"Your scars…" she started to say, in a soft voice.

"I know!-any scars- before the gourmet cells don't go away!" he had scars on his hands, and his wrists, on his back and even on his feet. There were scars from abuse, scars from when he was caught stealing, scars from getting bitten by rate while sleeping next to a dumpster, and having to go for weeks without shoes while wondering the streets.

"Taste this." she presented a somewhat plain looking plate of caviar.

"It took you this long to open a tin of caviar?" he said before looking at it.

"Look closer, child," she said as she placed a small spoon on the plate. The Caviar was a normal brown color, but int he right light, seemed to sparkle. "Beautiful Skin Caviar, a level 30 ingredient harvested from the mermaid tuna. It's so difficult because one wrong move and she eggs will simply evaporate. Try some."

Sunny with a shaking hand took a spoonful. The flavor was mild, a little salty, and fruity and savory. The texture was

but what happened next was the important part. He looked at his hands to see his scars vanishing before his eyes.

His heart felt like a weight had been lifted. The memories would be forever but the scars were gone; he felt like he could start over as the person he wanted to be.

"You are more beautiful then you know," she said, giving him a hug.

"I think I have a solution to your sadness; save you heard of the meal of life?"

Sunny shook his head, too emotional to speak. He had read that legendary hunters throughout history had created meals that represented their lives and accomplishments, but he always assumed it was just as a hobby.

"Hors d'Oeuvre, Soup, Fish, Meat, Main, Salad, Dessert and Drink- throughout one's life, individuals determine what items or dishes represent who they truly are. They are foods that make you feel."

"feel?" sunny asked, it was a very vague word.

"yes. I used to say "feel strong" or "feel empowered, but it's different for everyone. When you find an ingredient for your meal of life, you will feel it in your heart. It will be like nothing you ever experienced before." She said pushing the plate closer.

"I'm hoping this will be part of your meal of life." She kissed his forehead before continuing, even at 6"1' he was still the little boy she held in her harms all those years ago; afraid and unsure, but ultimately strong.

"You have a gift; the ability to see beauty all around you." She added, "Even in your loneliest hours that will bring you peace. "she took a few steps back for the next surprise, " and I have another treat for you…" Rin appeared from behind the kitchen curtain.

"you've gotten fat." He said jokingly.

"if I'm fat -you're ugly", she laughed.

They laughed together, and hugged.

"Have you tried this?" he knew she also had scars from the childhood. He hoped this ingredient could give her the same feeling of peace.

"not yet, but it looks interesting" Rin was had been told about the item ahead of time, but she never tasted it before. She took a small spoonful; it was actually kind of bland. She tasted subtle flavors, but it was not anything she would actually choose to eat.

Sunny held her hands in his, tracing his finger over a scar. They had been shoplifting for food and when they were caught, Sunny started to run, assuming Rin would follow. She tripped and fell on a piece of broken glass. But he went back for her and carried her until they were safe.

"neat trick" she said looking at her hand as it magically healed. She saw that Sunny was disappointed with her lack of enthusiasm. "I really don't mind my scars." She shrugged. "Scars represent either accomplishments (referring to her time in Mansam's science academy when she burned or cut herself while competing an assignment,) or times when my big brother was (and still is) my hero" that was a blanket reference to everything Sunny ever did for her. He would steal, fight or go days without food, to make sure she had something to eat, books to read and a place to sleep. Her scars never represented anything negative. Even if they had died on the streets, she would die knowing she was loved.

"I love you so much, and I always will." Sunny said with tears in his eyes. "I'm so proud of the person you have become, and mother would have been …."

"I know. I've always known how much you and mama loved me. Now I need you to see how much you are loved; by me, by Master Ichiryu, and by your teammates; because you are worthy of love. I'm hoping you just needed to hear it out loud to finally believe it. " Rin said.

Setsuno had told Rin her concerns about Sunny's mental health. Zebra had already gone off the deep end (lost, but not beyond saving), but if they could help Sunny before he was lost as well, it would be so much easier. Rin took vacation days, to come to the gourmet city and show her support.

They would have 2 more days to spend together, acting like tourist, going shopping, tours, restaurants, etc , before she had to get back to work. It was the most fun either of them had in a long time. On the final day, they rode the open top tour bus, Rin asked, "Are you happy?"

Sunny leaned back, looking up at the blue sky, with a soft breeze caressing his face, "yes, I think I am," the sky was so clear, he took a deep breath, taking in the unique beauty of this city even if it was a touristy place. He knew he would be alone soon, journeying to improve his strength ans skills. But everywhere he looked all he could see was beauty; happiness, color, and harmony. And in that moment Sunny was calm, peaceful and happy.

Sunny got the answers he was seeking; to search out his meal of life was to find the meaning of his life. And when he found it that would be enough. He knew he would eventually see his teammates again, and be called upon for an assignment that required all their skills- when that day came, he would stand strong, as they all would- with the knowledge that with love and strength and hope they could accomplish anything.

The end