The siblings could see Kaila’s eyes, along with the rest of himself, clearing up. It was obvious that he isn’t all there, but the brothers were patient. Lan and Ran both shared the same understanding of pain that Kaila felt and knew that he would need time. It was quiet for a long while, both glancing from Kaila to the camp a ways ahead. 

“The plan worked.” Lan said in soft reassurance. 

“It’s… It’s true. As you said, Gin needs information. Who else better to grab if not you?” Ran continued. “He thinks he has Jentou as leverage against you. But what he doesn’t realize is… we have the upperhand.” 

Lan began to look more determined as he agreed with his brother. “Just as you could feed him information, he can do the same. You both are so strong. Just as we were sure you wouldn’t break, we’re just as sure about Jentou.” He gave a firm nod, trying to get Kaila to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “We’re going to turn this around for the better. We will make things right. For our Guardian. And for everyone here. But we can’t do that without you.” 

Slowly but surely the second in command was responding. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, letting out a deep and shaky sigh. While he didn’t want to believe it at first, he knew the brothers were right. They had to use this opportunity before things got out of hand. He knew Jentou would have felt exactly the same if the roles had been reversed. Without him though, things may have gone a little differently in the camp as well… 

Kaila slowly stood to his feet and nodded. “Right… You two are right.” He started off to camp, fixing his demeanor along the way. Lan and Ran followed behind him in silence. There wasn’t much they could do until Jentou gave word, so for now continuing to keep the camp safe and calm was best.

~~~~

For a moment, Enasi could only stared at Seishu sympathetically. He hated to see him so hurt. It pained him, both figuratively and literally at times. The only reason he was sure he couldn’t feel the pain Seishu was in now was because he was surrounded by his denizens. He was home.

Almost at a whisper, the guardian responded with, “Yes. Of course.” He didn’t even need to glance Harper’s way for the bunny to dart out the door. Hearing the door open and close made Enasi sit in his usual seat, mainly to prevent himself from pacing. He watched Crios’ meticulous inspections, comforted to know how hard the doctor was working just to keep the Nightmare Guardian alive. He couldn’t thank the doctor enough, but he’d find a way to make it up to him when it was all over. 

Realizing Enasi had yet to release the bubble around Rasha, he did so with a soft snap. Both Rasha and Rue quietly scooted their way to their guardian. Rasha hopped into Enasi’s lap, nuzzling and purring in both reassurance and also to make sure he was okay. It earned him a soft smile and some quiet scratches. Rue on the other hand was quieter with his approach, unlike his usual nature. The fairy didn’t say a word. Instead, he simply rested his head on Enasi’s shoulder and watched Crios work as well, smiling gently when he got a pat on the head. 

“Besides the older injuries, Seishu’s fine- well,” He caught himself and clarified. “He isn’t getting worse than before. Some of his wounds have opened but it’s nothing too serious. You’re free to take him.” Crios bowed and stepped to the side, shuffling some of his supplies together. At this point, he was more prepared with “to-go travel kits” with the record of injury they had going back and forth. 

“Thank you Crios.” Enasi stood, setting Rasha the chair and walking over to Inui and Seishu. “Can’t guarantee how long we’ll stay, but I can promise that things will be a little better.” He gave a soft smile before offering to carry Seishu once more or let him stand on his own.

~~~~

Harper darted off to the gardens, spotting both siblings tending to it. “Finn. Starla. You’re needed.” The seriousness in his voice made them quicken their pace out of the garden and hurry after the rabbit. “Lord Enasi is taking Night out to the Human Realm and I need you to double check to make sure the area is clear. But I also need you to find out what’s going on in the Nightmare Realm.” He slowed his pace to continue debriefing them, “Lord Seishu’s connection with Kaila… well, I’m not sure what happened, but by the looks of it, it wasn’t good.” He frowned a little. “I’m not sure how long Lord Enasi intends but expect a few trips there to make sure things are clear. However he is avid that Seishu and Inui are around as little positive energy as possible.” 

Both siblings gave a firm nod as they approached the portal. “We’ll do what we can.” Finn reassured. 

“This is important.” His tone made both of them stiffen slightly. “Starla do not put your foot in your mouth. Now’s not the time for you being snide with the nightmares.” 

“Yes- Yes sir.” Starla nodded before both of them were jumping through. 

Harper watched for a moment before returning to the room. “The portal and the, uh, camp is all set up.” His ear twitched slightly. “Camp, shelter, whatever you prefer to call it.” He started to ask just how long his guardian planned to reside in the human realm, but quieted down. He knew it was important for both nightmares and decided against questioning it.

~~~~~

The nightmare camp was relatively the same as the group had left it. There were excited murmurs and chatter to know that they had rescued another of the many who had been captured by Gin and his forces. Nurses immediately began to do what they could to help the injured minion. 

It didn’t take too long for curious eyes to notice that one was missing from the party. Specifically, the one that was never too far from the second in command. It wasn’t until one was bold enough to step forward and ask Kaila himself. Tiski and Tyar had eventually made their way near Lan and Ran, giving subtle looks amongst themselves- save for Tyar of course who floated around the small group. They watched as Kaila stood a little straighter, carrying a visage of calmness as he looked around at the camp. 

“Jentou is currently on an important and very dangerous mission… The tides of this battle are going to change soon. And it’s [i]going[/i] to be for the better.” His matter of fact tone sent almost a wave of excitement through the crowd. They started to murmur about what was happening next and how change would be made. All of them quieted down as Kaila raised a hand. “So, I need all of you to continue to have faith in both us and our Guardian.”