EDIH

6: Just One Day

Bey City, Japan, Earth

September  27, 2016

Tyson was walking home after the hectic day in the BBA building. He still felt something was amiss while the others were still mulling over the events that had taken place in the training room - namely, the display of Ragnarok's power and the announcement of the new tournament.

"Well, we're heading home." Aya waved goodbye to Hilary, Kenny, Tyson, Riku and Rin as she, Nami, Hikaru, Shun and Kaori finally made it to their neighborhood. Eden, Rikku and Ritsu had left the BBA building before them so it was just them now.

"See you tomorrow in school, Aya-mermaid." Riku waved as they watched the group leave. Once they were out of sight, Riku yawned leaning close to Rin, who was pushing his wheelchair, "Rin-rabbit, are Takao and Ann waiting for us the dojo already?"

"You're not staying in your apartment?" Tyson asked, a little shocked that the Mizushima family was just going to barge into his house without notifying him first. Grandpa wouldn't mind the visitors - Rin was his favorite student and he loved Ann, Takao and Riku who adored him as well - though.

Rin shook his head before huffing, "Takao happened to find a nest of termites living there and it ate pieces of our wall and furniture. We're waiting for renovations and the fumigation. We had been staying with Aya and the others but Ann was annoyed that she kept bumping into the furniture so we're going to be in the dojo for a while. Ann says she knows it better."

"Rin-rabbit was against staying in the dojo cause he's scared of Aiko." Riku laughed. Rin blushed, causing Hilary, Kenny and Tyson to snicker at him. It was no secret that Rin was afraid of cats - due to an incident in his childhood with Kai that Rin refused to talk about but made Kai laugh and tease the other - so he avoided the dojo since Aiko had been adopted.

"You're so weird, Rin," Hilary laughed, "Cats are so cute and fluffy, how are you so scared of them?"

"They're evil, deceitful creatures that are lulling you into a false sense of security," Rin answered with a slight pout, which made him seem his age than his usual appearance, "You don't know a cat's true nature."

"But Aiko's a sweetheart." Kenny laughed. To have even Kenny laugh at you was pretty humiliating and Rin looked away from them, huffing. He was ignoring everyone as they walked through the neighborhood until Kenny and Hilary made it home. At least, then, he had the curtesy to say goodbye before he, Tyson and Riku made their way to the dojo.

"I do hope that Takao is done in his studio. Ann was with him, discussing about the event she's going to organize. So long as there isn't another auction, we're good, right?" Riku wondered aloud before he nodded off without any preamble. Rin laughed affectionately before placing a gentle hand on Riku's head. 

"You're so whipped for Riku." Tyson teased.

"He's technically my ward." Rin answered, still staring at Riku with affection, "I care a lot about him, ever since those days when we were first taken by the Forsaken Fallen."

Ever since the final battle, Tyson had regained most of his repressed memories of those days in darkness. He couldn't remember everything but he remembered enough to remember how Rin had been such a bright light in their dark years. He'd been so kind and caring, even though he hadn't been that much older than everyone else.

"I know. You cared about all of us as if we were family."

Rin chuckled, "Too be honest, I was terrified. The only reason why I was kind was because it made me feel better to ease your fears. When I was alone in the darkness, I wanted Kai to save me, like he used to."