Rena woke with the sun. She turned to face a still sleeping Gabriel. She reached out and touched his face lightly. He stirred and she pulled back. She stood up and dressed quickly, slipping out of the room afterwards.

Rena left the inn and began walking through the marketplace. She spotted a familiar figure across the market and walked over. "Uhh, Ashton?"

Ashton stood in front of a barrel. "Barrel…" He blinked and looked at Rena. "Oh, Rena. I was just admiring this barrel. It's not perfect, but it's close to it. See how…"

Rena started to phase the conversation out as she nodded every time Ashton got excited about something. She said a silent prayer when Celine walked up. "Rena? Can we talk?"

"Sure, Celine. Sorry, Ashton. I'd love to hear about the barrel another time though." Rena took hold of Celine's arm and dragged her away. "Thanks, Celine."

Celine looked back at Ashton. "What's with him and barrels?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea. We got stuck with him yesterday." Rena frowned as she looked back at Ashton.

"Oh? Why?" Celine took the lead and guided Rena to a small sidewalk café. They sat down to talk.

"Well, it started in Salva. Gabriel and I arrived in town and heard of a dragon in the mines. We couldn't get transport here until the dragon was dealt with. Gabriel decided to go take care of the dragon himself. I went along even though he didn't want me to." Rena blushed a little. "Anyway, we found the dragon and Ashton was fighting it. Gabriel was about to help out with a spell and Ashton tripped. The dragon disappeared and Gabriel's concentration was broken. Once things died down, well, Ashton…" She motions to her back.

Celine blinked, then started laughing. "So he expects the two of you to remove the dragons? I think they're cute."

Rena nods. "So do I. The only problem is that we don't know where to begin to look and Gabriel and I have other more important things to do."

Celine frowned and nodded. "Of course. After we go to the caves, we should stop by Mars Village. Maybe they'd have some information on demonic possessions."

Rena smiled. "That sounds good. Do you think maybe we could go there first?"

Celine shakes her head. "We could, but the Cross Cave isn't that far from here. It's on the way to Mars. I swear it." Celine raises a hand in the customary swearing position.

"Okay. First the caves, then Mars." Rena looked up at the crowd and spotted another familiar face. She stood up and waved.

Gabriel walked over and half smiled at the two women. "May I join you?" He barely glanced at Celine as Rena nodded. He pulled a chair out and moved it to sit next to Rena. He leaned over and whispered something to her and she looked at him in surprise.

Rena stood up. "Excuse me. I'll be right back." She took off at a run toward the inn.

Celine watched Rena go, then looked at Gabriel. "What was that about?"

Gabriel shook his head. "She forgot something in the room. Something important to her."

Celine made a small 'oh' sound, then glanced to where Ashton was still obsessing over the barrel. "Rena tells me that Ashton over there believes you to be at fault for his condition?"

Gabriel groaned, rubbed his forehead, and nodded. "Yeah. I didn't do anything though. I was going to cast Star Flare when he fell down. The dragon possessed him before I could get the spell off."

Celine blinked. "You know Star Flare? What else do you know?"

Gabriel leaned back in his chair. "Well, my primary elements are star and fire, though I know spells from water, wind, and earth as well. I've dabbled with void in the past, but I don't use them unless I have to. I stay clear from light spells too. They don't feel right when I cast them."

Celine leaned forward. "Don't you have a problem with the opposing elements getting in the way?" She looked him over. "And where are your crests?"

Gabriel chuckled softly. "Don't worry about that. As for the elements, no. I've never had a problem with that. I just don't feel comfortable with certain elements." He looked up as Rena came back, breathing heavily.

"Gabriel… the pendant… it's gone…" Rena bent over, resting her hands on her knees.

Gabriel stood up. "What?" He frowned and began to look around the crowd. He spotted a young man across the way. One he'd never seen before, but who was staring at him. The young man smiled and held up the pendant before disappearing. "Damn it!" He slammed his hand down on the table and looked at Rena. "We don't have time for anything else. We have to get to El. I can't explain it. I just /know/ we have to get there." He turns to Celine. "I'm sorry, but we can't go with you."

Celine nodded slightly. "Okay, so we don't go. I'm still coming with you. Who knows what treasure I'll find in El." She smiled and stood up. "I'll just go get Ashton." She walked away, headed in Ashton's direction.

Gabriel stepped over to the gasping Rena and pulled her upright. "Rena? Are you okay?" He looked at her with concern.

Rena nodded. "I will be." She began to control her breathing, taking slower breaths and beginning to return to her normal color. "Gabriel, what's going to happen?"

Gabriel shook his head. "I don't know, Rena. I really don't know."

**************************

"We have the pendant, Lucifer."

"Good. He'll come here looking for it. I'm researching a spell that should return his memory."

"I'd pay to see the look on that slut's face when she realises that Gabriel is her enemy."

"Slut? Did she seduce him?"

"Uhh…"

"Zadkiel? Tell me the truth."

"Sorry, Lucifer, but yes. She did. Gabriel didn't fight it either."

"Damn."