[IC] When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

[PopeAlessandros]

Watching the explosion silently Seishu feels the part of him, the little part sobbing in the corner of his soul, tear it's way out like a wild beast. His eyes never leave his counterpart as his rage finally breaks over the white haired male, his face an expressionless mask. He can not hear even his own thoughts as he let the pain inside him grow, his soul bared to the male before him as it all pours fourth in a torrent. When at last it fades he looks to where the other guardian had vanished from view and blinks slowly. With unhurried movements he pushes the covers aside and turns, legs falling off the edge of the bed.

Without a touch of his own energy he forces his body to his feet, the pain screaming for a relief he can not give it. He has to do this, all on his own. He has to. There is no question of this. His feet hardly make a sound as he shuffles slowly across the room, the small figure of his counterpart curled up beside the door coming slowly into view. Is legs scream, his wounds feel as if they want to tear him open, but still he shuffles the last few feet forward until at last he falls quietly to his knees behind the tense red head. Without hesitation his arms wrap around the figure, his wrists crossing one another as his hands grip the other guardian's legs gently. Seishu brings his head down to rest on Enasi right shoulder, a faint sigh leaving his lips.

After a moment of silence however one of his hands slides up and carefully pulls up Enasi's head so Seishu can look him in the eyes. His expression is blank and without a word he leans in. His grip is firm, not letting Enasi pull away should he try, and his eyes flutter close as he presses a kiss to his counterpart's lips. Unlike the one from the dream, this one if firm, but tender, filled with passion without being demanding. It lasts only a few seconds but when he pulls back, his eyes are once more filled with tears. “You do care too much.” His words are simple, spoken without any feeling to them, but his eyes blaze with the fire of love now his to bare. No longer is he separate from that thing inside. No longer can he see himself separate.

This however only makes the pain worse and as he looks away from Enasi he whispers softly. “You are you, and I am me, and neither of us can be anything more or less than that. I am a guardian of a world who's very ground is deadly if you don't know what you're doing, so I don't have the luxury of being kind to my minions by withholding my worries. You are the guardian of a world where ever piece of it is designed to make the loves of those who live in it healthy, and happy, so you can keep you worries to yourself and no harm will come from it.” He twitches slightly, his fingers moving back down to hold Enasi's leg once more.

“Well, no harm except to we guardians. I have to destroy my minion's innocence and naivety before they are even old enough to take their first steps outside my palace, and you have to constantly be on edge worrying about every little thing because your underlings just don't have to know any better. We are alone in these things, and have to remain alone.” His head falls to rest in the crook of Enasi's neck, his strength all but spent now that he's said what need be said.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As Starla lay there, trying to wrap her head around everything, something strikes her. She doesn't move at first, unsure if she should take the thought seriously. Then she sits up. “He said we can't give each other the answers. He also says that siblings share things. He never said anything about the both of us working up to the answer. The general said something like that too. We don't need the answer right now, we just need to get our foots in the door. The rest don't know what theirs is, so I don't see him making us the only ones that have to know before he'll accept us. He just wants us to get our foot in the door.” Snapping her fingers she jumps up and runs off to find Finn to share her revelation.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi held himself tighter, trying to fight the tears. It was hard to do, and only harder when he felt a sudden pressure wrapping around him. It was a hug. Seishu had gotten up to hug him. That was more than enough to get the tears to flow. His silent sniffles made him shake lightly, and he mentally scolded himself for being so sensitive. Eventually, he slips a hand up to wipe the tears, but never showed his face. His head was lifted, and the look in Enasi's eyes was much different than Seishu's. He may have had a blank look but Enasi's eyes were full of sadness and frustration still.

But then. Seishu kissed him. It was different from the first time. Not only did have so much more feeling, despite it being seconds, but Enasi. . .kissed him back instead of letting it happen. 'You're going to be the reason I go crazy... And probably break.' The redhead could only hold on so much to his senses. He let Seishu speak, not interrupting once. This time when Seishu hugged him, Enasi hugged him back.

The first thing he managed to say, with a broken voice was, "You're an idiot..." He wiped an eye and spoke again. "And Crios will be upset to know you got out of bed. We want you healed remember?" Slowly, the dream guardian rubbed his counterpart's back and then began to help him up. Carefully, letting most of Seishu's weight rest on him, he walked him back to his bed and then pulled the blanket over him. Instead on walking off, he sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, not facing him. His head slumped into his hands and he gave a drawn out sigh.

"I'm. . . I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get upset with you." Well, what did you expect? Of course the dream guardian would apologize.

((((((((((((((

Coincidentally for Starla, Finn was making his way to the garden himself. He needed to relax and being cooped inside didn't help. "Finn!" He focused his gaze to see his sister waving him down. He made his way down, taking in the fresh air and the nature around him. Quietly, he sat by his sister and laid down closing his eyes.

"Talk to me flower." He stretched in comfort.

Starla smiled at the little nickname and began her rambles. "So I've been thinking. We don't need to know the answer."

Finn never moved from his rejuvenating. "Explain."

"Think about it. None of the others know exactly what they have. But they know something is there. We just have to have that first step. I was talking to Harper and when I told him that I'd be willing to protect something I had no real interest in, he said I was on the right track." It wasn't sharing information, and Finn had an interest in the nightmare, so she spoke. "Now we just need that first step... unless that is first step."

Finn opened his eyes, realizing that that was true. Crios even said he didn't know his own something. So why were they trying so hard? Finn still wanted to talk to Seishu, but he decided to save it for later. Before the siblings came in with their revelations.

[PopeAlessandros]

Enasi's arms had curled back into an awkward hug and as Seishu settle into the soft feeling of it a smile plays on his lips, hidden from the other. 'You really are the only one Enasi. Our lives suck so much. . . .' At his first little comment on Seishu's intelligence Seishu gives Enasi's neck a playful nip in response. His smile turns to one more his style as it occurs to him just how flexible his counterpart is. 'I guess, working with his body more than I do, he would be more limber' He lets out a sigh, rolling his eyes, but he does not object when Enasi pulls him to his feet. The pain lessens as he lets his energy flow through him. Still held in tight so it doesn't touch Enasi, he manages to let it touch all of his sore muscles none the less.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The siblings talk for a while, compiling all they had figured out, and mulling over what they think they can learn from it. Finally Starla looks at her brother. “Finn, I know you're curious about him. It's been a while since Doctor Crios said you should wait, so why don't we just go check. I mean, I really want to find out what it is too, but maybe. . . .Maybe we can't really do it out here. Remember, he lies without lying. Maybe we're suppose to just keep coming back until he says we can stay. Since we don't need the answer now, just the idea, I think the best way to figure out our progress is to check with him.”

Finn thinks, not sure if he agrees with his sister, however his curiosity soon gets the best of him. “Yeah, let's go see him. Maybe Lord Enasi will still be there and we can watch them for a while.”

Starla nods. “Let's go show that. .that Night what the Plant Siblings can do!” She reaches out, a leafy vine wrapping around her hand. Finn nods, bringing his own hand up, covered in thorny tendrils. The two touch palms, the plants winding together for a few seconds before they pulls back and climb to their feet. With a giggle Starla dart in front of her brother and they race through the halls to Seishu's room.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Seishu settles carefully into the bed, knowing Crios is going to be able to tell he did something risky again and wincing at the idea. 'If he wasn't my doctor, he'd kill me himself' He rolls his eyes at Enasi's apology, and feeling very childish at the moment, reaches out and snags the other guardian around the middle. With a little leverage an maneuvering he manages to get Enasi so he's settles on the pillows next to him. One arm is around behind Enasi, his hand clamped gently around the other's hip while they both lay half reclined on the growing mound of pillows Rue insists on bringing in each day. Before he can object Seishu grabs the corner of his sheets and proceeds to clear the rest of Enasi's tears away before dealing with his own.

Just as he gets settled however the door crashes open and the siblings tumble into the room. He holds tight to Enasi to keep him from leaving the bed and just watches with a look of detachment at the wrestling match on his floor. 'It's difficult to make out, but I think they are arguing on who got here first' he muses before they finally climb to their feet in a huff. The two spare Enasi a glance, looks of confusion and bewilderment mirrored on their faces, but they both shake it off. Almost as if they are reading each other's minds they think, 'Our lord's relationship with Night is complicated. Best not think of it for now'

Then their focus shifts to Seishu. Starla steps forward first, he hand reaching back for her brother. He looks confused for a moment, then slides up next to her, intertwining his fingers with hers. His gaze shifts to Seishu as well and he tilts his head curiously. Stella on the other hand sticks out her tongue. “We don't have your answer yet, so we can come together all we want.” Seishu resists the naughty urges at her word usage, letting her continue. “Finn has his ideas, and I have mine, but we are siblings and we're gonna keep being that even after you're long gone. So I'm not going to hold anything back from my brother no mater what you say.” She can feel Finn tense, but he doesn't interrupt her, his eyes still train on the Nightmare Guardian. “It's not that I don't have any respect for you, I just am not going to believe that you're as mean as you pretend to be. If you were, no one would like you, especially not the way they do.”

Finn finally speaks up. “Lord Enasi may have presented us with this opportunity, but we are now here because we want to be. You have done something to our fellow denizens that have made them better. You have shown them a part of this world that they never new existed, and because of your presence they will never be the same. I don't know if that will happen for us too, but I want to see if it will. We will never give up.” As he falls silent he knows how campy it all sounds, but for him it is the truth, and putting it any other way would not feel right.

Seishu stares at them the whole while they are speaking, looking one to the other, then down to their hands intertwined before shifting back up to their eyes. Tilting his head so it lays on Enasi' shoulder he watches as they both adopt odd little smirks at the motion and with a light chuckle he concedes. “That's more like it, Tweedle n' Dee.” They look at one another, tying to figure out which is which real quick before Seishu calls their attention again. “As your first duty, can you get Crios I think I tore some stitches.” The both blink at him before their gazes fall to his midsection. Sure enough, a light blossom of blood can be seen spreading beneath the surface. Knowing Starla's faster Finn lets his sister go while he moves in closer to see it there's anything he can do.

[AkiBlue]

'This has taken a turn for the unexpected. A nice one albeit, but still this is a lot to take in.' Suddenly, there was a slight pull on him and he was pulled backwards. With a few maneuvers, and maybe a squeak or two of surprise, Enasi ended up laying next to his counterpart. He was about to move, but when Seishu wiped the tears away he only glanced away. And then he realized, he didn't want to leave. Laying there next to him was rather comfortable. He decided not to say anything, letting the moment hit him. 'Was this really happening? I wonder if Crios really knows what he's doing...'

Thinking that he'd be able to get comfortable without being bothered, he decided to snuggle a little closer. Not too much, but enough to be more comfortable. And then along came the plant siblings. His first response was to sit up and maybe move, but Seishu held him tighter and for some reason, he mentally thanked the guardian for keeping him still. A light blush came to his cheeks as they gave him curious looks. But luckily, he wasn't given much thought because the siblings had more important things to handle.

He listened quietly, occasionally run fingers through Seishu's soft hair when his head rested on his shoulder. The two rambled on, and there was a light smile as Seishu finally accepted the siblings. He could see the happiness in their eyes. As one darted off, the other stayed and gave a curious look. "Blood? Seishu!" Enasi sat up from his comfortable position, only to be pulled back down by his Seishu's light grip. "Why did you get up...?" He sighed, lightly pressing the wound with a pillow to slow the bleeding.

--"""---""

"Doctor Crios, Doctor Crios!" Starla rushed to the fox's side as he headed back to his office. The doctor had almost expected Rue. He was normally the one so excited to see him or get his attention."

"What's wrong?"

Starla was rather excited to get her first job, so when she made it to the doctor she bounced on her toes. "Seishu said he tore stitches. He needs your help! Come right away!" Without even waiting she ran off back to the room Seishu was held. Crios had a moment of deja vu watching her run off. She reminded him of Rue a little too much for a moment. Maybe not in his affection, but in energy.

With that, he followed and walked to Seishu's room.

"Found him for you!" Starla returned, seeing her brother sitting there, eyeing them curiously. It seemed the two didn't need to pay much attention to him considering he didn't say too much.

"Seishu you must have a death wish..." Crios arrived to see quite a sight. Enasi and Seishu were both cuddled up in his bed. The doctor's eyes widened in shock and his tail twitched immediately. "Well, this is interesting." The words and the surprised stares made Enasi slide down a little more to retreat to the blankets. But he never left Seishu's side. "How did this happen?"He spoke as he got close in order to inspect the injury.

[PopeAlessandros]

'He really does love my hair' Seishu muses as Enasi has another one of his little panic attacks over his reopened wound. He makes sure to stay as still as possible while Enasi tries his best to keep his blood in his body. “Really? Why? You can be so dumb sometimes.” He murmurs, placing a light kiss to the top of Enasi's head to keep him from getting too mad at the comment. He lets out a low happy purr at the direct treatment from his counterpart, wondering how long it's going to take to hear the same noise from the male. 'I'm still determined to hear it. We may be on the edge of something dangerous, something that if handles wrongly could be beyond bad, but I never go back on my decisions once made'

Finn moves to the other side of the bed, the interplay of strange energy between them keeping him fascinated. He doesn't even notice when he take a seat on the other side of the bed from Enasi. 'Normally when I'm around Lord Enasi, I feel happy, his positive energy so strong. . .But this, this is different. It's like they are playing off of each other' He looks up at his sister's entrance, smiling at her upbeat attitude. However when the doctor soon follows he stands and gets out of the way.

Seishu cocks and eyebrow. “I have no such wish. Death sucks, trust me I know.” He chuckles at the sight of Enasi trying to hide, pulling the pillow away so Crios can get to work. Starla wanders over to stand next to her brother and Seishu fires the a fond glance before replying to Crios's inquiry. “Well, We were talking, I bit Enasi's head off, he ripped me a new one, and I had to hunt him down in my own room so we could kiss and make up!” Crios raises and eyebrow at the statement and the siblings' eye widen.

“I see.” Crios says shortly, cutting away the bandages and pulling out his needles. “And you absolutely had to hunt him down and kiss him to make up? You couldn't just, say, apologize from your bed?” There is a tenseness to Crios's voice and Seishu knows that there is more to his question than the words themselves.

Seishu's smile stays firmly on his lips, but his eyes become serious. “Nope. Fight was a little too serious for that. And I didn't kiss him, I said we kissed and made up.” His voice takes on a note of sadness as his voice trail off. T wasn't like either of them had blatantly expressed their love for one another in words, so Seishu, pessimist that he is, does not begin to assume such things.

Crios remains a little tense as Seishu speaks, doing his work quickly but expertly. Then with a little sigh he relaxes a little bit. 'He's still keeping to his promise, not that I ever doubted he would, but still. . . .' “Well, I'm glad you made up, but next time, keep yourself in bed or I'll have your hide for a coat, got it?” Crios gives him a withering look before smiling at Enasi. “I'm glad, too, that you seem to be feeling better. We were getting a little worried about you.” Pulling out a pair of scissors he clips the thread to Seishu's new stitches and cleans the area before asking Enasi if he would help him put on some new bandages.

The plant kids watch the interaction, Starla watching with rapt attention to see if she can pick anything up, and Finn with open curiosity. “I think Doctor Crios and the others have a better sense of Lord Enasi than we do.” Starla whispers. Finn nods in agreement.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With a sigh Rue looks off towards Seishu's room. Sensing a settling in the riled energies he counts to ten before standing up. Inui stands with him a curious expression on his face. “What is it Rue?” He murmurs. His cheeks still a little flush from Rue playing with his hair yet again.

Rue stares off towards the room a few more seconds before responding. “I think it's time to go back. The feelings there have changed.” Inui can not sense the change, but he takes Rue's word for it. Together they set out towards the Nightmare Guardian's room, Rue breaking out in yet another story. Inui does not mind however, happy to finally have a friend.

[AkiBlue]

"Not as dumb as you. I wouldn't reopen wounds." Enasi lightly jabbed as he was kissed, not minding it at all. His purr reminded him all too well of the challenge, but he said nothing of it. Enasi noticed Finn's cute little fascination,  but left him to watch. He wasn't hurting anyone, and it didn't make him feel too odd about laying next to Seishu. It was probably the naivety of the plant minion thst had him more comfortable. Crios on the other hand, him knowing their relationship far longer only made Enasi ponder on his thoughts about him at the moment. It still felt as though he knew something, Harper and Rue as well, but what that was, Enasi could not figure out.

When Seishu explained what happened,  a light blush formed in his cheeks. It wasn't anywhere far from the truth, but because Crios took it as 'Seishu's antics' he couldn't help but do so. 'Seishu, you could have just apologized from your bed...' He thought, but stayed quiet and let the two converse. Enasi wiggled away some to give Crios more room to work, even though the doctor insisted he was fine.

"What in the world did I miss?" Starla whispered to her brother as they watched the interaction. Crios was so calm around Seishu, and the two were sure that the guardians were never that close . Kissing and making up? Was that just some metaphor, or was he serious about it? Finn held a similar look of surprise as he too watched. The only answer he could give was a shrug. "Sheesh, I leave for a minute and I miss everything."

Enasi smiled a little when Crios calmly threatened the guardian. Their little interaction was always amusing. Somehow, the doctor managed to get away with such a thing. An immediate guilt seemed to hit him next. "I'm fine, thank you. But there really was no need to worry." He sat up a little more, still sitting by Seishu's side. "You have enough on your plate as it is. There's no need to add me to that."

"With all due respect sir, we would worry anyway. As our guardian, we want the best for you just as you want the best for us." The two spoke, one more fixiated on the bandaging while the other more casual with his natural talent. Enasi was going to retort to his comment, but only sighed and nodded. He didn't mean to make them worry, and it only made him feel the need to keep himself in check better.

+++++

"And that's the end of the story. Well that one at least." Rue was flying above Inui as he spoke, but soon fell to his feet when he opened the door. To his surprise, he spotted his guardian and Seishu cuddled up on the bed. The dream guardian didn't know Rue's grins could get any larger. It was evident that he was about to squeal in delight and talk a mile a minute but thankfully, Crios cleared his throat. Rue relaxed, still grinning from ear to ear though. As to why he was smiling oddly, Enasi wasn't quite sure until...

"They look so cute and comfortable." He giggled to Inui, only getting a blink and nod from him. "And you seem a lot better Lord Enasi. I'm glad you're okay!" And to prove he was, he flew over and hugged his guardian before giving a large smile to the other. He hovered over them for a brief second, but decided best to let them stay as they were.

"Now I really know we have been left in the dark." Finn whispered. If even Rue, a minion with no rank knew more about the guardian than they did, something was definitely up. And now, he really wanted to speak to Seishu.

Enasi managed to withhold the blush from Rue's comments, but couldn't help the internal sigh when he found it he was worrying as well. So it's probably our little group itself that is worrying... I should really be more discrete.' The guardian stayed silent, only watching as the two took seats on the opposite side of the room from the siblings. Thankfully, the room was large enough to hold all the minions without feeling over crowded.

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu does not approve of Enasi moving away, but he sighs and lets him go. 'It couldn't last forever. I know, I know. . .' He sits like a good boy, letting the fox treat him without complaining. However he can not help but raise an eyebrow as Crios threatens him. “A fox wearing a guardian suit. It's almost worth ticking you off more to see it. Crios fires him another withering look and Seishu eeps in fear playfully. He likes the feeling of Enasi helping with the bandages and simply smiles with the experience. 'The best for him, huh? I'm not sure the powers had that in mind when they made us. I doubt that will ever be my dear Doc'

When at last Crios is finished he pulls back with a nod. The twins move in a little closer, trying to get a better look. But at that moment Rue and Inui come in. They take the opportunity to see even more interactions with the Nightmare Guardian. Seishu watches Rue flutter over, a little curious as to just what they've been up to. 'I can sooo feel a kind of new emotion from Gem, but I don't think Rue has noticed. . .For such an observant little thing, he's really oblivious sometimes. Adorable, but annoying' Adopting an overly dramatic look of sadness and hurt Seishu looks over at Rue with a trembling lower lip Crios rolls his eyes and begins packing up. Inui looks a little shocked, bout a touch of suspicion enters his gaze right before Rue giggles and launches himself into the air.

Not wanting to get Crios mad at him Rue lands on top of Seishu as gently as possible, wrapping his arms around the white haired guardian's neck. Seishu hugs him back with a little growling before throwing him off the side of the bed, causing him to roll over Enasi's legs before he catches himself with his wings and flutters over to sit beside Inui once more. Finn cocks his head, kind of understanding what just happened, but Starla on the other hand pipes up. “What was that all about? I thought positive emotions made you sick Night?”

Crios looks over to Starla but remains silent as he finishes packing. Seishu looks at her a little sideways, mimicking her brother. Finn notices, blushes, and sets his head back upright. Seishu however keeps his head tilted. “Affection isn't positive per se. Neither, strictly, is love. Which is why I can love my minions back home. Certain kinds of love are positive, like a mother's love for their child, but that's not the case here. Here, what just passed between us there, was the equivalent of all the good will of a hand shake from a stranger on the street as far as positiveness goes.” Rue looks interested in the analogy and giggles at the thought. He knows that Seishu is kind of teasing the siblings, but lets Seishu have his fun.

Starla looks flabbergasted but Finn then chimes in. “So, it did make you sick, sort of, but it something you've grown so use to it doesn't bother you any more, like the way Rue can tolerate the negative energy you let off once in a while?” Starla looks to him then back to the guardian.

Seishu smiles at the green clad male. “I see you've been taking lessons from a particular doctor. . .” He trails off, looking at Crios with a sly expression on his face. Crios however ignores him and instead looks to his own guardian. “I think Harper is doing his checks with now Lord Enasi. He'll most likely want to report right away, and Night here needs to rest. No matter what you do, h will not rest with you here my lord, and we both know it.” He glaces over at the two small minions, knowing that Seishu will rest with them around. 'I'm not so sure about the plant siblings, but I do not want to order them away. Besides, I have a few questions for Lord Enasi. . .'

[AkiBlue]

Enasi watched everyone, not needing to say much through the interaction. Crios seemed to be ignoring them all as well, but eventually spoke up. Having to leave Seishu's side was rather saddening, but he only nodded and complied to the doctor. "I guess you're right. He does need his rest." So slowly, removing himself from the comfort of staying by him, he got up and stood at the side of the bed. "You two should get going as well." He said towards the plant siblings.

Both got up and bowed to their lord, but as one started to depart, the other one stayed. Starla stopped at the door, waiting for Finn. "If I may sir, I'd really like to ask him a few questions. It would be really quick and I promise he'll be able to get rest." Finn looked sincere in his asking and Enasi gave it thought not minding it, but he glanced over at Crios to see what he thought.

At first the doctor didn't say anything. He wanted to say no, and to leave the guardian be but there was no argument against it. "Make it quick. Unless Night doesn't want to talk to you, then you're out of luck. " Was the doctor's response. Enasi smiled gently and nodded, moving away from the bed. As he did, Rue reclaimed his spot on Seishu's bed and pulled Inui along to get comfortable on the opposite side of him.

Enasi nodded to them and then followed Crios out the door, noticing something that seemed to be pulling at him. "Is everything alright Crios?" His tail wasn't twitching so he didn't believe it was an extremely serious matter, but whatever made Crios feel that way should have been addressed.

+++++++

Starla raised an eyebrow towards her brothers quitaron, already sensing that it would be a boring questionnaire that she didn't want to sit through. "I'll be in the gardens." She patted his shoulder and walked off. Finn was still quiet, awaiting an answer if he could ask him questions or not.

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu was kind of expecting the boy to stay so even as he cuddles the two little minions in close to him, Inui sprouting a fervent blush at the touch, the guardian keeps his eyes on Tweedle. Once the three of them are alone Finn begins without hesitation. “Could you tell me what the big difference is between our realms? I mean, more of, why they are different?” Rue giggles, batting at Inui who responds by sticking out his tongue.

Seishu becomes thoughtful. 'I know of several great big differences, but I think he's asking for the non-obvious ones. That however isn't something he can understand. He's not a guardian' With a sigh he points out as such. “The major differences, other than it's always night there, almost everything there is beyond dangerous, and I have to raise all the kids, are as simple as what fuels the realm itself, but that too is obvious. I can not really answer your question because, being a minion, you lack the proper faculties to understand the answer.” Finn blinks, but then nods in satisfaction. 'Oh, tricky little guy. He wasn't looking for the answer, he was looking to see if there was one. He was checking on us guardians, and not the realms. Clever fellow' Seishu smiles at him.

Finn moves right on to his next question. “Why do you like Rue? He began as the embodiment of what it means to be a dream minion. It could not have been pleasant at first.”

Before Seishu can answer however Rue adopts a haughty tone. Doing his best impression of Seishu he says, “Because he makes me laugh, and takes any crap I throw at him.” Finn and Inui look at Rue, stunned, but Seishu on the other hand begins laughing, pulling out a pillow so he can smother the little fairy with him. Rue giggles and squirms his way out before sliding back up beside Seishu with a wide grin..

Looking to Finn, Seishu smiles. “What he said.” he murmurs before kissing the top of Rue's head and pulling Inui into a tight one armed hug, making the red eyed minion blush even deeper.

Finn tilts his head, deep in thought. 'Rue takes his crap, Crios doesn't take it or ignores it, and from what Starla tole me, Harper doesn't really take it at all, but returns it in kind. So, taking his crap isn't actually a qualification, it's something Rue, and I assume, Lord Enasi specific' Not having ever seen his lord's retaliations against Seishu, he goes off of what he does know about his guardian, who always takes everything in stride. 'Or so I thought. Apparently he's been troubled lately, but I didn't notice. . .'

~*~*~*~*~*~

As they walk together Crios fills Enasi in best he can about Seishu's condition. “Ever since the little one, Inui, joined, Seishu's energy levels have evened out, but he still has to be careful. I'm sure he saw no other way when he got up during your, hem, conversation, but he really is far too reckless.” Unsure of exactly how to broach the subject however Crios just dives right in with his question. “Um, sir, I was wondering. Seishu said you were to be discussing Inui's situation. . .What would that be exactly? I mean, if it's my business. . .” His voice trails off but he looks at his lord hopefully.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Finn isn't one for hesitating when it comes to gathereing information so after a brief moment of deep inflection he moves on, waiting to digest all the fats until he has as much as he can. “Why was Lord Enasi upset earlier? You'd both obviously had been crying right before we walked in, and from what the others have said, he's been upset since before that.”

'Cutting strait in I see' Expecting something of the sort he ignores the looks of sadness on the ones in his arms and keeps his gaze locked on Finn. “That is a two part problem involving Inui, and something that will take a little more explanation.” Finn nods, waiting patiently. “Of the first case, you may want to listen closely Gem.” Seishu murmurs gently, watching the blush race once more across the little minions cheeks but this time he looks at Seishu with terrified interest. “This little Gem here was born on earth, to one of my minions, and then abandoned. My minions, for the most part, don't have paternal or maternal instincts so it's not the most uncommon thing. But normally one of my kind finds the newborn first. However this time, it was Enasi who found it.” Rue cuddle sin closer, laying a hand on Inui's arm. Seishu rustles his hair lightly and adds, “That is why I raise all the kids.”

With a sigh Seishu goes on. “The rest is simple. Enasi couldn't exactly expect any minion to trust him enough to bring him to me, and being the nice guy that he is, he took Gem in and raised him here. After seeing him with me however, he knew that if Gem is ever to be really happy, he'll have to come back to live with me when all this settles down.” Seishu spares Inui a light peck to the top of the head, a light flow of tears finding their way down his pale cheeks. “See, he still loves this little Gem very much, but that's why he wants what's best for you. . .” He waits until Inui settles down, Rue stroking his hair gently, before moving on to the next portion.

“As for the other reason, the reason he's been upset since before Gem, has to do with something we share that the others know about and you don't as of yet.” A sad expression crosses his face as he looks to Finn. “See, before we came together here, whenever either of us went to sleep, were were dropped into this terrible nothingness. In this place, we couldn't even hear our own voice. It was, and will be again, the most horrible experience that we had to undertakes any time we fell asleep. Not fun.” Finn looks a little sick at the thought and Inui stares at Seishu with a tear streaked look of horror. “However, after coming here we discovered that if we fall asleep at the same time, or at least are asleep at the same time, we can come together in a world all our own, that each time, becomes something different. It changes to suit what we need, and is, so beautiful. . .”His voice trails off as he thinks of all the amazing sights.

Inui looks a little more relaxed now. “When we are there, there is no positive and negative, we can't even really feel bad about anything, it keeps us happy and fairly neutral to one another. We can interact closely without having to be careful. It's nice.” Finn looks a little uncomfortable, the look on Seishu's face being a little less than innocent. “While there, I fell in love with Enasi.” This sudden confession rocks Inui and Finn to the core but Seishu goes on before they can respond. “I fell in love, and now live day to day with my heart crushed by the knowledge that I can never tell him, and I can never let him love me.” His gaze slides to the ceiling. “In our last trip to our world I played a stupid little game with the condition of the tiebreaker being the loser had to let the winner kiss him.” He smirks. “I won of course, but the act broke me, and I cried in front of Enasi right before we both woke up.” His head falls to the side to look at Finn, an eyebrow raised. “You can guess from there what was upsetting him,. Well, part of it. I think the other part has something to do with something I can't discuss. I don't assume things like that aloud.”

Finn takes a few minutes to gather himself back up, Rue and Inui muttering softly to each other while Seishu watches with a sly smile. Finally he looks to Finn as he lets out a little cough. “One. . One last question, then I'll go.” Seishu raises an eyebrow, waiting patiently. “Why, hem, why did you make us, I mean, why were my sister and I tested.” Finn is obviously still a little distraught, but he wants to get the question answered so he can leave and find his sister.

However Seishu rolls his eyes. “That would be telling now, wouldn't it?” Finn's shoulders slump in disappointment but before he can excuse himself Seishu adds, “Buuuut, You feel more in synch with your sister now, don't you?” Not sure what he means, unable to think about it too hard, Finn shrugs. With a little bod he heads for the door but a word from Seishu stops him. Looking back to the guardian he looks at him questioningly. The look on Seishu's face takes his breath away, his veins turning cold. “Enasi can not know how I feel, and you will not tell him.” Though it is not a question Finn nods none the less and with a small noise, he quickly exits the room.

[AkiBlue]

Enasi walked alongside of his doctor, listening carefully to his doctor. Without much hesitation, he responded to his inquiries.

"It was bound to come up sooner or later." With a sigh, he continued. "Inui wasn't born a dream minion like you or Harper or Rue. He was born in the human realm, by nightmare minions. But his parents weren't anywhere around- nor were any of the other nightmares. So I did what I thought was best and I took him in to our home. Ever since then, I've tried and tried to keep him happy, but I know he's been so miserable." Enasi looked down, a little saddened once more, but continued. "Seeing him so happy with Seishu only confirmed that he didn't belong with me. And I only want the best for the little minion,  so he's going to go with Seishu when he's healed up."

It wasn't hard to spot the sad look in his eyes and Crios almost regretted asking the question. He knew the minion was different, but he never knew why it didn't occur to him before. The features were obvious. Maybe it was because he didn't meet other nightmares as often as the rest of them. The doctor wanted to say something, maybe even comforting him as he always tried to do for them. But there was nothing that came to mind. "I wonder where Harper is with that report." Enasi said gently, patting Crios' shoulder. It was a silent way of telling him that it would be okay. This struck Crios a little, making his tail twitch.

"I'm not sure. He might have gotten a little slow." Crios teased the rabbit to ease his mind.

---

Finn left silently, hurrying to his sister. She had to know what was going, even if he only knew the surface of the situation. This was really more than he ever thought about. To think that Lord Enasi had so many worries, and so many burdens- it was awful. "Hey Finn!" Hearing his sister, he ran over and hugged her, seeking comfort in her.

Starla immediately tensed, hugging her brother, frowning. "What did that guardian do? I will personally rip him a new one." She almost growled, only calming down to see the gentle and sad look in Finn's eyes. "Tell me what happened." She needed to know why she was about to attack the guardian before she did so.

Finn nodded,  relaxing and sitting in front of his sister. When she reiterated what she wanted to know, Finn spoke. "He told me...the truth. Things that our guardian really goes through. And, it's so sad." Before she could ask, he told her everything that Seishu relayed to him. All except for the lover thing. He knew his sister well enough to know that might have accidentally blabbed to the world about Seishu's confession. The only way she would have silenced was if she witnessed the guardian's cold threat as well.

"Wow...that's so..
 surreal." Starla said as she and her brother laid in the grass. Both of them thought over the words that echoed in their ears. "And he said all of this?"

"Every last bit. He even asked if we felt closer to each other as siblings. Do you?"

"I dunno maybe..."

"Same here."

[PopeAlessandros]

Walking together with his lord Crios changes the subject over to the others under his care. He smiles softly as he speaks of how well they are healing, and how well the newly promoted medics are doing. But even as he speaks on these matters, his mind continues to flicker back to Seishu's treatment. 'I know he'll have to go back to the human realm, and soon. But until he can at least walk without tearing his stitches, he can't even think about it' A funny little scene plays through his head of Enasi carrying Seishu down the halls and through a portal. His small smile widens but with a little cough he dispels the image. 'Yeah, he would never put up with that, not even to save his life. . .The balance maybe, but not something as menial as his life'

This thought brings up a new one in the fox doctor's mind and with it his tail slows to a stop. 'But, aren't they tied into one another?' Turning to his lord, unaware that he'd fallen silent he asks, “What would happen if Night died? I mean, he's being so reckless with his life, isn't the balance more important? Shouldn't he be doing his best to stay alive? With him dead, the balance would be broken, right?” He looks into his lord's eyes, very confused.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Harper, slightly winded, comes to a stop just outside the soldier's office. He'd just taken a run across the entire length of the barrier between realms and made it back to the palace in record time. 'No problems with the wall as of yet, but I don't see that being the case forever' he muses, slipping into the office to check out the reports on his desk. Seeing that all is well he quickly turns and bounds off, feeling Enasi close by, to give his report.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Inui buried his face into Seishu's shoulder when he gives Finn a death glare. Even Rue looks away from it, but as soon as the green clad one is out of the room the little fairy snuggles in close. Glancing over at Inui Rue speaks softly, knowing Seishu's suppose to be resting. “So, you get to go back with Mister Seishu when he returns? I'm jealous. I don't want to change sides or anything, but I want to see the realm at least once. It sounds so beautiful.” Inui looks up, his eyelids at half mast.

It's still hard for him to accept. The fact that he's really a Nightmare Minion, it scares him. Seishu settles into the pillows, content to hear the boys talk for a while while he works on his wounds from the inside. In a soft timid voice Inui asks, “You really want to see it? You're not just saying that? Can't you go see it eventually? I mean, Mister Seishu is here. . .” He trails off, glancing up at Seishu before looking back to Rue.

“Well, I guess I can go eventually if I get the okay from Lord Enasi and Mister Seishu, but only for short visits. Mister Seishu is only okay here because he's so strong. Me over there, the negative energy would be very bad for me. . .” Rue shrugs. “I really really do wanna see what it's like over there. I've heard about so many beautiful places, and Mister Seishu says there are some minions there that would love to race me, heheh.” Inui giggles along with Rue, having experienced Rue's speed first hand.

[AkiBlue]

He was delighted to hear that his minions were healing up well. And about the new medics as well. He made a note to go visit them and stare a little of his energy to make the process faster.

“What would happen if Night died? I mean, he's being so reckless with his life, isn't the balance more important? Shouldn't he be doing his best to stay alive? With him dead, the balance would be broken, right?”

It was a question bound to be asked. They had heard so much about Balance and how it kept things orderly, but no one ever seemed to ask what would happen if the negative outcomes occurred. But being in the dream realm, they didn't have to worry about such a thing so it was understandable why they never asked. His expression never changed as Crios asked the question. It was something he had come to accept. He had no choice, it was apart of his job. "Well you see, I am only half of a whole. Seishu of course is the other half. If he falls, then I fall as well. Always remember that too much of one thing is still a bad thing. Even too much positive energy. If he dies, his realm will probably go into chaos with no ruler, until a new one is reborn. But that couldn't happen if I'm still around."

Already, Crios' eyes were wide in disbelief. Who would have thought, that if one died they both did. It was such a cruel world for them. By then Harper had made it in sight, catching all that was said. He froze in his tracks with a look of shock as well, unsure of what to say. "We as guardians come in pairs. But I don't know how it'll work if Gin comes into power- if he succeeds in his plan. He'll have to fill in the empty half which is a big responsibility. But since he isn't a true pair or a natural born guardian, I don't believe it would work. Balance is more important to us, because it keeps the ones we love alive. I think he's trying his best to stay alive- maybe not so much on the getting better part. Seishu knows of this duty we have, but we normally face these things alone in the safety of our homes. Being so close has caused more... problems than we realized it would-"

The sudden sadness made Enasi stop. He turned to see Crios tearing up, and immediately stopped to pull him into a hug. "It's okay, it's okay. I've already come to terms with something like this. That's why I had to heal him when he was left bloodied in our realm. And you are the best doctor so this won't be difficult at all. Please, don't cry for me. I don't know why I told you so much. I try not to get you all involved in such things." Crios bit back tears and sighed, shaking lightly. This was just as bad as his relationship with Seishu!

Harper's ears had fallen slack add he walked over to the two. "But- that... That couldn't be true? It- It can't. But why aren't you so worried about your own death then? Why aren't you on bed rest or somewhere where you won't get hurt? You can't die. I- We need you here. Is there nothing we can do?!" The rabbit got a little hysterical, making Crios let go of Enasi and looked with a bit of hope.

"Is there something we can to do? This can't just be it...?"

Enasi gave a gentle smile, hugging the soft bunny as well. He couldn't keep the tears back like Crios did. A few of them leaked out before he managed to wipe his eyes. "All I ask of you to, is to keep Seishu alive. His death will lead to my own. And you must stay positive, I can't have two of my most powerful and trusted giving off negative energies can I?" He gave a light smile to their solemn faces and both straightened up as much as they could.

Crios and Harper nodded slowly. "Oh. The- the report." He cleared his throat and spoke. "There's no problems with the wall sir. Everything looks fine, but we will continue watching and observing to be sure." He didn't want to overwork his guards,  but after the recent news, he wanted to make sure they weren't so careless during their watch. Enasi smiled and nodded.

"Good. We aren’t in any immediate danger. And it's okay Harper. You can give them a break. If they're over worked now, if the fight actually comes our way we won't be able to defend the other minions." Harper nodded, walking next to Enasi, on the opposite side of Crios. "Heads up you two. You can't feel defeated now. We have a people to protect and heal." Saying all this with a happy disposition reminded him of Seishu's 'masked stress' ordeal. It really was true how much he tried to keep the others happy over himself.

[PopeAlessandros]

With a sigh Crios give Enasi one last hug before waving his way off to his office. “Bye Hops, oh, and, I'm in the lead again.” He sticks his tongue out but darts away before Harper can reply, the flames leaping about his lower half to give him speed. Harper's ears fall for a moment, but then they snap back up, his chest puffing out.

“I will not lose to a two bit fox!” he says with conviction. Turning to his lord Harper gives him a salute. “Sorry to leave so suddenly, but I think I figured out something to keep my spirits up!” He hangs his head a little, touching Enasi's shoulder. “Please, never leave us, Lord Enasi. . .” His voice is soft but after a second his competitiveness comes back and like a shot he's off, heading for town. He has a good idea of where to start looking for the next little addition to Seishu's defense team. 'That is if he isn’t in trouble already' He thinks to himself, rolling his eyes as he recalls all the stupid antics of he target. This dream has to be the only one who alone can keep Harper busy for weeks even in the middle of peace times.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Fluffy white ears twitch gently, the soft breeze carrying with it the voices of a few off duty soldiers. A small head rises, directing it's full attention as they begin speaking about the creature's favorite subject: Pranks.

“Yeh, I overheard them talking about it.”

“The plant siblings? What really happened?”

“Well, apparently, that Seishu guy had hidden two minions under the covers,”

“Two minions? I though only the fai-”

“Don't interrupt dude, yeah two! The second is that weird guy, Inui. But any way, he hid the minions under the covers, and then had them slide up, all pressed against him and junk, like a couple of human hookers, y'know? And he was all like, “Man, and I didn't have time to get to the good stuff.” or something like that.”

“That's sick dude, but ballsy. You said even Lord Enasi was there and was stumped for a minute?”

“Yeah, too funny, right?”

“Yeah.”

The small figure stands and stretches, it's long fluffy tail lashing back and forth happily. It's eyes close in a big yawn, but as the yawn fades his eyes open once more to reveal happy sparkling orbs of pure bliss. 'That Seishu. . . .He's my idol! Oh, if only I had rank to see him. . .I tried sneaking in, but there's some sort of barrier in place. You need some sort of special permission. . . .Ohhh. . .If I could only talk with him, at least once, and share my prank repertoire, I just know he could give me some pointers. . . Rasha rolls around atop the little arch he's resting on, his little paws batting the air as he whines to himself.

He had indeed tried, several times in fact, to sneak into the Nightmare Guardian's room, however the barrier was put up by Lord Enasi himself and there was no way a low level nobody would be able to make it's way through on nothing more than a will to meet the prank master. Whining a few more times he rolls right off the arch. About half way down his form changes in a ripple of silver smoke. With a light click of fine white shoes he lands on his two now humanoid feet. Looking very much like a fairytale prince clad in a white uniform Rasha slides his hands into his pockets, the dark blue cape resting over his left shoulder shifting back and forth as he begins walking down the white cobble stone streets of this part of town. His light silky silver hair falls across most of his face, hiding one eye and half of his sly smile. One vivid blue eyes skates around the area, looking from something to do, the only vestment of his animal form swaying seductively back and forth behind him like a cat on the prowl, the foofy white mass sweeping the ground occasionally. 'What I wouldn't give to meet with him just once. . .'

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rue pokes playfully at Inui. Inui pokes back. Seishu pokes them both, making them giggle. He knows he should be resting but he can not help but play a long with them a bit. “Mister Seishu. . .” Looking down at Inui Seishu raises an eyebrow. “Is it really dangerous in the Nightmare Realm? Rue said there's some scary things there too. . .” Rue gets little somber, an apologetic look on his face as he glances to the guardian before hiding his face.

Seishu lets out a sigh, ruffling the little Fairy's hair before turning to Inui with a gentle smile. “Yes indeed, there re very dangerous places in my realm. . .In our realm.” He corrects himself, causing Inui to look down, still a little uneasy at the idea. “However,” he murmurs, bringing Inui's gaze back up. “I will assign you to Kaila, I think he'll like you, but even if he doesn't because it's something I order he'll obey without question. He'll make sure to teach you all about the dangers.” He gives Inui a slightly hard look, making the minion swallow. “You will have to work hard over there though. Kaila is a hard but fair teacher, and as long as you are making an honest effort, he will not get harsh with you.” Inui trembles a little, but nods, a spark of determination in his eyes. Seishu ruffles his hair too before settling back against the pillows with a sigh. 'Training will be fun. . .He's so innocent. . .'

[AkiBlue]

Enasi smiled once more as the two minions scrambled off. Harper's words rested with him as he began his walk to the medical ward. "Don't worry Harper. I'll try my best." His voice was a whisper, and he continued walking down the hall.

~ ~ ~ ~

His ears stayed straight up, listening for any sign of a struggle. In the town, it was rather peaceful mainly because it was the dream realm. And yet somehow, one creature managed to disrupt the peace more often than normal. Why would a dream minion want to cause so much trouble? 'That kid would probably fit in great with the nightmares.' Harper sighed and continued walking along. If he ran, he knew he'd probably miss the sly creature in his animal form.

"Yes, that mangy brat broke my wagon."

"He's a real nuisance... Just awhile ago he had animals roam through my garden!"

"Can't wait for one of the guards to catch him."

They were talking about the kid. Harper didn't need to ask to hear the unnatural annoyance in his voice. 'Getting warmer' The rabbit thought as he searched for the rascal. The town was fairly populated today, filled with happy people and the usual works of the town. It didn't stop Harper from being able to maneuver through the crowd, nor did it hinder his search. He recieved a few greetings from the residents, and returned them with a smile.

As Rasha wandered the streets, he froze amongst the crowd, spotting Harper before the rabbit could spot him. Immediately, he turned with his tail swaying behind him and went in the opposite direction. "Uh oh. Time to go~" He smirked and hurried off. It was once again a game of cat and mouse. This time, he had a new challenger. It was normal for the regular guards to show up and try to capture him, sometimes succeeding but most times they failed. This time, there was a general on the playing field. "Heh, why else would he come to the town?"

Before Rasha, could disappear from sight, Harper spotted that fluffy white tail. "Gotcha." He smirked and took off after the male. Harper was close on his heels, easily able to catch up with the shape shifter. But when they turned a corner, Rasha disappeared, only for him to catch sight of him in animal form scurrying under a gate. "You're making this a lot harder than it has to be." He jumped on a crate, and then over the gate, never stopping the chase. There were times when Rasha would side under carts and wagons, but Harper managed to be near him at all times.

"Sheesh this guy is good." Rasha said as he shifted into his human form once more. A wide grin plastered on his features when he looked back and noticed the rabbit out of sight. "Heh, you'll never take me alive cop-!" As Rasha turned to escape the busy street, he found himself face to face with the rabbit general. His eyes widened a little and his tail dropped as he whirled around in confusion. "How-!? How did you do that?!"
Harper chuckled and grabbed the boy by his collar, dragging him off. "I'm the general. Heh, I'm not about to be unmatched by some trouble making kid." The male frowns and crossed his arms, having no choice but to accept his defeat.
"So what am I going in for? And for how long?"

"Oh, no no. You're getting a special task. Think of it as community service. And it'll get you away from the town- and I can keep a watchful eye on you." This made Rasha blink in slight surprise, now ready to twenty question him until he spills what he has to do.

~ ~ ~ ~

Enasi walked into the medical room, greeted with plenty of smiling faces. "It's lovely to see you all are okay." With a slight pout, he noticed one who was still under heavy watch. "How is she?"

One doctor sighed and looked down at the minion. "Her energy is low, and it seems like her body is rejecting all the energy we put into it. I don't think she'll make it."

With a soft sigh, Enasi leaned over and kissed her head lightly. He could sense the negative energy dispelled in her and he gently touched her stomach. With a glowing hand, he whispered, "Purify" and with his own pure positive energy, it eradicated whatever minion's attack that caused it. Almost instantly, her energy rose and he smiled over at the doctor. "You should be able to do the rest." Immediately doctors went to her aid, as Enasi went to sit with some of the patients to listen to their tales, and to just be around them. It was always nice to listen to them rattle on about how brave or how strong they were in their fights.

He listened with interest, occasionally putting his own gasp or question in to show he had been listening. It only excited them more to know that Lord Enasi cared so much and was intrigued by their stories.

[PopeAlessandros]

“So is this going to be a permanent thing? Can I at least have a final meal? Can Cho make it? I heard he's the best, is he really? I can't have carrots though, so can I have a meat meal? Will I get my own room? How many rooms does this palace have? Whens the last time I actually did something worth this treatment? How far are we going? You can't really believe I did all those things people blame be for, right? Are we there yet? Can I go to the bathroom? With this require heavy labor?” Harper’s ears twitch in irritation, the never ending stream of questions not having stopped since he nabbed the dream. Rasha is by no means small, about the same size as Seishu in fact, so the task of dragging him all the way to the palace and through the halls, all the while listening to an incessant stream of questions he has not intention of answering has got the poor rabbit man a little on edge.

However just as he's about to snap at Rasha to shut up the dream falls silent. Immediately suspicious he stops and turns to look at the dream only to find himself a little spooked. Rasha's eyes have gone wide and when Harper stops he gets to his feet. The rabbit does not let go of his collar as Rasha begins straitening his clothes, the look on his face one of awe and disbelief. Harper blinks, ready to ask what the hell is going on. Then, he notices where Rasha is looking. 'That's the hallway leading to Night's room' He raises an eyebrow and the pieces fall into place. 'Oh for the love of all things good, I've once again found one who actually wants to see Night. He must have tried to before, that's the only way he'd know that that is the right way to his room, since Night is keeping his energy in check' Looking the dream up and down he lets out a sigh at the expression on his face, his nose twitching at a scent he tries his best to ignore coming off the other male.

Meanwhile Rasha has seem to forget everything else save for the fact that he is so close to his idol's room. The paw on his collar keeps him from rushing off to try once more to make his way into the room, but every fiber of his being aches to do so. He turns his wide wonder filled eyes on to Harper, tears gathering in the corners. Suddenly he starts begging. “Please, I know you have clearance, I just wanna see him once! One look, that's all I ask. Just being so close to the master of my trade, I could die happy. I will do a million years of community service for this opportunity. There will never be a chance like this again, I'm begging you General, pleeeeaaaase!?!?!” The tears remain trapped in the corners of his eyes, adding the the sparkle of his pleading gaze.

Unable to resist the opportunity Harper adopts a harsh but thoughtful look. Rasha's hands come up, grasping together in front of his chest in a pleading fashion as Harper pretends to think hard about it, a very doubtful look on his face. 'This is mean, but I think Night would appreciate it' Finally he lets out a sigh. “Give me just one month of no antics to disturb the peace and I'll let you see him.” Rasha's tears finally fall, but only a couple as he thanks Harper over and over, cleaning his face with a handkerchief. Harper watches, trying not to burst out laughing, as once again the trickster makes sure he's looking his best before coughing lightly, his composure back in place. With another sigh, not letting the boy's collar go, Harper walks towards the hallway, stopping a messenger to tell him to tell Enasi that he found another one. The messenger nods, not asking what he means by it, just bounding off, happy to have a job that will take him to Lord Enasi's side.

Meanwhile Rasha tries to calm his breathing as Harper pushes open the door to Seishu's room. Being nice Harper lets go of his collar so the dream can walk in without looking like the delinquent he is. Seishu and the boys look up at the sound of the door opening Harper walking in first to take up his usual position. “How you doing Night?” His question is sincere, but holds a not of playfulness. Rasha begins walking in slowly, hiding behind a pillar by the door, a little too nervous to just walk right in.

Seishu raises an eyebrow at the waving white fluff by the door but responds with his usual sarcastic tone. “Oh, just fine. I've got my love slaves, so I'm fairly set here. I think I'll just let Gin have his way. The lovelies around here are irresistible.” He notices a twinge from Harper at the comeback and adds gently, “Nah, I'll just take them with me after crushing the little selfish upstart.” Rasha flushes happily at the banter, his tail wriggling around like a trapped snake. Harper had felt a bit of irritation at Seishu at the mention of giving up, but Seishu's correction made him relax, a soft smile on his lips.

Turning to Rasha, still in hiding, Harper raises an eyebrow. “I bring you here to meet your idol and all you can do is hide from him? Get out here and present yourself properly!” He barks lightly. Rasha jumps, a petrified look on his face, but an instant later his face smooths out into a calmer expression.

Sliding out from behind the pillar Rasha looks to Seishu, his cheeks flushed. At the sight of Seishu laid out on the bed, a minion on each arm looking at him curiously, the guardian's hair spread out behind him like a fan, Rasha feels himself getting a little aroused. Well, a little more aroused. The jacket he is wearing covers any evidence of this however and he is able to speak in soft tones. “My name is Rasha My Lord, and I have to be your biggest fan sir. Tales of your pranks are legendary and I have memorized them all. From the ones you pulled into the human realm, to the ones you have orchestrated here in the palace itself. It truly is an honor My Lord Seishu.” Rasha bows deeply from the waist, holding the pose as he tries to get control of his body.

Seishu meanwhile casts a glance at Harper to see if the guy really is this way, and Harper gives him a nod, a poorly controlled smile on his furry lips. Turning his attention back to the prostrated dream Seishu gives him a smirk. “Wow, I wish I always got such arm receptions from you dreams. I may have spared more of you if I knew I had fans.” Rasha twitches at the comment, his heart fluttering as Seishu acknowledges him as a fan. Rue however is overcome by giggles, Inui not far behind with light chuckles.

Harper calls out, before they can get any further. “This guy has been causing me almost as much trouble as you and all your denizens combined over the years. I'm sure you can make use of him.” At this Rasha's head comes up and he whips around o look at Harper. The bunny general finally laughs and waves a finger at him, “I'm still going to hold you to the deal, but you don't have to serve it out until after Night goes home, alright?” Both proud of the general's trick, and ashamed that he fell for it, Rasha just nods, his mood swinging down in such a way that he almost involuntarily shifts into his animal form.

At the sight of the fluffy thing Seishu's eyes go wide. “Rue, fetch.” In an instant Rue is in the air, dive bombing Rasha he lets out a startled noise as he's scooped up and carried through the air over to the bed. Still quire turned on he tries to hide the fact with his tail but is he's dropped into Seishu's lap he simply becomes petrified on the spot. Then Seishu begins petting him and a whole orchestra of happy noises issue from the little cat thing as Rasha practically falls into ecstasy.

'Heaven. I'm in heaven!' is all he can think as Seishu continues to stroke his soft body, his arousal hidden against the blankets.

[AkiBlue]

Harper watched as Rasha nearly fainted in shock to see the guardian. His nose twitched once more as the smell on the male grew stronger. "Pitiful..." He mumbled and watched the two interact. His ear lifted a little when Rasha turned into his animal form. Almost instantly, Rue lifted him up and tossed him on Seishu's lap. Harper couldn't help but shake his head in disbelief. "Maybe you can keep him as a pet... I'm sure he won't mind." He couldn't believe how much the minion was fond of Seishu. The only thing interesting out of the sight was seeing how Rasha would fair against Seishu's favorites.

"So, are you gonna keep the pet or do I have to throw him in a cell now?"

- - -

"And so, after allll that, he was left with a pie, a penguin, and a-" Enasi paused and watched as a little messenger bounded forward happily. "Oh, hello there." There were a few sighs as Enasi stopped his intriguing story. The patients had all gathered to listen to the story, only pouting when he stopped.

The minion looked up at his guardian sheepishly. "Pardon me my lord, but Harper told me to relay a message."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

"He said, 'He found another'. He didn't explain what it meant, but he did say that you knew what it meant." He looked up and gave a hopeful look.

Enasi smiled and hugged the small messenger. "And I do! Thank you dear. I'll get going right away." As he stood, a few complain, wondering what the last thing was to his story. "Oh! My apologies! It was a pie, a penguin egg, and a baby dragon." There were a few laughs, and then a few gasps of shock as Enasi laughed lightly before waving his goodbye and leaving. They all waved and said goodbye to their lovable guardian.

With a light hum, he walked off to Seishu's room. It wasn't long before he could sense five people, one being a new one. "I was called?" He said with a smile as he walked in. He walked in to see Seishu petting a familiar cat. "You brought Rasha here?" His arms crossed with a slight smile. "I'm guessing it only makes sense for trouble makers to be together." He earned a chuckle from Harper, and a giggle from Rue. He took his place in his chair, watching as Rasha was too delved into his own little fantasies to pay attention to his own guardian. 'How did I end up with this twisted little minion? ' He thought in a playful manner as Rasha purred an cuddled against him.

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu chuckles and smiles at Harper. “Yeah, I think I'll keep him. After all, how could I say no to this face.” Placing a long thin finger beneath Rasha's little chin he tilt's the dream's face up so he can look into the cat thing's eyes. Those large fluffy ears fall back and his bright blue eyes go so wide it's almost comical, if it wasn't so cute. Harper lets out a light laugh, then a sigh. Rue reaches out to touch Rasha's soft tail but the dream catches sight of the movement out of the corner of his with. With a little growl he tucks his tail in tight and presses up against Seishu's belly. Rue looks taken aback at the sudden change in mood, but after a second Rasha is back to contently purring and mewling as the guardian begins petting him again.

Inui tries his luck next but before he can even get close Rasha swipes at him with a light hiss. “Now now, no attacking my little ones. They are here to stay, and if you want to stay, you will put up with them.” The hard note to his voice makes Rasha wish he could die on the spot, curling up in a little ball and sobbing. Seishu stares at the miserable fellow for a full minute before stroking his fingers through the soft fur once more. “Hush now Little Lokitt. Just be nice to your siblings.” Rash gets the reference right away and falls once more into ecstasy. The other three in the room however give Seishu curious looks.

“Like, god of mischief, and he's a cat, Little Lokitt, get it?” Rue nods, having heard a few stories about the legendary figure, Harper too recalls the so called gods and laughs lightly. Inui however feels a little left out and curls in closer to Seishu. Rasha watches him closely, his fur coming up a little bit, but as Seishu bid of him, he doesn't strike out against the intrusion. Just then the door opens and his counterpart walks in. Seishu felt him coming but didn't bother to wonder about it. Harper, good general that he is, obviously told Enasi about his discovery via messenger. Rasha flops slightly on to his side so Seishu can scratch his ribs and Harper scoffs again.

Rolling his eyes Seishu looks to Enasi with a smile. “Yes indeed, I have found the perfect little pet! Did you know he was my biggest fan? Well, still is, but. . .” He gives Rue a sly look but the good natured minion just shrugs, reaching out and giving Rasha a light pat. The little dream pauses at the touch, baring his fangs slightly, but then he spots Enasi and goes completely still. Seishu looks down at him curiously but instead of an answer Rasha turns and crawls under the cover, his body resting atop Seishu's thighs. It has been a very long time since last he saw Enasi and then it was only at a distance. Rasha has never been good around authority figures, and Enasi is no exception. Seishu is curious about the reaction but settles for patting the lump in the blanket as he looks to Enasi. His gaze it mischievous, but soft. “So, how goes it on your end?”

[AkiBlue]

Enasi only watches as Rasha scrambles under the blanket. With a slight sigh, not of sadness, he nods. "Actually, I did know he was a rather big fan of yours. And his little pranks show such." He rested his head in one hand, still watching the lump. "Though one thing I must have gotten wrong is his personality. Heh, I've heard he's so calm and suave, but seeing him now makes me think quite differently." Harper chuckles at the thought was spoken aloud. He too thought that Rasha was a lot more calm and collective, but oh well.

"My end?" He gave a curious look to such a devious one but merely shrugged. "Well, I was telling a story to the patients. They are all healing up thankfully. Everything is just fine on my end." Everything with my realm, not regarding you is fine, I should say.' He wondered what that was all about, but decided to let it go.

Rasha decided to stay under the blanket a little longer, despite the obvious teasings. The excitement for Seishu to continue petting him was too great and he ended up wiggling back up soon enoigh in order to get petted. Once again Rue and Inui wanted to pet Rasha like small children would want to pet an animal, but once again he curled away from their touch. Rue stuck out his tongue and leaned closer to Seishu just as Inui had done. He noticed how tense it made him get, so he was probably going to use it to his advantage.

"I guess I should have mentioned that you might have had some competition, huh?" Harper said with a small smirk as he watched the display. There was no way Rue was going to let Rasha kick him and Inui out. And Harper doubted Night would have accepted that either. 'Hm, where's Fox so I can gloat. Even if we both brought two minions, mine were picked without all that work.'

"So now you have Rue, Inui, Crios, Harper, Rasha, Cho, and myself." He noticed Rasha's confusion and he explained further for the new one. "It's a special group to protect Seishu basically. Some of them protect on different ways. Like Crios healing him, or Cho making sure his food isn't poisoned. Stuff like that."

The minion's eye went wide as he learned the news. 'I can't believe it! I get to be with my idol and help protect him! He's going to be so impressed! The excitement practically seeped out of him. He was going to be Seishu's guard! That would mean so much time together. The minion could have fainted. It was literally a dream come true. Now of only his other fantasies would come true. . . He was pulled out of his wandering fantasies when someone petted his tail. He turned happily, but once he noticed it wasn't Seishu, but Inui he had growled and forgotten his idol's words. Once more, he swiped at Inui, making him pull his hand back quickly.

[PopeAlessandros]

Seishu raises an eyebrow when Enasi admits to having known about Rasha all along. “What, you knew about this adorkable little fanboy of mine and you didn't tell me right away?!” He has a note of false hurt in his vice which make Rue giggle. “You're a terrible host Enasi. . .” he mumbles over dramatically and sniffles slightly. Inui too begins laughing at Seishu's antics but quiet down as Enasi begins speaking again. He chuckles softly. “Of course, people always act different around the people they like. . .” He keeps his eyes down on the lump as he says these words, not wanting to make it sound as important an observation as it could be. Seishu nods vaguely as once more Rasha comes out from beneath the covers, but rather than petting him right away he watches the little ones interact with the little fur ball.

Rue, despite having no intention of fighting over Seishu, can not help but tease Rasha as Inui had done. 'He likes pranks right? Isn't that kinda like teasing. I've been watching Mister Seishu for a while, and he's always 'getting a rise' out of people. If that's pranking, then I can agree with Rasha, it's fun, as long as it's done in good sport' Rasha curls in close to Seishu's chest with a huff before giving a look of confusion towards Harper.

'What? So many? I'm going to have to beat them all off with sticks! He mewls pathetically, begging for pets from Seishu, who still withholds the physical attention so he can watch. As Harper goes on Seishu watches as he gets more and more excited.

The excitement below the waist so to speak has not gone unnoticed by the perceptive guardian but he waves it off as the true fanboy spirit. 'It's natural. I've seen many a minion in my realm sporting the same salute, so this is nothing new to me' He chuckles lightly at the thought but when Rasha once again lashes out at Inui his eyes narrow to slits. Without hesitation his finger snaps out to tap him harshly across the nose. Rasha lets out a startled frightened noise and freezes on the spot. Before he knows what's happening Seishu has him up by the scruff of the neck and has him at eye level. “I do not give third chances.” he hisses and Rasha flinches.

The absolute pathetic display of the little cat thing for the following minute is so sad that Seishu is actually a little afraid Enasi's going to get mad at him for making Rasha react like that. However he eventually calms down, his tear soaked cheeks dripping a bit as both Rue and Inui look at him with sad tearful eyes. His little paws wiggle as his tail hangs limply. He sniffles a few times before turning his head best he can to lick at Seishu's hand. The small warm tongue catches him a few times but Seishu gives him a little shake and he stills. “You will not attack them. If you really don't want them to pet you, tell them that. In my realm, I would expect you guys to fight, in fact I find it funny, but here we follow Enasi's rules.” Seishu does not look at Enasi as he says this. 'Thank me later Enasi. I think this may work to straiten him out a bit, or at least make him less destructive with his pranks' Rasha nods his furry little white head slowly, still sniffling.

'I swear, I won't break another rule again, please don't hate me!' Rasha knows that he can never give up pranking, but he does vow to keep all of his pranks inside the law from now on. Looking to Rue, then to Inui, and then back to Seishu, he then drops his gaze. “My Lord Seishu is my idol, and I've always wanted to meet him. I don't hate you guys, but could you let me alone for now. I would never ask you to leave, but I wanna just pretend for a bit. . .” The desperate sadness in his voice makes the two minions on the bed 'Awwww' and Harper roll his eyes once more, but at their nods Seishu drops Rasha back on to his lap. The little cat thing curls up, and epic purr coming from him as Seishu begins petting him a lot like an old spy movie villain. Spotting Seishu's other hand close by on the blanket he belly crawls forward a few inches before re-curling and nosing out to lick at the pale hand.

Inui giggles and watches the cute display while Rue cuddles in close and looks over at Enasi. Before he can speak however Harper coughs lightly. “So, they are recovering? That's good. Night over there may have the whole place to himself soon.” He chuckles as Seishu rolls his eyes. “Yep, his very own wing of the palace. . .” Harper is unsure of how to broach the subject but he desperately wants to start working on getting Seishu back to where he belongs. 'All other things aside, if they really can not be together, then the faster we break them apart, the better'

[AkiBlue]

"Well I wasn't sure if your little fanboy would be roaming free. The guards seem to have a problem with him more often than anything." He spoke with a calm tone, bit seeming to be upset about Rasha being so wild. Though there was a sounds of disappointment that even Harper wouldn't have wanted to hear. It was rather shameful or at least would be rather shameful to have his guardian speak to him like that. It meant all too clearly that he wasn't happy, and was actually... disappointed. And lord Enasi was never disappointed with his minions.
Harper's random thoughts dispelled when he heard Rasha's soft cry and saw Seishu holding him by the scruff of his neck. The rabbit held back a laugh noticing Enasi hadn't done anything to save his poor minion. Was he really that disappointed in him?

When Rasha was scolded, Enasi watched the little kitten breakdown he had. He was going to say something, but Seishu's weird made him pause. 'He actually enforced my rules. How about that. . . Maybe that'll put some sense into Rasha.' "Are you alright Inui?" The little minion looked over and nodded.

"I'm okay, he missed."

The guardian only nodded and continue watching the display as all was forgiven. Rue watched as Rasha was petted and have a moment of curiosity. 'He says Mister Seishu is his idol. I wonder what he thinks of Lord Enasi. Especially if he's such a trouble maker like it seems. He only shrugged the thought to the side. A few times, Rasha's fluffy tail would wave by and more times than once he had to refrain from reaching out to touch it. Inui was more focused on not being clawed by the cat. Yes, he did apologize, but it so made him slightly weary.

Bored of the display if affection, Harper cleared his throat and looked over to his guardian. "May I speak with you outside?" A smile and a nod made Harper walk out the door, letting Enasi follow.

"What's the problem?" He leaned against the wall, while Harper rested against the opposite one.

With a sigh, he proceedex to speak. "I've just been thinking of everyone's recovery. Because they're here in their rightful realm, they manage to heal much faster. But Seishu on the other hand is recovering at a painful rate... If we were to get ambushed, he'd have no way to protect himself." He paused, trying to make sure he was still getting to a point. "All I'm saying, is that we need to giddy and get Seishu home before he can do any worse damage on himself. Crios can only do so much while he's limited to human skill practice." The rabbit didn't voice out his opinion on keeping them apart, he kept that one to himself, not wanting to offend the guardian.

"I understand, and we'll try to him to the safety of his own home as soon as we can. But at least until he can walk properly. Or healed up a little more. After the incident, he was pretty beaten down."