Cherry stared at Yuki with one side of her face using her blood-red eye. Reiki spun the baseball on the tip of his index finger while Mio's pupils faintly glowed. Mio thought. That bird has a class! Yuki stared at the albino crow and blinked a few times as she suddenly dashed at him. With sparkling eyes, she tried to reach Cherry with both her hands. Yuki said. "Let me hold her for a minute." Cherry stared at her for a few seconds before flapping her wings to help with her landing on Yuki's left shoulder.

Reiki gestured at the bird and said. "Her name's Cherry." While on Yuki's shoulder Cherry flapped her wings, she slowly reached her hand out to touch the bird as Cherry allowed it. Yuki used her index finger to rub the side of Cherry's head, she said. "What kind of bird has a thief for a class?" Reiki shrugged his shoulders, he said. "The kind that steals gold and watches as she pleases." Yuki didn't take him seriously as she continued to caress the bird. He rolled his eyes at her and pointed at her two friends by the entrance of the house. 

Ketsueki was standing behind Mio and Shiro as they hadn't even noticed her. Yuki turned her head as she tried to contain the surprise in her eyes, she said. "Aneki, did you see my throw?" Mio quickly turned her head sideways and saw Shiro's older sister standing behind her. Mio thought. How long has she been there? Shiro turned around and raised both her hands in the air, she said. "Onee-chan, welcome back." She walked toward Ketsueki and wrapped her arms around her older sister's thighs. Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little sister's head and slightly messed up her hair, she said. "I'm back, Shiro."

Ketsueki turned her head to look at Mio who tried to keep the shock in her eyes hidden. Ketsueki continued. "Mio, how have you been?" Mio did a half-turn as she looked up to her and said. "I-I've been fine, Onee-san." Reiki and Yuki made their way toward them while she kept on petting Cherry on her shoulder. He looked up at her and said. "Onee-chan, welcome back." Ketsueki gave him a smile and said. "I'm back." Shiro let go of her older sister as she made her way toward Yuki to touch Cherry's feathers.

Mio turned her head toward her friends as she watched them play with the albino bird. Ketsueki moved her gaze onto Yuki who was gently stretching on one of Cherry's wings, along with Shiro who was caressing the bird's back. Ketsueki said. "Yes, Yuki. I did see your throw, you've got a good arm on you." Yuki's mouth turned into a grin as Cherry moved her wing away from her hand, she said. "Thank you, I practiced a few times since the last time Reiki and I played." Mio and Shiro glanced at her from the corner of their eye, they simultaneously thought. You even practiced during physical classes.

Ketsueki made way for them so they could walk inside the house, she said. "Alright, let's continue this conversation inside." Yuki tried to grab Cherry's wings again as the bird was on guard against her, she said. "Sorry for dropping by without giving you a heads up, Aneki." Yuki walked past her while Ketsueki gave her an understanding smile. Ketsueki said. "It's fine, I just hope Shiro didn't drag you against your will." Mio and Shiro made their way toward the house, Mio said. "Apologies for inviting ourselves in."

Ketsueki gave her an understanding smile, she said. "You two are always welcome in my home." Mio and Shiro made their way into the house while her little sister turned her head sideways and waves at Ketsueki as she walked inside. Reiki acted natural as he walked past his older sister and said. "How about I make us something-." Ketsueki placed a hand on top of her little brother's head as her lips curved into a cruel smile. She saw her little brother wipe some cold sweat on his cheek as Reiki felt the dangerous gaze from her.

Ketsueki spoke in a sweet tone and said. "Reiki… Why didn't you go to school today?" For a solid second, he stood still and took a couple of steps as he felt the hand that was clutching his head tightened. Reiki slowly turned his head sideways and saw the dangerous smile on Ketsueki's lips. He quickly turned his head to face the door that was slightly ajar, Reiki said. "They decided to call it early." His older sister's eyes narrowed while he felt the piercing gaze behind his head, Ketsueki said. "And if I told you, that didn't even head in its general direction?"

She slightly pulled at him once as Reiki slowly started walking backward and stood beside her. Ketsueki slightly leaned lower as she whispered in his ear, she spoke in a slightly sultry voice and said. "If you're honest with me, I'll consider not hitting you." Her eyes wandered onto his lips which looked like they had some residue of red lipstick, Ketsueki's eyes turned hostile as her tone turned vicious she continued. "Depending on your answer, you might end up sleeping outside." Reiki turned his head and looked at his older sister from the corner of his eye, he said. "Ramen."

The bridge of Ketsueki's nose wrinkled as she felt her nostrils sting from his breath, she stood up straight and covered her nose using her hand. Ketsueki said. "Reiki…" she moved her hand away from her nose and placed it beside her, with a hint of confusion on her face she continued. "When did you start eating spicy food? Last time I checked you used ice cream as an excuse to help heal your burned tongue." The two of them stared at each other for a moment as he took out a tattered pouch from his pocket.

Reiki took out a familiar rectangular-shaped wooden box from inside the pouch that Ketsueki's eyes immediately zoned in on. He passed the wooden box to his older sister and pocketed the pouch while Reiki kept a straight face judging Ketsueki's expression. She flashed him a smile and said. "Hey, people change. I can understand that much, you want me to buy you some ghost peppers?" The two of them heard Yuki's voice coming from the direction of the house, she said. "Is that a bribe? Never seen one before." Reiki and Ketsueki turned their heads and saw Yuki, Mio, and Shiro peeking from behind the door.

Mio hid behind the door and said. "Whatever happened to not saying anything?" Yuki turned her head sideways to look inside, she said. "Then why did you say something?"  Shiro slightly opened the door to show her upper body and waved at them, she said. "Onee-chan, can you share that bribe with us?" Mio was hidden behind the door as she let out a sigh and said. "Why are you even asking a question when our cover has been blown by you?" From the inside of the house Yuki let out a carefree chuckle, she said. "Let's not point fingers."

Reiki looked up at his older sister and said. "Onee-chan, how about we head inside before Mio starts pulling her hair out." Shiro stared at the wooden box her older sister was holding with one hand, Ketsueki nodded and said. "Yeah, I'm with you on that." The two of them made their way to the door as Shiro made way for them and opened the front door. Reiki saw Mio and Yuki making their way inside the house as they headed toward the living room. Mio glanced at her friend with her hands on her hips.

Mio said. "That was your idea in the first place." Yuki placed her index fingers on each ear to block the sound of her friend's nagging. Mio, seeing this, felt irritated as she started pinching Yuki's arm and continued. "As. I. Was. Saying." Her voice got softer as the two of them went deeper into the house. Shiro watched her older siblings take their sports shoes off as Reiki slid open the shoe compartment and placed them inside. Shiro kept stealing glances at the wooden box Ketsueki was holding as Reiki neatly placed a pair of white indoor slippers in front of her.

While wearing white socks Ketsueki put on the indoor slippers as her little sister grabbed her free hand. Shiro gave her older sister her best pair of puppy dog eyes and pleadingly said. "Onee-chan, can I have some choco?" Reiki put on a pair of indoor slippers and glanced at his two sisters from the corner of his eyes. Ketsueki pretended to think as her eyes slightly narrowed, she said. "... Let me think… I don't remember raising a little sister who raises their voice at me." She looked at Shiro's expression visibly turned nervous as she glanced at her older brother.

Reiki stared at her and gave her a confident nod. Shiro looked down onto the floor she stood on and said. "Onee-chan, I'm sorry for yelling at you today during breakfast. I hope you can forgive me." She felt a hand on top of her head which made her look up and saw her older sister giving her a smile. Ketsueki said. "It's fine, Shiro. I wasn't even mad at you." She moved her hand away from the top of her little sister's head, Shiro said. "R-Really?" Ketsueki gave her a nod, she continued. "Yeah, I knew I made you upset from my attire. My only excuse is that you know what I'm like during breakfast."

Shiro gave her older sister a big smile as she wrapped her arms around her thighs and said. "Thank you, Onee-chan." Ketsueki gave her an amiable smile and thought. What you don't know won't hurt you. Reiki stared at the smile of his older sister that was pointed at Shiro, he thought. I get the feeling that's a two-faced smile. Reiki was about to make his way inside and felt something grab the collar of his shirt by the back. He turned his head sideways to look behind him and saw Ketsueki trying to pass the wooden box at him.

Shiro peeked at them by tilting her head sideways with half of her face buried in Ketsueki's thighs. Ketsueki said. "Reiki, place this on the coffee table and get some plates." He took the box off her hands and said. "Yes, Onee-chan." Reiki took the box off her hands and quickly made his way to the living room. Ketsueki saw Shiro hurriedly making her way toward the living room as a helpless smile formed on her face, she thought. You're my little sister alright.

She made her way to the living room and saw Yuki sitting in the middle of the couch with Shiro on her left and Mio on her right. Ketsueki looked around the room and thought. Where's Cherry? She made her way to the armchair on the left side of the tv, as she passed the couch from the corner of her eye Ketsueki saw Cherry on Yuki's lap. Ketsueki sat down on the armchair while watching the three girls playing with Cherry's feathers. Yuki was gently pulling on Cherry's wings while Shiro was trying to find the longest feather on her tailfeather.

Mio was admiring Cherry's feathers as she used her hand to go through them. Yuki was counting some of the feathers on the bird's wings, she said. "How old is Cherry?" She let go of Cherry's wing and turned her head toward Ketsueki who was making herself comfortable on the armchair. Ketsueki shook her head and said. "I think you should ask Reiki that." Shiro's brows furrowed as she let go of a tailfeather she was holding onto using her thumb and index finger. She crossed her arms and let out a hmph, Shiro said. "All the feathers on her tail are the same size."

Mio caressed Cherry's white feathers and observed her blood-red eyes, she said. "An albino crow, this is the first time I've seen one this close before." Reiki made his way from the kitchen as he carried a wooden box using both his hands. On top of the box were four small white ceramic plates as he got closer to the couch, Reiki said. "In Japan, there are two species of crows. Carrion and jungle." He placed the box in the middle of the coffee table and placed the plates within reach of their seats.

Yuki covered her ears using her hands and spoke in an exaggerated tone, she said. "School is over, no more learning!" Reiki took the lid off the wooden box revealing a few dozen elven chocolates inside, he let out a chuckle and said. "Fine, fine." He gestured at the box and continued. "Help yourselves-." Before he could finish, Reiki's eyes widened at how fast Mio, Shiro, and Yuki took a few pieces of chocolate and placed them on their respective plates. He watched the three girls happily eating chocolate, Reiki thought. Even with her minuscule stamina, Shiro can stand toe to toe with her friends… 

He turned his head sideways and saw his older sister holding two pieces of chocolate in one hand and more on her plate. While chewing Ketsueki's brows furrowed as her little brother stared at her, she swallowed and said. "Reiki, you look like you have something to say to me." Yuki was caressing Cherry's back with her left hand while eating a piece of chocolate using her right. The bird stared at the piece of chocolate in her hand and vanished from her lap, with wide eyes Yuki thought. That was invisibility!

Mio stared at them from the corner of her eyes, she thought. She even has skills…  Shiro's eyes sparkled as she was impressed while nibbling onto a piece of chocolate like a hamster. Reiki shook his head and said. "No, I was thinking I might do a few things for them to bring more chocolate back." Ketsueki's eyes lit up as she wiped the corner of her lips using a thumb, she said. "In that case, make sure you do everything they tell you." The corner of Reiki's eye twitched, he thought. You forgot about the limited time you gave me from our 'deal'. 

Mio's eyes widened with disbelief, she suddenly stood up from the couch and urgently pointed at him while making noises with her mouth full. Yuki and Shiro watched their friend desperately chewing as they ate in peace. Cherry appeared on Reiki's right shoulder as he glanced at Mio who gulped down a mouthful of chocolate, he said. "Mio, calm down. I'm not going anywhere." Mio's breathing was a bit erratic as she slowly inhaled and exhaled, she said. "Are you going to visit the elves?" Her eyes had a hint of hope as she waited for his answer.

Yuki had already finished a piece of chocolate as she stopped herself from grabbing another one on her plate. She turned her head as she gave him a look of wonder and said. "Elves? They're the race that has an affinity with wind, right?" Her eyes were fixated on him as they shined like stars. Shiro let out a giggle and spoke in a proud tone, she said. "Where did you think Onii-chan got these?" Both her friends ignored her which annoyed her, Shiro continued. "Don't ignore me!" Reiki let out a chuckle and did a half turn to face them, he said. "Their library was humongous."

Mio's eyes were sparkling as she imagined a large library filled with books from every corner. Yuki shrugged her shoulders as she picked up another piece of chocolate while Shiro puffed her cheeks and started pouting. Ketsueki waved her hand in dismissal and pretended to act casual as she failed to contain the smile on her lips, she said. "It's nothing special." Reiki patted Cherry's head using his index finger, he thought. That smile says otherwise. Mio moved her gaze onto her as Ketsueki continued. "Reiki's just being called for something, he'll be back in a day."

He glanced at his older sister and continued his train of thought. I never told you anything. Reiki faked a cough and said. "How about it, you two? What souvenirs would you like me to bring?" Mio looked up at him and said. "A-Are you sure?!" She caught herself as she cleared her throat and sat back down beside her friend. Mio ignored the stares she was getting from Yuki who was sitting beside her and Shiro who was eating some chocolate. Mio continued. "If you can spare some time while helping them. I would greatly appreciate it if you could translate some beginners magic books."

Reiki gave her a smile and said. "I'll make sure to note it down." Mio nonchalantly nodded at him, she gestured at the box of chocolates and said. "Elven choco?" Yuki let out a laugh and elbowed her in the ribs, she said. "We're at their house." Ketsueki gave her a smile while Shiro grumpily took a big bite of the chocolate she was holding. Cherry was pecking something at her wings while Reiki turned his head to look at his older sister, he said. "Onee-chan?"

Ketsueki waved a piece of chocolate at him that she held with her hand, she said. "Just surprise me." He gave her a nod and moved his gaze back onto Yuki who was about to decide which piece of chocolate she should pick up from the box. Reiki said. "Yuki, what about you?" Yuki picked up a couple of chocolate as she placed them on her plate and pursed her mouth into a line. She said. "They don't have anything in particular that I want…" Reiki smiled at her and said. "I can get you a pair of customized fingerless leather gloves."

Yuki pointed at him using a piece of chocolate pinched between her thumb and index finger, she said. "That! I want that!" She noticed the gazes from all of them and faked a cough, Yuki tried to offer him the chocolate she was holding. Yuki smiled at him and continued. "Choco?" Reiki shook his head as Cherry let out a soft caw on his right shoulder, he pointed at the bird and said. "That's her way of telling me she wants to rest in my room." With puffed cheeks, Shiro spoke in a spoiled tone and said. "Onii-chan's barely spoke with me."

Reiki gave her a wry smile and said. "Onee-chan has also been quiet." Shiro glanced at her older sister who was lazily sitting on the armchair while eating chocolate. She let out a hmph and continued. "Even so…" Reiki walked toward her and placed a hand on top of her head, he said. "Don't worry, I still remember to buy your quill." Shiro ignored him as she turned her head to look at her older sister, she said. "Onee-chan, make Onii-chan go with us during the tournament at our school as punishment."

Ketsueki raised her hand as a piece of chocolate flew into her palm, she glanced at her little brother and said. "Reiki you've heard her." He made his way toward the staircase and waved at her without looking back, Reiki said. "Yes, I'll make sure to attend it." Yuki had a mischievous smile on her face as she gave her friend a thumbs up while Mio tried to keep an ignorant expression. While walking up the stairs, Reiki thought. Why get plates when you only used them once?... He glanced to the right at Cherry who was oddly silent, he rubbed her belly using his index finger. Reiki said. "Cherry, thanks for putting up with my request."

He made it to the second floor and walked toward his room as Cherry let out a caw. Reiki opened the door leading to his room and closed it behind him. Cherry turned into a streak of white as she stood on the wooden bed frame. Reiki turned the light on and looked around the room with the bare necessities, he said. "This should be enough space more or less…" He walked toward the center of the room and took out the pouch from his pocket as Cherry let out a caw while flapping her wings.

Reiki nodded and said. "No, I didn't forget." He took out a paint stand, a wooden palette, a 30 by 40 blank canvas, every primary and secondary color of paint in tubes, and half a dozen brushes in different sizes. He continued. "Easel, palette, canvas, paint, and brushes." Cherry let out another caw as Reiki placed his hand back in the pouch again and took out large glass jars of preserved cherries. He took out a total of ten along with a handful of tissues, Reiki said. "Happy?" Cherry turned into a streak of shite as she jumped around the jars of cherries in excitement. Reiki thought. She is a bird… Right?... 

He placed the tissues on one of the jars and said. "Use these to place the stems." Cherry ignored him as she continued to hop around the jars. Reiki started setting up the easel and glanced at her, he continued. "You do know you're only eating one jar." Cherry turned into a streak of white as she landed on his right shoulder and let out a caw. Reiki gave her an odd look and said. "Can you even eat all of those? One for no two for yes." Cherry cawed at him twice while he finished setting up the easel, Reiki glanced at her and said. "Really?" Cherry cawed at him twice again in affirmation. Reiki shook his head, he said. "Cherry, the answer is still no. Now when I open one of those jars, let me paint in peace."