Reiki pocketed the two pieces of paper as he turned his head toward his little sister, he said. “Shiro, these are the ones Yuki and Mio wrote right?” Shiro nodded her head and said. “Yes, I watched them write it too.” A wry smile formed on his face, Reiki said. “I’ll try my best, can you place their bentos on the sink so I can wash them?” Shiro stood up from the couch and said. “Yes, Onii-chan.” She made her way to the kitchen leaving her two older siblings alone, Reiki moved his gaze onto Ketsueki who was back to flipping through channels.
He said. “I’m back, Onee-chan.” Ketsueki ignored him as Reiki slid over to sit next to his older sister as he held her hand and interlocked their fingers. He continued. “I promised that I’ll be quick.” Ketsueki kept ignoring him while checking through the channels, Reiki smiled at her and said. “Still giving me the silent treatment?” From the kitchen, the two of them heard a faucet turning followed by the sound of flowing water. Reiki leaned on his older sister as his gaze wandered onto the tv the was switching channels, he said. “Sounds like Shiro took the initiative to wash her friend's bentos…”
He pretended to think while glancing at his older sister from the corner of his eye, he thought. Mmm… How about a bribe with food? Reiki said. “In that case, I should prepare something special for dinner…” He thought. No reaction… Reiki continued. “It’s been a while since we had cake in our home.” Ketsueki’s eyes slightly widened as she managed to keep a straight face. Reiki saw the faint reaction and thought. Little more. He kept looking at his older sister at the corner of his eye and said. “Since there’s going to be cake I might as well buy a couple of whole chickens…”
Reiki’s eyes slightly narrowed as he didn’t get a reaction from his older sister, he wrapped his hand around Ketsueki’s waist which took her by surprise. Her eyes widened as her little brother managed to move her closer to him, Reiki pressed himself to her and said. “What do you think of her reward? Do you have any idea what she would like?” His voice was soft yet had a strange mesmerizing tone to it. Ketsueki turned her head to the side as she stared at a wall.
Her cheeks blushed as she could feel Reiki’s staring at her, Ketsueki said. “She’d like some eclairs, creampuffs, and… I think she would like two cakes.” Reiki’s mouth formed into a smile, he said. “Two it is then, what kind of cakes would she want?” Ketsueki rigidly turned her head to look at the tv as she ignored her little brother's smug smile. She said. “... Black forest and mango bravo…” The two of them heard the sound of flowing water stop followed by a faint creak of a faucet being turned. Ketsueki vanished from the couch as she appeared near the cabinet that was used as a tv stand.
Shiro made her way to the living room as she saw Ketsueki was by the tv stand. Shiro said. “Onee-chan, what are you doing?” Ketsueki stayed silent for a few seconds which made her little sister suspicions as Shiro’s eyes slightly narrowed. Reiki showed the remote he was holding, he said. “Onee-chan was looking for new batteries.” Shiro stared at Ketsueki who opened one of the drawers and said. “Y-Yeah, Reiki forgot to tell me where he placed the batteries since he’s the one who cleans the house now.” She let out a fake chuckle while her little sister still didn’t believe her.
Reiki threw the remote onto the couch as he placed a hand on the backrest of the couch, he said. “Shiro, we’re having two whole cakes for dessert and chicken for dinner. How big do you want the cake?” His little sister’s eyes sparkled as she ran toward the couch and placed both her hands on the handrest, Shiro said. “Really? Onii-chan?!” Reiki nodded at her as the sparkle in Shiro’s eyes grew brighter, she spread her arms as wide as she could and said. “I want the cake to be this big!”
Ketsueki closed the drawer as she made her way back to the couch and sat next to her little brother. Reiki had a wry smile on his face, he said. “That big?” Shiro nodded which made her older brother let out a chuckle, Reiki. Said. “Shiro, can you even eat that much?” Ketsueki who was flipping through channels again let out a stifled laugh while Shiro stared at him for a few seconds. Shiro said. “Onii-chan eats plenty of food all the time, so I thought I could do it too.”
Reiki placed his hand on top of his little sister's head as he gently caressed it and said. “Just make sure not to overeat, okay?” Shiro nodded with a serious look on her face while Ketsueki placed a hand on her stomach trying to contain her laughter. Reiki blatantly stared at his older sister's chest that were visibly shaking from trying to stop her laugh, he thought. At least she’s in a better mood now. Reiki stood up from the couch as he picked up his little sister and placed Shiro beside Ketsueki. Reiki said. “With that, I need to start cooking.”
Ketsueki wrapped her arm around her little sister as she gave her a light squeeze and said. “What’s for dinner?” Reiki did some light stretches as he thought for a few seconds while Shiro had a look of anticipation. He said. “I’m thinking about roasting one of the chicken, some stuffing along with a bed of potatoes, carrots, and broccoli.” Both his sisters had impressed looks on their faces, he crossed his arms and continued. “As for the other one… I don’t feel like eating anything fried so, creamy chicken and spinach it is then.”
Ketsueki raised a brow at him, she said. “First time I’ve heard of that dish.” Shiro had a hint of disapproval on her face and said. “I don’t like spinach… They always taste bitter…” Ketsueki playfully pinched her little sister's cheek, she said. “No need to worry, Shiro. Reiki can make anything taste good.” Reiki thought. I still won’t touch okra, that slimy fruit. Reiki leaned on the handrest of the couch and said. “I can promise you two girls, everything that’s made by me. Will be to your liking.”
Shiro’s expression was completely impressed as she gave her older brother an applause while Ketsueki raised a brow at him and said. “Bold words, Shiro and I are the world's harshest critics.” Reiki stopped leaning on the couch’s armrest, he said. “... Onee-chan, just because you once made a cheese platter with some red wine for Namida and Sachi. It does not make you a-.” Before he could finish his sentence his older sister interrupted him, Ketsueki said. “Yes, it does.” Shiro had a smile on her face as she watched her older siblings banter.
Reiki was about to say something when Ketsueki spoke first and said. “It does.” She pointed in the direction of the kitchen, Ketsueki continued. “Aren’t you supposed to cook?” Reiki exhaled through his nose and thought. That means the conversation is officially over… He said. “Do we have any mangos and ice cream?” Shiro’s eyes shined like stars as she spoke with excitement in her voice, she said. “Ice cream?!” Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “It’s for the cake Shiro.” Shiro’s eyes looked like they were sparkling, she said. “Ice cream and cake…”
Ketsueki gently caressed the top of her little sister's head and said. “We do.” Reiki nodded as he raised his hand with an index finger extended, he said. “I know I said it would be two chickens, but can we have four instead?” Ketsueki placed her right hand in her pocket as she lazily waved her left hand as a chicken that was easily twice the size of Reiki’s torso appeared right in the air in front of him. Reiki’s body moved by reaction as he caught it mid-air. On closer look the chicken was wrapped in clear plastic, he thought. No label and no price on it either…
Reiki moved his gaze onto Ketsueki whose lips curled into a slight smirk, she said. “I found a new meat vendor, she was nice enough to give me a discount.” Shiro was gently poking the chicken her older brother was easily carrying, Reiki thought. I highly doubt that. He stared at her for a few seconds, Reiki said. “Onee-chan-.” Ketsueki moved her hand out of her pocket and said. “I already told you, I found a new meat vendor.” Shiro stopped poking the large chicken as she played with the wings by moving it up and down. Reiki said. “Onee-chan-.” Ketsueki didn’t even look at him and said. “Reiki, I want cake.”
Reiki thought. The conversation is over. He made his way to the kitchen while Shiro stared at the large chicken her brother was carrying. Ketsueki gave the remote to her little sister and said. “Tell me when you need the other chicken.” Reiki made his way to the kitchen, he said. “I will.” And thought. What kind of meat vendor has a chicken this big and not butcher it for a larger profit?
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Arashi’s Room
Arashi was sitting on her bed with her usual ocean-blue pupils visibly glowing, she stared at her left hand and thought. I should’ve easily won that spar… She clenched her hand into a fist and continued her train of thought. … Why is his martial mastery so unusually high?... It’s as if he already mastered it long before I met him… She placed her hand on the bed as it landed on top of the boxing gloves beside her. Arashi picked up the left glove and placed her hand inside, she thought. Next spar I’ll just knock him out in one punch-.
Her eyes widened as she felt something in her glove, she spoke in a whisper and said. “What the?” Arashi’s brows furrowed, she thought. There’s a bump inside my glove? She took her hand out from the glove and used both her thumbs to feel the exterior. Arashi felt a half-inch dent from the very same spot Reiki punched as she used her thumbs to feel it as the dent resembled the outline of his fist. She thought. … I ordered all of my gloves to use monster boar hide for durability… She stood up from her bed and made her way out of the room.
Asami was lazily sitting on the couch with her fiery red kimono slightly loose revealing a generous amount of cleavage. Asami didn’t even bother to look at Arashi and said. “That was quick, your small tantrum is already done?” Arashi’s eyes wandered to the glass of wine that was on the coffee table, she said. “I didn’t throw a tantrum.” Asami nodded not listening as she poured herself more wine into her empty glass, she said. “I completely believe you.” She turned her head sideways at Arashi who was holding a boxing glove while leaning on the doorframe.
Asami raised a brow at her and said. “Be honest with me, why are you out of the room so quick?” The red liquid in her glass was about to spill but she stopped pouring the red liquid in her cup filled to the brim without spilling a single drop. Arashi pointed at the magic door and said. “I need to clean the gym.” Asami was about to take a sip of her overfilled glass of wine but stopped as she let out a chuckle, she said. “You? Clean?” Arashi rolled her eyes at her and said. “He didn’t give back the pair of gloves I lent him.”
Asami took a sip of her wine, she said. “Their in the gym by the ring.” She lazily waved her hand as Arashi made her way to the door and walked in closing it behind her. Asami waved her hand as the remote on the coffee table flew into her palm, she thought. Using mystery and curiosity to make the girl climb down her mountain made out of pride? A lot more effective than I first thought.
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Inside The Gym
Arashi was near the ring as she stared at the two ropes she cut clean, she thought. I regret breaking the ropes now… I can easily replace them with mom's help but it’ll cost me some of my allowance… She let out a sigh as she made her way onto the ring. Her eyes instantly honed onto the small puddle of blood on the ring that had parts of it that were already dry with a few patches of it clotted. Arashi made her way to the center and thought. Looks like he wasn’t as injured as I thought if this was all he bled.
She squatted down, placed the glove she brought onto her thigh, and picked up the glove that was near the puddle of blood. Arashi used her thumbs to feel the exterior of the glove as the expression on her face turned confused, she thought. … Inside! Without hesitation, she placed her right hand inside the glove as she felt the insides filled with blood that was either, dried, clotted, or soaked in some parts of the leather. Her eyes slightly widened as she felt a dent from the inside, Arashi thought. I knew it… She moved her bloody hand out from the glove, picked up the glove on her thigh, and stood up.
Arashi pinched the two gloves using her armpit as she took out a talisman from her pocket with her left hand. The talisman faintly glowed as the blood on the ring vanished along with the blood on her right hand, Arashi thought. … If I didn’t use mana on that hook… Would I have won?... She placed the two gloves that were pinched between her armpit into her pocket, Arashi made her way to one of the ropes that was fine and leaned on it. She glanced at the other glove on the ring as she waved her hand as the glove flew to her palm.
While pocketing it Arashi thought. … How am I going to convince him to spar with me again?... She pocketed the glove as she looked around the empty gym and let out a sigh, Arashi said. “First I need to fix those two ropes I broke…”
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Ketsueki’s House
Ketsueki was sitting on the couch with Shiro sat on her older sister's lap, the two girls were watching a panda documentary on the tv. Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little sister's head which got her attention, she said. “Shiro, I never got to ask but what is your favorite animal?” Shiro looked up at her older sister and said. “All cute animals.” Ketsueki’s lips curled into a wry smile, she said. “Is that so?” Shiro nodded at her older sister while Reiki made his way to the living room from the kitchen.
He said. “I’ve made some snacks.” Reiki was carrying a plate in each hand as he placed both of them on the coffee table, he said. “Make sure to eat while it’s hot.” Ketsueki smiled at her little brother and said. “Aren’t you a considerate little brother?” Shiro stared at one of the plates that had fruit sandwiches, one had strawberry and whipped cream. While the other sandwich had orange and whipped cream. Reiki rolled his eyes at his older sister and said. “Not like I heard you two wanting to have a sweet snack for the past few minutes.”
Ketsueki let out a fake chuckle while Shiro picked up one of her fruit sandwiches and took a bite out of it. His older sister gave him a sweet smile and said. “And you did exactly what we wanted.” With a wave of her hand on the other plate one of the dorayaki flew into the palm of her hand, Ketsueki continued. “Reiki. Namida and Sachi are going to come over for dinner. Are the two chickens enough for all five of us?” She took a bite of the dorayaki in her hand and took a look at the filling inside.
Inside were whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, and mango. Reiki thought. I don’t like the sound of that. He pretended to think and said. “I think a couple more whole chickens should be enough.” Shiro was enjoying her fruit sandwich as she watched the panda on tv eat a piece of bamboo while Ketsueki stopped herself from taking a bite of her dorayaki and said. “That much?” Reiki turned his head to look away, he said. “The two chickens are mostly for me so-.” Before he could finish his sentence two whole chickens appeared right in front of him in mid-air.
He moved both his arms as he somehow managed to hold a chicken in each hand. Ketsueki watched her little brother as she was impressed while holding onto her dorayaki, she said. “Nice catch.” Shiro turned her head sideways to see what happened as she saw her older brother carrying a whole chicken in each hand while taking a bite of her fruit sandwich. Reiki thought. Looks like I’m going to make those two cakes even bigger now. He moved his gaze onto his older sister and said. “Onee-chan, just because the chickens are wrapped in plastic doesn’t mean you can make them appear midair.”
Ketsueki lazily waved the hand that was holding onto the dorayaki, she said. “It’s fine, you caught it anyway.” Reiki kept a straight face as he stared at his older sister, Ketsueki noticed his expression and thought. …Oh… He’s slightly upset about it… She looked at her little sister from the corner of her eye and said. “Shiro. Reiki’s bullying me.” Ketsueki thought. Go, Shiro! Guilt trip him for me! Shiro had some cream on the corner of her mouth as she glared at her older brother and said. “Onii-chan, Don’t bully Onee-chan!” Reiki stared at his little sister and thought. Cat… He made his way toward the kitchen and said. “I’m going back to cooking.”
Shiro stared at the plate of dorayaki as she picked up a fruit sandwich that had whipped cream and orange. Shiro said. “Onee-chan, trade.” Ketsueki smiled at her little sister and said. “Sure, place it on my plate and take a couple of dorayaki.” Shiro’s eyes sparkled as she placed the fruit sandwich on her older sister’s plate and took a couple of dorayaki. Before she could take a bite of it the two of them heard a knock from the front door. From the kitchen they heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “I’ll get it.” He made his way through the kitchen and to the front door.
Before he could even come near the door it unlocked from the outside as Reiki heard a soft clicking noise, he thought. I’m getting a sense of deja vu… The door opened revealing Namida who was wearing a baggy black jacket with a zipper undone, a white shirt under, and jeans. Namida said. “Guess who’s here.” From the living room she and Reiki could hear Ketsueki’s voice, she said. “If I said you were a stranger would you leave?” Namida rolled her eyes, she said. “How’s it going, Reiki?” He nodded at her and said. “In the middle of cooking, you can look forward to dinner.”
Namida squatted down as she undid the shoelaces while Reiki’s eyes wandered onto the thick leather combat boots she was wearing, he said. “Nice boots.” The corner of Namida’s lips curved into a small smile, she faked a scoff and said. “These old things? They cost me a few platinum coins.” She neatly placed the boots onto the side while Reiki slid the shoe compartment and took out a pair of white indoor slippers. He passed the indoor slippers to Namida and said. “Is that what you say to everyone who asks?”
Namida placed the white indoor slippers onto the floor, she said. “Yes indeed, you don’t mind right?” Reiki shook his head sideways and said. “Could not care less.” Namida smiled at him as she placed an arm around his shoulders, she said. “Correct, a man needs to have a big heart to be liked by women.” The two of them made their way to the living room as Namida waved her hand as the front door closed itself followed by a clicking sound. She said. “What’s on the menu?” Her gaze wandered onto the two plates on the coffee table, Namida said. “Oh, dorayaki. Thanks.”
With a wave of her hand one of the dorayaki flew into her palm, Ketsueki’s pupils faintly glowed with mana. Ketsueki spoke with a hint of fury in her voice, she said. “I didn’t even say anything yet.” From the corner of her eye, she saw another hand that took one of the dorayaki on her plate. Sachi was sitting beside her and said. “It’s just a piece of dorayaki.” She wore a stylish denim jacket with a red shirt underneath and fitted dark brown pants without a belt. Namida made her way to the empty armchair on the left side of the couch.
While making her way to the armchair Namida playfully messed up Shiro’s hair and said. “How’s it going cottontail?” Shiro puffed her cheeks while chewing as Namida made herself comfortable on the armchair, she said. “On the topic of snacks, I want some grilled onigiri… Miso butter.” She took off her indoor slippers and was about to place both her feet on the coffee table. The glow in Ketsueki’s eyes became brighter, she said. “No feet on the table! There’s food on it!” Namida's feet were a few inches away from touching the top of the coffee table as she raised both her hands and put on her indoor slippers.
Sachi was staring at the filling in the dorayaki, she said. “I’ll have mochi with ice cream and chocolate.” Shiro’s expression had a hint of hunger in them, she thought. Ice cream stuffed mochi… Ketsueki took a deep breath as she glared at both her friends as she spoke through a fake smile, she said. “Didn’t you two say you were supposed to be here by seven o’clock?” Sachi smiled at her friend and said. “We made time, aren’t we such good friends?” Shiro picked up her plate and offered the last two fruit sandwiches on it, she said. “Namida-nee, Sachi-nee. Trade.”
Sachi smiled at her and waved the dorayaki she was holding, she said. “Your older sister already paid for it.” Namida shook her head sideways and said. “I don’t have much of a sweet tooth cottontail. But if you want an onigiri feel free to take some.” Ketsueki let out a stressed sigh as she turned sideways to look behind the couch, she said. “Reiki don’t mine them-.” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw that her little brother was gone, Ketsueki continued. “Where’d he go?” Sachi used the dorayaki to point in the direction of the kitchen, she said. “Reiki already made his way to the kitchen after he heard my order.”
Reiki pocketed the two pieces of paper as he turned his head toward his little sister, he said. “Shiro, these are the ones Yuki and Mio wrote right?” Shiro nodded her head and said. “Yes, I watched them write it too.” A wry smile formed on his face, Reiki said. “I’ll try my best, can you place their bentos on the sink so I can wash them?” Shiro stood up from the couch and said. “Yes, Onii-chan.” She made her way to the kitchen leaving her two older siblings alone, Reiki moved his gaze onto Ketsueki who was back to flipping through channels.
He said. “I’m back, Onee-chan.” Ketsueki ignored him as Reiki slid over to sit next to his older sister as he held her hand and interlocked their fingers. He continued. “I promised that I’ll be quick.” Ketsueki kept ignoring him while checking through the channels, Reiki smiled at her and said. “Still giving me the silent treatment?” From the kitchen, the two of them heard a faucet turning followed by the sound of flowing water. Reiki leaned on his older sister as his gaze wandered onto the tv the was switching channels, he said. “Sounds like Shiro took the initiative to wash her friend's bentos…”
He pretended to think while glancing at his older sister from the corner of his eye, he thought. Mmm… How about a bribe with food? Reiki said. “In that case, I should prepare something special for dinner…” He thought. No reaction… Reiki continued. “It’s been a while since we had cake in our home.” Ketsueki’s eyes slightly widened as she managed to keep a straight face. Reiki saw the faint reaction and thought. Little more. He kept looking at his older sister at the corner of his eye and said. “Since there’s going to be cake I might as well buy a couple of whole chickens…”
Reiki’s eyes slightly narrowed as he didn’t get a reaction from his older sister, he wrapped his hand around Ketsueki’s waist which took her by surprise. Her eyes widened as her little brother managed to move her closer to him, Reiki pressed himself to her and said. “What do you think of her reward? Do you have any idea what she would like?” His voice was soft yet had a strange mesmerizing tone to it. Ketsueki turned her head to the side as she stared at a wall.
Her cheeks blushed as she could feel Reiki’s staring at her, Ketsueki said. “She’d like some eclairs, creampuffs, and… I think she would like two cakes.” Reiki’s mouth formed into a smile, he said. “Two it is then, what kind of cakes would she want?” Ketsueki rigidly turned her head to look at the tv as she ignored her little brother's smug smile. She said. “... Black forest and mango bravo…” The two of them heard the sound of flowing water stop followed by a faint creak of a faucet being turned. Ketsueki vanished from the couch as she appeared near the cabinet that was used as a tv stand.
Shiro made her way to the living room as she saw Ketsueki was by the tv stand. Shiro said. “Onee-chan, what are you doing?” Ketsueki stayed silent for a few seconds which made her little sister suspicions as Shiro’s eyes slightly narrowed. Reiki showed the remote he was holding, he said. “Onee-chan was looking for new batteries.” Shiro stared at Ketsueki who opened one of the drawers and said. “Y-Yeah, Reiki forgot to tell me where he placed the batteries since he’s the one who cleans the house now.” She let out a fake chuckle while her little sister still didn’t believe her.
Reiki threw the remote onto the couch as he placed a hand on the backrest of the couch, he said. “Shiro, we’re having two whole cakes for dessert and chicken for dinner. How big do you want the cake?” His little sister’s eyes sparkled as she ran toward the couch and placed both her hands on the handrest, Shiro said. “Really? Onii-chan?!” Reiki nodded at her as the sparkle in Shiro’s eyes grew brighter, she spread her arms as wide as she could and said. “I want the cake to be this big!”
Ketsueki closed the drawer as she made her way back to the couch and sat next to her little brother. Reiki had a wry smile on his face, he said. “That big?” Shiro nodded which made her older brother let out a chuckle, Reiki. Said. “Shiro, can you even eat that much?” Ketsueki who was flipping through channels again let out a stifled laugh while Shiro stared at him for a few seconds. Shiro said. “Onii-chan eats plenty of food all the time, so I thought I could do it too.”
Reiki placed his hand on top of his little sister's head as he gently caressed it and said. “Just make sure not to overeat, okay?” Shiro nodded with a serious look on her face while Ketsueki placed a hand on her stomach trying to contain her laughter. Reiki blatantly stared at his older sister's chest that were visibly shaking from trying to stop her laugh, he thought. At least she’s in a better mood now. Reiki stood up from the couch as he picked up his little sister and placed Shiro beside Ketsueki. Reiki said. “With that, I need to start cooking.”
Ketsueki wrapped her arm around her little sister as she gave her a light squeeze and said. “What’s for dinner?” Reiki did some light stretches as he thought for a few seconds while Shiro had a look of anticipation. He said. “I’m thinking about roasting one of the chicken, some stuffing along with a bed of potatoes, carrots, and broccoli.” Both his sisters had impressed looks on their faces, he crossed his arms and continued. “As for the other one… I don’t feel like eating anything fried so, creamy chicken and spinach it is then.”
Ketsueki raised a brow at him, she said. “First time I’ve heard of that dish.” Shiro had a hint of disapproval on her face and said. “I don’t like spinach… They always taste bitter…” Ketsueki playfully pinched her little sister's cheek, she said. “No need to worry, Shiro. Reiki can make anything taste good.” Reiki thought. I still won’t touch okra, that slimy fruit. Reiki leaned on the handrest of the couch and said. “I can promise you two girls, everything that’s made by me. Will be to your liking.”
Shiro’s expression was completely impressed as she gave her older brother an applause while Ketsueki raised a brow at him and said. “Bold words, Shiro and I are the world's harshest critics.” Reiki stopped leaning on the couch’s armrest, he said. “... Onee-chan, just because you once made a cheese platter with some red wine for Namida and Sachi. It does not make you a-.” Before he could finish his sentence his older sister interrupted him, Ketsueki said. “Yes, it does.” Shiro had a smile on her face as she watched her older siblings banter.
Reiki was about to say something when Ketsueki spoke first and said. “It does.” She pointed in the direction of the kitchen, Ketsueki continued. “Aren’t you supposed to cook?” Reiki exhaled through his nose and thought. That means the conversation is officially over… He said. “Do we have any mangos and ice cream?” Shiro’s eyes shined like stars as she spoke with excitement in her voice, she said. “Ice cream?!” Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “It’s for the cake Shiro.” Shiro’s eyes looked like they were sparkling, she said. “Ice cream and cake…”
Ketsueki gently caressed the top of her little sister's head and said. “We do.” Reiki nodded as he raised his hand with an index finger extended, he said. “I know I said it would be two chickens, but can we have four instead?” Ketsueki placed her right hand in her pocket as she lazily waved her left hand as a chicken that was easily twice the size of Reiki’s torso appeared right in the air in front of him. Reiki’s body moved by reaction as he caught it mid-air. On closer look the chicken was wrapped in clear plastic, he thought. No label and no price on it either…
Reiki moved his gaze onto Ketsueki whose lips curled into a slight smirk, she said. “I found a new meat vendor, she was nice enough to give me a discount.” Shiro was gently poking the chicken her older brother was easily carrying, Reiki thought. I highly doubt that. He stared at her for a few seconds, Reiki said. “Onee-chan-.” Ketsueki moved her hand out of her pocket and said. “I already told you, I found a new meat vendor.” Shiro stopped poking the large chicken as she played with the wings by moving it up and down. Reiki said. “Onee-chan-.” Ketsueki didn’t even look at him and said. “Reiki, I want cake.”
Reiki thought. The conversation is over. He made his way to the kitchen while Shiro stared at the large chicken her brother was carrying. Ketsueki gave the remote to her little sister and said. “Tell me when you need the other chicken.” Reiki made his way to the kitchen, he said. “I will.” And thought. What kind of meat vendor has a chicken this big and not butcher it for a larger profit?
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Arashi’s Room
Arashi was sitting on her bed with her usual ocean-blue pupils visibly glowing, she stared at her left hand and thought. I should’ve easily won that spar… She clenched her hand into a fist and continued her train of thought. … Why is his martial mastery so unusually high?... It’s as if he already mastered it long before I met him… She placed her hand on the bed as it landed on top of the boxing gloves beside her. Arashi picked up the left glove and placed her hand inside, she thought. Next spar I’ll just knock him out in one punch-.
Her eyes widened as she felt something in her glove, she spoke in a whisper and said. “What the?” Arashi’s brows furrowed, she thought. There’s a bump inside my glove? She took her hand out from the glove and used both her thumbs to feel the exterior. Arashi felt a half-inch dent from the very same spot Reiki punched as she used her thumbs to feel it as the dent resembled the outline of his fist. She thought. … I ordered all of my gloves to use monster boar hide for durability… She stood up from her bed and made her way out of the room.
Asami was lazily sitting on the couch with her fiery red kimono slightly loose revealing a generous amount of cleavage. Asami didn’t even bother to look at Arashi and said. “That was quick, your small tantrum is already done?” Arashi’s eyes wandered to the glass of wine that was on the coffee table, she said. “I didn’t throw a tantrum.” Asami nodded not listening as she poured herself more wine into her empty glass, she said. “I completely believe you.” She turned her head sideways at Arashi who was holding a boxing glove while leaning on the doorframe.
Asami raised a brow at her and said. “Be honest with me, why are you out of the room so quick?” The red liquid in her glass was about to spill but she stopped pouring the red liquid in her cup filled to the brim without spilling a single drop. Arashi pointed at the magic door and said. “I need to clean the gym.” Asami was about to take a sip of her overfilled glass of wine but stopped as she let out a chuckle, she said. “You? Clean?” Arashi rolled her eyes at her and said. “He didn’t give back the pair of gloves I lent him.”
Asami took a sip of her wine, she said. “Their in the gym by the ring.” She lazily waved her hand as Arashi made her way to the door and walked in closing it behind her. Asami waved her hand as the remote on the coffee table flew into her palm, she thought. Using mystery and curiosity to make the girl climb down her mountain made out of pride? A lot more effective than I first thought.
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Inside The Gym
Arashi was near the ring as she stared at the two ropes she cut clean, she thought. I regret breaking the ropes now… I can easily replace them with mom's help but it’ll cost me some of my allowance… She let out a sigh as she made her way onto the ring. Her eyes instantly honed onto the small puddle of blood on the ring that had parts of it that were already dry with a few patches of it clotted. Arashi made her way to the center and thought. Looks like he wasn’t as injured as I thought if this was all he bled.
She squatted down, placed the glove she brought onto her thigh, and picked up the glove that was near the puddle of blood. Arashi used her thumbs to feel the exterior of the glove as the expression on her face turned confused, she thought. … Inside! Without hesitation, she placed her right hand inside the glove as she felt the insides filled with blood that was either, dried, clotted, or soaked in some parts of the leather. Her eyes slightly widened as she felt a dent from the inside, Arashi thought. I knew it… She moved her bloody hand out from the glove, picked up the glove on her thigh, and stood up.
Arashi pinched the two gloves using her armpit as she took out a talisman from her pocket with her left hand. The talisman faintly glowed as the blood on the ring vanished along with the blood on her right hand, Arashi thought. … If I didn’t use mana on that hook… Would I have won?... She placed the two gloves that were pinched between her armpit into her pocket, Arashi made her way to one of the ropes that was fine and leaned on it. She glanced at the other glove on the ring as she waved her hand as the glove flew to her palm.
While pocketing it Arashi thought. … How am I going to convince him to spar with me again?... She pocketed the glove as she looked around the empty gym and let out a sigh, Arashi said. “First I need to fix those two ropes I broke…”
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Ketsueki’s House
Ketsueki was sitting on the couch with Shiro sat on her older sister's lap, the two girls were watching a panda documentary on the tv. Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little sister's head which got her attention, she said. “Shiro, I never got to ask but what is your favorite animal?” Shiro looked up at her older sister and said. “All cute animals.” Ketsueki’s lips curled into a wry smile, she said. “Is that so?” Shiro nodded at her older sister while Reiki made his way to the living room from the kitchen.
He said. “I’ve made some snacks.” Reiki was carrying a plate in each hand as he placed both of them on the coffee table, he said. “Make sure to eat while it’s hot.” Ketsueki smiled at her little brother and said. “Aren’t you a considerate little brother?” Shiro stared at one of the plates that had fruit sandwiches, one had strawberry and whipped cream. While the other sandwich had orange and whipped cream. Reiki rolled his eyes at his older sister and said. “Not like I heard you two wanting to have a sweet snack for the past few minutes.”
Ketsueki let out a fake chuckle while Shiro picked up one of her fruit sandwiches and took a bite out of it. His older sister gave him a sweet smile and said. “And you did exactly what we wanted.” With a wave of her hand on the other plate one of the dorayaki flew into the palm of her hand, Ketsueki continued. “Reiki. Namida and Sachi are going to come over for dinner. Are the two chickens enough for all five of us?” She took a bite of the dorayaki in her hand and took a look at the filling inside.
Inside were whipped cream, blueberries, strawberries, and mango. Reiki thought. I don’t like the sound of that. He pretended to think and said. “I think a couple more whole chickens should be enough.” Shiro was enjoying her fruit sandwich as she watched the panda on tv eat a piece of bamboo while Ketsueki stopped herself from taking a bite of her dorayaki and said. “That much?” Reiki turned his head to look away, he said. “The two chickens are mostly for me so-.” Before he could finish his sentence two whole chickens appeared right in front of him in mid-air.
He moved both his arms as he somehow managed to hold a chicken in each hand. Ketsueki watched her little brother as she was impressed while holding onto her dorayaki, she said. “Nice catch.” Shiro turned her head sideways to see what happened as she saw her older brother carrying a whole chicken in each hand while taking a bite of her fruit sandwich. Reiki thought. Looks like I’m going to make those two cakes even bigger now. He moved his gaze onto his older sister and said. “Onee-chan, just because the chickens are wrapped in plastic doesn’t mean you can make them appear midair.”
Ketsueki lazily waved the hand that was holding onto the dorayaki, she said. “It’s fine, you caught it anyway.” Reiki kept a straight face as he stared at his older sister, Ketsueki noticed his expression and thought. …Oh… He’s slightly upset about it… She looked at her little sister from the corner of her eye and said. “Shiro. Reiki’s bullying me.” Ketsueki thought. Go, Shiro! Guilt trip him for me! Shiro had some cream on the corner of her mouth as she glared at her older brother and said. “Onii-chan, Don’t bully Onee-chan!” Reiki stared at his little sister and thought. Cat… He made his way toward the kitchen and said. “I’m going back to cooking.”
Shiro stared at the plate of dorayaki as she picked up a fruit sandwich that had whipped cream and orange. Shiro said. “Onee-chan, trade.” Ketsueki smiled at her little sister and said. “Sure, place it on my plate and take a couple of dorayaki.” Shiro’s eyes sparkled as she placed the fruit sandwich on her older sister’s plate and took a couple of dorayaki. Before she could take a bite of it the two of them heard a knock from the front door. From the kitchen they heard Reiki’s voice, he said. “I’ll get it.” He made his way through the kitchen and to the front door.
Before he could even come near the door it unlocked from the outside as Reiki heard a soft clicking noise, he thought. I’m getting a sense of deja vu… The door opened revealing Namida who was wearing a baggy black jacket with a zipper undone, a white shirt under, and jeans. Namida said. “Guess who’s here.” From the living room she and Reiki could hear Ketsueki’s voice, she said. “If I said you were a stranger would you leave?” Namida rolled her eyes, she said. “How’s it going, Reiki?” He nodded at her and said. “In the middle of cooking, you can look forward to dinner.”
Namida squatted down as she undid the shoelaces while Reiki’s eyes wandered onto the thick leather combat boots she was wearing, he said. “Nice boots.” The corner of Namida’s lips curved into a small smile, she faked a scoff and said. “These old things? They cost me a few platinum coins.” She neatly placed the boots onto the side while Reiki slid the shoe compartment and took out a pair of white indoor slippers. He passed the indoor slippers to Namida and said. “Is that what you say to everyone who asks?”
Namida placed the white indoor slippers onto the floor, she said. “Yes indeed, you don’t mind right?” Reiki shook his head sideways and said. “Could not care less.” Namida smiled at him as she placed an arm around his shoulders, she said. “Correct, a man needs to have a big heart to be liked by women.” The two of them made their way to the living room as Namida waved her hand as the front door closed itself followed by a clicking sound. She said. “What’s on the menu?” Her gaze wandered onto the two plates on the coffee table, Namida said. “Oh, dorayaki. Thanks.”
With a wave of her hand one of the dorayaki flew into her palm, Ketsueki’s pupils faintly glowed with mana. Ketsueki spoke with a hint of fury in her voice, she said. “I didn’t even say anything yet.” From the corner of her eye, she saw another hand that took one of the dorayaki on her plate. Sachi was sitting beside her and said. “It’s just a piece of dorayaki.” She wore a stylish denim jacket with a red shirt underneath and fitted dark brown pants without a belt. Namida made her way to the empty armchair on the left side of the couch.
While making her way to the armchair Namida playfully messed up Shiro’s hair and said. “How’s it going cottontail?” Shiro puffed her cheeks while chewing as Namida made herself comfortable on the armchair, she said. “On the topic of snacks, I want some grilled onigiri… Miso butter.” She took off her indoor slippers and was about to place both her feet on the coffee table. The glow in Ketsueki’s eyes became brighter, she said. “No feet on the table! There’s food on it!” Namida's feet were a few inches away from touching the top of the coffee table as she raised both her hands and put on her indoor slippers.
Sachi was staring at the filling in the dorayaki, she said. “I’ll have mochi with ice cream and chocolate.” Shiro’s expression had a hint of hunger in them, she thought. Ice cream stuffed mochi… Ketsueki took a deep breath as she glared at both her friends as she spoke through a fake smile, she said. “Didn’t you two say you were supposed to be here by seven o’clock?” Sachi smiled at her friend and said. “We made time, aren’t we such good friends?” Shiro picked up her plate and offered the last two fruit sandwiches on it, she said. “Namida-nee, Sachi-nee. Trade.”
Sachi smiled at her and waved the dorayaki she was holding, she said. “Your older sister already paid for it.” Namida shook her head sideways and said. “I don’t have much of a sweet tooth cottontail. But if you want an onigiri feel free to take some.” Ketsueki let out a stressed sigh as she turned sideways to look behind the couch, she said. “Reiki don’t mine them-.” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw that her little brother was gone, Ketsueki continued. “Where’d he go?” Sachi used the dorayaki to point in the direction of the kitchen, she said. “Reiki already made his way to the kitchen after he heard my order.”
