“Arin?!”

“Is it... really you... Arin?!” (Anna)

While emotions crash against my heart, I barely manage to look up while nodding my head. She was there, the sister who was by my side since I can remember... I really missed her... yet what is this feeling...

While confused and being unable to sort out my own emotions, Anna suddenly pushed forwards and pulled me into a hug. But unlike before, it was a soft and careful hug, just like back in the orphanage... when I was still in a wheelchair. She would always treat me like something fragile, as though I could break any moment, and she wasn't wrong. I was weak back then... but now...

With memories which I believed gone suddenly resurfacing within my mind, my emotions begin to rumble even stronger, crashing against those fortifications I built within my own heart. I don't know why, maybe because I feared my past when I was weak, maybe I didn't want to be hurt by loosing the precious memories of my past because of the pain they brought...

I don't know, but at that moment, all the barriers I created in the past months, all the things I believed were okay... suddenly crashed down on me, like a tidal-wave, causing my emotions and feeling to run rampant and my tears to begin flowing.

It has been a long time since I really cried, but letting all those emotions out, I felt as with every moment, my heart felt lighter and warmer. I could also recognize those emotions... it was longing, homesickness and fear... from all the changes which I couldn't process and just kept building up... I could finally let them go... in the arms of my elder sister who was always there for me as long as I could remember...

While I kept crying heavy tears, Anna kept on comforting me while holding me close. I enjoy knowing that my sister is still here, as around her, I feel safe in a different meaning.

True, I am nearly absolutely safe around Uncle Black, but the feeling I get from the very sister I know as long as I could remember, it is different...

And even so, after a short moment, even Alice joined in. She didn't hug me or anything like that, but she kneels down right next to me, while combing through my currently chestnut colored hair.

With this, I finally arrive back in reality... I am no longer on earth... but even then, I am not alone!

I still have all the people around me that I could consider my family and close friends, and with their help, I will continue on...

While I finally calmed down, Anna then stopped hugging me, slowly releasing me from her arms.

“T-thanks. sniff” (Arin)

Using my arm to remove the remaining tears and snot, I then calm myself and look at both Anna and Alice, thanking them for... just simply being here. Anna shows a wide smile, while Alice only laughs lightly, causing me to smile as well.

The moment I do so though, Sumi, who still stood there at an about two meter distance, slightly became red in her face while watching me. Seeing this, Anna then stands up and walks towards her, whispering something into her ear. As a reaction, Sumi suddenly becomes red like a tomato in an instant and embarrassingly lowers her head, looking at the ground.

Anna at the side only laughs with a playful grin on her face, acting like she didn't do anything. I don't know what she told Sumi, but after a moment, Sumi then came closer before suddenly hugging me from behind. I don't know why or how she even has the courage to do so, but I don't complain. If I am honest, I feel about just as comfortable with her as I do with Mom, but the feeling is different.

Still, as I was already standing when she came, the difference in our size allows my head only to barely reach her chin. Well, I am only nine years old since yesterday, together with a smaller physique, causing me to be a lot smaller than the twelve year old Sumi.

Even then, when Sumi holds me, nearly lifting me off the ground, I suddenly realize once again that I was not alone to begin with, and even Sumi is here with me. Well, I don't know how I should formulate this, but I feel weirdly comfortable around her, unlike Uncle Black where I feel safe or Anna where I can feel relieved... around her... I don't know.

Still, Sumi is probably more comfortable around me in fox-form, so I quickly change back. Of course, as told so by Uncle Black, I only 'have' three tails.

Anyway, the moment I turn back, Sumi is surprised for a moment, but in the next, she already started scratching my ears at their root, causing me to tense up before nearly melting away. I don't know how to describe it, but having that place scratched feels like someone combined all good feelings and concentrated them there.

Even so, seeing my transformation, Anna suddenly asks a question to me. Though Sumi doesn't let go, she does stop petting my ears so I can listen and answer to Anna.

“Hey Arin, how did you do this? I also want fluffy tails and ears.” (Anna)

Saying so with a curious gaze, Anna intently stares at my tails swinging around beside me and the fox-ears on top of my head. Well, even if I tell her, I don't think it is possible. Uncle Black told me that there are no other fox-crystals of the size of Lumis'. Also, entering one requires a dimensional hole, as space-magic is neutralized around and within it.

But even so, after telling her the abridged version of what transpired, which technically isn't a lie, just lacking details, Anna becomes crestfallen, sulking on the ground. But for whatever reason, she then picks herself up again and in the next moment... grabs one of my tails and nuzzles it.

“Well, then you will have to suffice.” (Anna)

I don't really mind her touching my tail, but it hurts when she accidentally pulls on them. Telling her that, she also let's go, but her mood still seems to be slightly off. I don't know, is she happy or sad... I can't tell currently.

Anyway, after talking and exchanging about our adventures until now, I make the suggestion to play hide and seek. The reason is that I want to show Anna and Alice that I can run and walk just like them, probably even better. But unexpectedly, Anna actually reacted exactly because of that, so I tell her what happened back after the crystal let me go and how my legs work just fine now. On that note, Anna also becomes surprised, but seeing my transformation and hearing my story, she accepts it easily.

That aside, we also invite the sisters to play, but they first refuse, mostly due to their clothes. The sisters are both about Alice age, so around fourteen or fifteen. Anyway, their current clothes remind me of the Disney-princesses from back on earth when we had movie-evening in the orphanage. The clothes aren't as exaggerated, but they still appear modestly and of great material.

But after letting one of the maids organize more casual clothes and a room to change, the sisters give in. I will keep it hidden, but I did utilize my puppy-eyes. I actually found out that it works wonders on Sarek, the chef, especially when I want sweets and it's not snack-time yet.

Anyway, with the sisters having changed and ready, we start by playing a round of hide and seek, with Alice being the seeker, followed by a small game of tag. Both me and Sumi have the advantage when it comes to speed, so the round of tag came to a rather quick end, which was then followed by other games both in the garden and on the table.

We played many different things, as well as along the small stream coming from the mountains.

We start by building a dam and later by trying to catch the small fish. I did try to use magic on one point, but Alice forbid it, only to find her use a small net instead. When we actually started spraying water at one another, Anna and one of the two princesses, she goes by the name of Livienne, fell into the stream, spraying water everywhere. Though I did expect the princess to become angry, she first took a look around before she begun laughing loudly.

I don't know what caused her to laugh like that, but seeing her sisters astounded face, it appears to be rare for her to do so. But even then, her laughter became slowly contagious, and after a minute, everyone laughed together, requiring another few minutes until everyone calmed down.

Anyway, from that moment on, the sisters were less stiff and actually enjoyed themselves. They didn't even complain when they got dirty, so in the end, we all enjoyed a great time. Especially the sister, as they, after being called for lunch, showed smiles I haven't seen them make since they arrived. Though their faces are partially smeared with dirt like all of us, they showed big smiles and even thanked each of us, saying things along the line of being thankful for being treated normally.

Well, even when we are happy, the butler who called us to the table nearly had a nerve breakdown seeing us return with mud-smeared clothes. But luckily, the moment Uncle Black and the Royal Pair saw us enter, the started to laugh loudly, ordering some of the maids to help us refresh ourselves before lunch.

While being guided to the bath, I could actually hear the king say something along the lines of 'I guess I have to thank you for returning my daughters smiles' to Uncle Black. I don' know what is meant by that, but seeing that everyone is happy, I am also filled with a good mood, causing me to become a bit overenthusiastic in the bath, causing the maid responsible for cleaning my hair to have some troubles.

Anyway, after the bath, we have lunch together with everyone. To my surprise, the King and Uncle Black seem to get along nicely, acting casual with each other while they eat. I don't know what they talked about within the lobby, but it had to be something that let them get closer, so I don't complain. The only one with a slightly sour mood seems to be the prince, as he desperately keeps trying to stick that one pea onto his fork. I don't know why he doesn't use the spoon, but seeing this is amusing, so no-one says a word.

Still, after we all had lunch, I suddenly remember the big pile of presents remaining in the living room, causing me to once more become excited.

“Oh yeah, Anna, Alice! I had my birthday yesterday and I haven't unpacked all my presents yet. Do you want to join me?” (Arin)

Telling this to my two sisters, I stand up from the table with Uncle Blacks permission before I grab Sumi's hand and also drag her along. Then, additionally with Cyan and Saria, we all enter the living-room, where until now there still stands a mountain of presents.

In front of the pile, Anna suddenly begins to mutter:

“I expected about five to ten presents, but this...” (Anna)

“Well, it was a really huge surprise party.” (Arin)

Trying to strengthen the 'huge' word by stretching my arms as wide as I could, I explain Anna about the party I had yesterday.

Hearing this, Anna and Alice finally clicked and congratulated me while still staring at the pile.

“I really want to dive into them, like in the movies...” (Anna)

“Yeah...” (Alice)

While my sisters remain motionless, Cyan suddenly walks towards the pile before returning with a specific present. It is a box which is slightly smaller than my head and is of a bright green color. On the cover there is even a small golden engraving stating; 'from Cyan to my little brother.'

With my curiosity taken, I quickly remove the holders and open the box, revealing a sword-hilt. It is the same size and form as the katana-hilt I normally use, but it is made of dark green scales, with small engravings as decoration. On one side, a small fox can be seen, while the other shows a massive turtle in combat. Seeing this, I feel excited, so I take the hilt into my hand to try and find out how it feels. To my surprise, even though the scales are pointy, they do nor hurt, as they are all carefully polished to make for a stable grip. On the hilts bottom there is even a small engraving of my initials: 'A.R.'

While still holding onto the hilt, I jump into Cyans arms and give him a huge thanks. Cyan is a bit flustered, but he accepts it gratefully. I wonder, did his training with Uncle Black and Elrion not change him quite a lot?

Well anyway, just as I am about to pick another present, Anna suddenly looks at me with serious eyes.

“Arin, who is Cyan?!” (Anna)

“Uhm, my brother? He has a familiar contract with me, but I see him more like an older brother.” (Arin)

Showing a wide smile at her question, she only sighs before turning towards him, this time, a bit more calm.

She only shows a smile and then drops the matter, but for whatever reason, I feel that this isn't over yet.

Anyway, with that done, this time Saria brings me a present. It is a simple letter, but opening it, the content made me happy.

“Congratulation on your ninth Birthday Young Master.

As a small gift:

A free 'I get away with this' coupon.

Can be used anytime. 3X times total.

Blessings: Elrion, Sarek, Saria, Illusia and Nana”

Reading the letter, I show a big smile and give my thanks to Saria. Listening to her explanation, the snacks yesterday as well as the decorations were all part of their gift for me, so I thank her again. I will have to thank the others as well, but that can wait until later, as most of them are currently busy anyways.

That aside, a 'I get away with this' card means that I can actually do something forbidden, like jumping on the bed for a while, without facing consequences. Actually, I did try sometimes, but every time I do so, Saria suddenly shows up and starts lecturing me.

Anyway, after this, I begin grabbing randomly into the pile. I don't know who it is from, but seeing that there is still a mountain of them, I might as well get started.

But before I could open the small metal box in front of me, Uncle Black also entered the room. The king and queen aren't with him, it seems that they are taking a rest after the meal.

Meanwhile, Uncle Black came to watch as I open the packages, as he really wants to see it. I don't really understand what is so amazing about seeing someone else open packages... maybe it is like the time I felt proud and happy when I saw that one of the even younger kids had extreme fun with one of the stuffed animals I made...?

Anyway, Uncle Black said that his present will come at the end, so I continue to explore through all the other presents.

There are many different things, such as clothes, armor, magic-tools, toys and even food. Some of them were actually just letters with a gold coin or something like that stuck inside, while others contained raw or rare materials for crafting.

One of the more interesting ones was actually a multitool staff. On close inspection it appears like a rod which has been shortened and then cut in two, but still connected by a magic-string. It's appearance reminds me of nun-chucks, simple in design, yet appearing rather elegant.

But, if one connects the sides, they suddenly expand and form one big staff, taller than me or even Cyan. The staff itself is weighted on certain points, which means it is meant for combat, but to my ultimate surprise, if one infused mana into a certain channel contained within the staffs middle-piece, it actually breaks open the top, revealing a crystal like the one from Lumi. The Crystal is just a lot smaller, imbued into the staff while the fragments who sprung off dance around it in the air. If I am not wrong, then this should be a magic-amplification crystal, and a neutral one at that. With it, my magic should be even more powerful.

This staff is the gift brought by Scyrra, and a product of the combined efforts of the town's blacksmith and the magic-craftsmen Lindo. Lindo actually even added a book about advanced Magic-circles, those that normally even normal Magi-Craftsmen don't have access to.

Flying over the book for an instant and testing the staff, I am once more filled with excitement. I really want to thank them, but they are not here, so I only thank them in my heart. But now, I really want to test them out...

Still, laying them to the side, I continue opening the presents. There aren't many left, but still, the contents are very interesting. My teacher Cynthia for example even created a few pencils with different colors since I once asked her if it is possible. With those I could make more drawings, so I carefully put them to the side. Don't want to break them before I can test them out.

Alice actually showed quite the interest in some of the presents as well, especially the recipe book I got from the chef of the Dragon-Stage restaurant in the City. Meanwhile, someone from the school even created a chess-set completely made of glass. It isn't perfect, but I really like it. Should I learn how to make glass? Maybe another time.

While being immersed in opening packages, I don't even realize that everyone else is staring at me with wide eyes and happy grins.

(AN: Meanwhile in everyone's mind (of those present): Aww, look at his smile and big eyes, he is so cute!)

Anyway, after opening the last package, which contains a nicely decorated robe, I sit down to rest. I am a bit out of breath, probably because my body was under pressure the whole time due to my excitement.

But before I could make myself comfortable, Uncle Black stood up and gave me another package. Is is very small, yet has considerable length. I don't know what's inside, but on Uncle Blacks insistence, I slowly open it and take a look inside. What greets me is a blade, just like the ones on katanas, but the design is a bit thicker, strait and inscribed with mana-lines. If I am not incorrect, then one could actually infuse mana into them and create elemental-blades. And the material, is this mythril combined with orichalcum? How?

Being amazed, I look at Uncle Black. I may not understand how it is made, but he made it for me and that's what counts. Grateful for his present, I give Uncle Black a big hug and thank him. But to my surprise, Uncle Black then points at the hilt still laying on the ground...

“It isn't complete yet, now is it?” (Uncle Black)

Laughing lightly, Uncle Black uses his tail to pick up the hilt as he currently holds me in his arms. It is the hilt that Cyan gave me, so... does that mean they belong together? If that is so, that would mean that they worked together on one gift for me, cool!

While looking forward to the complete sword, I surround the blade with mana, fearing it might be too sharp to pick up with my hands. Letting it lightly float, I then take the hilt from Uncle Black and connect it to the end-part of the blade.

But the moment the two make contact, I feel like my mana is being drained, and a few clicking noises echo in the room. Just as I am about to throw them away out of shock, it calms down, and in front of me, is a full sword, or more like a mix of a katana and European sword.

Its design is great and the decorations fit my silver hair, so using the additional sheath who Is made from black scales, I then sheath the blade and move it around. The sword is still a tad too big for me, but I believe that I will grow accustomed to it.

Thanking Uncle Black once again while still sitting in his arms, I then look towards the others and thank them as well, showing a wide smile while doing so.

The others in the room smile back and all of them once more congratulate me to my birthday, which I accept. The only ones slightly bitter are Anna and Alice, as they believe to be blamed for having forgotten about me. But I don't mind, as there is nothing they could have done. Also, they came to visit me even though they didn't know what to expect, and that is already a gift for me.

But even so, one problem remains... where should I put all this stuff now?