The revelation of Ronan's death had left an unmistakable tension in its wake. Not much happened after Kuro's abrupt exit from the tea party. Aikko thanked everyone, told Mikoto they had a comfortable room for her to stay in for three days, and admitted she wished it was for more. Then she held her hand out to take Mikoto to her room.
It was a short walk. But given their uneasy silence, it felt longer than it should have. They went along the same garden path she had walked along earlier. Gone was the beauty that surrounded them, the awe Mikoto felt, listening to the waters burble and the clanking sound of the shishi odoshi somewhere in the dark. Even Mikoto could see and feel the impact of her words despite Ronan being alive and well in this realm.
They arrived at a separate wing reminiscent of a traditional Japanese ryokan. They entered through the sliding shoji doors, looking over a small rock garden through the open corridor, and walked down a long, silent hallway until they arrived at the door to the room. Aikko said goodnight and that they would talk the next day. Mikoto agreed, stepped into the room, and settled into her room. That night, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had stumbled upon a more complex truth than she had initially realized. The Kitsunes' reactions, particularly Kuro's, told her of a deeper connection to Ronan than she could imagine. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, closing her eyes, she whispered, "he does that to them,"
She struggled to sleep, the near silence and every little noise underneath. The way blankets lay against her skin, and the room was simple to quiet. But it didn't bother her much. It still did. Nothing is more exciting than being alone in a dark bedroom, listening to time ticking by. Her need for rest was far less pressing as a vampire queen than the old stories claimed. The dark twilight was soothing, and though her body craved the stillness of sleep, her mind buzzed with the day's revelations. Even with the annoying avatar making her home in her mind, little misaka sounded louder than usual, a little more like an annoying gnat buzzing around, running through her protocols, keeping an eye on members of her small army, searching for portal signatures, and building a current image map of this new garden in her mind. It was somewhat close to an unwritten agreement between them. Little misaka, the ever talkative one during the day, tended to keep to herself during the night. Running the necessary checks on thingies to keep a queen vampire up and running. Her words.
Ordinary vampires slept through the daylight hours, bounded by the rhythm of dusk to dawn. But it was her past that had turned her far from ordinary. Those days in the other realm, one day on earth, were a hundred years in the other realm, and this difference had granted her new abilities. After all, she was a level five Academy student, so learning and mastering new powers was a must for her. One was to stay awake without rest for long periods, but the drawback was she would often crash and be out for days. She learned to easily manipulate her energy reserves, drawing power from her blood and surroundings. She usually entered a brief trance, hovering between sleep and waking. Despite that, be aware of her surroundings.
As morning arrived, light seeped through the delicate fabrics draped over lofty windows. It radiates gently throughout the refined yet minimalist bedroom, over the dense woven blankets spread across the stone floor. Silks in subdued colors adorned the majestic four-poster bed, merging Asian and ancient European styles. Enchanted runes etched into the walls by the windows held back the chill winds and safeguarded against uninvited guests.
"Sleep much?" Mikoto said, lying on the bed, looking up at a large circular rune painted on the ceiling.
No answer
"what do you think?" she wondered aloud, eyeing her surroundings.
"protection, and would you believe it?… Comfort?" little misaka yawned from a giant beanbag, a book of runes resting in her lap. "apparently, it controls the room's temperature and even how soft the bed is. Oh, look at this."
"What?"
"It also lets them know when you wake?"
"Like an alarm clock? Or…"
"We are spying on you.." little misaka said, closing the book. "imagine what happens if you get a little something something?" she sighed and smirked. "maybe …."
"shut up!"
"Oh…" little misaka said, "looks like the windows are opened now." She added as a cool breeze stirred the silks around the bed. "These runes are pretty awesome."
Mikoto rolled her eyes to the edge of the bed and sat up. She blew the soft silk from her face and pulled it over her head, letting it slip across her bare back. "It seems those runes didn't work very well." She said, looking across the room at something or some things that were not there last night when she went or tried to sleep.
Gone was the beautiful kimono she had been wearing; in its place was her armor, hanging on the wall across from the bed. And yes, it was freshly cleaned. Aikko had promised it would be after complaining about the smell. But something else caught her eye- a white robe suspended in unnatural stillness beside hung over a wooden dummy, its light fabric shimmering in the dim light. Small runic symbols were embroidered along its wide sleeves, with a delicate red sash wrapped around its waist. A mild gust pushed away the silk curtains and caressed her hair, but the robe remained eerily still.
Mikoto slipped off the bed, her bare feet padded softly on the thick blankets as she approached.
"Should it bother me?" she murmured, studying the robe.
It seemed tailored to her exact size. She traced her hand along the fabric, eyeing the doll's shoulders, measuring its height, and putting her hands on its hips. She gently brushed the light fabric, taking an undecided breath, looking over at her armor, then back at the fabric around her fingers, stroking the sash. "Guess I'll be wearing this today."
"Excellent choice," little misaka said.
She took a breath, pulling the robe from the wooded doll, letting it drift over her fingertips before she slipped her hand underneath. She could hear the silk whispered over her bare skin—a lover's tender caress, perhaps. In a fluid motion, she wrapped the robe around herself, its softness covering her, gradually easing the morning chill. "must be the runes?" little misaka said of the gentle warmth spreading over them. Mikoto slipped the sash around her waist. She tugged at it and tightened it.
"Just a thin layer of silk between me and the morning air." She ran her hands over the fabric just above her knees with a soft smile.
"Let's hope for a nice, strong breeze." Little misaka said.
"pervert,"
"yep…"
A soft knock at the door caught her by surprise.
"why didn't I…."
"Runes." Little misaka quickly said. "Those foxes think of everything..now if that is room service with coffee and toast, we are not leaving no matter what that scary fox goddess says."
Mikoto mumbles her response. "You know, I hear you?"
"You didn't hear them?" little misaka said back.
With a sigh, she crossed the room, reached out, and slowly opened the door. Aikko's familiar face greeted her with a smile that grew wider as the door opened. The Kitsune was wearing the same robe. That growing smile looked warm and friendly, but Mikoto couldn't help but notice the glint of curiosity in her eyes. It was a smile only a Kitsune could show from their mother on down the line: friendly, expressive, and calculating, with a hint of danger.
"Good Morning," she said sweetly, her tails swishing gently behind her. "I hope you slept well?" she paused, hoping for a reaction or reply. Mikoto just looked at her and made a face as if she was expecting coffee and toast. "damn!" little misaka yelled, squeezing her eyes tight, "No, Coffeee!" Aikko, not missing a beat, continued. "I was wondering if you would like a tour of our home. There's so much to see, and I know you are eager to learn more about the portal."
Mikoto hesitated, weighing her options. Knowing that the invitation went beyond hospitality, she had gotten a feel for the Kitsune. "sounds lovely," she replied carefully. "Where do you have in mind?"
The Kitsunes' eyes lit up, and her smile grew, showing more of her canines. "We might start at the library," barely containing her excitement. "It's filled with ancient texts and scrolls about the portals and some other historical writings you might find interesting." She stepped back and held her hand out to show her the way.
Mikoto breathed, knowing it was not a trap. Kuro had promised, but she figured it would be something worse. The kitsune eyes took her in like a predator. But this predator wasn't hungry for food, no, something more.
She slumped down in her bean bag chair, her mind still fixated on the lack of morning coffee and toast. The large monitors before her displayed images of the room and hallway, with electronic pulses relaying data and searching for portal signatures. Multiple points pinged the area, each labeled with names and data. She was keeping an eye on her small army's activities.
So much so that the attractive woman came out of the darkness carrying a silver serving tray, she wore a very striking outfit. A short black dress with a white apron adorned with frills and lace, thigh-high white stockings, and black shoes. A daring black choker completed the ensemble. On the tray sat a single cup of steaming hot coffee and two slices of buttered toast. She stood by Little Misaka. Without a thought or a look, little misaka leaned back as the attractive woman placed the tray on her lap. She picked up the cup of coffee, blew on it to cool it, and handed it to little misaka. She took a long drink and smiled, finally satisfied.
Mikoto stepped into the hallway, remembering the smell of morning coffee. "I hate you, " she said under her breath and started walking.
It didn't take long for Aikko to ask what she wanted to ask.
"so…"
"here it comes," little misaka said, after another sip.
Aikko began, her tone deceptively casual, "About what you mentioned earlier?" she glanced sideways at Mikoto."You know…about your little ones,"
"yep. I regret that slip of the tongue," Mikoto spoke internally. Little misaka chuckled. "It was a cute moment, if you ask me?"
"not asking you,"
"You never do like to talk about yourself."
Aikko's ears flickered as she pressed on, her smile lingering while her eyes narrowed slightly, "What are they like?" Despite her sweet tone, the sharp curiosity behind it was unmistakable. "I imagine they are quite the handful, given their lineage?"
Mikoto met her gaze with a calm that masked the tight knot forming in her chest. "lineage?" she said, the edge of her words sharp enough to end the conversation…or so she hoped.
Aikko's tail swayed. It wasn't going to work. A challenge was what she thought, barely hiding her excitement. "Yes, my father's lineage." She echoed, with a tilt of her head in playful disbelief.
Mikoto shrugged.
Aikko sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically. " Now, that's a vague answer. Surely there is more to it than that?" She batted her eyes. "You know, I've always been fond of the little ones." She batted her eyes again. "Kitsunes are very family-first."
"Is that so?" Mikoto arched her brow, her tone deceptively calm."You must be busy with so many relatives to look after?"
Aikko let out a soft chuckle, stepping lightly to her side. Her voice lowered as though sharing a secret: "Yes…very busy. The unexpected ones bring the most joy, you know?"
"it can be joyful," Mikoto replied smoothly, watching Aikko from the corner of her eye," especially when they catch you off guard."
"Yes, nothing like that, Mommie. Look what I found?" Aikko's lips curled into a smile full of teeth. "A rodent here, a lizard there..." she seemed honestly pleased.
There was a subtle shift in the air. Mikoto folded her arms, her posture unchanged. But the weight of her gaze pressed down on Aikko. "I'm sure your loyalty to family is admirable."
"Oh, it is." Aikko's eye gleamed, unaffected by Mikoto's stern gaze. There was enthusiasm about her. "You did say three?" she fished for more information." "They must be such a handful, right?" she paused, watching for a reaction. "I bet they all take after their father…spoiled much?"
Mikoto stiffened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she could stop it. How does she know that? Then, it dawned on her that Ronan was the same in this realm. Spoiled much? If only she knew the whole story, she would realize they were spoiled.
A taste of regret slipped across her tongue. She had kept them a secret from him, intending to prevent his mother from getting involved. Overprotective and possessive. That is what Megumi Watanabe was. Anything about Ronan was hers.
Her thoughts drifted. She was seeing each one's face. Each one was raised with wolves who thought nothing of making them chew toys and vampires who answered their every whim despite Mikoto telling them not to. She hadn't told him about them. If only Mikoto knew the truth.
"those females must be beautiful?" Aikko asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Mikoto's brow furrowed slightly, "How do you know they are girls?" she asked.
Aikko's smile grew smug, her single tail now two swishing behind her with satisfaction. "Father only ever makes females." She said matter-of-factly. The sparkle in her eyes clearly showed she believed she had outsmarted Mikoto.
But Mikoto's surprise was brief, her face returning to the calm mask she often wore. She tilted her head slightly, considering Aikko's words. "is that so?" she said with a steady voice, though her mind raced, "hmph, maybe I should tell her one is a little prince," she thought. Recalling the chaotic atmosphere of the castle when she had given birth to a male child. The wolves behaved and would continue to act like oversized puppies, claiming the right to raise the child. And the unexpected, what the hell, how the hell do we raise a male child? It had never been done before. A male, a little prince. How would the Kitsune react? How would Aikko react?
The words burrowed into Mikoto's mind, "Father only ever makes females. Why?"
Aikko continued, unaware of how wrong she was. "it's quite fascinating. His line always produces daughters…strong, strong-willed, adventurous, a bit of bother sometimes, no?"
Mikoto gave a noncommittal hmmm. "they are unique," choosing her words carefully.
"It must be quite the responsibility to raise them. I am sure they are…"
"not with me.." Mikoto answers with an edge to her voice.
"I'm sorry…" Aikko's ears flattened. "I can get…."
Mikoto took a breath. "I understand." She said, hoping to change the subject. She asked about the library. "You have ancient texts? Have you found anything interesting in them?"
Aikko barely hesitated, brushing off the question with a wave. "Oh, the texts are fascinating." She leaned in a little closer. "How old are they now? You know, your daughters?"
Mikoto's eyes narrowed, but she maintained her composure. "Old enough to know better than to talk to strangers," she said coolly, her tone dropping just enough to imply the conversation had strayed too far.
But Aikko was like a fox with a bone; she wasn't about to give up; she smirked, clearly unfazed. "We're family now," she said, looking up at the sky.
"And what of the portal? " Mikoto shifted the conversation again, this time more pointedly.
Aikko's ears twitched, but her playful demeanor remained intact. "Oh, the portal." She waved a hand dismissively. "That's more of a question for my mother. She knows all the old secrets." Then, with a mischievous glint, she leaned forward again. "what do they look like?"
Mikoto's calm faltered for a fraction of a second, her gaze sharpening.
"Right," Aikko muses, her tone almost too casual. She smiled, observing Mikoto as though sensing more to be uncovered. " So, who do they take after?"
Mikoto's patience was wearing thin. "That's for me to know and for you never to find out."
Aikko chuckles, stepping back as if relishing the subtle victory. "Is that a challenge?"
Mikoto's eyes narrowed, and she studied the Kitsune before her, her tail swishing with barely contained excitement. It was a game for her….Mikoto thought, but no…it wasn't. her ears were perked forward, alert for any scrap of information. Even her fingers were twitching slightly as if she was itching to close the gap between them—or something else?
"She's like a predator on the hunt," Mikoto whispered internally. "more like a certain annoying vampire we know…" little misaka said. "kinda reminds me of a certain battle addict, architectural design-loving vampire?"
"Vita?" Mikoto answered, "Yeah. I can see that."
"Oh, Mikoto…" Aikko leaned towards her conspiratorially, breaking her inner conversation. "There is no such thing as a secret that's best left uncovered." Her eyes gleamed. "There are only secrets I haven't discovered…"
"yep, a kitsune with a bone.." little misaka spoke.
The Kitsune quickly turned and started walking, "this way.." she said, looking over her shoulder. Those eyes and ears told her everything she needed to know. This conversation was far from over. Aikko had determined she had more to tell. Mikoto closed her eyes, exhaling an annoyed breath. "I have learned...no, I have trained to tolerate Vita. I am sure I can handle a kitsune. Right?" looking for support from little misaka.
"I ain't getting into this one…" she said.