Ketsueki’s House

Yuki was stretching both her arms as she let out a yawn without covering her mouth while Mio was glancing around the neighborhood using the corner of her eye. Shiro stood by the door as she used a key to unlock it as a sound of soft clicking was heard, she turned the doorknob and said. “I’m back.” Mio moved some stray hair that was blocking her eye and said. “Pardon the intrusion.” Yuki stopped stretching as a big smile formed on her face, she said. “Don’t mind the small disturbance.” She noticed the odd looks Shiro and Mio gave her.

Yuki spread her arms and continued. “What?” Shiro and Mio looked at each other as Shiro went inside while Mio stayed behind with Yuki. Mio gave her friend a pat on her back and said. “Small disturbance? That’s rich coming from a human wrecking ball.” She made her way inside and saw that Shiro already slid open the shoe compartment as she placed down a few pairs of white indoor slippers on the floor. Yuki’s brows furrowed as she glared at her friend while they took off their leather shoes. Yuki said. “Human wrecking ball?”

She made her way inside and closed the door behind her as Shiro and Mio put on a pair of indoor slippers. Mio neatly placed her leather shoes to the side while Shiro slid the shoe compartment closed and said. “Mio told me you break walls and windows every day.” Mio ignored the glare Yuki was giving her as she made her way deeper into the house and said. “I’ll browse through the channels to see if there’s something good on.” Yuki slipped her leather shoes off by using the heel of her foot to gently stomp the welt.

She managed to slip her left foot off the leather shoe, Yuki said. “I do not break parts of my house… On a daily basis.” She put on the left indoor slipper and suddenly did a kick with her right leg as the leather shoe slid off and spun around a couple of times in the air. Shiro’s gaze followed the leather shoe in the air, she said. “Still doesn’t change the fact you broke them without using any tools.” Yuki caught her shoe mid-air as she put on the right indoor slipper and said. “Accidentally, you forgot to add the word accidentally.”

Shiro watched her friend casually let go of her leather shoes as they fell on the floor and made a thudding sound the moment they hit the ground. The leather shoes landed near the wall while Yuki placed a hand around her friends' shoulders, she said. “Now, let's plan on what we are going to have Reiki cook for lunch.” The two of them made their way inside the house while Shiro’s gaze was on her friend, she said. “Didn’t we just eat lunch before coming here?” Yuki used her hand that was around her friend's shoulder as she gave her a pat on the shoulder and said. “It’ll be fine.”

The two of them reached the living room and saw Mio who sat on the couch while browsing through the channels. Shiro and Yuki made their way to the couch as they sat down, Shiro sat in the middle and said. “There’s nothing good on, isn’t there?” Mio let out a defeated sigh as she slightly leaned forward and placed the remote on the coffee table, she said. “Yeah, around this time there are the shows that exaggerate everything.” The three of them watched a man take a bite of an anpan that was followed by a big smile and quick nods.

Yuki placed her elbow on the armrest of the couch as she rested her chin using her palm, she said. “You can buy anpan from the convenience store?” Mio kept her eyes on the tv as the man pointed at the sweet roll filled with red bean paste he was holding and explaining, she said. “Can you remind me why your parents don’t let you in convenience stores?”.” Yuki watched the man with a forced reaction, she said. “They said there are some things inside of it that I’m not allowed to see.”

Mio’s brows furrowed, she thought. Oh yeah, some convenience stores sell undergarments and those kinds of books. Shiro kept her gaze on the tv and said. “There’s nothing interesting in them, you can pay your bills and buy some stationery items.” Yuki made herself comfortable on the couch as she leaned on the backrest of the couch, she said. “How much do the items usually cost?” The three of them heard a voice behind the couch which made their eyes widen. They heard someone say. “How much does what cost?” Shiro, Mio, and Yuki turned their heads sideways to look behind the couch and saw Ketsueki.

Shiro gave her older sister a big smile and said. “Onee-chan, welcome back.” Ketsueki returned the smile, she said. “I’m back, Shiro.” Yuki raised her hand as she gave her an energetic wave, she said. “Aneki, sorry for dropping by without warning.” Mio gave Ketsueki a slight nod of her head and said. “Especially when we didn’t bring anything.” Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little sister's head and slightly ruffled her hair, she shook her head sideways and said. “It’s fine, you two are always welcome in our home.” She pretended to look around, Ketsueki continued. “Where’s Reiki?”

Shiro puffed her cheeks as she tried to move the hand on top of her head, she tried to move it away and said. “Onii-chan’s at school.” Yuki and Mio watched their friend struggle to the hand away, Ketsueki thought. I expected him to ditch halfway… She moved her hand away from her little sister's head and said. “In that case, you three will have to settle for delivery since the groceries isn’t here yet.” Shiro used her hand to tidy her hair, she said. “We alread-.” Before she could say anything Yuki covered Shiro’s mouth with her hand.

Yuki’s eyes had a hint of sparkle in them, she said. “Can we either get pizza or a burger and some french fries?” Mio’s brows furrowed, she raised her right hand and said. “I would prefer something on the lighter side, can I have a side order of vegetable gyoza instead?” Ketsueki smiled at them, she said. “All of those sound good, might as well order a few each.” Yuki did a fist pump as Shiro moved her friend's hand that was covering her mouth, she said. “Onee-chan, I want some ham and cheese sandwiches.”

Ketsueki poked the tip of her little sister's nose, she thought. A sandwich does sound good. She said. “We’ll order all the sandwiches you want.” Yuki adjusted her sitting position on the couch and said. “Aneki, what kind of soda are you going to pick?” Ketsueki rested both her arms on the backrest of the couch and slightly leaned forward as her ample chest pressed against each other, she said. “I’m thinking of cola, you three want anything specific?” Yuki’s eyes lit up as she spoke with a hint of excitement in her voice and said. “I’m fine with your pick, just make the bottle big.”

Shiro reached her hand out and tugged on the jacket of Ketsueki’s sleeve. Shiro said. “Onee-chan, what about Onii-chan?” Ketsueki playfully pinched her little sister’s cheek and said. “Don’t worry, we’ll set aside a couple of slices for him and a cup worth of soda.” Mio patted the area of the couch beside her friend, she said. “Ketsueki nee-san, how about sitting on the couch?” Ketsueki shook her head sideways while Shiro tried to swat her older sister's hand that was pinching her cheek. Ketsueki said. “It’s fine, I still have to make a report after making the order.”

Shiro rubbed her cheek that was pinched and said. “Onee-chan, how was work?” Ketsueki gave her a small smile, she said. “Nothing new, just more paperwork and watching a couple of presentations for projects that get rejected in the end.” Yuki’s expression slightly soured, she said. “That sounds boring.” Ketsueki let out a chuckle and said. “Boring, but it does help with paying for Shiro’s education.” Mio had a thoughtful expression on her face, she said. “What kind of projects did they propose?” Ketsueki put on a pondering look and said. “They just opted to cut some expenses they thought weren’t necessary.”

Mio slightly froze on the chair as she somehow managed to maintain a stiff smile on her expression, she said. “I-Is that so?” Ketsueki let out a short laugh as she stood up straight and placed her hand in the pocket of her jacket, she said. “Alright, I’ll leave you three here. I need to order our food and make the report.” She poked her little sister’s cheek and continued. “Shiro, I’m expecting the groceries to be delivered today. Can you tell me when they get here?”

Shiro slightly tilted her head sideways, she said. “How would I know if it was groceries and not another salesman?” Ketsueki took out a smartphone from the pocket of her jacket and said. “They’ll knock once it’s the delivery. Anything other than that you can ignore.” She made her way to the staircase and made her way up while Yuki gave her friend an odd look, she said. “Door-to-door sales is still a thing?” Shiro gave her friend a nod and said. “Yeah, in some parts. We once got a scammer pretending to be a home inspector.”

Mio had an odd look on her face, she said. “How come there’s never been one when we're around?” Shiro turned her head to the side and said. “I don’t know, they used to come every couple of days. Now I can’t remember the last one.” Yuki raised a brow as she tapped on her friend's shoulder which got Shiro’s attention. Yuki said. “Can you tell us what happened to the last salesman who dropped by?” Shiro scratched the side of her head, she said. “He was sent to the hospital.” She felt the awkward atmosphere and the gaze of both her friends.

Shiro continued. “What?” Mio’s brows furrowed as she paused for a few seconds and said. “How did he end up in the hospital?” Shiro shook her head sideways, she said. “I don’t know, Onee-chan and Onii-chan always tell me he was attacked by a dog.” Yuki let out a chuckle and said. “I’m guessing that was one big dog for him to be sent to a hospital.” Mio reached out and picked up the remote as she started browsing through the channels again, she said. “Can you tell us who told you that?”

Shiro picked up one of the cushions she was leaning on and hugged it with both of her arms and said. “That’s what Onii-chan and Onee-chan told me when I asked them.” Mio thought. It looks like Reiki saw something he shouldn’t. Yuki made herself comfortable on the couch as she glanced at her friend's clothes and said. “Shiro, aren’t you planning on getting out of your uniform?” Shiro looked down to glance at her blazer as Yuki continued. “You can change into something more comfortable, we won’t mind. In fact, when you two and Reiki drop by my home the first thing I’ll do is change my clothes.”

Shiro placed down the cushion she was hugging onto the couch, she said. “Then give me a few minutes.” She took a couple of steps toward the staircase but stopped and said. “If you hear the knock make sure to tell me.” Mio threw the remote toward Yuki as she easily caught it mid-air. Mio turned her head sideways and said. “We’ll make sure to put our ears on the door.” Shiro made her way up the flight of stairs while Yuki was browsing through the channels, she said. “You think Aneki was the one who sent the scammer to the hospital.”

~Thirty Minutes Later~

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Inside A Car

Reiki was staring at the ground as the vehicle slowly came to a halt and saw a shadow zoom past by, he thought. I should’ve declined the car ride, I forgot we’re supposed to be law-abiding citizens. Akemi carefully turned the wheel as she parked the car near a closed house, she said. “We’re here.” She took her hands off the steering wheel as she turned her head sideways to look at the back seat of the car, Akemi continued. “This is your stop.” Chishiki used the window shields mirror to look behind her, she said. “Don’t forget our wine.”

Reiki rolled his eyes at them as she placed his hand on the door handle and said. “I know, ten bottles each. I won’t forget.” He pulled on the handle while pushing the car door open but didn’t step out, Reiki continued. “Make sure to work hard so you two don’t get fired.” He placed one foot outside on the ground while Chishiki chuckled, she said. “We’re doing all the work.” Akemi was adjusting the rear-view mirror as she used it to see Reiki’s reflection on it, she said. “I think you're the only one who's in danger of getting replaced.”

Reiki was standing outside with the car door open as he did some light stretches, he said. “Hey, if it helps you sleep at night, sure.” He closed the door and made his way down the street while the vehicle slowly drove in reverse, Reiki thought. Well, I got some decent meat to make a stew with so there’s that. He took a right turn as a streak of white appeared on his shoulder. Cherry appeared on his right shoulder as she looked around the familiar neighborhood, Reiki glanced at her and said. “How was your flight? Did you manage to fly those cherries in your stomach away?”

Cherry flapped her wings as she let out a caw, Reiki let out a chuckle and continued as he took a right turn. He continued. “I’ll take that as a yes.” A few people walking by the street stole glances at the albino crow on his shoulder as they went about their day. Reiki looked around the simple buildings with a couple of exceptions that stuck out like a sore thumb, he thought. I can’t wait to leave this crappy neighborhood and live in a real house.

His eyes wandered onto the crow on his shoulder as he continued his train of thought. Ender… Did I even summon Cherry in the forest? Reiki walked down the street while hearing the sound of faint birds chirping, he heard Ender’s voice in his head. [Now you’re asking real questions… No, you summoned nothing in the ritual.] His brows furrowed as Reiki fell into deep thought. Nothing? It didn’t fail but I summoned nothing?... How powerful is Cherry’s contractor? And is that even her real name?

He heard Ender laughing in his head. [I’ll show you something interesting, pluck one leaf from the nearest bush.] Reiki looked to the left and made his way to the bush that was planted on a pot as he plucked a single leaf from it, he thought Now what? A few passersby walked past him as they gave him an odd glance from seeing a boy holding onto a single leaf. Ender said. [How would you describe a leaf?] Reiki stared at the leaf in his hands and glanced at Cherry who was staring at him with her blood red-eyes, he thought. They’re green.

He heard Ender sigh in his head and said. [You have a knack for infuriating people, in scientific terms. Am I using that correctly? What is a leaf?] Reiki was holding onto the leaf by the stem as he spun it around between his fingerprints, he thought. If I recall correctly, a leaf is usually a flat green outgrowt- Ender interrupted him and said. [Use “God’s eye” on it while thinking it’s a mineral.] Reiki ignored the odd looks of all the people who walked past him, he stared at the leaf and thought. God’s eye. As information entered his brain.

『God's Eye Has Been Activated.』

『Mineral Leaf

████ told me to think it’s a mineral.』

Reiki lost his grip on the leaf as it slowly fell to the ground while he quickly came back to his senses and grabbed the leaf mid-air, he thought. God’s eye.

『God's Eye Has Been Activated.』

『Bush Leaf

████ told me to think it’s a mineral.』

Reiki’s eyes narrowed as he glared at the leaf he was holding, he mumbled to himself. “What the…” He thought. God’s eye.

『God's Eye Has Been Activated.』

『Bush Leaf

A simple shape leaf with smooth edges with a healthy shade of green.』

He heard Ender’s voice in his head. [Those “gods” have a tighter grip on you than you think.] Reiki let go of the leaf as it slowly fell to the ground, he did a half turn and started walking down the street again. Reiki placed a hand on Cherry’s back as he gently caressed her and thought. How do I get rid of them? Ender said. [They’ve put a curse on you under the pretense of a blessing. As much as I would like to break them, it’ll cause an explosion made out of pure mana.]

Reiki let out a sigh and mumbled to himself. “Why did mana have to be another form of energy?” He ignored the man that walked past him that was glancing at him from the corner of his eye, Reiki thought. Can you explain the principles to me? Ender said. [Think of it as one of those C4 stuck to you at all times that’s being powered by your mana.] Reiki stopped caressing the white crow on his shoulder as he continued his train of thought. What happens if we put them on someone else and kill said person?

Cherry looked around while Reiki heard Ender’s voice in his head. [They’ll notice their curse vanish.] Reiki’s eyes turned hollow as the corner of his mouth formed into a smile, he thought. I have the perfect candidate. A man that was browsing through his phone felt a chill down his spine as he subconsciously snapped his gaze onto him and saw Reiki’s neutral expression. Reiki walked past him while the man watched him for a few steps before walking down while rubbing the back of his neck which had some cold sweat

Reiki saw his home was close to the multi-complex building next to it along with the modern house in front, he thought. Having a home yet needing to go out… He made his way to the simple house and placed his hand on the doorknob, he thought. Then what is Cherry then? Reiki’s gaze wandered onto the white bird on his shoulder, Ender said. [Just think of her as a temporary replacement.] He turned the doorknob as heard faint voices inside and thought. First order of business, cooking. Reiki closed the door behind him as Cherry turned into a streak of white heading deeper into the house.

From the living room a familiar voice said. “Oh, hi Cherry. I’m guessing Reiki’s here.” Reiki slid open the shoe compartment and took out a pair of white indoor slippers, he casually threw them on the floor and squatted down to untie his shoelaces. He quickly put his shoes in the shoe compartment and slid it close, the sound of footsteps getting closer. Yuki gave Reiki who was in the middle of putting on a pair of indoor slippers as she gave him an energetic wave and said. “Yo, Reiki.”

She had a hopeful look on her expression while Mio gave him a nod, she said. “I hope you don’t mind us dropping by again.” Cherry was on Shiro’s left shoulder as she rubbed the bird's chin, she said. “Onii-chan, welcome back.” Reiki gave them a smile and said. “I’m back, you two are always welcome.” Yuki repeatedly poked him, she said. “Where did you go?” Reiki raised a brow at her and said. “School, where else would I be?” Yuki’s eyes slightly narrowed as her mouth curled into a slight smile, she said. “You can be honest with us if you decide to ski-.”

Mio placed a hand over her friend's mouth which interrupted her, she said. “You don’t need to listen to her questions.” Shiro stopped rubbing Cherry’s chin and said. “Onii-chan, what are you going to make for lunch?” Reiki made his way into the house as the rest followed him, he said. “The groceries were supposed to be delivered today, right?” They reached the fridge as Reiki opened it and saw the contents inside. Cherry turned into a streak of white as she appeared on the coffee table while watching the tv that was left on. Shiro nodded at him and said. “It did, Onee-chan filled the fridge with food.”