"Forget that; I'm a genius!" Kuro said, puffing out his chest with pride.
In response, Lior hugged him tightly, catching Kuro off guard.
Kuro's face turned a deep shade of red as he stammered, "Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?" His words tumbled out in a flustered rush.
Kuro's mind raced with confusion. Why is she hugging me? He thought, flustered. Why am I blushing? Hah, no, I'm not blushing; it must be hot outside. Wait, but it's winter! What's wrong with me? Why am I losing my composure just because of a hug?
He looked at Lior, trying to regain his cool demeanor, but the warmth of the moment made it all the more difficult.
Lior looked at Kuro with a warm smile on his face. "Thank you for everything," he said sincerely.
Kuro chuckled, trying to maintain his usual bravado. "Hahaha, it was my pleasure!" But inside his mind, chaos reigned. She looks so cute with that smile. It's so beautiful! What am I thinking? Bastard! She's your best friend, and she's only 15! I shouldn't be thinking about this stuff. Shame on me!
He struggled to focus on anything else, feeling the heat creep up his cheeks again, trying to suppress the flurry of emotions.
Lior suddenly realized he was still hugging Kuro and quickly pushed him away. "Sorry! I was just so happy to be in fresh air after so long and really grateful that you did all this. But again, if it's harming you, please don't do it," Lior said, a hint of concern in his voice.
Kuro shrugged, still looking away, trying to regain his composure. "Nah, it's got no side effects, remember?" he replied, attempting to sound nonchalant but clearly enjoying the moment. Then, with a playful glint in his eye, he added, "Besides, you seemed to enjoy it. Don't act like it didn't make your day!"
"So I can stay outside for the entire time?" Lior asked, excitement bubbling in her voice.
"Yeah, but you can go inside too if you want," Kuro replied, trying to sound casual, though he couldn't hide the grin on his face.
They joked around for a bit before Lior suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, I'm in an elf form!"
Kuro shrugged. "So what, Akari?"
Lior rolled her eyes. "Dumbass! Elves and angels are on bad terms. Remember? No entry allowed for me!"
"Don't worry, my Akari," Kuro said, flashing a reassuring grin.
"How could I not worry? I might get executed for this! And since when did I become your Akari?" Lior retorted, feigning indignation.
"You've been mine from the start," Kuro said with a playful grin. "But about that former problem, I've already talked it over with my father."
Lior raised an eyebrow, curious. "When did you manage to do that?"
Kuro chuckled, "While you were busy doing that weird yoga of yours."
"But still," Lior shot back, crossing her arms, "I'm not some thing you can own, so I'm definitely not yours. And how exactly did you manage to find a way for me to live here without getting me, you know, executed?"
Kuro smirked, "Hmmm, let's just go talk to my father. He's a Duke, after all. If anyone knows a way, it's him."
Lior blinked, then burst into laughter. "Wow, that was your big plan? 'Let's ask Daddy'?"
Kuro shrugged, unfazed. "Well, yeah."
Lior rolled her eyes dramatically. "You and I are both doomed. Have you ever seen an elf casually strolling around an angel's territory? Unless, of course, they're a trader or an ambassador… or an idiot like me who follows you into this mess."
Kuro grinned, unbothered. "Ah, don't worry. Who's gonna notice? You've got the whole 'light hair, mysterious girl' look going on. You'll blend in."
"Yeah, totally. I'll blend in like a unicorn at a horse show," Lior quipped.
Kuro leaned closer, teasing. "Nah, unicorns don't blush as easily as you."
Lior shoved him lightly. "Oh, shut up. We're still doomed."
"So, you got any bright ideas?" Kuro asked, glancing over at Lior with a smirk.
Lior sighed dramatically. "Do I look like a genius to you? You dragged me into this mess. You're supposed to be the brains."
"Fine then, let's gooooo!" Kuro declared, grabbing her hand and yanking her along through the garden.
"Hey, you idiot! If someone sees us, they're gonna think we're on a date or something!" Lior snapped, trying to free her hand from his grip.
Kuro chuckled, not slowing down. "Relax! No one's here. My parents live on the other side of the mansion, and they're too busy with their fancy Duke duties to care. Besides, it's just hand-holding—it's not like I'm kissing you. Unless you want me to, in which case, I'd be happy to make an exception," he winked.
Lior's face went pale. "We're doomed," she muttered under her breath.
Kuro rolled his eyes. "What are you—" Then he followed Lior's gaze, and his own face drained of color faster than a white sheet in bleach.
Standing right there were his parents, looking like they'd caught them committing some kind of grand scandal. His mother had the biggest mom-shipping grin, and his father? Well, he had that special dad look of, "Do I really need to have the 'talk' with you?"
"Mom… Dad…," Kuro squeaked, trying to play it cool but failing spectacularly. "W-What are you doing here?"
His mother's grin widened. "Oh, we were just passing by. So... what are you two doing?"
Lior gave him a side-eye that screamed "I told you so."
Kuro, sweating bullets now, stammered, "Oh, y'know… just… holding hands… casually… in the garden… as friends do…"
His dad crossed his arms. "Casually, huh?"
Lior, trying to save herself from the awkwardness, whispered, "We're absolutely doomed."
Kuro's mom leaned in, eyes sparkling. "So, when's the wedding?"
Kuro turned bright red. "MOM!!"
"Sorry for his behavior, Mr. and Mrs. Azer. I've tried to discipline him, but he never listens to me," Lior said, throwing a polite smile in their direction.
Kuro shot her a side-glare. "What's with the good girl act all of a sudden?" he whispered.
Lior, still smiling, whispered back, "I'm trying to fix the mess you caused."
Ken Azer, Kuro's father, raised an eyebrow at the elf girl. "And who exactly are you, little elf? Did my son drag you here?"
Mina Azer, Kuro's mother, leaned in with a smirk. "Or are you… my dear?"
Lior blushed slightly but kept her composure. "No ma'am, I'm fine. Apologies for the late introduction. I'm Akari Walker—half-elf, half-human, and half-shapeshifter. I'm Kuro's… friend."
Kuro's eyes widened in surprise, and he whispered excitedly, "So you are calling yourself Akari now! Why didn't you tell them you're a mix of all five main species, huh?"
Lior leaned closer, rolling her eyes. "Because it would get too complicated if I dropped all the truth on them right now."
Mina Azer looked between them, clearly intrigued. "A mix of three species… Well, this is certainly the first time we've met someone so… diverse."
Ken nodded, his gaze sharp but curious. "Indeed. I'm surprised you manage to balance all that power, Akari. Must be quite the experience."
"Yeah, it has its moments," Lior said, trying not to sound too awkward.
Mina chimed in, smiling warmly. "It's so lovely to see Kuro making such… unique friends. A half-elf, half-human, half-shapeshifter. Quite the combination. Does that make you one-and-a-half people?"
Kuro snickered at his mother's joke, while Lior managed a polite laugh. "I guess you could say that."
Ken chuckled as well, though his gaze remained thoughtful. "I wonder, Akari… if you're this powerful as a mix of three species, what kind of trouble would you get into if you were all five? Surely, that would be something to see."
Mina raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that a bit much, Ken? Don't scare the poor girl."
"Oh, I'm sure she could handle it," Ken added with a sly smile. "After all, she seems to be handling Kuro just fine."
Lior grinned slightly. "That's the real challenge, sir."
Kuro playfully nudged her, grinning as well. "Hey, I'm not that difficult."
"Let's all have a talk, shall we?" Ken said, gesturing toward the tea area. "I'm sure there's more to this 'friendship' than just hand-holding in the garden."
Mina smiled mischievously. "Yes, come on, Akari. Tell us more about this friendship of yours."
Lior sighed inwardly as they followed Kuro's parents.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the garden, Akari and Kuro sat at a quaint tea table surrounded by blooming flowers. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of jasmine, but an air of tension lingered as they faced Kuro's parents, seated across from them.
Kuro's mother, Mina, poured steaming tea into delicate porcelain cups, her hands trembling slightly. She looked at Akari with a mix of concern and sympathy. "You must tell us again what happened, dear," she urged, her voice soft and soothing.
Kuro exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Akari, excitement glinting in his eyes. This was their plan unfolding, and he felt a thrill at the prospect of what they were about to create.
Akari leaned forward, her expression earnest. "I was lost in the forest for days," she began, weaving the tale they had rehearsed. "I can't remember anything before that. I woke up surrounded by trees, confused and scared. Kuro found me wandering and brought me here."
Mina's eyes filled with unshed tears as she listened, her heart aching for the girl before her. "How terrible for you, sweetheart. It must have been frightening," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You're safe now. You're with us."
Kuro watched Akari with admiration as she played her part flawlessly. Every word she spoke was a step deeper into the web of their carefully crafted story. He felt a tug of guilt, knowing they were deceiving his parents, but the excitement of their plan kept him grounded.
Akari stood before them, clad in very thin clothes that had magically appeared when she exited the soul chamber of Kuro. Within the chamber, her clothes had transformed according to her desires, reflecting her innermost thoughts. However, as she faced Kuro's mother, Mina, the thin fabric caught her attention. Noticing Akari's outfit, Mina's brow furrowed with concern. "This won't do," she declared, her maternal instincts kicking in. Without hesitation, she ordered a maid to take Akari and provide her with proper clothes.
"I want her to stay with us," Mina said, her voice filled with determination.
"Yes, Father, please," Kuro added, his eyes pleading for understanding.
Ken sighed, his expression thoughtful. "Well, there might be a problem."
"What is that?" both his son and Mina asked in unison, concern creeping into their voices.
"So now, the problem is actually two problems," Ken explained, pausing to gauge their reactions.
"What are they?" Kuro pressed, eager for answers.
"First is the reason why we want to keep her here, and second, her usefulness for the family," Ken replied, his tone serious.
"So how do we solve this problem?" Kuro asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"Hmm, for the second problem, she has to demonstrate her usefulness—like the powers she may possess or something along those lines," Ken replied thoughtfully.
"She has good powers; in fact, she's half-elf, half-human, and half-shapeshifter. She used the same powers as me," Kuro explained, his excitement palpable.
"Well, that's good. Let's ask her to demonstrate it when she comes back," Mina said, her eyes lighting up with optimism.
"Now, about the first problem…" Ken began, his tone shifting.
"Yeah, what about it?" Kuro asked, leaning in with curiosity.
"Well, we have two options: either we adopt her, or she may get engaged to you. Those are the only two options, okay?" Ken stated firmly.
Kuro's eyes widened in disbelief. "No, no! She can't be my sister; that would be weird—so damn weird! The other option isn't that bad… No, no, what am I thinking?" he thought, his mind racing as he processed the implications of his father's words.
Mina watched her son closely, a teasing smile spreading across her face as she sensed the tension in his posture. He must have feelings for her, she mused, feeling a rush of excitement. "Oh, Kuro, you seem a bit flustered! Are you afraid of getting engaged?"
Kuro's face flushed crimson as he quickly averted his gaze. "Mom, this is serious!" he protested, his voice a mix of embarrassment and irritation. He crossed his arms, trying to mask his feelings, but the heat on his cheeks betrayed him. There was no way he could admit that he liked her, not now.
Just then, Akari emerged from the garden path, clad in an angelic winter outfit that accentuated her ethereal beauty. Her long white hair cascaded down her back, and her striking blue eyes sparkled like sapphires against the backdrop of the vibrant garden.
"So, have you guys decided something?" she whispered to Kuro, her voice soft yet confident.
Kuro's heart raced at her presence, his mind buzzing with excitement and ideas. He struggled to maintain composure as he glanced at his parents, unsure of how to respond. "Uh, well…" he stammered, trying to grasp at the threads of the conversation.
Mina's teasing smile widened, sensing the awkward tension. "We were just discussing how to keep you here," she said lightly.
Akari tilted her head slightly, her expression curious. "Really? And what are the options?"
First, we want you to demonstrate your power," Ken said, trying to sound serious but barely hiding his excitement.
"Let's go to the training grounds!" Mina exclaimed, practically skipping ahead like a kid on Christmas morning.
As they arrived at the training grounds, Kuro glanced around, doing his best to maintain his cool demeanor but failing miserably. "So, Kuro, tell us about your power. Can you perform it?" Ken asked, looking at him expectantly.
"Uh, sure! But first, can we discuss my upcoming career as a motivational speaker?" Kuro joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Akari smirked. "So which one should I do first?"
"What do you mean?" Ken asked, his confusion palpable.
"I mean, which power should I showcase first? I have options, you know!" she replied, feigning dramatic flair.
"Kuro said you can use darkness like him," Ken explained, trying to keep a straight face.
"Yeah, that's just one of my many talents," Akari replied, feigning modesty.
"What?! You have other powers you never told me?" Kuro exclaimed, wide-eyed.
"You never asked," Akari shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant.
"Come on! I've known you for ages, and you're hiding this betrayal of bestie-ness!" Kuro clutched his heart dramatically, pretending to faint.
"Idiot! When will you grow up?" Akari shot back, rolling her eyes like a seasoned pro.
"Ah-hem!" Ken interjected, trying to regain control of the chaos.
"Sorry, sorry! Let me do it first—darkness it is!" Akari said, her grin widening as she prepared to show off.
The entire training grounds was suddenly engulfed in darkness so thick it was like they'd stepped into a void. Kuro could barely see his own hand in front of his face.
"How's that?" Akari asked, her voice echoing smugly through the dark.
"Well... a bit more than I thought you'd manage," Ken admitted, squinting as if that would help him see through the pitch-black. "I can't even see my own thoughts in here!"
Kuro raised an eyebrow, impressed but concerned. "How much Noor did you use for this?"
"Enough that you'd have to slay about 50 ego eagles to get it back," Lior piped up from somewhere in the dark, casually tossing out the insane number.
Kuro's jaw dropped. "Fifty?! Are you overloaded with Noor or just showing off? I mean, I don't think even the sun burns through Noor this fast!"
Akari shrugged, though no one could see her. "What can I say? Go big or go home, right?"
Kuro groaned, rubbing his temples. "At this rate, we're all going to be living in a permanent eclipses
"So, let me show you my next ability," Akari said, her grin widening as she prepared for her next trick.
"Well, we're all excited to see it!" Mina responded, practically on the edge of her seat.
"But first, let me get rid of this whole 'night of eternal darkness' vibe." With a casual wave, the dark environment vanished, leaving the training grounds back to their usual dull, barren state.
Mina, still taken aback by the last display, narrowed her eyes. "Are you really Hemas?"
"Yep, 100% Hemas," Akari replied with a smirk.
"Alright, moving on to the next power," Akari said, scanning the area before stopping to ask, "Wait, can anything even grow here?"
Ken, his serious expression unwavering, folded his arms. "No. This area's soil is incapable of sustaining plant life."
Akari's eyes gleamed. "Even better."
Kuro raised an eyebrow, confused. "Better? How is dead dirt 'better'?"
Akari ignored him and turned to Mina with a casual grin. "What's your favorite type of garden, Mrs. Mina?"
"Oh, I don't mind. Any garden will do, my dear," Mina answered, smiling sweetly.
"Great! Time to show you what I can do." Akari clapped her hands together, and with a graceful movement, the lifeless dirt around them began to stir. Vines shot out from the ground, twisting and curling, quickly forming a network of greenery across the training grounds. Shrubs and trees sprouted from nowhere, their roots spreading deep into the once-dead soil, while flowers bloomed all around in vibrant bursts of color. It wasn't just any garden—it was nature taking control, wild and untamed.
Kuro's eyes widened. "What just happened? Did you summon an entire jungle out of nowhere?"
Mina was beside herself with excitement, practically dancing in place. "Oh, Akari, this is incredible! It's like the training grounds became a beautiful wilderness!"
Ken, though impressed, kept his usual stern demeanor. He studied the lush greenery that now surrounded them. "This level of plant manipulation… it's beyond what I've seen before. You turned dead soil into a thriving ecosystem. Well done." He gave a curt nod, clearly approving but keeping his tone measured.
Kuro, still trying to wrap his head around it, gestured wildly to the vines and trees. "Are we in a training ground or a jungle now? You could start your own forest with this!"
Akari grinned, clearly enjoying their reactions. "I told you—there's more to me than just darkness."
Ken remained focused. "This power could be quite useful, Akari. You'll need to refine it, but the potential is undeniable."
Mina clapped her hands, beaming. "Akari, I don't know how you do it, but you've just made my day! You're practically a one-woman garden revolution!"
"Sorry, honey, but the training grounds can't remain a forest," Ken said, his voice as serious as ever.
Mina's face fell, a hint of sadness creeping in. "Aww…"
Akari waved it off with a smile. "Don't worry, sir, it'll be back to normal in the blink of an eye." And with a quick flick of her wrist, the sprawling forest vanished, and the training grounds were back to their usual barren state.
Kuro's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Unbelievable! How did you—what—no way!" he stammered, completely flabbergasted.
Akari, keeping her cool, turned to Ken. "Can I show you the next one now?"
"There's more?" Ken asked, eyebrows raised in genuine surprise.
"Yes, sir," Akari replied confidently.
She then turned to Mina. "Ma'am, do you like snowfall?"
"Oh, I love it, dear!" Mina said, lighting up at the thought.
Akari grinned. "Well then, let the snow fall begin!"
With a dramatic wave of her hand, snowflakes started falling from the sky, gently covering the entire training grounds in a thick layer of pristine white snow. The ground quickly filled with snow, and soon enough, it looked like a winter wonderland.
Kuro's jaw practically hit the floor. "Holy moly! Are we in the North Pole now?! What's next, a snowman that talks?"
Mina squealed with delight, spinning around with her arms outstretched to catch the snowflakes. "Oh, this is magical! It's so beautiful! Akari, you've outdone yourself!"
Ken, though still serious, couldn't hide his astonishment. He looked up at the sky as snow gently landed on his shoulders. "You turned a training ground into a winter landscape in mere seconds... This is beyond impressive."
Kuro shook his head in disbelief. "Akari, are you sure you're not secretly a goddess or something? We've got forests, we've got snow... What's next, tropical beaches?!"
Akari laughed. "You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?"
"Sir, my next two powers aren't exactly the offensive type, so I'll need people to demonstrate them," Akari said, her tone calm but confident.
Ken's eyebrows shot up. "Two more powers? You never cease to surprise me."
Akari nodded. "Is there anyone injured here by chance?"
Mina's eyes widened. "Wait... so you can heal, too?"
"Yes," Akari replied, "I can heal up to fifty people at once if the injuries are minor. But for more serious injuries, or Noor-related problems, I can perform more advanced healing, even surgery."
Kuro couldn't contain his astonishment. "Wahhh! Surgery? Are you for real? Is there anything you can't do? Can you fix my bad handwriting too?"
Mina, still processing the healing part, glanced at Ken, a sense of urgency in her eyes. "Actually, we do have someone… a maid who was severely injured."
Ken, his usual serious self, nodded grimly. "Yes, she fell from the third floor. Her wings were shattered, and she suffered several broken bones. Her chances of survival... are slim."
Mina sighed, her face clouded with worry. "We were just discussing her situation when we spotted you and Kuro. We've been praying for a miracle."
Akari stood up immediately. "Take me to her."
They wasted no time and hurried to where the injured maid was resting. The scene was grim—the maid lay motionless, her wings bent at unnatural angles, her breathing shallow.
Mina clasped her hands together, eyes filled with hope. "Can you really heal her?"
Without hesitation, Akari approached the maid, her hands glowing softly as she knelt beside her. With a deep breath, she placed her hands over the maid's body, and within moments, the shattered wings began to mend, the broken bones realigning themselves. The maid's breathing grew steadier, and soon enough, she opened her eyes, completely healed.
Mina gasped, tears welling up. "She's... she's healed! Akari, you're a miracle worker!"
Ken, who had watched in stunned silence, gave a solemn nod. "Remarkable... no ordinary healing magic could have done this. You've saved her life."
Kuro, still wide-eyed, looked from Akari to his parents. "Okay, at this point, I'm convinced Akari is secretly some kind of superhero. Like, what next? Can she make people fly?"
Mina laughed, wiping away her tears. "Akari, you have no idea how much this means to us. You've given us hope where there was none."
Akari smiled gently. "I'm just glad I could help."
Ken, always focused, spoke up. "Your abilities are impressive, Akari. You've proven your worth beyond any doubt."
"Sir, my last ability is... mind control," Akari said, her voice steady.
Kuro's eyes widened. "Mind control? Wow..." he muttered, clearly impressed.
Mina blinked in astonishment, turning to Akari. "Mind control, dear? That's... quite the power. You can influence thoughts?"
Ken's face grew thoughtful, his arms crossed. "That's a dangerous ability, Akari. But in the right hands, it could be incredibly useful."
Akari smiled confidently. "I've got a good idea. Why don't you take me to the servant areas? We can see if there's anyone... hiding something. Perhaps even a spy."
Mina's eyes lit up. "That's a brilliant idea! We've been having issues with leaks."
Ken gave a small nod. "Indeed. We've been trying to figure out who's been passing information to our enemies. If you can help us, this could save us weeks of investigation."
They quickly made their way to the servants' quarters. Once there, Ken assembled all the servants in the main hall, his commanding presence making everyone nervous.
Akari stepped forward, her eyes glowing with purpose. "Alright, let's see what we have here."
Suddenly, her eyes went completely white. The room fell silent as Akari's presence seemed to fill every corner. One by one, the servants began speaking—without prompting—confessing every little misdeed, from breaking dishes to sneaking food from the kitchens. But more importantly, the real spies among them stepped forward, revealing themselves. They admitted to leaking information, their faces pale with guilt as they stood in front of their masters.
Mina gasped softly. "They just... confessed. All of them."
Ken's eyes narrowed. "We've been looking for these traitors for months. You made them confess within minutes."
Akari let out a small, satisfied breath, her eyes returning to normal. "Do you like it?" she asked, a proud grin on her face.
Kuro, still in awe, couldn't help but laugh. "Like it? Are you kidding? That was amazing! You just saved us so much trouble!"
Mina placed a hand on Akari's shoulder. "Akari, you've done more than we could have ever hoped for. You've shown us loyalty, power, and... well, an incredible set of skills."
Ken, as always, remained serious, but there was a hint of approval in his voice. "I must admit, Akari, your abilities are invaluable. You've proven yourself a true asset to this family."
"Sir, aside from all that, I'm also talented in many other aspects," Akari said confidently. "I can handle estate management, I'm fluent in four languages—human, elf, shapeshifter, and angel. I can read and write in all of them. I'm also skilled in mathematics, social ball etiquette, public speaking, piano, violin, archery, swordsmanship, cooking, drawing, and battle strategy... to name a few."
Kuro's jaw dropped. "To name a few? You do all that?" He rubbed his head in disbelief. "I can barely manage to wake up on time, and you're here being a... superwoman."
Mina clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Well, that settles it then! Akari, you pass all the tests for being my daughter-in-law and the next duchess."
Akari blinked, her mouth agape. "What? Am I missing something?"
"Yes, well, we need a reason to keep you here," Ken explained calmly. "The options are either as Kuro's sibling or as his fiancée."
"What?!" Akari exclaimed, her mouth hanging open in shock.
Kuro's face flushed crimson. "M-Mother!" he stammered, trying to process what was happening.
Mina, undeterred by their reactions, smiled brightly. "Just think about it! You'd make a wonderful addition to our family."
Akari's eyes darted between Kuro and his parents, still trying to comprehend the situation. "Wait, are you serious? You can't just decide these things!"
Ken remained serious, though a hint of a smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Well, it's a practical solution, isn't it?"
Kuro, trying to regain his composure, muttered under his breath, "This is not how I imagined my day going…"
Akari looked at Kuro, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What should I do? Just stare?"
Kuro, equally flustered, responded with a confused look, his eyes conveying, I'm too confused! Just stare at her?
They both fell silent, staring at each other, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air.
Mina observed their silent exchange, a smile creeping onto her face. "You two look like you've just seen a ghost!"
Ken cleared his throat, bringing their attention back. "We need to figure out how to make this arrangement work."
But Akari and Kuro were still lost in their shared gaze, caught up in the sudden implications of their situation.
Akari and Kuro continued to stare at each other, the weight of the situation hanging heavy in the air. Suddenly, Akari's expression shifted, and she swayed slightly.
"Kuro..." she murmured, her voice faint.
Before he could react, she collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"Kuro!" Mina exclaimed, rushing to Akari's side. "What happened?"
Kuro knelt beside her, panic flooding his features. "I—I don't know! Akari, wake up!"
Ken quickly assessed the situation, his serious demeanor kicking in. "She must have overexerted herself using Noor. We need to get her to a safe place."
Mina looked worriedly at her son. "What should we do?"
Kuro bit his lip, glancing between his mother and Akari. "We have to take care of her. She's... she's really important to us now."
Ken nodded, his authority returning. "Let's move her to the guest room. We'll figure this out."
As they carefully lifted Akari, Kuro couldn't shake the feeling of dread that settled in his chest. What if something serious happened to her?