Fading {Book Two of The Descendants series}

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Lloyd," Cole asked quietly. The others were walking behind the pair. "What is troubling you."

"I've got a bad feeling," Lloyd said shaking his head. "I don't know what it is, but this has something to do with one of my kids."

"You are worrying the guys," Cole said, pointing a thumb back at the others.

"I know," Lloyd sighed.

********************************

"Haley," Ronin said as he walked up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on the top of her head. She wrapped her arms around his. She suddenly turned and kissed him.

Ronin normally wouldn't have thought much of it but something did seem odd. Maybe Tyson was right. He hoped not.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

"I don't know," Ronin shrugged. "I'm worried about Tyson."

"He will be fine," Haley shrugged. "He is as tough as you were and are."

"You didn't really know me when I was ultra tough, bad guy though," Ronin raised his eyebrow.

"The guys tell stories," Haley waived him off.

"I've never heard them," Ronin shrugged.

"Most likely because they may be painful reminders," Haley pointed out.

"I suppose," Ronin sighed. "I'm going to go find Tyson."

"Be careful," Haley said worriedly.

"I'll be fine, Haley," Ronin smirked.

Ronin turned and walked quickly away from their camp sight. Tyson had stormed off to who knows where. If Tyson was anything like Ronin--which he most certainly was--he would be near water. Water was key to survival. They were survivalists. That is most likely why they are drawn to it.

Ronin was correct on his hunch. He made his way into the woods and soon located a water source. Just through the trees, Ronin could see Tyson sitting on a rock. He looked relaxed but Tyson knew better than to let his guard down.

Ronin made his way up behind his son and stood in silence. Tyson knew Ronin was there before he even said anything. He sighed and looked over his shoulder at Ronin.

"I'm sorry I got so upset," Tyson apologized after a few moments of silence.

"I'm sorry too," Ronin said, sitting down next to Tyson. "I have a bad habit of not trusting anyone with anything I wouldn't want anyone else to know. I'm afraid I even do it with you sometimes."

"I don't blame you," Tyson picked up a rock and skipped it across the water. "I would probably do that too if I had been through as much as you have."

"I shouldn't do it to you," Ronin argued. "You are my treasure and I refuse to loose you because I can't open up."

"You're aren't going to loose me, Dad."

Ronin didn't respond. He remained silent for a long time. Tyson didn't interrupt his thoughts. His dad would talk when he was ready.