Chapter 5

Ryu smoked in his car, as he glanced around. He was still easygoing and nonchalant as he glanced around, in a gentle, calm manner. "What happened with the Federation that you were let go?". Ryu asked, gently with softness. "I don't know….I kind of just….tried my best….I did what I could…but they still made cutbacks even though I was the best Bounty Hunter in the Northern Galaxy". Samus said, quietly. "They still stated that I wasn't working hard enough…and I remember doing everything they asked me to". "I don't understand what happened".

"Hey, that happens sometimes, sweet pea". "We all face failure…we all go through it…no matter who we are". Ryu said, softly with gentleness. "I've faced disappointment in my life, too". "I've been terminated from 3 different jobs even after I got out of prison".

"It's natural to face disappointment". "We all do….even when we're older, we do". "You didn't do anything wrong, sweet pea". "You were just trying to do your best". "I know you were, and it's ok". "You did do well". "You did as well as you knew you could". Ryu said, gently with softness.

"I did try". Samus said, sniffling. "I tried my best….I did what I knew to be well, and I'm going in the right direction now….but there's still the belief that I'm…not going anywhere". "I just feel like these past few years in the Federation are a waste". "Everything is a waste….I don't know….I feel like I'm no one".

"Do you feel like that because Aunt Virginia, and Uncle Rodney….wait…I'm sorry….mommy and daddy passed away?". Ryu asked, softly with gentleness. "Yes, kind of". Samus said, as she sniffled. There was sadness to her voice. "Kind of…..". Samus fought back tears. "Hey, I felt that when my parents passed away….when I was 13….right on the year you were born". Ryu said, with kindness, and gentleness to his softened voice. "Everyone feels that way when they lose someone close to them". "Grief, and loss of a birth parent….of someone that nurtured you, hugged you and kissed you at night, and loved you more than anyone else in your conscious existence, is hard". "It's traumatic….and perhaps….what I remember about Virginia and Rodney Aran….they were the best Aunt and Uncle anyone could've asked for". "They took me in, they straightened me out…fixed me up when I had no one looking out for me". "They were truly amazing people". "Then something truly miraculous happened to me…..then you came along". Ryu said, gently with kind, calm softness to his voice.

"You were someone I knew would bring me joy, instantly". "And you did….you brought me amazing, tender joy I knew I could be with for years, and years to come". "I'm happy I found you…and I'm happy we're together again". "I'm happy you're home". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "Me too". Samus said. "What I love most about you, is, that you are a protector". "You've protected me my whole life, without even realizing it". "You've been my amazing guardian, and my role model, my whole life". "You were beside me….and I've always known that you were with me…even when you were still a baby girl, and I held you in my arms". "I held you, I kissed your head, and I knew you were my protector". "The spirit, the tenacity, the wisdom, the hard work, and the kindness, the altruism of Aunt Virginia and Uncle Rodney are within you, too". "I see it in your eyes, I see them when I look in your eyes…when I see you, I see faith, and security". "I see an amazing young woman, who has touched lives, and inspired millions, because that's who you are, Samus". "You're a survivor, you're a giver, and a protector". "You can do anything….I know you can". Ryu said, softly with gentle kindness. "Right now, don't put pressure on yourself to do anything too much, or too excruciating". "You don't need to do anything right now". "Let me take care of you…now that you're home". "Let me worry for you".

"It's time for me to protect you, now". "We'll go home, we'll take a nice bath, Robin and I have this big one we just put in, but it's nice". "We'll take a bath, we'll drink some milk, I'll tuck you into a nice bed, we'll have a nice time". "I got some new bedsheets for the guest room". "They're silk, so they're perfect for laying down". "You'll love those…they're nice, and perfect for on the bed, when you're laying…they are nice sheets". "I love em". Ryu said, gently. "That, and I'll give you medicine in a lil medicine cup, help you swallow it before I put you to bed". "That, and you and I will start talking, every day". "We're going to spend a lot of time together, you and I". "it'll be just like it was, back then". "I'm sure everything will be great…and I'll say goodnight to you, and put you to bed every night". "Because I love you, and our bond will be so much stronger, because we're back together again".

"Ok". Samus said. Ryu smiled a kind smile. "You and I both know how much I love you…and how much our love has grown". "We are so much closer because we have one another again". "I promise we will never be separated ever again". "We are so close, and always will remain that way". "I always keep my promises, and I never quit on them". "That is how much I always love you". "Family is forever, and finds one another, even in the harshest of times". Ryu said, kindly. "I know". Samus said. Ryu smiled a kind smile as he gazed at Samus. "Thank you". Samus said, smiling. Ryu didn't stroke her face…because she still had Pink eye, but he did gaze for a long time.

After stopping by the pharmacy, they arrived home. Ryu's house was still moderate-sized, for a couple who were just starting out. Ryu smiled a kind smile as he came inside. "Ok, sweet pea". "Let's get you cleaned up now, and take some medicine". "I know it's not enjoyable, but we have to do it". Ryu said, gently. "Cannabis helps ease pain, and takes away hurtful memories we don't like".

"Ready, sweet pea?". "It's time". Ryu said, kindly with gentle softness. "I am ready". Samus said. Ryu smiled a kind smile as he poured some Cannabis oil into a medicine cup. "Here comes the big puru puru". Ryu said, kindly and softly as he helped Samus swallow her medicine. Samus drank the medicine, as she glanced around. "Good job, sweet pea". Ryu said, kindly. "Let's take our antibiotics now". "Antibiotics will help the Pink Eye get better".

"Ok". Samus agreed. Ryu helped Samus swallow the antibiotics when they came in a medicine cup. "There you go, sweetie pie". "Baby girl". "You did it, I'm so proud of you". Ryu said, kindly with softness. Samus nodded, as she sniffled. "Does your eye hurt?". Ryu asked, gently with softness. "It does". Samus said. "Sometimes, Pink Eye hurts, but with some Antibiotics, and rest, it'll do ok". Ryu said, gently. "Let's go take our bath now…I just prepared one in the other room".

"Ok". Samus said. Ryu and Samus went into the other room, As Samus walked with Ryu. "there we go, it's all good". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness, as he helped her undress. "Everything is ok, now". "You're doing well". Ryu said, gently with kindness. Samus got into the bathtub, as she let the water soothe her, and float about her, and around her. "I'm so proud of you, sweet pea". Ryu said, gently. "How's your eyes feel?".

"They feel ok…I guess". Samus said. "My eyes are ok…they hurt a while ago, but I'm ok, now".

"Did I tell you when I was younger, I actually burned my one eye with a cigarette". Ryu said, kindly. "You did?". Samus asked. "I did….I burned my eye early one morning, when I was trying to put the cigarette to my lips". "It was 3 in the morning when I was awake, and it was so dark, I couldn't see anything". "I had Pink Eye for a week after that". "I loved smoking, but hell, I couldn't find my lips". Ryu said, kindly. "I've never screwed up that bad when I smoked".

"I almost burned it this morning, but I lit the tip, and found out how close I was, away from my mouth". "I love smoking, but it's not for the faint of heart". Ryu said, gently. "Oh well…it is what it is".

"I've never smoked….I just don't like it". Samus said. "It's unhealthy, and it can cause damage to your lungs".

"I've been addicted to it ever since I was a young kid". "Ever since I was 12, I've been smoking". Ryu said, gently. "I've smoked, I've done drugs, I've been in prison, I was just a bad kid growing up". "I haven't stopped smoking, but everything else, I've been pretty good on".

"You're the angel of the family because you're our youngest cousin". "You're so young, and lovely, you're the Millennial everyone loves". "You're our baby". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. Ryu made kissy faces to Samus, as he pinched her cheeks, affectionately. "Thank you". Samus said, as she and Ryu laughed.

"You soapin' it up in there?". "Having a fun time?". Ryu asked, gently. "I am". Samus said. "Have a nice time in that bath". "That bath is the hot thing right now…literally, too". Ryu said, gently. Samus and Ryu laughed again. "I love ya, my Samus". Ryu said, gently. Samus's eyes began to fall as she drank from her sippy cup. "Someone's tired, and needs bedtime". Ryu said, kindly. Ryu shampooed Samus's hair, as she yawned, drinking from her sippy cup. "Love you, baby". Ryu said, kindly as he poured some water, a gentle pour down Samus's hair. "I love you too". Samus said tiredly as she sniffled. "You look so beautiful, darling". "I'm always in love with you". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "You're my gift from heaven".

"Thank you". Samus said, as she sniffled. "It is definitely true, baby". "You're my gift from God". "You came to me at just the right time, and I always love you". Ryu said, kindly and softly. "You're my treasure from above".

"Thank you". Samus said as she looked up at Ryu sniffling. "Shhh, shh, let's be calm, sweet pea". "Tell me what's bothering you". Ryu said, kindly with softness. Samus sniffled as she wiped her eyes. "I kind of have a cold…or something". "It's hard for me to swallow, and my nose feels clogged". "My throat hurts, too". Samus said. "You might have the flu or something". "Let's take your temperature, sweet pea". Ryu said, kindly as he washed Samus's back, pouring water down her back to rinse. Ryu took a thermometer from his pocket, putting it under Samus's tongue.

"Hmm, 101". "That's a bit high, baby". "We'll give you some cold medicine, and let you lay for a few hours til it passes". "How's your eyes feel?". Ryu asked, gently with softness. "They feel better". Samus said. "They're ok".

"Your eyes are beautiful, sweet pea". Ryu said, kindly. "I love seeing your eyes".

"They're ok, I guess". "They're from my mom". Samus said. "Your mom was a beautiful person, a lovely lady". Ryu said, kindly. "She had the prettiest eyes, the fairest skin, and the best mind". "She was amazing".

"I loved my mom….I guess….I don't know….losing her was traumatic". Samus said. "I needed my mom".

"She was love, she was wisdom, she was righteousness". "All of the things you are, and that you've inherited from her". Ryu said, kindly. "I know". Samus said. "You've grown up to be someone amazing, and strong, someone who is so much like your mom….you have the wisdom and the maturity that she gave you". Ryu said, kindly.

"I do". Samus said. Ryu smiled a kind smile. "I know someone as lovely as you who can do anything". Ryu said, kindly. "Thank you". Samus said. Ryu washed Samus's back, as she tiredly played in the bathtub.

"It might be time for bed, sweetie pie". "We're heading in that direction". Ryu said, kindly. "Ok". Samus said, as she yawned. "Lay down for a bit of time, and wake up later". Ryu said, gently. Samus nodded as she felt more of the warmth of the water, and the calming essence of the lavender bath. Lavender baths were calming.

"Ready to get out and dry off, sweet pea?". "I have some P.J.'s you can wear as well". Ryu said, kindly. "Ok". Samus said. Ryu drained the bathwater, as Samus stepped out. Ryu dried Samus off, gently as she felt the comfort of the towel. "Here's some lavender baby powder you can put on your body". "This has a calming essence that can help baby girls be centered and nice". Ryu said, kindly with softness and allure to his calm voice. "Thank you". Samus said.

Ryu sprinkled some lavender powder on Samus, as she rubbed it in. Ryu dressed her in her full body, princess pajamas. "Shh, nice and calm". "We'll lay down, we'll cuddle, it's time to sleep now". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "Ok". Samus said. Ryu nuzzled Samus as she walked to the guest bedroom. "Silk sheets, I knew this would be calming for you". "Silk is very calming fabric for anyone who's been through trauma". "Silk feels comforting to the skin". Ryu said, gently with softness.

"Do you like the silk?". "It smells like lavender". Ryu said, kindly. "It is nice". Samus said. "It's perfect for someone as precious and amazing as you". "It helps a baby receive the nurturing and comfort she needs if she's scared". "Let's wrap you in a swaddle". Ryu said, kindly with gentle softness. "Let's get you wrapped up".

Ryu wrapped Samus in a swaddle, as he folded the two sides up, and tied them together. "Shh, let's be quiet, calm, and think about the good things". Ryu said, kindly as he gently stroked Samus's cheeks. "Shh, shhh, shhh, shh, everything is ok, sweet pea". "You're safe". "Daddy's got you". Ryu whispered, gently.

"Sentimental Gentle Wind, blowing through my mind again". "Sentimental angel, blowing by". "Sentimental". Ryu sang gently with kindness as he stroked Samus's cheeks. "Here you are, darling". "Love always". Ryu said, kindly with softness. Ryu didn't quite sound like Rodney Aran, (he had a smoker's rasp) but he tried. He comforted Samus as she held her teddy bear. Samus recognized the lullaby. She knew the cadence, knew the melody, and remembered when her parents sang to her at night.

"Everything, is ok now". "Everything is ok…shhh". "Shhh, everything will be ok". Ryu whispered, gently. "Shh, cuddly bear is always beside you".

"Cuddly bear loves his lambie pie". Ryu whispered, gently. Samus nodded as she felt her eyes closing with every stroke of her cheek. Ryu kissed Samus's forehead as he lulled her to sleep. He felt good, knowing Samus was in a good place. Samus felt ok as well, beside Ryu. Ryu would always be her cousin.

When Samus was asleep, Ryu tiptoed out of the room, sneaking into the kitchen, as he left the door half open, making space for him to come back and forth, that way he could always check on her.

As Noodle sat in her room, she glanced around, seeing a tuft of smoke come above her. Yet, from what she saw, she recognized it as Ponchi and Konchi. "Hello, darling". Konchi said, gently with allure to his voice. "I heard you were troubled, I came to see my best friend…and my knightess". "I should see you ride in your white horse naked". Konchi laughed as he said this. "Still, I wanted to see my love….my darling girl, and give her my best". "I need her, and I love her". Konchi said, gently with allure. "Thank you". Noodle said, quietly. "I brought you some lemon meringue pie, and some sorbet". Konchi said, kindly. He smiled a cunning, sneaky smile.

"This, we can share away from them". "They don't need to see us breaking rules". Konchi said, gently. "Ok". Noodle said. "Have some, baby". "I brought us some spoons". Konchi said, kindly as he smiled a gentle smile. He sat on Noodle's bed. His testicles were covered by his large Mawashi. "How was your day?". "Is everything alright?". Konchi asked with a gentle, alluring, softened voice. Much like the alluring, suave voice of a Daimyo.

"I'm ok". Noodle said. Noodle sniffled. "What happened, sweetheart?". "Tell daddy". Konchi said, gently with seductive allure. He stroked Noodle's cheeks, gently, as he winked. "Everything is alright". Noodle said. "I'm kind of….I'm kind of mad because my dad…Russel took away my space shuttle". "I guess he claims I wasn't listening to him when he was talking to me".

"Sometimes, we become distracted". "It's common, but I know you'll work through it". "You always have". "Don't be saddened, darling". "Be happy we're beside one another". "I'll make it easy for you, darling". "I love bringing you desserts". "And I love seeing your face….you be my queen, I'll be your King, we'll fit so well". "I love you…and I want us to be happy". "I always need you, Shizuka". Konchi said, kindly.

"How is Russel…your father?". "Are you having a nice time with him?". Konchi asked gently with softness. "I am…he's a good dad". "I know he's someone I've kind of relied on for a while". "It's just….when he does discipline, it kind of irritates me". Noodle said.

"I know discipline is hard". "It is always hard when parents discipline you". "You know with me, there are no rules". "You can do anything with me". Konchi said, gently. "Run away with me, my love". "We'll escape, and we'll find our paradise". "We don't need Russel, or any gross parent". "It'll be alright".

"I always love you". "My best friend". Konchi said, gently. "How are you feelfeeling?". "I know you were a bit depressed before as well".

"I feel ok". Noodle said. "Things are getting better….better than what they were".

"You definitely sound much better". "I'm happy you're doing well". "I was beginning to think you were in a bad place…but I know now, that you're doing well". "You never cease to mesmerize". Konchi said, kindly with gentleness. "Thank you". Noodle said. "Let me know if you need anything in the future…I'm always beside you". Konchi said, gently. Noodle nodded. Even with the soft touch of his Kitsune's paw, and his cunning smile, Konchi was someone Noodle knew she didn't want to associate with, too much.