See You Soon

Chapter 3: Lily pad

[Reminder: Please read the last chapter of Fukigen Na Mononokean as it is a spin-off continuation. This content is fan-made and, in no way, an official extended ending.]

Abeno was back in the Mononokean, with his head against the tea table. His eyes were squeezed shut, thinking about the new information he was told. Fuzzy was taking care of Aoi, letting her snuggle up against the furball or rolled around with him. Opening one eye, he wanted to make sure Aoi was feeling alright. No changes have occurred since she's taken the medication, and no one is exactly sure when she would start growing.

"Mononokean," a small chime rang, "take us to get Aoi's food."

Aoi enjoyed gyomake-sera (underworld sweet bean bun) as much as the executive did. With the amount of growth she will be going through, she needs proper meals. He needed to treat Aoi before doing anything else as the underworld comes first. Shaking his head, he walks out of the tea room and grabs a few dishes and pastries before heading back to the Legislator.

The streets were bustling as they always have. The news of Aoi coming back has settled within the community, and the rumors of the second master of the Mononokean have subsided. The yokai have begun to gain respect for humans as two of them risked their lives for their home. However, this does not change how approachable Abeno was. Yokai felt at ease seeing the now young first master, lazily tucking her head between his arms. The odd clash of the two personalities made yokai question what the future of the Mononokean would be like, but at least they were safe. Inside one of the bags were ingredients to make a certain food Aoi had enjoyed back when she had a human form. From odd purple melons to sticky mochi potatoes, Aoi would be slowly consuming her favorite items off the top of Abeno's mind. Looking down at his sleeve to the purring black kitten, he remembers her enjoying a certain human food his family has made for generations, typically eaten in the winter called "Ankake Yudofu." A soft and delicate tofu surrounded by warm miso broth and green herbs, it was something she always looked forward to when the cold weather came near. She especially enjoyed putting soy milk in with her broth for a more savory taste that all cats must be drawn towards.

"I'll make some when it gets a little colder." Abeno says, continuing his stride towards Newt Lake. A small mew escaped the little body's mouth, and Abeno gave a small smile. Fall was ending in the underworld, but he wondered what's been happening where Ashiya has been. He's been too busy and occupied to think about stopping by, and is eager to tell him the news. His steps begin to slow, making the sounds of his shoes drag with each step of the dirt ground. The medicine is still unknown, along with its origins. If Aoi gets better in the next two months, it would be too cold to travel to the new region, but as time goes on, he worries that Ashiya would come to terms with his sight and forget.

Perhaps it's good. That way, Ashiya would no longer be in danger and enjoy his life away from a world he has lost his father in. The promise of them meeting back once his eyesight appears is all dependent on Abeno's decision.

A small growl appears behind Abeno, "What are you standing there for?" A white leopard with purple spots appears. His large paws create small puffs of smoke off the ground, and the gold ring jingled as he sways his tail. The tired eyes peeked at Abeno and the companions on him, "Aoi-san, Fuzzy, it's good to see you too." It's mouth curled, barely showing the fangs of a beast.

"Will everyone be at the Birdcage today?" Abeno didn't have enough ingredients to fill all of the branch's officials. Thankfully he bought enough pastries to satisfy them. Justice gives a small nod, and motions for them to hop on his back to go together. Shifting his weight, he tried his best to stay still on the large predator-but-vegan yokai. The memory of Ashiya calling Justice "Goro" still rang inside the boy's mind. He hid his displeasure in that memory with a stone face as they continued their way towards the tree building. It's been quite awhile since he's ridden on Justice. If he remembers correctly, it was with Ashiya and The Legislator near his tail. He shakes his head, not wanting to think about Ashiya as it had only made him feel restless. Within a few minutes, they arrived at the Birdcage.