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"One more push..."

"GGGGGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrnnnnyAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!"

The room began to fill with a new noise; the cries of a small newborn child.

"Congratulations," the doctor said with a wide grin, looking toward the demon as she relaxed, "you're now the parents of a young, healthy looking boy."

Domonic just wanted to faint. Did this really just happen? Did Neko really just give birth to their... son?? He turned his blue eyes to the new mother, unable to help the stupid smile on his face. They were... parents...

"Neko..." he called to her softly, gently brushing her damp hair away from her paled face, "...you did it."

Neko breathed heavily, her body shaking slightly from the labor. Oh Gods... It was over. It was finally over. She was free from harboring the child inside of her body, and could now carry him around in her arms. There was a tremendous amount of relief that she felt, but above all else, there was her pride. She gave birth to a child, and managed to live somehow. Her gold eyes teared up as the sounds of the baby grew louder, looking up toward the nurse as the woman carefully lowered the cleaned up and bundled baby into her arms.

She did it. She was... victorious. Looking up at Domonic, her tears escaped as she smiled at him.

"No, love... we did it," she corrected him, and looked back to the fussing baby. Carefully, she brushed a finger across the boy's red cheeks, taking in the soft feel of the pale skin. "What shall we name him?"

"Sir, could I speak to you outside for a moment?" the doctor asked, his bushy tail wagging a little bit while he held the door open for the nurses to go through. A moment alone with the child was just what the demon needed, and he had a question to ask the father.

Domonic blinked a few times, wondering what needed to be said. Better yet, why they couldn't talk in front of Neko. Leaning over, he planted a soft kiss on the woman's forehead, and whispered a quite 'I love you' into her large ears. Smiling at her once more, he turned and walked out of the room, waiting for the doctor.

"I'll only keep him for a moment," the man assured Neko, his long ears turning down a little bit. "I'll send him right back in when I'm done."

Satisfied with her nod, he closed the door behind himself on the way out, adjusting the clipboard in his hands before turning his piercing green eyes to the blonde man in front of him. He looked troubled, his tail swaying left to right while he seemed to think.

Domonic didn't like this.

"Dr. Wolfenstine, is something wrong?" he asked, fiddling with the cuff of his long-sleeve shirt. Something about that look from doctors always made him nervous.

Joeseph didn't respond for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly against the board in his hands. How to word the question without offending him...

"Mr. Fons, how did you save her?" he finally asked, furrowing his dark brows. "Even with every ounce of Medical science there is in this world, your wife shouldn't have survived. She was flatlined for a good 30 minutes... I realize she was brought back to life, but her mind shouldn't even work any longer. What did you do...?"

Wife? That's right, the hospital didn't know that he and Neko weren't exactly married. Lifting a hand, Domonic rubbed the back of his neck a little bit, not quite sure what to tell the man. He couldn't tell him he was part of an angelic race... Angels and science often didn't mix well, as neither did magic and science.

"Let's just say that... sometimes, I can perform miracles," he stated, his light blue eyes turning toward the wall to avoid contact. "It takes a lot out of me, so it doesn't happen too often, but... Had you been in the same position, and was about to watch the person you love more than anything and your child vanish before your very eyes, don't you think you would have done whatever it took to get them back?"

Joeseph pursed his lips, his long canine teeth poking through a little bit. He supposed he could understand the reasoning, having nearly lost his own wife a few years back in a car accident, but that didn't completely answer his question. Nevertheless, he respected the possibility that Domonic didn't want to talk about it and smiled.

"I have a feeling you'll be making one fine father, Mr. Fons," he said, checking his watch for a moment. "If it's all right, I'd like to keep the two of them here for a night or two, just to be sure that there aren't any more complications. You're free to visit at any time, but we unfortunately don't have room for you to stay here..."

"T-that's all right," Domonic said, looking back to the doctor. "It would probably be best I be at home some of the time, to make sure everything's ready for their return. Thank you for everything you've done, Doctor. We both very much appreciate it."

"Oh, it's my pleasure! It's not often we get such young couples like yourselves here," he laughed, not knowing how horribly mistaken he really was. "We'll take good care of them, don't you worry. I'll come back in a couple of hours to check on things."

Domonic bowed his head a little bit as the doctor began to make his leave, quickly adding, "Thank you, sir."

Wasting no time, he re-entered the room, closing the door quietly behind himself as he looked to see Neko already feeding the baby. He stood where he was for a long moment, a smile on his face, his cheeks a pale pinkish color.

Neko was completely exhausted, but how could she just rest right now with such a cute little newborn in her arms? Her fingers lightly stroked the long, cat-like furry ears that stuck out from the little hat the nurses put on the child, watching as they flicked and swiveled slightly with the touch. Turning her gold eyes to her partner in crime, her smile turned into a sly smirk as her tail thumped lightly against the edge of the uncomfortable hospital bed.

"I hope he doesn't end up making daddy jealous," she couldn't help but joke, "since these'll be off limits for a long while."

Domonic's face turned completely red, wondering how she could possibly joke about something like that right now. Moving away from the door, he stepped back over into his spot next to the demon, gently petting her red, messy hair as he watched the little boy in her arms.

"So... what would you like to name him?" he asked her, moving his free hand and gently placing it over one of hers.

Neko looked back to the cat-like baby, leaning her head into the man's hands as he petted her. There was one name that just really stuck out to her when she saw him, and she knew that it would be the right one.

"Manior Kyo..." she whispered, her gold eyes brightening a little bit as she turned them back upward to look at Domonic. "I want to be able to call him 'Manny'."

Manny... At this, Domonic felt a bit on envy, but he wouldn't let it get to him. He knew of the feelings she felt toward his distant relative, but she didn't need to know about that. Instead, he accepted it, feeling that it was the best name that suited the child.

"Manior Kyo Fons..." he said quietly, slipping his fingers between Neko's to hold her hand a little bit, "I like the sound of that."

Leaning down, he pressed his lips against his lover's, kissing her deeply for a long moment. Drawing back slowly, he gently rested his forehead against Neko's, his light blue eyes looking lovingly into hers.

"No matter what happens, I'll always love you," he said with a smile, "and even in Death... I'll stay by your side."

She didn't understand what he meant by that, but she thought it was sweet, either way. She simply gave him an odd smile as she replied, "I love you too, Domi-kun... and I won't ever leave you behind."

"Hello?" Calling softly into the room, Aki pushed open the door...yanking her foot back abruptly as Levi pushed past. The boy crawled swiftly towards the nearest chair, pulling himself up to stand with a bit of a sway.

"Ewwo?" The young pirate mimicked, one hand still upon the seat of the chair for balance as he peered into the room curiously. He remembered this place distantly...he'd been here before! But...where was the ball?

Taking a few steps in, hefting her sling bag to rest more comfortably against her hip, Aki made her way over to her charge. "I'm going to take a look around...why don't you stay put, and I'll be right back?" Brushing the hair out of his eyes and patting his cheek gently, Aki beamed at Levi's scrunched displeasure. She didn't truly expect him to do as he was told, but the effort had to be made. Besides...she'd only be a moment!

Heading for the door to the next adjoining room, Aki called out once more. "I hope it's okay that I let myself in!" She resisted the urge to check the address on the note Sinclaire had left her...she'd already checked it three times, and was almost sure she was in the right place.

Levi, however, had no such doubts. Reaching up to grip the edge of the table, walking himself around to the other side toward the shelves, the young pirate pulled curiously on the spine of a tucked book...giggling in delight as the entire stack topped forward. "Eheheh!!!"

"Aww, not already! Just 10 seconds, that's all I ask!!"

Demare struggled to open the door, carefully craddling the squirming baby in his arms. Ugh... this was hard... but what other choice did he have? Neko and Domonic were having a silly argument that was getting out of hand, and Clare felt it would be best to take Manior with him while he stepped out for a bit. No sense in letting the kid see his parents fighting, right? ...Little did he know how heavy the playful child could be from carrying him for so long.

Once the door was finally open, the halfing child quickly stepped into the lobby, stepping out of the way as the door closed itself. Okay... hard part was over. Now what to do...? His bi-colored eyes began to inspect the area for a moment, wondering if anyone was around. ...Was that someone new?? There was an unfamiliar baby there, and an older woman he'd never seen before. Hmmm... At least Manny would have someone to play with. Smiling a little bit, Demare shifted the baby in his arms and made his way towards the people in question.

Manior's soft blue eyes began to take in the new surroundings of the strange place that wasn't home. Where was he? Where did the funny boy decide to take him? And where was the kitty lady and the pretty man? Shaking his rattle a little bit, the small baby wiggled about in Demare's arms, wanting down.

"Hold on, Manny," Demare said quietly, thinking maybe it was best to set the child down on the couch to be safe. "I'll put you down in a minute, okay?"

In a minute? ...What was a minute?

Aki spun at the muffled leafy clatter of books, sighing as thoughts of a first impression crossed her mind. What if she didn't get it picked up by the time-

"Oh! Hello!! I...sorry about the mess!" Pink graced her cheeks as she abruptly noticed the boy and waved a hand towards Levi sheepishly. "I'm Aki! This is Levi. Are you...?"

She left the question unfinished, for in truth, she didn't know what to make of the newcomer! Nor the squirming child in his arms. She realized the feeling was probably mutual...there went her hopes of a good first impression!

Twisting from where he sat before his pile of books, Levi rested his weight on one hand and stared...blue eyes wide with wonder. Now here was something interesting!! Finally grinning, fox eyed, Levi pointed towards Demare and his mismatched wings.

"Pishin!! Eh!"

Aki could only wince.

...Minute was up! Manior began to squirm and struggle against Demare's strong arms, deciding now was his turn to start exploring this new world.

"MYAAAAAA!" he squealed, his tabby ears folding back flat against his bald head as he tried to get down.

"Hello, ma'am," Demare began to say before the baby began to squirm about. "And Levi... My name i--MANNY! Manny, calm down!"

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle... The demon child began to wave his rattle around, demanding to be let go.

"MAAAAA!"

"S-stop it! I m-might..." he started, twisting about a little bit to keep his arms around the kid. He was so squirmish!! And so wriggl--whoops!! Manior was successful in freeing himself, dropping to the floor.

"ACK!!"

Good for him, he was part cat! The kitten-like child plopped right onto his diaper padded bum unharmed, his little tail beginning to flick around wildly. His ears perked up as he blinked, glacing around the room from the floor. FREE!! Now, time to explore! Leaning forward, the curious baby began to crawl on his hands and knees, but not before sticking the stick of his rattle into his mouth to carry.

Demare grasped at his heart as he took heavy breathes, having been scared to death about dropping his "brother". Oh goodness! Neko would have punished him if something had happened... Taking a couple of deep breathes to calm down, he straightened himself out as his wings stretched and ruffled behind his back. Looking to the woman again, blushing with embarressment, he was about to start his introduction again until Levi spoke up.

"...Pishin?" he questioned, lifting a hand to point toward himself as he looked at the oddly dressed babe. Now he was really confused...

"Ah! It's...it's a term of endearment?" Shrugging helplessly, Aki tugged on a strap and moved her bag around to her front. Rummaging through it quickly, she finally produced a pouch of goldfish crackers and relinquished them gladly to Levi's grabby hands. With any luck, that would keep him silent! Pishin indeed!

Straightening once more to catch the boys name, Aki gasped and jumped as the baby plopped to the ground. Meeting Demare's look with one equally shocked, Aki sighed in relief as the little one crawled away. "That was lucky!!"

Levi dropped his hand, distracted from the odd winged child by the odd baby crawling his way. The odd, cat eared baby...

"Eeeere kikiki!!" Slapping the ground before him with his empty hand enticingly, Levi grinned at his discovery. A pigeon boy and a kitten baby! Who knew such things existed!!

Aki groaned and rubbed at one eye with the palm of her hand. How could such a cute boy be so rude?!

As he heard the odd sounds emmitting from the dark dressed baby near the tall lady, Manior stopped in mid-crawl, one tiny hand curling up a little like a paw. His ears twitched a little bit as his baby blues rested on the other boy, his tail wagging a little behind him. He was calling him? He made funny noises! It was time to investigate.

Turning his direction a little bit, Manior began to crawl toward the child, his curiosity overpowering anything else he'd wanted to check out. Was this another thing like himself? A small person like himself? As he neared, the baby stopped once more, plopping backward onto his tush as he took the rattle out of his mouth. Hmmm... was it safe? The demon began to sniff the air a little bit, trying to pick up the strange creature's scent. It smelled of... salt. Sniff sniff... and water? ...Ooooo! And a hint of fish! A soft purr could be heard coming from the child as he shifted his body again to crawl even closer to the child, sniffing curiously at the interesting smelling baby. Mmmm, cheesy too. Was he made of fish and dairy?

For a long moment, Demare was distracted by the babies, the look on his face that of amusment as Manior sniffed at Levi. He never did that at home... Looking to Aki one last time, he refrained from laughing as he tried once again to introduce himself.

"I'm sorry... My name is Demare, and that's my "brother", Manior," he said politely, bowing his head slightly to the woman. "I-it's certainly nice to meet you and Levi, ma'am."

"Demare and...Manior? What distinguished names! It's a pleasure!" Her ears dipped as her smile deepened. That hadn't gone as badly as she'd feared!!

Crackers crunching in his off hand as he leaned forward, Levi did just as Aki had taught him. Holding his empty hand out for a moment for the kitty to sniff, Levi made gentle scritchy motions...reaching for the fuzzy ear.

Once again, Aki caught her breath as she glanced to Levi. Trying to pet little Manior?! Chewing her lip, Aki didn't interfere...if Manior objected, she was sure he'd make it known. Levi could learn his own lesson, in this.

"Eh kiki!" Giggling, Levi pushed forward the last bit, amused at the thought of making a kitty friend. Kitties were better than pigeons, he decided. The pigeons always flew away!

Manior continued to purr as Levi reached out for his ear, rather content with the smell of fish. This one was niiiice, and he did ear scritches. Aaaaah, ear scritches were heaven... His purring got even louder as Manior got enough more kitten like and flopped down right into Levi's lap, laying on his stomach as his tail flicked happily.

At this Demare chuckled a little bit, folding his hands behind his back in a similar fashion that a little girl would without really thinking about it. His white wing fluffed itself a little bit while the black leathery wing curled down a little bit to rest on his shoulder.

"You'll have to excuse him... He tends to think he's a kitten instead of a baby," he said with a smile, rocking on his feet a little bit. "He hasn't really met any one outside of the family yet, either."

For a moment he was quiet, intent on watching the little ones while he thought. Levi... looked like something he'd seen in one of the story books Neko bought for Manior. Bandana, dark cloak, dark clothing...

"Is... he new?" he decided to ask, turning his bi-colored eyes to Aki curiously.

Raife found herself -despite apparently appearing like a male martial artist- at the end of a weary day, at the doorstep of the Legends HQ. She scratched her chin a bit. She'd heard about this place a few times. Where children that would one day be something more than they seemed gathered. Certainly there was no reason why she, a normal, slightly strange individual should be anywhere near the place. Nevertheless, she picked herself up by her bootstraps and charged inside.

She was quite disappointed with what she saw. No kids flying through the air shooting lighting bolt blasts at each other. No hypnotic rays. Just two young women and two young boys, one a child, one a baby. They appeared to be normal, in all sense of the world...well, unless you counted the strange wings coming out of the child and his overall unearthly appearance.

Okay, so maybe it wasn't QUITE normal. She peered around hesitantly. Was she allowed to go in? Was there some sort of hideous forcefield that would zap her if she tried?

"Hmm.....Hi?" She ventured weakly at anyone who'd answer.

"All that matters is that they're getting along. I'm so glad! As for 'new'...it depends on your point of view."

The pale elf trailed off as she met his unusual eyes, surprise brightening her expression. How unique!! "I...um, he's been with me for just over a week, now! So, new to me perhaps." Ending with a smile, she turned to glance once more at the younglings. They were getting on fine, thankfully!

"Have you been here before?" Waving her hand vaguely, Aki shifted her gaze back to Demare. He was so striking, but she didn't wish to stare!

Levi patted Manior's head, finally remembering the crumbled goldfish in his other hand. Uncurling his fingers slowly, he paused in his scritching to poke the largest cracker pieces...plucking one from the pile and crunch into his mouth!

"Hmm?" Lowering his hand, Levi displayed the remaining broken pieces with a questioning grunt. There were more than enough to share...Aki's bag never seemed to run out of snacks!

Jumping a bit at the sudden voice, Aki twisted to peer at the door...grinning in relief at the sight of someone apparently as lost and uncertain as herself! Waving unnecessarily, Aki beamed.

"Hi there!"

"Hey! I'm not going to get zapped to smoking barbeque bits if I step in here, am I?" Raife asked nervously, but cheerfully, smiling. "I heard about this place and I wanted to check it out......but not if I'm going to get fried by some protective invisible forcefield." She added the last part hastily, grinning a bit over at the little boy with goldfish. Mmm. Goldfish. Her favorite snack. It was certainly no coincidence that she knew no less than THREE Goldfish commercial jingles.

She wondered if they still could taste good with sticky baby hand goo on them. Well, the baby seemed to be enjoying them alright. She crouched down to watch them on their level.

Demare's attentioned turned toward the door for a moment as it opened. Not wanting to interrupt Aki as the new woman spoke, the child simply waved his hand, hoping that would be signal enough that it would be okay to come inside.

"Me? I've been here lots of times," he responded, folding his hand back behind his back. "Neko used to take me a lot when I was a baby, but lately I've been coming by myself."

New to her? "Levi lived somewhere else before?"

Manior opened his eyes a little bit as the scritches stopped, slightly disappointed but a little more surprised as something was held in front of his face. What were those in the boy's hand? He began to sniff a little bit, smelling the cheesy smell he'd smelled earlier. Ooo! Dairy! Peering up at Levi for a moment, he blinked once before looking back to the hand, reaching up his tiny fingers to grasp a crushed cracker and stuffed it into his mouth. ...How did people eat these again? Taking his now slobbery hand out after a moment, he wondered what to do next as he felt the cracker melt in his mouth a little bit. Was this where he was supposed to swallow? ...Maybe. Manior waited, instead, to see if it would melt completely.

Raife took the signal from the strange and eerily cute looking little boy to come inside, and did. She peered around with the curiosity of an animal exploring new surroundings. Fortunately, she had enough social experience to squelch her primal desire to want to sniff everything.

Okay, maybe she needed to get out more anyway.

She smiled at the other young woman there, pleasantly. "Are they yours? They're adorable." Of course, by saying "Are they yours?" She was hoping she wouldn't throw her off by telling her something like, 'No, you've stumbled into an international strange looking child smuggling ring.' Or, 'No, their parents just walked off and left them here." It was more or less a strange breed of rhetorical question that actually needed an answer. But the little boys certainly were cute.

Aki nodded at Demare, but her gaze was upon the newcomer. Forcefields? Now Aki was beginning to worry. What kind of place was this!?

"He...yes! He used to live with Sinclaire, a close friend! Levi and I got along so well when we met, and Sin's usually so busy. So...part time sitting turned into a more permanent arrangement!!" It sounded more awkward than it felt...Levi was still delighted to see Sin upon each of her visits.

Levi glanced to Aki only once, peering up at the mention of Sinclaire's name. The approaching stranger, however, was a bit more interesting. One hand still idly patting the top of Manior's head, the boy lifted his crumb covered palm with a tiny curving smile towards Raife as she glanced his way.

"Eh?"

Aki chuckled, pleased Levi was sharing, even if it was a bit gross. Real gold was another matter entirely...sharing his 'treasures' was rare. "Thank you, and yes! I'm his guardian! Sorry I didn't introduce myself, I'm Aki!"

"I'm Raife....I'm not sure what I'm doing here. Mostly I was just curious and wanted to stop by. He's really cute. And sticky with crackers." She chuckled. "I have a niece that's probably not much older than him. She's turning two this weekend. Which means she's going to be passed out with her head smooshed in a big slab of cake. I can't wait." She smiled a bit.

"This age doesn't last forever. Seems like just yesterday, my oldest nephew was this age. Now he's seven. Time flies." She fished around in her pockets a bit for something the little boy might like to dribble on. His age loved to dribble on things. She found an old stop watch that hadn't been working, but she'd been carrying around for sentimental reasons. "Ah, here we go." She smiled, and walked over, crouching next to the little boy, offering it to him. It seemed cleaner, atleast, than those sticky goldfish crumbs. She buffed it and washed it every day.

"Hi there, buddy."

Demare lifted a hand to cover his mouth as he yawned quietly, feeling a little exhausted from the day's events. Hmmm... and he still needed to carry Manior home...

Feeling a little bad for needing to cut their visit short, Demare leaned down and carefully gathered the kitten child into his arms, smiling at Levi before standing up right.

Huh?? Where were they going? The ear scritches weren't done yet...

"I'm sorry... we really need to be heading home now," he said quietly, looking down at Levi, to the new woman, and then to Aki. "Perhaps I could convince my guardian to arrange a visit sometime? I'd like to get to know Levi myself sometime, and I'm sure Manny would like to see him again."

"Asleep on the cake? If only I were so lucky...Levi is unstoppable with sugar in him." Wincing at the very thought, Aki couldn't help but laugh.

Levi didn't understand what was so funny, but he was pleased nonetheless! A few days ago, he'd gotten gems for a coin...and today, a treasure for a cracker! Forgetting about the crumbs, Levi pushed forward to grab the watch...cooing in delight.

"Levi...?"

"Hanku!"

Aki nodded, smiling once more. He could be sweet when he wanted to be!

Watching as Demare scooped Manior up, Aki smiled...taking a step back to stay out of the way.

"I'd like that...you're both welcome, if you'd like to see where Levi lives! Be safe on your way home!" Waving at the pair, Aki giggled to see Levi wave as well...yanking his new treasure through the air. "Baaahkikiki!!"

"It's going to be time for you to go soon as well!" Cautioning the young pirate, Aki sighed as Levi turned. Stubbornly facing away from his guardian, he twiddled with the new treasure...glancing up once more in awe to Raife. How lucky for him!

Raife waved politely at the very responsible seeming young child with the baby. "Bye! I hope we can meet some time!" She chuckled a bit and turned back to the little boy and smiled. "You're welcome! ...It doesn't work anymore, but I'm sure you can find a use for it." She found it doubtful that the baby could tell time anyway. No matter how intelligent and brighteyed he looked.

"So, you're Levi, then? That's a nice name. I'm Raife." She stuck her hand out to the boy, in a silly gesture.

Luna toddled into the waiting room, cheeks damp with tears and an obviously injured, very unhappy seraph in her hands.

She glanced around quickly, searching for anyone... anyone who could fix her broken chibi.

[img]Uriel[img]

Uriel, the chibi in question, hung limp in her grasp, one hand clutching a makeshift crutch made out of matchsticks. He seemed EXTREMELY offended that Luna dared carry him around so, and took to gnawing on her hands to get her to let go.

Apparently his teeth weren't big enough. stressed

How stupid could he possibly be? It had been an entire day since he visited with Manior, and he had just realized that there was something missing: the child's precious rattle that he'd dropped underneath a chair. Domonic knew the silence was too good to be true, and the baby decided to let him know a couple of hours ago how much he missed his rattle by "playfully" throwing a golf ball at his head.

"I said I was sorry," he kept telling his son over and over again, finally arriving at the clinic and quickly heading inside. The cat-like child was tucked carefully into one of his arms, the tabby colored tail lashing left and right against his side.

Luna didn't care that he was a stranger; he was a grownup, and grownups could fix anything!

Well... her mother was a grownup, and SHE couldn't fix Luna's chibi... but maybe THIS grownup was more competant!

Running at him in a panic, she thrust the injured chibi upward at Dominic and Manior, sniffling loudly.

HE BROKE crying

Had Domonic been going any faster, he would have just toppled right over the girl. Stopping before any sort of accident could occur, he blinked a few times, a bit surprised that someone so young would be here alone.

"Pardon?" he questioned, not really phased by the form of communication she chose, but not understanding the problem. "Who broke?"

What? Why were they stopping? He didn't have his rattle yet! Manior began to squirm in the man's arms, wanting to be let down so he could search.

Reluctantly, the tall blonde knealt down to place the baby gently on the floor, and so he would be a little closer to level with the girl.

As he was set down, his light blue eyes were more curious about what the child was holding than hunting. His tabby ears perked up slightly as his tail swished curiously.

"Myaaa?"

Luna continued to hold Uriel out insistently, giving him a little shake for emphasis.

Uri fall down and break. crying

She stared at Dominic with large, tear-filled eyes, barly noticing Manior. Fix? Peeeeeeeeeeeez?

Domonic held out his hands, hoping the girl would allow him to have a closer look at the little...boy? Angel? What was this small creature?

"Well, I can see what I can do..." he offered, wondering what exactly was broken, "and I will do my best to help. What is your name?"

Manior frowned, pouting a little bit as he looked between his father and the pink-haired girl, not happy about seemingly being ignored. Reaching out a small hand, he grasped lightly onto the bottom of the pink dress and tugged lightly.

Jade entered the clinic quietly with Ava resting carefully in a Snuggli-type apparatus on her stomach. She looked tired, maybe even a bit frazzled, with slight bags under her eyes and a complete lack of any sort of makeup. She hesitated just inside the door as she tried to figure out where to go.

The baby was wide awake and gumming fiercely on what looked to be a set of large colorful rubber keys on a plastic ring, eyes slightly narrowed into what looks to be a grumpy stare. Also crammed in the Snuggli was the white tiger plushie that had matted ears from baby spit.

Luna allowed Domonic to take Uriel, sniffling miserably as she glanced down at Manior.

Luna Edae.

........ crying

Uriel squirmed weakly as he was handed off to the stranger, small squeaks of protest escaping his lips.

His leg seemed to be what Luna was referring to- it looked as if it'd been badly broken and healed quickly and improperly.

Fall off the table, Luna explained.

"Luna? That's a pretty name," Domonic told her with a smile, then looked to Uriel. Even though the boy was small, it looked a bit obvious that something was wrong with his leg, and it concerned him. "You said he fell off the table...?"

Very carefully and gently, he took his pinky and slipped it underneath the broken leg, lifting it a little bit. This was something Neko definitely would have been better at... He'd mended a fairy's broken arm before, after all.

"So he has a broken leg, hm...?" he said a bit idly, not having really heard the door. "Whoever tried to heal it didn't do so properly. The leg might need to be rebroken to correct this."

Manior's head turned when the door opened, and the infant blinked at the woman that entered. He remembered her from yesterday! With the striped baby! Looking between Luna and Domonic once more, the child got onto his hands and knees and started to crawl toward the woman. Maybe the other baby might wanna play? They looked grumpy, so cheering up sounded like a good idea.

Oh HELL no. Uriel wasn't about to have his leg broken AGAIN. With an angry shriek, Uriel flailed once more, trying to hit Domonic with his crutch.

No hurt Uri! Luna protested, the tears spilling over again.

Jade decided finally that taking a seat was the best option, so she carefully removed the pack from her chest and lifted Ava from it, who she then settled carefully in her arms in a manner that still allowed the baby to see. The baby grumbled and pulled the plastic key she was chewing on from her mouth, dragging a string of drool down her front and across her mom's arm. "Hhhubah," she commented crossly and jingled the keys for a moment before fixing her stare on the other baby that was quickly crossing the floor in their direction.

Oh dear... He'd upset them both.

"I assure you, that's the last thing I want to do! Really..." he tried to explain, trying to think of another way. There had to be something else... "I suppose... placing a stilt behind it and wrapping the leg up in something like a cast might help, but it'll be a much slower process in order to have the leg heal correctly."

Even if he simply were to use a healing spell, the leg would still need to be set right, otherwise the boy might need that crutch forever.

"How long ago did he fall off of the table, Luna? Maybe... I could try to set it right without breaking it again, but I can't guarentee that it'll be comfortable or painless. I can certainly do something to ease the pain, though."

Manior adjusted his route to continue after the woman when she moved to sit, determined to try to cheer the baby up. No grumpies! Grumpies were bad and they tended to hurt. Smilies were better, and made him happy.

Upon reaching the destination, he plopped his bottom onto the floor, his hands resting down by his feet has his tail brushed along the floor.

"Myaa?" he inquired, tilting his head to the left.

Luna's lower lip trembled. Something told her that he'd have to use the crutch forever ANYWAY.

She loudly racked her brain for the exact instant Uriel had fallen off the table. Falldown... at pancake-time.

Uriel finally went limp, staring lifelessly at the ceiling.

His leg HAD healed suspiciously quickly, but that didn't matter. He couldn't walk, even WITH the crutch.

He grumbled quietly, folding his arms across his chest.

At this point, Luna was seeming a lot more receptive to a re-breaking and fixing. Owwie only for LITTLE bit?

Jade peered down at the floor at the little noise and grinned tiredly at Manior.

"Well hello there," she cooed, shifted Ava around so she could she him too. "Look Ava, someone wants to say hi!"

The little girl peered at the boy and jingled her keys at him, wondering what that thing was that was moving behind him. It looked furry...like the tail of her plushie. "Hubbraaaa!" The unoccupied hand pointed at the moving thing; she wanted to touch it.

Domonic nodded, looking over the leg again. "It really shouldn't hurt... too long," he told her, hoping he would be right. "The initial break will hurt, and I will say right now that I am very sorry that it will, but I can do something that will ease the pain, and hopefully help his leg heal faster. Luna, do you know if magic can work on Uriel?"

He began to think of the things he would need to bandage the leg. Something like a toothpick would probably be too thin and weak to support the leg... A pencil would probably be too thick. ...A bobby pin might work, but where would he find one of those around here?

Manior giggled happily as the woman spoke, the little boy lifting his hands into the air and clapping lightly. As the girl shook her keys, however, he remembered he was supposed to be getting his rattle.

...That could what. The white and black stripies was much more interesting. His ears wiggled a little bit as Ava pointed toward him, his tail stopping for a moment. 'Hubbraaaa'? Manior turned his head to look over his shoulder, his little tail thumping against the floor a couple of times. Oh! This thing!

"Myaan!!" he said with a nod, grabbing his tail gently with one tiny hand, the other tapping his chest. It was a part of him, and it belonged only to him! It made him feel a little special, since mommy person had one too.

Domonic nodded, looking over the leg again. "It really shouldn't hurt... too long," he told her, hoping he would be right. "The initial break will hurt, and I will say right now that I am very sorry that it will, but I can do something that will ease the pain, and hopefully help his leg heal faster. Luna, do you know if magic can work on Uriel?"

He began to think of the things he would need to bandage the leg. Something like a toothpick would probably be too thin and weak to support the leg... A pencil would probably be too thick. ...A bobby pin might work, but where would he find one of those around here?

Manior giggled happily as the woman spoke, the little boy lifting his hands into the air and clapping lightly. As the girl shook her keys, however, he remembered he was supposed to be getting his rattle.

...That could what. The white and black stripies was much more interesting. His ears wiggled a little bit as Ava pointed toward him, his tail stopping for a moment. 'Hubbraaaa'? Manior turned his head to look over his shoulder, his little tail thumping against the floor a couple of times. Oh! This thing!

"Myaan!!" he said with a nod, grabbing his tail gently with one tiny hand, the other tapping his chest. It was a part of him, and it belonged only to him! It made him feel a little special, since mommy person had one too.

Domonic was a bit surprised at the gesture, blinking once at the plastic clip. That would certainly work well enough, and it would be strong enough to keep Uriel's leg straight.

"You are... different, aren't you?" he asked her, not meaning to sound rude with the question. He smiled, and nodded a thank you as he took the little barette. "I am a little, too."

Thinking for a moment, he held his hand out to Luna. "Can you take Uriel for a moment?"

Differ-ment? confused

Luna slowly took Uriel in her hands, petting his hair gently. Owwie only for LITTLE bit! scream

Ava peered down at Manior and squinched her face up as he grabbed the moving thing, hence stopping the moving.

"Nya! Nyayaya!" she replied, her pitch slowly rising with each oscilating "ya". The keys jingled again vigorously before they were flung down on the ground, slobber and all, towards the little boy.

Domonic, with his hand now free, ripped a long enough piece of material from the cuff of his sleeve to wrap around the tiny boy's leg. Wincing a little bit at the girl's cry, he nodded quickly in agreement.

"Yes yes, it shouldn't hurt too much if it works," he said, placing the barette and strip of cloth on the floor. Very carefully, he held one hand under Luna's, and gently took the broken leg inbetween his thumb and index finger of his other hand. "Keep hold of him, okay? I'm really really sorry about any pain he will feel, but if the spell works, the pain should go away quickly. Ready, Uriel?"

Manior cringed as Ava's voice grew louder, his ears drooping downward. That hurt a little bit... As she threw her keys, the boy simply blinked a few times, watching curiously as they flew just over his head, nearly hitting him. This amused him, and he giggled, clapping his hands. He needed to give them back now!

Turning around a little bit, he reeeeeaaaached his little arm out, wrapping tiny fingers around the plastic ring and dragging them closer to himself, his tail curling a little bit. Pulling himself back into his sit, he held the keys upward toward the woman, shaking them a little bit like he would his rattle.

Luna nodded quickly and held tightly to Uriel, eyes filling with tears again.

Sorry Uri... crying

Sensing something amiss, Junyi poked his head out of his office, frowning slightly.

Ala wandered in humming a dragonic lullaby to the infant she carried in a maya wrap. he held in his fists the tail of a small stuffed dragon and the corner of his black and red blanket which was wrapped around him to keep him warm even though he wore little black sweats and a crimson red long sleeved shirt with white sockies, Ala carried a small back bag with her too.

Jade grinned at Manior's offer of the keys, then got an idea. She slowly slid down (even though it was a little painful yet) and sat on the floor with her legs crossed indian-style with Ava in her lap. There, much better for interaction!

Ava blink-blinked as the boy rattled her keyes, then she snorted indignantly and reached out for her toy. Those were HERS!

"Abah. Ababameya," she demanded, the other hand slapping the carpet.

Biting his lip softly, Domonic began to place preasure on Uriel's leg, doing his best not to overdo it. Given the major size differences between himself and the tiny boy, it didn't take too long for a small snap to sound, indicating the break. The man immediately begin muttering a spell to ease whatever pain there might have been, his fingers glowing a faint blue color, inwardly praying that it would work.

Oh! She moved again! Now they were so much closer, and that made him a lot happier. As Ava slapped the carpet, he blinked, reaching his arm out even further to give her the keys. If only he had his rattle... They could make music!!

As the door opened again, his eyes turned in wonder of who it was. Ooooh, she was holding another small person like himself!

Uriel screamed.

As soon as the snap was heard, Luna let out a loud shriek, bursting into tears.

You PROMISED!

As the magic began to work, Uriel quieted down, biting his lip as he turned his face away.

>~

Luna sniffled miserably, the tears slowing as the magic began to work its... well... magic.

Junyi immediately rushed forward, eyes wide with confusion and horror.

"What happened? Who are you, and what did you just DO?!"

Ala looked around as she walked in "Hmm not many people here as usual, least usual for when I get here" she mused she looked down at her son and repositioned him so was sitting up and still supported.

Surion looked around with curious eyes stuffing the tail of hte stuffie in his mouth.

The keys were immediately taken when offered and Ava promptly waved them around so they almost smacked Jade in the face, then she bounced happily before jamming one red key into her toothless maw to suck on. When the boy looked away, she also let her gaze wander to see what was happening not to far away. Oooo more little people!

Jade dodged the flying keys, but did so just barely, and steadied her daughter while she bounced enthusiastically.

Domonic winced at the shrieks, but he did his best to continue the work he'd started. As gently as he could, still muttering the spell, he did his best to straighten out the leg with one hand, the other reaching down to take up the barette from the floor.

The man nearly jumped as another man suddenly appeared, but managed to restrain himself and his position.

"I-I'm s-s-sorry, sir," he stammered, carefully placing the barette underneath Uriel's leg. "Luna asked me to help fix him, and the only way I could see doing such was to correct his leg..."

As his hand was freed from the keys, Manior waved happily to the new baby, his tail thumping against the floor again. Maybe that lady would come down to the floor, too? All three of them could play then, maybe! (And he could inspect the other child at the same time.)

Junyi stared sternly at Domonic. "Are you a doctor?"

crying Allbetter?

Ala hummed softly as she crossed the room, she stopped next the little boy and Jade with Ava "Hello , looks like a regular little people gathering" she said with a chuckle taking a somewhat sore seat creating a triangle. She lifted Surion out of hte carrier and placed him in her lap.

Surion waved his hand that held his blanket around a bit looking even more curiously at the two other little people.

Ava stared at Surion for a long while and pursed her lips thoughtfully as she watched him. The bumps on his head were definately strange....she scratched at her own head beneath the tiger-hoodie to see if she had those there too.

"Hi again," Jade said to Ala and Surion as they joined the triangle.

"Hello, you are well? you look a bit bushed" Ala said with a smile.

Surion's short tail snaked out from under his blanket and wrapped around his leg, he dropped the stuffie into his lap and reached an empty hand towards Ava.

Once the barette was in place, he reached down for the strip of cloth and began to wrap it tightly around the leg.

"I'm a healer," Domonic told him. "Though, I've had quite a bit of medical training... Forgive me for not being able to offer any more than that."

Once the cloth was wrapped around firmly and tied, he whispered a few foreign words, and the cloth seemed to harden in the fashion of a cast.

"I can't tell you that it'll be completely better, but if I did this right, then that cast should be able to come off in a week or two. Afterwards, he may or may not need that crutch anymore... I hope that helps at least a little bit, Luna?"

Manior stared curiously at the boy for a long moment, his ears swivelling a little bit as the women spoke. This boy looked much different from Ava, and had little things on his head. Ava didn't have those... Did he?? Reaching up to his forehead, he patted around for a moment before deciding that he didn't. Oh! The boy had little pointy ears, though! Just not... fuzzy.

"Tired....Ava doesn't sleep through the night really," Jade admitted as she pulled back her daugher's hoodie to expose her completely bald head. The little girl squalled and tried to reach for the hat but couldn't reach, so she shook a little and slapped the floor with her hands.

"Nyayayayay!" she bellowed as she kicked her feet, looking to Surion and Manior for support on her cause. The hat MUST come back!

Manior frowned as the hat came off, his tail flicking a little. Patting his own head, he was a little surprised that she also didn't have hair.

"Myaaa!" he cried, covering his head a little bit and pointing at Ava. "Nyaaan!"

She needed her ears to HEAR!!

Junyi's expression softened. "It appears you are a much better healer than I, sir." A beat. "Thank you."

Luna sniffled and cuddled Uriel tightly, still petting his hair reassuringly. crying !!!

........... ~_~

"Oooppfftt" Surion said blowing bubbles and pulling his hand back, he didn't really like really loud voices and the expression on his face reflected that as he stared at the girl.

"I can sooo sympathize, I think babies have their internal clocks mixed up" Ala replied glancing at Ava.

Ava continued to beat the floor, though with each strike the sound grew fainter and fainted, finally reducing into whimpers. She needed her fuzzie baaaaaack~

Her mother finally sighed and pulled it back into place, slightly disturbed by Manior's apparently dislike of the hat being removed also. "Fine, don't let anyone see your adorable little face then," she sulked, resigned to silence and a bundled up daughter.

"I... try to be," he said, smiling a little bit, "and... thank you. I'm... I'm not as good as I could be, and not quite as good as my lover, but I try."

He looked to Luna before standing up. "Besides... How could anyone resist helping such a cute and sweet little girl? I truly hope that Uriel will get better, Luna."

Inwardly, he wondered if he should try to make a little cane for him later.

Manior applauded as Ava got her hat back, happy that she had her ears again. He pointed to his own as they wiggled, then pointed to the ones on top of her head. Maybe the boy's would do it too? He pointed to him, his ears perking up a little.

Wiggling ears?....Ava stared at the cat-boy's ears as they moved. No one's ears did that that she knew....did hers? She tried to make them do it, but there was no movement of the plush tiger ears atop her head. Poo. ._.

"...I hope she wasn't too much trouble..."

Junyi suddenly glanced back toward the office. "I need to get back to work. I'll still be keeping an eye on her from my office."

Before he scurried back to his office, he smiled faintly.

"...Thank you."

Thankooooooo! heart

.......~_~;;;;;

Extremely unhappy with being re-injured and then babied, Uriel squirmed out of Luna's grasp and used her dress to slow his descent to the floor. Once he was safely on firm ground, he used his crutch as an oar to drag himself as far away from Domonic as possible.

Surion reached out his little hand to Manior's when he was pointed at "nyaaa" he said softly.

Domonic smiled, glad he was able to do something somewhat right for a change.

"You're welcome, Luna," he said, stepping over toward a chair nearby. Knealing down, he began to look for Manior's rattle, since that was the original reason for them coming.

Awww, Ava's ears didn't wiggle?? Maybe it was a phase, and they'd work later. When Surion pointed at him, he blinked a few times, tilting his head to the right.

"Myaaa?"

Ava sighed and slumped in her mom's lap, fighting a huge yawn that threatened to surface. The keys were long forgotten at this point.

Her mother noted her sudden shift into quietness and looked relieved. Maybe she'd fall asleep and Jade could get her home and in the crib, then get sleep for herself....

Torvil landed outside the clinic and entered. He looked about until he spoted Ala and Surion. He chuckled softly to himself and walked over, hovering about the two as a hen would it's clutch, or a dragon.... It was hard to tell. He chuckled and smiled at their company and bowed his head to them.

Ala looked up at hte looking shadow which was her mate "Hi love" she greeted him.

Surion waved his hand around a bit before letting it drop and going after his dragon again to chew on it's tail.

Torvil smiled. "Hey love." He waved at little Surion, but knew he wasn't paying much attention to him. "So how was your day?" He asked her softly. "Seeing as you decided to leave before I woke up fully..."

Ava blinked sleepily at the new person but hardly uttered a coo at him, instead retreating into her mother's arms and snuggling in comfortably to watch. It was at this point that Jade decided it was best to leave; Ava tended to get cranky right away if she wasn't put to bed when she was ready.

"I'd best get going...Ava's about ready to drift off anyway," Jade said to those around her, dragging the Snuggli pack over and gently slipping the little girl in it.

Ala nodded to Jade "T'was nice to see you again Jade and Ava, have a safe trip homewards" she said watching the lady prepare to leave before glancing up at her mate "We are well, just getting some fresh air and some window shopping done."

Torvil chuckled. "Good, good..." he sat down next to her and smiled. "Well, did you see anything you liked, cause we can nab them on the way out if you want..." He waved at those preparing to go.

Ala shook her head scooping her son up in her arms and offering him to his father "Nothing of real need or interest today" she told him.

Spotting the rattle underneath the chairs a few rows down, Domonic sighed with relief. Thankfully no one had taken it... Walking with his knees a few 'steps', he reached underneath and took up the rattle, it shaking it little bit as he righted himself.

What? Ava was going? But they didn't get to pl--RATTLE!!! Manior seemed to forget about the others as he got onto his hands and knees, crawling as quickly as he could toward his father.

Domonic used the chair for a little support as he stood himself up, spotting the little infant as he crawled toward him. Ah! Now they could go home. Taking the couple of steps it would take to meet up with his child, he leaned down and scooped him up, handing the baby the rattle as he adjusted him in his arms.

"No more dropping that thing, okay?" he told him, making his way toward the door.

Manior just squealed happily and hugged his rattle, happy to have it back. Just as they were leaving, the baby began to wave to the others, shaking his rattle at them.

"Nyaaaa!" was his goodbye, as he and Domonic walked out the door.

Domonic adjusted the child in his arms, Manior shaking his rattle excitedly at all sorts of things there were gleaming in the store. There was a beautiful fan hanging above some shelves behind one of the glass counters, shimmering softly with some glitter, and in one corner of the store was a bunch of beautifully designed books, the covers almost seeming to glow their respective colors. Domonic hadn't come in here to see any of those, however; he wanted to find a gift for Neko.

"Myaaaaaa!!!" Manior squealed, spotting a pretty doll in an odd dress on one of the nearby shelves, the sign next to it bearing bright and odd looking symbols.

"No, Manior," the blonde man sighed, adjusting the squirming child once more. "We're not shopping for you today, remember? We're looking for something for... mommy."

Mommy? That's right. The daddy person had been saying something about the mommy person coming home. Well, it was about time! Daddy person wasn't feeding him properly. Honestly... hogging the thingies on his chest all to himself. Mommy person shared!

The infant's light blue eyes caught hold of an oddly glowing box on the other side of his father. Ooooo, what was it? What was IN it? Was it a gift? Would it be a gift for him? He wanted to see this pretty box, especially since it was all sparkly and glowy. Manior began to shake his rattle in urgency toward the box, hoping Domonic would turn enough for him to see.

Domonic, however, was ignoring the shaking as much as possible. Quietly, he searched the glass counter with his eyes, looking for something that Neko might really enjoy. She liked jewelry, didn't she? Always wearing those two necklaces and that collar. Another necklace wouldn't be special, though... Maybe a ring? Rings were nice, small... but what kind of stone would she like?

What a mean daddy person. Manior's little eyes narrowed as he frowned, contemplating whether or not to start fussing to make him listen. The baby squirmed a little more, reaching his arm out as far as he could, shaking his rattle more and more toward the sparkly box. Oooh, it had flowers on it, too! Mommy person would like that, wouldn't she? And he picked it out all by hims--

Domonic turned a little bit, causing Manior's rattle to bump right into the box, slipping it toward the edge of the pile.

Oh no! The box was going to fall over!

"MYAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" he screeched, squirming up onto Domonic's shoulder and reaching out further. He had to save it!

"Manior, what are you doing?!" he fretted, wondering what had possibly gotten into the child. "Is something the matter?"

His tiny, stubby hands couldn't get a good hold of the box, and only made it tip over, knocking it down toward the ground. He FAILED!!! How could he fail to save mommy person's present?! Even worse, it was running away from him now!

"Dyaaap!" Manior cried, trying to command the box to come to a halt. It wasn't listening to him? "DYAAAAAP!" Stooooop!

As he reached down even further toward the box, and as Domonic glanced over his shoulder to see what was going on, something happened. The two boys blinked curiously, not quite understanding the oddity, nor knowing why or how it happened. There was the box, in all of its sparkling glory, floating about six inches above the floor.

"Nya...?" the child piped up curiously. It listened?

Domonic turned around completely, the baby's hand no longer pointing toward the box, and the gift toppled to the ground. Getting a better hold of the infant, his pale eyes studied Manior carefully. Had he been able to will that to happen, or was that just a once in a lifetime sort of thing? Looking to the box, he crouched down slowly, reaching out a hand to take hold of it.

Manior also reached his hand out toward the box, holding his rattle close to himself so he wouldn't drop it. He wanted to hold it! It was his gift to mommy person, after all. Daddy person couldn't take credit!

The box, just before Domonic could grab it, began to move toward Manior's outstretched hand, a very faint blue aura surrounding the squared edges, only visible to the trained eye. Fortunately, the man's eyes were very trained. Telekinesis...? he thought to himself, watching as the child didn't seem too phased by what was going on. Maybe he didn't even know that he was causing it to move.

As the box came into reach, Manior patted it with his small hand happily, as if in approval. "Myaaa!" he giggled, amused that it listened to him again. He didn't even have to say anything this time!

"I take it you want this?" Domonic asked the boy, picking up the box carefully and standing back upright. If Manior wanted it that badly, then it wouldn't be that bad to purchase it with the other gift. "If I get this for you, will you help me pick out a gift for your mother?"

Huh? But that IS his gift for mommy pers--ooooh, pretty books! Manior started shaking his rattle in the direction of the books, wondering why they were glowing the way that they were.

"We'll look at the books after we find something for her, all right?" This really wasn't working. Sighing lightly, he placed the box on the glass counter top, crouched down in front of the display case, and shifted the infant so he could see inside.

"Look! Shinies!" he exclaimed, hating talking that way. There wasn't any other way to get the boy to understand, however. "Manny, look at the pretties!"

PRETTIES!! Sparklies!! Manior patted the clean glass, squealing happily at all of the jewelry that was gleaming with the bright lights. There were so many of them! Now he knew why daddy person was having such a hard time deciding. There was, however, something in particular that really caught his eyes.

"Dyaaab! Nyabba dab!" he cried, pointing toward the back of the case.

Domonic looked curiously, wondering which one he'd picked. Near the back of the display case was a beautiful gold linked bracelet, a small golden moon charm hanging down from the middle of it. A charm bracelet...? That would certainly work, and he hoped Neko would like gold. As he continued to look, he noticed a small wing charm beginning to float a little close to the bracelet.

"Manior, please don't do that..." he told the boy quietly, a bit worried that someone might see. A few more charms began to float around, and the infant only squealed happily. Oh dear... He didn't know what he was doing.

"Awwww, how precious!" the woman called from the counter, having approached from the back room. "She's so adorable! Oh, my manners. Can I help you find anything, sir?"

At the sound of her voice, Domonic immediately began to blush. Stupid shy behavior... Standing upright, he adjusted Manior in his arms one last time, staring down toward the glass counter, not phased by the child's shaking rattle as he knew the books were spotted again.

"Uh... y-yes, he is," he stammered, not reacting much to the baby being called a girl. "A-a-and n-no. I k-know what I-I'm looking for."

The light haired woman blinked a few times, her brown eyes showing a little concern.

"Is... she okay?" she asked curiously, raising a brow.

"HE is fine," he snapped lightly, twitching a little bit. "I'd like to get that charm bracelet, if you don't mind... along with a wing charm and a heart charm, if you have one."

"Oh, sure!" the woman said cheerily, disappearing behind the counter for a moment to get what he'd asked for. "And... um... sorry about that! It's a bit hard to tell these days."

Domonic didn't really catch the last part as he moved from the counter and to the books, picking up the bright blue one with the water symbol on it. When he picked it up to inspect, the book stopped glowing, the silvery symbol shimmering a little bit in the light. Odd... Setting it back down for a moment, he lifted the cover to look at the pages. The book was blank?? He half expected there to be some sort of spells within the pages.

"Wh... What are th-these?" he asked, glancing over toward the counter.

The woman stood up from behind the counter, reaching into a desk behind her to get a box for the bracelet.

"Those are magic books or something," she rattled off, used to the question. "You can write all kinds of stuff in them. Spells, notes, novels... whatever you want! They're really cool, I think... One of my personal favorites in the store."

"I-I'd like t-to get a complete s-s-set of these, i-if that's all right," he said, setting the book back where it should have been. This would be interesting getting home with Manior in his arms. He began to wish he'd taken Sora's offer to accompany him.

"Sure thing! Let me go get a box from the back. Should be easier to carry that way," she said with a smile, placing the long velvet case down next to the mystery box.

It wasn't long before Domonic made his way out the door with his purchases, carrying a large box full of books, Manior sitting gleefully inside with their gifts for Neko.

"Not a word about this to anyone," the man huffed, just managing to carry the box as he began the venture toward home. "Neko would kill me if she found out I was carrying you around like this."

Manior shook his rattle in response, smiling like he always did. This was going to be the best 'welcome home' ever! Even if he didn't understand what that was.