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"Oh... my head..." Harper dragged her feet into the living room and sat at the coffee table. Arnest and Hyde were also sitting there. Arnest was drinking a bottle of water, while Hyde was writing something down onto a piece of paper.

"A well-deserved headache." Arnest snorted.

"Could you be bothersome elsewhere?" Harper coughed. "Don't you have to go help your mother or something? Why are you still here?"

"I should ask you the same thing. The entire week you've been out lollygagging. Why are you still here?"

"I wasn't lollygagging! I was out working! While you two were at home twiddling your thumbs!"

"Oh, I'll show you who's twiddling their thumbs, you wench—"

"Quiet!" Hyde spoke up, and both of them went silent.

Hyde turned to face Harper. "If Giada insists on drinking, next time, don't. I don't like having to care for your lightweight aftermath."

"Okay." Harper huffed.

Hyde brushed his hair back and sighed. "Don't stay out all day either. No one's gonna care for you when you're working yourself to death."

"Fine."

"Do your feet still hurt?"

"Huh?"

"There's ointment beside the mat. It's for your feet. If you haven't already, use it." Hyde pushed himself up and walked out of the Dojo without saying anything else.

He left both Arnest and Harper stunned.

Harper thought she was hearing things, but he sounded concerned. It was the first time that he ever acknowledged her pain so kindly. And his tone wasn't as harsh as it usually was.

What the heck happened to him?

"By the way," Harper changed the subject after noticing something was off. "Where's Yanpu? I haven't seen him in days."

She couldn't believe she let it slip her mind. The child she was responsible for had been away. Harper wished she had realized earlier.

"My mother took him and the others to school."

"School? Since when did Yanpu start going to school?"

"She thought it was strange that he stayed with us all day, and rightfully so."

"So you allowed her to take him away and enroll him?"

"It was Hyde who took and enrolled him. My mother only made the suggestion." Arnest gulped the rest of his water down and cleared his throat.

"Hyde!" Harper rushed up and to the door. He was standing at the entrance smoking a cigarette. When his eyes met hers, Harper began her rant.

"Are you crazy? Enrolling Yanpu in school HERE? Who gave you the permission to do that?"

"I don't need your permission to do anything." Hyde exhaled and a cloud of smoke was blown in her face.

"Yanpu is a delicate child! He isn't like others. He has to be under surveillance at all times!"

"Don't you think the kid should have a normal life and play with other brats his age?"

"No! I don't! Because it's not up to me to make that decision for him! Neither is it yours!"

"Well, it's too late now. What's done is done." Hyde shrugged.

"Go and take him out of school, now."

"Excuse me?" Hyde chortled at her.

"I'm serious, Hyde. This isn't a good idea! I raised Yanpu. He—"

"I don't give a shite about what's good or not. I don't care that you raised him. The kid is where he belongs. With other kids and out of my way."

"He's not like other kids!"

"Oh well, great! He can learn how to be one!" Hyde tossed his cigarette aside and put it out.

"If something goes wrong because of your reckless decision, I won't ever forgive you."

"I wasn't counting on it. But I'm sure he'll be fine. Stop babying him."

"I'm not babying him! I'm protecting him!"

"Okay."

"You wouldn't know what that's like, because while my job is to keep him safe, you've spent the last 10 years on a getaway vacation, doing as you please!"

"Uh huh."

"Don't patronize me!"

"I won't have to if you get out of my face." Hyde teased.

"Hyde!" Giada fumed, raised her skirt, and stormed right over. "That isseh non way to speak to eyu Amora!"

Hyde glowered at her but refused to say anything in response.

"Harpy! What isseh problemo? Why eyu fight?" Giada grabbed onto her hands, rubbing the backs of them gently.

"It's nothing." Harper pulled her hands away and crossed her arms.

"Hyde?" Giada looked at him, hoping to get an answer.

"It's none of your business."

"I see..." Giada glared at them. She placed her hands on her hips as her face began to turn red. "If non thing, kiss and make up! Non fighting! Non in mi casa!"

Hyde turned his back. Before he went back into the building, Giada snatched his arm and began to scold him. Her language switched so quickly, that it surprised Harper.

Harper couldn't understand what was being said, but it would surprise her if she was able to walk away alive afterward. She sounded very fed up.

After a long rant, Giada finally settled down and pointed between the two. "Stubborn boy! Makeup!"

Giada pushed Hyde closer to Harper before gesturing. "Now!"

Hyde's jaw clenched. It was tearing him apart that he was forcing himself to say what he didn't mean. "Sorry." He mumbled.

"What? What did you say?" Harper teased him.

"Don't push it, vixen..." He whispered. "Sorry."

"You're forgiven, dear husband." Harper chortled, knowing just how angry Hyde was deep down that he was forcing himself to put on the act. She brushed a bit of lint off his shoulders, before tapping them with an evil smile. "Thank you, Giada."

"Non problemo. Hyde isseh stubborn. Always been." Giada puffed. "Scusi him, Harpy. Hyde really isseh good man."

"Of course."

"Hyde, come help Arturo carry supplies to village. Si?"

"Arturo?" Arnest popped his head from behind the doors. "He's back?"

"Si. Eyu brosos has returned."

Arnest groaned.

"Harpy. Eyu must come and meet Arno's broso." Giada grabbed Harper's arm, but Hyde stepped in to intervene.

"Giada, let me speak with Arnest and my wife. I'll meet you and Arturo soon."

"Oh. Si." Giada nodded and took her leave.

"How many siblings do you have, Arnest?" Harper was very curious. Maybe it was a cultural thing for families to be so big.

"Too many." Arnest quipped. "I don't need to report to you."

Harper's expression fell, and she narrowed her eyes. It was like every time she tried to be decent with him, he would mock her or say something rude in return.

"Head back into town, and check if Harald sent any message back. I want to set a day for us to leave." Hyde ordered.

"Leave? To where?" Harper frowned. She was starting to get comfortable in Itaria, even though she didn't want to admit it.

"I'm still working on enhancing the antidote."

"No need." Hyde refused.

"You won't make it there without a good supply of it."

"I'll worry about that. You're going to head into the village and check the postal home for any mail that may have been faxed through." Hyde barked out the order harshly.

Arnest was very hesitant. It was so obvious he was extremely worried about Hyde's well-being. But he decided to go along with Hyde's demand.

"I'll head out now, I guess." Arnest slipped on his sandals and nodded on his way by them.

"Be back soon." Hyde took a step in the opposite direction. Harper quickly sprung forward and after him.

"Excuse me! We're not finished! What about Yanpu? You have to take him out!"

"I won't."

"Exposing him to this kind of activity could be detrimental for him and for— ow!" Hyde stopped suddenly, and Harper bumped into him from behind. Her nose smacked into his brick hard back and pain surged up the bridge.

Hyde spun around, sending a venomous glare her way. "You're awfully stupid for some top-notch scientist."

"I'm more accomplished in my field of work than you will ever be!"

"I don't give a shite. The brat is a kid, and you're treating him like a science experiment. He's not any different from anyone else and he doesn't need special treatment."

"That "brat" is the ONLY person qualified to save our country."

"Cut the bull, Vixen. Westona was already a shitefest long before you started working in your accomplished field."

"My mother, my friends, we all deserve a better life! Yanpu is the gateway to one for all Westonians, and I won't let you stand here and tarnish our work!"

"That sounds selfish to me." Hyde whistled playfully.

"It's not! If anyone is selfish, it's you! Seriously, running away and coming back to kill everyone because of your mental issues! Do you think you're better than anyone? Newsflash, pal! You're Not! You're worse than the devil!"

"I'm going to pretend that you have an ounce of sense in that small pea brain of yours." Hyde flicked her in the head. "Isolating the kid from associating with others his age, injecting him with whatever substances you see fit, locking him away, and forcing him to follow a strict routine every day is completely normal to you."

Harper wanted to retort, but the way he made her care for Yanpu sound was so unethical.

"Yanpu has never complained. We weren't forcing him."

"I read his files." Hyde scoffed. "Shock hypnosis was used several times on him."

"You're wrong."

"Prove it." Hyde challenged her.

"Shock hypnosis is only used for Psych experiments. I was in charge of Yanpu's well-being. I never allowed it—"

"That's a lot of talk and not much evidence to prove that I'm incorrect. Hearsay." Hyde placed his hands on his waist. "But you'd do anything to keep your precious Westona safe."

"From you, of course."

"You're nothing but a mindless slave working for them."

"Hyde—"

"The brat is going to stay in school. Until I'm ready to leave Itaria. The last thing I need is for him to whine around me. It's so annoying."

"I don't understand your motive." Harper grinded her teeth. "Why do you care about Yanpu?"

"I don't."

"You do! Or maybe you don't. I can't tell anymore! But... Do you want Yanpu to be around other children for him to act normal?"

"I want him out of my way."

"You say that. But do you mean it? Because you're confusing me! What was all that stuff about us isolating him and—"

"Curiosity killed the cat." Hyde interrupted and kept walking. Harper was surprised again.

What was Hyde trying to say? There was a shift in his behavior. Harper just couldn't figure out the meaning of his words.

Something between the day before and now changed the dynamic of the two.

"Hyde!" A calm gentle voice exclaimed, catching both his and her attention. A man with a lean build, dark brown hair, and blue eyes, dressed in a stained brown apron and white button-down shirt and white slacks approached them.

He had a thick mustache and beard that was well-trimmed. His appearance was completely in contrast to how he sounded.

"Wow. It's been a while. It's good to see you." The man chimed at Hyde, slapping his shoulders and pulling him in for a hug.

"Arturo." Hyde nodded in response. "Giada told me you were coming back."

"Sorry, I missed the feast. Scusi. The restaurant has been quite busy these days. I didn't have the time to greet you when I heard you came back to Piccposto."

"No worries."

"And this! This is your Amora!" Arturo glanced at Harper and pulled her in. He gave her a kiss on both cheeks, before taking her hand in his and patting the top of it.

"She's beautiful. Hyde... I swear. You always find the best beauties in Itaria. Leave some for me and Arno, aiy?"

"Can't help it. They keep throwing themselves at me." Hyde smirked and earned a nasty glare from Harper. Even Arturo rolled his eyes.

"What is your name, beautiful?"

"Harper,"

"Ah, your voice is like the songs of the violin. Heavenly. That's nice. Hyde needs someone like that." Arturo voiced softly so only she could hear.

And she blushed in response.

"You must come to the restaurant and try our food. Itaria's best. I know you will like it."

"I'd like that." Harper nodded. Everything Giada made was delicious. She had no doubt that one of her sons developed that skill from her.

"Don't you need help loading your truck?" Hyde stepped forward.

"Oh! Si! Come!" Arturo motioned for him to follow. "My brosos and I have been developing a new beverage. Something more for a romantic candlelight dinner."

Harper followed Hyde and Arturo on the other side of the courtyard, mostly because she still wanted to convince Hyde to take Yanpu away from school.

Arturo pointed to an old rusty red truck ahead of them. Next to it were big crates full of grapes.

"Are these all from the vineyard?" Harper gasped.

"Aiy. Si." Arturo smiled. "These grapes are the best in all of Piccposto—no, Itaria. Everything served at our restaurants is grown by the family. Arnaldo, Anore, Agusto, Antonio, all of us. We own gardens and vineyards to provide the best quality meals for our customers."

"There's that many of you guys?" Harper counted. She was surprised. Giada had 7 children, 6 boys and 1 girl. Their family was huge.

"Si. But Arno, Aiy... that delinquent. Spoiled brat. He wanted to be a man of science. He stayed looking at the clouds as a boy, never learning from Mama or Papa. Even Pa Arnesto was ashamed. He could've earned big, and been a very good chef. Scusi, Hyde."

Harper frowned. She knew Arnest dabbled with chemistry and making medications. But she didn't know he was an actual scientist like her. Did he even have the proper certificates to be a scientist?

"While Mama and Papa and Pa Arnesto slaved away, working to pay for our schooling, Arno rebelled and studied sciences while the rest of us worked our Arses off. Now he's broke and relies on you, Hyde, to take him everywhere. Don't let him stick to you."

Arturo grabbed the sides of one crate and pushed it closer to the truck. "Anyways, Hyde, please... it goes in the trunk.

"Um... what field of science did Arnest study? I'm curious." Harper bit her lip.

"None of your business." Hyde nudged Harper away. "Go back."

"Aiy, Hyde... it's okay for her to ask. I'm used to the looks of shame." Arturo sighed. "Crystonology."

"Crystonology?" Harper murmured. She knew exactly what it was. Before she earned her certificate in her respective field, the study of their planet was a required elective.

Crystonology contained points of how their planet came to be and natural developments of the soil, land, air, and water. It also contained cross-examinations of earlier scientists' experimentation with Minerals.

Puron was the main mineral in Westona. It was dangerous, but full of power. Maybe that's why Arnest was skilled in making an antidote for Hyde from the ingredients he found.

"See? Even she looks disgusted." Arturo chuckled.

"Oh, no! I... I don't. Actually, I think it's interesting."

"Pfft! Interesting? Nothing is interesting about studying rocks and planetary malarkey. It's a waste of effort."

Harper felt the heat rising in her body. "It's not a waste. Crystonology isn't an easy subject. There's a lot of applied use that goes into it. You have to actively use the information you learn. Certain plants on this planet require the basic knowledge of it to create concoctions to help us."

"Si. Si." Arturo waved her off.

"Science isn't as bad as what you make it to be."

"Drop it, vixen," Hyde muttered softly, warning her.

"I'm a scientist myself. I think it's something to be very proud of—"

Arturo burst into a fit of laughter, interrupting her. "Your Amora is very cute. She's blinded by kindness."

"Blinded? I'll have you know that I—"

"You're not getting it." Hyde tossed one of the crates effortlessly into the trunk. He brushed his hands together and narrowed his eyes at Harper.

"Arnest is a scientist. That isn't useful here."

"Si. Hyde. Tell her." Arturo grabbed another crate with a scoff.

"He makes income because I pay him. Arnest is very talented in his field, yes. But his family looks at more than just talent. They value giving and good character."

"Science can be used for that too!"

"Your field can also cause greed for unattainable knowledge."

"Okay. That's your opinion. Arnest is quite accomplished. You shouldn't shame him. That should give you a reason to support him!"

"You're defending him now..." Hyde huffed at her. "Just a while ago, you were mocking him. Or maybe it's because he's working in a field similar to yours, you're getting all worked up."

"Screw you, Hyde."

"Aiy, are you fighting? Don't fight." Arturo cleared his throat when he noticed the tension between the two. "Hyde, don't aggravate your Amora. Harper, Scusi. My apologies. I don't mean to insult you."

"Don't bother apologizing to her." Hyde spat. "She doesn't like to hear the truth."

"Hyde...!" Arturo coughed.

"Without Crystonology, Arnest wouldn't have been able to create an antidote to help you with your illness!"

"Harper, please don't—"

"I can't continue to have this conversation with a person who's so blatantly disrespectful to the very thing that keeps you in good health! You're so selfish! You're... You're so... ugh!" Harper struggled to find the right words to throw at him.

Beyond frustrated and fed up for the day, Harper turned around and stomped back toward the Dojo.

"Hyde... you must not treat your Amora so... I know you are honest, but if you don't want your relationship to be at risk—"

"My relationship with her is my business." Hyde placed another crate into the truck. "I said what I said to get her to leave."

"What?"

"I don't agree with most of the things you said about Arnest." Hyde stopped what he was doing to look at Arturo.

"The air of Itaria is very different from other countries. Arnest's knowledge of Crystonology has helped the both of us get out of some serious shite. Even though Piccposto prefers familial attachment rather than their own separating for another purpose, Arnest is still very accomplished in what he does."

"Ah... I see."

"And Arnesto wasn't ashamed of him. I don't know which bulls arse you pulled that from. Arnesto supported him because he faced a similar situation. He wasn't a chef or the owner of a restaurant. As a defense teacher and blacksmith, he was successful."

Arturo crossed his arms. "You've always been close with my brosos. Always defending him, getting me into trouble."

Hyde chuckled.

"Scusi." Arturo sighed. "I do love Arno. I hate to admit, I get a little jealous."

"A little?"

"A little." Arturo stacked the last crate into the back. "Go and apologize to your Amora. And bring her to the restaurant sometime, si? I want her to try our recipe." Arturo gestured to the grapes.

"Sweet wine, for sweet love. You come and try it together."

"Sure." Hyde placed his hands in his pockets.

"Be more gentle with Harper. She likes you a lot. I can tell."

"Isn't that something?" Hyde laughed.

"Eh?"

"I'll take your advice." Hyde dismissed Arturo politely.