The next morning dawned crisp and early—holidays officially starting after the facility visit, but one last appointment loomed.
The group met at the academy's medical wing attached to the Astral Suit facility—a sterile, high-tech annex with soft lighting and energy-dampening fields to keep procedures comfortable.
Wilson had arranged it all. Rein, Stella, and Zen arrived together—bags packed for camp departure later that day. Valkyrie joined shortly after, her presence quiet but reassuring.
Marin greeted them at the entrance, white coat swapped for a medical one, data slate in hand.
"Morning, everyone," she said brightly. "Ready for your Astral Retina implants?"
Zen bounced on his toes. "Eye upgrades! Let's make me a cyborg!"
Stella sighed. "It's not that dramatic."
Rein rubbed his eyes nervously. "How… exactly does it work?"
Marin led them to a small procedure room—reclining chairs, holographic scanners, trays with tiny, shimmering lenses floating in sterile solution.
"It's quick and painless," she explained, gesturing for them to sit. "Astral Retina are advanced contact lenses—nano-thin, self-adhering. They bond to your cornea temporarily but securely, projecting a full HUD directly onto your retina: threat detection, energy scans, comms, suit diagnostics—all without a helmet."
She picked up a lens with tweezers—it was nearly invisible, iridescent under the light.
"No surgery. No drops even. We use a mild numbing field, then a precision applicator places it. Blink a few times, and it centers itself. Adapt in minutes. You'll feel a slight coolness, maybe a flicker as it syncs—then nothing. Like regular contacts, but smarter."
Zen leaned forward. "And my AI gets to talk through it?!"
Marin chuckled. "Yes. Full integration. Voice in your ear, overlays in vision."
Stella sat first—practical as ever. "Let's get it over with."
Marin activated the numbing field—a soft blue glow over Stella's eyes. The applicator hummed, placing the lenses in seconds.
Stella blinked. "Cool… feels like nothing. Wait—there's a faint grid…"
"Syncing," Marin said. "Good."
Zen went next—dramatic as always. "Do it! Make me see the matrix!"
The procedure took ten seconds. Zen blinked rapidly. "WHOA! Everything's got edges! Like video game HUD!"
Rein last—nervous but trusting.
The field numbed, lenses placed.
A brief purple flicker as his hybrid energy reacted—but stabilized.
"Perfect sync," Marin noted. "Even with the Chaotic trace. Impressive."
Wilson watched proudly from the door. "You'll adjust by camp. Enhanced awareness—use it wisely."
They stood, testing—overlays faint but responsive: vitals, time, even basic scans of the room.
Zen flared his hand dramatically. "Status: Hype level maximum!"
Stella elbowed him. "Turn it off before you blind yourself."
Rein smiled, the new sensation strange but empowering.
Eyes upgraded.
Suits waiting.
The calm ending.
The storm is approaching.
The following morning, Wilson's message lit up the group chat:
Meet at the academy's outdoor test site at 9 a.m. sharp. Important final checks before departure. – Principal Wilson
No details. Just that.
Zen flooded the chat with hype: "SECRET UPGRADE?! NEW MOVES?! LASER EYES?!"
Stella sent an eye-roll emoji.
Rein replied with a thumbs-up.
Valkyrie read it silently—but she'd be there.
The sun rose clear and bright over the academy grounds.
The group arrived at the outdoor test site—a vast reinforced arena on the campus edge, high energy barriers shimmering, observation towers standing silent sentinel.
Wilson waited at the center platform, hands clasped behind his back, four sleek cases arranged neatly beside him.
"Good morning, my children," he greeted as they approached—Rein, Stella, Zen, and Valkyrie.
"Morning!" Zen saluted dramatically. "So what's the big secret, old man? Super training? Chaos dummies?"
Wilson's eyes twinkled. "Something better."
He gestured to the cases. "Open them."
Zen lunged first—flipping his open with a yell.
Inside: his custom suit, fully fabricated—black base with vibrant orange accents, lightweight plating, hood optional.
"NO WAY! IT'S DONE ALREADY?!"
Stella's next—silver-blue elegance, flowing and precise, folded perfectly.
Her eyes widened. "They're… ready?"
Rein's revealed the Shadow Monarch form—dark coat-cape, purple medieval gauntlets, sleek mask.
Valkyrie's updated reference shimmered beside it.
Wilson smiled warmly. "I kept it quiet. Fabrication finished overnight. A surprise—you've earned it."
Marin approached from the side, waving. "And one more thing!"
She held up four palm-sized discs—metallic coins, etched with Vein signatures.
"Nano-tech compression," she explained. "Your suits fold into these. Palm-sized, pocketable. Deploy with a Vein pulse or command—'Equip.' Retract the same. Perfect for camp travel."
She handed them over—Zen's orange, Stella's silver-blue, Rein's dark-purple, Valkyrie's white-pink.
Zen pulsed his—orange nano-swarm bursting out, suit assembling in seconds.
"AI BRO! ACTIVATE!"
A smooth, sarcastic voice: "User detected. Chaos levels: off the charts. Proceed with caution."
Zen froze, then cheered. "IT TALKS! AND ROASTS! I'M IN LOVE!"
Stella slipped into hers—fit seamless, aura syncing clean.
Rein last—the Shadow Monarch form materializing with a shadowy flourish, purple gauntlets humming, mask settling.
Hybrid aura flickered—stable, strong.
Wilson's voice softened. "My old design… reborn in you."
Marin grinned. "Now—test them here. Make sure everything syncs."
Wilson crossed his arms, a knowing smile on his face.
"Hold it right there, Zen," he said calmly. "Aren't you going to try your new suits first?"
Zen froze mid-pose, eyes widening. "AHH, RIGHT! LET'S TEST THESE SUITS!"
He pumped a fist.
Rein chuckled. "Yeah. Let's do it."
Stella smiled, clipping her coin to her belt. "Might as well make sure they work."
Valkyrie nodded silently, watching with interest.
They made their way to the center of the test site—platforms rising slightly, training dummies activating in the distance, holographic targets flickering to life.
Zen deployed first—orange nano-swarm exploding outward, suit assembling in a flash of light and sound.
"Ready, AI bud?" Zen grinned, striking a pose.
A smooth, synthetic male voice responded from the suit—dry, precise, with a hint of programmed sarcasm.
"Systems online. User identified: Zen Kirisawa. Threat assessment: minimal. Self-inflicted chaos probability: 97%."
Zen blinked. "Whoa—it already knows me?"
Marin's voice crackled over the comms from the observation deck. "That's Hypebot—your AI companion. I programmed the base personality myself. Adaptive learning starts now."
"Ooo, Hypebot!" Zen beamed. "Perfect name!"
He flared his aura—orange energy crackling brighter than ever.
"Hypebot! Detect active threats!"
"Scanning… No external threats detected," Hypebot replied flatly. "Internal threat: user's energy efficiency at 62%. Recommendation: reduce unnecessary posing."
Zen gasped dramatically. "Hey! Posing is essential!"
"Correction noted. Efficiency now at 58%."
Everyone else chuckled—Stella covering her mouth, Rein shaking his head, Valkyrie's lips twitching.
"I HAVE A NAME, YOU KNOW?" Zen protested.
"Confirmed: Zen Kirisawa," Hypebot said. "Name analysis: 40% likelihood of pseudonym. Alternate suggestion: 'Overenthusiastic Human Unit.'"
"THAT IS MY REAL NAME!" Zen yelled, flaring wildly.
"Volume detected. Recommendation: lower decibels to avoid alerting unnecessary enemies."
Zen deflated slightly, then laughed. "Okay, I love this guy already."
Stella deployed next—silver-blue suit flowing seamlessly, elegant and sharp.
"Clean sync," she murmured, testing a quick strike—energy blade manifesting crisp.
Rein followed—the Shadow Monarch form materializing with shadowy flair, purple gauntlets humming, mask settling.
He flexed, hybrid aura stable.
"Umm… Marin," Rein called through comms. "How do I pick weapons?"
"Just vocalize it," Marin replied. "Sword, daggers, spear—whatever you need. The nano-core manifests it from your Vein energy."
Rein nodded under the mask. "Okay… umm, sword."
A cool nano-tech whir filled the air—particles swirling from his gauntlet, condensing with a sharp schink into a sleek, purple-edged longsword—shadowy aura rippling along the blade.
"Whoa… cool," Rein breathed, swinging it experimentally—air humming with power.
Zen whistled. "Bro, you look like a dark king! Hypebot—rate that sword!"
"Weapon analysis: high energy conductivity, hybrid compatibility optimal. Visual intimidation factor: 89%. Recommendation: Do not drop it on your foot."
Zen cackled. "This AI is savage!"
Stella tested a dagger pair—quick, precise. "Feels natural."
Valkyrie observed, her own suit deploying briefly for reference—wings flickering.
Wilson watched proudly from the side.
"Everything functioning?" he asked.
"Perfect," Rein said, sword retracting with a nano-swirl.
"Flawless," Stella added.
"Beyond perfect!" Zen yelled. "Hypebot and I are unstoppable!"
"Affirmative," Hypebot deadpanned. "Unstoppable until battery is low or the user trips."
The group laughed—tension gone, excitement pure.
The test site arena thrummed with energy—dummies exploding under flares, holographic targets shattering in bursts of light.
Zen was in his element—orange suit blazing, leaping between platforms as Hypebot sassed him relentlessly.
"Target acquired. Accuracy: 47%. Recommendation: aim higher than your enthusiasm."
"SHUT UP AND BOOST ME!" Zen yelled, launching a massive orange energy wave that obliterated three dummies at once.
Stella practiced precision—silver-blue blades manifesting and retracting seamlessly, cutting targets with surgical grace.
Rein tested his limits—purple hybrid aura controlled, gauntlets channeling focused blasts, mask HUD feeding data flawlessly.
Valkyrie observed from the side, arms crossed, offering quiet pointers.
Wilson and Marin watched from the observation deck, nodding approval.
Everyone was distracted—laughing at Zen's antics, focused on their own tests, lost in the thrill of new power.
No one noticed the ripple at first.
A faint distortion in the air—near the edge of the barriers. Like heat haze, but wrong. Cold.
Then, a figure stepped through.
Tall, cloaked in shifting void-black fabric that seemed to swallow light. Hooded, face obscured in shadow. No aura detectable—no Astral, no Chaotic. Just… absence.
The intruder stood silently, watching.
Zen landed from a jump, panting. "Hypebot, scan for more targets—"
"Anomaly detected," Hypebot interrupted, voice suddenly sharp—no sarcasm. "Unknown entity at perimeter. Energy signature: null. Threat level: unclassifiable."
The group froze.
Rein's mask HUD flashed red. "What?"
Stella's blades retracted. "Wilson—"
Wilson's eyes narrowed from the deck. "Barriers up! Full lock!"
But the figure raised a hand—casual, almost curious.
The barriers flickered… then stabilized. No breach.
Yet.
Marin's voice over comms: "That's not possible. Nothing from outside should—"
The hooded figure tilted its head toward Rein.
A voice echoed—not spoken, but in their minds. Cold, genderless, ancient.
The hybrid walks among you.
Sent to observe.
Not to destroy.
Yet.
Wilson's aura flared gold-silver. "Who are you? State your purpose!"
The figure didn't answer.
Just watched.
From the Void Realm.
Not Chaos.
Something else.
The test ended.
A new threat began.
The test site's barriers crackled with restrained energy, the air thick with the ozone scent of spent auras. The group had been caught in the thrill of their new suits—Zen mid-pose, Stella retracting her blades, Rein lowering his sword, Valkyrie watchful from the side. Wilson and Marin observed from the deck, smiles fading as Hypebot's warning cut through the comms.
No one had expected this.
The hooded figure stood at the perimeter—unmoving, void-black cloak rippling like liquid shadow. The barriers held, but the distortion lingered, a chill seeping through the air like frost on glass.
Wilson's gold-silver aura flared brighter, his voice booming. "Identify yourself! This is restricted academy grounds!"
The figure ignored him.
Instead, it raised both hands—slow, deliberate.
Red Chaotic energy coalesced from the air, twisting and condensing like blood smoke. It shaped into a massive battle axe—double-bladed, edges jagged and pulsing with crimson veins, the handle etched in void runes that seemed to absorb light.
The weapon hummed lowly, the ground beneath it cracking faintly from the pressure.
Rein's mask HUD flashed warnings: Energy signature: anomalous. Threat level: escalating.
"Is that thing going to fight us?" Rein said, voice low but steady, sword manifesting again in his gauntlet with a sharp schink.
Stella's daggers snapped out, her stance shifting protectively in front of him. "Rein—stay back. We don't know what it is."
Zen flared his orange aura, suit humming. "Hypebot! Analyze that axe!"
"Weapon composition: Chaotic energy matrix. Cutting potential: lethal. Recommendation: evade and counter. User survival odds: 62% if posing is minimized."
"NOT HELPING!" Zen yelled, but his eyes gleamed with hype. "BRING IT, HOODIE!"
Valkyrie's wings unfurled from her suit, spear manifesting in a flash of white-pink light. "Formation—Zen, flank. Stella, support. Rein, hold."
The figure tilted its head again—as if amused.
The mind-voice echoed once more, colder this time: The hybrid draws near the abyss. Observe the consequences.
It swung the axe—casual, testing.
A crimson arc slashed through the air, slamming into the barriers with a deafening crack. Sparks flew, the shields buckling but holding—barely.
Alarms blared.
Marin's voice over comms: "Barriers at 70%! It's bypassing the fields!"
Wilson leaped from the deck, aura exploding into a golden shield around the group. "Evacuate the site! Protect Rein!"
The figure stepped forward—axe raised for another swing.
Drama surged—hearts pounding, auras clashing in the air.
Rein's purple hybrid flickered, gauntlets glowing. "We can't run—we fight!"
Stella grabbed his arm. "Rein—no! It's not Chaos, but it's from the Void. We don't know—"
The figure paused—axe hovering.
Mind-voice: The leash tightens. The Board watches. We watch closely.
Then—it vanished.
Ripple gone.
Arena silent.
The group breathed heavy, weapons still ready.
"What… the hell was that?" Zen panted, Hypebot beeping warnings.
Wilson's face was grave. "A messenger. From the Void Realm. Not Chaos—but connected."
Stella's voice shook. "It mentioned Rein. The hybrid…"
Valkyrie retracted her wings. "It's targeting him. We need to leave. Now."
Rein lowered his sword, mask HUD scanning empty space.
The calm was shattered.
The storm had arrived early.
Lines of fate—twisted.
Camp is no longer just training.
But survival.
The transport van sped away from the test site, the arena's barriers fading in the rearview. The hooded figure's warning hung heavy in the air, but the adrenaline was starting to crash.
Rein stared out the window, brow furrowed.
"Wait… I feel like I'm forgetting something," he muttered.
Zen turned from the front seat. "Huh? What's that—is the figure related?"
"What? No, forget that asshole," Rein said, waving it off. "It's something else. Something more important."
He rubbed his temple. "Hmmmm?"
Then—a flashback hit.
Hospital room, beeping monitors.
A note tucked into a get-well card:
Please come visit when you're discharged. We're all worried about you. And please, please stay a night.
— Mr. and Mrs. Kirisawa
Rein's eyes widened.
"OH SHOOT! Zen—I totally forgot to meet your parents!"
A wave of horror washed over Zen's face, pale as a ghost.
"OH CRAP! I TOTALLY FORGOT! MOM INVITED YOU ALL FOR DINNER!"
He spun to the driver's seat. "OH, PRINCIPAL WILSON! CAN YOU PLEASE DROP US OFF AT MY HOME?!"
Wilson glanced in the mirror, eyebrow raised. "Oh? What happened to the 'old man'?"
Zen flushed crimson. "OH, I'M SO SORRY, PRINCIPAL!"
Wilson chuckled warmly. "Oh, I'm just joking, my child."
But his expression sobered quickly. "Hmm… we have to stay on high alert after that intruder."
"Noted," Rein said firmly, hand tightening on his coin.
Wilson nodded, rerouting the van. "Family first. But keep your guards up."
The drive passed in tense silence—everyone scanning the roads, Retina overlays on low alert.
They pulled up to Zen's mansion as dusk fell—lights warm in the windows.
Wilson stopped at the gate. "Now, my children, be ready tomorrow. We'll leave for my master's at dawn."
"Okay," Valkyrie said, voice steady. "We'll be ready."
"Thank you for the ride," the group echoed as they piled out.
The van pulled away.
Zen exhaled dramatically. "Crisis averted… for now."
Rein smiled faintly. "Let's not keep them waiting."
The door opened before they knocked—warm light and the smell of home-cooked food spilling out.
Dinner—and answers—awaited.
The storm could wait one more night.
Stella stepped out first, bag slung over her shoulder, and froze.
Her eyes went wide, jaw dropping.
"First of all, Zen… YOU LIVE HERE????"
Zen scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly as he hopped out. "Oh, right—this is your guys' first time."
He cleared his throat dramatically, spreading his arms like a tour guide.
"Welcome to my home!"
Stella blinked, staring up at the massive structure—crystal windows reflecting the sunset, a garage that could fit a fleet.
"This isn't a home," she said flatly. "This is a mansion."
She turned to him, hands on her hips. "You said you lived in a 'normal house'!"
"Uhh… haha?" Zen laughed nervously, rubbing his neck.
Valkyrie stepped out beside her sister, taking in the sprawling estate with rare open surprise—eyebrow arched, lips parting slightly.
"This is… a pretty big mansion," she said, voice calm but laced with amusement.
Zen's grin turned hopeful as he looked at her. "You like it, goddess?"
Valkyrie's gaze softened, a small smile breaking through. "Yeah… It's beautiful."
Stella wasn't done. She glanced around the upscale neighborhood, then back at Rein—who stood quietly, staring ahead.
"And to be clear… Rein lived nearby with his mom? Around here?"
Rein nodded slowly, pointing two houses down the street to a modest, normal home: two stories, simple brick, small yard. Nothing like Zen's palace.
"No… we lived right there," he said softly, eyes fixed on it. A flicker of nostalgia crossed his face—the old place, memories of simpler times.
"Oh…" Valkyrie murmured, understanding dawning.
Stella's expression softened too, glancing between the modest house and the mansion.
Zen waved it off awkwardly. "Come on! Mom's waiting—dinner's gonna be epic!"
As they walked up the marble steps, Stella whispered to Valkyrie, "He's been holding out on us."
Valkyrie chuckled. "Rich boy chaos. Fits him."
The door swung open—warm lights and delicious smells spilling out.
Welcome indeed.
Zen pushed open the grand double doors, stepping into the expansive foyer—marble floors gleaming under crystal chandeliers, the air filled with the mouthwatering aroma of home-cooked food.
"Hey, I'm home!" he called out, voice echoing slightly.
A patter of small feet thundered down the staircase.
"WAHH! Big bro! And Onii-chan!"
Neko—Zen's little sister, about seven or eight, with wild black-and-yellow hair like her brother and bright golden eyes—rushed down, launching herself at Rein with a flying hug.
"Oof!" Rein laughed, catching her easily and lifting her. "Hey, Neko. How have you been?"
"I've been good!" she beamed, arms tight around his neck. "I missed you so much, Onii-chan! You were gone forever!"
Rein's heart squeezed, eyes softening. "I missed you, too, kiddo. A lot."
Neko pulled back slightly, then her gaze landed on Stella and Valkyrie—eyes going wide.
"WAHH! YOU TWO ARE SOOO BEAUTIFUL!"
Stella knelt with a warm smile, cheeks tinting. "Hi, Neko. I'm Stella."
Valkyrie crouched beside her, patting Neko's head gently—rare tenderness in her touch. "And I'm Valkyrie. Nice to meet you."
Neko giggled, hugging Valkyrie's leg. "You're like princesses!"
"Ooo! Mom! Dad! Rein's here!" Neko shouted toward the kitchen.
Footsteps hurried—Mrs. Kirisawa (Erza) rushed out, apron dusted with flour, eyes already glistening.
"Rein?" she whispered, then rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug—tears spilling over.
"Oh, thank goodness you're okay," she murmured, voice thick with emotion. "My boy… I was so worried after the concert. We all were."
Rein hugged her back, throat tight—tears pricking his own eyes. "I'm sorry for worrying you… Thank you."
She held him longer, hand stroking his white hair like when he was little. "You saved my Zen. You're family—always have been."
Mr. Kirisawa (Kuro) appeared from upstairs, tall and broad, descending with quick steps.
"Yes, yes—I've heard," he said, voice deep but warm. He reached Rein, pulling him into a firm bear hug. "Oh, Rein… my child. Look at you—all grown and a hero."
"How have you been?" Kuro asked, pulling back to look him over—pride and relief shining.
"I've been well," Rein said softly, voice cracking a little. "Thank you… for everything."
Kuro ruffled his hair. "No thanks needed. You're home."
Erza wiped her eyes, turning to the girls with a bright, teary smile.
"Oh, sorry about that, dears. I'm Erza Kirisawa—welcome! Nice to finally meet Zen's friends… especially the beautiful Yukishiro sisters he won't stop talking about."
Stella flushed. "Thank you for having us, Mrs. Kirisawa."
Valkyrie bowed slightly. "It's an honor."
"And thank you all for having us for dinner," Rein added, bowing deeply—gratitude heavy.
Kuro waved it off. "Oh, don't bow, my child. Please—come in! Sorry for holding you all at the door."
He ushered them inside. "Welcome home, ladies."
"Thank you for having us over," Stella and Valkyrie said in unison, stepping into the warm glow.
Neko tugged Valkyrie's hand. "You're really pretty! Like a warrior princess!"
Valkyrie smiled—genuine, soft. "Thank you, little one."
"Well then," Kuro said, clapping his hands. "Shall we eat? Erza made your favorite, Rein."
Erza beamed, wiping her hands on her apron. "Of course I did! You loved my grilled steak and herb potatoes when you were young—always asked for seconds. And now look at you… so grown."
She pulled Rein into one more quick hug. "Sit, everyone. Food's hot."
The table was set with grand piles of food, laughter already starting.
For one evening…
Family filled the mansion.
Warmth chased the shadows away.
The storm waited.
But here—home.
After dinner, the table was a battlefield of empty plates and satisfied sighs. Erza's grilled steak had vanished faster than anyone expected, the herb potatoes reduced to crumbs, and the fresh salad bowl scraped clean. Neko had fallen asleep on the couch mid-story, her head in Valkyrie's lap—something that made Zen grin proudly the entire time.
Kuro leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach. "Erza, you outdid yourself again."
Erza waved him off, cheeks pink. "It's nothing when we have guests. Especially Rein." She reached over and squeezed his hand. "It's been too long since this house felt this full."
Rein smiled softly, the warmth in his chest almost overwhelming. For the first time in years, the ache of missing something wasn't quite so sharp. Stella sat beside him, her shoulder brushing his every time she laughed at Zen's exaggerated retelling of the pigeon incident. Valkyrie, unusually relaxed, listened with quiet amusement while occasionally stroking Neko's hair.
Eventually, the group migrated to the living room—cozy couches, soft lamps, family photos lining the walls. Neko stayed asleep, now curled against Valkyrie like a kitten claiming its favorite spot. Zen sprawled dramatically across an armchair, groaning about being "too full to move."
Kuro brought out hot tea and a plate of Erza's homemade cookies. The conversation drifted—school stories, Zen's latest "heroic" mishaps, light teasing about how Rein and Stella kept finding excuses to sit closer.
Then, as the room settled into comfortable quiet, Valkyrie glanced at Erza with a gentle, respectful expression.
"Mrs. Kirisawa… may I ask something personal?"
Erza looked up, surprised but warm. "Of course, dear. What is it?"
Valkyrie hesitated only a second, her voice soft. "Rein's mother… what was she like? I've heard a little from Stella and Zen, but… I'd love to know more, if it's okay."
The room stilled.
Rein's fingers tightened around his teacup. For a moment, he stared into the steam, eyes distant. Stella reached under the table and found his hand, squeezing softly.
Erza's eyes welled up immediately. She turned to Rein, her expression tender and careful.
"Rein… sweetheart, are you okay with me talking about her? Sharing those memories with Valkyrie?"
Rein looked up at her, eyes shimmering but with a small, grateful nod.
"Yeah," he whispered. "It's okay. I… I'd like that."
Erza smiled through her tears, reaching across the coffee table to gently place her hand over his.
"Thank you, my dear," she said, voice thick with emotion. Then she turned back to Valkyrie, wiping a tear from her cheek with a trembling smile.
"Oh, she was exactly the woman I remember," Erza began softly. "I only met her a few times—back when the boys were little and causing chaos in the yard together. But even then… she was so kind. The kind of kind that made you feel safe just standing near her. She'd smile at me over the fence and ask how my day was, like she genuinely cared about a neighbor she barely knew."
Erza paused, her voice warm with recollection.
"And understanding… heavens, yes. I remember once when Zen had scraped his knee falling out of a tree, trying to 'fly' like some cartoon hero. She didn't scold him. Just cleaned it up, bandaged it, and told him stories about brave little adventurers while he sniffled. Loving… she loved so fiercely. I'd see it in the way she looked at Rein—like he was her entire universe. And caring… downright caring about everyone. Always bringing over extra food when she baked, or helping with groceries if she saw me struggling. She had this warmth… this light that made everything feel a little brighter."
Kuro nodded beside her, eyes misty. "She was a good woman. The best."
Erza squeezed Rein's hand one more time, her smile radiant despite the tears.
"She'd be so proud of you, Rein. And I know she's watching… smiling at this table full of people who love you."
Stella leaned closer, resting her head on Rein's shoulder. Zen, unusually quiet, reached over and gave Rein's arm a supportive squeeze.
Valkyrie smiled softly from across the room, her voice gentle. "Thank you for sharing that, Mrs. Kirisawa. She sounds… incredible."
The room held him in silence—not heavy, but warm. Healing.
Outside, the night was calm.
Inside, for the first time in a long time…
Rein felt like he could breathe.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kirisawa… could I go to the roof for a bit, if that's okay?" Rein asked quietly, standing up from the couch. His voice was soft, almost hesitant, like he didn't want to impose after such a warm evening.
Erza looked up immediately, her eyes kind and understanding. "Of course, my dear. Take all the time you need. The door's just up the stairs—fresh air might do you good."
Kuro nodded, giving Rein a reassuring smile. "You know where it is, son. We'll be right here if you need anything."
Rein managed a small, grateful nod. "Thank you… Really."
He slipped out of the living room quietly, the soft creak of the stairs fading as he headed up. The group watched him go, a gentle silence settling in his absence.
Stella fidgeted with her sleeve, glancing toward the stairs. "I hope he's okay…"
Zen leaned back, crossing his arms with a sigh. "He will be. Nights like this… they hit him hard sometimes. But he's tougher than he looks."
Kuro stared at the doorway for a moment, his broad shoulders slumping slightly. "I hope so too. That boy carries more than any kid should."
Erza wiped her eyes discreetly, her voice thick with emotion. "I really wish Nora were here with us… watching him grow into this fine young man. She'd be so proud. I just… I wish she could see it."
Stella tilted her head, curious but gentle. "Nora?"
Erza smiled through the tears welling up again. "Rein's mom, my child. Nora Seethoshi."
"Her name was Nora?" Valkyrie asked softly, her tone respectful.
"Yes," Erza replied, nodding as memories flooded back. "Nora. Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful soul. She had this quiet strength about her… always smiling, always putting others first."
Valkyrie echoed it quietly, almost to herself. "Nora Seethoshi… what a beautiful name."
"Yeah," Stella agreed, her voice warm. "It really is. It suits her—from everything Rein's told us."
There was a brief, comfortable pause, the kind filled with shared affection. Then Stella, curiosity getting the better of her, asked hesitantly, "And… his father? What was his name?"
The air shifted slightly. Kuro's expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he set down his teacup. Erza glanced at him, her hand resting on his arm—a silent exchange.
Kuro cleared his throat, voice low and measured. "My dear child… we don't talk about that man in our family. He was… well, let's just say he wasn't the father Rein deserved. Not by a long shot."
Stella's eyes widened, and she immediately backtracked. "Oh—sorry, I didn't mean to pry. I shouldn't have asked."
Erza reached over and patted Stella's hand reassuringly. "It's alright, sweetheart. You couldn't have known. Some wounds are old, but they still sting."
Kuro sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. After a moment, he relented just enough. "Silas. Silas Seethoshi—that's his name."
"Silas…" Valkyrie repeated quietly, her tone thoughtful, as if testing the weight of it.
Kuro nodded once, his voice firm but not unkind. "He disappeared before Rein was even born. Left Nora to raise that boy alone. Never sent a word, never looked back. As far as we're concerned… Rein's better off without him."
Erza added softly, "Nora never spoke ill of him, though. That was just like her—always seeing the good, even when there wasn't much to see."
Zen, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. "Yeah… Rein doesn't talk about him either. Ever."
Stella glanced toward the stairs again, her worry deepening. "I just… Hope Rein knows he has all of us now. Family isn't always blood."
Erza smiled warmly at her. "He does, dear. And with friends like you three… he's got more family than most."
The group fell into a gentle quiet, the kind that felt healing rather than heavy. Up on the roof, Rein gazed at the stars—thinking of Nora, and for the first time, feeling like the night wasn't quite so empty.
Rein came down the stairs slowly, his steps lighter than before. The night air from the roof had left a faint flush on his cheeks, and his eyes, though still red-rimmed, carried a quiet calm that hadn't been there earlier.
Stella was the first to notice him. She stood up from the couch, worry softening her voice. "Hey… you good?"
Rein managed a small, genuine smile as he reached the bottom step. "Yeah. Better. The stars helped."
Zen raised an eyebrow from his sprawled position. "Bro, you were up there forever. Thought you fell asleep counting constellations or something."
Rein chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Almost."
He turned to Kuro and Erza, who were gathering empty teacups. His voice was quieter now, careful. "Um… Mr. and Mrs. Kirisawa? Could you… Take me to Mom's grave before we leave tomorrow? If that's okay?"
Erza's hands stilled mid-motion. She set the cup down gently and walked over, pulling him into a warm, motherly hug without hesitation. "Of course, my dear. Of course, we will. We'll go first thing in the morning."
Kuro nodded beside her, his deep voice steady but full of tenderness. "Anything you need, son. Always."
Stella glanced at Valkyrie, then stepped forward, her fingers twisting together nervously. "Um… would it be okay if we came too? Valkyrie and I?"
Rein blinked, surprised. He looked at her—at the quiet hope in her blue eyes, the way she was trying not to push—and felt something warm settle in his chest.
"Hmm? Uh… yeah," he said softly, a faint smile returning. "Yeah, I'd… I'd like that. A lot."
Valkyrie gave a small, reassuring nod. "We'll be there."
Zen pushed himself up from the armchair. "Count me in, too. Someone's gotta keep you from getting lost in your feelings, man."
Rein rolled his eyes, but the gratitude in his expression was unmistakable.
The next morning was quiet, the sky a pale gray as they drove to the cemetery. Frost dusted the grass, and the air carried that crisp, still chill of early winter. Rein walked ahead of the group, hands in his pockets, leading them to the familiar plot beneath a gentle willow tree.
When he saw the headstone, his steps slowed.
Nora Seethoshi
Beloved Mother, Gentle Light
March 15, 1989 – July 7, 2016
"You made the world softer for everyone you touched.
Rest easy, knowing your love lives on in the stars you taught him to see."
Rein's breath hitched the moment he read it. His body began to tremble, small at first, then uncontrollably. His breathing grew shallow and fast, like he couldn't quite get enough air. Tears welled up instantly, spilling over before he could stop them.
He dropped to his knees in front of the grave, reaching out with shaking hands to press his palms against the cold stone—as if he could still hug her through it.
"I miss you, Mom," he whispered, voice breaking. "I miss you so much."
The tears fell faster, silent at first, then turned into quiet, choked sobs.
"I miss your voice… your hugs… the way you made everything feel safe." His forehead rested against the stone now, shoulders shaking. "I'm trying… I'm trying to be strong like you wanted. But it hurts. It still hurts every day."
Stella's eyes filled with tears as she watched. She stepped forward slowly, kneeling beside him and resting a gentle hand on his back. Valkyrie stood close behind, her own expression tight with emotion. Zen hung back a little, eyes down, giving him space but staying near.
Erza knelt on his other side, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Rein, my child… she's listening. She's right here with you."
Rein leaned into her touch, crying harder. "I just… wish she could see how much I've grown. Wish she could meet all of you. She would've loved you."
Kuro's deep voice came softly from behind. "She already does, son. Through you."
They stayed like that for a long while—the quiet broken only by Rein's breathing slowly evening out, the wind rustling the willow leaves above.
Eventually, they all bowed their heads together in silent prayer, the frost glinting under the rising sun.
When Rein finally stood, wiping his face, he looked at the grave one more time.
"I'll keep going, Mom," he whispered. "For you."
And hand in hand with Stella, surrounded by the family he'd found, he turned to walk back—carrying her light with him, a little less heavy than before.