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Mamizou gave herself the once-over as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her leaf hairpin was perfectly placed to separate her long brown hair. (Hair which was further separated by light gray strands.) Her glasses were rectangular and trim, giving an aura of intelligence to her figure. Faint hints of crow's feet darted across her freckled face when she smiled, her teeth imperfect and slightly yellowed. She looked almost human, at least 40 years old.
Of course, she was anything but. It was in her nature to change her appearance, the way of the tanuki being one of many transformations. It was like life in a way, having to adapt to many different bodies. Was it not the same as being a different person around your parents than around your friends? Was it not beautiful in that way, to not be held down by one societal role?
A nasally voice interrupted Mamizou's musings. "Hey, since when do you take so long to doll yourself up?"
Mamizou turned, immediately flinching and turning back at the sight of who - or rather, what, at the moment - stood before her. It was a ball of pure light. "Sheesh, cut it with the light show! Can't you go without blindin' me?" Mamizou muttered.
Sure enough, the ball of light wasn't really a ball of light at all. Rather, it was Nue. She was dressed up as well, wearing a casual T-shirt under a jean jacket that was decorated with various patches collected from various people and places. Ripped black pants covered lanky legs. Her wings were nowhere to be seen.
"Well sorry, just wanted to make sure you didn't die in here," Nue said, stretching her arms above her head. "Are you ready to go or what?"
"Is that the voice you're choosin' today?" Mamizou asked. "Don't think I've heard that one in a while."
"Is that the look you're choosing today?" Nue parroted. She smirked. "Well, yeah. If you can look like an office lady who just got off her shift, I can sound like a guy with a cold for the day."
Mamizou huffed. "With that attitude and dress, I hope no one mistakes us as mother and child. Some day I'll getcha to dress more mature."
"Hey! Just 'cause we're pushing 1,000 doesn't mean we have to act like it!" Nue teased. She relaxed her stance a little. "Nah, I mean we'd totally look like bizarre coworkers. I don't look that young." She paused. "Do I?"
"No, no, I jest," Mamizou assured. "You look mighty fine. So, shall we?"
Nue's smirk turned into a grin. "Well, let's go!"