Title: Lonely Heart (Chapter 1)
Fandom: Ronin Warriors
Characters/Pairing: Cye/Kento (Cye doesn't appear in this chapter but Kento is definitely pining), Rowen Hashiba, Kento Rei Fang, Luna
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Not mine, anything mentioned here by name isn't mine
Warnings: Canonical familial death, canon-typical violence
Notes: More slice-of-life/remake AU!

“Hello, New York!” Kento bellowed at the top of his lungs. Luckily for him and Rowen, everyone else was too noisy/busy in the airport to notice or care. He scanned the crowds. “So, what look is your mom rocking again?” Whatever it was, Kento was sure it would be eye-catching enough to spot her in the crowds.

How Rowen was able to walk and read a book at the same time, Kento would never know. “Last time I saw her, she’d gone back to a natural blue, like mine. But I believe she was mentioning something about trying purple streaks in her hair, to stand out against the red and green in the holidays. Also, she said it would match that tacky faux fur coat she always wears in winter.”

“Cool, that should make her pretty easy to find.” Easier than finding Luna Watson, at least, but he and Cye were only too aware that it would take a miracle to find her. Kento yawned. “New York is cool and all, but I am not looking forward to the jet lag later.”

“Speak for yourself,” Rowen said, still not looking up from his book. “I sleep only when I need, for as long as I need. As a result, I have never suffered from this jet lag that plagues the rest of you when traveling.”

“Dude, you also pass out during class!”

Rowen finally brought his eyes from his book so he could give Kento a pointed look. “I make top marks. You, with your beloved regular sleep schedule, are barely passing.”

“Sheesh, love you, too.” For someone who supposedly got more than enough sleep (and had napped for the entire flight), Rowen sure was cranky right now. But that was most likely due to seeing his mother. Rowen had always had a weird dynamic with his folks. Before he and Kento left for school, Rowen would remind his dad to pay the bills and eat lunch. He’d always ask his mom when she visited if she was taking care of herself. Sometimes it seemed like Rowen was the dad to two strong-willed but air-headed kids. And up until now, he’d seemed fine with that dynamic. But lately… Kento couldn’t figure it out. Maybe Rowen was finally entering the part of adolescence where you got angsty and stuff that Ma kept warning him about.

“Rowen, baby! Kento!” Ms. Hashiba waved at them wildly, draped in her infamous orange faux fur coat. Her hair was blue with purple streaks. She completed her ensemble with a short black dress, purple tights, and black heels. “Over here!” She ran up to them (running in high heels was one of her many talents) and hugged Kento and Rowen at the same time.

Kento hugged them back. “And how is the most beautiful and accomplished reporter of all time, Ms. Hashiba?”

“Oh, you flatterer!” Ms. Hashiba pulled away and playfully swatted at his arm. “You’re gonna make someone very happy one day, you know that, Kento?”

Kento thought about the almost-kiss with Cye and his face heated up. “Y-you think so?”

“Of course, and please, call me Tomoko!” She took Rowen’s face in her hands. “God, you’re getting so tall! We have got to take you shopping for new clothes. Oh, and a haircut. Your bangs are getting unruly again.”

“Dad says I’m hitting my growth spurt earlier than expected, so new clothing would be appreciated,” Rowen explained. “However, I like my hair the way it is.” He smiled. “Hello, Mom. I missed you.”

“Wow, a smile and and confessing to having an emotion!” Ms. Hashiba (sorry, Tomoko, it felt weird to call an adult by her first name but Kento would do his best to honor her wishes) said jovially. “My baby is growing up.”

Rowen’s smile faded. “I am very emotional. I just don’t show it the way most people do,” he said quietly. For once, Kento was not sure if he should speak up.

Tomoko, however, hugged her son fiercely. To Kento’s relief, Rowen relaxed in the embrace. “Oh, baby, I’m sorry. Of course you do. I was talking before thinking again.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mom.” Rowen hugged her back. “And I’m sorry for being so terse. The holidays are stressful, but that’s no excuse for my outburst.”

“Well, let’s do our best to make the holidays more fun, then!” Tomoko chirped as she linked arms with Rowen and Kento. “C’mon, boys. The sooner we get your luggage, the sooner we can get home. My folks have a huge belated Christmas feast just waiting for us!” Any concerns about jet lag or family drama were immediately forgotten as they got their things and Tomoko led them outside the airport.

--

When the three of them were in the taxi, Kento finally had a chance to ask a question he’d been wondering for some time. “So, how long have you lived in New York, Tomoko?”

“Oh, my parents and I moved here when I was ten. My younger siblings were born here. When it was time to choose schools, I decided to attend university in Tokyo and that’s when I met Genichirou.” She smiled down at Rowen, whose head was resting on her shoulder as he dozed. “And then I met this guy.”

“Wow,” Kento mused. “It’s can’t be easy, though.”

“Whaddya mean?”

“Well, you know.” Kento tried to think of the best way to phrase this. “Living so far away from your son, trying to balance family and career and stuff.”

Tomoko nodded thoughtfully. “It’s not always easy, I admit. But Rowen and Genichirou are so helpful. And sweet! Okay, I can tell you this because he’s snoozing, but they used to make me cupcakes every time I visited. Oh, and Genichirou would help Rowen draw little birds in frosting on them. They were so cute! I had to take pictures every time before we ate.”

“Aw, that is cute,” Kento agreed.

“Cute, but eating them was… interesting. For a scientist and someone who’s almost definitely going to be a scientist, they both seemed to think that baking meant ‘put the entire bag of sugar in there because sweet things taste good and then forget almost anything that’s not sugar and frosting and chocolate chips.’” She sighed. “Of course, we’re all so busy these days, I can’t stop by as much as I used to and they buy the cupcakes from the store, but I still appreciate them. And at least I can eat the cupcakes now.”

“Hey, maybe you could ask Rowen to make you some over the break. He’s a pretty decent chef now. And with all the baking club classes he’s attended as a taste-tester, I’m sure a few things have rubbed off of him.”

Tomoko’s face lit up. “I could! Hey, maybe we could bake together!” She clapped her hands together in glee. “Oh, that’d be so much fun.”

Kento smiled back at her. “Just don’t forget to share a few with the guy who suggested it, Tomoko.”

“Definitely. Oh, good, we’re here. Kento, would you be a dear and get the luggage?” She shook Rowen gently. “Rowen, it’s time to get up.”

“Never,” Rowen growled.

“Not even for Granny’s pumpkin roll?”

Rowen’s eyes snapped open.

--

“And that takes care of that,” Kento proclaimed as the last of the luggage was placed on the sidewalk near the house while Tomoko paid and tipped the driver. “Tomoko, Rowen, don’t even worry about bringing any of this inside. As a gentleman, it is my duty to carry heavy objects around for the sake of others.” Rowen rolled his eyes and muttered something about how Kento just wanted to show off his strength in front of his cousins.

“Hey, I’m just trying to help. If your baby cousins think I’m the coolest thing ever ‘cuz I’m so strong, then I will humbly accept their praise.”

Tomoko chuckled as she waved goodbye to the driver. Then she sighed and hit her forehead.

Rowen gave her a knowing look. “You forgot to buy Grandpa his favorite soda from the local bodega, didn’t you. The one that he insists on having with his dinner, no matter what.”

She smiled guiltily. “You’re a smart boy. Listen, I kinda sorta spent all my cash on the taxi…”

“And you don’t like using your credit card unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Rowen finished for her. “Don’t worry, I’ll go pick one up. And Kento will come with me, so Granny won’t worry.”

Tomoko kissed Rowen on the cheek. “You are a lifesaver, you know that? I’ll totally pay you back. And don’t worry, I’ll keep a watch on your things while both of you are gone!”

--

“One cola for Rowen’s papa,” the clerk said as she rang up the can. “And I’ll toss in a free one for New Year’s.” She winked at Rowen. “That way, you don’t have to worry about Tomoko spacing out again.”

“Thanks, Cheryl,” Rowen replied as he paid, then took the bag. “How’re the kids?”

“Starting kindergarten in the fall. How’s school and kyudo?”

Rowen shrugged. “Both are going well. I have a competition coming up soon.”

“Oh, good luck! But don’t forget to give your folks lots of reminders. You know how they are.”

“Tell me about it,” Rowen said flatly. “Happy holidays, Cheryl.”

“Happy holidays! Hey, come by more often! We miss the heck out of you!”

“Yo,” Kento said as he rejoined Rowen at the doors. He’d been woefully tempted by all the American junk food, but there was literally a Christmas feast waiting for him. And besides, the bodega would be there tomorrow.

“You were oddly quiet,” Rowen commented as they began to make their way home. He took the bag and put it in his jacket, zipping it up securely.

“Sometimes I like to people watch.” Kento wrapped an arm around Rowen’s shoulders. “And it’s interesting to see you on your home turf. You’re really cool, you know that, Rowen?”

“Hmm.” Rowen gazed upwards. The light pollution was bad like always, but he could make out a few stars. “I suppose I’m here often enough that you could call New York ‘my home turf.’ Although I’m more surprised by how you described me. People don’t usually call me cool. Pragmatic, yes. Robotic… yes. Cool, not so much.”

“Well, that’s bogus. You’re, like, one of the coolest guys in the world! Your grades are awesome and you’ve killed Grahame in King’s Quest more times than I count, and you’re a serious kyudo threat. Your mom is this super glam globe-trotting reporter and your dad does all the science stuff, and you charmed the bodega lady to give you a free soda! If that’s not cool as heck, I don’t what is.”

Rowen laughed softly. “More like Cheryl didn’t want me to have to run the same errand again tomorrow, but thanks, Kento.”

“Anytime!” Then Kento cleared his throat, pulling away from Rowen so they could have a serious talk. They were alone now, so this was the best time to ask. “Rowen, what do you know about romance?”

“I know that my parents got divorced when I was a baby and Cye keeps trying to get me with Keiko from the baking club.” Rowen sighed guiltily. “Sorry. Cynicism got the better of me. Go on, please.”

“Well, speaking of Cye…”

“Oh!” Despite his earlier words, Rowen gave Kento a genuine smile. “You two are finally dating. That’s wonderful.”

“What?! No! I mean, I’m not opposed to the idea, that’s why I’m seeking your advice in the first place, but… we’re not.” Kento sighed heavily. “I was saying goodbye to him before our respective trips, and…”

“And?”

It wasn’t easy to say it out loud, but Kento needed Rowen’s cool head to help figure out what was going on. “I thought for a second there he was going to kiss me, but then he backed off.”

“Interesting.”

“Well? What do you think?”

“I think I’m not Cye, so I can’t be completely sure. However, I have seen the way Cye looks at you. And cooks for you, and jokes with you, and has kept you from doing some… unwise things in the past. So, I would not be surprised if he wanted to kiss you.” They turned a corner, going down a street that was quieter and had fewer lights. “But I also know that your friendship is important to him. Maybe even more than the possibility of a romance, if that’s what he was thinking about. So, and please keep in mind that this is just speculation, he may have planned to kiss you, but decided that the friendship was more important and stopped before it was ‘too late.’ If you want objective evidence rather than mere speculation, you’ll have to ask Cye yourself.”

Kento frowned. “So, that’s Rowen speak for ‘you’re on your own, Kento.’”

“Knowledge is best gained through experience.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just… hey.” Kento placed a hand on Rowen’s arm. “I’m not a native New Yorker, but I’m pretty sure the streets aren’t supposed to be this quiet, even in your grandparents’ part of the town.”

“… You’re right. Also, check out the street lights.” It’d been so slow they hadn’t noticed, but they’d gone out, one by one. The stars were now easily visible, but for once, that was no comfort for Rowen.

“Maybe it’s just some weird blackout,” Kento said, although he doubted it. He’d been in fights for a decent part of his life, ranging from formal judo competitions to punks in allies swinging a pipe at him. One couldn’t help but develop a sixth sense for when a battle was going to begin. For Kento, it felt like there was electricity in his skin. And right now? He felt like a walking thunderstorm.

“Kento,” Rowen breathed as the sound of heavy footfalls and metal on asphalt came closer. “Someone’s coming.”

“Get behind me.” Rowen obeyed. “Aside from shooting arrows, do you have any skill in martial arts?”

“A little karate, but that’s it.”

Kento silently wished a bow and arrows would fall from the heavens, but of course, that wasn’t going to happen. He was just going to have to get ready to wrestle with… whoever this person that wouldn’t emerge from the shadows was.

“Step out of the darkness,” Kento ordered. “I want to see your face.”

“Haven’t you noticed?” A cold voice responded. “It’s dark out.”

“Fine. Tell me who you are, then.”

“Oh, I’m like you two. A gentleman looking for a cause to serve. I was fortunate to find a lord worth following, and I know that once you both are introduced to him, you will feel the same.”

“I suppose you’ll next tell us that we have no choice in the matter?” Rowen was talking now. Kento was impressed by how calm Rowen was staying.

“Very astute, Strata.” The man held up his hand. “Guards. Keep them alive, but feel free to make them suffer.”

It all happened too fast. Three armored figures somehow rose from the shadows around them. The next thing Kento knew, one of them had tackled him to the ground, and no matter what trick he tried, he couldn’t get loose.

“Lord Cale.” One of the creeps holding Rowen down was talking now. “Strata is close to awakening.”

“Excellent,” Cale said. “Subdue him.” Rowen cried out as the armored figure struck him. “We’ll bring him to Master Talpa right away.”

That same red-orange fury that lurked in Kento’s heart came to the surface again the second Rowen cried out, granting him the strength he needed to toss the grunt holding him down to the side. Without a moment’s hesitation, he grabbed the punk’s helmet, ripping it off. The guard collapsed into a cloud of vapor.

Oh. They weren’t human. He… he wasn’t sure what they were. But he was aware (and darkly thrilled) that he could literally rip these monsters apart and not feel guilty about it.

In an instant, Kento was on his feet. He grabbed the naginata from the punk beating Rowen and bashed the creep in the head with it, three vicious times. Vapor emerged from the gaping hole in what used to be the guard’s helmet.

You little pieces of—I’ll kill all of you for even touching my friend—

Kento’s naginata pierced the chest of the remaining monster.

There was enough vapor in the air now to make fog, but Kento found Rowen’s hand, pulling him upright. “Run!”

The alley wasn’t a dead end. Good. Rowen could escape, and he… he could finally have a real fight. Make these monsters pay.

There were footfalls behind them. Two more grunts. Kento spun around, naginata ready. “Rowen, find your family and run. I’ll hold them off.”

“What?! I’m not leaving you to die, Kento!”

Kento roared as one of the monsters attacked him. He managed to fend him off just in time. “This isn’t a debate—” One of them landed a hit on his head hard enough to stun Kento, naginata falling from his grasp. He staggered backward, watching in horror as Rowen grabbed Kento’s weapon, saying something about how it was his turn to protect Kento.

“Rowen!” Kento tried to get up, but it was taking everything he had to stay awake. “N-no…”

The thing was, Rowen was doing well for someone with little experience that didn’t involve a bow and arrows. He was quick and adapted to his enemies’ tactics. If it weren’t for the fact that Kento was terrified that Rowen was going to get himself killed, Kento would be proud of him.

And he was going to get himself killed. “Rowen, please stop!” Any lingering rage was long gone now, replaced by despair that his friend would die because Kento couldn’t protect him. “Run! I’m not worth it!”

“You are,” Rowen snarled, punctuating the last word with a stab to a guard's torso. “Kento, you were my first real friend. Your life is worth it, and I’d do anything to protect you.”

If Rowen’s unruly bangs weren’t obscuring his forehead, someone might have noticed the kanji for ‘life’ flashing on his brow for just a moment.

That was when the remaining guard stabbed Rowen in the leg. Rowen screamed and fell. Kento staggered over to him, shielding him, because at least he could do that, at least they’d die together, sorry guys, sorry Cye—

“Murderer! You won’t claim another life!”

Yet another armored figure dropped down from the heavens. This one, however, was a girl, clad in gleaming yellow armor. She threw a knife into the chest of the remaining guard, who screamed, then disappeared into vapor.

She helped Kento up. “Can your friend move?”

“Probably not,” Rowen admitted, flinching as he surveyed the wound on his leg. “Kento, I guess you’re going to get a chance to show off your strength after all.”

“Anytime.” Effortlessly, Kento grabbed Rowen piggyback-style. He gave the girl a look. “You are officially the coolest girl I’ve ever met.”

Rowen frowned from his perch on Kento’s back. “Agreed, but I’d also like to know if you’re on our side or not.”

“Oh, I’m on your side,” she assured them. “Now follow me, and I’ll get you two to safety.”

“We can’t go home,” Rowen reminded them as the girl led them down roads and alleys. “If… whoever that was is following us, I won’t let him near my family.”

“Don’t worry. It’s hard to explain right now, but your family is fine.”

“Okay,” Kento huffed as he did his best to follow her. He possessed more than his fair share of stamina, but even he got tired. Especially after fighting for his life. “So, when do you explain?”

The girl sighed as a sensible-looking grey car came to a screeching halt in front of them. “Right now, whether I want to or not.”

The door opened, revealing a middle-aged African American woman in a nice-looking beige pantsuit and black-rimmed glasses. “Get in.”

--

“What were you thinking?!” The woman yelled at the girl.

“I was thinking this was my chance to avenge Billy!” The girl yelled back.

“Avenge?! No. You just turned fifteen. I’ve already lost a son; I refuse to lose a daughter as well.”

“In case you didn’t notice Mom, I didn’t die! I also saved these two guys from death.” She turned around and glared at them. “What are your names?”

Kento looked up from bandaging Rowen’s leg. “Um, I’m Kento Rei Fang and this is my pal, Rowen Hashiba. Thanks for saving us, although I’m sorry about… well, everything you two have been talking about.”

“Tell me about it,” the woman said. “This is another reason why you’re going to return that armor. It’s not just about risking your own life, honey. Now, these two boys are tangled up in this mess as well.” She glanced at Kento and Rowen wearily. “How much am I going to have to pay you two to be quiet?”

“We would never betray Ms. Sayoko’s trust like that!” Rowen blurted out before Kento could assure the lady that they could keep a secret.

The car stopped. The woman turned around, giving Rowen a calculated look. “… How do you know the name of my employer?”

Rowen tried to look away. “I-I won’t betray Ms. Sayoko. I gave her my word.”

The woman gave him the look that only moms (and Mama Bear Sayokos) seemed to have. The one that could peer into your very soul.

And the one that Rowen was infamously weak to. “I’m sorry, ma’am. The truth is, Ms. Sayoko is dreadfully unorganized and asks me to help clean her desk regularly. Her brother will tease her if he knows she asks for my help, so she swore me to secrecy. I don’t look at anything sensitive, but your name, Ophelia Watson, was so striking that I couldn’t help but notice it as well as your photo and job title. Please accept my apologies, I didn’t realize that information was classified.”

Mrs. Watson sighed heavily. “That sounds like Sayoko all right.” She frowned. “Well, at least she didn’t mention my name to others.”

Kento grimaced. “She may have talked about how cool you are with helping her a few times.”

“Oh, for the love of—why is she so chatty?!” Ms. Watson slapped her steering wheel. “I can’t helm this project if she keeps blabbing about it. Between her and you, Luna, it’s a miracle that armor got built in the first place.”

… Wait. Hold on. Mrs. Watson worked for Sayoko Mouri. Her daughter, Luna, was about Cye’s age. She fit the description. Good Lord, the fates may have actually aligned.

“Luna, right? Forgive me if this is a weird question,” Kento asked Luna. “But do you know Ms. Sayoko’s little brother, Cye?”

Luna broke out into a wide grin. “Cye Mouri? I haven’t seen him in ages. Do you guys know him?”

Kento nodded. “He’s my buddy,” he said happily. “And he’s still yours as well. He asked me to keep an eye open for you when I came to New York.”

“Oh, thank goodness, I’m so glad he’s doing okay.” Luna scooted as close to Kento as she could from her spot in the passenger seat. “We’ve written letters, and Mom fills me in after her visits to Japan, but it’s not the same. And after last year for both of us… anyways, what’s he been up to lately?”

“He cried because a crab wouldn’t befriend him.”

Luna giggled. “That sounds like Cye, all right.”

Mrs. Watson sighed as she started the car. “Luna, I understand your feelings. After Billy died, I… knowing that I’m helping to build something that can stop his murderers is one of the two things keeping me going. And you betrayed my trust, as well as the trust of my boss when you stole that prototype armor.”

Luna’s face fell as the gravity of the situation sunk in. “Mom, I’m sorry. I… I won’t let Ms. Sayoko fire you for my mistake.”

Mrs. Watson kept her eyes on the road. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Knowing Sayoko, she’ll be proud and want you to keep it. Her goals and our goals are very much the same. But Luna, it is a prototype. If there had been any glitches, I would’ve lost my second reason to keep going.” She smiled slightly. “That, just in case you didn’t know, is you.”

“I know, Mom. And I feel the same way.” Luna’s eyes were bright. “But the armor works. With you helping to design it, how could it not be perfect? It may not be as strong as what it’s based on, but I was able to save two guys. So,” and she took a deep breath, “I’m going to Japan and I’m going to help you make sure what happened to Billy doesn’t happen to anyone else.”

“… I know,” Mrs. Watson conceded, voice rough. “When you’ve made up your mind, I can’t do anything to stop you. But please, please be careful.”

“I’m glad that you and Mrs. Watson were able to resolve your differences.” Rowen was a little pale, and his leg was a mess even after Kento did his best to bandage it, but his eyes were clear. “However, I believe my friend and I were promised that we would be told why those… whatever they were attempted to kill us.”

“I can’t divulge every detail, mind you, but I’ll give you the answers you need,” Mrs. Watson assured Rowen. “But first, let me ask you two a question. Do you know what the Mouri Foundation is for?”

Kento shrugged. Rowen said, “They work in home and business security… wait, Kento, you didn’t know? I was under the impression that your family was very business savvy, not to mention your close ties to the Mouris.”

Kento frowned deeply. “I’m not a fan of the business world, bro.”

“You are absolutely correct, Rowen.” If Mrs. Watson heard Kento mutter something about how Rowen was always absolutely correct, she ignored it. “We as a company are focused on protecting others, which extends to supernatural threats.”

“Supernatural?” Kento asked. “Like, The X-Files and stuff?”

“Close enough.” Mrs. Watson made a turn. To Kento’s relief, this was a road with lights and people. “Whoever attacked you believed that you have something to offer them. I can’t confirm if they’re right. However, I do recommend turning the other ways if you ever find yourself in a situation similar to what you encountered. In my experience, the… forces we are dealing with are making small strikes, at least for now. When they get whatever they’re searching for, or are driven back, the pocket dimension they create vanishes. Time works differently in those dimensions as well. What felt like a decent amount of time for us is just a few minutes for anyone else outside the pocket.”

“That explains that,” Rowen mused. “I don’t suppose you know why they called me ‘Strata,’ however?”

“Okay, now we’ve gone into the realm of questions that I cannot answer.” She must’ve noticed Rowen’s determined expression (which Kento noted wasn’t too far off from Luna’s when she swore that she was going to Japan) because she then amended, “That said, I recommend looking into your family’s history and seeing if that name pops up anywhere.”

Rowen nodded. “I intend to.” Then he smiled weakly. “It’s not like I have much else to do while my leg heals up.”

“Good for you. Now, give me your address and I’ll take you home.” Rowen supplied her the information, and for a while, there were all silent as she drove, finally finding a spot to park. “Rowen, are you going to be okay walking from here? I can drive you further if needed.”

Rowen shook his head. “I’ll be fine. Kento’s here to carry me.”

“Exactly!” Then an idea hit Kento. “Hey, Luna. We’re heading back to Tokyo after New Year’s. How ‘bout you come with us? Don’t worry, I can totally afford a ticket for you—and don’t you dare say that you can’t accept it. This isn’t just for you, it’s so Cye can see you again. Also, if you haven’t enrolled in a school yet, ours is awesome. You know, for a school. And Cye’s there, too! Oh, and as far as I’m concerned, we’ve been friends since you saved our lives. I bet Sage and Ryo would be impressed by all your moves, too. So, you’d have five built-in friends already if you go with us!” Rowen nodded in agreement. “I know you’re on a vengeance quest, but in my experience, you don’t want everything to be about fighting and anger, even if you’re like me and dig that stuff.”

“Oh.” Luna’s expression was vulnerable but happy. “Thanks, Kento. I do appreciate it. I, um, may have forgotten about what actually getting settled in Japan would involve.”

“Which is why I have two requests, boys,” said Mrs. Watson. “First, please watch out for Luna. As you may have noticed, she’s strong and smart but doesn’t always think ahead. Second, please don’t tell Cye about what happened tonight, or what Luna is doing.”

“I’m fine with the first one,” Kento replied. “I’m not too thrilled with the second. I don’t like lying to my friends.”

“I understand, but Sayoko is very protective about how much her brother knows about the Foundation. I suspect there’s a reason in their past for that, but I’ve never had the opportunity to ask.” Mrs. Watson shrugged. “You don’t have to lie to him. Just choose what parts of the truth you tell him. That’s all I ask.”

Kento didn’t like that, either. But he also remembered Cye confessing that conflict physically ailed him, and suddenly he understood Sayoko’s reasoning. “Okay.” This sucked, but it was better than hurting his friend.

“Thank you, Kento and Rowen. Stay safe out there.”

Luna helped Kento help Rowen out. “Are you two sure you’re going to be okay?”

“Yes,” Rowen promised. “Kento’s bridal carrying me and I have pumpkin roll waiting for me at home. What could go wrong?”

“Man,” Luna sighed remorsefully. “Now I want some pumpkin roll.”

“Too bad. My Granny makes it just for me. She told me so.”

Kento smiled in apology. “Rowen doesn’t look it, but he takes food almost more seriously than I do. Oh, give me your number, so I can call you about the tickets later.”

“Thanks. I’ll repay the favor, I promise.” Luna handed him her number. “Call me when everything is settled, okay?”

Kento agreed. Luna waved, got back in her mother’s car, and they were off.

Kento and Rowen were back in the real world.

“Hey, Rowen?” Kento said as he carried his friend home.

“Yes?”

“Things are just gonna get weirder now, aren’t they?”

“Yes.”

“So much for my nice, boring vacation.”

--

“There you two are!” Tomoko huffed. “What took you two so long—oh my God, Rowen! Kento!” Tomoko ran up to them, eyes wide with panic. “Oh, babies, we gotta get you to the ER.”

“Mom, it’s fine, I promise. We just… had an unpleasant surprise on the way home. We’re safe now. I’m certainly in well enough shape for my pumpkin roll—”

“No way, mister! Believe it or not, I’m the parent here, not you.” Tomoko was scolding him for once, even wagging a finger for emphasis. “And don’t you dare giggle, Kento! I’m almost sure that you have a concussion. Hey, Rumiko! Josh! Dad! And everyone else!” Tomoko yelled in the direction of the house. “We have an emergency. Help me get these kids in the car, right now!”

Kento and Rowen were immediately overwhelmed by every single one of Rowen’s relatives, from his elderly grandfather to his two-year-old cousin, coming out of the house to helpfully force them into the family minivan.

--

Somehow, they managed to convince everyone, even the doctors, that they just fell into some garbage. Kento was willing to wager that Tomoko—who despite appearance and mannerisms was an award-winning reporter—had her doubts but didn’t want to distress her already injured son further, so she didn’t say anything.

Rowen’s baby cousins were impressed that he did not have a concussion like Tomoko feared. Kento bragged about having a hard head but made sure to warn the kids to avoid testing out the density of their own skulls.

--

On the last full day he was spending in New York, Rowen was on the bed in what was his mother’s childhood room and currently his room when he visited, leg propped up on some pillows. He was reviewing some of the books about the Hashiba family Tomoko had kept even after the divorce. She said it was so Rowen could feel connected to both branches of his family, no matter what. Rowen suspected she had just forgotten to give them back to Dad. But it wasn’t like Dad cared about this stuff, so…

“Fascinating,” he said to himself. There wasn’t a lot about what Strata was exactly (Armor? A warrior? Both?), but everything he did find mentioned his grandfather’s shrine back home. Perhaps it was time to visit there again.

“I have to admit that I am now officially obsessed with this.” he continued as he reached for the leftover pumpkin roll on the nightstand, helping himself to another bite. “Even if certain events hadn’t transpired, I would still be obsessed, I think. All this family lore I didn’t even know existed until now. I want to know every last bit of it.”

“Rowen, baby?” Tomoko opened the door just enough to pop her head in. “How’re you holding up?”

“Quite well,” he promised. “I’ve made sure to rest as much as I can. I’m still limping a little, but that’s it.”

Tomoko sighed in relief. “I’m glad. Hey, if you’re up to it, I was thinking you, Kento, and I could go get some hot dogs and then hit the art museum? Then we’re going to see Kento’s uncle for dinner.”

Rowen grinned. “That’s right. With all the excitement, we haven’t had time to get our traditional hot dogs for this visit.”

“And that’s something we’ll remedy right now! I’ll get Kento while you get ready, okay?”

“Okay.” After she left, Rowen carefully got up to place the book in his suitcase. He was going to bring as many books about the Hashiba family home with him as he could. Dad had never been interested in things like this, so these books were vital in his investigation until he could talk to his paternal grandfather in Japan again.

He paused as he made his way to the bookshelf. Had… had that orb always been on the bookshelf? Surely, he would have noticed something that size before. Not to mention its rich indigo color. He had never seen that shade of indigo before in his life…

“Rowen, baby, it’s time to go!”

“C’mon, man, I’m starving!”

“Oh, sorry!” Rowen pocketed the orb and left to join his mother and Kento.

--

Final Notes:

Me: I want this fanfic to be a least a little realistic to make it more immersive for readers.
Also me: Anyways, Rowen's hair is naturally blue and so is his Mama's.

As you can probably tell, the story is finally moving more into elements and themes you would associate with Ronin Warriors. Other big inspirations for this part of the series include Gargoyles and the 90s Batman cartoon (especially for the Mouris). I know Luna's role is quite different than what it was in Gaiden, but I hope that I kept the core parts of her character intact. (Also, poor Rowen can't seem to avoid getting a leg injury when I bring in some of the Gaiden stuff. :()

As for Rowen's parents, is anyone else old enough to remember JMS's run on The Real Ghostbusters? I've joked that Rowen is Egon and Janine's baby for a long time, and I decided to just go with that for this series. Rowen's father will be showing up more as well. And obviously, some other Rowen-related stuff as foreshadowed with his sphere conveniently randomly manifesting. ;P

I didn't really get a chance to describe Luna's armor, but the idea I had in mind is that it looks like the sub-armor the boys wear, but her color is yellow. She doesn't get cool power-ups, because the idea is that the person wearing her armor sneaks in, saves people, and then runs. So, she has a support role, but you can bet she's going to be doing a lot. These boys get kidnapped a lot, and someone has to protect them. -_-