On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred And Forty-Two – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

“I’m home.” I called, as I walked through the door after another day at school. I had spent an hour practising kyūdō with the few members of our school club, but it was frustrating in a lot of ways. Firstly, the focus of it had changed. I still loved archery, perhaps more than ever, but it was no longer in terms of competition. At least not against other athletes. I’d like to challenge Shaeula’s brother again. I don’t think I’d win, but I wouldn’t get so badly beaten, no way!

No, now my focus was on honing both my combat skills with the bow, as well as the spiritual side to kyūdō, which would hopefully improve my strength in terms of spiritual aspects. Remembering seeing my bro, Shaeula and the others on TV, being praised as the saviours of Britain, I clenched my fist, vowing to myself I’d get strong enough to help my bro, help them all too.

Taking off my outdoor shoes and pulling on a pair of slippers I noticed a lot of unfamiliar shoes in the rack by the door. Guests, huh? Putting that aside, the other reason it was so irritating was the fact that now the school’s small kyūdō dojo was thronged with gawkers and curious students from all grades, and I was starting to feel a bit like a spectacle. I can’t say it’s not nice to get attention, and wow, Rika-chan and Yae-chan are loving their popularity, though Yae-chan… wow, no point worrying over it, I don’t think much of her chances, but… compared to the sort of people my bro is meeting, Princesses, Queens, Politicians, rich businessmen… getting popular with the juniors at school seems kind of lame…

As I was thinking about my Territory, or lack of one, and how I wished I could do more to help my bro, Eri, Shaeula and the others, I opened the door to the living room, and I was greeted cheerfully by my mom. “Welcome back, Ai dear.”

She wasn’t the only one though. I was greeted in English by two people I don’t think I had ever seen in person before, but I had seen pictures and talked a little using the phone. I can’t believe we were so poor that we didn’t even really make many foreign calls due to the cost. How things have changed. Way to go bro… My thoughts were scattered as I met my grandparents in person for the first time.

“Good evening, Aiko. You’re an awfully pretty girl. Just like your mother.” Grandfather said, and grandmother giggled, despite her age, reminding me of mom a bit.

“Oh you can’t say something like that Jack, even if it’s true. Look, you’ve embarrassed her. Aiko dear, it’s wonderful to finally meet you, our granddaughter.” Grandmother was smiling fondly, and I felt faint tears stirring in my eyes.

“Hi. It’s good to meet you at last. Big bro told me all about you.” I managed, before Grandmother Evelyn enfolded me in a warm hug.

“You’re a big girl.” She said warmly.

“Not as big as mom.” I protested, before my face reddened, embarrassed. I shouldn’t be making jokes about my boobs, not during such a happy occasion. Wow, I’m all over the place… as we hugged, I heard a loud, fake cough, and turned to see auntie Hana and uncle Junpei were here too, looking amused, and beside them were two people I didn’t see that often, auntie’s parents.

“Welcome back little Ai. You remember my parents, right?” she said in Japanese.

“Of course. Eri and I, we’re like sisters, no we are sisters. So you’re my grandparents too, Haruyo-san, Wataru-san.” I greeted them. “You’re… looking well?” I wasn’t sure why I phrased it as a question, but Haruyo-san shook her head, a touch unhappily, I thought.

“We are getting by, Aiko-chan.” She said. “Though Wataru and I are feeling rather left out. To think, we had to find out about our grandson-in-law and all of this through the television, rather than from our family.” The frail-looking woman in her mid-sixties was still rather good-looking, but I knew she and Wataru-san both weren’t well at all. Though it’s nothing terminal. Now that they know…

“That’s right.” Wataru-san agreed. He was a few years older than Haruyo-san and had a nasty cough that was always worse in the winter, and usually left him bedridden and feverish for most of the season. “When we heard our granddaughter was finally engaged, we wanted to celebrate, but then Akio-kun was gone, then our Eri-chan moved to Tokyo after getting injured…”

“Sorry.” Auntie said. “I did want to tell you. I don’t like keeping secrets from you all, but…”

As they spoke in rapid Japanese, my British grandparents were looking confused, trying to parse it with their limited English skills, so I decided to do them a favour and translate. As grandmother Evelyn released me, I shook hands with grandfather Jack, which I found a little funny, his solemnity out of place in this reunion.

“That’s the grandfather of Eri, my big bro’s first fiancée. Wow, first. Even after several months, saying it like that makes me feel guilty.” It is all for the best though. There are so many happy girls around my bro now, all pulling together. But it needs Eri to recover to be perfect. And also… can’t bro find her a Divine Favour? It would really boost her confidence… “He’s complaining that we never told them about my bro and everything that’s been going on. I get it. I hated being left out myself.” Remembering it just made me mad, though I also remembered pulling a ton of pranks on my bro, pointing out all the inconsistencies and obvious failures to hide what was going on, getting him worked up, and then pretending it didn’t matter, leaving him flummoxed. I was a bit of a bitch, really. But my bro… he left us. I should be allowed that much payback! At least things are different now, and Eri and me, we can stand at his side, not behind him!

“I’m sorry mother, father.” Auntie was saying, flustered. “But it was a closely guarded secret. And you know how you both like to gossip!”

“That’s true.” Uncle said. “Besides, we only found out ourselves around Eri’s birthday. So it’s only been a short time…”

“Akio didn’t tell us on his first visit either.” Grandfather Jack said to me, after I explained what everyone was arguing about. “I understand why. Knowing can be dangerous. He just wanted to keep us safe. But…”

“Everything’s all out in the open now. My Aki, he’s a worldwide phenomenon, a hero! And didn’t the girls look so gorgeous in their dresses? It’s just a shame Eri wasn’t able to be on TV!” mom piped up, trying to distract them from their argument, which judging by the frustrated expression on dad and uncle’s faces, was one they’d had already.

“Yes, that would be wonderful. My shy little Eri, out in front of the world…” Auntie Hana said, shaking her head.

“It’ll definitely happen.” I grinned, picturing it. “Eri’s not nearly as shy as she was. It’s done her good, mixing with other girls. Besides, don’t you want to see me out there too, mom?” I asked, and she looked at me in surprise.

“No, Ai! You’re a hundred percent blood related to Aki, you can’t be his bride!” she protested, and I wasn’t entirely sure she was joking. The comment had put a stop to the argument at least. Mission accomplished, I guess? Just a shame I had to be embarrassed to stop it.

“You know I don’t mean that, mom. So embarrassing!” I pouted. “If you start teasing me over that as well, I’ll get mad. I get enough of it at school. Being serious now, after all, I’m…” The room was small and cramped, our house pretty tiny, though being out in the boonies it was still larger than you’d find in the city. But there was enough room for what I wanted. With a wicked smile, I raised one arm, and suddenly a golden version of Eri appeared in the vacant space. My parents had seen the Golden Sister Army before, of course, uncle and auntie too, but the others froze, open-mouthed, the argument driven from their minds by the sudden shock. I took a pose, hands on my hips in a way I had practised in front of the mirror until I had it looking cool enough, and grinned.

“See mom? I’m just like big bro now, and you know it. I’m part of his alliance, just like Haru-chan, Miyu-chan and the others.” If it wasn’t for the fact he told me that he had a couple of men as his vassals too, I’d start thinking bro was using that as an excuse to start grooming some more fiancée candidates. He’s not that sly though, and Eri would take an axe to him…

“That’s… I’ve seen some things, but it still amazes me.” Grandfather Jack said, reaching out gingerly, before touching the golden statue, seeming almost surprised it was real. “You too, Aiko? From what I understand those Chosen by the Gods are very rare indeed. Looks like our blood is strong.” He crossed himself. “Forgive me God for the blasphemy.”

I guess it’s hard for the devout to acknowledge other Gods exist. The proof’s right here, though. Kannon exists, or I couldn’t call on the Sister Army… “Good, now we’ve all quietened down, mom, I’m hungry. What’s for dinner?”

Mom burst out laughing at that. “Oh Ai, you are a cheeky girl. I don’t know where you get that attitude from. Aki is such a good boy…”

I snorted at that. “Yeah, right. A good boy has a soccer team of women… uh, sorry auntie…” I said apologetically, but she shook her head, dismissing my apology.

“It’s fine. No, not fine, but I have to accept what I can’t change. I’m talking to little Eri most days, and her rehabilitation is going well, and she’s getting on with the others. Like you said, little Ai, being out in the wider world, having to deal with others she can’t ignore, it’s been good for her. So...” she looked at her parents. “… you pair of gossips can just quiet down for now. We’ll talk it out over dinner. Do you need a hand, Emi?” she asked, and my mom shook her head.

“No, we’re nearly done. Since this is a special occasion though, dear, break out the good whiskey and sake our son gave us. This is a celebration! Our whole family is together for the first time! Apart from Aki, but… he’s here in spirit!”

“Not the whole family.” I snickered, amused. “Eri’s missing too. And not just her. If you bring all the other girls and their families too… we’d need to hire the town hall. And find a way into the Boundary…” Even without Eri and my bro, I’m feeling emotional. It’s the little things like this that make it real, the ways our lives have all changed for the better because of big bro…

********

“I still can’t believe both our grandchildren are special.” Grandfather Jack was saying. “This is excellent, Emily, you’ve got better at cooking over the years.”

“Is it to your taste? I tried making it a bit more Westernised as Aki told us you’d be here today.” mom said, fretting a little. Dad had opened several bottles of booze and was sipping on the golden contents of one glass happily. Meanwhile, Auntie was still telling off her own parents.

“I remember that time I told you in confidence about that matter, and before I knew it, everyone in your village knew. And it wasn’t the only time…” she was saying, and Eri’s grandparents looked a bit ashamed. “… I simply couldn’t risk little Aki’s secrets. You’ve seen it, right? There is security on twenty-four hour shifts in Nishimorioka, always keeping an eye out for trouble.”

“Yes, but do you think we’d have talked about this?” Haruyo-san said, a little affronted. “This isn’t gossip, it’s a miracle…”

“Little Aki was simply keeping things close to his chest. He was going to tell you in time. He just wanted to get things stable first, right little Ai?” Auntie Hana asked me, just as I was explaining to my grandparents that no, I wasn’t Chosen like my bro.

“So yeah, my bro, he actually gave me this power. It came from someone else. But that’s a big secret only known to the higher-ups of the Country, so nobody knows that, all right? Oh, yeah… my bro actually was super relaxed and useless at keeping things secret, and Shaeula, she’s the cute little blonde girl everyone’s memeing over…” my grandparents and Eri’s all looked confused as mom translated. “… uh, never mind. What matters is they were careless, and I’m told it got really bad, and Kana-chan and her family could have been killed over it. Ah, Kana-chan is the shrine maiden of the shrine bro has set up his base at. She’s a funny girl. Cute too.” I’m actually really happy for her that my bro finally acknowledged her feelings. Bro was stringing her along something fierce just to make himself feel better. I know why he did it, he’s under a lot of pressure, but that’s his own fault. I may have suggested he accept Shaeula, but he did it, and gathered all the others too. Using Kana-chan as a sacrifice to relax himself was just a dick move.

“I see. We should meet her again, right dear?” mom asked dad, and he nodded, glass still in hand.

“I believe so. We had the pleasure of meeting her parents in Kyoto, they seemed good, honest people.”

“I think Kana-chan’s mom might share some of the same worries as you, auntie.” I giggled, before my expression turned grave, continuing. “That’s all very well, but what matters is that wasn’t the only problem. The US tried to abduct my bro and Shaeula, even using special forces and mercenaries. Again, people nearly died. And it’s due to us all being stupid. We were careless in Las Vegas, indiscreet. So don’t blame my bro for wanting to keep secrets, even from family. When it’s time to say, he does. Like with you, grandpa, grandma.” I was less formal now I’d got used to them over the last hour or so.

“Yes, so quit your complaining. You’re embarrassing me.” auntie said, shaking her head. “Now that you know, there’s no more reason to gripe. When we next see little Aki, he’ll give you the Chirurgery, and your health will improve.”

“What happens if we had died before then? You know how sickly we get in the winter.” Wataru-san said sourly. “Would you have been fine with that, Hana?”

Wow, that’s so selfish and annoying. It’s lucky Eri isn’t here, I’d hate for her to lose respect for her own grandparents. My face must have been showing my annoyance, as Mom squeezed my leg under the table. I glanced over, only to see her telling me to keep silent. Fine. But I don’t like their attitude.

“You’ve managed all these years just fine.” She said, sighing. “Mother, father, you didn’t need to worry. We have money now. We can afford the best healthcare, your house won’t be draughty and damp… in fact…” Hana looked at my dad, who spoke, his voice calm and collected.

“There is no use dwelling on the past. My son is a man now. He makes his own decisions and has to live with them. For what it is worth, I do agree he needs to be more cautious. Even now.” He nodded at me. “The world knows his name, his face, but not much else. Secrets such as how Aiko gained her powers must be kept. And more importantly… we must not become a drag on him, a weakness to be exploited.”

“That’s why we are here.” Grandpa said, after he understood dad’s words. “It’s not just to visit our family and see our granddaughter. Though that is a long overdue treat.” He smiled at me, and I nodded, touched. “It’s to make sure we can’t be used against him. The same goes for you, I’m sure.” He said to Haruyo-san and Wataru-san, and after it was translated they had no choice but to agree.

“That’s right. Little Eri might not be publicly known like the others, but little Aki has done nothing to hide their relationship, not that he should have done. They are childhood friends in love, there’s nothing to hide!” auntie repeated vehemently. “But that means our family, they could be targets. I’m not so worried about you, little Ai…”

“I’m not overconfident.” I said, surprising them. The golden Eri had long since vanished, as I didn’t like to waste aether unnecessarily, preferring to save it for the Boundary, “Sure, I’m not easy to take down. Your average gang of thugs or kidnappers, I’d beat to a pulp.” I flexed my arms, grinning. “But against trained professionals like my bro took on? Or worse, another Chosen? I don’t like to take chances. It’d be a tragedy if something happened to cute little me, right?” I laughed, making a joke, before shaking my head, suddenly serious. This is something I thought about, when I accepted this Favour. It’s still a risk I wanted to take. I don’t regret it. How could I?

Before anyone could protest, I continued. “Obviously, I have no wish to end up getting kidnapped, tortured or worse. That’d suck right?” I said dryly. “But we all know it’d kill my bro. He’s already still feeling guilt over Kyoto, and then Tsukiko-chan. If it was me…” I clenched my fists, resolute. “It’s why I’m training hard every night, and even helping Rika-chan and Yae-chan as best as I can. I don’t want to be the thing that breaks my bro. And maybe dooms Japan.”

“Well said, daughter.” Dad said when I was done. “Though I could do without you bringing up such tragic outcomes. To think of you being captured, tortured…” his hand was white around the glass. “… but we have to be realistic. That is why we have security. In fact, I have seen a new group around the village.”

“Yeah, they are trained mercenaries, apparently. Trained in both senses.” I said. “They rotate in with groups of twenty, and bro is putting his all into whipping them into shape. Each rotation, they should be a little more useful. But against someone like my bro, they’ll be about as much use as a butter knife against a lion.”

“That’s why we have to make a decision.” Dad said, looking at everyone sternly. “We can put it off no longer. Now that father-in-law and mother-in-law are here, it is the perfect time. Our son has been profligate with his wealth.” He said, and mom giggled, looking far younger than her age.

“Let our boy spend, dear. He hates that we scrimped and saved for him and Ai all these years and he wants to give back. I think it’s sweet.”

“Yes, well, it does rather hurt my pride as his father. But I accept it. No, the decision we have to make is… should we all move to Tokyo, where we can be properly protected? Now, I know it is a big decision. We grew up here, Junpei, Hana. Our memories, our friends, they are all here. But…”

“… Aki and Eri are in Tokyo.” Mom finished. “Besides, it’s not like we’ll be leaving forever, is it? Perhaps when Ai gets as strong as Aki, we won’t need to worry?” she winked, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Sure, I was the sporty one in the family, but keeping up with bro? Dream on. He’s the hero of Britain. Shaeula messaged me to say he’s likely going to be knighted! Can you believe it? She also said we’d be invited to the ceremony, so we had to visit Tokyo to go shopping for dresses and accessories anyway mom…” I wasn’t even sure of what I was saying, but the thought of being in Buckingham Palace, seeing my bro, Shaeula and the others being rewarded in front of the world was enough to give me goosebumps. “… no, that’s not important now. Seriously, my bro, he’s on another level. But… if I was in Tokyo, I could train with him, help him… uh, wait, what about school? And my exams?”

“Studying is important.” Dad admitted. “Your teachers tell me you have knuckled down and your grades have shot up. I am confident you can pass the exam for any university of your choice now.”

Wow, praise from dad. I know how bro feels now. Dad’s soft on me sure, but he still doesn’t praise me often. “Yeah, though it’s not like it’s all my own efforts dad. Skills and Classes are great, they aren’t just for battle. But… I’ll be honest. I miss Eri a lot. Rika-chan and Yae-chan, the girls on the volleyball team, my juniors in kyūdō, they’re all great and my friends, but they don’t replace Eri. We’re sisters, even before she went and won over my bro. As for my bro… yeah, I miss him too, all right? I’ve become greedy, ever since he came back to Nishimorioka. Our relationship is even better than before. We’re finally honest. I miss Shaeula too, and I’ll be surrounded by my bro’s girls, so… I don’t know what I’m trying to say…” I finished lamely, flushing.

“I do.” Mom said fondly. “You want to move, right? The school will allow remote working, just like for Eri. And you can always commute any days you feel like going in. Fukumoto-san can arrange a helicopter to take you there and back. How decadent.” Mom giggled again, flushed, and I realised she’d sneaked a few swigs of the whiskey. Wow, a shame bro and Shaeula aren’t here. My Ether Healing isn’t anywhere near good enough to work on others yet…

“Fukumoto-san?” grandpa asked.

“He’s Fukumoto Kenji-san, the owner of Nichibotsu Technology, and also grandfather of Hinata-san, who is one of my son’s many fiancées.” Dad said, a touch exasperated. “He has also proposed this as our new home…” he brought out his phone and opened an email. I caught a glimpse of it, and my eyes went wide.

Wow, really? My own phone out, I quickly ran my own searches, jaw dropping. “We can afford that?”

“Not us, even with the money my son has given us. We would not even be close.” Dad exchanged a guilty glance with uncle, but I was too excited to care. “Our son can, though, and apparently the rich and powerful are falling over themselves to invest in him now he is famous, not even asking for anything in return, although if my son is enough of an idiot to believe that, then I will have to smack some sense into him.”

“You’ll break your hand, Taichi.” Uncle snorted. “Don’t we already know that? Even if he was such a fool, with shrewd, successful businessmen as his allies, no, his family… ugh, I can’t believe how I’ve accepted that too… all his bases will be covered.”

“It’s not just that house, or should we call it a mansion?” mom giggled. “There’s another, larger mansion across the hillside, as well as several smaller houses. The plan is to buy them all up and convert it into a massive, fortified estate in central Tokyo, only a few kilometres from Shibuya and the heart of Tokyo. There’ll be room for a helipad, garages…” mom was looking dreamily at the picture. “… it’s not too far to the shrine as well, so Aki can do his work. Apparently nobody has broached it with him, but do you think he won’t want to move to be with his family? His mansion will be big enough for all his fiancées as well.”

“It would be a safe, secure place to live. As for the shame of living off our children’s efforts, perhaps we can work for him? Who better to trust than family.” Dad said, but I was barely listening, marvelling over the pictures. The surrounding area is pretty and full of homes for the wealthy… wait, we have views out over Tokyo bay? I couldn’t help but be excited.

“I think we’ve lost Ai.” Mom said, as I scrolled through more images of the proposed house, with a basement swimming pool, a games room, balconies and more.

“I understand that you might not wish to live in Japan forever, father-in-law, mother-in-law.” Dad was saying. “But for now, it has been too long, catch up with your daughter and your grandchildren. Take some weight off my son’s mind.”

“You too, mother, father.” Auntie was saying. “Move to Tokyo with us, little Aki will work his magic on your health, and you can enjoy your twilight years in comfort, watching your great-grandchildren grow up.”

“I’m hardly so old, Hana.” Her father said, sniffing. “If you are moving away, we would surely have to go too. Haruyo would never manage on her own.”

“All that remains is persuading our son.” Dad said, and that snapped me out of my gleeful thoughts.

“Yeah, he’s invested a lot into Shirohebizumi shrine. His place there is quite nice, honestly, and the training school is plush. Even living there would be fine for us, you know?”

“Apparently it is a poor position to defend if the worst should happen. While extensive work could make it secure, apparently it is far better, and far more becoming for someone of Akio’s status…” no wonder dad said that with such a tone, it was still hard to believe my otaku, hopeless bro was a man the world was watching, talking to and bossing around important people as though they were nothing special. “… to live where the rich and powerful do.”

“So, sold, Ai dear?” mom asked, and I nodded.

“Yeah, like I said, I miss Eri, bro and the others. But it’ll be sad to leave, even if it’s only a few months earlier than I planned.” I’ll have to do something about Yae-chan and Rika-chan. If they try and train alone, they’ll get greedy and screw up. If they get hurt, bro wouldn’t like it… “… and more importantly, it means I can actually help him out! I’ll persuade him, don’t worry. You think he can say no to me?”

“No, you’ve got him under the thumb as always, Ai.” Mom said drunkenly, before hiccupping. Dad looked at her, exasperated, before shaking his head.

“I suppose this does call for a celebration. So, is everyone in agreement?”

As everyone nodded, I caught a glimpse of more details on my dad’s phone, about extensive building work digging out most of the hill under the houses. Wow, looks difficult and expensive. I wonder what it’s for? Well, who cares? Now, how will I convince my bro?

“Hello, Fukumoto-san? Yes, sorry to bother you, but we have reached our decision. We would like you to proceed. I see. Yes. That is no problem. Pass on my thanks to your granddaughter as well, for looking after my unworthy son. Yes. I see…”

While dad wasn’t looking, I poured myself a glass of booze, taking a swig. Yeah, that hits the spot. Goodbye Nishimorioka, hello Tokyo! I’m going to be a city girl, just like everyone here dreams of. They’ll all be so jealous, especially Yae-chan… sadly, against her opponents, she comes up rather lacking… though, never say never, right? I laughed and took another swig. In that case, I might as well think about what I need to sort out before leaving, and how to break the news to my friends here… poor Nishimorioka, losing Eri first, then me, the average quality of the girls in town has taken a nosedive…