On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Walking around Boundary Kyoto, the scars from the past battles here now mended, fresh construction having replaced destroyed shrines and temples, I was struck by how busy it was. And also… now Kyoto’s higher ether density is actually lower than around the heart of my Territory. Obviously Asha’s Tree fortifies the area around itself, but… that seems to be spreading, like a dense fog…

Ratkin, weaselkin, Dwarves and other Fae were moving back and forth with purpose, many moving wagonloads of mobile Silos through the Ring Gates, dumping out the ether, which was then absorbed by the Silos at Mount Atago, before they returned to my Territory for a fresh load.

“I feel a little sorry for them.” Tsukiko observed, her hand in mine, as we strolled towards Tsukuyomi-jinja. “It seems they are having to work without rest.”

“Yeah.” I nodded slowly. “I don’t want to be running a black company, or a black Territory, I suppose I should call it. Once we hit Rank Four, I’ll definitely put some local Silos in the build queues to give them a break. In fact, there’s a vast amount of infrastructure we’ve been delaying. Tan lectured me on it, but she understands…”

“Oh?” Tsukiko asked, and it was hard for me not to be charmed by her gorgeous yet slightly cool expressions as she expressed her interest in what I was saying. Perhaps mistaking my own expression, or maybe just taking advantage of the situation, her smile was suddenly warm and gentle. “Are you perhaps cold? Then… allow me.”

Her face, neck and ears were slightly pink, but she unwrapped part of her long, woolly white scarf, before draping it around my neck, pulling us close together as she looped it around us. “There.” Her voice was quiet. “Now you will not feel the chill. I am warm, yes?”

“Yeah.” All I could do was agree. Several Fae and even a few Yōkai, who still generally stayed away from the sacred grounds of the shrines and temples of Kyoto, but so long as they caused no trouble, they were allowed to visit to make trades or just to satisfy their curiosity, snickered at our closeness, but we paid them no heed. Or at least we’re trying to. Tsukiko is still rather shy. But that’s charming in of itself. “You’re not the moon, cold, solitary, unreachable, reflecting the sun’s light but having none of your own. No, you’re a star to me… with your own beautiful glow and warmth.”

“Still distant then…” Tsukiko remarked bashfully, but as she snuggled closer, I could see her smile remained. “No, I understand. You like metaphors and pretty words, it is rather curious. Especially since your sister delights in telling everyone you had no experience with women up until a few months ago.”

“One day Aiko will stop disrespecting me.” I chuckled ruefully. “Though I suppose in a way, that’d be a sad day too. She’s right though. I was far too shy to ever say what I felt before. Now… I just say what I think. If my words can make you happy, bring joy to the others too… then I’ll set aside my shame and manly pride and wax lyrical about how I adore you all. Besides… I think being in love makes us more poetic. At least that’s how I feel.”

“I see. It is not as though I have much experience myself. But…” Tsukiko’s head leaned on my shoulder, and I patted it softly, enjoying the feel of her pretty red and white hair flowers, as they seemed to be made of a velvety cloth, matching her silky ebon locks. “…I do feel I agree. My own heart sings sometimes. Like in this moment. If I am a star, distant yet still with warmth, then you… you are surely the sun, around which we all orbit, seeking your attention.”

“Sadly, the stars we see don’t orbit us…” I chuckled. “But it’s a nice metaphor. I’m just glad you didn’t call me the supermassive black hole at the centre of the galaxy, drawing you all in so you can’t escape.”

“Oh? Perhaps it is more apt. I was not aware of such matters. My education… was definitely biased to the more spiritual. Of course…” Her expression was suddenly serious. “…I have no wish for you to think me foolish and unlearned. I studied, as all children do, the classics, mathematics, basic science… I simply spent more of my efforts learning about faith. I was old before my time, alas.”

“Which is why…” Wrapped together in her scarf, hand in hand, it was as if, despite the hustle and bustle around us, we were alone in this world, the skies above shimmering with aurorae of green, red, yellow and colours that defied ordinary explanations. “…now you have a chance to live what it feels like to be young and free. But not single.”

“No, not single. Oh, I fell for a jealous man indeed. My hero.” She let out a quiet, pleased chuckle. “I still wonder… whether you were the one Tsukuyomi foretold. Looking purely at results, it seems so, but… a part of me rebels, and does not wish it to be so.”

“I get that.” I agreed. “I’m not thrilled if we humans are just following rails the Gods laid down for us, if the future is set, and we’re just puppets dancing on their strings. But… I don’t think that’s the case. And it’s not just Tsukuyomi, the Norns, they too implied that while events have a weight to them… hey, just like stars, or black holes…” I winked, and Tsukiko’s grip on my hand tightened to show her understanding and amusement. “…their pull can be escaped, their courses shifted. Not like black holes then, I guess.” Gravity is a fundamental Material Law, certainly. Which means with high enough League it only lightly affects us… so it makes me wonder… is it actually possible to cross an event horizon?

“Thinking foolish thoughts while being close to me? I might start doubting my charms as a woman.” Tsukiko’s tone was lightly mocking, so I soothed her cares with a gentle kiss.

“Hardly.” I promised. “Besides… you know just how beautiful and noble you are. It’s not just your outer beauty, your inner charms, your unyielding heart, used to giving of yourself… that’s even more stunning.”

“I like those simple words perhaps even more than your flowery similes and metaphors. And before you ask… it is not hard to see your attention shifting. And feel it.” There was a faint twang on Lovers’ Link, as if she was running fingers across something sensitive, making my spirit shiver a little “That and your eyes. Your thoughts may be rapid, but… we are always looking closely. After all, eyes are windows to the spirit, and in those brief, infinitesimal moments, your thoughts are revealed.”

“I see. And here I was thinking all of you were keeping it secret you had Telepathy, like Haru.” I chuckled, kissing her cheek tenderly. “But yeah, it’s like I said, if I wasn’t the one with darkness in one hand, light in the other, and twilight on my back… I just had to become him. And sorry to say, if that hero does exist, he was late, and I’m not giving you, or Yukiko, up now.”

“A jealous man indeed. And again, definitely our hero.” Tsukiko agreed. “I too… prefer it this way. There is something noble about a hero in service to destiny, a brave champion of the Gods who shall stop at nothing to fulfil a storied destiny… but there is a great deal more romance in one who would insert themselves into such a story, merely to wash away our tears.”

“I think so too. Besides, it’s hard to consider the future, what’s destined, what’s predetermined, in the same way after meeting the Norns. I can still hear Skuld clacking her shears like a restless child sometimes… well, regardless… that doesn’t matter now. Our futures are Definite, as you used to say. I’m definitely going to make you happy from now on.”

“And I you. That is what love is. Love takes many forms, and yet this one feels so different, so precious.” She kissed my cheek this time, her lips soft, wet and warm. “Now I feel rather flustered. I surely should not, after all, I am a woman in truth now.”

“I think that embarrassment, the rapid beating of our hearts, is part of the thrill. Hopefully we never lose that.” I hoped that the excitement of our love would remain throughout the distant future. “But since I feel like I’m bullying you…” I continued, as we strolled towards our destination at a leisurely pace. “…I’ll change the subject. Back to our Territory. Tsukuyomi-jinja has blended into Haru’s now, right?”

Tsukiko agreed. “Yes. Though I did not lose everything when Tsukuyomi’s Favour passed to you, I certainly was not able to properly manage matters. I trust Haru-san. It is best she takes charge. Of course, now…” She frowned, even that expression stunning on her impossibly attractive face. “…even as you returned the Favour to me, we share it. I am still wary of whether I can truly perform all the duties of a Chosen.”

“We’ll experiment at some point. But we’re quite busy now. Anyway, I didn’t mean to make you feel any regret, it was just…” I glanced up at the colourful skies above, gathering my thoughts. “…with the situation as it is, and Tan’s advice, I’ve been considering it. What we’d do if we didn’t have Asha’s Tree, and then Shiro’s buffs on top of that. It’s not like such Trees or their equivalents don’t exist on other worlds with Boundaries, at least Tan surmises so, but… well, the normal process for getting to Rank Three is easy enough, anyone who isn’t unlucky enough to get into a fight they can’t win, or be swept up in some unavoidable disaster or bout of terrible fortune, should be able to do it.”

Tsukiko nodded, listening seriously, and I found that rather adorable too, so I was distracted kissing her a little.

“I thought you were trying to soothe my embarrassment.” she accused me, touching her lips with her free hand, though her tone was light, even cheerful.

“Yeah, my bad. But I can’t help but love those why try their best in all they do, so seeing you mentally taking notes… never mind, I promise I’ll stop.” I laughed as she pouted at my gentle teasing. “Anyway… it’s just like on Earth in that regard. Rank Three Territories will be popping up like weeds, it’s not terribly hard to gather the required sums. But Rank Four… the difference in ether needed, and time it remains defenceless, is huge. Sure, gathering up ten million doesn’t sound that rough, but unless you’re amazingly lucky, a helpless Territory’s likely going to collapse. I know it all too well. So honestly, we’re looking at a further hundred and sixty million for a rapid completion, or as close to it as you can get. But… let’s face it. Even a Rank five Ether Spire, which is equivalent to Asha’s Tree when we found it, is going to set you back three and three quarter million ether. And two and a half thousand Astral days to build. Before even counting the prior upgrades. Break that down into rough Material time, and it’s a thousand days. Sure, you can invest to speed it up, but… you see the issue?”

“Indeed I do. I did tell you I studied mathematics.” She teased me gently. “It is not merely gathering the required ether for your Territory to advance, but slowly building up the infrastructure, most notably Ether Spires, to support it. But we have skipped that step, thanks to Asha’s Tree and Shiro’s blessings. Effectively having more than a dozen of these Rank five spires for free.”

“Exactly. So instead of spending years, even a decade, starting to increase our Spires, which would quicken, as each one would be supported by the prior Spires generation of ether, and then going for the upgrade, we’ve been saving up all at once. Of course, this means that overall, our Territory lags behind a great deal in terms of comparable ones elsewhere, when it comes to Buildings.”

“So you wish to divert resources to rectify this?” Tsukiko surmised. “It will be challenging for you. After all, you will surely wish to fulfil your promises to Haru-san and Princess Eleanor and propel them to Rank Four as well.”

“That’s right. But we have to balance it. I think even diverting half of our ether to that end should allow them both to be upgraded before the end of next year.”

“Ah. Because of Tsukuyomi’s vision. The dawning of a new year, and the skies cracking, the pink bird descending, chased by wrathful pillars of many materials…”

“Yeah. I may not fully believe in such prophecies, but I’m sure as hell taking no chances. Anyway, I plan to split the other half in two. Half of that going towards pushing out as many upgrades to Ether Spires as possible, and the remaining amount on needed infrastructure, like Barracks, Defensive Emplacements, Armouries and more…”

“That sounds a prudent plan.” Tsukiko agreed, as we arrived at Tsukuyomi-jinja. “Though it is heavy conversation for a date, surely.”

“Sorry.” I chuckled in shame, but Tsukiko shook her head.

“Do not be. I enjoy it when you are trying your hardest. And it is my future too, which you are working towards protecting. You have a childish side, Akio. I find it oddly charming. I do suppose men love talking about such things, their goals, and aspirations. Especially if they can show off to a beautiful woman?”

At her knowing look, I conceded. “You’ve got me. I always want to look good in front of you all. I’ve had my shameful outbursts, my defeats… but now I want to be seen as heroic in your eyes.”

“There is no need to fret. For you are my hero. Yukiko’s too.” Tsukiko promised warmly. Tsukuyomi-jinja was truly a beautiful shrine, to match a beautiful woman, and as I expressed those sentiments, her crimson eyes shone with a certain heat that made me remember our time atop Mount Gassan. Trying hard not to blush, I glanced around, the steam of hot springs rising, the beautiful buildings of white and blue marble, tooled with silver and diamonds, sparkling like a myriad of stars, or perhaps moons, the cypress trees which maintained their fragrant white blossoms all year round, if seasons even had a meaning here… yeah, it’s truly stunning. Just like its mistress, who whether it’s her Territory or not, will always be Tsukiko.

“Greetings.” Prince Shōtoku called over from the table he was sitting at, a broad smile curving his violet painted lips, his face still pale with the powdered bone makeup he wore. As usual, he was in old-fashioned courtly garments of fine silk, with detailed silver and golden embroidery, and his golden staff, topped with a large, moon-shaped diamond, was lying beside him.

“Your timing is as foretold.” He gestured to the two white chairs set at the carved wooden table, and then at the ancient clay teapot, which was steaming gently. “Please, do make yourselves comfortable, Akio-sama, Tsukiko-sama.”

“I told you there’s no need to be so formal.” I sighed as I pulled the two chairs closer, since Tsukiko seemed to have no desire to untangle the warm, fluffy scarf that bound us. Seeing that, Prince Shōtoku raised one eyebrow, a few fragments of powder drifting away from his face.

“Many pardons, but as the Kami of this shrine, and a subordinate to my Divine Lord Tsukuyomi, the Moon that guides us, how can I be disrespectful to the noble lady Diviner and her chosen husband… no, it goes deeper. Great Tsukuyomi’s adopted daughter, and the son-in-law he has welcomed, the twin bearers of his Favour.”

Tsukiko shone with happiness at those words, and I did feel a touch of pride myself. Covering another sigh, I conceded. “Fine. In that case…” Out of storage, I pulled some cookies and other biscuits, to go with the Prince’s tea. He poured for us himself, though we both agreed Tsukiko should be served first. I added pots of honey, cream and milk from my storage to the table, as well as a small bowl of sugar, lamenting I needed to expand the size of the spatial storage soon. I haven’t had time, as I’ve been making everyone’s Christmas gifts…

“…such a treat.” Prince Shōtoku took one of the biscuits and bit into it. “Times have indeed changed. Just as the moon, while it appears to be in a constant cycle, is actually ever changing.” His eyes glittered with amusement then. “It is good to see the two of you are close.”

Tsukiko and I exchanged a wry glance, as she picked up her clay mug of tea which the Prince had poured her. “Yes, we are. When I follow my heart, I do so with all my heart.” she insisted.

“Of course, this is certainly a cause for joy.” The Prince seemed unbothered by our embarrassment, perhaps even delighting in it. “I dare not claim to know what the Divine Lord Tsukuyomi ponders on, but I know this… what father does not wish for his daughter’s happiness in the end?”

“Sadly there are a few…” I countered, though my expression softened a moment later. “But I concede, after speaking to Tsukuyomi in our shared vision, he’s surely not one of those. Much as I disdain the life Tsukiko has led up to now under his care… so long as I can give her the life she deserves in the future, then I’m content.”

“I so very much feel the need to reply as Haru-san would here…” Tsukiko teased. “Yet I see life as an experience. I feel I am alive, therefore I surely am.”

“Indeed, a wise philosophy. It is the self that determines one’s own being.” the Prince agreed. As we sipped at the tea, which was surprisingly good, considering that the culture of tea drinking had barely developed in Prince Shōtoku’s time, and ate snacks, chatter turned to lighter, more relaxing matters.

“This Christmas Day, as you call it… fascinating. I have had little contact with such, and… after our travails in defending Kyoto, I have equally little love for those who espouse such beliefs. Yet you say this Eve is a traditional day for those in love to share time together in meaningful activities? A charming custom.”

“Yes, I am finding it pleasant.” Tsukiko agreed.

“While I am always delighted to see you, Tsukiko-sama, it seems that perhaps I am in the way here.” the Prince spoke softly, amusement tinging his words. “How terribly ill-mannered of me.”

“Not at all.” I shook my head. “Tsukiko is grateful to you for your support and regrets she doesn’t have enough time to visit you regularly. Besides…” I glanced at the hot springs surrounding Tsukuyomi-jinja, within the grove of cypress trees. “…while there’s a lot I wanted Tsukiko to experience in the mortal world, tonight we’re here. And this place has its perks too. At least the dates here are longer.”

“I quite understand.” the Prince agreed. “In that case, once you have talked to your heart’s content, I shall depart, and make sure the two of you are not disturbed. Unlike the moon, which all can look upon and know contentment, a woman’s beauty is only for the eyes of those she loves.”

“Well said.” I agreed, raising my mug in a toast. Beside me, Tsukiko smiled, though her skin was pink from the thought of bathing in a hot spring with me again. Even though we’d certainly not be doing anything lewd, as I had promised the others I’d be fair, from her closeness to me, still bound by the scarf, and her racing imagination, I could tell that such thoughts were on her mind. Mine too. Mine too. But… even just spending time with you makes me happy, and I’ll content myself with that…

Meanwhile, back in the Material, I’d arrived at our destination with Kana, and she glanced at me nervously, brown eyes bright with both excitement and worry. “Are you sure this is all right?” We had been escorted up the lift by a well-dressed attendant and had emerged into a top-floor restaurant with tall windows that gave grand views out over the decorated expanse of central Tokyo, the glittering neon hues of the city lights joined by the twinkling of red, white and blue Christmas decorations. Other tables were occupied by couples in fancy dresses and suits, some of which I recognised as nobles from the Fifty-Eight and the Three-Hundred, though I wasn’t particularly acquainted with any of them.

“I feel dreadfully under-dressed. This is concert wear!” Kana insisted, glancing down at her cute, patterned t-shirt and tight jeans.

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” I assured her, as we took our seats at one of the nicest tables, by the far window. I made sure to pull her chair out for her gallantly, and she sat down quickly, finding it hard to bear the stares of the other patrons.

“While I’d love to see you in a fancy gown or dress like a lot of the women here are wearing, you still look great.” I winked, and it relaxed her tension a little.

“Stop making me blush!” Kana cried softly, unwilling to make a scene. “While we’ve eaten in fancy places like this before, you’ve usually booked a private room. Couldn’t you get one tonight?”

“You think there’s anything Hinata can’t get us, if she pulls a few strings?” I chuckled, enjoying her tension. I let my gaze roam from her crossed legs, long and slender, to her alluring body, highlighted by her figure-hugging t-shirt. “No, I wanted this to be a more… standard… experience.”

“You call this standard?” Kana managed an exasperated giggle, picking up the menu to distract herself. “I’d have needed to save my meagre pocket money for a year to be able to afford a meal in here in the past. Not that they’d ever let a girl my age in here ordinarily. I think your idea of what’s standard is broken. I get why, but…”

“Don’t worry, it’s more I’m fulfilling your wishes.” I winked cheekily at her, enjoying myself. Yeah, it’s impossible not to feel relaxed with Kana. Even when she’s complaining, her instinctive mannerisms just invite affection, and she’s probably playing up her unease a little knowing it brings out my protective sentiments. “Wasn’t it you who said you wanted a rich man to show you the finer things in life?”

“Bringing that up’s a low blow, Akio.” Kana’s lips twitched, as if she wished to laugh but held it in. “I sometimes hate how mercenary I was.”

“I don’t see why.” I scanned the menu myself, grateful both that my body required a significant amount of food now my strength was so high, and also that I’d held off on my main meal until now. “You’re just realistic. It’s no worse than a guy saying that he wants his girlfriend to be beautiful. Fortunately…” I stared at Kana intently. “…seems like we both had our wishes come true.”

“Oh, you!” Kana’s cheeks flushed crimson. “You know just what to say, though.” Her eyes shone with brilliant sparks of colour, her new and improved Spiritual Eyes Of Earth reacting to her emotions and reading mine. I could feel Lovers’ Link responding as well, warmth flowing through to me, fondness, joy and excitement all expressed by Kana.

“I still don’t get it. How this all happened.” She had made up her mind on what to order, and I quickly summoned the waiter, who nodded, giving us a polite approval of our choices, before placing down a jug of sparkling water. I filled Kana’s glass and my own, and she sipped on it, expression a little bemused, yet still beautiful.

“I never thought I’d fall for someone who flaunted his other relationships. I’ve always had a high opinion of myself, even… no, especially when it wasn’t warranted.”

“If you ask me, you do yourself a disservice.” I disagreed. “And I’m not just talking about your beauty now. Which you know I adore. Honestly, I’m a bit desensitised to it, really. Mom always used to say there was something in the water back in Nishimorioka, all the women seem to be beauties, and the men handsome. It’s a weird town. Not that mom’s any less pretty. Though don’t tell her I said that, or she’ll just brag and embarrass me tomorrow.”

“My lips are sealed. So long as you show me a good time tonight.” Kana teased. “But I get it… you’re saying I don’t fall behind Aiko-chan or Eri, right?”

“I’m not sure why you’re bringing up my sis, but yeah. I was only able to talk to you so easily because I was used to such pretty girls.”

“Yeah, your university friends are beauties too. I’m not even counting Shiro. Aimi-chan and Hina-chan are both attractive. So that’s the reason, huh?” Kana giggled, and soon our starter, a small bowl of rich, seafood soup, was placed before us both. It’s a bit… no, a lot wasteful, but I’ve paid for a few dishes on each menu to be ready in advance, based on Kana’s tastes, since we don’t have the leisure to wait around due to the concert starting in a bit over an hour. The dishes that aren’t picked can go to the staff as a gift…

“Hey, this is fantastic.” Kana mumbled, after taking a sip of her soup. She enjoyed it, and soon a pair of brightly coloured mocktails were brought over for us. Taking a sip, I watched Kana eat with great enthusiasm, my gaze warm. Seeing that, her smile was sweet and innocent, playing to her strengths.

“You know, you can drink if you want, Akio. I don’t think you’ll become a beast who’ll pressure me under the influence.”

I had to laugh at that. “Cheeky! Can I be honest?”

“Always.” Kana agreed cheerfully, sipping at her drink contentedly, having adapted to the curious eyes on us, though honestly, most of the guests, being used to high society, had quickly reasserted their decorum and were studiously attending only to their own company now. “I had enough of your dishonestly when you made me suffer before we started dating.”

“Ouch.” I winced theatrically. “Never going to let me forget that, are you?”

“Nope.” Kana agreed, though her smile robbed her words of any malice. “We girls love keeping track of these things.”

“In that case… I’ll be honest, it’s a little frustrating.” I lowered my voice, my tone sultry and teasing. “I’d say I’ve the patience and willpower of a Buddha, but that’s taboo in this family…” Yeah, Tan, and by extension Shiro, do not favour him highly… “…you see, we men are indeed beasts. And you’re a tasty treat indeed, one which I yearn to devour.”

“Oh. Oh my.” Kana was now nearly purple with embarrassment. Eyes wide, she looked at me for a minute, before managing to mumble a response.

“Me too, I guess. I can’t say I’m not jealous of the others. Tsukiko… even Tan, they’ve both had you now. And I’m old enough, and curious enough… the way Eri and Shaeula, Shiro too, always brag about it… but, you know… it’s not just that I want to have a proper dating experience. I do… but…” She finished her soup, gathering her thoughts. “…if I’m being honest, I like that we have a bit of a different relationship to the others. I like to stand out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not picking a fight with Eri or anyone else. I don’t have the right, and I don’t want to either. We may bicker and argue, but… we both get along, as hard as that is to believe from our first meeting.” She laughed at that, sounding almost refreshed. “No, it’s just… I like what we have. Though…” She lowered her voice. “…I’m not saying no, you know that, don’t you? I’m not dating you lightly, and I know you wouldn’t have asked me out if you didn’t feel the same way.”

“I get it.” I agreed, and we both sipped at our drinks, cooling down. The main course arrived quickly, both of us deciding to have the steak. Elegantly, Kana picked up her knife and fork, and on seeing me watching, she winked.

“You know, Motoko and Natsumi have been teaching us all how to conduct ourselves in fancy settings. Hinata already knows, of course, but… she’d rather leave the teaching to others. So… I won’t shame you with how I behave. Though the way I’m dressed…”

“The way you are dressed brings out all your charms.” I insisted. “And if anyone thinks you’re not worthy of being here, then I’ll show them they are wrong. Besides… you’re the very image of youthful beauty. It’s lucky that we’ve got reserved spots at the concert, otherwise every guy at Kanda-Myōjin would be trying to steal you away, and I’d not get to listen to any of the songs as I’d be too busy swatting annoying flies.”

“Don’t worry. You already stole me.” Kana promised. “There have been too many heart-stopping moments, too many little kindnesses…” She paused, delicately placing down her fork before waving a hand for emphasis. “…and it helps you’re handsome and kind. Though come to think of it, a lot of those moments were your fault, I’m a clear victim of the suspension bridge effect! I don’t regret that at all though.” She smiled brilliantly at me then, brown eyes warm and bright. “I only care that I’m finally happy, and at peace with my future. Together with you, Aiko-chan and everyone else.”

“Again with my sis?” I grumbled, and Kana snorted.

“And why not?” She suddenly glanced down at my pocket. “I’m not Haru-chan, you know, but I’ve always had a slight talent in that regard. And my Eyes have only strengthened that. Don’t worry, Aiko-chan’s been bombing the group chats with messages ever since this morning. And it doesn’t seem forced. I can tell you’re relieved, but also… slightly ashamed?”

“I would be, wouldn’t I?” I chuckled, ashamed. “Honestly, I… misunderstood something my sis said in a very extreme way. It worked out, but…”

“I bet you didn’t.” Kana shook her head. As I pondered that, she repeated herself.

“Come on, no way you did. If anything, she just ran away again. And that’s fine.” Kana insisted. “I like Aiko-chan, but she’s also a lot like Eri, you know? Which means she’s a lot like me too. So I know. Asking for what we truly want is hard. I suppose I should applaud Eri. A classic festival confession. It’s so easy to panic and deny what you’ve just said. After all, fireworks are loud, it’s easy to pretend to have said nothing. Of course, she still asked you out a few years too late.”

“Though that’s probably for the best. Else I’d probably still be living in Nishimorioka.” I pointed out, and Kana agreed.

“Yeah, here and now… I suppose I should praise her for her kindness in accepting even me.” Kana finished off her drink, and another was placed down, the service impeccable. And the price commensurate with the service. But seeing Kana in this environment is worth it. “That’s gloomy though…” she continued. “And it’s Christmas Eve! And I’m on a date, and I’m excited, and happy… yet not everyone is, of course.” She giggled wickedly. “Mio-chan and Rika-chan, they are both moaning about being single. Seeing Asami-chan and Ren-kun all lovey-dovey has been annoying them. Maybe today will be their lucky day? There’ll be plenty of guys at the concert…”

“Last year it was me who was feeling jealous at those who had dates for Christmas Eve. This year… I’m having a meal with a catch like you.” Placing down my knife and fork, I smiled winningly at her, enjoying her reaction. “Thanks, Kana. For spotting me that day. Thanks to you, all of this was possible. You changed my life, that day…”

“You’re making too big a deal of it.” Kana insisted, but her eyes were clear, free of doubt. “My reasons were petty, and I’ll be honest, I was badmouthing you in my mind the entire time, thinking you were a playboy, and Shaeula your little naïve plaything. Sorry about that.” She covered her mouth with one hand to hide her giggles. “I’m just happy I’ve contributed, in my own small way. And the worst of it is… I kind of miss working on the underground construction! Me! I’ve changed so much…”

“You’ve certainly grown more beautiful…”

“Flatterer!” Kana sniffed, though she clearly loved the praise. “Seriously though, this feels very… intimate, you know? The lighting, the atmosphere… yet it’s like we’re still in our own little world.”

“That’s the beauty of high-class dining. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to walk with you hand-in-hand down a busy street, eating crêpes or shaved ice, or even going to an arcade like I did with my sis, taking stupid pictures and winning prizes…”

“Purikura, huh? Girls love that, even though it seems childish. So…” She leaned in with a smile. “…now I’m dying to know what sort of photos you took with Aiko-chan. I won’t tell, it’ll be our secret.” She winked. “Besides, we’re on a Christmas Eve date, and while you promised to be good… there’s a lot we can do without crossing the line, especially during a busy concert, where everyone’s focused on Red and White…”

“I thought you were looking forward to their performance…” I chided, and she merely snickered knowingly.

“I am. But there’s something a little thrilling about sneaking a few kisses and maybe a little more in the crowd, isn’t there? They’re the sorts of things that a couple dating would do, especially on Christmas Eve. Besides, I’ll be honest, now that Red and White, and even AKB, are part of our group now, it feels a bit less special.”

“I can’t argue with that. But…” I hesitated, and Kana, understanding me well, and perhaps Aiko too, only insisted more.

“Don’t be like that. It’s cute seeing you all embarrassed, but trust me, there’s nothing that can shock me. And I promised, I won’t tell anyone else. Even if it’s hilarious.”

“Fine.” I hope I don’t regret this. I pulled the photo of my sis and her antics from my pocket and slid it over to Kana, who blinked at it, before she let out a bright laugh, shaking her head. She even had to wipe her eyes, she was tearing up from amusement.

“Yeah, okay, you can be embarrassed. Don’t worry, I have better taste than that, if we take pictures together, they won’t be so… so… that. I can’t even describe it. The worst thing is… she’s trying to be funny, isn’t she? But it just comes across as…” Surprisingly, Kana reached over and patted my head, as if comforting a child. “I get it. Your sister is the queen of mixed messages. I can hear her now… let me guess…” She cleared her throat, trying to change her voice to sound more like my sis. “Bro, I’m so jealous and lonely, don’t you love me like you love those other girls?”

I blinked at her, and she asked me if she was right. Shaking my head, I mumbled that she didn’t say it quite like that, and Kana seized on my words.

“Not quite, huh? But the sentiment was surely the same. Like I said, it’s amazing how much Aiko-chan resembles Eri. They’re both so needy, but from what I can see, Eri’s growing up, but Aiko-chan’s been going backwards.” She idly glanced down at the photo again, breaking out in giggles. “If I had a brother, I’d find it hard to be so… flippant… with him, even as a prank. But then, I don’t suppose it matters.”

“It’s mostly my fault.” I admitted. “She’s frightened of being the only one left out, and the rescue of Mae and the events surrounding that scared her, and the growing Lovers’ Link… I’ve fixed that now, so we’re good, it’s just…”

“No, it’s not your fault.” Kana disagreed, giving me back the photo. “Seriously, frame that and keep it as a trophy. You’ll be able to tease her for years to come. No, she’s just got to find her place. She doesn’t seriously believe you’d ever let her fade from your life. After all, you’re insanely overprotective. The good thing is that extends to us too. I’ll never forget how furious you were seeing those yakuza accost me… it was like watching a hero, no, a descending Kami…”

We reminisced for a bit, the staff clearing our plates and bringing us dessert, a large parfait for Kana, while I just had a black coffee to clear my head. “…so yeah, her problem is she’s just jealous. It’s cute, but she should have grown out of that years ago. But then, you’re oddly youthful in your outlook, Akio.” I wasn’t sure whether Kana was praising me or not, and neither was she, it seemed. “It’s cute, and better for me, but… for a working adult maybe it’s a little bit shameful.” She swallowed a spoonful of her parfait. “…oh, this is good. I’ll definitely remember this Christmas Eve forever, and we’re still not even half done! Anyway, yeah, Eri was awfully petty and childish too, though she’s calmer now. She still has spikes of the same jealousy Aiko-chan does, only in Eri’s case, there’s no problem, is there? If you don’t count me and the others, that is. But she’s accepted it. Which is lucky for me.”

I nodded, listening. Kana was enjoying having the upper hand at the moment, and she was surprisingly mature, which only made her attractive clothing, which emphasised a stylish, trendy, youthful feeling, seem sexier. “Of course, I realised she was having problems. Her behaviour had shifted, and yeah, the biggest changes did happen around the time you brought Mae back. Silly girl… but whatever.” Kana licked clean her spoon, placing it back in the now empty glass. “Despite what she thinks, I’m her friend, and I’m glad you sorted it out. At least for now. Give her time to think. She’ll be starting university in April, won’t she? That might broaden her horizons.”

“Yeah. Thanks for offering your own date for her sake, Kana. It’s why I love you. You’re good-hearted.”

“No, I’m not.” Kana blushed deeply, and though she denied it, she was clearly overjoyed at my praise. “But I do pride myself on supporting my friends. And Aiko-chan’s my sister too, isn’t she? Well…?” She waited for my answer.

“Of course. We’re dating now, but in the future, we’re definitely getting married.”

“My father will be so pleased I’m settling down.” Her tone was dry. “Especially since you’re the master of Shirohebi. I was certain my father was gearing up to offer me as a concubine so the next heir of our shrine would be descended from you. The old-fashioned jerk. I guess I shouldn’t be so insulted, as it’s just mean to Hinata and the other noble daughters, but… hey, you’re lucky you fell for me, else you’d probably have Keomi-chan pushed onto you if I refused!”

“No way!” I waved that suggestion aside. “She may be in high school, but… she’s… far too childish. I’d really feel like a lolicon creep! She’s definitely sister material though, she’s cute.”

“Are you sure?” Kana glanced meaningfully at my pocket again, and with a defeated smile, I conceded.

“I admit, my relationship with my sis is a little… strange, especially right now. But you know I only have her best interests at heart.”

“Of course I know that, I’m just messing with you. Teasing my boyfriend.” Kana insisted. “And don’t worry, Aiko-chan knows too. Which is surely bothering her, but… she’ll work it out. If she wants to talk to someone other than you or Eri, someone more on the outside, I’m all ears. Now then…” Kana checked her phone. “We’d better be going.”

“I agree. And thanks. Sorry to take up some of your date moaning about Aiko.”

“Don’t be. It shows we’re not just casual, but serious enough to consider each other’s family troubles.” Kana’s maturity once more struck me. “Besides… you showed me your secret shame from your date with her. I can mess with you both forever now!” Her smile was suddenly devious, and so very appealing. Determined not to be outdone, I stepped towards her and swept her into a princess carry. She let out a surprised yelp, clinging to my neck, and with a teasing smile of my own, I drew on my slowly recovering spatial element.

“In that case, my dear, adorable girlfriend Kana, I’ll whisk you back to Akiba in style!” And with that we were gone, fading purple sparks and surprised patrons gawking at the sudden emptiness all we left behind…