chapter 4 in the usa

Can stirred awake, He turns his head. Zenara was already awake, seated beside him with a quiet gaze.

Can rubbed his face groggily.

Can: Did you sleep?

Zenara: A little but something’s been on my mind.

He sat up, sensing the seriousness in her tone.

Can: What is it?

Zenara hesitated, her fingers twitching against the edge of the blanket.

Zenara: “Do you know what branding is?”

Can cocked his head, confused.

Can: “Isn’t that like... branding cattle? Horses? Something like that?”

Zenara nodded, though her eyes flickered with discomfort.

Zenara: “Yeah, it’s similar. But in centaur culture, when two lovers are truly bonded when they’re ready to start a family they’re branded with each other’s name.

It’s sacred.

Can’s heart skipped. Slowly, he reached for her hand and entwined his fingers with hers.

Can: So… it’s permanent?

Zenara: Yes. Done with hot rods. Both people are branded together, in the same room. It’s painful, but symbolic.

Can: I don’t mind. But.. where’s this coming from?

Zenara looked down, her voice quieter.

Zenara: “I’ve been thinking don't you want to open that door being able to start a family

Can: Yeah... I do. but I just think we should be financially stable first before we bring a child into the world

But as for the branding? I’m in because I want to spend the rest of my life with you.

So if branding is what makes this official then I’m ready

Zenara met his gaze, her eyes glimmering with emotion.

Zenara: Are you sure? It’s not reversible, Can.

Can: Neither is my love for you.

She leaned forward and pressed her forehead against his.

Zenara: There’s just one thing. To get branded... both families need to be present. Yours and mine.

Can: “Alright then. Let’s set it up. I don’t care how complicated it gets—we do this together.

Zenara smiled and kissed him gently.

Can: Okay then let’s get branded. But first, we have to visit my family.

Zenara: Alright.

Can: My mom’s house is a bit far.

Zenara: I don’t mind the distance. But does your family like centaurs?

Can: It’s not the centaur part they’re worried about. What matters to them is whether the girl I’m with is kind, loving, and right for me. And you are all of that.

Zenara blushed slightly, her fingers brushing gently against Can’s.

Just then, Solvian called from the main hall.

Solvian: Can. Zenara. Come here a moment.

They both stood and entered the room.

Can: What’s up?

Solvian: I contacted your base. They expected you both back tomorrow.. but I got it extended. You now have 3 days before you need to return to Japan.

Can: Thank you. That helps a lot I was planning to introduce Zenara to my parents, but they live a bit far.

Solvian: I understand. You’ll have time. Also I noticed you two don’t have fresh clothes, and your house is probably still a mess after what happened.

Solvian turned toward Zenara.

Solvian: Just to be clear did you fight Silas when he took you did he cause the damange ? Or was it his butlers that caused the damage?

Zenara: It was his butlers. They trashed everything while dragging me out.

Can: I meant to ask… the blood on the floor—was that yours?

Zenara: No. One of the butlers got hurt during the struggle.

Can exhaled, relieved.

Can: Thank goodness

Solvian: That man caused a lot of damage he was corrupt, twisted.

Can: Yeah… it’s why I ran away. I went to Japan to escape all of that and start a new life.

Solvian: I’m still angry about what you did to my daughter, but I know she earned every blow. What she did to Zenara was unforgivable.

Can: if it helps I held back a bit. I didn’t want to go too far.

Solvian: thank you for your restraint. Now, the maids will bring you fresh clothes. You should both take a shower and prepare for the day.

Can: Thank you.

can and Zenara headed toward the showers. Two maids greeted them along the way, each holding neatly folded clothing tailored for comfort and movement.

Can stepped into the shower first.

Warm water ran over his skin, After a bit he dried off and changed, he paused, running a hand across the fabric.

Can: These clothes they feel weirdly good. Light. Comfy.

Zenara kiss can before heading into the shower next. She finished quickly.

As she stepped out in her new outfit, her hooves clicked gently against the floor.

Zenara: They fit so well. I’ve never worn anything so soft.

Can nodded, then gestured toward the door.

Can: You ready to go?

Zenara gave a quiet nod.

They left the mansion and began walking down the street together.

At first, the breeze and quiet hum of traffic filled the air around them. But soon after walking long, Can began limping slightly.

Can: My heels are killing me

Zenara: Want to take a break?

Can (gritting through it): Let’s just keep moving.

He tried to push forward, but Zenara noticed he look like he in pain.

Zenara (softly): We should stop. You’re walking funny.

Can: I’ll be fine. Just want to get there

Zenara glanced at him again, her eyes narrowing with concern.

Zenara (gently): Here mount me.

Can: Are you sure?

Zenara (smiling): You’re my husband. I don’t mind if you ask.

Can: I didn’t want to bring it up. I figured you might not like asking too.

Zenara stepped forward and lowered her posture just enough for him to climb on.

Zenara: I always allow you to.

Can carefully mounted her adjusting for balance without a saddle. She started walking slowly, hooves steady and deliberate on the pavement.

The pain in his heels faded. But more than that, her warmth and presence reminded him just how strong they were together.

They moved slowly, Zenara pacing carefully without a saddle. Her steps were deliberate, protective.

Can leaned gently putting his hands around her human waist can felt safe.

zenara felt her heart racing she put her hand in his hand.

After some time, they arrived at the edge of a quiet neighborhood, the street lined with trimmed hedges and brick houses.

Can: My mom’s real name is Darla.

Zenara (softly): She has a beautiful name.

can: thank you

As Zenara stepped onto the walkway, Darla stepped outside, blinking in surprise.

She looked between the two — her son on the back of a centaur woman, can dismounted and rushed toward her.

Can hugged his mother tightly.

Darla: Who is this beautiful lady you brought with you?

can got right next to zenara

Can (smiling): This is my wife Zenara.

Darla’s eyes widened, then softened. She stepped forward, fast at first, reaching out toward Zenara but tensed instinctively.

Can placed a hand calmly on Zenara’s side.

Can: Mom, slow down. Zenara gets a little tense if someone approaches too quickly. She’s a commander.

Darla stopped immediately with a gentle expression.

Darla: I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.

Zenara (exhaling quietly): It’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting you to move that fast.

Darla: You’re right it would be rude to leave my daughter-in-law and son outside. Come in. Would you two like tea? Maybe soda?

Zenara: Tea would be lovely.

Can: I’ll take tea too.

They stepped inside together. The house was warm and familiar.

Can glanced around the living room.

Can: What happened to my sister?

Darla: She’s in college. She says she misses you.

Can: (with annoyance in his voice) “Good

Zenara: What happened between you two?

Darla paused, then sighed.

Darla: Silas… liked to pick favorites. He treated Can so poorly for years. It made things hard between siblings.

Can didn’t respond right away, but Zenara gently reached for his hand, squeezing it with quiet comfort.

can felt zenara touch, all that stress he was feeling that moment left

Darla: You must’ve walked forever to get here.

Can: Four miles, we walked the whole way here.

Zenara (teasing softly): You didn’t have to walk the last two. I offered.

Can (smiling): Yeah i believe i walk those

zenara: so you want to walk the other 4 miles

can: nope

Clara stepped out slowly, wheeling her oxygen tank beside her. A nasal line rested under her nose, her breath faint but steady.

Can stood and gently helped her to a chair.

She settled in and looked at Zenara, eyes sharp.

Clara: Who’s this?

Zenara stepped forward, her voice soft.

Zenara: I’m Zenara. Can’s wife.

Clara smiled

Clara gave a wheezy chuckle, her eyes still locked on Zenara.

Clara: You can call me Clara, sweetheart. Most people do. But if you want to be fancy I'm Can’s grandma.

She tapped her oxygen tank lightly.

Clara: I may be slow these days, but I’m still sharp. And I’ve got questions for you, Zenara

Can says a lot about you but are you a commander. That true?

Zenara gave a firm nod, shoulders squared with calm confidence.

Zenara: Yes, ma’am.

clara: You ever drag him into a fight or just drag him home when he’s limping?

zenara: We haven’t seen real battle together. Not yet. But if it comes, I’ll be the one shielding him not dragging him

clara nods

clara: Come here, sweetheart. I want to see you properly my eyes still judge just fine.”

zenara walks up to clara carefully

clara: I'm not gonna hurt you

zenara aporches

clara takes a good look at zenara then speaks Strong shoulders, steady eyes, legs like marble.

Can always did shoot high looks like this time he hit something worth keeping

zenara: I’ve been shaped by duty, not admiration but I’m grateful he sees me the way you do.

Darla finish prepping the tea and comes out with it Darla hands zenara and can tea

they both say thank you they sip the tea

Darla: i hope you enjoy the tea So... when should I expect grandbabies?

Zenara (mid-sip):

Chokes slightly Wh–what?

She coughs once, trying to play it cool, but her face reddens fast.

I mean. we’ve talked about it. A little.

Clara (smirking, sipping):

If she blushes like that, it means she means it. I like her.”

can goes up to zenara and grab her intertwining there fingers

can: one day we have to get branded first

Clara and Darla look at can waiting for him to continue

can: well

zenara: let me explain it

In centaur culture, branding is sacred. Two committed lovers haves the other partner name branded on them

heat is use its also not as decoration, but as a declaration of eternal bond. It’s painful, shared, and symbolic.

Only then can a couple start a family. The brand not just tradition, but soul. There’s no turning back.

Can: Basically what Zenara’s trying to say is, before we can start a family, we hav

and well we want you to attend the branding since both family's must be there

clara and Darla look at each other clara: ok i be there but dont Japan take people guns away

can: yes sadly clara: i dont wanna go Darla: its okay mom you can be with out your pistol for a little while

clara: alright so when is this starting

can: well i have to meet her family then we can go back to Japan for when the branding will start

Darla: okay we be there

can: zenara i been wanting to ask before we meet your family

zenara finish her tea and looks at can

zenara: what is it my love

can: how does your family feel about you being married to a human

Zenara: Whatever they think, it won’t change this. You’re the one I chose, and I’m proud of that.”

Can (smiling): “Then let’s meet them together. No fear, just us.

zenara: we are gonna have to walk another city

can: i dont think we be able to make it there before we have to go back to Japan

then suddenly Solvian appear in the living room clara and Darla freeze

solvian look at Darla

sovlian your the women who gave birth to the boy who can stop time

clara: i knew it he can stop time you all thought i was crazy i swore i watch him suddenly teleported form the kitchen to the living room

Darla: calm down mom solvian its little bit scary you suddenly appear here

can was about to say something but solvian stop him

solvian: can and zenara i just want to let you both know i cant delay more time at the your base so

i do you both a favorite but can you have to do a favorite for me later

can: what is it

solvian: i need some of your power just a small amout

can: im sorry i cant really give you some of my power it can be dangerous in the wrong hands

solvian tears up a bit can noticing he crying he never thought he would cry

solvian: i just want my wife back i want to bring her back or try to i just need a little of your power

can felt solvian pain

can: okay fine but you have to bring back zenara father if you can too

solvian: i try to bring them both back but in the meanwhile i am gonna chat a bit with your mom,

but you should go meet zenara family you need to be on board too

solvian snap his fingers and can and zenara were teleported away

solvian: lets chat a bit i like to know more about your son if that ok

Darla: okay clara: your in for a long story

can and zenara were outside zenara house then zenara mother a centaur walks out with a basket and notice zenara she drops the basket

Cassidy: zenara you came back home

she walks up to zenara and hugs her

Cassidy: who is your friend

zenara: well i like you to meet can my husband

Cassidy face darken

she notice the ring on both can and zenara hand

cassidy: A human? That’s who you married? What kind of story did he spin to earn your trust?

Zenara: (steadily): He didn’t need lies. He won my trust with truth and sacrifice. You may not know him but I do. And I chose him.

Cassidy: (grief) humans all they do is take and take and kill

zenara: but this human is different i love him

Cassidy attempt to slap zenara

can stop time so zenara can catch her mother hand can resume time

Cassidy (upset) All I see is another human standing where my mate should be standing at”

Zenara (steady): Can didn’t kill him. He’s not the man who harm millions.

Cassidy (voice trembling): But every time I look at him… I see the flames. The soldiers. The screams.”

Can (quietly, with respect): I won’t ask you to forget. Just let me show you that not all humans wear the same face.

can: i don't wish to harm others i wish to bring them up yesterday was a hell to go thought

i almost killed a dragon just to save zenara i and i wouldn't care what happen to me to me i would rather die just to make sure zenara is safe

zenara felt touched by his words

Cassidy seeing the seriousness on can face she still question is this fake

zenara: he not like the others he would risk everything just to protect me

Cassidy calm down a bit

Zenara: (softly, hesitating) There’s something else something I can’t do alone.”

Cassidy: What is it?

Zenara: The branding. I need my family there you there

Cassidy: fine if you say this human is the one then i will believe you

Cassidy got close

Cassidy: if you harm my daughter you wont-

zenara move her mom back

zenara: i rather you not talk to him like that

Cassidy: sorry, but i only be there if can beats me in a spar

can: fine

Cassidy give can a real sword

Cassidy pick up a knife

can: wait a minute

Cassidy charge can

can stopped time

can flip the sword around on the non sharp side and he hits Cassidy with the sword light he resume time

Cassidy: how did you

can: i can stop time

Cassidy: ok fine i guess you win i wanted to test would you really harm me

can hands her back her sword she put her sword in its holder

can hold zenara hand

Cassidy miss judge can

Cassidy: (eyes locked zenara) I see now what you see in him you

Cassidy: Zenara… are you truly ready to be branded? You know it can’t be undone.

zenara: I know. But I’m ready. Can bring me happiness everyday no one else ever has done that.

Cassidy:(firm but accepting) then its settle you may get branded

Cassidy turns to can

Cassidy: i don't know much about you but i like too

solvian appear Cassidy froze seeing solvian

can: why do they keep getting scared solvian isn't that scary he seem like a nice guy

solvian: well i am the president

can: oh i get it now well i am not really that scared i know your chill

solvian: thank you

solvian turn to Cassidy

solvian: you raise one hell of a commander

Cassidy: thank you but what are you doing here mr president

solvian: well can is gonna help me bring back my wife and your husband

can: wait are you sure about this

solvian: it be fine just i need you to shake my hand for this to work i only take a bit of magic to bring them both back

can: ok

can and solvian shake hands

solvian uses that magic he stop the hand shake and suddenly solvian wife zenara dad appear

Cassidy: Corwin

solvian: Rheya, the magic work

Cassidy runs at corwin

the 2 centaurs kiss

solvian: Rheya i miss you so much

Rheya: i miss you too but what is happening

solvian: i’m starting to think their reunion’s about to require a privacy lets leave

the 2 centaurs fall to the grass

solvian: Zenara, Can you’ve said what needed saying. It’s time we take our leave i don't want to stay for the encore

solvian snaps his fingers fast

then suddenly can zenara solvian and Rheya are teleported back to the castle

Rheya: i miss you so much and cant resist a second with out you

Solvian: Can and Zenara, we’re gonna need the mansion to ourselves. You two go find Roxton

solvian teleport can and zenara to roxton

can: why is it that everyone acting like rabbits

roxton got startle from can words

Zenara (spotting the branding on Roxton’s back):

Helena’s name?

She storms up and slaps Roxton hard.

zenara: She blamed herself when you left. she thought it was her fault.

Roxton: Ow! What was that

The door bursts open. Helena bust in in, a bunch of armed centaurs enter in. Her eyes lock on Roxton then she bolts towards him and punch him in the stomach.

Roxton: Okay… I deserved that.”

Helena (angry and hurt): You disappeared the night we were branded. No explanation. Just gone.

I’ve had your name burned into me ever since. I couldn’t even get rebranded. Was it something I did?

Roxton got up raising his hand, showing a his ring:

You did nothing wrong. My mother fell ill, and I had to go back to the U.S.

But I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d drop everything, even your future, just to follow me.

I loved you deeply. Still do. And every time I look at this ring, I don’t just see the love I see how much I failed you

Helena start crying more

Zenara steps beside Can, whispering softly.

Zenara: Let’s give them some space.”

Can (nodding): okay

they step outside

The ocean stretched wide, its surface laminated in moonlight

Can stepped forward, his voice quiet.

can: Wow… the beach looks nice. Zenara, wanna check it out?”

He turned toward her — but something in her posture was off. Tense.

can: You’re mad... aren’t you?”

Zenara: (didn’t deny it) Yes Why would Roxton get branded with Helena then abandon her?

Can: He didn’t abandon her. Not the way it seems.

Zenara: He could just be covering for himself.

Can: He always wore that ring even when we were partners in the force. He said it haunted him. The guilt of leaving Helena behind just to save his mother. He couldn’t face her... but he also couldn’t watch his mom die. He chose the painful road.

Zenara looked away, her tail flicking

Can stepped closer and gently ran his hand along her centaur frame.

She sighed.

I hope you know I like this… but I’m still mad.”

Can (softly): I know but i don't want you to stress,

you should enjoy your self i wanted to take you to meet my mother and grandmother one day but now we are here

would you be okay to check out checking out the water tomorrow? Maybe building a sandcastle? Just you and me

Zenara hesitated… then relaxed just slightly.

Let’s wait till morning.”

Can: Okay . I love you.

zenara: I love you too, .

They leaned in. A soft kiss shared under moonlight, just as the wind shifted.

Suddenly, hoofbeats broke the moment. Armed centaurs stepped Among them was Helena.

Zenara approached to check on her.

Roxton stepped up beside Can, rubbing his neck.

You alright? Can asked.

Barely, Roxton chuckled. That punch wasn't

“Yeah, but centaur aren’t exactly gentle.

Roxton exhaled slowly.

Helena said she wants to try again. Give us another chance.

That’s good, Can said. Why do you seem nervous?

roxton: She used to be sweet. Soft-spoken. Now she’s stricter.

can: She’ll ease up. Just be there while she heals.

Roxton nodded.

Thanks, man. I kinda needed the advice

He walked to Helena. and they both started talking.

Then together they left.

a helicopter came and pick up the armed centaurs

Zenara returned

are You ready to go?”

can: Yeah.

Just then,

Solvian teleported to them.

solvian Sorry I left you both out there so long.

Can looks at his shirt.

Yeah I can tell you both must had a good time.

zenara: can Don’t say that out loud.

solvian chuckles

Solvian: I had the maids prep your bed, your clothes, and your showers. Rest well.

Can and Zenara thanked him

solvian teleported every back to the mansion

They showered separately and put on a fresh clothes

stepped into bed together

Can turned to her.

can: Hey how many centaurs do you think exist in the world?”

Zenara: Maybe a million. Maybe more.

Can: That’s a lot but maybe one day we’ll add a few more.

she started blushing

Can: After we get branded, I mean. Not now I want to enjoy the wild days first before we become parents

Zenara: Same

They reached for each other. Fingers intertwined. they shared a small kiss

and then finally Sleep followed