Hayate arrived in Leafenia with a conflicted expression. He wasn't sure how this was going to end. Him and the others had never brought up the other Leafe Knights because they were thought to be traitors. Now, so long after their disappearance…they returned. They were also partially right. Hayate sighed as he remembered the last time he had spoken to Kane.
Kane was growling fiercely at Hayate. "You think you're all high and mighty! I'm tired of all your hot air! We're Leafe Knights! We aren't going to sit quietly waiting for you to tell us it's our time. We are going to find our own Pretear!"
"You're a fool, Kane! Finding your own Pretear is stupid! You're an inexperienced child who thinks that just because he has powers means you're invincible!" Hayate shouted in anger. "If you leave Leafenia you will be considered TRAITORS. You will never be allowed to return! Throw away this idea of a Pretear of your own now!"
Hayate froze in mid tread and remembered so clearly how feral Kane looked then. Then the last words that Kane spoke to him came to his mind.
Kane roared with ferocity that would leave normal men stricken with fear. "You are the fool! Don't you think we tried that! We tried to be docile! We tried to ignore this feeling! We are being called to our Pretear!" he exclaimed and the pain in his eyes obvious. "We know what will happen to our status…but we can't pretend. Not any longer," and without another word spoken he turned into a wolf and fled. Hayate gave him such a hateful glare for he would betray the Leafe Knights for pure stupidity.
Hayate was so sure of himself then. That there was no way that there could be more than one Pretear at a time. Then Rouge flashed to his mind. She had silenced Kane with one word. He was positive no one could accomplish that until he had seen it for himself. Then the fact of how she claimed to be their Pretear specifically. The fact that she and Himeno were friends was even more eerie.
"Hayate…you look distracted," Sasame's voice pierced Hayate's thoughts. "What's wrong?"
Hayate hesitated. "There is a chance that Darkness is lurking near. We need to summon the other knights…bring them to the garden in three hours. Himeno will meet us there."
Sasame face scrunched up in disapproval. "What aren't you telling me?"
Hayate brought his hand to his face and heaved a great sigh. "I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."
Rouge sat up weakly and looked at Kane. "What's the matter?"
Kane face grew pale and he hung his head. "When did…when did he…"
Shin walked over playfully and patted Kane's head. "Your hair is really soft! Like a doggy's fur."
Kane's eyes grew wide and then softened immediately. "Yes. It's actually wolf fur."
Rouge smiled, but then broke into another cough. "Ugh…make this shit go awaaaaay," she moaned.
Kane's and Shin's attention immediately shifted to her. Himeno gently patted her on the back. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Rouge couldn't answer because she was coughing so hard. Shin climbed up on the bed and took her hand which gave off a slight glow. Her coughing slowed as she looked at the surprised child. "That's right. I'm a Pretear little one."
Shin seemed a little confused at first, but after glancing at the approving Himeno, Shin wrapped Rouge in a warm hug. "Welcome to the family!" he cheered.
Kane tensed slightly at the word 'family' and Rouge saw it but chose to not bring it up for the moment. "Thank you," she said gently. She paused to realize her cough had gone away. She was slightly light headed still so she decided against standing. "You seem to work miracles Shin. My cough has gotten better," she said in an excitement that could only be shown to children.
Shin's face grew bright with glee and jumped a little on the bed. Kane's expressions drew into a sad smile. Himeno saw this and felt her heart jerk at the regret in his eyes. She knew that kind of feeling. Rouge sat quietly, letting Shin be delighted in the thoughts that he had helped her, but her stare would occasionally drift in Kane's direction. She felt his pain, Himeno just knew it.
"Shin," Himeno said to him with a smile. "lets go to the kitchen and get some snacks for them, okay?"
Shin jumped up with eagerness. "Can we get some for me too?" he asked.
Himeno laughed. "Of course! We'll be right back you two," she said as she stood and lifted Shin off the bed. When they exited she glanced back at Rouge who mouthed a "Thank you" in her direction. Himeno nodded and closed the door. Shin followed her while holding onto her hand. Mawata was walking out of her room when the two of them caught sight of her.
"Mawata," Himeno called. Mawata turned and waved at her with a fond smile.
"Hello Himeno. Did you go pick up your friend?" she asked as she adjusted the novel she was cradling.
Himeno nodded and sighed heavily. "There is something we need to talk about too, but I'll wait until after this meeting with the Leafe Knights."
Mawata's eyes widened and then grew a bit sorrowful. "Oh, is Sasame going to be there? I wonder how him and Takako are doing. Tell them hello for me," Mawata said as she tried to hide the hurt she still felt. However, she knew that they were happy, and didn't want to interfere with that.
Himeno nodded. "Yeah, I'll do that," she said as she patted her shoulder gently. "Hey we're going to make snacks. You want some?"
Mawata smiled. "Sure. I actually was heading that way just now."
"Great!" Himeno yelled while taking a strange victory pose. "Off to the kitchen!" she ordered. As the other two descended down the stairs she glanced back at the room with Rouge and Kane. "Why do I feel…like this is going to be a long road, Rouge…"