#I do also see the intrigue of making her resemble a fox more. plus more opportunity for expression

[sandstormjoneshusband]

I still am a ceroba not having a tail defender to be honest though I think my reasoning has moved away from “subverting the image of a kitsune where tails = wisdom thus ceroba has none” bc the caveat with that is that chujin and kanako have tails. And to say chujin fucking “experimented on myself” ketsukane is any wiser than ceroba is pretty baffling. I think it was that one @/rustedleopard art post that made it click what I was really trying to get at with ceroba not having tails. It’s not her having some inherent signifier that defines her worth, it’s the opposite. She was simply just born without one and never grew any as she got older, and because of that expectation that a kitsunes tails defines their potential and worth, it shaped the way she viewed herself. It ties nicely into her pacifist battle to me

The inferiority she feels to those around her

Her idea of “fate,” serving her purpose by finally making herself useful as she should be

And of course the constant need to prove her worth by putting herself at risk for others

[thirst-order-confession]

So I just love monster!Kylo, & I was wondering what monster!Hux would be like. Can you give us some monster!hux? Like maybe hunter!reader stumbles across his lair & he decides he wants to be with her. Plz & thank you!

Hello! Thanks for the ask! However, I do just need to say that I feel as though Monster!Kylo and Monster!Hux share a lot of similarities as far the plot line goes. 

However, with the information we know about Hux, we do know he’s a bit of a pompous, stuck up guy so I would feel like it’s hard for him to be a Monster in the first place. 

I feel, though, that if Hux were to be a monster, he would definitely hold sort of more feline qualities or maybe… fox-like? Like he’s very cunning and sly to lure the hunter in. And I feel like he would want to seduce them with his mind and brilliance. I could see him having it to be where he sort of has siren like properties and it’s how he draws prey in. 

Maybe… the only way I can really describe what I want him to be is something that could kind of resemble a kitsune-esque monster. There are a lot of trickster characters that are also foxes so maybe he’s also something like that? 

It’s open for interpretation really. 

You just hear singing coming from the depths of the woods and when you follow the low, smooth hum echoing through the trees, you find that there is this beautiful man there, hair like a red shock of fire atop his head. He’s washing a few sets of clothes, kneeling at the edge of the stream and you’ve never seen a man so handsome before in all your life. 

And you can only wonder what someone like him, draped in silks and finery is doing out in the woods, barefoot and kneeling at the edge of the water, face like an angel. 

It doesn��t make sense and yet you can’t really question it, too enraptured with his fine features that you barely realize that he’s speaking to you, having stopped singing at some point. His voice is just as low and melodious now as it was when he sang but now you have to pay attention. 

“What’s someone as lovely as you are doing out here in the woods?” 

It takes your mind a few seconds to process what he’s saying before you open your mouth to respond.

“Just out… hunting.” 

He smirks then softly and looks back down to his work, “Ah, yes… I suppose that you are.” He stands then up to his full height, his pale, bare chest exposed through the line of fabric draping around his shoulders. He stared back at you with bright blue eyes that shone in the sunlight, “Have you found any beasts worth your time yet?” 

You adjusted your pack at your side, ever aware of the few guns and knives at your waist used to protect you while doing your job. 

“Not yet,” taking out your canteen, you bent down and refilled it in the stream. “But it’s still early in the day so we will have to see.” 

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for…?” he drew out his sentence, obviously waiting for you to fill in the blank with your name. 

“You can call me Y/N.” 

At this, the man smiled toothily at you and you felt your heart stall in your chest at the mere sight of it. 

“What a wonderful name,” at this point, he bent down and retrieved his own clothes, taking a moment to wring out the water in the ones he had just washed before grabbing the rest that had been drying in the sun on the rocky shoreline nearby. “Most people know me as Hux… but if you like, you may call me Armitage.” 

You nodded your head slightly in a sign of respect, “It’s lovely to meet your acquaintance, Armitage.” 

Straightening up once more, he took a few steps closer to you, a slow smirk curling at his lips and it was enough to make a ribbon of want curl through your gut. 

“The pleasure is truly all mine, my sweet.” 

Unsure of what to do now that he was closer, you offered your hand to him for a handshake. And he did indeed take it… only for him to raise it to his lips and kiss at your knuckles. 

Instantly, you felt your face grow hot as it filled with blood at the gesture and you couldn’t help yourself as you openly balked, unused to such treatment. 

The redhead looked up at you a moment then, those eyes of his so blue and holding a tempting spark in their depths as his soft lips graced your knuckles with their tender touch. 

“Truly all mine,” he cooed. His pale hand holding your own was surprisingly cool against your heated flesh, his fingers long and nimble. “I tell you what… it is still very early in the day, Y/N. I don’t suppose I could do you the service of having you… join me for a meal, could I? As a way of repaying you for the fine services and protection you provide for everyone? 

Again, you felt your face get hot as you stared into his face, something about his voice drawing you further in… 

You couldn’t really say no… could you? It would almost be impolite to refuse such a kind offer. 

And plus he seemed kind enough. Dare you say even skinny enough that you imagined that if he tried to rob you or hurt you in anyway, you could overpower him should the need arise. And still, you were armed for instances like this as well.

So… why not…?

You hummed in thought a moment, “I suppose it’s going to be a long day of work… a good meal could help me stay more focused. Can’t go hunting on an empty stomach I suppose.” You smiled brightly at him, to which the man smirked at you. 

“Wonderful.” 

He turned the other direction then, shifting his damp clothing to his other arm so he could offer you his right one. 

Taken aback once more by his gentlemanly gesture, you took it, looping your arm through his own. 

“By all means, lead and I’ll follow you, sir.” 

The two of you turned back towards the woods, walking arm in arm and content with each other’s company for the time being. Your heart was still aflutter in your chest, unused to being around someone so beautiful and kind. 

And yet…

To any outside onlooker, they could clearly sense the impending doom looming around you for behind your back, there was a moment where a fiery yet luscious red fox tail swished delightedly through the air a moment as it extended from the tailbone of the beautiful man named Hux, only to disappear a moment later as he continued to conceal his true form from his new, intriguing prey. 

[sadisticsmiles]

Beyond a Thief’s Power Episode 18

Near but Far from Sight and Tangibility

  Four Months Later

~August 25, 2007~

           Inside an edifice at the top floor, there was an office for the chairman of the company. The lights were off, but the glow of the other companies and shops were illuminating its time of night. Said chairman was sitting in his special seat, staring outside the enormous glass window in front of him. A man with obsidian black hair and flint eyes sighed with irritation in his voice; the suit he wore was vertical striped soot in color with an amber tie over a white dress shirt; he wore charcoal gray socks and metal black dress shoes with thin, rust brown shoe laces. His hair was down, so he had a full set of bangs long enough to cover a portion of his eyes and the sides of his face, making him quite attractive for his appearance which did not have facial hair. His hands were overlapped/clasped superior to his thighs, and he was certainly not in a good mood that night. His eyes narrowed and his contemn gave him the will to speak.

           "Almost everything I've attempted so far has failed," the man muttered. "Many of my men have been captured and killed this year. Only a few of them, including myself remain. I was also unable to get to Sayuri Mitsuyoshi because of these diversions, yet I haven't a clue as to how my plans have been declining from success. Who on Earth is putting a stop to them? I need to find out soon. Her existence depends on the downfall of the owner of this sword at all costs, as well as the rest of the Black Foxes and my daughter-in-law. Or, should I say: daughters-in-law? Thus, the balance of Neon will fall and the only the world of Humans shall remain." He gazed down toward his left arm and a familiar long sword manifested out of nowhere like magic. A sword with a hilt with the shape of the number three, and its beauty displayed quite a few shades of brown. It wasn't every day that very color was known to be gorgeous and attractive in more than one way, but the sword alone was proof of a foreign aesthetic. A devilish smirk spread onto his exquisite visage. "Hehehe... Now, what should I use you for next? I've already altered this world to how I see fit. Everything and everyone that've been erased were quite... inferior to me, should I say? Yet the result of my actions and desires have been foiled by someone I don't know. It could be a group of fighters rather than a single person, but it doesn't matter as long as I can satisfy her. Hahaha. Ahahaha!!"

           The maniacal laughter that escaped from the man's mouth evidently represented his evil-minded plans and way of thinking, yet there was a striking tone to it. It may have sounded familiar and nostalgic, as if it had been inherited by someone. Could there have been someone like him—someone who resembled and was like an attractive man like he was, despite his age? Perhaps so, but who could possibly share this insane (?) man's characteristics?

           ... How frustrating it must have been to be almost a perfect copy of someone. Howbeit it was did not matter. After all, the next thing the man knew, a male voice spoke to him from the sword.

           You may have used my powers to rewrite this world into its current form, but you won't get away with what you've done. She'll suffer even if you try to destroy what's left of the world you were born in. The greed and obsession you have for her salvation isn't going to help her live any further than the time she has left. Your own feelings towards her will only supply her with surviving in the universe until her last moments. Don't you know that, you foolish man? In the end, you'll just go through a pain worse than... No. I don't need to say it when you've already become the person you are today. You'll be the one to lose against fate, anyway. It's ironic how even her father lost to it. And her mother went through the same thing many, many years ago in spite of the curse placed on the magicians. Don't get your hopes up. You've already lost the match.

           "..." The obsidian-haired man stayed silent for a few seconds before his sinister grin reappeared and bared his fangs and teeth. "Hehhh... Now I see. You're full of words and determination, but you don't have the strength to help the ones who are important to you. Well, well. It's too bad, Ains. You'll never see the day when you're reunited with your owner. Because... I'm your master now and you'll only listen to my will, whether you want to or not.

           No further answer came from the sword’s unseen spirit, so the night went on in silence from him.

           With a snap of the chairman’s fingers, he called out, “Hosugo, come to my office.”

           Shortly after a young man entered through the glass door. He appeared to be in his early twenties with a tall stature that matched Riki and Takuto’s heights, and had a neutral facial expression. He had raw umber hair reaching down to the center of his neck, a pair of light rectangular glasses, and iced tea-colored eyes. He wore a mahogany suit with a light salmon button-down shirt and royal purple tie which was tucked under the suit jacket, and dark brown dress shoes.

           “Yes, Sir,” the young man named Hosugo said. “What would you like me to do for you?”

           The obsidian-haired man turned around in his rolling chair with a stern gaze at his subordinate. “Find out who’s been putting my plans out. We’re falling behind in gaining control.”

           Hosugo gave a light bow with his head. “As you wish.” He walked out once his obedience was stated.

  Meanwhile, in Seoul, South Korea

             A man wearing a black helmet, and a full set of black clothes that were pretty light to wear—a zipped up jacket, undershirt, trousers [but no belt], gloves, and ankle boots with thick heels, sped through the city on a motorcycle of the same color as his outfit. On the back of the motorcycle, a trunk was attached—the type that was specifically added for food deliveries. It was also completely black, but was no doubt durable for the fast pace that blurred the shining city’s lighted surroundings. The intriguing quality to it was that it was shaped in the form of a loaded, medium-sized backpack.

           Soon—and very soon it was, the tall motorcyclist reached his destination. He parked the vehicle he rode in the back of a recording studio, which had an empty lot. It made him the only person to have any transportation there, but it did not bother him. He got off the seat and took off his helmet, showing his light tortilla brown eyes and his long cedar hair [which was slightly messy around the top but reached down to his shoulders neatly]. He hung the helmet around the motorcycle hand facing his left and walked toward the back where the backpack was. After picking the food container up and wearing it over his shoulders, he went to the backdoor, took out a silver key, unlocked the door, stepped inside, and shut it behind him; he made sure to lock it before heading to the recording area.

           The young man was in front of a midnight black door with a clear yet ambiguous framed center resembling a mirror glass. On the top of the glass were the words: Recording Area. Straightforward for where he was going. He opened the bronze doorknob that was on the left and walked in. Claire Fioré, the members of Multi-Star Clover, and the other magicians that made up the Hidden Resistance were there.

           “Yo,” Claire greeted. “You’re finally here. With our food, nonetheless.”

           Elizabeth smiled warmly. “We’ve been looking forward to eating together, Kenshi.”

           Kenshi grinned. “Thanks for the welcome, guys.” Without turning around, he gently pushed the door behind him with his right hand. He removed the backpack and placed it on the table, carefully taking out a plastic bag full of canned and bottled beverages first, then the take-out food which was in a large plastic bag which also contained chopsticks and plastic spoons. There were only five white plastic bowls of noodles in account for the Special Humans and Kenshi, as he set them down in front of the people who were about to eat dinner that night.

           “Man, jajangmyeon is superb as always when we’re in South Korea!” Claire exclaimed. “Accompanying everyone else is nice, rather than doing activities and jobs as a celebrity! I don’t miss the time I was one as long as there’s great service!”

           Kokoro glanced at the resistance leader from her right. She was two seats away from him since Elizabeth was sitting between them. “Mou, you’re living an easier life than people give you credit for with the Ministry of Finance in Japan gone, Claire.”

           “Ehehe,” the fiery orange-haired man laughed. “I guess my work load has slightly dropped since then, but we were still aiding the black Foxes from behind the scenes.”

           Kuruha breathed. She was sitting next to Kokoro, on the latter’s left side. “I’d say so myself about you. Even now, we’re still helping them out, but only Kenshi knows about us.”

           “It’s better that way,” Aaron replied. “If they knew, we’d be slowed down and wouldn’t be as efficient in dealing with the 14K.” He folded his arms against his chest. The suit he wore was a reminder of his former occupation as a government official. “Plus, Nao doesn’t either. If the 14K were to find out of her whereabouts, it’d be catastrophic. Mitsuki-senpai, Riki, and the rest of their alliance would also be in more danger than before—most likely captured quickly. Don’t forget about the fact Sayuri and Takuji would be given away as well.” He crossed his right thigh over his left one and tapped the floor with the tip of his black boot [that he wore on his right foot].

           Elizabeth giggled at the sound the teal-haired magician made. “You’re the most professional member of our team, Aaron. At the same time, it makes you adorable.”

           Aaron’s light green eyes shot a menacing look towards the leader of Multi-Star Clover. “Always the playful one here, you are. I should experiment on abandoning you for a while.”

           “Hey, now,” Kenshi smiled at Aaron, who was sitting a few seats ahead, away on his right. “Let’s not joke about these things when there’s so much to do. I admit we shouldn’t tell the rest of the Black Foxes and the whole alliance about us to prevent them from getting into immediate danger. We’re all trying to put in more than out best effort, after all.”

           Aikishi glanced at the sniper of the Black Foxes next to him with serene eyes. “That’s correct. We all have our parts in helping everyone.” He turned around and took a big marble tray with a white teapot which had a sparkling golden leaf design all over, and several matching teacups, using his hands. Then, he turned around once more. “Although humans have their own drinks, I should serve the magicians here with Neon’s honey and lime tea.”

           Kenshi kept smiling. “The ingredients are wonderful. You guys have plants that make the gemstone versions of many things.”

           His eyes narrowed as he entered his thoughts and watched the male co-manager of the girls’ group go around the area. I wonder if Mom is doing alright without me. I kind of miss her hot tea, but I have the Hidden Resistance with me now. I shouldn’t complain about these things.

           Kuruha glanced at Kenshi while stirring her noodles. “…”

           Meanwhile, Manjuki sat down next to Kenshi. She had a plate of Neon’s tamagoyaki and croquettes surrounding a bowl of plain ramen. Glancing at the human male on her right, she smiled faintly in her normal manner. “If you don’t mind, Kenshi, you could eat some of my food, but not the ramen.”

           Kenshi sweat-dropped. “So just the smaller dishes you have with you…”

           “Of course,” the purpureus-haired magician answered. A set of power white chopsticks appeared in the air near her bowl and she took them in her right hand.

           The cedar-haired man could not help but enjoy the sight. He finally took his seat and looked at the older woman in front of him. “…Just plain ramen without anything else in it is like you, Manjuki. All these years haven’t changed your tastes, and magicians have never eaten spicy food.”

           “You certainly know how to pull a dull joke on me,” Manjuki replied while meeting Kenshi’s gaze with her own. “It’s obvious we can’t for our bodies’ sakes, yet you point out our flaws.” Using her chopsticks, she picked up one of the croquettes and placed it on a small white plate that suddenly appeared on the left of Kenshi’s jajangmyeon bowl. Afterward came a roll of tamagoyaki.

           Kenshi looked at the small dish he had. “Thanks.”

           No reply came back from Manjuki as she ate in silence with Kenshi doing the same thing. The cedar-haired former firefighter continued in his mind.

           It really feels like we’re back to the old days when Manjuki was around. She didn’t interact much, but she was with us for some time before she became busier with work. At the same time, she exuded an aura like an older sister figure to Takuto, Hiro, and myself included. Perhaps it’s because she’s older than us, but I adore that about her. It was rare to have someone who gave even a tiny bit of encouragement by her presence alone, so being with her puts me at ease.

           Minagi ate her bread with a golden jam on it in silence and the other HR members gazed at Manjuki and Kenshi. Futaba and Aaron had tea together, while Elise and Aikishi were eating some sliced fruit (aka gemstones) from their world with silver forks.

  XXX

             It was also nighttime in Ginza and the group in Le Renard Noir were inside as usual. Hiro was standing in front of the room that Kenshi and Takuto used to reside in. Ever since the dawn in which the Human World changed, Takuto had moved over the room that was to the left of where this one was [from where Hiro was facing]. Hiro then closed his eyes and placed his right palm on the door. His head lowered a bit and he made a prayer.

           Please, he thought. Kenny, wherever you are… Please be safe. The last for months without you were my regret—my secret regret.

           He opened his eyes with wavering emotion.

           The women in our group and the rest of the alliance trust that you’re alright, but… I miss you, you know. I really do.

           Ibuki stepped toward Hiro with a calm smile. “Hiro, you’re diligent as ever for Kenshi’s sake. However, it’s still my room now, so I hope Sayuri doesn’t get jealous over this. A guy with a girlfriend shouldn’t do such a misleading thing, after all.” She let out a giggle. “Ehehe. I’m quite happy I get to live with you all, but I do wish Kenshi were here with us.”

  ~April 13th at 10:43 p.m.~

             Inside the Yanase mansion, Ibuki was standing near her bed. Her health had been much better that year and she was finally a high school student. Due to her past circumstances, she could not attend school; thus, she was homeschooled her whole life until then. The academy’s principal knew of Ibuki’s life so far, and was able to arrange for an exception in enrolling her. It felt as though miracles had been brought forth for her with ridding her body of illness and her main wish of going to school granted. It would also be a matter of time before Riki would ask about any love interests in her life.

           She smiled contently and let out a giggle at the thought of her older brother of ten years being even more overprotective of her. Their father was not around to check on them anymore, but it could not be helped for Ibuki to be lonelier than Riki. She only had their maid Kikuno with her for everything she needed. Then, her pink flip phone rang and the caller ID on it was her brother’s name. She instantly picked it up and opened it to answer.

           “Riki, what is it?” she inquired. “It’s late at night for you to call me.”

           Riki let out a long sigh on the other end. His eyes narrowed in a melancholic fashion to go with the simultaneous frown on his visage. “Ibuki… I know this is going to be tough for you to hear, but Kenshi’s missing from our group.”

           Ibuki’s innocent eyes widened with confusion overpowering her surprise. “…What?”

           “Sorry,” her big brother apologized. “It’s been a few days, but he’s not with us. I’ve… failed to look after him properly.” His shoulders fell in sorrow. “I was wondering if you could keep everyone else and I company, especially when it’s only you and Kikuno in the mansion. That way, it’d be easier for you to go to school with me taking you there everyday. I’m not the best person there is in the world, but what do you want to do?”

           Ibuki felt a budding growth within her—the loneliness she felt would be erased and she was given the opportunity to be with her older brother, Mitsuki, and the others who were currently in Le Renard Noir. She could finally have a family again after her hardships she endured.

           Without any hesitation, she closed her eyes, smiled, and nodded. “Yes! I’d be glad to go with you, Onii-chan!”

           The overflowing sensation in her entire body would not dissipate that night. She packed as much as she could and Riki picked her up in his car right after she was done. He had taken her to Le Renard Noir and she was welcomed without any objections.

             Back in the present, Ibuki’s smile did not falter. She was still jubilant to live with the guys.

           Hiro turned towards her, and laughed awkwardly. “Haha… You know how it is, Ibuki. I’m hoping for Kenny to return to our side by Christmas, if not soon! He used to stink up the room when he was here, but he’s a hilarious butt monkey to us.” He closed his eyes and placed his right index finger on his cheek. “Anyhow, Sayuri knows how I feel in regards to Kenny’s disappearance, so she’s completely fine with my daily routine of being here.”

           “Hahaha!” Riki’s younger sister laughed. “You’re funny, Hiro. Though, I’m positive it’s because you’re worried about him. Aside from you, there’s Riki, who cares for you all. Kenshi wouldn’t think poorly of you and the others for anything that’s happened. Knowing him, that is. But to think you used to be such a playboy back then makes it strange for you to date a young lady…”

           Hiro sighed. “I’m not that type of guy anymore.” He placed his hand over his heart. “Sayuri’s my true love!” Then, he gazed at the seventeen-year-old girl in awe. “Ibuki, you really know how to read people.” He gave her a smile. “Riki’s raised you well.”

           “Geez, Hiro!” Ibuki pouted. “I’m not a little girl anymore!”

           “Well, you’re still in high school, so you’re underaged,” Hiro jested. “You haven’t matured much, you know!”

           In her offended state, Ibuki went on with conversing with Hiro. The childhood friendship they had brought them into a teasing sibling relationship. Being roommates in Le Renard Noir was a nostalgic experience for them, and the group downstairs felt the same way.

           Rina glanced at Riki and smiled tenderly. “Ibuki certainly loves Riki and the rest of us.”

           “I can guarantee her love for him isn’t as strong as it used to be,” Takuto scoffed. “He may be her older brother, but there’s someone manlier than Riki in our group.”

           Takuto’s words struck a nerve with the former government official, who was now an LRN employee along with Hiro. Before Riki could argue, Atsumu chimed in.

           “Oh?” the bar owner said with interest, appearing from the kitchen. He had shaved his beard off on the thirteenth of April after everyone had finished their celebration for Taiga and Nao’s upcoming wedding. That very change attracted more customers, especially the ladies who came by, with his youthful looks. “Are you talking about me, Takkun? I’m flattered such a young lady would express any interest in my refined qualities.”

           Riki was instantaneously irate at that point. “As if I’d ever let Ibuki date someone over half her age! You’re not her type, Boss.”

           Takuto was repulsed but indifferent. “Ew, you’re disgusting even without the beard.” He exhaled afterward. “Can we call the police on his pedophilic tendencies?”

           Atsumu smiled drolly. “Relax, men. I’m only kidding. I have no true interest in any of the women here.”

           “So you like men,” Takuto remarked quickly.

           “Of course not!” the bar owner protested. “You’re making fun of me as always, Takkun. Nothing’s changed about you after all this time, so I would appreciate it if you didn’t twist things out of proportion.”

           “No frickin’ way,” the light blond replied. A smirk abruptly spread onto his visage. “That’d be no fun if I started to quit!”

           Rina glanced at her ex-boyfriend. “Takuto, don’t be so harsh towards Boss.”

           “Fine,” Takuto compromised. He turned his head towards his best friend. “There’s a replacement for Beardless right here.” His smirk came back as soon as he finished his sentence. “Looks like Hiro was right about you being a siscon, Riki. He’s as accurate about people as always, so don’t try to deny it.”

           Riki’s firm frown indicated his annoyance. “There’s no possibility of me being one, you dolt. I’m a perfectly normal older brother to Ibuki.”

           “Someone who loves his blood-related younger sister so much and is always butting into her business has no right to say they aren’t,” the light blond retorted, aloof as ever.

           “You little…” Riki’s eyebrows furrowed before he trailed off. “…It’s no use trying to argue with you, is it?”

           “Glad you understand,” Takuto said. He opened his laptop, which had been on the table he was sitting at. “After my last one was destroyed by Sayuri, this spare one from home has become durable with the information I need. Takuji told us we didn’t need to do anything, but who knows when we’ll be needed again after these past few months?”

           Riki gazed at Takuto, amazed at the programmer’s resolve. “Takuto…”

           Without moving his eyes away from his electronic device, Takuto asked, “What?”

           “Thanks,” the black-haired LRN employee said. “For not giving up.”

           “…” Takuto’s eyes narrowed. “Whatever. You may not be as leader-like as you were before, but it doesn’t mean you should just stop after hearing the orders to take a rest. However, you’ve at least become less workaholic.”

           It can’t be that simple for us to let whoever’s with Kenny to do everything, he thought. I can’t let my guard down in case something ends up happening. I’ve got to take another scan for any updates.

           Rina’s gaze on Takuto had not moved away for a while. Her eyes were filled with concern for her former lover’s determination.

           Takuto… she called out in her mind.

           Suddenly, an intense pain shot through her heart. She placed both her hands over her left breast and her facial expression displayed the agony she was enduring. She opened her eyes to see Takuto’s back once more.

           I need to go home before I end up worrying everyone, she noted to herself.

           Rina vanished and teleported back to the Tokuhara residence in Neon, collapsing on the floor in her room. On the other side in Le Renard Noir, Riki’s eyes widened. He had just seen Rina having a hard time staying in the Human World. Atsumu shot him a glance and shook his head.

           Not a word to Takkun, understand? Atsumu’s eyes were conveying the words he wanted to say aloud.

           Riki nodded, making sure not to disturb and catch the programmer’s attention. Gotcha. Rina doesn’t want to worry him, too.

           The wavy-haired brunet smiled. Shortly afterward, Mitsuki came in to check on the guys after folding the laundry in the room she shared with her husband. She smiled at the sight of the guys on the first floor. While there had been some tension before she came in, there was currently a sense of tranquility. She walked up to Riki and hugged him from behind, causing him to turn around from his right side and smile at her. Takuto was still going through the data stored within his laptop while Atsumu entered the kitchen to fetch some water for the others, excluding Mitsuki.

  XXX

             Ikebukuro was once a city that had people living in it. The people who had resided in it had panicked on April 13th after a news report had told of the new changes to the Human World, and fled to other cities or towns within Japan; some had taken flights to the other countries that were still in existence. People worldwide were shocked, astonished, frightened, and so on of what had happened. Billions of people, many countries, most of the continents, the seas were erased and the world had become smaller with only one sea in place of the previous ones. In truth, a couple of magicians were residing it the ghost city that used to be full of people. Furthermore, Sayuri was with the couple who had a shrine up ahead, staying in the family temple that existed after the Human World’s changes. The room the three of them were in was of course, a tradition Japanese one.

           A young woman with long, knee-length parakeet green hair and mauve eyes smiled pleasantly while standing. She wore a plain white kimono. “Sayuri,” she began, “how are you holding up?”

           “I’m fine,” the orange-haired magician responded. “It can’t be helped to stay in hiding with the 14K still acting up these days.”

           The woman lightly frowned. “Indeed. Finding Ains is a difficult task for you to partake in without the likelihood of encountering his immense power and placing yourself in danger.”

           Sayuri looked down. “We shouldn’t rely too much on Nao-san to aid us. Her powers alone aren’t enough for us to take on Roxanne Feris and her most trusted subordinate. The other members of the 14K are attempting to regain their former glory, but to take them down constantly is tiresome.”

           A young man with blood red hair and myrtle green eyes nodded. He was stoic and did not show any signs of altering his facial expression. He wore a black kimono with a smoke gray swirling pattern where his left shoulder and upper left portion of his torso, along with nearly half the corresponding sleeve. “The Human World drains our powers, but at least Ikebukuro has become a place where we can recover more than the spring you lured the Black Foxes to. The orbs gave some temporary means of healing Rina and now, Mitsuki-san. Nao-san’s connection as one of the third generation Great Family members to Kousuke and Asuka is merely someone who’s been around to take them outside the palace. Living without their parents around can be stifling to the blood descendants of the royal family; Haonowa-sama and Minato-sama don’t flaunt sentiments around so easily. Maintaining order is what a member of the Great Families should do. Rina’s a despicable exception, but not as traitorous as Mitsuki-san is. To abandon the duties and put a dent in dishonoring Neon is one of the worst things to do.”

           The magician with parakeet green hair glanced to her left without so much a movement of her head, but still had her smile. “Kei, some things have changed since Rina’s trial. You know that as well as the other magicians.”

           “She may be our family, but I don’t forgive her for being free to do as she likes,” Kei asserted his hatred of Rina. “She’s your cousin, but also my cousin-in-law.” He exhaled—it was a sigh, yet he was completely neutral. “I’m not soft like our king and Takuji. Kousuke’s too kind for his own good that Asuka is also nice to a fault.”

           The young woman replied, “It’s alright. Without Kousuke’s intervention, Rina’s existence wouldn’t be here now. The Great Families have a balance in Neon because heirs to the households must be alive. I don’t count as the head of the Tokuhara family since we’ve been split between two different main surnames from the start because of Shizune-san and Hajime-san.”

           Kei placed both his hands on his hips. “I suppose I shouldn’t put too much blame on Rina, but she’s still a lawbreaker, Io.”

           Sayuri gazed at the couple she was with and her eyes had a yearning look in them. “It’d be nice if you were more honest towards Rina, Kei. We all used to hang out together—you, Io, Takuji, Miyuki, Rina, and I. The six of us were together in high school, but we’ve all changed since then.” She paused before a small smile appeared on her face. “You and Io are a great couple, by the way.”

           Kei stared at his friend and said, “You’ve grown a bit softer too after your training and coming to the Human World, Sayuri. Must be thanks to your human boyfriend, whom you’re missing at the moment.”

           “Our objectives come before romance,” Sayuri answered; her smile had disappeared when she spoke. “I can’t let my feelings for Hiro overshadow our plans to stop Roxanne and her henchmen.”

           “Then, I’ll have to help with finding Ains,” the blood red-haired magician responded. “We shouldn’t rely so much on the previous generations of magicians to do more for us.”

           “Yes,” Io said with a stern facial expression. “It’s time to regain what’s been lost and end this long whirl of conflicts.”

           Sayuri’s eyes had an agreeing emotion as she entered her thoughts.

           Ains… Wherever you are, stay strong and don’t give hope. We’ll find you and take you back to Rina. I promise you that much.