Jeanny stood in the crowd, the chaos of the Sekai Takai pulsing around her, but all of it faded into a dull hum when she saw Tory again. Some might call this fraternizing with the enemy, but Jeanny couldn’t care less about those whispers. Blood mattered more. Loyalty, even when bruised and broken, mattered more.
I thought he’d be more pissed. The words lingered, and Jeanny’s gaze softened. Her father was gentle, more than either of them probably deserved. Tory had run, and it had hurt them all, but even through that pain, Jeanny could understand. "Sometimes, running was easier than facing everything that broke you. "He was more worried than anything else, really. "
“He just… wants you safe.” Jeanny tried to keep her voice steady, knowing it was a thin line between understanding and her own concern. Tory's confession, how she hadn’t let anyone know her plans, how she’d left without warning—that hurt. When Tory spoke about their enemies, Jeanny's eyes flicked around to where the Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do students stood, shooting wary glances. Protective, judgmental.
“I don’t care what they think,” Jeanny said firmly, her voice strong despite the tremor she felt beneath it. “Let them hover. Let them watch. You’re still my sister. They would be giving me a reason to kick their asses.” But she would wait for the mat, store all of her energy there.
But then Tory's quiet admission settled in, a whisper drenched in pain, and Jeanny’s heart clenched. She knew what it was like to lose someone when you least expected it, to have life unravel before you. She reached out, a hand hovering near Tory’s, unsure if it would be welcome but unable to keep the distance any longer. “You didn’t fuck it all up.” Her voice cracked, the strength faltering. “You’re not alone in this.”
Jeanny’s eyes shone with unshed tears, her heart breaking for everything Tory had carried on her own. “Wearing that snake doesn’t change who you are. It’s just a symbol, and you’re so much more than that. And if this is your only chance, then take it. Just promise me you won’t shut me out again.”