dis-claim'er, noun: a denial or disavowal of legal claim: relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate; b: a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer; c: a statement made to save one's own ass.

Anger, Jealousy, and Loneliness

Rekino Sanada had been in a constant foul mood for the past two weeks. She felt hurt and betrayed by her friends ever since the night they all went out without telling her where they were going. Well, save for Josephine. The Chinese girl had told Rekino that she was going to go get Amaya and see Kento, but what she was most angry about was Hana going to seduce Sage Date like the slimy siren she was.

"I can't believe you were making out with him!"

"It's not a crime to be with a guy, Rekino. It really wasn't that serious."

"Josephine said you were practically eating his face! What part of keeping me secret is lost to you and everyone else?!"

"That doesn't mean I can't have a life. Not everything is about you, you know. Grow up."

Fourteen days of tense silence after that. Rekino had barely spoken to her best friend since then. She couldn't be mad at Josephine and Amaya. The Hardrock Guardian had simply gone to see her family and took their French friend with them. However, she started to get a little pissed off when she realized that the two Ronin Warriors were going to go work at the bakery because of a bet that Amaya apparently won.

She had honestly wished she had been there for that moment.

But she was still pissed! It was almost like everyone and the universe was determined to blow the cover she was specifically told to hide. What was the point of hiding if all of the Guardians started dating Ronin Warriors?! It was definite that Hana was seeing Sage. She didn't know about the other two, but she was positive Amaya was sporting some feelings for Kento despite her "stay a virgin until I die" motto. Also, according to Amaya, Josephine was rather sweet on Cye.

What the hell was going on with the universe right now?! She felt so lonely and left out of everything because she was told to keep her identity a secret.

It was the end of August. Technically, today happened to be September and Mia were going to be married in December. According to Mia, she wanted all of the Guardians to attend. It would only be natural for them to be there since they were just friends, but Rekino knew she would have to be in disguise and not the sister of the groom. A Maid of Honor and Best Man had already been chosen. Mia had announced that about a week ago and it was supposed to be a big surprise.

The kunoichi sighed as she shut her assigned locker in the hospital break room. Her heart hurt when she remembered what Josephine had said about that night.

"That guy you said was hot was with some red head chick. I think she said her name was Invidya. They were all chummy and lovey dovey."

Rekino honestly didn't know what it was about Rowen Hashiba. She didn't know why she was so attracted to someone she knew so little about. He even haunted her dreams to the point all she wanted to do was sleep. She could close her eyes at any moment and he was there. Sometimes he had clothes on or they were holding hands while walking down the sidewalk. Sometimes, they were fighting side-by-side in armor. Then there were the erotic moments. She could swear to the diety's that his actual body had been on top of her in reality. She would wake up hotter than normal. It was dreams like that where she got up and started her morning jog or worked out immediately.

So much for the man of your dreams, huh? I'm so stupid.

As she strapped her backpack on her shoulders, Rekino made her way out of the emergency room at Shinjuku Memorial. When she got inside her red Tesla the clock flashed 1:01 a.m. She slumped in the driver's seat. She was so glad it was a Friday. Well, Saturday since it was after midnight. The shift she had just worked had turned out to be a disaster. Several car wrecks and two gunshot victims had caused the emergency room to go into overdrive. Being short staffed only made it worse so she was able to get in some overtime. Sometimes she wondered if the job was actually worth it, but only for a moment. Her dream was to be a doctor. It didn't matter if she was only a phlebotomist and assistant at the moment. She would get her nursing license then go to medical school.

Starting her car, Rekino laughed out loud. Her dreams seemed to be irrelevant at this moment. Even though there were no signs of abnormal activity, the fact those lizard creatures had even appeared made her anxious. It had been over a month since the fight on Mt. Fuji, but she couldn't help but stay tense. She knew that something was lurking around the corner, but what?

I need thinking fuel for the brain.

It was time for some coffee and doughnuts.

There was fire. So much fire. He was in some kind of cabin. The heat was unbearable. Rowen looked around and saw what looked to be a young Ryo. He could see that the child was calling out to someone, but he couldn't quite make out what he was saying. The sound of the burning wood was masking the audio.

"Oniisan!"

He turned to see a young girl surrounded by fire. She was turning circles as she tried to move around the flames. That was when she paused and looked right at him. He gasped as a pair of piercing, almost glowing amethyst eyes met his own. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the young version of Ryo running towards the girl, but a burning beam from above suddenly started cracking and coming apart from the fire. He gasped, lunging for the young girl just as Ryo did so.

"REKINO!"

Rowen shot straight up the bedsheet pooling around his naked waist. He didn't know where he was, but hearing Invidya sigh in her sleep made him realize he was in reality. He was sweating as if had actually been in that burning cabin with the child version of Ryo and that girl. With a small sigh of relief he fell back onto his pillow staring at the ceiling. It was odd, he thought, to be dreaming of something like that. Was that little girl the same raven haired girl Candace Askea he was always dreaming of? Ryo had said the name "Rekino". If the little girl and Candace were the same, then there was some sort of deception going on.

He wanted to think about it more, but Invidya turned in her sleep and curled her naked body into his side. How stupid, Hashiba. You're thinking about a girl you don't know while you have your real girlfriend sleeping at your side.

Rowen rolled to face the female in his bed while wrapping an arm around her. Tonight had been the first night of many things he had never experienced. The best part was Invidya didn't laugh at his lack of familiarity with women. She instead showed him how and where to touch. Of course, he knew all women were different, but he had no intention of finding out what other women liked. He may have been jumping into this relationship too quickly, but as far as he was concerned he wanted to marry Invidya.

That doesn't sound like you. You're always the one to analyze and think things through. She isn't the only woman in the world.

He didn't know where that voice had come from. He ignored it though as he pressed his forehead against his lover's own. Rowen could smell and feel her breath. It was enough to make him forget about that ludacris dream and fall back asleep.

A few hours later…

Amaya had been up hours before anyone else to make preparations for the day. The time allotted for Kento and Cye to work in the bakery had ended yesterday, but she didn't want it to be the last time she would see them. Well, it was Kento in particular she didn't want to go without seeing. Despite being brash and headstrong, he was truly a gentle person with a big heart. The time he spent with her in the bakery taught her that. While he was kneading dough, he was so gentle and thorough as if he would break something. She had laughed at his hesitance initially, but found herself becoming rather moved by it.

As a natural born empath, it was hard for people to lie or deceive her. She knew at immediate contact whether a person was good or not. When her hands touched Kento's, she could feel the energy of his good nature. It was like the Earth: strong and unmoving. With Cye, he was calming like the water she attuned herself to. It made sense because she and Cye were of the same element and demeanor. But Kento…he was like a giant teddy bear. Kind of like Josephine, but he wasn't nearly as crass as his cousin.

Today was a special day, though. It was the first day of September which happened to be Kento's birthday. She had found out from Josephine initially, but Kento had reminded her about it several times over the past few days. So, in honor of the day, she had been up before the sun going through her family recipe book to find the perfect cake to make him. She wanted it to be a surprise. Shoot, she figured it would be since she was sure he didn't think that she would be baking for him.

Checking the time, she grabbed her cell phone and scrolled down to the name of one of the only people who would naturally be awake at six in the morning. The line trilled for a short moment before it was answered.

"Hello?"

"Good morning, Mia."

"Hello, Amaya! I didn't expect to hear from you this morning. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, yes. Quite wonderful, actually. I'm assuming you know today is Kento's birthday."

Mia laughed, "He never lets us forget it. At this point, I think it would be impossible to forget."

"I was wondering if you could help me plan a surprise party for him," she set to work on gathering the ingredients she would need. "I am baking him a cake."

"Wow, Amaya. That's really nice. Do you happen to like Kento?"

The French woman blushed. It was a good thing Mia couldn't see her, "I'm simply doing something nice for someone I consider a friend. So, I suppose that means I technically like him, but it doesn't have to be romantic. You sound like Hana and Josephine."

"Kento is a wonderful person. It's a shame that very few females have figured it out. All of his relationships always end with them being 'just friends'."

"Well," she pulled some fresh strawberries from the fridge before closing it with her foot. It was time to move away from this topic, "I'm assuming he is not picky when it comes to food."

"Not at all. He will eat anything you put in front of him."

"Great!" She cracked the eggs into a dish and started sifting the flour. "I will also be making several French cuisines to go with it. Do you know a venue we could rent?"

"Don't be silly. My house is big enough for this. It's only an hour and a half away. If things go late into the night you are all welcome to spend the night here."

"That sounds lovely. I will make sure to pack a bag just in case."

"Do you think 'Candace' will be coming?"

"I will invite her, but I highly doubt it. After the uproar she caused about us associating with the Ronin's she has barely spoken to us."

"She will get over it. She's hot headed and stubborn just like her brother. I will send out texts to everyone and tell them to be discreet. Does five o'clock sound good?"

"Perfect. Thank you, Mia. I will see you later tonight."

As Amaya hung up the phone, she looked up to see a Rekino shuffle into the room in a tank top and pajama bottoms with her long, black hair unbound. The petite female stretched both of her arms above her head, the muscles in her arms tightening. Amaya could see them all. Rekino's physique and muscle development amazed her. Despite the young female's appearance, the French girl knew that the Japanese girl possessed only two percent body fat and a six pack. She wasn't like Josephine who had broad shoulders and almost seemed masculine. While Josephine was the strongest amongst the Guardians, Rekino was the actual deadliest with her knowledge of ninjutsu.

"Morning, 'Mya."

"Good morning, Rekino. How do you fare today?"

"Meh," she black haired teen put a pod in the Keurig and pressed the start button. "I got in super late. Like three a.m. late. Didn't get to sleep until almost four."

"My goodness," Amaya gripped the mixing pot as she vigorously mixed the ingredients together. "Shouldn't you be asleep?"

Rekino grabbed the handle of the mug after adding her cream and sugar, "I'll live. I don't have a shift tonight. Besides, I've done meditations that resulted in me having to stay up for two days without sleep. As long as I have coffee I'll live."

"That seems very nutrition lacking. One simply can't survive on coffee alone."

"You see me here, don't you? With coffee and anger, I can achieve anything."

"That also sounds unhealthy," Amaya started pureeing the strawberries in another bowl.

The Wildfire Guardian leaned against the counter as she watched her friend work, "We have a hand machine for that, you know. Seems like it would be easier."

"Then you miss the point of cooking," her brown eyes sparkled. "While a machine would indeed make it easier, it doesn't give the satisfaction of working hard and putting my intention into a dish I want to make for someone I care about."

Rekino raised her black eyebrows in question, nodding as she sipped coffee. Amaya continued to work as if not acknowledging her friend's inquisitive look. After two more sips, the other finally spoke.

"You really gonna make me ask. Sheesh. Who is it for?"

With a smile, she answered without hesitation, "Kento."

A brief moment passed between the two. The sound of Amaya mixing the strawberries into the cake batter was almost like it was in stereo. A katana of the sharpest quality couldn't cut the emotions in the air. Amaya could feel them, of course, but Rekino's amethyst eyes were just staring at her. Finally, she asked the question that was lingering between them.

"Do you have a problem with that?"

A small pause, "Nope."

"I can tell when you're lying."

"I'm not lying," Rekino emptied the mug of its contents. She put it back under the Keurig to make another cup. "I may be pissed off a little, but not lying."

"Explain?"

She was quiet for a long time. Amaya waited patiently as Rekino made another cup of coffee. After finishing the batter, Amaya put it in two cake pans and preheated the oven. She got to work on the icing while waiting. The cake would need to cool off completely before it could be finished. As the Torrent Guardian started pureeing more strawberries, Rekino spoke.

"Maybe I don't want my friends dating the Ronin Warriors. Ever think about that? Or maybe I don't want you guys to be happy."

"That is a lie. Be truthful with me. I am not here to judge you."

Another moment of silence. Rekino sighed into her mug, amethyst eyes looking out the window into the distance.

"You're all my friends, but Hana is my best friend. I've barely spoken to her in two weeks. She's not here this morning so I know she stayed with Sage. All Josephine does is talk about how cute Cye is. You're making Kento a damn cake-"

"Language. Also, just because I'm making him a birthday cake doesn't mean we are dating."

A sound of disbelief, "Talk about lying, but that's not the point! I'm supposed to be a secret for reasons we still don't know. While I'm living a life in the shadows, you're all out making new lives and friends. I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm lonely. I feel…left behind. It makes me angry and resentful, and feeling that way just pisses me off because I should be happy for you all."

"Rekino…"

The Japanese girl waved her off, "Don't. I'm just being selfish and in my feelings. I done a lot of thinking last night. I came to realize that I should just let things be how they are. I've never really had people get as close to me as you all. The thought of losing it all hurts my heart."

Amaya had long since stopped what she was doing in order to listen to her friend. She wiped her hands on the light blue apron before walking over to take one of Rekino's hand in her own.

"It's natural to feel that way, but regardless of who we befriend we will never leave you. We all share a bond that no one can come between. It doesn't matter who else any of us develops feelings for."

Rekino locked eyes with her for a moment before smirking, "Did you just admit without admitting that you have feelings for Kento?"

Amaya gasped, jerking her hands away and slapping Rekino's upper arm gently, "Why you-! My feelings and intentions are pure."

The guardian of the armor of fire back away while blowing a kiss, "Whatever you gotta tell yourself to sleep better at night. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to take my coffee and go outside to punch some shit."

Amaya resumed her cooking. First Josephine, then Mia, and now Rekino! Why did everyone think she had feelings for Kento? What she did feel was strictly platonic. She intended to keep it that way, too. She would not break her own personal vow even if the thought of the tall, muscular male made her heart flutter.

After Mia got off the phone with Amaya, she sent out a group text to all of the Ronin Warriors except for Kento, naturally. Accomplished brewing a pot of tea and feeding White Blaze while doing so. When that was done, she grabbed a stack of papers she needed to grade and went outside on the balcony with her tea. It was mornings like this she enjoyed. Feeling the sun on her skin while grading or reading always made her feel rejuvenated.

The sound of the sliding glass door opening interrupted her thoughts. Looking over her shoulder, she saw her fiance walking out with his right arm in the air and his left hand grabbing his right elbow in an oh-so-fashioned Ryo Sanada stretch. She loved it too. Her eyes took in complete appreciation of his body.

"G'mornin', babe," Ryo left the door open and made his way to her. He bent down to gently place a kiss on her lips. He pulled away, but surprised her as he kissed her again…and again. She laughed.

"Someone's in a good mood."

"Yeah. I feel good," he took a seat next to her. "It's been a lazy morning. I've been awake for a while, but I missed you so I had to get up."

Mia rolled her eyes, "And someone's being corny this morning."

"Maybe," he reached down to pick up her legs and place them in his lap. He ran his hands up and down her shins. "What was that ridiculously early phone call about?"

"That was a friend of mine who wants to throw Kento a secret party tonight."

That caused him to sit up straight, "Do huh?"

Mia took the time to remind him of the other Ronin's, minus Sage, meeting her friends while reminding him of the bakery Kento and Cye had been working at for the past two weeks. By the end of the explanation, Ryo appeared like he suddenly remembered everything.

"So, let me get this straight. 'Amaya' is cooking for Kento. She and 'Josephine' - who happens to be Kento's cousin - are also friends with 'Hana' - who Sage almost ran over with his car and is dating - are going to be coming over tonight for a surprise party. Also, Rowen will be bringing this 'Invidya' who we haven't met."

Mia laughed, "Yes! You got it."

"Well," Ryo clapped his hands, "looks like we got a party to decorate for. Do I need to go to the store?"

Next chapter: I know you!

Soundtrack (Not going to release all at one time. Some tracks contain spoilers.)

Rekino – Lose Yourself by Eminem; Burn it Down by Linkin Park; Basket Case by Green Day; Supergirl by Saving Jane; Beyond the Burning Sky by Battle Beast

Mia - The Champion by Carrie Underwood; The Sound of Silence by Disturbed; Team by Lorde

Hana – Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys; Beautiful by Luke Combs; Confident by Demi Lovato; Girl Anachronism by Dresden Dolls; Miss Independent by Neyo; Me too by Meghan Trainor

Amaya – No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music; You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban; Hallelujah by Pentatonix

Josephine – Thunderstruck by AC/DC; U + Ur Hand by P!nk; Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk; Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit

Rekino and Hana – Oath by Cher Lloyd; Whoomp (There it is) by Tag Team, Bang Bang by Jesse J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj; Best Friend by Sweetie

Rekino and Mia – Gonna Fly Now from Rocky

Josephine and Amaya – The Last Hope in a World of Hopes by Temperance;

Josephine and Rekino - Metal is Forever by Primal Fear

Lady Guardians and Ronin Warriors – Warlords of Steel by Zandelle, Holy Thunderforce by Rhapsody, Triumph of my Magic Steel by Rhapsody, The Planets Suite by Gustav Hoslt; Whisper by Evanescence