Chapter 9: Back home

Two days later I was fine. Were talking about when I could go back home. First we would have to stop by to see Hazel and let him know what is going on. Then we would leave. I told them I got as much as I was going to of my memories. That we should head back soon. Uncle and father agreed. Father would follow us since he was the one that was going to train us.

"OK we can leave tomorrow." Said father. "Sounds good. What shall we do until then?" said Kade. "Well I was thinking. Dad. You and Kade should have father son time before we leave. I have some business with uncle." "What do you say Kade?" "Sure if you want." Then dad patted Kade's head and he secretly liked it. I chuckled and Kade asked why. I told him nothing. "Ok you two go get ready. I have to take uncle to his office to talk." Then they both left to change then I went with uncle to his office.

"So what do you need to talk about Zuri?" "Well Sigh. I think you know but when I was out from the poison I saw mother and my dead boyfriend. One of the things she told me was that you were there the day mom was attacked. Do you know who attacked her?" "No I don't. The man was covered with a cloak. As for how your mother knew, I think it could be his build or his voice. That was the only way she could have known. I did hear her say why did you do this to us? Then she died right there. I didn't see Kade there or I would have taken him in. He did sound familiar though." "Do I know him?" "The only one who would know is your mother and father." "I see. Where was father all this time growing up? Why be raised by uncle Ben and aunt Lia?" "I guess it was to protect you. When you were little you didn't know anything about demons. Remember your father lost his ability to turn into his human form." "Oh that explains it. Makes since. So this hooded man you have a feeling it may be. Is he a full demon too?" "Yes he is. The demon he is though no never mind." "What uncle? Please tell me." "You will find out soon enough." "Fine ok I'll go with that. Another thing. This man you think it is, is he family or a friend?" "Sigh. He was a good friend. He was actually a friend of the family. I wonder if he has been this way since his family was murdered." "What? Murdered! How did that happen? I would go bezerk too if I lost all my family. Now that I understand." "Now, Now. Your family is alive and well. Don't worry about that right now." "Uncle war is coming. Like I said before, Mom said that Kade and I would survive. She didn't say who else. She acted like that was all that mattered. When its not. How could she!" "Your mother probably didn't mean to make that impression on you. She just loved you both so much." "Sigh. I guess it makes since. She didn't have much time so maybe that was it. Especially if I wanted to talk to Sora." "Yes Sora. About him…" "Wait before you say anything uncle. That is why I have to head back home. Sora had something for me back then. He said that what he has will explain everything. I don't know what everything meant but I guess I will find out." "Yeah lets hope so. If not I have something to tell you about him." "What! What do you mean? Do you know him?" "Yes I do. Why don't you see what he has first for you and see what you find out." "Yeah good idea. Its getting late. I bet dad and brother are back now." Then I left.

Once I got to the dining room for lunch I saw father and Kade. I ran over to my brother and hugged him. "Sis! what is up with you? You just saw me this morning." "Haha just making up the days I couldn't annoy you I guess. Just being annoying to my younger brother is a sisters duty." I let go and saw him roll his eyes. I sat next to my brother and uncle. Dad was on the other side of Kade. "Do dad. If you did raise Kade, what would you have named him?" "Hmm. You know I don't know. Your mom and I talked but never had a good name. Haha although Zuri here, it was adorable. She was so excited she was going to be a big sister that she picked one out for a baby brother and sister. She liked the name Kida for a girl and Ren for a boy. It was so cute. We were actually talking about that but before we can decide you know what happened. Well, I guess you knew your mom was a demon but that is all you knew about them. You were too young to remember." "Yeah I know. I saw mom remember?" "Yeah that's true." Then we talked more about happy things. As we ate.

The day went on until it was time for dinner and bed. Then the next morning we were all getting ready to go back home to Hazel. Then probably the next day to the demon village. We gave a heads up to uncle we were heading over soon. I got packed the night before. I got dressed in my normal clothes that were comfortable. "Well uncle, are you ready?" Dad looked confused. "What do you mean ready?" said dad. "He has some personal business at the village." "Oh ok normal I guess." Then all 4 of us got into the closed carriage and started heading out.

It was a longest 2 days ever. Finally we got to the village. We had to stop by the elder's place out of respect. We stopped the carriage just in front of the elders place. I went inside and people greeted us. "He is inside with your son." "Thank you Joel." We all went back and I announced us and we went in. "Hello Elder." "Oh its fine. they all know me as uncle Cass just call me that. Here your baby missed his mommy." I gently took Rio from Uncle Cass and held my baby. "Hey there Rio. Mommy missed you." Then dad and uncle got to see him and were shocked at how much he looked like Sora. "Hey there little nephew. I'm back too." Then the baby started crying. I tried calming him down, then Hazel came in. "Oh you made it. Here I'll take him. I got off work early. I'll see you at home." "Yeah see you Hazel." Then he left and we got down to business.

"Well Uncle Cass. I got some memory back. Not as much as I want to. I'm sure Hazel told you but tomorrow I have to go back home to where uncle Ben and Aunt Lia Live." "Yes I know about that. I hope everything goes well. As for your Majesty I have her waiting. Kade show him the way. She is in the park." "Yes sir. Come on uncle." "Now as for you Droll. Hazel said you are welcome to stay at our place." "No its ok. I sent word to some old friends I'll stay with them. They are still single after all these years." "Ok dad. Just letting you know." "Thanks Kiddo. Well Cass I guess you know I am here to help them with their demon training." "Yes. Zuri and in the next year or 2 Kade. You can go find your friends now." "Thank you Cass. Good to see you again." "Likewise Droll." Once he left it was just me and him. "So Zuri. What memories did you recover?" "Well, they were surprised at what I found." Then I took out what I got from the old man at the store. "You found it after all." "Yes. I also remember why I had it. I called you Uncle Cass back then as well. I also had met Eri and Kei saved my life. I was attacked by a sea monster with claws that was poison. I thought I was going to die. I almost made it to the surface when I was attacked by it. I didn't even have time to scream. Then I blacked out. when I woke up I was bandaged then I saw Kei. I remembered how I met him not how we became friends though. Oh I also remember how I ended up here now. Being forced to marry the prince then I ran and jumped into the river." "Hmm. I see. There is a lot more to remember. Until then take it easy. Now go on. Go see your family." "I'll see you later elder." "Yes." Then I left and headed to Hazel.

I finally got home and said, "Honey I'm home. I've always wanted to say that. Hehe." "Oh welcome home Zuri. Here play with Rio." "Before that Hazel I want to hug and kiss you." I put the baby down for a minute then hugged Hazel tight. "I missed you so much. There is so much to tell you." "Don't worry about it right now. You are home. I'm here." He felt the tears I was crying. "Why are you crying?" "I'm happy to see my family again. Especially what's to come." "Yes I heard from the elder. Aiden sent a letter. I'll be going with you tomorrow along with Kade. Your father and the elder will watch Rio." "I feel bad for little Rio. I just got to see him today and I have to leave him for a few more days." "Its ok this is still while he is to young to remember." I leaned my head on Hazel's chest. "Sigh. Hopefully the battle won't reach here. Just in case though, when the battle does start, I want you to take Rio someplace safe away from the village. Not near uncle Ben either." "Ok I have some family we never talk to. I can stay with them. Give word when its safe ok?" "Yes." Then we kissed and almost got carried away. "Whew. Lets wait until things settle down." I said. "Yeah good point." Then I picked up my baby boy and talked about how much I missed him.

I went to go visit my friends and they were happy to see me again. I had Rio with me so I can spend time with him as well. We all had fun being back home. Then time went on.

It was the next day. Dad met us at the gate with uncle Cass and uncle Aiden. "Zuri don't bug your brother too much. Kade just put up with it as much as you can ok? Hazel take care of Zuri and try the best you can to protect her and keep her from bugging her brother too much. Don't be too lovey dovey either." I blushed. "Yes sir." "Oh for heavens sake. Just call me Droll of father already." "Yes Droll." "Good now off you go. The sooner you get there the sooner you can come home to see your family again." I kissed my baby boy goodbye again. I always hated that. Then Hazel did the same thing. "Bye little man. Don't give your grandpa too much trouble. Uncle Cass either." Then we all waved goodbye and left.

We got there in a few hours. Then we stopped by uncle Ben's house. Zen ran over to me and hugged me. "Zuri!" Then his sister Keve did the same. "Zen. Keve. I've missed you both so much. Yes I remember you all now." "That's good." Said Ben. "Then I gave him a hug too." "So how is Aunti Lia?" "We heard word. She is fine for now." "Hmm. I see. I might have to stop by after my business here. After I rest for a few hours I need to see Sora's parents." "Yes they miss you dearly." "I know. I was good friends with them." Then I went to my old room and went to sleep.

Two hours later I tidied up and it was time to go. Come on Kade and Hazel lets go. Bye uncle see you later." Then we headed out.

As we were on our way, we were getting a lot of stares. I didn't understand why but we just ignored them. Then I took a deep breath and let it out then knocked on the door. 'Knock Knock.' A woman answered the door. "Oh you made it. Please come in." We went in and they invited us to sit on the couch. "Well its good to see you again Zuri." I went over and gave her a hug along with her husband. "I missed you guys a lot. A lot of things happened. Oh intro. This is my fiancé Hazel. My birth brother Kade I found out recently." "Nice to meet you both." "Likewise." "I had Sora's baby." "I figured. He had a feeling you were." "His name is Rio. He is with family in another village. I came here because Sora had something for me. It should be in his room. May I go look?" "Yes you may." While the others stayed there, I walked up to his room door. I looked at the door and took a deep breath then let it go and opened the door cautiously."