Emi stared at the group before Umi, her mind blank as the image of the four burned into her mind.
And two children…one if which brought forth memories of the one she gave away. Could it really be hers? She couldn’t stay in the shadows, but she dare not step forward in case she wasn’t wanted. Arms beginning to shake, she sank into the shadows and rushed to Umi and Nate’s room, emerging with her chest heaving from the rush of fear she felt.
Why were they here? She hadn’t seen them for close to 18 years…unless-
The door opening had Emi spinning to face it, a knife in hand in case it was an attacker. Instead she saw a startled Nate and glaring Umi.
“Go to them and meet your daughter.” She commanded, expression softening just so as she adjusted her grip on her youngest, Amibel. “She’s here to meet your after all,” the queen whispered, green eyes staring into Emi’s before she nodded and sank into the shadows once more.
When Emi emerged it was just outside the entrance to one of the gardens, soft voices reaching her ear as she stilled.
“Dad, are you sure she lives here?” A young woman’s voice. “It doesn’t seem like somewhere a ninja would live,”
“I’m sure Pluto,” Xander. “Your mother is very dedicated to the safety of queen Umi after all. Isn’t that right, Miss Emi?”
Chilled at being called out to, Emi swallowed before stepping around the corner and into view, gaze lowered as she listened to their reactions. “Why are you here, sir Xander?” she asked, not daring to look up despite feeling the air move as the young woman stepped towards her. Instead she glanced at Xander with a scowl hidden beneath her mask.
The mob boss simply smiled and held out a hand to the young horned woman. “For our daughter to meet you, of course.” he said voice smooth as silk and causing Emi’s hair to stand on end.
It took precisely thirty one and a half seconds for Emi to calm down enough to respond, but when she did it was to speak to her daughter. Her little Pluto…
That night she slipped into Xander’s room, announcing her presence to him and Claudia with a short cough. “Thank you, for letting me see her…And for taking care of her all these years as well. I-I owe you much for this.” she said, mouth and neck exposed as she trained her sight on the wall to her right, hoping they did not comment on her lowered face mask.
“Stay the night? Emi?“ Claudia asked, tone gentle as she held a hand out in invitation. Emi looked between her and Xander, obviously torn on what to say and do.
Just as she opened her mouth to politely decline, Xander smirked and inclined his head. “Come now Emi, didn’t you miss us?”
And just like that her crumbling resolve broke and she accepted Claudia’s hand, kissing the meat of her palm as she felt Xander wrap an arm around her waist. “You know I did,” she whispered, her guard low as she allowed herself to be lost in the moment and enjoy herself.
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