Bonds Intertwined

The dorm room was dimly lit, illuminated only by the soft glow of Remond's desk lamp. Books and papers were scattered across his desk as he buried himself in his studies, trying to block out the world. The ticking of the clock on the wall was the only sound in the room.

A knock at the door broke the silence.

Remond glanced toward it, hesitating for a moment. "Come in," he finally said, his voice low.

The door creaked open, and Innes stepped inside, her soft footsteps barely audible. She looked around, taking in the cluttered room before her gaze settled on Remond.

"This is the first time I've been in your room," she said with a small smile.

Remond didn't look up from his notes. "Yeah, well, it's not much to look at."

Innes crossed her arms, studying him. "You've been avoiding everyone lately. I thought I'd check on you."

"I'm fine," Remond replied curtly, still not meeting her eyes.

"No, you're not." Innes stepped closer, pulling out the chair opposite him and sitting down. "You've been distant. From Hayato, from Sid, even from me. What's going on?"

Remond sighed, setting down his pen and finally looking at her. "It's complicated."

"I'm listening," Innes said, her tone gentle but firm.

After a moment's hesitation, Remond began to speak. He told her about what had happened to Hayato, the vigilante mission that went wrong, and Sid's secret operation. He explained how he and Sid had drifted apart, how their disagreement had created a rift between them.

"Sid wanted me to join him," Remond said, his voice heavy. "He wanted us to work together, to fight back against the Axiom Syndicate. But I said no. I told him I wanted a simple life, a harmless life. I don't want to get involved in something that could paint a target on my back—or on the backs of the people I care about."

Innes listened quietly, her expression unreadable. When he finished, she leaned forward, her eyes searching his. "Remond," she said softly, "I understand why you feel that way. But this doesn't sound like the Remond I know."

He frowned. "What do you mean?"

She met his gaze, her voice steady. "The Remond I know didn't hesitate to throw himself into danger to protect Sid and me when we were attacked by that werewolf on Bloody Night. The Remond I know is brave, selfless, and determined to do what's right, no matter the cost. Where is that Remond now?"

Her words hit him harder than he expected. He looked away, unable to meet her eyes. "That was different," he muttered.

"Was it?" Innes asked. "Or are you just telling yourself that because it's easier to run away than to face the truth?"

The room fell into a heavy silence. Remond didn't respond, and Innes didn't push him further. Instead, she stood up, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Think about it," she said gently. "And remember, you don't have to go through this alone."

With that, she left the room, leaving Remond alone with his thoughts once again.

---

Hayato's Patrol

Under the cover of darkness, Hayato moved silently through the city streets, his ears tuned to every sound. His wolf-like senses made him an unparalleled tracker, and his Hatsu added a new layer of precision to his movements.

His ear pods crackled to life as Sid's voice came through. "Anything suspicious on your end?"

"Not yet," Hayato replied, his voice low. "Just a lot of quiet streets and closed shops."

"Figures," Sid said. "Crime's been quieter since the Lunar Hunter's been back in action. Word's getting around that the vigilante doesn't mess around."

Hayato smirked. "Good. Makes my job easier."

There was a brief pause before Sid spoke again, his tone more serious. "So… how's Remond?"

Hayato hesitated, his steps slowing. "Same as always. Quiet. Distant."

Sid sighed. "I wish things were different. I never wanted us to fight, you know?"

"I know," Hayato said. "But you two are stubborn. Someone's gotta make the first move."

Before Sid could respond, his voice sharpened. "Hold on, I've got something. There's a robbery in progress near the old factory. Looks like a gang hit."

"Got it," Hayato said, already changing direction. "Send me the location."

"Be careful," Sid said.

"Always am," Hayato replied before cutting the connection.

---

Back at Master Ho Dieng's dojo, Yuki sat cross-legged on the tatami mat, her brow furrowed with concern. Master Ho Dieng was across from her, sipping tea as if the world outside didn't exist.

"Grandfather," Yuki said, breaking the silence, "I'm worried about Hayato."

Ho Dieng raised an eyebrow, setting down his cup. "Why? He's stronger than ever. His training is progressing well."

"It's not his strength I'm worried about," Yuki said. "It's his safety. He's out there every night, putting himself in danger. What if something happens to him?"

Ho Dieng's expression softened, a rare glimpse of emotion breaking through his usual stoic demeanor. "You care about him," he said simply.

"Of course I do," Yuki said, her voice firm. "He's my friend. And he's been through enough already."

Ho Dieng nodded slowly. "Hayato is driven by his own sense of justice. It's not something you can change or control. But he's not reckless. He knows his limits."

Yuki sighed, looking down at her hands. "I just wish I could do more to help."

"You're helping more than you realize," Ho Dieng said. "Sometimes, just being there for someone is enough."

Yuki looked up at him, her eyes shining with determination. "I won't let anything happen to him. I'll make sure of it."

Ho Dieng smiled faintly. "Good. He'll need people like you in his corner."