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Chapter Text

It was a stormy and humid June night, when a stranger entered Willow Wands after hiding and running from people for nearly a year. He anxiously tugged at the hood of his dark blue sweater, taking a few looks over his shoulder to assure himself nobody had seen him. He grimaced at the distant thunder, his eyes barely illuminated by the lightning miles away and the side of his hoodie lightly illuminated by the neon sign welcoming visitors into the small city.

He touched his scarred hand to the sign, and hunched his head down behind it, once again taking a double take. He heard a rustling in the trees nearby, and ran. He clenched his fists and he sped down the hills, feeling as the wind brushed against his face and threatened to pull down his hood. He hadn’t felt this free in months. He felt like a young boy again. It was like being safe. Like playing with his older sister in the playground on the edge of town. He heard another rustling and gasped. He leapt backwards into the cool grass, relaxing himself beneath the dark gray sky. His eyes focused to the half-moon in the sky, taking comfort in its doting light. He turned his head to his right, staring to the nearby town ahead. Lights running down the road, cars occasionally speeding past. 

“よし、キオ(Okay, Kio)…” He whispered to himself, “やっと来たな。さて、何をすればいい(You’ve made it, now what to do)?” He stood up and continued walking. He sped through the lights of the city, before dread took a hold of him. His chest twisted as he barreled to the cement, his trembling hand clasping his chest tightly. Tears welled in his eyes as he desperately tried to contain himself. He tried to take his mind off of his mistake. The cars speeding down the street nearby were muted to his ears, as he pressed himself against the bricks of one of the buildings. 

Then someone grabbed his hood and yanked it off. 

Chapter Text

The boy jolted up, startled by the hand pulling him backwards by his hood. His face was revealed to them, his long orange and blonde hair popping out from his hood. 

“Ah, we have a new sucker.” An older man slurred. His breath reeked of booze. “Hey, boys, look at this little chump. Couldn't be more than 16.” Three more men accompanied him. The boy was nearly panicking, his green eyes scanned them for threat. He really didn’t want to have to fight them. “We can make this easy for you, little boy.” The man croaked, and pinned him against the wall. The boy grunted in startled pain. “My friends and I want to go to this club tonight, but we don’t have the money to pay its fees. Either you give us some willingly or we’ll take it.” 

The boy grimaced and tried to explain himself. “You don’t understand, I just got here…” He explained in a whisper, recoiling into himself. He hoped they wouldn’t recognize him from the papers. “Wait a minute.” 

Shit. The boy thought. “You’re that fire boy from the paper.” One man called. “Bro, you’re dangerous. Come with us, we could use someone like you. People wouldn’t mess around with us anymore!” 

The boy shook his head, his face twisted in disgust. “I don’t like to associate with bums like this.” He muttered. “I’m leaving. I’m tired and starving and done with this conversation.” He scoffed, before adjusting his backpack and teleporting a few feet away from them. “Ah, damn, you’re as boring as the pendant bearers that live here. Couldn't get the little cow that leads the group here to help us, either. Too busy fighting people like us.” 

The boy stopped. “If you’re talking about Stephanie Sheridan and her group, maybe you should hold your tongue. They’ve saved our asses many times.“ The boy seethed. “And don’t call me dangerous. I already know.” He started to walk again, and pulled the hoodie back over his head to conceal himself. He was startled by the sound of a gunshot. “くそ(Fuck)!” 

“NOT SO FAST, KID!” The boy stopped and whirled around. The group thundered towards him. “We aren’t done with you yet!” The leader hollered.

The boy sighed. “You have one last chance to let it be.” The boy warned, his voice wavering slightly. “Or what?” The leader asked dismissively. “You gonna call your buddies? Oh, right, they’re all dea-“

The boy threw a punch that left the leader stunned and hurtling towards the ground. “Get him!” He screamed, but the boy was determined. He threw the men off of him, swept underneath of them, taking one of them by the arms and flipping the man over himself, knocking him out cold. He leapt onto an abandoned ramp, running up it. The last man standing chased him up the ramp. He tripped and nearly fell with a yelp. The boy was cornered, his eyes lingering on the ground four feet down, and then focused them on the man crawling up the ramp for him. He kicked the man’s nose, and forced himself onto his feet to fight this last man one on one. The man put the boy into a chokehold, and the latter responded by kicking him in the shins. The man tumbled down the ramp. He tried to get up again when he was startled by a huge tower of flames shooting into the sky. The four men stared up in horror. “I don’t want to have to use this,” The boy threatened, his voice low and his teeth bared like a predator, “But if you don’t leave right now, I will not hesitate to show you my secret.” All but one of the men ran. The boy crouched down, his flames still smoldering. His eyes glowed green like a cat catching mice. “You aren’t going to run?” The boy asked with a cocky grin. 

“You picked the wrong kid to mess with.” 

He sent trails of flame spinning around the remaining man, blocking him from leaving. The flames ate away at the cuffs of his tattered jeans as the boy only stared and smiled. “I will let you go if you let me go.” The boy offered, his voice was now soft, gentle, even. The man hastily nodded his head. “Please!” The man cried. The flames intensified. “Louder.” 

“PLEASE LET ME GO!” The man wailed in dread. The flames stopped, leaving ash in their wake. “Better.” The boy chuckled. He brought his flaming hand down, and pointed towards the alleyway’s exit. The man fled. The boy stood at the edge of the ramp, before his head started spinning. The flames on his skin died down as he staggered back and fell against the ramp. The last thing he heard was muffled music from the building to the left of him and the sound of a goofy voice full of panic. 

“Oh no, not again! Are you okay, Kid? Here, I’ll get help.” 

Then he was out. 

Chapter Text

The boy grimaced as he was met with the blinding light from the ceiling. He grunted as he sat up, his head still throbbing with pain.

“Your head hurts, huh?” A woman’s voice asked. He was met with a young, short haired figure, with glasses and a purple hoodie. “Here, take this.” She handed him a glass of water and a couple pills, which he accepted. “Thanks.” He whispered softly. He took the pills and drank the water quickly. “You act like you haven’t drank in weeks. Need some more?” The woman asked worriedly. “Please.” He replied, his voice raspy from the drinks. The woman stood up and walked for the kitchen. “You have been out for a while. My friend, Rolfe found you.” The woman said as she dug through the fridge for a bottle of water. “Name’s Lucy, by the way.” 

The boy tensed and leaned against the couch. “Kioku.” He introduced. The rummaging stopped, and his face fell when he realized he gave himself away. “Kioku? Like that kid in the news?” Lucy asked, like she had been kicked in the gut. “You’ve been missing for months. We’ve been following that case…people think you died!” Lucy gasped, running in with water. 

“I’ve been in hiding.” Kioku whispered, making sure his eyes didn’t meet with hers. “Everyone knows what I did. I burned down that whole block. They think I’m a monster.” He faltered. Lucy sat by him. “Me and Rolfe don't think so. I know the others won’t either. Heh, we kind of specialize in “monsters”.” Lucy chuckled. Kioku finally faced her. “I know. Lucy Virginia, right?” 

Lucy smiled. “Yes.” 

“You guys are celebrities everywhere. Especially after that incident with the portals.” Kioku explained. “You guys are everywhere on the news. Some people even want to make merchandise of you guys.” Lucy stared in shock. “That big, huh?” 

“Oh, yes.” Kioku explained. “Me and my old group had our favorite members we liked to read about, too.” Kioku laughed awkwardly. “Hope that doesn’t sound too odd.” 

Lucy shook her head. “Kioku, if you want weird and messed up, go onto TikTok ot Pinterest or something, because what you just said is mild compared to some of the things I’ve seen and heard.” Lucy teased. 

“And Rolfe…isn't he the wolf guy?” Kioku asked shyly. “Yes.” Lucy confirmed. “He found you in the alleyway behind my nightclub. My girlfriend and I brought you home.” 

“I see.” Kioku asked. “Where’s everyone else?” Kioku asked. “They are at the main house. This is my own house for when me and Copper want private time.” Lucy explained. “They’re about a block away.” 

Kioku stood up and walked to the windows. He crossed his arms behind his back, staring off. “Are you okay?” Lucy asked. Kioku put his hand up to signal he was fine, and walked to one of the chairs. “It’s just strange to be out in the open like this. I have been laying low for a long time.” Kioku whispered. “Care to talk about it?” Lucy asked. Kioku tensed and hid himself with his hoodie. “It’s alright if you don’t. It’s just an offer. Lucy reached into a cupboard and got some cups of instant macaroni and a package of cookies. “It’s fend for yourself night snack wise. I’ll get some snacks, you just pick what you want.” Lucy explained. She reached into the freezer and pulled out several frozen foods and grabbed a vile of hot sauce and sat down with Kioku. Kioku was still staring, now at his shaking hand, which he kept squeezing into a whitened fist. “Are you okay?” Lucy asked. Kioku could almost see the orange flames smoldering along his arm and he could almost smell the smoke and burning flesh, tile and wood. He pinched his elbow to snap himself out of the memories and focused back on Lucy. “I’ll be fine. I’m just tired. I’m not really hungry.” He lied. His stomach ratted him out. “You need to eat.” Lucy instructed. She grabbed a frozen mini-pizza and popped it into the oven. “I’ll pick something for you.” Lucy explained. 

Kioku leaned against the chair, still gripping his hands into fists. He relayed Lucy’s questions in his mind. I don’t want to tell anyone about what happened that night. Not even them…

“Don’t be afraid, Kioku,” Lucy assured, when she was pulling the mini-pizza out of the oven after 10 minutes of awkward silence. “We won’t hurt you.” She sat it in front of him and grinned. “Tomorrow, if you’re up to it, Copper, her son, Theo and I will take you to meet the others.” Lucy sat back down. “What do you think of that?” 

Kioku flinched at the thought of all those people knowing he was there, but he figured he didn’t have much choice, considering the level of danger he was in. Besides, at least he’d meet Rolfe and more specifically in his mind, Stephanie. 

“Sure. I’d love to.”

Chapter Text

Stephanie woke up to the doorbell ringing. She lifted herself out of bed, exhausted. She stumbled to the door, her vision blurred from sleep. She looked between the dusty, plastic shades of the front door, and was met with Lucy’s eyes. She opened the door, and welcomed Lucy, Copper and Theo in. Then she was met with Kioku. Her eyes widened. “Hello?” Stephanie asked in surprise. Kioku’s eyes went even wider than Stephanie’s, and he tensed. He stumbled a couple steps back, with his hands rigidly behind his back. 

Lucy tapped her shoulder. “That’s why I’m over here so early. I have a new friend.” Lucy joked with a faint grin. “I see that. How old?” Stephanie whispered. “He’s your age. About sixteen.” Copper confirmed. “He seems so nervous.” 

“He’s been trying to lay low for months. You remember that news article?” Lucy explained. “What news article? Lucy, you didnt just bring a convict to our house?” Stephanie whispered. “No, no…He’s that kid whose powers are a little…Clumsy?” 

Stephanie froze in realization. “Oh, that kid.” Stephanie recalled. “Rolfe found him conked out by the bar. Dropped him off at our place.” Copper explained. “Oh, yeah. Rolfe seemed a bit out of it when he got home from work last night.” Stephanie added. “I’m surprised he didn’t say anything.” 

Kioku stood in the doorway, silently spectating. He listened in, waiting for an opportunity to speak. He gingerly tapped the doorway. “Girls?” Kioku asked softly. They kept talking. “Girls!” He repeated, louder, and got them to face him. “Can I come in? The flies will be in before I even take a step.” 

Stephanie flustered. “Oh, sorry! Here, come in.” Stephanie ushered him in with a smile. Kioku slowly walked in, silently marveling at the surroundings. It’s even bigger in person. He thought to himself. And she’s even prettier. 

Stephanie awkwardly fidgeted in her place, trying to find words to say. “So…How do you like Willow Wands?” Stephanie asked. Kioku shrugged. “It’s nice. I can appreciate more people with powers. People who don’t fear what I can do.” Kioku explained. “Unfortunately, I notice it’s more the opposite here. They underestimate me.” 

Stephanie smiled and nodded. “You can sit if you’d like.” Stephanie offered, gesturing to the couch. Kioku awkwardly heeded and sat down. “Name’s Stephanie.” Stephanie introduced. “I know.” Kioku replied bluntly. “You and your group are celebrities, you know.” 

Stephanie blushed. “Right. I try not to think of us like…that.” Stephanie fumbled. “I’m Kioku.” He introduced, awkwardly extending a hand. She shook it. “Nice to meet you.” 

The others came in a swarm. 

“Who’s the new kid?” Right asked as he stumbled into the room, tugging softly on his leather jacket to hide his chest. “This is Kioku. He’s allegedly that boy whose powers were acting up a while back. Rolfe found him out by the Eye last night.” Stephanie explained. “We don’t know this kid. Shouldn’t you read his mind or something before letting some rando in?” Earl interjected from the bunch. “Look at him, guys, he looks exhausted and scared. I’m half convinced that the last thing on his mind is who in this group he’s going to barbecue with his powers.” Lucy scoffed. 

“Thanks for sticking up for me.” Kioku mumbled softly, recoiling into himself and further away from Stephanie, despite his eyes being glued onto her. 

“Yeah, guys. He looked half beat when I found him last night. Speaking of which, how are ya feeling, Buddy?” Rolfe asked, his voice quickly laced with a smile. Kioku shrugged. “Just a bit of a headache. Why?” Kioku asked, with a tilt of his head. “You passed out in my arms, that’s why. And your clothes were burnt, by the way. I just grabbed the other hoodie from your bag and an outfit for you.” The wolf explained. 

“Yes, I noticed when my red hoodie turned blue.” Kioku scoffed, a faint smirk on his face. Stephanie snickered, and the others gradually joined in with raucous laughter. 

“Damn. Not afraid to use his voice. Alright, I think I already like you, Kid. Welcome.” Right chuckled. 

“I assume you know who the others are.” Stephanie chuckled. “If you knew me, Rolfe, Lucy and Copper. And little Theo, of course.” 

Kioku nodded. “That’s Right. He’s the cyborg guy. The brunette in the vest over there is Reginald, the little blue haired lady is Elisha. The red headed woman in the blouse is her sister, Ellie. The blonde next to her is Henry…all the animal people are Rolfe’s band mates and his wife and kids, the boy there is Flash, and the kid there is Jean, with the three adults behind her being Louise, Richard and Sheryl. Oh, and that fat cat of Jean’s. Midget, right?” Kioku kept listing off names, almost with enthusiastic fervor. ”The two old guys are Dmitri and Grigori, the man with the black tank top is Charles, and the woman in the black braid is Sonya. The two guys in the back are Marianne and Hunter.”

”You’re very good at this. It’s almost unnerving.” Richard observed, his voice awkard from witnessing the accuracy. “Again, your celebrities. Like, everywhere.” Kioku explained. “You do know you are ranked the best pendant group since 1958, when Sofania Agabov was killed.” 

“You know about Sofania Agabov, too?” Stephanie asked, her voice raised in excitement. “I do. I studied her when my siblings and I  got into the swing of our powers. That’s another reason I know who you are, too. But yeah. You guys are well known. Britain, Germany and Russia especially know you. And where I’m from, there was actually a billboard of you guys for a long time.” Kioku recalled. “You take a good picture.” Kioku said, his eyes locking once more onto Stephanie before he pulled away again. “I…well…thank you.” 

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to sound odd!” Kioku flustered. “No, you didn’t. Kio, trust me, when you get to know me, you will see I’m the Queen of Weird.” Stephanie chuckled. 

After introductions passed, Louise changed the subject. “Okay, so, we do have some of our friends from the spirit realm visiting. Would you like to stay with us and meet them?” 

Kioku smiled and nodded. “I wouldn’t mind. I have been wondering what it was like for you to truly meet a spirit.” 

Kioku hadn’t genuinely smiled in months. 

He almost forgot how freeing it was. 

But with who was after him…

How long could that peace last?

Chapter Text

The portal to the Spirit Realm shrouded the doorway as a familiar handful of figures stepped out. The first two consisted of Ivan and his girlfriend, Amita. Stephanie ran up to greet them. “Hi, Ivan, hi, Amita!” Stephanie chirped, tackling them in a hug. 

“Woah, woah, wait a minute, I need to get out of the way, Adrik, Nadia and the kids are on the way through.” Ivan chuckled, as he patted her on the back. 

“It’s good to see you, too, Steph.” Amita chuckled, before walking away from the doorway. Ivan pulled Stephanie away as Adrik and Nadia teleported in, with Leovoy, Lev and Natalia in tow. “Sorry we were late.” Nadia called down the hall. “Adrik over here was taking all the time in the world, humming and pacing the room while looking for his suitcase. Adrik gave her a mock glare and sauntered down the hall. 

“Wait, Dmitri, is that your father? I knew you said he was tall, but, くそ(damn)!” Kioku whispered. 

“Да, that would be my father.” Dmitri whispered back. “And, yes, he’s as terrifying as he looks. Still getting used to this kinder side of him.” 

“Well, hello to you, too, ‘Mitri.” Adrik chuckled. “Father! Hi.” Dmitri flustered, hiding his hands behind his back as if he held something incriminating. 

“Calm down, Dmitri, do I look mad?” Adrik asked, gesturing to his face. “No, but I never could tell, if I say so myself.” Dmitri laughed nervously. 

“So, how is everyone?” Amita asked, wringing her hands shyly. “We’ve been good. We have a new friend.” Stephanie explained, gesturing to Kioku. Amita’s eyes landed on him. “Aww, he’s so cute!” She beamed, her voice suddenly locked in a strong French brogue. She started walking over to him. “His hair is like a little yellow flame.” She sat by him. “So what’s your name? I’m Amita.” 

Another round of formalities…then the focus went back onto the Petrovs. “So, Dia and I just moved closer to Utopia.” Adrik explained. “It’s a big, b-beautiful house, with great v-v-view of the Utopia on one side and nice view of The City of F-F-Fallen on the other.” 

“And there’s enough room for Lev and Natalia to have their own space, and there are guest rooms in case any of you wanted to come and see us. Dmitri, Stephanie, we’re looking at you.” Nadia teased. 

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been talking things out with someone, trying to find ways to better my Sh-shifting even more than I already have. I was d-doing good but…well, I don’t want to risk it a-again.” Adrik explained, awkwardly gesturing with his hands. “That’s what I have been doing in that room, humming and pacing to steady myself if I get…ahem, overwhelmed.” 

Nadia nodded. “We understand.” 

“I’ve been painting with Father again. Like I did when I was younger.” Natalia explained, reaching into her suitcase to pull out a beautifully detailed picture of a field at dusk.

”She’s as grand of a painter as her father.” Amita chuckled. “Isn't she, Adrik?” 

Adrik blushed faintly. “I-I-I guess so.” Adrik stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I got him into painting, you know.” Amita hummed. “Couldn't get a paintbrush out of his hand.” 

“You still can’t, what are you talking about?” Nadia laughed. “When he gets home on weekends, he tends to have some new canvas up. Gets a perfect painting churned out in a couple hours or so.” 

The conversation went on for hours. Kioku already clicked with them, too, and learned a lot about them each individually. Lev and his love for reading and photography. Natalia’s shared love of painting, drawing and animals with her father. Nadia’s secret passion for the sciences, as well as her seemingly misplaced love for her husband, despite his…less than savory nature back in the day. 

Then he would listen in to Ivan speaking about his and Amita’s relationship, which had, evidently, been a rekindled romance from his life, back when Adrik was a child. How they went out on dates every Friday and Wednesday, and how much they knew about one another. 

It was a lot to take in, and yet, it was addicting. 

“How rude of us. We’ve been talking on and on about ourselves, and never once, asked about what K-Kioku likes.” Adrik explained. Kioku slumped in his chair. “I like to run, and I like to draw and write. Maybe I dabble in auto mechanics a little. That’s about it for me.” 

Stephanie’s eyes lit up like stars. “You write, too?!” Stephanie beamed. “Yes…?” Kioku replied hesitantly. “Hang on, I’ll be back!” Stephanie chirped, and she bolted for her bedroom.

”For context, Stephanie likes to do all those things, herself. Minus the auto mechanics.” Louise explained with a laugh. “She can’t tell a transmission from a piston, I swear to god.” Right muttered, his head falling into his hands. “I tried to train her, I should know.” Right muttered again. Kioku couldn't help but laugh. “Don’t trust her stranded in a broken car.” Kioku chuckled. “Got it.” 

“Yeah, she’d have better luck walking.” Flash chuckled. 

“So, not to change the subject or anything, why did you come all the way over here?” Grigori asked, suddenly, and abruptly, almost like a horror movie jumpscare. Kioku tensed and the flashbacks of the wall of fire slinking around him like a snake born in hell smoldered in his mind. He felt his stomach twist as he rushed for the kitchen. “I need water, I’ll be back.” Kioku rasped. When he ran for the kitchen, he got some water, and chugged four glasses in eight gulps. He slammed the glass down with a clink, and slumped over the counter to catch his breath. He ran his hands under the cool water from the tap, and splashed some of the liquid against his clammy face. He grabbed a paper towel and dried his face before heading back in to a confused and dazed crew. 

“Sorry.” Kioku laughed. “Thirsty.” He plunked down in his seat. “You didn’t answer my question.” Grigori explained. “It’s nothing. Really.” Kioku mumbled. “So, what’s everyone’s favorite foods, out of curiosity?” Kioku asked, desperately trying to change the subject. 

Stephanie had just returned at the moment she heard the question, and could see the fear in his eyes.

She could also see the blatant guilt in them. 

Chapter Text

Later that night…

Stephanie shyly walked to the door of Kioku’s room, and gently tapped it with her knuckle. “Hey, Kio?” Stephanie whispered through the keyhole. “Are you awake?” The door opened, and Kioku walked out. 

“What’s going on?” Kioku mumbled. Stephanie put something in his hand. Two dollar bills. “Thought maybe you and I could go get a soda tomorrow. If you wanted. Maybe we could talk about things.” Stephanie offered. Kioku stared down at the bills in his hand, and clenched his hand shut with a smile. “Thank you, Stephanie. This is very kind.” Kioku hummed, and turned his back towards his room before stopping. He turned back around. “What’s the catch?” 

“Nothing. I just want to make you feel welcome. I do something special with everyone that comes here. Last newcomer was Copper. Lucy’s girlfriend? I went to a cagefight with her and Lucy. It was…gory.” Stephanie rambled. “Not surprised, given she was a fighter, I hear.” Kioku chuckled. He leaned against the doorway, focused solely on Stephanie. Stephanie mimicked his posture, and they fell silent. Stephanie focused on his eyes. The two light green, almond shaped orbs that glittered like stars. She smiled. “You have green eyes.” Stephanie whispered. “You know how rare that actually is?” Stephanie asked, repositioning her stance with a hand on her hip and a crossed leg. “Yeah. It’s…very uncommon.” Kioku laughed. They shared another phase of silence. Stephanie clicked her tongue and nodded. “Yep. Well, I have to go to bed. See you in the morning, Kio.” Stephanie chirped, as she awkwardly sauntered off down the hall. 

“Yep. See you, Stephanie.” He closed the door behind him and slid down it. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an earring. “Kemuri.” Kioku whispered. “If you were here, you won’t believe who I just met.” He traced the orange leather with his fingernail. “They are as cool as they say.” He smiled before it faded behind his guilt. “I’m truly sorry, Kemuri. If I could go back in time, I would erase it all. I miss home. I miss our friends. My sister. I miss you, Muri.” His hands heated up, much to his terror. He threw the earring with a light yelp, as he forcefully balled his fists and pulled them to his chest. “Stop, Kioku. Stop, Kioku.” He steeled himself, his throat throbbing as he tried to get the flame in his hands to suffocate. “Stop. Stop.” He strained. He felt his hands go cold. They hung down at his sides. “I hope they know they’ll need to fireproof this room.” He muttered, as he got off the floor, picked up the earring and sat down on the bed. “I don’t want to hurt anyone again.”

Chapter Text

The next day…

Stephanie and Kioku met up, as discussed, at the convenience store for sodas the following afternoon. The two of them walked the streets, with Stephanie complaining internally about the heat of the day. “It’s so dry.” Kioku thought aloud. “Doesn't rain much here, does it?” Kioku asked. “Yeah. It snows at lot here, though.” Stephanie explained. “So…” Kioku asked awkwardly. “Yes?” 

“What was it like?” Kioku asked. “Getting your powers?” Stephanie tensed at the question. “Uhh.” Stephanie choked a moment. “Yeah…about that. It wasn’t a clean discovery.” Stephanie laughed nervously. She stopped right at the edge of the sidewalk. “When me and my friend found our pendants and they started up…she vanished on me. Woke up and she was gone. Was traumatized for a year after that.” 

Kioku flinched at the story. “I’m sorry for your loss.” 

“It wasn’t your fault. But the rest of the first year wasn’t a picnic either. When I met Rolfe like, a month later, and touched his hand, I saw the car crash that killed his parents from his eyes. That wasn’t pretty, either. Don't get me started on the wings. Twelve year old me and my wings did not get along with the wind. I still have a scar on my left leg from ramming into the side of an aspen by the preschool. The kids thought it was funny. Obviously, I did not. I was too busy crying to laugh.”

Kioku laughed in spite of himself. “Well, I’m glad to see you were okay.” 

“It was embarrassing. Averie, a friend of mine at school, still teases me about it. “OMG, remember that time you fell into a tree, Steph”? She makes it funny, though, so that’s nice.” 

“She sounds like a great friend.” Kioku hummed, shaking his head. “Oh, she is. Always defended me.”

They were silent again as they crossed the street. Kioku fought the urge to pull his hood back on, despite the blistering heat. “Why don’t you take the hoodie off?” Stephanie asked. “Are you wearing a tank top or anything underneath that?” 

“I am, but I need this. In case I need to hide…and because it reminds me of my sister.” Kioku whispered. “Aww. You have a sister?” 

Kioku’s eyes widened when her question registered. “I—Yes. I have a sister. Whom I miss. But she can’t know I’m here.” 

“Why not?” Stephanie asked. Kioku picked up his pace. “Sorry, Kio. I didn’t mean to open old wounds.” 

“No, no, it’s okay.” Kioku insisted, as he started taking long strides. His focus came off the road. “I’m just not ready to talk yet.” Kioku explained. “But need I remind you, my powers are inhumanly dangerous.” Kioku explained with a hint of hatred. He slowed down, unaware of the car approaching. “I’m on the run. I mean, I could probably pass off as a random guy here, until they see the tattoo on my shoulder and then it’s curtains for me. I’ll be taken back home. And back home, they still think I…” 

BEEP! 

Stephanie lunged into Kioku’s arms, and shoved him across the road. The two of them fell into the cement. Well, Kioku did. Stephanie slammed into the brick wall of the thrift shop. Stephanie grunted in pain. Kioku got back on his feet, ignoring the vulgar jeers of the driver speeding past them. “Are you okay?” Kioku asked worriedly. “Yeah. I get thrown against buildings all the time. Spine of steel.” Stephanie joked, laughing off a grimace. “Still think you what?” Stephanie rasped, as she struggled to retrieve her balance. Kioku took her hand to help her the rest of the way. “Did something horrible back home. Those surges ruined everything.” The silence returned. Kioku’s face went pale white as he cranked off the lid to his soda and chugged it. “But enough about me.” He gasped in between drinks. “What was that save? Was that practiced?” Kioku asked with enthusiasm.” 

“I don’t know. Saved a little boy one time. But that’s just whatever reflex I actually have.” Stephanie recalled. “I was 13 back then. Still don’t know how I managed.” As the two of them walked down the street, Stephanie relayed the questions in her head. 

Kioku has a sister? 

The surges caused that fire? 

 Stephanie swallowed the lump in her throat as she looked around for the house. “You are quite fun, Kioku. We should do this more often.” Stephanie laughed. Kioku nudged her. “Careful. Don't play with fire too much.” Kioku teased, his eyebrow raised. When they reached the house, Kioku was the first one in. Stephanie could once again sense a certain haunt. Now, she could faintly sense a memory. A smell of smoke and burning metal. Then it was full of screams and a putrid smell she had never known. She wrinkled her nose and staggered into the house. “Okay, that’s not weird and absolutely foul at all.” Stephanie muttered. “But he’s sweet.” 

“Well, well. Is my baby back out there?” 

Stephanie’s face flushed red. “Wh-?! Mom! How long have you been sitting there?” Stephanie flustered, locking eyes on her mother, who was sitting in a kitchen chair, drumming her fingertips on the table. “Long enough to see you walk in with the new kid.” Louise teased, giving her distinctive smug grin. “Mom, I was not on a date.” Stephanie insisted, her voice firm. “I’m still trying to get over one pretty boy with a pretty accent.” She was about to walk out of the kitchen. “Stephanie.” Louise teased. “Mom. I am not dating him. I was just showing him around town and bought him a soda. It’s a courtesy thing.” 

“Hahah! You are turning redder than those pot holders on the counter.” Louise cackled, helping confirm the point as Stephanie’s face grew redder and redder at her mother’s teasing. “Okay, I’ll agree, he’s a cute guy, especially for a blonde, but I’m not dating him. I try to move on to other guys and so far, I’ll either only see Lucas’ smile in my mind, or I’ll think of that one boy I dated that I broke it off with a few weeks ago, that we do not speak of?” Stephanie cringed at the memory. “It was a month. I doubt it counts, really.” Louise recalled. “Point is, Mom…” Stephanie sighed. “I’m still so caught up on Lukey.” She fidgeted anxiously as she poured her heart out. “And unless I die, it’s not like I could date him again.” Stephanie explained. “Honey, I know you loved him, but you can’t spend your entire life dwelling on the past. Isn't that what you tell your friends?” 

Stephanie nodded. “But I can tell you want to welcome that boy. I think you see more in him, though.” Louise explained, with a hug. “Something you just don’t want to accept yet.” 

Stephanie chuckled and shook her head. “Well, Mom, you know me better than I know myself…I don’t know if I know about this.” She smiled and walked out of the kitchen, leaving her mother to her thoughts.

Louise thought to herself. I know what I can see. She chuckled. At the very least, he’s got a crush on her. Wonder if she can see that. She laughed harder. Or if that is going to help in making him feel at home!

Chapter Text

Stephanie walked back to her room when she heard Ivan humming. She halted and turned, following the sweet sound. He was in his guest room, with a stack of papers in one hand and an ink pen in the other. “Ivan?” Stephanie queried. Ivan lifted his head to see her. “Stephanie.” Ivan breathed, setting the papers down on his desk. “What’s going on? You seem thoughtful. More than usual.” 

Stephanie walked into the room slowly, waiting for any protest from Ivan. Ivan ushered her in. “It’s alright.” He encouraged, and Stephanie picked up her pace. She sat down in a recliner by the dresser, and let all of her weight free against the soft cushions. “I have been thinking about something.” Stephanie explained. “Is this something that new kid?” Ivan asked playfully. “Why do you say that like I have a crush? My mom did the same thing.” Stephanie groaned, her cheeks tinted pink as embarrassment flooded her veins. “Well, I saw him earlier. He was looking at you like he’d seen the most beautiful entity in the world.” Ivan chuckled. “Kind of like how I look at Amita now.” He muttered to himself with a loving grin. 

“Although…You noticed I was thinking about something.” Stephanie explained. “I mean, I’m always thinking, but-“

”Stephanie, Dear, let’s get on with it.” Ivan laughed. “Don’t monologue.” 

“Right, Right.” Stephanie stuttered, and cleared her throat to speak. “Okay, so me and Kioku went to go get drinks and wander for a bit. Tour him through Willow Wands.” Stephanie explained. “He really opened up to me about a couple of things. He mentioned the surges and how they caused his powers to go out of wack. He said how ‘dangerous’ he was. If he’s anything like Rolfe, he can’t be that dangerous.” Stephanie explained. She started rocking in spite of herself. “Then he mentioned a sister. One he misses and evidently still lives back in Japan. He didn’t really tell me much about why he came here specifically, nor why he’s hiding. Like, 40% of the people who live here have powers.” 

“Well, Stephanie, you just answered your own question.” Ivan laughed. “He wouldn’t be prosecuted against as much for his powers if whatever all occurred in that fire is incriminating.” 

“Wait, yeah, you’re right. I’m tired, ahah…” Stephanie laughed. “Anyways, Kioku is just very avoidant. He seems to trust me but doesn’t want to tell me very much.” 

“Well, he’s scared, Stephanie. Think about this. If it was you with such a power that you felt you couldn’t control, and you ran somewhere to start fresh, wouldn’t you be a bit frightened?” Ivan asked, his voice gentle. “Yeah, you’re right. I hope he didn’t think I was coming off too strong.” 

“I doubt it.” Ivan explained. “Just don’t take any distance to heart. Give him some time.” 

Stephanie slumped down into the chair a bit, fidgeting with the fringe on the recliner. She didn’t speak, her mind trailing off to the previous strange memory paired with the olfactory tones. She cringed at the memory of the smell she’d sensed. “Stephanie, what’s wrong? You look like you saw something dreadful.” Ivan asked. He stood up from his chair to check over Stephanie’s paled face. He cupped it gently, thumbing a loose, curly strand from her face. “You look sick. What happened?”

“You know those visions I tend to get? Or was it Adrik I told?” Stephanie asked. “I think you told me once.” Ivan recalled. “Well, you know I get visual and auditory visions. Apparently now I can also get olfactory ones.” Stephanie explained with exasperation. “Because I keep seeing the fire and smelling something weird mixed with the flames.” 

Ivan squinted in confusion. “What kind of weird smell?” Ivan asked. “Something putrid burning. Kind of a coppery, sweet, meaty smell?” Stephanie thought aloud. “Something nasty, that’s all I can say.” She explained with a gag in her throat.

Ivan drifted off into thought. “Strange.” Ivan explained. “We’ll figure it out.” 

He patted her shoulder and reached for a satchel off his coatrack. “But until then, let’s just give Kioku time to adjust before bombarding the boy with questions. Sound good, Stephanie?” Ivan hummed. Stephanie nodded and forced herself off the recliner despite her body’s tired protests. 

“Ok, Kid. Let’s go meet up with the others.”

Stephanie followed him, and started to think of ways to make Kioku feel more at home. She didn’t like how scared he must have felt. How lonely he must be. She felt guilty for possibly pressing him too hard, especially for how sore the subject must have been. Then the thought about his alleged crush on her. That explains him being kind of uncomfortable and comfortable with me all at once. Stephanie thought.

Then what of the sister? She wondered if his sister had something to do with his past. 

Stephanie started to vigorously fidget to take her mind off the questions she desperately wanted to ask. 

“Okay, Okay, Steph.” She told herself. “Give him time.” 

Time was all it was going to take.