“Okay, here’s the first dish!” Cho figured, if he could at least keep his mind on the current activity, he wouldn’t feel the need to tell Enasi. Even though all the small dishes had been made before, he made sure to pick the recipes that hadn’t been made in awhile. So, he still got an honest opinion from them and Enasi wouldn’t question why he was asking them to try regular dishes.The chef went about explaining the dish, it being a simple appetizer for guests. He hands the plate to Enasi who takes a small bite. 

“Mmm, this is tastes very good. It’s sweet, I like it.” He smiled and fed some to Rue and Rasha who were eager to try it as well. “You know Cho, you’re food, all of it is spectacular. I don’t think you really even need to do taste testing. However, I do understand being thorough.”

Cho smiled and nodded. “Why thank you Lord Enasi. It’s a pleasure to hear that coming from you, but you’re absolutely right. I always need to be absolutely sure.” He beamed when Rue and Rasha gave hums of satisfaction from their portions as well. “So, that dish can be remade. Wonderful.” Thankfully, these portions were small enough to prevent them from being extremely full after the fifth plate. This should have been easy. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Harper, there’s something loose in that rabbit brain of yours. We could at least check again!” 

“We don’t have time for that! This realm is huge, who knows where Seishu could be. We can’t wait until the last minute. The longer we prolong this the worse it will get- for both guardians!” Crios [i]knew[/i] Harper was right. He knew it. But the doctor in him was screaming to keep Lord Enasi from being harmed. Everything that could go wrong, might go wrong if the news was spilt, but did they really have a choice?

Both of them pause at the sudden noise and look from Starla. Harper’s whiskers twitched, and Crios’ tail did the same as the two listened to the plant girl. Near her, Flynn just hoped the two higher ups wouldn’t do get too upset with Starla. He knew his sister meant the best, however sometimes she went about things the wrong way...Both had never removed their eyes off Starla as she hounded them with disappointment and frustration in her tone. Only when Starla’s gaze fell did they break eye contact. After a moment of silence, both heaved a simultaneous sigh. Crios’ arms crossed across his chest, and Harper shifted the weight on his feet. 

“She’s right.” Crios’ admitted. He had forgotten time and time again that technically, Harper was above him. The fox doctor looked down for a moment before continuing. “You are the general and second in command. It wasn’t my place to argue.” He nodded, giving a mock bow, and looked up at Harper. “What are your orders?” 

Harper blinked for a moment, letting the facts sink in. He was second in command, however Enasi was so perfect with everything, there was no reason for him to worry about that position. He always focused on his job as a general. Even Crios’ apology and submission seemed all too strange. Harper cleared his throat and straightened up. His gaze turned to Starla and she immediately tried to find some other place to look. However, she did catch the nod of thanks before he turned to Crios and nodded. “I do understand the consequences of it Crios. I really do. And I’d hate that outcome as much as you, but I will be telling him. He has a right to know.” Crios merely nodded. “However, it is wise to make sure your kit is ready. . .Just in case of course.” 

“It’s already in the room.” He responded quietly before Harper turned and headed to Enasi’s ward. The siblings looked at one another, quietly following behind them both. This was going to be. . .something. 

The second in command walked quickly, his whiskers twitching every now and then. Crios’ focused on what to administer to Enasi, whether it was before or after the news. Definitely after, and only if necessary. “If I may,” Crios started, only continuing when he noticed Harper’s ears twitched, tuning to him. “before you do tell him, let me check over his injuries. . ?” Harper gave a nod, not bothering to turn and look at him. He would have preferred the doctor check him over first. 

~~~~

“I’m telling you Cho, I simply cannot pick a favorite. The two are both really, really good.” 

“Hmm, I like the first one!” Rue said after tasting the cakes. “Oh wait, but I like the second one two. . . Lord Enasi is right, it is hard to choose.” This lead the four into a small fit of laughter, until Enasi rested a hand over his stomach.

“It’s okay, I’m just a bit sore. Nothing wrong.” As his sentence ended, his gaze turned to the approaching group of positive energy. “Oh, I guess their tasks are done for the day. That’s nice. They deserve a break from their hard work. At first, the other three weren’t quite sure what their guardian was talking about until the group got closer and eventually opened the door. “Helloo~!” He waved. Cho smiled and Rue and Rasha waved as well, however the the younger two were curious as to what was taking Inui so long to get back. 

Harper bowed and Crios shuffled past and sat at Enasi’s side, surprisingly calm. Being the guardian he was, he could easily sense the hidden tension that was building. “Oh? Is there something wrong?” He looked at each of them, though Flynn and Starla merely bowed and shuffled to a seat.  

“How are you feeling Lord Enasi?”

“Perfectly fine-” He chuckled when Rue gave a stern expression. “I was a little sore earlier, but that’s because I was laughing.” Crios gave a smile, only to look a bit surprised when Enasi turned and cupped his face lightly. Those mismatched eyes stared for a brief moment before he gave a look of concern. “There’s something wrong. I can see it in your eyes Crios.” He gently patted one of his fox ears in comfort. Whatever it was, he hoped he could help. Patiently waiting, he watched Crios look over at his supplies for a brief moment before turning his gaze to Harper. The guardian did the same. It was harder to see, but Enasi could spot the turmoil clouding behind his firm gaze. “What’s bothering you?”

harper’s ears lowered some but he took a deep breath. “We’ve searched the entire realm, even consulted TB. . .but Seishu is missing. We’ve already figured that he couldn’t have created a portal back home. His energy is too weakened. Besides Inui, there is no trace of any Nightmare Minions around. He wanted to stretch his legs. I gave him ten minutes. . . And in those ten minutes I took my eyes off of him, but he was gone.” Harper bowed again. “I truly apologize Lord Enasi, I should have kept a better eye on him and I know how detrimental it would be if he got hurt.” When he stood straight, he steeled himself for Enasi’s reaction. 

The Dream Guardian had sat up a little more; Rasha helping adjust his pillow. He took a sip of the water Cho had given him before and then paid close attention. It seemed that when he brought it up, the unpleasantries seemed to roll off of them. [i]’They should really get Seishu. . . He could really feed off of this energy’[/i] To his surprise, this meeting was about the Nightmare Guardian. Slowly, his eyes widened in shock and it seemed like the guardian froze for a moment. However, to everyone else’s surprise, he didn’t panic. 

“Lord Enasi. . . How are you feeling?” Crios prepared to administer the shot if need be.

Enasi rested a hand on Crios’ arm. “I’ll be better when we find Seishu.” Enasi bit his lip and moved in order to have his feet hang off the bed. Before Crios could say anything, he raised his hand to silence him. “If I have learned anything from that insane Guardian, it’s that either I’m going to have to stop freaking out and complaining or Seishu will yell at me until I fix the problem. I figure I might as well try something that doesn’t get me yelled at.” He sighed and ran fingers through his burgundy hair. “And, if I sit idly by while you all go searching, I’m going to sit here and panic. Which is counterproductive.” Enasi was definitely suppressing an instinctive trait, but he took a deep breath and focused on the more important task. “How long has he been gone? And where was the last time you saw him?” [i]’Seishu you’re reaching the number one reason why I panic so much. . .’[/i]