Claire Kagenou x Cid Kagenou #4 - Epilogue
Queen Iris had organized a majestic party in honor of her son, Andres Midgar's, sixth birthday. The ballroom was filled with nobles and distinguished guests, including the Kagenou family, who stood out on the dance floor.
Cid Kagenou elegantly twirled his daughter, Hikari, who giggled softly as she tried to mimic her father's steps. Around them, other couples enjoyed the festive atmosphere, and in a corner of the hall, Epsilon played the piano with the precision she had perfected thanks to Cid's teachings during her childhood. Her performance of classical pieces enveloped the place in an air of sophistication.
As they spun on the dance floor, Hikari looked up at her father, her heterochromatic eyes —one red and the other violet— shining with curiosity.
"Father?" she called out innocently. "Why are you and Mother married if you're siblings? I heard it from Aunt Beta."
Cid barely managed to suppress a grimace. Beta… one of these days... He sighed before answering calmly.
"It's... complicated circumstances," he said with a shrug, avoiding explanations his daughter didn't yet need to understand.
However, Cid's mind inevitably drifted to the past. Hikari's genetics were unlike those of a common child. She had been born with the blood of three people:
Her father, Cid Kagenou.
Her mother, Claire Kagenou.
And Violet… the woman who, for reasons that still puzzled him, had once inhabited Claire's body and, at certain moments, emerged taking control with her true appearance.
Hikari had inherited that unique lineage. Her long, black hair, gleaming thanks to the care both mothers devoted to her, and her mismatched eyes were proof of that unusual combination.
The music shifted to a livelier rhythm, and Cid took the opportunity to twirl his daughter, prompting her to release a contagious laugh. At that moment, Iris Midgar approached with her son Andres in hand.
"Hikari!" Andres exclaimed excitedly. "Come play with us!"
Hikari looked up at her father with hopeful eyes. Cid smiled and nodded, releasing his hand.
"Go and have fun," he said softly.
As the girl ran off with Andres, Claire approached Cid. She wore an elegant black dress that flattered her figure, and her eyes radiated calm... although he recognized the subtle gleam that betrayed Violet's awareness.
"Everything alright?" Claire asked, taking Cid's arm.
"Yeah... though it seems Beta is still too interested in sharing unnecessary information," he said with resignation.
Claire let out a soft laugh. "It's part of her charm."
They both stood quietly for a moment, watching Hikari play with Andres and the other children, while Iris observed the scene with a maternal smile.
"You know?" Claire whispered. "Despite everything... I think our little one is lucky."
Cid nodded. "She is. She has two mothers who adore her... and a father who will always be there to protect her."
Claire rested her head on Cid's shoulder, savoring the peaceful moment amid their always hectic lives.
And in the background, Epsilon shifted the melody to a soft piece, perfect for a slow and emotional close to that unforgettable evening.
•❃──────✧❃✧──────❃•
The morning sun bathed the territory administered by Cid and Claire Kagenou. What had once been a modest region had grown exponentially under their management, even rivaling the magnificence of the capital. The paved streets, flourishing businesses, and the security provided by the swordsman academies had turned the area into a landmark throughout the kingdom.
Inside the Kagenou mansion, in the main office, Cid sat at his desk, reviewing some blueprints while Akane, seated across from him, wore a serious expression. Even though years had passed since he was Minoru Kagenou, the connection between them remained intact.
"Are you sure this is the right time for this?" Akane asked, crossing her arms.
"If we don't do it now, someone else will beat us to it," Cid replied, pointing to one of the sketches. It was a rudimentary design of a mobile vehicle, a machine powered by magical energy that could revolutionize transportation throughout the kingdom.
Akane took the blueprint and examined it carefully.
"The structure is solid, but you'll need craftsmen with specific skills. This kind of technology is far beyond what people are accustomed to."
"That's why I have Eta in mind," Cid said calmly. "If anyone can make this a reality, it's her."
"Eta?"
"She's the brightest mind among the Seven Shadows. Her knowledge of magical engineering surpasses anyone in this kingdom. She just needs the right guidance."
Akane's doubt turned into a slight smile.
"I guess I'm not surprised. She was able to create smartphones using a broken phone."
A few days later, Eta was in the same office, surrounded by blueprints and diagrams. With a pen in hand and a notebook full of calculations, her expression was serious and focused.
"This... this isn't impossible," she murmured to herself, a mix of awe and excitement in her voice.
"Of course it's not," Cid interjected. "But it will be difficult if you don't follow certain principles."
Akane walked over and placed a small wooden model representing the vehicle's chassis on the table.
"This is where we'll start," Akane explained. "The balance of weight and the control of magical energy flow will be key to making the engine function without overloading."
Eta examined the model, her mind already beginning to devise improvements.
"If we merge the magical energy with a series of stabilizing conduits... we could reduce energy loss by 20%," she murmured, her thoughts racing ahead.
"Exactly," Cid said with a barely perceptible smile. "And that's where you come in."
Eta couldn't help but smile with pride. This challenge was exactly the kind of project that excited her.
"Give me a month," she said finally, her eyes alight with determination. "I'll make sure this vehicle not only works… but becomes a masterpiece."
Cid and Akane exchanged a satisfied glance. The project was underway, and with Eta at the helm, success seemed closer than ever.
A week later, in the quiet office of the Kagenou mansion, Cid was reviewing the report that Eta had handed him that morning. The document detailed the progress in the construction of the vehicle, highlighting the advancements made thanks to a stone with a large amount of magical energy stored inside it. According to Eta, this stone would serve as the energy source for the engine, allowing for a constant and stable flow that had kept the prototype running during some initial tests.
As Cid analyzed the data carefully, his daughter Hikari sat nearby, in a chair by the window. She was chatting animatedly, commenting on trivial matters from the party they had attended days ago, the mischief of some children in the plaza, and other topics that barely required her father's attention.
"...and then the cat ran off with the ribbon from the cake, it was so funny," Hikari concluded, laughing. Not receiving a response, she decided to change the topic.
"Father," she said finally, her tone more serious. "Mother told me that many of the women you know are waiting for you... waiting for you to take them as wives or, well... lovers."
Cid slowly set the report down on the table, tilting his head to look at his daughter.
"Did she really talk to you about that?" he asked, somewhat bewildered.
"Mmm, not exactly," Hikari admitted. "I overheard Aunt Beta and Aunt Gamma talking about it. They said they were waiting for you to... well..." Hikari frowned, searching for the words. "That you would form a big harem or something like that."
Cid let out a soft sigh, allowing his head to rest against the back of his seat.
"No, thanks," he finally said, his tone firm yet relaxed. "I don't need any of that. I want a quiet and peaceful life."
Hikari stared at him, trying to decipher whether he was serious. Her father was not easy to understand, but this time his words seemed sincere.
"Really? But Aunt Alpha also seemed interested... and Aunt Epsilon always watches you in a strange way."
Cid covered his face with one hand, muttering something Hikari couldn't make out.
"It doesn't matter," Cid repeated, almost to himself. "A peaceful life, that's what I want."
Hikari smiled faintly.
"Alright, Father. But don't say I didn't warn you if you end up surrounded by problems."
Cid just chuckled quietly, knowing that those "complications" were already an inevitable part of his life.
•❃──────✧❃✧──────❃•
The sun barely peeked over the horizon when Cid and Hikari found themselves in the mansion's backyard. The cool morning air filled the atmosphere, and the faint murmur of the waking city could be heard from a distance.
"Ready?" Cid asked, holding his wooden sword with a calm smile.
"Ready!" Hikari responded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Cid adopted a relaxed stance, allowing his sword to rest at a slight incline. He didn't intend to overwhelm his daughter with complex techniques or force her to train until exhaustion; what truly mattered to him was that she enjoyed the moment.
Hikari stepped forward with a firm stride, wielding her own wooden sword. She launched a downward strike, to which Cid responded by gently deflecting the attack with a slight flick of his wrist.
"Good try," Cid said. "But when you strike like that, you leave your side exposed."
"Don't think you're so clever!" Hikari replied with a smile, spinning quickly and delivering a horizontal cut.
Cid blocked it effortlessly, but this time, he pretended to lose his balance. Hikari saw the opportunity and launched herself into the attack, gently touching her father's chest with the tip of her sword.
"Got you!" she said proudly.
"Well, it seems I've lost," Cid said, letting out a light laugh.
The training continued in a relaxed manner. Cid taught Hikari how to gauge the right distance, find her own rhythm, and maintain a firm stance. Every time she made a mistake, he gave her a simple piece of advice, never pressuring her too much. For Cid, more than training, it was a moment to enjoy time with his daughter.
After an hour, Cid set his sword aside and stretched.
"I think that's enough for today," he said. "Want to take a walk around the city?"
Hikari's eyes lit up.
"Yes! I want to go to Mitsugoshi! They say they have new sweets."
Cid smiled. He knew the real motivation for his daughter wasn't the walk, but those sweets she loved so much.
"Alright, let's go." He ruffled her hair gently. "But first, let's change."
Both headed towards the mansion, as the warm sunlight illuminated the prosperous territory that his family had worked so hard to build.
The city thrived under the midday sun. The streets were full of life, with merchants offering their goods, children running through the squares, and groups of people chatting animatedly. The modern, well-structured buildings stood out at every corner, rivaling the magnificence of the capital Midgar.
Cid and Hikari walked leisurely down one of the main avenues. Guards patrolled calmly, their postures relaxed yet firm, reflecting the safety of the place. The vivid colors of the banners fluttered above the market stalls, while the aroma of freshly baked bread and sweet spices filled the air.
"Father, can I get this?" Hikari asked, pointing to a small glass ornament in the shape of a flower, sparkling in the sunlight.
"Of course," Cid replied, taking out some coins and handing them to the merchant.
"Thank you!" Hikari said, hugging the ornament as if it were a treasure.
Soon after, they arrived at the entrance of the Mitsugoshi shop, where the company's distinctive logo stood out elegantly. The atmosphere was warm, with the scent of cakes and chocolate filling the place.
"What do you want to try this time?" Cid asked.
"The fruit cake! They say it's delicious." Hikari excitedly moved toward the counter.
As they waited for their order, a familiar voice approached from the back of the shop.
"Lord Cid, what a pleasant surprise," Gamma said, approaching with a smile. Her elegant blue dress stood out against the decor of the place.
"Gamma," Cid nodded. "Did you come for the sweets too?"
"Not exactly," Gamma replied. "I was checking on the business. Although... I suppose I wouldn't mind a little break." She sat beside them and smiled at Hikari. "How's your training going, young lady?"
"Father says I'm improving a lot!" Hikari exclaimed proudly.
"That's right," Cid confirmed. "She has good instincts, she just needs to take it step by step."
Gamma nodded in approval.
"It's admirable that he takes his time. A mind that's pressured too much easily burns out." She then looked at Hikari. "You have something special, little one. You'll see that, with time, you'll be even better than your father."
"Really?!" Hikari exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Of course," Gamma replied, gently tapping her forehead. "But first, eat your cake. You can't fight on an empty stomach."
The three laughed together, enjoying that family moment in the middle of the thriving city that had flourished under the Kagenou family's administration.
•❃──────✧❃✧──────❃•
The park was filled with laughter and cheerful shouts. Hikari ran among a group of children, playing tag while her black hair fluttered with every movement. Cid had sat on a nearby bench, watching her with a faint smile.
Some townspeople who passed by the park recognized Cid and stopped to greet him with respect.
"Lord Cid, it's an honor to see you here."
"Thank you for all you've done for the city."
Cid responded with a friendly gesture, raising his hand or nodding with a discreet smile. However, his eyes never left Hikari. It was her moment, and nothing else mattered.
After a while of playing, Hikari came back to him, her cheeks flushed from the effort.
"Did you have fun?" Cid asked, offering her a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat.
"A lot! But..." Hikari paused, looking toward the canals that snaked through the city. "I want to see the fish."
Cid nodded, and together they walked toward the edge of the canal. The crystal-clear water made it easy to see the colorful fish swimming in groups, moving with grace.
Suddenly, one of the fish leapt out of the water, landing directly in Hikari's arms.
"Ahhh!" the girl exclaimed, catching the fish with both hands.
Cid couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.
"Looks like the fish want to play with you too."
"Don't be mean, Father!" Hikari laughed as she carefully approached the canal. Gently, she let the fish return to the water, where it rejoined its group.
"Do you think it got lost?" Hikari asked, looking worriedly at the water.
"I don't think so," Cid replied, placing a hand on her head. "What happened is that it trusted you, so now it's calmly back with the others."
Hikari smiled proudly, feeling that she had done something important.
"Come on, Father. I want to see more fish."
"Alright," Cid replied, following the energetic pace of his daughter.
The rest of the walk passed calmly, enjoying those small moments that, for Cid, were more valuable than anything else.
•❃──────✧❃✧──────❃•
The fair sparkled with blinking lights that reflected in Hikari's curious eyes. The bustle of the crowd, children's laughter, and the aroma of sweets and freshly prepared food filled the air. Hikari ran from one side to the other, unable to decide what to do first.
"Father, Mom! Let's go to that target shooting booth!" she exclaimed, tugging on Claire's sleeve.
Cid watched the booth, where people were trying to knock down small figures with darts. He smiled faintly, remembering how easy it would be for him.
"Do you want me to try it for you?" he offered.
"Yes! I want that big dragon plush!"
With impeccable precision, Cid hit all the targets in a single try. The vendor, surprised, handed him the huge dragon plush that Hikari hugged with excitement.
"You're amazing, Father!" the girl exclaimed, never letting go of her new prize.
"Of course he is," Claire added, giving her brother a gentle nudge. "But I can win something too."
Claire headed to another game booth where players had to toss rings onto bottles. With a challenging expression, she picked up three rings and, without hesitation, threw them in quick succession, landing each one perfectly.
"Yes!" she exclaimed triumphantly, choosing an elegant glass ornament for her room.
The tour continued with games, prizes, and laughter, until they stopped at a dessert booth. Claire and Hikari enjoyed their sweets while Cid held his chocolate-covered strawberry ice cream.
"Want to try?" he asked, bringing the ice cream closer to Claire.
She smiled mischievously.
"I don't need an invitation..." she murmured before leaning in and stealing a quick kiss.
"Huh...?" Cid blinked in surprise.
"Mmm... yes, it's tasty," Claire commented playfully, licking her lips. "I'll stick with the strawberry and chocolate one."
Hikari, who had been busy with her cotton candy, looked up just at that moment.
"Ugh... don't kiss so much," she complained, hiding her face behind her dragon plush. "It's embarrassing..."
"But didn't you say you wanted Dad and Mom to get along?" Claire asked, amused.
"Yes, but not like that!" Hikari protested, her cheeks turning red.
"Come on, come on..." Cid laughed, gently ruffling his daughter's hair. "Do you want to ride the Ferris wheel before we leave?"
Hikari's eyes lit up.
"Yes!"
The family boarded the Ferris wheel just as the fireworks started. From high above, the lights illuminated the night sky with golden and silver bursts. Hikari, clutching the dragon plush in her arms, watched the show with her mouth open.
"Did you like today?" Cid asked softly.
"A lot!" Hikari responded, never taking her eyes off the fireworks. "Can we do it again?"
"Of course," Claire said, resting her head on Cid's shoulder. "Whenever you want."
Cid looked at his wife and daughter, feeling that, in these simple and quiet moments, he had found his true peace.