Gate Hunters

(Somewhere empty with a single cage above a black sea)

Where am I?

...am I dreaming?

Out of all the dreams I could have had...why must it be in a cage.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, my fellow hunter," came a voice from the distance. A wooden rowboat was slowly making its way toward me.

Two lanterns and a fishing rod were positioned on the sides, yet the most noteworthy detail was the shadowy figure aboard the boat.

For some bizarre reason, I can't even talk to it.

"You and another have been chosen by fate to confront a perilous ideal that looms in the distant future. I envision it now, the forces of The World and Judgment arrayed against the end. My curiosity piques at the thought of how you both will avert this finale." The enigmatic figure delved within and produced a card. "I shall observe," it declared, and flung the card in my direction.

As the card dissolved into my body, I sensed a transformation occurring within me.

...

...

(Back to reality)

My dream roused me at precisely 6:30 in the morning. It was strange, but it fortunately stopped me from sleeping in.

To my left was a mirror, where I saw the sexy white-haired man staring himself down with those perfect blue eyes.

Before I got up, I blow a kiss to myself and perform a few short stretches.

Afterwards I looked to my right, to where my wife was laying in her bed facing the opposite direction.

I realised that there's a lot of space between us. I wonder when we will be able to push these beds together.

I mean, I not thinking of anything suspicious or anything, but it would be nice to be able to cuddle or even give each other good night kisses.

Thinking about this was making me feel warm inside. It's best I distract myself for time being.

I left the room and went into the kitchen. After a quick survey, I took stock of the available equipment and ingredients.

I can start with something simple and prepare fried eggs and toast for the kids with orange juice.

For Ruby, I can make her a special breakfast.

(45 minutes later)

Everything is done.

It took longer than expected because I didn't want to mess the kitchen.

First to arrive was Ruby in her sleepwear. Long sweatpants and a long sleeve shirt, "Morning Hon, I see you made breakfast." She said.

I showed a smile of satisfaction of my effort, "Happy first day." I said to her.

Ruby sat beside me where she saw what I made her. French toast in a heart shaped with melted butter on top and a cup of orange juice.

"My, you've really outdone yourself. Perhaps I should let you handle breakfast from now on," said Ruby, taking a bite of her meal.

"I smell food!" Amber sang as she charged downstairs.

When she came to the table with that warm smile on her face, "Morning mommy and daddy. Look I brushed my teeth all by myself." It made me happy that one of Ruby's children accepted me already.

Amber sat down and took her plate, "Did you make this?" She asked me.

"Yes, originally I was going to make pancakes, but I don't want to go overboard on my first day." I said.

Amber's eyes sparkled at the mention of pancakes. "I've never tried pancakes, but I've heard they're amazing. Mommy, have you had pancakes before?" she asked Ruby.

Ruby glanced at Amber with a smug expression and declared, "Yes, but that's only on special occasions. However, tomorrow morning, our dear friend here will treat us to pancakes." She then described the pancakes with such wonder that Amber couldn't help but cheer as she ate.

Next to arrive was Ken with headphones who was blasting music.

I noticed that he and Amber have matching pyjama sets. His had a blue kitten pattern while her was green. It was kind of cute.

Ken sat down but he didn't look at me. Just staring at the plate I made, "Thanks mom." He ate away without a care in the world.

Even though I made it. I'm grateful that my first time cooking for them was successful.