Definition

Introspection

"You're not allowed back to the island?!"

Nikolai's raised voice reached all their friend's ears. Wataru's head hung low, almost on the brink of tears.

"Mom and Dad said it's too dangerous..."

Kageto raised an eyebrow at this. "Hang on... Did you tell them what we're doing?"

The younger boy bit his lip. "I... I didn't mention any names, but..."

They all turned to each other and sighed. There was no helping it. They all knew Wataru was an honest boy. This situation was probably unavoidable from the beginning.

Hannah walked over to him and gave his head a pat. "Then, we'll make sure to fix this mess as soon as possible."

Now it's Vanessa's turn to look confused. "They want Wataru back, but they're letting Hannah go off just like that?"

"I don't get along well with them." The brunette shrugged.

"But you're still their kid!!"

Wataru eyes widened, having remembered something. "Nee-chan..." He bit his lip when she turned to him. "When you were still at the hospital, Mom-"

"Didn't want to bother with me? That's nothing new, Wataru."

But he shook his head. "No, she... She was talking to dad and... I heard her say that she didn't want to bother with someone they didn't even want to adopt... What did they mean by that?"

All eyes were filled with confusion. Hannah wasn't able to respond either. At least, not at first.

No one commented as she began to laugh. "That... explains so much..." She shook her head and wiped her eyes. Her smile disappeared and was replaced with a blank look.  "Wataru, could you do me a favor?"

Her tone made a shiver run down his spine, but the boy nodded. "Yes?"

She patted his head. "This is going to be your own private mission."

"What...?"

"If you could, and they let you, ask them for the details." Her face remained serious as she spoke. "I'd like to know as much of the truth as possible. And I'm sure you do too."

His eyes widened before nodding. "Understood. You can count on me, Nee-chan!"

~~~~~

"Start with figuring out the notes that Hannah had. Then move on to the files in the drive. The clues from the message can be set aside for now."

"Got it. I'll make sure to keep you updated as soon as I find anything."

"We're counting on you, Mavis-san." The man didn't bother reconsidering his words in their exchange.

They all understood the weight of this war. Her knowledge and abilities were something they were given by their dear friend, who also happens to be a prisoner of the enemy. A willing prisoner, but a prisoner nonetheless.

His thoughts were interrupted when the chime of the kettle came. When he moved to stand, the man beside him stopped him.

"Please allow me."

Before he could respond, the other had already made his way into the kitchen and came back with a teapot and two cups.

Seeing him raise an eyebrow, the elder man chuckled. "Too much coffee isn't good for you, young master."

Hesitantly, he took his cup. "...Thank you, Jiiya." Taking a sip, he sighed. "But you're not exactly in the best shape to move freely anymore..."

"Are you trying to imply that I'm old?"

"Well..."

He chuckled. "I understand and appreciate your concern, but as you can see, I'm still healthy enough to be serving you. And I will continue to do so to my very last breath."

Jin's eyes widened by a fraction before returning to normal. "You're all like that..."

"Hm?"

"You're all willing to serve, to sacrifice yourselves... My parents, friends, and you... I'll never know about grandfather, but..." He let out a shaky breath. "And now Eva too..."

"Are you not the same way?" Seeing him surprised made a smile appear. "You have placed others before yourself countless of times, young master. We are simply repaying our debt to you."

"You have no debts." He turned back to the cup in his hands. "I owe at least this much, if not more, to the world for everything he had done. None of you all would have to be in this position if-"

"'If you'd done something long before you did'?" The elder man shook his head at that. "The World Sabers is much larger than your grandfather. Even if you had done something earlier, the chances are, they already have a backup plan. And if that happened, perhaps Professor Yamano would never have become Detector and stopped Omega Dain. That would've been even more dreadful, I believe." He placed a hand on the other's shoulder. "All things happen for a reason, young master."

He bit his lip. "Then what would Eva's reason be? She's not the type to only think about ruining an organization like that. There has to be some other reason she's willing to go so far for."

"Then maybe you should ask."

"We don't know who else she's connected to. Mavis-san and Hiyama Mami-san knew nothing. Kousuke didn't say either."

"Not them. Ask Lady Evangeline." Before the younger man could retort, he held a hand up. "Find her as soon as you can and when you have that chance, ask. If it's you, I'm sure she'll tell you everything."

"If it's me..." He sighed. "Even if you say that, there are plenty of instances where she'd kept secrets from me."

"But they always come to light in the right time, don't they?"

"Perhaps." He kept to his thoughts before nodding to himself. "As soon as I find her, I'll ask."

The elder smiled. "Don't forget to give her a ring while at it."

His brows furrowed before the meaning fully sinked in. "Jiiya!"

~~~~~

They all got on to the boat the next day, saying goodbye to the Seekers who were staying. They decided to seperate the keys from the 'lock' as well. Mizel would go along with Jin, while Sirius stays in the Seeker Base.

Arata was by far the happiest person on the water. He finally gets to see the school again after many, many months. How much has it changed? That was the one question that ran through his mind. His friends smiled at him, knowing full well he would not be disappointed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Introspection: The contemplation of your own thoughts and desires and conduct.