Chapter Text
The sun shined brightly overhead as a train made its way through the forest. Lush green foliage surrounded the metal tracks as glimpses of the coastline cut through the trees.
Inside the train was a single passenger who gloomily stared out the window as the train sped into the open, unveiling the small coast town of Numazu.
Nestled inside the valley, the only notable landmarks were the massive tree growing by the edge and the river running directly through the town. Buildings were scattered amongst the fields, with the only concentration being the downtown area.Out by the sea, at the mouth of the river, a thick fog loomed around Wursimer Island, the home of Imps and other minor Fiends.
The girl’s ears buzzed momentarily as the train sped through thin purple film that popped like a bubble. A set of metal rods rose from either side of the tracks, the coils around vibrating with energy. And then, deceleration. In two seconds the train went from full speed to a crawl, smoothly entering the train station.
“We have now arrived at our destination of Numazu. Please make sure you have all of your belongings before exiting the train. Thank you for traveling with Sunrise Transportation and we hope to see you again soon.” A polite female voice said through the intercoms as the train door opened.
The lone traveler seized her luggage and trudged her way out, clad in a white blouse paired with a dark purple skirt. Draped around her shoulders was a small cape adorned with her family's emblem—an Imp's face serving as a clasp.
“I’m pretty sure I’m the first person to take this train in weeks. Can’t imagine why anyone else would want to come here.” She said running her finger through her navy blue hair to make sure all the feathers and ribbons on the side were still attached.
Making her way out of the train station she was met with a mostly barren street. There were only a few pedestrians along with an empty trolley sitting on the side of the row.
The girl scowled. After two years the prodigal daughter returns and nobody even bothered to come to meet her. Why did her mother do this? She just needed a little more time to find her lucky break. She just knew it!Her expression gave way to a sigh. Why would anyone even live out here in the boonies? Looking around she saw a map of the town displayed on a dusty wooden post. Only a third of the map was of the town proper, the rest depicting the nearby forest and coastline.
Tapping her finger against the map, she huffed when nothing happened. An old fashioned sign? How backward was this town if they didn’t even have basic enchantments!
Yohane nearly lost her balance when she felt something large and furry plop onto her head. Glancing up in alarm, she relaxed as she realized it was just her mother’s Familiar Lailaps.
The blue and white wolf had been a member of Yohane’s family for most of her life, having been adopted as a young pup. She could only vaguely remember a time before her mother contracted Lailaps. Although she was definitely not the pup from two years ago, now being just as tall as Yohane. Or maybe… taller?
“I see your home now.” Lailaps said in Common. Or at least that’s what Yohane heard. Normally only a familiar’s master could understand them but it wasn’t unheard of for a mage’s child to eventually gain the ability themselves. Even if they themselves lacked potential. Just like her.
Yohane internally chastised herself at the errant thought. Why should she care about that? Most humans can’t use magic anyways.
“That’s all? It’s been over two years since you last saw me and that’s all you have to say?” Yohane stomped her foot in annoyance.
“For humans two years may be a long time but for me it happens in the blink of an eye.” Lailaps calmly replied, the shrug she was physically incapable of giving instead reflected in her voice.
Yoshiko pouted. “You do remember I’m older than you right?”
“I judge not on the flesh but by the mind.” Lailaps retorted, a smug look on her face. “In which case I am clearly older and wiser.”
With a huff, Yohane lifted her head slightly and looked at the wolf’s back. “Oh!” All at once, her upset expression faded, replaced with wide-eyed wonder. “I didn’t know regular spiders could get that big.” She said innocently.
The familar’s eyes widened as she skyrocket into the air with a yelp, shaking her body trying to remove the dangerous threat crawling over her fur. She landed on the rooftop of the train station, cowering in fear. Then she stopped shaking, as her conscious mind caught up with her fear reflexes and informed her that there was not anything on her back. She glanced back down at Yohane with a glare.
The teenage girl leaned against a railing, her body rocking with laughter. “Ha! That’s what you get for being rude to your big sister!”
Letting out a huff of annoyance, the familiar leapt back down. She scanned the ground around her making for certain there were no bugs.
Finally recovering from her fit of laughter, Yohane wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. “So why are you even here in the first place? I thought you were traveling with mom. Or did she forget about you.” She teased.
Lailaps smirked before closing her eyes. A few seconds later she spoke with a deeper voice. “Of course not Yohane. I wish I could be there in person but I couldn’t be late for my trip. And don’t be mean to your sister.”
Yohane cringed as her mother spoke through Lailaps. The bond between a master and familiar remained no matter how far away the pair was. Which meant her mother always had two sets of eyes wandering around. She could never get away with anything growing up.
“Lailaps is staying here in Numazu to keep you company and because I didn’t want her to be cooped up while I’m working.” There was a momentary pause, through which Yohane could visualize her mother’s absentminded head tilt. “Also before I forget, welcome home Yohane.”
“Thanks.” She grumbled while looking down the streets.
“I know you wanted to stay in Tokai but the deal was you had two years.”
“Well I’m back.” Yohane threw her arms out to emphasize the point. “So now what? It’s not like there’s anything here for me.”
Lailaps hummed and placed a paw to her chin, mimicking her master's movements. “If that’s how you feel I have an assignment for you. I want you to find something fun that only you can do.”
“Sure…” Yohane said half heartedly. Thanks mom, real specific.
“Just remember it’s homework and I expect you to complete it by the end of the summer. And don’t you dare push it off until the last minute.” Her mother warned. “But most importantly make sure to have some fun. I already know someone who is waiting for you,” Lailaps winked - and for a moment Yohane wasn’t entirely sure which person’s action that actually was - before perking her head. “My clients here. I have to go now.”
“Bye mom.” Yohane waved her hand. Lailaps started to nod but stopped mid motion. She slowly blinked twice the connection between the two gone.
“So that’s why you're here.” Yohane grumbled, crossing her arms. “So mom can spy on me.”
“I’m here to make sure you're ok, not to spy on you.” Lailap’s corrected, her voice her own once again. “Besides, even if I wanted to soon we'll be far enough away to where we can’t actively share our senses. Even now that was pushing our limit.”
The young girl didn’t respond, instead grabbing her luggage and started walking to her house, Lailaps right behind her.
The same coffee shop, the same fountain, the same trolley. Nothing had changed in two years. It was as if Numazu was frozen in time.
Stopping in front of her house, Yohane placed her hand on the doorknob, the door unlocking itself upon detecting Hekiru’s bloodline. If there was one thing she missed about her old house was the locks. In her apartment she had to use a physical key. And the landowner had the gall to charge her when she lost it!
But that didn't mean she liked Numazu. This was only a temporary setback until she could return to Tokai.
Trudging her way into her childhood home she immediately went upstairs to her bedroom, tossing her luggage on top of her bed. At least her mom had the courtesy to not rearrange her room.
Silently making her way back downstairs to the kitchen she stopped by a closed door by the bottom of the staircase. Slowly, almost gingerly, she opened the door and peeked into her mothers workshop.
Immediately the room lit up with a gentle blue light, the magical candles flaring up upon sensing her presence. Though her mother was more reserved about it, Yohane had always figured she got her flair for dramatics from her. Besides, what kind of self respecting mage’s workshop would use mechanical light bulbs?
In the middle was a workbench full of tools. On top was a Geode Stand, the six elemental gems embedded into the folded arms of the cylindrical device, a magnifying glass already tucked into its case at the top.
Laying in the center were a few green metallic scraps, probably being a part of whatever her mom was tinkering on. On one side of the room was a bookshelf full of tomes, although with a few empty spots.
Tucked in the corner of the room was a tiny table and chair. The area around it was covered in dust, yet the table itself is pristine. Making her way over to it, Yohane reached into a drawer and grabbed a tiny figurine of an angel with black wings.
Silently Yohane ran her fingers across the tiny trinket before opening a cabinet by her moms workbench. Reaching into a cup she retrieved a tiny blue crystal that was barely the width of her fingernail. Placing it against the figurine's wings the crystal shined for a second before dimming into a dull gray color.
Suddenly the figurine came to life and started to fly, its wing flapping about as it circled around Yohane’s head. Sitting back, she watched it for a little while,then giggled as a memory of trying to catch it as a little girl came to mind.
Probably one of the few good memories she had of this place.
As a child Yohane's mother was somewhat of a local celebrity, being the only practicing magic user. Her light magic worked wonders in healing scrapes along with being able to repair minor Automation devices. A lot more convenient than an hour-long train trip to the next town over.
She could vividly remember sitting in the corner as a little girl watching her mother enchant. How she would have a tiny notebook and attempt to act studious whenever her mom checked on her. Back then she still clung to the belief that she would also be a mage. Before reality hit her.
The angel began to falter, its wings slowing down. The figurine landed on the workbench before becoming inanimate, having already consumed the stored gem’s reservoir. Yohane’s gaze lifted away from it.
Hanging on the wall were a set of pictures and paintings depicting her ancestors. A young Hekiru posing with her wand, her grandmother standing next to her with her own spellbook. Her great-great-grandfather Kanato standing proud, his raven Familiar Utsuho resting on his shoulder.
And then there was her. Sighing, Yohane left the workshop and went up to her bedroom, throwing herself face first onto the soft mattress.
After a few moments, she rolled over and grabbed a pillow to hug against her chest. Why did she care so much about this? She wasn’t a mage, so what? Most humans weren’t mages either and it wasn’t like anyone expected her to Awaken.
Because it would mean you're special. That you mean something. A voice whispered in her mind. Yohane groaned as she covered her head with the pillow in a vain attempt to suppress her own thoughts.
She already knew her path and that was to become a famous singer. Even if it was her only choice. And for some reason she was forced to return to this dull town.
“You should get up.” Lailaps nudged at Yohane’s arm with the top of her head. Unfortunately she had forgotten a key detail. That she was a seven hundred pound wolf attempting to move a girl weighing barely over a hundred pounds. So what was supposed to be a gentle nudge was in reality a violent shove.
“Gah!” Yohane was flung off the bed and landed on the floor with a loud thump, her limbs a tangled mess as she tried to reorient herself. “What was that for?!”
“You can’t just lay in bed for the entire summer. Why don’t we explore the town?” The familiar offered before walking away. Yohane frowned but listened. She might as well get some exercise. That and she didn’t feel like getting manhandled by a massive wolf. Besides, it shouldn't be too bad.
Why did she agree to this? Yohane asked herself as she tried her best to ignore everyone staring at her like she was a total stranger. At least in the city you didn’t get looks just for walking around.
“Ah Lailaps.” A bald man with glasses called out. “Does Hekiru-san need any more Flow Ink? I got a fresh supply of them.” Lailaps barked and shook her head.
Yet apparently everyone knew Lailaps. They couldn’t go more than ten feet without someone calling out to the familiar.
“Lailaps. How’s your master doing?” An elderly woman asked. Lailaps barked again to somehow convey her message. Yohane had no idea how anybody could communicate with Lailaps without being able to directly talk with her. How did they know if a bark meant yes or no?
“Lailaps!” Two little girls ran up to them and started petting Lailaps who stopped walking. After indulging themselves one of the girls looked up at Yohane and tilted her head. “Who are you?”
Yohane froze up and glanced at Lailaps for support but she just shook her head. “I’m Yohane. I’m a singer in Tokai.”
“Can you sing for us?” One of them asked, a glimmer in her eye. Yohane rubbed the back of her head.
“Eh?” Yohane started at that. “Maybe later. I just got here and it’s been a long trip.” Why did she say that? She loved to sing.
“Ok.” The two girls said in disappointment before remembering what they were previously doing and perked up. They ran off playing, having forgotten all about Yohane.
“How rude of them.” The black haired girl huffed as she started walking again. Lailaps sighed as she followed her. For the next hour they wandered around the small town as Yohane took in the sights, becoming more and more bored as she did so. Almost everything was the exact same!
“I left this town for a reason.” Yohane leaned against a railing by the river with a huff. “There was nothing for me when I left and there’s nothing for me now. Did anything change around here?”
"Some things have changed," Lailaps remarked, gesturing ahead to where a small crowd had gathered around a stall. The stall was attended by a young girl in modest work attire, wearing an orange apron over her clothes. Her short, light brown hair was partly concealed by an orange bandana. Beside her stood a hefty pink boar with formidable tusks, harnessed to a cart through the reins on its back.
Yohane glanced over at the pair and blanched before quickly fixating on the boar. “Oh! I’ve never seen one of those here before! I didn’t think boars lived this far south.” Then she quickly turned back out to the water. Her companion lowered her head and sighed.
“I wasn’t talking about Shishinoshin. I’m talking about Hanamaru who's running the stall. You know, your friend?”
“We weren’t friends.” Yohane sighed, her gaze falling to stare at her and Lailaps reflected in the water. “She was just someone I knew as a child. I haven’t spoken to her in years and I doubt she remembers me let alone cares.”
An awkward silence fell over the pair for a few moments as Lailaps considered her response, only for someone else to beat them too it.
“Yohane-chan?”
The voice was distant, but still loud enough to cut right through Yohane’s reminiscence. She turned to see that Hanamaru had gotten on her tiptoes to peer over the crowd. After a moment of squinting, her eyes lit up and she gasped. “Yohane-chan is that you?!” She immediately forgot about her stall as she rushed over to them. Her beam only grew brighter as she drew close, even as Yohane flinched and contemplated hiding behind Lailaps. Alas, Hanamaru arrived before she could make up her mind. “It is you. It’s been so long zura!”
“Um. Hey.” Yohane lamely waved at the girl, not quite able to meet her eyes. She caught the smug look Lailaps was leveling at her and shot a quick scowl back.
“I can’t believe you're back already.” Hanamaru asked, only seeming to become more excited. “Have you already made it in Tokai?”
“I’m still… working on it.” Yohane answered lamely as she took a step back from the girl who was getting increasingly closer to her.
“I’m sure you’ll find your lucky break soon.” Hanamaru held up both of her hands in a ‘fight-on!’ gesture. “You have such a beautiful voice I can’t imagine anyone denying you.”
She meant well. Yohane knew she meant well. And yet, she couldn’t help the nerve that seemed to touch.
“Well it happened.” Yohane snapped, then almost immediately smacked herself as Hanamaru’s eagerness faltered. She berated herself as the silence between them started to turn awkward. What was she supposed to say now?!
“Ask her about what she’s doing now.” Lailaps helpfully supplied. Though thankfully Hanamaru just heard a yip, drawing her attention to the wolf.
“Oh, Lailaps!” Hanamaru cooed as she started petting the wolf. “I’m sorry I’m ignoring you. It’s so good to see you again.”
Yohane twiddled her thumbs. “So… um. What are you doing now?”
Hanamaru’s eyes lit up again as she pulled out a flier depicting her and her boar. Underneath it were pictures of various fruits and candies. “I run a confectionery stall using local fruits along with some special techniques I learned from my uncle. Want to try one?”
“I forgot my purse at home.” Yohane lied, doing her best to move her purse out of sight.
“You don’t need to pay me Yohane-chan. We’re fr-“
Suddenly, Yohane felt everything break as a distorted cracking sound hammered her ears. A primal scream of agony as if the very earth was in pain. It felt wrong , something that had no place in the world yet somehow existed. She fell to her knees, clutching her head as she tried to block out the noise.
His will has returned. The roots spread across the land. For glory! This is our final stand!
Voices whispered in her ears, each one like a dagger in Yohane's brain.
Soon all will still. They are evil! Only one can survive! It’s HIS fault! She is the wicked ruler! And she will be the seed.
She tried to take in a breath but the pain was paralyzing. All she could hear were the voices. Make it stop. Make it stop!
“Yohane!” Her subconscious registered a distant voice calling out. But she couldn't actually hear anything besides the whispers.
“Wake up!” Yohane felt a jolt as the pain instantly vanished. The only thing she could see was the sky and Hanamaru looking down at her, a mixture of concern and near-panic etched over her face. Slowly blinking, Yohane realized she was laying on the ground, a small crowd gathered around her and Hanamaru sitting on her knees next to her.
"Are you okay? That was a nasty fall, and it looked like you were in a lot of pain," inquired a concerned bystander. The speaker sported short orange hair, mostly concealed by a green bandana. Dressed in a simple orange blouse and a striped skirt, she embodied the essence of a 'small town girl.'
“What happened?” Yohane slurred out as she felt two pairs of hands grab onto her and help her stand. A wave of nausea flooded her body, the sickening sense lingering in her head before thankfully fading away as she regained her balance.
"You passed out. I knew the sound caused animals pain, but I had no idea it could affect humans so much. I'll have to let the Chief know," explained the other girl. Her short, curly ash blonde hair framed her face, and she was dressed in a blue uniform and pants. Catching Yohane's confusion, she gestured towards herself. "Where are my manners? I'm Kohaku, and I work for the Chief-of-State," she calmly replied.
“And my name is Chika.” The orange haired girl pointed to herself. “I don’t recognize you, yet I swear I've seen you before. Do you live here?”
Yohane paused for a moment before opening her mouth but was interrupted before she could say a word.
“This is Yohane-chan and she just came back from Tokai.” Hanamaru answered “She’s Hekiru-san’s daughter. I know I mentioned her a few times before.”
Chika’s eyes widened as she snapped her finger in recognition. “That’s why you look so familiar. I didn’t know Hekiru-san even had a daughter. What kind of magic do you have?”
Yohane’s eye twitched at Hanamaru’s ‘helpful’ introduction. Why did she have to go and blab about her mom like that? Looking at the village girl she could see the excitement in her eyes. There were probably less than five mages in the entire village and most of them weren’t even practitioners. “I’m not a mage.” She said coldly.
“You don‘t practice? I would have thought your mom taught you considering she’s one.” Chika replied, oblivious as to what she was implying. The black haired girl balled her fist distant, painful memories coming to the forefront of her mind.
Kohaku moved in between Yohane and Chika. “What Yohane-san is trying to say is that she isn’t a mage. Despite what most people believe, direct magic inheritance is still rare.”
Chika shrunk in on herself while Hanamaru placed a finger on her chin. “But I thought magic was more common if one of your parents is a mage?”
“That is true but it doesn’t increase one's chances by that much.” The stoic woman said before focusing on Yohane again. “Sorry about that but are you ok?”
“I am. Thanks.” Yohane awkwardly trailed off as she managed to stand on her own. “What in the world was that?”
Hanamaru shook her head. “Nobody knows. It started a few months ago. Most of us can barely hear it but animals can hear it loud and clear.” She placed a comforting hand on her boar, who seemed to be particularly on edge. “Poor Shishinoshin. But it’s not just the noise, the farmers had a very poor harvest this year, half the crops just died off.”
“Indeed it is concerning but nothing you three need to worry about it. We are already working on identifying and stopping it at the source. We called in a team of researchers but so far only one has shown up.” Kohaku shook her head in disappointment.
“You can never trust the government to keep their promises.” Chika scoffed. “It’s up to us normal people to fix our problems.”
The government official ignored Chika’s remark. “But do you need any assistance making it back home?”
“No, I'm good. I’m already feeling better.” Yohane boasted, although she could still feel something crawling in her stomach. “Besides, worse comes to worse I have a ride home.” She indicated Lailaps who only rolled her eyes.
“I’m not your personal taxi.”
“She said it’s not a problem at all.” Yohane announced with a sly grin, while placing her hands on her hips.
“Oh, how noble of you,” Hanamaru ran over and hugged Lailaps. “You're such a good girl.”
“You're like a wolf version of Shiitake.” Chika started petting her.
“Indeed. I see Hekiru-san’s familiar is still as noble as ever.” Kohaku said. Trapped between a difficult conundrum, Lailaps remained silent but made sure to shoot her unofficial sister an annoyed look.
“If you three can excuse me I need to report this to the Chief.” Kohaku bowed before walking away.
“I should probably go too.” Yohane waved before turning around but was stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Turning around she saw Chika giving her a strange look and whispered. “If you're having any issues with what’s causing the sound or anything else let me know.” She reached into a pocket and stealthily slid a card into the palm of Yohane’s hand. “I live at the inn next to the Colossal Tree. You can’t miss it.” Scanning the area as if she was searching for any evesdroppers she quietly walked away blending into the nearby crowd.
“Well, I…” Hanamaru glanced back at her stall, noting the huge line that had formed while she was away. She seemed to hesitate a moment, then offered Yohane a reluctant smile. “I probably should get back to work. Be safe, Yohane-chan.” Then she quickly stepped away, resuming her place behind her stall.
Yohane hesitated herself, a part of her wondering if she should pitch in and help. But then she shook her head. No, she’d just get in the way.
By the outskirts of the town Yohane prepared to turn right but was blocked by Lailaps. “You should go left. There’s one more place you need to see.”
Lacking the energy to argue, Yohane simply nodded and followed the old dirt trail into the the Uranohoshi Forest.
The forest was teeming with life, birds chirping overhead and squirrels climbing across trees. Lailaps opened her mouth, but she was beaten by Yohane’s own instincts as she turned left and went in between two brushes. Concealed by them was the stump of a Colossal Tree dozens of feet across in diameter. Beams of sunlight peaked past the tree almost as if they were stage lights and the stump a stage.
“You remember this place don’t you?” Lailaps asked as she walked up next to Yohane. The black haired girl nodded.
“I used to sing here all the time.” She ran her hands across the wood, her childhood memories rushing to the front of her mind. “I would pretend this stump was a stage and I was performing to a crowd of adoring fans.”
Yohane turned around and blinked when she saw Lailaps holding a wooden stick in her mouth. She grabbed the stick from her mom’s familiar and rolled it between her fingers. “Isn’t this the stick I always pretended was a wand? Man, I can't believe this thing is still in one piece.” Her grip tightened as she remembered her younger self spending hours trying to cast spells with it. So much time wasted.
“Yohane-chan!” Hanamaru called out drawing both her and Lailaps attention. The village girl ran up to them breathing heavily as she held a small wrapped package. “I was so busy with my customers that I forgot to give you these.” She opened it, revealing a small box full of cookies. “These are some strawberry cookies covered in chocolate. I know they're your favorite.”
Yohane stared at the delicious treats right in front of her open-mouthed, almost missing the line of drool that threatened to spill down her chin. Wait. How did Hanamaru know they were her favorites? Did she really bother to remember after all these years? Even though her stomach growled at her to accept her pride remained steadfast. “I told you I don’t have any money.”
“And I told you, they're free.” Hanamaru smiled, pressing them into her hands. Yohane blinked at her touch. “But if you’re so insistent on it, you can pay me by singing. It’s been so long since I last heard you sing.”
“That’s it?” Yohane raised an eyebrow in confusion. There had to be a catch.
“Of course! Your singing is what inspired me to open my own business instead of running my parents library. I remember seeing how happy you were singing and it made me want to chase after my own dreams.” Hanamaru gestured at the treats still in her hands. “These wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for you.”
Was she being serious? Was her singing that inspirational? If so then why was she still struggling to pass an audition? Yohane closed her eyes, shoulders drooping. No, there had to be another reason she was just being friendly. Either way she owed her a performance. Drawing herself up, Yohane turned to the tree stump.
Making her way onto the stage she closed her eyes once again, the stick still in her grasp. Taking in a deep breath she started to sing.
For the next few minutes she felt a sense of peace , as if she had found her one true calling. A feeling she chased after her entire life. She embraced the feeling letting her voice resonate throughout the forest. Her audience was enraptured by her performance and how she glided across the stage.
Yohane was so absorbed by her performance that she didn’t even notice her outfit changing into a white gown, beads of light swirling around her
With one last step Yohane stopped singing and bowed, taking in the applause from Hanamaru. It’s been so long since she felt this happy, her mind an empty void. Until a sharp image of a green star inside an hexagon manifested in her mind.
Startled by the abrupt interruption, she widened her eyes and gazed down at her feet, discovering an identical green symbol etched beneath her. Within the star-shaped design, there were nine green lines extending towards a solid circle. At one end of the hexagonal pattern, a small sphere with a concentric circle inside caught her attention.
"Huh? What's going on!?" Yohane exclaimed, her eyes fixed on the ground right along with her limbs. Another rune emitted a radiant glow on her arms, prompting her to lift her gaze, where yet another symbol hovered above her. Inside this star-shaped emblem, a representation of an eight-pointed sun could be seen, while within the smaller circular border, a star was intricately detailed.
Both runes started to spin as they ascended and descended upon Yohane’s body. Both of them meeting in the middle and lingering for a moment before vanishing.
Yohane gasped when her stick started to glow and transform into a wooden staff. On one end of the staff was a carving of a wolf's head, resembling Lailaps to an uncanny degree. The staff hovered in mid air and Yohane could practically hear it asking her to reach out and take it.
No way. There is no way this is happening. It had to be some kind of trick. Warily she reached out for the staff, afraid it would vanish if she made any sudden movements. But as she wrapped her fingers around the staff she felt a surge of power course through her body. A sensation she had dreamed of for almost her entire life.
She had just Awakened.
As a little girl she adamantly believed she had magic and would be a mage just like her mother. It wasn’t until she was twelve that she accepted she simply didn’t have the potential. Every book she ever read hammered in that direct magic inheritance was extremely rare in humans. Her family was just unusually lucky.
But she beat the odds. She had magic now. She was a mage.
“Yohane-chan! You're a mage zura!” Hanamaru rushed the stage, almost looking like she wanted to hug Yohane in her excitement.. “I knew there was something special about your singing! What kind of magic is it?”
Taking in a deep breath, Yohane quickly tried to recall every book and lecture she subjected herself to from her mom. The first step to using magic was to reach deep inside for the magic coursing through her veins. So she focused on trying to find the source. It answered immediately, rushing toward her staff. She turned around and aimed at a large rock just outside the clearing. The two runes from before materialized in front of her staff and shined. The newly Awakened mage stumbled back when two beams of magic shot forth and intertwined. One composed of light and the other of darkness. They twisted and turned before pulverizing the boulder.
“Light magic just like my mother. And darkness just like my great-great-grandfather.” Yohane whispered in amazement, running her hand up the staff. She could scarcely believe it and yet there was no denying it, no doubts or questions. Not only was she a mage, she also had a dual affinity.
Glee washed away her disbelief “I did it!” She cried, not even realizing she was throwing her arms around Hanamaru. The baker stiffened in shock for a moment before relaxing into the hug, but Yohane was in no mind to notice. “I knew I had magic! Lailaps you have to tell mom right away!” Yohane’s head whipped toward her mother’s familiar but her celebration stumbled to a halt when Lailaps remained as still as a statue, staring unblinkingly at her. “Lailaps?”
The wolf was eerily calm, her expression unreadable despite the miraculous event that had just occurred. “I see you Awakened. It’s finally time to fulfill my promise to Hekiru.” Lailaps intoned before stepping onto the tree stump and closing her eyes. Yohane stiffened as she felt something snap as if something had shattered into a million pieces.
“I have broken my bond with the mage Hekiru as per our bargain nine years ago.” The wolf announced, although it was as if to an audience that wasn’t there. “Yohane, present your staff and release your magic into it so we may finalize our contract.”
Yohane blinked before shaking her head in complete confusion. “Wait what?! What are you talking about?! Why did your contract with mom end all of a sudden?!” A Familiar Contract was meant to be for life. The only way a contract could be broken would be if both sides agreed to it. But why would mom be so quick to break it? Unless…
“When I was initially contracted to Hekiru, part of our agreement was that if you were to ever Awaken, I was to break our bond so I could contract to you instead.” Lailaps preempted. “She always knew how close we were and that we were destined to contract if you Awakened. I am now ready to be contracted to you Yohane and I don’t think there's a better place to do it than here.” She gestured her head at the clearing.
Yohane didn’t immediately respond, her mind racing at a thousand miles. It felt wrong to contract Lailaps. She was her mom’s Familiar for over nine years. Contracting Lailaps felt like stealing from her. She couldn’t do this. Yet that all changed the moment she made eye contact with her.
While physically Lailaps appeared to be calm, Yohane could read her like a book solely through her eyes. There was a sense of longing, like she had been waiting for this moment for years. She wanted this. Lailaps always saw Yohane as her true master even before she Awakened.
“You're right.” Holding her staff in one hand, Yohane held it in front of her, presenting it to Lailaps. The wolf placed a paw on the tip of the staff and nodded. Yohane glanced back over her shoulder at their sole witness. “You might want to move back.”
“Oh!” Hanamaru started, “Of course.” Hastily, she leapt off the trunk and took a few steps away before turning back to watch.
Yohane turned back to Lailaps and felt her magic inside of her and pushed it to her staff which glowed for a few brief moments before dissipating. The entire forest was silent as if they were holding their breath for what was next.
“…Is that it?” Yohane asked, wondering if the contract even went through. No sparks, no glow or anything spectacular. Wasn’t a Familiar Contracting supposed to be more… grand? All she received from Lailaps was a very wolfish grin.
In the back of her mind she felt a prick and a strange sensation. It was as if there was a door of some kind with a thin line attached to it. Between the cracks she felt a sense of familiarity and understanding. Almost as if it had been present for a long time and she was simply unaware of it. It felt like some kind of string and with a thought she tugged on it.
“Our contract is forged. I pledge myself to you as your Familiar.” Lailaps answered from within Yohane's mind.
“Is this our mental bond?!? We can talk to each other at any time!” Yohane mentally screeched in excitement. That was always one of the coolest parts of the contract in Yohane’s mind.
“Indeed. Although we can only communicate through words if we are physically close. Any further and we will only get a general feeling of each other's emotions. At least for now.”
Not only had she Awakened but she also had a Familiar now! Most mages took months or even years to find a suitable animal. And she found a perfect companion within two minutes of Awakening.
“I knew you always liked me, but I didn’t think you thought that highly of me.” Lailaps teased. Yohane blushed as she realized she just thought that out loud. Or audibly? How do you even think to just yourself with a bond? Lailap’s huff in her mind at that was audible. “It’s something that takes time to learn and master. But you only have to do it while tapping into it.
Now Yohane shot a scowl back. “Well how do I turn it off then?”
“Just let go.” Lailaps replied simply.
Realizing she was still pulling on the string in her mind, Yohane relaxed. The connection felt muted as if a door had been placed between their minds. She could feel small whisps of emotions and thoughts, but it was barely noticeable and easy to ignore. She could still feel Lailaps presence through that door, but she’d have to open it again to hear her clearly again.
Hanamaru ran up to the two with a wide smile on her face, glomping onto Yohane with a hug. “That was amazing, zura! I never saw someone bond with a familiar before. And I didn’t know that two mages could share a familiar.”
Yohane felt her face warm. Wait, why was Hanamaru being so touchy with her? Eventually she managed to work her way out of it, trying her best to cover her red face. “No. Only one. My mom just broke her contract and that’s why I was able to forge one. Apparently it was something she had always planned for.”
Looking above head she noticed how the sun was already beginning to set. Despite the woods being safe during the day at night was a different story. Who knew what kind of wild animals roamed at night.
Time to show off her magic. “Lailaps!” She demanded imperiously, “As your master I ask you to give us both a ride back to town!” Yohane spun her staff before pointing it toward Numazu. Hanamaru gasped in excitement, hands clasping together, only for Lailaps to shake her head.
“Just because I’m your familiar doesn’t mean I’m your slave. You can’t make me do anything” Lailaps remarked before heaving out an overexaggerated sigh. “But this is a special occasion. Come on.” Lailaps gestured to her back.
Yohane grabbed Hanamaru’s hand and dragged her over to her new familiar. With practiced experience she mounted Lailaps. She rotated to give Hanamaru a helping hand but was stunned when the young woman effortlessly joined her on top without any assistance.
“I ride Shishinoshin all the time and she’s almost twice as tall.” Hanamaru said as she leaned forward, arms snaking around Yohane’s waist to hold on tight.
Lailaps raised her head and howled, her voice echoing through the forest before she broke into a full sprint down the path. Both girls struggled to hold on but laughed the entire time as they made their way back to town.
Yohane never noticed her staff glow and the small symbol that etched itself onto the wooden surface. But a figure watching from amidst the bushes did.
And they grinned.