Shiro’s Room

 

Reiki opened the door as he turned on the lights using the switch beside the door. He carefully made his way to the bed, grabbed the blanket, and placed his little sister on it. Reiki tucked Shiro in bed and said. “Good night, Shiro.” Shiro grabbed the blanket with one of her hands as she let out a yawn and closed her drowsy eyes, she said. “... Night… Onii-chan…” He made his way out of the room, turned the lights off, and slowly closed the door. He made his way to the staircase and thought. What excuse would Onee-chan buy?...

 

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Living Room

 

Ketsueki took a sip of her tea as she heard the sound of faint footsteps coming from the stairway. Reiki reached the bottom and made his way to the dining table, he said. “Onee-chan, do you want dessert?” Ketsueki placed her cup on the dining table, she said. “Reiki, distracting me with sweets isn’t going to work… Grab me a slice of mango bravo from the fridge.” He made his way to the fridge and grabbed the large mango bravo in the fridge. Reiki went toward the kitchen while Ketsueki ran her finger on the side of the cup.

 

She heard the sound of a faucet turning followed by water flowing, Ketsueki thought. It makes me wonder how Reiki managed to get his hands on dragon meat… High-quality meat at that too… Reiki made his way to the fridge as he stored the rest of the cake. He made his way to the dining table and placed the generous slice of mango bravo along with a fork in front of his older sister, Reiki said. “Eat up.” He sat near the empty seat beside his older sister while Ketsueki used the fork to cut off a bite-size piece of the cake.

 

Ketsueki said. “Reiki, the dragon meat. Where did you get it?” A hint of surprise appeared on Reiki’s face, he said. “Onee-chan, you’ve already had dragon?” Ketsueki stabbed the bite-size cake on her plate with her fork, she paused for a couple of seconds and said. “... I’ve heard one of my… Boss spoke highly about its flavor before…” She tried to feed him some cake as Reiki shook his head sideways. He said. “And how did you manage to tell it was dragon by your boss’s description?”

 

Ketsueki moved the fork closer to her mouth and said. “That’s because he wouldn’t shut up about it-. Wait, why am I the one getting interrogated?” Reiki thought. Fuck, she noticed what I was doing… She ate the cake on her fork while she stared at her little brother with narrowed eyes, Reiki turned his head to avoid her gaze as he ignored the hole she was glaring through him. Ketsueki gulped and said. “Stop being sly and answer my question. I’m not mad, I just want to know what you paid for it.”

 

She cut off another bite-size of the cake while Reiki stayed silent for a moment, he said. “Information.” Ketsueki stabbed the small piece of the mango bravo she cut off, she spoke in a firm tone and said. “Reiki.” Reiki placed his elbow on the table and rested his chin on the palm of his hand, he said. “I’m telling the truth, it was just valuable information.” Ketsueki stared at him, she used the fork that had some cake on it to point at her little brother. She said. “I will ground you.” She ate the cake on her fork. 

 

Reiki rolled his eyes, he said. “It was the kind of information the majority of the world would find useless.” Ketsueki wiped the whipped cream on the corner of her lips, she gulped and said. “You make it sound as if you didn’t scam someone out of a billion yen steak.” Reiki thought. So it cost nearly seven million dollars, that’s pretty cheap. He said. “I didn’t scam anyone, it was a fair exchange.” Ketsueki used her fork to scrape some whipped cream on the top of the cake, she said. “The current price of low-quality dragon meat is a billion per gram.” Reiki managed to keep a straight face while Ketsueki ate the whipped cream on her fork.

 

She swallowed and continued. “The dragon meat you served Shiro and I ate is only available at… Certain markets and premium dragon meat like that, go for around five to seven billion per gram.” Ketsueki used the fork to stab a piece of mango on the top of the cake, she said. “Still think you didn’t scam them?” She ate the mango stabbed on her fork while trying to see if his little brother’s expression would change. Reiki thought. So about forty-seven million dollars… I should’ve demanded more from those two.

 

He shrugged his shoulders and said. “Going by that logic, I was the one who lost in that deal.” Ketsueki’s eyes widened slightly, she thought. You still think you were scammed? What kind of information almost costs a hundred billion dollars worth of dragon meat? She said. “Reiki… What did you tell them?” Reiki stayed silent for a moment, he said. “It doesn’t matter to you since you can get stronger from…” His face had a hint of confusion, Reiki continued. “Breathing?...” Ketsueki had suspicion written all over her eyes, she thought. He second-guessed himself about that breathing part…

 

Ketsueki waved her hand at him, she said. “I’ve asked all the questions I wanted to, you can leave.” Reiki had surprise all over his face, he stood up from his seat and said. “Want me to get you some ice cream?” Ketsueki cut a bite-size from the cake on her plate, she said. “Yes, I also want some whipped cream and cookies.” Reiki made his way to the fridge, he said. “Unfortunately we are all out of heavy cream. I used it all when you girls asked last time, plus Namida and Sachi took the leftover brownies and cookies.”

 

Reiki took out all the tubs of ice cream in the fridge, he made his way to the kitchen while Ketsueki’s pupils brightly shone like miniature suns. She blinked once as her eyes turned back to normal, she said. “How? I made sure those two didn’t come near the kitchen.” She heard some noise coming from the kitchen as she ate more mango bravo. Reiki made his way to the dining table as he was carrying a large bowl of ice cream with a spoon in it, he said. “I barely caught it from the corner of my eye but a handful of cookies and brownies were vanishing.”

 

Reiki placed the bowl beside the plate, he pocketed his hands and continued. “Onee-chan, I’m going to call it early and head to bed.” Ketsueki was in the middle of chewing as she nodded at him, she gulped a mouthful of cake and said. “Good night.” Reiki said. “Night.” He made his way to the staircase while Ketsueki's pupils faintly glowed, she thought. … He wasn’t lying… What kind of idiot just gives a kid dragon meat… She placed her fork on the plate and picked up the spoon buried in the ice cream bowl.

 

Ketsueki continued her train of thought. … Well, he's not hurt… And I’ve seen their mana, those four aren’t that strong.

 

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Reiki’s Room

 

He plopped down on the bed and stared at the ceiling, Reiki started doing mana strings with his right hand. He thought. Alright Ender, what are you going to add this time? Floating above the palm of his hand was a mana circle as it spun around mid-air. Ender’s voice rang in his head, he said. [Two things, starting today you are going to start doing mana strings with your left hand. In four days you're going to be able to do it with both hands simultaneously.]

 

The spinning mana circle slowly dissipated as he glanced at his left hand, he thought. … Seriously?... Ender said. [Three days.] Reiki let out a sigh as he stared at the ceiling for a couple of seconds before sitting straight up on the bed, he curled his left hand into a fist a couple of times. He thought. It’s the same process with the other hand… Should be simple enough… Reiki’s left hand was enveloped with a thin layer of mana as he pressed the tips of his thumb and index finger together.

 

He awkwardly and slowly moved them apart, the mana string snapped in half as Reiki let out a long sigh. He said. “This is going to be a long night…” He tried again and managed to create a string of mana with his thumb and index finger. Reiki awkwardly controlled the middle finger on his left hand as he struggled to make it touch the middle of the mana string. The mana string between his thumb and index finger vanished as he scratched the back of his head in frustration, Reiki thought. … Sleeping is overrated anyway… 

 

~Four Hours Later~

 

Reiki’s control of his left hand was still awkward as he failed to make a mana circle, he glanced at the window and saw that the moon was at its highest point. He thought. Midnight… I have five hours before I need to start my routine and make breakfast for them… Reiki used his right hand to comb his unkempt and scraggly hair making it even messier. He said. “... I want a glass of whisky…” Reiki went back to making mana string with his left hand as the only source of light in his room was coming from the moon through the window.

 

~Five Hours Later~

 

Floating above Reiki’s left hand was a mana circle roughly the same size as a golf ball as it visibly shook. It let out a small spark of mana as it instantly vanished, Reiki let out a long sigh as he laid back down on the bed and saw the moon was almost at the horizon. He thought. … Time for training… His eyes had bags under them as he sat up on the bed as a streak of white phased through the window as Cherry appeared on the bed beside him.

 

Reiki carefully ran his hand on the albino bird's back and said. “Cherry, did you ever have the need to sleep?” He stopped caressing her as Cherry shook her head sideways. Reiki stared at the crow for a couple of seconds as she stared at him with her blood-red eyes, he said. “Are you observing me?” The bird stared at him as Cherry tilted her head to the side. Reiki thought. Worth a shot… He stood up from the bed and said. “Want some cherries for breakfast girl?” The crow turned into a streak of white and appeared on his right shoulder.

 

Cherry flapped her wings and let out a caw, Reiki said. “Hopefully this time I just don’t forget about your existence and you don’t go flying off somewhere to steal something.” Cherry pecked the side of his head.

 

[System: User received 15 Damage.]

 

Reiki used his index finger to rub the area where the bird hit him, he thought. At least It's not bleeding. He made his way out of the room as Reiki closed the door on his way out and let out a yawn. He said. “Must be nice not needing to sleep, Cherry.” Reiki didn’t bother to cover his mouth as he reached the stairway and started making his way down.

 

He reached the bottom of the flight of stairs and stared at the dimly lit living room, he thought. Onee-chan left the light on again. Reiki made his way to the kitchen and took out a tattered pouch from his pocket. When he reached the small counter space he saw Ketsueki with her back facing him as she was holding onto a pitcher of water with her left hand. Reiki saw his older sister drinking a glass of water with her right hand, he said. “Onee-chan?”

 

Ketsueki pretended to be surprised as she took a split second to gulp down the water in her mouth, she turned around to face him and said. “Reiki, you scared-.” She saw the bags under her little brother’s eyes, Ketsueki continued. “Are you ok?” Reiki nodded at her while he took out a large glass jar of cherries from the inside of the pouch, he pocketed the pouch and said. “I’m fine, I lost track of time when practicing magic.” He thought. So she didn’t forget to turn the light off… This time.

 

Reiki placed the jar on the counter, he opened a couple of drawers to search for a small bowl. Ketsueki poured more water into the glass she was holding as she glanced at the jar of cherries, she said. “... What’s on the menu for breakfast?” Reiki thought. I want something greasy. Ketsueki filled the glass with water, placed it on the counter, and glanced at Reiki who was still searching for a bowl. She slowly reached for the jar as Cherry turned into a streak of white, guarded the jar, and slowly spread her wings.

 

Ketsueki felt off as the albino crow stared at her with blood-red eyes, she slowly pulled back her hand as Cherry pecked something under her wing. Ketsueki’s eyes had a hint of iciness in them, she thought. Consider yourself lucky my boy is here otherwise, I would’ve fried you in oil alive. Reiki managed to find a small bowl as he turned his head and saw his older sister glaring at Cherry, he said. “Going by Shiro’s reaction from dinner, she might still be full so I might make something light.”

 

Cherry turned into a streak of white as she flew to Reiki’s right shoulder. Ketsueki made her way to the fridge and placed the pitcher of water inside, she said. “Do we have any leftovers from the mushroom soup from dinner?” Reiki opened the jar of cherries which filled the kitchen with its sickening sweet scent, he said. “You loved the soup, huh.” He filled the small bowl with cherries and started taking the stems off one by one. Ketsueki closed the fridge as she gently leaned on it, she moved some hair behind her ear and said. “The soup was passable.”

 

Reiki had a handful of stems in his palm, he opened the cabinet on the end revealing a plastic trash can inside. He said. “Then you shouldn’t have any problems with me keeping the rest of it for myself.” Reiki threw the stems into the trash and closed the cabinet while Cherry turned into a streak of white and started eating the cherries in the bowl. Ketsueki placed a hand on her little brother’s shoulder, she said. “But, as your older sister. I can’t turn a blind eye to you eating yesterday's leftovers.” 

 

Reiki took a couple of cherries from the jar and handed one of them to his older sister, he said. “Grab the thermo bottle in the top cabinet.” Ketsueki quickly started opening the cabinets at the top, she said. “Drink that cup of water, it’ll help keep your eyes open.” Reiki picked up the glass and downed it in one go. He let out a long satisfied sigh while Ketsueki said. “I found it.” Reiki said. “How does toasted sandwiches sound-?” Before he could finish his sentence Ketsueki passed him a large thermo bottle, she said. “I want this filled all the way to the brim with soup.”

 

He glanced at the thermo bottle his older sister handed to him, Reiki said. “Onee-chan, this thing is two liters.” Ketsueki stared at him for a couple of seconds, she said. “And?” Reiki placed the two-liter thermo bottle on the counter and said. “... And I’ll be sure to fill it…” His older sister gave him a bright smile as she placed a hand on top of his head and messed up Reiki’s unkempt and scraggly hair. Ketsueki said. “Good, I’ll be in my room. Be careful with training today since those bags under your eyes make it look like you’re about to pass out any minute.”

 

Reiki watched his older sister make his way to the staircase as he did some light stretches, he thought. Two hours until I have to start cooking… It’ll be tight but I should be able to make it if I skip my two minute and thirty second break between sets… Cherry was staring at the empty bowl that had some syrup on the bottom, she let out a caw which got Reiki’s attention. He said. “Want more cherries girl?” Cherry let out another caw and flapped her wings. Reiki filled the bowl with more cherries, he said. “Give me-.” He let out a yawn and filled the bowl with cherries, Reiki continued. “A moment.”

 

He opened the cabinet with the trash can, Reiki said. “Cherry, are you fine with throwing the stems in the trash yourself?” Cherry let out a caw and flapped her wings. Reiki let out another yawn, he closed the jar of cherries and made his way to the front door. He said. “Thanks girl.” Reiki closed the door on his way out as he deeply inhaled through his nose, he thought. I’ll start with a few dozen laps around the block to warm up. He started jogging down the street and glanced at the few houses that already had the lights turned on.

 

~Two Hours Later~

 

Reiki was in front of the house as he let go of a large broadsword in each hand as they both hit the ground with a loud thud. He wiped some sweat on his face which only spread the perspiration all over the right side of his cheek, while trying to control his breathing Reiki thought. My entire body hurts but I managed to finish on time. He lost his footing and reflexively placed his hand on the wall of the house to catch himself.

 

He heard the sound of footsteps on his side and saw Yuki and Mio staring at him. Reiki let out a sharp exhale and said. “Yuki, Mio. Good morning.” Yuki was glancing at the two broadswords on the ground, she said. “Morning Reiki, doing some light exercise to work up an appetite for breakfast?” Mio glanced at the swords on the ground and thought. Around a hundred kilograms. Reiki let out a laugh, he said. “Pretty much, what brings you two here?” Mio moved her gaze back onto him and said. “We forgot to give Shiro our bento yesterday and-.”

 

Yuki interrupted her friend, she said. “We decided to walk with Shiro on her way to school today and I wanted to eat breakfast here.” Her stomach let out a growl while Mio let out a long sigh. Reiki let out a laugh while Mio quickly changed the topic, she said. “Is Shiro awake yet?” Reiki squatted down and picked up one of the broadswords by the handle, he said. “She is, you two can head inside. Give me ten minutes and breakfast will be on the table.” Yuki and Mio started walking toward the door.

 

Mio placed her hand on the doorknob while Yuki’s eyes were shining like stars from Reiki casually lifting the broadsword with one hand. Yuki said. “Reiki, can I hold that for a second?” Reiki smiled at her and said. “Sure, be careful. It’s a lot heavier than it looks. It’s only used for training so the edge is dull.” Mio let go of the doorknob, she said. “I’m sure Shiro can use a couple more minutes to wash her face.” Yuki took one big step toward him, she thought. I’ve sneaked into my brother’s room a couple of times. How heavy can this be-? 

 

She grabbed the sword by the tip, the moment she tried to make it slightly move Yuki felt the weight of the sword in her hands. Her eyes widened slightly as she let go and said. “And here I thought these were hollow so you could impress us.” Mio’s brows furrowed, she reached her hand out and felt the weight of the sword. The two of them let go as Reiki placed the broadsword in his tattered pouch, he said. “They look cool but are only as useful as weights.” He picked up the other one on the ground and placed it inside the pouch.

 

Reiki slowly stood up as he pocketed the tattered pouch. Yuki stared at her hand that touched the broadsword, she looked up to him and said. “Reiki, how much does one of those things weigh?” Mio was staring at the pocket where he placed the pouch, she said. “I want to know too.” Reiki used the back of his hand to wipe some sweat on his chin and said. “Two hundred kilograms give or take.” The door leading inside the house opened revealing a sleepy Shiro with eyes barely opened, she said. “... Onii-chan, how long until breakfast?...”

 

Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “Good morning, Shiro.” Shiro looked like she could fall back asleep at any moment, she said. “... Good morning, Onii-chan…” Her older brother gestured at Yuki and Mio, Reiki said. “Shiro, how about you bring Mio and Yuki inside? While I take a quick shower and make breakfast for everyone?” Shiro slowly turned her head, she gently rubbed one of her eyes and saw her friends. Yuki energetically waved at her while Mio smiled at her. Shiro said. “... Yuki… Mio… Good morning…” 

 

Yuki let out a laugh and said. “Morning, Shiro. Can you guide us in? The smell around Reiki’s getting stronger and I thought my older brother had the worst odor I know.” Mio pinched the side of her friend's stomach, she said. “Mio, don’t be rude.” Reiki let out a laugh, he said. “Hey, in my defense I’ve been training for the past three hours. Can’t expect me to smell like a garden of roses.” Yuki had a cat-like mischievous smile on her face while Mio noticed that Shiro was still wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. Mio said. “Shiro, how did you sleep?”

 

Reiki stretched his hands upward with his fingers interlocked with each other, he said. “I’ll have to ask you three to have this conversation inside. I still have to clean up plus Yuki has a point about my stench.” The three girls moved their gaze to the ground Reiki was standing on as they saw a large puddle of sweat. Shiro slowly pushed the door open as she gestured for her friends to come in, she said. “... Yuki… Mio… Please… Come inside…”