Time for a one-shot with Shion and Marry.
You all know why.
"I want to go outside!"
Marry stared at the window, watching the raindrops race each other.
Shion carried a book over to her daughter.
"It's raining out. You'll be soaked. Why not stay inside today?"
Shion's eyes had a certain warmth to them, one that masked her worry.
"But I never get to go outside, Okaa-san! Just this once?"
Shion shook her head.
"How about I tell you a story?"
Marry considered this for a while. She had already read every book her mother owned.
"Well, maybeeee... but I really want to go outside!"
Shion looked through the dripping panes of glass.
The window gave her the reassurance that she could protect the 1/4 medusa for another day.
"Now, Marry. You promised me you wouldn't go outside until you grow up."
Marry grabbed the older medusa's hand.
"I know, Okaa-san, but maybe you could come out with me!"
Shion closed her eyes so tears wouldn't betray her soft smile.
"Marry, I have a new story to tell you."
Marry looked at Shion with wide eyes.
"There are no princesses or monsters in this one. That okay?"
Marry nodded.
"I know I've told you how bad humans can be, but they have one tradition I'd like you to hear about. One that takes place today, Marry."
"Is it the one with the guy in the funny suit?"
Shion shook her head.
"The one with the bunny?"
Another shake of the mother medusa's head.
"You see, Marry... around this time each year, there is a holiday."
Marry stared intently at her mother, eager to hear the rest of the story.
"And on that day, the little human children take the day to spend time with their Kaa-san. You see, the reason I don't want you to go today is... I want you to spend time with me today, Marry."
...
Marry decided she wouldn't go outside today.
Staring at the window, dripping with rain, Shion found herself wishing it would rain forever.
She smiled to herself, holding her sleeping daughter in her arms.