⇲ 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐎𝐄 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘,
𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐑𝐎𝐄 𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄    〉 𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍 !
XXXX.      ✿      CIRCA JUNE 2012.
𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄
METRO BOOMIN.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Odette sat on her bed, her phone in hand, her long curls spilling over her shoulders as she stared at the screen. Her polished makeup, with glossy lips and bold lashes, gave her a radiant glow, but the furrow in her brows showed her growing frustration.

She tapped her nails against the back of her phone, the pink and orange acrylics catching the light.

She had been thinking about her family's connection to the Grim Reaper for weeks now. Something inside her told her there was more to it than what Grandma Mo had told her during her training sessions. If she was going to understand the weight of her powers, she needed to know the full story.

Taking a deep breath, she dialed her grandmother's number. The call connected on the first ring.

"Why are you calling my phone, Odette?"Mana's sharp yet loving voice came through the speaker. "If this is another excuse to avoid the shrine, save it."

Odette rolled her eyes, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Relax, Grandma. This isn't about that. I've been thinking about the Grim Reaper Spirit and our family. I want to know more—about the people before me and how they handled these powers."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by the faint sound of pages turning. "Hmm. Finally ready to take this seriously, are you? About time, little one. Head to the library at the Estate. Everything you need to know is there. But don't skim through it. You need to understand the history, not just glance over it."

Odette's smile widened. "Thanks, Grandma."

"Hold on," Mana interrupted, her tone turning mischievous. "Before you go, what's this I hear about you and that boy, Ken Takakura? Seiko told me you're becoming quite the 'lover girl.' Care to explain?"

Odette nearly dropped her phone. "Grandma Mo! Seiko's exaggerating! It's not like that!"

"Oh, really? Should I call Lorraine and tell her her daughter's getting cozy with a boy?"

"Don't you dare!" Odette squeaked, flopping back onto her bed, her cheeks burning. "Can we not do this right now? Please?"

Mana's laughter was loud and clear through the phone. "Alright, alright. I'll drop it. For now. But once you're done at the library, you're heading to the shrine. Meditate, work on your cardio."

"Yes, ma'am," Odette muttered, though a small grin played on her lips. She hung up, shaking her head at her grandmother's antics.

Still lying on her bed, she dialed Okarun's number. He picked up almost instantly. "Odette? What's up?"

"Hey, Kenny. I'm heading to my family's library to look into some stuff about the Grim Reaper Spirit. Want to come with me? It might be interesting."

"Absolutely! I've been curious about that ever since you mentioned it. When and where?"

"I'm grabbing food before heading over. Meet me at the noodle shop near the station, okay?"

"Got it. See you soon."

Odette hung up and quickly texted Momo, letting her know the plan. Within the hour, the three of them met at the shop. Odette arrived first, her curls bouncing with every step as she approached the table.

Her cropped white top revealed just a hint of cleavage, while her olive-green, high-waisted, distressed cargo jeans hugged her legs. She slipped on a pair of her beige-heeled mules to feel a bit taller.

Momo was next to arrive, dressed in a loose lavender hoodie and black leggings that hugged her figure. She paired the outfit with chunky white sneakers, her usual tomboyish flair on full display. Okarun showed up last, slightly out of breath but grinning. He wore a simple white T-shirt tucked into dark blue joggers, his glasses slightly askew from running.

"You're late, Kenny," Odette teased, smirking as she leaned back in her seat.

"Sorry! I had to help my mother with something before I could leave," Okarun said, pushing his glasses up his nose.

They ordered their food and chatted as they ate. Momo leaned back in her chair, resting her chin in her palm. "So, what's the big deal with this library, anyway? Is it like some ancient, secret treasure trove?"

"Pretty much," Odette said, twirling her chopsticks. "It's where my family keeps all our records. Journals, books, scrolls—everything about the Grim Reaper Spirit and our battles with yokai and aliens."

Okarun's eyes lit up behind his glasses. "That sounds amazing. I can't wait to see it."

———

The Estate library was a sight to behold. As they stepped inside, the trio was greeted by towering bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling, their dark mahogany wood polished to a gleaming finish.

A massive crystal chandelier hung overhead, casting a warm, golden light that illuminated the room. Stained-glass windows depicted scenes of battles between humans and supernatural beings, their vibrant colors painting the walls with a kaleidoscope of hues.

"This place is insane," Momo muttered, her eyes wide as she took in the grandeur. "It's like something out of a fantasy novel."

Okarun, however, was completely in awe. "This is incredible," he whispered, running his fingers along the spines of the books.

Odette couldn't help but smile at their reactions. "Yeah, it's pretty cool," she admitted, leading them to a long wooden table in the center of the room. She pulled a thick, leather-bound book from one of the shelves and set it down with a heavy thud. The title, The Monroè Legacy: Chronicles of the Grim Reaper Spirit, was embossed in gold.

They huddled around the table as Odette opened the book. The pages were filled with detailed accounts of her ancestors, from Evangeline, the first to wield the Grim Reaper Spirit, to Sabine, who defended New Orleans from an alien invasion. Each story was more extraordinary than the last.

•  Evangeline Monroè (13th Century, France) - Evangeline, the matriarch of the Monroè line, was a revered healer during a time of despair brought on by the plague. She struck the fateful bargain with the Grim Reaper Spirit to save her family and community, securing the survival of her bloodline at the cost of eternal servitude to Death's balance.

•  Sabine Monroè (19th Century, France
to the United States) - Sabine was the first Monroè to leave France, immigrating to the United States during the Industrial Revolution. She established the family's name in New Orleans, blending their traditions with the rich spiritual practices of voodoo.

"Your family is incredible," Okarun said, his eyes wide as he scanned the pages.

"I know right? It's a lot to live up to," Odette admitted, brushing her curls over her shoulder. "Grandma Mo makes it look easy, but I don't know if I'll ever reach above her level."

"You will," Momo said confidently, leaning against Odette's leg. "You've already done some amazing stuff. You've got this."

Okarun nodded, his gaze soft as he looked at her. "Momo's right. You're stronger than you think."

The warmth in their words made Odette's heart swell. She gave them a grateful smile. "Thanks, guys. I mean it."

As the hours passed, the trio became immersed in the library's contents. Momo eventually dozed off, her head resting on Odette's leg. Okarun, still wide awake, leaned into Odette's side, his head resting lightly against her shoulder. She absentmindedly ran her fingers through his hair, her other hand flipping through a book on alien technology.

"This is wild," Okarun murmured, adjusting his glasses. "Your family's been through so much."

"Tell me about it," Odette replied, her voice soft. "It's kind of overwhelming, honestly."

Okarun turned to look at her, his gaze earnest. "You're doing an amazing job carrying on their legacy, Odette. Don't doubt yourself okay?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She smiled, her fingers brushing lightly over his hand. "Thanks, Kenny."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the only sounds were the faint rustling of pages and Momo's soft breathing. Odette glanced at Okarun, her gaze lingering on his face. He looked up, their eyes meeting. Slowly, almost instinctively, they began leaning closer.

Just as Odette was about to give him a quick peck on the lips, the library door creaked open. They jolted apart, their faces flushed as the butler entered, carrying a tray laden with snacks and beverages.

"Ah, young Miss Monroè, Mr. Takakura, and Miss Ayase," the butler, Charles, announced as he entered the library with his usual air of calm authority. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his silver hair combed neatly back. "I thought you might need some sustenance after all that reading."

Odette immediately cleared her throat, sitting up straighter and brushing a loose curl behind her ear. "Thank you, Charles," she said, her tone slightly higher-pitched than usual as she tried to mask the embarrassment bubbling inside her.

"Of course," Charles replied with a polite bow, setting down the tray of tea, cookies, and small sandwiches on the nearest table. His knowing smile didn't go unnoticed, and Odette fought the urge to squirm under his gaze. "Carry on with your research."

With that, he exited the library, leaving an air of awkward silence in his wake. The massive library doors clicked shut behind him, and Odette let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. The cozy scent of the fresh cookies filled the air, momentarily cutting through the tension.

Momo stirred from her spot on the rug, blinking sleepily as she sat up. "Did I miss something?" she asked, her voice groggy as she stretched her arms overhead.

Odette and Okarun quickly exchanged glances, their blushes deepening in unison. "Nothing at all," Odette said hurriedly, grabbing a cookie from the tray and biting into it to busy her hands and mouth. She avoided Okarun's gaze, but the small, secret smile on her lips didn't escape him.

Okarun shifted nervously, his fingers brushing against hers on the table as he reached for a cup of tea. The light pink blush on his cheeks only deepened, his thoughts swirling. Words like confession and kiss raced through his mind, but he struggled to say anything coherent.

Momo, oblivious to the tension, picked up a book she'd been reading earlier, her fingers flipping through the pages as she muttered, "Good cookies, though." She took a big bite, crumbs scattering onto her lap.

Odette chuckled lightly at Momo's usual casualness, but she couldn't shake the fluttering feeling in her chest. She glanced at Okarun, who was now preoccupied with the family records book. His expression was calm, but his fingers were still lightly intertwined with hers under the table, a gesture that made her heart skip.

———

Later, as the sun began to dip lower on the horizon, Odette noticed the time. "We should head to the shrine," she said, standing and brushing the crumbs off her jeans. "I need to meditate and train, and I'm sure we'll get some customers stopping by."

Okarun looked up from the book, adjusting his glasses. "Are you sure it's okay if we take these books with us?" He held up the family records he'd been reading and another book about ghosts and yokai.

Odette nodded, her curls bouncing with the motion. "Of course. Grandma Mo won't mind. Just make sure you actually read them and don't just haul them around for decoration," she teased.

Momo grabbed a small stack of books she'd chosen from the shelves, cradling them in her arms. "You know I'm taking these. Some of this stuff is crazy interesting. Did you know there's a whole section on psychic phenomena in combat?"

Odette rolled her eyes affectionately. "Just don't go trying to blow up my shrine with your new knowledge."

The trio gathered their things and headed out. Once they arrived at the shrine, Odette quickly changed into her workout clothes—black leggings and a hoodie layered over her shirt—while Momo and Okarun settled into the quiet, open space.

The shrine had a calming aura, its worn wooden floors polished by years of care. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting gentle shadows that danced with the breeze.

Odette began to stretch, the sleek fabric of her leggings highlighting her toned, curvaceous figure. Momo, sitting cross-legged on a bench, couldn't help but take notice of how built Odette's legs were—strong and defined but not overly muscular, perfectly complementing her naturally curvy frame.

"She really could crush a watermelon with those thighs," Momo muttered under her breath, smirking as she turned back to her book.

"What was that?" Odette asked, glancing over her shoulder as she finished her warm-up.

"Nothing," Momo replied quickly, burying her face in her book.

Okarun, on the other hand, was seated nearby, intently reading the Monroè family records. His focus was so sharp that he barely noticed anything else around him, though his fingers occasionally fidgeted as if remembering the fleeting touch of Odette's hand earlier.

Odette settled onto her meditation mat, crossing her legs and closing her eyes as she breathed deeply. The shrine fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the rustle of pages and the occasional sigh from Momo or Okarun.

After a few minutes, Momo spoke up, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Odette, why didn't you take your dad's last name? I mean, Carter's a cool name, too."

Okarun looked up from his book, nodding. "Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. Is it because of your powers?"

Odette opened her eyes, her expression calm as she addressed them. "Kind of," she said. "In my family, only sons—or daughters who don't inherit the Grim Reaper Spirit—get the choice to take their father's last name. My dad's last name is Carter, but my mom knew from the start that I'd inherit the spirit."

"How'd she know?" Momo asked, tilting her head.

"Grandma Mo told her," Odette said simply, a small smile playing on her lips. "She has this... knack for knowing things, especially when it comes to our family. She told my mom flat out that I'd inherit the spirit and probably be stronger than a lot of our ancestors."

Momo let out a low whistle. "No pressure or anything."

Odette chuckled softly. "Tell me about it. But my mom was adamant about keeping my last name as Monroè. She didn't want there to be any confusion about where I came from or what my responsibilities would be."

"Your family's legacy is really something," Okarun said, his admiration clear. "It's amazing how much history is tied to your name."

"It's a lot to live up to," Odette admitted. "But I wouldn't change it for anything to be honest."

Satisfied with her answers, Momo and Okarun returned to their books while Odette refocused on her meditation. The air in the shrine seemed to grow heavier, charged with a subtle energy that only she could feel.

Then, it came. The Whistle of Death. Sharp and haunting, it pierced through her mind, freezing her in place. Her breathing slowed, and her surroundings began to blur as she was pulled into her mindscape.

In the void, the Grim Reaper Spirit appeared, its towering figure cloaked in darkness. The skeletal hands glowed faintly, and though its face was hidden, Odette sensed a feminine presence beneath the hood. Despite its intimidating aura, she felt a strange sense of comfort, as though the spirit was both protector and guide.

"You've kept me safe," she said softly, her voice steady despite the surreal atmosphere. "From Turbo Granny, from Acrobatic Silky. That was you, wasn't it?"

The spirit didn't speak, but its silence was enough. Images began to appear around Odette—moments of intervention where the spirit had shielded her from harm. She saw its hand in her battles, its presence woven into the fabric of her life.

"Thank you," she said, her gratitude genuine.

The spirit tilted its head slightly, a gesture that felt almost maternal. Then, it raised a bony hand, pointing to the darkness. Its mouth opened, and a single word echoed through the void: Evil Eye.

An image materialized—a tall, lanky figure with a bowl haircut and a sinister grin that sent chills down Odette's spine. The vision lingered before fading into the void.

"What is it?" Odette asked. "What am I supposed to do?"

The spirit didn't answer. Instead, it raised its hand again, showing her fragmented images—puzzle pieces she would need to assemble herself. The Whistle of Death wasn't a call to immediate action but a warning of something to come. Whatever it was, it needed to be executed swiftly when the time came. If not, the spirit would take matters into its own hands.

"What could be so bad that it needs this kind of warning?" Odette asked, her voice trembling slightly.

The spirit remained silent, its form fading as the void began to shift. Odette felt herself being pulled back to the real world, the weight of its warning heavy on her mind.

When she opened her eyes, she was met with Okarun's concerned gaze, his hands on her shoulders. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

She nodded slowly, her breathing steady. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said, though her mind was anything but calm.

Momo, sitting nearby, watched her closely. "You sure? You looked... out of it for a second there."

"I'm fine," Odette repeated, her tone firmer this time. She glanced at the books they were reading and forced a small smile. "Let's just focus on what we came here to do."

Neither Okarun nor Momo pushed her for more details, but their concern lingered as they returned to their reading. Odette, however, couldn't shake the image of the Evil Eye or the weight of the spirit's warning.