Mikoto stepped into the changing room, her eyes widening at the array of fine fabrics. Silks and other light materials hung on racks and draped over wooden forms, their colors shimmering in soft light. As she ran her fingers along a nearby bolt of silk, catching her breath as memories of shopping trips with Anastasia and the members of her household came flooding back.
Little misaka said, "Ooh, fancy. I Bet Anastasia would love this stuff. Maybe we can snag some for her." it was slight, but the corners of Mikoto's mouth etched up ever so. "I bet she would."
"This is incredible," she murmured. Hoping to contain her excitement and other emotions. "I've never felt anything like it." Her fingers lingered on the fabric, reluctant to break contact. "How did you get such … materials here?"
Aikko approached, pride evident in her voice. Her eyes, however, held a flicker of concern as she observed Mikoto's demeanor. "Well, according to Mother, Father was quite the collector when they were on Earth. Silkworms were among the many things he brought with them."
Mikoto's eyebrows rose in surprise, momentarily jolted from her bittersweet reverie. "Silkworms? Here?"
"Silkworms? Great. More creepy crawlies in this weird world," little misaka grumbled.
Aikko nodded, then paused, her expression shifting slightly. "But… this realm had a rather odd effect on them."
"Odd? How so?" Mikoto asked, her curiosity piqued despite herself.
"according to mother and father, They tend to grow very large here," Aikko explained, a small frown forming. "It affected the silk they produced. The fibers became thicker and stronger. It took our weavers some time to adapt their techniques."
Mikoto recoiled slightly. "Giant silkworms?" she repeated, her voice quivering.
"We are talking Mothra?!" little misaka butted in. "That's some big silkworm, then."
Aikko quickly added, noticing Mikoto's reaction, "Don't worry, you won't have to interact with them. We have specialized handlers for that."
"We've discovered a few species of bugs in this realm that create silk as well, certain spiders included," Aikko continued. "Their silk has unique properties–some even rival the strength of steel."
"Okay, I'm saying it…" Little Misaka shivered. "Ain't dealing with no spiders!"
Mikoto's shoulders relaxed at the reassurance about the silkworms, only to tense again moments later. "And what about the spiders you mentioned?" she asked, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve.
"They're kept in a separate facility," Aikko reassured her. "You won't encounter them either."
As they spoke, the Kitsune attendants approached Mikoto, each carrying different samples of fabric. They guided her behind a screen, expertly helping her into various outfits. Mikoto stood still, her mind a whirlwind of fascination and homesickness. As each new garment settled onto her skin, she couldn't help but appreciate the quality of the craftsmanship, even as her thoughts drifted to similar experiences with her friends back home. Ruiko, Uiharu and even Kuroko.
Slipping into a deep blue outfit that shifted colors as it moved, Mikoto caught her reflection in a mirror. For a moment, she could almost hear Anastasia's excited voice complimenting her choice. The silence that followed felt deafening.
"It's strange," she mused, her voice barely audible, "to think something so beautiful comes from creatures I'd usually avoid. I guess there's a lesson in that, isn't there?"
"hmm. Kinda like us, huh? Beautiful and dangerous," little misaka reflected, " we got layers."
Aikko smiled, her gaze reflecting a deep understanding. "Indeed, there is. Sometimes, the most unexpected sources can yield the most wonderful results."
Mikoto ran her hands over the silk draped across her shoulders. "I must admit," she said, "the result is truly breathtaking."
As Mikoto studied her reflection, the weight of her journey settled over her like a heavy cloak. The silk beneath her fingers represented the wonder of her new surroundings and the ache of what she'd left behind. Taking a deep breath, Mikoto squared her shoulders and admired the craftmanship of her outfit. "Each thread has a story, doesn't it?" she asked softly, her words heavy.
Aikko nodded, her eyes filled with compassion. "Indeed, it does. Now, shall we see how another one looks on you?"
Mikoto nodded, grateful for the distraction. As the attendants brought another garment, she found herself wondering what the future may hold for her and the others.
"Round two! Let's see if we can find something that screams 'interdimensional vampire chic," little misaka quipped.
Deep shadows covered the valley, the second sun gone beyond the horizon. One by one, small fires appeared, like beacons of warmth protecting from the growing darkness. She smiled softly, a warmth spreading across her cheeks as she noted the fires and the stars emerging in the sky.
"Reminds me of fireflies," little misaka mused, sitting in her favorite oversized chair. Hanging around her were large screens showing the speckles of the garden and the valley below. Another shows the magnetic pulses, building a three-map, and the other searches for portal signatures.
Dressed in a black kimono, with her hair elegantly swept up and held by a single silver kanzashi pin tipped with a delicate star-shaped ornament. Mikoto walked, keeping her thoughts to herself. Beside her, Aikko, a fox not to be outdone in fashion, wore a gold and crimson kimono with the flames of a rising phoenix, signifying her high rank among the kitsune, a golden comb inlaid of fiery opals nestled in her hair. The other kitsune followed close behind.
Mikoto gazed at the sky. Without thinking, she whispered," The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" The tone was as soft as a breeze. "Tsuki ga kirei desu ne," little misaka whispered back. This celestial beauty, this moment, stirred something within her. And it ached. It was happening more than usual. The memories came back. This garden was so earth-like she couldn't hold them back.
She remembered Anastasia would call her to the balcony on nights of the full moon. The gossamer curtains dance in the night air. Anastasia was beautiful, almost compelling her to come over. She stood there, with the clear night sky, bright stars, and the moon lighting her up.
A twig snapped and jolted Mikoto from her reverie. She looked from the night sky to Aikko, who was glaring at one of the other kitsune. Who bowed her head and apologized for disturbing the solitude of the walk.
Mikoto breathed in cool air, her words turning to fog. "The night always seems to chase away the heat so quickly here," she said, pulling her kimono tighter.
Aikko's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Feeling a little chilly, my lady?" she replied, her tail swishing playfully behind her. "Perhaps we should take some time, and I could warm you up," she added, grinning.
"Oh please," little misaka rolled her eyes. The beautiful woman was walking toward her, holding a tray and refreshments. "Tell her we prefer our heat from a tall six-foot blond babe with a rack that could act as a life preserver." She grinned. The beautiful woman stopped. She looked down at her modest chest and pouted." not me…she does," little misaka pointed up. The beautiful woman smiled and walked over. "Nice save." She said, handing her a drink.
Mikoto sighed, looking to the sky. "There is always one in the crowd. Isn't there?" she raised an eyebrow but couldn't hide her smile. "I'm quite alright, thank you," she said, turning her attention to the valley. "Look at those fires,"
The sight reminded her of nights in the forest with her and the wolves. The flames lit up the forest, shadows dancing about as wolves told stories and stretched the truth. The arguments and blustering fill the forest.
"Nothing better than playing tag while riding on the backs of wolves," little misaka said, sitting in her favorite oversized chair. The beautiful woman sitting snug by her side, with her head in the crux of her neck.
"Beautiful," Aikko agreed, though her eyes were fixed on Mikoto. "You know… there's a ledge not far from here. It juts out over the valley, perfect for dangling your feet over the edge of the world."
"Sounds precarious," Mikoto said.
Aikko laughed, covering her mouth with her long sleeve. "that's half the fun, but oh, the view at twilight is magical. The sky bleeds into the earth, and for a moment, you can't tell where one ends and the other begins." she sighed dreamily, "but not unlike sunrise. Those in-between times, when the world holds its breath…"
Mikoto took a soft breath. " Yes…" she whispered. "Those in-between times when the world holds its breath," her eyes glazed, staring into nothing. "She looked so beautiful," she whispered. Anastasia." The ache settled deep in her chest. She pulled her lip into her mouth, biting and holding it tight. Blood seeped around her fangs as she swallowed.
She pinched the silk between her fingers. The sharp edges of her fingernails were a mistake away from shredding it. Mikoto closed her eyes, imagining Anastasia twirling in a new dress. The joy on her face, the laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled like the stars above.
That familiar warmth and joy filled her, and then reality ripped her away from her moment, pulling her back to reality. It was the clack of a shishi odoshi somewhere, its long bamboo filling with water and falling against the wood. She quickly released the fabric, and her eyes flashed with fury. The bamboo popped, and the water poured. Her emotions slipped back as it tapped again and again.
"Jumpy much?" little misaka teased. "And here I thought we were supposed to be the things that go bump in the night."
"This is his fault." She lied to herself. "he always does this..."
But beyond the nuisance, she could see it now. She even began to smell the tea brewing and something sweet.
The hilltop tea pavilion came into view, its ancient stone columns wrapped in blossoming vines that glowed in the moonlight. Mikoto paused at its edge, taking in the sight before her.
When she stepped into the garden proper, Mikoto felt a change in the air–a charge, a weight of unseen presence. The stone path led her through a world of carefully tended wonders: bonsai trees, lanterns half-hidden by creeping moss, and rock formations that mimicked mountain ranges. The scents of cherry blossom and pine mingled with the earthy smell of fresh soil. There was a small walking bridge beckoned, and as Mikoto crossed, she glimpsed the flashing of scales like living silver just under the surface of the water. Stone statues peered out at her from vibrant azalea bushes.
Mikoto took a deep breath, trying to center herself. The rush of memories because of him. Sure, he looked a little heavier. More of a man than a boy. But it had to be him. Nothing could replace his smell. Even the way he acted with the young girl. All him. Every bit of the jerk. He had that effect on them. She'd get to the truth. She felt like a kid again, a young woman seeing it all, remembering it all. The way he made her feel. Those Anxious feelings as the doubts rolled around inside, unsure and confident. Quick to act, and then oops, sorry. He would say that with that smirk. She took a deep breath, forced it below, and she'd get her answers.
"Deep breaths," little misaka said. "we've faced down werewolves, witches, and vampires. This tea party is granted with the New Misses Ronan or previous. I'm not sure about the time situation, but he sure picks em…hot is an understatement." She nodded. "This should be a literal walk in the park,"
Another Kitsune stepped out from behind one of the curtains and bowed, "We must apologize, but Mother is running late. But she should be here in less than flutter of a fox tail." She smiled, her tail wiggling behind her.
"Did she say whose fox tail?" Aikko said, her tail wiggling. The other kitsune wiggled their tails like some inside joke.
Mikoto closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Just like wolves," she murmured, a little exasperated, fondness mixing in her voice as she prepared for her meeting.
"Wolves, foxes," little misaka mused, "at least they're not cats. Now, that would be one CATastrophe."