On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred And Forty-Nine – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

“…I know you’re all starting to get restless, since winter break is coming up, your last winter break.” the teacher said, her smile kind. “I’m not old enough to have forgotten that feeling, you know.” Slight laughter echoed in the classroom at that. “But don’t forget, there’s still your final exams coming up after the break, so you need to study, all right? Once those are out of the way, then you can relax and enjoy the final days of your school life.”

One student, one of the least memorable girls in class, put her hand up after shooting me a glance. “But teacher, it doesn’t really matter, does it? It’s not like most of us are going to be leaving Nishimorioka anyway.”

“That’s a bad attitude, Omoi-san.” The teacher smiled nostalgically. “After all, it’s not like nobody leaves our town, is it?” She glanced at the empty seat, and my eyes followed hers. It’s all right. I’ll see you again soon, Eri. I can’t wait. Don’t worry, I’ll be there for you during your rehabilitation, me and my bro will make sure you recover and are happy. The others too… “I know Mori-san is missed, but I see her for some of her remote lessons. And her fiancé is taking good care of her. Now he’s probably Nishimorioka’s most famous citizen, and he left too.”

I saw everyone turn to me, and I could feel my face heating up. Raising one hand I waved off the praise, though it felt good everyone was finally looking up to my bro. “We’re not talking about him right now. Besides… I’m studying.” In fact, I’m already sure I’ll pass the entrance exam, after all, not even counting my English and my skill that helps with maths, my memory and learning speed are off the charts now.

“Yes, you are.” the teacher said, and I was embarrassed by her fond and amused expression. “I can’t say you’ve ever been a top student, Oshiro-san, but you’ve never given me any real trouble.” Her expression changed to one of pride. “And now you’re moving to Tokyo too. Don’t forget about us here in our small town when you make it big.”

I waved that off as well. “How could I? Nishimorioka’s our home. But home is also where my family is, where bro and Eri, Shaeula and the others are.” I couldn’t help but smile. “I’ll miss everyone, but I’m excited for my new life. Besides…” I grinned. “My new home is going to be amazing. It looks out over the bay… maybe I’ll ask bro to get me a yacht.” I bragged.

“That sounds lovely. I’m so jealous.” our teacher said good-naturedly. “Maybe I should see if your brother likes older women.”

There was more laughter, and Rika-chan quipped that she should be careful of making jokes, as my bro was indiscriminate. I puffed out my cheeks at that, annoyed. “He’s not indiscriminate! Everyone’s got their own charms.”

“We know you’ll always defend your brother, Oshiro-san.” our teacher said. “Families should look after each other. That’s the Nishimorioka way. Don’t forget it or us.”

“Wow, I won’t!” I promised again. “Hinata-chan says I can come back any time I want, and I don’t even have to take the train. Besides…” There was one issue that was concerning me, and my bro was worried too. I’ll have to sort it out before I go, and we might need to come back a few times… “No, never mind. Just that I’m only going to Tokyo. It may seem far away, but the world’s actually pretty small, you know.”

“Maybe for you.” one boy said wistfully. “But…”

“All right.” Our teacher clapped her hands. “We might as well finish up, I’m sure everyone’s eager to go home. Just remember, you never know where life will take you. Before all this, could we ever have imagined that the world would end up like this, with magic and mayhem? But…” she smiled then, and I thought our teacher was a good one, always kind to us. “…hard work will never betray you. Whether you are going to University or not, knowledge will always help you, and you never know whether good exam scores will open a door that remains closed for you otherwise. Do you think Oshiro-san’s brother regrets his efforts? I don’t think so.”

Me neither. One thing bro told me was that any experience, learning or talent might be the key to victory, or learning a new, overpowered skill. Besides, if I’m going to live with my bro, fight beside him and the others, I can’t let them down… I was lost in thought until our teacher left, and Yae-chan disturbed me.

“So, Ai-chan…” Yae-chan said, twirling a few strands of her bleached blonde hair idly with her fingers, the sparkling of the earrings my bro had bought her drawing my attention. “…I’m a little mad, you know.”

“Why?” I raised an eyebrow, surprised. “I don’t recall doing anything to annoy the pair of you.”

Rika-chan raised her hands, her own earrings sparkling. I guess they are nice earrings. No harm in wearing them. “I didn’t say I was upset, Ai-chan. I’m a bit jealous, but why wouldn’t I be? I’ve seen the pictures of your new home. Although…” she smiled slyly. “That’s the one for your family and Ri-Ri’s, right? You can’t tell me that you won’t worm your way into Akio-kun’s house, right?”

You might be right, it’d be fun to live with Eri and the other girls, but the way you say it pisses me off a little! But it doesn’t really matter, Hinata-chan says it’s all on the same estate, so this house or that house, who cares? I smiled proudly. “Yes, it’s a really great house.” She boasted again. “So, Yae-chan, what have I done to annoy you?”

“It’s obvious, Aiko-chan.” Tomoko-chan sniggered, joining in. Almost nobody had left the classroom, despite the school day having finished, and while I was planning to go to the Kyūdō range for some practice before the Boundary later, nobody was leaving for their club activities either. As everyone watched, she elaborated. “She’s all bitter than you get to go live with your bro. Yae-chan’s totally still got a thing for him too. Can’t say I blame her.” She paused at my searching look, the dumb yet cheerful volleyball girl flushing. “Don’t get me wrong, Aiko-chan. I’m not after you brother. I wouldn’t dare. But… you have to face facts, girl. It’s not just you and Mori-san who dote on him now.”

“I don’t recall being doting…” I objected, face red.

“That’s right. If anything, it was always Oshiro-san who was devoted to her and Mori-san.” another classmate agreed, which just made my face hotter. It’s true, but it doesn’t make it any less embarrassing to hear. Wow, no, what little sister shouldn’t be the apple of her bro’s eye? That’s just the way of the world, nothing to be ashamed of.

“Look, your brother is the hottest celebrity going right now.” Tomoko-chan said, and her expression was wicked and smug, not really suiting her innocent face, if you asked me. “I have something you might not have seen…” she said, reaching for her kitbag. She pulled out her jersey, which puzzled everyone. I heard snickering, and realising that her spare underwear for after practise was in full view, she flushed and pushed it back in, before zipping her bag again. “…everyone, forget that. Such plain underwear… no, never mind that. Aiko-chan, you speak English, so you can read this. I had to order it specially. The postage was a little brutal. I don’t get much allowance.” She laughed.

“Don’t keep us in suspense.” someone urged, and Tomoko-chan milked the moment, before finally unwrapping the jersey, and my eyes went wide. No way, why didn’t I know about this? Oh yeah, I don’t actually have time to spend time trawling the internet, I’m too busy actually helping bro out… It was a magazine, British Vogue, and the front cover…

“Damn, that’s him. And the Princess of Britain, right?” One girl said, and I nodded, complicated feelings inside me.

“Yeah, that’s my bro.” I admitted, his grey eyes staring at us flintily from the cover, while the Princess was wearing a blue gown. “What the hell is he doing on a magazine cover? Rumours about the heroes of Britain? Ugh…” I rubbed at my temples, as Tomoko-chan opened it up as though it was a precious treasure, flipping pages, until we reached the articles on my bro. “Hey, there’s photos of Motoko-chan, Natsumi-chan, Hyacinth, Shiro, Shaeula… let me see.” I snatched the magazine, too fast for Tomoko-chan to react. “Inside scoop on the heroes of Britain, a true Japanese battle harem? Wow, that headline reeks of crap.” I swore, cringing. I mean, it’s true, but it totally belittles Japanese culture! Though Shaeula would laugh, for sure…

I continued to read it. It was a sensationalist piece, mostly rumour, but it did have some very nice photographs, probably taken at the ball my bro and the girls went to before, as well as the press conference. There were a few other Chosen in the articles too, but my bro and the Princess occupied centre stage. “Wait, what?” Oh come on. This is nonsense, although… was it, really? I mean, my bro was pretty friendly with our Imperial Princess, and he had saved Princess Eleanor’s life, I knew that, the Queen and British Prime Minister even said so… “Secret romance. Princess Eleanor falls for foreign knight in shining armour…” I read the headline. Skimming the rest, I snorted. “Thought so, there’s nothing to it. Though… quick question.” I said, curious. “If you were in the position of this Princess, how would you feel?”

“It’s a tough one.” Rika-chan said, giggling. “No need to ask Yae-chan. She’s still carrying a torch for your brother, even though she’s got no chance.”

“Hey, that’s rude Rika!” she protested, before Rika-chan spoke over her.

“Me, I admit, first time he came to Nishimorioka and showed off, I thought he was cool. But I’m not a fool. I know I’m decently cute, and I think I’m a good catch, but I’ll find someone more on my level. Aiming too high only hurts.” Her expression was solemn. “But… if he saved my life, and the lives of those I cared about… it’d have to make an impact.”

“It… when Aki pulverised Masaki-kun and Kenji-kun at the baseball, he was awesome.” Yae-chan admitted, looking wistful, hands toying with her earrings. “Then we had the date he won, and it was… it was special, you know? It felt so adult. Like I was a princess.” She sighed. “Look, you don’t have to tell me I need to give up. I think that a lot, but then…” she looked at me, and her eyes were earnest, and her expression pained. “…you took us to meet him, and we gained these powers. And it was like the embers that had died down flared up again, you know? He gave me such a precious gift, something money can’t buy, and …” she looked so down that I felt awful. “… I couldn’t help but hope there was a chance. I don’t… I don’t even care I’m not the only one. I’m so stupid. Before, if a boy cheated on me, I’d be angry and dump him, but…”

“Oh. Shit.” I swore again, from the heart. Yeah. I do feel bad now. I made a horrible mistake there. But… I still don’t regret it. There’s nothing more precious in this world than power. I saw that ever since Eri was torn apart in front of my eyes. A little pain now, for such a reward… yet… I pulled the surprised Yae-chan into a hug, not caring everyone was watching. Pushing her face into my chest, I stroked her head, like my bro used to do for me, and I tried to ignore the dampness I could feel spreading on my shirt as she sniffled. Sure hope that’s tears and not snot. “You know, it’s just a crush. There’s plenty of good guys out there, Yae-chan, there must be. But… it’s not like I don’t get it. I think you’d get on well with Kana-chan.”

“Oh, her.” Rika-chan remembered her from their brief visit to Tokyo. “Yeah, I’d say so. Look, Yae.” She said to her depressed friend. “It’s up to you how you feel. But… don’t be doing this now. We look awful when our makeup runs, and… Ai-chan wants happy memories before she leaves town. Besides…” she flexed her arm. “One thing is true. Akio-kun liked us enough to help us, or at least he did it for Ai-chan. Either way… I’m not staying here forever either. I’m following to Tokyo.” She winked at me. “I don’t want to be just anybody, I want to be a somebody. And the best way to do that is to work for your brother, right Ai-chan? He wouldn’t turn us down. So… Yae. Honestly I think you’ll get over it. You don’t even know him that well, really. But if you honestly don’t or can’t…” she looked at me and I nodded.

“Look, my bro’s an idiot when it comes to women. He’s not dense like he used to be… no, most of that was probably deliberate. But... the easy way into his heart is gone. Bad luck for you.” I joked to soften the blow. “But if you genuinely can’t give up, I’ll speak to him. I’m not saying he’ll date you or anything like that, but…” I shrugged. “Come over in the spring when school’s finished, and I’ll make sure he gives you a job. Then it’s up to your own charms.” I mean, Yae-chan is pretty, though I don’t think bro is overly keen on gal fashion, he likes his girls natural like Eri. But… he does bear some responsibility. If he wasn’t such a bully during the baseball, then following Shaeula’s orders to honour the wager… wait, it’s kind of all our faults. Damn… a guilty conscience is a terrible thing. I patted her head gently. “Seriously, you’re a catch, so if you give up on my bro, you’d have a boyfriend in no time. It’s not like you haven’t had a number in the past…”

“Don’t make me sound loose.” She snorted, her voice trying to sound brave. “All I did was kiss and show off a little.” She shook free from my grasp, fixing her hair and rubbing at her smeared eyes and cheeks. “Ugh, so embarrassing. I’m a grown woman, I shouldn’t be crying. But…”

“It’s all right, I get it. So, it’s up to you. But before any of that…” I handed the magazine back to Tomoko-chan. “… interesting read. All a load of rubbish, but… yeah, bro’s sure popular nowadays.”

“He is.” One of the two pervert kings spoke up. He quivered a little under my sudden gaze, but he remembered that he had talked to me a decent amount these last few weeks. Only so I could learn more tips and tricks on how to use my abilities creatively. The fact I deign to acknowledge their perverted existence should be reward enough. “I’m surprised you didn’t know, Aiko-chan…” my lips quirked into a brief scowl at his over-familiarity but I let it slide, since I was leaving town shortly.

“Know what?” I asked, and he brought out his phone. No way I’m touching that screen. I know what he watches on it…

“Look, there’s going to be a special programme at the weekend. It looks like your brother is going to be on it, as well as that actress, Arisugawa Arisu-chan. She is so hot. It’s that cold glare…” he smiled, and I resisted the urge to hit him. Yeah, she is beautiful, but I’ve heard she’s a scary one. But she’s in bro’s camp, so… guess I’ll get to know her.

“What’s that about? Bro’s been out of touch for a few days, some big stuff going down.” I said, curious, and the boy grinned, and I resisted the urge to throw a fireball at him and set his greasy smile alight.

“It’s a Q and A session about Chosen and also about the upcoming charity concert. Apparently there’ll be some idols on the show as well. Get this, Kanzaki-chan from AKB48 says her ideal boyfriend would be your brother.” he said, and I skimmed the article, shaking my head.

“Yeah, everyone knows idols can’t have a boyfriend, or you otaku go nuts and hate them.” I said scornfully. “I think that’s just a safe answer. It’s not like she’ll ever have the chance with my bro. Although…” I still have Tamami-chan’s phone number. Awesome, she lives not too far from our new home, right? Wonder if we can meet up…

“It’s a nationwide broadcast. That’s lucky…” Tomoko-chan giggled. “We should all get together and watch it. It won’t be half as fun without Aiko-chan to tease, but…” As they talked and joked, I looked at Yae-chan, biting my lip. Seriously girl, there’s no point making yourself miserable, but then… I know the pain of wanting something I can’t have, and then the joy of getting it. I slapped the two girls lightly on the shoulder, surprising them, my mind made up.

“All right then. Rika-chan, Yae-chan. Tonight, we give it our all. And I’ll be sure to get you some tailored training plans for when you two are on your own. If you work hard… I’ll make sure my bro gives you a good job. You could be some of the first from our class to start a career!” I winked, lightening the mood, and as Yae-chan smiled hesitantly, I grabbed my bag and bow. “First I want to work out some tension, then I have to help pack. But after that, meet me at my house, okay?”

********

“Can you help me with these boxes, Ai dear?” mom said, passing me a large carboard box. It was quite heavy, but nothing to me. Inside were clothes, makeup and other accessories, and on seeing my expression, mom smiled, making her look younger. “Don’t be like that. Yes, I am stronger now, but I’m still not in the bloom of youth like you, dear. All these boxes of stuff from Hinata-chan keep adding up, and I don’t want to just waste them. That’d be so rude. Hinata-chan is the perfect daughter-in-law. Rich, polite and eager to impress. Oh, I can hardly wait for grandkids…”

“I think you’ll have to wait for a while for those. With Hinata-chan, anyway. I mean, her and bro haven’t even… ugh, never mind.” My face was scarlet. Can’t believe what I was about to say. “If you want to be a grandmother, Eri’s your best bet. Or… huh, I’ve no real idea about Fae fertility, so perhaps not. Or Shiro might steal a march…” I moved the boxes. There was a truck outside, Hinata-chan having sent it to bring out stuff, so we were only leaving the bare minimum to bring with ourselves.

“My little Eri…” auntie Hana said, coming in with a box of her own possessions. She had felt embarrassed on also receiving the proceeds of Hinata-chan’s deal with LVHM, but I thought it was cool the way Hinata-chan was always fair and didn’t play favourites. And for a woman as poor as auntie, it was hilarious seeing her google how much some of the dresses and bags cost…

“… she would have been first, but…” her face was pale. “…but for her injuries. I want to take care of her, until she’s better. That’s a mother’s job.” She insisted, and my mom consoled her.

“Yes, just like Ai will be my daughter still when she gets married, Eri will always be yours, Hana. But… it’s Aki’s job now. And he and she have both said she’s recovering well. As for us… I know Taichi and Junpei want to work with Aki, but us… you don’t think it’d be nice for us and your parents to look after a bevy of grandkids? I’m sure they’ll be adorable.”

Auntie Hana frowned, before sighing. “I know. It’s easier for you, Emi. They are all your grandchildren, but for me…”

“No way, auntie. Whether they are Eri’s, Shaeula’s, Hinata-chan’s or anyone else’s, they’ll still call you grandmother and love you. It’s going to be a wild family tree, but it’s what everyone agreed, one of the rules we ironed out at the first of bro’s wife group meetings.” I said, and auntie gave me a look.

“And so why were you there, little Ai?”

Wow, don’t misunderstand! “Because I’m everyone’s sister of course, and I have to look out for my bro’s interests too. If they all start fighting and arguing, it’s only going to make his life hell, right?” I curled my lips into a smile. “Some might say he deserves it, but not his darling sister, no!” Besides, his harem is mostly my fault, isn’t it? I lit the sparks…

Mom looked at me fondly. “Oh Ai, you’re such a sweetie. But when you find someone you’re interested in, you might understand a bit of how Hana feels.”

I shrugged, taking the box outside. Once it was in the truck and I returned, I spoke. “Maybe. But look at it like this. I talk to Eri nearly every day. She’s happy. My bro’s happy, even if he’s busy. And you’re happy too, right mom?”

“I admit, it feels good seeing my son so popular. And just like Eri, they all seem to be good girls.”

“Well then, there’s no problem. Besides, we’re moving to Tokyo to live in a mansion by the centre, overlooking the bay! We don’t have to scrimp and save for new clothes or accessories, and everything we want we can have, bro or Hinata-chan will see to that. Our lives have changed, for the better, can you argue with that?”

Auntie shook her head. “No, life is better. My parents will be healthy again, I don’t have to feel ashamed of not providing Eri a good life, but… I think a life where little Eri and your brother settled down together in an ordinary home, started an ordinary family… that would have been happiness enough for us all.”

“Sure, maybe.” I agreed. “But why settle for ordinary happiness? It might not have happened anyway. You know what bro was like. Instead, we’re making sure to spread all the happiness in the world, and we have the power to protect ourselves.”

“Do we need that?” auntie asked. I took her box out to the truck, before coming back for more. I wonder if anyone would notice if I called on some golden sisters to carry everything? No, I’d better not… “If we could instead have lived a quiet life…”

“I fear that is not on the cards for us.” dad said, entering the room, oddly enough with one of my bro’s old manga in hand. “I have been doing research…” his smile was oddly amused. “… calling it research, reading my son’s old comics and books, as well as looking at stories online. The world is definitely strange right now. But… I believe that in these stories, danger comes to everyone, not just those with powers.”

“That’s right.” I agreed. “If it’s the end of the world, whether it’s dungeons opening everywhere, zombie invasion or whatever else, all I know is that usually a good chunk of the world’s population dies out quickly, and those without power are at the mercy of those who have it.” Bro doesn’t like talking about the dark side of things, but I’m not stupid, and I’ve talked to Haru-chan. There are bad people out there. It doesn’t even need to be people with power, some people just are evil… I found myself smiling as one of the main reasons bro wanted me to learn Ether Healing was so I would gain resistance to toxins and drugs, so that I wouldn’t be at risk of having my drinks drugged and being assaulted at university. He’s such a worrier. But I like that. I’m not going to hang out with shady people, and … he’d avenge me. But I can’t let something dumb like that happen anyway.

“I think we are fortunate. I still feel guilt that Eri is not having the romance she has always dreamed of, thanks to our son…” Dad was calling Eri without honorifics now, which was a big leap for him, as taciturn as he was. “…but I have to accept they are both adults, if not strictly in the legal sense, certainly by age. And my son and your daughter have both proved their convictions and the courage to fight for them. We have to support them as best we can.”

“Taichi, I’m impressed!” mom said, and dad laughed a little sheepishly, another rare expression of humour from him.

“It is not just my son who has to learn, we all do.” He waved the manga. “It seems we were fortunate. Most of these stories start with the danger coming first. At least we can be prepared.”

“Yeah, but we don’t have long…” I said. “A year or two, three or four at most, before something really bad happens, my bro says. So I want to catch him up before then.” I pumped my fist, hyped. “Even before that, there’ll be troubles, just like Kyoto or London. Bro can’t solve them all alone. But when I’m with him… I can train too. It’s really annoying when I can’t see the numbers.” I pouted. “Bro really needs to do an eye transplant for me, ninja style…”

“Greed is poison. Take things steadily, as you have been.” Dad gave me advice, so I listened carefully. “I am prepared to accept you risking yourself, the more I read, the more fearful I grow, and I think being prepared is vital. But if you are hurt, it is those around you who feel pain, Aiko. Remember your hand?”

I reflexively touched my palm, where the burn was healed, and I nodded. “I know. Thanks dad. Yeah, I have to push myself, but also remember that we are a team. I can’t be selfish and take stupid risks. Though I hope you tell bro the same thing!”

At that, dad looked uncomfortable. “I wish I could, but… leaders have a different role. Without your brother and others like him blazing the trail, we might not be prepared enough.” His expression hardened. “Of course, I shall advise him to be careful. Recklessness is not the same as taking measured risks.”

I was going to speak, when uncle entered, followed by Rika-chan and Yae-chan, who both looked nervous. “I found these two outside, listening. It was quite the conversation.” Uncle said with a laugh.

“Sorry. It seemed awkward to come in.” Yae-chan muttered, and I was pleased to see she looked better, though her eyes were still shadowed and her face was a little pale. “I…”

“It’s all right.” I said, taking their hands. “We’ll talk in the Boundary.” I looked at my parents. “Girl talk, you know. Later, uncle, auntie. Don’t disturb us, this might be the last trip for a while for them, so we’ll take our time.” I pulled the two girls into my room, where we still had some futons left behind from the packing. Mom promised to leave us some drinks and snacks for when we woke up, and I thanked her, before shutting the door.

“So…” said awkwardly. “Yae-chan, are you…”

“Sorry Ai-chan.” She said softly, downcast. “I know it’s pathetic. I thought your brother was cool, he’s handsome, rich, he made me feel special, he treated me like a real woman. But I know it’s just because he’s kind, not because he likes me for me. I have no reason to get hung up on him, but…”

“But we can’t help who we like, or why.” Rika-chan finished for her. “I get it, I could have felt the same. Everything he does seems to attract attention, seem so exciting. I guess I’m more mature though.” she teased. “Feelings aren’t rational. That’s why they are feelings.”

“True. Hinata-chan told me she fell in love at first sight. That’s no worse than your story, Yae-chan. Honestly though… we’re still young. Me, I’ve never been in love!” I puffed out my chest proudly.

“I’m not sure that’s something to brag about.” Yae-chan had to laugh. “Though I suppose it did break the hearts of all the boys in town. You’re a popular one, Ai-chan.”

“Besides, you love your brother and little Ri-Ri, right?” Rika-chan teased, getting into a futon.

“I don’t like it when you say it that way, but I do, Shaeula too. And the others, they’ve all grown on me. Now I’d hate any one of them to be gone. Life’s going to be so awesome…” I crowed, before my face fell. “Sorry Yae-chan, that was insensitive of me.”

“No it wasn’t.” she sighed, getting in her own futon. “I get it. Your life is about to be perfect.” she paused. “Apart from the danger. But with Aki there, I know you’ll be fine. Ugh…” she sighed, frustrated. “See, even when I’m not thinking about it, I imagine it being me he takes care of, smiles at and praises. I’m such a child.”

“Nope.” I chuckled. “Just another poor victim of big bro Casanova. I know I used to bully him a bit for being a virgin loser, but I think he could have found some middle ground. But … I meant it. I’ll speak to my bro if you want me to?”

She shook her head. “Not about that. But I was serious too. I definitely want to move to Tokyo and help out. I even want to see Ri-Ri again. Shaeula too. So make sure he pays me enough to live, I hear it’s expensive!”

I smiled at her attempts at being brave. I am going to speak to my bro. I get it, all this started, much like Kana-chan, before he was dating anyone, and well before he became the boss of his own harem, but wow, he can’t keep making girls fall for him. As for Yae-chan… it’s too pitiful. At least if she moves to Tokyo, she can give it a genuine try to win him over, and when that… oops, if that… can’t discount her, that’s not fair… crashes and burns, she can move on. And if not, lucky her. But I don’t think she’s bro’s type, although… “Hey, quick question. Yae-chan, how serious are you? Because if you are prepared to make a few changes…”

********

“So when I’m gone… I’m a bit worried.” I said, and the great brown dog looked at me, his face unconcerned. Though it’s a bit odd how I can tell what a dog’s feelings are. I have to say, after visiting the shrine nearly every night, I’m not so scared of dogs anymore at least. “I know my bro values the shrine a lot. And we don’t want poor Marika-chan to be sad either. So you have to stay safe. I’d have set up a Territory here, but… I was always going to follow my bro one day.”

“Of course. Brocon queen Ai-chan would never do anything else.” Yae-chan teased me, looking more cheerful now that her course was set. She’s got time to prepare, so… good luck, I guess? But… it’s still fifty-fifty how it’ll all work out. Her tone became darker. “It’s not like we can help much though. To think Aki gave us this power, he favoured us, whatever the reason, and we’re useless.”

Wow, okay, so her joy quickly faded. Damn, girls are complicated. I almost feel sympathy for my bro having to deal with us all… I was going to speak reassuringly, but luckily, after giving me a meaningful look, Rika-chan did it for me.

“Don’t be like that, Yae. The thing that everyone likes most about us gals is that we are flashy, fun and cheerful. If you’re a moping, gloomy girl, then nobody is going to be interested in you, except maybe the two perverts in our class.”

Yae-chan looked sick at that. “Yuck, no way. I’d rather date you or Ai-chan! You’re right.” she sighed. “But then…” she pointed at me triumphantly. “Weren’t you moaning and sighing over being left behind by Eri for weeks before this? You don’t get to criticise.”

“Ugh. Wow, you got me there.” I admitted. “It’s a bit different though, I’m his precious sister and her best friend. You two… I wouldn’t say you are hangers-on, but… no, I guess getting yourselves involved shows you’re smart. But everyone starts out this way. It’s frustrating, but we have to do the basics.”

“Aether Manipulation, and strengthening our Silver Cords and Chakra networks, right?” Yae-san nodded. “They are the basis of everything, you’ve told us often enough that I hear it in my sleep.”

“It’s true. Bro and Shaeula both say that stat gains are mostly dictated by the level of those, and since you don’t have any elements… uh, don’t worry about that. You’ll pick up one or two when you go to Tokyo for longer than a weekend. Don’t even think of trying for the fire element on your own.” I warned. “Sure, if you got burned we could fly you out for healing, but the Boundary isn’t safe.”

“You have done well, grr, clearing out most of the dangerous natives.” Chairo declared, and several of his adherents barked their agreement. “Our shrine should be safe, barring great mischance.”

“Yeah, I know. But… oh, I can’t do anything about it anyway. What I will ask is that you keep Rika-chan and Yae-chan safe while I’m gone.” I told them again only to use the shrine for their trips since I wasn’t there to protect them, and they laughed and told me I was like a nagging uncle, telling them repeatedly.

“All right then. We should go. One last sweep of the area.” The statues that looked like Eri and the others, just much larger and in shimmering gold, appeared, holding their weapons.

“You know, it’d be cool to have one of me…” Yae-chan began, before flushing, embarrassed. “Not because of that! I mean, come on, even Ri-Ri looks awesome here!”

“Yeah I’ll choose to believe you.” I quipped. “Come on. You pair can’t level up, but I can still, not that the pickings are rich here. But you can practise as we go.” We proceeded to head around the mountains. Most of the creatures here were large insects, nothing too dangerous, and I found another of the shiny coloured crystals bro called Etherites. Just a red one, but now I have four. I’ll give them to him as a gift…

We ended up close to the area where the natural flame element was, and seeing the pleading gaze Yae-chan was giving me, I sighed, and we went over. “All right. You can give it a try this once. I doubt it’ll amount to much, but… consider it a favour from me.”

“So generous.” Rika-chan sniffed. She wasn’t as eager as Yae-chan, but she too wanted to be special, and knew that maybe more than academics, having abilities and skills was the ticket to a prosperous future. Though their grades have gone from below average to pretty decent.

As they practised drawing in the fire element, I once more wished I had bro’s Eye, or Shaeula’s. My plans have changed a little as I took this Divine Favour, so I can take a combat role too, but I still want my day job to be a Chirurgeon and Ether Healer, an instructor and trainer. I think it’d be very satisfying, helping everyone around me grow stronger…

Keeping a couple of the golden sisters around me, I sent the others out hunting. I had cleared nests of giant ants from here a number of times, and they kept coming back. I wasn’t sure why, but it was all experience points. For a while I enjoyed the leisurely time, looking up at the aurora streaked sky or occasionally offering my two frustrated friends advice, when suddenly one of my golden sisters collapsed, destroyed. Wow, what? I immediately became alert. I couldn’t send them too far from me, otherwise they would only defend themselves, but even so, the destruction was too sudden. It came from that direction… pulling the remaining sisters back, I hurried over to the fashionable duo. “Enough training. There’s trouble…”

“Really?” Yae-chan said, eyes wide. “So what do we do?” As my sisters crested the hill, returning to me, the rearmost one was attacked. It countered, swinging a heavy sword, but it was soon defeated. No way, a second? But I felt it hit something…

“I suggest we head back towards the shrine. With the steps it’s easier to defend…” I began only for a boulder to fly out and strike one of my golden statues, sending it staggering. Rika-chan let out a cry, and I felt panic rise. “Come on, go, go!” I urged. One statue, the Eri lookalike, was sent to guard them, while I readied flame and sunlight. Another rock was thrown, the size of a television, and I unleashed the flame, trying to block it, yet all that did was scatter sparks. The boulder was struck by my other two warriors, and as it was knocked aside, I heard a loud, rumbling laugh.

“Gwa har ha. Not bad, not bad.” the rough voice said, and I saw that a massive, nearly three metre tall figure was coming, dragging along a huge club that was effectively a small sapling, leaving a furrow in the ground. With gleaming purple eyes and long horns curving from a surprisingly attractive face, in a feral, angry sort of way, it, no she glowered at me, and for a moment my breath was taken away. Wow, so huge… uh, not that it’s the time for that…

“These little tin humans take a few strikes of my club…” she slammed it down, and I realised her crude leather clothes had been cut, and on her cleavage there was an open wound, dark blood dripping, silver mist rising. “… not bad. One even cut me… but scars are a sign of a good fight.” The woman gnashed her tusk-like teeth, laughing again.

“Oni…” I breathed, worried, as this was clearly the strongest foe I had ever encountered.

“Yes, I am a wandering Oni, forced from my home, mwah gu ha!” the odd laughter set my teeth on edge. “Now I am hungry, and I can’t eat metal.” She swung her club, the whistling sound it made as it lashed through the air making me feel sick. “But what do I find here but three tender girls…” As Yae-chan and Rika-chan hugged each other, afraid, I yelled at them to run, and the golden sister dropped its axe and grabbed them both, before taking off at a run.

“Going somewhere?” the Oni laughed again. “I don’t think so…” As it moved, I unleashed the sisters, as well as beams of sunlight. The Oni dodged, and as its club battered against one of my warriors, the tree exploded, the shards igniting. The Oni looked down, puzzled, before tossing it aside, and punching, the sister’s head turned at a ninety degree angle.

Damn, I wish bro was here, he’d take down the big bitch. Shaeula or Hyacinth would be nice too… I ordered the sisters to attack, to buy more time for Rika-chan and Yae-chan to escape, and the Oni roared with laughter. I unleashed fire and light, and soon more blood was blooming. A sword struck the Oni, piercing her leather and tough skin, but she then ripped the arm clean off, and as the blade burst into aether, she headbutted the sister, knocking it over. Blood was on her forehead, and she laughed happily, batting aside another beam of light, even as it burned a hole in her palm. “You’re good, girl. Eating strong and young warriors is always a joy!”

“Sorry, but nobody is eating me!” I said, sweating, as my mind raced. I might get lucky. I’m hurting her, so a lucky hit would do it, but… she’s too fast. I reached for my bow, pulling an arrow, and I loosed it, bursting it into flame, dazzling the Oni. I used that opportunity to scuttle backwards, supporting my remaining defender, only for the Oni to grab it and use it as a shield, before breaking it. An arrow caught the Oni in the shoulder, and she hissed, pulling it free, skin burned, before snapping the shaft casually.

“A good arrow. But I am not so easily brought down, nya gwa ha!” she said, chuckling. “Now, let’s get down to it. Those other rabbits are escaping.” As the Oni surged towards me I reached for another arrow, only to fumble it. Sweating, I bent down swiftly, grabbing for it, only for the Oni to stop, puzzled and wary. I looked up, surprised and relieved, my legs trembling, and a suspicion that if this was the Material I’d have damp underwear, only to look down again, to see the black stone pendant my bro gave me dangling free from the front of my jerkin.

“You… what connection do you have to those bastards?” she said, suddenly wary. “You’re no yōkai, girl. I may be big, but my brains are as big as my tits, mwa ya ha!”

Is this the time for jokes? Shakily pushing myself upright, I groaned, the weight of her League a nuisance. “I have lots of connections, I’m an important girl.” I insisted. “My bro’s woman, she’s one of the Night Parade, you know. Hyakki Yagyō, heard of them?”

“Your brother? Is he a yōkai?” the Oni seemed puzzled.

Okay, we have dialogue. That’s better than me getting battered by those fists. And it buys time at least… Ignoring the silvery sweat that drenched my back, I shrugged. “No, my bro’s… uh, sort of half-human, half-Fae? I think. It’s complicated. But he’s in huge with the Seelie Court, heard of them? And his girlfriend is a Kamaitachi, and her mother is apparently one of the Parade big shots. Uh… Urakaze? Yeah, that was it.”

The Oni was more puzzled. “That seems… strange. And those on the sacred mountain?”

Sacred mountain? No idea, but… bluffing seems a good plan. “Like I said, my bro is in tight with everyone. You’ve heard of alliance by marriage, right? He’s got girls from all the major factions, so messing with him is messing with all of them. And I’m his beloved sister of course, so that’d be even worse.”

The Oni glowered at her, thinking about it. “Maybe nobody would know, if I ate you here, huh hah har.”

“Too bad. The two who fled will be reporting back even now.” I threatened, and the Oni sighed, sitting down, and I sagged, relieved at the change in her mood, as her aura of belligerence dissipated. Thanks bro. I know you told me this could ward off misfortune, and you were right!

“A shame. It’s been a while since I have seen mortals in this land. Times have changed. So…” she stretched, and I had to agree her tits were ginormous. Even for her giant size, they are like something out of anime. The bad sort that bro won’t admit to having on his hard drive… “What are you going to do? I broke your little toys.”

Smiling, I poured out my energy, and two of them returned, standing beside me. “No bother.” I bluffed. “It’s a bit annoying, but I can see this is all a misunderstanding. So, uh… what brings you to Nishimorioka? There’s nothing out here of any note…”

“A few innocent disputes. Gwa har ha.” The Oni laughed, then sighed, a great cavernous belch of wind I could smell, my nose itching. “Most Oni are weak nowadays. Not like the true legends, such as the Red and Blue, or Ōtakemaru.” She paused. “Hey, if your brother has a wife from the Hyakki Yagyō, he must know those Oni, right?” Her eyes lit up. “I have always admired the great Red. Maybe…”

Oh man, this is classic… I’m always getting involved in love troubles due to bro, but this is definitely a first… The Oni was blushing like a schoolgirl having her first crush. “…do you think I can get an introduction? I have been training for centuries to be good enough to join the Parade…”

“Uh, in theory that’s totally doable…” I said, clutching the pendant tightly. “…but even if our little misunderstanding here is set aside… I can’t just do it for free. I don’t know you and I don’t want to cause my bro any embarrassment.”

“A good sister, I see.” The Oni nodded. “I… perhaps I can do you a favour? Maybe you have enemies who need crushing? I am always looking for a good fight.”

A favour, huh? I don’t know, but… “Okay then, how about this? I’m actually planning on meeting my bro shortly. It might take a while before he can come see you personally, but in the meantime…” Is this what it feels like to be my bro, turning disaster into opportunity, Fortune scoring a lucky hit? If so… though I was outwardly smiling, I shuddered, my whole body drenched with perspiration. …I can’t call him weak-willed anymore. This sort of thing is scary as hell…