Zanu!

All of them froze, their eyes widening in disbelief as they looked down at the little girl clinging tightly to Seichii's leg.

Seichii's eyes were wide with shock, the realization of the situation hitting him like a tidal wave.

He exchanged bewildered glances with the others, each of them processing the surreal sight before them.

"P-Papa…?"

Masumi stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her face paling as if the very ground beneath her was crumbling.

She struggled to process the gravity of the moment, her mind racing with questions.

"S-Seichii-kun... y-you have a d-d-daughter!?... W-when!? W-with whom!?"

She blurted out, taking a step back as if physically pushed by the weight of the revelation.

Her heart raced, and she felt a knot tighten in her stomach, as if her world had shifted dramatically in an instant.

"MASUMI-SAN, SHE ISN'T MY DAUGHTER!!! IT'S A MISUNDERSTANDING!!"

Seichii yelled, his voice cracking with urgency as he tried to clarify the absurd situation.

His face flushed crimson with embarrassment and panic, and he raised his hands in a defensive gesture.

"I'M JUST ABOUT TO TURN 17!! HOW CAN I HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO'S ABOUT 5 YEARS OLD?!"

The sheer absurdity of his claim left everyone momentarily speechless, their mouths agape in shock.

But the one person who seemed most affected was Ryoko.

She stood frozen, her gaze locked onto the little girl with an intensity that betrayed her inner turmoil.

Her brow furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line, as if she were assessing an unknown threat.

(T-This girl... How can there be such a dark aura around a child this young? There's something inherently wrong. Is this a trap? It must be…)

Ryoko thought, her mind racing as she scrutinized every detail of the girl's appearance.

Yet, as Ryoko continued to examine the girl, she found herself torn between suspicion and an undeniable pull of sympathy.

The girl's eyes sparkled with an innocence that felt almost magical, bright and full of joy.

The contrast of that innocence against the ominous energy surrounding her made Ryoko's heart ache.

The little girl looked up at Seichii, her expression radiant, with a beaming smile that lit up her face.

Her red hair, soft and curly, framed her cherubic features, making her seem even more enchanting.

For a fleeting moment, the dark, foreboding feelings that had lingered in the alley seemed to dissipate, replaced by a sense of wonder and warmth.

"Seichii… do you know her?"

Ryuu asked, his voice steady, but his brow furrowed with concern as he observed the bizarre turn of events.

"N-No! I've never seen her before in my life!"

Seichii's response was frantic, filled with confusion and a hint of panic.

The weight of their situation pressed heavily on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

As soon as she heard Seichii's words, the little girl's face fell.

Her joyful demeanor faded, and tears welled up in her big, innocent eyes.

She tugged gently on Seichii's sleeve, looking up at him with an expression that was both heart-wrenching and full of hope.

"Papa, are you upset? Please don't hate Zanu."

Her voice trembled as she spoke, her words fragile like glass, and the emotion behind them seemed to pierce the air with an undeniable sadness.

The sight of her distress struck a chord with the group.

Their hearts sank collectively at the innocent, tired eyes of the little girl, the depth of her feelings causing their protective instincts to flare.

Even Ryoko felt her resolve waver, torn between her instincts and the child's palpable innocence.

"P-Papa!"

The little girl repeated, her tone filled with warmth and familiarity, a certainty that resonated deeply, as though she believed every fiber of her being that Seichii was indeed her father.

She glanced around the group, her teary gaze pleading for understanding before returning to Seichii, her small hands gripping him tighter.

Masumi stepped closer, her expression softening as she crouched down to Zanu's eye level.

"Hi there, sweetheart… What's your name?"

She asked gently, her voice laced with kindness as she sought to comfort the girl.

Zanu sniffled, looking up at Masumi with eyes glistening from her tears.

"Zanu…"

She murmured, her small voice filled with a mixture of shyness and hope.

"What a wonderful name!"

Masumi replied, her smile growing warmer as she reached out to gently pat the girl's head, trying to wipe away her tears.

But as she did, Ryoko's expression changed drastically. Her eyes widened in shock upon hearing the name.

Images flooded Ryoko's mind—fragments of memories.

A drop of warmth fell from her eyes, tracing a path down her cheek as she fought to regain her composure.

"It's good to see you again… Zanu,"

She whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.

The tender connection felt so familiar, yet so distant, and it tugged at something deep within her.

Ryuu watched Ryoko, a mix of confusion and concern flooding through him.

(W-Was Ryoko-san crying right now!? And that look on her face… Does she know this girl? If so, what does that mean for Seichii? Is this girl really Seichii's daughter!? No, it's too unreal to believe!

But if Ryoko-san know this girl, it only means that she is also connected to everything happening with us.

Can she be the key to our first step into finding out our real identities?)

His thoughts raced, filled with a growing need to understand the tangled web of connections forming around them.

(But to think that Seichii might actually have a daughter! We need to unravel this mystery quickly!)

Ryuu's mind was a flurry of thoughts, all centered on the need for answers.

Zanu's gaze shifted back to Seichii, and with childlike trust, she tugged on his sleeve again, her voice quivering slightly.

"Papa… why did you leave me?"

Her innocent question cut through the air like a knife, and Seichii felt his heart skip a beat.

He looked down at her, completely unsure of how to respond.

The sudden turn of the conversation was overwhelming, leaving him feeling utterly lost.

A sense of urgency filled the atmosphere, and the group exchanged uneasy glances.

The initial surprise and humor of the situation began to fade, replaced by a deepening sense of caution.

The girl's sudden appearance and her connection to Seichii felt almost supernatural, as if they had crossed paths with a destiny they could not yet comprehend.

Ryuu cleared his throat, trying to dispel the tension.

"Um… little one, are you lost? Do you remember where you came from? Anything at all?"

His tone was soft, yet firm, hoping to coax out more of her story.

Zanu's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered his question.

"I was waiting… waiting for Papa to come back. They said he wouldn't come… but I knew he would,"

She replied, her voice imbued with a sense of quiet determination that belied her small stature.

As her words hung in the air, an emotional weight settled over the group.

Seichii's expression shifted, concern etched deep into his features.

Gently, he knelt beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Hey… are you in danger? Is there someone… or something… after you?"

He asked, his voice steady, yet filled with concern.

Fear flickered in Zanu's eyes for the first time, and she glanced nervously back toward the shadows, clinging to Seichii's hand as if it were her lifeline.

"The bad people… they don't like it when I leave. They said Papa is gone, but… I know he's not,"

She whispered, her voice trembling with fear, yet fortified with unwavering trust.

Ryuu's protective instincts surged, and he stepped closer to Seichii and Zanu, his gaze hardening with resolve.

"We're not going to let anything happen to you,"

He said firmly, glancing back at the others, who nodded in silent agreement.

Each of them felt a deep, instinctual urge to protect this mysterious child, even if they couldn't fully grasp the situation.

Seichii looked back at Zanu, placing a hand gently on her cheek, his heart aching at the fear reflected in her eyes.

"Is someone behind you? Who are these bad guys you're talking about?"

He asked softly, his voice imbued with tenderness as he sought to reassure her.

Zanu stood silent, her small body trembling as fear filled her gaze.

Seichii felt an unfamiliar pain twist in his chest, like a shadow threatening to consume him as he saw her distress.

Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly as he patted the back of her head soothingly.

"It's fine! You don't have to remember it if you don't want to.

Take your time and explain it to me when you're ready,"

He whispered, his tone full of warmth and understanding.

"Um, Zanu was afraid before, but not now. Papa is here to protect Zanu!"

She declared, her voice brightening as she hugged Seichii back, her spirit momentarily lifted by his reassurance.

"But the real problem is what should we do now!? How will we explain this situation to others, especially to your family?

I'm afraid that auntie will kill you if she hears about this,"

Ryuu said, a playful yet awkward smile creeping onto his face as he imagined the potential chaos.

Seichii blinked in surprise at Ryuu's words, but he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, the tension momentarily alleviated.

"Yeah, she would probably have a heart attack if she knew about this! I can already imagine her yelling at me for getting into trouble,"

He replied, shaking his head as if trying to brush off the seriousness of the situation.

"Well I know what to say to your family

Tell them that Zanu is my relative, her parents died in an accident when she was a child and since then my family is taking care of her.

But since my parents had to go overseas for work they left her in my care.

You looked like her father and she mistook you for her father. I didn't wanted to break Zanu's heart si I requested you to play along in this act!"

Ryoko stepped ahead with a little smile on her face as she explained the story to the others.

A bright smile appeared on Seichii's face face as tears of joy fell from his eyes. He kneeled to Ryoko and looked at her as if an angel has came from the heaven to save him.

Zanu's laughter rang out, a sweet sound that brought warmth to the chilly air around them.

"Papa, you're funny!"

She exclaimed, her bright smile returning. It was a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere just moments before, and it made everyone feel a little lighter.

As the group stood there, the bizarre circumstances binding them together felt oddly comforting.

Ryuu, with a determined expression, took a deep breath.

"For now, we need to ensure Zanu is safe. If there are bad people after her, we can't just let her roam freely.

Seichii, maybe we can find a place to hide out until we figure this out."

Seichii nodded, taking Zanu's small hand in his, feeling a surge of protectiveness wash over him.

"You're right. We should head back to the headquarters. It's the safest place I can think of."

Masumi chimed in, her voice steady and reassuring as she whispered to him.

"Don't worry, I believe in you!"

Her words put Seichii at ease as he looked at Masumi walking infront of him with a smile on his face.

As they started to move, Ryuu and Seichii led the way, keeping Zanu close by their side.

The little girl's grip on Seichii's hand was surprisingly strong, her confidence returning as she walked beside him.

Ryuu fell into step beside Ryoko, his mind racing with unanswered questions that seemed to swirl around him like the shadows in the dimly lit alleyways.

The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty, and the flickering streetlights cast eerie shapes on the cobblestones.

"Do you know her!?" he asked, his voice low and barely above a whisper, almost swallowed by the stillness around them.

Ryoko glanced at him, surprise flickering in her eyes at his earnestness. A small, enigmatic smile crept onto her lips.

"Don't worry, you will soon know yourself!"

She replied cryptically, her tone playful yet teasing, leaving Ryuu even more puzzled.

He sighed, a mix of frustration and amusement washing over him.

"I guess you're right.

The time will come when I finally uncover who you are and what role you play in my life.

Because in this life, you've already carved out a unique space for yourself in my heart."

As Ryuu whispered those words, a soft smile blossomed on his face, warmth radiating from his gaze as he looked at Ryoko.

It was a fleeting moment of vulnerability, a truth he hadn't fully acknowledged until now.

Suddenly, Ryoko turned to him, her expression shifting from surprise to confusion.

"D-did you say anything!?"

She stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly, betraying a hint of fluster.

Ryuu, caught off guard, felt a rush of warmth creep up his own face as he looked away, embarrassed.

"N-no, I didn't!" he blurted out, his voice a little too quick, his heart pounding in his chest.

As Ryoko studied him, her face turned a shade redder, but she quickly turned back to the path ahead, her mind racing.

They continued walking in silence, the air thick with unspoken feelings, a shared connection that seemed to grow stronger with each step.

.

.

.

As they moved cautiously through the bustling streets, Zanu looked up at Seichii with admiration, her eyes shining with trust.

"Papa, are we going to be together forever?"

She asked, her innocent voice filled with a longing that tugged at Seichii's heart.

Seichii glanced down at her, the weight of her question settling heavily on his chest.

"As long as I'm able, I will always be here for you,"

He replied, a promise echoing in his words.

Zanu's smile brightened the darkness surrounding them, a flicker of light in a world that felt increasingly uncertain.

And in that moment, despite the danger lurking in the shadows, the group felt a newfound sense of hope, the kind that could only come from the innocence of a child.

As they continued their journey, the air felt charged with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

They were stepping into unknown territory, each of them aware that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, yet together they would face whatever lay ahead.

Zanu had brought them together in a way none of them could have predicted, and as they pressed forward, they realized that sometimes, the most unexpected connections could lead to the strongest bonds.

.

.

.

As they made their way back to the headquarters, a sense of relief washed over them, the warmth of camaraderie contrasting sharply with the chill of the night.

Zanu's bright laughter filled the air, a sweet sound that seemed to chase away the shadows.

But lurking beyond their immediate surroundings, a more sinister presence was observing.

High above the streets of Paris, atop the iconic Eiffel Tower, a figure cloaked in darkness stood silhouetted against the moonlit sky.

His features were obscured, but the glint of his eyes shone with devious excitement.

Behind him knelt two ominous figures: one, a human form with an unsettling gaze with utter darkness in his eyes, and the other, shrouded in raven feathers, an embodiment of the night itself like a dark crow.

The mysterious figure leaned forward, his gaze fixed intently on the group as they moved with purpose down the street, unaware of the danger that lurked just above them.

"So, she escaped them and returned?"

He mused to himself, a sly smile creeping onto his lips.

"This is becoming quite intriguing. The act has taken a dramatic turn with her presence."

He chuckled darkly, the sound echoing off the iron structure of the tower.

"I can hardly wait to see how the lord will react when he learns about Zanu's return. This little twist is sure to spice things up,"

He added, his voice low and filled with malice, anticipation dancing in his eyes.

With a flick of his wrist, he vanished into the night, leaving only the faintest whisper of his sinister laughter hanging in the air.

.

.

.

Back at the headquarters, Ryuu felt a sudden chill creep up his spine, as though an unseen presence had brushed against him.

He paused, glancing back toward the street, but saw nothing amiss.

"Did you guys feel that?" he asked, concern etched across his brow.

Seichii looked back, brow furrowing slightly.

"Probably just the wind,"

He replied, but a hint of uncertainty laced his tone.

Masumi crossed her arms, her instincts alert.

"No, it felt different. Like someone was watching us. We need to be cautious,"

She urged, her eyes scanning their surroundings, ever vigilant.

Zanu, still clutching Seichii's hand, looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

"Papa, are there bad people here?"

Seichii knelt beside her, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"No, Zanu. Just some wind," he said, though inside he felt a creeping unease.

As they entered the headquarters, Ryuu stepped forward, taking charge of the situation.

The atmosphere shifted slightly, but the underlying tension remained palpable. This was his moment to lead, to protect those who had grown to depend on him.

"We need to come up with a plan," he stated, his voice firm and commanding.

"If there's someone after Zanu, we need to figure out who they are and why they want her. We can't afford to let our guard down."

His words resonated through the room, drawing everyone's attention. Ryoko nodded, her expression serious as she considered their options.

"And we need to ensure Zanu feels safe here. She's already been through so much."

Zanu, sensing the growing tension around her, piped up with an innocent smile.

"Papa, can we play a game? It'll make everything better!"

Seichii chuckled softly, touched by her resilience.

"Of course! Let's play a game and have some fun before we deal with the serious stuff,"

He replied, his heart swelling with warmth despite the looming threat.

Ryuu observed the exchange, his protective instincts flaring. This was not just about playing games; it was about creating a safe space for Zanu.

"We'll find a way to protect her, no matter what it takes,"

He vowed, determination burning in his eyes. He felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, a familiar burden he was prepared to bear.

(After all, she is my only lead in reaching the truth!)

As they settled in, laughter and playful banter filled the lounge, but beneath it all, the knowledge of the lurking danger remained.

Ryuu, observing Zanu and Seichii's interaction, felt a stirring urgency deep within.

They needed to uncover the truth about Zanu and the dark figure now entwined with their fate.

Outside, the mysterious figure continued to watch from a distance, his eyes glinting with malice.

"Let the games begin,"

He whispered to himself, knowing that the threads of fate were weaving a tapestry that would soon ensnare them all...