Disclaimer: Don't own Huntik: Secrets and Seekers, nor any of it's characters.

Rating: T

As the summary said, basically a follow-up to my Huntik Book. Enjoy

Kerry, Ireland

Afternoon

"So, how are things going with your family?"

On his Holotome image, Sophie shifted a bit. "Exhausting" she admitted, a little weary. "Due to the issue being a fundamental one, the Council of Elders' meetings go on for awhile, arguing every point and what it means. This time though, I have a little more support: the representative they selected to replace Lucas - an Aisha Casterwill - seems to have been inspired by my ascension to our family's leadership, though she's realistic and perhaps a little cautious at times about her support."

"Well, that's still great" Lok said, completely sincere. "If you've got an- an- an advocate, your position is stronger, right?"

Sophie gave him a knowing smirk; he knew full well it's about his vocabulary there. "It is, Lok, and every bit counts" she continued after a few moments, easing a little. "Lucas even said that perhaps he doesn't need to reclaim his Elder seat. Compared to him, Aisha's approach is more balanced, whereas he tends to state the truth as he sees it, with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude... which in our family, is risky now that his arguments clash with the older generation. Not to say he doesn't support this change, or me; he's been a big help."

To that, he just smiled- spending time with her brother meant a lot to her, even if it's not as easy as she'd anticipated.

"Between you and me, Sophie" he breathed gently, after a bit. "The Council is probably kicking themselves for appointing this 'Aisha' now."

She laughed, rather hard. "Oh I don't doubt it" she stated, smirking again. "They've grumbled behind their backs that there was no indication of this before, that she particularly supported my viewpoints. Serves them right though, not really taking the time to research her before they put her in that seat; they cornered themselves on that one, and neither I nor they can get them out that easily, even if we wanted to."

He didn't doubt it either, hehe - true he might not get politics well, but Lok trusted Sophie to work her way through that particular maze. She might make mistakes, but she could think several moves ahead, at least, and thus see most obstacles before she got near them, whereas he'd see more of the underlying pattern instead.

"Well, maybe the worse they squirm, the sooner they'll come around to you" he suggested, though unsure if that's a legit political tactic- maybe he confused it with something else.

"Mmh. It was never gonna be that easy Lok, and we both know it. Even my prowess against The Betrayer, while it helps, hasn't eliminated all resistance against me..."

His brow furrowed, the way her expression changed mentioning that last part- matter-of-fact, he'd remembered her expression when they found each other again, and it hadn't been one he could identify.

"Are you okay?" he asked, a little worried.

"I'm fine."

Yeeeeah, he's not buying it.

"Sophie" Lok breathed, trying to sound knowing, there-for-her, etc.

She wasn't looking, but there was a little side-smile, as if she knew she couldn't hide from him. "After nearly killing us, The Betrayer just... left" she stated, really quiet, before her tone started getting bitter. "As if I wasn't worth the trouble."

His first instinct was to say that's ridiculous, among other things, but as soon as he opened his mouth-

"Titans! Attack! Concentrate all your power on Lok Lambert!"

"Me!?"

"Grr, don't think I'm a threat, huh!?"

He remembered that vividly now; in response to Simon's commands, Sophie had been briefly incensed that he'd ignored her entirely. That detail kinda become minor due to the shock, and they soon battled for their lives, but it was hard to forget her expression.

"Right. Her pride" Lok thought slowly; but then what to say? He briefly thought of answering she was too good for The Betrayer, but dismissed it, because that could just as easily backfire as work... okay, what else...

After a few seconds: "Sophie?"

She glanced at him.

He gave a little smile, mostly wanting her to know he understood what she's feeling. "Based on your own report, The Betrayer probably 'had' to leave" he said gently. "Not 'chose' to leave. Because, if he could, he would've tried to kill you no matter what he thought of you... the fact that he didn't means something. Right?"

Sophie seemed to search his face for a long while, before she closed her eyes. "It's times like this that I wish you were back already, Lok" she breathed, letting out a breath. "I've had that argument in my head this entire time, but hearing you say it is like a weight on me just eased."

Eased, not gone; Lok knew even with this, it wouldn't go away so easily. Despite that, he's relieved his words appeared to be having the intended effect, if not as much as he'd have liked... or maybe it's one of those gradual things. Hopefully either one.

"It won't be much longer" he assured. "Just a few more days really. And if you're still feeling down, I'll do whatever I can to help."

Her expression definitely softened.

"But until then, maybe you should take a break" Lok continued. "You look like you've done a lot in a short time."

After a moment, Sophie nodded. "I have" she stated, more faint. "In fact... maybe I should break out the Pied Piper's flute."

"Cool."

A little smirk. "Heck of a way to end this conversation, Lok" Sophie teased.

He just chuckled, smiling. "Well, it happens sometimes" he said lightly, before getting a little gentler. "Take care."

"Mmh. Take care."

After that, her Holotome image vanished entirely, leaving him to slowly close it- he thought how lucky they were, being only one timezone away. It meant they could talk freely, more-or-less, whereas Dante and Zhalia still had the whole six-hours difference between New York and Venice... though, he was pretty sure they made it work anyway, with/without his current vacation in Venice.

"I don't doubt it" Lok thought, smile fond. "And I'm really happy for them."

A small knock on his door-frame-

-he drew himself out of it, turning in his chair. "Cath" he breathed, standing up.

His sister smiled a little. "If you don't mind, bro, I could use a little help; can't seem to find a certain book."

"Sure thing."

...

Heh, when Cath said she'd looked everywhere, she meant it; a lot of things had been rearranged every so slightly, least when he looked closely. Still, considering they're looking for a book, you'd think they could find one since it wasn't exactly that small... but no, the more lost something is, the harder it is to find.

"What was this book called again?" Lok asked, rummaging.

"'A History of Puzzles'."

He paused, a bit surprised. "Isn't that- yeah, that was one of dad's old titles" he realized, smiling as he looked over at his sister. "Why are you trying to find it?"

Cathy paused in her search, leaning back where she sat, hands on her jeans. "To keep as a reminder" she admitted, lip curved. "I don't know if I'll read it cover-to-cover, or even how good a read it'll be-"

Despite himself, Lok had to suppress a chuckle.

"-but it'll be a good reminder."

He went 'Mmh', moving closer himself- Cathy looked up as he sat down beside her, the motion jerky at first. "For a moment there, I thought maybe you had an interest" he said, before shrugging. "But that's okay too. It'll be all the good memories in one."

Her expression softened, glancing down to the side, where they both had amulets concealed within their pockets. "That too, bro" Cathy breathed, holding her knees up a bit - after that, her hand brought out an amulet; Springer's. "After all, there's a whole other dimension out there- it's pretty exciting, even after it all registered. Depending on where I go after I finish college, I might even want to help explore Huntik, maybe."

Lok smiled. "Well, even if you don't help out the Foundation, you'll do fine in whatever you choose" he said, sincere. "After all, you're certainly better at school that I ever was, Cath."

She giggled, briefly holding a fist near her mouth. "Because your mind was always on those adventures" she answered, smiling. "At first I always thought it was silly, but I figured 'why not'? Now I have an idea of what thrills it gives you... though not without trouble."

He glanced away then, having seen her earlier motion. "That's true" Lok admitted. "And I can't deny that after my first experience, I tried to run away from it. Only after I got a hold of myself did I realize that maybe, this world of Titans might have some clues where dad was. It was a lot to take in, but it might have some answers too, and that probably helped my recovery... and in your case, those prior training sessions probably did the same thing, because you got gradually used to things, enough."

Cathy looked at him, a little intent. "So you didn't know until 'recently', more-or-less?" she realized, and he nodded. "Oh... well, I guess that's overall better; in case the lead didn't work out, you didn't want me to get my hopes up, by knowing anything about Titans."

Her tone was understanding, but had trace bits of miffed underneath. Even roughly two months after the bombshells, that's still part of her... but Lok couldn't deny he deserved it, even if he'd lied to her for a good reason.

"What about mom?"

He shifted a bit, knowing what she's asking. "I don't know her reasons, but- well, when dad disappeared, he did so without any trace at the time" he said, a little heavy. "The Professor couldn't find him because he went through a Nexus, which went undiscovered until almost a decade later. As far as anyone knew, he could've been dead; there was nothing."

Cathy slowly brushed at her eyes. "So that's when she retired, from Seeker duty at least" she whispered. "I understand that part... but I still don't see why she didn't tell either of us, about Titans and Seekers spells... from what you've said before, she was fine with you becoming a Seeker."

"When I'd just turned adult age" Lok added, rubbing at his head. "Maybe that played a part, and before dad disappeared, we were simply too young to know. I dunno really."

His sister opened her mouth, then abruptly shook her head. "S-Sorry" she breathed, apologetic. "I keep doing that; getting caught up in why things were kept from me."

He understood; that blank spot (ie Dante's Simplemind) had drove her crazy, and she clearly hadn't appreciated being kept in the dark after being made aware. In fact, he's fairly sure she took after mom a little - from what she'd said in recent stories, mom had been a little quick-tempered when she was younger, even having slapped dad for breaking a promise (not going to the Ireland castle, which he did).

Hard to imagine now... but not too far-out; he'd had some anger issues at times.

"Anyway" Cathy breathed, looking 'ahead' for a bit. "I know that if that happens - me exploring for the Foundation - I'd at least be expected to keep my skills up" she continued, a little fainter. "I can do that, but outside of self-defense, the thought of fighting still makes my body shiver."

He touched her shoulder very slightly, which made her jolt, and only then did he truly rest a hand there; he made sure to be fully supportive. "I still have flashbacks to the battle myself" Lok admitted, glancing up. "I used a lot of power all-at-once, and it took it's toll; I could barely walk without help for days at the time, and sometimes my body flashbacks to it. Kinda like sometimes in your sleep, you feel like you're falling before waking up."

A little smile. "Well, it does that to reset the body's equilibrium, when it thinks it needs it" she breathed, before slowly laughing a little. "But you probably didn't need to know that, did you, stinker?"

"Hey" he breathed, a little playfully annoyed, but he's already started to return the favor. "That hurts."

Within seconds, they were both laughing- not letting out their emotions, but simply enjoying things. After all, today's her last day before Cathy left for college again - they had this little time now, several hours, then Lok would accompany her to the airport, and she'd likely be gone for most of the year.

Afterward, Lok continued smiling. "Like I said: you'll do great, Cath" he assured.

"Mmh" she breathed, nodding a little with a smile, before standing up. "Thanks. I'll think things over carefully. But let's get back to finding that book, alright?"

"Of course."

/

Later; after noon

"You sure?"

"Yeah" Cathy breathed, holding up the amulets of Solar and Lunar. "I mean, I doubt I'll get into many fights that'll need them, but I should at least have some protection, right?"

Lok nodded. "Right" he agreed, remembering how helpless he'd been when Organization suits attacked him and Sophie, that first time. "I hope nothing happens either, but weirdness tends to be as fickle as luck. Least with Solar and Lunar you can cover yourself, and then get some help, such as Scarlet. She's a good Seeker."

His sister gave him a little playful look, and opened her mouth to answer- until the sound of a car engine distracted them both, Cathy moreso than him. Despite this, they both smiled, Cathy clearly deciding she's gonna bring whatever-that-was up later, the front door opening-

-mom and dad walked in, arm-in-arm.

"Hey" Lok breathed, a little knowing. "How was your date?"

Dad gave him a knowing smile in return. "Wonderful" he breathed, glancing at mom, who looked content. "One of the first in a long time. I recognized many of our favorite views from before, and it was indescribable - plus I think it's the first time Sandra has let me out of the house."

Lok shared a happy glance with Cath; dad's teasing of course, but they knew what he meant. Suddenly coming home after years with little explanation how he disappeared, particularly to the world unknowing of Titans or magic, was quite an issue to be tackled. As a result, during all this time, he and Cath had done a lot of the semi-daily stuff, like grocery shopping- they didn't really mind, particularly helping Cathy with her recovery. And just as they're getting used to dad being back themselves, they started to have him reappear for small stretches, with their entire family. This spread the word that he's back, purely by sightings... which was soon followed by questions.

"Even now people kept coming up to us" mom spoke, eyes closed. "It's gonna take awhile before it settles down."

Eathon rubbed at her arm. "Let it, Sandra" he assured, gentle. "Based on what little we've said, they think I've been through something terrible, and we want to be left alone- though that won't stop the more curious. I can easily show a semblance of haunted feelings, relief at being back- we just have to figure out exactly what my cover experience was, for those who'll persist."

Beside him, Cathy moved ahead, right to dad's other side. "Well, you've said that you were adventuring in Peru, then you got taken away" she said, a little faint yet supportive. "I've- I've got a suggestion that might help, dad."

"I'm all ears, Cathy."

"In 1995, Peru had a brief war with Ecuador, over an area in the former's territory" she continued, tapping her fingers. "It didn't last very long, but there was a bunch of tension, not helped by some illegal weapon shipments. It's also mentioned they've been fighting corruption since that time, with little battles for human rights of those that were marginalized in the war."

Dad's expression turned a little interested. "Those who think they've been treated unfairly, working from the shadows" Eathon mused. "Possibly even those who feel the solution that ended that war was unsatisfactory, but they have to be covert. Probably would 'appreciate' all the unwilling help they can get."

"That's gonna be your cover story, dad?" Lok asked, after a moment - had to admit though, he didn't think Cath would know about such an obscure war.

"That, or perhaps a variation. We've got time to figure that out, Lok."

Mom made a sound, rubbing dad's shoulder. "And time for us both to study that particular war, becoming intimate with it's intricacies" she stated, a little teasing herself; dad clearly got a kick of it internally. "Most people probably won't know any better, but it's gotta be consistent above all else."

"Of course" dad admitted, before he looked at his daughter. "That's a wonderful idea, Cathy."

Cathy just hugged him tightly, dad easily stepping into this, holding her close- for a moment, he held the back of her head too, but she appreciated it. Lok couldn't help but smile, as he knew mom's doing; after so long, they finally had dad back home with them. After about a minute, dad then let go, looking her over: "Even now, I still can't believe how much you've grown" he stated gently. "You or Lok."

She made a sound, happy, particularly when dad kissed her forehead. "Well, I-I'm sure mom can tell you all about that, dad" Cathy breathed, hands in front of her.

"I plan her to" Eathon stated, looking at mom-

-who's expression remained teasingly 'normal', but clearly looking forward to it.

...

"Got everything?"

"Almost, bro."

Lok hummed, picking up the book they'd been searching for earlier, before giving it to Cath (who put it in her carry-on bag). "How'd you know about that war?" he asked, curious.

"Honestly, I had to do a little research" Cathy admitted, faint yet not embarrassed. "When I was doing so, the name of the war seemed familiar to me. Then randomly, I recalled how one time, a classmate of mine once did a project involving a report on that war. I'd completely forgotten about that otherwise."

Well, that's certainly better than him, because he hadn't been aware Peru had engaged in wars at all- minor or otherwise. "Well either way, glad it worked out though."

His sister nodded, but then Eathon stepped up beside them. "Cathy" he greeted, holding- a Holotome in his hands, covered by clear plastic wrap. "Your going-away present."

As recognition set in, her eyes widened a bit, surprised.

"That one looks new" Lok slowly said, interested.

"It is, Lok" dad acknowledged, looking down at it. "Were it possible, I would've preferred giving my old one to you, Cath. But even before it stopped working, it's days were numbered..."

He remembered; dad's Holotome had slowed down considerably, in scanning, voice speed, and numerous other functions when they'd found him in the Spirit World. Depending on how long dad had it with him, it could be anywhere from a decade old at least, to two decades at most - the magic no doubt helped, but even it couldn't keep the technology from eventually giving out.

"-so this will have to do" Eathon continued. "With it, you can talk to me and your mother at any time, even if that's all you do with it."

At that, Cathy pretty much took it with all speed; she was close to beaming. "Thanks for this, dad."

Dad rubbed at the back of his head, but returning the smile. "My pleasure" he responded sincerely; Lok knew he meant that in several ways, but couldn't deny feeling the same over here.

Cathy hugged it to her chest for a bit, then looked at him. "I'll probably need a crash course though, bro" she said, a little knowing. "And your contact number, or whatever this thing takes."

Lok chuckled. "You know it, Cath" he said easily. "But I'll do it at the airport, while we're waiting for you to get on the plane; we're still packing here."

"Fair enough."

Sandra chose that moment to come back downstairs, holding a suitcase in both hands as well. "Cathy, here's all your clothes" she said, putting it down beside the other bags. "And don't worry" she 'assured', "I haven't folded them neatly or anything, though it was a perfect opportunity to do so."

"Mom!" Cathy exclaimed, in an almost-perfect mirror of how he usually said it- sure, she knew mom's joking, but she's still embarrassed. It didn't help when dad started laughing hard, mom to a sorta-lesser degree - Cath looked at him with exasperation, and he could only return the favor; parents. But despite that, they didn't mind as much as they should've; dad's enjoying the moment, even laughing this hard about it. He's not a humorless man by any definition, but he always tended to be composed, so they made the most of it. Cathy slowly rubbed at her head, one of the few times he'd ever seen her do so-

-because she's sheepishly embarrassed, like he is for his sister's sake, though inwardly they're trying to enjoy it too, while it lasts.

/

Kerry Airport

Later

"So that's how it's done" Lok said easily, glancing behind/around them; no one gave them any interest. "Got it?"

Cathy looked at him, taking it from his hands. "I do, but I'm a little worried" she admitted, glancing around them. "Even if we're not near any people, you're discussing this in plain sight; is that safe?"

"Oh, yeah, it is" he said, knowing her confusion. "They're a mix of technology and magic" he continued, glancing around again. "At first glance, even when open, they can pass for a highly-customized laptop computer in a pinch. It's only when using it that you'll need privacy, at least to those who don't know about it."

For a moment, Cathy glanced at her small pack, which contained her amulets among other things. "Fair enough" she answered, looking down at her Holotome's workings. "So basically, I'll just need vocal commands, and maybe a few button presses. And definite privacy, since it might speak to me about what it can/can't do."

"Pretty much."

She hummed, then carefully slipped it in her bag, and then they went back to their nearby seats (having kept a careful eye on the smaller stuff). "So tell me something else, bro" she said, and when he went 'Hmm?', got a little knowing smile. "How did you and Sophie meet? Or better yet, get together?"

A little sheepish, Lok felt she must've been holding that one in for awhile, and he's not gonna get out of telling it. "Well... first I sat behind her in classes for years" he admitted, remembering all that vividly. "I had a crush, but she didn't notice me, then one day I asked if I could borrow her notes for help. Thinking I was a deadbeat or something-"

Cathy tried to suppress a giggle.

Lok knew that feeling; he'd chuckled upon hearing it himself. "-she was a bit dismissive, thinking I'd use her to cheat and take the easy way out" he continued, shrugging. "So, I offered to do her crossword, as part of a deal. 'Long' story short, I solved it, and she was completely disbelieving."

"I'll bet" his sister said, still trying to suppress laughter. "And then some time after this, you were introduced to the world of Huntik?" she asked, a little more serious.

"Very shortly after that" he admitted, a bit fainter. "And more like thrown into it, but yeah."

Little flickers in her expression, but Cathy touched his shoulder- he appreciated it.

"But then, adventures happened" Lok continued, lighter. "Me and Sophie grew closer, obviously. First it was just learning how to get along properly, then it was friends, then it was this kinda non-committed relationship for awhile, where we acted like it but didn't physically do anything special-"

"Then Sophie changed that" Cathy replied, teasing. "Am I right?"

"Hardly" he countered, but glad; he saw her relief at moving on. "Sophie thought she'd have to explain it to me eventually, but I actually started things. Though it took a lot of thought-"

"I'll bet" she said, suddenly pulling him down a little, now having him in a makeshift non-serious headlock. "Seriously, you were never that good at romantic hints, stickbrain!"

"Hey, these things take time!"

Cathy started shaking, laughing- her focus on such allowed him to get out, exasperated but chuckling. Just as they came out of it, they heard the tail end of an overhead PA announcement, saying a flight was now boarding- specifically, Cathy's.

Lok slowly stood up. "I guess that's you, Cath" he said, helping gather her smaller things.

"Yeah" she breathed, glancing down the open door, where other passengers were boarding. "I wish I didn't have to though."

"It'll be fine" he assured, if feeling the same. "We'll keep in touch. But I'm gonna miss you."

To that, Cathy just hugged him, and they lingered for awhile.

"Well, I may not be that active now, but I'm still technically a Seeker" she said to him. "The experiences should grow on me in time, and maybe I'll change my mind after college, or earlier. Whether I do or don't though, I expect you to remain a great one, Lok, in my place."

He hummed. "You got it" Lok assured gently. "Best of luck to you."

"Thanks, and also-"

What Cathy said next was low, but he immediately understood- while Cathy looked around a little, making sure no one could see, he discreetly searched his own pockets. Eventually he pulled an amulet only an inch or two out; Shadow's - Cathy bent down a bit, touching her fingers to it... briefly, there was a low-level glow.

Cathy smiled. "Be good to my brother, okay?" she whispered. "For my sake, at least."

No answer, even when Cathy leaned up, but maybe it's just between them anyway. Cathy gave him a look, and Lok nodded, prepared to give Shadow the battles he desired, and take good care of him - maybe one day, if Cathy's 'change her mind' situation came to pass, she might want Shadow back.

No guarantee that'd happen of course, but he's prepared.

"Last call for boarding. Last call for boarding."

That announcement caused Cathy to jolt again, but she was fine. "Bye, Lok" she whispered, that saying it all.

He smiled. "Bye, Cathy" he returned, before nodding. "Make sure to knock all those other geniuses down a peg. You're brainy enough to do it."

She laughed, even as she stepped backward. "Only if it's required" she teased back, waving; Lok returned the favor with his free hand, discreetly putting Shadow's amulet back. "I can't overdo it."

Just like that, Cathy gave a last look + nod (which he returned), one hand over where her Holotome was tucked away, then she disappeared into the passageway, which closed behind her. Letting out a breath, Lok remembered how it'd been early on, both them re-adjusting to the reality of dad being home... and in Cathy's case, needing to let out her raw emotions. She'd tried to keep them in check, but once she really got going, then it all tended to spill out- and all they could do was listen, though Lok did his best to do the same, as per Cathy's advice. Dad never blamed either of them for that, nor complained, taking their comments like his life depended upon it - and he wasn't above crying when they did.

Those first weeks had been an emotional roller-coaster, worse for Cathy than him, yet he'd had his own share of 'flashbacks'... but their family is strong.

"As is Cathy" Lok thought, glad for that. "If she hadn't had big battles forced upon her without rest, I think she would've gotten used to things. Yet because they happened, she needs some time first."

Out loud, after some time: "But for now, I gotta get back home" he breathed, slowly turning to go - had to enjoy the remaining time he's gonna be in Ireland.

Fairly soon, he'd have his own plane to catch, with his team and his girlfriend waiting for him.

Not completely over things, either of them, but they're on the road of recovery, due in no small part to finally having Eathon back