Fantasy Howl's Flying Castle (Finished! ---Whoo! (*＾▽＾)／)

[Katsuya]

Chenglei chuckled lowly. "Honestly. There' nothing wrong with admitting these types of things. Not when you will miss someone very much." There was a bitter note when he said that. Then his tone changed into something lighter. "It's why I want to tease Little brother Jams. I can tell he does not know how to show his care without being so awkward. It rather funny too. I was hoping to win that bet just to prove a point to him: If he can hug someone who he believes is annoying, then I'm pretty sure he can hug his own sister."

The blond oriental soldier didn't mind that Renee was curious about the strange light as there are some merits to scouting something. What made him disappointed was that she didn't come back after seeing what she saw or stayed at the cave in the blizzard. She should have known better and if Seifer wasn't around...he didn't want to think about it.

Sometimes he just wishes that Seifer can buck up and tell Renee 'no'. Even he can tell that boy is like a duckling, following her around like that, but he suppose it happens to very confused individuals like him.

When Lydia's band snapped and she asked for the purple string he discarded, Chenglei shook his head with amusement in his eyes. "Sure. Here, I can tie you hair back too if you like? Just tell me what you want me to do." He knows how to do simple styles like ponytails, a regular braid, and a fishtail braid. He grabbed for the string and waved at her to come closer so he can tie it.

Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia's head tilted to the side slightly as she caught that bitter note to Chenglei's voice, her brow furrowing as she wondered if that was something personal or something related to other sibling pairs. Though she did smile and laugh a bit as he mentioned James, shaking her head. She didn't really think it would prove anything to James, he'd just be too annoyed at probably disgusted at having to go through with the bet, that was why she did something crazy to try and win the snow battle.

When Chenglei gave permission for her to take the string, she moved closer, but stopped as he grabbed it, glancing to him and then the string somewhat nervously.

"Uh.. um..." she wanted to tell him that she would do it herself because while she did consider him a friend, he was still a guy and while he reminded her of Frederick, he wasn't really her brother even if she liked to call him so. Her lips pursed a moment before she nodded. There shouldn't be any harm in letting him help her with her hair, it'd probably be easier since it was a string and not a band, "j-just a.. um.. ponytail... please."

She smiled shyly and moved to sit down near him with her back to him, quickly combing her fingers through the silky raven strands to make sure there weren't any knots.

Katsuya

 

[ThisUsernameIsALie]

As Elijah looked towards the person in front of him his vision began to clear, and the shape of an elderly woman in the garb of the locals of this area began to emerge. She was cross-legged on the floor a few feet away from him, embroidering something, but he couldn't quite determine what it was. Hearing her words, he began to speak when he heard her command to rest, and she exited before he could say anything.

Upon her return, he moved into a cross-legged position himself and accepted the food with a look of gratitude. His stomach rumbled in very improper manner, and he only then realized how hungry he was. Immediately, he wanted to inhale the food as quickly as he possibly could, but he restrained himself, remembering his manners.

"Thank you very much for your kindness, madam Pa Kwan. I've not had such hospitality for many moons. The Road does not allow for many social calls," he said, a smile on his face as he spoke with a grateful, if somewhat hurried, tone. He then began to tuck into his food, and after a few bites, he added on to his previous words, saying, "And it has been nearly as long since I've had such a good, homecooked meal."

Just then, Elijah felt a tap on his knee and he looked with surprise at the penguin that greeted him. It was not that strange, he had met animals of this kind before, but he had not expected his rescuer (for that was the only reason he could find for a non-family member to greet him) to be such a creature. However, he did seem familiar, he supposed that he merely couldn't remember due to his, er, "state" the night before. He stuck out a hand and shook the penguin's hand.

"Greetings, Master Aodh, my name is Elijah Rosewood. Are you who rescued me the day before?"

Zer0 Urazek

 

[Katsuya]

Nodding once, the blond oriental set Kurosaki aside so he doesn't accidentally hurt Lydia and waited after she finished combing her hair. Then he started on grabbing the dark locks into one hand while the other quickly wrapped around the base, making sure it will be tight enough for her to not worry of it loosening. For Lydia, it didn't hurt when he did make a ponytail for her. It was like he was used to doing this type of thing.

Once he was done, Chenglei let her know and asked if she liked it or not. He made a little bow on the side so it'll be easier for her to take it off later if she wants.

Roleplay Skittle

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Lydia sat perfectly still as Chenglei tied up her hair. No one had really done this for her since they'd been on this journey. Of course there was Saiko, she had done Lydia's hair a few times, but that was it, for the most part it was up to Lydia. It was nice having someone else do it for a change, comforting in a way and it made her smile. She hadn't even realized that Chenglei had finished when he did, he was so adept at it.

She smiled happily to him over her shoulder when he was done and touched the part of her head where her hair was all collected, feeling how Chenglei tied it before running her fingers down the length of her hair and nodding her head, "thank you... big brother," she smiled and bowed her head to him graciously before rising to her feet. She felt like she'd need to repay him for the string, even if he was getting rid of it anyway, it was probably because it was something he used to remind him of his sister so she felt kind of bad taking it.

She decided against training at that moment, her mood having somewhat brightened thanks to the blonde oriental, so after waving goodbye, she left, though now she would seek out Saiko and see if she could get a hold of some embroidery thread.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"You are most welcome, Imouto." Chenglei replied, smiling warm and happy that he has received 'big brother' status from the witch. Now...to get Renee and James to call him that too...

The blond soldier returned to cleaning and now sharpening his sword, waving back at Lydia as she left the training room. Then he returned to his task, now humming a random lullaby from his country as memories of his little sister entered his mind...and someone special waiting for him back home, taking care of his grandmother and sibling.

Roleplay Skittle Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" One Day "​

James made good of the bet between him and Chenglei. For seven days he had the swordsman bring him a cold drink every time training ended in the afternoon, prepare him coffee and put it on his bedside table before he woke up, prepare him a warm bath every evening, and had him clean the atelier and his bedroom five times. In the afternoons he'd order him to run down the kitchens to fetch him sashimi and some tea he could drink while he studied new spells, and had him give Frey, Pond, and Sparks a bath everyday just to run him ragged.

It was on the fifth day that James felt satisfied he had given Chenglei enough payback for the time he annoyed him on the frozen lake. James was using him as a training dummy for a frost guard charm, and had some warlocks freeze him just to see how effective his charm was.

"Thank you, Chenglei." said James lazily, twirling his wand. A fellow warlock defrosted the swordsman for what was probably the sixty-eighth time. "You've been a great help. Now, fetch me my drink and then prepare the hot bath. You can take the rest of the day off after that."

Katsuya
OOC || Characters || Interest Check
​

 

[Katsuya]

It wasn't as if Chenglei can't handle the tasks James has given for that week, he has been through worse. It's fine as it was part of a bet. However as the fellow wizard defrosted him again, the blond oriental promised in his mind to mess with James a lot more now. Honestly using him as a test dummy for his spells? That is too much! At least in his bet, it's just a hug. A hug, for goodness' sake! Not endanger his life with spells to test him on.

Chenglei almost grunted when he can finally feel his fingers and moved his wrists around, taking in deep breathe to have inner peace. Yea, right. No. The blond isn't so forgiving for this little stunt James has put him through. Everything else, fine whatever, he had fun while talking with James' summons. They were adorable and it wasn't as bad as it seems to the older Pendragon. Testing his spell on him like this? Yea, no. If he had magic, Chenglei would definitely not test it on others as he wasn't heartless and use others like they were test dummies.

James is screwed the next time there's a prank involved.

He did what James told him that night though it was a little slower as his limbs isn't used to being warm yet. That freezing spell did a number on him and it had the soldier always checking and moving around a bit to be able to do things. Renee flinched when she saw that and felt bad. She was standing by the training hall doorway as per usual making sure James is within sight.

"Um...Chenglei? I can help with your limbs-"

"No, Ren. It's part of the bet I have with James. No need to worry."

"...but..." Chuckling and feeling a bit better, Chenglei ruffled her hair gently, being careful with her wings that are still recovering. She's too sweet.

"It's okay, Ren. No need to fuss." With that he went of to grab James the drink he wanted. Renee frowned in worry before looking at her brother with a bit of a disappointed look of her own. She doesn't know nor does she want to try to talk to James as she still feels guilty for her stunt, but to see her brother purposely freezing someone when she went through that feeling; It's painful to watch and to know he will use someone like that. Unconsciously Renee shivered and flinching from her wings moving.

When Chenglei came back, Renee intercepted and told him that he should go rest. She'll prepare the bath for her silly brother which the blond declined once more, ruffling her hair and now placing a hand over her wing. He has seen the other archer kissing her wings before. The soldier thought it would be okay just place his hand as a way to comfort her too. Renee sighed and just let him be, which Chenglei grinned and gave her a hug as thanks. Then he gave James the drink, a mysterious tea that looks innocent enough...

"Here, your drink. Though I do wish you told me what you wanted so I just brought you this. Now excuse me; I need to draw a bath for you." Chenglei will always tease him when it comes to the bath part because he purrs that sentence like it was liquid sensual in a bottle. Then he left to do just that, having full intentions to bother James now for using him as a test dummy.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" One Day "​

"Thank you." said James, stretching airily. He wore a smug look as he watched Chenglei leave slowly, as though he was convinced he had taught him not to mess with James Pendragon. Picking up the mug of innocent tea, he took a gulp, savoring the coolness on this hot late afternoon.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

What James doesn't know and based on Renee cringing from watching her brother drinking it, the tea Chenglei brought is not very good. In fact, the Pendragon sister waited on her brother going to the bathroom right about now because it's Chenglei's tea of doom.

The first time she drank it, Renee spitted it out and asked the soldier where he got it from and he looked so happy to make some and asked her if she liked the flavor. The flavor was nice...at first. Then a flurry of spices and bitter flavors just dropped on her tongue and she had to go to the bathroom as it was like swallowing a ton of laxative.

What's worse...Chenglei doesn't realize how deadly effective his tea of doom is nor would anybody tell him about it as they fear of hurting the man's feelings. He said something about how his sister loved his tea so he makes them with love.

"Wait-! James! Don't....too late." Renee mumbled at the end as that was first time she has said anything to her brother and now she wished she has warned him about it.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" One Day "​

Clunk

The mug clattered to the floor, spilling tea everywhere as James rushed, retching, to the nearest bathroom, which unfortunately happened to be the ladies (he couldn't read oriental).

"Kyaa! Hentai da!" shrieked the women. There was a sudden cacophony of thudding, crashing, mixed with James' yelps of pain.

And he sped out again, with steaming lumps on his head, shielding himself from a barrage of soap, wooden stools and pails, leather and steel greaves and gauntlets.

Needless to say, after that Chenglei never got a day off again.

​

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Renee watched with a pinched look on her face. Her poor brother...Poor Chenglei.

After observing and silently laughing, thinking the twins would laugh at him too, Renee decided to check on James and see if his stomach is okay...which she doubted. The blond oriental was nowhere to be found, unaware of what he has done to the older Pendragon.

The winged teen hesitated, nervously looking around before gathering up her courage and asked when she found James. Her tone went meek and she was hiding behind the wall with just her half of her face peeking out.

"Um...James? How are you feeling?"

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" One Day "​

"Chenglei is dead." growled James voice from inside the men's room. It was followed by a groan and terrible farting noises. Some of the guys inside the bathroom laughed wondering what this was all about.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Well that explains everything. Taking a deep breathe so she wouldn't laugh herself, Renee tried to explain. Though it was obvious that she is really amused despite being nervous.

"Chenglei is terrible at tea making, James. He doesn't know about it." She had to cover her smiling mouth in case James comes out, now leaning against the wall with her back. She heard some of the men inside groaning when she mentioned of Chenglei's tea.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" One Day "​

"How could he not know he's that terrible?" said James incredulously. There was the sound of flushing and a door opened and shut. The older Pendragon stepped out of the men's bathroom sweaty and sickly pale, his face tinged a bit in green. He was bent forwards, clutching his stomach. "Or does he actually like his tea?"

He summoned Frey and slowly mounted him. "See you later, Renee." the silver white stag galloped away, the sound of James voice telling him to trot slowly growing fainter as they left the training grounds.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"It's more of his sister liking it. So he believes it's really good." Renee told him, shrugging her shoulders a bit. "No one would tell him because of that." When she looked at James, she frowned a bit from the sickly look he's sporting.

As soon James left, Renee went to the healers and asked if she can have something for stomach pains and medical soda water to calm the urge of throwing up. The healers looked at her like they were asking 'Are you pregnant?' which she blushed and shook her head quickly, explaining that it's for her brother. Then she left the items in James' room with a note that said 'Take this. It would help' before going in Seifer's and sighed, her tense shoulders drooped in her relief.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- James Pendragon -
" Next Day "​

"Chenglei, make that tea again and then drink it." said James the next morning when they were at breakfast. He was looking alright, thanks to the medicine Renee left outside his door. He had ruffled his sister's hair affectionately in thanks when he passed her by and nodded at Seifer in greeting, to which the archer nodded back uncertainly, still unused to this friendly treatment.

"Never thought I'd soon see the day your brother would actually be nicer to me." said Seifer to Renee as James sat across Chenglei and conversed with him. "I always thought I'd have to . . . surpass the gods just to be accepted by him."

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei raised an eyebrow at James, but nodded and started to make the tea, talking about his little sister back home to the older Pendragon. He was telling him how his sister loved his tea with such a loving smile on his face that not even his flowery aura popped up to show how genuine he felt about it.

Renee smiled happily that James felt better and had ruffled her hair, feeling like she's a step closer to being in her brother's good graces again. She looked over at Seifer when he talked, taking in the uncertain tone in his voice and giggled softly as she picked up the chopsticks to feed him.

"Sweetheart, James is overprotective. He will always appreciate people caring...for the twins and I..." Renee sighed at the end, thinking it might be from what happened to their mother that triggered that side of him and now with what she has done (again!)...She can't help but still be nervous around her brother in fear of bringing those memories back.

She shook her head as if she's trying to get rid of the depressed feeling of guilt before looking up at Seifer and cupped his cheek, rubbing gently with her thumb. "...I'm so sorry. I know I say this many times, but...I just...-sighs- I'm sorry for putting you through that because of my stupidity." Renee leaned in to nuzzle her cheek on his shoulder, her actions filled with so many apologies and care towards the one who saved her.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Mess Hall -
" Master Warship, Shoflo Ocean "​

"You have a sister?" said James to Chenglei. He did not know that he was an older brother too and listened interestedly as he talked. So they had something in common. He understood that loving smile. He felt that way towards Renee too, though many times she drives him up the wall.

Seifer patted Renee's head. "I forgive you, let's not do that again, sweetheart." he said solemnly. The archer was annoyed that she broke her word, but he saw that she felt so guilty about it that he forgave her. Besides, he agreed to go with her so it was partly his fault too. "I wonder what happened to that artifact . . ."

Kenren's scouts had not found the assassin. They were able to dig out Ulfar's body from the debris, but had no idea how Seifer managed to get himself and Renee out of that chasm. With his wounds and without any equipment, he could not have carried Renee and scaled the walls out of there, and so it remained a mystery.

Something was also off about his soul. Seifer could no longer be found within the mansion. Renee, who had the key, could go in and out of his soul room, but he wasn't there and his chest of treasures was missing.

Katsuya

 

[Urazek]

Shaking the mans hand, Aodh said, "Well, you bumped into me, went crazy about me being a penguin, then passed out. One of my friends luckily had his summon join me on my way back, so she was able to carry you. If you ever see a giant owl bear, thank her."

Aodh turned and headed out the door, planning on heading to the blacksmith. Upon arriving, Aodh sees a shinning pair of retractable, wrist-mounted blades. Aodh immediately knew he had to buy them, even if he couldn't use them, he could learn the mechanism for them. Grabbing the blades off the shelf, Aodh approached the blacksmith in the shop.

"Hello, I am in need of minor repairs, as well as I would like to purchase these blades." Aodh started to pull out currency to pay when he remembered that this town didn't use money, but instead traded goods. Aodh handed the blacksmith the propellor to repair while he thought of what he could trade. He had many gizzmos and dodads in his bag, but he wasn't sure the blacksmith needed any those. He then suddenly remembered the fish he had prepared this morning but forgot to eat. He handed the wolf the fish, as well as procuring an ancient dwarven smithing hammer from his pack when the repairs were finished, taking the blades and reattaching the propellor as he walked away.

* * *​

Finally on the airship, Aodh looked around in wonder. He saw people building a large house, someone playing music to encourage them. He placed his stuff in a corner, not having been shown his room yet, and decided to look around. The first think Aodh stumbled upon was the training room. He decided to take this as an opportunity to test out his blades.

Strapping the wrist mounts to his flippers, Aodh headed into the training room. He stood awkwardly in front of a dummy and stared at the blades as he activated them. He understood how the mechanism worked, more or less, but it still amazed him every time he used them. He looked at the straw dummy and got into a ready stance. He tested out with different slashes and stabs, making up stuff as he went. He would need to pick up a fighting book from the library, or ask Chenglei for tips and techniques.

Aodh spent a good hour or two in the training room. He left more holes in the dummy than Swiss cheese in front of a firing squad. Not that he knew what he was doing, or anything, but he felt somewhat proud.

Aodh then sought out Kenren, Chenglei, or one of the Howl siblings to show him where he could drop his stuff. He wanted to hit the library, but didn't want to carry his book cases with him. Luckily he had a small wagon to transport his stuff for now, but he needed a place to keep it safe. Aodh wandered, looking for anyone that could help.

Zer0 Katsuya Roleplay Skittle ThisUsernameIsALie

 

[Katsuya]

"Yes, of course! Her name is Tsumiki and she's the same age as Renee." Chenglei told James, happy to see that he was interested in the talk. The blond soldier decided to tell him all about her, how she loved to ice skate, how she tends to decorate his sword, how she would drink his tea and he finds the cup and tea kettle empty...

"Honestly I thought my tea tasted horrible, but my sister told me it tasted wonderful, so I figured that I don't know much about teas. Everyone else tells me the same thing: that it tasted good." The blond shrugged as he placed the tea cup on the table and grimaced at it. Then he sighed and took a sip, already used to his own concoction and shivered from the horrible taste. "Ack-! -clears throat- but yes. I can't wait to see her, Grandmother, and Momochi again....It's been too long of not seeing them..."

"We won't. Never again." She told him firmly as she continued with her apologetic gestures.

Renee nodded, still feeling bad but the guilt lifted up a bit. She could only hope that the artifact was lost or something is what she told Seifer. Then she looked at him with worry about something else. When she checked in his soul room, she could not find Inner-Seifer nor his chest. It was terrifying too because she still knew that dragon was around but it...it was too calm. Too quiet compared to before. So now every time she goes in Seifer's soul room, Renee would search for his treasure box before coming back out and gives Seifer a look.

A devastated look. Like she knew something that she wasn't willing to admit or write or say about it.

And she would flinch whenever someone mentions the dragon or anything related to it. James and Seifer would probably picked that trait up quickly.

"Sweetie...I...Did you..." Renee struggled to say it and decided to not ask as she already knew the answer based on what she sees in his soul room. She stopped writing about it too. "Are you enjoying the food?" She smiled warmly at him.

***

Serena already finished with breakfast and is walking around with her violin, tweaking the strings tight so she can play. That's when she saw a...penguin?

'Oh! That's right! We have new members.' Serena perked with a bright smile, recalling on what Echo has told her. If she remembers correctly, one of them is a penguin who studies ruins and dragons.

"Hello there! Is something the matter, Sir?" She asked Aodh as she noticed how he kept looking around, searching for something.

Zer0 Urazek

 

[Zer0]

- Mess Hall -
" Master Warship, Shoflo Ocean "​

"Your tea tastes horrible." said James bluntly to Chenglei as he cut into a potato. "Who's Momochi?"

Meanwhile, over at Renee's end, Seifer poked her cheek with the other end of his spoon. "It is delicious." He then sighed. "Renee, Renee, Renee, I know when you're not telling me what's really on your mind. Come now, what is it?"

At that moment there was a flurry of movement as the oriental soldiers stood up and bowed. Kenren had entered the mess hall, and he waved a careless hand at the men to bid them sit down. He sometimes ate with them like today, not as their prince, but as a comrade-in-arms and would chat with them like any other person. It was through this that he got to personally know his men and the goings on in their daily lives, something that was usually left out on the written reports on his desk.

When he spotted Renee he gave her a friendly wink in greeting, before taking his place among the third cavalry division where Master Mushi seemed to be telling old war stories.

Days ago when Renee told him of Madam Suliman's plans, the prince was surprised. He told Renee that he knew she was desperate to save the kingdom, but he didn't think she'd ask the winged teen to bring her back a dragon egg. The relations between him and Princess Mia were only as allies in this war, Kenren had planned to marry a daughter of a rival faction in the orients once he became emperor. He was glad Renee told him this, though, and it seemed to have increased his trust in her.

He said that having another dragon was a bad idea. For one thing they already have one, Levitas, though not much is known about him or if he was going to grow any bigger or as powerful as the black dragon that threatened the world. Kenren advised Renee not to get Madam Suliman a dragon egg as it may cause further harm in the future. He will not let the House of Montegue fall, though, and once they've defeated the black dragon he will strike a trade agreement with her kingdom and the orients that will stabilize the economy in the future.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

"Oh...Thank you for telling me. I wished others told me the truth too." Chenglei 'kufufufu' -ing sounded low but filled with amusement. Then when James mentioned Momochi, the blond oriental took a deep breathe and let it out as his shoulders melted down, his eyes is enamored as he could picture her.

"Momo-chan is the most wonderful woman in my life. The love of my life. The one who holds the strings of my heart as she's the only one who can tug them and I would not care if they break. Momochi is my fiance." Chenglei sighed like he just enjoyed a good tea in a cold day.

Renee blinked from the poke in surprise and wondered for a moment if she should ask or not, but that's when the Prince came in the hall. When he winked at her in greeting, the Pendragon sister nodded at him with a friendly smile. On the night she told the prince about Madam Suliman's plan, she was glad that he agreed on not bring a dragon's egg. So she's going to tell the madam the truth and say that she couldn't bring herself to get one.

When he told her that he will help Princess Mia with trades and whatnot, Renee couldn't help but hug tackle him in relief, repeatedly saying 'Thank you so much! You're such a good friend!' It's rather funny how she really didn't care about the culture differences and just hugs people without much restraint.

Royalty are not out of her hug attacks either.

"Oh! Ken-chan! Just call me Ren-chan, okay?" Renee told him as she got off of him and helping him up from the floor.

Then she turned to Seifer and sighed, believing it's best to ask. "Sweetheart, did you make a deal with this one..." She gestured to his chest where his heart is as she really meant the Dragon in his soul. "...when we were in the ravine?" Renee whispered the question, her eyebrows furrowed in her worry as she knows that no one is paying attention at the moment nor could they hear her.

Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Mess Hall -
" Master Warship, Shoflo Ocean "​

"You're straight?!" said James in disbelief. Then his expression changed and he looked at Chenglei as though he found him doing something wrong. "Chenglei, if you have a fiancé who loves you, you shouldn't mess around by flirting with me." he said in a low voice so that others couldn't hear.

* * * *​

"Of course not." said Seifer shocked that Renee would suggest that. He wasn't dumb, he knew that the dragon possibly had something to do with them surviving, but then why would it rescue Renee? If that was the dragon, he'd leave her to die and then go off to join the other deathknights, and Seifer wouldn't be himself anymore, so it was probably him himself who saved her and somehow his injuries caused him to forget.

"I'd lose my mother and you." he thought for a moment. "Let's bring our food and go back to our room."

Once inside, he asked her. "Renee, what have you been seeing in my soul? Why did you look . . . devastated that one time?" he hadn't questioned her, trusting that her silence was what was best for the both of them, but he just couldn't ignore the anxious looks she's been giving him, especially since he was starting to feel afraid that Renee may break up with him or worse, maybe . . . maybe say something to someone and they'll imprison him or --- or plan to kill him without her or him knowing.

Katsuya

 

[Katsuya]

Chenglei snorted, slapping a hand on his held back smile, but he couldn't hold back anymore and just laughed loudly in mirth, slapping his knee. James' expressions never cease to amuse him. "Yes, little brother Jams. I'm straight. Ku-Kufufufu~!" Then he sighed as he wiped a tear.

"Oh goodness. Dear little brother, I only did that to you because it was part of the prank. That and I just love messing with you. I heard from my little sister that guy friends do that with other guys friends, so I thought it should be fine." Chenglei admitted before he placed a hand under his chin and leaned on the table.

"Unless...you like that sort of attention from me, little brother? How kinky of you..." He purred like sensual liquid that pooled slowly.

***

It seems like Seifer was telling the truth...but she couldn't find the inner him and his treasure. So...she has to be right about him giving up his soul as Inner him never would give up like that unless there's a good reason. But that means...he might have done it without the outer him realizing it. After all, the inner him is more honest than the outer, from her experiences of going in and out of his soul and he tends to hide his feelings as well...

When he suggested to go finish eating in his bedroom, Renee agreed and picked up her food, walking with him to said private room. Inside, the Pendragon teen flinched again when he asked and she squirmed in place; which is in the middle of his bedroom.

After a long moment of wondering if it's a good idea or not, she decided to follow her heart like usual and told him the truth. "I...It's who I don't see is what's making me anxious, sweetheart." Renee started. "I can't find Inner you or your treasure chest with the three figurines anymore. I'm trying to find them, but no matter what I just...can't."

That's when her devastated look came back on full blast; Orange eyes getting wet with guilt filling them up. "Seifer...I think you traded your soul to the dragon so we can stay alive and escape from the ravine."

It just makes sense to her: The dragon would want someone from this side of the world to keep an eye on them as they go to the storm wall. The dragon would take this as an opportunity to do that and waited until the right time which was when they fell down into the pit. And since Seifer just admitted that he didn't want to lose her too along with his mother...He also mentioned about how he couldn't remember like last time when they found Sasha, stuck in a mouse hole.

It only confirmed her theory...that Inner Seifer willingly sold his soul to the dragon, devil that he is, to save her and his own life.

Zer0