"So that's how it is!"
"That's right, that's how it is."
"Do you think I will believe you?"
"Didn't you already believe it?"
Kurumi was choked by Kuesumi's words; she did indeed already believe it. But she just refused to admit it.
"Moo~~, honestly, my dear. I'm completely at your mercy, truly."
Pouting unhappily, Kurumi complained to Kuesumi.
"So, you're planning to adopt her just like that?"
Kurumi's annoyance stemmed from another reason. Seeing the 'mother and daughter' on the opposite side being so affectionate, she couldn't help but feel irritated. 'You're never that nice to me!' she thought. 'Look, you even feed her while she eats, afraid of scalding the 'little baby'. Blowing on her food, it's truly enviable... coughcough frustrating.'
"Mm! I've already promised this child a home, and I will absolutely fulfill it."
Kuesumi put down her empty bowl and used a handkerchief to wipe away the food remnants from Muku's mouth. She spoke to Kurumi assertively and firmly, her tone full of determination. No one could stop Kuesumi when her maternal love erupted.
"Then, what about me? What am I?"
Hearing Kuesumi's words, Kurumi suddenly lost control of her emotions. After so many years, she finally had a 'friend', and she truly didn't want to lose Kuesumi, for her to abandon her and build another family. The thought of it felt like being stabbed in the heart, and the knife wasn't pulled out but twisted inside.
"Of course that includes you, my dear Kurumi. We are all family."
Kuesumi stroked Kurumi's head and embraced Kurumi's slender body. She wouldn't let this poor child pursue her 'tragic wish'; in the end, such a thing would only lead Kurumi to her own destruction.
"Such a cunning answer."
"I can't help it, I am just that cunning!"
Kurumi smiled faintly in Kuesumi's arms, shedding tears of happiness. She had always been afraid, afraid that Kuesumi, who brought her a sense of security and family, would suddenly disappear. But today, receiving Kuesumi's answer, her heart felt as if she had taken a special 'calming pill'.
"Hug."
Muku felt that the atmosphere between the two was a bit off, and she tugged at Kuesumi's clothes jealously, acting spoiled.
"Alright, stop acting like a child. You are both my most important family (my wings)."
Kuesumi reached out and patted Muku's small head, speaking to both of them.
"Did you have any harvest today, 'Imprisoned Spirit'?"
Kuesumi suddenly remembered Kurumi's goal and asked.
"Not yet. I don't know why, but it feels like someone is stopping me; there's absolutely no news. But what's certain is that fellow Spirit must be in DEM Industries."
"Why are you so sure?"
Kuesumi asked Kurumi curiously. Compared to her, who knew the original story, Kurumi must have had some extraordinary encounter to reach this point. Otherwise, with DEM Industries' powerful strength, they could definitely hide it from everyone.
"In recent years, DEM has grown increasingly massive. Their technology has also become stronger and stronger. If there's no trickery involved, I wouldn't believe it even if you beat me to death. I suspect they must have captured a fellow Spirit and researched certain results from her."
"And these results are probably the 'Realizer Units' that the AST now wears."
Kurumi was indeed the Spirit representing 'Binah; Understanding' on the Kabbalah Tree of Life; her mind was the sharpest. Her analysis was very thorough, but she hadn't considered DEM Industries' ultimate goal: to make all Spirits reverse, then collect their Spirit Crystals to create a new era. Alas! What a bunch of madmen. I really don't know why Alaya doesn't send Guardians to wipe them out.
"Tomorrow, I will search with you; that way, we'll have more strength."
Kuesumi stroked Muku's already sleeping, cute little face and said to Kurumi, who was drinking tea beside her.
"Alright!"
"My dear, if... I mean if, one day I disappear, please don't come looking for me, okay?"
Kurumi's eyes shone with an unusual light, and her tone was full of gravity.
"I refuse."
"I..."
"Listen, and look closely into my eyes. I... re... fuse."
Kuesumi, knowing what Kurumi meant, assertively interrupted Kurumi's words. Kuesumi understood Kurumi's thoughts very well; because she understood, Kuesumi firmly rejected her request. Her eyes were fixed on the anxious Kurumi; she knew Kurumi had already resolved to die. But she would never let this child act alone; otherwise, Kurumi would truly never return.
"Moo~~, what a domineering statement, my dear!"
Kurumi clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms. Blood flowed down her fair skin, but compared to the gruesome state of her hands, Kurumi's current expression was even more heartbreaking, full of helplessness.
"Don't worry, leave it to me! Leave everything to me!"
Kuesumi took Kurumi's slender hand and gently healed her, speaking softly to Kurumi. She didn't know that these words ultimately ignited Kurumi's last shred of resistance. Originally, Kurumi never thought she would fall in love with someone, let alone a woman. But Kuesumi assertively entered her heart, making her unable to resist in the slightest, completely allowing the seed of love to take root and sprout in her heart. Now, it had grown to an unmanageable degree.
Sometimes, it just happens so suddenly; love appears before your eyes. It takes deep root in your heart when you don't even realize it, waiting for the day it completely erupts, nourished by your various emotions. By the time it grows to a point where you can no longer ignore it, everything is over.
"Eh~! What are you doing, Kurumi, get up!"
Suddenly, Kuesumi, who was tackled by Kurumi, spoke to Kurumi, who was on top of her.
"Please stay with me forever, okay?"
Looking at the tears in her red and gold eyes, those eyes mixed with despair and anticipation, it made one feel uneasy. Kuesumi lovingly cupped Kurumi's face with both hands. Gently wiping away her tears, Kuesumi smiled. This was also a big child. Since we've absolutely become family, I won't abandon you, Kurumi. Please trust me! I will give you all a peaceful world; this world owes you, and everything will ultimately be returned to you. In the name of the God King!
"I will stay by your side, don't worry!"
But the next second, her smile vanished.
"Hey! What are you doing? Don't put your hand under my clothes."
"My dear, I will give you everything."
"Stop messing around, stop it, mm~~."
"Don't worry! That guy can't hear you; scream all you want!"
Black and red spiritual power enveloped the two, making it impossible to know what was happening inside. Muku on the sofa slept sweetly, completely unaware that the important person in her heart was suffering 'hardship'. The two were no longer in this space. In Kurumi's unique space, the figures of the two were intertwining. Then a third? A fourth? A fifth figure appeared. Kurumi, how can you use your clones like this? If you do this, the blond guy from a certain eye-ninja anime will cry, he really will cry!
---------------------------------
I hope you enjoy this fanfiction! If you're having fun and want to read 30 chapters in advance, feel free to check out my Patreon: patreon.com/TLScarlet
Your support means a lot so if you like the story, don't forget to drop a Power Stone.