"Lonely Heart," chapter 13

Title: Lonely Heart (Chapter 13)
Fandom: Ronin Warriors
Characters/Pairing: Cye/Kento, Ryo/Luna (Luna doesn’t show up in this chapter). Rowen Hashiba, Sekhmet, Dais
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine, anything mentioned here by name isn't mine
Warnings: Alluded to trauma and mentioning canonical parental death.
Notes: More slice-of-life/remake AU!

Sekhmet glowered down at his prey. Usually, he enjoyed it when rebels put up a bit of his fight—at least until his venom did its work. This wraith, however, was proving to be annoyingly quick and persistent. He’d landed some glancing blows, but nothing that could poison her. Embarrassingly, the wraith had used her abilities to lodge icy shards into his shoulder guard.

Still, he couldn’t just give up, even if it was just one pathetic rebel. He needed something vaguely approaching a victory he could share with Master Talpa. After Dais’s third failure to capture an awakening Ronin Warrior, Master Talpa was displeased. The fact that Anubis had come out of his exile only to go rogue and try to kill Dais didn’t improve his mood. Sekhmet supposed he should be happy: with Anubis and Dais out of the way, his only competition to becoming Talpa’s second was Cale. But honestly? He had seen what pursuit of power had done to Anubis and now Dais. If that was what Sekhmet had to look forward to if he stayed on this path, he wasn’t sure if he wanted it any longer.

However, he had sworn an oath to Master Talpa. Not to mention this rebel was quite annoying. “Wraith, if you quit running, I will grant you a quick death.”

“I am no mere wraith!” She declared, her expression as steely as her naginata. “I am Ume, an onna-musha and retainer to Lord Saberstryke! I carry the will of the demons and wraiths that are sick of Talpa’s tyranny! Together, we will—”

“Snake Fang Stike,” Sekhmet said dully as he threw his attack at her. The wraith who fancied herself an onna-musha disappeared in the wave of energy.

“Well, that was tedious, but I got the job done.” Sekhmet examined the small field as the dust cleared… and snarled behind his face-plating.

“Wow, I was going to say the same thing,” a young man nearly two meters in height monotoned. His hands were glowing the same silvery hue as the bubble that was protecting himself and the onna-musha Ume. “Honestly, Ume. We don’t have time for speeches.”

“There’s always time to espouse justice to our foes, Haru,” she replied sternly. “That said, do you have the power to get us out of here? The Warlord is prepping for another attack.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll try to find us someplace safe. Ume, hold on to me.”

Sekhmet growled as the rebels disappeared. “In the name of venom, I will have my revenge.” But for right now, he had to figure out how to spin this defeat into something more positive when he reported back to Master Talpa.

“Well, we’re safe from Sekhmet,” Haru remarked. “However, since I didn’t have the time to center myself for the spell we’re now currently in a dark cave, the only light we have is coming from my hands, and who even knows what kind of demons are down here with us. He growled softly in frustration. “Have you ever considered that the Dynasty doesn’t care about justice and friendship and you should just fight or flee them, depending on how the battle is going?”

“I’m sorry,” Ume said guiltily. “I just can’t stand creeps like Sekhmet. So willing to destroy life for a little bit of ‘power.’ It reminds me…”

“Of the soldiers that killed you and your family,” Haru finished for her. “I should apologize as well. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

“They’re not bad memories,” Ume assured him as they tried to find their way out of the cave. “Well, they’re bad, but they also drive me to fight for the good demons and wraiths here.”

She waited for Haru to scold her again, but instead, he almost smiled. “The Dynasty was once a place where weary souls could rest. I’m foolish enough to think that it could be again.”

“And I’m foolish enough to think that yelling about justice and friendship will help me win fights!” Ume clapped him gently on the back. “That’s why we get along so well.”

“Comrades in arms. How droll.”

Haru immediately bubbled them. That didn’t stop Ume from drawing her naginata.

“I know who you are,” she said coolly. “You’re Dais, the Warlord of Illusion. I was under the impression that you had fallen out with your brethren.”

“They’re no brethren of mine… but yes, we did have a falling out.” Ume hadn’t noticed before due to the poor lighting, but Dais was seriously wounded. There were cuts on his torso and bruises on his face. Yes, his Armor would absorb attacks, but it had its limits… and almost no one survived an encounter with the Ogre Anubis. Even a Ronin Warrior had fallen to him years ago. “As you can see, wraith, I am no threat to you. I propose a truce since it’s clear that we’re both trying to escape.”

Ume did not drop her weapon. “Why should we trust you?”

“Because I am going to give you some information Talpa is trying to keep secret: the Ronin Warriors are back.”

“… I’ve heard rumors about Halo and Wildfire.” Haru fought to keep his tone neutral. “But surely not the others. Especially Torrent; that Armor was lost in battle.”

Dais shook his head. “I’ve seen Wildfire, Halo, Strata, and Hardrock with my own eye. As for Torrent, Shin’s son awakened despite my best efforts to make him sleep forever.” He smiled bitterly. “And now you know why Anubis is after me: he feels that I was cheating him out of a glorious battle with the new Torrent or whatever.”

“Couldn’t have happened to a nicer Warlord,” Haru commented flatly. “However, we need to see proof. Real proof, not one of your illusions.” Dais grimaced as he took off his helmet, holding it up so Haru could get a better look. The helmet sported a significant dent. Dynasty soldiers were too weak to make such an impact. Unfortunately, so were the majority of the rebels. A Warlord could cause that damage, but the Warlords all used bladed weapons. The only Armor he could think of that could cause such blunt damage was…

“Hardrock,” he breathed. “Hardrock has awakened. Again, couldn’t have happened to a nicer Warlord.”

“With such clever wit, I can’t believe your rebels haven’t won back your realm yet. Now, do we have a truce?”

Ume did not like the idea of accepting a truce with an evil Warlord. However, there was no point in fighting a wounded opponent. Not to mention Haru was right: right now, their primary focus was on survival. “Fine. What are your terms?”

“I tell you where the exit is. You and your demon friend help me escape since I can barely move.”

Ume glanced at Haru. “Are you fine with that?”

“No, but there’s not much choice,” Haru grumbled as he broke their bubble. He then immediately bubbled Dais. “Here’s another term: you stay there until my friend and I are safe.”

Dais smirked and shrugged. “Fine, feel free to carry me. Walk about five meters, then take a left. Once you see the glowing rocks, you’ll walk some more until you see the exit.”

For once, the Warlord of Illusion was telling the truth. When the group reached the clearing, Haru sent the bubble flying into a boulder near the exit. It fell apart and Dais crashed to the ground in a weak heap. “I-I thought we had a truce,” Dais managed around his coughing and gasping.

“We did. All three of us are safely out of the cave. That means the truce is over.” Ume placed a hand on Haru’s back. “Good luck when Anubis eventually tracks you down. I trust you’ll do fine.” In a flash, they were gone.

Dais didn’t sense Anubis or anyone else suspect (for now), so he took some time to attempt to rest. “I never want to hear the word ‘trust’ again,” he whispered bitterly to the setting sun.

“Now Rowen,” Cye said brightly, “Are you positive that you have everything you’ll need for your trip to Osaka?”

“Yes.”

“What about your cordless phone? Do you need money for the trip?”

“I have my phone, and I got paid yesterday. I have more than enough yen for the trip.” Rowen gave Cye a wry look. “You do realize that I have traveled to Osaka before, correct? And that both Sage and Ms. Sayoko will be there to mother hen me while we’re working? Mia will be joining us, and I’m sure she’ll also do her best to look out for me as well.”

“I know. However, it is my sacred duty as your elder brother to protect and nurture you. Now, come here and get a hug.”

Ryo laughed as Rowen rolled his eyes, but still hugged Cye. It’d been forty-eight hours since Cye had awakened his Armor, and like the others, Ryo could sense some slight differences in his being. Rowen had become livelier. Kento was sturdier and more secure in his purpose. Meanwhile, Cye?

Cye wrapped his arm around Ryo’s shoulders. “Okay, Ryo, listen. Mrs. Watson is your typical parent, but she admires confidence. Be respectful to her, but don’t be afraid to argue for your points when needed!” He winked at Ryo playfully. “That’s how you’ll get her blessing for your eventual marriage to Luna.”

He was all energy and comfort and completely assured that he knew best for everyone. He had become his sister.

“Dude, calm down. This dinner I’m having with Luna and her mother isn’t even a date. This is me welcoming Mrs. Watson to Japan after Luna and I patrol the city.” While Cye and Kento were researching Warlords and relaying Shin Mouri’s final words to his family in Yamaguchi and the others were collecting information from Rowen’s grandfather’s shrine in Osaka, Ryo and Luna were going to stay behind to make sure Tokyo wasn’t at the mercy of demons. Ryo wasn’t too thrilled about splitting up so soon after their team was formed, but they needed to know everything they could about the Warlords, especially Anubis. “Besides, she’s smart and funny, while I’m just—”

Cye placed his hand over Ryo’s mouth. “No. We are not doing the self-doubt thing today. You like Luna. She likes you. But both of you are nervous about confessing and trying a relationship. Believe me, I get it.” His expression softened. “It’s scary when you’re used to being on your own and then you find yourself trying to make a life with someone else, even if you care for them. So, Ryo, do you want to make a life with Luna?”

That was an intense way to phrase it, but Ryo still found himself nodding.

“Then all that matters is if she feels the same way,” Cye said as he took away his hand. “I can’t speak for Luna, but I know she cares for you.” He smiled at Ryo gently. “And you two will have a lot of alone time during the break. Those moonlit patrols, the adrenaline rush after you beat up some demons together…”

He shoved Cye playfully. “Okay, I get it. I’ll talk to Luna.”

Ryo was still new to this friend thing, so when he hugged Cye, it was awkward at first. Yet Cye hugged him back with everything he had. “I know Kento and your butler will be in Yamaguchi with you, but look out for yourself, okay?” Cye could take care of himself. Cye had saved them all. Yet the image of Cye deathly still in Luna’s arms haunted him. He couldn’t lose him. He couldn’t lose any of them. It was one of the reasons he’d asked Cye and Rowen to stop by before they left. He needed to make sure Cye was okay just one more time.

“I’ll be careful,” Cye promised him as he put on his sunhat. “But only if you do the same.” A car horn honked. “Oh, that’s Sayoko to pick Rowen and me up. We’ll see you after the break, Ryo.” Cye quickly hugged White Blaze (who was enjoying the sunshine on the porch), told the tiger he loved him, and then dashed outside.

“Are you sure that you and Luna will be okay alone in Tokyo?” Rowen asked as he hoisted his bag over his shoulder.

“Oh, yeah,” Ryo said with a wave of his hand. “If anything does happen, we’ll back each other up. Besides, Professor Koji is in Tokyo this week. Not to mention Mrs. Watson.” It was strange for him to have multiple people he could count on if things got dire. His grandfather and the Ancient One helped, but they had other obligations. Before, he could only count on White Blaze. Now… well, it was a good feeling.

Rowen, however, didn’t look like he felt good at all. His eyes were shadowed and he couldn’t meet Ryo’s gaze. “I never got a chance to thank you for earlier. You were the one who kept Cye from disappearing into the woods before his sister could talk to him.”

Ah, of course. Cye was Rowen’s older brother in every way except blood. Of course Rowen would still be on edge, even after everything worked out. “I’m just glad I was able to help.”

Rowen made a rueful sound. “I’m supposed to be so smart, but when Cye needed me, I couldn’t do anything.”

“As Cye said, we are not doing self-doubt today,” Ryo reminded him sternly. “First off, you kept Kento from charging in to try to save Cye when he was brainwashed to hate anyone who was a Ronin Warrior. Second, I’m an only child, so I may be wrong but… I think this was something your sister and your brother had to work out on their own. I think all you need to do is be there for them right now.”

Rowen’s smile was uncertain, but at least he was smiling. As for Ryo, he was still getting used to the hug thing, but he held out his arms. He was relieved when Rowen hugged him tight.

“I should probably go,” Rowen said as he pulled away. “I’ll see you when school starts again.” He also stopped to hug White Blaze, murmuring that he was the best tiger in the world before he disappeared into Sayoko’s station wagon.

Ryo was left alone to pet White Blaze. “Weird that the fish guy and the bird guy are the ones most into my tiger.”

White Blaze purred/chuckled.

Cye had guided Kento to a seat near the back of the bus so he and Kento could sort of have some privacy to talk. “You feel tense,” he whispered as the bus started moving. “You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong, but I’d love to listen.”

Kento, who had been unusually quiet while they waited at the stop, finally relaxed enough to grin. “I guess I better get used to you knowing everything.”

“Oh, I always knew everything. It’s just now I’m finally able to share that with you openly.”

“Well, I’m glad. It’s just…” Kento looked around to make sure the bored students and old people weren’t paying attention. After that, he leaned in to whisper. “You never said what you saw. You don’t have to. But I was able to piece together what went down when you were talking to Sayoko, and are you sure you want to visit every part of Yamaguchi?”

Okay, Yamaguchi wasn’t his favorite place in the world, but why was Kento… oh. “Thank you for thinking of me. But Sayoko is right: the ocean is a part of me and I couldn’t stay away from it even if I tried.” It was going to be difficult stepping on the shore and knowing that it was where his father had fought his last battle. But his mother, Mortimer, and Sayoko had done that for years when he begged them to take him to the beach back home. And there were good memories of his father connected to the ocean as well. “Besides, after getting to know Dad, sort of, I think it would make him sad if I stopped going. I think—I know he was happiest when the four of us were at the ocean together.”

Kento’s tension ebbed slightly. “Okay. But seriously, as someone who would never speak up if he was uncomfortable until it was almost too late? The second you need to take a break or even an escape plan, let me know.”

Cye wanted to insist that he was fine, but after the past few days… “Thanks. I’m feeling calm enough now, but processing trauma is infamously tricky. I’ll let you know if I need help, I promise.”

“Cye, you feel tense. Literally, I mean.” Kento’s hand was on Cye’s back as they walked the remainder of the way to his family’s estate.

“Oh, I’m totally fine. I’m just about to tell my butler that my father’s spirit doesn’t want him to feel guilty over his death anymore. No big deal.”

“You gonna be okay?”

“Yes,” Cye said immediately. “I owe this to him. I love Dad, but Mortimer was the one who read me bedtime stories and taught me aikido.”

“Seriously? Sorry if this sounds rude, but he sounds more like a dad than a butler.”

“That’s because he was, Kento. He also taught me to cook, clean, and throw knives. All the things a gentleman is supposed to know.” He took in the sight of Mouri Manor. “He deserves to know this.”

“Wow,” Kento said as he also observed Cye’s family home. “Rowen was right. Your sister is Batman!”

“What?” Cye scowled. “Look, just because someone lost her father and swore vengeance and runs a successful business and… fights evil wearing black armor and lives in a manor with her butler… if anyone calls me Robin, I’ll kill them.”

Kento grinned cheekily. “Whatever you say, Aquaman.”

“Ugh. That’s even worse.”

“No, man, he’s cool now, I swear. He’s got a harpoon for a hand and this awesome beard! You and I are going through Luna’s comic collection as soon as we’re back in Tokyo.” Thankfully, Kento stopped nerding out when Cye rang the front door bell.

Cye felt panic well up in him as the door opened. How could he explain anything that had happened the past few days, even to Mortimer? Did the right words to contextualize the events even exist?

“Master Cye, Kento,” Mortimer said as he escorted them into the foyer with a deep bow (Kento rolled his eyes). As he drew back to his full height, he gave them a piercing look. “Or perhaps I should refer to you two as Cye of the Torrent and Kento of Hardrock now?”

Mortimer’s perceptiveness startled Cye but also strengthened his resolve. If Mortimer could be direct, then so could he. “If you wish. I awakened Torrent the day after Kento awakened as Hardrock. Someone has to keep my dork safe.” He managed a smile, even if it was only for a bit.

He wasn’t sure how he expected Mortimer to react to this news, especially since he could already tell what had happened. But the sadness/pride/tenderness in his butler’s eyes was too much for Cye and he averted his gaze. “The battle was difficult, but… but Dad helped me. His spirit, at least. He also told me that you shouldn’t blame yourself for his death, Mortimer.”

“I see.” Mortimer closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. “Please excuse me for two hours, Master Cye. I will return then.” With a speed that rivaled Sage’s, Mortimer disappeared into one of the manor’s many rooms.

“Being so direct was a mistake.” Cye took the chocolate loaf cake out of the oven to let it cool. He then took the second pan and placed it in the oven. “He and Dad were basically brothers. I should have figured out a way to tell him more gently.”

“Cye, he probably would’ve reacted the same, no matter what you did.”

It was one of those rare times Kento was right, but that didn’t mean much when Cye could sense Mortimer’s distress. “I’ll go talk to him, heal him if he asks—”

“Cye.” Kento took him carefully by the arm. “He said to give him two hours. There’s one hour left. You need to respect that. If he’s not out here by then, yeah, we’ll check on him. But for now, we need to give him his space.”

“I know,” Cye admitted. “I just can’t tolerate standing here while someone I love is in pain.”

“You’re not. You’re giving him space to process what he just learned. As soon as he returns, you can nurture him all you want. I mean, c’mon. You’re making him cakes.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Cye debated making a glaze for the loaf. No, it was already sweet. And if they needed something extra after all, there was ice cream in the freezer. “It’s just hard.”

“You gonna be okay?”

“Yep,” Cye promised. “I just need to make myself useful for an hour, that’s all.” So, Kento watched as Cye made fresh lemonade and prepared cold-cut sandwiches for lunch. Kento offered to help (sandwiches were one of the few meals even he could make), but Cye refused any assistance. Kento was left to accept that cooking and cleaning were more than just hobbies or showing people that he cared for Cye. It was how he established control over his life when he felt lost.

Cye was in the middle of washing up when Mortimer strode into the kitchen, the picture of gentlemanly poise. “I thank you for your patience, Master Cye.”

“Of course,” Cye breathed, taking off his apron. “Mortimer, if you need anything, please let me know.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I am fine. Please sit down while I set the table and serve the lunch you were gracious enough to prepare.” As he served Cye (and let Kento fend for himself, remembering that Kento preferred plain speech and manners), Mortimer continued. “If anything, I should thank you. It’s a rare gift to hear from your brother after he had passed, and I am forever grateful.” His work done; he placed a steady hand on Cye’s shoulder. “My only wish is that I could tell Shin what an amazing young man his son has grown to become.”

Overwhelmed, Cye sobbed, hiding his face in his napkin.

“Smooth, Mortimer,” Kento said around a mouthful of sandwich. “You made the young master cry. Now you gotta get beheaded or something.”

“Are you positive that this man deserves your affections, Master Cye? I would be ecstatic to introduce you to some more cultured boys.”

“I’m positive,” Cye said over Kento’s shouts, placing the napkin away after he dabbed at his eyes. “Listen, Mortimer. Unfortunately, this visit isn’t just to reconnect. I need to collect Sayoko’s records concerning the Warlords. I should probably glance over the data she has saved on her computer as well.”

“Of course, Master Cye.” Cye supposed there was some butler rule somewhere that you weren’t supposed to eat lunch with your employer’s son, but he didn’t care. He always felt better when Mortimer ate and chatted with him. “I’ll unlock Ms. Sayoko’s office for you. I’m sure she has given you all passwords now that you’re properly awakened, but feel free to ask me if you need assistance.”

“Okay, I think I found everything in your files,” Cye said to his sister over the phone as he surveyed the pile of papers. “I made sure to put anything concerning Dais and Anubis at the top. Did you seriously do all of this after Dad died? No offense, but you’re kind of a slob, Sayoko.”

“Offense is taken, even if it is true. But yeah, I did! Mind you, Mortimer assisted me. Ophelia and Rowen have been really helpful as well.”

“You don’t say.” Cye leafed through the papers. “Hey, how are Sage and Rowen? And you better be nice to Mia. We need all the allies we can get, Sayoko, and I know Dad’s heart would break if he knew about our falling out with the Kojis.” A falling out that he fully planned to rectify.

“The boys are fine. And I’m being nice to Mia,” Sayoko promised him grouchily. “Actually, we’re getting along quite well. She and Rowen have been helping me out with tech, and she keeps me and Sage from trying to fight again.”

… Fight again? Had they fought before? Cye wasn’t sure if he wanted to know. “Sayoko, you’re the adult there. Act like it.”

“Hey, Sage is the one who keeps wanting to challenge me to test his skills!”

“Ugh. That does sound like him. Well, sparring is okay, but keep it civil.” He glanced at the computer near the office window. “Listen, I want to review some records on the computer, so I have to go. I love you, talk to you soon.” He hung up the phone.

After a quick stop to pour himself some lemonade, Cye sat down at the computer. He sipped his drink as he opened up a computer file about the Ronin Warriors. It was a recent file: all of his friends were listed with their respective Armor. There wasn’t anything too shocking listed, just names and abilities. One thing he did notice is that while there had been previous Ronin Warriors throughout history, they were few and far between. Only two other people had been Wildfire. A mysterious unnamed psychic had been Halo once upon a time. A powerful woman whose name was in dispute had worn Hardrock. There were rumors concerning a young samurai using Strata’s power to protect his lord and loved ones, but nothing concrete. And no one had activated those Armors in roughly a century.

Torrent, however, proved to be a popular Armor. There were six previous owners counting his father. All of them shared the Mouri name. Cye recognized the name before his father as his great-grandmother, Kasumi Mouri.

Cye wasn’t listed yet. He wasn’t surprised; he hadn’t even been Torrent for a week. He supposed he should amend that.

He wasn’t quite sure how to frame the info, so he used the computer notes as a template. Cye took a breath and did his best to ignore the ‘deceased’ next to his father’s name and began typing. Seventh Torrent: Cye Mouri. Awakened his Armor in March 1995. Like the previous Torrents, possesses empathic and psychic powers. It was strange referring to himself in the third person, but he wanted to make sure it was as professional as possible. If he really was going to help his family fight demons, he wanted to do this right.

Well. That was it. He was definitely Cye of the Torrent now. It was in writing and everything. It was scary, but if so many other people in his family protected others with their powers, then he could do the same.

“Master Cye, would you like some more lemonade?” Mortimer was just outside the door.

“Thanks, but no.” Cye clicked on one more file, simply labeled ‘Hariel.’ He frowned as he realized he had no idea what any of the file’s data meant. Oh, well. He’d ask about it later. “Hey, did you know that six other people have been Torrent before me?”

“I did. The beach attached to your family’s manor is one of the places on the globe where the barrier between our world and the Dynasty is weak, which means it’s often where demons looking for battle arrive first. Thus, your family has always been ready to protect those they hold dear.”

“… I guess that explains why Anubis was here.”

“Yes. He was strong enough to temporarily overwhelm every protection spell we had placed on the manor. The strange thing is, Anubis never attacked again. I searched for him across the globe, but it was like he vanished into darkness.”

“That is not how I would expect an evil Warlord who succeeded in killing a Ronin Warrior to act at all.” Cye supposed he should be glad that Anubis was gone. And he was: this meant that his family was about as safe they could be when they lived where demons liked to attack. Yet there was something else going on here. Another question he would ask once he and his sister were reunited in Tokyo.

But for now, he saved his work, turned off the computer, and stretched. “I suppose I should say that I feel more connected to my family now that I’ve awakened Torrent and discovered all this lore, but frankly I feel even more lost. All these secrets that I wasn’t privy to.” Cye let out a breath. “Maybe I would feel better if I could establish a more personal connection to all of this.” He felt bad for admitting that, especially after meeting his father’s spirit. But his father had only been there long enough for them to say that they loved each other. He knew more about his father than ever now, but… he still felt more like an idealization than a person.

“There might be a way to create that personal connection.”

Cye glanced at Mortimer. “What do you mean?”

“Your father left you a few items that he planned to give you on your sixteenth birthday. He did the same for Ms. Sayoko. It’s located in a small chest in the attic. The key to open it is on the nail next to the attic window.” Mortimer smiled bittersweetly. “Considering everything that’s happened, I don’t think your father would mind if you opened it a year early.”

Cye was happy to hear that news. At least, that’s what his brain kept telling him. That didn’t stop his chest from aching. “Thank you,” he finally managed. “I believe I shall. Um, could I have two hours to myself as well while I do that?”

“Of course, Cye.” Usually, Mortimer would bow deeply and leave soundlessly. Instead, he sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his brawny neck as he left.

Okay. He could do this. A stronger connection to his father was something he wanted more than anything.

(Although considering what happened the last time Cye went off to learn about his father, he decided to make Kento accompany him, just in case.)

“Cye,” Kento said as he sneezed yet again, “you gotta make Mortimer dust around here.”

“I thought you didn’t like it when people waited on you.”

“I don’t.” Kento’s voice was raspy. “My dust allergy, however, disagrees.”

“We won’t be here too long,” Cye assured him as he found the key. “Do you see a small chest anywhere around here?”

Kento moved some boxes, then smiled. “How ‘bout this one here?”

Cye knelt in front of the chest. “Let’s try it.” The key undid the lock. All he had to do now was open it, and learn more about his father. That was something he had been willing to risk his life for just a few days ago.

But now here he was, safe at home, overprotective boyfriend at his side, and unable to will his body to move.

“Kento?”

“Yeah?” Kento’s hand was on his back.

“You know how I said that I’d let you know if I needed help? I think that I need help.”

“Okay.” Kento felt worried but steady. “Do we need to get out of here?”

“No. I want to see this. It’s just—ugh!” He slammed his hands on the chest. “Why is it I can figure out what everyone else is feeling, but I can’t discern how I feel about this?!”

Cye was surprised but didn’t resist as Kento took Cye’s hands and placed them over his heart for a change. “Because you never take care of yourself. You’re so busy trying to figure out a way to heal everyone in pain, that when it’s time to focus on yourself, you freeze up. It doesn’t help that healing others makes you too sick to think clearly sometimes.”

“That… might be accurate,” Cye confessed glumly. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, drawing as much strength from Kento as he could. “I wanted to learn more about my father. And thanks to, well, everything lately, I now know the man he was. But—but it hurts even more now. Now I know how much he loved me and Sayoko and Mum and Mortimer. And that he was good friends with Professor Koji. And he worked so hard to be able to protect everyone, and that he just wanted us to know that he loved us.”

“What about you, Cye?”

The tears were falling again. “I just want him to come back home.”

He was thankful when Kento took him in his arms without a word. It was easier to collect himself when it was quiet. Finally, Cye trusted himself enough to pull away slightly. “Why is it that you’re the perceptive one today?”

Kento shrugged. “I’ve done the whole ‘keep your chin up when your life is falling apart’ thing before. Sometimes it’s necessary. But it always sucks, so I’ll do what I can to make this easier for you.”

“You always make things easier for me.” Cye rested his brow on Kento’s shoulder. “Okay. Let’s open this blasted thing.”

“Wow, was your dad a jock?” Kento peered at the third swimming medal. “Maybe he was hoping you’d follow in his swim strokes.”

“Maybe.” Cye examined the fourth medal. “He was rather athletic. The thing is, I’ve seen a picture of him when he was my age and he looked like a strong wind could knock him down.”

“Yeah, but so do you, man, and you’re amazing at swimming and aikido.”

“Touché.” Cye checked the chest. Some school photos, some seashells, and an oversized ocean blue jacket remained. Carefully, Cye took out the jacket, giving it a solid shake. An envelope fell from one of the jacket’s pockets.

Kento picked up the letter. “Cye, it’s addressed to you.”

“Give the letter to me. Now, please,” Cye blurted out. “I think this is the one time I’ll have the nerve to open it.” Kento obeyed, and Cye promptly ripped the envelope open. “Oh, wow.”

Kento peered over Cye’s shoulder. “What is it?”

“His spelling is terrible. I feel like I’m reading your essays when you ask me to proofread them. But hold on, I’ll read it out loud.” He cleared his throat. “Cye, first off, happy birthday! Second, if Sayoko ever told you about the gift I set aside for her on her sixteenth birthday, you might be wondering why you got my old school stuff and she got a cool yari that Prof. Koji gifted me. Well, let me explain. I can already tell that you will inherit my abilities. This means you’ll have a hard time, but you’ll be able to help people. I know you’re just two now, but I can already feel that you have a healer’s soul.” Hmm. Dad was rather eccentric in both spelling and tone, but he had been right. “I do wish I could make this path easier for you. That’s why I included some of my best memories from when I finally got a handle on my powers, thanks to Torrent.

“The path I chose is not an easy one, but there have been good times as well. I’m proud of my swimming medals. No pressure, but wow, I really hope you are kicking butt on your swim team as well!” Cye made a face. He enjoyed swimming, but he was not the competitive type. He doubted Dad would be too upset about that, but he suspected that Dad would have done his best to encourage Cye to show off what he could do or whatever. “I love you, Cye, and I am proud of you. Please never forget that.” He was about to close his eyes in an attempt to keep from crying yet again, but then he noticed some hastily scribbled words at the bottom. “By the way, watch out for Sekhmet! He poisoned and kidnapped me one time. It was the worst.” Cye harrumphed. “Well, then, I suppose when I meet this Sekhmet, I’ll need to get him back for what he did to Dad.”

“Already did that for you,” Kento assured him. “Hey, there’s a little more.”

So there was. “However, Cynthia saved me and that’s how we fell in love. So, thanks Sekhmet! Okay, love you, bye for real.” Cye folded the letter and held it to his chest, exhaling. Kento pulled him close.

“Yes, Kento, I am gonna be okay,” Cye smirked. “I don’t need to be psychic to guess what you were going to say, you’ve been asking me that all day.” He kissed Kento gently. “But thanks.”

He helped Kento up. Part of him wanted to stay locked away from the world and with what his father had gifted him, but… his boyfriend had a dust allergy and his other father was probably worried sick about him. “Help me get this chest to my room? I want to take it with me to Tokyo.”

“Sure!” Kento began gathering the things. He shut the chest and lifted it on his shoulder effortlessly. “I guess all we need to do now is talk to your mother.”

Cye nodded. “I’ll do that on my own.”

Kento frowned as they approached the pull-down staircase. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure. Mum can be a little evil sometimes.”

“Oh, please,” Kento said with a laugh. “Cye, I’m dating you. Nothing phases me anymore.”

“You don’t say. Well, you know how I like to pretend that I’m doing bizarre medical experiments on you to turn you into a kaiju sometimes?”

Kento grinned. “Yeah, it’s pretty cute.”

“Mum used to be a doctor. She could do that if she wished.”

The grin vanished. “Got it. I’ll be in your room if you need me.”

“Master Cye, you’re earlier than I expected. Mrs. Mouri is in the parlor—” Mortimer huffed in surprised as Cye grabbed him in the tightest hug he could manage.

“Thank you,” Cye whispered. “I’m going to talk to Mum, then we’re all going to the beach. And I order you to have some fun for a change. You deserve it. Now if you excuse me, I need to speak to Mum.”

“Mortimer wasn’t joking.” Mum sipped her tea. “You did willingly return to Yamaguchi after all.” She put the cup down and leaned forward, clasping her hands in hope. “Did you bring Kento with you? I’d love to get to know him better.”

“I did, but you have to promise not to play any pranks on him.”

Mum closed her eyes in mock regret. “You have no concept of fun, do you, boy?”

“I do.” Cye took a seat across from his mother. “I also know that you like to be mischievous when you’re worried.” He poured himself some tea. “But I’m sure that Dad appreciated your high spirits after you rescued him from Sekhmet.”

Mum blinked in surprise, then smirked. “You have a mischievous side of your own if you opened that chest early. I can’t believe Shin mentioned that in his note. All I did was drag him out of there. Mortimer handled most of the rescue.”

“Well, Dad was thankful for you.” Cye sipped his tea. “Mum. I know everything about the Mouri Foundation. The reason I know is because I’m Cye of the Torrent now.”

For once, Mum let her mask slip, eyes shadowed as she stared at her cup. She looked so much older than she really was at the moment. “I know. I wish you weren’t.”

“I don’t want to fight,” he admitted. “But it was how I saved my friends. It’s also how Dad told me to send you his love.” She smiled slightly. “I just wish that there was a way to heal your illness.” When she furrowed her brow in confusion, Cye added, “I may have enacted a ritual to recall early memories and saw Dad talking about that. That’s what my friend Ryo of the Wildfire said it was called, at least.”

“We should have told you.” Mum looked even older now.

Those words justified every bitter thought he had as more and more people kept the whole truth from him over time, and yet… “Mum, I was pretty sick there for a while,” he reminded her, reaching for her hand. “Maybe you should have told me, but I understand why you and the others felt like you couldn’t. Not to mention when I did see how Dad passed, I handled it the exact way Sayoko always feared I would. Admittedly, I was under a curse during most of it, but still.” The grief and the guilt had been his. All Dais had to do was twist it to his advantage.

“Oh, my. It seems that you had quite the adventure, boy.”

Cye found himself grinning at that. “It was such an adventure that Ryo declared a rule among the Ronin Warriors that we’re not allowed to go alone on missions unless necessary. That’s one of the reasons Kento is with me. But that’s enough heaviness for now, don’t you think?” Cye finished his tea. “I want us to go to the beach this evening. All four of us. There’s still enough food from lunch that I could pack us a picnic. I… I know it wouldn’t be quite the same as when we’d go with Sayoko and Dad, but I think we all need the break.”

Mum rested her cup on the saucer. “You may have a point.”

“I know I have a point! Oh, and Mum?” Cye cleared his throat. “I’m fifteen and a Ronin Warrior now. I should be allowed to watch scary movies.”

“Absolutely not,” Mum said sternly.

“What?! But—but—it’s another rule of being a Ronin Warrior!”

Mum scoffed. “In case you haven’t noticed, there are no demons or ghosts around us right now. Ronin Warrior rules do not apply here.”

“Well, fine! I’ll just keep watching them in secret!”

Mum gave him a smug look. “And doesn’t knowing that you might get caught just add to the thrill of watching those films, boy? If anything, I’m doing you a favor by forbidding them. It makes those dull gore-fests almost interesting.”

“Wait. So, all this time you were…” Cye facepalmed. “See, this is why I don’t want you pranking Kento. You’re too much for me, and I’m evil.” Still, he was looking forward to spending time with her at the beach. It was nice to reconnect with his family.

“Black Blaze!” Ume knelt to give her favorite tiger in the world a hug. “It’s so good to see you!”

“I don’t why he’s happy to see us,” Haru grumbled. “All we did was run around and nearly get killed.”

“He’s happy because the Ronin Warriors awakened their Armors, which means we have the means to defeat Talpa now.” Ume kissed Black Blaze on the nose, then stood up. “All we have to do is find the Armors and take them for ourselves.”

Haru frowned. “The Ronin Warriors are supposed to be heroes. Maybe we could ask them to join our cause?”

Ume shook her head. “No. I used to be human; I know too well how fickle their hearts are. I’m not too keen on stealing them myself, but it’s time that we start fighting instead of fleeing.”

Final Notes: Thematically, this chapter was inspired by the TNG episode “Family,” where a character goes home to visit his estranged family after he experiences intense trauma (and that’s all I can say without spoiling people, although even non-Trek people can probably guess what I’m talking about). There’s also a scene in that episode where Wesley finds a message from his dead dad which also served as an inspiration here.

Haru’s powers are not so subtly stolen from Steven Universe. His personal is also not so subtly stolen from Linhardt from Three Houses. He’s a demon who can assume a form closer to how humans look to blend in. Ume’s origin is more straightforward since she’s ‘only’ a ghost.

Also, the next chapter may be late since real life is kind of weird right now. I’m frankly surprised I was able to get this chapter in “on time,” but I really wanted to get it down just in case family members stop by again tomorrow. Apologies if this chapter isn’t as polished as it could be as a result! I will do my best to find and correct any remaining typos.