Welcome to Gaia! ::

Karan & Demare - I was told that one should give gifts to people they know. I do not know you both as well as I might prefer, but we have interacted. Your charms are virtually mirror images of one another because you remind me of each other in at least superficial ways. The gems themselves are from Death, so they should be watched carefully. Have a good New Year.

Neko's tired eyes peered into the headquarters, her rambunctious little child calm for the moment in her arms. The pendant he's always worn before was now missing, being replaced by Chandra's charm that hung around his neck. Neko was a little skeptical of it, especially after reading the note it came with, but he liked it and she wasn't going to argue. Especially with his new "shiney" he constantly carried around with him.

Stepping into the lobby, she sighed softly as she walked toward the couch to take a seat, unintentionally not noticing the other woman in the room. She felt relief as she sat, her back sore from the weight that just seemed to continuely add itself on to her stomach, and she carefully placed Demare next to her to let him do as he wished.

Eamane blinked, ok so maybe there were people. She made a beeline for her chair and smiled at Pink. The little elf glanced at the other woman's swollen tummy with a knowing smile "when are you due" she asked.

She just followed Eamane inside, looking towards the two women seating themselves on the couch respectively. She gave a polite smile and wave towards them as the door slid shut behind the two without children. She entertained the thought, briefly, that Eamane might be new here as well... she really couldn't say since this was her first visit, herself.

Her eyes fell again to the two women, the children with them more specifically, and she felt slightly nervous. She never fancied herself a "baby-person", but somehow they kept finding their way to her anyhow. She'd been slowly getting over that fear. "Hello," ^_^;

Pink smiled as Neko sat down next to her. All pregnant women seemed to have the same idea. When she heard one of the ladies from last night she answered her with a laugh, "Not soon enough."

Guinevere, apon hearing the door opening turned and stared as one of her friends was plopped down on the ground. "MAAARE!" She screamed happily at him and started crawling toward him. He was soft and cuddly, one of the ones that she felt needed a hug the other day and had a group hug.

Eamane giggled and beckoned Tai over "we dont bite i promise" She turned back to Pink with a little giggle "i couldnt agree more, I have one of my own and it was a nightmare for the last few months."

Neko's ears perked up slightly as she heard a voice, and turned to see the unfamiliar woman sitting in a nearby chair. "Um... me?" she asked, just to be sure.

Demare looked around boredly before picking up his dagger and lifted it up into the air.

"Yaaar!" he said with a twitch, I am the pirate king!

He sighed, placing his new toy back into his lap as he looked around again. Ugh, what was he doing playing stupid games? And what was this new shiney good for if he couldn't stab anything with it? Neko had given him strict orders not to play with it too much until he was a little older, and there was something about the way she said it that made him listen for once. But... it was so boring!!

The small child looked up at the woman that had seated herself next to him. That's right, he'd seen her before somewhere, didn't he? And with her was... No! The whiney br--

Please, Demian, don't do anything mean! a voice begged in his mind.

He quickly folded his arms across his chest and hmphed. Fine.

Reluctantly, he waved a few fingers at the girl, hoping she wouldn't try to touch him.

Grateful for the invite, Tai left the doorway at last and came to seat herself trying to wait until she had a moment before she introduced herself. She certainly didn't want to interrupt, but it would also be rude to simply sit in on their conversation. She couldn't help but be amused by that thought.

"You mean this lasts for months?" Pink said with a whail. She turned her head and smiled at Neko. "You feel my pain, don'tcha? How along are you?"

Guinevere waved back happily untill she finally got infront of him, plopping herself down on her diapered rump. "Hewwo!" She said happily reachinig out to give him another hug.

Eamane smiled at the unfamiliar woman "nope...but are you having a baby too?" she asked in her light, slightly bubbly manner. "And yes months and months" she giggled "but it's definately worth it!"

Neko had to think about Pink's question for a moment, and her eye twitched slightly at the other woman's comment. What, had she merely looked FAT? Wait, calm... calm... Surely she didn't mean it like that.

"It's... been a little over a month, actually," she finally said with a nod. "It was confirmed November 30th, so I'm kinda counting from then. What about you, Pink?"

TOUCHING!!!

Demian... the voice pleaded.

Demare sighed and patted Guinevere lightly on the back, doing his best not to flinch. "Hi," he managed to get out, his other hand tightly grasping the hilt of his dagger in annoyance, saving face the best he could.

"Less than a month for me." She said with a sigh, and patted her already large belly. "In my family...we grow quick." She replied, putting a little emphasis on the last word as she rubbed her stomach. "I don't mind the bigness, I just mind everything that comes along with it." She finished, with a laugh.

Guinevere snuggled into Demare's chest for a moment, wrapping her little arms all the way around him. She let go of him and looked up at him, tilting her head to the side. "Somefin rong?" She asked, wondering why he was snuggiling back like he had when she was hugging him and Karan.

With hearing the knocking, Pink looked at the door and moaned. "I am SO not getting that. COME IN!" She shouted, praying the door was open, and the person on the other side could hear her.

Huni had seen someone enter the HQ, and took it as a cue for her own entrance. Balancing Linneas in her arms as she opened the door, the red head quietly walked in. There weren't any familiar faces, and it made her nervous.

Linneas on the other hand was so excited at seeing people he didn't know. He giggled and tried to reach out to the others present.

Eamane smiled and tucked her feet up under her, she was dwarfed by the large chair...not that it was a difficult thing to do as she was only 4'9''. The little elf giggled and watched the children playing on the floor, they seemed more restrained today but the she shrugged, different Legends, different personalities.

Nyxa shoved open the door which, thankfully, was unlocked. Traipsing in, she shut the door behind her with a 'thunk' before turning to eye the occupants warily. It appeared that the building was some sort of baby farm; there were kids playing on the floor, a pink-haired pregnant woman and a few others lounging around.

"Uh.. sorry to interrupt, but ah. I'm sort of lost, and I was wondering if I might warm up in here just a touch before you point me on my way?"

The red head made her way to the couches and chairs, seating herself silently beside an elf. Huni gave the other woman a shy smile before resuming her attention at the other Legends and guardians.

Linneas squirmed in Huni's grasp, trying his best to gain freedom to explore and meet others.

"Sure!" Pink called fromt he couch, happy she didn't have to get up to let someone in. "Come talk and warm up with us over here!" She said, motioning the newcommer over with a wave of her hand.

Neko laughed a little bit. "I... know the feeling," she admitted, resting a hand on her own stomach.

Demare lifted a brow as Guinevere asked her question, wondering why she would think anything was wrong. ....OF COURSE EVERYTHING WAS WRONG!

Demian, if you would prefer, I could take over for a bit... the voice told him, almost hopeful.

You and your stupid friends... he muttered to himself in his mind. You're all so pathetic!

If you hate it so much, the--

BAH! Just... Demare sighed. I hate you. I LOATHE your very being.

I understand. Thank you, Demian...

Whatever.

Demare closed his eyes for a moment, his body growing limp only for a quick second as the two seemed to switch places, Clare taking over for the time being. Opening his bi-colored eyes again, he smiled a little bit at his friend, hugging her with one arm gently.

"Everything fine," he assured her, hoping she wouldn't worry. "Nothing wong."

Eamane turned her smiling face towards yet another new commer "hello" she said brightly "I'm Eamane" and then she waved at the cold girl who had just entered "my its busy tonight" she commented to no one in particular.

"Ok!" Guinevere said happily with a smile and a shrug as she snuggled against his arm, always the oblicious one in the family. She began digging around in her cape and pulled out one of her stuffed teddies and began to make it dance around her friend. "Teddy Dance dance!" She said through fits of giggles.

Huni blinked at hearing Nyxa's voice, the other woman seemed familiar to her. Although she wasn't quite sure why, maybe they had met somewhere else? "Agh, my name to face memory stinks." she muttered. "And alright, Linny you can look around if you like." she sighed, setting the infant on the floor.

Linneas gurgled a bit as he started to crawl towards a gathering of other infants.

Nyxa sloughed off the slight dusting of snow that had encrusted her outerwear; damn, but it was cold outside. Glancing around for a spot to seat herself, Nyxa made her way over to a sturdy-looking chair, and after draping her jacket over the back she sat her tush down.

"Well. I'm Nyxa," she announced to any that cared to listen, "and I really appreciate ya'll lettin' me in. I thought I'd be a Nyxa-cicle after much longer out in that frigid weather."

She wanted to step in and follow the conversation from a non-spectator's view, it was difficult not to. Since she hadn't found a chance before, however, she finally took a more direct approach. Plan B.

She leant forward on the couch from where she sat, maybe one person apart from the two mothers and she spoke out to be heard. "Hello, everyone, I'm sorry for intruding," She smiled a bit apologetic. "My name is Tai."

"It sure is." Huni responded to Eamane, "I'm not usually here when it's busy. Most of the time when I arrive, no one's around." she added off-handedly.

Linneas watched curiously at Guin's dancing bear and instinctively clutched his broom plushie to him.

Demare chuckled a little bit, releasing his dagger for a moment to clap his hands. What could he show her in return...? He looked around for a moment, feeling his new "friend" would be a little creepy to show off, and decided his new pendant would do. With a proud smile, he held up his gift from Chandra, the gold color glistening slightly in the light as the black and red dots dimly shined.

Neko smiled at the woman, lifting a hand to wave in greeting.

"Pleased to meet you, Tai," she said, bowing her head a little bit. "My name's Neko, and... down there is Demare."

Guinevere stoped making her teddy dance and stared with big eyes at the shiny necklace. "Pretty!" She said, reaching out a little hand to it and petting it lightly. "Mommy give?" She asked, wondering who gave him the nice necklace.

Out of the corner of her eye Guinevere saw a nother baby come over to them and waved him over. He had a plushie that looked cute so he must be nice to play with, she thought to herself, turning back to Demare and his shiny necklace.

Linneas crawled over to where the two Legends were after being invited. He was all smiles and wanted to show them his own plush. Before he could do so, he paused to stare at Demare's necklace as it was so shiney. "Ooooo..." he cooed in awe.

Demare shook his head a little bit, waving a few fingers at the new baby.

"Cha..." he started to say, turning his eyes upward to think for a moment. What had Neko told him...? Oh, that's right. "Chaaandra."

Guinevere nodded her head. She knew that legend. She was a big one who made pretty music. "She make moooooosic!" She said happily, clapping her hands to make it sound sorta like the flute's music Chandra made...just missing what she was trying to convey totally and utterly wrong.

"Chaa?" Linneas echoed, a little confused. Was the necklace called Cha or was that the name of the other male baby? "Chaa?" he asked, pointing at Demare.

Brit burst into the HQ, looking very annoyed with the world. Keita huddled in his carrier on her back, and the tiny redhead was so bundled up she was almost as wide as she was tall. "That is IT. I have HAD it with this blasted snow! I thought when we moved to Port Gino the weather would be better here!"

"I've been here a few times before," Huni absently murmured before noticing Britain's arrival. "Come on over by the fire." she said, scooting off to get a seat for the other woman.

Demare's wings twitched a little bit as he blinked. "Moosic?" he questioned, having only remembered one legend playing music before, and that was a male.

Looking to the unknown baby, he tilted his head a little bit. Cha...? He shook his head, placing a hand over his chest and smiling.

"Dehmahray," he said a little slowly, not used to saying his own name.

His attention turned to the door as another woman came in, a familiar legend on her back. Wasn't that... Keita?

Brit blinked at the invitation, taking off her outermost coat and shakign the dust off of it. Slowly, she peeled herself out of her various layers and hung them by the door, uncovering Keita as well. The little Legend's nose was red, and he sniffled- much like his mama. "Thanks...I could use the heat, after that walk. I KNEW it was a longer path than I expected!"

Moving a bit stiffly, she headed for the group by the warmth and set Keita down. "Hey, sweetling, look- Guinie's here!"

Keita peeked out fof his carrier, spotting his friend and waving a hand in her direction. "Mrrr...?"

Linny understood now, it was the necklace that was called Cha and the owner of the necklace was Dehmahray. A little long for him to say, and he hoped the other baby wouldn't mind if he called him "Dehm." he nodded.

Noticing the winged Legend's preoccupation, Linneas followed Demare's gaze and saw another infant! Oh joy! Linny gets to meet new friends! He clapped his hands as best as he could (as in one hand he clutched his broom plush).

Guinevere nodded frantically. "Moosic!" She said, putting her hands up to her mouth and moving her fingers up and down, just like Chandra did when she played the flute for her hoping to get Demare to understand her.

Suddenly, both daugher and mother looked over to the door at all the racket. It was Brit and Keita! Pink waved and called Brit over to the group and Guinevere made grabby hands maddly at her scritch scritch friend.

Linneas blinked at the sudden excitement in Guin, and vaguely wondered if anyone ever felt that way to see him. Aside from his mother that is.

Huni smiled at Brit, in a manner of saying "Don't mention it." The red head didn't like the cold either, having been raised in a tropical climate. The HQ was warmer than outside and it had thawed the red head enough.

Seeing that Keita had lots of friends to play with here, Brit released him from his carrier and set him on the ground. Tucking her feet under her tiny self, she gave a lopsided grin to the others. "I like snow a LOT...but I'm really getting tired of the cold!"

Keita mmrrrrrh'd, puling himself to his knees and crawling over to Guinie and Demare and the others. He was still cold...he nuzzled against Guinie, and peered out at the world from he shoulder. "Mrrr?"

Linneas crawled up to Keita, noticing the other baby had predominantly green clothing as he did.

Guinevere wrapped her little arms around her friend and moved her hands up to scritch behind his ears. She had missed her friend Keita. He was so fluffy and playfull and he had been on a vacation her mommy had told her.

Keita's ears were COLD. He snuggled closer into the ear scritches, nuzzling Guinie and blinking at the new person. "Mrrr?" He asked, tilting his little head slightly. "MrrrrRRrr."

Prana entered the HQ, alone for the first time, and a bit nervous. What if no one was there. She looked around, her face softening when she noticed that there were lots of children present.

Demare waved a hand at Keita, smiling a little bit at the fellow legend. Now there was a small group of boys in a room filled with girls. ...Somehow, that seemed very odd to him, and slightly uncomfortable.

"Hu?" Linny asked, blinking at Guin and Keita. He already knew Demare's name, what of theirs? Voices again caught his attention and he saw Prana, he remembered the girl on his first visit and wondered if she remembered him. Or if she knew the other babies in the room.

Keita raised his head to blink at Prana as she entered the room, sniffing faintly to identify her. He twitched an ear in her direction, and waved a hand excitedly to get Guinie and Demare and everyone's attention. There were so many people here...he was distracted! "Prrrrr! Smile!!"

"I always smile when I see you!" Prana called to Keita, crossing the room and scooping him up to nuzzle his stomach with her nose. She looked at the little fawn, sitting cross legged and resting him in her lap, before realizing she was surrounded by little ones. "Well, I guess I do have a reason to smile." She waved at all the Legends, and a few visitors to the HQ, settling herself down for a visit.

Guinevere let go of Keita and stared at him, tilting her head slightly to say she didn't understand what he meant. She beamed a happy smile at him none the less.

Suddenly, she turned her head and saw her big Prana friend! She cooed loudly, clapping her hands and lunged at her for she was so close, wrapping her arms and legs around her big friend's leg and foot, snuggiling into it. So many friends were here to day. So many to huggle and snuggle all at the same time, it was just overwhelming!

Linny was content to watch and wait, he had his daily quota of attention already. Still, he stayed close by to the other Legends, not feeling the least bit out of place. He liked being around others, interesting people were fun to watch at the very least.

"Hi Minchkin." Prana 'oofed' as Guinny jumped into her lap, and snuggled the little girl back as tightly as she dared. Between the two Legends on her lap, she was feeling very secure and comfortable, even without her Guardian. "Did you all like your froggies?" She asked, hoping none of the ate theirs.

Keita nearly purred, cuddling happilyb against Prana and rubbing his cold nose in her shirt. "Mmmrrr. MRRRMrrrrmrrrr...PRrr? Mrr!" He said, very seriously, as if it were vital that she listen. He looked at Guinie as if in confirmation. "Snow!"

Demare waved back at Prana happily, realizing how big she'd gotten. He felt something twitch in his lap, and looked down at his dagger, blinking a few times as the two wings moved slightly. It was as if it were demanding attention. But... who could he show it to?

"What was that?" Prana looked down at Keita seriously, her green eyes focusing on him. "Snow?" The bear legend tilted her head, looking at Guinny as if she would translate. She really missed being able to understand the babies. As she looked about, she saw Demare, and smiled at him. She had always liked him as a baby. He looked a bit distracted, and she raised an eyebrow, wondering what was up.

Linneas tilted his head as well, "Snow"? What was that? He wondered, turning to Demare.

Guinevere looked at Prana and giggled. How could she not understand little Keita! "Snow out!" She said, pointing toward the door. "Cooooold!" She said, makign a little brrrr noise and wraped her arms around herself for a short moment before she wraped them back around prana and then around Keita. She tried wrapping her legs around Demare and the other baby who she didn't know his name, but it was a little hard, those other two not being in Prana's big and furry lap.

Guinevere looked up at Prana and said, "Spank you! Froggie hop lots!" Continuing what she said with a motion of her hands moving up and down to display how the yellow little froggie she got, so alike to the sunshine as she was, hopped around all day long, throughout their house.

Keita nodded at Guinie, and grinned up at Prana. "Cold smile?" He asked, and nuzzled closer. "Mrrrrr. Sun sleepie no smile." The thought seemed to sadden him a bit, and he blinked at Demare mournfully. "Smile...?"

Demare grew distracted from his dagger by Guinevere's kicking, as if she were trying to reach him. Thinking for a moment, he carefully stood, taking hold of his dagger with both of his hands and held it close to himself as he stepped wobbily over toward Prana and the others.

"Oh, I see." Prana flushed red, felling a bit foolish. She looked out the window at the snow, then back down at the babies. Guinny was holding her arms and shivering. Prana looked at the babies, smiling misheviously, her green eyes flashing, before swiftly raising her arms and pulling her cloak off. The large white leather and fuzz garment hung in the air for a moment before descending onto the four babies heads like a parachute.

DS wasn't sure what brought her to the HQ that frosty evening. She should really be at home, she chided herself mentally. After all, Karan was still... visually challenged. But perhaps what was best for him was to be near others. And he certainly would be near a lot of them, she noticed as she hung her coat by the door, gawking at the packed HQ.

Today Dusk was clutched in Karan's hands. The squirrel's familiar presence made the Legend feel a little more secure. Now that the light had begun to fade, shadows were invading his vision, and even though they were a relief to see, they still startled him. Once he was set on the floor, he remained still, listening to try and discern who was nearby.

Linny gave a squeak of surprise as the cape fell upon them. He tried to maneuver out from under it, ending up blindly crawling towards Demare.

Guinevere looked at Prana as she started to strip and giggled happily as the large fluffy coat descended apon her. She wiggled all aroun in Prana's lap as it fell on them, rubbing her face against the fuzzies of the coat and trying to burrow around it, finding any parts of her baby friends as she could to tickle with the fuzzies of the coat.

Keita shreiked with laughter, brought out of his melancholy by the FLUFF descending from on high. He laughed brightly, little hands waving as he tried to find people. There was Guinie, and there was the other person....and was that Demare? He had something hard, so maybe it was...?

Prana, now upside down, saw Karan placed in her line of sight/ "Hi Karan..." She called softly, trying not to startle him. "it's Prana. We're over here. Demare, Linneas, Keita and Guinny are here too." She tried to speak slowly, so the boy could orient himself to her voice. Looking up, Prana spied her Aunt and gave a lopsided wave with the fingers peeking out of her gloves. "Hi Aunt DS." She smiled, but her eyes were serious and dark. She wanted to know if Karan was getting better, or of she had not helped any, or worse, made the infant's conditon worse than it already was.

Linny couldn't help but giggle, the fluffy-ness tickled him. Blindly, he searched out the others, his broom plushie nudging someone.

Demare cowered a little bit as the cloak fell over him, immediately moving to find an open area, which happened to be next to Prana's lap. He had hated complete darkness ever since that night Demian had fully awakened... and while he trusted the others, he still was skeptical of his other half.

As the door opened, his gaze turned to see who had come in. Wasn't that...? He smiled brightly, nearly dropping his dagger as he lifted a hand to wave in the air.

"Kawan!" he called out, having missed his friend.

Kamiki walks in, Kitsumai at her side, holding her hand.

As always, the little kiren girl is shy at first and sticks close to her mom. She's wearing her signature big purple ribbon for a shirt, and her bag full of sketch pad and pencils is hanging on the waist between her human and kiren torso.

Kamiki dislodges her hands from hers when they get into the room, giving her an encouraging smile.

Karan turned his head to face the voice, which he recognized as the girl from the other day, the one who made him feel better. Even if he didn't recognize the names, just knowing that she was there made him feel better. He lifted his arms in hopes that she would pick him up, forcing the irritated squirrel to relocate to his shoulder.

"You're looking well, Prana," DS smiled. "I really must thank you... whatever you did, Karan's been fussing with his eyes a lot less since then."

Prana's eyes reasjusted to her lap as Demare' head poked out from under her cloak. Her eyes widened as he lunged forward towards something behind her, almost dropping his dagger on her. When did her get that anyway, and who was letting a baby crawl around with a sharp thing. Carefully, she sat up, picking him off of her lap and placing him closer to Karan, who she guessed he wanted to see. Her Aunt spoke to her, and she blushed a bit, getting up and pulling her cloak off of the baies.

"I'ts nothing..." She brushed the compliment off, turning a deeped shade of red. Karan was holding his arms out, and she knely down, taking his small hands in her fuzzy gloves. "I'm glad you feel better Karan..." She cooed to the baby, moving his hands closer to Demare so he wouldn't be frightened when the boy came near.

Demare blinked a few times as Prana picked him up and placed him a little closer to Karan. Why was his arms outstretched like that? And what was that on his arm? None the less, he began to crawl the rest of the way to his friend, the blade of the dagger making soft clinks on the ground as he moved.

"Kawan?" he tried again, wondering if the boy hadn't heard him before.

She wasn't going to pick him up? Karan started to pout, but he was distracted when he realized someone else was nearby. He reached a cautious hand forward, hoping whoever it was would give him a hint as to their identity.

Demare stopped in front of Karan, his face getting grabbed by accident. "Ow!" he whined, letting go of his dagger and rubbing his eyes. Why'd he do that...?

His wings fidgetted a little bit as he looked closer at his friend, squinting a little bit. Something seemed awfully funny about his eyes... He wasn't looking straight, and they seemed a little glazed. Lifting a hand into the air, he waved it in front of his friend's face, wondering if he would notice.

He didn't notice the hand, but Demare's voice rang clearly in his ears, making him smile for the first time in two days. "Demaah," he breathed. Perhaps he would be able to understand?

Demare smiled, putting his hand back down.

"Kawan, good?" he asked, hoping the other would understand his question.

Was he good? After a moment's thought, he shrugged, then covered his eyes. The brown girl got it, maybe Demare would too.

Demare put his own hands in front of his eyes for a moment, thinking about that. So, he couldn't see... Placing his hands in his lap, he looked at his friend with concern in his eyes.

Wuss, a voice scoffed at him. He ignored it.

"Why no see?" he asked curiously.

He didn't know. Did he? One moment he was seeing, the next he wasn't, and in between, all he could remember was light. Burning, painful light.

"Liiih," he murmured softly.

Demare tilted his head a little bit. Ligh...? .........Light? Did a bright light make him blind?

"Sun?" he asked, that being the only kind of light Neko warned him never to look at.

A stray memory infiltrated Karan's mind, of a golden-plated hand reaching closer and closer...

He nodded emphatically. "Yus."

That had to be it! Smiling a little bit, Demare reached a hand out and carefully put it on Karan's shoulder, being careful of the squirrl.

"Shoun't look at tha sun," he said, as if being wise. "Sun bad ta look at, buh good fow warm wen cold."

"No mah faut," he replied briskly. He didn't even like light that was that bright. It hurt.

Okay, time to change the subject. "How you?"

See, stupid? You upset him, his mind told him.

It... it wasn't on purpose, Demare tried to reason with himself, closing his eyes for a moment.

That's not the point.

"Okay," he said a little reluctantly.

That was good to hear, Karan thought, fidgeting a little. Dusk chittered his complaint and leapt off the boy's shoulder, into his lap, and observed the other Legend curiously.

Didn't the lady say that the fuzzy thing came from Demare? "Dakoo." He pointed to Dusk, or at least where he thought the squirrel would be.

Demare looked to the squirrl for a moment, trying to figure out what Karan was trying to say. Thank you...? But, where had the squirrl come from? Maybe it was that gift he'd gotten the boy for Christmas...? He had no idea it would be a live animal.

"Welcome," he said with a nod, patting the boy's shoulder lightly. Wait, he'd gotten a gift, too! "An' tank you."

"Welco." They were even then, he supposed.

But then, if they were even, and everything was okay, why couldn't he think of anything to do? Was it because he couldn't see. Probably.

"Sowwee," he sighed, rubbing Dusk a little to roughly on the head.

Prana looked down at Guinny, and heard her clapping. Looking about,a bit nervously, she cleared her throat...

"CAN I HAVE EVERYONE'S ATTENTION PLEASE!?!?"

She bellowed over all the noise. Here green eyes looked pertified, but maybe, just maybe, everyone would listen.

She smiled and eyed the other's feet before hacing her attention turned to the one that bellowed. Her pointed ears perked up, ready to listen to what the other had to say.

Pink laughed at DS and smiled. "Our phones are all glued on the wall. Hopefully the clutter and pets will never mound up that high to hide them." Turning she saw Fae and waved to her. "I don't know, but its MADNESS I tell you! Almost too much stimuli for a pregnant woman!" She said, using her pregnancy once more in conversation, with an extra pat to her belly.

When she was done talking she looked up at Prana, wondering what was going on. She smiled at her little baby in Prana's arms, watching her stare up at her big friend and coo softly.

Huni jumped in her seat, literally. She was taken by surprise at the sudden yell.

Linneas dropped the crayon and instinctively brought his broom plush to his chest.

Kamiki opened her mouth to respond to Jhiri when she heard someone yell for everyone's attention.

Kitsu also turned her attention from the coloring, looking up at the yelling Legend.

Jhiri's head snapped around at the yell and she quieted to listen.

Eamane jerked awake at the loud voice and looked around.

Worried that all the commotion really might be too much, DS shifted her position on the couch, making it ever so slightly in front of Pink. "If you want them to quiet up, just-"

Prana caught her attention, and she broke off, waiting to see what her niece would say.

Demare blinked a few times, wondering why his friend was sorry. Looking to his dagger for a moment, he thought of something: maybe since Karan couldn't see it, he wouldn't be afraid of it.

Carefully taking one of the boy's hands, he held up his gift and gently touched Karan's fingers to the feather wing it hand. "Be cawefuw," he warned, making sure he wouldn't hurt himself.

He also turned his attention toward Prana, but decided to just listen instead.

Nyxa, who had obviously dozed off to sleep in her seat, glanced around the room that had rapidly filled to bursting. Stretching and yawning simultaneously, she hastily swiped her eyes before returning her attention to the room.

Such beautiful children, everywhere. She chuckled to herself, reminded of her own babies at home she'd left in the care of her oldest, Adrienne.

Faevan looked up suddenly. The room was starting to fall quiet, and there in the middle, holding Keita and Guinny, was Prana? The poor girl looked so uncomfortable too.

"I wonder what's up?" Faevan whispered, mostly to herself, listening to her daughter.

"Uh...I...uh...Guinny wants all the Legends...." She held her breath for a secondm before deciding to just blurt it out. "Guinny wants everyone to give her a hug!" Her cheeks were red by this point, and her head was retreating into her fur collar to hide that. but there, she did it! She said it.

Guinevere looked around the room as tons of eyes and faces were on her, Prana, and Keita. She secretly wondred if they were all fluffy and soooo wanted to find out. She looked up at Prana and wondered what she wanted evertyone to do. She hoped it was a hug, oh boy she hoped so much it was a hug!

When she heard Prana speak she squealed loudly and happily and clapped her hands together. "HUG! HUG HUG HUG" She chanted, making grabby hands at everyone in the room.

Karan had paused twice, once when the big girl spoke the first time, and the the second for merely a moment. Whatever she was saying didn't seem to concern him. He was more curious about the soft thing Demare was showing him.

The feathered handle felt good, but as his hand explored it what felt better was the cold rush of the metal. He stroked it, unaware of the danger it held. "Mmmmm..."

Demare worried for a moment as Karan started to pet the blade, glad that he was holding the sharp edge closer to himself. He tilted the dagger a little bit, just to be sure Karan wouldn't cut himself, and noticed that the eye in the center of the two wings seems to close a little bit. Was... it happy?

Why was the hard coolness turning? Karan tried to feel the hidden edge, wondering why it was being moved away... and suddenly felt a sharp wetness against his palm. After the first moment it didn't hurt, and Karan held his hand up curiously.

Even if Karan couldn't see the thin trickle of blood, DS did and she swooped down on the infant within moments."Oh dear..." She was so busy fussing over her own Legend she failed to notice the other,or the dagger. Without so much as a farewell to anyone, she hurried out of the HQ, muttering something about antiseptic.

Demare's eyes widened slightly, watching as Karan slit his finger a little bit on the blade. The dagger's eye opened fully, and his own two red eyes opened a little bit as a little bit of the blood's residue remained on the weapon. Oh shoot... He'd cut him??

He held the dagger close to his body, a little protectively, not even realizing at first that his friend had been taken away. What... had he done?

Xiao's tail swished a little bit behind him as he quietly stepped into the lobby, Demare resting in the nook of his right arm. He came only as a request of Neko, since she was currently unable to leave the house, and was a bit surprised to see the place empty. She said there would be others here, did she not? The tahnee fox passed the thought aside, however, and stepped over to the couch, deciding to wait for a little bit before heading back home.

It was an excuse to get him out of the house, wasn't it? After what happened with Micheal and the sprockets this morning, Neko had been on edge and didn't need him adding to her stress. WHATEVER! That stupid demon... SENDING HIM AWAY! Of all the nerve... Demare's bi-colored eyes moved about the empty room, trying to find something to do while he was here. Boring... Boring BORing BORING.

Eriol shoved the door to the HQ open with his shoulder, both arms trying to keep a grip on a very excitable baby. Frowning, more from annoyance than actual anger, he placed the child on the floor and sank into a chair. "Geesh... I dunno if ya do this ta Mom, but if ya do, no wonder she axed me ta take ya tonight."

If Karan heard or understood what his watcher said, he showed no signs of it. He was here, and here was where people were, and- person! Demare person! Best type of person there was, almost!

"Dah," he squealed, waving excitedly from his spot.

Xiao's ears perked up at the sound of the door opening, looking over his shoulder to place his pale blue gaze upon the new arrivals. They seemed harmless enough... though the older of the two appeared to be angry with something. Turning around slowly, he noticed the child on the floor waving his hands excitedly. Hm... a friend of Demare's?

Demare's eyes and wings twitched slightly. Great... it was HIM.

Is he ALWAYS here? Demian hissed in his mind, folding his arms across his chest in a huff.

It seems that we tend to be here at the same time... Clare responded, sounding a little disappointed with his other half. Why must you speak so ill of him, Demian? He's done you no wrong.

He's an annoying little twit. ...And he looks too much l--

I would appreciate it if you wouldn't speak of him like that. He's my friend...

You have an interesting choice of friends, then. After all, I used to be one of them.

If you're not going to let me through, then... please... Give him a chance today? Clare pleaded.

Demare sighed, unfolding his arms and lightly brushing his fingers along the charm from Chandra. He gave her a chance, right? ...Damn it.

FINE! I'll give your stupid friend a chance.

"Down," Demare demanded the tahnee, turning his gaze up to the fox for a moment.

Xiao raised a brow at the child, but didn't hesitate at the command, gently setting the boy on the floor.

Eriol looked over the other visitors curiously, but remained silent. He wasn't really in the mood for idle conversation.

YES! He was here, and coming, and everything was GOOD. It was nice outside, and everything was all better, and it was good. Not that he knew why it was good, but he didn't really care either. Not when there was Demare to play with!

Nearly giggling from the contained excitement, he grabbed the strap of a small bag next to him, and started towards his friend.

Demare waited where he was, deciding it was better for Karan to come to him. Why should he have to move if he didn't need to? ...And what was that bag he was carrying?

Demian, remember to thank him for the gift, Clare reminded the demon.

...WHAT? he scowled.

The mouse... Remember? Leethral? Karan and his lady person give him to us.

I'd love to know why the heck you think I CARE.

Demian, please? Don't make me force you out...

Like you could, were Demare's thoughts to himself, hidden from Clare. Ugh... Being polite made no sense to him.

As soon as he reached his destination, Karan plopped the bag in front of him and started to rifle through it. Part of its contents streaked out, chittering its anger loudly as it made its way behind the boy. But that wasn't what he was looking for, and his eyes lit up as he pulled out a rubber ball, a small model of the solar system suspended within it.

"Ah beah," he proclaimed, pointing to his eyes. "Pway?"

Prana ran full tilt into the HQ, a rather tired looking Faevan dragging her heels behind her. Faevan cast tired eyes on the full moon, muttering something about it making kids crazy, before finding her way to a couch.

Prana's green eyes gazed about the HQ, looking for familiar faces. She hadn't been here in so long. Excitedly, she spied two little bundles she recognized. Calming herself, she walked over quietly, sitting nearby the toddlers.

Demare quirked a brow at the ball before he leaned forward, inspecting the design closely. What was that? A bunch of round cirles surround by even MORE cirles... and in an odd fashion. For some reason, it intrigued him.

"Pay what?" he demanded, turning his gaze back to the boy.

Play what? He hadn't thought that far... as long as they played something it would be fun, right? And- PERSON! Good person! The nice big fuzzy person who made him feel better!

This time he waved both arms, yet again jolting the poor squirrel from his position. "Raaaa!"

Demare's gazed turned from the boy up to the girl, trying to remember who she was. Another friend of Clare's, wasn't she? ...She looked different from the last time he remembered. Or was she like that the last time he was here? Nonetheless, he kept quiet for the time being, his wings cautiously curling around his small body.

Prana smiled softly and waved to Karan, holding out her arms to the boy, not wanting to frighten him. He tended to be jumpy at times, she had noticed.

"Hi Karan. Hello Demare."

Karan couldn't believe his luck. Two absolutely YAY people were here to play with! How could it get any better?

One hand swatted the ball, which lazily rolled out into the open. The other kept beckoning Prana closer.

"Pway."

"Hewwo," he said a little warily, but was quickly distracted as the ball began to roll away. ...It was.... ESCAPING! How DARE it flee from them! And they wanted to play with the ball, too.

Demare got up into a stand, and quickly waddled after the ball, reaching toward it in hopes that he'd catch it. ...It was running away from him... STUPID BALL!

Perfect! They could chase it! That would be lots and lots of fun! Karan clapped happily as his way of cheering his friend on.

Demare had almost reached the ball... In fact, he was so close that his fingers brushed against the rubber. However, his tiny little foot got too close, and he accidently kicked it further away.

"NUH!!" he cried, pouting as he continued to waddle after the ball. Come back! Stupid... thing!

Yay, the game was going well! Except for the fact that it was taking a long time for his turn to come. Demare would get the ball, he knew that. But then he'd be so far away. So he should chase it too!

Giggling, he started to crawl after Demare. Ball had better look out!

Closer... He needed to get closer to the ball! He thought for a moment, his wings stretching out as much as they could as he took note that the ball was rolling FORWARD. If he were to get in front of the ball... Maybe it would work.

Flapping and fluttering his wings as hard as he could, Demare's body slowly and clumsily lifted off of the floor, allowing him to be suspended in the air while he tried to move faster than the ball. He could do it... He really could! ...But... flying kind of hurt. A lot.

"Nggghh!!" he reached his hands toward the ball again, his wings beating harshly in the air, once again able to brush his fingers along the surface.

However, his wings were quickly loosing momentum as they grew tired, allowing the child to fall closer to the ground.

MAYDAY! MAYDAY! CRASHING LANDING!!

Luckily, Demare had fallen on top of the ball, but not without rolling with it once and falling right on his head. This game SUCKED!! ...But useful. He could hurt people in this game? Hmmmmm.... Yes, useful indeed.

It had started out fun, but as Demare fell, Karan let out a shriek. Bad! Falling hurts and hurting is BAD! And he couldn't get there fast enough!

Pushing up with his hands, he teetered, tottered, and started waddling over towards his fallen friend. It was hard staying balanced, but lots faster than crawling.

"Dmaah! Dmaah kay?"

Demare was still clinging to the ball as he rolled down onto his back, his narrow bi-colored eyes glancing at the child approaching. He was... asking if he was okay?

Didn't... that hurt, Demian? Clare questioned, hoping his other half was okay.

...Well... Yes, but it wasn't that bad. Not like I haven't hurt myself before, he replied, looking up toward the ceiling for a moment. ...That was actually kind of fun.

You mean...!

Eh. Maybe he isn't so bad.

"I fine," he simply stated, rocking on his back a little bit until he could swing upwards into a sit.

Fine? Good. Fine was good, and good is good. Good!

Legs finally giving out, he flopped onto his bottom, both scarves fluttering as he did to. As long as he was fine, and fine is good, then they could keep playing, right?

"Mah tun?"

Demare blinked a few times, almost having forgotten about the game. Looking to the ball for a moment, he gave it a cold glare, as if to tell it to go to Karan instead of running away again. Finally, he let the ball go, and give it a small shove toward the other child, hoping it would behave.

His turn! Finally, they were playing together! Huzzah! Almost falling over in his haste, he slammed his hands onto the ground and took off after the ball, scarves trailing behind him on the floor. He'd catch it now!

It didn't LISTEN! It wasn't behaving! It... ...Hey. Maybe that was supposed to happen. Blinking a few times, he watched the other boy run after the ball just as he had before, and Karan seemed to actually be having fun. They were supposed to chase it...?

C-cheer him on... Clare's voice piped up.

WHAT?!

H-he was cheering you on... Maybe you should do the same?

Demare sighed lightly. Well, the sooner Karan caught it, the sooner the ball would be sent back, right? But... how does one "cheer" exactly?

"Uh... You can do it!" he cried out, his wings fidgetting a little bit.

He was even getting cheered on! Encouraged by the show of support, he put a little more oomph into his crawling and fell onto his stomach, as well as the ball. It didn't hurt much though, and he did it!

"Yah," he chirped, turning over on his side and pushing the ball back towards Demare.

YES! SUCCESS! The cheering WORKED and now the ball was coming back to him. All right, he'd show that ball... Demare carefully stood himself up, clumsily stepping toward the moving sphere. He wouldn't let it get the best of him this time! No sir, not THIS time!

...Was he moving faster? The ball grew closer a lot slower than he'd expected, and he did his best to quicken his steps as he ventured onward. It didn't take him long to realize something as he stopped, however, wanting to wait a moment for the ball to catch up.

The ball wasn't moving.

How DARE it stop before him!! Demare, in a huff of annoyance, stomped right up to the ball, and gave it one swift kick, a bit surprised as is flew up into the air and began to bounce its way back toward Karan. It was... a jumping ball??

Karan's eyes widened as the ball bounced towards him. It... jumped? It never did that before! Maybe it was because it was with someone else. That had to be it. The ball was having fun too!

During the time it took to make this deduction, the ball had gotten closer to him. So close, in fact, that it was right in front of him. Closer... one more bounce and it hit the boy square in the chest, knocking him onto his back with a surprised "uuf!"

...Oops.

Demare did his best to waddle quickly over to Karan, looking down at the child as he reached him. Stupid ball... It attacked him. That had to be it. Though, down on the floor like that, there was something that seemed so... familiar to him.

Blinking once, he reached out his hand to offer help sitting back up.

"Kara okay?" he asked a bit quietly, as if not wanting anyone else to know what he was doing.

"Sokay..." It really didn't hurt, much. The ball just wanted to play too, he was sure of it. But he was still grateful for the hand, and reached for it.

Before the child could quite grasp it though, he was intercepted. "Whoa... y'okay there squirt? I think we'd better getcha home."

Home? Now? Without finishing the game? No! That wouldn't be good at all! It would be boring and bad!

He down looked at Demare, eyes pleading for help.

Demare's normally narrowed eyes looked normal for a moment as Karan looked down on him like that, a bit of a realization coming to him.

Hey, Clare...? Ya know something?

Hm?

...He remindes me a lot of how you used to be.

Eh??

Demare looked to Xiao for a moment. ...Nothing.

"I... go?" he finally said, looking up at Karan. "I come?"

"Come?" What did he mean by that? Was he going to come with him? That would be GOOD. Very good. He looked up at Eriol hopefully.

Seemed like the runt was making friends. Good for him, but it did make him feel a little guilty for taking him home. He knew what it was like not to get to spend enough time with friends.

"Sorry squirt, but we're going home. So unless he wants to come home with us, we've gotta go."

"I go!" Demare decided with a nod, his wings pulling close to his back.

B-but we don't have permissio--

The lady wanted us out of the house, right? It'll be fine... Foxman can explain later. It's not like we can't take care of ourselves.

But...

"I go," he said aloud again.

Xiao finally stepped away from the couch and walked up to Demare, carefully picking him up from the floor as he looked to Eriol.

"He seems to want to go along," he said cooly, his tail swishing a little bit. "Perhaps... it would not be a bad idea, should your guardian be all right with that."

Seemed the little guy was more determined than Eriol had given him credit for. Fantastic. Now he'd have to break it to two people.

"Well, we-" he broke off, taking another look at Karan's hopeful face, and sighed. "We'd be happy to watch him for a while. Mom won't mind." I hope, he added silently.

He was coming? YAY! Friend all night long, and lots of fun, and fun, and YAY.

"Now hold on, I'm gonna improvise."

Retrieving the bag of toys from the floor, Eriol jostled some of its contents, finally shifting Karan so his weight was mostly held by the bag. He was surprised that the child actually let him- it couldn't be too comfortable, and last week he'd nearly had his eye scratched out for less.

"Your turn," he muttered, crossing the floor to get Legend from his guardian. "And wouldja mind gettin th'door fer me?"

Xiao nodded, stepping over toward the door.

"Forgive his intrusion... Should there be any problems, your guardian may contact us at any time," he explained as he reached the door and pulled it open, bowing a little bit.

That... was almost too easy, but whatever. He was going somewhere NEW, and he'd at least have some real company for once. He looked to Karan for a moment before looking back to the fox tahnee, nodding a little bit. Tonight would certainly be different.

"Sure thing," Eriol nodded in place of a bow, and headed outside.

YAY! Karan latched onto Demare's nearby arm, quivering with excitement. Friend meant it wouldn't be boring anymore. He KNEW that something good was going to happen, and it did!

Demare's right eye twitched slightly as his arm was latched onto. Very different indeed...

Demare's left eye slowly opened as sunlight poured into the room, the white eye trying to adjust to the brightness as the child stared blankly at the royal blue wall in front of him. This wasn't his room... His walls were still white. Wait... That's right... Demian had decided they would stay at Karan's for the night. Opening his right eye, the little baby pulled himself forward a little bit so he could flutter and flap his two wings, stretching them out while he continued to wake himself up.

It had been a long while since he had been able to sleep like that... Being allowed the pleasure to dream and Demian actually leaving him alone. Come to think of it, why did he get to be in control right now? Was it because Demian was actually sleeping? Or did the demon let him through...? Nonetheless, Clare wasn't going to let his time go to waste. Lifting a hand to cover his mouth, he yawned quietly and did his best to stand up on the cot that was, for the most part, Karan's bed. Turning around, he placed his hands carefully on the edge of the box and stood on his toes, his large bi-colored eyes peeking curiously inside to see if his friend was even awake.

Karan was curled around the lighter dragon plushie, fast asleep. His body seemed tense even during his slumber, but what of his face was visible was relaxed in comparison.

DS pushed the door open carefully, trying not to disturb anyone who happened to be sleeping. The visitor looked awake, she observed as she tiptoed in, but her own Legend was asleep as usual. Really, she would have do do something about that.

"Good morning, gentlemen," she exclaimed loudly, "for it is a good morning indeed!"

That was enough, though just barely, to distrupt Karan's rest, and he opened his left eye sleepily. Morning? Already?

Demare was caught a little off-guard as DS spoke, having not heard her come in, and he lost balance, falling right onto his bum with surprise. Looking at the guardian with wide eyes, he blinked a few times before smiling sheepishly, his wings shifting a little behind him.

"Hewwo," he said quietly with a little wave of his hand, his other hand reaching for the dark dragon plushie Karan had let him sleep with. He had to give it back, after all... It needed to be safe!

It took DS all of two seconds to melt into a puddle of ooze from the utter cuteness of what she was seeing. Much as she'd hated being called adorable and precious when she was younger, she couldn't help wanting to take the boy and give him a great big hug.

Restraint didn't come easy, but it came. "Hello yourself, little one," she grinned. "And hello to you, my little night owl."

Was she talking to him? He wasn't a bird... he didn't even have wings. But he nodded all the same, stretching on arm up into the air and the other into the side of the box.

"I don't know when you have to go home, Demare-kun, but I think we should get you some food before leaving."

...Funny. He didn't know when he had to go home, either. He merely smiled and nodded, looking toward the box after a moment when he realized that Karan was indeed awake.

...Wait. He got to eat?? It had been a while since Clare was in control of the body during meal times, so it was probably a good thing that souls didn't get hungry. Food sounded rather good, however... His stomach told him so.

Food did sound good. He was usually asleep in the morning, so he wouldn't have anything until lunchtime at least, but he realized that now that he was awake, he was hungry.

"Alrighty then, since I'm not hearing any complaints, breakfast it is." It took a moment to figure out how to carry both babies at once, and DS finally decided that one in each arm would be best. Bending over, she cautiously grabbed each one and pulled them towards her, and once she was balanced, teetered back out the door and towards the kitchen.

"Hey, who's that?"

"Ying, yer supposed ta flip the pancakes!"

"Be careful, that looks hot..."

"I say, please don't wave that around at this hour!"

Karan stared at the kitchen, completely awake. What were all those people doing there? He'd seen them all before, but never at the same time...

"This is Demare, a friend of Karan's," DS annouced to the kitchen. "He'll be joining us for breakfast. Right?" She looked at the boys for their approval.

Demare had lightly grasped onto DS' shirt when she picked him up, dropping the dragon plushie onto the cot before they left the room. Upon spying the kitchen, however, a bit of an odd sensation overwhelmed him.

There were so many strangers... So many people he didn't know. While they seemed to be a part of Karan's family, he began to feel a little nervous in their presense, a slight fear rising within him. They wouldn't hurt him... He knew that. So why was he so afraid?

Shyly, he began to sink into DS' arm, his wings cautiously curling around himself as he did his best not to be troubled. He had to stay calm... He had to keep Demian asleep...

It was a little overwhelming to Karan too, but he reached over to lay a protective hand on Demare's arm. Even if he wasn't as big yet, it was his house and he'd protect his friend from... whatever he needed protecting from.

"Okay, headcount," DS muttered. "Lionel, Eri, Yeine, Ying... where's Xue? And Melete?"

"Haven't seen Mel this mornin. Xue neither."

"Linnea?"

"She's asleep."

Taking this into consideration, DS nodded. "I think I'm gonna take these two out for breakfast. Too many people here."

It was a good idea. Even though Karan was determined to be the strong one, if only by a little, it was getting harder to keep up the front with everyone staring at him. The suggestion of leaving was warmly welcomed, but he looked at Demare to make sure it was okay with him.

Demare looked up at the guardian woman for a moment, trying to figure out what she said. Take them out for breakfast? What... exactly did that mean? He'd never really eaten outside of his home before, so this was all a little strange for him.

Looking to Karan, he felt rather comforted that his friend was letting him know he was there, and he reached up a little hand to take Karan's in his own. Demare smiled a little bit, as if that would answer any question someone had; he'd go where ever Karan wanted to go.

The simple gesture did a world of good for Karan's plummeting confidence, and reassured by way his own reassurance, he smiled.

"It seems settled then. Lionel, you're in charge, so don't screw it up."

The man in the frilly apron scowled and tried to gather whatever shards of dignity he had left. "I won't."

It would be a tad troublesome to carry them both all the way to the nearest diner, but probably better than dealing with a pair of fussy babies in addition to hungry kids and disgruntled nobility. Mind made up, she nodded, more to herself than anyone else. "Let's go."

Only one question remained in her mind- where to? Still, that would be easily figured out once she decided how to get wherever she was getting, and as another idea popped into her head, she started towards the backyard.

"Sirius," she called as she approached a large tree, "could you do me a favor?"

A large black creature fell from the tree, red wings fluttering gracefully as it landed on four yellow-tipped paws. "What?"

What indeed. What WAS that thing? He didn't remember seeing it before, but seeing it now made Karan start to shiver, mostly at the sheer size of the creature. It was even bigger than his guardian!

Demare blinked as they headed outside, and his eyes grew a little wide as the creature appeared from out of the tree. It was.... HUGE! But so black and pretty... It kind of reminded him of some of th--...

Demare's bi-colored eyes turned toward Karan as the other boy began to shiver, curious as to why he was scared. Was there something threatening about the creature...? Nonetheless, his grip on the boy's hand tightened slightly, reassuring him that he was there and he wouldn't let anything happen. He smiled a little bit to his friend again, hoping that would help.

"Kara okay," he said softly, his wings shifting a little bit.

It was pretty, yes, but so big! And so dark... Karan couldn't help but feel unsettled as he took the creature in. Still, he was with his friend, and let himself surrender the role of protector. At that time, he definitely felt more vulnerable.

"Where?" The creature pawed at the ground nervously, seemingly as uncomfortable around the children as they were around him.

"A diner. Cafe, drive-thru, anything. We're all hungry. Aren't you, Sirry"

Wincing a little at the name, he nodded. "Fine." He lowered himself to the ground, making it easier for DS to get herself seated just behind his wings, which started flapping as soon as she was ready. One leap, two, and they rose slowly, leaving the ground behind.

Once again, Demare's eyes widened at the event. The creature could fly! ...Wait, THEY were flying! His own wings began to fidget a little as he looked around, watching as they left the ground before looking to Karan. This was so awesome!

Karan wasn't sure whether to be thrilled or terrified, and settled on a 60/40 mixture of the two. Still, he was grateful to have Demare's hand to cling to more than ever, as the sight of everything becoming smaller was startling. Yet absolutely beautiful.

Once she was sure that her charges were okay, DS set about looking around. "There," she pointed down, "let's go down there."

As they began to descend, still quite a ways from the ground, Karan tried to make out what they were going to. Green? No... it was trees. Trees, and a lawn. Were they going to land in a forest?

Demare looked to where DS was pointing, curious as to where she was telling the creature to go. What was that place...? It didn't looke very familiar, but maybe that's because they were still in the air.

It wasn't a forest, but rather a large park. It wasn't as crowded as it might have been later in the day, but there were still several families scattered around, some playing, others eating, yet others just sitting around having a good time.

Sirius set the trio down near the edge of the great lawn, and waited patiently as DS set Karan and Demare down next to him. "Where are you going?"

"To get breakfast. Watch them, would you?" Waving cheerily at everyone, DS ran towards a small silver cart at the end of the lawn and joined the throng of people surrounding it.

It looked interesting, he had to admit. Lots of open space, which was always good, and lots of people. For the first time since he went to bed the previous night, Karan felt completely comfortable with his surroundings, and he squeezed Demare's hand tightly.

Demare watched the guardian woman wander away, his fingers shifting a little bit as Karan squeezed his hand. ...At least they weren't alone, right? Lots of space between people was a very good thing, he decided. Neko had a lot of residents, and even they weren't ever in the same room at once. Feeling much better, he leaned back just far enough so that he could see the large creature when he looked up, lifting his free hand up to pat the fur lightly.

Oooo, it was soft!

"Hewwo," he said with a smile, then looked to Karan for a moment. "Sof'."

Karan watched Demare pet the strange creature, but didn't try to do it himself. Yes, soft things were absolutely fantastic, but he didn't trust that thing yet. Still, if his friend was doing it, he should be able to as well. His hand shook as he stroked the dark fur, steadying more with each repeat of the gesture.

"Sof," he agreed.

Sirius smiled, as best as as a Tala could smile. This wasn't too bad. Reminded him of spending time with his own children, if only a little.

"Okay, here we go." A paper bag dropped onto the grass in front of them, DS following suit. "For me, a ham and egg sandwich, and for the kiddies, applesauce and oatmeal!"

A bowl of each was plunked down in front of the kids, sans spoons, and DS ran off again. "Forgot napkins!"

Demare's attention snapped to the bag as it was dropped, his wings stiffening as he grew alert of the "intruder". Watching the guardian run off again, he blinked a few times, looking down at the bowls set in front of him and his friend. Applesauce and oatmeal, huh? He looked to Karan for a moment, wondering if it was really okay it eat it.

The food looked innocent enough, but you could never be to careful. Still, he'd been the wimp for a while, so Karan decided it was his turn to take a risk. One pointer finger dipped into the applesauce, the other into the oatmeal, and both entered his mouth at the same time. A strange taste to be sure, but delicious! Grinning, he stuck a hand in the oatmeal and then in his mouth, nodding. It was good!

Demare stared at Karan a little blankly at first before looking to his own food, contemplating the style of eating. Hands? Was this stuff finger food? It wouldn't hurt, it seemed... Dipping a couple of fingers into the oatmeal, he scooped out enough to fill his hand, then quickly stuffed his hand into his mouth.

...Hey, this was fun AND good. And very gooey like the bananas Guinevere had shared with him that one time.

Taking his other hand, he dipped that into the applesauce and did the same as before. He couldn't help but giggle a little bit, his wings twitching happily.

After some experimenting, Karan discovered that the oatmeal was thick enough to stick together, whereas the applesauce ran through his fingers when he tried to get more than a little. But when he held his applesauce-dripping hand over the oatmeal and then scooped out the flavored bit- mmmm, delicious! Giggling with delight, he pointed, wondering if Demare would like his idea. Even if not, both foods were pretty good alone.

Demare pondered this for a moment, pausing his oatmeal covered hand before he stuck it in his mouth. At the same time...? It couldn't hurt, right? Sticking the oatmeal hand into the applesauce so it would just cover, he proceeded to stick the new mix into his mouth to taste.

...It wasn't bad, actually. In fact, it tasted better than it did by itself! With a soft squeal of delight, he repeated the action again, eating a little slower to salvage the taste.

Peering at Demare sideways, Karan sat up a little straighter and moved with more grace and thought to his moves, emulating the older Legend. Taking time didn't make the food taste any better, but it did make the taste last longer. Humming delightedly, he thrusted his hand back into the bowl, submerging it a little further than he'd had in mind. His sleeve dripped clumps of oatmeal onto the rest of him, but Karan didn't seem to care. The food was good, the space was good, what company he had was good, and that was all he really cared about.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Demare noticed the mess Karan was making. Maybe it was because he had sleeves... Looking at his hands for a moment, however, he realized that he wasn't any better. The loose part of his bandages had made their way into his food, one of the cleaner ones starting to sink into the applesauce due to being so wet now. Lifting and gathering up the loose ends, he began to shake the bandages, little bits of oatmeal and applesauce flicking about.

Karan squealed and whipped his arms up to shield his face from the flying food, sending more splattering in the other direction. This was fun! A bit sticky, but fun all the same.

DS dropped a thin stack of napkins onto the grass, taking in the scene shockedly. "What... a... mess!"

Demare stopped waving his bandages about, glancing up at the guardian woman for a moment. What was a mess? Taking another look around, he realized what she was talking about, and giggled sheepishly, hiding his dirty hands behind his back.

"I sowwy," he said shyly with a bashful smile.

Resuming his copying game, Karan shoved his soggy sleeves behind him. They started to feel icky, and he knew that his guardian would insist on doing the whole washing thing again because of it. Best to be nice and see if she'd forget the whole thing. "Sowwy."

Again the temptation to melt from the cuteness was hard to resist, but possible. "Aw, it's okay loves. But we'll have to get you cleaned up, and I'm sure your going to be missed soon..."

Sirius, who had dozed off, blinked. "Hrm? Are we leaving so soon?"

"I think so. It looks like they got breakfast, at least. And we'll have to get Demare home soon."

It took all of a minute to clean up, shoving the messy bowls into the bag, and using the napkins to clean everything as well as possible. It was a temporary solution at least.

As DS approached Demare to clean him, she paused. What would be the best way to handle the bandages? Surely they were there for a reason, but wouldn't fresh ones be better? As a test, she tried to unravel one, doing it slowly to see how the child would react. The last time she tried to remove something without a Legend's permission, she'd nearly lost a nail.

As DS started to reach toward his bandages, Demare's hand shot up quickly and pressed hard against her palm, his two extra eyes opening partially as his two bi-colored ones narrowed into a glare. It seemed that was all it took to awaken Demian, and poor Clare was too off guard to even fight for control.

"No," he almost hissed, his wings stiffening a little bit. "No touch."

Yep, it seemed that they all were temperamental about something. Normal enough. Still, she wasn't going to let a sticky-armed baby get her messy too.

"Okay then, I won't touch. All I'm going to do is wrap a couple napkins around your arms, and let Neko-san deal with you. Okay?" It wasn't a plan she liked, especially handing a mess she'd made over to a pregnant woman, but there wasn't any choice.

Karan sat back and chewed his sleeve. Mmm, appley~

Demare's extra eyes closed once more as he put his arm down, still glaring up at the woman. "Fine," was all he said, hesitating for a moment before holding up both arms for her to wrap the napkins around them.

DS was more focused on Demare's arms than his eyes, and hurriedly wrapped the appendages in thin napkins.

Less occupied, Karan did notice the eyes, and frowned. Did that happen before? Whatever it was, as long as his friend was still okay, he didn't particularly care. But while his caretaker cleaned the rest of their picnic spot, he crawled closer to Demare.

"Dmah okie?"

Once the guardian woman was done, Demare began to shake his hands about a little, wondering just how well the napkins had been put on. Ugh... now they were stuck to him... His wings twitched slightly at Karan's approach, and only his eyes turned to glance at the boy. Was he okay? He was FINE... Was there any indication that he wa--...

CRAP.

Demian, what's wrong? Clare piped up, still saddened that he had to leave so suddenly.

Demian was quiet for a moment as he tried to figure out how exactly to explain. I think... he saw them.

Clare, however, was very confused. Saw what? What did he see?

My eyes.

Your... eyes?

My real eyes.

Demare opened his mouth to say something, but no words would come out. Dang it... DANG IT! No one was supposed to know! Neko was the only other person to see them... The only one that was SUPPOSED to see them.

N-no one... must have payed any attention before...

This ruins EVERYTHING!

Demian! P-please... calm down. It'll be okay!

How do you know that?

I...

How do you know that he won't just abandon us like they did before?

But Demian, he--

He's not like us, Clare! He's different! Don't you get it? He's not like us!

Clare was quiet as he tried to think. Demian did have a point, but Karan was still Karan... And Demare would always be Demare.

M-maybe... we should tell him...?

What good will that do, idiot? It's not like he's capable of comprehending what we are.

You'll never know unless you try...

...Curse him for being right. But the point still stood... Karan more than likely wouldn't understand. However, Demare wouldn't be able to voice out his words like he could think them. ...Dang it.

"I... explain when bigger," he managed to put together. "But... I fine."

"Gooh." As long as he was fine, whatever he saw didn't really matter. He'd find out later, and that was good enough. Why bother rushing?

With slightly sticky hands, DS picked up both Legends and settled them on the Tala. "Let's go."

"To?" Sirius stretched his wings, preparing to take off.

"Legend HQ. You've been there before, right?

"Um... sure." Not that it had been a pleasurable experience, but whatever. This time he'd wait outside.

Another good stretch, and he lept into the air.

Demare didn't seem phased this time as they began to fly, his wings calmly curling around his body a little bit. Right now, his mind was distracted, mentally cursing himself and trying to think up ways around this whole ordeal. Karan saw them... and he wasn't afraid. So now what? Now where would things go...?

This is so frustrating... he thought to himself with a sigh.

As the Tala flew upwards, Karan stopped sucking the applesauce out of his sleeve (the flavor was mostly gone anyway) and folded his arms together, shivering a little. Being up so high was amazing, but a little scary. He felt as if he could see the whole world from where he was, and that was both comforting and unsettling at the same time.

DS frowned as she looked around. It was later than she thought it would be. "On second thought... perhaps we'd better just take Demare home. Surely Neko-san will worry soon..."

That caught Karan's attention, and he looked at his fellow Legend hastily. He was leaving?

Home? Demare's eyes shifted to glance at the guardian woman for a moment before he felt the wary glance of the other legend. The woman had a point, sadly enough... He hadn't exactly asked if it would be okay, and he needed to get away from the two of them as it was. Not that they were bad, but he needed to think.

"Tha' fine," he muttered quietly, closing his eyes so he wouldn't have to look at Karan.

Amused by his approval, DS nodded, fishing out a small notepad. "Let's see... there we go. Sirius, we're headed east instead."

It was difficult to not look disappointed, but if his friend wanted to leave, Karan didn't want to stop him. In truth, all he really craved at the time was sleep. But it would be far more comforting if he knew he'd have someone there when he woke up.

"See la'uh?" He had to try to see him again later. Or anyone, but Demare was the first choice.

Demare seemed to hesitate before nodding, still not looking to the other boy. "Yuh," was all he said, his wings fidgetting behind him a little bit as DS gave out directions to his home.

It didn't take long to reach the address she'd been given, DS was surprised to discover. Apparently, her house was now closer to others, a fact she had yet to adjust to. "This's it, squirts," she said cheerfully, dismounting before picking up the Legends.

The door presented a problem, and she ended up using her foot to knock on it. "Hello? Anyone home?"

"Just a minute!" a voice called out from within the house, soon after followed by a sound of glass breaking and something tumbling over.

"MIKI! What'd I tell you about leaving those toy cars around?!"

"Eeeeeeeee!!!! Don't hurt me!!"

"Yes, thank you SO FREAKING MUCH for helping the poor pregnant woman off the floor. Because I CAN SO GET UP BY MYSELF!"

Demare lifted a brow at the screams coming from inside, folding his arms across his chest once more. What the heck was this? He was gone, and chaos was STILL ensuing? How dare they have fun without him to cause trouble!

After a few moments, the doorknob finally turned, the door opening a little bit so a golden eye could peer outside. Neko twitched slightly, straightening up the best that she could with her swelled up belly, and opened the door enough to see the other guardian.

"Um... sorry about that," she sighed, blushing with embaressment. "It's been a little... hectic this morning..." Glancing over her shoulder for a moment, she checked to make sure there weren't any more booby traps lying in wait for her. "...Er, would you like to come in?"

DS's eyebrows crawled towards her hairline. Was it possible she had come across a house more chaotic than her own? It did seem likely, judging from the noise, that she'd at least found a match. And if it was anything like home, she knew that there would probably be no preparations for visitors.

"Thank you, but I'm afraid we'll have to get home soon. This little one's falling asleep."

It was true; Karan was having trouble keeping his eyes open. But he did recognize Neko, even if only a little, and let out a sleepy "Haiiii..."

Neko purred softly as she looked at the other bi-colored child, smiling sweetly through her pain as she reached out a hand and gently took a small hand underneath her index finger, a small handshake of sorts. "It's good to see you again, little one," she cooed, her tail flicking a little bit.

Looking to DS, she nodded in understanding, moving to free the woman's arm by taking up Demare in her own. "If he caused any trouble, I'm really sorry... hopefully he wasn't too bad," she said, bowing her head a little bit. "Thank you for letting him stay with you last night, though..."

She mockingly glared at the child for a moment. "Even if he didn't ASK me."

Demare flinched slightly, opening up his right eye to glare up at the woman. Hmph... What did she know? It's not like she would have cared, right? And it wasn't like he'd hurt anyone.

Karan smiled a little at the touch of the other woman, but all traces of that failed as Demare was taken away. He was alone again.

"No trouble at all," DS replied, shifting Karan's weight in her arms. "He was fine, in fact, and-" Wait a second. "You didn't know? I was under the impression that he had permission..." Seemed her eldest had forgotten to tell her something.

Oh crap.

Neko's ears perked up a little bit, her eyes shifting to look at the guardian again. "Well... no, I didn't. I wasn't able to go with Demare to the headquarters last night, so I'd sent Xiao... Then he came back by himself, and had quite a bit of explaining to do."

The demon hanyou sighed softly, her tail curling a little bit as she thought for a moment. "Xiao thought... it would be for the better, since I've been a little stressed lately, if Demare were out of the house for a while. He's new here, so he didn't really understand the whole permission thing, but I figured if Demare was with a friend, then it would be okay. Besides... if anything DID happen, I assumed you would have called or something, and since you didn't, I figured things would be okay."

"I can assure you, however, that this won't be happening again for a while... Need to lay down a few laws, it seems, and hope for the best."

Great, that meant he was in for a lecture. Maybe he should have stayed with the guar--

"And you've given me a wonderful excuse to give him a bath. It seems they had a little fun with their food."

"NUH!" Demare screamed, trying to free himself from Neko's arms, but failing miserably. "No bath!!" ANYTHING BUT THAT!!!

Urp, she'd forgotten about that. "Yes, that was probably my fault. I'm so sorry... but it seems that they both get baths today. Anyway, I'm terribly sorry. Eriol should have known better than to take someone without permission, but it seems we'll have a little talk of our own."

"Anyway, I'm glad that everything's okay now. Maybe we can go for coffee sometime, let someone else watch the kids, and just relax, hm? A tempting idea, even if it wasn't likely.

Neko smiled a little bit, shifting the struggling Demare in her arms. "That sounds like a good plan, actually," she admitted, her ears twitching a little bit. "I just may take you up on that offer."

Success? DS beamed. "Alrighty then!"

The conversation had bored Karan to sleep. Not a hard feat to manage, considering his exhaustion, but he made it obvious with a soft snore as he tried to roll over.

"Oh dear..." Tightening her grip around the child, she sighed. "I should be going, I guess. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call!" Her free arm waved limply as she started to mount the patient Tala once more.

Neko lifted a hand into a wave herself, stepping into the doorway for a moment. "Take care, ne? And again, thank you for letting Demare stay with you last night. I owe you one!" she called to the woman with a little laugh. "Don't be a stanger!"

"I won't," is the final call, the woman already on her way to the sky.