Dusk had formed within the sky above, and the smell of what seemed to be dampened wood had filled the air. A beautiful white succubus that casted the darkness away with her appearance alone slowly descended towards a large house.
At the sight of this succubus, a kitsune of orange slowly raised herself off the front steps as she tapped her flipped kiseru.
Shiro: [Everything turned out well?]
Kōkatsu: [Yep. It was nice. A more chatty kinda day than anythin' else, but I don't mind that at all. Kagami made sure to help before I arrived as well.]
Shiro: [I see. If you don't mind me asking, when did–]
Kōkatsu: [Around four I'd say. Guess it was an early day, which is kinda shockin'. You'd think it'd be a lot more busy over there but nope.]
Shiro: [Ah. Well, I'd best head inside. Are you joining us for tomorrow? It's Nero's birthday if you somehow didn't get a bunch of letters from Yoro informing you about it.]
Kōkatsu: [Oh trust me, she did a real good job drillin’ it into my head. I'll tag along, and I'll get Kagami to help out with the rest if yer cool with that.]
Shiro: [That works for me! Alright, I should head in. Have a great night, Kō!]
Kōkatsu: [Night, Shiro!]
As the two said their farewells, they headed their separate ways for the night. The following day would be quite the important occasion for them.
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Shiro: [Mm…]
Continuing to shut her eyes in her peaceful rest, Shiro muttered to herself.
Shiro: [I don’t wanna get up yet…WAH!]
She moved her arms to the opposite side, only to find that nothing had been there to support her. It was very peculiar however, as there had been nothing to support her to begin with. After all, she was–
Shiro: [I’m…standing? Why am I…Wait…No…This place is…]
Shiro gazed at the space around her, which was just that. Space. An infinite void of beaming lights moving across the open field around her. It was a location she had not seen in many years now. Along with this location…was someone.
Shiro: [You…Why are you here now?! I’m starting to remember now…I haven’t even had a dream like this since I was a teen. And yet, now I’m having them once again…]
She looked towards the blood red figure. As per usual, she could only see their hair and eyes. The only action this figure had taken was merely staring right back at her.
Shiro: [Answer me, damnit! Why are you here?!]
Silence filled the endless space, before a sharp ringing was produced within Shiro’s ears. She held her head down in pain as her hands quickly covered her ears.
Shiro: [Ghhh….Hk….If you think this hurts….then you’re dead wrong! This is nothing compared to–]
Her statement was not finished, as brand new words were shoved into her mind.
I hate thinkin’ ‘bout it. I get the reason why it started, but there’s no reason why this would even happen!
Shiro’s eyes lit up as the voice played out into her brain.
Shiro: [Kō…That was Kō…I recognize that voice without a doubt…Why…Why was Kō–]
I’m very sorry for your loss. I would have preferred that the situation was handled differently, in a much more peaceful manner. As to why it ended the way that it did, I still do not understand.
Shiro: [That…That voice…I don’t recognize it…Who was that…]
Ah! Right! This is my friend! She’s a little quiet, but I think you might like her! She seems to know you pretty well or so I’m told, so I think that all works out, right?
Shiro: [...!...This one…This one almost sounds like…]
Once again, her words were cut off.
A different word entirely was put through her mind, only this time, there was no sound attached to it.
I’m
Thus, the world around her faded as always.
Shiro would wake up the next morning feeling as though she had perfectly rested without a singular problem.
Along with this, however, was the lost memory of this dream.
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Slowly waking up in a soft, silk bed, with the sun beaming ever so slightly through the nearby windows, was Shiro Fuloreen. She stretched her arms while continuing to remain flat on the bed, before turning to the other side. Looking towards the clock by her bedside, she noticed the time displayed on it.
Shiro: [Mmm…It’s a little bit late in the morning. I guess I was really tired last night. I don’t necessarily want to get up just yet though…]
Looking beside the clock, she noticed the enriching scent being produced by the steaming cup sitting there. A calm smile rose on her face as she closed her eyes again.
Shiro: [I guess this is my answer that there’s no fooling around for today. What a shame. Well, I suppose I’d best get up then.]
Raising the sheets off from herself, Shiro allowed her feet to touch the floor as she began to stretch once more. Taking a hold of the cup’s handle, she took one large gulp of her coffee and consumed the contents in full. Gently placing it down, she began to run down her list of things to do as she continued to move.
Shiro: [Alright. Clothes, check. Any ironing…is not needed. Perfect! The gift has been nicely wrapped without my help. I’ll have to give a thank you much later! Right, following that, the letter…has been signed. Great! Text message from Kō about Kagami’s arrival time…has been received. Now I just need to send her a message back just to confirm things…and done. The time I have written down…is correct. Perfect, just wanted to make sure. Now all that’s left is to brush my teeth, shower, and then I have a little bit of free time before it’s time to leave.]
Putting a dark pointed fingernail to her chin, Shiro began to think of ideas to kill time.
Shiro: [Maybe I should go shopping? It wouldn’t be bad to stock up on anything that’s needed. Or…perhaps I could just spend time here. I think I like the second option more! It’s decided then. I’m gonna clean myself up, and then I shall relax here for the next few hours!]
Confidently raising her fist into the air as if making a mighty proclamation, Shiro began to move to the washroom with confidence in her step.
The time of Nero’s birthday party would soon arrive.
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An outstanding castle served as the location for the special occasion. It was a structure that was lit beautifully, which allowed the gold colors of the halls to shine much brighter. In areas that had not been lit was a dark blue hue to the rooms, providing an exciting labyrinth-like feel before the amazing spectacle that would occur once a switch was activated. Paintings and photos were spread across each and every wall. Along with these were red carpets that dressed every inch of the floor below.
It was a castle of such a grand scale that many had been confused on where to start, or where to even go. Hallways upon hallways, doors upon doors, it was as if an entire apartment complex was housed within this very building. Many had to walk up the finely dressed owners of black and red, asking where certain things had been. This usually resulted in a light chuckle from the two, before an answer was given.
Entering through a side door was a woman in a beautiful white dress, who walked towards an orange kitsune in a yukata of orange with flowers of white.
Shiro: [The chatty brothers seem to be having their usual talks outside.]
Kōkatsu: [As to be expected of the chatty brothers. Though it seems like Sisi wants to join the group. She sure is a greedy one.]
As the two smiled, Shiro looked towards Kōkatsu’s outfit of choice.
Shiro: [I’m surprised about the yukata. I guess we’re getting close to the summer, but I would have assumed that you would have just worn your kimono.]
Kōkatsu: [I wanted to wear somethin’ special seein’ as everyone else was, so I went with this. Works well, doesn’t it?]
Shiro: [It’s really nice. Although, it’s odd to see you wearing clothes without having the top of your chest exposed.]
Kōkatsu: [Hey! I can cover my stuff sometimes! This is one of those times where I should!]
Smirking while receiving a shout from Kōkatsu, Shiro continued to speak.
Shiro: [This place sure is huge…]
Kōkatsu: [Hm? Ya never been here?]
Shiro: [I know you have. given what Yoro told me. But no, I have not. Every time I spoke to Nero and Yoro in the past, it was during an outing. I’ve never been here, and they’ve never come to my own house.]
Kōkatsu: [S’nice. A little bit too big I’d say, but I got used to it. I’m usually with Yoro in this room anyways.]
Shiro: [I see. I guess that adds up with what she said…Oh! Right! Do you know by any chance where their daughter is?]
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Kōkatsu: [Ah, little Vari? Nope. There’s no hope in hell that she’s comin’ out tonight.]
Shiro: [Awwww. Why not?!]
Kōkatsu: [Ya see how many people are here? There’s not a chance she’ll show her face! She’s the most shy kid I’ve ever seen!]
Shiro: [I guess Yoro did say something along the lines of that…Damn. I was kinda hoping I could meet her after what I was told.]
As her face began to shrink in sadness, a loud call was shouted towards Shiro from across the room.
Yoro: [Shiro! Come over here! I have someone I want you to meet!]
Kōkatsu: [Well damn, maybe yer in luck then.]
Sadness being replaced by excitement, a quick reply was given.
Shiro: [R-Right! Coming!]
Shiro ran to the door where Yoro had peeked out from with energy filling her entire body. Perhaps now, she would finally meet the girl she was told about.
Moving around the long table and towards the door, Shiro finally arrived at her destination.
What she saw beside Yoro was not a girl, but a tall man with slicked back purple hair in a matching purple suit. Though his outfit looked dignified, and his hair was well kempt, his face provided a rather sad look even if he had been smiling
Yoro: [Shiro, this is Mijime Kobi! My brother! Brother, this is Shiro Fuloreen! She’s a friend of mine that I met many years ago!]
Shiro: [A-Ah! Right! Your brother. I had completely forgotten. N-No offense, of course. I was only told who you were back when I had met Yoro. It’s nice to meet you!]
Mijime: [It’s all good. My sister has written about you and her husband a lot, so it’s nice to meet you as well.]
After a firm handshake, Shiro began to survey the area around him.
Shiro: [Pardon me for asking, but is it just you and no other family?]
As soon as Shiro asked, Yoro began to worryingly shake her hands as she spoke to her.
Yoro: [Ah! Shiro, it would be best not to speak of–]
Mijime: [No, no. It’s alright, Yoro. Sadly, no, I don’t have anyone else with me. I had a bit of a falling out in my marriage a while back. So now it’s just me.]
Shiro: [My apologies. I should not have asked that.]
Mijime: [Hey, you didn’t know. We don’t know things until we’re told, so it flies for me. By the way, are you in the same god type of thing as Nero?]
Shiro: [Hm? Oh, yes. I am a goddess myself. Why do you ask?]
Mijime: [No special reason really. I just have a close affiliation with one given my job, so it’s kinda nice to hear from others. Makes the whole bleak look of an environment a little bit brighter once you learn about others. Well, I’ll get out of your hair for now. I got others to meet anyway. Nice meeting you though.]
Shiro: [It was nice meeting you as well!]
As the man stepped away, Shiro turned to Yoro.
Shiro: [I’m surprised that he is able to work in some way with a god given your family’s history. Do you by any chance know which one?]
Yoro: [Unfortunately, I don’t know. I’m also just as surprised as you. He did not have the same connections that I did, and yet he was able to start working without any problems. I’d like to get the details from him at some point if he would let me.]
Shiro: [Hm.]
The two stared off towards the man as he spoke to others. Changing her view, Shiro quickly clapped her hands and then spoke to Yoro again.
Shiro: [Yoro.]
Yoro: [Yes.]
Shiro: [I have three questions for you.]
Yoro: [Hit me with them.]
Shiro: [Number one, would you mind giving me a hint at your gift to Nero?]
Yoro: [Well…It’s two things. One is a nice commemorative gift between the two of us, given that it’s almost been ten years that we’ve been together. And the other, well, we’ve already discussed something regarding it yesterday.]
A wide grin began to appear on Yoro’s face. As she did so, Shiro questioned her hint, and the lightbulb within her head was then turned on. A connected grin was formed as Shiro tapped on Yoro’s arm with her shoulder.
Shiro: [Ohoho! Someone is feeling a little bit spicy today, aren’t they?]
Yoro: [Oh, I’m bringing the entire bottle!]
Shiro: [Alright then! Second question, where is your adorable little girl that I’ve heard so much about?]
Yoro’s grin was then drowned out by a nervous, apologetic look.
Yoro: [Ah! I’m so sorry, Shiro! I really tried to bring Varius down here to introduce you to her., but every time I went looking for her, she wouldn’t show! I even called her name multiple times and got nothing in response at every occasion.]
Shiro: [Damn. You weren’t able to sense her or anything?]
Yoro: [I sensed her matōki, but when I went to each location where I had detected her presence, she wasn’t there for some reason.]
Shiro: [Ah, she’s a clever one. She used the mom trick on its best target.]
A puzzled eyebrow was raised on Yoro’s face.
Yoro: [Mom trick?]
Shiro: [It’s a trick I used when I was a kid. You send a piece of your matōki or your element somewhere, and from there, you decrease the amount you’re outputting. That way when a parent tries to come find you, the only thing they find is what you threw out.]
Yoro: [Oh, that explains a lot! I’ll keep that in mind for next time.]
Shiro: [Well since I can’t do much about Varius, it’s onto number three. Where’s your washroom?]
Yoro: [Up the stairs, then go right and down the hall, turn right again and go to door number two in the hall. That’s the closest one from here.]
Shiro: [...A little bit extreme for something that’s the closest, but I can probably remember it. Thanks, Yoro!]
Yoro: [No problem!]
Moving quickly towards the stairs, Shiro repeated the process in her head.
Shiro: [Alright. Up the stairs, right, down, right again, door number two. Up the stairs, right, down, right again, door number two. Up the stairs, right, down, right again, door number two.]
The first hall was reached and Shiro turned to the right as instructed.
Shiro: [Down, right, two. Down, right, two. Down, right, two. Easy.]
Reaching the end of the hall, Shiro made a right once more.
Shiro: [Alright, two…two…twoooooo…there’s a lot of doors here…there’s doors on both sides. So wait, is it the left, or the right? She didn’t exactly specify which one it was, so which would it be? I don’t exactly want to enter a room I shouldn’t and then apologize profusely. Or rather I might come off as an idiot who couldn’t figure out where to find the correct door despite the instructions given. Which is door number two?!]
Looking back and forth between the doors to her left and right, Shiro could not gauge what the correct answer had been.
However, in the midst of her turning, she failed to notice a slight difference between the view she had seen with every movement.
In the very middle of her turn was an odd blurry figure.
It moved from far away within her vision, near the only door at the end of the hall and grew closer over the course of time, eventually stopping at the other lone door closest to the previous.
Shiro turned one more time before finally acknowledging what she had seen, and slowly moved her head back to the center.
Shiro: [Oh. Hello there. I guess you saw me just now, didn’t you?]
Across the hall was a little girl holding a pink teddy bear. She had short black hair, with the tips of her hair being colored red. The large eyes that glimmered on her face were a sparkling red. Her clothes were all black. A black sweater, black pants, even black socks on her feet. With one arm outstretched, she pointed towards the door beside herself.
???: [This one.]
Shiro: [That one? Oh. Oh, I see. Wait, really?]
Shiro looked at the door beside herself and noticed a detail she had failed to consider. Each and every door had a number attached to a plate directly on top.
Shiro: [Oh! I get it now! Door number two, as in the door with the number two on it, not the immediate second doors!]
Shiro began to walk towards where the girl was located, and looked towards the door. As she had deduced, a number two was slapped right on top of it. She looked down towards the little girl and smiled.
Shiro: [Thank you very much for the help, Varius. You’re as adorable as I had expected.]
Varius: [...]
The girl did not reply, but instead looked up towards Shiro and then silently ran towards the opposite end of the hall while keeping a firm hug on her teddy bear. Shiro continued to smile as she watched her disappear into another room.
Shiro: [Hm. I’d like to come here more often if I can, and I think I might just have an idea for next time.]
She walked towards the washroom, satisfied with what she had wanted to see ever since she arrived at the castle.
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Everyone: [HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NERO!]
A loud roar was shouted out within the large dining room of the castle. The waves of which were sent flying towards the man sitting at the end of the room. Following this, the man blew out the candles atop his cake as everyone began to clap whilst cheering him on. To top things off, the man’s beautiful wife gave him a peck on the cheek as her own way to celebrate.
Kōkatsu: [Yeah! ‘S give ‘im birthday beats from each of us now!]
Silvia: [You will likely kill him at ten.]
Shiro: [I’m kinda surprised though. Varius isn’t even here to celebrate her dad’s birthday?]
Kōkatsu: [Like I said, too many people. She ain’t showin’ up today.]
Shiro: [That’s not true. I actually got to meet her earlier.]
Kōkatsu: [WHAT?!]
After yelling out in confusion, Kōkatsu grabbed onto the collar of Shiro’s clothes.
Kōkatsu: [WHADDYA MEAN YA MET HER?!]
Shiro: [She helped me find the washroom.]
Kōkatsu: [BY HERSELF?!]
Shiro: [Yep. I got to meet her face to face without the need of Yoro’s help.]
Kōkatsu’s face began to writhe in anguish as her ears drooped down. Her grip on the cloth became as weak as a single piece of paper.
Kōkatsu: [I visit all the time…and yet…I’m a step behind Shiro…]
Yoro: [Would you like a slice of cake, Kōkatsu?]
Kōkatsu: [Yes…Thank you very much…]
Despite her current state, Kōkatsu replied to Yoro in a hoarse voice while grabbing the plate and fork provided to her. Whilst grabbing it, she did not change the downcasted view of her eyes nor the expression that was worn on her face.
Yoro: [And you, Shiro?]
Shiro: [Yes, please. Also, I saw Varius earlier. She’s adorable.]
An excited gasp escaped Yoro’s mouth as she heard Shiro’s comment.
Yoro: [You saw her?!]
Shiro: [Yep! She looks just like the two of you mixed together. It was incredible to see.]
Yoro: [I’m so glad she came to see you! She was so excited beforehand but her shyness got the best of her once everyone arrived.]
Kōkatsu: [And now she’s jus’ rubbin’ it in…]
Delighted to hear what Shiro had told her, Yoro started to hand out cake in a much more energetic fashion.
After handing a slice to each person at the table, along with pouring tea and espresso for those who wanted it, Yoro began to tap her cup with a spoon.
Yoro: [May I have everyone’s attention please? I know you’re all excited to start eating the cake that has been provided to all of you, but if you would not mind, I’d like to have Nero open the gifts at this very moment.]
Multiple heads nodded in agreement, allowing for some time to pass before they would enjoy the final dish of food for the night. As these heads nodded, Kōkatsu leaned over to whisper to Shiro.
Kōkatsu: [Whaddya get ‘im?]
Shiro: [A nice little music box that I felt looked similar to the two of them dancing. I also got a watch with the same tune for Varius since I never gave her a gift before. What did you get him?]
Kōkatsu: [‘S a little backwards, ain’t it?]
Shiro: [Stop worrying about what I did and spill what you got!]
Kōkatsu: [I got ‘im some dad shirts. ‘S ‘bout it.]
As the two spoke, a third head leaned in beside Kōkatsu.
Silvia: [I provided ssssome fine winessss mysssself.]
The three continued to converse as Yoro set a gift down in front of Nero. She began to spin her fingers through her hair as she blushingly spoke.
Yoro: [This first gift is from yours truly, dear.]
Nero: [It is rather odd to put the most important of all as the first.]
Yoro: [Keep that up and the second gift is gonna be more than you might be able to handle!♥]
Nero: [Pardon?]
Yoro: [Don’t worry about it. Just open!♥]
Nero: [Very well.]
Nero began to gently tear off the wrapping around his gift.
From the box shaped wrapped came the exact outline that was displayed, a box.
He opened the box and found his gift.
Nero: [A locket?]
Yoro: [Open it up!♥]
Clicking the button on top of the locket, the locket revealed two images inside.
One was that of a strawberry with a crown replacing where the calyx would be while two crooked arrows pointed towards it. The birthmark tattoo that Varius had received, which was scanned shortly after her birth. A hybrid mixture of the tattoos that Nero and Yoro had.
The other image was the perfect addition to its partner. A family photo that was taken a few months prior, of Nero, Yoro, and Varius all together.
Nero gazed at it in awe. Words could not describe what he wanted to say. There was no definition for the feeling that had risen up within him. The only simple manner of wording it had been that he was overjoyed by a gift such as this.
Nero: [Yoro…This is wonderful.]
With tears in the corners of her eyes, Yoro provided her loving response.
Yoro: [I know. I had a hard time stopping myself from talking about it or even looking for that matter.]
The two moved in for a kiss as a round of applause was formed for the wonderful couple. Sniffles could be heard within the clapping, but the main culprits were–
Kōkatsu: [Fuck…This shit is too sweet…Shiro…let me–]
Shiro: [Kō…I’m also crying right now…but I swear if you use my clothes as a handkerchief…there is no god in this world who will save you from me…]
Kōkatsu: [Hug…?]
Shiro: [Fine…But don’t forget what I said…]
The two friends hugged at the beautiful scene playing out before them. A third snake related friend joined them shortly after.
Though they had been happy with their gifts that they had provided, and though Nero himself had enjoyed their contributions very much, they felt that their moments had not come close to the loving beauty of the husband and wife.
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The night had begun to settle, and many had already left the exquisite castle that had once held a large party.
Near the doorway, getting ready to leave, was a woman clad in white who was very familiar with the hosts of this party.
As she continued to put on her coat, the two walked up to meet her once more.
Yoro: [Heading out for the night, Shiro?]
Shiro: [Yep. Today was fun, but it’s sadly one of very few times I get to be off the job. Can’t exactly do that unless I send in a paper to the Bloodfire family about it ahead of time, buuuuut…]
Yoro: [You obviously had the means to do so as late as you did, right?]
Shiro: [Heh. Yep.]
Yoro: [Well, I hope we’ll see you again soon. It was very nice to get the chance to be in each other’s presence after so long.]
Shiro: [Yeah, I’d like to drop by again. Especially for little Varius. I think I have an idea for her next time.]
Nero: [Oh? An idea?]
Yoro: [Ah. I think I understand. She would likely enjoy that very much.]
While Nero could not grasp what Shiro’s plan had been, Yoro quickly deduced it without much work provided.
Shiro: [Then it’s settled! Next time I come, I’ll enact my ingenious plan!]
Nero: [I’m sure she shall look forward to whatever that plan may be. You have a nice night now, Shiro.]
Shiro: [Yeah. Have a great night you two! Oh, and Yoro, screw the idea of holding back, go wild!]
Yoro: [Don’t worry, I’m going to be both huffing and puffing, and his house won’t last very long!]
Nero: [...Should I be concerned?]
Yoro: [No…Not right now anyways.♥]
After giving a slight smirk to Nero, Yoro turned back to face Shiro again to say her goodbyes.
Yoro: [Goodnight, Shiro! Text me so we can plan out your next visit in advance!]
Shiro: [Will do! Goodnight!]
And with that, Shiro departed from the large castle and entered into the passenger seat of a car.
Yoro and Nero held hands as they both watched their friend depart from their home, before closing the door and holding each other with both of their hands.
Nothing had been performed at that moment, they simply kept smiling.
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