RETURNING

Wannia's POV:

"So, how was history class? Did Mr. Smith finally explained why the French Revolution happened?" Kai's voice crackled through the phone, a familiar warmth radiating from the screen.

I stifled a laugh. "Ugh, same old Mr. Smith. Blah blah blah, King Louis, blah blah blah, guillotines." "You wouldn't believe the homework he assigned. I'm drowning in dates and names!"

"Don't worry, you'll survive," I said, my voice light, trying to ignore the nagging feeling of unease that had settled in my stomach. "You're a history whiz, remember?"

Kai grumbled, but his voice softened. "Yeah, but next month, things get really serious. We turn sixteen."

"Sixteen? That's it? We're practically adults!" I teased, trying to sound carefree, but my heart was already starting to race.

"Yeah, well, apparently, it's a big deal for us," Kai said, his voice a little strained.

I didn't understand what he meant. "What do you mean? Why is sixteen so important?"

Kai hesitated, his tone changing. "Grandpa… Grandpa called yesterday. He wants us to… to come back. He said it's time."

I frowned. "Come back? Come back where? And what do you mean, 'it's time'?"

Kai let out a long sigh. "I... I don't know, Wannia. He just said it's time for us to come back. But he didn't say where."

"Back to... back to the mansion?" I asked, my voice tinged with confusion. "But we haven't been back there since we were kids."

"Yeah," Kai said, his voice a little strained. "He didn't say much more. Just that it's time for us to come back."

A sense of unease settled over me. Something about Kai's tone, his hesitation, made me nervous.

"What's wrong, Kai?" I asked, my voice filled with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he said, his voice a bit forced. "It's just... it's just that I'm starting to feel a bit... restless. Like something's coming."

I wanted to ask him what he meant, to reassure him that everything was alright, but the unsettling feeling inside me wouldn't go away. "Well, maybe it's just because it's almost our birthday," I said, trying to sound upbeat. "Maybe it's just that we're growing up."

"Maybe," Kai said, his voice a little distant. "But I have a bad feeling about this."

I wanted to brush it off, to pretend that everything was fine, but something about our conversation, about Kai's nervousness, made me feel uneasy.

"Well, whatever it is, we'll face it together," I said, trying to sound brave. "Like always."

"Yeah," Kai said, his voice is softer now. "Like always."

And with that, we hung up, the silence after the call amplifying the growing unease within me.

...----------------...

KAI'S POV:

“This isn't life, Kai. It's a shield, a protection. But the time has come for you to step into your legacy,” Grandpa’s voice boomed through the phone, the deep baritone echoing through my room.

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. My heart sank. I knew it was coming.

“But Grandpa, I'm happy here,” I protested, my voice barely whispering. “I have friends, a life.”

“This isn't life, Kai. It's a shield, a protection,” he repeated, his voice unwavering. “But the time has come for you to step into your legacy.”

My breath caught in my throat. It was time. Time to return to the Crimson Claw, to take my place in the organization, to become what my family had always been: assassins.

The weight of that legacy pressed down on me. I knew that leaving my life here, in this small town, meant leaving behind the only semblance of normalcy I had ever known. But there was a part of me that knew it was inevitable. The Crimson Claw called to me, its darkness whispering promises of power, danger, and a destiny I couldn’t escape.

When Wannia called later that day, her voice cheerful and oblivious to the storm clouds gathering on the horizon, I tried to sound carefree. But the knot in my stomach tightened.

"What's wrong, Kai?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "It's just... it's just that I'm starting to feel a bit... restless. Like something's coming."

"Well, maybe it's just because it's almost our birthday," she said, trying to sound upbeat. "Maybe it's just that we're growing up."

"Maybe," I said, my voice a little distant. "But I have a bad feeling about this."

Wannia, bless her heart, was completely clueless. She had no idea what awaited us back in that shadowy world, the life we were about to be thrust into. And in that moment, I envied her innocence. I wished I could forget the darkness, the whispered threats, the constant danger that loomed over our lives.

"Well, whatever it is, we'll face it together," Wannia said, trying to sound brave. "Like always."

"Yeah," I said with my softer voice, "Like always."

The call ended, and I sank deeper into the plush armchair, my gaze drawn to the framed photo on the mantelpiece. It was a picture of Wannia and me as kids, both of us beaming, our faces flushed with the joy of a childhood summer day. We were so innocent then, unaware of the fate that awaited us. The memory stung.

...----------------...

Wannia's POV (continued):

"Well, whatever it is, we'll face it together," I said, trying to sound brave. "Like always."

"Yeah," Kai said, his voice is softer now. "Like always."

And with that, we hung up, the silence after the call amplifying the growing unease within me. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, something was about to change.

Later that day, as I was walking home from school, a sleek black car pulled up beside me. My heart lurched as a familiar figure stepped out.

“Wannia,” Grandpa’s voice was as deep and commanding as ever, yet his eyes held a warmth I hadn’t seen in years. “We need to talk.”

He told me about Kai’s call, the impending responsibilities, and the need for our return. But I didn’t quite understand.

"Return? Return where? Grandpa, we haven't been back to the mansion since we were kids. What's going on?"

He looked at me, his expression a mix of sadness and determination. "Wannia, it's time for you to step into your legacy. You and Kai are turning sixteen. The time has come for you to return to the Crimson Claw."

I felt a wave of confusion and fear washed over me. "The Crimson Claw? Grandpa, I don't even know what that means. I thought we were just... normal kids."

He sighed, his gaze softening. "We were once, my dear. But you have a destiny, a legacy that you can't ignore. The Crimson Claw is in your blood, in your very soul. It's time for you to embrace it, to learn what you were born to be."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I couldn't comprehend what he was saying, the gravity of his words. I felt like a child again, thrown into a world I didn't understand.

My head was swimming, my heart pounding. This was so unexpected, so overwhelming.

"But... I'm happy here," I stammered. "I have friends, a life."

"You two are really twins, even the answer is the same, however It's not real life, Wannia," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "It's a protection, a shield. The time has come for you to embrace your destiny, to return to where you belong."

"But..." I tried to protest, but my words died in my throat.

"I know it's difficult," Grandpa said, his voice filled with understanding. "But you are not alone. You have Kai. You have me. And together, we will face this new chapter in your life."

I looked at him, my heart filled with a mixture of fear and a strange sense of anticipation. I didn't know what awaited me, but I knew that I couldn't avoid it. The Crimson Claw called to me, its shadows beckoning.

“I’m ready, Grandpa,” I declared, my voice firm despite the tremor running through me.

“Good,” Grandpa replied, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride. “The Crimson Claw awaits.”

The sleek black car pulled up in front of my foster home, a quaint, cozy cottage nestled in a quiet suburban street. I glanced at Grandpa, his gaze unwavering.

"I'll see you soon," he said, his voice soft but firm.

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to process everything that had happened.

"Be careful, Wannia," he said, his eyes filled with an unspoken depth of emotion. "Remember who you are."

I swallowed hard, my throat tightening. He then reached out and gently squeezed my hand. "And remember, you're not alone."

He then turned and got back in the car, the sleek vehicle disappearing into the twilight, leaving me standing there, a strange mix of fear and determination swirling within me.

As I stepped inside the cottage, a warm smile greeted me. Aunt Amelia and Uncle Thomas, my foster parents, the couple who couldn’t have children of their own, but who had embraced me as their own.

"Honey, you're home!" Aunt Amelia exclaimed, her eyes bright with happiness. She pulled me into a warm embrace, her scent of lavender and freshly baked cookies a comforting hug. Uncle Thomas, with his gentle smile and twinkling eyes, joined in the hug, his hand resting reassuringly on my shoulder.

The warmth of their love was a welcome respite from the storm of emotions swirling inside me. They were the family I’d craved, the people I truly loved and trusted.

"How was school, dear?" Aunt Amelia asked, ushering me towards the dinner table. A steaming pot of chicken and dumplings sat in the center, its aroma filling the air with a comforting warmth.

I sat down, my gaze darting around the room, my mind still replaying the events of the past few hours. I wanted to tell them, to share the burden of this secret, but the words stuck in my throat.

“I’m fine, Aunt Amelia,” I said, my voice a bit strained. “It was a normal day at school.”

She smiled, but her eyes held a hint of concern. “It’s good to see you back home, dear. It’s been quiet without you.”

“You’re home, kiddo.” Uncle Thomas said, his voice filled with affection. “It’s been a long day. How’s your grandfather?”

The question hit me like a wave, the reality of the situation crashing down on me. I felt a surge of guilt, a sense of betrayal. I didn't know how to tell them about my return to the Blackwood Mansion, about the Crimson Claw, about the destiny that awaited me.

Aunt Amelia, who always seemed to read my thoughts, gave me a knowing look. Her eyes filled with tears.

"Wannia, you don't have to lie to us," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "We know."

I froze, my heart sinking. They knew. They knew about Grandpa’s call, about the Crimson Claw. They knew my destiny.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice choked with emotion. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.”

“It’s okay, honey,” she said, her voice breaking. “We understand. We’ve always known.”

Tears streamed down her face, her embrace suffocating me with a mixture of love and sadness. Uncle Thomas reached out, his eyes filled with a sadness that reflected the turmoil within me.

And at that moment, surrounded by the warmth of my foster family, I understood. I wasn’t alone. They had always known. They had always loved me.

...----------------...

Kai's POV:

The aroma of bacon and pancakes wafted through the house, rousing me from my slumber. My foster mom, Mrs. Lopez, was a whiz in the kitchen. Her cooking was the one thing that always made me feel at home, even though I knew I couldn't stay forever.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Mrs. Lopez said, a warm smile lighting up her face as she set a plate of pancakes in front of me. "I made your favorite, with extra blueberries."

"Thanks, Mom," I mumbled, taking a bite of the fluffy pancake. My foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lopez, had become my family, a refuge from the shadows that loomed over my life. They had a son, Gio, who was a year older than me and had become my best friend. We were practically brothers.

Gio walked into the kitchen, his face a mixture of sleepiness and annoyance.

"Hey, Kai," he said, grabbing a pancake. "Are you getting that new video game? The one with the dragons?"

I nodded, trying to push the thoughts of my conversation with Grandpa to the back of my mind.

"Dude, what's going on with you? You've been acting weird all week," Gio asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Yeah, Kai, are you okay?" Mrs. Lopez asked, her gaze filled with worry.

Suddenly, Gio’s eyes narrowed. “Wait a minute,” he said, his voice sharp. “Did your grandpa call again? About coming back to that… that mansion?”

My blood ran cold. Gio had overheard my conversation with Grandpa. I froze, my hand shaking as I reached for my glass of orange juice. Mrs. Lopez dropped her plate with a clatter, her eyes wide with shock.

“Kai?” Gio demanded. “Is it true? You’re going back to that place?”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. I was afraid of the truth, afraid of the hurt I would inflict on Gio and my foster parents.

Gio slammed his fist on the table, anger flashing in his eyes. “Don’t ignore me, Kai! Just answer me!”

Mr. Lopez stepped between us, his voice calming. “Gio, calm down. Kai will answer you when he’s ready.” He turned to me, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and understanding. "Gio, son, I'm sorry for not telling you this sooner, but Kai's situation is too complicated."

My head spun. I was shocked. All this time, my foster parents had known about the Crimson Claw, about my destiny.

"You knew?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Mr. Lopez nodded, a deep sadness in his eyes. "We always knew, son. We just hoped you'd have a chance to live a normal life before…"

He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence.

“You should have told me!” Gio yelled, his anger flaring. “We’re family! You should have trusted me!”

Gio stormed out of the kitchen, his anger echoing through the house. I wanted to follow him, to explain, to apologize, but Mr. Lopez stopped me. “Give him some time, son. He'll come around."

Later that day, Gio appeared at my door, his face softer now, his anger replaced with remorse. "I'm sorry, Kai," he said. "I shouldn't have blown up like that. But it just... it just hurts."

I pulled him into a hug, my own heart aching. "I know," I whispered. "I'm sorry, Gio. I should have told you."

Just then, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to find Grandpa standing there, his expression unreadable. He nodded towards the kitchen, where Mr. and Mrs. Lopez was now facing each other, both looking devastated.

“I need to speak with them,” Grandpa said, his voice quiet but firm.

I watched as Grandpa walked into the kitchen, his shadow falling over them like a shroud. I felt a wave of sympathy for my foster parents. They had always treated me with love and kindness, and now they were having to bear the weight of this terrible secret.

I stood at the window, my eyes fixed on the kitchen. I could hear Mrs. Lopez’s muffled sobs. I wanted to go to them, to offer comfort, but I knew it was better to stay away. This was a conversation between Grandpa and my foster parents, a conversation about my future, my destiny.

Curiosity gnawed at me. I wanted to know what Grandpa had said to my foster parents. What had they agreed to? What did the future hold for me?

I crept closer to the kitchen, trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening inside. I could see Mr. and Mrs. Lopez sitting at the table, their faces filled with grief.

“I understand this is a difficult time for you,” Grandpa’s deep voice resonated from the kitchen. “But I assure you, Kai’s safety is my top priority. He’s safe with us.”

“But he’s happy here,” Mr. Lopez’s voice trembled. “He has a family here.”

“The Crimson Claw is his family,” Grandpa said, his voice steady. “It’s in his blood. He can’t ignore it.”

I felt a chill run down my spine. Grandpa was right. I couldn’t ignore my destiny. But I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving this family, the only real family I had ever known.

“You’ve done a wonderful job raising him,” Grandpa continued, his voice softening slightly. “I thank you for that. But his path is set. He has a responsibility.”

Mrs. Lopez’s sobs grew louder. I could see the pain etched on her face. They loved me, nurtured me, and treated me like their own son. How could I leave them?

“I’ll make sure he gets a chance to visit,” Grandpa said, his voice a soothing balm. “I’ll make sure he sees you again. But his place is with us now.”

The conversation went on, a painful dance of grief and acceptance. I listened, my heart heavy, my mind racing. I knew I had to make a choice, a choice that would change my life forever.

I had a choice to make. I could stay here, with the family I loved, and try to create a life for myself, but I knew that it wouldn’t last. The Crimson Claw, the shadow of my heritage, was calling.

I watched as Grandpa walked out of the kitchen, his expression unchanged. His gaze met mine for a moment, and he simply nodded. He then turned and walked away, his silhouette disappearing into the twilight.

I stayed there, watching the back of the sleek black car as it disappeared down the street. The night had fallen, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.

I looked back at the kitchen, at the figure of my foster mom, her sobs muffled by the darkness. My heart ached for them. They had given me so much, so much love and support, but it wasn’t enough.

I was torn between two worlds, two destinies. The familiar warmth of my foster home and the unknown darkness that awaited me in the Crimson Claw. My heart was heavy, but my mind was resolute.

I would face this challenge, this destiny, head-on. I would be strong, I would be brave. And I would never forget the love that my foster parents had given me, the love that had given me the strength to face the darkness.

...----------------...

 Wannia's POV:

I sat on my bed, my phone clutched in my hand. I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me since Grandpa's visit earlier that day. I needed to talk to Kai, to share what had happened, to make sure he was okay.

"Hey," I said, my voice a little shaky, as he answered the phone.

"Hey, Wannia. What's up?" Kai's voice sounded a little strained.

"Grandpa came to see me at school today," I said. "He told me about... about coming back to the mansion."

Kai’s breathing hitched. He was quiet for a moment. "Yeah, he came by here earlier. He talked to Mom and Dad."

"What did he say?" I asked, my heart pounding in my chest.

"He said… he said it's time for us to go back," Kai replied, his voice a bit choked.

I could hear the tremor in his voice. "Kai? Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he said, but I could hear the sniffle in his voice. "Just a little tired."

“Kai, I can hear you crying,” I said, my heart sinking. “What happened?”

Kai hesitated, then sighed. “It was… rough. He said he understands Mom and Dad loved me, but the Crimson Claw is my destiny, my family. He said it’s time to return.”

My own heart ached. I knew how close Kai was to his foster parents, how much they meant to him.

"How are they doing?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

"Not good," Kai admitted. "They're heartbroken. They gave me everything. And now… it's like I'm leaving them behind."

My stomach twisted. The thought of Kai going back to the Crimson Claw, of him leaving his foster family, felt like a punch to the gut.

"I know," I said, my voice filled with sympathy. “It's not fair. It's not right. But it's not our choice."

"Yeah, I know," Kai said, his voice filled with sadness. "It's… it's just going to be so hard to leave them behind. I don't know how I'm going to do it."

I felt a surge of empathy for Kai, for the difficult choice he had to make.

“We'll get through this, Kai,” I said, trying to sound brave. “Together. Like always.”

“Yeah, together,” he said, a faint glimmer of hope creeping into his voice. “We’ll figure this out.”

The silence after the call hung heavy. I felt the weight of the decision we both had to make. The Crimson Claw called, its shadowy grip beckoning us back. But a part of me, a part of both of us, yearned for the normalcy we had built, for the love we had found, for the life we had almost known.

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