its in the way you leave

Koa

Don't take this the wrong way
You knew who I was with every step that I ran to you

It's Ronin.

Well, that's not the news Koa wanted to hear, or what he ever expected. "Ronin?" the boy repeats, incredulous - there simply is no way. If the Family has their fangs in a demigod, if they've grown that bold and powerful...

But then again, hadn't Sunjata been one of their earliest targets, and Hotaru? Maybe this shouldn't be quite the surprise it is.

Koa sags against the tree, visibly deflated by this news.  "Noe, too." Without really thinking about it he sinks down to sit in the soft dirt. He's compartmentalized against Flora by the wide roots of the tree, not quite able to see her without peering hard over and around the top: a safe position for them to be, the divide allowing him space to separate himself from his emotions for the Doubletake - especially important just now, as Flora's voice breaks.

"At least you still have a home." Koa's voice is tired and bitter, though the vitriol isn't for her. "Stormbreak is..." Trailing off, he scowls at the murky water, but weariness dampens any real bite from his tone. A deep exhalation and he leans his head back, eyes clenching shut as rough bark rubs unpleasantly against his back. "I have no idea how to get it back. Or how to cure Noe. I'm so tired of feeling so fucking useless all the time."

It's more than he'd usually admit, raw and honest, all bravado cast aside. But Koa can't hold his shields up against Flora, and besides, it's not like he has any reason to impress her - she's already made it clear that he will never be enough.

Only blue or black days
Electing strange perfections in any stranger I choose