It had taken much less time than he’d thought to put his house in Rin’s name. At least, once he was gone away with Ate and Lyssa to find the answers they so desperately sought, he could rest easy knowing that he hadn’t failed in his duty to Rin. She’d have a safe place to stay and he’d make sure it was stocked full of food for her and for the fish before he vanished.

Frowning slightly, Kekipi made a mental note to make sure to find her another mentor. Another corrupt would be best. There’d be something in common, at least. Except that beyond Ate, he didn’t trust any of the others to properly look after his charge. Poor, lost little Rin. He hoped that she would understand that he hadn’t abandoned her. Well. Not entirely at any rate.

Slowly levering himself up from the dewy grass that circled his koi pond, Kekipi stared up at the night sky, wondering again just where his star might be hiding. He rather thought that he would have liked to see it. Just once. With a soft sigh, he spared one last look at the fish that he’d devoted so much time and affection to. Reached for the small bin that held their food and grabbed a tiny handful, sprinkling the pellets into the water.

“Be good for Rin, you guys,” he murmured, turning his back on them. It was time to check in on Rin herself.

Thankfully, as late as it was, she was already in bed and deeply asleep by the time he’d powered up and gone to stand in her doorway. He didn’t want to be caught up in conversation and words. He didn’t want any delays. This had to be quick, clean and done with as little cruelty as possible. Creeping further into her room, he made his way to her bedside and stood there a moment, watching the thin, pale moonlight illuminating her skin and the dark hair fanned out against the pillow.

Amazing how someone he’d so hated had managed to wriggle past that hatred to become a friend. Of course, that change had only been possible because Eris’ heart had been pumped full of Chaos energy, warping the starseed inside. Still. Why hold a grudge for something that she no longer held any memory of?

Reaching out, he gently brushed a tendril of hair from her face and smiled. She looked so tiny and peaceful. He was glad she was asleep. It really did make saying goodbye easier. Leaning down, he brushed his lips lightly against her forehead and as he straightened, he placed a small note where she would see it upon waking. Even in the moonlight, as he backed out of the room, he could see his sharp, angular handwriting on the paper.

Rin… Eris -

When you read this, I will be gone. Not dead. This isn’t some stupid suicide note. The house is yours. And I’ve put your name on my bank account as well. Please, take care of yourself and remember what I told you about our duty to Metallia. I have a job to do and I don’t know how long I’ll be gone doing it. Be good, little Rin. And never doubt that Metallia, through Laurellite chose you for a reason.

See you soon,
Haumea