1 Day after Shiro and Sora Defeat Jibril

Tap.

The clear sound of bamboo striking stone rang in the silence of the night, a continuous rhythm was preceded by splashing water.

Tap.

Amongst the passing stars, the only light that graced the darkened room was the dimmed light that reflected off of the glittering golden fur of a woman's fox-like tails, their luster rich and soft to the touch.

Tap.

The woman sat at the edge of an opened window, allowing the cool breeze of the bustling city to rush past her hair and comb her voluminous fur. She was lightly dressed, or rather, she allowed the expensive fabric of her intricate dress to slip past her dainty shoulders and shapely hips, instead of relishing in feeling the nightly chill on her bare limbs as her supple legs were temptingly stretched out to the side, the glitter of the city below her causing warm colors to dance upon her exposed skin. Her golden ears and tails quivered sensually as she breathed a careless yawn, the continuous ringing of bamboo and splashing water like a lullaby to her senses.

"So careless…", thought a concealed figure as they entered the room, keeping to the shadows cast by the vast walls of the open space, "…so defenseless."

However, the concealed figure thought better than to sneak up on the woman and instead made her way to the center of the chamber, prostrating herself before the golden fox maiden with practiced ease. That's right. The carelessness, the defenseless…was all an act. After all, the moment she had entered the confines of the fox maiden's room she had felt the crushing weight of her gaze on her, an acute awareness that was concealed well by the relaxed body language of the golden fox. The shadowed figure could not even make out a single odd movement in her Master's ears or nose, nothing to betray her knowledge of her subordinate's arrival. Yet she knew. She always knew.

"Izumi Ito…", her voice was as sensual as it was intimidating, both sweet and somehow sharp, "…what can you tell me of the Immanity."

In that instant, the concealed figure was reminded of her place in the world. A servant to a master. Ito's ears perked up at the mention of her name, though they remained tense as she readied herself for the report.

"…nothing Miko-sama. It was as if they fell from the sky, nothing is known of their past, neither family nor friends, not even a single acquaintance that could recognize them as being anything other than the King and Queen of the Immanity. Though with how quickly they have risen to power and gained control over not just an Elf, but a Flügel as well, it is impossible that an Immanity with such wit could have remained hidden beneath the surface until now. And if that is true, it also raises the question of why they chose precisely this moment to reveal themselves."

"You certainly praise these hairless monkeys for their luck."

"I recognize their oddity and nothing more than that, Miko-sama."

Miko's eyes narrowed behind her monocle as she regarded her attendant with a measuring gaze. Izumi Ito, the head of her Intelligence Division, seemed wary of the monkeys that had foolishly declared war on all races not a few days prior. She was young, so she could forgive her naiveté, but Miko had sent Izuna herself to deal with them on the morrow and deprive them of their right to Exceed once and for all. Still, if this was truly the extent of information Ito was able to gather on them, then they were surely a pair to keep an eye on for now. Their emergence was almost too convenient after all.

"No matter, dispatch somebody to observe them for now, but make sure to keep out of sight. Gathering information is not the priority but monitoring their actions is. They possess unknown technology that we have yet to discern their function of, so instruct them to keep their distance."

"Understood."

"As for you…", the golden fox let the last note linger on her lips as she briefly considered her next move, "…you mentioned that they were in possession of a Flügel."

Ito nodded soundlessly, her head performing the only movement as her entire body remained perfectly in place.

"Then it is time for us to expand our arsenal as well, don't you think~"

"…", the shadow-clad servant failed to grasp the meaning of her master's words, though she was spared the embarrassment of asking her intentions.

"You will infiltrate Avant Heim and learn what you can of the Flügel. We are already aware of the nature of their preferred game, yet can do nothing to challenge them when faced with their limitless wealth of knowledge. Find out a way to beat them in the game they so dearly love."

"…forgive my insolence, but why the sudden rush Miko-sama? It is uncommon for you to give me such a confrontational directive, least of all against a race like the Flügel."

"Oh my, is that what I seem like? It's nothing grand my dear, I am simply annoyed watching these uncivilized monkeys drag their winged prize around with them for all the world to see like a gloating chimp that managed to snatch a meal from a fox…", Miko explained as her pink lips parted to reveal a sharp-fanged smile, "…their arrogance is something I simply cannot stand."

Ito gulped at the suffocating sweetness of her master's smile, her beautiful expression not the least bit tainted by the wrath she concealed behind her perfect mask.

"Now then, leave me, Ito. You are free to take with you whatever you wish, though I expect you to return within the month to share your findings."

"Yes, Miko-sama!"

Accompanied by the hurried footsteps against the ground of woven grass, Ito disappeared from Miko's sight in a flash, leaving the golden fox alone with her thoughts once more.

Tap.

Bamboo struck the stone, following the sounds of splashing water. The stars traveled slowly across the illuminated sky, and silence returned to the world once more.

Author's Note

Ello there loves this is just a thing to test the waters who knows where this will go. But expect a schedule of at least uploading weekly. Also, this was Beta'd by the wonderful Origm2012! Go give him some love as well! The next chapter will have Ito's full appearance. See you folks later!