External Events.

Ryoba Aishi wasn't very happy today.

He knew that was never a good sign.

"D-darling? You seem off today." He ventured, hoping he wouldn't set her off.

It was almost like Ryoba hadn't even heard him. He tried to gently shake her shoulder. She looked up as if he had broken some sort of trance.

"O-oh! Silly me… I was just lost in thought! You know, just wondering what I should cook and stuff."

"Right…" He knew better than to believe her. But then again, he wasn't stupid enough to pry. He knew how she was. He left her be and went into the living room.

Ryoba was actually thinking about the phone call she had received earlier.

.

.

.

"Hello."

"Why are you calling me all of a sudden?" Her voice was cold, very different from her usual bright tone.

"You know our mutual problem."

"I thought that was taken care of."

"He's planning on coming back."

"And what can I do about that?" Ryoba felt her hands starting to shake. This would not do.

"I'm aware of your abilities. Stop it."

Ryoba gulped as she sank into deep thought. The man on the line continued talking.

"They say he has newfound evidence. Undisputable, as my sources put it."

"I don't have the funds."

"You know better than to make that a problem." A notification on Ryoba's phone informed her that a hefty sum had been transferred into her account from an untraceable source.

Ryoba had to bring back what she once was. There were no excuses. Part of her relished this idea, but the risk was too great. What would her husband say? What would her daughter say.

"My daughter…" She began.

"She's very much like you. My sources tell me she's following in your footsteps already. She'll be alright"

Following in her footsteps? What could this possibly mean?

Could it be… That she had finally found him? Ryoba found herself grinning at this prospect and began to make plans to help her.

"I know what you're thinking. You cannot help her. I need you to stay as inconspicuous as possible, even if it means distancing yourself from your daughter."

Ryoba sighed. He was right. She could not afford a potential mistake Ayano might make.

Still, if she was anything like her mother, she would survive on her own.

"But you will protect her."

"Obviously."

"Fine. When do I go?"

"Tonight. You have a seat on the 6 o'clock plane to Los Angeles. My agents will guide you from there. You can bring your husband, he is too involved in this situation to leave behind"

"Alright."

"Do not let him return to Japan at all costs."

The phone clicked. She received an email detailing hotel reservations and flights.

Ryoba summoned all her cheerful demeanor.

"Come on sweetheart! I've just booked a trip for us! We're going to Los Angeles!"