Solo Cultivation in The Apocalypse

Eya closed the door and let out a sigh. That was close, she thought. Currently, she had no intention of revealing Kyoryu's identity to Hitori or anyone. She and Kakashi had discussed this topic before and had come to this conclusion.

They even told Kyoryu about their decision and he said it was for the best if he does not know about them. If Kamiya's resurrection fails, Hitori will have to go through the 'lost hope and lost my friend' drama again.

If he knows about the death of his parents, that would add up to the grief he already has. And if he knows about both, he will focus and pray and wish from the bottom of his heart that Kamiya arises from the dead, but if he does not… shit will happen.

She turned to the kitchen and found Reon cleaning the table. She had a solemn expression on her face, she was not worried about anything, Eya guessed she was not even paying attention to the work she was doing, her mind was somewhere else.

She decided to confront her about the incident. Eya braced herself and walked up to Reon. She stood by her side, but Reon was busy cleaning the mess Eya had created.

She felt sorry for breaking the chinaware, but she was surprised to see how deep Reon was indulged in her thoughts. Eya waved her hand and collected the bits of glasses that were scattered on the floor and in the sink.

Reon opened her eyes and snapped from her thoughts. She looked to her side and saw Eya beside her. "Oh… t-thanks," she said.

"Are you hurt?" Eya asked. "I am sorry for attacking you, but when you suddenly popped up, I thought it was Onogi's man, so I acted as quickly as I could."

"No, it was my fault. I should have stayed on my guard as Hitori told me to…"

"Oh, Hitori," a smile spread on her face, "did you two make up?"

"Make out? What, no!"

"God, are things good between you two?"

Reon sighed. "Oh, yeah, yeah… you scared me. I think we are on good terms now… after what happened."

"Good, you did it."

Reon, with nothing to say, got back to work. She swept a cloth over the dining table and washed the bowls. Eya wanted to help, but she watched from afar.

Now she has made up with him. Now what? Will she come back and be my sister? Or will she stay? She wondered. She thought from Reon's point of view. Would she like a sister or a boyfriend?

Perhaps she would like a boyfriend more than a big sister. And Eya decided on that, she decided on this:

"I think… you should stay here, Reon," she called her. Reon stopped in the middle of washing the dishes, the tap water was still flowing.

"W-What?"

"I think… now that you two have made up, you should stay with him. Start planning for the attack, you got it, right?"

"Oh, oh, yeah, yeah, you are right. We should plan—"

Their attention shifted when they heard the door of Hitori's room open. Hitori stepped out of his room and walked to the dining table.

He held his head low and asked for water. "I need a glass of water," he said, his voice low.

Reon and Eya stood unmoved for a moment, then Reon rushed. She washed her hands, closed the tapwater, grabbed a glass, and presented it to Hitori.

He nodded and accepted the water. While he was drinking, the two ladies exchanged glances. Eya raised her eyes, prompting Reon to bring up the 'staying' subject.

Reon was afraid to bring it, she felt like she was pushing her luck, but Eya continued prompting her till Hitori was done drinking.

He brought the glass of water close to the table, but raised it, and handed it to Reon. Her hands were shaking when she took the glass out of Hitori's hand.

Eya took the hint and decided to leave them alone. "I checked in to see how you were doing. I will come back later," she said, and ran to the door, "I will leave, Kakashi must have prepared the dinner."

"Ah, yes, let me see you off." Reon rubbed her hands dry and walked to the front door, Hitori followed her.

Eya stopped in the middle and turned. "I will bring your blanket with me tomorrow," she whispered in Reon's ears and pulled back when Hitori came from behind.

She stood in the doorway with a cracked smile on her face. She looked at Hitori and waved goodbye. Reon closed the door and Hitori turned to walk back to his room.

Courage. She needed courage. But she could nto muster it up. Hitori grabbed the handle of the door and twisted it, then pushed the door open.

This was getting awkward. What was he supposed to say to her? Reon noticed he was sort of slow than usual. Does he want me to say something? Of course! We can not just get back to our work as if nothing happened!

"Uh, Hitori," she said, she forgot the 'san', she thought it was necessary this time.

He stopped but did not turn. He waited for Reon to continue.

"I was wondering whether I can stay– ah, you know, I mean, it is getting late and all– and above all, I think we need to talk. No, above that, I want to forge a plan with you— plan in the sense a plan to stop Onogi and to protect ourselves—"

She stopped. She had done it. She felt she had done. Her heart was racing and she blamed herself, I knew it! I knew it was a bad idea, a fucking bad idea!

She pinched her eyes close. Now he will shout at me, now he will call me a traitor again and force me to leave his house. She could already hear Hitori's angry voice in her head.

Hitori released his grip on the handle and turned to her. She took a peek at him, then closed her eyes again. I need to face it, come on, Reon, face it!

"Hm," Hitori said.

Hm? Is that a yes? No! She forced her eyes open and looked at Hitori.

"I, too, think we need to sort things and forge a plan. But before that, we need to find a place for you to sleep. We will talk about everything later, first, follow me."

Reon kept staring as Hitori took the stairs to the first floor. He ignited the lamps on the way.

Is this happening? Fuck, is this happening? Damn it! She was fired up. Her plan was working. This will work at last! She followed him to the stairs and to the first floor.

"I have not used it for months, sorry, but you will have to help me clean this—" Hitori's words faded on the way. He saw the porch of the first floor and was left stunned. "Why is this floor so clean?"