Kimihito was settled at the kitchen table, finishing his modest breakfast, attention on the television in the living room. The morning news were currently broadcasting, with regards to the Cultural Exchange Between Species Bill. It seemed as if it was quite some time ago that this was instigated, though these laws had been, in actuality, in effect for three years now. It was not rare to see liminals with host families every now and then, and he was genuinely pleased that this had come to be. Of course, Kimihito was not naive enough to believe that everyone would suddenly accept extraspecies because of this Bill. That was far too idealistic. However, it pained him to witness this, regardless of awareness. He would never understand just why it was they should be treated any different.

No sooner had he finished washing the plates, did the door bell ring, slicing through the silent, morning air, with strange clarity, and his brows stitched together. Who could it be? It would not be his parents, surely, for their flight was within the half hour, and as he pondered the probability of having received parcels in the mail, he answered the door with a cordial, welcoming smile.

"Good morning, how can I help you?" Kimihito offered, leaning against the door frame. But, whatever else he was to say, died in his throat.

His eyes locked onto a tall, comely woman with jet black hair, falling far past her shoulders. She wore similarly dark sunglasses, obscuring her eyes, though with the amused smile she sported, he knew she was eyeing him curiously. This lady wore a pristine, white dress-shirt, paired with a tie, blazer, skirt, stockings and heels, all of which were black. He did not dare to allow his eyes to linger for too long upon her legs, or her bosom, promptly shifting to the person standing next to what looked like a government official. Yes, it was already quite strange this lady was holding a clipboard and pen here, and looking expectantly at him, but what was truly captivating, was the girl. And Kimihito instantly realized that this "girl," was most certainly half human, and half snake.