With the newest edition in tow, they headed onward and upward, deeper in the mountain a low growl crept throughout the area. A slight rumble rolled across the ground shaking everything including the ever persistent group. "Um.. what was that? You don't suppose that that creature is actually active do you??" Kirin murmured as she scanned the area. She halted everyone with a raise of her slender hand, branching out her senses she felt out the whole mountain to see what she could pick up.
Just as she reached her senses near the center of the mountain area she discovered a huge beast that covered half the girth of the mountain. 'The Xian!' shuddering she hoped that wouldn't wake up anytime soon. Searching near the top she found Xiezhi, so she opted to probe further, there was no malice directed to anything or anyone, just like what Ze mentioned, as long as you harbor no ill intent or injustice he's relatively calm, so why is he pacing? 'Hmm, is there anyone else on this mountain or could it be? No there couldn't be anyone in our group like that. So could it be the new familiar?' retracting her senses now she told everyone else what she found and touched the new familiar with Jun's permission. ' this little guy absolutely has a bit of malice, lets try and communicate shall we?'
"Little one? Is there a reason you hold such malice?" The little thing bobbed its head fervently but then rubbed its tiny head on Jun's arm chirping excitedly. "Jun, My brother, he needs a name. He is yours now, he won't grow without you, currently he's holding some anger and malice for it feels you haven't accepted him. Please correct this." The quizzical look on Jun's face almost made Kirin choke with laughter at her adorably clueless brother.
Seeing the little gestures Jun indeed thought he neglected the guy, he really didn't mean to, but it was a rough few hours ok? Deep in thought he mentioned a few out loud to the group to see what sounded good, this wasn't exactly his forte, naming things is hard!
Murmuring a bit while looking at his familiar, "hm, Yong?" The tiny bird squawked in disapproval while landing a peck on Juns arm. Kirin almost lost her composure when she realized why it was upset. "Um, Jun, Brother, hahaha it's a girl hahahaha. You can't name her Yong hahaha" Kirin doubled over in unrestrained laughter at her brother's poor choices.
"Ugh, fine ok let me think… Ao..bing.. No how about Ao Fei.. no that's not right either…. I do like the Ao but.. Hmm… Ao Qing! That's it, how about Ai Qing?" Little Ao Qing jumped up and down excitedly chirping and bouncing between Kirin and Jun. she resembled a little jumping bean bouncing all over like that. This action caused everyone to break out into uncontrolled laughter at the little bean.
Now that the name has been settled and the little jumping bean is settled and happy now. Kirin focused ahead of her again. 'Hopefully this settles that matter.' Varick noticed something ahead with his eyes and realized Kirin wasn't paying attention to anything physically ahead of her. He shouted and reached for her arm quickly pulling her back, "Kirin!" Instead of a pitfall she whipped around at Variks tug and landed on his strong sturdy chest instead almost knocking him down in the process. "Em, I apologize, are you hurt?" Varick gently called to her after he noticed she had lowered her head quickly and avoided his gaze. He called again even softer and gently lifted her chin so as to allow her to meet his gaze. "Kirin, are you ok? Please answer me, I do worry for you."
Realizing she is now staring into his Azure blue eyes that seemed to suck her into them as if she were drowning in an ocean. She was mesmerized by him every time she stared too deeply, His gentle smile, Deep gaze that only seemed to see her at times, His strength and perseverance. And of course his shyness, it all melds into something new for her before she realized it, her hand was already cupping the side of his face as if she had never touched a cheek before, this of course caused Varick to deepen his gaze at her. They seemed to have forgotten there were others nearby, Ruishi just stood there shaking his head, Shou had her mouth agape, Jun was staring daggers at Varick while Ze couldn't stop giggling and casting a knowing smile to the pair.
Varick began to lower his head towards Kirin as she raised her head upwards lost into his eyes. Slowly getting closer and closer, until Little Ao Qing hopped off of Juns shoulder and peeped into Kirins ear, effectively breaking her out of her trance centimeters from Varicks lips. As both took note of what they almost did and who was around they both turned as red as a rose and awkwardly separated turning away from each other.
"Ehem, um… Kirin a… are you o… ok now?" Varick stuttered to her.
"Mm…" Kirin hummed in response to him, not daring to look up.
"WELL! Can we get underway now? I mean honestly it was just a tiny pitfall!" Shou snatched Kirin's arm and dragged her forward, forgetting the male companions as Kirin was now in a daze as to what was happening. But still, she was grateful to her at that point. That was so awkward! Varick was still in shock for what he almost did, 'what in the world happened to me? It was like I was in a spell.' "s..shall we keep moving? Ehem." Varick coughed dryly and began to walk forward quickly.
A low, deep rumble resounded once again soliciting another round of startled beings. They opted to climb this mountain at a faster pace now. Shou and Kirin lead the way followed by Varick, Ruishi, Ze and Jun. Before they set off Jun cast a spell on the entire group that hid their scent and masked their presence in order to have a smoother journey. The path was relatively smooth except for the hidden traps on occasion.