Page 100 of Pandion

“Did he say ‘zapped to death’?” She asked this from Harumine but turned to her father, visibly worried. “Did you know about that?” Her voice was a mere whisper.

“There have been incidents with empaths recently. I haven’t been following it that closely, but as I understand, some injuries were reported. I’m sure it’s the usual hyperbole…”

“No. Not just injuries. Deaths. Most of us have lost someone or something, if not everything.” Harumine didn’t want to cause needless worry, but he could scarcely remain silent. The situation was utter sewage, and they ought to at least be aware of the severity. “Myself and your son included.”

“He said he didn’t need money—”

“Oh shush, Dad! I’m about to bubble wrap my little brother and bring him to Italy with me. Deaths? Here in Japan? How is that even possible?” Reika eyed them both, dropped her fork on the table and tried to look for her brother through the open door, barely staying in her seat as she did so.

“We’re fine, but the past few weeks have been rough. To be honest, I didn’t know if there was any point to us coming here.” Harumine took a deep breath. “I was hoping I’d find someone who’d look out for him in case something happened to me.”

Kagesawa’s parents didn’t exactly seem reliable or up for the job. Reika cared enough to be worried, but would she be of any use if Kagesawa needed help?

“I thought you were an elite SEU student. Nothing’s going to happen to you that you can’t handle, and you’ll take careof my brother, right?” Apparently she had some unreasonable expectations, and she wasn’t afraid to voice them.

“I’m an empath not a soldier or a bodyguard. I know some self-defence and hobby-level archery, but I don’t even carry a bow.”

Harumine hadn’t picked this profession for the danger and excitement but the intellectual challenges and the promise of a neat desk job. He did not have the stomach for any more death or injury, so, if he had to return home and pick lily bulbs for the rest of his life, that seemed like the better option.

“Is he that incompetent?” Kagesawa’s father looked sour.

“No, of course not.” Harumine was about to bust a vein from having to explain. “I’m talking about the emotional toll. He’s an adult. He can take care of himself. Hell, he’s been sorting out the lives of thousands of other people this past week despite his condition. My worry is he’s had to deal with too much to bounce back if something happens to me. He’s already had his best friend die. He’s had to leave his home and his community. I was hoping he’d have someone left to help him get back on his feet if I can’t be there for him.” It had been a stretch, but he didn’t know who else Kagesawa had to turn to if things got worse. Perhaps it was a little too optimistic to hope his family could offer him something other than money.

Kagesawa returned to the dining room alone but looked relieved.

“She said she’s tired and will stay in her room, but she accepted my apology.” He sat down and ate with a good appetite despite his food already being cold. Whatever talk he’d had with his mother, he was satisfied with it.

“I’ll have my driver take you to the ferry. The ferry should be safe if you stay in your cabin. Do you have someone picking you up when you arrive?” Kagesawa’s father asked.

“Yes, I’ve let them know when we’re coming,” Harumine replied.

“All right, you have my word. Until then, I’m trusting you with my son. Take good care of him.”

What’s with him? What did I miss?Kagesawa eyed his father and Harumine suspiciously.

“I’ll take them. It’s less conspicuous that way,” Reika said.

Kagesawa turned to stare at her instead.What did you say to them?It was not a drastic change, but Kagesawa had sensed it at once.

“Fine. But first, let’s have some dessert, and your brother can tell us what he’s been up to.” Compared to the polite small-talk from before, Kagesawa’s father now seemed sincerely interested.

Chapter 37

Had Reika always been this clingy? Kagesawa wondered when she hugged him goodbye at the terminal. If it hadn’t been a 15-hour drive, she said she would have driven them all the way to Hokkaido herself. She even said she’d try to make more of an effort to keep in touch, but because she’d be extremely busy for the next month or two, if he didn’t hear from her for a while longer, it was nothing personal.

Satoru must have said something remarkable for it to have this effect on her, or she’d grown much softer with age. It didn’t feelbad, but it was strange that she could so easily feel like an actual sister after so many years of being abrasive and distant.

The Sunfish Memuro ferry had been recently refurbished and, despite its respectable age, looked fresh and welcoming as they boarded. The peak travel season had yet to hit, and with the recent events, there were even fewer leisure travellers than usual.

What sort of tickets did you book?Kagesawa examined his boarding pass for a clue, a bit embarrassed to have to rely on Satoru so much.Comfort class? Where’s that?

“I think we’re on deck five,” Satoru responded.We should probably try to speak normally as much as possible to avoid suspicion.

“Oh, right.”

Kagesawa followed Satoru to the storage lockers to store their bags and to a room with thirty or so pod beds with privacy curtains. He was a little relieved Satoru had picked what seemed like the cheapest option that still offered enough privacy. His funds after the whole SEU rescue operation were running low, and there was no telling when they’d be able to start working again.

He could have mooched off of his father, and his refusal had perhaps been foolish pride, but as long as he still had enough to get by, he’d rather make do on his own.

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