Taru Sharaguna's Links
They were transported to the Facility in the same van, though by the time they escaped they were far different people. They had the closest thing one could get to a friendship, trapped in that place, and a few tears were shed when they ultimately chose to part ways after the Facility's destruction. After all, they couldn't be sure if they'd ever see each other again.
And yet... they found each other, years later. Once again, they were far different people than when they'd last met, but somehow it was like almost no time had passed at all between them. It didn't take long for them to become close friends again, for Taru to choose to move REALMS to be with him and his team.
By the time he realized he had something akin to a crush on the boy, Ken was already seeing something else. This wasn't his first time dealing with that, though, and he doubted it'd be the last. Even still, he values Ken's friendship more than almost anything.
It's always nice to have a friendly face, especially when he's moving realms and unfamiliar with the... well... EVERYTHING. Alana was quick to help him get adjusted to the Middle Realm, and before long they were exchanging music recs, teaching each other recipes, and talking the night away. He's always down to be a listening ear as she rants about bullies and restrictive parents, and he's grown a deeper appreciation for nature after listening to her lectures on local wildflowers and insects.
Is it weird to be sorta-besties with your boyfriend's best friend from his traumatic childhood? Either way, Alana's life was far from normal, so she's taking it in stride! Whenever he had questions about how things in the human realm worked, she gave her best answers, introduced him to her other friends, and anything else she could do to help. She was worried Taru found her annoying, since he's not too much of a conversationalist, but all worries were pushed aside when she heard him purring as she showed him around her garden. Now they'll listen to music, share snacks, and chat while he teaches her about hair care and does her braids. She's also learning boy band choreography because of him, but hey--it's loads of fun!
It was hard to grow up in the High Realm and not see Arcis Shinigami as a legendary hero. He saved their whole realm, after all, and the profession of Monster Hunting was never the same after he left his mark. Taru never worshipped him as much as other hunters did, but he always had a bit of reverence. All that quickly went away when Ken and Luke confided in him about the years of abuse they faced by his hand, revealing just how much of a monster the former hunter really was. Now he feels nothing but disgust seeing pictures of the man.
He'll become the top hunter, alright. And the instant he does, he's using his platform to expose the filth that lies under Arcis Shinigami's thin veneer.
It's crazy how much Luke had change since they last met. Back then, he was the serious one, the quiet one, mumbling mantras to himself and Ken to keep himself calm. Now? He was a loud, boistrous, flame wielding goofball who loved adventure, action, and throwing himself headfirst into anything that came at them.
Well. Who said he had to be a goofball alone? Taru's more than willing to relax with a few late night adventures in his car, checking out new scenes and blasting pop punk as loud as his speakers will allow!