Chapter Text
The Ninja’s Moon
By: forgiveness0796
Chapter 1
Aiza was ready to strangle either Dan or Drago—whichever one she could grab first. The frustration simmered beneath her skin like a fever, bubbling up from her core. This time, it might be her twin brother who bore the brunt of her anger, but she'd have to wait until after his battle with Ace. Aiza was used to waiting for her brother; that was just how it had always been. It was an unspoken rule of their relationship, one that came with the territory of being the sibling of a hero, always in the thick of adventure.
The reason she wanted to strangle him and his Bakugan was that a portal to New Vestroia had opened right under her feet, whisking her away before she could even finish an errand for her mother. She had been so close to completing the simple task—picking up groceries from the market—only to be yanked into a world of chaos and battles. The thought of her mother’s disappointment made Aiza’s chest tighten. The mundane chores that had once been a source of comfort now felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the urgency of the situation.
As she paced back and forth, her frustration morphed into a simmering energy. She could still picture the scene vividly: one moment she was standing in line, the smell of fresh produce wafting through the air, and the next, she was surrounded by swirling colors and the sounds of clashing Bakugan echoing in her ears. It was infuriating how unpredictable her life had become, all because her brother couldn’t seem to stay out of trouble.
Aiza clenched her fists, her mind racing with thoughts of how many times this had happened before. Each time, it felt like she was being pulled away from her normal life, leaving her with a sense of unfinished business. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that this was just another chapter in the chaotic saga of their lives. But the thought of confronting Dan—after everything—filled her with a mix of rage and anticipation. As soon as the battle was over, she would make sure he understood just how much she resented being dragged into his adventures. After all, she had her own life to live, and it was high time he recognized that.
As the sun began to set and those two meatheads finally wrapped up, Aiza couldn’t help but smile at her brother's laughter. It was a sound she had missed, one that had been absent for far too long. The fading light cast a warm glow over the scene, highlighting the camaraderie between Dan and Ace. It felt like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the joy that could still exist amidst the chaos they often faced.
After Drago had become the perfect core, Dan had fallen into a deep depression. It was a transformation that had shocked everyone, especially Aiza. She had watched helplessly as her vibrant, exuberant brother slowly retreated into himself, the spark in his eyes dimming with each passing day. Until now, Aiza had been able to see the pain hidden deep in her brother's brown eyes, a sorrow that weighed heavily on his heart. She had sensed the struggle within him, the battle against feelings of inadequacy and loss.
But today, as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows over the battlefield, Aiza saw something different. His laughter rang out, bright and unguarded, breaking through the gloom that had surrounded him for so long. It was infectious, pulling her into the moment and making her heart swell with hope. She had yearned for this day, for him to find a reason to smile again, and now, that moment seemed to be unfolding right before her.
Watching Dan interact with Ace, the way he joked and teased, Aiza felt a sense of relief wash over her. This was the brother she knew—the one who could light up a room with his energy and enthusiasm. In that shared laughter, she recognized a glimmer of the resilience that had always defined him. Perhaps the darkness was lifting, and maybe, just maybe, they could start to heal together. With the sun setting behind them, casting a golden light over the scene, Aiza felt a renewed sense of determination to help her brother reclaim his joy, no matter how challenging the road ahead might be.
Sighing, Aiza pulled her light purple cell phone from the back pocket of her black skinny jeans, feeling the familiar weight of it in her hand. She quickly flipped it open, her heart skipping a beat as she was greeted by a picture of her boyfriend, Shun Kazami. His smile was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the chaos that often surrounded her life. In that moment, she felt a rush of affection; despite the distance and the challenges they faced, his presence was a comforting anchor.
As she snapped the phone shut, a sense of longing washed over her. She missed him more than she could express, especially during moments like this, when laughter and camaraderie filled the air around her but he wasn’t there to share it. Just then, she felt the wind pick up around her, swirling gently as if it were whispering that everything would be alright. It was a soothing caress, a reminder that even in turbulent times, there was still a sense of hope to be found.
Gently, Aiza touched the gold crescent moon pendant around her neck with her fingertips. It had belonged to her adoptive grandmother, a symbol of guidance and protection passed down through generations. The cool metal felt reassuring against her skin, reminding her of the strength that resided within her. The crescent moon was not just a piece of jewelry; it was a talisman of resilience, imbuing her with the courage to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
In that moment of quiet reflection, Aiza closed her eyes and took a deep breath, allowing the energy of the wind and the warmth of her memories to envelop her. She thought of Shun, picturing him standing beside her, his unwavering support bolstering her spirit. A smile crept across her face as she envisioned their next meeting, the way his eyes would light up when he saw her, how they would laugh and share stories under the stars.
With renewed determination, Aiza opened her eyes, feeling the weight of uncertainty lift slightly. She knew that while her journey might be fraught with challenges, she was not alone. The bonds she shared with her family and friends, and the love she felt for Shun, would help guide her through the darkness. As the sun dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the world, Aiza felt ready to face whatever came next, knowing that she carried a piece of their strength within her.
"Lady Aiza, we’re heading inside now," her brother’s fanboy, Baron, said, lightly touching her arm. The warmth of his gesture sent a jolt through her, but Aiza's mind was elsewhere—lost in thoughts of Shun, the way his smile lit up the room and how his laughter echoed in her heart. But as those thoughts spiraled, something deep within her stirred, triggering her ninja training instinctually. Before she could process what was happening, she found herself with Baron on his knees at her feet, his arm twisted at a painful angle.
The realization hit her like a shockwave. She quickly released the purple-haired teen, stepping back in disbelief at her own actions. "I... I’m so sorry; I don’t know what came over me," Aiza blurted out, her voice trembling. In her rush to distance herself from the scene, she dropped her black mini backpack. The sudden jolt of her bag hitting the ground caused her to trip over it, a cascade of clumsiness that amplified her embarrassment.
She managed to catch herself just in time, but the instinct to run took over. Turning on her heels, she bolted, her heart racing. Yet, fate had other plans; she stumbled over a loose stone and fell face-first into the rocky ground. The impact knocked the wind out of her and sent sharp pains radiating through her palms.
“Oi, you two-toned freak, what are you running away from? Hey Ai, what’s wrong? You look all pale and shaky,” Dan called out, his voice cutting through the haze as he climbed out of the pit created by his earlier battle with Ace. The green-haired teen right behind her brother.
Pushing herself up, Aiza tried to regain her composure, brushing dirt off her skin. She attempted to take off again, driven by a mix of panic and confusion, only to trip over another stone, her momentum crashing against the ground once more. It was as if the universe conspired against her.
When she felt someone grab her shoulder, Aiza's instincts kicked in again; she lost all sense of reason. Reaching into the pocket of her denim jacket, she pulled out her mother of pearl pocket knife, swinging it backward in sheer reflex. The blade sliced through the air, glinting ominously in the light, but fortunately, it didn’t make contact with anyone.
“What are you doing?” Ace asked, taking a cautious step toward her, his eyes wide with shock. But as she swung her knife again, he instinctively jumped back, hands raised in surrender.
Aiza’s heart raced, her breath quickening as she began to back away from the group. The world around her warped, shifting from the familiar surroundings of New Vestroia to a haunting memory of a dark basement. She felt the walls close in, the echoes of her past flooding her mind—moments of fear, of feeling utterly powerless at the mercy of her adopted family’s cruelty.
Panic surged as she stumbled backward, only to hit a hard surface behind her.
“What’s wrong with Aiza?” Mira asked, her voice tinged with worry as she stood behind Dan and Ace. She had witnessed the events unfold, the bewildering transformation of Aiza. Baron had often talked about Aiza’s wisdom and gentleness, traits that made this chaotic scene all the more perplexing.
“She’s crazy; that’s what’s wrong with her,” Ace shot back, his glare fixed on the girl before them. Aiza stood with a thin pocket knife held out in front of her, her grip tight as if she were defending herself against an unseen adversary. The tension hung thick in the air, and Mira could feel her heart race in response to the escalating situation.
Dan glanced quickly at Marucho, who was already making his way to retrieve Aiza’s forgotten backpack. They would need it if she was having one of her episodes.
“Ai isn’t crazy,” Dan countered, his voice steady but urgent. “She's been hurt very badly. Getting mad over something you don’t understand isn’t helping us.” He turned back to Marucho, who was now rummaging through the mini backpack with determination. It was a chaotic mess, but Dan knew what they were looking for.
“Thanks, Marucho,” Dan said, taking the backpack from the small blonde-haired boy, who had finally managed to find what they needed. He pulled out a small bottle of Aiza’s medication, the label slightly crumpled but still legible. Now came the hard part: convincing Aiza to take it.
“Dan, what is going on?” Mira asked, her grip tightening on his arm. He looked over his shoulder at her, meeting the orange-haired sixteen-year-old’s gaze. The concern etched across her face mirrored his own fears, and he could see that she was just as confused and anxious about the situation.
“I didn’t know I had a twin sister until I was twelve. The revelation hit me like a ton of bricks, shattering any notion of the life I thought I understood. I still don’t know all the details surrounding her past, but it’s painfully evident that Ai has endured unspeakable torment—abuse that runs deeper than physical scars, if you catch my drift. But don’t mistake her for crazy; she’s just a survivor grappling with haunting flashbacks that strike at the most unpredictable moments. What I’ve witnessed is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve seen my own twin, a girl full of life and potential, reduced to tears, pleading for death to escape the relentless grip of her memories. The anguish etched on her face is a sight I’d never wish upon anyone,” Dan said, his voice trembling as he cast a desperate glance at the terrified fifteen-year-old girl before him. Though he was trying to maintain his composure, it was evident he was on the brink of breaking down.
Slowly, Dan maneuvered toward his twin sister, making a wide arc to approach from her blind spot, hoping to avoid startling her further. Mira’s gaze shifted downward to Marucho, searching for answers in his usually expressive face, but his tight-lipped demeanor suggested he wasn’t willing to share more.
“Marucho, why is Aiza like this?” Mira asked, her voice steady but laced with concern as they both watched Dan struggle to wrestle the pocket knife from Aiza’s grip.
“Like Dan said, he didn’t even know he had a twin sister until it was almost too late. When we first met Aiza, she was a total wreck—raw and unfiltered, yet somehow stronger than anyone I had ever encountered. It took everything Shun had to finally defeat her; at that time, she had never lost a battle, armed with only a single Bakugan—her Darkus Falconeer. Aiza was a ghost, hiding behind a carefully constructed mask and going by the name Aya Araki—the identity her adoptive family had given her. She was elusive, always just out of reach, careful not to leave a trace for anyone to follow. But inside, Aiza, which is her birth name, was trapped in a dark abyss. The only thing that mattered to her was her Falconeer; she nurtured that Bakugan far more than she ever cared for herself.
Aiza’s life was a grim reality; she had taken refuge in an abandoned building, surrounded by the remnants of a forgotten world. She wore nothing but ragged black jeans that were three sizes too big, stained and tattered, paired with an oversized black hoodie that shrouded her mud-streaked face and shattered glasses. In a world that seemed determined to overlook her, the only thing that set her apart were her striking two-toned eyes—windows to a soul burdened by pain yet flickering with an undeniable spark of resilience,” Marucho explained, his eyes fixed on Dan as he finally managed to coax Aiza into relinquishing the knife. With painstaking care, he worked to gently pry her mouth open, determined to get her to take her medicine, hoping this small act would bring her some semblance of peace.
“So the person Baron is always going on about isn’t really Aiza?” Ace asked, gripping the back of the purple-haired teen’s shirt tightly, trying to stabilize the situation. His eyes darted between the frantic actions of Dan and the distressed figure of Aiza. Baron, oblivious to the chaos around him, was focused solely on reaching his beloved masters, his fervor evident in the way he strained against Ace's hold.
Meanwhile, Dan was muttering under his breath, frustration bubbling to the surface as he wrestled with Aiza—who had somehow managed to lock her jaw shut in a stubborn defiance that felt almost surreal. It was as if her very being was fighting against the help she desperately needed, making it nearly impossible for Dan to pry her mouth open.
“No, the persona of Aiza Kuso is real,” Marucho interjected, his voice steady yet filled with concern. “It’s just nearly impossible to tell the difference between Aya and Aiza. To protect her mind from the abuse she endured, Aiza's personality split into multiple personas. The two main ones were Aya and Aiza. Aya was the sword that fought for the weak, the fierce guardian who would step in when danger approaches. Aiza, on the other hand, is the wise analyst, the one who observes and strategizes—she even tutors kids on the side.”
He paused for a moment, glancing over at Dan as he continued his struggle. “What we’re witnessing now is the result of her therapist forcefully trying to put the different personas back together. Aiza’s birth parents were not pleased with what the therapist did to Aiza. Dan told me that most nights, Aiza wakes up screaming because her sleep is plagued with nightmares—horrific echoes of her past that refuse to let her rest.”
As Marucho spoke, he picked up a small stone, a fleeting impulse aimed at distracting Aiza from her emotional turmoil. He threw it lightly, and it made contact with her right shoe, which was up in the air as Dan desperately tried to pry her mouth open. The pill slipped from Dan’s fingers and landed inside her mouth just as he swiftly covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her from spitting it out.
But it was clear that Aiza was intent on fighting him off, pushing against Dan with all her strength, her body trembling with the effort. The scene was chaotic, a poignant blend of desperation and determination, with each moment revealing the deep scars of Aiza’s past.
“Should we help Master Dan?” Baron asked, his brow furrowed as he glanced anxiously between the wrestling twins, Aiza and Dan, and then turned to Marucho for guidance. The scene was chaotic—Aiza was thrashing against her brother’s grip, her determination palpable. Marucho, however, simply shook his head, his expression serious. He knew all too well that trying to assist Dan would only complicate the situation further. Aiza was known for her fierce willpower and, more importantly, her bad habit of biting anyone who got too close when she felt cornered.
“Baron, this is not the time to be anywhere near Aiza,” Mira interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. She directed a fierce glare at the purple-haired teen, her eyes narrowing as she recalled everything Aiza had endured. “If you had been listening to Marucho, you would understand how unpredictable Aiza can be right now. Plus, Dan most likely knows what he’s doing,” she added, her tone softening slightly, but still filled with urgency.
Baron shifted uncomfortably, clearly torn between wanting to help and the fear of making things worse. He noticed Marucho shaking his head in disagreement with Mira's assessment, a gesture that only deepened his worry.
“Marucho, Dan knows what he’s doing, right?” Mira asked, her voice tinged with concern as she looked back at the brown-haired boy. She could see the strain on Dan’s face, the effort he was putting into keeping Aiza under control, and it made her anxious. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders as she awaited Marucho’s response, hoping for reassurance in the midst of chaos.
“Dan isn’t the first option in a situation like this,” Marucho explained, his brow furrowed in thought as he watched the unfolding chaos. “Shun would have approached it differently; he usually knows how to talk Aiza down before it ever escalates to the point of needing medication. He has a way with words that calms her, a skill that can diffuse her anger and fear. But Dan—he goes straight for the medication, which Aiza downright hates because it makes her sleepy and vulnerable. It’s a last resort, but in a situation like this, I think Dan had the right idea in trying to force Aiza to take her medicine,” he concluded, observing as the brown-haired girl suddenly shifted the dynamic, collapsing into her brother’s chest after turning the tables on him
In a split second, Aiza had almost thrown a punch at Dan’s nose, her instincts kicking in as she fought against the encroaching fog of the medication. But just before she could connect, the effects kicked in, and her body relaxed, her eyes fluttering shut.
“Okay, guys, it’s safe to come closer. She’s out cold,” Dan called out, raising one hand as a signal for the others to approach. The Bakugan Battle Brawlers resistance quickly rushed toward their twin members, relief washing over them as they saw Aiza finally at peace, albeit temporarily.
As Ace stepped closer, he took in Aiza’s fragile frame. Despite her thin appearance, he noted that she was surprisingly fit; her baggy clothes did little to hide the fact that her ribs were distinctly visible beneath the fabric. Ace felt a pang of discomfort as he quickly averted his gaze from her exposed back, where her hoodie and denim jacket had ridden up during the struggle, revealing more than he was comfortable with.
Dan, mindful of Aiza’s delicate state, gently pushed her off of him, taking care not to cause her any further injury. He exhaled a sigh of relief, knowing that for now, they had managed to keep her from harming herself or anyone else. The room fell silent for a moment, the tension easing as they all processed the tumultuous events that had just transpired.
“Is Lady Aiza going to be alright?” Baron asked softly, squatting beside the sleeping girl. His heart sank as he took in her appearance. Aiza’s long hair was in disarray, strands escaping the braid she had worn during her struggle with Dan. Baron noticed the dark bags that lay hidden beneath the thick layer of makeup under her eyes, a testament to sleepless nights and hidden pain.
Gently, he reached out, pushing a fallen strand of hair away from Aiza’s slightly open mouth, his fingers brushing against her skin with a tenderness that spoke volumes about his concern. As he looked closer, he realized her teeth weren’t as white as Dan’s, a subtle reminder of their different upbringings. It was just another piece of evidence that Aiza had faced challenges that were all too real. His eyes then traveled down to the scars that ran along her collarbone and neck, each mark telling a story of struggles she had endured, scars that bore witness to a past filled with suffering.
“Lady Aiza’s adoptive family hurt her when she was in need of help,” Baron said, his voice steady but heavy with empathy. He turned to Dan, seeking answers. “Master Dan, do you know when the abuse began?” The question hung in the air, laden with the weight of unspoken truths.
Baron might not possess the intelligence of Mira or the strength of Ace, but he could read the pain that flickered across Dan’s face—a fleeting expression that hinted at buried trauma. It vanished almost as quickly as it appeared, but the moment was telling, and Baron’s heart ached for both siblings.
“Ai told me the physical abuse began when she was about three years old,” Dan replied, his voice barely above a whisper, heavy with sorrow. “As for the sexual abuse, Ai won’t talk about it, but our parents think it started when she was around seven or eight.” As he spoke, his hand instinctively reached out, wanting to uncurl Aiza’s clenched fist, a gesture of reassurance.
However, just before he could make contact, Aiza’s fingers closed tightly around his, even in her medication-induced sleep. It was a small but powerful sign that she was scared to be left alone, a reflection of the fear that still haunted her. Dan smiled weakly at his sister, his heart swelling with a mix of love and protectiveness. He gently adjusted his grip, shifting his hand to hold hers properly, anchoring her in a moment of safety amidst the chaos.
“Why would they do something like that to someone so young?” Mira asked, her voice shaking with disbelief as she processed Dan's revelations. The weight of such cruelty was hard to fathom, especially towards someone so close in age to herself. She couldn't reconcile the image of Aiza, her vibrant and often fierce fighter, with the vulnerable child Dan was describing. Sure, her father hadn’t been around much, but she had her brother, Keith, always ready to protect her. The thought that Aiza had faced her struggles alone until she met her Bakugan—a moment that had marked the first significant change in her life—filled Mira with a deep sense of sorrow.
“Aiza is different from other kids our age,” Dan continued, his tone somber as he reflected on his sister’s experiences. “She’s not weird, but she just has a hard time understanding social norms. After everything that happened with her adopted family, she actually thought it was normal for parents to beat a child for spilling a small amount of water on the floor.” His voice wavered, a mix of anger and heartbreak evident in his words. “When our parents heard that, they broke down crying and begged Ai for forgiveness. They couldn’t believe that anyone could treat a child that way.”
Mira’s heart ached at the thought. “How could anyone think that was okay?” she murmured, her voice tinged with anger and confusion. The injustice of Aiza's past struck a chord within her, igniting a fierce protectiveness for her new friend and teammate.
Dan sighed, running a hand through his hair as memories flooded back. “When we were born, our parents were only expecting a single child, not twins. Apparently, I had been hiding Ai behind me while we were in our mother’s womb. When they realized they had two babies instead of one, they were overwhelmed.” He paused, the weight of the moment heavy on him. “Not knowing what to do, they reached out to a family friend who was trying and failing to have children. That family took Ai and renamed her Aya Araki. They believed it would be best for her.”
The realization struck Mira with force. “You grew up with her? But you didn’t even know?”
“Exactly,” Dan replied, his eyes reflecting a blend of sadness and nostalgia. “I grew up alongside Ai, but no one told me she was my twin until much later. I only found out when Marucho asked why he hadn’t met my sister yet.” He allowed a small, bittersweet smile to flicker at the memory before it faded. “I felt a mix of joy and sorrow when I discovered the truth. I had unknowingly shared so much of my life with her, while she had faced so much pain all alone.”
Mira could see the pain lingering in Dan’s expression, the burden of guilt and regret for not being there for his sister sooner. “It’s not your fault, Dan. You were just a kid too,” she reassured him, hoping to ease the weight he carried.
“I know,” he said quietly, “but it’s hard not to feel responsible. If I had known sooner, maybe I could have helped her.” His voice trailed off, filled with an ache that resonated deeply in the silence that followed.
“What was Aiza like when you two were little kids?” Ace asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he struggled to keep his gaze from lingering on the sleeping teen. The sight of her in such a vulnerable state tugged at his heart. Mira, sensing the heaviness in the air, reached down to readjust Aiza’s hoodie and jacket, her movements gentle and deliberate.
As she did, Ace’s eyes were drawn to the scars littering Aiza’s abdomen—small, jagged marks traveling from left to right, while others crisscrossed in chaotic patterns. Each scar seemed to tell a story of its own, a haunting reminder of the pain she had endured. Ace felt a wave of sadness wash over him as he thought about how those scars might have been her only way to cope with both physical and sexual abuse. He remembered what Marucho had said about Aiza's mind breaking into multiple personas as a survival mechanism. It was a chilling thought, one that made him shudder.
“Ai was always this happy kid with the biggest heart,” Dan began, his voice softening as he lost himself in memories. “If she noticed someone being bullied, she would jump right in to help. More than once, she dragged me into those situations, insisting we stand up for others together.” A flicker of warmth crossed his face, but it quickly faded as he continued. “But then, around the age of eight, everything started to change. Ai began to hide from people. Sometimes it would take me the entire recess period to find her in the strangest places, usually curled up with a book.”
Dan’s expression grew somber as he recalled one specific moment. “I once found her under a bench, scribbling what I thought was a letter. I was so relieved to find her that I didn’t notice the pen in her hand until later. It wasn’t a pen—it was actually a knife she had gotten for cutting. When I found out at the age of twelve, I quickly put a stop to her habit.” He smoothed out the soft fabric of Aiza’s hoodie over her stomach, wishing he could erase the hurt she had experienced. He noticed Ace looking at her scars and instinctively knew what was on his new friend's mind, offering a silent understanding that spared him the need to ask.
Dan gave Aiza’s hand one last squeeze before letting go, determination written across his face. He stood up, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. Just as he leaned down to lift her from the hard, rocky ground, Baron stepped forward, beating him to it.
“Don’t worry, Master Dan, Lady Aiza is going to be safe in my hands,” Baron said, his voice steady and reassuring. He cradled Aiza gently, being extra careful not to jolt her as he lifted her from the ground. Baron’s heart swelled with a sense of duty; the weight of responsibility hung heavy on his shoulders, but he was resolute in protecting her.
He glanced down at Aiza’s peaceful face, the soft rise and fall of her chest a poignant reminder that she was finally free from pain, at least for now. Baron was blissfully unaware that the medication coursing through Aiza’s system would keep her in this deep slumber for the next eight hours, granting her a much-needed reprieve from the turmoil she had endured.
“Thanks, Baron,” Dan said, his voice steady as he bent down to pick up Aiza’s forgotten mini black backpack. The small, worn bag was a relic of her childhood, filled with remnants of happier times—crumpled notes, a few battered books, and a cherished bunny stuffed animal peeking out from the top. Each item was a testament to a life that had been filled with both joy and pain.
As he lifted the backpack, a wave of emotion threatened to overwhelm him. He felt his throat tighten as memories flooded back—moments of laughter and play, now tinged with the bittersweet knowledge of what Aiza had faced. He pushed the feelings back, knowing that Ai needed him to be strong right now. She was vulnerable, and the last thing she needed was to sense his fear or sadness.
Dan recalled the times when Aiza had woken up after an episode, disoriented and terrified. It was a sight that haunted him—the tears streaming down her cheeks, the wild look in her eyes, as if she were trapped in a nightmare she couldn’t escape. He had always been there to comfort her, wrapping her in his arms and whispering reassurances, but those moments were never easy. The helplessness he felt during those times lingered in his mind.
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. He couldn’t let his emotions get the better of him—not now. He needed to focus on Aiza's well-being and ensure she felt safe and protected in their presence. With a determined nod to himself, he followed Baron, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.