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He can proudly say that he's a chemist, Tsukagami thinks as he mixes various elements to make a compound. He's calling himself a chemist despite the fact that his knowledge does not rely on science, rather it comes from spell books and his family's secrets. It's the thought that counts right? While growing up, he always had an urge to create. To create what exactly? He honestly doesn't know either. Maybe it's because of the magic that's running through his veins, or just plain curiousity which every human possess. Is he even considered human? Of couse not, he's a witch.
Tsukigami poors a cup of pig's blood in his small cauldron and stirs, careful not to go over the number of times he needed to do this. Flicking his index finger inwards, the spell book floats from its location to Tsukigami's position, the book opening to the page he currently seeks.
After stirring the mixture three times, add five Ganore leaves.
Tsukigami grabs one of the jars on the table and opens it. The woody, and somewhat spicy, smell of the leaves tickling his nose. Doing exactly what the book said, he drops five leaves into the cauldron. He didn't expect that the mixture would have a magical reaction to the newly added ingredients; the cauldron glowed and pink smoke filled the room. Sparkling petals fell from above releasing a scent akin to morning dew. He feels relieved that the reaction wasn't horrible like the last few times he was making a potion. Having another ear grow on your forehead wasn't in any way a delight. Although the book should at least have footnotes to warn the users. He takes note of his complain and plans to mention it to his brother later.
The last of the petals fall, the scent fading, and the mixture settles. The door to the room opens as if the person behind it sensed that everything was back to normal.
"Tsukigami-kun, I brought the pumpkin stems you requested. I also made some pumpkin pie." Nayuki spoke, his tail slightly swishing when he mentioned the food he made.
"Thank you, Nayuki. Can you please place it on the table?Tsukigami politely asked.
Nayuki moved to the table and put down the things he was holding. He pulled an extra stool from under the table and positioned it right beside Tsukigami. He then faced Tsukigami and waited.
Nayuki was his familiar. A wolf man who's personality and behavior was different from what was written and rumored. He was shy, a bit clumsy, but not less than capable and efficient. Witches usually have animals as their familiars, it wasn't common to have a lycanthrope as a companion. Being half-human, they have rationale and emotions beyond the feelings of animals. Tsukigami definitely has lucked out to have summoned such a creature as his familiar. He was warned about the great risk of having an extraordinary gift presented to him; not everyone who has received it can handle it and succeed. Tsukigami promised to read about his current situation and train, he thanked his elders about their concern and silently walked off with Nayuki, restraining the excitement and amazement he felt until they were alone.
Tsukigami, feeling the stare, took his attention away from his potion-making and looked at Nayuki.
"...What is it, Nayuki?", he asked, eventhough he already knew what Nayuki wanted.
Nayuki didn't respond verbally, he just moved closer and nudged Tsukigami's arm with his headTsukigami shook his head disapprovingly and crossed his arms.
"You can't always get what you want, you know?
Disappointment flashed in Nayuki's green-colored eyes andhis ears drooped as he looked down
"Tsukigami-kun...", Nayuki hiccuped. As soon as Tsukigami heard how Nayuki mentioned his name, he turned away. Tsukigami should not dare look at Nayuki right now if he wants to finish his project by tonight.
'Don't even try to peek to see if he's done acting.' Tsukigami berates himself, knowing fully well that he'll lose once he opens his eyes
Arms encircle his hips and he jumps, his eyes going wide and he sees Nayuki looking up at him, tears in the corner of his eyes. Tsukigami runs a hand over his forehead and sighs in defeat.
"Fine you win."
Nayuki released him and gave him a warm smile, eyes shining with anticipation. Tsukigami reached for Nayuki and patted his head, ruffled his hair, rubbed behind his ear, and squeezed his face. Nayuki loved the attention being given to him by Tsukigami, his tail wagging in happiness. Tsukigami leaned in closer and observed Nayuki's face. There was a tinge of pink on his soft face, whether it was from elation or another of Tengenji's wine-flavored chocolate, Tsukigami doesn't particularly care since he looks really cute. Tsukigami leans back and coughs.
"Sometimes I think about how you're more of a dog than a wolf, Nayuki.", Tsukigami casually says
"I get that a lot.", Nayuki sheepishly responds, embarrassment apparent on his features.
Tsukigami chuckled then smiled at Nayuki. He pats him on the back and says, "Let's eat the pie you made then stay up to finish what I was doing before you interrupted me."