Why?
Why was it different now?
There was no logic behind it.
No reason.
How could a change like this happen?
For her entire life, the girl never had a change in her vision.
It was always the same.
Red hair.
Red eyes.
Eyes with more light in their color than hers, yet the stare given to her almost seemed lifeless.
The detail that she never bothered to pay attention to was the hair.
While it is true that she had noticed the color of it, every time she had seen it, she only saw the front of it, the hair that had flowed around the person’s face.
This time.
This time was different.
It was long.
She noticed their hair completely this time.
It was long hair that looked like it descended down their back, all the way to their hips.
She could now see the length of the hair.
But that was the only difference this time.
However, even a difference like that was enough for her.
Why?
Why were they more visible?
What could have happened to her between her previous night, and now, that caused this to happen?
She truly wanted to know who this person was.
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Shiro: [...!]
Shiro had once again woken up after seeing the vision that frightened her so much.
Whether it was due to the new circumstances of her vision, or the living circumstances she now had, taking up a room with someone new to her, she had not let out a sound after seeing it.
She simply sat there in her bed, questioning who that was, like she had always done.
Shiro: [What could have happened…what could I have done…that made their hair more visible…]
She had begun to question if it was being at the school that changed it.
After all, she was able to deduce that this was something that she would eventually see.
While it may sound odd given the scenario she had been in, there was something to it that she couldn’t say “it was just a dream” and brush it off like it had been nothing.
This was something that at some point, she would see with her own eyes.
When, why, where, these were questions that always floated in her head
So the school that she had now begun to learn at, a school focused on becoming a god, seemed like it could be the cause of this change.
This had been the only thing she could think of, to cause this sort of change in the vision.
…
No.
There was one other thing.
Kōkatsu.
Out of the 2 big changes to happen to her, one of those things was a school focused on becoming a god.
The other, however, was a high ranking kitsune, who she had become friends with.
While it seemed unlikely, it was surely possible.
But why?
Why would Kōkatsu lead to a change in her vision?
Stolen novel; please report.
Why would this have any connection to the person that she saw?
And most importantly
Shiro: [...Does she sleep naked…?]
As Shiro was thinking about this possibility, she had turned her gaze to the sleeping Kōkatsu. The blanket that she had, covering from the top of her chest, down to her thighs, and only on her front at that. Anything that had not been covered, had revealed her skin, with no strings or clothing pieces around it. All while snoring up a storm.
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Shiro: [Mmmm….morning already…? I’m shocked I even got a good sleep for once…]
Despite the vision she had during the night, Shiro had woken up feeling well rested and ready for the day. This occurrence, however, was odd for her. Her sleep hadn’t necessarily been bad before, but it was never anything spectacular. If it were to be defined in one word, that word would be “decent”.
Kōkatsu: [Oh? Looks like you’re finally up. And good thing too, cause I just got done makin’ breakfast!]
Shiro: [Ahhh…it smells great…gimme gimme!]
Kōkatsu: [If you’re gonna eat, then we’ll eat by the kotatsu on the floor, not on our beds! I may be easy goin' when it comes to most things, but I ain’t a slob!]
Shiro: [Sorry, sorry…I’ll get up. I guess I should probably grab my clothes as well and get changed.]
Shiro had then gotten out of bed, and begun to put on her clothes, while at the same time continuing her conversation with Kōkatsu
Shiro: [Heh. Kōkatsu. Kotatsu. Ever notice how the two names are similar?]
Kōkatsu: [If I took a shot every time someone pointed that out, I think my body would go into a complete shutdown.]
Shiro: [............sorry.]
After putting her clothes on, Shiro and Kōkatsu had sat down by the kotatsu.
Kōkatsu: [Today’s meal is a classic of mine! Rice! Miso! And Sake!]
Shiro: [...I feel like one of those items doesn't belong…on top of that, I feel like you took this breakfast idea from a tv show or something.]
After pointing this out, Kōkatsu stared back at Shiro with a neutral look making a clear indication that she was hiding her embarrassment from where she had taken her idea from.
Kōkatsu: [...Anyways, let’s eat!]
Kōkatsu had begun to stuff her face with food, and as she did that Shiro had followed in the same manner, albeit a slightly less quick and more simple manner of consuming her food.
Kōkatsu: [So hey…I normally don’t check the news, since all they like to talk 'bout is bullshit and death and all that crap. Honestly kinda pisses me off, but hey like I said I rarely check it anyways all cause of that…shit I’m gettin' side tracked. So I checked it for the first time in a while, and they had some interestin' shit to share.]
Shiro: [Oh? What was it?]
Kōkatsu: [Apparently the balance for the ruler of the world is makin' some big waves in terms of progress. Seems like the Bloodfires are reignin' supreme like people thought. Although it’s not by some big amount and all that, but they still got some progress goin'.]
Shiro: [Bloodfire? I’ve heard that name before but I’m not sure when…are they important? I guess if they’re going to be the ruler of the world it would make sense…]
After saying this, Shiro’s body jumped up in shock from Kōkatsu slamming her hands on the table
Kōkatsu: [Haaaaaa?! You don’t know the Bloodfire family?! They’re the most royal of royalty. Nobody fucks with ‘em, and if they do, they’re stupid as hell to even try. The only people who possibly could are the Tensetsu family and even then, they’re the exact people competin' to become the ruler.]
The Bloodfire Family and the Tensetsu Family. They were known across the land quite well. Firstly, it should be known that being the ruler of the world was an incredibly important role. Your workload would be quite large, trying to manage the land and protect your people, giving them the resources they need, while also speaking directly to the gods themselves regarding the issues and resolutions that had occurred. This role was quite the heavy task for many, but it was rarely ever given to many in the first place. These two families had been the only people familiar with the scenario, and even then, the Tensetsu’s never actually experienced being rulers. They merely competed for the position, but never succeeded. The Bloodfire’s had always remained at the top, never backing down from a fight, and always staying true to their goals. They were noble, honest, and kind to their people. This was not to say the Tensetsus were bad people, far from it, however the Bloodfires had gotten a large amount of credibility as time went on.
Kōkatsu: [They’re the top dogs in the whole game. Nobody but the Tensetsus ever dare challenge them and for good reason. They even get to speak to the fuckin' gods!]
Shiro: [Wow…they’re even able to speak to the gods? I didn’t think such a role existed.]
Kōkatsu: [The gods may be the highest of higher ups, but even those old fools don’t see everythin'. Hell, I’m convinced they don’t see shit. Heh. Well anyways, the ruler of the world is basically their way of learnin' what’s goin' on. If I recall correctly, the current ruler is a lady named Devi. Devi Bloodfire.]
Shiro: [Wait so, if there’s a current ruler, this Devi lady, then doesn’t that mean there’s no competition of who gets to rule? Wouldn’t that mean it’s already settled?]
Kōkatsu: [Succession.]
Shiro: [Huh?]
Kōkatsu: [It’s a battle of succession. They’re decidin' the next ruler.]
Shiro: [I see.]
Kōkatsu: [Thing is though…well…both of them kinda suck. The next in line for the Bloodfire family is some woman who acts all cool and cocky, and the one for the Tensetsu family is some completely cold and serious woman. Out of the two though, people are favorin' the Bloodfire one. For one thing it’s due to Devi’s service that people believe the next in line will still be great. But there’s also the fact that the Tensetsu lady seems to have rather odd views for a ruler. Seems like she couldn’t care less 'bout helpin' people out in the givin' back kinda way, and more so focused on the whole military side of things.]
Shiro: [Hmmmm…I suppose that is quite a troubling scenario for them. I’m not sure who I would personally choose. Was the previous Tensetsu candidate like this?]
Kōkatsu: [The one who competed against Devi? Nah. She was actually pretty damn similar to Devi. Difference was, the Tensetsu woman, Tequi I think was her name, she was brave, super brave. But Devi, Devi was somethin' else. The kind of brave that she was you might call insane. She got the nickname of Devi the Braveheart for a reason.]
Despite this info being known quite well to many, Shiro was amazed to hear it all. She had remembered her mother bringing up both of these names once, but she couldn’t remember why.
Interested to find out more, Shiro attempted to ask for more regarding them.
Shiro: [Um….regarding the Bloodfire family, what do they-]
Kōkatsu: [Hey so quick question.]
Shiro: [Eh?]
Kōkatsu: [Sorry to interrupt you but…what time does the bus arrive again?]
Shiro: [Oh…ummm….I believe it arrives at the closest stop from here by around eight.]
Kōkatsu: [I see. Ok. Cool. So I’m just gonna let you know right now that it’s currently 5 minutes before that-]
Shiro: [YOU COULDN’T HAVE LET ME KNOW SOONER?!]
After hearing this, Shiro sprung up and grabbed everything she needed, packing her bag in a rush in order to make it for the bus.
Kōkatsu: [Want me to pack the rest of your rice in a box?]
Shiro: [YES! PLEASE AND THANK YOU!]
While she was glad to learn more about the events of the world, Shiro had now felt an immense amount of panic coursing through her. And thus, after packing what she needed and saying bye to Kōkatsu for the time being, she slammed the door and attempted to run to the bus stop.
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Shiro: [No…come on…please…you can totally see me waving my hand can’t you…damn it…]
Despite having incredible agility, and running as fast as she could, the bus had left mere seconds before Shiro could arrive at the stop. No matter how much she waved her hand or how fast she ran, it continued to drive off.
Now Shiro was left at the stop, a heaving mess, without a single bus to board.
Shiro: [My first day…and I’m already gonna be late…this is the worst…]
???: [Oh heavens! We missed the bus! That’s truly unfortunate. Now we’ll be late for our entrance, which wouldn’t look very good on us. I’m going to have to apologize a hundred, no, a thousand times to the school staff!]
Not long after Shiro arrived at the stop, two more people had arrived. One being a boy the same height as Shiro, with short black hair. He was adorned in a black long coat, with a white suit underneath and a black tie to it. The other, a girl a few inches smaller, with purple hair tied up in a ponytail at the top of her head. Much like the boy, she too had a very formal outfit. A purple long coat, with a light blue suit underneath, and a purple tie to it.
Purple Haired Girl: [You don’t need to apologize to them brother! I will do it! It’s my fault for reading the time incorrectly anyways, so allow me to do it instead!]
Black Haired boy: [We all make mistakes with time every now and then sister. It is not your fault. I should have been a proper older brother and made sure everything was ready ahead of time so that we could have-...are you quite alright miss?]
The boy had then noticed Shiro, panting a heavy amount after the long run she had.
Shiro: [I’m…fine…don’t worry…just….missed the…bus…I’ll be…ok…]
Black Haired Boy: [I see. So you're in a similar scenario to us. That’s quite unfortunate. But in a way, it’s like a gift.]
Shiro: [A…gift…?]
Black Haired Boy: [Yes! If two different people who are strangers to one another meet in an unfortunate scenario such as this, then it is a gift! A blooming of a new friendship I dare say! Oh, of course, if you choose not to continue down a path like this, that is fine too. But I would like to get to know many people here a lot more!]
The black haired boy had looked at Shiro with a genuine, pleasant smile on his face. He seemed fine with being late, all because he gained the opportunity to become friends with Shiro. She had been amazed that people as nice as this even truly existed.
Nero: [My name is Nero! And this is my little sister, Mena! It’s a pleasure to meet you!]
With that, the boy had introduced himself as Nero.
And from there, the cogs of time had been truly set in motion.
From this point forward, history would head down its chosen course.
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