Persona BLEACHED 4 Gaiden 3: Apple-chan and Raven Girl's Splendid Book Club

Persona BLEACHED 4 Gaiden 3: Apple-chan and Raven Girl's Splendid Book Club
May 29, 2032
At the same time that Layla De Roos was busy selling her art in the Shinjuku convention center, Rin Kubo was in her house, getting ready for an eventful day of her own. With the school year concluded, she could finally shed the educator's garb.
Rose sat on the couch, drinking her usual herbal tea. Their cat, Momo, napped next to her. "Almost done, Rin?"
"Just about...I think this is everything Kirumi got me for my birthday. Now I finally have a chance to wear it all." Rin called out from their room.
"Let me have a look. Knowing her, it's going to be revelatory."
Rin stepped out. Her signature red hair was tied back, and she had on earrings designed to look like apples, dangling from her ears. She wore a red, frilly tank top with white polkadots, a knee-length pink skirt, and pink flower-patterned sandals. A pink, beaded bracelet was worn on her wrist. "Well? Revelatory enough for you?"
"You look radiant, my love. It's nice to see you in something other than school-regulated uniforms. As stunning as you look wearing those."
"Oh, you. But I'm very happy with it. I can't remember the last time I wore anything that didn't include dress pants and ankle boots. Maybe I should let Kirumi pick out my whole wardrobe."
"Agreed. Maybe then I can see how beautiful you would look in a color besides red or green."
"Only if it means I see you in something other than blue."
"You can't improve on perfection. Now, is your lunch date going to be arriving soon?"
"Wording aside, she should be here in a little bit. She wanted to visit with her sister and Max while she was here. They're at the convention with Uri today, so they might be keeping her occupied."
"Knowing the energy in that group...you may want to get comfortable."
A few minutes later, a black portal opened in the living room. "Ah, and there she is now." Rose assumed.
From out of the portal, a black raven with glowing red eyes flew out, and landed on the arm of the couch. "Caw."
Momo raised her head up. "Hisssss!"
The crow opened its beak up wide, and suddenly bore fangs. It let out a roar. The cat got up and fled.
"Someone has forgotten their manners." Rose's eyes began to glow.
A person stepped out from the portal. "Muno, cut that out! That's no way to behave!"
"Caaaaaw." the bird grumbled.
"I don't care if she started it, that's still rude. I raised you better than that."
Herself now off-duty, Emily had also dropped her formal wear. Her casual garb consisted of a dark red, sleeveless turtleneck, a low-reaching black skirt and dark boots. Black bracelets adorned both of her wrists, and stylized black sunglasses covered her eyes. She lifted them up onto her head of black, red-highlighted hair. "Apologies, Professor Kubo. Muno doesn't get along well with other animal friends."
"No need for apologies. Momo is just as prickly when it comes to her fellows in the animal kingdom. And please, no need to be so formal. You can call me Rin." the educator replied.
"I'm of the mind that positions like yours demand the proper respect, but if you insist. And...I don't believe we've been formally introduced. You must be Dr. Wolfe. Your Max also mentioned you quite a bit."
"With nothing but praise, I would hope. But yes, I am the Dr. Wolfe you speak of. I prefer Rose." The therapist shook hands with the witch.
"Don't worry. It was nothing but positives. Will you be joining us today? The more intellectuals, the better the conversations."
"As lovely as that sounds, I already have my plans for the day. I'll be tending to our gardens today with our daughter. An enriching 'Mommy and me' type of experience."
"Your daughter? Oh, I wasn't aware that motherhood had blessed your home. Is she around?"
"She should be awake. Shizuka! We have visitors, lovebug!" Rin called.
The girl stepped out, clearly still half-asleep. "Yaaaawn...am I late for breakfast again?"
"I can prepare it in a minute. I know your habits." Rose replied.
"Shizuka, honey, this is our new friend Emily. Emily, this is my pride and joy, Shizuka." Rin introduced.
"Hi." the girl greeted.
"Hello, Ms. Shizuka. It's nice to meet you. How old are you?" Emily asked.
Shizuka held up seven fingers at first, but quickly brought up another. "Eight."
"Her birthday just came by, so she still has to correct herself sometimes." Rin clarified.
"I like your birdie." 
"Caaaaw." Muno reacted with some joy.
"He says thank you. You can pet him, if you'd like. Muno's very popular with children back home." Emily said.
"Hi, birdie." Shizuka pet the side of the bird's head.
"Caaaaaw~." 
"What a ham." Emily responded. "So, Ms. Shizuka, do you like reading?"
"Uh-huh." the girl replied.
"Very good. I'm taking your mother to my bookstore. I'm sure I can find her a book for you two to read together. If that's alright with her."
"That would be wonderful! I've been reading her to sleep since she came to live with us. Some new material would be great." Rin replied.
"It's a wonderful bonding exercise. My fondest memories of my mother are her reading me fables before I went to bed. My love of literature comes from her." Emily's expression turned somber, but she quickly changed it back. "I'll make sure to pick out a lovely one for the two of you. Now, shall we--"
"Caaaaw!" Muno sounded out.
"He's gotten rather excited all of a sudden. What's he saying?" Rose asked.
Emily looked annoyed. "You're going to make me ask?"
"Caw, caw!"
She rubbed her eyes. "This is going to sound very random, but is Ms. Sakuya Hanakotoba around, by chance?"
"Sakuya? Well, she has been staying in town since school closed for the summer..." Rin began.
Muno perked up.
"...but her and her mother are leaving today for a week's vacation to Switzerland."
"Caw?! Caw, caw!" Muno appeared to be making demands of Emily.
"We are NOT going to Switzerland." she firmly refused.
"Caaaaw!"
"Even if it is lovely this time of year, it's not like back home where I can just open a portal and go somewhere. People here would lose their minds if they saw one open in the middle of the road. Also, if they just left, their flight would be nowhere near landing, so we would be sitting in a foreign country, waiting for several hours."
"Caaaaw."
"What do you mean people here should 'suck it up'?"
"Is she talking to the birdie? Can I learn to talk birdie?" Shizuka asked.
"I think it's only that one bird she can talk to." Rin replied.
"Not so much talking as it is arguing." Rose added.
"--and furthermore, I'm rather certain she wouldn't have that kind of interest in a bird. And I'm also rather certain she has a boyfriend already." Emily continued.
"Caw." Muno smugly responded.
"It IS a problem! Are you just trying to cause trouble now?" Emily noticed everyone watching. "Erm, my apologies. We should be going. And NOT to Switzerland."
Muno grumbled.
"Right, then. Have fun with Mama Rose today, lovebug." Rin kissed Shizuka on the cheek, followed by a hug.
"Okay, Mama." the girl replied.
"Enjoy the land of literature and avian romantics. I'll ensure the gardens are beautiful by the time you come back." Rose assured.
"They always are. Helps to have a lovely rose at the center of everything." Rin winked.
"You and your way with words." The two kissed. "Have fun."
"I'll bring her back in one piece." Emily took out a blue device, pressing a button on it that opened up a similarly colored portal. "Ready, Professor?"
Rin put her pink travel bag over her shoulder. "All set. This...won't be a painful experience, will it?"
"Interdimensional travel is perfectly safe. We'll be in Queens in no time at all. Let's be off." Emily walked into the portal, Muno following close behind her.
"Have a good day~." Rin waved, and she followed after. The portal then closed.
"Can we get a birdie?" Shizuka asked.
"Not in a million years." Rose deadpanned.
---
Earth-013. Queens, New York City. A technological metropolis, the streets and skies lined with hovering vehicles. From every part of the city, one could see the Planetary Defense Force's headquarters in Manhattan, gazing over the region like a stern guard.
"Oh...oh wow." Rin uttered at the sight of it all.
"Your Max's reaction was much the same, from what I hear." Emily said, Muno perched on her shoulder.
"I live in a bustling, advanced city myself, but this is something else entirely. It's easy to forget this whole world runs on magic."
"Magic and technology don't necessarily have to be at-odds with one another. That's why people like me are here. To preserve the older ways."
Emily snapped her fingers, and the door to the building they stood in front of, the "Muno's Call Books" sign on the window, opened.
"Welcome to my temple, Rin Kubo."
The two women walked inside the two-story bookstore, bearing a Victorian aesthetic and covered in shelves from wall to wall. Rin looked around in amazement.
"Lucius, Marinette, I'm here." Emily called
A young man with messy blond hair and several piercings popped up from the counter. "Welcome back, boss! You're back early!"
Next to him was a somber-looking girl with midnight black hair, looking through her phone. "Hello, scion of the military industrial complex. Why are there bright colors in here now?" Both spoke with British accents.
"Um..." Rin uttered.
"Be nice, Marinette. Professor Kubo is my guest, and I'm off the clock. Pretend I'm another guest. Professor, these two are my employees. They'll be cross if I don't mention they're in a band." Emily said.
"The best rock band this side of Derby!" Lucius exclaimed.
"You don't have stats for that." Marinette retorted.
Emily leaned in. "So...have our guests been behaving themselves?" she whispered.
"Does turning the ceiling lamp into jello count as behaving?"
"Sh-she's exaggerating, boss! They've been angels, honest!" Lucius denied.
Emily shook her head. "Are they upstairs?"
"Last I checked." 
"Alright. Come along, Professor."
"Okay. Keep up that teamwork, you two." Rin followed.
"I don't believe in teamwork." Marinette uttered.
"Aren't you in a band?"
"She doesn't believe in consistency." Lucius replied.
Marinette licked her index finger and stuck it in his ear.
"YUCK! What was that for?!"
"What did I say about finishing my sentences?"
The two women went up to the upper floor. "I'm sorry about that, Professor. That's just how they are." Emily said.
"I have plenty of extreme personalities around me, you don't have to apologize. And you also don't have to keep calling me 'Professor'." Rin replied.
"Dad says I'm too formal for my own good. I'll be going back and forth all day."
Rin looked through the shelves. "I don't know where to start. I could spend all day just on the history books...Emily?"
Emily was looking around the bookcases. "Oh, sorry."
"You looking for someone? I noticed you whispering earlier."
"Well, you see..."
Rin opened one of the books...and it immediately stuck out a tongue and blew a raspberry. "GAH!"
Giggling came from behind the bookcase.
"Do they, um...normally do that?"
"No. They don't." Emily replied. "Grace! Jasmine! Get out here!"
From behind the case, two small girls stepped out, in identical outfits save for the color. One girl wore purple clothing, matching the color of her eyes, while the other was instead wearing blue to match hers. Both girls had black hair, with shades of yellow visible.
"Come now, girls, that's no way to behave." Emily knelt down. 
"Sorry." both girls spoke, with Mid-Atlantic accents not unlike her own.
"Sorry, Pro--Rin. Their manners are still a work in progress. Introduce yourselves, girls."
"I'm Grace!" the girl in blue exclaimed.
"And I'm Jasmine!" the girl in purple added.
"Oh, you two are adorable! How old are you?" Rin asked.
"They're both five. Twins." Emily answered.
"Awfully young to be here by yourselves. Where are your parents?"
Both girls pointed at Emily.
"...Emily."
"Girls, why don't you go see if Mr. Lucius is still alive downstairs? I need to talk with Professor Kubo." Emily replied.
"Okay!" The girls giggled their way downstairs.
Emily crossed her arms. "You have questions, I'm sure."
"Quite a lot of them, as a matter of fact! Did I read that correctly? Those two are your children?" Rin asked.
"Yes. Is that so strange?"
"When neither you or Max or anyone else brought it up, yes! Very strange!"
"It's really not that complicated. I've only had them for about two months. Same as your Shizuka, they aren't mine by blood. But to me, it makes little difference."
"How did this come about, then?"
"You can thank our war for this. It made those two orphans. Their parents lost their lives in your Tokyo."
"I see...were they members of your coven? Or maybe the Defense Force?"
"No, neither. As it turns out...their parents were our enemies. They were members of the Brotherhood of Loki. Harold's cult."
"Harold, as in...the man who killed your--"
"Yes. The very same. The Harold I ended with my own hands. In all likelihood, Grace and Jasmine's parents fell to my coven. It must look outrageous, me raising the children of my enemy."
"No, not at all. Shizuka's birth mother was someone I hold nothing but contempt for with how she neglected her. But how did they ever end up in your care?"
"Well, a couple of months after the battle ended, we finally found where the remnants of the Brotherhood were hiding. Gibraltar, of all places. It was all either children, the elderly, or mages who were otherwise in no condition to fight. With the adults taken into custody, the children were slated to be put into protective custody until suitable homes could be found. That's when I laid eyes on Grace and Jasmine. They looked so confused and frightened. Asking constantly where their parents were. It hurt me to know what was coming for them. Especially when I remember being a scared child, asking for their mother. They looked up at me with those fearful eyes, and..."
"Something just clicked?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about."
"Everything felt correct. Love at first sight. Call it what you want, but most would call it fate. I know. How did your dad react?"
"Well, when the initial shock wore off that I just made him a grandfather out of nowhere, he was understandably worried if I could handle it."
"I honestly have the same concerns. It's a commendable thing you did, Emily. But child-rearing is an immense responsibility. It's difficult enough when it's two people raising one child. But you're raising twins by yourself, balancing all of it with work and your duties as the Arch-Witch. How are you making it work?"
"Ever hear the phrase 'it takes a village'?"
"Many times."
"Then you know I'm not alone in this. I'm still learning how best to handle this. Having them here with me while I work isn't feasible all the time. My employees and my family all have their own responsibilities and can't look after them for me on a regular basis. It's a sizeable challenge. It took only a week for me to question whether I could do this. Especially since the two of them weren't reciprocative at first. I was the enemy, after all. Their parents may not have fallen by my hands, but they may as well have."
"They seem to have warmed up to you. What changed."
"It was the night I realized I could pull this off. I was in my study, when they entered. I was expecting something dire, given it was past their bedtime. But they surprised me. They brought me a book. They said they hadn't yet learned how to read, and knew that with how many books I had that I must be an expert. I was stunned when I saw the book they brought me. 'The Tale of the Raven King'." Emily took out a book from her bag. The very same one she'd mentioned. "I carry my copy with me everywhere. I sell them here, too. I was going to recommend it to you, to read to Shizuka. It's my favorite fable."
"It certainly looks well-cared for."
"It's the same copy my mother read to me. She, ah..." Emily paused. "She never finished reading it to me, before she...she passed. And I never worked up the strength to finish it. It just didn't feel right without her."
"I'm so sorry. I...can understand that pain. I lost my father when I was young. It still hurts to think about, even two decades later."
"We really were meant to be friends. But do you know what convinced me to finish it? When those two little girls brought it to me. It felt like Mother's spirit was directing them. She was reassuring me that it was okay, and that I could do this. As she did for me...I read the fable to Grace and Jasmine as I put them to bed. That was the moment I knew I was meant to be the one to raise them."
"Oh, Emily...that's so sweet. I felt the same way the first night I put Shizuka to bed. It was right after that I brought the idea of keeping her up to Rose. Even still, raising the two of them by yourself must be difficult."
"As challenging as it is fulfilling. I was doubting it myself, until Dad told me that it was better to keep them together. The bond between twins is an exceptional one. They'll always know that they have someone who understands them better than anyone else."
"Takes a twin to know. My Max and Barbara say the same kinds of things."
Emily felt a tug on her skirt. The girls had returned. 
"Mari's trying to bite Lucci again." Grace said.
"And giving him a wedgie." Jasmine added.
"Even on my day off, I have to be the crisis police. Rin, could you watch the girls for me while I deal with this?" Emily asked.
"Of course. I know the feeling." Rin agreed.
"Wait for me right here, girls. Marinette, I swear to the Mother Goddess..." She hurried downstairs.
"Hi, pretty lady!" Grace greeted Rin.
"You've got pretty hair!" Jasmine followed.
"Ohhh, you two are so sweet! Do you have any favorite books? I'd love to find some for my little lovebug..." Rin responded.
---
"Don't worry, I'm just having a meeting. I'll be back out in a little while." Emily held the door to her office open.
"Okay." the girls responded.
"Muno, could you keep them company, please?"
"Caw?!"
"I told them to be gentle with you, don't get your feathers in a furrow."
The raven glanced at the twins, who were staring at him mischievously. Both of them waved. 
"Caaaaw..." He fluttered off of Emily's shoulder.
"Thank you. Careful with his beak, girls. He bites." 
"Craw?!"
Emily closed the door. Her office, much like her apartment, was dotted with many a magical memento, along with an extra bookshelf behind her desk. Rin sat in the chair in front of it. "Okay...sorry for the delay."
"It's a full-time job on its own. Trust me, I get it. Those shadows under your eyes tell the whole story." Rin replied.
"Let's just say this day off came at the exact moment I needed it. Now, let's get to why we're here." Emily opened a drawer, and took out a black folder with an image of a raven on it. "My branding is everywhere, sorry."
"I'm guilty of it, too." Rin pulled a red folder out of her bag, with an image of an apple with a happy little face on it. "So, you want to go first?"
"Certainly. Firstly, I can tell that you've gone through quite a few revisions already." Within Emily's folder was a long manuscript, titled 'The Girl in the Hornet's Nest'.
"I've been writing it off and on for the last five years. The editor I've been working with has been a big help in making it concise. It's a story I really wanted to tell."
"I got that sense from reading it. This friend of yours, Miko, was very special to you. It's a tragic shame that I won't get to meet her. But you described her quirks so thoroughly, it feels like I already did. Especially with all those bug factoids."
Rin chuckled. "She had a whole notebook filled with them. Every end-of-chapter 'buggy bit' was lifted straight from that book. Her name for them, not mine. She also included sketches. Once I finally get it to print, I'm going to have those sketches accompanying the facts."
"That's such a lovingly thoughtful idea. I could feel how deeply personal this is to you. It was sad to read on knowing that such a bright, quirky girl had passed so young. Especially when you disclosed her upbringing."
"Her parents were tangible proof that some people should just never have children. So uncaring and greedy. And they were supposed to be caregivers. That they could present the front of a healer to their patients, then treat their own child like less than dirt...I get upset just thinking of it. But in a way, I'm glad. They gave me not only one of the best friends I'll ever have, they also gave me someone to love and raise."
"Do you mean...your daughter?"
"Yes. I guess I didn't mention that in the book yet. The epilogue chapter where I bring it up is still on my desk. Shizuka is actually Miko's younger sister. Much younger. She's much more quiet than Miko, but there are still some similarities there. It's actually caused some friction the way I compare the two sometimes. She actually expressed to me once that she felt like I only brought her in because of her sister. It broke my heart. I had to accept that I was doing it subconsciously. But it's not who she's related to that matters to me. I love that little girl more than anything else on the planet."
"And you're so very good at expressing it in your own words. It's something I hope I can learn from. I've...never been one to express how I'm feeling. It took me almost losing my sister to really bring my emotions out. Someone in my position can't afford to be seen as vulnerable."
"I've always believed that you shouldn't hide how you're feeling. Burying your emotions only leads to more problems down the line. Especially in a situation like that. Would people really judge you getting emotional after nearly losing someone you care about that much?"
"Those who see me as an example to follow might."
"Then teach them it's alright to feel things. You can't grow without expressing yourself. The people around you would benefit from it, too."
"Do you lecture everyone this much, Professor?"
Rin blushed. "Sorry. I'm still in school mode, I guess."
"It's fine. I wanted your advice. I'm a knowledge sponge, you know. Now it's my turn to face the music."
"Oh, don't be so critical, I enjoyed your story quite a bit."
"I'm in a far earlier stage than you, though. I just know there's a lot for me to edit."
"Which isn't a bad thing. It's never going to be perfect right out of the gate. I just hope my notes are legible enough."
"Heh, the high school literature professor, scared of her own handwriting? Methinks you worry too much."
"Ha. My job probably would be in danger if my own writing was closer to chickenscratch, wouldn't it?" Rin opened up her folder, containing a manuscript with the title 'The Prose Alpha'. "I do want you to look through my notes, so I'll be brief. I loved your worldbuilding. I felt like all of your factions had ample time for development."
"I feel a 'however' coming along."
"Not so much 'however', moreso 'some friendly advice'. There were moments where I thought the mechanisms regarding the magic were a bit...complex. Overly so. Some of the terminology left me confused, at points. And if a literature professor had some trouble following along..."
"Then my audience won't have a clue as to what's happening. Ugh. I was afraid of that. When you've spent your entire life taking in magical knowledge like I have, it tends to seep into everything I say. Some of the words I used in the story came from ancient tomes that aren't in use anymore."
"And there's nothing wrong with having that level of knowledge. Maybe try to simplify the terms you use. I actually included some suggestions in my notes that would resonate with a general audience more. They are who you're appealing to, after all."
"I greatly appreciate that. I'll take your advice to heart. This is my first time trying to have my own work published, so I want to make sure it's suitable. I take pride in what I put my name on. I read every book I publish three times before putting it on the shelves. I want my logo to mean something...is that arrogant of me?"
"No, not at all! I wouldn't want my name associated with something that doesn't reflect my own core values. That's how you build a brand and an audience."
"I love the way you think, Pro--ugh. Rin. Sorry."
Rin smirked. "It's really that hard for you not to call me Professor, isn't it?"
"I respect your position and your opinions. I can't help it. Dad really is right about me being too formal."
"We'll get there before the day's done. Maybe doing something more laid-back might help. Like coffee and tea at your favorite café."
"A brilliant idea. It's just a hop down the street."
The women exited the room. "Girls, is my bird still alive?"
The twins were in the process of tugging at Muno's wings. "It's my turn with the birdie!" Grace said.
"No, it's mine!" Jasmine responded.
"Mine!"
"Mine!"
"CAAAAAAAW!" the raven shouted his disapproval.
"Break it up, you two!" Emily ordered. The girls let go. Muno frantically flew back onto his master's shoulder.
"Sorry." they both apologized.
"Lesson one you should ingrain in them early: sharing is caring." Rin advised.
"As hard a lesson as any." Emily sighed. "Girls, I'm going to take Professor Kubo to the café down the street. I'll be back in a little while."
"Can we come with?!" Grace asked.
"Pretty please?!" Jasmine added.
"Is that alright with you?" Emily asked Rin.
"Absolutely! I was planning on asking that myself. You should spend as much time with them as you can, when you can. I don't mind." the educator replied.
"Right, then. That's a yes."
"Yay!" The girls excitedly jumped.
"Lucius, Marinette, I'm taking the girls with me. I'll be back soon." 
"Thank God." Marinette mumbled.
"I thought you were an atheist?" Lucius questioned.
"I'm thanking nobody."
Emily pointed to the door. "This way, please."
"Right behind you." Rin followed.
---
"How is the tea?" Emily asked, now seated at a table.
"Very...potent. This might be the most intense mint flavor I've ever tasted." Rin replied.
"That mint was grown by a coven in the Eastern Pacific. This café buys directly from mage and witch clans. Every last drop has just the tiniest bit of magic to it."
"I would love to hear more about the plants in this world. I come from a long line of ikebana experts, so I've spent a lot of time researching plant life."
"As it so happens, my store carries an encyclopedia of magiculture--magic agriculture. I can see if we have a copy when we get back."
"I would love that. Rose would be fascinated by it, too. I wish I could bring her some of this tea."
"Oh, that's no problem at all. Excuse me?"
"Yes, Ms. O'Donnell?" the server asked.
"Do you have a list of tea mixes available for purchase? My friend here would like to sample some at home."
"Certainly." The server handed Rin a pamphlet.
"Thank you." Rin looked over it. "Now, do any of these carry side effects? Given that they're made with magic."
"They're all perfectly safe. They've been specially grown to avoid any kind of stomach issues or hallucinogenic effects." Emily replied.
"You should teach that trick to my brother..."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Hey, pretty teacher lady!" Jasmine piped up.
"Who, me?"
"What kind of magic can you do?"
"Everyone has magic!" Grace added.
"Well, I wouldn't call it magic. And I'm not so sure about showing it in public like this." Rin replied.
"It's perfectly fine. There are no secret identities here. Your Max had the same reservations. A little display won't hurt." Emily assured.
The girls pouted, looking at Rin.
"Well, if that's the look I'm getting, I can't say no. I can create fire, and do all sorts of things with it. Like...this." She sprouted a tiny flame in the palm of her hand.
"Ooooh." the twins were in awe.
"Or this." A set of flaming, moth-like wings emerged behind her.
"Whoooooa!"
"And I can also do this." Armor materialized over her left arm.
"Whoa, cool!" Jasmine exclaimed.
"Are you a superhero, pretty teacher lady?" Grace asked.
"Something like that. I actually have more armor than this, but here wouldn't be the place to put all of it on. I can tell you that it looks a bit like a moth. You want to show them what that looks like, Emily?" Rin asked.
"Me...?" Emily asked blankly.
Rin winked at her. The girls looked, expectantly.
"Ah, yes. I can do that. You see, a moth looks something like this." Using magic, she formed a moth out of shadow energy.
"Oh hey, it's a butterfly!" Jasmine exclaimed.
"Not quite. Butterflies look like this." Emily created one out of shadow, placing them next to each other. "See the differences? Moths tend to be bigger. But butterflies are usually more colorful. I actually learned all that from a book recently."
Rin smirked.
The two shadowy bugs fluttered off of Emily's hand, floating around the girls, who looked on with wonder. Emily herself had a light smile.
"There. Caught you." Rin said.
"Caught me what?" Emily asked.
"Looking relaxed. When was the last time you did something that had nothing to do with work? Where it was just taking it easy?"
"Ah...I honestly don't have an answer."
"Even on your day off, you had to manage things at work. I understand that you have all sorts of responsibilities, but you need to let yourself have fun, too. Especially now that you've got these two to take care of."
"Knowing when to take a break will help me be a better parent...can I be frank with you?"
"Certainly."
"I started today wanting to learn more about being a better writer...but I think you have much more to teach me about being a better mother and overall person. So tell me...what do you do to relax and enjoy yourself?"
Rin pondered this. Then, a smile formed.
"...why do I get the sense that I might regret asking that?" Emily wondered.
---
Earth-727. Mt. Shirayuki.
"You're saying I have to take *what* off?" Emily asked.
"It's really not that big of a deal. You'll still be covered up. You just have to hold on." Rin assured.
"You're telling me that your way of relaxing is to wear nothing save for a single towel, then dip into hot water in front of several other women?"
"You've been to Japan in your world, right? You never visited a hot spring before?"
"Not once. I'm not trying to insult your culture, Pro--Rin, but the idea sounds so...foreign to me."
"Caw, caw!" Muno sounded.
"Yes, I'm sure you *would* like to bathe with a bunch of women. Here's the problem." Emily poked the sign in front of the hot springs, clearly reading 'No Pets Allowed'.
"Brawwwwk." Muno looked bitterly disappointed.
"Is the Arch-Witch really so shy?" Rin teased.
"Terrified. The idea of being around complete strangers while wearing nothing save for a simple cloth comes across as so profane. What if I were to lose my grip? I'd be scarred for life."
"I'll just ask for a private bath. Just you and me. Would that make you feel better?"
"P-Private bath? Now that sounds even more scandalous. What would Dr. Wolfe think of this?"
"Relax, Emily. I've done this plenty of times with my friends. Once you actually get in the bath, you'll forget all about your worries. It's the most soothing experience you'll ever have. Clearly you could use it. Are you really that nervous?"
"The one thing keeping me from full-on panic is a single thread of decorum. My pride as the Arch-Witch demands I maintain my composure at all times."
"Does it also demand that you put an iron wall up around other people?"
"I really don't mean to offend."
"I'm not offended. I don't think you should use your title as a crutch to keep from enjoying yourself around others. It's okay to be vulnerable. You're not an emotionless robot."
"It's easier when you haven't spent your whole life shutting other people out. I'm trying, I really am." Emily turned red. "I honestly don't know if I'm at 'let people see me naked' levels of comfortable yet."
"You're not going to be naked. And I saw this bashfulness coming early. So I called ahead for the solution." Rin looked to the side. "And here she is now."
"'She'?"
"YAHOO!"
In came Cindy, leaping over to hug Emily. "Hiya, sis!"
"Cindy?! Why are you here?!" Emily demanded.
"I thought it would be easier for you to get comfortable if you had someone familiar around. Especially when it's an outgoing sibling." Rin replied with a smirk.
"I can't say no to a hot spring! I haven't done one in forever! Walking around the con all day's made me so achey!" Cindy tugged Emily along. "C'mon, I wanna see you in a towel! We're gonna melt like ice cream!"
"I didn't sign up for this, Professor, this is the last person I want seeing me without clothes--AH!" Emily protested, before her sister pulled her inside.
"It's for your own good! Your girls'll be happier with you more relaxed!" Rin followed after them.
A short while later, Rin, wrapped in a towel, dipped into the open-air bath, with steam rising up from the water. "Ahhh...that's more like it. It feels extra steamy today."
Cindy, meanwhile, was blissfully floating on her back. "I'm gonna shrivel up like a raisiiiin, heehee~."
Outside, right next to the door, Emily clutched onto her towel, nervously standing. "You could run, Emilia. Flee to the furthest corner of the multiverse and never speak of this again. No, no, I have to relax...have to do this for my girls..." She paused to reiterate. "*My* girls. Yes. It's better for them if I learn to unwind. Here goes."
She opened the door as the steam hit her face. 
"There she is. I was starting to think I'd have to go looking for you." Rin said.
Emily blushed. "....."
"Come on in, Emmy! The water's amazing!" Cindy called.
Emily stepped in front of the pool. "...I'm going to melt the moment I touch it."
"You're already halfway there. Give it that last step." Rin advised.
Swallowing her nerves, Emily carefully dipped one foot into the water. She sat down next to Rin. "Ah...this is...actually quite nice."
"See? You were worrying over nothing. Just stay relaxed and let the water do the rest."
"You look so cute in that towel, sis!" Cindy said.
"Please don't, I'm already red." Emily uttered.
She closed her eyes for a moment. When she reopened them, she noticed a familiar black set of feathers floating in the pool, looking rather pleased. "...Muno."
"Caw."
"Did you not read the sign?"
"Caw, caw."
"It doesn't matter if you're not technically my pet, the rule still applies. Do you want us to get kicked out?"
"Leave him be. If anyone asks, we'll just say he flew in here on his own." Rin replied.
"Aww, look at him! Floating like a little duckie!" Cindy pet him.
"Caaaaw~."
Emily sighed. "What am I to do with you?"
After a few minutes of tranquility, Emily spoke again. "...Rin?"
"Yes?" Rin replied, somewhat surprised that she hadn't been greeted with 'Professor'.
"Your honest assessment. Do you think I have it in me to be a good mother?"
"This is a bit sudden. What makes you ask?"
"I've watched you all day, either with your own daughter or with the girls. You make it look so easy. You just have the right personality to connect with children. I, on the other hand...well, my lack of warmth has been noted."
"Give yourself time. It's hard to change old habits."
"You know I've yet to hear either of them refer to me as 'Mom'? I understand why, given circumstances, but...it does hurt. What if they never really warm up to me?"
"The fact that it hurts says enough. Like I said, give it time. It took a while for Shizuka to call me 'Mom', too. It seemed to me like they enjoyed being around you. You just have to spend more time with them."
"Hey, Emmy!" Cindy swam over. "So, when do I finally get to meet Gracie and Jazz? I've been dying to ever since you told me about 'em!"
"You can stop by whenever you feel like." Emily replied.
"Cool, I still can't believe I'm an auntie now! We've gotta spend a day together, just the four of us! Um, you *have* told them they've got a super cool auntie, riiiight?"
"Heh. How could I ever not? They'd love to meet you, too."
"Book it, next weekend I'm coming home for a bit! Ooooh, I can't wait to spoil theeeeem, heehee~. Oh, and Emmy?"
"Yes?"
Cindy closes her eyes and smiled. "You're gonna be a great mom. Don't be scared. And if you ever feel like it's too much, you've got a bazillion people you can ask to help. Dad, Mom, Aunt Bobbi, Annie or Candy. Me whenever I'm home. Those girls are gonna be calling you 'Mama' in no time."
"Ah...thank you, little sister. I truly hope so."
"Heeee~."
"Not to interrupt the sweetness of this moment, but..." Rin pointed. "Is he okay?"
Muno, still in the water, was sweating profusely, and turning red. "Caaaaaw...!"
"Uh-oh. I think he's been in the water too long...!" Cindy said.
"Muno, get out of the--" Emily urged.
The raven popped like a feathered balloon.
"BAH!" Cindy reeled.
"Did he just explode?!" Rin questioned.
"Grrr, I warned that stubborn crow!" Emily's eyes turned dark, as the feathers all coalesced, reforming into a guilt-ridden Muno, perched on the side of the pool.
"How did...?!"
"What did I say? Did you think that sign was there for decoration?"
"Caaaaw..." Muno looked dejected.
"The fact that I can bring you back doesn't change anything! You think I like seeing you turn to feathers like that? Well, congratulations. This is now your second-least dignified death."
"Second?" Rin pondered.
"You don't want to know about the worst." 
Muno rapidly shook his head in agreement.
"Why did you even follow me in here?"
"...caw."
"Liar! You can be such a dirty bird! I've seen you staring where you shouldn't! See what it gets you?"
Rin couldn't help but laugh. "I think you were worried about nothing, Emily. If you've put up with this ham for two decades, you can handle children just fine."
"Hey, yeah! Muno's as bratty as any little kid!" Cindy joined in.
"Brawk?!" Muno was flabbergasted.
Emily snickered. "You know what, ladies? I think you may be onto something."
"Braaaawk?!" Muno was offended.
"You've lost your complaining privileges for today, mister." Emily turned to Rin. "This one's antics aside, I'm having a lovely time."
"So glad to hear it. Just so you know, the day doesn't end once we've finished here. This is part one of two." Rin replied.
"Oh...is that right."
"You're welcome to join us for the night, Cindy."
"YAHOO! Where we going?" Cindy asked.
"Yes...where *are* we going?" Emily followed with some bit of nerves.
---
Shinjuku, later that night.
Inside the intimate confines of a karaoke box, Emily sat, slightly red. "Ringo."
"Yes, Emilia?" Rin replied teasingly.
"When I agreed that I would like us to be friends, I was unaware that it would entail public humiliation."
"Relax." Rin knocked on the walls. "These are soundproof. The only ones that'll ever know what happens in here are in this room right now."
"I've always wanted to do one of these! Dai and his grumpy sis and bro never wanna do it with me! Getting to do it with my sis is even better!" Cindy radiated positivity.
"Why must you do this to me? What would I even be singing?" Emily asked.
"Well, funny you should ask. Your little sister has told me a great deal about your taste in music." Rin replied.
"You...did what?"
"Mmhmm. I know who your favorite artist is, Emmy. And we're gonna be singing all her hits." Cindy replied.
"Absolutely not! I might die of fear before I ever belt out a word!"
"We're going to get you in the zone, Ms. Emily. You see..." Rin leaned into Emily. "A little birdie told me that despite how serious you are, how much you insist that you maintain an aura of invulnerability...she's caught you reciting the lyrics to many a song from one artist in particular."
"Lies. Lies and slander."
"And who is it that the Arch-Witch herself is so enamored with musically? Well, how very fascinating an answer it is. Because as it turns out, Ms. Emily O'Donnell, you are, in fact..."
"Stop."
"A legitimate, card-carrying..."
"Stooooop."
Cindy pressed the 'Select' button on the karaoke machine. "Little monster!"
The song began.
"How dare--" Emily began.
Cindy grabbed a microphone. "'Hello, hello, baby you called, I can't hear a thing~/I have got no service in the club, you see-see~'"
"No."
Rin continued. "'What-wha-wha-a-a-a did you say, oh you're breaking up on me~\Sorry, I cannot hear you, I'm kinda busy~'"
The two continued singing as Emily tried her hardest to resist.
"...by the Mother Goddess, I can't. Give me that!" She grabbed the mic from Rin. "'Oh the way you blowin' up my phone won't make me leave no faster~\Put my coat on faster~\Leave my girls no faster~\I should've left my phone at home cuz this is a DIS-AS-TER~'"
So it continued on, for two hours hence. By the end, all three were exhausted.
"'Baby you'll be famous, chase you down until you love me, papa-paparazzi~'...I think that's all I can manage." Emily slumped over the couch.
"I don't know what to be more impressed by: you singing as long as you did, or that you knew *every single one* by heart." Rin replied.
Cindy grabbed her sister. "That was awesome, awesome, awesome! I knew you had it in you, Emmy! We're doing this all the time now!"
"Please, no, my heart." Emily groaned.
"Not as torturous as you thought it'd be, hm?" Rin asked.
"I will admit it. That was...exceptionally fun. I may just have to let down my hair more often. For now, though...I think it'd be best to get home to our girls."
"Right you are. Let's get Ms. Cindy home first..."
---
A little while later, in front of the Kubo home, the light still on inside. "Today felt like it went on forever. In a good way." Rin said.
"With any luck, your little one is waiting for you to put her to bed. And here's you, with new reading material." Emily replied.
"Thank you for the books, and the lovely day. I hope this helped you to lighten up a bit."
"I can say one thing...I can see why your students hold you in such high regard. Brilliant not just when it comes to literature, but...with people. Today was enlightening. And I really want to do this again soon. Hopefully by then, I'll have met your example when it comes to motherhood."
"I'm really not doing anything special. Learn how your girls think and feel, and you'll be all set. But yes, I'd love to meet up again soon. Maybe we can experiment with some other fun activities..."
"N-no need to try everything at once. I'm satisfied with tea and some good books. And one other thing, before I go...thank you, Rin. I'm glad to be your friend."
"Ohhh. Come here...sorry, I'm a hugger..." Rin did so, and Emily reciprocated. "Well, good night. Safe travels home. Give my best to your girls."
"Thank you, I will. Read well. And, keep an eye on Cindy for me." Emily took out the blue device, opening a portal. "See you soon, my friend Rin." She disappeared into it.
"Same to you, my friend Emily." Rin responded. She turned, and entered her house.
Rose was seated on the couch, watching the TV. "Welcome home, Rin. You look like you had a memorable day."
"That's putting it lightly. How was your mommy day with Shizuka?"
"Much-needed. I'll show you in the morning. She personally picked out every single flower. I don't need to tell you that I had to make her stop picking the red ones."
"Oh, my little lovebug. Is she asleep?"
"I think she's still up, last I checked. Probably waiting for you to come home."
"Good. I brought something from the bookstore that I think she'll enjoy..."
Rin quietly entered Shizuka's room, holding a book. The girl stirred up. "Hey, Mama Rin..."
"Hi, lovebug. Did you have fun with Mama Rose today?"
"Uh-huh. Garden looks all pretty now."
"I can't wait to see it tomorrow. Were you waiting for me to come home?"
"Uh-huh."
"I'm glad. I actually have something here for you. Ms. Emily gave me a book for us to read together. It's her favorite. You want to read it with me now?"
Shizuka nodded.
"I'm so happy. Let's get to it." Rin laid down next to her daughter. "So, this is 'The Tale of the Raven King'..."
---
Earth-013. An apartment complex in Queens.
Emily knocked on the door. From the other side, Anna opened it, clearly having been asleep prior. "Ya know I got patrol duty first thing in the morn', right Luna?" she asked.
"Sorry. Tonight went on...longer than I'd expected." Emily replied. Muno flew off her shoulder, and onto his perch inside. "How were the girls?"
"Askin' about you all day. You and 'the pretty teacher lady'. I think they want ya to read 'em to bed again."
"What gives you that idea?"
"Cuz they're in your bed."
"Ah. I see. I can take it from here. Thank you, Anna."
"No problema...don't be mad when you look in the fridge, though."
"I was needing to go grocery shopping, anyway."
"Positives, positives. Buenas noches. See ya." Anna zipped away.
Emily closed the door behind her. She went into her bedroom. Sure enough, the twins were both asleep in her bed.
"Grace. Jasmine. I'm home." Emily whispered to them.
The girls stirred. "Hiii..." They yawned.
"Sorry I'm a little late. I was having fun with Professor Kubo and my sister. Were you good girls for Ms. Annie?"
They nodded.
"How come you two aren't in your beds?"
"We wanna be in here with you." Grace replied.
"We like being here with you." Jasmine added.
"Really...? I don't have any new books with me to read..."
"We wanna sleep in here tonight." Jasmine said.
"Pretty please?" Grace asked.
Emily smiled. "Give me a few minutes. I've had a long day. I'm going to shower and get changed. Wait right here."
A short while later, Emily emerged from the bathroom, garbed in a nightgown and drying her hair. "Any space for me?"
The girls left a spot in the middle for her, which she took. "I have some good news. Cindy is coming over next weekend. She's really excited to meet you two. We're going to have a lot of fun together, just the four of us."
Both girls looked ecstatic.
"Listen, girls. I know that I've been very busy, and...I know this is a strange new place to be. Especially since the people around your parents didn't particularly like me."
"Old Man Harry always said bad things about you." Grace said.
"But he did a bunch of bad things to you, didn't he?" Jasmine asked.
"Yes. A lot of bad things. It's because of him that...that I don't have a mommy anymore. I don't feel good about what happened to your parents, even if they were doing things I didn't agree with. But please understand, girls. I want you both to be happy. I saw how sad you two were, and I remembered how sad I was when I lost my mommy. I didn't want you to grow up without one. So even though it's been very hard, I've loved taking care of you both. Even if I'm not really your mommy..."
"You're my mommy." Grace interjected.
"Huh...?"
"You're my mommy, too." Jasmine agreed.
"You take care of us like a mommy." her twin continued.
"You read to us like a mommy."
"You teach us all kinds of things like a mommy."
"Hey, Gracie?"
"Yeah, Jazz?"
"You want to say it now?"
"Yeah! One...two...three..."
"WE LOVE YOU, MOMMY!" both girls exclaimed.
"Ah...ahhhh..." Emily was in complete disbelief. Tears fell from her face. "Oh, my girls...I've never felt so happy as I do right now." She hugged them both, kissing them both on the forehead. "I love you, Grace. I love you, Jasmine. I didn't know what my purpose was going to be with peace arriving...but now I know. Being your mommy. Thank you, my girls. You're everything I've been missing..."
"Caaaaawhuhuhu..." a birdlike wail came from outside. Muno was weeping.
"Muno, you unbelievable ham..." Emily groaned as the girls giggled. "Right. I think it's time to close the book on today. Tomorrow, I'm taking another day off. I want to spend it with the loves of my life."
"Yaaaay!" the twins exclaimed.
"Off to slumberland, then." Emily snapped her fingers, and the lights shut off. "Pleasant dreams, my girls. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings."
The three soon fell asleep. And as with any of her beloved books, the knowledgeable Arch-Witch was ready for this next chapter.