AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Hi all! Another bonus chapter and potential look into the future of the story. A ship I was DYING to write! Enjoy ;)

Bonus: Esperanca

"Aye look at the little broody lad over there! Miss yur rayman noodles eh?" Boisterous laughter broke out from a group of sloppily inebriated men, somehow rising above the noise level of the bar itself.

Hanzo ignored the bait and remained at his table.

"Aww come on be nice to the samurai, I hear they're quick little fuckers! Wouldn't want to wake up to em' hangin' off yur ceiling eh?" Another round of crude laughter.

Hanzo squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to keep composure.

"Yur makin' him sad! He's gonna cry now! Aww!" The grotesque cacophony began pounding their burly fists upon their table.

What a bunch of– Hanzo's thought was cut short when he felt a presence join him at his table. His eyes shot open and adjusted to the dim lighting of the ragtag bar, focusing on the figure before him.

"Oh don't you mind those boys over there, I've found drunk brits are always gracing bars across Europe with their delightful presence." The man gave a keen smile at Hanzo, "Besides, you strike me as the type that would be able to kick all their butts!" He leaned back and swooped his silver long hair from his well sculpted face.

Hanzo's eyes narrowed, "I do not need any words of dull wisdom."

The man's eyebrows shot up and his smile melted away, "Well that wasn't nice. I'm trying to be friendly."

"Nor do I need a friend. You best be on your way."

The man studied Hanzo intently as if he were a newly published research article, "Hmph. I know your type. Dark, sulky, a lone wolf. Pushing everyone away when all you secretly want is a good friend!" His smile returned and he leaned forward onto the table.

Hanzo chuffed in annoyance, "I suppose I will be on my way then." He stood up, grabbing his bow and quiver.

The group of men roared, "GOODBYE LITTLE CHINA MAN!"

Hanzo sneered, and slipped out of the dodgy establishment and into the harrowing sunlight of Esperanca. He felt bad for being cold to the man attempting to befriend him, but he was not walking the Earth to make friends, nor could anyone be trusted. He squinted his eyes as they adjusted to the light. The cobblestone city was bustling with little personal space in the streets, a place one certainly needed to watch their pockets. He turned down an alleyway to regain some space and avoid the crowds of the main roads. The archer truly had no destination nor mission in mind, as he still had money from his previous job. All he had on his plate for the next coming days was to wander aimlessly, just as he had for the past few years.

He found himself by a small bridge where a river passed beneath, luckily there was no one around so he could seize the moment of peace and quiet. Hanzo reached up to his hair and pulled his hair tie out to fix it. As he smoothed his fingers through his thick black hair, he noted it was probably time for a bath soon.

Perhaps I can find a more private area of the river tonight and jump in later. He had become better with hygiene the past year, as opposed to his first couple years of wandering to which he had let himself go.

The daytime quickly escaped and the sun sank in the sky, now just above the horizon. A breathtaking portrait hung above Hanzo, vibrant shades of oranges, yellows and even purples painted the atmosphere. This was one of his favorite pastimes, sitting before a body of water away from the chaos of civilization and admiring the beauty before him. He closed his eyes and focused on the sound of nature, humming around him.

Snap!

The sound of a twig being stepped on. His eyes shot open and his hands quickly drew an arrow in bow. He flipped around and scanned the environment, as his eyes carefully searched for the disturbance, a laser beam shot from behind a boulder to the left. He rolled and dodged and shot an arrow.

Asa truly was right. I will never be able to sleep again. He drew another arrow.

A slithering voice came from behind the boulder, "Hanzo Shimada. What a delight I find you in none other than Portugal! You have strayed far from home"

His eyes narrowed, holding his position.

"I say, you looked so peaceful just moments ago. Hard to believe a man with such a hefty bounty upon his head would show himself in the public eye."

"I need not to live in the shadows from my family's attempt at my life."

"I always respect a man who is confident in his choices. Too bad they typically meet a messy end."

"Face me, assassin."

"And get an arrow to the cranium? I think not just yet. Ego will not be my downfall."

"Then shall we wait all night, to whomever falls asleep first?"

The assassin chuckled, "I would bet it would be you, archer. That pullback must take quite a toll."

"I think not." Hanzo muttered. His mind raced with possible strategies.

Suddenly, as if the heavens themselves lifted the assassin from his cover, he was jolted into the sky upon a shimmering platform in the shape of a flower.

"WHAT!" The assassin clumsily squirmed upon the platform.

Hanzo wasted not a second longer and sent an arrow barreling towards the assailant, it pierced his arm.

The man swore in pain and managed to send a shot of his own down towards Hanzo. He thought he had narrowly dodged the lazer, to much of his dismay he realized that wasn't the case. He looked down and saw a spot on his thigh looking as crispy as a piece of scorched food on the stove.

Shit.

Hanzo took aim, unfortunately while the platform took his enemy by surprise, it also shielded him from below.

Fortunately, for Hanzo of course, the platform dissolved as quickly as it appeared, sending the assassin down with gravity. A loud thud could be heard from his reconnection with the surface. Hanzo cautiously approached, and realized the job had been finished. A steady flow of blood poured from the man's cracked skull.

"Oh my! That was unfortunate." A familiar voice chimed in.

Hanzo once again drew his bow and pointed it at a figure revealing itself from behind a tree.

"No need to point that at me! I didn't mean to kill him, just trying to make it easier for you to do the job!" The man from the bar had his hands held up halfway.

Hanzo slowly lowered his bow, keeping a watchful gaze on him, that was him?

"And yes, that was indeed me." A prideful smirk played across his face as he lowered his arms.

"What do you want from me?" Hanzo demanded.

"Believe it or not, nothing really. I saw someone in need of help, so I willfully obliged."

"You followed me."

The man paused, "Well… perhaps." His smile turned sheepish for a moment.

Hanzo finally saw him in a better light, under the hues of the divine sunset. The man was tall, with narrow eyes and smooth lightly melanated skin. He wore traditional thai apparel, with the shirt partially undone exposing his hairless chest. His silver hair seemed to glow against his skin.

"Who are you? And how did you do… that?" Hanzo stood firmly.

"Well well, I see you have a way with your words! To start off, a scientist never reveals his secrets, so don't you worry about the hows and just focus on the results. As for who I am, you can call me Lifeweaver." He did an elegant bow.

"Lifeweaver? What are you a superhero?"

Lifeweaver chuckled, "If you want me to be one, I suppose! I'm sure you can relate to having a past you do not wish to follow you. So, I separated myself from it and now present myself to the world under a better name."

Hanzo's eyes furrowed, "I do not run from my past."

"Is that so? It appears otherwise." Lifeweaver smirked and held an imposing stare.

"Hmph. I will not stand here and be accosted by a stranger." Hanzo crossed his arms and looked away.

"You're right, I do apologize. How about we restart?" He approached Hanzo and held his hand out, "Hi, I'm Lifeweaver, and you are?"

Hanzo stood still as a trunk for a moment, "Hanzo."

"Not big on physical touch are we?" Lifeweaver retracted his hand.

"No."

Lifeweaver's eyes found their way down to Hanzo's thigh, clearly burnt from the lazer hit, "My oh my, how rude of me! I have been making small talk while you are hurt, let me take care of that!" He stepped forward.

Hanzo held his arm out and looked down at his thigh, he suddenly felt the full force of the burn.

Lifeweaver took a gentle step forward, pressing his chest up against Hanzo's rough hand. It was then Hanzo noticed how truly tall he was. It made him feel strange, he was never bothered by a taller presence before, "Trust me will you? This is my area of expertise, and you need help." His amber eyes assured kindness.

Hesitantly, Hanzo lowered his arm allowing Lifeweaver to step closer.

"Sit down, it will be easier from the ground. Well perhaps over there away from… our friend here." He motioned some distance away in the grass.

Hanzo winced in pain as he carefully walked away and lowered himself. Something about the man's eyes made him seem trustworthy, even if only for a moment.

Lifeweaver crouched next to him, "That's it." He placed his left hand upon Hanzo's back, his hand was warm.

Warmth. It has been years since he felt warm hands touch him.

"Alright, just give me a second and we will have you patched up in no time." He hovered his right hand that seemed to be encased in some sort of armor above the wound. A brilliant light suddenly emerged as if it came down from heaven itself. He felt a warm tingling sensation, and just as Lifeweaver said, the wound ceased to exist.

Hanzo's eyes grew wide and his mouth gawked.

Lifeweaver looked at him and smiled, "I told you so. Feel better?"

"I–I–" Hanzo stuttered.

"Here." Lifeweaver grabbed Hanzo's hand and placed it on his once scorched thigh, "As good as new!" He paused, "Well… I can't return the hair. That will have to grow back on its own."

He couldn't believe it, he had never seen such technology. He sat in awe with Lifeweaver's hand still gently placed upon his own.

"This is most people's reaction, technology is typically only used to create more weapons. I truly despise this world sometimes, hurt people hurting people. I took it upon myself to create something that will heal the despair in this world."

"You designed this?" Hanzo turned his head and met his gaze.

"Why, yes of course. No need to thank me, this is just what I do!" He confidently grinned, showing his gleaming teeth. He quickly pulled his hands off from the archer, "Though I can heal physical wounds, I have yet to find a way to heal the ones that exist within us. I suppose that's up to the individual."

The men sat in silence for a brief moment, the sun sank beneath the horizon finally.

"It's getting awfully chilly out, do you have a place to stay?" Lifeweaver inquired.

"Uhm. Not really, I do not prefer to rest under a roof I am not familiar with." Hanzo broke eye contact.

"Ah, so you like to rest out in the open where anyone may find you and you are exposed to the elements?" A shit eating grin formed on Lifeweaver's face.

"I have had extensive training on how to survive in any climate."

"Oh! How interesting. Well, I noticed that dashing jet black hair of yours is a tad greasy. How about you come back to where I am staying and wash up? I don't bite, I promise." He winked.

Hanzo internally debated the idea. I can't remember the last time I bathed with warm water, "I–" He was cut off.

Lifeweaver perked up and grabbed hold of Hanzo's hand once again, and yanked him up, "Perfect! It's settled then! Let's head back." He happily pranced, dragging the archer behind him.

The pair made their way back into the city and weaved their way through the archaic streets, they stopped in front of an unassuming building down a side path. "Now, it's nothing permanent. I just rented it out a couple of weeks ago. I never know how long I will stay in one area." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a key and giggled, "An actual metal key, can you believe it? I never thought I'd see, let alone use one of these, such an old city!" He unlocked the door and beckoned Hanzo in.

It was a quaint little house with plants seemingly on every surface imaginable. It truly was an old building, he could see cracks in the ceiling spreading out like branches on a tree.

"Definitely not permanent. But I do think it's just perfect for the time being." Lifeweaver put his hands on his hips in satisfaction, "Oh that's right, over there is the shower and the clean towels are folded on the shelf inside. You'll see it. Take as much time as you'd like! I don't pay for the water." He sat himself on a couch in the main room.

Hanzo nodded, and made his way into the washroom. Everything was as neat as it could possibly be, including the perfectly folded towels on the shelf he mentioned. He sighed, knowing it would be nice to step in a shower for once.

As the warm water poured upon his tired body, his mind wandered. Why am I letting my guard down so suddenly? He could be another assassin, waiting for me to grow comfortable. There's just something about him… a warmth I haven't felt in a long, long time. I feel like I'm under a spell, and I'm just too tired of being on the run to resist. I suppose sleeping on a couch and a hot shower for a night isn't a bad thing.

But shouldn't I still suffer? If I find comfort I am a hypocrite. I will not be paying for my wrongdoings.

He shook his head and took a deep breath in, the steam of the shower filling his lungs. It almost reminded him of the bath houses from back home. He finished up, and stepped out of the shower. As he dried himself off, he noticed a neatly stacked set of clothes on the counter with a note on top, "For you! It can't be comfortable being in the same clothes everyday."

How did he put these in here without me noticing? His face contorted. Against his initial will, he decided to adorn himself with the given clothes. They were soft, and flowy. Hanzo stepped out of the washroom, steam came rushing out and into the main room.

"Oh the plants will love that. I didn't take you as a hot shower kind of man though." Lifeweaver looked back from the couch.

"I am." Hanzo stood there awkwardly.

"Well no need to stand like a statue, come sit. Are you hungry?" He patted a spot on the couch next to him.

"I'm alright, thank you." Hanzo approached as if he were a feral cat, suspicious of human touch.

"Alright, just let me know if that changes!" He stretched his long elegant legs out onto a table in front of the couch, his pants cut off at the knee, revealing his smooth, shaven legs.

Hanzo, now sat across from Lifeweaver on the couch, cleared his throat, "Thank you… Lifeweaver… for your hospitality. I apologize for the way I acted before. I'm sure you understand, considering you followed me and saw the scene."

"Oh, not a problem! And of course, I'm no stranger to having a bounty on my head!" He chuckled.

"What?" Hanzo shot a questioning look.

"Woops, let that slip. Yea, I think I'm wanted in about 17 countries."

He paused for a moment before speaking, "How do you know I will not turn your head in then?"

"I suppose you could if you had such intentions. Though I have yet to take you as someone as such. If anything I believe you understand what it is like." His eyes locked into Hanzo's.

Hanzo had noticed Lifeweaver had let his silky locks completely down, as part of it was pulled away from his face earlier. He looked like a piece of art to be marveled at, a statue crafted by the hands of true artists.

"I do." Even though he felt comfortable in his presence, he felt a strange nervousness under his gaze.

"Then I suppose we shall enjoy a night of not being hunted then." He broke eye contact and reached out to grab a glass of wine on the table in front, "Oh my, where are my manners? Would you care for a glass?" His eyebrows raised while taking a sip.

"No, thank you." Hanzo looked away.

"More for me!" Lifeweaver enthusiastically chirped.

"So… judging by your accent and the clothes you wear, I assume you are Thai?" Hanzo asked.

"Ah, yes how observant of you. May I ask where you hail from?" He gently twisted his wrist, aerating the red wine in his glass.

"Japan." A look of sorrow played across his face.

"And I assume you would have… difficulties if you were to return?"

"Yes."

"Well look at that, we are similar in more ways than you realize!"

Hanzo wasn't sure how he could be so upbeat about such a situation, his carelessness felt like a breath of fresh air though.

"Well, now that we have felt each other out, how about I tell you my real name? I know it's strange calling me by a title, so you can just call me Niran. Sorry for the confusion, you understand. Can't just be giving my name out to anyone!"

Niran. That was much more fitting.

"That's a nice name."

"Why thank you, if I say so myself you have quite the lovely name as well." Niran stretched his arm out on the top of the couch.

Hanzo felt a wave of warmth across his cheeks.

"And I hadn't noticed how long your hair is! You keep it wrapped up pretty tight in that bun huh? I admire a man with long hair." He bent his stretched out arm and nuzzled his fist into his cheek.

"Yes. I have almost always had longer hair." His stomach seemed to churn.

"People are so beautiful, you know that? If you spend time looking at anyone, you will notice such magnificent qualities." Niran took another sip of red wine.

Hanzo raised his eyebrows.

"Oh– before I forget. Let me take a look at your leg, just to make sure. My technology is technically still in beta." Niran set his glass down and scooted across the couch next to Hanzo.

"Ok–"

"Do you mind, can you roll up your pant leg for me?" Niran placed his hand on the couch next to Hanzo's thigh.

"Of course." He rolled his pants up.

"Ahh perfect. As I said, good as new." Niran delicately grazed Hanzo's thigh with his fingertips, it sent shivers through his body.

What am I feeling? His hands started to become clammy.

"You know, I could tell at the bar you needed a break. Past the obvious racist slobs of course, but a break from running. As I said, I know how it feels. It's okay to just exist, you'll drive yourself crazy if you don't have a space to let your guard down." Niran looked off to the side.

"I… I don't feel like I deserve it." What the fuck am I saying?

"Everyone does, Hanzo." Their eyes met.

Hanzo darted his eyes away. Fuck.

"You can roll your pant leg back down you know?" Niran gave a cheeky smile.

"Oh– yes. Of course." He hastily rolled them down. FUCK.

Niran's arm stretched out once again, this time right behind Hanzo.

"I'm glad we met, I'm especially glad I followed you, albeit a bit creepy." He giggled.

The same warm feeling upon his cheeks came back, in full force now, "Yes. A bit creepy, but you proved yourself helpful." Hanzo grabbed hold of his other arm, and nervously curled his toes. He could feel Niran's gaze, and finally turned his head to meet it. He felt like he was about to melt.

"You're a beautiful person, you know that?" Niran cooed.

"Uhm…" He felt dizzy and clenched his jaw. His fingers pinched his arm.

With his free hand, Niran ever so gently grazed the tip of Hanzo's beard, pressing through to make contact with his chin. With the force of a brisk breeze, he pushed Hanzo's head up, "May I?"

Hanzo's whole body now felt like a void about to engulf itself, he gulped and gently nodded.

Niran leaned in and softly kissed Hanzo's lips, leaving them intertwined for a moment in pure bliss. Hanzo felt like he was melting away, and for the first time in years his mind went silent. He leaned into Niran even more, because by the heavens did he just simply want to fall into him at that moment. He let go of his arm and his body relaxed. His hand found Niran's knee.

Niran softly pulled his lips away and quickly wrapped his arms around Hanzo, who was as red as a cherry, "Oh yes. You are absolutely adorable." Niran whispered as he closed his eyes with a content smile and rubbed the tip of his nose up against Hanzo's.

Hanzo felt like he was floating, off to somewhere he had never been.

Niran leaned closer with his lips up against Hanzo's ear, the warmth of his breath cascaded down into his ear and on his neck, "You look like you could use a good night's rest, care to embrace?"

"Not at all…" Hanzo let out a heavy breath and a faint smile could be seen forming upon his lips. He had not had a drop of alcohol, yet felt intoxicated.

Niran smiled, and had a blush upon his cheeks as well, "Perfect." He pulled Hanzo down with him, they laid across the couch holding each other as tight as humanly possible.

Hanzo closed his eyes and swore he could hear the humming of a quiet pond on a beautiful day. He buried his head into Niran's neck, taking a strong whiff of his floral scent and drifted off into a dream filled slumber.

For once, he did not fall asleep with only himself and his tortured mind. He fell asleep with what he could only describe as happiness.