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nebulancer
Summary – One particular afternoon. Yuki has been invited to the Kisaragi family. She rang the doorbell, feeling a tinge of nervousness. The ones who came out from inside to greet her were Ai, and one more person: Ai and Koi’s mother, Kisaragi Ikoi.
“Welcome to the Kisaragi home!”
“Excuse me for intruding!”
1. Drama – “Welcome To the Kisaragi Home!”
Yuki: Um, well... This is the place, isn’t it? Goodness, I feel somewhat nervous... Phew...
[Yuki rings the doorbell.]
Ai: Coming~!
[Ai opens the door.]
Ai: Ah! Yuki-chan, welcome. You didn’t get lost, did you?
Yuki: No, I was fine. Your explanation was very easy to understand, so I was able to get here right away.
Ai: Ufu! It was my first time asking you to come over to my house. I was just so excited~!
...Wait, huh? Yuki-chan, are you a little nervous?
Yuki: O-of course I am. After all...
Ai: After all?
Ikoi: Goodness, Yuki-chan! I was waiting for you.
We’ve met each other numerous times on the Moon, but it’s our first time meeting each other on Earth, hm?
Yuki: Ikoi-san...! Thank you very much for allowing me to come visit today...!
Um, well. These snacks aren’t much, but if you’d have them...
Ikoi: My, my. How kind of you. I’ll gladly accept them. Thank you, dear.
I should be the one in your debt. You’re always watching out for Ai and Koi, aren’t you?
Yuki: No, it’s really not much...! You’re giving me too much credit.
Ai: Wait~? Yuki-chan, are you maybe...?
Nervous because of Mom?
Yuki: Why wouldn’t I be? She’s like a grand senior to us as a Goddess!
Ikoi: Fufu. You don’t need to be that nervous. And though I may have been a Goddess, I’ve long retired. I’m only a former Goddess, so do take it easy, would you?
Gosh, I’m so happy that I finally get to invite you to my home on Earth~
Yuki: Ah...! Yes!
Ai: All right then, come on in. Yuki-chan, welcome to the Kisaragi home!
Yuki: Excuse me for intruding!
-
Ikoi: Sit wherever you’d like, dear.
Yuki: Okay.
... *sighs* What a lovely home you have.
Ikoi: Truly? Why, I’m glad to hear you say that.
Ai: It’s just a totally normal house, though. Whenever I come home, I feel like it calms me down so much~
Ah, Yuki-chan. You can leave your belongings on this sofa over here.
Yuki: Thank you. I should help you prepare, too...
Ikoi: Fufufu. Don’t worry, don’t worry. A guest should sit easy and relax.
Yuki: Um, yes, I suppose I’ll take you up on that. ...Excuse me.
Ai: Here you are~
Yuki: So this is... Ai and Koi-san’s home.
Ai: Yep! It’s the home I love~!
Ikoi: Fufu. I’m happy to hear that.
You know how the four of us lived in this house together?
Ai and Koi left the home much earlier than we expected, and their dad works at the company during the daytime... So when it’s me at home alone, there are times I get rather lonely.
Ai: I went to the student dorms on the Moon. And when Onii-chan’s debut was confirmed, he went to live in the dorms on Earth. Isn’t that right?
Ikoi: It sure is. For Ai... Well, I did expect her to do so, but I didn’t predict that Koi would leave the home before becoming a college student.
And the two of them only come home once in a blue moon.
Ai: Ufufu! Sorry~
Ikoi: Fufu. I’m only joking, dear.
That just goes to show how enriched you are with your lives, after all. It’s fine, very much so. You’re building your own place to belong. That’s most important.
Ai: Mmhmm! Thanks!
Ikoi: Your dad’s more worried about Ai than I am.
If he knew that she was actually on the Moon, he might just keel over from the shock.
Yuki: Huh? Does... her father not know about Goddesses?
Ikoi: He doesn’t. He also doesn’t know about the Moon, or that I was a former Goddess, either.
Ai: We’re keeping it a secret from Onii-chan too.
Yuki: So that’s how it is... That being said, I haven’t talked to Hajime-san about the Moon, either.
Ikoi: Fufu. It’s a secret just for us ladies, isn’t it?
*claps* Well, then. I’ve baked some cookies, so let’s have teatime.
Ai: I’ve been waiting for this! Yuki-chan, Mom’s cookies are absolutely scrumptious!
Ikoi: I accidentally made more than I anticipated, so eat lots, would you?
Ai: I bet you got carried away since the house would be livelier than usual today.
Ikoi: That I did~
Yuki: I’ll be digging in, then.
Mmh. Wow, it’s delicious!
Ai: I know, right~? Onii-chan and I adore the taste!
Even when I make the same thing with the same ingredients, I can’t capture the exact same taste for some reason.
Ikoi: That’s because I have many years of experience making them, and a little bit of a special trick, you could say.
Ai: Hmm, hmm...?
Ikoi: But it’s still a secret ♪
Ai: Boo~! Mom, you’re so stingy~!
Ikoi: Fufufu. Not yet, Ai. Not yet. Work just a little harder, and if you still can’t get that taste down, then I’ll tell you the trick.
Yuki: Ufufu. Ai, hang in there. I’ll be looking forward to it from the bottom of my heart.
Ikoi: I’m especially glad that it suited your tastes too, Yuki-chan.
Ah, that’s right. Do you see the baked dessert over here? Koi sent them over.
Ai: It’s a chocolate cake~! Looks delicious...!
Hm? But why did Onii-chan send it?
Ikoi: He mentioned that he ate it with the other Gravi members for a variety program. The topic made the rounds.
It caught my attention, and when I sent him a message saying that it must’ve tasted delicious, he instantly ordered one to have it sent here.
Yuki: Koi-san is very diligent and considerate, isn’t he?
Ikoi: Yes, yes, he is! I’m sure he’d be even more popular if only he could express that side to him around women.
It’s been happening for a long time now, but when he gets oddly aware of them, he starts acting stiff and awkward. It seems he does things that even he doesn’t understand.
Ai: Ahaha! It’s fine~ It’s still an unchanging fact that Onii-chan is a wonderful person, after all.
I know that someone, who acknowledges that and everything about him, will be sure to appear one day!
It’s just that, right now, he’s as busy as can be, receiving high praise for his work as an idol. That’s his number one right now.
Apparently, he’s putting romance on hold~! Seems like he’s having fun, anyway.
Ikoi: You’re quite correct. Fufu. Yes, you’re right~
Ai: Oh, and wait. Mom, you’re also checking out Gravi’s activities?
Ikoi: Of course I am. My beloved children are out and about working, doing great things. Your dad and I are cheering on Fluna’s activities, too.
Ai: Dad, too? I think I might find that a little embarrassing...
Yuki: I don’t think you need to be that embarrassed about it. I’m quite grateful for it. Aren’t you?
Ai: I guess so.
How’s Dad been lately? Is he in good health?
Ikoi: As good as they get! His work in sales is making him busy as always, though.
He seems to be having fun doing all sorts of things with all sorts of people.
Ah, yes, I almost forgot to mention.
Recently, he’s been saying that he’d like to own a cat or a dog. It looks like it’s the influence of the social media he’s been frequenting.
Ai: Ooh~? You’re going to get one?
Ikoi: Mm... We’re still deciding. I like animals, too, so we might actually end up keeping one. I hope you come and visit when we do, Yuki-chan.
Yuki: Of course! I’d love to visit, if you’d have me.
Ikoi: While we’re on the topic, I could say the same to you two. How have you both been doing? Are things going well with your bosses?
Ai: Yep!! The other day, I went out for a meal with Zen-san for the very first time!
Yuki: Oh? But didn’t you say that you’ve been successful in inviting her to meals for some time already?
Ai: Ah, umm... Yeah.
On the way home from work, I’d invite her. I’d either succeed or fail, and that’s been happening for a while now.
But you see, this time? I finally succeeded in inviting her out on a day off!
Yuki: Oh my...!
You succeeded in doing that with someone like Nogami-san, who’s so infamous for her dislike of social interaction... That’s a huge step forward!
You’re incredible, Ai!
Ikoi: Fufu. Back when you were just starting to be assigned to her, you were going through quite the rough times, weren’t you?
Ai: Back then... I had Yuki-chan and Mom both listening to my woes. You helped me out so much~!
Yuki: Think nothing of it. And... what was the deciding factor for that great step forward?
Ai: Well, you see? Zen-san never talks on her own accord, as is always the case. Her face isn’t all too expressive, either, so it’s hard to get a grasp for how she really feels...
Mm... How do I put it? Her ears?
Yuki: Ears...?
Ai: Yeah. When we’re having tea together, or eating tasty things, there are times that I chat with the staff members about the local delicacies. When menu items that Zen-san would like come up in the conversation...
It’s like... on top of her head, her ears prick up! It’s like they’re standing up straight, waiting to hear more.
But of course, it’s not like she’s growing ears or anything. The atmosphere around her... her aura... It’s as if I feel that sensation taking place.
Ikoi: It’s like when your big brother is happily wagging his tail?
Ai: Yes, yes! Exactly like that!
I’ve started getting a grasp for her emotions based off of the certain air around her!
Yuki: I see...? I think I understand.
Ai: When we discussed a set-to-open restaurant that deals in cheese meals, Zen-san’s ears pricked right up! I thought that I absolutely had to invite her, so I worked up my nerve and went through with asking her...!
And finally! I succeeded in dragging her out on a day off!
Yuki: I see. That’s incredible.
Ai: Ufufu ♪ It wasn’t incredible – it was plain credible! That just goes to show how long we’d come to know each other. But that’s only just the start, and I’ve got a long way to go.
Still, I feel like I’m making good progress, little by little.
Yuki: Ufufu. I’m not as extreme as Nogami-san, but I’m also not very skilled at putting my thoughts into words. That’s why I’m grateful for you. Like that, you sense the parts of my words that are missing, and fill in the blank spots.
I wonder if Nogami-san’s the same way?
Ai: Hehe, I hope that’s the case.
Ikoi: I’m quite relieved. Ai’s properly working hard with Nogami-san.
Meanwhile, Yuki-chan, your boss is... that “Destroyer on the side of Justice,” correct?
Yuki: *chuckling* I never would’ve expected to hear that nickname come from Ikoi-san’s mouth.
Ikoi: Ohoho. She’s quite the famous celebrity, in a way.
Yuki: As her subordinate, I can only pray that it’s not because she’s infamous.
As always, I continue walking through the world of dreams with said Destroyer, Shuka-san.
Ai: Isn’t she amazing? When I see Yuki-chan training at the dojo, her swordsmanship? Gets stronger and stronger...
It’s like...! If Fluna had manga genres we originate from, she’d be the only member whose genre is wildly different!! She comes from a battle manga!
She’s just sooooo gallant!
Yuki: Battle manga...
Ikoi: Fufu. I can somewhat understand~
Yuki-chan’s typical demeanor is sharp and precise. I can already tell just how gallant she truly is.
I suppose she also used that gallant swordsmanship to slice and dice those materialized nightmares, hm? Ufufu.
Yuki: You’d suppose correctly. I do slice and dice them.
When Shuka-san and I exterminate nightmares, that person’s spiritual energy takes a turn for the better. Within the dreams themselves, I get to watch a pitch-black or shattered world become brightly lit up with clear sunshine.
That sight is wonderfully beautiful, no matter how many times I see it... It feels as if my own heart is being cleared up as well.
Ai: Zen-san’s method of healing is yet another different approach.
Ikoi: Though the materialized nightmares aspect comes in a set with that technique. Ufufu.
Yuki: To be honest, there are times when their appearances are quite frightful.
The other day, I exterminated the nightmare of someone who had become too obsessed with money that they couldn’t see their surroundings. Its entire body was plastered with 5-cent coins, and it looked terribly impactful.
Ai: Wh-whoa... That sounds like a lot to take in! I wonder why 5-cent coins...?
Yuki: Shuka-san said that it might’ve come from the fact that they coined that design because it made a lot of cents.
When you cut those cent coins off from the main body, each and every one of those would start moving and attack you as well. They were a dreadful opponent to face.
Ai: If it were in a game, it would’ve been irritating to go up against.
Yuki: Shuka-san said the same thing.
In the end, Shuka-san found it a pain to deal with its little tricks, so she blew up the surroundings with an explosion. And scene.
Ai: N-now that’s the Destroyer on the side of Justice for you...
Ikoi: I-it sure is.
Ah, umm. Well. You two, I’m glad to hear that your work is going well.
But make sure you don’t push yourselves too hard, understand?
Yuki, Ai: All right! / All right~
Ikoi: Goodness me. It seems we don’t have any more tea. I’ll go pour another batch.
Ai: Ah, Mom! I’ll do it this time.
...Huh? Did we have this photo displayed here before?
Ikoi: Ahh, that one? We had that one put up in our bedroom before, but since I had the chance, I decided to put it in a place where we could see it better.
Yuki: A family photo...?
Ai: Yep. It’s our entrance ceremony from elementary school, I think?
Ahh, look, look! This one’s Onii-chan, and this one’s me!
Yuki: Gosh, how adorable. You two really were identical when you were younger.
...Then, is this person your father?
Ai: Yes, it sure is. Dad looks so young~!
Yuki: Your father works in sales at a company, correct?
How did you meet him, Ikoi-san?
Ikoi: Oh, my. Oh my goodness, gracious...!
...You’re interested?
Yuki: Y... Yes.
Ai: The way your love began... ...Ah.
Now that I think about it, I never asked the specifics either, did I?
Only that Mom came down to Earth as a Goddess and met Dad...?
Ahaah! I want to hear about it, too~!
Ikoi: *chuckling* Oh, goodness...! I wonder, when was the last time I talked about this~?
Mm... It’s a bit embarrassing, but...
Well, today is a tea party for the Goddesses after all, so I’ll talk about it, specially for today.
I met him... I met Riku-san... During my second year of being a Goddess, I believe?
I suppose it was around the time my Goddess work started becoming quite interesting.
2. Drama – “A Correct Answer For You and You Alone”
Ikoi: Back then, I was working as an actress in a theater troupe while working part-time at a café.
Yuki: What? Then... that means your Goddess job was...
Ikoi: Being an actress. I thought I’d like to convey excitement and thrills to people through my acting.
Yuki: That’s wonderful! Koi-san and Ai inherited your passion for being in the entertainment business.
Ai: I wish I could’ve watched Mom’s acting.
Ikoi: Unfortunately, if there were anything worth watching, it wouldn’t be around anymore. Ufu.
Even if I got on TV, it’d only be with roles that showed up for one night in late-night dramas. I was even considering choosing a different, better approach to do my Goddess work. It was quite worrying, really.
Ai: So Mom went through a phase like that, too~?
Ikoi: The showbiz industry is a tough place. Working hard doesn’t necessarily equate to good results. *chuckles* Wait, I’ve gone off-topic.
Ufufu.
At that time, the one who visited the café I worked at part-time was Riku-san.
Yuki: Is that how the two of you met?
Ikoi: Yes, indeed. The café was coincidentally in close proximity to the company he was working at.
The owner had a penchant for idle chit-chat. They talked about me, saying, “Did you know? This girl’s an actress.”
Ai: Ooh~? Then, the café owner was your cupid!
Ikoi: Well, I suppose that’s how it’d be. And it was around time for my stageplay to begin, so when the conversation continued, Riku-san mentioned that he’d never seen a stageplay.
That’s when I invited him with a, “Feel free to come watch!” At most, that was just a courtesy to carry on the conversation.
Ai: Mmhmm, hmm. And then!? What did Dad do!?
Ikoi: The next week, he came to watch by himself.
I didn’t expect him to actually come, so I was completely shocked!
Ai: Maybe he was interested in you from the very moment you brought it up at the café?
Yuki: That’s wonderful...!
Ikoi: Goodness, gracious. Ufufu! Well, who knows for sure~?
But ever since, Riku-san started going to both the café and my plays. He started seeing me off at the nearest station, then accompanying me back home...
I invited him home for tea, which was when he went inside for the first time. And then...
Yuki: You started dating, correct?
Ikoi: Yes. But I was the one who confessed first.
Ai: Huh? Not Dad?
Ikoi: I know, right~? No matter how you looked at it, we were dating in all but name. We were getting along very well. Your dad wouldn’t bring up the big question, so...
Fufu. Having grown impatient, I said, “I love you, Riku-san. What do you think of me, Riku-san?” I essentially forced him to say it.
Ai: So that means, the way Onii-chan gets all useless when he’s strangely aware of his feelings comes from...
Ikoi: Your dad’s DNA, it seems.
Ah. Just to preserve his honor, I’d like to mention that he’s fine with everything aside from romance. He’ll never mistake what’s important, and he makes sure to clearly say the things that need to be said.
Yuki: Ufufu. Yes, Koi-san’s also like that, isn’t he? Hajime-san often praises him, saying that part of him is impressive.
Ikoi: Is that so? That’s a relief to hear.
Ai: I can feel my heart racing! Oh, that’s so nice~ It must’ve been such a wonderful encounter. Mmnh~ Why didn’t you talk about it before?
Ikoi: *laughs* Why, don’t you see? Telling my own children about this sort of thing feels nothing short of embarrassing, dear.
Ai: And so!? What about the proposal!?
Yuki: Wait, hold on—Ai, is it really okay for you to ask about something like that? Doesn’t it seem like Ikoi-san’s flustered...?
Ai: No, that doesn’t matter...! Since we’ve come this far, I have to get the full details of it all!
Yuki: Ai... you really do love these topics, don’t you?
Ikoi: Kyaaah~! Sheesh, since we’re here already, I might as well just say it! Listen up, and listen well~
Yuki: Fufu. It runs in the Kisaragi family DNA, I suppose.
Ikoi: And, well, er... After we’d dated for some time. Perhaps it was our second year of dating? He proposed to me on Valentine’s Day.
When he opened my chocolates for him, he said, “I also have something I’d like to give you.” ...It was a ring. Kyah~!
Ai: I didn’t know Dad was the type to do such romantic stuff.
Ikoi: My dear, he occasionally surprises me, even now.
At a restaurant, he’d announce that it was a day to commemorate so-and-so happening, and order a specially-requested cake... When his official business trips would drag on for a long time, he’d send me beautiful postcards...
He even checks the desserts and accessories I’d like.
Ai: He’s so hardworking...!
Yuki: Hard-working indeed.
Ai: This is where that aspect of Onii-chan’s DNA comes in!!
Yuki: Calm down, Ai.
In this case, Koi-san inherited his hardworking DNA.
Ai: Haanh~... He did those types of things~?
Ikoi: While Ai and Koi are around, the two of you are the center of our worlds.
When it’s just me and Riku-san alone, we return to being the lovey-dovey couple we are.
Yuki: That’s a wonderful husband-wife relationship.
Ikoi: Fufu. Thank you. I think so, too.
Ai: Anyway, I’m going to put us back on topic, but you obviously accepted his proposal. Right!?
Ikoi: Of course. Right then and there.
That was also when I started being aware of marriage, after all.
Ai: Ooh~! And afterwards? Did you retire immediately after that?
Ikoi: For a while after we married, I continued working as both an actress and as a Goddess. But it wasn’t long before I realized I was pregnant. That led me to retire.
Ai: Eh!? You retired from being a Goddess because you had us...
Ikoi: Ah, now that you mention it. I never did mention it to you.
Ai: Yeah, I... didn’t know.
Yuki: Would you be fine with me... asking a question?
Ikoi: Of course. Go ahead.
Yuki: Didn’t you hesitate when you made the decision to retire?
Ikoi: I didn’t hesitate in the slightest.
Ai: Really and truly? You were having so much fun with your Goddess work that you were absorbed in it, weren’t you?
And didn’t you say that it was around the time your work started getting interesting?
Ikoi: Yes. At that time, I’d begun to get a grasp for the ins and outs of work. I was getting a hang for my own style. ...But, you see?
The moment I knew the two of you were in my stomach, I decided that I’d devote everything I had to my children.
There was no space for my Goddess work to intrude upon that.
Yuki: Ikoi-san...
Ikoi: I believe I could’ve made the choice to raise you while continuing my work. And I could have chosen to make a comeback when my child-rearing started settling down.
I had all sorts of choices.
But what I chose... was to become a mother.
Ai: Mom...
Ikoi: To be honest, I did feel a great sense of satisfaction from working as an actress. However, it was around the time I’d begun feeling that I was hitting my limit. That being said, I didn’t do so with the intention of running away.
I thought my decision through long and well, including my situation and circumstances.
The two of you blessed my life. I think that was what ultimately urged me to choose my path.
Yuki: Your... path?
Ikoi: Yes. It’s my way as a Goddess.
It’s also my way to live. What lies beyond, you see.
I was able to come down to Earth because I worked as a Goddess. I met Riku-san because I worked as a Goddess. I was blessed with two angels... Koi and Ai, because I worked as a Goddess.
My choice was the right one. I can puff out my chest in pride and declare that’s the case because I’m where I am now.
Ai: So you don’t... regret retiring from being a Goddess?
Ikoi: Do I look like I regret it?
Ai: Nope, not at all. Mom, you’ve always lavished your utmost love onto me, Onii-chan, Dad, and our home. That must’ve been the path you chose and went down yourself, huh?
Ikoi: You got it, dear.
Hm? What is it, girls? Why do you look so solemn?
Yuki: I’ve... just been so desperate to become a Goddess, I’ve been putting my sheer effort into that. I’d never begun to imagine what lay beyond it.
Ai: Same here...
Ikoi: All Goddess candidates are like that. I was just like that, too.
Ai: But when I was listening to you talk, I realized that I need to think about my own path forward as a Goddess more in-depth.
Yuki: Exactly. Becoming a Goddess doesn’t mean you’ve reached your goal.
Beyond that... your path continues on and on.
Ikoi: That’s perfectly fine. I think it’s best for you to keep thinking things through individually, for yourselves. I’m sure nobody has an answer that’s “absolutely correct” for themselves.
You’ve no choice but to approach it, little by little, through your own lifestyle, day by day.
Ai: To find our own correct answers...?
Ikoi: Yes. Even if you don’t think of it as a right answer immediately, you can turn it into a correct answer later on.
What’s most important is to not blame someone else for it. To keep thinking about it yourself.
Personally, I think it’s that, plus being as positive as you can. You should be tackling your problems while being as honest with yourself as you can.
Yuki: Being positive...
Ai: Honest with ourselves...
Yuki, Ai: Hmm...
Ikoi: Fufu. Don’t think about it so formally. No need to be so strict with yourselves.
Ai will find her own answer. Yuki-chan will find her own answer. You can both aim for your own individual correct answers.
Hang in there, you two.
Yuki: I understand! I’m glad I got to discuss this with you, Ikoi-san.
Ai: Thanks, Mom.
Ikoi: I only intended on telling you about how your dad and I got together, but... *chuckles* It looks like the conversation took a turn for the serious, hm?
[The door opens.]
Ikoi: Oh! And speak of the devil.
Ai: Did Dad come home?
Ikoi: Goodness, gracious. It’s already this late?
Girls... Make sure to keep that story just now a secret from him, all right?
Yuki: Of course.
Ai: Boo~! I feel like I’m going to break out in a grin the moment I see his face~
Ikoi: Don’t do that, dear. You’ll be able to manage, since you’re the daughter of a former actress. Right?
Ai: I guess I have no choice but to do my best, now that you’ve said that...
Ikoi: Fufu! Well, then. I’ll have to get started with preparing dinner.
Since you’re here already, come and join us, girls.
Yuki, Ai: Yes! / Yes~!
