The Next Day...
Moriya Shrine – Male Guest Room
June 19, 2021 – Saturday – 5:00 A.M.
Riku's POV
The faint light of dawn crept through the paper doors of the guest room, painting the tatami floor in soft gold. My body still ached slightly from last night's spar with Aichi. We'd pushed each other hard—just the way I liked it. Afterward, we'd taken a breather when Sanae, Kanako-sama, and Suwako-sama appeared, carrying fresh towels and a few teasing remarks. Judging by the glint in their eyes, both goddesses had been watching us and were itching for a bout of their own. If not for Sanae's interference, I might've ended up fighting two divine beings before midnight.
Once we'd cleaned up, the warm bath had been a blessing. The scent of hinoki wood and the faint steam washing away fatigue. By the time we returned to our room, exhaustion hit like a ton of bricks, and the moment my head hit the pillow, I was out cold.
Now, several hours later, I stirred awake, the quiet chirp of morning birds filling the shrine. My limbs stretched, muscles humming with that familiar post-training soreness. Beside me, Aichi was still deep in sleep, his breathing steady and calm. No need to wake him. He'd earned the rest.
After tidying my futon, I slipped into my casual clothes and stepped out, letting the crisp mountain air greet me. The shrine was still half-asleep, mist curling lazily between the trees, carrying the faint scent of moss and incense.
As I made my way through the wooden corridors, faint chatter caught my ear. It came from the hall where yesterday's feast had taken place. I slid open the door and blinked at the sight before me.
Reimu and Marisa—cleaning. Alongside them, Sanae was busy sweeping up stray petals and paper cups.
"...Oh, you're up," Reimu said, glancing at me over her shoulder.
"Yo, Riku! Morning ze~!" Marisa greeted, waving a broom like it was a magic staff.
Sanae smiled warmly. "Good morning, Riku. Did you sleep well?"
"I did. Thanks, Sanae." My gaze shifted between the three of them, amused. "Wait—are you two actually cleaning? Usually, you'd just vanish and leave the mess behind."
Reimu sighed, visibly restraining herself from smacking me with the broom. "We're doing this as an apology for the chaos last night. Don't push it."
"Yeah," Marisa added, chuckling sheepishly. "We kinda felt bad, so we figured we'd help out. Besides, it's faster with three of us, ze!"
Sanae nodded in agreement. "Thanks to Reimu-san and Marisa-san, we managed to clean everything much faster than I expected."
I smirked. "Guess you two do have some uses besides starting fights."
"HEY!" both of them snapped in unison.
Sanae let out a small laugh. "Riku, that's rude. Anyway, since we're almost done here, I'll go ahead and make breakfast. You'll need the energy before heading out today."
"Sure," I said. "Go ahead. I wanted to talk with these two anyway."
With that, Sanae left us, her footsteps fading down the corridor. Reimu leaned her broom against the wall, while Marisa perched herself casually atop a crate.
"So," Marisa started, "you said you wanted to talk to us?"
"Yeah." I folded my arms. "It's about the grimoire you, Alice, and Patchy were keeping an eye on."
Marisa's expression shifted immediately—half irritation, half concern. "Ah, that thing. Patchy's been obsessed with it lately. Whatever power it's holding... it's making her restless. She even kicked me and Alice out when we tried to help."
"That bad, huh?" I asked.
"At first, it wasn't too crazy," Marisa said, scratching her head. "But then the grimoire suddenly activated on its own, and everything went downhill from there."
"Typical Patchy," I muttered. "She's probably buried under a mountain of books trying to find answers."
Marisa let out a humorless laugh. "You're not wrong. Last time I dropped by, the place looked like a paper hurricane hit it."
Reimu, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "I was there too. I went to check in for a report, but... nothing. She wouldn't even let me near it."
Her tone was calm, but I could sense the unease beneath it. The grimoire wasn't some random magical relic—it was something none of them could fully grasp yet.
"But enough about that," Reimu continued. "From what Aichi told me a few days ago, the nekomata you encountered... is she still alive?"
"She's fine," I assured her. "Eirin-san's taking care of her at her villa in Tokyo. She said the girl should be waking up today."
Marisa raised a brow. "So you'll finally get some answers?"
"That's the plan," I said. "Once she's awake, we'll find out who she really is—and maybe what she was doing out there."
Reimu nodded. "Good. Then I'll leave that to you."
She turned toward the door, clearly ready to leave.
"Oi, Reimu," Marisa called, "where are you off to now?"
"Got other things to handle," Reimu replied curtly.
"Skipping breakfast already?" I said, half-teasing. "You shouldn't head out on an empty stomach."
"I'll be fine," she replied quickly—too quickly.
Then, right on cue, a loud growl broke the silence.
Reimu froze, face turning pink as both Marisa and I stared at her. Marisa's shoulders shook with suppressed laughter, while I just smiled, arms crossed.
"Told you," I said lightly.
Reimu sighed in defeat. "...Fine, you win. I'll join for breakfast."
"See? That wasn't so hard."
"Whatever," she muttered, brushing past me toward the exit. "Weren't you going for your morning walk?"
"Yeah, thanks for reminding me," I said, waving her off. "If anyone asks where I went, tell them I stepped out for a bit."
Without waiting for a reply, I slid the door open and stepped outside.
Stepping out into the open courtyard, I was greeted by the cool bite of early morning air. The faint mist that clung to the mountains rolled lazily across the shrine grounds, the quiet only broken by the distant cry of a crow and the soft rustle of leaves stirred by wind.
When I looked up, I spotted Kanako-sama lounging on the roof, one leg hanging lazily over the edge, while Suwako-sama sat half-submerged in the nearby pond, ripples spreading gently from where her feet touched the water.
"Yo, Riku! Good morning!" Kanako-sama called out, her voice echoing across the courtyard.
"Good morning, Riku-chan~!" Suwako-sama added cheerfully, waving from the pond. "Did you sleep well?"
I smiled faintly. "Good morning to you too, Kanako-sama, Suwako-sama."
Kanako-sama jumped down from the roof with the grace of someone who had done so a thousand times before, landing right beside me. Suwako-sama followed, hands folded behind her head, her pace as casual as ever.
"Out for some morning air?" Suwako-sama asked, tilting her head.
"Yeah," I said, breathing in deeply. "Couldn't stay in bed too long. It's too quiet."
I glanced back toward the main hall. "By the way, most of the rooms seem empty. Did everyone already leave?"
Kanako-sama nodded. "The Komeiji sisters left a while ago. The Koumakan girls headed out even earlier—apparently, they didn't want their librarian starving to death."
Suwako-sama chuckled softly. "So we gave them some leftover food from the party to take home~"
I let out a small snort. What is this, the Philippines?
Kanako-sama rolled her shoulders as we walked. "Alice is still around—helping Sanae in the kitchen. The Prismriver sisters already left, said they had some business elsewhere today."
"And the tengu?" I asked.
"Hatate left earlier," Kanako-sama replied. "The chief tengu summoned her for something. But the wolf tengu are still around. They'll be joining us for breakfast."
"I see," I murmured, taking it all in.
Suwako-sama's gaze shifted toward me, her tone softening. "By the way, Riku-chan... your magic power. It's faint, but I can feel it. It's returning."
I stopped walking. "...Huh?"
The words hung in the air heavier than they should have.
Suwako-sama's expression was calm, almost unreadable. "You didn't notice it yourself? The flow around you isn't as thin as before. It's slow, yes—but it's moving again."
"That's impossible," I said quietly. "The sages told me I could never recover half of my magic power again. Even Yukari-san said so."
Kanako-sama crossed her arms, her crimson eyes studying me carefully. "True, Yukari did say that. But our senses don't lie. We're gods, Riku. Our perception of magic is sharper than most youkai could ever hope for."
Their conviction hit me harder than I expected. For a moment, I could only stare at them.
Then, memories came flooding back—unwanted, sharp, vivid.
I was ten when it happened. Back then, I was still training under Ran-san, learning to control lightning, learning discipline and restraint. Everything had been going smoothly until the day we were ambushed.
They came without warning. Three of them—masked, fast, precise. Ran-san fought like a storm unleashed, but one slipped through her defense. I remember the flash of a blade, the rush of air—then pain.
Blinding, searing pain.
When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed, my face bandaged, Ran-san sitting at my side with guilt heavy in her eyes. Eirin-san herself handled my treatment. The verdict was merciless: my left eye was too damaged to heal. Whatever I had been struck with had carried something deeper than mere steel—it corrupted my magic circuit.
Eirin-san replaced the ruined eye with an artificial one built in Yagokoro's labs, but the damage was done. Half of my magical flow was severed permanently. The sages confirmed it later, and even Yukari-san's manipulation of boundaries couldn't change that truth.
To the public, the whole incident was buried. The royal family and the government covered it up, claiming it as a "training accident." Only the Celestial Families and a few select officials knew the truth.
The Nagae branch family, of course, wasted no time using it against me. To them, I was damaged goods—a crippled heir. They pushed my parents to name someone else as successor, insisting I step aside.
But I didn't. I couldn't.
If I wanted to keep my birthright, I had to reach Relic Class before I turned twenty. That was the condition set before me. And so, I pushed myself harder than anyone thought possible.
The journey was brutal. My training tore me apart more times than I can count. With half my power gone, every spell I cast had half the force, half the reach. My lightning strikes fizzled where others blazed. My duels lasted longer, cost me more.
So I adapted.
Instead of relying on raw strength, I honed precision. I learned to read openings, exploit weaknesses, strike where it hurt the most. My style became technical—sharp, minimal, deliberate. Where most fought like rivers, I became a scalpel.
By seventeen, I had reached Relic Class. Barely—but I did.
Even now, I remember the look on the branch family's faces when I returned from that trial alive and victorious. They didn't say it out loud, but I could feel it: they hated that I'd proven them wrong.
Balancing all of that with my music career made life nearly unbearable. Days were for training, nights for performances, and sleep was a luxury I could barely afford. There were times I thought about quitting one or the other, but... Ayabe kept me grounded.
Always calm, always pragmatic, he rearranged my schedule, handled my engagements, and quietly cleaned up the messes I left behind. Without him, I probably would've burned out before reaching eighteen.
Suwako-sama's voice had the careless lilt of someone delivering an inconvenient truth. "I tell you this because when you used your magic last night, it was much stronger than before. The spell you cast was a bit rough—like someone learning a new finger position. Kanako-sama and I had to redirect the lightning so nothing important blew up."
"How?" I asked. The question tasted faintly of denial. "I didn't even feel anything different."
Kanako-sama's expression was businesslike. "Yukari and the sages may insist you can't recover half your power. That doesn't mean there aren't other ways to regain magic. Recovering isn't always straightforward."
Suwako-sama tilted her head, mischief threaded through the statement. "I have an idea, though. Riku-chan—unleash your lightning for us."
Kanako-sama added, "Don't worry about the noise. We set a bounded field when I landed. Anything loud stays in the courtyard."
I hesitated for the width of a breath, then let the old muscle memory take over. Closing my eyes, I let the current coil beneath my skin—no grand flourish, only the slow gathering of potential. When I opened my eyes, Suwako and Kanako wore looks I'd come to recognize as the gods' versions of surprise: small, contained, and oddly intimate.
The lightning died down and I blinked. "What is it?" I asked.
Suwako-sama's voice had that same gentle certainty. "We looked at your aura while you were using lightning. Usually there's the indigo glow of the Nagae—steady, deep. But there was... another color."
Kanako-sama chimed in. "A tinge of ocean blue. That color belongs to the Hinanawi."
My mouth went dry. "Ocean Blue? Don't tell me—"
Suwako-sama nodded. "Yes. The reason your power is returning is because Tenshi's influence—however small—has seeped into your mindscape. Maybe she touched something dormant. It explains the spike last night."
Kanako-sama's hand rested on her chin, eyes narrowing with scheming clarity. "Use it quietly. Keep it secret for now."
Suwako-sama added, sweet as poison, "And use it to your advantage. The branch family will be circling before the gathering in two months. If they get wind of any recovery, they'll pester you with tests. This can be leverage—surprise is worth more than raw power sometimes."
I let the words settle. The logic was practical, sharp—the kind of plan that made enemies squirm without a fight. "Please send word to keep it under wraps," I said. "I don't want the branch family breathing down my neck."
Kanako gave the faintest smile. "Consider it done."
Then Kanako-sama's gaze shifted, mischievous and dangerous at the same time. "Since you're outside—how about a spar? No magic or danmaku—just physical. But you can use your magic to enhance movement."
Suwako-sama's grin stretched. "I want to see how you fight up close. Count me in."
The thought of going toe-to-toe with two goddesses made my chest tighten, but Kanako-sama clarified, "We'll take turns."
Relief washed over me like cool water. "Alright then," I said. "We have two hours before everyone wakes. That should be enough."
"Perfect," Suwako-sama chimed. "An hour each. Means more time to properly beat you up."
Kanako-sama dropped into a ready stance and cracked her knuckles as if the motion itself were a ritual. "You suggested it. Come at me."
I swallowed and readied myself. She moved like someone who could throw mountains if she wanted—no wasted motion, all contained force. The courtyard felt smaller when she locked on. I breathed deep, not to calm nerves but to fill the lungs with something solid to anchor to.
I closed the distance and struck.
Kanako didn't move aside. She took the hit and answered with an uppercut that sent me through the air. My body slammed into the packed dirt hard enough to make my teeth ache. I jarred my jaw with a hand—no break, but close enough to remind me how fragile the body pretends to be.
This was going to be rough.
I pushed myself up slowly, tasting iron and dust. Kanako watched me, eyes bright with amusement and respect. She wasn't holding back. Good. I needed her honest force to test whatever small things were changing in me.
I adjusted my footing and called upon something I'd been practicing—an experiment in blending speed with tight focus. I inhaled, moved like a flicker of shadow, and flash-stepped to her blind side.
Her face registered surprise. "What the—"
"Fish Sign: Sailfish Spear Thrust!"
----------
7:30 A.M.
The morning sun hung lazily over the shrine, spilling soft gold across the courtyard. My body hit the grass with a dull thud, lungs burning, every muscle in rebellion. Two hours of sparring with gods wasn't training—it was survival. Suwako-sama was lying beside me, smiling like we'd just finished a picnic instead of a brawl. Kanako-sama sat nearby, arms resting on her knees, hair slightly disheveled, face shining with sweat. Even for divine beings, they looked worn out.
"We went... a little overboard, didn't we?" Suwako-sama panted, voice light despite her exhaustion.
Kanako-sama let out a groan that sounded halfway between pain and laughter. "No kidding. How are we supposed to explain this to Sanae?"
"Just tell her we took sparring too seriously again," I muttered, still staring at the sky. "It worked the last few times."
Suwako-sama chuckled but winced halfway through. "Ow—ow—ow! Nope, never mind, laughing hurts. Everything hurts."
Kanako-sama leaned toward her. "Oi, you okay?"
"My body's sore," Suwako-sama whined, rolling onto her back. "Riku-chan hits harder than I expected~."
Kanako-sama frowned. "Eh? You're saying his hits actually hurt that much—" She tried standing up but her legs gave out, and she stumbled forward onto her hands. "What the—my legs! They just stopped working..."
Suwako-sama glanced at me, half-confused, half-impressed. "Riku-chan... what did you do to us?"
I exhaled slowly, letting my arm fall over my eyes. "Looks like the effect took a while to kick in."
Kanako-sama's gaze sharpened. "Riku... what did you do?"
"It's a new technique," I explained quietly. "Instead of damaging the surface, it targets the nervous system directly. The idea is to cause temporary paralysis without leaving visible injuries. Since I used a small amount of magic, the delay made it take longer to activate. Or maybe it's just because both of you are gods."
Their expressions froze. For once, neither of them had a witty retort ready. Suwako-sama crawled toward me, each movement shaky, then managed to grip my shoulders with trembling hands.
"Riku-chan," she said seriously, her usual playfulness gone. "Listen carefully. Don't ever use that technique unless you absolutely have to."
Kanako-sama, still on one knee, nodded. "She's right. That kind of spell is dangerous. Even a small miscalculation could make it permanent—or worse."
Their concern wasn't lost on me. I'd created the technique out of necessity, but I hadn't fully considered how thin the line between control and disaster could be. One wrong spark, and I could cripple someone for life.
"I understand," I said finally. "I won't use it again—not until I've perfected it."
Suwako-sama's face softened. "Good. Like they say, practice makes perfect~." She stretched her arms and blinked in surprise. "Oh? I can move again!"
Kanako-sama tested her legs and slowly stood up. "You're right. The effect's fading. So it's temporary after all."
I smirked faintly. "Of course it is. I'm not some psychopath trying to paralyze people for fun."
That earned a small laugh from Suwako, though she still moved like every joint protested. "Well, at least your sense of morality's intact. Now, let's get back inside before Sanae-sama finishes breakfast. I can smell the rice already."
"Fine by me," I said, pushing myself off the ground. My limbs ached, but the pain felt oddly satisfying—a reminder that even after losing half my power, I could still hold my ground against gods.
We began the slow walk back toward the shrine, the three of us limping in near silence. The mountain breeze swept past, cool and clean, brushing through the trees that framed the path. Somewhere in the distance, the faint sound of a pan clattering reached our ears—Sanae, no doubt, fussing over the morning meal.
As we crossed the threshold, I glanced back at the courtyard—the battlefield of our little test. The grass was scorched in patches where lightning had struck, the earth dented from Suwako-sama's leaps and Kanako-sama's blows. For all the pain, there was something grounding about it. Proof of progress.
Suwako-sama stretched her arms high as we stepped onto the veranda. "Next time, Riku-chan, you better bring some of that new magic of yours. I want to see how far you can push it."
I shook my head with a tired smile. "You're insane, Suwako-sama."
"Maybe," she said cheerfully, "but I make a great sparring partner."
Kanako-sama sighed, but there was warmth in her tone. "Breakfast first. Then maybe a nap. We've earned it."
The smell of miso soup drifted through the air, and for the first time that morning, peace settled over the shrine. Whatever came next—the gathering, the politics, the expectations—could wait until after breakfast. For now, it was just quiet laughter, sore muscles, and the faint hum of lightning still lingering beneath my skin.
Moriya Shrine – Living Room
7:40 A.M.
3rd POV
When Riku and the two goddesses stepped inside the shrine, the air was already filled with the hum of voices. Plates clinked faintly from the kitchen, and the scent of warm rice drifted through the hall. The living room, however, buzzed with energy—Aichi, Rinko, and the others were clearly awake.
Riku slid open the door and greeted them with a tired smile. "Good morning, everyone."
Rinko's cheerful reply faltered the moment she saw him. "Good morning to you too, Ri—Riku! What on earth happened to you!?"
Miyu gasped, nearly dropping the cup she was holding. "You're all bruised up! Someone grab the first aid kit!"
"I'll go get it," Youmu said quickly, already on her feet.
Suwako waved lazily. "It's in the room on the far left~"
As Youmu hurried off, Eli approached, her expression softening the closer she got. She reached up and gently brushed a thumb over the bruise forming on Riku's cheek. "What did you do to get these kinds of injuries?"
Before Riku could answer, Suwako chimed in with her usual singsong tone. "Well~ that might've been our fault~"
Kanako sighed. "We wanted to see how much Riku's improved. So I asked him for a little sparring session."
Riku rubbed the back of his neck, sheepish. "And maybe we went a bit too far."
Suwako gave a small, teasing laugh. "Yeah~ Kanako really didn't hold back on Riku-chan either."
Aichi folded his arms, his tone curious. "So that's why I heard all that noise when I woke up."
Umi blinked. "Eh? We didn't hear anything."
Aichi smiled faintly. "Us Celestials have heightened senses—far beyond what humans can perceive. You'd be surprised how much I pick up when I'm trying not to listen."
The sliding door opened again, and Youmu returned, carrying the first aid kit in both hands. "I got the first aid kit."
Rinko and Miyu both stepped forward, ready to help, but before either could reach him, Maki rose from her spot near the table. "Let me handle it."
Sayo tilted her head. "Nishikino-san?"
Eli smiled knowingly. "Maki's family owns a hospital. I think it's fair to let her take over."
Rinko hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "If that's the case, I'll leave Riku to you, Nishikino-san."
Maki's tone softened, though her face remained focused. "Just call me Maki. Family names sound too formal for me. Alright, Riku-san, hold still."
Riku gave a small grin. "Well, do your thing."
She didn't answer, just nodded again and got to work. She soaked a clean cloth with disinfectant, wrung it once, and pressed it gently to the bruise on his cheek. Riku winced slightly as the sting hit.
"Stay still, will you?" she scolded, voice firm but quiet.
"Sorry," Riku muttered, "it stung a bit."
"Well, that's what you get for overdoing it," Maki said, her focus unbroken. "Now, stop talking."
Riku obeyed, his eyes darting elsewhere while she tended to him. But the room wasn't exactly quiet—whispers started rippling through the group of girls sitting nearby.
Hanayo leaned closer to Kotori. "Is it just me or..."
Kotori finished her thought in a hushed voice. "Maki-chan's blushing."
Honoka gasped softly. "You saw that too, Kotori-chan?"
Umi frowned, half intrigued. "Could it be...?"
Nico folded her arms, skeptical. "No way, right?"
Nozomi smirked, eyes glinting. "Maki-chan crushing on Rikucchi? Wouldn't be the strangest thing. There's definitely a spark there."
Chisato giggled under her breath. "She does look up to him. They're both pianists, after all."
Hina clapped her hands together, her grin a little too wide. "To think Riku-kun managed to snag Eli-chan and Maki-chan~ Riku-kun's such a boppin' player~"
"Cut it out, Hina," Sayo muttered, though her tone carried more exasperation than disapproval.
Aya looked uneasy. "But if that's true... and word spreads out..."
Eve nodded gravely. "This could turn into a huge scandal."
Maya sighed, rubbing her temples. "Chisato-san's thing was already one headline. If this leaks..."
Nico groaned. "Yeah, the media will eat us alive."
The idle chatter was interrupted when the front door slid open. Two familiar figures stepped in—one carrying a broom, the other wearing her trademark hat.
Marisa waved cheerfully. "We're back, ze~! Is breakfast rea—whoa, what the hell happened to you, Riku?"
Reimu gave him a flat look. "Seriously. The hell did you do to yourself this time?"
Riku raised a hand lazily, still sitting where Maki tended him. "Sparring match with Suwako-sama and Kanako-sama. We might've gotten a little too into it. What about you two?"
Reimu shrugged, setting down the broom. "We were by the lake, cleaning up. Took longer than expected—some strays left trash all over the place."
Riku blinked. "Oh... that clean-up."
Suwako clasped her hands together, smiling brightly. "Thanks for cleaning that up for us, Reimu~ I'll hand over your payment later today~"
Reimu smiled, modestly brushing off the praise. "All in a day's work."
The girls from Roselia and Pastel*Palettes exchanged glances, recalling something Yuyuko had mentioned the other day.
So she only did it for the money... they all thought at once, trying not to let their faces show it.
The room was mostly silent, save for the faint hum of conversation between Reimu and the others in the background—until Maki's next words froze everyone in place.
"Now that your cheek's done... take off your shirt."
The air went still.
Every girl in the room, save for Reimu, Marisa, Youmu, Mafuyu, Kanako, and Suwako, suddenly looked up, faces flushing from pink to crimson.
Riku blinked. "You want me to what?"
"I can't treat your bruises if you don't take that off," Maki said matter-of-factly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Now hurry up. Sanae-san and Alice-san could walk in any moment."
Riku sighed, shoulders slumping. "Fine, fine..."
He reached for the hem of his shirt, pulling it up and over his head. The soft rustle of fabric might as well have been a thunderclap—every girl's gaze immediately locked on him. What they saw silenced the room all over again.
His body was chiseled with the kind of symmetry that only years of discipline could build. Not bulky, but balanced—lean strength molded through training, battle, and restless energy. Broad shoulders framed a defined chest, every line and contour marked by both endurance and grace. His back, tapering into a slim waist, bore faint scars—proof of countless fights survived. For a man juggling the chaos of being a musician, duelist, and heir, his physique spoke of impossible control.
Even Maki, who had given the command, froze mid-motion, her hand hovering over the ointment jar. A slow, involuntary flush crept up her neck.
I really should've thought this through... she muttered inwardly, forcing herself to focus on the treatment.
But the others couldn't hide their reactions.
Nozomi clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling. "Oh my~ Looks like Elicchi made the right move~"
Eli jumped up, her face burning. "N-Nozomi!!"
Umi looked away so fast she nearly tripped over the cushion. "H-How shameless..."
Eve tilted her head in awe. "His body... it's like it was sculpted by the gods themselves. It's as if Susanoo-sama trained him personally..."
Chisato whispered faintly, "Onii-sama..."
Then Maya's startled voice broke the spell. "Aya-san! Your nose is bleeding!!"
Hina blinked. "You too, onee-chan!"
Hanayo gasped. "Nico-chan! You too!"
Rin scrambled for tissues while Maya and Hina rushed to do the same. The commotion only made the tension funnier.
Lisa leaned back, laughing under her breath. "To think Rinko, Eli, and Miyu-chan are engaged to this hunk of a man..."
The mentioned fiancées turned bright red, covering their faces. Even Riku, who'd been staring blankly at the ceiling through it all, gave an exhausted sigh.
Meanwhile, Reimu and Marisa remained completely unbothered. Rin noticed first. "Hey, how come you two aren't dazed like us, nya?"
Marisa smirked, leaning on her broom. "Because we spar with him all the time. You get used to seeing that."
Reimu nodded in agreement, her tone dry. "After a while, it just becomes normal. Still... you've gotten stronger, Riku."
"Yeah," Marisa added, grinning. "You've built up some new muscle there. Not bad."
Riku chuckled. "Well, I've got to keep up with you two somehow."
As he spoke, Maki finished her work, taping the last bandage in place. Her voice came out softer than usual. "There, all done. You can take those off tonight."
Riku nodded. "Got it. Thanks, Maki."
He slipped his shirt back on just as footsteps echoed from the hallway. The paper door slid open—and in came Sanae and Alice, each carrying trays loaded with breakfast.
"Breakfast is ready—Riku! What happened to you!?" Sanae's voice jumped an octave. "Who did this to you!?"
Every finger in the room immediately pointed toward the two goddesses. Kanako and Suwako froze like guilty children caught red-handed.
Kanako raised her hands defensively. "Hey, we just went a little overboard during sparring, that's all! Look, we've got bruises too!" She rolled up her sleeve, revealing a dark mark along her arm.
Suwako chimed in cheerfully, "Yeah~ It's been ages since we've had a good fight, so you've got to cut us some slack~"
Sanae's eyes narrowed. "Fine, I'll let it slide. But promise me not to go overboard next time."
Kanako shrugged. "We'll try."
"Close enough," Sanae muttered, before glancing around. "So, who treated my otouto's bruises?"
Maki raised her hand modestly. "That would be me."
Sanae's tone softened. "Thank you very much, Maki-chan. You really helped him."
Maki smiled faintly. "Just doing what I can."
"Alright then," Sanae said, her cheer returning. "Everyone, get yourselves ready. Me and Alice-san brought breakfast!"
The mood shifted instantly. Sanae and Alice set the trays on the table, the aromas blending into something heavenly. Sanae's side offered the comforting warmth of a Japanese breakfast—miso soup, grilled fish, rice, and tamagoyaki, each plate prepared with practiced care. Alice's dishes gleamed with a European touch—crispy bacon, buttered toast, eggs, sausages, beans, and roasted cherry tomatoes.
Riku stared at the feast. "You two really went all out."
Sanae crossed her arms proudly. "You can't start the day with an empty stomach, so we made plenty."
Marisa's eyes sparkled. "Looks good, ze~"
Riku tilted his head slightly toward Alice. "Your English breakfast seems to be missing something."
Alice sighed. "It can't be helped. There's no black pudding in the area. I made do with what I could find."
Suwako nodded approvingly. "You really outdid yourself this time, Sanae."
Kanako clasped her hands together. "Then let's not waste any time."
Everyone gathered around the table, chopsticks and forks poised.
"Itadakimasu!" they said in unison, the word ringing warmly through the room.
The chatter that followed was light and full of laughter—bruises forgotten, hunger overtaking fatigue. Between mouthfuls of rice and toast, the shrine felt alive with small happiness: teasing, shared glances, and the clatter of dishes echoing against morning peace.
Even Kanako and Suwako, despite their soreness, looked content as they sipped their tea. And for Riku, surrounded by this chaotic but genuine warmth, the exhaustion in his body didn't feel so heavy anymore.
For a moment, it wasn't about gods, battles, or burdens—just breakfast among friends who had earned their quiet morning.
----------
Moriya Shrine – Front Door – 9:30 A.M.
The mountain air was crisp, touched with that faint sweetness of mist and pine that only the highlands could offer. The shrine grounds glowed under the soft morning sun, the light reflecting off the tiled roofs and the dew still clinging to the torii gate.
After breakfast, the house had been filled with the small sounds of departure—bags being closed, chatter echoing through the halls, the occasional laugh as someone misplaced an accessory or forgot a trinket. Now, everyone stood by the entrance, shoes on, farewells lingering in the air.
Reimu, Marisa, and Alice had already gone, vanishing into the distance after bidding their quick, casual goodbyes. The remaining group—Riku, Aichi, and the girls—gathered at the foot of the steps, facing Sanae and the two goddesses who watched them with an almost familial warmth.
Sanae's voice broke the silence first, a small but wistful smile on her face. "Well, this is goodbye then. But do visit us, okay? Onee-chan will be sad if you don't come by from time to time."
Riku smiled faintly, brushing his hair back as the wind tugged at it. "Don't worry, I'll visit when I get the time—or when I just feel like hanging out."
Suwako giggled, hands behind her back. "If you're coming by, then bring Kokoro-chan with you~ I miss that little ball of energy already."
"Sure," Riku replied, nodding. "I'm sure Kokoro would love to see you again."
Then Kanako stepped forward, her expression shifting into something more serious, though still soft at the edges. "Before you go," she said, "Riku, Aichi—come here for a moment."
The two exchanged a curious glance before walking up to her.
Aichi tilted his head. "Do you need something from us, Kanako-sama?"
Kanako extended both her hands. "Give me your left hands. Trust me on this."
Without hesitation, they held them out. Her palms hovered over theirs, glowing faintly as violet light bloomed between her fingers. It wasn't harsh—it pulsed like a slow heartbeat, wrapping their hands in shimmering arcs of energy. When the glow faded, a small symbol had appeared on the back of their hands—a circular emblem marked with intricate lines, pulsing faintly with life.
Riku blinked at it. "What is this?"
Suwako leaned closer with a mischievous grin. "That's a teleportation circle~ Kanako just gave you two a shortcut! If you ever want to drop by without taking the train or climbing all the way up this mountain, just use that. It'll take you straight here~ And the best part? You can use it multiple times~"
Kanako folded her arms. "There are limits, of course. You'll need to establish a checkpoint first—somewhere stable enough to serve as your teleport base. Once it's set, you can jump from there to here, but only up to three times a day."
Aichi nodded, visibly impressed. "This is quite useful. It'll save us a lot of time."
Sanae stepped in beside them, her tone proud but modest. "We're trying to make our daily lives more efficient through magic. This teleportation mark is one of the first successful steps. Think of it as combining divine blessing and practical living."
Riku looked down at the faint glow on his hand. "I see. Then I'll set a checkpoint at the Nagae estate once I get back home."
Suwako clapped her hands, her smile widening. "That's the spirit~ Well, we won't keep you any longer. You kids better get going before the morning mist thickens again. Kanako, you do the honors~"
Kanako gave a short nod and snapped her fingers. Instantly, two large magic circles flared to life beneath the departing groups—one under Riku, Youmu, Tina, Mafuyu, and the band girls; another beneath Aichi and the school idols. The air hummed, rippling faintly with energy as the sigils expanded in gentle pulses.
"This teleportation is on us," Kanako said, her tone calm but commanding. "No need to use yours for now. Just close your eyes, picture your destination clearly, and the spell will do the rest."
Riku and Aichi exchanged one last glance before doing as told. Aichi envisioned the Hinanawi mansion in Tokyo—the gleaming skyline, the quiet courtyard where Tenshi usually lounged with her tea. Riku, meanwhile, pictured the Nagae estate: the wide gates, the cherry trees lining the driveway, the soft murmur of his household waiting beyond.
The circles beneath them began to glow brighter, the symbols spinning slowly like gears in motion. The ground vibrated gently, not enough to startle, but enough to make the air feel alive.
Sanae cupped her hands around her mouth. "Riku! Take care of yourself, okay?"
Riku looked up at her one last time, smiling faintly. "I will. And when you finish assembling that Gunpla I gave you, send me a picture."
Sanae laughed, sticking out her tongue while giving him a thumbs-up. "You got it!"
The light engulfed them before any more words could be said. The magic circles flared once more, and with a soft burst of wind, both groups vanished—leaving behind only faint ripples in the air and the lingering scent of morning tea.
Silence settled over the shrine again. The sound of cicadas began to rise, blending with the distant flow of water down the mountainside.
Suwako stretched lazily. "Well~ That was fun. Haven't had that much noise here in a while."
Kanako watched the fading shimmer where Riku had stood, her voice low but fond. "He's grown stronger... in more ways than one."
Sanae smiled softly, brushing her hair back as the wind swept through the courtyard. "Yeah. He really has."
The goddess and her companions lingered there for a while, the sun climbing higher above the peaks. The shrine, quiet once more, felt a little emptier—but somehow, warmer too.
Nagae Estate – 9:45 A.M.
The air shimmered faintly as the teleportation spell released its final pulse of light. Then, with a soft gust of displaced wind, Riku and the others found themselves standing before the tall, ornate gates of the Nagae Estate. The sprawling mansion rose in front of them, its modern elegance framed by carefully tended gardens and winding stone paths glistening under the morning sun.
For a heartbeat, everyone stood in silence, grounding themselves. The world still seemed to tilt slightly under their feet.
Riku glanced around at the group—Pastel*Palettes, Roselia, Miyu, Youmu, Mafuyu, and Tina—his tone calm but attentive. "Is everyone okay?"
Sayo steadied herself, brushing a hand through her hair. "We're good... just a little dizzy."
Riku chuckled lightly. "That's normal for first-timers. You'll get used to it the more you teleport. The body learns how to follow the flow of the spell eventually."
As he spoke, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He checked the screen—a message from Aichi. Arrived safely at my place. Everyone's fine. Riku allowed a small smile before slipping the device away.
Lisa, meanwhile, had crouched beside Rinko, who was still sitting on the stone pathway. "Yukina, are you okay?"
Yukina nodded, then frowned slightly. "I'm fine, Lisa. I'm more worried about Rinko."
Rinko blinked up at them, dazed but unharmed. Miyu and Ako knelt beside her, offering support. "Just... dizzy," she murmured.
Aya, despite the moment's chaos, was beaming. "Still, that was incredible! That was my first time experiencing teleportation—it's so weird but exciting at the same time!"
Chisato smiled faintly, her usual calm returning. "Onii-sama, why don't you set the checkpoint now? Suwako-sama and Kanako-sama did tell you to."
Riku nodded and crouched, placing his left hand flat against the paved ground. The magic sigil etched on his hand glowed, then slowly faded as the same symbol transferred to the earth beneath him. The circle expanded outward in faint light, humming quietly before disappearing from sight.
"There," Riku said, standing. "Now I can teleport to the Moriya Shrine whenever I want."
Just as he dusted off his hands, the estate doors opened with a quiet click. Kazehana, Sakurako, and Nazuna stepped out, each bowing slightly.
Kazehana's voice carried a practiced grace. "Welcome back, Riku-sama, Mafuyu-sama, Rinko-sama, Miyu-sama, Tina-sama."
Sakurako's eyes swept across the crowd. "And it looks like you've brought quite a few guests today."
Riku shrugged lightly. "Yeah. We teleported straight from the Moriya Shrine, so... no warning, I guess."
Nazuna tilted her head. "Should we prepare the—"
Yukina lifted a hand, cutting her off gently. "No need. We already have plans for the day."
Kazehana nodded once, then added, "Speaking of plans, Udongein-sama arrived just a few minutes ago."
Riku's brow lifted. "Udongein? What did she come for?"
Kazehana folded her hands neatly. "She said, 'The patient will regain consciousness in a few hours. Come by the villa as soon as possible.'"
Riku exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing with quiet thought. "I see. Kazehana, make sure the girls enjoy themselves here, and once they're ready to leave, ensure they're escorted home safely."
Kazehana bowed again. "Understood."
Eve tilted her head, curiosity evident. "Riku-san, what did she mean by 'the patient'?"
Riku rested a hand on his hip. "A few days ago, Aichi and I detected a massive surge of magical energy coming from Nagano. We went to investigate, and... found a woman. She was badly wounded—barely conscious. We brought her to Eirin-san for treatment. She's been in recovery ever since."
Maya leaned forward, eyes wide. "What did she look like?"
Riku pulled out his phone and scrolled to a picture. The screen glowed with the image of a woman resting peacefully in a hospital bed. Even through the photo, her beauty was striking—soft features framed by long, dark hair, a faint otherworldly aura clinging to her like moonlight.
But what caught everyone's attention were the feline ears and the tail curled beside her.
Ako blinked. "Riku-nii... are those real?"
"Yup," he said simply. "What Aichi and I rescued was a nekomata."
The word hung in the air, drawing a mix of awe and surprise. Riku noticed Yukina's faint blush, her eyes darting away. Before he could comment, Lisa smirked and lightly smacked her friend's head.
"Hey!" Yukina protested.
Lisa grinned. "What? No reason. Just saying—she's got one hell of a body. You've got a knack for finding gorgeous women, Riku~"
The teasing didn't last long—Sayo and Yukina both whacked her at once.
Lisa winced, rubbing the back of her head. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"Inspiration," Sayo muttered flatly.
Riku just sighed, amused.
Rinko's voice, still soft, broke the laughter. "So... will you be taking your car to get there?"
"Not this time," Riku replied. "The villa where Eirin-san is staying is just a thirty-minute walk from here."
Lisa blinked. "That close?"
"Yeah," he said, glancing toward the tree line beyond the courtyard. "Kaguya's own villa here in Tokyo is barely fifteen minutes away, too. The Celestial Families built their villas close to the main estates for a reason—so we can respond quickly if anyone needs help. Yuyuko-san's villa is nearby as well, about fifteen minutes in the opposite direction."
Sayo nodded thoughtfully. "Efficient."
Riku turned back toward the mansion. "Kazehana, call Aizawa to prepare that."
Kazehana didn't need clarification. "Understood, Riku-sama."
As she disappeared inside, Eve tilted her head. "Riku-san, what do you mean by that?"
Riku smiled faintly. "You'll see soon enough."
Moments later, the rhythmic hum of machinery echoed from inside the estate. Aizawa appeared, guiding something sleek and metallic through the entrance. The girls' eyes widened as the machine came into full view.
It was the Universe Ring—a single-wheeled vehicle that looked like something torn from the future. Its circular frame gleamed with silver and azure energy, translucent panels spinning slowly within the hollow of the wheel. The seat hovered just above the ring's inner rim, and faint streams of light pulsed through the chassis like veins of living metal.
Aizawa handed the control key to Riku with a small bow. "Brought it as requested. Still a marvel every time I see it."
Riku nodded. "Thanks, Aizawa. You can go now."
"As you wish." Aizawa gave a polite nod to the others and retreated.
Riku turned toward the group, resting his hand on the machine. "Everyone, I present to you—the Universe Ring. One of Tenshi's greatest creations."
Lisa blinked. "Wait, Tenshi built that thing?"
Riku smirked. "Yeah. She poured months into the design. It's a one-wheeled motorcycle powered by a something that is super confidential. But no worries, this is all tested and street legal."
Hina's eyes practically sparkled. "That looks so boppin' cool! Riku-kun, can I ride it?!"
"Hina!" Sayo snapped, half out of reflex.
Riku chuckled. "I'd let you, but I can't. The Universe Ring's control system is locked to my magical signature. Only I can pilot it."
Hina pouted, crossing her arms dramatically. "Aww, no fair..."
Riku was about to respond when he caught sight of Maya. Her pupils were dilated, her entire body trembling slightly with excitement. A faint line of drool formed at the corner of her mouth.
"To think I'd see such advanced engineering with my own eyes..." she whispered. "Transparent gyroscopic stabilization, seamless UI integration... and the craftsmanship on the frame—it's flawless! Even the seat—genuine high-grade leather... it's beautiful. Uhehehehehehe..."
The others took a collective step back as Maya's quiet admiration devolved into manic glee. Chisato sighed and thumped her lightly on the head.
Maya blinked, the trance broken. She immediately bowed several times in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry! That was... unprofessional of me."
Riku waved it off with a small laugh. "It's fine. You're allowed to geek out every now and then."
The tension eased again, smiles returning.
Riku fastened his gloves, pulling his helmet from the handlebar. "Alright, that's enough show and tell for now. I need to head to the villa before Udongein calls again."
Yukina stepped forward slightly. "We'll stay here for a while, then. Don't worry about us."
Rinko offered a small wave. "Stay safe, Riku."
He smiled under the rising hum of the engine. "Always do."
The Universe Ring's frame lit up with a spiral of blue light as it activated. The hum turned into a smooth, rising whir, the wheel lifting slightly off the ground before settling again. Riku adjusted his visor, gave the group one last look, then leaned forward.
With a flick of his wrist, the vehicle surged ahead—silent at first, then streaking down the estate's driveway in a blur of silver and azure light. The girls watched as he disappeared down the road, the faint glow trailing like a comet's tail until it faded beyond the trees.
For a long moment, no one spoke.
Lisa exhaled, her grin softening. "That guy... always off to something wild."
Sayo crossed her arms, half smiling. "It's Riku-san. That's just how he is, even though we've only met him only 2 months ago."
The morning sun climbed higher, bathing the estate in gold. Behind them, the mansion's doors opened again as Kazehana stepped out, ready to guide the others inside.
And somewhere beyond the forest road, Riku rode toward the villa—toward the woman who had survived that fateful day in Nagano.
Whatever awaited him there, he was ready.
Yagokoro Villa – 10:30 A.M.
Riku's POV
The trip took less time than I expected. Fifteen minutes to leave the Nagae Estate, and thirty to reach the villa—the wind cutting past me as the Universe Ring hummed in steady rhythm beneath my hand. By the time I reached the Yagokoro Villa, the forest around it was hushed, the faint smell of herbs and moonlight medicine hanging in the air.
I dismounted, touched the circular frame, and with a soft whir, the Universe Ring folded in on itself until it became nothing more than a silver band on my finger. Eirin-san always said Tenshi's creations bordered between technology and divinity. Now I believed it more than ever.
Before I could even knock, the door opened. Udongein stood there, her violet hair tied loosely behind her, red eyes calm but sharp as ever. Her outfit today looked almost formal—beige-white shirt with a red tie marked by a carrot emblem, and a light purple skirt swaying slightly in the breeze.
"Riku, you've come just in time." She tilted her head slightly. "So it's just you?"
"The girls had their own plans for the day," I said. "I'll handle this one. How's Kuroka?"
"Not awake yet," she replied, stepping aside to let me in. "But sensei said it should happen any moment now. The moon rabbits are on watch and will notify us the second she stirs."
I nodded and followed her inside. The villa had that same faint sterile scent, mixed with Eirin-san's preferred blend of tea. We reached the living room, and there she was, seated on a pale couch with a porcelain cup in hand. Her silver hair shimmered under the daylight cutting through the window, eyes calm but filled with intent.
"Riku," she greeted, motioning toward the opposite seat. "You've come. Please, sit."
I accepted, lowering myself into the chair as she placed her cup gently onto its saucer.
"So," I asked, "how is she?"
Eirin-san exhaled softly, almost like a sigh of relief. "Her physical state has stabilized. When we brought her in, she was a mess—internal bleeding, ruptured circuits, and mana depletion at a scale that would've killed a lesser being. But..." she smiled faintly, "her body's regeneration is remarkable. My prediction had her waking tomorrow, yet she's recovering hours ahead of schedule."
"That fast?" I leaned forward slightly. "Guess being a nekomata has its perks."
"That, and sheer will," Eirin-san said, her tone reflective. "I've treated yokai before, but something about this one feels different. Her energy feels... layered. As if she's housing more than one presence inside."
I frowned. "You mean—possession?"
Eirin-san shook her head lightly. "Maybe, but w'll get the bottom of it once she wakes up."
That got me thinking. Whatever chased her in Nagano wasn't ordinary. "So, when she wakes... will you call a holo-meeting with the other heads?"
"It's one of the options," Eirin-san said, lifting her tea again. "But I agree—it's better for them to hear her story firsthand than to read another sterile report. The Council needs to know what forced her into that state."
"Point taken," I said. "I'll stay until she's stable enough to talk."
Before Eirin-san could respond, one of the moon rabbits burst into the room, panting lightly but smiling wide. "Eirin-sama! The patient has woken up!"
Both of us exchanged a brief glance. That was fast—even faster than Eirin-san's revised estimate.
Eirin-san set her cup down and stood with that familiar, graceful precision. "Very well. Make sure she's properly attended to. We'll be there shortly."
"Yes, Eirin-sama!" The rabbit scurried off, her little steps echoing faintly against the polished wood floors.
I rose from my seat, straightening my jacket. The air seemed to shift—subtle, like the calm before the storm.
"Looks like we're getting our answers today," Eirin-san said, a quiet note of anticipation in her tone.
"Seems that way," I replied, flexing my fingers unconsciously. "Let's go."
We walked down the corridor in silence, the faint hum of mana-filled machinery guiding us. Through the half-open door at the end, I could already sense it—an aura that pulsed with faint but undeniable power.
Kuroka had finally awakened.
Yagokoro Villa – Kuroka's Room
Kuroka's POV
Light crept across my eyelids, warm and soft, coaxing me awake. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the brightness until a white ceiling slowly came into focus. For a moment, I just lay there, watching it—half-expecting it to dissolve like one of those cruel dreams that tease you with comfort before snatching it away. But no... this was real.
I pushed myself up, groaning quietly as my body remembered the weight of exhaustion. The sheets slipped away, revealing a plain hospital gown where my kimono should've been. I looked around—the faint antiseptic scent, polished floors, glass cabinets filled with medical tools—it was clearly a patient's room. Sunlight streamed through the window, soft and golden, and for the first time in a long while, I felt rested.
Stretching my arms above my head, I relished the light pull of sore muscles. That was when the door creaked open.
A small girl stepped in, no older than fourteen at first glance. Her long dark red hair framed her face, and the most striking features were the floppy rabbit ears drooping behind her and the fluffy tail peeking from her light red one-piece dress. She carried a tray laden with food, walking carefully toward me.
"Oh, you're awake now," she said, her voice polite yet bright. "If possible, could you please return to bed? Eirin-sama and Riku-sama will be here any moment."
Eirin? Riku? My ears twitched at that last name. He's here too, huh. I tilted my head, curious about the "-sama" honorifics. Whoever these people were, they clearly held some authority. Still, I obliged and eased myself back into bed.
"I just stretched a little," I said lightly. "Been a while since I slept this well."
The rabbit girl nodded with a soft smile. "I see. Then I'll leave this for you. We were told you've eaten very little for some time, so please eat this to regain your strength."
She set the tray on the table beside me, bowed, and slipped out of the room with quiet steps.
I looked at the meal—two slices of bread, three strips of bacon, two eggs, a small vegetable salad, and pieces of seared tuna. My stomach grumbled before my mind caught up. "Guess they know how to spoil a guest," I murmured and dug in.
The first bite nearly made me tear up. Warm. Perfectly seasoned. It had been so long since food actually tasted like something. I took my time, savoring each bite until the tray was nearly spotless. When I leaned back, full for the first time in weeks, I could almost forget how close I'd come to dying.
Then the door opened again.
The first woman to step in had an air of quiet power—long silver hair cascading down her back, a red-and-blue dress patterned like the night sky beneath a white coat. Her eyes, sharp yet calm, carried the authority of someone used to being obeyed. Behind her followed is a rabbit girl, but taller from the one I saw earlier, but this one has violet hair and red eyes—and then Riku, the man who'd saved me.
He looked different without the blood and chaos from that night. His expression was steady, his aura calm but not passive. Controlled strength—that's what it felt like.
"I'm glad to see you awake," the silver-haired woman said, setting her clipboard aside. "Looks like the medicine we administered after the surgery worked."
I blinked. "Surgery? I had to get operated on, nya?"
Eirin—she had to be Eirin—nodded. "Yes. You suffered multiple fractures. A few bones punctured vital organs. If Riku and Aichi hadn't found and rescued you when they did, your condition would've deteriorated rapidly."
A chill ran down my spine. The memory hit like a wave—the devils, their claws, their laughter. I swallowed hard. "Yeah... it could've been worse." I steadied myself and offered a faint smile. "My name's Kuroka. Tōjō Kuroka."
Riku flinched slightly when I said my family name. He hid it well, but I noticed. I chose not to pry—at least, not yet.
Eirin inclined her head. "I'm Yagokoro Eirin, matriarch of the Yagokoro family, and one of the members of the Celestial Families."
The rabbit girl stepped forward next. "I'm Inaba Udongein Reisen," she said cheerfully. "A moon rabbit under Eirin-sensei's guidance. You can call me Udongein."
"Moon rabbit..." I echoed. "That's a new one."
Riku smiled faintly. "I know you already know me, but just to be proper—I'm Nagae Riku, heir to the Nagae family, and a fellow member of the Celestial Families."
"Celestial Families?" I tilted my head. "Mind explaining what that is?"
Eirin and Riku exchanged a look, the kind that said 'did she really just ask that?'
"You don't know?" Eirin asked, her brows slightly raised.
I shook my head. "Never heard of it."
Riku sighed softly but didn't seem annoyed. "Alright, here's the short version. The Celestial Families are among the oldest families in Japan—dating back to the country's early history. Each family has maintained spiritual authority and acts as a retainer to the Imperial Household. Our role isn't just ceremonial. The current government still passes its most critical laws through us before they reach the Emperor."
The weight of Riku's words sank deeper than I expected. To think that the Celestial Families—the ones who quietly held Japan's fate in their hands—have this kind of power. That meant... if they truly wished, they could steer this entire nation without anyone realizing it. Yet, the air around Riku and Eirin wasn't one of tyranny. It was calm. Disciplined. There was something sacred about the way they carried that power.
Eirin sat elegantly beside my bed, her composure unwavering as always. "But there's something you should know," she said, her voice soft yet deliberate. "The Celestial Families aren't entirely human. Every member carries a secret—their blood is that of the youkai."
My ears twitched. "Eh? Then that means—"
Riku nodded before I could finish. "Yeah. I'm a youkai. Well, half-youkai, technically. The other half is human."
For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My gaze fixed on him—his posture, his energy, even the faint hum of power that surrounded him. It all made sense now, but still... "You're a youkai? Nya, how did I not notice that?"
He chuckled faintly, running a hand through his hair. "Guess I've gotten good at blending in."
I narrowed my eyes. "Do people know? About what you are?"
"Not everyone," Riku replied. "Only the royal family, a few government officials, and certain figures of influence overseas. They've all sworn secrecy under imperial decree. We protect Japan from the shadows, and in return, they protect our existence."
Eirin added, "It's a pact that's lasted for centuries. We swore before the throne to safeguard this land—against invaders, against internal collapse, and against supernatural threats. It's not just duty, Kuroka. It's survival."
I leaned back against the pillow, my tail swaying lazily as I tried to process everything. My tone softened. "Then... what kind of youkai are you, Riku?"
His expression grew thoughtful, but not shy. "An oarfish youkai. We're aquatic creatures tied to storms and deep seas. In folklore, we're said to appear before earthquakes or major shifts in nature."
I tilted my head, my curiosity piqued. "So... basically, you're an omen wrapped in a fancy suit?"
Riku laughed quietly. "Pretty much."
Eirin's lips curved into a knowing smile.
Riku continued, "You remember Aichi, right? The one who helped me rescue you? He's a Celestial. They're humans who've ascended through discipline and faith—touching divinity without becoming gods themselves. Think of them as mortals who've transcended mortality."
Celestials, youkai, and now this... I was deep in unfamiliar waters. "What about you, Eirin?"
She met my gaze, serene as a still pond. "I'm a Lunarian. My people reside on the moon, far from Earth's corruption. We govern medicine, immortality, and purity."
Udongein perked up, her long ears twitching. "And I'm a Moon Rabbit! We serve the Lunarian army as soldiers, medics, or scouts depending on our training."
I blinked, still trying to digest everything. "A Lunarian and a Moon Rabbit, huh...? This world's more bizarre than I thought."
Riku leaned against the wall with folded arms. "You haven't heard the half of it. It's not just youkai walking freely here. There are magicians, espers, gods—even otherworlders. Some coexist quietly; others need supervision. One of the Celestial heads is a god, believe it or not."
A god among their ranks? That revelation hit me harder than expected. I glanced down, my claws tracing idle circles against the blanket. For so long, I'd believed survival depended on hiding what I was. Yet these people lived openly—respected, protected, powerful.
Eirin stood, her steps measured as she approached my bedside. She placed a clear crystal on the nearby table and tapped it lightly. A soft glow pulsed within it, like a heartbeat.
"This," she explained, "is a recording crystal. Everything said here will be transmitted to the other Celestial Family heads. They're listening in as we speak."
Ah... I see where this is going. My tail flicked once.
Riku nodded. "We understand you've just recovered, Kuroka, but we need to ask you a few questions. You're safe here, but information is crucial."
I sighed. "Yeah, I figured as much. You saved me—so, of course, I owe you answers." My eyes narrowed slightly, tone guarded but not hostile. "What do you want to know first?"
Riku's gaze sharpened, though his tone stayed calm. "Let's start simple. What are you, exactly? And why were those devils after you?"
That question hit deeper than it sounded. My hand froze halfway through adjusting the blanket. "That's... not something I can explain in a few sentences. My story's long—and not pretty."
Eirin folded her arms gently. "We've got time."
Riku nodded. "My schedule's clear today."
"And the hospital can function without me," Eirin added with a faint smirk. "Udongein can handle things while I'm gone."
I exhaled slowly, shoulders relaxing. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you."
The morning light filtered through the window, painting streaks of gold across the sterile white room. For the first time since waking, I didn't feel like a patient—I felt like a survivor with something worth telling.
I leaned forward slightly, eyes focused on the faintly glowing crystal beside me. "Alright then," I murmured. "Here's how it goes."
The faint hum of the recording crystal filled the silence as I began to speak—my voice steady, low, and edged with memory. Whatever came next, they were about to hear everything.