Extra. Her life at 16 years old (part 1)

Six years ago.

---Moon's Perspective---

"Taa... Tararará... Rará~"

I hum a quiet melody from my little wooden stool, tending to the food cooking over the small wood-fired grill in our garden.

It is the simplest meal in the world. The sharp, earthy scent of woodsmoke mingles with the rich aroma of thick-cut bacon grease, savory ham, and melting cheese over golden eggs and toasted bread.

I take pride in the fact that my children aren't picky eaters... Well, except for my youngest daughter with onions. And my son with tomatoes. And my other daughter with meat, my oldest daughter with lettuce, oh, and my husband with garlic. Actually, now that I think about it, the few things they hate are incredibly common ingredients that go into almost everything.

Wait, what was I talking about again? Why am I so distracted today? 'I really hope the kids don't inherit this scatterbrained trait,' I think to myself.

I just shrug. Regardless of my rambling, it is an absolutely beautiful day. A crisp fall breeze bites gently at my cheeks, but the bright morning sun warms my skin right through my clothes. It would be a shame for the kids to sleep through this perfect weather. I should go wake them up.

Listening to the final sizzle of the meat, I pull the last crispy bacon strips off the hot iron grates and head inside the house.

Let me see. Cala, my oldest daughter, is dead to the world, even though the sun came up hours ago. I would try to wake her, but it would take a bucket of ice water to get her out of bed. She is definitely more cat than fox. Then again, foxes share a lot of quirks with cats, despite being related to dogs.

I peek in on Eruca, my second daughter. She is sitting up in bed, tightly cocooned in a heavy wool blanket and still half asleep. I suppose the smell of breakfast will lure her down to the garden whenever she is ready.

I step up to the door of my youngest son's room, about to knock, when Ethan shuffles past me toward the bathroom, dragging his feet against the floorboards.

"Ethan! Good morning," I sing out. "We're eating out in the garden today."

"Okay." He rubs his eyes.

I cross my arms. "Excuse me? What do we say?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry. Good morning, Mom."

"That's better!"

I let him go about his business and make my way over to my youngest daughter's room. I don't even have to knock on Seina's door. It is cracked open, so I just invite myself in.

"Seina? Good morning."

I find her standing in front of her large full-length mirror, shivering slightly in just her underwear. She holds a dress up in each hand, clearly agonizing over which one looks better. I glance around and sigh. The room is a total disaster zone, with mountains of discarded fabrics covering every surface.

'Can't she just try something on and hang it back up if she doesn't like it?' I wonder, stepping over a stray sock. 'I pray this messy habit doesn't stick.'

"Mom! Good morning!" she chirps.

"Today we're having breakfast outside—" I begin to say, but she talks right over me.

"Perfect timing! Tell me, which one is prettier?" She holds both garments up to the light for my inspection. The left one is a vibrant blue, overflowing with frilly bows and soft silk ribbons. The right one is pristine white, simpler in cut but decorated with intricate, delicate embroidery across the bodice.

"Isn't it a bit too early to—" My voice trails off as she ignores me completely.

"Oh, wait! I found this one earlier, too. Look!" The nerve of this girl, interrupting me again. Me, her mother!

She drops both dresses onto the floorboards and dives back into a rustling pile of clothes near her closet. A moment later, she surfaces triumphantly, holding up yet another option.

"Hold on, first tell me where you are going. And please stop interrupting me—"

She doesn't listen.

"See, I'm heading to the shelter with Liam, ahem!" She cuts herself off with an incredibly fake coughing fit, her cheeks immediately burning a bright, frantic red. 'Oh, is she mortified just because she used a pet name for that boy?' I hide a smile. What a pure, innocent girl.

"I just meant that William invited me to help out at the shelter today," she stammers, refusing to meet my eyes.

"Well then, you definitely have to look pretty. Though, that vest—"

She talks over me once more. "I know! I've been tearing my closet apart since dawn. I like these, but I feel like nothing is good enough."

"Why don't you ever wake up this early to help me clean the house?" I ask, exasperated, but she is already spinning around.

"Exactly! Do you think Eruca will mind if I raid her closet? I'll be right back."

Alright, enough.

"Ahhh!" she yelps.

Before she can dart out of the room, I reach out and pinch her ear. I tug it firmly, just enough for her to get the message, though I make absolutely sure not to actually hurt her.

"Stop interrupting your mother when she is speaking to you!" I scold.

"Ow, ow, ow! I'm sorry! Please let go, you're going to rip my ear off!"

I finally release my grip. She drops to her knees on the floor in a theatrical display of agony, pressing both hands over her ears to protect them.

I cast a subtle, assessing glance at her twitching, downy-soft fox ear, double-checking that there is no real damage. I genuinely hate disciplining her like this. But when my own mother used to pinch my ear, it taught me not to disrespect her. As I grew into an adult and understood her reasons, my love and respect for her only deepened.

"That is what you get for talking over people," I remind her gently. "That is how rude, uneducated girls behave. Do you understand?"

"Yes. I'm sorry."

"Good. Now, that aside, you really do need to look your best for your date." I bend down and start gathering up the discarded dresses from the floor.

"Uh... I..." She sputters, her eyes going wide. "I-It's not a date! He just wants me to keep the dogs entertained so they don't get in the way while he treats one of them. That is definitely not a... a da... whatever you just said."

I give her a long, knowing look. I can see the furious blush spreading past her neck and all the way down to her chest. Aaahhh! I scream internally. 'My little girl is so incredibly adorable! I just want to squeeze her.' Still, I hold myself back. If I hug her now, she will think I am making fun of her. It is much safer to pretend I believe her clumsy excuses.

Besides, looking at these dresses in my hands...

"Whatever you say, Sei. But you really need to pick out a different outfit."

"Say, say?" she repeats, blinking blankly as she rubs her ear.

"Say, Seina," I corrected with a soft, chuckling sigh.

"Huh... Oh, wait! What's wrong with these?"

"They show far too much skin. They aren't appropriate for a young girl."

"What? I am almost an adult!"

"And until that 'almost' disappears, you will dress a bit more modestly."

"Ugh. But I'm going to miss out on the opportunity."

I bite the inside of my cheek to stifle a smile.

"Opportunity for what? Weren't you just going to help your friend with his chores?"

"Yes! Obviously!" She waves her hands defensively. "But, um, who knows when I'll actually feel like wearing a nice dress again? That is all I meant!"

"I'm sure we can find something we both like. What time are you leaving, anyway?"

"Oh, around noon."

I blink at her. "Seina, it is barely seven in the morning."

"Y-yes."

"I will help you," I offer with a warm sigh. "We can alter the details on one of these dresses if you really want to wear it. Unless you've already forgotten how to sew?"

"No, I remember. That sounds great. Thanks, Mom."

"Of course!"

She pauses, hugging her arms across her chest. "Oh, right. Why were you looking for me in the first place?"

"Huh? Oh, yes! Breakfast is ready. We are eating out in the garden today. Do me a favor and go fetch your siblings while I dig through this closet to find something nice for you to wear. Deal?"

"Deal."

She turns and marches right out of her bedroom. Still wearing only her underwear.

I shake my head. 'This girl. My brother's daughter is definitely being a bad influence on her.' Oh well. As soon as her head comes down from the clouds, she will realize how freezing the hallway is and come sprinting back.

As I sift through the mountain of clothes, my heart swells. I am so unbelievably glad she met that boy, William. She used to be such a quiet, apathetic child, always wandering around in a daze as if nothing in the world mattered to her.

There were times her hollow stares made me doubt every parenting decision I made, despite the experience I gained from raising my two older girls.

But seeing her like this now, glowing with so much vibrant, chaotic energy... it makes me happier than words can say.

I hope she stays exactly like this.

No. I hope she becomes even happier, smiling brightly for the rest of her life.

-----

---Seina POV---

I finish breakfast and hurry back to my room as quickly as possible. Mom and I finally settle on an outfit: a lovely light pink dress layered over thick, warm tights. Paired with sturdy leather boots and a cropped wool coat to keep the fall chill at bay.

'Should I put on some makeup?'

I stare at my reflection. I've never actually worn any before... Honestly, the thought of having stuffy powder on my face sounds miserable, and I don't even know if I have any makeup. It would be entirely too embarrassing to ask Mom for help now, especially since I'd have to admit this is a... d-date.

Nah, I decide, turning away from the mirror. 'I'll just rely on my natural charm!'

Stepping out of the house, I make my way toward a park a few blocks down. The crisp breeze carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves, and I can't help but bounce on my heels. Today couldn't be more perfect! I get to spend the whole day with Liam, play with a bunch of puppies, and maybe even grab lunch together later. He mentioned that he had plans for us. Will he finally ask me to be his girlfriend? 'I really hope so...'

I sometimes have my doubts about whether we'll actually work out. I'm not particularly attracted to his body most of the time, but I still think we'll be just fine. I hope. I can't wait to find out.

I don't even have to wait for him. He is already there at the park entrance.

Liam is a human with neatly combed, short black hair. He wears a simple shirt and trousers made of a heavy, durable canvas. The clothes are clearly meant for rough work, but they are impeccably clean. The sturdy fabric sits nicely on his lean, well-defined frame, matching a pair of scuffed but meticulously polished brown boots.

I quicken my pace, feeling a wide smile stretching across my face.

'Wait, calm down, me,' I scold myself. 'Don't do anything childish.'

But how should I act? If I show too much interest, it might be a little embarrassing at this point. But if I play it cool, won't he think I'm more excited about the animals than spending time with him? That would be sad.

Before I can settle on a plan, Liam catches sight of me. A bright, genuine smile breaks across his face before he suddenly catches himself. He covers his mouth with his hand, clears his throat, and approaches me with a much more composed, casual expression. 'Hehe, I've got him!' I think. 'Could he be just as excited to see me?'

"Liam!"

Using my momentum, I throw my arms around his neck. I've grown a bit lately. Not really in height, but my curves have definitely filled out. Still, the size difference between us only seems to be getting wider; he is now about half a head taller than me, putting my eyes perfectly level with his chin. I squeeze him in a firm hug, taking the brief opportunity to breathe in his scent and lock it into my memory.

"S-Seina. Good morning."

Oh? He sounds suddenly flustered. I peek up and notice his gaze is angled downward. He isn't looking at my face, but directly at my chest pressed snugly against his torso. Oh. 'Hehe, so much for his calm facade, huh?'

"Good morning!" I chirp.

Should I use the classic line? 'Did you wait long?' Nah, that's a little too obvious.

"W-well, um, wait," he stammers, clearing his throat as I step back into a half-hug, our arms still loosely tangled together. "Good. I'm glad you're here. Thanks for coming to help me. Are you ready?"

"Yes! You know I love animals. They'll be so busy playing with me they won't even notice you're there."

"I'm counting on you!"

He finally lets go of my waist... but his fingers slip down to interlock with mine. W-we're going to walk while holding hands!? Not that I mind, of course! But right at that heart-pounding moment, my only other friend, Kairi, casually strolls up to us. The second Liam spots her approaching, he drops my hand in an absolute hurry.

Oh. I don't even know what to think about that reaction. I don't have much time to dwell on it, though, because Kairi immediately steals my attention. She is a dog demi-human with beautifully tanned skin, a pretty face with a small button nose, and wide, expressive lips. A mane of long, vivid red hair cascades all the way down her back.

She has a distinctly bottom-heavy figure: modest breasts, but wide, inviting hips, a generous rear, and wonderfully curvy, sexy legs!

Her fluffy, oversized red dog ears match her hair perfectly, twitching above her head while a thick tail sways lazily behind her. Even with all those striking features, I've always loved her piercing blue eyes the most.

Today, she is wearing tight brown leather pants that hug every curve, tall boots, and a loose shirt casually tied at the waist.

"Seina! And... Liam. Good morning. Were you leaving without me already?" she asks.

Her voice has a husky, slightly gravelly tone that is still distinctly feminine. It's the kind of sultry voice that makes you want her to lean close to your ear and whisper, 'Now cum for mommy...'

'Ugh, damn teenage hormones,' I mentally curse myself.

"... Good morning, Kairi. Do you want to come too? I appreciate it; more help is always welcome," Liam says. His tone is perfectly friendly, but I can immediately tell he isn't thrilled by the idea. I feel a little bad for him, but... as much as I wanted us to have some alone time, having Kairi join us sounds like a lot of fun.

"Kairi! Good morning!"

She gives Liam a brief hug, then turns to me and wraps me in a much tighter, longer embrace, which I happily return. 'She's so soft~'

"It's getting late. Let's go," Liam interrupts. His voice sounds... strange? I don't know how to explain it. Kairi releases me, and she walks on ahead.

... I sense some kind of weird, heavy tension hanging in the air between the three of us. Oh well. I'm sure we'll all be chatting normally in no time.

While they call it an animal shelter, it's more like a massive wildlife sanctuary tucked right into the city. The new Countess is a big animal lover, so she poured a significant chunk of her personal fortune into maintaining and expanding the estate. They have paid professionals like Liam on staff, but they still rely heavily on volunteers to manage the grounds.

From the street, the facility is set back a bit and hard to fully see. But once we step through the double wooden doors set into the stone pillars and pass the reception desk, the interior is anything but modest. The air instantly shifts, smelling of fresh earth, pine, and dense foliage. It feels like a private nature reserve in itself, complete with a small pond bordered by winding dirt paths, ancient trees, and rolling grassy pastures.

Further in, past the open paddocks, stands the centerpiece of the sanctuary: a giant stone building topped with a towering glass dome, where a massive angel oak reaches up toward the sky through the glass panes.

Honestly, that angel oak peeking through the glass is about the only thing capable of pulling my eyes away from the two of them right now.

I'm not entirely sure how practical this setup is, considering my house sits on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by rural farmland that stretches all the way to the mountains. I suppose the pretty pond was already here, and they simply built the sanctuary around it? Still, it must be incredibly useful for providing a comfortable life for older or sick animals that can't be adopted.

Like a peaceful zoo for common animals.

Anyway, I heard the grounds cover nearly one hundred and twenty-five acres in total, and surprisingly, it isn't even the only shelter in the city!

There are all sorts of creatures here, mostly dogs and cats of all breeds, but there are also paddocks for larger animals like horses, chocobos, and even a lazy jak. Most of them are allowed to roam freely in designated pastures, though there are strictly separated enclosures for hostile or sick animals.

We don't have time to explore the entire estate today. We only catch glimpses of the grounds as we head straight into one of the intake rooms where the newest rescue dogs are kept. Looking around, I make a silent promise to myself: I am definitely coming back here, even if I have to come alone.

This place has everything!