui clenches his fist, jumping when Rue takes his hand and smiles up at him. Inui calms down a bit but can not help but look immediately back to Seishu as a dark aura sets up around his body. From what Enasi had given him the day before, and the lifetime of pain and sadness poured into him from Inui, Seishu has plenty of energy to make a little show.

As the aura grows the two plant minions pull their weapons. Seishu raises an eyebrow, tilting his head, but says nothing. The siblings don't even seem to notice that their lord isn't acting out against the growing negative energy and instead focus on the guardian on the bed. Behind them just in Seishu's line of sight, Harper feels his fur beginning to stand on end. With a glance at Crios he can see the fox's tail fluffing up as well. 'What the hell is Seishu up to? Normally he's devious, not intimidating. Well, I don't know what he did with Crios, but for Rue, myself, and most definitely Inui, he didn't act like he was going to attack like this. Verbally maybe, but. . .' Harper's thoughts trail off as at last Seishu speaks.

The light in the room has dimmed, the dark energy enveloping the area. Seishu is careful however and he keeps it all well away from the room's occupants. Starla and Finn however are breathing hard, both of them not really sure what is going on, only that they managed to upset a very powerful being. Even if he is injured. Starla nearly jumps out of her skin when at last Seishu speaks. “You trust Enasi, right? Completely? You don't think he can be wrong about those really important matters you've all come to depend on him from, true?”

“Yes we do!” Starla snaps back, he hands tightening on her plant weapon. Finn nods in agreement, his fists tightening, the thorns seeming to grow slightly.

Seishu tilts his head the other way. “Are you absolutely sure?”

“Yes.” they say in unison, their energies meshing as the tension in the air rises.

Seishu brings his head back up with a cruel smile. “Then Prove it. Don't move.” They both look at him with wide eyes and they both swallow hard. A faint look of realization dawns on Finn's face and he motions for his sister to comply. She looks up at him with an intense look before nodding. The second her eyes are back on Seishu thick black whips of energy last out towards the siblings. He does not fault them their twitches at the sudden motions, but they hold their ground as the lashes stop bare centimeters from their throats. He holds them in place and speaks softly, but loud enough for the entire room to hear. “I have just proven how much Enasi trusts me. Even as my polar opposite, he believes in me and my actions, a kind of trust that shows a respect for me and my decisions.”

The two spare a glance at their guardian before returning their attention to Seishu. His whips retract, the air slowly clearing as he draws as much of the energy back in as he can. A light smile graces his lips as he continues. “I am glad to see you are willing to draw against me, it's encouraging, but I will say once again that I have a right here to say who I do and don't want around me. I don't expect the same things out of everybody, each being their own being and with their own personalities and talents. However,” His eyes narrow. “I do expect at least a modicum of respect even if you are not my minions. I am very fond of my counterpart, as well as my own life, so I would never actually harm you on purpose, but I also have a nearly uncontrollable temper which is most easily triggered by stupidity.” Letting out a sigh as the last of the energy clears the room his smile turns kind, his eyes soft and gentle. “So, if you would, tell me a little bit about why you think you want to take the job while Doc here keeps me from doing any real damage.”

As if expecting it Crios steps forward, pulling a syringe from his sleeve. Rue climbs up on the bed, pulling Inui behind him as they move around to the other side of Seishu so he can rest against the guardian's arm. Inui on the other hand settles a little lower on the bed, resting on his side with his head propped up on one hand so he can see both the siblings and Seishu's face. 'That was kinda scary at first, but somehow I could tell that he wasn't really gonna hurt them' the red eyed minion muses, looking to the green clad minions as they put their weapons away and seem to think seriously about what Seishu is asking of them.

Crios on the other hand leans in a little close to Seishu while administering his shot and whispers, “Kinda a bit rough on them, weren't you?” Without hesitation the Nightmare Guardian shakes his head ever so slightly.

“Unlike you guys, I can't read you at a distance. I've met Harper on the battlefield many times, so I already had a feel for him before I was trapped here. These guys however I have never met, and to get to know someone, the best way is to pull out their true nature through fear. For a Night like me at least. And before you go there, Inui is different, and I'm not saying any more on the matter of him. He is for Enasi and I to discuss.” Inui overhears his name and looks up. The intense conversation at the head of the bed makes him swallow and look over to Rue. Rue, who'd heard the whole thing just smiles at him, letting him know everything is alright. Seishu does not look to his counterpart, knowing he's going to have to hear for what he did from the red haired male, but for now he needs to focus on the green beings at the foot of his bed.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi watched quietly, taking his seat. If it wasn't enough that the Nightmare was trying to give him a heart attack, he then started his interrogation, or initiation more rather. This. . . This can't be good. As light of heart as he was, the guardian knew he would probably have to sit down for this. Before it all began, and around the time Starla decided to have her outburst, Enasi lowered his energy only to be sure that when he panicked it didn't spike dramatically. He won't hurt them, I know this. But I'm going to worry. I always do. I can't help it. He held the chair and relaxed, keeping calm.

Well, he kept calm for the most part. Seeing the tendrils lashing out at his poor babies made him hesitate inwardly. On the outside, he kept a calm facade, glancing away occasionally. When his energy rose out of surprise it wasn't noticeable considering his energy was low. The ones who were able to notice were obviously Crios and Harper. Harper of course watched the attacks with tension. Trusting him or not, it was going to take a lot to get the rabbit out of his skepticism over the other's powers. Basically, he trusted him, to an extent.

Crios on the other hand was more worried about Lord Enasi's mental stability, and Seishu's physical stability. The two were going through too much. And his little playtime could endanger him if he wasn't careful. But that was just the doctor in him talking. He trusted Seishu not to hurt the minions, he just didn't trust that he wouldn't hurt himself.

Enasi's head lowered on the chair when Seishu finally stopped. He could feel himself taking a few steps away from the edge of the cliff he was teetering off of. They're okay. Of course they are. He felt like the worried dream mothers that watched their children play around too roughly. The little whispering made him raise and eyebrow, but he ignored it.

The siblings pondered over the question. Starla started to say something, but Finn stopped her. "It's not the matter of wanting to. We don't mind helping you because Lord Enasi saw us fit, as well as Crios." Finn saluted with a small smirk. "We've been through the human realm often times, even having to subdue of those nightmares when need be. We may bit look like much, but don't doubt us so easily." There was a slight pause before he added. "And don't mind my sister's mild temper. She and I will give you the respect you deserve."

"Heh, just know. The slightest mistreatment, backstabbing, or whatever of our guardian we won't hesitate to attack you." Stella crossed her arms but sighed. "But as my brother said, we shall give you the respect you deserve."

Harper chuckled at the last part and leaned his head back. "I've barked up that tree before kids. Get in line." He smirked and Crios chuckled lightly.

Enasi laughed lightly towards their loyalty, but stayed silent, watching the interaction. So far, the plan was coming to place.

[PopeAlessandros]

Feeling his counterpart stabilize Seishu spares him a glance. Crios too glances at his lord but a few seconds later he presses on a tender spot on Seishu on purpose. Seishu growls, making Rue giggle, then the guardian looks to his doctor with an irritated look. “What? I'm relaxing, and look, Inui has done wonders for me. Though the lifetime expense isn't nearly worth it.”

Crios raises an eyebrow, unable to deny the speed at which his bruises are healing, but even that much negativity had done very little for the more severe wounds. “Let me fix the pillows a bit so you're not leaning on your arms like that.” Crios grumbles, and with a chuckle Seishu complies. As he sits up so Doc and Rue can fix his pillows, Seishu listens closely to what the siblings have to say. He stays silent, a serious look of contemplation on his face even as he settles back into his now properly positioned pillows. Despite Harper's joke, the general knows that the kids gave Seishu the wrong answer.

'Yeah, that's not going to win him over. Seishu's a tricky guy, which is why we were all a little floored over Inui. However from what he whispered to Crios, I guess the child is a special case' His ears rotate this way and that, one falling as Crios smacks Seishu in the head and tells him to be more careful next time. “Only Crios and Lord Enasi could get away with that. Even Rue would get in trouble for hitting him like that, and for Lord Enasi, Night would put up with anything. We each have what we can get away with, and you guys haven't found it yet'[/i]

Almost as if to confirm his assessment Seishu lets out a long sigh and shakes his head. “Sorry, no. You guys are in no shape to be my protectors. No matter what Enasi and the others say, you're missing something.”

Starla starts to protest, ready to say that as long as Lord Enasi orders it, that it's more than enough reason to carry out their duties. Finn however places a hand on her shoulder, silencing her as he asks, “You say Lord Enasi trusts your judgment, and I trust that now. However, could you tell us what you think we are missing? Perhaps we just haven't had the chance to prove to you we have whatever it. . .” His voice tails off as once again Seishu is shaking his head.

He lets out a long sigh. “Nope, I can tell right now.” He gestures to the general area in one sweeping move of his injured arm. “You are free to try and find out what your missing, feel free to look anywhere. I'm not saying you can never get the job, and you can come back as many times as you want to try again, but for now, go seek out the answers to your questions. Oh and,” he adds with a light smirk, “Come separately. I know siblings like to share, and I'll be able to tell if one told the other the answer.” Starla once again riles up but calms down as her brother looks to Enasi.

Crios meanwhile begins removing the bandages over Seishu's shoulder, the wound having re-opened with Lillium's blast. The blood soaked bandages make Inui cringe, but his curiosity gets the better of him and while Crios works he uses the opportunity to ask more questions about the Nightmare Realm. “So, you said before that minions scare fear out of people. What about nightmares?”

Seishu hisses lightly at the pain of having his wound examined, cringing at the knowledge that his re-opened stomach wound is next, but does his best to answer the little minion's question fully. “Well, when a particular fear is conquered, it has a chance of coming to stay in the Nightmare Realm, if I feel it belongs there, or one of my trusted minions. I have to turn down some nightmares, they not being right for and/or a danger to my realm. The same thing happens at the end of a human's life, if they die in terror. You dream dwellers avoid such happenings, so we have the chance to make out number bigger when you guys are off helping those who die peacefully.” Inui smiles faintly. He knows that dreams are only added to the Dream Realm at the end of a human's life but little more about the process.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi had been listening and watching carefully. Even though Finn had given a proper, and kindly spoken speech, Seishu denied them. He denied them quite harshly at that. But. . . Realizing what the Nightmare was talking about,  he did realize the two were missing that something that got them all together, but he couldn't put his finger on what that something was. His eyes trailed over Harper, who was listening intently. It was obvious by the position of his ears that he didn't want to miss anything important. Though, it was a tad difficult to see if Harper understood the task for the minions. The rabbit had that something as well, but did he even know what it was? 'Of course he knows. Harper is smarter than that, he would probablpy be able to help the siblings.'

Crios, the other one with that something , noticed the unnamed absence as well. He couldn't place a finger on it, but he knew it was missing from the siblings. The doctor stayed silent, continuing to help Seishu. When he was done, he returned back to his little pose of standing on the wall. Bringing up such a thing made him a little more curious, more so because he wondered how they would fair in finding it.

When Finn looked to Enasi for help, the dream guardian gave a gentle and reassuring smile. There was questioning in his eyes, so Enasi spoke. "Even as harsh as he is, it's fair. He doesn't know you as well as he has known the others. This is his way of doing things, you'll have to accept it." This statement was more directed toward Starla. He gave an apologetic smile and her frustration died down some. For Finn, he spoke again. "I'm probably not the best person to question about it. I am a half of a the whole. He's sort of stuck with me." As he said that, it was sort of a gentle and somehow painful reminder of his new found feelings. His grip got a little tighter on the chair, but he sighed, mentally scolding himself for saying such a thing.

Not just because they worried about their guardian, but Crios and Harper were always so perceptive. It was apart of their job. So the slight tensing was noticed, but neither said a word about it. Instead, Crios cleared his throat. "You still have Harper, Rue, and myself to ask. I'm sure you two will be able to understand it soon enough."

Starla gave a frustrated, yet soft grumble, and Finn bowed. "Well, my sister and I will come to you for help once we need it- which probably won't be that far in the future." He gave a light chicle before continuing. "Starla needs a little fresh air, so we'll just think amongst ourselves." He remembered Seishu saying they couldn't help each other and he smiled one more. "Don't worry, we are both as lost as can be. Neither of us can help the other." With that, the two siblings bowed to Lord Enasi and nodded their goodbyes to the others before walking out to at least try to figure out themselves.

As they left, Harper smirked. "There's a fire in that plant girl. I'm sure if Lord Enasi wasn't here, she'd have some choice words." He was sure she wouldn't care if he was fully healed, or practically dead- that temper would still show. Enasi didn't remember Starla having such a temper, but it was probably only being expressed thanks to Seishu.

Crios on the other hand began to organize and pack his things away. [If he finished, or if he hadn't done so yet.] "Finn is much more calm thankfully. And somehow is able to tolerate that sister of his. He seems to have the patience to deal with his majesty over there." Enasi laughed gently and nodded in agreement. "Their recovery has been completed, so if you were planning on trying to visit they are in the big garden. He had a feeling Rue's curiosity would lead him to wanting to talk to him- or if Seishu planned on asking him to leave he'd find somewhere to retreat to. Harper may have wanted to help them out two, so Crios said it towards him as well.

♢♢♢♢♢♢♢

"Who does that nightmare think he is... We offer to protect that mangy pest while he's practically dead and he rejects it. If he wants to be so rude, what's the point of helping him? Obviously, he doesn't deserve it. Besides, he must have enough help from two little kids and the head general." Starla was grumbling more to herself than out loud, but Finn listened to every word in silence until she was simply crossing her arms and pouting.

"Anger won't help the plants grow. Anger won't help our job. And even with all your childish complaining, we are still going to try and figure it out because Lord Enasi said we had the qualities." The plant kid stood amongst the maze entrance of the huge garden. Under the rose archway, his hand was held out as a white rose fell into his hands. "Just calm down, and think about it okay? Gardening always keeps you relaxed." He added the flower to Starla's hair, watching the stem intertwine with it and stay in place. "We can think of what makes them special? Just like how each flower is special."

Starla only sighed and nodded, following him into the garden. "You're right, as usual. Let's try this out before we go asking the others." The two shared a small laugh before sitting down in a field.

♢♢♢♢♢♢♢

Now that the two had left, they were left at a silence. It wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but it wasn't something Enasi wanted to sit through. So he decided to ask, "How is Seishu healing?"

Crios looked from the two Guardians before speaking. "The severity of it has gone down, but his recovery is still difficult considering I can only treat him with so much. And his stupid little antic could have hurt him a little. Though with as much energy he used without passing out or hurting himself, he must've have gotten a decent supply from somewhere." Crios turned to Seishu, not knowing about Inui's outburst. Enasi had felt the increase of negative energy, but decided to just have Seishu explain.
 

[PopeAlessandros]

A light twinge from his counterpart draws Seishu's gaze over to the male briefly. 'Stuck with him. Well, that is true, but it's never bothered him like that before. . .' He keeps his eyes on Enasi until he's addressed by the male plant sibling, and then only to give the boy a nod. His eyes become intense as he examines his counterpart carefully, looking for any real negative emotions inside of him, however with the low level running through the room he can't really see any that can't be attributed to that, so he returns his attention to Inui. However even though the boy looks to be ready to ask another question Seishu holds up a hand to listen to what Crios has to say. Inui looks a little sad, but Rue reaches out to tap him with his bare foot reassuringly.

“It's okay Inui. He'll have more time later to talk.” he whispers softly as the “Adults” talk. As if to back-up that statement Seishu reaches down and strokes his fingers through Inui's hair gently. The minion flops down with his head on the blankets, the feeling of the fingers in his hair very relaxing.

Seishu cocks an eyebrow at his counterpart before addressing Crios on the matter. “Gem here has been a very unhappy little dream denizen. It's been going on almost since he was born, and I was able to bust into all that pain and suffering, drawing it out.” He looks at Crios's stunned and almost horrified face. “A life long suffering like that is some of the sweetest and most powerful negative energy I could have hoped for. Gem was kind enough to share it all.” He turns to smile down at the sedated looking minion, a light blush climbing his cheeks at Seishu's words. Harper looks nearly as shocked as Crios, however gotten the slight impression that Inui had problems before when he hurriedly hid his true colors it's not quite as surprising to the bunny man.

Seishu's eyes become sharp however as his continues, his gaze traveling over to his counterpart. “However, there is more that needs to be addressed about this little one, and I'd much rather discuss it with Enasi. . .Privately.” Bother Harper and Crios look uncomfortable with the idea of leaving the two guardians alone right now, but his tone leaves no room for argument. Seishu does not look angry, but it's obvious to those who know him that he has something bothering him. Something that requires some alone time with his other half.

Inui looks sad as Rue pulls him away from the bed one more but with a huge smile and one of his patented tales of excitement he is soon able to make Inui laugh as the two of them walk out of the room. Crios scoops up his gear and bows to his lord, giving Seishu a little nod as well. As he passes his lord Crios touches his arm supportivly, his heart desperately longing to help his beloved leader but knowing that right now there isn't much he could hope to accomplish. Harper on the other hand waits until Crios passes, walking close to their lord, before pushing off and walking over to the side of the weakened guardian's bed. Pressing one knee into the mattress he comes between Enasi and Seishu, forcing the bedridden male to look up at him. Harper has a rather intense look in his eyes, but at the moment it is rather unreadable.

He leans in close so he can whisper directly into Seishu's ear. “As dream denizens we are taught that in dreams, nothing is impossible. I am sorry that I ever had to learn that what I was taught, is wrong.” Seishu can feel a light ache inside the beast man, Harper denying himself the feeling so it is locked up tight. Reaching up Seishu lays a gentle hand over the feeling, drawing out out forcibly so Harper doesn't have to be so harsh with his own emotions. Harper gasps lightly and pulls back, a look of pity in his eyes. They look to one another a moment before Harper grins and pushes Seishu back into his pillows with a paw to the forehead, the guardian not even having noticed he'd sat up as Harper came in close.

Seishu chuckles at the action, feigning hurt as he clutches playfully at his shoulder. 'He really feels bad for me, not just his own guardian. It's cute, and a bit sickening. But then again, what here isn't?' As Harper stands, rolling his eyes, he looks to his guardian with a smile and a salute before leaving the room.

In the hall the others have as of yet to disperse. Rue too wrapped up in his story to move very quickly. So much so that they haven’t gotten even tree paces from the door. Crios on the other hand is blatantly waiting for the dream, his back against the opposite wall, his eyes on the dream himself as he exits. As if on cue Rue and Inui begin actually wandering down the hall away from the room, and Crios turns to walks beside Harper as he heads in the other direction from the children. Not up for talking about anything deeper, Harper pipes up, “So, I'd still say I'm in the lead. Your guys still haven't been inducted into the ranks yet fox. Even if they are two, if Night won't accept them. . .”

Crios rolls his eyes, “I know, I know. . .I also know they'll make it eventually, so if you wanna hold on to that lead, you're going to have to find yourself another one soon, cotton.” Harper just rolls his eyes at the nickname and Crios sighs. “Do you have any idea what they are missing? I know they are missing something but I can't even figure out what it is that I have that has Seishu liking me. . .” Harper remains silent and Crios looks up at him curiously. There is a slick little smirk on the rabbit man's furry lips but before Crios can say anything the general takes off down the hall. “Wait! You know what it is! Tell me!!” Crios yells after him, startling a few of his staff coming out of the medical office. However Harper is too far away and Crios knows he has no chance of catching him. “Tsk.” He kicks his foot against the ground, wandering past his staff into the office, his mind working hard to try and figure out what he's got that makes him special.

Back in the room Seishu simply stares at his other half, wondering just where to get started. 'It's obvious to anyone who's known him for more than five minutes that something is wrong with him. However I don't want to bring up the base matter just like that. If I do it, I'll be placing an importance on in that would lead to questions. I don't feel any better about lying to Enasi than the rest of them, but I can do it if I have to. And knowing him, he'll believe me' Dropping his hand down to the blankets he flexes his good shoulder a bit, working out a kink, but his eyes never leave Enasi.

~~~~~~~~

A faint hum of life flows through the garden, the plant siblings now in perfect harmony not only with the plant life all around them, but with each other. Starla hold her hands out, one pointed towards the surrounding foliage while the other is intertwined wither her brother's. He on the other hand, with ond hand held firmly by his sister, holds the other close to his chest as he sends out his energy through the soil. His fingers splayed out over his green top s small sound rumbles through his chest, the sound harmonizing with the light note his sister is emitting through barely parted lips. The two of them have always been very closely connected to nature, and despite their fighting prowess, they've always felt their happiest being with plants and dirt.

As their simple song fades they drop to the ground happily and inhale the rich smell of the earth before rolling on to their backs with wide grins on their faces. Starla breaks the silence first, a soft sigh finding it's way out. That small sound es enough to let her brother know what she's thinking about and he can not help but chuckle at her. “I don't see why we can't share info. It saves time, you know? And doesn't he need the protection? The general can't spend all his time defending the beast, and other than gardening, we have nothing better to do. I don't think he'd mind us training in his room as long as we kept our energy down. . .”

Finn raises an eyebrow at his sister, but says nothing. 'She doesn't think he'd mind us training around him. I suppose, I mean. . .According to what we've heard, he likes fighting, so watching us train would be entertaining to say the least' Finn lets out a sigh of his own. “Rules are rules, and Lord Enasi says we should follow them.” Starla grumbles and turns to face her brother.

“I know, and I will. It's just frustrating, that's all.” She pouts a bit but Finn rolls to face her with a happy smile.

“I think it'll be fun. Who are you starting with. I don't think he'll mind us sharing our strategies.” Starla thinks about his question for a few seconds. Finn already knows who he wants to try first but he lets his sister think.

She nods to herself and he perks up. “I'm going to start with the general himself. He seems to be close without being all that close, and that's how I want to be. So I'll see what he thinks. Also, I think he's the only one who knows what's going on other than the invalid himself. Everyone else looked confused, y'know?” Finn nods in agreement before she turns the question back on him. “So then, who are you gonna ask bro?”

Finn smiles softly. “I'm going to ask the one who knows him best after Lord Enasi. That little fairy minion, Rue.” Starla sticks her tongue out in disgust, and Finn chuckles, knowing she finds his habit of being right on the Nightmare Guardian a bit distasteful. “He may not know what he has that has the guardian letting him be so close all the time, but I think I can learn a lot from him. . .”

Starla rolls her eyes. “He's just toying with us. You know that right?” Her expression falls as Finn shakes his head gently.

“No, he's right. Not only does Lord Enasi agree with him, but I think I got a sense of it every time the others interacted with the other guardian directly. There was. . . .I don't know, but it was there.” Starla just stares at him and lets out a huff.

“Whatever. . .” She grumbles, and Finn chuckles, reaching out to ruffle hie hair, careful not to mess with any of her carefully woven in flowers.

[AkiBlue]

Seishu wanted to speak with him. Alone. Instead of having to wonder and anticipate what this conversation would be about, Seishu mentioned Inui would be the topic. It saved Enasi a slight panic attack from... himself really. He knew that his mind would go a mile a minute if he didn't have something to focus on. And after his recent discovery, that still hadn't gone away, he would have that panicky feeling like he did the first time. But, instead, Enasi thought about Inui. He knew of the troubled minion who was practically adopted into the realm.  But the little minion was alone, and they didn't want to just leave him in the human realm to fend for himself.  It was quite sad, but there was not much Lord Enasi could do about it, besides keep him in the castle so he'd have fewer minions giving him such weird stares.

As Crios walked out, Enasi smiled up at him reassuringly. It was only going to be a simple talk, he didn't need to be so anxious. That was his job anyway. With a soft sigh, Enasi's energy went back to its normal low levels instead of dramatically dropping. He still tried not to show it as much, considering both of them were fully capable of reading emotions. Harper was the next to go, but before he left, it appeared he was sharing a moment with Seishu. Enasi couldn't help but smile gently and nod. How interesting. Even Harper seemed to grow on him. 

It was quiet between the two, but Seishu never looked away from him. To ease himself, Enasi spoke. "You were able to get Harper to smile? Maybe that mind control was an actual thing." He offered a light smile and leaned his head against his arm. It was obvious he was trying to make it less uncomfortable than it would've been. It would worry the minions, and that was the last thing they needed. Especially Crios and Harper. They had such a burden to carry with helping Seishu and protecting the realm. The two didn't need to add their guardian to the worry. (Of course, Enasi wasn't aware that it had already happened.)

~~~~~~

"I think we've had our fill here. We have little time to waste you know. So come on, we'll go find these guys to talk to them." Finn stood, helping Starla up. "You have Harper, and I have Rue. So that's what we'll do. Please don't loose your temper." Finn led the way back indoors as he spoke of their overall game plan.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. I wouldn't have a temper with the general. It was just... The Nightmare Guardian. He just made me so mad. Ugh... Don't worry. I won't get upset. I promise." As the two walked in, coincidentally enough, they ran into Rue and Inui who were sitting- well Inui was sitting and Rue was flying in circles to express some story he was telling. Finn cleared his throat, trying to get Rue's attention, but to no avail. Even Inui couldn't stop the rambling fairy. "Hey! Rue!" Starla called out loudly. It made Inui and Rue jump.

"Oh- Yes? How can I help you!" Rue beamed, realizing why they may have needed help. He landed in front of the two, and waited.

"Finn here wanted to talk to you and I wanted to know where Harper was so I could speak to him."

"Oh. Well Harper went the opposite way I did. He was with Crios." Rue pointed down the hall in the direction they went and Starla nodded her thanks before hurrying off in that direction. Rue was left with Inui and now Finn. Inui scooted a little closer to Rue, looking down every time Finn glanced his way. "Well, I was just telling Inui another story about when I was with Seishu! Would you like to here?"

"Hm, could I ask a question before you start?" Rue nodded with curiosity and Finn began. "How is it that you manage to be so close to the Nightmare Guardian without getting hurt?"

Rue giggled and answered. "Well, I keep my energy low all the time so I don't hurt him. And he does the same so he can save energy- and so he doesn't hurt me when I'm around. I've gotten used to it now, but I realized that even I need a small break!" He smiled and then thought the question over some more. "And how I'm able to be so close to Seishu. That's what you were getting at, weren't you? Well, I'm not quite sure. I just know that when Seishu first got here, he was all alone in the medical ward. Lord Enasi was so avid on getting him all better, but I felt that if he was going to be alone he'd suffer amd only get worse. So I decided to keep him company. No one likes to be alone whem they're sick. Liiike, if you got sick, wouldn't your sister be there to care for you?"

Finn raised an eyebrow in surprise. Rue had a big heart, and knew how to sympathize with others. Maybe that was his something . It would make sense considering how much he hugged the guardian. It was shocking to know that the guardian even hugged him back. That had to be it for Rue. But that didn't exactly help him figure out his own little trait that would set him apart from the others. Each had some little trait... But what was his..? "It's a start. I appreciate it. But, do go on and tell your stories."

And once more Rue was rambling on and on.

~~~~

It took a few turns and a bit of walking for Starla to find Harper. He had met with a few off duty guards to get a report on the perimeter. He hadn't gotten one in awhile, and he liked to be up to date with the realm.

"It's still all clear sir. Nothing new."

"Thank you soldier, keep up the work." As Harper turned, maybe to go tease Crios a bit, he nearly ran into the plant girl. "Oh. You. Come on, walk and talk." Harper didn't feel like standing around again. He needed to stretch his legs, so he began walking out a door for fresh air while Starla followed.

"Alright. I have no clue what I'm suppose to be looking for. I know gosh darn well that it's not tangible. This is some kind of emotional or mental thing or something. I honestly don't want to waste my time doing it, but if Lord Enasi thinks I'm capable of protecting that- the nightmare guardian,  then I will. . . So I need your help. Will you help me? Please?" She sounded a little desperate with her please, only trying to sell that she was serious and really wanted the help.

Harper was quiet for a moment, and then gave a small smile. "Sure, I think I can help you out."

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu's mouth twitches into a smirk for an instant. “If I could really do something like that, I know someone else I would use it one first, and I wouldn't use it just to get out a little smile. . .” His tone is highly suggestive, unable to pass up the opportunity, however before Enasi can say anything he goes on in a more serious tone. “That little Gem does not belong here. He may be a kind, sweet, timid little thing having grown up here, but. . .You don't get those colors from just any minion. And definitely never in this realm.” He decides to keep the focus on Inui for now. The bigger problem of Enasi's issues will just have to wait.

~~~~~~~~~

Starla almost skips a little in joy. Surly now she'll be able to figure it out, no problem. “So, sir, what am I missing? I mean, you're really smart, you have to know!”

Harper chuckles. “Can't tell you.” Starla's face falls and she misses a step. Before she can make a comeback however he continues. “However I can give you some good pointer, lead you in the right direction.” She thinks for a moment, pulling even with the general again before looking up at him and nodding rapidly.

“Yes sir, if you would please.” Her voice sounds very formal, willing to do whatever it takes to find out what the big secret is. She's always been curious and if she doesn't know the answer to a problem, she will seek it no matter what.

“Very well then, let me ask you this,” he begins without looking at her, his eyes instead on the hall before them, “Why do you want to protect the Nightmare Guardian?”

Once again Starla almost fumbles but recovers herself quickly, “Because Lord Enasi wants my brother and I to, and he thinks we can do it.” Harper nods.

“For any dream, dream minion, or even nightmare and nightmare minion around, that would be more than good enough. However Night is very picky. There re several things about what you just said that would have him rejecting you in an instant.” He sighs lightly as Starla stops a foot in irritation.

“That sounds like double standards to me!” Harper looks down at her curiously. Before he can ask what she means by that, she launches off into an explanation and he listens quietly. “He made such a big deal about how Lord Enasi trusts his judgment, even going so far as to pretend to attack us just to show that our lord would not interfere, and here he is not trusting Lord Enasi enough to let him assign my brother and I to protect him! I know how much Lord Enasi cares about all of us, and that level of trust for that. . . .Nightmare Guardian is amazing! How can our lord have so much trust in one who can't even pay him the courtesy of respecting his wishes?!” She gets slowly louder as she talks, at the end snapping off the last word in a shout. When she is done however she notices that Harper had not responded to her growing temper and she looks at him a little sheepishly. “Sorry, I normally don’t get worked up like this, I just. . .I don't know. . .”

Harper nods. “I know why. Seishu does that to people, and having met him now, the irritation isn't going to go away any time soon, until you learn to deal with it.” She looks at him wide eyed for a second before looking away in shame. She feels she should be able to deal with it no matter what. The fact that the guardian affects her so is a little shameful. However she looks back at Harper as he continues. “It's not double standards though. If he had sent you away out right, that would have been double standards. The fact that he's decided to give you guys as many tries as it takes is actually a great concession on his part. He's giving you guys an innumerable amount of chances to discover something about yourselves that in the future will become an invaluable thing you will not be able to imagine living without.” He smiles down at the dumbfounded minion. “For now however, you just need to touch on it. It took me to this vary day to figure out just what it is inside me that he likes so much, and now I can't believe I never noticed it.”

Starla looks at him, still very confused. Harper decides to give her one more hint, needing to get back to his duties. “Starla, what does Lord Enasi value above anything else in existence?”

She responds without hesitation. “Us. Those who dwell in his realm.”

A light shock runs through her when Harper shakes his head. “Nope. Crios and I knew this long before Night got stranded here. What lord Enasi values above all else is something that only he and Night can achieve, and something that brings them all more pain and sorrow than any in this realm can even imagine. We just. . . Didn't know that last part until recently. . . .Until we saw them together and Night showed it to us. . .” Harper had come to a stop as he spoke, Starla pausing a few steps ahead of him, turning on a heel to look at him.

She watches as his ears come to hang loosely at the sides of his head. Because of what Seishu had done Harper doesn't feel as bad as he could, but the thought still makes him a little sad. Starla looks at him, unsure if she really wants to know just what this thing is. 'I've never doubted for a second that we come fist. I know the general wouldn't lie to me, but. . .Can we really not be at the forefront of our beloved lord's values?' He stomach clenches as his ears rise once more and he meets her eye.

“Above all else, before anything else is considered, Lord Enasi must uphold the Balance. Even at his and his loved one's expense. If this were not so, do you really think he would still consent to the clashes between realms any more? Do you really think Seishu would have ever had a chance of laying a blade to any of his precious denizens. Seishu too would have stopped the fighting long ago if he could, but the balance requires that the battle take place. So, slave to this thing called the Balance, Lord Enasi and Master Seishu have different values than the rest of us and can never forget what they have to do to uphold it.” Harper's words set up a burning behind Starla's eyes and she wants nothing more than to seek out her brother right now to make everything feel better. Unable to speak she bows in thanks and runs off to find him. Seishu never said they couldn't share information, just not the answer.

[AkiBlue]

A soft sigh escaped his lips as Seishu spoke. Even if he didn't want to, Enasi knew that this was sure to come. Ever since he had brought the poor child home, he knew Inui didn't belong. But he had tried so hard to keep the boy happy, but everything he tried didn't work. He was always an outcast. It made the dream guardian a little ashamed that he couldn't keep the minion happy. Seeing his happiness with Seishu only confirmed this. Enasi pushed the chair to make it turn back and forth.

"I knew this would come up sooner or later." He looked down at the floor, not sad about it. He was more coming to terms with it. "I found him when he was a baby. He was all alone in the human realm. Of course I wouldn't just leave a cute baby by himself. So I did the next best thing. Took him in." Enasi paused, looking up at Seishu. "And no, it wouldn't have been more simple to just give him to a nightmare minion." His eyes went back down to the ground as he nodded. "Don't worry, I was well aware of it. I just didn't know how to... bring it up."

++++++++++

Finn was sitting slowly fascinated by Rue's tales of him and Seishu. They were quite interesting,  especially hearing some of the stories that included Lord Enasi. Though listening, Finn started to notice Rue skirting away from some details of the stories. He couldn't be one hundred percent sure about it, but by the short pauses and the occasional looks away, he knew something was being hidden. "This is quite interesting. You've even been around him at his worst."

Rue giggled and shrugged. "I guess so. But it's never too dangerous when I have Lord Enasi and Crios around!"

Finn was about to ask a question, but the sudden force of his collar being pulled made him yelp. He could then hear Starla yelling out. "Sorry Rue, but I have to borrow my brother for a moment!"

Rue blinked and watched Finn be comically dragged out. "No cheating!" He giggled and reminded them before sitting next to Inui. Once again, he found himself staring at Inui's eyes and hair. "Pretty. . ." Inui's cheeks darkened, but he accepted when Rue began to play with it.

~~~

"Mind telling me what's so important that you had to nearly kill me to get my attention?" Finn dusted his clothes off and looked at Starla with a serious look. He was after all in the middle of learning about how the others interacted with Seishu.

Starla caught her breath and before she began rambling. "So I was talking to Harper and he apparently knows what we're missing. But of course he won't tell. Ugh, but then. . ." Starla went on and on not quite getting to the point until Finn cleared his throat. "Oh, sorry. Well the point is, you know how normally we would think that the minions of this realm would be Lord Enasi's value? Or, he'd value us the most?" Finn nodded as she continued talking. "Well we're not. But Balance is. This whole balance thing between the two realms is more important than we are. I'm sure we're important, but we aren't number one. And I thought you should no."

Finn raised an eyebrow as she spoke, not quite sure how to react to it. "That's something. . ." He contemplated the idea, trying to figure out if it had as much importance as his sister made it out to be. "I'm not sure as of now, but just keep that in mind when you're trying to figure this out okay?" Starla gave a nod before groaning in frustration.

"This is complicated."

"We just started, relax."

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu nods slightly. “I'm glad you knew better than to do that. Unless you could get close enough to show off those colors, or even if you did get close enough, the chances of a minion not just leaving it be due to distrust is very high.” Reaching up he scratches an itch along the back of his neck. “I'm also glad you're not fighting this. It in your nature to love all under your care, especially if it's something you see as one of your own.” He give Enasi a slight smirk. “And it obvious you still care about the little Gem, even if you've always know he didn't belong. You really are too sweet for your own good.”

His gaze turns to look across the room as a new feeling stirs in his middle. “So sweet, and pure, and unwilling to back away from a challenge. I mean really, you aren't stupid. You knew he had to leave one day, just as well as you knew there was no way you were gonna beat me in our little game. But you had to take up both of those challenges none the less. . .” Seishu lets the example flow, not putting any real emphasis on the game in their world last time the were there. Instead he watches Enasi out of the corner of his eye, all of his inner senses trained on the other guardian to feel out his responses. “Though, if you think about it, you were just setting your self up in both instances for something unpleasant. Whether he stayed or left, you would be sad because either he live his life miserable, or he'd leave your side some day to join me.” His eyes narrow. “You lose, I kiss you, you win, you have to kiss me. In both cases, it's a lose lose, no?”

~~~~~~~

“So, um. . .” Rue pauses as Inui looks at him shyly. He looks to the taller male, his fingers still lost in the mass of black that is Inui's hair. The wingless minion coughs and tries again. “So, well, I was just wondering. . What do you think they are talking about. . .well, he said it was about me, but. . .you know. . . .” Rue nods with a bright smile that makes Inui relax a bit.

Dropping his hands down Rue takes a seat beside Inui, resting on his hands as he gives the question some serious thought. 'I have an idea, but I'm not completely sure, so I don't know if I should tell him, but he asked what I think, so if I don't tell him what I'm thinking then I would have to lie, and I don't like that, so I should just tell him what I'm thinking' He lets out a little huff. “I don't think you belong here in this realm, and Mister Seishu is talking to Lord Enasi about how you should go home with him when he goes back, or maybe sometime after everything settles. Or, that's just what I think is part of what they are talking about.”

Inui feels a pang in his heart, Rue's words feeling very true inside despite his life lived in the dream world. 'It is my home, by my living here, but if he's right, and I belong there, I wonder. . .If it'll be better. From what Rue has told me about it, it seems nice, and there I won't have to worry about how I look at all. And Mister Seishu seems so kind. . . .' He swallows hard. Unable to voice his concerns over his own life he latches on to what Rue said at the end. “Part. . .of what they are talking about?”

Rue nods slowly, and Inui turns to look at the smaller minion better as the expression on his face changes from just serious, to a little concerned. “Yeah. They have other issue too. Ones it's up to them to talk to us about, but Mister Seishu hasn't told you yet so can't tell you. I'm sure he will, because you two are so close already, but until then I can't really talk about it.” His gaze turns to Inui and the dark haired male feels a twinge at the sadness in Rue's eyes. “I can't think of anything more horrible than being a Guardian. . .”

[AkiBlue]

"It's obvious that he's not happy. I only want what's best for him. And if I can't give that to him, I guess it wouldnbe better to give him to someone who can." Once again Enasi looked at him, noticing the smirk before he got defensive. "Of course I care about him. I've raised him as my own. And even so, he's a kind and adorable kid." The last bit was never answered. Enasi knew he was to 'sweet for gods own good'. That's what he got for being the 'embodiment of positive energy'. It was an occupational ordeal.

As he listened to Seishu, there was a small twinge of remembrance of their little game of pouncing and attacking. And then the slight twinge of sadness of having to let Inui go. Seishu spoke of their little game as if there was nothing to it, but he couldn't believe that it was no big deal. He wasn't going to. Enasi tried to keep his emotions under control as they ran a mile a minute with his brain. Here were so many disadvantages to being so worrisome. This being one. "For the first case, I guess that you're right. I should have given him up when I could have. . . Not like there were many opportunities." He paused as he pondered his reaction when waking after the kiss. 'A lose, lose? Not necessarily. . .

That's what he wanted to say, but instead, Enasi carried on the conversation. He clenched the seat a little and focused on relaxing. "As for the second scenario, he spoke gently. "Challenges only make you grow stronger. . . They teach you life lessons and things that'll help you on the future." It was all he said before he fell silent once more.

/////////////

Finn and Starla leaned against a wall, waiting for an idea or something to strike down into their creative minds. "You've got Balance and you have these personality traits. What does it mean? What does it mean?" The plant  boy paced around in the hall. It only made it a little more frustrating to know that whatever answer he got, he couldn't say it out loud and give his sister a potential answer.

"Don't blow a fuse bro. While you think of something, I'll head back to Harper. He may have had more to tell me. Besides, like you and Harper said. We have time." With a salute, she jogged off to find the rabbit to talk to him more.

"Maybe. . . It's how- No." Finn was determined to get the right answer. Now that he had set the goal, he aimed to get to it. He slid against the wall and sat against it to focus. Maybe.... it's how each personality effects the balance- or the two guardians. . . That could be it. Finn sat on the floor thinknng it over. Sure it was something, but he had just met the guy. His personality couldn't already effect the two guardians already. So he just scratched the idea for the time being and continued to think it over. 'What does it matter? I could say I'd protect him with my life as many times as I want, but the guardian would have to believe it. He probably believes Rue because he's so seemingly innocent and in want to help everyone. It seems he wants to keep Enasi happy by keeping the guardian happy. He couldn't get the full grasp of it, and he wasn't so sure if he broke even the ice to figure it out.

Stella on the other hand had back to Harper, who was still enjoying his walk. "Figure it out yet?" He asked, not even having to look down when the girl fell in step with him.

"Not even close." She sighed and crossed her arms.

"Since you know it's not something physical, that means it has to be mental or emotional, right? Well have you ever thought that maybe you are over thinking it? Maybe it's something you feel." He shrugged a little as he walked along the castle edges.

[PopeAlessandros]

The small twinges do not go unnoticed by the Dream Guardian's counterpart. 'Wow, not only is he the master of innocence, he's the lord of bottling things up and the sultan of denying himself. It's incredible. You'd think the most honest thing alive would have no problem just telling me how he feels, but then again, he doesn't tell what's troubling him without some coaxing' Kuro feels a twinge of his own at that thought. 'I guess his feeling about that experience fall under the “Troublesome” category. That's both encouraging and wholly heartbreaking for my poor dream self' Seishu can almost see what he still insists is a separate entity from his waking self coiling into a little ball and sobbing it's heart out. However, use to watching such events being what he is he watches with little more than detached fascination.

Seishu lets out a sigh. “You really don't listen to me much, do you? I said you were right not to try and bring him or send him over. You'd have to meet with me personally for the exchange, and with how much you've always loathed me, I can't even imagine what it would take for you to seek me out on earth. You're such a little shut in up here. Running your kingdom on false smiles and masked stress.” Seishu knows he's being a bit cruel, but he doesn't know how else to handle the situation. He can not tell that the suffering of the being inside him is making his strike out at what he sees as the source of the pain.

He smirks, becoming even more irrational. “Oh, and about the kiss thing? Was that really a challenge for you? A kiss? Man, you are really pathetic some times. One little kiss to make you grow stronger. Like a kiss is such a burden.” Before he could stop his tongue he adds, “Besides, the way you just gave up like that, it was no burden, no challenge, you wanted it. You didn't care how it made me feel, you just wanted to see what it would feel like for you.” Seishu knows he messed up, but he does not let his gaze fall. He can not bring himself to back down, knowing that any backlash he gets for what he said, he deserves. 'I'm an ass, and I know it. What are you going to do about it? What do you have to say for yourself? Did you even notice my mistake or are you just going to bitch at me then run away to some happy place to make yourself feel all better. You self centered bastard' His thoughts have become far to tainted by his sadness to realize that what he's thinking is beyond stupid, and for the most part, false.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Starla crosses her arms, thinking hard about what Harper said. Then she stops. Growling in frustration. “But sir, if I stop to think about my feelings, then I get thinking about them, and then I start thinking more, and I move into over thinking.” Harper reaches out and places a paw on her head. Almost as if it is some silent command she blurts the first thing that pops into her head. “I feel like I would do anything for Lord Enasi, even if it means guarding something I have no real interest in beyond what my lord wants of me.”

Harper smiles. “Good start. You're on the right track. Now I must go. I have to do a few checks and talking slows me down, sorry.” With that he bends to all fours and takes off at speed.

“On the right track?” she murmurs, watching him go. 'Okay, if that's how I feel, and I'm on the right track, then it's my feelings themselves that are making him repel me, right? But, I know Finn doesn't feel the same way. He's got an interest in that thing. He was talking before how he can't wait to get the low down on the Nightmare Realm, and maybe some fighting tips. . .' Starla shakes her head. 'But if that's not right either, then what?' She wanders towards the garden, hoping the plants will help calm her nerves.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Meanwhile Finn has selected his next target. 'There's no point in not finding out as much information as you can before tackling a problem. So I may as well see what Doctor Crios thinks' He makes his way to the medical office quickly, bowing and smiling at a few doctors out on their rounds before making his way over to Crios's private space. The fox man looks up as he draws close. “Doctor I was wo-” Crios cuts him off with a raised hand and Finn flinches, stopping cold. Crios holds up a finger before looking back to what he was working on and after a few seconds he puts down his pencil and slides out of his chair. Motioning for the taller plant sibling to follow Crios makes his way out of the medical bay and into the fairly empty halls.

“Sorry about that. I had something important I needed to get finished. I would have lost my train of thought if you'd kept talking.” Finn nods in understanding, his sister often times leading his thoughts astray with he longwindedness. He walks beside the fox man silently for a bit before Crios finally speaks up. “I'm not sure how I can help you with Night. He's, at first glance, a very simple guy. Only wanting what he wants, and taking no bull crap from any body. A harsh temper and a cruel sense of humor, as well as a pension for tricks and harsh comebacks.” Finn nods, having heard much the same from Rue.

“So, you're saying he's not like that?” Finn questions softly.

Crios shakes his head. “Oh no, he's very much exactly that. What I said is that seems like that is all he seems to be at first.” He looks to Finn to make sure he understands what he means and Finn gives him another nod.

“So, what else is he?” he asks, honestly curious what else the doctor has seen in him. 'Maybe it's some of those little things Rue hinted at'

Crios smiles, and honest to goodness smile of fondness for his most difficult patient. Finn is a little shocked at the look, not expecting it from the usually stoic doctor. “He's. . . .A very loving, protective guy. Once he accepts something in close to him, he would die for it without hesitation. He has no real regard for his body beyond upholding the balance, and. . . .” Crios hesitates for a second, sharpening Finn's attention on to him. “He's got a side of him that is so unselfish it's enough to break even the most coldhearted jerk's heart. . .” His voice trails off but with a little cough he goes on. “He's honest, but has a way of saying things that, while honest, sound like absolute crap.” He smiles over at Finn. “He once said he's more than willing to sleep with me, and I believe him. I have no doubt of his libido, but I also know that he would never even try it because it would most likely kill me. See what I mean?”

Finn thinks about it for a second before nodding. 'He truly would sleep with Crios if it were possible without harming him. So, he's not lying about the willingness, but he's unwilling to hurt Crios so he's not exactly willing to do it. It's complected, but only a little' Looking back to the doctor he asks, “So, how did he decide you were the right person? Well, one of the people he wants near him?”

Crios shrugs. “No idea. When I first went there, I was terrified. He even threatened me, repeatedly. Then Rue pointed out he was playing with me, I said something I don't recall and then he looked at me.” Crios pauses at the memory. He may not be able to remember the words exactly, but that gaze has stuck with him. “He looked at me as if seeing something there that wasn't me. Something that I couldn't understand, nor had ever even thought to see. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to make me question myself in ways I've never thought to.” he shrugs. “After that, he and I became I guess what one could call close. He gave me my nickname then, 'Doc', and since then I've felt at ease around him.” Crios shrugs again. “I don't know really what else to tell you. . .” His gaze finds Finn again. “Any questions you think might help?”

[AkiBlue]

'I knew this was coming. For some reason, I felt that it would. . . But why does it so hurt?' Seishu starts on with his cruel words, and Enasi only listened. His fists balled, but he stayed silent and kept a straight face. 'Why is he so... angry? What have I done wrong? Why won't you just tell me-." He bit his tongue as he thought. It was very hypocritical of him to think. Even he knew he didn't tell people about his own feelings. If Seishu was right about anything, masked stress was one. But it was for his minions' own good. He didn't want to have them stressing over something they couldn't fix. 'But why can't he understand that?'

As Seishu spoke of the kiss, something struck in Enasi. It made his cheeks burn in a sad frustration, anger even. And before he could hold his tongue, he exploded. The guardian stood, planning on leaving. But not without a few words. "You know what, maybe I am pathetic. Maybe I do mask all the stress I have- but at least I'm not such a jerk about it. You want to know something? That kids was a challenge for me. As a guardian I would assume you could read emotions better than that- I always care how things make other people feel. It's the one thing that makes me, me. I care. I worry. Do I show it? No! Because I'd rather keep everyone else happy than myself!" Enasi thought about leaving, even going to the door- but instead he leaned against it.

"I didn't care how it made you feel? Seishu, you cried. Why wouldn't I care how that made you feel? And did it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe that I could have cared just a little too much? Or are you just too high and arrogant to  think that maybe after being with you for so long that maybe I didn't think you were such an annoying menace? That maybe you could have been considered a decent person? But every time I think something highly of you. . . You end up being a jerk! I don't even know why I-" His voice caught in his throat before he finished the sentence. The last thing he wanted to admit was that he actually liked Seishu- even if he had just admitted it over and over. "I don't even know why I try." Enasi sighed and slid to the floor. By that time, his voice was a whisper. His eyes threatened to tear up, but he never cried. He just sat on the floor, out of view from the other guardian. The rise and fall of his own energy had finally settled, and the occasional negative energy had disappeared as well.

The dream guardian sat there,  with his legs pulled up and his head lowered into them. There was no place he could go to hide away from the world, so he say there in silence.

>>>>>>>>

Starla sighed and collapsed amongst a bed of lilies. She inhaled the smell of the flowers and relaxed into them. She exhaled and closed her eyes. . “I feel like I would do anything for Lord Enasi, even if it means guarding something I have no real interest in beyond what my lord wants of me.” The thought ran through her head over and over. If she was on the right track, how could she get a step forward? And she wondered how her brother was handling the situation. Starla remembered she wasn't suppose to talk to him about her answers, and it only made everything a lot more complicated.

The two always shared everything. They were always in sync but now, it was a lot more complicated. "Why do you have to be so complicated?"

<<<<<<<<

Finn thought over what Crios said. "So the guardian is a softie on the inside. He may act all mean and cruel, but he really isn't." He looked up at Crios and the fox gave a small shrug.

"I don't think it's much of an act. He really is cruel. But he can't help it. It's in his nature." Crios crossed his arms, and continued walking.

"Unlike my sister, I am actually more curious about the nightmare. I wanted to know more about him. Sure, I was going to do this because our guardian said we were capable. But I actually wanted to do it."

A small smile broke onto Crios' face. "I think you're on the right track. You've started with why you want to. Instead of just saying 'because our guardian said so.' But now, I do believe it's more of what you'll do about it. But then again, I could be wrong. After all, I'm still not sure of my own something." The doctor chuckled lightly.

"I don't know what I'm looking for in order to ask a question. But, actions do speak louder than words. Do you think I'd be able to talk to him?"

Crios thought about the seriousness of when Seishu kicked them out. He frowned a little, sensing something wrong. It reminded him of his uneasiness leaving the two guardians alone. "Not as of now. Maybe later... the two guardians are having an important... discussion. Give it some time."

Finn's eyebrow raised, catching the hesitation in his voice. "Alright." He wouldn't go and sneak a peek like Starla would, but now he wondered what their important discussion was. But if the higher ups didn't get to know, he really knew that he'd have no business trying to find out.