12-Some Moments!

Typhoon No. 19 was hitting Tokyo directly. The wind howling outside, rattling the old wooden shutters of the antique shop.

RATTLE. RATTLE. BOOM.

Inside, the lights flickered then died out leaving total darkness.

Chi-chan: (Voice trembling) "I... I am not afraid! This is just... nice ambiance!"

A massive crack of thunder outside.
KRA-KOOM!

Chi-chan: "KYAAAA!"

Chi-chan dove under the table instantly. A lump under the blanket was shaking violently.

Poko: "It’s okay, Chi-chan! It’s just sky-drums!"
Poko was holding a flashlight under her chin to make a scary face, but she stopped when she saw Chi-chan actually about to crying.

Rinka sat by the window, lighting a kerosene lamp. The warm, orange glow filled the room, casting long shadows.

Rinka: "The shop is old but it has stood for 100 years. It won't fall tonight."

DRIP. DROP.

Water landed on Rinka’s nose.

Rinka: "....."

The rain started dripping through the ceiling in three different spots.

Rinka: "Poko , baku chan put buckets on spots."

Poko: "Roger!"

They put buckets over several spots to stop floor from getting wet.

Rinka walked over to the kitchen and pulled out her secret stash—the Premium Cup Noodles. The ones that cost 400 yen each.

Chi-chan: (Sniffing) "Is that... the Reserve Stock?"

Rinka: "The gas is still working. We can boil water."

Ten minutes later.
The storm was raging outside, but inside, the smell of rich broth filled the air.
They sat around the table. Poko was holding a bowl. Baku-chan was awake for once, eyes sparkling at the food.

Rinka: "Eat while it's hot."

Chi-chan: "You’re... giving us the good noodles? Usually, you make us eat discount bean sprouts."

Rinka: "Tonight is special.

They slurped the noodles in the dim orange light. The sound of rain against the roof felt less scary now; it felt like a barrier separating them from the world.

Poko: "Yummy! Warm noodles in a storm are the best!"

Baku-chan: "Yeah after sleep food taste more yummy..."

Chi-chan: (Quietly) "It’s... acceptable. Even it's for peasants not for queen like me."
(She drank the broth greedily).

CRACK-BOOM!
Another massive thunderclap right overhead. The whole house shook.

Chi-chan: "EEEEEEK!"
Chi-chan dropped her chopsticks and buried her face in Rinka’s sleeve. She squeezed Rinka’s arm, her tiger claws digging in slightly.

Chi-chan: "Don't let the sky fall on me! Rinka! Do something! Use your magic!"

Rinka looked down at the terrified Chimera clinging to her.
Usually, Rinka would flick her forehead.
But tonight, Rinka slowly reached out her hand.
She gently patted Chi-chan’s head, stroking the fur between her tiger ears.

Rinka: "I told you. This shop won't fall."

Chi-chan: "H-How do you know?"

Rinka: "Because I am the owner and nothing takes my property without my permission...Not even the wind."

Rinka’s hand moved to Poko, patting her fluffy hair. Then she adjusted Baku-chan’s blanket.

Rinka: "You are all my property. So, you are safe."

It was a possessive thing to say, but in that moment, it sounded like: I will protect you.

Poko: "Rinka is so cool! Like a dad!"

Chi-chan: (Blushing, pulling away) "Hmph! I knew that! I was just testing your reflexes!"
(But she didn't move far. She stayed pressed against Rinka’s side).

An hour later.
The storm had calmed down to a steady rain.
The kerosene lamp was burning low.

Rinka prepared her futon.
But before she could lie down, Poko rolled onto it.
Then Baku-chan curled up at the foot of it.

Rinka: "What are you doing? Go to your own."

Poko: "It’s cold tonight! Body heat is most efficient no?"

Baku-chan: "Rinka smells like old books... it makes me extra sleepy..."

Chi-chan stood awkwardly at the edge.
Chi-chan: "I... uh... my futon is wet from the leak! I have no choice!"

Chi-chan dived in, squeezing between Rinka and Poko.

Rinka: "It’s crowded. You guys are heavy."

Chi-chan: "Shut up. Just be my pillow."

Rinka sighed. She looked at the ceiling.
She was surrounded. Poko’s tail was in her face. Chi-chan’s elbow was poking in her ribs. Baku-chan was drooling on her socks.
It was uncomfortable. It was annoying.

Rinka closed her eyes and smiled—a genuine, small smile, not a scary one.

Rinka: "Goodnight, you idiots."

Chi-chan: (Sleepily) "Night, rinka."
Poko: "Nighty night..."
Baku-chan: "Zzz..."

The candle flickered out.
Outside, the storm passed leaving the old shop standing strong protecting the strange little family inside.