Celestine stared at Kyran evenly and let him finish before he opened his mouth again. "I am not putting anyone down, I am only stating what I anticipate. This territory is more dangerous than yours, it's very unfriendly toward just about everything, especially humans. My opinion on the matter stands. When he proves that he can at least do more than stand and shake like a leaf when we come across conflict then my opinion will change. Until then, I only expect him to be of use when we get to his territory if he survives that long." He said bluntly, "There is one rule of survival out there...you help yourself before you worry about everything else. I don't know about the rest of you but if it comes down to me throwing myself in front of him, he is out of luck. At best I'll get his a weapon and hope he can figure out how to use it." Like Kyran he wasn't being very quiet anymore. He honestly didn't care who heard him. As far as he was concerned Nanashi needed to get his tail out from between his legs and learn to stand for himself and stop depending on LaRae to save his ass.

Hikari narrowed her eyes slightly at Celestine's tone and his words. "You must really be one sad lonely character if that is the way you think about everything. You think you're the most important thing in your world."

Celestine gave Hikari a look, "That's none of your concern now is it? I'm only here to get this stupid relic and get this over with, I wasn't chosen to come on this trip to be anyone's pal or body guard." He said all of that, but Hikari had a point that he wasn't willing to admit to. He was a bit lonely up here on his own, and that was also why he was such a social reject when it came to dealing with other people and he knew it. If it came right down to it, he would try to save any one of them if he had to, but because they were there. It was in his nature, no matter how much he tried to deny it with words, though the only one who even might realize how badly he was bluffing was Aamori if she recalled the first dream they had shared when he saved the little girl from the earth dragon. he could have easily kept going and gotten out of that mess scratch free.

Nanashi was a bit surprised to say the least that Kyran came to his defense, but he still agreed with Celestine a little himself. He had been thinking nearly the exact thing that Celestine had said about himself since they left that temple. What could he do? He couldn't use magic, he wasn't as physically strong as the others, he didn't have another form, and he didn't even own a weapon. What use did Kyran think that he had here? Evens till he was glad to know that the guy didn't think he was a complete waste of air and space. He finally shifted positions slightly, moving a little out of LaRae's way when she went to roll over.

Kyran merely shook his head after listening to Celestine. He agreed with Hikari, after hearing all of that he really did think that Celestine was exactly as she described. He gave a small sigh and looked back at Celestine. "Well, since you're not here not here to 'be anyone's pal or body guard' and you're only here to get 'this stupid relic' then you wouldn't mind doing it all by yourself." He paused. "As far as I am concerned I'm not going to aid you because according to you, If I'm getting this right... My job is already done. I've already retrieved my relic." He then glanced over at Nanashi for a moment and then back to Celestine. "I guess I get to sit here on my ass with him and wait for you to come back."

Aamori continued to just listen, not quite wanting to open her mouth. She didn't exactly have anything to say to begin with and she didn't want to take the chance of upsetting anyone, mostly Celestine. She'd pretty much be on the same side of the fence as Kyran. Though she could remember from the dream that her and Celestine shared that he'd helped a girl before, so of course he was trying to put on a front. She could easily have said something about it but chose not to. She sighed heavily and glanced over at Celestine for a moment, though her attention snapped back to Kyran when she heard him say he'd be staying with Nanashi. She hadn't expected him to say anything like that, he was easily one of the more level headed of the group and here he was saying he'd refuse to go with Celestine to help find the relic. If there was another guardian like Nerian then he'd probably need all the help he could get. She was pretty sure that Kyran knew that so she was curious to know why he'd even said that.

LaRae tried to go back to sleep for a little while longer before finally giving up. She rolled back over onto her back and then pulled herself up so that she was sitting down, leaning forward a little over her legs. She sighed heavily and glared over at the others who were still talking. She hadn't been paying attention at all so she had no idea what they were talking about. She let her eyes trail back over to the ground in front of her then she glanced over at Nanashi for a second to see if he was awake.

Celestine looked at Kyran levelly and didn't say another word to Kyran as he started talking and then looked back over to him again. "...If you wish." he said simply. He really wasn't all that concerned about going to get the relic himself. Honestly, he'd almost rather. If that dream was any indication of what they would be facing, he was pretty sure that all of them would be safer staying out of it. He wasn't sure he could handle it by himself, but he was pretty sure that he would be the best suited for it all. "You will be safer."

Hikari looked over to Kyran, slightly surprised at the comment as well and then looked back to Celestine again with a soft sigh. "...You are so confusing..." she said softly as she shook her head. She glanced over to Kyran again and then crossed her arms. "...And really, Kyran......" she said, though she didn't go beyond that. Somehow she couldn't believe that he was completely serious.

Nanashi was completely surprised to hear that Kyran would stay back with him before he would go with Celestine. Somehow he doubted that as well. He didn't really plan to stay behind without a fight, anyway. Once LaRae sat up he looked up at her and then sighed softly, pushing himself up as well. He glanced over to the others for a moment and then looked away, choosing not to comment on anything that had been said. "...Morning." he said quietly as he looked back to LaRae.

Celestine sighed again and stood up. "...Well if you're coming, let's go." he said simply. "If not, I suppose I will find you later."

Kyran glanced over at Hikari when she spoke and shrugged lightly. "Since he is unwilling to put his neck out on the line for any of us, then I'm not going to for him. Plain and simple." He stated leaning back onto his elbows. He sighed heavily as he rolled his eyes back over to Celestine. "And it irks the hell out of me knowing that any one of us would do anything in our power to protect him or anyone else for that matter, regardless of our differences and yet he's going to act like this." He paused. "And as far as I concerned..." He then turned his attention back to Celestine. "You need to stop straddling the fence. Either you're going to be a part of this group and put aside the fact that we're all different or you're going to play this solo and continue being by yourself. Unfortunately for you it just doesn't work both ways." He said just before laying down completely and staring up at the sky. "So once you've decided how you want this work, let me know." Of course he was just being difficult with Celestine. After the kids last statement he could tell that Celestine did apparently feel something about them, since he said they'd be safer. He was merely working to try and coax him out into the open a little. This trip would definitely be a lot easier on everyone if they could all at least work together and not as individuals.

Aamori sighed softly after hearing Celestine, then listened to Kyran. She shook her head softly and glanced over to Celestine. "If it's all the same, I think I'm going to stay here with Kyran." She said quietly. She had started to get where Kyran was coming from with that he had to say and she agreed for the most part. She'd only been trying to get Celestine to open up a little over the past week or so and with little to no results. She felt like what Kyran was doing was like tough love. She was sure that he had no intention of making Celestine do this all by himself, he just didn't seem like that cruel of a person. She gave another soft sigh. She didn't want to ditch Celestine on this, but if he didn't say that he wanted her to come, or any of the others then she was going to just sit here and wait to see if he came back.

LaRae smiled softly seeing that he was awake. "...Good morning." She said quietly as she lifted her hand to rub the sleep from her eyes. She'd completely turned off the fact that the others were even talking and focused on Nanashi. "How did you sleep?"

Celestine looked back again, this time his attention on Aamori. He seemed mildly surprised at her response, but he seemed to shake it off easily enough. "Fine." He said simply and then glanced over to Kyran again. "...I am not begging for your help. Whether you decide to help me or not is your business...all of you. I don't expect anything from anyone." he said bluntly, "...At any rate... if you want to stay behind, here is not the place to do it." he said as he started to turn around. "It's going to rain soon...you don't want to be caught in it, and neither do I. So for now, unless you want to be caught in a monsoon, I suggest you follow me." he said simply before turning around and starting off without another word.

Hikari looked over to Kyran and then back to Celestine and then to Aamori. She Sighed and shook her head and then stood up, snagging her bow and putting it over her shoulder again. She didn't know about the rest of them, but she didn't really want to get stranded in the rain. Not to mention she didn't care if Celestine wouldn't risk himself for her, she was still willing to help him, with or without everyone's approval. She sighed and looked back to Kyran again as if asking him if he was coming, though she didn't say anything. Finally she just turned and started after Celestine. At least she seemed willing enough to put up with him, even if she didn't like his attitude.

Nanashi tried to return her smile, but barely managed a ghost of one. "...Yes, fine." he said quietly. He glanced over to Celestine and Hikari when they got up and sighed softly. "...I guess it's time to go." He said as he climbed to his feet. He stretched a little and then looked toward Celestine a little unsurely. Should he follow him? He didn't really know if the guy wanted him tagging along or not from the way he was talking before. Just because he said 'everyone' didn't meant much to him. He usually wasn't counted as someone. Finally he just shook his head and started to walk forward without a peep.

Kyran wasn't going to budge on the topic. He didn't even acknowledge that Celestine had said anything else. He just continued to lay on the grass with his hands under his head staring up at the sky. He did however turn his attention slightly towards Hikari when he noticed her get up to follow after Celestine. He wasn't surprised that she'd go with him even with his attitude; She was just nice like that. Of course after seeing her get up he thought twice about what he was doing; He didn't want anything to happen to her and he didn't feel safe leaving her to hopefully be protected by Celestine if she should need it. He sighed heavily and tried to push the thought aside; She was able to protect herself after all, she wouldn't need his help. At least he'd keep telling himself that while he protested following someone who didn't need their help.

Aamori wasn't phased by the news of a monsoon. She liked water after all, even if it was accompanied by strong winds and heavy downpours. She continued to sit on the ground even when he started to walk away. She was a little hurt that he didn't even ask for her company; She would've asked for his. She sighed softly and lowered her eyes towards the ground. So far it looked like Kyran's idea was flopping like a fish out of water. She slowly brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around the front of her legs, then rested her head on top of her knees.

LaRae looked at Nanashi and then watched as he got to his feet and started to walk after Celestine. Something must have been on his mind because he hadn't even offered to help her to her feet like he usually did. She gave a soft sigh and climbed to her feet, dusting herself off a little before walking after him. Of course she stopped and quirked a brow finally noticing that Kyran and Aamori didn't appear to be getting up to go with the rest of them. She stepped over a little closer to Aamori and knelt down slightly. "...Aren't you coming?" She asked quietly. When Aamori shook her head no, she stood back up and didn't really press it any further. Though she was curious to know why they weren't coming. She sighed and turned around, not wanting to be left behind she continued after Nanashi.

Nobu had of course heard everything and just sat quietly throughout it all. He shook his head lightly when the others started to leave. 'Stubborn...' He then lowered his head back down and set it on top of his paws. Clearly he wasn't going anywhere that the blades weren't going.

Nero finally got to his feet just about the time that Celestine had started to walk off, followed by the other three. He'd been laying on the ground quietly listening to everything that was being said between the two. He wasn't going to be on either side; He thought the conflict was stupid. Though when it came down to it he didn't want to follow someone who didn't need him. He was military after all, so if he wasn't needed it was like a day off. He moved a little closer to Kyran and Aamori and then sat down right behind them and crossed his legs. "If it's all the same Kyran, I'm going to stay to even out the odds." He said quietly as he lifted his hand to brush his hair from in front of his face.

Celestine glanced back one more time, looking at Aamori for a moment, and just to see who all was coming. He nearly rolled his eyes when he saw that only three of them were following him. "...Fine, get wet." he muttered under his breath as he turned to leave again. He sighed and continued forward, weaving his way through the brush as he headed deeper into the forest.

Hikari glanced back as well and sighed when she saw that the rest of them weren't coming. "Oh for for the love of all things holy..." she muttered, shaking her head. "This is ridiculous." She stood there for a moment with her hands on his hips, looking at Kyran and then finally sighed and dropped her hands and turned to continue after Celestine since he was running off without her.

Nanashi continued forward a little before glancing back. He didn't know if Kyran was actually starting back because if something Celestine said to piss him off or if he was just doing that because of him. Either way, he didn't feel right leaving them out there with the knowledge that it was going to pour rain on them soon. "...Come on you guys.... let's not get separated..." He said quietly, though just loud enough to be heard. He hardly ever told anyone int he group what to do except for LaRae, so he was a little uncomfortable asking them to come. He didn't really understand Kyran's logic on the whole ordeal.

Kyran hadn't heard a word that Nanashi said he was far too busy thinking, then he started to sit up after he realized something. He couldn't help but feel stupid at this point. He reached over to Nobu and patted his head as he gave a heavy sigh. "...Nobu..." He started. "I need you to run back to the house." He couldn't help but shake his head at this point. "...I left the relic at the house. Can you snatch it for me and hurry back?" He asked quietly as he continued to pet the canines head. "And don't worry about Mati and Ajara, you know I'll take care of them." He added lastly.

Nobu's ears laid back slightly after hearing the request from Kyran. Of course he'd follow his order he just wasn't too thrilled about having to run all the way back to the house and then turn right around and rush back. He knew he'd be tuckered out by the time he got back. He lowered his head lightly and then stood up giving a faint nod of his head before turning back the way they'd come. He had a good sense of direction, on top of an impressive sense of smell so getting home and back to Kyran shouldn't be any trouble at all. He started out walking at first, giving a decent amount of distance between himself and the others before he started to run at his top speed leaving nothing but dust in his wake. At the rate he was going, he might just make it back to the house in just under a day. Then the trek back in about the same depending on where Kyran was.

Aamori lifted her head lightly to look over at Kyran after Nobu left. "...You left that at home? It's so important..." She said softly. She was sure that he already felt bad for forgetting it, so she didn't want to say anything more on the topic. She was also a little more open to talking because her voice had gone back to the usual child-like sounding voice. She sighed softly and glanced back towards the tree line for a moment as if waiting for the others to come back. When she saw nothing she rested her head down on her knees once more.

Kyran sighed heavily when he heard what Aamori said and then glanced over to her. "Yes... I know it's important. I just completely forgot." He paused. "I'd say I forgot because the relic wasn't out in the open... I've no real clue where in the house it is... But Nobu shouldn't have any trouble locating it." He said quietly before leaning back on his elbows again. He stared up at the sky for a few minutes before looking back to Aamori and Nero. "You two don't have to sit here with me, you can go with the others. After all... my purpose for staying behind has kind of changed a little." He said with a sigh.

Nero looked up and towards the trees, apparently the only one who had even heard a word that Nanashi said. He didn't say anything or even give it another thought before his attention was snagged by something Kyran said. He shook his head lightly when he heard that Kyran had forgotten the relic. What else was knew? What ever could go wrong apparently was going to today. He sighed softly and looked over at Kyran. "How long is it we're going to be waiting on that creature?" He asked before looking away. Of course by the wording you could tell he had no intention of leaving Kyran behind.

LaRae glanced back for a moment as everyone else had and quirked a brow before looking at Nanashi with a slightly confused look on her face. "...So... Apparently I missed something... again." She paused. "What in Arienh is going on?"

Nanashi sighed quietly when it seemed that no one was listening to him. After a moment he glanced away and slowly started walking again, keeping his eyes on the ground until LaRae spoke to him again. He looked over to her and shook his head slightly. He glanced toward Hikari for a moment, but she seemed pretty preoccupied, so he just looked back to LaRae and spoke quietly. "...Celestine said something that Kyran didn't like...now everyone is arguing and Kyran said that he wasn't coming if Celestine didn't need him..." He said quietly, "I guess Aamori and Nero are with him."

Hikari was merely following behind Celestine silently, keeping her eyes on the boy's bare feet as he walked though the foliage. Her mind was going everywhere at once. She was worried about the others staying behind on their own, especially if there were bad storms approaching. Not to mention, she felt like she didn't really have anyone to talk to anymore since Kyran stayed back. Nanashi and LaRae kept to themselves, and Celestine was just being a pain right now. She was half tempted to turn back and wait with the others, but she wouldn't do that to the boy even if he was being a jerk. Her ears twitched slightly when she caught a voice behind her and she focused in on it, realizing that Nanashi was explaining what had happened to LaRae. Even though he didn't give specifics from what he did tell she knew that he'd been awake for most of that exchange. She glanced back over her shoulder for a moment, her ears drooping slightly. Now that she looked at him, he did look a little dispirited. She sighed softly and slowed down a little. "...I'm sorry you heard all of that." she said softly.

Nanashi glanced back to Hikari quickly, a little startled and then sighed softly and shook his head. "...Nothing was said on my part that isn't true." he said simply, "...I'm not upset."

Hikari sighed again and just face him a sympathetic look, but she clearly didn't know what to say really. "...Just because you panicked doesn't mean that you can't do anything. I panicked too..."

Nanashi just nodded, refraining from adding the comment 'but at least you did something.'

Celestine just kept walking, his destination in mind. He glanced over his shoulder periodically to make sure that he wasn't losing everyone, but that was about it. He stayed silent, even when they started talking about what had been said. Why couldn't they just drop it already? It was over, and as far as he was concerned, everyone else was being just as stubborn as he was. He wasn't going to beg them to come with him to get out of the rain, so if they'd rather get drenched than follow him, that was fine by him. He was a little worried about leaving them out there alone, but he tried not to think about it. These mountains were full of all kinds of creatures from snakes to harpies to griffins, and nearly all of them could be pretty dangerous. Most of the snakes were very poisonous and the griffins usually traveled in groups... and the harpies...well they were just mean.

Kyran looked over at Nero after the question he was asked. "...I'm not entirely too sure, to tell you the truth." He gave a soft sigh. "Nobu is fast, but that was a decent trek and depending on this foul weather on the way it might make this wait even longer if we have to move somewhere safer." He shook his head and glanced over to Aamori for a moment. "...I do have a question Aamori." He paused. "How come you didn't go with Celestine. You've been glued to him for the past couple days..." He asked quietly as he inched a little closer to his blades.

Nero nodded lightly to what Kyran said. He only hoped that the canine would get to and from in a timely manor. He happened to glance over at Aamori too when Kyran asked her why she didn't go with the others. He was slightly surprised that she hadn't but of course you couldn't tell he even cared. He glanced down at her arm and quirked a brow when he noticed that the marks he'd left on her were gone. He was sure they were there yesterday. He sighed heavily and let his eyes trail off to nothing. "...About your arm..." He paused. "...I'm sorry." He said quietly. He knew he was in the wrong for hurting her before, and he knew when to appologize for his actions he just was waiting for a time to say something to her. Preferably a time when not too many of the others were around.

Aamori looked up to Kyran and paused for a moment. She had a reason, she just wished it was better then it was. "...I just wanted to see if he'd ask me to come with him..." She paused. "...That's all." She gave a small sigh. "I was kind of hoping that he'd have wanted my company by now, rather then just put up with it..." Her attention rather quickly went over to Nero when she heard him apologize for her arm. She was surprised, she hadn't expected that. Especially considering how he'd acted in the past. Though... he did carry her previously so he couldn't be all bad, could he? She smiled faintly. "Apology accepted." She said simply.

LaRae listened to what Nanashi said then what Hikari had when she added to the conversation. She couldn't believe that she missed the whole thing, really she needed to not zone out like that. She sighed heavily more upset with the fact that she was never paying attention rather then what had really happened. She did however quirk her brow after the last things Hikari and Nanashi said. "...What was said?" She huffed lightly. "I'm completely out of the loop..."

Hikari sighed softly and shook her head slightly, "Oh..."

"It's nothing." Nanashi said quickly, obviously not wanting LaRae to hear what had been said about him. He was half afraid that she would go off on Celestine the way that she had that dark dragon at the festival grounds. The last thing they needed was for her to go off at Celestine like that....honestly, he looked like he could run though her even when she hadn't done anything most of the time.

Celestine sighed and finally stopped, turning to face them again. He looked directly at LaRae, narrowing his eyes slightly. "I said that if I'm right on where we think our relic is then he may have to stay behind. It's going to be too dangerous for a halfbreed in that forest and he would probably be more trouble than he was worth. From what I have seen he can't fight, he can't use magic, he doesn't even have a weapon, and he's afraid of his own shadow. What set everyone off was the fact that I do not intend to play bodyguard for him or anyone else and I doubt that anyone has time to hold his hand while we finish this. I don't want to stick my neck out for people who can't take care of themselves, so the others don't want to stick their necks out for me." He huffed slightly, crossing his arms, "Now, are you caught up well enough? Can we continue?"

Nanashi looked at Celestine for a moment, clearly hurt by his words, though he didn't seem willing to argue. "...Then why don't you teach me?" He asked quietly, "Since you know so much about surviving."

Celestine glanced over to Nanashi for a moment and sighed softly, unfolding his arms again. "...I just might. Later. Right now, we need to move."

Kyran nodded softly. "Oh. I see." He said simply to what Aamori had said. He didn't really have anything else to say about it; Though in a small way he felt kind of bad for her. She was obviously trying to put herself out there to try and at least make friends with the guy and he clearly didn't care. He shook his head slightly and lifted his hand to run it through his hair, roughing it a little. "It's a shame he's so anti-social." He added lastly before glancing over to Nero. "And as for you... I can only hope that you're not nearly as bad as Celestine."

Aamori's eyes went back to Kyran when he spoke again and she nodded her head agreeing with his last comment about Celestine. When Kyran mentioned that he hoped Nero wasn't as bad she again nodded. She didn't think she could put up with two anti-social pains in the ass; It was hard enough dealing with one. She looked over at Nero and couldn't help but want to try bringing up some small talk, something to pass the time. "...If you don't mind me asking Nero, can we know a little about you?" She paused. "I'll willingly tell you a little about myself in return if you like..." She said quietly, though she didn't really expect him to say anything. He was awfully quiet all the time.

Nero shook his head. "I'm not as bad as that boy... I'll talk when spoken to." He said simply. When he heard Aamori's question he nodded lightly. He was willing to answer, though he wouldn't go into too much detail. "It's alright. It's the least I can do since you asked." He said quietly. "There isn't really a whole lot to tell. I was born into a military family, even generation of first born sons was a member of the military in one way or another." He paused. "The military is my life, it's what I was raised to be a part of. Though, my mate doesn't really agree with my career..." He shook his head lightly. Of course he was referring to Kana now being happy with him being sent off to the Festival to see about this whole mess. Little did she know that he was actually going to be chosen to go along for this trip and miss their whole wedding day. He wasn't sure what was worse, fighting these Guardians that protected the relics or having to return home to face the wrath of Kana. "Her name is Kana..." He added. "She didn't know I was going to be on this long trip with you all... We were supposed to get married... Tomorrow to be exact." He said lastly, his voice going a little soft at the end.

Aamori listened quietly to what Nero was saying, surprised that he was even talking to them and being so polite too. The way he acted and the things he did, made a little more sense when she heard that he was a military man. The fact that he didn't really speak unless spoken to made a lot more sense also. She sighed softly after hearing about this woman named Kana, to whom he was to marry. She could only imagine how bad he must feel for being sent off during such a special time. She looked at Nero and gave him a sympathetic look, she wasn't really sure what to say. What could one say to that? She gave another soft sigh and started to fidget with her hands in her lap a little. "I'm sorry you're going to miss your big day." She said quietly. "I can only hope that we can get all of this done and over with as soon as possible so that you can return home for good and make up for that missed day." She glanced back over to him with a faint smile. "And I appreciate you openly telling us that."

LaRae was just about to drop the whole subject when Nanashi finally said that it was nothing. Obviously he didn't want to get into the details with her. She glanced over at Celestine when he started to tell her what all had gone on. She'd interrupted him while he spoke, to correct his wording. "Dragon Half, not halfbreed." She nearly spat. Clearly she didn't appreciate his use of words. She let him finish the rest of what he was telling her before she got pissed off all over again. Unfortunately for her when she got upset like this she tended to not care who she was talking to. She glared at Celestine after taking a few steps closer to him, of course after he and Nanashi spoke shortly. "You have no right to go putting him down like that! You don't know Nanashi and everything you're basing your stupid little opinion on was one fight against a rather intimidating looking guardian!" She growled lightly. "Half of us were scared after seeing that thing, so you can't blame him for being scared of Nerian! And you've got no idea whether or not if he can fight, or any of us for that matter!" She paused balling up her fist tightly. "Just because he's a Dragon half doesn't mean he's useless and how dare you even imply that! And if worst came to worst any one of us with a heart would have the decency to help him if he needed it! Not to mention I'd sooner give him one of my weapons before tossing him aside!" She paused for a moment. "And another thing." She muttered. "Last time I checked you weren't perfect. The first time we got into any type of fight your ass fell right through that crack that was made in the ground and ended up out cold! And one of us had to go back in to get you! Not to mention it was my magic that got anyone in and out of that hole in the first place..." She bit her lip slightly trying to keep herself from wanting to wail on Celestine. She had a bad habit of getting physical when chewing someone out. "So, going off my first impression of you... My opinion would be that you're completely useless. Poor little guy falls and hits his head and can't do anything for himself because he's knocked out." She huffed lightly. "Oh, you've got a whole lot of room to talk..."

Celestine met LaRae's rant with an irritated gaze. He didn't seem too fazed by her words, only mildly agitated. "That, I hardly consider a fight." he said bluntly, "...And of course I was unconscious. Thanks to your kind that doesn't take a whole lot anymore." he nearly growled, "When I was younger I just didn't know when to leave well enough alone and fend for myself, that is my thanks for it. But at least I can still make use of myself while I am conscious." he shot back, "Now...I am going to turn around and keep walking. You can stand there and huff and puff all you want or you can follow. Frankly, right now, I don't give a damn either way." He said as he turned on his heel and started away.

Nanashi looked at LaRae in mild surprise when she started on Celestine and then panicked a little when she started forward. When she stopped moving he quickly stepped forward and put his hands on her shoulders, holding them tightly. He looked at her for a moment and then glanced quickly back to Celestine when he started talking again. He just tightened his grip on her shoulders and leaned down to her ear, "Just let it go." he said quietly, "Don't fight with him..."

Hikari sighed heavily and shook her head, rubbing her temples. "Celestine....get off of your pedestal." she said finally, "Why do you have to be so damn stubborn?" She glanced over to the other two and then sighed after a moment when he said that he didn't care what they did. She stood there for a moment and then sighed heavily. "...I give up." she said as she started to turn around. "When you get your head out of your ass, come and find us." she said irritably as she started back the way they'd come. She tried being nice, but there was only so much that she could deal with. He made it nearly impossible to stand to be around him for too long without a distraction. It was pretty clear just by her use of foul language that she'd had all she could take for a while. It was still too early in the morning for all of this bickering.

Celestine stopped again, his ears twitching slightly as he listened to Hikari. He only turned his head back once to watch her walk away and then sighed and looked at the other two. "........Well aren't you going?" he asked as if he expected the both of them to join her in abandoning him on this little trek.

Kyran was a little surprised to hear that Nero was openly talking and to Aamori of all people. He had listened to everything that was being said and glanced over to Nero and gave a faint smile. "I wouldn't worry about the girl. I'm sure she'll still be waiting for you when you get back." He said lightly before laying back on the grass and staring up at the sky.

Nero nodded lightly. "I'm not too worried about her waiting on me." He paused. "I'm worried about her attitude once I get back..." He said quietly. He leaned back on his hands and shook his head slightly so that his hair fell out of his eye. "Oh... and you two don't have to tell me anything about yourselves. I've pretty much got the gist of everyone so far just from observing them."

Aamori gave a slight nod. She was a little relieved that he didn't want to know anything about her, she hadn't thought about what she was saying before but if she did talk about herself it was going to be hard without mentioning the one thing that had started to consume her life.

LaRae continued to bite her lip when Celestine started up again. She hadn't even realized that Nanashi had his hands on her shoulders; She was far to pissed off to even notice anything other then Celestine at the moment. Her ears did twitch slightly when Nanashi told her to just let it go. She might have except for one thing he'd said that she couldn't get out of her mind, not to mention his very last comment after Hikari had started to walk away. She glared at him. "Don't worry, I don't plan on sticking around with an unappreciative little brat." She growled lightly again having focused on the other thing he'd said. "...My kind?" She paused. "So something happened to you in the past with some dragons from my clan and your pathetic excuse for a dragon is going to take that out on me just because I'm from the same clan?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "That really explains a lot. I was curious as to why you were being overly cold to me compared to everyone else." She shook her head. "I don't know what happened and I don't really care but I don't think it's fair to go hating me because of something another dragon did." She paused. "And before anyone, I mean anyone goes saying 'Well the world isn't fair' or 'Life isn't fair' I'm well aware of that!" She grumbled and started to turn back so that she could follow after Hikari. She paused and looked back over her shoulder at Celestine one last time. "Be thankful an Earth dragon didn't just outright kill you, I'm pretty sure any one of us could if we wanted to." She spat angrily.

Celestine huffed when LaRae started again and bit his tongue to keep from snapping back at her again. He half wanted to snap back that she would have done the same thing if she had been told; even Aamori said that they didn't go against orders there. Still, he didn't want to continue the argument and he really didn't think that she needed to know exactly what had happened or that the Earth dragon had been trying to kill him while he was still nothing more than a child. When she started away he just sighed, actually relieved that she was going. He looked away again, waiting to hear another set of feet following after LaRae.

Nanashi looked at LaRae and nearly cringed at her tone and her words toward Celestine. "...LaRae..." he said quietly as she walked away and then sighed heavily. He looked back to Celestine again and then lowered his eyes to the ground. He didn't want to be left alone with him, but at the same time he didn't want to leave him completely alone. He knew for him to really dislike LaRae that much over something that she didn't do whatever happened to him must have been pretty bad and it probably wasn't just a few jerks causing trouble. He glanced after LaRae again, but he didn't move to follow her. He guessed it wouldn't kill him to be away from her for a little while. maybe he could talk Celestine into coming back and getting everyone to come.

Hikari just continued forward quickly, not stopping for anything as she strode back to the edge of the forest, looking a little irritated. It took her half of the time to get back as it had to get that far, since she was walking nearly twice as fast. She exited the tree line and walked over to flop down next to Kyran, crossing her arms as she sat down. She looked back toward the trees again and her tail flicked in agitation before she just sighed and laid back. "...That was short lived. It's too early to put up with him." Obviously, even Hikari could be pretty grumpy in the mornings.

Nero looked up just about the time that Hikari came from the trees; The look on her face said enough to him. He wasted very little time getting to his feet, dusting himself off and backing away. He headed back over to where he'd been earlier in the morning, just within earshot of the others but far enough away to not really be sitting with them. He sat down again and put his back to the others and just stared out at the land.

Kyran glanced over at Nero when he started to get up and was about to ask him where he was going until he sat back up and turned his head to see Hikari. He quirked a brow curious to know why she was back; That is until she flopped down next to him and uttered a few words. He gave a sigh and even laughed softly. "Sounds like you probably would have been better off just staying here with me." He said quietly as he looked over at her. He went ahead and laid back down on the grass. "What did he do to make you change your mind?"

Aamori was rather surprised herself to see Hikari had come back. She thought of everyone who had followed Celestine that surely Hikari could put up with him. She didn't say anything to her when she came back, just smiled weakly and then turned her head to look at Nero who had gone off to be by himself again. She couldn't help noticing that he distanced himself from the others whenever Hikari came around. She sighed softly and decided to just sit quietly and listen for the answer to Kyran's question.

LaRae didn't bother looking back, not even to see if Nanashi was following. If he wanted to come with her, she was sure he'd follow sooner or later. She headed back the way that Hikari had, nearly at the same pace. Her eyes were glued to the ground the whole time; She was practically fuming. She hated when she got so riled up, but this time it just couldn't be helped. It really got under her skin when someone said or did anything that could potentially hurt Nanashi. She'd grown to really like him, so it did bother her immensely. She finally broke from the tree line a few minutes later and lifted her eyes for a moment to look at the others. She didn't bother walking over to them, rather she turned and headed off to the side where she could sit by herself and try to calm down.

Hikari was barely paying attention to Nero when he got up and moved away. He did that so often that she hardly payed any mind to him anymore when he went off on his own. S he knew he didn't really want anything to do with her so she just didn't bother him too much. She sighed and looked over to Kyran when he asked her what Celestine did to make her change her mind. "Oh..." She closed her eyes and shook her head again. "...Well...LaRae asked what was going on since everyone was split up and Nanashi explained it to her a little...he was awake for most of what was said... Anyway, LaRae wanted to know what had been said and Celestine told her...sparing little detail, so then she went off on him, and they started arguing...so I just left. We weren't getting too far, anyway. I'd rather get wet than listen to that all the way to wherever he was going." She raised her head again when she heard LaRae come back out of the bushes and then looked at the tree line, expecting to see Nanashi any second. She was actually surprised when she never saw him come.

Nanashi just stood there for a few moments before walking forward slowly to stand behind Celestine. When he didn't look back he slowly reached out to place is hand on his shoulder timidly. "...Celestine..."
Celestine looked back slowly and eyed Nanashi. "...Aren't you going with her?" he asked dully. He really didn't care if Nanashi followed him or not, but he really wasn't in much of a talking mood.
Nanashi shook his head slightly and then lowered his hand. "...Celestine...please...lets just go back and gets the others..." he said quietly.
Celestine sighed. "If they wanted to come with me they would have come before." he said simply. "...Besides...we've wasted enough time...we'll be lucky to have made it to the cave before the storm hits."
Nanashi sighed and put his hand on Celestine's shoulder again. "...Are you honestly going to try to get that relic with just me?"
"Do you honestly intend to follow me after all of that?" he asked bluntly.
"...Yes." Nanashi answered quietly. "...Even if I can't do much...I'll still do what I can... You can't do it completely alone...we have to work together...that's what this whole thing is about." he said quietly, "We need each other to do this... I saw how strong you are when you took out Nerian...but you needed Aamori's help...and LaRae's..."
Celestine sighed heavily and remained quiet for a moment before sighing again and looking back to Nanashi. "...I don't want to listen to this the entire way there." he said finally as he turned around to head back. He didn't want to admit it out loud, but from the start he knew that he would probably die if he tried to do this alone, but he was stubborn enough that he was almost willing to risk that. "And I want you to understand that I am only going to ask them to come so that someone else can keep an eye on you. My eyes are going to be busy looking for something else."

Kyran sighed heavily after hearing what Hikari said. He wasn't all that surprised to hear that Nanashi had been awake for most of the conversation that was going on earlier. He shook his head lightly. It seemed like Celestine was slowly going to piss off every single person in the group. He glanced over to LaRae as best he could from his position on the ground. He quirked a brow slightly when he didn't see her shadow and looked back over to Hikari. "...What happened to Nanashi?"

Aamori sighed heavily and lowered her head back down to rest against her knees. Go figure Celestine was going to alienate everyone and he might even succeed in one day. She too glanced over to LaRae when she exited the trees and then her eyes went back to the trees waiting for Nanashi to come out. She was just about to ask the same question as Kyran, but he beat her to it.

LaRae had sat down on the ground with her back to the foliage. She'd gone right back to tuning everything out. That was almost the only way she could calm herself down completely. Otherwise she'd be listening to anything else that was being said and just get more and more upset. She gave a heavy sigh and went back to nipping at her own lip angrily. Celestine managed to get under her skin and annoy the hell out of her in a matter of minutes. She was pissed at the way he spoke about Nanashi and angry at the reason he treated her the way he did was because of something happened to him the past with someone from her clan. The more she thought about it the more upset she was making herself. She was managing to do exactly the opposite of what she was trying to. As she continued to think about it she suddenly started to feel a burning sensation on her back. The cursed mark on her back was starting to react to her temper; It'd started to glow slightly to match the burning she was feeling. She cringed and hunched over a little. She bit her lip and tried to stay quiet and not draw any attention to herself. She'd just have to sit out the pain while she calmed down.

Hikari looked over to Kyran when he asked where Nanashi was and shrugged slightly. "I...don't know." she said as she sat up slowly. "...I guess he stayed with Celestine..." She said finally, though she found that a little odd considering that he'd been the one getting the most insults from the boy. "...Well...at least one of us is loyal to the cause." she said with a half smile as she laid back again. She was sure that Nanashi was a lot more dependable than Celestine gave him credit for. He was probably the most loyal of all of them, especially if he was willing to stay with Celestine after everything that he'd said about him. "...He tries so hard."

Nanashi smiled weakly and turned to follow Celestine back to the others, glad that he decided to return even if it was just to pawn him off on someone else. He didn't bother him the rest of the way back and stayed a couple of feet behind him as they walked.

It wasn't too long before Celestine stepped back out of the trees again, looking a little disgruntled. His arms were crossed over his chest tightly and he was avoiding everyone's gaze. He stood silently right at the very edge of the trees until Nanashi got past him. He looked up long enough to glance over to Nanashi again and then looked away again when he saw the way he was looking at him. He was trying his best to think of what to say to everyone, but he couldn't think of anything that would sound good. They were all pissed at him anyway so he guessed it didn't really matter. "...Lets go. This guy is going to nag at me until the rest of you get up and get moving." He said, nodding toward Nanashi. "He still thinks we all need to stay together."

Nanashi glanced over to Celestine for a moment as his ears laid back slightly. He huffed quietly, shaking his head at the way he used him as an excuse, but when he looked out at the others he nodded slightly. "...I just don't think we should make him do this by himself." he said quietly.

Celestine looked at Nanashi for a moment and then glanced away again, going quiet again. At least he didn't put up a huge argument. Finally he took a deep breath and looked at Kyran since he was the ring leader of this little protest. "...Will you just come with me?"

Kyran sighed softly. He agreed with Hikari, Nanashi was pretty loyal to the cause. He glanced over at her again when she mentioned that he tries to hard and nodded slightly. "...You can't really blame him for that though." He said lightly. His attention was snagged when he heard someone else come from the brush. He sat up this time and glanced over to see Celestine and then Nanashi. He merely stared at Celestine with a blank expression waiting for an explanation as to why he was back. He shook his head softly hearing the excuse he gave. His eyes trailed over to Nanashi for a moment when he heard what he added. "...None of us intended to make him do this on his own Nanashi." He started. "He pushed all of us away." He sighed lightly and looked back to Celestine just about the time he asked his question. He started to get to his feet and dust himself off. He looked back at Celestine and gave a weak smile. "Well, since you're asking... I guess I can spare some time to join you." He then knelt down and picked up his blades and slipped them back into their holster.

Aamori lifted her head slightly when she noticed Celestine had come back. She started to smile softly but forced it from her face and lowered her head back onto her knees. She was a little saddened by the reason Celestine came back. She'd hoped to hear something a little different; Though considering everything that Hikari had said that went on while they were all protesting she wasn't that surprised. She sighed heavily and shifted her eyes off to the side when Kyran stood up and agreed to go with him. She was pretty sure that meant that Nero and Hikari would be going too and then LaRae would follow because of Nanashi. So in other words everyone would end up going which meant she would too just to not be left behind.

Nero glanced back over his shoulder when Kyran said that he'd go and then sighed softly as he started to stand up too. Once to his feet he dusted himself off and turned slightly to face the others; Just waiting for everyone to get started again.

LaRae was still hunched over slightly, the burning sensation had yet to subside. Her ears twitched a couple times when she heard Nanashi's voice. His was the only one that managed to break through the pain. Her expression softened a little while she glanced over to see that he'd come back, and apparently brought that brat with him. As soon as her eyes rested on Celestine her head jerked back around and she cringed again. Just seeing that boy sent her anger into a flare up which made the burning worsen slightly. She absently bit her lip hard enough to make it bleed a little. As soon as she tasted the blood her eyes went slightly wide and she sighed heavily after taking a deep breath and trying to relax. At this rate she was liable to work herself up so bad that she couldn't control herself, which wouldn't bode well for anyone.

Hikari was a little surprised to see that Celestine had willingly come back. she smiled slightly, knowing that if he didn't really want them to come then there was no way that Nanashi could have talked him into changing his mind. Once Kyran stood up and sighed and got to her feet as well, brushing herself off a little. "Alright..." she said softly, "So long as you can keep your tongue in check."

Celestine glanced at Hikari and then just glanced away again with a soft sighed. "Whatever." he muttered under his breath. He looked over to Aamori and tilted his head slightly since she was almost the only one still sitting. He just walked over a little closer to her and looked down at her. "Are you staying?" He asked as he held his hand out to her, obviously intending that to be in invitation to come along.

Nanashi looked at Kyran and smiled a little before looking away and looking for LaRae. He sighed softly when he saw her and walked over to her, immediately realizing that she was hunched over like she was in pain. "LaRae?" he said softly as he knelt down in front of her. "What's wrong? Are you alright?" he asked quietly as he reached out to put his hand to her cheek. He blinked when he saw blood on her lip and very gently ran his thumb under the flow to wipe away the blood without actually touching the wound itself. "...Is it hurting again?" he asked quietly, looking a little worried. He remembered what she said abut her mark hurting her sometimes. Her wings were fine now so that was all he could think of that may be hurting her.

Aamori didn't lift her head right away but she did shift her eyes to watch Celestine walk closer to her. When he held out his hand and asked his she was staying she gently lifted her head and looked at his hand for a moment; Just staring at it. She then lifted her hand up to take his and averted her eyes. "...I was waiting for you to ask..." She said quietly before pulling herself up with his help.

LaRae continued to sit there trying to keep the pain at bay. It took her a moment to bring her eyes to focus on Nanashi when he knelt down in front of her. She shut her eyes tightly and bit her lip again through a wave of burning pain. Once the pain dulled a little she reopened her eyes and looked at him as he ran his thumb over her lip. When he asked if it was hurting again she couldn't bring herself to say anything she just nodded softly. She wanted to ask 'Isn't the mark glowing through my shirt?' She thought that would probably have been the first clue because when the mark started to burn it usually was glowing bright enough to be seen through any single layer of fabric and when it glowed it usually looked like it was on fire. She shifted her eyes off to the side for a moment and stared at the ground. The pain was so bad she couldn't say a word, she was surprised and glad at the same time that no one else had noticed her. She slowly brought her eyes back up and rested them on Nanashi again after another wave of pain. She had a worried look in her eyes and wanted so badly to be able to say 'I need you to calm me down... now...' She really worried that if she didn't relax fast she'd have a repeat of waking up surrounded by nothing but rubble. She didn't want that to happen, she hated when she lost control and she wouldn't be able to forgive herself if anything happened to Nanashi; Or the others.

Celestine looked at Aamori oddly and then sighed softly. "...And I was waiting for you to say that you wanted to come. ...You should know by now I'm not going to outright ask you; if you want to do something then do it." he said simply before his eyes turned skyward. He sighed when he noticed the dark clouds setting in. 'I doubt we're going to make it...' He glanced around again, making sure everyone was up and sighed slightly when he noticed that LaRae was still parked by the tree. He blinked and quirked a brow, looking at her a little more closely. "...Is she hurt?" he asked, glancing over to Aamori.

Nanashi looked at LaRae sympathetically when she said that she was in pain. He put his hand to her cheek gently and held it there, laying his ears back slightly as he looked into her pitiful eyes. He couldn't see the park, partially because it was hidden under her hair and not to mention he was in front of her and she had her back to a tree. After a moment he leaned in and gently put one arm around her as he braced himself with his other arm. He leaned in close to her ear and closed his eyes, "It's alright..." he whispered quietly. He knew that he needed to calm her down; he definitely remembered what she'd told him before. He nuzzled his head against hers gently and purred softly in her ear for a moment, "Don't worry about it... Come on...we need to go." he whispered, "Everyone's waiting."

Aamori gently took her hand back and then looked at Celestine when he asked if LaRae was hurt. She shook her head lightly. "No.. not that I know of." She said quietly before glancing over to LaRae to see what made him ask that. After seeing her and the way she was hunched over her opinion changed competely. "...Um... Let me change that to I'm not sure." She said turning her eyes back to Celestine for a moment. "...She seemed fine when she came back." She added lastly.

LaRae shut her eyes tightly again as another wave of pain over came her. The burning sensation felt like her back was literally on fire and every time a wave came over her the burning got worse then it would subside a little. Her eyes opened again when she felt his arm around her and she tried to force a smile; Though it failed miserably and she ended up biting her lip again through the pain again. Her body became a little less tense after he told her it was alright; Then she started to calm down a little faster when she felt his head lean against hers. She hadn't needed to hear the rest, that the others were waiting. That could have easily done the direct opposite of what he was trying to accomplish. Luckily though, it seemed just telling her it was alright along with the soft purring was just enough. The mark on her back had started to stop glowing and the burning was slowly starting to subside. It would take a short while for the pain to completely go away; Unfortunately the feeling tended to linger a little while after. As soon as she started to relax she nuzzled her head lightly against his.

Celestine nodded slightly when she said that she was alight when she came back. His eyes returned to them long enough to see Nanashi cuddling on her and her returning the nuzzle before he glanced back to Aamori. "Go check on her... I'm going to go ahead and get moving, for now we're going directly north of here. You can catch up easily enough if you hurry....and if something is wrong you can come and get me." He said softly, "Is...that alright? ...I really want to try to get there before the rain comes..." He tried to give her a half smile and then turned around to the others and nodded toward the trees with his head for them to come on before starting forward again.

Nanashi smiled slightly when he felt LaRae nuzzle back. "Better?" He asked softly before giving her another light squeeze and turning his head to press his lips to her cheek briefly. He pulled back a little and then stood up, holding out both hands to her once he was on his feet again.