Chapter Text
Nene was always thankful for everything that her parents gave her.
“Not now.”
They were very wealthy which gave her the freedom of studying and not working all day like most kids her age.
“I’m busy.”
She had a lot of free time to explore and experience a lot of pleasures from a young age.
“I don't have time right now.”
And yet… she couldn't help but be a little selfish and want to be with her parents more.
They were always away, leaving butlers to take care of her. “We are nobles for a reason, Nene,'' Yet why can't she talk to them a little more?
Maybe she got a lot of things that other kids didn't, but was it worth it for not being with her parents?
“Nene, you are a clever girl, but you need to understand that your parents are important people and can’t give you all of their time, be a little less selfish. Ok?”
Nene decided that maybe getting friends would cure her boredom and loneliness, so she tried to get to know more people, she really did! She was friends with a "really nice guy" named “Rui” who was her parent’s friend’s son. He was the one who taught her spells and introduced her to magic. She never saw her parents use their magic, nor the servants that roamed around her house. Rui also gave her a few books so she could practise the basic spells he taught her.
“Why would we want to be your friend? You're a coward and annoying and privileged. You get all the money and stuff you want while we work all day for food. Go talk to your toys, maybe they want to talk to such an annoying wannabe princess like you.”
But no matter how much attention she got, she always knew that if she worked hard enough, and would reach her parents' expectations of becoming the perfect daughter and finding a good partner, they would always be proud of her and that's all she needed.
>>>> July 19th xx23
She was running for a long time.
She is only eighteen years old! Eighteen!
(Where is she?)
She doesn't want to already have a set future, definitely not marriage. She wants to have choices! She wants to learn magic and fight! She wants to apply for a job in the castle as a magician! She wants to protect the common people, the nobles and the royal family alike!
(She recognizes the area as she finds herself next to a river that is not that far away from her house.)
She doesn't want to be stuck on the same path for her whole life. Definitely not with a random guy that means nothing. She wants to learn magic and join the official army, Just like Rui did.
(She sat down on the riverside as tears flowed down from her eyes, not aware of her surroundings at all, not even a girl a few steps away that looked at her in surprise.)
And maybe she is scared, yes. No, not maybe, she knows that she is scared. Disappointing her parents was always her biggest fear. Yet being useless and sitting around might be even worse.
(Tears flowed down as she crawled into a ball, not noticing a figure that stared at her since she sat down getting closer.)
And even though she knows she already has disappointed them every day of her life, the little hope that one day this will change is what keeps her going.
(She tried fighting the tears but when she can’t even see her own legs from the blur of them, she doesn't see any point in trying.)
Yet said hope is getting smaller and smaller every day that she thinks it will die out soon.
“Hello!!!!!”
She definitely did not let out a small scream as she turned around to greet the voice.
“Are you ok?!” the person was way too close to her for a stranger.
She brought her hands to her eyes to wipe her tears and focus on the girl in front of her, but the sight made her freeze.
She stood in shock as she faced the prettiest girl she ever witnessed in her entire life. She had bright pink eyes and matching bright pink hair, she wore a very simple white dress and matching sandals. But most importantly, she had the biggest and prettiest smile on her face.
“Are you sad??? Oh no, you need to smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Nene was hit with the fact that this angel's first impression of her is a little useless girl crying.
“I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't mean to cry, I'll stop,” She said as she moved her hands to fully cover her face.
Nene's voice was much quieter than usual. She didn't know if it was the fact that she cried two seconds ago, or just because she is generally a very shy person, especially in front of people she never met before and especially when they are really, really, pretty.
“No no no, it's ok to cry!!”
The girl hurried to hold Nene's arms and removed them from the girl’s face. Nene’s eyes widened at how close the other was to her, but instead of running away as she usually does, she froze. Why is she not intimidated? She’s supposed to be scared, not… whatever this warm feeling is.
“My name is Emu Otori!!!! What is your name???”
The beautiful smile that was on her face became even larger. It took Nene a few seconds of staring at the other, panicking as her hands were still held by Emu, to answer quietly “Nene Kusanagi.”
“It's very nice to meet you Kusanagi!! Can I ask what you are doing here?”
Nene never thought she would open up to a stranger. Especially since she doesn't know anything about them, except for their name and that they are the nicest person she ever met, yet, she sat down and cried to Otori. She told her about how exhausted she was and how she wants to learn magic and be useful, while she still wants to be the perfect child but she can't do both.
She never expected someone to be so understanding and helpful, especially someone she met only a few minutes ago.
It took Nene around 30 minutes to finally calm down.
“I'm sorry for the commotion, thank you for everything, Otori,” She was a little embarrassed by the fact that she didn't let the other girl talk and made Emu listen to her for this long.
“Nonsense, nonsense!!! I had a great time listening to you and I'm happy you feel better!” Emu looked very cheerful, “Also call me Emu!!”
Nene was about to argue that they only met, but to be fair, she just forced the other to listen to her crying for a very long time, so the least she could do was consider her a friend.
“Ah. Thank you… Emu. Call me Nene then.”
If she had any doubts about calling her by her first name, they were all gone as she watched the brightest smile form on Emu’s lips.
“Ok!! Thank you Nene :D Would you like to be my friend now??? ”
Nene never replied faster in her life.
“Of course.”
She was tackled into a hug. And she didn't care about the fact that she only met this person less than an hour ago, she didn't mind the fact she fell on the floor, she only cared about the warm embrace of the other.
…. July 20th xx23
Nene doesn't know why she woke up excited.
She doesn't know why she rushed her breakfast and shower.
She doesn't know why she changed into her outside clothes so quickly.
She doesn't even know why she was out of her home by 2 pm.
She doesn't know why the only thing on her mind was that brilliant pink hair and that beautiful smile and those bright eyes that looked at her for hours yesterday.
And she doesn't know why she is expecting to see them again.
Nene sat down by the same spot she spent hours in yesterday, hoping for something she knows won't happen.
Just because Emu blessed her with her company for such a long time yesterday doesn't mean she would do the same today.
Nene always knew she gets attached easily, yet she thinks this is incredibly low, even for her. Waiting for someone you met yesterday and a random time in the same spot doesn't mean they will show up again, come on Nene! Toughen up.
The longer she stayed there, staring at the water in front of her, the more she felt worse about the situation. But who is she to judge, no one ever wanted to talk to her, why would such a perfect person? Why would Emu spend any more time on her? She shouldn't expect the other to come meet her again, they only met yesterday, obviously, Emu is not committed yet and…
“NENE!!!!!!”
Nene looked up and turned around to see a pink figure come closer at an overwhelming speed.
“Emu?” She stood up ready to welcome the closing figure, but she realised Emu wasn't slowing down too late.
“NENE!” Emus' voice echoed through the forest as she jumped on top of Nene, resulting in both falling on the ground.
Nene is not very proud of the little shout she let out.
“Emu? You really came back?” she said with a small smile.
“OF COURSE I DID!!! I would never miss out on time with you!!”
Nene doesn't know what she did in her past life to be so blessed but she is not complaining. Well, except for the fact that her face decided to become even redder with each second but it was worth it.
“That's very nice of you Emu,” She stuttered, feeling hot all over.
Emu finally let her go and stood up, extending her hand to help Nene up.
After a second of staring, Nene accepted the help and she was pulled up by incredible strength.
“Wow, you are very strong!” She said before thinking about it.
“I have to be!! I need to protect Nene from bad stuff, no?”
Nene felt the blush go all the way to her ears, “Huh?”
Emu sat down on the floor, finally letting go of her hand (have they been joined this whole time?) “I'm a knight!! So I can protect EVERYONE!!!!!! So everyone will be safe and happy. Will you be happy if I protect you, Nene?” Emu’s eyes shined brightly as she turned to look at her.
Nene sat down next to Emu, doing her best to hide how red she was “Of course I'll be happy if you protect me Emu,” She was stuttering too much for her liking.
“That's amazingaful!!!”
She smiled at that, Emu’s random words were so cute. She should write them down somewhere so she will never forget them.
Wait. Emu was a knight???
--- October 4th xx24
“And then I went BOOM!! AND KABOOM!!! And then I turned around and went, BUZZELABOOM!!!!!!”
Emu shouted as she tried to recreate what happened in her last mission. Nene hadn't seen her for 2 weeks, so it was a much longer mission than usual because Emu usually comes back to the same river exactly a week after announcing “I won't see you for a while but I will miss you so so so so so so so much!!!” Which never failed to fluster Nene.
It's been over a year since she's met this angel who decided that she is worthy enough to keep her company and Nene couldn’t be a happier person. She finally wakes up every day with a smile and with something to look forward to, 2 pm exactly. Emu also did the only thing Rui (and no one else) managed to convince her to do, continue studying magic.
Since her parents told her to stop studying magic, nothing gave her motivation to continue. Not even Rui’s consistent and annoying requests were able to get her to continue with her studies. Yet… seeing Emu’s sad eyes when she told her she quit one of her biggest passions was unbearable. She feels like disappointing Emu is 50 times worse than disappointing her parents. And so, a month after she met the most perfect person on earth, she found herself on Rui’s doorstep saying “I want you to teach me magic again.” (maybe for rui’s, rare, genuine smile it was worth it.)
“NENE!!! HELLO???”
Nene shook her head and refocused her eyes to find Emu waving her hand in front of her face.
“Uh, I'm sorry! Continue your story please.”
Emu huffed but nodded and returned to her previous position.
“And as I was saying… SO I WENT BOOM!!! AND POOF!!! AND BAZAOW!!!”
Nene smiled as she added “bazaow” to her notebook (meaning: probably excitement, E̶m̶u̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶r̶e̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶c̶u̶t̶e̶ ̶w̶h̶i̶l̶e̶ ̶s̶a̶y̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶i̶t̶).
--- August 8th xx25
“Good job Nene~ you learnt this one very quickly.”
“Ah thank you.” Nene was exhausted from today's lesson, but it was worth it.
This shield spell could be useful for the future. She sat down on the ground finally taking a rest. The weekly lesson Rui gave her on Wednesdays, in a secluded area in the forest, has come to an end. She is satisfied with her progress and is very thankful for Rui.
“Ah by the way, c” Rui sat down in front of her, “How was the meeting with your girlfriend today?”
She was less thankful for Rui right now.
“She is not my girlfriend,” Nene sighed. Just cause she has been suffering from a crush for almost two years now (at least she's done with the denial phase) doesn't mean a relationship will happen, she's never been in denial about that. Not because she thinks she's unlovable, she just knows Emu deserves someone better.
“Oh no, come on~, you meet with this mysterious girl that I don't know the name of, that you meet up with for about 2 years every day, and you have a crush on, and you expect me to believe you two are not together?”
“You don't deserve any say with the fact that you never introduced me to your own crush or told me his name.”
“Oh come on we both know if you will tell me I will tell you.”
“Shut up Rui, I'm the only person that can suffer through your endless gay panic about some guy so leave me to be.”
“EXCUSE ME????”
But Nene already stood up and left.
--- January 17th xx26
“One last thing before I leave you for the day Nene!!'' Even though the two are almost 21 years old and don't have a bedtime, it's already a 2-and-a-half-year-old tradition to leave when the sun sets.
“I WANT YOU TO MEET MY BEST FRIEND!!!!”
Right.
Nene and Emu always meet just the two of them. But, just like Nene has Rui, Emu also has a “best friend”. The only difference is that Emu is Nene’s number one, but Nene is definitely not Emu’s. But she is fine with that. As long as she gets to see that beautiful smile every day she will be forever happy.
“Of course, I would like to meet your best friend! Tsukasa sounds like a nice person!”
She got tackled into one last hug. It's been almost 2 and a half years yet Nene's face still turns into a tomato just from a simple hug. At Least she learned to return it.
“Yay, thank you, Nene!!” Emu let her go, returning to her field of view with the ever-present big smile.
Even if it meant breaking her own heart, Nene would do anything for her.
--- january 18th xx26
Nene was too anxious the next day, it's just Emu’s friend, everything will be alright. Said sentence repeated in her head again and again throughout the day, trying to calm her stress from leaving a bad impression on someone so important to Emu.
“Everything will be fine” she kept whispering to herself as she walked in circles next to the very familiar river.
“NENE!!!!!!!!” Weirdly enough, that shout was the most calming thing she ever heard.
“Emu!” She smiled, turning around to welcome the pink-haired girl that tackled her into a hug.
Her breathing was returning to normal, everything is fine everything is fine everything is fine everything is f- “HELLO!”
A new and very cheerful voice made her let go of Emu and instantly hide behind the cheerful girl. She closed her eyes trying to calm down. Everything will be alright everything will be alright everything will be-
“Nene.” Emu’s voice was so quiet that it made her open her eyes in surprise.
She was still hiding behind the girl who had no intentions of moving. “Everything is fine.”
Right. Everything is fine. If Emu says so she is definitely right. Nene finally straightened herself trying to at least look fine. Emu’s hand was placed on her shoulder bringing her enough comfort to finally look at the man in front of her. He was definitely much taller than her but not taller than Rui, so that was not the issue. His hair was bright blond with pink edges and he had matching orange-yellow eyes. He had a smile, almost as big as Emus, all over his face and his hand was held up, inviting her for a handshake
"MY NAME IS TSUKASA!"
Nene slowly brought up her hand and accepted the handshake. "Nene," Her voice was very quiet.
Thank god that she has to experience Emu’s handshakes every day because she believes that if she never met Emu, this guy would take her hand out. “Damn,” She breathed out, as he shook her hand enthusiastically
“I'M VERY HAPPY TO MEET YOU”
Is this how he talks regularly? He was too loud.
“Tsukasa-kun!! Please???” Emu’s beautiful voice filled her ears, that's much better than whatever that was.
“Ah, sorry,” Was this the same guy? Nene refocused her eyes to confirm that he was the one who talked in shock, how did he go from this loud to that quiet? Well, at least her hand was free because he finally let her go. She moved her hand back, stretching her shoulder. Well, Emu did say he was a knight, but still, he didn't look that… impressive?
Nene watched as Emu bounced all the way to Tsukasa and scolded him “Don’t hurt Nene!!”
“I'M SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN TO!!!”
“And be more quiet!!!”
Tsukasa nodded and turned to face Nene once again and bowed “I’m so sorry.”
Nene didn’t expect that at all.
“It's ok, it's ok!!” She covered her face, why is Emu making her friend embarrass himself just because she doesn't have enough arm strength? It's so nice (and cute) of her to do so, but she needs to make a good first impression on someone that important (to Emu at least).
Tsukasa and Emu laughed it off very quickly though (is this some knight language she can’t understand?) and changed the conversation topic to talk about Nene, properly introducing her. Tsukasa asked her a lot of questions and nodded listening carefully to each one, making sure to show that he cared. Maybe he is not that bad. Nene answered shortly (with Emu’s guidance), slowly and carefully getting used to the lively presence of the ‘star knight!’ himself.
She learned quite a few things about Tsukasa. Like that he had three younger siblings and that he teaches younger knights in the castle, and that his 22nd birthday was a month ago ("my parents want me to marry someone soon!"), and most importantly, he was one of the 5 strongest knights in the castle!
“There is a list?”
“Of course there is!!!!” Emu chimed in “Did I never tell you??”
“I don’t think so…”
“Haha!! That's okay of course!! I'll recite it for you!!” Tsukasa’s voice was still overwhelming, but at least he was doing his best? But before he managed to open his mouth, Emu already started talking. Nene noticed the two talking over each other quite a bit, yet none of them seemed offended, the two looked so natural talking to each other! Even though she noticed how hard both tried to include her (which was very sweet) she couldn't help but feel like she was a little out of place.
“The following knights are: Hinomori Shiho, at spot number 5, Akito Shinononome, at spot number 4, Mizuki Akiyama, at spot number 3, Me!!! At spot number 2 and Tsukasa-kun (of course) at number 1!! Isn't it exciting??”
Not only was Emu the most precious perfect human being in the world, but she was the second strongest knight in the kingdom? Emu will never cease to surprise her. And no wonder she goes on this many missions and makes it sound so exciting, because it probably was! Nene was really dumb for underestimating Emu.
And of course, she was best friends with the strongest knight in the kingdom, Nene probably should have expected that at this point.
“Wow, you two are this strong? Should have I known…”
“Oh, it's nothing! We just do our duties!” Tsukasa exclaimed. She has no idea how this relates to the conversation but oh well.
“Does this list do anything though? Except for glory of course.” Nene’s attempts at calming down about the fact that both of her friends (?) are this strong, were not very effective.
“Well, it gives me more connections I guess? I get to talk with the king and queen more often than others and I get to choose which knights can work in the castle as official knights. About the others, I believe that they get similar privileges but I believe that the higher you are on the list the more your opinion matters." That actually sounds amazing. She needs to find the magician at number one, cause they definitely could get her to work in the castle! Yes, that's good, she could finally work to protect her people.
“Is there a list for magicians?” Nene definitely couldn't help but wonder if she can enter the list somehow , maybe be in the top five as well.
“I HAVE NO IDEA! Tsukasa-kun do you know?”
“I'm not very sure about most of it, but I do know who is in the top three.”
Nene should write these down, she definitely needs their connections to get the job she's been wanting since she was little.
“I would love to know…” Nene said, fetching for her notebook that layed down beside her.
“If I remember correctly, I may be wrong…” Nene quickly opened a new page and titled it ‘top magicians’.
“Number three is Ichika… uh…” Wait. ICHIKA?!
“Hoshino??”
“Yes, that's it! Do you know her?” Tsukasa sounded a little bit surprised.
She knew Ichika was a magician in the castle, but she didn't know she was considered this strong! Well good that her and Ichika’s families were good friends, because that will definitely help her with her studies. Next time they meet up she will probably beg her for tips. And hopefully, Ichika will be able to help with getting her into the castle.
“Yeah, we are friends.”
“That's very nice Nene!!! Will you introduce her to me sometime???” Emu practically bounced while sitting down, which was adorable.
“Number two is Shizuku Hinomori,” Nene wrote her down anyway, even though she has Ichika, she still wants to know who is considered the ‘best of the best’ in her field.
“And who is number one?” This was actually important. She needs to at least know this person, who probably could give her a job in the castle or something. Maybe Ichika can as well, but they probably have more influence and connections in the castle. Maybe Ichika can introduce her to them? Yes, that sounds great she will ask Ichika for tips and-
“Ah!! Number one is called Rui Kamishiro!”
Nene froze.
Of course, god has to laugh at her once again.
“Rui Kamishiro?” she asked quietly as she closed her notebook, not even bothering to write this traitor’s name down.
“Yes? Is everything okay Nene? You look a little pale…” Emu is the cutest for worrying about her, but this is definitely not the time. She is going to kill this guy. He knew this whole time that she wanted to work in the castle as a magician and didn’t do anything even though he is basically the guy who decides who works there? Looks like Ichika will be the person that she will be asking to help her get the job, cause she will make sure that the number one on the list will be dead soon.
“Nene are you-”
“Ah I’m sorry everyone, but I need to go.” she said, while standing up.
“Nene?” Emu looked up at her, wondering if everything was ok.
“Good night.” She said and used the teleportation spell that she managed to perfect only last week.
Finding herself on Rui's doorstep, she knocked as hard as she could, “RUI OPEN YOUR FUCKING DOOR!” She shouted as loud as she could.
After a moment of silence, she heard the lock turning around and the door slowly opened “Nene?” Rui’s figure might look intimidating, but he looked scared.
Good.
“YOU'RE AN ASSHOLE AND YOU BETTER KNOW THAT!” She said as she kicked the door open and stepped into the house. Rui took a step back and said “Nene? Is everything ok? What are you…”
She shut the door behind her “I can't believe you!! You are unbelievable!!”
“Nene please explain-”
She grabbed his hand a started dragging him towards the living room.
“We have been friends for my whole life!! And you think not telling me something THIS important is okay?? Especially because it could help me, am I not your best friend?? I’m SUPPOSED to know this kind of stuff!!”
“OK OK. Nene, I'm sorry. Truth is, I have no idea what I didn't tell you, but I am sorry for keeping it from you, but can I know what it is now?”
Nene sighed trying to calm down. She was really mad but Rui does look like he has no idea.
“Maybe the fact that you are considered the strongest magician in the kingdom?”
“Oh.”
“Not only that! I was told that you can decide who becomes a magician in the castle? Something I have always told you I want to do!!”
“...” Rui looked conflicted
“What do you have to say for yourself?” Nene felt her anger only rising.
“Well- I'm sorry once again Nene. I understand why you are mad but I didn't see it that way! I never really used my ‘privileges’ and never offered anyone any job. I am mostly working towards building robots to help the knights, I don't even teach! I never really asked what I could do with this title or couldn't care, but if what you say is true… I’ll be happy to help.”
Now that Nene gives it a second thought, Rui is not the kind of person to care for such stuff. This does sound like a reasonable explanation.
“Fine” she sighed “But you will get me this job ok?”
“Of course Nene!!” his signature cat-like grin immediately returned to his face “You will have to see me every day in no time!”
Nene sighed- right. This means working with Rui. She will have to endure it for all that she wants. Plus, Rui said he works alone, meaning that she will probably work with Shizuku or maybe even Ichika!
“Also, did you teleport here? You did that so well~”
--- january 27th xx26
Nene stood in front of the castle.
Today is the day. She can do it. She can do it. Everything will be ok.
She stood there, waiting for Rui, desperate for guidance. She is too stressed, even though she knows she'll be fine. She knows a good deal of magic and she will definitely perform well in the practices that she will have to do as a magician in the castle.
After a while, Rui showed up and led her into the place she's been wanting to go to for as long as she can remember.
“You will attend a few classes in the start, but when your talent is recognized, you will become an ‘experienced magician’ where you will get missions once in a while and will be ranked. You could also be a teacher if you are in the top 15. You would also have a ‘knight’ pair, who you will be working with mostly as your closest co-worker.”
“Why is that?”
“Knights and magicians always work together on the battlefield, so it was decided to pair them up ‘power level wise’ to help it become more organized and familiar to the soldiers when the time comes”
Nene wanted to answer when Rui said “Ah. We are here.”
Nene watched as Rui opened a door to reveal a gym filled with about 20 people sitting down and looking at a mint-haired woman who was demonstrating something in front of the ‘class’.
“That is Hinomori Shizuku,” Rui said quietly to Nene, who recognized her as the second strongest magician according to the list, before speaking loud enough so the whole room could hear him, “Excuse me for a second everyone”
Nene shrunk as everyone in the room turned to look at her, listening to them whisper maybe about her, maybe about Rui, but no matter what, it will stress her more.
“I assigned a new student to this class, and she will be joining you guys from now. Her name is Nene Kusanagi. Now please carry on.”
Nene nodded in response to Rui’s good luck and nervously sat down behind a few students.
Miss Hinomori was teaching them a spell that Rui already taught her, so she took her time to look around the class. Most students were listening carefully, while some looked a little bored, but overall, no one was looking at her, so at least she didn't get any attention.
When the explanation was finished Miss Hinomori asked them to get into pairs to practice the spell. Oh no. Nene’s worst fear. Socialising.
“Hello!”
Nene turned her head to see another woman, about her age, offering her hand to help her stand up. Nene hesitated for a second before accepting, she has to be strong and make friends somehow, and overall, she didn't look THAT bad.
“My name is Honami Mochizuki, Kusanagi right?”
Nene nodded, not trusting her voice to actually make conversation.
“Would you like to be my partner in class?” Her voice was quiet and friendly, so Nene decided that she would be her saviour for these classes.
“Of course, Mochizuki-san” Nene’s voice was a little too quiet, but it made the other smile, so she tried to stop stressing about this new person.
After a few minutes of listening to Mochizuki-san talking and introducing herself, they finally got into the right position to actually practice the spell Miss Hinomori demonstrated before.
It was a shield spell (one that Rui taught her a while ago), so Nene let Mochizuki-san practice first.
She immediately noticed Honami’s stance was off, making her shield too fragile, Nene could take it down in a second. Not that she said anything, not wanting to disappoint her new friend.
They started practicing, Honami put up a shield and Nene shot a spell, which managed to break it every time. After a good ten minutes Honami finally sighed and called to Nene “I can't do it properly! It's too hard. Maybe you should try, Kusanagi?”
Nene nodded and raised her hand to put up a shield.
Honami started shooting spells, yet she had no luck in breaking Nene’s shield.
“Kusanagi, that's amazing! You have to teach me how to do that”
“It's nothing…” Nene laughed it off as she walked over to Honami
She fixed the others' posture, making sure that Honami was doing the movement right and moving her hands and legs in the right way into the right position. It took Honami a few minutes to perfect the spell, but soon enough it could stand Nene’s spells. She opened her mouth to congratulate the other when she was interrupted by someone else
“You are going to rob me of my job soon, Kusanagi” Nene turned around to face Miss Hinomori, who was laughing lightly
“Oh no no, I didn't mean to-” Nene tried to explain herself before being interrupted again
“I’m not mad, love, I'm impressed!” Miss Hinomori smiled
Nene didn't know what to say, what did she mean, it's not… impressive?
“I have seen what you have done before, and knowing Honami’s skills, it's not an easy accomplishment. How about you stay here after class so we can assess your skills further?”
All Nene could do at this point is nod.
Nene sat down on the floor of the same gym, waiting for Miss Hinomori to come back after she left only saying “I need to arrange something”
Miss Hinomori said her skills were very impressive, yet Nene didn't understand why. Sure she can create a pretty strong shield, but it's not exceptional. Right? Well, It's not like she has any idea what a standard magician can do, after all, she has only ever seen Rui do magic, and he is, apparently, the strongest around, so she can't really compare anything to him.
“Kusanagi! I am back!” miss Hinomori’s cheerful voice made her look up at the other, who was holding a bunch of papers. “I brought a list of spells that range from ones that every student should know, to very advanced ones that only a few can master, but we won't go over those.” Miss Hinomori explained, “I think we should go over them and see what you know.”
Nene nodded again, standing up to follow Miss Hinomori to the middle of the room
“Ok, spell one!”
Nene stayed in the room for over an hour, casting every spell Miss Hinomori asked her to do, sometimes in the air and sometimes on a wooden doll.
Finally, Miss Hinomori sighed and said “You are too talented for my class,” Nene finished casting the last spell and looked at her. “What do you mean? This is not a requirement?” Her teacher laughed at that, making Nene more confused than before
“Of course not! Your strength was very noticeable just by your stance and your knowledge, but seeing you in action makes me think you might be even stronger than me!”
“Oh no no no, of course not miss Hinomori, your level is not even close to mine I-” Nene didn't believe she was anywhere close to the strength of the top 3 strongest magicians in the kingdom, miss Hinomori must be kidding.
“Well, how about this, don't come to class tomorrow but come here after it ends. We will do a friendly spar that will settle this debate.”
Even though Nene tried to decline, Miss Hinomori was very persistent, so in the end, she nodded and accepted her fate, not understanding why she was feeling so strongly about the situation.
--- january 28th xx26
The following day, Nene reached the gym exactly 5 minutes after her class ended and exactly 5 minutes before the time she and Miss Hinomori decided to meet up, feeling… Nervous? Excited? She didn't know. Surprisingly, Miss Hinomori was already there, talking to someone. As Nene got closer she realised who it was, “Ichika?”. The two turned around to look at her, Ichika’s face lighting up as she recognized her friend. “Nene!” she rushed to greet her with a hug that Nene immediately returned.
“Shizuku, is Nene the student you talked to me about?” Ichika finally let go of Nene, looking at Miss Hinomori again. “I believe she is. Do you know each other?” both Nene and Ichika nodded. Nene almost asked Ichika why she was here, till she remembered that the other is ranked third on the strongest wizard list, which makes sense for her to know Miss Hinomori.
“I didn't know you started practicing magic again?” Ichika asked her
“A friend convinced me.”
“So you decided to work here?”
“I always wanted to.”
“That's right. Well mind if I watch this match? I don't remember the last time I got to see not only you but also Shizuku fight anyone, I think it would be very interesting”
“Of course, of course! You are very welcome. Having an outsider to help us assess Kusanagi’s strength would actually be better, plus this is an official match, so having you as a judge will probably be for the best.” Miss Hinomori answered.
Nene learnt from Rui that official matches are matches that can change your ranking in the ‘wizard strength list’, meaning through this match she will get her first rank. She needs to do her best.
“But I believe we should start, we shouldn't be wasting time right?”
“Right you are!” Ichika laughed, waving her hand to summon a chair for her to sit on, while Nene and Miss Hinomori got into fighting positions.
After they recited the rules for the spar (no deadly spells, staying in the gym, flight allowed, no permanent or severe injuries, and the winner is decided when the other one concedes)
“3!” Ichika started counting down, she took the rule of the ‘judge’ very seriously
“2!” Nene doesn't remember ever adding ‘fight a very strong magician’ to her bucket list, but the excitement she was feeling knowing she will now, was much stronger than most of the over things she ever put in there
“1!” She felt the familiar boiling in her arms as her magic begged to escape and start fighting
“Start!”
--- january 28th xx26
Nene immediately shot an offensive spell, trying to catch the other off guard, but Hinomori’s shield was unfortunately faster, effectively blocking her spell.
‘Good idea’ Nene thought while she put her shield up. Hinomori started attacking back, forcing Nene to focus on maintaining her shield.
She fully started focusing only when Hinomori started teleporting, behind her, above her, in front of her, and back, while shooting different spells at her. Nene finally decided to attack back, shooting fire spells, which she had taken a liking to recently, at the other. Hinomori decided to dodge by teleporting away while still shooting spells of her own.
Nene very quickly recognized what Hinomori’s fighting style was, it was very repetitive but effective and hard to beat. Hinomori is fast and uses it to her advantage, teleporting to different directions far enough from the opponent’s reach, but close enough for her to shoot long-range spells, and when all of it is combined it mimics the feeling of getting shot by hundreds of arrows from all directions.
Even though Nene gave out on magic for a long time, she still missed it in those years. So as to not starve from boredom, she read through war tactic books and memorized most of the magic-related ones. What Hinomori is doing is not common yet not unheard of. Nene believes it's called ‘Bow and Arrow’. While she kept fending off Hinomori, she tried to remember what's the best way to defeat anyone using that tactic.
‘Ok, Nene, remember. Page 136 is bow and arrow. Page 138 is the picture of the man with a bow. Page 139 is the fending off. Paragraph 3 says…’
She learned this spell a long time ago, so she was a little rusty, but she could still manage to pull ‘Planted Snakes’ quite easily. 4 different star jasmine plants rose from the ground and started to chase Hinomori through the air.
Nene saw the panic in the other's eyes, as she started focusing on escaping the climbing plants instead of her. But Hinomori was able to mostly fend the plants off and pretty quickly started attacking Nene again. That was no good, Nene wanted to win. She needs to win. Nene started calculating what she could do. If she keeps letting Hinomori shoot spells at her, she is bound to lose. The only way is to finish the other in one big hit which will exhaust the other and let her win.
Most big spells Nene knew broke the rules of the spar, but this is this one that Rui taught her a while ago ‘It's very effective, and not many can block it’. She knows it can't kill, plus she trusts Hinomori to block this spell, but it was her only hope, knowing this is probably the only spell that could exhaust Hinamori and make her concede defeat.
Nene forced 2 more plants out of the ground, and the 6 started to chase Hinomori faster, giving her time to focus on creating a giant sphere, also known as “the Sphere of Joy”. Rui always said this name was sarcastic, as it brought no joy to its opponents, quite the opposite actually. What it does is take the ‘joy’ out of any person but the caster within a certain area, making them lose all energy to fight. In most cases, the people in the area would just give up or start crying. Nene remembers Rui warning her about using it, but she is much stronger than she was before, she can handle it.
The sphere finally formed and Nene let it rise closer to Hinomori.
“Nene what are you-” Hinomori started speaking, but the sphere started to glow brighter and brighter until-
“Nene stop it immediately”
Rui’s hand held her shoulder firmly, making her let go of the huge amount of magic she was letting out “Rui?” she looked to her right to see the other giving her the most serious look she has seen him give her in years. “Stop it now.”
His voice was very intimidating, making her stop casting the spell, causing the ball of energy to disappear
“I don't understand-”
“Nene, that was very dangerous. Never, EVER, do this to a friend, you hear me?”
“Rui I-”
“Do you understand?”
She was never more scared of Rui. “Yes” she nodded quietly.
“Good”
The three landed on the floor, Hinomori trying to calm down while Rui walked over to help her stand up “Did it affect you at all?” he asked her, who said “No, Kamishiro, it’s ok” with a small smile.
“Good thing I got here before it's too late,” He said before announcing “Nene is the winner of this fight”
Nene, who knew she got carried away, was very confused why. “But I used a banned spell, I-”
“Nene this spell is not banned,” Rui explained, “But your magic is strong enough that the amount of area it would have taken effect on was so large that I had to stop you from casting it, because we wouldn't want every person in the castle crying right now do we?”
Nene thought it made sense but still, she was wrong and could have hurt a lot of people. “I’m very sorry, I didn't mean to cause this.”
“It’s ok!” Ichika, who was still watching, shouted from the sideline, “Yeah, it’s ok Kusanagi-chan, you didn't know” Hinomori seemed to agree, even though the spell was intentionally against her.
“Are you all sure-”
“Yes.” Rui seemed to calm down a bit, looking less stressed than before, “Well now that the fight is settled, I think we should put your ranking at second”
“WHAT.” Nene was too surprised to feel embarrassed about her scream, “What do you mean, I can't just-”
“Are all three of us in favor of moving Nene Kusanagi to rank two of the strongest wizards in this kingdom?”
“I'm in favor!”
“So am I!”
“Then it is decided.”
--- february 13th xx26
“Why am I here again?” Nene slid further down her chair.
“I have told you already, because you are not only considered in the top 15 of the magicians, you are second, meaning, you have to get yourself a ‘partner in crime’ knight.”
Rui and her were sitting in his office exactly a week after she got ranked as second. Rui has been pushing her to join the ‘knight wizard programm’, yet Nene is not in a hurry, she was not used to her position yet, with the amount of new responsibilities that were thrown her, and many people she has to get to know, she doesn't think she is ready to start practising with some random knight.
At least that's what she tells Rui. Because deep down, she knows that seeing any other knight in action, that is not Emu, would hurt her. Both have been so busy lately, and the limited time she has with her is the highlight of her day, so being forced to work with someone else knowing Emu is just a room away would ruin her.
She misses Emu too much, even if she sees her every week.
“Nene, let's just try. Meet the knight, both me and my knight partner will be there, maximum it won't work out, but you have to try!!”
When Rui wants her to do something, he never stops nagging her about it. It was like that with magic and by the look in his eyes, it will be like this now if she wont accept.
“Fine. but don't expect me to continue seeing whatever knight you throw at me. I am doing this so you will leave me alone.”
“That's wonderful!” his signature smile returned to his face “I'll talk with my knight after words, and we will try to find you a suitable match.” Nene almost puked by how overjoyed he looked just thinking about seeing the other, she hopes she doesnt look like this when she talks about Emu.
“Is this whole thing just an excuse for you to talk with your crush? Don't you see him everyday or something?”
Rui’s hum in response was the last straw.
--- february 27th xx26
She was going to be late to her and Emu’s meeting today because of that dumbass Rui.
“Nene you promised you will do this! Plus it won't take more than a minute,” Rui said as he dragged her across the castle towards the rooms where the knights practised at (the knight gyms as Nene likes to call it), so she could meet the knight Rui and his ‘boyfriend’ assigned to her. Sure, she agreed to do this, mainly to make Rui stop nagging her, but taking away her precious Emu time is definitely crossing the line.
But of course, Rui is too annoying to let this go, so she found herself getting dragged by her wrist into a gym instead of spending time with the most perfect person on Earth.
Which is what she would have said if said person wasn't standing right in the center of the gym, bickering with Tsukasa.
“Tsukasa-kun please! Please please please please please!!!”
“No! Emu, you promised me to do this! And it won't take longer than a minute!!”
Nene was too surprised at the sight of Emu and Tsukasa being there to register Rui finally letting go of her wrist.
“Ah~ Tsukasa kun! you guys are already here~”
The two turned to stare at them at the sound of Rui’s (annoying) voice. Nene, who was standing next to him, tried her hardest to fight her blush as Emu’s face morphed from a deep frown to a big smile the moment she laid eyes on her.
“Sorry, we are late, we had some-” Nene could have never thought she can love Emu more, but here she was, admiring her again, this time for effectively making Rui shut the fuck up.
“NENE CHAN!!!!” The familiar sight of Emu running towards her with the intent of crushing her with a hug would never cease making her smile.
She instantly opened her hands, welcoming Emu, who crushed into her, making both fall to the floor.
“I'M SORRY FOR BEING LATE NENE CHAN!!!” she apologised while not letting her go. Not that Nene was complaining. “Tsukasa kun kept me here cause he wants me to find a magician to work with, but now that you are here, we can escape together!!!!”
Nene, on instinct “Of course, Emu.”
She doesn't think there is one thing Emu would ask her to do that she would say no to. Then she finally registered what Emu had said. “Wait-”
She looked up, only now remembering that Rui and Tsukasa were also there, who were now standing above them, staring at them in complete shock. Well more Rui, Tsukasa actually knows they are friends and has seen this kind of interaction happen before (even if only once). “Is Emu the knight that was suggested as my partner?” Nene asked them, completely ignoring how shocked they looked.
Tsukasa recovered enough to let out a small nod. “Oh. Good,” Nene smiled before helping Emu get off her and the two finally stood up.
She would have questioned it, like why Emu never got a partner before, but she is too happy to care “Emu, would you like to be my partner?”
“Nene, you want my magician partner?” Emu asked with a hopeful smile, and when Nene nodded, it grew even larger.
“YAY, THAT'S WONDERFUL!! OF COURSE I ACCEPT!”
Nene was wrapped in a hug again, but at least this time she managed to stay standing. “That is wonderful!” Tsukasa exclaimed.
“Yeah yeah that's wonderful!” Rui finally spoke up, “But please explain what is going on here.”
Nene sighed, “I guess it's about time I tell you. You know that girl I meet everyday by the river? Yeah, that's Emu.”
“What? The famous Emu Otori is your cr... friend??” Nene doesn't see confusion on Rui’s face often, he is usually a smart know it all, nice to see that for a change.
Nene nodded.
“Oh my god Nene! You should have told me! I hate you.” Rui was overly dramatic.
“Good thing it's mutual,” Nene snapped back.
“Do you two know each other as well?” Emu, unfortunately, let her go.
“Wow, maybe not telling me about her, sure, but not telling her about me? Now that's just mean.”
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN!!!!!!!!” Tsukasa was confused too.
Fine. Nene’s probably the only one who connected all the dots. “Fine dumbasses. And Emu. I'll explain.” She finds herself sighing too many times for her liking.
This is what she gets for talking to not one but two gay men (sure, she shouldnt be asuming someone's sexuallity, but have you seen Tsukasa?) in the same conversation.
“My best friend and neighbour since childhood, I blame our moms for making me talk to him, Also taught me magic,” She pointed at Rui.
“My actual best friend, we have been meeting up everyday since almost two years ago, hopefully my partner knight soon.” She put a hand on Emu’s shoulder.
“And we met thanks to Emu, but only once, no?” she finally pointed at Tsukasa.
“Oh that makes-”
“I'm not done, Rui” Cutting him off will never get old.
“You two have been partners for too long for me to remember and are again, actual best friends,” she pointed out to Rui and Tsukasa.
“And finally,” she pointed at Emu and Tsukasa, “You two are good friends who are basically the stars of the knights and I believe you guys also are sparring partners?”
When she got her confirmation she sighed once again and said, “Any questions?”
After a long moment of silence Rui spoke up, “An overly loud, blond, annoying knight who almost broke your shoulder from a handshake. I should have guessed.”
“WHAT!” Tsukasa shouted, earning him a look from Nene, “I SAID I WAS SORRY!!!!!”
“I said it was ok.”
“STILL!! Thinking about it. Your reaction to hearing Rui’s name does make sense now.” Finally! Maybe he has a little bit of brain left.
“Ohhhhhhhhh, I get it!!!!” Emu jumped up and down next to her, obviously happy, for some reason.
“The betrayal!! How could you Tsukasa kun. You know how much you telling Nene about my position cost me?” Nene is going to kill that purple haired freak.
“WHAT DID I DO NOW?”
“She was so mad!!! I almost died!! She started chasing me all over the place~”
Nene can't do this no more.
“Good idea.”
Rui has an advantage. He is so much taller. But Nene has anger and annoyance on her side. She started running after that bitch who obviously started running away, but he won't escape easily “What did I do now!!?”
To be honest, nothing. But humiliating him in front of his crush is something she has to do. Plus Tsukasa is a knight, he obviously can out run Nene. Question is, will he save his, soon to be, boyfriend?
It took only 5 minutes of chase for her to win. No, not by catching Rui, but by making Tsukasa finally act up.
“I'm SORRY EMU!” She didn't know why he screamed but he immediately stood between her and the culprit.
“Please stop!!!” He said.
Bullseye.
“Ok.” She smiled and turned around to walk over to Emu.
“What happened, Nene chan??” She greeted her, still with a smile.
“Just testing a theory,” Nene offered her a small smile, promising to explain to her later.
Thankfully, Emu understood and nodded. Tsukasa and Rui finally reached them. Tsukasa still looked confused, and Rui stared at her, not angry, but giving her a warning. Oh he won't get off her rader too easily.
She gave him a smug smile.
The other sighed, knowing he can't escape it and spoke up, obviously trying to brush over what happened. “Well, I guess this calls for us being a team then.”
“How the fuck did you get to that conclusion,” Nene is actually thankful that Rui is not that mad.
“Well you know, Tsukasa is my partner, Emu’s yours, and they spar and honestly we should too. I think there is only one reasonable course of action.”
Both Emu and Tsukasa nodded excitedly at the suggestion. Looks like Nene’s the minority once again. “Fine.”
“YAY!!” If it means seeing Emu everyday, she can probably suffer the other two.
--- August 18th xx26
“Emu’s birthday is in three weeks,” Nene stared at Rui, practically begging for help so they can think of what to do for Emu, so the pink haired angel will be happy.
“Aren't you her best friend? We both know I am much worse at thinking of presents than you,” The insufferable freak woke up and chose to be exceptionally annoying today.
“Come on!! You have to help me!!!”
The two were sitting in Rui’s office once again, why is this such a common occurrence? Nene didn't really like this room, but Rui was her last (and only) resort, and she really needed the help.
It was exactly an hour before they were supposed to meet up with Emu and Tsukasa for their daily sparring sessions, which became her favourite part of her day, but until then, she thought Rui could give her some insight. But of course, he didn't.
“Mmmm, maybe I can think of something~” He finally looked up from the robot he was working on, “If you will indulge me with one spar.”
Nene groaned, this is going to be a long day.
---
“Are you sure we have enough time to do this before we have to go see Emu and Tsukasa?” Nene was definitely not trying to get away from this spar. Not that she is not excited to test her skills, especially against someone as strong as him, but she will never ever admit to that.
The two were standing in the same gym she fought Shizuku in. She learnt that this is the gym that was usually used for official ranking fights, but because these are so rare, they are mostly for friendly spars between high ranking magicians, just like what they are about to do now.
“Of course we do! And in the worst case scenario we will miss practice.” He looked too happy at the idea. Huh. He usually does anything to see Tsukasa.
Sigh- it's probably nothing, “Fine. Go over the rules again.”
“This is not a ranking spar, meaning it can't change either of ours ranking on the leaderboard. Furthermore, we can't use any spells that cause permanent damage, no hallucinations or paralysation or fainting spells either. All shields are allowed, flight and teleportation spells as long as it's within the borders. And please don't use that spell from last time. Understood?”
Nene nodded and both instantly teleported to their starting battle stances.
“3,” Rui started counting.
“2,”
Oh how Nene likes the feeling of magic flowing through her veins.
“1.”
She is going to beat him up.
---
This is the fourth time Tsukasa had this same conversation with his parents.
“Your Majesties, please understand that I-” It didn't matter if they were his parents, he still needed to stay low and bow while talking to them.
“No. Her birthday is in a few weeks and arrangements have already been made. You will marry her, no questions asked.”
He looked up at his parents, knowing that pleading wont change their mind, but he somehow still has a little bit of hope that maybe….
“You are a prince, Tsukasa, and you will be king in the future. I just want the best for you and for the country, and believe me, this is.” His dad sighed, “Don't make it harder than it already is.”
He sighed again, he can't do this forever, he shouldn't be dumb and hope for unreachable hopes. He stood up and bowed again. “Thank you for your time, Your Majesties”, then turned around and left. No one can beat a wall in a debate, even the head knight of said wall’s kingdom.
He met Emu outside, who informed him with an energetic (and probably sad) smile that they were late for their meeting with Nene and Rui.
The two rushed through hallways and stairs from the great hall where the king and queen sat, heading towards the training gyms for the knights that were stationed on the other side of the castle.
“I'm sorry, Emu. I didn't manage to convince them this time either.”
The two were walking so quickly it looked like they were running.
“It's ok!” Emu didn't look ok, especially because she didn't make eye contact, “You did your best!!”
It looked like both of them didn't want to talk about this, so Tsukasa just nodded and continued walking.
Tsukasa kept repeating to himself that he is walking this fast because he doesn't want to be late. Just that. No other reason.
In probably record time, both reached the gym.
He opened the doors and walked inside probably too fast and loudly, because two sets of eyes were already on him. Not the ones he expected though.
“MIZUKI? ENA??” Emu shouted helpfully.
“Oh hi guys!!” MIzuki bounced towards them cheerfully, with an obviously annoyed Ena following them two steps behind.
“Shouldn't Nene chan and Rui be here?” Emu bounced up and down, from excitement? Or anxiousness? She always wants to see Nene, Tsukasa noticed, she has been talking about her way too often.
“That's what we thought!!” Mizuki explained, playing with their sword too carelessly, “But when me and Ena got to our gym, the magicians one, Nene and Rui were there? They were so caught up with what they were doing that they didn't notice us!!”
“So we just assumed we could take your space today.” Ena added, using her magic to block Mizuki’s accidental (?) attacks as they swung their sword way too close to Ena’s head.
“OHH! I SEE!!!!!” Tsukasa spoke up, “WE NEED TO GO TO THE OTHER GYM TODAY EMU!!!!”
He didn't care enough to comment about Ena’s eye roll or Mizuki’s laugh, he just needed to go to see Nene and Rui….. To practice of course!! Yes. Practice calls!!! Can't miss practice!!!
“Goodbye!!!! And thank you!!” Emu shouted, the two already on their way to the door. Can't be late!! Right?
“GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PRACTICE!” He screamed at them before slamming the door.
After another session of silent fast walking, the two reached the gym reserved for the magicians. Emu instantly opened the door. The two walked in, and Tsukasa opened his mouth just to-
For the first time, in probably a while, he had nothing to say. He just stared.
He didn't register the door closing behind them, he didn't register Emu standing next to him with an identical expression on her face, he just registered the sight in front of him.
He has seen Rui use his magic countless times, but he has never actually seen him fight. Sure, he liked watching the beautiful spells that Rui created, but he never looked so… alive?
He looked like he had genuine fun, flowing through the air while creating countless spells in a second and still looking so beautiful, but he focused on his expression.
Rui was smiling. Not the usual cat-like smile he always wore, not the soft smile he had when he stared at Emu and Nene talking after practice, but a huge and genuine smile that made Tsukasa feel like he was blinded, like he stared at something so pretty that his brain might stop working.
Not only that, his eyes smiled too. Rui’s yellow eyes shone so brightly, that Tsukasa feels like everytime the other told him he could rival the brightest thing in the universe, he lied, because neither he or anything else can compare to how brightly Rui’s eyes shone. Just looking at them, he feels like he may as well go blind.
Tsukasa didn't register Nene getting knocked back, but he did register the way Rui’s face moved away from his opponent for the first time, focusing on him instead.
But then that beautiful smile cracked and Rui’s face fell when he noticed him.
Oh.
“Oh look, it's Emu!” Rui’s laugh filled the room, but that's not what Tsukasa focused on.
He didn't focus on Nene turning around and flying towards Emu.
He didn't focus on Rui teleporting next to them declaring he won.
He didn’t focus on Nene rolling her eyes but saying nothing in favour of listening to a jumping Emu who was over excited about her magic skills.
He focused on the fact that he is the reason Rui stopped smiling.
--- august 24th xx26
Nene never thought she would ever say this, but Tsukasa was a life saver.
She wanted to invite so many people to the party, but she had no way to contact any of them! And even worse, it would make sense to have Emu’s birthday party in her own house, but who is she to have any ways to contact the(!) Otori family in any way that is not related to Emu.
So the obvious solution would be Tsukasa.
“Why do I have to be here?” Rui seemed annoyed.
“I need to talk to Tsukasa, so obviously I need you to help me convince him,” She kept dragging him towards the knight’s offices (there were only three actually, but they still got a whole section. She wondered why).
“I believe Tsukasa will be very happy to help with Emu’s birthday regardless if I am there to ask him to do that or not.”
Nene didn't answer. She's actually only doing this to figure out why the two are so distant, even though a few months ago they were ‘best friends’ and talked all day. Now they barely exchange any words at all, in practice and out of it. But what is weirder, is that they both obviously don't hate the other. She caught Rui staring at the other when Tsukasa and Emu were training and she saw how Tsukasa looked at Rui when his back was turned, so why are they so distant?
Plus Rui seems much more tired and sad lately.
“Now please let me go.” Rui still protested as Nene finally reached the door to the office with ‘Head knight’ written on it.
“No,” She said and proceeded to knock on the door.
“Nene wait-”
“COME IN!!!”
Nene smiled at Rui and opened the door and walked in. “Hi Tsukasa!”
He was sitting at a desk in the middle of the room, reading something (probably a document). The other looked up “OH!! Hello Nene what bri-” His voice cracked when he saw Rui standing behind her, still being held by Nene. “-ngs you to my office today?”
She closed the door behind them and dragged Rui towards the chairs that were in front of Tsukasa’s desk and sat down (she did need to send Rui a glare to make him sit down).
“We are here to talk about Emu’s birthday.”
Nene could sense the awkwardness in the air, but she brushed it off, she will never understand the mind of these two and why they suddenly drifted apart, they will probably solve this soon anyways.
“Oh you guys are planning something? Count me in!!!” The knight shouted, staring at Nene, and only Nene.
“Well, we actually need your help, you see,” She looked over at Rui, who took out a robot and started working on it. Sigh, she will commit murder later.
“I thought we should do a surprise party at her house but I actually have no way to contact her parents and ask them about it.”
“A SURPRISE PARTY? THAT'S GREAT” Selective hearing huh.
“Yes. But.” She snuck another glance at Rui, begging for help he wouldn't give. “I need you to ask Emu’s parents to actually let us take over their house for a few hours.”
“I- ahem- why me?” Tsukasa stuttered, sneaking a less subtle glance at Rui, who still refused to look up from the robot in his hand.
“Well I feel like the prince himself has a higher chance of getting Emu’s parents to say yes then me no?”
Well, at least that got Rui to look up.
The two looked at her in complete shock. Did they really think Tsukasa was subtle? Oblivious assholes.
“What, did you really think I'm that dumb?” She tried her best not to look smug at the shocked faces that the other two had.
“Come on-” The two still didn't answer. Finally, some silence.
“-I have been friends with Ichika and her girlfriends for so long. The moment I met you I knew you were Saki’s brother, who she won't stop talking about by the way.” Thinking about it, she should really meet up with Saki, they havent seen eachother for a long time. “And even worse, you never told me your family name, so it didn't take much to connect the dots.”
The two still stared at her with equally dumb looks on their faces.
She just sighed and stood up, shaking her head “I trust you to take care of it Tsukasa.”
She turned around before he had any chance to answer and walked away.
As she left the room she heard a desperate “Wait!” from Tsukasa. He will take care of it. And of Rui, hopefully.
“Thank you Tsukasa!” She said as she closed the door.
--- September 9th xx26
Nene wasn't stressed.
Not at all.
She has worked weeks for this moment, preparing everything, buying presents, decorations, baking cakes with Honami and even breaking (with permission) into someone's home.
But it doesn't feel enough.
But to be fair, Emu deserves everything in the world and more, nothing she will ever do will be enough when it comes to Emu.
So, she will panic.
“Nene, she will love it!” Ichika, who sat next to her and Shiho, tried her best to cheer Nene up.
“Yeah I think it's really good!” Shiho backed her up.
Nene sighed and nodded, looking up at the decorated living room that she has been working on for the past 2 hours.
It has a lot of chairs for everyone, having two tables, one for the food and many sweets that Emu favours, and another for the presents that everyone brought. Sitting and standing around, there were 23 different people, waiting for the one and only birthday girl.
Tsukasa has managed to contact a good amount of Emu’s friends, which shouldn't have surprised Nene, knowing how much of a social butterfly Emu is.
This did force her to keep up with 22 other people while she was anxious about whether this birthday will be a success or… she'd rather not think about it.
Tsukasa has left to bring Emu, while Rui was talking with some other guests, Mizuki, Ena, Toya and Akito she recognised.
Tsukasa was the best choice, unfortunately, because it was very easy for him to signal them that he and Emu are coming with his loud voice.
Nene would have liked to go to be fully honest, but she had to be there to take care of everything, for Emu.
“HAHA THAT'S WONDERFUL EMU!!!”
Tsukasa's loud voice has interrupted her thoughts. They are here.
Instantly, everyone hid behind the numerous tables and chairs in the room.
Nene flicked her hand and the lights went off.
“AND THEN I SAID-” Emus cheerful voice filled the room as she opened the door, to see all her friends screaming “Happy birthday”
.Nene, who was standing on the side, got a front row seat of Emu’s beautiful face as it turned from shock to a huge, stunning, smile.
--- 20th of September xx26
Nene was waiting anxiously in the practice room with Rui while waiting for Emu and Tsukasa to show up.
She has been looking forward to seeing Emu especially today, considering her parents are back home which successfully ruined her mood for the next week or so.
“We will be here for the upcoming week dear, there is an important event that we have to attend. You will join us.”
Rui doesn't seem to be doing any better, actually, much much worse.
She can't remember the last time he acted like this, last time she checked, he got over his stress problems.
He was pacing and talking to himself, like he always does when he is stressed, and from what Nene could make out it wasn't good.
“Shouldn't be late-”
“Rui calm down!” She finally had enough.
He stopped pacing and looked at her “I can’t.”
“Why?”
“When they will show up you'll know,” then he started walking again.
“Is it that important?”
“Very,” Rui sounded too stressed, Nene rarely sees him so bothered, she wondered what happened that is so important.
This continued on for several moments until Rui froze.
He immediately walked over to Nene putting his hand on her shoulder.
“Ah-”
“Nene don't worry if you won't see me for a very long time now, unless it exceeds 2 months then im probably dead.”
“Rui what the actual-”
“Hello!” Emu’s voice interrupted her and she turned over to greet her and Tsukasa who walked to stand in front of the two sorcerers.
Yet something was wrong.
Not only Tsukasa wasn't smiling and Emu’s smile was… hesitant.
Oh no. This is very serious.
“Emu, I think we should do this as quickly as possible, yes?” Tsukasa’s voice was way too quiet. Rui’s hand held her shoulder even more tightly.
Nene froze as she watched Emu’s smile completely fade away.
“I-”
Emu looked down to hide her face, yet Nene didn't miss the sadness that took over her face.
Nene thinks she might be dying. It's been 3 years since she met this angel, yet she has never seen her sad. Nene needs to kill someone.
After a minute of tense silence, of Nene frozen, burning with anger, and Rui basically shaking next to her, hand not leaving her shoulder, Tsukasa finally spoke up.
“Next week,” she had never heard Tsukasa speak so quietly before, “The king and queen will host a party announcing my wedding.”
Ah.
Rui was probably breaking her shoulder at this point.
When she asked Rui a few weeks ago what was going on between him and Tsukasa and why he was practically avoiding the other he said “It's a theory of mine, it might be stupid but… if I am correct it's best I will do this so I wont get hurt.”
It seems Rui was right all along.
Nene looked over at Rui, who seemed to have no expression, impassive, yet she knew just how much the other is suffering.
Before she went to comfort him, Tsukasa spoke again.
“Well, they will announce our wedding.”
Her head snapped to look at Emu who was still looking at the floor, clearly guilty.
Oh.
Oh .