(Lisa and Mei 2 continue to talk about their suits while on the bench. It was a hot summer day but this bench was underneath the shade of a tree so it wasn’t that bad.)

(Out of the corner of my eye I saw something. It was a person wearing a black jacket. I recognize that figure even if it was a mile.)

Mei 2 let me take control of the body.

‘Ok, but don’t forget to say thank you to Lisa.”

“Hey, Lisa, do you remember your love advice that you gave me?”

“Yeah, “If love passes by you then chase it”. A personal quote from Tom Ray.”

“I think I have to go.”

“Is it that boy in black over there. Hmm, not bad. His face isn’t too bad and his physique is pretty good too. Godspeed Mako.”

“Thank you for everything Lisa. I’ll buy you and Tom lunch one of these days.”

(Lisa gives me a thumbs-up as I leave.)

(Jude was wandering around looking for something or someone. Was he looking for me? If he sees me I wonder if he’ll think I look weird. Today’s outfit was picked out by Mei 3 so it was loose and comfortable. I had a pair of white sneakers, gray joggers with zippers as pockets, and a simple gray t-shirt that just says “Dominate” in bold white font. On my back was my simple black Yansport’s backpack. Mei 3 should have chosen something better if we were going to meet Jude today.)

(He notices me and starts walking towards me. What should I say?)

“H-hey, Jude.”

“...”

(He didn’t say anything and walked right past me. I could smell his fruity shampoo mixed in with his sweat. It was a nice smell)

Why is he ignoring me? Did I do something wrong? Is it because I sniffed him? Say something, Jude!? Jude!!

“Ju-”

“Meet us at the big tree in plaza 2.”

(I was going to call out to Jude but I was interrupted by Fifi’s voice. I couldn’t see her but I could hear her.)

(I was relieved. This means that Jude wasn’t ignoring me, he didn’t hate me.)

‘They must have a reason to act discretely.’

Yeah, let’s go. If they’re acting like this then we must play along.

(Jude walked past me and I continue on my path. I was going to take another route to get to plaza 2. If they're trying not to meet up with me directly then I have to make it seem like our meeting is a coincidence.)

(Our university had 2 main plazas where the food courts could be found. The food at plaza 2 wasn’t as good as plaza 1 so it isn’t as populated. On the other hand, plaza 2 had a lot of trees with shade and an open field where sports teams could hold practice sessions.)

(If Fifi said big tree then that can only mean one place on this campus. It was known as one of the major mystery of Colofornia because this tree was unnatural to this habit and is a nearly extinct species. This is the last living tree of its kind and it was 50 meters tall and 20 meters wide.)

(Before heading towards the big tree I grab a meal from Burger Prince to make it more convincing. I’ll just be a regular college girl eating her food at plaza 2.)

(I could see Jude sitting on a bench near the tree. He was reading a book but I couldn’t see what it was called. I sit 3 benches away from him and begin eating my burger.)

“Hey, long time no see apprentice.”

(Fifi’s body slowly unveiled herself. She was using some kind of invisibility magic.)

Mei 2 can you take over since you’re Fifi’s apprentice. I don’t really like dealing with her.

‘Ok, I’ll be the one to enjoy this burger and these fries then.’

Go ahead. You better eat it quickly before Mei 3 realizes that you’re eating junk food. She’ll be relentless when she lectures you about having a healthy meal.

‘But you were the one who bought it. Why do I have to be the one lectured?’

(Mei 3 had a diet plan that she followed because she wants to stay fit and healthy. If she finds out that we’re eating unhealthy foods then she’ll chew us out.)

“Good morning, Master. Have you eaten yet?”

(She was trying to feed Fifi some of the food.)

“I don’t really have to eat human food but what’s that in your hand?”

“This is called a burger and these are fries. Do you want a taste?”

“Yes!”

(Fifi eager took a bite out of the burger but since she was so small she only got the bun and a little bit of meat.)

“Oh, this bread is so soft and this meat is so juicy!!”

(Her eyes were shining in joy. She took another bite out of the burger.)

“Have some fries Master”

“Ooo, this is also good!!”

‘Master is so cute. Look at her enjoy nibbling on the fries.’

(I won’t say anything. If I say something then I’ll definitely get into an argument with Mei 2. Maybe it’s because Fifi is in a contract with Jude but I don’t like her. She gets to spend all of her time being around Jude. This gluttonous fairy who hogs all of Jude, why couldn't it have been me?)

“Master, were you using invisibility magic earlier? Do you think I can learn that?”

“Yes, you can learn it one day but not right now. Your mana pool is still too small and it looks like you haven’t been training. It’s been a few days and if you practiced your mana pool should have grown a little.”

“I’m sorry.”

(Mei 2 was disheartened after hearing Fifi realize that she hasn’t been training. Ever since Tod’s death, she hasn’t been practicing her magic. Neither Mei 3 or I have talked to Mei 2 about this because we don’t want to hurt her. We can’t just tell her to cheer up because that isn’t going to help at all. Mei 2 feels that learning magic was what caused Tod’s death.)

“I…”

“It’s fine. Both you and Jude are exactly the same, you know.”

“Are we?”

“Yep, you guys are still kids so it’s fine to worry about things like death. I’ll tell you the same thing I told Jude. If you aren’t comfortable talking about something, then don’t talk about it. Go at your own pace and think over your feelings, and when you’re ready to talk then I’ll be ready to listen. I just hope that you won’t stop pursuing your path in learning magic. I still have so much to teach you.”

“...”

(Mei 2 was silent but I can tell that the aura around her wasn’t as heavy.)

(I really do hate Fifi. She was able to cheer Mei 2 up even though I am Mei 2’s big sister. I spent hours and hours on ways to cheer her up but Fifi was able to cheer her up in a matter of seconds.)

“Oh right, let me tell you why I came here.”

(She finishes her fries and washes her hand with magic before sitting on our shoulder. She begins to explain as Mei 2 continues to silently eat her burger.)

“Jude was so worried about you. Last night when he woke up he wanted to immediately check if you were ok. He was all like “I need to see if Mako’s safe. She’s my friend.” The funny thing was that he didn’t know where to find you beside the bus stop and on campus. He planned to wait at the bus stop but he remembered that the bus was destroyed so we decided to come here to find you. Luckily it only took us about 20 minutes to find you. Oh, who was that girl you were with earlier.”

(Fifi was quite talkative. I’m happy that Jude was so worried about us.)

“That was my friend Lisa Bowell. Did she catch your eye? Does she also have hero blood inside her?”

“Hahaha, no, people with hero blood aren’t that common. She has the potential to become a king.”

“A king?”

“Yep, her demeanor and aura are like the past kings I’ve met before.”

(A king? I can’t really imagine Lisa as a king. She’s charismatic and can attract all sorts of people but she’s quirky.)

“I can see it. She can easily interact with anyone and her atmosphere attracts people to her. She can be quirky but that’s what makes people can’t look away from her.”

(I guess Mei 2 and my opinions are different. Lisa’s just a nice charismatic girl in my books.)

“You have good friends Mako, you have Jude who’s a hero, Lisa with king potential, and me, the greatest fairy in this world.”

“Haha, I do have some good friends. Master, do I have any potential within me?”

“I can’t tell you that Mako.”

“Why not, Master? You told me about Jude and Lisa so why can’t you tell mine?”

“Listen to me, Mako. If your master says she can’t tell you, then I can’t tell you. It isn’t something you need to know.”

“But...”

“Don’t pester me anymore or I’ll break our student and master relationship.”

“Ok.”

(This was the first time Fifi used her powers as Mei 2’s master to silence her. She must be hiding something.)

(The aura around Mei 2 grew sad. She’s very sensitive so she must feel hurt that her Master won’t explain things to her.)

“Don’t feel dispirited just because I can’t tell you. Figuring out what you can become in the future is something you have to discover yourself. I wasn’t even supposed to disclose Lisa’s potential to you and that was a blunder on my part. Can I trust you not to reveal this to anyone?”

(Fifi brought her finger up to her lips to signal that Mei 2 has to keep it a secret.)

“Yes, I will listen to your words, Master!”

(Fifi did it again. She easily brought Mei 2’s spirits back up by giving her a mission to keep her lips sealed.)

“Hehehe, good girl. Now, let me get back on topic. Jude is being followed by suspicious men in black that seem to know something about monsters. Last night they injected Jude’s body with some sort of liquid but it didn’t have an effect on him. We came here today to check if these men in black also injected you with something but you seem fine. Have you seen or interacted with them?”

I guess you were correct in not wanting to tell the police about the monster, Mei 2. Those suspicious men would have probably come after us if they knew that we knew about that monster.

‘Hehe, I’ve seen enough movies and anime to know that I shouldn’t reveal certain things. Revealing that monsters exist is the number one taboo that will get the government to come after you.’

(I had initially thought that we should reveal everything to the police but Mei 2 had stopped me. She had a feeling that we would be in serious trouble if the government knows that someone has realized monsters exist. I didn’t believe her but her random knowledge was correct this time.)

“I haven’t seen these men you’re talking about. Is this why Jude isn’t speaking directly towards us.”

“Yes. Since you’re fine for now, let me tell you what these men look like so you can avoid them in the future. There are two men, one with black hair and tanned skin, and one with blond hair and lighter skin. They are both around 40 years old and they both have robust physiques. The man with blond hair is currently dressed in tan shorts and a flower-patterned shirt while the man with black hair is dressed in white shorts and a blue shirt. Do you remember?”

Yeah, I remember them Mei 2. I saw them earlier when I was walking towards Burger Prince.

“Yeah, I remember it, Master.”

“Good, I think that was all Jude wanted to tell you. Oh, I almost forgot. He told me to tell you that we shouldn’t meet up for a while. He doesn’t want you to be followed by those suspicious men.”

Nooooooo!!!!! Why Jude!!!!! I want to be close to you!!!!!

‘Shut up, Mei 1. I’m trying to think.’

“Master, how are we going to get in contact? Does Jude have his phone on him right now?”

“Phone? I don’t know. Let me go ask him.”

You’re a genius Mei 2! Now we’re going to have his phone number. I can contact him whenever I want now!

‘Yeah, yeah, but Mei 3 and I will be monitoring you. We don’t want you sending anything inappropriate to Jude.’

I’ll never do anything like that. Don’t you trust me?

(My little sisters know me too well. I was just going to send him a picture of me in lingerie. It’s nothing too bad.)

‘Stop lying. Here comes Fifi, it looks like she’s holding a piece of paper.’

“Jude says that his phone number and his address are on here. He says he doesn’t know if his phone is safe so if you want to contact him just go to his place.”

OH MY GOD!!!!! We got his address!!!!! Ufufufufufu! I love you Mei 2. You’re such a good little sister for getting me this wonderful gift.

‘I didn’t do this for you, you pervert. Can’t you just act normal in front of Jude for once?’

“Wait a minute Fifi. I’ll write down my phone number and address too.”

“Ok.”

Yes, Mei 2 write down the combination to the lock on our door. I want Jude to have full access to my place.

‘Mei 3, can you come to stop Mei 1 and her perverted fantasies. I know you’re not sleeping.’

‘...’

“Here you go, Master.”

“Thanks. Stay safe when you go home.”

“You too Master.”

(Fifi flew back to Jude and they went on there way. I could see two men following behind him. They were the exact same people Fifi had described earlier.)

‘What do we do now? Are you still going to try and set up those cameras in Jude’s place.’

Hehe, it’s fine. I already know where he lives and his phone number so that’s good enough. I don’t want Jude to hate me if I don’t follow his request to not meet him.

‘If that’s so then can we go somewhere today?’

Sure go ahead and take over. I’ll go to the White Room and burn Jude’s address and number into my mind.

‘Thanks.’

|......|

“Are you ready Professor Jane?”

“Yes”

There were two people in this lab. One was a woman who had curly brown hair with comically round glasses on. Even with the many wrinkles on her face, she was still a beauty. The man had skin that was pale white and his eyes were sunken due to a lack of sleep.

On the table in front of them was a golden retriever. It was lying down within a glass box. If you look closer you would be able to tell that this dog wasn’t alive.

A machine looking like a hand comes down from the ceiling. On the roof of the glass box were two holes for the two machine-like hands. In one hand was a vial of green liquid while the other hand was empty.

“Experiment 302, vial formula LC-59. Are you recording, Professor Jane?”

This person who formally spoke to her was her husband, John Liam. Her husband made it a rule that when they’re working they will act in a manner befitting of professors. It’s been so long since she’s heard her own name from his mouth.

“Yes, I’m recording.”

“Alright.”

The machines went inside of the holes and the vial in the right hand was poured all over the dog. The two of them watched in anticipation but nothing happened. The golden retriever lied there lifelessly

“Another failure.”

“It’s ok hone-Profesor Liam.”

“Let’s call it a day. Oh, did Mako agree to work with us?”

“No, she said she wanted more time to think.”

She didn’t show it but she was angry at her husband and Mako. Ever since last year when Mako had helped them with their research, her husband would constantly talk about Mako. He always praises her and wants her to join their team. Professor Jane knows that her hate towards Mako is unjustified but she can’t help it. Her husband was yearning for another woman, whether it’s a sexual desire or not, he hasn’t even been looking at his wife like that in a long time.

Professor Jane had even considered cheating on him to release her frustration. Maybe then he’ll finally look at her but she couldn’t. She didn’t want to break up their family.

She didn't want her daughter, Mary, to have to experience a broken family. She was only 9 years old and being in a separated family would definitely affect her future.

She cleared her mind and began cleaning the room. Her husband had already left the lab because it was natural for her to do all the cleaning. Even though she was also one of the head researchers, he didn’t treat her like one. He would always make her do tedious tasks and never allow her to work on the main parts of their research. This was also why she had recruited Mako last year. She needed someone else to do the tedious tasks so she could help her husband deal with the main parts of the research

“Maybe I’m going to die a dog’s death just like you.”

She placed her hand on the glass pane as she looked at the dead dog. This was her dog that she had adopted from the shelter. Since she and her husband spent most of their time in the lab they didn’t have much time to spend with their daughter. She decided that she would adopt a dog so her daughter wouldn’t be lonely at home.

It’s been a two years since then and their dog suddenly died a few days ago. The veterinarians said that it had a tumor in its brain which caused its death.

The first thing her husband thought of was using this dog as a test subject. She couldn’t help but think that her husband was heartless. Although she didn’t have as much as a connection with the dog than her daughter, it still pained her to have learned that it died. It pained her to see her daughter cry her eyes out while holding onto the dog’s lifeless corpse.

Her research crazy husband’s first thought was to use their research on the dog. Maybe he wanted to revive the dog so their daughter wouldn’t cry anymore. Professor Jane convinced herself that this was her husband’s objective; he couldn’t have been such a heartless man.

She was finally done cleaning the room. The glass box the dog was in was sealed, the vials were locked up, and all the utensils were put away. Before leaving she looked at the dog once more before turning off the lights.

After the door was closed the room was pitch black. It should have been completely silent but the rough pants of an animal could be heard.