"Yeah. I can mate with other merpeople, sure. I've never had children before, though." Rousel suddenly made a face, but he didn't make a comment. He didn't like children, obviously. He found them very annoying. He shook it off, though, and looked up at Kenichi. He was surprised to see him getting even closer. He very slowly extended a hand, as if to tell him it was all right to come closer.

"Well, thanks." He grinned again, looking very encouraged by those words. Would they be able to get very close today? He didn't know...but he hoped so.

Alfie went red again, his excitement fading a little. He cleared his throat, then, and peered off to the side. "Um...will we have enough time?" he asked, looking worried. He didn't want to make them late for their flight, after all.

Shadow, by this time, had just left the bathroom. He was on his way to his room. He wanted to check a list that he had in his closet--a hidden list of the items he was keeping in the villa's vaut. He'd just thought of the perfect gift to give Hebs if...if everything went well at the villa for him.

Kenichi was stunned. "Males can have children?" he asked, surprise evident in his features. When he'd seen him slowly extend his hand, though, he oddly felt like a child who was encouraged to take more of his first steps. It had him chuckling lightly instead of feeling nervous. "This... I think it's good enough for now." He didn't think he'd like to run away anymore. Rousel was a great big siren; he shouldn't be afraid of him.

Hell, the other didn't seem like the type to hurt even a fly if told so. "Why don't you like children?" Kenichi just had to ask.

Gian smiled. "We don't have to go all the way." The boy caught those lips for a deep kiss and nipped his bottom lip lightly. "I don't mind taking a nap, though." Wrapping his arms loosely around Alfie's waist, he grinned. "You wanna head to the truck?"

Hebs had just finished with the plates after a few minutes later. Wiping his hands with the towel, he headed out of the kitchen to double check on the things he was to bring. They'd be staying at the villa for a while. He should be prepared, at least. And, perhaps on some other things that the others might need in their stay. Hebs tucked the end of the towel in one of his back pockets before he'd done what he was supposed to do.

"Male sirens can. As can females." Rousel stretched himself out a little more. Despite Kenichi's concern, though, he continued to hold his hand out. "At least touch it," he cajoled, as gently as someone like him could. "You don't have to stay so close. Just touch it." He was watching the human with great interest. He was curious, of course, about Kenichi. It was possible that Rousel was very romantically and sexually interested in the human, but his initial aggressive behavior had died off. He'd never had a mate before...did he see Kenichi as a potential mate?

"Oh, I don't know. I don't really care for kids. They're loud, they're annoying..." Rousel just shook his head, closing his eyes. He didn't understand them, honestly.

Alfie cleared his throat, and then he grinned sheepishly. Maybe...when we get there. We'd have more time, then," he reminded Gian, pleasantly. He, in turn, wrapped one of his arms around Gian's waist. "Yeah, sure. Let's go."

Shadow spent a few minutes in his room and then emerged, looking...a little uncertain. He was ready to go, now. The wait to see what sort of changes would happen in his life was killing him. Now, he wanted to get there just as much as Alfie did. He headed out to the lobby, where he sat on his largest suitcase and sighed, waiting for Hebs to return. Kenichi and Rousel knew what to do without them, so...they could leave whenever they wanted to.

Kenichi wasn't sure why but he couldn't say 'no' to that. "Just a touch." It wouldn't be so bad. At least, he thought that. Slowly moving, still all crouched up, he stopped when he was an arm away from the other's own outstretched one. His heart was ramming against his chest and he could feel his feet already wanting to scramble for him to get away. The white-haired male had only gotten to touching Rousel's hand when he'd skittered off and hid behind another tree. Peering out at Rousel, he was blushing slightly in embarrassment and smiling sheepishly.

"Sorry," he murmured as he crouched down again. "And kids... they're okay. They have their cute moments."

Gian snuggled up against Alfie and looked over his shoulder. He could see Shadow sitting on his largest bags and seemingly emitting an aura that told him much that he didn't want to be disturbed. "Hey, look at Shadow. So serious." He mumbled this to Alfie before he'd grinned. He was excited, too, to go to Shadow's villa. After all, he's never gone out of the state, much less the country.

Hebs had returned after a few minutes with the needed items. He'd tucked that into his duffel bag and looked up at Shadow since he was crouching down. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked, worrying now over the fallen angel. He had, after all, brought such a matter up. Honestly, he didn't want to confuse the other at all. He hadn't meant for him to do so.

Rousel blinked when he felt fingers against his own, and then suddenly, the white-haired human before him had scuttled off again. Obviously, the big male didn't like that. He huffed slightly, but didn't chase after him. "Kids are not cute. Kids are annoying," he muttered lowly. He shook his head again, seeming to not want to get into that topic. He stretched himself out and prepared to relax again, but then he seemed to recall something. "We should probably go and see the others. They're about ready to leave, aren't they?"

Alfie snickered. "Well...he's probably got a lot on his mind..." The naga's snicker suddenly died down and he glanced away, clearing his throat. A lot was riding on this trip for Shadow, and honestly he had no right to laugh about it...

Shadow didn't bother glancing up at Alfie, but he did look up when he heard Hebs speak. He sniffed slightly, straightening his posture at once. "Let's start loading up the bags," he announced simply as he rose from his seat. "We don't want to miss our flight. I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

It wasn't a clear-cut answer.

It wasn't a clear-cut answer at all but Hebs decided not to push it. He'd even given Gian a look that had the boy losing his smile. "Come help us put the luggages in the truck, Alfie, Gian." Gian patted Alfie's lower back before he'd went on ahead to get four of the luggages he could carry. Hebs smiled at Shadow slightly.

"I hope it'll go well for you, mostly." Once Shadow's done with this issue of his with Damon, he'll have a clear mind. It was all Hebs was wanting for the fallen angel.

Kenichi blinked. "Oh, yeah." Nodding at that and getting up to his feet, he recalled the other's reply about kids. Did Rousel ever have experiences with kids? He idly wondered this as he went on ahead with his hands finding their way into his pockets.

Shadow raised his head to look up at Hebs when he addressed him, not sure whether he wanted to get up and give him a hug or start bawling like a newborn baby. He did neither--instead, he smiled briefly before it faded and stood, starting to gather up the largest of his bags to start loading into the back of the truck. Alfie was watching him very closely. He didn't like to see Shadow upset in any way.

Sniffing, the naga turned toward Gian. "...I know he can hear me, but...seriously. I think he's on the verge of a nervous breakdown," he murmured, noticing that Shadow didn't even bother turning in his direction.

Rousel followed after his new white-haired interest at a safe distance. He didn't know whether or not they were going to continue to get along, but...he was hoping that they would. After all, it would make things much easier. Especially if he was going to try to flirt very openly at some point.

Hebs could see what the naga was seeing too but he didn't want to make it any worst. In fact, all he could do was try to assure him that things will go well. Even if it won't on his part, it didn't matter to him. Once all the bags had been put and he'd put Kratos' breakfast beside him, he went to Shadow's side. Somehow, the snake man did the unthinkable.

The yellow-eyed snaked man pulled Shadow in for a tight hug and kissed the side of his head. Shadow was only a little taller than him so he, at least, didn't have to worry about the height difference. "Hey, you won't lose me even if things don't go well for me; that much I could tell you." Hebs held Shadow's face in his hands and smiled softly at him, "We'll always be family. I've promised you when you took me under your wing and I don't intend to break it at all."

Gian, on the other hand, waited for Alfie to board before he did so. He wasn't going to sit afar from him, after all.

Kenichi was seeing them already getting ready to go even when they were at a far distance. He had unusually great eye sight. "They're about to leave," he started as he turned to look at Rousel, "Are we supposed to say 'goodbye' when they're coming back?"

Shadow wasn't expecting Hebs' hug, so he jumped and looked bewildered. He responded in less than a second, though, with a very tight hug of his own. He clung to Hebs for quite a while, his hands raising up to rest on top of the younger male's hands. He looked sad...very sad. But, after a while, he did crack a smile, his hands slowly stroking up and down Hebs' back.

"Thank you," were the only words he said. He sounded genuine when he said them, and yet somehow very vulnerable at the same time. "I don't think I'm in any fit state to drive," he added after a moment. "You know where the airport is, right?"

Alfie, who was just hopping up onto the seat with Gian, had heard the sounds of footsteps approaching from a distance. He turned to see Kenichi and Rousel returning, possibly to bade them farewell. "Hey, look," he noted, with surprise. "They're close to each other!"

It was rather amusing to see Shadow surprised out of the blue that that amusement had easily died down when the other had hugged him tight just as so. It had him smiling slightly before he'd nodded. "I wasn't planning on letting you drive anyway," he said before he'd let go of him. He was just about to get into the driver's seat when he'd heard Alfie's exclamation. It was too loud to not notice.

"Came to see us off?" he asked the two before he'd given them a gentle smile to which Kenichi replied to with an embarrassed look. "Y-Yeah." Rubbing the back of his head, he grinned sheepishly. Gian waved in Kenichi's way and leaned back against Alfie before he'd turned to look toward the life man and siren's way. They sure were sleeping very well.

"Good." Shadow didn't seem to want to let go of Hebs. He was afraid to let go. But he did, knowing they had to get going. What he was fearing was not just the possible loss of Hebs...but the unraveling of the family he had worked on building for so many years. And quite possibly, his sanity. He climbed slowly into the passenger seat, turning back to smile briefly at Rousel and Kenichi. "Behave while we're gone. Rousel." Shadow stared hard at the big man, who scoffed and looked amused.

Alfie cuddled against Gian, preparing for a nice, long nap. He was ready to get going--so badly, he wanted to get to the villa. It was going to be an exciting trip.

Kenichi looked back at Rousel when Shadow had said that to him. Was Rousel really bad? He doesn't seem so at all. At least, this was what Kenichi was thinking as he waved back at Gian. He'd only known them for a few days but he sure as hell found them a lot more pleasing than the crowd he'd usually interact with outside these walls of the freak community.

Hebs revved up the engine and shifted the gear before he'd gotten the truck out a second time. This time, he headed for the airport.

It was about a couple of hours later when Hebs had parked the car and had started to unload their things with the help of Gian. Kratos hadn't bothered helping, as usual. He only was pretty adamant on caring about the siren's tank. Once everyone was settled, Hebs finally relaxed on the couch in the living room and let out a quiet breath. It was seriously tiring having to just sit down for hours. All he wanted to do was stretch out and relax even just for a couple of hours.

Shadow hadn't wanted to get out of the truck for a while. He had always had mixed feelings about this place. Alfie shot out at once, helping Gian and Hebs with the lighter luggage. He couldn't do too much heavy lifting, after all. The naga seemed to be worried about Shadow, because by the fourth time he'd hopped out to fetch small bits of luggage, the fallen angel was still in the passenger seat, peering up at the large, grand old villa--with its stone walls and dark green roof--with a forcibly blank look on his face.

Perhaps even more intimidating than the big old villa itself was the large expanse of land behind it. It could have been a wonderful garden, or even room for guest houses, if Shadow had wanted them. Instead, it was packed with tons of graves--each labeled with a name, a title, and a cause of death. Shadow seemed to find the place very unwelcoming even though he'd been here tons of times.

Finally, with a little encouragement from an excited Alfie, Shadow made his way out of the truck and past the heavy old wooden doors. He stood aimlessly in the living room before deciding to make himself useful. "Who wants to come with me and pick out their rooms for the stay?" he asked, heading toward the far right hallway. There were quite a few guest bedrooms here--medium-sized. The only large one was the one Shadow had made for himself many years ago.

Hebs smiled at the sight of Alfie managing to bring Shadow into the villa. He would've had done so himself but he didn't want to force him. Shifting to sit up and leaning forward to have his elbows rest on his knees, he watched an excited Gian follow after the two and clung onto Shadow. "I do!" the boy cried out.

Somehow, Hebs was a little disturbed by the way Gian was holding Shadow but he didn't berate him for it. He simply kept quiet. He'll also choose his room - or maybe share one with Shadow if he'd want to - later after the two had done so. "Try not to break anything, Gian, Alfie."

Kratos grunted when he'd passed by them. He'd eaten his breakfast in the airport and was quite grumpy with his sleep being cut short. "I chose the far most one," he told Shadow. He returned with his luggage and was yawning quite widely while he brushed past them again to head back to where he'd left his siren. Yes. His siren.

Alfie, too, was very excited and repeated Gian's words. But, unlike Gian, he didn't touch Shadow. He instead latched himself onto Gian's arm. Alfie didn't like pushing his luck around Shadow when he was acting strange. Anything that could provoke the older male's temper was off-limits to the naga.

Shadow, though, seemed cheered and reassured by Gian's exuberance. He chuckled softly and then tugged them along toward the hallway. He stopped, though, to turn back to Kratos. "Wait. If you want to know where that room is and not mistake it for someone else's...you need to come and follow me so you can claim it right away." Shadow smiled, apologetically. "Tell him you'll be back in a minute."

Léan was just barely awake in the back of the truck. He'd convinced Shadow to slip him some sleeping pills on the plane, as he'd been so shaky and nervous that he thought he was going to have a psychotic break. Now he was much more relaxed than he normally would be after traveling for so long.

Hebs seemed to smile in relief at Shadow finally softly chuckling. Like a mother who's finally let go of her son now that he's happy, Hebs slowly got up to his feet and decided to follow after them to see which rooms were available and which rooms would be soon taken by Alfie, Gian, Kratos and Léan. "Do I have to?" he asked with a frown before he'd sighed and grunted, "Fine." He'd purposely said that because he was already seeing Gian about to open his mouth and tell him off. The kid was already starting to get too used to them.

Gian contined to latch onto Shadow's arm as he let Alfie hang onto him. It made him grin when he'd heard Kratos' forced answer and he turned to look up at Shadow. "Are some of the rooms here taken?" There was a confused look on his face, "Didn't you say no one else lived here?"

Kenichi stretched out on the couch and put his arms up over his head. It was quiet with no one else in the house. Somehow, he'd already missed them. Idly, he looked up and then at the side. Where was Rousel? Was he hungry? What does he even eat? Somehow, he was already feeling rather hungry. Bringing his hand down, he rubbed his stomach and yawned. Hungry and sleepy. That was an odd combination.

"The room farthest down and to the right is not open to any of you. It has some things in it that need to be left alone and not moved or broken, so...that is the only one off-limits. But all of the guest rooms are free for you to choose from. They're all unique in their own way." So, that was why Shadow wanted them all to choose their own rooms--each room was unique.

There was a good reason that he didn't want the farthest right room to be disturbed. That had been Damon's room...the room closest to Shadow's. Since he'd died, Shadow hadn't been in that room. He'd only seen it through the windows and the open white curtains. If Hebs wanted to see it, Shadow would let him in. But he wasn't comfortable yet letting anyone else near it.

Rousel was lazing about in the aquarium, also trying to get some sleep. But he too was starving. Eventually, his stomach won out over his exhaustion--the big male made his way over the side of the aquarium and then out in the direction of the kitchen. He rummaged noisily through the dry goods, looking for something that he didn't have to cook. He didn't normally cook his food, so he was a terrible cook and was looking for an easy meal.

"Okay, sir!" Gian gave a mock salute and looked over at Alfie. He grinned at him as he tagged him along for their room searching. Hebs, on the other hand, stood beside Shadow as he watched the two. "Was that his room?" he asked as he slid his hands into the pocket of his pants. Kratos seemed to have noticed the look Shadow was giving that room and he turned to look at Hebs and then back at Shadow.

"I'll need at least a week." Kratos watced Gian and Alfie as he continued on, "To gather up enough energy." He was going to try to revive a man. If he was going to do it, he needed to do it right. If they planned to revive him, it was mostly a month for a full recovery. Perhaps, they'll have to stay in the villa for about three to four months in total?

The sound of someone scrounging something in the kitchen made Kenichi get up from the couch. He peered in for a second and blinked. "Hey," he started as he stayed where he was. He easily gets freaked out so he'd decided a good distance would be enough for the both of them, "Do you eat cooked food?" Kenichi could cook. It was one of his, well, talents that he isn't very proud of.

Alfie was perfectly fine with 'room-shopping,' in a sense, with Gian. It was like they were going on a brand-new adventure, and really, the naga was so excited! He peeked in a few rooms, politely closing the doors. He eventually found one near the end of the hall, just a few doors down from Damon's room--which had a green door--and Shadow's room--which had a blue door. It was a simple room with deep wine red sheets, grayish-silver carpeting, and white walls. "I like this one," he declared, a grin on his face.

"Yes, it was." Shadow suddenly looked uncomfortable again. He nodded slowly at Kratos, understanding that. "If you need to see his grave, I can take you there later today." His voice was strangely hollow--he was and wasn't, at the same time, looking forward to this. He turned his attention back toward Hebs, and then he started walking toward his room. He paused near the green door and then cleared his throat. "...You can go in, if you want. Just try not to break anything."

Rousel seemed surprised by Kenichi's sudden appearance. He turned, blinking. "...Yeah, I can eat cooked food," he replied, arching an eyebrow. "And don't stand so far away. Come closer."

Gian was in awe at the rooms. Honestly, they were all unique as Shadow had said. When Alfie had opened that room and had declared that, his smile couldn't have grown any wider. "Hey, can we share rooms?" he asked him as he let go of Alfie to enter the room and dive onto the bed. "I really like the color of these sheets." There was a pleased look on his face as he snuggled up against one of the pillows.

Hebs reached out to supposedly put his hand on Shadow's back but he'd thought otherwise. He put his hand on the knob and turned it before he'd smiled at Shadow. "I won't mess anything up," he assured him and turned to look at Kratos who only grunted in reply. "Later." He went to choose a room that was pretty far from the other four, with a dark blue carpet and sheets that could pass off as silk. It was white in color and the room sure looked engrande despite it being simple.

Dropping his duffel bag, he went to bring Léan to their room. He wasn't about to let the merman just stay anywhere else. Plus, he beared full responsibility over him since he'd, well, become intimate with the other.

Kenichi shook his head. "Might run away," was his simple answer before he'd grinned, "I could cook something up for us. You'll have to wait, though... outside." Discomfort would be all he'd be feeling if Rousel were anywhere near him. He really didn't want to ruin the food since this would be the first time he'd be cooking for someone.

"I don't mind sharing with you! That bed's plenty big enough for both of us." Alfie was grinning from ear to ear, making his way toward the bed. He wanted to share a room with Gian, but he hadn't brought it up. He was sure that Shadow wouldn't mind--after all, it was less rooms for all of them to keep clean and in shape. "I like the sheets. Is the bed soft?" Alfie slowly lowered himself onto the bed, grinning once he realized that yes, the bed was very soft.

He then got up, looking eager. "Let's go and get our stuff, then, and bring it here!"

Léan was waiting for Kratos, now that he was a little more awake. When he saw the life man returning, the siren began making cooing noises, popping up to the top of the tank and reaching out for Kratos. He was obviously becoming so much more comfortable around him. It seemed that he preferred Kratos' company and protection over Shadow's just slightly at the moment. Shadow was his savior--the man who had rescued him and saved his life. But he wasn't very close with him nowadays.

Shadow nodded slowly, finally entering his room and disappearing behind the closed door. He didn't want to see that room. But he was willing to let Hebs in.

Everything in Damon's room was coated with a fine, very light coating of dust. The walls were green with white and silver trim, and there was chocolate brown-colored wood flooring instead of carpet. A big old piano rested in the corner, in perfect condition despite the dust. There was still sheet music laying on it. Several other different instruments were scattered about the room--everything from lutes, to harps, to violins, to horns. The walls were just barely visible behind a single long white and gold desk and tons of large old bookcases, packed to the brim with books. There was a bed with crisp white sheets by the lone large window in the room. It was made, still.

It looked as if it hadn't been touched in years. Also on the side of the room where the bed was, next to the window, was a gorgeous painted portrait. It was obviously a very realistic painting of Damon, which looked better than the small picture in the book had. He was a petite young man, obviously frail and sickly, with pale skin and long, dark emerald green hair that was tied up in a loose ponytail that he kept in front of his body rather than behind. His eyes were the same color as his hair, and the artist who had painted this portrait had managed to capture a sort of calm, serene look in them. He was wearing all white.

Gian nodded his head and laughed. "Isn't it?" he asked before he'd gotten up, too, and stumbled a little. He was glad he was able to catch his balance with his hand on Alfie's shoulder. "And, let's do that!" There was a bright smile on his lips. Hell, his whole face instantly lit up. Pulling up his pants that seemed to be a little big for him, the brown-haired boy moved to the door to walk through the hallway and head to where they'd last left their bags.

Somehow, he could feel Alfie's excitement and honestly, he was feeling rather happy having to share a bed with Alfie. In this Villa trip.

Kratos raised his eyebrows a little at the cooing from the siren and felt his expression soften. He pulled Léan out from the tank with his foot stepping against the surface of the glass so it wouldn't join his merman. "I think you'll like the place," he started, pressing a chaste and gentle kiss onto his lover's lips. The room he'd chosen almost looked a lot like they were underwater. He carried Léan like that of a groom would to his bride and carried him to their room. Yes. Their room for this long villa trip. Kratos was also reminded that he'd need a lot of rest if he wanted to search for Damon's soul. This was going to be some sort of ride all right.

The life man seated himself on the bed and set the merman on his lap. His clothes were wet but he didn't mind it at all. In fact, he'd even pulled Léan closer to him while he nuzzled his wet hair just a tad. His ears were rather cute now that he's noticed them. He curiously had his free hand trace over it.

Hebs looked rather surprised to see Damon's room. It was quite dusty but it seemed like the only place that had been preserved. It somehow crushed his heart that Shadow had felt so much for the man. Sliding his hands into his pockets, he suddenly could feel the exhaustion from the trip and the emotions he'd been holding back. What... exactly was going to be the outcome of this trip? As he walked towards the portrait with Damon's picture in it, he stared at it softly for quite a long time before he'd sighed. "You must've been lucky to have him love you this much," he started, crouching down as he smiled almost a little sadly, "I'm almost tempted to just let you have him without a fight if you're brought back to life by our good friend."

Running his fingers through his hair, the white-haired male rubbed the back of his neck, felt his scales against his padded fingers and looked off to the side. "Though... we're all lucky to have been brought under his wing." It was really all thanks to Shadow that these family of freaks had been brought together.

Alfie also appeared to be happy about having to share a bed with Gian. He clung to the human's arms as they walked, that grin still on his face. He wasn't looking forward to having to move their luggage--he hated heavy lifting--but he was looking forward to taking a nap...or even exploring! If they wanted to explore, though, Alfie figured they would have to get Shadow's permission. There were places in the villa where he didn't want anyone going, after all.

Alfie only decided to bring it up once they reached the luggage. He was gathering up a duffel bag that had his favorite pillow from his nest and some of Gian's clothes all shoved into it when he finally spoke. "After we get everything back to our room...do you want to ask Shadow if we can explore a little?" The naga was excited to know what they would find if they explored the place.

"Oh?" Léan looked intrigued, now, as he wrapped his arms up around Kratos' neck to hold on tighter while they walked. "Well, that makes me curious. I can't wait to see it, now." As the door to their room opened, the siren was craning his neck, trying to peek inside as quickly as possible. He was absolutely silent as they first walked in, but...he began to coo again, peering in a pleased manner around the room. His tail began to swish back and forth slightly, too.

"I like it," he purred, curling up close to Kratos in bed. He was just about relaxed when he felt an odd sensation near his ears. He perked up, eyes snapping up so he could watch what the human was doing. He wasn't used to having his ears touched. It was a weird feeling, but certainly welcome. Those icy blue eyes studied every little movement of Kratos' fingers, a small smile on his face.

Shadow hadn't come out of his room, yet. He wouldn't dare to enter Damon's abandoned room in his current state. He'd lose his cool and wouldn't be able to hold himself up during Damon's revival, and he knew it. The fallen angel hadn't even ventured back out for his luggage, yet, fearful that Hebs had the door open and he'd see inside. He really was in a delicate state of mind. As soon as Kratos could revive Damon, it would have to happen quickly. Better sooner than later.

For everyone's sake, honestly. If Shadow became mentally unstable...the family would lose its old, wise, and kind leader. And that wouldn't be good at all. It would leave them all leaderless...

Gian looked ecstatic. "Let's do that!" he started before he'd nodded and grinned brightly again. Once they'd reached their room, he dropped down the bag at the foot of the bed and stopped for a second. "Will Shadow be okay though? He didn't look okay back then in the car." The boy raised his eyebrows a little. Won't Shadow get mad?

Kratos' lips twitched up to a smile when he'd seen Léan's reaction to his touching his ear. That smile he had on his face was simply adorable and he couldn't help it if he was tempted to just lean in and take those lips for a kiss. It was when he'd felt a sudden cold chill did he stop what he was doing. He immediately pulled his hands from Léan but had the merman stay where he was. "Give me a moment." That was all he'd said before he'd let his eyes slide shut. He could definitely feel them. A lot of them.

Like a guy picking out cards from a bunch of them squeezed together was hard. It had Kratos' brows furrowing as he continued to have his hand in the air. Almost. Slowly. Spirits were fragile and if he hurriedly picked them out, he was pretty sure he won't be bringing a whole pie home. It was about thirty minutes later when the life man had finally opened his eyes again. His eyes were slightly in a daze and he could feel a slight headache starting to form from the front of his head. Bringing up his hand to his head, he frowned again and groaned. That hurt. There was sweat forming and dripping about his temple and the sides of hsi face. Other than that...

"I need to talk to Shadow."

Hebs had come out while Kratos was doing his whole mumbo-jumbo. He'd even brought Shadow's things to his room and one to his own room. He was surprised, though, when he'd seen Kratos beckoning him when he'd passed by his room. He looked rather pale; almost sick. Wasn't he all right just a little while ago? "What happened?" Hebs asked worriedly to Kratos who'd only given him a face. "Get me Shadow." That was all Kratos had to say before Hebs went to get Shadow from his room.

When Gian mentioned Shadow possibly being in the middle of having an emotional fit at the moment, Alfie's enthusiasm seemed to wilt some. He suddenly looked a little sheepish. "Er...maybe we should wait for a little bit. At least until he gets used to being here again." The naga curled his body around Gian's. "Maybe we should start unpacking and then take a nap. This place is going to be home for a while--we have to make it feel like home, too."

Léan straightened up, attentive at once, when he saw that Kratos didn't look so good. He bit his tongue and stayed silent, but he did snuggle close to him and slowly rest his head on his chest to provide him with comfort while he worked. He knew how unstable Kratos' powers were, but he didn't want to leave him alone while he was in pain. He was completely silent, the siren was, while his dear human worked.

Finally, when it seemed like Kratos was done, Léan leaned up to kiss his cheek. "He should be in his room," he murmured softly, moving so he could get up. "When you're done, please...find some medication to ease your pain and we'll take a long nap. I don't like seeing you in pain." He knew it had to be done, of course, but...he just hoped that Kratos would hurry up.

Shadow was still in his room, of course. He was sitting on the sill of one of his windows, the larger one, and peering outside at the mass expanse of graves. He was staring slightly to the right and far out despite himself. He knew where Damon's grave was...it was all the way in the back behind the rest of the graves in a secluded spot between two trees. It was the only grave that had this much space around it. And, there was a good reason for that.

Using a final gift from a freak of his who could manipulate ice--a gift of ice that would never melt, but would disappear if the special lighter, of sorts, was pressed against it--he had frozen the ground and coffin beneath Damon's grave, therefore preserving his body almost perfectly. This area was colder than the rest of the graveyard, and understandably so.