Extra: Discount Lamprey

"This is our last stop for today," he says. "We will continue with advanced manipulation of light and heat tomorrow."

Wriggle nods obediently as she follows. The day's lesson was harsh and tiring; she never expected it to be so difficult. The black-white really does make it look a lot easier than it really is when she casts those ridiculously flashy spells. Master himself mentioned that this kind of magic takes a lot of hard work to master, and despite how she acts, Marisa was not an exception. Her Mini-Hakkero is powerful, but all in all, it is still only a focusing device that reflects the energies of its user.

"We have arrived," says Master. "It's been a while since I've tasted her specialty."

"W-what? But isn't this -" Wriggle says.

"Something different is nice once in a while," he interrupts. "Variety is good for a magician."

Suddenly, a strange melody comes from behind the counter as they sit. This night stand is surprisingly popular in the area for its specialty. Wriggle heard that humans, youkai, tengu, and other strange beings travel from far away places just to taste the dishes. A few restaurants even offered to buy the recipe, offering quite a bit of coin, but the owner refuses to sell. A bit of a weird one, the owner seems satisfied with managing this little red-lantern stand.

"Night bird, night song~ Human shall turn off the light in the darkness~" sings the owner as she turns to her customers.

For a moment, the owner, a Night Sparrow youkai, looks at them with mouth agape. Wriggle gives her a polite smile and a wave, while her Master just nods slightly. But before Wriggle could say another word, the owner leaps from the counter and gives her a tight hug.

"I-It's great to see you too, Mystia," Wriggle says in a muffled voice.

"Firefly of the Evening~ On a journey she did go~" sings Mystia. "Leaving poor Mystia~ Alone I missed her so~"

Mystia takes Wriggle's hands and dances merrily around the night stand, singing a beautiful melody as they went. Twisting and turning, and interspersed with hugs, the sparrow lead her three times around before finally letting go and returning behind the counter. Throughout the commotion, Master said nothing and stayed completely silent.

"Now I shall cook something special~" Mystia says. "Something special for my long lost sister!"

"W-what?" Wriggle cries.

"We are the closest of friends~ the world cannot deny! Far more than best friends~ we are sisters, you and I!"

Mystia smiles brightly as she serves them each a large serving of grilled lamprey. The night went on pleasantly, with plenty of good food and polite conversation. The night sparrow was in such a good mood, that she even offered them a discount on the food.

"Just don't tear me up so badly next time," Mystia says playfully.