Walking out of her room with a yawn, Kallen rubbed her eyes, still groggy from a sleepless night. The crisp morning air greeted her, carrying the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
She took a slow step forward, gazing absentmindedly at the shrine's tranquil scenery. The towering torii gates, the carefully tended garden, the gentle sway of cherry blossoms—everything was peaceful, yet her thoughts remained clouded.
Unbeknownst to her, a certain pink-haired fox was lurking nearby, watching her every move with an amused glint in her golden eyes.
Kallen closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. The fresh morning air filled her lungs, cool and refreshing, and as she exhaled, she felt a bit of the heaviness in her chest loosen. Stretching her arms above her head, she let out a satisfied sigh.
Perhaps a short stroll would help clear her mind.
With that decision made, Kallen began to walk, unaware that Yae Miko had already set her sights on her.
Kallen wandered through the shrine grounds, her footsteps light against the stone pathway. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and sakura petals, a contrast to the weight pressing on her chest.
She traced her fingers along the wooden railing of the veranda, her eyes drifting toward the distant mountains. The golden sunlight bathed the landscape in a gentle glow, yet it did little to warm the cold unease lingering within her.
Every time she blinked, flickers of her dreams threatened to resurface—the golden gun aimed at Fu Hua, Otto's quiet resolve, the voices blaming her over and over.
Kallen clenched her fists, shaking her head. Not now…
She turned away from the view and instead walked toward the shrine's outer gardens. A small koi pond reflected the morning sky, its surface disturbed only by the occasional ripple of fish swimming beneath. She knelt down, watching the water, trying to focus on anything but her thoughts.
She had to push forward. It was the only way.
Dipping her fingers into the cool water, she let the sensation ground her in the present.
For a brief moment, she almost felt at peace.
Almost.
Kallen trailed her fingers across the water's surface, watching as ripples spread outward, causing the koi to scatter from her touch. The cool sensation against her skin was calming, momentarily pushing aside the thoughts weighing on her mind.
Lost in the rhythm of the water, she failed to notice the quiet footsteps creeping up behind her.
Tap.
"Buh!"
A sudden voice and a touch on her shoulder startled her—instinct took over. Without hesitation, she grabbed the culprit and, with a swift motion, hurled them straight into the pond.
A loud splash followed.
"What was that for?!" Kallen exclaimed, only to see Yae Miko now half-submerged in the water, her pink hair dripping as she let out an amused laugh.
"My, my~ I only wanted to surprise you," Yae said, dramatically wiping away nonexistent tears.
Kallen, arms crossed, let out a small huff. "Hmph, serves you right for trying."
But the serious act didn't last—soon, a chuckle slipped past her lips.
Yae, still in the pond, pouted. "It's rather unkind to leave a lady stranded in the water without offering a hand, don't you think?" She extended her arm toward Kallen, waiting expectantly.
Kallen smirked. "Yeah, yeah, just get out of there." She reached out and grabbed Yae's hand—
And that's when she saw it.
That mischievous glint in Yae's eyes.
Kallen's instincts screamed at her to let go, but it was too late.
With a sharp tug, Yae pulled her forward, sending her straight into the pond with another splash.
Now both of them sat in the water, soaked from head to toe.
Kallen let out a long sigh, spitting out a mouthful of water before glaring at Yae, who was laughing uncontrollably.
"Hehehe~" Yae grinned, tilting her head. "Now we're even."
-----------------------------
Kallen sat quietly on the stone steps of the Narukami Shrine, her gaze fixed on the breathtaking view before her. From this high perch atop Mt. Yougou, the city of Inazuma stretched out below like a painted canvas—its winding streets, glistening rooftops, and distant coastline bathed in the soft golden hue of early morning light. The wind carried with it the faint scent of cherry blossoms and salt from the sea, rustling the leaves of nearby trees with a soothing whisper.
A sigh escaped her lips, soft but heavy, as if carried by the wind itself.
Behind her, light footsteps approached without urgency. Yae Miko soon appeared, her presence graceful as ever. She sat beside Kallen without a word at first, letting the silence settle naturally.
"Kallen," Yae spoke gently, her voice calm like the morning breeze. "Did you sleep well last night?"
Kallen turned her head slightly, offering a small smile. "Yes... I did."
But Yae's sharp gaze lingered a moment longer, catching the subtle weariness in Kallen's eyes. A dullness that wasn't there yesterday. She didn't press, but something about that distant look unsettled her.
"Are you sure?" she asked again, softer this time.
"I'm fine," Kallen replied, averting her eyes to the horizon.
Silence fell between them. It was not uncomfortable, but it carried an unspoken weight. The kind of silence that held back words just on the verge of being spoken.
After a while, Kallen broke it.
"…Yae," she said, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
Yae turned to her, giving her full attention. "Hmm?"
"I…" Kallen hesitated. Her lips parted as if to speak, but the words faltered. "Never mind."
Before Yae could respond, Kallen stood up, brushing the folds of her outfit gently with her hand. Without looking back, she began descending the steps of the mountain, each step purposeful yet distant.
Yae watched her go, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. There was something familiar in Kallen's back—the way she carried her burdens in silence. It reminded her of someone from long ago.
She stood as well, brushing off her oufit. Perhaps she should visit someone later… someone who might know more about the nightmare that upset Kallen's.
With a quiet breath, Yae followed after her, letting the morning sun warm her back as it rose higher into the sky.
-------
The busy streets of Inazuma City buzzed with the energy of a typical late morning. Merchants shouted from stalls, the scent of grilled fish and sweet dango wafted through the air, and the distant clanging of a blacksmith's hammer echoed through the alleys.
Amid the crowd, Kallen and Yae Miko walked side by side, their pace unhurried.
"Kallen," Yae spoke with a playful lilt in her voice, "do you remember what I told you yesterday?"
"Something about a 'special plan' or whatever…" Kallen replied with a skeptical side glance.
"Exactly!" Yae nodded enthusiastically, her ears perking slightly with excitement. "Though I made a few adjustments. I think you'll really enjoy it."
"I doubt it," Kallen said flatly, narrowing her eyes at Yae, clearly suspicious.
"We'll see~" Yae said with a mischievous smirk.
A few minutes later, they arrived in front of an elegant wooden building nestled between plum trees and stone lanterns. A hanging sign in graceful calligraphy read
Royal Hot Springs.
Kallen blinked. Her gaze shifted from the sign to the smiling fox at her side.
"You're serious?" she asked.
"Of course. A proper hot spring soak is the best remedy for exhaustion. Besides—" Yae leaned in slightly, whispering in a teasing tone, "—this place is usually off-limits to the public. Consider it... a shrine maiden's privilege."
Without waiting for a reply, Yae turned and gracefully walked into the building, the soft chime of the doorbell marking her entrance.
Kallen let out a slow sigh and followed her in.
Inside, the air was warm and soothing, carrying the subtle scent of minerals and sakura petals. Wooden floors creaked gently underfoot, and paper lanterns cast a calm golden glow. The sound of distant running water added to the tranquil ambiance.
At the reception, a woman in a traditional kimono with short brown hair greeted them with a bow. Her name tag read Mikawa Akane.
"Guuji-sama," she said respectfully, "welcome. It's an honor to have you here."
Akane's eyes flicked to Kallen, curious but polite. "Will you be bathing today?"
"Yes," Yae replied, pulling Kallen gently to her side. "Two of us."
"Of course. Guuji-sama and her guest may proceed this way."
With another graceful bow, Akane gestured toward a side corridor lined with wooden panels and softly glowing lanterns.
Kallen glanced one last time at Yae, who gave her a proud little smirk. She just sighed again and let herself be led toward the relaxation she hadn't realized she needed.
Inside the softly lit changing room, Kallen quietly undid her nun's outfit. The air was warm and laced with the scent of cedarwood and clean linen. She neatly folded her clothes and placed them in a small woven basket on the shelf, then wrapped a soft white towel around herself.
As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, a realization suddenly struck her.
Wait… I'm bathing with that pink fox?
Her brow twitched. Suspicion bubbled up in her mind.
This is totally part of her plan, isn't it? She couldn't bathe with me at the Narukami Shrine before… so she brings me to a private onsen instead?
With a resigned sigh, Kallen stepped out of the changing room and into the warm, steamy atmosphere of the bath area.
Soft light filtered through the paper windows, steam drifting lazily across the surface of the water. The air was thick with the comforting scent of minerals and mountain blossoms.
Yae Miko was already soaking in the hot spring pool, her arms resting on the smooth stone edge, long pink hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked perfectly at ease—as if she had claimed the whole place as her personal domain.
"Oh~ You're finally here, Kallen. Come, come, the water's divine," Yae said with a content sigh, gesturing for her to join.
Kallen froze in place for a second, eyes locking on Yae—who, much to her dismay, was very much not wrapped in a towel.
Suppressing the urge to comment, Kallen began to step into the spring while keeping her towel securely wrapped.
But Yae raised an eyebrow. "Kallen… you're not seriously entering the water with a towel, are you?"
"I am," Kallen replied flatly, not missing a beat.
Yae tilted her head with a sly smile. "You do know that's against the rules in proper hot spring etiquette, right? Towels are meant to be left outside the bath."
Kallen hesitated, wrapping her arms around herself tighter. Her instincts flared. Wait a minute… is this fox just after my body?!
Yae seemed to read her mind and laughed, soft and teasing. "Oh please, don't be shy. We're both girls. There's nothing to be embarrassed about~"
With a swift, mischievous motion, Yae waded closer and tugged at the towel around Kallen's waist.
"W-Wha—?!" Kallen's eyes widened as she immediately turned and tried to cover herself with both hands, face flaring red.
"You—you! What are you doing!?" she exclaimed, flustered and soaked in embarrassment.
"Relax, Kallen," Yae purred with mock serenity. "Let nature take its course~"
Yae reached out again with both hands, a devilish glint in her eyes.
"No—stay away from me!" Kallen yelped, backing up toward the far end of the spring, ripples splashing everywhere.
"Too late!" Yae declared gleefully.
"Nooo!" Kallen cried.
(A/n: long time no see?)