Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 214: Challenge

"Can we talk?"

Zhu Li normally didn't bother making her presence known. In a similar vein to Suzume, Zhu Li preferred to keep to herself by acting as a force that remained within the shadows.

However, by remaining in the shadows, Zhu Li stood back and observed, allowing her to notice cracks forming in the group that Ren and the others would've otherwise ignored.

Since landing on Crescent Island, Zhu Li set her eyes on; Renji Tachibana, Jack Wolfe, and Nyssa Hale. Besides being the youngest group members, one similarity they had in common was all being byproducts of Home.

"It's important." Zhu Li emphasized. "If you don't hear me out I fear all your efforts will go to waste."

"Uh, yeah, sure." Ren blinked. It was strange for Zhu Li to approach him abruptly. Usually, Zhu Li kept away, seemingly not enjoying the rowdiness of Ren's party. Compared to the likes of Natsumi and Jack, Ren could see why. Natsumi was typically quiet unless provoked, and Jack avoided confrontation every chance he got.

This is definitely out of her element. Ren assumed. He slid his shoji door and invited Zhu Li inside.

"Suzume already left?" Zhu Li murmured. She almost sounded surprised.

"Yeah, well, Suzume is a morning person. She usually doesn't stay in bed for long. If I'm not gone by the time Suzume wakes up, then she's out of bed by the crack of dawn." Ren admitted. "She likes going on morning strolls since the sunlight isn't as fierce on her skin."

"How pecilular." said Zhu Li.

"You sound surprised." Ren remarked.

"It's because I am." Zhu Li crossed her arms and gazed at the room. For the most part, Ren's bedroom was relatively dull. She saw twin futons placed together to make a low mattress. Next to the futon were folded blankets and folded clothes that Natsumi managed to weave during their time there. "I expected to see Suzume resting. For the past week, I assumed she had sleepless nights. After all, you two seem to be going at it like rabbits."

"What?" Ren's face burned red. "I didn't... I mean... I'm sorry..." Ren apologized. He tried to come up with excuses, but after noticing Zhu Li's observant glare, he knew he couldn't run from the truth.

"You have no reason to apologize. I know it's in your blood." Zhu Li sighed. "You Wolfe's don't differ much in that regard." Zhu Li placed her hand on Ren's shoulder. "But, if I can give you some advice, do it with moderation. You already have one child and are about to have a second. At this rate, a third and a fourth are bound to follow. If you care in the slightest about your sanity, I would suggest slowing down at least for a few years."

"Was this what you wanted to talk about?" Ren asked, breaking the ice. He hoped Zhu Li's sole intention wasn't to advise him about sex education.

"No, it was something my mind happened to stumble upon at the moment." Zhu Li unfolded her arms and glanced downwards. "May I?"

Ren stepped out of her way. "Uh, yes."

Zhu Li walked in and quickly sat down, crossing her legs. Ren followed her and did the same deciding to sit directly across from her.

"What I wanted to talk about is something far more important." Zhu Li emphasized.

"What is it?" Ren asked.

"I want to know what are your intentions for the hero world after Michael's defeat and what do you plan on doing with affiliating organizations like Home?"

"What do you mean?" Ren asked densely.

Zhu Li's glare sharpened like a steel machete. "What I am asking is, what do you plan on doing after we are done here?" She raised her voice. "What is your end goal, Ren? Do you plan on destroying the Hero Association or reforming it? Will you punish the heroes who stand against you, or will you forgive them? How do you intend to deal with the children imprisoned in Home? Do you plan on rehabilitating them, or will you put them out of misery by killing them? These are questions I have, Ren, and those are questions people are bound to ask you once you reach the top."