Co-Author's Note: Long time no see. Be afraid! Be very afraid!

Disclaimer: What? See previous chapters.

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Unexpected Consequences

Chapter 26

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King Thaitus had his hands full. After the war with the Roman Empire, and the ridding of the evil sorcery behind it all, he had assigned assistants to help with the cleanup. The city was a mess and it caused him to feel older beyond his years.

And now there was the royal training of his son. Thaitus knew he would not always be alive, and that someday Thunder would have to exceed his place and take the royal throne.

Thaitus sighed as he stood before the large windows with his hands resting on the ledges. He felt so torn and so tired. Why did these things always happen? There seemed to be no reasoning behind such nonsense, and yet there was. He knew there was always reasoning behind every action, no matter how preposterous. He had been rough on Thunder, perhaps too rough. And he had been against Hana Rai-Utano too. But after everything that had happened, Thaitus realized the young woman was perhaps the best thing that happened to his only child.

Marriage. There was a strong possibility of that in the future. And Thaitus knew that he and Lila desired to see it take place. But it was yet too soon. For Thunder would need to learn the ways of the country, the people, and more. And Thaitus would help him through it. And so, the king turned to find his son.

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Rekino felt excited. After a long and tiring journey she and the other Guardians were returning to Japan. The thought of seeing her nephew Hiroshi and spoiling him rotten enhanced her excitement, and she wondered if she should buy him something before leaving the country. But what to buy him? A stuffed teddy? No. Those were overrated. A stuffed bunny? Cute, but bunnies seemed more for girls. So what then? She sighed. This was so complicated. If only she was better at deciding.

Come to think of it, where was Flash? She looked toward the older girl who was leaning against the wall with Sage. So far all of them were waiting for Shades to return with Hana. She smiled lightly. It was funny how things often turned out unexpectedly. Rekino had learned a lot in the last few months. And she felt all of them had changed.

But she wondered how long that change would last.

Scorpio suddenly coughed several times. His throat was drying up quickly and he looked around for water. But there was none. He felt sweaty and knew he had to get water immediately. The coughing increased.

Rekino looked toward him with an eyebrow raised. "Bad cold?" she asked.

Scorpio shook his head as he coughed even more. Water. He needed it now. He hurried toward the door as the coughing began to sound more like choking. His face had turned quite pale, and now he had alarmed Rekino.

Rekino looked back toward Flash. "Flash, something's up with Scorpio!"

Flash looked from Sage's attention and toward her small friend. She immediately frowned as she hurried toward him. "Scorpio!"

But she was too late. A gasping sound came out of Scorpio's mouth, and he suddenly fell to the floor.

"Oh, shit!" Rekino shouted.

Sage gasped and Rowen couldn't believe his eyes. They surrounded Scorpio's body, and Flash gently turned him over. Scorpio's face was pale white and his skin looked as if it was drying up quickly.

"What's the matter with him?" Rowen asked in concern.

"He needs water!" Flash cried out.

"Water?" Rowen leapt to his feet and ran out the door as fast as he could. Sage knelt down beside Flash as he studied Scorpio's unconscious form.

"Flash, give me room. Maybe I can help him until Rowen gets back with the water," Sage said quietly.

Flash nodded as she bit her bottom lip. She backed up and stood beside Rekino with her lip quivering. Why hadn't Scorpio told them he was getting thirsty? And where was his water canteen? He was always supposed to have it! Damn! Why did this happen to begin with?!

Rekino placed an arm around Flash's shoulders. She felt bad. Perhaps she should have spoken up sooner. But then, she didn't even know what was going on. Life sucked like that. One bad thing after another it seemed.

Sage poured his healing power into Scorpio, hoping to keep him from slipping further. It wasn't easy work, because he could see the cause of Scorpio's condition. He did not know the name of it, if there even was a name, but Scorpio's body had a condition dehydrating faster than it should have.

He continued to pour his power into Scorpio. The bearer of Current was a fighter, but how long could he last? Where was Rowen anyway?

At last Rowen returned with a large glass of water. "Sorry!" he apologized as he handed Sage the water. Sage took the water and Flash moved to help sit Scorpio up. Together, they helped the unconscious boy swallow some water.

Rekino sucked in a breath. Would it work? There seemed to be no movement from Scorpio and her heartbeat quickened.

Flash, Sage, and Rowen watched carefully as they kept their fingers crossed. It had to work. Time seemed to take too long, and it felt as if Scorpio would slip further away. But then, his eyelids fluttered and he made a twisted face. He suddenly coughed.

"Scorpio!" Flash cried with relief.

"Is he okay?" Rekino asked.

"He has to be," Rowen answered as he watched the small Warrior.

Scorpio slowly opened his eyes and looked at everyone in a daze. He was exhausted, but alive. Seeing their concerned looks, he automatically knew. "I did it again," he spoke weakly.

"Damn right you did!" Rekino said angrily. She tapped her finger against his chest as her amethyst purple eyes flashed. She felt Rowen place a hand on her shoulder, but she could barely keep calm. He needed to be scolded; in her opinion at least.

"I'm sorry," Scorpio repeated.

"It's okay, Scorpio," Flash cut in. "Sometimes things happen that aren't preventable. Can you sit up?"

"I can try," Scorpio answered.

Sage moved around to help him, and soon Scorpio was sitting up with his back to the wall. He held the glass of water in his hand.

"Looks like our return home has been slightly postponed," Sage said, quietly as he kept an eye on Scorpio.

The others nodded. Not only did they have to wait for Scorpio to regain his strength, but they had to wait for something else. Where were Hana, Shades, and Thunder?

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Ryo could not put his son down, even if he had wanted to. Hiroshi had taken to him quite easily, and now father and son were playing quietly on the floor. Ryo rolled a red ball to his son, and Hiroshi giggled as he placed his small hands on it. He tried to pull himself into a seated position as his legs wobbled slightly.

"That's a good boy, Hiroshi," Ryo said proudly. "Soon, your legs will be tough enough to kick something!"

"Gah!" Hiroshi spoke as he drooled on the ball.

Ryo smiled and watched him. Hiroshi was about five months old, and it seemed he was getting stronger everyday. From the time he was born, he had an inner strength, and that was growing as well. But what the bearer of Wildfire worried about the most was would Hiroshi be the next Wildfire?

"Ryo, could you come here?" Mia called from the kitchen.

Ryo scooped Hiroshi into his arms and went to the kitchen. He found Mia cutting up tomatoes for dinner. "Hi, dear."

"Hi," Mia said with a smile. "Ryo, I need a big favor."

"Sure. Anything for you."

"Can you go to the store and pick up these items?" Mia reached to her left and picked up a list, and handed it to Ryo. She went back to chopping tomatoes.

Ryo stared at the list, and then checked his wallet for money. Seeing he had money, he looked at his son. "How about it, little guy? Want to go to the store with me?" Hiroshi cooed and laughed. Ryo smiled and looked at Mia. "I'm taking Hiroshi with me." He turned and left the kitchen with Hiroshi in his arms.

Mia smiled as she scooped the chopped tomatoes and placed them into a large bowl. Ryo was making a fine father.

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Shades was getting more than annoyed. She had been standing outside Thunder's door, knocking for what seemed the hundredth time. All she could hear was giggles from Hana and a chuckle from Thunder. While it was great that Thunder had finally found a girlfriend, he still had a responsibility. And so did Hana. Everyone was waiting for Hana so they could leave and return home.

Home. Her real home was in Russia. She had written her mother a few letters and was pleased to learn how Kurk and Leah were doing. Someday, she would have to visit them. Maybe this summer.

She pounded on the door again. "Hana! Thunder!"

Waiting was so irritating.

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Hana sighed as her eyes rolled to the ceiling. She had been curled up against Thunder who had been kissing her neck when they heard the knocking and Shades' impatient cry. "She's so persistent."

Thunder smiled, but agreed with her. He had known Shades for a while now, and knew she could be the hot head one out of all the friends he had. When Shades wanted something, she didn't give up until she got it. The meaning of back down had no effect on Shades.

"She is," Thunder said. He sighed. He knew the time had come for Hana to go, and he didn't want her to. He wanted her to stay with him forever, but sadly, that wasn't to be. "Do you know when I'll see you again?"

"Soon, I hope," Hana answered. "I don't want to leave, but the other Lady Guardians need me. And Rekino will kill me if I don't go."

"Rekino, Flash, and Shades are so stubborn in their ways," Thunder mused as he and Hana stood up.

"Tell me about it," Hana muttered. "Those three could start War World Three alone."

The knocking came again. There was no use in ignoring it, so they headed to the door and opened it.

"It's about time!" Shades declared. "Do you have any idea how long I've been standing here knocking?"

"Um, quite a while?" Hana guessed.

"Ten minutes!" Shades replied with her arms crossed in annoyance.

"Wow, I didn't realize you had that much patience," Thunder stated.

"Oh, shut up," Shades retorted as she gave him an annoyed look.

Thunder only smiled in reply as he and Hana followed Shades down the hall.

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It didn't seem fair to Amaya that life had to be so difficult. The feelings of pleasure and pain were nothing new to her, and yet she felt that this time the pain was different. It did not compare to the time she had been tortured when she had first been captured. It seemed worse, because it was affecting her spirit directly. It cut deep into her soul and burned like the fires of hell.

The young French woman jumped at a soft knock at her door. Clearing her throat, she wiped her tears away before opening it. She started at her lover.

"Ken-"

He bowed quickly, holding up a letter, "I wrote this for you. Please, read it."

Amaya stared at him for a moment before taking the letter from his outstretched arms. She opened it with shaky hands and read the contents inside not once, but twice to make sure she understood its meaning. It was a habit of hers from her religious upbringings.

She put a hand to her mouth, tears forming again, "Kento, I don't know what to say."

"If you don't forgive me, I completely understand!" The Warrior of Hardrock stood to his full height. "I was belligerent and rude. I-"

His words were cut short when Amaya flung her lithe body at him and placed a kiss to his lips. He recoiled for a second before wrapping his strong arms around her, kissing back.

When they pulled apart, he smirked at her redden cheeks, "Did they teach you that at bible study?"

She smacked him. Hard. "Don't joke about such things, Kento Rei Faun!"

"Ow, ow. Okay, no more cracking on the bible."

The Mistress of Torrent couldn't help but smile nonetheless, "I think it's time we start those lessons, mon chéri."

Kento was about to question her French phrase before he was pulled into the room. Down the hall, Mia smiled happily when she heard the door lock click and decided not to call them down for supper.

Well, Kento would be down at any rate. He was a blood hound when it came to food.

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Back in Germany, Scorpio had seemed to be regaining his strength fine when Shades, Hana, and Thunder walked into the room. Rekino looked over her shoulder and smirked.

"About time. Flash and I were about to send out a search party."

Shades grumbled, gave Rekino the finger, and walked past everyone. Thunder moved away from Hana and went to his best friend, looking him over.

"What happened?" He inquired.

Rowen shrugged, "I don't know what you would call it."

"He went too long without water and didn't tell anyone," Flash said in an irritated manner. She wasn't mad at Scorpio, she was just slightly annoyed at the fact he didn't inform anyone that he needed water.

The Current Warrior smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry, okay? It just hit me suddenly."

"Here," Thunder knelt down beside him, "let me help. You can't go home on half a tank of strength."

The others laughed at the prince's snide remark. They noticed the air around Thunder to be slightly different. They didn't know if Hana had been the cause or what, but he seemed more—relaxed.

"You ready to go, Guardian?" Sage looked in Hana's direction. He could feel her wide spread emotions through the link and it moved his own spirit to a certain degree. He figured she was going to be upset, but this upset?

The Mistress of Halo took in a deep breath and straightened out her shoulders, "Indeed. I'm all packed and ready. I'm kind of getting home sick."

Rekino's eyes moved slowly in her comrade's direction. The Guardian of Wildfire sure as hell wasn't a mind reader, but she knew Hana was lying through her teeth about being okay with the trip home. To be honest, she wasn't too happy herself. She and Flash had become close friends and she hated to leave her new buddy and go back to boring ole Toyama.

Hana, Rekino said through the link, don't lie. It causes stress and stress causes wrinkles.

Shut up.

"Welp," Shades broke the silence, "since we're all here now, let's chop chop."

It took about ten minutes for everyone to gather their luggage in the middle of the living room. Once there, the seven armored warriors said their goodbyes to Thunder. Scorpio was first, of course. He took him into a big bear hug.

"Write me, okay? Tell me everything! Don't leave out a single detail!"

Thunder smiled, "I will."

Flash stepped up and wrapped her arms around Thunder's neck, kissing his cheek, "You better call me too. I'd hate to come over here and unleash the fires of hell on you!"

"She'll do it too!" Shades joined in the group hug. "Send me a souvenir or something. And keep in touch."

He hugged them both tightly, "I'll do just that."

Sage stepped up and clamped his hand with Thunder's before bringing him in for a hug, patting his back, "Let's let the past be the past and work toward a future together, right?"

"Sure thing," Thunder smiled and leaned in to whisper in Sage's ear. "Take care of Hana for me, please."

Sage pulled back and nodded to let Rowen and Rekino say their goodbyes. Rowen copied Sage and brought the German in for a quick, manly hug.

"Take it easy, buddy."

"Roger."

Rekino hugged him briefly as well, patting his shoulder as she pulled back, "Don't become a stranger. Call us too sometime, my brethren! I'm gonna miss seeing you're fluffy hair, man."

Thunder smiled affectionately and ruffled her hair, "And I'm going to miss my arm prop."

"Hey!" The Guardian of Wildfire huffed, crossing her arms. "No short jokes."

Everyone laughed for a second until Thunder turned to the last person to bid farewell too—his beloved Hana. She stood there, her midnight blue eyes shining in the light and rimmed with tears. Her fists were clenched at her sides, her stance rigid. He could tell she was fighting with her emotions because he was too.

"Hana…"

She held up a hand, "I've never been one for goodbyes. So, let's just leave it at 'I'll be seeing you', okay?"

Thunder closed the distance between them and took her into his arms. He didn't want to let her go. She was his Angel in disguise, the reason for his existence now. She wrapped her arms around him and her body shook, but she didn't shed one tear.

"Hana," he whispered in her ear, "Ich liebe Dich." He heard her breath hitch in her throat before replying.

"Ich liebe Dich auch."

Blaze appeared in the room during the emotional scene and announced that for everyone to gather together so he could teleport them. Thunder and Hana didn't want to let go, but, in the end, they knew they had to part.

But at least it wasn't forever.

"Hana," Rekino reached out and put a hand on her fellow guardian's shoulder, "it's time."

The Guardian of the Armor of Light/Thunder nodded briefly before pulling away from her beau. She placed a chaste kiss to his lips before intertwining their hands. She pressed a small piece of paper into his hand before turning away. As she turned, Thunder noticed a glimmer of something in the light. He realized that it was her tears finally coming out. Thunder watched in sadness as his friend and new girlfriend teleported out of his sight, waving to them as he did so.

"Auf Wiedersehen, mein Liebling."

The German Prince clenched his fists in anger when he noticed something in his hand. He had been oblivious to it when Hana was leaving. He quickly unfolded it and almost cried at the words written on the small piece of paper.

"'Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.' I'll see you again, Thunder. Don't ever forget: I love you. Yours truly and faithfully, Hana Rai-Utano."

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The epilogue is next! Keep a look out for it!

Translations

mon chéri – French. "My darling".

Ich liebe Dich - German. "I love you".

Ich liebe Dich auch – German. "I love you too".

Auf Wiedersehen, mein Liebling – German. "Goodbye, my darling." (Note: Could come out as "Goodbye, my favorite".)