Guardian

by yasha012

I used to want to save existence... I saw it as this beautiful place, capable of fostering life in all of its many forms. A place with the potential to nurture so much Light. But the closer I got to it... the more I fought for it… the better I could see the Darkness waiting within… the evil we would all rather forget. (Part 4 of the Hero series; sequel to "Eternal Shadow Falls".)

138. Gift Giving

Disclaimer: I hereby disclaim all rights to all characters (save for those of my own creation) in this seemingly dire situation… especially for the one who still feels protective in spite of it all.

~保護者~

"Gift Giving"

~保護者~

It was quiet in the Highlands. Fluffy snowflakes drifted lazily down from the sky and came to land on the barrier Kaden had been forced to take up residence in. With the molten flooring he had created some time ago, he was kept sufficiently warm. However, the mere knowledge of being in such a cold and wet environment did anything but improve his mood.

Truly, it went without saying that he had plenty of reasons to be unhappy. His entrapment aside, there were still other matters. Demons who obeyed him out of obligation and not loyalty were growing restless. Without him, Zareil, or the other generals there as much in recent days, voices of dissent were starting to rise. He also wasn't entirely sure where Zareil was, as he'd not yet had the chance to focus exclusively on locating her. Sonic also hadn't returned from wherever he'd gone, as it happened.

The most immediately vexing matter at hand, however, was the one person who was currently in his presence. One of his most valuable generals below Zareil had arrived here in secret, hiding any trace of their presence under his command. It wasn't so much this person that was irritating him, though, as much as it was the news they had brought. "She appears to have been sealed away within her realm again," the general informed him. "Any efforts to strike at her again are impossible at this time."

Kaden cursed and looked away to glare into the distance, arms crossed and mind working. "Focus efforts on guarding the realm, then," he instructed. "It does not seem as though all of her forces were sent back to whence they came."

"Aye, sir," the other man agreed just as irritably. "Many are still running free. We've encountered a few at our borders."

"Do what I said, then," was the strict order. "Do not make me repeat myself. I may be trapped but Zareil is not."

"Aye," was the quick agreement. "It will be done, sir. You have my word."

"Your mere word means noth-" Abruptly, Kaden cut himself off. Both demons looked into the sky, eyes focused on energies only truly powerful demons would be able to sense from this distance. Kaden's expression darkened. "Arik, go home."

The demon looked at him sharply. "Sir-"

"Go home!" Kaden suddenly snapped, rounding on the other man in a fury. "Go home and defend the realm as I have already told you!"

Though he seemed unhappy with it, the general knew far better than to continue arguing. "Aye, sir," he muttered. "Shall I send additional forces your way?"

"Don't you dare," Kaden hissed. "I do not need protection. Leave my sight."

Finally, the general vanished. Kaden paced from one end of the small barrier to another, working rapidly through a variety of ideas before finally coming to a decision. Gathering a ball of Darkness, he poised to strike it against the inside of the barrier. Then he poured magic into the soon-to-be attack, ensuring it would be as goddamn noticeable as possible. It slammed into the barrier with no undue amount of force, sending a shockwave through the ground for a distance and, with any luck, getting his damn point across.

Sure enough, someone appeared within moments. Espio stood beside the barrier, sword drawn but not held in any threatening manner. "What is it that you think you are doing?" the shinobi asked coolly. "It will not fall. I know you know this."

Kaden bared his teeth. "That is not my goal." Espio quirked a brow, but seemed prepared to listen. Which was just as well, because Kaden was speaking regardless of what the chameleon was prepared for. "Bring Steam here now. His presence is needed."

That made Espio frown. However, some measure of his training seemed to kick in, for he left immediately as opposed to questioning the direct order. An instant later, he appeared at Tails's home. He let himself in, sheathing his sword as he went, and walked straight to where he sensed Steam. Steam met him halfway, hand on his sword to be prepared for anything. "What's going on?" he asked quickly.

Uninterested in wasting time, Espio told him, "He is demanding to see you. Kaden. He seemed unusually… urgent."

"I'll go there now, then," Steam said, teleporting to the Highlands immediately. He quickly approached the trap that held Kaden, eyes narrowed as he stretched out his senses. "What is it?"

Though he tossed Steam a glare, Kaden was prepared to be reasonable in this situation… at least for now. "Do you sense them?" he asked pointedly, arms crossing.

"Yeah," Steam muttered. "I do."

"Those demons were stolen by Nareish long ago," Kaden muttered back. "I can no more control them than you can, but I can still sense their intentions. Most of them intend to come to this world. I assume you can guess the rest for yourself."

Steam frowned and shifted his gaze up. "What all are they wanting to do?"

"Wreak havoc, kill people, strike at any major threat they can sink their claws into." Kaden gritted his teeth together briefly before continuing. "Sonic and Shadow are among their intended targets."

"Figured as much. They're attacking while you can't stop them. I'll get something set up. Deal with all of this. They will be safe," Steam answered.

"See to it that they are," was the distinctly unhappy response. Kaden finally sat back down, some tiny amount of tension fading from him. "I will make you suffer, somehow, if they are harmed."

Steam managed to chuckle faintly. "You'd do it anyway, but I've got every reason to protect them. No threats needed." Kaden scoffed, but otherwise stayed silent. He'd said all he'd needed to say, as far as he was concerned. Further words weren't needed. The green hedgehog typed on his communicator before glancing back to Kaden. "Are there any issues in your realm? Demons hunting the triplets?"

"They are hidden and safe," Kaden dismissed. "The realm is secure."

"Got it," Steam murmured. "If the situation changes, I can help."

"Your assistance is not required." Kaden closed his eyes, reaching his senses out with a frown. "They grow nearer at a rapid pace. Go prepare while you can."

Steam nodded slowly and teleported away, back to Tails's workshop to begin readying any resources they might need. Shit had to go like this right now, huh? "We haven't gotten to test the cannon yet, right?" he questioned, turning his gaze over to Tails and Wery.

Tails blinked in his direction, puzzled. "Uh… no? We've only barely finished it. I mean, why would we have tested it yet?"

"Got it," Steam murmured, grabbing the Light crystals he'd collected from Rose. "Something is about to happen."

"What?" Tails demanded, already worried.

Wery jumped out of her seat, concerned. "What's about to happen?"

Steam turned to them both with a deep frown. "Nareish took control of some demons. I've already called on a few people to come handle this quickly. Keep yourselves safe here and immediately alert people if danger comes. Got it?"

Tails straightened. "Wait, how? Last I'd heard, she hadn't successfully taken any demons since a long time before Kaden took over?"

"Kaden himself told me, so I've got little reason to not believe him," Steam answered. Tails gaped at him. Steam thought for a moment, then added, "They were taken a long time ago." This could very well not be an easy fight.

A few seconds passed. Tails thought things over. Then he grimaced and said, "Who have you called? Not everyone is going to be able to handle this, and we have to be able to protect those that aren't fighting." As he spoke, he grabbed his communicator and began rapidly typing.

"I called for Eila and Rose. Cyril should hopefully be heading back here to protect everyone soon. I was going to ask for help from Ylden as well as any of the chameleons that might be capable. Other than that, I'm not sure who all will be there," Steam answered.

"Call Toru and Espio," Tails suddenly said. "Last I heard, Shei and Aniko have their own things to deal with. But all chameleons are used to handling demons due to the Hollows. Those two are especially strong, needless to say. You'll be better off with their help."

"I'll do so in a second. Can you two send out a warning to everyone else letting them know to seek shelter? I need to get moving quickly," Steam answered.

At this point, Tails managed a smile and held up his communicator. "Already been working on it. Shadow's still at his home, so he's safe where he's at. I've got Sonic heading there to shelter, too. Waiting on replies from everyone else now."

Steam nodded slowly, then shifted his gaze vaguely upward. "If something comes here and nobody can get here, use that cannon and hold them off." He then drew his sword and headed for the stairs. "Be safe."

"We will… don't worry." Tails turned to Wery. "I don't want you to worry either, okay? This place is so secure that I can't overstate it. So long as the full brunt of the oncoming fight doesn't start directly hitting the building, we'll be fine. Okay?"

Wery nodded shakily, but she managed to seem confident for the time being. "Okay…"

Tails offered her a smile, then turned back to Steam. "We'll be fine. If anything happens, though I doubt it will, one of us will contact you. Otherwise, I'll just be monitoring the safety of everyone else."

Steam nodded slowly before simply teleporting away into space. Rose was already there waiting for him, and Eila soon arrived to join them. While they spoke, Steam quickly called Espio. Please answer...

Only on nearly the final ring did Espio finally pick up. "What?" he asked, sounding terse and distracted.

"I hate to call on you so suddenly, but I could really use your help right now. Nareish's demons are coming after Mobius to cause problems, and your skill would be great. Are you able to join us?"

"I have already taken up position near where some are preparing to arrive," Espio revealed. "Their energy levels were… alarming. It alerted the whole of Hyale, despite how far we were from the source."

"Fuck. Can you guys handle the situation there, or would you need extra support? I was going to ask Toru as well, but if you need him, then that's fine."

"If I have need of him, I will call," Espio said. "For now, it is not necessary."

Steam nodded, as useless as it was. "Understood. Keep us updated if anything serious comes up."

Usually, Espio would have hung up at this point. This time, however, he muttered unhappily, "Guard Shadow's home closely. There are children present. Three of them."

"Three?" Steam questioned before it suddenly clicked. "Oh, fuck. I'll have Rose guarding near there. Anything else I need to know?"

"No. I will contact you if anything changes." Espio hung up without waiting for a reply.

Steam let out a slow exhale before calling for Rose and instructing her on where to go. He then quickly called Toru. When the chameleon answered, he didn't even have a chance to say anything before Toru began speaking. "I'm already on it. I'm ensuring things are secure here before I get moving. Don't bother me." Toru then ended the call.

Steam blinked a few times. Must be tense with the danger around the kids and Shadow…

"Will anyone else be arriving?" Eila asked calmly, arms loosely crossed.

"Hope so," Steam murmured, shifting his gaze to Mobius. "I got Ylden a communicator because he's in need of one, so hopefully he'll make it. Anyone else, we're lucky to get."

Eila clicked her tongue and began moving her hands carefully, drawing a magic circle in front of her. "Ultimately, that must do. I will guard the other side of the planet for now. You had plans to fight from the ground, correct?"

Steam nodded slowly. "I fight best when I'm not in space, sadly. I trust you to take care of yourself too, so be safe."

"You as well," Eila murmured in reply, teleporting away.

The green hedgehog ran his fingers through his hair, a low groan escaping him. "Fuck you, Nareish... " His complaint fell on deaf ears, and he returned to the ground quickly. Toru appeared in front of him and they spoke briefly before the chameleon was sent off to a section of the planet that was at great risk. Steam then took off where he'd designated himself to guard, biting his lip. There's not enough people properly guarding the planet. They're bound to slip through, and I need to keep casualties to a minimum.

A sudden appearance of grey off to Steam's side heralded Therin's arrival. "Heard trouble's coming," he said by way of greeting. "Need a hand?"

A faint smile broke onto Steam's face. "I'm glad you're here. You-" He was cut off briefly by Kial appearing beside Therin, but didn't let himself get sidetracked. "Therin, you know who Eila is, right?"

"Heard of her." The cat stretched idly, then put his arms behind his head. "Know enough, I suppose. If you're worried about getting along, it won't be an issue. Her past is irrelevant here."

"Not what I'm worried about, for once. Speak to her and split the area she's guarding in half," Steam said. "You guys shouldn't be at too great of a risk, but inform me if things go awry."

"You got it." Therin vanished again, off to do what he'd been asked.

Steam then turned to Kial and let out a short exhale. "I need you to cover the skies above some of the cities. If I place a marker with magic, do you think you can find it?"

"Of course," Kial murmured in reply. "I will guard it all to the best of my ability."

The hedgehog quickly set the marker and watched as Kial headed off, slowly transforming into a dragon to fly into the air. Some of his stress was relieved, even more so when the next message came in.

Ylden

I've taken my place above the planet. I will thin out what I can and keep the oncoming waves minimalized. Be safe.

Thank god. Steam didn't respond, knowing that Ylden was unlikely to do the same while performing whatever preparations he would be working on. As sudden as this plan was, it came together a lot more nicely than he expected it to. He clutched the crystals he'd grabbed at the workshop tightly, hoping that it wouldn't be necessary to make good use of them. "Let's get this shit done," he murmured to himself, taking a seat atop a building to wait for the enemies to descend.

~保護者~

Demons fell in her wake as purple magic coursed through their insides and tore them to pieces in a gruesome and violent display of power. Glowing hands ripped more of the beings apart, leaving the bloody Therian alone after clearing the small horde that had attacked her. Your master hurt my family. You will suffer in her place until we are able to get revenge.

Tempest moved ever closer to Mobius, taking note of the fact that these demons had an obvious target in mind. Vague irritation bloomed within her atop the mountain of fury that she was unleashing, watching as some of these beings dared to ignore her. Eventually her gaze fell on a cat who was fighting much like she was, even using magic. She decided for now that she would ignore him in favor of killing off more of their common enemy. She still had a lot more anger to take out.

~保護者~

Steam felt the claws rake across his skin before they made purchase and lifted him from the ground, tossing him into the air where he had to deliver a strong kick to one demon so he could leap into another and slice its head off with his blade. More than I wanted to show up, but nothing I can't handle. One particularly intelligent one engaged him with their own blade, forcing him to slowly take steps back until he rolled under a demon waiting to take him by surprise. He kicked said enemy into the other's blade and drove his own through them both immediately before they could properly recover.

His sword was ripped from his hand and tossed away as he was knocked to the ground. He rolled to the side to avoid razor-sharp claws piercing him and pushed up with one hand, delivering a strong roundhouse kick to knock them aside when a blast of water suddenly shot by him and tossed the demon further away. He didn't think to look back at whoever was helping him, instead making chase and snapping the enemy's neck. Seems like things are calm for now.

Steam turned his gaze around to his mystery helper and a faint smile broke onto his face. He walked over and teleported his sword back into the sheath, giving an appreciative nod. "Thanks for the help. It's good to know there are others around that can help fight."

The weasel smiled in return. "I try to help where I can, really. I'm not strong, but if I can even stun them for a bit, that usually helps someone else stop them."

"Yeah. Not a bad plan, either," Steam answered before extending a hand. "Name's Steam."

"Kira," the grey weasel answered. Suddenly, she let out a gasp and clasped both of her hands around his. "Hold on, Steam? Do you know Wery?" she asked, excited.

Steam nodded gently. "Yeah. You two friends?"

"Well, yeah," Kira answered in a soft chuckle. "Known her for some time now. I even help in some of her little experiments. She doing alright? She hardly responds to messages and it always seems like she's really tired."

"She's working hard on things." Steam shrugged gently. "If you'd like, I can take you to see her."

"Please!" She said, shaking his hand excitedly. "Oh, she's had me so worried!"

Steam laughed softly and nodded, teleporting them to Tails's workshop. The fighting should be wrapping up, and I've not heard bad news from anyone. Once she's settled, I'll get moving and check on everyone.

The hedgehog watched as the weasel and fox quickly reunited, both delighted to see the other. A smile broke onto his face before he teleported away, intent on checking with everyone who had just been fighting. Somehow, this time, everything had gone alright.

~保護者~

The full weight of the decision they had just made hadn't yet had the chance to sink in. Shadow and Toru were both quiet as they sat on the couch in the front room, thinking everything over. The whole house was quiet, currently. Myriu and Caer were off doing their own things elsewhere. Lia and Soren were sleeping. Except… Lia wasn't sleeping anymore. The sound of her small feet rushing down the hall registered a mere second before the young girl slammed into Shadow at high speed. She clung to him tightly, looking distressed. Before he could even ask, she demanded tearily, "Daddy, Daddy! Where's Mr. Fluffy?!"

It took a moment. It had been years, after all. Then it clicked, and Shadow reluctantly asked, "...Your unicorn?"

"Yes!" Lia exclaimed. She looked hopeful. He hated that he was going to have to dash that hope. "Do you have him? I can't sleep without him! I won't!"

Damnit. Stifling a sigh, Shadow gently pried her arms off of him and then picked her up properly. "Lia, I don't have him. I haven't had him in a long time."

"But… But I want him…!" Teary-eyed, Lia turned to Toru and suddenly turned the conversation on him. "Do you have him? I miss him so, so, so much."

"Hold on a moment," Toru said, gently setting a hand on her shoulder. "You haven't been around for a while. It's been a really long time, Lia. Mr. Fluffy isn't here anymore. However, if you'd like, we can get you a new one?"

Those tears grew and threatened to fall. "But auntie Amy made him… He's special…"

"And so are you," Toru responded softly. "Maybe she can make you a new one, if she has time?"

Though she sniffled, Lia didn't outright start crying. She wiped at her eyes. "Okay…" Once she was done with the, she hugged Shadow tightly again. "I miss him, though."

This time, Shadow did sigh. "I know," was all he said as he gently returned her hug.

It took a little while, but eventually Lia spoke again. She was looking at Toru once more. "What's your name? Are you friends with my daddy? How come you're the same color as him? Well, almost the same color. We have red, too. I like the red a lot."

Toru chuckled gently to Lia. "My name is Toru. Me and your dad are close friends." He had to think about how to explain the answer for her third question, but ultimately only ended up saying, "I was simply born this color. That's all there really is to it."

The little girl thought about all of this information. "Oh," she eventually said. "Okay." She wiggled away from Shadow and stood up. "Daddy, can I wake up Soren? I'm bored. I wanna play."

Shadow shook his head. "No, let him sleep. He is tired, like you are."

Despite the truth in his statement, she denied it immediately. "Nuh-uh! I'm not tired!"

"Lia," Toru chided lightly, "you are tired. Go rest. When you're both feeling better, then you can both play."

"I'm not!" Lia protested, stamping her small foot. "I'm never tired!"

Shadow had already had quite enough of this. He stood and scooped Lia up before she could flee. "Since you are insisting on not going to bed, you can either sit on the couch and do something calm, or you can sit there and be bored. Your choice."

She pouted. Quite heavily, in fact. But, eventually, she gave in. "Okay… I guess..." Toru simply watched the two with a smile, waiting to see what else might become of this. "Can I watch a show?"

Somehow, Shadow had known it would come to this. Old distaste filled him. I hate cartoons. "Only if you keep the volume at a reasonable level." He sat back down with her, turned on the TV, and let her work on finding a show. Glancing at Toru, he blandly warned. "If you wish to escape, now is the time. Otherwise she will want you to watch every episode with her."

"It'll be fine," Toru said easily. "Besides, my sister is apparently keen on joining us." He cast his gaze to the ceiling and muttered something in their native tongue. In response, she dropped down and sat with them. "Myriu, what have I said about crawling around on someone else's home?"

The younger girl very idly shrugged in response, seeming to not care greatly what he was thinking. "What is this?" she asked Lia.

Lia frowned in thought. "I dunno. I haven't seen this show before." A second later, she brightened up and pointed. "Look! Horses!"

Myriu's head cocked to the right suddenly in response, vaguely curious as she watched the show. "I do not understand it, truthfully."

"Me either," Lia admitted. "I dunno what they're doing and stuff. But I like horses. My uncle Sonic has a friend who has horses! His horse is pretty and nice and really likes fruit."

"Really?" Myriu asked, her head tilting further.

Lia beamed at her. "Uh-huh! And those horses in the show have hair, but his horse has blue fire! But it doesn't hurt. Uncle Sonic says it's because it's magic fire."

The young chameleon nodded slowly in response. "I see."

Lia looked back at the show for a moment before asking, "Does your home have horses?"

"No, but I do know what a horse is," Myriu answered.

"Oh, okay. What animals do you have?" As Lia asked this, Shadow abruptly set her aside and went to the front door, opening it and stepping outside to greet someone before they even had a chance to knock. Toru glanced over to Shadow briefly, but ultimately said nothing when he realized it was nothing serious. Lia mostly didn't pay attention to this. "Daddy's friend Espio told me one time that there are dragons and fish and even monsters!" she exclaimed. "Well, he sorta told me that last bit. I tried to go play in the woods one time and he didn't let me, so I asked if it was because there were bad animals and he said yes."

Myriu nodded slowly to Lia. "There are things akin to monsters in the wilderness near our villages. As for animals, I can say for sure that we do have dragons and fish."

Lia seemed pleased with this knowledge. "Dragons are cool." Meanwhile, Sonic and Shadow could be faintly heard talking just outside the front door.

"I suppose they are," Myriu answered easily.

Right about then, Sonic led the way back inside. "...was supposed to shelter here with you guys during all that," he was saying, "but I guess I dawdled so much that it didn't even matter in the end. It seems like it's over already." Shadow murmured some vague agreement.

Toru shifted his gaze over again to see the two hedgehogs coming in. "Hey. Took you long enough to get here."

Sonic smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry. I was a bit distracted by other things."

"Clearly," Shadow agreed while shutting the door.

"At least you're safe," Toru said, standing up.

"Guess so," Sonic shrugged. He peered over the top of the couch and smiled. "She really is back, huh? That's a hell of a surprise, but… a nice one. To put it lightly." Shadow also looked over, and he nodded.

Toru pointed back at some of the other rooms in the house. "So is my dad and Soren."

His surprise evident, Sonic asked, "Damn… really?" A second later, he realized his mistake and glanced at Lia a second time. Thankfully, she didn't seem to have heard his swearing. "Erm… I mean, dang."

The chameleon snickered lightly. "Lot happened recently. Reaction is fair."

"True enough," Sonic smiled. "Anyway… you two been doing alright? It's been a while since I checked in with you."

Toru shrugged. "I'm fine." He subtly motioned for Sonic to speak to Shadow a bit more directly as he added, "I'm gonna go check up on my dad for a second. He's been quiet."

Sonic's smile somewhat faded, but he took care to keep it in place for the most part. Maybe he was trying to be placating. "Seriously, though… how have you been? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I'm just… Aw, hell, you know me. I worry more than has ever been good for me."

The two girls were still engrossed in their own conversation. Shadow wasn't concerned with the possibility of Lia overhearing Sonic's accidental second swear. As such, he ignored it. "Well enough," he responded, looking away.

Knowing a lot of the issues his brother had always suffered from as a result of his age-old trauma, Sonic carefully inquired with no smile now, "How are the nightmares?"

At this, Shadow blinked. "...Minimal," he reported after a slight pause. "I am not sure why."

"Weird. But… good. You been eating?"

"No."

"And why not?"

"I don't like eating."

"I call BS." Shadow frowned at his brother. Sonic crossed his arms and insisted, "I know for a fact that you used to have foods you liked. Mashed potatoes, steak, pork chops, chicken, ramen, fried rice… and those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Why don't you eat things like those?"

Sudden annoyance flared and Shadow demanded quietly, "Do you want me to throw up? Because that is what will happen if I attempt to eat anything. A couple bites of bland food is all I can tolerate, and even then it often makes me sick."

This was more information than Sonic had ever gotten on his matter before. He decided to press on, since Shadow was being a bit forthcoming for once. "Can you tell me why? Unless you were hiding it or it just wasn't this bad in the past, I've never heard of you having these kinds of issues before."

"It has nearly always been an issue," Shadow muttered. To say he was unhappy would be an understatement. "There were times when it was manageable. My experience with Zero made it much worse than it had been after my escape from the ARK. Beyond that, I don't know what causes it or what else makes it worse."

The pair fell silent. Sonic thought long and hard about what he'd just been told. "Okay… look. I can't promise anything will come of it but, if you're okay with it, I'll talk to Tails, Amy, and Marthal. Maybe, between the three of them, they can figure out what's going on and how to help. This isn't healthy, and the fact that it's been going on for most of your life really worries me. It's gotta be dealt with."

Reluctant though he was, Shadow was prepared to be practical. If it meant less vomiting, he was all for it. He was so tired of going through waves and waves of crippling nausea every damn time he tried to eat anything. "Fine," he mumbled. "Do what you will."

Sonic smiled again, much more genuinely. "Okay. I'll let you know if they come up with anything. Or if they don't."

Shadow nodded. He opted to change the subject. "How is Father?"

This made Sonic sigh. His smile vanished. "He's pissed, as you can imagine. Tense and restless, too. But he's mostly been pretty quiet and wrapped up in his own thoughts. He protected me from an attack by warning me to move out of the way, but otherwise he's mostly been ignoring me."

The darker hedgehog inclined his head slowly. "...Understood."

Silence threatened to fall again, but Sonic gently interjected. "Anyway… Let's go ahead and sit down. I'm sure Lia would love getting more snuggles from you, and I'd love to spend time with her, too." Huffing, Shadow led the way back to the couch. There was plenty of sweetness to catch up on.

~保護者~

Several hours had passed since the end of the suspiciously minor combat. His children were down for a nap again. Espio sat in the branches of the tree within which his home had been built, idly twirling a kunai on a finger while lost in thought. Various matters demanded his focus and attention, but he pushed them aside one by one. Mostly, he just wanted to actually relax for once. He refused to let his guard down, granted, but even so…

Someone appeared in the village. A shinobi, one strong enough to fully and easily hide their energy from anyone's senses. Given that his parents were unlikely to have returned already, he strongly suspected that he knew who was here. Armaris seemed to notice as well, poking her head out of the home and calling out, "Go hang out with him!"

Frowning slightly, Espio turned in her direction. "Why?" he called back in a huff.

"You two haven't spent much time around each other recently," Armaris said, climbing onto the roof. "I'll watch over the kids, okay?"

Espio settled back onto his branch. "If he wishes to interact, then he will come over here himself. He may well be in the village for business purposes."

"You may well be wrong," another voice suddenly answered, vague amusement in his voice. "Get your ass out of that tree." Toru grinned and waved to them both, keeping his attention focused on Espio.

With another huff, Espio dropped down to the ground. "Happy now?" he inquired dryly.

"Well," Toru said, walking up to Espio, "not yet. You're still as much of a pain in the ass as usual."

Amber eyes rolled. "Only as much as is required." Espio teleported his knife away. "Why are you here?"

"Partially to check on a few things, partially to come bother you. Figured both could be done at the same time," Toru said with a shrug. "No business, sadly, so you're still wrong."

"I can live with being wrong," Espio shrugged. Then he said, "I thought you were attempting to stay close to Shadow most of the time."

Toru chuckled and began walking. "I can't make him go with me everywhere. Not to mention there's no need for him to follow me. What about Armaris? You're not dragging her to every solitudinous tree you sit in?"

"Prick." Espio leaned back against the tree with crossed arms. "I was referring to the fact that you have been protective of him as of late, not that you felt the need to be practically glued to his side at all hours of the day."

"He's safe for now," Toru answered calmly, the amusement draining from his face for a moment. "I've only stayed near him so much because people kept putting him in unnecessary danger. Otherwise I'd give him a bit more space."

Espio nodded a little. "He is doing better, then?"

Toru didn't really know how to answer this, frowning deeply. "Honestly, no, I suppose. I don't really want to get into the details."

"You do not need to," Espio assured easily. He had no desire to pry and so left the matter there.

"How are the kids? Last I heard, they're doing good with you," Toru said, his smile returning properly.

"They are alright," Espio answered. "Zei is acclimating well so far. Her health is improving as well."

"That's good. Myriu took the news that our mother died… better than I expected her to." Toru let out a soft sigh. "Part of me wishes I hadn't taken it that far…"

"What was done is done," Espio murmured. "It is better for you now to focus on what is here and now. Dwelling will make things harder."

Toru nodded slowly. "My dad's back, on top of all this."

Surprised, Espio quickly asked, "Back? When did this happen?"

"Very recently," Toru said. "Before that attack from the beings of Light."

Espio accepted this information with a slow nod. He wasn't sure what to say. He'd never known much about the man in question, only that Toru held him in very high regard. Assuming that respect and love wasn't misplaced (and it likely wasn't), then this was an arguably good outcome. Espio just didn't know what to say about it. He always did think I was odd, he suddenly found himself remembering. Why the thought came now, who could really say? But it was easily brushed off and deemed unimportant. "I see," he finally said, words having finally come to him. Conversations were far from his strong suit, that much was clear all over again.

"How's Aku?" Toru suddenly asked. "I'm willing to bet he's irritable with all that's happening."

"You're joking, surely," Espio huffed. "He sleeps through most of it."

Toru laughed, shaking his head in mock disdain. "Can't imagine sleeping that much. He's getting up there in age though, isn't he?"

"He has long surpassed what the end of his lifespan should have been. I tied our lives together when we were young." Espio hesitated a moment before continuing more quietly, "He said once he was ready to pass on… then refused to allow me to undo the bond. I let him sleep because it is the least he deserves."

The onyx chameleon fell quiet for a moment. All of that made plenty of sense. "Well. At least you've got him around for company. You two know each other well, after all."

"I suppose," Espio shrugged, looking away. "Contrary to what you might think, we do not talk the way we used to. That stopped being the case half a lifetime ago."

"Any particular reason, or is it the age again?" Toru dared to ask.

"We were apart for most of our youths, Toru," Espio explained. "You're well aware that I lived in the outside world for many centuries. He did not go with me. Whatever closeness we shared when we were small faded with time."

Toru clicked his tongue. "Makes enough sense, I suppose," he murmured. Espio only shrugged again. "How're your parents? I've sensed tension and anger since I got here."

Espio hesitated again. After a moment, he carefully explained. "Mother is… not well. There are issues between her and her father. I do not know when or if they will be resolved." More hesitation, this one a bit longer. "Father… has been alright for the most part. Though I do not know how long that will remain true."

"They were always good people. If my help can ever be of use, say the word. We're both better off with them around," Toru said.

"Mother will not appreciate help from either of us," Espio sighed. "She will not be grateful for the intrusion."

"I meant it in general," Toru countered gently. "I don't think I could do… much to help with her situation currently."

"There is even less that can be done with Father's," Espio pointed out in return. "As unstable as his energies can be, attempting to do anything at all will be too risky for all involved."

Toru shrugged. "Offer's there for anything. Not just the stuff going on now."

Espio was quiet for a time. When he spoke next, he abruptly changed the subject. "When we were kids… that hospital I was sent to in the city… do you remember going there with me, that one time?"

"Continue," Toru invited with a nod.

"And that corporation we have hunted within before, Enski. They took over that hospital and all the medicines produced within its laboratories. Did you hear of that?"

Toru's eyes narrowed. "I did not. Continue." The anger in his voice was evident, but he gave no sign that he was feeling aggressive or threatening in any way.

At this, Espio pulled his inhaler out of his kimono sleeve and vaguely gestured to it. "The medicine I need for this is altered heavily by Tails, but the base components come from that facility. This is my last one. Infiltration will be necessary again. However, with my breathing the way it is currently, it is unwise for me to go alone."

"Got it. Say when," Toru invited without hesitation. "Might be interested."

Though he uncharacteristically flipped Toru off, Espio went ahead and did as he'd been told. "I would like assistance soon, if you are able to provide it."

"Absolutely," Toru answered easily. "Not the slightest issue with helping you."

Pleased, Espio nodded. "Thank you."

"Any time," Toru responded. "Might have a favor to ask of you in return."

"Ask," Espio answered.

"Well, I've been… stumped on a gift for Shadow. He's, well, difficult, we'll say. I'm not sure exactly what he'd like, and I want to get him something he'll love," Toru explained. "Any ideas?"

Espio blinked. More caught off-guard than he'd anticipated, he repeated carefully, "A gift?"

"Yeah?" Toru asked, not sure why Espio was caught off-guard.

The surprise quickly passed (though, truly, Espio had been surprised by the idea of Toru wanting to initiate a courtship), and he thought a moment. "Have you had any ideas of your own?" he soon asked.

"I know he likes guns and his kids, but…" Toru sighed. "I don't know enough about modern day gadgets and shit to really know. I mean, I could get him a sword but that hardly feels right. It's gotta be a gift that screams… well, Shadow."

"Let me ask you this, then." Espio crossed his arms comfortably before inquiring, "Our literature and art is almost purely historical and factual, but have you exposed yourself to media in the outside world at all?"

"Not enough to be familiar with it all," Toru said. "Some of their music fucking sucks."

"Look into a genre," Espio calmly interjected, "known as cyberpunk. It is something he secretly adores and is very much… 'his style'. You may well find something suitable by pursuing that route."

Toru nodded slowly, taking this information in before a sly grin appeared on his face. "Have you given anything to Armaris yet?"

After tossing his stupid friend a glare, Espio admitted, "A ceremonial dagger. The same kind high warriors receive. She often doubts her own strength and ability. I wanted that to end."

"She has always had great potential. She simply sought it in the wrong areas. Put herself too deeply into the things she could not do," Toru answered. "I assume she finally found it, yeah?"

"Lately… it seems so," Espio admitted. "She has been displaying more confidence recently, and has been doing much more with it."

"Where did she find her potential, if you don't mind my asking?" Toru questioned.

"Magic fueled by Darkness," Espio answered. "She appears to be uniquely talented."

Toru's interest piqued. "Oh? How talented?" he asked slyly.

Espio gave him a look. "Stop that."

"Alright," Toru laughed. "Honestly, is she a spellcaster? That alone would be fairly incredible."

"Yes, she is," Espio replied.

"You're not very forthcoming with information about her," Toru stated. "Not as much as with other things."

"There is little for me to tell," Espio shrugged.

Toru rolled his eyes. "Gonna keep this simple. She'd love to hear you talking highly of her. Her confidence will always be partially in your opinion of her, so don't be afraid to tell someone that she's a skilled spellcaster."

"You expect me to… brag," Espio clarified flatly.

"You don't have to, but if someone asks, don't say she's talented and then make them do the mental gymnastics to find out that she's a magic user," Toru stated. "Someone might see it as you trying to keep the information quiet, as if she's not highly skilled and powerful. Fuck them if they do, but eh. It would help her too, if she knows that you'd tell someone that without her around. Shows that you think well of her even if you're in other company."

Rather than directly respond to all of that, Espio muttered unhappily, "You asked me when we were kids why I didn't like talking to people. Shit like this is why, for the record. Silence is easier." And less confusing.

Toru shrugged lightly. "I understand. It's not for you. However," the onyx chameleon shifted his gaze back towards Espio's house. "Armaris won't always do well without your words. Like I've said before, I'll always be willing to help if you've got questions. Her crush on you is simply too cute to let it go to waste."

Espio glared at him for that last part, but ultimately focused more on the rest of what was said. "I have never had many words to offer anyone. You know this better than most, Toru."

"I don't expect you to," Toru stated. "Let me phrase it like this. Do you care deeply about her growth and your growth as a couple?" Unsure how to vocally answer that (even though he knew the answer was a 'yes'), Espio just looked at him. Toru nodded gently and smiled. "Both of you have a lot of personal growth and learning to do. Hers is sometimes more obvious. I'm not saying you have to become fluent in speaking to people, but you need to know a bit more than the basics and the 'shinobi' way."

The other chameleon looked away. "I was taught more than the 'basics', the same as you were. But it often makes little sense to me. It comes naturally to people like you and her, not someone like me."

"You could use a more personal approach, then," Toru stated. "Something that pertains to you best from someone who knows you well." Espio looked at him, trying to determine exactly what Toru was suggesting specifically. Toru sighed lightly. "I'll help you. I understand how Armaris's mind works, so I'll teach you how to talk to her in the ways that matter most."

Espio thought about this for a long moment before asking, "...Why?"

"You'd help me with Shadow, yeah? We're friends. I've known you and her since we were kids. I like helping people? Need more reasons?" Toru asked, a smile on his face.

"You can shut up now," Espio grumbled. "I get it."

Toru's grin grew for a moment before he let out a breath. "I'm glad we got to catch up a bit. We've both been wrapped up in our own issues lately."

"No shit," Espio agreed. Feeling that it was needed again, he quickly used his inhaler and took a moment before speaking further. "This peace is only a facade. Hell will come to meet us all again soon enough."

"And we'll bring hell right back to it," Toru responded. "Speaking of, how's your Darkness been acting? You're getting stronger."

Espio blinked and tugged the necklace out of his shirt. "This has been keeping it… tame, so to speak. It tried to flare up once, but the Light within the pendant forced it back."

"That won't work… forever. Has anyone attempted to help you reign it in more for yourself?" Toru asked.

"It is only meant to be used temporarily," Espio agreed. "Nothing else has been done recently. Too much else has been going on."

Toru sighed gently. "I'll send along some of the tactics I used to keep mine in check. Maybe it'll work, maybe it won't."

"I will try whatever you suggest," Espio sighed. Then, very quietly, he admitted, "I made a promise. If I can avoid breaking it… I will do so."

"What was the promise, if you don't mind my asking?" Toru asked just as quietly.

"I will not leave her again. Not if I can help it."

Toru nodded slowly. "I'll get you that stuff soon. I'll do what I can to help you keep that promise."

Espio inclined his head. "Thank you."

"Any time," Toru responded easily. "Anything else on your mind?"

"No." Espio glanced at him. "You've coerced me into saying more than enough. It's your turn, if you have anything to share."

Toru shrugged lightly. "It's odd trying to be a father figure. Myriu has no parents left alive, after her father died and everything recently."

"It takes… adjusting," Espio admitted. "However, you were already somewhat used to being an older brother. That should make the transition easier in the future."

"I suppose," Toru answered lightly. "Sometimes I'm left to wonder if I'm making the right calls and choices."

"If you are ever unsure," Espio murmured, "ask Shadow. He may say otherwise, but he was a good father. He knows what he is doing."

Toru shrugged. "Figured as much. I'm starting to see it firsthand."

Espio blinked. See it? "How is this so?"

"Shadow's kids are back," Toru explained. "Lia and Soren."

Though he was tempted to question this a touch further, Espio ultimately decided not to. "...I see. That is good."

"Armaris seems incredibly happy," Toru pointed out. "Any particular reason why?" Espio only shrugged. He had no idea. Toru shrugged as well. "Either way, good to know. Her presence was… rough before, to say the least. Always seemed upset."

"I suppose so." Espio went to use his inhaler again when it felt like his lungs started to close up a little bit, but found it to be empty. Cursing under his breath, he tossed it aside to be disposed of later. It was damaged from all the times he'd had it on him during battles in the past, anyway. Really, he should have gotten rid of it back then.

Toru frowned openly at this, raising an eyebrow. "Do you need to go relax?"

"No," Espio muttered. Mostly because he was getting too restless to just sit around anymore.

"If you say so," Toru answered. "How's the talks with Rose going? I know she hasn't been around for a little while, but you seem to trust her if you're willing to wear her Light."

"I have few other options than to use this," Espio pointed out, though he didn't deny what Toru had said. Then he added, "We have only spoken once, recently, and it was brief. She has her own business to attend to."

That answered a few questions, but ultimately left Toru with others to ask. "She's nice and all, but why do you guys meet? Obviously your Darkness, but is that it? Aniko made it seem important."

Espio thought about it for a moment. "She and my parents are under the impression that she can help with other issues we recently learned I have. Though, so far, little has been done overall."

"What issues are you talking about?" Toru asked, tilting his head faintly. "Despite my questioning, I haven't the slightest clue what's actually happening."

After a lengthy pause, Espio said, "According to an old ally of mine and Rose together… the reason for my seeming 'odd' to most everyone is a disorder. It needs to be dealt with and, currently, I don't know anyone else who might be able to aid in that at present."

"Woah, woah," Toru said. "Slow down. That's not a good way to look at it," he explained. "No matter what the disorder is, I'm sure that viewing it something that needs to be gotten rid of will make things harder."

"It already makes things harder," Espio muttered. "It always has. There is nothing good about it."

Toru nudged Espio gently. "Let me ask you something. Who else do you know that views this as an 'issue'?"

Though tempted to, Espio managed not to scoff. "The vast majority of people who ever met me when we were younger, as I recall. Though, no one knew back then what the issue specifically was."

"What about the people that actually know you and care about you?" Toru questioned further. "Your family, your girlfriend, me. What do people like us think?"

Since he obviously had no concrete way of knowing, Espio was forced to admit, "I don't always know." In fact, it felt like he seldom did, most of the time…

Toru wrapped an arm in a friendly manner around Espio's shoulders. "I don't think it's bad. If people are trying to help you and you're willing to try and accept help, then I think it's okay. Just because it causes you problems doesn't mean you can't overcome some of the obstacles." His grin grew. "We're shinobi for fuck's sake. We scoff at obstacles and forge our own paths. You, with the help of me and your friends and family, can get through this."

In light of everything that was just said, the only half-decent reply Espio could come up with was something a touch snarky. "Perhaps you should give up the shinobi life and pick up motivational speaking instead," he sighed.

The onyx chameleon snickered. "Then who would be left to kick your ass every now and then?"

"As if you could," Espio retorted. "I would defeat you first."

"Handle your breathing first or I'll wipe the floor with you faster than usual," Toru countered. Suddenly, his teasing stopped and he grew a touch more serious. "Just to know, do you need another inhaler? If so, we should probably handle that sooner rather than later."

Espio glanced at the old one and nodded. "Yes. That one is damaged enough that it needs to be gotten rid of."

Toru nodded gently. "We should probably handle that now. Never know when those Light bastards will come back."

At this point, Espio was forced to admit, "This may need to be called off. It is more difficult to breathe than it was earlier." Was spending so much time talking contributing to making this worse? He wasn't sure. As such, he didn't say anything about that, specifically. Instead, he explained just a touch more. "My chest feels… tighter. Think of it as a warning, essentially. Pushing myself will cause an attack, at this point."

"I understand," Toru said. "Look after your own health. I'd be pretty upset if you weren't around, after all." Espio only nodded this time, thinking it would be best to speak less for now. Toru sighed softly and nudged the other chameleon lightly. "Tell me where to get it and I'll bring it to you. Don't even think about arguing."

Espio thought about (pointlessly) flipping his friend off again. Then he thought better of it. Instead, he just grumbled, "Hand me your communicator." Toru took it off and handed it to Espio without question, arms crossing impatiently. Espio input a location on the map quickly and tossed it back. Toru was quick to throw it back on and teleport away, appearing after a few seconds and handing off an inhaler he'd grabbed. "There. Take that and use it."

"Tails has to work on the medicine first," Espio explained quietly. He already sent Tails a message about it, so he teleported the inhaler there. All he could do now was wait. "He invented a specialized medicine to manage my breathing difficulties when they arise. Nothing else works anymore." As though it has gotten worse over the years, somehow.

Toru nodded slowly and crossed his arms lightly. "So, back on the topic of the disorder. What can you tell me without pushing yourself too much?"

Though initially hesitant, Espio soon gave in and explained, "It's called autism. It is apparently behind my social struggles, among other things."

"Heard of it," Toru explained lightly. "I've gotta say, though, is it really an issue as much as it is a part of you?"

"It is an issue," Espio argued. "It always has been. Myself and nearly everyone around me always knew there was something wrong. We just didn't know what."

Toru raised an eyebrow. "I don't agree on it being an issue," he answered plainly. "I mean, yeah, it affects how you interact with people and stuff like that, but it doesn't change who you are as a person."

"Who I am" has nearly always been a problem by itself. Especially these days. It seemed better not to voice those thoughts. He didn't think he and Toru had ever genuinely argued, and he certainly didn't want to start now. So all Espio wound up doing was shrugging.

The onyx chameleon sighed gently and took a seat, inviting Espio to do the same if he so wished. "I'm being honest. I don't think any better or worse of you now than I did before. If people judge you because you have a disorder… fuck them. They're assholes. They can go suck a hollow's dick for all I care." Toru was genuinely upset, but in no way allowed himself to direct it at Espio. The idea that his friend felt this badly about something he couldn't help… It bothered him.

After a long pause, Espio slowly sat down as well. Mostly because it felt easier than standing, at the moment, with how his lungs were trying to act up. He didn't know what sort of response Toru might be expecting, nor did he have a particularly good guess as to whether or not he was meant to partially be a recipient of his friend's irritation. For those reasons, he opted to only shrug again in response. Stressing over nothing important again… idiot.

Toru sighed, turning his gaze up to Espio. "Sorry. Didn't mean to get so upset. I just don't want you to seriously think it's an issue."

Unwilling to earn such a reaction a second time, Espio found himself blandly (and disingenuously) agreeing rather than saying what he really thought. "...Fine."

"Honestly, though…" Toru nudged his friend gently. "If someone really views it as an issue… they're wrong."

"There are few who do not," Espio muttered. Suddenly, though, he was wondering. What did his parents think? What did Armaris think? Did it even matter?

Toru shrugged gently. "I'm not gonna tell you what you should do, but there's nothing wrong with addressing the way it affects you."

"It is likely the best course of action," Espio neutrally agreed.

"It is," Toru agreed. "I think you should let Rose help you more, if that's what she's trying to do. I have to assume that she's trying to not push you too far too soon." Espio gave a nod in agreement. Toru lightly bumped his friend's shoulder with his own. "What do you think of her?"

That earned a small shrug. "I don't know. I don't know her well."

"You should get to know her, then. Attempt to. She seems easy enough to talk to that maybe she could also help with some of the social anxiety you have," Toru explained.

Though he found that last part rather doubtful, Espio didn't say so. "Perhaps."

Toru sighed, shaking his head. "Not really a 'perhaps' thing. If anyone can help you specifically with that, it'd likely be me, Armaris, or Rose… maybe someone like her. Those are the only kinds of people you seem to really open up to actively."

It wasn't the entire story, but even so Espio grumbled, "I speak with her because I promised I would try."

"And? You wore a necklace she gave you, you haven't pushed her away and ignored her, and you allow her to be near your kids," Toru pointed out. "I'd venture to say you might trust her a bit more than you would the average person."

"Accepting to some degree is not the same as trust," Espio responded with a frown. "I trust people I have known for a very long time. People such as you and those I traveled with in the past. I do not know her." Sometimes I doubt I even want to.

Toru nodded slowly, not wanting to push this topic too far. "That's reasonable. I still say it's worth a shot. She wants to help, and she's trying even in the midst of this war and everything else going on."

Finally, Espio went ahead and admitted (however briefly) one of the things that had been on his mind about all of this. "I don't know how she even could help. It feels like a waste of time."

"Why does it feel like a waste?" Toru probed carefully. "Do you think you're not getting anywhere from it?"

"Mere talking seldom has the power to fix anything," Espio answered. "Often, it manages to make issues worse than they were."

"Even when talking to her about things?" Toru questioned.

"We have hardly spoken at all," Espio replied, "about anything."

Toru raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

Espio sighed a little. "Why do you think? No one has had the time, for one thing. Least of all her, as of late."

"Considering the way her emotions fluctuated and all, I venture to guess that some serious shit happened to her," Toru murmured. Espio only nodded. "Let me ask something a bit… odd. Are you willing to let her try and help? You agreed to try and talk. Nothing more, from what you told me."

"I am under some degree of obligation to," was the unhappy reply. "I told my parents I would make an effort. It was not a promise, per se, but it may as well have been."

Toru frowned at this. "You won't get anywhere if you're just doing this for other people."

Once more, Espio also wore a frown. What's the point, otherwise?

When Espio said nothing outwardly, Toru simply continued. "Seeking help just because others asked you to isn't the best approach. Like you said, you feel obligated. You're not doing it for yourself, to feel better," Toru paused for a moment before continuing. "You're not doing it to work past the issues."

"None of this will help, regardless," Espio found himself saying, slightly frustrated, though he'd meant to keep that response in his head.

Toru shook his head. "Do you know what therapy as a whole is meant to do?"

After making an effort to quash his emotions, Espio thought about the question. Realistically, he was forced to admit that he didn't really have a clue. Why would he have? There was no such thing in their society. It existed in the outside world, sure, but he'd never had any reason to look into it or learn more about it. It would have been an utter waste of his time. "No, I don't."

"That's what I expected," Toru said gently. "Therapy is a thing meant to help you work through your problems and whatever is going on in your life. They teach you ways to handle things on your own so that you can feel better about yourself and life." He thought for a moment, then added sheepishly, "There's a lot more to it, but I couldn't think of a better way to explain it all."

He sincerely doubted he would get the answer he wanted (namely, a disagreement), but Espio still clarified anyhow. "And all of this requires… talking."

"Sometimes it's not as much about the talking," Toru answered easily. "Yeah, there will be talking involved unless you want to write everything or have her do sign language, but she's mostly there to teach you and help you. You talk to do some of those missions you go on, don't you?"

A flicker of distaste crossed Espio expression for a second. "When I have to."

"I know that you don't enjoy the talking, but I think that the effort would be worth it. You've been talking to me since I got here, haven't you?" Toru asked gently. "It's not so different to talk to her. She's probably nicer than I am, too."

"It is different," Espio insisted, looking away. "I don't know her. That alone makes it far harder."

"Then maybe try and get to know her a bit?" Toru proposed. "Nothing serious. You can ask small questions. Things like how she learned to fight, about her weapons. Stuff that you understand and could reasonably talk about. You don't have to know her deepest, darkest secrets and how many times she and that other cat have been in bed."

With lightning speed, Espio punched Toru's shoulder and knocked his dumb self over. "Shut the hell up."

Toru laughed openly at this, pushing himself back up with one arm while rubbing his shoulder with the other. "Am I wrong? I don't think you have to know that."

"I will feed you to Aku," Espio threatened dryly. Then, after a pause, he responded with more seriousness, "I don't know that I will ever be able to speak freely enough to her to ask even those sorts of questions."

"I see," Toru murmured, rubbing his chin for a moment. "What if there was someone there with you, like Armaris? Someone that might be able to help you along a bit?" That earned yet another shrug. A shrug in return came from the onyx chameleon. "It could be worth a try. If it doesn't work, just let one of them lead and try to interact where you feel comfortable. I'm sure they'd both understand."

"...Perhaps."

Toru gently punched Espio's shoulder, nothing like what he had been on the receiving end of recently. "Try it just once. For yourself. See if you can get to know her a little better. Okay?"

Restraining the urge to sigh a second time, Espio begrudgingly agreed. "Fine."

"So, when do you think that inhaler will be finished?" Toru questioned gently.

"It typically takes about an hour, even when he is rushing," Espio responded. "I never asked about the process, but he's said before that it's very intricate. Largely because of the precise mixtures of medicine he is working with."

Toru nodded slowly. "So, what do you want to do while we wait? I could go bother Armaris again, like old times?"

"I would rather you didn't," Espio replied, tossing him a mild glare. "One or both of you will be loud about it, and the children are asleep."

"We don't have to be near your house," Toru countered amusedly. "I could pose it as some nice little nature walk and then boom, just call her irritating and see where things go from there."

Espio scoffed. "Good luck with that. It's been snowing, dumbass. She hates the cold, remember? She will not willingly go outside unless she has to."

"Or if she's with you," Toru countered again. "I'm damn sure she'd brave the cold to spend time with you."

"You're not dragging me into this. You can employ your schemes by yourself."

Toru shrugged. "Your loss. Could've been really funny."

"You would be blasted through a tree," Espio answered, "and I would not lift a finger to save you."

"Since when does she blast things?" Toru questioned, openly confused. "The fuck are you teaching her?"

Hearing this, Espio smirked faintly. "Since this week. Also, I taught her nothing. I merely acted as a target for her to practice on while she discovered her own skills."

"And?" Toru asked further.

"As it happens… she has magic," Espio revealed to him. "Powerful magic, in fact. She needs to refine it greatly, but there is immense potential."

Toru nodded slowly in response. "Think she has the potential to really make use of it and become her own kind of shinobi?"

Espio's head canted. "She is already becoming powerful," he eventually said with a shrug. "There is no telling how much further she may go."

"Her dad has been around here, yeah? How powerful is he, if you were around to meet him?"

"He is Death's own right-hand," Espio murmured. "That alone should tell you enough."

"Think she'll surpass him in power?" Toru questioned further. "If what you say is true…"

"It is possible," was the noncommittal response.

Toru smiled easily at this, nodding. "Good. Maybe one day she'll take you down like I do," he joked.

Amber eyes rolled, but Espio didn't even bother trying to shut his friend up this time. "I am more worried about Zei," he half-joked back. "She broke my stick while we were training. Seems convinced that she is a terrifyingly powerful being now, because of it."

"I see," Toru laughed. "Perhaps you should both use some of the sparring swords so that she can't just break it."

"We will get there when her health improves further," Espio agreed. "This method does not strain her too much. It is acceptable for the basics."

A hint of seriousness came across Toru's face and he understood. "Makes sense. Kid came back in rough shape. You're doing really well with helping her along to doing better."

Espio frowned a little. "I worry it is not enough. That there is damage we cannot see, and that she is not able to articulate. The way she acts sometimes… it lends to that concern."

Toru crossed his arms slowly. "What about taking her to people who specialize in things like healing? It's best to know about that sort of thing now, specifically with physical things."

This caused Espio to shake his head. "I took her to Amy already. Amy is a healer. There is no more physical damage, aside from issues with her weight and the like."

It was plainly obvious how upset this news made Toru, but he didn't let it be shown in his words. "What's happening?"

"She mentions her mother from time to time," Espio said slowly. "That she wasn't… 'nice'. She sleeps more than she should, but just as often refuses to sleep at all. There are nightmares as well. ...Among other things."

Toru drummed his fingers lightly before speaking. "Like what you experienced when we were kids?" Espio nodded grimly, choosing not to reveal that his own issues with intense nightmares had never actually stopped. The onyx chameleon thought quietly for a moment, unsure of what to say before murmuring, "Have you asked her anything about what she might have gone through?"

"No," Espio said. "She does tend to speak at a much higher level than a child her age should, but just as often she can only speak as well as any other small child. There likely is little she could explain. It could be a needless source of stress for her."

"I know, but sometimes what a kid doesn't say still says a lot. She tells you that she loves you, I assume?" Toru said lightly.

"She has said it a couple of times," Espio agreed quietly.

"And she's taken to Armaris really well, right?" That earned a nod. Toru frowned gently. "Maybe it would be good to try and learn what she remembers. It could really help you bond with her and take care of her, as well as knowing why she says and does certain things." What he'd said was true enough, so Espio nodded again in agreement. "So, what are you planning to cook tonight?"

Espio blinked at the change in subject, but ultimately just went with it. "Zei discovered the 'joys' of roasting things. She was rather insistent on roasting something for dinner tonight. So far, she has tried roasted nuts and fruits, and apparently they were to her liking."

Toru chuckled softly at that. "You've gotta let me teach her how to cook one day. I'm absolutely the better chef of us, so maybe you can learn a thing or two."

"I only require that you let me teach her the traditional methods," Espio compromised calmly. "I know how to do that form of cooking, at least."

"I can't take away all of the bonding moments you'd have with her," Toru commented easily before suddenly frowning in thought. Bonding, huh? Odd to think about considering everything that's happening…

After a second or two, Espio glanced at him. Noticing that Toru was thinking about something somewhat seriously now, he prompted carefully, "What?"

"A lot's been going on and I'm not really sure I'm ready for it all," Toru answered vaguely, unsure how to explain it much better. "It just all happened all at once." Espio waited for a moment to see if Toru would continue. Toru sighed softly. "People are really going after Shadow a lot lately. He's going through way too much and being subjected to… well… torture. I'm worried that he's gonna get pushed too far."

That last bit made Espio frown. Such a possibility had never before occurred to him. "Too far?" he found himself echoing.

"He hasn't been feeling all too well recently after some guy did experiments and shit on him. Gerald?" Toru shrugged. "Don't want to know who he is. I just want to see his heart torn out of his chest, or wherever it is."

Espio winced slightly at hearing that name. It hadn't been intentional in the slightest, but the knowledge of just badly that man had hurt Shadow in the past had just… made him react. "How, exactly, has he been doing?" he was quick to ask.

"Not good," Toru murmured. "Doesn't eat much, doesn't sleep much, and he's been having some mood swings that are… abnormal. When he does sleep, it has a tendency to be too much."

Another unintentional reaction escaped Espio. This time it was a vague sound of concern just before he said, "He suffers with an eating disorder of some kind. That is why he avoids eating, though recent events may well have exacerbated things. The refusal to sleep is, for him, normal to extent, normal, but… not if it has been going on for days on end."

Toru nodded slowly, taking this information in. "I didn't really know about the eating disorder. That's probably a small part of why he avoided eating some of the times when I cooked."

Slowly, Espio nodded. Since Toru apparently hadn't know about this, he sought to explain a bit. "Unlike other such disorders, this has nothing to do with self-image," he said. "It is more an intense reaction to childhood neglect and suffering, from what little I have managed to get him to say. He was often punished with starvation, extreme training, and the like. As a result, when his mental state is poor a knee-jerk repulsion to food tends to kick in. Sometimes, it is triggered by old withdrawals as well."

"Gotcha," Toru murmured, visibly bothered by all of this. "Good to know, I suppose."

Mostly in an effort to ease Toru's tension a bit (but also because it was true), Espio added, "Tails was always confident that this could be treated… provided anyone was ever able to provide the right kind of care. The main issue is that Shadow will refuse. It is how he is."

"I can probably get through to him. He doesn't outright refuse me often," Toru answered, attempting to be humorous despite how much it hurt him to know what Shadow had had to go through.

"He trusts you," Espio murmured. "I cannot overstate how meaningful that is. Even out of everyone he and I know from our group of allies, he outright trusts very few of them. That he gives his trust so freely to you is… an immense gesture."

Toru nodded gently. "I've heard that," he murmured back. "I appreciate it again and again every time he decides to trust me."

Finally feeling a bit more lighthearted again, Espio quietly asked, "How long ago did you decide to court him? That is no minor decision."

"...Pretty recently. I wasn't sure and didn't want to push, but I think we're at the right place for it," Toru answered slowly.

Espio thought about that briefly before an idea came to mind. "...He appreciates art, by the way. More than he will ever admit. He gets it from Kaden. Finding a way to incorporate that into your gift will almost certainly go over well."

Toru nodded slightly. "I'll make sure of it. Perhaps I should just decorate his house and let him come home to it after spending some much-needed time with family."

This made Espio scoff, but in amusement. "I do not think he would appreciate that, specifically."

"The walls are more bland than the personalities of Hollows," Toru answered in a huff.

"And he clearly prefers it that way," Espio replied, "given that he designed them in that manner."

"I figured," Toru answered with a shrug. "I still think it would be good for there to be some decoration, at least."

"He may be agreeable to some extent in that area," Espio shrugged. "He tends to live like a survivalist when he is alone, sticking mainly to bare essential and very basic comforts. With others there as well, he may well relax a bit more."

Toru nodded with a small smile. "Did you have any other ideas?"

"It goes without saying, but… Do something involving a gun if you can." Espio leaned back against the tree. "He 'adores' guns in much the same way that our people tend to 'adore' swords, essentially."

"Maybe adding artistic touches to a gun?" Toru posed. "That could be interesting."

That got Espio thinking. "You're aware of his handguns, yes? The twin pair he tends to use more than the rest of his guns."

"Yeah. Noticed that he uses them a lot," Toru answered.

"I've no idea why, but they are his favorite ones," Espio explained. "Particularly the one with a slight chip near the middle of the barrel. He uses that one even more than the other one. He said something once about it having kept him alive through many, many battles before we met him."

Toru understood this, touching the handle of his own blade. "Same reason I use my tachi."

"It would take some effort on your part, but slipping that away from him and working on it could function as your gift," Espio suggested with a shrug.

"I like this idea," Toru stated with a slowly growing smile. "I've already got a few ideas on how to do it."

"Perhaps facilitate another meeting between him and his mother," Espio said. "That would be sufficient distraction to get at his gun. He would not have it on hand while visiting with her."

Toru nodded, then smirked. "Does this mean he might need to with his brother for some reason?"

"Only to hit Sonic with," Espio huffed. "He has done that multiple times."

A laugh escaped the onyx chameleon. "Amazing."

Abruptly, Espio's newly acquired inhaler appeared in the air just in front of him, then harmlessly fell into his lap. Espio blinked once, mildly surprised… until he decided that he wasn't. He must have enlisted Wery's help. Either way, the important thing was that this was ready and he could use it now. Which was good, since his chest was feeling tight again. He'd known that talking so much was a bad idea. At least he wasn't going to have to suffer the consequences of it this time. Picking up the device, he quickly used it. It made him cough a couple times (that sort of thing just happened sometimes), but after that he was immediately able to breathe much easier.

Toru smiled gently. "Feeling better?"

After suffering a couple more coughs, Espio nodded. "Yes. Far better."

"Glad to hear it," Toru responded.

Espio gave himself a few moments to let air fill his lungs properly before saying, "You should head back soon. It has been some time since you arrived here."

Toru shrugged in response. "Fair enough, I suppose."

Pushing himself to stand, Espio remarked, "I have one more suggestion regarding Shadow, if you wish to hear it."

"Let's hear it," the onyx chameleon answered with a smile.

"Owing to his heritage, he will need and want to eat meat far more than our people do," Espio told him. "If you truly intend to personally provide food going forward, you will do well to include more meat than anything else."

Toru clicked his tongue before shrugging. "Fair. I'll keep that in mind."

"Go on, then. You and I both have things to get done still today." With that said in lieu of a proper farewell, Espio vanished.

"Asshole," Toru muttered in vague amusement before vanishing as well with a plan already in mind.

~保護者~

A portal suddenly flashed into existence near the trap that still held Kaden in the Highlands, a black cat stepping through quietly and walking nearer to sit down. "It's been a little while, Kaden," Ylden murmured.

Rather than voice some form of greeting in turn, Kaden instead scowled to himself. "Why are you here?" he muttered.

"I just wanted to come talk. I haven't gotten to sit down with you in quite some time," the cat answered.

"Piss off," Kaden growled in reply. "I'm in no mood."

"You're speaking at all," Ylden countered. "Truthfully, some things I want to speak about involve you." Kaden tossed him a glare, but this time refused to say anything. Ylden sighed. "The realms of death have grown difficult to manage. Your lack of presence has taken a bit of a toll."

Kaden's eyes narrowed. "It is the nature of warfare. And, more importantly, I don't care."

"I'm simply stating it. Restraining the soul of the previous God of Demons… it was incredibly difficult."

Though his fangs bared for a moment, Kaden kept his tone level. "The bastard was not a god for no reason. His soul would have been no less pathetic."

"Speaking of… do you still see them? The souls that once haunted you?" Ylden asked quietly. "As I remember, it happens from time to time. At least, in regular areas with life. I am not as aware of how it may be in a demonic realm."

Rather than answer the main question or provide any missing information for Ylden, Kaden growled, "The fuck does it matter if I do?"

"Curiosity's sake," Ylden responded easily. "You have been… 'aiding' this group recently. Is our common enemy targeting you and things important to you?"

Kaden scoffed. "She targets all things and people. All things. Even those she wishes to keep around in her 'new reality' are toys for her games."

Ylden cursed heavily in another language and his eyes glowed for a moment as his magic flowed in response. Nothing happened and the glow died down. "She is… growing bolder, for a lack of better terms."

"You are wrong." Kaden turned away and sat down in his usual spot, arms and legs unhappily crossed.

"My words oft fail me when I wish for them to be present most," Ylden muttered. "She trapped me in the realms I watch over, separating me from my daughter. You can imagine how I felt."

Ignoring Ylden's emotions, Kaden bluntly stated, "She has always been bold. She preys upon the unkillable and turns them into her strength. The only difference now is that she does not care enough to remain in the shadows any longer."

"What will you do when she brings harm upon one of your own, Kaden?" Ylden asked calmly, practically ignoring Kaden's explanation. "She is bound to do so soon, when she is free once more."

At this point, Kaden's temper flared again and threatened to boil over. The heat within the trap increased so much that the magma ground began to bubble and churn. "What exactly do you think I am able to do from within here, Ylden?" he asked in a voice of cold fury.

"Then you understand how I felt," Ylden murmured in response, slowly standing up with his scythe. "The inability to act in regard to your family." Kaden growled softly at him but said nothing else. Ylden let out a gentle sigh. "Kaden, your kids care about you as much as you do them. You can protect them, you realize. The choice is not difficult to make for a father like us."

Fuck you. Fuck off. "The hell do you think telling me this will accomplish?" the hedgehog muttered, just as furious as before but now taking steps to hide it.

"I know you care," Ylden responded. "Sometimes we need a reminder. I know that I did once. I'm telling you this so that one day you can look back and regret less of your life."

...Regret… That word… lingered. Although, Kaden strove to ignore it. He thought about ignoring Ylden, too, but then something occurred to him and he felt compelled to speak up. Albeit begrudgingly. "...You asked me about spirits… and whether I still see them. I do." He ground his teeth together, then added, "They often carry warnings, as they did in the past. One pertained very clearly to you."

Ylden paused briefly, caught a touch off guard. "What do you mean, Kaden?"

"The spirits of past clairvoyants are vocal when there is danger," Kaden told him, scowling. "Many have been warning that your life is at particular risk these days. Unless you are fine with the realms of death completely collapsing, be mindful."

"If Nareish chooses to remove me from the equation in any manner, I will not be given any say," Ylden murmured. "if she truly wishes me dead, I will not be able to escape her. Much less if she wishes to turn me on others."

"By being wary, you will keep yourself alive," Kaden responded simply. "Mind yourself and watch your back. She will not come without warning."

"What am I to do if she does something to my daughter?" Ylden dared to ask. "Sitting idly… I cannot imagine doing so in her life once more.

Kaden huffed but, for reasons unbeknownst to even him, he replied, "Then protect her, fool. Doing so does not mean your own death is inevitable."

Ylden let out a long sigh, twirling his scythe. "I sorely wish you were yourself again," he muttered under his breath. I do so miss the conversations.

Ignoring that comment as irrelevant and unimportant, Kaden switched the subject a second time. "Souls are attempting to slip free in your absence. I suggest you leave to deal with them."

"I was aware. I have some protection in place, but the matter still remains that we are without a proper leader. I also believe that a minor increase in our numbers has grown… necessary," Ylden stated easily. "At this rate, I could end up stuck there with no time to leave."

Another scoff. "Find the help I appointed you in the past and reinstate them, then. You have more than enough authority."

"I will do so, soon." Ylden attached his scythe to his back and continued. "Aside from that, I have grown irate with a few. I assume authority is also vested in me to handle their lack of attention?"

"Yes. That has always been so."

"Understood. I simply never did like to act without speaking to the one above me," Ylden murmured.

"Do what you will," Kaden said tersely. "I don't care."

Ylden frowned for a moment. "Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"

Go to hell. Since that little idea was impractical at the moment, all Kaden said was, "No."

"Then I will part ways with this," Ylden murmured, turning away. "Do not touch my daughter." This wasn't a threat, but the irritation and concern in his voice was obvious. "It just became… known of her heritage. Using that to your advantage will bring problems to your doorstep. Don't do it."

"I have no interest." Anymore.

"Good. Know that your children… your family... is under my protection. As much as I can offer," Ylden answered. "I will do my best to help ensure their safety."

Kaden exhaled between his teeth, unhappy but resigned to how things were for now. "Fine."

Ylden glanced back for a moment. "If you want to talk business, you know how to contact me. The realms are under my watch, but I am only able to do so much."

"I have limited ability to make contact with anyone from here," Kaden said with a small growl. However, he soon added in a mutter, "I understand what you've said. Go away."

Ylden did so, but not before holding up the communicator he'd been gifted and tapping on it. "Got a communicator, if you didn't notice. Make someone contact me if you need my attention." The cat seamlessly vanished through a portal after this, leaving no trace of himself behind.

~保護者~

With practiced ease, Nareish seamlessly slipped from her throne and into her newest pet's home. She strode down one of its many halls, phasing through doors rather than bothering with opening them. Upon finding the man she sought, she greeted him with a question of sorts. "Gerald… I trust you have been making progress with your work since last we spoke."

"Most certainly," Gerald said, working away at a piece of machinery. "I was struck with a stroke of genius and have been piecing together something magnificent. Surely, alongside your forces once you are able to leave, it can aid you in ridding us both of some of those pests on Mobius."

Intrigued, Nareish canted her head. "Explain," she half-invited, half-commanded.

Gerald's grin grew, but he didn't dare take his eyes off his work. "This invention may well rival what I have created Shadow to be. Outside of the potential issues of it surviving damage, it will be able to learn and emulate the actions and fighting techniques of any who come before it. With careful programming, it could become a weapon capable of destroying any of those pests aside from a particular group you have spoken to me about. I believe that your aid may well be required to handle that."

"I see." Nareish looked over his project for a moment. "I do so hate to dash your hope, dear doctor… but there is a new threat that I have not yet made you privy to. An Immortal with power beyond anything existence has yet seen before. Should you unleash this upon his allies, he will destroy it. I will do what I can to delay this outcome for a time, but wholly preventing it will be impossible."

The man frowned softly and pulled himself away from his work, thinking deeply. "Troublesome, yet not impassible. We may still be able to remove several of them from the equation with careful planning."

She blinked slowly. "Indeed." After a short pause, she said, "I have additional news for you. Your weapon had two previous children in the past through other means. It would seem that they have been returned recently. You are no longer able to touch the new spawn, nor am I, but these two and their father are still unprotected."

"Doing so will undoubtedly provoke that chameleon," Gerald added. "However, that potentially may be in our interest. Keeping his interference at a minimum by drawing him here and… keeping him here."

"Indeed. Putting that man and either of those children in a situation where they cannot escape may also encourage cooperation from your weapon," Nareish said. "That would be in your best interest, I believe."

Gerald nodded slowly, setting back to work on his machine. "I will formulate a more proper plan as I continue this. When it is complete, I will call for you and inform you directly."

Nareish nodded slowly. "One final thing, doctor. The Black Arms swarm one side of this territory, close to here. When the barriers fall I will prevent them from killing you this time, but only this time. I have other matters to attend to."

"I have come up with an idea to temporarily… dissuade them," Gerald answered easily. "I merely work on this myself because I wish to see it to completion myself."

"Prepare well, then. There will be no warning before this realm is suddenly freed." Nareish turned to leave, but paused mid-step. "Prepare to take care of your weapon, as well. You designed him to be loyal and undefeatable. Make him so." With that, she slipped away.

Gerald's grin was unmistakable as he tightened a bolt in place. "He will learn to never defy me again."

~保護者~

15,503 words this time. Hope you all enjoyed. Many thanks as always to Blazing Winds for all of his help and support. Posted (at about 11:25 p.m.) 03-14-21.