On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

The steam of the hot spring rose into the still air of the Boundary, floating upwards. From a physics standpoint, that makes no sense, but… now it’s just curiosity that pricks at me, I guess. The water was hot, perhaps hotter than was safe for bathing, but with higher statistics, even Tsukiko found it comfortable, as she leaned back, a contented smile on her beautiful face, her bare skin barely hidden by the milky waters, petals from the surrounding cypress blossoms having coated the surface of the waters.

“If you stare so much, I will be flushed not merely from the hot water.” Tsukiko teased, crimson eyes warm. She had bundled up her curtain of beautiful black hair, piling it atop her head, making her seem more mature.

“It’s hard not to.” I admitted. “Your figure is… explosive. I thought you looked good in your dress, but naked…”

“It is not like you have not seen me bare of all my veils before.” She chuckled, clearly enjoying my praise.

“True, but… I’ll never tire of it.” I promised. “You know, it’s amazing that your figure was hidden in your shrine maiden hakama. Whoever made it must be a miraculous tailor.”

“How scandalous. You would think lewd thoughts about the Diviner?” As if to lure me in, she reached out for the floating tray I had placed between us, a sake jug, small container of ice, and small drinking bowls upon it. Doing so, she revealed her bountiful breasts, her tips pink and hard. Unable to look away, I shook my head, admitting defeat, and she laughed lightly, as though she was without any worldly cares.

“Good. I am sure many did, even though I was an object without a self, a mere existence. But now, only your thoughts are worthy to contain all that I am.” Taking the jug, she poured us generous measures of the rich, clear liquid, and passing it over, she made sure to squeeze her chest together, emphasising her charms. “I wore veils so that my face could not be discerned, so that I could not be seen as a woman, but as a holy oracle. I also wore a corset under my vestments, which tamed the… excesses… of my body. After all, the holy should not be lewd, not if it is to be respected, worshipped, though…” Now her eyes glittered with amusement, and she took a delicate sip of sake to cool her ardour, delighting in the way my gaze lingered on her soft lips. “…I do see the appeal of the sacrilegious. The pure… becoming lewd and dirty.”

I nodded, agreeing. “It’s true. It pokes at the primal instincts of men, but…”

“Have no fear.” Tsukiko assured me. “I shall show such a side only to you. But such a play… it asserts my individuality.”

“Kana says the same.” I muttered, surprised. After a long, relaxed time with Prince Shōtoku, we had retired to these hot springs, but since time flowed faster here, I was only coming to the end of my meal with Kana back on the Material, and she’d expressed similar sentiments. “Everyone wants to stand out. I get it.”

“Kana, I see.” Tsukiko nodded. “She too could possess the charms of a shrine maiden, but if you will forgive me being forward, and I mean no disrespect to Kana…”

I nodded, understanding that, and she seemed a little relieved. “…while she is a shrine maiden, she… is rather too worldly for such a play.”

“Yeah, she’s a modern girl at her heart. And while I dare say we’ll certainly enjoy that, she’s more aiming for the cute, younger girlfriend route. It plays to her strengths.” I took a sip of the smooth sake, looking up at the skies above through the overhanging cypress branches. “I’m a lucky bastard. But I won’t say I don’t deserve it. Even if I don’t… I’ll work hard until I do.”

“An admirable resolve.” Tsukiko praised, nodding as though I had just passed a particularly difficult test. “And the answer we wish to hear. I too have my worries, but so long as we face the future earnestly, we can shape it to what we wish it to be. And if we falter, we can simply…” She extended one long, elegant arm to me, and I grasped her offered hand. “…reach out, and touch. For we are not alone.”

“I know.” I’d had similar thoughts, of course. “But you surprise me…”

“Oh, how so?” Tsukiko raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“That you’d speak of the future that way. Or maybe I shouldn’t be shocked, not after all we’ve been through…”

“Indeed.” Tsukiko released my hand, drinking more sake, and with her now free hand she gestured, and droplets of water rose from the spring, floating upwards to hover in the air a moment, before falling back to the steaming surface with a series of quiet splashes. “I am the Diviner, I foresee the future, head off disaster, with the help of Divine Tsukuyomi. Yet… I believe I… we… can be so much more.” She continued using a little aether to play with the water, a mesmerising sight. “This may seem… sacrilegious… but unlike many, I know the providence and existence of the Gods. I am also… a sister to one.” Her smile was a little bemused. “Taṇhā… she may be thirsty, yet she can drink deep of you. Perhaps you are an oasis in her desert, she was desperate for cool, clear water, and you provided her as much as she wished.”

I nodded slowly, as indeed, according to Yggdrasil, her status reflected that now. She’s changing, as are we all. For the better, I’d say…

“The Divine are worthy of our worship and praise, but… it seems that Godhood is not out of reach, difficult though that is for me to grasp.” She shook her head ruefully. “That does not diminish my respect for Divine Tsukuyomi, far from it. After all… while my life was hard and lonely, it was simply a preparation for this future. Which is as warm as these waters.” She flicked some droplets at me, letting out a youthful giggle. “You mentioned that film, the Matrix, did you not? Where the Oracle there simply lies, because that is the only way to gain the future she seeks. A difficult concept for me, I believed in the sacred words of Tsukuyomi without doubt. Yet now, and also after declaring my love for you under his eyes at Mount Gassan… I have my suspicions about his methods. Of course…” She was suddenly teasing, and as she drank deep of sake and refilled her bowl, she winked at me. “…this may just be my reverence, bred into my very existence, unwilling to admit that the Gods can be flawed, that we can exceed them, but… it would be… pleasant… if the Moon simply showed me a false future, to spark a chain of events and consequences that led to my rebirth and happiness.”

“One day you can ask him face to face.” I promised. “Earth won’t stay isolated forever, and… everyone has to live at least a day longer than I do. I won’t accept anything else.”

“I see. A difficult prospect, as I believe that when you become Astral Emperor over Earth, you will have strength matching the Gods, from what Taṇhā speaks of. And life commensurate to that. A day longer than eternity then… charming.” She let out a quiet laugh, crimson eyes bright. “All this distracts from my point, and yours. I lose track speaking to you. It is delightful, no veils between us, no need for secrets, hesitation, or veneration…” Her laugh turned into a bright giggle then. “If anything, I should be in awe towards you, but… love is the death of reverence, which is satisfying. I can see you as simply a man… my man. Now then…” More water droplets rose, and more were flicked at me playfully. “…the future, yes. I still seek to know, to shape, and to understand. Yet not through the Gods. Do not mistake me, I am grateful we share Tsukuyomi’s Favour, and will gratefully receive his words and visions. After all, you do tell us all family is important, and… he considers me his daughter, and now, you as his son. But… you have come so far. You gained light so that I would have no fear, so that Yukiko and I could be saved… now I wish to do the same.” She leaned back in the water, lifting out one elegant leg and giving me a delightful view as the pearlescent cypress blossoms scattered. “Our Favour… The future is indeed reflected by the moon. Water.” She splashed me cheerfully, and I couldn’t help but fire back some gentle droplets. We playfought for a while, acting like kids, before she wiped her damp face, suddenly serious.

“Water. The element long associated with the future, along perhaps with light. I have a little skill with light…”

“And you need more. Everyone needs light element and to master the theory behind lasers.” I insisted. “Sure, it makes us overly reliant on a single trick, but it’s a damn good trick for everyone to have when it comes to staying safe.”

Tsukiko nodded. “Yes, I have no wish to be helpless again, facing my doom, or worse… watching as those I wish to protect face it in my stead. After the Pilgrimage, I shall study in earnest. I did receive an education, biased as it was…” It seemed that point was important to her, so I nodded along reassuringly, rewarded once more with her smile. “…and I am blessed with a good memory and keen mind from the meagre strength I have gained. I shall learn well. But that is not all…”

She steepled her hands together, her expression serious. “Tsukuyomi’s Moon upon the waters, Urðarbrunnr, the waters of the Norns, those who foretell and manipulate fate from another Pantheon. Scrying bowls and pools cross mythologies, from the ancient Celts and Fae of your mother’s homeland… even that mystical spring reflects clearly, yes?” At my nod she continued. “Also through Egypt and China. Even barbaric customs of sacrifice used blood to seek wisdom and knowledge of the uncertain future, and what is blood, if not a liquid, and half water? See, I do know some secular facts.” she crowed triumphantly, which was again utterly adorable.

“I see. So… you want to find your own way to search the future?” I asked, and Tsukiko agreed.

“Yes. We all have our roles. They will overlap, adapt, shift and change as time passes, and we grow as people. You have changed, even in the brief time I have known you. And you have brought change to many. It is heartwarming, seeing Yukiko become more confident, feel she has value. I too have grown, as have the others whose lives you touch. We will always have our preferences just as Hinata enjoys wealth and the seeking of it, the consolidation of your power… yet now she has drawn her sword via a miracle, she also seeks the strength to fight. I too would not be weak. But… I feel my role, my calling… is what it always was. The aversion of disaster, the finding of the best thread of fate within a tangled weave of undefined, dangerous futures. Just… through my own efforts and strengths, and… for you.”

I quickly swam to Tsukiko and scooped her into my arms, hugging her soaked body. We kissed, the taste of sake on our tongues, and when we parted, because if we continued, I’d have broken my promise to the others, the feel of naked Tsukiko in my arms, eager and trembling, pushing against my reason, I let out a deep breath. “Damn, you’re almost enough to make my resolve shatter. Thank Tsukuyomi for my insane Resilience.”

She giggled charmingly. “I too have no wish to be the one to break my word to the others. But I believe there is a term for it. Force majeure… it would have been in God’s hands…”

“I thought you were talking about standing on your own?” I teased, and she waved a hand, red-faced from more than the hot water, as she feared.

“Of course, but… I am sure Divine Tsukuyomi would have supported my whims. Though since you warned him, I am sure he is not peeking.” Her giggle now was hidden behind one hand shyly. “To think you are so jealous, yet you are the one who pushed me to no longer hide behind a title and my veil.”

“That’s that, and this is this!” I countered playfully. “Honestly, I can forgive him for your prior life, because you can. So I’ll treat him with proper respect. But I don’t overly like the idea of the Gods above spying on us, even if they almost certainly can’t do much. Tan explained you’re a vanishingly rare exception, and even then, Tsukuyomi is usually far distant.”

“Really? But you have Rossweisse and Eri always with you, and others will join you soon…” She puffed out her cheeks.

Are you… jealous? That’s so cute! “It’s different. We’re all bound together, heart and spirit. As you will be soon. Anyway, we’re getting distracted again. I may be predisposed to dislike the Buddha, but I could use some of his Resilience now to calm my raging libido.”

“Good things come to those who wait.” Tsukiko promised, smiling at my joke. “So yes, I wish… to become your Diviner, creating my own methods to observe and manipulate the future. And my instincts tell me… through water shall come the solution.” Still close to me, she prodded me just below the navel, where my sacral Chakra was. “This precious droplet you bear… ripe with the power of water and space… and something deeper…” Her finger stroked my bare, wet skin. “It seems terribly greedy of me to claim a share, but… I see the potential within it.”

“It makes me wonder. The Norns… Verðandi, mentioned the Waters of Seeing and Knowing… it leads me to consider if that’s what the Lost Droplet contains. After all… This potent drop of Elemental Water, charged with powerful Adherence relating to Past, Present and Future… it seems to hint it’s what you’re looking for. But… damn, it’s powerful stuff. My Skill for my sacral Chakra is Rank six, and I still can’t break it down. It’s like a droplet of metal, or diamond… but when I succeed, if all goes well, it should integrate with my High Moonlight Spirit Water… if so, I should slowly be able to generate it myself… unless it’s some sort of unique element, I can’t rule that out. But those who shared my Spirit Water also got a Droplet, so I’m confident… regardless… if that’s the path you want to walk, then I’ll help you.”

“I knew you would. Not only because you wish for no more tragedies such as my death to befall us, but also… because you are sweet on those you love.” She reached for the sake, putting her other arm around me as we soaked in the spring. “Besides, water is not entirely bereft of combat uses either, is it?”

“Nope. Water bullets and cutters aren’t bad, and it can be used for defence and healing too. It’s an all-round element, the opposite to fire’s focus on offense, which makes sense. In that case… since time runs faster here, we’ve got a few hours of your date left… want to get some private tutoring from me?”

“How embarrassing.” she teased. “As the older woman, I should surely be teaching you. But yes, if it will not exhaust you. Having some time to rest is also important.”

“Yeah, so people keep telling me. Don’t worry, this is just some gentle instruction. Nothing that’ll tire either of us out.” I promised. “Now then… water’s easy to understand from a physical and a spiritual standpoint. Tell me what you know about it.”

“Water is essential for life. It is a substance we know in all its forms well, ice, liquid water, steam…” She grinned, pointing to some mostly melted ice on the tray that held our sake, as some people liked adding ice to it, the flavour mellowing. “…all three forms are here. Though I am puzzled. I am sure that an Ice element exists, from what I have been told.”

“Yes. Mae mentioned that Sekka, the pinnacle of Yuki-onna, is the greatest wielder of such an element she knows. It does seem to overlap massively with water element, but then… the elements themselves are fairly nonsensical, as I often complain. Perhaps we’ll find a reason for that later… set that aside for now. Fortunately, you don’t have any of the four classical Western elements within you, light and darkness don’t tend to interfere in the learning process, so you can probably master the first without too much trouble.”

“I fear if others could hear you, Akio, they would be furious. While we know some who have mastered such outside our circle, none would dare call it trivial, say it is ‘not too much trouble’, as you do.”

“I have to show off in front of you, don’t I?” I grinned invitingly. “Besides, it’s the perks of having a wide variety of sources of knowledge. So you’re actually rather cunning, Tsukiko.”

“Oh? Calling a woman cunning is seldom a compliment.”

“In this case it is.” I promised her, kissing her cheek, and firing a playful barrage of water droplets from the spring at her. “You’re going to be the lynchpin of adding the future to our sources of information. Knowledge is power, it’s how we’ve made it so far.” And why losing Yasaka-san’s Favour in that way is such a terrible blow. Damn idiots, I warned everyone their Territories are worth less than their lives. With our income, I can easily fund replacements after hitting Rank Four. At least he’ll live, with proper care, and I might even be able to salvage a little of the leftovers when I see him in Kyoto, but… it’s still so damn wasteful…

“Yes, that, absurd fortune, and… your unwillingness to abandon those you chose to care for.” Tsukiko agreed. “Now… water. A significant portion of our Material selves are comprised of it, and I have mused on the foretelling properties spiritually. It also possesses a spiritual sense of healing, perhaps due to the aforementioned significant fraction of our physical selves that contain water, and…”

As Tsukiko explained what she knew, earning my nods of approval, I began drawing from the plentiful supply of water element in our Elemental Silos, ready to offer Tsukiko some practical demonstrations. Back in the Material, under the different flow of time, I emerged into our private, roped off area of Kanda-Myōjin shrine in a spray of purple light, Kana in my arms.

“Oh, you’re here!” My sis was the first to greet us. A stage had been set up at the front of the shrine, and while it was temporary and makeshift, little more than a raised platform with some linked up lighting and speakers, it fit the guerilla concert aesthetic. The shrine was packed, all the way back to the torii gate that was at the main entrance, and even into the street beyond, and I remembered my sis complaining all those months ago how she’d love to see this concert, but getting tickets would be impossible, even if she had the money to get to Tokyo. How times have changed. Now it’s like Kana says, we’re VIPs, as Red and White are training with us…

Behind my sis, all of those interested in idols and Red and White were gathered. Kana’s schoolfriends, including Hisano-chan, were here, as was Yae, who gave me a cheery wave and a bright smile, Rika-san, and Ren-kun, who was holding Asami-san’s hand, his sisters both looking rather smug behind him. Shaeula and Eri were here too, as well as a few other trainees, like the sisters from Shirohebizumi, and Keomi-chan and Hotene-san. Yeah, everyone needs a break from Pilgrimage. This is good.

“Yes, we are indeed here.” Kana greeted my sis cheerfully, before her smile turned wicked, and she kissed me in the exact same pose Aiko had done in the picture, while making a heart shape with her hands. She was blushing doing it, but that was nothing compared to the reaction my sis gave, her face suddenly turning scarlet, blue eyes swimming.

“Uh… Kana-chan… bro…”

“Oh, your face really is a picture, Aiko-chan.” Kana’s gentle laugh rang out. “I’d love to immortalise it forever. I’m sure Akio would as well, keeping a permanent record of such sweet moments is…”

“You…” My sis seemed at a loss for words, and as I put Kana down, she straightened her t-shirt, before pulling my sis into a hug.

“Relax.” she whispered into her ears. “If anything, I’m impressed at how far you’ll go to maintain your persona. It’s our little secret, okay? And…” Her voice dropped so low even I couldn’t hear without straining myself. My sis nodded frantically, and Kana clapped her on the shoulder. “Time to have some fun then. Come on.” She pulled my sis over to me, and I took Kana’s hand in mine, my sis clinging to my other arm, expression rather shellshocked.

“Let’s enjoy this!” Kana declared, pumping her free fist. “Let those of you without partners on Christmas Eve learn a little something from us!”

“That’s it, Kana-chan! You’re so mean!” Mio-san, her petite friend with her black hair in her usual pigtails, complained. “I have to put up with Asami-chan and Ren-kun sticking to each other like glue, and now this…”

“I feel you.” Yae agreed, her gaze on me rather yearning. “I definitely feel you.” Behind her, Sana-san laughed cheerfully. “But…” Yae listened to Sana-san’s slightly ribald comment, about how maybe Adamant should get a group date with me next year, to a hot spring maybe, which reminded me of Tsukiko and our current situation. Noboru-san wouldn’t be happy at his daughter making quips like that. Not that she meant much by it, she’s just a funny girl…

“Not that there’s anything I can do about it.” Yae conceded, winking at me boldly, making the Adamant salute, the closed diamond, with her hands. “Rules are rules. You though, Mio-chan…”

It seems like Aiko’s friends and Kana’s friends are getting along well. Makes sense, because while Mio-san and Asami-san aren’t gals, they’re very into fashion and popular, there’s a lot of similarities.

“I’m trying! It’s so frustrating! I’m cute, but nobody great ever hits on me! I’m desperate, Kana-chan…” she whined, and Kana immediately shot her down.

“No way, find your own boyfriend. Akio has his hands… or rather, should I say, both arms full…”

“Aiko-chan…” Mio-san turned her attention to my sis. “Hook me up with your brother, he’ll do it if you ask…”

“No way!” she protested, face still pink and showing her embarrassment. “Don’t get me wrong, if my bro had brought you back to Nishimorioka as his girlfriend a few months ago, I’d have been impressed. But now… sorry, I’m rooting for someone else…” I didn’t miss her glance at Yae and sighed. That’s… a problem for another time. Right now… it’s disrespectful to Kana to think of another woman. Though Tsukiko obviously doesn’t count… besides, Mio-san isn’t serious, that’s obvious, she’s just getting swept up in the mood.

“That’s it! I’m going to find myself a rich, good-looking boyfriend tonight” Mio-san shouted, and while the others wished her good luck, they weren’t too keen on her chances.

“So, like… Kana-chan…” my sis began.

“Just consider it a favour from me, okay?”

“A favour, I’m not sure… but thanks. I know you were going to give up your date for me.”

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re not just Akio’s sister, we’re friends, aren’t we?”

“Yes.” My sis nodded firmly. “We surely are, Kana-chan. I mean it. So, about that photo…”

“Friends share secrets, don’t they?” Kana winked, and at that moment, before my sis could retort, three spotlights, one white and two red, shone down on the stage, and a backing track began to play. The large crowd fell silent, and smoke covered the stage, three silhouettes visible. When it parted, three young women were standing in their stage costumes, mini-skirt shrine maiden attire, though with additional Christmas-themed accessories, for example, Tamami-san, the centre, was wearing golden and silver tinsel around her bare arms and legs.

“It’s time!” Tamami-san shouted into the microphone, and the background music, while still quiet, started to swell. “Thanks to everyone who’s come out this chilly Christmas Eve to see us!” As the crowd started chanting the group name, I glanced at Kana, who smiled, nodding towards Aiko, so I turned to my sis.

“Ready?”

“Yeah…” she muttered, though her excitement soon overcame her embarrassment. “Sure am, bro. No matter how I feel, music always cheers me up! It’s even better when it’s live!”

“I’m Kanako!” the shorter idol, with long black twin-tail braids, wearing a Santa hat alongside her idol-themed clothes, called into the microphone.

“I’m Tsubame!” cried the second idol, her hairstyle rather similar to Motoko’s, though her figure was more developed.

“And I’m Tamami!”  she called, finishing their greeting enthusiastically. “So let’s get this concert started! We’ll go hard, so you don’t go home! This one’s Arrow to the Heart! You all know it, so sing along!”

Glowsticks appeared in the crowd, filling the grounds of the shrine with red and white, and as the crowd started stamping their feet in time to the beat, the music kicked in, stage lights flashed, and the idols began singing and dancing.

“…got my target in sight, got to get it right…”

“…if I miss, I’ll pick myself up and try again…”

“…I want to pierce your heart, so you’ll look at me…”

“…the arrow of my love conveys my heart, so…”

“…Tōteki, Kanteki, Zaiteki! My love hits, pierces and exists! IN YOUR HEART!”

All three of them sang the final lines of the chorus with gusto, and I was surprised to see an explosion of light above the stage, illuminating the crowd like a silver nova. Fireworks? No, that was… light element?

Kana noticed too, as did a lot of those with us, though the crowd of ordinary civilians thought it merely a fancy lightshow. Which in a way, I guess it is…

As the song came to an end, Kana and my sis were excited, and looking at my red-cheeked sis, I winked, and she punched my arm lightly.

“Don’t be a dick, bro.”

“Is that any way to talk to your brother?” Kana chided playfully. “If you’ve bruised him, do you want to kiss it better?”

“Oh, shut it.” she growled, and then our attention was on the idols of Red and White. They had danced powerfully, not putting a foot wrong, their singing voices resonant, the effects of Chirurgery and their training, no doubt, so not a single bead of sweat glittered on their faces.

“It’s good to see you all!” Tamami-san declared, pumping her fist. “And today… we’ve got some very special guests.” Suddenly, a spotlight shone on us, and the crowd, which was so full of passionate idol fans they hadn’t even noticed our presence, were suddenly murmuring our names and taking pictures. Of course, Shaeula started waving to the crowd, completely unbothered. “…anyway, it’s an honour.” The three of them then made the Adamant salute, which confused those who weren’t in the know.

“Especially that you’d take time on your… very… busy Christmas Eve!” Kanako-san giggled charmingly. “Which number are you, Kana-chan?” she called over.

“Way to put me on the spot, Kanako-chan!” Kana laughed proudly, also enjoying the attention, in a different way to Shaeula. “Ninth or tenth, I suppose you could say. But here…” She reached out, poking my surly sister’s cheek with a finger. “…we have number one! And she’s a huge fan!”

“Oh, we know!” Tamami-san agreed, also laughing, and Tsubame-san nodded.

“That’s right. We’re proud you love our music, Aiko-chan! And our first song suits you beautifully! After all, you’re a Kyūdō queen!”

“I wouldn’t go that far…” my sis grumbled, and Kana couldn’t help but tease her, her own voice loud enough to be heard over the whole crowd.

“Yeah, and her love arrows are geared towards big game. Hey, it’s Christmas Eve? Any hot guys out there who are still single? Now’s your chance!”

“No way.” My sis shouted, even louder. “I’m not interested.”

“Wasn’t saying you were, Aiko-chan!” Kana smirked, enjoying her teasing. “My friend Mio-chan is super cute, and she’s hunting! Nobody’s brave enough to try and tear you off your brother on Christmas Eve, are they, Aiko-chan? Not unless they want a sword through the heart, and I don’t mean Akio’s… oh, shit.” Kana blushed, swearing, which was unlike her. “I didn’t think that one through before I started teasing you!”

“It’s true, there’s some very pretty girls in the group, it’s a veritable paradise.” Kanako-chan agreed. “But boys, if you want to make an impression, then…”

The three of them exchanged glances, and the music spiked up again. “Your hearts need to burn red and white! This one’s Red and White Paradise!”

The crowd went wild, and my sis shot a flinty yet pouty glare at Kana. “Is it fun to bully me, Kana-chan?” she whispered, and ordinarily it would be impossible to hear over the noise, but Kana had no difficultly.

“Tonight? Yeah, a lot of fun.” she admitted boldly. “But that’s because I like you. I get it, you’ve talked it out, you’ve had your misunderstanding…” Her tone was dry, as if to express what she thought of that. “…and your brother’s reassured you you’re important to him. And you are. To us too.” She nodded at Shaeula and Eri. Shaeula was enjoying the songs, but Eri was glancing over at us, her expression concerned. “And before you say something stupid, or deny it… I’ll just say one thing, and then listen to the songs. Follow your heart, just like the songs, yeah? It doesn’t matter where you shoot your arrow, Akio and I, Eri, Shaeula, the others… we’ll always be there to wipe your tears if it all goes wrong, or cheer for you if you strike your target. So, it’s not too late to go on the hunt with Mio-chan…”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you!” my sis suddenly smiled though, and… no, it’s not being back to her old self, it’s different… more genuine, even if it’s a little lopsided… “Thanks though. When my bro’s ditched you for his next girlfriend, I’ll buy you a late-night snack to commiserate you being left behind…”

“Nice try. But that sounds great. We’ll invite the others too and stay out until we’ve exhausted Christmas Eve! And we can cheer Mio-chan on. It’s got to sting, her watching Asami-chan and me…”

Relieved that Kana’s teasing of my sis had further helped settle her mood, we got into the concert, Red and White singing a lot of familiar songs, doing a little skit based on Shaeula’s famous ‘bar-bar my way’ meme, which Shaeula enjoyed greatly, and bantering with the crowd.

“Alas, all good things must come to an end. The shrine is in a residential area, so we have a strict curfew.” Tamami-san called, and the crowd cried out in sorrow, waving their glowsticks furiously. Shaeula was projecting beams of red and white light using her elements, which was… excessive, but rather entertaining, as it looked like searchlights were sweeping the skies.

“However…” Tsubame-san called. “…we have one last, new song for you all.”

“And… the good news is… it’s a collab. For our new training group!” Kanako-san’s enthusiasm was palpable, and as fog from the smoke machines veiled the stage, Tamami-san called out.

“Don’t worry. Our hearts still burn red and white! Just like at the charity concert though, we’ve got a lot of collaborations with our fellow idols who were there, and… who have joined a certain organisation.” At that moment, three more spotlights shone, so there was six on stage.

A brilliant surge of light blazed, forming the shape of Adamant’s diamond in the sky above the stage, and a seventh, golden-yellow light hit the centre of the stage, and a voice I couldn’t forget spoke loudly, excitement palpable.

“We’re Adamant’s Pleaides! The Seven Stars Of Diamonds!” Suzu’s voice rang out, surprising me. Kana and the others looked equally shocked, and as the smoke cleared, I realised that it must have been Suzu performing the lightshows as well. Her backup dancers were visible too, they weren’t in the spotlight, but at the back, and the other three idols were of course Keiko-chan, Ema-chan and Asuka-san. All of them were in similar attire, and somehow Red and White had changed in the minute that the smoke was obscuring the view.

“Everyone knows idols are masters of the quick change, even without broken stats, bro.” my sister informed me, tone annoyingly superior. Kana giggled at that, and we admired the seven of them.

They were wearing red and white miniskirt versions of the Adamant uniforms, with the jackets and shirts embroidered with large rank badges. Suzu’s was in black and gold, similar to the actual uniform, but far fancier, and more revealing, the skirt shorter, showing off her long legs. In her hair drills she had hung diamond decorations, and she shone like a Christmas Tree.

“Those are costumes, right?” Kana asked, and I nodded.

“You can tell with your Eyes, huh? Yeah, no aether or strange materials used. What the hell, Suzu isn’t even in Adamant, is she?”

“No, but… she’s a performer, and desperately wants to be an idol. Where’s the harm?” my sis defended her. “She’s an airhead, and… honestly, she’s a bit dangerous, bro, but… I like her. I… may be an idiot who gets jealous at you for stupid things, bro, but knowing how Suzu-chan’s family treated her, and the fact she’s fun, and looks up to you… I don’t mind if we adopt her.”

I raised an eyebrow at that, and she clarified. “Not you, personally, bro! It’s already weird enough that Magatama and Yata call you dad. Tsurugi, my brain can just about filter out the crazy. I mean… mom likes her and always looks after her now she’s staying in that mansion. She eats breakfast with us early every day. I… don’t mind if she’s your sister too. Because even if you have a dozen, I’ll still be number one, because I’m the one you love and protect, and always have, and always will, whether I want you to or not!”

“Amazing! Progress!” Kana laughed, as we listened to a brief speech from Keiko-chan, Suzu and Tamami-san regarding Pleiades, and their goals, which was to show the world the glory of Adamant. Yeah, any last vestiges of wanting it to be a secret organisation imploded long ago. This is better though… adherence, huh? And also drawing out potential opposition. Still, we’ll have to step up the training, as they’ll be targets… though anyone that targets Suzu probably will regret it. It’s like my sis says, she’s dangerous as she doesn’t understand limits or restraint…

“I feel the same. So does Eri, and all the others. Just believe in yourself, believe in your beloved brother, and live a little! Make friends, go places, and maybe all your worries will work themselves out? It can’t hurt to spread your wings, can it?” Kana suggested, and my sis just nodded.

“Guess not. Okay, tonight, I’m paying for the party to continue!”

“You mean Akio is…” Kana laughed, and my sis flushed, knowing all her cash ultimately was pocket money from me.

“Then, we’ve only worked on this choreography a little…” Tamami-san apologised to the crowd. “But compared to Adamant training, it’s easy! So…”

“This song is dedicated to our fellow idols, from Suzumebachi…” Keiko-chan nodded at the puppets at the back of the stage. “…and AKB, who are cheering us on.”

Can her karakuri puppets express emotions? I doubt it…

“So, to finish big…” Suzu raised her hands, and seven diamonds exploded in the night sky, and I had to marvel at her talent. She’s certainly got a decent control over light element. Her family are morons. Yeah, I can see why they thought Suzu might have social difficulties, but slow, and bad at learning? That she is not… I guess she just only bothers with things that interest her, and if they do, she puts her entire being into it, just like… running away to Japan to follow her dream…

“Our debut song, and soon to be one of the anthems of Adamant, it’s Doki★Doki Diamonds, Invincible Shooting Stars!”

Lights flashed, and the music started, and the seven of them began their choreography, which was unlike anything I’d seen before. They leapt, pirouetted and whirled, and Suzu even jumped onto the outstretched arms of Tamami-san and Keiko-chan, all the while singing flawlessly.

“Our hearts go boom, Doki★Doki, beating faster, our strength it rises, to face disaster…”

“When we’re as one, fighting swifter, we’re surely invincible, to serve our master…”

 “We’re free and fly, shooting nearer, and though it’s hard, there’s always laughter…”

“Because we’re comrades, under the sigil, friends for life, proud and equal…”

Their voices stopped, and then they were all singing as one, perfectly in sync with both voice and incredibly challenging choreography. Beside me, my sis was enraptured, and she was not alone, as she murmured this would revolutionise idol performances.

“Let your hearts beat like the marching drum, where danger threatens, injustice thrives… hear our song, our battle cry, for where the diamond stars go shooting, all evil and misfortune dies! DOKI★DOKI, DOKI★DOKI, DOKI★DOKI Diamonds shine!”

Damn, they’re actually utterly amazing. I glanced around, noticing a small camera crew, and I had a feeling that Arisu-san would have some content for a TV spot soon enough. Makes sense as Suzu’s involved…

“So, Kana?” I asked her, as she watched on, eyes glittering. “How’s your Christmas Eve?”

“You know how it is.” She clung to me, affectionate. “Magical. I’m just sorry that my time will soon be up, but…” She leaned in and kissed my cheek. “…that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? Here…” She pressed my hand to her chest, shockingly bold for Kana, and even with her pretty patterned t-shirt and bra between our skins, it was an alluring experience. “…feel my heart going doki-doki for you? I can tell yours is as well, unless…” She glanced teasingly at Aiko who was shaking my other arm wildly, waving a glowstick with her free hand, her blue eyes reflecting the brilliant stage lights. “…it’s your sister who gets your heart…”

I silenced Kana’s gentle teasing with a long kiss, and as our tongues entwined, the song spun on, the intensity of the lyrics faster and more martial. When we parted, saliva scattering, Kana chuckled.

“…I guess not. Sorry, I can’t help but tease you both.”

“And I couldn’t help but kiss you. We’re taking it slow I know, but… what boyfriend wouldn’t kiss his girlfriend at a perfect moment like this?”

“You’ve got me there…” Kana agreed. “And I’m all for doing what feels right. Like I said… the night is short for us, but… our lives aren’t. So… I can be a good girl and share. Just like your sister understands now.”

“…DOKI★DOKI, DOKI★DOKI, DOKI★DOKI Diamonds shine!” The song finished to rapturous applause from the crowd, the whole shrine seeming to shake under their stamping feet. My sis suddenly realised what she was doing and stopped jerking on my arm, but I merely grinned at her, and she smiled back, pink cheeked, embarrassed but not looking away. Freeing my arms from their grasp, I patted her head, as well as Kana’s.

“That was great. There’s still a little time before I’m swapping dates, so… want to go praise Suzu and the others?” I asked, and Kana and my sis both agreed. Still patting their heads, I jumped us the short distance with my dwindling spatial elements, landing on the back of the stage. Seeing that, Suzu waved cheerfully, before Tamami-san, as the centre of Red and White, thanked the crowd, promising greater performances in the future…

If Kana, my sis and the others are going out for the rest of the evening, it’d be good if Suzu and the others accompany them… after all, with that stirring performance, showing they take Adamant seriously, how can I not see them as under my protection? With Suzu, Kana, my sis, Eri and Shaeula around, there’s nothing bad that can happen, except poor Mio-san suffering heartbreak if she stays single on this most cherished day for couples, watching her two best friends enjoy their dating lifestyles… ouch, yeah, now I feel sorry for her. Brings back too many bitter memories, but now… I winked at Kana, who pressed against me playfully, while my sis rolled her eyes. …now I’ve got enough memories of happiness to last me a thousand Christmas Eves. But since I’m greedy, every Christmas Eve from now on is going to be better than the one before, for everyone…