Embers of the Past

by Bethany Atwood

  “Don’t worry Kagura, me and Ser’avan embarrass each other plenty, it’s a part of the whole love thing you know? It’s more fun to tease your partner, knowing they’re just as willing to tease you back.” He explains, Ser’avan grinning at him and snagging his shoulders in a firm side hug.

  “Yeah, that’s the fun part about relationships, being playful and loving. Also the mushy, cute stuff too, can’t forget that.” Listening to the demon speak Mer’ania smiles to Kagura, who playfully sticks her tongue out once more after lifting her head off the table.

  “Yeah, well… I get embarrassed easily… I hate when people see me blush…” She admits, cheeks gradually losing their red color. “And I especially hate being teased about my health… I’m just glad Demetri stopped calling me tin grin, what a dumb nickname…”

  “I know you don’t, Kagura, but telling our story does tend to involve a little teasing, so it can’t really be helped, now can it.” Kagura sighs in defeat as Mer’ania points out that their story is considerably embarrassing to her when told, a small smile starting to form as she scoots next to the demoness.

  “You’re lucky you’re cute, Mer, it’s really hard to stay mad at you even if I try.” She murmurs, leaning against Mer’ania’s side while Malchion chuckles a little.

  “Aw, how sweet. Servy, what say we head off and go enjoy the outdoors? If I recall correctly you said there’s a lovely spot on the island with a great view of nearly everything.” Ser’avan nods to Malchion before taking his hand, both rising to their feet before looking to the girls across from them.

  “Later you two, I hope you can enjoy the sunshine as much as we will, I reckon there won’t be much left this month.” The demon says before strolling away with Malchion in tow, Mer’ania watching them leave before looking to her girlfriend.

  “Think we should follow their lead? It’s best you don’t eat any more, you need to let your stomach settle so you can work up to eating bigger meals regularly.” She asks, a nod from Kagura being all she needs before she hops up to her feet and lifts the brunette to hers. Kagura gasps in surprise as she’s unceremoniously pulled out of her seat, cheeks once again growing red in color, yet she says nothing as she takes the demoness’ hand and walks out of the grand hall with her.

  The two weave their way through the halls of the school, passing classrooms, teacher offices, and more before eventually coming to a pair of glass doors situated at a side entrance to the school. Mer’ania guides the way outside, bright sunshine and a crisp coolness greeting them both in stark contrast to the warmth of Solenim’s interior.

  “Ah… This is refreshing, don’t you agree?” Humming out a question, she and Kagura continue to walk along, the occasional leaf breaking free of the nearby tree holding it before fluttering to the ground slowly but surely.

  “Absolutely Mer, I’ve always loved Autumn, and October especially. Between the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves, and Halloween, what’s not to love? I have the perfect girlfriend to enjoy the season with after all, there isn’t anything I could want more than this right now.” Mer’ania grins from ear to ear as she hears Kagura’s words, that smile persisting even as Kagura pries her hand away from the demoness’. The reason for this is clear when the brunette runs full speed towards a large, neatly raked up pile of leaves nearby and leaps into it, scattering them around nearby in a small explosion of nature.

  “Having fun there?” The demoness chuckles out as she approaches the now smaller leaf pile, Kagura’s head poking out soon enough to reveal her bright, metal filled smile.

  “Definitely, I know it annoys the heck out of the groundskeepers… But I just can’t resist, it’s just too much fun.” Mer’ania helps Kagura to her feet with a few giggles escaping, the two resuming their walk once the shorter teen brushes off the stray leaves on her sweater and pants. Hand in hand once more the two ascend a hill some distance from the school’s main building, one of many in a cluster with various students either resting atop it or seated on its incline.

  “Have you ever been up here Kagura?” Mer’ania asks as they crest of the hill, Kagura shaking her head before looking around and admiring the view now that they’re roughly a hundred feet above most of the island.

  “No, I can’t say I have…” She murmurs, looking towards the school behind her, the ocean off to the left, and more hills straight ahead and to the right, Mer’ania seeming rather happy with this response. “It’s so beautiful up here, I never knew the island looked this stunning.”

  “These hills are a popular spot for students to relax, it’s quite the lookout, made even better with the right person to relax with.” She hums out before all too casually lifting Kagura off the ground under her arms, startling the brunette before she emits a particularly adorable noise of shyness as she’s seated on the demoness’ lap, the taller teen seated on the cool grass covering the hill.

  “I… I can see why…” Kagura carefully leans back against Mer’ania’s chest once she finds a comfortable spot on her lap, the demoness encircling her waist with slender arms before smaller, paler hands rest against them. Mer’ania’s chin comfortably nestles atop Kagura’s head, thanks to their large differences in height, something Kagura can’t bring herself to mind in the slightest. With the events of earlier long since out of her mind the brunette begins to enjoy the time she’s spending with Mer’ania, more than a little embarrassed to be so publicly seated on the demoness’ lap yet not willing to complain one bit, no better a seat to be thought of at present.

  Chapter 6: And Into The Light

  The rest of October came and went with no more surprises befalling Solenim, allowing students to settle back into the norm and focus on their lessons once more. With October’s passing came November, bringing with it far colder temperatures, alongside no new Earthener sightings, and soon the month gave way to December and the arrival of the two week long winter holiday. The year’s last month also brought with it the changing of Autumn to Winter, and a particularly frigid cold front that blanketed the island, and much of northern Sanctus, with many inches of snow.

  “Hey Grins, why the long face?” Demetri asks while walking beside Kagura, their respective familiars curled up on their shoulders.

  “It’s… A lot of things… I’m excited to go home for the holidays, but… I’m gonna miss Mer’ania, and the rest of you guys.” She admits before momentarily looking to the side, a quiet sigh escaping after a few seconds. “I have to get my braces adjusted in a few days too, that’s never fun…”

  “No need to be so glum, cheer up Grins! We’ll all miss you too, but it’s only two weeks you know. Two weeks with our families, enjoying the weather and the holidays, then it’s back to the old grind, classes, socializing, all the stuff we do here.” He hums out, a teasing expression forming when he turns his gaze down towards Kagura.

  “You always get like this, all sentimental and stuff when we’re going away for winter holiday, or summer break. You really should try and lighten up a little sometime.” Kagura sticks her tongue out at Demetri while passing through the school’s front entrance, his grin growing before he looks out towards the snowy landscape ahead.

  “I’ll try, Demetri, at least I’ll have my parents there, and I can video chat with Mer while we’re away. Which reminds me… I’m supposed to meet up with her near the Tal’vedan train, I’ll see you on ours!” With a wave given to the elf Kagura runs off, being careful enough to not slip in the snow, the short teen quickly reaching the tracks housing the Tal’vedan train. Just as she begins slowing herself and gazes around a pair of slender arms sweep her off her feet, causing her to emit a startled noise before she looks up at the offending party, none other than Mer’ania herself.

  “Hey there Kags, glad you could make it before we left!” The demoness cheerfully says, Kagura promptly wrapping her arms around Mer’ania in kind as a bright, joy filled smile forms.

  “I couldn’t leave without saying bye to you first Mer, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I d
id?” She teases before kissing her girlfriend’s cheek, Seraphine taking the chance to scoot forward and nose against Fluff, who reciprocates this gesture.

  “A rather silly kind, that’s what. I hope you have a good holiday Kagura, I’ll talk to you as soon as I get home, alright?” Kagura’s nod is all Mer’ania needs before she squeezes her close, the smaller teen happily closing her eyes for a few moments to better savor the embrace.

  “I’ve gotta get going to the train, I’d rather it not leave without me. I’ll see you soon Mer.” Mer’ania sets Kagura back on her feet, but not before kissing her on the lips, Kagura leaning into this short lived embrace before she starts to walk to the train, waving to Mer’ania as she does. As she makes her way over to the Homenia bound train a snowball fight breaks out, but thanks to her short stature she manages to dodge any snowballs being thrown, soon ascending the train’s stairs before seeking out the cabin her friends are in, scarf being tugged up around her mouth while she looks around.

  “Hey again Grins.” Upon stepping into the correct cabin she’s greeted by Demetri, who receives a small amount of lingering snow flicked into his face and laughter from the angel twins sitting across from him. As she settles beside him she places her backpack at her feet, Seraphine hopping off her shoulders and settling comfortably on her lap.

  “Man, it’s far too cold out… I’m glad I bundled up.” She murmurs before once more fussing with her scarf, fingers scratching behind Seraphine’s ears afterwards.

  “Homenia shouldn’t be this cold, since Solenim is further north, though Lunaria might be just a bit colder considering it’s in the northern part of the country.” Malchion comments while idly looking out the window in anticipation of the train’s departure. “It sure is beautiful though, if you stay warm Winter is quite a lovely season.”

  “Yeah, and if you don’t or you get hit in the face with a snowball then you can’t really enjoy the weather all that much.” Kagura mutters, glancing over at Demetri who sheepishly grins to her.

  “Hey, in my defense I was aiming for Malc.” He says as he puts his hands up in a defensive manner, the brunette huffing and glancing away when he does.

  “Please, you shouldn’t have been trying to hit me anyway. You’re just lucky Kagura’s parents didn’t see, even if we were on holiday at that point I’m sure Professor Melangreve would’ve found some way to give you detention after we returned.” The angel remarks with an amused expression, his gaze falling towards Kagura who now looks at Demetri with considerable annoyance.

  “Right, right… Thanks for not telling your parents by the way, Grins, I know I would’ve got an earful from mine if they found out.” Kagura just shrugs before sighing and turning her gaze out the window, the five trains blowing their whistles as they begin to depart the school’s station.

  “Yeah, sure, don’t mention it. I love my parents, but they can be a bit… Overprotective, if they had found out I got hurt on my way home for winter holiday, well… I’ve never seen them cry, but I’m certain that would do it.” Kagura sighs out a reply before brushing her hair back gently, a hand pressing to her cheek afterwards before her gaze turns towards the outside of the train.

  “I’m just glad I avoided the snowballs being thrown before everyone boarded the trains, the other students looked like they were having a fun time out there.” Malchion and Esmerelda chuckle softly as she talks, causing her to raise an eyebrow before she questions them. “Is something funny your two?”

  “Oh, it’s nothing really, I just recall seeing you playing out in the snow back at Solenim before break started. Did you suddenly develop an aversion to snow?” Esmerelda teases, Kagura huffing and sticking her tongue out before quipping, saying “Of course I haven’t, there’s a difference. Voluntarily going out in the snow is one thing, taking an unexpected snowball to the face and being knocked on your butt is another. I like the snow, but I don’t like being hit with unexpected balls of cold hatred.”

  “True, I’m thankful I wasn’t the one taking the hit that day.” Malchion teases Demetri a little, grinning as she does, the elf deciding to emulate Kagura and cross his arms over his chest with a huff escaping.

  “Hey, I said I was sorry, alright!” His complaints are met with laughter from the twins, Kagura leaning over and giving him a quick side hug to show she bears no ill will. The rest of the train ride back into Lunaria goes about with little issue, the four teens talking about anything that pops into their minds, mostly their plans for the holidays, a particularly interesting topic given their departure from Solenim.

  “Me and the folks are heading to Raldevar to visit my grandparents and some aunts and uncles for the holidays, we don’t see them too often, so we made plans to fly out for winter holiday.” Demetri rather joyfully say, seeming rather elated at the prospect of getting to see his relatives again.

  “Aw, that’s sweet Demetri. Me and Malchion are staying in Lunaria for the holidays, our parents decided on a cozy staycation, and to us that sounds heavenly. What about you Kagura? What are you and your parents planning?” Kagura rub at the back of her head nervously as Esmerelda addresses her, a sheepish chuckle escaping soon after.

  “Pretty much the same. I can’t exactly go out of town with an orthodontist appointment coming up, so we’re staying at home for the holidays. Mom’s taking time off from work at her coffeehouse to spend the holidays with us, with me and mama at school much of the year she works more so she can go on vacation when she’d like.” Kagura murmurs, a quiet sigh escaping after a few moments.

  “Though… She does own the coffeehouse, so I suppose it’s more for the sake of her employees.” When she falls silent she tugs at her scarf somewhat distractedly, her gaze once more falling out the window just in time for her to witness the water turning to land as the train crosses onto Homenia.

  “Seems like a relaxing enough holiday, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun, we all will. The best part is that we’re with our families, and we have each other on our tomes if we want to chat, though…” Demetri side-eyes Kagura momentarily, the smaller teen grinning up at him as if anticipating what he’ll say next. Her cheeky response draws out a sigh from the elf, who begins rubbing at his temples before speaking further.

  “Try not to message me at one in the morning again, alright? I know time where the family lives in Raldevar is hours behind time in Lunaria, so I’d to not be woken up at who knows when in the morning, especially if it’s just because you wanted to share a funny picture with me.”

  “Alright, alright, I’ll try and remember that it’s not a good idea to send you funny pictures at one in the morning.” Getting the feeling she’s not being entirely serious with her reply, he sighs once more and brushes his hair back lightly, the twins chuckling again before glancing out the window and watching the passing landscape.

  A few more hours pass before the train begins to slow in speed, gradually coming to a stop in Lunaria Grand Station with students waving to parents and siblings alike as they come into view. Once the train has fully halted and the doors slide open everyone fetches their bags and familiars, situating their companions somewhere comfortable as they leave the cabin and disembark the train.

  Once stood on the station platform they all say their goodbye and split off to meet up with their respective families, save for Kagura who waits for Rebecca while stood near a bench. The professor soon steps off the train, her ferret familiar nestled atop her head while peering about curiously, the teen making her way over before lightly embracing her.

  “Ready to go home kiddo? Your mom should be waiting for us there, though she doesn’t know when the trains got in so it’ll be a surprise.” Kagura nods as her mother speaks, Seraphine waving up towards Rebecca’s familiar, the ferret chittering in response with a wave of his own paw. With a smile of her own Rebecca takes the lead and begins the short walk to their home, Seraphine hopping off of Kagura’s shoulders once outside and beginning to parade about in the snow.

  “I know it’s only been thre
e months, but… I really missed mom, I hope she missed us as well.” Kagura softly says, gently adjusting her scarf as she speaks to better counter the biting chill. Rebecca chuckles and ruffles Kagura’s hair momentarily, drawing out a pouty huff from the teen before she looks around and follows her mother further.

  “I’m certain she has, you see how happy she is to see us every year when we return home for winter holiday and summer break, did you really think it would be any different this year?” Rebecca teases, a blush quickly growing on Kagura’s cheeks while she gazes towards the ground.

  “… Maybe a little… I just get nervous sometimes…” Kagura again huffs before adjusting her backpack on her shoulders, Rebecca chuckling before turning her gaze back forward. Soon enough the two turn down a sidewalk to one of Lunaria’s residential areas, this one boasting larger homes, being near the outskirts of the city towards the untouched natural areas. Walking along further still they make their way to a large two story grey home, walking up the pathway before Rebecca digs out her keys and quietly unlocks the door.

  “Nev, we’re home!” As she steps inside the house Rebecca calls out, the sound of movement from nearby picking up before a familiar face peers out of the kitchen.

  “Becca? Kagura? I wasn’t expecting you home so soon!” Nev’aran cheerfully says before stepping over to the two, Rebecca immediately being greeted with a kiss and a tender hug while Kagura brushes the snow off her coat and Seraphine shakes herself dry.

  “My fault, I thought it would be nice to surprise you, so I didn’t tell you when the train was to arrive in town.” Rebecca says while grinning, looking up at Ser’avan the whole time. “Oh, is that so? Well color me surprised.” Parting from the hug, Ser’avan gives Rebecca a peck to the cheek, then sneaks up behind Kagura and pulls her into a hug before twirling her a few times, the teen certainly startled but at the same time elated to see her other mother.

  “Mom!” Kagura cheerfully cries out while embracing the demoness in return, that smile quickly widening to the brightest grin she could possibly muster. Ser’avan matches that grin with one of her own, holding Kagura nice and tight as she says, “Hey shortpuff! Been having a good year at school so far?” Kagura nods slowly, though glances off to the side for a few moments and softens her smile, the demoness picking up on this and chuckling.