When they returned to the apartment, night had already fallen completely. The light from the streetlamps outside barely managed to penetrate the curtains. Haruka wasted no time: she pushed the low table aside and unrolled the scroll on the floor.
—Bring me a lighter, Mochi.
Mochi quickly stood up and went to the kitchen to look for one. Haruka, kneeling, dipped the brush into the black ink —so thick it looked almost like coagulated blood— and began to trace symbols across the scroll. The characters, confusing at first, slowly took shape, curving into spirals that seemed to change when one looked away, as if the symbols had a life of their own.
Mochi watched in fascination, her cat ears twitching with curiosity.
—What does that say? —she asked, unable to contain herself.
—You wouldn't understand —Haruka replied without looking up, completely focused—. They're parameters for a spell.
When she finished, she straightened up and, after a brief sigh, raised her voice.
—You can come out.
From the room, the two anomalies slid forward.
The parka floated in silence, while the Eye advanced slowly, carefully supporting itself on its legs.
—This will be quick —Haruka explained calmly—. I only need a bit of your energy to stabilize the bond. Place a hand… or whatever you have —she added, glancing at the Eye.
It responded by lifting one of its front legs.
Mochi swallowed and placed her hand on the scroll. The surface was warm. Haruka nodded.
—Now, channel your ether. Don't stop until I tell you to.
Mochi closed her eyes and let the energy flow from her chest to her palm. The scroll began to glow with a deep red light; the runes vibrated as if they were breathing, and a warm current ran through the room.
The Eye emitted a sharp, uncomfortable murmur, and the parka trembled, its sleeves fluttering nervously, but neither anomaly pulled away.
—Mochi give each of them a name.
The request caught her completely off guard. She didn't have time to think it through; the words simply came out.
—You will be Kero —she said, looking at the parka—, because you're green… like a frog.
Then she turned her head toward the Eye.
—And you will be Kumo because you look like a spider.
At that instant, the glow reached its peak… and abruptly went out.
—It's done —Haruka announced calmly.
She lit the lighter and brought the flame close to the scroll. In a matter of seconds, the paper burned with a red and black fire that left no ashes, only a luminous mist that rose and slowly dissipated into the air.
Haruka exhaled softly and turned toward Mochi.
—How do you feel?
—I don't feel any difference. I'm… fine.
—Even so, I'll stay tonight —Haruka decided—. I want to make sure everything is in order.
Mochi looked at her, her ears twitching on their own.
—You're going to sleep here?
Haruka smiled and gently took her hand.
—It's late, isn't it? Besides… —her eyes shone with a mischievous glint— it's been a while since we shared a bath.
—Eh? W-wait, Haruka! —Mochi protested, alarmed.
But the elf was already dragging her toward the bathroom without giving her a choice.
Kero and Kumo were left alone in the living room, silently watching as the two girls disappeared down the hallway.
Soon after, steam filled the bathroom, tinting the atmosphere with a warm glow. Their laughter mingled with the splashing of water.
Later, when silence returned to the apartment, Mochi opened the closet to take out the futon, but Haruka stopped her with a gesture.
—No need —she said, settling onto Mochi's bed and giving gentle taps to the space beside her—. There's plenty of room here.
—B-but…
—Come on, I don't bite.
Mochi puffed out her cheeks, embarrassed, but ended up laughing and slid under the covers. They lay facing each other, separated by only a few centimeters. The soft light of the lamp highlighted the silvery shine of Haruka's hair and the gentle red of Mochi's.
—Haruka… thank you for everything —Mochi whispered, her voice already drowsy.
—Sleep, silly —she replied, tenderly stroking her hair.
Mochi nodded and closed her eyes. Her breathing became slow and calm.
Haruka watched her for a few more seconds, with a smile full of affection and a hint of concern. Then she turned off the light.
—
The room was left in darkness, lit only by the bluish light filtering through the window.
Haruka was still awake, lying on her side with one arm under her head. Beside her, Mochi slept deeply, wrapped in the sheets, her face serene and a small smile on her lips. Her soft breathing filled the room.
Haruka watched her for a long while without saying anything. The moonlight fell over Mochi's red hair, making it shine.
She doesn't even imagine the potential she hides… she thought, with a mix of awe and tenderness.
She remembered the ritual: Mochi had channeled ether steadily, without hesitation, with a natural ease that would have caused more than one agent to collapse. And when it was all over, she didn't even seem tired.
Her amount of ether is enormous. Even with two anomalies feeding on her, she remains stable… as if it were nothing.
Haruka sighed.
Besides, emitting ether pulses that powerful would exhaust anyone. And this little kitten did it continuously.
She lowered her gaze and looked at her again. Mochi had curled up against her arm, unconsciously seeking her warmth, like a cat looking for a sunny corner.
Haruka raised her hand and brushed her fingers over the girl's soft cheek.
—You've grown so much… while I wasn't looking —she whispered, almost without realizing it.
Mochi murmured something unintelligible and shifted, moving even closer, resting her head against Haruka's chest. The elf's heart gave a small leap. For an instant, she remained completely still, unsure whether to pull away or embrace her.
In the end, she simply exhaled and gently stroked her hair.
—You really do act like a little kitten… —she murmured with a barely visible smile—. It will be interesting to see how far you go.
Haruka closed her eyes, letting the calm rhythm of Mochi's breathing lull her.
And for the first time in a long while, the elf allowed herself to lower her guard.