Two years after departing, Li Wei and Hao returned with four soul fragments they'd found and helped integrate.
The reunion was emotional. Adrian had missed his first fledgling, had worried about him constantly. Seeing Li Wei confident, mature, successful in his mission filled Adrian with pride.
"Tell me everything," Adrian said.
Li Wei shared stories of finding confused teenagers, frightened adults, people carrying Cain's memories without understanding why. He'd helped each one, offering turning or therapy depending on their choice.
"You did incredible work," Adrian said.
"I learned from the best. You showed me how to help people carrying ancient souls. I just applied your methods."
That evening, they all had dinner together—Adrian, Kieran, Li Wei, Hao, Wei, and several others. It felt like family, like the future they'd been building.
"This is nice," Adrian observed. "Having people who matter, who we've built relationships with over years."
"This is what we fought for," Kieran agreed. "Not just survival, but community. Family, even if not by blood."