Living Room

 

Yuki, Shiro, and Ketsueki were sitting around the dining table that was already set up with tableware. Shiro let out a big yawn while covering her mouth with her hand. Yuki moved her gaze onto her friend's older sister and said. “Nee-san, thanks for letting us have breakfast here and letting Reiki prepare our lunch.” Ketsueki smiled at her, she said. “It’s fine, make yourself at home.” Mio made her way from the kitchen as she sat on the empty seat between her friends, she said. “I’m back from washing my hands. I used the sink and saw what Reiki made for breakfast.”

 

Yuki’s eyes lit up as she spoke with a hint of excitement and said. “What’s on the menu?” Shiro’s head was slightly drooping down as she looked like she could fall asleep any second. Mio made sure to sit up straight on her seat, she said. “Are you hungry?” Without missing a beat, Yuki said. “Always.” She noticed the odd looks on her friend and Ketsueki’s face. Yuki continued. “What? I ran most of the way here.” Ketsueki raised a brow and said. “Can I ask why?” Yuki looked up to her and said. “So that I can eat more of Reiki’s cooking.”

 

Mio stared at her friend, she thought. … I can’t even blame her for that, his cooking is top-notch. Ketsueki let out a chuckle and said. “Speaking of food, Yuki. Can you do me a small favor and help Shiro to the sink so she can wash her hands? While you’re at it make sure to wash yours too.” Yuki took out a packet of wet wipes from her pocket, she said. “Aneki, can’t we just use these instead?” Mio stared at the packet of wipes, she spoke with a hint of anger in her tone and said. “You had wet wipes and didn’t offer me when I went to wash my hands?”

 

Yuki turned her head at her friend, she said. “You didn’t ask.” Mio’s smile turned stiff, she thought. I’m going to study for the next test and gloat at the fact I scored higher than you. Ketsueki shook her head sideways and said. “No, wash your hands with soap and water.” Yuki had a hint of unwillingness on her face as she pocketed the pack of wipes. Ketsueki rolled her eyes, she said. “How about this, when you wash your hands at the sink. You’ll be able to see what Reiki’s making for breakfast.”

 

Yuki’s eyes lit up, she stood up from her seat and said. “I’ll make sure Shiro also washes her hands.” She went toward the direction of the kitchen while dragging Shiro who was on the verge of falling back to sleep. Shiro woke up from suddenly being dragged by Yuki as she looked around the room in confusion. Mio let out a soft sigh and said. “This is how… We usually are…” Ketsueki let out a soft laugh, she said. “It’s fine, Mio. Namida, Sachi, and I are quite the… Peculiar group if I must say so myself.”

 

Mio had a hint of surprise on her expression, she said. “Namida nee-san and Sachi nee-san?” Ketsueki nodded at her as the two of them turned their heads at the sound of footsteps getting closer. Reiki had a large plate in each hand, he said. “Sorry for the wait.” Shiro and Yuki were behind him as Yuki was carrying another large plate with both her hands. Reiki skillfully placed the plates on the table as he took the plate off Yuki’s hands, he said. “Yuki, thanks for the help.”

 

Yuki smiled at him and said. “Don’t mention it.” She made her way back to her seat while Shiro pulled her chair slightly back with puffed cheeks. Reiki placed the last plate on the table, he said. “I made a variety of toasted sandwiches along with two plates of onigiri, enjoy.” On the plates were neatly arranged rice balls and sandwiches. Yuki stared at the food on the table with anticipation, she clasped her hands together and said. “Itadakimasu.” Mio’s eyes slightly widened, she said. “Yuki! Reiki hasn’t sat down yet!” Yuki placed a couple of katsu sandwiches with melted cheese on her plate as she was already holding onto a rice ball.

 

Reiki let out a chuckle and said. “It’s fine, you girls can go ahead and start without me. I still have to bring out a pitcher of water along with soup.” Ketsueki cleared her throat which got everyone's attention. Reiki rolled his eyes, he continued. “I’ve already filled the two-liter thermo bottle, Onee-chan.” Yuki took a couple of bites of the katsu sandwich while listening to the conversation, she thought. A two-liter thermo bottle… That’s a lot of soup. As she took another bite of her sandwich.

 

Ketsueki clasped her hands together and said. “Itadakimasu. I’m just making sure you don't forget.” Shiro and Mio clasped their hands together, they said. “Itadakimasu.” Shiro placed an onigiri on her plate and took a toasted sandwich that had bacon, avocado, and thinly sliced tomatoes. Reiki made his way to the kitchen and said. “Yeah yeah.” Ketsueki placed a couple of onigiri on her plate as she took a couple of slices of toasted sandwiches. Shiro, Yuki, and Mio were enjoying the food while Reiki quickly made his way to the dining table.

 

He was holding onto a tray and a pitcher of ice-cold water in one hand. Reiki made his way around the table as he filled the cups with water along with placing a bowl of mushroom soup beside them. He said. “Here, I’ve made a lot so make sure to eat your fill.” He sat on the chair beside his older sister, placed the tray next to his plate, and clasped his hands together. Reiki said. “Itadakimasu.” Mio gently blew at her bowl of soup, she thought. … It’s… Brown… From the corner of her eye, she saw Yuki taking a couple of whiffs of it.

 

Mio took a sip of the soup, she thought. Mushroom. Yuki’s eyes widened, she said. “It’s good.” Reiki was in the middle of chewing, he picked up his glass of water and downed half of it in one go. He said. “Shiro, can you stop pouting at the food on the table?” He let out a helpless chuckle while Shiro was eating a rice ball like a hamster. Yuki was in the middle of chewing as she gently poked her friend's cheek, she said. “I’m sorry for suddenly dragging you, Shiro. How about we trade some side dishes for lunch later?”

 

Shiro gulped down a mouthful of food and said. “You just want to eat more food Onii-chan made.” Yuki felt the sting of her friend's words, she thought. Can’t you at least pretend to think about my offer? Ketsueki took a sip of her glass of water, she thought. … I need to do something before they end up not talking for the entire day-. Before she could finish her train of thought, her little brother suddenly spoke. Reiki said. “Yuki, Shiro. If you two make up right now, I’ll give everyone here ice cream now and lunch.”

 

The two girls placed a hand over each other's shoulders as Shiro and Yuki gave Reiki a bright smile. Yuki’s eyes shined brightly, she said. “There’s ice cream?” Shiro’s eyes shined like stars, she said. “Onii-chan, I want rocky road.” Mio’s brows furrowed with a hint of confusion, she said. “Wouldn’t that melt before lunch starts?” Reiki gulped down a mouthful of food and said. “Onee-chan is going to envelop the containers with magic.” Ketsueki faked a cough, Reiki continued. “Onee-chan, I said everyone at the table. I’ll pass since I don’t feel like eating anything sweet.”

 

Ketsueki’s lips curled into a smile as she finished off the last bite of the sandwich she was holding. Mio took a sip of water from her glass, she said. “What flavor of ice cream do you have?” Reiki quickly finished all the food on his plate, while placing more rice balls and toasted sandwiches on his plate. Reiki said. “I’ll show you three after breakfast.”

 

~Thirty Five Minutes Later~

 

Everyone was at the front door putting on a pair of outdoor shoes. Shiro changed into her school uniform which was similar to what Yuki and Mio were wearing. Reiki placed the last pair of indoor slippers in the shoe compartment, he said. “You girls have everything you need on you?” He slowly stood up and turned around to face the girls who were staring at him. Yuki pocketed the pocket of her skirt, she said. “All of the bentos you made for us are in our pouches.” Reiki looked up to his older sister. Ketsueki said. “I have my thermo bottle and I made sure to put mana around all of the ice cream.”

 

Reiki nodded at her and said. “Let’s go.” Mio placed her hand on the doorknob as she opened the door. All of them walked out of the house as Ketsueki locked the door, the palm of her hand had a thin layer of mana as she placed it on top of her little brother’s head. Ketsueki said. “Since you three are together, I’m going to take a shorter route.” Shiro looked up to her older sister and said. “Be careful on your way to work, Onee-chan.” Ketsueki smiled at her little sister, she said. “I’ll make sure, Shiro.” She turned her head to face Yuki and Mio, Ketsueki continued. “Make sure you three get to school safely.”

 

Yuki gave her a lazy salute, she said. “You can count on me, Aneki.” Mio smiled at her and said. “I’ll make sure we're on time.” Reiki smiled at them, he said. “Make sure to look both ways before crossing a street.” Shiro waved at her older siblings and said. “Bye bye, Onii-chan. Onee-chan.” Reiki and Ketsueki returned the wave as the three made their way down the street. Reiki glanced at the hand his older sister placed on top of his head, he said. “Onee-chan, your hand is still on my head.”

 

The glow on Ketsueki’s palm slowly dissipated, she smiled at him and said. “Can’t resist messing up your hair.” She ruffled her little brother’s unkempt and scraggly hair while Reiki heard Ender’s voice in his head. Ender said. [She placed a mark on you with magic.] Reiki tried to fix his messy hair, he thought. Can you destroy it? He said. “Onee-chan… I’d like to see you with hair like mine and try to brush it.” Ender spoke in his head, he said. [She’d notice.] Ketsueki let out a chuckle and said. “Reiki, it’s hair. How hard could it be to brush it?”

 

Reiki stopped trying to style his hair as it only made it messier than before, he placed his hands in his pockets and said. “Did you forget I have a record of three broken combs?” Ketsueki moved her gaze onto his little brother’s hair, she said. “Fair… How did you break those three combs?” The two of them started walking in the opposite direction their younger sibling went, Reiki said. “I had a clump of hair tangled. Added a bit too much force which made the combs snap.” The two of them reached a crossway on the street that had a red stoplight.

 

The two of them stopped and waited for the light to turn green. Ketsueki placed a hand in her pocket, she said. “How do you comb your hair these days?” Reiki stared at the stoplight and said. “After my cold shower.” Ketsueki rolled her eyes, she said. “You and your cold showers.” Reiki turned his head to face his older sister, he said. “What? It helps you wake up and cools down your body after exercise. I’ll never understand why you’re so opposed to it. It’s nowhere near as bad as your reliance on coffee to wake up.”

 

Ketsueki slightly flinched from what her little brother words, she said. “It’s been a week since I had coffee for breakfast.” The stoplight turned green as the two of them crossed the street. Reiki glanced at his older sister from the corner of his eye, he said. “Sure, it’s not like there’s a coffee shop near where you work or anything.” Ketsueki tried to keep a calm expression, she thought. H-How does he know? I made sure to never take him near the company… Reiki’s eyes had a hint of realization, he thought. Wait… I’m supposed to not have been at her job before…

 

Ketsueki’s brows furrowed in anger, turned her head to look at him and said. “Reiki, why are you walking with me? You have school today.” The two of them took a left turn while Reiki ignored the glare his older sister was giving him. Reiki said. “I just thought you might be lonely so-.” Ketsueki interrupted him and said. “You are going to school. I will know if you attended or not without calling.” Reiki forced a smile on his face, he said. “... Yes, Onee-chan…” He thought. That explains the mark she placed on me…

 

Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little brother’s head as she used her thumb to point behind her with her other hand. The two of them slowly came to a stop, Ketsueki said. “Now go, if you run all the way to school you might make it in time.” She gestured at him to go away while Reiki turned around as he made his way down the street while Ketsueki vanished. Reiki walked down the street and thought. Fucking hell… I did everything just so I could avoid going to school… I wish she was here so I could just use some connections to get the degree.

 

~Ten Minutes Later~

 

Reiki was sprinting down the street as he saw his school, he thought. … Should I just burn down this school?... He quickly reached the front as a teacher was about to close the front gate. The teacher said. “Hey! Aren’t you one of our students?! You’re late-!” Reiki easily jumped over the gate which caught the teacher off guard, he thought. … I doubt it would work as well since the teachers can cast magic to douse the fire. With a soft thud he landed on the ground leaving a baffled teacher.

 

Reiki quickly went into the building as he made his way to his shoe cupboard, he stared at the lock and thought. I’ll ask for a replacement key from Kireina later until then. He grabbed the handle and rapidly shook it as a student who was walking down the hallway saw him and gave him an odd look. Reiki was still shaking the handle as he nodded at the student and said. “Sup.” The male student was surprised as he quickly walked down the hallway. Reiki let out a muffled laugh as he managed to open his shoe locker.

 

He took the indoor shoes from the cupboard, squatted down, and started untying his shoelaces. Reiki put on the indoor shoes and placed the sports shoes in the cupboard, he glanced at the locker door and tried to close it. The locker door didn’t close properly as he watched it slowly open itself, Reiki let out a sigh as he grabbed the handle. He started to rapidly shake the handle and shoved the door to close the locker, Reiki thought. I fucking hate this school… The principal can afford to splurge on soapland but can’t be bothered to replace these shitty locks with combination locks.

 

While Reiki tried to get his shoe locker to close, Ender’s voice rang in his head. Ender said. [Is he even here since the head of this school are those twins?] Reiki managed to close the shoe cupboard, he thought. He better not be, if he stands near a flight of stairs I will push him down while laughing. Reiki let out one long sigh, he said. “Why am I in a school filled with kids old enough to be my children?” He made his way deeper into the school and placed his hands inside his pockets.

 

________________________________________________________________________________

Classroom

 

The door slid open revealing Sutekina wearing a black blazer paired with a pencil skirt. The students were silent as the class representative said. “Stand up.” All the students stood up, the representative said. “Bow.” Everyone bowed at Sutekina as the representative said. “Sit down.” Sutekina nodded at the representative and said. “Takahashi, thank you. As per usual, today your schedule is mostly self-study. With some basic spell casting before lunch.” The students let out excited cheers as Sutekina slammed her hand on the chalkboard a couple of times to get them to quiet down.

 

Sutekina continued. “If you all behave we might let you use the new equipment a kind philanthropist donated to the school-.” The door slid open revealing Reiki, he said. “Teach, are we done with attendance?” One of the boys sitting at the back let out a scoff and spoke in a whisper, he said. “I bet she’ll make him stand outside until lunch.” The other boys near him let out a laugh while Sutekina had a hint of surprise on her expression, she said. “No, Akihito. You’re right on time.” She gestured at his seat and continued. “Take a seat.”

 

The boys who were laughing instantly stopped as everyone watched Reiki make his way to his seat. Sutekina glanced at the students and said. “That’s all for announcements.” A female student suddenly spoke, she said. “Stand up.” All the students in the room stood up. Takahashi continued. “Bow.” All of them bowed while Sutekina glanced at Reiki from the corner of her eye. Takahashi said. “Sit down.” Everyone sat down while Sutekina made her way to the door, she slid it open but stopped and said. “One last thing.” She turned her head to face the students.

 

Sutekina continued. “If anyone starts trouble they won’t be able to use the equipment.” She walked out of the room and closed the door behind her. The sound of footsteps got farther from the room as the students started to move the table and chairs around. The same boy who spoke earlier glared at Reiki from the corner of his eye. Reiki thought. Self-study… There should be a small library on the first floor… He stood up from his seat and made his way to the class rep who was placing books on her table. Reiki said. “Class rep, is the library on the first floor around southeast from here?”

 

Takahashi closed the zipper of her backpack, she looked up at him and said. “... Umm… Yes, that’s correct Akihito-san…” Reiki nodded at her, he thought. Hopefully, there are some books here that can tell me about this earth's history. One of the boys who was sitting around his group of friends let out a scoff, he said. “He probably never heard of a library card.” Reiki glanced in their direction and casually moved his gaze back to the Takahashi, he said. “You know where to find me, I’ll make sure to return before lunch.”

 

The boy in the group grits his teeth as he and his friends watch Reiki walk out of the classroom. A cold smile formed on his face, he said. “Hey guys, how about we welcome the new student?”

 

________________________________________________________________________________

Hallway

 

Reiki went down a flight of stairs while walking down the hallway he turned his head to look out the window. He thought. Why is someone staring at me at school?... It’s not one of Kiru’s watchdogs… I highly doubt it’s Asami’s… He made his way down the hallway, took a right turn, and saw the door leading to the library.

 

Reiki thought. It’s nothing compared to the elves at the library, but here’s hoping there’s something to at least pass the time. He opened the door revealing a small room with a single window on the walls. A simple wooden table with four chairs that had visible worn and torn on them. The shelves surrounding the walls were all randomly assorted, Reiki made his way to the table as he ran the tip of his index finger on the table. He stared at the layer of dust on the fingerprint of his index finger, Reiki thought. Yep…

 

He wiped the dust on his shirt as he stared at the dingy library, Reiki continued his train of thought. Still a dump. He quickly started skimming through all the books on the shelves. Reiki spoke to himself in a soft tone, he said. “... King Arthur… Little Red Riding Hood… Dracula! I just hit the jackpot with that.” He moved to a different shelf and started skimming through the titles on the spine, Reiki continued. “Frankenstein… They have the art of war here?... I wonder if someone will notice if it’s missing… The Big Friendly Giant… And… Hansel and Gretel… This should be a good start.”