Hello guys! I'm back with a new chapter! Updates will come more often now, probably around the one to two weeks~!

Anyway, onto the story!

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Accidental Reverse Arc 2

  ~'0'~  

Ishido made it sound like his temporary stay would be a prison cell.

Well, it's not. Not at all. It's a suite, large and spacious. The walls are made of the same dark blue metal that seems to cover every inch of this building. There are four rooms in total.

The bedroom contains a large four-poster bed, also made of metal, with night blue covers. There are two nightstands and an empty closet (made of metal) and a small desk. A soft blue carpet covers the floor, and the wall right of the bed is entirely made of glass, giving view of Tokyo. Night blue curtains can be closed in order to provide some privacy.

The bathroom is about twice the size of the bathroom in Aki's house. There's a huge bath in the floor and a shower with basically everything you can dream of (even colored lights. Yes, it's a shower with colored lights). One wall is completely covered up by a mirror and the light comes mostly from high windows in the three other walls.

The work room contains a desk (which is surprisingly made out of metal) and a few cabinets. Tenma only takes a short look here – it's not very interesting, and he's not exactly in need of an office.

The last room is the lounge. Right next to the bedroom, one of the walls is entirely made out of glass as well. The floor is covered in a soft, blue carpet and the room's furniture mostly exists out of comfortable chairs, couches, a large TV and a coffee table.

Tenma sighs as he searches the TV for something interesting. He's lying on the couch directly in front of it, trying to find anything to watch. So far, all he has found are childish anime and dramatic soaps he really doesn't want to watch. It's been a little less than a day since the Emperor dismissed him – the four-poster bed was very comfortable and the luxury of the rooms is amazing, but being locked in here without anything to do is so boring!

When he left for the match against Kaiou, he didn't exactly pack a lot of things. The only clothes he has with him are his soccer uniform – which is currently somewhere in his bedroom – and his training suit with a clean shirt, which he is wearing now.

At least there was a clean toothbrush in the bathroom.

He has already worked on his reverse notebook, adding a few things and writing down the most prominent things about the other teams in the Holy Road tournament. He also went over everything that happened during his confrontation with Ishido and noted it – after all, you can never be too careful.

Eventually his channel flipping lands him on a news channel, and not just any news channel – the most popular sports channel of Japan.

The only reason he stops is because he sees a picture of himself on the screen.

''-shocking, really,'' says one of the men that are currently talking about yesterday's match. Tenma recognizes him as a famous retired coach that is often present for this show. ''Matsukaze showed plays that we have never seen before during yesterday's match. The fact that the Holy Emperor wishes to investigate this issue personally should not surprise us as much as it does.''

One of the other people, someone who's also pretty famous in the soccer world, shakes his head. ''That might be true, but the surprising part is the way the Emperor summoned young Matsukaze. A personal escort and no one hearing anything besides that?''

''What about the rules of the tournament?'' the question is asked by a younger man, somewhere in his late thirties. Tenma recognizes his face but doesn't know his name.

The second man is the one to answer. ''Matsukaze has not broken any rules. The rulebook of Holy Road clearly states that unknown forms of energy manipulation are tolerated as long as they don't clash with any other rules. The show we've seen yesterday was impressive but completely allowed,'' he states. ''What's the most worrisome, though, is that Endou Mamoru himself – coach of the Raimon team – released a statement only half an hour ago saying that Fifth Sector has not contacted him at all.''

The usual commentator of the show finally joins the conversation. ''You are right about that, Hirata-san. As far as we know, no one has heard anything about Matsukaze's situation. His relative, Kino Aki, has refused to release a statement about any possible news.''

Soon after they move on to other topics and Tenma turns off the TV, not interested in what the men have to say. Instead he turns on his back and stares at the metal ceiling of the lounge.

The TV is the only contact with the outside world he currently has. He has his phone, but something is blocking it so he can't call or message anyone. He doesn't really have anything else with him – when he packed for the match yesterday morning, he didn't exactly expect this to happen. He only has his training suit and his soccer uniform with him!

Not having anything else to do, Tenma simply closes his eyes and lets his thoughts drift to his team – both the one of his real time and the one he has now. The older team is probably causing trouble, very worried, or causing trouble because they are very worried. The younger team is... worried as well, he supposes. Hopefully his message managed to calm them down a bit...

He sighs softly as he resigns to his cruel fate of waiting.

  ~'0'~  

Later that evening, the time traveler finds himself in the throne room again.

''We have contacted your parents.'' Dark eyes stare down at him coldly. ''It indeed took us a while like you said, but that doesn't matter now.''

'Oh yes it does.'

''We have tried to get their consent in order to research this form of energy you have – run a few tests, experiment with this Soul of yours – but they have refused to give us permission as long as we,'' Ishido clears his throat, '''still hold their son hostage', like Matsukaze Kichirou put it.''

Tenma raises an eyebrow. ''Alright. So... basically you can't do anything until you have my parents' agreement and I'm stuck here until you let me go.''

''Basically,'' agrees the Emperor.

The time traveler nods in understanding. Silence falls between them for a moment and the brunet shoots a look at the spaces Oshita and Senguuji stood only yesterday but are now empty.

His eyes return to the Emperor. The man looks different from yesterday. Something in his eyes has shifted, though the brunet can't figure it out what it is.

''Will you not provide us the information we seek?''

Ishido's voice breaks him out of his thoughts and Tenma narrows his eyes at the man. ''No,'' he refuses immediately.

The Emperor nods like he expected the answer. ''As expected,'' he says.

Then suddenly his expression shifts. His eyes narrow and his aura changes to something different, something dangerous – like a predator closing in on its prey. Tenma forces himself not to move, reminding himself that this is Gouenji Shuuya. The one who saved him all those years ago.

''Matsukaze Tenma.'' The Emperor's voice is soft like silk and cold as ice. ''You have caught the attention of Fifth Sector for various reasons – this Soul of yours plays a large part, but what might be even more concerning is your involvement in your so-called revolution,'' he states.

Tenma isn't fazed by his accusations. ''I am aware of that,'' he answers calmly. ''But I told you yesterday, I do not fear you nor Fifth Sector. Yes, there might be consequences, but I will make it through as I always do.''

''How can you be so sure?'' the Emperor seems strangely intrigued by his words. ''How do you know you will make it through?''

The brunet's lips curl upwards. ''Because I will put everything I have into seeing through until the end.''

Ishido nods, clearly not impressed. ''Those are large promises you make,'' he says calmly. ''Yet you agree that you are merely a child. You will never make it.''

The time traveler snorts at this, his eyes sparkling in amusement and filled with unspoken knowledge. ''Perhaps you would be right, if this was a world where people could actually threaten me. You accuse me of making empty promises, yet I look around and see nothing that will stop me from fulfilling those same promises. There is nothing here that could possibly go against me,'' he says, radiating confidence.

''Oh?'' Ishido's eyes narrow, an amused smile on his lips. ''You are playing a dangerous game, child.''

Tenma inclines his head in agreement and smirks. ''So are you, Emperor.''

The Emperor waves his words away. ''I have experience.''

''What makes you think I don't?'' the time traveler raises an eyebrow, seemingly enjoying the direction this conversation is going in.

Ishido returns the brunet's smirk. ''Your file does.''

Raimon's time traveler laughs at his response and the Emperor grins a predatory grin, cold amusement in his eyes as if the two are sharing a joke like old friends. Once the future captain has caught his breath, he speaks calmly. ''And you believe those files?'' Ishido doesn't seem impressed by his answer, so the brunet spreads his arms as if to say look at me. ''After you've met me personally, do you really believe what those records tell you?''

He lowers his arms and the Emperor stays silent for a few moments. Then he inclines his head, taking the challenge. ''You are correct, child. Your records don't do your cunningly wicked ways justice.'' His lips are tilted upwards in amusement and a look of intrigue is in his dark orbs. ''You are an enigma, boy,'' he muses out loud.

Tenma surprises him by shaking his head. As the Emperor raises an eyebrow in curiosity, the brunet throws him a half smile. ''You asked me what I was yesterday, sir.''

''That I did,'' agrees Ishido. ''Yet you were not willing to tell me then.''

The time traveler nods. ''That's right, but you're different now. You think differently of me, don't you? When you look at me, you don't merely see a child playing in an adult's world. You see me as a worthy opponent – an enigma, as you said.''

The Emperor's narrows his eyes and rises from his throne. ''How interesting,'' his voice is barely above a whisper as he makes his way down the stairs and stops in front of the brunet, making the younger player look up at him. ''It's intriguing, how you seem to read me like an open book.'' He leans forward in order to lock eyes with the time traveler, the Emperor's dark orbs filled with a raging fire. ''What could you do if you had the amount of power I have, I wonder?''

Tenma stares back without hesitation, the freezing tempest in his stormy eyes matching Ishido's raging fire. ''I don't need your power to achieve what I want,'' he answers in a voice that's just as quiet as the Emperor's. ''I will climb my way to the top with my bare hands if I have to. I do not seek power for I don't have any use for it. Power is useless in my hands.''

The Emperor's expression doesn't change but the fire in his eyes burns brighter, reflecting the light of the glowing globe in the middle of the room. Pink, red, gold and blue clash in his blackish brown orbs. ''Then what do you seek? What is it you fight for, if it isn't power?''

The time traveler's freezing glare doesn't waver underneath the blazing orbs of the Emperor. ''I merely seek freedom,'' he responds softly yet without an ounce of hesitation. ''You can't cage the wind and I won't allow you to. I will break free of my chains, no matter who tries to cage me, and take to the sky to find my rightful place.''

Ishido's eyes fill with curiosity. ''What are you, Matsukaze Tenma? What is your wind?'' he whispers so softly the time traveler barely hears it. ''A whirlwind? A zephyr? Perhaps a tempest?'' he straightens so that he looks down on the brunet again. ''I am curious. How do I chain you down?''

Stormy grey eyes flash blue. ''You can't catch wind, Emperor. Nothing can. It slips through the cracks and returns to the sky it originally came from.'' His voice is no longer silent, but instead sharp.

The Emperor smirks at him. ''We will see, child. We will see.'' With that he whirls around and returns to his throne. Once he has sit down again, he stares at the young player. ''I want to break you,'' he says casually, as if he's talking about the weather. ''I want to see you shatter as you realize that you will never reach the sky.''

Greyish blue eyes narrow. ''You will never succeed.''

Ishido's smirk grows. ''I am an Emperor. I am your Emperor. You cannot defy me, child,'' he promises without hesitation.

Tenma lifts his chin and straightens his back, his expression one of defiance. ''You asked me what I am twice now, your Holiness. I think it is time for you to hear the answer.''

The Emperor gestures for him to continue, a morbid curiosity in his dark orbs.

''I am a rebel.''

Whatever Ishido was expecting, it wasn't that. The only sign of his shock is a widening of his eyes, stunned surprise evident in them. ''A rebel?'' he repeats.

Tenma throws him a defiant smile. ''You might be the Emperor, but I am a rebel. I will never listen to you.''

Ishido narrows his eyes at the challenge and silence falls between them. For a long time, both males simply stare at each other, trying to find a sign of weakness. When it becomes apparent that neither will give in, the Emperor finally speaks. ''You are dismissed.''

Tenma bows again, still managing to do it mockingly, and turns around to walk towards the door. Just before he reaches them, he stops and looks over his shoulder at the Emperor.

Ishido looks back with an unreadable expression, his eyes telling the brunet to get on with it.

''You will never break me, your Holiness,'' he says, just loud enough for the Emperor to hear him. ''Never.''

  ~'0'~  

The rest of the evening is spend in boredom.

Watching a few random anime on the TV, writing down some things in his reverse notebook, watching the news, eating dinner that was brought up to his room, trying to think of ways to punish Fei, creating a tornado of Soul energy to test if his Soul has rested enough to be used again and watching as it goes through the lounge.

Eventually he decides to just head to bed, knowing that staying awake for much longer won't do much good. So he quickly brushes his teeth and curls up under the covers of his four-poster bed, a little annoyed by the fact he doesn't have his pajamas to change into. Well, he's gone through worse.

The night passes quickly and he's woken up by the sunlight falling through the window-wall. He sits up and stretches, already bracing himself against the hours of boredom that will soon come. Heck, he'd rather be at school!

(Considering it's a Monday, Tenma is definitely going to blame the Emperor if it turns out the school is going to make a fuss about his absence.)

Breakfast is brought up to his room, just like the day before, and the brunet once again stations himself in front of the TV once he's finished. Ugh, if he could just train for a bit! It'd at least get rid of this restlessness.

A few hours pass and Tenma is surprised when a Fifth Sector agent suddenly appears in his suite to escort him, saying that the Emperor has 'summoned' him again. The brunet raises an eyebrow but doesn't react in any other way, except for turning off the TV and standing up from the couch he was lying on.

Ten minutes later, he finds himself in the throne room again. This time, both Oshita and Senguuji are present as well, Ishido sitting on his throne like he owns the place (which he does but, well, who cares?)

''Good day your Holiness!'' chirps the brunet the moment he catches sight of the Emperor, his behavior entirely different from the day before. ''How are you? I must say, I'm getting a little bored. You're not a very good host.''

Ishido rolls his eyes.

(Huh, that's new.)

''Due to complications with both your parents and the authorities,'' sneers Ishido, clearly not happy about the way things are going, ''the process of researching your Soul will have to be suspended for at least three weeks. Your parents have requested you to be returned to your relative and we have no choice but to agree to their terms.''

Tenma smirks challengingly but doesn't speak.

''You will be returned to Kino Aki's house in one hour. I suggest you pack your bags. Senguuji will accompany you on your way home,'' spats the Emperor. Not that it's very surprising, considering this whole situation just got a lot more complicated – no chance for him to control it from the shadows if the authorities are involved.

It's exactly what Tenma was hoping for.

''I understand, sir,'' he says calmly, not even trying to fight his smirk. ''Thank you for your hospitality during my stay here,'' he says in a polite voice, yet everyone knows he's mocking the Emperor.

Ishido grits his teeth. ''Get out of my sight,'' he hisses and the time traveler bows in his submissive-taunting way. Just as the brunet is about to leave the throne room, the Emperor's voice stops him. ''I'm warning you, child. You might have gotten away this time, but you cannot hide forever.''

Tenma throws a grin over his shoulder. ''Oh, I'm not planning on hiding forever. I will face you, and Fifth Sector, head-on when the time is right.''

With that he leaves the throne room.

The same agent from before leads him back to his suite. Once there, the brunet quickly gathers all his things and packs his bag. After a moment of hesitation, he decides to leave his soccer uniform out.

Once his bag is almost finished, the time traveler changes out of his training suit and into his soccer uniform, packing the other clothes as well. Then it's just a matter of waiting which, considering he's been waiting the past two days, isn't all that horrible.

Exactly one hour after his meeting with the Holy Emperor, Tenma is escorted through Fifth Sector's headquarters. They arrive in some kind of garage, where Senguuji is already waiting for him.

''Matsukaze-kun,'' greets the pink-haired man.

Tenma bows politely. ''Senguuji-san,'' he returns the greeting.

Soon they enter the car – or rather the small limousine – and are on their way back to Inazuma Town. The time traveler waits for the man to speak, already knowing the reason for his presence here.

He doesn't need to wait long.

''Soccer is really great, isn't it?'' asks the man. The brunet gazes at him and Senguuji continues talking. ''It can bring together the hearts of people you've just met.'' His smile falls off of his face. ''On the other hand, it's also a very sad thing.''

Tenma isn't really feeling up to listening to him, but decides to humor the ex-Emperor. ''Sad?'' he repeats, faking curiosity.

(He remembers when he met Senguuji the first time 'round – a lot later on, though, somewhere around the Arakumo match. The man had seemed friendly enough, but then his talk about soccer started to turn darker.

It is a smart move on Ishido's part: trying to guilt him into giving up.

But he isn't falling for it this time.)

Senguuji nods. ''Yes. Soccer also has great power, and over time that power forces people to face a cruel truth.'' He pauses, probably for dramatic effect (because apparently, the equivalent of 'soccer player' is 'drama queen'). ''There are those that can never win, no matter how hard they try.''

(Tenma can't help but wonder if he has practiced this speech. It's so much like the first time 'round that it's kind of creepy.)

''Those people lose all hope for soccer and end up turning away from it,'' he continues solemnly. ''Understand? The power that connects people can also tear them apart.''

(To be honest, he wouldn't put it past Senguuji. He might have, at one point, but now that he keeps being surprised by everyone's dramatic tendencies, he truly wouldn't be surprised anymore if, say, Kudou suddenly declared on live TV that it was his undying dream to play the role of the beautiful young maiden in Romeo and Juliet.)

The time traveler finally looks up and grey meets grey, one gaze empty and the other full of emotions. ''Why are you telling me this?'' asks the brunet finally, his voice flat.

Senguuji gazes at him, something akin to sadness in his eyes. ''I merely want you to understand. You say you started the revolution, but do you realize what you're really doing? You're tearing soccer away from people who love it, merely because they aren't good enough to win.''

Silence reigns between them for a while as Tenma seriously considers his words. The man does have a point. Soccer isn't always fair – there are those who can't play it, those who aren't as lucky as Yuuichi who will get a surgery for his legs in a few months. There are those that aren't fit to make it to the end. All of this is true, and more. But...

''...that doesn't mean Fifth Sector is right,'' he whispers finally.

The ex-Emperor clearly didn't expect this reaction. ''What do you mean?'' he asks, slightly startled.

Glowing blue eyes look up, locking onto the empty gaze of the man. ''You're right,'' says Tenma, no doubt in his voice. ''You're absolutely right.''

''Then why did you start this revolution?'' demands Senguuji, his eyes narrowing when the brunet's eyes flare a little brighter.

''Because Fifth Sector is wrong!'' he hisses sharply.

The pink-haired man growls. ''You say you see our ways yet you still say what we do is wrong! Why? What makes it so hard for you to see the justice in our actions?!'' he demands, fury sparking in his dull grey eyes.

The time traveler glares at him as he tries to calm himself down. ''Yes, soccer is unfair. But that's how it's supposed to be,'' he says slowly. Senguuji opens his mouth to interrupt but the brunet quickly continues. ''Soccer... the goal is to win. To train and put as much effort in it as you can so that you can come out victorious. It's...'' he rests a hand on his heart, his eyes clouded over with memories. ''It's about laughing with your team when you win, and crying when you lose. It's about being knocked down again and again... but also standing up again every time you fall.

''It's about having fun with all players on the field, even those who are strangers to you. Enjoying a good match against a strong opponent, trying to make it fun for everyone who is playing and the people that are watching. You never give up because you know your team will be there to support you all the way. Soccer... soccer is a wonderful thing and I won't allow you to chain it down!''

Senguuji watches him in stunned shock, but the time traveler isn't done yet. After a moment of pause, he continues talking. ''It's true soccer is unfair – but that's what it's supposed to be. But what isn't supposed to be 'right', is that some people are kept from playing,'' he says softly, sadness in his blue-grey orbs as his thoughts go back to all the friends who can't, or weren't allowed to, play soccer. ''And it's horrible. Not being able to do something you like.

''I've seen a lot of people like that, people who can't play soccer. That's wrong and unfair and I really want to help them, but the way Fifth Sector does it is not the right way.'' The blue glow of his eyes intensifies again. ''Fifth Sector is changing soccer itself. It's changing the thing I, we, love exactly the way it is. You say you're helping people to play soccer, but you're not – you're forcing them to be some kind of show pony for your own entertainment.

''If you really wanted to help soccer, you'd make it so that everyone, no matter how rich or poor, could play. Which does not include deciding the scores beforehand and faking everything, because that's not soccer. That's just forcing teenagers to do your bidding because you people are too stuck up in your own world to come down from your thrones and see what things are really like!''

Senguuji is left speechless once Tenma has finished talking. The brunet glares at him a little longer and then turns his head to the window, done with the conversation.

The ex-Emperor doesn't try to talk to him anymore and instead stays quiet as well. The tension is heavy and Tenma tries his hardest to ignore it.

It doesn't take long for him to start recognizing the streets they're driving to and he allows himself to relax just a little bit at the realization he's almost home. He wonders if Aki has been informed of his arrival – the Emperor's decision was so sudden it wouldn't surprise him if she didn't know.

The time traveler forces himself to stay calm and unreadable during the last few minutes of the ride, more than ready to take off the mask of a cunning mastermind he's been wearing the last two-and-a-half days. The stress is getting to him and the only thing he really wants to do is go to sleep and let his mind rest for a couple of hours.

When they finally reach Aki's house, Tenma has to keep himself from jumping out of the car and instead waits calmly as the driver opens Senguuji's door and then the brunet's. Raimon's future captain calmly and gracefully steps out of the car, grabbing his bag in the process, and turns to look at Senguuji when the man comes to stand next to him.

''The Holy Emperor wanted me to tell you that he might summon you again somewhere in the next few weeks,'' says the ex-Emperor, not letting any of his thoughts through in his expression or voice.

Tenma nods in understanding and bows politely. ''Thank you, Senguuji-san. And please thank his Holiness for me as well,'' he says and the man nods.

Before either male can say anything else, the door of the house opens. Aki walks out, her eyes wide and her hands shaking slightly. Still, despite her obvious shock and relief, she manages to look mostly calm.

'She must've seen the limousine,' realizes Tenma as his relative walks closer. Once she has reached them, the woman puts a hand on his shoulder and then looks at Senguuji. ''Good morning,'' she says politely, and the brunet is impressed by how professional she looks.

''Good morning, Kino-san,'' the man returns the greeting with a friendly smile. ''We have everything under control now, so you don't have to worry about anything happening to your relative while he is under our supervision. On behalf of the Emperor, I also apologize that we had to keep Matsukaze-kun in our custody this weekend, but it was necessary,'' he says smoothly.

Aki returns the smile but it doesn't reach her eyes. ''I completely understand...'' she pauses.

The ex-Emperor quickly introduces himself. ''Ah, my mistake. I am Senguuji Daigo, personal advisor of the Holy Emperor,'' he tells the woman.

Raimon's old manager nods in understanding. ''An honor to meet you, Senguuji-san. As you already seem to know, my name is Kino Aki.'' For a moment no one speaks but then Aki continues, her voice slightly sharper than before. ''But I'm sure you must be a busy man and I don't want to keep you. Thank you for bringing Tenma home.''

Senguuji takes the hint and inclines his head, the smile still not leaving his face. ''Very well then, Kino-san.'' His eyes move to Tenma and Aki's grip on his shoulder tightens. ''This is where we part ways for now, Matsukaze-kun. I hope that the next time we meet will be under better circumstances.''

Mentally, the brunet scowls. 'Better circumstances for you and Fifth Sector, you mean.' Outwardly, however, he only nods and shoots him a polite smile. ''Likewise, Senguuji-san.''

With that the ex-Emperor moves back towards the car. The driver opens the door for him and the man enters the car quickly. A moment later, the driver enters the limousine as well and a few moments later they drive away.

Aki doesn't say a word as she gently ushers her young relative inside, her hand still on his shoulder. The moment the front door closes behind them, she pulls the boy into a hug. ''Oh my god Tenma,'' she whispers as she embraces him tightly. ''I was so worried!''

The time traveler instantly returns the hug. ''I'm fine,'' he tells his sister-figure. ''They didn't do anything to me. I'm fine,'' he whispers, hiding his face in her shoulder. Aki responds by tightening the embrace and for a few minutes both relatives simply enjoy the relief that comes with knowing the other is safe.

Eventually they move to the living room. Aki makes some coffee for herself and a hot chocolate (with marshmallows and cream) for Tenma and the two of them settle on the couch. ''Tell me everything you can,'' requests the woman, her green eyes looking concerned. ''I know you've been hiding things from me, Tenma... you've changed since you joined Raimon. Ever since you woke up on your first day, you've been different.''

The time traveler's eyes widen at that and he stares at the young woman in shock ''I...'' is the only thing he can say.

(He mentally curses himself for underestimating his relative – he knows she is a force to be reckoned with, and yet he didn't try hard enough to hide the changes in his behavior.)

Aki smiles, probably to reassure him, but it doesn't work. The brunet doesn't allow himself to relax as he listens to the woman's words. ''I thought it was simply because you're growing up now... but then I realized that it was unlikely. You carry yourself with a confidence you didn't have before and you have this look in your eyes that says you see a lot more than people would expect.''

She pauses, seeing how tense her young relative is, and reaches out to take his hand in her own. When cautious grey meets sorrowful green, Aki smiles sadly. ''I know something has happened when you joined Raimon... the rebellion and Fifth Sector have forced you to become more mature.''

(And Tenma almost breathes a sigh of relief, because Aki seems to believe the changes come from the situation with Fifth Sector.)

''And I'm proud of you.''

At this, the time traveler looks at her with a startled expression. Aki's sad smile grows to a warm and gentle one. ''You're doing really well with handling everything and I... I know there are things you're not telling me, but I trust you,'' she says with a soft look in her eyes, surprising Tenma. ''I trust your judgement and I know you'll tell me everything I need to know.''

The time traveler stares at her with wide, stunned eyes. He didn't know what to expect from his sister-figure, but this was definitely not it.

But... now that he things about it, it's actually not that strange. Aki's kindness is one of her best qualities and he knows she cares a lot about him. Just like how he cares about him – they are more like siblings than anything else and he trusts her with his life if he has to. In all the years (seven in his own world, four in this one) he has lived with her, she has protected him, cared for him and loved him unconditionally.

And with that realization, he returns the soft smile on his relative's face and starts to talk.

(He might not be able to tell her everything, but she has done so much for him that she has a right to know most of the truth.)

  ~'0'~  

And that was chapter 17! I hope you enjoyed it and until next time~!

- Yara Meijer