In the vibrant, timeless realm of the Throne, where young spirits played freely among fields of silvery grass under skies that shimmered with mystic light, laughter and the sound of running feet filled the air. Among them, Kio raced alongside a group of lively children, their games echoing the endless joy of youth. Suddenly, as they played tag, Kio was tackled to the ground. Before he could fully register what had happened, a mischievous voice rang out. It was Jack the Ripper—despite her ominous name, she carried a playful glint in her eyes—as she declared, "You're it!" with a teasing tone.
Even as Kio scrambled to his feet, the game resumed, with joyful shouts and the gentle rustle of the Throne's eternal breeze blending into a symphony of youthful delight. Amid this playful chaos, as bright smiles and happy squeals echoed across the field, a familiar and calming voice cut through the merriment.
As Kio lay on the soft grass, chest rising and falling as he tried to catch his breath, the other children gathered around him. Nursery Rhyme giggled softly, her book floating beside her, while Jeanne Alter Lily lying on top of him. Paul Bunyan loomed over him with a beaming grin, while Chloe playfully poked his cheeks. More of the Throne's youthful spirits crowded around, eyes gleaming with admiration.
"You're not bad for a shrimp," Chloe teased, hands on her hips.
Kio smiled brightly, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "One day, I'll catch up to you all. Just watch!"
Laughter and words of encouragement spread among the children, but the moment was soon interrupted by a familiar, emotionless voice.
"Kio," Ophis called, standing a few feet away, as expressionless as ever. "It is time to return home."
Kio groaned, turning his head toward her with a pleading look. "Five more minutes?" he tried, flashing his best hopeful smile.
The other children immediately chimed in, their voices overlapping as they joined in his plea.
"Just a little longer!"
"Come on, Ophis, let him stay!"
"Yeah, it's not fair!"
Ophis remained unfazed, her cold gaze never wavering. "No. If you remain past the time limit, your body will break down into spiritron particles and cease to exist."
The excited chatter among the children came to a halt, and Kio stiffened slightly. He sighed in defeat. "Alright… lets go home, I'm getting hungry."
Without another word, Ophis stepped forward and effortlessly lifted him into her arms, carrying him like he weighed nothing. As she turned to leave, Kio waved at the others from over her shoulder, his smile never fading.
"I'll be back! We'll play again next time!"
The children waved back, their excited chatter picking up,"I wonder what his home is like?" Nursery Rhyme mused. "And his parents? What are they like?" Jeanne Alter Lily added. "Oh~ It would be awesome to see how the world is like" "Maybe they have made new kinds of foods and sweets" others have voiced.
The curiosity spread among the group, but as they spoke, one among them remained silent. Jack stood a little apart from the others, deep in thought, an idea forming in her mind—one that no one else had considered before.
"Bye Kio, Ophis. See you guys next time, we will be waiting" their voice boomed. With one more wave, Ophis and Kio have disappeared from the Throne, returning home.
Meanwhile, Nursery Rhyme and Jeanne Lily turned to leave, making their way toward their teacher's quarters to see Amakusa Shirō. But just as they reached the edge of the field, they paused.
Jack was gone, nowhere to be seen.
As the light of teleportation faded, Kio and Ophis reappeared in front of their home. Kio stretched his little limbs, his body still buzzing with excitement from the games he played in the Throne. A bright smile spread across his face. "That was fun!" he said, bouncing on his feet. "I can't wait for tomorrow!"
Ophis, ever expressionless, simply gave a small nod. "You enjoy meaningless activity," she stated.
Kio chuckled. "It's not meaningless if it makes you happy."
The two walked through the house gate, the familiar comfort of home settling around them—until Ophis felt a sudden tug around her waist. She stopped in her tracks, turning her head slightly to see the small hands gripping onto her skirt.
Behind her stood Jack.
"What do you think you are doing here, Amalgamation?" Ophis questioned, her usual monotone voice carrying a rare edge of irritation. Her aura flared ever so slightly, a silent warning.
Jack, unfazed, looked up at her with innocent, wide eyes. "We wanted to see Kio's home," she said simply. "And we still want to play with him."
Kio questions in surprise. "Jack? You followed us?"
Jack nodded enthusiastically, her grip on Ophis tightening just a little. "We were curious! We never got to see what the outside world looks like!"
Ophis narrowed her eyes. "You do not belong here. Return to the Throne."
Jack pouted, pressing her cheek against Ophis's back. "No. We want to stay with Kio. We like him."
Kio scratched the back of his head, puzzled at what to do. He could already tell that Ophis wasn't pleased, but at the same time, he didn't dislike the idea of Jack staying.
"Ophis, maybe—"
Before Kio could even finish his sentence, Ophis cut him off, her tone carrying an uncharacteristic sharpness. "No," she said firmly. "It does not belong here. It has to go back to the Throne, or it would be easier to erase her."
Kio couldn't believe at what he heard, but Jack reacted first. Sensing the immense danger radiating from Ophis, she disappeared in an instant, vanishing into the shadows before Ophis could act.
Ophis barely glanced at Kio before scanning the area, unbothered. She lifted her hand, forming a sphere of dark energy. "It does not matter. I will remove her."
Kio tensed, his senses picking up the faint trace of mana flickering nearby. Following it, he heard the slightest rustle in the bushes a few feet away. Before Ophis could release the energy in her palm, Kio moved.
Throwing himself in front of her, he wrapped his arms around her, stopping her motion with his small frame. "Ophis, don't!"
Ophis blinked down at him, uncomprehending. "Why?"
Kio, answering with a determine expression "Because what you're doing isn't nice."
Ophis tilted her head, confusion flickering across her normally blank expression. "She is an Amalgamation. What I said is the truth. She does not belong here."
Kio clenched his jaw. "Just because it's true doesn't mean it is right."
A brief silence followed. Ophis and Jack weren't the only ones confused by his words—he could tell from Ophis's stillness that she was trying to process what he had just said. Jack, meanwhile, slowly emerged from the bushes, her golden eyes locking onto Kio as she hesitantly approached.
Without hesitation, she clung onto him, pressing her forehead into his back. "Kio is nice to us," she mumbled.
Kio sighed, his grip on Ophis loosening. "One or two nights won't hurt," he reasoned.
Ophis stared at him, completely unimpressed. "She will cause trouble."
Kio grinned slightly. "Then I'll stop her."
A long pause. Ophis narrowed her eyes, visibly displeased. But after a few seconds, she let out a slow sigh, her energy dissipating. "Fine," she relented, though her tone was far from pleased.
She muttered under her breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "Only at home… is where I can have Kio all to myself..."
Kio, confused at whatever that meant, let out a breath of relief. Jack grinned against his back, whispering softly, "We knew Kio would save us."
As Kio, Ophis, and Jack stepped inside the house, Kio and Ophis called out in unison, "We're home."
"Welcome home!" From the kitchen, two figures emerged—Kio's mother, Kivye, and his father, Ryu. Kivye wiped her hands on a kitchen towel, her sharp eyes immediately landing on the unfamiliar child standing beside Kio and Ophis.
"And who's this little one?" she asked, her gaze shifting around the new girl, puzzled on her choice of clothing.
Kio, already anticipating her concern, gave a small grin. "Mom, Dad, this is Jack. She's a friend. Is it okay if she stays for the night?"
Ryu exchanged a look with Kivye, both clearly puzzled. After a brief moment, they turned toward Ophis, silently asking for an explanation.
Ophis, standing still, avoids eye contact.
Kivye exhaled, deciding to let it go for now. "Alright," she said, waving them off. "Go wash up. Dinner will be ready soon."
Before Kio could move, Ophis suddenly grabbed him and Jack under her arms, carrying them effortlessly.
"W-Wait, not again—!" Kio yelped, struggling in vain as she carried them toward the bath.
Jack simply blinked, unsure if she should be concerned or excited.
Kivye and Ryu chuckled at their son's misfortune, shaking their heads as they returned to preparing dinner.
The warm water filled the air with a light mist as Kio sighed in defeat. He stands behind Ophis, his fingers working through her dark hair as he gently scrubbed in the shampoo. She remained still, allowing him to wash her without protest.
Jack, meanwhile, stood at the edge of the bath, hesitant. She fidgeted slightly, watching them with a curious expression.
"What are you doing?" she finally asked.
Kio paused. "Washing her hair."
Jack tilted her head. "Is it fun?"
Ophis, eyes half-lidded from the sensation of Kio's careful scrubbing, answered before he could. "It is not about fun. It makes you feel good. Relaxed."
Jack considered that for a moment before stepping forward and sat beside Ophis. She looked at Kio expectantly. "Then… can you do ours too?"
Kio paused, then smiled. "Sure."
Using his other hand, he reached over, feeling the air for where she might be. Jack grab his hand and placed it on her head, beginning to scrub her short white hair as well, his fingers working gently against her scalp.
Jack let out a delighted squeal, wiggling in place as if she had just discovered the best thing in the world. "It tickles!" she giggled, but she didn't move away. If anything, she leaned in closer, happily basking in the warmth and attention.
Kio chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess you like it, right?"
Jack beamed. "Yes! We like it a lot!"
Ophis, slightly sulk for not getting all his attention, merely hummed in content.
Though Kio sighed at the absurdity of his situation, he couldn't deny the warmth that filled the bath—an odd but comforting feeling, even in such strange circumstances.
As the warm steam filled the bathhouse, the sound of light chatter and splashing water was suddenly interrupted by the sliding of the bathroom door.
Kivye stepped in, hands on her hips, an amused yet firm look on her face. "Alright, you three, dinner is ready. Time to get out before the food gets cold."
Kio sighed, knowing better than to argue with his mother, and began rinsing out the remaining shampoo from both Ophis's and Jack's hair. Once they were done, Kivye took charge, drying Kio and Jack with a large towel, rubbing their hair vigorously while they squirmed under her grasp.
Meanwhile, Ophis, rather than using a towel, simply shook her entire body like a wet dog, sending droplets of water flying in every direction.
Kio flinched, shielding his face. Jack let out a surprised squeak, and Kivye gasped as her freshly dried clothes were soaked.
The room went silent for a moment before Kio let out a groan. "Ophis…"
Ophis merely blinked, unbothered.
Jack stared at her for a moment before breaking out into giggles. "Ophis is funny!"
Kivye sighed but couldn't help chuckling along with the children. "You're lucky you all are adorable," she muttered playfully before ushering them out to get dressed for dinner.
The dining room was warm and inviting, the scent of home-cooked food filling the air. Kio and Ophis sat beside each other, while Jack and Kivye sat across from them. Ryu took his usual spot at the head of the table, positioned between them all.
Plates were filled, chopsticks clinked against bowls, and the atmosphere was lively. Jack, in particular, was using a baby fork, but still having the time of her life, devouring her food with the enthusiasm only a child could muster.
However, her enthusiasm resulted in quite the mess—sauce smeared on her cheeks, rice stuck to her chin.
Kivye, noticing this, reached over with a napkin and gently wiped Jack's face clean. "Goodness, you're a messy eater," she said with a fond smile.
Jack blinked at her, tilting her head as Kivye finished wiping her face. Then, without hesitation, she beamed up at her and chirped, "Thanks, Mama!"
Both parents giggled a little at the child's antics, warmth spreads throughout their bodies. Kivye, smiled warmly, playing along with what she assumed was just a child's joke. "Oh? So I'm 'Your Mama' now?"
Jack giggled and nodded. "Yes! You take care of us, so you're like our mama!"
Kivye chuckled, patting her head. "Well then, I suppose that makes you my little troublemaker."
Jack grinned, happily returning to her food.
However, as the meal went on and the conversation flowed, Kivye and Ryu subtly observed Jack. Something about the way she clung to the word mama felt more than just playful. Jack wasn't playing pretend. She truly had no mama and in her own way, had just chosen Kivye to be one.
Still playing along, Ryu leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "Well, if she is your mama, then that make me your papa."
Jack paused mid-bite, tilting her head in confusion. "What's a papa?" she repeated, as if the word were completely foreign to her.
Both Ryu and Kivye froze, their smiles faltering ever so slightly.
Kivye placed down her chopsticks, her voice gentle. "Jack, do you… not know what a papa is?"
Jack shook her head, her expression innocent but genuinely curious. "No. We never heard of it, is it tasty?"
A heavy silence hung in the air for a brief moment. Kivye and Ryu exchanged worried glances, realizing just how deep the child's lack of experience truly ran.
Ryu, keeping his tone lighthearted, leaned forward. "A papa is like a mama," he explained. "He take care of you, protect you, make sure you're safe and happy. They're someone you can rely on—just like a mama, but… different."
Jack blinked, as if processing the information. "Papa is like a mama, but not a mama???" She tries to rack her brain into understanding this unknown word, steam starts to come out of her head, and her eyes swirl in confusion.
As Jack continued to ponder the concept of a papa, her face scrunched up in deep concentration. "Pa-Pa-Pa" After a few seconds, her eyes brightened as an idea struck her. *Gasp*
"Mapa!" she declared proudly.
The room went silent for a moment.
Ryu blinked. "…Mapo Tofu?"
Kivye covered her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter, while Kio, despite his best efforts, let out a quiet chuckle.
Jack tilted her head, confused. "What's that?"
Ryu let out a hearty laugh. "Nothing, nothing. Just wasn't expecting that one!" He reached over and ruffled Jack's silver hair. "Mapa, huh? Well, I guess that makes me special."
Jack beamed. "Mapa Ryu!"
The rest of the dinner was spent in lighthearted conversation, laughter filling the warm dining room. They were simply a family enjoying a meal together in bliss.
The next day, the morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling city streets as the family made their way through the lively crowds. Kio walked ahead with his father, while Jack was riding on the man's shoulders, the three moving in comfortable silence while Ophis stayed close to the mother, walking in sync. Their destination soon came into view—a local school, its courtyard filled with children chatting excitedly before class. Kio stopped at the entrance and turned to wave back at them.
"Bye-bye everyone!" he called before stepping through the gates.
Not long after, two other kids ran up to him, chatting animatedly as they walked together into the school grounds, guiding him.
Watching him go, Kivye smiled softly.
The sound of an approaching vehicle caught his attention. A sleek black SUV rolled up beside him, its tinted windows gleaming under the morning sun. The door clicked open smoothly, revealing a man in a sharp black suit standing just outside, his expression unreadable.
"Sir Han-bin," the man addressed him in a formal tone. "My lord wishes to speak with you. He is expecting you at his estate."
Ryu exhaled sharply through his nose, already dreading whatever nonsense he was about to be dragged into. "Of all days…" He groaned internally but kept his usual smirk in place.
Ryu leaned over and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "I'll be off, then," he said with a grin. "Got some errands to run."
Kivye gave him a knowing look. "Take care and try not to get distracted, Mapa."
Ryu groaned playfully. "You're never letting that go, huh?"
With a final wave, the car drives off, leaving the mom, Ophis, and Jack standing in place.
Kivye turned to the two girls, her smile widening. "Well, we've got the whole day ahead of us. How about we have some fun?"
Jack's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Fun?"
Ophis, as unreadable as ever, simply blinked at her. "What kind of fun?"
Kivye chuckled and gestured toward the bustling district ahead. "Let's go to the shopping district. We can eat, explore, maybe even pick out some cute clothes for you two."
Jack tilted her head. "We don't need clothes. We like this outfit."
Kivye smirked. "Oh, sweetie, every girl needs a cute outfit or two. Trust me."
With that, she took Jack's hand again and began leading them toward the shopping district, Ophis silently following behind.
Kivye, Jack, and Ophis strolled through the lively shopping district, weaving through bustling crowds and vibrant storefronts. The air was filled with the scent of street food, the chatter of eager shoppers, and the distant hum of music from a nearby plaza.
Their first stop was a boutique, where Kivye excitedly picked out outfits for Jack to try on. The little girl twirled in front of the mirror, marveling at the soft fabrics and bright colors. A frilly sundress, a cute hoodie, a tiny black leather jacket, and even a tuxedo —everything was new and exciting to her.
"We like them all!" Jack beamed, hugging a soft sweater.
Kivye chuckled. "Then it's yours."
Ophis, on the other hand, remained expressionless, standing stiffly in front of a mannequin as Kivye tried to drape a cute dress in front of her. "This is unnecessary," the dragon deadpanned.
"Oh, come on," Kivye teased, adjusting the dress. "You'd look adorable in this."
"I look the same in everything," Ophis countered, blinking at her own reflection. Using her powers to seamlessly swap clothing, effortlessly.
Jack giggled. "Ophis is silly."
After shopping, they stopped by a cozy café for lunch. Jack and Ophis eagerly dug into their dessert, a towering parfait with layers of whipped cream and strawberries. Kivye sipped her tea, watching both girl's enthusiasm with a warm smile.
"Slow down, sweetie," she said, dabbing Jack's cheek with a napkin.
Jack licked some cream off her lips. "It's so good!"
But then—Jack froze.
Spoon midway to her lips, her expression suddenly blanked as an eerie sensation crept over her. A whisper, no—many whispers—echoed inside her head. The voices of countless children, overlapping in a hauntingly familiar tone.
"Return… We must return… She is the one…"
Jack's grip on her spoon tightened. Her chest ached, a pressure forming in the depths of her mind.
"Jack?"
Kivye's voice snapped her out of it. She blinked rapidly, her surroundings rushing back to her all at once. She looked up to see Kivye staring at her with soft concern.
"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Kivye asked, placing a gentle hand on Jack's head.
Jack hesitated for just a second before forcing a small smile. "We're fine! The food is just really good!" She shoved another spoonful into her mouth, trying to act normal.
Kivye watched her closely but decided not to press further. "Alright, just let me know if something's wrong, okay?"
Jack nodded quickly, eager to move past the moment.
However, across the table, Ophis barely paused from her meal, chewing slowly as she observed Jack with a skeptical stare. Continues eating at her food, unimpressed. Though she said nothing, there was an unusual stillness to her. It was subtle, but Kivye noticed.
"She's enjoying herself… even if she won't admit it."
To end their day, they went to the movies. Jack sat wide-eyed, fully engrossed in the film, occasionally gasping or giggling at the screen. Kivye relaxed in her seat, content with the calm moment. Meanwhile, Ophis sat beside her, completely indifferent to the movie's plot but… not complaining either.
The day had been filled with laughter, warmth, and new experiences—at least for Jack and Kivye. Ophis, though still as unamused as ever, remained by their side.
As time passed and their fun-filled day began winding down, a soft chime echoed from Kivye's phone. She glanced at the screen and sighed.
"Looks like it's time to pick up Kio," she said, standing up and stretching.
As the school came into view, Kivye spotted Kio standing near the entrance, arms crossed as he listened to the two kids from earlier chatter away.
"Hey, did you see that episode of Dragon Ball Z? That android girl was so hot, I claim her as my waifu." One of the boys grinned with delight. The other kid grabs the boy in a headlock and noogie him, "Why are you so weird?" Both of them roughhouse with each other, until Kio chimed in with his own thoughts. "The story sounds that it is full of action, it really…"
The moment he sensed their presence, he turned toward them. Ophis, who had been quiet for most of the trip, perked up slightly at the sight of him. Though her expression didn't change, there was a subtle shift in her posture, as if she was just a little more at ease now that he was back.
Jack, on the other hand, had no reservations. "Kio!" she shouted excitedly, immediately sprinting toward him and nearly tackling him in a hug.
Kio barely had time to react as Jack clung onto him like a koala. "Jack… you were only gone for a few hours," he muttered, patting her head.
"But it felt like forever!" she grinned.
Kivye laughed, watching the scene unfold. "Alright, alright, let's head home."
"See you, Kio" the kids say before leaving to their parents. "Bye, guys" he responds with a smile.
The walk back was lively, Jack practically bouncing around Kio the entire time, excitedly telling him about everything she had done with Kivye and Ophis. Even Ophis spoke up once, giving a short but direct remark about the unnecessary nature of shopping—though Kivye noticed she didn't seem to completely dislike the experience.
As soon as they arrived home, Kio barely had a chance to drop his bag before Jack grabbed his wrist.
"Let's play!" she chirped, eyes sparkling with excitement. "OK!" Kio said in excitement, as they were about to run the front door, Kivye snatched them by the scruff of their shirts with one hand.
"Homework first," she said without looking up from the ingredients she was prepping.
Jack blinked. "Homework?"
Kio let out a groan, rubbing the back of his head. "Yes… homework." Jack started swelling tears in her eyes, as if she was about to burst.
Kivye smirked. "No playing until it's done."
Jack pouted but followed Kio to the table, watching intently as he pulled out his books and papers. She sat beside him, occasionally poking his arm as if she could somehow distract him into playing.
A short stack of paper, box of crayons, and other crafting materials were placed in front of her. "Why don't you make something nice, Jack?" the woman smiled at her. "Make? Jack said with a puzzled expression. "All we know is to DISMANTLE!"
Eyes widened, Kivye grabbed her hands "Everything has 2 sides, Jack. What can destroy, can also build." Ophis, who was laying mid air, listen upon the conversation. Contemplating the words, Destruction and Creation.
Kivye returned to preparing dinner, sneaking small glances at them. The warm sounds of chopping, bubbling broth, and quiet murmurs filled the air.
Kio sat at the low table, his fingers trailing across the braille-labeled device as he listened intently to his audio lesson. His expression was focused, lips occasionally moving as he repeated key points to himself. Despite the monotony of studying, he remained diligent, determined to finish his work before he could indulge in playtime.
Nearby, Jack was fully engrossed in her craftwork. With practiced ease, she brandished her small knife, its blade gliding through colorful paper with precision. She hummed softly, cutting out various shapes—some recognizable, others more abstract—layering them into intricate designs. Every so often, she would glance at Kio, as if waiting for him to finish so she could drag him into whatever game she had planned next.
Above them, Ophis drifted lazily in midair, arms folded as she observed the scene below. Her violet eyes scanned the room with detached interest, watching the quiet yet peaceful activities unfold. She wasn't particularly concerned with their hobbies, yet she remained there, content to watch over them in her own way.
The tranquility was broken by the sound of the front door opening.
"I'm home," Ryu's voice echoed warmly.
Instantly, Kio and Jack perked up. Without hesitation, they rushed toward him, colliding into his waist in a joyful embrace. Kio grinned wide, his earlier exhaustion from studying forgotten, while Jack clung to him as if she'd been waiting all day for his return.
Kivye emerged from the kitchen, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Wiping her hands on a small towel, she approached her husband, wrapping her arms around his neck before placing a soft kiss on his lips.
"Welcome back, love," she whispered.
Ryu chuckled, his arm circling her waist. "Home Sweet Home. Isn't that the truth."
Ophis noticed the faint scent of battle clinging to Ryu as he entered the house, but she said nothing. Instead, she silently observed him, her golden eyes flickering with curiosity. Ryu acted as if nothing was amiss, greeting his family warmly as they gathered around the dinner table. The evening passed in comforting normalcy—laughter, soft conversations, and the warmth of a shared meal. Jack, as usual, made a mess, earning a fond sigh from Kivye as she wiped the little girl's face.
Later that night, as the house settled into a quiet lull, Kio, Jack, and Ophis curled up together in his bed, the rhythmic rise and fall of their breaths blending into the stillness of the night. Ryu reclined in his own bed, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Meanwhile, Kivye retreated to her study, a book in hand, eager to indulge in the quiet solace of reading.
But as she turned the page, the lights flickered.
Once.
Twice.
Then, they went out completely.
A chill seeped into the room, unnaturally cold, making her breath come out in wisps of white mist. The scent of parchment and ink faded, replaced by the thick, cloying aroma of damp earth and something metallic—coppery, like blood.
She straightened, muscles tensing as a thick fog slithered into the study, curling around her ankles and swallowing the familiar warmth of her home. The wooden floor beneath her softened, shifting into rough, uneven cobblestone. The sturdy walls of her study blurred, their edges distorting until they gave way to towering brick buildings, their surfaces aged with soot and grime.
Gas lamps flickered in the distance, their dim glow casting jagged shadows onto the narrow, empty street.
Victorian-era London.
Kivye's heart pounded as she stepped back, her mind racing to make sense of the sudden shift. "An illusion? A dream"
A sharp whistle cut through the dense fog.
Instinct screamed at her to move.
She twisted just as a blade whizzed past her, slicing through the air. A sharp sting bloomed on her arm as the knife grazed her, embedding itself into a wooden post with a dull thunk.
A slow trickle of blood ran down her skin.
Then came the voices.
Soft at first, like whispers carried on the wind. But they layered, overlapping, twisting into something unnatural—lilting giggles that warped into hollow, distorted echoes.
"Return… return so we can truly begin anew…"
The laughter of children rang through the mist—high-pitched, eerie, and filled with something unnatural. Shadows flickered in the fog, shifting shapes moving just beyond the veil of sight.
Then, through the haze, Kivye saw her.
Jack.
Standing motionless at the edge of the mist, her small frame blending into the eerie gloom. Her head tilted slightly, her expression unreadable.
But her eyes—wide, distant, unfocused—locked onto Kivye's. "Jack…" she breathed. Kivye's grip tightened around the cool metal of her collapsible bo staff as she flicked it open with a sharp snap. The moment the weapon extended, the first attacker lunged—a hunched old man, his knife gleaming under the dim lamplight. Kivye pivoted on her heel, the staff whirling in her hands as she parried the strike, redirecting the force away from her body.
Another shadowy figure, this one a woman draped in tattered Victorian garb, came at her from the side. Kivye ducked, her staff sweeping low to knock the woman's legs out from under her. The moment her body hit the ground, she dissolved into mist, but others were already closing in.
They swarmed her like an endless tide. Men, women, children—people of all ages and backgrounds, their faces twisted in eerie smiles, their soulless red eyes locked onto her. Their knives flickered like fireflies in the mist, each one seeking her flesh.
Kivye moved like a dancer, her staff striking with precision, deflecting, countering, pushing back. She weaved through the crowd, avoiding fatal blows by inches, but the numbers were overwhelming. A blade sliced across her shoulder, another nicked her side. Blood stained her clothes, but she kept moving.
Amid the chaos, Jack stood motionless, watching. Her expression unreadable.
"Jack!" Kivye called, dodging another strike, her voice firm yet imploring. "This isn't you! Whatever this is, fight it! You don't belong with them!"
Jack blinked. The many voices that echoed from her before wavered, the mist around her trembling as if uncertain. But then, her form flickered again, and a distorted grin stretched across her face.
"This is where WE belong," Jack said, her voice layered with countless others. "This is where WE began."
Kivye's heart pounded. Whatever had its claws in Jack wasn't letting go easily.
She had to break through.
Bracing herself, she tightened her stance, gripping her staff as the horde of shadows surged forward once more.
Kivye stood firm as the thousands of crimson eyes bore into her, the spectral horde tightening their circle. The air crackled with malice as knives gleamed in their hands, poised to strike. She exhaled, steadying her grip on the staff.
Then, as if answering an unspoken signal, the ghosts attacked.
Knives whistled through the air from every direction. Kivye reacted instantly, slamming her staff into the ground. A surge of black and red energy erupted outward, twisting into thick, ribbon-like tendrils that wove a barrier around her. The lades clashed against the swirling energy, deflecting away harmlessly.
She looked at Jack— calm and composed, her golden eyes glowing among the red. A warm smile spread across Kivye's face, even as the shadows snarled around her.
"Don't worry, Jack. Mommy will save you!"
Jack's body stiffened. The voices that had been whispering—chanting in her head—sputtered. The mist around her wavered.
Upstairs, Ryu stirred. A deep unease settled in his gut. His instincts, his entire being feels that something is wrong. He slid out of bed and made his way into the hallway.
Before he could head downstairs, a presence stopped him in his tracks.
Ophis.
She stood in the dim light of the corridor, her face unreadable, but the tension in the air around her was suffocating. Then, for the first time in a long while, she spoke—not with her usual detached calm, but with quiet, simmering fury.
"I should have killed that thing when I had the chance."
Ryu frowned. He knew exactly what she meant. Ophis wasn't one for hesitation, nor did she grant second chances. And right now, she was staring at the mist creeping from below with nothing but cold intent.
"We'll handle this," Ryu said, his tone firm.
Ophis didn't move. "No! I'll completely erase her from existance."
"I know," he admitted, not breaking eye contact. "But if you go down there and cut loose, you'll destroy everything—including Kivye, Jack… and Kio."
Ophis flinched, just barely, but it was enough. Her fingers twitched as she clenched her fists. Logic fought against her instinct to obliterate any threat in her way.
Ryu stepped closer, his voice softer now. "Stay with Kio. It will be for the best."
She glared at him for another a moment before agreeing. "…Fine."
Without another word, she turned and made her way toward Kio's room, closing the door behind her.
Ryu let out a slow breath before making his way downstairs.
The moment his foot touched the last step, the air thickened, the mist pulling at his senses. Victorian-era London. That's what it felt like. His sharp eyes landed on Kivye, standing in the middle of a swirling vortex of shadows, her red and black energy burning against the overwhelming gloom.
The horde of spirits was poised for another attack.
Ryu smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Looks like I came just in time."
Ophis made her way toward Kio's bed, slipping under the covers as if seeking comfort in his warmth. But the moment she reached out, she felt nothing but the cold sheets.
Her eyes narrowed.
Kio wasn't in bed.
Without hesitation, she turned on her heel and strode out of the room, heading straight downstairs. The air grew heavier with each step, the mist curling around the edges of the walls like living tendrils. Even a being like her could get lost if she is not careful.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the battle, Ryu and Kivye fought relentlessly. The tide of spirits never ceased, lunging at them with flickering knives, howling voices overlapping into an eerie chorus. Ryu carved through them with swift, brutal efficiency, while Kivye's staff danced in her hands, twisting the energy ribbons to deflect and counter their attacks.
But despite their efforts, Jack remained in the center of it all, her small frame still, her expression unreadable.
They needed to get to her.
Before either of them could advance, a voice suddenly cut through the chaos, clear and completely out of place.
"Mom? Dad?"
The battle froze. The spirits hesitated, their crimson eyes flickering.
"Have you guys seen Jack? She wasn't in bed when I woke up."
Ryu, Kivye and Jack all snapped their heads toward the source.
Kio, He stood at the edge of the mist, his head tilted slightly as if trying to make sense of what was happening.
For a split second, silence reigned. Then, all at once, every single spirit turned toward him.
Ryu and Kivye's eyes went wide with horror as they registered Kio's presence within the mist-shrouded nightmare. The one place they never wanted him to be.
Kivye's heart dropped. "How did he get in here?"
Before either parent could move, a soft giggle echoed unnaturally through the fog.
In an instant, Jack vanished from their sight. And reappeared right beside Kio.
Her expression—once innocent and curious—was now twisted into something hollow, something not her. Her tiny hand, still holding her purple knife, rose slowly.
"Now we will be the one to receive Mama's love!" she whispered.
But it wasn't just her voice.
The voices of the spirits—men, women, children—echoed in perfect unison with her.
"You had you moment, it time to go bye-bye."
Her arm reared back.
Kivye's body moved on instinct.
With a sharp, determined grunt, she hurled her staff like a spear, the weapon spinning end over end. It carved a burning path through the swarm of spirits, each one it touched evaporating into mist.
And right behind it—Kivye, running full force, red and black ribbons spiraling around her like comets, her eyes locked on Kio.
Ryu didn't hesitate either. He dropped low, muscles tensing, then launched himself forward. His bare hands slammed into the spectral figures, sending them flying. He tore through the sea of phantoms like a hurricane, his raw, inhuman power leaving a trail of broken spirits and dissipating mist in his wake.
Both parents raced against time, against fear, against whatever it was that had taken hold of Jack.
Kio just stood there, calm but confused. The only thing he said, as Jack raised her knife, was "Oh Jack! … there you are. I have been searching for you!" smiling brightly.
She wavered, Jack's body trembled, her grip tightening around the knife, but she didn't move.
She just stood there, frozen.
Yet, the spirits that swarmed around her had no such hesitation.
They screeched, howling like a wailing storm, their voices overlapping into an unbearable cacophony.
"KILL HIM." "TEAR OUT AND EAT HIS HEART."
"MAKE HIM ONE OF US."
Their words slithered into Jack's mind, twisting and warping her thoughts. The whispers fed the rage bubbling inside her, the festering jealousy that was not her own.
"WE WANT THIS. WE DESIRE IT. WE DESERVE ALL THAT HE HAS!"
Jack let out a guttural, frustrated scream.
Her small body lunged forward, knife glinting under the pale light—
And then— Warmth.
A soft embrace wrapped around her before the blade could ever reach Kio.
Kivye had made it. The mother's arms tightened around Jack, not restraining, not forcing, but holding. Conferting.
"*Shuu* It's okay, baby" Kivye whispered gently, her voice unwavering. "Mommy's here."
Jack stiffened, her breath ragged, her body shaking violently.
Meanwhile, Ryu had already reached Kio. Without hesitation, he scooped his son into his arms, holding him close. Kio, confused, oblivious to the storm raging around them.
"…What's going on?" Kio murmured, tilting his head slightly. Neither parent answered immediately.
All around them, the chaos began to still. The red eyes in the mist blinked out one by one. The howls turned to whispers. The resentment, the longing, the malice—all of it began to fade.
The thousands of spirits surrounding Jack let out quiet sighs, their twisted forms unraveling like smoke in the wind. The heavy, suffocating mist that had swallowed the house began to dissipate, peeling away until only the warm lights of their home remained. Reality returned. The study became normal once more.
And there, standing silently nearby, was Ophis.
Her blank, cold eyes swept over the scene, landing on the cuts and torn clothes that stained Ryu and Kivye. Her gaze then snapped to Jack. She moved to strike—ready to erase Jack where she stood.
But Ryu stepped forward. Calm, steady, strong. He placed his hand gently on Ophis's head.
A silent message passed between them. There's no need.It's over.
Ophis, though visibly displeased, stopped. She glanced at Kio, then at Jack—still trembling in Kivye's arms—and finally gave a small nod. She would let it go. For now.
Kio, still confused, questioned from his father's arms. "Dad? What happened?"
Ryu smiled softly, brushing his son's hair. "Nothing, buddy. Everything's okay."
He turned to Ophis and added, "Actually, your mom and I had an idea. We were thinking… how about we turn the living room into a giant bed tonight?"
Kio's face lit up immediately. "Really?!"
"Yeah," Ryu chuckled. "You can move the furniture with Ophis while we clean up."
Without hesitation, Kio grabbed Ophis by the hand, already forgetting the strange tension from before. "C'mon, Ophis! Let's gooooo!"
The Dragon God blinked as she was dragged toward the living room. "…Fine."
Behind them, Jack remained still in Kivye's arms, her face buried in the woman's shoulder; too ashamed to speak—but Kivye just held her gently, rubbing her back as the child cries her heart out.
As Jack's sobs softened into silence, Kivye gently wiped the tears from her cheeks, while Ryu sat beside them, placing a warm hand on her back.
"You're okay now, sweetheart," Kivye whispered, her voice full of maternal warmth. "We are ok." Jack responds timidly.
Jack looked up, her golden eyes still misty and rimmed with guilt.
"What you did tonight…" Ryu began, his voice calm but firm, "—it was dangerous. Not just to us, but to yourself. You could've really hurt Kio. Or worse."
"W—We're sorry… we just…" Jack trembled again, clutching at Kivye's arm. "We didn't want to hurt him… We like him… but the others said we could finally be Mama's child. That we didn't have to share anymore…"
Kivye pulled her closer, holding her tightly. "We know. And we don't blame you. But those voices were angry and hurt, Jack. They are a part of you, but you shouldn't let that feeling to harm others take control."
Ryu nodded looking at his wife. ("Ophis told us everything, it hard to imagine that there is such a place. That she is from there and Kio has been training there") he was puzzled in thought.
"Your part of this family now," Kivye added. "No matter what. We will always be here for you, Jack."
Jack stared at them both, eyes wide. Then, slowly… she nodded.
"Yes," she said in a small voice. "We'll be better."
"We know you will," Ryu smiled, ruffling her hair. "Let's get some rest."
They helped her up and made their way to the living room.
What they found there made all three of them stop and blink.
Chairs tilted at awkward angles, a table pushed halfway against a wall, a couch flipped on its back with a blanket tossed over it like a makeshift tent. Kio and Ophis had clearly tried their best—chaotic, but charming.
Jack let out a soft giggle, and the tension finally melted away.
Together, the family began shifting furniture with ease, arranging a large open space in the center. Blankets and pillows were thrown into a soft nest. They all bundled in close—Kio, Jack, and Ophis snuggled tight between Kivye and Ryu.
As the lights dimmed, Kio nestled between them with a soft smile. Jack clung to his side, her expression peaceful for the first time in days, and Ophis remained quiet, her arm casually draped around them like a lounging dragon claiming her hoard.
For the first time in a long while, Jack felt truly loved. And safe.
…
Light peeked through the curtains.
Kio stirred, his brow furrowing slightly. A pressure weighed down on his chest, he noticed Jack had taken a seat on him, waiting for him.
"Mmm… Jack?" he whispered.
She shifted. "Wake up, Papa. Purple hair spear lady is waiting for you outside…"
Kio rubbed his temple. "Really? Great, well I'm goanna die."
Jack yelp excitedly "Come on, come on. Let's go.
Kio sighed. "Alright, alright let's eat first" He reached up and gently patted Jack's head. "Thanks."
Sliding out from under her with practiced ease, Kio quietly got dressed. Then he grabbed his gear and stepped to the door. He questions Jack, "Did you dream about anything today?" Jack shook her head, "Nope, but we feel all warm and fuzzy inside"
He opened the door, the faint cool wind brushing his face.
Time for another day in the Throne.
Chapter End