30 Feelings of the Soul

"Uhhhh... Where... Where the bloody hell am I?" Solitaire's voice muttered softly to herself, as she struggled to open her eyes. Chilling winds were blowing around abruptly near where she laid, sending chills up her spine. "Brrrrr!!!! Why is it so bleeding cold!?" Solitaire shivered, quickly moving her body to sit up.

As the pink haired maiden finally pried open her eyes, she was able to visibly absorb the area around her. She was surrounded by an immense amount of snow covered landscape, that was several inches deep. There was trees not too far off, but she appeared to be on the outskirts of Artiren. The cobblestones were barely visible under the blankets of white, even the stone structures around her were in the same condition. Curiously enough, the streets appeared vacant, perhaps due to the snow in.

Solitaire's gaze then focused up on the frosty sky, seeing snowflakes falling from the clouds. She decided to attempt warming herself up, by rubbing her arms; but it was so cold that she could see her own breath.

"Good. You're awake." Scoffed the cold tone of a male voice, as he briefly adjusted one of his shoulder pads.

Solitaire quickly turned from where she sat, to notice a fiendish man sitting upon one of the stone covered walls of a nearby structure with his legs crossed; while resting his hand against his chin. His sharp eyes focused on her, with a stone-faced expression. This fiend's garbs seemed much better suited for snowy weather, with his heavy gray colored trench coat. Three horns appeared to be pressing up against the top of his reaper-like hood, with patches of dark hair peeking out. His eyes were jet black with pink irises, that slitted in the center like a cat's eye. He had an excessive amount of bandages wrapped around his torso as well. However, Solitaire had just barely noticed his clawed hands, and stitch marks along the bridge of his nose; due to the pink will-o-wisps floating around him like balls of fire.

"Blimey... You're the one who swooped in and grabbed me?" Solitaire gawked at him, with an unsure expression.

"Tsk, talk about a rhetorical question. Don't think about running away either." The man slyly remarked, with a barely visibly smirk.

"Oh, gonna chase me now, are you?" Solitaire retorted, softly.

"I have soul sight, makes it pretty easy to keep you in my cross-hairs. That, and one other thing." The man stated bluntly, in a rude manner.

"Beg your pardon?" Solitaire seemed nervous.

"Oh? You like that sort of thing, eh? I'll keep that in mind." He chuckled, eerily.

"Oy! What are on about, ya cheeky bastard!?" Solitaire snapped, with a slight blush forming on her cheeks.

"You're the one who thought it. Souls are dead giveaways for desires." He explained sternly, almost as if teasing her.

Solitaire blushed profusely, growing frustrated. "That's a load of rubbish, whoever you are, arsehole!!" Solitaire shouted, as she denied his accusations.

This only made him smirk. "Name's Tyr Zmeu, if you must know."

However, before Solitaire could reply, there was a sudden thud; followed by several more. The ground quaked briefly, as a massive beast appeared from around the corner of the street. It had a jarring appearance, with exposed skeletal face and tail. The long black fur on it's back seemed to protect the monster from the falling snow, but those glowing white irises were truly terrifying. It drew closer, leaning it's neck forward from beside Tyr; to peer at Solitaire.

Solitaire froze, staring at the massive creature before her. "...."

"You're scared. It's understandable, Daemoniorum do eat humans after all... But you're not quite that, are you? Asmodeaus will only harm you if I command him to do so, just relax. He's much like a big dog; you like dogs, don't you?" Tyr explained to her, in almost a cynical tone this time. He extended his claw-like hand to the beast, stroking it's fur.

In the same instant, Zyron was still within the Mystic woods, accompanied by Heath. The dragon intensely focused his eyes to the unresponsive radio, with a concerned expression. On the other side of the signal; Rocky's radio laid on the ground, as Madam Coffin Nail gracefully approached the water's edge.

Pulling the cigarette to her lips, she watched for a moment. "Oh my, and here I thought I would have myself a challenge. Perhaps it's time to depart back to Wynorex, I must inform my Queen of this victorious occasion." Her lips curled into a smile.

From the rippling water below, a few bullets shot from beneath the waves. Madam Coffin Nail was taken by surprise, as she stumbled back onto her rear with a frightened gasp of panic. Rocky emerged from the waves, his wings blasting through the water to reach solid ground. His entire body was soaking to the bone. His drenched hair hung in his face, as the water it carried continued to drip down to his feet.

"How dare you trick a lady in this manner, you mongrel!!" Madam Coffin Nail screamed at him, as she tried to settle her panicked disposition.

She scrambled for her cigarette, and before she could unleash another smoke spell, Rocky's gun was placed point blank to her skull. The cigarette dropped to the ground, as she stared in horror at the crimson haired dragon.

"P-P-P-Plea-s-s-s-se...." She begged for mercy, as no further words were able to pass through her oversized lips.

"Pfft." Rocky scoffed, with an annoyed gaze from behind his damp hair. "See ya in hell." He growled, before pulling the trigger. The round blasted from the barrel of his gun, exploding through her cranium to the other side of her skull.

The massive fiend's body collapsed onto the pile of brain partials, as rocky placed away his pistol. The skin of Madam Coffin Nail's corpse was dissolving rapidly, as the skin and blood partials were slowly floating up into sky, with the strands evaporating into dust. The sight was rather gruesome, with the trails of blood raising up from the deceased fiend. Rocky glanced to her, as he swiped the cigarette from the Madam's fancy filter, leaving the extra piece on the ground. He pulled the remainder to his lips, taking in the smoke, before exhaling it into the air.

On Heath's end, the silent radio finally drew feedback, before a voice followed. "Sorry bout that. I had to take out that annoying broad." Rocky's voice reassured his brother.

Heath sighed with relief. "Don't scare me like that."

"Not my fault , bro. Ya know I can handle myself just fine. So. What's the sitch with this post-mission thing?" Rocky inquired, seriously.

"Oh yes. I have offered my aid to a Vulpis, whose master may have been abducted. Your assistance might be required." Heath explained, glancing over to Zyron, who still appeared unsure.

"I said I don't need your help. Just forget it." Zyron turned away from the dragon man.

"Hold on, just a moment. I understand your kind aren't too trusting, due to how others commonly have mistreated captive species. However, do you think it's wise to venture off on your own? You seem capable of handling yourself, but what if another formidable foe appears? What then?"

Zyron hesitates, noticing that Heath had no ill will against leashed, like most others he would encounter. He sighed, glancing back to the Terra.

"Fine, if you're so persistent." He agreed, with reluctance this time. However, a scent caught his nose, causing him to breath in the air. "Solitaire." He murmured, seriously.

With great haste, Zyron shifted directions, running off towards the southern region of the woods.

"Rocky, rendezvous towards the south. I think our friend here may have picked up his master's trail." Heath explained, soaring off in pursuit of Zyron.

"Count on it. Over and out." Rocky's voice replied, from the radio that Heath carried.

Back in Atiren, Solitaire shakily gazed at Asmodeaus. She seemed uncertain at this time, but then noticed something from the direction the beast had came from. Another Terra was laying in the snow, seeming to have been thrashed up terribly. It appeared to be one of Eclipses other dragons, the one named Manik.

Tyr glanced over to where she was looking, and back to Solitaire. "Worried about some wounded Terra? Don't concern yourself. He's breathing. Barely. I had a bit of fun, while I waited for you to wake up, girl."

Tyr hopped down to her level, pulling a strand of her hair to his face, as he took in her scent. "...What do you want with me?" Solitaire inquired hesitantly, he was so close to her at this point, but she couldn't bring herself to form any blade from her body.

He released her hair, staring with his sharp gaze. "I was supposed to bring you back to the boss, but I don't really feel like obeying orders right now. So, gonna keep restraining yourself? We both know why you're not using those little blades of yours. You're into me."

Solitaire grew more flustered, turning her face away from him in a timid manner. The Daemoniorum loomed at the same distance, it's eyes blankly staring at the two of them.

"Ah. That's why. You're scared. Is some shitty luck really gonna hold you back?" Tyr slyly smirked at Solitaire.

Solitaire nervously peered back over at him. "How do you keep doing that?..." She asked, shyly.

"Soul sight. Told you already. Thing is, if you wanna be with me, you have to leave those friends behind." Tyr bartered with her, keeping a cunning disposition.

"Together?..." Solitaire relaxed slightly, at the thought. "...With you?"

"That's what you want, isn't it?" Tyr stepped closer, reaching for his hood. Solitaire stared at him, as he pulled the hood from his head. Three horns had became visible, before his face came right up to hers.

Solitaire quickly pulled back, averting her gaze. "I can't... Not if it means losing my mates."

Tyr grew annoyed, his interest in this game vanished. "Quite a shame. Guess we're doing this the hard way then. Asmodeaus." Tyr boredly snapped his clawed fingers.

The massive Daemoniorum suddenly focused it's jarring gaze on Solitaire, as they began to glow vividly, while emulating a clicking sound. Solitaire was caught in the snare, the entity of her eyes become jet black. Her mind was being lulled into a trance, as her body remained completely motionless. Tyr circled around her, standing directly behind Solitaire now. He shifted her hair, as he tilted her head to the side to expose her neck. His long, forked tongue licked along her bare neck, before sinking in his fangs, like a vampire.

His eyes quickly shifted ahead of him, as he sucked the blood from her neck. Immediately, his body phased away from Solitaire, right as a ball of fire cam flying his way. Asmodeaus quickly shifted it's body, to eat the fire out of the sky. It's white eyes glanced over, as Tyr reappeared on top of him; eying down at the approaching aggressor.

"We weren't expecting company..." Tyr muttered, in a darker tone.

"That thing can eat fire? SHIT!" Zyron came into view, as he reached Solitaire's side. "Solitaire?.." He panted briefly.

The canine magic user continued to stare in concern, seeing Solitaire's body hunch down, before falling on her hands and knees. Blood was escaping the bite on her neck, and Zyron was enraged. His eyes frantically wandered, to catch sight of where Tyr had warped off to.

Zyron's glare shot at Tyr, before shouting, "WHAT DID YOU FUCKING DO TO HER!?

Tyr chuckled, in a sinister manner as he boredly peered down to the Leashed. "Not much. You on the other hand, may want to reconsider your position."

"What was that, asshole!?" Zyron retorted, angrily.

With Zyron's attention on Tyr, he was unable to see that something else was going on within Solitaire. Six dark magical spheres began to form from her back, outstretching into elongated shadow claws. They fidgeted around in the air, crackling like a wild creature. However, just as Zyron took notice off the odd occurrence, the claws rushed him. He was thrusted into the air, being strangled and constricted, as if the claws were snakes.

"Urgh...Sol...Solitaire?..." He fearfully gasped, through struggling to breath.

Her twitching head slowly elevated, being shadowed over by darkness. Her black eyes stared blankly at Zyron, forcing terror into his mind.

"How interesting." Tyr seemed intrigued, carrying a dark grin. He was crouched like a yanki, as his eyes loomed over the trepidation below. "Your soul is feeling so many things right now. I have to wonder. Who will rescue you, from the one that you're trying to save? Heh."

"What's... What's wrong with her?..." Zyron tried to get an answer, wincing from the tight hold of the shadow claws. His squinting eyes stared over at Tyr, on his mount.

"Persistent, aren't you? I guess you're not familiar with Daemoniorum. Beasts likes these can posses the mind of their prey, and control them like a marionette . Let's just call it, a temporary soul infection, shall we?" Tyr chuckled, patting the head of his pet.

"Soul Infection..?" Zyron appeared shaken, as his eyes trailed back over to the empty gaze of the pink haired damsel. Solitaire's body began to move, much like a puppet on strings. The shadow claws slammed Zyron into the cobblestones of the snowy ground roughly, causing the canine to cry out in pain. "ARGHH!!!"

A bullet suddenly flew at Tyr, but he swayed out of the way, just in time to avoid the attack. "You brought others..." Tyr's irritated eyes danced over to spot Heath flying his way, with Rocky close behind him.

Tyr phased from his Daemoniorum's back, reemerging in the path of the dragon brothers. Will-o-wisps began to cluster around Tyr, where he hovered, as the eyes on his coat tails began to glow vividly. Without warning, the flames casted out at the oncoming attackers. The barrage of fireballs bashed into Heath and Rocky, knocking them out of the sky. The two crashed into the ground, hastefully rising to their feet.

Tyr landed just ahead of them, with his claws at ready. Heath quickly dove at Tyr, slashing his oversized blade at the fiend. Tyr however, gently swayed from each strike. Right as Heath was about to undercut him, Tyr grabbed the giant bastard sword with both hands, as if he was holding back a wall.

"You're stronger than you look..." Heath grimaced, trying to push back his blade.

"Might just look that way to someone hides behind heavy armor." Tyr scoffed, as he released the blade, letting it fly over his head as he ducked. He drew close, slamming his elbow backwards into Heath's abdomen, knocking the dragon backwards into Rocky.

The two dragons tumbled in the snow, landing close to where Manik was. Heath flinched, but when opening his eyes, to took notice of Manik beside them. "M-Manik?!" Heath gasped, behind a groan of pain.

"Dammit, if he can take both of us on, and do that to Manik... We're screwed." Rocky remarked, appearing disgruntled. Blood was trailing down his brow, from a cut on his forward. He held his hand to it, trying to reduce the bleeding.

"We'll get through this." Heath winced, holding himself off the ground, however he collapsed abruptly. Reaching the stinging pain in his side, his hand revealed there was blood coming from a wound that Tyr had inflicted. A large black thorn had been shoved through a tiny crevice of his armor. "How did he... break through my armor? I didn't even see it happen..."

Rocky got to his knees, to crouch upward the best he could. He held to his left wrist, blood was escaping from where his arm piercing had been. "You've gotta be kidding me! That little shit ripped out my piercing too!" Rocky growled.

"Settle down..." Heath's voice was shaken. "We need to regroup first. Our friend over there, is just as bad off as the rest of us." He tried to calm his brother, as he pointed out Zyron's predicament, on the other end of the underpass.

Zyron was pretty battered at this point, in the rubble he laid in. All the black claws, outstretched above him, with the fingers wavering in an unpredictable manners. Solitaire's blank expression was locked onto the wounded canine, as he flinched upon feeling the sudden movement, of the claws clutch onto him once more.

"Solitaire...." He coughed, struggling to look at her. "You... You gotta snap out of this... Fuck... Come on.... Just wake up..." He pleased with her.

That blank expression remained, however trails of tears began to run down her face. She was still inside this shell, but restricted by Asmodeaus' trance. Zyron could feel that this was painful to watch as her body was being manipulated by a monstrous beast. Tyr has turned his attention to Zyron, and appeared on a ledge above them.

Sitting there, Tyr leaned to his palm, as he watched the struggle between Solitaire and Zyron. "Can't say I didn't give you fair warning. Oh well, not my fault you didn't listen. You couldn't defeat Inferna, so what makes you think you can beat me? Hm?" Tyr inquired, boredly; having Solitaire's shadow claws raise Zyron up to his level.

"You're with the Cult... Aren't you?" Zyron growled, under his breath.

"Perceptive of you. I may not be one of the four, but I'm sure as hell stronger than some witch. Heh, I can feel the terror running up your spine already." Tyr grinned, with a soft chuckle.

"What do you mean by four?" Zyron was confused, and frustrated at this point.

Then without any given warning, a gunshot went off. The bullet struck through the Daemoniorum's shoulder, as the beast cried out in pain. Tyr turned quickly to look it's way. However in the same instant, Zyron felt his body slam down to the ground below, as the shadowed claws dropped him, abruptly.

"Asmodeaus!" Tyr seemed unnerved, before warping over to his beast. He was unable to get close enough, since the Daemoniorum was thrashing around violently. It's massive paws kept stomping down at the nearby dragons, howling at them with enraged eyes. "Calm down!" Tyr called out, urgently.

Unfortunately, the beast would not obey his call, wounding Heath and Rocky further; even though they were trying to avoid the onslaught of attacks. Manik was also taking damage, due to the range of them all. The beast was thrashing harder, and it's large boned tail bashed right into Tyr, sending him flying backwards.

Zyron held his face, as he groaned in pain. A slight breeze rushed passed him, getting his attention to focus on it. Solitaire was running in Tyr's direction. She seemed free from of the shadows, with blades forming on her arms.

"Solitaire!?" Zyron tried to get to his feet.

Tyr stood to his feet, holding his arm for a moment. His eyes were shaken, as he stared to his distressed gigantic pet. He had no way to stop the uproar it seemed, but Solitaire was still inbound. Her scythe arm came slashing down at Tyr, but his body shifted quick enough to deflect the blow with his right arm. Solitaire's eyes were no longer clouded, but her tearful face was stunned that she hadn't removed his arm.

"..." Solitaire had no words to express, and only tears to show.

Tyr held his arm in place, as green blood began to trail down her scythe to the ground. His eyes were closed, as he was trying to keep his mind together. "Your soul is frantic. Yet you want to fight me now, while my defense is down. So be it. This tale you've been weaving about a star-crossed fantasy, is at it's end." He said, his tone colder than before.

Tyr used his arm to push Solitaire's blade away, but as a gap opened between them, Solitaire quickly filled it, by slicing downwards. Tyr quickly swayed backwards to avoid the attack, but the bandages that concealed his torso has been cut. He gritted his teeth, before deciding to pull of his coat, letting it fly off into the wind. The bandages had unraveled, as he stood there, with his fiendish arms exposed. Thorns raised from the blackness of his arms; with black rib-like spikes shown by his abdomen, that circled around to his spiked spine.

Despite the snow around them, Tyr seemed unphased by it. He decided to rush her, head on. Solitaire scrambled back, urgently slashing her blades arms, in a panic. Tyr quickly grabbed them in his claws, squeezing the blades inward with great force.

"AHHHH!!!" Solitaire cried out, as she immediately sideways kicked him off of her, with another blade. In result of this, she had fallen down to her rear; staring nervously ahead of herself.

Tyr had grown agitated, as he slouched his posture to support himself easier. Another shriek came from his Daemoniorum, causing Tyr to urgently shift his gaze. Heath had struck it's leg with his bastard sword, and the beast was hobbling to keep it's balance. Heath and the others were still in a very defensive position of the beast, however.

"Dammit!" Tyr swore, running for his beast.

He crossed by his coat on the ground, scooping it up, before pulling the coat back on. Solitaire was barreling after him, but Tyr quickly leapt onto Asmodeaus' back, getting up to it's shoulders. Immediately, he stuck his thumb and middle finger into his mouth, to let out a loud whistle. The Daemoniorum immediately abandoned the fight, limping off towards the woods as fast as it could run.

"Wait!!" Solitaire shouted, angrily, behind teary eyes. "DON'T RUN AWAY!!" She continued to shout.

Tyr only glanced back at her, with a cold gaze; before he and his monster vanished off into the trees. Without warning, Solitaire grew weary, collapsing to the snowy ground.

"Solitaire!" Zyron scrambled up to his feet, as he ran for her side. Crouching down to help her up, he realized she had fainted. "Solitaire..." He softly murmured, as he gently pushed some hair from her face. His eyes danced over to the infliction on her neck, in worry.

"She may have exhausted herself against that fiend. It could also be due to his beast. Daemoniorum encounters are highly dangerous, and it's rather risky to say the least. So, it would be wise to let her rest for a while. We're all lucky to be alive after that, especially you with that magical possession she was under." Heath spoke up, as he approached Zyron's position from the rear.

Heath was holding his side still, with his sword on his back. Rocky came up behind his brother, helping Manik walk, having his arm over Rocky's shoulder. "You must be pretty loyal to risk yourself that way." Rocky added.

Zyron glanced back to Solitaire, but Heath crouched down to place a hand to Zyron's shoulder. "You may not be the strongest warrior, but you have a lot of determination. If you change your mind about joining us, my offer still stands." Heath said, as he rose to his feet.

"I'll think about it. For now, I need to get Solitaire home..." Zyron replied.

"This is where we part ways then. Our comrade, Manik, isn't in any condition to travel. It's imperative that we get him back to headquarters. Perhaps though... Rocky? Could you possibly help our friends here get back home? I should be able to manage getting Manik back on my own." Heath turned to his brother.

"If you're sure, I guess I can." Rocky passed Manik to his brother, before looking to Zyron. He held his hand out. "Just point the way, and I'll get you there."

Zyron softly smiled, taking Rocky's hand. He was pulled to his feet, holding onto Solitaire. "We'll be needing to head towards Belmont. From there I can manage."

"You got it." Rocky abruptly scooped Zyron and Solitaire up, with his arms around their torso, letting their arms and legs hang, as he flew up into the air. "Catch you back at base, bro."

Heath nodded. "Indeed. Well met Vulpis, and safe travels."

"It's Zyron, and thanks for the help." Zyron replied, before he soon departed into the sky with Rocky and Solitaire.

Some time had passed, and Rocky got them to the outskirts of Belmont city. Zyron was carrying Solitaire now, as the towering dragon looked to the canine.

"You good from here?" Rocky asked.

"Yeah, I think I got it. Thanks." Zyron replied.

"See you around then." Rocky chuckled, zipping back into the sky, before flying off like a rush of fire.

Zyron glanced to Solitaire, carrying her through the marshlands, back to Knothole sanctum. They traveled for a bit, before reaching the entrance. Upon arrival, solitaire seemed to regain consciousness.

"Huh?..." She asked, in a groggy tone.

"Solitaire, you're awake?" Zyron was relieved to see her come out of her slumber. He sat her feet down to the ground, looking to her.

Solitaire looked at him for a moment, before averting her gaze. "I'm sorry... I shouldn't have run out like that... I'm so bloody stupid..." Solitaire whimpered softly. "I'm... I'm just going to go inside, and rest for now..." She said heading inside the base.

Zyron sighed, scratching his head. He decided to follow after her. As he stepped inside, he noticed Solitaire already approaching the staircase, to the second floor. Nye was at the bar, discussing something with Jackyn, but the two of them seemed to keep notice of the behavior shown upon Solitaire's arrival.

As Solitaire reached the bottom of the staircase, Miles blocked her way, looking to her with a seductive gaze. "Well, look what the cat dragged in. Did you miss me?" Miles asked, in a pervertive manner.

Solitaire shoved him out of her way, roughly, before proceeding up the stairs. The feline nearly fell, but stared at Solitaire ascend the stairs, with his ears back and tail twitching angrily.

.

"What's up her skirt?" Miles scoffed, in annoyance.

Zyron had decided to follow Solitaire, pushing passed Miles as well, before reaching the entrance of Solitaire's room.

"Hey!" Miles shouted, angrily. "Watch where you're going, you mangy mutt!!"

Zyron ignored him, and proceeded to knock on Solitaire's door, accidentally creaking it open partially. "Hey. Mind if I come in?" He asked.

Solitaire was laying on her bed, wiping her face. She didn't turn around, just nodded. "Sure..."

Zyron seemed nervous, but decided to enter the room. He shut the door behind him, as she approached Solitaire's bed. He sat down next to her, looking to Solitaire with furrowed brows. "Why are you crying?" He asked her, in a caring tone.

Solitaire rubbed away her tears, before finally looking over to Zyron. "That Tyr bloke... He was in my mind somehow... Teasing me, like he fancied me... Then he made me hurt you like that... I felt so confused..."

"I hope this isn't out of bounds to say, but... If that asshole really liked you, he wouldn't have forced you to do some shit, that you didn't want to do. Don't waste your tears on him, it's not fucking worth it." Zyron tried to comfort her.

"I'm just tired of being alone... That's why I had that one night stand... I'm so bloody stupid..." Solitaire held her face, in regret.

Zyron took her hand, uncovering her shielded eyes. This got her to look at him, but he seemed hesitant. His gaze shifted off to the floor. "Look. I know I haven't exactly been the best companion at times... but... I... I really like you, Solitaire. That's why... I got so pissed off when I heard what that fucking cat did... I didn't mean to sound uncaring... I-I just..." Zyron explained, returning his bashful gaze to Solitaire, only to see her tearing up again. "Fuck! What I say?! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you cry!" Zyron grew frantic.

Zyron couldn't tell that Solitaire wasn't crying from being sad. She leaned closer to the dog, before tightly hugging him, with a bright smile. Zyron was taken off guard, literally falling off the bed. In the process, Solitaire fell right on top of him, and the two bumped their heads, by complete accident.

"O-Ow..." Zyron held his head, somewhat able to see her holding her head too, but she was laughing. "Huh?"

"Geeheehee." She smiled, looking down onto the man she had crashed on top of. "Oh bugger, are you alright, Ronnie?" She asked, trying not to laugh.

"Uh? Y-Yeah..." He stared at her, unsure what to do, appearing quite flustered.

"Would it be weird if I snogged right now?" Solitaire asked him, somewhat embarrassed, but still smiling. "Actually, don't say anything." She said softly, before shifting over to his face, to kiss the nervous canine 's quivering lips.

Zyron was stunned, but gradually fell into the kiss with his tail wagging. He held onto Solitaire, letting her hands cup his face, while she continued to kiss him, and he returned the action.