After getting in, Isamu starts the car and we drive off to I guess wherever we are eating. 

I figure since I’m here, I’ll ask some questions.

"So, I have to ask. How well versed are you, Isamu?" 

"What do you mean?"

"Well it’s just, aside from your profession, you clearly know a lot about Powers from what Isabelle has told me. It seems there’s more to you than just being a tech whizz, so yeah, curious."

Isamu, smiling whilst concentrating on driving, remembers he’s talking to an “ex” police detective. And the fact we apparently have a shared link in regards to our adoptive father…

"Ah, right. Jason has taught you well. Well, I’d say a fair bit. I have… two sons with Abilities also, so I’ve learned more than a “regular” person would about how being Powered works. 

What was with that pause…?

I muse for a moment, before asking my next question.

“And you?

“Hmm?”

“Are you Powered also?”

Isamu pauses for a moment, glancing over to Ed.  He stays silent, nodding in acknowledgement. 

I’m getting the feeling I shouldn't have asked that given these reactions…. The silence is… awkward. 

Isamu’s gaze shifts to the rear-view mirror, catching Adam’s reassuring nod. Isamu returns the gesture with a faint smile, his grip on the steering wheel noticeably tightening.

“I used to, but after my wife died, they don’t seem to work anymore.”

…Oh. Well that was insensitive of me. Given how he worded his reply I should have guessed it’d be something like this… I just had to pry, didn’t I?  

“I’m so sorry to hear that, and-”

Isamu stops me before I can continue, chuckling to himself.

Sounding noticeably forced…

Yeah… I definitely shouldn’t have asked that.

“Now, none of that. You asked and I answered. I’m at peace with it so don’t beat yourself up over it.”

Isabelle looks to the right, outside of the car, with a sombre look on her face. 

You too huh. Shit. That’s twins for you…

Isamu continues with his explanation.

You are aware about how our mental stability greatly affects our capability to even use our Powers, no? Well this is a possible side effect. I feel fine but well, I just can’t access them anymore. I’ve been trying for quite some time but I’m afraid I have not had any luck as of yet.

“I… I see.”

He… must have it bad then.  

I can’t say I’m in a good position myself given what happened… I’ve heard of mental stability affecting the use of your abilities but outright turning them off? That’s new to me, and given his reaction, I don’t think he’s lying. 

Glancing over to Isabelle, we share a look. 

It seems my suspicions are confirmed. 

I notice Isamu looking at the rear view mirror and continue.

“Think nothing of it. Really. It’s better that you know anyway.”

Isabelle tries to break the awkward moment with a more jovial question. 

“I’ve never been to this area of town before. Do you come here often, Isamu?”

She’s trying to help me out, and I love her for it.

"Yes. I frequent this restaurant for business meetings. I booked us a private room so we can eat in peace. I hope you don't mind Maipanian cuisine. They have a nice breakfast spread there."

"Oh yeah, definitely. If you recommend it I'm sure it's quite nice"

Isamu chuckles lightly. 

“You’ll love it. Ah one moment.”

Huh?

Isamu taps his glasses twice and in the rear view mirror I can see… his face changes? He looks like he just instantly lost about 20 years of age on his face.

“Optical camouflage. It’s a bit of a hassle going to public places sometimes. This will just make  things easier for everyone.”

That’s one way of putting it. It looks like Isabelle is equally as surprised as me.

“You’re just full of surprises aren’t you Isamu?” 

He smiles back at me, slightly embarrassed by the redness in his face. 

“I suppose so. Regardless, we’ll arrive in about 10 minutes.”