The small twinges do not go unnoticed by the Dream Guardian's counterpart. [i]'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'[/i] Kuro feels a twinge of his own at that thought. [i]'I guess his feeling about that experience fall under the “Troublesome” category. That's both encouraging and wholly heartbreaking for my poor dream self'[/i] 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 [b]right[/b] 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]'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'[/i] 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. [i]'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. . .'[/i] Starla shakes her head. [i]'But if that's not right either, then what?'[/i] She wanders towards the garden, hoping the plants will help calm her nerves.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Meanwhile Finn has selected his next target. [i]'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'[/i] 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 [b]all[/b] 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. [i]'Maybe it's some of those little things Rue hinted at'[/i]

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. [i]'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'[/i] 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?”