At the end where Destiny awaits: Book 6 of the Kinstone series
Chapter 38: More reveals

With Regulus still at least two more days away from gathering his forces, which I still think he’s been hampered by whatever defenses were left behind surrounding the markers, I decided to call out my old classmates and meet up at the Acadenora.

Most of my family elected to remain either at the estate or even venture out in the city itself. Part of me knows for a fact that Henry would be going ballistic if he were here right now. I can just imagine him running around the entire city studying the architecture. Of course, I think the idea of just seeing him and my friends would really make me happy.

I arrive at the school, with over a dozen wolves in tow, including the main four, part insistence from Mom and the other being Leto and Nelly really wanted to come back with me. I grin as we enter through the school gates only to sigh softly as I hear nothing but the silent nothingness that fills the entire city.

I pan around, thinking I might see some of my fellow students, only to remind myself that many are either dead from old age or perished in the Fall. I can hear the faint echoes of students as they went about their pre-bell activities, be it girls chatting or the boys playing any sport that can come to mind.

Near the entrance to the first building, I can still see the billboard where the teachers and staff would post announcements for upcoming events. I reach my hand up and stroke the crystalline board, now cracked, yet a couple framed postings remain. I smile softly, seeing one related to the end-of-term ball. Veylana and I actually talked about going, after I finally came around to the idea.

My wolves meander about the grounds, with Leto and Nelly appearing extremely excited to be back once more. I grin, knowing how much they loved coming here with me.

The sky then darkens the grounds as I look up, seeing Lord Ashlan and Tanith flying in their full forms. I turn and hop over to them as my wolves all gather around me. Fenris and Athena each take my sides while others sit and watch.

I grin as Le’nia hops off of Tanith and gracefully lands only a few yards from me while the dragons land and assume their half-forms. In the corner of my eye, I catch Silvi and Asha flying around, no doubt getting a better lay of the land. I grin, loving that they’re here.

My old friends and classmates walk over to me followed by our teacher. I fold my arms behind me. “Good afternoon, everyone.”

The trio grins. “And a fine afternoon to you as well, Miss Aria,” says Lord Ashlan. “I hope you brought the schoolwork you promised.”

Tanith rolls his eyes while Le’nia merely snickers. I grin, reaching into my bag and pulling out my Orkona. My teacher grins and does the same. I hold it up to him and tap on the crystal pane a couple times, bringing it to life and transfers everything I completed.

Ashlan smiles and nods. “Schoolwork received, know that I will need time in order to grade it.”

I nod. We both know he means perhaps after the battle and if we survive it. So in truth, we’re really just acting out our old roles as student and teacher. The mood is solemn, as we’re the only ones here when the school used to house over 700 to 900 students. Not really a large school by modern standards, but pretty big for the era.

“Father,” perks up Tanith, “Aria, Le’nia and I wish to go on alone.”

Our teacher nods, “Of course. The three of you are now home again, and as such, have the run of the grounds. As for me, I believe I shall retreat to my office. I think I still left some documents hidden away I never retrieved.”

I sigh softly, knowing he’s really here for the same reason as us, to retrace ourselves and simply forget if just for a while. Ashlan nods to us and takes his leave.

Le’nia holds out her hand to me, to which I grin and take with Tanith taking my other side as we all head inside.

As we stroll through the first building, we see some of the windows had been shattered while other remain intact. I scan the cavernous hall, replace it remarkably preserved even after all this time. It’s still dark, with the only light coming in from above.

I lean over to one of the mana conduits, which really is a protruding crystal that connects to several others. I stroke it softly, remembering I used to feel the mana as it flowed from numerous magicores placed throughout the grounds, which in turn were fed from the leylines themselves.

I know, regardless of the fact that I’m a kyuubi; I’m still young and nowhere near powerful enough to even attempt to flip on the lights of the entire school. Well…if given enough time, I possibly could. However that would require at least a couple hours of concentrating my magic, the same method I used during my training to master fusion.

So…dark hallways it is. Yet I wish I could at least as a some sort of glimpse of what it used to be. I’m not particularly good with memory projection magic at the moment. Meaning I can’t cast the illusion of us strolling through the halls and its be changed to appear as though we’re back in the past and everything would be as it was. I’m sure Mom or Yukari could. Hey, give me a couple years and I will.

“I still remember coming in early with my father before school,” says Tanith. “He always spoke of how being the professor’s son meant I had to set an example for my classmates.”

I grin, “That would explain why you always looked exhausted in the mornings.”

He sighs, nodding. “Rightly so,” looking to me, “you on the other hand were often as equally early. Yet you never appeared sleep-deprived.”

I swish my tails behind me, “I’m used to getting up before sunrise. I’d run and do some light training before arriving here.”

“That explains a lot,” says Le’nia. “You always did seem a bit more active in the mornings, yet during the afternoons you were drained.”

I roll my eyes, “Please don’t remind me. School really was fun, but the afternoons just seemed to drag on forever.”

My friends laugh as we continue down the corridors. I peer over as my wolves trot through the corridors, sniffing and exploring. It’s only the main four that stay with me, much as they did in the past. I smile to Leto, watching him hold his head high, mimicking the first day he came here. Nelly remains behind, acting very much as my shadow. Fenris and Athena on the other hand stroll beside us, looking as dignified as always.

We turn for the passage between the third and fifth buildings, and come out and replace my courtyard. I sigh softly as I look around, seeing that my tree is remarkably still standing. I walk over to it, stroking the trunk, discovering that it’s now petrified like so many others.

I laugh softy as my wolves trot on over and lie underneath it. Leto and Nelly in particular lay near the base of the tree, a place that Fenris would often occupy. My wolf father smirks, yet sits beside me.

Why is it that the trees are still here and yet there are no remains of the people that may’ve been trapped here? I know Mom said not to feel guilty for my uncle and his family. Yet…did the spell simply erase them, leaving only the city?

I really don’t know, and I would pretty much have to go in the library back at the estate to really get some answers. However for now, I’m gonna just allow myself to forget it all and simply enjoy the fact that I’m here again.

“This was your kingdom,” says Tanith as walks up next to me. “I can clearly recall how all the wolves seemed to guard you, and no one dared to approach without having to face them first.”

I grin, peering up into the branches, seeing myself up there with a book in hand.

“The wolf princess of Shyair,” I reply, looking to both of them.

Le’nia smiles, nodding. “Indeed.” She then looks to Tanith and grins. I tilt my head only for her to knock hers back in the direction of the first building, where our classroom is.

I still hate how eerily quiet the build is, simply devoid of all life. This isn’t how it should be, never. I know I still have to face Regulus soon, but I do have some plans for when this is all over. I want this school to be reopened, to have its halls filled with students, learning to become the future of this city. I want it to feel warm again.

I sigh, missing more and more of my old classmates, yes even Raisa.

As we finally come to our classroom, Leto and Nelly instantly leap from behind me and run over to where my desk was. I grin, shaking my head as they sit behind it, looking like puppies again, panting heavily and wagging their tails. Fenris and Athena merely shake their heads as they enter, looking around.

I walk up to the twins and hop onto my desk, panning around. Tanith and Le’nia smile, taking seats in the row below me. I sigh, kicking my feet slightly, being the teenager I am.

The three of us then start talking about our lives, which quickly evolves into talking about random topics. I smile brightly as the more we talk, the more it feels like we’ve been lifelong friends as we tell jokes, randomly switching between languages.

I learn more about their families, how they’ve been surviving all this time. Tanith’s clan maintained itself by acting as both diplomats to Western Europe, while also acting as a deterrent to any human nation that thought they could intervene on the colonies.

Le’nia’s house on the other hand became artisans as well as maintaining their noble heritage. Her house also acted as cultural preservers in the colonies, even with some joining the Loreian order. I might have to ask Xiphos about that when this is all over.

I can still remember the three of us after class, either going to lunch, which I mostly grabbed something from the cafeteria and retreated to my courtyard, with the wolves all congregating around me.

I grin softly, swishing my tails. “I think it’s funny how we were only knew each other for a couple months, yet here we are, acting as though we’ve known each other for all our lives.”

Le’nia grins, “As I told you a couple days ago, friendships like ours grew strong and quick. Yet now, we have a chance to deepen them.”

I blush softly, “So you don’t mind that I’m now way younger than you.”

Tanith leans in closer to me. “It doesn’t matter to us, Aria. You are our friend. We are here for you and always.”

My cheeks blush even more. “Thank you, and…I can’t wait to know you both even more.”

They smile, only for Tanith to sigh. “Speaking…of getting to know us better. I have confession to make to you.”

Le’nia laughs. “Well it only took you 400 years.”

He scowls at her, “I didn’t know she had been transported through time, and thought she was lost to us.”

She grins, peering back to me.

Tanith clears his throat a little before looking to me. “The truth is, Aria, I wanted to ask you to the end-of-term ball. However, I was never able to gather the courage to do so.”

I blink softly, coiling my tails around my feet. I look to Le’nia who smiles and nods. I turn back to him. Well to be fair, I did notice him a couple times wanting to say something to me, only to have another boy come and try and make the attempt. I then grin as something else pops into my head.

“I have to know, you didn’t have a crush on me by chance?”

He nods slowly. “I did. When I first saw you, something leapt within me. I thought you truly were beautiful. Not just because you were of Shyair, simply something about you captured me.”

I grin, wagging my tails as Fenris and Athena look to the dragon. Their eyes bear those of watchful parents, gauging him.

I smile to them, yet look back to Tanith. “You’re the second person here in Dewloura whose said that to me.”

He smiles, nodding. I really hope that didn’t crush his feelings for me, yet somehow I thinks he’s ok with it. It just means that he had competition. Yet I always had someone in my heart even before I came here, and he’s currently in the city right now.

I then chuckle softly. “Although, I think you’re little too old for me by this point.”

He laughs, leaning back in his chair. “I would have to agree with you.” I smile, seeing that he’s genuinely fine with it all. He maybe centuries older than me, but he’s still the shy and bashful young dragon I came to school with.

Although, if things hadn’t gone the way they had, then perhaps I would have accepted his invitation and gone with him. He may not have had the courage to confess his feelings until the following term or whenever, but we’d still be close friends regardless.

I grin, “Hey, if you’re still single, which I would replace odd, I do have a couple sisters you’d like to meet.”

He stares at me in shock as I watch his cheeks turn a soft pink. He then huffs at me, causing both Le’nia and me to burst out laughing.

“When did you become a matchmaker?” she laughs.

I grin to her, “Right now.”

The both of them then shake their heads, with Le’nia still grinning.

Tanith then leans back, cupping his chin. “Although, I might be interested in your sister who is the dragon. I should let you know we’ve been flying together since I arrived here yesterday.”

I grin, yep, called it. For dragons, the act of flying together is the start of their version of courting. As they soar through the air, dragons with take stock of their partner, learning about them. They will play games, mostly simple maneuvers but these are the start of seeing if they not only compatible, but also if something sparks within them.

Le’nia smiles then looks to me. “After we win this battle, what are your plans?”

I sigh, looking to her. “I do want to unseal the city. As I said earlier, I also do want to call its people home. However I don’t know their descendants. What if they're different than the ones I knew from the past?”

Tanith smiles. “Aria, the people in the colonies may have changed slightly over centuries, having to adapt to the countries they now reside in. However, at their core they are Dewlouran as much as you are.”

Le’nia nods in agreement. “They have longed to come home. A few that live there are actually survivors from the Fall. They act as living witnesses to its past.”

Tanith smiles, “Yet through it all, they now wait for the signal to come home. You are that signal.”

I blush, grinning softly. Dewloura is a part of who I am. I am of this city despite only its descendant, however my time here allowed me to truly see it for what it was and still could be. I have my friends here to help and guide me, to keep me on my path. Yet…that destination is a murky one for me.

My ears flick up as I hear the radio sounding off in my bag.

“Aria?” I hear Marron’s muffled voice.

I pull around my bag and retrieve it. “I’m here, Marron. What’s up?”

“Hey sweetie, I know you and your classmates are enjoying some much needed time together, but we need you to come back to the estate. Orga and Kateryna both say they’ve discovered something beneath the manor.”

I sigh, nodding. “Okay, I’ll be there soon.”

I look to Tanith and Le’nia. “Well this bites.”

They nod as I hop off the desk, causing all the wolves to rise from where they’ve been hiding.

I stash away the radio and slide my bag onto my back, turning to them. “I think it’s time we gather everyone together at the palace soon to plan.”

They nod and rise from their chairs. The atmosphere quickly shifts from jovial to stern. The final battle is looming and we need to prepare.

I smile to the both of them, so happily they’re back in my life. They’re my friends and soon, brother and sister-in-arms. I want to share more days like this with them and I know they feel the same.

We nod to each and exit the classroom.

The ride back to the estate was a somber one. I still loved my time with Tanith and Le’nia, yet now with what’s to come, it only further reinforced what we’re fighting for. Well as for me…I have some personal reasons for all of this.

As the wolves and I arrive at the manor, we’re greeted by Mom and Marron who quickly escort me inside. We traverse through the house, coming to the hidden staircase, replaceing everyone else waiting for me. I nod and enter inside.

I carefully walk down the stairs, recalling the final moments I spent with Celes. I streak my hands along the masonry, also knowing a deeper secret lies beneath the manor, one that I carry with me and my knights also are aware of.

I then come upon a door slightly ajar. I step inside, summoning a kitsune-bi to light up the pitch-black room. I sigh softly, instantly recognizing it as where Celes and I were last together. I look around, seeing fades ashes of pages that must’ve been burned after I went sent home. I pan up, seeing where the archway once stood. It, like the one at the Outpost, now lies crumbled into dust on the floor.

I lean down and sift through the rubble. Nothing of it remains enough to be put back together, not that I’d want to.

“It served its purpose,” I hear Mom say behind me. “Now, preventing anyone from altering history.”

I nod and stand, remembering the old piles of ash. Celes must have burned some of documents pertaining to research conducted by my ancestor. I will admit he was thorough, covering all his bases and left plans just for my trip here. I nod slowly, knowing it closed the loop in history, one that had to be lived and then closed.

There are still a few pages and even notebooks on the shelves. I look them over, seeing they are indeed research notes that Celes couldn’t get to in time. There might also be some at the Outpost as well. I nod softly, knowing I may need to retrieve them and hand them over to Xiphos for safekeeping.

I gather them up, everything I can replace and stash them away in my bag before turning and leaving the room.

A few steps down, I replace Orga and Kateryna standing in front yet another door. I know we’re still a bit from the crystal cave, yet I guess I never saw this one before. Granted the first time I came down here, my attention was focused elsewhere.

Both of my knights seem incredibly excited as they stand there.

“How did you replace this place? I ask them.

Kateryna smiles wide to me. “We were strolling through the manor when we noticed the hidden passage was opened. We of course became curious and entered, replaceing a light shining from within.”

“We followed it down,” adds Orga, “coming to this door. A door we have been unable to open. That’s when we found this.” He then points to the side of the door frame.

I peer up and see writing there. “Husith nocai,” meaning ‘Helping hands’.

I reach up and press on it, hearing a series of clicks from behind the door. I stand back as it then opens, letting out a rush of stale air, which stinks a little. I step inside, holding up the kitsune-bi, shining it's light brighter.

To my surprise, I replace three pods, all frosted over. My heart then shoots up as I see people in all of them. I can’t tell who they are, yet all seem frozen in place. I look around, hoping to replace something that will open them up.

On a panel closest to the pods, I replace a glowing crystal pane. This is odd given how there shouldn't be any mana flowing into here. There must be a magicore somewhere, which has miraculously supplied power to the pods for all these centuries. Then again, Orga and Kateryna both slept in pods like this when they waited for me.

I walk over and press on the pane, hearing the pods wheeze as mist and steam billow from the pods, slowly defrosting them as they activate.

The doors then swing open, revealing their occupants as the room fills with fog. My eyes grow wide as I see that is in fact Norick, Kayle and Piotr. The trio of knights groan, with the men holding their heads, no doubt suffering from headaches. Kayle loses strength in her legs and falls to the floor, followed by the others.

I quickly rush to them, tears running down my face. “Hey you guys.”

They each looks to me with confused looks on their faces. “Lady…Aria?” asks Norick.

“Is it truly you?” ask Kayle.

I nod, smiling happily as I help them up. I can’t believe they’re here. “I’m so happy to see you guys again.

Norick leans back against an open pod and looks to me. “We are as well, my Lady,” he then looks around, “where are we?”

I smile, “You’re back at the estate. But, why are you here? I thought you three went out to help with the evacuation.”

Piotr nods, trying to right himself, seeing a chair and uses it to stand. I hop over to him, helping him into it. “Thank you, Lady Aria. And yes, we were but as the chaos progressed we became separated from each other when Nethune sent in more troops.”

Kayle climbs up onto a table and leans against it. “I was in the fourth district when I was suddenly blinded by a bright light. The next thing I knew, I saw your face here.”

I nod slowly, wondering if they were teleported here. I know Serasfall said that the knights always kept a teleportation crystal on hand in case of emergencies. But could they be overwritten by someone and bring them here? Those same crystals have predetermined destinations, so perhaps the ones these three had may have been swapped out so they’d end up here.

Norick then looks at me, eyes full of confusion. “By the way, what are you wearing?”

I grin, noticing they’re still wearing their field uniforms. “It’s clothing from my era. You’re all over 400 years into the future.”

All three are in shock as they look to me. I nod softly, knowing this is an incredible revelation to them. I kneel down, still happy to see more of my friends.

“Norick, Kayle, Piotr,” I hear coming from the door.

I turn back, smiling as Orga and Kateryna are now in the room.

“I never thought I’d ever see you again, my friends,” adds Kateryna.

The three recovering knights all stare at them. Kayle looks to me again and then back to Orga and Kateryna. It’s obvious they’re in shock and still suffering from the after-effects of the pods. It makes me wonder if my pair went through the same thing when they woke up last summer.

Norick sighs, but smiles to them. “The fact that you both are here makes sense.” He then looks to me, “The same can be said for you traveling into the past.”

I giggle, remember when he basically came out and said he knew who I really was. I’m also happy that Orga and Kateryna are able to reunite with some of their comrades. I personally am excited to see them, having grown close during my time in the past. However I have to wonder, what are they doing here to begin with?

I then peek at something as it falls out of Norick’s pod. I lean over and pick it up, discovering it to be a letter to me from Serasfall. I smirk, shaking my head as I open it.

“Aria.

I am sending these three to you, as they are possibly the only ones to have possibly survived the massacre occurring in the streets. I wanted you to have more protection in the future. While I have the upmost confidence in Orga and Kateryna, it never hurts to be sure.

I love you, my girl. Please stay safe.

Serasfall.”

I smile, silently thanking my ancestral mother once more. I then peer around the room, hoping to replace more pods, possibly containing my uncle and his family, only to replace none. I sigh softly, feeling another hope being dashed.

Piotr and I then lock gazes. We both have a history with each other, being his feelings for me. I smile to him, knowing we’ve settled them.

I stash away the letter as we help Norick and Kayle to their feet. Orga and Kateryna smile as they stand, yet I don’t think it be a bad idea for Mom to look them over.

I then feel arms wrapping around me from behind. I look up, seeing Kayle smiling to me. I grin, holding onto her as she squeezes me tightly. I then smile to Norick and Piotr who seems a bit sheepish towards me. I smirk, shaking my head.

“I know I speak for the others, Lady Aria,” she says warmly, “when I say that I am happy to see you alive and with us again.”

I grin, holding onto her. I still loved our training sessions together, even that first sparring match we had. She and I were in a dead heat with each other, trading blow for blow. If it weren’t for me tripping, who knows who’d be the actual victor.

“Well…it seems you have more knights, sweetie,” says Marron. I smile, seeing her and Mom standing in the doorway.

The trio looks to Marron, with Norick eyeing me. “And who is this woman, my Lady?”

I grin, still staring at Marron. “She’s Marron, my older sister. Well one of them at least.” They look to each other, as if carrying on a silent conference before nodding.

I’m really not sure if I should also mention she’s Celes’ reincarnation. That might cause too much a headache for everyone. So it’ll remain a secret.

“And the woman next to her?” asks Kayle.

Mom smiles to the knight. “I am Rachel Rivenfeld, Aria’s mother.”

They look to her and then to me. I grin, knowing that particular tale would take way too long to tell. It really wasn’t a forgone conclusion among any of the knights that Serasfall might as well have been my mother while here. I think they even accepted it even after they knew I was from the future.

Piotr turns to me, “What happened when we were out in the streets evacuating the populace? I know you and Her Highness were sent on your own mission.”

I sigh softly, looking away as I grip Kayle’s arm tightly. Mom and Marron both look to me with worried faces, hoping I don’t burst into tears just thinking about it.

Orga steps closer to us. “We will explain it to you. I highly doubt Her Highness as the heart to tell it a third time.”

The trio look to him and then to me. They then nod slowly and leave, with Kayle giving me another squeeze before letting go. As they do, I take one more look around the room, thinking I might have missed something while on the floor. Yet when nothing comes to surface, I nod and leave.

When we exit out of the staircase we’re greeted by Fenris and Athena, to which the trio quickly bow their heads to them. My wolves smile and then look to me, no doubt guessing their purpose here.

Fenris looks to Norick, “Let us talk in the solarium. There is much to tell.”

The archer nods as my wolf then eyes Piotr, still giving the knight a wary gaze. I smirk and gently flick my wolf father’s nose. “You stop that.”

He grins as Athena chuckles softly as we retreat to the suggested room. It’s a good place to go, being it’s large enough to house everyone comfortably. This isn’t like the study, although we could talk in there much like the parlor back home, but I know Mom is possibly eager to give the knights a once over.

When we arrive in the solarium, I take a seat on the couch with Mom and Abigale tending to the knights. They aren’t overly injured or seem to suffering from waking up. So that’s something good at least. Though I suspect there’s nothing like some food and a good night’s rest wouldn’t cure.

I then sit back as Orga, Kateryna, Fenris and Athena begin to explain what happened. My wolves do a fair amount of the talking, given how they were actually there. The new trio becomes visibly shocked and ill when they learn of Serasfall’s fate. Kayle nearly bursts into tears while Norick and Piotr sit in complete speechlessness.

Kayle looks to me, no doubt wanting to pull me into her again and hug tightly, never wanting to let me go. I smile softly to her, silently thanking the knight. Norick seems more and more out of sorts, trying to piece it together while Piotr appears to be shaken.

I however sink deeper into the couch, partly grateful for Orga’s consideration for me and also for someone else telling about what happened that day. Arms wrap around me as Mom and Marron hold me closely, resting their heads onto mine. A shadow then casts overhead. I look up, seeing Silvi smiling to me. Words can’t even begin to form at how grateful I am to have them with me.

When the third telling of the Fall is over, the trio sit in quiet contemplation. This really is a lot to take in. And for these three, God knows what emotions are whirling in their minds. They just learned their beloved leader and friend was basically murdered and not killed in battle. There’s a huge distinction between the two.

After a few moments Norick looks to me as I hold my legs into my chest. “My Lady, how are you through all of this?”

I sigh, “I’ve gotten a little better over the past couple of weeks. It helps to have family around.”

My mother and sisters then hug me tightly, squeezing me lovingly. Fenris and Athena also join in, pressing their faces into mine, groaning softly. I giggle as I’m smothered by everyone.

When they’re done, everyone pulls back. I look up, seeing the knights smiling warmly to me. I then scoot a little forward on the couch, sitting a little straighter on it. “So what are your plans? This is a new era for you and so much has changed. After the battle that’s coming, you’re free to choose your future.”

Without even a second thought, the trio quickly rise from their seats and kneel before me.

“My Lady,” says Norick, “our first and eternal duty is to serve the House of Shyair.”

“Wherever you walk, we follow and guide,” adds Kayle.

“This is our choice, and forever shall be,” finishes Piotr.

I smile, nodding. Marron is right; I really do now have more knights surrounding me. I couldn’t be more grateful or happy to have them with me. I just hope the culture shock isn’t as hard-hitting as it was with Orga and Kateryna, who honestly are still adapting to this era.

I nod to them, “Thank you.” I then giggle, “You know, when this is all over we really do need to make some expansions to home.”

Mom smiles, stroking my shoulder. “I would agree, sweetheart.”

The trio then rise with them looking to me. I smile and stand up, stretching a bit and feeling my back pop. Orga and Kateryna then begin talking to Kayle and Norick, recounting the past few months they spent with me while Piotr seems quiet.

He then steps over to me, “May I speak in private with you?”

I grin as I look to Mom and my wolves who all seem rather canny with us. I nod to them as he and I really do need to talk. I turn back to Piotr and knock my head towards the door.

We walk together for a couple minutes until we reach the upper terrace. I lean over, watching as Kenji is playing with the wolves. I grin at him, thinking at how quickly they’ve come to love him. This is good for the both of us. Fenris and Athena is one thing in being they are my parents. Yet when it comes to the rest of the pack, it’s important for the future.

I lean against the banister while Piotr stands beside me. He too looks down at Kenji as he plays around. He then turns to me, looking both as a knight and as someone who appears to still have some unanswered questions.

“I have to know,” he starts, “is what you said to me that day still true?”

I nod, looking to him. I know he’s referring to when I turned down his feelings to me. I never once played him along, nor toyed with his feelings.

“It is.”

He then peers down at Kenji again, watching as a couple wolves manage to tackle him to the ground. I grin however as they start to lick him profusely.

Piotr glances at me. “Is he the one you spoke of? The one you said was waiting for you?”

I nod softly. “He is.” I look to him, “I hope this doesn’t change anything between us.”

He gazes at me for a moment, and then shakes his head, smiling. “No my Lady. No matter what, my place is at your side regardless if you are in love with another. I am also your friend and ever shall be.”

I smile, folding my tails into one behind me. “Thank you Piotr. But I do still wish that you will replace someone truly meant for you.”

I then peer over, seeing Marron watching us. I grin, shaking my head as I’m never really out of her watch.

Piotr then turns and looks to her. I see their eyes meet and instantly form a grin on my face.

“Are you suffering from love at first sight again?” I ask rather mischievously.

He quickly blushes, looking away. Oh yea, he’s smitten with my sister. Marron on the other hand merely smirks at me while also looking a little red in the face.

I giggle, “You don’t need my permission if you want to pursue her. However if you do, you will have to earn her heart.”

“Oh and I don’t get a say in this?” she asks.

I grin, swishing my combined tail.

I am playing a bit of a dangerous game here. While I never played with his feelings for me, I never said anything about being a little bratty when it involves my sister. Hell, I already know Tanith and Silvi are becoming an item.

He grins as they stare a little more deeply with each other. “I will have to think on it a bit more.”

Marron looks to him, still smiling as she peers to me. Her face is has a look of disbelief on it as leans against the door frame. “I know your game little missy. You better not be play matchmaker.”

I giggle, wagging my tail a bit more. “Maybe.”

She smirks, shaking her head. “Kitsune no chīsana toraburumēkā.”

I giggle even more, loving any chance to mess with my sister.