Partners in Crime-1

[Papa!]

Luna let out a joyful cry and leapt into Kai's arms, nuzzling her nose against his chest.

"You did a great job today, Luna," Kai said, patting her head. In response, she let out happy "Kwaa" cries.

Lira just smiled at the duo, she was surprised and happy that Luna was now getting along with Kai.

However, her cheeks were slightly puffed with jealousy—Luna's first word had been "Papa."

As if sensing her feelings, Luna turned her head toward Lira. A cute, innocent voice echoed in her mind.

[Mama.]

"Huh?" Lira blinked in surprise and looked at Luna with her mouth widen opened. 

[Mama!]

Luna's voice echoed in her mind again. Lira's heart skipped a beat as the little creature called her Mama.

"W-What did you just say?" Lira stammered, grabbing Luna from Kai's lap and bringing her closer to her face. "C-Can you say it again?"

[Mama!]

Luna let out happy growls and smiled at her.

Lira's cheeks flushed with joy and her eyes glimmered with invisible stars as she bit her lips in excitement.

'So cute~' 

She hugged Luna tightly, nuzzling her cheeks against the little creature. Luna responded with happy cries, which only tempted Lira to nuzzle her even more.

"Haha!" Kai let out a chuckle and pushed himself to stand up. He glanced at the duo and said.

"Let's go back to the cave, before any more beasts come here."

Hearing this, Lira moved closer, offering her shoulder for Kai to lean on. "Yes, let's go. But don't push yourself too much—you're hurt," she said.

Kai nodded with a faint smile, and they began walking toward the cave, with Luna trailing behind them, with an amusing grin.

"Kai..." Lira called out softly as they made their way back.

"Hm? What is it?" he asked, turning his head toward her.

"I... I-I'm sorry for not doing anything," she stammered.

"Eh?" Kai raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, for not fighting that Plague Spider."

Kai tilted his head. "Can you fight beasts?"

"Of course I can't!"

"Haha! Then why are you apologizing?" Kai said, letting out a dry chuckle.

Lira opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. Kai just wanted to say that she doesn't have think too much about it, but Lira misunderstood it for something else.

She looked ahead and pouted, "Yeah, yeah, I get it... I'm not your witch."

"Huh?" Kai blinked in confusion.

'But I didn't say anything like that!'

He wanted to protest but held back, knowing it would only make things worse. Instead, he sighed and continued walking toward the cave, silently conceding defeat.

{Ah, boy, so you are alive.} As soon as they entered the cave, a deep voice echoed in their minds.

"What? Disappointed?" Kai asked with a forced smirk.

{Haha! You could say that.}

"Come on, Mr. Zer, Kai is hurt. Please stop teasing him," Lira said, guiding Kai further into the cave.

{Bring him here,} Zer replied, nodding slightly.

As Kai approached, Zer's eyes glowed, and a white light radiated from him. Warmth washed over Kai as the light enveloped him. His wounds began to heal at an astonishing pace, and his skin returned to its original, state as if he had never been injured.

A deep sigh escaped Kai's lips. "This feels much better now."

"Mr. Zer, look" Lira said, picking Luna up from the ground and bringing her closer to Zer.

{Ah, so you've awakened another affinity. Interesting,} Zer said with an amused smile.

Lira giggled. Even though the compliment was for Luna and not her, she felt happy for the little creature.

"Does that mean she has two main affinities?" Kai exclaimed, eyes wide with curiosity.

"No, you idiot. Everyone has just one main affinity. Haven't you heard that before?" Lira said, narrowing her eyes and glaring at him.

{Ahem, I hate to admit it, but...} Zer paused for a moment, glancing at Kai before letting out a sigh. {What the boy said is true. She does have two main affinities—both Ice and Fire.}

"But you just said everyone has one?" Lira questioned, narrowing her eyes.

{Yes, that's normally the case,} Zer explained, his voice calm. {But she's an exception. There's a reason she's known as the 'Dual-Heart Kitsune.'}

Lira didn't say anything and simply nodded, but Kai turned his face toward her with a toothy grin and sparkling eyes, as if silently declaring, 'See? I was right.'

In response, Lira shot him a death glare, trying to say, 'It was just pure luck.'

{Haha!} Seeing their playful exchange, Zer couldn't help but chuckle in amusement.

The two stayed in the cave for a while, passing the time chatting, playing, and resting.

As the hours went by, the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange.

"I think we should go now," Lira said, standing up from her spot.

Luna was sound asleep beside her. Gently, Lira picked her up and placed her near Zer before preparing to leave.

"Bye, Mr. Zer!" Lira called out cheerfully.

"Good-for-nothing beast, I hope you don't die from oversleeping," Kai added with a smirk.

"Hey! That's not a proper way to talk to Mr. Zer. Apologize!" Lira scolded, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Eh? Why should I?" Kai replied, with innocence.

{You, boy, walk home while holding her hand. And Luna, make sure he doesn't become a beast's snack on the way,} Zer said with a snort.

Luna giggled but didn't comment, while Kai scoffed and turned around to leave.

As they approached the cave entrance, both of them waved back at Zer. Luna, grabbing Kai's hand, suddenly broke into a run, tugging him along with a bright smile on her face.

Watching them leave, Zer sighed and rested his head on his paw.

{Brat, your boy has found an interesting friend. With the egg you left here and...} Zer paused for a moment, his expression shifting. {Wait… Don't tell me!}

His head shot up as realization struck him. {You damn brat! I'll definitely kill you the next time I see you!}

Zer's eyes glowed with lethal intent, as his aura released for a moment. Though it was quickly restrained. But it was enough for the nearby beasts to scatter in terror, shuddering under the pressure that was just for a few seconds.

--

"Hey, did you sense it?" a man in a black robe asked.

"Yes," the other man in a black robe replied. "It was just a flicker for a second, but..." He paused, his voice lowering. "It was definitely him."

The first man nodded, gripping a crystal ball tightly as his gaze shifted toward a specific direction.