The dream guardian focused on staying relaxed with Seishu resting against him. He was more aware of his counterpart’s discomfort and didn’t want to rustle him anymore than he already had- even after Crios drugged him. 

As Seishu began to tell the story of what happened, Enasi closed his eyes. There was no reason behind it. Nothing like self-pity or guilt, he just simply rested his head against the board behind him and closed his eyes to listen. The gesture made Crios look over, but sensing nothing wrong, he continued to listen to Seishu, the infamous storyteller. 

It didn’t take long for Rasha and Rue to make their entrance through the window and get comfortable. It was almost like clockwork and it made Enasi smile a little. As the positive energies began to gather, Enasi carefully began to tame them all and shield Seishu. After all, he had just gotten injured and there was no need for more strain than he was already put through. He had already mentally scolded himself for not doing it sooner and more often, so of course he made sure to do so. Though, it was nice to know his minions were a little more aware of it as well.

Listening to Seishu only reminded him just how grateful Enasi should have been. He had so many ample opportunities to lash out towards the dream minions but he stayed patient and understanding, give or take a few heated spats between them. [i]’We’ve fought for so long...but that was just how the way things worked.[/i] It was a shame and a little disheartening to know that there could have been a chance of peace so long ago, rather than watching their beloved minions fall at the hands of, well, tradition. 

His eyes opened with Inui’s question. The look he gave was rather sympathetic to the worried nightmare minion. [i]’Dear child if it was only that easy’[/i] Enasi’s soft sigh confirmed Seishu’s answer. It wasn’t as if he wanted to hide something so important from them, especially from his second, but Seishu’s words were true. It was just how the way things were. 

Enasi’s gaze went around to the others watching and listening. All were very attentive, as if they hadn’t experienced what happened firsthand. Rue’s hand had simply rested on Rasha by this time, but Rasha didn’t complain. The guardian could feel the siblings outside, knowing their expressions weren’t very different than the two at the windowsill. 

The story ended with a very obvious skip, but no one spoke up about it. Truth be told, most were still surprised about it, while others, like Crios figured now was not the best time to talk about it. They needed the chance to recuperate. However, Inui’s following question made everyone look in Enasi’s direction. They remembered what the guardian said before he had left them, but they weren’t 100% about it either. 

The guardian’s gaze fell onto Inui, figuring it was best that he picked up the storytelling from here. “They’ve all been put away for the time being. Until I can figure out what to do with them.” Inui turned to Enasi, giving a curious expression. “They’ve been put in the prison and stripped of their ranks. Since I don’t plan on leaving them there forever, I’ll have to arrange...something else. But for now, that’s where they’ll be.” Enasi gave an affirmative nod. Inui was only slightly satisfied with the answer however. It didn’t seem very fair that those who hurt Seishu got to simply sit and think about their actions, but he held his tongue, knowing it was just more of his negative emotions festering in him. 

~~

Up on the rooftop Harper’s ears twitched ever so slightly. The rabbit stood straight and walked away from his vantage point back into the castle. [i]’Lord Enasi needs a punishment for them?’[/i] It wasn’t very often- in fact it was rare the guardian had to even contemplate about the wrongdoings of his minions. Sure there were a few pranks or misunderstandings, but nothing so extreme as kidnap and attempted murder. Harper’s ears had fallen as he walked in thought. As he approached the prisons, both guards straightened out and saluted him. Harper simply nodded and walked through. 

All five of them sat, looking rather pathetic. He would have been much more sympathetic had he not have known the damage they caused to their own guardian along with Night. Mado spotted him first and instinctively, thanks to his training as a soldier, straightened up and became much more attentive. Fuan and Iro looked on a little more wearily and shuffled back. The second in command didn’t wait for them to settle as he began talking. “What you five did was unforgivable. You put your own guardian’s life on the line,” Before any of them could speak up, he added, “And even though you weren’t aware of the damage you were doing to Lord Enasi, you acted out of order. Specific instructions were given from him and you disobeyed them.” 

The rabbit’s paws were crossed and he stared the five down. Iro was the first to speak up in protest, though he was talking to the other prisoners. “You see? That nightmare scum is tricking everyone into thinking he can be trusted.” His gaze fell back on the second in command. “Surely, as one of the strongest dreams, you aren’t fooled by this? I would have thought you better than those children.” The sheep doctor scoffed. “Even our own chief has fallen for it. No doubt because our Lord has him tending to the creature day in and out.” 

While Fuan didn’t voice her opinion, the deer woman did agree. The nightmare guardian was not someone to be trusted. She only wished the others would realize it. However, after what she believed to be a near death experience by her own guardian’s hand, she was definitely unsure about trusting him either. There was such a feral look in his eyes...he was so menacing… Fuan shuddered as she remembered it all. Her hand absentmindedly went across the spot where her horns had been and she frowned when she realized her guardian took them from her. Similar to Fuan, Mado hadn’t spoken a word. As a soldier, he knew not to speak unless told otherwise. While the bear soldier didn’t regret his decisions, he knew whatever his general had in mind wouldn’t be a good. The other two soldiers had the same idea, sitting a little ways behind Mado, the more veteran of the soldiers. 

Harper’s frown only deepened as Iro spoke. It was one thing to believe the nightmare realm was a bad place, but to go so far as to not trust his own higher ups or guardian was too far. [i]’Is he really that far jaded to be so...irrational?’[/i] The idea of more minions both dream and nightmare alike being like that dampened Harper’s hopes a little. Changing the ways of an entire realm was going to be harder than he imagined. But also, Harper had to remind himself that he was skeptical at first as well. He didn’t trust going against things at first either, but he changed so hopefully everyone else would too. Hopefully. 

With a sigh, the second in command decided not to respond to the sheep doctor. “Since all of you felt fit to go off on your own accord and better our realm, you’ll be taking on a whole lot of… community service of sorts.” One soldier mumbled a sigh of relief. “You five should have fun cleaning up the castle from top to bottom. I’m sure Cho could use a few extra hands for cleaning the kitchen as well. And once you’re done there, I know a few places around the realm that need to be cleaned up too. As doctors, I know you’ll be perfect for meticulous cleaning. And as soldiers, well you don’t have much choice.” He planned to make sure they were up bright and early in order to get them started on their day of nonstop work. This hard labour was going to be their punishment until Enasi had thought of what he wanted to do, but knowing his guardian he was sure this was going to be fine. It would at least ease him of the job for the time being. “I advise you to get as much rest as possible. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.” 

Without another word, he turned and walked off. With the five working around the clock, they wouldn’t have time to try planning other feats of chaos behind their backs. Now, all he needed to do was assign a few people to babysit the five while they worked. He debated sending the plant siblings to do it, not wanting any of his others soldiers to be persuaded by the five. He’d have to think about it. In the meantime, Harper decided to walk to his guardian’s room to inform of his plans.