Rena ran ahead of Gabriel when Arlia was in sight. The crimson haired Nedian chuckled to himself as he quickened his pace. He wasn't going to let her get herself killed through her desire to get home. He watched her run back toward him.

"Get too far ahead?" Gabriel half smiled at Rena when she returned to his side. He couldn't help but laugh when she turned as crimson as his hair.

Rena looked up at her companion with a glare. "Well maybe if you'd run with me, I wouldn't get so far ahead." She started running again.

Gabriel shook his head, but took off after her. He caught the corner of her sleeve and pulled back on it. "Rena, don't run so fast. You'll wear yourself out before we even get there."

Rena had been in mid-stride when she felt the tug. She had to turn her leg to keep from falling backwards. As it was, she turned as she fell and ended up in the arms of her companion. She watched his face as he winced. "What is it? Every time we touch, you act as though it hurts."

Gabriel took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "It does… and I don't… know why." He sighed with relief when Rena pulled away. "It may have something to do with that pendant you wear. Don't ask me what or why. I don't know, but I can touch others without pain."

Rena looked up at him as she took the pendant off. She dropped it beside her and reached out.

Gabriel flinched as Rena's hand made contact with his cheek. He closed his eyes, but there was no pain. He half smiled and nodded. "It's the pendant. Has to be." He heard the shifting of clothing and opened his eyes to focus on Rena's eyes.

Rena stood an inch from him, her face tilted up toward him. She licked her lips seductively and gazed in his eyes. She moved her hand from his cheek and laced her hands behind his neck.

Gabriel watched Rena quietly. He knew what she wanted. How could he not know. He made no move. "Rena… what about your Dias?" He was disappointed when the moment was broken.

Rena pulled away in embarrassment. "I… He… When I'm with you, I don't think about him. It's not like you think. He still thinks of me as his little sister. I was trying to change that, but he's hardly here anymore." She sat down on the plains and felt Gabriel sit behind her. She felt herself be pulled back against him and felt his arms around her. "I told myself that unless I found someone else, I would stay with him. He needs someone who cares."

"And you care about him." It wasn't really a question. "He's lucky to have you." Gabriel closed his eyes as he rested his cheek on her soft hair.

"Are you going to investigate the Sorcery Globe?" Rena relaxed against Gabriel, her hands coming up to hold his arms lightly.

"I don't know. I can't help but feel that it may be connected with why I'm here." Gabriel tightened his hold on the woman slightly.

"If you do go, let me go with you." Rena turned her head to look up at Gabriel. "I can fight a little and I know a few spells."

Gabriel shook his head. "Rena…" He sighed. "You'll probably follow me anyway, won't you?"

Rena smiled. "Probably." She laughed at the expression of frustration Gabriel sported. "You'll just have to say yes, won't you?"

Gabriel nodded slowly. "I suppose I do. If I go, you can come along, but try not to get in the way." He brushed his lips over Rena's briefly, then gently pushed her away. "We should get going. I want to get to Arlia before dark."

Rena nodded and stood up. She retrieved her pendant and slipped it in her pocket. She reached for Gabriel's hand, but hesitated a moment before lightly touching him. She wasn't surprised when he jerked away. "So I don't have to be wearing it. It just has to be with me." She frowned and took the pendant out and put it around her neck.

Gabriel stared at the pendant. "I can't help but feel that it is so familiar. Like it has something to do with all of this. Why I can't remember anything, I mean." He shrugged and motioned toward Arlia. "Lets go. I'll figure it out later."

The two walked side by side toward Arlia, unaware that they were being followed and watched.

"I still say he should be eliminated now."

"Berle, you just want to destroy something. Or someone."

"Can you blame me, Zadkiel? He should be considered dangerous to us."

"I know. I won't give up hope. Lucifer hasn't. Not yet."

"He could interfere in our plans. He's the only one who can stop…"

"Shut up, Berle. Just shut up."