"Lonely Heart," chapter 11

Title: Lonely Heart (Chapter 11)
Fandom: Ronin Warriors
Characters/Pairing: All five Ronins, Cye/Kento, Ryo/Luna, Sayoko Mouri, Dais, Kento’s parents
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine, anything mentioned here by name isn't mine
Warnings: Alluded to trauma and mentioning canonical parental death. Canon typical violence.
Notes: More slice-of-life/remake AU!

Sekhmet stumbled into Dais’s quarters. He grabbed the hilt of the sword Hardrock had plunged into his chest armor and pointed it at his betrayer. “I am going to kill you.”

Dais gazed at Sekhmet. “Forgive me if I’m not frightened by the threats of someone who was beaten up by a teenage boy.”

“That was a little demon, and we both know it.” Only too aware that Master Talpa would punish him if he did kill Dais, Sekhmet put aside his dreams for vengeance (for now). Still, some things needed to be addressed. “You said that we were going to lure out the Ronin Warriors by threatening their weak little friend! You even told me to ‘ham it up’ so they’d be desperate to save him!”

“Which happened. Hardrock is not awakened, but he is indeed a Ronin Warrior.”

“You also said that you would back me up if things became dire.”

Dais smirked. “That’s what you get for trusting the Warlord of Illusion.”

“You know what? No more schemes for me!” Sekhmet stomped out the door. “From now on, I’m just going to poison any Ronins or rebels to death. Venom never betrays me.”

Dais laughed softly. It was almost cute. After all these centuries, Sekhmet was still naïve enough to believe in comrades in arms.

“Speaking of Hardrock,” Cale’s voice echoed from the shadows, “Are you certain that he can be swayed to our side?”

“More than ever.” Dais held up a hand, presenting Cale with a ghostly image of Hardrock after nearly killing Sekhmet and Halo, scrunched up in a ball and weeping openly. “He almost murdered Halo. It’s only a matter of time until his ‘friends’ betray him. He’ll understand that the Dynasty offers him far more than the petty jealousies and prejudices of the mortal realm.”

“You’re forgetting something,” Cale insisted as the image faded away. “His friends did not betray him. Halo was the one who calmed him down. I’ve never placed much stock in the power of friendship or whatever Saberstryke’s rebels scream about before I cut them down, but perhaps—”

“No. I know the human heart and all its weaknesses. Humans can only tolerate differences if it helps them or is non-threatening. Sometimes not even then.” Cale was silent. This was a truth they both knew all too well. “Although Hardrock is powerful. A backup plan is in order.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“I shall speak to Anubis. He killed the previous Torrent; he’s the voice of experience in these matters.”

Cale let out a short bark of laughter. “Good luck. All he’s ever done since killing Torrent is sulk.”

Anubis’s quarters were pitch-black, save for a candle illuminating his face. His eyes were shut, presumably meditating. Which Dais would normally respect, but he needed specific information. “Wake up, Ogre,” he said loudly as he strode inside. “We have work to do.”

Anubis opened his eyes. “Has Torrent awakened?”

“Not yet.”

Anubis closed his eyes. “Then I have no interest in your schemes.”

“Maybe you don’t, but Master Talpa does. You are the only one who’s won a battle against a Ronin Warrior.”

“I did not win anything.” Anubis’s eyes were open again and dark with regret. “I killed a man who was already half-dead from saving his child. There was no glory in such a battle.”

“Battles aren’t won through glory; they’re won through strategy—” Dais forced himself to calm down. There was no point in persuading Anubis. Talpa had nearly named Anubis as his second after killing the previous Torrent. Anubis, however, had chosen self-exile. Their attempts to conquer the mortal realm had been reduced to fetch quests without his power. “How is Torrent supposed to get his revenge if the Dynasty quietly implodes like it has been the past few years?”

Anubis eyed him coldly… then stood up. He grabbed Dais’s hand, channeling bright white energy into his gauntlet. “I’ve willed you some of my power.”

If Dais was the type to let his guard down, he might have smiled. “I can’t believe you’re doing this for me.”

“I’m doing this for Shin of the Torrent and his family. His son deserves a chance at revenge.” Anubis grabbed Dais’s wrist. “This means that you will not manipulate Torrent’s spirit in any way. I don’t care about the others. But Torrent must fight me of his own free will.”

“Oh, I would never do anything to Torrent,” Dais lied.

“Hi, Sayoko. Keep it down; Kento’s asleep.” Cye hugged his sister. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“So I am,” she said softly. She held the door open for Rowen (with bow and arrows in hand) to enter.

Cye gave them a disapproving look. “Why is Rowen here?”

“I take my duties as the youngest Mouri son seriously,” Rowen whispered. “Also, three people working together to keep you safe means less of a chance for burnout. Speaking of, Ms. Sayoko, you should get some sleep. I’ll be fine for a few hours.”

“Fine,” Cye huffed. “But only because I’m positive Kento chased the creep away.”

“Oh, so you’re the one heading this mission now?” Sayoko’s tone had no heat, however.

“Actually, yes. I’m fifteen, I think I should have some say in my life.” Cye guided his sister down the hall. Once he had put some distance between them and Rowen, he murmured, “I understand this is a risky situation. And I will stay away from public spheres like school tomorrow. But please understand that is the only day I will skip. I’m also going to help Kento prep for his parents arriving later this week tomorrow. I’m not going back to that time in my life where I had no control over anything that happened to me.” He couldn’t.

Sayoko gazed down at him sadly and then shrugged. “Okay.”

“Seriously?”

She ruffled his hair. “As you said, you’re fifteen. You have proven you can take care of yourself.” Then she grinned. “It also helps that all of your friends are martial arts prodigies.”

Cye grinned back. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Despite their earlier conversation, Sayoko would only let Cye leave the apartment if Kento and Rowen escorted him. Cye had grumbled about that, but Kento thought it was smart. This way, Cye wouldn’t be shut up in his castle but still have a Ronin Warrior and… whatever Kento was in all this to protect him.

And He would protect Cye. Yeah, he was getting in fights again. All the darkness in his heart he’d thought the summer sun and his new friends had bleached away had won after all. He was never going to make Pa happy or figure out what he wanted to do with his crummy life. But this went beyond goals or dreams or anything like that. Cye did know what he wanted to do with his life and refused to let others decide for him. He was a gentle, brave spirit that Kento was compelled to protect… which, okay, was pretty intense for a thirteen-year-old to feel, and he was sure both Cye and Rowen would laugh at him if he said any of this out loud, but oh well. It was the truth.

“You okay?” Rowen placed a hand on Kento’s shoulder. Cye, who was about a meter ahead of them and carrying supplies, stopped. “You’re shivering.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Kento waved Rowen off. “It’s just chilly today and my jacket got messed up.” Well, Sayoko had insisted that he give her his jacket for evidence or whatever. Either way, all he had to protect him from the elements was a flimsy white shirt and messed-up jeans.

Cye put down his bags. “Why didn’t you say so?” He shrugged off his oversized beige coat and draped it over Kento’s shoulders. “There. Better?”

“Dude, I can’t take your coat.”

Cye kissed him on the cheek in response. “Let me protect you for a change.”

Cye went back to his bags, gathering his things again. While he did that, Kento ducked his head, smiling slightly as he pulled Cye’s coat around himself more tightly.

Rowen smirked at Kento. “I protected you in New York. You never got doe-eyed and flustered over me.”

Kento smirked back, playfully punching Rowen in the arm.

Cleaning up the apartment went quickly, thanks to three people working together and the apartment’s small size. (Although Cye had taken one look at Kento’s room, went pale, and shut the door.) Rowen had suggested that he would stay and protect Cye while Kento got them some lunch. He was just walking along, a bag of burgers in hand when a man with white hair punched him in the face.

It was a glancing blow, and Kento had a hard head, but he still yelped. “Bro, what the heck?!” He took a step back, guarding the burgers. “What did I do to you?!”

“Sorry.” The man didn’t seem that sorry, however. He seemed more like he was sizing Kento up. “I was training and I guess I didn’t notice you walkin’ around.” He frowned. “Shouldn’t kids be at school?”

Kento was about to say that he was taking care of a friend who had to stay home… but there was a chance that he was one of the people trying to hurt Cye, so instead he shrugged. “I’m, like, a toku villain. I’m skipping school evilly and stuff.”

The man stared at Kento… and then immediately erupted into a belly laugh.

“It’s true!” Feeling oddly defensive, Kento huffed. “I’m not a good guy.”

“Sorry,” the man said, wiping tears from his eyes. “Most kids would make up an excuse, but you’re owning up to it. Albeit in a melodramatic way. Of course, most kids would also still be crabby about that punch!” He grinned. “The name’s Kaosu, by the way.”

“Kento,” he said warily. Kaosu wasn’t acting like a threat, but he couldn’t stay here too long. “I should go.”

“I understand.” Kaosu stretched out his limbs. “You’re probably a free spirit, doing whatever you feel like.”

“… No. I’ve never done what I’ve felt like.”

Kaosu gave him a sharp look. “Whaddya mean?”

“My Pa wants me to inherit his restaurant. I went along with it until I realized I can’t stand the business world. But my Pa also had to fight for everything he’s got. I… I have to have some plan for my life to show him that I still respect him and love him, it’s just I don’t want the life he’s planned out for me.”

“What do you want?”

Kento took a breath. Today was not the day to give in to his emotions. “Nothing. Not unless you count making sure that my friends and family are safe and happy.”

Kasou punched him again—this time lightly on the shoulder. “I ain’t gonna tell ya how to live your life, Kento. Seems to me that you’ve had enough of that. But I will promise you that keeping your loved ones safe and happy is the best thing anyone can do. I… I wish I could do that.”

He was going to ask what Kaosu was talking about, but Kaosu was already gone.

“Man,” he said as he started to head home, “what is it with me and running into weirdos?” But whatever. Kaosu had been cool. And he needed to make sure Cye and Rowen were safe and happy.

After burgers and the soft drinks Cye had brought with him, they were indeed all safe and happy. Kento didn’t relax, because it was his shift, but he did appreciate Cye cuddled up next to him on the couch while Rowen napped in the armchair. “Do you think that creep is gone, Cye?”

Cye nodded. “Yep. It’s all part of what I do. He may come lurking out of the shadows again, but not for a very long time.” Gently, he traced Kento’s jawline with his fingers. “I’m not thrilled with you putting your life in danger, but thank you for protecting me. I am so sorry for dragging you into all this messiness.”

“Oh, please. You and I both know I wouldn’t hesitate to beat up anyone who tries to hurt you.”

“Yes, but I should have let you know what you’d be getting into if you became my friend. The others, too.”

“Cye.” Kento covered Cye’s hand with his own. “This wasn’t your fault. It’s just bad luck. And you can’t just explain something that complicated. I think this is something you have to learn about a little at a time just to process it. Besides, nothing would have kept me from becoming friends with you. Remember how I went out of my way to annoy until you were finally comfortable enough around me to mock me?” He was relieved when Cye laughed. Then he took a breath because he was about to ask for a huge favor. “Listen, Cye. You are so perceptive it’s scary. If you think the creep is gone, I believe you. So… when I go out to meet this guy Pa is trying to impress, I was wondering if you’d be cool going with me. If you’re there, I think I can finally tell Pa that I shouldn’t inherit the restaurant.”

Cye’s face lit up. “I’m more than cool with that.”

“I am not cool with this at all,” Sayoko grumbled.

“I agree, but Cye is free to do what he wishes,” Rowen reminded her. Cye and Sage had sensed nothing strange. Ryo and Luna’s patrols had been quiet. Even Sayoko’s butler, Mortimer, had done some investigating, but Sekhmet was nowhere to be found. “It seems like the Dynasty is busy licking their wounds.”

“Maybe,” Sayoko entered some data into her program. “But I’ve done some searching into this supposed new restaurant. At first, it was just more out of curiosity than anything else. I’ve never heard of this Illusory Cuisine, after all. But then I started finding some red flags. There are barely any construction records. No construction crews list this as a past project. No food critics have reviewed it. Yet within just a few months, this is supposedly such a lucrative business that the head of Fang Restaurants wants to say hello? It’s weird.” She stroked her chin. “I’ve fought the Dynasty for over ten years now. They do not give up Armor that easily. Especially an Armor as powerful as Hardrock.”

Rowen frowned. “Do you really think Kento is Hardrock?”

“He beat up Sekhmet, of course he’s Hardrock. I wish he wasn’t, though.” She gazed at Rowen sadly. “Of course, I also wish that you weren’t Strata. You boys deserve a better fate.”

“Thanks, but don’t forget that I chose this. And if Kento is Hardrock, I guarantee you that he’ll grab that orb the instant he realizes he can protect Cye with it.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I know you’re not thrilled with our fates, and I understand why. But you don’t deserve to have to do this alone, Ms. Sayoko.”

“Ugh!” Sayoko ruffled his hair. “Here I was, trying to be properly angsty, and you had to be a sensible person about all of this. How did you get to be so mature, Rowen?”

“Please remember who my parents are.” He loved them more than anything, but…

“Ha! Yeah, you have a point. But please don’t tell Tomoko I said that since I like being alive. Anyways, we should focus on the task at hand.” She smiled at Rowen. “Do you and your friends feel like eating out for dinner Thursday night?”

“You look very handsome,” Cye assured Kento as he straightened his not-boyfriend’s tie. He almost added, it’s like I’m looking at an entirely different person, but remembered just how much Kento was struggling with his sense of agency these days and thought better of it. Still, it was a marked change. Kento was clad in a dark suit and emerald green tie. Cye had done his best to tame Kento’s hair, and while it would never be perfectly neat, it at least looked like he had brushed it. No one looking at Kento now would guess that he had been in a brutal alley fight just a few days ago. Or course, with that nervous look in his eyes, no one would guess that he was the goofy but sweet boy that had coaxed Cye to interact with the outside world again over the summer, either.

Once Cye was finished, Kento pulled away, pacing. “Thanks,” he said when he realized he’d accidentally been rude. His expression softened. “You look good, too.”

“Enh.” Cye was in beige slacks, a white button-up, and a dark brown sweater blazer. Stuffy old clothes he hadn’t worn since he’d lived in Yamaguchi, because they were tied to bad memories. But they were also the most formal things he’d brought to Tokyo, so he would make do. “I clean up okay.”

Kento resumed pacing. “I am this close to just running away, Cye.”

“If you run way, let me know. I’ll run away with you.”

“… Yeah.” Kento paused just long enough to smile at Cye. “Yeah. It’s a promise.”

Cye motioned to the kitchen. “I’m going to get the tea started. Your parents will probably want to get caught up with you before we go to eat—”

The doorbell rang.

Kento closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then opened the door. “Hi, Pa.”

“Kento!” A leanly-built man with greying hair grabbed Kento in a bear hug. Despite his small build, he managed to lift the sturdier Kento almost a centimeter off the ground. Any nervousness on Kento’s part melted away (at least for now) as he laughed and hugged his father back. “How’s my boy?”

“Better than I have been,” Kento took his father gently by the arm and led him in Cye’s direction. “Mostly because of this dude. This is my friend, Cye Mouri.”

Cye was ready to introduce himself respectfully, but the next thing he knew, Mr. Fang was bear hugging him—and lifted him more than almost a centimeter off the ground. “Cye Mouri!” Mr. Fang bellowed joyfully. “Kento’s told me so much about you!”

… Cye hoped that ‘so much’ didn’t include when he made Kento give Cye his soul for a burger. “Good things?”

“Of course!” Mr. Fang put Cye down and then clapped him heartily on the back. Kento laughed as Cye almost stumbled over. “My boy worships the ground you walk on.”

Cye gazed at Kento only a little evilly. “So, you worship me?”

Kento rolled his eyes. “Pa is exaggerating.”

“Chan Run, are you finished terrifying your son?” A muscular woman in an elegant pantsuit entered the apartment, her dark hair artfully tousled. It was clear where Kento had gotten his looks, but there was a calmness to her person that reminded Cye more of Mia than Kento.

“Hi, Ma!” Kento ran over to hug his mother. “Like I was telling Pa, this is Cye Mouri.”

“Hello. Apologies for my husband being my husband.”

“I’m enjoying the liveliness, Mrs. Fang.” Both the Fangs seemed like wonderful people. However, Cye still performed a deeper reading as Sage had taught him. It wasn’t a skill he liked employing, but it did have its uses. Mr. Fang felt bright and warm and ambitious. Mrs. Fang felt collected and cool and gentle. Both of them felt an intense concern for Kento’s well-being. That was a relief. They were both genuinely good people. They would most likely be disappointed when Kento told them he had no plans to inherit the restaurant, but Cye now knew that they would understand. “I was about to make some tea; do you have a preferred blend?”

Mrs. Fang sat regally in the dilapidated armchair. “Black tea would be wonderful. Nothing in it. If there’s no black tea, I’ll take whatever is in there.”

Cye poked around in the cupboards. “I’m pleased to inform you that we do have some black tea.” He froze when the bell rang again. “I thought you said that only your parents were visiting before dinner, Kento.”

Kento frowned deeply. “I did.”

“That’s the friend we’ll be eating with. I hope you don’t mind that I invited him over to talk some first.” Chan Run opened the door.

A man in a dark red suit smiled easily at them. Wisps of wavy white hair contrasted with his back eyepatch. “Good afternoon. You can call me Rajura.”

Cye wasn’t sure if he’d call the energy radiating off of this Rajura negative. It wasn’t leaving him feeling faint or sick. However, it was unsettling. He tried reading Rajura, more than once, as he made the tea. He could sense some coldness, but nothing beyond that. He had no idea if Rajura was just your garden variety sleazy businessman or something more sinister. Either way, he did not trust him at all.

Kento’s behavior was even more perplexing. Considering all the horror stories about the business associates Kento conversed with, Cye had half-expected Kento to make good on his plan to run away. And for a few minutes, he had felt tense. But then Rajura started talking about a recent rugby game, which Kento had watched and loved. Ten minutes later the two of them and Mr. Fang were all talking like old, very loud friends.

Mrs. Fang stepped into the tiny kitchen, smiling at Cye. “Do you mind if I escape the rugby fanatics for a bit?”

“Be my guest,” Cye said as he motioned to a chair. “You can also have the first cup.” He offered her a cup. “Black tea with nothing it.”

Mrs. Fang sipped thankfully. “Lovely. You know, I couldn’t help but notice that you grew quiet when Rajura started gushing about that rugby match last week.”

“I’m not really into sports.”

She eyed him thoughtfully. “But you carry yourself like a martial artist.”

“You’re right. Let me revise that: I’m not into competing. I practice aikido and swim. I’ve never entered any formal matches for either sport, however.”

Mrs. Fang took another sip. “You’re gentle.”

Cye shook his head. “No, I just avoid conflict whenever I can.”

Mrs. Fang gave him a stern look. “I’ve had five children and taught more than I care to remember. I know a gentle temperament when I see it.” Then her expression softened into a smile. “No wonder you and Kento get along. People don’t realize it, but he hates fighting, too.”

Okay, this was new information. Cye poured himself some tea. “Would you mind elaborating on that?”

“Don’t get me wrong. He likes showing off his strength. And he loves protecting those he cares about. But if it’s about him? He’ll give in just so he doesn’t have to argue. He wants to make everyone happy so badly that he bottles up his feelings until they overflow.”

“Mrs. Fang…” Cye wanted to tell her about what had happened. But he couldn’t betray Kento’s trust.

“Goodness, this conversation has gotten heavy.” She leaned forward so the men in the living room couldn’t hear her. “Probably because I think Rajura’s a creep. What do you think?”

“I think you are exactly right.” Cye smiled as much as he could. “Don’t worry. I’ll look after Kento.”

He had, after all, brought his knife with him in his bag. He had done so to appease Sayoko (who was still terrified someone was after his life). But after meeting Rajura? He was grateful that she had insisted.

Ryo made sure that his black suit (something he’d borrowed from Sage) was buttoned correctly. “Do you always keep spare three-piece suits in your car, Sage?”

“Of course.” Sage finished tying his rose-pink tie, which contrasted with the royal blue suit. “I’m a civilized person, after all.” He glanced at Ryo appreciatively. “You’re about my size, so you look fine. Rowen post-growth spurt, however…” He sighed heavily as Rowen rolled up the shirt sleeves to his elbows in an attempt to make it not so obvious that the suit was about two sizes too small. He hadn’t even bothered with the jacket. “Well, I never liked what I gave him to wear, so it won’t matter if he stretches it out.” Rowen apologized as he finished rolling up his sleeves.

“Can I come in?” Luna’s voice came from behind the door. When Ryo said it was fine, she stepped in, yellow skirt rustling around her. “Wow, you three look fantastic. Sage, you are coming with me when I go clothes shopping.”

“Only if you promise that I will not have to talk to any girls. Aside from you, of course. And Mia, if she accompanies you.”

“Deal.” She clapped her gloved hands together. “Okay, boys. Time for some subterfuge.”

Cye had hoped that things would feel less intense when they arrived at Illusory Cuisine. But the entire building felt as cold and nebulous as Rajura himself. He wanted to talk to Kento about it… but Kento had yet to leave Rajura’s side.

Was Cye jealous? Of course he was. He had feelings, after all. But between Kento suddenly being okay with his father’s networking and the strange energy, he knew it was more than that.

Then he felt his sister’s presence. And Rowen and Luna. And Sage and Ryo.

What are they doing here? If Sayoko was in Mama Bear mode, she would have invited herself to the dinner party at this point. He wanted to find them and ask what was going on… but he couldn’t leave Kento. For now, he would just have to trust that they would be okay.

Kento had some doubts, but this Rajura guy was turning out to be an okay dude. He wasn’t at all like the usual creeps Pa would ask him to network with. He didn’t talk about business; just about his favorite rugby teams, some interesting hints about how he lost his eye, and just generally treating Kento like a person instead of a business opportunity.

Meanwhile, Cye was in the back as they walked to the restaurant, with Ma and Pa, and didn’t look happy at all. Kento felt guilt wash over him, but there wasn’t much he could do right now. He’d promised Pa that he would help convince Rajura to invest in Fang Restaurants. And for once, he didn’t feel like he was losing his soul in the process.

“Wow, check out all the trees surrounding the place,” Kento said more to himself than anyone else. “It reminds me of…”

“Of those deep forests you can lose yourself in?” Rajura smiled at Kento. “I was a little rowdy as a boy and tended to run off into the woods to let off steam. Nature always calmed me. I supposed I wanted to bring that serenity to my work.”

“You succeeded. I feel the same way about nature. I’ve always felt most like myself when I’m alone in the mountains.”

“You don’t say.” Rajura gazed at him levelly. “It must be difficult, living in an urban area like Tokyo.”

Normally, Kento would have insisted that he loved living in Tokyo because all his friends were there. But it was like Rajura could see every insecurity he worked so hard to hide… and he was tired of hiding. “It is. Sometimes all I want to do is run away.”

“What’s stopping you?”

“What?”

“I said, what’s stopping you? You hate being away from the mountains and the trees. People are corrupt and horrible. Any goodness is destroyed. Our spirits are crushed just trying to survive in this awful world. It seems to be the only way to preserve yourself is to run away.”

“I can’t run.” Kento flinched at a twinge of pain in his skull. He looked around for his parents and Cye… but they weren’t there anymore. “My folks,” he whispered. “My friends. Cye. I could never leave them.”

“But they will leave you,” Rajura said solemnly. “I’ve been in your situation. People will claim to care for you, as long as you’re useful to them. But the moment you’re not, they’ll toss you aside.”

“That’s not true,” he managed, somehow. It was hard to think, to breathe. “My family—”

“Will disown you the moment you declare you do not want to inherit the restaurant… or you do take over, the restaurant fails, and your father’s dreams crumble.”

“Cye,” he sobbed, head in his hands.

“Ah, yes. Cye Mouri. The lad who hates fighting so much it hurts him physically. He may find you charming now, but his repulsion at your violent nature will cause him to betray you. And why wouldn’t he? A monster like you could never truly love anyone.”

He cried out as images flashed in his mind. All the bullies and creeps who’d realized they were in over their head by fighting him and begged for mercy but never got it. His friends, looking on in horror. Sage, pale and still as death on the ground.

“I can’t take it anymore,” he realized.

He ran away.

“Kento?!” Cye looked around the restaurant patio for the third time. The Fangs were looking inside. It was so frustrating. Suddenly, both Kento and Rajura had vanished from sight—and Cye couldn’t detect their presence at all. He resisted the urge to flip over one of the cheap-looking patio tables. He never should have let Kento walk alone with Rajura, he should have stuck by his side, he should have protected him—

He recoiled in pain as he felt Kento’s anguish… and then a lot of fear from the patrons inside the restaurant.

He fought off the wave of dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. “No,” he promised himself. “I will not faint and I certainly will not cry. Not until I’m no longer needed.” He was worried about the Fangs and the people in the restaurant… but somehow, he knew that his sister and his friends would protect them all.

Which meant that he could focus on saving Kento.

Cye concentrated on the source of the anguish and pinpointed where Kento was hiding in the forest surrounding the restaurant. Knife in hand, he went to save his boyfriend.

A few minutes earlier.

“Okay,” Rowen said happily as he scanned the menu. “I will have—”

“We’re still deciding,” Sayoko said for him. “Give us another fifteen minutes, please.” The server frowned and left the table.

“That’s not true at all.” Rowen looked at Sayoko, betrayed. “I knew what I wanted to order.”

“You don’t want to eat anything here.” Sage closed his eyes for a moment. “Unless you like demonic cuisine.”

Sayoko frowned. “You need to work on your quips, Sage, but yes. My suspicions were correct. How many jobbers are located here, Sage?”

“All of the servers and the staff. The other patrons here, however, are human. I suspect the Dynasty is hoping to corrupt and/or brainwash various influential people to gain a foothold in the affairs of the mortal realm—Ms. Sayoko, stop,” he said when she began to stand up. “I’m worried about Cye and Kento too, but they’re not the only people in danger here.” A large family was laughing next to them, and an elderly couple was chatting a table away. “We need a strategy.”

“I’m not sure if we can do anything,” Ryo whispered. “Everyone in here is a hostage.”

Luna touched Ryo’s arm. “What if we found who’s powering the illusion? If we take them out, we might be able to end this comparatively quietly.”

They saw Kento screaming and running away from the back window.

And then they saw Cye running after him.

And then everything was swallowed up in darkness. Patrons screamed as the servers and staff turned into Dynasty soldiers.

“Or maybe Kento and Cye will be Kento and Cye and we’ll need to make it up as we go along,” Ryo said, as they quickly ducked under the table and changed into their Armor (it was a tight fit, but there were no other places to transform without others seeing them). His main concern was that Sayoko had no armor. Not that she seemed to notice that as she hit a grunt with her war mallet and made a beeline for the window. “I’m gonna break a hole in the dome and save Cye and Kento! Strata, cover me!” Rowen followed her silently.

“Halo,” Ryo said. “You help Ms. Sayoko with breaking down the dome wall.” He glanced at Luna. “You and I will protect the civilians.”

Luna nodded. She fist-bumped Ryo, then Sage (only slightly awkwardly). “The second that dome is down, I’ll get them to safety.”

Ryo rolled out from under the table, slashing a nearby grunt’s leg in two. Red mist appeared and empty armor clattered to the ground. The grunt collapsed, and then truly vanished when Ryo stabbed him with both katanas in the chest. He glanced at Luna, who saved a young boy with a well-timed knife to a soldier’s skull. Once the soldier disappeared into red mist, she guided the boy to his mother, instructing them to hide under the table.

The elderly man was trying to shield his wife from a soldier. Ryo was about to step in… but then a powerful-looking woman distracted the soldier with an expertly timed kick. She grimaced as her foot impacted with the armor, but that didn’t stop her from throwing a heavy plate at the soldier, who was so disoriented from that that he didn’t notice a thin guy stabbing him in the back with a butcher knife. As the soldier disappeared and the two of them led the elderly couple away, the man said something about how he was glad he’d been near the kitchen before things got weird. Okay, cool. That problem was solved.

Sage and Sayoko were (for once) working together to break a hole in the dome. They hadn’t succeeded yet, but the dome was showing signs of strain. Rowen was picking off any grunts that tried to bother them.

Ryo slashed at another soldier, fully confident in his friends.

“I’m sorry,” Kento whispered to what was left of the tree. “I didn’t mean to.” He couldn’t even remember what he had done. He had just started punching because he didn’t know what else to do with all the sorrow in his heart. He’d punched and kicked and screamed and then… it fell apart.

He looked down at his shaking hands. His bones should have been broken. His skin should have been bleeding. But like always, he was okay. He could hurt anyone and anything, and it wouldn’t show. He could probably kill somebody, and it wouldn’t show. He was tough. So tough… so…

He collapsed over the tree stump, sobbing so hard it hurt.

“Goodness,” Rajura breathed as he appeared, “what happened here?”

“I’m sorry.” Kento wiped at his eyes, still sad but willing to take responsibility. “I messed up your forest.”

But Rajura just smiled down at him. “This is exactly what I hoped for.”

Kento looked up at him. “How is murdering a tree exactly what you hoped for?”

“Because, Kento, you’re like me. Someone too wild for this realm. But if you join me, I’ll take you to someone who would appreciate your abilities.”

Rajura held out his hand. Kento began to reach out, because what other choice was there? At least with Rajura, he’d be of use to someone… but then he remembered and pulled away.

“I gotta talk to Cye first.”

“… What?”

“I promised Cye that if I ran away, I’d tell him so he could run away with me,” Kento explained.

Rajura scoffed. “Do you think someone like Cye would run away with a monster like you?!”

“No, but I made a promise. If he doesn’t want to be with me anymore, fine. But it wouldn’t be right to break my promise to him. It wouldn’t be just.”

Rajura grabbed Kento’s arm ungently. “You’re leaving with me, now.”

“Yeah, I already I said would,” Kento shot back as he pulled away. “What is your problem, dude? I told you I would go with you just as soon as I talk to my friend.” He blinked at the fog in his head began to clear. “… Why am I going with you in the first place? You said all those awful things about…” He frowned at Rajura sternly. “Where are my parents? Where is Cye?”

Rajura grumbled something about the spell breaking, and Kento suddenly knew what was going on. “Rowen told me about you! You’re Dais and you messed with his head! And you tried to mess with mine, but you didn’t count on my noggin being hard as rock.” He got ready for a fight. “Wait, if you’re targeting me as well, I wonder if…”

As if on cue, a shining orange orb appeared in front of Kento.

Justice.

“Oh my God,” he said as he reached out carefully for the orb, “Tokusatsu is real!”

Dais snarled as he changed into an Armored form. Yet Kento had no fear in his heart. He wasn’t a monster. He wasn’t a bad son.

He was a hero of justice.

“Armor of Hardrock,” he said with a grin. A storm of cherry blossoms later, he had donned gleaming orange Armor, with a staff in hand. He immediately made use of said staff as he hit Dais on the head.

“How do you like my head games, magic man?!” Kento quipped as Dais staggered backward. “Rock and roll!”

Dais recovered enough to look up at Kento in disbelief. “… What are you doing?”

“It’s called banter, bro! It keeps you distracted while I get my super attacks ready!”

“You don’t say,” Dais said as he channeled a wave of energy above his head. “Meanwhile, your desire to explain this ‘banter’ kept you distracted while I prepared my attack.”

“Uh-oh.” Kento wasn’t quite sure if he could dodge this attack—but he realized he wouldn’t have to as a tanto knife flew past his head, lodging itself in Dais’s left shoulder. Dais cried out as the energy disappeared.

“Leave my boyfriend alone,” Cye told Dais coldly.

“Cye?!” He was relieved to see that Cye was okay, but this was the middle of a battle, he needed to get him someplace safe, to protect him—

The pain in his back was so terrible, that Kento didn’t even have it in him to scream. “You are very easily distracted,” Dais whispered in triumph. “And soon, you’ll be very dead.”

Kento had enough strength to break away, stumbling backward. He did his best to stand upright, fully prepared to use his remaining moments to protect Cye as Dais prepared an attack.

“Kento?!” Cye’s hands were hovering over the wound on his back.

“I’m fine,” he lied. “Get out of here.”

“No,” and this wasn’t Cye’s usual stubbornness. It was as if someone else was talking through him. Cye’s hands were so warm, that Kento could feel them through his Armor. “I can patch up any hurt.” And just like that, the pain was gone. Kento heard Cye moan, then a heavy thud as he collapsed.

The energy wave was coming at them. Words came to Kento’s mind… but no, he had someone to protect. He couldn’t risk that much destruction. Instead, he got his staff ready and struck the energy wave as hard as he could. “Batter up!”

The look on Dais’s face as he was hit with his own attack was so worth it.

“As I said previously,” Kento yelled to the now-empty forest, “All tokusatsu is real!” But for now, he had other concerns. He knelt next to Cye. His breathing was regular, and he didn’t seem injured. Honestly, it seemed like he was ‘only’ under one of his spells. Gently, Kento took Cye into his arms. “Hey. Babe.” He cradled Cye closer to his body. “I love you. Please wake up.” Cye remained still.

An idea occurred to Kento. “I’m hungry.”

Cye stirred, groaning. “Hold on, caveman, I’ll make you something to eat.” His eyes opened slowly. “Or I would if we weren’t in the forest.” As Kento helped him sit up, he gazed at Kento with a strange look on his face.

“You okay?”

“Yes.” Cye shook his head as if trying to ward off an unwanted thought. “I just had an odd feeling, that’s all.” He gazed at Kento. “I’m glad you beat that Rajura bloke, but I think you need to explain,” he waved a hand in Kento’s general direction “all of this.”

“Rajura’s real name is Dais. He’s an evil Warlord trying to take over the world. And this Armor? All part of my destiny to protect my loved ones from demons.” Kento shrugged. “At least, that’s more or less what Rowen said after he became Strata—oops.”

Cye’s hands were folded in his lap, the picture of tranquility. “So, you and Rowen wear mystical Armor. Anyone else?”

“Ryo and Sage,” Kento admitted guiltily because there was no more point in hiding the truth. “Luna doesn’t have mystical Armor, but she becomes this cool ninja lady and helps us out. She saved me and Rowen back in New York.” Cye was silent. “… Are you taking this well?”

“No, I’m not taking this well at all,” Cye said quietly. “I appear calm because I’m too exhausted to demonstrate my outrage at all of you going around risking your lives. What if one of you had been hurt? Or died?” He took in a shaky breath, another crack in his supposed serenity. “I… found out some things about my Dad. He was killed saving someone’s life. I don’t want that to happen to any of you.”

“It won’t,” Kento whispered fiercely. “We’ll all survive and come back home to you every time.”

“Even you know that’s not possible to promise, Kento, but I appreciate the gesture.” He let out a sigh. “I suppose next you’ll tell me that Sayoko is the Aka Ranger or whatever of your group.”

“She’s more like the Edogawa. She helped build Luna’s armor. And she also fights demons in secret. Luna and Rowen both work for her.”

“Of course,” Cye said flatly. “She’s worse than you when it comes to heroics.” He bowed his head, heavy bangs shielding his eyes. “But I’m a hypocrite. I’m complaining about you guys hiding the truth when I did the same.”

“What do you mean?”

Cye tapped the spot on Kento’s back where Dais had wounded him. It didn’t hurt at all.

“Oh. Yeah.”

Cye pulled away, clasping his hands tight against his heart. “I’m an empath,” he breathed. “I have some psychic abilities as well. Usually, a person is only one or the other, but I’m ‘lucky’ enough to be both. I can sense emotions and presences. I can pull someone’s anguish into my own heart. And apparently, I can also heal physical wounds now.”

“That does seem new,” Kento murmured. “How did you figure that out?”

“I begged anyone who was listening to help me save you… and then I heard my father, the one I inherited my abilities from, telling me to trust him. The next thing I know, you’re whining for food.”

Kento smiled a little at that. “So… would you be able to heal physical wounds again?”

“Yes. I don’t know if I will, though.” Cye looked at Kento, but only for a moment. “I understand if this knowledge changes how you see me. This all must seem bizarre to you.” He closed his eyes, trying not to cry. “Even freakish.”

“… No. No, Cye, look at me.” Kento knelt before him, taking Cye’s face in his hands. “You have saved me more times than I can count because of what you can do. And by being kind and evil and smart and trusting me even when I don’t trust myself. You literally brought me back from the brink of death. You’re not a freak. You’re an angel.”

Cye laughed even as the tears began to fall. “Dork.”

“Yeah, but I’m your dork.”

“I’m being so melodramatic about this.” Cye wiped away his tears. “I’ve told others about this—Sage, Rowen, and Mia—but I didn’t break down crying because I thought they were going to hate me. I guess telling your boyfriend is different than telling your friends.”

“You also exhausted yourself because you had to save my butt yet again,” Kento reminded him. “And if anyone thinks using your talents to help others is freakish, the problem is with them, not you.”

“You don’t say,” Cye whispered as he gazed at Kento dreamily. “By the way, you’re supposed to kiss the prince after you rescue him.”

Kento blinked in surprise. “But I thought you didn’t like the prince thing?”

Cye leaned in; eyes half-closed. “Maybe just this once.”

Kento’s heart was pounding, because while they had kissed, usually Cye was the one who started the kissing. He… wasn’t the type to take the lead in things like this, but he wasn’t going to chicken out. He squeezed his eyes shut, one hand behind Cye’s neck as he pulled him in a little further, and never mind, taking the lead was the most natural thing in the world. Cye made a pleased sound as he wrapped his arms around Kento’s shoulders.

“Sorry,” Rowen said. “I’ll leave.”

“Rowen!” Cye broke away, but Kento couldn’t mind too much as he dragged him by the hand to Rowen’s direction. “Let’s get some things out of the way. I know everything about everyone. I am not happy about it. But it’s clear that you’re needed, whether I like it or not. Just please don’t hide the truth from me anymore, okay?”

“Of course,” Rowen nodded solemnly. “The others should be here shortly. They needed to escort the civilians to safety.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet they did.” Kento let out a low whistle as he surveyed where the restaurant has once stood. Now there was nothing. “I guess Illusory Cuisine lived up to its name, heh.” He stopped mid-laugh when he saw Pa and Ma running up to them. Cye muttered something to Rowen and they both walked over to the tree stump. Even just a few hours ago, he would have felt like he needed to stand taller or justify himself in some way. Impress them because he loved them so much and he wanted them to love him back. But now? He had impressed himself for a change. So, Kento simply smiled and waved. “Hey, Pa! Ma! Over here!”

Pa grabbed him by the arms. “Kento!” He grabbed him in a hug. “Ma and I were looking for you in the restaurant, but then these weird armored guys attacked and we had to figure a way out. I was so scared for you.”

“I’m sorry, Pa,” Kento said, hugging his father back. “It’s over now, though.”

Ma gave Kento a thoughtful look. “Chan Run, isn’t that the Armor of Hardrock you told me about?”

Pa pulled away, examining Kento’s Armor. “I think it is, Mei. I had always assumed that after our family’s reversal in fortunes poor old Hardrock was sold or stolen.” He grinned widely. “I guess our son’s courage brought the big guy back, hunh?”

Speaking of courage… “Pa,” Kento said. “I don’t want to inherit the restaurant.” He waited for his parents to explode in anger.

Ma just nodded. Pa sighed unhappily, but added, “Yeah, I saw this coming.”

“Wait. What?”

“Oh, Kento.” Pa placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m your father. I can tell when you’re upset and when you’re getting in fights again. I won’t lie, I always dreamed that my oldest would take over. But you’re way more important to me than some little fantasy.” He looked at where the restaurant used to be. “Also, I think I’m going to need to curate some of my business partners. I don’t want you to get kidnapped again.”

“I am in full agreement with you there, Chan Run.” Ma frowned at Kento in concern. “Your boyfriend looks a little pale. Is he all right?”

Kento was just about to explain that they weren’t official… but then he remembered Cye telling Dais to leave his boyfriend alone, and okay, cool. “He’s fine. He’s just getting over a spell.”

Ma’s frown turned into a scowl. “Then go be with him. Honestly.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kento said obediently as he trotted over to Cye.

“Good. I suspect you have some things to tell Cye and his brother, so Chan Run and I will take our leave. Call us as soon as you’re on your way home.”

“Good news, babe! I don’t have to inherit the restaurant!”

“Kento, that’s wonderful! So, what are you going to do instead?”

“… I kind of forgot to tell them. But that’s okay because I’m still not sure what I wanna do with my life!” And oddly enough, he was okay with that. “As long as I’m with you guys, I’m happy.”

“You could always be a noir detective with me,” Rowen offered.

“Thanks, man. I’ll keep that in mind.” Kento waved down Ryo, Luna, and Sage as they appeared.

“Kento?” Sage frowned at the sight of Kento in his Armor. “Did you…”

“Don’t you see, Sage? I’ve become a Kamen Rider.”

Sage looked disgusted. “You are not a Kamen Rider. You are a Ronin Warrior.”

“Nah, I’m a Kamen Rider. A Kento Rider, if you will.”

As Sage and Kento argued, Luna approached Cye. “Hey. How are you holding up?”

“Not well, but everyone is safe, so I’ll take what I can get.” Cye took a breath. “Luna, I should tell you and Ryo that I have psychic and empathic abilities.”

“Got it,” Luna said with no hesitation.

Ryo nodded and smiled. “I’m not surprised. You’ve always been super perceptive.”

“Also,” Cye began as he pushed the hair from his eyes. “I have a favor to ask all of you.”

“Of course. Whatever you need,” Ryo said for all of them.

“Don’t tell Sayoko I know any of this. Work is stressful for her right now and I don’t want her to worry. I can sense her approaching. I hate to ask, but could you guys go back to civilian mode or whatever you call it?”

A moment late, Selene and the Ronin Warriors were gone. “Your secret is safe with us, Cye,” Sage promised him.

“Yeah!” Luna hugged him quickly. “You can trust us, no matter what!”

Cye grinned at them thankfully. “I really do appreciate this.” He turned his attention to Sayoko when she appeared. “Hi, Sayoko! Hey, wasn’t there a restaurant there before?”

“I know, it’s weird, right?” Sayoko led Cye out of the woods. “So… what happened to you?”

“I got lost trying to find my way to the Fangs’ table, had a spell, and woke up here. Good thing my friends showed up.”

“Definitely!”

The five of them waited for what felt like forever. Finally, Kento said, “Are the Mouris out of eyesight, earshot, and sensing range?”

“Yes,” Sage assured him.

“Why are they like this?!” Kento screamed as he started sparring with Sage.

“I don’t know, it makes me so mad!” Sage snarled as he fended off Kento’s attacks.

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay, Rowen,” Luna promised her glum friend. “Yeah, we’ll have to navigate being close to Cye and working for the boss, but we’ve kept secrets before.” Rowen sighed heavily. Then Luna noticed that Ryo was unusually quiet. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. It’s just… this is the second time Dais has tried to mess with one of us. I don’t think we should let our guard down just yet.”

The knife hadn’t pierced his flesh, so it wasn’t hard to remove it. Dais threw the blasted thing on the table, first planning to set it ablaze… but no. Torrent clearly had a connection to it. Which meant Dais could use it to establish a connection with him.

“You have them all fooled, but not me,” he growled to the knife. “You don’t trust anyone. You’re a selfish child who would let them all die if it meant you could be comfortable. And I will make you prove that to them all.”

Final Notes: For anyone who is not a tokusatsu fan: Kamen Rider is a long-running action-adventure franchise about heroes fighting villains, so I could see Kento being a fan. Aka Ranger was the Red Ranger from the very first Super Sentai (Himistu Sentai Go Ranger), another long-running franchise about heroes fighting villains. Edogawa was their commanding officer in the show.

Anyways, I really liked Kento's quips in the show. The cornier the better! So, a lot of them showed up in this chapter. Which, after everything I put him through in the last chapter, was a relief TBH.