It is 9:13 the next morning when Anna finishes getting dressed. The previous evening was too overwhelming. Her priority is to see her friend, but first she checks on the children.

  "Camille, Please call Kijuro"

  *Call*-Kijuro

  Kijuro:"Hello Anna, I hope you're doing well. Did you get home safely?"

  "Yes, I even slept. I was just amazed to find the house quiet."

  Kijuro:"That's normal, I took the children for a few days.It wasn't planned, but it doesn't bother me, and besides, you have to go see him today, don't you?"

  "Yes, I'm already ready. But what exactly happened?

  He hesitates and suddenly, a cry of joy:

  "ANNNAAA THAT'S GREAT YOU'RE HOME!"

  "Yes princess, I'm back home, but I'm talking to your uncle right now..."

  "It's not fair, you adults are always busy!" said a sulky voice.

  Kijuro:"But don't worry Luan, you'll be back soon. In less than 3 days you'll see her in person. Doesn't that suit you?"

  She hesitates, tapping her chin.

  "You're right, I agree. I like where you live, but I prefer big cities."

  Kijuro:"I understand, my dear. Go find your cousin. In an hour I'll take you for a walk, is that okay?

  "SUPER!" She runs off energetically.

  "You're starting to get back on track. It's almost as if Yoshito could move in with you tomorrow."

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Kijuro:"It's still too soon, and I know he's still too used to living with my brother and you. But... you're right, I'm starting to get back on track."

  "Everything will be alright, Kijuro. You're not alone anyway. We're all here for you."

  "Thank you. It's good to know you're back. And as for Rajesh...it was... a nightmare that put him in that state."

  "Neela?" she said in a low voice.

  "Yes...exactly. It was the middle of the night; we were taken by surprise. Everything's fine now, don't worry, it's under control but... he really needs someone there."

  "I'm going right now. Good luck with the two little monsters. See you in two days."

  "Good luck Anna"

  On the way to her friend's house, Anna knows she will have to choose her words carefully so as not to upset him. He's never himself when he loses control, yet he's such a pure soul...

  "Why are they torturing you, Raj...?"

  She turns on her watch:

  "Camille, Rajesh's mental state"

  *Divine warrior Rajesh Ansari is dealing with post-traumatic stress. He suffered from nightmares and demonic possession. He remains lucid and will be ready for any conversation if you choose your words carefully, Anna.*

  She sighed softly.

  "Okay, at least he's back to his old self... For now " she said, half-relieved.

  Rajesh's residence is exactly like him. It is well-maintained with straightforward but not aggressive architecture. Anna knows the house by heart. She was the one who suggested the plans. And he was very touched by this gesture...

  She senses a tense atmosphere around the house.

  She would have gladly drawn her spear... but she came as a friend, not as a warrior.

  She announces herself at the entrance but no one answers. She enters the house and finds it perfectly maintained. "A bit paradoxical". She follows the air changes she noticed earlier, and finds her friend sitting in his personal botanical garden behind the house.

  "Raj... she said, her voice soft and worried, how are you feeling? I... I'm very worried... you... I missed you, you know?"

  No response.

  "We don't have to discuss this... I just had to make sure everything was okay, you understand?"

  ...

  He exhales calmly. Yet this is enough to further disrupt the airflow. He still had his back to her; he hadn't turned around.

  "Raj... please I-"

  He gets up. She doesn't get into a guard position. She trusts him; he won't attack her.

  "I know... it's not easy, but I also know that you haven't hurt anyone. You see, you are still in control of yourself."

  He finally turns around and looks at her. She jumps a little. Despite his fatigue, his gaze... is calm. She can't quite find a place where he's hurt... But it doesn't matter for now; he's watching her. He's finally looking at his friend.

  "Forgive my silence, Anna," said in a hoarse, controlled voice. "I was meditating."

  She smiled, but not fully. She analyzed his eyes. His pupils were darker than they should have been...

  "You're still struggling, is that it?" She asks hesitantly but determinedly.

  He hesitates and turns around once again.

  "I will not let them gain the upper hand."