Chapter Text

Introduction

Main Cast:

Han Custos:

Han is the oldest Custos brother, and the oldest in the household. He works as a computer network architect and makes the most out of the four of them. Despite often seeming fed up with his brothers, he is secretly very proud of them, especially after what they all have been through. Many don’t know that he originally studied to become a preschool teacher, unfortunately the brothers needed him and that work didn’t leave them with enough money to live off of. He still has the photo album his students made for him on his last day.

Although he has a calm and collected demeanor, he does carry some weight with him. Mostly about the fact that he couldn’t be there for his brothers in younger years. For the longest time their little family was split apart, but the story of how they found each other remains for another day. His brothers would compare him to a stag, not only because of the lighter color he carries in his hair, but also due to how he carries himself. Noble, present, always looking out for danger, sometimes forgetting to turn around and remember who he does it for.

Han has what they coined: the Custos eyes. It is a very unique shade of blue. It is bright, but not piercing, like light of the setting sun piercing through a murky glacier. However out of all of them, he is the only one with light blonde hair.

His room is organized with a clean desk and bookshelves filled with office folders. Most of the furniture is held in a gentle wooden beige, with occasional forest green accents. The only light source comes from a cold desk lamp, since he usually only spends time at his desk or in his bed whenever he stays there.

Taq Custos:

Taq is the middle child and as such struggles with the idea of whether he wants to be seen or not. While hyper-independent, he still cooks for his family every night, although only when no one is watching. When he wants to clear his head he prefers to take his motorcycle for a ride, still some of Han’s and Ashara’s conversations has helped him more than he wants to admit. He works at a local tattoo and piercing shop part-time. He only has a small tattoo himself on his neck, as well as helix earrings in each ear. Outside of his job he works for scraps in a small repair shop. His favourite customers are usually parents that come in with a little child and a broken scooter. The money he makes off this little side gig goes straight into a safehouse program for marginalized youth (especially runaway teens, foster kids, and queer kids). The "Sanctuary" is a community centre with treehouses in a park nearby.

Taq is responsible and quiet, not always because he wants to be, but because he knows how much Han needs it, and how much of a handful Na’u can be at times. Burn wounds still linger on his palms from a childhood accident. He does often need some time alone and away from the house, but he would lie if he said he didn’t feel guilty about it. His brothers would claim him as a wolf. Always on the run, often alone, and yet, when his wailing cries echo through the woods, he’d be hard pressed to not hear anyone answer.

Just like Han he sports the curious Custos eyes, and the usual black hair, which is shorter in the back and longer in the front. He often wears thick bandages, even outside his boxing hobby, as it helps him stop touching his scarred palms, and ground him. Finally he takes pride in the three pansy helix earrings he has in each ear.

Taq’s room is a lot less organized, but still feels well lived in. It’s usually darker, both in terms of lighting as well as by colour. He doesn’t often leave his blinds open, or the window. A punchbag dangles in one corner, while wrenches and pliers lay on a workbench nearby.

Na’u Custos:

Na’u is the youngest of the brothers. With way too much energy and a shallow sense of self-importance, he is often the main reason for any chaos in the house. Beside his voice, his smell is probably the next strongest thing that permeates the house. If he isn’t working out, or off to some parties, he makes survival or workout guides for the internet, where he has amassed quite a decent following. Although he almost makes as much as Han, he doesn’t often tease his brother about it, knowing the pride Han has in his work and caring for the household. That doesn’t stop him from teasing his roommates about anything else though. Most commonly about the people he has spent the night with, which doesn’t impress either one of them. Behind closed doors however, he wishes they would ask to join him in some of his hobbies.

Na’u is loud, boisterous and loyal. He would compare himself to a husky for his looks and energy; his brothers would call him a husky for his tendency to come home screaming for attention in the middle of the night and leaving his hair as if clogging drains was a sport. Yet, his tendency to crave attention has landed him in trouble more often than not.

He too has the unique Custos eyes and black hair, which he ties up in the back to a spikey ponytail. You will rarely catch him without his headband and trademarked smirk. Clothes wise he is just as chaotic as elsewhere. At home his brothers often have to urge him to wear anything other than a towel, but if he leaves for a party he manages to look almost elegant.

His room is a total mess, it is a miracle he is able to find anything in there. This mess is usually the reason why he prefers to film his content out in the yard or in the woods behind it. His clothes and protein shakes are spread all over the floor, while all kinds of cables and camera equipment are thrown in drawers and behind cushions.

Ashara:

Or Asha, as he allows the boys to call him, is a strange, but strangely comforting presence in the house. He is not one of the brothers, and yet none of them seem to find a consensus on how they first met him. Han insists that he has known Ashara for years, since before he reunited with his brothers, and yet when Na’u had brought him home one day as his “newest friend”, they didn’t recognize each other. Taq usually tells his story that he and Asha got to talking because Taq could have sworn he saw him in a dream once, and yet, whenever he thinks back, he cannot seem to remove him from his memories, even from places he couldn’t have been present in. Despite all of this Ashara has been nothing but a comfortable presence. He works as a freelancer for many museums, universities and private collectors, where he translates old texts, specifically from old Norse and similar areas. Occasionally he helps out at an occult store in town.

Ashara is quiet, soft-spoken and often shines with wisdom beyond his years. He always has herbal remedies, salves and teas that smell a little suspicious, but strangely work wonders. The brothers don’t always believe in spiritual teachings, but they can’t deny that some warnings Ashara offers can be scarily accurate. Most nights he doesn’t even spend at the brothers’ house. They found out that he usually goes to visit Ophelia, a body builder from Na’u’s Gym, who he has been hitting on for weeks. What exactly Ashara and Ophelia are doing there, is subject to speculation. The brothers would easily compare him to a raven. Regal, sleek, intelligent... an omen.

Despite not being a Custos himself, he does sport eerily similar eyes, although his are definitely more grey. He has matching straight black hair, which is about shoulder length. Despite his young age, only slightly older than Taq, Ashara always walked with a faint limp. Although seemingly worse at random, he always knew what pressured his bones.

None of the brothers have ever set foot in his room since he moved in. There is always a faint smell of incense trickling through the gaps, while, on the rare occasion he does leave the door open a crack, the brothers couldn't spot much outside of vast darkness and a few items that could feel right at home in his occult store.

Chapter Text

Ashara sat crosslegged on the couch familiarizing himself with a new set of tarot cards as the cool breeze of an afternoon storm traced rivulets of raindrops against the big windows of the living room. Nearby, Han sat at the desk with a steaming mug of coffee; silence their favorite companion beside the steady click of his keyboard. For a breath Ashara considered meditating to savor the tranquility of the moment.

It lasted all of two seconds before the loudest mouth of the household sauntered over to the couch and threw himself over the backrest.

“Come on, Asha!” Na’u started with no concern for his fellow residents, “You can just introduce me to your friend. I promise I’ll behave.”

Although Han let out a grunt of annoyance, Ashara remained tranquil: “Na’u… what is her name?”

“Huh?”

“The friend you want me to introduce you to… what’s her name?”

“Wha- I dunno! Somethin’ L… like.. Lily? Laura… I love me a Laura.” He snickered in the way that made Han shake his head.

“You may have heard me call her Lia. Which is short for Ophelia.” He corrected gently as if schooling a child.

“Yeah, see? Laura, Lia, same difference. Now, will you help a brother out?” Na’u sighed as he draped himself over the couch like a wet towel.

For another moment Ashara sorted through his cards before he picked up The Fool and held it up for Na’u to see. With a hiss Na’u finally departed, “You’re holding it the wrong way” but Ashara’s smile didn’t falter.

Na’u had left the room barely a minute before the next person slid into the living room. Taq was already in full motorcycle gear, panic in his eyes while his hands shook in tandem, “Where are my bike keys?!”

“I hid them.” Han answered casually before sipping from his mug.

“You did what?!” Taq exclaimed so loudly it made the walls of their house shutter, “No, nonono I need them! Right now, I have to get to the Sanctuary.”

“You can take the car. Key’s by the front door.” Han remained casual.

“That’s not the point, Han! You can’t just take my stuff and hide it. I want my bike keys, now.” His voice lowered, it was clear that he is used to asserting his dominance, sadly it doesn’t work with Han at all.

“No.” He answered firmly, with another sip of his mug.

With a grunt Taq balled his fist before forcing it open soon after, “Why? Why are you like this?! You’re not our mom, Han!”

“Why?! Look outside, Taq!” Han shot up and pointed out the windows into the gushing rain and roaring thunder, “Do I need to remind you about the last time you drove in the rain and almost crashed?”

“That was two years ago, and nothing happened.” Taq retorted, although a tad bit quieter this time around.

“I don’t care! I’m not risking anything. Take the car or stay home, but your bike doesn’t leave the garage until the storm has cleared out.” 

“ Su'leya avra ” Taq swore under his breath before he took off his biking gear and grabbed the car keys before heading off.

“Don’t swear at me!” Han hissed into the rain before sitting back at the table with a sigh. After he wiped his face in exhaustion Han looked over at Ashara on the couch across from him who now stared into the air blankly with a hint of horror, “Hey, you okay?”

Ashara gasped and blinked rapidly before he turned his head slightly towards the oldest brother, “I… yeah, you… you did good. Just, keep doing that.”

A frown spread over Han’s face, “Another vision?”

“Huh?” Now, finally, Ashara turned his head to look at Han, “No… not quite. I don’t know how to describe it, but I see… I-I feel…” he closed his eyes as he raised his hand, “Like cracks in a vase. I’m trying to count them, but it’s hard. Three? Maybe four?”

“You think it’s about Taq?” Han asked, his hands already folded before his face, elbows on the table, eyes sharp.

“I can’t say for sure, just that… every time I touch the cracks… it smells strangely of smoke,” Ashara’s eyes opened with something he rarely showed the other brothers, concern.

“So, about Ophelia…” Na’u shot his head into the living room, but was immediately shut down.

The windscreen wipers squeaked rhythmically against the harsh downpour. 10 pm and Taq drove with one hand on the wheel and the other getting one of its nails chewed. An emergency. That’s how he was notified. Not what. Not how. Not when. Not who. 

Just, ‘emergency’. He cursed in his mind as he pulled up at the youth hostel. The lights were still on, even though ten was supposed to be bedtime.

As he entered the soundscape immediately quieted. Some kids were frozen while fighting over random toys and blankets. Others had chocolate all over their faces. They all just stared at him.

“Stand!” He commanded and immediately the children dropped what they were doing, standing with a straight back, “Everyone fourteen and up helps clean up the youngest ones. All the others get ready for bed. Did you have food? Brush your teeth?”

As the children answered yes and set off to work, another thought arose in Taq’s mind, “Now where is…”

Before he finished the question a little girl ran up to him. Her orange ponytails swayed as she desperately pulled on his hand. The little four-year-old dragged him towards a staff room. Petrichor permeated the room from the open window, lightning lit up the space for a moment. That’s when Taq could see her. Laying on the cot in a corner, breathing heavily. Weakened, despite all the muscles.

“Emergency, huh?” He smiled as he gently knelt down beside her and held her shoulder. Clammy and trembling.

“Yeah, I’m sorry…”

“Did you take your medication today?” He asked and she nodded.

“It was late… when I was preparing the food for the kids…” She had to take breaks between sentences, her breath coming uneasy, “I didn’t get around to eating myself… your little girl helped me.”

Taq turned his head and found the little girl with a nasal spray in her hand, “I gived dis.”

With a proud smile he picked her up and sat her on his leg, “You did good, Mañana.”

“Can I sleep wif you now?” She asked in earnest and Taq’s façade immediately fell.

Despite everything, Mañana was not actually related to him, he couldn’t just take her in. There was rarely a day where she wouldn’t ask. Out of all the children present she spent the most time at the Sanctuary. Most kids only spent a few nights or their afternoons here, but Mañana remained. No one ever came to claim her, or look for her. Still, his hands were tied, and he never knew how to explain it to her.

“Oder kids are mean. Put dirt under my pillow.” She admitted and again, Taq couldn’t say much.

He just held her close as he whispered, “I’m sorry, they shouldn’t do that.”

“Can you sleep in my bed?” She asked with big eyes, but that too wouldn’t work. Due to spacial restrictions the bunkbeds for all the kids were in one room and favouritism would definitely lead to more bullying towards the little girl.

Thankfully, before he had to relay the bad news again the woman sat up with a groan, muscles rippling despite the fatigue. “Do you want to sleep here tonight? I can watch over you.”

“But O-lili has to sleep too.” Mañana protested.

“Me? I just had a good nap, didn’t I?” She gave the little girl a wide grin and rolled her shoulders with ease, but Taq recognized the fatigue left lingering.

“Ophelia, you have to have adequate rest… we don’t want today repeating itself.” He warned.

“Oh please, I’m off tomorrow. There is no harm in me staying up until the kids are asleep.”

“Ashara won’t like hearing about this…” He sang, as if teasing her. That was his mistake. Her hand shot out faster than he’d have thought and grabbed his collar firmly.

“That’s exactly why he won’t find out. It would suck if you’d have to run this place alone…” She answered with a smile before soon letting go of his shirt.

“Fine, fine… Mañana you can sleep here tonight. Ophelia will watch over you. I’ll help the other kids to bed.” With those words Taq handed the child to Ophelia before stepping out and checking up on the other kids that chose to spend the night.

Night-time was a routine, as were many things in the Sanctuary. Not because Taq wanted it that way, but because he knew the children needed predictability and stability. Yet, there was always food for those who came late, and always exceptions for those who lived by their own rhythms. Bedtime was simple. Their clothes and valuables were stored in their lockers, their keys safe in the staff room. Pajamas, all second-hand, belonged to each child. They all had a bed and blankets. Covers had been washed under Ophelia’s supervision, making the room smell fresh and like a home. Once they all went to bed Taq set off to read for at least half an hour. The older kids would often protest, feigning disinterest, but he could hear them talk about the story while playing outside in the treehouses.

It wasn't long until most of them were asleep and Taq set off to clean the remaining messes in the other rooms. It must have been past midnight when a faint sniffle snaked its way past the raindrops. Suspicious, Taq looked for the source. There, outside the Sanctuary's front doors stood a frail young girl. She was shaking, barely more than skin and bones. Her cheeks and eyes were sunken in, her skin a grayish pallor. The sight might have frightened someone else, but Taq doesn't have the luxury of comfort. Yet, he does have a duty to care.

He opened the door and spoke out into the rain, “Hey, what's your…”

The girl barely managed to take a few steps forwards, her words trailing off, “My stomach… hungry…”

She collapsed into Taq's arms out in the rain. Her skin was waxy and cold. With a hiss Taq notified Ophelia before rushing her to the pediatric hospital nearby. On one hand he was relieved to have connections there. At the same time he could only think one thing;

She's going to hate me. She's going to hate me. She's going to hate me.

It would be another day before Taq trailed along the flower section of the local store. He hadn't seen the girl again since that night, but he knew the nurse that was on duty that day and that meant, at the very least, that the girl was doing well. The flowers were meant as a thank you, so he chose the ones that looked familiar. Ultimately his choice landed on a small but elegant bouquet of white lilies.

The roads were dry that evening, meaning Han was gracious enough to hand Taq the keys back to the machine he owned. The night was dark, the street lamps punctuated the road, while the engine beneath him whispered. That's why Taq loved the road on his bike, for once someone did the talking for him.

He parked the bike outside a big, modern apartment complex. One small row of windows still had a flickering light glowing. After his helmet was off, he fixed up his hair in his rear view mirror, before taking the flowers and using the spare keys to let himself in.

The 5th floor offered a decent view over the city. As always the windows were clean, as was the rest of the apartment. As if it was barely lived in, figures for a Nurse. The only light came from a desk lamp as well as the bathroom.

This apartment was modern, cosy, and still incredibly small. The kitchen and living space were one room, only separated by a kitchen island. The living room was barely more than a couch, coffee table and a TV. In the small hallway was the bathroom and beyond it the bedroom. Taq's freedom-loving nature couldn't be contained in these walls for long, but some nights were no harm.

“Sometimes I regret giving you spare keys.” Her voice rang out from the bathroom in irritation. A moment later a young woman stepped out. In Taq's eyes she was absolutely beautiful. She had baggy pajamas on and her snow white hair was tied back in a scrunchy. Whether the color was a dye job or genetics, Taq never bothered to ask. It was perfect either way. Her makeup was off, the bags beneath her eyes apparent, yet to him those were the signs of a person that had experienced life in all its harshness and still kept going.

“Well, Cilia, I still think you look absolutely-”

Before he could finish Cilia took the bouquet of lilies he was offering and tossed it to the side, “I’m sick of your games, Taq!”

He stood there stunned for a moment, his eyes had followed the flowers that now lay discarded at the foot of the coffee table.

“That girl… that was sent in on Wednesday over an anonymous tip… that was you, wasn’t it?” Her voice was quiet and yet piercing. It was clear that she wasn’t ecstatic about helping this child.

“I… I mean, I saw a child that needed help and I sent it to a nurse. I don’t see the problem.” He admitted, although less hurt that one might imagine.

“The problem?!” She started with a hiss, but soon contained herself, “The problem is that you didn’t send in the child for herself… you saw she was malnourished and you knew I had a duty to report.”

“Yeah, exactly. I mean look at me Cilia…” He scoffed and her gaze raked over him. The dark clothes, the tattoo on his neck, it might have been a beautiful abstract flower, but a tattoo nonetheless. The piercings on his ears.

“Best case scenario they just won’t take me seriously. Worst case? They start asking questions about my qualifications, the papers for the sanctuary. They have to take you seriously.”

“Oh really?! And then what, Taq? They opened a CPS case on this girl!” She shot back, “I had to have them open a case.”

“What exactly is the problem? She has clearly been neglected.” He defended himself.

“She wasn’t neglected!” Cilia pushed back, her fist meeting the kitchen island, “Her family is just poor. They were trying. They have been trying so hard. They didn’t even want… a child.”

Cilia had turned away from him leaning against the backrest of her couch, he joined her leaving some space but mirroring her pose in solidarity, “I… I didn’t know.”

“No…” She scoffed, “You didn’t think. You keep playing hero for these kids, but you always make me pull the trigger. Now I have to tell them that they’ll lose their child… because of me.” 

Within Taq himself complicated emotions rose as well. Every child deserves a family, but some things take precedence, “At least now she’ll be fed regularly. Everything else is secondary.”

“Secondary?!” Cilia’s head shot towards him, “The foster system is cold and uncaring. It’s a masterpiece at churning out people with nothing but resentment, and you’ve already paved her way. Oh wait, no, you made me pave the way for her.”

“Cilia, a child cannot survive on love and good intentions. We should focus on making her survive the week.” He tried to plead with her, but his own emotions began boiling over.

“You were the one who always said that every child deserves a family. What about her, huh? Is a family only allowed to keep their child if they’re perfect? If they never make any mistakes?” She stood opposite to him, despite being almost an entire head smaller, her fury easily matched his.

“Stop twisting my words! You know that’s not what I stand for!” He corrected, “If I thought every broken family is evil, I’d have never started the sanctuary, but you saw her. She wouldn’t have made it much longer.”

“So you make the choice for her? Do you know what will happen to her once she is in foster care?” Cilia’s hands balled into fists, this topic was personal, “She’ll get bullied for how she looks. She might only barely get more food there than at home and yet she won’t have privacy. She won’t have family…” Her eyes drifted downwards as her voice trailed off.

With a frown Taq stepped forward as the gentle weight of his hand settled on her shoulder, “Hey, Cilia, I understand…”

“Nothing!” She slapped his hand off, “You don’t understand what it’s like in there. I mean how could you? You got your family back right away, didn’t you?”

“Don’t pretend like I had it easy! Like we had it easy. We all had to work our asses off to get some sort of financial stability.”

“But at least you had each other!” Her accusation left him without words, “You never were truly alone… and it shows.”

He wanted to add more, but her ringtone took them both out of it. She picked up the phone in a panic, “It’s them… oh, it’s them… it’s them… you should go.”

She dismissed him strictly, before she rushed into her small bedroom and picked up. Now he stood there, without words or a plan as her muffled voice rang through the closed door.

Chapter Text

With another mug of homebrew in his hand Ashara walked through the hallway when a certain sweet scent hit his nose.

He turned to see Taq sitting at the desk in Han's room raking his head. His hair damp as it clung to his forehead.

“Hey… what smells so good?” Ashara asked as he stepped closer.

Taq looked up in confusion before smelling his own skin. It was clean, sure, but nothing that should be noticeable that far away.

“Uh… I dunno. Took a shower, I guess.”

“Hmm, no that's not it…” Ashara hummed before stepping closer, “What are you working on?”

Taq sighed before he looked back down at the paper, “It's adoption papers.” The genuine curiosity in Ashara's eyes encouraged him to talk further, “There is this little girl at the sanctuary and she has no parents, no family. We tried to reach out to people, but law enforcement might take her away. I've been applying for months and keep getting declined, so I'm… trying again.”

Ashara immediately smiled along with the hopes flashing in Taq's eyes, “Ah… so that's where that sweet smell comes from.”

Although confusion marred his face for a moment, after a quick encouragement from Ashara he continued filling out the form. With the steaming mug still in hand he moved onto the next room. As soon as he stood in Na’u’s doorway his old ankle felt like giving out. Although the scene was mostly normal. For once in his life, the light actively shone into Na’u’s room as he dressed himself in front of the mirror. He put on a loose black dress shirt with fitting pants. The signature headband, carelessly tossed onto the bed, would remain home for now. A few golden accessories gleamed in the sunlight before his glacial blue eyes met Ashara's thin frame.

“You… look like you've seen something.” Na'u noticed.

“I- where are you going?” Ashara rasped, his voice suddenly dry as a horribly bitter taste smoked up his throat.

“I've been invited to some after party or something. I'm not sure, but some of my friends are going, so I'm joining too.” His trademark smirk returned, “I'll just get hammered and crash on their couch.”

Immediately Ashara recognized the taste, “You shouldn't drink tonight.”

“Relax Ashara, I'm a big boy…” He chuckled before he took the family car keys. “Well then, save your premonitions for when I'm back, alright, Crow?” Na'u gave a quick salute before he was out of the house.

“Na'u wait!” Taq stormed out of the room with the envelope and handed it to his younger brother, begging him to be responsible and hand it over as soon as possible to a lady he knew at the adoption facility.

After a dismissive retort he took the envelope and drove off. Taq could only shake his head and return back inside, immediately working on getting into his biking gear.

“Taq. Did you even have breakfast?” Han immediately shot out his head from the living room.

“I'll eat at the sanctuary, Mom.”

“Oh no, you won't.” Han huffed and dragged him into the living room to sit down at the table, “It is way too hot and your biking gear is heavy. I'm not sending you out there to collapse.”

“Calm down, Han. I can handle heat.”

“Then you can handle it with food in your stomach.” Han immediately set off to start working on some food. His face fell right away as he raised a pan for Taq to see. Black grime coated its surface while oil dripped down, “This yours?”

“No…” Taq answered a bit too quickly, his eyes darting all over the place.

“You're a terrible liar.” Ashara smiled as he sat down across from him. With too many sharp curses under his breath, Han set off to clean the pan he didn't even need for his breakfast plans.

Taq smiled weakly in agreement to Ashara's words, his leg fidgeting erratically while he watched Han's every move.

It was much longer than Taq would have liked, though probably just a few minutes' time, before Han walked up and offered Taq a healthy meal. It was a salad with chickpeas and blocks of goat cheese. The sauce was also Han's specialty, “There, eat up and then you can go.”

Before Han disappeared however he stood a full bottle of water right next to Taq. Ashara looked on in fascination as the middle brother shoved the food into his mouth while staring at his phone. The message read:

Taq sighed before his eyes drifted up to Ashara, “So… you make salves and stuff, right?”

“I… guess?” Ashara's eyebrow quirked up.

“Yeah, yeah… so do you think you could… concoct something against… a rash?” Taq asked carefully.

“A rash? What kind of rash?” Ashara's eyes narrowed suspiciously, “From what plant?”

Taq's shoulders tensed, knowing he couldn't talk his way past Ashara’s questioning, “Allergies…”

“Allergies?! Taq, if you have a rash from allergies then you need a hospital.” Ashara lectured.

“I know!” Taq caught himself a moment later and repeated more quietly, “I know… it's just… she doesn't have health insurance.”

“Can't you ask Cilia for a favor?” 

“No…, I have already asked too much of her.” Taq admitted in defeat.

A silent moment passed between them before Ashara got up, retreated into his room and came out with a small container, “This is a type of moisturizer. It has butterbur in it to help with allergies, but it's supposed to be used alongside actual medical help.”

Taq's eyes lit up immediately as he saw the salve and reached for it, “Thank you, Asha!”

But Ashara was not here to joke. He grabbed Taq’s wrist and held it up until their eyes met: “She needs. Real. Medical attention.”

“But- fine, I’ll ask Cilia for a favor… another one.” For a moment Taq was considering asking Lucy to message Cilia, but that was exactly the type of Game she had already scolded him for, “I’ll call her on my way there.”

Taq shovelled the rest of the food into his mouth before he rushed out, the dreadful ring of the connecting call already resounding through his motorcycle helmet. Ashara rushed after him, the heat of the early morning hitting him like a damp wall. He took out his own phone and began texting Ophelia.

Ashara sighed, he knew that this meant she didn’t take him seriously and that meant that she was probably already being too lackluster with her own health.

He knew she was joking, but that also meant that she would be headed out anyway and he could not allow that. As he was preparing a backpack for his walk across town Han joined him at the entrance.

“Been a while since the house was last fully empty.”

The two of them looked back into the hallway, the livingroom, savoring the stillness. After a collective breath they both walked out into the morning sun that already began to cook the concrete outside.

Taq's bike rolled to a halt in front of the sanctuary before he rushed inside. Many children were already seated in the lunch hall while a young woman distributed even portions of a self made stew. She wore a fitting black dress with white frills underneath and her brown hair was tied back with a matching bow. Even though she smiled at all the children, her brows furrowed when she spotted Taq.

“She is in the staff room.” Lucy answered while nodding towards the door.

Taq rushed inside where he found the little girl. Her skin was dry with deep blotches of red all over. Wet towels covered her arms and seemed to be the only relief. Without missing a beat Taq knelt beside the cot she was sitting on.

“Hey there little warrior. How are you doing?”

“It itches. Lucy said I can't scratch, but is really bad,” She admitted while whimpering.

“Okay, okay. I understand, but look what I have here.” He took out Ashara's salve and showed it to her, “It'll help with your rash and then we can visit Cilia.”

“We can visit Cilia?!” The little girl asked in excitement as she turned her back to him, so he could start smearing the concoction over her back, “I like Cilia. She is funny, and she give good candy.”

“Yeah? That's good…” He smiled faintly as he covered her neck and arms, noticing the subtle improvement, the reduced twitching in her fingers, “But listen… Cilia still has work, so we have to visit her when she is done. Do you think you can last a few more hours?”

Mañana nodded pensively, but quickly murmured, “It's warm.”

“I know. I was thinking about setting up the sprinkler outside and making it rain with the other kids. Would you like that?” He asked, ruffling her bright orange hair.

For a moment she seemed so very excited, but… “No, they will make fun of me. They say I'm con- contaig… uhm… big word…”

“Contagious?... Did they call you contagious?” His voice grew sharper, especially as the little girl nodded in defeat, “Listen to me, you are not contagious. It's just an allergic reaction.”

She sniffled before she murmured, “What mean… cont- tainous… conteig…”

“Con-ta-gious” Taq repeated slower, “Sometimes when someone is sick. Other people can get sick too when they are too close or touch. But that's not you, okay? See?” He held her shoulder, still careful, as he was afraid it might trigger her to scratch, then he held up his scarred, calloused, and yet familiar palm, “Completely unscathed.”

She looked on for a moment, a glimmer of an epiphany shot through her eyes, “What’s un-... unscad- unsca…”

Taq chuckled and explained the word to her. For the rest of the day he would make sure she was cool and comfortable and at the same time he’d prepare a speech for the kids on how to treat each other, but the ones who needed to hear it the most, were the ones never listening.

The sun gently sank below the horizon and the oppressive heat from the day dissipated as some children departed back home and some helped Lucy with dinner preparations. Taq checked his phone after he had put a little biker helmet onto Mañana.

On his motorcycle Taq drove a strange mix of extremely careful, as well as in a hurry. His hands gripped the handlebars tightly, his mind conscious of every possible turn or hidden right-of-way. Cilia lived just across town, but he also didn’t want to make the little girl wait too long. Mañana on the other hand was holding on tight, her giggles resounding despite both of their helmets.

Once Taq parked beneath the shade of a life-saving tree, he rushed the little girl out of the heat and into Cilia's apartment. Inside the windows were already drawn shut and Cilia had a few items laid out across her kitchen island.

“Cilia! Missed you.”

The stern nurse smiled professionally at the little girl before she picked her up and sat her down on the kitchen counter, “Missed you too. Now, Taq told me you're having a rash?”

Mañana nodded and lifted her shirt where most of the red spots had already lost some of its color, “It doesn't scratch so bad no more.”

“Hmm…” As Cilia inspected her she noticed a very faint sheen on her skin, almost like a waxy coating, “Did you put anything on her?” Head moved towards him, she was irritated, sure, but she also knew that at this moment they were fighting for the same cause.

“I… Yeah.” He took out the salve Ashara had made. A lot of it was gone already, “I got this from Ashara. He said it was a moisturizer with some butter flower.”

Cilia inspected it and scooped some out with a spoon before filling it into another container.

“Are you going to test it again?” Taq joked awkwardly.

“Why not?” She admitted casually without looking at him, “Unlike someone else… Ashara actually has reliable solutions for some problems.”

“Ouch…” Taq whispered but didn't fight back, for now Mañana was the biggest cause for concern.

Cilia worked effortlessly and yet Taq always knew about the bags beneath her eyes. Her smile wavered whenever Mañana wasn't looking. She almost nodded off while waiting for the blood pressure cuff to return the results.

“Vitals seem okay. No swelling in the throat.” After she had cleaned up her tools she bent down towards the little girl, “Did you eat or drink anything different before the rash? Did anything bite or sting you?”

Mañana shook her head, feeling slightly uncomfortable at Cilia’s serious tone. The two adults raked their heads for a moment, when Taq got an idea.

“Mañana, did you take a nap today?” She nodded, “And did the rash show up after the nap?” again she nodded and Taq immediately picked up his phone, “Hey, Lucy, sorry to bother you… yeah, Mañana is okay. Can you check her bed for me though? Just, just do it…” A minute passed, then two as he seemed to listen attentively, “Leaves? Okay, don’t touch them! Just take a glove and put a stem in a bag, when you go to visit Nick later ask him to identify it. What? Your boyfriend can identify some plants.” A certain angered disbelief rang through the speaker that made Cilia smirk, “Okay! Okay, fine… your friend can identify some plants. Please, it’s for her. Thank you, I owe you one.”

“So how long is the list of people you owe now?” Cilia chucked as she gave Mañana a spoonful of over-the-counter antihistamines she had.

“Too long.” He sighed. Before Cilia even had to open her mouth he already continued, “I know, that what you’re doing isn’t really… proper work etiquette, but please… just hear me out.” She already scoffed and rolled her eyes, “I… I put in another application, to adopt her. Once that goes through…”

“You mean, if it goes through.” She scoffed as she crossed her arms.

“...Really?” He asked after a moment of silence; Cilia flinched as she realized that she sounded a lot harsher than intended, “You can’t even hope? Not even for her?”

“It’s not about her…” She sighed as she walked to her fridge to distract the little girl with a yoghurt, “I’m sorry, that was… uncalled for, but let’s be real. The odds aren’t exactly in your favor.”

“Yeah… I guess so…” He looked out of the window, “Still, I owe you for… everything. Can you at least tell me what I could do for you?”

“Of course,” Her face held an unnerving smirk as she showed her phone to Taq. It was already ringing and the name on the screen read Brooks . 

“What is this? Who is this?” He asked in a panic.

“The Parents of the girl you had me report on.” The line crackled for a moment and a voice came through, “Go on, tell them what you had me do.”

Taq’s face turned pale, but before long he caught himself and answered the phone, “Yeah… yeah sorry. I’m… Taq Custos.” He walked past Cilia and into her bedroom before closing the door, the only privacy the apartment had to offer.

In the meantime, Taq was pacing her room, the soft carpet beneath his feet inciting an itch rather than comfort as he explained why he made them lose their child.

“I- I run… a youth cohort and, uhm… I voluntarily take care of kids. So I-” He took a deep breath, feeling his palms dampen.

“Cilia already informed us… you rely on her a lot.” The mother spoke, her tone so calm it was almost mocking.

Taq took a sharp breath, his chin already quivering, “I am so sorry Miss Brooks, I had no right to interfere like that. I just… I just saw a child in need and I- I also put all of this on Cilia as well. She didn’t mean to make the call. She didn’t.”

“Taq… we know. We know all of this. To be honest, we almost expected that to happen one day.” The woman on the other hand sighed, “For now Helia is suspended in foster care, not fully admitted. We managed to fight for a right to reevaluation if my husband can keep this job for a while.”

The news barely left the speaker and yet, Taq couldn’t seem to hear it. Foster care. That was the only thing that could reach him. He tore a family apart, “I am so sorry. I- I didn’t mean to, I am so sorry.” He sank down onto Cilia’s soft and familiar bed, his hand fighting his hair as his mouth kept forming words he didn’t taste.

It took the lady on the other side of the speaker a couple of tries before she could rouse his attention, “Taq… we understand. We forgive you and we forgive Cilia. You made our lives harder, but… we’re working our way back up.”

“What?” Taq gasped as he shot up from the bed, “No… no you can’t do that. You can forgive Cilia, but… but not me.”

“We can and we do.” The woman answered gracefully, “You didn’t know about our situation. You just saw a child in need and acted.”

“No… I- you…” He gasped, “Listen, at least let me… pay you back or help out or something…”

The woman on the other end chuckled, “Cilia had already warned us. We’ll be in touch. Stay safe from the heat.”

Before he could protest further the line went dead and he was stuck with his own swirling thoughts. Not too much later Cilia opened the door to her room, her arms crossed and a smug expression on her face, “See now what I have to deal with?”

“They forgive me…” Taq murmured, causing Cilia to step closer, “They… they forgive me.”

“Isn't that good?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No! No… they can't do that… they can't, Cilia…” His eyes were distraught, his breathing shallow, “I took their daughter away. They can't, they can't just forgive me.”

“Okay, calm down there.” She walked closer, her hand on his cheek, “They said they forgive you? Then you are forgiven.”

“But, Cilia, I-”

She held her finger to his lips, “Hey, listen… the little girl is sleeping. She can stay here for tonight, but you'll have to bring her back tomorrow.”

He stepped closer, hands finding her waist “Can I stay?”

Her stern eyes searched him for a moment. When she allowed him to stay his head leaned down onto her shoulder in defeat.

“Thank you… I'll make you breakfast.” His voice rasped.

“It's okay… I don't want to have to clean more pans.” She whispered back as she caressed his hair.

“I'll take the spare bedroom then.” He whispered.

“No can do, I renovated it… I'll get you a sleeping bag and a yoga mat to lay on.” Taq chuckled at his sleeping situation, but Cilia already interrupted his thoughts, “Take it or leave it, but you didn't used to complain when you had to sleep in my room.”

“Not complaining…”

Ashara walked through the smoldering air of the noon-warmed concrete jungle. His flimsy–and self patched– shoes barely kept the heat away. The phone in his hand was reflecting the sharp sun dangerously while the heat slowly made it uncomfortable to handle, yet he kept it open and on in his hand, checking every one of Ophelia’s messages. Well, all the old ones since she hasn't sent any new ones.

Eventually he reached her apartment door and knocked. As soon as the door opened she tried to block it with her firm frame, but Ashara's lanky bones simply flowed beneath her arm into her apartment. The windows were closed, keeping the afternoon heat out; good.

“So?... Gym today?” Ashara asked, more as a test than a simple question.

“You know it.” She answered casually while shaking her protein bottle.

“Even though, you know, you do really bad with heat… and you haven't eaten anything yet?” His sarcasm was now palpable.

“Who says I haven't eaten yet?”

“Have you?” He crossed his arms, knowing Ophelia couldn't lie to him. The silence was very telling, “Okay, take off your gym clothes, you're staying home today.”

“Asha, please, I'm not a child.” She groaned.

“Then why do you act like one? What are you thinking? Not eating anything before going to the gym during the hottest week of the year.”

She didn't answer, just kept shaking the bottle.

“You can drink your protein shakes, let's just stay home for a bit and get some real food in you.” 

“No, Asha, I already asked a friend to join.”

“Oh yeah? Who?” He raised an eyebrow, when she relented he guided her onto the couch, already noticing the faint twitch in her jaw and eyebrow. Without missing a beat he walked over to her freezer and took out an ice pack. He wrapped it up and held it to her neck. “Remember the protocol.”

She nodded and closed her eyes as she slowly but steadily moved the tips of her fingers against her thumb one by one. 

“See any colors?” He asked, but she shook her head, “Any static?”

“Just a little bit… like on the tips of my ears.” Ashara nodded and began moving the coffee table further away and padding the floor beside the couch, just in case.

“Asha…” Her trailing words made his head shoot up, “You smell really earthy.”

The corners of her lips jerked up although not from real joy. Her spine stiffened as she slowly fell forward. Through years of practice Ashara caught her stiff form and guided her down onto the pillows. The clock was already ticking inside his head. Three hundred seconds. That’s the most he would give her, before he’d call reinforcements.

His hand remained on her shoulder as he whispered to her, “I got you. Just a few more moments. Hang in there.”

Her arms locked up, her teeth creaked against the pressure, a strangled breath escaped her as the muscles around her chest tightened. The number in Ashara’s head had reached forty five before her entire body tensed one more time, her breath stilling for a few agonizing seconds.

“Hey… Hey!” Ashara was already getting worried. He used the cool condensation from the ice pack on the kitchen towel to gently wipe her face and encourage her to breathe again.

A weak gasp escaped her and soon her eyelids fluttered open. Despite her shallow breathing her eyes seemed alert, and yet, she wasn't.

“Good, you're back… how are you doing?”

She took a sharp breath, her eyes flicking randomly all around his head, “You didn't feed the crows Asha…” she murmured, “You never… feed. They poke.”

A tense sigh escaped his nose. She was still out of it, clearly, but the crows always came up when her brain was rebooting. He still hasn't found out what they mean exactly. Best practice however was to ground her with responses, but also to not fight her on her visions.

“Yeah… I have forgotten to feed them. Tell them sorry from me, okay?”

“Mmmh… Sverja says no…”

“No?” He smirked gently, “She doesn't forgive me?”

“No…” She whined, “They poke my head.”

“It’s okay, I’ll get you something, stay put.” He got up and prepped her a liquid painkiller. By the time he returned she seemed slightly more alert.

He was aware that food and liquids could pose a threat to someone so out of it, so he made her exercise her throat a little bit to get her used to swallowing, “There you go, just a spoonful.”

She smiled after a careful sip and murmured, “Thanks, Mom.”

“See what would have happened if I let you go? You’d have ended up face down on the concrete.” He whispered, more to himself than to scold her, “We gotta make a better plan for you.”

“With chickpeas, please.” She rasped, “I didn’t have enough protein today.”

“You had your protein shake, remember?”

“Oh yeah…” She tried to sit up, but Asha gently guided her back down, “I wanted to go to the gym.”

“Did you take your medication today?” He asked, as she slowly came back.

“Why are you so mean?” She scowled at him.

“So that’s a no… you know how important this medication is for you.”

“It makes me angry… and sad… I don’t want to be sad, Asha.” She sniffled in protest.

Understanding flashed over his face before he nodded and gently took her hand, “I get it. It’s a tough choice. Just rest a little… we’ll come up with a better plan later.”

“Okay, Mom.” She shuffled down into the cushions that covered the floor.

At the same time Ashara was already recording all the numbers in his phone, “Did you have any more seizures since the one two weeks ago?”

Her eyes remained closed, but she knew that she couldn’t fool him, “No…”

Somehow he didn’t ask further. The incident at the sanctuary would remain her secret for now.

Chapter Text

“Oh.. Oh no, that’s bad.” Taq said as he walked around the kitchen.

“What is?” Han asked, just returning from a long day of work.

“Look!” Taq held up his phone. On it was a conversation with Julie, a woman the family was vaguely familiar with.

“That’s the… the woman from the adoption facility?” 

“Yes! And look at what she writes.” Taq sounded a lot more panicked than relieved, “She is going to come over after work to look at our house.”

“But that’s nice, isn’t it?” Han asked, unsure of what the problem was.

“After work, today!”

“Today!?”

“Today! That’s in two hours, Han.” Taq replied in a panic.

“Two- Taq, we can’t childproof a house in two hours?” Han answered, “Ashara isn’t here to help and Na’u… well… you know Na’u!”

“Han, please. I’ll text Asha and see if we're allowed in his room to clean up a little.” Taq begged with eyes so big it was almost comical.

Han sighed, he just wanted to relax after a tough day at work, yet he couldn't deny that he was in awe at his younger brother's determination, “Fine… I'll find a way to cover the outlets.”

“You are the best, Han!” Taq struggled for a moment, but ultimately decided for a bearhug.

For the next two hours an organized chaos rang through the house. Taq replenished the batteries to the smoke alarms, but first he had to find the right ones. Then they went to childproof all the sharp corners of the house, but somehow there were way too many, so they used socks and towels in more inconspicuous corners. Afterwards they had to clean the hazard zone that was Na’u’s room. That alone took almost an hour. All the gym equipment and clothes that were strewn around. The fuzzy carpet that smelled of all kinds of soda and condiments. It was by no means perfect, but it was passable. The garage was even worse, so on a whim Taq and Han decided they would lock it and pray that the lady would allow it to pass as off-limits to any child.

Lastly was Ashara’s room. He had allowed the brothers to enter after an incredulous amount of begging from Taq. The rules were simple. Everything in the room was allowed to be moved, but nothing was allowed to leave. Meaning they had to stuff strange herbs, stones and something that looked like bones into drawers and the chest at the foot of his bed. They had imagined the room to be a lot darker and eerie, but somehow it was kinda cozy. Ashara’s room looked like it was set right in a forest glade. There was a lot of seemingly real moss and ivy hanging from bookshelves. Some smaller water elements too, like a tiny fountain sat on his desk. He had wooden elements like Han, though his were less refined and more natural, even having some remaining bark. 

His bed was strangely inviting. The covers looked like moss sprinkled in dew. The pillows reminded them strangely of fluffy mushrooms growing on the wooden trunk that was Ashara's headboard.

Taq sighed and spoke with a smile, “This room feels strangely magical… I feel like Mañana might like it.”

Han walked up beside him as they both stared onto the soft bed. He already knew that Taq imagined Mañana laughing as she jumped on the bed, while Ashara, in his endless patience, couldn't ask her to stop.

“I'm glad…” Han started, which warranted a curious glance from Taq, “That your time in foster care didn't make you bitter, as it did some others. You're doing good, I'm proud of you.”

“Yeah, I'm glad it passed our family.”

Han sighed, “I'm afraid it didn't. Na'u doesn't like to talk about it, but… I think something happened to him in there.”

Taq looked over with a frown, but before he could ask more the doorbell already rang, “Shit, shit. I’ll answer the door, see if you can find anything to clean up last minute.”

Han nodded and immediately set off while Taq answered the door.

“Hey Miss Tanner, w-welcome in.” Taq only slowly stepped aside to let the woman in.

Her kitten heels echoed over the laminated floors, the pencil skirt and dress shirt were flawless while she left her suit jacket in the car from the heat, “Taq. You’ve been applying for adoption for over a year. I believe we know each other well enough.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Tanner. You know I can’t do that.” Taq answered with a nervous chuckle, “I’d like to keep my chances maxed, so I prefer to stay professional.”

A moment later Han came into the entrance where Julie eyed him strictly, “Your brother?”

“Yes, Han Custos.” Han smiled as he shook her hand.

“And you live here? What is your occupation?” She already began making notes.

“Yes, I live here. I am a network engineer.” Her scrutiny was implied in every gaze, “You know… computers and stuff. I, uh… I make- I earn well. And with the others we could support someone else easily.”

She hummed approvingly while writing more notes, “Who else lives here?”

“One more brother, Na’u, the youngest, and one more roommate.” Taq answered.

“Does anyone smoke, drink or consume any other drugs of any kind?” 

The brothers swallowed nervously at the probing question, “N-No, not that we… are aware.”

“I see… not aware…” She murmured as she took more notes and began walking around the apartment. Although she noted the softened furniture corners with positive remarks, when she poked at one of the outlet covers and it simply fell away; she scowled before adding more notes. She didn't speak much while searching the other rooms, only an occasional hum and many notes. The kitchen, the bedrooms, storage room and living room, none went without at least a few notes.

“Is there a backyard or back porch?”

“Yes, of course, this way.” Taq guided her through the living room and past the kitchen towards the backdoor. The back porch sadly was not in the best condition and Julie noted it down as such. The guard rail was flakey and not very sturdy.

“Your property isn’t fenced in?” She asked, looking past the back yard into the forest.

“I… We… you see, we grew up with a distinct love for nature and love the blend of the comfort of our house with the… rawness of the wilderness.” He laughed as he tried to sell it to her.

“And I’m sure nature loves the comfort of the free meal you provide if a young child walks outside unsupervised.” She spoke smugly but saw the tension in his eyes, “Taq, you have been applying for over a year and haven’t thought to look up some of our home requirements? You need a fence, especially this close to a forest.”

“I… right… right. We’ll get to it.” He rubbed his hands together, palms already growing damp.

“Next, hmm… where will she sleep?”

“There is a room upstairs!” He answered excitedly, as if he knew the answer to a test question, “It has light and space and even its own bathroom.”

“So you want the four-year-old to run the stairs up and down all day without supervision?” She raised an eyebrow.

“I-I could move upstairs, she can have my room!” He answered, practically begging, “Miss Tanner, please… she needs health insurance and some privacy… her own place where she can be safe.”

Julie sighed, “I know all of this and I agree, but I can't just give her to you. I could lose my job, she'd be taken out of your custody and then you'd be out of a chance.”

Taq could feel his knees weakening while his stomach turned itself inside out, “Listen… please… just help me out here.”

“Taq… so… there is a few things I can maybe… word in your favor, but-”

Before she could finish her words the front door burst open and Na'u walked in, clearly hungover, with two police officers behind him. Taq's face immediately lost all color while Han asked for more information.

One of the police officers handed Han the car keys, “We found him like this behind the wheel. He wasn't driving, but the intent to do so is punishable as well.”

“I didn't drink today… I swear…” Na'u murmured.

“Clearly drank enough yesterday to have enough alcohol in your system to tip off our breathalyzer.” The other police officer responded, “The car is still standing at Comphrey Road on the other side of town next to the bakery.”

Han nodded, disappointment coiling in his gut.

“Does this happen often?” Julie asked.

“N-No… No!” Taq assured her in a panic, “Never, he must just not have noticed how much was still in his system.”

“We will add this to his file…” The police officer added, “It's starting to get quite full. He still hasn't paid off his fine from the bar fight last month.”

With a snap that signalled the final lock in place she closed her notebook, “I think we're done here.”

“W-wait… Wait, Julie!” Taq desperately rushed after her to her car, “Please… he… he won't have anything to do with her. He's barely home anyway.”

With a grunt she turned around, “He isn't the only thing I've found. Your knives are just laying about in the kitchen. Your back porch is rotten through. I saw the gym equipment on the floor instead of a proper rack. I'm not even sure if I want to see the garage, besides, Taq, a motorcycle is not a fitting vehicle for a child.”

“I… all of that can be fixed though, can't it?” He asked, his breath spiking in panic, “We do have a car, I can get another one. We… we'll buy racks for the equipment. I'll get a knife stand… come on.”

“I don't think you have the time for that. All your applications have put her on their radar. She won't be allowed to stay at the sanctuary either…” She murmured, “I tried my best to help you, but… I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now.”

She sat down in her car and drove off, despite Taq's begging. The muffled voices behind him quickly vanished as his pulse grew erratic. For a moment he couldn’t feel it at all; after another the forceful realization of what had happened wormed itself deep into his gut. A heat like liquid metal seeped past his lungs and down his arms fuelling his fists to shake, and his teeth to clench.

After the police officers were gone, Taq stomped back into their house, grabbed Na'u by his collar and pushed him against the wall, which quickly sobered him up.

“What were you thinking?!”

“I wasn't gonna drive! I just wanted to sit somewhere with AC alone for a moment.”

“That is only half of it. What were you thinking, drinking so much that you're still drunk the next day?!”

“I told you I was out to party! What did you want me to do, not get wasted?!”

“Why today?!” He screamed, but soon his voice faltered, “Out of all days you could have… why today?”

Na'u looked up in confusion, “I don't get it. What's the issue? Who was that woman?”

Han walked up to place a gentle hand on Taq's shoulder, they sank in defeat and with them Taq's hand from Na'u's collar.

“Na'u… that was Julie…” Han spoke, somberly. His voice was filled with empathy while Na'u's eyes opened in realization.

“Am I supposed to know a Julie?” He chuckled and wriggled his eyebrows, “Maybe I want to get to know a Julie.”

“No! You know what? You’re out.” Taq yelled as he pointed at the door.

“What?” Na’u asked, a drunken confusion settling in.

“Out!”

“Taq…”

“Yes, out! Out of this house. If you can’t act like a decent human being.” Taq doubled down, “Always your smug attitude. All the times we had to pick you up when you were drunk off your ass laying in a ditch. Those annoying acquaintances you drag in here while they act like hooligans.”

“They’re my friends!” Na’u defended himself.

“They’re assholes!”

“Taq, stop!” Han interjected and made him take a few steps back.

“No, Han! He is supposed to be an adult, look at him.” Taq gestured at the strange stains on Na’u’s shirt, “He’s so smug with his fame and what not. He thinks he’s above us. That’s why he always leaves a mess of everything. Do you even care about anyone, but yourself?”

“I knew it.” Na’u scoffed with false bravado despite his eyes brimming with tears, “None of you guys wanted me here since the beginning, isn’t it?”

“No, Na’u… you guys need to calm down. Taq, you are not ripping this family apart, after what it took me to get us back together.” Han tried to defuse the situation, “This is still my place and no one gets to kick anyone out.”

“You always acted like my contributions didn’t matter…” Na’u murmured, “Is that why you adopted me last? Almost forgot me, that it?”

That quickly silenced the older brothers.

“No, Na'u… of course not. I told you, it was-”

“The bureaucracy, right… how could I forget?” His voice was so uncharacteristically fragile.

“N-Na'u… I didn't-” Taq wanted to apologize but he was cut short.

“No no… you said your peace. I get it. You have time for all those troubled children… let them vomit on you and hit you…” Na'u recounted some of Taq's old tales, “But this kid is always too much… always has been. Maybe she was right…”

Na'u turned and floated out, like a ghost, stripped of his skin; his armor.

Maybe she was right.

The brothers would lie if they said they didn’t want to follow him, but somehow they were glued to the floor. Na’u could feel his skin prickle against the cool night air, stopping only for a moment to look at their mail box. 

On top of the metal box was a painted picture. It was made a while ago by Mañana. It showed her, with her long orange twintails, next to her, smiling, was a figure of Taq. Complete with the tattoo on his neck and often bandaged hands. Next to that was Han, with his light hair, still smiling.

And that was it. Na’u wasn’t often at home when Taq brought Mañana over, not entirely maliciously. Although he didn’t like kids, he was mostly just out spending time with those hooligans , as Taq called them. And yet, as he walked through the cold night, neither them nor his brothers were here now.

Na'u kept walking, further. Further. Further still. Until his legs burned and his lungs stopped filling fully. There, past the last apartment buildings and the gas station, was a bridge. Its metal cold, the color peeling, puddles of old oil staining the road next to the walkway. Na'u leaned against the cold metal of the guard rail. One foot elevated to stand on a bar while his hands crossed on top.

He took out a package from his jacket, the soft tube of the cigarette between his teeth, the flame from the lighter, the only warmth surrounding him. Even the recently set sun couldn't reach him anymore. A puff of smoke left his lips, dissipating as it rose into the clouds. Na'u flicked the ashes down into the old river, watching as the embers slowly died out on their way down.

The brothers didn't know of his smokey habit. He scoffed, thinking that if he hadn't been more careful about it they simply had more ammunition against him. Especially with that dumb lady; who does she even think she is? Walking in there and ruining Taq's plans. And who does he think he is too?! Acts all tough and smug because he has a job… and a side gig, and people who look up to him. Fuck them both. Fuck them all.

Na'u wiped vigorously at his own eyes, glad that no one was there to see him. Maybe she was right.

Sverja.

The lady at the orphanage. All those years. All those words.

You're a bad kid, Na'u. If you keep being so loud, no one will ever want to adopt you.

Back so soon? I told you they didn't actually want you. Your eyes look exotic to them, but when they get to know you they all want to toss you away.

Why are you always so much? So hyperactive, so loud, so rebellious. You need to calm down. You'll never find a family that way.

Why aren't you doing enough? You never help out, you're too quiet, you're unmotivated. You need to step it up. You'll never find a family that way.

I count the days until you're old enough to leave. No one will want to adopt you.

Your brothers want to adopt you, huh? My, what sibling love, only took them, what, 8 years? I'll see you in a week.

“Get out.” Na'u hissed as he viciously gripped his hair, but soon faltered as his hands dropped, “I don't belong anywhere. Nowhere. I'm done.”

He threw the stump down into the river too, the package landed on the ground. With a deep breath he hauled his entire weight onto the guard rail. He was about to swing one leg over, feeling weirdly…light. The river, so thin below, rushed along as if it could take all his worries.

Without a car around the gentle murmuring of the water far below felt like a lullaby of a mother he had never known. Beckoning him down into its watery embrace. A siren song with promises to end the loneliness.

He leaned forward, the wind kissing his cheeks. The cold metal from the railing loosened its bite from his palm. A final deep breath. Strangely, he didn’t think of anything at that moment. Not the ones who’d miss him. Not the ones he’d miss. Just the gushing of the stream that came closer and closer to his ears as he felt weightless.

“Na'u…”

Startled, Na'u shot back. His eyes blown wide, hands wrapped around the metal, breath rapid.

“Get down from there.” Ashara spoke, calm as ever.

“Go home, Asha. Leave me alone.” Na'u answered without looking back.

“You know I cannot do that.” Ashara stepped forward, “Now get down there, before I make you.”

That warranted almost a real laugh out of Na'u, “You? Come on Asha, you have the muscle mass of a twig. No offense, but you couldn't-”

Ashara didn't waste another beat. He charged straight for Na'u and used his entire body weight to pull the young man down from the bridge. Na'u hit the back of his head on the floor but was otherwise fine. Well enough, in fact, to fight back to the point that Ashara opted to restrain his hands while sitting down on his abdomen.

After a few more desperate struggles and a deep huff, Na'u relented before smirking up at Ashara, “You know… I don't really mind seeing you up there.”

But Ashara was not in the mood, he forced Na'u's hands down to the ground beside his head, “Now is not the time Na'u! What were you thinking? What if I hadn't come by…”

Na'u's smirk faltered, his hands losing all their fight, “Nothing substantial would have been lost.”

“No, nope. Don’t even… don’t even start…” Ashara sighed, “Let’s go home.”

“No.” Na’u whispered firmly.

“Come on, get up.” Ashara spoke firmly, releasing Na’u’s hands “We're going home.”

“No!... I don't want to go home. They don't want me there.” Na'u pouted.

“What happened at home? Why are you even out here?”

It took him a few moments to swallow his pride, “I mess everything up, Asha… I messed it all up.” He covered his eyes out of shame and anger.

“Hey, hey… it'll be fine…” 

“I don't want to go home Asha.” Na'u whined.

“Then you won't… we'll get somewhere else.” Ashara finally got off of Na'u and held out a hand.

Na'u took it skeptically, but when he shifted to get up his foot tapped Ashara's weak ankle with considerable force. With a sharp inhale and deep grunt the mighty man was felled. He sank down clutching his ankle while Na'u never jumped up faster in his life.

“Oh god, Asha… did I break it? Is it broken?!” He asked in fear.

“Nope… no, just permanently bruised.” He pressed between teeth.

“W-wait, let me… I'll just…” He crouched down and wrapped his cold hands around Ashara's ankle. Once his hands were too warm he took out his keys and held them close, “I'm really sorry.”

Ashara quickly noticed his trembling hands and steadied them with his own, “It's okay… come on, I know a place.”

But instead of walking towards the brothers’ house Ashara pulled Na'u in the opposite direction, towards where he came from.

Within a few hours the brothers could rest easy knowing that Na'u was with Ashara. However the real work had just started. If Taq wanted a second shot at adopting Mañana then they would have to fix up the house perfectly in the two weeks down time between adoption applications.

Taq and Han were on their own again, but that hadn't stopped them before. They would make this place unrecognizable.

All day the brothers cleaned the surfaces and bought any gadget they would need. All day the brothers took down the broken wood of the patio and began assembling a crude fence. As the afternoon sun shone down onto the humid ground Taq and Han sat side by side looking over their work, and yet their minds were on completely different subjects.

“Look what I got in store today.” Taq chuckled as he pulled out a little stuffed animal of a baby chicken, “You think she’ll like it?”

“Hmm? Oh… sure, it’s cute.”

“You’re lost in thought again. What’s up?” Taq asked. Although Han didn’t want to ruin the mood at first, Taq kept insisting.

“You were in the wrong, Taq… for threatening him to kick him out.” Han answered, and he didn’t stop even when Taq’s jaw tightened, “And Na’u was right too. You seem to have all the patience in the world for all those kids you take in. And that is virtuous, but why… can’t you extend that same patience for Na’u.”

“Because he is an adult, Han…” Taq tried to defend himself.

“And how many of his formative years has he spent in an institution that doesn’t care about his development? Without a family or role models?" Han scoffed, “You put in all that effort into the Sanctuary, because you know exactly how important those years are, and yet when you encounter someone who, verifiably, had it the worst during those years, you show no mercy.”

Taq wasn’t even sure what to say, he looked down onto the hundreds of blades of grass beneath his feet, slowly getting cooked by the sun.

“You may be angry, Taq. You may be upset, because you had a heroic goal throughout it all, but I know this family. I know no one here is a bad person at heart, and when I see Na’u… I see so much missing.” Han shifted, looking out into the forest, “From his life, from his mind… from his past. And I feel like…from our presence too. No one of us is better than the other. We are all lost in our own way. So I say this as a plea, but also as a warning… don’t ever try to threaten to tear this family apart again.”

Taq’s jaw worked in contemplation before he nodded, “Yeah… I’m- I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize to me… show him that we can be a real family when he comes back.” Han nodded towards the entrance.

“Yeah, right… we can do that.” Taq nodded, but soon the strong beats from his ringtone alerted him, “It’s Julie. Hold on, I'll get it.”

Hey, Taq… this is Julie. I’m calling because… you see. So Mañana has been added to our system this morning. She wasn’t really doing too well, the new environment seemed to have her stressed out, quite a bit, but in good news… well ‘good news’. We uh… we have found a family for her; or rather a candidate.

They are decently well off, are debt free, drug free and have a spare room. They will have a proper visitation tomorrow and if everything goes well should be able to adopt her within a week. I just, uh, I wanted to… let you know. You were always worried about the girl, weren’t you? Well, then I hope it gives you at least some peace, knowing she is in… capable hands now.

No, I’m sorry. I cannot tell you who adopted her, it’s privacy related… I’m really sorry, Taq.

Chapter Text

The next day Na’u sat beside Ophelia on her couch, comparing their muscles. He looked on in awe at her toned skin, as well as the size of her muscles.

“You must train them for show… there is no way these are as strong as mine.” He spoke, flexing his own muscles.

“Don’t test her, she will break your arm if you try to armwrestle her.” Ashara warned from the kitchen.

Instead of fear, Na’u’s eyes sparkled in awe as his mouth remained open, “Did that happen before?”

“Once or twice… broke bones in other ways before though.” She smirked, knowing how he’d react to it.

“Oh yeah? Like how?” Na’u returned her smirk and crossed her arms.

Ophelia looked behind her, to Ashara in her kitchen who just rolled his eyes, which she took as approval, “You know, back in the day people used to be little shits towards Ashara. So I often had to be there to remind them who’s boss. That’s how I got this.” She laughed as she pulled up her sleeve and showed a circular scar on her shoulder.

“Is that… like, from a branch?”

“It’s from a bullet.” She laughed triumphantly as if it wasn’t horrifying for Na’u to hear.

“A bullet… you got shot at?!”

“Yeah!”

Na’u raised an eyebrow and leaned to the side to address Ashara, “What kind of people were you hanging out with?”

“Various…” He smirked into a cup of coffee, before he handed Ophelia a cup of horribly smelling liquid. She made a face, but immediately got to drinking it, “Will you take your medicine?” He asked Ophelia with a raised eyebrow.

She scowled at him before taking out a pill and swallowing it in front of him and giving him a look.

“Good girl.” Ashara meant it as a genuine compliment, but Na’u nearly choked on his water, while Ophelia let out an audible growl. “What? Stop being weird. Come on, Na’u… it is time for us to go home.” Ashara walked in front of the couch and looked down onto the young man.

“I told you I don’t want to.” He answered, wiping his chin.

“Pouting all week won’t help resolve this issue, and we also need to address what you were doing yesterday…”

“Can we rather just… never talk about it again?” He groaned and wiped his face.

“You know we can’t… and I talked to Han, he is willing to hear you out and find a solution.”

“And Taq?” Na’u scoffed at the thought of his older brother's words from the day before.

“I don’t know… Han said he is not doing well, but we’ll work our way up, one brother at a time.” With a smile Ashara extended his hand, “Time for you to go home, youngest Custos.”

Na'u scoffed before they interlinked arms and stood opposing each other, “You gotta stop with these names, man. You sound like a mystic or something.”

Ashara simply smirked, which unnerved Na'u for a moment before he turned to Ophelia, “Thanks for letting me stay and…” He scribbled something down onto a piece of paper, before handing it to her, “This is my number… in case, you know, anything happens… or if you feel very lonely-”

Ashara cut him off and guided him out the door. The morning hours were still kind, the oppressive heat hadn't settled in yet and they walked quietly back home. Every step felt like a walk of shame to Na'u, but with Ashara by his side it was strangely comforting.

At home Han basically ripped the door open, his posture immediately relaxing as he saw his baby brother, “You’re back… thank god you’re back…” Without another warning he pulled Na’u into a big hug.

“We talked on the way here…” Ashara answered for Na’u who refused to return the hug, “Na’u is willing to talk to you, not Taq yet.”

“Yeah, figures.” Han sighed as he scratched the back of his head, “Taq is in his room, he hasn’t come out in a while. We can talk in my room if you like.”

Na’u didn’t say much, only walked past his older brother, straight into his office where he sat down with a huff. Ashara walked in next, his air heavy, but hopeful. Han walked in last, closing the door before he leaned against his desk, looking towards Na’u and Ashara who sat on the guest couch.

“Do you want to say anything, or do you want me to start?” Han asked. Authority laced his voice, but also understanding.

Na’u scoffed, his arms crossed, “I don’t even know what you want me to-”

Ashara gently nudged his arm, which shut him up, “I think it would be easier if we just answered your questions.”

“Okay, well…” Han sighed, “I know Taq said a lot of things that I don’t agree with. But Na’u, he wasn’t entirely wrong. Where were you?”

“I was out, okay?” Na’u began, but yielded under Ashara’s gaze, “I was… at, like, Michael’s place.”

“M-Michael-?!” Han had to catch himself with a strict exhale, “You know that he isn’t good company… you remember what he did in March? Spiking someone’s drink– don’t think he wouldn’t do it to you!”

“He didn’t do anything, okay? They let him go.”

“He is the police chief’s son, of course they let him go…” Han hissed, “Na’u… why do you feel the need to surround yourself with these kinds of people every weekend? You get into fights, you destroy property… I know this isn’t you.”

“What do you know about who I am?!” Na’u stood up abruptly, but with a gentle hand on his shoulder Ashara managed to get him to sit down again.

“Why don’t we start at the core?” Ashara spoke gently, “Do you really feel at home with those people?”

Na’u didn’t speak much, his jaw working through things clearly hidden.

Han thought as well, before he decided to dig even deeper, “Na’u, when you were in foster care… what happened to you?”

“Oh, so now you care?” Na’u scoffed.

“Yes, I always did and I’m sorry that I never asked sooner.” His eyes were honest on the most vulnerable member of their little family, “But now I’m listening.”

Na’u scoffed, but with Ashara’s touch for guidance he could breathe through the anger, “They don’t give a fuck about you in there… they told me you’d never come. After a whole year I believed them… shame that there were seven more.”

Han’s hand roughly raked over his face, “I-... Na’u, you know that I-”

“Tried everything you could… yeah sure, whatever…”

“No, I… I didn’t” Han revealed, “I mean, I did, of course I did, but… there were times where I too was tired. From work and trying to care for Taq. I could have tried better…”

For the first time Na’u didn’t know what to say.

“But I know that that’s not all.” Han spoke honestly, “There is more that happened, isn’t there?”

Na’u’s hands worked against each other in a clearly nervous habit, “They would often tell me I was stupid… unadoptable. They had given up that you guys would adopt me, way before I did.”

“You know you’re not stupid or unadoptable, Na’u.”

“Oh yeah?” His scoff betrayed his hurt, “Where were you to tell me that during my formative years?”

Han quickly closed his mouth, “What else happened in there?”

“I think we talked enough.” Na’u got up to leave, but Ashara held his wrist.

“If you’re willing to let me try, I could maybe help you talk about it.” He offered.

“What, you’re going to ask your spirits to suck the information out of me?” Na’u growled.

“It’s called meditation.” Ashara answered unamused, “And even if you don’t want to talk by the end of it, at least your sour mood won’t waste your entire day.”

After a quick glance at Han, he sent them off with approval, before setting off to do some research on his own.

On their way Ashara and Na’u passed Taq’s room. It was awfully quiet inside, except for an incessant ringing that kept going and going and going. Taq sat on the floor at the foot of his bed, the plush bat loosely in his hand, his eyes dried of any tears. In his other hand he held his phone where Julie's number kept dialing although he had long since been blocked. Na’u felt almost sorry. 

Almost.

Together they entered Ashara’s room where Na’u let out a whistle in astonishment. The room was surprisingly cool, not as stuffy as he usually kept his room. The carpet too felt calming beneath his feet, the air was fresh with a tinge of citrus. A small air moisturizer worked in the corner of his desk, spewing cold mist while Ashara turned on an artificial waterfall next to it.

“What are you, a forest nymph or something?” Na’u chuckled while he sat down on Ashara’s bed uninvited. 

“No one can say what we were in the past, or what we will be in the future.” He smiled as he ignited some incense.

Na’u subtly rolled his eyes, but didn’t want to turn on Ashara. He had shown a lot of compassion in the past few days.

“Find a spot where you feel comfortable and let's get started.”

“Comfortable, huh?” He looked around before his gaze landed on Ashara and he smirked, “In your arms?”

“Would that help?” Ashara asked with such conviction, with so little push-back that Na'u immediately crumbled.

“No… I- I'll just sit on the bed.” He murmured shyly before sitting back against the headboard, hands grinding and shifting.

“Okay then… let's get started.”

The start of the meditation was pretty simple. Ashara asked him to close his eyes, that alone took quite some convincing. But it got worse when they focused on his breathing. Na'u could not stop giggling and repeating some of Ashara's words with a snicker as if entertaining an invisible audience.

Most others would be annoyed and call it quits, but Ashara saw it for what it really was, a deflection. A deflection of vulnerability; a deflection of reminiscing the parts that hurt. They were a remnant of a time where his inner, childlike core was stabbed too many times.

Once Na'u was finally at a spot Ashara deemed relaxed enough they continued with the next exercise. With Na'u on the bed and Ashara nearby, the incense smoke spiraling in the air and the water gently trickling, the hum of the humidifier buzzing in the background, they were aware and prepared.

“Are you ready to confront your past?” Ashara asked, his voice gentle, soothing.

Na'u quickly flinched, his eyebrows furrowing. 

“Okay, I see… am I allowed to touch you?” Ashara asked, but this time there was no smirk. No retort. No innuendo. Just a gentle shrug and a “Sure” from Na'u.

Ashara dipped his index and middle finger into a bowl of warmed, scented oil. He tapped Na'u's forehead once, “Here is for shame.”

Next Na'u's throat, “For the anger.”

He tapped one of his wrists each, “For helplessness and unfairness.”

Lastly Ashara cleaned off the oil and gently held his hand against Na'u's stomach, “For the pain. Now, there is a box in front of you, on your lap. It holds a gentle weight. How big is it? Show me.”

Na'u gestured a small box in his hands.

“Okay, now, how do you open it?”

Na'u opened the top latch like a jewelry box.

“A sturdy box, ready to hold all your emotions. Now, let's put shame inside.”

Without a word or opening his eyes, Na'u reached for his own forehead before slowly guiding his fingers back towards the box. Bit by bit he put in the anger, the helplessness, the unfairness and the fear. His hands holding the imaginary box began slowly sinking as if it was gaining weight.

“Close the box. Just for now it will hold your emotions, all of them, no matter how big.”

Na'u nodded, his fingers closing around the shape.

“Do you think we can take a quick look into your past now? We can do it together.”

Still pensive, Na'u's face scrunched up, shoulders tensed, “What do you want there?”

“I'd like to talk to you… little you. Back when he was afraid, against the world. I don't want him to be so alone anymore. Can you imagine him for me?”

Na'u's breaths became uneasy. He flinched momentarily in between, until he suddenly stood still as if he had reached the edge of a cliff.

“Are you alone with him?”

Na'u shook his head in fear, muscles tense.

“Who is with you?”

Na'u again shook his head, “No… I hate her…”

Ashara exhaled from his nose, “It's okay, she is gone. Right now it's just you and him. Lock her away too, into your little box. Hold her tight, just for now.”

Na'u considered his input and eventually his shoulders relaxed, his face turned back forward.

“Talk to him, I think he needs him. How would you comfort him?”

Na'u's breathing sharpened his hands flexed, “You're so fucking worthless! Why do you always make such a fuss? You could have escaped this place but now if you just-...”

Na'u's eyes shot open as he felt a cool hand on his cheek, he hadn't even noticed that he had started crying.

“Remember,” Ashara spoke with kindness before tapping his forehead again, “Shame… we locked it away. In your box. With the fear and the anger.” He quickly stopped Na'u from looking down and ruining the illusion, “Don't look down. Close your eyes and return to the boy, he needs you right now. What do you tell him?”

Na'u took a deep breath and closed his eyes, taking a long time before he whispered, “They'll come… They'll find you and then… you'll be home again.”

“Do you want to say more?”

Na'u shook his head, barely containing his tears.

“Then let's put him to rest for now, and give you some rest as well. You can drop the box now.” Ashara stood up and stretched, “I’ll talk to Han if that’s okay. I won’t mention any specifics, just maybe… you know. Figure out how we can help you better.”

“Wait!” Na’u spoke so hastily, it surprised both of them, “Uhm, will you come back? You know… in case, I, like, want to say more or something.”

Ashara smiled weakly, not something he did often, “Sure. Just give me half an hour or so.”

Together in his office Han and Ashara began working some things out.

“He is quite angry, I think he believes he’s been failed.” Ashara spat out his guess, “At the same time… he also feels frustrated and guilty.”

“Guilty?” Han asked in confusion.

“At one point you get so used to the circumstances you grew up in… and when you get out of them… it just doesn’t feel right.” Ashara sighed, “He believes he didn’t deserve to leave the place, just as he thinks he didn’t deserve to get put into it. It’s a confusing combination.”

“What can we do?”

Ashara sighed deeply, “I don’t know.”

Han’s face fell as if he just heard that his little brother was inflicted with a rare incurable disease.

“I’m not a doctor, Han, or a therapist. I’m just someone who values the benefits of meditation.”

Han had to agree and brainstormed more ideas while chewing his nails raw.

“I think some ideas could be… include him in family decisions. Have some family outings. He needs to have less of a reason to want to escape.”

“Family outings…” Han groaned as he wiped his face, “I already work two jobs, Asha.”

“I know I risk sounding like Na’u but… that sounds like a you-problem.” That granted an agitated look from Han, “Listen, every person in this household works, either full-time or part-time or… whatever Na’u is doing. The point remains, you don’t have to work as hard as you do. You want to help your family? Start by making some time for them.”

Han frowned, clearly understanding to some extent, until his phone began ringing, “Well start tomorrow, okay?” 

Ashara didn’t even need another word, with a sigh he got up, hissing as his ankle was acting up again and hobbled back to his room. Once he was there, he did something he only let a very select few see. He was well aware of Na’u in his room, still he took off his heavy-duty hooded cloak and gently placed it over the back of his chair. Na’u immediately straightened as he saw his frame. The brothers always figured that he wasn’t toned, but this lack of bodyfat was almost concerning. Na’u’s mouth hung open as Ashara’s face showed nothing of the brittle body beneath.

“Sorry, I left you waiting. I-”

“You complain about Ophelia’s eating habits, but look at you?!” Na’u yelled while pointing at him, “When was the last time you ate? When you were sixteen? What’s going on with you?”

Ashara just kept smiling, before he walked up to the bed, “I’m just naturally more lean.” He pulled out some drawers beneath the bed, before putting some cushioning on top of it to make his little bed wider. Together he and Na’u lay side by side, shoulder on shoulder, staring up at the ceiling.

“... Why is it so awkward with you?” Na’u huffed.

“Is it?” Ashara asked without much thought, his eyes remained on the ceiling.

“Yeah! I just told you about my childhood trauma and you just lay there… like it never happened.”

“It’s not that it didn’t happen, it just doesn’t define you.”

“Can you stop being so cryptic?” Na’u huffed in annoyance, “Still… this is nice too.”

“Time for a nap?” Ashara asked, turning his head with a smile.

“What do I look like? A baby?” 

“No… just like someone who could use a little rest.”

Na’u grumbled a little before nodding off. The heat outside was unbearable, but in this little room, dark and cool, it was almost companionable. Ashara too was dosing as the day ran its course. Companions side by side, one frail in body, one frail in mind.

Once the sun dyed the horizon in a color as orange as the hair of an innocent young girl, the ringing in Taq’s phone suddenly stopped, and a voice began speaking.

Taq, are you there? This is Julie, it’s an emergency.

“Julie?” He answered, his voice raspy, hair unkempt.

It’s about Mañana. Apparently she ran away and we’re suspecting she might be heading towards you or the Sanctuary. Can you help?

Taq was immediately on high alert, rallying the entire household to search the entire city. They didn’t know where Mañana would come from, but they knew what she was looking for.

Taq would get on his motorcycle and search every street leading to and from their house and the Sanctuary.

Han would take the car and circle along the main roads of the city, trying to alert some people.

Ashara already notified Ophelia. The gym was half way through town; she promised to take as many detours as possible.

Lucy promised to stay at the sanctuary longer, in case Mañana showed up.

Na’u and Ashara would work together. Since Ashara couldn’t walk that well he would keep an eye on the local news, while Na’u chose to sprint down tight alleyways and some other nooks and crannies.

All their phones had the sound on, were charged and ready to go. They would find her.

Chapter Text

The engine screamed beneath him as he cruised through the streets, occasionally honking the horn, hoping Mañana would recognize it. His heart kept pounding in his ears as the sun slowly set. Well aware of the types of people that roamed these roads after dark, Taq looked down at his phone every few seconds, hoping to hear from his brothers.

A couple of messages came through. Ophelia talked to someone who saw a little girl appear near the playground on the east side. Taq’s machine would have almost slipped to the ground by how fast he was steering eastwards. The wind-rattled shirt whipped his back while he almost wanted to tear off the helmet just to be able to yell for the little girl better.

Han travelled along the dark road with sharp eyes. Despite the heat, his windows were shut and the doors locked. By day this area was safe and cozy, but every resident knew not to leave past sundown. Sketchy people made deals while shouts and broken glass littered the alleys. On an average day he’d get out of there as fast as possible—hell, he’d have avoided this part entirely—but right now there was more at stake. If Mañana really was in these parts at night, there is no telling what could happen to her.

As he drove, he found a suspicious group of people. They eyed him with a warning, furrowed eyebrows, and bared teeth. One of them had a deep scar across his brow and fidgeted with a knife that was too familiar. A knife with two black gems and a white tassel. Han squinted before continuing his search.

Ashara and Na’u wandered through the dark alleyways. While Ashara kept asking around and yelling Mañana’s name, Na’u casually strode by his side.

“You look like an old man. Cane and all.” He chuckled, noticing how Ashara hobbled next to him.

“I’m fine being an old man, as long as I can help bring Mañana home.” With a huff he continued walking, although he had to admit, sitting down on his cushioned bed and elevating his aching leg sounded like a dream right about now.

Together they turned a corner, and Ashara froze instantly. These people. Three of them. All of them, hauntingly familiar. The largest of them, the one with the stained wife-beater shirt playing with his knife, was about to turn his head towards them.

“Run.” Ashara immediately turned to shove Na’u back into the alley while he barely managed to limp after him, “Hide somewhere and don’t come out.”

“Nah, you’re not leaving…”

The voice rang through the alley, followed by rushing footsteps. The men caught up to Ashara easily and dragged him to the ground. In the heat of the moment, Na’u ran behind a garbage bin and quickly took out his phone.

“Look at you. Thought you knew that this was our turf.” The man leaned down towards Ashara so he could clearly see the deep scar on his brow. “And what’re you wearing anyway? You some sort of mystic?” He scoffed and reached down, smudging some of the leftover paint Ashara had on his cheek.

“This isn’t your turf. It’s a street like any other.” He struggled against the men holding down his arms, but before he could finish the sentence, the leader’s hand slammed down on his throat and began squeezing.

“I don’t know where you’ve been that you suddenly think you got the balls to speak up to me.” The goons laughed along with his boss, “I'm just kiddin’, of course you don't…” He took out his unique blade and began swinging it in front of Ashara's face. “We made sure of that, didn't we?”

With a smirk, the man dragged the blade down Ashara's entire torso, putting pressure down on his abdomen.

“What do you want, Kadan?” Ashara asked, his breath coming out stumbling as he tried not to move his stomach too much, worried that Kadan would force down the blade.

“Oh, so just because your crippled ass got out somehow, you think we're on a first-name basis?” Kadan spat on Ashara's cheek before he stood up, finally freeing his throat. “You want me to remind you who you are?” Kadan's foot leaned dangerously onto Ashara's injured ankle.

Ashara tried to hold firm but couldn't contain the scream. Behind the awfully smelling dumpster, Na'u's fingers were twitching to intervene, but not without backup. He was reckless, a smartass, and generally a pain in the ass, but even he knew that he couldn't fight three people at once, although that doesn't mean he didn't want to.

“That's what I thought, you little shit. I'm here to get my payment.” Ashara looked up at him in fear and exhaustion. “What, you think you get to live a peaceful life because you escaped us?” The whole alley exploded in laughter. “Nah… see this bitch?” He held up a picture that completely shut down any of Ashara's struggles. It was a recent photograph of Ophelia. “You know her… we know her. She still does errand work, doesn't she? All alone… jogging sometimes. Always takes the same route.”

“Leave her out of this.” Ashara hissed through his teeth, clenching them as Kadan's step increased in pressure.

“You don't have a say in this, Dog!” Kadan reminded, “Now, listen here. I need you to take a break, alright?”

His eyes widened, and he instinctively knew why. The replacement for his absence was a brand new curator. She was still studying, way too young to handle the responsibility, and Kadan knew that too.

“You knew, didn’t you?”

Kadan laughed, his weight on Ashara's ankle increasing dangerously, “I don't care about your little nerd. I just need you to take it easy for a few days and tell me where you store the good stuff. I'll be in and out in just a few seconds.”

“You don't know anything about these artifacts, and it shows…”

“Didn't I just say… take. It. EASY!” With a deep grunt, Kadan stomped down, and it was as if Ashara's whole world went up in flames.

It took him just one desperate yell before a sudden weight lifted off of his arm; wooden splinters rained down beside him.

He rolled onto his side, pulling his ankle close before he managed to open one eye just a fraction. There stood his knight in shining armor. The broken piece of wood clattered to the floor beside her.

Ophelia had rushed by with some wooden board while Na'u, too, came out of hiding. One of the three men was already out of commission, so Na'u found some confidence to help out.

“Well, look at that. If it isn't the same piece of shit that ruined my childhood. Still preferring to torment the weak, I see.” Ophelia spat.

Kadan didn't bother to acknowledge her. He simply sent his other goon straight for Na'u. Despite all his bravado and training, Na'u had no combat experience. Out of reflex he stepped back, but Ophelia was quick enough for both of them. With her shoulder she rammed the second guy into the wall.

“Get Asha out of here.” Ophelia instructed Na'u.

“I know he isn't that heavy, but I can't really carry him.”

“What are your muscles even good for, big guy?” She asked without taking her eyes off of Kadan's irritating smile.

“Dialing for help, I guess.”

“Do that then.”

As soon as Na'u reached for his phone, Kadan's smile vanished and was rather replaced by a roaring laugh, “Asha? So that's what you're going by now?”

Those words rang some alarm bells in Na'u's mind.

“Nobody gives a shit about what Ashara used to be.” Ophelia’s words brought Kadan's attention back to her: “But I'm not letting you go this time.” The gym satchel heaving from her shoulder was welcome baggage as she took out her kickboxing wraps and put them on before tossing the bag aside.

She dashed towards him, but for a moment of lucidity, Ashara's eyes could follow her as she ran straight into Kadan's blade.

Although she dodged expertly, her arm received a deep cut, just as Kadan had to deal with the blunt trauma of her fists against his stomach.

“You're still a fucking cheater.” Ophelia spat at him, but for one precious moment she got distracted. One of the guys she knocked out earlier grabbed her ankle, diverting her attention before Kadan met her with his forehead against her nose. She stumbled, trying to hold back the gush of blood.

The call had been made, and Na'u couldn't stand by idly anymore. He rushed over, and with a resounding crack, his fist connected to Kadan's jaw.

“Fuck man!... Who even are you?” 

“I am Na'u Cus-!”

Before he could even proudly introduce himself, Ophelia rushed to hold his mouth shut. “Don't give them any information!”

“Why not?! Who does he think he is?” Na'u protested, “Some lone thug with his two friends. Hey! You wanna go 1 on 1?”

“Sure, step up.”

“What are you doing?!” Ophelia hissed but couldn't get the one guy to let go of her, “Na'u!”

“This'll be easy.” Na'u chuckled as he assumed a slightly awkward but still confident stance, “I'll just knock him out and then-”

Before he could even finish his thought, Kadan flashed forward. With a simple arch, the blade hissed through the air before tearing through Na'u's shirt, skin, and muscle as it embedded into his side.

Ophelia and Ashara both witnessed it in shock. Na'u was absolutely frozen as his shirt stained crimson. Brutally, Kadan removed the knife, after which Na'u sank down to his knees, holding the wound.

Ophelia acted without thinking. She turned, kicking the man holding her leg straight in the head before steamrolling towards Kadan. As she rammed him into the wall, she heard a satisfying crack, sadly not one that was strong enough to wipe the grin off his face.

He managed to raise his trusty knife so close to her eye that she could almost feel it, but she kept him in check with her iron grip. “Don't even think about it.”

A harsh shove against the wall managed to dislocate his shoulder, and he dropped the knife.

“You are pathetic. Remember that next time you see me.” She growled before slamming her head against his, knocking him out.

This time she allowed him to sink down and collapse, but not before kicking his knife far out of reach. Right after she walked over to her gym bag, taking out a clean towel and pressing it against Na'u's side, “Keep pressure on it, okay?”

But Na'u appeared to barely notice it. His gaze was vacant, shocked, and erratic. “He stabbed me.”

“Yeah, but you'll be okay. You called paramedics, right?” Na'u nodded, so Ophelia tried to keep grounding him. “Yeah? See? It'll be okay. You'll get your help soon. And you too…” Her eyes fell on Ashara. He was quiet, but his face was contorted in agony while he held his discolored ankle.

Quietly, Kadan stirred, searching the ground for his knife but not finding it. His vision was blurry, and his coordination was fuzzy. Trying to get up, he stumbled a few times before Ophelia turned to face him.

“Leaving so soon? Police should be here any minute… why don't you introduce yourself?” The blood from her nose had since dried along her chin, and paired with the dark lighting, she appeared more like a fierce Amazonian warrior than ever before.

Kadan hissed before nudging his two goons and running off. She would have tried to run after them, but Ashara and Na'u needed someone to ground them, and her head began pounding horribly too, forcing her to her knees.

The minutes dragged by slowly, agonizingly, as they all could feel their injuries throbbing. Not long after, lights shone down the alleyway as a car parked. Someone got out, and Na'u sluggishly turned towards them. “Han…” he spoke with a fragile smile before collapsing against his older brother.

“Na'u what… what is…” Han's eyes widened as he touched the stain on his shirt and realized the pallor in his little brother's face. “Shit… shit. Stay here, Na'u!” He picked up the towel and pressed it against Na'u's injury.

“He called paramedics…” Ophelia spoke, “They should be here soon.”

“Okay… what happened? Ashara too, and- ugh…” Han flinched as he saw the blood on Ophelia’s face and her crooked nose.

“Na'u got stabbed,” she admitted, which caused Han to subconsciously hold him closer. “I think Ashara's ankle is broken.”

“Definitely broken…” Ashara hissed through his clenched teeth.

“Definitely broken.” Ophelia echoed as she gently raked her fingers through Ashara's coarse hair.

The sirens of the first responders already announced their oppressive wails from a few blocks away, causing them to let out a sigh of relief.

It all happened so fast suddenly; the paramedics loaded in Na'u and Ashara while Han volunteered to drive Ophelia himself.

Ashara was immediately wheeled into trauma surgery while Na'u got stitches and a blood transfusion.

Ophelia sat quietly beside him, mostly because Ashara was still gone. The monitors beeped gently; the only thing erratic was Han's footsteps as he chewed on his nails.

He was debating whether to alert the others. On one hand, he believed they should know; on the other, he didn't want to distract them from finding the little girl that was outside at night all alone.

Approximately an hour later, Na'u stirred faintly with a groan. His hand twitched, and his head tilted to the side, eyes slowly adjusting to the dark.

“Dad…?” His raspy voice immediately alerted Han, who stepped closer.

“Hey, wolf pup. How do you feel?”

“I feel… light… d’you know that I got stabbed?”

Han smiled faintly as he gently roughed up Na'u's hair. “I heard. Ophelia told me.”

“The ladies love a man with scars.” His speech slurred as he thought, “Wait… where is Ophelia?”

“I'm over here, dumbass.” Her voice was a lot more nasal than he remembered. His head turned slowly as if it was made of concrete.

It wasn't too easy for him to see as his eyes slowly adjusted, but when they did, “Pffffft. Han, Han… look at her! Her face!”

His laugh was surprisingly healthy, considering his condition.

“Are you sure now is the time to joke?” Her gaze was unimpressed as Na'u's fingers kept pointing at her. There was a cast over her nose, while her nostrils were packed, resulting in the change in her voice.

“Han, Han!” He kept laughing, which was clearly bad for his sutures, but the pain medication made him not care in the slightest. “Phelia… why is your nose like that?! It's so big.”

“Yeah? Bet you never heard that one before.”

Na'u gasped in disbelief, “Han… she talks.”

“I know, and you shouldn't. You're still weak and on painkillers. You should rest.” Han asked as she gently helped Na'u get comfortable, and for the first time, possibly ever, he didn't protest.

Once Na'u was quiet and sleeping again, Han turned to Ophelia, “You should get some rest too. Just take the other bed already.”

“I told you, I can't.” She groaned as she rubbed her head in exhaustion, “Ashara could be wheeled back any minute. I don't want to take his space.”

“Then I'll be your alert system; I'll wake you when they come in.”

After his suggestion, Ophelia turned faintly red. “Well… that's not the only reason. You know… with my nose clogged and all.”

“Hmm? What do you mean, like- ohhh.” After a moment, Han snorted, “You're afraid you'll snore?”

She turned an angry red this time, well, half angry, “Th-that's not- ugh, whatever! I'll just stay up.”

It wasn’t until the first ray of light hit the windows, painting the sky outside a gentle blue, that Na’u awoke to some insistent noise beside him. He woke in gentle irritation but relaxed when he noticed it was Ophelia.

“Hey… hey!” He swatted at her leg. “Can you get me some water?”

She grunted and stretched before standing up and getting him a bottle of water from a table beside the door, yawning in the meantime.

“How is Asha doing?” He rasped, still exhausted.

“Doing okay; he’s out of surgery and currently eating some pudding through his pain medication.” She smirked.

“Yo, can you imagine what it was like?” He asked before taking a sip, “Having your skin ripped open like that while they saw on your bones.” He made a sawing motion with his hand while Ophelia looked completely disturbed. “You know? Do you think they, like, re-broke his ankle to set it properly?”

“Dude…” Ophelia whispered before she gestured to the bed next to his.

There sat Ashara, the pudding dripping from his spoon as he was still slightly dazed from the painkillers, his ankle in a firm cast.

“Asha!” Na’u exclaimed, “You’re alive!”

Taq and Cilia both arrived at the sanctuary around the same time. Taq immediately rushed to Lucy, “Where is she?!”

He was clearly panicked, and, although Lucy would have wanted him to calm down first, she also knew that it wouldn’t work. “She is in the staff room.”

Taq stormed past her, leaving Cilia, as per usual, to calm the wake of his path. “What happened? Was she hurt at all?”

Lucy shook her head. “No. She is fine. I found her on that bench out there. She was cold and shaken but fine otherwise.”

Cilia nodded. “Do you know anything about Han, Na’u, the others?”

“No.” Lucy answered just as worried, “I saw the message. I hope they’re okay.”

Not a minute later, Taq came out with the little girl crying into his shoulder. Taq was just as pensive as her, rubbing her back while he whispered that everything was okay.

“Mañana?” Cilia asked gently as she touched her shoulder, “I know you really want to see Taq, but we have to go home.”

Taq raised an eyebrow at her words, “You know where she lives?”

“I do…” Cilia sighed, and with surprisingly little protest, Mañana let go of Taq as he sat her down on the ground.

“Can I sleep here, Cil?” Mañana asked with big eyes.

“I'm sorry, sweetie, you have daycare tomorrow, and you have no one to bring you.”

“Daycare?” Taq whispered as the puzzle pieces fell into place, “Which daycare?”

“The one down Maple Alley. Right next to-”

“Right next to your apartment…” He squinted at her. “You? You took her in?”

Cilia took a deep breath before she picked up the little girl. “Yes… I did.”

“But… but how? I… you also live alone and… I thought.” His voice faltered about as much as his knees.

“Don't get any ideas. I didn't do it for you!” She soon curbed her anger. “I did it for her. I almost wouldn't have been able to either, but the fact that my mom is a daycare teacher and lives nearby saved the case.”

“So… can she stay?” His voice was so full of hope it broke Lucy's and Cilia's heart.

“Not tonight… I'm still supervised by the adoption agency, and since you lost your case, leaving her with you could make me lose mine.” She allowed Mañana to hug him goodnight. “So I'd rather play it safe until we're in calmer seas… but it's not a no forever.”

Taq gasped before hugging her more firmly than he ever had before, “Thank you, Cilia. Thank you for not taking her away.”

She could already feel his tears soak through her shirt. “It's okay, big guy. You can see her again; just don't make this harder for her tonight.”

He moved away and sniffled, wiping his eyes. “Can I sleep at your place then?”

“Supervision, remember?” She tapped his forehead gently with a weak smile, “What if I get a surprise visit tomorrow morning? Just stay put for a little while, okay?”

“Okay…” He wiped his eyes before smiling at Mañana, “Don’t run away again, little sunshine, okay? I promise I’ll see you again very soon.”

“You do promise?” She whispered in exhaustion, This hour was not meant for children like her.

“Of course, I do.” He gently squeezed her cheek, which elicited a quiet giggle from her.

Cilia turned with a bittersweet smile as she walked to her car and sat Mañana down into her own little booster seat.

“And you’re not even worried about your brother?” Lucy asked while still waving Cilia goodbye.

“What?” Taq asked, his hand stuck mid-wave.

“Did you not read the message?”

“No?! What message?” He exclaimed.

“Look.” She held up her phone, showing Han's message about the hospital.

“They're in the hospital? All of them?!” He immediately dialed Han's number.

It was two weeks after the accident when the family lounged around in the backyard, which was missing the patio, which was still in the process of being rebuilt.

Ashara's ankle was still in a cast as he sat on a log, his crutches tossed aside. His complaints had been very vocal about them. Plastic and metal, it felt horrible beneath his grip. Unnatural, he said.

Han sat nearby, his thoughts still on who caused these injuries, since Ashara refused to drag him into this.

Taq was out on a playdate with Cilia and Mañana; he would not return until way late.

And Na'u… Na'u was shirtless, running around the woods behind their house, his side still bandaged, but he wouldn't let that stop him from milking the injury for his socials.

Suddenly a yell from inside the forest:

Oh my god, yes! Whoooo!

Na’u came running with a massive stick that branched out at the top, panting as he stops before the two.

“Ashara you are like a mystic, right? This branch is perfect for you!”

“Na’u, he is not a mystic; it’ll hardly-”

Ashara gently stopped Han with a raised hand before his gaze went to Na’u. His eyes were shining brightly in anticipation, and Ashara could swear if he had a tail, it’d be wagging right now. “Thank you, Na’u. I think I can make use of this.”

“Yes! Let’s go! In your face, Han!” Na’u celebrated before running off into the woods again.

Han crouched down to inspect the branch. “It's hollow; that means it can't support you.”

“No,” Ashara smiled weakly, a rare sight. “That means it can be reinforced.”

Han understood and smiled as well, “And decorated.”

Ashara nodded as he inspected the many twigs branching off at the top, already thinking of what to tie around as well as the significance.

“So… the guy who attacked you…” Han started.

“Don't even think about it. This is my fight.”

“It stopped being your fight when that guy attacked my little brother.” He answered seriously.

“Han-”

“Kadan, was it?” Han asked, which immediately stopped Ashara's words.

“Han, no…” Ashara's voice was low, desperate: “This is way out of your scope… please. You have to stay out of this.”

“You wanted me to cut down on work, right?” Han stood up before turning towards the house. “This is me giving back to the family.”

“Han, stop!” Ashara wanted to stand up, but his crutches tumbled away from him, so he was forced to let Han go.

Preventatively, he texted Ophelia, but there was nothing either one of them could do, so he sat there with a sigh.

“Asha!” The yell resounded again as Na'u came running out of the woods again, “Where is Han?”

“Gone.”

“Good, then we can talk alone.” He sat down on the log beside Ashara. Despite his eagerness, the words didn't come easy. “So… Ashara isn't your real name?”

Ashara sighed, his fingers fidgeting and foot tapping, “I…”

“Did you at least get to pick it yourself?” 

That brought Ashara a faint smile. “It was a collaborative effort… Ophelia had one of my old childhood books, and… that one was the name of the hero's best friend.”

Na'u laughed at that. “That sounds like you. Not taking the hero's name, but the one of his friend… are you happy with it?”

“It's merely a name… I don't spend much time thinking about it.”

Na'u smiled, “I think you do. You strike me as someone who thinks long and hard about the ‘power behind naming things,’ right?”

They both laughed for a moment until Na'u showed off some of the comments under his most recent video.

“Look, Asha. The people love you! They love the you, that is our Asha.”

• So this one guy just risked his entire ankle just to help out Na'u?

• They were both looking for that little girl and got into a fight for her safety?! You guys are adorable!

• I won't lie, Asha sounds like a dream right about now

• Na'u, are you sure your smell alone couldn't have fought off these guys?

• Anyone else here want Asha to be their older brother?

“They know my name…” Ashara whispered, his voice haunted.

“Yeah? You only said no pictures. No one knows what you look like.” Na'u answered, defensive but also worried.

“I-I know, but my name isn't exactly common. Kadan must have found you and figured…” Ashara's heart began beating faster. “Do I need to change my name again?”

“Hey, hey… it'll be okay.” Na'u gently held his shoulder. “We already showed them, right? They won't be back so fast. And we don't live alone; Taq and Han are here too.”

Ashara tried his best to calm down. “I know, I'm sorry, I-”

“Hey, don't apologize.” Na'u answered in a way that was more gentle than Ashara had ever heard before, “I saw what happened back then. I know you have history.”

Ashara nodded carefully and smiled. “Let's get into my room.”

“Ooh, is that a date?” Na'u giggled as he handed Ashara his crutches.

“Sure. Me, you, and all those ticks on your back.”

“What?!” Na'u shrieked and desperately tried to look behind himself. “God, my viewers would not like that at all. Don't tell anyone! I have a party to attend later.”

“I won't,” Ashara laughed gently, “Let's just get those parasites off of you.”

Back in Ashara’s room, Na’u was sprawled on his stomach on his host’s bed, while Ashara picked off the ticks one by one. “You said you’re going to a party later.”

“Yeah!” Na’u spoke in an overwhelming volume, “Okay, picture this! Me, I’m gonna shower for once and put on all my good clothes. All the prettiest women in the area, drinks, lots of drinks. It’s gonna be so good. And I have so many meet-and-greets set up-”

Na’u kept talking, but Ashara couldn’t hear it. Bile kept rising in his throat inexplicably. Na’u had disregarded his warnings in the past; he couldn’t just tell him that something bad might happen, so he tried a different approach.

“U-uhm, Na’u… what do you say… couldn’t we just spend the day together?” He asked, his voice uncharacteristically awkward, “I-I think I could maybe use some help with my leg… since the others are out.”

Na’u looked at him over his shoulder before he burst out laughing, “Ash, you’re capable. You can call Ophelia over.” He quickly sat up, crossing his legs and opposing Ashara.

“I just…” he sighed, admitting to his visions, “I don’t feel good at the thought of you going to that party.” He continued looking for the parasites without any judgment.

Na’u rolled his eyes with a kind smirk, “I am a big boy, Ash. I promise. Look, I’ll bring cond-”

“It’s not that.” His voice rose; it was barely a few notes, but still out of the ordinary for him. “You remember when I warned you last time? You went anyway, and then what happened?”

“That wasn’t about the party though!” Na’u fought back, “The party was fine! Everything was fine until Taq had to be a whole dick about it.”

“That’s not how my visions work.” Ashara lectured him, “I don’t care who did what, or how it happened. It ended with you in anguish, and that’s exactly what I saw. None of that would have happened if you had just listened to me and stayed home.”

“Oh, everything that happened is my fault now?” He hissed before standing up, “Great, love to have you in my corner.”

“Na’u… you know this is not what I meant.” Ashara rushed up, even through the pain in his ankle.

Na’u scoffed as he turned, “Yeah, you’d feel better. But I feel better when I’m out there with others! They don’t tell me that I’m a fuck-up or that everything is my fault.”

“I didn’t say that,” Ashara responded, desperate.

“But I know what you meant.” Na’u warned, “Thanks for the help, but I’ll be off now.”