During the police car ride to his house, Jake tried to warm up to Luna, as he hadn't formally introduced himself. "My name is Jake Harada! What's yours?" he said with a warm smile, trying to make Luna feel more at ease.
"Luna Estrella," Luna replied, emotionally guarded. She was more focused on finding answers about the whereabouts of the seven swords than engaging in conversation.
"So, you're from the future? What's it like?" Jake continued, hoping to ease her tension.
"It's not good. Do your parents really know about the seven swords? This is urgent," Luna said, her mind set on her mission rather than making friends.
"I'm not really sure, but my parents are friendly and knowledgeable. Maybe they know something," Jake replied, with a hint of uncertainty, sincerely hoping his parents could help.
After this exchange, a sense of awkwardness settled in as both fell silent during the remainder of the ride to the Harada household.
The police car arrived in front of the Harada residence, a house radiating tranquility and familial warmth amidst the leafy sprawl of a serene suburban neighborhood. It was a stark contrast to what Luna had just encountered on Santa Monica Boulevard and her dangerous run-in with Rex.
The police duo escorted Luna and Jake out of the car, ensuring Luna's safety and verifying that Jake was not another scammer. Ethan knocked on the door, waiting for someone to answer. A woman exuding nurturing warmth and homely charm opened the door, her expression shifting to one of shock at the sight of the police officers, Jake, and Luna.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b5/Elizabeth_Harada_Profile.png]
"Jake, what's going on?" she asked, concerned that her son might be in trouble. She was Elisabeth Harada, Jake's mother, a housewife. Her shoulder-length blond hair framed her face in soft waves, and her vibrant blue eyes sparkled with inherent kindness. Dressed in a cozy ribbed sweater, her attire spoke volumes of her preference for comfort and functionality, reflecting her devotion to her family's well-being.
"Hi, ma'am, my name is Inspector Ethan Zhang, and this is my partner, Inspector Tyler Jenkins," Ethan introduced himself to Elisabeth. He then recapped the entire incident in the alley, with Elisabeth looking at Jake unhappily, despite his role as a hero and savior, and glancing at Luna, uncertain of how to react. Jake, unable to meet his mother's eyes, stared down at the ground.
"Just doing our routine check, ma'am, to ensure everything is in order, as your son wanted to help this lady. Would you mind providing your family details?" Tyler asked with a friendly, approachable smile. Elisabeth complied with his request, providing their family information. "Paging headquarters, I'm here to check on these individuals..." Tyler confirmed that the Harada family had no criminal record.
"Mdm, everything is alright. Thank you for your cooperation. We'll be leaving now," Ethan said with his serious and professional demeanor. The two officers waved goodbye, leaving Jake and Luna at the Harada residence as they returned to their police car and drove away.
"Jake Harada, you have a lot of explaining to do!" Elisabeth exclaimed as she led Luna and Jake into the house.
Entering the house, they were greeted by the cozy ambiance of the living room. It was a space that told the story of the Harada family, adorned with photographs capturing moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness. The room was anchored by a well-loved couch that seemed to invite long hours of relaxation and conversation. The warm, inviting atmosphere was enhanced by soft lighting and the gentle hum of a nearby heater, making the space feel like a true haven of comfort and safety.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/e9/Fumio_Harada_watching_a_baseball_game_on_television_in_his_house.png]
In the living room, Fumio Harada, Jake's father, was engrossed in the unfolding drama of a baseball game on television. A casual observer would easily recognize him as a big baseball fan, evidenced by the telltale signs of a life well-lived in his appearance—from his neatly combed black hair to the relaxed fit of his white baseball jersey and light blue jeans, reflecting his passion for the sport. His love for baseball likely influenced Jake's choice of a baseball bat as his weapon.
"Mr. Fumio Harada! There's so much commotion outside, and you're just glued to your baseball game, not even bothering to see what's happening!" Elisabeth reprimanded her husband, unusually addressing him by his full name instead of the usual "Honey," indicating her displeasure at his lack of attention to the events outside.
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Recognizing the seriousness in his wife's tone when she used his full name, Fumio turned his attention away from the television. Upon noticing Luna, he offered a light-hearted jest, "Well, well, Jake! Who's your friend? Don't tell me you've finally got a girlfriend! Is that why you're unhappy? Our boy has finally grown up! That should be something to celebrate..." His teasing tone was a mix of surprise and playful curiosity.
Caught slightly off-guard by his father's immediate interest, Jake's cheeks flushed a gentle shade of red as he hurried to clarify, "Dad! No, she's just a girl I met and helped." His attempt at an explanation was earnest, albeit tinged with a hint of embarrassment.
Elisabeth interjected with a hint of exasperation, "Your son is playing the hero role again and got into trouble with law enforcement." Her tone suggested that this wasn't the first time Jake had found himself in a tricky situation due to his penchant for helping others. She then began recounting the details of what had happened outside, while Fumio listened attentively, nodding as he absorbed the story.
Fumio then looked in Luna's direction. "So, your name is Luna, right? How can we help you?" he asked, unsure if he could offer any assistance.
"I am from the future, and I am in search of the seven swords to prevent a calamity in my reality. Do you know anything about them? Jake thought you might help," Luna explained, her request filled with hope and a touch of apprehension, hoping the Harada couple could provide some kind of clue or assistance to help her continue her mission.
The amusement in the room shifted to intrigued confusion as Fumio and Elisabeth processed Luna's extraordinary claim, referencing the mythical seven swords. Elisabeth, with a light-hearted chuckle, mistook the gravity of Luna's mission for the plot of a contemporary video game. "Seven swords? Is that some new video game you kids are into these days?" she asked, her tone playful yet genuinely curious.
Fumio, joining the conversation with a blend of humor and skepticism, echoed his wife's sentiments. "Yeah, never heard of any real seven swords. Must be one of those fantasy stories, right?" His comment, though well-intentioned, inadvertently highlighted the gap between Luna's serious reality and the Haradas' casual understanding.
The light-hearted skepticism of Jake's parents, though free of malice, weighed heavily on Luna. Her shoulders slumped, and her face showed her disappointment, her eyes glossing over with the onset of tears. The stark contrast between her dire mission and the Haradas' domestic tranquility magnified her sense of isolation.
As Luna's resolve crumbled, silent sobs began to escape her, as she faced the realization that the seven swords might not exist at all. She contemplated the possibility of having to move on in this reality, unable to save the future she so desperately wanted to protect. The Harada family's demeanor shifted from amusement to concern. They gathered around her, their earlier jests replaced by a sincere desire to comfort the distraught visitor. Elisabeth, her voice soft and soothing, offered a suggestion aimed at reigniting Luna's hope. "Oh, dear, don't cry. Jake, why not take her to your university? Maybe your professor in weapon history can help," she proposed, her suggestion offering a glimmer of hope in Luna's clouded predicament.
Jake, motivated by his mother's proactive approach, readily agreed. "Sure, Mum, I'll bring her to my university tomorrow." His affirmation was met with an approving nod from Elisabeth, who solidified their support with a thoughtful plan. "I'll call the university tomorrow and let them know Luna is a relative visiting from out of town. We don't want anyone getting the wrong idea or asking too many questions about her," she stated, ensuring Luna's unusual story wouldn't attract unnecessary attention or skepticism.
Elisabeth's hospitality extended further as she addressed Luna's need for accommodation. "You can stay in our guest room and rest after today's ordeal," she offered kindly.
"Thank you, madam," Luna responded, her voice a mixture of gratitude and relief.
"Don't call me 'madam,' just call me Auntie Elisabeth," Elisabeth insisted, wanting to foster a closer relationship with Luna.
Accepting the offer of the room, Luna found the Harada home, with its unexpected warmth and understanding, to be a sanctuary of hope. Even though visiting Jake's university still held uncertainty as to whether she would find the answers she needed, she clung to the hope that some clue might unravel the enigma of the seven swords.
Under the clear morning sky, the Harada household buzzed with activity the next day. Luna, still hopeful about finding the location of the seven swords, joined Jake and his parents for breakfast. The table was a lively scene, filled with the aroma of fresh coffee and the sound of light conversation.
Fumio, with his neatly combed black hair and relaxed demeanor, contributed to the homely atmosphere. He chuckled heartily at one of Jake's stories. "You always had a knack for getting into trouble, didn't you?" he teased, a glint of amusement in his eyes.
Elisabeth, her kind eyes reflecting warmth, passed a plate of toast to Luna. "I hope you had a good sleep last night," she said, referring to the guest room Luna stayed in. "It's been a while since we've had someone else stay in our guest room."
Luna's expression was full of gratitude, her smile conveying deep appreciation. Without the Haradas' warm welcome, she might have been wandering the streets aimlessly. "It was perfect, thank you. It's been... quite a journey," she expressed, her voice carrying the weight of her experiences and the comfort she found in the Harada family's kindness.
In a moment of teasing that blurred the lines between jest and earnest, Fumio nudged the conversation into the realm of playful speculation. "If you're still single, you might want to consider Jake to be your boyfriend!" he suggested, casting a mischievous glance at Luna and Jake.
Luna's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink at Fumio's comment, a silent testament to her embarrassment and surprise. "Dad!" Jake exclaimed, his protest a mixture of mock indignation and amusement, highlighting the familial ease that enveloped them all.
After finishing their breakfast, Jake and Luna prepared to head to his university, hoping to find any clues or mentions of the seven swords. "I wish you good luck, Luna!" Elisabeth called out, her voice full of encouragement.
"All the best!" Fumio added, standing beside her at the doorway. The older couple waved goodbye to them, expressing their well wishes. As Jake and Luna departed for Starlight University, there was a shared hope that they would find the answers Luna sought.