Shiro and Ketsueki were standing near the front door while Yuki, Mio, Sachi, and Namida were putting on their shoes. Yuki finished tying the shoelaces of her sports shoes, she waved at Shiro and said. “Thanks for the meal, I’ll see you at class tomorrow.” Shiro waved at her friend, she said. “I’ll be sure to remind Onii-chan to make yours and Mio’s bento.” Namida lazily slid her feet into her sports shoes, with a wave of her hand the shoelaces on both of them tied themselves on each foot, she said. “I loved dinner, we should do this again sometime tomorrow.”
Ketsueki rolled her eyes at her and said. “Don’t you think you’ve leeched enough from us?” Mio finished putting on her black leather shoes, she said. “You can turn down our request of Reiki making lunch for all of us, Shiro.” Shiro shook her head sideways as she gave her friend a bright smile, she said. “It’s fine, Onii-chan always makes more food because of his appetite. Making a couple more bentos won’t change anything.” Mio nodded at her and said. “Fine, tell Reiki we said thanks for making us lunch.” Shiro said. “I’ll be sure to tell Onii-chan.”
Sachi finished putting on her light beige leather shoes, she said. “Well, it looks like we have to depart, don’t miss us too much. Ok, Ketsueki?” Ketsueki let out an exaggerated groan and said. “Miss you? You’re just as insufferable as your fashion sense, you wanna be fashionista.” Sachi let out a chuckle, she said. “Hey, you don’t hear me attacking your single black hoodie you wear every day.” Ketsueki let out a scuff and said. “Fair enough.” Yuki energetically waved at Ketsueki, she said. “Bye Ketsueki nee-san. Thanks for the ice cream, that elven cherry was delicious. I can still taste it.”
Ketsueki smiled at her and said. “Anytime.” She raised her hand for a high five as Yuki and her hand made a loud slapping sound. Mio glanced at the inside of the house, she said. “Reiki isn’t going to see us out?” Shiro let out a small yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand, she said. “Onii-chan is washing everything we used for dinner.” Mio nodded in understanding while Sachi placed a hand on her shoulder. Sachi said. “I bet you’re planning to ask if you could take home some ice cream.”
Yuki’s eyes sparkled while Mio was about to shake her head sideways when Sachi leaned down to whisper into Mio’s ear. Sachi said. “If either Namida or I ask for some, Ketsueki will refuse. But it would be a different story if you or Yuki asked.” Ketsueki placed a hand on her hip while Namida smiled at her and said. “Ketsueki, how are things?” She ignored the look her friend was giving her, Ketsueki said. “Nothing, other than the fact there are two leeches who are after my ice cream.” Namida’s eyes widened, she said. “Leeches? Where?”
The girls heard a voice from the living room, he said. “Just in the nick of time.” All of the girls moved their gaze to the sound of the voice as they saw Reiki holding four containers filled with ice cream. He used his left hand to rub the albino crow's chin, he continued. “I have something special you girls can take home.” Reiki started handing a container to everyone who was about to leave, he said. “Vanilla for Namida. Chocolate for Sachi. Vanilla and chocolate for Yuki. And for Mio. Strawberry and chocolate.”
Namida quickly put her container into her pocket while Yuki took out her pouch from her pocket and placed it inside. Yuki smiled at him and said. “Thanks, Reiki.” He gave her a small smile and said. “Any time kiddo.” Namida moved her gaze onto Ketsueki while gesturing at him, she said. “Ketsueki, your little brother knows how to see off guests better than you do.” Sachi let go of the container as it vanished mid-air, she said. “I almost forgot.” She reached into her pocket and took out a large plastic bag with at least seventeen large containers filled with french fries.
Reiki used his left hand to take the bag off her hands, he thought. The bag’s still warm. He looked up to her and said. “Thank you.” Sachi smiled at him, she said. “No, thank you for the ice cream.” Mio stared at the container as she noticed it was completely filled with ice cream as the lid had a faint bump in the middle. She said. “Are you sure?” Reiki smiled at her as he placed a hand on top of Mio’s head and slightly messed up her hair, he said. “I’m sure, I would’ve given you two more if it weren’t for Sachi and Namida being heavy-handed while they were using the ice cream scooper.”
Shiro pulled on her older sister’s shirt which got Ketsueki’s attention, she said. “Onee-chan, I want more ice cream.” Ketsueki smiled at her and said. “Don’t worry, we’ll have more the moment they leave.” Mio felt at ease with Reiki’s hand on her head, he moved his hand back to his side. He said. “Our home is always open for you. Mio.” Mio placed her container of ice cream inside her pouch and pocketed it, Reiki gave her a lazy smile as the corner of Mio’s mouth curled into a genuine warm smile. She said. “Yeah.”
Namida placed her hand on the doorknob while facing her friends, Sachi lazily waved at Ketsueki and said. “When we come back next time, there better still be ice cream left.” Ketsueki smirked at her friend and said. “Depends on how much me and Shiro are going to eat after you all leave.” Namida moved her gaze onto Reiki, she said. “Reiki, is there any vanilla left?” Reiki shook his head and said. “Nope, I used the rest of it for you and Yuki.” Ketsueki’s eyes slightly narrowed, she said. “Just so you two know, we’re not making more ice cream.”
Reiki moved his gaze onto Yuki and Mio, he said. “We will, don’t worry.” He pretended not to notice the side glare his older sister was giving him, Ketsueki said. “No, we’re not.” Reiki pointed at the albino crow on his shoulder and said. “I still have the ice cream maker, plus I’m going to make Cherry some cherry-flavored ice cream.” The albino crow flapped her wings and let out a caw. Namida and Sachi’s eyes had a hint of a sparkle in them, before they could say anything Ketsueki spoke first. She said. “There won’t be any for you two.”
Mio had a hint of worry on her face, she said. “Reiki, are you sure about giving us ice cream?” She glanced at Ketsueki, Shiro nodded at her friends. Reiki smiled at her and said. “That’s just how their conversation usually goes.” Shiro tilted her head to the left as she rested her head on her older brother’s arm, she said. “Onee-chan has been friends with Sachi onee-chan and Namida onee-chan for a long time.” Mio blinked twice, she thought. Then why do they always seem to be on the verge of fighting?
Yuki placed both her hands behind her head, she said. “Yeah, they seem close from the way I see it.” Mio glanced at her friend, she thought. How? Yuki let out a chuckle and said. “The three of us will slowly speak like them in the future… Maybe even worse.” Mio’s eyes slightly widened, she thought. How could it be worse? Namida slightly opened the door and said. “Ok, I’m opening this door because I’ve been holding onto the doorknob for the past ten years.” Yuki energetically waved at Shiro and said. “Bye-bye, Shiro.” Shiro returned the wave, she said. “Bye-bye.”
A black vehicle parked in front of Ketsueki’s house as a woman climbed out of the car from the driver's seat and patiently waited while standing outside. Sachi stared at the car and thought. Oh, that’s quite the car. She said. “I’m guessing that’s Mio’s ride home.” Mio had a wry smile on her face, she said. “... Yes…” She waved at her friend and continued. “Bye, Shiro.” Shiro waved at her friend, she said. “I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” Yuki energetically waved at Sachi and Namida, she said. “Later, Sachi aneki, Namida aneki, Ketsueki aneki.”
Sachi smiled at her and said. “Until next time.” Namida lazily smiled at her, she said. “Make sure not to trip on your way home.” Yuki did some light stretches in place and said. “I won’t.” Ketsueki said. “Make sure to look at the street lights.” Yuki let out a laugh and said. “You sound just like my mom.” The corner of Ketsueki’s eye slightly twitched as Yuki jogged out of the house as she ignored the woman by the car, Yuki did a half turn and started sprinting at full speed down the street. Mio slowly inhaled and exhaled, she said. “Thanks for the food. Sachi nee-san, Namida nee-san, Ketsueki nee-san.”
Reiki hid his right hand behind his back and started doing mana string with his fingers. Sachi gave her a smile and said. “I’m glad you enjoyed your stay here.” Namida kept glancing at the car, she thought. I swear I’ve seen that car before… She said. “Nice ride Mio.” Mio had an awkward smile on her face, she said. “... Thanks… My parents chose it for me…” Ketsueki glanced at the corner of her eye and saw Reiki was doing his string training while the mana around him was constantly compressing and expanding, she thought. Multi-task training…
She said. “Since your ride is already here I think you shouldn’t keep your parents waiting any longer.” Mio nodded, she said. “Thank you for letting me stay over for dinner.” She made her way out of the house while Shiro waved at her friend. The woman opened the car door in the passenger's seat as Mio went in as the driver entered the car by the driver’s seat. Ketsueki moved her gaze onto her friends and said. “You two, out. You’re letting the cold air in and mosquitoes.” Namida lazily waved her hand at her, she said. “Yeah, yeah. No need for your panties to get into a twist.”
Sachi moved her gaze onto Reiki, she said. “Reiki, what time are you making the cherry ice cream?” Before he could say something Ketsueki spoke first, she said. “Reiki, don’t answer that question. I want you two out of my house.” Reiki thought for a moment and said. “Around sunset.” Ketsueki let out a sigh while the smile on Sachi’s lips grew bigger, she said. “Great, we’ll be here again just in time for dinner.” Shiro tugged on the corner of her older sister’s shirt, she said. “Onee-chan, ice cream.”
Ketsueki smiled at her, she gently patted the top of her little sister’s head and said. “I still remember, don’t worry. These two leeches were just about to leave.” Namida raised both of her hands, she said. “Fine, since we're obviously not welcome here we’ll leave.” She let out a chuckle and continued. “Reiki, keep up the training. See ya later cottontail.” She gave them a two finger salute while Sachi playfully poked the tip of Shiro’s nose which made her cutely pout. She said. “I’ll bring over some sweets for you to eat tomorrow.”
Shiro stopped pouting as her eyes shined like stars, she said. “Thank you, Sachi onee-chan!” Sachi let out a soft laugh and said. “Anything for you little one.” Sachi and Namida gave Ketsueki a half-assed wave as they headed out of the house. Sachi snapped her fingers as the door behind them gently closed, the two of them reached the sidewalk as she noticed Namida was in the middle of her thoughts. Sachi said. “What’s wrong?” Namida didn’t say anything for a moment, she said. “Mio’s family name, Nakamura… I know I’ve heard it somewhere before…” Sachi rolled her eyes and said. “Nakamura is one of the most common family names.”
The two of them walked down the street while Namida took off her black frame glasses as her brown pupils slowly turned to black, she said. “... I don’t know… I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that same car parked at the front of my family house before…” Sachi rolled her eyes at her and said. “Ah yes, rich people buying black cars to blend in with the rest of society.” Namida’s pupils slowly turned back to brown as she put her glasses back on, she said. “What’s wrong with black cars?”
Sachi shook her head sideways and said. “Nothing, I like how sleek black cars look. But the moment I know it’s owned by an elite member of society it immediately turns tacky to me.” Namida stared at her for a couple of seconds, she said. “You think I’m tacky?” Sachi let out a laugh, placed an arm around her friend and said. “If I thought you were tacky, we wouldn’t be friends.”
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Living Room
Ketsueki and Shiro were sitting on the couch as the two of them were watching a koala on TV that was sleeping on a tree branch. Shiro was glancing at the direction of the kitchen while on Ketsueki’s lap was the bag of warm french fry, she took a couple of fires and thought. I need to upgrade my pouch with a time property, it’s so convenient. From the kitchen Reiki was carrying a large bowl in each hand with Cherry on his right shoulder. He said. “Sorry for the wait.” Shiro stared at her large bowl of chocolate ice cream as her older brother passed it to her.
Shiro smiled at her older brother and said. “Thank you, Onii-chan.” Ketsueki placed the plastic bag of fries on the coffee table while Reiki smiled at her little sister, he said. “Enjoy.” Shiro picked up the spoon that was in the bowl, her first scoop of ice cream included the single cherry with the stem taken out on top of her ice cream, Reiki gave the large bowl of strawberry ice cream to his older sister. Ketsueki picked up the spoon in the bowl and said. “Reiki, about that ice cream you're making tomorrow.”
Reiki used his left hand to pick up the bag of fries without moving his gaze away from his older sister, he said. “What flavor do you want?” Ketsueki’s lips curled into a slight smile, she said. “Oreo.” Shiro gulped down a mouthful of ice cream and said. “I want rocky road!” Cherry let out a soft caw and flapped her wings, Reiki said. “And cherry for Cherry.” Ketsueki’s first scoop of ice cream had the cherry with the stem taken out, she said. “I’ll have everything you need delivered for tomorrow.”
Reiki’s brows furrowed, he said. “Can’t you just give me the money so I can do the shopping instead?” Ketsueki ate a spoonful of ice cream as she raised her hand at him, she swallowed and said. “For the time being we don’t have to worry about money.” Reiki kept a straight face, he thought. I don’t like the sound of that. Reiki pointed at the ceiling and said. “I’m going back to my room to train some more. Do you two want any fries?” He slightly shakes the bag in his left hand to show it to his sisters. Ketsueki’s gaze was on the bag, she said. “I’ll pass, I’ve had enough fries for the day.”
Shiro’s eyes were glued onto her brother’s right hand which was repeatedly failing to enlarge the mana circle, she said. “If I eat fries I won’t have more room for ice cream.” From the corner of her eye, she saw a faint glow of mana which caught Ketsueki’s attention. She saw Reiki doing mana string over and over again, Ketsueki thought. When did he… She had a hint of worry on her face, she said. “... Reiki…” Shiro couldn’t move her eyes away from her brother’s right hand, Reiki moved his gaze onto his older sister and said. “What is it? Onee-chan?”
Ketsueki stared at the mana circle letting out a small spark as it instantly vanished, she said. “... Make sure you don’t overwork yourself from too much training…” Reiki smiled at her, he said. “I won’t.” He made his way to the staircase leaving his sisters on the couch eating ice cream, Ketsueki stared at Shiro happily eating chocolate ice cream. Ketsueki said. “Shiro, after you finish that bowl. You’re going to bed.” Shiro had some chocolate on the corner of her mouth as her older sister wiped it off using her thumb. Ketsueki licked the chocolate off her thumb while Shiro gulped down a mouthful of ice cream and said. “Onee-chan, I don’t even feel sleepy-.”
Right after she finished her sentence she let out a soft yawn and covered her mouth with her left hand. Shiro carefully rubbed her right eye and said. “Yes, Onee-chan.” Ketsueki smiled at her little sister as she playfully ruffled Shiro’s hair.
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Reiki’s Room
Reiki was sitting on the bed with his legs crossed as he placed the bag of fries next to him. The mana around the room was constantly expanding and compressing as he grabbed a handful of fries from the bag and ate it. The tip of his thumb, index, and middle finger touched as he slowly pulled them apart as a mana circle floating in mid-air appeared. While chewing, Reiki thought. Come on… The mana circle let out a small spark as it vanished on the spot, Reiki let out a long sigh as he lay down on the bed.
He stuffed his mouth with another handful of fries, Reiki thought. Ender, you never told me how big the circle I needed to make. He continued to fail the mana string with his right hand while eating fries with his left and making sure to breathe properly as the mana around him moved. Ender’s voice rang in Reiki’s head, he said. [Bigger than your hand. Oh, and you’re not allowed to sleep until you’re proficient enough to do it twice in a row.] Reiki stared at his left hand that had some grease and salt, he thought. That’s going to take a minute.
He sat back up on the bed while shoving another handful of fries into his mouth, Reiki thought. Well… I want at least an hour of sleep today… He stared at his right hand as he failed another mana circle that was barely half the size of his palm.
~Four Hours Later~
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Living Room
Ketsueki was sitting on the couch as she watched a TV show in english, above the sink was a large floating bowl and spoon that was being cleaned by a floating sponge. The sponge wrung itself dry as it moved below the faucet as the handle moved as a stream of water came out. Ketsueki glanced at the ceiling, she closed her eyes and felt the mana in Reiki’s room as she sensed a circle of mana slowly dissipating. The dishes in the sink were cleaned as the faucet was turned off, one of the drawers opened as the drying rag started to dry the bowl and the spoon.
Ketsueki thought. … Reiki’s still training… She took out her smartphone from her pocket as she turned it on by pressing the button on the side revealing the time. She continued her train of thought. One hour until midnight… The rag finished drying the bowl and spoon as they moved to the side of the sink while the rag wrung itself dry and flew away from the dishes. Ketsueki pocketed her phone as she stood up from the couch.
She made her way up the stairs while letting out a yawn, she covered her mouth with her right hand. Ketsueki stared at the moving mana in the hallway as she made her way down and stopped at the door leading into her little brother’s room. Some hair was covering her ear as she moved it behind to hear better.
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Reiki’s Room
Reiki let out a long exhale as the mana in the room was pushed back, he concentrated as he started doing the string mana with his right hand. Beside him on the bed was a plastic bag filled with empty containers of fries, Reiki thought. Just one more time… The tip of his thumb, index, and middle finger touched, he moved them apart as it turned into a circle that slowly grew in size. The mana circle was now bigger than his entire hand as Reiki plopped down on his bed and stared at the floating mana circle.
He said. “Only took me an hour and a half of attempts.” He glanced at the window and thought. Judging by the light… Less than an hour of sleep… Reiki pushed the plastic bag off his bed as it fell onto the ground, he continued his train of thought. Training tomorrow is going to be tough…
Shiro and Ketsueki were standing near the front door while Yuki, Mio, Sachi, and Namida were putting on their shoes. Yuki finished tying the shoelaces of her sports shoes, she waved at Shiro and said. “Thanks for the meal, I’ll see you at class tomorrow.” Shiro waved at her friend, she said. “I’ll be sure to remind Onii-chan to make yours and Mio’s bento.” Namida lazily slid her feet into her sports shoes, with a wave of her hand the shoelaces on both of them tied themselves on each foot, she said. “I loved dinner, we should do this again sometime tomorrow.”
Ketsueki rolled her eyes at her and said. “Don’t you think you’ve leeched enough from us?” Mio finished putting on her black leather shoes, she said. “You can turn down our request of Reiki making lunch for all of us, Shiro.” Shiro shook her head sideways as she gave her friend a bright smile, she said. “It’s fine, Onii-chan always makes more food because of his appetite. Making a couple more bentos won’t change anything.” Mio nodded at her and said. “Fine, tell Reiki we said thanks for making us lunch.” Shiro said. “I’ll be sure to tell Onii-chan.”
Sachi finished putting on her light beige leather shoes, she said. “Well, it looks like we have to depart, don’t miss us too much. Ok, Ketsueki?” Ketsueki let out an exaggerated groan and said. “Miss you? You’re just as insufferable as your fashion sense, you wanna be fashionista.” Sachi let out a chuckle, she said. “Hey, you don’t hear me attacking your single black hoodie you wear every day.” Ketsueki let out a scuff and said. “Fair enough.” Yuki energetically waved at Ketsueki, she said. “Bye Ketsueki nee-san. Thanks for the ice cream, that elven cherry was delicious. I can still taste it.”
Ketsueki smiled at her and said. “Anytime.” She raised her hand for a high five as Yuki and her hand made a loud slapping sound. Mio glanced at the inside of the house, she said. “Reiki isn’t going to see us out?” Shiro let out a small yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand, she said. “Onii-chan is washing everything we used for dinner.” Mio nodded in understanding while Sachi placed a hand on her shoulder. Sachi said. “I bet you’re planning to ask if you could take home some ice cream.”
Yuki’s eyes sparkled while Mio was about to shake her head sideways when Sachi leaned down to whisper into Mio’s ear. Sachi said. “If either Namida or I ask for some, Ketsueki will refuse. But it would be a different story if you or Yuki asked.” Ketsueki placed a hand on her hip while Namida smiled at her and said. “Ketsueki, how are things?” She ignored the look her friend was giving her, Ketsueki said. “Nothing, other than the fact there are two leeches who are after my ice cream.” Namida’s eyes widened, she said. “Leeches? Where?”
The girls heard a voice from the living room, he said. “Just in the nick of time.” All of the girls moved their gaze to the sound of the voice as they saw Reiki holding four containers filled with ice cream. He used his left hand to rub the albino crow's chin, he continued. “I have something special you girls can take home.” Reiki started handing a container to everyone who was about to leave, he said. “Vanilla for Namida. Chocolate for Sachi. Vanilla and chocolate for Yuki. And for Mio. Strawberry and chocolate.”
Namida quickly put her container into her pocket while Yuki took out her pouch from her pocket and placed it inside. Yuki smiled at him and said. “Thanks, Reiki.” He gave her a small smile and said. “Any time kiddo.” Namida moved her gaze onto Ketsueki while gesturing at him, she said. “Ketsueki, your little brother knows how to see off guests better than you do.” Sachi let go of the container as it vanished mid-air, she said. “I almost forgot.” She reached into her pocket and took out a large plastic bag with at least seventeen large containers filled with french fries.
Reiki used his left hand to take the bag off her hands, he thought. The bag’s still warm. He looked up to her and said. “Thank you.” Sachi smiled at him, she said. “No, thank you for the ice cream.” Mio stared at the container as she noticed it was completely filled with ice cream as the lid had a faint bump in the middle. She said. “Are you sure?” Reiki smiled at her as he placed a hand on top of Mio’s head and slightly messed up her hair, he said. “I’m sure, I would’ve given you two more if it weren’t for Sachi and Namida being heavy-handed while they were using the ice cream scooper.”
Shiro pulled on her older sister’s shirt which got Ketsueki’s attention, she said. “Onee-chan, I want more ice cream.” Ketsueki smiled at her and said. “Don’t worry, we’ll have more the moment they leave.” Mio felt at ease with Reiki’s hand on her head, he moved his hand back to his side. He said. “Our home is always open for you. Mio.” Mio placed her container of ice cream inside her pouch and pocketed it, Reiki gave her a lazy smile as the corner of Mio’s mouth curled into a genuine warm smile. She said. “Yeah.”
Namida placed her hand on the doorknob while facing her friends, Sachi lazily waved at Ketsueki and said. “When we come back next time, there better still be ice cream left.” Ketsueki smirked at her friend and said. “Depends on how much me and Shiro are going to eat after you all leave.” Namida moved her gaze onto Reiki, she said. “Reiki, is there any vanilla left?” Reiki shook his head and said. “Nope, I used the rest of it for you and Yuki.” Ketsueki’s eyes slightly narrowed, she said. “Just so you two know, we’re not making more ice cream.”
Reiki moved his gaze onto Yuki and Mio, he said. “We will, don’t worry.” He pretended not to notice the side glare his older sister was giving him, Ketsueki said. “No, we’re not.” Reiki pointed at the albino crow on his shoulder and said. “I still have the ice cream maker, plus I’m going to make Cherry some cherry-flavored ice cream.” The albino crow flapped her wings and let out a caw. Namida and Sachi’s eyes had a hint of a sparkle in them, before they could say anything Ketsueki spoke first. She said. “There won’t be any for you two.”
Mio had a hint of worry on her face, she said. “Reiki, are you sure about giving us ice cream?” She glanced at Ketsueki, Shiro nodded at her friends. Reiki smiled at her and said. “That’s just how their conversation usually goes.” Shiro tilted her head to the left as she rested her head on her older brother’s arm, she said. “Onee-chan has been friends with Sachi onee-chan and Namida onee-chan for a long time.” Mio blinked twice, she thought. Then why do they always seem to be on the verge of fighting?
Yuki placed both her hands behind her head, she said. “Yeah, they seem close from the way I see it.” Mio glanced at her friend, she thought. How? Yuki let out a chuckle and said. “The three of us will slowly speak like them in the future… Maybe even worse.” Mio’s eyes slightly widened, she thought. How could it be worse? Namida slightly opened the door and said. “Ok, I’m opening this door because I’ve been holding onto the doorknob for the past ten years.” Yuki energetically waved at Shiro and said. “Bye-bye, Shiro.” Shiro returned the wave, she said. “Bye-bye.”
A black vehicle parked in front of Ketsueki’s house as a woman climbed out of the car from the driver's seat and patiently waited while standing outside. Sachi stared at the car and thought. Oh, that’s quite the car. She said. “I’m guessing that’s Mio’s ride home.” Mio had a wry smile on her face, she said. “... Yes…” She waved at her friend and continued. “Bye, Shiro.” Shiro waved at her friend, she said. “I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” Yuki energetically waved at Sachi and Namida, she said. “Later, Sachi aneki, Namida aneki, Ketsueki aneki.”
Sachi smiled at her and said. “Until next time.” Namida lazily smiled at her, she said. “Make sure not to trip on your way home.” Yuki did some light stretches in place and said. “I won’t.” Ketsueki said. “Make sure to look at the street lights.” Yuki let out a laugh and said. “You sound just like my mom.” The corner of Ketsueki’s eye slightly twitched as Yuki jogged out of the house as she ignored the woman by the car, Yuki did a half turn and started sprinting at full speed down the street. Mio slowly inhaled and exhaled, she said. “Thanks for the food. Sachi nee-san, Namida nee-san, Ketsueki nee-san.”
Reiki hid his right hand behind his back and started doing mana string with his fingers. Sachi gave her a smile and said. “I’m glad you enjoyed your stay here.” Namida kept glancing at the car, she thought. I swear I’ve seen that car before… She said. “Nice ride Mio.” Mio had an awkward smile on her face, she said. “... Thanks… My parents chose it for me…” Ketsueki glanced at the corner of her eye and saw Reiki was doing his string training while the mana around him was constantly compressing and expanding, she thought. Multi-task training…
She said. “Since your ride is already here I think you shouldn’t keep your parents waiting any longer.” Mio nodded, she said. “Thank you for letting me stay over for dinner.” She made her way out of the house while Shiro waved at her friend. The woman opened the car door in the passenger's seat as Mio went in as the driver entered the car by the driver’s seat. Ketsueki moved her gaze onto her friends and said. “You two, out. You’re letting the cold air in and mosquitoes.” Namida lazily waved her hand at her, she said. “Yeah, yeah. No need for your panties to get into a twist.”
Sachi moved her gaze onto Reiki, she said. “Reiki, what time are you making the cherry ice cream?” Before he could say something Ketsueki spoke first, she said. “Reiki, don’t answer that question. I want you two out of my house.” Reiki thought for a moment and said. “Around sunset.” Ketsueki let out a sigh while the smile on Sachi’s lips grew bigger, she said. “Great, we’ll be here again just in time for dinner.” Shiro tugged on the corner of her older sister’s shirt, she said. “Onee-chan, ice cream.”
Ketsueki smiled at her, she gently patted the top of her little sister’s head and said. “I still remember, don’t worry. These two leeches were just about to leave.” Namida raised both of her hands, she said. “Fine, since we're obviously not welcome here we’ll leave.” She let out a chuckle and continued. “Reiki, keep up the training. See ya later cottontail.” She gave them a two finger salute while Sachi playfully poked the tip of Shiro’s nose which made her cutely pout. She said. “I’ll bring over some sweets for you to eat tomorrow.”
Shiro stopped pouting as her eyes shined like stars, she said. “Thank you, Sachi onee-chan!” Sachi let out a soft laugh and said. “Anything for you little one.” Sachi and Namida gave Ketsueki a half-assed wave as they headed out of the house. Sachi snapped her fingers as the door behind them gently closed, the two of them reached the sidewalk as she noticed Namida was in the middle of her thoughts. Sachi said. “What’s wrong?” Namida didn’t say anything for a moment, she said. “Mio’s family name, Nakamura… I know I’ve heard it somewhere before…” Sachi rolled her eyes and said. “Nakamura is one of the most common family names.”
The two of them walked down the street while Namida took off her black frame glasses as her brown pupils slowly turned to black, she said. “... I don’t know… I’m pretty sure I’ve seen that same car parked at the front of my family house before…” Sachi rolled her eyes at her and said. “Ah yes, rich people buying black cars to blend in with the rest of society.” Namida’s pupils slowly turned back to brown as she put her glasses back on, she said. “What’s wrong with black cars?”
Sachi shook her head sideways and said. “Nothing, I like how sleek black cars look. But the moment I know it’s owned by an elite member of society it immediately turns tacky to me.” Namida stared at her for a couple of seconds, she said. “You think I’m tacky?” Sachi let out a laugh, placed an arm around her friend and said. “If I thought you were tacky, we wouldn’t be friends.”
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Living Room
Ketsueki and Shiro were sitting on the couch as the two of them were watching a koala on TV that was sleeping on a tree branch. Shiro was glancing at the direction of the kitchen while on Ketsueki’s lap was the bag of warm french fry, she took a couple of fires and thought. I need to upgrade my pouch with a time property, it’s so convenient. From the kitchen Reiki was carrying a large bowl in each hand with Cherry on his right shoulder. He said. “Sorry for the wait.” Shiro stared at her large bowl of chocolate ice cream as her older brother passed it to her.
Shiro smiled at her older brother and said. “Thank you, Onii-chan.” Ketsueki placed the plastic bag of fries on the coffee table while Reiki smiled at her little sister, he said. “Enjoy.” Shiro picked up the spoon that was in the bowl, her first scoop of ice cream included the single cherry with the stem taken out on top of her ice cream, Reiki gave the large bowl of strawberry ice cream to his older sister. Ketsueki picked up the spoon in the bowl and said. “Reiki, about that ice cream you're making tomorrow.”
Reiki used his left hand to pick up the bag of fries without moving his gaze away from his older sister, he said. “What flavor do you want?” Ketsueki’s lips curled into a slight smile, she said. “Oreo.” Shiro gulped down a mouthful of ice cream and said. “I want rocky road!” Cherry let out a soft caw and flapped her wings, Reiki said. “And cherry for Cherry.” Ketsueki’s first scoop of ice cream had the cherry with the stem taken out, she said. “I’ll have everything you need delivered for tomorrow.”
Reiki’s brows furrowed, he said. “Can’t you just give me the money so I can do the shopping instead?” Ketsueki ate a spoonful of ice cream as she raised her hand at him, she swallowed and said. “For the time being we don’t have to worry about money.” Reiki kept a straight face, he thought. I don’t like the sound of that. Reiki pointed at the ceiling and said. “I’m going back to my room to train some more. Do you two want any fries?” He slightly shakes the bag in his left hand to show it to his sisters. Ketsueki’s gaze was on the bag, she said. “I’ll pass, I’ve had enough fries for the day.”
Shiro’s eyes were glued onto her brother’s right hand which was repeatedly failing to enlarge the mana circle, she said. “If I eat fries I won’t have more room for ice cream.” From the corner of her eye, she saw a faint glow of mana which caught Ketsueki’s attention. She saw Reiki doing mana string over and over again, Ketsueki thought. When did he… She had a hint of worry on her face, she said. “... Reiki…” Shiro couldn’t move her eyes away from her brother’s right hand, Reiki moved his gaze onto his older sister and said. “What is it? Onee-chan?”
Ketsueki stared at the mana circle letting out a small spark as it instantly vanished, she said. “... Make sure you don’t overwork yourself from too much training…” Reiki smiled at her, he said. “I won’t.” He made his way to the staircase leaving his sisters on the couch eating ice cream, Ketsueki stared at Shiro happily eating chocolate ice cream. Ketsueki said. “Shiro, after you finish that bowl. You’re going to bed.” Shiro had some chocolate on the corner of her mouth as her older sister wiped it off using her thumb. Ketsueki licked the chocolate off her thumb while Shiro gulped down a mouthful of ice cream and said. “Onee-chan, I don’t even feel sleepy-.”
Right after she finished her sentence she let out a soft yawn and covered her mouth with her left hand. Shiro carefully rubbed her right eye and said. “Yes, Onee-chan.” Ketsueki smiled at her little sister as she playfully ruffled Shiro’s hair.
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Reiki’s Room
Reiki was sitting on the bed with his legs crossed as he placed the bag of fries next to him. The mana around the room was constantly expanding and compressing as he grabbed a handful of fries from the bag and ate it. The tip of his thumb, index, and middle finger touched as he slowly pulled them apart as a mana circle floating in mid-air appeared. While chewing, Reiki thought. Come on… The mana circle let out a small spark as it vanished on the spot, Reiki let out a long sigh as he lay down on the bed.
He stuffed his mouth with another handful of fries, Reiki thought. Ender, you never told me how big the circle I needed to make. He continued to fail the mana string with his right hand while eating fries with his left and making sure to breathe properly as the mana around him moved. Ender’s voice rang in Reiki’s head, he said. [Bigger than your hand. Oh, and you’re not allowed to sleep until you’re proficient enough to do it twice in a row.] Reiki stared at his left hand that had some grease and salt, he thought. That’s going to take a minute.
He sat back up on the bed while shoving another handful of fries into his mouth, Reiki thought. Well… I want at least an hour of sleep today… He stared at his right hand as he failed another mana circle that was barely half the size of his palm.
~Four Hours Later~
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Living Room
Ketsueki was sitting on the couch as she watched a TV show in english, above the sink was a large floating bowl and spoon that was being cleaned by a floating sponge. The sponge wrung itself dry as it moved below the faucet as the handle moved as a stream of water came out. Ketsueki glanced at the ceiling, she closed her eyes and felt the mana in Reiki’s room as she sensed a circle of mana slowly dissipating. The dishes in the sink were cleaned as the faucet was turned off, one of the drawers opened as the drying rag started to dry the bowl and the spoon.
Ketsueki thought. … Reiki’s still training… She took out her smartphone from her pocket as she turned it on by pressing the button on the side revealing the time. She continued her train of thought. One hour until midnight… The rag finished drying the bowl and spoon as they moved to the side of the sink while the rag wrung itself dry and flew away from the dishes. Ketsueki pocketed her phone as she stood up from the couch.
She made her way up the stairs while letting out a yawn, she covered her mouth with her right hand. Ketsueki stared at the moving mana in the hallway as she made her way down and stopped at the door leading into her little brother’s room. Some hair was covering her ear as she moved it behind to hear better.
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Reiki’s Room
Reiki let out a long exhale as the mana in the room was pushed back, he concentrated as he started doing the string mana with his right hand. Beside him on the bed was a plastic bag filled with empty containers of fries, Reiki thought. Just one more time… The tip of his thumb, index, and middle finger touched, he moved them apart as it turned into a circle that slowly grew in size. The mana circle was now bigger than his entire hand as Reiki plopped down on his bed and stared at the floating mana circle.
He said. “Only took me an hour and a half of attempts.” He glanced at the window and thought. Judging by the light… Less than an hour of sleep… Reiki pushed the plastic bag off his bed as it fell onto the ground, he continued his train of thought. Training tomorrow is going to be tough…
