“I went too far. I realize that now,” she says, the only sound heard after being the crunch of the ground as she walks away. The clicking of Takei and her bones makes her way up.

“You taught me a lot, even if it was a short match, because you’re so much stronger than me. I am grateful that despite me not being a good combatant, thank you for giving me the chance to learn.” A new resolve is unlocked inside. She knows it’ll take a massive amount of work, but she can see herself doing it.

“I know you can overcome it. The challenge ahead of you, I mean.” There is a staring of her own charm, the bunny; a bunny. A bunny. “I hope you all don’t mind. I am a little tired from all the training. It’s been just two days, and I’ve clocked in twenty-two hours already. Last day tomorrow, then that bastard will show up. None of you slack! All right! See you.” She takes her leave.

“Your friend,” Angel says softly. “She’s an enigma to herself. I do hope she can find what she’s searching for.”

Takei is confused by her saying, although the pain is causing her head to haze as she reaches down and begins to heal her stomach.

“I think I’m getting better at healing. I can tell what she damaged now. She ruptured my stomach lining, and my guts herniated.” The washing of relief is welcome. “May I be free, as free as a bird up in the sky. Fly, fly, fly,” she sings.

“My, what a beautiful voice you have. It’s almost motherly if I can be so forward.”

“Motherly? I never took myself for the mothering type,” she says, grabbing her belly. “But, maybe someday. I wouldn’t mind caring for my own child.” The memories of her mother play in her head. She can’t help but wonder if she will be able to take the same pedestal of perfection as she did.

Okazaki and Ishimoto approach.

“Damn, Takei, you were a tank out there, huh? Took that beating like a champ!” Okazaki bursts out in laughter.

“I’ll agree. It was most interesting to see you fight.” Ishimoto sees she is still weak in her legs. “If you need help back, we can help,” he offers.

“Yes. That would be amazing,” she answers.

“We got you.” Okazaki goes to one side, and Ishimoto is on the other.

“Excuse us, Angel. We’ll be taking her back from here.”

She nods, allowing them to take her back. They set her down on a cushion made by Shoji comfortably by Keiko.

“You know, that’s really helpful when you want people to relax. I won’t swoop it away from you or anything.”

Outreaching, Keiko hands Takei a water bottle. “Here, thought you’d be thirsty. Also, you scared us! Ah, seeing you take that punch was so frightening!”

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“Yeah, really sorry about that.” She takes a drink, and the parched senses of her throat are quenched, making it a lot easier to speak.

“I couldn’t escape the feeling either. The way she fights, it’s devastating.” Angel returns as well. She adjusts the band in her hair. “In this instance, it is worrisome. Overall, however, I find comfort that you have someone like her. So skilled and dedicated.”

“She’s hot-headed.” Kubo threw in. “In fact, too hot-headed. The way she fights is devastating, sure, but that’s not all that is needed in a fight. Her recklessness will be her ultimate downfall.”

“I hate to say it, but part of me believes the same.” Ishimoto spews the fire from burning out with a stick. “There is something holding her to the standard. I cannot say for certain, but I hope she comes to terms with it before we face stronger enemies. I have no doubt we can take on Mr. Pond with how she handled him last, but Miss Bones…” He pauses. “She is entirely different. Her genius isn’t a lie. She did things I wouldn’t have even thought to do with my own Remnant. It was like she secured every form of danger before she even sat down.”

“Yeah, she was really smart.” Keiko stares into the trees. “If Ishimoto is shocked by it, then she is really dangerous. I mean, he’s smarter than any of us…”

“It’s why we can’t rely on one mind.” He brings the journal out. “I’ll study this and get back to you all once I figure something out. For now, I’ll head home. It’s getting late.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna head out, too, guys. Probably get a ride in before twelve.”

“Be careful. Motorcycles can be dangerous, Okazaki,” Angel says.

“Aww, come on, Angel, you know me. I ain’t that stupid.”

“Not most of the time, anyway,” Ishimoto says, standing with a smirk.

“Whatever! Anyway, you wanna walk home with us, Angel?”

“Sure.” She rises. “It truly is late, as you said. Goodbye, everyone. I hope you feel better soon, Takei.” Once they all leave, all that remains is them. Shoji dozes off, Keiko heats her body up by the fire, and Kubo stays staring into space. Takei feels the effect of the healing work, though she can’t move much and still has to recover.

“You did well out there, Takei. You held your own. That’s all that matters,” Kubo says, his eyes fixated in the distance.

“Thank you, Kubo. I knew I was never going to be any match for her. She’s quickly becoming strong. I just wanted to see if I could have a chance of going against someone like her,” she says.

“And you did. An impressive feat, especially for someone who has a personality like hers. I didn’t think she would stop like she did with Okazaki. Maybe she has a soft spot for you.”

“Yeah, he’s right. I didn’t think she stopped either.” Keiko plops herself next to Takei. “She was like a Rottweiler. She was sinking teeth into you and not letting go, but with you, she was more like a Kishu!”

“Aww, I like Kishus.” Takei giggles.

“Right!? Those little guys are adorable! Got her acting all adorable and de-fanged around you.”

“Well, we have known each other for a long time. She was one of my first friends before we all met one another. It was hard when she moved to America. I missed her.”

“We all did, and hey, when you say it like that, it makes it sound like you missed her more than you’d miss us!” she explains.

“No, no, no! I didn’t mean it like that at all, I swear! Ah, I was just reminiscing about the past.” She sighs, feeling bad if it was taken that way.

“Hehe, I’m kidding! I know you would. I was just teasing you. Look at you all red in the face, little tomato girl!” She pokes her cheek, softly swirling it around.

“Hey, now you’re just treating me like I’m dough.”

“I’ll make you into a pizza!” She smiles.

“You kids are strange. Very strange.” He lets out a sigh. He has never experienced a group of kids such as this.

“We’re strange things, ain’t we?” Keiko giggles.

“Do you think Usagi will be all right?” Takei asks. The suddenness of the question throws Keiko off. She taps her chin, thinking about it.

“Well, you know her. She’s a resilient girl; can’t keep her down.”

“Yeah, you’re right… I suppose I just can’t help worrying about you all now and again,” she says.