Author's Note: Konnichiwa~ Rakurai desu~

I'm surprised I still have the strength to keep on writing.

Again, if there are any grammatical errors, I'm truly sorry. English is not my native language so there's nothing I can do about them. However, if there are any errors, feel free to tell them to me.

Here are the things that I've done research on for this particular story:-Flava: Golden hair or Golden in Latin

Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything other than the storyline.

Please enjoy!

"She's so cute!" Hanayo squealed as the whole gang crowded around the mini Nico look-alike.

"Heh, heh, of course! She's Nico Nii's little sister after all!" Nico snorted conceitedly.

Hanayo and Rin was fussing over how adorable Kokoro was while the others agreed with just as much enthusiasm. As Nico boasted about her sister, the other almost completely ignored her. Maki, however, would sometimes threw in sardonic remarks about how polite the little sister was compared to the older one. Hence, Nico would chased the redhead around with frustrated shouts of her own.

"At least I'm much better than someone who couldn't even watch what she's saying." Nico shot a glare at the redhead. Maki only shrugged and smugly looked away.

"How come she's so well-behaved and you're not, nya?" Rin grinned.

"Hey! I am well-behaved!" Nico retorted.

"No, you're not." Maki disagreed.

Another pointless squabble occurred for about two to three minutes or so. Nozomi had to step in again to stop them.

"Nee-chan!" Another kid with dark hazelnut hair rushed out from inside the house. She was smaller than Kokoro but she ran with great vigour and jumped right into her sister's open arms. Right behind her was a boy with hair colour similar to Nico, who carried a wooden hammer toy in his hand, trotting towards his three older sisters.

Nico enclosed them both in a tight hug. A huge smile on her face. She then pulled away to take a good look at them after not seeing them for so long.

"Nee-chan! Nee-chan! I've helped Mama look after Cotarou with Kokoro-nee-chan!" Cocoa said with a huge grin.

"And I'd helped with housework and cooking for Cocoa and Cotarou!" Kokoro added with a grin of her own.

Nico didn't think she could smile any wider than this. Even so, she was overjoyed to hear her sisters were doing more than well. What's more, they also helped Mama with the chores and taking care of themselves. Pride was filling her chest as she gazed at them.

She embraced them once again. This was where she belonged and she couldn't be happier anywhere else. For a moment, she felt like tears were starting to form at the corner of her eyes. But she held them back. She can't cry, not in front of them. She needed to be strong for their sakes. Besides, what kind of hero would cry?

"I'm so proud of you all. Now that's my siblings!" Nico grinned, feeling the stinging feeling in her eyes.

Somewhere along the moment, Eli felt a tinge of jealousy towards the Yazawa sisters as she witnessed their merry little reunion. She watched them with a small smile of her own; anyone would assumed that she's smiling along with the sisters with that smile of hers. But a certain purple-haired girl who was watching her the whole time was able to notice the oddity of it.

The heartfelt reunion didn't last long though. When Cotarou finally notice Nico's companions, he held up his wooden hammer and pointed towards them.

"Apprentices." Said Cotarou, snots dripping from his nose. His voice sounded dull yet his words were like a definite statement.

As soon as the word 'apprentices' left his lips, a certain raven-haired girl flinched. Initially, everyone was bemused at what he just said. However, it only took a moment for everyone's cogs to work to immediately understand what he meant.

Kokoro just had to go and make it worse.

"Yes, you're all Nee-chan's apprentices, right? She took everyone under her wings so that someday you can become true heroines!" Kokoro said, her eyes practically glowing.

"Apprentices." Maki repeated, her brow twitching.

"I didn't realise I needed to be taken under Nico's wings to become a hero." Eli said, her expression's the same as Maki's.

"Are we really like that to you, Nico-chan?" Rin said disapprovingly.

"Nico-chan…" Hanayo said, her face fell.

As for Nozomi, she said nothing as she gave a disapproving shake of her head.

Everyone was throwing reproving glares at her. Nico could only hide behind her siblings, hoping they would let this go. Maki was about to demand answers from her until a woman's voice came from inside the house, calling Nico's name.

"Nico?" A woman with ebony hair tied into a neat bun and ruby eyes decorating her aged face stepped out from the door. There weren't that much wrinkles on her face, yet the maturity she carried was evident. It was shown through the way she presented herself and how she came off as, like she spent so much time working and taking care of her kids that she rarely got time for herself.

Nico was looking at her with an overwhelmed expression, almost as if she could burst into tears right away.

"Mama…" Said Nico. "I'm…"

Her mother took small steps towards her instead of running like her siblings did. She couldn't believe her eyes. Nico being home is too much of a dream to be real.

"I'm sorry, I should have visited. I should have come home at least once. I… I'm…" Nico fumbled for her words.

When she glanced up, her mother encompassed her in a tight embrace. At this very moment, there was nothing but the mutual understanding between mother and daughter. As Nico hugged her back, she could hear her mother sniffing subtly. She knew what her mother was thinking. Her Nico is home. Her Nico has finally come home.

Everyone's hearts melted at the sight. Maki only huffed, then a smile gradually found its way onto her face. Eli couldn't help but smile as well. The only one who watched them with an unreadable expression was Nozomi. Her expression was neutral, as if none of it was her concern. However, it could be something else.

It took awhile for her mother to finally let her go. In spite of that, Nico didn't mind. She was more than gratified to be in her mother's arms again after so long.

"How have you been, Nico? Are you taking care of yourself properly? I hope you're not too caught up in wiping out bandits that you've forgotten all about eating." Mrs. Yazawa bombarded her with questions.

Nico chuckled at her mother's overly worried state. She was never one to be looked after by her mother. If it's anything, it's always her and her mother's role to look after her siblings. Nico was independent enough to take care of the house and her siblings. For that reason, Mrs. Yazawa never has to worry too much about anything. And definitely not about her.

Nevertheless, that is a different story when Nico was gone these last few months. Any mother would be worried to death when their daughter decided to up and leave so they can fight for the greater good. It is to be expected that fighting for a good cause was never a safe path to follow; much less become a hero. That path is even more perilous.

"I'm fine, Mama. You don't have to be so worried." Nico assured her.

"How could I not worry? Especially when you decided to chase those that have taken your father from us…" Mrs. Yazawa's voice trailed off.

The smile on her face was soon replaced by a frown. Nico couldn't helped but remember the dreadful night again at her mother's mention. She considered that night as one of the worse nights of her life. Now, she's reminded of it again. It's not like her mother isn't aware of how she feels. Mrs. Yazawa knows. She's well-aware of how Nico thinks of that night, although she couldn't just not mention it. She already lost her husband, she's not going to lose her daughter too.

"I know, Mama. You don't want to lose me." Nico said, a sorrowful look on her face. "You already lost the man of your life. It'd pained you if you lose your daughter."

"…" Mrs. Yazawa gazed at her with a mournful expression. This wasn't how she planned to greet her daughter home. The depression was not something one would want in a reunion. Yet she couldn't help but be worried.

"Even so, you don't need to worry," Nico hugged her again, "because you won't lose me."

"I know. You've said that before." Her mother said, a somewhat defeated tone evident in her voice.

"You should believe me when I said I'll make you proud, Mama." Nico said.

Her mother pulled away when she said that. As she searched Nico's face for any hesitation, Mrs. Yazawa saw none. Nico was determined to become a hero. It has been her whole life's dream to become a renowned heroine. One that would have a reputation stretched as far and wide as the vast lands. Her mother's opinion on her dream was against it initially. The danger of such a life… Of course, it would definitely bring many benefits. Wealth. Fame. Fortune. But those things weren't as precious to her as her daughter.

Nonetheless, she couldn't convinced Nico otherwise. She was dead set on becoming a hero and there's nothing her mother could do but hope for her safe return.

"You already made me proud, Nico." Her mother cupped her face in her hands. "Now, let's get you inside the house to warm up."

"Wait, Mama," Nico tugged her hand, "let me introduce you to my friends."

"Friends?" Mrs. Yazawa was a little surprised at what she said. Ever since she was a little girl, all Nico ever did was helping around the house and causing trouble for the villagers. She was never one for friends.

"Yes, Mama. They've helped me take care of the bandits." Nico smiled.

As Mrs. Yazawa glanced over to where her companions were. She scanned each girls with an observant eye. She had known Nozomi before. She was the one who saved her little girls from the bandits. When she looked at Nozomi, the girl smiled and gave a bow. Although this girl may came off as mysterious, she's still a kind girl. A very considerate one too. Mrs. Yazawa put her trust into Nozomi a lot more than she think she does. Somehow, just looking at Nozomi would put her at ease.

Next are the newcomers. The first girl with hair so red that it would give the magnificent sunset a run for its money. The second girl whose eyes are kind and gracious with a soft smile; her hair was that of the beautiful, soft brown that would remind you of the trees from the forest. The third girl with ginger locks who was like a cat filled with energy and liveliness.

Mrs. Yazawa eyes flashed over to the last of them. Now this was a face she never knew she'd see again.

"I never thought I'd see you again." Mrs. Yazawa said, smiling at the blonde.

"Nice to see that you're well, Yazawa-san." Eli smiled as well.

This was the first time Mrs. Yazawa saw the Flava Vigilante's face. All she ever saw from the girl was her golden strands. Even so, she still recognised her. It goes without saying that her hair has a certain charm to it, but the most striking feature on her was her eyes. Mrs. Yazawa felt like she was peering into the deepest blue ocean through the girl's sky blue orbs. Last time she had seen the girl, she hadn't really noticed the sorrowful look this girl carried. Perhaps it's all due to the concealment this girl used to clothe herself with before.

How odd. Why is it that this girl looked so sorrowful? Mrs. Yazawa thought as she gazed at said girl. She's smiling at her yet her smile wasn't that joyful. What an honest girl. Mrs. Yazawa mused. Even her smile stayed true to her feelings.

"I see you're running with a new crowd these days." Mrs. Yazawa remarked.

"I've dealt with them along with everyone's help." Eli responded. "I can't tell you how sorry I am for your husb–"

"Don't!" Mrs. Yazawa interjected. She was surprised at her own harshness. Still, she quickly composed herself. "Don't bring up old stories like that anymore. It was inevitable."

"You're still as gracious as you always have, Yazawa-san." Eli commented, her eyes downcast.

"…" Mrs. Yazawa said nothing as she gazed at the girl. Right now, she couldn't even tell if she's vengeful or feeling betrayed by this girl. She had saved her family from famine more times than she could count. How can she possibly hate this girl for what its worth?

That being said, loosing her husband was truly a big loss to her and her family. She may have lost her husband, but for her children, they've lost a father. She really don't know how to treat this girl right now.

Suddenly, Nozomi asked her out of no where.

"Yazawa-san, how do you know she's not the one who harmed him?" Nozomi asked, her expression's impartial.

"I just know." She answered. "How can someone who had helped our family so many times over do something like that? It's unthinkable."

"Then that's what you're truly feeling right now, aren't you Yazawa-san?" Nozomi smiled knowingly.

"What?" Mrs. Yazawa uttered, quite confused with what Nozomi's saying. However, it soon clicked inside her head as what Nozomi said became clear. That truly was what she's feeling. Trust. Belief. And maybe a favourable feeling for the blonde. She didn't believe what happened was the blonde's fault and continued on trusting her, despite the villagers' disappearances.

Mrs. Yazawa smiled warmly at Nozomi.

"Thank you, Nozomi-san." She thanked her.

"Anytime, Yazawa-san." Nozomi said as she smiled back in response. Meanwhile, Eli gave her an arched brow, scrutinising her every actions.

"Mama, I'll explain everything that has happened." Nico said.

"Of course, but for now, let's get you all inside and I'll whip up a warm meal for you, okay?" Her mother smiled at her.

"Mama, you don't have to…" Nico said, though the warm feeling was already spreading throughout her chest.

"My daughter just returned home. You gotta have to let me pamper her once in a while." Mrs. Yazawa said, winking at her daughter. Nico couldn't help but let the broad grin she had been holding back spread out on her face.

It was absurdly quick how Mrs. Yazawa managed to whip up a delicious steaming hot beef stew for the gang. Nico was used to seeing her mother cooking since she already knew what an excellent cook she was. The others, however, were amazed at how fast she made the meal and how exquisite her cooking was. They kept throwing praises at her and asked for more portion. On Nico's part, to be able to taste her mother's cooking again was like a dream come true. She had longed for this since the first month she left for her bandit quest. Though she never got the chance to return.

She was busy fending off bandits from coming to the village and Nozomi needed to be protected. She may be a powerful witch but she's still useless when she runs out of mana. Nico sighed in content. How much she had wanted to revel in the warmth of her home. How much she had wanted to see her three little siblings. How much she had wanted to see her dear mother. At this very moment, those things were being fulfilled and she couldn't have felt more blessed than now.

"So are you going to stay home, Nico?" Mrs. Yazawa asked, as she served another portion to a perky Rin bouncing up and down for another bowl of beef stew.

"No, Mama. I'm leaving again." Nico said, feeling a little guilty inside having said that.

"Again? Where are you going?" Her mother asked worriedly.

"I'm traveling to Otonokizaka, Mama." Nico replied.

Little did Nico know that as soon as the word 'Otonokizaka' left her mouth, a particular blonde-haired girl flinched. That reaction did not go unnoticed by another particular purple-haired witch. Nozomi eyed her suspiciously but Eli didn't seem to notice her. She's too focus with stirring her stew to even know.

"I see…" Mrs. Yazawa said. "Then you'll need supplies?"

"…yes, Mama." Nico verified. This was also one of the many things about her mother that she was used to. Her mother is a very understanding woman. Just a few words and she already grasped the circumstances at hand. Speaking of which, Nico hasn't relayed the whole story about the Flava Vigilante yet.

"You stay here and I'll go gather up some food for you." Mrs. Yazawa said, walking to the back door.

As she waited for her mother, Eli spoke up.

"You have such a wonderful mother, Nico." Eli remarked.

"I do. I'm blessed to have her as my mother." Nico smiled at her words.

"…" Eli watched her with a solemn look, saying nothing more. She was contradicting herself. She didn't know why she said that, it just came impulsively. Eli glanced down into her own bowl and she frowned. Eli was unaware that the whole deed was being witnessed by Nozomi.

When her mother returned, Nico relayed everything about Eli and what happened to her during the two years period retailing her absence. Her mother was shocked to hear what had happened to Eli. Consequently, she profusely expressed her sympathy for her and wished for her to get through her pain of being betrayed by her brothers and sisters. Eli thanked her for that, saying she'll manage. Their whole talk about Eli turned out to be quite emotional, with Eli uttering nothing but "Thank you for your concern but I'm fine".

The night went on. Their conversation has went back to its normal atmosphere and no more sentimental moments were instigated. They didn't want to prod the problem anymore since Eli's expression was turning sourer each time they said something about her brethren. They decided it is best not to hurt her anymore than she already was. Well, this was mainly Nozomi's advice.

Everyone decided to retire for the night as Mrs. Yazawa said she needed to rest early for farm work tomorrow, though Nico's three little siblings insisted that she tell them about her triumphant victory over the bandits no matter what. So, they all stayed up together except for Nico's mother, with Nico being the storyteller, her siblings the intent listeners and her friends the audience. They all gathered around the small fireplace in Nico's cosy home.

"…I took out a whole bunch of bandits and freed our trapped friends." Nico concluded, a smugly-looking smile on her face.

"I knew you could do it, Nee-chan!" Kokoro beamed. "As expected of our Nee-chan, the No.1 hero in world!"

"Yeah, she shot a berserk bomb and took them all out without lifting a finger!" Cocoa added.

"Berserk bomb." Cotarou echoed, swinging his hammer.

Nico smiled proudly at them. As the three cheered for their big sister, Maki–who has been listening to Nico's version of the story–wore the ugliest expression she could make. If she's capable of making an ugly face at all.

"What?" Nico scoffed, getting irritated as she looked at Maki.

"Nothing, I was just thinking how incredibly humorous your version of the story was. It's so damn funny, I think I'm having a stomach ache right now." Maki said, feigning holding her stomach in pain.

Nico gritted her teeth, trying her best to compose herself.

"Maki," Nico began, "it is not nice being sarcastic to people, you know?"

"And it's not nice taking all the credit to yourself, you know?" Maki said sarcastically.

"Oh, everything Nico just said were all true, weren't they? Why would Nico do something like 'taking all the credit'? Though, in all honesty, I really did take care of it. You only helped, Maki-chan." Nico said in a sing-song voice.

"Only helped?" Maki echoed. "If I'm not there in the battlefield fighting alongside you, you'll be outnumbered by bandits, even with your powerful berserk bomb."

"–!" Nico tried to find anything to make a comeback but Maki's logic was unbeatable. She bit her lips in frustration as she glowered at Maki. Maki only shrugged while a smug grin finds its way onto her face. Who knew picking on Nico would be so much fun?

"Anyway, as I was saying," Nico glared at Maki, "that's what happened while we were out fighting bandits."

"And now you're leaving for another quest, Nee-chan?" Cocoa asked.

"Of course, she's leaving for Otonokizaka. The kingdom of Peace." Kokoro answered for her.

"The kingdom of Peace?" Cocoa repeated, arching her eyebrow. "If it's called the kingdom of Peace then there won't be any kind of challenges that Nee-chan would find there."

"You don't know anything, Cocoa. I've heard that Otonokizaka aren't what it's like anymore these past few months. Famine, poverty and diseases are reigning the land right now." Kokoro explained.

"Really?" Maki asked incredulously. She couldn't believe the kingdom that she'd heard so much about when she was a kid would be so devastated.

"I'm not so sure if that's all there is, but I do know something that you might be interested in." Kokoro said.

"We're listening." Nozomi urged.

"This is just a rumour, but people near the border have been gossiping about the princess of Otonokizaka kingdom. They say that she went missing." Kokoro whispered, like what she's saying is a very deep dark secret that isn't just for anyone's ear.

"Went missing?" Hanayo asked, her face slowly turned pale. "How could she just disappear?"

"I don't know… that's all I've heard." Kokoro said despondently. "I'm sorry, Nee-chan. If only I knew more, I could have helped you with your journey."

"It's alright, Kokoro. You did more than enough. If you hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known about the princess' disappearance anyway." Nico smiled, patting her head. "You did an excellent job."

"Nee-chan…" Kokoro was touched as she glanced up to Nico with glistening eyes.

"Besides, your sister's right, Cocoa. If it's a new land, then there's bound to be trouble. So don't worry, I would surely bring back some trophies." Nico grinned broadly.

"If it's you, Nee-chan then it's a definite!" Kokoro claimed confidently.

"Go out there and kicks some monsters' butts, Nee-chan!" Cocoa exclaimed excitedly.

"Monsters." Cotarou said, flailing his hammer.

"Will do." Nico winked. "Now then, it's time for bed, the three of you."

She led the three of them to their bedrooms to tuck them in bed, leaving her companions behind. Maki was curious as to why Nozomi kept on staring at Eli. Throughout Nico's storytelling session, Nozomi didn't pay attention to anyone other than the blonde. She inspected her every move, to which it disturbed Maki profoundly. What's so interesting about the blonde that got her attention?

On Eli's part, she was silent the whole time. Not a single word was contributed to the story by her, although she was part of it. Eli only sat looking at the fireplace with a serious expression on her features, nothing more.

After a moment, Nico came back.

"Well, it's late and we need to rest for an early leaving. I'll give you some bedrolls to sleep." Nico gestured to the storage room in the back.

"I'll help, nya!" Rin volunteered.

"I–I'll be helping too." Hanayo piped.

"Alright, just keep it down. You'll wake the kids." Nico scolded Rin as they disappeared through the back door.

Only Maki, Eli and Nozomi were left in the living room.

"Should we talk about which route we need to travel?" Eli spoke up for the first time since her talk with Mrs. Yazawa.

"We'll discuss it tomorrow. I don't think it's best to discuss this without everyone." Said Maki, suppressing a yawn with her hand.

"If you say so." Eli trailed off.

Nozomi was looking weirdly at her. Only now did Eli notice Nozomi staring at her. She arced her brow questioningly at her but Nozomi only shook her head and looked away. Bemused, Eli threw confused looks at her but Nozomi refused to look at her anymore.

When Nico, Hanayo and Rin returned with the bedrolls, everyone laid out their bedrolls and finally retired for the night. Rin and Hanayo was already fast asleep. There wasn't a single sound from them, but Nico and Nozomi were still awake as she called out for Nico in a hushed voice.

"Nicocchi, are you asleep?" Nozomi asked.

"What is it, Nozomi?" Nico said, obviously annoyed.

"Seems like your wish will come true pretty soon." Nozomi chuckled.

Little did they know, Maki and Eli were also awake as well. Though they kept their silence as they listened to the other two's conversation.

Wish? What wish? Maki thought as she pondered about what Nozomi said. Seemed like their little talk about Nico's wish has piqued Maki's curiosity. As for Eli, she only listened.

"Don't be too hopeful. This is just the start. It's nothing too grand to make my wish come true." Nico huffed.

"Why do you say that, Nicocchi? If you're not aware, it could be the start of something enormous." Nozomi smiled.

"It's just us bringing them to Otonokizaka, right? There's nothing heroic in that. Not to mention we're fugitives now that we've helped them." Nico scowled at her own words. Yeah, they're not heroines. They're fugitives. Criminals who are being hunted by the King himself.

"Maybe. However, you could never know what the future will have in store for us." Nozomi said wisely.

"…" Nico didn't make any comment about Nozomi's statement. It was always her thing to be 'full of wisdom'. As for Nico, she didn't want to think much about going to Otonokizaka. To her, becoming a fugitive was already over for her. There's not much point in becoming a hero now that she's a wanted fugitive. People see what they want to see. They aren't going to see things the way she sees it. Once a fugitive, always a fugitive. People aren't going to appreciate a criminal. That's how Nico interpreted it.

"You may think that it's pointless to think much of coming to another kingdom and you won't bring back any trophy for your siblings. I'll tell you it is best not to think that way and just be optimistic. Who knows? Something might come your way." Nozomi said, her tone cheerful.

"Just go to sleep, Nozomi. We have a rough journey to start tomorrow." Nico grumbled, turning the other way, away from Nozomi.

Nozomi sighed. The smile she had been carried dropped off her face. Nico is obstinate and it takes more than just words to change her ideals. She knew Nico was bothered by the fact that they're coming to the kingdom of Peace. That little merry facade she wore before her siblings moments ago was just to hide what she really felt. Nico was disappointed to come to Otonokizaka of all places. Said kingdom was the dreamland of many people but not people who loves adventures like Nico.

It is said that Otonokizaka's ruler, Queen Minami, who is fair and kind, has always put her people's priority on top of her own needs. She looks after her people, listens to their cries for help and gives them an audience for their troubles. Therefore, the land has always been brimming with life and joy. Her majesty's subjects have always held her in high esteem due to how much she cared after them. From there sprouted new beneficial sequence of results. Since her people's living standards were so much better than the neighbouring kingdoms, the land's crop was also much more abundant than other kingdoms. So much that it created food surpluses all year round due to better productivity.

However, her majesty's kindness didn't stop there. She strongly urged the people to look after one another, mostly by helping out the poor with food surpluses if they could. Those who went against that and hoped to gain wealth to themselves would be severely punished if they were to harm others for their needs. Unexpectedly, her laws were also widely accepted since they were just and unbiased. Rewards for the righteous and punishes for the wrong. That's her policy.

There were so many great things about the Queen that Nozomi had heard about. Meeting someone like that would be nice, if she could that is. To have an audience with a ruler who actually cared for her kingdom is not something to be taken for granted. Alas, Nozomi is still but a witch. She's not some Duchess or Princess. Moreover, most people are prejudiced towards witches. How could she hoped to see the Queen?

Since that's how peaceful and safe Otonokizaka Kingdom was, it is the place where Nico least wanted to come. It is a place fit for people who wish to settle down and live a normal life, but not Nico. She thirsts for adventures, heroic deeds.

That being said, Nozomi really believed there's something waiting for them once they stepped foot into Otonokizaka.

As everyone waited for Nico, Nozomi pulled out her staff and gave it a circular swing. Magical horses materialised from thin air as she laid her staff down next to her side. The stallions with smooth, jet black furs bore the most ethereal pairs of fiery blue eyes. Their manes and tails were like scorching fire dancing on the bonfire of a festive day. The only surreal thing about that fire was how its colour was an aquamarine one. How similar they looked to an ocean of flames.

"Nya…" Rin exclaimed, her breath taken away.

"See something you like, Rin-chan?" Nozomi chuckled at Rin's astonishment. Though she knew fully well what had the cat-like girl so caught up with.

"How do you make these horses, Nozomi-chan?" Rin asked.

"Hm? It's actually not that hard, although it does take a lot of magical powers to summon them." Nozomi huffed, gasping for breath.

Meanwhile, Nico was saying her goodbyes to her mother.

"Mama, I'll come back as soon as I can." Nico said, holding her mother's hands in her own.

Before the first ray of sunlight could even touch the village in the grey shade of dawn, Nico and everyone else have already awakened and packed their luggage, getting ready for their journey. Therefore, the carriage was ready. Before they depart, Nozomi asked everyone to give Nico some time to say goodbyes to her family.

"Protect yourself no matter what, Nico." Mrs. Yazawa choked.

"I will." Nico could feel her mother's hands shaking in hers. She was trying not to cry in front of her daughter but Nico knew, her heart was breaking into thousand pieces, afraid of letting go of her hand.

Her siblings weren't outside. They were still inside, sleeping peacefully. Nico didn't want to wake them up because she's afraid as well. Afraid that she'll no longer have the guts to leave once she saw them. Goodbyes was a really hard thing to deal with after all.

"Please give them my regards, Mama." Nico murmured, her head hung low.

"I will." Mrs. Yazawa promised.

"…well then, I'll be going, Mama." Nico said.

Mrs. Yazawa sighed, then she reached out and raised Nico's chin up. Tears were brimming at the corner of her eyes. Nico was trying so hard to hold back her tears.

"Nico, it's okay to cry." Mrs. Yazawa smiled sadly at her.

"I… I'm sorry, Mama." Nico bursted out in tears. "I don't know when I'll be back. I honestly don't know."

Her mother pulled her into a tight hug. As she laid her chin atop Nico's head, she listened to Nico's hiccups every time she sniffled. She wanted to cry too. Yet, right now, no tears threatened to fall as she listened to her daughter crying. She felt strangely calm. Though, at the same time, she felt so frail.

"It's okay, Nico. I know you'll come home, no matter what. You have always been true to your words. So, I know you'll return." Her mother whispered.

"But I'm…" Nico let go of her. However, Mrs. Yazawa shushed her with her finger.

"You have the ribbons I gave you, haven't you?" Mrs. Yazawa smiled reassuringly. "Just remember, as long as you have them with you, you'll have me along with you. Your siblings too. They are the things that connect you with us. Don't forget that."

How could she possibly forget? The very ribbons that she wore right at that moment was a gift from her siblings and her mother. Her siblings choose the ribbons and her mother bought it for her. They knew how much Nico wanted to be cute in people's eyes. It was an innate trait she could never change. It was something that she had become attached to when she was young. A keepsake from her beloved family.

"I'll never forget, Mama. Thank you." Said Nico, feeling a newfound courage being breathed into her soul after hearing her mother's words.

"Good. Now go, and be safe, Nico." Mrs. Yazawa let go of her daughter's hand.

Nico walked back to where the carriage and her friends were currently waiting for her. As she walked, she would frequently turned around to look at her mother's face. Doubt and uncertainty was written all over Nico's face. She didn't want to part just yet, although at this point it's meaningless to keep saying goodbyes.

Nico climbed onto the carriage front seat, where Maki was sitting. Maki was already holding the reins, ready to depart at any moment. A cue from Nico and she'd pull the reins. Then, Nico turned her head over to Maki and nodded, after she had given her mother one final look. As Maki nodded back, they are now on their way.

Author's Note: Like usual, it'll be a long time before a new chap is updated again, until then everyone!

Well, you probably know from the story. To this point, Nico seemed to be hiding how she truly feels when she's coming to Otonokizaka. And there's still some more distrust amongst them, folks!

If you find this story to your liking then by all means tell me all about it. Comments and reviews about the story is most welcomed. Thank you!

Until next time, Rakurai deshita~!