To begin with, what you'll read below is neither a mockery nor a joke directed at anyone, including you, Stranger. This is yet another whimsical piece, born from a casual desire to create something special.
After all, as part of a Side Story, these snippets are not meant to be remembered or taken seriously. They're just a "side" story, after all. However, transforming something sidelined into something enjoyable...
That brings me great pleasure.
『Happy birthday to you ♪
Happy birthday to you ♪
Happy birthday dear living one♪
Happy birthday ♪ to you ♪ 』
No matter the place, time, or dimension you find yourself in...
Congratulations to those of you who are reliving the moment you came into this world. May you find your own happiness within it.
While celebrating a birthday with mere words might seem pointless, but what harm is there? To mark one of those moments with something different from the usual.
Coinciding with this birthday, the main character is also experiencing it, birthday I mean. However just like many people in their old years, he doesn't care much about these day. So perhaps, this side story of his might not be to the taste of some of you, Stranger.
"Uhuhuhu! Be not afraid, for I'm here! I'm going to make it to be the most—" (Cera)
Don't worry, she won't be part of this side story. Cera is currently in a place far removed from where Zeimachi is now, so she won't be able to pull any pranks like that.
"Do you think I'm a prankster or something alike? That's rude, and make sure to remember he's now Sakura Zeimachi." (Cera)
He has his own way of celebrating his birthday, especially after separating himself from his original body, which he had given to the personas in the world where Moriarty currently resides.
Besides being connected to his Core Memory, which is gradually fully recovering, this action was also driven by his desire for peace. Additionally, he felt he needed more time before facing the figure residing in the world he had left behind.
Taking this opportunity, he searched for a comfortable space to rest, choosing a random place that could calm the turmoil in his heart and mind.
"Let's to the go!" (Cera)
Stop it.
—————————————
「PoV of Zeimachi」
Once again, this day has arrived.
Some may see this as just another ordinary day on their calendar, but for others, this day resonates deeply with them. A day of remembrance, reminding people of a pure soul born into this world, destined to live a life amidst its corruption and evil.
"...That's pretty edgy of me. Thankfully no one saw it."
Time is truly a cruel thesis, never allowing anyone to escape its laws and grip. But yeah... I don't care much about birthdays anymore. Doesn't everyone feel this way when they have too many years to count?
Most of my birthdays have passed by in such a manner—rather than bothering with something as trivial as a birthday, I bury myself in battles and duties, focusing solely on fulfilling my responsibilities.
"Well... let's try to do something."
My body, I mean my "Original" body, is somewhat unique. It can be modified to stay young like Ash, become a handsome uncle like Colonel Sanders, or even transform into a macho grandpa like Senzaemon from Food Wars.
I know sometimes aging can be a blessing in disguise, but when you can adjust your body to be either old or young, I don't really experience that kind of blessing.
"Where shall we go then."
In essence, my original body is quite unusual, but that's not the case with the body I'm using right now. This one is a Spare Body, a vessel I have prepared to resemble my original body as closely as possible.
"This world... it appears to be just a typical Slice of Life setting, which is good. No threats that could annihilate humanity, nor a main character causing trouble wherever they go. That's a relief."
I'm truly grateful that this world isn't too dangerous to inhabit. My spare body is very different from my original one, so the abilities I can use with this physical form are quite limited.
Alright then, let's end this monologue and go for a walk!
"Hmm? Ohh, that looks like a perfect spot."
By the way, I'm currently at a park.
Just a plain, comfy park where birds perch by the fountain, along with a few others enjoying their day in this natural setting. I found a park bench in a perfect spot to observe the birds, so I sat there, but suddenly...
"EXCUSE ME! PLEASE MAKE WAY!" A shout pierced through the tranquil park, drawing everyone's attention. A man raced past in a blur of panic, clutching a small girl tightly in his arms. Trails of dust marked their hurried escape, fading into the distance.
He looked extremely panicked and was running at full speed, just like Saitama who're on the hunt for discount events.
"...Little girl?"
Did he just kidnap a little child? Even I wouldn't dare to do something that bold in broad daylight like this. It's very surprising to think there's someone so fearless in this world.
Feeling intrigued and impressed I did, but I also want to know where the blond man went with the girl he carried. Therefore, I decide to follow them.
Since it seems the pursuers are no longer able to run, so I'll take this opportunity to follow them in their place as well.
"That way right..."
A feather fell and glowed on the palm of my hand before slowly fading away after completing its task. With this, ordinary people should no longer be able to see me.
Indeed, what I just used was one of the abilities of Fenghuang Down, which can conceal my presence from the senses of conscious beings. Despite no being that could bring harm to me in this world, it's always wise to be cautious, isn't it?
Quickening my pace, I followed where the kidnapper gone to.
...
....
.....
Smile.
Sweet.
Sister.
Sadistic.
Surprise.
Service.
Snoop Dogg-, I mean We are Stile.
When I arrived at the place they had entered, the song instantly echoed in my mind. It was incredibly catchy for its time, with numerous variations that could be added, beside from "Snoop Dogg" at the end of it.
Such as Syka Blyat, Shindeiru, Slippery little bastard, SASAGEYO, and many more.
"I see, so we're inside the BlendS anime universe, huh? It's clear why I feel like I've just seen that blond man and the girl."
However, even though I recognize them, I'm uncertain about where I am in the timeline. Simply put, I have no idea which episode I'm in if I were to trace back through my fragmented memories of the anime.
Am I in the timeframe when the anime started? Or perhaps before the first episode? While I don't mind altering history, I'm wary of any consequences that might loop back to affect me later on.
'Hmm! Let's take a peek at them.'
I eavesdropped and peeked at their conversation from outside.
After spying on them for a while, I got to know a few things. It seems that at this point, the girl isn't yet one of the employees at this restaurant. If I recall correctly... Fuyu, what was her name again?
"So please consider it, Hoshikawa Mafuyu-san! It's perfectly fine for you to work at this café," pleaded the manager, a blonde-haired man.
Ah, I remember now. If I'm not mistaken, this Maid Café trademark is their roleplay wasn't it? And then that Loli is Hoshikawa Mafuyu, the waitress who supposedly plays the Little Sister persona here.
Well, despite being in college, she's quite petite. I can understand the manager's perspective. Instead of actually hiring an underage girl, it's much safer and better to hire a legally-aged woman who is short and has a youthful appearance for his café.
"...For now, I will consider it," Hoshikawa Mafuyu said, before taking the manager's business card. "But don't think I've forgiven you," she added, and then leaving the store with a grim expression.
I don't think that girl can forgive the manager just yet—well, who would after being kidnapped like that? But on the other side, it seems she is seriously considering the opportunity to earn money at Stile.
This situation feels nostalgic somehow. I remember back then, I used to calculate how much money I needed to buy something. But now... haha, I don't think I need to count money or worry about expenses to get what I want anymore.
'I see, so that's how it is. From what I know, she's a Magical Girl's Otaku? I know what she's going to use those pocket money. Well, now that there's nothing left for me to do here... let's go somewhere else.'
Initially, I had planned to stop by Stile, but realizing the lack of main actors in this timeframe, I've reconsidered. It's a shame I arrived in this world too early, I was really hoping to witness the dynamics they would create together in the café.
And might as well experience being a small part of their customer.
'By the way... what is that Mafuyu-san doing over there?'
But before I could leave and explore elsewhere, my attention was drawn to the scene where the Mafuyu girl was walking while looking at the manager's business card.
"Part-time... It wasn't a bad choice to earn some money," she thought aloud as she continued walking.
Of course, it wasn't an unusual sight at all, but what caught my attention was how she seemed so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't notice the pedestrian crossing light ahead was glowing red.
There're no other pedestrians around to alert the college girl either. Sigh... can't be helped, since I don't know what might happen in this situation, I guess I'll have to intervene a bit in my own way.
'That stray cat... perfect.'
Using one of my abilities, I enticed a stray cat to run and then leap towards the girl. She looked startled as the furry animal pounced on her unexpectedly.
But fortunately, just as she fell and landed on the pavement, a car sped through the pedestrian crossing. Thanks to the cat's distraction, she avoided a potentially serious accident that could have sent her to the hospital or worse, za isekai.
"Ah, that was close. I guess I need to thank you, right?" Mafuyu gently patted the cat, playing with her for a moment before carrying her off to another place.
For a moment, I thought she might consider adopting the stray cat, but upon realizing it had friends, she changed her mind. "At least I'll give you food and check on you with your friends."
For now, it seems she'll repay the cat with the food and kitty treats she just bought from the nearest supermarket. Seeing her interact with the group of cats somehow made me feel a bit happy... but also... reminds me with someone.
'Now that I think about it, this reminds me of that time with Wakasa Ruu too. Haha, after choosing to let them go, why would I... doesn't matter.'
Setting aside my other wandering thoughts, I decided to hold onto the memory of that scene where Mafuyu gently played around with those stray cats.
Next, I went to explore other places in that world. Since the setting of the anime BlendS is in Japan, I visited some bustling spots that reflect Japanese culture. Whether it was Akihabara or Aokigahara.
It took quite some time to navigate all those areas on foot, and it was quite exhausting.
So when I arrived back in the city I had visited earlier, I decided to enter a Family Restaurant and order something to quiet the rumbling of my stomach.
"...Another thing for me to remember, this spare body DO need foods for energy. Haha, that's pretty stupid for me to realize it now."
Right now I'm no longer using the power of Fenghuang Down, being invisible would make it difficult for the waitress to take my order after all. As for money, I have a little in my pocket, and it definitely wasn't obtained by looting in the forest.
Well, just to make things clear anyway.
"Excuse me, dear customer. Since our tables are fully occupied, would you mind sharing a table with another guest?" said the server whose eyes were not visible, as I waited.
This is one of the characteristics of NPCs/Extras in this world—they lack eyes to be drawn and are merely background characters. Regardless, I have no issue with either the appearance of the server or sharing a table.
And who is this person I have to share a table with? It's easy to guess.
"Excuse me," it was the Mafuyu girl, who seemed to have brought one or two items, as evidenced by the paper bag beside her small frame. "...Is something wrong?" I think she just bought some of her favorite things in town.
"Nothing is wrong and you're excused. So please take a seat, I don't mind sharing this table."
"Thank you," she thanks me.
And so, we sat in silence at the same table, not uttering a word to each other until our orders arrived—which curiously enough, they came simultaneously.
"Coffee with breakfast set, and then one Tiramisu Cake with strawberry milk juice. Please enjoy it!"
Hmm... you know what, I suppose I do appear mature and very aged just from taking a look at my face, furthermore the waitress who just arrived wasn't the one who took my order earlier.
But to switch our order? What kind of cliché scene is this?!
"Well, let's switch it."
"Agree," the Mayufu girl do agree.
Since we were practically strangers to each other, she didn't need to wait for me or anything to begin her meal. With that small fist of hers, she started to eat her food slowly, letting her warm coffee sit for a moment.
As for myself, I had planned to celebrate my birthday from the beginning with just these small arrangements. Although the presence of Mafuyu wasn't part of my plan, I felt she was mature enough not to worry about the affairs of a stranger like me.
"...May this time, something that could bring smile happen..."
Blowing out the small candle I had placed on the tiramisu cake, I closed my eyes and reflected on what had happened and what might come to pass. It might seem trivial to beings with the power to grant wishes, but it was an act I genuinely wished to come true.
"...For her as well."
To be honest, I was feeling a bit scared at this moment, both about the past and the future, including all the changes that Cera had brought. I'm not really sure what her goal is or what her motive was.
She's one of my friends but also my worst enemy at times. We've played numerous games but also tried to kill each other countless times. Yet in the end, we come together for the same reason.
Therefore, despite what her ultimate goal might be, I hoped that this time... she'll find it to be the right one. That's right, my wish is not for me alone, but for her as well. She doesn't even know when her birthday is, so... ah, whatever, it's getting embarrassing.
That was all I thought about.
When I finished my reflection, I opened my eyes and only then did I notice that Mafuyu was looking at me.
"Happy birthday," she said, ending her words with a nod before promptly leaving. I responded in a kind of being thankful, but that Mafuyu girl only gave a small smile.
She walked out of the restaurant, passing by the window near my table with that small frame of her. As she glanced back at me, she nodded her head once more, her expression appearing genuinely happy from what I could see.
Then, when I was done with my meal at the restaurant and about to pay my food...
"Your bill has already been paid by the previous customer, sir."
It seems... I now understand the reason behind that smile from the Mafuyu girl.
————————————————
Meanwhile, in another part of this story being narrated by one of the other main characters, there was a stalker and eavesdropper wearing a suspicious grin.
She seemed afflicted by a painful condition, one that could easily destabilize and drive any emotional or rational being out of control. Simply put, she was just overly excited.
"Hue... well, it can't be helped, can it? Heuhue. That idiot really cares about useless things~ heuhue~," Cera laughed with a disgusting smile. "But birthdays, huh... humans really do care about the day they were born into their world, right?"
But apparently for you it's a no?
"Not at all. My people actually curse the day we open our eyes and gain the consciousness that flows through our minds," Cera said, walking in a certain direction.
At this moment, she was still in the city of Orario, the place where tales of adventures, heroes, and gods mingled with each other. More specifically, she was at the New headquarters of the Hestia Familia, which she and Hylia were currently visiting.
Although they were part of that Familia, they also were not. Cera had decided to take some matters into her own hands when dealing with the gods and goddesses of that world, which had led to their current situation.
After walking through the long corridor and vast building, Cera found a feasty haired girl sitting alone in the kitchen. It was unclear what she was doing there, but she had a napkin ready for use.
"Cera? What're you doing in the kitchen?" Hylia asked, surprised to see her there.
"I'm planning to make a cake! How about it? Do you want to join me? Ah wait, but you're not doing some errands or something else right?" (Cera)
Hylia shook her head, "Nothing much, I'm just trying to make fried rice!" She spread her arms wide to show the ingredients already laid out on the table. "Can we make a cake and fried rice at the same time?"
"Cake and fried rice... what kind of hatred do you have for Asian people?" Cera teased. "But well, let's just do it together then. I'll make the cake, and you'll make the fried rice. We won't combine them, but we'll help each other. Agreed?"
"Very much agreed!" Hylia replied cheerfully.
"I'll made one for you and everyone of this Familia. Lia loves chocolate very much right?" (Cera)
"I love it so much! I even want to try adding it to my fried rice!" Hylia said excitedly, her words sending a shiver down Cera's spine.
"Let's stick to chocolate cake and regular fried rice," Cera suggested, laughing nervously. "Now, let's to the go!"
Trying to understand Cera's reasoning, the feasty haired girl just nodded her head in agreement. However, in the end, Hylia still ended up putting too much chocolate powder and powdered sugar into her fried rice.
"Huh?! What do you mean?!" (Cera)
It got even worse when Cera realized that some of the ingredients had been swapped.
Among the swapped ingredients were chocolate and black pepper, turning Cera's cake into a spicy nightmare. Additionally, MSG had been mistaken for powdered sugar, resulting in a fried rice that was disastrously sweet and savory in all the wrong ways.
Which means... the cake will have a taste like... the King of Flavor?
"HAIYAA! Why you fucked up the cake?! Even the fried rice too?!" (Cera)
"Ehehe... sorry," as an attempt to amend she tried a spoonful of it, but thankfully Cera had succeed in swatting those hand of her. "Ouch! What's wrong Cera? It shouldn't be that bad right?"
"Shouldn't be that bad? What's wrong with your eyes?! The first bite will taste like heaven indeed, but the second one will sent you there." (Cera)