Titan Rumble Ch 5: Responsibilities That Where To Come, Challange Given!

(CAIN)

I sat cross-legged on Mr. Takamura's massive shoulder, trying to get comfortable while we talked. The steady rise and fall of his chest felt like sitting on a moving boulder. It was weird being this high up, and a part of me still hadn't gotten used to it. Everything about the Alphas was bigger than life itself.

"So, Cain," Mr. Takamura's deep voice rumbled beside me, "how have you been? How are your parents doing?"

I smiled, feeling a bit of warmth in my chest at the familiar, fatherly tone in his voice. "I've been okay, you know? Still training. Trying to keep up with all the stuff my dad throws at me. My mom, well... she's still mom, always worried about everything." I paused for a second, thinking about home, then added, "They're both doing good. My dad's been working hard, but you know how he is. He'd never let anyone see him slow down."

Mr. Takamura chuckled, a sound that was more like a low earthquake than a laugh. "That sounds like him. It's good to hear. Your parents are good people."

I nodded. "Yeah, they are."

As we continued talking, I felt the distinct sensation of being watched. I didn't even have to look to know who it was. Yuna. I could practically feel her eyes burning holes in the back of my head from dozens of feet away—though to her, it was probably just a casual glance. The fact that she could see me so clearly from that distance was mind-blowing. Alphas and their insane eyesight.

I tried to ignore her, but every time I glanced over my shoulder, there she was, arms crossed, glaring at me like I had personally insulted her ancestors. I couldn't help but shift a little, wiping my palms on my pants. Why did she look so mad? What did I even do? I hadn't seen her in years, but here she was, acting like I'd stolen something from her.

"So, Cain," Mr. Takamura said, pulling me back into the conversation, "your father tells me you're ready. Ready to take on this responsibility."

I blinked, shaking off the nervousness Yuna was causing. "Huh?" I looked up at him, realizing I'd missed part of what he was saying. "Oh, right. The studio. Yeah, he's been... uh, preparing me."

Mr. Takamura smiled, a soft but knowing expression that didn't quite match his massive stature. "It's a big responsibility, Cain. Running a dojo, guiding others in their growth, passing on what you've learned. Your father thinks you're ready, and I trust his judgment."

I looked down at my hands, fiddling with a loose thread on my pants. I should have felt proud, but instead, there was this heavy weight in my chest. "Thanks, Mr. Takamura," I muttered, trying to keep my voice steady. "But... why me? Why not your own daughter?"

There was a long pause. I could feel the tension rise even more, as if Yuna's glare from behind me had intensified. I almost didn't want to look up, but when I did, Mr. Takamura was smiling, though it was a bit sad.

"Yuna is strong," he said quietly, "and she's talented. Very talented. But she's not ready yet. Not in the way you are."

I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of guilt and confusion. "But she's—she's an Alpha. Shouldn't she be the one leading your dojo? She's got the strength, the skill..."

Mr. Takamura's smile grew a little wider, though there was still that sadness in his eyes. "Strength isn't everything, Cain. It's not just about power or ability. It's about understanding, about guiding others. And that's something your father has seen in you for a long time."

I didn't know what to say to that. I wasn't sure I believed it. I wasn't sure I even wanted it. But here I was, on this path my father had laid out for me, whether I liked it or not.

Behind me, I could still feel Yuna's gaze, like a looming storm. Something told me this wasn't going to be easy.

***

(Yuna)

Every step I took, the frustration gnawed at me, bubbling just beneath the surface. I couldn't keep my eyes off Cain, sitting there so casually on my father's shoulder, like he had some right to be here, like he hadn't completely embarrassed me years ago.

I clenched my fists as the memories of that day came flooding back. The fight. The way he'd humiliated me, even if it was just for a moment. No one else knew it, but I did. I could still feel the sting of it, the way everyone had looked at me afterward. How could he—an Omega—dare to stand in front of me like we were equals?

And now... now he was supposed to inherit my father's dojo? Take over what rightfully should've been mine? I couldn't let that happen. Not without a fight.

We were finally leaving the airport, the sunlight hitting my face as we stepped outside. I stopped abruptly as we reached the car, my muscles tensing up. My father turned to look at me, confused, and even Cain—tiny as he was—seemed to sense something was coming.

"Cain!" I yelled, my voice booming out louder than I intended. Instantly, I caught myself, seeing him nearly flinch. Damn it. I forgot how loud I could be.

I took a breath, calming myself. "Cain," I said again, quieter but still sharp. I could see him turn his head, looking surprised. Good. He should be.

"Yeah?" he asked, his voice so small I had to really focus to hear him.

I stared down at him, this tiny speck of a person sitting there like he didn't have a care in the world. How could he be so relaxed? Didn't he understand what was happening? Didn't he feel the weight of all of this?

"We're going to have a match," I said, my voice steady but hard. "Whoever wins gets to lead the studio their way. The other... becomes the winner's slave. Deal?"

The words hung in the air. I watched his face closely, waiting for his reaction. Maybe he'd laugh it off, maybe he'd refuse. But I could feel the tension in my chest, like I was daring him to defy me. To brush me off like I was nothing again.

Because I wasn't going to let him. Not this time.