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Ran remained quiet as the rest of the humans talked. Somehow he was glad his little speech went largely unnoticed. He chuckled as he continued tickling Cobalt. The whole thing seemed rather odd to him. Try as he might, Ran still can't figure out why the so-called Hooded Figures (aptly named considering their wardrobe) would actually go through such an elaborate scheme. It almost seemed like they were genuine about it. [i]Almost.[/i]

"What do you think Tobs? I don't mind giving them a chance.. I just don't buy the whole bunny guard story." 

He paused and then grinned slightly before putting on a serious face again. "Actually, it's kinda believable. Like one of those amnesia plot twist in mangas. Only difference is that we'll turn into something cute." 

Trying to be too serious was a little hard, after all he and Toby hadn't experienced what the rest did. Respectfully he continued listening. He wouldn't mind adding these people into the group if the rest didn't. Neither he nor Toby were around long enough to know much. Everything boils down to what Harper and Riley feel. 

"I'm fine with them joining us, but only if they return the USB."

He shrugged. "They can hold on to the Witch's Heart if it makes them feel safer." 

That was the other item this bunch stole from the others - or so he heard. A loud scrapping sound made him turn his attention back to the bespectacled Inadi. He watched the younger man move closer to Jasper. Ran studied the couple for several seconds before looking back at the baby dragon now curled round him. While he could guess at the frustration Inadi was probably feeling, he believed Jasper would do a much better job at comforting the young man. She was Inadi's girlfriend after all. 

The human gratefully sat down on an outstretched claw. His mind began drifting back to those lazy days in Aven. He thought about how he and Toby would blunder around messing up the chores. Finally his mind stopped at one memory in particular. His face fell a little. 

"Do you remember the day you found me checking out Colby's scales?" He asked Ise. 

He began tracing one of the many scales gently with his fingers. He knew his memory wasn't great, but it was quite uncomfortable to forget the little odd bits here and there. His car plate license, the exact font type and words on the signs near his New York apartment, the name of his neighbor's tortoise shell cat... most disconcerting of all... the faces of his workplace acquaintances. Even though he could still visualize their clothing right down to the last stitch, their faces were blurry. 

At least he still remembered the faces of those he is closer too. Friends, former schoolmates, project members, distant relatives and his family. He could roughly remember how to cook too, so that was good. He wrecked his brain. Oh! He was starting to forget the names of the more obscure shades. 

His finger rested on black scale with a blue hue. "I know I told you the name of this particular blue hue before. I just can't remember it now." 

The illustrator shook his head in disbelief. "I would be sad the day I forget the terms periwinkle, auberinge, carmine, crimson, mustard, sunglow..."

"You know, Ise. Toby! Maybe we should have that cooking session sooner? I want to make you my croquette pies before I forget how to do it!" He exclaimed in an attempt to brighten up the gloom. 

He then wrapped an arm around the Toby and Ise. He pulled them into hug. Ran gave them a wink. Nothing would be happier than having their little trio reunite...