Hello and welcome to Arc/Part three: The Confrontation! Expect action, drama, suspense, and of course, romance. Without further delay...

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. A two-hour train ride from Tokyo through three prefectures grants access to such sights as Mount Fuji, Sagami, Suruga, and Mikawa Bay, and Koyama Castle. Shuuichi looked on with Kiyoni resting on his shoulder as the train coasted within view of Mount Fuji and its encircling landscape. The rustic, wintery terrain and nearby residential areas surrounding the mountain provided a sense of escapism and curiosity. Shuuichi has never stepped foot outside of Tokyo and will have to rely on Kiyoni's knowledge of Nagoya to get around. Any normal person would be a bit intimidated by those thoughts but Shuuichi is not normal. He looked forward to going to Nagoya, a new territory to explore.

The train eased its way to the station, making announcements for whoever had plans to deboard. Train conductors and attendants did their duty in assisting those with carry-ons and other items as they waved and said their hellos and goodbyes.

Kiyoni was slowly waking up by then, "Mm. Did we make it?"

"Yes. We're here," Shuuichi answered as he grabbed their things, "What's our next move?"

Kiyoni stretched out in her seat, "Well, we...oh...we'll have to call my dad to pick us up. I broke my budget a bit just to get us here."

"Oh, I didn't know. Had I'd known, I would've-"

"Save it. It was worth it."

"Hold on."

"What," Kiyoni asked as she was leaving her seat.

"I think I have…" Shuuichi reached inside his coat pocket, "Yes. Here it is."

Like a parent, Shuuichi used a tissue to clean up Kiyoni's face. Although she had a peaceful rest, her face was full of sorrow and dried tears.

Kiyoni giggled from the reaction, "Thanks, mom. She used to do that to me when I was a kid. I cried a lot then."

"Well, as much as it breaks my heart when you do, it warms my heart when I see a smile come from it. Like a rose growing through concrete."

Kiyoni blushed from that. Shuuichi was becoming a master of speaking words of affirmation according to her. If he was an incubus, he'd make a killing as a verbal pied-piper.

Nagoya station was just as busy as any major train station around the world, like any Union Station in America. The pair made it to the station's gold clock square area where people file in and out from all directions whether on the ground floor or by use of the four escalators found near the main entrance. Shuuichi observed the massive advertisement hanging from the ceiling concerning Valentine chocolates while Kiyoni reached out to her father via phone.

"Dad, I'm practically begging at this point," Kiyoni pleaded.

"First, where are you and what's going on," dad replied.

"I'm at the station. Nagoya Station. I have...a friend with me."

"A friend? Who's the friend?"

"He's...he's a deacon."

"A deacon?"

"Yes, dad. I guess you can say I'm...turning over a new leaf. I can explain better once we see you. Please, dad?"

"I'm working at the moment. I'll ask your uncle to pick you up. When I get home, we're going to talk."

"Of course, dad. I promise you. Thank you so much."

"Good news," Shuuichi inquired.

"Yeah. My uncle will pick us up."

"Great. Are you alright?"

"To be honest, I'm nervous as hell. But I'm not alone, right?"

"Right."

"How are you feeling?"

"Good. A bit nervous, myself, but good. This is the furthest I've ever been away from Tokyo. First time leaving Tokyo actually."

"Well, then allow me to officially welcome you to Nagoya. It's not as glitzy as Tokyo but it's nice. Who knows? Maybe once I get my head on straight, I'll come back here. Maybe."

"Sounds like a good idea to me."

Within a half hour, a dark red, four-door Nissan vehicle pulled up to a crosswalk near a bus stop closest to the train station. Once the driver caught sight of his target, two honks caught Kiyoni's attention.

"Yo," she shouted, "That's our ride."

Cruising through downtown Nagoya, Shuuichi played the role of a tourist, looking at all of the surrounding buildings and people. Of course, there were 7-Elevens at just about every corner, convenient hotels and restaurants. The store, Animate Nagoya, stood out as it neighbored a small temple. By the time the car stopped at a red light near a fitness center that was located on top of a 7-Eleven, Shuuichi's attention was drawn towards the passenger and driver.

The driver looked like a sketchy individual but had a good heart. He stood about five feet, nine inches tall with a dad bod even though he had no children. His hair was practically everywhere as if he had bed head every day but somehow made it work. He had a thin goatee and given his worn out facial features, it was easy to tell that he was in his early fifties.

"So…" he instigated, "no introductions?"

Kiyoni sighed, "Uncle Kaito, this is Minamino Shuuichi. Shuuichi, this is my uncle, Ikeda Kaito."

"Pleased to meet you," Shuuichi responded, "I went to school with someone named Kaito."

"Oh, yeah," Kaito stated, "It's kind of a popular name. Nice to meet you. Say, eh...what's with the ears? Cosplay?"

"Well, eh...I'm a yokai. A fox yokai."

"Fox yokai? Kiyoni, I thought your dad said that you said he was a priest."

"I'm actually a priest-in-training, sir."

"What?! Yokai? In church? Just what kind of world are we living in?"

"Exactly what I thought," Kiyoni agreed.

"So can you, like, perform magic tricks and stuff," Kaito queried.

"I can work with plants," Shuuichi answered.

"So that means what? Can you, like, shapeshift using plants?"

"Uncle, please," Kiyoni insisted.

"What? I wanna know."

"It's fine, Kiyoni," Shuuichi informed, "As far as magic is concerned, that's not in my repertoire. I only discovered my powers about a month ago."

"A month? What the hell were you doing before that?"

"Just living my life as a human, sir."

"It's a long and complicated story," Kiyoni added.

Kaito relented, "Oh, okay. So let's focus on you. Must be in some deep shit if you're coming back here."

Kiyoni rubbed her temples, "Like you will not believe, uncle."

"Heh-heh! That's my favorite niece! Was a troublemaker then, a troublemaker now."

"Uncle, I'm your only niece."

"Which makes it better! So tell me. How deep is the shit you're in?"

As Kiyoni told all she could, Shuuichi sat in the middle of the backseat and watched. He admired the fact that Kiyoni had a family to go to and internally wished he had the same privilege.

"So let me get this straight," Kaito clarified, "Those murder sprees we've been hearing about is all because of some religious nut that he [Shuuichi] knows?"

Kiyoni nodded, "Yeah."

"So what the hell does it have to do with you?"

Kiyoni faced her uncle with eyes full of remorse, "That nut killed Tai."

Kaito immediately swerved over towards a curb, nearly driving an incoming truck off course. Both Shuuichi and Kiyoni grabbed onto something for dear life during the process.

"Sorry about that," Kaito stated, "Did I hear you correctly? You're saying that son-of-a-bitch, that so-called man of God, murdered my nephew?!"

Kiyoni adjusted her seating, "Yeah. It was him."

"How the hell did you find out?"

"Shuuichi told me."

Kaito glanced over at his second passenger, "Is that true?"

It's best I take it easy with this family. "Yes, sir," Shuuichi verified.

"How? How did you figure it out? Not even the police could tell us."

"Well...Kiyoni kinda gave it away. At first, I noticed how she reacted when she first met Shinobu and how she reacted when she told her story. Judging by the characteristics she described, there was no doubt that the one responsible was Shinobu. Then there was the incident that took place at the church earlier that really confirmed everything–"

"Incident? What incident?"

"Well, Shinobu attempted to shoot at us-"

"What?! Kiyoni, are you okay," Kaito checked his niece for any injuries.

"Uncle," Kiyoni contended, "Uncle, stop. Stop! Yes, I'm okay. Shuuichi protected me."

"How did he do that?"

"Eh," Shuuichi awkwardly reminded Kaito, "Remember how I said I can work with plants?"

Kaito fell back into his seat with a heavy sigh, "Shit...so that's why you're here."

"Shinobu's followers will most likely be out searching all over Tokyo for us, sir. We just needed a place to hide for the time being."

"Shit, you guys don't have to tell me twice. And you, brownie points for saving my niece. You're already good in my book."

"Thank you, sir."

Kaito looked at Kiyoni, "Now, as far as my brother goes...let's just hope he doesn't go apeshit over this. You know your grandmother would want to see you since she moved back in."

"Grandma is at the house," Kiyoni speculated, "Oh, fuck me."

"Yeah," Kaito placed the car in drive and it was off to the Ikeda family home.

Shuuichi whispered, "Should I be worried?"

Kiyoni looked back, "Hopefully, no. My grandmother is nothing compared to my dad."

Within the Minami ward of Nagoya is House Ikeda. A four-bedroom, two-story home with enough driveway space for one car and possibly a portable scooter. The front yard of the home has one barren tree that's showing signs of regrowth in time for spring. The master bedroom has its own balcony/patio where two large flower pots lie in wait for warmer weather as well.

"I hope you don't mind, niece, but now that mom is living with us, we gave her your room," Kaito announced.

"Aw, man. Where will I or Shuuichi sleep?"

"We have a couple of foldable beds for you guys. One of you can sleep in Tai's room if you like."

"Creepy."

Upon hearing the commotion, an elderly woman opened the blackened front door, "Hey. Who's there?"

"Mom," Kaito greeted, "You remember your only granddaughter, don't you?"

"Granddaughter? Oh...Kiyoni! Kiyoni, welcome home!"

"Hi, grandma," Kiyoni embraced, "It's been so long."

"Oh, my little one. So good to see you. Who's this young man?"

"Grandma, this is Minamino Shuuichi. Shuuichi, meet my grandmother, Ikeda Chiyoko."

"A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Ikeda," Shuuichi bowed, "Many thanks for allowing us into your home."

"Mmm…" Chiyoko scrutinized, "Stand up. Let me take a look at you."

"Eh, sure."

Chiyoko stepped outside just for a moment to inspect Shuuichi. She stood tall at an adorable 5'1", was around the mid seventies, had gray-ish hair that reached her bra strap and was always in a ponytail, and despite having pain in her knees and lower back, always made it a mission to keep her body moving. Like her granddaughter, Chiyoko had a thing for wearing tracksuits as well as they were quite comfortable. Her tracksuit was wolf-gray in color and her shoes were some simple ones under the New Balance brand. Chiyoko analyzed Shuuichi from head to toe, taking a look at his stance, his clothing, and his mannerisms.

"Mm," she concluded, "There's just one more thing."

Shuuichi was very nervous but kept his cool. He told himself to take things easy when dealing with Kiyoni's family so as to not embarrass her. However, what came next was enough to embarrass him.

Without warning and regard, Chiyoko did something most believe grandmothers wouldn't do. She grabbed Shuuichi's package, getting a good feel for what nature had given him with one hand. Shuuichi's face grew nearly as red as his hair while Kiyoni watched feeling just as bashful.

Kaito couldn't help but laugh, "Don't be shy, man. She's just making sure her future great-grandchildren are alive and well."

"Ay," Chiyoko teased, "We all know what it means when someone like my granddaughter brings a cute boy like you home to her family. Especially one with ears like yours."

"I'm... I'm sure," Shuuichi confirmed, "Could you...could you please let go now? Kiyoni, a little help?"

"Grandma…" Kiyoni chided, "that's enough. You're embarrassing him."

"Oh, my," Chiyoko noticed, "This one is a strong one. Will make for a great addition to the family."

"I like this family already," Kurama remarked, "Especially Grandma Ikeda."

The largest room of the house is the living room. A forty-inch flat screen tv sat on a tv stand that held such things as framed pictures, small statues, and photo albums. In the opposite corner was a small altar dedicated to family members who have passed on such as Kiyoni's brother and grandfather; their ashes rest comfortably in cherry wood boxes with their names and lifetimes engraved on golden metal plates. Kiyoni immediately rushed to the altar and said an acknowledgement prayer for them. Of course, the space wouldn't be complete without a six-piece sectional couch surrounding a kotatsu. The kotatsu came with a thick, navy blue comforter just perfect for the weather. The sliding doorway leading to the front yard and driveway can be a little drafty.

"Oh, wait," Kaito remembered, "We just got that a few days ago. One of you can sleep on the couch while the other can sleep with that."

"That works as well," Shuuichi agreed.

The kitchen of the home did not come with just the standard sink, dishwasher, and three-eyed stove, it also came with a small grill for cooking fish as well as other appliances such as a couple of air fryers, a toaster, and rice cooker. Chiyoko had just finished making herself some lunch so the dishes and utensils she used were drying on the red drying rack next to the sink.

"Aw, grandma," Kiyoni noticed, "You're still using the cherry rug mom got you."

"I like that rug," Chiyoko replied, "It's very warm this time of year."

The only room left was the tatami room that was used for meditative and dining purposes. Shuuichi took one look inside that room and noticed a lone, framed photo sitting in the corner. The woman in the photo was very different from anyone else in the house...except the younger Ikeda siblings. She was in her military uniform posing for her standard military photo with the name "Johnson" on the name pin and the American flag behind her. Her looks can be described as a mix of a young Michelle Obama and famed actress, Regina King with the captivating light brown eyes of the latter. It was obvious who she was.

"I see you found her," Kiyoni stated while leaning on the door frame.

"Is this your mother?"

"Yep. Lieutenant Ava Johnson-Ikeda."

"She's beautiful. I can see some of her features in you. Her smile, her pride, her stance…"

"Her attitude."

"Her attitu-wait, what?"

Kiyoni took a look at the photo, "Look how young she was. Desert Storm had passed and the war in Iraq wasn't even a thought when she took this picture. A few months later, she was deployed to Tokyo. Moved here the following year. I wonder why my dad would have it here."

"Isn't it obvious?"

"What?"

"Even though your parents are divorced on paper, your father still cares a great deal about your mother. Perhaps even more so now since the passing of your brother and your move to Tokyo. He probably feels just as lonely as you do."

"Mm. Never thought of it that way."

"Why did the two of you fall out of touch?"

"Tai never told dad what he was doing, career wise and had told me not to. That was one of the reasons why bro advised me not to take the same road he did. I did the exact opposite. I told my father everything. What I was going to be and what I wanted to do with my life. Of course, being the traditionalist, dad was pissed. Threatened to kick me out of the house if I didn't change my ways. He didn't have to. I left on my own, resolved on my own plans for the future. We...haven't been on good terms ever since. This will be the first time we get to see each other since Tai's funeral. He's probably still pissed at me."

"I wouldn't think of it that way. To even consider your return home means that he's willing to rebuild that bridge. He may have his brother and mother but it would fill a man's heart even more if he could keep the family he created around. You're the only one left in that family. I envy you."

"Yo, Minamino," Kaito beckoned, "You hungry? You didn't eat anything before you got here, did you?"

"Actually, no. We were in such a rush, we didn't bother to eat anything."

"Kiyoni?"

"I'm good," Kiyoni answered, "You go ahead."

"Fine by me! Come on, Minamino. I'll make us some sandwiches."

"Thank you, sir."

While Kaito showed Shuuichi around, Kiyoni took a seat in the tatami room still holding her mother's photo, Shuuichi's last words repeated in her mind.

Right. Other than the church, Shuuichi really has no family. That sucks ass. He really needs one. I mean, mine isn't perfect but it's not right for me to parade my family around Suu'chi. It's not fair. Maybe...just maybe…

Looking at her own mother gave Kiyoni an idea, one that she'll need her father's help for.

A few hours later, while Kaito and Shuuichi watched some TV and Kiyoni helped her grandmother with dinner, the locks of the door switched open. Adrenaline immediately flowed through Kiyoni's veins from the anticipation. Will the reunion be a good one or disastrous?

"Akio's home," Kaito announced.

"Thanks, Uncle Obvious," Kiyoni clapped back.

Shuuichi glanced over at Kiyoni for reassurance which came in the form of a wink from her. Akio stepped inside the home feeling exhausted, removing his coat and placing his medical bag in the closet. Akio was about a half inch shorter than his brother, had noticeable gray roots in his well-kept hair, and was an avid fan of glasses. Due to current medical conditions, medical scrubs replaced business suits. He didn't mind because it meant that he could wear tennis shoes and sneakers all day and he had a thing for tennis shoes and sneakers. He is a member of generation X after all. His facial features placed him comfortably in the late forties to early fifties.

"Welcome home, son," Chiyoko greeted.

"Ay, thank you, mom," Aiko replied, rubbing the back of his ears, "Something smells good."

"We're having beef stroganoff tonight. Kiyoni and I were just about to cook the beef."

"Kiyoni?"

Kiyoni gently walked towards her father. Kaito and Shuuichi stood up in case things got crazy. Of course, she was nervous by the way she rubbed her sweaty hands on the front of her legs.

"Hi, dad," she waved.

Akio couldn't believe what he was seeing. Before Tai's funeral, both father and daughter had a falling out with each party yelling at the top of their lungs at each other. It ended with Kiyoni storming out of the house with only a suitcase in her hand and Akio wishing she'd never come back. Fast forward and post-funeral, here was father and daughter seeing each other again for the first time. No yelling, no shouting, no bad mouthing, and no anger. Just remorseful tension. Although Kiyoni was nervous, her facial features yearned for her father to welcome her home. After all the bullshit she and Akio went through, Kiyoni needed her father and Akio needed his daughter.

Akio stood there trying not to get emotional, "Good to know you've made it home."

"Yeah. I'm here."

"So is it true? Are you…?"

"I quit that job, dad. It's not for me anymore. It never was."

"Why? Why would you…do something like–?"

"Why did you and mom get a divorce? Not once did you ever explain why that happened."

"I thought I did!"

"No, you didn't. I came across mom's picture. I thought you two hated each other."

Akio placed his hands on his hips as he thought of an answer, "We divorced because…shame. We divorced out of shame."

"Shame?"

"Your mother…was insistent upon taking you and your brother to America to meet her side of the family. When we got married, only her sister, your aunt, was there for the wedding. There were plenty of times when she wanted you to meet her family but…I was against it. It made your mother feel isolated and by the time you started your final year of high school, we filed the paperwork. She said she wasn't some exotic piece of property to show around. It was never that. It was never, never that."

"Then what was it? Because from what I'm understanding, it was your fault mom isn't here."

"It was…my own fear. I loved your mother. I loved our family. I was–"

"Too comfortable in your world. Dad, if you have some sort of social anxiety, just say that. I kinda…had an idea back in high school. Then again, I don't see how that could be possible considering your career. Was that what it was?"

"It was. With my career, I see patients as subjects more than actual patients and it's something that I've been working on changing for years and it started with your mom. Your mother was…so outgoing and friendly and independent and approachable. She joined the military to see the world and make a difference. I didn't think I had a chance with her when we met. When I asked her to marry me, she was all of the world I needed to see and you and your brother were the difference made."

Kiyoni tried her best not to cry, "So…why? …Why didn't you just end things? You could've ended it before Tai was born."

"And we were going to. However, Ava's pregnancy was a surprise to both of us. We both agreed to put our children before us so we did. Your mother wanted Tai to have a playmate so we had you. We were stuck but fully committed by then. Fully committed to the both of you."

"So what was wrong with Tai and I moving to Tokyo?"

"I didn't want you to leave home. The both of you had a stable foundation here. That's what I thought anyway."

"The both of us needed more, dad. Just like mom. Have you seen what this world is like now?"

Akio nodded in agreement, "Yes, I know. You're just like her. Kiyoni, I want you to know that as much as I didn't want you to leave, I'm glad you came back. I always thought of Tokyo to be a bit…too mainstream for my taste. Look, I apologize for how things turned out. I really do. The divorce and…all of you leaving and…Tai's passing…were all too much for me. I just…I couldn't take it. I thought I had lost everything. I did lose everything. Seeing you here… Kiyoni, I'm so sorry. My insecurities and fears have put you through so much and for that I truly apologize. It wasn't fair to you, your brother, or especially Ava. Her, first and foremost. Think you could forgive your old man?"

"Will you make it up to mom too? She's owed an apology."

"If she'll allow me, of course. I've tried numerous times. It's really up to her. I can't force her attention nor should I. Only request it. That's understandable, right?"

Kiyoni stepped up to her father and gave him a hug, "That's all I wanted to hear. I missed you so much, dad."

"I've missed you too, Kiyoni. Welcome home."

Finally, it truly felt good for a piece of Akio's family to come back. He knew one piece of that family will never physically return but the one that did brightened his day just a bit. It brought tears to his eyes to know that his only daughter came home.

Kiyoni felt the same way. She just needed her father's arms around her. The dialogue between them was just an added bonus. At least some deep feelings, thoughts, and questions were addressed and answered.

"Okay," Akio sniffled and hinted, "Okay. Now that we got that out of the way, who's this supposed priest you've brought with you?"

"Deacon and he's right here, dad," Kiyoni said, "Dad, this is Minamino Shuuichi. Shuuichi, this is my dad, Ikeda Akio."

Shuuichi bowed, "An honor to meet you, sir."

"Wait," Akio noticed, "You have ears."

"Yes, sir. I'm a yokai."

"A yokai who goes to church? Just what kind of world are we living in?"

Kiyoni and Kaito exclaimed, "That's what we said!"

"Well...welcome to our home and Nagoya. I'm anxious to know what brought you here."

"Like I said over the phone, dad," Kiyoni repeated, "I will explain everything."

"As will I," Shuuichi added, "If need be of course."

Tonight's dinner featured beef stroganoff with steamed spinach and edamame and rice. Everyone gathered at a table in the tatami room for the meal. While dishes were passed around, Akio led the conversation.

"So, Minamino, you're not a priest?"

"Actually, I'm a priest-in-training," Shuuichi clarified, "For now, I'm just a deacon."

"What's the difference," Kaito inquired.

"Not much, I don't think. Just a title at this point."

Akio leered, "And can we say that my daughter's change has been because of you?"

"I don't think I should take all of the credit. She's been just as much of an influence on me as I've been on her," Shuuichi noticed Kiyoni adding the beef topping to her noodles.

Could it be?

"Well, I'm glad you're around. And what brings you all the way to Nagoya from Tokyo? First time traveling?"

"Well…" Shuuichi looked at Kiyoni.

Kiyoni glanced at Akio, "We're...kinda on the run, dad."

"The run," Akio repeated, "From who or what? The police?"

"Ha! No."

"From Father Shinobu, the leader of the church I'm a deacon of," Shuuichi answered, "He's...placed a threat on both our lives."

Obviously, as a father, Akio was concerned, "What kind of threat?"

"Dad…" Kiyoni informed, "Shinobu is responsible for a lot of things lately. You've heard about those yokai attacks, right?"

"Yes."

"They were done by him," Shuuichi finished, "Along with other members of the church."

"What?! How can that be?"

"He's using some kind of mind control on them to the point where they don't even remember what they've done the night before. It's happened to me a few times but I've broken out of it."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Kaito interjected, "Whatever happened to that Thou shalt not kill BS?"

"According to Shinobu, that only applies to those who are dedicated to the Christian faith. Shinobu wants to either rid the world of all yokai or convert them all to Christianity."

"And that includes my daughter," Akio asked.

Shuuichi glanced over at Kiyoni again. Kiyoni nodded in approval.

"I hate to tell you this…" Shuuichi continued, "but Shinobu's gripe with your daughter began long before she and I met."

Kaito placed down his chopsticks and took a big swig of his drink so as to not get too upset. He already knew what Shuuichi was going to say.

Chiyoko looked up as well, "What are you talking about?"

Kiyoni reached for Chiyoko's hand for assurance, "Grandma… Go ahead, Suu'chi."

"Right," Shuuichi divulged, "To make a long story short...I'm sorry, everyone...Shinobu was the one responsible for your son's death."

"What," Akio exclaimed.

Chiyoko's grip on Kiyoni's hand tightened, "Is this true? Tell me it's not true."

Kiyoni nibbled on her bottom lip, "It's true, grandma. If Tai hadn't stepped in that night, my ashes would've been on that altar. Shuuichi helped me figure it out."

"Why?! Why would he do such a thing? Isn't he supposed to be a man of God? Aren't the people of God supposed to be good people?"

"It's like I've said, Mrs. Ikeda…" Shuuichi testified, "Shinobu welcomes and forces those to turn their lives over to God. He finds all yokai abhorrent and will stop at nothing to convert and control them. Your granddaughter and I included."

Akio excused himself and headed towards the living room and altar. He picked up the box that contained his son's ashes and sat on the couch, reading the engraved name over and over. With the news fresh on his mind, Akio felt even more guilty for not ending things on a good note before Tai's demise.

"I'm so sorry, son," he whispered, "Please...please forgive me."

"Dad," Kiyoni called.

"Yeah? Eh…" Akio was about to cry again, "Yeah."

"I know, dad. You don't have to tell me."

"I can see...I can see why you...came here. I understand. Really."

"It's more than that, dad. It's...a lot. Dad, I...I wasn't lying when I said that I was looking forward to turning things around for me. Things have become...quite toxic lately and I need to start over. I want to start over. I'm actually looking into getting into the medical field myself."

Akio brightened up, "Really? What subject?"

"Well it's not hematology like you. It's... physical therapy."

"Really? That's a respectable position. What about school?"

"Looking into that as well, dad. Unfortunately, I've lost some of the textbooks I had but yeah."

Akio made room in his arms for both of his children, "Come here. You listen to me. Whatever you need, just ask me. I'll be gla-honored to help you accomplish your dreams. I just don't want to see you in that environment anymore. I knew all along that it wasn't for you. It was never for you. You're a bright, confident, energetic, talented young woman and I want the absolute best for you. That is my goal and responsibility as your father."

Kiyoni held onto her father tightly while her eyes were blurred with tears upon looking at what was left of her brother. She really needed this moment and words from her father. Praise Anubis, the god of travelers, for her safe return home.

"Dad? There is something I want to ask you," she hinted.

"What is it?"

Kiyoni looked back at Shuuichi and his interaction with her grandmother and uncle, "It's a favor...for him."

"I'm listening."

"Dad...he doesn't have much of a family outside of the church. He was stolen from his parents when he was a baby so...he never knew of them. I was thinking...hoping that maybe...you could help us find them or know someone who could?"

"From my end, that would require...some DNA work, I think. That could take a while."

"That's fine! I don't care how long it takes. I just want him to be happy...with his own family. He could really use one right now."

"Say no more. All I'll need is a DNA sample and I'll take it from there. Saliva, hair, blood. Make sure the hair has a root at the end."

"A root?"

"The little white area at the end of the hair shaft. That's where his DNA is."

"Ohhhhh."

"We'll talk about that later. Let's finish dinner."

"After you, dad."

Seeing father and daughter return to dinner warmed Shuuichi's heart especially when he saw the smile Kiyoni gained from it. He truly adored her smile. Running away to Nagoya turned out to be beneficial on both ends. They have a place to crash and Kiyoni can get reacquainted with her family. What's next for the pair now? It's up in the air at this point.