Colliding Worlds

Never had Ren switched so fast from extreme bliss to existential terror.

Her grandfather approached rapidly, glaring at her with rage. Her brain was so overloaded with emotions trying to process this moment. Her grandfather wasn't going to understand, and wouldn't listen to reason. She would be dragged out of here, locked in the house, never seen by these people again. She couldn't move, she couldn't breathe. She just sat there helplessly as her grandfather reached for her. 

Please, no. Don't let this be how it ends...

With unsettling speed, a body came between them. Sota was standing there, blocking her grandfather's path. His stature was in full display, and his expression was entirely different from before. In this moment, his entire persona had shifted and his problems had been thrown into the void. 

"What the hell?" her grandfather questioned. "Get out of my way! I'm taking my granddaughter home..."

Sota didn't respond - he simply glanced back to meet Ren's gaze. He was waiting for confirmation from her that this was indeed the case. Ren couldn't find it in her to reply, however. The look in his eyes was terrifying. It's like his soul had vanished - and all that remained was a machine of war. 

She wasn't sure if she was more afraid of her grandfather - or of what Sota had just become.

A memory passed through Ren's mind. A random conversation in class that felt so trivial at the time. Students had been discussing whether Sota or Natsu would come out on top in an all-out brawl. People speculated endlessly, but it had been Natsu who ended the argument. 

"Sota may be a gentle person," he had warned. "But he didn't get this far by being dainty. There's a demon hidden inside there - and I would never dream of trying to overcome that..."

Back in the moment, her grandfather took this moment to act. Thinking Sota was distracted, he maneuvered around him to reach for Ren once more...

"Do NOT touch her..."

Before anyone could process it, Sota had clasped his arm and pulled her grandfather's gaze directly to his. He was calm and cold, but the murderous intent was palpable in the air. Everyone in the room - even those who appeared ready to intervene before - all stopped dead in their tracks. 

Even her grandfather, who could typically be a bit brazen, had wide eyes and terror on his face. The moment etched itself deep into Ren's psyche. At home, it didn't matter who the adult was. Physical violence always felt like the unspoken threat...

And this man had just made it clear he was far beyond what her family could handle.

Only once her grandfather moved to retreat from the table did Sota let go of his hands and allow him to collect himself. Still, it was clear every fiber of his being was on high-alert. If her grandfather decided to escalate with a weapon - one of them would end up seriously hurt. 

She had to say something - now.

"It's okay, Senpai," she managed to squeak out. "It's true - he is who he says he is."

Sota seemed to soften - ever-so-slightly - at her words. Her grandfather smirked. 

"Yeah, see? Even she confirmed it! So, get out of my way before I call the police..."

He went to advance again, but Sota's expression immediately hardened again, stopping him in his tracks. 

"Do as you please. No loving grandfather looks at their granddaughter like that. If you have that much faith that your granddaughter will side with you over me - then go for it."

His grandfather stopped dead. His attempt to regain control had collapsed. The truth was written on his face, and everyone could see it. Seeing this, Sota's expression broke for the first time - switching to a sadistic smirk. 

"What's going on?"

Ren turned to see Riku running over from the bathroom. His eyes were frantically scanning the situation as he approached. Her grandfather noted his approach.

"You're the boy who picked her up earlier..."

"Yes," Riku acknowledged, coming to the table beside Ren. "I brought her to our class today..."

Her grandfather shifted his gaze back to Sota - his brain beginning to process.

"You're one of the assistants, then? So she did go to class..."

"Glad you've turned your brain on. Unfortunate that it required the threat of violence..."

"Sota, that's enough!" Riku said, genuinely concerned. "This isn't life or death... It's not like home..."

Ren's gaze shifted back to Sota at those words. Sota didn't move - clearly troubled and trying to internalize Riku's statement. Sad curiosity struck Ren  - especially after seeing what Sota could become when he protecting someone else. 

He's so gentle. What has he gone through to be able to turn into this?

"Ren..."

Sota's words snapped her attention back to the moment. Their eyes met, and Sota's overwhelming presence suddenly locked in on her. It was as if the world had forgotten how to breathe.

"Yes?"

"Are you safe to go home with this man?"

Ren took a few deep breaths to compose herself. Things felt at least a tiny bit calmer. She had completely forgotten about future consequences - her brain's survival instinct was focused on getting through this moment. 

"I...believe so."

It was immediately apparent the impact those three words had. Not on Sota or Riku, but on her grandfather. It was a strike with more force than any punch that could've been thrown - his expression shattered almost immediately. 

"You will text me that you make it home safely," Sota instructed. "I will also check in periodically to make sure you are still okay. If anything gives me reason to believe someone I care about is in danger, neither of us will enjoy what comes next..."

"Alright, Sota. I believe the message is received," Riku exclaimed, nervously chuckling to diffuse tension. "I think we can go now. All these people are here, so I don't think anything is going to happen at this point..."

Riku gently grabbed his arm to tug him towards the door. Sota was stiff and hesitant to move. His gaze turned once more to Ren - looking for a final confirmation before he left her without protection. 

For that brief moment, Ren couldn't help but smile amidst the chaos. She had never had someone come to her defense that intensely - to protect her humanity.

"I'll be okay, Senpai," she assured him gently. "I will see you soon."

Sota did not seem pleased with that, but he accepted it. He allowed Riku to drag him away, her grandfather stepping aside to allow their passage. 

One final, spiteful jab left Sota's mouth. 

"I look forward to the day she leaves you - and never needs to look back."