Author's Note: And we're finally getting to Conning Creek here! As much as I liked the last few chapters, now we get to dig into a lot of stuff I wanted to get to, so the next few will be fun. Also, Papp's cameo here was yet another scene that amused me too much.

Chapter Nine: Reunion

The trip from Cropdale to Conning Creek was a relatively simple one, but it would take some time. They would head to Oresrush and then Ryu, and possibly stop in Canalbrine if Hector needed to rest. Still, it would take several days to walk between each town. Osvald also told Hector that he'd have to keep his shoes on as they traveled through the Wildlands and Hinoeuma. While Hector didn't complain about the distance, he did voice his displeasure with his shoes.

"They feel weird, Papa," he said, wrinkling his nose as he looked down at his feet.

"Well, it is hard to find shoes that fit you properly," Osvald mused. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't sure what they'd do when Hector got older… Adult-sized shoes worked for now, but what about then?

"No, I…" Hector paused, trying to find the right words. "I like having them off."

"You can take them off later, but you need to keep them on here. See? The ground will hurt your feet."

Hector let go of Osvald's hand long enough to crouch down and observe the ground. Like with much of the Wildlands soil, it was hard and rough, riddled with cracks and rocks. Hector absently ran his fingers over it, then straightened up and nodded.

"The next place, too?"

"Hinoeuma is a desert. It's sandy, but not like the beach in Toto'haha," Osvald explained. "It gets too hot during the day to walk on."

Hector mulled it over, and then nodded again. "But in Conning Creek…"

"Well, maybe. We have to get there first."

…It would probably be fine there, but Osvald couldn't help being amused yet intrigued by the exchange. He supposed a preference for going barefoot would make things easier later on, but it was something he'd have to keep in mind.

They didn't run into Partitio in Oresrush, but Osvald hadn't expected to, either (just as he hadn't expected to see Throné in New Delsta). However, they did see Partitio's father, who immediately insisted on taking them out for dinner.

"Any friend of my boy's is a friend of mine," Papp declared, giving Osvald an overly-eager slap on the back. "It's on me, and I ain't taking no for an answer!"

Osvald winced, but he didn't complain aloud. He could see where Partitio got the boisterousness from. Still, free food was free food, and they followed Papp to the tavern.

As they got settled, Papp went on. "I don't suppose you've heard much from Partitio, have you?"

"No." Osvald paused and sipped at the coffee the waitress brought him. "I haven't been to Clockbank in a while."

Which was true. Osvald supposed it would've been easy to check in on Partitio if he wanted to… It just would've been hard for Partitio to seek him out for the past month or two. Still, Osvald didn't feel like going into detail around someone he barely knew.

Papp sighed and leaned back in his chair. "I swear, that boy… I know he's fine, but once he gets something into his head, it's all he wants to think about."

Hector cocked his head to the side. "…Like Papa?"

Osvald snorted into his coffee. "Not exactly."

…Well, Osvald did hyper-focus on whatever he was currently working on. He liked to think he wasn't as reckless (or as loud) as Partitio was, however.

Hector wrinkled his nose, clearly confused. After a few seconds, he shook his head and turned his attention to Osvald's mug.

"Why do you always drink that, Papa?"

"Coffee? It stimulates your brain."

"…Can I try it?"

Well, Osvald probably shouldn't let him, but Hector was looking at him so earnestly that it was hard to say no.

"You're a little young for coffee, but one sip won't hurt you."

Hector nodded and accepted the mug when Osvald passed it to him. He took a small sip of it, but he scrunched up his face in obvious displeasure when he swallowed. Osvald couldn't help a brief grin as he took it back.

"Maybe when you're older."

Papp snorted. "Or not. Partitio still hasn't grown out of having more milk and sugar in his mug than actual coffee."

Osvald sighed aggressively. "Oh, I'm aware. It's barely coffee anymore once he gets his hands on it."

Maybe he could give Papp his stamp of approval after all. The man chattered too much over the course of their meal, but Osvald could appreciate someone who liked a good mug of coffee as much as he did. Still, Osvald could tell Hector was eager to get through dinner and head to the inn. He didn't complain, but he'd worn his hood, and he kept scratching around the areas where his frills were. It was obvious he wanted to get it off as soon as possible.

"…I appreciate the meal, but we should head out," Osvald finally said.

"Your boy's getting tired," Papp observed. "Let me get y'all over to the inn."

Papp set some money down on the table, and they followed him outside. It wasn't too long of a walk, and Papp paid for their room before bidding them a good evening. Hector promptly took his cloak off once they got settled, sighing in relief once his frills were free.

"Would you like to read before bed, Hector?" Osvald offered.

He pondered the offer, and then nodded. "One book."

Osvald went through Hector's collection and picked one that he'd read several times. It was a short story, but it was one Osvald knew he enjoyed. He could easily read it by himself, and Hector snuggled against Osvald's arm as he started turning the pages. Osvald watched him warmly for a few seconds before reaching for one of his mathematics books. The closer they got to Conning Creek, the more nervous he got, but…

Well, Hector made it easy to forget his worries. Osvald decided he'd appreciate what he could get.

After leaving Oresrush, they trudged through the rest of their route and entered Hinoeuma. Papa was right, Hector thought. He could feel the heat shimmering off the sand and was glad he had to wear his shoes. Hector didn't have to touch the sand to know it would've hurt to walk on.

Still, it was something new to look at. All of the places they'd been so far were so…different from each other. Hector couldn't help being amazed as he looked around. The scenery melted together after a while, but it was unlike anything he'd ever seen before.

Eventually, they arrived in Ryu. This, too, was different from all the towns he'd visited. Hector peeked around curiously; most of the "buildings" were small wooden frames that lacked walls. Still, there was an open-air tavern where Papa managed to procure them some food: mostly rice and dried meat. Hector chewed on it slowly, taking in the different textures.

Finally, they turned in for the night at the inn. It was more of a covered pavilion with mats and blankets strewn across the floor, and there were a couple of merchants sleeping on the far side. Hector tried to settle into bed, but it was a little cold, and the floor was hard. After shifting around for a while, he moved closer to Papa, figuring he'd at least be warmer this way.

Papa was silent for much of the evening, but he smiled as Hector rolled over. He automatically put an arm over him, and Hector smiled in return as he snuggled against him. After a few seconds, he looked back up and blinked. Papa had glanced away, and there was a strange look on his face: he was staring off into the distance, and his mouth was slightly pursed.

"Papa," Hector whispered, "are you…afraid?"

He sighed and shook his head. "No. Just thinking. Sorry to worry you."

Papa pulled him closer and patted him on the back. The gesture was comforting, and it reassured Hector. He was sure Papa meant what he said, but…as they drifted off, Hector couldn't help wondering what would happen when they reached Conning Creek.

Osvald was overreacting.

He knew he was being foolish. Elena was physically fine, and she would be as long as Clarissa looked after her. Osvald knew that, and he needed to stop worrying Hector. He'd clearly picked up on Osvald's nerves in Ryu.

But…the closer they got to Conning Creek, the worse his anxiety became. What if Elena still didn't remember him? What if she did, but she hated him for leaving her behind? No, the latter idea was ridiculous. Even if Elena rejected him, she'd always been a good girl. She'd be nice about it if she did—

Osvald took a deep breath. He was a scholar, and he should be logical and think calmly. Why was he acting like an anxious child who'd just broken one of his parents' favorite items? He was the adult here, and he needed to act like his children's father.

Besides…it was easy to distract himself by watching Hector once they entered the Harborlands. He clearly enjoyed splashing through the shallow water surrounding the sandy paths, and Osvald was glad he found a way to entertain himself. Hector took his shoes off at the soonest opportunity, and his feet left large prints in the damp sand.

"Is it like this there, too?" Hector asked as they walked.

"In Conning Creek? Well, there's a small beach at the harbor," Osvald replied. "You'll probably like to play there."

Hector nodded, clearly pleased that he had something to look forward to. It was hard to be so pessimistic when Hector looked so happy; he kept bouncing ahead of Osvald and picking up various shells and small rocks he found interesting. He was going to run out of room in his satchel at this rate, but…it was cute.

Finally, they arrived in Conning Creek one evening, and Osvald took a deep breath as he looked around. Clarissa was likely still awake; she often liked to read late. She was usually good at getting Elena to bed early, too. Nonetheless, Osvald found himself squeezing Hector's hand for reassurance as they headed towards Clarissa's home.

They'd come up with a special code so she'd know Osvald was the one at the door: two short knocks with a pause before the third. Hector watched as Osvald knocked and waited for the answer. Soon enough, the door opened, and Clarissa greeted him with an amused grin.

"Why, Osvald, much longer and I may not have recognized you."

Osvald sighed heavily. "I know, I… Can we talk at the harbor?"

Clarissa nodded, holding up a hand in a clear 'I'll be right back' gesture. She disappeared back into the house for a few seconds. Upon returning, she had ink smudges on her fingers, and Osvald knew what she must've done before she said so.

"I left a note for Elena," she explained quickly. "She's already in bed, but just in case…"

Clarissa stepped outside and locked the door. Her eyes fell on Hector as they started walking, and he looked up at her curiously. Osvald was pleased with the fact that Hector didn't seem nervous around her, though (as usual) he didn't speak up first.

"I see you brought Elena a friend," Clarissa said.

Her tone was casual, but she obviously expected an explanation. Osvald remained silent for a moment. He knew that Clarissa would need little information to figure things out, but…

Osvald glanced around furtively. They were at the outskirts of the harbor now, and there were only a few people out. Some fishermen hurried back towards town, barely looking at the three newcomers as they yawned heavily. Soon, the area was empty, and Osvald decided it was safe to talk.

"I brought Elena's brother," he said meaningfully.

"Ah." Clarissa blinked, and Osvald could see the gears turning in her head. She'd taken Elena that evening, of course, but Osvald had yet to fill her in on everything that had happened to Rita. "Of course you did. But how…"

"Let me start from the beginning." He sighed and then nodded towards the docks. "Let's sit there."

Soon, everyone was situated comfortably. (Or comfortably enough—the wood was damp, but Osvald could ignore that for now.) Hector was perched on his right, and Clarissa on his left. She looked at both of them with a rather searching gaze, but she remained quiet and let Osvald continue speaking.

"…I recently went to Montwise," he began. "While I was in the library, I went through Harvey's laboratory again. I found some notes I'd overlooked on my last visit."

Osvald found that once he started, it was easier to keep going. He described finding Hector in the tube and breaking him free. Then, how he'd taken Hector back to the inn, read some of Harvey's notes, and realized Hector was his son. Clarissa inhaled sharply and raised a hand to her mouth when Osvald mentioned that Harvey had left Rita alive long enough for…extraction purposes.

Osvald left the phrasing vague enough that Hector wouldn't realize its intent; he'd give him that talk later. But Clarissa knew very well what he meant. She swallowed and closed her eyes, nodding as he continued.

Finally, Osvald gave her a brief rundown of their visits to Toto'haha and Cropdale. He made sure to mention how well Hector was adapting: how quickly he'd learned to read and write and do math, and how curious he was about everything. Osvald slipped an arm around Hector, who'd quietly slumped against him during the whole story. Of course Hector knew what Harvey had done to him, but hearing it aloud, and having it told to someone else, must've made it sound so much worse.

"…So I decided it was time to come and check on Elena," Osvald concluded. "I…just thought you should know about Hector, so you can explain things to her when the time comes."

"That time may be sooner than you think, Osvald." Clarissa smiled, though her gaze was insistent. "She remembers more and more every day."

Osvald glanced away, hardly daring to hope. She was exaggerating; she had to be. Clarissa was just pushing him, like she always did—

"She knows her favorite pen came from you. She remembers the time she fell off the swing and you carried her inside." Clarissa chuckled before adding, "And she remembers how you always used to do pushups with her on your back."

"Ah, that…that was Rita's suggestion, actually," Osvald replied fondly. "She said it was a good way for Elena to spend time with me, but I think she just found it amusing."

For some reason, which he still didn't understand. Clarissa gave him a wry smile, and Osvald pretended to ignore her.

"Regardless…Elena wants a face to go with the memories. Please don't disappoint her. She's strong; she can handle it."

"I know." Osvald took a deep, shaky breath. "I want to see her." Desperately so. "And I'd like Hector to meet her. But…"

Clarissa rested a hand on his arm. "Elena is ready, Osvald."

He swallowed. "All right. Tomorrow afternoon. Please…prepare her as best you can."

"I will." Clarissa smiled as she moved her hand to his shoulder. "Shall I tell her you've brought a guest?"

"You may." Osvald pulled Hector closer, and he smiled as Hector shifted comfortably against his chest. "By the way, Hector…you can take off your hood. For just a moment."

He was impressed that Hector had left it on for so long. Regardless, Hector nodded and straightened up. He pulled off his hood, shaking his head as the cool air washed over his face.

The dim lighting didn't do him any favors, Osvald thought depressingly. Somehow, it made his eyes look too large, and his frills cast longer, darker shadows. Clarissa's eyes widened for a moment, but her gaze softened when Hector turned to look at her. She reached around Osvald and gently pulled Hector's face towards her.

"I can see it now. You have your father's eyes, and his nose," she said in amusement. "I only hope you're more agreeable than he is."

Hector blinked. "Agreeable?"

Osvald leaned back and huffed indignantly. "I've already told you Hector is an excellent child. You needn't rub it in and ruin the moment."

"I see I'm correct, then." Clarissa's eyes glinted as she pulled away. "Do try to be on your best behavior for Elena tomorrow, Osvald. Won't you?"

He felt vaguely insulted. "I don't follow."

Clarissa laughed, and Hector's confusion grew. Why was everyone like this? Osvald hoped she didn't put any ideas in Elena's head before he had the chance to speak with her himself.

"Oh, it's nothing." Clarissa smiled again. "However…you should be prepared, as well. I know you'll be fine, but…"

"I know." Osvald sighed. "…I will."

Clarissa squeezed his shoulder before standing up. She leaned down to pat Hector on the head, and then watched them for several long seconds. Before she walked away, she paused and added, "We'll be waiting for you both."

Osvald watched her go, and his head churned with a variety of feelings he couldn't quite name. He'd been waiting for this moment for months. He was finally getting what he wanted, but—

"Papa? Are you okay?"

Hector looked up at him uncertainly, and Osvald nodded. It…wasn't entirely true, but it would be. Hopefully soon. He stood up as well, and Hector followed suit. After Hector pulled his hood back up, he reached for Osvald's hand. The ensuing squeeze was somehow more comforting than usual; it reminded him of all the things he wanted to do.

"I will be. Now, we need to get some rest. Come along."

Hector nodded, and they headed off to the inn. Yes, Osvald thought, he would be fine—he just needed to make sure of it.

Hector watched Papa carefully that night. He wasn't sure what to make of his behavior. Papa occasionally wore brief yet hopeful smiles, but then shifted to more pensive expressions. While he gave Hector a few math problems before bed, he couldn't focus on the book he was reading, either.

Finally, Hector tugged on his arm. "What is it, Papa?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm worrying you. It's…hard to explain. It's simply been a while since I last saw Elena."

Hector frowned lightly. "But Clarissa said she wants to see you."

"I'm sure she does." Papa's expression softened a little. "And she'll want to meet you, too. There's much we have to discuss, that's all."

Hector was still confused, but he was sure it would make sense tomorrow. And he did want to meet Elena. His sister, he thought experimentally. Hector remembered how close Agnea and Pala were: how they'd chatted about dancing and sewing and cooking. They were sisters, and that had been nice to watch. So he didn't think he'd have much to worry about.

But Papa clearly had mixed feelings. What could Hector do about that? Finally, he had an idea, and Hector looked back up at him.

"Can I sleep on your hair tonight?"

Papa raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Well, I suppose it's a special occasion. You can."

Hector nodded satisfactorily as they got ready for bed. He remembered the nap they'd taken back on Toto'haha, and how relaxed everyone had been afterwards. And, well…he still liked sleeping next to Papa. Hector had gotten used to sleeping alone, but…it was more comfortable this way. So why not try it now?

Eventually, they were both clean and ready for bed. Papa lied down first, and Hector spent several seconds pondering the best position to lie down in. Finally, he pressed his face into Papa's back, just below his shoulders.

"You're warm," Hector mumbled sleepily as he closed his eyes.

He felt Papa shift as he replied, "You're comfortable, then?" After Hector nodded into his back, he added, "Good night, Hector."

Hector yawned, failing to get out a proper "Good night" of his own. But he could feel Papa's breathing slow down as he fell asleep, and Hector knew that he was starting to relax, too.

Hector really was a good boy, Osvald thought as they got ready the next morning.

He dealt with Osvald's dithering, and he'd meant well with his suggestion last night. Osvald shouldn't have needed his son to calm him down, but…the gesture was appreciated. He just wished he could stop over-thinking things.

Osvald knew Elena was smart and brave enough to handle the truth. There were just…so many uncertainties. But Osvald would have much to explain to Elena regardless of when they reunited, so perhaps it was best to get it out of the way after all.

Most of all, Osvald wished he could just be satisfied with his appearance.

He wanted to be 'presentable,' and as such had stopped by the nearest clothing store after breakfast. Osvald had already gotten himself several new outfits, but…showing up in the clothes he'd been walking in for the past few days wasn't the best way to make a first impression (or re-impression, as the case may be).

Osvald scowled as he looked over his reflection. They'd gone back to the inn, and he'd changed into a new outfit. He'd tried to pick out something Throné would approve of, but…this was excessive.

The top hat was ridiculous; why had he bought that? Osvald looked like he was trying too hard. He groaned and threw it aside before looking back at the mirror. The scarf and the waistcoat were fine, he decided. They could stay. Now just to do something with his hair…

(Ugh, this was why he never dealt with fashion. It was too complicated.)

He paused, halfway through pulling his hair into a low ponytail. Hector had latched onto his leg and was looking up at him anxiously.

"…Do I need something else?"

Osvald managed to smile as he finished tying his hair back. "You look fine, Hector. But you can if you'd like."

Hector studied himself in the mirror. He'd been fascinated with them, the few times he'd looked at his reflection. Osvald watched Hector study him before moving back to his own appearance. His fingers hovered over his reflection's frills before reaching towards its hair.

"I like what Agnea did to my hair," he finally said.

"I can give you a braid. Just hold still."

Osvald relaxed as he worked a comb through Hector's hair and then braided it. There was something soothing about the distraction, and Hector enjoyed the attention. He leaned back as Osvald fixed his hair; his reflection showed that he'd closed his eyes in contentment. Finally, he tied the end of Hector's hair and stepped back. Osvald was decent at braids thanks to Elena herself, and he'd done well despite his lack of recent practice.

Then, he gathered up his things. It was time to go. Osvald offered Hector his hand, and they headed towards the door.

The walk towards Clarissa's house was done in silence. Osvald glanced down at Hector and squeezed his hand sometimes, trying to reassure him. When they arrived, Osvald swallowed and knocked, and Clarissa immediately let them inside.

"She's waiting upstairs," Clarissa said as she closed the door. "Go on."

Osvald took a deep breath. "…Thank you."

He couldn't say more, but Clarissa knew what he meant. Hector started to follow him towards the stairs, but Clarissa took his hand and gently pulled him away.

"Let your father go first. They have much to discuss," she explained. "He will tell you when it's time."

"All right," Hector replied uncertainly, looking over at Osvald for confirmation.

Osvald leaned down and put a hand on his shoulder. "Soon, I promise."

Hector nodded, and Osvald turned around and straightened up. After a pause, he rested his hand on the banister and started walking. Up the stairs, up to Elena—

To everything he'd been waiting for, for so long.

Hector found himself peering around the kitchen, feeling a little awkward.

He'd been left out. Hector knew, deep down, that wasn't what Papa meant to do. Papa said it had been a while since he'd seen Elena. Of course he'd need a lot of time to talk to her.

But still…while Clarissa seemed nice enough, Hector didn't know her very well. She must be good friends with Papa, if Elena was allowed to stay here. But beyond that, Hector wasn't sure what to say. So instead, he spent a few minutes peeking at various things Clarissa had left scattered around the room.

There were a few cooking bowls sitting on the counter, but Hector was more interested in the books on the table. Several of them had complex designs on the covers, similar to the ones Papa read. Hector poked at one of them, and then looked up and said, "Magic?"

Clarissa watched him in amusement. "Yes, just like your father. I suppose he must've told you all about it by now."

"A little." Should Hector have asked more? He probably should have. "Mostly reading and math."

"Well, I'm sure he will soon." Clarissa hummed thoughtfully as she sat down in the chair next to him. "Magic is simply what he does. It was one of the first things Elena remembered, that she wants to study it like he does."

They had spoken of magic a little, but not in depth yet. Hector mulled it over. If it was that important to Papa, he should ask more. Especially if Elena was interested, too. But…

He shook his head. He'd do it later.

Hector blinked when he felt Clarissa's hand under his chin. She titled his head up and examined his face curiously. Hector swallowed and fidgeted. He felt the same way he had when Papa had studied him, back when they first met: slightly uncomfortable, but unwilling to move and upset her.

"I'm sorry. I simply wanted a better look at you." Clarissa pulled back and smiled at him. "You would have looked very much like your father, you know."

Hector cocked his head to the side. "Did you know Papa a long time?"

If she had, then he could ask her some questions. More about what he was like, other things he enjoyed—

"Yes, I met him before Elena was born. For more details, you should ask him. He'll tell you…when he feels like it." Clarissa chuckled and leaned back in her chair. "But I know him well enough."

Hector nodded, then added uncertainly, "Elena, too? And…my mother?"

"Ah, he wouldn't have said much about them." Clarissa smiled sympathetically. "Osvald isn't very good at discussing his feelings, you see. And they're a complex topic for him. So I could tell you about them, but that's his story to tell."

"Papa tells me lots of other things." Hector pursed his lips. "But sometimes he doesn't."

"In due time, dear. I suppose adults are confusing, but be assured that Osvald cares about you very much. He will tell you, and then you'll understand."

Hector nodded. He knew that. Papa always answered his questions, and he'd already told Hector that he loved him. The waiting frustrated him a little, but…if it meant things would make more sense, then…

Hector was brought out of his thoughts when he heard footsteps. He glanced towards the stairs and saw two pairs of feet, which were then followed by Papa and the girl who must've been Elena. She was gripping his hand tightly, and she rubbed her eyes with her free hand. Still, she was smiling, and she looked up at Papa adoringly as he squeezed her hand.

Papa's eyes were red, too. Hector realized he'd never actually seen him cry before, even during the handful of tense moments they'd had. But he could tell from the softness in his gaze and the smile on his face that these weren't bad tears. That was a new and strange revelation for Hector, and he wasn't sure how to feel about it.

But he didn't have much time to ponder, as they rounded the corner into the kitchen a moment later. Hector studied Elena for a second longer before turning his attention to Papa. In turn, Papa put his free hand on Elena's shoulder and directed her towards Hector.

"Elena, say hello to your brother." His voice was warm with affection. "I've mentioned you to Hector already. I'm sure he'd like to meet you."

Elena sniffled and wiped her eyes one last time. Then, she stepped forward and studied Hector. Papa must've told her about him, too. She didn't look confused or alarmed by his appearance; she was still smiling, and she only seemed curious. Finally, Elena pulled him into a hug, and it felt natural to return it. Hector pressed his face into her shoulder as he hugged her back, and they both giggled as some of her hair caught on his frills.

"I just remembered Mama told me she was getting a surprise for me," Elena said when she pulled back. "I'm glad I finally get to meet you, Hector."

"Did she really—?" Papa snorted. "That…sounds like something she'd say."

Clarissa grinned and shook her head at the exchange. Hector briefly cocked his head to the side, but then he turned his attention back to Elena. She was looking at him expectantly, waiting for a reply.

"Papa told me about you," he finally said. "I…get to meet you now?"

His reply was clumsy, but Papa understood what he meant. "Yes. You two have all the time you'd like to get to know each other."

"So you've decided to stay, then," Clarissa said.

It wasn't a question, and her tone was strange. She sounded like she knew that would happen. But Clarissa was smiling, too, and there was a trace of fondness in her eyes.

Papa nodded, took a deep breath, and said, "I'm home."

Elena laughed and threw her arms around his waist. "Welcome home, Papa." Then, she turned back to Hector, hugged him again, and added, "Welcome home, Hector."

Hector smiled as he returned the hug. Was this what it felt like to be at home? He felt…warm and happy and welcome, and he decided he liked it.

He'd have plenty of time to figure out what "being at home" meant, but Hector very much wanted to learn.