A Long Promise Fulfilled

(Chiyo's POV)

I woke up, and saw the same stuff around me, something I'd seen for who knows how long. Today, too, I didn't experience my usual nightmare, it's as if it just vanished suddenly. The nightmare that I have seen every night, ever since I heard of the news about the death of my so-called brother.

'Why was I not there for him?!' The question I asked myself ever since that day, realizing how he was always there when I needed him. 

'If I was there.... maybe the result would have been different. Even if it didn't, I wouldn't mind leaving this world with him...' I mused to myself as usual.

'No! Don't think of anything he would say stupid, Chiyo! Ei already told me she would bring him back, and I definitely believe her for that since I know how deep her obsession with him is.' I thought to convince myself.

I left to do my usual hunt for today. Even as an oni, I still need sustenance from time to time. And it's my only way to not get bored waiting, except for Ei visiting me on rare occasions.

'She is definitely late for her monthly visit, maybe the situation in Inazuma got worst or something.' I noted worriedly. 

I went home and continued my daily routine. I really have nothing to do here, only hunting and training, then I rest for the day. While I was in the middle of my training, someone knocked on my hidden home's front door. Knowing there's only one person who knows this place, I went to verify it.

"Wait a minute Ei!" I shouted, before cleaning myself from the sweat and changing clothes.

"You don't have to worry too much, just greet her with your usual greeting." I heard Ei, as I came to the door.

"That's right! Do that sassy vibe you always have in your entrance!" Said someone outside the door, a voice I feel that I recognize. Curious at who the other person was, I gently opened the door.

"Heya! You're looking lively today, did something good happen lately?!" A person I don't know who, questioned with a smile. I remember. Even though he said it with a smile, he couldn't hide the nervousness in his tone.

I blanked out as I put together the pieces of my memory. I know that smile... more than anyone else, as that is the smile I see everytime he visits. A memory I can't forget... No! It's something I will never allow myself to forget.

 Time passed as I decided on my next move, but my body moved before my mind stabilized itself. I ran, ran into his arms with tears in my eyes.

"Ah... Welcome back brother." I whispered weakly, for only his to hear, not knowing my expression was similar to that of Ei.

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(Lu's POV)

'Ehhh?! What's with this situation! I do remember my old self acting like an older brother to her! But!! I've never heard of her!!! Even once!!!! Say something like that!!!!!' I thought, before hugging my new sister?

"I'm back Chiyo, I hope you've been well. I'm really sorry for suddenly leaving you like that. Can you forgive this brother of yours?" I pleaded, completely in my brother's role. Since she's already decided, there's no need to think too much. I'll just think of it as payment for my sin.

"It's fine brother. It's all fine now! Yes! There's no need to worry about it! Since you're back to me now... We're going home as we said... together." She replied with changing moods, something I feel like I should be wary of. I looked at Makoto to save me from this situation.

"Clap* How about we do our usual tea party?! I think it's perfect for our reunion, right Ei?" She suggested, taking my hint. Then said the latter with a mischievous smirk.

"Yes, Makoto. I've been maintaining our usual place, so it should be fine." Answered Ei with a nonchalant expression.

"Awwww! You're no fun now Ei! Before you would have been blushing madly!" Makoto complained while pouting.

"Then I suggest we go now, since it's still early in the afternoon. It should be a perfect time for one." Orihime said, after seeing me look at her for help.

'I really can't handle this crying oni right now, her hug is too tight that I can't even move! Did she get stronger throughout these past centuries!" I talked to myself, feeling my C rank strength useless in front of my sister.

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"Your tea is godly as always Makoto! I really missed it!" I praised, to the former god.

"Flattery will get you nowhere Lu-chan! You already have my sister, so be content with it." She said in a strict tone.

'That's not my intention, though! My sister-in-law really is holding a grudge against me for avoiding her, after the Archon War.' I thought with a wry smile.

It's been five centuries since our last gathering, so this is definitely nostalgic. Not much changed between the five of us... Well, I guess there is. Chiyo didn't want to let me go, so I had no choice but to let her rest on my lap while holding my free hand. 

Ei is talking with her sister, while peeking at us from time to time with a hint of jealousy. I have a feeling she will ask for something similar later, something I will agree on since I can't help but spoil her.

"What are your plans now Orihime? It will take me a while to prepare your vessel. You're soul is really unstable after that incident, I have no choice but to take it slow and carefully make it." I asked the Kitsune in front of me.

"I'll be staying in the Grand Narukami Shrine at Mt. Yougou. I think its time for me to meet little Miko, since I can also get her help for the yokai spirits who passed during the Cataclysm. What about you guys?" She stated, before asking Makoto and Chiyo.

"I'll be staying with brother!" The oni said with an unwavering expression.

"But wouldn't that cause some problems? Since you know, Lu and Ei..." Orihime hinted with a complicated expression.

"It will be fine! I'll be with Ei-chan for the moment! We still have a lot to talk after all. Right, brother-in-law?!" Makoto exclaimed before eyeing me with a serious look.

"Ahem! That should be fine, Makoto's help with Inazuma right now would be good too!" I said with my usual smile to reassure the kitsune, while ignoring the other one.

"I'll be visiting you in Mt. Yougou whenever I'm free. Taking care of my sister comes first!" I continued, patting the oni's head. Something she seemed to enjoy to the fullest. Our tea party lasted longer than usual, since everyone left to do their thing late in the night. Maybe for the next one, we can invite some new faces. I definitely look forward to it.